Category: News

In the evening of December 4, President Serzh Sargsyan participated at the gala-dinner organized on the occasion of the 110th anniversary of the Armenian General Benevolent Union which took place at the Tigran Mets Hall of Armenia Marriott Hotel. The President of Armenia made a statement and addressed words of gratitude to the members of the AGBU and all participants of the event.

“Commencing its activities at the beginning of the previous century, the Armenian General Benevolent Union through its 150 local bodies for 110 years has been, and I am sure will be carrying out its indispensable activities. It would be redundant of me to name one by one all programs of the Union and the works it has accomplished. The “indispensable” I believe is the word which characterizes precisely the work of a group of people which they were able to accomplish just in time, finding the only proper way which contributed to the preservation of the Armenian nation as well as to the independent Armenia and the physical existence of the Armenian nation in general.

What makes the AGBU different from all other structures? I believe first of all it is the people – members of the Central Board, or just regular members – benefactors, who have never had any expectation and moved forward true to very simple rules of benevolence: they never expected that someone would ever thank them for their charity and never intended to use charity for their personal ends. They have never looked for any reason, any cause to limit their work which has been vital for us. They have never had any problem with any of the authorities, and it is a very important factor,” said President Sargsyan in his remarks.

Serzh Sargsyan underscored that the Armenian General Benevolent Union is a dedicated benefactor, and that with this very approach the Union implements its programs aimed at the development of Armenia and the Armenian nation. The President wished the AGBU the abundance of donors, generosity, and scores of members. The President of Armenia expressed wish that the Armenian General Benevolent Union always be necessary and always be able to fulfill its mission.

President Sargsyan spoke also about the tasks before the AGBU and noted that he would love to see the Armenian General Benevolent Union much more Armenia-centered which will benefit the Union and all its beneficiaries alike. President Sargsyan also expressed desire for the Union to keep the bulk of its funds in Armenia, which has a stable financial structure since it will allow to increase the volume of charity. “I wish that our wishes are coherent. I wish that after working hours we dispute about the development possibilities. I wish that we all, regardless of being President, officials, entrepreneurs or donors, we all believe that it is our service, it is our thanks and gratitude to our nation which created us,” said President Sargsyan and wished the AGBU to celebrate gloriously its 200th anniversary and the subsequent jubilees.

AP Photo/Hassan Ammar    

Militants shelled a mobile Russian hospital in Aleppo, killing a female paramedic and wounding two doctors, the Russian Defense Ministry’s spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Monday, Sputnik  reports.

“Today during an appointment of local residents, militants attacked with artillery the Defense Ministry medical facility’s mobile hospital in Aleppo. As a result of a direct mine hit, one Russian military paramedic was killed and two staff workers were badly wounded. Locals rushed to help and were also hurt,” he said.

The spokesman underscored that militants of the Syrian “opposition” were “undoubtedly” behind the attack.

Russian singer Dima Bilan, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2009, is preparing a music video about the Armenian Genocide. The singer revealed the plans in an interview with Muz TV, Yerkramas reports.

Part of the video has already been shot in the Ararat Valley, the rest will be shot it in a specially decorated pavilion at Mosfilm.

“I’m familiar with the topic not only from history,” Dima Bilan has said. “My mother’s grandmother – Shushan Kruni – escaped the massacre, when she was 13.”

“She was saved by Russian soldiers also escaping from Turkey to Russia. Unfortunately, my grand-grandmother died before I was born. But my mother says she looked for her relatives throughout her life without even knowing whether they were alive or not,” the singer said.

The video is slated for release in April next year. The singer has devoted it to the memory of his grand-grandmother and the millions of victims of the genocide at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.

Mats Hummels has backed Henrikh Mkhitaryan to come good for Manchester United.

The Armenian ace has struggled since his £26million switch to Old Trafford from Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

Mkhitaryan has been restricted to just two Premier League starts for the Red Devils so far this season.

However, his former Dortmund teammate Hummels insists the 27-year-old will shine for Jose Mourinho’s men if he’s given the chance.

“If you let him play, you will see how good he is. I am 100 per cent sure of this. He is one of the best I have played with,” he told the

“But if you can’t play, you can’t shine. It’s easy! It’s really easy! I saw part of the game against Feyenoord.

“I saw part of the game against West Ham. There he was – always good, as he is always when he is on the pitch. He played at that level (raises his hands) all of last year.”

Photo: Valery Sharifulin/TASS    

Uzbekistan’s interim leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev has become the country’s new president. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his election of Uzbekistan’s president and invited him to pay an official visit to Russia, the Kremlin press service said on Monday after their telephone conversation, TASS reports.

“The Russian president extended his warmest congratulations to Shavkat Mirziyoyev on his convincing victory at Uzbekistan’s presidential elections and wished him every success on this high state post,” the Kremlin said. “Both sides reiterated their plans to further strengthen Russian-Uzbek allied relations of strategic partnership and to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various spheres.”

“Putin also invited Uzbekistan’s president-elect to pay an official visit to Russia. The invitation was accepted with gratitude,” the press service said.

Early presidential elections were held in Uzbekistan on Sunday. The elections were appointed after the death of Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov on September 2. Four candidates from all Uzbekistan’s officially registered parties vied for presidency. The candidates were acting President and Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev nominated by the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen/the Liberal Democratic Party; Khatamzhon Ketmonov of the People’s Democratic Party; Sarvar Otamuratov of the Milliy Tiklanich (National Revival) Democratic Party; and Nariman Umarov of the Adolat (Justice) Social Democratic Party.

Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Central Election Commission Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov said earlier on Monday Mirziyoyev is winning the elections with 88.61% of the vote.

The Azerbaijani side kept violating the ceasefire regime at the line of contact with the Karabakh forces last night.

The rival mainly used firearms of different calibers /550 shots/ and sniper rifles /33 shots/. The Azeri side also used a hand-held antitank grenade launcher in the eastern /Martuni/ direction.

The front divisions of the NKR Defense Army confidently continued with their military duty and ensured the reliable protection of the frontline.

“The situation is calm at this point and is under vigil control of the Armenian forces,” the NKR Defense Ministry said.

Statement by Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia at the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Commitments and Actions

Mr. President,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to thank Director General Amano for convening this important international conference on Nuclear Security in Vienna.

This is a good opportunity to review the progress made in implementing decisions adopted during Nuclear Security Summits and 2013 Conference on Nuclear Security and IAEA General Conferences, as well as to elaborate our joint endeavors aimed at further strengthening the international nuclear security. In this regard the outcome document of the Ministerial Segment will guide us in our joint endeavor to achieve more effective global nuclear security.

Mr. President,

Armenia strongly supports the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the global nuclear security architecture and its leading role in facilitating and coordinating nuclear security activities among Member States, as well as international organizations and initiatives.

Armenia attaches great importance to reinforcing nuclear security both at national and international levels through the ratification and implementation of international legal instruments as well as the establishment of robust national legislation. It is noteworthy that in 2015 we have adopted Amendments to the Government decrees on approval of the licensing procedure for import and export of radioactive materials, on the rules of physical protection for radioactive materials and on the concept of physical protection and security of Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and nuclear materials. These measures are aimed at complementing the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment.

Armenia fully implements its international obligations under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540. The National Action Plan of Armenia for 2015-2020 outlines series of concrete steps ranging from reviewing already implemented national measures to the coordination of ongoing and anticipated activities.

We are also active in counter-proliferation initiatives such as Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and Proliferation Security Initiative. The Government of Armenia is continuously working with its international partners at bilateral and multilateral levels to further enhance its national capabilities in countering nuclear smuggling.

Mr. President,

Armenia closely cooperates on a regular basis with the IAEA and other relevant International organizations and partner countries on all issues related to the nuclear energy. The Armenian nuclear power plant has always registered excellent record of safety. The Armenian Government’s decision on extension of the life cycle of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant was taken after thorough consultations with the IAEA and our international partners with a strong emphasis on ensuring its safety and security. In particular, numerous IAEA on-site inspections and assessment missions have reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment in implementing its international obligations and the highest level of openness and transparency. Non-compliance or deviation from the requirements of international treaties has not been recorded.

Against this background it is regrettable that some Member States, namely Azerbaijan and Turkey in a sheer disrespect to IAEA – its findings, records and analysis have been trying to exploit international fora for their own narrow political and propaganda purposes in order to spread groundless charges against Armenia. These fabricated and recycled accusations have nothing to do with the reality.

Mr. President,

As a strong supporter of the non-proliferation policies, Armenia reiterates its full compliance with the nonproliferation treaty and other relevant treaties, as well as IAEA safeguards agreements and additional protocol.

In conclusion, I would like once again to reiterate Armenia’s strong commitment to the collective efforts aimed at strengthening the nuclear security architecture.

Thank you.

 

 

 

Founder of the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) Gagik Tsarukyan will participate in the forthcoming political processes, head of the PAP faction Naira Zohrabyan told reporters today.

Gagik Tsarukyan will make a public statement in the near future to personally explain the format of that participation.

Zohrabyan noted that Gagik Tsarukyan is returning to politics at the request of his party members, but upon his personal decision. She also added that the Party will act on the opposition field.

Naira Zohrabyan said she has the impression that Gagik Tsarukyan’s return has caused panic on the political field, especially among the opposition.

“I can understand it, because Tsarukyan’s return has shuffled all political scenarios,” Zohrabyan said.

Photo: Getty Images

 

Thirty-three bodies have so far been recovered from a warehouse in Oakland, California, following a deadly fire during a party, officials say, the BBC reports.

Only about 20% of the building has been searched and “a significant number” of people are still missing, they said.

It is unclear what caused the fire at the converted warehouse.

The safety record of the building is under close scrutiny. There were no sprinklers and the only exit from the second floor was a makeshift stairwell.

Oakland fire chief Teresa Deloach-Reed said between 50 and 100 people were inside the venue when the fire started late on Friday.

The old warehouse, known as the Ghost Ship, was hosting a concert by electronic group Golden Donna and six other acts.

The fire caused the roof to collapse on to the second floor, part of which then fell through to the ground floor.

Fitch Ratings-Moscow-02 December 2016: Fitch Ratings has assigned Armenian City of Yerevan Long-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) of ‘B+’ and a Short-Term Foreign Currency IDR of ‘B’. The Outlooks on the Long-Term IDRs are Stable.

Yerevan’s ratings reflect a weak institutional framework for Armenian sub-nationals, as reflected by the sovereign rating (B+/Stable) constraint. The ratings also reflect Yerevan’s status as Armenia’s capital, satisfactory budgetary performance, supported by steady transfers from the central government, and a debt-free status.

KEY RATING DRIVERS

The rating action reflects the following key rating drivers and their relative weights:

High
In its base case scenario, Fitch expects the city to maintain satisfactory fiscal performance with an operating margin of 2%-3% in 2016-2018 (2011-2015: average 7.5%). The lower than historical margins will be driven by continued adjustment of the city’s operating revenue to negative shocks resulting from the protracted slowdown of Armenia’s economy in 2014-2015. We also expect Yerevan to run a slight surplus before debt variation of 1%-2% of total revenue in 2016-2018, after an average deficit of 1% in 2011-2015.

Fitch projects Yerevan city’s operating revenue will total AMD78bn in 2016, up 3% yoy. Yerevan receives current transfers from the central government, which averaged 74% of operating revenue in 2011-2015. Over the medium term, current transfers are likely to remain stable at about 75% of the city’s operating revenue, while locally collected taxes will contribute about 15% of operating revenue, in line with its average in 2011-2015.

Capital spending is likely to decrease slightly to about AMD7bn-AMD8bn in 2016-2017 (2015: AMD9bn) before rising to about AMD10bn in 2018. It will likely remain at below 10% of total expenditure, significantly below the average of 22% in 2011-2015, when the city made material infrastructure investment funded by state transfers and donor grants. Fitch expects the city will continue funding capital spending predominantly with asset sales and capital transfers from the central government.

Fitch views Armenia’s institutional framework for local and regional governments (LRGs) as a constraint on the city’s ratings. It has a shorter track record of stable development than many of its international peers. Weak institutions lead to lower predictability of Armenian LRGs’ budgetary policies, narrow their planning horizon and hampering long-term development plans. The main challenge facing Yerevan is the low predictability of medium- and long-term policies, which are subject to central government decisions.

The ratings also consider the following rating factors:

The city is free from any debt or guarantees, since forming a community in 2008. Statutory provisions of the national legal framework guiding debt or guarantees issuance restrict the city from incurring significant debt.

The city’s liquidity position weakened in 2015 to AMD175m, from AMD941m in 2014 as Yerevan used its cash to fund capital spending. However, its average monthly cash balance improved to AMD3.2bn at end-9M16 from AMD175m in 2015, underpinned by a steady inflow of revenue sources. Yerevan holds its cash in treasury accounts as deposits with commercial banks are prohibited under the legal framework. Fitch expects the city’s cash holdings to rise to AMD1.5bn-AMD3bn in 2016-2018, surpassing the five-year average of AMD1bn in 2011-2015.

Yerevan benefits from its capital status. It’s the country’s economic and financial centre and largest market with a developed services sector. Yerevan is the country’s largest metropolitan area, where 36% of Armenia’s population resides. However, the city’s wealth metrics are low in the international context; Fitch estimates Yerevan’s GRP per capita was AMD1.8m in 2015 (USD3,770). The city’s unemployment rate is high, averaging at 17.6% in 2011-2015, as measured by ILO-compliant assessment of the national statistics service.

The country’s economy grew 3% yoy in 2015, underpinned by strong net exports. Fitch expects Armenia’s economy to grow 3.5% in 2016 and 3.6% p.a. in 2017-2018. Armenia’s economy was negatively affected by severe external shocks in 2014-2015, following a collapse in commodity prices, which depressed the country’s major trade partners and reduced remittances inflows and exports.