Patriarch Daniel welcomes new Armenian Ambassador to Romania Published

BASILICA.RO
Romania – Feb 15 2024

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church, welcomed His Excellency Tigran Galstyan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Romania, on a presentation visit on Wednesday.

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel congratulated the newly-appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Bucharest and wished him a successful diplomatic mission in Romania.

The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Patriarch of Romania for the privilege of receiving him and emphasised the outstanding relations between the two nations.

According to a press release issued by the Department for inter-church and inter-religious relations of the Romanian Patriarchate, His Excellency conveyed optimism that these relations would be strengthened throughout his term, particularly by fostering spiritual and cultural connections.

The ambassador stated that his initial official encounter was with the Patriarch of Romania after presenting his credentials, as he desired the diplomatic endeavours to commence under God’s blessing.

In addition, Mr. Tigran Galstyan reminisced about the Armenian community’s centuries-long presence in Romania and the significance of Patriarch Vasken I, Catholicos of All Armenians, who was a symbol of the Armenian people’s resurgence of national consciousness and was born and educated in Romania.

During the meeting, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasised the Christian faith’s significance and role in safeguarding the Armenian people’s identity amidst challenging historical periods. Furthermore, he stated that the two peoples have shared historical experiences.

Preserving and advancing spiritual heritage is thus imperative within a geopolitical and religious context beset by difficulties.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Patriarch of Romania specified that the organisation of pilgrimages in Armenia and Romania and the development of collaborative initiatives constitute a practical means of fostering mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Erdogan visits Egypt after 12 years

 17:57,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived at Cairo airport on Wednesday and was welcomed by his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Mehr News reports.
 
This is Erdogan's first visit to Egypt since 2012.  The development of economic relations between Ankara and Cairo, as well as the issue of the Gaza war, are the main goals of Erdoğan's visit to Egypt.

Igor Khovaev, Jeyhun Bayramov discuss peace process present situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan

 18:16,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. On February 14, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and the Special Representative of the Russian Foreign Minister for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan Igor Khovaev met in Baku.

 According to the Azerbaijani media, the meeting covered the current situation of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, recent developments in the region, and other regional issues.

Igor Khovaev to visit Yerevan

 19:40,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS.  The Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, the special representative for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan Igor Khovaev is currently in Baku.

Meetings with Azerbaijani partners are planned in order  discuss issues related to the peace treaty. A visit to Yerevan is also scheduled.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said this at a press briefing Wednesday, speaking about the efforts made by Russia in the direction of the regulation of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

According to the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, considering the partnership relations, Khovaev will discuss with the parties all the details related to establishing peace and explore possibilities for their implementation in favor of resolving the issue.

Prime Minister receives the newly appointed Ambassador of Greece to Armenia

 18:43,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS.  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Greece to Armenia Christos Sofianopoulos, who has just assumed the diplomatic mission in our country, the PM's Office said in a readout.

According to the source, the Prime Minister congratulated the Ambassador and wished him productive activities for the further development and strengthening of Armenia-Greece friendly relations. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the continuous development of cooperation in all spheres, including the expansion of trade and economic ties, implementation of new joint projects. Noting that Armenia has a comprehensive agenda with Greece, and in the context of its implementation, the Prime Minister emphasized the active and intensive cooperation between the Governments.

It is noted that the interlocutors discussed issues related to the organization of high-level mutual visits in the near future, the agenda of multi-sectoral cooperation between Armenia and Greece, cooperation between Armenia and the European Union, democratic reforms implemented in our country, and the processes taking place in the South Caucasus. The sides exchanged thoughts on other topics of mutual interest.

Armenia and Luxembourg Foreign Ministers discuss regional security issues

 19:22,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS.  Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan on February 14  arrived on a working visit in Luxembourg. During his visit Ararat Mirzoyan met with Xavier Bettel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the foreign ministry said.

The parties noted with satisfaction the solid political dialogue between the two countries based on shared values and interests. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that establishing a diplomatic presence in Luxembourg, a resident office, reflects Armenia's commitment to promoting partnership with Luxembourg in all areas of mutual interest.

Thoughts were exchanged on the perspectives of cooperation between Armenia and Luxembourg on bilateral and multilateral platforms. In this context, reference was made to several issues related to the Armenian-EU partnership and the possibilities of using the existing mechanisms to the maximum to develop a new, ambitious agenda. Among other topics, the Armenian Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of starting a dialogue on the liberalization of Armenia- EU visas.

The foreign ministers of Armenia and Luxembourg also discussed regional security issues. Ararat Mirzoyan presented to his colleague the developments of the recent days, referring to the incident of another provocation and use of force by the armed forces of Azerbaijan in the village of Nerkin Hand, Armenia’s Syunik region, as a result of which the Armenian side had four casualties. Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized Armenia's efforts to have a stable South Caucasus, attempts to destabilize the situation, and the need to restrain them with the involvement of international partners. In this context, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia highlighted the importance of the activities of the EU observation mission located on the international border with Azerbaijan.

Referring to the draft agreement on regulating relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the main principles of territorial integrity and inseparability of borders, in which clear and unambiguous bilateral commitment is imperative to ensure progress in the process.

PM’s Press Secretary responds to Baku’s statements: Azerbaijan continues strategy of deepening enmity in the region

 20:02,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS.  The press secretary of Armenian Prime Minister Nazeli Baghdasaryan has responded to several statements from official Baku, specifically noting that Azerbaijan continues its strategy of deepening enmity in the region, which poses a continuous threat of destabilization, Baghdasaryan wrote this on her Facebook page.

In response to several announcements from official Baku, I am authorized to announce:

The legislation of the Republic of Armenia is an internal matter of the Republic of Armenia, and no external force has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of our country.

As for territorial claims, Armenia is committed to the agreements reached with Azerbaijan on international platforms to recognize each other's territorial integrity on the basis of the Alma-Ata Declaration, to conduct the demarcation and delimitation of the borders between the two countries based on the Alma-Ata Declaration, to open the regional communications on the basis of the sovereignty, jurisdiction, the principles of equality and reciprocity.

Azerbaijan regularly violates these agreements by persisting in aggressive rhetoric, using force and the threat of force, that contradict the written agreements reached at international platforms. Additionally, Azerbaijan continues to occupy 31 vital territories belonging to the Republic of Armenia. All this shows that Azerbaijan continues the strategy of deepening enmity in the region, which is a continuous threat of destabilization.

Armenia will continue its efforts to establish peace and again offers Azerbaijan the withdrawal of troops, based on the 1991 border line, which will be a cornerstone step for stability and mutual trust in the region. As for the peace treaty, there is an already agreed-upon point in the draft being negotiated between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to which the parties cannot refer to their legislation to refuse to fulfill any provision of the peace treaty.

 We repeat: Armenia and Azerbaijan have already reached an agreement on this point, and the statements from official Baku contradict this agreement as well.

Official opening ceremony of Armenian office in Luxembourg held with the participation of FMs of both countries

 20:15,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. In Luxembourg, with the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Xavier Bettel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg, the official opening ceremony of the office of Armenia in Luxembourg was held, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said.

The flag of Armenia was raised by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, followed by playing of the national anthems of Armenia and Luxembourg.


Armenpress: British delegation visits Jermuk

 21:28,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS.  The British parliamentary delegation accompanied by the Chair of the Armenian National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Sargis Khandanyan and Armenian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the UK, Varuzhan Nersisyan visited Jermuk, Jermuk community leader Vahagn Arsenyan said on social media.

The meeting held in the Jermuk community hall was followed by the meeting with the forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno Karabakh.

The delegation also visited parts of the city of Jermuk, which were affected by the Azerbaijani military aggression in September 2022.

Asbarez: Schiff Endorses Ardy Ardashes Kassakhian For City Council

Rep. Adam Schiff with Ardy Kassakhian


Congressman Says Kassakhian Has the Experience and Knowledge to Lead Glendale

GLENDALE — Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), announced his endorsement of Glendale City Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian for City Council in the upcoming March 5, 2024 Election. Congressman Schiff has represented Glendale in Congress since his election in 2000.

“Ardy’s commitment to Glendale and his passion for public service is exemplary,” stated Congressman Schiff in a written statement. “His experience, knowledge of issues, and willingness to listen and lead with compassion have helped him be an effective leader and make Glendale a great city. I am proud to endorse Ardy Kassakhian for Glendale City Council and urge Glendale voters to elect Ardy on March 5, 2024.”

“I am honored to have the endorsement of Congressman Adam Schiff and his vote of confidence. He is one of our nation’s great leaders and someone who exemplifies the highest standard of sacrifice, integrity, and public service,” said Kassakhian. “Over the course of his service, Congressman Schiff has helped secure hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of our police DNA crime lab and has helped secure funding for important initiatives and projects that directly benefit our residents.” 

Congressman Adam Schiff’s endorsement adds to the growing list of elected officials who have endorsed Ardy Kassakhian’s bid for Glendale City Council.

Kassakhian grew up in Glendale after his family moved here in 1985. He attended public Glendale public schools and graduated from Glendale High School. He was first elected Glendale City Clerk in 2005 and was reelected four times before running for City Council in 2020. He served as Mayor of Glendale from 2022-2023 and as Chair of the Glendale Housing Authority.
He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and the Chairman of the California State New Motor Vehicle Board. Kassakhian graduated from UCLA (BA) and Northwestern University (MPPA) and the Executive Program at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. He currently is an adjunct faculty member at Glendale Community College teaching political science and government. He lives with his wife Courtney and their young son in the Pelanconi neighborhood of Glendale.