Category: News

German Chancellor Angela Merkel says comments from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other Turkish officials accusing Berlin of “Nazi practices” cannot be tolerated, the Associated Press reports.

Merkel told Parliament on Thursday that the remarks are “sad and incredibly misplaced” and are “not justifiable.”

She says “we will not allow the victims of the Nazis to be trivialized” by such comparisons.

Erdogan made the comment on the weekend after several German municipalities canceled events in which Turkish Cabinet ministers had planned to address rallies in Germany in support of a national referendum on constitutional reform that would give the Turkish president more powers. About 1.4 million people of Turkish descent living in Germany are eligible to vote in the referendum.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan received today a delegation led by Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Kotsias, Government’s Press Office reports.

“This year ushers in the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Greece. Our friendly relations are at a very high level, but we are keen to intensify the cooperation with Greece and take it to a new level,” Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said addressing the guests.

Stressing the need to boost economic exchange, the Prime Minister said there is great untapped potential in this area. Karen Karapetyan welcomed the ongoing bilateral cooperation within international institutions and the fact that the two countries have similar positions on a number of issues on international agenda.

Pleased with his stay in friendly Armenia, the Greek Foreign Minister conveyed warm greetings on behalf of Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras.

“We have always been brotherly peoples. The purpose of my visit is to create a strategic partnership,” Nikos Kotsias said. Highly appreciating the Armenian-Greek political dialogue, the Greek Foreign Minister agreed in that economic relations are on a low level, and there is a need for their harmonious development.

As they discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral economic cooperation, the parties highlighted the role of the Armenian-Greek joint commission on economic, industrial and scientific-technical cooperation. In particular, the interlocutors discussed the possibility of holding an Armenian-Greek business forum. In this context, Prime Minister Karapetyan suggested clarifying the areas of mutual interest to the two countries’ business circles and actively working on joint projects.

Karen Karapetyan and Nikos Kotsias exchanged views on cooperation within the European Union and the Eurasian Economic Union, the furtherance of EAEU-EU dialogue, as well as on the prospects for regional cooperation.

The situation was relatively calm at the line of contact between the armed forces of Artsakh and Azerbaijan last night.

The rival used firearms of different caliber as it fired violated the ceasefire about 40 times, firing over 450 shots in the direction of the Armenian positions.

The front divisions of the NKR Defense Army mostly refrained from response actions and confidently continued with their military duty.

Yerevan will host the first Music Drive International Rock Festival from March 24 to 27. The festival will be held at the National Academic Theatre after Gabriel Sundukyan, but will be accompanied by side events at clubs and the neighboring English Park.

The three-day rock festival has been initiated and organized by the Armenian Ministry of Culture and the Rock Association. According to Minister of Culture Armen Amiryan, the festival will be funded from state budget and informed that 32 million AMD has been allocated for this purpose.

Why a rock festival? “Because rock means youth, freethinking and freedom we all aspire to.  I’m confident the festival will become an annual tradition and we’ll welcome every spring with this beautiful event. It will bring new color and new spirit to the city,” Armen Amiryan says.

The festival will bring together eight rock bands from England, the United States, Sweden, Denmark, etc.

General Coordinator of the festival Vardan Grigoryan says some well-known bands and virtuoso musicians have been invited.

The festival aims to ensure Armenia’s presence on international rock arena, establish traditions in the sphere and provide for an opportunity for exchange of best experience, Vardan Grigoryan says.

Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic Nikolaos Kotzias visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial today.

The Minister laid a wreath at the memorial to Armenian Genocide victims and paid tribute to their memory with a minute of silence.

Accompanied by Director if the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute (AGMI) Hayk Demoyan, Minister Kotzias toured the Museum and left a note in the Memory Book.

Hayk Demoyan presented him the English translation of the book titled “Armenian Genocide: Front page coverage in the world press.”

The Presidents of Armenia and France Serzh Sargsyan and Francois Hollande discussed a wide range of issues as they met in Paris today.

French and Armenian officials signed three agreements on easing tourism between their countries, research cooperation and creating a French university in Armenia.

Speaking to reporters after the talks Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan thanked Francois Hollande for the invitation and warm welcome on the 25^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

“We have very similar approaches on all issues – both in our bilateral relations and regional developments,” President Sargsyan said.

“Undoubtedly, the centuries-old Armenian French friendship and historical-cultural ties, as well as the lack of political problems create a solid basis for the further development of our relations in an atmosphere of respect and trust,” the Armenian President said.

He said the high-level political dialogue also forms a firm ground for effective economic cooperation. “Although our economic relations have not reached the level of political ties, we are taking steady steps in that direction,” President Sargsyan said.

“As a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Armenia can serve a good platform for French firms to produce in Armenia and export the production to the 170 million market of the EAEU,” the President said. He added that Armenia’s good relations with Iran can also be used to the benefit of French companies.

President Sargsyan thanked Francois Hollande for the decision to hold the Francophonie summit in Armenia in 2018 and pledged to organize the event on due level.

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met with members of the Movement of French Enterprises (MEDEF), which acts as an important link between French firms and high-ranking officials and private sector representatives from different countries.

This structure responsible for international cooperation supports and contributes to the activity of French firms and creates conditions for them to realize their programs. It also enables French companies functioning abroad to raise issues of interest and problems with a view of seeking solutions.

Following the meeting the Tashir Group of Companies and the Schneider Electric Company signed a Memorandum of Understanding.

Addressing the meeting, President Sargsyan introduced the investment opportunities in Armenia and invited French companies to invest in the country. “I assure we’re ready to demonstrate an individual approach to every investor, taking into consideration his needs.”

– CHP Istanbul MP Selina Doğan commemorated Armenian writers and thinkers Elbis Gesaratsyan, Sırpuhi Düsap, Zabel Asadur, Zabel Yesayan ve Hayganuş Mark, who are considered as the first feminists of Turkey, in the parliament.

CHP Istanbul MP Selina Doğan commemorated Armenian writers and thinkers Elbis Gesaratsyan, Sırpuhi Düsap, Zabel Asadur, Zabel Yesayan ve Hayganuş Mark, who are considered as the first feminists of Turkey, in the parliament.

Stating that many things have been said on the occasion of March 8 but the problem remains as it is, Doğan said, “This means that either the way we discuss this issue is not right or we are not sincere.”

Ignoring Zabel Yesayan while commemorating Halide Edip

Saying that others and minorities are forgotten in the history of women’s struggle in Turkey, Doğan said: “While Halide Edip is naturally commemorated with respect, her contemporary Zabel Yesayan, with whom she exchanged letters, is ignored. While dear Sabiha Sertel has the place she deserved in the feminism history of this country, nobody remembered her contemporary Elbis Gesaratsyan. While Nezihe Muhiddin, who struggled for enfranchisement of woman and whom I respect deeply, was making feminist history, her counterpart Hayganuş Mark, who issued a woman magazine for 14 years, is not remembered at all.”

On the first day of teh official visit to France, President Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with representatives of the Armenian communities of Europe.

The President of Armenia made a welcoming statement in which he referred to the accomplishments made by the Republic of Armenia in 25 years after regaining independence, existing problems and challenges, a daily work aimed at Armenia’s and Artsakh’s security, the NK peace process, ongoing programs to assist Syrian Armenians, main directions of the current phase of the Armenia-Spyurk cooperation and urged to unite even more and channel efforts towards the implementation of the Pan-Armenian issues, including the creation of a freer, more fair, more secure and more advanced Armenia. “Today, the Armenia-Spyurk relations need to concentrate on the ideas and principles which unite the nation, endowing the cooperation with a new quality and substance. Our goal is clear: to build an efficient and prosperous Armenia. Only efficient and prosperous Armenia will be able to defend herself and to safeguard her brothers and sisters in Spyurk. We do not underestimate the huge works carried out until today and various programs called to life. Moreover, we address our sincere words of gratitude to our brothers and sisters who made them possible. We invite our compatriots to become immediate participants to the development of the policies for the advancement in different areas and works aimed at calling them to life.

We propose to discuss new mechanisms of cooperation. Not a single serious initiative will remain unattended. Transparent work, elimination of artificial hurdles is a matter of principle; responsibility should be shared by all parties involved.

Dear Friends,

We must try to utilize efficiently the expert potential of the Spyurk, including the capabilities of the young and professional circles, their skills, and innovative talent. Regardless of where they live, Armenians have always stood out for their diligence and talent. Our nation gave world-famous scientists, artists, physicians, inventors, and entrepreneurs. This is our greatest achievement – our immense human capital.
You, our compatriots in Spyurk, made the Armenians recognizable all over the world. The time has come to make Armenia recognizable all over the world. It is necessary to work towards making Armenia a more reputable and respected country and state.
Others may have oil, gas, and exit to the sea; you, dear compatriots, are our “sea” our “exit to the external world”. If used properly, this huge potential will allow to achieve desirable results. Empower our common Fatherland. The Spyurk is dependable and the most efficient bridge for Armenia’s integration into the world economy.

Historic injustice made the world home to many Armenians but Armenia has been and remains the hearth and native sanctuary for the Armenians of Spyurk. The Syrian tragedy and the situation with the Syrian Armenians in particular, is our common pain. But today, unlike the catastrophe which befell one hundred years ago, we have solace in what is called the Armenian state.

Let me assure you that the Fatherland is doing its best in assisting the Armenians of Syria. For us, they are not refugees but compatriots who have come back home. We make every effort so that they settle in Armenia and adjust to the existing conditions. Many of them have already given a new tint to our society and even to the business environment. Yes, it is difficult, and many of them are still waiting because the political uncertainty is still great.

From now on, we all need to become a fist and direct our efforts towards creating a new Armenia. It must be a freer, more fair, more secure and more advanced country.

Dear Colleagues,

Armenian entrepreneurs have made a considerable contribution and have a substantial weight in many branches of the global economy. At the same time, cooperation of the businessmen from Spyurk in Armenia and abroad remains insufficient. One of the key directions of the current phase of the Armenia-Spyurk cooperation is the expansion of Diaspora businessmen’s presence in the Republic of Armenia.

Utilizing their connections, the Diaspora entrepreneurs can promote the implementation of the foreign investment projects in Armenia. Equally important is the use of modern skills in the creation of business culture. It can be done primarily by the Armenian businessmen working in the developed European environment; they can bring with them the most advanced culture of doing business.

From now on investments from Spyurk should be targeted and oriented, aimed at Armenia’s industrial development and boosting other areas of the Armenian economy. Development in Armenia of the infrastructure for the knowledge-based economy is one of the critical prerequisites for the advanced economy. With this regard, the Spyurk should be the most important source of skills and knowledge which will allow to make Armenia the best place for investments and doing business in the region.

We, dear friends, have always viewed civil society as a partner and not as an adversary. We attach importance to the process of shaping the all-Armenian civil society. With the existing telecommunication technologies it has become the inescapable reality. If we want to have a freer, more fair and more democratic Armenia, than instead of demanding from each other, we need to talk to each other, and not only talk but cooperate.

Reforms going on in Armenia should be irreversible. Towards that end, we need to totally reconstruct our area of education. Important in this endeavor is also the engagement of the intellectual capabilities of the Spyurk, introduction of new knowledge and skills in the area of education ranging from consulting to teaching.
Through the joint efforts, Armenia and Diaspora can gradually implement our structural goals, refraining at the same time from disappointment and disenchantment. It is necessary to find new solutions, to unite, to become one fist, complementing and helping each other to move forward in these challenging times.

Dear Friends,

I am confident you are well-aware that soon Armenia will enter a new era, switching to the parliamentary system of state governance, which implies a new political culture, large-scale structural reforms. The decision to implement constitutional changes was necessitated by the desire and command to see our country tomorrow as a more democratic, security and prosperous country.

There can be no doubt that these reforms also imply a renewed agenda for the relations with the Spyurk. That agenda can be summarized as follows: “Mutual trust, unity, and responsibility.”

It is amazing how the Armenia nation was able to unite in dramatic situations. Why can’t we do it in peaceful times, and what impedes us to move our country forward, to make it prosperous and powerful? I don’t see any insurmountable difficulties to achieve that.

I am confident that today we have all prerequisites and preconditions to give a new impetus to our cooperation. This is our vision, this is our understanding, this is the unbreakable guarantee of our future success.

Dear Friends,

In conclusion, I once again thank you all for being here. I am confident that we are able to defeat all current challenges, our own skepticism and through the joint efforts to fight for our bright future.

Supporting each other, we can take up the task of state building and make our bright youth the immediate participant of that undertaking. We must be more courageous and goal-oriented, full of mutual respect. We have to care for our reconquered Fatherland. We have to become more powerful, to empower our cherished paradise, our Fatherland Armenia.

So, let’s act together.

Thank you,” said the President of Armenia.

In the framework of his official visit to France, President Sargsyan in the evening met also with the Executive Director of a leading French company Veolia. Veolia Jur – the Company headed by Antoine Frérot, in 2016 won the open international tender and assumed the works of water supply and sewage in 45 municipal communities of Armenia, including Yerevan, as well as in over 360 rural communities.

The parties spoke about the works carried out by the Company in the water industry in the framework of the obligations assumed by the contract, as well as about the offered services and development programs.