Category: News

Scores of people remain in intensive care following Tuesday’s suicide bomb attacks in Brussels that left 31 people dead, Belgium’s health minister says, the BBC reports.

Maggie de Block said that of about 300 wounded people, 61 were still in a critical condition, and suggested that the death toll could rise further.

Earlier, prosecutors confirmed they had identified two of the four attackers as brothers Khalid and Brahim el-Bakraoui.

Two other attackers have yet to be named. One died, another is on the run.

Brahim el-Bakraoui blew himself up in the attack at Zaventem airport that killed 11 people while Khalid struck at Maelbeek metro, where 20 people died, prosecutors said.

Unconfirmed reports say another of the attackers was the wanted jihadist Najim Laachraoui, who is thought to have links with last year’s attacks in Paris.

So-called Islamic State (IS) has said it was behind the attacks.

Syrian state television said government forces fought their way into Palmyra on Thursday as the army backed by Russian air cover sought to recapture the historic city from Islamic State (IS) insurgents, Reuters reports.

A monitoring group said the fighting was still outside the city, after a rapid advance the day before brought the army and its allies right up to its outskirts.

The Syrian army earlier this month launched a concerted offensive to retake Palmyra, which the ultra-hardline Islamist militants seized in May 2015, to open a road to the mostly IS-held eastern province of Deir al-Zor.

The state-run news channel Ikhbariya broadcast images from just outside Palmyra and said government fighters had taken over a hotel district in the west. A soldier interviewed by Ikhbariya said the army and its allies would press forward beyond Palmyra.

“We say to those gunmen, we are advancing to Palmyra, and to what’s beyond Palmyra, and God willing to Raqqa, the centre of the Daesh gangs,” he said, referring to Islamic State’s de facto capital in northern Syria.

The state news agency SANA showed warplanes flying overhead, helicopters firing missiles, and soldiers and armoured vehicles approaching the city.

Plans for an Armenian American Museum are heading back to the drawing board after City Council members voted Tuesday to shift the project’s potential home from next to the Glendale Civic Auditorium to Central Park downtown, the reports.

A new negotiating lease agreement was approved with a 4-0 vote so the museum’s committee can develop a new proposal over the next year.

In late 2014, the council gave the go ahead to look into developing the project next to the auditorium, a site known as lot 31, but an outpouring of negative feedback over additional traffic compelled council members to change their minds.

Some officials and supporters of the original site praised it because it would have been across the street from Glendale Community College and could serve as an educational resource.

However, if it’s located downtown, the museum would complement recently completed efforts such as the new Museum of Neon Art and the Glendale Central Library, which is undergoing a significant face-lift, said Councilman Vartan Gharpetian.

“Having that synergy between the museum, the library, [the Museum of Neon Art], the Americana, I think that it’s a must that we need to design this building that way,” Gharpetian said.

Initially, the museum’s committee expressed disappointment about the site change, but project chairman Berdj Karapetian told the council that despite pushback from nearby residents, both parties are working in agreement.

“We hope that this process of coming together will continue, and the collaboration that we will see on this project in the Arts and Entertainment District will make it a better place for all of us,” he said.

Once built, the museum is expected to house permanent and traveling art exhibits.

A conceptual design was released late last year, but it will have to be redone to better accommodate Central Park, said Tigranna Zakaryan, spokeswoman for the committee.

The council members’ direction also came before the committee embarked on a costly environmental impact review, which it will still have to undertake if it wants to build in Central Park.

The museum’s original proposed site is 1.7 acres, while the park is mostly grass and slightly smaller at 1.3 acres. It is considered a passive park, meaning there isn’t much room to play sports.

Councilwoman Paula Devine echoed Gharpetian’s comments, saying part of the new design should allow for continued open space for public use and concert-like events.

“I want [the committee] to maintain the essence of Central Park so that we can still use it as a gathering place,” she said.

The park is also home to the comfort-women statue, a memorial to thousands of South Korean women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese during World War II. Councilman Zareh Sinanyan said whatever plan that moves forward should be sure to keep the statue on the property.

Despite being willing to give up most of Central Park to make way for the museum, the council is trying to find more spots to establish open space within downtown.

For example, the city is looking to open a pair of new parks on school campuses, Gharpetian said. Wilson Middle School and Columbus are likely the first schools in mind for those projects, he added.

The committee is expected to return to the council in a year with a completed environmental review and a report on fundraising progress.

Zakaryan has declined to comment on the project’s finances.

March 24, Holy Thursday, the Holy Armenian Apostolic Church commemorated the Last Supper our Lord Jesus Christ, and the establishment of the sacrament of Holy Communion.

His Grace Bishop Hovnan Hagopyan, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See, offered the Morning Service and the Karg Apashkharoghats (Service for those who are fasting).

Following Morning Services, a solemn Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Mother Cathedral by Rev. Fr. Aghan Yernjakyan, Staff Bearer of His Holiness.

During the Divine Liturgy the sermon of St. Basil of Caesarea was read.

Pope Francis is more popular than any political world leader, an opinion poll has suggested, the BBC reports.

The poll by WIN/Gallup International indicates that Roman Catholics and Jews have the most favourable opinion of the Pope.

More than half of the world’s protestants and even the majority of atheists and agnostics view him favourably.

About 1,000 people were questioned in 64 countries.

Those taking part in the poll were asked: “Irrespective of your own religion, do you have a very favourable, somewhat favourable, somewhat unfavourable or very unfavourable opinion of Pope Francis?”

The Pope was most popular with Roman Catholics, of whom 85% said they had a favourable opinion of him, and among Jews questioned the figure was 65%.

Among the 64 countries polled, the Philippines was the most enthusiastic nation with 93% thinking favourably of the Pope.

WIN/Gallup said that the Pope heads the rankings when compared to the global popularity of political world leaders.

It gave him a net score – the difference between favourable and unfavourable opinions – of +41 ahead of US President Barack Obama on +30; German Chancellor Angela Merkel on +13; UK Prime Minister David Cameron on +10 and French President Francois Hollande on +6.

Instagram snappers are on an Armenian adventure. They navigate hot springs, hilltop camping and unexpected homemade hospitality, according to

Spent last night perched in a cabin overlooking the Tatev valley whilst gale force winds tried in vain to roll us off. Harsnadzor Hotel, Halidzor, Armenia. #guardiantravelsnaps #bbctravel #natgeotravel #natgeotraveller #cntraveller #spottly #traveltodaytv #letsgoeverywhere #1001placestogo #halidzor #armenia #travelblog #siconquesoporfavor #travelphotographers #travellingphotos #travellphotography #travel #barrelcabins #travelpics #travelphotos #instatravel #instadaily #instagram #rtw #tatev #travelphotography #travelphotos #wanderlust #armenian #ilovearmenia #welovearmenia

Photo posted by MattMar 20 2016 at 6:14 am PDT

Orbelian’s caravanserai high on the Vardenyats Mountain Pass was built in 1332 by Chesar Orbelian. A place for travellers to rest a they entered the region along the Silk Road at a high of 2410 meters above sea level it’s Armenia’s best preserved one. #natgeotravel #natgeotraveller #bbctravel #guardiantravelsnaps #tbie_thetraveledition #spottly #1001placestogo #traveltodaytv #cntraveller #travelblog #siconquesoporfavor ##orbelianscaravanserai #armenia #selimpass #armenian #silkroad #silkroadcaravanserai #travel #travelpic #travelpics #travelphotos #travelphotography #rtw #wanderlust #travellingpics #travellingphotos #travellingphotography #ilovearmenia #welovearmenia

Photo posted by MattMar 17 2016 at 7:37 am PDT

The eternal flame at the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Established in commemoration of the atrocities the Ottoman Turks committed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, something the Turkish government is still yet to recognised occurred. Yerevan, Armenia. #lestweforget #eternalflame #genocidemuseumyerevan #yerevan #armenia #armenianheritage #travelblog #siconquesoporfavor #travelpic #travelphoto #travelphotography #flame #wanderlust #memorials #instagram #instatravel #ilovearmenia #welovearmenia #letsgoeverywhere #guardiantravelsnaps #natgeotravel #natgeotraveller #cntraveller #tbie_thetraveledition #spottly

Photo posted by MattMar 15 2016 at 7:22 am PDT

The early morning rise today to capture the sunrise get our Mt. Ararat from the Cascade Stairs in Yerevan. #guardiantravelsnaps #natgeotravel #natgeotraveller #spottly #bbctravel #cntraveller #1001placestogo #traveltodaytv #letsgoeverywhere #travellingpics #wanderlust #travellingphotos #travellingphotography #instagram #instatravel #armenia #armenian #yerevan #travelpic #travelgram #travelblog #siconquesoporfavor #travelphotos #travelphotography #mountararat #mtararat #mountains #vistas #views #snow

Photo posted by MattMar 13 2016 at 9:56 am PDT

Garni temple in Armenia is said to be the most Eastern Roman temple still in existence. #natgeotravel #guardiantravelsnaps #bbctravel #cntraveller #natgeotraveller #spottly #1001placestogo #letsgoeverywhere #garnitemple #garni #armenia #armenian #architecture #roman #romanarchitecture #ancientbuildings #wanderlust #rtw #travel #travelblog #siconquesoporfavor #travelpic #travelphoto #travelphotography #travellingpics #travellingphotos #travellingphotography #instagram #instatravel

Photo posted by MattMar 11 2016 at 6:22 PST

The basalt columns of Jrashen Gorge that connects Gerghard Monastery with Garni Temple in Armenia. A pleasant walk between the two along the river. #guardiantravelsnaps #bbctravel #spottly #natgeotravel #natgeotraveller #cntraveller #armenia #basaltcolumns #basalt #jrashengorge #travel #travelpic #travelblog #siconquesoporfavor #travelphoto #travelphotography #travellingpics #travellingphoto #travellingphotography #rtw #wanderlust #nature #rocks #rockformations

Photo posted by MattMar 11 2016 at 6:07 PST

The Khachkar Crosses of Armenia were used in medieval times for salvation of both the living and dead souls. This one is from the Haghpat Complex. #haghpat #armenia #natgeotravel #natgeotraveller #bbctravel #cntraveller #huffingtonpost #spottly #guardiantravelsnaps #instagram #instatravel #travelgram #travel #travelphoto #travelpics #travelphotography #travellingpics #travellingphotography #travellingphoto #travelblog #siconquesoporfavor #religion #religious #religiouscross #church #monastery #wanderlust #rtw

Photo posted by MattMar 8 2016 at 9:39 PST

The 1400 year old Armenian Alphabet was celebrated last year with a monument 40 km. north of Yerevan, Armenia. Here’s an S for Sarah though actually pronounced as a T. #huffingtonpost #bbctravel #natgeotravel #natgeotraveller #cntraveller #spottly #guardiantravelsnaps #destination #wanderlust #letsgoeverywhere #travellingpics #instatravel #instagram #travelphotographer #travelphotography #travellingphotography #travellingpics #armenia #armenianalphabet #armenian #travelphotos

Photo posted by MattMar 6 2016 at 9:24 PST

Never underestimate the power of the pawn. Yerevan, Armenia. Clack the link for our travel blog #natgeotravel #guardiantravelsnaps #bbctravel #spottly #tbie_thetraveledition #cntraveller #travelblog #siconquesoporfavor #yerevan #armenia #chess #pawns #checkmate #travel #travelphotos #travelpics #travelphotography #travellingphotos #travellingphotography #instagram #instatravel #travellingpics #letsgoeverywhere #wanderlust #destination

Photo posted by MattMar 4 2016 at 3:16 PST

The bleak dark stone interior of St. Nishan Chapel in the Haghpat Monastery Complex of Armenia shows that the church does not need to waste countless amounts of money on painting and gold leaf to achieve a desired heavenly affect on people. Both of us a far from religious though can appreciate such a scene as this. #natgeotravel #guardiantravelsnaps #bbctravel #cntraveller #spottly #placesaroundearth #traveltodaytv #tbie_thetraveledition #haghpat #armenia #religiousbuildings #churches #church #monastery #travel #travelphotos #travelpics #travelphoto #travelphotography #travellingphotos #travellingphotography #rtw #wanderlust #religioussites #heavenly #letsgoeverywhere

Photo posted by MattMar 4 2016 at 2:47 PST

US presidential front-runners, Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump, have continued their winning streaks, taking Arizona, the BBC reports.
The issue of immigration loomed large in the south-western state, the biggest prize in the latest round of contests.
Polls showed that Mr Trump’s anti-immigration message resonated with the state’s conservative voters.
With Arizona’s growing Latino population, Mrs Clinton continued her success by courting minority voters.

Keeping his campaign in the race, Democrat Bernie Sanders decisively won caucuses in two smaller states, Idaho and Utah.

 

 

 

The Old Continent faces new security challenges because of the inflow of migrants, which, in turn, is a cause of concern for Armenians living in different European countries.

Representatives of some European Armenian communities say that the danger is always there even if all security measures seem to have been taken to prevent any act of terror.

Co-Chair of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France, ARF Bureau member Murad Papazian says “the actions of radical Islamists are targeted against the European nations, not government.” “Although the Armenian community is not targeted, accidental casualties are not excluded as it happened in Paris on November 13,” he said.

The Armenian community shares the common concerns of all Europeans, President of the Union of Armenian Academicians of Germany Azat Ordukhanyan told Public Radio of Armenia. He added, however, that there is no fear that the Armenian community could be targeted.

“The Armenian community in Germany does not have the weight to pose a threat to Islamists and radicals. I don’t think we have reason to worry in this respect,” he said.

Azat Ordukhanyan noted that there is a different problem in Germany connected with the existence of a large Turkish community, which has been trying on many occasions to prevent the activity of Armenian organizations. “This has always been a cause of concern for the Armenian community,” he said.

Hilda Tchoboian, Member of the French Rhône-Alpe Regional Parliament, noted that “all challenges threatening European citizens are a threat to the Armenian community, as well, but only because of being European citizens. Turkey’s presence is a bigger threat to the Armenian community, especially in case of Belgium,” she said.

Murad Papazian pointed out  the problems connected with Turkey, especially in France, where the process of criminalization of the Armenian Genocide denial is under way.

“The Armenian community becomes a target on April 24, or when the Parliament is considering some laws,” Papazian said.

Representatives of the Armenian community say the current situation cannot be an obstacle to the activity of the community organizations. They will continue implementing their programs, but will be more cautious.

Belgium is observing three days of mourning following bomb attacks in the capital Brussels that left 34 people dead and about 250 wounded, the BBC reports.

A minute’s silence for the victims will be held at midday (11:00 GMT).

Police are continuing a huge manhunt for a suspect caught on CCTV shortly before two bombs exploded at Zaventem airport on Tuesday morning.

An hour later another blast tore through a metro train near the Maelbeek station.

So-called Islamic State (IS) has said it was behind the attacks and warned that more would follow.

On March 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic Karen Mirzoyan met Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Edward Nalbandian who had arrived in Stepanakert on a working visit.

The foreign ministers exchanged opinions on a range of issues related to the foreign policy agenda. The current stage of the peaceful settlement process of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict was also touched upon.

The sides emphasized the importance of coordinated activities on the international arena. In this context, they discussed the ways and methods of strengthening and expanding cooperation between the two ministries and their respective units.

Armenia’s Foreign Minister also met with the senior staff of the NKR MFA Central Office.