Author: Kalantarian Kevo

Salzburg University offering grants for research on cultural-spiritual heritage of Artsakh

Kalantarian Kevo
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia – July 8 2022
July 8, 2022, 14:36

 2 minutes read

The Armenian studies Division at the University of Salzburg Center for the Study of the Christian East has launched a new scholarship category, the ‘Research Grants for Armenian Studies focusing on the cultural-spiritual heritage of Artsakh.’

The goal is to encourage young researchers to study topics related to the cultural and art history of Artsakh, with particular emphasis on the material and immaterial cultural heritage.

The maximum amount to be applied for is EUR 3,000.

Close cooperation with the Armenian Studies Division in Salzburg is desired and would be much appreciated; short-term stays in Salzburg can be organized within the framework of the granted scholarship.

New MA and PhD projects are particularly eligible and considered for funding.

The application period for the ‘Research Grants for Armenian Studies focusing on the cultural-spiritual heritage of Artsakh’ will started on 1 July and run until 1 October, 2022.

  • Any aspect of Armenian studies (language, history, culture, art, theology, ethnography, archaeology etc.) focusing on the cultural-spiritual heritage of Artsakh, which is generally understudied, with particular emphasis on interdisciplinary methods and approaches. Proposals from the following sub-disciplines in Armenian studies are particularly welcomed: general, historical and comparative linguistics, areal linguistics, contact linguistics, dialectology; ethnography; art and architecture; manuscript studies/codicology; archaeology, medieval history and early modern History; history of sciences; theology, religious studies and other closely related disciplines.
  • Projects must be based on original research, archival work or fieldwork, and must be informed by current scientific approaches and theories.
  • Projects must have a clear output as a scientific publication.
  • The language of the application shall be English. The output(s) of the project must be written in English or any Western language; but the project itself can be in Armenian or any other language (e.g. Russian, German, Italian, etc.).
  • Graduates, Master students and Phds of the above-mentioned disciplines of any recognized university with already proven experience in independent scientific work (academic qualification work, publications, teaching, lectures), maximum age 35.

A cost breakdown, a time schedule and work plan, as well as an exposé of the research concept must be submitted with the requested documents.

Detailed information such as application guidelines and basic requirements can be found below

  • Application guidelines Armenian Studies Division 2022
  • Requirements conditions Armenian Studies Division 2022

Vice Speaker of Parliament, PAYFA Head discuss development prospects of Armenian football

Kalantarian Kevo

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 16:33, 7 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. Vice Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan received today Head of the Pan-Armenian Youth Football Association (PAYFA) Aram Ghahramanyan.

The Chair of the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth and Sport Sisak Gabrielayn, MP Aren Mkrtchyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Karen Giloyan and President of Football Federation of Armenia Armen Melikbekyan also attended the meeting.

The perspectives of the development of the Armenian football and the programs directed to popularization were discussed. As Hakob Arshakyan assessed, the potential of the Diaspora should effectively be used as much as possible for the further improvement of the local football and involving Armenians of Diaspora in that process.

Aram Ghahramanyan and Armen Melikbekyan presented the programs, which would make Armenia more recognizable to the world through football.

The main function of the Pan-Armenian Youth Football Association is the revelation and involvement of the talented young people of Diaspora in the Armenian football. The first gathering of PAYFA was held in Los Angeles, and the children of Armenian origin of the USA and Canada born in 2009 were involved there. The 8 best players among them came to Yerevan. Aram Ghahramanyan expressed hope that the program would be implemented in other communities of Diaspora.

Armenia moves to restrict internet

Kalantarian Kevo
July 7 2022

Ani Mejlumyan Jul 7, 2022

Armenia’s General Prosecutor has proposed a law allowing the state to block certain internet content, citing Russia as a positive example of how such a practice might work.

In a July 4 letter addressed to the government, General Prosecutor Artur Davtyan suggested that the country should adopt legal regulations allowing the government to block material on the internet it deems harmful.

Davtyan framed the proposal as means of protecting Armenians from content like instructions on how to commit suicide or using and selling drugs.

He cited the example of Russia’s Federal Service for Supervision of Communications, Information Technology, and Mass Media, Roskomnadzor, as a particular inspiration.

“Once Russia’s prosecutor general sends Roskomnadzor a notice regarding such ‘banned’ information, the agency then immediately requests that the author(s) immediately remove it and not spread it via the internet,” Davtyan wrote in the letter. “If the owner of the Internet resource does not remove the information within one day from the moment of receiving the information by the competent body, the internet resource will be blocked.”

Roskomnadzor has been the primary instrument with which the Russian government has censored the internet; immediately following the launch of the war in Ukraine it began targeting news sites that called the war something other than a “special military operation,” the Kremlin’s preferred term. It also implements Russia’s broadening “foreign agent” law for media.

Media advocates in Armenia have expressed alarm at the proposal, noting that the power it envisages is not subject to judicial oversight. They suggested it would open the door to more political information being censored.

Carrying out the internet restrictions Davtyan proposed “entails the creation of a certain set of tools,” Artur Papayan, a journalist and information security analyst, told the news site Hetq. “In order to implement this initiative, monitoring tools and platforms must be created that will monitor what kind of content is distributed. After creating all this, punishment and prosecution will just be a technical issue.”

Another analyst, Samvel Martirosyan, wrote an article on news site media.am headlined, “The Prosecutor’s Office discovered the Internet and wants to create a ministry of censorship.” It concluded: “If we follow the path of Russia, it will start with a war against drugs and suicide. And then one beautiful day we will discover that the state is engaged in blocking mainly political content.”

The proposal comes following a series of efforts to monitor, censor, and punish speech that the government doesn’t like.

In 2020, the government banned media from covering COVID other than with official information; police visited Facebook users and asked them to remove COVID-related posts.

Later that year during the war with Azerbaijan, the government adopted martial law, one provision of which forbade anyone from presenting information about the war other than what the government was announcing.

In 2021, the government criminalized defamation; defamation had been decriminalized in 2010. A few months later, that October, Armenia introduced significantly stiffer penalties for “insults” aimed at individuals for their “public activities.” The law has notably been used in cases of social media criticism of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

“Internet freedom in Armenia declined significantly” in 2021, Freedom House wrote in its most recent Freedom on the Net report.

The government has not yet commented on Davtyan’s proposal, which has not yet been publicly discussed on the e-draft platform where proposed legislation is presented and where the public can weigh in.

On April 19 Pashinyan signed an agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin “to expand the coordination of information security between their two governments.”

But the proposal is not connected to the Russian agreement, said Gor Abrahamyan, an adviser to Davtyan. Abrahamyan told Hetq that the proposal was made based on an analysis of criminal case data and research on media and social media posts, and that the government would ensure that the new regulations would not be used to restrict freedom of speech.

Ani Mejlumyan is a reporter based in Yerevan.


Armenpress: Armenian, Spanish FMs discuss issues of regional security and stability

Kalantarian Kevo

Armenian, Spanish FMs discuss issues of regional security and stability

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 20:59, 6 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who is on a working visit to Madrid, had a meeting with Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno on July 6.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, congratulating each other on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Foreign Ministers noted with satisfaction that during the past three decades, effective cooperation between Armenia and Spain has been formed based on traditional ties and common values.

The interlocutors attached importance to the activation of political dialogue and high-level mutual visits between the two countries, expressing mutual willingness to take steps to deepen cooperation.

The sides exchanged thoughts on the full realization of the cooperation potential in the fields of trade and economy, industry, transport and infrastructure, renewable energy, and information technology. The parties agreed that the organization of business forums and the expansion of ties between business circles will promote bilateral cooperation in these areas.

In the context of activation of human contacts and mutual recognition between Armenia and Spain, the strengthening of ties in the field of tourism was also emphasized. The expansion of educational exchanges and opportunities to study each other’s language and culture in both countries was emphasized.

Minister Mirzoyan highly appreciated the decision of the Spanish government to open a resident representation in Armenia, expressing confidence that it will give a new impetus to interstate relations.

During the meeting, reference was made to the cooperation of the two countries on multilateral platforms, as well as within the Armenia-EU partnership.

Regional security and stability issues were also discussed. Foreign Minister of Armenia presented to his Spanish counterpart the situation in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone and the position of the Armenian side on the processes aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region, as well as on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the mediating role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs in promoting the settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and finding a lasting solution. Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno noted that Spain supports the comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict through peaceful negotiations.

Referring to the humanitarian problems caused by Azerbaijan’s aggression against Artsakh, the Armenian FM emphasized that Azerbaijan, in gross violation of international humanitarian law, continues to hold hostage Armenian prisoners of war and civilians, as well as leads a policy of destruction and falsification of origins of the Armenian historical-cultural heritage in the territories that have passed under its control.

The interlocutors also referred to the normalization process of Armenia-Turkey relations.

The Foreign Ministers issued statements for the press based on the result of the talks.

Russian PM gets acquainted with the display of the Armenian pavilion at "INNOPROM" exhibition

Kalantarian Kevo

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 20:49, 4 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 4, ARMENPRESS. Within the framework of the “INNOPROM 22” international industrial exhibition in Yekaterinburg, Minister of Economy of Armenia Vahan Kerobyan introduced the projects and companies presented in the Armenian pavilion to the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, ARMENPRESS reports the Telegram channel of the Russian Government informed.

Armenia’s pavilion is presented under the concept “Armenia is a smart hub”. The exhibition shows how Armenia, which is an economic and cultural bridge between the West and the East, can become a solution in overcoming today’s global challenges. Armenia plans to build a large trade hub in Gyumri, which will be a part of the international trade chain. It is planned to carry out processing and storage of goods there, as well as customs control. These projects were presented to Mikhail Mishustin in detail.

Armenia’s pavilion also presents electrical equipment developed in Armenia: cameras, laptops, computers, servers, etc.

Yerevan jewelry factory, the largest in Armenia, also presented jewelry made of gold and precious stones.

Sports: Armenia crowned winner of FIBA European Championship for Small Countries

Kalantarian Kevo
Public Radio of Armenia
July 3 2022

Armenia was crowned winher of the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries after defeaying Malta in the final.

The Armenian national team beat Mra 84:68 over Malta.

Chris Jones was named player of the match. He scored 41 points, had 10 rebounds and made 6 assists.

The 2022 edition of the FIBA European Championship for Small Countries was held in Ta’ Qali, Malta from June 28 – July 3, featuring six national teams from across Europe.

https://en.armradio.am/2022/07/03/armenia-crowned-winner-of-fiba-european-championship-for-small-countries/
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Ambassador Tracy’s July 4 Remarks

Kalantarian Kevo
US Embassy in Yerevan
July 2 2022



U.S. Embassy Compound
Thursday, June 30, 2022

Deputy Prime Minister Matevosyan, honorable guests, friends, fellow Americans.

I am so happy to welcome you all to our July 4th Celebration.  This is first time in three years that we have been able to gather in person!

I want to express appreciation to our sponsors for their support of our Independence Day reception.  And, offer a big thanks to local businesses and my entire Embassy team for all their hard work to make this event a success.

Today we are celebrating the 246th anniversary of America’s independence.

246 years ago, nothing was certain about the America’s experiment in democracy.  We declared our independence with a bold statement of our principles, aspirations, and vision – “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

But American democracy did not begin and end with this declaration and the creation of a constitution.  We fought two wars to secure our independence and a civil war to end slavery.  For over 150 years since then, progress toward our aspirations of freedom and equality for all has come only with long, hard struggle.  And, we still aren’t done.  In the United States, we continue to wrestle with the meaning of our constitution and to make choices as citizens.  Because democracy is not static.  It is a process, a continued renewal of commitments to fundamental principles.  By its nature, it takes work to sustain – and at times, it can seem fragile.  But, I have no doubt that we Americans will continue the process of perfecting our democracy and pursuing accountability and integrity within our institutions of government.

Today, we are also celebrating the long partnership between our two nations, including over the last 30 years of Armenia’s independence.

It has been a privilege to represent the United States in this culturally rich country, and it has been my honor to support Armenia’s democratic journey, particularly in a period of great challenges for Armenia.  I am not alone in this endeavor.  Harry Gilmore, our first Ambassador, forged the bonds of partnership in the early years of Armenia’s independence during a time of darkness, hardship, and uncertainty.  Each of the eight Ambassadors who followed throughout the last 30 years, leading a spectrum of U.S. government agencies, have worked to support the aspirations of Armenians for a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic future.  And, I am very grateful to my predecessors and the Embassy’s long-serving national staff for sharing their memories of partnership as well as President Khachaturyan who recalled Ambassador Gilmore’s tenure for our Facebook storytelling celebration of the 30th anniversary of U.S.-Armenia relations.

The stories of our partnership encompass support for democratic institutions, civil society, free and fair journalism, economic growth, energy diversification, inclusive education, improved healthcare, access to water, security cooperation, preservation of cultural heritage, exchange programs, and humanitarian needs.  We have partnered with Armenians in and out of government, like-minded diplomats and international organizations, and American citizens, including proud Armenian-Americans.  The tie that has animated this cooperation has been a shared sense of values.  And, it is the power of these partnerships that has helped drive the significant progress we have seen in Armenia over the past thirty years.

In closing, I would like to echo the words of President John F. Kennedy who once said, “Partnership is not a posture but a process- a continuous process that grows stronger each year as we devote ourselves to common tasks.”  May the next 30 years and more see the U.S.-Armenia partnership continue to grow in strength as we pursue a shared vision of a peaceful, democratic future for our countries.

I wish everyone a Happy Independence Day!

Thank you.

 

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 30-06-22

Kalantarian Kevo

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 17:18,

YEREVAN, 30 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 30 June, USD exchange rate down by 1.10 drams to 407.21 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 6.21 drams to 423.54 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.08 drams to 7.75 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 3.61 drams to 492.81 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 81.35 drams to 23798.17 drams. Silver price down by 4.15 drams to 274.61 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.

Discussions on the draft Medium-Term Expenditure Program 2023-2025 summed up

Kalantarian Kevo

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 18:07,

YEREVAN, JUNE 29, ARMENPRESS. A consultation chaired by Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan took place, during which the draft Medium-Term Expenditure Program (MTEP) 2023-2025 was discussed, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Minister of Finance Tigran Khachatryan and Deputy Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan reported on summing up the discussions on the MTEP. It was mentioned that the MTEP 2023-2025 outlines the priorities and measures to achieve the targets set by the Government Action Plan, including in the areas of social protection, education, healthcare and other spheres. In this context, the fiscal framework of the MTEP, the forecasts on macroeconomic indicators, the departmental applications within the framework of the expenditure quotas of the MTEP, as well as proposals for supplementary capital expenditure programs for 2022 were presented.

During the exchange of views on the above-mentioned topics, issues related to the implementation of the Government’s targets, development programs and other issues were discussed.

The Prime Minister instructed the heads of departments to be consistent so that the current and capital expenditures envisaged by the state budget 2022 are fully implemented.

The discussion of the state budget execution report for the second quarter of 2022 is planned for the near future.

Aliyev: New weapons, most modern equipment have been, are being brought to Azerbaijan

Kalantarian Kevo
NEWS.am
Armenia –
12:17, 27.06.2022

Baku has signed agreements on the purchase of the most modern weapons, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said, APA reports.

“The Azerbaijani Army is even stronger now after the [Nagorno-Karabakh] war [in the fall of 2020]—both in terms of supplies and combat capability. Therefore, we will continue to take serious steps for the development of our Army. New contracts have been signed for the purchase of the most modern weaponry. These contracts are already being implemented, new weapons and the most modern equipment are being imported into Azerbaijan,” the Azerbaijani president said during his visit to the Karvachar (Kelbajar) district of Nagorno-Karabakh.