Category: 2018

Osipyan outlines top-priority focuses of Armenian police department’s activity

George Mamian
ARKA, Armenia

YEREVAN, May 11. /ARKA/. Valery Osipyan, the newly appointed Armenian police chief, outlined today top-priority focuses of the police department’s activity.  

On Friday, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, confirming Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s nominations, appointed Valery Osipyan as the country’s police chief and Arthur Vanetsyan as national security chief. 

“As Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said earlier, we will begin our activity by struggling against criminality and corruption,” he told journalists after the first government session. “We must root out corruption and similar phenomena. You will see steps in this direction very soon.”

Osipyan said that he intends to make certain changes in the police. 

Asked about possible dismissal of Levon Yeranosyan as police troops commander, he said personnel replacement will be carried out, and as for Yeranosyan, if it is proved that he has breached the law, then punishment will come immediately.    

On April 23, Serzh Sargsyan, who was appointed by the Armenian parliament as prime minister amid widespread disaffection for him, resigned under the pressure of mass protests against his premiership. On the same day, Armen Sarkissian, Armenian president accepted the government’s resignation. 

On May 8, the National Assembly elected Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister by a majority of votes – 59 MPs voted for him and 42 voted against him. -0—


The Rosselkhoznadzor may limit the supply of vegetables from Armenia

Ara Felekian
UkrAgroConsult, Ukraine
 
 
The Rosselkhoznadzor may limit the supply of vegetables from Armenia
 
11.05.2018
| UkrAgroConsult
 
This is due to the discovery of the tomatoes and the cucumbers quarantine products.
 
Rosselkhoznadzor may impose temporary restrictions on the import of vegetables from Armenia in connection with the discovery in the Armenian tomatoes and cucumbers quarantine products. This is stated in the message Department.
 
“In case of continuation of receipt of regulated products, including with the presence of not notified to the Republic of Armenia of quarantine organisms, the Rosselkhoznadzor will have to impose temporary restrictions on regulated products supplied to the territory of the Russian Federation from the Republic of Armenia”, – reports the Agency.
 
It is noted that in may 2018 the Rosselkhoznadzor has intensified quarantine phytosanitary control coming from Armenia products through multilateral automobile checkpoint “Upper Lars”. In the period from 3 to 9 may, the specialists of the Rosselkhoznadzor revealed seven cases of detection of two types of quarantine for Russia objects, tomato leaf miner moth on tomatoes and Western (Californian) flower thrips on cucumbers. All products are returned to the exporter.
 
The Rosselkhoznadzor addressed to the Ministry of agriculture of Armenia with the requirement to conduct a formal investigation into violations and to take measures to prevent similar incidents.
 
In April, Rosselkhoznadzor has announced plans to inspect manufacturers of tomatoes in Armenia from-for suspicions in the re-export of Turkish products. At the same time the Rosselkhoznadzor noted that the Russian market tomatoes are supplied mainly by two organizations-exporters (“spike” and “Grinprodukt”), which have as their own derivatives of the square, and engaged in buying tomatoes from different manufacturers.

Armenia’s government says PM will represent country at EAEU summit in Sochi

Boris Nahapetian
TASS, Russia
 
 
Armenia’s government says PM will represent country at EAEU summit in Sochi
 
World
May 11, 11:53 UTC+3 YEREVAN
 
Armenia’s government has decided that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will represent the country at a summit of the Eurasian Economic Union
 
YEREVAN, May 11. /TASS/. Armenia’s government has decided that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will represent the country at a summit of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) in Sochi on May 14, and not President Armen Sarkissian, TASS reports from the government session.
 
Earlier, Pashinyan stated that he would like to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the May 14 summit and discuss with him development of Armenian – Russian ally relations.
 
 

Armenia’s knitwear, hosiery production down in first quarter of 2018

Garnik Tadevosian
Panorama, Armenia

Armenia saw a significant decline in knitwear and hosiery production in the first quarter of 2018, the statistics show.

A total of 662,200 units of knitwear were manufactured in the country from January to March 2018, down by 33.7% from the same period last year, the National Statistical Service (NSS) informed Panorama.am.

The country manufactured some 4,375,600 units of knitwear in 2017, showing a 25.9 rise over 2016.

The production volumes of cotton fabrics also recorded a drop of 10% within the first three months of this year. The production volumes amounted to 0.9 ton in January-March 2018, against the 1 ton manufactured in the same period of 2017.

According to the NSS figures, hosiery output declined by 26.7% this year. Armenia produced 1,675,200 pairs of hosiery from January to March 2018, whereas some 2,284,700 pairs were produced in the same period last year.      

National consent government to be formed in Armenia – Pashinyan

Karapet Navasardian
ARKA, Armenia

YEREVAN, May 11. /ARKA/. David Tonoyan, acting emergency minister, will be appointed today as defense minister, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Friday. 

“The decree will be signed today, and other ministers will be appointed very soon,” he told journalists after the government’s meeting.

Earlier, on May 8, Vigen Sargsyan, acting defense minister, resigned. 

“The government will be formed on the basis of national consent principles,” Pashinyan said. 

On April 23, Serzh Sargsyan, who was appointed by the Armenian parliament as prime minister amid widespread disaffection for him, resigned under the pressure of mass protests against his premiership. On the same day, Armen Sarkissian, Armenian president accepted the government’s resignation. 

On May 8, the National Assembly elected Nikol Pashinyan as prime minister by a majority of votes – 59 MPs voted for him and 42 voted against him. –0—

Armenian government approves bill on representation at EAEU Supreme Council at PM’s level

Hovik Karapetian
Panorama, Armenia

The Armenian government on Friday approved the legislative initiative on the draft law “On ratification of the Protocol on amending the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union of May 29, 2014” signed in Moscow on 18 March 2018.

Speaking at today’s cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia’s acting Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian noted the decision aims at ensuring the possibility of being represented at the Supreme Council of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) at the prime minister’s level.

PM Pashinyan convened the first regular cabinet meeting on Friday morning since his appointment to the office. He had earlier announced a decision to hold open-door government meetings to allow the presence of media. 

Sold Out Armenian Assembly Philadelphia Celebration Honors Peter & Irene Vosbikian

Liana Toganian

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: May 4, 2018

Contact: Danielle Saroyan

Telephone: (202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

 

SOLD OUT ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY
PHILADELPHIA CELEBRATION HONORS PETER AND IRENE VOSBIKIAN

 

Highlights September Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.

 

WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Philadelphia Community members, former interns, and friends – young and
young at heart representing a diverse cross section of the community – attended
the Armenian Assembly of America’s (Assembly) sold out Philadelphia Celebration
honoring Life Trustees Peter and Irene Vosbikian, who were awarded with the
Global Humanitarian Award.

 

The Celebration took place on Saturday, April 28 in
Philadelphia at the National Constitution Center overlooking Independence Hall
and the Liberty Bell, the birthplace of our nation’s democracy. Guests traveled from across the country,
including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland,
Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and
Washington, D.C., for the event.

 

Host Committee Chairman and Assembly Board Member
Alex Karapetian welcomed guests and thanked the Host Committee – comprised of
fellow Board Member Bianka Kadian Dodov and the Philadelphia trifecta: Celeste
Ayjian, Jake Der Hagopian, and Silva Santerian – as well as the Assembly staff,
sponsors, and donors for helping to make it an unforgettable evening.

 

Karapetian shared his experience during the
Assembly’s summer internship in Washington, D.C. and applauded the intern
alumni in attendance. The Honorary Host Committee, which was mostly comprised
of former alumni, includes Ani Acopian (’14), Adam Azarian (’09), Alexander
Azarian (’14), Michael Azarian (’05), Cissy Der Hagopian (’79), Mark
Hoplamazian (’83), Edele Hovnanian (’80), Leslie Azarian Karapetian (’02),
Julia Mirak Kew (’87), Raffi Manoukian (’97), Mark Momjian (’79 & ’80),
Melineh Momjian (’85), Paul Sookiasian (’05), Erika Hajatian Torosian (’05),
and Linda Yepoyan (’81). Former Assembly Board Chairman Michael Haratunian and
former Assembly Board Member Harry S. Cherken, Jr. were also part of the
Honorary Host Committee, alongside their former Board colleagues Edele
Hovnanian and Mark Momjian.

 

During his speech, Karapetian stated: “Tonight, we
are not only celebrating the 41st anniversary of the Assembly’s summer
internship program but we are also honoring two of its most devoted stewards
and staunch pillars of the Philly community, Peter and Irene Vosbikian, with
the Global Humanitarian Award. Congratulations to both of you and thank you for
all that you have done and continue to do for the Assembly.”

 

Karapetian also encouraged everyone to participate
in the Assembly’s upcoming National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.,
which will take place on September 23-25, 2018. “We cannot sit on the sidelines
and expect others to act on our behalf. If you want to see change, you need to be
an advocate. Every single person who is here tonight is already an advocate…It’s
because of you that the Assembly can continue to grow and make positive change
for Armenia on the Hill,” he said.

 

The guests of honor, Peter and Irene Vosbikian,
invited everyone as well to join the Armenian Assembly at its National Advocacy
Conference in September.

 

“When I served as Chairman of the Assembly 16 years
ago, Turkey’s lobbying efforts in the U.S. were in their infancy.  Today, they are spending millions to whitewash
their tarnished past,” Peter Vosbikian said.  Peter, noting that the Armenian Assembly
serves as the voice for Armenians in our nation’s capital, urged everyone to
come to Washington, D.C.  “Let’s walk up
the Hill together!” he concluded.

 

Assembly Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van
Krikorian praised Peter and Irene Vosbikian for their passion, tireless support,
and vigilant commitment to the Armenian American community.

 

“Peter and Irene are the perfect example of activism
and leadership, as well as a
role model for the global Armenian community, which is why they are so deserving of the Armenian
Assembly’s Global Humanitarian Award. Their commitment to advocacy and
philanthropy is what sets them apart, and their ongoing efforts are admirable
and inspiring. We are proud to have them part of our organization,” Assembly
Co-Chairs Barsamian and Krikorian said.

 

Prelate of the Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian
Apostolic Church of America Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan gave the Invocation for
the evening, and Diocesan Legate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
Archbishop Vicken Aykazian provided the Benediction. Also in attendance were clergy
from the Philadelphia region, including Rev. Fr. Nerses Manoogian of St.
Gregory the Illuminator Armenian Apostolic Church in Philadelphia, Very Rev.
Fr. Oshagan Gulgulian of Sts. Sahag and Mesrob Armenian Apostolic Church in Wynnewood, Rev. Fr. Hakob Gevorgyan at Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic
Church in Cheltenham, Hieromonk Fr. Raphael Stontsitskyy at St. Mark’s Armenian
Catholic Church in Wynnewood, and Sisters Emma Moussayan and Narine Simonian of
Armenian Sisters Academy in Radnor.

 

The
Celebration featured the vibrant and eclectic culture of Philadelphia, known
for its rich history. As guests were entering the National Constitution Center,
they were greeted with Philadelphia-native impersonators, Rocky Balboa and
Benjamin Franklin. Those in attendance were also surprised with a live
performance of the Aqua String Band, consisting of the traditional Mummers
known for their elaborate costumes. The evening concluded with special musical
guest Kevork Artinian and
His Band, who reside, and are well known, in the Philadelphia region.

 

“We would also like to extend our appreciation for
the Host Committee, under the enthusiastic leadership of Alex Karapetian, for
their hard work and dedication planning this event alongside the Armenian
Assembly’s staff,” Co-Chairs Barsamian and Krikorian stated. “We are now
planning a third major advocacy conference to take place in Washington, D.C.
this September around Armenian Independence day to bring the Armenian American
community and leadership in large numbers to meet with Washington policymakers
to make a bigger difference together.”

 

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

 

###

 

NR#
2018-017

 

Photo Caption 1: Peter
and Irene Vosbikian with Armenian Assembly Board Members, Host Committee,
Archbishop Oshagan Choloyan, and Archbishop Vicken Aykazian

Photo Caption 2:
Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, Armenian Assembly President
Carolyn Mugar, Peter and Irene Vosbikian, and Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Van
Krikorian

Photo Caption 3: Armenian
Assembly Board Member and Host Committee Chairman Alex Karapetian

Photo Caption 4: Peter
and Irene Vosbikian’s grandchildren

Photo Caption 5: Ben
Franklin Impersonator, Peter and Irene Vosbikian, and Rocky Balboa Impersonator

Photo Caption 6: Kevork
Artinian and Steve Vosbikian

Photo Caption 7: Aqua
String Band (Mummers)

 

Available online:


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Armenian Genocide remembered at UC Davis

Arpi Talalian
The Aggie, UC Davis

George Liao — [email protected]

Armenian students holds die-in at MU

On April 24, the Armenian Students Association at UC Davis held a “die-in” on the Quad for an annual commemoration of the Armenian Genocide that occured in 1915. This year is the 103rd anniversary of the tragedy.

At 1:03 p.m., students peacefully lay down on the Quad with signs in a silent remembrance of the 1.5 million Armenians killed during the genocide. Signs were later held to the chest by the protesters to inform students of the bloodshed.

On April 19, an emergency ASUCD resolution, Senate Resolution #12, was passed to recognize the anniversary and provide support to the ASA and the Armenian community in Davis.

ASUCD President Michael Gofman, a second-year economics major, spoke about the work it took to bring the resolution to a vote via an email interview.

“I felt incredibly proud to be a part in making this happen,” Gofman said. “As someone who comes from a marginalized community which has been the victim of genocide, I felt honored in recognizing the Armenian Genocide and supporting this community and helping unite communities around campus.”

Gofman said collaborations like SR #12 can bring students together.

“The response from ASA has been amazing,” Gofman said. “They feel included in ASUCD. Supporting student events and club events could be a way to make ASUCD more relevant on campus, especially for relatively apolitical issues like this.”

SR #12 was authored by Senator Atanas Spasov, a third-year economics and mathematics double major.

“My family is Bulgarian, so as a result we have a lot of Armenian friends and family because there is quite a [large Armenian] population in Bulgaria that escaped the genocide back in 1915,” Spasov said. “I grew up with these influences around me, and I heard a lot about the historical events. Coming to college, I realized that nobody actually knew [about] the Armenian Genocide or took the time to recognize it. As the day of recognition was coming up, I reached out to the Armenian Student Association to help me co-author this resolution to allow more people to be aware of the atrocity.”

Spasov shared his feelings on the completed resolution, which passed unanimously.

“I was actually quite ecstatic,” Spasov said. “I was very excited by the fact that it passed unanimously.”

On the day of the commemoration, Anais Stepanian, a fourth-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major and a member of the ASA, said the event is “very important” to her.

Stepanian said she has been involved in the Armenian cause since she was a child, when she would go with her parents to “march on the streets and fight for this cause to be recognized.” She has partaken in the annual commemoration since she “first got on campus.”

“Hitler used the Armenian Genocide to justify the killing of the Jews in the Holocaust,” Stepanian said. “He said […] ‘Remember the Armenians.’ This stuck with me. If this injustice is not recognized, this will continue happening in history over and over again.”

Arpi Deirmendjian, a second-year neurobiology, physiology and behavior major and an ASA member, offered a brief recounting of the history behind the Armenian Genocide.

“The genocide was a time when the Ottoman Empire came into Armenia and forced people to leave their homes and their families [to] march in deserts and systematically attempted to massacre the race,” Deirmendjian said. “They ended up killing one and a half million Armenians. A small percentage of the population were able to escape and create the diaspora that we have today.”

Deirmendjian talked about the meaning of SR #12 in support of the remembrance.

“I think that it says a lot about how much our UC Davis Senate [cares] about their students,” Deirmendjian said. “They really want to make an effort to reach out to all the student organizations on this campus and make everyone feel welcomed, appreciated and acknowledged for their history.”

Raffi Samurkashian, a third-year biomedical engineering major and a member of ASA, supported Deirmendjian’s response to the Senate resolution.

“I think it is spectacular that all the way out here at [a] university in Northern California so far away from our homeland that we have people who are dedicated to recognizing the truth, dedicated to rejecting the lies of denial and really setting the record straight,” Samurkashian said. “They were the ones that came to us. They were the ones that invited us to be there with them. We were not the ones that pushed for this to happen.”  

Deirmendjian also expressed what it means to have a peaceful protest. He described “a particularly dark time for the Armenian people” when children were sent to partake in violent protests without knowing “what the future of the cause was going to be.”

“Recognition of the Armenian Genocide has been something that the Armenian people have been working toward for the better part of [a] century,” Deirmendjian said. “It was not always peaceful. There was a time when we considered the only way to get the world to recognize what happened to us was through violence. We decided it was inappropriate to try to continue this campaign of recognition through violence. We made it a collective transition to more peaceful protests.”

Gardenia Nahigian, an ASA alumna who studied under the human rights program at UC Davis, added to the commemoration by expressing the importance of learning about human rights. Nahigian said it’s important for “students to be educated about crimes against humanity and it is also bringing a lot of unity among students.”



Russia Armenian racing driver’s car goes airborne at 300 km/h

Frangulian Shushan
News.am, Armenia
Russia Armenian racing driver’s car goes airborne at 300 km/h Russia Armenian racing driver’s car goes airborne at 300 km/h

09:50, 11.05.2018
                 

Russian Armenian SMP Racing driver Matevos Isaakyan’s car went airborne and flipped twice during the World Endurance Championship’s Six Hours of Spa in Belgium, reported RIA Novosti news agency of Russia.

The video above shows the vehicle ending up in the barriers after catching air at a speed of 300 km/h.

Subsequently, Isaakyan told F1News that he underwent a medical examination and feels well.

He said that he looked at the footage, but “did not learn anything new.”

The cause of this incident is being looked into.

Watch video at

2 Armenia prostitutes arrested in Turkey

Greg Madatian
News.am, Armenia
2 Armenia prostitutes arrested in Turkey 2 Armenia prostitutes arrested in Turkey

09:47, 11.05.2018
                  

Citizens of various countries, and who were engaged in prostitution, were arrested as a result of respective police operations in two provinces of Turkey. 

In Aydın Province, police caught women without Turkish citizenship “in the act,” according to Hürriyet newspaper of Turkey. It was found out that one of these arrestees was an Armenian citizen. 

And in Tekirdağ Province, police arrested nine women accused of prostitution, and one of them also was an Armenian citizen. 

It is noted that these arrested prostitutes will be deported from Turkey.