RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan writes on his Facebook page the following:
“According to the data of the first half of 2019 in comparison with the same period of the previous year in the Republic of Armenia.
– The manufacturing industry grew by 8.7 percent.
– Housing and catering sector grew by 33.8 percent.
– Passenger transportation by air increased by 28.2 percent.
– Trade turnover increased by 8.9 percent.”
Defense Ministry officials suspected in embezzling procurement funds
12:15, 21 August, 2019
YEREVAN, AUGUST 21, ARMENPRESS. The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia says it has discovered a fraudulent scheme in the procurement procedure at the Ministry of Defense where officials have faked paperwork and embezzled more than 20 million drams.
The NSS said in a news release that “official persons of the Ministry of Defense have conspired with the supplier” and signed a contract for unreasonably high prices and received 21,7 million drams more than the market price of the unnamed product.
The NSS did not mention how many officials are suspected in the case. It said an investigation is underway.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
The President of the Republic of Armenia recognized the 2002 decree of the President of the Republic of Armenia on depriving the former Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Vagharshak Harutyunyan of his military rank as null and void.
“Based on the proposal of the Prime Minister, in accordance with Article 139, Part 1 of the Constitution.
Decree of the President of the Republic of Armenia of July 22, 2002 “V. V. “Decree NH-1135-A on depriving HARUTYUNYAN of his military rank,” the president’s decree says.
Vagharshak Harutyunyan is a military and political figure, lieutenant general.
in 2002 On July 22, he was stripped of his rank by the decree of President Robert Kocharyan. Vagharshak Harutyunyan considers his demotion illegal, and according to the “Republic” party, of which Vagharshak Harutyunyan was a member, his demotion was a means of political reprisal.
In 2019, his military rank was restored, and he was appointed vice-president of the Ukrainian Communist Party.
The conflict between Vagharshak Harutyunyan and Robert Kocharyan started in 1999. After the October 27 terrorist attack, upon learning about the terrorist act, the army closed the roads leading to Yerevan by the order of the then Minister of Defense Vagharshak Harutyunyan.
And days later, Robert Kocharian described that action as arbitrary, unacceptable action.
LOS ANGELES—Prelacy Schools reopened their doors to welcome students to the 2019 – 2020 academic year on Tuesday. On behalf of Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, local parish pastors participated in back-to-school ceremonies, offered prayers and read the Prelate’s message.
Prelate Mardirossian presided over the back-to-school ceremony of Rose and Alex Pilibos School, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. He was accompanied by St. Garabed Church Parish Pastor Archpriest Vicken Vassilian.
In attendance were ARF Central Committee representative Garo Ispenjian, Board of Regents member Sarkis Ourfalian, representatives of St. Garabed Church Board of Trustees and of community organizations, school administrators, faculty, parents, and students.
The program began with the invocation by Fr. Vicken. Student Council members led the pledge of allegiance and national anthems. English teacher Patil DerHovagimian delivered welcoming remarks as the day’s MC. Representatives of Congressman Adam Schiff, State Senator Anthony Portantino, and L.A. City Councilman Mitch O’Farrell were in attendance, and delivered congratulatory remarks. Armenian teacher Sona Madarian delivered her message and well wishes for a bright new school year. Students delivered remarks and presented cultural performances.
Principal Dr. Alina Dorian delivered her message, reflecting on the School’s 50 year legacy of excellence, integrity, heritage, community, and unity, adding that the school has, for half a century, not just educated students, but elevated their minds, spirits, faith, and heritage. She thanked all past and present teachers, faculty, and staff for their hard work, and, addressing the students, urged them to continue to strive for excellence, to set their minds to great heights, and to always remain true to the core values of our faith and nation.
The Prelate began his message by greeting Principal Dorian, Assistant Principal Maral Tavitian, and the entire school family as they embark on their golden anniversary year and move forward to greater heights with the legacy of a rich past, strong present, and hopeful future. He blessed and commended all the teachers who serve with heart and soul, and the parents for their love, sacrifice, and devotion. He wished for the new academic year to abound with the Lord’s blessings and to be successful and fruitful.
In his message to the students, the Prelate urged them to always remember and appreciate the privilege of attending an Armenian school, which is not an ordinary place of learning but a distinctive institution where students grow and develop in their identity as Armenians. “Take advantage of the unique instruction you are fortunate to be offered; learn our uplifting prayers and our language, learn about our rich history and heritage, our ancient faith and homeland, and think of how you can contribute to the advancement of our nation,” stressed Prelate Mardirossian. He concluded by, once again, blessing and commending all those who play a part in the continued success of our schools, the members of the Board of Regents, local school boards, principals, directors, faculty, and volunteers.
The program concluded with the benediction and singing of the Lord’s Prayer.
The Glendale team won the men’s basketball tournament within the 7th Pan-Armenian Games. The Glendale team beat the Beverly Hills team 92-84.
Armenian Embassy urges Armenian citizens to suspend holiday in Hurghada
19:13, 26 July, 2019
YEREVAN, JULY 26, ARMENPRESS. The Embassy of Armenia in Egypt urges the citizens of Armenia spending their holiday in Hurghada to suspend their holiday and return to Armenia by July 29 flight, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Facebook page of the Embassy.
“The Armenian Embassy in Egypt informs that Hurghada-Yerevan OTF 3701 flight will be carried out at 03:00, Egypt time. At the same time we urge the passengers whose flights are scheduled on August 1 and 5 to suspend their holiday and fly to Armenia by the mentioned flight”, reads the statement.
132 Armenian citizens were left in Hurghada due to the cancellation of OTF 3703 flight en route Hurghada-Yerevan. According to some reports, the flight was cancelled because the Armenian A&R tour agency didn’t pay the Greek Orange Fly airline to carry out the flight. Hurghada-Yerevan July 29 flight has also been cancelled, which means that nearly 100 Armenian citizens will face the same problem. The flights are funded by the Government of Armenia.
Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan