Author: Toneyan Mark

Sports: Baku stadium opened for free to fill seats

Toneyan Mark
The Times, UK
Baku stadium open for free to fill seats

by  Martyn Ziegler, Chief Sports Reporter


Authorities in Baku ordered the turnstiles to be opened during the first half of the Europa League final so that some of the empty seats would be filled. The decision, taken without Uefa’s authorisation, is believed to have come about because the authorities in Azerbaijan were embarrassed by the thousands of empty seats on television pictures that were seen around the world on Wednesday night.

Chelsea and Arsenal had both returned about half of the 6,000 tickets that each club had been given to sell to fans. The lack of demand was put down to the distance that supporters had to travel, the difficulty in finding direct and convenient flights and the cost. Charter flights laid on by Thomas Cook Sport were priced at almost £1,000.

The empty seats and lack of atmosphere inside the Olympic Stadium in Baku was referenced several times by TV commentators but, after half an hour of the match, many of the seats suddenly filled.

One Arsenal fan told

The Times

: “We were in the Arsenal corner and there were a lot of empty seats and suddenly after about 30 minutes lots of local people arrived, including some kids, and they had been given Arsenal flags to wave.”

An employee of Uefa who had been working at the match said that the decision had been taken against the wishes of the governing body’s people on the ground but that they had been powerless to prevent it.

Uefa, which has come under sustained criticism for choosing Baku as the venue for the final, is understood to have launched an investigation into the action by the authorities in Azerbaijan. The Olympic Stadium will host four matches in Euro 2020 next year, including one of the quarter-finals.

There has also been criticism of Uefa after the Arsenal forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s decision not to travel to the final because of political conflict between his home country Armenia and Azerbaijan. There were reports that police in Baku were checking Arsenal fans’ shirts to see if they had Mkhitarayan’s name on the back.

Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour’s shadow sports minister, has called for the Euro 2020 hosting decision to be re-considered. She described the Europa League final as “a mess from the start” and claimed that fans had been “harassed” by police.

She said: “It is completely unacceptable. When Uefa chose Baku, they picked it with one eye on their bank account – with not a care in the world for the fan experience.”

Aleksander Ceferin, the Uefa president, insisted on Wednesday that there would be no review of its decision to award Baku the hosting rights for Euro 2020.

“Inheritance”. The great holiday of Armenian solidarity, the Day of the First Republic

Toneyan Mark
Statement of the “Heritage” party

The great holiday of Armenian solidarity, the Day of the First Republic

Today is May 28, the Day of the First Republic, the victorious conclusion of the Armenian May Heroic Wars. By defeating the Turkish troops in Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan and Gharakilisa, the Armenian armed forces stopped the multi-sided invasion and the revival of Armenian statehood became possible. 

On May 28, 1918, the Armenian National Council announced the creation of an independent Republic of Armenia. From the ashes of genocide, pogroms and hopelessness, the First Republic of Armenia rose like a phoenix, free and independent. And exactly one year later, in 1919, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Republic of Armenia, the Act “On United and Independent Armenia” was adopted. 100 years ago, the Armenian government announced. “Divided parts of Armenia are permanently united as an independent state union.” 
“Heritage” party congratulates all Armenians on the occasion of this great and unifying holiday in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora.
The First Republic of Armenia lived for only two years, but the realized dream of independent statehood inspired generations to live and create for the sake of the restoration of the Republic. Our divisions and internal disunity became the main reason for the loss of the state.
On the 101st anniversary of the First Republic, in the 21st century, “Heritage” once again wishes all Armenians national solidarity, strong collective strength and creative work for the sake of our state’s new progress in current global developments.

Department of “Heritage” party
28 May 2019
Yerevan

 

 

Sports: EU is a crucial partner for Armenia’s reform agenda, says annual report

Toneyan Mark
New Europe
EU is a crucial partner for Armenia’s reform agenda, says annual report

By ep|neonline

The EU has issued a report on developments in Armenia and EU-Armenia relations between June 2018 and early May 2019, which finds that Armenia has increased its efforts to reinforce its partnership with the EU, and acknowledged the significant role of EU in the reform implementation of the country that however, remains at an early stage.

 After the political changes in Armenia last year, early parliamentary elections were held in December 2018. The EU was the largest single contributor to the elections, providing technical equipment and supporting actions in favor of democracy and civic participation.

 The EU is the biggest provider of financial support and a key reform partner in Armenia. The government’s road map for the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement will be an important instrument in advancing reform plans.

ARF-D to hold rally in downtown Yerevan on 23 May

Toneyan Mark
Panorama, Armenia

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation- Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D) will hold a rally in downtown Yerevan on May 23, member of the party’s Supreme Body Ishkhan Saghatelyan said on Facebook.

The rally will start at 7pm in the capital’s Liberty Square.

He added the party will come up with a statement later on the day.

“ The ARF-D Supreme Body expresses gratitude to all its friends and supporters for their conscientious and willing behavior,” Saghatelyan said. 

Baghdad: President Saleh: Armenians Are An Essential Component Of The Iraqi Social Fabric

Toneyan Mark
National Iraqi News Agency (NINA)
Tuesday
President Saleh: Armenians Are An Essential Component Of The Iraqi Social Fabric
 
 
BAGHDAD / NINA /-President Barham Salih affirmed that Armenians are an essential component of the Iraqi social fabric.
 
A presidential statement said, “Saleh received at al-Salam Palace in Baghdad on Tuesday Avak Asadourian, President of the Armenian Orthodox Church in Iraq and his accompanying delegation, praising their determination to uphold their national identity and peaceful coexistence with the rest of the components, expressing his readiness to support the legitimate demands of them in a free and dignified life with the rest of the people.”
 
In turn, Archbishop Asadurian expressed his appreciation for the role played by the President of the Republic in order to bring all Iraqi components closer together and enhance the spirit of national understanding.
 
During the meeting, they discussed the need to pay greater attention to the Armenian role in the legislative and executive institutions. / End

Eurovision: Armenia – it’s all a bit … edgy

Toneyan Mark
On Europe
May 6 2019
By Phil Colclough
 May 6, 2019

Srbuk was left alone on the stage in this performance, and the stripped-back look on screen suited the vocal to a point, but there is certainly an argument for having dancers (or backing singers) on stage to make her look less lost.

There was a lot of looking down the camera and being edgy, and giving it loads of attitude – which is what you need – but she needed to temper things by keeping the performance the right side of shouty. I remain unconvinced that Srbuk was doing that.  She looked to be trying to connect with the camera because she knows that’s what she has to do, rather than it appearing natural.

The cracking glass effect on the backing screens and floor was timed to the music and looked really good, but there seemed to be too much black: black stage, black dress and black thigh length boots meant that the only bit of flesh on show apart from her face was a small gap at the top of her legs.  Very off-putting indeed!


Missing tourist from Poland found

Toneyan Mark

The missing Polish tourist was found in Yerevan. Vardan Movsisyan, one of the citizens who saw the statement issued by the Polish Embassy, found him. He posted a photo on his Facebook page with a Polish citizen and made a note.

A tourist from Poland has gone missing in Armenia, the Embassy of Poland said on Facebook.

The missing person report was filed by the consul on May 2. Authorities said the tourist arrived to Armenia from Kutaysi, Georgia. The consul’s report said the man’s family have lost contact with him. 

According to the embassy, Polish national Daniel Owczarek (pictured above) was last seen on May 1 upon leaving his hotel in Yerevan. The man checked-in at a hotel in downtown of the city around midnight April 30.

The embassy said the tourist has left his mobile phone in his hotel room. The embassy posted photos taken during the trip in Armenia depicting two other men, probably drivers, with the tourist, hoping that the picture might help in identifying the location.

“The characteristic feature of Daniel is that he is lame in his right leg. The Polish Embassy in Yerevan would highly appreciate, if you could contact the Embassy, should you have any information about the missing person by +374 91426885”, it said.

According to the embassy Owczarek stayed at the Nor Yerevan Hotel at Arami Street.

Police said they are investigating the report.


Reports: Saudi Arabia to sponsor Congress resolution recognizing Armenian Genocide

Toneyan Mark
News.am, Armenia
 
 
Reports: Saudi Arabia to sponsor Congress resolution recognizing Armenian Genocide
 
The Saudi ambassador to the U.S., Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud agreed to financially sponsor  the resolution calling for official recognition of the Armenian Genocide.
 
Adam Schiff met the Saudi ambassador to the US during a party at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington on Friday.
 
Furthermore, in this meeting, Sen. Schiff’s Resolution to Congress to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 was introduced and on the proposal of Sen. Schiff, the Saudi ambassador to US agreed to financially sponsor the Resolution, a statement on Schiff’s official website says.
 
Princess Bandar said that “Saudi Arabia was also under severe oppression during the Ottoman Empire, and no pleasant recollection has been left in our history during the Ottoman era. The Saudi government policy has always been and continues to be insisting on the protection of human rights. Inquiry about historical events is every nation’s right and no one should worry when the truth comes out. Turkey is the main accused of the Armenian Genocide and cannot claim concern about human and civil rights protection until the truth comes out.”
 
The Saudi ambassador also promised Mr. Schiff that she will make benefit of the opportunities and lobbying among the Congress members to pass the Resolution.
 
“The policies of Turkey in recent years have always been a source of concern for Riyadh, and we believe that Erdogan’s Pan-Othmanism and the AKP will be in conflict with the interests of Islamic countries, particularly the Arab nations,” Ms. Ambassador said.
 
At the end, she also considered US decision for halting F-35 sales to Turkey as a great move, which would lead to détente in the region.
 
 

2020 candidates line up behind Armenian genocide bill as US-Turkey relations plummet

Toneyan Mark
Al-Monitor
 
 
2020 candidates line up behind Armenian genocide bill as US-Turkey relations plummet
 
Bryant Harris
 
 
As Turkey continues to lose clout in Washington amid strained bilateral ties, Armenian-American advocacy groups are hopeful this will be the year the United States finally recognizes the World War I era massacre of more than 1 million mostly Christian Armenians as a genocide.
 
More than 100 lawmakers in the House and Senate have signed on to legislation recognizing the genocide since its introduction earlier this month, in line with past efforts. And President Donald Trump, whose evangelical base supports the move, is expected to issue a statement marking the anniversary of the massacre on April 24.
 
“If either [the House or the Senate] measures were to come before their respective committees or the floor, it’s hard to see how in this environment anyone’s going to step forward to defend Ankara’s denial of the Armenian genocide,” said Aram Hamparian, the executive director of the Armenian National Committee of America.
 
At least two other advocacy groups — the Armenian Assembly of America and In Defense of Christians — have also lobbied Congress to pass the resolution in the past. Lobbyists for Turkey and pro-Turkey groups in Washington have long advocated against such a move, warning that it would poison bilateral relations.
 
ALSO READ
 
PALESTINEIsrael accuses Islamic Jihad of obstructing Gaza truce
 
“The Armenian Diaspora claim of genocide is a one-sided assessment of the inter-communal war between Ottoman Armenians and Ottoman Muslims in 1915, and it prejudices Turkish and Armenian rapprochement,” the Turkish Coalition of America states on its website.
 
Turkey denies the wartime deaths amount to a genocide and has made clear that US-Turkey relations would further deteriorate if the United States went ahead with a genocide statement. After President Emmanuel Macron of France declared April 24 to be a national day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide in February, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed outand said France should instead own up to its colonial-era atrocities.
 
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, introduced the nonbinding resolution in the upper chamber earlier this month, just before lawmakers left town for the April recess. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calif., introduced similar legislation in the lower chamber around the same time.
 
The Senate bill boasts 15 bipartisan cosponsors, while another 89 lawmakers have signed on to the House resolution. Several 2020 presidential candidates have signed on to the bills, as they have in previous years.
 
Sens. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Kamala Harris, D-Calif., are both cosponsoring the Menendez resolution. Reps. Tulsi Gabbard, D-Hawaii, and Seth Moulton, D-Mass., who announced his presidential campaign this week, signed on to the House resolution. Another candidate, Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., signed on to the House resolution in 2017 but has yet to do so this year.
 
President Barack Obama promised to recognize the Armenian genocide as a senator on the campaign trail, but never fulfilled that pledge while in office. And while 100 lawmakers signed a letter asking Trump to recognize the genocide in 2018, Trump instead opted to continue condemning it as “one of the worst mass atrocities in the 20th history” in an April 24 statement last year, stopping short of calling it a genocide.
 
Hamparian expects several more lawmakers to sign on when Congress returns from its recess next week.
 
One of them is high-profile freshman Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., her spokesman told Al-Monitor today. Her defeated primary opponent, former House Democratic caucus chairman Joe Crowley, was a longtime proponent of recognizing the Armenian genocide.
 
The bill faces tall odds. The last time Congress advanced similar legislation was in 2014, when it cleared the Senate Foreign Relations Committee — only to stall on the floor. The House Foreign Affairs Committee for its part advanced a resolution in 2010 that also failed to get a floor vote.
 
Hamparian attributes the lack of progress in recent years to Turkish lobbying efforts.
 
“If you were to subtract the Turkish threat of retribution, this would pass overwhelmingly in the House and the Senate,” Hamparian told Al-Monitor. “The president himself would recognize the Armenian genocide.”
 
The Trump administration has recently sought to salvage the US-Turkish relationship by including the Turks in a proposed safe zone for northeastern Syria, despite strong objections from America’s Syrian Kurdish allies. But several other irritants in the relationship remain, most notably Ankara’s pending purchase of a Russian missile defense system that could trigger US sanctions.
 
“Turkey is in the process of purchasing S-400 missiles from Russia, which has recognized the Armenian genocide,” said Hamparian. “It’s clear that it’s just a matter of Turkey making these terrible threats, not delivering on them, and US policymakers, out of cowardice, just failing to stand up.”
 
 
 

DENIAL IS THE LAST ACT OF A GENOCIDE: ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TURNS 104

Toneyan Mark
The Blunt Post
 
 
DENIAL IS THE LAST ACT OF A GENOCIDE: ARMENIAN GENOCIDE TURNS 104
 
 
By Vic Gerami
 
 
 
On Armenians worldwide commemorate the 104th anniversary of the Genocide that claimed the lives of 1.5 million people.On this day in 1915 hundreds of Armenian intellectuals were rounded up, arrested and later executed.
 
The massacres were perpetrated in different regions of the Ottoman Empire by the Young Turks Government which was in power at the time.
 
When WWI erupted, the Young Turks government, hoping to save the remains of the weakened Ottoman Empire, adopted a policy of Pan Turkism – the establishment of a mega Turkish empire comprising of all Turkic-speaking peoples of the Caucasus and Central Asia extending to China, intending also to Turkify all ethnic minorities of the empire.
 
 
The Armenian population became the main obstacle to the realization of this policy. Although the decision on the deportation of all Armenians from Western Armenia (Eastern Anatolia) was adopted in late 1911, the Young Turks used WWI as a suitable opportunity for its implementation.
 
The first international reaction to the violence resulted in a joint statement by France, Russia and Great Britain, in May 1915, where the Turkish atrocities directed against the Armenian people was defined as “new crime against humanity and civilization” agreeing that the Turkish government must be punished for committing such crimes.
 
While Turkey still continues to deny the Armenian Genocide, it has been acknowledged by thirty countries, countless international organizations and forty-nine US States. It is illegal to deny the Armenian Genocide in Switzerland and France.
 
 Vic Gerami
 
Vic Gerami is journalist, media contributor and the Editor & Publisher of The Blunt Post. He spent six years at Frontiers Magazine, followed by LA Weekly and Voice Media Group. His syndicated celebrity Q&A column, 10 Questions with Vic, is a LA Press Club’s National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Award finalist. In 2009, he was featured in the Wall Street Journal as a “Leading Gay Activist” for opposing Prop 8 and his marriage equality advocacy. Vic was on the planning committee of the historic Resist March in 2017 and is a founding board member of Equality Armenia. In 2015, he was noted in the landmark Supreme Court lawsuit, Obergefell v. Hodges, in which the Court held in a 5–4 decision that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples by both the Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Vic is a contributor for Montrose Star, DC Life Magazine, Out & About Nashville, Q Virginia, GNI MAG, QNotes, Windy City Times, WeHo Times, GoWeHo, Los Angeles Blade, Asbarez, California Courier, Desert Daily Guide, Armenian Weekly, GED, The Pride LA, IN Magazine and The Advocate Magazine.