Author: Talar Tumanian

Prosperous Armenia Party leader: We will hold big rally

Talar Tumanian
News.am,  Armenia
Aug 28 2020

13:21, 28.08.2020

Ahead of the upcoming session of the parliament, we are starting a series of meetings with the representatives of the party’s regional structures. Gagik Tsarukyan—chairman of the opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), MP, and business tycoon—wrote about this on his Facebook page, and posted a video where he meets with the party’s members in Kotayk Province.

Addressing those present, Tsarukyan said: “(…). Today there is no problem that has no solution; it is only necessary to master the problems and resolve them according to the capacity of our state. (…). As of today, I am starting the meetings all over the republic with the PAP persons in charge.”

He stated that since many people do not work and are not able to pay the students’ tuition fees due to the current state of emergency in Armenia—because of the COVID-19 situation in the country, the state should take a step and subsidize them.

The PAP leader noted that the surveys conducted by their youth organization have revealed that 90% of the society is against the changes in the education system in Armenia. “We will collect signatures, organize a big rally, too,” he added, in particular.

Gagik Tsarukyan pledged to also raise the issue of students who have not been accepted to any universities in Armenia despite scoring high marks in their university entrance exams.

“For You Lebanon”: Hayastan All Armenian Fund organizes special fundraising concert

Talar Tumanian

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 17:40,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 27, ARMENPRESS. Following the call to action by Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and Trustee of the Hayastan All Armenian Fund, Nikol Pashinyan, the Fund launched the “Urgent Support to Lebanese-Armenians” fundraising campaign with all funds directed to Armenian educational institutions affected by the devastating explosion in Beirut.

The Hayastan All Armenian Fund, in close cooperation with the Public Television of Armenia, has organized a special concert entitled “For You Lebanon” to be aired on Saturday August 29th at 10:30pm local time on H1TV. The event will also be livestreamed on their online platform www.1tv.am/hy and on the Fund’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/HayastanAllArmenianFund.

This special event will have performances by renowned artists, special reports from Lebanon and calls to action by Armen Sarkissian, the RA President and Chairman of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, as well as Atom Egoyan, Arsinee Khanjian, Serj Tankian and many others.

“You can join this critical relief effort by donating through the Fund’s online platform at www.himnadram.org or directly to the Fund’s dedicated Central Bank accounts and stand in support and solidarity with our compatriots in Lebanon.

The Armenian community in Lebanon has for decades supported both the Homeland and Diaspora Communities and it is now our turn to stand with our brothers and sisters in their time of need”, the Fund said in a statement.

Armenian President offers condolences to Georgian counterpart

Talar Tumanian

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 16:58,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a letter of condolences to Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili over the passenger minibus crash near Shatili village which claimed human lives, the Armenian President’s Office told Armenpress.

The Armenian President extended his condolences to the relatives of the victims, wishing patience, and speedy recovery to the injured.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenia testing new strike drone

Talar Tumanian
Public Radio of Armenia
Aug 19 2020

Armenia is testing a new strike drone, High-Tech minister Hakob Arshakyan informs in a Facebook post.

The Minister has shared footage showing the unmanned aerial vehicle in action.

“A new type of strike UAV is being tested,” the Minister said.

He called it another achievement of the Armenian military industry.

Carl Bildt proposes the “Armenian model” for Belarus

Talar Tumanian
Public Radio of Armenia
Aug 18 2020


Co-Chair European Council on Foreign Relations, former Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt proposes the Armenian model for Belarus.

“Perhaps we should think about an Armenia model for Belarus? A democratic breakthrough and then combining Eurasian customs union, security links with Russia and Eastern Partnership with EU. What Belarus needs in addition is WTO membership and IMF support,” Bildt tweeted

Perhaps we should think about an Armenia model for ? A democratic breakthrough and then combining Eurasian customs union, security links with and Eastern Partnership . What needs in addition is WTO membership and IMF support.

— Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) August 15, 2020

The stand-off continues in Belarus after presidential elections. The unrest erupted after Mr Lukashenko claimed a landslide victory in the election, the result of which has been condemned amid widespread allegations of vote-rigging.



Aliyev formally sacks his ambassador to Serbia after arrest

Talar Tumanian

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 15:57,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has dismissed from office his ambassador to Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina Eldar Hasanov, who was detained by security services on August 13th in Baku on suspicion of embezzlement.

According to Azerbaijani news reports the investigation into the financial affairs of the envoy produced substantial evidence that he has embezzled large sums of state funds and has committed other violations.

Hasanov arrived in Baku the day before his arrest, and participated in talks between the heads of the security councils of Azerbaijan and Serbia, according to local news reports.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Artsakh declared readiness to receive Armenians of Lebanon

Talar Tumanian
Arminfo, Armenia
Aug 11 2020

ArmInfo. Artsakh President  Arayik Harutyunyan convened a working meeting dedicated to providing  assistance to the Lebanese Armenians.

According to the press service of the Artsakh President, Harutyunyan  noted that a working group headed by the Chief Adviser to the  President of Artsakh – Ambassador-at-Large Rudik Hyusnunts was  created to provide assistance to the victims of the explosion in  Beirut.

At the same time, he recalled that a special flight with humanitarian  aid “To Lebanon – from the people of Artsakh” has already been sent  to Beirut, and this aid will be of a long-term nature.

He said that direct financial assistance will also be provided to the  Armenian communities and called on the Artsakh people to actively  participate in fundraising. At the same time, Harutyunyan added that  despite the fact that he promised to transfer his salary to charity  funds, this time it will be directed to help the Armenians of  Lebanon. Additional funds will be provided from the government  reserve fund.  As Harutyunyan noted, despite the modest possibilities  of the housing stock, all measures will be taken to provide housing  to those families from Lebanon who wish to settle in Artsakh.

“I declare that even in the absence of free housing stock, we are  ready to accept all our compatriots from Lebanon and provide them  with living conditions in our hearths,” Arayik Harutyunyan assured. 

Chamlian Honors Retiring Armenian Teachers

Talar Tumanian
August 14,  2020


Chamlian honored its retiring teachers clockwise from top left: Ani Berberian, Seda Der Mardirossian, Armenik Hayrapetian and Hrepsime Karayan

It is with great admiration and respect that Chamlian Armenian School announces the retirement of veteran Armenian Department teachers, Armenik Hayrapetian, Ani Berberian, Seda Der Mardirossian, and Hrepsime Karayan. We extend our best wishes to them as they complete a noble chapter in their lives: selflessly dedicating their wholehearted efforts in the sacred work of preserving and promoting the Armenian language, history, and overall heritage. We are indebted to their vision and commitment for propelling students over the years. Their efforts in passing the torch of the Armenian people to future generations has been assured and valiantly safeguarded into the next century as their inspiration remains eternal. As esteemed members of the faculty for decades, these extraordinary pillars of the community will be missed by students and colleagues alike.

Armenik Hayrapetian began her teaching tenure at Chamlian Armenian School in 1987. Displaying her drive to instill the love of the Armenian language and culture within future generations, she pursued her bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Teacher Education with an emphasis on the Armenian language as well as a certificate in Armenian Language Teaching. Hayrapetian began her work at Chamlian Armenian School planting the seeds of the Armenian nation as a teacher for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. For over three decades, Hayrapetian selflessly taught the vital foundational aspects of the Armenian language to our young students, ensuring future success as they continued on to master the language of their people.

Ani Berberian began her teaching tenure at Chamlian Armenian School in 1989. Having had experience in the field of teaching as well as a bachelor’s degree in Armenian Studies, she quickly became a beloved member of the faculty with her extensive knowledge and passion for her Armenian culture. During her decades at Chamlian Armenian School, Ms. Berberian has had the pleasure of teaching Armenian language and history to 5th, 6th, and 8th grades. Utilizing her talents in instilling the passion for Armenian culture within the youth, Ms. Berberian also spearheaded the Armenian Club and oversaw both humanitarian and cultural causes as well as projects to further help and support our Homeland.

Seda Der Mardirossian began her teaching tenure at Chamlian Armenian School in 1991. Her bachelor’s degree in Armenian Literature as well as her Armenian language teaching credentials served as an admirable source of inspiration for her students. Teaching Armenian language as well as history became Der Mardirossian’s life calling as she passed on her knowledge to 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students at Chamlian Armenian School for three decades. Through her loving dedication to her students as well as passion for her Armenian heritage, Der Mardirossian served as an invaluable member of the Armenian Department, playing a crucial role in the continuity of our culture into the next generation.

Hrepsime Karayan began her teaching tenure at Chamlian Armenian School in 1985. Her bachelor’s degree in Armenian Studies & Armenian Language Arts as well as Associate’s degree in Child Development allowed her to connect with students on an intimate level, organizing curriculums and lesson plans catered uniquely to each of her students. Having over thirty years of teaching experience, Karayan proudly displayed her commitment to the Armenian cause by making it a personal life goal to pass on not only the knowledge of the Armenian language and culture, but also the spirit of the Armenian nation spanning generations yet to come.

All four of these exemplary women are pioneers in their own right whose love, service, and dedication to the Armenian youth knows no bounds. While the appreciation for these exemplary women lives eternally steadfast in our hearts, we look forward to a time where we may further celebrate them in person once it is safe to do so.

As William Saroyan said: “It is simply in the nature of Armenians to study, to learn, to question, to speculate, to discover, to invent, to revise, to restore, to preserve, to make, and to give.”

The Chamlian Family wishes all four of our beloved Armenian teachers all the best and thanks them for their years of service to our youth.

Lebanese Cabinet member Vartine Ohanian demands government resignation

Talar Tumanian

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 15:28,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 10, ARMENPRESS. Lebanon’s Minister of Youth and Sports Vartine Ohanian has announced that she is demanding the government’s resignation in connection with the August 4 Beirut explosion and the aftermath.

Ohanian, a Lebanese-Armenian, said she will formally submit her demand at the upcoming Cabinet meeting.

On August 4, a major explosion in the Port of Beirut sent an immensely powerful shockwave across the Lebanese capital, killing at least 220 people, injuring 7000 and causing massive destruction. Around 300,000 people were left homeless. It resulted in US$10–15 billion in property damage.

Among the victims are 13 Lebanese-Armenians who died in the blast, and 300 other representatives of the community were injured.

The blast has been linked to a port warehouse where about 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate were stored in unsafe conditions. The cause of the explosion is under investigation.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Requiem service at the Mother See for the victims of Beirut blast

Talar Tumanian
Public Radio of Armenia
Aug 9 2020

<img width=”1000″ height=”667″ src=””https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06.09.jpg.pagespeed.ce._BBovE4gSu.jpg” class=”attachment-full size-full wp-post-image” alt=”” srcset=”https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/06.09.jpg.pagespeed.ce._BBovE4gSu.jpg 1000w, 300w, 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px” data-pagespeed-url-hash=”892602839″/>

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, presided over a requiem service at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin for the victims of the blast that rocked Lebanon’s capital Beirut on August 4.

The Holy Liturgy was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Lebanon to the Republic of Armenia, Mrs. Maya Dagher, member of the Central Executive Board of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Mr. Vazgen Yakubyan, and philanthropist Gabriel Chamberjian.

Those present prayed to God for the peace of the souls of the victims of the Beirut blast.

<img src=””https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/02.09.jpg.pagespeed.ce.7mfntSEDij.jpg” alt=”” class=”wp-image-117491″ srcset=”https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/02.09.jpg.pagespeed.ce.7mfntSEDij.jpg 1000w, 300w, 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px” data-pagespeed-url-hash=”1469909419″/>

“Today, we offer our prayers for the friendly people of Lebanon, who are in grief and after the catastrophic blast in Beirut, to ask the Heavenly to give them the strength to endure the pain of loss and the severe effects of destruction,” the Catholicos said before the requiem service.

“With sorrowful feelings we ask the Merciful Lord to grant peace and tranquility to the souls of the victims, including the children, to comfort the hearts of their relatives and all the mourners, and to heal the thousands of the wounded as soon as possible,” he added.

<img src=””https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03.09.jpg.pagespeed.ce.S29DYzatH_.jpg” alt=”” class=”wp-image-117492″ srcset=”https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/03.09.jpg.pagespeed.ce.S29DYzatH_.jpg 1000w, 300w, 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px” data-pagespeed-url-hash=”3473066422″/>

“Lebanon has always been a friendly country, where thousands of children of our people, survivors of the genocide, have found support and encouragement. Due to the kindness and brotherly spirit of the Arab people, the Armenian immigrants settled in Lebanon, completely organized their national and religious life, established schools, prayer halls, and cultural institutions. Under favorable conditions for peaceful and secure coexistence, Lebanese-Armenians, together with their Islamic-Christian brethren, made a significant contribution to the political, economic, and cultural life of Lebanon, and to the development and progress of the country. The relations between our two peoples և countries have always been characterized by friendship և productive cooperation,” His Holiness stated.

“Lebanon today needs the support of states and peoples. Our country is also providing assistance to the Lebanese people these days. All Armenians today stand together with o Lebanon in this ordeal. On the occasion of the tragic catastrophe, we once again express our condolences to the Honorable President of Lebanon, the Council of Elders, the people, our caring brother, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, the Armenian community, and our condolences to the families of the fallen Armenians,” the Catholicos continued.

<img src=””https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/04.09.jpg.pagespeed.ce.w8AT6H-Lz8.jpg” alt=”” class=”wp-image-117493″ srcset=”https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/04.09.jpg.pagespeed.ce.w8AT6H-Lz8.jpg 1000w, 300w, 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px” data-pagespeed-url-hash=”1181256129″/>

“We believe that the benevolent people of Lebanon, who have endured many trials throughout their history, can overcome these trials and tribulations with their endurance, in the spirit of unity. On this occasion, dear ones, we extend our patriarchal appeal to our children around the world, to our dioceses, to show their support to the Lebanese-Armenian community, helping to restore the terrible damage and devastation caused by the explosion at this difficult time.” The Pontiff said.

“May the Supreme Lord keep the blessed people of Lebanon under His blessing, help them stay strong in this difficult moment, get out of the difficult trials, re-establish the process of creative and secure life. May Almighty God, by His mercy, grant peace and prosperity to the world and all mankind, to our native country today, always. Amen.” His Holiness concluded.