Author: Hovsep Chakrian

15 schoolchildren face Gabriel Sargissian in open-air simultaneous display

Hovsep Chakrian

 11:40, 3 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 3, ARMENPRESS. On June 1, Byblos Bank Armenia held a unique event for kids and school students to celebrate the International Children's Day.

During the event at the Charles Aznavour Square in Yerevan, three-time Chess Olympiad champion, grandmaster Gabriel Sargissian performed an open-air simultaneous exhibition against 15 schoolchildren.

“I am happy to be spending Children's Day with smart and chess-loving kids. This holiday focuses on the happiness of children, their healthy growth and bright future, and chess has a long-term positive effect, it helps develop a creative mind and improves analytical thinking. I hope such contacts will contribute to spreading our love for chess even more,” said Gabriel Sargissian during the event.

The event was organized as part of the Bank's 15th anniversary CSR projects. It aimed to once again highlight the importance of educational programs, giving children the opportunity to communicate and interact with a chess player who has achieved great success.

The young chess players approached the meeting with the grandmaster with great responsibility, each of them trying their hardest to display their abilities to the fullest. They had an important experience and went home in good spirits, as well as with a collection of late chess grandmaster Tigran Petrosyan's lectures signed by Gabriel Sargissian.

The event, however, did not end there. The Bank had decorated the square with chess-themed accessories and photo booths, and organized an entertainment program with a reception, music and games.

The Bank had given high priority to the mission of making June 1 as fun as possible and, it seems, succeeded.

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Byblos Bank Armenia CJSC is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and will introduce a number of proposals and initiatives throughout the year.

The Bank was founded and opened the doors of its first branch in 2007. Today, the Bank has four branches in Yerevan where customers access various banking services and receive financial advice. The Bank provides its customers corporate-retail banking services that meet the highest international standards.

Government policy leads to fewer no-bid contract cases in procurement, says finance minister

Hovsep Chakrian

 12:10, 2 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 2, ARMENPRESS. Cases of sole-source contracts in the government procurement procedure have dropped as a result of the Pashinyan administration’s policies, the Minister of Finance Vahe Hovhannisyan has said.

“The decision on making sole-source contracts was being made by the [Cabinet] in the past, but now we’ve changed the procedure and the decision to make a sole-source contract is done by a given [minister] with their own responsibility. As a result of this change we have a decrease of sole-source contract cases. Given the responsibility that each [minister] bears for every single decision, we see stronger supervision for internal procedures,” the finance minister told lawmakers at a joint committee hearing in parliament.

Meanwhile, the volume of competitive bidding contracts in 2022 stood at 49,1% when the starting indicator was 34,4% and the target intended for 2024 was set at 47%. The average number of bidders in the tenders is 2,7, he said.

“We must take into consideration that when we speak about non-competitive procurement it relates mostly to the kind of services that have a single supplier, such as water, gas, electricity and so on,” Hovhannisyan added.

Armenian PM congratulates Italian counterpart on national day, notes growing volumes of trade and investments

Hovsep Chakrian

 11:43, 2 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 2, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on the Italian national day, the Festa della Repubblica. 

Below is the congratulatory telegram sent by the Armenian PM to his Italian counterpart.

“Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian people, I cordially congratulate you and the friendly people of Italy on the national holiday, the Republic Day.

The Armenian-Italian cooperation stands out with the high level political dialogue. I am pleased to note that bilateral trade and volumes of Italian investments in Armenia are growing every year. Armenia is determined to bring the economic relations with Italy to the level of political dialogue. We attach importance to partnership with Italy both bilaterally and multilaterally, including cooperation within the framework of the EU.

I am convinced that through joint efforts we will contribute to the strengthening of the traditionally friendly Armenian-Italian relations. I hope we will have the chance to meet in the nearest future to discuss all issues on the agenda of mutual interest, and to outline new prospects of bilateral cooperation. I wish new successes to you in your responsible mission and peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Italy.”

Sports: We hope that some of these Armenian children will become professional football players. Claudio Zola

Hovsep Chakrian
Aysor, Armenia
June 1 2023

The Milan Academy Junior Camp has kicked off in Yerevan bringing together Italian coaches, kids and teens from Armenian regions and leading brands.

The Milan Academy Junior Camp is a charity project implemented by Ameriabank. Leading Armenian brands such as Team Telecom Armenia, Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine and Tashir Group have joined the initiative. The camp is held under the slogan “Let’s score tomorrow’s goal today”.

From May 28 to June 7, a total of 160 children from various regions will start their day at the Yerevan Football Academy with the coach’s whistle and go to the stadium to refine their football skills and practice football techniques brought by the professionals from Milan.

The camp has welcomed boys and girls aged 11-15 from the regions of Armenia who play in regional football clubs. The participants have showcased exceptional performance, having previously participated in the Armenian junior championships and distinguished themselves as the finest in their respective positions.

To train the children, AC Milan Academy coaches Claudio Zola, Amadeo Cataldi, Leo Mosesohn and Virio Perelli have arrived in Armenia.

“We speak different languages but the football is the same around the world. We hope that some of these children will become professional football players. It is important that kids follow their dreams. Maybe one day they have an opportunity to play in the top leagues”, said Claudio Zola, AC Milan International Academies Head Coach. 

For more details, watch the video.

Ameriabank CJSC

Ameriabank is a leading financial and technology company in Armenia, a major contributor to the Armenian economy, with assets exceeding AMD 1 trillion. In the course of digital transformation, it has launched a number of innovative solutions and platforms going beyond banking-only needs of its diverse customer base, thus creating a dynamically evolving financial technology space. 

Team Telecom Armenia

Team Telecom Armenia is a company operating in the field of telecommunications in Armenia, which provides mobile and fixed telephone, as well as internet services and digital television services. As the successor of the first telecommunication system in Armenia, Team combines the rich experience of the first communication operator with modern technologies.

Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine

Zangezur copper-molybdenum combine was founded in 1952. It is one of the largest employers in Armenia and the number one taxpayer. Only last year, ZCMC paid about 144 billion drams to the state budget. ZCMC is among the world’s top 10 producers of molybdenum․

Tashir Group

Tashir is a diversified group of industrial and construction companies, operating across various economic sectors. The group consists of approximately 200 companies primarily involved in construction and real estate management. The group has a presence in the Republic of Armenia and several cities in the Russian Federation.

Secretary of Security Council of Armenia urges Hikmet Hajiyev to refrain from maximalist aspirations

Hovsep Chakrian

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 17:26,

YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. On May 30, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, participated in a panel discussion with Hikmet Hajiyev, the Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan, in the framework of the "GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum", in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, during which he presented the position of the Armenian side regarding the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Security Council, Armen Grigoryan particularly addressed the issues regarding the international mechanism on the security and rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, the delimitation and border security processes of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, and the unblocking of regional communications.

The secretary emphasized the need for a constructive position of Azerbaijan in the negotiation process, calling to refrain from maximalist aspirations.

Armenia says two military service members abducted by Azerbaijan

Hovsep Chakrian
IRAN FRONT PAGE
ByIFP Media Wire

Two Armenian servicemen were abducted by the Azerbaijani forces, the Armenian Defense Ministry claimed Saturday.

“On May 26, a supply vehicle, loaded with food and water for strongholds, which was considered missing since 19:00 (local time) May 26, has been discovered on a road between positions. The vehicle was used by two Armenian servicemen,” the ministry press office said.

“Wide-scale operation on investigation of illegal abduction of Armenian servicemen by the Azerbaijani side is underway,” the Ministry noted.

The press office pointed out that, on May 26, Azerbaijani mass media and border security agency “published false information that the Armenian side allegedly carried out a sabotage infiltration attempt,” which resulted in apprehension of two Armenian servicemen.

“The message, published by the Azerbaijani border security agency, is a total lie and disinformation,” the defense ministry added.

A weapon, assigned to one of the servicemen was found in the vehicle, the press office noted.

“This proves that, even if the servicemen left the vehicle and were unable to find their bearings, they could not have had any sabotage intentions,” the Defense Ministry underlined, underscoring that the information about the incident will be forwarded to international partners.

Armenian Defense Ministry Says Lost Communication With 2 Soldiers On Azerbaijani Border

Hovsep Chakrian

 Muhammad Irfan  Published | 07:11 PM

The Armenian Defense Ministry said on Saturday that it had lost communication with two soldiers on the border with Azerbaijan, with search operations currently being carried out

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 27th May, 2023) The Armenian Defense Ministry said on Saturday that it had lost communication with two soldiers on the border with Azerbaijan, with search operations currently being carried out.

Earlier in the week, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry stated that it had thwarted an attempt to "violate the Azerbaijani state border by a sabotage and reconnaissance group of Armenian armed forces" and detained two Armenian servicepeople.

Yerevan rejected the accusation.

"On May 26, from 7 p.m. (15:00 GMT), communication with 2 servicemen of the RA Armed Forces supplying food to combat positions was interrupted. Search operations are being carried out to find the servicemen," the ministry said in a statement.

It added that the version of them "turning up the Azerbaijani side" was also being investigated.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/armenian-defense-ministry-says-lost-communica-1698488.html

Armenia awards Senator Leo Housakos the Order of Friendship

Hovsep Chakrian

  • By Joel Goldenberg 

Senator Leo Housakos was honoured with the Order of Friendship by the decree of Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan.

The award was presented for Sen. Housakos' "contribution to the strengthening and the development of friendly ties between Armenia and Canada, and his dedication to preserving universal human values," the Armenian Embassy in Canada posted on social media. "Congratulations, Honourable Senator, on your well deserved recognition! Wishing you continued success and the very best in all your future endeavours."

Senator Don Plett paid tribute to Housakos on the occasion of the honour from Armenia.

"Senator Housakos has served the Senate and the people of Canada for many years and in various capacities, including as Speaker of the Senate in 2015," Senator Plett said. "His particular passion, however, has been his commitment to international human rights, freedom and the rule of law. In that capacity, we know him to have spoken out courageously on matters of human rights all around the world."

The Senator added that amongst the peoples Sen. Housakos has spoken for "are the people of Armenia.

"Armenia is a country that has suffered significantly in recent years, surrounded as it is by hostile and often aggressive neighbours. In 2020, Armenia was attacked by its neighbour Azerbaijan in the so-called 44-day war. That attack was supported by Turkey. There were few voices in Canada speaking out for Armenia back then. Turkey is, after all, a NATO ally. The issue was considered too delicate for many. However, Sen. Housakos had the courage to speak out. He exposed the silence of the international community on both the war and on the forced uprooting of many Armenian people from their homes. He condemned the lopsided settlement imposed on Armenia by its powerful neighbours."

Sen. Plett explained that Sen. Housakos "did not receive many accolades from the Government of Canada for his actions, but the people of Armenia did take notice. Indeed, he was recently awarded the Order of Friendship through a decree by the President of Armenia.

"Colleagues, I can say from a personal perspective that I am particularly proud of Sen. Housakos’ work as he defends human rights and the rule of law around the world. I hope all Senators will join me in extending our warmest congratulations to our friend Senator Leo Housakos. Congratulations on this well‑deserved honour."

https://www.thesuburban.com/news/city_news/armenia-awards-senator-leo-housakos-the-order-of-friendship/article_d68fdc3a-b321-5847-89c7-9bdffb60c798.html

Asbarez: Artsakh is Governed by its People’s Mandate, Says Foreign Minister

Hovsep Chakrian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 May 16, 2023

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Sergey Ghazaryan is Artsakh's foreign minister


Artsakh’s Foreign Minister Sergey Ghazarian on Tuesday said his government is guided by the mandate it has received from its citizens, when they overwhelmingly voted for independence in 1991.

He added that the Artsakh authorities cannot renege on the people’s _expression_ of free will.

Speaking to reporters, Ghazaryan also lamented that the European Council President Charles Michel did mention the current situation in Artsakh—Azerbaijan’s blockade, the illegal checkpoint and the ongoing aggression and the acute humanitarian crisis—in his statement following his meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Brussels on Sunday.

Instead Michel said he called on Aliyev to create security guarantees for the “Armenians of the Nagorno-Karabakh oblast,” a term used to describe Artsakh during the Soviet times, before Artsakh’s declaration of independence.

The EU leader also announced that Armenia and Azerbaijan “confirmed their commitment” to respect each other’s territorial integrity, specifying Azerbaijan’s 86,600 square kilometers, which includes Artsakh.

“The people of Artsakh declared their decision through free _expression_ of will on December 10, 1991. There have been various opinions since, but the authorities of Artsakh are guided by the mandate bestowed upon them by the people and cannot go against that _expression_ of will,” Ghazaryan told reporters.

While the Artsakh foreign minister did not directly address the territorial integrity issue and the ramifications of Michel’s statements on the future of status of Artsakh, he did fault the EU leader for ignoring the current realities on the ground.

“Most importantly, he [Michel] did not mention Azerbaijan’s non-compliance with the requirements of the International Court of Justice and the dire humanitarian situation established in Artsakh as a result of Azerbaijan’s provocative steps,” Ghazaryan said, referring to ICJ’s February 22 ruling ordering Azerbaijan to ensure “unimpeded movement” on the Lachin Corridor.

In a strongly-worded statement on Monday, Artsakh’s Foreign Ministry said “the EU leadership continues to ignore the legitimate rights and interests of the people of Artsakh and is guided solely by their own geopolitical and short-term interests in the region to the detriment of the values of democracy and human rights declared by the European Union.”

Armenian Prime Minister discusses humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh with Romanian President

Hovsep Chakrian

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 16:38,

YEREVAN, MAY 17, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis within the framework of the 4th Council of Europe Summit in Iceland.

Pashinyan and Iohannis discussed “issues related to the ongoing processes in the South Caucasus region,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.

The Armenian Prime Minister also spoke about the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor.

Views were exchanged around other issues of mutual interest.