Author: Manouk Vasilian

Armenia ruling party MP: It would be better if Aliyev learned lessons from incidents in Tavush Province

Manouk Vasilian
News.am, Armenia
Sept 20 2020

19:11, 20.09.2020
                  

Beirut: Armenian University Launches Emergency Fund For Lebanese Students

Manouk Vasilian
The 961, Lebanon
Sept 18 2020
Hussein Yassine

In light of the disaster that struck Beirut last month, the American University of Armenia (AUA), a private and independent university in Yerevan, has established an emergency fund for Lebanese students who have been affected by the explosion.

The university was quick to act after the blast, contacting the Manoogian Simone Foundation to create an emergency fund in support of affected students.

Students currently enrolled in any of AUA’s bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs are eligible to apply for support.

This includes those who have already been part of financial aid programs and receiving financial support.

For the upcoming Fall 2020 semester, AUA has already provided 16 students with scholarships.

In addition to providing support for students currently studying at AUA, the university is opening an opportunity for future applicants to the aforementioned programs from Lebanon.

This means that applicants from Lebanon who apply for a bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate programs and are admitted to study at AUA may be granted scholarships.

Students who apply for transfer (Spring 2021) and for the next admission cycle (Fall 2021) are also eligible to benefit from the emergency fund.

Not only will AUA be providing financial assistance for Lebanese students affected by the blast to cover their tuition fees but also to cover accommodation in its dormitories for those who demonstrate need and are qualified to benefit.

In light of the disaster that struck Beirut last month, the American University of Armenia (AUA), a private and independent university in Yerevan, has established an emergency fund for Lebanese students who have been affected by the explosion.

The university was quick to act after the blast, contacting the Manoogian Simone Foundation to create an emergency fund in support of affected students.

Students currently enrolled in any of AUA’s bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs are eligible to apply for support.

This includes those who have already been part of financial aid programs and receiving financial support.

For the upcoming Fall 2020 semester, AUA has already provided 16 students with scholarships.

In addition to providing support for students currently studying at AUA, the university is opening an opportunity for future applicants to the aforementioned programs from Lebanon.

This means that applicants from Lebanon who apply for a bachelor’s, master’s, or certificate programs and are admitted to study at AUA may be granted scholarships.

Students who apply for transfer (Spring 2021) and for the next admission cycle (Fall 2021) are also eligible to benefit from the emergency fund.

Not only will AUA be providing financial assistance for Lebanese students affected by the blast to cover their tuition fees but also to cover accommodation in its dormitories for those who demonstrate need and are qualified to benefit.

Students interested in applying for the assistance should send an email containing documentation of their Lebanese citizenship as well as documentation of their Lebanese residency address to the following email address: [email protected].

In the email, they should also include an essay detailing the following:

  • Sources of income for the household and the impact of the Beirut Port explosion on these sources of income, if any.
  • List of assets and the damage to these assets by the explosion, if any. It is preferable to attach photos when available.
  • Requested percentage of financial aid.
  • Indication of the need for accommodations, be it a dorm at AUA or housing, and the ability to cover the cost of accommodations independently.

Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia has been providing world-class academic programs. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, one of the seven regional accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

The university currently provides 5 undergraduate programs, and 9 graduate programs, among others, including several certificate programs.


Today marks the 112th birthday of Victor Ambartsumian

Manouk Vasilian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 18 2020
Education 19:19 18/09/2020Armenia

Astronomy Day is annually celebrated in Armenia on September 18. This observance was established by the government of Armenia to commemorate birthday of Victor Ambartsumian, an outstanding Armenian scientist, founder of theoretical astrophysics and national hero in Armenia Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory reports.

Victor Ambartsumian was born on September 18, 1908. He obtained a diploma in physics and mathematics and continued studies at Pulkovo Observatory, the principal astronomical observatory of the Russian Academy of Science. In 1926 he published his first scientific article. He became a prominent person in physics in 1929, when he published a demonstration, proving that atomic nuclei couldn't be made from protons and electrons.

Much of his research was dedicated to the evolution of galaxies. One of his groundbreaking works was a lecture concerning the explosion of nuclei of the galaxies, the source said.

Lawyer attempts to challenge in court mandatory face masks in schools, issues misleading statement

Manouk Vasilian

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 15:42,

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. An Armenian lawyer attempted to challenge in court the coronavirus protocols in schools requiring children to wear face masks, maneuvering into technicalities of the lawful power of the protocols and whether or not the guidelines constitute a “legal act”. 

A Yerevan court indeed found that the school guidelines are not technically considered a “normative legal act”, but at the same time returned the lawyer’s application citing errors.

After this, lawyer Gegham Simonyan issued a statement on his social media account claiming that the court’s stipulation that that the school guidelines are not normative legal acts is sufficient in order for children not to wear masks in schools. His statement was widely distributed and could potentially cause confusion.

Shortly afterwards the Healthcare Ministry issued a statement stressing that even if the guidelines aren’t technically considered “normative legal acts”, there is an order from a higher authority in place regarding mandatory face masks – the health minister’s order on mandatory face masks in all enclosed facilities, which is in force.

“The author, as a lawyer and attorney, should’ve been aware that the mentioned guideline was never a normative legal act, and disputing it in terms of contradicting the Law on Normative Legal Acts is senseless”, the health ministry said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenia soldier killed in latest Azerbaijani provocation at state border

Manouk Vasilian

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 14:26,

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. An Armenian soldier has been killed from gunshot and shrapnel wounds on September 16 in the latest Azerbaijani ceasefire violation and provocations at the state border.

Junior Sergeant Hovik Tamazyan sustained the fatal injuries while on duty at a military position in the northeastern part of the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border.

The Ministry of Defense of Armenia said in a statement that in recent days Azerbaijan has become active in this section of the border and attempted to carry out reinforcement works, which led to an escalation.

“With the purpose of suppressing the enemy activity and preventing future escalations the Armenian Armed Forces vanguard units were forced to take appropriate countermeasures. As a result of the adversary’s provocation, Junior Sergeant Hovik Tamazyan sustained fatal gunshot and shrapnel wounds in the combat position of a military base in the northeastern section on September 16,” the defense ministry said.

An investigation has been launched to determine the details of the incident.

The Defense Ministry offered condolences to the family and friends of Junior Sergeant Tamazyan.

“The entire responsibly for this situation and the border escalation falls on Azerbaijan’s military-political leadership,” it added.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 16-09-20

Manouk Vasilian

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 18:45,

YEREVAN, 16 SEPTEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 16 September, USD exchange rate down by 0.38 drams to 484.93 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.65 drams to 575.95 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.03 drams to 6.49 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.93 drams to 627.79 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 169.71 drams to 30392.04 drams. Silver price up by 9.96 drams to 429.45 drams. Platinum price up by 424.98 drams to 15201.09 drams.

All three candidates for high court justices confirmed by parliament as opposition boycotts voting

Manouk Vasilian

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 12:48,

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. All three candidates nominated to the three vacant positions of Constitutional Court judges were confirmed to the posts by parliament.

The three candidates – Yervand Khundkaryan, Artur Vagharshyan and Edgar Shatiryan, were nominated by the General Assembly of Judges, the President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, and the Cabinet respectively. 

All three candidates passed the confirmation vote with near-unanimous results. However, the two opposition parties – Prosperous Armenia (BHK) and Bright Armenia (LHK), boycotted the voting, claiming that the entire process is taking place with violations.

The three justices will officially assume office in an inauguration ceremony in parliament.

Yervand Khundkaryan, Artur Vagharshyan and Edgar Shatiryan were nominated for the positions to replace justices Felix Tokhyan, Hrant Nazaryan, and Alvina Gyulumyan, who were ousted after the parliament passed on June 22 the ruling bloc’s constitutional amendments on suspending their powers. The chief justice of the high court, Hrayr Tovmasyan, was also suspended. His position remains vacant.

Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenia gets creative

Manouk Vasilian
Emerging Europe
Sept 12 2020
Nikola Đorđević
A work by Yerevan-based Tatevik Harutyunyan. Courtesy Creative Armenia  

The Covid-19 pandemic has hit all sectors of society but few were as hard hit as the arts. With outdoor and indoor gatherings only now resuming under strict rules and guidelines, the initial wave of infections was a true jolt for artists, performers, and the institutions that support them. As concerts and exhibitions seemed to become a thing of the past, artists and the arts sector had to think on their feet and adapt to the new normal.

As part of this adaptation the region has seen an outpouring of what many have termed “digital solidarity”. Art venues, institutions, museums, and artists began to adopt digital platforms and ways of communication as a means of keeping art relevant in a world where everyone was staying at home to ride out a dangerous pandemic.

For Creative Armenia, an NGO based in Yerevan and Los Angeles whose mission is “to fuel a global movement of creative minds who are pushing the frontiers of Armenian culture” the pandemic came as shock. But as communications coordinator Maryam Israelyan tells Emerging Europe, they quickly recalibrated and started thinking about how they can help artists during a time of crisis.

“The pandemic has caused not so much a shift as it has an acceleration of our organisational mission and spirit. Since the onset of Covid-19, we’ve been funding and supporting creators across all art fields who are doing such exceptional work in isolation,” says Anush Ter-Khachatryan, director of programs at Creative Armenia.

Since the organisation has strong ties with the large Armenian diaspora, they were already used to doing things digitally and online. They quickly organised a special edition of their Creative Challenge competition that awards a 2,000 US-dollar prize for the best responses to a prompt. This time, of course, the prompt was Covid-related.

Armenian artists were invited to communicate their self-isolation experiences and five were selected as winners. Among them is Ani Qananyan and her short and relatable film about the daily routine in self-isolation.

Qananyan, an artist who primarily works in more traditional mediums like clay and paint, told Creative Armenia in an interview that these artists working in traditional media might need to find ways to express themselves digitally in the post-Covid word.

“I still hope that the post-Covid world will roll back to the good old times we lived in,” she remarks.

Creative Armenia didn’t stop at just awarding artists for their work. They also started the SelfQuar Experiment, a webpage showcasing some of the best submissions to the prompt in an attempt to bring visibility and exposure to Armenian artists.

It would be an understatement to call the Armenian diaspora large. According to some estimates, as many as eleven million Armenians live outside of the country, in many different parts of the world.

“The Armenian diaspora is not just a benefit for times of crisis, but also in times of prosperity,” Ms Ter-Khachatryan tells Emerging Europe.

Creative Armenia found during the pandemic that Armenian artists needed support more than ever and that cultural patrons in the diaspora were more than ready to meet the challenges of the Covid-19 “new normal”.

“For the first time we had that strange feeling that it truly didn’t matter where we lived. Logging onto one of our many Zoom calls with our Creative Armenia network members, the boundaries between Armenia and its diaspora were in fact less visible and relevant than ever,” says Ms Ter-Khachatryan.

In June, Creative Armenia organised a digital summit titled Culture.20 where thousands of people gathered together to explore the future of art with six artists, all Creative Armenia AGBU fellows. The summit dealt with the dangers and opportunities of the digital transition, from AI-generated music to virtual museum exhibits.

Ms Ter-Khachatryan says that the way art is displayed and consumed in the future will definitely change and that the digital word is here to stay even after Covid-19.

“At Creative Armenia, we can already see this trend in the kind of submissions we receive: VR projects, digital immersive theatre experiences, and online concerts are no longer outliers,” she says. “True to form, artists have been very quick to sense and adapt to the limitations and possibilities of our time.”

In many countries, government aid for the arts was late and lacking. Ms Ter-Khachatryan says that it’s hard to measure what’s enough in times of global crisis and there has been a substantial government support already given, but then also a substantial need and demand which is still outstanding.

“Creative Armenia finds itself in the role of closing that gap, regardless of how great that gap seems, or how impossible to close,” she explains.

Still, despite the crisis and some setbacks in translating in-person experiences into the digital world, Ms Ter-Khachatryan speaks of a “digital fatigue” experiences by those who are hopping from one Zoom call to the next, it seems that art and artists are adapting and the Covid-19 pandemic does not spell the end for this sector.

“In the domain of art, the home of the human imagination, nothing is impossible,” Ms Ter-Khachatryan concludes.




Parliamentary committee investigating 2016 April War expected to submit final report soon

Manouk Vasilian

 14:21, 9 September, 2020

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. The parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating the circumstances of the 2016 Four Day April War will submit its final report to the Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan by the end of September, committee chair MP Andranik Kocharyan told reporters.

“The report will be definitely fully presented to the Speaker of Parliament during this month, in order for its further fate to be initiated as required by the Rules of Procedure,” he said. “The report will have top secret, secret, classified, unclassified parts,” he added, noting that lawmakers, the society, as well as security bodies will be enabled to get acquainted with the unclassified parts.

However, he mentioned that he will do everything in order for the families of the soldiers who died during the 2016 Azeri attack on Artsakh to have all details of the report.

Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan; Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenian, Russian FMs discuss situation around NK peace process over phone

Manouk Vasilian

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 14:11, 26 August, 2020

YEREVAN, AUGUST 26, ARMENPRESS., Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, the Foreign Minister of Armenia, held a phone conversation today with Sergey Lavrov, the Foreign Minister of Russia, the Armenian MFA told Armenpress.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Sergey Lavrov discussed regional developments following the July battles and within that context the situation unfolded around the Nagorno Karabakh peace process.

Minister Mnatsakanyan emphasized the importance of the Armenian-Russian cooperation aimed at maintaining regional peace, stability and security.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Russia also exchanged views on issues of the agenda of Armenian-Russian allied relations.