16:21, 2 August 2022
YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, ARMENPRESS. The volume of deposits of non-residents in Armenia grew 70,4%, Central Bank Macroeconomics Department Chief Armen Nurbekyan told ARMENPRESS at a press conference.
“The deposits of non-resident physical persons grew 70,4% from February to June 30,” he said.
Most of the growth is associated with demand deposits. Quantitatively the accounts of non-residents are growing, but not in the same pace as before.
Azerbaijan carried out retaliatory special operation Retribution in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), a message posted on the website of the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense said.
As a result of the special operation, the Azerbaijani army took control of a number of dominant heights, including Girkhgyz and Sarybaba.
"Currently, our units are conducting engineering work on the arrangement of new positions and the construction of access roads,” the Ministry of Defense said.
The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan demands the complete disarmament of the army of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) and the withdrawal of troops from those territories.
Two servicemen were killed and 14 more were injured in the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as a result of an attack conducted by the forces of Azerbaijan, the Artsakh Defense Army (another second name of the NKR — ed.) said.
It was reported that two contractees were killed as the army of Azerbaijan attacked military positions of the army of Nagorno-Karabakh.
"Measures are being taken in cooperation with the command of the Russian troops carrying out a peacekeeping mission to stabilize the situation in the Republic of Artsakh. As of 18:00 (17:00 Moscow time), the operational and tactical situation was relatively stable," the message said.
On August 2, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire in Karabakh three times in one day. As a result of the shelling, one NKR serviceman was injured, later the number of victims increased to seven.
Baku announced that a serviceman of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces was killed as a result of the attack from Armenian positions in Karabakh. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic blamed the military and political leadership of Armenia.
In August 2022, the inaugural edition of the Symphonic Yerevan International Music Festival will land in Armenia, organized by the European Foundation for Support of Culture (EUFSC), in collaboration with the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, and in partnership with the Armenian Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the Yerevan Municipality, Armenian State Philharmonia and Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall and the Komitas Museum-Institute.
Commencing on the 12th of August, and running until the 25th of the month, this festival will see some of the most acclaimed musicians and conductors of our time performing in the Armenian capital over the course of 14 days, with the festival presenting a mixture of chamber and symphonic concerts in some of the city’s most celebrated venues, including the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall, the Arno Babajanyan Concert Hall and Komitas Museum-Institute, the State Symphony Orchestra reports.
Featuring a number of performances by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, who will be taking on the role of Orchestra-in-Residence for this first edition, Symphonic Yerevan will also witness appearances by a host of leading international soloists, including violinists Giovanni Andrea Zanon (Italy), Marc Bouchkov (Belgium) and Nancy Zhou (China/USA), pianists Saleem Ashkar (Israel/Palestine), Vanessa Benelli Mosell (Italy), Armine Grigoryan (Armenia), Sona Barseghyan (Armenia), clarinettist Fabrizio Meloni (Italy), cellist Brannon Cho (USA), flautist Noemi Gyori (Hungary), Gevorg Avetisyan (Armenia), guitarist Xuefei Yang (China) and others.
Moreover, throughout the festival, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra shall also be teaming up with various distinguished conductors from around the world, with Dutch conductor Daniel Raiskin, Hungarian conductor Gergely Madaras and Sergey Smbatyan, the Founder, Artistic Director, and Principal Conductor of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, each set to lead the orchestra at different points of the festival.
Across Symphonic Yerevan’s 14 concerts, audiences will be able to enjoy music from a variety of seminal composers from Armenia, the wider European region and beyond, with the concert programmes specially selected to feature works from historic greats alongside contemporary offerings from some of the renowned composers of our own time.
It should be noted that Alexey Shor is the Composer-In-Residence of the “Symphonic Yerevan” International Music Festival.
“I am very proud to be launching the first edition of the “Symphonic Yerevan” International Music Festival in this wonderful city, and honoured to be doing so alongside the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, one of our oldest and most treasured partners, who share our deep passion for the global heritage that is classical music. I have no doubt that this festival shall prove to be yet another successful collaboration, and encourage you all to join us along with the dozens of internationally-acclaimed artists and musicians who will all be taking part in this joyous celebration of culture,” notes Konstantin Ishkhanov, President of the EUFSC.
Sergey Smbatyan notes that the cooperation with the European Foundation for Support of Culture is expanding year by year, and their approaches and desires in creating new projects coincide. “I sincerely congratulate all the outstanding soloists and conductors of the “Symphonic Yerevan” International Music Festival, as well as our audience, who will have the opportunity to enjoy the concert performances both in the halls and online platforms,” says Sergey Smbatyan.
All metro services in Yerevan have been suspended and passengers evacuated in response to an anonymous bomb alert, Press Service of the Yerevan City Hall reports.
At 12:57 the National Center for Crisis Management was alerted that explosive devices were placed in Yerevan City Hall, all metro stations, Zvartnots International Airport, as well as in all important military and civilian facilities.
Rescuers, firefighters, as well as canine teams have been dispatched to the above-mentioned sites.
Tabriz, IRNA – Ambassador of Armenia to Iran emphasizing the need to increase his country’s trade volume with Iran, said that efforts are made to increase Iran-Armenia annual trade volume to one billion dollars.
Ambassador Arsen Avagyan in his Friday evening meeting with the governor-general of East Azarbaijan province said that Iran’s neighboring provinces with Armenia have great importance for his country, and requested the governor-general for establishment of a consular office in Tabriz.
“We are ready to have face to face meetings between the two countries merchants and businessmen and we invite West Azarbaijan province merchants and officials to visit Armenia’s Syunik province," he said.
Ambassador Avagyan further reiterated that Aras border river is of significant importance for both Iran and Armenia and to ease the emerged environmental worries one of the mines has been shut down till required moves will be made to eliminate the environmental hazards.
He said that East Azarbaijan is the closest transit route for Armenia and buying the manufactured goods in that province is among Armenia’s priorities.
The governor of East Azarbaijan province, for his part, emphasized that that province is quite ready for boosting trade with neighboring countries, including Armenia, and said that one of the basic policies of the 13th Government is increasing interactions with neighboring countries, and the provinces have the required authorities for the purpose.
Abedin Khorram added that Tabriz and East Azarbaijan province play major and particular roles in various economic, cultural, and social scenes in Islamic Republic of Iran.
He said that increased trade and business between the two provinces of East Azarbaijan and Syunik is quite favorable for Iran.
Khorram also referred to the supreme scientific status of East Azarbaijan province in Iran, announcing that province’s readiness for establishment of a joint science and technology park, which can be turned into a regional export hub.
He said that the Aras River is of great importance for Iran and therefore, we expect Armenia to take major steps to control the entry of mining sewage water into it.
The governor said that the private sector of that province is active in various fields of foodstuff, industrial products, steel industry, machineries, and high quality technical and engineering services, which can be used in various economic and development projects of Armenia.
10:34, 19 July 2022
YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan emphasizes that conscripts from Armenia will no longer be deployed to the Republic of Artsakh for military service.
Grigoryan added that conscripts in Artsakh will continue being conscripted to military service in the Artsakh Defense Army.
ARMENPRESS: Mr. Grigoryan, there’s been much criticism recently saying that the Republic of Armenia is withdrawing troops from Nagorno Karabakh, thus leaving Nagorno Karabakh undefended. How would you respond to this criticism?
Grigoryan: During the war a number of units from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia went to help the Defense Army of NK. After the establishment of the ceasefire and the deployment of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation the withdrawal of the units of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia from NK is logical.
ARMENPRESS: But doesn’t this mean that Nagorno Karabakh is indeed being left undefended?
Grigoryan: No, because in the past the function of ensuring the security of NK was again being fulfilled by the NK Defense Army. And nothing is being changed in this regard. Although, it should be noted for the record that the deployment of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh should be a security guarantee.
ARMENPRESS: But the events in Parukh showed that this is not the case….
Grigoryan: The events in Parukh were a gross violation of the 2020 November 9 trilateral statement and applicable international law. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces invaded into the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh. The Russian Federation assured us that the invading Azerbaijani forces must withdraw, and we hope that the Russian peacekeeping forces will ensure the withdrawal of the Azerbaijani units that have illegally invaded into the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh. The presence of the Russian peacekeeping forces in itself shows Russia’s accepting the fact that there is a real existential threat for the population of NK and the peacekeeping forces have a key significance in guaranteeing the security of the Armenians of NK.
ARMENPRESS: Please clarify: Are the conscripted servicemen of the Armed Forces of Armenia in NK being replaced with contract (voluntary) servicemen or are the units of the Armed Forces of Armenia withdrawing from NK?
Grigoryan: Let me clarify to be clear. Due to the war, a number of units of the Armed Forces of Armenia entered NK to help the Defense Army. After the establishment of the ceasefire they are returning to the Republic of Armenia. This process is nearing completion and will end in September. Regarding the Defense Army: it has been and continues to be in Nagorno Karabakh.
ARMENPRESS: This means that no conscripted servicemen from Armenia will be deployed in NK from September?
Grigoryan: Yes. But according to information received from NK authorities the conscripts of Nagorno Karabakh will continue serving in the Defense Army just like before.
ARMENPRESS: What about contract (voluntary) servicemembers?
Grigoryan: According to information received from NK authorities, contract servicemen will continue serving in the Defense Army just like before.
ARMENPRESS: From Armenia also?
Grigoryan: Contract servicemembers from Armenia are not deployed to the NK Defense Army. Upon necessity, NK is organizing the involvement of contract servicemembers on spot.
Shant Khlghatyan
17:57,
YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. During the consultation held at Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the problems related to grape processing during the current year and the possibilities of their solution were discussed, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.
It was reported that during the last years, the volume of exports of bottled brandy from our country has continuously increased. A similar trend is present in the case of grape wine. The volume of consumption of the latter is also increasing in the territory of the country.
In this context, reference was made to the volume of harvest expected this year, the organization of the procurement process, the course of work with farms and companies.
It was noted that within the framework of the state subsidy program, a contract for procurement of about 97 thousand tons of grapes has been signed between producers and suppliers, the process is continuous.
The implementation of daily consistent activities in the direction of solving possible problems and providing assistance to procurement companies within the framework of the government tools in order to increase export volumes were highlighted.
In this regard, it was emphasized that the Government plans to take an initiative to optimize the payment of duties in the export process in the near future.
Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized the consistent increase in the volume of exports of bottled brandy and wines from our country and noted that the Executive will continue to keep the issue in the center of attention.
YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: As it is known, the unblocking of all economic and transport links in the region is planned according to point 9 of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020. (…).
Although the RA authorities are not in a hurry to inform about where the unblocked roads will pass from—that is, by which roads will be connected from Azerbaijan to Turkey and vice versa—, they say in Syunik [Province of Armenia] that 4-5 road options are being discussed whereby they will allow Azerbaijanis to move freely through the territory of Armenia. (…).
One [option] is the Kubatlu-Orotan-Khot road; the other—the Bichenek/Nakhchivan/Karvachar direction.
Third, from the intersection of Noravan village in Sisian, the interstate motorway is connected with Nakhchivan and Karvachar.
The fourth—from Kubatlu to Berdzor region [to] Lachin, which passes near Khndzoresk village.
There is talk also about the construction of a road stretching from Berdzor region to Karvachar, as well as the section stretching toward Karvachar from above Jermuk.
15:56, 7 July 2022
YEREVAN, JULY 7, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson announced his resignation today.
He delivered a resignation speech outside 10 Downing Street in London.
Johnson said he would continue to serve in post until his party selects a new leader.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs budget
GLENDALE—California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the 2022-2023 State Budget with $10 million in new funding for the Armenian American Museum currently under construction in the City of Glendale. The new funding brings the State of California’s total investment in the cultural and educational center to $19.8 million.
Governor Newsom first proposed the new funding for the museum in the May Revised Budget proposal for the State of California. Last week, the Governor made the additional funding official with the signing of the state budget.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to Governor Gavin Newsom for his strong leadership and unwavering support of the Armenian American Museum,” stated Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian on the heels of the major announcement. “We also extend our special thanks to Senator Anthony Portantino for his long standing advocacy in support of the project.”
Senator Anthony Portantino, a longtime champion of the museum, has been collaborating with the Governor’s office to educate state officials and colleagues on the historic significance of the project.
State Senator Anthony Portantino speaks at the Armenian American Museum groundbreaking in July 2021
“I am deeply appreciative to Governor Newsom for proposing and signing $10 million in new state funding to support the Armenian American Museum,” stated Senator Anthony Portantino. “The Governor recognizes the major impact the institution is going to have on all Californians and once again has proven his commitment with this critical and timely investment.”
The Armenian American Museum is a world class cultural and educational institution that is currently under construction in 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.
The museum celebrated its historic groundbreaking and commenced construction on the project in Summer 2021. The Phase I construction of the semi-subterranean parking garage and foundation is on schedule to be completed in Summer 2022. The next major phase of the project will be the Phase II construction of the two-level 50,820-square-foot museum complex.