Category: News

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the third review of Armenia’s performance under a three-year arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The completion enables the release of SDR 15.65 million (about US$22.01 million), bringing total disbursements under the arrangement to SDR 50.87 million (about US$71.53 million). The extended arrangement for SDR 82.21 million (about US$115.60 million) was approved on March 7, 2014.

In completing the review, the Executive Board also approved the authorities’ request for waiver of non-observance of the end of December 2015 fiscal deficit performance criterion (PC), modification of the end-June 2016 fiscal deficit and budgetary domestic lending PCs, as well as shift from a net domestic assets (NDA) PC to monetary policy consultation clause (as of end-June 2016).

Following the Executive Board’s discussion on Armenia, Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, said:

“Despite difficult external conditions, program performance has been broadly satisfactory, with most targets met. The weak global and regional conditions have, through lower commodity prices and remittances, contributed to declining domestic demand. Moreover, bank credit growth and inflation have been negative. Nevertheless, real GDP growth has held up moderately, primarily due to export-related supply-side factors in mining and agriculture. Monetary conditions have stabilized and pressures in the FX market have diminished.

“The authorities remain committed to fiscal consolidation and debt sustainability, along with a greater focus on revenue gains to protect and increase capital and social spending. The new tax code (recently submitted to the national assembly) provides a major opportunity to broaden the tax base by reducing exemptions and addressing gaps and thereby supporting both consolidation and increases in growth-enhancing spending.

“The central bank’s actions have helped ensure orderly market conditions and financial stability. Going forward, exchange rate policy will continue to limit intervention and sustain buffers. Further normalization of the monetary conditions will help bring inflation closer to the target and support a resumption of bank lending, while the use of macro- and micro-prudential regulations and further strengthening of the crisis preparedness framework will help maintain orderly financial markets conditions.

“Pursuing further structural reforms to enhance competition, competitiveness, and regional and global integration remains critical to reduce vulnerabilities and support medium-term growth. Ensuring that the state budget does not absorb losses or liabilities or make payments on behalf of utilities or other companies will be needed to safeguard the prudent use of the limited budgetary resources.

“The outlook remains challenging, but the risks to the program are manageable. Steadfast implementation of the agreed set of measures going forward will keep the program on track, rebuild buffers and policy space, and accelerate achieving key reform agenda objectives.”

Montenegro has temporarily annulled visa requirements for citizens of the Republic of Armenia, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign affairs informs in a twitter post.

The visa free regime will be in place until October 31, 2016.

Today, the California Legislature passed the 2016 – 2017 fiscal year Budget which included $1 Million to build the Armenian American Museum in Glendale, California and $500,000 to support the Lark Musical Society.

$1 Million to Build the Armenian American Museum in Glendale, California

“I am proud to have secured $1 million for the construction of the Armenian Museum,” stated Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. “The Armenian journey to California—from genocide to prosperity—is a critical thread in the fabric of our State.  An Armenian museum recognizing our past would be an excellent addition to our State’s wealth of cultural and historical centers.”

The mission of the Armenian American Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience.   The Museum will be a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.

The museum is patterned after Los Angeles County museums that combine the lessons and experiences of a specific group of residents with the vision of preventing discrimination and improving collaboration between all citizens of the County.

The Armenian American Museum would:

• Serve as a bridge to foster understanding between the multitude of cultures residing in the greater Los Angeles and surrounding areas
• Engage diverse audiences, particularly youth, through enthralling exhibitions, entertaining public programs, and captivating collections
• Provide tools and resources to nurture cultural leadership and promote knowledge, sharing, and collaboration
• Provide an impactful and immersive experience, telling the history of Armenia and the story of Armenians living in America
• Preserve, share, and promote Armenian culture and collective heritage

$500,000 for the LARK Musical Society

The LARK Musical Society is a collective of Armenian musicians with a passion for great classical and folk music. Musicianship is the cornerstone of LARK’s activities, however the last twenty years the Society has expanded to become a hub for artists practicing in all mediums.

To date, LARK has organized over 300 concert events, published 30 plus scholarly treatises and musical anthologies, produced 5 compact discs, hosted numerous symposia and lectures, garnered commendations and awards on the state, national, and international level, and educated hundreds of students in a wide range of musical studies.

The funding will help the Society expand and continue to provide resources to the community.

President Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan, Ofelya Hambardzymyan’s family and friends and a number of her admirers bid last farewell to the beloved singer.

Renowned Armenian singer, RA People’s Artist Ofelya Hambardzumyan passed away on June 13 aged 91.

She had been the soloist of the Aram Merangulyan Folk Instruments Ensemble of Public Radio of Armenia since 1944.

Her repertoire includes classical Armenian music and folk songs. She is especially recognized for her interpretations of Sayat-Nova’s songs. She has also performed the music of Fahrad, Jivani, Sheram.

In 1959 Ofelya Hambardzumyan was awarded the People’s Artist of the USSR. In 2011 she was awarded the Mesrop Mashtots Medal.

It looks like it’s going to be a fall release for the much-anticipated film “The Promise,” which stars Oscar Issac and Christian Bale in an Armenian Genocide-themed epic directed by Academy Award-winner Terry George.

The Promise” is eyeing to hit theaters as early as December, reports, quoting its sources.

Golden Globe-winner Issac and Oscar winner Bale were announced as leads of “The Promise” last June when Survivor Pictures, founded by late-billionaire Kirk Kerkorian revealed the long-rumored film project. According to early reports, Bale will play Chris, who is in love with both a woman and the danger of being in a combat zone during World War I. Isaac will play Michael, who is in love with the same woman but conflicted by old-world traditions and his heart.

George, who was nominated for a best director Oscar for “Hotel Rwanda,” co-wrote “The Promise” with another Academy Award nominated screenwriter Robin Swicord. In March 2013, George was a guest of the Armenian State Pedagogical University, where the Irish filmmaker compared the Armenian Genocide to the 1994 Rwandan Genocide.

The film, which also stars, Charlotte Le Bon, James Cromwell, Marwan Kenzari, Jean Reno, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Angela Sarafyan, among others, completed shooting in Europe last fall and is in post-production.

After shooting was completed on the film, Survival Pictures co-manager and a producer of the film, Eric Esrailian told Asbarez in an email that “Kirk will be proud,” referring to Kerkorian. “That makes all of the hard work even more special.”

The entertainment blog, The Playlist, gave an early prediction that “The Promise” will be on a short list for Academy Award consideration in 2017.

Ahead of Pope Francis’ visit to Armenia from 24 to 26 June, La Stampa interviewed Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches, who knows the country very well and will be accompanying the Pope on his trip.

By Cristina Ugoccioni

Your Eminence, what is the essence of the Pope’s visit to Armenia?

“I think this visit is first and foremost a sort of pilgrimage: the Pope’s gesture is one of affection and admiration for this ancient Church with its century-old Christian tradition; it is an act of devotion towards this country, the first to adopt Christianity in 301 when St. Gregory the Illuminator led the entire nation to conversion and baptism. The Pope will bring his gratitude and esteem for a people who were moulded by the Christian spirit and managed to protect the precious treasure of faith and their own identity for centuries. This is the spiritual power upon which Armenia can build a future of peace and hope. I also believe this trip will very important for the entire Armenian diaspora, all those men and women living in Europe, the US, South America and many other countries, who are shining examples of the values and human and Christian wealth of this people. Francis’ word and blessing will be a great comfort to them and act as a stimulus.

You have been to this country a number of times, the last time being in 2015, when you celebrated the consecration ceremony of the Holy Martyrs Armenian Catholic Church in Gyumri: what is it about the Armenian people that strikes you the most?

“What strikes me about this people, arousing my deep admiration, is their spirit of sacrifice, their ability to face each historical event – both in times of freedom and in times of persecution and suffering – with an authentic Christian spirit, remaining rooted in Christ’s cross. Khatchkars (carved, memorial stele bearing a cross) are effective symbols of this connection with the cross; they are present across the country, almost like a visible bone structure. Perseverance in the faith, humility and a spirit of service are Armenia’s strong points and what has helped this huge Christian community to get through and overcome the terrible hardships of the 20th century which affected over a million and a half Armenian Christians.”

What impact have these great hardships had on the soul of the Armenian people and their spirituality?

“These incredibly painful events have left an indelible mark on them. I am thinking of the Armenian liturgy: what I find most striking about it are the chants: they are heart wrenching, they seem to come from somewhere deep within the soul. They express a spirit of devotion to God, a faith that has never been denied or sold but preserved at a high price, with suffering. This is a people that is very familiar with suffering. The prayer I feel rising up spontaneously in my heart as I think of Pope Francis going to touch the Armenian nation with the oil of consolation and compassion, is that all of this pain will beget greater hope and love.”

How do you view current relations between the Catholic Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church?

“I perceive them to be very fraternal and particularly friendly. The Catholic community is tiny in terms of numbers and we need to be grateful to the Lord for the fact that the Armenian Apostolic Church – thanks to the generosity of Karekin II and his predecessor Karekin I – has allowed the Catholic Church to exist and to live the faith and acts of charity in service of the people fully. I am thinking, for example, of the work carried out by the Missionaries of Charity in Spitak and Yerevan and at Ashotks hospital, which until today has been run by the Camillians and the Little Sisters of Jesus. This hospital was donated by Caritas Italy at the request of John Paul II, after the devastating earthquake of 1988. I am certain that Pope Francis’ visit will forge even closer ties between the two Churches, fostering stronger and more fruitful ties of fraternity, friendship and mutual support that will lead to an industrious cooperation in many fields.”

Do you foresee that Pope Francis and Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians will draft a “Joint Declaration” as St. John Paul II and Karekin II did back in 2001? 

“I presume a Joint Declaration will be drafted on this occasion too, underlining and emphasizing the common faith in Christ our Saviour and expressing the intention and willingness to build ever growing fraternal ties between us with the grace of the Lord.”

Do you think Pope Francis’ visit will sway the OSCE Minsk Group, the group of mediators who have sought a solution – so far unsuccessfully – to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over who has control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region?

“I definitely think this visit will be an opportunity to draw attention to and encourage those values that are the backbone of every human community: the rejection of violence, the use of arms that cause immense suffering and the tenacious pursuit of peace through diplomatic means, dialogue, understanding and negotiations. I think that during his visit to Armenia, the first leg of his journey to the Caucasus region (in September Francis will go to Georgia and Azerbaijan), the Pope will send out a strong appeal for peace and a heartfelt invitation to work towards turning the Caucasus into what it already is in geographical terms: a bridge between East and West.”

Asbarez – A new book highlighting various aspects of Armenian history and culture has just been published as an initiative of The 100 Years, 100 Facts Project.

Impact of an Ancient Nation: Bridging the Past, Present, and Future with 100+ Facts about Armenia and Armenians by Lena Maranian Adishian and Nareg Seferian is a follow-up to the hugely successful year-long online educational initiative that the pair ran to mark the centennial of the Armenian Genocide in 2015.

“Our thinking as we laid the groundwork for our project was: how do we share our rich legacy as Armenians with a worldwide Diaspora – and with the world at large – in a powerful way during the genocide centennial? To reach the widest audience, we featured our educational series online through our website and social media platforms. But now, a year later, we decided it was time for a printed, commemorative book – something that lasts in a different way, a medium that can be shared across individuals and generations in what we hope will be meaningful and, well, impactful,” Lena said.

Impact of an Ancient Nation includes updated and revised versions of the 100 facts published on the project’s website. In addition, there are five bonus facts researched and written just for the book. The facts cover Armenian history, including entries on the Armenian Genocide, as well as profiles of Armenian Diaspora communities around the world, famous Armenians, music and dance, religion and language, and even sports and entertainment.

“Lena and I really wanted to put together a work that showcases the depth and breadth of the Armenian experience. Certainly, we cover the Armenian Genocide as the major turning point in modern times, but we also highlight many other notable aspects to Armenian history and culture that are worth knowing about, celebrating, and sharing. We hope this book makes its way into households and schools and libraries and classrooms, whether being perused by Armenians or non-Armenians,” Nareg added.

Impact of an Ancient Nation is an excellent educational resource – as a family reference book, Sunday school library addition, a commemorative gift to odar friends, or as a way to share the Armenian heritage with a new generation of children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces, cousins and community members. The page-long facts serve as a great overview of a particular aspect of Armenian history and culture, with resources for further research available in the book’s reference section.

The book is a not-for-profit publication made possible with the generous support of the Arshag and Eleanor Dickranian Foundation (Los Angeles) and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (Lisbon).

Impact of an Ancient Nation is available through the online store at:

The 100 Years, 100 Facts Project ran from April 24, 2014 to April 24, 2015 in six languages receiving more than 150,000 visitors from over 120 countries and all fifty of the United States, garnering thousands of followers through social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, and Reddit.

Pope Francis on Thursday asked the faithful to pray for his upcoming trip to Armenia, reports.

“I ask you to pray for me, who in a few days will go as a pilgrim to an eastern land, Armenia, the first among the Nations to receive the Gospel of Jesus,” he said at an audience for the Reunion of Aid Agencies For the Eastern Churches.

A mass was held on Wednesday at Mar Gregory Cathedral for Syriac orthodox in Damascus, on the centennial anniversary of the Syriac genocide (Seyfo 1915). The mass was led by Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II Karim, reports.

Patriarch Aphrem said the memory of martyrs, Assyrians and Armenians, who were killed at the hands of Ottomans, gives us a momentum to remain in Syria and defend it in the face of terrorism that targets the one Syrian family.

“The memory of massacres that killed half million of Syriac people and more than million and a half of Armenians will remain alive in our hearts as we will remember them in our prayers,” the Patriarch said.

He called on the world governments and parliaments to recognize the genocides, hailing the stance of the German parliament that lately recognized the genocide, demanding states that ignite the crisis in Syria to stop doing so.

Following the mass, a march of candles set off from the patriarchate into the park of Syriac martyrs.

Ombudspersons of Armenia and NKR have issued a joint statement urging to return the driving license of Mr. Aleksan Arakelyan, the NKR Defense Army Lieutenant-colonel, RA citizen, found in Azerbaijan.

On 14 June 2016 the Azerbaijani media disseminated information on a driving license issued by the Republic of Armenia authorities was found in Baku

(,). The driving license (class BC, issued on 27 August 2014, number: RG 052597) bore the name of Mr. Aleksan Arakelyan.

The Human Rights Defenders’ Offices of Armenia and Artsakh (NKR) conducted separate inquiries and made a conclusion that the mentioned document prima facie belonged to Mr. Aleksan Arakelyan, the NKR Defense Army Lieutenant-colonel, a citizen of Armenia. He became missing on 2 April 2016, the very first day of the full-scale Azerbaijani aggression against NKR (for more information on aggression, see NKR Ombudsman’s Public Interim Report at ). The body of Mr. Arakelyan was returned by Azerbaijan to NKR authorities on 10 April 2016.

In this regard, the Human Rights Defenders of Armenia and Artsakh (NKR) state that Azerbaijani authorities shall fulfill their obligation under the International Humanitarian Law, explicitly envisaged in Article 16 of the 1949 Geneva Convention (I), and ensure the document in question to be returned to Mr. Aleksan Arakelyan’s family in compliance with all rules and procedures.

The Azerbaijani authorities shall conduct also a comprehensive investigation and provide detailed public explanations on the fact on how the Lieutenant-colonel Mr. Arakelyan’s personal document appeared up in Baku and, moreover, in a public place.

At the same time, we call on international organizations, specifically on those conducting their activities in Azerbaijan and having a human rights protection mandate, to strictly observe the processes of Azerbaijani authorities to eliminate the described violation of the International Humanitarian Law, as well as investigate the reasons of violation.

We declare that this issue will be in the center of attention of both Human Rights Defender of Artsakh (NKR) and Human Rights Defender of Armenia.