Author: Maral Takmazian

Putin believes opening regional communications will contribute to normalization of relations between Armenia, Azerbaijan

Maral Takmazian

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 22:51,

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS.  The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, emphasized that bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Russia in various fields continues to develop actively, ARMENPRESS reports, Vladimir Putin said at the meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. "I would like to emphasize that our trade turnover registers very positive dynamics. Last year, it grew by more than 83 percent and reached 5 billion USD. In January-March of this year, it increased by another 1.5 billion USD. If this process continues at the same pace, we will definitely surpass last year's record.

Referring to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Putin emphasized that once again he discussed the issue face-to-face with the Prime Minister of Armenia, they will also have the opportunity to discuss the issue of unblocking transport communications at the meeting in a trilateral format with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

"The issues are very important and sensitive. I am sure that if we finally, despite all the difficulties, reach decisions on these issues, it will undoubtedly be beneficial for both Armenia and Azerbaijan, but not only for those two countries. It will be beneficial for the entire region, because many states are interested in it, and it will contribute to the normalization of relations in all directions, including the political direction from the point of view of ensuring the safety of people living in that area," said the Russian President.

Putin also thanked the Armenian Prime Minister for his active participation in the work of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

The President of the Russian Federation also thanked Nikol Pashinyan for that the latter agreed to the participation of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

UCLA: Armenian Music Program Presents Artur Avanesov, in Concert

Maral Takmazian





Lani Hall

Under the auspices of the 3rd Annual Day of Armenian Music at UCLA, the Armenian Music Program hosts internationally acclaimed pianist and composer Artur Avanesov (Armenia). He will be joined by Varty Manouelian, Movses Pogossian, and the VEM Ensemble for an afternoon concert that features works by Avanesov, Khosrovidukht, Gazarossian, Toumajan, Mirzoyan, and 2023 Mansurian Composition Competition Winner Jahan Raymond.

 

Preceding the concert, UCLA professor Ian Krouse will host "Meet the Artist” session with Mr. Avanesov at 3:00 p.m. at Lani Hall.

 

Artur Avanesov was born in 1980 in Moscow. From 1997 to 2002 he studied piano and composition at the Yerevan State Conservatory (Armenia), with Stepan Rostomyan and Yelena Abajyan. Subsequently he completed the postgraduate studies in composition at the same conservatory, taking simultaneously piano master courses abroad, notably as a member of the Lucerne Festival Academy 2003-05, as well as with Ensemble Recherche in Freiburg, Germany (2007).

In 2005 he was awarded with Doctor of Arts degree for his research on Zen Buddhism in the music of XX century (supervised by Dr. Prof. Anna Arevshatyan). In 2018-21 he was the head of the Department of Musical Composition at Yerevan State Conservatory. Currently, he is a full-time professor at American University of Armenia.

Being active as a contemporary music performer, he has contributed to the foundation of a number of Armenian and international contemporary music ensembles. He has collaborated and performed with such musicians as Pierre Boulez, Krzystof Penderecki, Rohan de Saram, Kim Kashkashian, Anja Lechner, Vladimir Chernov, Tony Arnold, Tigran Mansurian, Movses Pogossian, among many others. As both composer and performer, he has released a number of CDs with such labels as Deutsche Grammophon, Brilliant Classics, Albany Records, Suoni e Colori, etc.

His own chamber, vocal, choral and piano compositions have been performed at international music festivals and other events in numerous countries.

As a musicologist, he has published multiple research papers and critical articles (mostly on contemporary music issues), as well as online lectures, held seminars on Armenian music in several countries, participated in international conferences.

This event is FREE! No RSVP required. Early arrival is recommended.

Self-service parking is available at UCLA’s Parking Structure #2 for events in Schoenberg Music Building and the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center. Costs range from $1 for 20 minutes to $20 all day. Learn more about campus parking.

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music is eager to provide a variety of accommodations and services for access and communications. If you would like to request accommodations, please do so 10 days in advance of the event by emailing [email protected] or calling (310) 825-0174.

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music welcomes visitors to take non‐flash, personal‐use photography except where noted. Share your images with us @UCLAalpert / #UCLAalpert on Twitter + Instagram + Facebook

Food and drink may not be carried into the theaters. Thank you!

The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (the Los Angeles basin and So. Channel Islands). As a land grant institution, we pay our respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ‘Ahiihirom (Elders) and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.

https://schoolofmusic.ucla.edu/event/armenian-music-program-presents-artur-avensov-in-concert/




Criminal case initiated for attempt to abduct Armenian PM’s son

Maral Takmazian

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 18:07,

YEREVAN, MAY 17, ARMENPRESS. The petition of Ashot Pashinyan, the son of the Prime Minister of Armenia, was submitted to the Investigative Committee of the Republic of ArmeniaA, ARMENPRESS reports, Gor Abrahamyan, press secretary of the Investigative Committee, wrote on his Facebook page.

On the basis of the petition, a criminal proceeding was initiated in the department of investigation of serious crimes of the Yerevan City Police Department under the features of Article 191, Part 2, Clause 1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia.

Urgent investigative actions are being carried out to find out the circumstances.

Later, Investigative Committee will make a statement.

Earlier, the Police received a report about the attempt to kidnap Ashot Pashinyan, the son of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.




AW: ARS Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter shines on 90th anniversary

Maral Takmazian
 Guest Contributor Nonprofit News 1

Members of the ARS Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

WATERTOWN, Mass. — The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter hosted an anniversary red carpet gala celebration at the Oakley Country Club on Friday, May 5. Members of the chapter and their guests, community supporters and sponsors gathered to have a memorable evening together in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the “Shushi” chapter’s establishment.

The theme of the evening was “Hollywood at Հ․Օ․Մ” and celebrated current chapter members and attendees, as well as the stars of the past, including the 10 trailblazing Armenian women who founded the chapter in 1933.

Community members walked the red carpet and took a professional photograph, which was printed and instantly framed as a party favor. A cocktail hour featured hors d’oeuvres and champagne followed by an exquisite dinner in the ballroom.

Hollywood at Հ․Օ․Մ in celebration of the ARS Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter’s 90th anniversary, May 2023 (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

Dinner gave way to a keynote address by ARS “Shushi” Chapter chair Artvine Torossian, who spoke about keeping “our hearts and minds aligned.” “This direct correlation between war, casualties, blockades, displacement versus humanitarian aid, sponsorships, fundraising, survival and preservation are on the same upward trajectory,” she said. “Unfortunately, they are never inversely correlated. This also means dollars donated does not mean less victims. Programs funded do not mean less violence and oppression. At the heart level, this same experience was in the hearts of our founding members.”

ARS “Shushi” Chapter chair Artvine Torossian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

Torossian concluded her remarks by dedicating the “Start at Հ․Օ․Մ” wall full of stars ‘on location’ nominated by attendees, sponsors and donors to the 10 founding members of the “Shushi” Chapter. “In the 90 years that have passed, we remain hearts and minds aligned with the vision, purpose and mission of our founding members, and all are dedicated to the service of our people. They are the stars we are celebrating tonight, and they recognize you, all of you who came to support us, encourage us, celebrate with us and ensure the continuation of the next 90 years of our chapter. We all are the stars of the night,” said Torossian, thanking the sponsors, guests, members and all attendees for their generosity, support and encouragement.

ARS “Shushi” Chapter member Ani Zargarian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

After dinner, there was music and dancing with international percussionist Marco Mr. Tam Tam. ARS “Shushi” Chapter member Ani Zargarian, the talented emcee for the evening, shared her beautiful voice with an Armenian medley. DJ Arden was also on hand with his energetic mixes.

The festive evening served its purpose of raising funds for the local, regional and global programs of the ARS and celebrating a milestone anniversary. The chapter raised over $10,000, which will be distributed to the ARS’ local schools, regional and global camps and international programs.




Charles Michel says meeting with Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders brings clear progress in normalising relations

Maral Takmazian
 

On 14 May, European Council President Charles Michel hosted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for a fifth meeting in Brussels.

The leaders focused on progress on the path towards Armenia-Azerbaijan normalisation, and shared a common willingness for a South Caucasus at peace.

On border issues, the sides reviewed progress and the next steps regarding the delimitation of the border. They agreed on the resumption of the bilateral meetings on border issues, confirming their unequivocal commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration and the respective territorial integrity of Armenia (29,800 km2) and Azerbaijan (86,600 km2). The ultimate delimitation of the border will be agreed through negotiations.

According to Charles Michel, the sides made “clear progress” in their discussions aimed at unblocking transport and economic links in the region. “Positions on this topic have now come very close to each other in particular on the reopening of the railway connections to and via Nakhchivan,” explained Michel in his press remarks after the meeting. The respective teams were tasked with finalising an agreement in principle on the conditions for opening the railway connection and the necessary construction work, together with a concrete timetable.

On humanitarian issues, the sides agreed at the meeting that further detainees would be released in the coming weeks. Charles Michel also stressed the need to safeguard the mutual understanding that soldiers who have simply got lost and crossed to the other side would continue to be released through a speedy procedure. 

Michel also called on Azerbaijan to guarantee the rights and security of Armenians living in the former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, in close cooperation with the international community.

Leaders will meet again in the beginning of June on the margins of the 2nd European Political Community Summit (EPC) in Chișinău and in July in Brussels. Michel also invited the leaders for another such meeting on the margins of the third EPC summit in Granada in October.

Find out more

Press release

https://euneighbourseast.eu/news/latest-news/charles-michel-says-meeting-with-armenian-and-azerbaijani-leaders-brings-clear-progress-in-normalising-relations/

Artsakh Human Rights Defender Briefs Congressional Staffers

Maral Takmazian
by Contributor

 

 May 10, 2023

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Latest, News, Top Stories

Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan


WASHINGTON—The Armenian National Committee of America hosted a Capitol Hill briefing for Congressional offices on Wednesday, featuring a live reporting from Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan and ANC Artsakh Director Gev Iskajyan.

Stepanyan and Iskajyan provided on-the-ground updates on the impact of Azerbaijan’s 150-day blockade and escalating campaign to complete the ethnic-cleansing of Artsakh. Both highlighted the urgency of the situation facing the citizens of Artsakh, most notably the young, elderly, and infirm, resulting from the lack of gas, food, and medicine. Speakers placed special focus on the recent placement of an illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint on the only road connecting Artsakh with Armenia, which has prevented the International Red Cross from delivering supplies or transporting critically-ill patients over the past several weeks.

ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan provided a Washington, DC perspective on the crisis facing Artsakh, with a focus on specific legislative and other policy-driven solutions, urging passage of the Anti-Blockade resolution (H.Res. 108) and legislation supporting Artsakh recognition (H.Res.320). Yerimyan also urged action on the Armenian Genocide Education Act (H.R.2803 and S. 1329) as an important step toward preventing future genocides. The hour-long briefing ended with a question and answer session.

Participants included dozens of legislative offices, local ANCA chapter leaders, and a broad array of ANCA coalition partners. The top-line policy issues covered during the presentation included:

  • Ending U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan
  • Identifying Azerbaijan as the belligerent party
  • Sending humanitarian assistance to Artsakh
  • Holding Azerbaijan accountable for war crimes

The ANCA regularly connects Artsakh stakeholders with Congressional and decision-makers in the Washington, DC foreign policy community.

 

Armenia, Azerbaijan continue US talk in Moscow

Maral Takmazian
  MEHR News Agency
Iran – May 9 2023

TEHRAN, May 09 (MNA) – The planned meeting of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Moscow will be a continuation of the talks in the United States, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said on Tuesday.

"All issues related to the peace agreement are a continuation of each other because the discussed issues are well-known," he said.

According to Grigoryan, Yerevan and Baku did not make significant progress on the main issues during the negotiations.

"We have not made any progress on the main issues of the negotiations, which are the definition of Armenia's sovereign territory of 29,800 kilometers, the establishment of an international Stepanakert-Baku mechanism and the provision of international guarantees," he said.

Grigoryan also said that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will soon meet twice. "Pashinyan and Aliyev will meet in Brussels on May 14, followed by a meeting in Chisinau. French President [Emmanuel] Macron and German Chancellor [Olaf] Scholz will also attend," he said.

SKH/PR

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/200523/Armenia-Azerbaijan-continue-US-talk-in-Moscow

PM Pashinyan attends Victory Day Parade in Moscow

Maral Takmazian

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 11:47, 9 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 9, ARMENPRESS. The Victory Day parade has started in Moscow’s Red Square.

The parade is marking 78 years since Nazi Germany surrendered to the Soviet Union in the Second World War.

President of Russia Vladimir Putin, joined by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and leaders of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, are in attendance at the celebration.




Blinken to join Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs in closing session of Washington D.C. talks

Maral Takmazian

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 11:32, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken will join Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov during their last day of the talks in Washington D.C.

Blinken’s schedule for May 4 says that he will participate in the bilateral peace negotiation closing session with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at the George Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center at 1:45 p.m.