Category: News

A French-American man who helped stop a heavily armed gunman on a train in France in 2015 has received the country’s highest honour, the BBC reports.

Mark Moogalian and five other passengers overpowered the suspect, Moroccan national Ayoub El-Khazzani.

Mr Moogalian was shot in the neck during the struggle on the high-speed train from Amsterdam to Paris.

The Legion d’honneur was given by President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace.

When a French passenger tried to enter a toilet on the train, he encountered the gunman and tried to overpower him.

Seeing the struggle, Mr Moogalian tried to intervene but was hit by a bullet.

Three other Americans – off-duty military servicemen Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos, and Anthony Sadler – then overpowered the attacker.

They also had the help of UK businessman Chris Norman.

The Americans and the Briton received the honour in August 2015.

Sorbonne professor Mark Moogalian, has lived in France for more than two decades,  but is originally from Midlothian and is of Armenian descent.

Armenia’s Acting Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian met with EU High Representatives for Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini on the sidelines of the 71^st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The EU High Representative congratulated Edward Nalbandian on the occasion of the 25^th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, underlining that the EU will maintain support for the ongoing reforms in the country.

Federica Mogherini welcomed the agreement between the authorities and opposition on the new Electoral Code, noting that it was an important step ahead of the parliamentary elections expected next year.

The parties hailed the effective interim negotiations on a new Armenia-EU Framework Agreement held in Brussels on September 19.

The interlocutors exchanged views on the ongoing negotiations on political dialogue and trade issues.

Edward Nalabndian presented the agreements reached at the Vienna and St. Petersburg summits, noting that Azerbaijan has been refusing to implement them up until now.

Federica Mogherini reiterated the full support of the European Union to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs towards finding a peaceful resolution to the issue.

Chaired by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, the Government discussed today the preliminary version of the 2017 State budget bill.

Per-sector proposals on the draft text of the 2017 State budget bill were submitted by the heads and representatives of the following ministries and government agencies: Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Education and Science, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Ministry of Nature Protection, Ministry of Territorial Administration and Development, Ministry of Healthcare, State Committee of Science, National Academy of Sciences, Ministry of Agriculture-affiliated State Food Security Service, Ministry of Agriculture-affiliated State Water Management Committee, State Migration Service, National Statistics Service, as well as the Mayor of Yerevan and Marz Governors.

Moscow, Washington and Paris are ready to host high-level talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the OSCE Mink Group Co-Chairs said in a statement issued after their meetings with the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York. The statement reads:

The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, James Warlick of the United States of America, and Pierre Andrieu of France, as well as the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, met separately with the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly to continue discussions on a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

“During the meetings, we paid special attention to implementation of decisions taken at the recent summits in Vienna (May 2016) and St. Petersburg (June 2016). In particular, we discussed further steps that could create an atmosphere for advancing substantial negotiations that could lead to a settlement.

We also exchanged views on proposals that could be discussed between the sides.

Our governments are prepared to host another meeting of the Presidents or Foreign Ministers at the appropriate time.

We plan to visit the region in the near future.”

Prime Minister Karen Karapetan received today the delegation of the Chinese AVIC International Corporation headed by its Executive Vice President Liu Jun.

The Prime Minister welcomed the delegation’s visit to Armenia and noted that the Armenian Government is ready for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Liu Jun said “the AVIC International is interested in the implementation of investment projects in Armenia” and presented the directions of the corporation’s activity.

The interlocutors discussed prospects of cooperation and the possibilities of implementing joint projects in transport, energy, aviation and agriculture.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan welcomed AVIC International’s commitment to make investments in Armenia’s economy and expressed his government’s readiness to facilitate the cooperation.

The Prime Minister instructed the relevant departments to discuss in more detail the proposed investment programs in possible areas of cooperation.

Photo: Reuters

 

A boat carrying African migrants headed to Europe capsized off the Mediterranean coast near the Egyptian city of Alexandria on Wednesday, killing at least 42 people, Egyptian authorities said, AP reports.

The army gave the toll in a statement, saying it had “thwarted an illegal immigration attempt” and that the boat had been 12 nautical miles off the coast when it sank.

Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said that the total number of dead was still unknown. Local official Alaa Osman from Beheira province said the migrants were from several African countries. He said over 150 people have been rescued so far but that bodies are still being pulled from the water.

Egypt’s official news agency MENA said the boat was carrying 600 people when it sank near the coast, some 180 kilometers north of the capital, Cairo. Osman said the boat had likely come from Kafr el-Sheik province, further to the east.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan needs to play more at Manchester United and in his correct position. That is the view of Arsenal legend and pundit Ian Wright, the reports.

Mkhitaryan has been used as a winger in his short United career but Wright believes he needs to play in his preferred central position.

“I’d like to see Henrikh Mkhitaryan play because he was so good at Borussia Dortmund,” he told .

“He has come in and he hasn’t played.

“What should have happened with Henrikh Mkhitaryan is that when he has come on, he should have come on in the position that he’s used to.

“Simply because that’s where he has done his best work.”

Mkhitaryan joined United from Borussia Dortmund for £26m in the summer.

But the Armenia international has started just one of his four Premier League appearances to date.

The 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence was celebrated in Damascus on September 21.

Syrian Minister of Agriculture and Agrarian Reforms Ahmad al-Qadiri was a guest of honor at the reception hosted by the Armenian Embassy.

Attending the event were Grand Mufti of Syria Sheikh Ahmad Badreddin Hassoun, Adviser to the President Bouthaina Shaaban, Minister of Tourism  Bishr Yazigi, Electricity Minister  Mohammad Zuhair Kharboutli, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, lawmakers, political and public figures, religious leaders, members of the Armenian community.

Addressing the guests, Armenian Ambassador Arshak Poladyan refered to the path Armenia has covered during the 25 years of independence and the Armenian-Syrian relations. The Ambassador  presented the priorities of Armenia’s foreign policy and wished peace and stability to the people of Syria.

A number of political and public figures, representatives of the Armenian community were handed awards and certificates of gratitude of the Armenian Ministry of Diaspora and the Armenian Embassy in Syria for their contribution to the reinforcement of bilateral relations between Armenia and Syria.

“When you dream about your next big trip, your immediate response isn’t likely to be Armenia. But that’s where you are woefully overlooking a beautiful spot that hasn’t yet been overrun by tourists,” the  writes.

In honor of Armenian Independence on September 21, the website presents 15 reasons why Armenia should be the next vacation spot.

Excerpts from the article are provided below:

With its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and tasty local cuisine, Armenia is a perfect spot for a long trek or a short trip. Throw in the friendly atmosphere (and copious opportunities for extreme sports) and it is clear that Armenia’s reputation is due for a change.

The first Christian country in the world, Armenia officially took on the religion on a statewide level in 301 at the encouragement of Gregory the Illuminator. That century, the country began abolishing their pagan temples and building Christian temples and monasteries, some of which are still active and can be visited today.

Travelers can  visit the Monastery of Tatev, a gem of medieval Armenian architecture and spiritual life. The monastery can be accessed via the longest ropewalk in the world or Wings of Tatev cable car, the world’s longest non-stop double track cable car, according to the Guinness World Records.

Where culture is concerned, as Armenia is situated snugly between on the border between Europe and Asia, their identity is a unique blend of east and west. People are extremely kind and tend to appreciate tourists. It is not uncommon for locals to invite a traveler over for sweets, tea, or even a meal.

If none of that sold you on Armenia, I could always remind you it’s the land of Andre Agassi and Kim Kardashian.

Click to see the full article.

President Serzh Sargsyan visited today Euromotors Company to attend the inauguration of “BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce” exhibition hall.

The opening ceremony was also attended by co-owner of Euromotors, Prince Group President Adel Al Marzuki, BMW Group Vice President Thomas Rhein, Company Sales Director Konrad Baumgartner, Regional Director Victor Eisenbraun, Director of Euromotors Jaber Al Marzuki, co-owner of Euromotors, founder of Multi Group concern Gagik Tsarukyan, Armenian officials.

Accompanied by them, the President of Armenia toured the newly built exhibition hall, which is the largest such facility in the region. After being told about the new jobs and the investments made so far, Serzh Sargsyan was shown the exhibits on display.