Category: 2019

Tactical communication line with Azerbaijan is working stably, says FM

15:16, 22 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. The tactical communication created between Armenia and Azerbaijan is functioning rather stable, Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan told reporters.

Asked about a potential new meeting with Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov, Mnatsakanyan noted that meetings continue and the negotiations didn’t stop.

“The last time I spoke about this was during the press conference with Uruguay’s minister, I said that as we always do, we will announce the meeting at an agreed time”.

Armenian ambassador meets new Romanian FM

16:18, 22 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Ambassador to Romania Sergei Minasyan had a meeting on August 21 with the country’s new Minister of Foreign Affairs Ramona Nicole Mănescu, the Armenian foreign ministry said in a news release.

Minasyan congratulated Mănescu on taking office and wished good luck.

The sides discussed prospects of expanding bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Romania “based on the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples”.

FM Ramona Nicole Mănescu reassured that Romania supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship aimed at a peaceful and lasting resolution of the NK conflict based on pricnipes of international law.

A number of issues concerning bilateral relations were discussed, with both parties highlighting the need to strengthen inter-parliamentary ties, boost bilateral trade, develop cooperation in culture and education and activate contacts in security sector. Both sides also attached importance to the Armenian community’s role in Romania which is actively involved in strengthening bilateral relations and preservation of Armenian identity.

The ambassador thanked the Romanian people and government for the caring attitude towards the Romanian-Armenian community and the Armenian cultural-historical legacy in Romania.

Sarkissian administration breaks silence amid Amulsar debates

17:16, 22 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian is “coherently in favor of the adoption of the kind of political decisions which proceed from strengthening the Armenian statehood and our national interests”, the Sarkissian administration said in a statement amid the latest debates about the Amulsar gold mine project.

The statement, however did not specifically mention neither Amulsar project nor the mining sector.

“Although by Constitution the president isn’t authorized to intervene in the work of the other bodies of government, he is always ready to be useful with his experience and advises in the event of pan-national significance issues.

At the same time we would like to remind that during a recent visit to the Province of Lori, attaching importance to the environmental protection issue, the President of the Republic, in part, said: “We must make special efforts in order not to damage nature. We must have a clear plan on what we are doing in both environmental, economy, development and tourism sectors.”

On August 19th, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the Government intends to allow Lydian International to continue the Amulsar project. The decision was based on the conclusion of an environmental audit conducted by an international audit organization, ELARD. Pashinyan emphasized that if the project gets approved it will be operated strictly in adherence to high environmental standards. However, on August 21 the Armenian Prime Minister said the ELARD conclusion has been sent to the Ministry of Environment for additional studies to determine whether or not another environmental impact assessment is required before a final approval.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenia reiterates support to Egypt over EEU free trade talks

17:21, 22 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian FM Zohrab Mnatsakanyan had a phone call with Egypt’s FM Sameh Shoukry on August 21 during which the sides discussed the bilateral agenda, the foreign ministry said in a news release.

The sides also discussed intensification of political dialogue.

“The interlocutors were pleased to note that productive cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats exists between the two countries. The Armenian FM reiterated Armenia’s support to Egypt regarding the EEU-Egypt Free Trade Agreement negotiations,” the foreign ministry said in a news release.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 22-08-19

17:38, 22 August, 2019

YEREVAN, 22 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 22 august, USD exchange rate up by 0.04 drams to 475.94 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.71 drams to 528.10 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.07 drams to 7.20 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.43 drams to 576.98 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price вup by 123.57 drams to 23022.36 drams. Silver price вup by 1.48 drams to 260.44 drams. Platinum price вup by 31.69 drams to 12960.65 drams.

PM Pashinyan appoints new Deputy Minister of Economy

19:20, 22 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. By the decision of Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Varos Simonyan has been appointed Deputy Minister of Economy, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia.

Previously, Simonyan was Armenia’s commercial attaché in the European Union.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Ararat-Armenia vs. F91 Dudelange – 2:1, Europa league group stage becomes more visible for Armenian

20:55, 22 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. Ararat-Armenia club hosted champion of Luxembourg F91 Dudelange in the sidelines of the Europa League Play-off round and won 2-1.

ARMENPRESS reports the Armenian club started the match more confidently and Dutch striker Mailson Lima scored the 1^st goal in the 22th minute.

In the 2nd half the guests managed to reply. Danel Sinani scored the goal in the 68th minute. Ararat-Armenia managed to snatch victory on the 3rd minute of the added time. Estonian footballer Ilja Antonov scored the victorious goal.

The second match between the teams will take place on August 29 in Luxembourg. The winner will continue the championship in the group stage.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Robert Ghukasyan appointed advisor to PM  

21:42, 22 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. By the decision of the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Robert Ghukasyan has been appointed PM’s advisor, ARMENPRESS reports, the decision is posted in e-gov.am website.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

No serious injuries reported in military transportation truck crash

10:26, 23 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS. A military transportation vehicle has crashed early Friday morning near the village of Baghanis in the Province of Tavush in what appears to be a single-vehicle accident.

Ministry of Defense spokesperson Artsrun Hovhannisyan said the soldiers who were being transported did not suffer serious injuries.

Other details weren’t immediately clear.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

PM heads to Jermuk

10:36, 23 August, 2019

YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has departed for the town of Jermuk in Vayots Dzor Province.

Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Suren Papikyan is accompanying the PM on the trip.

PM Pashinyan posted a photo from aboard his official helicopter, saying: “Heading to Jermuk”.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan