Author: Mary Lazarian

Goal is the same to have competitive economy, but approaches must change – Armenian minister

Mary Lazarian

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 14:51, 8 June, 2020

YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Minister of Economy Tigran Khachatryan sees need for revising the package of strategic measures envisaged for various branches of the economy as the world is changing conditioned by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

During the parliamentary debate of the annual report of the 2019 state budget performance, the minister was asked what actions are being taken to promote export. In response he reminded that during the year they have worked on drafting 5 documents, 3 of which – Industry development strategy, Small and medium business strategy and Tourism development strategy, have components relating to export. “These three offer different solutions as the issues in each of them are different. For instance, the key gap in the major business is the technological upgrading. The government will approve this document this year. In case of small and medium business, the most important problem is connected with the export infrastructures being weak”, he said.

He said there is a big package of measures which envisages what should be done. The minister, however, noted that some of them need revision as the world is changing, therefore, the approaches should also change in terms of passing that path. “The goals are the same – to have a competitive economy, competitive services, but the ways should change because the problems have changed”, minister Tigran Khachatryan said.

Reporting by Anna Grigoryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

ANCA-WR ‘Deeply Troubled’ with Newsom for Denying Hampig Sassounian Parole

Mary Lazarian
June 5, 2020

Hampig Sassounian

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region issued a statement Friday expressing its concerns about the decision last week by California Governor Gavin Newsom to deny parole to Hampig Sassounian.

Below is the text of the statement.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region, the largest grassroots advocacy organization representing the interests of more than one million Armenian-Americans in California, expressed its grave concerns in a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom regarding his recent reversal of the decision of the Parole Board to release Hampig Harry Sassounian from prison after serving 38 years.

We are deeply troubled with Governor Newsom’s decision on numerous fronts. Chief among them is the Governor’s long-standing and deep understanding of the Armenian Genocide and his familiarity with the consequences it has had on generations of survivors, as the Governor himself acknowledges in his ruling. In addition, it is clear from the myriad of letters sent to the Governor by community and religious leaders as well as many elected officials who unequivocally support the release of Mr. Sassounian, that our community stands united in its call for a just decision on humanitarian grounds. Moreover, not one but two Parole Boards have unanimously decided that Mr. Sassounian is more than sufficiently rehabilitated after serving his entire adult life from the young age of 19 and that after 38 years, parole would be justified. Yet in the face of all these overwhelming calls for Hampig Sassounian’s immediate release, it appears that the Governor has made a decision which is inconsistent with his own record and public stance on judicial and prison reform, human rights, and criminal justice, causing confusion, profound disappointment and deep frustration within our community.

We are also very concerned that our State’s criminal justice system is being held hostage by foreign influence and threats from the Turkish government not only through the highest levels of the Trump Administration but even directly aimed at the Governor himself. None of these outside influences should have a voice in determining the fair administration of justice in this case.  American civil liberties should never be encroached upon by any foreign entity, and the Governor has been entrusted by the citizens of California to protect those rights and liberties. Sadly, it appears that he may have succumbed to outside pressure without any justification whatsoever and after taking such bold stances against similar pressures in other instances.

Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region

During these extraordinarily challenging times of the pandemic and civil unrest in which equal justice for all is the common mantra sought by all segments of society, Governor Newsom has a heightened duty to grant humanitarian relief to prisoners who have served their time and have demonstrated reform and rehabilitation. As the Governor’s written decision states, “I am required to ‘give great weight to the diminished culpability of youth as compared to adults, the hallmark features of youth, and any subsequent growth and increased maturity of the prisoner’ when determining a youthful offender’s suitability for parole. … The question I must answer is whether Mr. Sassounian will pose a current danger to the public if released from prison.” Yet in the case of Mr. Sassounian, who at the age of 57 fully intends upon his release to immediately relocate to Armenia and thus will not be a current danger to the public or a further financial burden to our State if released, the Governor opted to proactively and affirmatively reverse a well-reasoned and fully investigated decision of his own Parole Board and the Board preceding it, both of which came to identical decisions after doing their own due diligence. Mr. Sassounian has served more than an average life sentence given his status as a youthful offender, and no one can credibly argue that justice has not been served for the crime of which he was convicted. He has fully rehabilitated himself and shown every indication that he is capable and ready to lead a peaceful life in the Republic of Armenia.

On behalf of our organization and the Armenian-American community whose interests it represents, we call for action, accountability, and a just and humanitarian result in the most expedient manner possible. Given the fact that Governor Newsom will have another opportunity next year to grant parole to Hampig Sassounian, the universal calls for social justice and equal treatment under the law, amplified even more during these challenging times, deserve no less.

Bulgaria sends medical supplies to Armenia

Mary Lazarian
Public Radio of Armenia
June 3 2020


The Bulgarian Government has sent medical supplies in support to Armenia’s fight against coronavirus, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs.

On June 3, on behalf of the Government of Bulgaria, the Ambassador of Bulgaria to Armenia Maria Pavlova Tsotsorkov-Kaymaktchieva handed over 500 sets of medical supplies (protective uniforms, helmets and goggles) to Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan.

“We appreciate the support of our partners and this friendly step in our united struggle against the epidemic,” the Foreign Ministry said.

Armenian President congratulates Italian counterpart on Republic Day

Mary Lazarian

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 11:24, 2 June, 2020

YEREVAN, JUNE 2, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory letter to President of Italy Sergio Mattarella on the Republic Day, the Armenian President’s Office told Armenpress.

“I praise the fact that the relations between Armenia and Italy, which are developing in the spirit of partnership and mutual trust, are expanding by including new spheres. Armenia always attaches importance to the constant strengthening and development of mutual cooperation between our countries.

I remember with warmth our regular contacts. I am confident that my upcoming state visit to Italy will give a new impetus to the Armenian-Italian multi-layered relations.

In such unprecedented crisis situation caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic I express my sincere support to the good people of Italy. I highly value your country’s efforts aimed at saving human lives and mitigating the consequences of the pandemic. I believe that the day when the pandemic will overcome is not so far, and we will resume our normal life by doubling the joint commitment to establish firmer relations between our countries and peoples”, the Armenian President said in his letter.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Pashinyan and family feel well, have no well-expressed symptoms

Mary Lazarian

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 19:25, 2 June, 2020

YEREVAN, JUNE 2, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and his family members, who are infected with the novel coronavirus, feel well, ARMENPRESS reports Pashinyan said in a briefing on June 2.

‘’We continue to stay in isolation at the Prime Minister’s residency. We all feel well. None of the 5 members of the family have any well expressed symptoms'', Pashinyan said.

He noted that his working scheduled has remained almost unchanged, only receptions have been cancelled.

Pashinyan informed about his and his family's positive coronavirus test on June 1. He had no symptoms but was tested becuase of his planned visit to Artsakh.

Reporting by Norayr Shoghikyan, Editing and Translating by Tigran Sirekanyan

Coronavirus: Armenia reports 452 new cases on May 25

Mary Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia

Armenia has confirmed 452 new coronavirus infections, bringing the total number of cases to 7,113 in the country as of 11 a.m. Monday, May 25, the Ministry of Health reports.

81 more patients have recovered from the disease with the total number of recoveries now standing at 3,145.

The number of COVID-19 fatalities has grown by 6 to 87.

The latest victims were 85 (female), 61 (male), 58 (male), 69 (male), 86 (female) and 67 (male) years old and had underlying chronic health conditions, the ministry said.

In addition, 6 cases of death were recorded on Sunday when the patients had tested positive for COVID-19, but the cause of death was another disease. The total of such cases is 39.

Unfortunately, one of the deaths caused by other diseases was a maternal death. According to the preliminary diagnosis, 5 days after giving birth, the 31-year-old woman developed pulmonary embolism, which caused sudden death. The final cause of death will be clear after a forensic examination. This was the first case of maternal death this year, the ministry said.

The number of active cases is 3,842.

As many as 51,594 tests have been performed in the country since the disease outbreak.

Petition on recognition of Armenian Genocide launched on Ukraine’s President’s website

Mary Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
May 15 2020

A petition calling on the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to recognize the fact of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Turkey was launched on the President’s official web page. The author of the petition is Suren Petrosyan, the Head of Mons Pius NGO.

The document urges the Ukrainian president to support the Armenians at the state level in their 100-year-old struggle of restoring historical justice and the truth.

“Persecution, oppression and massacre of entire nations on racial, religious or any other basis is a crime against humanity and has no statute of limitations. Such actions should receive an adequate assessment from the whole civilized world to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” the petition reads in part.

The document also calls on the president to officially recognize the fact of the mass murder of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in 1915-1922 and declare April 24 as a day of Armenian genocide remembrance. The petition can be signed

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2020/05/15/Petition-Ukraine%E2%80%99s-President%E2%80%99s-website/2292521

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 14-05-20

Mary Lazarian

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 17:45,

YEREVAN, 14 MAY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 14 May, USD exchange rate up by 1.24 drams to 488.90 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.27 drams to 528.40 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 6.63 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.14 drams to 597.44 drams.

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

Gold price up by 162.18 drams to 26853.48 drams. Silver price up by 1.80 drams to 244.58 drams. Platinum price up by 46.30 drams to 12071.81 drams.

Patriarch Bartholomew, the rabbi, and group of Armenians accused of supporting ‘the arch-terrorist’ Fethullah Gülen

Mary Lazarian
Asia Times, Italy
by NAT da Polis

The charge is published in journal close to President Erdogan.  John Paul II, the former Armenian patriarch of Turkey Snork Kaloustian, Hillary Clinton and some already deceased Turkish politicians also accused. Phanar points to risk that such reporting "could spark dangerous acts of racism and intolerance". The Jewish community: "Unfounded accusations … in a publication of hatred".

Istanbul (AsiaNews) – The ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew; the chief rabbi of Istanbul, Isahak Kahleva; some members of the Armenian community are being described as collaborators of the Fethullah Gülen movement, the imam exiled in the United States since 1999, for opposing the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The accusation is contained in a special 176-page edition of the Turkish Islamist magazine "Gerçek Hayat", which belongs to the editorial group of the pro-government newspaper "Yeni Safak", owned by the family of the Turkish president’s son-in-law.

In the special edition, entitled "Fetus", the long history of the movement of Fethullah Gülen, defined as "arch-terrorist" is traced with religious minorities in Turkey and their leaders targeted and accused of having supported the failed coup d'état of 16 July 2016 against President Erdogan.

In addition to Patriarch Bartholomew and Rabbi Isahak Kahleva, Pope John Paul II, the former Armenian Patriarch of Turkey Snork Kaloustian, as well as Hillary Clinton and already deceased Turkish politicians such as Ismet Inonu, Bulent Ecevit and Suleyman Demirel are also named and branded.

The Phanar and the Jewish community in Istanbul. In its release, the Ecumenical Patriarchate states that the information reported in the magazine, which targets religious leaders and members of minorities, "is completely false and biased."

"The publication of these claims – continues the patriarchal communiqué – cause distress among Christians, Jews and Muslims and are particularly serious and irresponsible, because they undermine the unity of our people".

Unfortunately, continues the Phanar statement, “such information is extremely dangerous and could be the cause of dangerous acts of racism and intolerance. The same ecumenical patriarch Bartholomew feels very bitter and resentful for the accusations that have been made against him, despite his efforts for the good of our country ".

"Therefore – concludes the statement – we are convinced that the competent Turkish authorities will do justice".

The Turkish Jewish community in Istanbul intervened with a post on its Twitter account, stating: "We condemn the discrimination and provocation caused by these publications, with baseless accusations against our chief rabbi. These hate publications are damaging Turkey. For our part, we hope for an immediate restoration of the truth against these publications of hate – through correct information and legal means – as they influence our Turkey, of which we are an integral part. "

Disinformation and campaigns have occurred very frequently in the history of Turkey, both Ottoman and republican. According to Mihail Vassiliadis, director of the historical Turkish newspaper in Greek, "Apgevmatini", a new fact is emerging: for the first time, non-Muslim minorities have expressed themselves and protested openly, making it clear that they will not accept abuses such as in the past.



President of Artsakh receives Bright Armenia party representatives

Mary Lazarian

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 12:58,

STEPANAKERT, MAY 11, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan received today the leader of the "Lousavor Hayastan" (Bright Armenia) party Edmon Marukyan and party member, chair of the standing Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Mane Tandilyan, the President’s Office told Armenpress.

A range of issues on the development of parliamentary relations between Artsakh and Armenia, the domestic and foreign policy of the two Armenian republics were discussed at the meeting.

President Sahakyan highlighted the meetings and discussions with Armenia's parliamentary and non-parliamentary political forces, voicing his satisfaction over their regular nature.

Artsakh Republic National Assembly deputy chairman Vahram Balayan was present at the meeting.