Armenpress News Agency , Armenia Friday Use of forces by Azerbaijan serious threat to regional security – Armenian Deputy FM YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. OSCE’s Annual Security Review Conference2017 took place in Vienna on June 27-29. Armenian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ashot Hovakimyan participated in the conference, “Armenpress” was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia. In the opening remarks the Armenian Deputy FM referred to the factors shaping the current environment of the European security, indicating the contradictions over the issue of the security regime between the main players in the OSCE area, the disability in the neighborhood of the OSCE area and the use of force in the settlement of conflicts. Deputy Minister Hovakimyan underlined that OSCE’s field capacity reduction was another negative factor. Ashot Hovakimyan noted that use of force can in no way be justified, moreover, it thwarts the settlement processes that are underway in the sidelines of the already agreed formats. The Deputy Minister specially noted that the use of force against Nagorno Karabakh by Azerbaijan is manifested by daily violations of the cease-fire agreement. Azerbaijan also denies implementing the agreements reached in Vienna and St. Petersburg. The Deputy Minister also highlighted that Azerbaijan was not interested in ensuring the field presence of the OSCE and for that reason it pursued the goal of suspending the field missions of the OSCE in Baku and Yerevan. Ashot Hovakimyan also gave a speech at the session on conflict and crisis situations in the OSCEarea, security and confidence building. He mentioned in his speech that the use of force by Azerbaijan is a serious threat for the regional security. Highlighting the unconditional implementation of the Vienna and St. Petersburg agreements by Azerbaijan, Ashot Hovakimyan emphasized that even the absence of the investigative mechanisms on the front line is not an obstacle for detecting the initiator of the violations. In this context the statement issued by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs addressed to Azerbaijan about the ceasefire violation and shelling of the military equipment of Armenia deployed along the contact line was highlighted. The Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia underlined that the top level support of Turkey to Azerbaijan in regard to the cease fire violations, as well as the closed borders in the region are additional provoking factors. It was mentioned that Armenia has always made use of the OSCE platform to engage in a dialogue with the OSCE participant states, including Turkey, but the Turkish side has left the remarks raised by Armenia unanswered. The Deputy Minister stressed that OSCE’s involvement in the region should be enhanced aimed at building confidence and ensuring security during conflict and crisis situations.
Author: Vicken Chmshkian
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Please find the attached press release of the Ministry of Diaspora. Sincerely, Media and PR Department (+374 10) 585601, internal 805
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Sports: Man Utd Star Reveals Which Sport Beside Football He Played Most While Growing Up in Armenia
90 Minutes
Manchester United star Henrikh Mkhitaryan has revealed that he used to play quite a lot of basketball at school back home in Armenia, as well trying his hand at sprinting and even table tennis in addition to his fledgling football career.
Speaking to ManUtd.com, Mkhitaryan explained that he really like school and was always 'focused on studying', that he 'enjoyed' every subject and 'loved all of the teachers'.
He obviously played a lot of football, joining the youth team at Yerevan club FC Pyunik at the age of six when his family returned to Armenia from a brief spell in France where his father, also a professional footballer, had been playing with the now defunct ASOA Valence.
But the basketball court also formed a big part of Mkhitaryan's early sporting life.
"We actually played basketball quite a lot, and did a lot of sprinting too," he said.
"Most of the time, it was basketball; it was just something that we did during PE class at school. Sometimes we played table tennis, but most people enjoyed basketball because you could play with many players – it was fun. Football was always the main sport for me, though."
Armenia have never played at the FIBA World Cup or Olympics, but the country did win FIBA's biennial European Championship for Small Countries in 2016 when they beat back-to-back reigning champions Andorra – the most successful nation in the competition's history.
Mkhitaryan is not alone in his love of basketball. It is generally a popular 'second sport' among many professional footballers, with United teammate Paul Pogba in particular a dab hand (pun absolutely intended) if this week's Instagram activity is anything to go by.
Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves was a top basketball player when he was growing up in Canada, only seriously switching to football at the age of 15, while current Premier League stars Thibaut Courtois, Romelu Lukaku, Mesut Ozil, Salomon Rondon and others all also have a passion for the sport.
Culture: “The Vision of Semiramis” one-act ballet to premiere at Yerevan Opera Theatre
Panorama, Armenia
Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet named after Alexander Spendiaryan on July 5 will host a jubilee concert dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenian state dance ensemble “Barekamutyun” (“Friendship”). As Panorama.am was informed from Armenia’s Ministry of Culture, “The Vision of Semiramis” one-act ballet will premiere at the concert.
During the concert, “Barekamutyun” dance ensemble will jointly perform with Royal Swedish Ballet's artists Mariko Kida and Vahe Martirosyan.
“The Vision of Semiramis” one-act choreographic performance is staged by Honoured Artist of Armenia Arsen Mehrabyan (Sweden). The cast includes Honoured Artist of the RA, Principal Dancer of Bavarian State Ballet, Tigran Mikaelyan (performing the role of Ara the Beautiful), with Anna Kalashyan performing Semiramis.
The artistic director of the dance ensemble is People's Artist of Armenia Norayr Mehrabyan.
Education: Syrian Armenian children should feel at home here, Levon Mkrtchyan said
MediaMax, Armenia
Levon Mkrtchyan expressed his gratitude to USAID for supporting reforms in the sphere of inclusive education.
According to him, the doors of inclusion should open wider to expand the opportunities of special education.
“For example, Syrian Armenian children find it hard today to integrate in Armenian schools, as there are differences in education programs, language and way of thinking. It is very important that those kids feel at home. The integration of national minorities is yet another significant issue,” Levon Mkrtchyan said.
In this context Minister of Education and Science attached special importance to their cooperation with Armenian Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and Ministry of Healthcare.
The meeting also featured USAID-financed Measure Evaluation program to be implemented in Armenia. A team will be formed within the frames of the program, which will evaluate in the coming 2 years the reforms and programs, implemented in the sphere of child protection.
Armenian injured in Moscow shooting
news.am, Armenia
Armenian injured in Moscow shooting
18:15, 13.06.2017
A resident of Moscow was detained on suspicion of shooting from a taser gun on a city service officer, doing roadworks, Moscow news agency reported quoting a source in law enforcement agencies.
On June 11, the police received a report that several people were arguing. Arriving to the site, police officers detained a 33-yer-old jobless man.
As a result of the incident the citizen of Armenia was injured and hospitalized.
An investigation is underway.
Western Prelacy News – 6/9/17
June 9, 2017 Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate 6252 Honolulu Avenue La Crescenta, CA 91214 Tel: (818) 248-7737 Fax: (818) 248-7745 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.westernprelacy.org PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT FORTY MARTYRS CHURCH IN ORANGE COUNTY - 40TH DAY REQUIEM PRAYERS FOR SARKIS YEGENIAN On Sunday, June 11, 2017, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine Liturgy and deliver the sermon at Forty Martyrs Church in Orange County. During requiem service, prayers will be offered for Sarkis Yegenian on the 40th day of his passing. Sarkis Yegenian was a founding member of Forty Martyrs Church and Ari Guiragos Minassian, long-time Board of Trustees Chairman, and Western Prelacy delegate. *** CELEBRATION OF PENTECOST AT HOLY CROSS CATHEDRAL IN MONTEBELLO On Sunday, June 4, 2017, on the feast of Pentecost, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, presided over Divine Liturgy and delivered the sermon at Holy Cross Cathedral in Montebello. Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian, who was assisted at the altar by deacons, including Armenian Mesrobian School Principal David Ghoogasian. On this day, the annual Senior Baccalaureate Service was held, a tradition begun over three decades ago honoring the graduating class of Mesrobian School. The students were in attendance to receive Holy Communion and the Prelate's blessings as they prepare to embark on the next phase of their lives. The Mesrobian Middle and High School Performing Arts Choir, third grade students, and Sunday School students attended and performed in the service. Executive Council Secretary Mr. Antranik Kasbarian, former principals and teachers, students' families, and members of the Holy Cross and Mesrobian School family were among the faithful in attendance. Prior to delivering the sermon, the Prelate joyfully greeted the Holy Cross Cathedral family and especially the graduating class of Mesrobian School, to whom he conveyed his congratulations and message. As they prepare for the next phase of their lives, His Eminence reminded the students that anything is possible when they place their trust in God and also believe in themselves. Thus, he urged them to always pray, to be strong and courageous, and not be discouraged, and also reminded them that our church and community is always available to them as a support system, to provide a listening ear, a helping hand, encouraging words, strength, and support. The Prelate greeted also the members of Prelacy Bible Study Groups, whose dedication to teaching the Word of God he commended. His Eminence next delivered his sermon on the feast of Pentecost and its message of renewal, beginning by giving an overview of the episode which occurred ten days after the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ when one hundred and twenty people had gathered to pray in the Upper Room in Jerusalem when suddenly there came a powerful wind and a fire that separated into individual tongues or flames and came to rest on each of their heads. Those who were present received the source of were filled with God Himself, they were transformed into new beings, reinforced in their faith, armed with spiritual strengths and wisdom, emboldened and reinvigorated, and ready to begin their commission of spreading the good news of salvation across continents. It was the birth of the church. The Prelate stressed that the gift of the Holy Spirit was not only for those gathered on that day of Pentecost, rather for all those who put their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. "With the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, we have the power to live in the way God has called us to live, to serve Him in the way He has called us to serve, to overcome obstacles and defeat sin, for nothing and no power can withstand the power of God. All things are possible when we live in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit," he stated. Thus, he called on all the faithful, as individuals and as part of the collective, to beseech the descent of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and souls so that we too may undergo renewal and empowerment as did those gathered in the Upper Room. The graduates received Holy Communion and were gifted copies of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I's "The Armenian Church." Following the service, a luncheon in celebration of the feast of Pentecost was held at Tumanjan Hall. The Prelate presided over the luncheon, which was sponsored by Holy Cross Cathedral Dean, Pastor, and Board of Trustees, and organized by the Prelacy Bible Study groups, head by Mr. Krikor Misserlian. Executive Council member Antranik Kasbarian was among the guests in attendance. Dr. Dikran Dikranian, a long-time altar server at Holy Cross Cathedral, served as the MC. The program featured Bile readings and spiritual songs. Rev. Fr. Ashod Kambourian sang the day's hymn. In his message, the Prelate reiterated the importance of renewal and of unity which is at the heart of Pentecost. The luncheon closed with "Cilicia." *** PRELATE ATTENDS ARARAT HOME LUNCHEON SPONSORED BY THE ARMENIAN RELIEF SOCIETY On Tuesday, June 6, 2017, members and friends of Ararat Home and of the Armenian Relief Society Western Region gathered at Deukmejian Grand Ballroom for the monthly luncheon organized by the Ararat Home Ladies Auxiliary. Traditionally, the June luncheon is sponsored by the ARS as well by friends of Ararat Home in memory of their loved ones. H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, delivered the invocation and conveyed his well wishes. He was accompanied by Archpriest Fr. Razmig Khatchadourian. Board Chairman Michael Surmeian was in attendance, alongside staff members. The Prelate beseeched the blessings of the Lord upon the Board, administration, staff, and volunteers of Ararat Home for the loving care they provide to our beloved elders, upon the members of the ARS for their dedicated service to the welfare of our brethren in Armenia, Artsakh, and throughout the Diaspora, and upon the guests for their support to the worthwhile mission of Ararat Home and the ARS. He wished continued successes to all and good health to the residents. On behalf of the ARS Regional Executive, remarks were delivered by Mrs. Nanik Kupelian. The Ararat Home Ladies Auxiliary surprised the Chairman with a birthday cake and all conveyed their well wishes to Mr. Surmeian on this occasion. ***
Food: Review: Apricot Stone, fresh Middle Eastern fare with a Syrian twist
Billy Penn
Review: Apricot Stone, fresh Middle Eastern fare with a Syrian twist
The Aleppo-born chef at this BYOB was serving hummus decades before it became a Stateside food group.
Lufthansa Group seeks to expand presence in Armenia
Malaysia Sun
Lufthansa Group seeks to expand presence in Armenia
PanArmenian.Net – Wednesday 31st May, 2017
PanARMENIAN.Net – Lufthansa Group is planning to expand its presence in Armenia, Ronald Schulz, Senior Director at Lufthansa Group and Head of Liaison Office for the Russian Federation and CIS, said Tuesday, May 31 at the meeting with Sergey Avetisyan, Chief of the General Department of Civil Aviation of Armenia, ARKA reports,
Lufthansa Group is represented in Armenia's market by two air companies – Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines, which together service eight flights a week.
Schulz said that the corporation will consider the Armenian market for expanding its activity in the country and will also discuss room for operating its flights in the daytime.
Avetisyan, in turn, told the Lufthansa representative about programs that are being implemented in Armenia to improve business environment in aviation.
Stressing the importance of the Comprehensive Air Transport Agreement between the European Union and Armenia, he said that it will have positive impact on the air companies which have long been working with Armenia, allowing them to increase the frequency of their flights.
On December 1, 2016, the Council of the European Union upheld the European Commission's intention to negotiate with Armenia over the latter's accession to the EU common air space. The agreement envisages liberalization of flights for all EU countries.
BAKU: Envoy: Japan expects peaceful resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
AzerNews, Azerbaijan
17:49 (UTC+04:00)
By Rashid Shirinov
Japan fully supports the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs’ efforts to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and expects peaceful resolution based on the principles of international law, Japanese Ambassador to Azerbaijan Teruyuki Katori told APA on May 30.
The diplomat expressed Japan’s deep concern over the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and voiced sincere condolences to its victims.
“Conflicts destabilize their regions. A final resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is essential for the peace and stability of the South Caucasus region,” noted Katori.
The ambassador added that the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not a problem of two parties."It includes much more context from regional issues to geopolitics. It is very difficult to solve this problem only between the two countries,” he said.
Katori added that it is necessary to cooperate with related countries, neighboring states and international organizations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.
Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.
The OSCE Minsk Group, the activities of which have become known as the Minsk Process, is working to find a peaceful solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. While the OSCE Minsk Group acts as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, it failed to make any move to achieve a breakthrough in the peace process so far.