Christine Harutyunian – Page 28 – Armenian Directory & News

Sports: Preview: Germany vs. Armenia – prediction, team news, lineups

September 4, 2021September 4, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

Sports Mole, UK

Sept 3 2021

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 1h

Germany will be looking to move above Armenia to the top of Group J when the two teams lock horns in their World Cup 2022 qualification section on Sunday night.

Hansi Flick's side will enter the match off the back of a 2-0 success over Liechtenstein on Thursday, while Armenia were held to a goalless draw by North Macedonia on the same night.

Flick's first game in charge of Germany ended in a 2-0 win over Liechtenstein on Thursday evening, with Timo Werner and Leroy Sane scoring the goals for the Germans, who had 29 shots against the minnows but found it difficult to convert their domination into goals.

Die Mannschaft, who have won the World Cup on four occasions, were eliminated by England in the round of 16 at Euro 2020 and will therefore be hoping to show improvement at next year's competition in Qatar.

Germany opened their Group J campaign with back-to-back wins over Iceland and Romania before suffering a shock 2-1 home defeat to North Macedonia at the end of March, which allowed Armenia to move to the top of the section – a further indication of the importance of Sunday's contest.

Thursday's victory over Liechtenstein was important for Flick's team, but a disappointing result this weekend would allow Armenia to move further clear, while it would also open the door for North Macedonia and Romania, in third and fourth respectively, to make ground in the section.

Germany have only actually faced Armenia on three previous occasions and have been victorious in each contest, including a 6-1 win when the two teams last locked horns in a friendly back in June 2014.

Armenia, as mentioned, will enter Sunday's contest off the back of a goalless draw with North Macedonia on Thursday; the result followed three straight wins over Liechtenstein, Iceland and Romania in the section, which allowed the nation to move to the top of Group J.

A total of 10 points from four matches has left Armenia at the top of the group, one point clear of second-placed Germany, and the Collective Team are bidding to qualify for their first ever World Cup.

Joaquin Caparros's side suffered a 3-1 defeat to Sweden in a friendly at the start of June but have not actually lost a competitive fixture since September 2020, when they were beaten 2-1 by North Macedonia in the UEFA Nations League.

Armenia will certainly believe that they are capable of claiming a top-two spot in this section, while a victory over Germany on Sunday would put them in a strong position at the summit, although there is a lot of football to be played before the qualification campaign is finished.

Germany World Cup Qualifying – Europe form:

Germany form (all competitions):

Armenia World Cup Qualifying – Europe form:

Armenia form (all competitions):

Manuel Neuer was not used against Liechtenstein on Thursday but is expected to return between the sticks here, while Germany boss Flick is likely to make a couple of changes elsewhere.

Indeed, Antonio Rudiger and Leon Goretzka could come into the starting XI, while Serge Gnabry will hope to take the spot of Jamal Musiala, who was included in the side against Liechtenstein.

Sane and Werner were both on the scoresheet last time out and appear to have done enough to keep their spots in the starting team for this key fixture.

Kai Havertz operated in the number 10 position on Thursday and that is again expected to be the case here, with Goretzka potentially coming into the midfield alongside Joshua Kimmich.

As for Armenia, head coach Caparros has no injury concerns from the side that shared the points with North Macedonia on Thursday, meaning that a similar side should take to the field.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is the squad's captain, most experienced player and leading goalscorer, and the 32-year-old is a certain starter in this match, where he will be looking to add to his 30 international goals.

Elsewhere, there are not expected to be many surprises, with Sargis Adamyan, who plays his club football for Hoffenheim, leading the line, while Tigran Barseghyan should also be in the side despite not featuring against North Macedonia.

Germany possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Baku, Sule, Rudiger, Gosens; Kimmich, Goretzka; Gnabry, Havertz, Sane; Werner

Armenia possible starting lineup:
Yurchenko; Hambardzumyan, Calisir, Voskanyan, Hovhannisyan; Udo, Grigoryan, Bichakhchyan; Barsaeghyan, Adamyan, Mkhitaryan

Armenia are a strong outfit and will fancy their chances of causing Germany plenty of problems on Sunday night. This could be a really tricky match for the hosts, and we are expecting them to suffer, but it is difficult to predict anything other than a victory for Flick's team.

President Armen Sarkissian addresses congratulatory message on Knowledge and Schooling Day

September 2, 2021September 2, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

09:48, 1 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has addressed a congratulatory message on the Knowledge and Schooling Day, the President’s Office told Armenpress.

The message runs as follows:

“Dear pupils, students, teachers, lecturers, educators, and parents,

Congratulations on Knowledge and Schooling Day, and the start of a new school year.

Education opens the way to a new life and a new world. Be brave and confident. Open all doors through knowledge, open with your willpower and the impulse of your hearts, diligence, helping each other, trusting each other, learning from each other.

Believe that you can make positive changes with your knowledge, energy, perseverance, and faith, and be of use to the Homeland, Nation, Family, and of course, yourself.

Dear pupils and students,

This school year starts at the threshold of the thirty years of Armenia’s independence. You are creating the future of our country just like your parents and grandparents made Armenia and Artsakh independent, the same way as our ancestors fought for freedom, independence and future throughout our history.

The 21st century is that of thought and knowledge, technology and creativity. We are able and obliged to participate in the rapid development and progress of the world.

The talent of our people, together with diligence, purposefulness, and responsibility, can produce results. And that is also thanks to you!

The most difficult heights, which often seem inaccessible, can be conquered if these qualities are supplemented by patriotism and desire to do something for the sake of homeland and common national interests. Learn to overcome challenges and to pursue dreams without despair, to make, to create, and to take responsibility for the fate of the homeland.

Be faithful to the heritage of the past, to our identity, and believe in tomorrow.

Dear teachers, lecturers, and educators,

Tomorrow is shaped by your dedicated work and those efforts you invest into educating and bringing up generations. I am sure you all realize that the ability of the education system to keep pace with the times will determine Armenia's place in the rapidly developing world. As the most significant part of the genuine elite of Armenia, you carry out a special mission of building the future of our country. It depends on you what our Homeland will be like in ten, fifty, or hundred years.

I believe in our inevitable success. It is essential for every one of us to believe in it and participate in bringing it closer by our knowledge, abilities, and opportunities.

I wish you all peace, happiness and prosperity”.

Armenian soldier wounded as Azerbaijani forces open fire on Defense Army positions in Artsakh

August 30, 2021August 30, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

Aug 29 2021

Armenian soldier wounded as Azerbaijani forces open fire on Defense Army positions in Artsakh

On August 28, at around 3:20 pm, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces once again resorted to provocation, violating the ceasefire and opening fire on the positions of the Defense Army located in the Taghavard settlement of Artsakh, the Defense Army reports.

Private of the Defense Army Argishti Shahnazaryan was wounded in the shooting.

The enemy’s fire was silenced by the counter-actions of the Defense Army units.

MEPs issue statement on deadly clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

Public Radio of Armenia

July 30 2021

Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina KALJURAND, the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Andrey KOVATCHEV, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Željana ZOVKO, have issued a joint statement on the deadly clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan

“We deplore the death of three Armenian servicemen on 28 July in clashes with Azerbaijani forces at Armenia’s Gegharkunik province border after Armenian positions and several villages were reportedly fired at since early morning, and express our deep condolences to their families. Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a series of incidents or provocations over the last months, including violations of the inter-state border that began with the incursion of Azerbaijani troops into Armenian territory on 12 May. The recent exchange of fire at the Nakhchivan border, where another Armenian soldier died, was no less concerning,” the statement reads.

We call on both sides to strictly observe the ceasefire and refrain from any provocations. Any possible disagreements about the border must be addressed through negotiations in a border delimitation and demarcation process, not through the use of force and unilateral actions. All forces need to pull back to positions held before 12 May and in line with the provisions of the Tripartite Ceasefire Statement. To de-escalate the situation, it is of utmost importance that inflammatory rhetoric ceases immediately. In this context, we condemn in particular recent statements by Azerbaijani representatives regarding so-called ‘West Zangezur’ and referring to the territory of the Republic of Armenia as Azerbaijani ‘ancestral land’. Such statements are highly irresponsible and threaten to undermine regional security further.

We recall the EU’s commitment to support confidence-building measures and the addressing of any issues at the negotiating table, including through the resumption of negotiations on a lasting conflict settlement and the future status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.”

Azeri drone intercepted by Armenia is Israeli-made Aerostar

August 2, 2021August 2, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

10:34, 30 July, 2021

YEREVAN, JULY 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Ministry of Defense reports that the Azerbaijani military’s drone which was intercepted and shot down was an Aerostar UAV.

The Azerbaijani drones attempted to breach the Armenian airspace starting 23:00, July 29.

“All attempts were thwarted by the actions of the Air Defense units of the Armenian Armed Forces,” the defense ministry said.

“In particular, an Aerostar UAV of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces was shot down, and its wreckage crashed 3,5 kilometers north from the village of Vanevan in the Gegharkunik Province.”

The Aerostar drone is produced by the Israeli Aeronautics Defense Systems.

Arsen Babayan: Criminalization of swearing directly related to new ‘secret’ agreement

July 31, 2021July 31, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

Panorama, Armenia

Lawyer Arsen Babayan, a representative of the opposition I’m Honored bloc, deplored the proposed amendments to the Criminal Code of Armenia, which call for criminalization of insults.

“I have never publicly sworn at any official, but by criminalizing swearing, you force me to swear constantly,” he wrote on Facebook on Friday.

“The criminalization of swearing at a government official is directly related to a secret agreement that is set to be signed in the near future. As soon as this law comes into force, the authorities will make the agreement public,” the lawyer said.

“You have already sworn at yourselves and deserve the worst swear words. Our public swearing is meaningless,” he added.

At a special sitting on Friday, the parliament discussed a package of bills submitted by pro-government MPs Vladimir Karapetyan, Anna Karapetyan, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, Arpine Davoyan, Gevorg Papoyan, Vahagn Hovakimyan, Narek Zeynalyan and Lusine Badalyan on making amendments to Armenia’s Criminal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.

It is proposed to add new Article 137 to the Criminal Code, which would make insulting a person, including using foul language and hurting someone’s dignity in any other impudent way, a crime.

The parliament passed the package of bills in the first reading.

Armenia’s Constitutional Court to deliver decision on legitimacy of snap Parliamentary elections

July 17, 2021July 17, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

Armenia’s Constitutional Court to deliver decision on legitimacy of snap Parliamentary elections

In Daily Brief

Wescott Yeaw

Armenia held snap elections in June in response to political crises brought on by the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s party Civil Contract won the elections in a landslide victory of 53.9%. The opposition alliance, led by ex-president Robert Kocharyan has challenged the results as unfair—despite international support of the results.

Pashinyan’s victory is largely seen as a repudiation of the previous authoritarian government, rather than support for Pashinyan and despite widespread condemnation of his peace agreement with Azerbaijan. The results show the public wants to move beyond the political crisis, accepting the peace deal despite Armenia’s loss.

The court may rule in the opposition’s favor given their history of politicization and corruption. Should this happen, expect widespread protests from Civil Contract supporters. Short-term, a favorable ruling will have little real impact as Pashinyan would almost definitely win another election. This will likely lead to a government crackdown on corruption and opposition. Medium to long-term, Pashinyan’s government will likely focus on popular domestic policies like anti-corruption reform and strengthening democratic institutions to increase his support following the Azerbaijan agreement.

Greece opens to Armenian nationals

July 3, 2021July 3, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

Public Radio of Armenia

July 3 2021

Greece is easing Covid-19 travel restrictions on travelers from an additional six non-European Union countries who were previously barred from entering the country, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority informs.

Permanent residents from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Jordan, Moldova, Brunei and Kosovo are now added to the list of third-country nationals allowed to enter Greece.

This list already includes all EU & Schengen Area countries, as well as Albania, Australia, Northern Macedonia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, United Kingdom, Japan, Israel, Canada, Belarus, Lebanon, Bahrain, New Zealand, South Korea, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Ukraine, Rwanda, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Singapore, Thailand, and Montenegro.

People traveling from countries not mentioned on the safe list can travel to Greece only for essential reasons. Tourism is not considered an essential reason, according to government rules.

a vaccination certificate, stating that 14 days have passed since full vaccination for Covid-19. Vaccination certificates must be issued by a public authority and in one of the following languages: Greek, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian.
a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours before travel or a negative rapid antigen test performed within 48 hours before travel.
recovery certificate. Travelers can present a medical/recovery certificate issued thirty days after they first tested positive for Covid-19 (the certificate is valid for entry to Greece for 180 days after its issue date).
an EU Digital COVID Certificate in digital or print form which will contain information on whether passengers have been vaccinated against Covid-19 or have a negative PCR test performed within 72 hours before travel or a negative rapid test performed within 48 hours before travel or have recovered from the virus.

All documents must be submitted in one of the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Russian.

Every traveler who arrives in Greece, regardless of the certificate in their possession, may undergo a random health screening, depending on the data provided on the PLF form. If a passenger is selected for a rapid test and is positive for the coronavirus then he/she must quarantine for a 7 days if the passenger has been vaccinated against Covid-19 or 10 days if the passenger is unvaccinated.

Caucasian Knot | Armenian GPO investigates threats to journalist on Azerbaijani border

June 29, 2021June 29, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

The Caucasian Knot, EU

A criminal case has been initiated on threats to a foreign journalist put forward by Azerbaijani militaries, said Gor Abraamyan, an adviser to the head of the Armenian General Prosecutor's Office (GPO).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the conflict on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is ongoing since mid-May. Armenia claims that since May 13, Azerbaijani militaries have been present in the territory of the Syunik and Gegarkunik Regions. In their turn, Azerbaijani authorities insist that border guards had just changed their deployment, staying within the Lachin and Kelbadjar Districts.

Mr Abraamyan has explained that the incident took place on June 15. The international journalist worked in the Vardenis District of the Gegarkunik Region of Armenia.

"The journalist and his colleague, being about 100 meters away from Azerbaijani servicemen, were doing their job. The servicemen showed aggressive behaviour, loaded their weapons and pointed them at the journalists, threatening to shoot. The international journalist stopped working to avoid unpredictable consequences. According to available data, the journalists' clothes had a press emblem visible to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces; and all the rules of journalistic work were also observed," the "News.am" has quoted Gor Abraamyan as saying today.

The case was initiated under the article of "Obstructing the journalist's legitimate professional activities," the "News-Armenia" has reported.

The organization "Reporters without Borders" has specified that threats were voiced out against journalists from Spain and has condemned the actions of Azerbaijani military servicemen.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 26, 2021 at 07:13 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:

Armenia relies on deployment of peacemakers in Gegarkunik Region, Peacemakers escort columns of Azerbaijani militaries to Nagorno-Karabakh, .

Author: The Caucasian Knot;

Russian peacekeepers escort 172 pilgrims to Amaras and Gandzasar monasteries

June 29, 2021June 29, 2021 Christine Harutyunian

Panorama, Armenia

The pilgrims and local residents of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), accompanied by the military personnel of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, on Sunday visited the Christian monasteries of Amaras and Gandzasar, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

"Today we escorted the pilgrims to the Gandzasar monastery, ensured their safety and accompanied them back to Stepanakert after the service," said Sergei Vitko, an officer of the peacekeeping contingent.

The gathering of pilgrims was carried out in the city of Stepanakert, from where, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, one column of 74 people went to the Amaras monastery, and the second one of 98 people went to Gandzasar. After the service, the pilgrims were escorted back.