Author: Parkev Tvankchian

Moscow on electoral processes in Artsakh: Elections are necessary to ensure the normal functioning of the population

Parkev Tvankchian
Arminfo, Armenia

ArmInfo.Moscow commented on the nationwide elections in Artsakh.  Thus, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, at a  weekly briefing assessing the fact of the elections in Artsakh,  recalled that regarding the elections held in Nagorno- Karabakh on  March 31, there is a statement by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on  the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, which includes representatives of  Russia, the United States and France.

However, she stated that the statement can be found on the official website of the OSCE  (www.osce.org).

"We presume that elections are necessary to ensure the normal  functioning of the population. At the same time, the Russian  Federation does not recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent  state. Its status should be determined through political  negotiations, which is what the OSCE Minsk Group is doing (the whole  range of problems).

At the same time, we do not believe that the course of the further  peace process in any way depends on the mentioned event. I would like  to comment on this. I emphasize that it is not initiative, but only  in response to the corresponding question, "summed up Zakharova.

Recall that on March 31, presidential and parliamentary elections  were held in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).

According to the NKR Central Executive Committee, the second round of  the presidential election will be held in the republic since none of  the presidential candidates scored the required 50% + 1 votes for the  final election victory.

The second round of the presidential election will be held 14 days  after the vote, that is, April 14th.  According to preliminary data  from the CEC, former Prime Minister Araik Harutyunyan won 49.26% of  the vote, while Foreign Minister Masis Mayilyan won 26.4. In third  place is the ex-secretary of the Security Council, Vitaliy  Balasanyan, who scored 14.7%.

Five parties will enter the new parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh. The  majority of votes were gained by the Free Homeland / United Civil  Alliance bloc (40.4%), led by ex-Prime Minister Araik Harutyunyan.   Also, the United Motherland parties – 23.63%, Justice – 7.9%, ARF  Dashnaktsutyun – 6.4% and the Democratic Party of Artsakh – 5.81%  passed to parliament.

It should be noted that a number of structures and countries have  already issued a statement in which they emphasized that they do not  recognize the electoral processes in the NKR and stated that these  processes can in no way affect the determination of the final status  of Artsakh or the negotiation process. A statement was made in  particular by the OSCE, EU, NATO, neighboring Iran and Georgia, the  United Kingdom, Italy and several other European countries.

Armenia reports 7th coronavirus fatality

Parkev Tvankchian

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 00:29, 3 April, 2020

YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. A 76-year-old woman has died from novel coronavirus complications at a Yerevan hospital, bringing the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in Armenia to 7, healthcare ministry spokesperson Alina Nikoghosyan said on social media.

The woman had developed double pneumonia, and also had underlying health conditions, including diabetes and arterial hypertension, she said.

The total number of confirmed cases is 663.

33 patients have recovered.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Armenia records 2nd and 3rd COVID-19 deaths

Parkev Tvankchian

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 03:29,

YEREVAN, MARCH 29, ARMENPRESS. Two coronavirus-infected patients, a 73-year old man and 55-year old woman, who suffered also other concomitant chronic diseases died on March 29 at 'Nork' infectious clinical hospital, ARMENPRESS reports Health Minister of Armenia Arsen Torosyan wrote on his Facebook page.

''I have to say with deep grief that we recorded two deaths within an hour at 'Nork' infectious clinical hospital, a 73-year old man and 55-year old woman, who were hospitalized because of coronavirus, but suffered other concomitant chronic diseases'', Torosyan wrote, adding that the doctors made all possible efforts to save their lives, but, unfortunately, were unable.

The Health Minister offered condolences to the relatives of the deceased.

By 21:00, March 28 the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Armenia has reached 407. 30 patients have recovered. One death case was recorded on March 26.

On March 16 Armenia declared a 30-day state of emergency to fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus. The state of emergency is effective until April 14, at 17:00.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Armen Sarkissian: Development of Armenia was a primary objective for Patrick Devedjian

Parkev Tvankchian
News.am, Armenia

18:00, 29.03.2020
                  

President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has sent a condolence message on the occasion of the death of Patrick Devedjian.

The message reads as follows:

“I am shocked by the news about the death of prominent French-Armenian politician, President of the General Council of the Hauts-de-Seine Department of France, ex-minister Patrick Devedjian.

France and Armenia lost one of their best sons.

Patrick Devedjian was a brilliant politician and individual who was correct, educated and responsible with his words and actions. He was also one of the tribunes of the French-Armenians, an unwavering defender of the Armenian Cause, and his voice was heard at the national and international levels.

After Armenia declared its independence, Patrick Devedjian became one of the architects of the special relations between France and Armenia. Armenia’s development was a primary objective for him, and he contributed to this with his specific actions and projects.

I express my deep condolences to Patrick Devedjian’s wife, sons, grandchildren, relatives, as well as the Armenians of France and the entire Armenian nation.”

Calendar of Events – 03/12/2020

Parkev Tvankchian
GROONG's Calendar of events

(All times local to events)

=========================================

What: ""Maro" The Saga of a Little Girl in Aleppo" Book
 a lecture in English is given by Author Mary Najarian
When: Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 8pm
Where: Crescenta Valley Meher & Satig Der Ohanessian Youth Center Hall
 2633 Honolulu Ave. Montrose, CA 91020
What: Mary Najarian's purpose of writing the book 'MARO' was to awaken the coming generations the
 amazing sacrifice, the Armenian genocide survivors and refugees in Aleppo went through to build
 schools and churches, orphanages to survive and also safeguard their heritage.
 Mary and her husband of 62 years Dr. Vartkes Najarian, have made over 50 trips to Armenia starting
 in 1984. They brought 120 earth quake victims for treatment in the USA. Mrs. Najarian has worked
 alongside her husband, operating in the trenches of war torn Zone of Artsakh.
We invite the greater community to attend this free public book presentation and will be followed
by book signing by the author.

Tel: 818-244-9639


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Armenian News's calendar of events is collected and updated mostly from
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To submit, send to Armenian [email protected], and please note the following
important points:

a) Armenian News's administrators have final say on what may be included in
Armenian News's calendar of events.
b) Posting time is on Thursdays, 06:00 US Pacific time.
c) Calendar items are short, functional, and edited to fit a template.
d) There is no guarantee or promise that an item will be published on time.
e) Calendar information is believed to be from reliable sources. However,
no responsibility is assumed by ANN/Armenian News for inaccuracies and there
is no guarantee that the information is up-to-date.
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(Dinners, dances, forget it. This is not an ad-space.)
g) Armenian News is a non-commercial, non-partisan, pan-Armenian outlet.

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Cristiano Ronaldo in quarantine following teammate Daniele Rugani’s positive test for COVID-19

Parkev Tvankchian

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 15:40, 12 March, 2020

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS. Portuguese professional footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is currently in quarantine in his Madeira home after Juventus teammate Daniele Rugani tested positive for the novel coronavirus, Daily Mail reported.

Ronaldo will not return back to the coronavirus-hit Italy and will stay in quarantine in his home.

Last week Ronaldo and Rugani participated in the match against Inter Milan.

A pneumonia outbreak caused by the COVID-19 virus (previously known as 2019-nCoV) was reported in China’s city of Wuhan, a large trade and industrial center with a population of 12 million, in late December. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak in China a global health emergency, characterizing it as an epidemic with multiple foci. Cases of the new coronavirus have also been reported in over 70 other countries. Currently the number of people infected with COVID-19 around the globe is over 120,000, with more than 4,000 deaths.




5 more coronavirus cases registered in Armenia, bringing total number to 13

Parkev Tvankchian

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 23:01,

YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS. 5 more people have been tested positive for novel coronavirus in Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said in a Facebook Live.

''28 of the 31 people isolated in Tsakhkadzor's ''Golden Palace'' since March 1 have been tested negative for coronavirus and they can go home. Coronavirus has been confirmed for 2 of the isolated people and one more person, the family member of one of them, who had an interaction during this period, will remain in isolation. This means that the two people with confirmed coronavirus will be hospitalized, while the other one will remain in isolation'', the PM said.

He also informed that 3 other citizens have been tested positive for coronavirus. 2 of them participated in an engagement ceremony in Etchmiadzin city and had been isolated days ago. ''There is also another citizen who came from France. He is also tested positive for coronavirus. The total number of coronavirus-infected citizens is 13. Most of them are participants of the engagement ceremony in Etchmiadzin'', Pashinyan said.

The health condition of all the patients is satisfactory. Only one has developed pneumonia.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Armenian army chief pays tribute to late Sparapet Vazgen Sargsyan on birthday

Parkev Tvankchian
Panorama, Armenia
March 5 2020

Politics 14:46 05/03/2020Armenia

Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General Artak Davtyan has issued a message on late Sparapet (Chief Commander) Vazgen Sargsyan’s birthday, the Defense Ministry reported. 

A national hero of Armenia and Artsakh, the great commander would have turned 61 today if alive.

“Every year on Vazgen Sargsyan's birthday, we once again value his role in the establishment of our statehood, remembering his heroism as an Armenian, as a national and political figure.

The first minister of defense of Armenia believed that every nation must fight to the end at least once in its history. Unfortunately, his struggle stopped untimely, but today we continue to move forward, build a much stronger army and a powerful state, with Vazgen Sargsyan's vision in mind.

Vazgen Sargsyan was an intellectual, a man with bright mind, who at the same time proved his truth with his deeds, cultivated patriotism by serving as an example. We can safely say that several generations have been brought up with his very image in mind.

‘This is a country of universal love, the capital of which starts right from a trench.’ Sparapet, this message is always in our mind, and we are working every day to make the foundation of our country, the trenches, invulnerable.

Dear Compatriots, I congratulate us all on the birthday of National Hero of Armenia Vazgen Sargsyan. Glory to you, great Armenian!" the message read.

Sports: Arsenal’s Arteta open to Mkhitaryan return

Parkev Tvankchian
Public Radio of Armenia
March 7 2020

Henrikh Mkhitaryan could still have a future at Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, Goal.com reports.

Arsenal’s head coach says it is a ‘possibility’ that the Armenia international will return and bolster his options in attacking midfield next season following his loan spell in Italy.

Mkhitaryan, who arrived at Arsenal in January 2018 as part of the swap deal that saw Alexis Sanchez move to Manchester United, started the campaign in north London and featured in three of the club’s first four Premier League games.

But just 24 hours after coming off the bench during the 2-2 draw with Spurs in August, Arsenal agreed to let the 31-year-old join Roma until the end of the season.

And Mkhitaryan has gone on to be a big success in the Italian capital, scoring six goals and registering three assists in just 17 appearances in all competitions.

And so Arteta has not ruled out using Mkhitaryan once his spell in Italy has come to an end.

“I always liked him,” said Arsenal’s head coach. “He is the kind of player who can fit in any team when he is at his best, he needs to do it consistently and that’s what we need to assess.

“It’s a possibility that we have and will consider.”

Asbarez: Former State Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian Passes Away

Parkev Tvankchian
March 6, 2020

Khatcho Achadjian at the Homenetmen Navasartian Games where he was honorary president in 2016

ANCA-WR, Homenetmen Western U.S. Mourn his passing

Former three-term California State Assemblymember, long-time Homenetmen member and staunch supporter of the Armenian National Committee of America Khatcho Achadjian passed away Thursday. He was 68. Cause of death was attributed to longtime health issues.

Achadjian passionately represented his San Luis Obispo constituents in the California State Assembly, always known for advancing the interests of his constituents and “getting things done.”

An Armenian immigrant from Lebanon, Katcho was a true patriot and active member of our community, helping to mentor young Armenian-Americans to engage in politics and setting an example for many by proudly highlighting his Armenian heritage while so ably representing his constituents of the 35th Assembly District of San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas.

After being elected as the first Armenian-American immigrant to the California State Assembly in 2010, Katcho took the lead in promoting the Armenian Cause in Sacramento and beyond. He spearheaded numerous initiatives in the state legislature, including Armenian Genocide education in public schools, promoting the Divest Turkey campaign, supporting the independence of Artsakh, calling upon Turkey for the return of Armenian churches, and condemning Azerbaijan for its ongoing aggression against Armenia and Artsakh.

In 2013, Achadjian joined the first California State delegation to Armenia and Artsakh led by the ANCA-WR, and upon his return worked with his colleagues to create the first California Armenian Legislative Caucus.

Achadjian at Dzidzernagapert during the first California State delegation trip to Armenia and Artsakh led by the ANCA-WR in 2013.

A recipient of the Mkhitar Gosh Gratitude Medal bestowed by Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan, Achadjian was also honored as the ANCA-WR Legislator of the Year at its annual gala banquet in 2013. Throughout the six years of his tenure, he generously assisted in ensuring the success of numerous ANCA-WR events, including annual Advocacy Days in Sacramento, serving as a panelist at the 2015 ANCA-WR Grassroots Conference, traveling to Los Angeles from San Luis Obispo to enthusiastically support ANCA-WR town halls and banquets, and highlighting the ANCA-WR by recognizing its chair, Nora Hovsepian, as one of 80 Women of the Year in the State Capitol in 2015.

Achadjian was highly respected for his humble and proud nature, exemplary ethics, passionate commitment to his beliefs, and his ability to bridge the gap across political divides. As a testament to his dedication toward uniting opposing sides to achieve results, Achadjian was the only Republican to be appointed as a committee chair by Speaker John Perez, a Democrat.

Achadjian pictured with annual ANCA-WR Advocacy Day participants in Sacramento.

Following his service in the California State Assembly, Achadjian made an unsuccessful run for Congress then returned to his self-made business career. He remained a generous supporter of the Armenian community, serving with his beloved wife Araxie as Honorary Presidents of Homenetmen’s 2016 Navasartian Games.

“Leaving an indelible mark both in California politics and the Armenian Cause, Katcho Achadjian’s legacy will live on forever. On behalf of the entire ANCA Western Region family of local chapters, grassroots activists and dedicated volunteers, and especially those who had the honor and privilege of working with our beloved Katcho, the ANCA-WR Board of Directors extends its heartfelt condolences to his wife Araxie, his son and daughter-in-law Hratch and Nina, and his daughter Nyri, and joins them in mourning the loss of a true Armenian-American patriot,” said a statement by the ANCA-WR board.

“The Homenetmen Western U.S. Board members and its chapters would like to express their sincere condolences to his wife, K. Madame President Araxie, his children Hratch and Nyri and the entire Achadjian family,” said a post on the organization’s Facebook page. “He is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts! May his soul Rest In Peace.”