Category: 2020

Artsakh authorities confirm their determination for restoration of the country’s territorial integrity – foreign ministry

Maral Chavushian
Panorama, Armenia
July 4 2020

On July 4, 1992, the Azerbaijani armed units, with multiple superiority in manpower and military equipment, employing heavy artillery and combat aircraft launched a large-scale offensive in the direction of Martakert town of the Republic of Artsakh,” Artsakh foreign ministry said in a released statement on Saturday.

The statement reminds that Martakert was completely destroyed, and the Armenian population of the town of about 13 thousand people was forced to leave their homes and become internally displaced persons, finding temporary shelter in the capital city Stepanakert and in various settlements of the Republic of Armenia.

“Following the capture of Martakert, the Azerbaijani army continued the offensive, destroying about 80 percent of the region, looting the Armenian settlements and subjecting their population to forcible deportation.

In general, almost half of the territory of the Republic of Artsakh fell under the occupation of Azerbaijan. The republic itself was on the verge of total annihilation. The humanitarian situation was even more catastrophic – by the end of the summer of 1992, more than half of the population of the Republic were refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The situation was aggravated by the almost complete indifference of specialized international organizations to the fate of Armenian refugees and IDPs who were on the verge of a humanitarian disaster in Artsakh.
However, even in these seemingly hopeless conditions, the people of Artsakh managed to summon its collective will, mobilize its full potential and repel the armed aggression of Azerbaijan.

A year later, on June 27, 1993, the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh liberated the town of Martakert. Those who returned to their homeland began the process of restoration and improvement of the war-torn border town, which gained even greater scope after signing the termless trilateral (Azerbaijan, the Republic of Artsakh, and the Republic of Armenia) ceasefire agreement on May 12, 1994,” read the statement.

The source reminds that to this day, some settlements of the Martakert region, part of the Martuni region and the entire Shahumian region, a total of over 1000 square kilometers of the territory of the Republic of Artsakh, are under the Azerbaijani occupation, where the Azerbaijani authorities implement illegal settling and pursue a policy of destroying the traces of presence of the native Armenian population in these territories.

“The authorities of the Republic of Artsakh confirm their determination to seek the de-occupation of the territories of Artsakh and the restoration of the territorial integrity of the Republic,” the statement said.

Iran, Armenia discuss expansion of ties

Khoyetsian Rose
Mehr News Agency, Iran
July 4 2020

TEHRAN, Jul. 04 (MNA) – Iranian Ambassador to Yerevan Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri and Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Development Suren Papikyan explored ways of boosting bilateral ties between the two countries.

In a Friday meeting in Yerevan, the two sides stressed promotion of bilateral relations in different economic spheres.

The Armenian minister expressed hope that relations between Yerevan and Tehran will further expand through bilateral talks and provision of necessary grounds.

 Papikyan said that the joint development plans by Iran and Armenia is indicative of the high level of cooperation between the two countries.

 Badakhshan, for his part, expressed Iran’s readiness for further enhancement of cooperation with Armenia, underlining the need for utilizing the the existing capabilities in economic fields.

 
The two sides also discussed the outlook of implementing joint plans for regional, transportation and energy infrastructure cooperation.  

 MNA/IRN83842655

Theater: A new open-air performance to be staged at Goris amphitheater

Toneyan Mark
Panorama, Armenia
July 4 2020
Culture 12:03 04/07/2020Armenia

Old Goris town in southern Armenia is known for its amphitheater where the local Drama Theatre named after Vagharshyan offered open-air performances. Since the first days of the pandemic, the theatre decided to resume the theatrical performances in the amphitheater made of ravines and hills.
 
Director at Goris Drama Theater, Honored Artist of Armenia Shant Hovhannisyan told Panorama.am about their previous experience in performing at the amphitheater and the positive feedback from the audience.

“We performed mainly for tourists who were interested in the format and  enjoyed the performances in natural caves that created an ancient colorful setting,” Hovhannisyan said. He added that rehearsals of the new performance – ‘Pheasant’ by Aksel Bakunts – is underway with due consideration of all safety measures. As a separate work, ‘Pheasant’ will be performed by the theatre for the first time. The date for the premiere is yet to be set.

The theatre director said that the amphitheater has a seating capacity of 15-20 people and is better adjusted for mono-performances, while the natural rock shelters serve as pavilions. 

Film: Today marks great Armenian actor Frunzik Mkrtchyan’s birthday

Bedik Zaminian
Panorama, Armenia
July 4 2020
Culture 10:42 04/07/2020Armenia

July 4 marks the birthday anniversary of talented Soviet Armenian actor Mher Mkrtchyan, better known by his stage name Frunzik. The prominent actor would have  turned 90 today.

“Great Armenian artist Martiros Saryan, while painting my portrait, asked me: “Where are you from, Mher?” I replied: “My father is from Mush, mother is from Van and I was born in Leninakan. So, where I am from?” The master thought for some time and said: “So, you are a genuine resident of Yerevan, guy.” (From “Mher Mkrtchyan. Eternal Monologue.”)
Every role he played in cinema or theater is unique and recognizes no time. “An actor should be able to play any role. An actor represents a man, and the human essence has such manifestations as crying, laughter and humor,” he said once. The actor followed this principle both in cinema and theater.

Born in Leninakan (now Gyumri), he first studied in a local art college and theatre studio. Later, Mkrtchyan also graduated from Yerevan Institute of Fine Arts and Theatre. Beginning 1953, he performed in the Sundukyan Drama Theatre of Yerevan. He also directed many successful productions, with Maxim Gorky’s “The Lower Depths” among the best.

His cinema career began in 1955. The artist’s famous roles in “Aybolit-66” (1966), “Kidnapping”, “Caucasian Style” (1967) and “Mimino” (1977) earned him the reputation of one of the leading comedy actors in the Soviet Union. But that reputation sometimes overshadowed his real talent and emotional deepness which he put in such classics of Armenian cinema as “Triangle” (1967), “We Are Our Mountains” (1969), “Father” (1973), “Life Triumphs” (1977), “The Song of the Old Days” (1982), “The Tango of Our Childhood” (1985).

Mher Mkrtchyan was honored with the title of People’s Artist of the Soviet Armenia in 1971 and People’s Artist of the Soviet Union in 1978. He died in Yerevan in 1993. In 2001, he was posthumously awarded with St. Mesrop Mashtots Order.
“Every man is the sculptor of his own destiny. He passes away when the sculpture is finished,” Mher Mkrtchyan said.


Sports: Erik Bazinyan: I Want To Become Armenia’s Next Great Champion

Kalantarian Kevo
Boxing Scene
July 4 2020
By Manouk Akopyan

Published On Sat Jul 4, 2020, 06:25 AM EST

Multiple weight world champions Arthur Abraham and Vic Darchinyan are Armenia’s most decorated professional boxers of all time, and the closest the country has come to producing Hall of Fame-caliber fighters.

The quadragenerians, however, are no longer actively fighting, and the torch has been passed to a select few fighters who have the makings of becoming the country’s next champion.

Twenty-five-year-old Armenian-bred super middleweight Erik Bazinyan (25-0, 19 KOs) is ready for the opportunity.

The Montreal-based Bazinyan brings a decorated amateur background into the ring with a 109-1 record. Bazinyan and his family left Yerevan and moved to Quebec in 2011 when the fighter was 16-years-old, and he is now promoted by Golden Boy, Camille Estephan of Eye of the Tiger Management and is trained by the well-regarded coach Marc Ramsey.

“I’m sure I will be the next great Armenian fighter,” Bazinyan told BoxingScene.com in an interview. “I don’t mean that in an arrogant way, I’m going to do everything to become the country’s next champion. I have a great Armenian fan base. They support me and are very proud of me. I’m not going to let them down.”

Last December, after cruising to a crushing KO over Saul Roman, Bazinyan moved to be the No. 1 contender to Billy Joe Saunders’ 168-pound title. Now, he is currently ranked No. 4 by the WBO and No. 15 by the IBF and is ready to make himself a serious threat in the division.

“At my age, I am in my prime. It starts now. I had a good statement-win in my last fight. I have enough experience for a big-time fight. I am ready for a step-up fight,” said Bazinyan.

“I like to remain humble and not really talk about myself. If I were to describe my style, I’m a smart and technical fighter, but I can do everything. I have a great jab and boxing IQ. I do everything possible to win. I can brawl. I can box. I have good power. I concentrate on being an accomplished fighter. That’s what you have to do to be great in boxing and to make history. I try to do my best.”

Bazinyan said the plan was for him to be showcased on the May 2 undercard of the Canelo Alvarez versus Saunders fight in Las Vegas, an event that was scheduled yet never officially announced due to the global pandemic caused by Covid-19.

Now, Bazinyan plans to make his return in September in the United States during one of Golden Boy’s shows. Bazinyan said he is not one to call out names, but he said he’ll grow into that demeanor the day he becomes a champion.

“I leave it to my team to choose my opponents and manage my career. I trust them. I’m ready to fight anyone in the top 10,” he said.

In the meantime, Bazinyan is gaining championship-caliber confidence through his training mates. He is surrounded by top-tier talent including Ramsey fighters in fellow Armenian David Lemieux as well as Artur Beterbiev, Eleider Alvarez and Arslanbek Makhmudov.

Bazinyan has even served as a sparring partner and received heavy leather from the unified light heavyweight champion Beterbiev.

“I know what it feels like to get hit in the ring. If my opponents hit like a rock, now I won’t stress or panic because I’ve felt it before,” Bazinyan said.

Bazinyan has also crossed over to the MMA side and even sparred boxing with fellow Armenian middleweight and undefeated UFC touted prospect Edmen Shahbazyan at the Glendale Fighting Club in California.

Each of them is now looking to be the country’s flag bearer in their respective sports.

Bazinyan joins a group of active up-and-coming Armenian fighters like Azat Hovhannisyan, Gor Yeritsyan, Narek Abgaryan, Aram Amirkhanyan — all of whom are trained by Freddie Roach  — as well as Zhora Hamazaryan and Ferdinand Kerobyan for a shot one day at a world title.

WBA cruiserweight champion Arsen Goulamirian and WBA flyweight titlist Artem Dalakian are the only active Armenian crownholders produced from the country.

Could Bazinyan be next?

“I looked up to Darchinyan and Abraham, and they helped me a lot. They were national heroes for the Armenian people. We were very proud of them. They gave me the motivation to be like them,” said Bazinyan. “I want to make history and become a champion, and stay champion for a long time.”

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist and member of the Boxing Writers Assn. of America since 2011. He has written for the likes of the LA Times, Guardian, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Men’s Health and NFL.com. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan or via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at].

Sports: Football: Armenia’s First League suspended, 5 clubs and 58 people disqualified

Ekmekjian Janet
Public Radio of Armenia
July 3 2020

Photo: Freeflagicons.com

Five clubs of the Armenian First League and 58 people have been disqualified, the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) reports.

The FFA Executive Committee held a special meeting today to discuss the the decision taken by the FFA Disciplinary and Ethics Committee on the involvement of the Aragats, Torpedo, Masis, Locomotive and Yerevan football clubs in match fixing.

Having discussed the facts and materials presented by the law enforcement agencies and UEFA, the Disciplinary Committee had earlier made a decision to disqualify the five teams and 58 people involved (including 45 for life).

Taking into account the decision of the FFA Disciplinary and Ethics Committee, the FFA Executive Committee unanimously voted in favor of terminating the First League.

 The decisions on the winner of the First League and the format of the next season will be made during the further sittings of the FFA Executive Committee, after the decisions on possible appeals by the clubs involved.

Sports: In Armenia prematurely ended the football championship, but the coronavirus is not to blame

Jane Topchian
The Times Hub
July 4 2020
 
 
 
In Armenia prematurely ended the football championship, but the coronavirus is not to blame
 
By Natasha Kumaron July 4, 2020in Sport
 
Five teams were disqualified for various periods of time for participation in contractual matches
 
In Armenia ahead of schedule finished the season in the First League championship, but the reason was not ill-fated coronavirus. The decision of the Executive Committee of football Federation of Armenia adopted after consideration of the case about contractual matches in the League. Five teams – the “Aragats”, “torpedo”, “Masis”, “locomotive” and “Yerevan” – were disqualified for various periods of time. Also under the sanctions were 58 people, 44 of them were suspended from football for life.
 
“Decisions were taken in relation to those clubs, in which case FFA received a reasonable, compelling evidence from international organizations and law enforcement agencies. The evidence that we have received from our international colleagues, will be transferred in law enforcement bodies.
 
However, this process ends. Established in the FFA, the Expert group will continue to work to identify all possible adverse occasions. In addition, this year introduced a licensing system for clubs of the First League. This will help prevent the emergence of clubs of unknown origin. Our goal is to eradicate corruption and contractual matches in Armenian football,” said Hayrapetyan Armen Melikbekyan.
 
 

Large blasts rock Turkish fireworks factory, 10 injured

Emil Lazarian

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 14:35, 3 July, 2020

YEREVAN, JULY 3, ARMENPRESS. A series of large explosions rocked a fireworks factory in northwest Turkey’s Sakarya province on Friday and 10 people were taken to hospital with injuries, Reuters reports.

Local governor Cetin Oktay Kaldirim said around 150-200 people were inside the complex in the Hendek district of Sakarya province.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the blasts.

Armenian PM congratulates President of Belarus on Independence Day

Lilit Nahapetian

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 13:45, 3 July, 2020

YEREVAN, JULY 3, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has sent a congratulatory message to Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on the occasion of Independence Day, the PM’s Office told Armenpress.

“Dear Mr. President,

I cordially congratulate you and all the citizens of the Republic of Belarus on your main state holiday – Independence Day.

I wish you every success and new achievements on the way to ensuring your country’s economic, social and scientific-technical development and enhancing its international standing.

It is emblematic that Belarus today celebrates its liberation from fascism. Our friendship, which was further strengthened during the Great Patriotic War, obliges us to carry on with the deep-rooted traditions and expand the scope of mutually beneficial partnership. I am confident that through concerted action, Yerevan and Minsk will be able to upgrade the Armenian-Belarusian interstate cooperation in qualitative terms.

Dear Alexander Grigoryevich,

I wish you robust health and good luck in all your endeavors, as well as peace, stability and prosperity – to the friendly people of the Republic of Belarus,” the congratulatory message reads.