Author: Hovsep Chakrian

Donfried: US is willing to continue to cooperate with Russia in facilitating settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Hovsep Chakrian
NEWS.am
Armenia – June 20 2022
19:52, 20.06.2022

The United States is willing to continue to cooperate with Russia in facilitating a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried told Radio Azatutyun.

“The U.S. has continued to say that we support the Minsk Group co-chair process. We continue to believe that it is a very important format, particularly on Nagorno-Karabakh, and it is essential that we keep various formats in play to try to advance peace. And we will continue to do that going forward," she said.

Donfried also responded to a question about whether she was referring to cooperation with Russia.

“Yes. Russia is a Minsk Group co-chair. France, the U.S. and Russia would continue in that format," Donfried noted.

She also commented on statements by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who says there is no need for an OSCE MG.

“Azerbaijan has not been supportive of the Minsk Group co-chair process, the United States is,” said Donfried. “We are a participant in that process and we will continue to do so.”


Defense Minister visits north-eastern border

Hovsep Chakrian

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 11:30,

YEREVAN, JUNE 18, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense of Armenia Suren Papikyan visited on June 17 the 2nd Army Corps, the ministry said in a news release. 

The minister was introduced on the latest technical means, equipment of local production, etc.

Thereafter, he watched a military drill. He thanked the staff and awarded several distinguished servicemen at the end of the drill.

Suren Papikyan also visited the Republic’s north-eastern borderzone, the military bases, watched the process of engineering works, got acquainted with the living conditions, the quality of food and talked with the servicemen.




Asbarez: Board of Regents Deplores Attacks on Armenian Schools’ Integrity, Commitment to Homeland

Hovsep Chakrian
 by Contributor

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Community, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories
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Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools

The Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian schools issued an announcement on Monday deploring recent attacks on different Armenian schools and their administration by individuals who are questioning the schools’ commitment to the homeland and the Armenian Cause.

Below is the text of the announcement.

The Armenian nation has been in crisis for the past year, especially after the end of the 44-day Artsakh war.

We are disappointed that the commitment of Prelacy Armenian Schools and Preschools to our homeland and our cause are being questioned, during a time when our nation is facing so many challenges.

The Prelacy Armenian Schools and Preschools have not veered from our mission to serve our homeland and will always stand with the people of Armenia and Artsakh. We condemn any attempt in fabricating and distorting the facts about our past and present commitment to our national goals.

Since 1964, this institution has wholeheartedly served the educational needs of our children and our community. Through its service and with the commitment and sacrifice of so many teachers and administrators, the Prelacy Armenian Schools and Preschools have been able to serve Armenia and Artsakh, while preserving our culture, history, heritage and language.

We want to reassure our community that the Prelacy Armenian Schools, to this day, continue to support and assist Artsakh. In April 2022, in order for us to show solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Artsakh and Armenia, we advised all Prelacy Armenian Schools and Preschools to raise the flag of the Republic of Artsakh on our campuses and called on all our administrators to continue their support of the people of Artsakh to make sure we all do our part in their struggle for self-determination and independence. Furthermore, our latest initiative has been to partner with Schools in Artsakh who are in dire need of resources and assistance. Over the past few months, we have been in constant contact and have held virtual meetings with School administrators in Artsakh to provide any assistance needed to ensure that they are able to serve the educational needs of the young generations in Artsakh.

We call upon all those questioning our commitment to our homeland to cease from spreading misinformation to our youth and community, which only causes unnecessary conflicts. The Prelacy Armenian Schools and Preschools is an educational institution that has gone above and beyond to preserve the core values of national identity.

Our record and dedication to our homeland, Artsakh and our cause are well-established and the Board of Regents will not allow futile conflicts to slither their way into the Prelacy Armenian Schools and Preschools. Our schools have a sacred mission which must be valued and collectively protected.

We urge our administrators, teachers and staff to continue selflessly serving our noble mission and we thank all our parents for believing in our mission and entrusting their children’s education to the Prelacy Armenian Schools and Preschools.

Board of Regents
Prelacy Armenian Schools


David Babayan: Artsakh, Armenia are in difficult situation

Hovsep Chakrian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
12:51, 14.06.2022

For small countries, especially those surrounded by hostile neighbors, the key geopolitical task is to maintain their status of geopolitical actor and factor. Without this, they are doomed. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Foreign Minister David Babayan wrote this Tuesday on Facebook.

“Among the most important components of being geopolitical actor and factor is adherence to principles. The absence of principles and value components deprives the state and people of geopolitical autonomy and specificity. Such a state becomes a geopolitical ‘snack’ for neighbors, especially the principled and ambitious ones.

“Artsakh and Armenia are in a difficult situation, which makes the imperative of maintaining the status of geopolitical actor and factor and adherence to principles even more relevant,” Babayan added.

Greece Strengthens Tourism Ties with Armenia at UNWTO Meeting

Hovsep Chakrian
June 7 2022
Posted On 07 Jun 2022
By : GTP editing team

Greece is looking outward taking actions to penetrate new markets and boost the country’s tourism product, said Deputy Tourism Minister Sofia Zacharaki during her visit to Yerevan, Armenia for the 67th meeting of the UNWTO Commission for Europe.

It is noted that Greece serves as Chair of the UNWTO Commission for Europe for the 2021-2023 period.

Zacharaki, who presided over the meeting, which included the participation of UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili and UNWTO Regional Director for Europe Alessandra Priante, met with Armenian tourism sector stakeholders to discuss ways to further strengthen ties between the two countries.

Among others, she met with major Armenian tour operators and discussed specific actions to boost tourist flows, as well as with representatives from Enterprise Armenia.

The minister said there was a growing interest by Armenians to visit Greece this year.

During her visit to Erevan she visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan as well as the museum dedicated to Armenians who lost their lives during genocide. She also met with representatives of the Greek community in Armenia.

Addressing the UNWTO meeting, Zacharaki referred to the great momentum in tourism this year, adding that there were reasonable hopes for full post-Covid-19 recovery. She stressed, however, that the sector globally and particularly in Europe was faced with significant challenges including the Russia- Ukraine war and soaring prices.

On the sidelines of the event, Zacharaki had the chance together with the head of the ministry’s general directorate for Tourism Policy, Panagiota Dionysopoulou, to meet with partners from France, Portugal, Spain, and Bulgaria, to discuss cooperation in tourism and participation in activities for the UNWTO Maritime Tourism Research Center for the Mediterranean which is based in Athens. 

“I had the opportunity to emphasize to our partners the impressive recovery of Greek tourism in 2021 and its even more dynamic development for 2022. We exchanged thoughts and ideas on how we can address the significant and common challenges in terms of employment, education, sustainability, but also public-private partnerships,” she said.

Addressing a special discussion on Tourism and Rural Development, Zacharaki underlined the importance of developing alternative forms of tourism “in order to obtain a better quality, balanced and sustainable tourism product”. 

“In this context, we refer to the great success of the inclusion of Soufli in the ‘Best Tourism Villages’ as well as of Western Samos in the upgrade program,” she said.

Zacharaki also presented the Greek tourism ministry’s new initiatives including the launch of special seal for visitable breweries, cheese-making factories and olive mills and to efforts being made to link the primary sector with tourism through programs supporting young farmers.

The next UNWTO Commission for Europe meeting will be held in Bulgaria.


https://news.gtp.gr/2022/06/07/greece-strengthens-tourism-ties-with-armenia-at-unwto-meeting/

Kardashians have worked hard to stay in touch with their Armenian roots

Hovsep Chakrian
June 8 2022


  Gabrielle Rockson

Kourtney, Kim, Khloe and Rob Kardashian are very proud of their Armenian heritage and have done their best to stay in touch with their roots.

If you follow the Kardashians, one of the many things you’ll know about them is that they’re Armenian.

From their trips to Armenia to their discussions of Armenian culture on their show, Kourtney, 43, Kim, 41, Khloe, 37, and Rob, 35, certainly stay connected to their heritage.

Whilst their mother Kris Jenner is reportedly of English, Irish, Dutch, German, and Scottish descent, the Kardashian siblings get their Armenian blood from their late father Robert Kardashian Sr.

Speaking about her heritage, Kim said: “My Armenian heritage means a lot to me and I’ve been brought up to be incredibly proud of my family’s background and culture.”

The 41 year old and her children have also been baptised in Armenia.

Posting pictures of her and North in 2019, the mother of four wrote: “Thank you Armenia for such a memorable trip.

“So blessed to have been baptized along with my babies at Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Armenia’s main cathedral which is sometimes referred to as the Vatican of the Armenian Apostolic Church.

“This church was built in 303 AD.”

Opening up about her time in Armenia, Kourtney wrote on her lifestyle brand Poosh: “A big part of this trip was visiting the Etchmiadzin Cathedral, and getting our kids baptized there.

“It’s not only the first-ever church in Armenia, but is thought to be the first-ever cathedral in the world because Armenia was the first nation to adopt Christianity.

“It was such a powerful feeling being there. The story behind it is that St. Gregory The Illuminator received a message from God to build the first cathedral in that very spot, and so it’s remained ever since.”

She added: “It has such a solid framework that they’ve only recently begun restructuring it, which is so cool and crazy to me. Having the kids baptized there made us feel reverent and humble, and like the right way to help our kids honor their roots.”

Back in 2015, Khloe and Kim also embarked on a trip to Armenia and visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial.

Writing under her 2015 post, Khloe said: “Today marks the 102-year anniversary of the Armenian genocide. In 1915, the Ottoman Empire committed mass extermination of 1.5 million Western Armenians.

“I am proud to be an Armenian!!!”

Lavrov presents Pashinyan with additional steps to normalize situation in region

Hovsep Chakrian
ARMINFO
Armenia – June 9 2022
Naira Badalian

ArmInfo. RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and the delegation headed by him, the press  service of the RA PM reports.  According to the source, in his  welcoming remarks, Prime Minister Pashinyan, in particular, said,  "Dear Sergey Viktorovich, Welcome to the Republic of Armenia. I am  very glad to see you.

Russia and Armenia are strategic partners and allies and, of course,  this assumes that the intensity of bilateral visits and contacts  should be quite high, and we witness it. The agenda of our relations  is very wide and multifaceted. These are related to both bilateral  issues, and regional and international issues. I am glad that today  we will have the opportunity to discuss a wide scope of issues  related to our relations.

At the moment, the main issue on our agenda is related to the  regional situation, security, and the settlement of the  Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Of course, we are discussing this issue  with Russia quite intensively, and other issues as well. For example,  the opening of regional communications. The meeting of the trilateral  working group headed by the Deputy Prime Ministers of the Russian  Federation, the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan  took place recently in Moscow. I hope that in the near future we will  be able to reach concrete agreements to resolve this issue of  strategic importance for the benefit of the whole region, for the  sake of stability and peace.

The agenda of normalization of relations between Armenia and  Azerbaijan is also very important. You know that the first meeting of  the bilateral working commission on demarcation and delimitation of  the border between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of  Azerbaijan took place recently. The second meeting is already planned  to be held in Moscow, the third meeting will take place in Brussels.  In this context, we expect the support of the Russian Federation for  this process to take place and proceed in a normal way and to be  effective.

I would also like to mention the issue of the return of prisoners of  war, hostages and other detainees who are still in Azerbaijan,  contrary to the November 9, 2020 trilateral declaration. We expect  the support of the Russian Federation in this matter as well, so that  this humanitarian issue can finally be fully resolved.  Welcome once  again, I am sure we will have fruitful negotiations today".

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, "Dear Nikol Vovaevich,  Thank you very much for the opportunity to meet with you during our  full-up visit to the Republic of Armenia. Vladimir Vladimirovich  Putin conveys to you his warmest greetings and best wishes and  reaffirms the commitment to all the agreements reached during your  contacts, especially during your official visit to the Russian  Federation in April this year. You also met in Moscow within the  framework of the informal CSTO summit, you had many telephone  conversations.

We are committed to all the decisions aimed at deepening our  strategic partnership, allied cooperation, and the strengthening of  our bilateral relations in general. Today we discussed in detail with  Ararat Samvelovich the tasks you have set for us at the highest  level, I know that this work is one of the priorities within the  Intergovernmental Economic Commission.

But, undoubtedly, dear Nikol Vovaevich, as you mentioned, regional  issues deserve special attention now.  Implementation of the  trilateral statements of November 2020, January and November 2021 is  our priority.  We interested that all the directions and actions set  out there, aimed at the complete normalization of the situation in  the region, the settlement of all issues, including humanitarian  ones, to be resolved as soon as possible. As you mentioned, the  trilateral working group on unblocking transport and economic  communications at the level of Deputy Prime Ministers is in the  advanced stage of agreeing on specific aspects of the final  agreements. We have discussed what additional steps need to be taken,  and we will report to you.

The same goes for delimitation. We welcome the start of the work of  the two commissions from your and Azerbaijani sides. The first  session, meeting took place, we consider it very important. We will  start preparing for the meeting in Moscow with the participation of  Russian representatives, who, in accordance with the agreements of  the leaders, will provide consulting services, including cartographic  materials.  In general, we are interested in the full normalization  of relations between our neighbors, Armenia and Azerbaijan. Of  course, we are familiar with the proposals presented by Azerbaijan in  that context, we are also familiar with your positions, which you  have presented in written, Russia is ready to do everything possible  to reach a mutual agreement. And, as I said, we are committed to the  full implementation of all agreements without exception. It is  especially important for us to have the opportunity to hear your  assessments today. Once again, thank you for this meeting."

Nikol Pashinyan and Sergey Lavrov discussed issues related to the  Armenian-Russian strategic partnership, the regional stability and  peace agenda, the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and  the process of normalization of the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

In the context of the comprehensive settlement of the  Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Prime Minister of Armenia stressed the  important role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.  The interlocutors  also exchanged views on the development of scientific, educational  and cultural ties.  Sergey Lavrov praised the attitude and  hospitality of the Armenian side towards the Russian citizens who  have recently moved to Armenia. 

UEFA Nations League: Match officials appointed for Ukraine vs Armenia match

Hovsep Chakrian

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 12:58,

YEREVAN, JUNE 10, ARMENPRESS. Match officials have been appointed for UEFA Nations League B league Group 1 match between Ukraine and Armenia, the Football Federation of Armenia said.

The referee is Daniel Stefanski (POL), assistant referees are Dawid Golis (POL) and Michal Obukowicz (POL), the 4th official is Lukasz Kuzma (POL). The Video Assistant referee will be Piotr Lasyk (POL), and the Assistant Video Assistant Referee Krzysztof Myrmus (POL).

The match between Ukraine and Armenia will take place in Poland on June 11 at 17:00 (Yerevan time).

It was our commitment that colors of our state flag appear on more and more planes. Pashinyan at the launch of Fly Arna

Hovsep Chakrian

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 17:41,

YEREVAN, JUNE 10, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan attended the event dedicated to the launch of the Armenian national airline Fly Arna at Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The ceremony started with the arrival of the first Airbus A320 airplane of Fly Arna from Sharjah International Airport to Armenia, bringing with it the delegation of Air Arabia Group. The airplane was welcomed at Zvartnots International Airport with a water salute.

The event was attended by Tatevik Revazyan, Chairperson of the Civil Aviation Committee, Tigran Avinyan, Chairman of the Board of the State Interest Fund of Armenia (ANIF), David Papazyan, Executive Director of ANIF, Adel Abdullah Ali , CEO of Air Arabia and other officials.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed those present and said, "Sometimes it is very difficult to regulate the mind, what to focus on. more on what we have or what we do not have? And this is a really important question, because what we have inspires us, and what we do not have, can sometimes discourage us in the sense that having so much in Armenia, at the same time we do not have so much that sometimes it seems impossible to fill the gap, accomplish the mission, accomplish the task that fits into the vast space of what we do not have.

And in this sense, we have decided not to be afraid to face all the challenges. And we have decided that we should have more and more and to give up the logic of patching. If we are doing something, we must do everything we can to do it as properly as possible, at the highest possible level.

And our political commitment has been that during the years we are in office, significant changes must take place in the field of aviation, the colors of our state flag must appear on more and more planes. I am glad that we have this opportunity today, I congratulate all of us, because with the participation of our partners from Air Arabia from the United Arab Emirates and the Armenian National Interests Fund, we are establishing this kind of an airline."

According to Nikol Pashinyan, this has multi-sided significance, because one of the most important achievements of the pre-Covid period was that the Government was able to create an opportunity for citizens to travel at affordable prices. "And this is not just a matter of movement, this is also a political, civilizational issue, because when as wide sections of our society as possible have the opportunity to travel, to communicate with other countries, it is an opportunity for us to get to know ourselves better, better assess ourselves, have more energy, have a better idea of what to do next," the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister hoped that "Fly Arna" airline will bring more people to Armenia and will take more people from Armenia. "In this sense, our country will also become a crossroads, from where people go travelling, where they return, where people go for rest, acquaintance, tourism, and those people keep a part of Armenia in their hearts, they take some positive attitude towards Armenia with them. Congratulations again to all of us on doing a step forward on the path of the development of this direction. We know more negative than positive stories about Armenia's aviation sector, it's time to break that chain. I hope that together with our partners we will be able to overcome the weighty package of negative news or the impression left by it with positive news, new developments, new planes, new passengers, new directions," Prime Minister Pashinyan said.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the CEO of Air Arabia Adel Abdullah Ali, toured the first Fly Arna aircraft to get acquainted with the conditions created for the passengers.

During the official launch ceremony, Fly Arna announced the date of its first commercial flight. The first flight G6501 will be operated from Zvartnots International Airport to Hurghada International Airport on July 3, 2022. Fly Arna’s initial destinations will also include direct flights connecting Armenia with Sharm El Sheikh and Beirut.

Viva-MTS: A house built from scratch for a family that had to live in a metal wagon

Hovsep Chakrian
Panorama
Armenia – May 31 2022

SOCIETY 13:25 31/05/2022 ARMENIA

A house sold to save the lives of two family members, a sad reality of living in a metal wagon, efforts towards building a house that proved futile, and a son who came back from the 44-day war with injuries to the head and spine. The life of the Nersisyan family was not an easy one; however, everything is now in the past. The wish of completing the house construction that started years ago has become a reality owing to the joint housing project implemented by Viva-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, Viva-MTS said in a press release on Tuesday.

Last time, the heads of the partner organizations met the Nersisyans months ago, at the construction site. Despite the large volume of work, the family who has been engaged actively in the house construction from scratch was struggling to get rid of the container rather sooner than later. The major part of the house was built by the family father, craftsman Vahan. Now, when his house construction is completed, he works to finish the construction of his compatriots' houses. Now there will be a garden in the place where the metal wagon once lent from the son’s friend once stood.

“We have gone through a large number of hardships and have solved problems that seemed insurmountable then; however, yet, every hardship that we have gone through has made us stronger. It was an ultimate goal and dream to see my children and grandchildren living under their own roof. I still can't believe that this is a reality,” said Vahan.

The heads of partner organizations visited the town of Ashtarak in Aragatsotn; the purpose of the visit this time was to share the joy of the result together with the homeowners rather than to monitor the construction process.

“This program shapes a fundamental system of values in those who implement it, and those of our compatriots who become homeowners, and that refers happens regardless one’s profession or social position. Those who lend a supportive hand and those reach for it, get a clearer picture of how development happens and start appreciating those achievements. At the core of the system of values is the unity, the understanding that problems have to be solved jointly, and the readiness to be useful with no reward in mind. All these throwing deep roots in one’s conscience the steps taken later get more efficient. And that’s how a country strives,” Viva-MTS General Manager Ralph Yirikian said.

''After having gone through many hardships, this family can eventually enjoy the jubilance of living in their own decent home. We are glad that children in the family will not have to live with the burden of homelessness and will enjoy carefree childhood and will have a perspective for a happy future,'' said the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia President, Ashot Yeghiazaryan.

In the near future, the partners of ten years, Viva-MTS and the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia, will resume the volunteering which was interrupted due to the pandemic restrictions. It's important not only in terms of helping the families but also in terms of spreading the idea of solving problems hand in hand.