Author: Jagharian Tania

Armenpress: Canada has balanced position on NK conflict – Foreign Minister

Jagharian Tania

Canada has balanced position on NK conflict – Foreign Minister

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 19:28, 7 May, 2020

YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. In a letter addressed to the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) on May 4th, Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne clarified Canada’s position on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), reported the ANCC.

Contrary to the diplomatically irresponsible and one-sided tweet published by the Canadian Embassy in Ankara, following the General Election held in the Republic of Artsakh on March 31st, Minister Champagne clearly stated that Canada fully supports the OSCE Minsk Group Process, the peaceful resolution of the conflict and the principle of self-determination – amongst others – as outlined in the Helsinki Final Act.

“While I regret any concern that this tweet may have caused the Armenian National Committee of Canada and the Canadian-Armenian community, I would like to reassure you that there has not been any change to our long-standing position on Nagorno-Karabakh” said the minister in his letter.

“We are satisfied to see that the Minister has restored the balance vis-à-vis Canada’s position on this issue of paramount importance to Armenian-Canadians, effectively overriding the lopsided and foreign-influenced tweet published by the embassy in Ankara” said Hrag Tarakdjian and Shahen Mirakian, co-presidents of the ANCC.

“The position of Canada remains based on our strong and consistent support for the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group’s work toward a negotiated solution, and our position does not prejudge the outcome of this process. Canada agrees with the Minsk Group that there can be no military solution to the conflict and that any resolution must take into account the Helsinki Final Act. We want peaceful societies, and we will support the solution, when achieved.” Concluded the minister in his letter addressed to the ANCC.

“There is still a lot more that needs to be done on this issue and the ANCC will continue to stand at the forefront and work with our government to ensure that the fundamental human rights of the people of Artsakh are protected and upheld” concluded Tarakdjian and Mirakian.

On April 3rd, the ANCC forwarded a letter to Minister Champagne, raising serious concerns regarding the tweet, asking for its retraction and for the Minister to recall the ambassador for his irresponsibility and inability to uphold Canada’s balanced foreign policy.

The Embassy of Cannada in Turkey, also accreditted in Azerbaijan, made a twitter post saying that Canada supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and doesn’t recognize the so-called “elections” held in Nagorno-Karabakh on 31/3. Such “elections” undermine efforts, including by the OSCE Mins kGroup, to achieve a peaceful settlement of the NK conflict.




30-year-old Armenian singer shares what he felt during performance at Armenian Genocide Memorial

Jagharian Tania
News.am, Armenia
April 27 2020

00:03, 28.04.2020


Soloist of Yerevan State Chamber Choir Andranik Malkhasyan, 30, couldn’t hold back his tears while performing Komitas’ song “Dzayn Toor, Ov Sokhak” at the peak of Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex on April 24th and shared what he felt at the commemoration event during a conversation with Armenian News-NEWS.am.

“I had never performed at such a concert. When I was there, I had totally different feelings and impressions and had a great sense of responsibility,” he said, adding that only after his performance did he realize that he had cried while singing the song.

Andranik Malkhasyan graduated from Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, has been performing as a soloist of Yerevan State Chamber Choir for three years and has been starring in plays at the National Academic Theater of Opera for eight years. He is also a member of the Komitas Choir at the Conservatory. He has participated in several concerts, won international competitions and received the Presidential Award of Armenia.

UAE sends medical aid to Armenia to fight coronavirus

Jagharian Tania
Middle East Online
Gulf state sends seven tonnes of medical supplies to Armenia as part of its ongoing international humanitarian efforts to help countries fight coronavirus pandemic.
Monday 27/04/2020
The medical supplies will cover 7,000 medical professionals combatting the COVID-19 outbreak

ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates sent Monday seven tonnes of medical supplies to Armenia as part of its ongoing international humanitarian efforts to help countries fight the coronavirus pandemic.

The medical supplies will cover 7,000 medical professionals combatting the COVID-19 outbreak.

UAE Ambassador to Armenia Mohammed Issa Al Qattam Al Zaabi said that “the UAE is honoured to carry out its commitments to aiding other nations in their respective fights against COVID-19.”

“The leadership and people of the UAE stand in solidarity with all those working together to put an end to this crisis, recognising that the international community can only defeat COVID-19 while unified in action and intention,” said Al Zaabi.

The UAE has so far sent over 314 tonnes of aid to more than 27 countries, including Iran and Syria.

Four US Congressmen send congratulatory letter to President-elect of Artsakh

Jagharian Tania

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 17:00,

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS/ARTSAKHPRESS. Four US Congressmen – Frank Pallone, Adam Schiff, Jackie Speier and Gus Bilirakis, sent a congratulatory letter to the newly-elected President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan.

The letter says:

“Dear President-Elect Harutyunyan,

As members of the United States Congress and the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, we write to offer our congratulations on Artsakh’s historic election on March 31 and the subsequent presidential run-off election that took place earlier this week.

We are heartened to see the people of Artsakh and the country’s leaders remain dedicated to peaceful democracy during these difficult times. Artsakh has remained committed to a system of democratic governance that reflects the will of its citizens, all despite continued violence and threats from its hostile neighbor. And, while we understand there were some complications created by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the relative case in which voters could cast ballots in these elections without interference clearly represents the strength of the democratic process in the Republic.

As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Armenian Issues Caucus, we remain committed to promoting and bolstering the democratic independence of Artsakh. We will continue to support the rightful exercise of self-determination which contributes to regional stability and development. Please know that we will also continue to explore ways to strengthen the ties between the United States and Artsakh that includes the formal recognition of its independence.

Once again, please accept our congratulations on an election that was calm, peaceful, and free of corruption or voter intimidation. We look forward to continuing our productive and robust dialogue with your administration moving forward”.

Asbarez: This April 24 Let’s Feed 1.5 Million People to Commemorate Armenian Genocide

Jagharian Tania
April 17, 2020

This year for April 24 in memory of the 1.5 Million that perished, help us help others in need by participating in the 1.5 Million Meals for 1.5 Million Lives effort. Click image to take part in campaign

LOS ANGELES—The Armenian community organizations in charge of organizing the Southern California area Armenian Genocide commemorations, the United Armenian Council of Los Angeles (UACLA), the Unified Young Armenians (UYA) and the Armenian Genocide Committee (AGC) announce their plans for alternative commemorative events given state and local orders prohibiting mass gatherings due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In lieu of the traditional requiem service at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello, the march in Little Armenia and the protest demonstration in front of the Los Angeles Turkish Consulate, the committees have been working together to create an all day commemoration which will be aired on local Armenian television channels as well as several hours of live streaming on social media all to take place on April 24, 2020 beginning at 10 a.m.

The all-day commemoration will feature addresses by several prominent government officials, community leaders and the clergy, as well as informative panel discussions concerning Genocide recognition, reparations and restitution for the crime of Genocide. In addition, viewers will have the opportunity to see documentaries regarding the Genocide and hear from our community, well-known personalities and cultural presentations to honor the victims of the first genocide of the 20th century.

The Armenian Genocide brought unspeakable horrors upon the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire, including mass starvation. At the time, Americans organized the largest relief effort in United States history, through the Committee for Near East Relief to come to the aid of the Armenians devastated by the impact of the Genocide. Armenians have never forgotten the benevolence and great generosity of the American people. 105 years later, now Americans are facing a food insecurity crisis due to unprecedented levels of unemployment brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

To address this need, the UACLA/UYA/AGC have partnered with Feeding America, America’s largest food bank, to raise funds to provide 1,500,000 meals to America, in honor of our fallen martyrs and this great nation that came to our aid. Through this epic campaign, the entire Armenian community will be able to give thanks to America for its philanthropy at our greatest hour of need, and now, as Armenian-Americans we will do our part to help our communities and neighbors of all backgrounds and affiliations who face food shortages at this extraordinary time.

Take part in the 1.5 Million Feeding America Project.

Despite the tremendous challenges that all of humanity is facing at this time, the UACLA/UYA/AGC, drawing on the tremendous example of our ancestors who faced extreme adversity, adapted and was reborn stronger than ever, remains committed to the Armenian Cause and working together toward a just resolution for the Crime of Genocide, demanding from the government of Turkey the recognition of the Genocide, and rightful restitution and reparations.  Our work continues. We stand united, and we will make our voices heard for the 1.5 million martyrs of the first genocide of the 20th century.
We hope that this global epidemic will end soon, and that all our communities will rise from it stronger than ever.

The coalition wishes you all the best. May you always remain healthy and safe.

Media Advocate Initiative: Armenian authorities have set goal to lead private TV companies to bankruptcy

Jagharian Tania
News.am, Armenia

22:13, 16.04.2020
                  

The Armenian authorities have set the goal to lead private TV companies to bankruptcy. This is stated in the statement issued by the Media Advocate Initiative. The statement particularly reads as follows:

“On April 16, the National Assembly of Armenia approved the government’s proposal to make amendments to the Laws on Television and Radio and on Advertising. Unfortunately, the Armenian media’s calls and requests remained unanswered, and taking advantage of the declared state of emergency, the parliament legalized the policy on leading private television companies to bankruptcy and restricting freedom of speech.

The Media Advocate Initiative states that the amendments to the Laws have dealt a blow to private television companies in terms of funding in the case when Armenian Public Television is the only television company out of the companies operating through taxpayers’ money that has no financial issues since it is funded from the state budget.

The consequences of this policy will be devastating for freedom of speech and democracy and will soon be reflected in the reports of international organizations and will definitely lower Armenia’s reputation as a country considering democracy and freedom of speech as an overriding value.”

Sports: Armenian forward admits delight at reported Milan interest: "They are an important club"

Jagharian Tania
Sempre Milan, Italy
Armenian forward admits delight at reported Milan interest: “They are an important club”

Huracan forward Norberto Briasco has admitted that he is flattered by reported interest from AC Milan and would love to play with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Briasco is predominantly a right winger but who also knows how to play as a centre-forward, and is a talented player who many European clubs have focused their attention on.

The 24-year-old was recently linked with a move to Milan by Tuttosport, with the paper claiming that the Rossoneri could well be in the market for two strikers this summer depending on the future of the current group.

Briasco is ready to test himself at a European club and – in an interview with VbetNews on Wednesday, he did not try to cover up interest from the Rossoneri.

He has spoken in the media again on Thursday, this time to the microphones of Tuttomercatoweb.com, and seemed to express openness to a move.

“It would be nice. I’m glad you talk about it, we’ll see. I’d like to play in Europe,” he said.

“Milan are an important club, where great players have played including Ibra that having as a teammate would be beautiful. But in the meantime I am thinking of Huracan. And I keep my feet on the ground.”

Armenian, Georgian Presidents highlight coordinated partnership during crisis situations

Jagharian Tania

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 20:34,

YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian had a phone conversation with Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on April 15.

The two Presidents talked about the measures against the coronavirus pandemic, the preventive measures and the efforts aimed at overcoming the consequences.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the President’s office, the sides particularly highlighted the close cooperation at all levels between the two neighboring and friendly countries under the current complex situation.

The Armenian and Georgian Presidents expressed confidence that with joint efforts it will be possible to overcome the situation and the consequences resulted by the pandemic and will be able to direct all the potential of partnership to the restoration of economies and welfare of the peoples. President Sarkissian noted that particularly under the current situation food safety remains a priority issue.  

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Armenia television company owner criminal case transferred to another judge

Jagharian Tania
News.am, Armenia

16:31, 15.04.2020
                  

YEREVAN. – The first court session on the criminal case of Armenia’s 5th Channel television owner Armen Tavadyan and Varuzhan Mkrtchyan took place Wednesday.

But at the hearing, Artur Mkrtchyan, Chairman of the Court of General Jurisdiction of Yerevan, transferred this case to Judge Karen Farkhoyan. Tavadyan’s lawyer Hovhannes Khudoyan informed Armenian News-NEWS.am about this.

This criminal case has been joined to the activist Vardges Gaspari v. Armen Tavadyan criminal case, which Judge Farkhoyan already presides over.

Tavadyan is accused of bribing a victim of the March 1, 2008 criminal case in order to give false testimony in court. He was detained for two months.

On March 12, the Criminal Court of Appeal ruled to release Armen Tavadyan from pretrial custody. His lawyer Hovhannes Khudoyan had told reporters that the reason for granting their respective appeal was the absence of a reasonable doubt.

Over 200 healthcare workers infected with coronavirus in Kazakhstan: RIA Novosti

Jagharian Tania

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 16:04,

YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. More than 200 healthcare workers have been infected with the novel coronavirus in Kazakhstan, RIA Novosti reported citing the representative of the healthcare ministry.

The ministry representative said this number comprises 20,5% of the total number of infected people in the country.

“211 coronavirus cases have been confirmed among doctors”, the representative said, adding that the more cases are in the capital city of Nur-Sultan, Almaty. It was also reported that the medical staff is not sufficiently provided with the necessary protective means.

According to the latest data, 979 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus in Kazakhstan. 12 patients have died. Kazakhstan declared a state of emergency on March 16.

In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global pandemic and named the virus COVID-19. 

According to the data of the World Health Organization, coronavirus cases have been confirmed in more than 210 countries and territories.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan