Category: 2017

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Please find the attached press release of the Ministry of Diaspora.
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297. Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan took part in the opening ceremony of the 10th Pan-Armenian Sports Games of Hometown.docx
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House Committee Approves Assistance for Nations Hosting Syrian Refugees

Ani Kharatian

ARMENIAN
ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS
RELEASE

FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: July 24,
2017

Contact:
Danielle Saroyan

Telephone:
(202) 393-3434

[email protected]

Web:
www.aaainc.org

 

HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES ASSISTANCE FOR NATIONS HOSTING SYRIAN
REFUGEES

  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the U.S. House
Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPS) Appropriations Bill, the Armenian
Assembly of America (Assembly) reported. In total, the bill provides $47.4
billion in funding for SFOPS, which is $10 billion less than FY17. The bill
maintains Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act and includes language for aid
to nations hosting Syrian refugees.

 

The SFOPS
Report highlighted the need for additional assistance to “vulnerable
populations in Syria and in neighboring countries,” comprised of Syrian
refugees, Christians, and other minorities affected by the Syrian civil war and
persecuted by the Islamic State (ISIS). The Committee raised concerns regarding
“the lengthy displacement of Syrians and the ongoing burden they face, as
well as the continued strain Syrian refugees are placing on host
communities.”

 

“We
commend the House Appropriations Committee for emphasizing the importance of
humanitarian aid for both refugees and the nations hosting them,” Assembly
Executive Director Bryan Ardouny said. “To date, Armenia has welcomed over
22,000 refugees from Syria who have escaped with their families. As conditions
worsen in Syria, Armenia continues to serve as a sanctuary for persecuted
Christians and other at-risk groups escaping genocide and violence in the
Middle East. As the humanitarian crisis in Syria continues, we must ensure that
relief aid reaches those in need, which includes Armenia as a host nation for
refugee resettlement,” he added.

 

Referencing
the designation of genocide committed against religious minorities in Syria and
Iraq by Islamist extremists made by Secretary of State John Kerry on March 18,
2016, the bill allocates funds to “be made available for programs to
protect vulnerable and persecuted religious minorities.” This includes
programs authorized by H.R. 390, the Iraq and Syria Genocide Emergency Relief
and Accountability Act of 2017, which the Armenian Assembly strongly supported,
and was unanimously adopted by the House of Representatives on June 6, 2017.
The Committee recommends not less than $10 million to be made available for
programs to protect vulnerable and persecuted religious minorities. In
addition, the bill states that $10 million should also be made available for
international religious freedom programs.

 

The House
Report also incorporated a section on Genocide Victim Memorial Sites and
Tribunals, where funds are appropriated “to establish and maintain
memorial sites of genocide” in Europe, Eurasia, and Central Asia.

 

“The
Armenian Assembly will continue to push for additional assistance. Despite
reductions across the board, it is imperative that Armenia and Artsakh have the
resources necessary to address the compelling humanitarian needs as a result of
the current refugee crisis as well as Azerbaijan’s ongoing and deadly ceasefire
violations,” Ardouny stated.

 

Although the
President’s budget cut aid to Azerbaijan, it also sharply reduced proposed aid
to Armenia. The President’s budget request for Armenia included $4 million in
Economic Support and Development Fund, $1.5 million for International Narcotics
Control and Law Enforcement, and $700,000 for Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism,
Demining, and Related Programs. The House Subcommittee on Europe, Eurasia, and
Emerging Threats will hold a hearing tomorrow entitled “Examining the
President’s FY 2018 Budget Proposal for Europe and Eurasia” for further
discussion.

 

With action
in the House Appropriations Committee completed, attention turns to the Senate
Appropriations Committee, where a mark-up of its version of the bill is
pending.

 

The Assembly
submitted testimony earlier this year to the House Appropriations State, Foreign
Operations, and Related Programs Subcommittee highlighting key areas of
concern, including the ongoing Turkish and Azerbaijani blockades, the need for
continued and robust funding as well as safeguarding of Christian minorities at
risk in the Middle East, and support for a second U.S.-Armenia Millennium
Challenge compact.

 

On March 17,
Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and House Intelligence
Committee Ranking Member and Armenian Caucus Vice Chair Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA)
provided testimony in support of aid to Armenia and Artsakh as the
Administration first released the budget blueprint for FY18. They also signed a
bipartisan letter, initiated by Rep. Pallone, on March 30 advocating “to
advance U.S. interests by strengthening Armenia’s independence, promoting peace
in Nagorno-Karabagh, and supporting Armenia as a regional safe haven for
at-risk Middle East refugees” with Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Jackie Speier
(D-CA) and 22 other Representatives.

 

Spearheaded
by Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA), 27 Members of Congress sent a letter last month to
House Appropriations SFOPS Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) and
Ranking Member Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) expressing concern about the 67 percent
reduction in foreign aid to Armenia.

 

“At a
time of tremendous global uncertainty, the U.S. should continue to foster the
progress of its allies, not retreat from its responsibilities as the world’s
leading democracy. As the U.S. and Armenia commemorate the 25th anniversary of
diplomatic relations, we urge the committee to reject the harmful cuts to U.S.
aid to Armenia proposed by the President’s FY18 budget,” the
Representatives stated in the letter.

 

The FY 2018
State and Foreign Operations Bill – Full Committee Draft is available here.

 

The FY 2018
State and Foreign Operations Bill – Full Committee Report is available here.

 

The Armenian
Assembly of America’s FY 2017 Testimony is available here.

 

Established
in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership
organization.

 

###

 

NR#: 2017-055

 

Available
online:

Religion: Armenian church celebrating Vardavar or Transfiguration of Christ

Torgomian Varazdat
Tert, Armenia

11:06 • 23.07.17

The Armenian Apostolic Church is celebrating the Transfiguration of Christ on Sunday.

The feast, traditionally known as Vardavar, is marked in the period between June 28 and August 1 to coincide with the 98th day following Easter. It is one of the Tabernacle feasts commemorating the transformation or the “transfiguration” that came over Jesus while He was praying.  Christ’s face shone like the sun and his clothes became a radiant and gleaming white. The Apostles Peter, James and John witnessed that event which occurred on a high mountain named Tabor, Qahana.am reports.

Evangelists St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. Luke testify about the transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-12, Luke 9:28-36).

“… As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus.  So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how good it is that we are here!  If you wish I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased – listen to him!” When the disciples heard the voice, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid!” So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus. (Matthew 17:2-8)

A week’s fasting precedes Vardavar. The following Monday is a day of commemoration. All the churches serve a liturgy and offer a funeral service in memory of the deceased.

The word Vardavar traces its origins back to the Indo-European roots var, meaning water, a ar –   to drench. Its history dates from the pagan times, a period when it was closely associated with the Goddess Astghik, the symbol of water, love, fertility and beauty. Vardavar was celebrated with a great splendor, with people bringing along roses as a gift to the goddess, releasing doves into the sky and drenching one another with water. The latter tradition has survived to our days.

Vardavar is a favorite feast especially among children, although adults too, turn out not absolutely indifferent to cool water, especially in the hot summer season. The feast is celebrated in all the regions across Armenia but meets a warmer welcome especially in the north-eastern regions. Since 2015, the International Vardavar Festival is annually organized in Geghard and Garni (Kotayk region), historical sites of Armenian pagan monuments.

Sports: Real Salt Lake: Yura Movsisyan’s agent downplays potential loan to SK Slavia Prague

Ara Felekian
Salt Lake Tribune



Chris Kamrani 

Reports of a possible deal that would send RSL striker Yura Movsisyan to SK Slavia Prague are overblown, according to Movsisyan’s agent Patrick McCabe.

MLS Transfers reported Friday that Movsisyan was closing in on a free loan to the Champions League club and that meetings were ongoing that day.

“We’ve had several clubs reach out about Yura’s availability,” McCabe said.

Nothing, however, is on paper, according to McCabe.

“I don’t respond to rumors,” RSL general manager Craig Waibel said. “Only paper offers are real offers.”

Rumors have been circulating throughout the summer transfer window of trade and loan talks involving the Armenian striker.

“Yura’s not looking to leave Salt Lake,” McCabe said.

On the other hand, a change of scenery has the potential to boost Movsisyan’s playing time.

Movsisyan, RSL’s leading scorer (6 goals), clashed with coach Mike Petke over that matter back in May.

The designated player started half of the past 10 league matches that he was available. A hip injury kept him out of RSL’s 4-1 win in Portland Wednesday.

According to numbers released by the MLS Players Union, as of April 15 Movsisyan was the club’s highest paid player.

— Maddie Lee

Religion: Vardavar: Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Elizabeth Jabejian
Aravot, Armenia

The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the five main “Tabernacle” feasts of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church. It commemorates the transformation or the “transfiguration” that came over Jesus while He was praying.  Christ’s face shone like the sun and his clothes became a radiant and gleaming white. The Apostles Peter, James and John witnessed that event which occurred on a high mountain named Tabor.

Evangelists St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. Luke testify about the transfiguration of Jesus in the Gospels (Matthew 17:1-13; Mark 9:1-12, Luke 9:28-36).

“… As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun and his clothes were dazzling white. Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus.  So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, “Lord, how good it is that we are here!  If you wish I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”  While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased – listen to him!” When the disciples heard the voice, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. Jesus came to them and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid!” So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus. (Matthew 17:2-8)

In the Armenian Church, the Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ is celebrated 98 days following Easter.  The Feast also is known by the common name of “Vardakas”. This day is associated with an old Armenian tradition of pouring water on one another. Some sources attribute the tradition as a remnant of an Armenian pre-Christian celebration.  The Monday following the Feast is a Memorial Day.

Music: 9 days with classical music

Emil Karabekian
Aravot, Armenia

A true feast of the classical music – the 1st “Armenia” International Festival and Competition has come to the end. “Armenia” satisfied even the capricious connoisseurs of the classical music, presenting both masterpieces of classical music and pieces by contemporary composers.

The “Armenia” International Festival and Competition held between July 4-12, 2017 was not another regular cultural event. It was an event that managed to unite three major collectives – the Armenian National Philharmonic, the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia and the National Chamber Orchestra under one umbrella! It was an exceptional case in Armenian cultural life.

A festival and competition – two in one: here is the formula for success of the “Armenia”. Famous cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan, pianists Nareh Arghamanyan and Lilit Grigoryan, violinists Roman Kim and Fedor Rudin, Khachaturian Trio, Abgar Muradyan Duo performed during 9 festival concerts. And, undoubtedly, the peak of the festival was the performance of the world famous violinist Maxim Vengerov.

“There are lots of music festivals, but the “Armenia” International Festival and Competition is unique.  A festival-competition format is special for the young performers.

I have heard about the “Armenia” International Festival and Competition in different countries, specifically in France and Germany, and from various sources. It is a great pleasure for me to be a part of the first festival”,-world famous violinist Maxim Vengerov noted before his performance.

Cellist Narek Hakhnazaryan added: “I am very happy that Armenia hosts such high-level Competition and Festival. The Armenian audience enjoys high-level music”.

Within the framework of the festival, famous artists presented masterpieces of classical music to the audience. The compositions by the composer-in-residence of the festival Alexey Shor were also performed.

The piano competition was held parallel to the festival and 48 pianists from 14 countries competed. During their visit they got a chance to discover Armenia, to enjoy the concerts of the festival and communicate with world famous artists and gain huge experience!

The total prize fund of the competition was 20 000 Euro (the 1st prize – 10 000 Euro, the 2nd prize-5000 Euro, the 3rd prize- 3000 Euro and special prize-2000 Euro). The first prize winner was Hripsime Ahgaqaryan (Armenia), the second prize winner was Khachik Andreasyan (Armenia), the third prize received Dominik Wizjan (Poland). The special prize was awarded to Seolhwa Kim (South Korea). The best 5 finalists were granted vouchers of participation to Malta International Piano Competition held within the framework of the Malta International Music Festival.

The jury of the competition consisted of world-famous musicians Paolo Baglieri (Italy), Ratko Delorko (Germany), Vladimir Ovchinnikov (Russia), Valerian Shiukashvili (Georgia). They were headed by the jury chairman professor, pianist Armen Babakhanyan.

“The festival was really impressive with its scope: three orchestras, four conductors, many international stars and the majority of them were from Armenia. I would like to highlight the piano competition that was held within the framework of the festival. It was a pleasure to see that my compositions were included as a mandatory program for the competition”,- Alexey Shor noted.

The most important cultural event of the year was organized by the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia and European Foundation for Support of Culture. It was held under the high patronage of the first lady of the RA Rita Sargsyan and with the support of RA Ministry of Culture.

It should be mentioned that this was not the first time that the Youth Orchestra organized a high scale international event. For four and thirteen years it has been organizing the Khachaturian International Festival respectively, which has managed to find its unique places in the Armenian cultural life.

The Artistic Director of the festival and competition Sergey Smbatyan noted that the “Armenia” has been a huge project with its content and mission. Maestro added that this festival once again proved to the world that Armenia is a platform where high-level international events are implemented.

…Another important event has come to the end and the world revealed a constellation of talents. We will undoubtedly see them on the international stages. The next step is Malta International Piano Competition. During the event, Armenia will be represented by two talented pianists. The expectations are very high.

Anahit Gevorgyan


Film: Armenian Movie Week in Iran to feature genocide-themed Map of Salvation

Emil Lazarian 
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
 Saturday
Armenian Movie Week in Iran to feature genocide-themed Map of Salvation
YEREVAN, JULY 22, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Genocide themed ‘Map of
Salvation’ documentary will be screened during the Armenia Movie Week
in Iran. The movie week will be held July 23 – 29 in Iran’s Tehran,
Mashhad and Shiraz, Financial Tribune reported.
During the course of the event, 10 Armenian modern films will be screened.
The Armenia Movie Week is organized by the Armenian Embassy and the
Art & Experience Cinematic Group.
Films will feature Aram Shahbazyan’s “Moskvitch, my love” and “Map of
Salvation”, as well as Aram Vatyan’s “The Clay Man”.
Map of Salvationis a feature-lengthdocudramafilm made to commemorate
the100th anniversaryof theArmenian Genocide.
The film tells about five European women,Maria Jacobsen(Denmark),Karen
Jeppe(Denmark),Bodil Biørn(Norway),Alma Johansson(Sweden),Anna Hedvig
Büll(Estonia), who were witnesses to the Armenian Genocide and
subsequently founded shelters for Armenian women and children.

Tourism: Why Armenia Should be Your Next Travel Destination!

Boris Nahapetian
Masala.com

Friday,

Blogger Veathika Jain discovers a new fantasy just three hours away from Dubai

It’s strange that despite an overwhelming history, inspiring culture and stunning natural beauty, Armenia hasn’t found itself on the world’s best travel destinations list yet. This Caucasian nation has a rich heritage laced with art and mind-blowing architecture that sits comfortably with its modern outlook making it a wonderful country to discover. A place that leaves you intrigued by its history, amazed by its monuments and charmed by its simplicity, travelling here is a mix of the old and the new.

The most popular touristy sites are the incredible, ancient monasteries but there is enough in its amazing landscape to explore for adventure lovers. The capital, Yerevan, especially, is delightful with its modern malls and historic old buildings. Put this all together and you have a great travel experience so close to Dubai.

HOW TO GET THERE

A flight takes less than three hours from Dubai to Yerevan and Indian nationals with UAE residence visa get visa on arrival. The visa at Yerevan airport will cost you USD6 and you’ll be out of the airport in no time.

We chose Air Arabia direct flight of about two and a half hours to Yerevan in Armenia and we got a very sweet deal of return airfare, hotel stay with breakfast for under Dhs1000 per person. Yes, it’s that easy! There are other airlines like Qatar Airways and FlyDubai that fly to Yerevan.

WHAT’S GREAT ABOUT IT

  • From its pedestrian modern street of North Avenue with all big brands to basement bars and pubs on Pushkin Street, Yerevan city is a must-visit. It has a great mix of the old and the new.
  • The statues throughout the city and the art in its buildings are something you can stare at for hours.
  •  The Vernissage is an open-air market in the city centre and it’s a veritable treasure trove of mini barrels, wooden chess sets, handmade jewellery and paintings. We did our entire souvenir shopping from this stunning market.
  • The architecture of this city is gorgeous. Its old buildings, facades, churches and monasteries are beautiful with some unique stone and wood carving.
  • The drive to other attractions near Yerevan like Khor Virap and Noravank Monastery is interesting with Mount Arafat always in view.
  • The small town of Areni, well known for its fruit grape is quite stark but the taste of the beverage makes up for the starkness. These are special fruit grapes that are all organic.
  • The organic food and drinks that you get everywhere in Armenia is healthy and fresh.
  
The Opera House at Yeravan

WHAT IS OVERRATED

  • The churches and monasteries can get a tad boring. Don’t get me wrong, they are beautiful but there are just too many. If you have seen the important ones, you’ve seen them all. The main attractions in Armenia are the monasteries all over the country.
  • Khor Virap Monastery is one of those buildings that is being rebuilt since the sixth century. Legend has it that pagan King Trdat III imprisoned St Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Grigor Lusavorich) here for around 12 years. We went down a metal ladder into the well where the saint was incarcerated. It’s a stark circular room and gets very crowded. There’s no one to monitor the up and down traffic to the well.

MUST-DOs

  • Free walking tour in Yerevan. Use Yerevan Walking Tour, led by Vako who knows all the stories, legends and is an artist himself. He takes you to interesting places and ends the tour at a local pub, which is cheap and full of youngsters. See this: www.facebook.com/Yerevan FreeWalkingTour/
  • Visit the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan. One of the iconic buildings with a fountain in the front, it houses two museums. The history museum has an extraordinary collection of Bronze Age artefacts with many of the items excavated in the 1950s. The building also has the art museum on one floor, which shows the history of Armenian art.
  • Take a day trip to Areni village and cave and Noravank monastery. Archeologists discovered the 6100-year-old winery, in 2007 at the Areni caves. The urns and pots are as it is and there are other ruins as well. Whereas the Noravank monastery is a 13th century church, atop a hill, with a stunning stone staircase jutting out of the building. It’s a bit hard to climb up and down but it’s worth the adventure.
  • Visit the Garni Temple outside Yerevan. Armenia’s King Trdat I built it in 1st century AD. Overlooking the Azat River, the temple was dedicated to the heathen sun god, Mitra. Large parts of the temple were destroyed in the 1679 earthquake. The Parthenon-like structure was rebuilt between 1969 and 1975.

Stunning Landscape

THE FOOD 

  • Armenian cuisine has some specialty, though it has been largely influenced by its history and neighbouring countries. Dolma is a grape leaf in which vegetables and meat are wrapped and this dish is available everywhere.
  • Zhingyalov hats is a type of flatbread like naan, stuffed with finely diced herbs and green vegetables. It is a vegetarian and traditional dish of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh. In Yerevan there’s a restaurant by the same name that only serves this dish.
  • When it comes to food, visit Yerevan Tavern, just off Republic Square. They have traditional Armenian dishes, great local grape and also Khachapuri from neighbouring Georgia. You might find the staff a bit snooty if you go during peak times, but don’t let them get to you. Their menu has some great veg options.

QUIRKY FACTS

  • Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity and they have a church to prove that. Holy Etchimiadzin church was built in early fourth century.
  • Chess is taught in Armenian schools. Beautiful wooden chessboards in wood are available at Vernissage market.
  • Apricot is one of the symbols of Armenia. The orange colour of the flag comes from the fruit. Apricots are sold everywhere, from fresh and dried fruit, juice to apricot flavoured grape.

Film: “Dawn on the Sad Street” to be screened at “Zvartnots” open air hall

Hambardsumian Paul
Panorama, Armenia

Armenian filmmaker Albert Mkrtchyan’s drama “Dawn on the Sad Street” (2008), telling the story of an Armenian family from Gyumri of the early 1990s following the devastating earthquake and at the heights of the war in Nagorno Karabakh, will be screened on Saturday at the open-air hall of the “Zvartnots” historical-cultural museum-reserve.

The film features number of famous names, Anahit Kocharyan, Guzh Manukyan, Vardan Mkrtchyan, others.

As the Service for Protection of Historical Environment and Historical-Cultural Museum-Reserves reports, film screenings at “Zvartnots” open air hall will be continuous.