17:32,
YEREVAN, 12 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 12 February, USD exchange rate stood at 478.94 drams. EUR exchange rate stood at 545.27 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 6.38 drams. GBP exchange rate stood at 649.25 drams.
The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.
Gold price stood at 28261.23 drams. Silver price stood at 359.63 drams. Platinum price stood at 15814.03 drams.
17:47,
STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 12, ARMENPRESS/ARTSAKHPRESS. The reports being spread in some Armenian media outlets according to which President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan has recently expressed readiness to resign have nothing to do with the reality, President’s spokesperson Lusine Avanesyan said.
She reminded that such a readiness the President has expressed for several times in the post-war period, stating that he will go to that step when national elections are possible to be held in Artsakh.
“These days the process of constitutional reforms has been launched in Artsakh, which will give an answer to several questions. I will refrain from commenting on all other discussions until this process ends”, she said.
Turkish-Azerbaijani aggression directed against entire civilized world – Artsakh FM
17:51,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 12, ARMENPRESS. During his recent visit in Brussels, Foreign Minister of Artsakh Davit Babayan discussed various issues with the European partners, stressing that Azerbaijan’s aggression and cultural genocide against Artsakh and Armenia is directed against the entire civilized world.
Babayan told reporters today in Yerevan that his meetings in Brussels were important, but their results will be clear within the course of time.
Babayan’s delegation in Brussels raised the humanitarian issues caused by the 2020 War, the problems of captives, hostages, Azerbaijan’s continuous cultural genocide and many other issues.
“Of course, there are healthy forces in Europe which are concerned by the situation caused by the Turkish-Azerbaijani-terrorist criminal unity. We have stated there that the aggression of 2020 was not only directed against Artsakh and Armenia, but also the entire civilized world. Time is the only problem: we were just the first ones, others will be the next ones. But the time will show when this happens. But if the civilized world closes eyes on all these actions, the cultural genocide that is happening in the occupied territories of Artsakh, if there is an indifferent attitude to such policy of Azerbaijan, that time will come earlier”, he said.
“We are honest to everyone, we do not play games, we say what it is and will continue to do everything to protect the interests of Artsakh”, the Foreign Minister added.
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger (center) at the Armenian American Museum construction site
GLENDALE—The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California hosted a special visit by Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger at the construction site of the cultural and educational center. The museum held its historic groundbreaking in Summer 2021 and is currently under construction at Glendale Central Park.
“I am excited to witness the Armenian American Museum coming to fruition thanks to the years of hard work and dedication of the entire community,” stated Supervisor Barger, who represents the Fifth District. “It is an honor to contribute to such a historical cultural center that will be the pride of many residents in Los Angeles County.”
Supervisor Barger has been a longtime supporter of the Armenian American Museum. In 2018, the Supervisor announced a generous contribution of $1 million in support of the landmark center at the museum’s Inaugural Gala. In 2019, the Supervisor was recognized for her support as one of the distinguished honorees of the 2nd Annual Gala.
The Armenian American Museum is a world class educational and cultural institution that is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Archives Center, and more.
The mission of the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The vision is a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.
For more information, visit the website.
Family has Donated Over $250,000 to Empower Pro-Armenian Advocacy
WASHINGTON—The Armenian National Committee of America expressed its appreciation to members of the Hekimian family, who, having collectively donated more than $250,000 to support the ANCA’s pro-Armenian initiatives, recently established an endowed family fund to empower ANCA advocacy for generations to come.
The Hekimian Family Fund will be held in perpetuity, with a portion of the annual proceeds allocated to support the ANCA’s pro-Armenian advocacy initiatives – ranging from Congressional relations and legislative priorities to community mobilization and electoral activism in support of expanded US-Armenia ties, Artsakh security, and justice for the Armenian Genocide.
Among the members of the Hekimian family who are contributing to the Hekimian Family Fund are Frank and Barbara Hekimian (MD and NH), Dr. Kenneth Hekimian (CA), Dr. Kim Hekimian (NJ), Chris and Tsoghig Hekimian (MD), David and Sandra Hekimian (CA), and Harout and Lauren Diramerian (CA).
“We thank the Hekimian family for always leading by example – with action – in advancing the Armenian Cause,” remarked ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. Whether in their respective communities on the East and West coasts or in the international arena fighting for the Armenian Cause – the Hekimians are leaders – strengthening the ANCA as an organization and our collective voice as a community – with their vision and generosity.” added Hamparian
“We are – as a family – so very gratified to make this forward-looking investment in the future of our community and our common cause – strengthening and sustaining ANCA advocacy for generations to come,” said Chris Hekimian. “With so many challenges to our homeland and heritage – today, and on the horizon – we all need to bring our contributions to the ANCA’s vital work.”
By donating directly to the ANCA – as opposed to the ANCA Endowment – the Hekimians have empowered the expressly political side of the organization’s efforts – working Capitol Hill, advancing legislation, and impacting Congressional races in support of pro-Armenian American priorities. Their most recent donations build on three decades of support for a broad range of ANCA initiatives including the strengthening of the ANCA’s youth empowerment initiatives and the purchase of the ANCA’s national headquarters in Washington.
Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan with benefactor Garbis Bezdjian
Prelacy Executive Council member Garbis Bezdjian announced on February 5 that he will sponsor the tuition of 100 students on Lebanon for the 2022-2023 academic year.
This latest announcement is in response to Catholicos Aram I proclaiming 2022 as the “Year of the Diaspora,” for which Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan has worked tirelessly to lend a helping hand to the needy Armenians of the Diaspora, especially in Lebanon.
Prelate Donoyan, along with the Prelacy’s Religious and Executive councils expressed their commitment to assist Armenians in Lebanon who are facing extreme difficulties.
The Prelacy expressed its appreciation to all benefactors, sponsors and those who are aiding in this goal.
The Military Counterintelligence Division of Armenia’s National Security Service announced Thursday that it has neutralized a “network of agents” who were recruited by foreign intelligence agencies and were engaged in espionage.
The investigation was carried out as part of a criminal case opened on espionage and state treason.
The NSS said it gathered irrefutable evidence that “foreign intelligence agencies created a network of spies in the territory of Armenia and involved different officers and members of the military.”
The spies opened fake social media accounts posing as Armenian women, and recruited their targets by luring them into believing that the online contacts would engage in “intimate relations.”
The targets of the foreign intelligence agencies were over 20 military officers of various ranks. During their contacts, the Armenian military personnel allegedly were offered money in exchange for classified information on deployment locations of various military bases, units, command staff, defense lines, engineering structures and equipment. All personnel targeted by the intelligence agencies had the relevant security clearance to obtain the information.
The suspects allegedly gave consented to cooperate and received compensation for gathering and relaying the information.
The investigation revealed the identities of the suspects and the volume and content of the classified information that they had transferred to the foreign intelligence agencies.
The military’s counterintelligence unit arrested 19 people on suspicion of treason, with some of them confessing during interrogation.
The maximum punishment for state treason is a life sentence. However, according to the law, individuals who have committed state treason or espionage can be exempt from criminal accountability if they voluntarily surrender to authorities and assist in preventing further harm.
An Armenia border patrol soldier in Gegharkunik
Yerevan has not placed any preconditions on the process to delimit and demarcate the borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Armenia’s National Security chief Armen Grigoryan told reporters on Thursday, in response to Baku’s insistence to the contrary.
Grigoryan explained that Yerevan’s proposals on the process to create a working group to oversee the demarcation and delimitation were simply a demand to implement the agreements reached last year during a meeting between the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia in Sochi.
“These agreements are mentioned in the statement, which calls for taking steps to raise the security [in the region] and then start the delimitation and demarcation processes. Armenia wants for these agreements to be fulfilled,” explained Grigoryan.
Armenia has proposed that Armenia and Azerbaijan simultaneous withdraw their border troops and the area to be monitored by an international peacekeeping force until the completion of the delimitation and demarcation process.
In situations where the armed forces of Armenia and Azerbaijan are stationed in close proximity, any political process could impact that landscapes, and may increase the possibility of military escalations.
In discussing the Karabakh conflict, Grigoryan reiterated the government’s position that a comprehensive resolution to the issue must be negotiated with the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ efforts.
“We must find a peaceful resolution. Any process that could disrupt the peaceful settlement is very concerning for us, and we believe that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries have all levers and possibilities to prevent any steps taken militarily,” he said.
He also added that Armenia will continue to insist that Russian peacekeepers currently stationed in Artsakh for a minimum of five years, remain deployed there until the conflict is resolved.
Grigoryan also announced that Armenia will not join a proposed “Union State” by Russia and Belarus. He added that Armenia is a sovereign country, a democratic state and should remain that way.
In addressing the proposed initiative, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said the week the Union State between Russia and Belarus should expand and include most of the ex-Soviet republics. Specifically, speaking about Armenia, he said “Armenia has nowhere to run…..what, you think anyone needs them? They have already seen it, Nikol Vovayevich [Pashinyan] has already seen it.”
Grigoryan said that official Yerevan provided a comprehensive response to Lukashenko, pointing out that the Belarus ambassador to Armenia was summoned to the foreign ministry, which in its turn also issued a statement. He added that the matter was discussed in length in the National Assembly.
“I hope the Belarusian side will avoid such incidents, will stay away from giving any assessment on Armenia because these assessments do not anyhow stem from the existing relationss between Armenia and Belarus, especially between the people of Armenia and Belarus,” Grigoryan said.
The Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi is being dismantled by Azerbaijanis
Armenia said on Thursday that a UNESCO fact-finding mission to Artsakh is an urgent priority.
“We consider the implementation of a fact-finding mission in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone, proposed by the UNESCO Director-General after the end of the 2020 Karabakh War, an urgent priority,” Armenia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Vahan Hunanyan said on Thursday, adding that this mission corresponds to the 1954 Hague Convention on protection of property in the event of an armed conflict.
“The cases of vandalism against the Armenian monuments, as well as the recent announcement of the Azerbaijani culture ministry on creating a working group aimed at distorting the identity of the Armenian historical-cultural heritage prove that such danger is more than real,” added Hunanyan.
“We view the proposal of the visit of the UNESCO delegation to Yerevan and Baku exclusively within the frames of the aforementioned mission proposed by the UNESCO Director-General”, the spokesperson said,” said Hunanyan.
The California State Senate passed ACR 105, a resolution Thursday backed by the ANCA-WR, that establishes a sister-state relationship between the State of California and the Province of Syunik.
ACR 105 was first introduced by Assemblymember Chris Holden and was passed by the CA Assembly on September 2, 2021. The resolution is jointly authored by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian and lists Assemblymembers Lisa Calderon, Vince Fong, Laura Friedman, Jesse Gabriel, Christina Garcia, Mike Gipson, Kevin Mullin, Luz M. Rivas, and Senators Bob Archuleta, Andreas Borgeas, Maria Elena Durazo, Robert Hertzberg, and Anthony Portantino as principal co-authors. Additionally, 62 CA legislators have been listed as co-authors.
The resolution declares California’s solidarity with Syunik, the southernmost province in Armenia, and will facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges. Armenia and the United States are strategic partners, bound by historical kinship and shared values of democracy, freedom, and prosperity, and the passage of this resolution reaffirms this fact.
“Today, we are grateful to Assemblymember Chris Holden for spearheading the effort in the State Assembly and to Senator Anthony Portantino for seeing it through in the State Senate by establishing a Sister State relationship between California and Syunik province of Armenia. At such a critical time when Syunik’s sovereignty is at great risk under the grave threats posed by Azerbaijan and Turkey, this bold move by the State of California is a declaration of solidarity which in turn will strengthen the resolve of the people of Armenia to stand strong against the ongoing threats they face from belligerent and aggressive Azeri and Turkish actors in the region,” remarked Nora Hovsepian, Chair of the ANCA-WR.
“Strengthening the relationship with Syunik comes at a critical time as regional powers like Azerbaijan and Turkey pose a threat to its existence and livelihood. This resolution reaffirms California’s solidarity with Armenia and our 1-million-strong community of California- Armenians,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “There is power in our solidarity and there is even more when we acknowledge the wrongs committed and urge for justice. We set precedent for the future with our action or inaction and today, we are creating long-lasting ties to thread forward a better tomorrow,” he continued.