Author: Lara Chatinian

Armenian Christian Prisoner Hakop Gochumyan Trial Result Still Unknown

Lara Chatinian
Jan 28 2024

01/27/2024 Iran (International Christian Concern) – Armenian Christian Hakop Gochumyan is still being detained in Iran. Last summer Hakop, an Armenian citizen, traveled to Iran to visit his wife Elisa’s family, an Iranian-Armenian.

On Aug. 16, they were arrested while visiting their friend’s home. Their arrests coincided with arrests of dozens of other Christian converts in Iran. Elisa was held for several months but was released and returned to Armenia with their children. Hakop’s trial was scheduled for Jan. 7. His current location and well-being are still unknown.

While Hakop and Elisa live in Armenia and only were visiting family in Iran, Elisa’s father, Rafi Shahverdian, was a well-known pastor in Yerevan after fleeing Iran in the 1990s. It is reported that Christian literature was found with them when they were arrested in Iran.

The minority Armenian Christians are given certain protections under the Islamic Republic’s legal system. They are, however, forbidden from any proselytizing to Iranian Muslims, and Farsi language Christian literature is banned. Iran is estimated to be holding more than 100 Christians in prison detention by the end of 2023.

Georgia ready to contribute to establishing peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Garibashvili

Lara Chatinian

 17:59,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 26, ARMENPRESS. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili  expressed hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan would soon sign a peace treaty, Garibashvili  said after the Armenia-Georgia Intergovernmental Commission in Tbilisi.

"We have always been ready and are ready to contribute to the establishment of long-term peace, which will be beneficial both for the countries and peoples of the entire region. We look at the ongoing dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia with great optimism and hope. I hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon sign a peace treaty, undoubtedly promoting and strengthening peace in the region," said Gharibashvili.

PM Pashinyan congratulates India’s Modi on Republic Day

Lara Chatinian

 12:40,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 26, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has sent a congratulatory letter to the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi on the occasion of Republic Day.

The letter, published by the Prime Minister’s Office, reads as follows:

"I send warm congratulations to you and the friendly people of India on the occasion of the Republic Day of India.

“Republic Day is a significant occasion for the nations and states that have fought for independence to reaffirm the commitment of the people and the state to the principles of justice, sovereignty, equality and fraternity established by the Constitution.

“The Constitution of the Republic of India not only embodies the historical and political culture of India, but is also the best example of harmoniously combining the provisions of the nation's political and philosophical thought in the supreme law.

“It is no coincidence that the ideas of the Constitution and Constitutionalism played a major role in the core of the centuries-old Armenian-Indian friendship, taking into account that the Armenian people’s first Constitution was drafted in India. Today we can already proudly record that our friendly ties formed throughout centuries and the common past of our peoples are entering the practical stage of new achievements in bilateral and multilateral relations.

“Congratulating you again on the occasion of the Republic Day, I wish you and the friendly people of India peace and prosperity."

Change of school history subject title stirs controversy in Armenia

Lara Chatinian

Jan 24 2024


 

ByArshaluys Barseghyan

A proposal to change the name of a school subject, Armenian History, to the History of Armenia has stirred controversy in the country, despite government reassurances that the curriculum would remain unchanged.

During a meeting of the ruling Civil Contract party last week, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that a group of teachers and scientists had appealed to the Ministry of Education to change the subject’s name.

Pashinyan stated that he agreed with the proposal, adding that he ‘blamed himself’ for not ‘noticing this subtlety’ earlier.

‘There is a very serious difference in the deep content because the history of the Armenian people implies the history of the absence of statehood with episodes of existence of statehood, and the history of Armenia implies a history of statehood with episodes of absence of statehood’, said Pashinyan.

On Tuesday, Deputy Education Minister Araksya Svachyan stated that none of the current history textbooks would undergo any changes aside from their titles.

Despite the ministry’s assurances that no changes would be made to the curriculum, Pashinyan’s statement prompted public criticism. 

On Monday, the Ministry of Education submitted the proposal to change the subject’s name to the Unified Website for Publication of Legal Acts’ Drafts, a government portal used to share draft legislation with the public before its discussion.

The ministry argued that the name change reflects the different periods of the history of Armenian statehood and the Armenian people.

The portal on which the ministry submitted the proposal allows people to vote on drafts and leave their own suggestions, though such voting is not legally binding.

At the time of publication, 55% voted against the draft, while around 30 people left comments or suggestions.

Some pointed out that the word ‘Hayots’ from ‘Hayots Patmutyun’ (‘Armenian history’), was derived from the word ‘Hayq’, Armenia’s ancient name, and therefore denoted the history of both the Armenian nation and state.

This, they argued, was more reflective of Armenia over the past two millennia, rather than only the modern Armenian republic.

‘Armenian History is a much more comprehensive concept and includes the history of our people in the pre-state period, the history of Urartu and Greater Armenia, the history of Armenian principalities and mediaeval kingdoms, and much more’, wrote Avetik Chalabyan.

‘To replace it with the “History of Armenia”, which refers to a relatively recent period, will artificially exclude a significant part of Armenian history from teaching.’

In an interview with Armenia’s Public Radio, historian Edgar Hovhannisyan argued that the subject’s original name, Armenian History, was also representative of the Armenian Diaspora, which constitutes the majority of Armenians.

‘If we are talking about the history of Armenia, are we not going to study the Armenian colonies, the Diaspora? For example, the first seeds of the idea of restoring Armenia’s independence were born in the Indo-Armenian colony in the 18th century’, he said.

https://oc-media.org/change-of-school-history-subject-title-stirs-controversy-in-armenia/

Armenia has undertaken no obligations regarding the creation of any corridor, claims FM

Lara Chatinian

 17:59,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. During the press conference on Tuesday, the  Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan referred to the expediency of canceling the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020.

"Armenia has always fulfilled its obligations, unlike Azerbaijan and Russia, and the evidence of non-fulfillment is more than clear and tangible, first of all, regarding Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor,” Mirzoyan said.

Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized that Armenia has not undertaken any obligations regarding "the corridor."

The Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that the Republic of Armenia is not only ready, but also interested in achieving the unblocking of the transport and economic infrastructure of the region.




Armenian, Portuguese justice ministers discuss cooperation

Lara Chatinian

 11:21, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s Minister of Justice Grigor Minasyan has met with Portugal’s Minister of Justice Catarina Sarmento e Castro within the framework of the European Public Law Organization’s Global Rule of Law Commission annual meeting in Portugal.

Minasyan and his Portuguese counterpart discussed possible directions of cooperation in the justice sector. Particularly, the sides discussed Portugal’s advanced experience in digitization and the correctional sector, the Ministry of Justice said in a readout. Directions of possible cooperation in the sector of mediation as alternative mechanism of dispute resolution were also discussed.

A number of issues of mutual interest in the justice sector were also discussed. An agreement was reached to deepen cooperation.

AW: Arman Tsaturyan, Mount Ishkhanasar hero

Lara Chatinian
 Guest Contributor News 0

After midnight on September 13, 2022, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack on Armenia utilizing drones, artillery and caliber firearms. Azerbaijani forces shelled the Syunik, Vayots Dzor and Gegharkunik regions, including military positions, civilian settlements and infrastructure in Goris, Kapan, Jermuk, Vardenis, Sotk, as well as Mount Ishkhanasar and Mount Artanish.

During the three days of fighting that ensued, many Armenian heroes were martyred, including Valodya Abrahamyan, Gourgen Gasparyan, Hayk Gasparyan, Hovik Gevorgyan, David Gishyan, Hayk Hakobyan, Gevorg Hayrapetyan, Zohrab Hovhannisyan, Sargis Khanoyan, Zorik Margaryan, Levon Melkonyan, Azat Nesisiyan, Mikayel Poghosyan, Argishti Stepanyan and many other lion-hearted Armenian soldiers. One of those heroes is Arman Tsaturyan, who heroically fought to keep Mount Ishkhanasar invincible like an impregnable fortress.

Arman Tsaturyan

Mount Ishkhanasar, or the Big Ishkhanasar (3,550m), literally “the mountain of lord,” is located in southern Armenia in the Syunik province. It has a volcanic crater, steep slopes and Sev Lich (Black Lake) at an altitude of 2,666m. Noravan, Metsdzor, Vakhatin and Shamb rivers flow from the mountain slopes. Mount Tsghuk (3,581m) and Mount Ukhtasar  (3,500m) are located nearby, with a serene azure lake and ancient petroglyphs dating back to the Paleolithic age.

On September 14, 2022, Junior Sergeant Arman Tsaturyan became immortal, falling victim while defending Mount Ishkhanasar. He fired eight times from artillery in one minute, destroying all the enemy targets and breaking a military record.

Tsaturyan’s roots come from Hay Paris Village of the Shahumyan region of northern Artsakh. He was born on July 4, 2003 and attended school N191 named after David Hovsepyan. In 2015, he continued his education in secondary school N176 named after Gourgen Mahari, participating in a number of competitions (Kangaroo, Meghr) and being awarded a number of prizes. From 2018-2021, he completed high school named after Galust Gyulbenkyan. 

While he was given the chance to study in Russia, Tsaturyan gave up that opportunity for the sake of his homeland. He returned to Armenia, leaving his studies in Russia unfinished. He was admitted to Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE), where he was a top student and a member of Student Council. 

Dean of the Faculty of Management Manuk Movsisyan remembers: “He was a pioneer as an individual and was the first to help and assist his friends. When I look at his photo, I am sure that he would really be the first.”

Tsaturyan was also a connoisseur of history. He loved to read historical novels, and his favorite book was Gevorg Marzpetuni by Muratsan, which he read three times. He had also read Garegin Nzhdeh’s writings. 

On January 19, 2022, Tsaturyan joined the army, serving in Lusakert military unit where he stood out for his high morality and willingness. After six-month service in Lusakert, he became a Junior Sergeant and continued his service in Sisian, Syunik. 

July 4, 2023 commemorative matinee dedicated to Arman Tsaturyan’s 20th anniversary. Tsaturyan’s sister Luiza Tsaturyan is speaking on stage.

During the September 2022 attack, Tsaturyan fought heroically with swiftness, precision and bravery. While two of the artillery broke down, he acted quickly to create a false impression that they still worked. On September 14, Azeri forces fired more intensively. Hearing the sound of a drone, Tsaturyan called on his friends to conceal themselves, facing the attack alone. Tragically, the drone spotted Tsaturyan, and he was fatally wounded. While breathing his last, Tsaturyan released an eighth fire of artillery, fully destroying the enemy units.

On January 31, 2023, a classroom named after Arman Tsaturyan was opened in Yerevan’s High School N190. On July 4, 2023, a commemorative matinee was held in Malatia-Sebastia, Yerevan, dedicated to Tsaturyan’s 20th birthday. 

Eternal glory to Arman Tsaturyan and all Armenian heroes who fell for the sake of their motherland, keeping the heights of the Armenian Highlands unapproachable.

“The army is a priority for me nowadays, as there is no defense without the army, and if there is no army, I cannot be sure that my family will live in peace,” Tsaturyan said.




"Indian investments are flourishing in Armenia", Armenian Minister Vahan Kerobyan

Lara Chatinian
Jan 10 2024

ANI

Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], January 10 (ANI): Vahan Kerobyan, Minister of Economy for Armenia, took centre stage at the inauguration of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, emphasising the growing significance of trade and investments between India and Armenia.

Minister Kerobyan underscored the robust bilateral investment landscape as evidence of the strengthening of economic bonds between the two nations.

Kerobyan said, "A pivotal aspect of our economic narrative is the increasing movement of trade and investments between India and Armenia. This bilateral investment floor is a testament to the deepening economic ties between our nations. It's heartening to see Armenian investments finding fertile ground in India and likewise, Indian investments are flourishing in Armenia."The Minister's remarks shed light on the encouraging trend of reciprocal investments, with Armenian investments finding fertile ground in India and, reciprocally, Indian investments flourishing in Armenia.

This two-way economic engagement not only reflects mutual trust and confidence but also signifies a commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and development.

India and Armenia share friendly relations rooted in historical ties between the people of the two countries. India recognized Armenia on 26 December 1991. With an aim to strengthen business relations and develop reciprocal cooperation, Investment Support Centre of the Republic of Armenia and Invest India signed an MoU on 28 June 2021. The objective of this MoU is to provide business solutions for stakeholders of both sides to promote the investment climate in Armenia and India and establish a practical framework for the development of stronger business relations between the two sidesAs the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit serves as a catalyst for international collaboration, Minister Kerobyan's address highlighted the importance of such platforms in facilitating meaningful discussions and partnerships.

The Armenian Minister's positive sentiments about the deepening economic ties align with the broader theme of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit- fostering economic growth through international collaboration.

The summit provides an opportunity for leaders and representatives from diverse nations to explore avenues for cooperation and investment.

The emphasis on bilateral investments as a crucial aspect of the economic narrative reinforces the commitment of nations to explore and strengthen economic relations for mutual benefit.

As discussions unfold during the summit, the focus on India-Armenia economic ties adds a unique dimension to the diverse array of partnerships being discussed.

Minister Kerobyan's words resonate with the spirit of collaboration and mutual prosperity, underscoring the positive trajectory of economic relations between India and Armenia. (ANI)

https://www.malaysiasun.com/news/274090540/indian-investments-are-flourishing-in-armenia-armenian-minister-vahan-kerobyan

Armenia’s iGaming Market Evolves Towards Inclusivity and Transparency.

Lara Chatinian
Online Casino Reports
Jan 5 2024

OCR Editor. – January 5, 2024

Armenia's iGaming market is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by regulatory changes and a vision for a more inclusive and transparent future. The founder of SiGMA Group, Eman Pulis, has brought these changes to light during his recent visit to Armenia, highlighting the country's potential in the evolving gaming industry.

Armenia's Gaming Legislation and Market Dynamics:

The Armenian gaming sector, primarily governed by the 2005 Law on Games of Chance and Casinos, encompasses land-based and online gambling. This framework sets the licensing procedures and regulatory guidelines for operators. Despite modest growth in the online gaming segment, Armenia grapples with challenges, including revenue leakage to foreign operators.

Eman Pulis's Visit and Inclusivity Initiatives:

Eman Pulis's visit to Armenia, including a tour of Betconstruct's live studio, gave him a deeper understanding of the local gaming ecosystem. Impressed by Armenia's efforts to create a level playing field for operators, Pulis praised companies like BetConstruct for their inclusive employment practices, particularly for hiring diverse and marginalized groups. In response, SiGMA Group has launched a survey to explore the inclusivity of employment practices in the gaming sector.

Legislative Changes for Foreign Operators:

To address the issue of revenue flow to foreign entities, Armenia is implementing legislative amendments. These changes aim to align foreign online casinos and bookmakers with local regulatory standards, promoting fair competition and enhancing consumer protection. A notable initiative involves gamblers and bettors opening designated bank accounts for their activities, improving transparency and financial oversight.

Mandates for Financial Transparency:

The Armenian Parliament has endorsed measures mandating the exclusive funding of accounts directly from personal funds. This step towards a cashless system is designed to increase financial security and reduce illicit activities in the gaming sector—these new mandates exempt non-citizens, underlining Armenia's commitment to secure and responsible online gaming practices.

The Future of Armenia's iGaming Sector:

Armenia's iGaming sector is poised for a future emphasizing inclusivity and sustainability. The nation's strides towards a cashless system, exclusive funding mandates, and a commitment to financial transparency reflect a dedication to creating a secure and accountable online gaming environment. These efforts align with global trends favoring digital transactions and responsible gambling.

As Armenia navigates its journey in the iGaming world, the country sets a precedent for a balanced approach that values inclusivity, fairness, and transparency. With the guidance of visionaries like Eman Pulis and initiatives from groups like SiGMA, the Armenian gaming sector is not only adapting to global trends but also setting new standards in responsible and inclusive gaming.

Settler Mob Ambushes Armenian Quarter

Lara Chatinian
Dec 30 2023

in Features, Reports, Video 

| International Solidarity Movement | Occupied Jerusalem

They came covered in black and wearing ski masks. On December 28, thirty extremists, armed with clubs and tear gas, invaded the Armenian Quarter’s ‘Cow’s Garden’ (Goveroun Bardez) in the Old City of Jerusalem and attacked members of the Armenian community. The coordinated ambush, caught on film, left several seriously injured, including seminary students, as well as two Armenian youth abducted by occupation forces. The vigilantes vandalized the grounds as part of the assault. Several of the injured were transported to a hospital for medical treatment.  

The Armenian community of the Old City is resisting a controversial land grab coordinated by investors with ominous links to extremist settler factions. 

The pressure campaign by extremist settlers utilizes violent tactics mirroring settler attacks on Palestinian communities in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. But Armenians have also learned from their Palestinian counterparts the importance of steadfastness and unity. Every settler attack thus far has been repelled by the close-knit Armenian community.

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