Three Armenian wrestlers, led by coaches Yervand Kirakosyan and Taron Tovmasyan, have left for Saudi Arabia to compete at the 2021 IWF Youth World Cup in Jeddah.
The Armenian team includes Rafik Minasyan (61 kg), Aleksander Lazaryan (89 kg) and Emma Poghosyan (76 kg), the Armenian National Olympic Committee reports.
General Secretary of the Armenian Weightlifting Federation Pashik Alaverdyan said that the Armenian athletes would return home on October 12.
More than 90% of the stock of reanimation unit beds of the Ministry of Health of Armenia are occupied. This is what Minister of Health of Armenia Anahit Avanesyan said in response to deputies’ questions during today’s question-and-answer session with government officials in parliament.
According to the minister, out of the 2,446 beds, 2,300 are occupied. “Nevertheless, people in Armenia are getting vaccinated at a rapid pace. Last week, 15,000 people got vaccinated. Unfortunately, many so-called “specialists” are constantly making statements against vaccination and observance of the anti-epidemic rules, speculating public opinion. I advise them to visit Grigor Lusavorich Medical Center and see how infection doctors are fighting for the patients’ lives,” she added.
PRESS RELEASE:
Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Avenida de:
Berna 45-A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Contact: Vera Cunha
Telephone: (351) 21 782 3658
Web: gulbenkian.pt:
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"ERDIQ", NEW WESTERN ARMENIAN CHILDREN'S NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENT
A new, high-quality, creative program in Western Armenian was launched for children
for Lively, witty and impregnated with a pedagogical approach, this online
videos can be found on "Erdik" website
(
) or on YouTube. Between songs, stories and games, puppets, puzzles and
through short skits, "Erdik" becomes a funny and calm environment
create, where children and teenagers up to 12 years old can have fun and at the same time
time to develop their communication skills. They accumulate new vocabulary,
they learn Western Armenian or improve their knowledge, and most of all
most importantly, in the language that is part of their daily life in the Diaspora
they reveal an interesting world. "Erdik" produces two videos a week. "Akul Tukul" from two to six
It is for adults. Even non-Armenian-speaking children can watch and follow
to the magazine. They will get to know special characters there, giving them an opportunity to listen,
develop visual abilities, and with them, their creativity
abilities and their memory. "Alnis Balnis" is for seven to twelve year olds. The application includes:
various materials taken from everyday life, giving children and teenagers an opportunity to
improve their ability to communicate in Armenian and develop themselves
analytical abilities. Through these videos, new ideas arise.
different subjects are discussed with new vocabulary. The program encourages children
in order to deepen their interest and pursue "why" and "how?" "Erdik" is a new project sponsored by Galust Külpenkean Foundation.
By the Armenian Department. Seven young people, at the initiative of the Foundation
inspired by the ongoing "Amazing" language acquisition program, they undertook
preparation of creative content for the magazine. To that group of "Erdik".
the participants are: Sevana Chagrean, Vahan Keroubean, Gayane Kavrilof, Hrayr
Galemkerian, Anoish Mkhsian, Vahagn Keshishian and Tsavi Pilalian. Parents and educators can equally use the "Erdik" website, and that
to pronounce Western Armenian under their oaths. With fun activities,
"Akul Tukul" and "Alnis Balnis" are pleasant for everyone and the entrance is free
they create an environment for everyone. For more information on this program and other initiatives
visit this website:
and subscribe to our newsletter. --
A new high-quality creative program has been launched for children in Western countries
Armenian. Entertaining, humorous and educational, the online videos can be found
on Yertik.com and on the Yertik YouTube channel. Through songs, stories, games, puppets, puzzles, sketches and more, Yertik
creates a playful and safe environment where children up to 12 years old can
have fun while developing their communication skills. Children acquire new
vocabulary, learn or improve their knowledge of Western Armenian and,
importantly, find a new and exciting world in the language that speaks to their
daily lives in the Diaspora. Yertik produces two original weekly videos. «Ակուլ Տուկուլ» (Agool Doogool) is
for two-to-six-year-olds. Both Armenian-speaking and non-Armenian-speaking
children are able to watch and follow the programme. They will become familiar
with unique characters, allowing children to develop their listening skills,
observational skills, creativity and memory. «Ալնիս Բալնիս» (Alniss Palniss) is for seven-to-twelve-year-olds. The programme
covers different daily subjects, allowing children and preteens to improve their
communication skills in the Armenian language, as well as to develop their
analytical skills. The videos allow for moments of creative brainstorming and
foster debates over a variety of themes using new vocabulary. The programme
encourages children to build upon their curiosity and investigate the “why” and
the “how.”
Yertik is a new programme funded by the Armenian Communities Department of the
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. Its creative content and execution are ensured
by a group of young men and women, inspired by the Foundation’s Zarmanazan
language immersion initiative. The Yertik team is composed of Vahan Kerovpyan,
Sevana Tchakerian, Kayane Gavrilof, Hrayr Kalemkerian, Anouche Mekhsian, Vahakn
Keshishian and Dzavy Bilalian. Yertik.com can be used by educators, parents and grandparents to enrich their
efforts to teach Western Armenian and to live in the language. It is an
educational tool that is based on the philosophy of language acquisition through
fun activities and an enjoyable environment. For more information about this project and other initiatives visit the website
and subscribe to the newsletter.
The 18th annual Golden Apricot International Film Festival kicked off in Yerevan on October 3.
From October 3 to 10, Armenian film enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to enjoy a number of special movies.
This year’s honorary guest to the festival is American screenwriter and director Paul Schrader. He is the screenwriter of Martin Scorsese’s “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”.
By Vugar Khalilov
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has launched flights to Nakhchivan over the Armenian territory, the airlines reported on its Facebook page on October 6.
AZAL began using the Armenian air space for its domestic Baku-Nakhchivan-Baku flight starting October 6.
The company said that this step shows Azerbaijan’s determination to unblock transport communications in the region, which is within the interests of all neighboring countries.
The change of the Baku-Nakhchivan-Baku flight route will also reduce flight duration and fuel consumption, the company stressed.
Thus, from now on, AZAL will be able to use all existing air corridors, including the ones passing through Armenia and Iran, while performing this flight, the report concluded.
As the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan ended in 2020, the regional aviation security rules have also changed.
Under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rules, the regional airspace and all air corridors are now open for flights.
Azerbaijan operates flights using the airspace over the Zangazur corridor in line with the international conventions and Armenia has such an obligation as well.
Armenian civil aircraft can use the corridors passing through Azerbaijan’s airspace.
This is another example of the opening of communications in the region, which turns Armenia into a transit country.
Another advantage of this route is that for Azerbaijan there is no need to use Iranian airspace.
On October 5, local news sources quoted an unnamed military source as saying that Iran had banned Azerbaijani military aircraft to fly through its territory to Nakhchivan.
The planes carry equipment to the military units stationed in Nakhchivan.
Iran often uses Azerbaijan’s territory for transport and transit operations, which is mainly carried out through the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
Iran’s attempt to block the military planes will not significantly affect Azerbaijan, since the country prefers other routes to send military troops and equipment to Nakhchivan, the reports said.
The Azerbaijani foreign and defence ministries have not yet been observed to comment on the subject.
On October 4, President Ilham Aliyev stressed that Baku did not react to some Iranian provincial mullah’s anti-Azerbaijan remarks, which further paved the way for the start of baseless official accusations against the country.
“Azerbaijan has allegedly brought Israel to these regions. Let them open their eyes wide and look. Where did they see Israel here? Not a single person lives here. There is no building here. Is there evidence? No. If there is no evidence, everyone should be held accountable for what they say. We cannot allow anyone to fabricate baseless slander against us,” Aliyev said.
Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan is a country pursuing an independent policy and build relations with neighbors and all other countries on the basis of an independent policy. He added that Azerbaijan respects every country’s sovereign rights.
“We respect the sovereign rights of each country and demand that everyone respect our sovereign rights too and not interfere in our internal affairs. Such attempts have been made before and all of them have failed. I want to say again that the accusations against us must be proved officially. Let them come and see if there is a single foreign citizen in this region,” the president said.
Aliyev added that Azerbaijan cleared from the occupiers 130 kilometres of the Azerbaijani-Iranian border. He underlined the necessity to investigate what processes were going on there during the Armenian occupation.
“Instead, they are accusing Azerbaijan of bringing in some country to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is allegedly governed not by the Azerbaijani people, not by the Azerbaijani state, but by some external force. This is disrespectful. We can never accept that. Everyone should know this. Azerbaijan will continue to plan its foreign relations and domestic affairs the way it considers expedient,” he stated.
The Turkish and Azerbaijani militaries take part in a joint military drill in Nakhchivan Autonomous Region, in this undated photo provided by the Defense Ministry. (AA Photo)
The Turkish and Azerbaijani militaries are holding more joint drills in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Region, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported Wednesday.
Indestructible Brotherhood-2021 includes live-fire tactical exercises by land and air units from the two countries, according to a statement by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry on Tuesday evening.
“In order to ensure the interoperability of units, troops are constantly monitored from command posts through control systems as well as units and formations, operate in accordance with combat readiness plans,” the ministry said.
“Commanders assess the area, select the directions of secret approaches to enemy positions, study the routes of movement … Special attack groups approach enemy positions, evading accurate enemy fire and optical devices,” it added.
The exercises involved combat aircraft, transport and attack helicopters, with pilots performing training flights and aerobatic maneuvers, read the statement, which was accompanied by visuals from the exercises.
Earlier in September, the two militaries launched a joint drill in Azerbaijan’s Lachin region – which was liberated from Armenian occupation last year.
Ankara last year threw its support behind Baku, whose Nagorno-Karabakh region had remained under illegal Armenian occupation for nearly three decades before finally being liberated last November.
A year ago, clashes erupted between the former Soviet republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan when the Armenian army launched attacks on civilians and Azerbaijani forces and violated several humanitarian cease-fire agreements.
During the 44-day conflict, which ended in a truce on Nov. 10, Azerbaijan liberated several cities and nearly 300 settlements and villages in Nagorno-Karabakh from a nearly three-decade occupation. The two countries finally signed a Russia-brokered deal to end fighting and work toward a comprehensive solution.
Moreover, Turkey and Azerbaijan signed the Shusha Declaration. The declaration focuses on defense cooperation, promoting stability and prosperity in the region, and establishing new transportation routes.
The declaration affirms joint efforts by the two armies in the face of foreign threats. It also pledges joint efforts for the restructuring and modernization of its armed forces.
Turkey and Azerbaijan enjoy strong relations, as the two countries embrace the “one nation, two states” motto.
During his presidency, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has visited Azerbaijan more than 20 times, while over 100 delegation visits have been conducted.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev visits Jebrayil, Azerbaijan, Oct. 4, 2021. (AA Photo)
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday reiterated his country’s willingness to establish relations with neighboring Armenia.
Receiving credentials of the new head of EU delegation to Azerbaijan, Peter Michalko, Aliyev said: “We want to establish relations with our neighbor Armenia and we are ready to start negotiations on the peace agreement, delimitation, and opening communications.”
“This process has partly begun, but I believe that if the European Union is fully involved and I sense such a willingness, it will be able to assist us in many areas,” the president was quoted by Azerbaijan’s state news agency Azertac as saying.
Aliyev stressed that the bloc could contribute to the development, permanent stability, and cooperation in the region.
Aliyev said the liberation of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 by Azerbaijan could lead to stability, and peace in the region.
Recently, Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian both expressed readiness for a joint summit as the second Karabakh war between the two countries has left a year behind.
Relations between the former Soviet republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.
When new clashes erupted on Sept. 27 last year, the Armenian army launched attacks on civilians and Azerbaijani forces and violated several humanitarian cease-fire agreements.
During the 44-day conflict, Azerbaijan liberated several cities and nearly 300 settlements and villages from the nearly three-decade occupation.
On Nov. 10, 2020, the two countries signed a Russian-brokered agreement to end the fighting and work toward a comprehensive resolution.
On Jan. 11, the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia signed a pact to develop economic ties and infrastructure to benefit the entire region. It included the establishment of a trilateral working group on Karabakh.
The cease-fire is seen as a victory for Azerbaijan and a defeat for Armenia, whose armed forces withdrew in line with the agreement. Prior to this victory, about 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory had been under illegal occupation for nearly 30 years.
Ankara has pledged its full support to Baku in its efforts to liberate its lands from Armenian occupation. A joint Turkish-Russian center was established to monitor the truce. Russian peacekeeping troops have also been deployed to the region.
Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu also said last week that Turkey would coordinate all steps to be taken in terms of reestablishing relations with Armenia amid positive statements in that regard, but no meeting has been scheduled with his Armenian counterpart.
Pashinian’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan last month said her country is ready to engage in high-level dialogue with Turkey. She noted that Yerevan was ready to establish the highest-level dialogue with Ankara and eliminate obstacles on the transit corridor that would have to go through Armenia to connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan enclave that borders Turkey and Iran.
Armenia and Turkey never established diplomatic relations and their shared border has been closed since the 1990s. The ties have further deteriorated due to Turkey’s support for its regional ally Azerbaijan, which fought with Armenia last year for the liberation of the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region.
David Manoukian, Communications Manager of COAF opening the event
YEREVAN—Over 170 key private and public actors attended the second Annual Conference on Advancement of Rural Communities on October 2. The conference took place at the COAF SMART Center in Debet, Lori, and was initiated by the Children of Armenia Fund, in partnership with the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia and the United Nations Development Program In Armenia, with the financial support of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia. Headlining speakers and panelists discussed smart governance, green agriculture, sustainable employment, and social recovery in the context of rural growth and development.
Like the previous CARC, held in 2019, this year’s conference aimed to attract external attention and contributions for Armenia’s rural regions, as well as establish fertile ground for collaboration between various key stakeholders. Among the attendees were representatives of local and international organizations, state and local government bodies, and individual entrepreneurs.
The conference opened with virtual greetings from COAF Founder and Chairman Garo Armen, followed by welcoming remarks from conference co-organizers Frank Hess (Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Armenia), Mihaela Stojkoska (Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Armenia), Korioun Khatchadourian (Managing Director, COAF), Vache Terteryan (Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure of Armenia), and Aram Khachatryan (Governor of Lori).
Following the opening remarks, panel moderators kicked off a cycle of discussions which addressed rural challenges and offered new approaches for sustainable, forward-looking recovery. Conference attendees were also provided the unique opportunity to visit an outdoor expo, where private entrepreneurs and organizations from all regions of Armenia and Artsakh presented their services, innovations, and products.
The conference ended with a touch of traditional culture and artistry, with the ArtaSax Saxophone Quartet performing pieces from world-renowned Armenian and international composers.
The Children of Armenia Fund is a non-profit, non-governmental organization which employs community-led approaches to improve the quality of life in rural Armenia, with a particular focus on children and youth. COAF’s core development areas are education, healthcare, social services, and economic development. COAF launched its programs in 2004, starting in one village and expanding to 64 villages in the Armavir, Aragatsotn, Lori, Gegharkunik, Shirak, and Tavush regions, impacting more than 107,000 beneficiaries.
Since 2015, COAF has developed and implemented its signature SMART Initiative. COAF SMART is designed to advance generations of rural Armenians through cutting-edge education, focused both on innovation and capacity-building. The first COAF SMART Center was inaugurated on May 27, 2018, near the village of Debet, in the Lori Region, and will be replicated in communities throughout Armenia.
UNDP is the leading organization of the United Nations that fights to end poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our extensive network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help states create unified, lasting solutions for people and the planet Earth.
The UNDP Armenia Office was established in 1993 and supports the Government in implementing its development priorities and Sustainable Development Goals.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (R) and Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (L) attend a joint news conference following their talks in Moscow, Russia, Oct. 6, 2021. (EPA Photo)
Russia has suggested the establishment of a new format in the Caucasus, comprising three Caucasian states – Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia – and their three “big neighbors” – Russia, Turkey, and Iran, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced Wednesday.
The format will address the issues of security, unblocking economic and transport ties, Lavrov said at a news conference following a meeting with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Moscow.
“The joint statement (by Russian, Armenian, and Azerbaijani leaders that put an end to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh) contained the principles that define joint steps to advance the settlement, including work on unblocking all transport communications, unblocking all economic ties in this region, from which not only Armenia and Azerbaijan but also Georgia will benefit.
“Iran, Russia, and Turkey, as the closest neighbors of these three republics, will also benefit from this,” the minister said.
According to Lavrov, Iran had already expressed its positive attitude toward the initiative. Turkey and Azerbaijan also responded in affirmative.
“We work with our Armenian colleagues. We hope that Georgia, despite all problems it is experiencing, will be able to see its fundamental interest in creating such a mechanism for consultations and coordination of solutions for the accelerated development of this region, which has been holding back its development for a long time due to the ongoing conflicts here,” he said.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan last week said after his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi that Russia was ready to create a six-nation platform.
Erdoğan has frequently called for a six-nation platform comprising Turkey, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia for permanent peace, stability and cooperation in the region, saying it would be a win-win initiative for all regional actors in the Caucasus.
Turkey believes that permanent peace is possible through mutual security-based cooperation among the states and people of the South Caucasus region.