Author: Bedik Zaminian

Armenia-Iran export capacities explored

Bedik Zaminian

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 16:33,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Two specialized trade delegations from Iran visited Armenia to explore the export capacities and obstacles in the trade cooperation between the two countries, Iran's trade attaché in Armenia said, IRNA reports.

According to a report on Friday from the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, Akbar Goddari stated that the polymer and plastics experts met with the Iranian ambassador to Yerevan Abbas Badakhshan Zohuri to discuss geopolitical issues, the importance of the Armenian market, laws and regulations and topics related to co-production.

Goddari added that one of the requests of traders in this meeting was to send trade delegations at the same time as holding exhibitions in Iran, which will be followed by solving the obstacles related to the coronavirus and transportation problems.

During the meeting with the Iranian delegation, Hervik Yarijanian, the Head of the Armenia-Iran Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the development of trade between the two countries and considered the existing obstacles as incorrect and disruptive to the growth and development of exports and trade.

The head of the Iran-Armenia joint chamber of commerce once said that Iran-Armenia trade has fluctuated up to 500 million dollars in previous years.

Armenia, a global player in microelectronics education

Bedik Zaminian
Panorama, Armenia
Oct 21 2021

436 participants from 13 countries competed in the 16th Annual International Microelectronics Olympiad: Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Egypt, Peru, Russia, Serbia, Vietnam, UAE, Ukraine and USA, VivaCell MTS reported. 

The Organizing Committee of the Annual International Microelectronics Olympiad today announced the winners of the 16th Annual International Microelectronics Olympiad during an online awarding ceremony:

  • Zhanna Khajoyan from Armenia became the first prize winner.

  • Hassan Mostafa Imam Ali from Egypt got the second place.

  • Three third prizes were awarded to – 

  • Khaled Hammuda Mohamed Abdelrazek from Egypt

  • Angela Kostik from Serbia

  • Dejan Gutik from Bosnia-Herzegovina

The Awarding ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of the High-Tech Industry of RA Robert Khachatryan.

This year's Olympiad featured the diversity of the geography of the participating countries, including representatives from the Argentina, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Egypt, Peru, Russia, Serbia, Vietnam, UAE, Ukraine and the United States. "It is very important that even in the conditions of this pandemic, the interest towards the Olympiad does not decrease. Moreover, the Olympiad continues to serve its mission successfully,” said the President of Olympiad Program Committee, Director of Synopsys Armenia Educational Department, Chairman of the “Microelectronic Schemes and Systems” at the Armenian National Polytechnic University, prof. Vazgen Melikyan. 

The Olympiad was conducted in two stages. The first stage, held simultaneously in the participants’ countries, involved a test to establish a baseline. The second, the final stage involved a challenging contest consisting of advanced engineering tasks requiring complex solutions. Of 436 participants in the first stage, 21 were qualified to progress to the second stage, which was held on October 8.  Of these 21 contestants, 6 were from Yerevan, and 15 were from a variety of other countries. 

"One of the goals of the Olympiad is to raise the visibility of Armenia as a leading country in the field of microelectronics," said Armen Baldryan, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Olympiad and Director of “Unicomp”. "It is gratifying to see that Armenia continues preserving and developing the traditions of leadership and excellence in the field of microelectronics coming from the 50s of the last century." 

It is noteworthy that this year the first prize was awarded to 23-year-old Zhanna Khojayan, representing Armenia, who is a second-year Master student enrolled in the joint program of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia and Synopsys Armenia Educational Department. She is already employed at Synopsys Armenia as an R&D Engineer.

"The main goal of this Olympiad, founded by Synopsys Armenia, is to identify the brightest, most talented engineers under the age of 30 and to increase interest in microelectronics among young specialists both in Armenia and in participating countries. The Olympiad also plays an important role in discerning the level of knowledge of participants in the field of microelectronics in order to make necessary adjustments to regional educational programs and curricula," said Dr. Yervand Zoryan, Synopsys Fellow and the President of Synopsys Armenia. "The fact that the student of the Synopsys educational program implemented jointly with the Polytechnic was recognized as the best among 436 participants from 13 countries of the world, testifies to the international quality of our educational programs in the field of microelectronics."

The annual International Microelectronics Olympiad was founded in 2006 under the auspices of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. It is held in cooperation with the Technical Council for Test Technologies (IEEE TTTC) of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the world's largest technical professional organization.

The initiator and general organizer of the Olympiad is Synopsys Armenia, and the general partner is Viva-MTS. The main supporter is "Unicomp" company. Among the sponsors of the Olympiad are the Union of ICT Employers, "Viasphere" Technopark, "INGO ARMENIA" Insurance CJSC.

“For 16 years in a row Viva-MTS supports this initiative. Why? Obviously, because, in IT, in fulfillment of the global agenda of digitalization Armenia possesses immense potential, which is still very far from being fully used. I am happy our compatriots participate and what is more win in international Olympiad. The competition is now a reality and initiative like this one are extremely important for the development of competitive advantages of the country, increasing the ranking of the country, ensuring its economic growth, as well as for prevention of the brain drain,” Ralph Yirikian, the General Manager of the Olympiad’s General Partner, Viva-MTS, said.

"When we launched this important competition in 2006, we had no idea that in coming years it would become an international Olympiad in the field of microelectronics with a very high international standard and help in creating of the community of young specialists involved in microelectronics”, said the Vice President of Olympiad Org Committee, Synopsys Armenia Director Hovik Musayelyan.

"I believe the Microelectronics Olympiad is a very good opportunity for everyone in the Microelectronics Design Field to test his knowledge and skills and compete against colleagues from all over the world, in order to identify the weaknesses for further improvement. Such a competition has a high reputation and it will give you and your institution a credit internationally. This is my first international competition and I am honored to be a finalist in the 16th Microelectronics Olympiad. Thanks for the organizing and programming committee for making this opportunity available," said Khaled Hammuda Mohamed Abdelrazek, an Egyptian participant who won the third prize at the 16th Olympiad. 

The Olympiad covers the following topics: Olympiad topics for 2011 included Digital IC Design and Test, Analog and Mixed Signal IC Design and Test, Semiconductor Devices and Technology, and Mathematic and Algorithmic Issues of Electronic Design Automation (EDA).  

For more information, visit the annual International Microelectronics Olympiad website at www.microelectronicsolympiad.org.

Armenian president lauds friendship, good relations with Vatican

Bedik Zaminian
Vatican News
Oct 15 2021
Following his audience with Pope Francis, Armenian president Armen Sarkissian speaks with Vatican Media about relations with the Holy See, and his memories of the Popes.

By Christopher Wells

“I think it’s easy to describe relations between the Vatican and the Republic of Armenia,” said President Armen Sarkissian. “I think I can even describe that in two words: very good.” He added, “I’m not saying excellent, because I hope that we can do even better.”

President Sarkissian was speaking with Vatican Media in the Armenian Embassy’s new location close to the Vatican, following his visit on Monday with Pope Francis.

Sarkissian’s involvement in Armenian-Vatican relations goes back to the first days of independence after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, when he served as the first Ambassador to numerous western countries, including the Holy See. “Back then I was a young scientist who had just become a diplomat, I was guided by a very wise, experienced patriarch [Catholicos Vazgen I] on how we could develop relations with the Vatican.”

He expressed his appreciation of the tremendous support the Vatican has shown for Armenia, noting, in particular, the visit of Pope St John Paul II to the country in 2001. “And every Armenian worldwide, and every friend of Armenia, will never forget that in 2015, there was a special Mass at the Vatican, devoted to the 100 years commemoration of the Armenian genocide.”

Asked about the impact of the visits of the popes to Armenia, President Sarkissian noted the “extraordinary personality” of John Paul II, “an historic figure” known to all. “Don’t forget, we are the first Christian state in the world; and that first Christianity is in the DNA of every Armenian,” he said. “So I think the visit of the Pope to Armenia was a huge event.”

The same was true for the visit of Pope Francis, he said, “for many reasons,” but especially for “what he stands for.” Pope Francis, he said, speaks “very openly” of principles and values. The human values Pope Francis stands for, he said, “are very important values in this very complex quantum world, where a lot of things are unpredictable and there are no stable ideologies or pillars of human behaviour, and there is so much uncertainty, and if you're weak with your soul the uncertainty takes you into nowhere.” He said, “Having a single leader that has a clear mind, [who] puts clearly human values, values that are common for everyone… gives hope to people.”

He added that for Armenians, during the recent war with Azerbaijan, “hearing the voice of the Holy Father and the Vatican was quite an encouragement.”

The continued support of the Vatican, he said, highlighted the value of the relationship with Armenia. “You know who is your friend in need and in difficulty, and in the support you have,” Sarkissian said. “And this continues… We highly appreciate the support of the Holy Father and the government of the Vatican during the difficult days that we were facing last year.”

Pope Francis and President Sarkissian exchange gifts during their meeting on Monday

The President emphasized the importance of enlarging and improving relations between Armenia and the Holy See in the areas of education, science, and culture. Pointing to a memorandum of understanding signed earlier that day by the Vatican and Armenia’s ministry of cultural education, he noted that, while the use of natural resources changes, human values of intelligence, knowledge, science, and culture remain.

This, he said, “is where we have to build up our relations between the Vatican and Armenia, between the Armenian Apostolic Church and the Catholic Church, and between Catholics all over the world and Armenians all over the world.”

President Sarkissian also recalled the “warm memories” of his personal relationship with John Paul II, noting the Polish pontiff’s kindness and attention to his family, even inviting him as ambassador to bring his children on his visits to the Vatican.

That kindness has continued with Pope Francis, the president said. “Today was great, because when we visited the Holy Father [Francis], I took both of my sons.” He explained that, after having met John Paul II many years ago as small children, it was “a wonderful experience them” to meet once again meet a Pope now that they were grown men with families of their own.

“And it’s something very important for me,” the president said, “that despite all of the difficulties that I personally went through — cancer, illness, through other difficulties in my life — that the faith, faith in God, has helped me to be strong, and here I am, after many years, back again, now as the president meeting the Holy Father.”

President Sarkissian spoke about his own faith: “I'm one of those people that came to believe in God through life experience and science,” he said, rather than simply being born into the faith. It was in the former Soviet Union, where his mother practiced the faith in secret, that he came to his own faith in God, “through philosophy, science, astrophysics, physics, and quantum cosmology” – a journey to a “firm faith” that he said took some time.

“I’m one of those that pray before going to bed,” said President Sarkissian, “and I'm happy to say that my three grandchildren, they also pray. And that's wonderful because they go to bed and they thank God for wonderful things that happened to them during the day.” That, he said, is “valuing what is good in your life, and praying for those who are important for you.”

And, he revealed, “the same thing happens to me. So, I pray every night, and I pray for Pope Francis too. Every night.”


6 Armenian soldiers wounded by Azerbaijani shooting

Bedik Zaminian

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 23:50,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 14, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Army of Artsakh issued a statement about the ceasefire violation by the Azerbaijani side. ARMENPRESS reports the statement issued by MoD Armenia reads as follows,

“In the evening of October 14, the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire at the positions of the Defense Army located in the eastern border section of the Republic of Artsakh, as a result of which 6 Armenian servicemen have received gunshot wounds. The Command of the Russian peacekeeping unit in Artsakh have immediarely been informed about the incident.

The Ministry of Defense of the Artsakh Republic states that it continues to adhere to the ceasefire regime and calls on the Azerbaijani side to refrain from destabilizing actions”.

Asbarez: Capital Cities’ Sebu Simonian Hosts Music and Art-Focused Fundraiser for Artsakh

Bedik Zaminian
by Aleen Arslanian

 

 

 

in Art, Latest, Music, News, Top Stories

Artists, musicians, and community members gather for a photo at the closing of the event

BY ALEEN ARSLANIAN

A captivating evening of live music and art drew a crowd of more than 150 community members to Altadena, CA, where singer and songwriter Sebu Simonian hosted a fundraiser for Artsakh. The event, held on Sunday, September 26, served as a collective giving opportunity to raise money for Support Our Heroes – a non-profit organization that provides aid to Armenians displaced from their native lands, as well as veteran servicemen and their families.

As guests gathered at the private residence on Sunday evening, they were invited to participate in a silent auction that featured a selection of pieces created by diasporan Armenian artists. Event curator Ani Ohanessian emphasized that the artworks on display had been donated by the artists and that the proceeds would support SOH’s Tever IT Center and Nakhijevanik Homes projects.

According to Ohanessian, only one artist, Armen Sayar, would receive a portion of the proceeds from the sales of his work. Sayar was born and raised in Stepanakert, Artsakh, where he met Sebu in 2019. As a result of the 2020 Artsakh War, Sayar and his father had to flee their home and reestablish their lives in Armenia. Guests interested in supporting Sayar and his work had the opportunity to place bids with Ohanessian.

  • Yeva Babayan’s donated pieces
  • Attendees examine Armen Sayar’s work up close

“With what has happened recently in Armenia and Artsakh, and has historically been happening, I believe that it’s really our art and culture that has pushed us forward,” noted Ohanessian, who highlighted the importance of raising awareness through music and art. “This is how we leave our mark,” she said.

The exhibit consisted of three rooms and a corridor. Artists featured included: Anna Kostanian, Armen Anoush Meshefejian, Armen Sayar, Arthur Shareunc, Kevo Manoukian, Minas Hala, Raffi Semerjian, Roger Kupelian, Serj Tankian, Sevag Mahserejian, Tro Khayalian, Vahe Berberian, and Yeva Babayan. A duduk crafted by legendary musician Jivan Gasparyan Jr., and his grandfather Jivan Gasparyan, was also sold at the auction.

“As artists this is our battlefield, and the only way that we can combat a force that’s trying to erase not just the territory you hold but the culture that you represent is by creating more,” said artist Sevag Mahserejain. “It’s a powerhouse of artists that have come together to create and to remind people that this is happening.”

  • An attendee admires Tro Khayalian’s donated pieces
  • Attendees watched segments from documentaries depicting the situation in Artsakh since the start of the 2020 War

Outside, a noteworthy piece on display was the “Eternal Armenia” installation, by artists Margarita Simonian, Vreje Bakalian, and Yeva Babayan. Programmed with LED lighting, the piece is an 18ft tall Armenian symbol of eternity that was previously installed at Glendale’s Central Park.

To the left of Babayan’s piece was a stage, projector, and screen that were used to present clips from documentaries highlighting the current situation in Artsakh. Segments from Mariam Avetisyan’s “The Desire to Live” and Emile Ghessen’s “45-Days,” two documentaries that were recently released, were played for attendees. Later, clips from a documentary made by Taline Kevonian, who has been on the ground in both Armenia and Artsakh since the very beginning of the 2020 Artsakh War, were played.

“With accessibility having become such an integral commodity, this event serves as a catalyst for great artists, musicians, and the community to come together, feel together, and give together to the soldiers who need us the most right now as they continue to secure the peace for Artsakh and Armenia,” said Nadia Simon, an attendee.

  • A scene from the fundraising event
  • The “Eternal Armenia” installation, created by artists Margarita Simonian, Vreje Bakalian, and Yeva Babayan

The fundraising event included live performances by several Armenian musicians. Performers included: Capital Cities’ Sebu Simonian, System of a Down’s Serj Tankian, Misho, R-Mean, Bei-Ru, Jivan Gasparyan Jr., Ara Dabanjian (Element Band), Soseh, Chris Daniel, Sam Babayan, and more. A highlight of the evening included a performance of Sebu, Misho, and Tankian’s song “Introvert (Call Me Crazy),” as well as R-Mean and Sebu’s performance of their song, “We Are Still Here.”

“Music and art are my world, and to be able to use that to benefit our people in any way is an honor for all of us – all the artists here,” said Tankian, who not only performed but also donated artwork.

Sebu Simonian and R-Mean performing their song “We Are Still Here”

For Sebu, SOH holds a special place in his heart, as it’s an organization co-founded by his father, Hratch Simonian. Simonian and Viken Arabian created SOH in 2016 in response to the Four-Day-War. They have actively supported Armenians from Artsakh through the organization’s many projects and have doubled their efforts since the start of the 2020 Artsakh War.

According to Hratch’s wife, Seta Simonian, the music and art are remarkable, but “the cause is even more important.” Seta firmly believes that it is the Diaspora’s duty to “to make sure the people there [in Artsakh] live happily and in a safe environment.”

After attending a fundraising event recently hosted by his father, Sebu was inspired to host one of his own. Instead of taking the more old-fashioned approach to fundraising – a sit-down dinner with a lineup of guest speakers – he decided to integrate music and art into a fundraising project. “I wanted it to be, not a celebration, but an experience—a cultural experience,” said Sebu.

By recruiting musicians and artists from his circle of friends, Sebu was able to successfully bring together a community to fundraise for Artsakh. He created a space for the new and old generation of Armenian artists to display their works, network, and most importantly raise money for SOH.

‘Armenia is a reliable partner for Italy in the region’, President Mattarella says

Bedik Zaminian

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 17:09, 6 October, 2021

ROME, OCTOBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian’s this visit to Italy is historical as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the independence of Armenia, President Sergio Mattarella said during the joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart in Rome, Armenpress correspondent reports from the scene.

“I once again address my warm congratulations to President Armen Sarkissian. I am happy that we can conduct this visit as it was delayed because of the pandemic. Armenia and Italy can be proud of their friendly relations. We have several cooperation areas. I want to thank Mr. Sarkissian for Armenia’s engagement into the UN peacekeeping forces”, the Italian President said.

Sergio Mattarella stated that the partnership of Italy and Armenia was reaffirmed also during the pandemic, as the doctors in both countries have worked together. A work has been done on providing vaccines against COVID-19 to Armenia.

“Armenia is a reliable partner for Italy in the region. We know that reforms are taking place in Armenia, we are ready to carry out an exchange of experience in areas such as legal, judicial system. During the meeting we talked about the interests the Italian companies have towards the Armenian market. Some companies have already been set up in Armenia”, he said.

The Armenian and Italian Presidents have also discussed the cooperation in cultural, technological and scientific sectors.

President Mattarella said that Italy attaches great importance to the Armenia-EU partnership. He once again thanked President Sarkissian for this visit, stating that it’s a good occasion to reaffirm the high level of the relations between the two countries.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenpress: OSCE MG Co-Chairs welcome first meeting of Armenian, Azerbaijani foreign ministers since ceasefire

Bedik Zaminian

OSCE MG Co-Chairs welcome first meeting of Armenian, Azerbaijani foreign ministers since ceasefire

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 11:00, 25 September, 2021

NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Stephane Visconti of France, Andrew Schofer of the United States of America, and Igor Khovaev of the Russian Federation) made the following statement:  

“On the sidelines of the General Debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs met separately in New York with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. The Co-Chairs also hosted both Foreign Ministers at a joint meeting. The Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (PRCiO) Andrzej Kasprzyk participated in the meetings.  

The Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers discussed a wide range of outstanding unresolved issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Co-Chairs proposed specific focused measures to deescalate the situation and possible next steps. The Co-Chairs stressed their continuing strong support for the full range of indispensable activities and operations undertaken by the PRCiO and his team. 

On 24 September the Co-Chairs and PRCiO met with UN Under Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and OSCE Chairperson in Office Foreign Minister Ann Linde to brief them on their efforts over the past year, including the most recent developments in the process. 

The Co-Chairs welcome this first meeting of the two ministers of foreign affairs since November 2020 as a sign of the resolve of the two countries to reengage in the peace process through direct dialogue aimed at contributing to security, stability, and prosperity in the region.  The Co-Chairs reaffirm their commitment to continue working with the sides to find comprehensive solutions to all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance with their mandate.”

Film about Armenian women in army left out of ‘Eurasia DOC 2021’ festival under Azerbaijani threats

Bedik Zaminian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 28 2021
, 16:12

 Less than a minute

Armen Khachatryan’s documentary “Unfinished Memories” (co-production between Hayk Documentary Film Studio and Margins Media Production Company) has been left out of the “Eurasia DOC 2021” Documentary Film Festival.

The film was scheduled to screen on October 1 at Belarus cinema in Minsk.

The film telling the story of brave women serving in the Armenian army was partially shot in Artsakh. On September 25, the team got notified that the film was removed from the program due to threats from the Azerbaijanis. The management of the festival stated that can’t do anything in the situation.

Armenian church in Van Nuys believes vandalism was a hate crime

Bedik Zaminian
Daily News
Sept 24 2021




A vandal broke stained-glass windows at St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys on Thursday, Sept 23, 2021. The windows, installed in 1966, depict the life of Jesus Christ. (Courtesy of St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church)
By JONAH VALDEZ | [email protected] | San Gabriel Valley Tribune
PUBLISHED:  at 3:15 p.m. | UPDATED:  at 10:51 p.m.

While police continued their search for a vandal who broke eight stained-glass windows at St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys on Thursday morning, Sept. 23, the church’s head priest said Friday he believes his congregation was the victim of a hate crime.

Security camera footage reviewed by LAPD and church officials showed a masked individual dressed in black, armed with a baseball bat and carrying a black duffel bag, walking up to the outside of the church’s sanctuary at 17321 Sherman Way on Thursday around 1:30 a.m., said Shnork Demirjian, the church’s head priest.

The individual goes on to swing the bat at eight of the sanctuary’s stained-glass windows and then leaves, according to the church’s and police accounts. It was unclear what the individual carried inside the bag.

Later Thursday morning, Demirjian’s secretary arrived at the church. Before starting work, the secretary carried out his routine of saying a prayer in the sanctuary, Demirjian said. When he walked inside, the secretary discovered shards of glass scattered throughout the sanctuary and below the damaged windows.

  

The secretary immediately called Demirjian who then alerted other church officials and the police.

Without any written messages, LAPD officers told Demirjian they have little to establish a possible motive in the crime, the priest recalled.

At this stage in the investigation, police called the crime vandalism, but told Demirjian they will still pursue the possibility of a hate crime.

Demirjian said he feels the crime was an anti-Armenian attack, pointing to Armenian Independence Day, which was celebrated days before the incident on Sept. 21.

The timing also prompted Demirjian to recall a separate incident in which an arsonist set fire to an Armenian church and school in San Francisco on Sept. 21, 2020. That incident, which left the church badly damaged, was determined to be a hate crime. Suspect had also scrawled anti-Armenian messages at the church.

Demirjian also felt their Christian faith was a target, adding that the vandal chose specific stained-glass windows that depicted the life of Christ.

“My answer to (police) was if that person takes a baseball bat and shatters the icons of the saints and Christ, that in itself is a message, more than writing on the walls,” Demirjian said.

The LAPD detectives handling the case could not be reached for comment on Friday evening.

The church’s sanctuary, including the stained-glass windows, was built in 1966, according to the church’s Facebook page. The church described itself as “the backbone of this unique Armenian community” in the San Fernando Valley.

Since Thursday’s crime, the church has received an outpouring of donations and support from many in the community who have had ties to the church.

“They came with tears in their eyes, saying ‘I was baptized here, I was married here,’” Demirjian said. “A lot of history.”

On Friday, workers cleaned up the shattered glass and covered the broken windows with wooden boards. Church operations continued. A baptism ceremony was held at the sanctuary on Friday evening.

During Demirjian’s tenure, which began in 1991, he said the church has been victim to several burglaries and another vandalism incident where teenagers had painted satanic symbols throughout the building.

The church is still surveying the cost of the damaged windows.