Category: 2020

Aliyev should realise our internal difference will disappear in the face of external threats – Artur Vanetsyan

Alex Nanijanian
Panorama, Armenia

“Recent statement by the President of Azerbaijan speak of the difficult situation occurred in the country. The global oil price crash poses significant risks for the stability of the country and the ruling regime,” the Chairman of the Homeland Party Artur Vanetsyan said in an interview with Hraparak Daily.

Commenting on Aliyev’s Friday remarks, Vanetsyan noted that the Azerbaijani president tries to distort the history bot his and the Armenian people as well as the whole region in an attempt to divert the attention of own public from local issues.

“Aliyev’s assessments on the history preceding our independent statehood regrettably coincide with assessments of the acting leadership of Armenia which is the real danger for us. The intensity of Aliyev’s bellicose declarations has always been linked to oil prices,” Vanetsyan said, adding: “What refers to the newest history of Armenia, it has been a history of victories and establishing statehood despite all the gaps and mistakes. The occasional coinciding approaches of Pashinyan and Aliyev may not change the historical truth,” added the former Chief of Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS).

Vanetsyan next noted that anyone threatening Armenia should realize clearly that internal political differences will disappear in the face of external threats, and ‘the Armenian people will turn into an iron fist ready for new victories.’

He also called the attention of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to disrespectful statements by Aliyev about Armenia and its leadership ‘aimed at disrupting the peace process.’

EPP regrets approval of constitutional amendments by Armenia’s ruling majority

Babken Chilingarian
Panorama, Armenia

The European People’s Party (EPP) regrets that Armenia’s ruling majority passed the constitutional amendments running counter to the recommendations of the Venice Commission.

“EPP regrets that the ruling majority in Armenia has voted on the proposal for constitutional amendments in spite of the Venice Commission underscoring that it is not in line with its recommendations,” the party said on Twitter.

In another tweet, EPP expressed hope that Armenia, by reforming the country, will strengthen cooperation with the Venice Commission and strengthen the rule of law, democratic standards and protect the independence of the judiciary.

 

Criminal case Initiated on ‘online hooliganism’ by a Facebook user sent to court

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia

Preliminary investigation of the criminal case initiated on ‘online hooliganism combined with exceptional cynicism, threatening to use violence’ committed on «Facebook» social network by a user «Narek Sargsyan» was completed. As Armenia’s Investigative Committee reported, in the result of investigatory actions conducted during pretrial proceeding was particularly found out that during a 21-minute Facebook live user “Narek Sargsyan” scolded several incidents that had happened in Armenia and those involved in them, uttered impudent and insulting expressions also threatening to use violence.

A criminal case was initiated according to the Point 5 of the Part 3 of the Article 258 of RA Criminal Code on online hooliganism combined with exceptional cynicism, threatening to use violence.

Preliminary investigation was completed and the criminal case with the bill of indictment was sent to court, the Committee said.

Note: Everyone charged with alleged crime offence shall be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law.

Two Armenians on Forbes list of Russia’s most successful stars under 40

Maral Takmazian
Panorama, Armenia

Economy 13:43 27/06/2020Armenia

Two Armenians are on the Forbes 2020 list of the 40 most successful show business and sports personalities in Russia under the age of 40 released on Thursday.

24-year-old tennis player Karen Khachanov ($5.6 million) and 40-year-old comedian Mikhail Galustyan ($1.5 million) rank 23rd and 30th on the list, respectively.

UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov ($16.5 million) has retained his place at the summit of the annual ranking.

Russian TV host Olga Buzova and rapper Egor Kreed come second and third, respectively.

The rankings assign a score based on overall estimated income in the past year combined with perceived ‘popularity’ through aspects including online mentions and search requests (in Russian), as well as social media following, RT reports.

Russian Embassy in Armenia commented on the situation around the draft law "On Audiovisual Media"

Garnik Zakarian
Arminfo, Armenia

ArmInfo. The press service of the  Russian Embassy in Armenia made a statement on the requests of a  number of media outlets to comment on the situation in the  information space of Armenia around the draft law “On Audiovisual  Media” adopted in the first reading. . First of all, we would like to emphasize that this issue is  an internal affair of Armenia as a sovereign state. At the same time,  the new law will directly affect the fate of broadcasting of Russian  television channels in the Republic. Of course, we are closely  following the process of its consideration. But what if we look at  the situation around the draft law a little wider?

Of course, its adoption will lead to a fairly serious transformation  of the entire industry of the media space.  Under the new conditions,  foreign broadcasters, and today it is mainly a question of Russian  television channels, will be able to broadcast in a public multiplex  only on the basis of an interstate agreement. That is, it is  necessary to agree on new , which, apparently,  will be proposed by the Armenian side. The Russian side has  repeatedly indicated its readiness for an appropriate dialogue. We  are waiting for the response of the Armenian partners.

One important aspect of the discussion is the so-called “language”  security. As far as we understand, it stipulates the requirement  contained in the draft law on the mandatory “accompaniment” of a  foreign- language media product with dubbing or subtitles in  Armenian. Again, in fact, we are talking mainly about  Russian-language programs. It is no secret that even from the early  stage of the establishment of an independent Armenian state, the  Russian language from a formal point of view has lost any special  status.  New requirements essentially continue this process. But de  facto, the Russian language continues to play a greater role in  Armenia today than just a foreign language. We know that a  significant part of Armenian citizens is directly connected with  Russia – someone works there, someone lives with relatives, whom they  often visit, etc. Our countries are united by membership in the  Eurasian Economic Union and the Collective Security Treaty  Organization. For example, let’s take a look at the sensational  situation with the recognition of Armenian driver’s licenses in  Russia. For this, it was necessary that the Russian language in  Armenia have an official status. However, despite its absence,  understanding the importance of resolving this issue for many  Armenian citizens, the Russian side shows a constructive spirit and  expresses readiness by joint efforts within the EAEU to find an  acceptable solution to this complex issue, taking into account the  special ties between our countries. These are just some examples that  testify to the special role of the Russian language in Armenia, which  is a direct reflection of the realities of our relations.

The same realities determined the interest of the Armenian society in  Russian TV channels. By the way, according to the report on the  activities of the National Commission on Television and Radio of RA  broadcast on “Channel One”, “RTR Planet” and “Russia”. Culture> have  a fairly solid and well-established audience.

Given the new legislative requirements, involuntarily the question  arises of the availability of cable packages. If a person considers  that the set of channels of the public multiplex does not satisfy his  information needs, he will be forced to make a choice in favor of  cable television. However, you must admit that in Armenia today not  everyone can afford it.

Often it is heard various kinds of reproaches regarding the content  of programs shown on Russian television channels. This seems to be  largely a matter of preference. In general, any media, including  television channels, represent one or more points of view with which  the viewer has the right to agree or disagree. You can even challenge  them, because, as you know, truth is born in a dispute.

All this is a reflection that in no way claims to interfere in the  legislative process. Armenian parliamentarians will vote based on  their own understanding of the interests of their state and people.   Russia, of course, will respect any decisions in this regard. At the  same time, we hope that the above considerations will complement the  overall picture of the ongoing discussions. Moreover, the new law  will definitely have a significant impact on the information policy,  which is an important part of the overall complex of relations  between our countries and peoples>, the comment reads. 

Buquicchio pointed out the inconsistency of the constitutional amendment process with the clear recommendations of the Venice Commission

Jane Topchian
Arminfo, Armenia

ArmInfo. President of the Venice  Commission Gianni Buquicchio sent a response letter to former  President of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia  Hrayr Tovmasyan.

According to the press service of the Constitutional Court, the  letter says in particular: “I closely followed developments related  to constitutional changes in Armenia. I regret that they do not  comply with the clear recommendations of the Venice Commission. I can  only urge respect for the Constitution. This is a fundamental  requirement of the rule of law>.

To recall, on June 24, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian signed a  package of bills, including those related to amendments to the law on  the Constitutional Court. The relevant amendments were approved by  the National Assembly at an extraordinary meeting on June 22.  According to the amendments, the powers of the judges of the  Constitutional Court Felix Tokhyan, Hrant Nazarian and Alvina  Gyulumyan, who had been in office for more than 12 years, were  terminated. Already former head of the Constitutional Court Hrayr  Tovmasyan will continue to work as a judge.

The chairman and deputy chairman of the Constitutional Court will be  elected after the approval of the full composition of the Court (9  judges). Moreover, the current composition of 6 judges is sufficient  for the legality of the convened meetings, that is, the activities of  the Constitutional Court will not be interrupted.  According to the  law, in the absence of the chairman and deputy chairman of the  Constitutional Court, the powers of the chairman are temporarily  performed by the oldest judge, that is, Ashot Khachatryan.

Asbarez: UPDATE: Massive Brush Fire Near Dzidzernagapert Contained

Hambardsumian Paul

A massive brushfire is reported at Dzidzernagapert Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex

A massive brush fire that was burning at the Dzizdernagapert Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum has been contained at around 11:32 p.m. on Friday, according to Armenia’s Emergency Situations Ministry.

The National Crisis Management Center was notified of the fire at 8:58 and a total of 120 firefighters were involved in the operation. Minister of Emergency Situations Felix Tsolakyan is at the scene, reported Public Radio of Armenia.

Yerevan City Council spokesperson Hakop Karapetyan said in a Facebook post that one the probable cause of the fire could be a large-scale fireworks display near the vicinity of the memorial complex some 30 minutes before the fire erupted.

“Fireworks at restaurants are a major problem in the city,” said Karapetyan.

Tsolakyan said the cause of the fire was being investigated but did not rule out that fireworks could have played a role in the blaze.

Firefighters will remain at the site, saying the fire might erupt again due to windy conditions.

A group of volunteers, all members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Youth Organization of Armenia rushed to the scene of the fire and offered to help the firefighters, following their instructions.

Asbarez: ABMDR Facilitates Life-Saving Stem Cell Harvesting Procedure In Yerevan Despite Pandemic

Jirair Kafian

A scene from the stem cell harvesting procedure.

LOS ANGELES—Despite the ongoing worldwide lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and despite unprecedented obstacles to the delivery of critically-needed healthcare, the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry performed its 35th stem cell harvesting procedure in Yerevan on June 23, to facilitate a life-saving transplant for an Armenian patient in Germany.

Ever since the World Health Organization announced the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, the Republic of Armenia, like any other country, has gone into a nationwide lockdown, in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. During this time, hospitals were instructed to postpone or delay all non-life-threatening procedures, including treatments for certain cancer patients.

COVID-19 made the situation of cancer patients even worse, due to the danger of severe health complications in case of an infection. Ironically, a state of isolation or lockdown, including the practices of wearing masks and social distancing, is not unfamiliar to cancer patients, who, because of their chemotherapy and radiation treatments, must adhere to those restrictions in the course of their “normal” lives.

ABMDR staff members with the special international courier (fourth from left) at ABMDR’s Stem Cell Harvesting Center, in Yerevan.

“The restrictions necessitated by the pandemic make one appreciate more the hardships and isolation that most cancer patients must go through in their daily lives,” said Dr. Frieda Jordan, President of ABMDR. “As a registry, we felt that although most other registries throughout the world have stopped their services in terms of donor search, we had to continue our life-saving work, and to continue to be a beacon of hope for patients whose last hope of survival is to have a matched donor for a stem-cell transplant.”

“We appreciate the fact that finding a matched donor is very difficult,” Dr. Jordan said. “We want our patients to know that they are not forgotten, that they can rely on us, and have their stem cell transplant once hospitals resume their activities after the lockdown.”

ABMDR’s 35th stem cell harvesting procedure on June 23 took place at the registry’s Stem Cell Harvesting Center in Yerevan. The stem cells were donated by a young Yerevan resident for a chance to save the life of her brother in Germany.

A scene from the stem cell harvesting procedure.

“Extraordinary efforts were required, in Armenia and Germany alike, for the seamless performance of the harvesting procedure in Yerevan, and the same-day delivery of the harvested stem cells to Germany through a special international courier,” said Dr. Sevak Avagyan, ABMDR’s Executive Director. “Everything had to be implemented like clockwork, including obtaining all emergency permits from the Ministry of Health and the Pandemic Emergency Committee. Every second counted!”

Dr. Avagyan thanked in particular the Health Ministry of Armenia, various government agencies, and Belavia Airlines for the smooth implementation of the entire process.

Dr. Jordan said that despite the extraordinary circumstances of the past several months, ABMDR has continued to perform all tests for patients in Armenia and worldwide, proceeded to collect cord blood samples, and, above all, identified and facilitated the registry’s 35th harvest.

Dr. Jordan added that ABMDR has taken one big step further during this period, by applying its scientific resources and knowledge for a major research project that seeks to understand the relationship between COVID-19 and genetics, as manifested in an Armenian population sample. “Our hope is to draw a conclusion on the correlation of individual HLA profiles and susceptibility to the disease,” Dr. Jordan said and concluded, “Our research paper is progressing, and we hope it will be presented at all international scientific forums soon!”

Established in 1999, ABMDR, a nonprofit organization, helps Armenians and non-Armenians worldwide survive life-threatening blood-related illnesses by recruiting and matching donors to those requiring bone marrow stem cell transplants. To date, the registry has recruited over 32,000 donors in 33 countries across four continents, identified over 9,000 patients, and facilitated 35 bone marrow transplants. For more information, call (323) 663-3609 or visit abmdr.am.

Asbarez: Merdinian School Holds Commencement Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

Ara Felekian

Medinian School’s 8th grade graduation

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and current public safety measures, the C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School in Sherman Oaks, Calif. held its graduation ceremonies in the School’s parking lot, on Sunday, June 14. Beginning at 9:30 am, the School had three separate ceremonies.

At the Kindergarten Graduation, Principal Lina Arslanian pointed out in her remarks that due to the situation created by COVID-19, the School faced an urgent and unprecedented situation. In a matter of a few days, the School administration, and the teaching staff, in cooperation with the parents, managed to switch to distance learning and complete the school year. Following her speech, Mrs. Arslanian invited the Kindergarten graduates and their parents to approach the stage while staying in their cars to receive their diplomas and gifts.

Following the Kindergarten “drive through” graduation ceremony, the Elementary School graduates and their parents entered the School’s parking lot in their cars and parked. Hovhannes Benneian, the student with the highest average grade in the class, read his message in Armenian, and Adriana Arakelian, the student with the second highest average grade, read her message in English. Graduating students were then called to the stage one by one to receive their diplomas and gifts and be photographed in front of a special poster.

Finally, the eighth-grade students entered the School’s parking lot in their parents’ cars and parked near the stage area. Following the social distancing rules, each graduating student got out of their parents’ car and stood in front of the stage.

Julia Ayrapetyan, who had the second highest average grade in class, read her salutatorian message in English. She noted that she had only attended Merdinian this year, yet she was thankful to everyone for how well she was received. She added that she had gained so much knowledge in that short period of time, which will serve as a foundation for her future education, and for countless pleasant moments that will never be forgotten.

Nayiri Karadjian and Alexa Buchakian, who had scored the highest average grade in the class, read their valedictorian messages. Nairi in her Armenian message confirmed that Merdinian was not only a school but also a home that helped her grow and develop, sowing the seeds of success. In her English valedictorian message, Alexa mentioned the words of Winnie the Pooh, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” and added that, that something was Merdinian for her. She had spent eleven years in a place where she felt safe and secure. “My days at this wonderful school are unforgettable. Thank you for giving me this opportunity, and I am grateful to my teachers who inspired me and have always been by my side,” she said.

An excited Merdinian graduate

Hovsep Ayvazyan, who scored the third highest average grade in the class, on behalf of his classmates handed Mrs. Arslanian a beautiful framed collage of the graduating class pictures to be displayed next to the previous years’ class photo collage.

The ceremony ended with a prayer offered by Lena Ekmekjian, Head of Merdinian’s Religion Department.

Merdinian has completed an unusual school year and the Class of 2020 will always remember that they are the graduates of an extraordinary year. Congratulations and bon voyage to the graduates!

Established in 1982, the C & E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School is the only Armenian Evangelical School in the United States. The School offers a broad-based curriculum that fosters academic excellence, high moral values, and spiritual enrichment in the Armenian Evangelical tradition. The School strives to create a safe and nurturing environment where every student receives personal attention to become a successful and responsible individual. For more information, you may contact Principal Arslanian at 818.907.8149.

(Adapted by Louisa Janbazian from an Armenian article)

Asbarez: AEF Launches Scholarships for AUA Graduate Students

Christine Harutyunian

AUA graduates

The Armenian Educational Foundation announced the launch of 20 new scholarships, over the next two years, for students beginning their graduate studies at the American University of Armenia. Students pursuing a Master’s degree in any of AUA’s nine graduate programs are eligible to apply. Selected recipients will receive full funding for their tuition for the entire duration of their studies, and in turn must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet AEF’s community service requirements of 120 hours of annual volunteering.

AEF President Peter Baghdassarian thanked AEF benefactors and scholarship sponsors for their generous support. He said, “these new scholarships are a part of AEF’s 70-year unwavering commitment to Armenian students aspiring to fulfill their higher educational goals. With the recent scholarships added, we are expanding our reach of universities to include AUA. These students will join over 550 peers across Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk currently receiving much needed AEF’s financial support for their studies.”

Since 2007, the Scholarship Committee of Armenia has critically and equitably evaluated thousands of applicants, identifying high achievers in need of financial support. Special focus has been placed on students that come from single-parent or multi-children families, from villages, and those who are children of veterans. A holistic and transparent selection process allows AEF to identify and prioritize students who have completed their military service and have demonstrated volunteer service while attaining notable academic achievements.

“AUA firmly believes that financial aid is necessary to ensure everyone has equal access to higher education. While the University offers a one-of-the-kind tuition assistance for citizens of Armenia, we are extremely excited for this partnership. AEF is a leader in providing much needed scholarships to youth in Armenia and we are thrilled that they have expanded their sponsorship to include AUA’s graduate students. I am sure that this is only the beginning of a great collaboration,” says AUA President Dr. Markides.

If you would like to become a scholarship sponsor, please contact the AEF office at 818-242-4154 or email [email protected]. For more information about AUA and its graduate programs, visit admissions.aua.am.