Author: Lara Antonian

The situation around the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem was discussed.

Lara Antonian
Feb 18 2024
18 February, 19:10

On February 18, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Ayman al-Safadi, within the framework of the Munich Security Forum.

During the meeting, reference was made to the activation of high-level political dialogue, mutual visits, and further expansion of intensive cooperation between the two countries in various fields. Exchanges and additional opportunities in the field of education were noted with satisfaction.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Jordan exchanged ideas on regional issues. Ararat Mirzoyan presented RA approaches to critical problems regulating relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

At the meeting, reference was made to the Armenian quarter in Jerusalem.

Missak Manouchian, symbole des "étrangers anonymes" de la Résistance

Lara Antonian
RTL.info, Belgique
18 fev 2024
Publié aujourd'hui à 07h24par AFP

Rescapé du génocide arménien, apatride et communiste, Missak Manouchian est devenu une figure de la Résistance dont l'entrée au Panthéon mercredi marque la reconnaissance du rôle joué par les étrangers en France dans la lutte contre le nazisme.

Sa panthéonisation "est aussi celle de tous ces étrangers anonymes qui sont morts pour la France", estime Katia Guiragossian, petite-nièce du résistant arménien fusillé le 21 février 1944 au Mont-Valérien.

Décédée en 1989, Mélinée Manouchian sera admise en même temps que lui, en tant qu'épouse, dans le temple des personnalités qui ont marqué l'histoire de la nation française.

Né le 1er septembre 1906 à Adiyaman (actuelle Turquie) au sein d'une famille paysanne, Missak (Michel) Manouchian s'est retrouvé orphelin très jeune, après la mort de son père tué lors du génocide arménien de 1915, puis de sa mère emportée par la famine.

Caché par une famille kurde, il est recueilli avec son frère Garabed dans un orphelinat de Jounieh (actuel Liban) où il se découvre un goût pour l'écriture et apprend le métier de menuisier.

Au milieu des années 1920, à bord du bateau qui le transporte de Beyrouth à Marseille, Missak s'épanche dans un long poème sur les espoirs que lui inspire sa future terre d'accueil.

– Poète ouvrier –

Il exerce un temps aux chantiers navals de La Seyne-sur-Mer (Var). Mais il n'apprécie guère ce travail et monte avec Garabed à Paris où il est embauché comme tourneur à l'usine Citroën du quai de Javel.

Ballotté de crise personnelle – avec la mort de son frère en 1927 – en crise économique – avec la perte de son emploi lors de la Grande dépression du début des années 30 -, Missak enchaîne les métiers tout en continuant d'explorer sa fibre artistique.

"Il s'intéressait aussi à la musique, à l'histoire, il suivait des cours à la bibliothèque ouvrière, fréquentait la bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, écrivait des poèmes… Il avait même suivi des cours d'écriture de scénario!", raconte Katia Guiragossian.

En 1934, le jeune homme rejoint le Parti communiste français (PCF) et le Comité de secours pour l'Arménie. C'est là qu'il rencontre Mélinée, elle aussi orpheline survivante du génocide arménien.

Née Mélinée Soukémian en 1913 à Constantinople (devenue Istanbul), elle est issue d'une famille aisée de fonctionnaires de l'Empire ottoman. Après la mort de ses parents, elle vit en Grèce, dans un orphelinat de Corinthe avant d'être envoyée en 1926 à Marseille pour poursuivre ses études.

Après une formation de comptable et de sténo-dactylographe, elle s'installe à Paris. Tous deux apatrides, Missak et Mélinée ont en commun une pleine adhésion à la civilisation française. Le couple se marie le 22 février 1936.

Trois ans plus tard, Missak Manouchian est interné comme communiste étranger dans un camp, puis incorporé dans l'armée. A son retour en 1940 dans Paris occupée, il poursuit clandestinement son activité militante, distribuant des tracts anti-hitlériens avec son ami historien Arsène Tchakarian.

– "Héros" de "l'Affiche rouge" –

Début 1943, il rejoint le groupe armé de la résistance communiste, les Francs-tireurs et partisans – main-d'œuvre immigrée (FTP-MOI).

La soixantaine de Polonais, Italiens ou Arméniens dirigés à compter de l'été 1943 par Missak Manouchian mène une centaine d'actions contre l'occupant: sabotages, déraillements, attaques de soldats… Jusqu'à leur principal fait d'armes, le 28 septembre 1943: le meurtre du général SS Julius Ritter, responsable du Service du travail obligatoire (STO), rue Pétrarque à Paris.

Le matin du 16 novembre 1943, alors que Missak Manouchian doit retrouver le chef des FTP-MOI de la région parisienne, Joseph Epstein, à la gare d’Évry-Petit-Bourg, les deux hommes sont arrêtés puis torturés et emprisonnés pendant plusieurs mois.

Au terme d'un simulacre de procès relaté dans la presse collaborationniste, Missak Manouchian est fusillé à l'âge de 37 ans, avec une vingtaine de ses camarades.

Dix d'entre eux figuraient sur "l'Affiche rouge" placardée dans les rues par l'occupant allemand, qui les présentait comme "l'armée du crime" menée par le "chef de bande" Manouchian et leur imputait "56 attentats, 150 morts, 600 blessés".

"+L'Affiche rouge+ voulait en faire des assassins, mais en a fait des héros", souligne l'historien Denis Peschanski, auteur du livre "Des étrangers dans la Résistance" (éd. de l'Atelier, 2002) et responsable scientifique du comité Missak Manouchian au Panthéon.

Sa panthéonisation concrétise sa prédiction: "Je suis sûr que le peuple français et tous les combattants de la Liberté sauront honorer notre mémoire dignement", avait écrit Missak dans sa dernière lettre à Mélinée, quelques heures avant d'être passé par les armes.

 

Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan quits

Lara Antonian

 14:08, 14 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan has announced his resignation.

In a statement, Kerobyan did not give a specific reason for the decision. 

“Dear residents of the Republic of Armenia. It so happened that I will no longer serve you as Minister of Economy,” he said in the statement published on social media.  “For more than three years, I worked with selfless devotion, filled with love towards each and every resident of Armenia. I worked at least six days a week, on an average from eight in the morning until nine in the evening, with just fifteen or sixteen days of leave taken during three years in total. I lived each day of work with a strong pursuit of having a powerful Armenia as soon as possible. I’ve been decisive, honest and devoted to my country. In 2023, the GDP of Armenia grew approximately 100% in US dollars compared to 2020, and 50% in Armenian drams. Armenia moved from being 112nd to 86th with GDP per capita during this time, surpassing for the first time Azerbaijan, Belarus and many other countries. The budgeting programs of the Ministry of Economy grew from 12,5 billion drams in 2019 to 91 billion drams for 2024. The employment output, volume of investments and Armenia’s foreign trade turnover grew drastically. On 20th of November, 2020, when I was assuming the post of minister, there was a high probability that I would serve only for a few days or months: there was a high likelihood of change of government. During that period of time I wanted to leave this work on many occasions due to disagreements, but I subordinated myself in order to bring the value of my service to my country to its maximum. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for this opportunity to serve my country,” Kerobyan said.

Armenia becomes first country in the region to join ENPE as observer

Lara Antonian

 17:32,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The Prosecutor-General’s Office of the Republic of Armenia has been included in the European Network of Prosecutors for the Environment (ENPE) as an observer.

Armenia is now the only country in the region to have an observer status in ENPE.

ENPE seeks to: • support the operative work of environmental prosecutors; • promote the exchange of information and experience of the enforcement and prosecution of environmental crime between members; • foster knowledge of environmental law among prosecutors and promote the development of environmental criminal law as an integral part of criminal law enforcement generally; • share experience of investigations, prosecutions and sanctions in the field of environmental criminal law; • contribute to better understanding, implementation and enforcement of environmental criminal law; • encourage and support co-operation between Members and facilitate capacity building in relation to the prevention and prosecution of environmental crime; • facilitate collection of data about environmental crime across Europe and enforcement action taken in relation to environmental crime; • identify and develop good, and whenever possible, best practice, for successful prosecutions and produce guidance, tools, common standards and approaches to the prosecution of environmental offences; • share training programmes in relation to environmental criminal law.

The network has over 60 members and observers (UK, France, Ireland, Sweden, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland and others).

Sports: Armenian Wrestling Star Malkhas Amoyan Secures Spot in European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship Finals

Lara Antonian
Feb 12 2024

: Armenian wrestling prodigy, Malkhas Amoyan, clinches a spot in the finals of the European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship. The 77 kg category titan overpowered Moldova's Alexandrin Gutu with a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals, securing his chance at the gold in Bucharest, Romania.

Malkhas Amoyan, a two-time European champion and world champion, has once again etched his name in the annals of Armenian wrestling. His latest achievement at the ongoing European Championships has captivated audiences worldwide. Amoyan's impressive victories against Italian Riccardo Vito Abbrescia and Russian Adlet Tyulubaev in the earlier rounds showcased his unwavering determination and expertise.

In the high-stakes semi-finals against Alexandrin Gutu, Amoyan exhibited remarkable strength and tactical prowess. The intense bout saw both wrestlers vying for dominance. However, Amoyan's experience and skill ultimately prevailed, securing his coveted place in the finals.

Meanwhile, Manvel Khachatryan, another formidable contender from the Armenian wrestling team, competed in the 55 kg category. Despite a valiant effort, Khachatryan succumbed to Moldovan wrestler Artem Dileanu in the semi-finals. The bout ended with a score of 2-2, with the deciding point scored by Dileanu. However, Khachatryan will have the opportunity to redeem himself and vie for the bronze medal on February 13.

As the European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship unfolds, all eyes are on Malkhas Amoyan as he prepares to face Turkey's Emre Basar in the finals. Will Amoyan clinch his third championship in the 77 kg weight category? The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this international wrestling spectacle.

In the realm of Greco-Roman wrestling, where strength and strategy intertwine, Malkhas Amoyan's journey serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Armenian athletes. As the curtains close on the European Championships, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter in this grand saga of human endurance and will.

https://bnnbreaking.com/sports/armenian-wrestling-star-malkhas-amoyan-secures-spot-in-european-greco-roman-wrestling-championship-finals


Authorities seek to introduce export duty for gold, platinum and palladium bullions

Lara Antonian

 11:10, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan on Tuesday introduced to lawmakers a bill seeking to set a state duty for the exports of gold, platinum and palladium bullions.

“With this bill we are setting an exports duty on gold, platinum and palladium bullions, taking into consideration that companies engaged in this business should have some participation in the Armenian budget,” Kerobyan told lawmakers at the plenary session.

The duty will be set in the range of 0,8-1% of market price of the bullions. The law on state duty envisages a fixed amount, for example for 1kg gold the duty is about 200,000 drams, which is approximately 1%.  “This trade grew significantly in the recent period. And there’s a need to swiftly regulate it,” the minister added.

In response to a question from Hayastan faction MP Artur Khachatryan, Kerobyan said that Armenia doesn’t produce gold bullions, and instead the gold mines are exporting unrefined gold. He added, however, that ‘probably we will have some news in this direction.”

Some 10 companies are engaged in the gold, palladium and platinum foreign trade in Armenia. “If there’s an opportunity to create an environment to enable the companies working in Armenia to engage in international commerce, then we are not closing that opportunity, but at the same time with this bill we are duly taxing it,” the minister said.

Education minister dismisses ‘absurd’ controversies around renaming history subject in schools

Lara Antonian

 11:30, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. The content of the Armenian History subject in schools will not be affected by the change of the subject’s name, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan told lawmakers Tuesday.

The ministry has introduced a bill on renaming the Armenian History subject to History of Armenia, which caused discontent and various allegations. The minister explained that the name of the subject should be changed in order for students to develop a perception of statehood.

Asked to clarify, the minister said that the content of the subject will be the same.

She said that the issue of renaming the subject has been addressed by various circles ever since the country gained independence. The most recent discussion on the matter was during the debates on new public education standards.

“As a result of these discussions I concluded that the name of the subject isn’t anyhow a matter for the professional dimension. We live in the Republic of Armenia, and schools in the Republic of Armenia must teach the history of Armenia. I’d like to specifically address the absurd claims that by renaming the subject History of Armenia the content that is part of our history would be left out of the subject. This isn’t about the content, the content is the same, regardless of the name. The name is the methodological perspective with which we approach the teaching of history,” the minister said.

DCCI urges Armenia to take skilled HR from Bangladesh

Lara Antonian
Feb 8 2024

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Ashraf Ahmed has urged Armenia to take skilled IT and infra manpower from Bangladesh.

"A large number of Bangladeshi skilled workforce especially of the IT and infrastructure sectors have been working in the Middle East and Southeast Asia successfully," he said while meeting with a four-member delegation from Enterprise Armenia led by Armenian Deputy Minister of the Economy Narek Teryan at DCCI in the city, said a press release.

During the meeting, Ashraf Ahmed said that Armenia can also explore our skilled manpower of these sectors from Bangladesh. "Bangladesh in recent past has been doing very well in the IT sector and our IT professionals can be a potential resource for Armenia as well. In comparison with Armenia, in terms of population, Bangladesh possesses a large consumer base for any product," he added. Narek Teryan said that for their future large infrastructure projects they may need a large number of manpower for infrastructure sector. He also appreciated the recent progress of Bangladesh's IT sector and expressed their interest to recruiting skilled IT professional from Bangladesh.

Narek also said that establishing joint Chambers would foster bilateral trade and investment more.

He informed that Armenia has already FTAs with CIS countries, Vietnam, Singapore and Serbia and CEPA with EU. Bangladesh can reap the benefit out of it, Narek added.

Later, he termed High-tech & IT, smart agriculture, food processing, tourism, textile, pharmaceuticals and shoes as the most potential sectors for Bangladeshi investors in Armenia. DCCI Senior Vice President Malik Talha Ismail Bari and Vice President Md. JunaedIbna Ali were present during the meeting.

Armenian President visits Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Budapest

Lara Antonian

 16:10, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has visited the Pázmány Péter Catholic University in Budapest.

Hungarian President Katalin Novák and Pázmány Péter Catholic University Rector Géza Kuminetz welcomed the Armenian President.

Photos by Hayk Manukyan

“It’s a great honor to be here in this 400-year-old educational center,” the Armenian President said. He described his visit as very meaningful because the Pázmány Péter Catholic University is one of the “symbols of the Armenian-Hungarian historical and cultural relations.”

The Armenian President recalled that as a result of the 2016 agreement signed with the Armenian State Pedagogical University, the Pázmány Péter Catholic University established a Department of Armenian Studies, which, according to Khachaturyan, “was truly a historic event aimed at the development of the traditions of Armenian studies.”

Today, 45 Armenian students from various countries study at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University. They receive scholarships from the Hungarian government and the Gulbenkian Foundation.

President Khachaturyan praised Dr. Balint Kovacs, the head of the Department of Armenian Studies at the Pázmány Péter Catholic University, for his daily efforts aimed at developing the area.

Kovacs is among the 2024 laureates of the Pro Cultura Minoritatum Hungariae award which pertains to Hungary’s national minorities. Khachaturyan said that the professor received the award for his academic work concerning Armenian studies, the cultural heritage of the Armenian Catholic Church, and the foundation of the Department of Armenian Studies at Pázmány Péter Catholic University.

The Armenian President pointed out the potential for development of bilateral ties not only in humanitarian sector, but in all sectors of science, especially in IT, AI, biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals and others.

During the visit the Armenian State Pedagogical University and the Pázmány Péter Catholic University signed another agreement.