Author: Garik Boshkezenian

Press Release – Times Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration

Garik Boshkezenian
NEW YORK, NY – The 108th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide taking place in Times Square, New York, on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 1:30 pm, will feature headline speakers David L. Phillips, Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University's Institute for the Study of Human Rights and founder of the Artsakh Atrocities Project - who will be presented with the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Humanitarian Award – and Robert Avetisyan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh to the U.S.
Hosted by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, the impactful event, now in its 39th year, will feature remarks by elected officials and a musical interlude by Huyser Ensemble, accompanied by the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School and the Brooklyn Armenian School. 
In conjunction with the Times Square Commemoration, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan will sponsor its annual global student essay contest that gives Armenian youth the opportunity to express their voices and concerns regarding genocide awareness and human rights. Winners will be announced at the Commemoration and selections from each essay will be read.
The momentous Armenian Genocide Commemoration will reinforce the memory of the first genocide of the 20th century that claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenian martyrs by the Young Turk Party of the Ottoman Empire. Thanks to the overwheming support by Members of Congress, both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate unequivocally stated U.S. affirmation of the Armenian Genocide in 2019, preceding President Joe Biden's acknowledgement on April 24, 2021. 
The Armenian Diaspora will continue its vigorous efforts to remember, to honor, and to educate the world about this devastating chapter in world history that continues to be denied today by the Turkish government, and will not rest until Turkey recognizes the Armenian Genocide. 
"As the next generation of Armenian Americans, we strive to continue bringing awareness to the Armenian Genocide here in the U.S., while ensuring the strength and vitality of the Armenian people," said Co-Chairs Haig Gulian and Christopher Artun. "We appreciate the ongoing support from our diasporan communities to hold our annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration year after year in such an influential location as Times Square, in New York City. We look forward to gathering together once again to honor our ancestors and utilize our collective efforts towards global recognition."
The annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Times Square is sponsored by the Knights of Vartan and Daughters of Vartan, a national fraternal organization, and co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America,  Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Tekeyan Cultural Association, Armenian National Council of America, Armenian Bar Association, and the Armenian Missionary Association of America; participating organizations include the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical Union, Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian Network of Greater New York, Homenetmen Scouts of NY & NJ, Armenian Youth Federation, and national Armenian youth organizations.
The Armenian Radio Hour of New Jersey and Knights of Vartan will livestream the event.
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Founded in 1985 by the late Sam Azadian, a former Brooklyn, New York resident, who lost four siblings during the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square has honored the 1.5+ million Armenian lives lost during the horrific events of the 1915 Genocide of the Armenians by the Young Turk Government of the Ottoman Empire. This internationally-recognized annual event, that is free and open to the public, draws thousands of Armenians and non-Armenian participants to commemorate the solemn occasion. The event features speeches and tributes delivered by prominent political figures and civic leaders, officials of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, representatives of major Armenian-American organizations, and distinguished scholars and educators as well as high-ranking Armenian and non- Armenian clergy.



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Times Square 2023 back (1).pdf

Russia laying groundwork for organizing another 3+3 meeting — Lavrov

Garik Boshkezenian
 TASS 
Russia – March 20 2023
"The West is already making efforts to undermine this structure, which is only in its formative stage," the Russian foreign minister said

MOSCOW, March 20. /TASS/. Russia’s Foreign Ministry is carrying out preliminary work for the organization of another meeting in the 3+3 format, which Georgia is welcome to join, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday.

"The Georgian side is looking at joining this format (3+3 meetings – TASS), but the first meeting has already been held. The door is still open for Tbilisi. Now we are working on the organization of the second meeting in the 3+3 format. The West is already making efforts to undermine this structure, which is only in its formative stage," he said after talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

Dwelling on what may be driving the Western countries to start "brewing up some sort of games" in the South Caucasus, he said, "It [the West] is again putting forth claims to domination, to asserting its hegemony over here, there and everywhere, far from its own borders, directly infringing upon the legal interests of the three closest neighbors of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, namely Turkey, Iran and Russia.".

2 Russian soldiers in Goris sought medical attention for “non-firearm related” injuries

Garik Boshkezenian

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 11:32, 22 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 22, ARMENPRESS. Two Russian servicemen sought medical attention at a Goris hospital Tuesday evening , the provincial authorities revealed Wednesday.

The Syunik Governor’s Office said in a statement that the two “ethnic Russian” soldiers had “mild non-firearm [related] injuries to the head.” It did not elaborate on the injuries.

The authorities added that the two soldiers were treated at the Goris Medical Center and immediately discharged.

The statement comes after multiple unconfirmed reports on social media claiming that 1 Russian soldier was killed and another injured in an Azerbaijani shelling.

Armenian Prime Minister holds meeting with new Georgian Ambassador

Garik Boshkezenian

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 16:26,

YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting on March 24 with the new Ambassador of Georgia to Armenia George Sharvashidze.

PM Pashinyan congratulated Ambassador Sharvashidze on taking office and expressed confidence that his activities will boost the development of the Armenian-Georgian relationship, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.

The Prime Minister praised the Armenia-Georgia cooperation course and attached importance to further expanding the economic ties and initiatives aimed at utilizing untapped potential.

Ambassador Sharvashidze vowed to make maximum efforts to strengthen the Armenian-Georgian ties.

PM Pashinyan and Ambassador Sharvashidze exchanged views around prospects of cooperation and discussed the trade-economic agenda. In this context they attached importance to active contacts and mutual-visits between business circles and their involvement in investment programs.

The importance of the signing of the agreement on introducing simplified visa-free travel requirements between Armenia and Georgia was stressed in terms of strengthening humanitarian ties.

Both sides attached importance to regional stability and peace.

National Geographic: Why you should plan to go to Armenia this spring

Garik Boshkezenian

TRAVEL

The country’s mountains, plummeting valleys and enticing cities come alive in the springtime. Choose from these five options reaching across diverse regions of the South Caucasus nation.
BY SJ ARMSTRONG
PUBLISHED 21 MAR 2023, 10:00 GMT

A country in the South Caucasus, Armenia is a land of natural drama, characterised by mountains interspersed with ancient, solitary churches. Come from March to explore the depths of the Caucasus Mountains on hiking trails, swim in thermal pools overhanging verdant gorges or roam around city parks turned technicolour in the springtime bloom.

Best for: hiking
Since the end of 2021, Armenia can be thru-hiked in its entirety thanks to the Transcaucasian Trail, the first itinerary aiming to link up the South Caucasus in one mammoth path. The 500-mile Armenian leg is the country’s only long-distance route, weaving together natural diversity and cultural heritage — desert canyons, forested hills, ancient monasteries and Silk Road caravan sites — with top-notch hospitality. Highlights include Dilijan National Park, which stretches over several mountain ranges in the northern Tavush Province, and the hard-to-reach Vorotan Canyon in southerly Syunik province. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Apostolic Tatev Monastery; one of the world’s longest cable-cars crosses two mountain peaks and the Vorotan Gorge on its way to this ninth-century complex, perched above a gorge through which the Vorotan River flows. 

Best for: spa breaks
The quiet mountain town of Jermuk is cleanly cleaved in two, divided by a plunging gorge and the rippling Arpa River. The dramatic landscape of steely cliffs and forests offers a scenic backdrop for visitors seeking sanctuary in the town’s spa resorts, which have been attracting travellers from the surrounding regions for decades. A number of hotels offer treatments including hydrotherapy; alternatively, bathe in streams of mineral water at the Gallery of Waters or imbibe the healing aura of salt caves, a treatment known as halotherapy. For a fuller immersion in nature, take an off-road drive to the nearby slopes, where mineral hot springs offer an open-air sauna experience.

Left:

The medieval monastic complex of Haghpat is located in northern Armenia's Debed Canyon.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TOURISM COMMITTEE OF ARMENIA

Right:

Jermuk is surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers and gorges, which offer a dramatic backdrop to travellers visiting the resort. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES

Best for: nature lovers
Winding its way through a forested ravine, the Debed River cleaves a path through the Caucasus Mountains in northern Armenia. Come early April, wildflowers begin to blanket the meadow edges of the namesake canyon, speckling the tall grasses red, yellow and white. Tracing its twists and turns, travellers can hike or horse ride from the village of Odzun — located on a plateau above the banks and home to one of Armenia’s finest basilicas — to millennia-old monasteries, including the UNESCO World Heritage-accredited sites of Sanahin and Haghpat, their ochre roofs stark against the green of the forested hill. There’s also an opportunity to forage for your trail snacks, scouting for wild berries and fragrant herbs. And after exerting yourself on the trails, recover with a meal at a restaurant set in one of the gorge’s cliffside caves. 

Best for: cultural explorers 
The country’s second-biggest city, Gyumri is central to Armenia’s cultural offering, having long been a magnet for artists and craftspeople. Visit one of several creative centres in the historic city, including the house-museum of poet Avetik Isahakyan and the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of National Architecture. Alternatively, join in the fun by signing up for a workshop, trying your hand at crafts like pottery, jewellery making and metal working. It's easy to reach Gyumri by train from Yerevan, the 2.5-hour route lined by apricot trees, which bear their golden fruit in the spring. Nature lovers should also take a peaceful detour from the city to paddle along the Akhuryan River and embrace the solitude of the gaping gorge.  

 The country’s second-biggest city, Gyumri is the creative and artistic capital of Armenia.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TOURISM COMMITTEE OF ARMENIA

Best for: urban living
The wide avenues of the rose-washed capital sit beneath a leafy canopy, which blooms bright fuchsia in the spring. Taking a break from outdoor escapades, travellers can stroll between coffee stalls for intense brews, admire the Cascade, a giant limestone stairwell in the city centre, and end the day on Saryan Street, home to numerous wine cafes. Spring is an ideal time to discover the city’s green areas, too: explore the carefully curated English Park, one of Yerevan’s oldest and largest, or head out to the city outskirts for views of Mount Ararat. Sprawling beds of wildflowers come alive this time of year, intensifying the beauty of this mountain scenery. Still feeling adventurous? Helicopter tours are available for a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.

It’s possible to fly from the UK to Armenia via regular flights from a number of European airports, including Frankfurt and Vienna. Flights land in Yerevan and, from there, it’s easy to navigate the country by renting a car. 

For more information, head to armenia.travel





Economy minister: We don’t think Meghri road will be opened sooner than that from Armenia to Iran via Nakhichevan

Garik Boshkezenian
News.am
Armenia – March 15 2023
18:02, 15.03.2023

The calculations that as a result of unblocking the communication channels in the region, Armenia's GDP will grow by 30 percent is a forecast that takes into account many factors. Of course, no one predicted what kind of fragmentation would occur in the world, that different economic blocs would separate from each other, Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan said in an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am

"We also have our plans: the construction of the North-South route, now the issue of building a fast transport route between Armenia and Europe is being discussed quite intensively. You also know that we are moving forward quickly in the Gyumri dry port project. All of this is to help us get those economic benefits from de-blockage of the region. Today I can say that if before we assumed it would be 30 percent, now we can expect even more. The world is fragmenting and we want to be a bridge among those fragments," said the minister.

When asked if there is any research to claim such a thing, he answered: "We're updating that research right now, the task force is working, we'll have more recent research on our potential in the next few months."

As for if only the Meghri railway is opened, what will it give to Armenia, especially considering that the country has to spend $200 million to repair that section, Kerobyan responded: "The Margara checkpoint [on Armenia’s border with Turkey] was opened first—albeit, temporary. There is already an agreement that in June the border will be opened for tourists, for third countries, there is an agreement to restore the Ani bridge.

Now we are in such a turbulent situation that various changes, exacerbations, reversals of some agreements are possible. But today, the first communication that we imagine should be opened is the tourist section of the Armenian-Turkish border.

With the opening of the road you mentioned, the direct road from Armenia to Iran will be opened near Yeraskh [village], which is also a very important road for us in terms of railway and motor vehicle transport. We do not think that the road to Meghri will be opened sooner than the road from Armenia to Iran via Nakhichevan. And if we compare those two with each other, then our economic benefits will be very big," Kerobyan emphasized.

Culture: ‘Echoes of Armenia’ show at Al Owais Cultural Foundation enthralls audiences

Garik Boshkezenian
UAE –

Event a part of the foundation’s efforts to enrich UAE’s cultural scene

Published:   13:58Khitam Al Amir, Chief News Editor

Dubai: The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation hosted a folkloric dance show titled the “Echoes of Armenia” performed by the Prof Art Dance Ensemble on Wednesday evening.

The Armenian show was inspired by a profound heritage that recounts traditional folk tales. Dressed in colourful hand-made costumes, the group performed a variety of traditional Armenian folk dances and musical pieces using common musical instruments from the Armenian culture.

The show included many folkloric dances and musical performances such as: Waltz dance by Aram Khachaturian, Kevork Garabedian music band, Vaspurakan dance group performing “Life and Battle” song, Kosher Yarkhusta folk dance, Zul Artsakh musical, Colours of Armenia dance, a Garden Rose song, Kinto dance, the Eagle song, Sayat-Nova dance, Caravan dance group, Shalakho dance and Shushi dance.

The event comes as part of the foundation’s efforts to enrich the UAE’s cultural scene and artistic movement, contributing to turn it into a leading cultural beacon in the region.

The Prof Art Dance is one of Armenia’s most well-known dance companies, founded and directed by artist Tigran Mnoyan, who studied dance at Khachatur Abovyan Armenian State Pedagogical University’s Faculty of Culture.

Mnoyan, a professional dancer, founded the Prof Art Dance Studio in 2014, which now has over 100 members.

The troupe consists of 30 professional dancers who have performed at many international theatres and festivals around the world, including the US, Russia, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Oman, Bulgaria, Turkey and the UAE.

In 2019, the National Dance Art Union of Armenia awarded the troupe a first-class diploma on the fifth anniversary of the foundation of the Prof Art Dance Studio.

The event was attended by Abdul Hamid Ahmed, the foundation’s Secretary General, Bishop Mesrop Sarkissian, Archbishop of the Armenians in the UAE, Gegham Gharibjanian, Armenian Ambassador in the UAE, and a large number of Armenian public figures, intellectuals and media professionals.

Abdul Hamid Ahmed presented a memento to troupe leader Tigran Mnoyan and certificates of appreciation to the group members at the end of the show. He thanked them for their mesmerising performance, which reflected Armenia’s authentic heritage of and wished them continued success in their artistic careers.

Armenian and Egyptian FMs highlight constructive engagement of stakeholders in the South Caucasus

Garik Boshkezenian

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 18:39, 9 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 9, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who was invited to the ministerial session of the Arab League Council, had a meeting with Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on March 9 in Cairo.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, the interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the high-level political dialogue and relations based on centuries-old friendship between the peoples of Armenia and Egypt. The sides expressed conviction that the historic visit of the Egyptian President to Armenia in January will be a new impetus for the expansion of bilateral cooperation.

Ararat Mirzoyan and Sameh Shoukry exchanged ideas on the perspectives of cooperation between the two countries in trade and economy, information technologies, tourism and other fields. In this regard, the holding of the next, 6th session of the Armenian-Egyptian intergovernmental commission and the need to activate business ties were highlighted.

International and regional security and stability issues were discussed at the meeting.

Minister Mirzoyan presented to his colleague the latest developments in the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the efforts of the Armenian side to establish peace and stability in the region, and the escalation of tension by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh in recent days. The Armenian FM emphasized that Azerbaijan continues to keep blocked the Lachin Corridor, grossly violating the obligations assumed by the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020.

Referring to Armenia's traditional friendly relations with the countries of the Arab world, Minister Mirzoyan considered the speculations of the religious factor and groundless attempts by Azerbaijan to give a religious tone to exclusively political and humanitarian issues and to mislead the international community as inadmissible.

Both sides emphasized the importance of maintaining the attention of the international community towards the region and the constructive involvement of interested actors.

Minister Mirzoyan also presented to his Egyptian counterpart the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey.

Armenian American Museum Elevate Gala Is Sold Out

Garik Boshkezenian

Press
Contact:

Shant
Sahakian, Executive Director

Armenian
American Museum and Cultural Center of California

(818)
644-2214

[email protected]

 

FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM
ELEVATE GALA IS SOLD OUT

 

Glendale, CA (March 9,
2023) – The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California has announced
that the highly anticipated Elevate Gala on Sunday, March 19, 2023 is
officially sold out. The signature event of the year is anticipated to welcome
a capacity audience at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles.

 

The Elevate Gala will
celebrate the completion of the first phase of construction featuring the
museum parking garage and building foundation and mark the next exciting
chapter for the Armenian American Museum as the landmark center is elevated to
the horizon as a destination for education, enrichment, and inspiration for
generations to come.

 

Internationally
acclaimed and award-winning entertainer Kev Orkian will serve as the Master of
Ceremonies for the evening. Kev Orkian is a notable actor, musician, and
comedian who has earned a reputation as one of the United Kingdom’s finest
entertainers.

 

Pacific Western Bank Vice
President Relationship Manager and Armenian American Museum Board of Governors
Member Diana Timuryan is serving as the Elevate Gala Chair. The Elevate Gala
Committee includes Mayda Altounian, Alvard Barseghian, Angela Bedoyan, Ani
Bekarian, Araxie Boyamian, Garine Depoyan, Hilda Fidanian, Aida Gharakhani,
Marie Jeanne Harmandayan, Natalie Hariri, Christine Hovnanian, Tanya
Kalaydjian, Maro Kasparian, Dr. Alexia Kevonian, Erika Toriz-Kurkjian, Carmen
Libaridian, Margaret Mgrublian, Narine Mouradian, Aleen Orucakciel, Dzovig
Zetlian, and Elizabeth Zoryan.

 

Major Sponsors include Donnell
& Rima Cameron, Armen & Gloria Hampar Family Foundation, Avadis &
Nancy Tevanian, Jack & Zarig Youredjian, Ayvazian Family Foundation, The
GASKA Alliance Foundation, Anonymous, Dr. Vicken & Sossy Aharonian, Ron
& Kourtni Arakelian, Bank of America, Gregory & Gina Felikian, Steve
& Sandi Hampar, Nabil & Hanan Karabetian, Berdj & Mary Karapetian, Matthew
& Audrey Matoesian, William McMorrow, Nora Tertzag Hampar Charitable Trust
Ara & Nina Ohanian, Sarkis & Nune Sepetjian, and Isaac & Frieda
Vartanian.

 

The Armenian American
Museum is a world-class educational and cultural institution that is currently
under construction on the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The museum
will offer a wide range of public programming through the Permanent Exhibition,
Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen,
Archives Center, and more.

 

For more information on how
to contribute to the Armenian American Museum and the Elevate Gala, contact
Major Gifts Director Mary Khayat at (818) 644-2073.

 

Learn more about the Elevate
Gala at https://www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org/Gala.

 

###



Kindly,

Arsine Sina Torosyan
Communications Director
Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California
116 North Artsakh Avenue, Suite 205, Glendale, CA 91206
Office: (818) 351-3554, Ext. 706
Direct: (818) 644-2215
www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org
Confidentiality Notice: This communication and any documents, files, or previous e-mail messages attached to it constitute an electronic communication within the scope of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 ISCA 2510. This communication may contain non-public, confidential, or legally privileged information intended for the sole use of the designated recipient(s). The unlawful interception, use, or disclosure of such information is strictly prohibited under 18 USCA 2511 and any applicable laws.




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Azerbaijani Military Shelled Car Of Nagorno-Karabakh Law Enforcement Officers – Moscow

Garik Boshkezenian
March 6 2023

 Fahad Shabbir

The Azerbaijani military shelled a car with law enforcement officers of Nagorno-Karabakh on March 5, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 06th March, 2023) The Azerbaijani military shelled a car with law enforcement officers of Nagorno-Karabakh on March 5, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"A car with law enforcement officers of Nagorno-Karabakh was shelled by servicemen of the Azerbaijani armed forces near the settlement of Dukanlar," the statement said.

As a result of the incident three people from Nagorno-Karabakh were killed and one person was injured, and from the Azerbaijani side � two were killed and one was wounded. Russian peacekeepers have put an end to the clash in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, the ministry added.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/azerbaijani-military-shelled-car-of-nagorno-k-1654434.html