Tuesday, Ruling Party Remains Opposed To Armenia's Exit From Eurasian Union . Ruzanna Stepanian . Sargis Harutyunyan Kazakhstan -- Leaders of the Eurasian Economic Union (EES) pose for a photograph during a summit in Astana, May 31, 2016. President Serzh Sarkisian's Republican Party (HHK) dismissed on Tuesday an opposition alliance's calls for an end to Armenia's membership in the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). The Yelk alliance put forward late last week a draft parliamentary statement demanding that the Armenian authorities embark on a "process" of invalidating Armenia's accession treaty with the trade bloc comprising five ex-Soviet states. The statement says that EEU membership, effective from January, 2015, has hurt the country's economy and security. "Leaving the EEU would be fraught with very serious problems for Armenia," the HHK spokesman, Eduard Sharmazanov, told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). "It would lead to an unprecedented rise in the price of [Russian] gas. Secondly, it would change trade volumes. There are no alternative markets for products which we now sell in the EEU markets. Maybe there will be in five or ten years." "Armenia's authorities see no need for changing the vector of Armenian foreign policy," Sharmazanov added. "We should continue deepening our relations with the EEU." Armenia - Eduard Sharmazanov, spokesman for the ruling Republican Party, at a news conference in Yerevan, 14May2017. Russia's is Armenia's number one trading partner, having accounted for 26 percent of its foreign trade in January-July 2017, according to official Armenian statistics. Armenian exports to Russia -- most of them foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages -- rose by almost 31 percent. By comparison, the European Union's share in the total stood at 24.3 percent. Armenia's trade with EEU member states also grew strongly in the seven-month period. Yelk blames the EEU for the fact that Armenia Gross Domestic Product has shrunk in U.S. dollar terms while public debt increased since 2015. The authorities in Yerevan recorded a real GDP growth of just 0.2 percent last year. "Had we not joined the EEU that negative dynamic would have been deeper," insisted Sharmazanov. Sharmazanov also brushed aside Yelk claims that EEU membership has not strengthened Armenia's security as evidenced by continued Russian arms sales to Azerbaijan and the April 2016 fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh. "Armenia has received [since 2015] many modern weapons and ammunition that ensure, along with the Armenian armed forces, its security. Armenia's security system has grown stronger since we joined the EEU," said the HHK spokesman, who is also a deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament. Armenia - Russian Ambassador Ivan Volynkin addresses a Eurasian youth forum in Tsaghkadzor, 11Jun2014. Russia's ambassador in Yerevan, Ivan Volynkin, also scoffed at the Yelk initiative. "If they want to come up with such an initiative, no problem, nobody is hindering them," Volynkin told reporters. "The question is how necessary it is for Armenia." "I think that the majority of Armenia's population disagrees with that initiative because they can see the obvious advantages of Armenia's membership in the EEU," he said. Yelk holds 9 seats in the 105-member parliament. None of the other political groups represented in the National Assembly has voiced support for its initiative. French, German Envoys See No Hurdles To EU-Armenia Accord . Anush Mkrtchian Armenia - Armenian and EU officials initial the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement in Yerevan, 21Mar2017. A landmark agreement to deepen the European Union's relations with Armenia will most likely be signed as planned in November, Germany's and France's ambassadors in Yerevan said on Tuesday. "At the moment there are no circumstances that could hamper that process," the German envoy, Matthias Kiesler, told a joint news conference with his outgoing French counterpart, Jean-Francois Charpentier. "I consider the new agreement a great success and believe that if signed, it will open up new and multiple opportunities for deepening EU-Armenia cooperation," added Kiesler. Charpentier likewise said that "all prerequisites are in place" for the signing of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) during an EU summit in Brussels slated for November 24. Armenia would thus become the first member of the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union to have such an "ambitious" deal with the EU, he said. Armenia - Ambassadors Jean-Francois Charpentier (C) of France and Matthias Kiesler (second from right) of Germany at a press conference in Yerevan, 12Sep2017 The CEPA, which was finalized in March, is meant to deepen the EU's political and economic relations with Armenia. It reportedly contains the main political provisions of a more far-reaching Association Agreement which the two sides nearly concluded in 2013. President Serzh Sarkisian prevented the signing of that agreement with his unexpected decision to seek Armenia's accession to the EEU. The move was widely attributed to Russian pressure exerted on the Armenian government. Sarkisian dismissed late last month suggestions that the CEPA may also collapse at the last minute. "We have no reason to not sign that document," he said. The head of the EU Delegation in Yerevan, Piotr Switalski, said last week that officials in Brussels are making final preparations for the signing of the accord with Armenia at the November summit. The summit will focus on the EU's Eastern Partnership program of closer partnership with six former Soviet republics. Three of them -- Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine -- have signed Association Agreements with the EU. Dashnak Leader Vague On Next Armenian PM . Astghik Bedevian Armenia - Armen Rustamian, a leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, speaks at an election campaign rally in Yerevan, 30Mar2017. A leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun) on Tuesday praised Prime Minister Karen Karapetian's policies but declined to clarify whether the party represented in his government would like him to retain his post next year. "Novelties which began to be introduced by the prime minister need time, but we will see [their impact] in our lives," Armen Rustamian told reporters. "The pace [of change] may not be satisfactory, but the direction adopted by the government correspondents to our views by 99 percent." Rustamian would not say whether this means that Dashnaktsutyun wants Karapetian to remain prime minister after President Serzh Sarkisian completes his final term in April. "For us, the key thing is the directions adopted by the government," he said. "They are not connected with individuals." "As for who will implement [government programs,] it is certainly important for us that he or she can do this job wholeheartedly. But there are many such people. So in that sense, individuals are not that important to us," he added. Rustamian refused to speculate on whether Sarkisian would do a better job as prime minister than Karapetian has. "Time will tell," he said. Sarkisian has still not said whether he plans to become prime minister after the end of his decade-long presidency. Another Dashnaktsutyun leader, Aghvan Vartanian, said in July that top representatives of his party hope to discuss the matter with the president soon. "Naturally, the question of who will be prime minister is important to Dashnaktsutyun," Vartanian told RFE/RL's Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). Dashnaktsutyun is a junior partner in Sarkisian's coalition government, having held three ministerial posts for the past 18 months. It extended its power-sharing deal with Sarkisian and his Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) following parliamentary elections held in April. Dashnaktsutyun controls 7 seats in Armenia's 105-member parliament, compared with 58 seats held by the HHK. Press Review "Zhoghovurd" believes that President Serzh Sarkisian will remain "at the helm of power" regardless of whether or not he becomes prime minister after serving out his final presidential term in April 2018. The paper expects the Armenian authorities to "push this notion at any cost" in the months ahead in a bid to make Armenians come to terms with the extension of his decade-long rule. "Generally speaking, this prospect has been evident right from the beginning, when Serzh Sarkisian initiated the process of constitutional changes," it says. "He took that step in order to prolong his rule." "Zhamanak" says that Gagik Tsarukian and his supposedly opposition alliance are now ready to enter into a governing coalition with Sarkisian's Republican Party of Armenia (HHK). The paper suggests that a power-sharing deal between them could be reached right after Armenia switches to a parliamentary system of government in April 2018. "Nobody can now say for certain what the Tsarukian Bloc stands for now," it says. "It is formally not part of the government and therefore cannot be regarded as a governing force in the political sense. But you cannot call the bloc an opposition in any way. Its members take every opportunity to praise the authorities and marvel in their foreign economic and security policies." "Aravot" claims that Russia is stepping up pressure on Armenia ahead of the planned signing in November of a Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the European Union. "It is a much more modest document than the Association Agreement," comments the paper. "Nevertheless, the prospect of its signing does not sit well with Russia. The Kremlin did not like our participation in [recent] U.S.-Georgian military exercises as well as discussions on renaming streets in Yerevan # This is certainly a problem. But it's a problem that requires a calm and composed approach, negotiations, flexibility, rather than lamentations or disappointed excla mations." "Haykakan Zhamanak" reports that Anahit Bakhshian, a member of Yerevan's municipal council representing the opposition Yelk alliance, has demanded Education Minister Levon Mkrtchian's resignation. Bakhshian holds Mkrtchian responsible for a medal for academic excellence which President Serzh Sarkisian gave recently to the teenage son of a town mayor accused over running over and killing a man with his father's car. (Tigran Avetisian) Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL Copyright (c) 2017 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc. 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
Category: 2017
A VALUABLE INVESTMENT IN DIASPOLOGY
Dear colleagues,
With the attached file, we are sending you the letter of RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyanof the book "Armenian Diaspora in the post-changing world" (E., Hegh. hert.., 2017.-652p.) article by Albert Kharatyan, correspondent member of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Armenia.
We are sure that it will interest your readers, so it will find its place in yourson the pages of the periodical.
Thanks in advance. With respect to the Press and the public communications department
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The delegation of the ARS Central Department visited the Ministry of Diaspora
Please find the attached press release of the Ministry of Diaspora. Sincerely, Media and PR Department: ( 374 10) 585601, internal 805 ---------------------- Sincerely Department of Press and Public Relations ( 374 10) 585601, extension 805
344 RA Minister of Diaspora welcomed the delegation of the Republic of Armenia.docx
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Film: George Clooney’s Documentary Architects of Denial Premiering in Theaters and On Demand
Shock Ya!
Sept 12 2017
By
The historically reflective documentary, ‘Architects of Denial,’ is set to premiere in select theaters and On Demand across America on October 6. The movie, which features interviews with, and footage of, such notable public figures as Oscar-winning filmmaker, George Clooney, former American President, Barack Obama, and WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, traces the turbulent modern history of the Armenian people.
‘Architects of Denial’ focuses on the Armenian people’s decimation by Ottoman Turks at the onset of World War I until the present, a period during which they’re threatened by Turkey, as well as its ally, Azerbaijan. It also chronicles the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and includes interviews with its survivors, who detail the horrors they or their family members had experienced. The movie also features discussions with experts, who graphically illustrate the real connection between the historical denial of the genocide with present-day mass exterminations in conflict zones around the world.
“Since the end of World War II, every civilized nation on earth has adhered to the principle of never again, and that’s why we made this film,” said one the documentary’s executive producers, Montel Williams. “We know if we allow this genocide to be forgotten, we run the risk of repeating the evils of humanity’s collective past.”
“Genocide is a horrible thing to see. It’s a horrible thing to have happen,” added Williams’ fellow executive producer, Dean Cain. “What’s even worse about that, especially for the Armenians who are still survivors of that and descendants of that, is to not call it what it is.”
For more information on ‘Architects of Denial,’ visit the film’s official website, as well as its Facebook page.
http://www.shockya.com/news/2017/09/12/george-clooneys-documentary-architects-denial-premiering-theaters-on-demand/
Film: Armenian Genocide documentary ‘Architects of Denial’ premieres Oct. 6
PanArmenian, Armenia
Sept 12 2017
Armenian Genocide documentary ‘Architects of Denial’ premieres Oct. 6
The historically reflective documentary, ‘Architects of Denial’, is set to premiere in select theaters and on demand across America on October 6, Shock Ya reports. The movie, which features interviews with, and footage of, such notable public figures as Oscar-winning filmmaker George Clooney, former American president Barack Obama, and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, traces the turbulent modern history of the Armenian people.
‘Architects of Denial’ focuses on the Armenian people’s decimation by Ottoman Turks at the onset of World War I until the present, a period during which they’re threatened by Turkey, as well as its ally, Azerbaijan. It also chronicles the Armenian Genocide of 1915, and includes interviews with its survivors, who detail the horrors they or their family members had experienced. The movie also features discussions with experts, who graphically illustrate the real connection between the historical denial of the genocide with present-day mass exterminations in conflict zones around the world.
“Since the end of World War II, every civilized nation on earth has adhered to the principle of never again, and that’s why we made this film,” said one the documentary’s executive producers, Montel Williams. “We know if we allow this genocide to be forgotten, we run the risk of repeating the evils of humanity’s collective past.”
“Genocide is a horrible thing to see. It’s a horrible thing to have happen,” added Williams’ fellow executive producer, Dean Cain. “What’s even worse about that, especially for the Armenians who are still survivors of that and descendants of that, is to not call it what it is.”
Art: Not only Armenian but also foreign experts point to Ayvazovsky’s Armenian descent – Marina Hakobyan
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 12 2017
The National Gallery of Armenia (NGA) is set to open an exhibition dedicated to the 200th birth anniversary of the world-famous seascape painter Hovhannes (Ivan) Aivazovsky on 15 September. The exhibition titled “Hovhannes Aivazovsky: Creation” features 52 paintings, 26 graphic works, 1 work of the decorative-applied art and 20 documentary materials. Apart from the exhibition, an academic conference is planned to discuss different aspects of the diverse activity and the rich creative legacy of one of the greatest masters of marine art.
“The conference of such a scale dedicated to the seascape painter is unprecedented for the Gallery,” Graphic Department Manager at NGA Marina Hakobyan told a press conference on Tuesday.
Hakobyan specifically pointed to the fact that the conference is attended not only by Armenian experts, specialists, art critics, but also art collectors, publishers from Theodosia, Moscow and St. Petersburg largest museums, cultural centers, guests from the UK and USA.
Among the guests of the conference are Director of the Ayvazovsky Museum in Theodosia Tatyana Gayduk, the Head of the section of paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries at the State Tretyakov Gallery Galina Churak, Director of the State Russian Museum Vladimir Gusev, others.
Among foreign guests are art critic, longtime researcher of Aivazovsky’s creativity and author of number of books and articles Ivan Samarin from London, researcher, one of the biggest collectors of Ayvazovsky’s works Andreas Rubian from the US who will deliver reports.
“Not only the scope of the experts but also the topic of the conference itself is quite interesting and multifaceted. For sure, Ayvazovsky is the cornerstone of the event but not the only one. It is expected to introduce works of not only Armenians Alkhazyan, Tadevosyan of the late 19th and early 20th century, but also Courbet and Monet of the Western Europe,” said Hakobyan, who will act as the coordinator of the conference.
She informed that in total 21 speakers will deliver reports, adding: ”New aspects of the Ayvazovsky art that never previously raised will be presented. Most of the speakers both Armenians and foreigners point to the Armenian descent of the seascape painter. That was especially highlighted in the scope of the exhibition opened last year at Tretyakov Gallery”
Responding to the question about the change of the painter’s surname (Hovhannes Aivazian), she said the conference will address the matter with expected documents and materials to be presented when and how that happened.
“Initially, the painter’s letters were signed by a surname Gayvazian then changed to Aivazian. His brother, who was member of the Mkhitarian Congregation at the St. Lazarus Island in Venice, however, kept his original surname – Gabriel Aivazian. The painter moved to other environments, subsequently changing his surname,” Hakobyan explained.
Art: Exhibition dedicated to Hovhannes Aivazovsky’s 200th birth anniversary to rediscover the world-famous painter
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 12 2017
The National Gallery of Armenia (NGA) is set to open an exhibition dedicated to the 200th birth anniversary of the world-famous seascape painter Hovhannes (Ivan) Aivazovsky on 15 September. The organizers of the exhibition assure the display will discover the famous artist in a new way.
The exhibition titled “Hovhannes Aivazovsky: Creation” features 52 paintings, 26 graphic works, 1 work of the decorative-applied art and 20 documentary materials, Arman Tsaturyan, Director of the National Gallery of Armenia told a news conference on Tuesday.
“We intend to exhibit those works by Aivazovsky which have not been on the permanent display previously. He is known as a seascape painter, however he has also created good graphic works, landscapes and sketches, which will be a big discovery for most of the visitors,” the director said.
The exhibition for the first time will display the prominent painting “Chaos: Creation of the World” from the collection of the Mekhitarist Congregation in Venice. The painting has been transported to capital city Yerevan with great difficulty, Mr. Tsaturyan said.
Naira Yeghiazaryan. Deputy Director of the Museum Management of the NGA, in her turn noted that Aivazovsky passed the painting to the pope of Rome as a gift in 1841. The pope later donated it to the Mekhitarist Congregation in 1901.
To note, the National Gallery of Armenia has the second largest collection of Aivazovsky’s paintings after Museum of Theodosius in the Crimea.
The exhibition will run until 15 July 2018.
Azerbaijani Press: Azerbaijani, Israeli defense ministers eye military cooperation
AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Sept 12 2017
10:08 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov and Israel’s Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman met in Tel Aviv, Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry reported on September 11.
The official welcoming ceremony of the Azerbaijani delegation was held at the Israeli Defense Ministry in accordance with the protocol.
The defense Ministers passed along the honor guard. After national anthems of both countries were played, ministers held a one-on-one meeting.
During the meeting of delegations in an expanded format, the sides discussed issues of regional security, cooperation in the military, military-technical sphere and other areas of mutual interest.
Currently, Azerbaijan and Israel have broad interaction in military and military-technical spheres. The Azerbaijani army possesses modern weapons and technical equipment for maintaining a high level of combat capability, and part of these weapons are of Israeli production.
Israel has always stated that it supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan and wishes an early resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by peaceful means.
Azerbaijani Press: Azerbaijan continues investigation into case of persons accused of spying for Armenia
APA, Azerbaijan
Sept 12 2017
The investigation into the case of persons accused of spying for Armenia is underway, Ilgar Musayev, deputy head of the Azerbaijani State Security Service, told APA.
The investigation is being conducted by the Azerbaijani Military Prosecutor’s Office, noted Musayev.
In a joint statement dated May 7, 2017, the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs and State Security Service said they arrested a group of servicemen and civilians, who were engaged in conspiracy with the Armenian intelligence services and passed along secret military information to them for a financial reward, putting sovereignty, territorial integrity, state security and military capability of the Republic of Azerbaijan at risk.
“Based on the collected material, the Military Prosecutor’s Office of Azerbaijan launched a criminal case on treason and other facts under Article 274 of the Criminal Code. An investigative-operative group consisting of employees of the Prosecutor Office, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs and State Security Service has been set up, and an initial investigation is underway,” said a joint statement by the Prosecutor General’s Office, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs and State Security Service.
The statement said that immediate investigative measures allowed to prevent provocative and terrorist acts that the Armenian intelligence and special services were planning to commit in public places in Baku. “A group of servicemen and civilians, who were engaged in conspiracy with the enemy’s intelligence services, were arrested,” the statement said.
Lebanese Celebrities Najwa Karam and Guy Manoukian Inspire AMIDEAST Students Ahead of Beverly Hills Gala
Najwa Karam (center) visits the EducationUSA Center at AMIDEAST and meets with six students, ALAB member Wafa Saab, and Gala co-chair Milia Garabet
WASHINGTON, BEIRUT—Lebanese superstar Najwa Karam and award-winning Lebanese-Armenian pianist Guy Manoukian’s visit to AMIDEAST’s Beirut office on August 30 caused an emotional outpouring of support. In anticipation of the star-studded Education Hero Award Gala being held in Beverly Hills on October 14, the celebrities’ behind-the-scenes tour included a “meet and greet” with several AMIDEAST scholarship recipients.
Guy Manoukian is welcomed with a small cedar tree during his visit with AMIDEAST board members Asma Zein and Wafa Saab and several scholarship recipients
Representing different backgrounds, ages, and majors, eight young Lebanese scholars shared their stories and how AMIDEAST had changed their lives by enabling them to attend top U.S. schools, including MIT, the University of Chicago, Swarthmore, and Williams College.
The stars were visibly impressed by the accomplishments of these young adults and moved by their commitment to give back to their country. Ms. Karam praised AMIDEAST and its advisory board of successful Lebanese business and civic leaders for their efforts to build the capacity of Lebanon’s youth — much needed efforts in her view to make the country blossom again. Mr. Manoukian urged the young scholars not to forget about Lebanon and or compromise what impact they can make, while continuing to do their best.
AMIDEAST students present Najwa Karam with a small cedar tree to thank her for her support.
The celebrities were also welcomed by two officers of the AMIDEAST/Lebanon Advisory Board (ALAB), who are cohosting the gala: Ms. Asma Zein, General Manager of Infofort Lebanon — Crypta, and Ms. Wafa Saab, CEO of Tinol Paints.
Najwa Karam and her brother during their visit to AMIDEAST/Lebanon
Impressed by the brilliance and commitment of these deserving students, Najwa Karam and Guy Manoukian are generously supporting AMIDEAST’s first international gala by donating their performances in-kind. The evening program will also include a performance by the California Crooners Club. The event promises to be an unforgettable and elegant evening with top entertainment that will generate additional support for AMIDEAST’s programs benefiting youth in Lebanon.
Proceeds from the gala will be used to expand the organization’s youth programs in Lebanon.
For additional details, please visit the gala website: www.AMIDEASTgala.com.
America-Mideast Educational and Training Services, Inc., or AMIDEAST (www.amideast.org), is an American nonprofit organization engaged in international education, training, and development assistance. Founded in 1951, AMIDEAST is headquartered in Washington, DC, with a network of field offices in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen. AMIDEAST has operated continuously in Lebanon for nearly 50 years. The AMIDEAST/Lebanon Advisory Board consists of 30 prominent business and civic leaders in Lebanon, the United States, and the Gulf.