ArmInfo. Charitable organization “Armenian Support Team” launched a new charity project “New Armenia – Ancient Armenia!” In Armenia or Unknown treasures of Armenia.
According to the head of the charity organization and blogger Roman Baghdasaryan, during the project, throughout the course of 2020, the “team” will acquaint the public and tell her about the unique cultural and historical monuments of medieval Armenia, which, unfortunately, are known only to a narrow circle of specialists. They did not enter the annals of the popular “treasures” of ancient Armenia and, strangely enough, were completely ignored not only by those who were called to preserve and restore the monuments, but also by holy Etchmiadzin.
The first such monastery is Nekhuts, of the 10th century, located in the village of Arzakan of the Kotayk region. The “team” organized shooting of the monastery with the participation of model and TV presenter Ani Zakaryan, dressed in a national costume (taraz), provided to the project free of charge by fashion designer Lilil Melikyan. The “Teams” will also focus on other historical monuments lost in the mountains of Armenia and unreasonably forgotten, which have not become its hallmark.
These “forgotten” ancient Armenian churches will find “new life” on postcards and possibly on calendars. In autumn, the authors of the project in Yerevan intend to organize a photo exhibition of so far six lost Nekhutsu similar monasteries and churches, which will be prepared by the project photographer – Manvel Harutyunyan. “There are a large number of magnificent historical and architectural monuments in Armenia, which no one knows about, which are not interesting to either the state or Etchmiadzin. It is necessary to somehow “take them out of nonexistence”, look for investors to preserve and preserve, and in some cases, to restore. It is important to lay new tourist routes in these ancient places. And in this way we want to draw attention to this “lost> heritage of the people. This will help give a new impetus to the development of tourism,” says Baghdasaryan.
Justice minister receives Representative of UNHCR Representation in Armenia
16:37, 11 March, 2020
YEREVAN, MARCH 11, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan received today the delegation led by Anna-Carin Öst, the Representative of the UNHCR Representation in Armenia, the ministry told Armenpress.
At the meeting broad range of issues of mutual interest, relating to the protection of human rights, judicial reforms, correctional and probation field strategies, as well as the actions plans were discussed.
The Armenian justice minister and the Representative of the UNHCR Representation agreed to further develop the cooperation for the benefit of solving several issues and protecting the rights of refugees and asylum seekers.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
16:27, 12 March, 2020
YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS. Armenian minister of economy Tigran Khachatryan doesn’t see problems for Armenian exporters in terms of the short-term fall in the Russian Ruble exchange rate.
“On March 10, following the drastic rise of the US dollar against the Russian currency, the Ruble started returning to a more moderate range. The Russian relevant authorities announced that they are going to maintain control in their future policy in order to avoid major short-term shocks. This gives hope that from short-term perspective our exporters and manufacturers will not face unexpected losses that could result from very sharp changes”, the minister told reporters at a briefing.
He noted that in any case there is a need to study the possible scenarios in case of future developments in the long-term perspective.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
ArmInfo.Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Italy to Armenia Vincenzo Del Monaco in an interview with IA ArmInfo spoke about the Armenian-Italian relations, trade, economic and cultural interaction, joint struggle against coronavirus and other issues.
Mr. Ambassador, at what level are the Armenian-Italian political relations today? Are high-level visits expected in the foreseeable future?
First of all, let me thank you for this valuable opportunity given to me to share my views with ArmInfo and your readers. I will answer your question very straightforwardly: we are experiencing a very high momentum in the political relations between our two Capitals. The political dialogue is particularly dynamic and it can leverage on a steady increase in the exchange of institutional visits. We register a broad convergence on many items of the international agenda and we cooperate actively at international level, within the Organizations and Fora we both belong to. Let me also emphasize the very positive dynamics between Armenia and the European Union. I attach the greatest significance to your relations with the EU, with the potential to generate extraordinary results. The Armenian relations with the EU are in the meantime a sort of high octanes propellant for the bilateral relations with Italy and other Member States.
How would you assess the Armenian-Italian trade and economic relations? Are there any new areas for cooperation that countries could develop? As we know, last year a positive dynamics was recorded in the foreign trade turnover between the two countries, and in this vein I would like to know which Armenian goods are in demand on the Italian market and vice versa?
I completely agree with your assessment. Last year was a very positive one for the bilateral economic and commercial relations, and statistics on trade exchanges provide the most vivid evidence to this reality. I would add that even the internal economic growth rate of Armenia did not go unnoticed abroad. As a matter of fact, the democratic wind blowing in Armenia has triggered a renewed interest of Italian entrepreneurs and businessmen in the local market and in the opportunities it offers. The business community attaches considerable importance to the reform agenda of the Armenian Government, especially in the field of rule of law. During my career I have come to appreciate the fundamental role of the rule of law for the attraction of investments and for the economic development. During his visit in Milan and in Rome at the end of November last, this message was clearly conveyed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the Italian business community and I may assure you that it was very well received. Armenia is undertaking commendable efforts in that direction and results are already visible. There is also a significant potential stemming from the belonging of Armenia to the Eurasian Economic Union, in addition to the opportunities offered by the Armenian market. To answer your question on the demand of Armenian products in Italy, let me underline that in 2019 we have registered an increase also in the Armenian exports to Italy, for instance in the textile and jewelry sectors. Italians are very demanding consumers, attracted by products coming from Countries like Armenia with a deeply-rooted culture. Your products carry a cultural message, they contain the identity and the traditions of your territory and of your ancient civilization. In the meantime, Armenia is a country of mathematicians and physicists, and this sort of twinning between “future and past” can easily work as a powerful communication tool to better penetrate also the Italian market.
The Italian Renco construction company signed a contract with the Government of the Republic of Armenia on the construction of a new TPP (Thermal Power Station). At what stage of implementation is the project? Does the construction company plan to implement other large-scale projects in the territory of the Republic of Armenia?
After having reached in the first half of 2019 the financial closing with the international financial partners of the project (IFC, DEG, OFID, ADB), Renco started the construction phase in May 2019. Works should continue until roughly summer 2021. The construction activities already performed include excavations, earthworks, completion of the foundations of the main power plant equipment and buildings. Nearly 15.000 concrete cubic meters have been poured so far. In May 2020 Renco should start receiving the technological equipment, therefore allowing the mechanical installation of the above mentioned items together with the construction of water and gas pipelines. The company might also decide to invest more in Armenia and in other fields of activity
At the end of last year, the Ceramisia plant was opened in Armenia, which was founded as part of a joint investment project of the Multi Group concern and the Italian Stoneware holding. Are there any plans to develop other similar projects, if so, what sectors may they affect?
As you rightly said, Ceramisia is part of the Italo-Armenian success stories of 2019. The factory is operating smoothly, and has adopted the highest European standards. Ceramics are successfully placed on the international market and the brand “Made in Armenia, Designed in Italy” is proving to work very well. It was indeed an excellent marketing choice, as far as I understand from the entrepreneurs. I would add that the company has hired more workers to satisfy the demand and I would not be surprised to see even more job offers in the future. To summarize, my impression is that the partnership between Italian Stoneware company and Hon. Gagik Tsarukian is performing very well. More in general, I trust that in the future more initiatives and more Italian investments will see the light in Armenia.
What is the state of cultural and humanitarian contacts between the two countries? What new joint projects are expected?
Culture is a major highlight of the bilateral relations between Armenia and Italy. With the impeccable cooperation of local Authorities, last year we offered to the Armenian people, to the international community living in the Country and to tourists a particularly reach program of initiatives, ranging from ancient art to contemporary painting, from music to video mapping. For my Embassy all those initiatives translated in an increased effort and let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my staff for their commitment. The final result was a very rewarding one, and I look forward a new set of initiatives during the current year.
Has the coronavirus outbreak affected the interaction of the two countries in such sectors as economy, tourism, etc. if so, how serious is the damage caused?
The coronavirus outbreak has not and will not impact the level of the bilateral relations between our two Countries. Actually, the solidarity I am receiving on a daily basis from Armenian institutions and citizens make our bonds even stronger. Italy is going through a very hard moment. Unlike 9/11, History is unfolding without a tangible enemy, but the number of casualties and of infected people captures the seriousness of the threat posed by the devious nature of Covid-19. The line taken by my Government is crystal-clear: full transparency and maximum cooperation with the WHO, the EU, our partners and the international community. There is no other way to challenge and defeat this pandemic, than by coordinating our efforts, sharing best practices and hard-won experience. Pandemics ignore borders and administrative demarcations. I am in regular contact with the Armenian Authorities, I am grateful to them for their cooperation, for the assistance they are providing to the Italian citizen affected by the virus. I also commend the transparency of your Authorities since the early appearance of the virus. When this crisis will be over – and it will be over – we will make an assessment of the toll it will have taken on business and we will quickly recover for lost time. Let me underline here that the virus is not transmitted by goods. For the time being the fight against this intangible enemy must absorb all our energies.
Italy has extensive experience in the restoration of buildings and monuments of cultural and historical heritage. It is known that the Italian side expressed its readiness to share experience with Armenia in this direction. At what stage is the interaction in this issue?
Preservation and restoration of historical heritage are indeed fields in which Italy excels. From July 2019 the Regional Office for Cultural Heritage Enhancement, Management and Protection (ROCHEMP) has started its works, and I am particularly satisfied with the ongoing cooperation between the Armenian Authorities and experts, starting from the Director of Rochemp, Dr. Ani Avagyan, and the Italian counterparts from Bologna University.
Mr. Ambassador, thank you for the interview.
A Celebration of the Life and Work of the Late Armenian-Jordanian Author/Director Margo Malatjalian
Armenian News Network / Armenian News
By Katia M. Peltekian
In Amman, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan
Prime Minister Dr. Omar Al-Razzaz
Amman: On March 7, 2020, a memorial dedicated to the late author and theater director Margaret [Margo] Malatjalian was organized by the Ministry of Culture of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan at the Royal Cultural Center in Amman. In a surprise appearance, Jordan’s Prime Minister Dr. Omar Al-Razzaz joined in the memorial to celebrate the late author/director’s life and work in the development of Jordanian children’s culture and literature.
Although Al-Razaz was not scheduled to speak at the ceremony, he took the stage and gave an impromptu speech in which he recalled the important stages of the late author’s life, her special place in developing Jordanian culture and her important role in establishing children’s literature in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Mr. Al-Razzaz even related his childhood memories as a member of Margo’s Children’s Theater group and acting in one of the plays that Margo wrote, produced and directed. Later as a father, he added, he enjoyed reading Margo’s books to his children and admired the originality of her themes.
Al-Razzaz also praised the late author as a national as well as a global personality who promoted cultural and humanitarian projects from which many Jordanian and Arab families benefited.
L-R: Minister of Culture Dr. Bassem Al-Toueysi, Prime Minister Dr. Omar Al-Razzaz
& Al-Shareefa Hind Bin Nasser
Al-Razzaz referred to one of the late author/director’s missions in developing Jordanian children’s culture by establishing the Friends of Children Club in the 1970s. The Club was a first of its kind as it had a children’s library in addition to after-school and summer activities in theater, music, arts and crafts. Al-Razzaz, once a member of the Club, reminisced about Margo’s great impact on developing the children’s personalities by providing many of them a platform where they could express themselves and communicate their thoughts and feelings through drama and theater.
Al-Razzaz also talked about the impact the late author/director had in developing children’s literature in Jordan. Her books, he said, are much loved by children because Margo’s stories enable children to understand the other, to understand their relationships with others as well as their surroundings, and to ask questions; Margo’s books talked to the child from a child’s point of view instead of an adult’s point of view. Margo’s 30 plus early-childhood books which have affected many children for the past 3 decades include diverse and appealing topics that enhance the culture of hard work through realistic characters.
The Minister of Culture Dr. Bassem Al-Toueysi stated that as the Ministry recalls the prestigious literary and cultural achievements of the late author-director Margo Malatjalian, it will remain committed to fulfilling the mission of the Ministry to support the contributions of Jordanians in enriching the Jordanian national and humanitarian culture. Therefore, the Ministry has decided to honor Margo’s achievements by reprinting a collection of the late author’s works as part of the current year’s Family Library Project.
Minister of Culture Dr. Bassem Al-Touesi
Dr. Al-Touesi also emphasized that Margo Malatjalian was a pioneer in children’s literature and culture. In fact, her valuable contributions to children’s cultural and social development can be seen through her work that spanned over 5 decades starting with the Jordan Theater Group which she co-founded in the 1960s. Dr. Al-Touesi added that Margo remained faithful to her noble mission until the last days of her life.
Dr. Al-Touesi also said: “The late writer played an important role in developing literacy and the love of classical Arabic as well as in promoting children’s culture. She toured the Arab world spreading these great values by employing various literary forms, such as story, poetry, theater and puppet theater, all of which she used to make the process of teaching and learning of the Arabic language more enjoyable and effectual in developing the love of reading.”
On her part, Al-Shareefa Hind Bin Nasser of the royal family and a long-time friend of Margo Malatjalian talked about the mission that the late author accomplished through her dealings with children, her unconditional love for them and her vision to make a real change in the quality of children’s lives. By encouraging children to express themselves, cooperate with one another, develop self-confidence and develop the culture of teamwork, Margo had a great impact on the lives of children.
Senator Haifa An-Najjar, another long-time friend and colleague of Margo Malatjalian, highlighted the late author/director’s commitment to her work with children and her belief in modern methods of education that focus on self-learning that bring pleasure to children in their learning process.
Senator Haifa An-Najjar
Ms Samar Dudin, a director and the president of the Ruwwad Development Foundation, recalled the impact the late author/director had as an inspiring role model that embodied creativity.
Representing the Jordanian Writer’s Association, Mohammad Al-Mashayekh talked about the late author’s contributions in children’s literature and culture which included over 50 children’s plays and 30 picture books.
On her part, the Director of the National Center for Culture and Arts Lina Al-Tal asserted that Margo Malatjalian collaborated enthusiastically with the activities of the Center, including the Arab Children’s Conference. She said that Margo had not only paved the way for many actresses to take roles in the performing arts in general, but also integrated this art in education and development.
During the ceremony, a short documentary film on the important stages of the author/director’s life, career and contributions was shown. The film was produced by the Ministry of Culture, written by Arwa Al-Zoubi, narrated by artist Nasr Annani and directed by Ramadan Al-Fayoumi and Isshaq Yassin.
Ms Margo Malatjalian and the Lifetime Achievement Award
from the Arab Theater Institute (2017)
12:38,
MEGHRI, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says Armenia doesn’t have a Constitutional Court in accordance with the Constitution.
“Unlike the previous one when the member of the Constitutional Court was in office for life, now the term of office of the CC judges is 12 years. Unlike the previous one, the CC President is not elected by Parliament, but by the Court itself from its judges. The term of office of the CC President is set at 6 years, compared to the previous term of office for life. This model was formed in the Constitution of Armenia, and this Constitution at this moment is in force by 100%. We have a Constitutional Court described in the Constitution, but we don’t have a Constitutional Court in accordance with what is described there”, Pashinyan said in Meghri town during the campaign for YES vote in the upcoming referendum on Constitutional amendments.
Head of the ruling My Step faction of the parliament Lilit Makunts said holding this referendum has several reasons, and the future of each citizen will be determined with this referendum. “According to the new constitution procedure currently there are 2 CC judges, the remaining 7 judges are holding office for life. Taking into account this fact, the My Step faction launched a constitutional referendum to improve this situation from legal perspective. There are also suspicions that these 7 judges are not independent and are under the influence of certain persons and groups. This is the matter of the future of each citizen of Armenia because all of us are somehow dealing with courts”, she said.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan today started the campaign for YES vote in the upcoming referendum which is scheduled on April 5. The PM started his campaign from Syunik province. He is accompanied by his spouse Anna Hakobyan, Minister of education Arayik Harutyunyan, Minister of territorial administration Suren Papikyan and My Step faction head Lilit Makunts. The April 5 referendum proposes to suspend the powers of the President and 6 judges of the Constitutional Court.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
12:18, 4 March, 2020
YEREVAN, MARH 4, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Healthcare Arsen Torosyan received Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, the ministry told Armenpress.
The sides discussed the joint projects, as well as touched upon the current situation caused by the novel coronavirus and the preventive actions.
Andrea Wiktorin welcomed the Armenian healthcare ministry’s actions on detecting the first case in the country. She expressed readiness to assist not only in fighting the new coronavirus, but also developing the healthcare sector in general.
“The transparent action taken by the healthcare ministry and the government is the best way to reduce panic”, Arsen Torosyan said, expressing readiness to cooperate on this direction.
The EU Ambassador highlighted the support to the social reforms.
“We highly value the European Union’s support to Armenia. I hope our productive cooperation will continue”, Minister Torosyan said.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Global game development leader Playrix has acquired a new studio in Yerevan. The branch is called Playrix Armenia.
The company has said that the Armenian team of the local mobile game company Plexonic has become Playrix Armenia, which will join the Playrix Group of companies, and Plexonic’s founder and CEO Gevorg Sargsyan will lead the new studio.
The Armenian team has already started developing a new casual mobile game.
“Being one of the largest mobile game developers in Armenia, we are very excited to open new perspectives for the local game development industry, this time via Playrix’s enormous scale and capacity,”” said Gevorg Sargsyan,
“Together with the talented Plexonic team, we will broaden our recruitment efforts, attract the best talent on the market, and create mobile games of the highest quality that we’re very excited about. Playrix Armenia is already on its way to becoming the largest gaming company in the region,” said Dmitri Bukhman, co-founder of Playrix.
Plexonic was founded in 2008 as the first Armenia-based game development studio and developed more than 60 casual titles since then, such as Panda Jam, Pet Savers and Stretch.
Founded by Igor and Dmitri Bukhman in 2004 in Russia, Dublin-based Playrix is one of the world’s top 5 mobile game publishers. The company has studios in over 10 cities, which employ 1000 people in total. In 2018, Playrix was recognized as one of 10 highest-earning mobile game publishers in the world.