Category: 2018

Sports: Armenia to play friendly with Malta in Austria

Anna Tamamian
News.am, Armenia
Armenian national squad will play friendly with Malta on May 29 in Austria, Malta Football Association press service reported.

Malta national football team will also face Georgia and Moldova in Austria on June 1 and June 4 respectively.

During the upcoming friendly matches, FC Tosno goalkeeper David Yurchenko, IFK Göteborg defender André Calisir and Hobro IK midfielder Edgar Babayan are expected to join Armenian national squad,

As reported earlier, Armenian national team will face Macedonia, Liechtenstein and Gibraltar in League D of the UEFA Nations League, while Malta will lock horns with Azerbaijan, Faroe Islands and Kosovo.

Armenian Assembly Discusses Key Issues with Senate Democratic Leader

Emil Lazarian

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:

Contact: Danielle Saroyan

Telephone: (202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

 

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY DISCUSSES
KEY ISSUES WITH SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER

 

WASHINGTON,
D.C. – In the lead up to the April 24th commemoration of the Armenian
Genocide, Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) Board of Trustees Co-Chair
Van Krikorian met with Senate Democratic Leader Charles “Chuck”
Schumer (D-NY), along with Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny and
Grassroots and Development Associate Mariam Khaloyan. They highlighted the
importance of U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, as well as the need to
redouble efforts to protect Christian, Kurdish, and other groups at risk in the
Middle East.

 

“Senator Schumer has been a leading light for
applying the lessons of the Armenian Genocide and a strong U.S.-Armenia and
Artsakh relationship,” Assembly Co-Chair Krikorian stated. “Over the
decades, Turkey, and more recently Azerbaijan, have used surreptitious
influence to prevent U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. Senator Schumer
has been an inspiring champion against such efforts and for U.S. interests
including the integrity of the U.S. record since he began serving as a
congressman in 1981.” 

 

During the 2015 Centennial Commemoration of the
Armenian Genocide, he stated: “I stand with you in making sure the deniers
are not given any place under the sun.” And in announcing he was again
co-sponsoring an Armenian Genocide Resolution last year, Senator Schumer made
clear that: “All countries should recognize the horrific genocide that occurred
102 years ago to the Armenian people.” He continued: “It is my sacred duty
to speak out against the terrors of the past and for those who cannot speak of
it themselves and that’s why I am a proud co-sponsor of this Senate resolution.
I stand with the worldwide Armenian community in labeling the atrocities
against the Armenian people as genocide.”

 

In addition to his tireless efforts in Washington,
Senator Schumer has also attended and offered remarks each and every year at
the annual Armenian Genocide commemoration sponsored by the Knights and Daughters
of Vartan at Times Square in New York City.

 

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#
2018-013

 

Photo Caption 1: Armenian
Assembly Grassroots and Development Associate Mariam Khaloyan, Armenian
Assembly Co-Chair Van Krikorian, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY),
and Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny

 

Photo Caption 2:
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) at the 2017 Armenian Genocide
Commemoration at Times Square in New York City


Available online: 


Schumer Times Square 2017 2.jpg
JPEG image


Schumer.jpg
JPEG image

EU’s migration problems with other countries should not impact visa liberalization dialogue with Armenia – senior lawmaker

Chakhmakhchian Vatche
| 12:29 | April 10 2018
Categories
Politics
World

Armen Ashotyan, chairman of the foreign relations committee of the parliament, says it is important that between Armenia and the EU the terming about the NK conflict gets ratified under the same text by all EU member states.

During parliamentary debates on ratifying CEPA with the EU, Ashotyan stressed that the resolution about the NK conflict settlement which is in the Armenia-EU agreement is not a favor for Armenia. “The resolution which is in the agreement with the EU isn’t a favor for us, it is simply a tribute to follow their own principles and consistency by the European community that the Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ principles and mediation mission are a compromise, healthy compromise from the only legitimate international format. This is the reality. The fact that this is stipulated in the document, let me say again, is not a reverence, it is an _expression_ of consistent policy by our European partners,” he said.

Ashotyan said as much as CEPA comes into force temporarily without the ratification of EU countries, it won’t have the charm and legally binding force until it gets ratified by the European parliament. “And it is desirable that this happens until the end of tenure of the current European parliament – end of May or beginning of June of 2019. Do we have that opportunity? Yes, we do, but it is a very ambitious issue. Let me remind you that the agreements of Georgia and Ukraine were ratified in one and a half year. I find it very important for our European partners to understand that you can’t split the Eastern Partnership into favorite children and adopted political sons. This can’t be done. Indeed, this agreement is not an Association Agreement, but the political part is almost entirely the same as the Association Agreement,” he said.

Ashotyan said Armenia is ready to go down this road in order to improve the life of every Armenian citizen, not to simply get money from Brussels. According to him, it is very important that the EU partners see the wide consensus and mood of the Armenian political arena towards the implementation of this agreement, take this energy which exists in the parliament and take it to parliaments of other EU countries.

Speaking about the visa liberalization issue, he said: “Indeed, there are so-called technical issues, there are requirements which the country must meet. But we all know well that behind the implementation of these requirements and technical issues there is also political will. But this will cannot be unilateral – only from Armenia. The EU should also display this political will. And I address EU member countries – visa liberalization dialogue with Armenia shouldn’t suffer because of migration problems with other countries,” he said.

Karen Karapetyan appoints acting chief military superintendent

Markos Nalchajian
| 12:37 | April 10 2018
Categories
Official
Society

Acting PM of Armenia Karen Karapetyan appointed Michael Harutyunyan to serve as acting chief military superintendent.

Michael Arzumanyan has been appointed acting Deputy of Harutyunyan, while Garegin Gabrielylan has been appointed as acting First Deputy.

Michael Harutyunyan served as Armenia’s defense minister in 2007-2008.

Constant work needed for forming favorable investment environment, says Armenia’s new President

Maral Takmazian
| 12:49 | April 10 2018
Category
Politics

New President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian says in order to attract foreign investments it is necessary to provide a transparent legal field and successful business examples for investors.

“In order to attract Western investments to Armenia everything must be done so that each potential investor knows what is waiting for him, in what conditions he is going to work, what is the country’s legislation and practice where he is going to invest. And in order to create a favorable investment environment, a constant hard work is needed”, the 4th President of Armenia said in an interview to TASS.

According to him, from the perspective of the country’s economic and investment attractiveness, the further strengthening of the rule of law and establishment of equality of everyone before the law is very important, which, he says, depends not only on the state, but also the citizens, society and business community.

As for the Armenian Diaspora, President Sarkissian said the Armenian traders still from the ancient times established business ties in remote coasts, from India to Iran, America to Australia. “But the majority of the Western Diaspora was formed when Armenians were subjected to genocide in the Ottoman Empire in late 19th century and early 20th century. Today our compatriots practically live in all continents, they are actively engaged in the economic, public and cultural lives of 100 countries of the world”, he said.

The Armenian President attached importance to assistance to Diaspora-Armenians not only by the state, but also widely attracting the Diaspora to Armenia. “I personally lived abroad for nearly 30 years and know with my own experience about the Diaspora’s concerns, aspirations and problems”, he noted.

Acting PM Karapetyan to play role in administration system – Eduard Sharmazanov

Garo Vardanian
| 13:13 | April 10 2018
Category
Politics

Acting Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan will continue playing role in the country’s administration system, but the leader will be the head of the ruling political force Serzh Sargsyan, Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov told reporters.

“This is the case in all democratic, parliamentary countries. In any parliamentary country where this or that party comes to power, the candidate for the PM is the person who is the leader of that party”, Sharmazanov said.

He didn’t rule out that Karen Karapetyan can continue his activity in the post of first vice prime minister.

Commenting on the view that during Karen Karapetyan’s tenure it was possible to record high economic growth, Sharmazanov said: “By not overshadowing Karen Karapetyan’s role and significance in the administration system, I want to state that linking the achievements only with one person is not fair. Karen Karapetyan is one of the key representatives of our team, but our team has one leader – Serzh Sargsyan”.

On April 9 Armenia transitioned to a parliamentary system. Armen Sarkissian was sworn in as 4th President of Armenia. On the same day the Government resigned. Armenia will elect new Prime Minister on April 17.

Time for Italian Parliament to recognize Armenian Genocide – Serzh Sargsyan’s interview to La Stampa

Kajoyan Gevork
| 13:21 | April 10 2018
Categories
Politics
World

La Stampa Italian newspaper interviewed Serzh Sargsyan who paid an official visit to the Holy See and working visit to Italy as President of Armenia on April 4-6 (his tenure ended on April 9).

“Armenia’s President Sargsyan is in Rome on a working visit: “I know that President Mattarella wants to pay tribute to the memory of the victims in Yerevan”.

“Today there is no progress in the negotiations on Nagorno Karabakh because Azerbaijan’s expectations are unrealistic”.

– Mr. President, what messages did you bring in terms of your institutional meetings and what responses did you receive on main topics relating to your country more than a quarter century later since independence?

– On Thursday, we together with the Pope participated in the inaugural ceremony of the statue of St. Gregory of Narek in Vatican who was proclaimed Doctor of the Church as an acknowledgement of efforts aimed at maintaining Christian values by the Armenian people. President Mattarella told me that he plans to visit Armenia. During the meeting with the representatives of the two chambers of the Parliament we highlighted the importance of developing inter-parliamentary relations, especially taking into account the fact that we have been inspired also by the Italian model in the process of transitioning to a parliamentary system.

– Did you also meet with the leaders of political structures?

– Of course, we had a chance to meet with the leaders of the parties. I am very happy to state that they also will visit Armenia in the near future. We are excited with the positions of these figures towards our country.

– President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan urged Italy, as an OSCE chairing country, to do what the previous chairing countries never did – to visit Nagorno Karabakh. What is your opinion on this matter?

– Nagorno Karabakh is a vital issue. I want to note that both President Mattarella and President of the Senate Casellati support the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship format. There is also the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement signed between Armenia and the European Union which includes the same formulations on Artsakh as used by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs to respect the three main principles for the conflict settlement: non-use of force or threat of force, equal rights and self-determination of peoples, and territorial integrity of states. After the ratification this Agreement will become a law for all member states of the EU. Today there is no progress in the negotiations on Nagorno Karabakh because Azerbaijan’s expectations are unrealistic. The EU must convince Baku to refrain from dreams, and in that case the Minsk Group will be effective. In this sense I asked President Mattarella to hurry up Brussels.

– Can it be the start of Artsakh’s recognition process?

– Recognition, of course, supposes security, when it is established, we will first recognize the independence of Artsakh. Recognizing the independence now would mean halting the negotiations. The important is the recognition by Baku.

– It seems Aliyev is not inclined to cooperation, quite the contrary…

– It’s not the first time Aliyev makes aggressive statements, and he is not the first Azerbaijani president making such remarks. The former presidents as well were making the following statements: “We will visit Stepanakert in a week to drink tea”. Fortunately, this didn’t happen. The politician should never set before him an insurmountable bar because by that way he hurts himself. When Aliyev announces that Armenia’s historical territory is Azerbaijan’s land, he should remember that Azerbaijan appeared on the political map for the first time just 100 years before, but we will mark the 2800th anniversary of capital Yerevan in autumn on 2018.

– Coming to the Genocide: World leaders plant trees in the Genocide Memorial, Tsitsernakaberd, for memory of the victims. Pope John Paul II, Jacques Chirac, Vladimir Putin planted trees here, but there is no name of any Italian president here. Why?

– Because during these 25 years no Italian president visited Armenia. I hope after the visit of President Mattarella one more tree will be planted in this park. This will be an important political message, but the decision to recognize the Armenian Genocide must be adopted by the Parliament. Italians had a great contribution to the humanity development, and the genocide is the opposite action of it.

Comedy for a Cause, Spotlight, Armenian Genocide Commemoration, Upcoming Events, and More

Khoyetsian Rose 
To view this email online, paste this link into your browser:
___________________________________
ARS Festival Committee Honors Satenig Nalbandian - Comedy for a Cause Luncheon
Approximately 180 ARS members and supporters attended a Comedy for a Cause 
Luncheon organized by the ARS of Western USA’s Regional Festival Committee on 
March 24, 2018 at Arbat Banquet Hall. The event featured the comedic talent of 
Mary Basmadjian.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Seta Tarpinian, Co-Chairperson of the 
Regional Festival Committee, who explained the event’s fundraising nature to 
raise financial support for the re-organizing efforts of the ARS Festival, 
which is set to be held on September 29-30, 2018. Thereafter, the committee’s 
Co-Chairperson Emma Garabetian was invited to deliver a surprise announcement 
of the honoring of Satenig Nalbandian, a member of the ARS Santa Monica “Gars” 
Chapter. 
Surprised by the announcement, Satenig Nalbandian was accompanied to the stage 
by ARS Regional Executive Chairperson Silva Poladian, who presented her with a 
plaque recognizing her years of service and contributions to ensuring the 
success of ARS festivals. Nalbandian expressed her heartfelt appreciation for 
the honor and stated, “It is our duty to be of the utmost service to our 
beloved organization and to do so without any expectations in return.”
Remarks were also delivered by Houri Kassabian, Chairperson of the ARS “Gars” 
Chapter, who congratulated Nalbandian on behalf of the chapter, commended her 
years of dedication and service, and presented her with a floral bouquet in 
appreciation.
Armenian Relief Society of Western USA, Regional Executive Website 
(
(
 Chapters 
(
ARS Member Vicky Marachelian Honored as One of the 2018 Women of the Year  
On April 5, 2018, during a luncheon in Echo Park, Calif., Vicky Marachelian was 
honored among a group of inspiring women from communities in the 28th 
Congressional District by  U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff.
“These women have worked to found or support a myriad of charitable 
organizations, started multiple businesses and given so much of themselves to 
improve the common good. They are all pillars of our communities and I thank 
them for their invaluable service," said Rep. Schiff.
Board of Regents of ARS Schools' Events for Students
On April 21, 2018, ARS school students will visit the Armenian Genocide 
Monument in Montebello, Calif. to pay their respects to the victims of the 1915 
Armenian Genocide. 
On April 28, 2018, a Quiz Bowl for younger and older ARS school students will 
be held at the Hollywood Armenian Center. The Quiz Bowl is dedicated to the 
100th Anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia. 
QuickBooks Workshop
The ARS Regional Executive Board has organized a QuickBooks Workshop for 
chapter treasurers and accountants, which will be held on April 19, 2018 
starting at 7 p.m. at the ARS Regional Headquarters. 
This workshop will allow chapters to be familiarized with the software in an 
effort to maintain accurate chapter financial and accounting records. 
The workshop is open to all ARS members interested in attending. 
Upcoming Chapter Events
ARS Lori Chapter Irene Boodakian Saturday School's Kids Paint Night (Ages 6-15)
Friday, April 13, 2018 at 7 p.m.
Armenian Community Center's Titizian Hall
Tickets: $35 
Contact Seta (818) 298-3003 or Suzy (818) 640-0345
ARS Sevan Chapter's Mother/Daughter Tea Party - Fashion Show
Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 12 Noon
Ghazarian Hall
Tickets: $50
Contact Hermine (714) 417-0534
ARS Araz Chapter's Presentation on "Prepare to Survive" & Emergency 
Preparedness by Connie Lackey, RN
Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 2 p.m.
Burbank Youth Center
Free Admission - Open to the Public
Contact (818) 500-1343
ARS Nairy Chapter's 50th Anniversary Banquet 
Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 5 p.m.
Bagramian Hall 
Contact Laure (323) 728-4084
ARS Anahid Chapter's Mother's Day Luncheon
Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 11:30 a.m.
Terrace Restaurant & Lounge
Tickets: $50
Contact Azadouhi (818) 609-8098 or Sirvart (818) 472-5889
ARS Lori Chapter's Mother's Day Luncheon
Saturday, May 5, 2018 at 11 a.m.
Brandview Ballroom
Tickets: $60
Contact Maro (818) 384-3057 or Ivy (818) 419-5959
ARS Arax Chapter's Spring Luncheon
Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 12 noon
Armenian Community Center in Lomita, Calif.
Tickets: $30 for adults; $10 for children 13 and under
Contact Azniv (310) 344-7804
ARS Araz Chapter's Mother's Day Luncheon
Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11 a.m.
Olivia Restaurant
Tickets: $50
Contact (818) 726-2960
Alice Filhanessian
ARS Sevan Chapter 
Alice Filhanessian, a native of Musa Ler, relocated to Anjar, Lebanon in 1930. 
She received her education and worked within Armenian Evangelical Schools in 
both Anjar and Beirut, Lebanon. She became a member  of the Armenian Relief  
Cross of Lebanon. Following the Lebanese Civil War, she relocated to the United 
States with her family and settled in the Orange County area. There, she joined 
the ARS "Sevan" Chapter where she continues as a member until the present time. 
She has taught at the chapter's Saturday School, served as a member of the 
chapter executive, and on various committees.  Filhanessian has taught the 
Armenian language to older adults in her community, has been elected as 
secretary of regional conventions, and has also served as a member of the 
regional Saturday School  committee and ARS  Regional Executive Board.
In memory of their parents, her family donated their home in Anjar, Lebanon to 
the LOKH "Akhtamar" Chapter of the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon.
ARS Sevan Chapter's Armenian Classes for Adults
The ARS Orange County "Sevan" Chapter will be holding Armenian Classes for 
Adults on Friday evenings from 6:30-8 p.m. at Ari Guiragos Minassian Armenian 
School.
For more information, contact chapter chairperson Hermine Parseghian (714) 
417-0534 or Ani Geloian (714) 797-0361.
Upcoming Regional Events
April 2018
Armenian Genocide Commemoration Events 
May 1, 2018
ARS Javakhk Fund's Public Forum
May 11, 2018
ARS Javakhk Fund's Annual Fundraiser
June 4, 2018
Outstanding High School Graduates' Awards Ceremony
June 5, 2018
ARS Day Luncheon at Ararat Home 
ARS of Western USA's
Standing Programs
Heart to Heart
Social Services Division
Child, Youth, and Family Guidance Center
Armenia-Artsakh
ARS Javakhk Fund
Families in Need
16 One-Day Schools
Friends of ARS
Educational Programs
DONATE 
(
517 W. Glenoaks Blvd. | Glendale, CA 91202-2812 US
Website: www.arswestusa.org
___________________________________
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RFE/RL Armenian Report – 04/10/2018

Vanyan Gary 
                                        Tuesday, 
New Armenian President Vows To Boost ‘Strategic’ Ties With Russia
Armenia - New Armenian President Armen Sarkissian arrives for his inauguration 
ceremony in Yerevan, 9 April 2018.
President Armen Sarkissian has heaped praise on his Russian counterpart 
Vladimir Putin and said he will seek to bolster Armenia’s already close 
relations with Russia, describing them as a “strategic alliance.”
Sarkissian gave an interview to the official Russian TASS news agency hours 
after being sworn in as Armenia’s new and largely ceremonial head of state on 
Monday.
“Taking this opportunity, I sincerely wish Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, who 
won a convincing victory in recent presidential elections in Russia, new great 
successes in his efforts to further develop his country’s economy and increase 
the well-being of its citizens and Russia’s role in the international arena,” 
he said.
“As president of Armenia, I certainly regard as a priority the further 
strengthening of the Armenian-Russian strategic alliance, friendship between 
our peoples and expansion of people-to-people contacts,” he added.
That alliance has a “firm historical base” which needs to be “preserved, 
enriched and constantly multiplied,” said Sarkissian.
Putin was one of the first foreign leaders to congratulate Sarkissian on being 
elected president by the Armenian parliament on March 2. He expressed 
confidence that Sarkissian will contribute to a “further development” of 
Russian-Armenian ties.
The new Armenian president told TASS that he hopes to visit Moscow “very soon.” 
“Armenia’s leaders have traditionally paid their first officials visits 
[abroad] to Moscow,” he said.
Sarkissian, who has lived in Britain for nearly three decades, described Russia 
as a “brotherly country.” “For many generations in Armenia and me in 
particular, Russian culture, art and literature has been and remains a source 
of inspiration,” said the 64-year-old. “It has played a role in the formation 
of my worldview.”
Karapetian ‘Very Likely’ To Become Deputy PM
        • Astghik Bedevian
Armenia - Prime Minister Karen Karapetian campaigns for parliamentary elections 
in Syunik province, 13Mar2017.
Outgoing Prime Minister Karen Karapetian is “very likely” to serve as first 
deputy prime minister in Armenia’s new government that will be formed later 
this month, the ruling Republican Party (HHK) said on Tuesday.
“Karen Karapetian will continue to play a serious role in the government 
system,” the HHK spokesman, Eduard Sharmazanov, told RFE/RL’s Armenian service 
(Azatutyun.am). “It’s just that as has been the case until now, the leader and 
locomotive of that system will be [former President] Serzh Sarkisian, the head 
of the ruling party.”
Karapetian has been tipped to take up what will be the second most powerful 
position under Armenia’s new, parliamentary system of government since 
Sarkisian signaled last month his plans to hold on to power. The two men met on 
Saturday to discuss their political future two days before Sarkisian completed 
his second and final presidential term. The latter indicated that they will be 
Armenia’s two top leaders for the next four years.
Karapetian said on Monday that they decided to “propose” to the HHK to nominate 
Sarkisian for prime minister. He cited the need for a “smooth and effective 
transition to the new system of government.”
The Armenian parliament controlled by the HHK and its allies is due to vote on 
the new prime minister on April 17. Sharmazanov said the party’s governing body 
will discuss and field its candidate for the top government post by the end of 
this week.
Armenia - President Serzh Sarkisian and Prime Minister Karen Karapetian arrive 
for a cabinet meeting in Yerevan, 29Jun2017.
Sarkisian appointed Karapetian as prime minister in September 2016 in the hope 
of speeding up sluggish economic growth through major reforms promised by the 
former business executive. Karapetian has since repeatedly expressed his desire 
to retain his post after Armenia is transformed into a parliamentary republic 
in April 2018.
Opposition leaders scoffed at the outgoing premier’s readiness to downgrade his 
nominal status. “I consider this a humiliation and deception of the Armenian 
people, including by [Karapetian,]” one of them, Raffi Hovannisian, told 
reporters. He argued that it was Karapetian, not Sarkisian, who led the HHK’s 
parliamentary election campaign in April 2017.
Another, more outspoken opposition figure, Nikol Pashinian, branded Karapetian 
a “servant” of Sarkisian. Pashinian will launch on Friday daily demonstrations 
in Yerevan aimed at preventing the ex-president from extending his rule.
Karapetian on Monday reaffirmed his declared commitment to “fundamental” 
reforms in the country.Armenian opposition groups have been highly skeptical 
about his ambitious reform agenda all along, however. They have questioned 
official statistics showing that Armenia’s economy grew by 7.5 percent last 
year.
Armenian Nuclear Plant Not At Risk Of Closure, Says Government
        • Tatevik Lazarian
Armenia - A general view of the Metsamor nuclear plant, 12May2011.
A landmark agreement signed by Armenia and the European Union in November does 
not call for the closure of the Metsamor nuclear power plant anytime soon, a 
senior Armenian official insisted on Tuesday.
The Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) covers a wide range 
of areas, including Armenia-EU cooperation on “energy matters.” It specifically 
refers to “the closure and safe decommissioning of Metsamor nuclear power plant 
and the early adoption of a road map or action plan to that effect.”
The 350-page agreement makes clear at the same time that such a plan must take 
into account “the need for [the plant’s] replacement with new capacity to 
ensure the energy security of the Republic of Armenia.”
Deputy Foreign Minister Karen Nazarian emphasized this provision when he 
assured Armenian lawmakers that as a result of the CEPA Yerevan will not be 
forced to shut down Metsamor before replacing it with a new nuclear or other 
energy facility. “There is no such language in the agreement,” Nazarian said 
during a parliament debate on the CEPA’s ratification.
The EU and the United State have long pressed for the decommissioning of the 
plant generating roughly one-third of Armenia’s electricity. They have said 
that Metsamor’s Soviet-built reactor does not meet modern safety standards. 
Successive Armenian governments have sought to allay these fears.
Serzh Sarkisian pledged to build a new plant shortly after becoming Armenia’s 
president in 2008. However, his government failed to attract billions of 
dollars in funding needed for replacing the Metsamor facility. The government 
decided instead to extend the life of Metsamor’s 420-megawatt reactor by 10 
years, until 2027.
Russia is playing a key role in this endeavor, having provided Armenia with a 
$270 million loan and a $30 million grant in 2015. The money is being mainly 
spent on the purchase of Russian nuclear equipment and additional safety 
measures taken at the plant located 35 kilometers west of Yerevan.
A 20-year energy strategy adopted by the Sarkisian administration in 2015 calls 
for Armenia’s continued reliance on atomic energy.
Press Review
“Serzh Sarkisian’s presidential tenure ended yesterday, and just as some people 
rushed to rejoice at that development they were in for a bitter 
disappointment,” writes “Zhoghovurd.” “It was announced the same day that Serzh 
Sarkisian will remain at the helm, as prime minister.” The paper points to 
outgoing Prime Minister Karen Karapetian’s announcement that he and Sarkisian 
will tell the ruling Republican Party to nominate the ex-president for prime 
minister. It claims that Karapetian found himself in an awkward position 
because he had been promised that he could retain his post in April 2018.
“Zhamanak” also reports and comments on Karapetian’s statement. “Interestingly, 
until now Karapetian not only did not talk of challenges [facing Armenia] but 
even expressed readiness to stay on as prime minister,” writes the paper. “It 
looks like until now he did not know what he is prepared for or what it means 
to be prime minister under the new model [of government.]”
“Aravot” would have liked to see someone other than Serzh Sarkisian to take 
over as prime minister. “Maybe he would not have had Serzh Sarkisian’s 
experience, but that could have prevented some manifestations of stagnation 
that have been especially visible in recent months,” editorializes the paper. 
But, it says, Armenians gave the ruling Republican Party (HHK) the mandate to 
pick the next prime minister in the April 2017 parliamentary elections. “Yes, 
many of them took 10,000 drams [in vote bribes,]” it says. “If the marching and 
rejecting [oppositionists] acknowledge the fact that the HHK won the majority 
of votes in the parliamentary elections, then everything else can be considered 
secondary.”
“Haykakan Zhamanak” questions, meanwhile, the legitimacy of Armenia’s new 
president, Armen Sarkissian, who was sworn in on Monday. The paper says he has 
yet to prove that he has held only Armenian citizenship for the last six years 
in accordance with Armenia’s constitution. It also dismisses Sarkissian’s calls 
for combatting corruption and injustice and easing economic hardship in the 
country, arguing that he will have few executive powers.
(Tigran Avetisian)
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2018 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
www.rferl.org