13:36,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 28, ARMENPRESS. Fitch Ratings has revised the Outlook on the City of Yerevan's Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to Positive from Stable and affirmed the IDRs at 'B+'.
The next scheduled review date for Fitch's rating on Yerevan City is 09 June 2023.
“Princess of December” book cover
Author and composer George Kirazian’s new book, “The Princess of December,” has been released by Laurel Publications and is available on Amazon.com in print and Kindle formats.
A fantasy adventure for young readers aged 8-13, The Princess of December follows the adventures of the young protagonist Yvette, who helps Lyanna, The Princess of December, against evil forces of The Ice Shadow.
“And now you know why you must come, Yvette,” an excerpt of the book reads. “Tamo needs you, the Kingdom needs you, we all need you because we all need Lyanna, The Princess of December. Without her we will lose everything. The land will freeze and all the flowers and fruit trees will die. The seasons will disappear and leave only a cold, grey wasteland. Will you come, Yvette? Will you?”
And so, with help from Bomor and his magic arrow; the All-Seeing Waters; and a wise and friendly rose bush, Yvette and her new friends began to challenge The Ice Shadow and his dark powers.
Author, teacher, and composer, George Kirazian completed undergraduate and graduate studies at New York University, and for 30+ years taught Writing, Literature, and Music Appreciation courses at Grossmont College and San Diego State University. In addition to his novella, “A Time for Fathers,” Kirazian has written and published extensively in poetry and fiction. He also wrote the children’s books, “The Sleeping Violet,” “Perry the Peacock,” “Beyond the Koala Kingdom,” “Leo and the Mulberry Flute,” and “The Princess of December.” He also published “Easy Writing,” a book on writing improvement for adults.
Kirazian’s work as a composer have been performed by various choral groups in the San Diego area and includes various art songs, hymns, a new version of Armenian Apostolic Church Divine Liturgy. His latest composition, “The Book of Ruth: A Ballet,” is premiering in a production with Mojalet Dance Collective in San Diego in April.
“The Princess of December” can be purchased on Amazon. For more information, visit Kirazian’s website.
Azerbaijan “is attempting to force the population of Nagorno Karaback to leave” through intimidation and the continuing blockade of the Lachin Corridor since December 12th last, Armenian ambassador to Ireland and the UK Varuzhan Nersesyan has said.
Mr Nersesyan, who is on a two-day visit to Dublin this week, claims Azerbaijan was carrying out “a policy of ethnic cleansing in a hidden way”.
On December 12th Azerbaijani “self-proclaimed environmentalists” began protesting on the Lachin Corridor road over what they claim is the illegal exploitation of natural resources by Armenia in the Karabakh region, he said. Mr Nersesyan also claimed Azerbaijan has been turning off gas and electricity supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh and its 120,000 population.
“The ‘protests’ are nothing short of an orchestrated stunt designed to squeeze the region’s majority Armenian population into leaving altogether, also known as ethnic cleansing,” Mr Nersesyan said.
“The blockade clearly violates the trilateral statement of November 9th, 2020, which says the Lachin Corridor shall remain under the control of Russian peacekeepers while Azerbaijan guarantees the safe movement of citizens, vehicles, and cargo.”
Nagorno-Karabakh is about 3,170 sq km in size and home to an ethnic Armenian majority supported by the Armenian government as a self-declared republic, though it is widely internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. The area was the subject of a war that killed tens of thousands in the 1990s and again two years ago. Negotiations have failed to produce a lasting settlement.
“Thousands of lives are in peril in Nagorno-Karabakh and the blockade of it must be lifted immediately. That’s the assessment of Amnesty International earlier this month,” said Mr Nersesyan. The population there was “on the brink of famine”, he said.
“Over 400 tonnes of goods, food and medical supplies were delivered through the Lachin Corridor on a daily basis before the blockade, which will soon be in place for three months,” he said, “while basics like fruit and vegetables have almost vanished”, and there are now “severe shortages of baby formula and medicines”.
[ ‘No-one helps us … we are on our own.’ Nagorno-Karabakh’s brutal war ]
Mr Nersesyan is in Ireland to brief the Irish people, the Government and relevant authorities about the situation but also “to deepen, enhance and develop” relationships between Ireland and Armenia, not least as a newly appointed ambassador.
Describing the Azerbaijanis behind the blockade as “self-proclaimed environmentalists”, he noted how it had been condemned at the UN last December where Ireland had called on the UN Security Council to do “everything it can to prevent another human-made catastrophe emerging on its watch” and said Azerbaijan should “immediately restore movement along the corridor”.
Unicef also said the corridor “must be reopened immediately” as “the longer the situation persists, the more children will experience the lack of basic food items”.
Last Friday vice-president of the European Commission Josep Borrell called on Azerbaijan “to take the measures that are within its jurisdiction to ensure freedom and security of movement along the corridor”. He said the EU “remains seriously concerned about the distress the ongoing restrictions to freedom of movement and to the supply of vital goods are causing for the local population”.
Mr Nersesyan recalled “the destruction and desecration of many churches” in Nagorno-Karabakh during the 2020 conflict with predominantly Muslim Azerbijan. Subsequently Armenia called on Unesco to visit the area “but Azerbijan won’t allow access”, he said.
By Mia Alva
Outlook Valley Sun
Three La Cañada Flintridge mothers from Paradise Canyon Elementary have worked for months to add Armenian classes for students in kindergarten through 6th-grade.
“We are excited to create this important educational opportunity for our students and city,” said Kanakara Markar. “This new program supports diversity and inclusion, and further connects community members with one another.”
Markar and her family moved to LCF a couple years ago for the school district. As a native Armenian speaker, something her son and other children in the community could benefit from was an Armenian class that teaches language and culture. She met mothers from a similar background and together, went around to see if other parents would possibly be interested in the program. Markar did some research and found a foundation that was at other schools, and each family interested agreed that the foundation would be beneficial.
The Davidian and Mariamian Educational Foundation was founded in 1987 and has since conducted classes in 25 schools in Southern California.
After the family and the foundation agreed to bring the program to LCF, finding a space was another thing on the to-do list.
“We went to the [LCUSD] district and we are really grateful for the district for allowing us to rent one of its classrooms … and now we have a full program,” said Markar, adding that the program started in February.
The foundation rents the classroom and takes care of everything related to the program. Any child from kindergarten through 6th grade in the district can enroll in the program. A child can start from any level given any previous knowledge. Currently, there are two teachers for 12 students who are enrolled. The students are separated by beginner or intermediate and classes are after school. The program lasts six years and at the end, the children are given a graduation.
“We really do have a strong district with dedicated principals, teachers and staff, and we have so many great programs, this is just adding to the mix,” said Markar.
As far as the children, they are enjoying the program and being able to make friends that are not from their elementary school.
“I like seeing my friends at Armenian class and the teachers are nice,” said PCY first-grader Vahan Gozumian.
Vahan’s mom, Sonya Gozumian, found out about the program through word of mouth and thought “why not?”
“I think he likes when he is in class with the different ages and [it feels] like a club [to him},” said Sonya Gozumian.
Other LCF families are enjoying the program too. Laura Abramian recently enrolled her son into the program after seeing an advertisement on a PTA newsletter. Abramian teaches at Mountain Avenue Elementary School in La Crescenta, which has an Armenian program.
“My children used to go to an Armenian private school. They left to go to La Cañada schools, and they were missing that Armenian language and classroom environment,” said Abramian.
She currently has her 5th-grade son enrolled in the program and he is drawn to the teachers.
Abramian said it would be great and more convenient if the program could eventually be in all elementary schools in LCF, similar to what one of the original mothers wants for the future.
“We hope that with continued interest and support from our administration, this program can grow and more families can take advantage of it. We’d love to have the class offered on-site at each of the three elementary school locations in the future,” said Meleeneh DerHartunian.
The foundation is also excited to grow its program in LCF.
“Davidian & Mariamian Educational Foundation is excited to be in the city of La Cañada. Our program is designed to encourage learning in an engaging and fun way — not only the Armenian language, but also about its rich culture,” said Director Ophelia Satoorian. “We look forward to the program growing and reaching more kids here.”
Currently classes are offered on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm in a classroom located in the La Cañada Unified School District office. For more information, visit DMEF.org.
https://outlookvalleysun.outlooknewspapers.com/2023/02/24/lcf-armenian-classes-take-root/
Mr. & Mrs. Jack and Zarig Youredjian (left) and the late Verjine Koujakian
GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA announced that the ARS Las Vegas Shoushi Chapter Verjine Koujakian Saturday School has become the ARS Gala’s benefactor with a $250,000 donation in Koujakian’s memory and Mr. & Mrs. Jack and Zarig Youredjian will be the Banquet Sponsors with a generous donation of $50,000.
A long-time member of the organization from her time in Lebanon to when she moved to California, Verjine Koujakian has served membership through ARS Lebanon, the ARS Hollywood Mayr and San Fernando Valley Anahid Chapters, and the ARS Las Vegas Shoushi Chapter until she passed away in 2001. In 1984, she established a scholarship fund in memory of her husband with the ARS Anahid Chapter providing awards to Ferrahian High School graduates excelling in Armenian and community service. After her passing, the scholarship fund was renamed the “Apraham and Verjine Koujakian Fund Scholarship” and keeps their memories alive by awarding two scholarships every year. In 1993, Verjine Koujakian started the Saturday School in Las Vegas, Nevada, which was then sponsored by the ARS Shoushi Chapter. The school continues to operate and thrive to this day with the financial guidance and moral support and encouragement of Ungerouhi Koujakian’s children Arda Koujakian Yemenidjian, Hagop Koujakian and Terenik Koujakian and their families so that her legacy continues to live on.
As staunch supporters of the Armenian Relief Society, Mr. & Mrs. Youredjian have long-supported worthwhile causes benefiting the Armenian community locally and internationally through their philanthropy. This includes implementing successful projects in Gyumri, Armenia helping earthquake-stricken families with housing, empowering students through educational programs, career planning and vocational training, as well as pandemic relief efforts locally. They are the founders of the Scholarship Fund for Children of Armenia Fund and have also been generous supporters of ARS Cyprus, Homenetmen, the American University of Armenia, and the Armenian International Women’s Association. Mrs. Youredjian has been a member of the ARS Santa Monica “Gars” Chapter since 2004.
“The region is thankful to all donors and chapters, along with the outpouring of support being received from the community for the upcoming fundraising event, whose proceeds will be benefiting the organization’s vital present-day and future humanitarian programs locally, as well as internationally reaching those in need in Armenia, Artsakh, Syria, and Lebanon,” the ARS said in a statement announcing the 2023 Gala’s major sponsors.
The ARS Gala will be held on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Taglyan Complex, located at 1201 Vine St., Los Angeles, CA, with a cocktail hour starting at 5 p.m. followed by the official program and dinner at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and/or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the ARS Regional Headquarters at (818) 500-1343 or [email protected].
13:16,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh is facing very serious changes as it did in 1988, when the movement began, ex-State Minister Ruben Vardanyan said at the Imperative of International Recognition of Artsakh seminar in Yerevan through video call from Stepanakert.
Vardanyan said that independence first of all comes from the desire of the people and not from international organizations.
“I’ve been in Artsakh for the past six months and I can say for sure that this is how the majority of Artsakhians think, they can’t picture themselves in any option other than being independent. At the same time, we have a problem, people lost their faith in themselves, faith for justice, leadership and the future. It is very difficult to struggle if you don’t have faith,” Vardanyan said.
Today, Artsakh is facing very serious changes as it did in 1988, when the movement began, Vardanyan said.
“We weren’t only discussing the issue of the independence of Artsakh, we were discussing our values, our principles, what we were ready for and what not. It so happened that we have an independent Armenia, a Diaspora, we have 120,000 Armenians living in Artsakh, who want to join Armenia, but at the same time we have an objective that in this situation the first step we must do is to bring the path of Artsakh’s independence and self-determination to its rightful completion,” Vardanyan said.
He said they will overcome the hardships only when this will be the priority for everyone, every day. “And having gone through these six months, having gained this experience, on one hand I am sure that we have substantial grounds that Artsakh will remain Armenian, Artsakh will remain independent and Artsakh will not be surrendered,” he said.
20:03,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. On February 21, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Armenia Anna Vardapetyan received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Armenia Sergey Kopirkin.
As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Prosecutor General's Office, Anna Vardapetyan welcomed the Ambassador and reaffirmed the agreements reached during the meeting with the Russian Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov at the end of last year aimed at combating corruption, money laundering, and transnational crimes.
Ambassador Kopirkin thanked the Prosecutor General of Armenia for the reception and expressed the embassy's readiness to support the development of cooperation in the mentioned directions.
The Prosecutor General of Armenia Anna Vardapetyan, among other issues, referred to the processes taking place in Armenia in the fight against corruption and emphasized that justice will be served against the persons involved in corruption crimes, regardless of who they are.
During the meeting, the parties discussed a number of issues related to mutual legal assistance.
20:19,
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. On February 21, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received the delegation headed by Edouard Philippe, the former Prime Minister of France, Mayor of Le Havre and President of Le Havre Seine Metropole, with the participation of parliamentarians, public and political figures, ARMENPRESS was informed from MFA Armenia.
The interlocutors commended the privileged relations between Armenia and France characterized by a high-level political dialogue and an expanding multi-faceted bilateral agenda․ They also touched upon the prospects of Armenian-French cooperation.
The agenda of the meeting included issues of regional security and stability.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia highly appreciated the targeted assessments and efforts of the French side at different levels and formats, including the members of the delegation, aimed at establishing peace in the South Caucasus and addressing the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
The sides also highlighted the importance of deploying a new EU Civilian Monitoring Mission in Armenia.
WASHINGTON, September 24. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly meeting in New York and they discussed the security of Armenia.
"We discussed Armenia’s security. We continue to urge the parties to engage in the peace process, as there can be no military solution to the conflict" between Baku and Yerevan, Blinken said on Twitter. He said the meeting took place on September 22.
https://tass.com/world/1512661