YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. The Governor of Armenia's Gegharkunik province Karen Sargsyan  on Thursday met with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies and First Counselor at the French Embassy in Armenia, Christoph Katsakhyan.

During the meeting, the parties discussed issues aimed at deepening and enhancing the ongoing cooperation in the security, economic, health, educational and cultural spheres.

At the outset of the meeting, Karen Sargsyan presented to the Ambassador the frameworks, results, and upcoming tasks of the cooperation programs established between Gegharkunik region and the Isère Department of the French Republic.

 He noted that thanks to the efforts of both parties numerous and diverse programs had been implemented over the years in the fields of education, culture, tourism and healthcare. Karen Sargsyan noted that the long-term cooperation has evolved into a strong friendship.

“France has demonstrated its sincere friendship and assistance to the population of Gegharkunik, Republic of Armenia, not only during times of peace but also amidst external threats and difficult days we have faced in recent years, for  which we express our heartfelt gratitude.

Now the same cooperation, assistance, friendly and sincere attitude continues,’’ said Sargsyan.

In his turn, Olivier Decottignies highly appreciated the results of the Gegharkunik-Isère cooperation and the unbreakable friendship achieved, emphasizing the further expansion of economic and cultural ties and the implementation of new projects.

"We are ready to cooperate in the fields of culture, education, healthcare, agriculture, urban development and other areas, to provide support in many vital projects, especially pertaining to the strengthening and development of border settlements," said the Ambassador.

The governor also presented the programs of the Armenian government that have been implemented and those that are yet to be implemented in the Gegharkunik region.

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. The welcoming ceremony dedicated to the membership of Armenia as the 124th signatory of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) was held Thursday at the ICC.

At the outset of the event, the ceremony for raising the flag of the Republic of Armenia was held at the International Criminal Court. Following this, speeches were delivered by the President of the International Criminal Court, Piotr Hofmański, and the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the ICC, Päivi Kaukoranta.

Also within the framework of the ceremony, ICC President Piotr Hofmanski handed a copy of the special edition of the Rome Statute to the Foreign Minister  Mirzoyan.

The ceremony was attended also by the Prosecutor General of the ICC, a number of representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in The Hague, from about 60 diplomatic representations, the President of the Association of Journalists, as well as some other guests.

According to the source, Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan delivered a speech, which reads as follows:

"Honourable President of the Court,

Madame President of the Assembly,

Excellencies,

Prosecutor,

Registrar,

Judges and Deputy Prosecutors,

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In 1998, the international community made a historic decision to put an end to the most serious international crimes by adopting the Rome Statute. In 2023, Armenia ratified the Rome Statute with a sincere belief in its high power to eliminate the most serious crimes and end the impunity. On the 1st of February, the Rome Statute entered into force for Armenia. A fundamentally important occasion that brings us here today. I am grateful to each of you for sharing this special day with us.

The Nuremberg Tribunal stated at its time “crimes against international law are committed by men, not abstract entities, and only by punishing individuals who commit such crimes can the provisions of international law be enforced”. As we embark on this journey, let us embrace the responsibility that comes with ensuring that no one is above the law. Today, the International Criminal Court stands as a bastion against the horrors of genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression. In this regard, Armenia’s consistent cooperative approach to the ICC is based on the following major objectives: 1) preventing the most serious crimes which are of concern to the international community as a whole, 2) strengthening the rule of law in the international community, 3) achieving more universality of the ICC.  

Armenia believes that it is extremely important to establish an international judicial system which ensures punishment for persons who have committed genocide and other serious crimes. For decades, Armenia has been an initiator and pioneer in the processes of prevention and condemnation of the crime of genocide, both within the framework of the United Nations and other international organizations and forums long before acceding to the International Criminal Court.

ICC’s role in crime prevention and ensuring fair and impartial justice process for peaceful resolution of conflicts is significant. Unfortunately, in our region, we were confronted not only by complete unwillingness to resolve the issue by peaceful means but also with a clear intent to proliferate war, hatred and terror. Continued aggressions against the Republic of Armenia and occupation of our sovereign territories, heinous atrocity crimes perpetrated against Armenians, ethnic cleansing of Nagorno Karabakh, as a result of which over 100.000 Armenians had to escape their homes to find shelter in Armenia, had devastating humanitarian consequences and continue to pose imminent risks for our region. In this context, we are convinced that the Rome Statute among other mechanisms has real potential to prevent any further escalation and atrocities, becoming a milestone towards stability and sustainable peace in our region.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

We highlight the Court’s important role for delivering justice to victims of unimaginable atrocities, giving them a voice by enabling them to participate in its proceedings, providing assistance and awarding reparations. There is no doubt that the Rome Statute and the ICC, in the quest for accountability, have contributed greatly to the effective functioning of the international criminal justice system.

Today, let us celebrate not only Armenia's commitment but also the shared vision of a world where justice prevails, and the dignity of every individual is protected. As a new State Party to the Rome Statute Armenia will be an active member of the Court and will significantly contribute to the works of the Assembly of the States Parties. Together, we move forward in solidarity, bound by the ideals of the Rome Statute, as we strive for a future defined by fairness and the rule of law.

Thank you!"

Greg Martayan (center) with Ferrahian students Lori Deirmenjian (right) and Edwin Martirosyan

The Valley Economic Alliance Vice President Greg Martayan on Wednesday congratulated two high-achieving students on being accepted into the Alliance’s 2024 class of interns at a meeting with Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School Principal Sossi Shanlian.

“I’m so proud that through this Vice Presidency I can open doors for the next generation of Armenian Americans. We are all descendants of survivors of the Armenian Genocide and we, as leaders, must continue to support the next generation of young people,” said Greg Martayan, Vice President of External Affairs, The Valley Economic Alliance

The students, high school juniors Lori Deirmenjian and Edwin Martirosyan, will be working on critical projects to assist the Alliance create better futures for businesses and residents in the San Fernando Valley.

“We are so excited for Lori and Edwin to be part of this internship program. They have proven themselves to be exemplary academically and we know they will represent our school well in this new endeavor,” said Ferrahian School Principal Sossi Shanlian.

The Valley Economic Alliance is a strategic private-public collaboration made up of governments, corporations, small businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations whose mission is to engage and unite behind the principles, policies, and practices necessary for economic vitality and prosperity. Bringing together a sustainable economic future for the five-city San Fernando Valley region, including Burbank, Calabasas, Glendale, Los Angeles, and San Fernando. An area of more than 160,000 businesses, over 2 million residents, and covering more than 400 square miles.