Author: Jagharian Tania

Artsakh is my source of inspiration- Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte in homeland to get acquainted with assistance programs

Jagharian Tania

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 09:53, 18 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 18, ARMENPRESS. American-Armenian writer, philanthropist, activist Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, the President of the Westbrook City Council, visited Armenia not only for getting acquainted with the process of social programs being implemented at her initiative, but also to get the passport of Armenia as she has received an Armenian citizenship.

“I applied a year ago, I was looking forward to this day. I was told that I have to personally visit the Department of Passport and Visa of the Police of Armenia for getting my passport. And now I am here to get my passport, which is a very important event for me”, she said in an interview to ARMENPRESS.

Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte is also in Armenia to get acquainted with the programs being implemented by the Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation, as well as to get to know what kind of assistance programs are needed in Armenia and Artsakh. For this purpose she plans to visit Talin, Gyumri, Khndzoresk, Goris, as well as Artsakh.

On June 1 the Foundation launched “Ser Artsakh” charity program. The program is implemented by the efforts of Armenians living in Diaspora and Armenia. Within the framework of the program, families of around 200 children born in Artsakh have been provided with gift-boxes.

“It was reported from Artsakh that the number of births has greatly increased after the war. Before that we were discussing how to help families and decided to give a gift-box to family of a new-born baby, which consists of 25 pieces, involving clothes, medical and care items for a mother and a child, toys, books, etc. After the war our compatriots continue living in Artsakh, having children, which is very important. And we should help mothers. I am a mother myself and I understand very well how difficult it is in the beginning. Therefore, we decided to provide gift-boxes with necessary items”, she said.

During her upcoming visit to Artsakh, Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte plans to visit the babies and their parents. After that, meetings with local authorities are scheduled.

“Our compatriots participate in the program financially, but the items of the box are purchased or ordered in the homeland and provided to the families of new-born babies in Artsakh. The purpose is to circulate the funds here and help our compatriots in Artsakh. I would like to note that the items in the gift-boxes are on a good quality, mothers also approved them. Most of our compatriots of the Diaspora have also liked that products, even some of them wished to get them”, she said.

As for the meetings expected in Artsakh, she said that it is important in terms of obtaining information. She said that Diaspora lacks information about Artsakh. They have no information on what is happening in Artsakh and what will happen then.

“Now I am trying to understand what are the developments in order to present them in the Diaspora. Many people there wait until the situation in Artsakh is clarified and then to provide support. Of course, we understand that the most important is the security of Artsakh. Without it it’s impossible to help develop the economy, build houses, develop business and implement educational programs. I am trying to explain that even if there is unstable situation, Armenians live there and need support, as new generation is being born. People living there deserve more”, she said, adding that she understands very well what it means to be a refugee, lose a homeland and everything because years ago, living in Baku, she and her family passed through similar challenges. Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte is one of the witnesses of Armenian pogroms in Azerbaijan.

Asked what is her message to the residents of Artsakh as a person who faced such difficulties, Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte stated: “I am conveying the most important thing: to help each other in any situation. We in Armenia think that someone abroad will see, will understand our pain and will help. But my message is that we should find that path on our own, by helping each other. Communication with them is very important for me. Artsakh and its people are a source of inspiration for me. When I visit Artsakh, I get a lot of energy, new ideas arise. Now it’s important for us to ensure the continuation of “Ser Artsakh” program. The more people are aware of the program, the more supporters it will have”.

 

Interview by Anna Gziryan




Newspaper: Ball is in Armenia ruling force MPs’ court

Jagharian Tania
NEWS.am
Armenia – July 19 2022
Newspaper: Ball is in Armenia ruling force MPs’ court
10:18, 19.07.2022

YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: On July 22, the NA [(National Assembly)] Council shall convene the second special session by force of law to continue the process of stripping the opposition members of their [parliamentary] mandates.

The first [respective] discussion initiated by the [ruling majority] CC [Civil Contract Faction of the NA] did not take place on July 14, as the opposition members had not come to the session. The law sets a one-week period for them to convene a meeting again; and if they do not come again, the matter will be discussed without the opposition.

It is already known that the NA Council will not accept such a decision, but the CC radical wing, as we can see, can petition [to the Constitutional Court in this regard]; we are talking about 20-23 MPs.

However, it seems that the [aforesaid] MPs will not petition either, as they are afraid of the sanctions of the international organizations, which have insinuated that they will accept such a decision as a political persecution of the opposition.

Azerbaijan holding international media forum in occupied Armenian Shushi city of Artsakh

Jagharian Tania
NEWS.am
Armenia –
11:46, 22.07.2022

The Azerbaijan authorities are holding an international media forum, entitled “Global trends in media, new challenges,” in the Azerbaijani-occupied Armenian city of Shushi in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

The editors-in-chief of the media outlets operating in Azerbaijan and journalists from a number of countries are attending this event, Haqqin.az informed.

St. Stephen’s Armenian School Seeks Director

Jagharian Tania
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St. Stephens Armenian Elementary School logo


Established in 1984 in Watertown, Massachusetts, St. Stephen’s Armenian Elementary School is a private preschool through elementary school dedicated to educational excellence in an environment rich in Armenian culture. The school is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools in New England (AISNE). 

St. Stephen’s Armenian Preschool, in addition to its accreditation by AISNE, is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and maintains its status as a high quality bilingual preschool in the region.

SSAES is a child-centered American-Armenian institution committed to academic excellence. At the preschool level, the curriculum nurtures the whole child, developing skills in the Armenian language. At the elementary level, core curriculum subjects are taught in English. Armenian language, religion and history are taught in Armenian, with an emphasis on creating awareness and instilling an appreciation of Armenian culture and traditions.

The primary responsibility of the Head of School is to carry out the aforementioned mission of SSAES with integrity. The Head of School leads by example by embodying dedication and commitment to this mission in order to promote a positive environment for teaching and learning

General Responsibilities:

  • Serves as the chief administrator of the school and upholds the mission and values of the school;
  • Maintains, implements, and ensures adherence to school policies and procedures;
  • Manages the day to day operations of the school;
  • Develops and manages the after-school enrichment program and late stay;
  • Manages, maintains and implements recommendations as part of the AISNE school accreditation process;
  • Maintains health and safety protocols.

Instruction and Supervision:

  • Reviews English and Armenian curricula with the Curriculum Coordinator and Education Committee;
  • Interviews, hires and on boards new staff members;
  • Supervises, supports and collaborates with the St. Stephen’s Armenian Preschool director;
  • Evaluates directors, administrative staff and teachers;
  • Conducts faculty meetings in coordination with the curriculum coordinator.

School – Community Outreach:

  • Communicates and enforces policies and procedures as they align with the philosophy of the school for students, staff and parents;
  • Communicates and/or attends meetings with school committees (Board of Directors, Education Committee and Health Committee);
  • Fosters a strong connection between the school, parents and the wider community;
  • Prepares a variety of communications for parents, the church and the greater Armenian community;
  • Maintains a positive relationship with neighboring school communities (Watertown Public Schools and AISNE member schools);
  • Organizes and facilitates school functions, including Christmas and end-of-year ceremonies;
  • Cultivates relationships with prospective benefactors to the school.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in education;
  • Experience in administration, as well as curriculum and instruction;
  • Minimum of 10 years relevant experience.

Benefits: 

  • Competitive salary;
  • Coverage for health and dental insurance;
  • 403(B) plan with match.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé, a statement of educational leadership philosophy and three letters of recommendation to [email protected].

Fellow soldier arrested in connection with soldier’s death

Jagharian Tania

Fellow soldier arrested in connection with soldier’s death

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 17:59,

YEREVAN, JULY 18, ARMENPRESS. As a result of the investigation into the criminal case over the death of conscript Arsen Manukyan, a number of circumstances have been revealed. As ARMENPRESS was informed by the Investigative Committee, Arsen Manukyan’s fellow-soldier has been arrested.

Earlier, the Investigative Committee informed that on July 14, 2022 at around 10:25 a.m., private Arsen Manukyan, a mandatory conscript soldier of the N military unit of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, while performing the duties of an observer in a combat position, fatally shot himself from an “AKM” type assault rifle attached to him.




Artbox incubator to provide strategic support to creative projects and businesses in Armenia

Jagharian Tania
Public Radio of Armenia
July 13 2022
July 13, 2022, 10:49

 

Creative Armenia officially launched and opened applications for the creative incubator Artbox, which is funded by the European Union in Armenia and launched in partnership with AGBU Armenia within the framework of the KATAPULT Creative Accelerator Program. 

Through a 12-week incubation process in the Fall of 2022 — taking place digitally through a cutting-edge online platform — selected projects across all creative fields will be given an unprecedented opportunity to work with prominent business leaders and renowned cultural figures to develop a comprehensive package around their projects, including a business plan, marketing strategy, video pitch, and financing plan. Once this package is ready, the artists will have the exclusive opportunity to present their projects for financial support, including grants provided by KATAPULT and possible investments by high-profile cultural investors. 

To learn more about the incubator and to apply by the August 12, 2022, deadline, please visit the website. 

“The idea of Artbox had its spark at Creative Armenia years ago – rising from our mission to provide artists a comprehensive and vital strategic support for their creative but, more importantly, economic success,” said Creative Armenia Director of Programs Anush Ter-Khachatryan. “Today we are thrilled to see that spark becoming an enlightenment and bringing a paradigm shift in our cultural landscape.”

The application is open for creators from across the world with projects to be realized within the Republic of Armenia. Preference is given to projects that seek investment and have potential to reach commercial success.

“Artbox is a unique opportunity that empowers artists and creative teams by investing in their entrepreneurship skills and their ideas,” — said Anna K. Gargarian, the lead of KATAPULT Creative Accelerator Program. “As KATAPULT works to catalyze the creative economy, Artbox’s focus on human capital and tailored learning modules for professionalizing the sector are essential for building an industry.” 

Inspired by innovative models in business and tech, Artbox is a reinvention of the incubator and accelerator model for the art world — a dynamic entrepreneurial system that provides strategic support, guidance, and access to funding to creative projects in theater, music, design, and across the arts, helping to develop them into commercially viable and investable creative products. 

Creative Armenia is a global arts foundation for the Armenian people that discovers, develops, and champions innovative talent across the arts. Artbox is developed by Creative Armenia, funded by the European Union in Armenia and launched in partnership with AGBU Armenia in the framework of the KATAPULT Creative Accelerator Program.

Armenia activists stage protest on top of Mount Hatis

Jagharian Tania
NEWS.am
Armenia –
18:00, 16.07.2022

A group of activists in Armenia staged a demonstration on top of Mount Hatis, and expressed their protest against the initiative of Prosperous Armenia Party leader—and business tycoon—Gagik Tsarukyan and the Armenian government to build a giant statue of Jesus Christ on the mountain.

Also, they showed a video of the Bronze Age monuments that are already destroyed as a result of the construction work for the aforesaid statue.

The Ministry of Environment of Armenia had announced that the aforementioned construction on top of Mount Hatis had been stopped, and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports had considered any construction on the mountain inadmissible.

The Armenian Apostolic Church had spoken against the installation of this statue, and urged Tsarukyan not to implement such an initiative, as it goes against the practice of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

Tsarukyan, however, did not call off the project.

And Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting of the government that they had received the respective documents and positively assessed the installation of a giant statue of Jesus Christ on top of Mount Hatis. According to him, this will promote tourism in Armenia.

Sports: IBA Announces Key Decisions, Forthcoming Extraordinary Congress To be Held in Armenia

Jagharian Tania

The International Boxing Association (IBA) Board of Directors on Saturday held a hybrid meeting as members assembled in Algeria and online to discuss several key decisions, including the location of the forthcoming Extraordinary Congress.

The Congress will be held on a date to be decided between September 24 and October 1 in Yerevan, Armenia and will be live streamed to allow online participation for those who are unable to attend in person.

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“After careful study of proposals from different countries, BoD chose Armenia as a host for the upcoming Congress. Armenia showed their great organisational skills during EUBC Elite Men’s Championships in May this year. Government support, accessibility and simplified visa process helped the country to win,” said IBA president Umar Kremlev.

The selection of host cities for boxing events in 2023 was also discussed at the board meeting, which included a presentation by the Spanish Boxing Federation on progress towards the 2022 IBA Youth World Boxing Championships in Alicante.

https://www.news18.com/news/sports/iba-announces-key-decisions-forthcoming-extraordinary-congress-to-be-held-in-armenia-5570071.html

EU Special Representative Toivo Klaar visits Armenia

Jagharian Tania

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 17:46,

YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS. European Union’s Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia Toivo Klaar arrived in Armenia “for a short visit”.

“Back in a very hot Yerevan for a short visit. Looking forward to important meetings”, he tweeted with a photo of Yerevan attached.

U.S. House set to vote on four pro-Armenian amendments

Jagharian Tania
Panorama
Armenia –

The U.S. House Rules Committee cleared the path for full House consideration of four ANCA-backed amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA – H.R.7900) that call for Azerbaijan’s immediate release of Armenian POWs, require U.S. State Department reports on Azerbaijani war crimes, and place conditions on the proposed sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey, ANCA reported.

The amendments may be voted on individually or grouped in “blocs” and voted upon during House consideration of the NDAA, which may begin as early as this Wednesday evening, July 13th.

Pro-Artsakh/Armenia advocates can write, call, and tweet their U.S. Representatives to vote for the amendment by visiting anca.org/ndaa.

“We would like to thank Chairman McGovern for his leadership of the Rules Committee and to express our appreciation to the authors, cosponsors, and all those – in our community and among our coalition partners – who helped bring these ANCA-backed amendments to the U.S. House floor,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We will, in the coming days, strongly back each of these amendments holding Azerbaijan and Turkey accountable – rallying bipartisan support for their passage and ultimate enactment into law.”

The four pro-Artsakh/Armenia amendments to be voted on by the U.S. House are provided below (amendment numbers may change during final House votes on the measures):

Amendment #611 (formerly #698): Introduced by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the amendment expresses the sense of Congress that the government of Azerbaijan should immediately return all Armenian prisoners of war and captured civilians. Joining Rep. Schiff as Congressional cosponsors of the bipartisan amendment include Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Young Kim (R-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), Andy Levin (D-MI), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Abigail Spanberger (D-VA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and David Valadao (R-CA).

Amendment #121 (formerly #837): Spearheaded by Representatives Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA), the amendment calls for a report by the State Department and Defense Department that would detail the use of U.S. parts in Turkish drones used by Azerbaijan against Armenia and Artsakh; Azerbaijan’s use of white phosphorous, cluster bombs and other prohibited munitions deployed against Artsakh; Turkey’s and Azerbaijan’s recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters during the 2020 Artsakh war. Joining Representatives Tony Cardenas (D-CA) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) as Congressional cosponsors of the bipartisan amendment include Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Judy Chu (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Andy Levin (D-MI), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and David Valadao (R-CA).

Amendment #337 (formerly #992): Introduced by Rep. Jackie Speier (D-CA), the amendment directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, to document details of the waiver requirements to Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and report on whether security assistance to the government of Azerbaijan undermines efforts toward a peaceful settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Joining Rep. Speier as congressional cosponsors of the bi-partisan measure include Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Dina Titus (D-NV), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and David Valadao (R-CA).

Amendment #399 (formerly #478): Led by Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), the amendment would place conditions upon the sale or transfer of F-16s or F-16 modernization kits to Turkey. Joining Representatives Pappas and Bilirakis as co-sponsors of the bipartisan measure are Representatives David Cicilline (D-RI), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), Andy Levin (D-MI), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Grace Meng (D-NY), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Dina Titus (D-NV). A similar amendment, #208, was withdrawn prior to consideration by the Rules Committee.

Over the past weeks, in addition to nationwide grassroots call and twitter campaigns, the ANCA Leo Sarkisian, Maral Melkonian Avetisyan, and Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program summer interns and fellows have joined Hamparian and ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan in advocating for these pro-Artsakh/Armenia priorities in legislative briefings for over one hundred Congressional offices, in addition to a broader office-by-office outreach campaign. The efforts will continue through full U.S. House consideration of the measures.