Category: 2020

Russia to extradite Armenia former MP

Kalantarian Kevo
News.am, Armenia
April 8 2020

10:55, 08.04.2020
                  

Office of the Prosecutor General of the Russian Federation has granted the request of its counterparts in Armenia to extradite former Armenian MP Levon Sargsyan who is wanted, the office informed RIA Novosti.

In November 2019, the Armenia Police announced the detention of Sargsyan in Zelenograd, Russia, who has been wanted by the Armenian law enforcement agencies since October 1, 2018 on suspicion of robbery, and participation in criminal cooperation by an organized group to steal large amounts of property.

In March, Gor Abrahamyan, the spokesperson for the Prosecutor General’s Office of Armenia, had said that Russia had decided to extradite Sargsyan to Yerevan.

Levon Sargsyan was a member of the Armenian parliament of several convocations, and a member of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia.

About 400 Armenian national return home from Moscow by two flights

Chalian Meline
TASS, Russia
April 8 2020
Upon arrival in Armenia, these people will be obliged to go into 14-day quarantine
© Tatyana Belyakova/TASS

TASS, April 8.  About 400 Armenian nationals have returned home from Russia by two flights chartered by the Armenian embassy, the Armenian embassy in Russia said on Tuesday.

“On April 6 and 7, Armenian nationals returned to Armenia by two flights,” the embassy wrote on its Facebook account.

According to the embassy, more than 150 Armenians who had been unable to buy tickets were taken home free of charge.

Upon arrival in Armenia, these people will be obliged to go into 14-day quarantine.

About 200 Armenian nationals, who failed to take these flights, have been accommodated at four hotels. Twenty opted to stay at the airport.

As a result of restrictive measures taken in most of world nations over the coronavirus pandemic, many people have problems with returning to their home countries.

In late December 2019, Chinese officials notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about the outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, in central China. Since then, cases of the novel coronavirus – named COVID-19 by the WHO – have been reported in every corner of the globe, including Russia.

On March 11, 2020, the WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. According to the latest statistics, roughly 1,350,000 people have been infected worldwide and more than 74,000 deaths have been reported. That said, over 286,000 individuals have recovered from the illness across the globe.

“Media Advocate” initiative hopes current Armenia authorities will not listen to calls of First President

Yeghisabet Arthur
News.am, Armenia
April 8 2020

17:28, 08.04.2020
                  

The first President of the Republic of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan published an article, where he, particularly, noted: “While the authorities are engaged in almost everyday hard work, a huge army of unappreciated geniuses, provocateurs and malevolents, with countless media outlets and hundreds of fake accounts controlled by well-known forces, has in fact opened up a second front of war against them,” the “Media Advocate” initiative noted this in a statement which also reads as follows: 

In fact, Ter-Petrosyan deepens the misconception that some media outlets are just propaganda tools which are under the influence of this or that political force. Such allegations diminish the role of the free press in the Republic of Armenia, lowering them from news disseminators to the level of a politics tool. The first president adds: “By all means of propaganda and upbringing, to oblige the society to obey the instructions of the Commandant controlling the State of Emergency and the Minister of Health and strictly follow their instructions. Stop the propaganda and actions of sowing the seeds of distrust and hatred towards the authorities, leaving the issue of demanding answers from them in the future.”

When declaring the state of emergency, Nikol Pashinyan’s government envisaged restrictions on the press, which received a very harsh response from both our society and the international community. Levon Ter-Petrosyan, actually, demands a much harsher approach from the authorities than they have adopted. He also expressed hope that “the second and third presidents of Armenia will instruct the media outlets under their control to immediately stop their fierce struggle initiated against the current authorities and will not lose this proper moment to behave like statesmen.” In fact, Ter-Petrosyan does not accept that there is a free press in Armenia, and if the media outlets report anything different from the official point or contradicting it, then they are under the control of the second or third president.

Such political simplification not only helps Nikol Pashinyan, who from the very first day of coming to power has been fighting against media outlets that are not controlled by him, but also show that Pashinyan does not bother himself to look through the media outlets controlled by the first president, spreading hostility and propaganda on a daily basis.

“Media Advocate” initiative condemns such harsh attacks on media under the guise of consolidating the society and hopes that the current Armenian authorities will not listen to the calls of the first president and will remain faithful to their constitutional duty of protecting the freedom of the press.

Newspaper: Armenia authorities seeking ways out of "deadlock" on Constitutional Court

Kanayan Tamar
News.am, Armenia
April 8 2020

09:27, 08.04.2020
                  

YEREVAN. – Past daily of Armenia writes. According to Past’s sources, the issue of dismissal of 7 judges of the CC [Constitutional Court] remains on the political agenda of the authorities; it is even more priority than overcoming the current and expected crises.

In particular, it is envisaged to make decisions in that direction based on the situation, using the mechanisms that do not prevent the Constitution. According to the newspaper’s information, the most preliminary option for the settlement of the issue is currently being discussed; namely, resolving the issue in the parliament by voting because it is not clear how long this situation will continue.

By the way, an attempt is already being gradually made to put forward the thesis that “the people have given a mandate to the ruling force,” and [therefore] the ruling [parliamentary] faction, as if, has to solve the issue in the parliament very quickly.

Levon Ter-Petrosyan publishes article devoted to coronavirus and situation in Armenia

Arsine Chaltikian
News.am, Armenia
April 8 2020

00:12, 08.04.2020
                  

In his article published on iLur.am, first President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan talks about the coronavirus and the situation in Armenia.

According to him, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Armenia has found itself in a war that is much graver and much more dangerous than ordinary wars since the virus is everywhere and invisible and nobody is secured.

He adds that, based on his impression, the Armenian authorities are treating their duties with responsibility, in spite of some mistakes and shortcomings, and they are mainly taking all the possible and necessary steps. Judging from the public’s reactions, overall, the President positively assesses the work of medical workers, the police and the Ministry of Emergency Situations and emphasizes the major role of the Commandant for the State of Emergency and the health minister.

However, he notes that while the authorities are busy working round-the-clock, there is an enormous army of saboteurs and malicious people who are instilling hatred and enmity towards the authorities with the numerous presses and hundreds of ‘fakes’ under the control of well-known forces.

Taking all this into consideration, the President believes it is necessary to take certain steps that don’t require much effort, and those steps are the following:

1. Oblige the public to follow the instructions of the Commandant for the State of Emergency and the Minister of Health and strictly complete their assignments;

2. Stop the propaganda and actions for instilling lack of confidence and hatred in the authorities;

3. Address the anti-virus measures and advice and proposals regarding the social issues arising from those measures to the Commandant’s Office, creating within the Office a special group to explore those proposals and implement them when appropriate;

4. Stop the activities of the parliamentary committee leading a probe into the circumstances of the Four-Day Artsakh War temporarily since this irritates the people even more;

5. Put an end to the disturbances in regard to the elections in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and ensure full management of Artsakh through the speedy establishment of new state bodies;

6. Hope that the second and third Presidents of Armenia will order the presses under their control to stop leading a mad struggle against the authorities.

In closing, the President states that it is needless to say that, at this crucial moment in time, anyone who disturbs or fails to support the authorities and creates additional problems for them will put not only the country’s national security, but also their lives at risk.

Armenian, Russian FMs highlight mutual assistance in fighting the pandemic

Tambiyan Samvel
Vestnik Kavkaza
April 8 2020
8 Apr in 19:00

At the initiative of the Armenian side, a telephone conversation took place between Armenian FM Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, Armenpress.am reports.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of MFA Armenia, the FMs referred to the measures aimed at the prevention of the novel coronavirus, emphasizing the importance of mutual assistance and exchange of information.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Sergey Lavrov also referred to a number of issues on Armenia-Russia agenda, as well as cooperation in the sidelines of regional and international organizations.

The sides also discussed the recent developments over Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.

Istanbul-Armenian workers returning to Armenia

Manouk Vasilian
News.am, Armenia
April 8 2020

20:11, 08.04.2020
                  

About 100 Armenians of Istanbul are returning to Armenia in four buses. Naira Harutyunyan, one of the returnees, told Armenian News-NEWS.am that the Government of Armenia has solved her and the other Armenians’ financial issues.

“I have worked in Istanbul for six years. I wasn’t a registered worker, and when my workplace was closed, I didn’t receive a salary. I stayed home for 27 days and decided to address the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. I was provided with the contacts of volunteers in Istanbul who also helped us come together and return to Armenia,” she said, adding that she and the others know that they will be quarantined as soon as they arrive in Armenia and that they have been provided with face masks, gloves and dry and wet napkins.

Armenia’s coronavirus cases rise to 881 as of April 8

Kalashian Nyrie
Panorama, Armenia
April 8 2020
Health 12:12 08/04/2020 Armenia

Armenia has confirmed 28 new coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of cases to 881 in the country as of 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

So far, 114 people have recovered and 9 have died from COVID-19 in Armenia.

The results of 4,571 tests have come back negative.


Sports: Rising basketball star Gary Chivichyan planning to be first Armenian in NBA

Talar Tumanian
Public Radio of Armenia
April 8 2020

Gary Chivichyan, a rising basketball star, who currently plays for Pacific Tigers, the University of Pacific Men’s basketball team, strives to become the first Armenian to make it into the NBA.

“The plan right now is I want to be the first Armenian to ever make it into the NBA. I’m headed towards that route. I’m working towards that route,” he told the ESPN.

“The plan right now is I want to be the first Armenian to ever make it into the #NBA. I’m headed towards that route. I’m working towards that route.” –@PacificMensBB senior @GaryChivichyan with @VeniceMase & @LAIreland

Good luck to our #710SeniorShoutout! pic.twitter.com/lULOwfljox

— ESPN Los Angeles (@ESPNLosAngeles) April 7, 2020

According to CloutNews, born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Chivichyan was the only Armenian basketball player in Division 1 this past season. Chivichyan, who is keen to share that he is of full Armenian descent, is prideful of his heritage and accomplishments as a pure Armenian; and has become one of the most significant advocates for competitive sports and its benefits in the community.

Chivichyan finished his senior year at the University of The Pacific, ranking second in points scored on a deep team which had a 13-man rotation. The team’s fortunes improved dramatically in the current year upon Chivichyan’s arrival. Gary is regarded as a possible NBA prospect due to his elite-level shooting and the ability to score the ball at will.

National Basketball team. His goal is to become a role model for the Armenian youth.He is dedicated to continuing on his upward trend.

Food: Apricot Stone Will FaceTime You to Recreate the Restaurant Experience at Home

Khoyetsian Rose
The Eater – Philadelphia
April 8 2020

At the Armenian BYOB in Northern Liberties, Ara Ishkhanian is doing his best to make customers feel like they’re dining out

by Rachel Vigoda

While restaurant dining rooms across the state are shuttered during the coronavirus pandemic, Philly restaurant owners are getting creative when it comes to engaging — and entertaining — customers. Bud & Marilyn’s menu for delivery and takeout includes 1,000-piece puzzles alongside its buttermilk fried chicken, beer, and budinos. Triple Bottom Brewing is putting together care packages with ice cream from Weckerly’s and coffee from Càphê. Takeout shop Angelo’s Pizzeria, usually known for its long lines, even got a phone. And at Armenian restaurant Apricot Stone in Northern Liberties, owner Ara Ishkhanian is offering himself as a virtual host, server, and sommelier.

“One of my favorite things to do at work is interact with our guests,” Ishkhanian says. “Now, I’m bored, other people are bored, and people are missing out on special events, like birthdays and anniversary dinners. We’re trying to recreate that experience as best we can.”

The first step in Apricot Stone’s virtual dine-in experience is to phone the restaurant and make a dinner reservation. Ishkhanian will email a few questions, a menu, and a list of recommended wine, beer, and spirits pairings.

At the agreed-upon day and time, Ishkhanian calls via video chat: FaceTime, Duo, or Skype. Answer and you’ll see him standing at the restaurant next to a table set with water and wine glasses. Music plays in the background as he guides you through the menu and takes your order.

Food options are from Fimy Ishkhanian, Ara’s mother and Apricot Stone’s chef and co-owner. She grew up in an Armenian family in Aleppo, Syria, and the dishes are ones any fan of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines will recognize, like baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves, borek, and kebabs. “She’s the talent,” the son says.

He knows exactly when the food order arrives because delivery is handled by the restaurant’s front-of-house staff, not an outside service like Grubhub. Employees also make money through the virtual dine-in experience, Ishkhanian says, since a 20-percent gratuity, added automatically to the check, goes to them.

Once he gets word that the food was dropped off, he waits five minutes or so and then calls via video chat again. He might fill a glass on his table as he checks in on yours, before leaving you to enjoy the meal.

“Something our guests really love is the atmosphere of our restaurant,” Ishkhanian says. “People can just order and enjoy our food, but we wanted to also give them the option of an experience that’s a little notch above just eating at home.”