Author: Jagharian Tania

Attorney & Assembly Intern Alumna Lauren Garry-Boggio Featured in Assembly Speaker Series

Jagharian Tania

Washington, D.C. – Attorney and Assembly Intern alumna Lauren Garry-Boggio was the second featured speaker of the Armenian Assembly of America Internship Program’s Summer Speaker Series on Thursday evening, June 10th.
Assembly Programs Director Joseph Piatt served as moderator and introduced Garry-Boggio, who is the current attorney-advisor in the Wireline Competition Bureau at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Garry-Boggio, who was a participant in the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program in 2002, thanked the Assembly for the “wonderful experience” she had among fellow Armenian American students.

“The Assembly is a huge reason why I came to Washington, D.C., permanently in 2004,” she said. “I urge all college students to participate in the program so you can meet Armenian Americans and experience D.C. professionally and personally, especially since you are instantly part of a community and have a built-in network.”

Garry-Boggio, who was a law clerk to the Honorable William S. Colwell in the Office of Administrative Law Judges at the Department of Labor and also worked for Comcast Corporation and in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, highlighted her professional path, which began with an internship for former Representative Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI) on Capitol Hill, a place she described as a “great place to begin a career in D.C.,” where she was exposed to a variety of issues, from telecom to women’s rights to education.

After realizing she wanted to focus on policy, Garry-Boggio worked as a legislative correspondent for Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) and as a legislative assistant for the House Natural Resources Committee, shortly after receiving her B.A. degree from Bowdoin College. She switched to the private sector three years later to work for Comcast Corporation, while pursuing her MBA and then J.D. from American University in the evening. Garry-Boggio then worked for a law firm and the Department of Labor as a law clerk, followed by the FCC’s Attorney Honors Program, where she gained “excellent professional development.”

The guidance she provided for college students revolved around the themes of networking, working hard, being persistent and finding a mentor.

“Go after what you want and don’t listen to outside noise because people will always have opinions,” said Garry-Boggio, who reiterated the importance of building a strong network.

“It’s so important to meet with as many different people as you can and learn about their careers and how you can grow professionally,” said Garry-Boggio. “You should push yourself and gravitate toward issues that interest you.”

She recommended working after college to obtain hands-on professional experience, which can only enhance the knowledge learned in graduate school.

“I appreciated law school and what I was learning there because I knew how it would help me going forward,” said Garry-Boggio, who also recommended students work in different fields to see where their interests lie.

“Lauren Garry-Boggio spoke in-depth about her career from her internship days to the present time, both in the private and public sectors, which I found immensely helpful,” said Emily Hale, who is studying political science and public relations at the University of Miami. “I appreciated her enthusiasm and her honesty in sharing the successes and challenges of her career.”
Register to attend next week’s speaker series on June 17, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time, where Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director of the Armenian National Institute, will speak about the significance of President Biden’s affirmation of the Armenian Genocide.
The Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program, which will take place virtually this summer, provides college students of Armenian descent an opportunity to gain exposure to the policy-making process in our nation’s capital for eight weeks each summer.
Since 1977, the Armenian Assembly of America has assisted over 1,200 participants in securing placements in prominent congressional offices, government agencies, media outlets, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations in Washington, D.C.


Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.


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Expert: Key to resolving Artsakh issue ‘lies in Karvachar’

Jagharian Tania
Panorama, Armenia

The key to resolving the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) issue “lies in the Karvachar region”, according to Armenian military expert Karen Hovhannisyan.

“Why does the enemy [Azerbaijan] resort to provocations in the direction of Gegharkunik Province or along the Karvachar border?

“The position of the enemy in that area is incomparably more unfavorable (according to the GPS-indicated border). What does unfavorable mean? The enemy does not have the appropriate terrain conditions for deployment [of its troops],” Hovhannisyan wrote on Facebook.

“They cannot deploy heavy military equipment, artillery again due to unfavorable terrain conditions, and by advancing only 3-5 km it solves an important strategic task for itself – to resist a possible revenge in the future.

“Karvachar is more important for the enemy than the rest of the regions occupied by it, and if it loses (and will lose) Karvachar, the issue of Artsakh will be considered closed forever.

“If in other areas the enemy has an extensive line for the transfer of military equipment, then in the case of Karvachar it has only the Omar mountain pass, which closes in September. So, Karvachar is of great strategic importance for the enemy, it is in Karvachar that the key to the settlement of the Artsakh issue lies,” the expert said.

Confidence-building impossible when hundreds of families are waiting for their sons to return – Armenian President

Jagharian Tania
Public Radio of Armenia

President Armen Sarkissian says it is impossible to build confidence, when hundreds of Armenian families are waiting for their sons to return.

There are hundreds of prisoners of war still in Azerbaijan, while the Armenian side has handed over all POWs, the President said at a forum hosted by Horasis – an independent, international think tank, headquartered in Zurich

“You cannot build trust when hundreds of families in Armenia are waiting for their sons to return and under the conditions when Azerbaijani soldiers are crossing the border to the Armenian side thus inciting tensions,” he said.  

Armenia’s tourism sector shows awakening signs – Apresyan

Jagharian Tania

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 11:30, 8 June, 2021

YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. President of the Armenian Tourism Federation Mekhak Apresyan assures that the tourism sector is showing awakening signs in the Republic.

He hopes the incoming tourism in Armenia will again start developing.

“At the moment people arrive in Armenia mainly from those countries where the borders are open, such as Russia, Georgia, Iran, US, Ukraine and several European countries. This year in the first quarter there have been nearly 86,000 visits, which is quite high compared to the 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters of 2020 – 65,000 in total. I compare the visits of tourists since the outbreak of coronavirus, as everything started in the second quarter of the previous year”, he told Armenpress.

Talking about the domestic tourism, Apresyan said last year it was in a relatively better condition, especially after the mitigation of coronavirus-related restrictions. According to him, the restoration of tourism should start from domestic tourism which can help to mitigate the burden existing in the field.

Apresyan stressed the need for adoption of a promoting policy for the development of domestic tourism, so that Armenians will prefer more to spend their vacations in Armenia and Artsakh.

 

Reporting by Lilit Demuryan

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenpress: In this difficult period France stands with Armenia – statements of Pashinyan and Macron

Jagharian Tania

In this difficult period France stands with Armenia – statements of Pashinyan and Macron

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 18:25, 1 June, 2021

YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan was hosted at the e Élysée Palace by French President Emmanuel Macron.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, following the official welcoming ceremony, the heads of the two countries issued statements for the press.

In his speech Emmanuel Macron said, ‘’Good day ladies and gentlemen, I am very glad to host caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in Paris today.

Dear Nikol, in the recent years we have done a lot of work together in the sidelines of your commitment to democracy and fight against corruption. I particularly remember my visit to Yerevan in the sidelines of the Francophonie Summit and our numerous discussions. This working visit takes place in a very important period for Armenia.

Today Armenia has encountered a serious security crisis. Since the declaration of November 9 that put an end to the military operation in Karabakh, analyzing the situation with Mr. Pashinyan we note that even though the ceasefire is generally respected, there is still much to be done. And France is ready to provide assistance for the benefit of the population. First of all I am speaking about the release of all the hostages, including war prisoners and other detainees.

I want to particularly emphasize the necessity for preserving the cultural heritage in Nagorno Karabakh and its surrounding regions, which must be done unconditionally. And as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country, together with the USA and Russia, it’s the duty of France to make all efforts to reach a de-escalation and establish dialogue between the sides.

I want to also speak about the recent border incidents between Armenia and Azerbaijan. As I have already said, Mr. Pashinyan, demarcation and delimitation works should be carried out exclusively through negotiations and in no case force should be used. The Azerbaijani forces should withdraw from the sovereign territory of Armenia and I call on the sides to return to their initial positions. We will try to assist in the establishment of dialogue.

In this difficult situation where Armenia has appeared, France stands with Armenia as always, first also in the humanitarian sphere. Our medical centers cooperated with the Armenian medical centers. Numerous hospitals that needed assistance were selected. We also provided exceptional assistance to the activities of the International Committee of the Red Cross engaged in supporting the war prisoners kept in Azerbaijan and their families, as well as the search operations of those missing in action.

We talked with Mr. Pashinyan also about economic cooperation, clarified partnership in some spheres, the aim of which is to help Armenia in the development of infrastructures and continue our commitment in the sphere of climate change. For these reasons I have the pleasure to receive the caretaker Prime Minister today.

Dear Nikol, we express solidarity with Armenia. In this difficult period France is determined to bring peace to the region.

Thank you, I once again welcome you’’.

In his speech Nikol Pashinyan said, ‘’I am thankful honorable Mr. President, dear Emmanuel.

First of all let me thank you for the invitation. And today, as you said, we have a broad scope of issues to be discussed. I want to emphasize that the French President had scheduled to visit Armenia long ago, which did not take place last year due to the coronavirus. I hope that we will together overcome coronavirus and other crises. I am looking forward to your visit in autumn, we are waiting you in Yerevan, Mr. President.

France and Armenia have unique relations and it’s very important to record that during this period the Armenian people, the Republic of Armenia have always felt the support of France and personally President Macron.  I want to underline a very important factor, which is that President Macron spoke the truth since the first day of the crisis in our region and his voice was hear all over the world. This is very important for us. I want to also emphasize that France and President Macron continue that commitment and that’s extremely important for overcoming the crisis situation in our region.

I want to emphasize that we highlight the role of France as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country, and the activities of the Co-chairs’ format is extremely important for the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh issue and regional crises, establishment of lasting peace and stability. I am very glad for the Co-chairs have already made three statements since the end of the war, by which they, in fact, record their readiness to be involved and restore the negotiations over the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh issue. Of course, today we will also discuss the opportunities for that.

I want to thank France also for the humanitarian assistance provided during this period, but we also underline the importance of France’s economic involvement. There are various programs in Armenia, infrastructural, energetic, economic, where the involvement of France is extremely important for us. And I am happy to record that the French Government and personally President Macron are interested in being involved in those programs.

I consider very important the zeal of France and personally President Macron for the preservation of cultural heritage in our region, including and especially in Nagorno Karabakh.

And of course, we highly appreciate France’s involvement in all those directions and the Republic of Armenia d nth Armenian people are interested in increasing that involvement, particularly, given the fact that France has the responsibility as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair for ensuring regional security, peace and lasting stability. And I am glad that this interest is maintained.

Honorable Mr. President, dear Macron, I am very happy for the opportunity for such a meeting and I am confident that our today’s discussions will serve to the friendship between our countries and security and stability in our region. Your role is really extremely important’’.

Afterwards, Nikol Pashinyan and Emmanuel Macron continued negotiations in a private conversation, discussing bother the Armenian-French relations and the developments in the South Caucasus, the future steps for the settlement of Nagorno Karabak conflict in the sidelines of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format and the opportunities for a peaceful settlement of the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

Caucasian Knot | ECtHR refuses to request maps of minefields from Armenia

Jagharian Tania
The Caucasian Knot, EU
June 4 2021
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The Azerbaijan’s authorities sent a complaint to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) about the Armenia’s refusal to provide maps of minefields in the territories that came under the control of Azerbaijan. The ECtHR rejected the request to apply measures to secure the complaint, the Armenian representative unit at the European Court reports.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that today, two Azerbaijani journalists have been killed while working in the Kelbadjar District.

The Azerbaijan’s complaint to the ECtHR is expected to increase the pressure on Armenia in order to ensure the compliance with country’s international obligations, the “Azertac” agency reports.

Earlier, Armenia has appealed to the ECtHR with a demand to ensure the protection of the rights of the captured military personnel. The Strasbourg Court requested the Azerbaijan’s authorities to inform it about the fate of six prisoners of war until June 4.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 4, 2021 at 04:59 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Source:
© Caucasian Knot



Armenia reports 104 daily coronavirus cases

Jagharian Tania

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 11:10,

YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. 104 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Armenia in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 222,513, the ministry of healthcare reports.

301 patients have recovered in one day. The total number of recoveries has reached 212,566.

The death toll has risen to 4423 (7 death cases have been registered in the past one day).

2835 COVID-19 tests were conducted on May 27.

The number of active cases is 4443.

The number of people who had coronavirus but died from other disease has reached 1081 (2 new such cases).

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

CSTO reacts to Pashinyan’s criticism of the security bloc

Jagharian Tania
Panorama, Armenia

The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) took note of the statements made by acting Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan during the Q/A session in the parliament, CSTO Spokesman Vladimir Zainetdinov has told Ria Novosty news agency. 

“We have taken note of the remarks made by Armenia’s acting Prime Minister Nikol PAshinyan. Works continue according to instructions of the CSTO Council Chairman Emomali Rahmon,” Zainetdinov added. 

To remind, earlier Nikol Pashinyan stated at parliament that if the CSTO mechanisms fail to respond to Azerbaijan’s encroachment against the sovereign territory of Armenia, the country does not rule out applying to the UN Security Council to resolve the issue. Pashinyan also noted that Armenia is not satisfied with the ‘speed of the actions’ taken by CSTO to address the matter, adding the organisation has not expressed a clear position over the issue.

Turkish press: Russia denies opinion ​on Ryanair flight landing in Minsk

Jagharian Tania
Elena Teslova   |24.05.2021

MOSCOW 

The Kremlin spokesman on Monday refused to either support or condemn the landing of Ryanair’s flight in Belarus.

Speaking at a phone conference in Moscow, Dmitry Peskov said the situation has to be examined in accordance with the existing international rules of aviation.

“There are international aviation regulations. And the international aviation authorities should give an assessment in terms of compliance or non-compliance with these international standards.

“For now, there is a need for a sober assessment of the incident with this plane. In this case, there are a lot of contradictory statements, and we would not like to participate in this race, to condemn or support something. I repeat once again, I refrain from making any comments,” he said.

In a separate statement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the Ryanair landing incident should be assessed based on all available information.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, following a meeting with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, Lavrov confirmed that a Russian citizen has accompanied the detained journalist, and requested consular access to her.

Lavrov recalled that there were lots of similar incidents in the past that did not provoke such a harsh reaction.

“The most famous episode of 2013 [occurred] when, at the insistence of the US, Austria forced the plane of the President of Bolivia to land without any subsequent apology. And the case that is not often talked about, 2016, the plane of the Belarusian Airlines was forcibly landed in Kiev, because the Security Service of Ukraine was interested in an Armenian citizen who was on board. This citizen was taken out from the flight, and the plane continued its flight without any changes,” the minister said.

Meanwhile, Belarusian Foreign Ministry spokesman Anatoly Glaz said the plane was grounded on the bomb alert to ensure passengers’ security in accordance with international rules, and that the situation was politicized by some countries.

On Sunday, a Ryanair Boeing 737-8AS flight from Greece’s capital Athens to Vilnius landed in the Belarusian capital Minsk due to a bomb threat, and Roman Protasevich, a journalist wanted for his involvement in “terrorism incidents,” was reportedly detained.

After that, the plane continued its way and successfully arrived in the Lithuanian capital.

Protasevich is the founder of a social media news channel, which reportedly played a major role in protests last summer in Belarus’ capital Minsk demanding the resignation of President Alexander Lukashenko after he was awarded a sixth term in a presidential election.

Killings of Armenian POWs by Azerbaijani servicemen are war crimes, MEP says

Jagharian Tania

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 15:57, 20 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. In order to clarify the future status of Artsakh, a long-term, negotiated and political solution to the conflict is needed, based on the principles of non-use of force, territorial integrity, equal rights and the peoples’ right to self-determination, Member of European Parliament representing Spain Pernando Barrena Arza said at the discussion during the EP plenary session relating to the prisoners of war captured during the recent Nagorno Karabakh war.

He reminded that the recent attack by Azerbaijan against Nagorno Karabakh has ended by a trilateral statement which is not respected and is violated by Azerbaijan. “Around 200 Armenians are still held captive in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani servicemen are killing these prisoners of war, which is a war crime. It’s the time for this Parliament to urge Azerbaijan to immediately release without preconditions all those Armenians who have been captured during the conflict and after that, to fully respect the ceasefire agreement and refrain from further military incursion into an Armenian territory”, the MEP said.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan