Author: Samvel Nahapetian

Music: Armenian pianists win top prizes at Riga International Piano Competition

Samvel Nahapetian
Panorama, Armenia
Oct 22 2019
Culture 10:46 22/10/2019 Armenia

Armenian pianists Arthur Grigoryan and Armen Puchinyan won gold medals at 8th Riga International Competition for Young Pianists held on 12-15 October.

Both musicians are members of the Armenian and Artsakh state target program (Artistic Director – Honored Artist of Armenia Armen Babakhanyan), ANM Media reported.

Artur Grigoryan was awarded the 1st prize in the Best Solo Artist category, while Armen Puchinyan & Artur Grigoryan won the Piano Duo category. 

Toxic Waste Leaks From Armenian Copper Mine in Kapan

Samvel Nahapetian
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Waste water flows in the Voghji river in Kapan

YEREVAN (Azatutyun.am)—A senior government official accused Armenia’s largest mining company on Thursday of trying to cover up a toxic waste spill that contaminated a river flowing through the southeastern town of Kapan.

The accident was reported near a “tailings” dump of the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine (ZCMC) early in the morning. Officials said that a leaky pipe connecting the dump with ZCMC’s ore-processing facilities sent a stream of industrial waste flowing into the already polluted Voghji river.

According to Levon Petrosyan, the head of the regional branch of the state Inspectorate Body on Environment Protection and Natural Resources, the pipe was swiftly replaced by ZCMC workers sent to the site. “The river is still brown,” Petrosyan told RFE/RL’s Armenian service in the afternoon.

He said his agency took water and soil samples from the contaminated area and sent them to Yerevan for detailed examination.

ZCMC said that the leak lasted for up to 40 minutes. Minister for Emergency Situations Felix Tsolakyan blasted the company during a cabinet meeting in Yerevan which discussed the accident.

“They kept things secret and didn’t [immediately] say that such an accident happened,” claimed Tsolakyan. “The [ZCMC] bosses didn’t say that and carried out quick repairs.”

“I don’t know what he meant by ‘kept secret,’” Petrosyan said when asked to comment on Tsolakyan’s claims. “All I can say is that when our inspectors heard the alert and went there the pipe was already replaced.”

Environment Protection Minister Erik Grigoryan told reporters that authorities are now ascertaining the damage inflicted on the environment. He complained that Armenian environmental legislation sets “ridiculously” small fines for mining firms violating it and must be toughened significantly.

Faulty and old tailings dumps are thought to be a key source of environmental damage caused by the Armenian mining industry which generates more than 40 percent of the country’s exports.

ZCMC, which is nominally controlled by the German metals group Cronimet, is the sector’s largest enterprise employing more than 4,000 people. It is also Armenia’s number one corporate taxpayer.

US should provide no military assistance to Azerbaijan – Congressman Pallone

Samvel Nahapetian
Panorama, Armenia
Oct 4 2019

“The US should provide no military aid to Azerbaijan, since Azerbaijan is very aggressive and demonstrated that aggression in 2016,” Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues Frank Pallone has told Armenpress news agency in an interview.

“They should get no military assistance from the USA. We, the members of the Congress did not know that the amount of the military assistance to Azerbaijan was so large, over 100 million USD in the last 3 years, and recently learned about that. And that's much more than the assistance provided to Armenia. And traditionally, under the section 907 of the Freedom Support Act you cannot provide military assistance to a country that has been actively aggressive, like Azerbaijan was in April 2016,” Pallone has said.

In the Congressman’s words, the respective letter have sent to the Department of State and Department of Defense saying no military assistance should be provided to Azerbaijan, and they would like to know the justification for providing military assistance. 

“There is a paradigm that whatever you do for one country, you have to do the same for the other country. But I don't say that we should give hundreds of millions of dollars of military assistance to the two countries, since we want peace, we do not want to encourage war. At this moment we are very upset that Trump’s administration has done that, but we want them to stop giving money to Azerbaijan,” added Pallone.

 The interview in its entirety is available here.

SOS Amulsar Initiative Indicates Uranium Reserves Available

Samvel Nahapetian
Arminfo, Armenia
Sept 27 2019

ArmInfo.The SOS Amulsar initiative posted a photograph on its Facebook page, which indicates the presence of large reserves of uranium at the Amulsar gold  deposit. So, according to the record, the letter U of the yellow  device indicates the presence of uranium in the measured material.  The number "245" indicated opposite it indicates the density of  uranium in one ton, in grams. Meanwhile, the norm should be 4 ", -  noted in the record.

Earlier, ArmInfo, referring to the work of the famous Armenian  scientist Petros Aloyan "Uranium bearing of geological formations in  Armenia" noted that the Amulsar occurrence of uranium is located 4 km  southeast of the village of Ketchut and 5 km northwest of the top of  the mountain of the same name.  Approximately 76 tons of uranium were  calculated for five sections of the Amulsar manifestation, and taking  into account uranium in the thorium section, its total reserves can  be estimated at 100 tons.  Moreover, according to the studies of  another scientist, Professor G. Avagyan, according to 40 samples of  Amulsar ore, there are 195 tons of uranium and thorium there.  Meanwhile, the development of uranium deposits requires special  permission from the government, which Lidian does not have.

According to the company, the deposit contains about 73733 kg of gold  with an average grade of 0.78 g per ton, as well as 294.367 tons of  silver with an average grade of 9.29 g per ton. At the same time, not  a word about uranium itself. Lydian Armenia, which implements the  construction of the field, is a subsidiary of British Lydian  International. The total cost of the Amulsar project is $ 370  million. The field's life will be 10 years and 4 months, with an  average of 200 thousand ounces of gold being mined annually. Amulsar  field is the second largest reserves in Armenia. 

Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Agreement to Promote Trade and Investment with Armenia

Samvel Nahapetian
The Pine Tree
Sept 26 2019
Governor Gavin Newsom Signs Agreement to Promote Trade and Investment with Armenia

By admin on 10:22 pm

New York, NY…Governor Gavin Newsom met with Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan today and signed an agreement to create a Trade and Services Desk in Armenia, promoting two-way trade and investment by businesses in Armenia and California – home to the largest Armenian community in the United States. “California is fortunate to share in the rich heritage of the Armenian people,” said Governor Newsom. “This agreement builds on our strong ties and will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs from both California and Armenia.”

The agreement was signed today in New York City at a meeting with the Governor, Prime Minister Pashinyan, Armenia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Armenian Ambassador to the United States Varuzhan Nersesyan, Armenia’s High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan, Armenia’s Consul General in Los Angeles Armen Baibourtian and Senator Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge). Today’s meeting follows the Prime Minister’s visit to California earlier this week, where he met with Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Governor Newsom’s International Affairs and Trade Development Representative.

“California’s deep and longstanding friendship with Armenia has contributed to economic prosperity, inspired opportunities for students, and enriched our collective cultural values,” said Lieutenant Governor Kounalakis.

“I am very pleased that Governor Newsom has a bold, vibrant vision for California in regard to international trade and I am extremely honored to have witnessed the historic MOU and Trade Agreement signing with the Governor and the Prime Minister,” said Senator Portantino. “Formal trade relations between California and Armenia has long been a priority of the Armenian American community in California. I am also particularly excited to have helped launch this administration’s first official trade effort.”

The Governor also acknowledges the contributions of Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian (D-North Hollywood) who, since serving at the then California Trade and Commerce Agency in 2000, has worked tirelessly to establish a California trade presence in Armenia. Assemblymember Nazarian proudly serves as the only Armenian American elected to the California Legislature.

Through today’s agreement, California will establish a Trade and Services Desk in Armenia to be utilized by delegations and California’s trade representative for Europe and Eurasia from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, to encourage trade and investment by Californian and Armenian businesses. The Trade and Services Desk will foster economic cooperation and development by assisting entrepreneurs in connecting with their counterparts to engage in various trade and commercial activities.

While in New York City this week, Governor Newsom also delivered remarks at the Climate Week NYC Opening Ceremony and the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Development Impact Summit, and participated in a panel alongside foreign dignitaries at the United Nations Headquarters. Today, the Governor joined fellow U.S. Climate Alliance governors to discuss the progress member states are making toward their bold climate action goals.

Gustavo Nikoghosyan: Former Armenian authorities would also collaborate to combat corruption

Samvel Nahapetian
News.am, Armenia
Sept 24 2019
Gustavo Nikoghosyan: Former Armenian authorities would also collaborate to combat corruption Gustavo Nikoghosyan: Former Armenian authorities would also collaborate to combat corruption

17:01, 24.09.2019
                  

The former authorities would also collaborate to combat corruption. This is what Head of Internal Oversight of “Armenia” International Airports” CJSC Gustavo Nikoghosyan told journalists today.

According to him, the fact that the Armenian government is open for collaboration is important for Corporacion America.

“The fight against corruption is a constant process for us. Seventy percent of countries have a higher level of corruption than Armenia. This is a global matter,” he stated.

In 2001, the Government of Armenia and Eduardo Eurnekian’s Corporacion America signed an agreement on the concession management of Zvartnots International Airport for 30 years, and later, a similar agreement was also signed in regard to Shirak Airport. Today, more than $160,000,000 has been invested for modernization of the two airports.

Armenian Assembly of America National Advocacy Conference Activists Secure Immediate Results on Capitol Hill

Samvel Nahapetian

ARMENIAN
ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:

Contact: Danielle
Saroyan Ashbahian

Telephone:
NATIONAL ADVOCACY CONFERENCE ACTIVISTS SECURE IMMEDIATE RESULTS ON CAPITOL HILL

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Armenian American leaders and activists
from across the United States attended the Armenian Assembly of America's 2019
National Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C. this week, and secured
immediate results following meetings on Capitol Hill.

 

As an
immediate result from the meetings, Congressmen David Schweikert (R-AZ) and
Paul Gosar (R-AZ) joined the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.

 

"The
Armenian Assembly of America appreciates all of our members and activists who
took time from their busy schedules to travel to Washington, D.C. and join us
for our Advocacy Day on the Hill. With many more results to come, we are
encouraged to welcome Congressmen Schweikert and Gosar on the Armenia Caucus so
quickly following our meetings," Armenian Assembly Executive Director
Bryan Ardouny stated.

 

"We
would like to thank the efforts of our Arizona delegation, especially Kirk,
Zhanet, Armen, and Shoushana Kaprelian, who have helped us year round in our
efforts to engage more with elected officials in Arizona," Ardouny added.

 

In addition,
Congressman Stephen Lynch (D-MA) co-sponsored H.Res.296, which affirms the
United States' record on the Armenian Genocide, and Congressmen Jamie Raskin
(D-MD) and Mark Takano (D-CA) co-sponsored H.Res.452, applauding the recent
free, fair, and transparent parliamentary elections and peaceful transfer of
power in Armenia, as well as reaffirming the critical importance of the United
States-Armenia partnership after meetings with Assembly activists.

 

Established
in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

 

###

 

NR#: 2019-038

 

Photo
Caption 1: Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ) and Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ)

Photo
Caption 2: Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), and Rep. Mark
Takano (D-CA)  



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Press Release: Silicon Valley Innovators Return to Armenia

Samvel Nahapetian
Please share on Armenian News– thank you!
————————-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
                                                                                     
  

SILICON VALLEY INNOVATORS
HEAD BACK TO ARMENIA

Top Silicon Valley leaders
and VCs Participate in 5th Annual Tech Summit

 

San Francisco, CA — HIVE Ventures, the
leading venture fund focused on investing in Armenian entrepreneurs, is hosting
its fifth annual HIVE Tech Summit in Yerevan, Armenia on
Saturday, October 5, 2019 at The American University of Armenia.

 HIVE Ventures provides Armenian
startups with investment, mentorship, and access to Silicon Valley resources
and network while serving as an important bridge between Armenia and Silicon
Valley.  In addition, HIVE helps US-based
companies open offices in Armenia.  

To date, HIVE has invested in over
40 startups across the US and Armenia, including ServiceTitan, Gecko Robotics and ShopMonkey. HIVE has
co-invested with leading venture capital funds including Y Combinator, Iconiq Capital,
Bessemer Venture Partners, Founders Fund, Intel Capital and Amazon.   

The HIVE Tech Summit will
include 1:1 meetings with startups and investors, and panels and presentations
from some of the most successful Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and investors.
There will also be a pitch competition with the winning startup receiving $25k
investment through HIVE.

The event will feature speakers
from many of the top VC funds and technology companies including Kleiner Perkins, Google, NextPlay Capital, Square,
Chime, Netflix, Kapor Capital, ServiceTitan, Nova Credit, UpWest Labs, Spark
Capital and more.

“When HIVE began, there were
only a handful of investable startups but now, thanks to capital and access to
mentorship, there are thousands,” states Nina Achadjian,
Partner with HIVE Ventures. “It’s been inspiring to watch the Armenian
entrepreneurial scene grow tremendously over the last few years. And the beauty
of it is that we are just beginning!”  

HIVE Ventures is based in San
Francisco and Yerevan and is backed by the Hirair & Anna Hovnanian
Foundation and run by Partner Nina Achadjian.

For
more information about the Tech Summit, go to www.hiveventures.co.


CONTACT: 
Kim Bardakian
510-499-5723



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EVENT DEDICATED TO ARMENIAN-JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP 0

Samvel Nahapetian
The Rafu Simpo
Sept 13 2019

 0

Posted On SEPTEMBER 13, 2019

BURBANK — The Western Diocese of the Armenian Church and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles, supported by the Little Tokyo Service Center, Japanese American National Museum, and Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, will co-sponsor a special presentation by Dr. Meline Mesropyan of Tohoku University speaking on the legacy of Diana Apcar (1859-1937), who lived in Japan from 1891-1937 and is known for her major impact on Japan-Armenia relations and aid to Armenian refugees.

The event will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m.) at the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, 3325 N. Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank.

Dr. Mesropyan’s presentation will focus on Apcar’s humanitarian work. Between 1915 and the late 1920s, about 1,500 out of several hundreds of thousands of Armenian refugees managed to reach Japan, where they found Apcar’s enormous support. Through her crucial assistance they were able to go to the U.S. and other final destinations. This talk focuses on how being a single woman in Japan, she could overcome various problems she faced in carrying out her humanitarian work.

Dr. Mesropyan will be joined by Apcar’s great-granddaughter, Mimi Malayan. In 2018, Malayan released a documentary on the life of Apcar entitled “Stateless Diplomat,” which has won several awards, including the Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award (Arpa International Film Festival, 2019), Best Biographical Film (New Hope Film Festival, July 2019), and Audience Choice for Best Documentary (Pomegranate Film Festival, November 2018).

Dr. Mesropyan was born and raised in Yerevan, Armenia and initially earned her bachelor’s degree in Japanese linguistics. She graduated in March 2019 from the Graduate School of International Culture at Tohoku University in Sendai. She has spent the last six years as a master’s and Ph.D. student researching the life and work of Apcar.

Her Ph.D. dissertation, written in Japanese and making extensive use of Japanese archival data, deals with the Japanese government’s processing of Armenian refugees during World War I and Apcar’s role. She lives in Sendai and is currently in the process of developing her Ph.D. dissertation into a book.

There will be a reception with Armenian and Japanese food.

For information and registration, email [email protected] or call (213) 617-6700, ext. 330.


http://www.rafu.com/2019/09/event-dedicated-to-armenian-japanese-friendship/





President of Artsakh receives Secretary of Security Council of Armenia

Samvel Nahapetian

President of Artsakh receives Secretary of Security Council of Armenia

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 15:41, 6 September, 2019

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan on September 6 received Secretary of Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan, the President’s Office told Armenpress.

Issues related to the cooperation between the two Armenian republics in the security sphere were on the meeting agenda.

Artsakh Republic Security Council Secretary Arshavir Gharamyan also attended the meeting.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan