Category: News

Congratulatory address of Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan on International Women’s Day

Dear women,

On behalf of the Artsakh Republic authorities and on my own behalf I cordially congratulate you on the International Women’s Day.

You fulfill a significant and inestimable mission having an active participation in various spheres of our republic’s activity, political and public sphere, lavishing care upon your families. Standing by men you have struggled against the enemy, carved our free and independent statehood, brought up our children, conveying a new sense and color to our lives by your charm and beauty

We are grateful to you, our dearest mothers and sisters, wives and daughters. Always be healthy, joyful and happy. May success accompany you and all your relatives and friends!

Photo: Getty Images

 

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has admitted he does “not know which team to play” against FC Rostov on Thursday due to the state of the pitch at the Olimp-2 stadium.

The United squad landed in Russia on Tuesday evening ahead of this week’s Europa League Round of 16 first-leg tie. The manager personally inspected the playing surface on Wednesday morning before holding his pre-match press conference, which he duly used to discuss his concern for the players’ safety.

“It’s still hard for me to believe we are going to play tomorrow,” the manager told reporters. “I know we have to but it’s hard for me to believe we are going to play on that field, if you can call it a field.”

Responding to a question about Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s possible involvement, Mourinho continued: “I don’t know which team to play, really. I don’t know which team I will play, I don’t know if Mkhitaryan if going to play. I have a lot to think because I was expecting something more playable.

“I didn’t have any contact with anyone until now; I just had a quick contact with one gentleman from UEFA when I was looking at the pitch. And when I told him about my concerns, the gentleman told me the plays are insured so if something happens, no problem.”

Mourinho would also not comment on the confirmation that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will serve a three-match domestic ban for his role in an incident with Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. However, the boss did confirm the Swede “would play” against Rostov on Thursday night.

United’s travelling squad in full: De Gea, Romero, O’Hara; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Smalling, Blind, Darmian, Young; Carrick, Herrera, Fellaini, Pogba, Mata, Lingard, Mkhitaryan; Martial, Rashford, Ibrahimovic.

Congratulatory address of President Serzh Sargsyan on the occasion of International Women’s Day

Dear Ladies,

I congratulate you on the occasion of Women’s Day.

Nowadays, March 8 has truly acquired the status of a holiday. It presents yet another beautiful occasion to express our love and admiration, our gratitude and devotion to the women and girls around us.

We encourage in every way a greater participation of women in the social life of our country. We believe that the women of Armenia posses the yet undisclosed huge potential which ought to be called to life in various areas. Currently, it is obvious that along with the traditional areas, such as education and health care, the women have begun to play a serious role also in entrepreneurship, journalism, governance, high technologies, judicial and other areas, including the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. I have no doubt that you will continue to expand current success and will deservedly occupy a greater place in the political life as well.

Dear Ladies,

Along with all this, you remain the pillar of the traditial family, which serves the base our nation, stand as a rock behind your husbands, as guardian angels for your children, as tender sisters to your brothers and brides to the soldiers who defend your honor on the borders.

I once again congratulate you on the occasion of this bright spring holiday. With special appreciation, I congratulate the mothers of soldiers who are serving in the Army now.

I wish you happiness and all the best.

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.

Comparisons with Nazi Germany are “lines that should not be crossed”, the German foreign minister has warned his Turkish counterpart as they met to try to defuse a bitter row, the BBC reports.

But Sigmar Gabriel also emphasised his wish to return to “friendly relations”.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Germany of “Nazi practices” because of the cancellation of rallies involving Turkish ministers.

He is seeking new constitutional powers in a 16 April referendum.

Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu repeated the Nazi comparison on a visit to Hamburg aimed at drumming up support among some of the 1.4m Turkish voters who live in Germany.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel has condemned the Nazi jibe as “unacceptable” and Mr Gabriel echoed her sentiment after a breakfast meeting in Berlin with Mr Cavusoglu.

“The Turkish side said it wanted to be treated equally with respect but I believe both sides have a responsibility and there are lines that must not be crossed and any comparison with Nazi Germany is one of them,” Mr Gabriel said.

But Mr Gabriel was also keen to stress the “success” of the two nations’ ties, and stressed his intention to avoid lasting damage to them.

Foreign Minister of the Hellenic Republic Nikolaos Kotzias will travel to Armenia March 8-10 for an official visit at the invitation of Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian.

The Greek Foreign Minister will be hosted by President Serzh Sargsyan and His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of Armenians.

Nikolaos Kotzias will have meetings with Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan and Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan.

The meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries will be followed by a joint press conference.

Photo: EPA

 

More than 30 people have been killed after attackers dressed as doctors stormed the largest military hospital in Kabul, Afghan officials say, the BBC reports.

Militants armed with guns and grenades gained entry after one detonated explosives at a hospital gate and then opened fire on staff and patients.

Commandos who landed on the Sardar Daud hospital roof killed all four attackers after several hours of fighting.

The so-called Islamic State (IS) group has claimed the attack.

The Taliban has denied any involvement.

More than 50 people were also wounded, the defence ministry said.