UAE Ambassador congratulates Armenia’s Government on successful parliamentary elections
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Armenian Genocide recognition by Texas is clear response to brazen conduct of Turks in Washington: Vice-Speaker Sharmazanov
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia May 20, 2017 Saturday Armenian Genocide recognition by Texas is clear response to brazen conduct of Turks in Washington: Vice-Speaker Sharmazanov YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Vice Speaker of Armenia’s Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov thanked the US Texas House of Representatives from the Parliament’s floor for recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide. “Texas is the 46th US state to recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide. I believe we must welcome this step and thank our American partners for this step”, Sharmazanov said during the Parliament session. He emphasized that this step of the Texas House of Representatives was a very clear response to Turkey’s denial policy and the recent impudent conduct of Turks in Washington. On May 16, Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians and Kurds held a protest against Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s visit to Washington outside the Turkish Ambassador’s residence. Erdogan’s security detail violently attacked and battered the peaceful protesters. Later, the Voice of America released a footage showing personally Erdogan giving orders to his bodyguards. Erdogan calmly watches how his security detail is beating up the protesters, including women, and then a few bodyguards hurry back to the president to brief him.
Ensuring attractiveness of service in Armed Forces priority for us – Armenian MP
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia May 20, 2017 Saturday Ensuring attractiveness of service in Armed Forces priority for us – Armenian MP YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The attractiveness of serving in the Armenian Armed Forces is a priority issue, Koryun Nahapetyan, candidate for the post of Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs, said at the parliament session, in response to a question of ‘Yelk’ bloc faction MP Mane Tandilyan, Armenpress reported. “Today through the state budget resources provided for the armed forces everything is being done to ensure the normal service of soldiers and create favorable conditions for them. Of course, some concerns were voiced, and the Committee held discussions over those issues”, Nahapetyan said. He stated that the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs also needs to take steps to ensure attractiveness of the service in the armed forces since the role of the newly-elected parliament in the parliamentary system is bigger, the parliament is going to have serious control mechanisms. Commenting on MP Tandilyan’s view that parents of soldiers provide the first necessary things to their sons, Koryun Nahapetyan said it is normal that each parent wants to ensure the maximum good conditions for his/her son in the army. The MP said the state takes steps on this path.
Increase of transactions with Armenian bank-issued cards abroad linked with development of outbound tourism – economist
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia May 20, 2017 Saturday Increase of transactions with Armenian bank-issued cards abroad linked with development of outbound tourism – economist YEREVAN, MAY 16, ARMENPRESS. Economists say the increase of overall transactions in foreign countries with credit cards issued by Armenian banks is associates with development of outbound tourism, while increase of non-cash transactions is associated with formation of the culture of making payments with cards. According to official statistics, 208,642 transactions with Armenian bank-issued cards were made abroad in March, 2017, while in February the number was 177,365 and in March of 2016 – 173,742. The volume of these transactions in March, 2017 amounted 6 billion 823 million drams – an increase of more than 1 billion drams in a month. Economist Aram Kayfajyan told ARMENPRESS the increase is associated with development of outbound tourism. “Tourists or businessmen are the ones using Armenian banking cards abroad, I don’t think large expenditures are made with them. If people buy some property or begin activities abroad, usually cards aren’t used”, he said, adding that taking into consideration the activation of Armenia’s economy, outbound tourism has also been activated, which can be the reason of volume and quantity increase of transactions made by Armenian banking cards abroad. In March, the volume of cash withdrawals amounted 1 billion 444 million drams, while the quantity amounted to 14,162. Withdrawals increased by 179 million drams compared to February. In March, 194,480 non-cash transactions with Armenian banking cards were made abroad, with a volume of 5 billion 380 million drams, compared to the previous year the quantity increased by more than 39 thousand. More card transactions were made than withdrawals. Economist Tatul Manaseryan, director of the ‘Alternative’ research center, says the decrease of cash operations is associated with the formation of a culture of making non-cash payments among Armenian citizens.
Azerbaijani forces fire anti-tank grenade launcher and mortar at Artsakh posts
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia May 20, 2017 Saturday Azerbaijani forces fire anti-tank grenade launcher and mortar at Artsakh posts YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Artsakh Republic told Armenpress the Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime more than 100 times across the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. The Ministry’s statement reads: “On May 19 and overnight May 20 the Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime more than 100 times by firing over 1750 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. Moreover, the Azerbaijani forces fired also anti-tank grenade launcher (32 grenades) at the eastern direction and 60 mm mortar (7 shells) at the north-eastern direction of the line of contact. The Defense Army forces of Artsakh took countermeasures to suppress the Azerbaijani activeness”.
En Marche! Movement of France nominates Daniel Cazarian’s candidacy for National Assembly elections
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia May 20, 2017 Saturday En Marche! Movement of France nominates Daniel Cazarian's candidacy for National Assembly elections YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The En Marche! Movement led by French President Emmanuel Macron has nominated the candidacy of Daniel Cazarian, originally Armenian, for National Assembly elections, “Armenpress” reports Co-chair of the Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations of France Murad Papazian has posted a note in support of Daniel Cazarian on his Facebook page. “I am with my friend Daniel Kazarian. I will be very proud and happy if she is elected”, Papazian wrote. Daniel Cazarian is 52 years old and only recently started to get involved in active politics. Before that she was engaged in entrepreneurship. Cazarian is also the chairwoman of the National Center for Armenian Remembrance. She has announced about her intention to enter into politics in support of En Marche to struggle the French nationalism. Cazarian has particularly stated that her main goal is to struggle against the “National Front” led by Marine Le Pen. Parliamentary elections in France will be held on June 11 and 18, 2017.
Supreme Religious Council expresses support to Bekçiyan
Agos, Istambul
May 19 2017
Led by Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, the meeting of Supreme Religious Council was completed. Değabah Bekçiyan also attended the meeting as the representative of Istanbul.
Held on May16-18 in Moscow, the meeting resulted in support to Değabah Bekçiyan. Also, Ateşyan, clerics and lay in the patriarchate were urged to take necessary steps.
The concluding statement involves the following points concerning the patriarchal election in Turkey:
“Değabah Bekçiyan gave a speech at the meeting. He told about the problem in the process of election. Supreme Religious Council expressed its concerns about the fact that Değabah is not able to perform his duties. The Council urged clerics and lay in the patriarch to cooperate with state officials to find solution. In this regard, the attitude of Archbishop Aram Ateşyan was also pointed and he was urged to help the değabah who was elected in accordance with the rules of Armenian Church and take the necessary steps for maintaining the natural course of the patriarchate.”
First Aurora Prize Laureate Marguerite Barankitse visits Armenian Genocide Memorial
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia May 20, 2017 Saturday First Aurora Prize Laureate Marguerite Barankitse visits Armenian Genocide Memorial YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. The first Aurora Prize Laureate Marguerite Barankitse visited the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial on May 20 to pay tribute to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, reports Armenpress. She was welcomed by Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Hayk Demoyan who introduced the history of the Armenian Genocide and the creation of the Memorial Complex. “The denial of the Armenian Genocide is a great mistake. It is very important to have a sense of compassion, and if many say it didn’t happen, they make a great mistake. We must call on those people to be part of that compassion since we are one big family, children of God. Today the fact of the Armenian Genocide must force everyone to perceive that such events will not repeat anymore”, Barankitse said. Marguerite Barankitse visited Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute where a special exhibition is opened dedicated to Aurora Mardiganian, the inspirational woman behind the Aurora Prize. She laid flowers at the Armenian Genocide Memorial. Then the First Aurora Prize Laureate planted a tree in the Memory Alley of Tsitsernakaberd complex in memory of the Armenian Genocide victims. “I have an impression that people were unable to understand that such crimes really happened. But at the same time I want to congratulate the Armenian people who maintained their honor and accepted to some extent their own history, as well as had the courage to pass the brutal page of this history for brighter times to come. This gives me hope that tomorrow genocides will not happen anymore, this also gives hope to my country Burundi which fights for the past, present and the future. We must stand up, and each person must deny brotherly crimes against each other”, Marguerite Barankitse said. At the end of the visit she left a note in the Honorable Guest Book: “I am deeply grateful to the proud Armenian people for the endless courage. Yes, love will always win”. Marguerite Barankitse, the founder of Maison Shalom and REMA hospital, received the Aurora Prize on April 24, 2016, for the exceptional impact of her actions on preserving lives during the years of civil war in Burundi. To date, she has saved 30 thousand children and offered them shelter and care.
Archaeologists discover early medieval tombstones in Aghdzk excavation site
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia May 20, 2017 Saturday Archaeologists discover early medieval tombstones in Aghdzk excavation site YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Archaeologists have discovered early medieval tombstones with Mesropian writings in the excavation site of Aghdzk village, Aragatsotn province. Hakob Simonyan, leader of the expedition of the excavation site, told ARMENPRESS they are currently deciphering the records. “We didn’t have early medieval record tombstones at all”, he said. According to him, the expedition will carry out excavation-clearing works in the area until autumn. “We expect to find early medieval monumental structures in this area”, he said, adding everything will be done for Aghdzk to become one of the most important tourism destinations in Armenia. Last year the biggest of the three relic-chests was opened, which was excavated by archaeologists. The chest contained relics of Armenian Kings. The remains of Arshakuni Kings were interred in the Aghdzk royal tomb, which dates back to mid 4th century. A Basilica was built near the tomb in the 5th century, which was reconstructed in the 19th century. According to theEpic Historieswritten by the 5th-century historianPavstos Buzand,after KingShapur IIthe Great ofPersiacapturedAni-Kamakh, he tried to take the remains of Armenian Kings to Persia. By doing so, the Persians believed the glory, luck and bravery of the Kings would be taken to them. However, The ArmenianSparapetVassak Mamikonian defeated the Persians in the district ofAyrarat, recapturing the treasures and bones of the Armenian kings.
APU’s Armenian Student Association Unveils Memorial
Azusa Pacific University, California
May 16 2017
APU’s Armenian Student Association Unveils Memorial
by Evan R. Cain
Azusa Pacific University's Armenian Student Association (ASA) unveiled a khachkar, or cross stone memorial, during a dedication ceremony on April 22, attended by students, their families, and community members to commemorate the lives lost in the Armenian Genocide. During and following World War I, 1.5 million Armenians living within the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey lost their lives. Paying tribute and honoring their memory, the khachkar stands on East Campus in front of Multimedia Buildings 1 and 2. April 24 marked the 102nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
The unveiling included speeches by APU President Jon R. Wallace, DBA, Joseph D. Matossian '63, minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, and Bruce Baloian, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biblical Studies. The event also featured student vocal performances and prayer.
“Six months ago, the ASA contacted me about the possibility of installing a cross stone memorial,” said Wallace. “Students Hovsep Chaparian and Elijah Hakobian’s request captured my heart. The memorial honors the remarkable story of a people of faith. When students read the plaque, we hope they will reflect on Armenians’ story of perseverance in the face of persecution. We are a community of Christ followers that believe in proclaiming the love of Christ, and this story profoundly represents this conviction.”
Following Wallace, Matossian expressed the deep meaning and purpose behind introducing the Khachkar memorial to APU’s campus. “Our people endured incredible hardship," he said. "We remember their pain and suffering, while admiring their courage, strength, and determination to be faithful to God. This cross stone is not just a commemoration in remembrance, but also a trumpet call for justice in all of God’s nations.” Speaking with passion and conviction, his words were met with applause from the crowd. He continued, “As Christians, we are in constant pursuit of truth and justice, and are committed to fight against all evils. Therefore, we seek to make this world a place for people of all colors, all cultures, and all creeds to live in peace. We pray that we may one day live in a world of harmony.”
Hasmik Mkrtchyan, ASA vice president, gave her testimony, exemplifying the legacy of the Armenian people. “My great grandparents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Their stories were told to me by my grandparents. As descendants of survivors and victims, it is instilled in us to tell our story and keep its memory alive.”
Baloian described the connection between Armenian heritage and APU. “The Armenians are people of incredible strength,” he said.“Ultimately, Armenians are strong because they love Jesus Christ. It is precisely that love that is at the heart of Christian identity. To have this cross stone on APU’s campus is a way for APU to further affirm its identity in Christ and commitment to the faith.”
The crowd erupted in cheers, as members of the ASA unveiled the cross stone memorial. Hakobian, ASA president, spoke about the symbolism of the Khachkar. “The cross is made from hand-carved Armenian lava rock. The bottom of the cross signifies the Armenian ancestors that perished in the genocide. At the head of the cross, there is an Armenian eternity symbol, representing an unending era of new growth and life for our people.”
Matossian's word captured the poignancy of the event. “The khachkar has tremendous meaning for our nation: the cross represents God’s love, sacrifice, and hope for eternity. Armenians have embraced Christianity since 301 A.D., and our Christian heritage survives today. We hope to testify that no evils, no oppression, can separate God’s people from His redemption, grace, and love. We are honored to have our story told on this campus. This dedication is a miracle, and there is no doubt, APU is a place of God.”
Posted: May 16, 2017
Evan R. Cain '18 is a senior public relations intern in the Office of University Relations. He is a biblical studies and humanities major in the Honors College.