Category: 2018

168: PM Pashinyan expects development of Armenian-Russian relations based on mutual respect

Anna Tamamian
| 09:01 | June 14 2018
Category
Politics

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the unique nature of Armenian-Russian relations and hopes that they develop more effectively.

Nikol Pashinyan made the announcement during the meeting with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We first met a month ago and the fact that we meet again after 30 days, I think shows that unique nature of Armenian-Russian relations. This also shows that the announcements we made a month ago are not only grounded, but are being precisely implemented. Of course, the relations of Russia and Armenia are special, and I am confident they will remain special and I hope they will become more special. Of course, for us, for the Government of Armenia that represents the people of Armenia, it is very important to so kindly hosted in Russia – Sochi and Moscow”, the Armenian Premier said.

Pashinyan holds the opinion that everybody in both Armenia and Russia is satisfied with these developments and he hoped that the relations will develop more effectively based on the respect of the interests and sovereignty of the two peoples and countries, which is very important. “For me it’s very important that we have and in the future will have the opportunity to often meet and discuss the entire scope of our relations. Everyone knows that the scope of our relations is rather expanded and there is much to be discussed referring to economy, politics and the region. Of course, we hope for a positive and constructive dialogue and have made sure that our dialogue is really so. I am very glad for that”, Pashinyan concluded.

168: Parliament approves 2017 budget performance report

Parkev Tvankchian
| 10:16 | June 14 2018
Category
Politics

The parliament of Armenia voted to approve the 2017 state budget performance report.

65 MPs voted in favor and 23 MPs voted against.

Speaker of Parliament Ara Babloyan told lawmakers that at the recommendation of the government an extraordinary sitting will be held on June 19.

1 trillion 210 billion dram was planned in revenues, the adjusted plan increased it to 1 trillion 320 billion while factually 1 trillion 237 billion was ensured.

Spending was planned at 1 trillion 360 billion drams, the adjusted plan put the number at 1 trillion 561 billion and factually 1 trillion 504 billion drams was ensured.

The deficit was planned to be 150 billion drams, then 240 by the adjusted plan and it factually amounted to 267 billion drams.

Western Prelacy News- 6/15/18

Hunanian Jack 
 
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org
EPISCOPAL DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA
        On Sunday, June 17, 2018, H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Vicar General,
will celebrate Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Sarkis Church in
Pasadena. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over
the service.   
***
COMMUNITY-WIDE CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
        On Sunday, June 24, 2018, the centennial of the first Republic of
Armenia will be celebrated with a community-wide event under the auspices of
the three Armenian Churches and political parties. The event will be held at
Pasadena City College "Sexson Auditorium" and will feature messages as well
as cultural performances.
        We invite our community to join us in collectively celebrating the
legacy of the first Republic's founders and the path they paved for today's
free and independent Armenia.
***  
ST. GARABED CHURCH OF LAS VEGAS CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY 
        The weekend of June 9-10, 2018 was a momentous one for the Las Vegas
parish as the community gathered to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the
consecration of St. Garabed Church with a banquet on Saturday evening and
Episcopal Divine Liturgy on Sunday. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, presided over the celebration. Executive Council Chair Mr. Garo
Eshgian and representatives of the Western Diocese, Armenian Evangelical
Church, Assyrian, Ethiopian, Greek, and Maronite Churches participated in
the festivities. 
        The banquet was hosted by Parish Council Vice-Chair Mr. and Mrs.
Garo and Maria Bayramian. The program began with welcoming remarks by MC Ms.
Carnie Armenian, who stated that over the past five years St. Garabed Church
has become not only a place of worship but also a gathering place for
community organizations and members, a place to share in celebrations and
sorrows, and a place to preserve our unique Armenian heritage. She concluded
by thanking all those who took part in the dream of creating a small Armenia
in the Las Vegas desert. Parish Pastor Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian delivered
the invocation. Parish Council Chairman Mr. Yeghia Yeghiayan thanked the
Prelate for his guidance and direction, as well as the Parish Pastor, all
volunteers and sponsors for their efforts and support, stating that the
community was able to construct the first Armenian Apostolic Church in the
area thanks to its faith and strong will. Mr. Adroushan Armenian, Honorary
Consul of the Republic of Armenia, spoke about the enormous effort and
energy required to maintain our churches and community organizations,
thanking all those who lend their moral and financial support to preserving
the Armenian Church, language, and cultural heritage in Las Vegas. He
invited all community members, of all ages, to continue to serve with
renewed spirits. On behalf of the Executive Council, Chairman Mr. Garo
Eshgian congratulated and the parish community and stressed the importance
of having big dreams and serving with vision for the benefit of future
generations. He commended the Parish Pastor, Parish Council, and all the
committees and sponsors, wishing them new and greater achievements and
milestones in the years to come. The candle-lighting and cake-cutting
ceremony followed.
        The Prelate began his message by greeting the guest clergy, greeting
and commending the former and current parish pastors, Archpriest Fr. Avedis
Torossian and Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian, Executive Council Chair Mr. Garo
Eshgian, Parish Council, Men's Society, Ladies Guild, volunteers, sponsors,
and community organizations. He greeted and commended Honorary Consul Mr.
Adroushan Armenian for his contributions to the parish community. His
Eminence recalled the work of the past five years, from the ground-blessing
conducted by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to the consecration of the
Church and Cultural Center, acknowledging all those who had a hand in the
realization of this dream, in particular the late benefactors Larry and Seda
Barnes and new sponsors. He reminded the community of what is possible with
united, sincere, and unfailing service, and stated that though they have
come far, there is still much work to be done to maintain and expand the
parish community. The Prelate highlighted the importance of constant
renewal, renewed energy, resolve, and approach in order to reach new
heights, adding that the parish pastor must be the driving force of the
community, the community must rally around him and he in turn must look to
the people for encouragement and support to grow and strengthen the parish. 
        The official program concluded with the singing of Cilicia. The
festivities continued with musical entertainment. 
        On Sunday morning, the Prelate celebrated Divine Liturgy and
delivered the sermon at St. Garabed Church. Rev. Fr. Arsen Kassabian and
Archpriest Fr. Avedis Torossian assisted at the altar. Among the faithful in
attendance were members of the "Ishkhan" Gomideh, ARS "Shushi" chapter, and
Homenetmen "Artsakh" chapter scouts.
        At the start of his message, the Prelate first greeted the parish
family and guests and wished them many more milestones in their God-pleasing
service and mission with hard work, determination, and perseverance, but
most importantly, with faith, love, goodwill, unity, and harmony. He
commended all those who have committed themselves to the prosperity of the
community and urged all parishioners to become actively engaged in the life
of the parish as the church belongs to the people. 
        Referencing the day's Gospel reading from Matthew Chapter 12:1-8,
the Prelate reiterated that our service to glorify God and meet the
spiritual needs of the people must be genuine and not for outwardly
appearances. "Faith in action should be the guiding force of our lives and
service, acting on our faith with deeds of love and service. The time has
come to put aside superficialities and insincerity and serve with conscience
and conviction, our only purpose being goodness and righteousness, not
praise or honor from those around us," he stressed.
        Given that the feast of St. Nerses the Great and Bishop Khat was
commemorated the day before, the Prelate spoke on their exemplary faith and
service, in particular their efforts in bringing the church closer to the
people and dedication to the spiritual and social wellbeing of the common
people. "As faithful Christians, let us commit ourselves to honoring God
each and every day of our lives through deeds of love and mercy. As
religious and lay leaders, let us commit ourselves wholly to the best
interests of the people through our faithful and sincere service. And as
faithful Armenians, let us commit ourselves to honoring the religious and
cultural heritage our ancestors fought hard to preserve for all of these
centuries," stated His Eminence, and concluded by calling on the leadership
and membership of St. Garabed Church to renew their efforts and energy and
work together with love, mutual respect, and harmony to make and keep St.
Garabed Church the bedrock and lifeline of the community. 
        His Eminence then blessed a book of synaxis Gospel readings donated
by Mr. Garo Bayramian and his wife Maria, which featured a hand-crafted
cover by Mr. Bayramian. 
        Later in the service, the parish pastor greeted the Prelate and
wished him many more years of fruitful service. At the conclusion of Divine
Liturgy, requiem prayers were offered for benefactors Larry and Seda Barnes.
A reception hosted by the Parish Council followed at "Koujakian" Hall.
        The Prelate's visit also afforded the opportunity to meet with the
Parish Pastor and Parish Council to discuss the Church's future endeavors. 
***
HONORARY CONSUL ADROUSHAN ARMENIAN GIFTS COLLECTABLE STAMPS FROM THE FIRST
REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA TO THE PRELACY
        On Thursday, , H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian,
Prelate, welcomed the visit of Mr. Adroushan Armenian, Honorary Consul of
the Republic of Armenia in Las Vegas. 
        Mr. Armenian had come to present a set of ten uncirculated
collectable stamps issued by the first Republic of Armenia to the Prelacy.
Mr. Armenian recently gifted the same set of stamps to a number of
institutions in Armenia and locally.
      Given that Mr. Armenian is also a Parish Council member at St. Garabed
Church in Las Vegas, the Prelate and guest discussed the parish's endeavors
and reviewed the 5th anniversary celebration which was held the prior
weekend.
        The Prelate thanked Mr. Armenian for the precious gift and wished
him continued success in his service to our church and nation.
***

KOCH – The Troubles Arising in the Armenian Church Are Not in the Streets, They Will Be Solved Under the Ground of Another Religious Institution

Chalian Meline

By request to publish


A CALL

 

Troubles Arising in the Armenian Church on the Street
no

That Will Solve Other Religious
Under the foundation of the institution

Dear Armenians
in Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora of the World

Well known to all of us
are, in the history of the Armenian people, both peaceful and more often blood-strewn with wars
and sad pages full of suffering. How many times it was destroyed and turned into ashes again
below, like Phoenix, our beautiful cities and churches are revived, among them
also the Mother See of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

It has been difficult for our people
process human in history, however
we have never been abandoned by God and the Church He founded. The Armenian Church in particular
The Mother See of St. Etchmiadzin is always gathered in care under its caring arches
miss his smell. The Armenian cleric has always led his flock in times of struggle for existence
and in everyday life. The identity, language and culture of the Armenian people
preserved in the Armenian Church and to him Thanks to the donors. Until today  The church is the sacred gathering place,
which unites and Armenian holds a world diaspora
his children.

Mother in the chair
the rulers embody the Armenian Church and unite with it. Therefore
contrary to their human fallibility, they cannot be defamed or violated
the circumstance and  position.

now today  Unchained against the throne of the Mother See
the struggle will not only tarnish his person, but also the Armenian Church and divisions
creates in the ranks of believers.

Framer Libertarian
The party believed in the role of the Mother Chair throughout its existence, unconditionally
the standard-bearer has been to him  and the gifted torch bearer
the Holy path of his mission.

for RAK
damage to the reputation of the Mother See, which started in the street today, is intolerable
the movement that is alien to the value system of the Armenian people.

RAK believes
that elects the Patriarch of the Armenian Church and controls his destiny
refers only and only to the religious institution and operating under its auspices
bodies with a special ritual and procedure.

Therefore, Armenian
We believe that the troubles that have arisen in the church are not in the street
under the oath of another religious institution. Such anxieties to transport to the street
The Armenian people have an unfortunate experience in their distant or recent past  in history, whose mention is not even mentioned
will inspire and concern every Armenian.

Present anxiety
circumvention and its amicable solution lack collective effort and reciprocity
awareness of tolerance and responsibility to be kept intact
The foundations of the Mother See and Lusavorchackert Armenian Church.

 

Against

FRAMEWORK LIBERTY PARTY

CENTRAL MINISTRY


Sevak Jacobian                                     Sergio Nahapedian

Academician                                                  Chairman



Fuller Center for Housing Armenia is celebrating its 10th Anniversary

Badalian Vardan


  15 June, 2018, Yerevan, Armenia

Fuller
Center for Housing Armenia is celebrating its 10th Anniversary

This year the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia marks the 10th anniversary of its operation; years of providing the families in
housing need with simple, decent and affordable homes. Over the years, the organization has
supported more than 650 families in all the regions of Armenia, as well as in
the Republic of Artsakh.

The 10th aniversary ceremony took place on June 15,
2018 at Best Western Congress Hotel Yerevan Hotel, which is the exclusive
sponsor of the event.

Fuller Center for Housing Inc. President David Snell, VivaCell-MTS
General Manager Ralph Yirikian, representatives from International Committee of
Red Cross (ICRC), USAID representatives, ARDA Charitable Foundation Director Hrahat
Stepanyan, Armenia Marriott Hotel Yerevan General Manager Catalina Susan, other
honorable guests, partners, international and local volunteers attended the
event.

During the 5th Anniversary event certificate awarding
ceremony took place.

“I am grateful for this certificate. This is
not just a document: it is an appreciation that comes from a partner
organization and the families, which have long strived and have eventually
reached their dreams. Years ago, when we started our work in Armenia and chose
corporate responsibility, we translated a message to various organizations and
the society in general. It sounded like a call not to be indifferent, a call
for action. I am glad to say that our partner, the “Fuller Center for Housing”,
shares our system of values. I am proud to be partners with you,” VivaCell-MTS
General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

“We have seen
many tears of joy, but it has not become a habit for us. Our support, in fact,
is just an incentive for a family to believe in their own strength, become
optimistic and be filled with faith in the future. We thank all our partners
for being part of our mission over these years and sharing our success,” said Ashot
Yeghiazaryan, Fuller Center for Housing Armenia President.

 

Over the past ten
years, more than 3,500 lives have been changed for the better irreversibly getting
them out of the poverty chain.

In addition to
the housing program, the organization has also implemented various small and
large scale projects aiming to increase rural employment by tackling
constraints to rural economic development in select rural communities of
Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Lori and Tavoush regions of Armenia in the framwork of
ARDI program funded by USAID.



“The Fuller Center for Housing is an international coalition of local partners all dedicated to the vision of eliminating poverty housing.  Nowhere, though, has this vision seen greater success than in Armenia.  As we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Fuller Center Armenia we are pleased to report that, under the direction of an outstanding leadership team and with support from local sponsors and generous friends in the Armenian diaspora community, over 650 Armenian families now have a decent place to call home. Together we can make the dream of no more domiks a reality,” said David Snell, the president of Fuller Center for Housing, Inc.

 

 

 

Series of Events Mark the 110th Anniversary of the AGBU New England District

Karapet Navasardian 
AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Website: www.agbu.org
PRESS RELEASE
Friday, 
SERIES OF EVENTS MARK THE 110TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AGBU NEW ENGLAND DISTRICT
With an overarching theme of Excellence in Action, an inspiring celebration of 
the 110th anniversary of the AGBU New England District was held in Greater 
Boston from June 1 to 2. The weekend brought together over 300 guests, 
including the AGBU leadership, a considerable number of young professionals, 
clergy, representatives of local Armenian organizations, friends and 
supporters. 
This anniversary gave the perfect pretext for the AGBU New England District 
Committee to reflect on the past and mark the beginning of a new era. "This 
started the momentum for the AGBU New England District to focus on progressive 
and meaningful programs, especially those geared toward students and young 
professionals," explains Ara Balikian, chair of the AGBU New England District. 
The celebration began with a meaningful dialogue between the AGBU global 
leadership and members of the community.  Close to 50 young professionals from 
across New England met with members of the AGBU Central Board at Boston's 
District Hall for a town hall forum which allowed for a candid and direct 
conversation about a broad range of issues, including the Velvet Revolution in 
Armenia, opportunities for engagement and the needs and challenges of our 
global nation.
Arda Haratunian, a member of the AGBU Central Board, began the discussion with 
a brief presentation on AGBU's longstanding efforts in the areas of education, 
culture and identity, humanitarian and human rights work as well as the 
socio-economic development of Armenia. She went on explaining the concept of 
global Armenian nation which defines AGBU's vision for the future of Armenia 
and the diaspora. Haratunian also emphasized that AGBU keeps building on its 
trusted reputation as, throughout the years, it continued adapting new 
strategies to serve the emerging needs of Armenians. Over the past several 
years, AGBU has particularly expanded its approach to programming to create 
stronger ties between the diaspora and Armenia.  
AGBU President Berge Setrakian underscored this prevailing theme as he 
addressed the young professionals. He drew their attention to the significance 
of the development of Armenia, conveying one of the fundamental beliefs of the 
AGBU leadership that there is no future for the diaspora without Armenia. The 
discourse continued with an open forum discussion with members of the AGBU 
Central Board Noubar Afeyan, Ani Manoukian and Vasken Yacoubian, who took the 
stage with Haratunian to address the pressing questions of the crowd.
"It is a unique opportunity to have the AGBU board members convene in one 
location from across the globe and be willing to have an open discussion with 
young professionals from New England," said Vrej Pilavdjian, YP Boston chair. 
"The AGBU leadership wanted to hear from us and connect with us. This was a 
chance for our YP community to engage directly with our leaders and learn about 
the past of AGBU, ask about their vision for future and become motivated for 
the present."
The weekend's celebration culminated in the gala which took place at the 
Samberg Conference Center at MIT. Gala co-chairs Lindsey Hagopian and Houry 
Youssoufian welcomed guests after a video showcasing the early start of New 
England Armenians was screened. With personal touches, they set the tone for a 
series of speeches and presentations. Master of ceremonies Lia Oganesyan kept 
the crowd engaged by also sharing her family's historic involvement with AGBU. 
Keeping the mood light and inspiring, Balikian took the stage to announce the 
launch of the AGBU Boston Summer Internship Program which will start serving 
students in 2019. He also motivated the crowd promising a series of new 
programs - including an entrepreneurship incubator - to accommodate the needs 
of New England youth and help them succeed in their fields.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the AGBU New England 
District's Global Excellence Awards. Prominent entrepreneur Dr. Noubar Afeyan, 
founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering, and renown heart surgeon Dr. Kristine 
J. Guleserian, senior director of the Heart Failure and Transplantation Program 
at Nicklaus Children's Hospital, were honored for their achievements and their 
significant support for their communities. Dr. Afeyan spoke of his journey 
connecting to his roots and took the opportunity to encourage the crowd to 
activate their "Armenianness." "I urge you to stop thinking in terms of 
Armenians by blood, but rather be Armenians by choice. To choose to be Armenian 
and serve the nation is an active notion. In making this choice, we welcome 
others to our community to truly engage and increase our overall potential." 
Dr. Guleserian captivated the crowd as she shared her inspiring stories about 
saving the lives of young patients in the most critical conditions. Her 
presentation ended in great applause as she vowed to apply her knowledge to 
treat patients across the globe, including Armenia.
The event also served as a fundraiser helping to collect 1.22 million dollars 
for local and global AGBU youth programs. During a poignant moment in the 
evening, Ara Balikian invited members of the Cpl. Paul Marsoubian AMVETs Post 
41, an Armenian American war veterans group, to come up for a special tribute. 
"These individuals, along with their colleagues made a great sacrifice for the 
United States and instilled pride in us all. We are honored to be able to thank 
them in this way," stated Balikian. "Furthermore, they believe in the promise 
of the future and we are touched to announce a donation of one million dollars 
from the veterans group to be directed to AGBU Scholarships. Their investment 
in the next generation will ensure their legacy continues for generations to 
come."
President Setrakian concluded the evening, saying, "Now more than ever, we need 
positive role models. Kristine and Noubar tonight are symbols of the new 
generation. The new generation will come and see how successful Armenians can 
be and value their identity. AGBU remains committed to excellence and will 
continue to invest in creating role models and motivating the youth." He 
invited all in attendance to join the efforts of the AGBU New England District 
as well as the global movement, "AGBU is ready to collaborate with all 
individuals and organizations in the room to continue enhancing local programs 
and ensure the existence of a prosperous, independent, democratic and free 
Armenia."
The success of the celebration and the fundraising proved the AGBU New 
District's ability to mobilize and bring the community together and showed 
people's trust in the organization.  "I was delighted that almost every major 
Armenian organization regardless of cause or affiliation was represented at the 
gala," said Balikian. "It was significant because it symbolized our local 
community's support to AGBU and the New England District, as well as their 
willingness to work collaboratively for the betterment of our local community 
and Armenia."
Established in 1906, AGBU (www.agbu.org) 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.

Azerbaijani press: Zakharova: Creating favorable atmosphere key to resolving Karabakh conflict

Emil Lazarian
/ 16:27
  • A
  • A+
  • A-

“Creating a favorable atmosphere is key to resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a briefing on Friday, APA’s Moscow correspondent reports.

 

Asked whether the meeting between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Moscow would give impetus to the negotiation process on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the spokesperson said that the creation of a favorable atmosphere contributes to the negotiation process.

 

“Not only does it help, but also it is key to resolving this problem. Russia does its utmost to resolve the Karabakh conflict. We want the two nations finally to resolve this bloody conflict. We want to develop our relations with Azerbaijan and Armenia. Our task is to bring closer the moment of resolution, not to delay it,” she said.

Verelq: We will not allow the name of revolution to be used in mafia wars. Nikol Pashinyan

Boris Nahapetian
  • 15.06.2018

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  • Armenia:

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  • arm

40
 417

A little while ago, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan posted on his Facebook page that he considers it unacceptable for criminals to defile the symbols of the revolution of love and solidarity.


“It is unacceptable that criminal elements defile the symbols of the revolution of love and solidarity and use the name of the revolution in mafia wars. We will not allow it,” Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page.


Let’s remind that a protest action was held in Etchmiadzin on June 14 against the mayor of Etchmiadzin. Karen Grigoryan and his father, President of the European Union Manvel Grigoryan:


On the one hand, the participants of the action stated that the action was spontaneous and fits into the logic of the continuation of the “velvet revolution” implemented in RA, and on the other hand, they did not forget to thank Arthur Asatryanto Don Pipo “for organizing this protest”.

Verelq: Improving the environment will help attract more American investments. US Ambassador

Andranik Taslakhchian
  • 15.06.2018

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  • Armenia:

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  • arm

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  • rus

3
 202

On June 14, Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan had a meeting with US Ambassador Richard Mills. The press service of the RA Prime Minister informs about this.


The US ambassador noted that they are ready to support the new government’s economic and political reforms and that improving the business and investment environment will help attract more American companies that already see the potential here.


The parties discussed a number of issues related to bilateral cooperation, including the continuation of investment and grant programs, the need to provide incentives in the tax and infrastructure systems.


The parties discussed the competitiveness of Armenia for the new agreement of the “Millennium Challenges” program. The US ambassador promised to address this issue in the near future.


The US ambassador also emphasized the continuation of the activities of the Lydian-Armenia company as a major international investment project.


The Deputy Prime Minister assured that the new government will carry out impartial studies to highlight the general picture of the mining sector in Armenia and its compliance with international and state standards, and that these inspections should be organized in all enterprises in a transparent and credible format for all parties. And the enterprises corresponding to the standards will be protected by the state.

Verelq: Gevorg Kostanyan resigned from the position of RA representative at the ECHR

Jagharian Tania
  • 15.06.2018

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  • Armenia:

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6
 207

Member of the National Assembly Gevorg Kostanyan resigned from the position of RA representative at the European Court of Human Rights. 


At today’s session of the government, a decision was made, according to which Deputy Minister of Justice Artak Asatryan will perform the duties of the representative of ECHR Armenia.


Kostanyan issued a statement saying:


“After the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms was ratified by the Republic of Armenia on April 26, 2002, the representation of the Republic of Armenia at the European Court of Human Rights was established in 2004. From the first day of establishment until now, I have been the representative of the RA government at the European Court.


In these years, with the efforts of all of us in the Republic of Armenia, undoubtedly, a huge amount of work has been done in the field of human rights protection in general and especially in the direction of wide application of the European Convention on Human Rights in the Republic of Armenia.


During the years 2002-2017, the number of complaints submitted to the ECtHR for the examination of the Republic of Armenia amounted to 3,416. 1,518 of these complaints were considered inadmissible by the ECtHR or removed from its list of cases.


As of June 14, 2018, the ECHR has issued 93 judgments in 88 proceedings regarding the Republic of Armenia. In 4 proceedings, the ECHR Chamber made 2 separate judgments on the merits and on just compensation. The judgment of the Chamber in 1 proceedings was revised by the judgment of the Grand Chamber. Out of 88 judgments on the merits, the ECtHR recorded a violation in 84, and in 4 it did not record any violation.


As of June 14, 2018, according to the judgments of the ECHR regarding the Republic of Armenia, which have become final, the applicants submitted a claim for compensation equivalent to more than 23 million euros, of which 1,158,290 euros were satisfied, that is, about 5% of the total claim.


After the events that took place in April-May 2018, the government changed in Armenia, as a result of which the government’s position has naturally changed or may change in the majority of cases currently being examined or to be examined in the European Court. Under these circumstances, I consider it inappropriate to continue my tenure as the representative of the Republic of Armenia at the European Court.


I find that the new government should have the opportunity to freely present its positions in the cases examined in the European Court and not be constrained by the previously presented positions.


There will be many occasions to discuss my activities as the representative of the Republic of Armenia in the European Court in more detail, but at this moment I want to record that during these years I and the team working with me have done everything possible to properly represent the interests of the Republic of Armenia in the European Court.


I am sure that the new team will also work with no less dedication and the state of human rights protection in Armenia will improve every year.”