16:25,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has reacted to the shooting in a business center in Yerevan on January 23.
“Any manifestation of violence, for any reason or grounds, is inadmissible. No to violence! Violence-free Armenia!” he said on Facebook.
A shooter opened gunfire inside the Erebuni Plaza Business Center on January 23. No injuries were reported. The suspect surrendered his firearm and was apprehended.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Following a disappointing result in Tel Aviv, Armenia confirmed their participation back in October. This was followed shortly by the announcement of the return of Depi Evratesil. Besides these, AMPTV have been rather quiet in the run-up to Rotterdam. Now, further details of the national selection have been revealed by the broadcaster.
In a TV news broadcast on Tuesday evening, AMPTV announced that Depi Evratesil – the Armenian national final for Rotterdam – will take place on February 15th. Although they didn’t reveal the full lists of finalists, footage of the supposed jury shortlisting sheet was shown briefly. Over the past few days, a jury has been assessing all of the submitted songs. The sheet suggests that finalists include Miriam Baghdassarian (The Voice Canada 2018) and Athena Manoukian, who expressed her interest in competing at the contest last year.
Unlike the 2018 edition, it appears that this will only be a one-shot national final. This means that rather than a semi-final structure, all of the songs will be performed for the first time on the night of the final, with the winner being selected from the full line-up.
Armenia debuted at the contest back in 2006 with “Without Your Love” by André. They were the first Caucasus nation to compete at the contest, followed by Georgia (2007) and Azerbaijan (2008). They started strong, achieving five consecutive top 10 finishes between 2006 and 2010. Although intending to participate in 2012, they eventually withdrew due to security concerns around the contest being hosted in neighbouring Azerbaijan.
Armenia has yet to win the contest despite a strong history of results. To date, their best result has been two 4th place finishes. The first was achieved by Sirusho’s “Qélé, Qélé” in 2008, followed by Aram MP3’s “Not Alone” in 2014. However, the country has struggled to retain their strong record in recent years. They have now failed to reach the final on three occasions (2011, 2018 and 2019).
In 2019, Armenia was represented by Srbuk with the song “Walking Out”, finishing 16th in the semi final with 49 points. This is now the country’s worst result at the contest to date. Can Armenia return to its former glory? We hope so!
Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 25-10-19
17:01, 25 October, 2019
YEREVAN, 25 OCTOBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 25 October, USD exchange rate stood at 475.86 drams. EUR exchange rate stood at 529.58 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 7.44 drams. GBP exchange rate stood at 613.00 drams.
The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.
Gold price stood at 22863.97 drams. Silver price stood at 268.27 drams. Platinum price stood at 13708.13 drams.
Eurasian Economic Commission carried out huge works in last 4 years, says Armenia’s PM
19:38, 25 October, 2019
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan delivered remarks at the extended format session of the Eurasian Inter-governmental Council in Moscow, stating that the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) has carried out huge works during the 4 years of its activity.
Pashinyan said tangible results have been recorded in terms of the creation and strengthening of the EAEU institutions.
“I think that almost 4 years of its activity the EEC has really carried out major works in practical implementation of principles of freedom of movement of goods, services, capital and labor force. Tangible results have been registered in terms of the creation and strengthening of the EAEU institutions. It can be proudly stated that our organization has made a great step in establishing its place and role in the international economic system with a diverse package of cooperation”, the Armenian PM said.
He praised the results achieved and highlighted the necessity to further improve the normative legal base, eliminate shortcomings and restrictions, coordinate the policy in main branches of economy and cut the bureaucratic burden on the business.
“We face many issues directed for deepening the cooperation between our countries in different areas. One of those issues is the creation of a legal field for the operation of a single market of alcoholic drinks”, he said adding that the signing of a respective international agreement will enable to form mutually beneficial commercial mechanisms aimed at creating competitive advantages of member states. Pashinyan said the agreement will allow to eliminate the existing restriction linked with the absence of mutual recognition of stamps.
“As February 2020 approaches, the issues of forming the new staff of the EEC Board become more relevant. We think that the selection of a rotation mechanism can put a base for the fair distribution of function based on the principles of equality of interests of each other and mutual respect. As I stated for many times, one of Armenia’s 2019 chairmanship priorities in the EAEU is the diversification of foreign economic relations and the geographical expansion of free trade agreements”, the PM noted.
He congratulated all on the successful agreement on a free trade and stated that today it will be signed with Serbia.
“Armenia is going to completely use all the mechanisms this agreement gives us. In the context of the implementation of the goals and issues of the Union’s international activity, another important event is that the agreement on trade and economic cooperation between the EAEU, its member states and China has entered into force. Despite that the agreement doesn’t envisage elimination of customs duties or automatic decline of non-tariff barriers, it will improve the access of goods to the Chinese market from the EAEU countries”, he said.
Summing up his remarks, the Armenian PM said today’s session is the last session of the Inter-governmental Council which he attends as the head of a chairing country.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Mirza Dinnayi
YEREVAN (Aurora Prize)—The fourth annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity was awarded today to Mirza Dinnayi, Co-Founder and Director of Luftbrücke Irak (Air Bridge Iraq). Driven by his passion to save lives, the Yazidi activist has found a way to overcome numerous bureaucratic and logistic obstacles to help the most vulnerable members of the Yazidi community during numerous conflicts in Syria and Iraq. He was named the 2019 Aurora Laureate at the Ceremony in Yerevan that was held during the Aurora Forum. The Aurora Prize is granted by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors.
Tom Catena, Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Chair and 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate, praised the 2019 Aurora Prize Laureate Mirza Dinnayi by saying: “What makes Mirza Dinnayi an outstanding human being is the fact he couldn’t live in good conscience knowing that good people are left behind, that the innocent are suffering. Trying to help others while facing an unspeakable evil can be challenging and frustrating, but he never wavered. I am delighted to congratulate Mirza Dinnayi with being awarded with the Prize and welcome him to the Aurora family.”
As the 2019 Aurora Prize Laureate, Mirza Dinnayi will receive a $1,000,000 grant, through which he is given the opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by supporting organizations that have inspired his work. He has chosen to donate the funds to three organizations that provide medical care and rehabilitation to victims of ISIS terror:
Vartan Gregorian, Co-Founder of the Aurora Prize and Member of the Selection Committee, added: “The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative empowers those who risk everything for the sake of others and show extraordinary courage and conviction in situations of adversity, and Mirza Dinnayi is a perfect example of that. He embodies the power of compassion, of personal commitment, of a burning desire to save lives. As one of the Aurora Co-Founders and a member of the Selection Committee, I am very proud that our shared vision has helped showcase the work of Mirza Dinnayi, who now, without doubt, will be able to achieve even more.”
Dinnay with representatives of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. From l to r: Co-Founder of the Aurora Prize Vartan Gregorian, Co-Founder of the Aurora Forum Ruben Vardanyan, 2019 Aurora Prize winner Mirza Dinnayi, and Co-Founder of the Aurora Forum Noubar Afeyan
Working on behalf of the Yazidi community, Mirza Dinnayi has dedicated his whole life to saving the victims of the Iraq war, evacuating women and children from territories controlled by ISIS and providing those tortured and violated with rehabilitation and support. It was Dinnayi who brought to Germany the future Sakharov Prize Laureate Lamya Haji Bashar. Today, she is a renowned human rights activist and has one of Aurora’s scholarships named after her.
Leading international humanitarian figures and Aurora Prize Selection Committee members, including Nobel Laureates Shirin Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee; former President of Ireland Mary Robinson; former Foreign Minister of Australia and President Emeritus of the International Crisis Group Gareth Evans; former President of Mexico Ernesto Zedillo and Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London and Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee Lord Ara Darzi gathered in Armenia to attend the inaugural Aurora Forum and celebrate the 2019 Aurora Prize Laureate.
Previous Aurora Prize Laureates include several noted international humanitarians – Burundian activist Marguerite Barankitse (2016), American physician and missionary Dr. Tom Catena (2017) and Rohingya lawyer and human rights campaigner Kyaw Hla Aung (2018).
Nobel Prize Laureate and a member of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee Leymah Gbowee commented: “The very name of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity contains the most important message of this unique award. Right now, the world feels the need for humanity to rise and for people to step up. Mirza Dinnayi, whose courage and selflessness are a credit to his people, is doing just that: taking care of women and children, who suffer the most in a conflict situation, and putting himself at risk to save others. What an outstanding humanitarian.”
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative also honored the contributions of the other two 2019 Aurora Humanitarians who received a $50,000 grant each: Zannah Bukar Mustapha, Director and Founder of Future Prowess Islamic Foundation in Nigeria, and Huda Al-Sarari, Yemeni lawyer and activist.
The 2019 Aurora Prize Ceremony was part of the Aurora Forum, held in Armenia on October 14 to 21, and convening thought leaders and change-makers from across the world to share knowledge, perspective and ideas, which together can deliver practical action and change. The forum’s far-reaching agenda is driven by partner institutions with a shared commitment to address global challenges and local development.
Hagop Manjikian
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States Central Committee is saddened to announce the passing of veteran ARF leader and activist, Hagop Manjikian, who passed away on October 18. Unger Manjikian played a crucial part in the advancement of the ARF in the Western Region and served on the Central Committee. He was the founding chairman of the Armenian National Committee of Western U.S. Unger Manjikian was also the chairman of the Armenian Genocide Martyrs Monument in Montebello and was instrumental in shepherding its establishment. Unger Manjikian had a definitive role in chronicling the history of the ARF. He and his wife, Knar Avedian Manjikian, meticulously researched and published the three-volume ARF Album Atlas dedicated to the ARF 100th anniversary.
ARF Western U.S. Central Committee
from HALO Trust
HALO is honoured to have welcomed three members of the United States (U.S.) House of Representatives to The HALO Trust’s programme in Nagorno Karabakh this month in a historic visit.
Representatives Frank Pallone (NJ – 6), Jackie Speier (CA – 14), and Judy Chu (CA – 27) all visited HALO’s field office in Stepanakert. During their visit, the Representatives were briefed by HALO staff about the status of the demining programme and the importance of U.S. support to making the land safe for the people of Nagorno Karabakh. National staff then provided a demonstration of how HALO clears landmines in the communities where we work.
Since 2000, HALO has been clearing landmines and explosive debris from Nagorno Karabakh, making more than 33,000 acres of land safe for communities. Over 130,000 people, 85 per cent of the territory’s population, have benefitted from HALO’s activities. The programme has been supported generously by private donors and USAID.
Their visit came after the U.S. Congress sent two letters, one from the House of Representatives and one from the Senate, to USAID in August urging the Agency to continue its support for HALO’s work in the territory.
At the conclusion of their briefing, each Representative stated that they would engage USAID to ensure funding for this programme is continued. HALO is grateful for the amazing support of its Congressional champions and thanks each Representative for supporting this life-saving programme.
“HALO’s landmine clearance program in Nagorno Karabakh is a lifeline for many communities. Over 80% of the region’s population has benefited from cleared landmines. I will continue to engage USAID to ensure the continuation of HALO’s life-saving program.”
Judy Chu, U.S. Representative for California’s 27th Congressional District
“Landmines in Nagorno Karabakh have devastated far too many families. We must finish our humanitarian work we started in eradicating this very real threat to life and limb. I will continue to fight for the necessary funding for demining so that the HALO Trust can finish this vital work. America must make good on our promise to ensure the job is completed.”
Jackie Speier, U.S. Representative for California’s 14th Congressional District
“Ridding Nagorno Karabakh of landmines breaks down barriers between communities and helps to pave the way for growth and prosperity. I will continue to work with my colleagues on the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues to ensure the U.S. fulfills our commitment to demine the territory. Doing so will help ensure no parent has to live in fear of losing their child to these deadly devices.”
Frank Pallone, U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 6th Congressional District
The court found the former head of the government inspection body had been actively involved in anti-Amulsar activities prior to his federal appointment which raised reasonable doubts about his objectivity. The court ruled Artur Grigoryan failed to recuse himself from considering the matter when required to do so and declared his directive invalid.
"This ruling is yet another confirmation that unlawful attempts have been made to interfere with Lydian's legal right to develop and operate the Amulsar project," said CEO Edward Sellers.
"It is regrettable that illegality of action against Lydian has now been found to extend to an official of the government of Armenia."
Prime minister Nikol Pashinyan publicly acknowledged in August there was no legal basis on which the government could prevent Lydian from advancing the Amulsar project, stating it was in the national interest that Amulsar proceeded.
However, the company cannot resume construction activities while an illegal blockade of the Amulsar access road is in place.
ArmInfo.Minister of Environment of Armenia Erik Grigoryan does not have enough information to give a final answer to the question whether the Teghout mine is insured against situations similar to what happened today with the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Plant. He stated this in an interview with reporters on October 17 after a government meeting.
At the same time, the Minister admitted that he was acquainted with the conclusions of international experts on the problematic nature of the tailing damps of Teghut CJSC. As Grigoryan pointed out, the information was transferred to the appropriate structures.
To recall, the Teghout Mine ceased operation in January 2018. At first, the company that operated it stated that the reason was the need for ongoing repairs, and two months later, it stated that there was a problem in the tailings pond and the interruption would be long. Later it became known that VTB Bank confiscated at the mine and mining plant because of about $ 400 million in debt outstanding by "Vallex Group".
In July this year the representative of the American consulting company, David Hallman, stated that there is a risk of collapse in the tailing dumps of the Teghout Mine and there is a risk if it is exploited. Activists began demanding to stop the mine development.
Nevertheless, the current management Teghout company, which is subordinate to VTB Bank, restarted the mining and processing plant in mid-July and claims that there are no problems in the tailing dump. On the day of the restart, Lori Region Governor Andrey Ghukasyan and Teghut CEO Karen Ghazaryan stated that they had suspicions that "false rumors" about the danger of the collapse of the tailing dump were being deliberately disseminated.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued the day before, the Vallex Group noted that in October-November 2017, three internationally recognized organizations investigated the tailings damp, and concluded that "urgent measures should be taken to strengthen the tailings damp and ensure safety", otherwise case "operation of the plant will lead to a real threat of collapse of the dam." On August 15, those in charge of Teghout CJSC reported that an agreement was signed with a Bulgarian company to carry out the necessary research on the tailing damp. The company said that work will begin in the first days of September, with the arrival of Bulgarian specialists. The entire process of engineering-geological and hydrogeological examinations and initiation of a study of the sustainability of the tailings dam will be under their direct control, and the results will be ready within 7-8 months. "The September 10 earthquake proved that the government was right about the sustainability of the Teghout tailing damp," Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote on his Facebook page. He recalled that there were many allegations of the imminent destruction of the tailing damp. However, according to the prime minister, if these statements were true, then after the 4-magnitude earthquake recorded in the territory of the mine, the tailing damp would have collapsed. Pashinyan recalled that the management company was required to conduct a detailed analysis of the situation, identify the degree of risk and ensure long-term safety, only after which the mine will be possible to operate.