Azerbaijan attempts to create new geopolitical realities which aren’t in interest of countries seeking stability – FM

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 11:49,

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan’s encroachment against Armenia’s territorial integrity is the direct consequence of the 2020 war unleashed by Azerbaijan against the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination and right to life, as well as the inadequate international and regional reaction to Azerbaijan’s actions of jeopardizing regional peace, Armenian caretaker Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian said during a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif in Yerevan.

“Emboldened by a sense of impunity, Azerbaijan is trying to create new geopolitical realities which are not in the interests of countries who are interested in regional stability. In these conditions dialogue with our regional partners is more than important,” Aivazian said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenian serviceman killed as result of firefight after Azeri troops opened fire

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 17:15,

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS. An Armenian serviceman was killed on May 25 near the border with Azerbaijan. 

The Defense Ministry said that Junior Sergeant G. Khurshudyan (born 1989) was killed during a firefight which began after the Azerbaijani troops had opened fire at the border section of the Verin Shorzha village in Gegharkunik Province. The junior sergeant was a contract serviceman.

The Ministry of Defense said “Junior Sergeant V. Khurshudyan suffered a fatal gunshot wound as a result of the exchange of fire which started after the adversary opened fire”.

“The situation is now under control, there is no shooting,” the defense ministry said. 

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenian MFA: We reject the false agenda of “disputed territories”

MediaMax, Armenia
May 21 2021

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Spokesperson of the Armenian MFA Anna Naghdalyan today has stated that the delimitation and further demarcation of the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan “should be part of a comprehensive peaceful settlement of the conflict, in the framework of which the de-occupation of territories of the Artsakh Republic and determination of the Artsakh Republic’s final legal status should be resolved under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group.”

“Proposal of conditions through use of force or threat of force is a gross violation of the international law. Armenia will not give in to such pressure. Armenia rejects the introduction of the false agenda of so-called “disputed territories” that can be a dangerous precedent for justification of use of force in other territories as well.

Having failed to fulfill the obligations under the November 9 trilateral statement, in particular the release of all Armenian POWs and civilian detainees as well as implementation of other humanitarian agreements, Azerbaijan once again demonstrates its policy of breaking its international obligations,” said Anna Naghdalyan.

Report-resolution reaffirming recognition of Genocide to be put up to voting in European Parliament

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 13:20,

YEREVAN, MAY 19, ARMENPRESS. A report-resolution over Turkey will be put up to voting in the European Parliament on May 19, according to which the EP reaffirms it calls for recognizing the Armenian Genocide. It also calls on Turkey to refrain from any anti-Armenian propaganda and hate speech and fully respect its commitments on preserving the Armenian culture, the Armenian Embassy in Belgium told Armenpress.

“On May 19, during the plenary session the European Parliament in its report relating to Turkey is reaffirming its calls for recognizing the Armenian Genocide. It also calls on Turkey to refrain from any anti-Armenian propaganda and hate speech and fully respect its commitments on protecting the Armenian culture. The report also makes several references to Turkey’s negative role in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict”, the Armenian Embassy said in a statement.

The report-resolution condemns the fact that Turkey, instead of stopping the hostilities and calling for resumption of peaceful negotiations under the OSCE Minsk Group, has unconditionally supported Azerbaijan’s military actions, contributed to their continuation, thus leading to the escalation of tension. It also condemns the transfer of foreign militants by Turkey from Syria and other sites to Nagorno Karabakh.

The resolution calls on the Turkish government to protect the rights of ethnic and religious minorities living in Turkey, including ethnic Armenian citizens and Christians, and to immediately adopt a comprehensive legislation that will ban discrimination.

The voting will take place today in the evening.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

CoE: Increasing fiscal autonomy and fiscal capacity of local authorities in Armenia

Council of Europe
May 6 2021
Increasing fiscal autonomy and fiscal capacity of local authorities in Armenia              
Increasing fiscal autonomy and fiscal capacity of local authorities in Armenia – Democratic Governance newsroom

How can states promote decentralisation of powers and competences to local authorities while ensuring a fair distribution of resources and adequate service provision without increasing the fiscal burden on citizens? This is the essence of the question being discussed by senior officials from Austria, Albania, Finland, Italy, and Ukraine in the context of a Peer Review by the European Committee of Democracy and Governance (CDDG) in Armenia this week.

The Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure (MTAI) of the Republic of Armenia is currently preparing amendments to the legislative framework pertaining to local self-government in order to further fiscal and financial decentralisation, support the reorganisation of tax administration for local self-government units, and promote adherence to Article 9 of the European Charter of Local Self-Government – Financial resources of local authorities.

In successive monitoring reports, the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe has raised concerns about the level of financial autonomy and access to adequate financial resources of local authorities in Armenia. It has also noted discrepancies in the financial equalisation system.

Organised by videoconference, the Peer Review team will meet with a broad range of officials and stakeholders, and participate in a public roundtable discussion on possible reforms to the equalisation system and measures to improve fiscal capacity and enhance local taxes. This type of intergovernmental exercise falls at the intersection of Council of Europe monitoring, standard-setting and cooperation activities.

The Council of Europe, through the Democratic Development, Decentralisation and Good Governance in Armenia project implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Good Governance, has been supporting this process. Project activities have included the provision of legal and policy advice and the preparation of a baseline assessment of standard expenditure needs and a pilot benchmarking of municipal services. The project is implemented in the context of the Council of Europe Action Plan for Armenia and funded by the Austrian Development Agency.

Robert Kocharyan: Upcoming elections will not go smoothly

Panorama, Armenia
April 30 2021

The upcoming snap parliamentary elections in Armenia will not go smoothly, Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan told a meeting with his supporters on April 26, expressing conviction the current authorities will make every effort to win reelection.

The official Facebook page of the former president released a video featuring the third part of the meeting on Friday.

However, Kocharyan stated the participation of every citizen in the elections will enable Armenia to get out of a situation in which many are going to emigrate and the nation has “bowed its head”, adding great efforts are needed to restore and strengthen the economy, Armenia’s position in negotiations and important role in the region.

Kocharyan is convinced that “we have the necessary potential due to which we can create a modern state, introducing technologies and becoming stronger.” 

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 27-04-21

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 17:20,

YEREVAN, 27 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 27 April, USD exchange rate down by 0.17 drams to 520.29 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.82 drams to 627.78 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 6.94 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.91 drams to 722.47 drams.

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

Gold price down by 151.09 drams to 29664.08 drams. Silver price down by 0.39 drams to 436.76 drams. Platinum price down by 240.99 drams to 20575.08 drams.

Despite difficulties, we managed to overcome crisis at Ucom – Chairman of UCOM Board of Directors

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 20:18,

YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. Co-founder of Galaxy Group of Companies and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ucom, Gurgen Khachatryan, has released a statement today, which reads,

“Around this time a year ago, active attempts towards dismantling Ucom began. Illegal activities were aimed at creating an uncontrollable situation in our company by circles that are well-known to everybody, as a result of which they were hopping we would have to alienate the result of our 12 years of daily work, Ucom, and leave it to some dubious entities.

I remember exactly during those days, when my father was deprived of his right to medical care while in detention, our partner of 12 years, all of a sudden, realized that, apparently, we had disagreements and threatened that if we didn’t accept his agenda, over 500 employees would resign, leaving the Ucom network hanging. I will remain silent about further details due to business correctness.

Today, almost a year later, I want to state that despite the difficulties, we still managed to overcome the crisis. Our team was able to restore the company’s stability with dignity and institutional approach. The staff of Ucom demonstrated exceptional will and responsibility, not compromising the interests of the customers even in the most difficult days.

The business community showed reliable behavior and willingness to support their partner, and our competitors—VivaCell-MTS and Beeline Armenia—maintained exceptional solidarity. I am grateful that collective force and backing was shown in support of an Armenian operator.

I find it imperative to emphasize that in this difficult year, our team overcame the challenge of Covid19, guided by the priority of health security on one hand and maintaining the integrity of the teams on the other. The war set a new agenda: Ucom worked day and night to provide a variety of support to the army through technical assistance, comprehensive communication measures and direct donations. I must say with great sorrow that three employees of Ucom sacrificed their lives for the defense of our homeland. We bow before them and honor their memories.

Today, when many of us have lost a family member to the coronavirus or the war, suffered devastating economic losses, perhaps lost the prospect of future stability, we still cannot afford to give in. Obstacles come to test and challenge our will and endurance.

I am convinced that Ucom will continue to serve Armenia on an even stronger footing, contributing to the restoration and development of the country՛s economy through its human potential, strategic infrastructure, international partnership and bringing in new investments”.

Sports: 5 Armenia gymnasts to participate in championship in Basel

News.am, Armenia
April 16 2021

Five Armenian gymnasts, including Artur Davtyan, Vahagn Davtyan, Artur Avetisyan, Gagik Khachikyan and Armen Petrosyan will represent Armenia at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Basel, Switzerland from April 21 to 25. The team will leave for Basel on April 17.

The Armenian national artistic gymnastics team’s manager Hakob Serobyan will referee along with Elfik Nazaryan, and Hayk Nazaryan will coach the team in Basel.

Out of the members of the Armenia artistic gymnastics team, only Artur Davtyan has a pass to the Olympics.

Lusine Shahbazyan


Armenian Genocide Survivor Dies Aged 106

Greek City News
by Paul Antonopoulos

A survivor of the Armenian Genocide passed away at the age of 106.

Ovsanna Mirkhanyan passed away in Lenughi village of Armenia’s western Armavir province, her son Sargis Mirkhanyan told Armenpress.

“She has undergone a complex surgery,” her son Sargis Mirkhanyan said.

“Besides, she could not get out of bed because she fell in the yard,” he explained.

“We are 5 children. My mother had 2 daughters in Syria, they both died”, Mirkhanyan added.

Ovsanna Mirkhanyan was the last genocide survivor in the Turkish-bordering province.