Author: Maghakian Mike

Asbarez: Ferrahian Students to Take Part in Singapore Model UN

Maghakian Mike
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Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School seniors

BY TALINE NAHAPETIAN

Ferrahian’s High School students will embark on a journey of a lifetime as they explore the architectural marvel of Marina Bay Sands and savor delectable dim-sum at the renowned Hawker Centers in the vibrant metropolitan city of Singapore. Our destination: a Model UN conference, promising an experience filled with cultural richness and academic excellence.

Participating in Model UN has been one of the many opportunities us Ferrahian students have been able to partake in. Once a year, we attend a conference at UCLA where we are able to discuss pressing issues that ultimately revolve around dictating the development of the international world. Becoming well-versed in tackling pressing global issues, from climate change to international diplomacy has paved the way for interactive learning, the development of new perspectives, as well as collaborative skills.

Fortunately, Chaperoned by Mrs. Sossi Shanlian, Principal, Mrs. Melanie Carlin, Model UN Coordinator, Miss Sose Kurdian, Model UN Coach, Mr. Vahe Benlian (Board Chair), 32 Ferrahian high schoolers are able to continue this passion for debate with the allure of Singapore, with its blend of modernity and tradition, serving as the perfect backdrop for the upcoming international Model UN conference.

The conference itself will be a platform for intellectual growth and cultural exchange. As we will engage with students from diverse backgrounds, from all corners of the globe, us delegates will not only discuss pressing global issues but also build bridges of understanding and friendship. This conference transcends academic boundaries, fostering a sense of global citizenship among us participants.

However, it won’t be all serious business for us delegates. No trip to Singapore is complete without indulging in the gastronomic delights and breathtaking views that the city offers. We will be able to even connect with the Armenian community, as we will visit the Armenian church and museum of St.Gregory the Illuminator. We will even be able to see some of the geographical attractions Singapore has to offer, such as Sentosa island where we can enjoy pristine beaches and a wealth of entertainment options. One of our head delegates, Zella Sarkissian, tells us that, “I am so beyond excited to visit Singapore with my classmates, visiting alone is an amazing experience, but being able to do it with my classmates, friends, and teachers is going to be absolutely extraordinary.” 

The upcoming Model UN conference in Singapore promises to be an exhilarating journey for us Ferrahian High School students. Beyond the academic excellence and intellectual growth that the conference is known for, this unique experience in the vibrant city of Singapore will provide a perfect blend of cultural richness and global perspective. This journey is set to be an unforgettable experience that goes beyond academic boundaries, creating lasting memories of collaborative learning and cultural exchange.

Taline Nahapetian is a senior at Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School.



Historic agreement: Visa-free travel between Republic of Armenia and United Arab Emirates

Maghakian Mike
Zawya
Jan 23 2024

Armenia continues to offer a streamlined visa protocol for UAE passport holders, who can enjoy visa-free travel to Armenia for up to 180 days within a year

Press Release

Dubai, UAE; In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates announced the elimination of entry visa requirements for citizens of the Republic of Armenia, effective February 1, 2024. Starting from this date, citizens of the Republic of Armenia can seamlessly enter, exit, and transit through the United Arab Emirates without the need for an entry visa or associated fees. Armenia continues to offer a streamlined visa protocol for UAE passport holders, who can enjoy visa-free travel to Armenia for up to 180 days within a year.

These protocols help to foster stronger ties and make exploration and cultural exchange between the two dynamic countries more accessible and enjoyable. It marks a new era of cooperation between Armenia and the United Arab Emirates, and will continue to create opportunities for tourism, and growth.

Sisian Boghossian, the Head of the Tourism Committee of Armenia, states “We are thrilled with the announcement of visa-free travel between Armenia and the United Arab Emirates, and we are optimistic that other countries will follow, unlocking a world of opportunities for tourism. We look forward to continuing to welcome our friends from the United Arab Emirates to Armenia, and to build stronger tourism ties with this wonderful country.”

Key Highlights:

  • Commencement Date: February 1, 2024
  • Visa Exemption: Republic of Armenia citizens can travel to the United Arab Emirates without entry visa requirements.
  • Passport Validity: Ensure passport is valid for at least 6 months from arrival.
  • Stay Duration: maximum stay of 90 days is permitted within each 180-day period.

Further details are available here: https://www.mfa.am/en/visa/

-Ends-

About Armenia

Armenia, a country nestled in the Caucasus region, is a land of captivating landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. This hidden gem offers a diverse array of experiences, from natural splendor to ancient treasures, modern adventures, and culinary delights. For more information about Armenia, please visit https://armenia.travel/

Media Library: https://armenia.travel/media-library/

For media enquiries, please contact:


https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/companies-news/historic-agreement-visa-free-travel-between-republic-of-armenia-and-united-arab-emirates-tw9ksok5

Armenpress: Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs condemn dangerous rhetoric from Aliyev

Maghakian Mike

 21:16,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Co-Chairs Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Gus M. Bilirakis (FL-12), David G. Valadao (CA-21), and Adam B. Schiff (CA-30) released a statement on Thursday condemning dangerous statements made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in his January 10 interview to local TV networks, laying claim to Armenian territory and refusing to withdraw his troops.

“President Aliyev’s most recent escalatory remarks, including his refusal to remove troops from Armenian territory, follow the same pattern he used in the build up to the ethnic cleansing of over 100,000 Armenians in Artsakh last fall. He makes hostile statements, uses those claims to justify further mobilizing his military, and then takes aggressive action because he believes there will not be any consequences. The international community has sadly proven him right with its inaction over the last few years.

“It is past time we hold his regime accountable for the belligerent rhetoric and actions it has taken against Armenians in the South Caucasus. The United States and our regional partners should use every diplomatic tool, including sanctions, to help guarantee the territorial integrity of Armenia and push back against Aliyev’s blatant threats against it. We call on the State Department and our international partners to take immediate action to halt any further Azeri aggression and ensure Armenia’s safety and security,” reads the statement.

Secretary of Security Council made a note in Condolence Book of Iranian Embassy

Maghakian Mike

 18:31, 5 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 5, ARMENPRESS. Secretary of the Armenian Security Council Armen Grigoryan on Friday visited the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan  and  made a note in Condolence Book opened at the Embassy, wishing a speedy recovery to the victims of the terrorist attack in Kerman.

According to Sputnik Armenia, in an interview with journalists, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan said that Armenia is in contact with the Islamic Republic of Iran to understand what assistance  Armenia could provide to the friendly country.

"The Republic of Armenia condemns  any form of terrorism and  is ready to help the Islamic Republic of Iran, its government and the people to overcome the difficult situation," said Grigoryan.

Opinion: Frontline view of war in the South Caucasus by a Tulsan

Maghakian Mike
Dec 27 2023

EDITOR'S PICK

  • Skylar Yoder

Iknew Armenia had experienced on-again, off-again conflict with Azerbaijan, its neighbor to the east, over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh. But I did not expect all hell to break loose precisely as I was packing to go there on a journalistic internship.

After some heated consultations I proceeded anyway, arriving in Yerevan at 3 a.m. on Sept. 24, bleary-eyed and not knowing what to expect from my time at the Civilnet news website, sponsored by The Armenia Project NGO.

Across the border, just a few hours’ drive away, a major drama was unfolding. Azerbaijan had attacked the autonomous, Armenian-populated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh days earlier, and in a shocking development, almost the entire population of 120,000 fled their homes for Armenia, a country of less than 3 million.

Within days, my host organization called to say a refugee family, outside sleeping in their car, would like to move in with me. It was an exhausted-looking couple in their 40s and their daughter, no more than 5 years old. She was very quiet for a small child.

I was eager to find out more, but they did not speak English. So, I took to bringing home coloring books and crayons and craft supplies for the girl by the door, hoping to make the family feel welcome. Eventually the girl became more animated; once I even heard her laughing.

One night, I heard a knock at my bedroom door. It was the mother and daughter, who had come to give me some bananas. “My baby wants to thank you,” said the mother. “Thank you!” I struggled to fathom how a family that had left everything behind and now had next to nothing went out of their way to give me something.

World Central Kitchen, in partnership with the Armenian General Benevolent Union, set up a food preparation and distribution site in our building, providing meals to refugees. The mother started to work there, and I stopped by.

There I met another woman named Emma who fled Nagorno-Karabakh with her 94-year-old mother, who died in Armenia immediately after the 30-plus hour journey. She said her mother died realizing she was never going home. The woman’s fervent wish was to bury her mother back there, next to her father.

The Yerablur Military Cemetery, the busiest I’ve ever seen, was thronged by the bereaved diligently cleaning graves. Most of the gravestones were for young men, and several were elaborately decorated for birthdays they would never celebrate. I watched them from a respectful distance.

In early October, I traveled to the border town of Goris, through which much of the mass displacement had passed. I was struck by the contrast between the landscape’s stunning beauty and the darkness of mood. That same week, colleagues from CivilNet’s office in Stepanakert, the capital of the enclave, had arrived safely in Yerevan. I’m proud to have worked alongside them to bring this important story to the world.

Friends from abroad would ask me, “How is Armenia?” I struggled to explain in a text message about living and working alongside people who have lost so much. How it is devastating, but also inspires hope.

I was amazed at how war can permeate all aspects of life. The experience has deepened my conviction that this is my calling: telling the untold story, giving voice to the voiceless and reporting on underreported events.

As a native of Tulsa, I know events in faraway places like Armenia can seem irrelevant to our lives, especially with so many conflicts competing for our attention today. But beyond the economic and security ripple effects of war, there is also our shared humanity. And in the case of Armenia, the first state to adopt Christianity in the 4th century, shared religion.

Skylar Yoder, a former political analyst for the U.S. Federal Government, is an aspiring foreign correspondent. She is a native of Tulsa.

https://tulsaworld.com/opinion/column/opinion-frontline-view-of-war-in-the-south-caucasus-by-a-tulsan/article_bf754a02-9c8d-11ee-a30a-5730026f2771.html 

Armenia’s Ex-President Robert Kocharian Ends Trial by Invoking Statute of Limitations

Maghakian Mike
Dec 28 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

The decade-long legal saga surrounding Armenia’s former President Robert Kocharian reached its conclusion on Wednesday in Yerevan. Kocharian, who led Armenia from 1998 to 2008, agreed to invoke the statute of limitations on corruption charges while steadfastly professing his innocence. This move brings an end to a trial that has been as much about political rivalry as it has about the pursuit of justice.

Kocharian’s legal troubles began in July 2018, following the ‘velvet revolution’ that saw Nikol Pashinian assume power. Initially, the accusations against the ex-president were tied to a 2008 crackdown on opposition protesters. Later, charges were added, alleging that he had accepted a hefty $3 million bribe from an Armenian businesswoman.

Kocharian, alongside his former chief of staff and two retired generals, began their trial proceedings in May 2019. The former president dismissed the charges as politically motivated, portraying them as a ‘political vendetta’ orchestrated by Pashinian.

(Read Also: France Declares Two Azerbaijani Diplomats ‘Persona Non Grata’ Amid Diplomatic Strife)

In a legal twist, the coup-related charges were annulled in 2021 by the Constitutional Court of Armenia. However, the bribery allegations remained. Judge Anna Danibekian eventually closed the case, citing the expiration of the statute of limitations without pronouncing a verdict of acquittal or conviction.

Interestingly, Kocharian had previously resisted invoking the statute, holding out for full acquittal. But in a change of stance, he chose to invoke the statute to seek medical treatment abroad.

(Read Also: Azerbaijani Offensive Sparks Refugee Crisis in Armenia)

The conclusion of the trial carries significant financial implications as well. It results in the return of 2 billion drams ($5 million) in bail money to his daughter Gayane and the unfreezing of Kocharian’s assets.

Despite the charges, Kocharian, who now leads Armenia’s primary opposition alliance, would have evaded prison even if found guilty due to the statute of limitations.

Iranian and Armenian Foreign Ministers Convene in Yerevan: A Spotlight on Diplomacy

Maghakian Mike
 bnn 
HongKong – Dec 27 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

In a significant diplomatic development, the foreign ministers of Iran and Armenia, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Ararat Mirzoyan respectively, are convening a joint press conference in Yerevan, Armenia today. This event, accessible live through social media platforms, underscores the mutual commitment between the two nations to foster closer relations and enhance regional cooperation.

The meeting between the two ministers is expected to delve into the potential expansion of political, economic, and cultural ties. The primary focus of their dialogue is likely to revolve around enhancing these bilateral relations and potential avenues of cooperation. This visit from Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian is a testament to the importance Iran places on its relationship with Armenia.

Aside from bilateral matters, the conference is also expected to address broader regional issues. Prior to arriving in Yerevan, Minister Amir-Abdollahian had telephonic conversations with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Russia, suggesting a wider agenda for discussion. Such engagements indicate the significance of diplomatic dialogue in navigating the complex terrain of international relations.

The ministers’ meeting holds particular relevance for the South Caucasus region. The press conference could provide insights into the ‘3+3’ format, a cooperative framework involving Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Georgia, Iran, Russia, and Armenia. This diplomatic engagement further underscores the role of dialogue and mutual understanding in promoting regional stability and cooperation.

In conclusion, the joint press conference between the foreign ministers of Iran and Armenia signifies an ongoing commitment to dialogue and cooperation. It serves as a reminder of the pivotal role diplomacy plays in fostering international relations and regional stability.

Armenia’s economic activity index grows 9,4% in 11 months

Maghakian Mike

 12:34,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s economic activity index grew 9,4% in January-November of 2023 compared to the same period of 2022, according to official data published by the Statistical Committee.

Industrial production output grew 2,1% in the 11 months.  

Construction grew 15,6%.

Trade turnover grew 24,3%, while services grew 11,1%.

The consumer price index grew 2,2%, while the industrial product price index grew 1,7%.

Energy production dropped 4,3%.

Foreign trade turnover grew 42,4% (exports grew 44,7% and imports grew 41%).

Armenia and Cyprus intensify business ties

Maghakian Mike

 12:52,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Chief Executive Officer of the M. Target Group (Cyprus) Odysseas Melikides is visiting Armenia to explore opportunities to enhance Armenia-Cyprus business ties.

Speaking at a press conference in Yerevan, Melikides mentioned that there’s little information about Armenia in Cyprus. “Many in Cyprus are unaware of the business opportunities in Armenia and Armenian products,” he said. “We are here to study the conditions on spot and establish new contacts. We’ve already met with local businessmen from various sectors, beverage production, textile, IT. We’ve discussed the main issues regarding access to foreign markets. This is my first time in Armenia and I am very impressed. For 2024, we have the goal to help Armenian businessmen enter not only the European market, but also to make businessmen in Cyprus get to know the Armenian market. There’s big potential to intensify the cooperation and we must work,” Odysseas Melikides said.

The visit is organized by the Council of the International Business Relations Support.

Mariam Manukyan, the President of the Council of the International Business Relations Support, said that she visited Cyprus together with a business delegation earlier this year. She said that her partners in Cyprus are engaged in serious work to intensify economic ties and raise awareness about customs and tax regulations. The most various sectors are being considered : tourism, textile, beverage production and IT.

The experts said that Cyprus could be a window for Armenian businessmen towards Europe, in addition to being a good market itself.

A business forum and expo will soon take place in Cyprus.

In addition to Cyprus, the Council of the International Business Relations Support will also work in other directions, such as the Czech Republic and the U.S.

Iran warns of turning Caucasus into battlefield

Maghakian Mike
Al-Mayadeen
Dec 21 2023
  • ByAl Mayadeen English

The Iranian and Armenian presidents speak over the phone regarding political developments in the region, as well as regional cooperation.

During a phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned against attempts by countries outside the Caucasus to gain a foothold in the region, and also warned against making the region a battleground. 

“The Islamic Republic’s policy toward the Caucasus is fixed,” he said, noting that it “must not turn into a field of competition between extra-regional countries, and its issues should be resolved by regional countries and away from foreign meddling.”

Regarding Armenia’s intention to develop road and railway connection routes between the two nations in addition to regional states, Raisi relayed Iran's support, calling the plans an effective step to set in place peace and protect the interests of neighboring nations.

Raisi affirmed that any step aimed at opening communication routes and infrastructures in the region, while simultaneously respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries is supported by Iran. He also called Iran's hosting of the 3+3 meeting in October a “constructive step” to strengthen regional cooperation.

The 3+3 format cooperation mechanism includes the three South Caucasus countries: Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan plus Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

“Developing relations with neighbors and strengthening relations to ensure mutual interests and the interests of regional countries is the fundamental policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Raisi added.

On the other hand, Pashinyan stated that the increased interactions between both Armenia and Iran show the determination of the two neighbors to expand their bilateral ties in all fields.

Back in October, Raisi said that geopolitical change in the Caucasus is "unacceptable" as it would harm the interests of countries in the region. The Iranian President made the statement after hosting Azerbaijani and Armenian officials for talks on the successive developments in the Caucasus, specifically regarding Azerbaijan's military campaign in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/iran-warns-of-turning-caucasus-into-battlefield