Armenian freestyle wrestler Arsen Harutyunyan defeated the Turkish rival in the final to be crowned European champion.
At the European Championships in Budapest, Arsen Harutyunyan (61 kg) won a brilliant 15:3 victory over Turkey’s Suleyman Atl.
This is the wrestler’s second European title.
Later, Hrayr Alikhanyan (74 kg) will compete with Giorgi Sulava (Georgia) for the bronze medal.
On March 29, the Ontario Legislative Assembly proclaimed the month of May ‘’Armenian Heritage Month,” Horizon Weekly reports.
Bill 105 recognizing the month of May in each year as Armenian Heritage Month was introduced by Ontario Legislative Assembly member Aris Babikian.
Ontario is home to more than 100,000 people of Armenian heritage. Armenians began migrating to Canada in the 1880s. The first Armenian to do so was Garabed Nergarian, who settled in Port Hope, Ontario in 1887. Approximately 37 Armenians came to Ontario in 1892 and 100 more settled in the province in 1895. After the Hamidian massacres of the mid-1890s, Armenian families began settling in greater numbers in Ontario. Decades later, approximately 2,000 survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide — mostly women and children — came to Canada as refugees.
In the early 1920s, over 100 orphaned Armenian children, later called the “Georgetown Boys”, were brought to Georgetown, Ontario by the Armenian Relief Association of Canada, an organization that provided assistance to Armenian refugees in adjusting to Canadian society. In what became known as “Canada’s Noble Experiment”, it was considered one of the first Canadian humanitarian acts on an international scale. In 2010, the Georgetown Farmhouse (now the Cedarvale Community Centre) was designated an historic and protected municipal site.
May is a significant month for the Armenian community. May 28, 1918 is widely celebrated by Armenian people around the world as the day Armenians regained sovereignty over their historical territory after 600 years of colonization, occupation, subjection and genocide. The 1918 Armenian Declaration of Independence is a symbol of Armenians’ aspiration for freedom, democracy and independence. May 28th is one of the most important Armenian holidays, and many parades and festivities take place during the month of May.
By proclaiming the month of May as Armenian Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the significant impact that Armenian Canadians have had on Ontario’s social, cultural, educational, economic, and political institutions, as well as their contributions to art, science and literature in the province. Armenian Heritage Month is an opportunity to educate Ontarians about the struggles and achievements of Armenian Canadians in a society that respects freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. These core values have contributed to the strength and diversity of Ontario.
Minister of Emergency Situations Andranik Piloyan has been arrested within the framework of a criminal case being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Committee.
Press Secretary of the Committee Marina Ohanjanyan confirmed the news to Public Radio of Armenia.
She refrained from providing further information, noting that the details will be published tomorrow.
The European Union hosted a meeting of high-level officials from Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels today to advance joint efforts to find solutions to a range of issues between both countries. In particular, discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming meeting between President Charles Michel of the European Council, President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of the Republic of Armenia in Brussels on 6 April 2022.
The meeting between Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, and Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Hikmet Hajiyev, was facilitated by EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar.
During substantive discussions, which also included a separate bilateral conversation between Mr Hajiyev and Mr Grigoryan, the participants reviewed the political and security situation and the full spectrum of issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a follow-up to the understandings reached during the meeting of leaders of both countries and President Michel, held in Brussels on 14 December 2021.
The participants agreed to meet again over the coming weeks in order to continue discussions, among others on issues raised during the leaders’ meeting of 14 December 2021. Armenia and Azerbaijan will also address issues related to prospects for a peace agreement between them.
The European Union remains committed to continue its engagement towards sustainable peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
A new leopard has been identified in camera trap footage by the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) in Armenia’s Caucasus Wildlife Refuge (CWR).
Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife Cultural Assets camera traps captured a male adult leopard which has been compared with the only other male recorded in the area and confirmed as a new individual․ Within the same day, with only about 2 hours’ interval and about 3 kilometers direct airline distance at CWR, Neo (the resident male leopard of this habitat) was been captured by FPWC camera traps as well․
The third individual, Nova, is six kilometers away from the other leopards, again in the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge․ The fact that three different leopards use the same area of the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge almost simultaneously is unprecedented.
“The population of leopards around the world has significantly decreased due to several human factors, in particular, due to cross-border tensions, new borders, and barriers in our region. This species is on the verge of extinction. Since 2011, FPWC has been operating in the area, this is the 6th individual leopard that was filmed through our cameras,” said FPWC Director Ruben Khachatryan, adding that this is evidence of the fact that the Caucasus Wildlife Refuge is an effective conservation measure.
FPWC made it possible to identify this new leopard using trained rangers with upgraded knowledge on tracking leopard trails and locating the best possible place for camera trapping. It also reveals the urgent need for focused studies on the leopard trails and corridors for understanding the most relevant population estimation as well as threats that leopards can face within these corridors.
FPWC has announced a competition to name a leopard.
The Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets (FPWC) has been operating since 2002. The Foundation is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The key activity of the foundation is the preservation of the unique fauna and flora of Armenia, using the latest technologies and modern models.
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No major ceasefire violations were recorded along the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact last night and on Wednesday morning. The operational and tactical situation remained tense, the Artsakh Information Center said in a statement.
“The Azerbaijani troops remain in the same combat posts on the Karaglukh heights, no positional changes have taken place,” it said.
“The authorities of the Artsakh Republic together with the command staff of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and through various diplomatic means continue the consistent work to withdraw the Azerbaijani troops to their initial positions and to stabilize the military-political situation.
“In parallel, the Artsakh armed forces are carrying out their functions, continuously improving the defensive fortifications and mechanisms of the republic. The public will be reported on further developments additionally,” reads the statement.
Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III (C) arrives as Greek Orthodox Church leaders and European diplomats gather to protest takeover of the part of historic Petra Hotel by Jewish settlers under protection of Israeli police, in the old city, East Jerusalem on March 29, 2022. The hotel has been owned by the church and operated by Palestinians. ( Mostafa Alkharouf – Anadolu Agency )
ANKARA
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem has condemned the seizure of a historic hotel in the occupied city by a settlers group.
On Sunday, Israeli police forces and members of Ateret Cohanim group forced their way into the historic Petra Hotel and seized a part of it.
The hotel, which the church says it owns, is usually used by Christian pilgrims as it falls on their pilgrimage route.
The historic hotel is located at the entrance to Bab Al-Khalil (Gate of Hebron), one of the gates of Jerusalem’s Old City, which leads to the Christian and Armenian quarters in the city and to Christian holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is considered one of the most sacred religious sites for Christians around the world.
“The seizure of the Little Petra Hotel by the radical extremist group Ateret Cohanim is a threat to the continued existence of a Christian Quarter in Jerusalem,” the patriarchate said in a statement carried by Orthodox Times website.
The patriarchate warned against the repeated illegitimate Israeli actions which “followed a pattern of intimidation, violence, and lawless action to drive Christians and Muslims from the city that we share.”
Ateret Cohanim, a group that works to establish a Jewish majority in Jerusalem’s Old City, claims that it had bought Little Petra hotel.
Israeli courts are still looking into the dispute between the two parties and have not decided on the ownership.
The Israeli move “will lead to instability and tension at a time when all are trying to de-escalate and build trust, to build toward justice and peace,” the patriarchate warned.
“Acts of coercion and violence cannot lead to peace,” it said, demanding a halt of “criminal activities on the Christian pilgrim route and in our beloved Old City.”
GLENDALE—After weeks of interviews, discussions, and consultations, the Armenian National Committee of America – Glendale Chapter has completed its comprehensive endorsement of candidates process for the June, 2022 Glendale municipal elections, which include races for City Council, City Clerk and school board.
For the June, 2022, Glendale City Council elections, ANCA – Glendale has endorsed incumbents Ara Najarian and Vrej Agajanian, as well as Elen Asatryan.
“Among an impressive pool of candidates, these three individuals stood out as having the most cohesive, focused, and longest track record of service in the best interests of the entire community of Glendale,” said the Glendale ANCA in its endorsement announcement.
For years, Najarian has been responsive to the voices of all Glendale residents from the City Council dais and ANCA – Glendale is completely confident that he will continue to exemplify this important leadership trait.
Since his first election in 2017, Agajanian has worked hard to nurture his relationship with ANCA – Glendale while working for the interests of our entire community. From our experience partnering with him to expand affordable housing and keeping our city government accessible and transparent, we are certain that Agajanian is the type of leader the City of Glendale needs.
“ANCA – Glendale strongly supports the reelection of both Councilmembers Najarian and Agajanian because they have never failed to be responsive to voices of our community’s stakeholders.” said ANCA – Glendale Chairperson Lucy Petrosian. “Both have shown an impressive dedication to the service of our Jewel City.”
The organization announced its endorsement of Elen Asatryan, who has been a long-time member of the ANCA family. From her time as the Executive Director of ANCA – Western Region to serving local constituents as an elected member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party – Central Committee, Asatryan has shown what it truly means to work directly towards the betterment of our community.
ANCA – Glendale has Greg Krikorian for the position of Glendale City Clerk. Krikorian has been a tireless servant to the students and parents of our city as a member of the Glendale Unified School District (GUSD) Board of Education for over 20 years. Mr. Krikorian has displayed his commitment to our community throughout his career. Whether it was organizing the first commemoration of the Armenian Genocide at Glendale schools, in the early years, or the hands-on work that he does today, through the HyeHopes Organization, he has never wavered in his commitment.
“We are excited to support Greg in this new chapter of his civic service,” said Petrosian. “We are absolutely confident that Greg shares our goals and will have an immediate impact on the office of Glendale City Clerk.”
ANCA – Glendale also announced the endorsements of Dr. Armina Gharpetian (incumbent – Area C), Shant Sahakian (incumbent – Area D), and Lerna Amiryans (Area B ) in the respective races for a seat on the Glendale Unified School District, Board of Trustees. All three candidates have demonstrated the qualities that the school district expects and needs in governance to ensure that all our students are provided with the best resources available on their way to academic excellence.
“All three candidates have incomparable strengths and are individuals who have always responded to the priorities of Armenian American students,” noted Petrosian. “In every realm of their work, they have all displayed the exact leadership that all students need to access the learning experience of their dreams.”
While serving almost a decade as a GUSD Board of Education member, Dr. Gharpetian has consistently proven that she puts our students and parents first and advocates for the enrichment of public education. She has been a voice of solidarity within our community and has worked closely with all students in the district.
Sahakian, is running to again represent Trustee Area D. First elected in 2017, as the youngest School Board member, Sahakian has an established history of leadership that prioritizes securing access to opportunities and resources for all students. From ensuring that school community members return safely to in-person instruction to advancing legislation on term limits, this long-time community servant is a candidate that all students, parents, teachers, and staff look for in a candidate.
“Armina and Shant represent the exact qualities that we are seeking for in school board governance,” said Petrosian. “Most importantly, both have an unwavering commitment to being the support system that our students need to reach their greatest academic potential.”
Amiryans, a GUSD alumna, already has a long and laudable history of working directly with our district’s students, parents, faculty, and staff. Most specifically, during her term as Executive Vice President of Glendale Council PTA, she has tirelessly advocated for the needs of the district’s underrepresented and immigrant communities. During the recent, unprecedented, two years, Amiryans organized school-based support groups that addressed the mental health needs of our school community. At the same time, Ms. Amiryans worked to address the students’ needs during the Artsakh war when she initiated a forum that brought discussion and insight on generational trauma.
“The hands-on experience that Lerna brings and the number of ways which she has already served the District are highly commendable,” responded Petrosian. “She has been a servant-leader as a parent and we trust her to guide the future of our students and are confident that the impact that she will bring to our school board will be unparalleled.”
For the open seats in the upcoming Glendale Community College Board of Trustees election, ANCA Glendale reaffirms its support for incumbents Dr. Armine Hacopian, Yvette Vartanian Davis, and Ann H. Ransford and congratulates them for the uncontested race.
For Trustee – Area 3, the organization is grateful that they will be expanding their partnership with life-long educator Dr. Hacopian, who has served on GCC’s Board of Trustees since 2001 and as president, for five years. It is through her leadership that students are given all the resources to prosper in all aspects of their academic needs. Under her term in office, residents of Glendale were mobilized to pass bond measures that expanded numerous student-centric services and she also worked closely with Senator Anthony J. Portantino on Senate Bill No. 568 which allows the institution to observe April 24 as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day.
Davis, being the first Armenian American woman to be elected to California Community College Trustees’ (CCCT) Board of Directors, is a trailblazing public servant and educator who has never failed to meet the needs of our local college students. On the CCCT level, Davis is able to represent the priorities and interests of GCC students on a state-level.
Furthermore, ANCA – Glendale commended Ransford for continuing to represent Trustee – Area 2. Ransford has a strong connection with the college as she has been on the Board of Trustees for 14 years and, previously, served as an administrator for over three decades. As president of the CCCT, she has persistently stood up for the advancement of much needed policies and has been a strong force during the various improvements made to the campus’ facilities.
“Our ANCA- Glendale team is strongly appreciative of having the opportunity to work alongside these three exceptional leaders through our shared goals,” said Petrosian. “Armine, Yvette, and Ann are only going to amplify all the phenomenal work that they are putting in for our college students.”
Individuals interested in supporting ANCA Glendale’s city-wide GOTV efforts, please refer to [email protected].
ANCA Glendale advocates for the social, economic, cultural, and political rights of the city’s Armenian American community and promotes increased civic participation at the grassroots and public policy levels.
The Karaglukh Heights in Artsakh’s Askeran region
Artsakh Parliament Wants to Add Active-Duty Combat Division to NSS
Azerbaijani forces continued to remain in their occupying positions at the critical Karaglukh heights on Wednesday, with Artsakh authorities reporting that the operative and tactical situation in and around the area remained tense.
The Artsakh Information Center added that the country’s authorities continued working with the Russian peacekeeping contingent command and through various diplomatic means to compel Azerbaijani forces to withdraw their troops from the occupied areas and return to their initial positions
The latest aggression by Azerbaijani forces has prompted a resolution introduced at the Artsakh National Assembly Wednesday to include an active duty military combat division in the Artsakh National Security Service.
The current law states that the national security service is divided into three bodies-–intelligence, counter-intelligence and military counter-intelligence.
The amendment will add a fourth body—combat division—to the system in order yo “strengthen the process of active-duty service (combat shift) of national security service officers at the Artsakh Republic state border (line of contact) and to regulate further legal relationships,” said the text of the resolution.
The Ghazarian family with Homenetmen Hrashq participants
Homenetmen Western U.S. received a generous donation of $10,000 from Chloe Nickie on March 27 in support of the region’s Hrashq program.
Chloe Nickie is a passion project of the Ghazarian family. The Ghazarians have been blessed with an autistic daughter named Chloe.
“Chloe has taught us the importance of kindness, patience, compassion, and respect,” said her father, co-founder of Chloe Nickie, Artin Ghazarian. “These attributes allow our family to keep a very grounded and real perspective on what is important in life.”
The Ghazarian family believes it is important to give back and make a difference for all special needs children.
Chloe Nickie is an online women’s shoe store that provides higher-end, designer brands at unbeatable prices. Since its inception, the company’s mission has been to donate a significant portion of proceeds to organizations that support autism, to offer children the chance to live their best life possible.
Homenetmen Western U.S. is honored to be selected as the recipient of their first donation and is grateful for the impact the contribution will make for the Hrashq community. The donation will help create and continue programs, which will help children further grow and flourish.
The organization looks forward to partnering with the Ghazarian family on future initiatives and programs. They invite community members to join them on their journey by shopping for a cause at the Chloe Nickie website or sharing their story with your family and friends. You can use their exclusive code HRASHQ20 for 20 percent off all shoe purchases!