Category: 2018

Arminfo, Armenia

Nikol Pashinyan: The vector of our foreign policy remains the same as before the revolution

Yerevan.May 30. ArmInfo, Naira Badalyan. What happened in Armenia can be described as the process of returning power to the people. This was stated by the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan in an interview with DW.

According to the prime minister, this is a change of power by decision of the inhabitants of the country, as well as “velvet”, the people’s revolution without violence. “The process and my election to the post of prime minister were within the framework of the constitution and laws of Armenia,” he said.

According to the head of the Armenian government, the events in Armenia cannot be called a “color” revolution. “It is understood that there is a great geopolitical context behind such a change of power, in our case it was an internal process in the Republic of Armenia by the decision of the Armenian people.For us it is a matter of national dignity and for me personal dignity, from outside, it does not matter who and where, should decide the internal political issues of Armenia, “he stressed.

According to Pashinyan, the revolutions that took place in other republics formerly part of the USSR were of a different nature. “After these revolutions, we saw changes in the foreign policy of these countries, and we said that in general we will continue the foreign policy of Armenia, develop relations in all directions, this concerns the Armenian-Russian relations and relations with the European Union, the US, Iran, with Georgia.The vector of our foreign policy remains the same as before the revolution, “said Nikol Pashinyan.

Arminfo, Armenia

Pashinyan about meeting with Putin: I think that for this stage we have very good personal relations, which will only become better in time

 May 30

Yerevan

Naira Badalyan. “Armenia is Armenia, I think that the main feature of our state is that we are very sensitive to our sovereignty,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in an interview with DW, responding to a question about the fact that, despite the fact, that “often the Russian leadership reacts nervously to the change of power in other post-Soviet countries, in the case of Armenia, Vladimir Putin did not intervene in what is happening in the country.”

Answering to the remark that the Prime Minister of Armenia, unlike many other leaders of civil protest, is very peace-loving towards the Russian Federation, Nikol Pashinyan stated: “I am speaking peaceably of all. Armenia is a peaceful country, we are a peace-loving nation. I hope that you have not noticed any aggressiveness towards, for example, the European Union, the US, Iran and Georgia, and other countries. “However, as Pashinyan emphasized, if necessary, Armenia can protect itself.

As Nikol Pashinyan noted, Yerevan has close relations with Moscow, which will become even deeper, good relations also with the EU, which Armenia intends to develop further. There is a desire to develop relations with the US, Iran, Georgia and with all countries that are interested in this.

According to the prime minister, during the first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi on May 14 at the summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEC), they spoke only of Armenian-Russian relations and multilateral relations within the framework of the EAEC and within the framework of the CSTO organization’s agreements. “But we did not talk about the issues that relate to the relations between Armenia and the European Union, Armenia and the United States, and third countries.” Frankly speaking, the summit itself was very pleasant, I think that for this stage we have very good personal relationships that will only become better over time, “he said.

At the same time, as the Armenian prime minister said, at the meeting with the Russian leader he raised the issue of the Karabakh settlement. “It is important to emphasize that the peaceful way to resolve the issue is the only way that can really lead to a solution.” There is no force solution, I think this is a principled position, not only in Armenia, but also in Russia, “Pashinyan said. , the Armenian side also touched upon the issue of arms supplies to Azerbaijan from Russia. “We had a constructive discussion on this matter. I can not say what Putin said about this, “the Prime Minister of Armenia stated.

Arminfo, Armenia

Armenia plans to have a military attache at its embassy in Lebanon and Kazakhstan

Yerevan May 31

Naira Badalyan. Armenia plans to create a post of military attache at the Armenian Embassy in Lebanon and Kazakhstan. The corresponding draft decision was included in the agenda of the day of the Armenian government’s on June 1.

As stated in the document on the substantiation of the document, Armenia attaches importance to international military cooperation with a number of countries within the framework of international cooperation. The effectiveness of the implementation of cooperation programs, as noted, depends on the ability to establish operational communication with relevant officials and the circumstances of direct participation of these individuals in certain activities. In these cases, there is a need to open the post of military attache in the countries with which Armenia conducts military cooperation.

It is noted that the basis for military cooperation with the Republic of Lebanon was the August 2010 agreement on military and military-technical cooperation. Armenia planned to create the military attache state as early as 2015. In the meantime, the absence of a military attache leads to a deficit of military- political information of national importance.

Treaty of friendship and cooperation between Armenia and Kazakhstan signed September 2, 1999 in Astana, June 5, 2012 between the two governments signed an agreement on military-technical cooperation, which entered into force on 25 October 2016. The Republic of Armenia, being a full-fledged and acting member of the CIS and CSTO, carries out close and expanded bilateral military cooperation, fixed by the annual plan, with the Republic of Kazakhstan. At the same time, it is noted that the military attache of Kazakhstan has been accredited in the Republic of Armenia since 2012. “It is noteworthy that the issue with the military attache in the Central Asian region is considered to be extremely important, since the analysis of the foreign policy of Turkey in regard to the post-Soviet countries gives reason to believe that the official Ankara, with the support of the leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, plans to significantly step up the policy of Pan-Turkism (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan) to spread their power in relations with these states, “the document says. It also points out the existence of military commitments on the part of Kazakhstan to Armenia within the framework of the CSTO, and the fact that the post of military attache will serve the purpose of being timely informed.

In connection with the above, the Defense Ministry of Armenia considers it expedient to create a post of military attache at the Armenian Embassy in Lebanon and Kazakhstan, as this decision, on the one hand, will increase the productivity of international military cooperation with these countries, on the other hand it will help raise the international authority of Armenia in the process cooperation with these countries. This desire, according to the Defense Ministry, also indicates that Armenia attaches special importance to the development of friendly relations in the sphere of military cooperation with Kazakhstan and Lebanon.

Arminfo, Armenia

World Bank improved forecast of GDP growth in Armenia for 2018 from the previous 3.8% to current 4.1%

Yerevan May 31

Karina Melikyan. The World Bank improved the forecast for GDP growth in Armenia in 2018 to 4.1% against the previously projected 3.8%. As noted in the WB’s May report on the economy of Europe and Central Asia, in 2019 the forecast for GDP growth in Armenia did not change – 4%.

In this report, the WB notes that the agricultural sector of Armenia will reach a 2.5% growth in 2018 and will accelerate the growth rate to 2.7% in 2019. The industrial sector is projected to grow by 5.4% with a slowdown to 5.2% in 2019 services sector will show in 2018 an increase of 3.9% with an insignificant slowdown to 3.8% in 2019.

The growth of private consumption, according to the updated report of the World Bank, will grow by 5% in 2018 with a slowdown to 4.7% in 2019. Gross fixed investment will grow by 4.5%, with a slowdown in 2019 to 4.2%. Exports and imports for 2018 are expected to almost the same growth – by 10.1% and 10.3%, respectively, with a slowdown in 2019 to 9.8% and 9.5%.

In the consumer market of Armenia, according to the new forecast, inflation in 2018 will be 3.5%, and in 2019 – 3.8%.

The share of net foreign direct investment (FDI) in GDP in 2018 will be 4.4%, and in 2019 – 4.5%, and the ratio of current account deficit to GDP for 2018-2019 will grow from 2.9% to 3.5% . The deficit of the state budget of Armenia in GDP from 2.6% in 2018 will decrease to 2.5% in 2019. The share of national debt in GDP for 2018 is expected at 58.6%, with a slight decrease to 58.3% in 2019. The poverty level (at a purchasing power parity (PPP) of $ 5.5) could reach 38.2% in 2018, with a decline to 36.8% in 2019, and in terms of PPP of $ 3.2, the poverty level could fall in 2018-2019 from 10.1 % to 9.1%.

Armenia’s economic outlook remains positive. The strong performance in 2017 suggests the opening of a window of opportunity to undertake the reforms needed to make growth inclusive and sustainable. On the assumption of sustained favorable external economic conditions and robust structural reforms, medium-term growth is forecast to be around the potential growth rate (4 percent), supported by private- sector, export-led activity. In particular, the agribusiness, information and communication technology (ICT), and tourism sectors are expected to deliver solid growth as efforts to boost competitiveness and connectivity start to deliver results. As the economy continues to grow and incomes rise-and remittance inflows continue to support livelihoods thanks to a benign external environment-the absolute poverty rate is forecast to decline to 8.1 percent in 2020. Although price pressures are forecast to increase in the short term, mainly due to higher customs duties and excise taxes on fuels starting in 2018, inflation is projected to remain within the official target range. The new Tax Code, which becomes fully effective in 2018, lays the foundation for better tax administration and higher tax revenues. Implementation of the upgraded fiscal rule (approved in December 2017) will result in stronger discipline for current spending and will provide some room to increase growth-friendly capital expenditures while also stabilizing and eventually reducing the public debt.

Armenia’s vulnerability to economic conditionsin Russia and its other trading partners- as well as its low level of exportdiversification-will remain high.Adverse shocks linked to the Russian recovery or metal export prices would have a negative impact on economic growth rates over the near to medium term. Fiscal slippage could trigger the need for sharper adjustments in public spending, undermining domestic demand and real economic activity. Fiscal policy should remain prudent to contain public debt levels. Avoiding fiscal procyclicality will help prevent macroeconomic imbalances and reduce the risks associated with overheating (including potential competitiveness losses) during periods of strong economic growth. Continuing coordination with the monetary authorities and the maintenance of a flexible exchange rate will be vital to avoid episodes of real exchange rate appreciation that can lead to losses in competitiveness. Sustaining robust economic growth will require bold structural reforms-such as providing a fair and competitive business and investment environment-to address fundamental problems in Armenia’s economy. Increasing country-wide access to economic opportunities will help to boost household incomes and drive a further reduction in poverty, particularly in secondary cities where poverty is highest.

To note, in 2017, Armenia’s GDP grew by 7.5%, with the agricultural sector in a 4% decline, the industrial sector showed an 8% growth, and the service sector – 10.5% growth. Private portfolios grew by 8.8%. Gross fixed investment grew by 7.3%. Exports showed growth of 23.2%, and imports – 24%. Annual inflation was 1%. The ratio of current account deficit to GDP was 1.7%, the share of net foreign direct investment (FDI) in GDP was 4.1%, Armenia’s state budget deficit in GDP was 4.7%, the share of state debt in GDP was 58.8%. The poverty level in 2017 was 39.9%, down from 43.5% in 2016.

ArmenPress, Armenia

Pashinyan’s choice for economic assistance Daron Acemoglu points out need for new young figures in Armenian government

YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. Turkish-American economist Daron Acemoglu, the ethnic Armenian expert who was personally contacted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan shortly after the May 8 election for assisting in restoring the country’s economy, says he believes that the main requirements for Armenia are to eradicate corruption, begin building the institutional pillars for future economic growth and do this all in conditions of domestic solidarity.

In an interview to Voice of America, Acemoglu argued that the peaceful revolution is a highly important, but only the first step for Armenia.

The second step, according to him, must be the implementation of systemic reforms based on this peaceful beginning – laying grounds for future prosperity.

“This second step isn’t guaranteed anyhow, however now at least we have the chance to realize it. There are no universal solutions, they depend on conditions in each given country,” he said.

Highlighting the enthusiasm of the international community about the changes in Armenia, Acemoglu however said that challenges are inevitable.

Acemoglu says that in the exciting atmosphere there is a desire to attempt to solve all issues at once, however in this case he says that the basis which ensures balanced approach isn’t created.

“The Armenian government must be supplemented with new young figures, at the same time the collapse of existing structures shouldn’t be allowed,” he stressed.

Acemoglu says he doesn’t see himself in the composition of the Armenian government, but he says he is willing to help.

“It’s not about building a bridge in order for an expert to come from abroad, to build and leave. The Armenian citizen should build his own country,” he said.

Earlier on May 13, five days after being elected Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan said that he has phoned Daron Acemoglu, the acclaimed ethnic Armenian economist. Acemoglu was born to Armenian parents in Turkey and holds dual Turkish/US citizenship. According to Pashinyan, the economist had said that he is ready to assist Armenia in restoring and developing the economy. “Mr. Acemoglu accepted my invitation to visit Armenia”, the PM had said.

Acemoglu has been teaching at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) for many years. He is considered a global authority in modern economics.

ENGLISH: Editor/Translator -Stepan Kocharyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Israel’s Knesset should recognize Armenian Genocide: Speaker sends letter to Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem

YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. The Knesset (Parliament) of Israel should recognize the Armenian Genocide not based on political or diplomatic interests, but because it’s a right and moral step,Knesset SpeakerYuli Edelsteinsaid in a letter addressed to the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, reports Armenpress.

The text of the letter has been released by Chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem Hovnan Baghdasaryan on Facebook.

“The issue of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide was not scheduled to be included in the Knesset agenda this week, therefore this issue has never been “rejected”. Moreover, I want to state I have not hindered to include the issue in the agenda, neither with my activity nor a hint. I do not refuse from any word I have said on the Armenian Genocide. Today as well I am committed to my stance on this issue which I have proved constantly during the passing years and my stance is that the Israeli Knesset should recognize the Armenian Genocide as it is a right and moral step, and it should not recognize it [the Genocide] based on political or diplomatic interests. I ask Your Beatitude to calm your mind. At a moment when we are convinced that there is a majority in the Knesset for this historic recognition, we will include the issue [the recognition of the Armenian Genocide] to the plenary session agenda”, the letter says.

The Knesset Speaker said he should do everything within his capacities for this purpose. He hopes his efforts will lead to a positive result.

“By our victory our Armenian friends will also win. I am not afraid of a long path”, the Knesset Speaker said.

Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian sent a letter to Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelsteinexpressing his disappointment over the withdrawal of the Armenian Genocide recognition bill from the Knesset agenda.

The expected vote on recognizing the Armenian Genocide was not on the Knesset’s agenda for this week as of May 28. The vote on recognizing the Armenian Genocide was set for Tuesday, after a motion to do so by Meretz chairwoman MK Tamar Zandberg was approved. Zandberg accused Edelstein of putting politics ahead of morality, dismissing the Knesset Speaker’s words in favor of her motion.

ArmenPress, Armenia

Tsar of guitars: From simple hobby to making guitars for A-List global rock stars

YEREVAN, MAY 31, ARMENPRESS. Vladimir Tsar, a US-based Russian real estate expert, has found an interesting hobby.

He modifies guitars for famous musicians.

Recently Tsar modified a guitar for the Armenian-American rock band System Of A Down’s (SOAD) guitarist Daron Malakian. Malakian has even used the guitar in his latest music video.

But Tsar is nowhere near stopping, he says soon he will prepare custom-made guitars for the other members of SOAD.

In an interview to ARMENPRESS, Vladimir Tsar talked about this incredible hobby, his first guitar and upcoming creations.

The beginning of an interesting hobby

I was born and raised in Moscow [Russia]. I studied architecture-construction. I moved to the United States with my family in 1991. I’ve been living in Miami in the past seven years. My main activity is very clear for residents of Florida’s coastal region, I am a real estate agent. In addition, me and my wife are also engaged in interior design and decoration. The guitar topic began a few years ago. My decorator, florist and photographer wife Katya and I began using guitars. We take a simple electric guitar and we paint it – making it another color. It becomes a piece of art, although it can be played on. At the beginning we were simply changing the color of the guitars, then imagination kicked in.

The First Guitar

I did not know Sergey Shnurov, frontman of Leningrad [rock band], composer, poet, painter, actor, producer, showman and the most famous media figure after Vladimir Putin in Russia, we didn’t even have mutual acquaintances. I opened an Instagram account about three years ago, I began following various people, and I saw photos of Sergey who was vacationing in Santa Monica. In the comments section I wrote : “Could you sign my 1983 Fender Telecaster guitar?” I had to depart for LA with my family at that time. My comment was followed by unbelievable developments. Sergey read my comment and replied, saying he is leaving for Russia in two days, he followed me back and suggested me to message him immediately. I momentarily asked my wife to clarify for me how to send a message, I messaged Sergey the contacts of a university friend of mine who lives in LA, whom in turn I quickly mailed by guitar. Shnurov contacted her, my friend took the guitar to him and Shnurov signed it.

A few months later I personally met Sergey Shnurov after his concert in Riga. We talked about literature and music for about half an hour. In the end I told him about my idea on making a vintage guitar , and he liked it. I made a Photoshop sketch upon returning to Miami. A month later the guitar was already in St. Petersburg, at Shnurov’s. And in 2016 he played on this guitar in the Ice Palace before an audience of 18,000. Shnurov has also displayed the guitar at his individual exhibition.

Guitar for System Of A Down’s Daron Malakian

Both SOAD and Leningrad were highly popular in the 2000s. I was a fan of Leningrad, my son Alexei was a fan of SOAD. Eventually it so happened that he began liking Leningrad, and I began listening to System Of A Down, in order to understand it. My wings had grown after the first guitar story, and there was no doubt on who the next guitar will be for.

I was thinking that the guitar must be image of SOAD, and especially Daron Malakian. I’ve heard somewhere that true art is born by harmoniously combining the incompatible. That’s what the guys from System Of A Down did, when they combined heavy metal and Armenian intonation. And that’s truly amazing. And this is all that I have tried to convey on the guitar. Since 1977, Paul Stanley from KISS made the IbanezIceman guitar popular, and I placed the map of Armenia on this type of a guitar.

It would be too simple to draw an Armenian flag or a carpet. It is another thing to engrave the map of Armenia, surrounded by neighboring countries. There is a cross-stone on the handle of the guitar, and the reverse side says SOAD in Armenian letters. Scars on Broadway’s [rock band founded by Daron Malakian] Lives premiered online on April 23, featuring this guitar.

The idea on making a guitar for Daron was born after watching SOAD’s 2015 April concert in Armenia. This was their best concert, and the rain was multiplying the effect. SOAD artists themselves admit that this concert was the culmination of their career. And, certainly, I was inspired by Terry George’s The Promise.

How the guitar was delivered to Daron

I didn’t personally know Daron, I didn’t even know anyone who had seen him. This story is even more unbelievable than the first guitar story. I made a Photoshop sketch of a guitar and I had sent it to Daron on Instagram. He has looked into my account, he left comments and said: “This is an amazing guitar, make it!” When I had already begun making the guitar I began having certain doubts. It turned out that there are 20-30 Daron Malakian accounts on the internet. But it was too late, I decided to continue making the guitar. I finished, what do I do with the guitar? I don’t know. And suddenly it so happens that a friend of my close friend is organizing the System Of A Down concerts in Moscow in 2017. I departed for Moscow. In short, the guitar was delivered to Daron. It was a real chain of successes. By the way, I blessed the guitar in the Armenian church of Boca Raton [Florida].

Guitars for other members of System Of A Down

The sketches of guitars for Serj Tankian and ShavoOdadjian are gradually being born in my mind. Armenian theme will be definitely featured. But if I prepare the guitars there will be no repetition. I don’t know yet what I’ll do with John Dolmayan’s drums.

The next guitar

Recently I met with Paul Stanley from KISS. I have interesting ideas. I would also want to make a bass-guitar for Flea from Red Hot Chili Peppers. And in Russia no one else than Zemfira comes to mind.

From hobby to business

This can’t work as a business model. It is a single-edition product, I can make guitars only when the musician or the music cause emotions in me. Both of my guitars didn’t have any commercial nature, perhaps that is why they succeeded.

Author – Roza Grigoryan

Photo credit – Greg Waterman, Yekaterina Tsar Kulchitskaya

ENGLISH: Editor/Translator -Stepan Kocharyan

Baltic Legal Updates

Thursday

State Secretary voices support for strengthening of the EU-Armenia relationship

 

 

Riga: The Supreme Court of the Republic of Latvia has issued the following media release:

 

On 30 May 2018, during political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Latvia and Armenia, State Secretary Andrejs Pildegovičs and Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia, Garen Nazarian, discussed topics of current importance in Latvia-Armenia, and the European Union (EU)-Armenia relations. The talks also addressed the issues concerning the South Caucasus region and international politics.

 

The officials were unanimous that a political dialogue, line ministry cooperation, and parliamentary contacts between Latvia and Armenia should be intensified, economic contacts promoted and a legal framework for cooperation expanded. The parties also discussed cooperation in education, including possibilities for Armenian trainees to enrol in the Riga Graduate School of Law programmes.  

 

In a discussion on the relationship between the EU and Armenia, Andrejs Pildegovičs voiced support for the strengthening of those ties and confirmed preparedness to provide support to Armenia in carrying through reforms, especially in the fields of justice, anti-corruption, good governance and economy. Garen Nazarian confirmed Armenia’s commitment to work towards the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

 

In the consultations, Andrejs Pildegovičs expressed support for a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.