Author: Kajoyan Gevork

DARCHINYAN, MARTIROSYAN HEAD TO TEXAS FOR CROSSROADS FIGHTS

16:34 05.11.2013

Two of the best pugilists Armenia has ever produced will be throwing
fisticuffs Saturday night when Vic Darchinyan and Vanes Martirosyan
head to the Lone Star State for their respective bouts, Asbarez
reports.

Both fights will be showcased as featured attractions of the Nov.9
HBO Boxing After Dark tripleheader. The matches will be televised
live from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Both Darchinyan and Martirosyan find themselves at a career crossroads.

For the 37-year-old Darchinyan, he battles Nonito Donaire, a man who
he’s considered Public Enemy No. 1 ever since the Filipino brutally
knocked him out in 2007. Avenging the loss would put another feather
in the two-division world champion’s cap and catapult his name into
serious Hall of Fame consideration. An unspectacular defeat would
have many calling for “The Raging Bull’s” retirement.

For the 27-year-old Martirosyan, he finally finds himself in a
fight of great magnitude – one that he has been yearning for well
over three years now. He faces off against Demetrius Andrade in what
will be a battle of two unbeaten former United States Olympians for
the vacant 154 pound WBO championship. “The Nightmare’s” seven-year
career has been somewhat stagnant in recent years as he’s fought
a garden variety of gatekeepers. A victory would surly set him up
for higher profiled fights. A defeat will delete his name from the
sport’s rising star’s lists.

Asbarez caught up with both fighters and their camps earlier this
week as they wrapped up training.

“I’m extra motivated for this fight,” said Darchinyan. “I’m going to
do everything possible in that ring to destroy him, and send him to
the hospital; I don’t care what will happen to him. I’m just coming
to break his head, that’s all. That’s how bad I want this fight and
a victory.”

Timing, precision, quick reflexes, and counter punching. Those are
all obstacles Donaire, (31-2, 20 KOs), presents what many believe is
a one-dimensional fighter who’s constantly looking to cook with his
one-punch knockout recipe. The wily veteran says he feels just fine
in the underdog role against the consensus 2012 Fighter of the year,
who also finds himself in redemption mode following an April defeat
to the hands of Guillermo Rigondeaux.

Darchinyan’s quick to note detractors that his two crowning
achievements both came when he was the favorite to lose. The first
came in 2004 when he knocked out undefeated IBF flyweight champion
Irene Pacheco. The second was shortly after the Donaire fight when he
became the first person to unify three 115 pound titles by knocking
out super flyweight champion Cristian Mijares in 2009.

The 10-round bout with Donaire is contracted at 126 pounds, making it
the first time both fighters are moving up to featherweight division.

For the rematch, Darchinyan’s not cutting any corners like he did the
first time he faced the Filipino, admitting that he underestimated him.

“I never trained for one fighter, or their style. I always trained
for the sake of fitness and making weight. For this fight, I’ve been
training for him and all the different possibilities.”

In addition to a new promoter in Top Rank – the same company that has
handled Martirosyan’s career since he first turn pro – Darchinyan also
has a new trainer. For the second fight in a row, he is working with
Edmond Tarverdyan, who also trains UFC women’s champion Ronda Rousey.

“We respect Donaire as a boxer,” said Tarverdyan. “He’s going to
come in with a champion’s mentality of redeeming himself. We want
the best Nonito. He’s a puzzle we are going to have to solve, and we
don’t want excuses. I have a big responsibility of training the best
Armenian fighter in the world. We can’t let our fans down.”

Darchinyan, who has plans of a grandiose party upon his return to
Glendale, knows that he can’t afford to lose. “My Armenian fans know
that I’m not only fighting for my family, but I am fighting for my
country, my flag, and for all of them. I will not disappoint.”

Rousey, who’s been training alongside Darchinyan at the Glendale
Fighting Club, compliments who she calls her favorite boxer of all
time, as well as a mentor.

“There is no one in the world that fights like him. I love his
attitude, his intensity, his pace. The way he carries himself really
sets him apart. He’s not one of those fighters who simply goes in
there to win a match; he truly wants to beat up his opponent. There
are cruel intentions with every punch that he throws. He cares about
the show he puts on for fans, and that’s what makes him unique. I
respect that about him.”

At 37, Darchinyan’s fire still burns, and his spirit has never been
questioned. In addition to his all-action style, he’s never been shy
to give opponents a landfill’s worth of trash talk, and he’s still
not mincing words.

“I still have a lot to accomplish. I want to win world titles at
122 and 126. I’m a warrior. I want to prove that I am stronger than
everyone,” he says. “I’ve been waiting for this fight too long. I’m
going to demolish him. All I want to do is knock him out and send
him into retirement. I made him, and I will break him.”

Less than two miles away at the Main Event Gym in Glendale, Vanes
Martirosyan is fiercely focused at making his lifelong dream come true.

He finds himself in a battle of two unbeaten former Olympians for
the vacant 154 pound WBO title. In a decorated amateur career,
Martirosyan beat future champions Timothy Bradley Jr., Austin Trout
and Andre Berto. A convincing victory against Andrade will put his
career on the fast track to similar household names.

“I’ve been calling out fighters for years. Once I got this opportunity,
I shut up and started working. I’ve been staying low key for the
longest time now, just staying focused. This is actually my first
interview in months,” said the soft-spoken Martirosyan. “I just can’t
wait to get into the ring and prove how badly I want this. I’ve
been training very hard and have a great game plan. Andrade is a
great fighter. I hope he is ready to go to war. We are on HBO and I
plan on stealing the spotlight that night with a very exciting and
entertaining win for the fans.”

It was almost a year ago to the date when Martirosyan (33-0-1, 21 KOs)
battled Erislandy Lara to a technical draw. It was his most legitimate
foe to date. The fight ended in the ninth round after an accidental
clash of heads opened a cut over Martirosyan’s left eyebrow. What the
fight did do, however, was give Martirosyan new-found confidence as he
proved he belonged in the ring with elite fighters. It also prepared
him for Andrade who like Lara, is a southpaw.

“I love fighting southpaws. I know all their tricks. It doesn’t matter
what he does. He needs to worry about what I’m going to do. The first
issue is getting the victory. The second is looking good. I want to
press the fight and initiate the offense. With a good win, I know I
will become a commodity.”

Roma Kalantaryan, Martirosyan’s trainer who’s primarily worked with
him since he was 13, said that the fight is happening at the right
time for his fighter.

“We’re not overlooking Andrade. It will be a tough fight. We know
Demetrius is not going to lay down for us, but I don’t see him bringing
any fireworks. It doesn’t matter who Vanes fights, he’s going to find
the key. Whether it’s in the first round, or the second, he’s going
to find it. He has so much experience versus so many different styles.”

Andrade (19-0, 13 KOs), a two-time U.S. National Champion who’s stopped
five of his last seven opponents, has an equal and comparative set
of skills as Martirosyan does. The fight is a classic 50/50 matchup,
as well as a dark horse to steal the show as soon as they let their
hands go.

With a convincing victory, the proverbial door will be wide open for
Martirosyan to fight high-profiled opponents, allowing him to seize
his long-awaited opportunity of boxing stardom.

“When I become world champion, my two children are going to become
world champion, my dad, my uncles – my entire family. Everyone who’s
been with me since day one is going to become a world champion.”

Two Armenian trainers. Two Armenian boxers. One unified, common goal.

If – or as Darchinyan and Martirosyan promised – when they both leave
Texas victorious, Nov. 9 will be a landmark date for Armenians.

“It’s going to be a great night for us and for Armenians,” Martirosyan
said. “When all the punches have been thrown, at the end of the night,
Vic and I are going to have our hands raised together. It’s going to
end nice for us.”

RUSSIA MAY RESORT TO PROVOCATION AT KARABAKH CONFLICT ZONE – NEWSPAPER

November 05, 2013 | 08:42

YEREVAN. – Head of the 102nd Russian military unit-which is stationed
in Armenia-Colonel Andrey Ruzinski had announced that if Azerbaijan
decides to restore jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh by the use of
force, the Russian military mission in Armenia can be involved in
the hostilities, Aravot daily recalls.

“Reflecting on this statement by the Russian colonel, political
scientist Armen Grigoryan noted that what Ruzinski said is similar
to ‘a way to sweeten the bitter pill’ whereby the famous ‘security’
argument is complemented.

‘”Those supporting the maintenance and deepening of vassal relations
with Russia, claim that Russia has guaranteed that it will intervene
in case of a large-scale conflict with Azerbaijan.

‘”I believe what Ruzinski said is also another ‘message’ addressed
to Azerbaijan, whereby they are insinuating that Azerbaijan should
seriously think about joining the Customs Union. [But] in case of
disagreement byAzerbaijan, another development option should not be
completely ruled out.

‘”Russia may resort to provocation at the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
zone, to make use of that pretext to deploy ‘peacekeepers,’ the
political scientist said,” Aravot writes.

News from Armenia – NEWS.am

ARMENIAN FM MEETS MINSK GROUP CO-CHAIRS

14:58 05.11.2013

Edward Nalbandian, Nagorno-Karabakh, OSCE Minsk Group

Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with the Co-Chairs
of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov, Jacques Faure and James Warlick
and the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office,
Andrzej Kasprzyk.

Edward Nalbandian and the mediators discussed the possible ways of
furthering the process of settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

The Co-Chairs briefed Minister Nalbandian on their impressions from
the meetings in Baku.

Edward Nalbandian drew the attention of the Co-Chairs to the continuous
statements from Baku, distorting the essence and nature of the
negotiation process and the frequent violations of the ceasefire
regime by the Azerbaijani side, underlining that they hinder the
advancement of the negotiation process.

The opportunities of organizing the meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani
Presidents in the near future were discussed.

LA RECENTE LIBERATION DE PRISONNIERS RELANCE LA QUESTION D’UNE FORTE INTEGRITE JUDICIAIRE

ARMENIE

Le procès d’un diplôme de l’Universite de Cambridge qui a pris fin
cette semaine avec un accuse t reconnu coupable et condamne a deux
ans et demi de prison pour avoir brûler une meule de foin a souleve
des questions sur l’administration de la justice en Armenie.

Aram Mughalyan, 25 ans, et trois autres prevenus juges a ses côtes
sont sortis libres de la salle d’audience beneficiant de la loi
d’amnistie adoptee en Armenie a l’occasion du 22e anniversaire de
l’independance, avec l’un de ses objectifs declares etant de reduire
la surpopulation carcerale.

Pendant ce temps, de nombreux militants des droits de l’homme disent
que ce sont des cas comme celui d’Aram Mughalyan qui contribue a
cette surpopulation carcerale en premier lieu.

Le chef du Comite Helsinki d’Armenie Avetik Ishkhanyan a dit dans les
pays civilises l’amnistie est une pratique rare, car ils disposent
de systèmes judiciaires independants et de grâces.

” En Armenie, le système judiciaire est administre a partir d’un
centre, il n’a pas d’independance, aucune souverainete et les principes
les plus importants d’un procès independant, les dispositions de la
Convention europeenne ne sont pas respectes.

D’autre part, nous avons des penitenciers qui ne donnent absolument
satisfaction tant au niveau des besoins et des normes humaines. Dans
ces circonstances, declarer une amnistie maintenant devient un
moyen de sortir pour les autorites, surtout a des fins politiques ”
a declare Ishkhanyan a ArmeniaNow.

Aram Mughalyan, accuse de hooliganisme et degradation volontaire de
biens, a ete reconnu coupable de trois articles du Code criminel. Les
autres accuses dans la meme affaire Robert Piloyan, Gagik Arakelyan
et Artur Klyan avaient ete condamnes a deux ans et demi, un an et
un mois et un an et demi d’emprisonnement, respectivement. Le jeune
sont accuses d’avoir declenche un incendie qui a cause 95 dollars
de dommages.

L’audience a eu lieu devant la cour generale des provinces d’Armavir.

Après que le verdict soit tombe Aram Mughalyan a declare que l’amnistie
est un moyen pour les autorites de ” sortir indemne “.

” Ils ont demande l’amnistie pour secouer leur faute. C’est la meme
chose d’arreter quelqu’un, le poursuivre, l’envoyer en prison pendant
six mois, puis lui dire ” il y a une amnistie vous etes libre, allez
et soyez reconnaissants “, a-t-il dit.

Les jeunes se trouvaient dans le penitencier de Noubarachen depuis le
17 Avril ce qui fait plus de six mois. L’accusation a affirme que cette
annee en Janvier dans le village de Norapat dans la region d’Armavir,
a 35 km d’Erevan, a proximite de la maison de Siaband Khudoyan de
nuit, une botte de foin a ete allumee a plusieurs reprises par des
inconnus. En consequence Siaband Khudoyan a souffert de 36000 drams
“(95 $) de dommages, avec quelque 30 bottes devenues inutilisables
pour nourrir le betail en raison de la fumigation, le chien qui garde
la maison avait sa fourrure brûlee a plusieurs endroits. La procedure
penale a ete lancee plus tard le 13 mars, avec des accusations de
degradations volontaires de biens ou de tentative de degâts.

Jusqu’a la fin les jeunes accuses ont nie les accusations. Ni la
defense ni les membres de la famille n’ont pu comprendre pourquoi
ces accusations avaient ete portees.

Vahe Gabrielyan avocat d’Aram Mughalyan a fait une declaration
plus tôt indiquant que l’enquete preliminaire n’avait pas reussi a
clarifier beaucoup de choses a propos de l’affaire et que de nombreux
arguments etaient illogiques. Il a dit que les jeunes hommes ont nie,
que l’enquete n’a pas fait la preuve qu’ils etaient dans le village
de Norapat les 4 fois et qu’il n’y a pas de temoins.

” L’affaire n’a pas de temoin qui ait vu reellement le fait de mettre
le feu. Par ailleurs, il n’existe aucune preuve qu’Aram Mughalyan ou
l’un de ses amis etaient dans la region ce jour-la. Les temoignages
de la partie lesee et les temoins se contredisent l’un l’autre,
mais l’enquete n’a pas montre la volonte de savoir pourquoi ils se
contredisaient et où etait la verite ” a dit Gabrielyan.

Pendant l’enquete, trois des quatre jeunes hommes ont avoue qu’ils
s’etaient rendus au village a quatre reprises et avaient essaye de
commencer a mettre le feu juste pour leur plaisir, mais plus tard
ils ont declare qu’ils avaient fait des aveux sous la pression de la
police. L’enqueteur a ete remplace a mi-chemin dans le processus,
et le procureur l’a explique par le fait que les detenus s’etaient
plaints a plusieurs reprises de torture qui leur ont ete appliquees
par le premier enqueteur. La mère de Piloyan a dit qu’elle avait vu
son fils avec des contusions, parce que, selon elle, il avait refuse
de donner le temoignage que l’enqueteur voulait.

Le juge Vahe Khalatyan a refuse a plusieurs reprises la liberation
de Mughalyan sous caution, meme si des deputes du Congrès National
Armenien Galust Sahakian et Artak Davtyan souhaitaient payer une
caution.

Les jeunes hommes affirment qu’ils ont ete accuses a tort. Mughalyan
a dit qu’il discutera avec son avocat des chances de faire appel du
verdict, car il estime qu’il est absurde de condamner quatre personnes
par le temoignage d’un temoin.

Il s’agit de la troisième amnistie dans le delai de cinq ans declares
par les dirigeants armeniens. Ishkhanyan a dit que ceux de 2009 et
2011 ont ete politiquement motives, mais ne peut pas revendiquer de
meme pour le plus recent.

” Je ne peux pas dire avec certitude que cette recente amnistie avait
un sous-agenda politique … peut-etre que le point etait pour les
anciens fonctionnaires de l’Etat reconnus coupables d’etre liberes,
je ne peux pas le dire. En tout cas, dans ces circonstances, je vois
l’amnistie comme une etape positive, car elle semblait etre le seul
moyen de soulager la surpopulation dans nos prisons. Et, en general,
la bonne facon de faire est de reformer le système juridique et
judiciaire et d’ameliorer les conditions dans les penitenciers ”
a explique Ishkhanyan.

Par Gayane Lazarian

ArmeniaNow

mardi 5 novembre 2013, Stephane ©armenews.com

OUVERTURE DU PROCES D’UN LEADER DE L’OPPOSITION

AZERBAIDJAN

BAKOU, 04 nov 2013 (AFP) – Le procès d’un leader de l’opposition
en Azerbaïdjan, accuse d’organisation de troubles de masse, s’est
ouvert lundi dans cette ex-republique sovietique du Caucase du Sud,
a annonce son avocat.

Ilgar Mammadov, qui dirige le mouvement d’opposition “Alternative
Republicaine” (REAL), comparaît devant la justice aux côtes de 17
autres opposants parmi lesquels le vice-president du parti d’opposition
Musavat, Tofig Yagublu, a declare a l’AFP l’avocat Elman Fattah.

“Ils sont accuses d’avoir provoque des troubles de masse et d’avoir
oppose de la resistance” a des responsables de la police, a-t-il
precise, en qualifiant ces accusations de politiquement motivees.

L’ONG Amnesty International, qui qualifie MM. Mammadov et Yagublu de
“prisonniers de conscience”, a pour sa part appele les autorites
azerbaïdjanaises “soit a fournir des preuves credibles temoignant
que les accusations contre ces deux hommes sont justifiees, soit a
lever ces accusations”.

M. Mammadov et les 17 autres militants de l’opposition avaient
ete arretes en fevrier, accuses d’avoir participe a l’organisation
d’actions de protestation dans la ville d’Ismaïlli, dans le centre de
l’Azerbaïdjan, et d’avoir resiste aux forces de l’ordre. En janvier,
quelques milliers d’habitants d’Ismaïlli s’etaient rassembles devant
les bureaux du gouverneur, reclamant sa demission.

La police les avait alors brutalement disperses, recourant a du gaz
lacrymogène, a des balles en caoutchouc et a des canons a eau.

L’opposition avait nie toute implication dans ces actions de
protestation.

Toute contestation publique du regime du president Ilham Aliev
provoque aussitôt une reaction sevère des autorites dans cette ancienne
republique sovietique riche en hydrocarbures.

M. Aliev, au pouvoir dans ce pays depuis qu’il a succede a son père
en 2003, a remporte une victoire ecrasante a la presidentielle du 9
octobre, s’assurant un troisième mandat consecutif. Avant lui, son
père Heydar Aliev, ancien du KGB, avait dirige l’Azerbaïdjan presque
sans interruption de 1969 a 2003.

mardi 5 novembre 2013, Ara ©armenews.com

LORD DARZI BECOMES FOREIGN ASSOCIATE OF THE INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE

[ Part 2.2: “Attached Text” ]

by Sam Wong 21 October 2013

Professor Lord Ara Darzi has been elected to the Institute of Medicine
(IOM), the health arm of the US National Academy of Sciences.Membership
of the IOM is one of the highest honours in the field of health and
medicine.Professor Darzi, the Director of the Institute of Global
Health Innovation at Imperial, is one of 70 new members and 10 foreign
associates elected for their “outstanding professional achievement and
commitment to service,” the IOM announced today.”It is a great honour
to be elected as a foreign associate of the Institute of Medicine,”
Professor Darzi said. “It is a rare privilege and reflects the hard
work of the team that I work with.”Established in 1970, the Institute
of Medicine is one of the National Academies – along with the National
Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering and the
National Research Council – and serves as a resource for independent,
scientifically informed analysis and recommendations on health issues.

“It is an honour to welcome our highly distinguished colleagues to
the Institute of Medicine,” said IOM President Harvey V. Fineberg.

“These individuals have inspired us through their achievements in
research, teaching, clinical work, and other contributions to the
medical field. Their knowledge and skills will deeply enrich the IOM.”

Professor Darzi holds the Paul Hamlyn Chair of Surgery at Imperial
College London, the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer
Research. He is an Honorary Consultant Surgeon at Imperial College
Hospital NHS Trust.

Professor Darzi’s research is directed towards achieving best surgical
practice through innovation in surgery, enhancing patient safety and
the quality of healthcare. He has publishing over 800 peer-reviewed
research papers in these fields.

In recognition of his achievements in the research and development
of surgical technologies, Professor Darzi has been elected as an
Honorary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a Fellow of the
Academy of Medical Sciences and a Fellow of the Royal Society. He
was knighted for his services in medicine and surgery in 2002.

In 2007, he became a member of the House of Lords and was appointed
Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Health.

After leaving his role in central government in 2009, Professor Darzi
sat as the UK’s Global Ambassador for Health and Life Sciences until
March 2013.

Professor Darzi was appointed a member of Her Majesty’s Most Honourable
Privy Council since June 2009. In September 2013 he was appointed
to lead a new clinically-led London Health Commission, which will
conduct an evidence-based investigation into healthcare provision
and resources for Londoners.

ws_21-10-2013-14-42-24

By Sam Wong/

SUMMIT ON ARMENIAN-AZERBAIJANI CONFLICT SETTLEMENT MAY BE HELD BEFORE END OF 2013

Azerbaijan Business Center
Nov 4 2013

Baku, Fineko/abc.az. Today, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has
received in Baku the OSCE Minsk Group on the peaceful settlement of
Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Following the meeting MG co-chair on behalf of Russia Igor Popov has
said that today the sides discussed the issue of a meeting of the
conflicting parties’ presidents.

“The Azerbaijan leader has given his agreement in principle. Now we’ll
go to Armenia and after we conduct talks with President Sargsyan,
we’ll publish co-chairs’ statement to contain the position of both
presidents. Nevertheless, we hope for summit holding before the end
of this year,” Popov said.

STEPAN SAFARYAN: THE STATEMENT OF SEPTEMBER 3 CHANGED THE BALANCE OF POWER

17:58 04.11.2013

Karen Ghazaryan
Public Radio of Armenia

Secretary of the Heritage Party Stepan Safaryan says the Armenia-EU
relations are uncertain. What will Armenia do within the framework of
the Eastern Partnership Program? What future awaits the Armenia-EU
relations, considering that the other members of the Partnership
Initiative have gone one step forward and their relations with the
EU have risen to a new level?

According to Safaryan, after the CIS summit there is uncertainty in
the Armenia-Russian relations, as well. He says the recent events
have not been favorable to Armenia.

“In particular, the EU reminded that Armenia has not implemented the
four UN resolutions, which refer to the so-called “restoration of
Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity,” and Azerbaijan tried to make
use of this,” Safaryan added.

“The second problem emerged in Minsk, where Armenia’s membership in
the Customs Union was actually questioned.” According to Safaryan,
the statement of September 3 changed the balance of forces, which
will affect Armenia’s security.

MORE THAN HALF OF ABOUT 4-5 MILLION ISLAMIZED ARMENIANS CONFESS THAT THEIR ANCESTORS ARE ARMENIANS: SARGIS SEROBYAN

19:20, 4 November, 2013

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The issue of the Islamized Armenians
got a public reaction for the first time within the framework of the
international conference held in Istanbul. The conference entitled
“Islamized Armenians” launched at Bogazici University in Istanbul
on November 2, continues its activities convened by “Hrant Dink”
fund. Representatives from scientific regions of the United States of
America, Europe, Armenia and Turkey participate in the conference. The
editor of the Armenian section of “Agos” newspaper Sargis Serobyan
told in a conversation with Armenpress that a conference having such
a theme and scale is organized in Turkey for the first time. “A wide
conference devoted to the issue of the Islamized Armenians has not been
held till now, which would enable both scientists and ordinary people
from different parts of the world to participate,” Serobyan stated.

According to him, the conference having around 300 participants is
first of all a step to understand and introduce the difficulties
faced by the Islamized Armenians, their consequences, as well as
to investigate and discuss the layers of silence existing upon this
issue and the process of violating that silence. By the assessment
of Serobyan, the holding of the conference shows that there is slow
but certain process towards democracy in Turkey.

EASTERN ARMENIAN AND RUSSIAN LANGUAGES COURSES FOR SYRIAN ARMENIANS

17:40 04.11.2013

Sona Hakobyan
Public Radio of Armenia

The program of “Free Eastern Armenian and Russian Language Courses for
Syrian Armenians” was officially launched in Yerevan today. Attending
the ceremony were representative of the Representative of the United
Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Armenia, Christoph
Bierwirth, head of the “Rossotrudnichestvo” representation Mark
Kalinin, teachers of Eastern Armenian and Russian, members of the
“Center Coordinating the Issues of Syrian Armenians” NGO, and others.

Minister Hakobyan noted in her speech that a number of programs have
been organized to make the integration of Syrian Armenians easier, but
language skills are also important. According to her, the knowledge
of Russian is also important for cooperating with Armenians over the
CIS area.

The Armenian Ministry of Diaspora in cooperation with the UNHCR
Office has already enrolled 53 and 60 Syrian Armenians for Eastern
Armenian and Russian language courses respectively. In the future
English language courses for 200 Syrian Armenian will be offered.