Author: Khondkarian Raffi

Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul comments on Pashinyan-Erdogan phone talk

Khondkarian Raffi

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 12:50,

YEREVAN, JULY 12, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul Sahak Mashalian issued a statement over the July 11 telephone conversation between Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan where he expressed hope that this phone talk will open a new page of friendship in the Armenian-Turkish relations.

“The telephone conversation between President of Turkey Mr. Erdogan and Prime Minister of Armenia Mr. Pashinyan was a festive gift that rekindled the hopes of peace of our world, surrounded by news of war. I pray for the peaceful methods of diplomacy to win, not for the weapons, wars and deaths. I hope this telephone conversation will help open a new page of friendship in the Turkish-Armenian thousand-year-old relations”, the statement says.

Increase of flights, mutual visits of tour operators: What will Armenia’s visa facilitation give to Egyptian citizens?

Khondkarian Raffi

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 09:40, 8 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenian travel agencies call the facilitation of visa procedures for the citizens of Egypt a very important step.

Anriva Tour, which is the official representative of Air Cairo in Armenia, is operating regular flights from Armenia to Egypt for already five years. The tour agency hopes that the visa facilitation will ensure a great tourist flow to Armenia. Director of Anriva Tour Lilit Muradyan told Armenpress that this step of the government will positively affect Armenia’s economy.

“We take quite a large number of Armenian tourists to Egypt, it would be much better if Egyptians visit our country and have a chance to discover it. Previously, the procedure of obtaining visa was quite complex, but now in fact the citizens of Egypt can apply for a visa online or visit a diplomatic mission of Armenia. Moreover, the citizens of Egypt, who have a visa of EU countries, the USA and a number of other countries, can obtain the Armenian visa at the Zvartnots airport. As you see, the process is quite simplified. These new regulations come into force from July 11, we should wait for its launch in order to understand how long it takes to give an answer, and then we will organize our work”, she said.

She said that they have received many inquiries from Egyptian citizens for spending their vacation in Armenia, especially during the New Year. As the previous procedures of obtaining visa were difficult, it was taking a long time, and they could not understand how to regulate the process.

“Now it’s a very good chance for many Egyptian tourists to visit Armenia. We spread information about country, about the tours in Egypt via the Armenian community and our partner companies. We have sent packages in average prices. We are already working, but now we will do it more intensively because the biggest problem with visas is already solved”, she said, adding that they also consider increasing the number of flights.

President of the Armenian Tourism Federation Mekhak Apresyan also called this visa facilitation for Egyptian citizens an important step. He said the proposal on this direction was made years ago.

“Egypt is a very big market, it’s a country with a population of over 100 million. Let’s not forget that there are 10 million Copts. We have a lot to do to attract the attention of Egyptian tourists to Armenia. I want to inform that we have an initiative within the frames of which we are planning to organize mutual cognitive visits of tour operators. The Egyptian tour operators will visit Armenia, we will present them our tourism opportunities. The member companies of the Federation will be hosted in Egypt. The tourism opportunities of Egypt will be presented. This mutual activeness will greatly affect our country’s economy. Those who will organize flights to Egypt will not work unilaterally, they will not take tourists from Armenia only, but will bring tourists from Egypt. As a result, the airlines will start operating actively and the flights will become more frequent”, Mekhak Apresyan said.

Armenia is facilitating visa procedures for citizens of Egypt

Noubar Afeyan bestowed with title of Honorary Doctor of Yerevan State University

Khondkarian Raffi

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 16:26, 7 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. American-Armenian entrepreneur, philanthropist and inventor Noubar Afeyan was bestowed with a title of Honorary Doctor of the Yerevan State University today.

The ceremony took place at the YSU’s ISTC Center.

YSU Rector Hovhannes Hovhannisyan said that Afeyan’s biography and activity are a vivid example of patriotism, responsibility, skillfulness, great dedication to experience, love, honest aspirations and high human qualities.

“Recently we have been witnessing major movements in science sector, and the efforts of the government in this sense were quite huge last year, thanks to which the funding for science increased by 83%. We think this step will positively affect in engaging the youth in science. The efforts of Mr. Afeyan aimed at keeping the youth in science are invaluable and welcome. We are ready for cooperation on different matters for the benefit of the Yerevan State University, the students and the teaching staff”, the YSU Rector said.

Afeyan said he has happy and proud of being awarded with the title of the Honorary Doctor of the most powerful university of Yerevan – the YSU.

“This title is obliging for me. I have few connections in Armenia, but I am happy that I attended it and I hope we could create ties with the university in the future”, he said.

Rep. Schiff introduces NDAA amendment calling for immediate release of Armenian POWs

Khondkarian Raffi
Panorama
Armenia – July 6 2022

Congressman Adam Schiff  has introduced an ANCA-backed bi-partisan amendment to the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) calling for Azerbaijan’s immediate release of Armenian POWs and captured civilians, the ANCA reports.

Amendment #698 is co-sponsored by Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), U.S. Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA), Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D-MA), Congressman Jim Costa (D-CA), Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), Congressman Tom Malinowski (D-NJ), Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-NJ), Rep. Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), and Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA).

The ANCA is leading a grassroots effort to secure additional co-sponsors prior to next week’s House Rules Committee consideration of the amendment.

NDAA amendments  ruled “in order” by the House Rules Committee will be voted on by the full U.S. House.

Armenia premier to not apologize to Constitutional Court ex-chief judge

Khondkarian Raffi
NEWS.am
Armenia – July 5 2022
15:28, 05.07.2022

The appellate court has overturned the court of first instance decision by which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was obligated to apologize to the former president—and now a judge—of the Constitutional Court of Armenia, Hrayr Tovmasyan. Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned about this from the from the “DataLex” Judicial Information System.

The Civil Court of Appeal granted Pashinyan’s appeal, and overturned the aforesaid decision by the court of first instance.

And with another decision, the court denied Tovmasyan’s request for an apology.

Hrayr Tovmasyan, the former president—and now a judge—of the Constitutional Court, had filed a lawsuit against PM Nikol Pashinyan to obligate him to apologize for making insulting expressions and deny defamatory information.

As a result, a Yerevan court of first instance had obligated the PM to deny the defamatory statements regarding Constitutional Court judge Hrayr Tovmasyan and partially granted the claim.

And Nikol Pashinyan had appealed to the Civil Court of Appeal, appealing the Yerevan court of first instance’s partial granting of Tovmasyan’s claim against him.

Armenpress: The number of births has increased in Artsakh

Khondkarian Raffi

The number of births has increased in Artsakh

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 17:16, 5 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 5, ARMENPRESS. In the first half of the current year, 864 births were registered in Artsakh, which, compared to the same period of 2021, is an increase of 204 or 131 %. ARMENPRESS reports Lilia Petrosyan, Head of the Social-Demographic and Labor Market Statistics Department of the National Statistical Service of the Artsakh Republic, told ARTSAKHPRESS.

“Boys predominated among the newborns, making up 53.6 percent. The most popular names for boys are: Davit, Tigran, Hayk, and for girls – Mane, Maria, Eva,” said Lilia Petrosyan.

According to her, during the reporting period, compared to the previous year, the number of registered deaths decreased by 22.5 percent. As a result, in the first half of this year, the natural increase of the population of the Republic was 372 people.

Protesters urge EU envoy to properly respond to human rights abuses in Armenia

Khondkarian Raffi
Panorama
Armenia – July 4 2022

POLITICS 13:03 04/07/2022 ARMENIA

Opposition protesters on Monday urged EU Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin to properly respond to the ongoing human rights abuses in Armenia.

Members and supporters of the resistance movement marched to the EU office in central Yerevan to raise the issues of opposition activists facing political persecution and Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan. 

“You always point out that Armenia needs a strong civil society, that is a key complement of any democratic society, So, why aren’t you enthusiastic to see these people here. Why don’t you address their serious concerns?” said Lilit Beglaryan, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the RPA Youth Organization, addressing the EU envoy.

“You always proudly mentioned that you work with the current Armenian government in promoting democracy and strengthening the rule of law and the judiciary. So, the result of your work is threats to the judiciary system and its independence, the backsliding of democracy, the pressure on media and the violence against journalists. But you keep silent,” she said.

She accused the EU delegation of turning a blind eye to mass human rights violations in Armenia.

“It’s time for you either to give a proper and unbiased assessment to these violations and democratic backsliding, or to explain the reason of your persistent silence,” the protester said.

Armenian Genocide Essay By Fifth-Grader Honored By Monmouth County

Khondkarian Raffi
New Jersey – June 29 2022
Pat McDaniel,Patch Staff
Historical Commissioner Glenn Cashion (right) presented James Badishkanian (left) from Oak Hill Academy in Middletown with the first-place award for his essay, “A Boy From Dikranagerd.” Cashion said James exhibited “outstanding” oratorical skills. (Photo courtesy of Monmouth County)

FREEHOLD, NJ – History in all its forms – from the beauty of houses lovingly preserved to a fifth-grader’s essay about the horrors of the Armenian genocide – received recognition recently from the Monmouth County Historical Commission.

The Historical Commission announced the winners of the 2022 Fifth-Grade History Essay Contest.

“This year marks the Historical Commission’s 29th year of holding the annual essay contest, and each year I am captivated by the student’s historical essays,” said Commissioner Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Historical Commission.

James Badishkanian from Oak Hill Academy in Middletown was awarded first place for his essay, “A Boy From Dikranagerd.” And it was a riveting essay about his great-grandfather Robert’s harrowing survival of a genocide by Turks in the town of Dikranagerd in Armenia.

The attack there killed Robert’s family, except for one other brother. They were two of eight siblings. The two eventually made their way to America, where Robert and his wife, Rose, worked in various jobs in the early 1900s and ultimately became owners of a bridal gown business in Orange, still in operation today, the essay said.

As James put it “this is a very heartbreaking part of my family history, but it is very important to keep tragic events from happening again. My appreciation for history has grown.”

Other students’ essays were also recognized by the commission:

For example, second place went to Riley Lanigan from Atlantic Highlands Elementary School for her essay, “The Presidential Table.”

This was a story she learned from her grandmother about her great, great, great grandfather Peter Glass who emigrated from Germany in 1844 and was known for his marquetry work with wood.

In 1864 he was commissioned to make a tilt-top table for President Abraham Lincoln, which he did using 20,000 pieces of inlaid wood, the essay said. The table was on display in Chicago when the president was assassinated, but it still went to the Lincoln family. It now is at the Illinois Governor’s Mansion. Riley said in the essay she was proud of her ancestor, she wrote, not just for his artistic skill, but that his gift was in honor a president who abolished slavery.

Third place was awarded to Madeline Dougherty from St. Leo the Great School in Middletown for her essay, “Twin Lights History,” and to Julianna Saliga from St. James Elementary School in Red Bank for her essay, “The Vietnam War Memorial Museum.”

“Many of our students write about historical sites they visited, and some write about their family’s history, which we believe helps increase their interest in history,”
Burry said.

The commission also announced the recipients of the county’s 2022 Historic Preservation Awards.

The awards are presented to individuals or organizations “who have undertaken restoration and preservation projects for historic buildings in Monmouth County.

“The Preservation Awards are a marvelous way to express our gratitude to those who have dedicated their time and money to preserve historical buildings in Monmouth County,” said Burry.

“Preserving these buildings and structures takes a lot of patience, and I am truly grateful to those who have committed themselves to helping conserve Monmouth County’s history.”

The Historical Commission recognized:

  • Albert Wilcox and Jeffery Rudell for substantially restoring their 1887 Queen Anne Victorian House at 112 Main Ave. in Ocean Grove.
  • Leslie and Jay Eaton were recognized for adaptively restoring their George Barlow 1892 Horse Barn and Carriage House at 916 Broad St. in Shrewsbury.
  • Preston Filoz was recognized for rescuing and restoring his 1720 Dutch-framed Colonial House, known as Maple Hall, located at 409 Rt. 537, Colts Neck.

For information about the County’s Historical Commission visit the County’s website at www.visitmonmouth.com.

https://patch.com/new-jersey/freehold/armenian-genocide-essay-fifth-grader-honored-monmouth-county

Zakharova: Implementation of the agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan will ensure a comprehensive normalization …

Khondkarian Raffi
ARMINFO
Armenia – June 29 2022
Marianna Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo. Moscow has always emphasized that the unblocking of all transport and economic ties in the South Caucasus works to consolidate positive trends and,  ultimately, to improve the situation in the region. Official  representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova,  announced this on June 29 during a weekly briefing.

In her opinion, the implementation of the relevant agreements of the  three countries (statements by the leaders of Russia, Armenia,  Azerbaijan, ed. note) will ensure a comprehensive normalization of  relations between Baku and Yerevan.

On the night of November 10, the presidents of Russia, Azerbaijan and  the Prime Minister of Armenia announced that the war in Nagorno  Karabakh was being stopped. The fighting ended on November 10 at 1:00  am (exactly at midnight Moscow time). Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev  and Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement, which discusses the  terms of peace in Nagorno-Karabakh.

According to this notorious agreement, 9 regions around  Nagorno-Karabakh were transferred to Azerbaijan, including two from  the NKAO. Moreover, Russia sent a contingent of peacekeepers to  Nagorno-Karabakh for a period of at least 5 years. If neither Armenia  nor Azerbaijan objects, this period will automatically be extended  for another five years. They will control the Lachin corridor, which  links Stepanakert with Armenia. According to the statement of the  Russian Ministry of Defense, the control will be carried out by about  1,960 servicemen, 90 armored personnel carriers and 380 units of  special and automotive equipment.

The parties also agreed to unblock all transport and economic ties in  the region, and return all prisoners of war on the “all for all”  principle. It is noteworthy that this point is not fulfilled by  Azerbaijan 1.5 years after the signing of the statement.

Karabakh Ombudsman sheds light on resettlement plans

Khondkarian Raffi
PanArmenian
Armenia – July 1 2022
July 1, 2022 – 15:38 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Ombudsman of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Gegham Stepanyan has said that people who might be displaced once a new corridor connecting Karabakh to Armenia is ready will either be resettled in other communities of Artsakh or Armenia.

If it comes to resettlement, Stepanyan said, the residents of the village of Aghavno will move to the villages of Hin Shen and Mets Shen in Karabakh, while the residents of Berdzor might receive housing in Armenia.

“Residents of Kashatagh can make us of preferential conditions for obtaining apartments in Armenia,” Stepanyan said.

Stepanyan’s comments came days after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan revealed that there is a “preliminary understanding” that Lachin corridor connecting Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) will be changed. Asked what will happen to the residents of communities in the current corridor, Pashinyan said those territories will pass under the control of Azerbaijan.