Author: Hambik Zargarian

Senate Confirms by Voice Vote Ambassadorial Nominees for Armenia and Azerbaijan

Hambik Zargarian

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: January 3, 2019

Contact: Danielle Saroyan

Telephone: (202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

 

SENATE CONFIRMS BY VOICE
VOTE AMBASSADORIAL NOMINEES FOR ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN

 

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Robert Menendez Reiterates
Key Concerns

 

WASHINGTON,
D.C. – Yesterday, the United States Senate confirmed by a voice vote
Ambassadorial nominees Lynne M. Tracy and Earle D. Litzenberger to represent
the United States in Armenia and Azerbaijan, respectively, reported the
Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

 

Last month, during the Senate Foreign Relations
Committee (SFRC) business meeting on the nomination, Ranking Member Robert
Menendez (D-NJ) explained his support for both candidates, as well as the
importance of strong U.S.-Armenia relations.

 

"Armenia and the Caucasus region will continue
to be vital to regional and global security. According to the OSCE, Armenia's
elections over the weekend met international standards. I look forward to
supporting the government's efforts to build strong democratic institutions, a
vibrant Armenian economy, and oppose any efforts to violate Armenia's sovereignty,"
Ranking Member Menendez said.

 

During Ambassador-designate Tracy's nomination
hearing she promised to support Armenia's "remarkable" democratic
reforms. As to questions at the hearing by SFRC Ranking Member Menendez and
Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) on the Armenian Genocide, she agreed that "1.5
million Armenians were deported, massacred, or marched to their death in the
final years of the Ottoman Empire" in 1915, but fell short of properly
categorizing the killings as a genocide.

 

"Throughout my time in the Senate, I have
advocated for an honest accounting of the Armenian genocide.  I believe we have a moral imperative to
recognize the atrocities that were committed against the Armenian people. Ms.
Tracy's experience in Russia and Central Asia positions her to help navigate
U.S. policy in this critical time. I support this nomination, but expect to
work closely with Ms. Tracy on how she will encourage an honest acknowledgement
of the Armenian Genocide, support Armenia's ongoing efforts to ensure accountable,
citizen-responsive governance, and support efforts to reach a peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," he added.

 

During the SFRC business meeting, Senator Menendez
also noted the importance of safety in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), and his
expectations for the U.S. Ambassador selected to be the representative in
Azerbaijan.

 

"I support Mr. Litzenberger's nomination and
expect to have close and continuing dialogue with him on how he will urge the
Azeris to step back from any threatening behavior that could disrupt the line
of contact in Nagorno Karabakh, support respect for human rights, and support
efforts to reach a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,"
Senator Menendez said.

 

The hearing for Ambassador-designate Litzenberger
occurred in October, wherein he restated the U.S. position condemning violence
along the line of contact, which undermines the peace process and violates the
1994 cease-fire agreement.

 

"We appreciate the important issues raised by
Senators Robert Menendez and Ed Markey during the confirmation process.  We look forward to working with the new
Congress to ensure robust assistance to further Armenia's democratic
development," Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny said.

 

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America
is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public
understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan,
501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

 

###

 

NR#
2019-001

 

Available
online:  https://armenian-assembly.org/2019/01/03/senate-confirms-by-voice-vote-ambassadorial-nominees-for-armenia-and-azerbaijan/

 

Photo
Caption: Ambassador-designates Lynne M. Tracy (left) and Earle D. Litzenberger
(right)



JPEG image

The 18 Best Budget Travel Destinations For 2019

Hambik Zargarian
Forbes
Dec 31 2018

Alexandra Talty Senior Contributor

Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

 

  • St. Helena is probably not on your short list but it should be on your bucket list.
  • Set in the Caucasus Mountains, Armenia is a hidden gem that’s still untouched by mass tourism

       

From the Philippines to Armenia, this year's list of the best budget travel destinations has something for every kind of traveler.

Whether you want to relax in Zanzibar or sample the cuisine of Malaysia, budget travel in 2019 is all about cheap destinations that offer an outsized experience.

I've been doing this list for Forbes for five years now and in the spirit of keeping things fresh, I switched up the format and asked all my travel experts to name two places: a destination with a nostalgic draw and somewhere they visited recently that they are telling all their friends about.

The goal is to highlight budget travel destinations that are a bit off-the-beaten path. They don’t necessarily have to be cheap destinations but they should be places where you can vacation without breaking the bank. That could be a country where Americans have strong purchasing power or a place that is far away but offers a good value in terms of experience.

So, without further ado, here is the official list of best budget travel destinations for 2019 from some of my favorite travel experts. All responses are in their own words.*

1. San Antonio, Texas, the United States of America 

2. Puebla, Mexico 

3. Hawaii, the USA

4. St. Helena

5. Province of Laguna, the Philippines 

6. The Balkan Peninsula

6. The Balkan Peninsula

8. Budapest, Hungary

9. Buenos Aires, Argentina

10. Gobi Desert, Mongolia

11. South Africa

12. Zanzibar

13. Armenia

Set in the Caucasus Mountains, Armenia is a hidden gem that’s still untouched by mass tourism , and yet has so much to offer: rich history, wineries, impressive landscapes, ancient monasteries and breathtaking mountains as far as your eyes can see. The capital, Yerevan, is a lively city with wide avenues, delicious restaurants, museums and street markets selling local handicrafts.

Because of my Armenian heritage, I grew up on delicious Armenian food. Some of my favorite local dishes include dolma, khorovats or barbequed meat, and local cheeses with lavash bread. For wine lovers, Armenia is the perfect place to try wines made from different fruits such as pomegranate (Armenia’s national symbol), blackberries and cherries.

Outside of the capital is picturesque nature. You can pay a visit to the oldest winery in the world in Areni, stop by stunning monasteries, or check out the oldest cathedral in the world in Etchmiadzin.

14. Serbia

15. Transylvania, Romania 

16. George Town, Penang, Malaysia 

17. Moscow, Russia

18. Taipei, Taiwan

To read the descriptions of each country, please go to https://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandratalty/2018/12/31/the-18-best-budget-travel-destinations-for-2019/#657aab977202







Personal and political vendetta conducted against ex-president, Victor Soghomonyan says

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 29 2018

“Armenia is losing its positions in the CSTO, and we declare it is not so important. The economy is showing poor results, and we are trying to minimize its relevance. That same is with the story of the wiretapped conversation. What is conducted against President Kocharyan is nothing but a personal and political vendetta,” Armenia’s ex-president Robert Kocharyan’s press secretary Victor Soghomyan stated during an interview with the Fifth Channel.

Soghomonyan has pointed to the facts of pressure on the judicial system. “They [authorities] call, instruct [the judges] and realize a clear political persecution. The president [former president Robert Kocharyan] who had immense contribution in the history of the two Armenian states, cannot stay behinds the bars on made-up charges. It cannot simply happen and pass without consequences. It is a matter of time which is not a long time from now,” Soghomonyan said.

To remind, Kocharyan was arrested in July on charges of overthrowing Armenia’s constitutional order during the March 1-2, 2008 post-election events. On December 7, Armenia’s Court of Appeals upheld the first instance court’s ruling to arrest Robert Kocharyan.

The ex-president and his lawyers strongly deny the charges as ‘politically motivated’ and are set to file lawsuit with ECHR. 

Putin Told Pashinyan What They Are Ready to Do

Hambik Zargarian
Lragir, Armenia
Dec 27 2018

22:33 27.12.2018                               

Trade between Russia and Armenia is growing, it is necessary to maintain the progress, as well as cooperation between the two countries in all directions, the Russian President Vladimir Putin stated during the meeting with the Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Tass informed.

Greeting Pashinyan in the Kremlin, Putin said it is the first visit of the acting prime minister to Russia since the victory of his party in the national elections.

“We would like to wish you good luck, success in implementing all programs that you have assigned to your team for the sake of Armenia and for the sake of the wellbeing of the Armenian people,” the Russian president said.

“Our relations need not be described, they are genuine relations of allies which are highly meaningful,” the Russian President said. He said, in particular, that Russia continues to rate number one among the foreign economic partners of Armenia. Bilateral trade grew by 30% in 2017.

“In the past nine months of this year [trade] increased by another 17.5%. Progress is good, it must be maintained,” the Russian president said. According to him, Moscow is ready to do everything it can to maintain the same level of relations with Yerevan, not only in the economic sector but also in other directions, particularly security.

On the whole, we have a rich, saturated agenda,” Vladimir Putin concluded.

During the meeting Putin said that Moscow and Yerevan must cooperate in the sphere of security in CSTO and other integration unions.

In his turn, Pashinyan reiterated the commitment of Armenia to develop relations in all directions with Russia, is positive about integration in the EEU. He invited Putin to Armenia for an official visit in 2019. “We will also expect you in Armenia next year for an official visit, and it will be pleasant for us too,” Pashinyan stated during the meeting in the Kremlin.

Azerbaijani Press: Baku hard on its stance in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Hambik Zargarian
AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Dec 27 2018
16:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Abdul Kerimkhanov

The statement by the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry’s that Baku is ready to give Armenians in Karabakh the right of self-government at a high level within the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan, has caused a stormy rejection in Armenia.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry in a media statement hurried to reassure the Armenian public and assure that Yerevan "reaffirms its position on the priority status of Nagorno-Karabakh and its security." So, Armenian Foreign Ministry tried to teach Baku how to build a diplomatic dialogue, accused him of incontinence and pointed to the inadmissibility of "presenting their own one-sided point of view".

However, Baku continues its hard stance in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and does not pay attention to the empty statements of Armenian FM. The granting of an independent status to a self-proclaimed entity created by Armenia in the occupied Azerbaijani territories has never been the subject of discussion. Azerbaijani side has never concealed that there will be no "independent Karabakh", but there can be autonomy with a high degree of self-government within the borders of Azerbaijan. If Armenia continues its occupation policy, war is inevitable and in this case, Nagorno-Karabakh region will not receive the autonomy at all.

The first option for the Armenian side would be beneficial, and it should put aside fantasies and unrealistic dreams and think about it. This is the biggest concession that Baku is ready to make, given the enormous evil that Armenia brought to the region and the amount of innocent Azerbaijani blood, shed during the occupation. Karabakh Armenians themselves, remember very well what luxurious life was in Azerbaijan, which was destroyed by the nationalists with the beginning of the conflict.

Such a panic reaction in Armenia can be regarded as a demonstration of the fears existing in Armenia about the Karabakh Armenians, who can suddenly come to their senses and realize the realities.

First Deputy Prime Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that the "inalienable right" of the Armenians of Karabakh, who "will determine their own destiny."

It is worth remembering that the nationalists during the conflict did not allow the Armenians of Karabakh to decide their own fate and attributing to them, who lived well in peace and harmony alongside the Azerbaijanis, the desire for "independence." And Karabakh Armenians for more than 25 years of conflict already understood that the temporarily occupied region has no prospects for any future.

Hysterical warnings about any threats to the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in the event of the “surrender” of the territories are completely untenable. The greatest threat to the Armenians of Azerbaijan is the ongoing conflict, which, due to the fault of Yerevan, may at any time enter a hot phase. Armenian authorities perfectly remember April 2016, when residents of front-line villages and soldiers of the Armenian army fled to Yerevan.

The voluntary return of occupied Azerbaijani lands will return the peace and prosperity that local Armenians used to have until 1988. Hope, the Armenian society will understand this in 2019.

Armenian government grants customs privileges to several companies

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 20 2018

The Armenian government granted a privilege to Spayka LLC to free it from customs duties for imports of technological equipment, their components and raw materials on the sidelines of an investment project.

The project eyes investments totalling to 28 billion drams, opening of 300 new jobs with an average monthly salary of 200,000 drams, according to the government decision approved at a meeting on Thursday.

The government also confirmed customs privileges to Nanman and Prof Al LLCs for imports of technological equipment, their components and raw materials.

Nanman company plans to make 110,100,000 drams investment and create 3 new jobs with an average salary of 78,000 drams.

As part of the investment project, Prof Al is set to invest 1 billion drams to open 50 new jobs with an average salary of 280,000 drams.

Culture: Actor Arman Navasardyan appointed acting director of Sos Sargsyan Pan-National Theatre, Narine Grigoryan to be appointed art director

Hambik Zargarian
Aysor, Armenia
Dec 19 2018

Actor of Sos Sargsyan Pan-National Theatre Arman Navasardyan has been appointed acting director of the theatre with the decree of acting minister of culture Lilit Makunts, Navasardyan told Aysor.am.

The art directors of theatres are being appointed by directors. Navasardyan said in the coming days he will appoint the art director of the theatre.
The actors of the theatre and Navasardyan earlier stated that they see actress, Armenia’s honorary artist Narine Grigoryan in the post of the art director.

Former art director and director in combination Vigen Chaldranyan who has recently left the post was not conceding to the demands of the actors. He submitted resignation application just few days ago after meeting with the acting minister of culture. In the open letter he stressed that he leaves the post with the decree of Lilit Makunts.

Sports: Prominent Spanish coach to assume post of technical director of Football Federation of Armenia

Hambik Zargarian
ARKA, Armenia
Dec 19 2018

YEREVAN, December 19. /ARKA/. Prominent Spanish coach Ginés Meléndez will assume the post of technical director of the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) from January 1, FFA reported. It said Melendez will coordinate the work of various age teams, as well as develop a plan of actions to boost youth football, including women's football and furzal.

He will be assisted by two other Spanish specialists, one of whom will be responsible for the sports education, and the other for the physical training of youth teams.

Melendez was born in 1950. He started his career with Albacete football club, later he held various posts in the club. Since 2008, he has been technical instructor of UEFA, and since 2011 – of FIFA. 

In 2011-2018 he served as technical director of the Spanish Football Federation and coordinator of national teams. Melendez coached such great football players as Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Iker Casillas, David Villa, Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, Gerard Piqué, Isco and others. -0-

Livre: L’Ombre de la baleine : Mikaël Chirinian, du fond du cœur

Hambik Zargarian
Le Figaro, France
15 dec 2018


  • Par  Armelle Héliot
  • Publié le 15/12/2018 à 08:00
Mikaël Chirinian seul en scène dans un décor qui fait naître fleurs et objets, comme dans un livre pour enfants. Pascal Victor/Pascal Victor/ArtComPress

CRITIQUE – Après avoir adapté Rapport sur moi et La Liste de mes envies, il parle de lui dans un spectacle magnifique. Il évoque Moby Dick pour mieux nous dire d'où il vient, mis en scène par Anne Bouvier.

Comment dire et redire la beauté bouleversante de ce spectacle très personnel qui touche au plus profond chacun des spectateurs? Comment dire l'originalité du processus d'écriture conduit par Mikaël Chirinian avec son ami Océan, la singularité du récit qui tresse l'histoire de sa propre famille avec celle du Capitaine Achab et de la baleine blanche, Moby Dick? Comment donner une idée du charme unique de la scénographie imaginée par Natacha Markoff, la fluidité délicate de la mise en scène d'Anne Bouvier?

» Réservez vos places pour L'Ombre de la baleine au Théâtre Lepic sur Ticketac

On aurait envie de dire simplement: allez, découvrez, vous serez époustouflés par ce travail né dans l'amitié, le talent, la force d'une exigence artistique, l'urgence à dire sa vérité d'un homme très doué et très attachant. En effet, après ses adaptations de Rapport sur moi de Grégoire Bouillier et de La Liste de mes enviesde Grégoire Delacourt, qu'il a jouées longtemps avec succès, imposant sa longue silhouette athlétique, son crâne rasé, son regard profond et ferme qui éclaire un visage harmonieux encadré par une barbe taillée de près, Mikaël Chirinian ose affronter sa propre histoire, l'histoire de sa famille.

Sur le plateau, dans le décor merveilleux à dominante blanche qui fait naître fleurs, objets, comme dans un livre pour enfants, un livre pop-up, les lumières de Denis Koransky, la musique de Pierre-Antoine Durand, le comédien est seulement accompagné d'une marionnette qui est son semblable, son frère, une marionnette créée par Francesca Testi. Mikaël Chirinian a donc composé avec Océan (il est le metteur en scène de Chatons violents,qui se donne d'ailleurs dans le même théâtre le samedi à 17 h 30) cette traversée jusqu'au plus profond de son cœur. Il est parti de sa passion pour Moby Dick et il lui a fallu comprendre que cela avait à voir avec le plus intime de ses origines et de sa formation. L'Arménie par son père, l'Algérie et la culture juive par sa mère, sa sœur, de cinq ans son aînée, porte un prénom qui veut dire «Dieu» en hébreu… Mikaël grandit en Provence, aime ses parents, ses grands-parents. Aime aussi l'école, ses copains. Tout va bien? Non. Il y a une menace dans cet univers heureux.

Le comédien incarne tour à tour chacun des personnages et offre à la grand-mère maternelle une apparition savoureuse et très drôle. On rit beaucoup à ce moment-là et on en a besoin car l'histoire que l'on nous raconte est violente, très dure, et la blancheur ici est celle de la mort ou des camisoles de force…

Ce qui est ici magistralement réussi, et sans emphase, sans surlignage, c'est le lien inextricable entre la grande Histoire, les faits qui semblent loin mais pèsent de tout leur poids sur le destin des générations futures. Ces fils invisibles qui courent et instaurent des tensions dans la vie des pauvres humains qui ne comprennent pas tout…

Osons-le dire: L'Ombre de la baleine est un spectacle miraculeux, porté par un Mikaël Chirinian d'autant plus magnifique qu'il est d'une sobriété de jeu continue.

● «L'Ombre de la baleine», Théâtre Lepic 1, av. Junot (XVIIIe). Tél.: 01 42 54 15 12. Du mer. au sam. à 19 h 30, dim. à 18 h. Durée: 1 h. Places: 12 €.

Poll: "My step" bloc goes to the Armenian parliament with 68.3% and "Prosperous Armenia" with 6.7%

Hambik Zargarian
Arminfo, Armenia
Nov 23 2018
Poll: "My step" bloc goes to the Armenian parliament with 68.3% and "Prosperous Armenia" with 6.7%

Yerevan November 23

Tatevik Shahunyan. According to the results of the poll conducted by the "GALLUP International association", according to the results of the early elections on December 9, only two forces enter the Armenian parliament – the ruling "My step" bloc from 68.3% and the Prosperous Armenia party from 6.7%. In general, 1111 people from the capital and regions of the country took part in the survey. The error is 3%. The survey was carried out from 17 to 21 November.

The remaining 9 political forces participating in the elections received less or slightly more than 1% of the vote. Thus, the Republican Party received 1.5%, followed by the Enlightened Armenia party with a small margin, with 1.2%, followed by the ''ARF Dashnaktsutyun'' – 1%, the ''Sasna Tsrer'' party – 0.9%, Democratic Revival "- 0.3%, the block" We "(the Party" Republic "and" Free Democrats ") – 0.3%, the Social Democratic Party" Decision of the Citizen "- 0.2%," Orinats Yerkir "- 0.1%, the party "National Progress" -0%. 12.7% refused to answer the question, 6.7% found it difficult to answer.

According to the poll, 70.9% definitely intend to take part in the elections, 15.5% are more likely to take part, 8.95 will definitely not take part, 2.9% are more likely not to attend, and 1.8% found it difficult to answer.

On the question of which political forces impressed you the most, 52.7% of respondents fully impressed with the "My Step" bloc, rather like 32.9%. The second is "Prosperous Armenia", which is fully impressed by 17.6%, rather, it is impressed by 49.1%. But the Republican Party is leading in this rating in the nomination "antirating". This party is extremely negatively treated by 66.3% of respondents, rather negatively – by 16.5%, only 2.9% are definitely impressed by the RPA and 16.5% are more likely to be impressed. The next batch, which has "antirating", is ''Orinats Yerkir''. 44.7% relate to it extremely negatively, 20.3% – rather negatively.

In response to the question of why respondents impose a particular force, 32% answered that because of the leader, 24.9% – ideology, 15.5% said that there is no alternative, 8.2% trust, 6.9% believe, 6.6% like programs, 2.7% have acquaintances, 0.6% advised, 2.5% found it difficult to answer, other answers gave 19.2%. To the question from which sources respondents receive information, 69.5% responded from Armenian TV channels, and 47.6% trust this source. 37.7% receive information from Facebook, but only 14.7% of respondents trust this information. 28.4% of respondents receive information from electronic media, and 12.3% trust them. Of the environment and radio, 8.2% get information, but 3.7% trust the environment, and 6.1% trust the radio. 6.6% of respondents read the press, 3.1% trust it. 1.3% of respondents will find out information at rallies, 6.7% prefer other sources, 4.6% were undecided.

When asked about the most pressing problems facing the country, 45.2% cited unemployment, 29.6% economic condition, 23.9% low wages and pensions, 23.4% Karabakh issue, 16.6 % – corruption, 13.3% – inaccessibility of health care, 11.4% – emigration, 8.7% – low level of education, 8% – foreign policy problems, 7.3% – inflation, 6.5% – high utility costs and 4,1% – large taxes.