The U.S. shares a dynamic and expanding agenda with Armenia: Barack Obama

On the occasion of RA Independence Day, U.S. President Barack Obama has sent a congratulatory message to President Serzh Sargsyan. The message reads:

Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of the American people, I extend warm congratulations as you celebrate your Independence Day this September 21.

The bonds between the United States and Armenia are strong and lasting. The resilience, hospitality, and creativity of the Armenian people have won you admirers the world over, among them the United States.

Armenia is an important partner with which we share a dynamic and expanding agenda. We are grateful for Armenia’s contributions to peacekeeping operations, including in Lebanon and Kosovo. We also welcome this year’s establishment of the U.S.-Armenia Council on Trade and Investment, which will further strengthen the economic ties between our two countries.

As you celebrate 24 years of independence, I wish you and the people of Armenia the best on this Independence Day and a successful year to come.

Armenia awards former Canadian MP Jim Karygiannis ‘Mkhitar Gosh’ medal

The Republic of Armenia awarded former Canadian MP Jim Karygiannis for his contributions to strengthening Canada-Armenia relations and the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Horizon Weekly reports.

On September 18, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Canada Armen Yeganian handed the Mkhitar Gosh medal award to Mr. Karygiannis during the Armenian Independence Day celebration in Toronto.

The Mkhitar Gosh Medal rewards exceptional achievements in the political-social spheres, as well as outstanding efforts in the fields of diplomacy, law, and political science.

Jim Karygiannis served in the Canadian House of Commons as a Liberal MP from 1988 to 2014. He was elected to Toronto City Council on October 27, 2014.

For his work with a number of communities, Jim has received recognition, including being awarded:

  • ‘The Mkhitar Gosh Medal’ from the Government of The Republic of Armenia for his substantial input in international recognition of the Armenian Genocide;
  • The ‘25 Year of Karabakh Movement’ Gold Medal by the Government of The Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as the first Canadian to visit the Republic in 2012 to observe the Presidential Elections; and,
  • The decoration of the ‘Officer’s Gold Cross of the Order of Phoenix’ by the Hellenic Republic in recognition of his many public service contributions.

Jim Karygiannis was born in Athens, Greece in 1955.  He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1966.

Greece election: Syriza wins with 35% of the votes

Greece’s Alexis Tsipras has said his left-wing Syriza party has a “clear mandate” after winning a second general election in less than nine months, the BBC reports.

But he said Greeks faced a difficult road and recovery from financial crisis would only come through hard work.

Syriza won just over 35%, slightly down on its previous result and still short of an overall majority.

But it will renew its coalition with the nationalist Independent Greeks. Opposition New Democracy gained 28%.

Far-right Golden Dawn came in third with 7%, slightly up on January’s poll.

Syriza was first elected in January on an anti-austerity mandate, but was forced to accept tough conditions for Greece’s third international bailout.

Sunday’s snap election was called after Mr Tsipras lost his majority in August.

Some of his MPs who had opposed the new bailout conditions split to form a new party, but it has failed to get into parliament. Turnout was low.

Russia’s Putin congratulates Armenia on Independence Day

 Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Armenia’s leader Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day.

In a congratulatory address, the Russian President stressed the successful and comprehensive development of Armenian-Russian relations and hailed the willingness of Armenian partners to further reinforce the mutually beneficial cooperation both on bilateral level and within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, the OSCE and the CIS.

Vladimir Putin reiterated the committment of the Russian side to continue to help Armenia in solving the urgent social-economic issues and voiced confidence that the whole framework of allied relations and the constructive cooperation on regional issues would continue to develop.

Game of Thrones breaks Emmy record with 12 wins

Game of Thrones picked up a record-breaking 12 awards, including best drama series at this year’s Emmys in Los Angeles, the BBC reports.

Viola Davis also made history by becoming the first black woman to win the best lead actress prize for her role in How To Get Away With Murder.

Jon Hamm finally won a best actor award for Mad Men in the show’s last year. He had been nominated seven times before.

Political comedy Veep was the winner in the best comedy series category.

And Inside Amy Schumer was named best variety sketch series.

Here is a list of the key winners of this year’s Emmy awards, which were held in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Game of Thrones were the night’s big winners, with 12 awards in total.

Outstanding comedy series

  • Louie
  • Modern Family
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Silicon Valley
  • Transparent
  • Unbreakable
  • Veep (winner)

Outstanding drama series

  • Better Call Saul
  • Downton Abbey
  • Game of Thrones (winner)
  • Homeland
  • House of Cards
  • Mad Men
  • Orange is the New Black

Outstanding limited series

  • American Crime
  • American Horror Story: Freak Show
  • Olive Kitteridge (winner)
  • The Honourable Woman
  • Wolf Hall

Outstanding lead actor in a comedy series

  • Anthony Anderson – Black-ish
  • Louis CK – Louie
  • Don Cheadle – House of Lies
  • Will Forte – The Last Man on Earth
  • Matt LeBlanc – Episodes
  • William H Macy – Shameless
  • Jeffrey Tambor – Transparent (winner)

Outstanding lead actress in a comedy series

  • Edie Falco – Nurse Jackie
  • Lisa Kudrow – The Comeback
  • Julia Louis-Dreyfus – Veep (winner)
  • Amy Poehler – Parks and Recreation
  • Amy Schumer – Inside Amy Schumer
  • Lily Tomlin – Grace and Frankie

Outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series

  • Andre Braugher – Brooklyn Nine-Nine
  • Tituss Burgess – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
  • Ty Burrell – Modern Family
  • Adam Driver – Girls
  • Tony Hale – Veep (winner)
  • Keegan-Michael Key – Key & Peele

Outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series

  • Mayim Bialik – The Big Bang Theory
  • Julie Bowen – Modern Family
  • Anna Chlumsky – Veep
  • Gaby Hoffmann – Transparent
  • Allison Janney – Mom (winner)
  • Jane Krakowski – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
  • Kate McKinnon – Saturday Night Live
  • Niecy Nash – Getting On

Outstanding lead actor in a drama series

  • Kyle Chandler – Bloodline
  • Jeff Daniels – The Newsroom
  • Jon Hamm – Mad Men (winner)
  • Bob Odenkirk – Better Call Saul
  • Liev Schreiber – Ray Donovan
  • Kevin Spacey – House of Cards

Outstanding lead actress in a drama series

  • Claire Danes – Homeland
  • Viola Davis – How to Get Away with Murder (winner)
  • Taraji P Henson – Empire
  • Tatiana Maslany – Orphan Black
  • Elisabeth Moss – Mad Men
  • Robin Wright – House of Cards

Outstanding supporting actor in a drama series

  • Jonathan Banks – Better Call Saul
  • Jim Carter – Downton Abbey
  • Alan Cumming – The Good Wife
  • Peter Dinklage – Game of Thrones (winner)
  • Michael Kelly – House of Cards
  • Ben Mendelsohn – Bloodline

Outstanding supporting actress in a drama series

  • Uzo Aduba – Orange is the New Black (winner)
  • Christine Baranski – The Good Wife
  • Emilia Clarke – Game of Thrones
  • Joanne Froggatt – Downton Abbey
  • Lena Headey – Game of Thrones
  • Christina Hendricks – Mad Men

Outstanding lead actor in a limited series or movie

  • Adrien Brody – Houdini
  • Ricky Gervais – Derek
  • Timothy Hutton – American Crime
  • Richard Jenkins – Olive Kitteridge (winner)
  • David Oyelowo – Nightingale
  • Mark Rylance – Wolf Hall

Outstanding lead actress in a limited series or movie

  • Maggie Gyllenhaal – The Honourab
    le Woman
  • Felicity Huffman – American Crime
  • Jessica Lange – American Horror Story: Freak Show
  • Queen Latifah – Bessie
  • Frances McDormand – Olive Kitteridge (winner)
  • Emma Thompson – Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Outstanding supporting actor in a limited series or movie

  • Richard Cabral – American Crime
  • Damian Lewis – Wolf Hall
  • Bill Murray – Olive Kitteridge (winner)
  • Denis O’Hare – American Horror Story: Freak Show
  • Michael Kenneth Williams – Bessie
  • Finn Wittrock – American Horror Story: Freak Show

Outstanding supporting actress in a limited series or movie

  • Angela Bassett – American Horror Story: Freak Show
  • Kathy Bates – American Horror Story: Freak Show
  • Zoe Kazan – Olive Kitteridge
  • Regina King – American Crime (winner)
  • Mo’Nique – Bessie
  • Sarah Paulson – American Horror Story: Freak Show

Keeping Up With the Kardashians: Kim and Khloé visit Armenia – Photos

Armenia trip is featured in  Season 10 of the Keeping Up With the Kardashians Show that returened on E! Sunday.

Sunday’s mid-season premiere of Keeping Up With the Kardashians began with the family cooking dinner at Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick’s house. But Kourtney was understandably upset that Kylie Jenner flaked on spending time with them.

“Kylie has been really distant, just not responding to texts, which is so not like her,” Kourtney said. “I just feel bad. With her dad transitioning, everyone’s been really emotional…and I just want to make sure that she’s okay, but I haven’t even seen her.”

Later, Kim Kardashian met Khloé Kardashian at her house as she was packing for their very first trip to Armenia! “You, me, North and Kanye are going to rule that town!” Khloé said. “Dad would have been so excited,” Kim replied.

Afterward, mama Kris Jenner visited Khloé to find out if Rob Kardashian was going to join his sisters in Armenia. “You know he’s not going,” Khloé told her mom. “You guys have got to leave him alone and let him have a breather.”

“I just want to encourage him to go,” Kris replied. “So, you want to force him to go to Armenia with the most popular Armenian girl ever?” Khloé responded.

Subsequently, Kim and Khloé flew to Armenia later that night with Kanye West and North West. When they touched down, it was safe to say they were greeted with a warm welcome.  The sisters were obviously thrilled to visit the country and learn about their ancestors, but they were disappointed that Rob and Kourtney weren’t there.

At their hotel, even more fans were waiting outside. “They’re all chanting Kim’s name,” Khloé said. “Kim is in her glory. She loves all this. If Kim ever loses a little bit of fame, she should just move to Armenia. She’ll be golden for the rest of her life.” LOL!

The next morning, Khloé and Kim got ready to embark on an Armenian adventure around the city. But first, Kim had some surprising news to share with her little sis! “I am pregnant!” Kim said. Yay!

“When did you find out?” Khloé asked, surprised. “Like two days ago,” Kim responded. “But I haven’t told anyone, just you. I told North last night, but I don’t think she understands.” Aww!

“I really thrived when you were fat and pregnant and they compared you to a whale,” Khloé said to her. “It was the first time I was ever the thin one.”

“This is like your moment to shine,” Kim told her. “You’ve got to do every sexy photo shoot you could possibly imagine. Kourtney’s just not sexy anymore.” Ouch!

“That’s so sad that you guys have to be pregnant for me to be the thin one,” Khloé joked.

Kim, Khloé and their cousins visited an authentic Armenian carpet factory for dinner, music and a traditional fashion show. When the cultural center representative came over the welcome the ladies, Khloé had an unusual request for the attractive woman. “My brother isn’t here and you’re such beautiful girl, can I take a picture of you? I want to show my brother how beautiful Armenian girls are!”

Following fashion show, Kim told the representative that she really liked one of the necklaces. She immediately took it off the model’s neck and gave it to Kim to wear! “Literally, if Kim said, ‘Oh, you’re daughter is so cute,’ they would give Kim their daughter!” Khloé said. Ha!

Later, the sisters were given the opportunity to try on traditional Armenian garments. After that, the group invited Kim to dance, but she coerced Khloé to join in the festivities in her place.

In Armenia, Kanye visited the Tumo Center for Creative Technologies, an art and technology school, where the students got an opportunity to play their music for the Grammy-winning artist!

Elsewhere, Kim and Khloé met with a genealogist to learn more information about their heritage. She told them that they were able to locate their ancestors’ hometown and their old house, and they would be able to visit! Then, the conversation turned to the tragic Armenian genocide. “My great-great grandparents—that’s why they moved to California,” Kim revealed.

Later that night, Kim called her mom to chat. When Kris started tearing up about Caitlyn Jenner’s transition, Kim cheered her up with her excited pregnancy news! “That’s the best thing I’ve heard in so long!” Kris said.

Google celebrates Armenia’s Independence Day

Today’s Google Doodle is dedicated to Armenia’s Independence Day. The doodle is available on the Armenian service of Google (google.am).

A Google Doodle is a special, temporary alteration of the logo on Google’s homepage that is intended to celebrate holidays, events, achievements and people.

On September 21, 2015 Armenia celebrates the 24th anniversary of independence.

Visit to Yerablur on 24th anniversary of Independence

President Serzh Sargsyan visited Yerablur  Pantheon on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence to pay tribute to those, who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland.

The President was accompanied by His Holiness Karkekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Bako Sahakyan, other officials.

India committed to working with Armenia to deepen bilateral relations

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday greeted the people of Armenia on the occasion of their Independence Day, IANSlive reports.

In his message to Armenian counterpart Serzh Sargsyan, Mukherjee said: “We, in India, are delighted to witness the progress and development achieved by the people of Armenia in the last two-and-half decades. We wish them further success in their chosen path of development.”

“India is committed to working with the people of Armenia to deepen mutually beneficial bilateral relationship,” he added.

John Kerry congratulates Armenia on Independence Day

US Secretary of State John Kerry has issued the following statement on the occasion of Armenia’s Independence Day: 

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I send my best wishes to the people of Armenia as you celebrate your independence day this September 21.

The United States values our relationship with Armenia, which remains as strong as ever, as evidenced by the historic level of American investment in Armenia’s economy today. We are grateful for the dedication and sacrifice of Armenian troops serving in international peacekeeping missions and celebrate the many achievements of Armenians who have enriched the cultural fabric of both our nations.

As you celebrate 24 years of independence, know that the United States is a partner and friend and that we fully support the security, prosperity, and democratic development of Armenia.

Congratulations and best wishes to all Armenians around the world for a peaceful and prosperous year to come.