Category: 2020

Limit of contactless payments without entering PIN code via IDBank’s Visa cards is 20,000 AMD

Emil Lazarian

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 17:49,

YEREVAN, APRIL 23, ARMENPRESS. Contactless payments are more than applicable nowadays. From now on, the limit for making a payment without entering the PIN code for newly issued cards is 20,000 AMD.

To pay via IDBank’s Visa payWave cards at different stores, you just need to keep the card near the POS terminal.

With this step, IDBank allows its customers not to endanger their health and make payments without even transferring the card to the merchant.

As was mentioned at the Bank, it is possible to make payments also through those IDBank cards attached to theIdram wallet, using QR and NFC technologies.

IDBank offers Idram Rocket Visa as well as Visa Gold, Visa Platinum, Visa Signature, Visa Infinite debit and credit cards, which you can order from the Idram app and from the Bank’s website.

THE BANK IS CONTROLLED BY THE CBA

Entire Armenian nation is waiting for re-establishment of justice and truth – President Sarkissian

Tambiyan Samvel

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 18:04,

YEREVAN, APRIL 23, ARMENPRESS.  President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian issued a message on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the President’s Office, the message runs as follows,

”Dear Compatriots in Armenia, Artsakh and Spyurk,

This year, the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is commemorated in accordance with a protocol forced on us by the pandemic. However, our tribute to the memory of our holy martyrs has never been measured by the visits to the Genocide Memorial in Yerevan or other memorials dedicated to the Armenian Genocide.

We remember our victims all the time and everywhere, no matter where in the world we are. We pray for them in our souls and minds, name by name. Remembrance and the pain of loss, intertwined with our resolve to win and achieve justice by being alive, has been with us for the last 105 years.

The Armenian Genocide took place more than one hundred years ago; the Armenian people were deprived of their possessions and of their fatherland. But the entire Armenian nation is waiting for the re-establishment of justice and truth.

Many historians and analysts, state and political figures of the day, considered one of the greatest injustices of the world created after the WW I the total neglect for the rights of the Armenian people.

The loss of 1.5 million lives had a substantial impact on the reproductive abilities of our nation: today our numbers should have been not 10-12 million but at least its double.

The issue of recognition of the Genocide, which the Armenians raise before the international community and Turkey, has a number of components: duty of remembrance, prevention of the repetition and condemnation of such crimes, elimination of the consequences of the Genocide.

It is unacceptable to view the recognition of the Armenian Genocide from the standpoint of momentarily economic or political interests related to Ankara.

Such an approach will stop the world in its advancement.

We cannot on one hand declare that we are going to fight together against xenophobia, discrimination, intolerance, anti-Semitism, denial and other all-human vices, and on the other hand “play diplomacy” with Turkey on the Armenian Genocide.

Many of the states, which have huge interests in Turkey, have overcome that barrier, and we are grateful to them.

We are also grateful to the countries which after the Genocide opened their doors and gave refuge to those who had survived that catastrophe.

We are grateful to the missionaries, military doctors and nurses, diplomats and to the nations and individuals who in those desperate days often put their own life and safety in harm’s way and lent a helping hand and saved many Armenians.

The stance of the successive Turkish governments, which have been carrying out the denial policy on the state level to escape the recognition of the Genocide is unacceptable.

Statute of limitation does not apply to the crime of genocide. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Turkey and elimination of its consequences is a matter of security for Armenia, the Armenian nation, and the region.

We will not forget the Armenian Genocide; we will not submit to its consequences.

Dear Compatriots,

Today, along with painful memories, we ought to speak also about tenacity and heroism of our people.

The Genocide was also a story of daily survival and struggle of the Armenian nation, a story of strong spirit and unbending will. It was a struggle for life. Struggle for the preservation of the national identity, a struggle for the right to preserve national memory and pass it to the next generations.

The Genocide was also a story of a daily heroism when life and survival became a struggle. We strived, struggled, and triumphed.

We were able to triumph over death; we survived and reemerged. Today’s independent Armenia, the free Artsakh, as well as the well-organized and successful Diaspora testify to that and give us new opportunities.

Opportunities to unite as a nation and people, to combine our efforts and abilities to achieve our national aspirations.

I am sure of that.

I remember and demand.

God bless the Armenian people”.

This tragedy has not been forgotten – Lithuanian MP about Armenian Genocide

Emil Karabekian

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 18:15,

YEREVAN, APRIL 23, ARMENPRESS.   Guoda Burokienė, head of the Lithuanian Seimas’ Group for Inter-Parliamentary Relations (Friendship Group) with the Republic of Armenia issued a message on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Embassy of Armenia in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. 

‘’On the 24th of April annually, for more than one hundred years now, Armenians all over the world and the entire advanced society commemorate a sad date – Armenian Genocide Memorial Day. In 1915–1916, some 1.5 million Armenians fell victim to mass murders and expulsions. It was one of the biggest mass atrocities in the 20th century inflicting incalculable damages to the Armenian nation as a whole.

This tragedy, however, has not been forgotten. Lithuania, like many other countries, has recognized the genocide of the Armenian nation. Humankind must be aware of the tragedy to ensure that similar history does not repeat itself. The Armenians, who have been scattered around the world by the tragedy, build active communities that foster close links and keep history alive.

In this difficult time of the global fight against the pandemic and of the deepening social isolation, we should maintain unity, demonstrate international solidarity, and foster our historical memory. I take this opportunity to express to you, Dear Friends, my wishes of strong health, hope, and perseverance”, reads the message.

Reference: The Lithuanian Seimas friendship group with the Parliament of Armenia was formed after the 2016 Parliamentary elections and with its 46 members is considered one of the largest groups.

The Lithuanian Seimas has officially recognised the Armenian Genocide in December 15, 2005.

Artsakh’s Defense Ministry publishes photos of parts of Azerbaijani downed UAV

Boshkezenian Garik

Artsakh’s Defense Ministry publishes photos of parts of Azerbaijani downed UAV

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 18:29,

YEREVAN, APRIL 22, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Artsakh has published the photos of the parts of the Azerbaijani UAV downed on April 21 in the southern direction of the contact line.

Artsakh’s Defense Ministry informed ARMENPRESS on April 21 that the air defense units of the Defense Army of Artsakh located in the southern direction of the contact line detected Azerbaijani ORBITER reconnaissance UAV entering Artsakh’s air space on April 21 and down it. Artsakh’s Defense Ministry once again called on the Azerbaijani side to refrain from provocative actions and assured that any attempt will be adequately responded.




Artsakh’s participation in all stages of negotiation process is mandatory – President of parliament

Liana Toganian

Artsakh’s participation in all stages of negotiation process is mandatory – President of parliament

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 20:35,

YEREVAN, APRIL 22, ARMENPRESS. President of the National Assembly of Artsakh Ashot Ghoulyan has commented on the announcments of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, noting that irrespective of the content of the proposals developed by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs and irrespective of their names, be it Lisbon, Key West, Madrid, Kazan or something else, they will be inadmissible for Artsakh if they are to be developed and discussed without the participation of the direct side of the conflict, the Republic of Artsakh, ARMENPRESS reports Ghoulyan wrote on his Facebook page.

‘’Judging from the answers of the Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, one can assume that stubborn efforts are being made for restoing the deadlock option of Artsakh-Azerbaijan conflict settlement, which is the ‘’step-by-step’’ option.

The Foreign Minister of an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country, who has deep information on the conflict, could have given more complete comments on the developments. Indeed, all the 4 resolutions of the UNSC were adopted in 1993, during the war. The priority and key demand of those resolutions was the total suspension of military actions, unblocking of communication means and start of negotiations. Did the other side of the conflict, Baku, really implement the main demand of the resolutions? If it had implemented, the war would not have lasted until May, 1994, when the Azerbaijani side was forced to sign Yerevan-Baku-Stepanakert trilateral agreement on ceasefire and the agreement on reinforcing the ceasefire regime signed in February, 1995.

It should be emphasized that the mentioned two agreements are the exclusive agreements signed during the entire process of Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict settlement, which were achieved by trilateral format.

Afterwards, numerous settlement options have been discussed, which have been denied either by Baku or by Stepanakert and remained on paper. I want to draw special attention on the fact that the settlement option denied by Stepanakert (October, 1997) was later named ‘’Step-by-step’’ option. Even if we try to understand the Co-chairs’ consistent efforts to find new ways for settlement, one can merely feel sorry for the fact that those quests took them back to the concept denied 23 years ago.

Irrespective of the content of the proposals developed by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs and irrespective of their names, be it Lisbon, Key West, Madrid, Kazan or something else, they will be inadmissible for Artsakh if they are to be developed and discussed without the participation of the direct side of the conflict, the Republic of Artsakh. And this last announcement that the step-by-step option is on the negotiation table once again makes us confident that Artsakh’s participation is mandatory, moreover, it’s mandatory in all stages of the negotiations’’, President of the National Assembly of Artsakh Ashot Ghoulyan wrote.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Asbarez: ARF Bureau Statement on Lavrov’s Remarks

Vorskanian Yeghisabet
April 23, 2020

Armenian Revolutionary Federation

The Bureau of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation expresses its concern over statements made by the Russian Foreign Minister today at this juncture of the Artsakh (Karabakh) conflict peace negotiations. The ARF Bureau is also concerned that the Russian Foreign Minister’s statements were made hours before the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan were scheduled to hold a virtual meeting.

Any given proposal for a resolution to the conflict must include the recognition of Artsakh’s independence. There must be parity in any agreement between the sides and it must be reached concurrently.

It is imperative that all approaches are realized through succinct vision, which in that regard include the signing of the strategic-political cooperations agreement between the republics of Artsakh and Armenia, as well as taking active steps toward the international recognition of the Artsakh Republic.

We anticipate and demand from Armenia’s authorities that in the negotiation process they be guided the 1991 declaration of independence by the people of Artsakh and subsequent constitutional referenda as an _expression_ of their free will.

The Armenian government must officially announce that there is no document on the table that calls for the phased approach to the conflict resolution and Armenia will not sign such an agreement under external pressures.

At the same time, we find it imperative to state that the only way to confront external pressures is through national accord and harmony. the establishment of which solely lies on the shoulders of Armenia’s authorities. All of us, as a Nation, bear responsibility and have work to do for the Artsakh issue.

ARF Bureau
April 21, 2020




Asbarez: Asbarez Exclusive: Schiff Discusses Genocide, U.S. Aid to Armenia, Artsakh

Kajoyan Gevork

Asbarez Editor Ara Khachatourian on April 22 spoke to Rep, Adam Schiff (D-CA-28) via Skype.The Congressman told Khachatourian that he will be taking part in community commemorations of the Armenian Genocide virtually, adding that Congress must continue legislative efforts to expand Genocide education and address “justice, restitution and reparations” for the Armenian Genocide.

He praised the recent presidential and parliamentary elections in Artsakh, and advocated for continued U.S. assistance for Artsakh de-mining efforts.

Schiff presented an update on the latest developments in Congress regarding the COVID-19 crisis, and also called for the reprogramming of U.S. assistance for Armenia’s COVID-19 efforts.

[see video]

Armenia Defense Minister visits combat positions at border

Emil Lazarian

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 10:08,

YEREVAN, APRIL 23, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan visited on April 22 the combat positions of the Armenian military situated in the south-western direction of the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border.

He was briefed on the tactical-strategic situation on the border, the implemented and current engineering and reinforcements works and re-equipment – logistical issues.

Tonoyan talked with the troops and assured that the authorities are always focused on the continuous improvement of the social-household conditions of the military personnel.

The Defense Minister awarded encouragement rewards to the troops serving in the high-altitude mountainous terrain and thanked them for their excellent service.

The commanders of the military bases also delivered their briefings.

Editing and translating by Stepan Kocharyan

City of Glendale Moves Armenian Genocide Commemoration Online

Anna Tamamian

Glendale will commemorate Armenian Genocide online

Due to coronavirus restrictions, the City of Glendale has decided to move its commemoration of the Armenian, annually held at the Alex Theatre, online, and will present a video compilation of past Armenian Genocide commemoration events on 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 23.

The city announced on Wednesday that program will also include messages from

Glendale Mayor Vrej Agajanian; Glendale City Councilmembers Daniel Brotman, Paula Devine, Ardashes “Andy” Kassakhian and Ara Najarian; Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank); State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada-Flintridge); Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale); and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (5th District).

Tonight’s program may be seen on GTV 6 (Spectrum), Ch. 99 (AT&T), streamed on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

The city has also planned to broadcast the documentary“What Will Become of Us,” at 7 p.m April 24 on GTV 6 (Spectrum), Ch. 99 (AT&T).

Asbarez: An Appeal to Armenian Youth

Emil Lazarian

2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the Sevres Treaty.

In Commemoration of the 105th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and the 100th Anniversary of the Treaty of Sèvres

Armenian youth, the descendants of the Armenian Genocide.

The security of the Armenian Nation’s physical existence, the complete territorial integrity of the Homeland, and our independent statehood are supreme values. The efforts to restore and strengthen these values is paramount. Any encroachment upon these values must be condemned.

Turkey, the successor to the Ottoman Empire, has not escaped responsibility for the Armenian Genocide thanks to the tireless struggle of the Armenian people and specifically the sacrifice of the Armenian youth. It is through this tireless struggle and sacrifice that the Armenian Genocide has received overwhelming recognition by the international community.

Dear youth,

Let’s not confuse the process and the means with the goal. Being content with the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by foreign nations, and even Turkey, is only a delusion. It is through the restoration of our national rights that justice and our human dignity can be restored, and our Nation’s existence will become safe and secure.

105 years after the Armenian Genocide, the struggle for our right to territorial, financial, and moral justice is still in its early stages.

2020 also marks the centennial of the Treaty of Sèvres, which ensures the just reparations for the Armenian people.  This Treaty and the accompanying Wilsonian Arbitral Award are inviolable.

Today, we express our outrage, that 100 years later, the Treaty of Sèvres and the Wilsonian Arbitral Award have not been realized, the crime has continued to go unpunished, and the international community has renounced its moral obligations due to its political interests — leaving the Armenian people victimized once again, without justice.

It remains the conviction of the youth of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation that:

  • Renouncing our just rights not only betrays the 1.5 million martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, but also makes the Armenian people and the citizens of the Republic of Armenia more susceptible to Turkish and Azeri threats, thus weakening the security of the nation.
  • Western Armenia is not only a historical homeland, but also an occupied territory, that has yet to be liberated.
  • Taking into account the Treaty of Sèvres as a foundation of the demands of the Armenian people, the ARF youth are committed to marking its relevance and realizing its goals.

Therefore, we call on the Armenian youth to:

  • Have faith that we will be able to restore our rights. Unity and expressing solidarity in our demands are prerequisites to our success. With this in mind, the pan-Armenian declaration on the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is of paramount importance.
  • As the core of a United Armenia, we should not spare any effort in strengthening and supporting the Armenian state. A just resolution in the Artsakh liberation struggle is vital in achieving our goals.
  • Strengthen the connection of Armenian youth with Western Armenia, specifically in regards to its historical, cultural, ethnographical, and geographical information and values.
  • Develop and acquire professional skills in political science, historiography, genocide studies, and international law.
  • Become participants in the pursuit of the Armenian Cause by providing a new focus and always fighting for the restoration of rights of the Armenian people.
  • World history shows that every nation has reached its national goals through unity and a reliance on its own strength. Through our continued collective struggle, the Armenian nation will achieve justice.

ARF Bureau Youth Office
April 21, 2020