Author: Toneyan Mark

«Cent’anni dopo il genocidio armeno, noi cristiani d’Oriente ne subiamo un altro»

Toneyan Mark
Tempi, Italia
14 dic 2018
Redazione 14 dicembre 2018 Chiesa

Riuniti a Parigi oltre 30 responsabili religiosi e politici provenienti da Siria, Libano, Iraq, Egitto e Giordania: «Basta parole vane. Noi rischiamo di vedere sparire la nostra civiltà»

«Noi non abbiamo bisogno di parole vane. Noi rischiamo di vedere sparire la nostra civiltà». È l’appello lanciato a Parigi da monsignor Nicodemus Daoud Sharaf, arcivescovo siriaco ortodosso di Mosul. Insieme a una trentina di responsabili religiosi e politici provenienti da Siria, Libano, Iraq, Egitto e Giordania, ha partecipato l’11 dicembre nella capitale francese a un convegno per dire “Basta alle discriminazioni verso i cristiani e le minoranze in Oriente, Yazidi compresi”.

Tra gli interventi più drammatici, come riportato da Aed, c’è quello di monsignor Sharaf:

«È difficile riassumere quello che il nostro popolo subisce da oltre 15 anni. I cristiani d’Oriente sono marginalizzati. Le persecuzioni contro i cristiani esistono. L’Oriente si dissolverà se i cristiani spariranno da questa terra. Subiamo sofferenze senza nome: siamo vittime di un genocidio. Di un nuovo genocidio, cento anni dopo quello degli armeni. Noi subiamo un genocidio e il mondo resta a guardare. Questa è una vergogna per l’umanità! Dobbiamo parlare con un’unica voce. Dobbiamo invocare pace e fraternità. Abbiamo bisogno di leggi che ci proteggano e che affermino che siamo cittadini come gli altri, che non c’è differenza tra gli uomini».

Al convegno ha partecipato anche Abdel Meneem Fouad, decano della facoltà di Scienze islamiche dell’università di Al-Azhar, la massima autorità del mondo islamico sunnita. Fouad ha denunciato «gli abomini dei gruppi fondamentalisti, che Al-Azhar vuole condannare». Importante anche l’intervento di monsignor George Kourieh, rappresentante del patriarca Ignatius Ephrem II Karim, patriarca siriaco di Antiochia:

«Noi assistiamo a una tragedia umana. Noi dobbiamo rinnovare il nostro impegno e ripartire. Noi dobbiamo costruire ponti di pace e d’amore. La dichiarazione di Parigi deve costituire un nuovo punto di partenza, manifestando una volontà ferma di stabilire la pace».

Foto Ansa

Armenia Set to Boost Gas Imports from Iran

Toneyan Mark
FARS News Agency, Iran
Tuesday
Armenia Set to Boost Gas Imports from Iran
 
 
TEHRAN (FNA)- Armenian Ambassador to Tehran Artashes Tumanyan said that his country is after importing more gas from Iran, voicing Yerevan’s readiness to increase electricity export to Iran.
 
Armenian Ambassador to Iran Artashes Tumanyan said on Monday that his country is interested to import more gas from Iran.
 
Addressing a meeting themed “Iran-Armenia Ties, Opportunities and Challenges”, he added that recent political development in Yerevan have had no impact on the country’s foreign policy.
 
He also voiced his country’s readiness for increasing exports of electricity to Iran, hoping that the two countries’ exchanges would rise in near future.
 
As to Washington’s pressure on Yerevan to reduce relations with Iran, he said, “The US has talked with Armenia about Tehran-Yerevan ties, as they have understood that Tehran relations are of high significance for us.”
 
Meanwhile, Chairman of Iran-Armenia Friendship Society Mohammad Reza Damavandi complained that despite high historic and political relations in the cultural and media fields, the two countries have failed to widen their relations to desirable levels.
 
While Tehran and Yerevan have set a target of one billion dollars, they have had only 200 to 250 million dollars in trade exchanges, he said.
 
Earlier in min-August, Iranian Deputy Energy Minister Homayoun Haeri announced that Tehran and Yerevan are currently working hard to finalize implementation of the third power transmission line from Iran to Armenia.
 
“Taking timely measures for implementation of the third power transmission line from Iran to Armenia is one of the most important parts of Iran-Armenia bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” Haeri said after his meeting with Armenian Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Artur Grigoryan in Yerevan on Friday.
 
The Iranian deputy energy minister said that during his meeting with Grigoryan, the Armenian minister underlined that the importance of finalizing the project of construction of the third high-voltage Iran-Armenia power transmission line.
 
Grigoryan, who serves also as a co-chairman of the Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental commission, noted that in the context of intensification of economic cooperation between Tehran and Yerevan, construction of a high-voltage power transmission line between Armenia and Georgia can play a serious role.
 
The sides also exchanged views on the agreements reached at the 15th meeting of the Armenian-Iranian intergovernmental commission held in Yerevan in 2018. It was stressed that the intergovernmental commission has a special mission in deepening and expanding trade and economic relations between the countries.
 
Both sides stressed the importance of the need to intensify mutual visits, which help find effective solutions to problems arising in the implementation of joint projects.
 
Iran and Armenia signed four agreements in the fields of economy, customs and sports agreements in February.
 
The four cooperation agreements in the fields of economy, customs and sports were inked at the closing ceremony of 15th Summit of Joint Commission of Iran and Armenia Cooperation.
 
Earlier this year, Iranian Energy Minister Reza Ardakanian had placed special emphasis on the necessity of steering public and private sectors to increase transaction volume and joint investment.
 
“Fortunately, the 15th meeting of Joint Technical, Economic and Cultural Commission between Iran and Armenia was held in an amicable and peaceful environment,” he said, adding, “I hope that mutual cooperation would be boosted between the two countries in the best possible form in future.”

SIS seeks arrest of former Secretary of Security Council Armen Gevorgyan

Toneyan Mark
| 13:26 | December 12 2018
Category
Politics

The Special Investigative Service has filed a motion to court requesting the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Armen Gevorgyan.

The accusations against Gevorgyan, however, concern the time period in his capacity as Secretary of Security Council (2007-2008).

The court hearing was held today, but the session was adjourned and scheduled for tomorrow 10:30.

The closed-door session was presided over by judge Arman Hovhannisyan.

Gevorgyan is charged in the ongoing March 1 investigation concerning the 2008 post-election deadly unrest. In 2008, he served as Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia.

The charges pressed against Gevorgyan are based on information leaked by WikiLeaks. In 2008, when Serzh Sargsyan was elected president, his oppositionists had disputed the outcome of the vote to the Constitutional Court. According to the SIS, an investigation has revealed that Gevorgyan, and another official, abused power and pressured a judge at the Constitutional Court.

Gevorgyan was charged with obstruction of justice and was confined to the country limits with a signature bond.

Come to senses and do your job, Pashinyan tells Karabakh leadership

Toneyan Mark
News.am, Armenia
Nov 29 2018
Come to senses and do your job, Pashinyan tells Karabakh leadership Come to senses and do your job, Pashinyan tells Karabakh leadership

18:40, 29.11.2018
                 

YEREVAN. – Acting PM Nikol Pashinyan once again touched upon the accusations of his attempts “to sell Karabakh” during a meeting with voters in Gegharkunik province of Armenia.

He reminded of his earlier statements that he is the first leader of Armenia whose son is serving in Karabakh. However, Pashinyan argued that when he was reading messages on social media he was surprised to see “speculations”, “how can he say so” phrases.

Pashinyan said he could not understand the reason for activeness of some representatives of the leadership in Karabakh.

“Why did they become more active and why are they trying in some way to intervene and demonstrate their presence in the campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia? I have a lot of questions in this regard, and I will definitely discuss them with the NKR President Bako Sahakyan. And before that, Mr. Bako Sahakyan, I urge you to call  the representatives of your cabinet of ministers to order and send them to work,” he said. “Once in two days the spokesperson for the Karabakh president has to comment on the words I’ve said, doesn’t he? Could you imagine that my press secretary started commenting on any events in Karabakh? Can you imagine the consequences and results of all this? Come to senses and do your job. Of course, I will discuss with you everything that I mentioned, but after the elections.”

A1+: B. Tunyan: Even though the investments are important, they are not priority

Toneyan Mark
  • 14:58 | November 29,2018 | Politics
  • Armenian:
  • Rus

ARF Dashnak MP Candidate Suren Parsyan mentioned during the discussion of political forces that their social part is their investment in people.

“We have calculations, how can we make education, and also make it higher for free? It’s not about big money, but health care should be free,” he says.

In terms of investing, he emphasizes the progressive taxation system provided by his plan.

Pashinyan expects return of Armenians to their homeland and development of industrial centers

Toneyan Mark
ARKA, Armenia
Nov 30 2018

YEREVAN, November 30. /ARKA/. Armenian Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, speaking Friday at a rally staged in Charentsavan as part of his party’s election campaign, said that Armenians from all over the world will return to the country and industrial centers will be formed here. 

“We want migration from Armenia to stop and to be replaced with repatriation,” he said. “Our goal and our vision of the future is Armenians’ return to their homeland and development of industrial centers.”
Pashinyan said that the velvet revolution has already produced first results, and the first success is already seen here. 

Earlier, Acting Diaspora Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, speaking at a news conference, said that 450 families have relocated to Armenia after the velvet revolution. 

Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned October 16 to clear way for the dissolution of the parliament and holding early parliamentary elections. Under the Armenian Constitution, early elections are held if lawmakers fail twice within 14 days to appoint a prime minister. 

Pashinyan was elected as PM by the country’s National Assembly after former president turned-prime minister Serzh Sargsyan resigned on April 23 under immense public pressure provided by weeks of nationwide protest against Sargsyan and his Republican Party. 

Nine political parties and 2 blocs will be contesting the polls. They  are My Step bloc, the Prosperous Armenia Party, the National Progress Party, the Christian-National Revival, the Sasna Tsrer All-Armenian Party, the Orinats Yerkir Party, the We  bloc, the ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party, the Bright Armenia bloc, the Republican Party of Armenia, the Social Democratic Party and the Decision of Citizen party. -0–

Russian company pledges to invest up to $340 million in Armenia

Toneyan Mark
ARKA, Armenia
Nov 30 2018

EREVAN, November 30. /ARKA/. Armenia’s acting Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan had a meeting today in Yerevan with Sergey Sopin, the head of the Russian Ekotekhprom company, saying  the government attaches great importance to working with foreign investors and to this end is working to create the most favorable conditions for investments in Armenia.

Sopin said the company intends to make large investments in Armenia and create an industrial complex that will produce calcium soda, food and technical salt and glass, and sell the products to Russia and other countries.

During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the company and the Business Armenia Foundation, whereby the company undertakes to invest $285-340 million in the construction of an industrial complex on 100 hectares of land. The investment is supposed to create 1200 new jobs. The design work is to start in 2019. The plant is to be commissioned in 2022.  -0-

Sarkissians attend Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra concert in Berlin honoring maestro Aram Khachaturian

Toneyan Mark
| 10:51 | November 29 2018
Category
Society

Armenian President Armen Sarkissian and First Lady Nune Sarkissian, currently on an official visit to Germany, attended a concert November 28 performed by the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra at Konzerthaus Berlin in honor of the 115th anniversary of birth of renowned composer Aram Khachaturian. Violinist Sergei Khachatryan performed at the event, Sarkissian’s Office said.

Artistic director and chief conductor of the orchestra Eduard Topchyan conducted the concert.

Travel: The 5 Places You Should Visit in 2019, According to a Luxury

Toneyan Mark
Luxury Traveling Magazine, Australia
Nov 23 2018
 
 
The 5 Places You Should Visit in 2019, According to a Luxury Travel Expert
 
By Staff Writer

This tiny country in the southern Caucasus boasts one of the world’s oldest civilisations, was the earliest nation to adopt Christianity and produces world famous brandy which is reported to have been distilled there since the 12th century.

“It’s an unspoiled destination full of breathtaking mountain landscapes and amazing religious monuments, from churches and monasteries to an unexpected Hellenic style temple,” Raman told Luxury Travel Magazine. “The capital, Yerevan, is charming with wide, leafy boulevards lined with cafés and wine bars dishing up hearty cuisine and local varietals.”

 

For more on Armenia, see our story here

See more on the Middle East here



After a period of hiatus, Egypt is now firmly back and on trend. A&K knows this timeless destination like the back of its hand, with nine offices throughout the country and headquarters in Cairo, a fleet of small ships on the Nile, private docking facilities in Luxor and Aswan plus a stable of highly qualified Egyptologist guides.

Raman says now is the time to get back to this world-famous destination: “Get there before the crowds return, and check out the world’s most iconic ancient sights, the Pyramids, Sphinx, pharaonic tombs and temples, cruise the Nile and stay in some grand historic hotels.”

 

See more stories on the Middle East here

The Kimberley is one of Australia’s most beautiful and diverse regions, with ancient aboriginal rock art, tidal waterfalls, coral reefs, pristine mangrove ecosystems, coastal gorges, amazing birdlife, saltwater crocs and other wildlife. And what better way to see it than from the comfort of the luxury all-balcony vessel Le Laperouse on A&K’s new Kimberley tour?

“The spectacular Kimberley landscape and coastline is something every Australian should see,” Raman told Luxury Travel Magazine. “This 12-night journey is a first for A&K and our award-winning Expedition Team will be on board with leading experts including local indigenous personality Bart Pigram and photographer Philip Schubert – who has spent his whole life in W.A. and has a deep passion for and knowledge of the Kimberley region.”

For more on the Kimberley, read our story here

Though steeped in tradition, parts of Japan are starkly new-age. The capital Tokyo is as modern a city as you’ll find with its skyscrapers, neon lights and fashionably dressed citizens yet kimono clad folk still frequent ancient Shinto shrines. There’s incredible architecture, a fascinating history, world-famous gardens and cutting-edge art installations.

“See the cherry blossoms, watch sumo wrestlers in action, meet the women who free-dive for pearls, travel on world-famous bullet trains and dine on traditional Japanese cuisine! What’s not to love?”

 

See our latest story on Japan, A Foodie’s Journey Through Ishikawa, here

See all of our Japan stories here

Discover more Cherry Blossom Season destinations here

The 100,000-hectare Akagera National Park in eastern Rwanda boasts some of the most scenic savannah in Africa and is home to one of the continent’s highest hippo densities as well as elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, zebra, giraffe and a range of antelope species. A&K now has an office in the Rwandan capital and has added Akagera to its gorilla tracking programme and safari portfolio.

“Be amongst the first to stay at stunning new Magashi Camp, on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, which opens early 2019 in Rwanda’s last protected savannah ecosystem where rare species like the eastern black rhino and shoebill stork are found.”

For more on Rwanda, read our story here

For more stories on Africa, see here







168: Intoxicated man batters brother, sister-in-law and baby in Armenian town

Toneyan Mark
| 12:52 | November 16 2018
Category
Society

A woman from Vagharshapat (Ejmiatsin) reported to the local police station on November 15 that her brother-in-law has battered her, her husband and their 8-months old baby. She claims the man was drunk.

Police reported that officers have validated the report. Authorities did not disclose the identity of the perpetrator.

Police said the man turned himself in to police and testified. “Materials are being prepared,” police said.