Category: 2020

 13:18, 19 March, 2020

YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Special Aide to the Speaker of Parliament of Iran on International Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, condemning Armenia’s decision to open an Embassy in Israel, stated that it contradicts the interests of the people of Palestine. The Iranian official also noted that the opening of Armenian Embassy in Tel Aviv will negatively affect the regional security.

Expert on Iranian studies Armen Israyelyan gave an interview to Armenpress on the topic.

-What is the influence of Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Iran’s foreign policy, and whether his position can be considered as Iran’s official position?

-Until 2016 Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was serving as Iran’s deputy foreign minister, coordinating the relations with the Arab states and Africa. He was enjoying the full support of both the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (ICRC) and the conservatives and his tough positions and non-diplomatic wording sometimes resulted in tension in the relations between Iran and the Arab states of the Middle East. It’s worth noting that at that time Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was dismissed when after the signing of the nuclear deal Hassan Rouhani’s government was trying to normalize the relations with the Arab countries. And it’s not a coincidence that his dismissal was greatly approved in the Middle East.

In recent years the manifestations of dual power in Iran are more noticeable. And the statement of this official can be viewed within this logic. There are many examples when in the past one decade any member of Parliament or a law enforcement official, even Ambassador accredited in foreign countries, are making statements contradicting the official position of Iran. Of course, in such cases the Iranian foreign ministry announces that “Tehran’s position has not changed”, but this situation cannot be understood by the partner countries. And the contradictory statements coming from Tehran can affect the relations with the partner countries and also endanger Iran’s interests in the South Caucasus.

Iran is aware long ago about Armenia’s decision to open an Embassy in Israel, in this sense official Yerevan is working transparently with all its partners, and Armenia’s regional policy priorities have been clearly presented at the highest level of leadership. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s “surprise” over Armenia’s relations with Israel is surprising because the former deputy FM, while talking about the Armenia-Israel relations, tries to counter them against the interests of Palestine, in case when as the last meeting of the Armenian President and the President of the Palestine National Authority shows, there is no misunderstanding in the bilateral relations.

-In that case, what stands behind this statement, and why it is made now?

-Hossein Amir-Abdollahian’s statement was followed by a similar statement on Twitter by Conservative MP Ruhollah Mutafaqer Azad and manipulative assessments at expert-level in websites operating under ICRC on the Israel-Armenia relations. Political reshuffles are taking place in Iran. A new parliament has been elected where conservatives are a majority. Taking into account the “campaign” launched against FM Zarif in the past one year, it’s obvious that at the completion of Rouhani’s tenure an attempt is made to deprive the foreign ministry from the independence it gained since 2013.

Currently Iran wants to get rid of the US sanctions with the help of partner states. For that purpose Iran has applied to the member states of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) through Azerbaijan (NAM chairing country), proposing to adopt a joint statement over the US policy. However, several countries of the Middle East rejected the proposal. Maybe, this angered the pro-ICRC circles and not receiving a foreign support they targeted the Armenia-Israel relations without understanding.

We would advise the respectful Iranian parliamentarians, before expressing an opinion on Armenia’s actions, to assess the policy of some neighbor countries of Iran while talking about the regional security and compare them with Armenia’s regional policy.

 14:44, 19 March, 2020

YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Prime Minister of Georgia Giorgi Gakharia on the birthday anniversary, the PM’s Office told Armenpress.

“Accept my warmest congratulations and best wishes on your birthday.

The friendly relations between Armenia and Georgia are based on rich historical traditions and today as well are distinguished with mutual trust and a deep feeling of mutual respect.

I highly value our personal relations. I am confident that with joint efforts we will be able to use the entire potential of the bilateral cooperation to raise our relations to a qualitatively new level.

I wish you new achievements in your important and responsible position and success to all your programs aimed at regional development and stability, and welfare and progress to the friendly Georgian people.

Once again congratulations on your birthday. I wish good luck, good health and happiness to you and your family”, the Armenian PM said in his congratulatory letter.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

 15:28, 19 March, 2020

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Bako Sahakyan signed a decree on appointing Major-General Kamo Vardanyan first deputy commander – chief of staff of the Artsakh Defense Army, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

 15:46, 19 March, 2020

YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. The specialists of Russia’s Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza have managed to decode the first full genome of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Russian Health Ministry said on March 19, reports TASS.

Acting Director of the Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza Dmitry Lioznov stated that genetical research would help scientists understand the nature and the evolution of the virus, which would in turn contribute to the development of a vaccine and treatment methods.

“This coronavirus is new to us, so it is crucial to have an opportunity to determine the pattern of its spread and entry on the territory of our country, and the way the virus changes. This information will help us work out vaccines and antiviral drugs to treat the coronavirus”, he said.

 17:47, 19 March, 2020

YEREVAN, 19 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 19 March, USD exchange rate up by 1.69 drams to 492.22 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 7.54 drams to 532.39 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.15 drams to 6.15 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 22.44 drams to 567.23 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 517.89 drams to 23709.37 drams. Silver price up by 0.36 drams to 196.55 drams. Platinum price down by 281.13 drams to 9985.73 drams.

 18:15, 19 March, 2020

YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. By the decree of President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, Arman Sargsyan has been relieved from the posts of acting Police Chief and Deputy Police Chief and has been appointed Police Chief, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the President’s Office.

President Sarkissian appointed Arman Sargsyan Police Chief based on the relevant proposal of PM Pashinyan.

Arman Sargsyan was the acting Police Chief since former Police Chief Valeri Osipyan’s dismmisal.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

 18:23, 19 March, 2020

YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. By the decree of President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, Eduard Martirosyan has been relieved from the post of acting Director of National Security Service (NSS)of Armenia and and has been appointed NSS Director , ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the President’s Office.

President Sarkissian appointed Eduard Martirosyan NSS Director based on the relevant proposal of PM Pashinyan.

Eduard Martirosyan was the acting NSS Director replacing former Director Artur Vanetsyan.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan