Author: Andranik Taslakhchian

Jerusalem Municipality planning to reconstruct the Armenian Patriarchate Road

Andranik Taslakhchian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 6 2019
                                 September 6, 2019, 14:27

 

The Jerusalem Municipality is planning to reconstruct the Armenian Patriarchate Road, the sole vehicular access road that serves the Western Wall, the Jewish and Armenian Quarters, the Jerusalem Post reports.

On Thursday, residents of the Jewish Quarter met Jerusalem Municipality representatives for a public presentation about the project, after an anonymous letter was disseminated among residents that spread rumors about the proposed project, author Heddy Breuer Abramowitz writes.

Director of Old City Development at the Jerusalem Development Authority, Aner Ozeri, told residents that no deal had yet been struck between the city and Jewish and Armenian Quarter residents, but that there were plans under discussion.

Ozeri explained that the current infrastructure was built nearly 50 years ago and that it is today inadequate for residents and tourists. People swarm the Old City throughout the year for festivals, celebrations and state ceremonies.

The proposed plan is part of a city development plan, first considered four decades ago, which hopes to unify visually all the gates of the Old City. The design includes stone walkways, new lighting, better sidewalks and more.

The plan will be carried out, if approved, in partnership between the municipality and JDA. It will require 24-six construction and 24-seven closure of a 300-meter section of the Armenian Patriarchate Road.

Renovations would extend from the “Kishle” police station near the Tower of David Museum until the Zion Gate, hence likewise requiring partial closure of the road that continues to the Batei Machse Road reaching the Dung Gate.

While the gate may have once been the pinnacle of military defense technology in its day, it is challenging for modern drivers who navigate in cars and buses as opposed to camels, horses and donkeys.

According to the source, the construction on the road is estimated to take around three-and-a-half months. The would require the relocation of 40 Armenian families who live adjacent to the construction.

Meanwhile, residents seek to hammer out an agreement to get the work done in the shortest possible time, thus reducing the amount of inconvenience to residents and tourists.

Armenian President congratulates Kyrgyz counterpart on Independence Day

Andranik Taslakhchian

Armenian President congratulates Kyrgyz counterpart on Independence Day

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12:14,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 31, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory letter to President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbay Jeenbekov on Independence Day, the Armenian President’s Office told Armenpress.

In the letter President Sarkissian expressed confidence that the traditional friendly relations between Armenia and Kyrgyzstan will contribute to deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation in the future as well for the benefit of the peoples of the two states.

President Sarkissian wished his Kyrgyz counterpart good health, all the best, and peace and prosperity to the good people of Kyrgyzstan.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




Cyprus, Greece and Armenia discuss enhancing cooperation on Diaspora issues

Andranik Taslakhchian
Cyprus News Agency
Wednesday
Cyprus, Greece and Armenia discuss enhancing cooperation on Diaspora issues
 
 
Enhancing cooperation among Cyprus, Greece and Armenia on Diaspora issues was at the heart of the trilateral meeting of the three countries on Wednesday that took place on the sidelines of the Conference of Overseas Cypriots taking place in Nicosia.
 
In remarks after the meeting, Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots Fotis Fotiou said that they had a very productive tripartite meeting" in which specific issues related to the Diaspora of the three countries were discussed.
 
Fotiou said that that there is political will to move ahead with a productive and effective trilateral co-operation on Diaspora issues.
 
As he said, the three countries have very strong Diasporas in very important countries, such as the USA, France, England and Australia.
 
"Through this cooperation we will activate the organized groups of our Diasporas to promote the interests of the three countries" he added.
 
He also referred to the goal they set to bring the new generation of the Diaspora of the three countries closer, noting that they decided to repeat the example of the last days with regard to Israel, Greece and Cyprus.
 
Fotiou also referred to the decision taken jointly to hold a trilateral conference in Greece where through various events the three historical tragedies, namely the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus, the Pontic Greek Genocide and the Armenian Genocide will be presented.
 
He also said that they have decided to work together so that entrepreneurs from Diaspora visit the three countries to explore investment opportunities. Fotiou also announced their decision to cooperate on tourism issues relating to Diaspora.
 
He also said that the issue of Diaspora will be one of the topics that will be discussed at the trilateral summit of the leaders of the three countries, which will take place very soon.
 
Greece's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Diaspora Greeks Antonis Diamataris and the High Commissioner for Diaspora of Armenia Zareh John Sinanyan, in their statements, have also referred to the decision to deepen the cooperation among the three countries on Diaspora issues setting a preliminary agenda to this direction.

Forecast: Pashinyan will make the right decision on Amulsar

Andranik Taslakhchian
Arminfo, Armenia
Aug 28 2019
David Stepanyan

ArmInfo.The Armenian authorities, together with other political forces, if there are any,  of course, must be able to present their own approaches to Amulsar  problem with the aim of making them common. A similar opinion was  expressed to ArmInfo by economist Vahagn Khachatryan.

"To this end, balanced discussions are needed. And if in the end it  becomes clear that the development of the mine is incompatible with  the environment, I am convinced that Nikol Pashinyan will make an  appropriate decision. In my opinion, the Armenian prime minister does  not have any dependence on anyone in making decisions. This is his  biggest advantage, "he said.

Amulsar mine is located 10 kilometers from the resort of Jermuk.  According to the explored reserves of gold, the mine takes the second  place in Armenia. Geological exploration of the area, which began in  2007, ended in 2015 with an environmental and social assessment of  mining at the mine. Civil activists and environmentalists opposed the  mine's operation, organizing mass protests in this regard, forcing  Lydian Armenia to conduct additional research.

According to the economist, mining has always occupied a special  place in Armenia.  Khachatryan recalled that large-scale exploitation  of the country's subsoil began after 1998, prior to that new permits  had not been issued. At the same time, there are no calculations  regarding the capabilities of a small country to carry such a heavy  load.  The economist is convinced of the need for specialized  calculations in order to find out whether Armenian citizens are  generally able to live normally in such an environment. Another  necessary step, in his opinion, is the need to develop a strategy for  the mining industry. Khachatryan is convinced that the mere presence  of such a document would prevent the emergence of the Amulsar  problem.

According to his estimates, from 2000 to 2018 the Ministry of Nature  Protection and the Government of Armenia did their utmost to  contribute to its destruction, leaving the successors a hopeless  system that did not provide for any responsibility. Against this  background, the same initiators of the Amulsar project today are  trying to earn political dividends on its consequences for the  purpose of their own political resurrection.

"For me personally, this is simply unacceptable, since the tasks set  for Lydian Armenia in 2011 certainly did not pursue the goal of  increasing the welfare of Armenian citizens. Nobody asked us, our  opinion did not interest them. Today, people have come to power who  enjoy trust and, accordingly, the support of society.  However, these  people also experience certain restrictions, as they represent the  state with all the attendant consequences: responsibility, rules of  the game, international principles, etc. The main difference in the  situation between the "noughties" today is the possibility of  discussing the problem and reaching a mutually acceptable consensus.  And in my opinion such an opportunity should not be neglected, "the  economist concluded.

Sports: Ararat-Armenia squad leaves for Luxemburg for second leg of Europa League play-off round

Andranik Taslakhchian
Panorama, Armenia
Aug 28 2019

Ararat-Armenia FC faces Luxembourg’s Dudelange in the second leg of Europa League play-off round. The match will take place on August 29. As the press service at the club reports, the squad left for Luxemburg on Wednesday morning.

To remind, in the first leg, the Armenian champion won Luxembourg side Dudelange 2:1. The match took place at Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in Yerevan.

Asbarez: VivaCell-MTS, Fuller Center Revamp House in Aghavnadzor

Andranik Taslakhchian
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FCHA President Ashot Yeghiazaryan (far right) and VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian (far left) with the Babayan family

AGHAVNADZOR, Armenia—In Aghavnadzor, a village in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region, a partially built home was renovated. Assisted by VivaCell-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, who have been partnering in the field of housing for several years, the Babayan home has been reconstructed.

The old house, built over 40 years ago, had never been renovated due to health and financial reasons. In 2006, the Babayan’s eldest son, Alik, was confined to a wheelchair due to an accident. It brought on both psychological and serious financial problems for the family. Alik and his younger brother, Artsrun, both worked, but could not renovate the house, as the problems were not few—semi-dark rooms lacking enough windows, dilapidated walls, a leaking roof, a balcony in ruins, a wooden wheelchair ramp, and more.

With the help of the house-building project, the Babayans have already completed the interior works of the house. A heating system will also be installed soon. With the willingness to help the family, the heads and staff members of VivaCell-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia united to help complete the construction operations. The volunteers have come together to make decent housing possible. With joint efforts, a new wheelchair ramp was built to replace the old wooden one, and concrete work has been carried out. Having a comfortable home is no longer a dream for the family.

A scene from the renovation of the Babayan home in Aghavnadzor

“For me, having a wheelchair ramp is a necessity today, but the wooden ramp was not very safe. The concrete ramp for the wheelchair is the same as the paved road for a car. Thank you for helping to solve the most important issue for me,” said Alik.

“We ought to come together in order to make our motherland prosperous. We should be able to create something that each of our countrymen can make use of it. I feel blissful when, every time, in some place, we undertake construction works. The group of volunteers, like a circle of salvation, helps to finish the works quicker. I truly believe that inspires not only the people who are in need of a house, but also our colleagues themselves. Only humanity and responsibility enlighten the path of life. This is the way our colleagues think, otherwise they would not work here, as they consider the matter refers to themselves as well,” remarked VivaCell-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian.

“Every family has its problems and difficulties. In case of this family, it is important to note that endurance, sense of humor, and the desire to overcome difficulties have not left them, and there are people who are willing to support by giving a helping hand, to ease the burden of years of the family. This is the mission of the housing project,” said Fuller Center for Housing Armenia president Ashot Yeghiazaryan.

A scene from the renovation of the Babayan home

VivaCell-MTS (MTS Armenia CJSC) is Armenia’s leading telecommunications operator, having the widest network reach and spreading a wide range of Voice and Data services all across Armenia. Having the best of the Armenian people interest at heart since its launch on July 1, 2005 and in a short period of time VivaCell-MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable customer base. VivaCell-MTS drives innovation and aims at always being at the forefront of any development serving the Armenian mobile communications market. The company follows the guidance provided by ISO 26000 (International Standard of Social Responsibility) and ISO/IEC 27001:2013 (Information Security Management System). For more information, visit the website.

Mobile TeleSystems PJSC is the leading telecommunications group in Russia and the CIS, offering mobile and fixed voice, broadband, pay TV as well as content and entertainment services in one of the world’s fastest growing regions. Including its subsidiaries, the Group services over 100 million mobile subscribers in Russia, Ukraine, Armenia and Belarus. Since July 2000, MTS’ Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ticker symbol MBT). Additional information about the MTS Group can be found online.

Fuller Center for Housing Armenia is a non-governmental, charitable organization that supports community development in the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh by assisting in building and renovating simple, decent and affordable homes, as well as advocating the right to a decent shelter as a matter of conscience and action. FCHA provides long-term, interest-free loans to low-income families. The monthly repayments flow into a Revolving Fund, which is used to help more families, thereby providing a financial foundation for sustainable development. Since 2008 the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia has assisted about 800 families. For more information, please visit the website or email us.




Armenian government increases the number of beneficiaries of the program "nanny at the expense of the state"

Andranik Taslakhchian
Arminfo, Armenia
Aug 22 2019
Naira Badalian

ArmInfo. The Armenian government has increased the number of beneficiaries of the program "nanny at the expense of the state."

To recall, the matter concerns the program "Providing assistance for  the organization in parallel with the work of caring for the child -  in case of returning to work before the child is 2 years old." The  beneficiaries of the program are job seekers who are on maternity  leave up to 3 years. Under the program, the state helps the parents  who have hired a nanny – in the form of compensation of 50% of the  payment amount, but in the amount of not more than the minimum wage -  55 thousand drams.

According to the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Zaruhi Batoyan  in 2018, about 200 mothers were to become beneficiaries of the  program. But, taking into account the great demand, 472 people were  included in it. This year, another 400 mothers will benefit from the  program, which requires additional funding of 77 million 334 thousand  drams to make payments to all program participants.

Armenia to continue imports of military hardware

Andranik Taslakhchian
TASS: Russia's Defense Technologies Newswire
August 5, 2019 Monday 3:20 PM GMT
Armenia to continue imports of military hardware
 
YEREVAN August 5
 
 In 2019 through 2020 the Armenian Defense Ministry will continue to import military hardware, especially anti-missile and anti-aircraft systems. This statement was made by Artak Davtyan, head of the General Staff of the country's armed forces. "I wish to emphasize that imports of military hardware will continue based on the agreements we have reached. This applies in the first place to the newest anti-air and anti-missile systems. Such systems will reinforce the fire power of our reconnaissance," the Armenian Armed Forces General Staff head said, without specifying which weapon systems are at issue.
  
YEREVAN, August 5. /TASS/. In 2019 through 2020 the Armenian Defense Ministry will continue to import military hardware, especially anti-missile and anti-aircraft systems. This statement was made by Artak Davtyan, head of the General Staff of the country's armed forces. "I wish to emphasize that imports of military hardware will continue based on the agreements we have reached. This applies in the first place to the newest anti-air and anti-missile systems. Such systems will reinforce the fire power of our reconnaissance," the Armenian Armed Forces General Staff head said, without specifying which weapon systems are at issue.
 
Armenia acquires arms primarily from Russia. Previously, the Republic's Defense Minister David Tonoyan revealed that Armenia had acquired from Russia four Su-30SM aerial fighters, which will be delivered to the country before the end of 2019. .

Sports: Junior World C’ship: Lineup of Armenia’s Greco-Roman wrestling team revealed

Andranik Taslakhchian
Panorama, Armenia
Aug 6 2019
Sport 10:11 06/08/2019 Armenia

The Armenian Greco-Roman wrestling team has started its last training camp before the Junior World Championship, the National Olympic Committee's press service reported.

Team head coach Armen Babalaryan has announced the team lineup:

55 kg – Tigran Minasyan

60 kg – Sahak Hovhannisyan

63 kg – Hrachya Poghosyan

67 kg – Shant Khachatryan

72 kg – Samvel Grigoryan

77 kg – Vahe Poghosyan

82 kg – Karen Khachatryan

87 kg – Hakob Baghdasaryan

The team will leave for the competition place on August 14, with the competition scheduled for 16-18 August. 

Woman asks Ireland authorities to return deported Armenian husband

Andranik Taslakhchian
News.am, Armenia
Aug 3 2019
Woman asks Ireland authorities to return deported Armenian husband Woman asks Ireland authorities to return deported Armenian husband

10:06, 03.08.2019
                  

A woman in Ireland, whose Armenian husband—Vahram Harutyunyan—was deported from the country, wants him to be allowed to return, The Irish Times reported.

Harutyunyan has been separated from his family for almost a year.

On August 15 last year the Armenian-born barber, who has lived in Ireland for almost 13 years, was deported, leaving his wife, Viktoria Gagkaeva, and their Irish-born daughter, Alina, behind .

He had gone to Dublin for a regular appointment at the offices of the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service, but shortly after arrival he was arrested and within 24 hours was on a flight back to Armenia.

Gagkaeva says apart from a five-minute phone call, he never got a chance to say goodbye to his family. After being detained, his phone was taken from him, he was put in prison, and then put on a flight in the early hours of the following morning, she says.

Gagkaeva and Alina went to visit Harutyunyan some weeks ago, but she says Ireland is their home, and she is pleading for her husband to be allowed return.

In a statement the Irish Department of Justice said for reasons of confidentiality neither the Minister nor his officials in the immigration service could comment on individual cases.