Author: Vorskanian Yeghisabet

Armenian athletes win 11 gold medals at European Para Armwrestling championship

Vorskanian Yeghisabet

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 10:55, 17 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 17, ARMENPRESS. Armenian athletes won 11 gold, 5 silver and 6 bronze medals at the 24th European & Para Armwrestling Championships in Bucharest, Romania.

The athletes of the Armenian National Disabled Sports Federation, part of the National Armwrestling Team of Armenia, finished 2nd in the team ranking.

“We had rather serious results,” Armenian National Disabled Sports Federation President Sargis Stepanyan said. “Our athletes competed in virtually all divisions and weight classes.”

6 of the athletes sustained disabilities in the 2020 Artsakh war.

Stepanyan said he was most happy over athlete Sargis Harutyunyan’s victory. “Sargis Harutyunyan, who sustained a disability during the second Artsakh war, captured gold in the right-hand competition and won over his Turkish opponent in the final. He’s been training for many years and he is rather experienced.”

14 athletes took part in the championship. Their participation was sponsored by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the Yerevan City Hall and the Armenian National Disabled Sports Federation.

Armenian Speaker of Parliament, Czech Senate First Vice President discuss problems caused by 44-day war

Vorskanian Yeghisabet

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 12:40, 19 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 19, ARMENPRESS. On May 19, Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan received the delegation of the Standing Senate Commission on Media led by the First Vice President of the Senate of the Czech Republic Jiří Růžička, the Parliament’s press service said.

The Speaker of Parliament highlighted the fact that the Czech colleagues are concerned about the media problems in Armenia today, noting that most of the heads of different wings of the power of our country are from the media field. He also reminded about his former media activities, stressing that the freedom of speech and press are one of the priorities of our country.

The sides expressed satisfaction for the rather active cooperation during the last years between the parliaments of Armenia and the Czech Republic. Alen Simonyan informed the attendees that he invited the President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic Markéta Pekarová Adamová to Armenia.

Both sides highly appreciated the cooperation between the Friendship Groups functioning in the National Assembly of Armenia and in the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic.

Taking into consideration the fact that at the second half of the current year the Czech Republic will assume the presidency in the Council of the European Union, Alen Simonyan noted that Armenia expects the political support of the Czech Republic in launching the dialogue on the visa liberalization. He considered important the activation the Eastern Partnership Programme within the framework of the presidency of the Czech side, as because of the change of geopolitical realities its de-integration is noticed. Alen Simonyan added that the Armenia-European Union Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement opens new perspectives for deepening cooperation not only with the European Union, but also the member countries, particularly the Czech Republic.

At the meeting the 44-day war and the problems caused because of it was touched upon. As a result of exchange of ideas on the settlement of the humanitarian issues, the Speaker of Parliament asked the Czech colleagues’ support for their quick solution.

Armenian, Russian FMs meet in Dushanbe

Vorskanian Yeghisabet

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 16:50,

YEREVAN, MAY 12, ARMENPRESS. The meeting of Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov took place in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, the Armenian foreign ministry said.

The Armenian FM visited Dushanbe to participate in the sitting of the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers.

The meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan is scheduled in Dushanbe.

Minister Mirzoyan will also hold meetings with CIS partners.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan at a Signing Ceremony for MoU Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation

Vorskanian Yeghisabet
May 2 2022

REMARKS

ANTONY J. BLINKEN, SECRETARY OF STATE

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN ROOM

WASHINGTON, D.C.

MAY 2, 2022

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Good afternoon, everyone.  It is a great pleasure to welcome the foreign minister from Armenia here to the State Department, to the United States.  Ararat, it’s very good to be with you today, to be with your entire team.  We just had a very good dialogue, exchange between us, and indeed a big part of the purpose of these meetings is to relaunch the Strategic Dialogue between the United States and Armenia that was suspended because of COVID.  This is a very important vehicle by which we can continue to deepen and strengthen our relationship to pursue new areas of cooperation and collaboration, and we’re very pleased to be able to do that now.

At the same time, we will shortly be signing this Memorandum of Understanding on nuclear cooperation.  This too, for the United States and Armenia, opens new cooperative paths and, I think, can also serve to strengthen very much the bilateral relationship between us.

I just want to take this opportunity as we’re sitting here to, in the first instance, praise the leadership of the prime minister and his government, the democratic reforms that they’ve been pursuing, the progress that continues to be made – but also to very much welcome the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and to express real appreciation for the vision and the courage and the flexibility that the prime minister and Armenia have been showing in this process working toward what we all want, which is a lasting peace.

And finally, let me say, Mr. Minister, to you, to all of your colleagues, it’s – it really is a great pleasure being able to work with you as we work to strengthen and deepen our relations.  These are challenging times in many, many ways, and they’re challenging for Armenia, but know that you have a strong and true friend and partner in the United States.  Welcome.

FOREIGN MINISTER MIRZOYAN:  Thank you.  Dear Secretary Blinken, it is a great pleasure for me to be here.  Thank you for your invitation and also for a very warm welcome.  This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and during these years we have succeeded to build very strong relations based on common and shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

Now after the democratic Velvet Revolution of 2018, through joint efforts, we elevated the level of our collaboration, cooperation to Strategic Dialogue.  And it is very significant that I am here also in scope of the capstone session of the Strategic Dialogue.  And during this session, we focused on our democratic reforms, justice reforms, cooperation in banking sphere, looking ways of deepening cooperation in the sphere of defense, and of course prevention and fight against corruption, and many other areas.  And we appreciate United States efforts to support our reforms.

Armenia also appreciate United States support for developing Armenia’s energy sector, and I was talking about – I was speaking also about exploring new areas, and here it will be honor for me to sign with you the Memorandum of Understanding on our civil nuclear cooperation.

And I also want to note that we value our partnership aimed at peace and stability in our region, and in this regard I want to highlight the important role the United States of America play as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, which has a mandate from the international community to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  I also appreciate United States support through the Armenia-Turkish normalization process and United States strong stance on the recognition on the condemnation of the Armenian genocide and confirmation of this stance this year, too.

Thank you very much.

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you.

(The Memorandum of Understanding is signed.)

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Thank you very much.  Good to be with you.

FOREIGN MINISTER MIRZOYAN:  Thank you.

https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-and-armenian-foreign-minister-ararat-mirzoyan-at-a-signing-ceremony-for-a-memorandum-of-understanding-concerning-strategic-civil-nuclear-cooperation/

70 protesters detained in Yerevan

Vorskanian Yeghisabet

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 10:57, 3 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 3, ARMENPRESS. 70 protesters were detained by police in Yerevan as of 10:00, police said in a statement.

Police said the protesters are detained for failure to obey a lawful order.

Opposition protesters demanding the resignation of the Pashinyan administration were marching in central Yerevan and blocking streets early Tuesday morning in what they describe as civil disobedience actions.

Armenian intelligence agency says demonstrators are plotting to seize parliament building during session

Vorskanian Yeghisabet

BREAKING:

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 14:14, 4 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. The National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia said it obtained reliable intelligence that the organizers of the demonstrations in Yerevan are planning to attempt to seize the parliament building.

“Dear compatriots, reliable operative information was received by the National Security Service that the organizers of the rally in Yerevan are planning to instigate unlawful actions through provocations during today’s parliament sitting and incite the demonstrators to seize the parliament building and force to make any action, thus destabilizing internal security of the country, disrupting public order and safety.

The National Security Service is strongly warning the organizers and participants of the rally to refrain from making illegal actions, otherwise the organizers of such actions will bear the full responsibility.

The National Security Service is calling on all law-abiding citizens to not give in to provocations, refrain from committing illegal actions or otherwise share the entire burden of criminal responsibility,” the NSS said. 

After the NSS released the statement, the police also issued a similar statement, warning that it has also obtained information that the demonstrators could try to seize the parliament building today.

CivilNet: Opposition protesters hold rallies in Yerevan, call for Pashinyan’s resignation

Vorskanian Yeghisabet
CIVILNET.AM

10:05

On May 1, a large opposition rally took place in Yerevan’s France Square and was attended by representatives of both the Armenia Alliance and I have Honor parliamentary blocs, as well as other groups. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for his handling of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and its aftermath.

Credits: Ruptly

Eurovision 2022: Armenia’s Rosa Linn holds first rehearsal in Turin

Vorskanian Yeghisabet

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 14:03, 2 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 2, ARMENPRESS. Rosa Linn, Armenia’s representative for Eurovision Song Contest 2022, rehearsed her song Snap for the first time at the PalaOlimpico in Turin, Italy, Armenpress reports citing the official website of Eurovision Song Contest.

The 21-year-old singer was born in Vanadzor. She is composer and producer.  

“My songs are a journey to my inner world, my soul and my feelings. Music is home. I never give up on music. Even the worst days can become the best melodies and lyrics”, the singer once said.

The Eurovision 2022 will take place in Turin. The first semifinal will be held on May 10, the second one on May 12, and the final is scheduled on May 14.




Construction of Ajapnyank metro station about to start

Vorskanian Yeghisabet
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia – April 28 2022
April 28, 2022, 17:41

 

Construction of the Ajapnyak metro station is about to start, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the government sitting today.

A tender for the design of the station was announced, and the winner has been selected, he said.   

“Today we are discussing the issue of financing to have the project of Ajapnyak metro station worked out, which will mean that we are already entering the construction stage,” Pashinyan said.

Yerevan Mayor Hrachya Sargsyan noted that in 2021 a contract had already been signed with the design company. According to the mayor, the project will be implemented in 510 days, or maybe sooner.

WALKING ON ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBRANCE DAY

Vorskanian Yeghisabet
LIVE & LET’S FLY
May 1 2022
 KYLE STEWART
Every year on April 24th, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day culminates at the Genocide Museum overlooking the city. I was in Yerevan this year and was able to take the long walk to pay my respects. 

Admittedly, I didn’t have a great understanding of the Armenian genocide on my first visit to Armenia in January of this year. Since then, I’ve educated myself about the mass killing of Armenians.

“On 24 April 1915, the Ottoman authorities arrested and deported hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and leaders from Constantinople. At the orders of Talaat Pasha, an estimated 800,000 to 1.2 million Armenians were sent on death marches to the Syrian Desert in 1915 and 1916. Driven forward by paramilitary escorts, the deportees were deprived of food and water and subjected to robbery, rape, and massacres.” – Wikipedia

Final estimates range from 600,000 to 1.5 million Armenians perished during the death march and subsequent acts (like starvation) at the hands of the Ottoman empire according to Genocide studies.

The country declared April 24 as a day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide and public holiday.

In Yerevan, thousands of Armenian people and visitors like myself, make the long walk from the city to the Memorial sitting high atop the city. Depending on the time of day and origination point, the walk can vary from about three to seven miles. Mine started at the base of the Armenian Brandy Museum.

I started my walk at nearly 9 pm and as such, I had the longer march to the top. My initial cursory understanding was that the roads were closed due to crowds, some 200,000 are expected in a city of approximately a million people. However, with understanding, it’s not just a practical measure but also one that reflects the death march walked by the victims of the Armenian genocide.

Note: There are some shuttles for those who prefer to participate but would be challenged by the walk. It’s not limited to the handicapped, but despite constant shuttle trips, each one was full to the brim. If you’re able to walk the distance, it’s recommended to leave space for those who might not be able to do so.

The walk does include segments along a highway and while the road was closed, vehicles were permitted to drive it sparsely, though they do drive fast. Participants should be aware of this.

The memorial rests behind the Sport and Concert complex. Massive steps lead up to the memorial, though they are used only for departures on April 24th. It’s built in the town of Tsitsernakaberd and is sometimes called simply that, though English searches (especially on google maps) are just as likely to return results for the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

Behind the Sport and Concert complex, guests are first greeted by a sign demonstrating the countries that recognize the Armenian genocide. One of the latest to recognize was the United States as officially announced by President Biden in 2021. The state of California, home to many in the Armenian community diaspora, had recognized it in 1997.

“The 44-meter stele symbolizes the national rebirth of Armenians. Twelve slabs are positioned in a circle, representing the twelve lost provinces in present-day Turkey. In the center of the circle, at a depth of 1.5 meters, there is an eternal flame dedicated to the 1.5 million people killed during the Armenian genocide.” – Wikipedia

An immense amount of wreaths and flowers are laid at the stele outside the walls. Inside, around the eternal flame, visitors place their own flowers in even more astonishing numbers. It’s a rather powerful and moving scene. The group inside, the flame flickering against the walls to represent the 12 provinces of Turkey from which Armenians were expelled and ultimately died, gives the impression of an indoor gathering. On a perfect, clear night, the stars and the 100-foot spire outside were visible but all but forgotten by those laying flowers in remembrance.

There are few experiences that have been so moving as walking to the memorial on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day and one that brings me pause. So many of our travel experiences are the highest [x] or biggest [y], reviews of hotel suites, and whining about galley noise on a business class flight. This puts into perspective one of the many reasons why we travel – to participate in different cultures, and sometimes, that means reflecting on dark pasts.

More photos at the link below: