Category: 2018

Former President Robert Kocharyan to appear for March 1 questioning not earlier than July 25 – head of office says

Albert Nalbandian
| 15:02 | July 9 2018
Category
Politics

Second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan will visit the Special Investigative Service for questioning not earlier than July 25, head of Kocharyan’s office Viktor Soghomonyan told reporters.

Robert Kocharyan has been summoned for questioning as a witness by authorities earlier in July over the March 1, 2008 case.

Soghomonyan said that Kocharyan is abroad and he will return not earlier than July 25.

He said Robert Kocharyan is ready to answer the investigator’s questions after returning to Yerevan. “At the same time, if necessary conditions appear before July 25, President Kocharyan is ready to answer written questions through writing or other means of communication,” he said.

Mass protests erupted in Yerevan after the presidential election in 2008, when Robert Kocharyan was re-elected to a second term. Subsequent clashes between protesters and security forces claimed several lives on both sides.

PM Pashinyan assures all those who didn’t properly implement their tasks in military units will be held accountable (photos)

Kalantarian Kevo
| 15:49 | July 9 2018
Category
Society

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan assures that all those who didn’t properly implement their tasks in the military units will be held accountable.

“We have received different information. In some military units the situation is good, but some face problems. Discussions are underway in connection with several military units, and there will be personnel solutions. All those who didn’t properly fulfill their tasks, will be held accountable”, PM Pashinyan said during the visit to Yerevan’s Central military commissariat, commenting on the clothing and other issues during the military service.

He said from the very first day the General Staff reported him that there are no problems with the delivery. And as there are no delivery problems, therefore, the issue is at the implementation stage.

All actions should be legal by 100% – PM Pashinyan on NSS discoveries

Emil Lazarian
| 18:28 | July 9 2018
Category
Politics

The government or the prime minister do not decide whom to arrest and release: all actions are being carried out legally, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told reporters.

“I don’t put a task before the National Security Service to make a major discovery. I say that there should be legality”, Pashinyan said.

Commenting on people’s skepticism that the NSS detains people, then releases, the PM said, quite the contrary, this should inspire trust that if there are concrete evidences on a concrete case, they are being exercised, and if not, not. “The government and I are not calling anyone and telling to arrest this person or release. All actions should be legal by 100%. There are no untouchable persons in Armenia, but those who are untouchable by law, there are also ways to overcome their immunity by law”, the PM said.

Commenting on the NSS’ recent actions in connection with the family of Alexander Sargsyan, brother of the third President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan, the PM said the government has not been the initiator, and it has not been an end in itself. “A citizen applied to me that he is facing such a problem. I have written to the NSS. And the National Security Service invited the citizen. He provided an explanation, reported on the crime, and the process launched”, Nikol Pashinyan said.

Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan resigns

Chatinian Lara
| 19:07 | July 9 2018
Categories
Official
Politics

Mayor of Yerevan Taron Margaryan has resigned.

Taron Margaryan addressed a message to the Yerevan residents on this occasion.

The message says:

“Dear fellow citizens,

I address my words to you to inform about my decision to resign from the position of Mayor of Yerevan and to thank each of you for the cooperation and joint work.

During the path we passed together I have tried to listen to the voice of each of you and gradually settle the issues of the capital, have been faithful to my promise and programs. In this regard, I expect forgiveness from all our fellow citizens with whom our joint path is interrupted.

I want to thank my colleagues of the Yerevan City Council, the staffs of the City Hall and administrative districts, partner structures and individuals for the joint work and the path passed together”.

Creative Armenia and AGBU Launch Fellowships to Champion Innovative Talents

Maghakian Mike 
AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Website: www.agbu.org
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, 
CREATIVE ARMENIA AND AGBU LAUNCH FELLOWSHIPS TO CHAMPION INNOVATIVE TALENTS
Creative Armenia and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) are delighted 
to announce the launch of the Creative Armenia-AGBU Fellowships, which will 
discover, nourish and promote creative talents across the arts. Through a 
year-long program of funding,  mentorship and tailored promotion strategies, 
Creative Armenia and AGBU will empower innovative artists to achieve a career 
breakthrough, both locally and globally.
 
“As a nation, we take great pride in a heritage of visionary writers, 
musicians, filmmakers, and artists. But what are we actually doing to discover 
and empower our future creative visionaries?” said filmmaker and writer Garin 
Hovannisian, founding director  of Creative Armenia. “The Creative Armenia-AGBU 
Fellowships are our answer to this question.”
 
The Fellowships represent the first collaboration of AGBU and Creative Armenia, 
which entered into a strategic partnership in May. Creative Armenia, a global 
arts foundation for the Armenian people, pursues a mandate to discover, 
develop, promote, and produce  innovative talent. A trusted bedrock of the 
Armenian diaspora, AGBU has been creating opportunities for Armenian artists 
for decades to extend their education and showcase their talents to diverse 
audiences across the globe. The organization formalized its  support for the 
arts with the establishment of the Performing Arts Departments in the United 
States (in 2012) and France (in 2016).
 
“The synergy of this partnership opens up unprecedented opportunities for 
artists to expand their reach and make their work known locally and 
internationally,” said producer Eric Esrailian, who is a member of the AGBU 
Central Board and a founding member of  Creative Armenia’s Board of Advisors. 
“This fellowship will help advance Armenian arts and culture on the global 
stage.”
 
The Creative Armenia-AGBU Fellowships are open to innovative talents in all 
creative fields—including film, music, literature, visual arts, theater, 
design, and photography. During the course of one year, fellows will gain 
access to industry connections and  tailored strategies to develop, pitch and 
promote their projects through one-on-one mentorship meetings and workshops. A 
$5,000 grant will also be provided. The fellowships are open to artists of 
Armenian origin and those who have a demonstrated interest in  Armenian 
culture. The presence of fellows in Armenia is not required. 
 
Applications are accepted now through September 15 on 
creativearmenia.org/fellowships and agbu.org/creativearmenia.
For inquiries, please contact Alec Mouhibian at [email protected] and 
Hayk Arsenyan at [email protected].
 
Founded in 2017, Creative Armenia is an innovative arts foundation that 
develops – and realizes – the strategies of a cultural awakening. Its founding 
advisory board includes Serj Tankian, Eric Esrailian, Arsinée Khanjian, Eric 
Bogosian, Carla Garapedian, Simon  Abkarian and Michael Aram. For more 
information, please visit  www.creativearmenia.org.
 
Established in 1906, AGBU is the world's largest non-profit Armenian 
organization. Headquartered in New York City, AGBU preserves and promotes the 
Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian 
programs, annually touching the  lives of some 500,000 Armenians around the 
world. For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit 
www.agbu.org.

Armenian Capital’s Mayor Resigns After National Change of Power

Jagharian Tania
Voice of America
July 9 2018
Armenian Capital’s Mayor Resigns After National Change of Power

4:23 PM
  • Reuters

FILE – A woman walks in front of the government headquarters at the Republic Square in Yerevan, Armenia, May 3, 2018. The mayor of the Armenian capital resigned Monday.
YEREVAN — 

The mayor of the Armenian capital Yerevan resigned Monday, two months after his party was ousted from national power following weeks of mass protests against corruption and cronyism.

Opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan was elected prime minister by parliament on May 8. He then appointed allies and supporters to his cabinet and submitted a new government program, which was approved by parliament in June.

Taron Margaryan, an influential member of the former ruling Republican Party, resigned as Yerevan mayor, a post he had held since November 2011. Margaryan did not explain in a statement why he had stepped down.

Several street protests had been held since Pashinyan took office to demand Margaryan’s resignation.

Air temperature to reach 42 °C over the coming days in Yerevan

Hambardsumian Paul
Panorama, Armenia
July 9 2018

No precipitation is predicted in the territory of Armenia in the daytime of July 10-12. After the daytime of 13-14 in north regions rain and thunderstorm is predicted, “Hydromet” meteorological service at Armenia’s ministry of emergency situations reported.

South-west wind speed is 3-8 m/s, on 13-14 in separate regions wind speed may reach up to 15-20 m/s. In the daytime of July 9, on 10-12 the air temperature will gradually increase by 4-5 degrees, then on 13-14 it will decrease as much.

According to the report, the index of ultraviolet rays is predicted to reach 7, so it’s recommended to avoid direct sun rays during the period from 11:00 to 15:00.

In the daytime of July 9, on 10-12 no precipitation is predicted in capital Yerevan. In the evening hours of July 13-14 in different spots of the city short rain and thunderstorm is predicted. Wind speed may reach up to 15-20 m/s.  The air temperature will reach 42 °C over the coming days. 

Sports: Alashkert v Celtic: Armenians out to halt Rodgers’ Champions League charge

David Nargizian
BBC Sport
July 9 2018
 
 
Alashkert v Celtic: Armenians out to halt Rodgers’ Champions League charge
 
By Liam McLeod
 
BBC Scotland in Yerevan, Armenia
 
Alashkert captain Artur Yedigaryan won 42 caps for Armenia
Champions League first qualifying round: Alashkert v Celtic
Venue: Republican Stadium, Yerevan Date: Tuesday, 10 July Kick-off: 17:00 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio Scotland, text & radio updates via BBC Sport Scotland website
 
Captain Artur Yedigaryan insists Alashkert can end Celtic’s hopes of reaching the Champions League group stage at the first hurdle.
 
Brendan Rodgers and his players are in white-hot Armenia to take on the country’s champions in the opening qualifying round with temperatures likely to rise above 30C when the crucial first leg kicks off on Tuesday.
 
  • Match preview: Alashkert v Celtic
  • Celtic thrash Shamrock Rovers as Euro preparations continue
  • Everton end interest in Celtic’s Tierney
 
For the first time, Celtic face a marathon journey of four ties and eight matches to get to the group stage due to format changes to the competition.
 
 
Their voyage begins in Yerevan as the Scottish champions pay a maiden visit to Armenia.
 
Former international midfielder Yedigaryan and his team-mates believe they can end Rodgers’ bid for a third straight campaign in the competition outright.
 
“Celtic is a strong opponent with big history but FC Alashkert wants to go as far as possible in the Champions League” he told BBC Scotland.
 
“We have a good team and like to play attacking football, especially at home. We’ll be confident about this tie and do our best to bring joy to our fans.
 
“We always enter the pitch with belief and nothing is impossible.”
 
Yedigaryan – whose brother is also at the club – is one of the more experienced members of an Alashkert squad that is much-changed from the one that defeated St Johnstone in their first-ever European match three years ago.
 
Alashkert overcame St Johnstone in the Europa League qualifiers of 2015
 
The man who scored their winner in the celebrated 1-0 first leg victory, Mihran Manasyan, remains in the team, however, and has been top scorer three times in the Armenian top flight, which has just been extended from just six to 10 teams.
 
Since then the club, which was resurrected in 2011 having gone under at the turn of the century, has won all three Armenian titles and the 31-year-old has been central to that success.
 
Despite winning the league again last season, they lost the Armenian Cup final on penalties.
 
But, it is in European competition that they want progress with manager Varuzhan Sukiasyan bringing a host of new players to the club in the last week.
 
Alashkert’s short European history does not make for night-before insomnia for Rodgers given they have yet to make it past the second qualifying round of either the Champions League or Europa League.
 
Varuzhan Sukiasyan has had two spells in charge of the Armenian national team
 
However, they have only lost once in six home legs, to former group stage battlers BATE Borisov a year ago, and have scored in all those matches. That win over Tommy Wright’s Saints was the opening chapter of a story they hope will continue with another Scottish scalp.
 
“Nowadays, many teams are close to each other with their level and many sensations can take place as has been proved before,” Yedigaryan continued.
 
“It’s very hot in Yerevan so it’s difficult for any visiting team, only the game will give all the answers.
 
“We have a good squad with new players, it’s changing very often just now but that is a normal process.
 
“We hope the newcomers will help us become stronger.”
 
A potential positive for Celtic is that the match, like the one against Saints in 2015, has been moved from Alashkert’s less-than-welcoming home ground in the capital to the much larger national stadium which has a capacity of around 15,000.
 
The hosts are attempting to fill it by giving away tickets to allow for a more vocal home support – an understandable move since an extremely sparse crowd watched them lose the cup final there in May.
 

It’s unlikely former Armenia coach Sukiasyan’s new signings, who hail from as far and wide as Brazil, Mexico and Serbia, will feature prominently in the first leg with the rest of the squad just back from a training camp and a succession of friendlies in Belarus in preparation for Celtic.
 
It is far from Celtic’s most daunting European assignment here in the Southern Caucasus, particularly given they have become emboldened by back-to-back qualifying successes under Rodgers.
 
However, amidst the backdrop of the business end of the World Cup in Russia, they will be desperate not to be caught cold at the earliest stage of the Champions League in baking temperatures by a team that, it would appear, have ambitions above their station.
 

Sports: Alashkert: All you need to know about Celtic’s opponents

Hambardsumian Paul
STV News
July 9 2018
Euan Strathearn17 hours ago
<img class=”resp-img__image” src=””https://images.stv.tv/articles/w384/596939-alashkert-st-johnstone-2015.jpg” alt=”Alashkert eliminated St Johnstone in 2015.”/>
Alashkert eliminated St Johnstone in 2015. SNS

Celtic travel to Yerevan to face Alashkert in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round on Tuesday.

The Scottish champions are looking to make a third successive appearance in the group stage but first must overcome four two-legged ties, with their journey beginning in Eastern Europe.

Ahead of the first leg, STV offers the lowdown on the Armenian champions.

Football Club Alashkert, simply known as Alashkert, are relatively new kids on the block.

Founded in 1990, all of the side’s top level silverware has arrived in recent years. Their three Premier League titles have been won back-to-back over the past three seasons and they lifted the Armenian Supercup for the first time in 2016.

It hasn’t all been rosy for the capital club though. A turbulent beginning saw the side finish last in their first season in the Premier League in 1992 and then subsequently withdraw from the competition.

Six years later, Alashkert returned to play in the second-tier where they finished sixth, but the following season they did not participate and the club dissolved in early 2000.

Their revival came in 2011, when the club were re-founded and earned promotion to the Premier League after they won the first league championship. In their first season back in the top-flight they finished eighth, before climbing to fourth the following season, and then came their three successive league wins in 2015-16, 2016-17, and 2017-18.

Alashkert are no strangers to Scottish opposition.

Their first ever European tie was against St Johnstone in a Europa League qualifier in July 2015.

They knocked the Saints out on the away goal rule in the first round of qualifying and progressed to play Aberdeen’s eventual conquerors Kairat Almaty in the next stage.

They recorded a 2-1 home win over the Kazakh side but were eliminated after they fell to a 3-0 away defeat.

In total, the Yerevan-based outfit have played 12 matches in Europe – eight in the Champions League and four in the Europa League – and have won all their first-round ties in both competitions.

As well as St Johnstone and Kairat Almaty, the Armenian side have faced Santa Coloma of Andorra on two separate occasions, Dinamo Tbilisi of Georgia and Belarussian side BATE Borisov. They recorded home wins over St Johnstone (1-0), Kairat (2-1), Santa Coloma (3-0 and 1-0).

The Armenian champions play their home games at the 6850-capacity Alashkert Stadium but the match has been moved to the much larger Republican Stadium.

The hosts are attempting to fill the national ground, which can hold around 15,000, by giving away free tickets.

According to the club’s chairman Bagrat Navoyan, their own stadium will be either renovated or entirely rebuilt by 2020, with a possible expansion of the capacity up to 10,000.

Brendan Rodgers will go up against Varuzhan Sukiasyan – a manager with vast experience in his home country.

He has managed over ten clubs in Armenia as well as having two spells in charge of the national team.

Sukiasyan won the first of his Armenian Premier League’s in 1998 with Tsement Ararat and this year won the title with Alashkert by six points.

Between 2010 and 2015 Sukiasyan worked as the chief of the Yerevan Funeral Home in the country’s capital.

The Armenian champions have recruited five new players ahead of the Champions League first round tie, one of whom has a reputation as a hothead.

Brazilian attacker Jefferson Reis saw red earlier this year whilst playing for Operaio after he battered a ball boy for excessively celebrating a goal against his team. He is expected to start on Tuesday.

And one of Alashkert’s players has actually spent time with Celtic – a week to be exact.

Defender Dino Skvorc, spent seven days training with then-manager Neil Lennon at Celtic in 2010 when he was a Croatia Under 21 prospect but the Parkhead side reportedly weren’t prepared to pay the £1m fee

Skvorc went on to play in Israel, Romania and Cyprus before signing for Alashkert earlier this year.

Armenian international striker Artak Yedigaryan could prove to be a potential danger after finishing top scorer in the league for the last two years.

Brendan Rodgers’ side face an uncomfortable evening in the Armenian capital with the temperatures likely to be around 33°C at kick-off.

Celtic could face a rematch with Rosenborg should they overcome Alashkert.

The Norwegian side face Iceland’s Valur in their first round qualifying tie, with the winner meeting either the Scottish or Armenian champions in the next round.

Brendan Rodgers can take confidence from last seasons meeting where they defeated Rosenborg 1-0 on aggregate in the third qualifying round.

Sports: Youri Djorkaeff ready to support Armenian football, PM says

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
July 9 2018

French football legend of Armenian descent Youri Djorkaeff has expressed readiness to support Armenia and the Armenian football, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in a post on Facebook on Monday.

“I started my working day with a meeting with world-famous footballer of Armenian origin, world and European champion Youri Djorkaeff,” the PM said, sharing a photo of himself and the football star on his page.

“He says he is inspired by the Armenian revolution and is ready to strongly support Armenia and the Armenian football.”

Youri Djorkaeff arrived in Armenia to take part in the Match of Legends held in capital Yerevan on Sunday, with the exhibition match ending with Latin America beating Europe 5-2.

He shared the pitch with such Latin American and European football legends as Rivaldo, Gabriel Batistuta, Hernán Crespo, Luis Figo, Dida, Cafu, Ivan Zamorano, Serginho, Juliano Belletti, Jari Litmanen, Hristo Stoichkov, Demetrio Albertini, Ludovic Giuly, Kakha Kaladze, Ryan Giggs and others.