Creative Boom
Dec 19 2017
Martin Holik’s photographs of Armenia’s abandoned and forgotten Luna Park
Category: 2017
Sports: Henrikh Mkhitaryan wanted by Inter Milan in January transfer window escape from Manchester United
The Mirror, UK Dec 18 2017 Henrikh Mkhitaryan wanted by Inter Milan in January transfer window escape from Manchester United The Armenian has not started for the Red Devils since the start of November By Neil McLeman Henrikh Mkhitaryan is wanted by Inter Milan on loan in January. Jose Mourinhois ready to let the £30million Armenian midfielder leave Old Trafford to allow the signing of Mesut Ozil in the summer. But the Serie A club are looking to reinforce their squad next month as they push for the title. Corriere dello Sport claims today Inter are not in the market to pay "crazy" prices for new players - and they do not want to sell top stars like Mauro Icardi and Ivan Perisic, who was targeted by Mourinho in the summer. Mkhitaryanmoved to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund last year but has been frozen out by Mourinho and last started a Premier League match in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on November 5. Explaining Mkhitaryan's absence,Mourinho last week said: "I can only have six players on the bench and I try to have some balance on the bench. West Bromwich Albion 1-2 Manchester United: Match in pictures "I had two defenders that can play in different areas, I have Ashley Young to cover the wing and wing backs position. "[Ander] Herrera is a midfield player, Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] is a striker, [Marcus] Rashford is a second striker and a winger. "To have Mkhitaryan means I don't have one of them and I believe the others deserve." Has Henrikh Mkhitaryan played his last game for Manchester United?
Sports: Borussia Dortmund interested in Henrikh Mkhitaryan with Manchester United willing to sell for right price
The Independent (United Kingdom)
Monday 2:32 PM GMT
Borussia Dortmund interested in Henrikh Mkhitaryan with Manchester United willing to sell for right price
The Armenian has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, having struggled to apply his game under the manager’s approach
Miguel Delaney
Borussia Dortmund are likeliest to end Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s struggles at Manchester United, with the Germans expressing an interest in bringing the playmaker back to his old club.
The Armenian has fallen out of favour under Jose Mourinho, having struggled to apply his game under the manager’s approach. Reports of a disagreement between the two have more recently emerged.
It is understood United would now be willing to let him go for the right deal, and Dortmund have so far shown the strongest interest.
That stance would be in line with the Bundesliga club’s recruitment history as they have regularly shown a willingness to bring back former players who have struggled elsewhere, such as Mario Goetze, Nuri Sahin and former United player Shinji Kagawa.
Such a deal might also suit Old Trafford’s plans for incoming players, as Mourinho does want a defensive midfielder, and Dortmund’s Julian Weigl has long been a target. While any kind of direct swap is unlikely, a move could facilitate negotiations.
Sports: Armenia to be fined USD 50,000 for doping violations
MediaMax, Armenia
Dec 19 2017
Secretary General of the Armenian Weightlifting Federation Pashik Alaverdyan has announced that athletes from the mentioned countries committed no violations in the last four years.
“Our weightlifters passed 1200 doping tests in the last four years without any violations. I am very strict in this matter and after many years in this sport, I am certain we can have success without doping, which has been proved in recent times,” said Alaverdyan.
The Armenian national weightlifting team had been banned from international competitions for a year, but that term might be reduced, allowing Armenia to compete in the 2018 European Championship.
“We made commitments and our athletes must take doping tests for at least 3 times before every tournament. They may participate only in Armenian tournaments and in training camps during this period,” he noted.
As a punishment for doping violations committed by three Armenian athletes during Beijing and London Olympics, Armenia has to pay USD 50,000 fine.
The disqualified athletes can resume competing in May 2018. According to Alaverdyan, Hripsime Khurshudyan is training and preparing to get back into international tournaments, but Tigran Martirosyan has ended his career as an athlete.
Sports: International Weightlifting Federation to reduce Armenia suspension
News.am, Armenia
Dec 19 2017
By Lusine Shahbazyan
YEREVAN. – The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) will reduce the suspension of Armenia, China, and Turkey by six or fewer months, the Armenian national teams will be able to compete in all international tournaments as of May 2018, and this will be confirmed at the IWF conference to be held on January 15 of the coming year.
Armenian Weightlifting Federation Secretary General Pashik Alaverdyan, who is also head coach of the men’s national team, on Tuesday informed about the aforesaid at a press conference.
“After the [last] Olympic games, no violation was recorded in these three countries,” Alaverdyan added, in particular.
He argued, however, that the IWF had violated its own regulations.
He argued, however, that the IWF had violated its own regulations.
“Under the IWF regulation, the federation of the given country bears accountability when one to three cases of violations are recorded in one year; in this case, the federation is either fined 50 thousand euros, or is suspended for one year,” Pashik Alaverdyan explained. “[But] in our [Armenia’s] case, they suspended and fined [us]; and this, in the case when our cases were not recorded in one year or one tournament, but two at Beijing 2008 and the other at London 2012.”
On September 30, the IWF suspended the national weightlifting teams of several countries, including Armenia, for doping.
Photo by Emma Asatryan
Sports: Armenian lifter to receive bronze after Georgian athlete fails drugs test
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Dec 19 2017
– 18:41 AMT
Armenian lifter to receive bronze after Georgian athlete fails drugs test
Armenian athlete Mkrtich Mkrtchyan will be awarded the bronze medal of the European Junior & U23 Weightlifting Championships after Georgia’s representative failed a drugs test.
Mkrtchyan competed in the 105 kg weight category in the championships, held on October 15-21 in Durres, Albania, Secretary General of the Armenian Weightlifting Federation Pashik Alaverdyan told reporters on Tuesday, December 19.
According to Alaverdyan, the federations of nine countries suspended from weightlifting amid a doping scandal are still serving the one-year ban and must pay a $50,000 penalty.
Alaverdyan expressed regret that athletes who have done nothing wrong are punished too.
Countries with at least three doping offences from the 2008 and 2012 Olympics were suspended. The IWF started pursuing the suspensions before last year’s Olympics, but the process was held up by legal challenges.
Also suspended were Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Turkey, and Ukraine.
Vigen Sargsyan receives NATO Deputy Secretary General
On December 18, RA Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan received Deputy Secretary General of NATO Ros Gothamoller.
During the meeting, Gothmoller highly appreciated the participation of Armenian peacekeeping units in NATO-led operations in Afghanistan and Kosovo, highlighted the joint efforts of developing new capacities, and cooperation in military education and other domains.
The sides exchanged views on the implementation of the Individual Partnership Action Plan, the Defense Reform Initiative in the Planning and Review Process, and the practical implementation of agreed objectives.
The RA Minister of Defense presented to the NATO high-ranking official the reform of the defense law, the constitutional amendments, the new initiatives and cooperation prospects for the improvement of military service, modernization of defense education, improvement of the civilian and public control system of the armed forces.
When Lena Nazaryan is asked a strange question after becoming MP
Lena Nazaryan, an MP from the Yelk (Way out) faction, does not like to interview about women and politics.
“This topic seems like a trap, as one can think that the woman and politics are such an unusual, unnatural, illogical thing to talk about it, like talking about the elephant in the circus,” she says.
One of the objectives of Lena Nazaryan as a deputy was to break the stereotypes about women’s role in social and political life.
“In Armenia, women are 52 percent, but they are so isolated that they seem to be alone. Women do not support other women. They do not vote for women with the same ideaas that they have, do not raise women’s issues and do not support them. ”
Lena Nazaryan underlines that her parents and husband have definitely supported her in becoming MP. So, it was strange for her to hear such question: “Friends, acquaintances and strangers often ask me who nominated me, and I reply, I nominated myself.”
President receives Vologda Region Governor Oleg Kuvshinnikov
Today, Serzh Sargsyan received Oleg Kuvshinnikov, Governor of Vologda region, the Russian Federation.
Welcoming the guest, the President of Armenia stressed the importance of decentralized cooperation between Armenian marzes and Russian provinces, which is one of the most important components of the Armenian-Russian interstate relations. In this context, Serzh Sargsyan expressed satisfaction with the ongoing trade, economic, scientific-technical and humanitarian cooperation between Armavir Marz of Armenia and the government of Vologda Oblast, which started after the signing of a relevant agreement in 2016. The cooperation agreement resulted in tangible increase in commodity circulation, cultural ties and new arrangements for expanding bilateral ties.
The Governor of Vologda thanked the Armenian authorities for the warm welcome shown to his delegation, which features members of regional administration, business people, representatives of non-governmental organizations, mayors of major cities. Sharing Sargsyan’s view about the importance of decentralized cooperation, Oleg Kuvshinnikov pointed out that effective interregional ties are the best pledge of long-term cooperation and stressed the need for making consistent efforts in this direction.
Oleg Kuvshinnikov presented the hectic program of his visit to Armenia, on the sidelines of which new cooperation agreements have been signed and arrangement made on new joint initiatives. The interlocutors praised the vibrant Armenian community of Vologda, which is endeavoring to strengthen bilateral ties with Armenia.
ANCA 30-University Tour Continues with Visits to Dozen Campuses Coast to Coast
Momentum Grows As Students Explore Public Policy Career Options through the ANCA’s Signature Programs in DC, CA and Across America
WASHINGTON—The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is filling the holiday season with a chorus of career opportunities as its 30-university tour continues, promoting a wide range of professional development programs, including the signature Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program and the Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program in DC, the Walter and Laurel Karabian Fellowship in Sacramento and a host of regional internship programs across the United States.
“The ANCA is one of those unique organizations that allow you to intern or kick-start your career, not just in one city, but across a multitude of locations,” said ANCA Program Director Tereza Yerimyan. “During this tour, we are helping Armenian American youth to truly see the practical value of the professional development opportunities the ANCA offers. From internships in Los Angeles and Washington, DC to fellowships in Sacramento and DC, and a virtual research internship available online, the ANCA is your public policy career hot spot.”
As students prepared for their Thanksgiving breaks, Yerimyan and ANCA–Western Region (ANCA-WR) Communications Director, Dickran Khodanian, took to schools, visiting campuses in Northern and Southern California to discuss internship and career development opportunities. Khodanian, both an alumnus of the ANCA Leo Sarkisian and Capital Gateway Programs spoke of his experiences at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
“We greatly appreciated the visit by the ANCA. Our members majoring in various fields were able to learn about the different opportunities that the organization has to offer, both in DC and in Glendale,” said Anna Juliette Garibyan, President of the UCI Armenian Student Association (ASA). “We look forward to seeing our students join the internship and volunteer programs offered by the ANCA!”
Taking the coastal route, Yerimyan shared her experiences as a Leo Sarkisian alumnus and shared success stories of current and past Capital Gateway Fellows, encouraging graduating seniors to consider either Sacramento or DC as career options. Students from UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, and the University of LaVerne took a break from studying to start planning out the rest of their futures.
“The ANCA plays such a pivotal role within our Armenian-American community. As the Cal ASA President, I always strive for my members to find ways to better our community,” noted Harout Pomakian, UC Berkeley ASA President. “I admire the ANCA because they have a place for everyone who is willing to contribute by offering multiple programs and internships.”
The northern California leg of the tour wouldn’t be complete without visits to UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz, where ANCA-WR Legislative Affairs Consultant Haig Baghdassarian and ANCA SF Chair Matt Senekeremian discussed local opportunities and explained the work of the ANCA.
“There are many opportunities which provide valuable experience right here in California, including internship programs at the ANCA-Western Region, and some local chapter internship programs as well,” remarked Baghdassarian. “Just as the Capital Gateway Program provides an entryway to positions in our nation’s capital, so does the ANCA-WR Walter and Laurel Karabian Public Policy Fellowship open the doors for our youth in Sacramento. If you are interested in public policy and working for a state legislator, then this program is for you.”
Founded in 2016, the ANCA Western Region’s Walter and Laurel Karabian Fellowship is a 9 month experience in Sacramento, California that offers Armenian-Americans the opportunity to enhance their leadership and professional skills. The purpose of this fellowship will be to produce professionals in the public policy and political arena. Participants will be provided a stipend to assist with housing and living costs.
Heading East, Yerimyan then traveled to Boston, where she participated in a panel discussion at the Armenian Relief Society’s (ARS) Norian Youth Connect Program hosted at MIT, focusing on the broad range of volunteer opportunities available to Armenian-Americans have here in the U.S and in the Armenian Homeland. Over 70 students from the U.S. and Canada gathered to learn from the experiences of those who had participated in the AYF Eastern Region internship, Birthright Armenia, ARS Camp Javakhk, and the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program.
From MIT, Yerimyan then headed to Harvard University and Princeton University and then headed back to the nation’s capital for a presentation with the newly formed ASA at Georgetown University. Earlier, Yerimyan had also presented at the University of Maryland, at presentation coordinated by ANCA Leo Sarkisian alumna Mari Tikoyan.
“Tereza’s presentation at Princeton on the Capital Gateway Program and other ANCA initiatives opened my eyes to the possibility of making a real impact on the global Armenian cause while embracing the local Armenian community in DC and jumpstarting my career,” said Princeton ASA President Jack Jundanian. “The variety of immersive work experiences, the mentorship model, full housing support, community events, and the professional connections that the program fosters all make the Capital Gateway Program an unparalleled opportunity.”
Launched in 2003 with a founding grant by the Cafesjian Family Foundation, the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program has helped over 200 Armenian American professionals from across the U.S. explore career prospects in Washington DC. Gateway Program fellows are offered three months of free housing at the ANCA’s Aramian House, located in the heart of Washington, DC in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, just blocks from the ANCA offices. Yerimyan and the Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee (CGPAC) coordinate a series of career placement workshops on a range of issues including resume and cover letter preparation, effective interview strategies and networking. The CGPAC also connects fellows with mentors most closely aligned with their career goals for one-on-one advice and encouragement.
For university students interested in a quarter/semester in Washington, DC, the ANCA CGP can assist with internship guidance and placements both at the ANCA headquarters and other public policy and government institutions. Students are offered up to three months of free housing at The Aramian House depending on space availability and along with assistance to ensure they meet their university program obligations.
The Capital Gateway Program’s winter, 2018 session is set to begin on January 8. Additional information about the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program is available at anca.org/gateway or by emailing [email protected].
The ANCA CGP is named after Hovig Apo Saghdejian, a beloved young community leader who lost his life in a tragic car accident and whose eternal memory continues to inspire new generations of Armenian Americans. His family generously established the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fund in his memory and, over the past decade, have played a vital role in the expansion of the program. Substantial support has also been provided by ANCA benefactors Dr. Vahakn Shahinian and the Shahinian Family; Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Barbara Hekimian; and, the Armenian American Veterans Post of Milford, Massachusetts (AAVO).
Established in 1986, and named after the ANCA Eastern U.S. leader Leo Sarkisian, who spearheaded grassroots advocacy for more than four decades, the LSI program is a cornerstone of the ANCA’s nationwide efforts to educate, motivate, and activate Armenian American youth to expand advocacy efforts in their hometowns and campuses. The eight-week summer internship program held at the ANCA Washington DC will take place from June 18th – August 10th. The participants work on a wide variety of projects based on their individual interests while gaining hands-on experiences within the American political system. A bi-weekly lecture series features guest lecturers, including Members of Congress, Ambassadors, and Armenian-American leaders. Applications are available at anca.org/internship and due on March 1st.
Washington DC Capital Gateway fellows and Leo Sarkisian interns stay at the ANCA’s Aramian House, made possible through a generous donation by the family of the late community leader and philanthropist Martha Aramian of Providence, Rhode Island. The Aramian family – led by sisters Sue, Margo, and the late Martha – have long been among the most generous benefactors of ANCA programs as well as of charitable projects in the Armenian homeland and the Diaspora.
The ANCA-ER also offers full- and part-time virtual internships for undergraduates, advanced-degree students, and recent graduates who are interested in gaining practical research experience. Interns conduct short- and medium-term research on assigned topics and have the flexibility of working remotely. The internship runs for four months (with a possibility of extension), with average workload expected to be 10 hours per week.