10:00, 7 April 2023
YEREVAN, APRIL 7, ARMENPRESS. The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will visit Iran on April 9, his office reported Friday.
In Tehran, Grigoryan will have a meeting with Ali Shamkhani, the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran.
Camp TUMO participants
Camp TUMO announced that it is officially back this summer with an all-new schedule. Camp TUMO is designed for teens who want to learn cutting-edge technology and design skills, discover Armenian culture, and make new friends from around the world. With two locations — Yerevan and Dilijan — Camp TUMO offers both daytime and sleepaway options.
In Yerevan, TUMO’s day camp program runs for two weeks from June 19 to 23 and June 26 to 30. Our morning workshops cover a range of learning areas, from programming to graphic design, 3D modeling, photography, and more. In the afternoons, staffers take campers on outings to explore the vibrant city of Yerevan. Registration is available for one or two weeks, and the program is open to students 10 to 18 years old.
Camp TUMO participants are taken on outings to explore Yerevan Students are taught programming, graphic design, and 3D modeling at Camp TUMO
For those looking for a sleepaway camp experience, TUMO’s Dilijan camp offers three weeks of learning and fun from July 3 to 7, July 10 to 14, and July 17 to 21. Workshops are held in the morning, with exciting outings in the afternoons. Registration is available for up to three weeks, and is open to students 13 to 16 years old.
Since 2012, Camp TUMO has brought together over 1,500 campers from 28 countries. The program provides a blend of cutting-edge education and cross-cultural experiences in Armenia.
The team at Camp TUMO can’t wait to see you this summer! Get ready for an unforgettable adventure and register online today. Please download this PDF for information on pricing at TUMO Yerevan and TUMO Dilijan.
GLENDALE—Balboa Elementary School sixth grade teacher Narine Yapundjian has been selected as Glendale Unified School District’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. Yapundjian will represent the District at this year’s Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year competition.
An alumna of Glendale Unified schools herself, Yapundjian has served the Glendale Unified community as an educator for more than a decade. In addition to being an exceptional teacher, she has demonstrated influence beyond the classroom as a mentor teacher and student advisor.
“Mrs. Yapundjian is known for her positive attitude and her tireless dedication to her students and our entire Balboa Elementary School community,” said Glendale Unified Board of Education President Nayiri Nahabedian. “Her deep love and commitment to her students truly shines.”
“Mrs. Yapundjian creates a student-centered classroom environment where every child actively engages in learning,” said Glendale Unified Superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian. “Every day, she goes above and beyond to foster a culture of care and find meaningful ways to connect with every child in her classroom.”
“Mrs. Yapundjian has proven herself to be an incredible teacher with a clear vision and mission for educating all children and for making a positive difference in the lives of our kids,” said Balboa Elementary Principal Dr. Sona Arakelian. “She deserves all of the praise and recognition for her dedicated service to our school and our entire Glendale Unified community.”
Each year, Glendale Unified selects an outstanding educator to advance to the Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year competition. Nominees are submitted by administrators and educators from across the district. Selections typically alternate between teachers at the elementary and secondary levels. Glendale Unified is proud to celebrate all of their 2023 Teacher of the Year finalists.
Narine Yapundjian with the Teacher of the Year Committee
Glendale Unified Teacher of the Year Finalists:
COAF students at the "We Are Our Mountains" monument in Artsakh
YEREVAN—The Children of Armenia Fund has announced its commitment to raising funds in support of the children and families in Artsakh during these turbulent times. Despite the ongoing blockade, COAF remains steadfast in its mission to provide crucial interventions, such as early childhood education, speech therapy, psychological care, and social work support.
The organization first launched its programs in Stepanakert in 2022, providing access to preschool education and speech therapy to children ages 3-6, as well as critical psychological and social services to support both children and adults affected by the ongoing crisis in the region. As the situation in Artsakh intensifies, children are most affected, with significant emotional stress such as insomnia, nightmares and difficulty expressing themselves.
COAF is providing essential programs for the children of Artsakh A COAF instructor works with a young student
COAF’s team of nine dedicated women in Stepanakert is addressing the devastating impact of the recent war on the well-being of children in the region. In response, COAF is providing essential psychological programs aimed at helping children cope with the trauma and challenges. All of the education program instructors are psychologists, ensuring that children receive the best possible care and support.
As the situation in Artsakh continues to deteriorate, COAF’s Artsakh Spring appeal aims to provide a glimmer of hope for the children and families impacted by the conflict by offering comprehensive support services. This appeal presents a unique opportunity for people worldwide to unite and make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. By donating to COAF, supporters can join a movement that prioritizes the well-being of affected children and families while also contributing to the long-term resilience of these communities. This is an opportunity to demonstrate that these communities are not forgotten and to create a significant impact on their lives. To support this cause, visit the website and donate today.
COAF’s team of nine dedicated women in Stepanakert
The Children of Armenia Fund is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that employs community-led approaches aimed at improving the quality of life in rural Armenia, with a particular focus on children and youth. COAF’s target development areas are education, healthcare, social and economic development. COAF launched its programs in 2004, starting in one village and expanding to 66 villages in Armavir, Aragatsotn, Lori, Gegharkunik, Shirak, and Tavush regions, impacting more than 107,000 beneficiaries.
Since 2015, COAF has developed and started implementing the SMART Initiative. COAF SMART is designed to advance a generation across the rural world through education that will benefit individuals, societies, and the environment. As an exemplary model of development, COAF SMART will be replicated in other regions and communities throughout Armenia. The first COAF SMART Center was inaugurated on May 27, 2018, near the village of Debet, Lori Region.
The International Armenian Literary Alliance (IALA), the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) and the Krikor and Clara Zohrab Information Center continue their reading series, Literary Lights, with another virtual event, featuring Aram Mrjoian, editor of We Are All Armenian, who will be joined by contributors, Kohar Avakian, Chris McCormick and J.P. Der Boghossian. The event will take place on Zoom on April 29, 2023 at 1 p.m. EST. Registration is required.
We Are All Armenian is a groundbreaking collection of personal essays–by established and emerging Armenian voices–exploring the multilayered realities of life in the Armenian diaspora. Anthology contributors include Liana Aghajanian, Naira Kuzmich, Sophia Armen, Nancy Kricorian, Olivia Katrandjian, Nancy Agabian, Chris Bohjalian, Aline Ohanesian, Raffi Joe Wartanian, Anna Gazmarian, Raffy Boudjikanian, Hrag Vartanian, Mashinka Firunts Hakopian, Carene Rose Mekertichyan and Scout Tufankjian.
Literary Lights is a monthly reading series, held from February to November in a mixed online and in-person format, featuring new works of literature by Armenian authors. Audience members are invited to read along with the series.
ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Fall 2022 participants continue to excel in their careers and welcome the next wave of Armenian American professionals to the nation’s capital.
WASHINGTON, DC —The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP) continues to empower recent university graduates to explore careers in policy, politics and media in Washington, DC – building on the commitment of generous benefactors Apo and Nayiri Saghdejian, who honored their late son and brother through the naming of this landmark program.
“The Saghdejian family is proud that the ANCA’s Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program is inspiring a new generation of Armenian American leaders,” remarked Nayiri Saghdejian. “We believe this program is continuing to produce rising leaders who will contribute to our common cause – consistent with Hovig’s faith and dedication to the Armenian Cause,” Nayiri added.
Through each new class of fellows, the Saghdejians realize their shared vision of expanding the Armenian American professional voice in the nation’s capital. Recent graduates from across the US converge in Washington, DC throughout the year to pursue careers in public policy through three-month grants of free housing at the ANCA Aramian House, access to the ANCA network of contacts and resources, and hands-on training on how to find land career-track jobs in the governmental, political, policy and media worlds. Throughout the career-starter process, the CGP Advisory Committee offers expert guidance, helping set credible benchmarks for success.
“The ANCA is honored to join with Apo and Nayiri to realize the promise of Hovig’s vision of a strong Armenian American voice across the American political and policymaking landscape,” said ANCA chairman Raffi Hamparian. “We are blessed to count Apo and Nayiri as friends and benefactors, proud Armenians who translated their family’s tragedy into hope and opportunity for generations of young Armenians.”
A number of 2022 fall session participants explain how the Gateway Program has helped them start careers in Washington, DC and encourage recent graduates to apply to this unique program:
“Moving to Washington DC or any new place can be overwhelming, but the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program provided me with endless opportunities to expand my network and make new friends in a new city,” explained Natalia Matossian, who has started her career at a congressional office. “I am grateful for the support from the CGP team and friends in helping get my foot in the door on Capitol Hill and making this city feel a lot like home,” continued Matossian.
Nikolas Manzo, who started on Capitol Hill and continues to explore policy career opportunities, felt the mentorship provided through the program was key. “The most beneficial part of the program, in my opinion, is the mentor you individually receive. The doors they open for you do not go unnoticed, and can help lead your cohort to new heights.” Manzo also cited the importance of the program’s housing assistance. “The time I spent in the Aramian House as a part of the Capital Gateway Program is a time I will cherish for a lifetime. Moving to a new city can be daunting, but being part of CGP made Washington a home away from home.”
Soseh Yepoyan concurred, stating, “The Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to kickstart your DC professional career surrounded with the amazing support of the ANCA.” Yepoyan, who is working at a top immigration law firm in Washington, DC, continued, “Through constructive workshops, grabbing a coffee with someone new, and attending networking events, you are able to learn about different careers and hone in on where your main future interests lie. In this fast-paced environment, you are greatly encouraged to grow and succeed and pay it forward to others!”
The deadline for the fall 2023 session of the Gateway Program, starting in September 2023, is July 15, 2023.
The program is named in honor of Hovig Apo Saghdejian, the 23-year-old student from Fresno, Calif., whose life of community leadership and public service was cut short in July 2004 by a tragic car accident. The Saghdejian family’s support for the Capital Gateway Program has been a labor of love, with over $300,000 raised in Hovig’s memory. These funds will be held in perpetuity, with only the income being used to finance the participation of young Armenian Americans in the Gateway Program.
Hovig Apo Saghdejian: Inspirational Youth Leader and Community Activist
Hovig Apo Saghdejian, upon graduation from Clovis West High School, 1998.
Hovig Apo Saghdejian was born on Dec. 31, 1980, in Fresno, Calif. Early in life, Hovig became a member of the Homenetmen Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, and he joined the ranks of the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), contributing to the welfare of the Armenian-American community and reinforcing his commitment to his homeland.
Hovig Apo Saghdejian (right) and fellow LCO volunteer Shant Minas with Ayroum village leaders.
He breathed life into the ideals of his youth by working to preserve and reinvent Armenian identity in America, while bringing a sense of optimism to the people of Armenia for a better future. As a volunteer with the Land and Culture Organization, Hovig traveled to Armenia during the summer of 2003 to work as a volunteer in Ayrum, developing infrastructure and self-sustainability for the impoverished population of this village. Beyond the value of the hard work that contributed significantly to the well-being of the villagers, Hovig’s efforts helped bring hope to all he came in contact with that the future held better things for the people of Armenia. Commenting on his time in Ayrum, in a testimonial on the Land and Culture website, Hovig explained, “I know that when I reflect back on this experience I will feel ecstatic about the work we accomplished, the things we saw, and the bonds we forged.”
Hovig attended Fresno City College, California State University of Fresno and the University of California, Berkeley, where he majored in interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis on economics, philosophy and film studies. He performed his civic duties by being politically involved, not only with the ANCA but also with Congressman George Radanovich and State Assemblymember Steve Samuelian on campaign and public policy projects.
Hovig enjoyed life, family, and friends. He had a special bond with his parents Apo and Rosine and sister Nayiri. He spent his spare time helping his mother at the Adult Day Care Center, and his father with the family business.
ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian with Apo Saghdejian at a memorial to his son, who continues to inspire youth to pursue careers in public service through the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program.
Friday, April 7, 2023
Confusion Over Armenia’s Participation In U.S.-Led Military Drills
POLAND - U.S., Polish and French soldiers stand near their armoured vehicles
during Defender Europe 2022 military exercise of NATO troops at the military
range in Bemowo Piskie, May 24, 2022.
The U.S. Department of Defense removed Armenia on Thursday from the list of
participants of an upcoming U.S.-led military exercise in Europe released by it
on Wednesday.
Armenia was initially listed among 26 countries which the Pentagon said will
take part in the Defender 23 exercise designed to “deter those who would
threaten the peace of Europe and defend the continent from aggression.”
“Approximately 9,000 U.S. troops and about 17,000 troops from 26 allied and
partner nations will participate and portions of the exercise will stretch
across 10 different European countries,” Sabrina Singh, a Pentagon spokeswoman,
told reporters late on Wednesday.
The Armenian Defense Ministry did not confirm its participation in the two-month
drills that will begin on April 22.
A report on Singh’s announcement posted on the Pentagon’s website was edited on
Thursday evening to exclude Armenia from the list. No official explanation was
given for that revision. The Armenian government did not comment on it either.
It was thus not clear whether Yerevan had initially agreed to join the war games
before deciding to pull out of them.
The Armenian military was reportedly close to sending troops to the U.S.-led
drills held in 2021 but opted out of them at the last minute. It said at the
time that Armenian soldiers join only those NATO drills that simulate
international peacekeeping operations and train military personnel for them.
Armenia’s relations with Russia, its traditional ally, and the Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have deteriorated in recent months due to
what Yerevan sees as a lack of support from its allies in the conflict with
Azerbaijan.
Earlier this year, the Armenian government cancelled a CSTO military exercise
planned in Armenia and refused to appoint a deputy secretary-general of the
Russian-led military alliance It also rejected other CSTO member states’ offer
to deploy a monitoring mission to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
The unprecedented tensions have called into question Armenia’s continued
membership in the CSTO. A senior Russian diplomat said last week that Moscow
hopes to end the South Caucasus country’s growing estrangement from its CSTO
allies.
Tensions between Russia and NATO have escalated dramatically since the Russian
invasion of Ukraine. The Kremlin said recently that the U.S.-led alliance is
increasingly “hostile” to Russia and more and more involved in the war in
Ukraine.
Armenia Confirms Non-Participation In U.S.-Led Drills
• Anush Mkrtchian
POLAND - Polish and American soldiers stand during Defender Europe 2022 military
exercise of NATO troops at the military range in Bemowo Piskie, May 24, 2022.
The Armenian military confirmed on Friday that it will not take part in a
U.S.-led military exercise in Europe that will start later this month.
The U.S. Department of Defense listed Armenia on Wednesday among 26 nations that
will send troops to the Defender 23 exercise designed to “deter those who would
threaten the peace of Europe and defend the continent from aggression.” It
removed the South Caucasus country from the list, posted on the Pentagon’s
website, on Thursday without any explanation.
The Armenian Defense Ministry declined to comment on that. The ministry
spokesman, Aram Torosian, said only that Armenian soldiers will likely
participate instead in two other, more small-scale drills that are due to be
organized by U.S. Army Europe and Africa later this year.
One of those drills will involve multinational troops making up KFOR, the
NATO-led peacekeeping force in Kosovo, Torosian said in written comments. A
small Armenian military contingent has been part of KFOR for nearly two decades.
It thus remained unclear whether Yerevan had initially agreed to join the
Defender 23 war games before deciding to pull out of them.
Hakob Badalian, an Armenian political analyst, suggested that Armenia’s initial
inclusion on the list of participants was hardly the result of a U.S.
“technical” error.
“I don’t think it’s a technical issue,” Badalian told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.
“The question of why that happened is very important.”
Armenia has long been allied to Russia, which claims to have faced growing
“hostility” from NATO and the United States in particular since the Russian
invasion of Ukraine.
Armenia’s relations with Russia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization
(CSTO) have deteriorated in recent months due to what Yerevan sees as a lack of
support from its allies in the conflict with Azerbaijan.
Earlier this year, the Armenian government cancelled a CSTO military exercise
planned in Armenia and refused to appoint a deputy secretary-general of the
Russian-led military alliance. It also rejected other CSTO member states’ offer
to deploy a monitoring mission to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
Russia Reaffirms Support For Turkish-Armenian Normalization
• Aza Babayan
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a news conference in
Ankara, April 7, 2023.
Russia supports Turkey’s and Armenia’s efforts to normalize bilateral relations,
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reiterated during a visit to Ankara on
Friday.
“We welcome the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Turkey
which began with our support,” Lavrov said after talks with his Turkish
counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu. “We welcome efforts to unblock transport links and
communication routes.”
Russia, which has thousands of troops deployed along Armenia’s border with
Turkey, hosted in January 2022 the first meeting of Turkish and Armenian envoys
held as part of that process. They held three more rounds of negotiations in the
following months.
The two neighboring states agreed last July to allow mutual air freight traffic
and to open the Turkish-Armenian border to citizens of third countries.
Turkey has for decades made the full opening of the border and the establishment
of diplomatic relations with Armenia conditional on an Armenian-Azerbaijani
peace deal acceptable to Azerbaijan. Turkish leaders have reaffirmed this
precondition since the start of the normalization talks with Yerevan.
Speaking at a joint news conference, Cavusoglu said Turkish-Armenian relations
and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were on the agenda of his talks with Lavrov.
He said Armenia should sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan as soon as possible.
Lavrov stuck to the official Russian line that agreements brokered by Moscow
should serve as a blueprint for the normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani
relations.
“We hope that our non-regional partners will not interfere in this process and
instead will prod the parties to strictly implement the trilateral
[Russian-Armenian-Azerbaijani] agreements,” he said in a clear reference to the
West.
Over the past year, Moscow has repeatedly accused the United States and the
European Union of trying to hijack those agreements and squeeze Russia out of
the South Caucasus. The Western powers have denied that.
Armenian Official Wants Probe Of Azeri Advance
• Ruzanna Stepanian
• Tigran Hovsepian
Armenia - Andranik Kocharian, chairman of the Armenian parliament committee on
defense and security, is interviewed by RFE/RL, January 11, 2022.
A senior Armenian lawmaker on Friday called for an official inquiry into fresh
territorial gains made by Azerbaijan last week along the border with Armenia.
Azerbaijani army units advanced on March 30 into what Yerevan regards as
sovereign Armenian territory adjacent to the Lachin corridor connecting Armenia
to Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the National Security Service (NSS), they
crossed a section of the border just outside the Armenian village of Tegh. The
community lost a large part of its agricultural land and pastures.
The NSS claimed on April 1 that the situation in that border area “improved
significantly” after negotiations held by Armenian and Azerbaijani officials.
Tegh residents countered, however, that the Azerbaijani troops did not retreat
from any of their newly occupied positions.
Andranik Kocharian, the pro-government chairman of the Armenian parliament
committee on defense and security, essentially acknowledged that.
“There have been no major positional changes so far,” Kocharian told reporters.
He expressed hope that as a result of ongoing negotiations the Azerbaijani
troops will withdraw from Tegh’s community lands occupied by them.
Echoing statements by opposition leaders, Kocharian said that the Armenian army
or border guards should have taken up positions along the Armenian side of the
Tegh border section ahead of the Azerbaijani advance. There must be an internal
inquiry into their failure to do that, he said.
“Why did it not happen? We must find answers to this question because … it was
avoidable,” Kocharian went on.
“I presume that we failed. If we did, those who failed continue to run some
structures in the lower or middle echelons, local governments,” he said.
The Armenian opposition has blamed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian for the latest
loss of Armenian territory, saying that he failed to issue necessary orders to
the military and other security forces.
Pashinian said on Thursday that Armenia should continue to exercise caution and
avoid another escalation even after the fresh Azerbaijani gains. He reaffirmed
his commitment to his “peace agenda.”
According to the mayor of Khnatsakh, an Armenian border village about 10
kilometers northwest of Tegh, later on Thursday, Azerbaijani forces opened fire
at Khnatsakh residents cultivating their land.
The official, Seyran Mirzoyan, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service that none of the
villagers was wounded by the cross-border fire witnessed by him. But they had to
stop their work, he said.
The Armenian Defense Ministry did not report any shooting incidents from that
area.
Pashinian Again Phones Putin
Armenia - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Russian President Vladimir
Putin attend a CSTO summit in Yerevan, November 23, 2022.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian again telephoned Russian President Vladimir Putin
on Friday to discuss Azerbaijan’s continuing blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh’s land
link with Armenia and Russian-Armenian relations that have soured in recent
months.
According to the official Armenian readout of the call, Pashinian raised with
Putin the “humanitarian crisis” in Karabakh resulting from the four-month
blockade.
“In the context of overcoming the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Armenian prime
minister emphasized the importance of consistent steps by the Russian
peacekeeping mission,” said the statement.
The Kremlin reported that the two leaders “continued the discussion of various
aspects of the current situation in Nagorno-Karabakh” and reaffirmed their
commitment to Armenian-Azerbaijani agreements brokered by Moscow during and
after the 2020 war. It was their fourth phone conversation in two months.
Armenian leaders have repeatedly accused Russian peacekeepers of doing little to
unblock the sole road connecting Karabakh to Armenia. Moscow has rejected the
criticism. It has called for an end to the blockade.
Azerbaijan has ignored such calls also made by the West. Its troops tightened
the blockade on Mach 25 when they seized a hill overlooking a dirt road that
bypasses the blocked section of the Lachin corridor. The Russian peacekeepers
accused Baku of violating the 2020 ceasefire.
Putin and Pashinian spoke on Friday eleven days Moscow warned the Armenian
parliament against ratifying the International Criminal Court’s founding treaty.
Armenia’s Constitutional Court gave the green light for such ratification on
March 24 a week after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin over war crimes
allegedly committed by Russia in Ukraine. Pashinian’s domestic critics claimed
that he engineered the court ruling in order to further undermine Armenia’s
alliance with Russia.
The Kremlin said Putin and Pashinian also “touched upon topical issues of
bilateral relations.” It did not elaborate.
Pashinian’s office likewise said that they discussed “Armenian-Russian relations
and other developments taking place in them.”
Reposted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2023 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
10:59, 7 April 2023
YEREVAN, APRIL 7, ARMENPRESS. The Parliament of Cyprus adopted on April 6 a resolution condemning Azerbaijan and urging it to immediately reopen the Lachin Corridor.
The resolution was submitted for debates by the Armenian National Committee of Cyprus and the ARF Cyprus Committee “given the closure of the Lachin Corridor and continuous provocations by Azerbaijan against Armenia”, the organizations said. The two organizations cooperated with the state representative of the Armenian-Cypriot community and the Friends of Artsakh Circle.
The Armenian National Committee of Cyprus expressed gratitude to the parliamentary parties of Cyprus and reiterated its commitment to continue working for the protection of the international interests of Armenia and Artsakh. The organization said it believes that the Turkish-Azerbaijani maximalist aspirations and geopolitical challenges can be overcome only through uniting pan-national efforts and ensuring support by various circles of the international community.
The Lachin Corridor – the only road linking Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world – has been illegally blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. Azerbaijan is even ignoring the February 22 ruling by the International Court of Justice which ordered it to ensure freedom of movement in the corridor.
09:47, 7 April 2023
YEREVAN, APRIL 7, ARMENPRESS. 357 beneficiary families, who have children with disabilities under the age of 18, are registered in Gegharkunik region. Benefactor Mikael Vardanyan implemented another charitable program in Gegharkunik and on the occasion of April 7, the Maternity and Beauty Day, he provided the financial support of 300 thousand drams to the mothers of all children with disabilities. The total budget of the program was 107 million drams.
[see video]
13:59, 4 April 2023
YEREVAN, APRIL 4, ARMENPRESS. On April 3 in Bucharest the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met with Vasile-Daniel Suciu, the Vice-Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania.
The interlocutors discussed issues of activation of parliamentary ties between the two countries and the organization of regular visits. Both sides emphasized the importance of developing cooperation between Armenia and Romania based on the historical and cultural commonalities between the two peoples and the existing potential, the foreign ministry reported.
After the meeting, Ararat Mirzoyan and Vasile-Daniel Suciu took part in the opening ceremony of the exhibition dedicated to the famous Romanian figure of Armenian descent, general Hakob Zadik (Iacob Zadik), held in the Chamber of Deputies. During the event, Varuzhan Pambukchyan, a Member of the Parliament of Romania, Chairman of the Group of National Minorities, and Varuzhan Voskanyan, First Vice-President of the Writers' Union of Romania, Chairman of the Union of Armenians of Romania, gave remarks. The contribution of representatives of the Romanian-Armenian community to the socio-political, scientific, educational and cultural life of Romania during different periods of time was highlighted, one of the vivid examples of which is the activity of general Hakob Zadik, who was honoured by Romania and other countries.
Remark: On December 16, 2019, during the solemn reception held in the Chamber of Deputies of Romania on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Union of Armenians of Romania, the latter, as a sign of centuries-old Armenian-Romanian friendship, donated a khachkar (cross-stone) to the Romanian Parliament, which is installed in one of the halls of the Parliament.