Author: Hambik Zargarian

We are not slaves – Protest in Gyumri’s "SASSTEX" LLC(video)

Hambik Zargarian
"Illegal deductions and salary delays", Gyumri's "SASSTEX" sewing factory staff. complain.
 
According to them, monthly salaries should be 55,000 drams, but the employees do not receive the abovementioned amount.
 
In response to their complaint, the management of the factory explains that the reason for this are the not qualitative products that were exported from the country. Employees, however, claim that the quality of the products has been checked and that they have not produced low-quality products. Even if so, they were not warned about it. According to the protesters, this month they were paid by cash, while the payment was to be made by bank transfer.
https://a1plus.am/en/article/340938?fbclid=IwAR3RmooxTS0v_pxl7WmXmfJJH7GwECZP9AB3TbvS5Zoc9QYfoVU2eACTrBY

Music: Armenian duduk in Game of Thrones

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia
Society 11:55 16/05/2019 Region

American fantasy TV series Game of Thrones is nearing its end with episode six, the ultimate instalment, scheduled for release on Sunday, 19 May, however the film’s attractive characters and music will long remain in the memory of its fans.

As Panorama.am has revealed, the musical moments of Game of Thrones also feature an Armenian duduk.

Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi says the biggest challenge was to find the right tone for the show that when you hear the score you know that is Game of Thrones. 

“From the beginning we knew we wanted themes, but we also knew we couldn’t have too many themes right away, because there are obviously a lot of characters, a lot of houses, a lot of plots,” he said in a video, playing Arya’s theme in the film.

The composer says different types of instruments have been used in each season of Game of Thrones. An Armenian duduk (ethnic wood wind instrument) has been used for the Dothrakis.

Djawadi says piano was used for the first time in Game of Thrones history in season six, during Cersei's trial.

The German-Iranian composer’s works can be heard in blockbusters like Iron Man and Pacific Rim, as well as the TV series Prison Break and Westworld.

Djawadi got his start working with composing legend Hans Zimmer, contributing music to films like Batman Begins and Pirates of the Caribbean, before going solo.  

Armenian MFA statement on Karabakh ceasefire agreement’s 25th anniversary

Hambik Zargarian
News.am, Armenia
Armenian MFA statement on Karabakh ceasefire agreement’s 25th anniversary Armenian MFA statement on Karabakh ceasefire agreement’s 25th anniversary

13:51, 12.05.2019
                  

The Armenian Foreign Ministry made a statement dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of ceasefire regime in the Karabakh conflict zone, Armenian MFA’s press service reported.

The statement runs as follow:

“ marks the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of a ceasefire regime between Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Bishkek Protocol, signed earlier on 5 May 1994 between the Heads of Parliaments of Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia paved the way for the cessation of hostilities and the conclusion of subsequent trilateral ceasefire agreements in 1994 and 1995.

On this 25th Anniversary we reiterate our deep appreciation and acknowledgment of the efforts of the mediators and first of all the Russian Federation, who played a critical role in achieving these agreements. They were subsequently endorsed, and their validity reinforced by the international community, particularly at the OSCE Summit in Budapest in 1994.

The people of Nagorno-Karabakh have manifested their unwavering capacity to defend and counter the devastating aggression by Azerbaijan and the threat of ethnic cleansing and annihilation at the beginning of the 1990s, to establish firm foundations for a democratic society and to freely determine their political, economic, social and cultural development in pursuit of the full realization of their right to self-determination. Armenia has been and remains the guarantor of the security of Nagorno-Karabakh and of its people.

Against the background of continued ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan, and particularly of the aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh in April 2016, the 1994-1995 ceasefire agreements remain valid and constitute the only solid foundation against the use of force and the resumption of hostilities, which will entail devastating consequences for all the people in the region. In their joint statement of 16 May 2016 the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs reiterated their support to and insisted on the importance of respecting the 1994-1995 ceasefire agreements.

Armenia remains committed to firmly respecting the letter and the spirit of the 1994-1995 ceasefire agreements. Furthermore, these agreements remain the backbone of denouncing the use of force and securing a conducive environment for a genuine progress in the negotiations for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the internationally agreed format of mediation by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

The agreements reached in Dushanbe in September 2018 on respecting the ceasefire regime demonstrate the importance of political will in sustaining ceasefire and reducing risks of escalation. There were recent instances of ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan, which resulted in heavy injuries to two soldiers of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army and one soldier of the Armed Forces of Armenia on the line of contact and across border respectively. These deplorable incidents call for recommitment to the respect of the ceasefire regime and its reinforcement. Specific measures, particularly those agreed during the 2016 summits in Vienna and St. Petersburg should be implemented.

 The 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the ceasefire regime attests to the validity and sustainability of the trilateral format of the 1994-1995 agreements, and to the importance of full engagement of Nagorno-Karabakh in the settlement process in order to achieve a lasting resolution of the conflict.

This Anniversary is also an encouragement for the renewed commitment of all the parties to the peaceful settlement of the conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. Armenia remains fully committed to achieving lasting peace, as has been numerously reiterated by the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, including during the latest summit in Vienna on 29 March 2019.”

Asbarez: Arpa Film Festival Family Enjoys Success at Sundance

Hambik Zargarian
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HOLLYWOOD—The big buzz is on at Hollywood’s prominent independent film festival, Sundance, where past Arpa honorees headlined the festival this year.

Arpa International Film Festival is honored to have recognized several talented filmmakers in the cinematic arena, whether in the field of producing, directing, screenwriting or acting. These diverse group of individuals are shining this year with successful projects such as past Arpa honoree and Academy Award winning documentarian Joe Berlinger, who directed the Ted Bundy biopic “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” starring Zac Efron, Lilly Collins, and Angela Sarafyan, along with an amazing cast of Hollywood’s A-listers.

Longtime Arpa supporter, and juror Ara Keshishian, the President of Mad River productions, is the producer of this most anticipated film of 2019. The film was one of the biggest sales of Sundance, selling for a whopping 9 million dollars to Netflix. Berlinger also directed the documentary “Conversation with a Killer; The Ted Bundy Tapes,” which is currently on Netflix.

Arpa’s 2014 Rising Star award recipient Angela Sarafyan continues to shine not only with her part of the Sundance success story in “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile,” but this talented actress also stars in the HBO hit series “Westworld,” as well as last year’s compelling film “The Promise.”

Other successful stories that have come out of the Sundance Film Festival include screenwriter/producer and Arpa’s Rising Star Award recipient Sev Ohanian, whose film “Searching” received the Audience Award last year and went on to be a huge worldwide hit for Sony Pictures.

Natalie Quasabian, Arpa’s 21st Annual Film Festival’s Rising Star award recipient also co-produced the film “Searching,” and is currently co-producing the film “Run” starring Sarah Paulson for Lionsgate films.

Arpa International Film Festival takes great pride in promoting independent filmmakers to flourish in the cinematic arena and to shine a light on all of these success stories. The Festival looks forward to having many more in the future.

Work is underway for the 22nd Annual Arpa International Film Festival which will take place at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood on October 25 – 26 – 27. Once again the Festival will showcase a diverse tapestry of global cinema with a broad selection of films that cultivate cultural understanding and empathy.

Film submissions will be open at Film Freeway on February 26, 2019. For more information, visit Arpa’s website.

Founder of ‘I ARMENIA’ organizes genocide remembrance event in St. Petersburg

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia

Marika Parsadanelli, a descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors, wrote a book about her family history. The book, which focuses on preservation of family history, is set to be published in 2020. This vision of preserving her family story became the starting point for the global and cultural movement, “I ARMENIA,” founded by Marika in 2018.

Currently, “I ARMENIA” is focusing on 4 international media, music and art projects, Asbarez reports.

The primary mission of the movement is to popularize Armenian culture and history worldwide, through interactive projects and events.

A recent event, organized by Marika herself, was the viewing of the “The Promise,” in St. Petersburg. The film came as a shock to many of the viewers, especially to those who were unaware of the depth of pain the Armenians experienced. Spectators were overall touched by the movie, as it ended in applause.

“I wanted to show our guests what really happened to Armenia and its people. I wish people understood what genocide entails. Genocide is not a war, but a direct erasure and extermination of a nation. We need the Armenian Genocide to be officially recognized, globally. We must see the return of our churches, monasteries, and possessions which are of Armenian heritage,” added Marika Parsadanelli.

Marika Parsadanelli went to St. Petersburg in order to organize the event, which took place on April 17, in Gallery 153. She organized the event to commemorate the 1915 genocide.

The evening was met with a warm atmosphere. Attendees felt a strong energy, that they were part of the history, traditions, and spirit of a small but very strong Armenia. The guests were offered traditional Armenian sweets, which were baked right in front of their eyes. They had the opportunity to listen to traditional Armenian songs, and the duduk. Many cried when “Dle Yaman” was played on the duduk. At the end of the evening, all the guests united in a stream of unity with the Kochari dance.

New album on Jugha’s cultural genocide published

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia
Society 19:51 23/04/2019 Armenia

The “Service for the Protection of Historical-Cultural Museum-Reserves and Historical Environment” NCSO completed the publication of a new album n Jugha’s cultural genocide in four languages.

The album compiled by NCSO employees Ashot Movsesyan and Arshak Banuchyan includes Aram Vruyr’s photos of Jugha’s Armenian cemetery khachkars, scientific and historical materials. “Vandals of the 21st Century” documentary’s DVD about the demolition of Jugha’s khachkars is also included in the album.
The album is published in 500 copies yet the number is planned to increase in the future.

The official presentation of the publication will take place at Bookinist bookstore on 29 April, the NCSO reported in a press release. 

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Armenian Genocide recognition petition to be submitted to Netherlands government

Hambik Zargarian
News.am, Armenia
Armenian Genocide recognition petition to be submitted to Netherlands government Armenian Genocide recognition petition to be submitted to Netherlands government

13:59, 20.04.2019
                  

Events commemorating Armenian Genocide victims will be held next week in the Netherlands.

In particular, a protest rally is slated for April 23 at noon local time, at Het Plein square in The Hague. Its objective is to demand from the Dutch government to formally recognize and condemn the fact of Armenian Genocide. Also, a respective petition will be submitted to the government during the demonstration.

In addition, a commemoration ceremony will be held on April 24, at the Armenian Genocide Monument in Assen De Boskamp Cemetery in Assen. Those in attendance will lay wreaths to the monument.

Asbarez: Iraq Muslim Leader Calls of Turkey to Apologize for Genocide

Hambik Zargarian
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Armenia’s Ambassador to Iraq, Hrachya Poladyan (center), with leaders of Iraq’s Muslim community

The chairman of Iraq’s National Religious Council Sheikh Yusif Al-Nasri said Turkey must apologize to Armenians “for their actions” referring to the Armenian Genocide, which he had condemned during a meeting Monday with Armenia’s Ambassador to Iraq Hrachya Poladyan.

In discussing the Armenian Genocide issue, Al-Nasri strongly condemned “the inhuman crime committed in the Ottoman Empire,” before urging Turkish authorities to apologize for “their own generation.”

Al-Nasri was accompanied by members of Iraq’s Standing Committee on Coexistence and Communal Peace, a government body dedicated to advancing relations with the various ethnic and religious communities in the country.

The Muslim spiritual leaders briefed Poladyan on their efforts aimed at strengthening cooperation between religious and national minorities of Iraq, emphasizing the invaluable role of the Armenian community of Iraq and the Iraqi diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, especially in during the war and its aftermath.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the spiritual leaders conveyed their greetings and well wishes to the His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, stressing the Iraqi government’s commitment to religious and national minorities. They also highlighted the need to develop joint initiatives to advance the needs of the multi-ethnic and multi-faith population of Iraq.

Armenian PM, Czech Defense Minister discuss issues of military cooperation

Hambik Zargarian

Armenian PM, Czech Defense Minister discuss issues of military cooperation

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19:15, 9 April, 2019

YEREVAN, APRIL 9, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received Defense Minister of the Czech Republic Lubomir Metnar on April 9.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the PM noted that Armenia and the Czech Republic effective cooperate in different spheres, including defense sphere, and the relations of the two countries have a potential for development. Pashinyan emphasized that the Czech Republic is an important partner for Armenia also in the European Union.

The Czech Defense Minister thanked the Armenian PM for the reception, noting that this is his 1stvisit to Armenia and he is happy for his visit.  He congratulated Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of the 1st anniversary of the velvet revolution and democratic changes in Armenia, informing that this year the Czech Republic will also mark the 3oth anniversary of the velvet revolution.

Lubomir Metnar  noted that Armenia is an important partner for his country in the South Caucasus region, and the Czech Republic is interested in the future development of the bilateral relations.

The interlocutors discussed issues referring bilateral partnership in defense sphere. In this context the sides highlighted ensuring regional stability and security.

The sides exchanged views on Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement issue. Nikol Pashinyan thanked for the balanced position of the Czech Republic on NK conflict settlement process, emphasizing that Armenia sees the settlement of the conflict through exclusively peaceful means in the sidelines of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format. Lubomir Metnar added that the Czech Republic supports the peaceful settlement of the conflict and the efforts aimed at ensuring regional stability.

The Armenian PM highly appreciated the contribution of the outgoing Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Armenia Petr Mikyska to the development of relations between the two countries.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan




Why You Should Keep Armenian String Cheese In Your Fridge

Hambik Zargarian
Thrillist


Why You Should Keep Armenian String Cheese In Your Fridge

    

By Alex Erdekian Published On 03/25/2019

Jason Hoffman/Thrillist

Imagine this all-too-common scenario: It’s Wednesday after a late night at work and you’re about to make dinner, but before that you need a quick indulgence, so you follow your instincts. You open your fridge and desperately rummage through the cheeses. Shredded mozz, sliced cheddar, and a stale block of Parmesan are right where you left them — as usual, the hope to open the door to a delicious surprise does not deliver.

But what if it did? The best thing you could wish for is that your roommate left a hefty chunk of Armenian string cheese in the cheese drawer.

Armenian string cheese, also called Chechil, is a white cheese typically made of goat’s or sheep’s milk, studded with nigella seeds. Far superior to the rubbery stick string cheeses packed in lunch boxes, it comes in a thick, circular braid, which is then unwound to create stringy shreds, perfect for eating by the handful. Nuran Chavushian, owner of Sevan Bakery, an Armenian and Middle Eastern market in Watertown, Massachusetts — a town bordering Boston known for its significant Armenian community — describes it as similar to very fresh mozzarella, but saltier, with the seeds adding a slight crunch. As any Armenian knows, it’s a mezze staple.

It originated in Armenia and spread after genocide refugees brought it to Syria and beyond in 1915, according to Armenian Food: Fact, Fiction & Folklore.

Armenian string cheese is made from drained and then heated, seasoned milk curds. To form the strings the curds are kneaded once warm enough, pulled into a rope, and then plaited into its signature shape. Finally, it’s ripened in a brine.

In a much more enjoyable manner than slicing a block of cheddar or a log of goat cheese, you get to use your hands and play with your food like when you were a kid. Pull apart the massive braid into strands, making them thinner and thinner until the large ring you started with has transformed into a flossy pile of string cheese. A fun party idea is to serve the cheese in two bowls, one with finer, thinner strands, and one with thicker ones. According to Chavushian, when the cheese is prepackaged in clear plastic it’s not necessary to rinse in water, but if bought loose it requires a good soak in cold water in your fridge to drain out all that excess salt.

What’s the tastiest way to eat it?

Fluffy threads of Armenian string cheese will disappear bowl by bowl in front of mindlessly chatting company. Unlike denser cheeses, its saltiness and airiness make it easy to eat, and eat, and eat… not unlike potato chips. Pair with Kalamata olives and pistachios for a low maintenance munchies spread. Chavushian points out that the cheese’s uses extend far beyond the appetizer course, tasting great in a sandwich with tomatoes and cucumbers. He even has customers who bite into a hunk of it like an apple.

We also return to the American string cheese comparison once again. Instead of packing a stick of Kraft in your bag to snack on at lunch, why not bring a plastic baggy of Chechil on the road with you? Sure it’s a bit more work, but the peppery kick and fresher taste make it worth the labor of love.

Feel free to get creative with it and throw some shreds as topping on heartier entrees, too, like stuffed peppers. As a mild cheese, it tastes super flavorful eaten fresh as opposed to baked or cooked into other dishes, but feel free to experiment with it just like you would with any other versatile ingredient. It’s delicious on a DIY English muffin pizza or stuffed in an omelette.

Armenian markets will of course carry this cheese, as will many Middle Eastern and international food stores. But even more popular grocers like Wegmans sell Armenian string cheese. If you’re not near any of these types of stores, you can also order it on Amazon.

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Alex Erdekian has serious impulse control issues whenever a communal bowl of Armenian cheese is placed on a coffee table during the holidays.