News.am, Armenia
Aug 10 2020
00:18, 11.08.2020
Category: 2020
Schools to reopen in Armenia on 15 September
Panorama, Armenia
Aug 10 2020
Schools, primary and secondary vocational education institutions, music and art schools are set to reopen in Armenia on 15 September, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Arayik Harutyunyan said on Facebook on Monday.
The decision was made at a meeting hosted by the Commandant’s Office earlier on Monday, he said.
Children will return to class at the same time observing the anti-coronavirus rules, the minister noted.
“Decisions on universities and a number of other educational institutions will be made in the next week,” he added.
“The Commandant’s Office, the ministry and its other partners have jointly developed detailed procedures and guidelines concerning all issues that will be published and disseminated in the next few days. Please follow only the official news on the matter spread by the pages of the government, the Commandant’s Office, the ministry or the minister.
Dear teachers, parents and school students, in the coming weeks we should work together to ensure the successful start and the normal course of the academic year, taking into account the pandemic-related restrictions and excluding media provocations,” Harutyunyan wrote.
Government funding for medical center led by Armenian health minister’s wife doubles, doctor says
Panorama, Armenia
Aug 10 2020
The budgetary allocations to the medical facility owned by Armenian Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan’s wife have doubled, Chairman of the Armenian National Health Council, urologist Gevorg Grigoryan has said.
“Good morning, everybody, except those who enrich themselves at the expense of the state,” he wrote on Facebook.
“Let me remind you that the government funding for the medical center led by the minister’s wife have increased from 24 million drams to 120 million drams.
“This is how they can afford buying expensive cars and mansions,” he said.
“Everyone will be held accountable when there is a change of government and an investigation opens,” the doctor added.
Also, Grigoryan shared Arsen Torosyan’s negative remarks on the government funding for medical centers made three years ago.
Armenian delegation meets with Patriarch Gregory Peter XX Ghabroyan in Lebanon
Panorama, Armenia
Aug 10 2020
Politics 14:19 10/08/2020Armenia
The Armenian delegation to Lebanon on Sunday met with His Beatitude Gregory Peter XX Ghabroyan, Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics. Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon Vahagn Atabekyan was present at the meeting, the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs reported.
The Patriarch welcomed the delegation and addressed the situation facing Lebanese-Armenians, including the human and material losses the community has suffered.
High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan, thanked the Patriarch for the welcome and noted that Armenia is providing aid to the Lebanese government, the Lebanese people, and the Lebanese-Armenian community. “The goal of this visit is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how we can support our Lebanese-Armenian compatriots,” stated the high commissioner.
In his remarks, Gregory Peter XX Ghabroyan emphasized that the Armenian people have two hearts, Armenia and the Diaspora, and expressed joy that the Armenian people finally have a free and independent homeland. He also highlighted the assistance received from the government of Artsakh two weeks ago. “Our brothers are with us, and this was a very beautiful gesture.”
At the end of the meeting, Sinanyan noted that two additional planes with humanitarian assistance are scheduled to fly to Beirut, the food and medicine they carry will be provided to the Armenian community.
Armenia-Azerbaijan Tensions – Moscow-Based Expert Krylov: ‘The Turkish Military Presence In Azerbaijan Has Become Permanent’ …
MEMRI
Aug 10 2020
Tensions at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border remain high. Nevertheless, the Armenian leadership voiced satisfaction that the three days of clashes in the Tavush region between the two countries, that began July 12, showed Yerevan’s battle-readiness. Commenting on the border escalation, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said: “Not only did the Armenian armed forces repel the attacks, they also did significant damage to the adversary. The Azerbaijani side suffered numerous casualties, in addition to losses of military equipment and advanced weapons. This is an explicit victory for military strength, tactics, and Armenia’s military-industrial complex.”[1]
However, on July 29, Turkey announced the launch of joint large-scale drills with Azerbaijan involving tactical ground and flight exercises, with the participation of Turkish and Azerbaijani ground and air forces. The exercises were scheduled to end August 10.[2]
Alexander Krylov, a senior researcher at the Moscow-based Institute of World Economy and International Relations (Russian Academy of Sciences) and president of the Scientific Society of Caucasus Studies, told the Novosti-Armenia news agency in an August 4 interview that Turkey had stopped playing the role of mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan and had become party to the conflict. “The Turkish military presence in Azerbaijan has become permanent, with the goal of constantly expanding,” he stated.
On July 17, following Friday prayers, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, in response to a journalist’s question that Turkey would “support Azerbaijan till the end.” He said: “As you know, Armenia has been occupying Upper Karabakh for decades. The Minsk trio has left the issue on the table for 25 to 30 years.. . They still haven’t resolved [it]. It was obvious that the issue would lead up to this point. As you know, Armenia is constantly attacking and firing on civilian areas in Azerbaijan. As a result of these attacks, Azerbaijan has taken steps to defend its lands and its own people. We will never abandon our brother Azerbaijan; we will support Azerbaijan till the end… Just as we did during the Caucasian struggle, we stand with Azerbaijan and our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters today.”[3]
Earlier, on July 14, Erdoğan had said: “Turkey will never hesitate to stand against any attack against the rights and lands of Azerbaijan, with which it has deep-rooted friendly ties and brotherly relations. Accordingly, we are duty-bound to mobilize all our political, diplomatic, and social ties in the region and in the world.”[4]
Below is the text of Krylov’s interview with Novosti-Armenia:[5]
Turkey-Azerbaijan drills in Baku, Azerbaijan. (Source: Dailysabah.com)
‘The Officers Of The Azerbaijani Army Are Being Trained In Turkey’
“Turkey ceased to play the role of a mediator and became a party to the conflict, said Alexander Krylov, a senior researcher at the Moscow-based Institute of World Economy and International Relations (Russian Academy of Sciences) and the president of the Scientific Society of Caucasus Studies, in an interview with the Novosti-Armenia news agency on the prospects for a Karabakh settlement.
“‘Turkey’s policy in the South Caucasus has recently intensified significantly, and at the same time Baku and Ankara share a common position on the Karabakh issue and their relations with Armenia. At present, Turkey is the only member of the OSCE Minsk Group that unconditionally supports Baku’s policy,’ he noted. At the same time, the expert pointed out that Azerbaijan’s dependence on Turkey is constantly growing.
“‘The officers of the Azerbaijani army are being trained in Turkey; Ankara is engaged in large-scale economic, social and educational projects in Azerbaijan that are aimed at strengthening Turkish influence. The Turkish military presence in Azerbaijan has become permanent, with its scope constantly expanding, and it will be further enhanced by the current Azerbaijani-Turkish military maneuvers,’ Krylov said.
“He pointed out that, as is becoming increasingly clear, Azerbaijan stands to turn into a counterpart of the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’, that is to say a de facto province of Turkey.
“‘Such a scenario fits well with the policy of the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan aimed at increasing Turkey’s political influence from North Africa to China’s borders. It is, however, fraught with conflicts and unpredictable consequences, primarily for Turkey itself. It is obvious that the scenario of Azerbaijan’s actual absorption by Turkey runs counter to the interests of Russia and Iran, as well as those of the region’s states that are interested in the South Caucasus’ stability,’ Krylov said.
A Note On The Karabakh Conflict
“The Karabakh conflict began in 1988, after the predominantly Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh announced its secession from Azerbaijan. On December 10, 1991, a referendum was held in Nagorno-Karabakh, where 99.89% of the population voted in favor of complete independence from Azerbaijan.
“In response, Azerbaijan launched an all-out war that resulted in its loss of control not only over Nagorno-Karabakh, but also the seven regions adjacent to it.
“On May 12, 1994, the trilateral ceasefire agreement in the conflict zone entered into force putting an end to the hostilities in which about 25-30 thousand people died on both sides, and about a million were displaced. The ceasefire agreement has been holding until now. The negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the conflict have been conducted since 1992 within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, co-chaired by the United States, Russia and France.”[6]
[1] Primeminister.am, July 23, 2020.
[2] See MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 8875, Russian Military Expert Pavel Felgenhauer: Russia Will Defend Armenia From The Turks; If Necessary, Russia Will Save Armenia With A Nuclear Strike, August 3, 2020, MEMRI Special Dispatch No. 8864, Kommersant Columnist Yusin: Erdogan Is Pouring Kerosene On The Territorial Dispute Between Armenia And Azerbaijan, July 27, 2020; MEMRI Daily Brief No. 226, Where Will Erdoğan Strike Next?, by Alberto M. Fernandez, August 4, 2020.
[3] Tccb.gov.tr, July 17, 2020.
[4] Tccb.gov.tr, July 14, 2020.
[5] Newsarmenia.am, August 4, 2020.
[6] Newsarmenia.am, August 4, 2020.
Asbarez: Armenia’s First Humanitarian Flight to Beirut Takes Off
August 8, 2020
The first humanitarian flight carrying emergency assistance to Lebanon was loaded and took off from Yerevan’s Zvartnots Airport Saturday night.
Accompanying the flight to Beirut is Armenia’s High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan, who told reporters at the airport that he will tour Armenian communities in Lebanon, meet with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, as well as Lebanese government officials in an effort to become closely acquainted with the needs of the country.
He said that the first cargo of supplies will be directly given to the government of Lebanon, adding that two more flights are scheduled—on Sunday and on Tuesday.
The cargo of supplies to Lebanon will include 20,400 medical masks produced in a factory in Tavush, Armenia, which was damaged last month when Azerbaijan began a brazen attack on civilian and military targets in Tavush on July 12.
“Tavush, which became the center of attention, care and humanity, was naturally one of the first to respond to the tragedy of brotherly Beirut, to bring its participation to the support of the Republic of Armenia to the friendly country and the Armenian community,” said a post on the Tavush Governor’s Facebook page.
The plane that departed Saturday is carrying 12 tons medicine, medical equipment, food and other supplies.
Deputy Prime Minister Avinyan on Friday detailed the government’s plan to send assistance to Lebanon, as part of a pledge made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan immediately after a massive explosion at the Beirut port that rocked Lebanon causing destruction. At least 154 people died and thousands have been injured, among them members of the large Armenian community, whose leaders reported that 13 Armenians had died and hundreds were injured.
Pashinyan called Lebanon one of Armenia’s closest allies this week, saying that Armenia could not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the “brotherly people of Lebanon.”
Asbarez: Lebanon AYF, Scouts Help Clean Up Efforts in Bourdj Hammoud
August 8, 2020
Members of Lebanon’s AYF join in the cleanup efforts
The devastation and destruction caused by Tuesday’s massive explosion in the port of Beirut has shattered many communities around the city. Residents, however, have begun the arduous task of cleaning up and bringing some semblance of normalcy to their lives.
Members of various Armenian Youth Federation of Lebanon chapters in the Armenian-populated Bourdj Hammoud neighborhood, heeded the call of local authorities and on Friday evening took part in the area’s cleanup efforts, reported the Beirut-based Aztag Daily.
The cleanup involved sweeping glass and other debris from the explosion.
The AYF members called on the entire community to join in this effort and assist the Bourdj Hammoud authorities’ efforts to restore the neighborhood as quickly as possible.
Joining the effort were scouts from Beirut’s northern suburb of Kornet Hamra who joined their AYF colleagues in the Bourdj Hammoud cleanup. They also urged residents of their area to join in and bring the neighborhood some respite from the tragedy.
As of this writing, 154 people were reported to have died from Tuesday’s explosion, which has also impacted the Armenian community, whose leaders are reporting that 13 Armenians perished as a result of the blast.
The first of three humanitarian flights took off from Yerevan and is carrying 20 tons of emergency supplies to Lebanon.
Asbarez: On Visit to Tavush, President Praises Soldiers, Villagers as Heroes
August 8, 2020
President Armen Sarkissian is greeted by school children in the village of Chinari on August 7
“This is paradise,” said President Armen Sarkissian Friday when he was visiting the Chinari village in the Tavush Province of Armenia, which was the target of brazen attacks by Azerbaijani forces beginning on July 12. “People here live in paradise. Many people in our country don’t even know that paradise is so close.”
Sarkissian was visiting Armenia’s northeastern border region to meet the residents who braved the attacks and whose perseverance and courage protected and defended the homeland from enemy aggressors.
Accompanied by Tavush Governor Hayk Chonanyan and the Primate of the Tavush Diocese Bishop Bagrat Gakstanyan, the president first met with the men and women of Armenia’s Armed Forces stationed there, presenting gifts to several distinguished servicemen.
Sarkissian called the troops heroes, saying Armenia is proud of its military.
“Our servicemen are the ones who truly shape our history and everyone owes them for the peace and security of our country,” said Sarkissian.
The Armenian government on Thursday approved 277 million drams ($570,000) in additional aid to four villages in Tavush that were damaged during the Azerbaijani aggression. According to the provincial administration 89 houses in those villages were hit by Azerbaijani forces. The initial allocation was 25 million drams.
Suren Papikyan, Armenia’s Minister of Local Government and Infrastructures said during a cabinet meeting on Thursday that more than 110 million drams of the new government funding will be pay for ongoing house repairs in the border villages of Aygepar, Nerkin Karmiraghbyur and Chinari. Another 84.3 million drams, he said, will be spent on refurbishing schools, which were not damaged by Azerbaijani shelling, and bomb shelters in these villages, as well as the nearby Movses village. The remainder of the funds will pay for the construction of a small park in Nerkin Karmiraghbyur and a housing complex in Chinari.
The president visited the village school, which was heavily damaged by Azerbaijani artillery strikes.
While meeting with school officials and students, Sarkissian said his sons, Hayk and Vardan, have donated new computer equipment to the school as part a campaign they have launched to donate technology to schools facilitate an easier connection by the students to their peers in the Diaspora.
“As president, as an individual and as the Sarkissian family, I support you,” said the president when talking to the school children who had gathered to greet him. “In a way I have become the friend of this school and this village.”
“Consider that this is my school as well, and if there are any issues feel free to tell me,” said Sarkissian who added that his office will resolve any issues with the school and the village.
He thanked the residents of Chinari for standing by the country’s men and women in uniform and keeping the borders safe.
“We will win if we are all united, in a united Armenia, Artsakh and Diaspora,” the president told the residents of Chinari. “I am very optimistic and confident that we will overcome all difficulties through unity. All the greats have spoken about this. We are learning poems about our national unity at schools.”
“The Armenian next to you is your brother or sister,” Sarkissian said, adding if everyone thought this way, then “no one can defeat you in life.”
During his visit to Tavush, Sarkissian also toured the Tavush Textile factory, which was also damaged during last month’s attacks. The factory, which mainly produces gloves for construction workers, was also, in the last several months, producing face masks for healthcare workers combatting the coronavirus crisis.
The directors of the factory walked the president through the glove manufacturing process and added that their products are not only used domestically but are also imported to other CIS countries. They also announced that the factory will begin operating a second location in the nearby Paravakar village.
Tavush Textile on Saturday announced that 20,400 of its medical face masks will be donated as part of Armenia’s emergency relief effort to Lebanon, following the massive explosion in Beirut on Tuesday.
Armenpress: Criminal charges pressed against former PSRC Chairman and his subordinates
Criminal charges pressed against former PSRC Chairman and his subordinates
18:40, 7 August, 2020
YEREVAN, AUGUST 7, ARMENPRESS. Criminal charges have been pressed against former Chairman of the Public Services Regulatory Commission Robert Nazaryan and two former members of the Commission. The three were arrested yesterday for abusing official powers and creating favorable conditions for a business entity in 2011 pursuing personal or group interests.
As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Special Investigation Service, former deputy chairman of the PSRC Nikolay Grigoryan had been arrested a day before for the same act.
The Special Investigation Service has filed a motion to the court to remand Robert Nazaryan and the two former members of the Commission.
The preliminary investigation into the criminal case has found sufficient proofs that due to the illegal activities of Robert Nazaryan and the mentioned members of the Commission, “Dzoraget Hydro” has been able to earn extra 7 billion AMD at the expanse of consumers during the period of 2012-2019.
Editing and translating by Tigran Sirekanyan
Armenpress: Post-Soviet area priority for Russia’s foreign policy – Putin
Post-Soviet area priority for Russia’s foreign policy – Putin
19:29, 7 August, 2020
YEREVAN, AUGUST 7, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin invited the members of the Security Council to discuss the situation in the world, particularly in the post-Soviet area, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Kremlin.
”We will speak about the situation in the world, focusing on the post-Soviet area, considering the fact that they are our neighbors and allies. As a rule, both our economic and political interests coincide. Definitely, it’s one of our foreign policy priorities”, Putin said.
Editing and translating by Tigran Sirekanyan