Category: 2020

Understanding COVID-19: Answers to Common Questions

Emil Lazarian
March 5, 2020

CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center’s Hand Hygiene Poster

BY DR. SUMAN RADHAKRISHNA AND DR. THOMAS HOROWITZ

With increasing concerns regarding the spread of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) increase within our communities, it’s critical that Angelenos are armed with facts and helpful information to protect themselves and loved ones from exposure, and to dispel myths and misperceptions about the novel virus. While there is much that the healthcare community is still learning about COVID-19, we take meaningful steps to better understand how it spreads, misperceptions, symptoms and warning signs, as well as action steps that people can take if they suspect exposure.

The following are some commonly asked questions among our patients with responses to help inform and empower the Los Angeles community.

  1. Current statistics: Based on COVID-19 dashboard provided by Johns Hopkins CSSE, there are 153 confirmed cases in the US. Generally, most people who are infected with the virus feel mild symptoms indistinguishable from a common cold—such as cold, cough, body aches, congestion, and low grade fever.
  2. How does COVID-19 spread? The medical and scientific communities have identified several ways that COVID-19 can spread. In the past six weeks or so, it has been documented that the virus can be spread from person to person. The most common occurrences in known cases have been through respiratory secretions when a person comes into contact with them from an infected individual who sneezes or coughs, or direct contact through a shared surface or object. The virus can stay on inanimate objects for several hours after someone has sneezed or coughed on it. People who are infected but do not show symptoms can still aerosolize the organism, which is how the virus has spread to various parts of the world. Proper handwashing is essential to stopping the spread of COVID-19 or other diseases. For information on proper handwashing technique, visit the website.
  3. What are the myths/misperceptions about COVID-19? It is a myth that healthy people wearing a regular mask are protected. In fact, people tend to touch their faces even more than usual to either adjust the mask to different area of the face, which can increase the risk of infection if their hands have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus or other diseases. While people should be mindful of COVID-19 exposure, flu prevention is just as, if not more, important. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans are more likely to contract influenza respiratory syncytial virus than COVID-19. There has been much attention given to “stocking-up” for a potential COVID-19 outbreak. However, people do not need to panic and should keep in mind that it’s always a great idea to stock up and prepare for any emergencies, especially as we live in California where we may have natural disasters such as earthquakes. For more information on how to prepare first aid kits and other supplies, please visit the website.

    Dr. Suman Radhakrishna and Dr. Thomas Horowitz

  4. What are symptoms or warning signs people should look for if they become ill? Most people infected with COVID-19 show only mild symptoms. They may have a fever, sore throat, nasal congestion, chest tightness and shortness of breath. However, for elderly or people with advanced chronic symptoms associated with diseases such as asthma and diabetes, or with other medical illnesses, COVID-19 can be life-threatening and even mild symptoms can become a major concern. Some people who are exposed to COVID-19 will show no symptoms and may not even know exposure has occurred.
  5. What should people do if they or a loved one suspect they have COVID-19? If symptoms are mild, it’s likely to be a common cold or flu. However, if you suspect your or your loved one has COVID-19, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss your symptoms prior to a physical visitation. They will ask you questions based on CDC criteria/guidelines. Be sure to quarantine yourself until symptoms are resolved or your healthcare provider can assess whether you have the virus. During this time, you should remember to care for yourself by drinking enough fluids, having soup, or other comfort foods already in the house.
  6. When to stay home? When should we get tested? If you notice symptoms of cold, it’s advised to stay home until you feel better. Avoid crowded places to limit the spread of infections and reduce your chances of being infected. If you have any plans for travel, avoid COVID-19 endemic areas. When travelling, follow hand hygiene procedures and use hand sanitizers frequently. If you had recently visited one of the 5 COVD-19 infected countries*, place yourself in isolation (at home) for 2-3 weeks to avoid spread. If you believe you are at risk of infection, call the urgent care, emergency department, or your primary care provider. They will screen you to identify if you are at risk of COVID-19 or other common viruses and decide on further testing.
  7. What is the best preventive measure? As recommended by CDC, hand hygiene is the best preventive measure to curb the spread of germs that cause Coronavirus and other infectious diseases. By practicing frequent hand hygiene techniques like washing and sanitizing hands, you can remove germs and avoid getting sick. We frequently touch our face and mouth after touching other people or surfaces contaminated by bacteria and viruses. Person-to-person transmission of infection can be controlled with the use of alcohol hand sanitizer and intermittent hand washing, when hands are not visibly dirty. Cover your cough always to avoid the spread of germs to others. Flu season is still around, so it is beneficial to get the flu vaccine.
  8. Where can people get more information about COVID-19? The CDC is a reliable source of information about COVID-19. The CDC website has numerous resources, including the latest news about COVID-19 cases and traveler information, and you can sign up to receive weekly email updates. For more information, visit the website.

Dr. Suman Radhakrishna is an infectious diseases physician at CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Thomas Horowitz, D.O., is a family medicine specialist at CHA HPMC.




ANCA-WR Endorsed Christy Smith Wins District Primary Against ‘Young Turk’ Cenk Uygur

Karagyozian Lena
March 5, 2020

Christy Smith

GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region endorsed Assemblymember Christy Smith has won her primary bid in the state’s 25th Congressional District, which encompasses Lancaster, Santa Clarita, and Palmdale.

Notably, the 25th District is home to thousands of Armenian-Americans, many of whom voiced their support for Smith, especially as she ran against the host and creator of “The Young Turks Show” Cenk Uygur. Armenians have protested and demanded the show change its title as it is named after the architects of the Armenian Genocide and serves to normalize one of the greatest crimes against humanity. Uygur, who raised over $1 million dollars for this race, was soundly defeated by Smith as she garnered close to 29 percent of the vote in a crowded field of over 13 candidates, while he on the other hand was barely able to muster 5.3 percent of the vote.

“As an organization relentlessly advocating for the advancement of the Armenian Cause, we are always vigilant against any manifestation or attempted denial of the Armenian Genocide among many other top priorities,” remarked ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq. “The results of the March 3 Primaries in California’s 25th Congressional District demonstrate our community’s commitment and strength — as active participants in the civic process — both in supporting our friend Christy Smith as well as safeguarding against any attempt to trivialize or outright deny the Genocide perpetrated against the Armenian, Greek, and Assyrian nations.”

Upon receiving the ANCA-WR’s backing, Assemblywoman Smith stated, “I’m incredibly grateful for the endorsement of the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region and am committed to serving as a voice for the local Armenian American community in Congress, just as I did in the State Assembly. Having just seen Congress recognize the Armenian Genocide, I look forward to working with the Armenian American community towards the next steps for justice on this issue and others, and ensuring this great crime against humanity is never repeated. I stand alongside the Armenian American community in solidarity with the Armenians of Artsakh in their fight for self-determination, and look forward to visiting the sovereign territory of Artsakh as a member of Congress.”

Previously, during her tenure as an Assemblymember, Smith voted in favor of recognizing April 24th as the “State of California Day of Commemoration of the 104th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide” and has called on the President to formally recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Launched in 2012, the HyeVotes initiative, in coalition with a network of non-profit organizations, student groups, and community members, is intended to register and encourage the community to vote in elections while also serving as a source for voter information. For more information, please visit: www.hyevotes.org.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region is the largest and most influential nonpartisan Armenian-American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues in pursuit of the Armenian Cause.

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 03/05/2020

Bedik Zaminian 
                                        Thursday, 
Armenian Parliament Approves Asset Seizures
Armenia -- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and members of his cabinet at a 
parliament session in Yerevan, December 4, 2019.
Armenia’s parliament passed in the first reading on Thursday a government bill 
allowing authorities to confiscate private properties and other assets deemed to 
have been acquired illegally.
Under the package of legal amendments drafted by the Armenian government late 
last year, prosecutors will be able to investigate individuals in case of having 
“sufficient grounds to suspect” that the market value of their assets exceeds 
their “legal incomes” by more than 25 million drams ($52,400).
Should the prosecutors find such discrepancies they can ask courts to 
nationalize those assets even if their owners are not found guilty of corruption 
or other criminal offenses. The latter will have to prove the legality of their 
holdings if they are to retain them.
During a parliament debate on Wednesday, Justice Minister Rustam Badasian 
insisted that corruption suspects, notably current and former state officials, 
are the main targets of the the bill portrayed by the government as a major 
anti-corruption measure. The authorities will also use it against crime figures 
and carriers of “criminal subculture,” he said.
“Nobody beyond this circle can fall under the jurisdiction of this law except in 
cases where assets were artificially registered in a particular person’s name,” 
Badasian told lawmakers.
The minister thus sought to allay fears that many well-to-do Armenians will now 
risk losing their properties. He specifically ruled out the confiscation of 
assets acquired with remittances received from abroad.
The bill was tentatively backed by 100 members of the 132-seat National 
Assembly. They included deputies from the ruling My Step bloc and the opposition 
Bright Armenia Party (LHK).
Still, LHK leader Edmon Marukian voiced some misgivings about the effectiveness 
of the measure. He said that corrupt officials who registered their wealh in 
their relatives’ name may well be let off the hook. Marukian said his party will 
propose a number of amendments when the bill is debated in the second reading.
The opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) also said that it will propose 
changes to the bill. BHK deputies abstained in Thursday’s parliament vote.
Other critics of the government have challenged the legality of the government 
plans for asset seizures. They also claim that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian is 
intent on a far-reaching “redistribution of property” in the country.
Pashinian has denied having such plans. He insisted in December that the planned 
asset forfeiture is essential for rooting out corruption and will not be 
arbitrary.
Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigorian openly objected to the bill at the time, 
however. Speaking at a cabinet meeting, the former banker said he is worried 
that it could scare away investors and lead to capital flight from Armenia.
Pashinian’s Party Hires ‘Former Regime Backers’ For Referendum
        • Astghik Bedevian
Armenia -- Campaign banners urging Armenians to vote for constitutional changes 
sought by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, Yerevan, March 5, 2020.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s Civil Contract party has been criticized by 
some of its political allies for hiring several hundred people previously linked 
to Armenia’s former authorities to conduct the upcoming referendum on 
controversial constitutional amendments sought by it.
Under Armenian law, the two rival camps campaigning for and against the draft 
amendments are each allowed to name two of the seven members of some 2,000 
precinct election commissions that will handle the April 5 referendum in polling 
stations across the country. They both practically filled these quotas by last 
weekend’s legal deadline.
It emerged that more than 500 commission members appointed by Civil Contract, 
which leads the “Yes” campaign, had already been chosen by the former ruling 
Republican Party (HHK) and its former coalition partners to sit on election 
commissions formed for December 2018 parliamentary elections. Critics claim that 
at least some of these individuals were involved in vote irregularities that had 
marred previous Armenian elections.
Vahagn Hovakimian, a leading Civil Contract member, dismissed the criticism on 
Thursday. He said that the “Yes” campaign has carried out background checks on 
those commission members and found that only one of them was implicated in 
electoral fraud. That person has been disqualified from the referendum process 
as a result, he said.
Hovakimian also argued that the 2018 elections, held six months after the 
Pashinian-led “Velvet Revolution,” were widely recognized as free and fair.
A senior representative of former President Levon Ter-Petrosian’s Armenian 
National Congress (HAK) party dismissed this explanation, insisting that 
Pashinian’s political team has recruited people notorious for a “very dubious 
behavior.”
“People who were tainted during [past] electoral processes must never again deal 
with [new] electoral processes,” Armen Khachatrian told RFE/RL’s Armenian 
service. “The authorities should have been very careful.”
Khachatrian complained in this regard that only 180 of some 1,200 people 
nominated by the HAK have been appointed to the referendum commissions by the 
“Yes” campaign.
Hovakimian countered that Civil Contract could not have picked more HAK nominees 
because of the limited number of commission seats. Also, he said, there are far 
fewer commission members representing other parties supporting the proposed 
constitutional changes.
The amendments call for ending the powers of the chairman and six other judges 
of Armenia’s seven-member Constitutional Court who had been installed by former 
governments. Pashinian has repeatedly accused them of maintaining links to the 
“corrupt former regime” and obstructing judicial reforms.
Pashinian’s political opponents and other critics say that he is simply seeking 
to fill the country’s highest court with his loyalists. They have also denounced 
the referendum as unconstitutional.
Tsarukian-Backed Mayor Denies Charges
        • Artak Khulian
Armenia -- Abovian Mayor Vahagn Gevorgian speaks to reporters, March 5, 2020.
A town mayor linked to businessman Gagik Tsarukian’s opposition Prosperous 
Armenia Party (BHK) on Thursday strongly denied criminal charges brought against 
him earlier this week.
Mayor Vahagn Gevorgian of Abovian, a town 15 kilometers north of Yerevan, was 
charged with criminal negligence. Prosecutors said that he deliberately failed 
to stop a private company from “seizing” municipal land in Abovian and illegally 
constructing apartment blocks there.
Gevorgian admitted that the company, which is part of Tsarukian’s Multi Group 
conglomerate, occupied a 2,000-square-meter plot of land and lacked other 
permits to build a residential complex in his community. But he argued that the 
Abovian municipality twice fined it and suspended the construction last year.
Speaking to journalists at the construction site, Gevorgian said the 
municipality did not move to tear down the incomplete buildings because Multi 
Group formally asked it to legalize them in accordance with an Armenian law. He 
also stressed that Tsarukian’s company plans to build around 1,000 apartments in 
what would be the first affordable housing project implemented in Abovian since 
Soviet times.
A spokesman for Armenia’s Office of the Prosecutor-General, Gor Abrahamian, 
insisted, however, that Gevorgian was obliged to take tougher measures against 
the real estate developer.
Another law-enforcement agency, the Investigative Committee, formally indicted 
Gevorgian on Monday despite the fact that the Armenian police investigated the 
redevelopment project and cleared the mayor of any wrongdoing last year.
The police inquiry was ordered by prosecutors in July 2019 one month after 
Gevorgian narrowly won reelection in a tightly contested mayoral vote. His main 
challenger was a candidate of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s Civil Contract 
party.
Pashinian personally campaigned for the pro-government candidate.Tensions 
between the prime minister’s political team and Tsarukian’s BHK, which is 
Armenia’s largest parliamentary opposition force, ran high during the mayoral 
race.
Gevorgian said he does not yet see political motives behind the charges leveled 
against him. “I think this is the result of a misunderstanding and everything 
will be sorted out,” said the Abovian mayor.
Abovian has long been a political and economic stronghold of Tsarukian.
Three Senior Members Quit Armenia’s Former Ruling Party
        • Sargis Harutyunyan
Armenia - The ruling Republican Party of Armenia holds a congress in Yerevan, 
26Nov2016.
Three senior members of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) have 
decided to leave it, citing disagreements with the HHK’s top leader, former 
President Serzh Sarkisian.
One of them, Lernik Aleksanian, on Thursday accused Sarkisian of turning the 
party into a “trade union” for “criminal-oligarchic” elements and practices.
“The party was invaded by many, many individuals who have nothing to do with the 
party’s ideology,” he told RFE/RL’s Armenian. “They gained major positions 
within the party.”
Aleksanian is a former parliamentarian, while the two other dissenters, Razmik 
Martirosian and Firdus Zakarian, used to hold senior government posts. All three 
men have been members of the HHK’s decision-making Council.
In Aleksanian’s words, they terminated their membership in the HHK on January 13 
after trying unsuccessfully to trigger an internal debate on “mistakes” 
committed by the party. Sarkisian and his inner circle systematically obstructed 
such a debate despite acknowledging those mistakes, claimed Aleksanian.
He said they have specifically delayed the holding of what would be the first 
party congress since the 2018 “Velvet Revolution” that toppled Sarkisian.
Armenia - Parliament deputy Lernik Aleksanian speaks to RFE/RL in Yerevan, 
23Feb2017.
“Good riddance,” HHK spokesman Eduard Sharmazanov said when asked to comment on 
the resignations and Aleksanian’s remarks. He refused to comment further.
Sarkisian provoked the revolution nearly two years ago with his attempt to 
extend his decade-long rule after transforming Armenia into a parliamentary 
republic. Massive street protests across the country that broke out in April 
2018 were fuelled by widespread popular disaffection with government corruption 
and cronyism.
Sarkisian as well as some of his relatives and associates were prosecuted on 
corruption charges after the dramatic regime change. The ex-president went on 
trial last week. He rejects the accusations leveled against him as politically 
motivated.
The HHK narrowly failed to clear the 5 percent vote threshold to enter the 
current Armenian parliament in snap general elections held in December 2018. It 
remains highly critical of Armenia’s current leadership and Prime Minister Nikol 
Pashinian in particular.
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2020 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

CIVILNET.Report: Armenia More Prepared than Switzerland and Finland to Handle Epidemic

Arbi Tashjian
CIVILNET.AM

March 6, 2020 12:31 p.m

By Emilio Luciano Cricchio

Prevention Epidemics, a website that uses data to assess the epidemic preparedness of the world’s nations, has given Armenia a score of 90, which is higher than Switzerland (89), Finland (86), US (87) and Belgium (85).

However, Armenia did rank lower than countries like Canada (93), Japan (92), UAE (91) and Australia (92).

The analysis of many of Armenia’s neighbors, as well as many other nations, has not been completed yet, but Georgia did receive a score of 57, significantly lower than Armenia, with countries like Sudan and Sri Lanka also receiving a score of 57. 

The data is taken from existing evaluations developed by the World Health Organization, especially after the 2014 Ebola epidemic. 

The report also takes into account the effectiveness of measures undertaken, including the tracking down of contacts of infected individuals and quarantine measures.

Moreover, time is a major factor that’s analysed, especially the “time between the first recognized case and first recognized death,” which has been used as a key indicator. 

Armenia’s Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan has been praised by some for his handling of the coronavirus outbreak, including for Armenian authorities’ swift quarantines, clamping down on high-risk travel, particularly to virus-hit Iran, and also for tracking down people who had direct contact with infected patients. 

On Wednesday 4, Torosyan gave an update on the handling of the coronavirus outbreak, during a meeting of government ministers, he stipulated that 162 tests had been carried out since January, with only one man testing positive after having returned from Iran. 

He also added that 32 quarantined individuals in Tsaghkadzor’s Golden Palace Hotel are being well taken care of and are in good condition.

Torosyan also remarked on the condition of the man who tested positive saying, “The patient who was found to have a coronavirus also feels good. His wife was re-examined, who again tested negative. Everything is in control and the republic can continue with its normal life.”

Iskandaryan: Election results in Artsakh are unpredictable

Antranik Varosian
Arminfo, Armenia
March 5 2020

ArmInfo.  The results of theelections in Artsakh are unpredictable and the likelihood of a  second round remains unclear.

Director of the Caucasus Institute, political scientist Alexander Iskandaryan stated at a March 5 press conference.

As an expert put it, the election campaign in Artsakh is  unpredictable, and is developing in the spirit of a developed  democratic process. Moreover, its uniqueness, as he said, is that it  is transparent, vibrant and sharp at the same time. Regarding the  possible impact of the election results on relations between Armenia  and Artsakh, Iskandaryan here pointed out the current difficulties of  mutual understanding at the level of leadership of both States. The  expert connects this situation with the fact that the current  authorities of Armenia associate the ruling elite of Artsakh with the  previous government. Meanwhile, in his opinion, after the change of  power in Artsakh, the relationship between the two ruling elites will  return to their previous course.

Presidential and parliamentary elections will be held in Artsakh on  March 31 this year. Ruslan Israelyan from the Generation of  Independence party, Vitaliy Balasanyan from Justice, Ashot Ghulyan  from the Democratic Party of Artsakh, Hayk Khanumyan from the  National Revival, Arayik Harutyunyan from the Free Homeland  Party-United Civil Alliance Party (UCAP) bloc ,David Babayan from the < Conservative Party of Artsakh>, David Ishkhanyan from the ARF < Dashnaktsutyun>, Vahan Badasyan from , as well as  self-nominees Masis Mayilyan, Sergey Amiryan, Kristin Balayan, Bella  Lalayan, Melsik Poghosyan and Ashot Dadayan.

Expert: The issue of waste disposal of solar energy is not discussed at the State level in Armenia

Arbi Tashjian
Arminfo, Armenia
March 5 2020

ArmInfo.  The issue of waste disposal of worn-out devices of solar stations, batteries and other waste of solar energy is not discussed at the State level in Armenia.  This was stated by “EcoLur” Informational NGO Youth Branch  Coordinator Victoria Burnazyan during the “Environment, Climate and  Sustainable Energy in the South Caucasus” workshop held in Tbilisi.

The expert drew attention to the fact that Armenia has a great  potential for solar energy: the average annual value of the influx of  solar energy per 1 square meter of horizontal surface is 1720 kWh /.  A quarter of the territory of the republic has solar energy resources  with an intensity of at least 1850 kWh / m2 per year.  With this in  mind, it is planned to build a solar photovoltaic station on an  industrial scale with a peak capacity of 55 MW in the village of  Masrik, Gegharkunik region of RA. This will be followed by the  construction of five additional stations with a total capacity of 60  MW. Meanwhile, at the stage of implementation of this project there  is a conflict of interests. So, for the construction of Masrik 1, the  agricultural lands of three villages – Mets Masrik, Masrik and Arpunk  – were recognized as an exceptional public benefit. Meanwhile, local  residents express dissatisfaction, since high-quality agricultural  and arable lands were taken.

The problem is that the issue of waste disposal of worn-out devices  of solar stations, batteries and other waste of solar energy is not  discussed at the state level by any of the responsible departments.  At the same time, as Burnazyan notes, the Government of Armenia  intends to increase the share of solar energy production up to 10% by  2026, which means that we will have 1.2 billion kWh of solar energy  production, which requires a total capacity of 700 MW of solar power  plants, including autonomous ones power plants Over the years,  Armenian ecologists have been trying to draw the attention of the  responsible authorities to the situation that arose as a result of  the development of the small hydropower sector. With the  participation of EcoLur, a study of 125 small hydropower plants  operating in the republic was conducted, as a result of which a  number of problems were identified. In particular, non-compliance  with environmental runoff; lack of standards and requirements for  SHPP equipment; reduction of river biodiversity; the construction of  SHPPs at the maternal sources forming the watercourse of the rivers.   Burnazyan drew attention to the fact that 189 small hydropower plants  with a total capacity of 375 MW were already built in the republic.  In 2019, they generated 980,825,762 kWh of electricity, i.e. 12.8% of  all electricity generated in the country. According to the Armenian  Hydropower Concept, by 2036 the total capacity of SHPPs should be 400  MW. Meanwhile, taking into account the planned construction of  another 26 SHPPs with a total capacity of 59 MW, the 400 MW limit has  already been exceeded. 

Armenian Ombudsman held a meeting with Secretary General of Council of Europe in Strasbourg

Emil Lazarian
Arminfo, Armenia
March 5 2020

ArmInfo. On March 5, in Strasbourg, Ombudsman of Armenia Arman Tatoyan held a working meeting with the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric. This was reported by the press service of the Office of the Defender  of Human Rights.  

At the meeting wide range of issues related to both the situation  in Armenia and the human rights protection system as a whole were  discussed. In particular, judicial legal reforms in Armenia, the fight against torture, the prevention of ill-treatmentin closed institutions  and human rights defender activities in this area.  Particular mention  was made of the protection of human rights in the armed forces, the  rights of military families and the growing role of women in the armed  forces. Arman Tatoyan praised the program implemented by the Council of Europe in Armenia in cooperation with the human rights defender and the Ministry of Defense.

Issues related to the rights of women and children, preventing  violence against them, as well as involving women in public life were  also discussed at the meeting. Questions were also raised regarding  offensive and degrading comments on social media.

The Secretary General noted the importance of co-operation between  the Council of Europe, commending the role of Ombudsman in protecting  human rights.

Armenia’s CEC warns constitutional referendum ‘Yes’ campaign head to strictly observe law

Alex Jidarian
Panorama, Armenia
March 5 2020

The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) said it studied the speech of Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Suren Papikyan, who is also heading the “Yes” campaign for the constitutional referendum, at a parliament session on Wednesday.

According to the CEC, pursuant to Article 49.8 the Electoral Code, as an issue requiring an immediate solution, they immediately contacted a representative of the “Yes” campaign and Suren Papikyan to draw their attention to Article 17 (14) of the constitutional law “On Referendum”, warning them to strictly observe the law during the referendum campaign.

In his speech, the minister said that Armenian citizens have the opportunity to vote according to their conscience during the April 5 referendum, and that all citizens are the beneficiaries of the proposed changes in the Constitutional Court.

Earlier lawyer Ruben Melikyan, who is leading the campaign for a “No” vote in the constitutional referendum, stated immediately after Suren Papikyan’s speech that he had grossly violated the referendum law. 

Music: Armenian singer to visit Racine

Jhanna Virabian
The Journal Times, Wisconsin
March 5 2020

Armenian singer to visit Racine

RACINE — Laurel Semerdjian, a mezzo-soprano singer with The Florentine Opera, will hold a meet and greet at noon Sunday, March 8, at St. Hagop Armenian Apostolic Church, 4100 N. Newman Road.

Semerdjian is of Armenian decent and her grandmother grew up in Racine. She is looking forward to meeting people from the four Armenian churches.

Semerdjian will perform as Carmen in The Florentine Opera production of “Tragedy of Carmen” March 13, 15, 21 and 22 at Vogel Hall in Milwaukee. For tickets, go to florentineopera.org.