Category: News

Deadly train crash in north-west Spain

Greg Madatian

At least two people were killed when a train derailed near Pontevedra in north-western Spain on Friday, the BBC reports.

About 60 passengers were on the Portuguese train when it derailed at 09:30 (07:30 GMT) near the town’s station, El Pais news website reported.

One carriage came off the tracks completely, the other two partially.

Emergency workers are at the scene. The crash was at O Porrino, on the coast, just south of Santiago de Compostela and north of Portugal.

In July 2013 Spain suffered one of its worst train crashes in the same region, when a high-speed train derailed near Santiago de Compostela, killing 79 people and injuring some 170. The driver failed to brake in time before a bend.

Uruguay broke the darkness of Turkish policy of denial: Sharmazanov

Emil Lazarian

Deputy Chairman of the Armenian National Assembly Edward Sharmazanov had a meeting with Vice-President of Uruguay, President of the Senate Raul Sendic.

The parties attached importance to the further expansion and development of bilateral cooperation and stressed that “Armenia and Uruguay are friendly countries despite difference.”

Edwarrd Sharmazanov said that “by becoming the first country to recognize the Armenian Genocide in 1965, Uruguay broke the darkness of Turkish denial.”

“We have to join efforts to fight Turkey’s policy of denial. Turkey should finally face its own history,” he said.

Raul Sendic, in turn, attached importance to the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide by the international community.

The Karabakh issue was also on the agenda of the meeting. In this context Sharmazanov noted that “Azerbaijan should respect the principle of full realization of Artsakh people’s right to self-determination. Azerbaijan is the only party creating obstacles in the process,” he added.

Raul Sendic noted that “Uruguay backs the peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict and stands against any attempt to solve the issue in a military way.”

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.

Kazakhstan’s prime minister named security boss in reshuffle

Toneyan Mark 
Photo: Yekaterina Shtukina/Russian government's press service/TASS

Kazakh Prime Minister Karim Masimov was appointed chairman of the state security service on Thursday by President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Reuters reports.

No new cabinet head was named. Deputy Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev will serve as acting prime minister, according to the order published by Nazarbayev’s office.

Under the constitution, Nazarbayev will now need to propose a new prime minister to the lower house of parliament, which is dominated by his supporters.

Masimov has run the government since April 2014, his second stint as prime minister after heading the cabinet in 2007-2012.

Turkey ends ban on lawmakers visiting German troops

Kajoyan Gevork

Germany’s foreign minister says Turkey has approved plans for German lawmakers to visit their country’s troops at a Turkish air base, ending a standoff that had strained relations, the Associated Press reports.

Turkey had refused to allow German lawmakers to visit personnel stationed at the Incirlik Air Base since the German Parliament’s June vote to label as genocide the killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks a century ago.

Germany has troops and aircraft at the base to support the campaign against the Islamic State group.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said Thursday that Ankara has now approved a visit. He said that “with this decision by the Turkish government we have moved a step forward.”

German Chancellor Angela Merkel met Turkey’s president Sunday at the Group of 20 summit in China.

Sharmazanov commends Uruguay’s balanced stance on Armenia-related resolutions at the UN

Dabaghian Diana

The Armenian parliamentary delegation headed by Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly Edward Sharmazanov had a meeting with Gerardo Amarilla, President of the House of Representatives of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.

Edward Sharmazanov hailed the relations between the two countries based on goodwill, mutual understanding and support.

The Deputy Speaker noted that “Armenia is interested in establishing multi-faceted cooperation with Latin American countries, including Uruguay” and voiced hope that the visit would help achieve progress.

Sharmazanov emphasized the close cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international organizations. He commended Uruguay’s balanced stance on Armenia-related resolutions at the UN.

Speaking about the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide, Edward Sharmazanov said: “We spare no effort to reach full recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The mass condemnation of such crimes will help prevent the reoccurrence of new crimes against humanity. Uruguay took the lead in the process of recognition of the Armenian Genocide, serving an example to the entire world and thus proving its commitment to universal values,” he said.

Referring to the Karabakh issue, Sharmazanov said “Armenia and Artsakh stand for exceptionally peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict” and added that there was no alternative to the realization of the Artsakh Armenians’ right to self-determination.

He emphasized the role of the Armenian community in the deepening of the Armenian-Uruguayan relations.

Russian FM, Minsk Group Co-Chairs discuss Karabakh settlement process

Parkev Tvankchian

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov received today the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs Igor Popov, James Warlick, and Piere Andrieu, and the Personal representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk.

Urgent issues of the Nagorno Karabakh settlement process, including the process of implementation of the agreements reached at the Vienna and St. Petersburg, as well as the current situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani line of contact.