Category: News

French Alps cable cars tourists rescued

Elizabeth Jabejian 
Photo: AFP

 

At least 33 tourists who spent a cold Thursday night trapped in several cable cars high above the French Alps have been rescued, officials say, the BBC reports.

The tourists were suspended above the glaciers of Mont Blanc at an altitude of about 3,800m (12,468ft) after wires carrying the cars became tangled.

They were among 110 people initially trapped when the cable cars ground to a halt on Thursday afternoon.

The cars are believed to have stopped after cables tangled in high winds.

Those trapped overnight were freed on Friday after rescuers managed to restart the cars by relaxing the tension of tangled cables.

Republican Party approves Karen Karapetyan as candidate for Prime Minister

Emil Lazarian

 

 

 

The Executive Body and Board of the Republican Party of Armenia unanimously approved Karen Karapetyan’s candidacy for the Prime Minister’s post, Vice-President of the Party Armen Ashotyan told reporters after the meeting.

He said the Republican party has decided to enter the parliamentary race with a new government.

Ashotyan added that the issue of Ministers was not on the agenda. “Obviously, the cabinet will be formed within the framework of the coalition agreement. But the issue was not referred to during today’s sitting,” he said.

Speaking to reporters before the sitting, the Head of Staff of the National Assembly Hrayr Tovmasyan said the government will be temporary and will work until the 2018 elections.

2016 Paralympic Games open in Rio

Chakhmakhchian Vatche

Brazilian president Michel Temer was booed as the 2016 Paralympic Games opened in Rio de Janeiro to a backdrop of colour, music and a powerful message of inclusivity, the BBC reports.

Thousands of performers were involved either side of the two-hour procession of competing countries at the Maracana.

Competition begins on Thursday, when Britain’s Dame Sarah Storey can become the most successful female Paralympian.

The opening ceremony began with American Aaron “Wheelz” Fotheringham, in a wheelchair, jumping from a massive ramp from the Maracana stands and performing a back flip through a giant ring.

The Brazilian national anthem was played on the piano by Carlos Martin, whose right hand is severely disabled, before the parade of athletes, with the loudest cheer of the night reserved for competitors from the host nation.

Each nation carried a piece of a jigsaw, which bore the name of their country on one side and faces of competing athletes on the other.

Once completed, the jigsaw was adorned by the faces of every competitor at the 2016 Games. All of the faces came together to form a beating heart, which began beating in time to the music.

One of the most striking parts of the ceremony was when bright lights temporarily ‘blinded’ the crowd to try to show spectators the reality Paralympic athletes face, forcing them to rely on other senses such as hearing.

ANCA calls for a sustainable U.S. policy addressing the existential challenges facing Middle East Christians

Nahapetian Zhanna
Armenian National Committee of America Executive Director Aram Hamparian slammed U.S. policy on Middle East Christians as shortsighted, irresponsible and reckless, calling for a new strategy based on fundamental American values, at the opening press conference of the 2016 In Defense of Christians (IDC) National Advocacy Convention.
“Sadly, in place of a truly American approach, successive U.S. Administrations have pursued policies imposed by foreign interests; allowed vetoes exercised by corrupt dictators; even enforced gag-rules silencing our moral voice as a nation,” said Hamparian.  He went to offer three Armenian examples of failed U.S. policies, including “U.S. complicity in Turkey’s obstruction of justice for the Armenian Genocide; a U.S. green light on Turkey’s destabilizing offensives into northern Syria; and U.S. backing for a ‘peace plan’ that would force Christian Nagorno Karabakh under the rule of an Azerbaijani dictatorship.”
Hamparian then praised In Defense of Christians for its progress “against influential interests and the institutional inertia of more than a century of inaction,” citing the unanimous passage of H.Con.Res. 75, spearheaded by Representatives Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Anna Eshoo (D-CA), which condemned ISIS actions against Christians and minorities as ‘genocide’; a joint Knights of Columbus / IDC report detailing the genocidal campaign against Christians and other minorities in the Middle East; and the ongoing advocacy efforts defending the rights and safety of Christian communities in the region.
He went on to share the ANCA’s support for the policy recommendations being advanced during the IDC convention:
— Securing a truthful and just international resolution to Turkey’s still unpunished crime of genocide against Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks and other Christians through passage of H.Res.154.
— Establishing a province for the indigenous Christians (Assyrian, Chaldean and Syriac) and other peoples of the Nineveh Plain region.
— Generating U.S. support for security and stability in Lebanon and relief from the Syrian refugee crisis (including those who have reached Armenia).
— Encouraging reform of the legal regulations regarding the rebuilding and construction of churches in Egypt.
“These issues are all tied to one another,” explained Hamparian. “Progress on one reinforces progress on all.  Justice for one represents a step toward justice for all.”
The two-hour IDC press conference highlighted insights by Representative David Trott (R-MI); Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett, former Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF); Robert Nicholson, Executive Director of the Philos Project; Alexis Moukarzel, former Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of the Holy Spirit in Kaslik, Lebanon; Andrew Doran, journalist and expert on religious persecution in the Middle East; and IDC Executive Director Kirsten Evans.
On Wednesday evening, IDC Convention participants gathered at the historic Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Washington, DC for an ecumenical prayer service for Christians in the Middle East.  Celebrants included Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Christophe Pierre, His Eminence Oshagan Choloyan, Archbishop of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Most Reverend Gregory Mansour and the Most Reverend Abdallah Elias Zaidan, both Bishops of the Maronite Catholic Church, the Reverend Canon Alistair MacDonald-Radcliff of the Anglican Church, the Very Reverend Father Gabriel Adde of the Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, the Very Reverend Archdeacon William Toma of the Assyrian Church of the East, the Reverend Andre-Sebastian Mahanna of the Maronite Catholic Church and the Very Reverend Father Joseph Rahal of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church.
The conference will continue on Thursday with a National Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, where participants will meet with Members of Congress to highlight the plight of Christians and other minorities across the Middle East. That evening, a formal dinner will be held at the Capitol Hill Club that will feature addresses from senior federal policymakers. The last day of the conference (September 9) will feature a policy and awareness symposium at the Dirksen Senate Office Building, followed that evening by the premiere of the movie “Our Last Stand” – a documentary on the plight of Christian communities in Syria and Iraq.

Catholicos of All Armenians visits the frontlines

Emil Lazarian

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenian, visited the frontline accompanied by Deputy Commander of the NKR Defense Army, Major General Vardan Balayan and members of the Supreme Spiritual Council to bring his blessing to the commanders and soldiers.

“Accept our blessing, appreciation and gratitude for the devoted service you are carrying out to keep our borders secure and ensure peace in Armenia and Artsakh,” His Holiness said.

The Catholicos wished the soldiers safe service and triumphant return home

His Holiness presented crosses to the soldiers and another one to the chapel built by the servicemen.

Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian to be named 2016 Legislator of the Year at ANCA-WR Annual Gala

Talar Tumanian
The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) announced that Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian will be honored with the 2016 ANCA-WR Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of his unwavering and strong leadership in the California State Legislature and ongoing commitment to passionately defending and advancing issues critical to Armenians worldwide. Nazarian will accept the award at the Gala Banquet on Sunday, October 16 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles.

“Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian is a true son of the Armenian community and has been a devoted advocate of the Armenian Cause since his days as a student. He has carried his sense of duty with him throughout his political career and has served admirably in the California State Assembly as the torchbearer of issues that are important to all of us, ranging from leading a legislative trip to Armenia and Artsakh, to creating the California Armenian Legislative Caucus, to spearheading Armenian Genocide education in public schools, to introducing legislation for divestment of public funds from Turkish government investment vehicles.  We are proud to bestow the 2016 ANCA-Western Region’s Legislator of the Year Award upon Assemblymember Nazarian and look forward to working with him on new successes as he continues to ably serve the people of the State of California,” stated ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian.

“I am honored to be awarded the Legislator of the Year Award by the ANCA-Western Region,” stated Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. “Together, we have honored the sacrifices of our ancestors and embodied the entrepreneurial spirit that has emboldened Armenians to continued success no matter the obstacles. I hope to continue our work in California; creating jobs, upgrading our infrastructure, and ensuring a quality education for our children.”

Adrin Nazarian was elected in November 2012 to represent California’s 46th Assembly District, which includes Hollywood Hills, Lake Balboa, North Hills, North Hollywood, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Universal City, Van Nuys, and Valley Village.

Since entering office, Nazarian has consistently been one of the strongest voices for Armenians and fiercest advocates on many issues, most notably regarding Armenian Genocide education and divestment of state funds from Turkey. As a founding member of the Armenian Legislative Caucus, Nazarian authored and signed into law the Armenian Genocide Education Act (AB 1915) which helped ensure that the Armenian Genocide would be included in the new History-Social Studies curriculum framework adopted by the California State Board of Education. Throughout the years, Nazarian has continued the tradition of the annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Sacramento and, in marking the 100th Anniversary, took a leadership role in organizing the California State Capitol Centennial events, bringing the “Armenian Journey: From Shattered Past to Prosperity” exhibit to the California State Museum, promoting the inclusion of Armenian Genocide books in the California State Library, and launching a statewide essay competition on the Armenian Genocide.

In 2013, he spearheaded and led the first California delegation trip to Armenia and Artsakh (Republic of Nagorno Karabagh). The following year, Nazarian played a key role in ensuring passage of AJR 32, recognizing Artsakh’s right to self-determination and independence.

Most recently, Nazarian successfully secured $1 Million in the State’s 2016-2017 Budget for an Armenian-American Museum in Glendale and $500,000 for the LARK Musical Society.

Assemblymember Nazarian has always believed in civic engagement and the importance of giving back to his community. He has served on the boards of several community-based organizations including the East Valley YMCA and the YWCA. Nazarian was one of the founding members of Generation Next Mentorship program, which works with local public schools to give young people alternatives to a life of gangs and drugs.

Since his election, Nazarian has also passionately advocated for increased mass transit in the San Fernando Valley, smarter management of vital water resources through infrastructure improvements, protecting and expanding the film industry, and much-needed earthquake preparedness. Nazarian is Chair of Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration, and sits on the Assembly Committees on Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism, and Internet Media; Elections and Redistricting; Health; and Transportation.

Prior to being elected, he served as Chief of Staff to Paul Krekorian in both Mr. Krekorian’s capacity as Assistant Majority Leader in the California State Legislature and Los Angeles Councilmember. He also served as an aide to Congressman Brad Sherman, participated in the prestigious CORO Fellowship in Public Affairs program, and was appointed as Special Assistant to the California Trade and Commerce Agency by former Governor Gray Davis. Nazarian has played an instrumental role in paving the way for greater activism and political engagement within California’s Armenian American community through his involvement on various Armenian candidates’ campaigns and in mentoring Armenian youth who have since become more involved with the ANCA and/or elections and politics.

Assemblymember Nazarian attended UCLA, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. He is a product of the local Armenian community and a proud graduate of Ferrahian Armenian High School. Nazarian and his wife, Diana, live in West Toluca Lake with their sons Alex and David.

The Legislator of the Year Award is one of the highest honors given by our organization, and it is awarded not annually, but rather when the organization recognizes that a state and/or federal legislator has made significant contributions to the Armenian nation and the Armenian Cause. In the last month, the organization also announced that it will honor California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson with the Man of the Year Award and Varoujan Koundkajian posthumously with the Legacy Award.

The 2016 ANCA-WR Annual Gala Banquet will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The main event will begin at 4:30p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. A three-course dinner will follow at 6:00 p.m. accompanied by a powerful program and presentation of awards.

Past Gala honorees in attendance include United States Senator Robert Menendez, Congressman Ed Royce, California Governor Jerry Brown, California Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de Leon, California Majority Leader Walter Karabian, California Assemblymembers Katcho Achadjian, Paul Krekorian, and Anthony Portantino, Los Angeles Mayors Eric Garcetti and Antonio Villaraigosa, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh, Archbishop Parkev Martirosyan, rock band System of a Down, and legendary late coach Jerry Tarkanian, among other distinguished honorees.

Apple launches iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

Jagharian Tania

Apple has officially announced the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. The new iPhone features a design that’s very similar to last year’s iPhone 6S (and the year prior’s iPhone 6), with a rounded aluminum body, according to The Verge.

But what’s entirely new is the phone’s water resistance, which means you can get the iPhone 7 or the larger iPhone 7 Plus wet without worry. Also new is the long-rumored dual camera system, stereo speakers, and a darker black color scheme. And, as expected, the iPhone 7 does not have a headphone jack, rendering countless 3.5mm headphones useless with the device (or requiring the use of an adapter).

The new phone may look very similar to last year’s models, but instead of the matte metal finish we’ve become used to, it has a glossy, mirrored design. The new color is called jet black and is much darker and richer than the space black of years past. Apple is also releasing a standard black model, along with gold, silver, and rose gold.

Apple has redesigned the iconic home button for the iPhone 7, making it force sensitive like the Force Touch trackpads used in recent MacBook laptops. The phone has also gained the Taptic Engine haptic feedback system from the Apple Watch, which provides different vibration feedback for various alerts.

Uzbek PM Mirziyoyev appointed acting president

Arbi Tashjian 
Photo: Alexei Druzhinin/Russian Presidential Press and Information Office/TASS

 

Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been appointed Uzbekistan’s acting president, TASS reports.

Uzbekistan’s parliament recommended the Central Election Commission to organize presidential elections in accordance with the country’s law.

Uzbekistan’s first President Islam Karimov died after suffering a stroke at the age of 78 on September 2.

Harlem Désir, Elmar Mammadyarov discuss Karabakh issue

Emil Lazarian
Harlem Désir, Minister of State for European Affairs, received Elmar Mammadyarov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Press Service of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports.

They took stock of the discussions underway to find a negotiated, peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, under the auspices of the co-chairs of the Minsk Group.

Harlem Désir and Elmar Mammadyarov also discussed the development of relations between Azerbaijan and France, as well as between Azerbaijan and the EU.