Category: News

The Greek government has extended bank closures and a €60 daily limit on ATM withdrawals until Monday, the BBC reports.

The curbs were imposed on 28 June, after a deadlock in bailout talks with creditors led a rush of withdrawals.

The European Central Bank has decided not to increase support for Greek banks until the debt crisis is resolved.

Greek PM Alexis Tsipras says he will submit “credible” reform plans on Thursday – ahead of a Sunday deadline by the EU to find a solution.

An emergency summit will involve all 28 EU members – not just the 19 eurozone countries.

European Council President Donald Tusk has warned that this was now the “most critical moment in the history of the eurozone”.

On 8 July Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited the Royal Institute of International Affairs Chatham House and delivered there a speech, Central Information Department of the Office of the Artsakh Republic President reports.

The President touched upon state building, domestic and foreign policy of Artsakh, the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement, regional developments and responded to the questions of the audience.

In his speech President Sahakyan noted that Chatham House’s mission to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world was very much congenial to Artsakh, adding that those ideas were also part and parcel of our world vision.

According to the President, such meetings are useful both for Artsakh and different states and international structures.

Foreign diplomats, scientists and analysts were present at the meeting.

On July 8, in accordance with an agreement reached with the authorities of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, the OSCE Mission conducted a planned monitoring of the Line of Contact between the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan in the Martuni direction.

From the positions of the NKR Defense Army, the monitoring was conducted by Field Assistants of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Khristo Khristov (Bulgaria) and Jiri Aberle (Czech Republic).

From the opposite side of the Line of Contact, the monitoring was conducted by Field Assistant of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Yevgeny Sharov (Ukraine) and staff member of the Office Peter Svedberg (Sweden).

The monitoring passed in accordance with the agreed schedule. No violation of the cease-fire regime was registered.

From the Karabakh side, the monitoring mission was accompanied by representatives of the NKR Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense.

The Baywatch series star actress Pamela Anderson has written an open letter to the Russian President, urging him to use his authority over Russian territorial waters to block the passage of a cargo ship carrying 1,700 tonnes of fin whale meat to Japan, Russia Today reports.

In a “personal request” letter to Vladimir Putin, Anderson writes that out of their “mutual love for animals and a deep respect for nature,” Putin should step in and block the “illegal” cargo of St. Kitt’s-registered vessel Winter Bay from sailing from Iceland through the Northeast Passage to Japan.

Russian waters are allegedly the only way to get the meat to Japan as according to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Winter Bay will not risk passing through the Suez or Panama canals because of international laws and logistic restrictions concerning whale meat.

The actress considers the Russian president as the last beacon of hope to stop the vessel, currently docked in Norway and awaiting the clearance of the Arctic route.

“President Putin, you can stop this illegal transit by forbidding this vessel from carrying a cargo of endangered Fin whale meat through Russian waters to Japan,” Anderson wrote as she urged Putin to consider the matter.

“Your decision could put an end to the needless slaughter of endangered whales by Iceland,” the actress wrote.

 

Today, at the Great Hall of the American University of Armenia, President Serzh Sargsyan took part in the solemn opening ceremony of the 12th Meeting of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGC) titled “Comparative Analysis of 20th Century Genocides.”

The Armenian president delivered a speech. The meeting, which is devoted to the Armenian Genocide Centennial, as well as to the 70th Anniversary of World War II and the Holocaust, was attended by IAGC President Daniel Feierstein, more than a hundred leading experts in genocide and adjacent fields, as well as by eminent scientists from all over the world.

 

Address by President Serzh Sargsyan at the Opening of the 12th Meeting of the International Association of Genocide Scholars

Honorable Mr. Feierstein,

Dear participants of the 12th Meeting of the International Association of Genocide Scholars,

It is an honor for me to greet you in Armenia and signal the start of this representative meeting. I am proud that being people who survived genocide, the most terrific crime against humanity, we have managed to revive and build statehood, and today we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of the fight against the crime of genocide.

It often seems that along with the development of international law and the progress in political thought, humanity should have already overcome the calamity caused by the crime of genocide. So many times have been talked about the components of this crime against humanity, and so many efforts have been made to characterize, prevent, punish and condemn this crime, that it would seem that the “Never Again” slogan will reach its full realization.

Unfortunately, today we continue to witness promotion of genocidal actions, xenophobic propaganda and fascist ideology. We can observe mass killings, manifestations of violence, massacres, discrimination grounded on religious, national and linguistic distinctions, attempts to annihilate, in whole or in part, separate groups, and targeting of cultural heritage and spiritual life.

It points out the fact that the international fight against the crime of genocide must gather momentum, acquire a new meaning and use all possible platforms.

Some people often use the wording “tragedy” when referring to genocide. But it is necessary that we always use the only correct characterization of the term – “crime.” Tragedy can often be the result of a technological disaster, can be the result of a natural disaster and even the result of a contingency. All this is in stark contrast to genocide, a carefully calculated, planned and prepared crime, which has a clear target, a defined set of tools and an ideology based on xenophobia.

And taking into account the multilevel nature of that crime, it is very important that the process of its characterization, prevention, cessation, condemnation and imposing an appropriate punishment is grounded on a comprehensive approach which builds on a multidisciplinary scientific foundation. We need historians, political scientists, ethnographers, culturologists, international law experts, psychologists and many other specialists to carry out an effective struggle against the crime of genocide, as well as to outline and take steps aimed at overcoming the effects of genocides. This is why this platform of the International Association of Genocide Scholars is important. You have a professional approach to that hellish phenomenon which faces humanity.

Unfortunately, throughout history, various interests have often overshadowed the imperative to prevent genocides, creating unpunished precedents in human chronology and thus stimulating further manifestations of such behavior. It is no secret that science, too, has failed to avoid attempts to hide crimes, present victims as criminals and criminals as victims, or maybe it is more correct to say “anti-science.”

Hence, I have another reason to value the mission of this meeting and your many years’ efforts aimed at restoring historical justice in science. We highly appreciate the fact that your association recognized and condemned the Armenian Genocide in 2007.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Of pivotal importance is, of course, the broad involvement of social and political circles in preventing crimes against humanity, including genocides. Political figures, cultural, ecclesiastical and academic circles, civil society and the free media should direct concerted efforts at that struggle.

As part of the events to mark the Armenian Genocide Centennial, Yerevan hosted the first global forum “Against the Crime of Genocide” in April this year. The forum was joined by around 600 delegates, journalists, ecclesiastical leaders and scholars. It was not directed towards any state or people; it was directed at the crime of genocide.

It was exactly the forum participants’ suggestion, and Mr. Feierstein approved it, that Armenia should assume a leadership role in that issue and make that forum a regular event. After having necessary discussions, we have accepted that offer and plan to hold the forum once in two years, staring from 2016.

We hold that it will be better that the global forum succeeds the years of your association’s conferences, thus providing your organization with a new platform to share your experience and knowledge with broader circles. I officially suggest that the International Association of Genocide Scholars become the co-founder, organizer and permanent participant of the forum “Against the Crime of Genocide.”

Dear partakers,

Hundred years have passed since the Armenian Genocide, but nothing has been forgotten. We have not forgotten the names of those intellectuals, scholars and humanists in general, who used their minds and pens to shed light on the crime committed 100 years ago, thus not allowing its disguise at the time. And it is no accident that the pillar of gratitude is one of those four pillars upon which the Armenian Genocide Centennial rests: we are obliged to all those scholars and public and political figures, who, ignoring all difficulties, spoke out and continue to speak out about the Armenian Genocide.

It is crucial to us that the fact of the Armenian Genocide was mentioned during the mass performed by Pope Francis, in the addresses of Russia’s, France’s, Serbia’s and Cyprus’s presidents who had arrived in Yerevan to take part in the commemorative events, during the remembrance ceremony at Washington National Cathedral, in the historic address by German President Joachim Gauck where he clearly spoke about the German Empire’s complicity, in the documents adopted by Chile’s, Brazil’s, Australia’s, Luxembourg’s, the Netherlands’, Russia’s legislatures, by Greece and Cyprus in the resolutions criminalizing that crime, in the resolutions of authoritative international organizations, including the European Parliament, and most importantly, left footprints in the hearts of tens of millions of people who express their solidarity for the Armenian people’s just struggle.

It is in this same context that I view your decision to hold your meeting in Yerevan in this important remembrance year.

We are grateful to all of you for this unprecedented support and courage.

Dear guests,

We will continue our struggle for the prevention of genocides, for which will always need your support and advice. Our struggle is aimed at restoring our rights, and we are grateful to all those who support us, at least to those who do not hinder us. I wish the meeting a fruitful work, and I wish you pleasant days in Armenia.

Thank you.

Nominations are now open for the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, a new annual international humanitarian award to be given to a person or a group of people who put themselves at risk to enable others to survive. From July to October, a designated portal on will allow individuals to submit nominations for candidates they believe have overcome great personal challenges to make an exceptional impact on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes.

To evaluate the submitted nominations, the Aurora Prize has gathered together an acclaimed group of people to serve on its Selection Committee, including Nobel Laureates Elie Wiesel, Oscar Arias, Shirin Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee; former President of Ireland Mary Robinson; human rights activist Hina Jilani; former Australian Foreign Minister and President and CEO of the International Crisis Group Gareth Evans; President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York Vartan Gregorian; and Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney. All of them are accomplished in a diverse range of fields, but are united in their commitment to the principles of humanitarianism.

“We are calling for nominations of lesser known yet inspirational stories of courage and intervention,” said Aurora Prize Co-Founder, Ruben Vardanyan. “We want to honor those who risk their own safety because of a heightened sense of humanity and responsibility and support life-saving causes in a tangible way.”

The Aurora Prize is the philanthropic vision of Vartan Gregorian, Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan, the co-founders of 100 LIVES, an initiative expressing gratitude to the individuals and institutions whose heroic actions saved Armenian lives during the Genocide 100 years ago. 100 LIVES seeks to share remarkable stories of saviors and survivors and celebrate the strength of the human spirit. Together they are seeking to build a humanitarian movement by drawing attention to the issues faced by the world’s most vulnerable and reward individuals and organizations that work to address those issues in a  substantial and consequential manner.

“Sadly, tragic issues and events continue to plague the world’s populations,” said Aurora Prize Co-Chair George Clooney. “This Prize seeks to draw the world’s attention to some of the remarkable efforts being undertaken to help save the world’s most vulnerable from humanitarian crises happening around the globe.”

The winner will be honored with a US$100,000 award, as well as a US$1,000,000 grant to be donated to a charitable organization that inspired their work. This is consistent with the spirit of the Prize and allows the recipient to continue the cycle of giving. Nominations may span a broad range of sectors in the non-profit field, including economic development, public health, law, government and education.

“The Aurora Prize is designed to make a real difference to the causes that motivate people to risk their health, liberty, reputation, or livelihood to help others to survive and thrive,” said Aurora Prize Co-Chair Elie Wiesel. ”What distinguishes this Prize from others is the legacy this award will create through investing in the organizations that inspire acts of humanity.”

Mr. Clooney will present the inaugural Aurora Prize to the winning recipient during a ceremony to be held April 24, 2016 in Yerevan, Armenia.

“Kirk Kerkorian was a unique, rare and very special person. He was a man of extraordinary generosity,” renowned singer Barbra Streisand has said about the late Armenian-American businessman.

Barbra Streisand left the following note on her official Facebook page:

“Kirk Kerkorian. 1917-2015.

Throughout the years, Kirk Kerkorian was a man of extraordinary generosity. He rarely sought attention or acknowledgement for his contributions.

In 1969 I opened Mr. Kerkorian’s International Hotel in Las Vegas. Not until New Year’s Eve 1993 did I return for the opening of his magnificent MGM Grand Hotel. At that time, because of his generous contribution to my foundation, I was able to give support to the fight against AIDS and the fight for Women’s & Children’s Rights and the Environment.

Tracinda Corp., the holding company founded by the late Kirk Kerkorian, has unveiled production company Survival Pictures with the Christian Bale-Oscar Isaac drama “The Promise” as its first project, has learned exclusively.

Survival is described as telling stories of “perseverance, endurance and the inextinguishable fire of the human spirit” to reflect Kerkorian’s values. Kerkorian, who bought and sold MGM and United Artists three times, died on June 16 at the age of 98.

“The Promise” will be produced and financed by Survival Pictures managers Eric Esrailian and Anthony Mandekic, with “Hotel Rwanda” director Terry George helming from a script he wrote with Robin Swicord.

The story is set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, which was dissolved in 1922, with shooting in Portugal and the Canary Islands scheduled for the fall. Mike Medavoy (“Black Swan”) is producing for his Phoenix Pictures banner with Esrailian, Ralph Winter (“X-Men”) and William Horberg (“Milk”).

The script centers on a love triangle with a medical student, an American journalist based in Paris and a beautiful and sophisticated woman. Bale will play the reporter, and Isaac will portray the student, who’s conflicted by old-world traditions.

Bale was last seen in “Exodus: Gods and Kings” and stars in two completed Terrence Malick titles — “Knight of Cups” and “Weightless.” Isaac will be seen in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “X-Men: Apocalypse.”

Longtime Kerkorian attorney and spokesperson Patricia Glaser said, “Survival Pictures was born out of Kirk Kerkorian’s unwavering dedication to telling inspiring human stories for audiences around the world. ‘The Priomise’ will be a wonderful love story and will open the door to the championing of human rights. This film fulfills a longstanding dream for Mr. Kerkorian, who was thrilled to participate in the development and casting process.”

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan will leave for Russia on July 9, President’s Press Office reported.

President Sargsyan is expected to participate in the summit of BRICS, the Eurasian Economic Union and the Scanhai Cooperation Organization to be held in Ufa.