Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Friday There will be 5 candidates for Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul – member of Initiative group YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Sepuh Aslangil, member of the Initiative group responsible for the elections of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul, made clarifications over the elections, Agos reports. According to him, the number of candidates for the Armenian Patriarch cannot exceed 5. “If the number of candidates for the Patriarch is more than 5, the religious council of the patriarchate should hold a special session and reduce the number to 5”, he said. Sepuh Aslangil also stated that locum tenens Archbishop Bekchyan will sent a letter to the potential candidates, after which the candidates will inform about their nomination to the Initiative group.
Category: 2017
Parliament of Portugal will create a friendship group with Armenia
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Friday Parliament of Portugal will create a friendship group with Armenia Yerevan August 11 Tatevik Shahunyan. The issues of Armenian-Portuguese cooperation were discussed in Yerevan by Vice-Speaker of National Assembly of Armenia Eduard Sharmazanov and the deputy of Portuguese parliament Rubin Berardo. According to Armenian NA press service, during the meeting Sharmazanov stressed the need to create a friendship group in the Parliament of Portugal of Armenia and Portugal to stimulate the development of bilateral relations. At the request of the guest, Armenian Vice-Speaker presented the essence of Karabakh conflict, stressing that Baku is trying to present it as a territorial dispute, meanwhile it is a question of the self-determination of Artsakh people. In this regard, he urged Portuguese guest not to succumb to Azerbaijani propaganda and to present to the international community the true essence of the conflict. "We will do our best to achieve international recognition of the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination, and this is only a matter of time," Sharmazanov assured. In her turn, Rubina Berardo stated that Armenian and Portuguese nations are tied with a characterizing common line, which creates prerequisites for effective cooperation in many areas. She also agreed with the opinion of the Armenian vice-speaker on the need to establish a friendship group with the Armenian Parliament in Portugal, saying that upon returning to her homeland she will start implementing this initiative.
14 investment projects from Armenian regions have already received funding
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Friday 14 investment projects from Armenian regions have already received funding Yerevan August 11 Naira Badalyan. As of August 10 of the 170 programs submitted to the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development of Armenia, which is responsible for the adoption of regional investment projects, 14 are financed. Earlier, the Armenian government has discussed 108 of them, 58 approved. As the press-service agency, at this point we have already been approved and financed 14 investment projects of Lori, Gegharkunik, Tavush, Aragatsotn, Armavir, Vayots Dzor, Kotayk region of Armenia. Received funding for the program concerned, in particular, the development of livestock (community Ayrum, Lori region), production of canned products (Vanadzor, Lori and community Koti, Tavush region), cheeses (the city of Sevan, Gegharkunik), goat cheese (Gohtanik, Vayots Dzor) dried fruit (Yeghegnadzor, Vayots dzor), breeding chinchillas (Vardenis, Gegharkunik region), growing strawberries multiple (Ijevan, Tavush and community Aytah Armavir region), the creation of grape / peach orchards (Karakert community Armaviskoy area), and development Horticulture (Hrazdan, Kotayk), expansion of tourism opportunities GHB community, Vayots Dzor region, the creation of production of metal goods (northern communities of Ashtarak, Aragatsotn region), restart the refrigeration sector (community acyclic, Armavir). "The process of receiving applications continues. The programs, in particular concern the scope of the processing of agricultural products, tourism, mining, construction and hydro-electric plants, livestock, creating a machine and tractor stations and the development of light industry." said the agency. Earlier, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Development of Armenia David Lokyan stated at a meeting with journalists that for further financing of the projects, a special platform was created in the Central Bank of Armenia, which began to study their economic efficiency. "Only after that, it will be possible to finance programs through the relevant banks.In addition, the business will be given the opportunity to obtain loans at lower interest rates and on preferential terms," the minister assured.
Forecast: New US sanctions against Moscow can help liberate Armenia from Russia’s imperial encroachments
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Friday Forecast: New US sanctions against Moscow can help liberate Armenia from Russia's imperial encroachments Yerevan August 11 17. Arminfo, David Stepanyan. New sanctions in general Congress shows the world the next axis of evil in the face of Russia, North Korea and Iran. Thus, a new blow is being struck across Russia in the form of determining its place in the international coordinate system in the American sense. Director of the Armenian Center for Political and International Relations Aghasi Yenokyan expressed this opinion to ArmInfo. US Vice President Michael Pence conditioned the possibility of lifting new sanctions "by the Kremlin's fulfillment of its obligations," regretfully stressing that "Russia's recent diplomatic moves are telling the opposite." "As for Iran, his so strong rejection of President Trump, in my opinion, is due to his personal inability to form a fundamentally new foreign policy agenda of Washington .In this light, he is compelled to simply destroy everything that was created by his predecessor Barack Obama, including Including significant progress made in the settlement of US-Iranian relations, in general, and Iran's nuclear problem, in particular, by the way, this aspiration is felt not only in foreign but also in domestic policy. United . X US In this case, in a hurry and congressmen, trying to tie the hands of Trump and prevent the realization of his personal ambitions and preferences in this matter," said the analyst. Yenokyan is convinced that the new package of US anti-Russian sanctions will have negative consequences for the Armenian economy. According to his estimates, this scenario is inevitable, given Armenia's serious dependence on transfers received from Russia. The political scientist believes that it is already clear today that the new sanctions will lead to their further reduction. He is also convinced that finding Armenia in the area of Russian influence as a result of tightening the US sanctions policy will automatically lead to even greater isolation of Armenia. At the same time, Yenokyan does not rule out that the implementation of all the latest US sanctions against Moscow is capable of leading Russia to significant changes that are fully capable of helping to free Armenia from Russian imperial encroachments. According to his estimates, the impulses towards Russia can be so lightning that Armenia will not even have to withdraw from the EEU or CSTO. "The new sanctions are directly affecting and exerting pressure on the interests of the significant stratum of the Russian oligarchy, and as a result, these people are quite capable of refusing to accept the internal results of external Putin's policies. Light, the likelihood of cardinal changes within the Russian ruling class is, in my opinion, sufficiently substantiated, tangible and therefore predictable. Possible," summed up the political scientist.
The existence of free and democratic Artsakh is an irrefutable fact – Eduard Sharmazanov
Panorama, Armenia
Aug 12 2017
The Deputy Speaker of Armenian National Assembly Eduard Sharmazanov has received today Portuguese politician, the member of the Assembly of the Republic Rubina Berardo, press service at the Parliament reported.
During the meeting, the deputy speaker has expressed hope that an Armenian- Portuguese friendship group will be formed in the Assembly of the Republic, highlighting the deepening of the ties with Portugal in the context of invigorating the political dialogue between the two states as well as development of the Armenia – EU relations.
Eduard Sharmazanov has commended Rubina Berardo’s visit to Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) Republic, suggesting such visits would further bring the international recognition of the Artsakh Republic into reality.
To note, the Portuguese lawmaker earlier held a meeting with the Speaker of the Artsakh National Assembly Ashot Ghulyan in Stepanakert.
“The freedom loving people of Artsakh voted for a free independent and democratic statehood yet in 1991, and today the existence of free and democratic Artsakh is an irrefutable fact. We stand ready to make use of our parliamentary links to ready the fair cause of the Artsakh people at all parliamentary platforms,” the press service quoted Sharmazanov as saying.
Officials Angry At Billboard Ban For ‘Architects Of Denial’ Film
Deadline
Aug 12 2017
A California State Senator has weighed in on a controversial decision to ban a billboard advertisement for the film documentary Architects of Denial, which covers the Armenian genocide as told by survivors.
State Senator Anthony Portantino, who represents Glendale, issued a statement asking the mall to reconsider their decision.
“I thought to myself that Hollywood has long-celebrated thought provoking and hard-edged filmmaking that stimulates conversations about historical event,” Portantino said in a statement posted to his web site. “It seems like labeling art as ‘too political’ was an odd reason to deny the appropriate free _expression_ of a historical documentary. As a former filmmaker and current State Senator, it was important for me to share my concerns and urge reconsideration.”
Portantino’s professional experience includes working in the art department and as property master with the American Playhouse, and he was also a production designer on Grizzly Adams: The Mark of the Bear and an art director on TV’s Unsolved Mysteries.
The Glendale chapter of the Armenian National Committee of America has also requested that Caruso reconsider its position. Artin Manoukian, the chairman of the Glendale chapter, said that there has been “no genuine effort from the Americana to reach out to the Armenian-American community.” The organization has requested a meeting with mall officials, but has been ignored. “It’s very offensive, how they’re treating us,” said Manoukian.
A representative of Caruso Affiliated did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
International expert: Development of relations between Armenia and China depends on Armenia, and not on the size of the Chinese embassy in Yerevan
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Friday International expert: Development of relations between Armenia and China depends on Armenia, and not on the size of the Chinese embassy in Yerevan Yerevan August 11 David Stepanyan. Prospects for the development of relations between Armenia and China primarily depend on Armenia, and not on the size of the new Chinese embassy in Yerevan. An ex-head of the parliamentary commission on foreign relations, international expert Hovhannes Igityan, expressed such opinion to ArmInfo. On August 9, the foundation of the new building of the Chinese Embassy in Armenia was laid in Yerevan. The construction of the new embassy will be completed in 2 years. The new premises of the Chinese Embassy area of about 40 thousand square meters. It will become one of the largest embassies in Armenia. During the ceremony, Ambassador Tian Erlun noted China's intention to expand its presence in Armenia. Prior to the ceremony, at the meeting with the Assistant Foreign Minister of China Edward Nalbandian noted the relations with China as one of the imperatives of Armenia's foreign policy. His deputy Shavarsh Kocharyan described the construction of a new Chinese embassy in Armenia as a sign of increasing interest of the PRC in relation to the South Caucasus. "In my opinion, the Armenian-Chinese prospects depend on the degree of freedom of Yerevan in promoting its own interests, on which the statute of the EEU, Moscow's opinion, stands, but I think that building relations with the EEU, Yerevan should implement the policy of exclusion. If there is a need for deepening, more development of relations with China," the expert said. In this light, Igityan noted the existence of agreements on the supply of weapons to China produced in China, stressing the great potential of Armenia's cooperation with a country that has a powerful military industry. The expert also stressed the weighty place, the right of veto of Beijing in the UN Security Council and the possible role of China, which he could play in the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. "Of course, a big embassy is necessary, but this is far from being the main incentive that encourages the development of relations with our country. China in the South Caucasus has recently begun to play an increasingly important role, but its presence in the economy, politics and finance of Armenia is limited. But on the global level, China is a block, and today this block looks far into the future, building relations with Armenia, proceeding not only from today's realities, but also long-term prospects, "Igityan summed up.
Vardan Giravetyan, Tigran Manukyan and Vardges Gevorgyan stopped hunger strike
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Friday Vardan Giravetyan, Tigran Manukyan and Vardges Gevorgyan stopped hunger strike Yerevan August 11 Alexander Avanesov. Representatives of Armenian Ombudsman made another unannounced visit to the Nubarashen penal institution, where they had a conversation with the hunger-striker Tigran Manukyan, according to Ombudsman's office. According to the source, following the meeting with Tigran Manukyan, with whom he discussed the issues raised by him, the administration of the Municipal Unitary Enterprise, the latter stopped the hunger strike. Earlier, on August 9 Vardan Giravetyan also stopped the hunger strike, and on August 7 - Vardges Gevorgyan. Representatives of Ombudsman once again examined their medical documents. With the medical service of the penitentiary, discussions were held regarding the control over the health of three persons under investigation. Special principles relating to the protection of human rights must be applied to persons who have declared a hunger strike. The conditions of their detention are under constant attention of the Office of the Human Rights Defender.
Charles Aznavour to receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame Aug 24
PanArmenian, Armenia
Aug 12 2017
– 13:12 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced that legendary French-Armenian singer and entertainer Charles Aznavour will be honored with the 2,618th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 24. The star will be dedicated in the category of Live Performance at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard next to the historic Pantages Theatre.
“Charles Aznavour is a popular entertainer known around the world and loved by millions of fans across generations,” stated Ana Martinez, Producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies. “We are thrilled, as we know the people of his homeland France are to see his star dedicated on our historic Walk of Fame.”
Aznavour was nominated by California Senate Pro Tem Kevin deLeon who will be attending the and speaking at the event.
With his career spanning more than 70 years, Aznavour has recorded 1,400 songs (1,300 of which he personally wrote) and has produced over 390 albums, all in multiple languages: French, English, Armenian, Spanish, Russian, German, and Italian. Many of his records have gone Platinum and Gold.
Aznavour, one of the 20th century’s most prolific songwriters who remains active at 93, was honored on October 27, 2016 with an presented by California’s Armenians.
Russian senator: Washington wants to arrange a "color revolution" in Armenia
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia Friday Russian senator: Washington wants to arrange a "color revolution" in Armenia Yerevan August 11 Tatevik Shahunyan. No power in the world except Russia, I think, is able to protect Armenia from any aggressive attacks from outside. Senator, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the Commission expressed this opinion in an interview with Pravda.ru for the Prevention of Interference in Internal Affairs of Russia Andrei Klimov. "Armenia understands this perfectly. Of course, there are forces there that counteract this. Of course, there is also Washington's desire to arrange another "color revolution" there, and attempts of the Maidan were already made in Yerevan. But still reasonable people in Armenia in the majority, I met with deputies of the parliament from different parties, with the population: they all understand that without strong Russian support everything else is some kind of political theories and dreams. But from the point of view of public diplomacy there, of course, maneuver, try to use some compromise formulations. Although, you understand that this is an original attempt to clarify the relations between Washington and Moscow, of course, there are a number of states facing a false choice: who to be with, "the senator said. At the same time, he stressed that Russia has never put anyone before a choice, and nowhere. "Whatever they say, in the same Ukraine we brought to their leadership that it is impossible to simultaneously be in two economic systems, it is necessary to be determined. By the way, exactly at this very time, when dancing started on Independence Square, Yerevan made a strategic decision to be together with Russia in the Eurasian Economic Union. It happened literally at the same time. The Maidan in Kiev pushed Armenia to a decision. They realized that it may be, what price will be paid, "Klimov said, advising to look at the map: where is the US, and where is Armenia: According to him, amid some internal events in Armenia statements are being made to show" to the local public that no one is going to force Yerevan into adventures. "Russia is not exactly going. On the contrary, we say that Russia is against our interference in the internal and external affairs of sovereign states - this is our clear position, "the senator assured.