ArmenPress News Agency , Armenia Monday Times to restrict people's right to free movement have gone: Armenian FM on Azerbaijani black list YEREVAN, JANUARY 29, ARMENPRESS. The majority of people included in the Azerbaijani black list considers it an honor to be in that list which they have repeatedly stated, Armenian foreign minister Edward Nalbandian said at a press conference, in response to the view according to which the Azerbaijani authorities announce that all those who visit Nagorno Karabakh are victims of the Armenian propaganda and after returning to their home countries they apologize to Azerbaijan and ask to remove them from the black list, Armenpress reports. “If we believe in Baku’s claims according to which all those who visit Karabakh, return, regret and ask for apology, this list would not increase and 600-700 persons would not be included in it. According to their data, 5-6 persons from this list asked to remove them from the list”, the FM said. Minister Nalbandian recalled that during a Q&A session in the Parliament he once said that the number of people visiting Artsakh will increase after blogger Alexander Lapshin’s case. “And this happened, you are also aware of. I think the Azerbaijani claims have nothing to do with reality, especially when the great majority of people included in that list considers an honor to be in it which they have repeatedly stated. And even those who asked to remove them from the list and apologized, Alexander Lapshin as well have made several disclosing statements on the black lists and bans used by Azerbaijan”, the Armenian FM said. He stated that the times to restrict people’s right to free movement by force have gone.
Author: Kalashian Nyrie
Belarus and Kazakhstan are also helping Azerbaijan to arm
Aravot, Armenia
Jan 24 2018
Belarus and Kazakhstan are also helping Azerbaijan to arm: Comments by Gevorg Melikyan
[Armenian News note: the below was translated from the Russian edition of Aravot]
Relations between Azerbaijan and Belarus have been developing since 2002. Azerbaijan has purchased weapons worth 0.5bn dollars from Belarus over the past decade, Gevorg Melikyan, the associate expert of the Armenian Institute of International and Security Affairs (AIISA), quoted the data at yesterday’s [23 January] discussions of “Security dynamic in Armenia’s neighbourhood” held in this organisation.
The expert expressed surprise that the Armenian media touched on this issue only at the end of 2017, saying that Azerbaijan transferred 170m dollars for Belarusian Polonez [multiple-launch rocket systems]. The expert is worried about the lack of discussions of the issue in the Armenian press, because he believes that it is a very serious military equipment, which is essentially an answer to the [Russian] Iskander [missile systems] delivered to Armenia.
Moreover, Gevorg Melikyan warned that Azerbaijan and Belarus were creating a joint enterprise in Gandzak ([Azerbaijan’s] Ganca – editor’s remark). They will produce military tractors. It is clear that Yerevan has already raised the issue on a number of occasions, but he [Melikyan] is somewhat concerned that [Karabakh capital] Stepanakert [Xankandi] is keeping silence. In the meantime, he thinks that it is a good occasion to show that it is an independent entity. “Stepanakert has taken aim at Ukraine, whose cooperation with Azerbaijan is weak compared to Belarus or hosts delegations from [Georgia’s breakaway] Abkhazia and South Ossetia and enthusiastically welcomes the referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan,” he noted.
The speaker also warned that another country, Kazakhstan, that is, [like Armenia], a member of the [Russian-led] EEU [Eurasian Economic Union], is also rendering military assistance to Azerbaijan. Military cooperation between Pakistan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan is being shaped at the moment and they intend to produce ballistic missiles. In other words, Kazakhstan is also heling Azerbaijan to arm.
In the meantime, Yerevan urges us to tell fairy tales about the breakdown of Azerbaijan. Instead of trusting them [the fairy tales], it is necessary to watch the steps that do not speak well for us: “Azerbaijan is several steps ahead of us”.
Watch Arsenal’s blitz interview with Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Category
Sport
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, captain of the Armenian national football team and midfielder of London’s Arsenal has answered some blitz questions in an interview soon after being transferred from Manchester United.
(see video)
Vazgen Sargsyan did not beat Armen Sargsyan. Tigran Hakobyan about the incident of 1997
- 19.01.2018
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In the networks, they renewed the old and vile rumor that after Vazgen’s slap, Armen Sargsyan “ran away” to London in February 1997 and resigned from the post of prime minister. Vazgen’s eyes turned yellow with anger when he read about it somewhere.
A member of the National Television and Radio Commission (NRC) writes about this on his Facebook page Tigran Hakobyan:
“Armen Sargsyan had a serious illness, thanks to God and modern medicine, he recovered. They were not only colleagues with Vazgen, but also just friends and relatives. In 1999 Armen Sargysan comes to Washington from London in September. Vazgen is helping to prepare for negotiations with Vice President Albert Gore and other officials. Before the meetings, they discussed all the nuances, I participated in some of them, until deep into the night. They were definitely good friends and associates.
There is no need to desecrate the memory of Vazgen, there is no need to discredit Armen Sarkissian with cheap tricks. None of them would allow either to slap or to leave the slap without consequences. “beater” in the picture Vazgen Sargsyan and “beatable” Armen Sargsyan Washington in 1999. I hope we will put an end to that stupid rumor,” wrote Hakobyan.
A little while ago, it was officially confirmed that the candidate for the RPA president is Armen Sargsyan, the RA ambassador to Great Britain. Today, Serzh Sargsyan received Armen Sargsyan at the presidential residence and informed about it. Armen Sargsyan expressed deep thanks in response, but asked for time to think.
The Holy Birth of Jesus Christ marked with national songs and dances in Yerevan
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 6 2018
Festive event was organized in the courtyard of the St. Anna Church in Yerevan on the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Nativity and Theophany of Jesus Christ. During the concert, citizens gave musical performances accompanied by national dance and song.
To note, the Armenian Church celebrates the holy birth (Sourp Dznount) of Jesus Christ on January 6.
Sports: Should Borussia Dortmund make a move for Henrikh Mkhitaryan?
Sportskeeda
Jan 5 2018
Should Borussia Dortmund make a move for Henrikh Mkhitaryan?
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is looking for a way out of Old Trafford, but should Borussia Dortmund make a move for their former star?
by Anas Ali
The story of ex-Borussia Dortmund players coming up after failing to hit the ground elsewhere, may once again come into the fold in the upcoming January window, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who moved to Manchester United, following his star-spangled 2015-16 season, is heavily linked with a move back to his former club.
It hasn’t been the perfect season for the Armenian, who, despite a strong start to the season, has fallen down the pecking order in the Manchester United team sheet in recent weeks.
He has played only 157 minutes of football in the last couple of months, and after news which claimed that the Armenian star reportedly had a bust-up with Jose Mourinho during a training session, his stay at Old Trafford has become even more unlikely.
The player’s agent has been in contact with the Borussia Dortmund representatives according to SportBild. Inter have also been linked with a move for the former Shakhtar playmaker, but according to reliable source Ruhrnachrichten, Dortmund have intensified their interest in the Armenian in recent weeks.
But should Borussia Dortmund really make a move to bring Henrikh Mkhitaryan back to the Bundesliga?
The move will conform to the trend
Over the years, there have been a bunch of players who moved back to Dortmund, following dismal stints in their respective new clubs with players like Mario Gotze, Nuri Sahin and even Shinji Kagawa, who was a Manchester United player for two years, being the prime examples.
In the current season, the club has really struggled to impose themselves on the pitch, following a startling start to their new campaign.
It was under new coach Peter Stoger, where the club has managed to register two back to back wins in the Bundesliga, ending an eight-game winless run in the process. However, things are still looking very ominous for the black and yellows.
With injuries to star players like Marco Reus, Mario Gotze, Andre Schurrle, Gonzalo Castro and Maximilian Philipp, amongst many others, Dortmund have been decimated in the offensive department this season.
Even though both Mario Gotze and Gonzalo Castro are nearing their return to the pitch, you can’t really expect Dortmund to challenge the top dogs of European football just by relying on players like Gotze and Kagawa in terms of chance creation.
Dortmund’s attack has been depleted by injuries
The acquisition of Andriy Yarmolenko has failed to make any significant impact at the Signal Iduna Park this season. Despite showing his glimpses at times, the Ukrainian has ultimately failed to make his presence felt at his new club.
He lacks the quality and the confidence to make himself a nuisance in the final third, which has ultimately led to Dortmund having to rely solely on the dribbling qualities of 19-year-old Christian Pulisic for the most part of this season.
Therefore, the addition of Henrikh Mkhitaryan would be an ideal decision, in this regard. The Armenian has the quality as well as the directness to act as their main source of creativity in the final third. Players like Mario Gotze and Shinji Kagawa are very creative but lacks the dynamism to make any telling impact.
Furthermore, Mkhitaryan had also prevailed in his role as a right midfielder in the past and his proficiency in working around tight spaces would be an ideal upgrade to Shinji Kagawa.
That being said, however, it’s his wages which makes the deal look totally irrational.
Feasibility
Henrikh Mkhitaryan already bags about £140,000k a week, as per sources, which is rather high for someone playing in the Bundesliga. For example, new signing Maximilian Philipp earns the same wage as Mkhitaryan and the German attacker is already one of the brightest young talents in the Bundesliga.
It seems rather unconventional for Dortmund to splash the cash on a 28-year-old, whose career will invariably dip in the future. Instead, the black and yellows should avoid making the same mistake they made by spending €25 million on 29-year-old Andriy Yarmolenko.
Furthermore, Mkhitaryan was more or less a disappointment had it not been for his astonishing 2015-16 season where he was involved in a staggering total of 55 goals. In truth, he was woeful before the appointment of Thomas Tuchel, who was the one who realized the true qualities of the Armenian.
It is not guaranteed whether or not will Mkhitaryan manage to replicate his 2015-16 performance after coming back to the Bundesliga. In addition, it is also doubted if he’ll manage to successfully integrate himself into the tactical philosophy of new coach Peter Stoger.
Conclusion
There is no doubting the fact that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will be an instant upgrade to any of the currently fit Dortmund attackers and his dynamism and fluidity will definitely help the team be more productive on the offensive third.
However, considering his enormous wages, coupled with other uncertainties, it’s logical for Dortmund to step down their interest in the Manchester United playmaker, unless Premier League giants Manchester United agree to pay his wages, which seems rather far-fetched at the moment.
Culture: Armenian-Japanese center Hikari plans multiple cultural projects in 2018
News.am, Armenia
Jan 3 2018
Armenian-Japanese center Hikari plans multiple cultural projects in 2018 Armenian-Japanese center Hikari plans multiple cultural projects in 2018
18:44, 03.01.2018
YEREVAN. – Next year, Armenian-Japanese Scientific, Educational and Cultural Center Hikari will continue multiple programs that have been already underway.
The students will make and send piece lanterns to Hiroshima on August 6, the head of the center Karine Piliposyan told Armenian News – NEWS.am.
“We want to make contribution towards preserving world peace and to protest against what has happened,” said Karine-san, adding, “We are waiting for Mrs. Yamada’s visit in spring. We will have great days, studying ikebana and sumie in the center.”
The traditional film festival is set for next autumn in Armenia. “We will definitely celebrate Japanese holidays. Among the favorites is tanabata. We invite everyone to visit the center and write wishes on strips of paper to hang them on a tree. It’s so nice to hear that the wish has come true,” said Karine.
Children and adults can get acquainted with the culture and language of Japan in Scientific and Cultural Center Hikari.
Denis Avtomov visits Ukrainian Sunday School (video)
Denis Avtomov, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister, did not come empty-handed to the Ukrainian Sunday School. There were candies in the box, which the children accepted as a gift from Santa Claus. The Ukrainian Sunday School was summarizing the passing year. Here, Yerevan resident representatives study Ukrainian. Dennis Avtomov wished everyone happy New Year.
“Wish our children to become smore clever and gain knew knowledge. And we, adults, will always support them,” said Denis Avtomanov.
The year was successful with a number of projects of strategic importance in the energy sector. minister
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According to RA Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Ashot Manukyan, during 2017 it was possible to implement a number of strategically important projects in the field of energy. This was stated in the minister’s message on the occasion of the professional holiday of energy workers.
He noted that with the loan and grant funds provided by the Russian government and with the technical support and direct participation of our partners in the “Rosatom” corporation, the program for the modernization and extension of the operation period of the second power unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant was launched.
“As a result, we will have an unprecedented level of safety and reliability at the nuclear power plant and a 10 percent increase in production capacity,” he noted.
Continuing to enumerate, the minister said that together with the US partners, it was possible to implement the project for the construction of the Shnogh HPP with a design capacity of 76 MW designed in the Soviet years. Within the framework of the public-private cooperation, the design pre-calculation works have begun, as a result of which we will have another hydropower plant that will make the most full use of the water resources of the Debed River.
In addition, together with the American General Electric Company, modernization works of the Yerevan Thermal Power Station began. As a result, the production capacity of the operating power unit will increase by 7 MW, the efficiency will increase by 1 percent, and the specific fuel consumption will decrease. With the financing of the German development bank KfW, the construction works of the new Armenia-Georgia high-voltage power transmission line and transformer station will start next year. The construction of the second power unit of the Yerevan Thermal Power Plant with a combined steam-gas cycle was started in cooperation with the Italian company “RENCO”, the efficiency of which will reach up to 53 percent.
In addition to this, Minister Manukyan presented, the first three solar plants of production significance were put into operation in the past year, in total 128 solar photovoltaic plants were installed in Armenia. The first product was released by the Solaron factory of solar photovoltaic panels. Although the production volumes of the latter are still small, they are of great importance for the future. Armenia not only did not stay out of technological progress, but also went ahead of many countries in the process of introducing and developing solar technologies.
“The process of liberalization of the electricity market began, the free market operator was formed, the network rules and the schedule of market liberalization steps were approved. At the initiative of the “Tashir” group of companies, the most large-scale investment program of reconstruction and re-equipment in the electrical networks of Armenia began. The construction works of the 3rd overhead line of high-voltage power transmission between Armenia and Iran have resumed and are in progress. As a result of the implementation of the mentioned programs, the structure of electricity production in our country will change. the specific weight of energy produced from own renewable sources in the country’s internal consumption structure will reach 50 percent, the specific fuel cost for unit electricity production by gas plants will be reduced by more than 20 percent, the specific weight of nuclear energy will increase significantly,” the minister noted, emphasizing that all this will contribute to strengthening Armenia’s energy security. And as an electric energy corridor between Iran and Georgia, the role of Armenia will increase, increasing the potential of electricity export by at least 3 times.
Armenia is also not lagging behind in the development of solar and nuclear technologies. The minister is confident that their application in our country will lead to a qualitatively new level of energy security.
“Last year, Armenia became the chairing country of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency and, at the same time, submitted an application for the chairing country of the Energy Charter Conference. Our country has once again assured the world that it is committed to continue the peaceful use of nuclear energy, as well as its self-proclaimed goals of “green energy” development, improvement of energy efficiency and energy saving,” added Ashot Manukyan.