13:01, 2 February 2024
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has arrived in Kazakhstan, his office said.
Pashinyan will chair the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session, a prime ministerial meeting of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), on February 2 in Almaty.
He was met by Kazakh Prime Minister Alikhan Smailov at the session’s venue.
Armenia holds the EEU presidency for 2024.
Creative Armenia has announced an open call for applications to the second edition of its signature Artbox Incubator program, designed to develop creative ideas into business plans.
In Spring 2024, Artbox Incubator will run an eight-week program through a cutting-edge online platform, and selected projects from various creative fields will be given an unprecedented opportunity to work with prominent business leaders and renowned cultural figures to develop a complete package for their projects, covering a business model strategy, production strategy, marketing strategy and more. Following the preparation of this package, all participants will present their projects for financial support, enabling them to bring their creative projects to life. This encompasses grants of up to €10,000, available for up to 10 strongest projects each.
To learn more about the Artbox Incubator and to apply by the February 29, 2024 deadline, visit the website.
“While it is vital for us to support the growth of existing creative businesses, cultural institutions and individuals, giving a strong and smart spark to creative ideas and supporting artists to develop those into creative projects and businesses proves to be our big investment in the future and even more vital for the growth and sustainability of Armenian culture. This is why we are thrilled to run our second Artbox Incubator and push new ideas upward,” said Anush Ter-Khachatryan, director of programs at Creative Armenia.
The application is open for creators from across the world with projects intended for implementation within the Republic of Armenia. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating potential for commercial success.
“AGBU Katapult is thrilled to launch this next round of Artbox incubator with Creative Armenia. This will mark the final incubator round within Katapult, but we’re sure there are many more to come beyond our cooperation scope. We have done our due-diligence to make sure to provide all stages of creative business ideas with support along their journey – from incubation to acceleration and hub establishments. We can’t wait to see what new ideas Artbox incubator will seed and blossom over the next few months,” said Anna Gargarian, the head of the KATAPULT Creative Accelerator Program.
Inspired by innovative models in business and tech, Artbox is a reinvention of the incubator and accelerator models for the art world – a dynamic entrepreneurial system that supports individuals, projects and institutions across disciplines with potential for success. Through a set of signature cutting-edge programs, Artbox develops commercial viability, audience growth and investable creative products.
11:38,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has warned that Azerbaijan has sabotaged a humanitarian offer regarding the minefield maps in order to manipulate the topic and escalate its rhetoric.
“As mentioned on many occasions, Armenia, including as a confidence building measure, handed over to Azerbaijan all minefield maps which were at its disposal, having received them from Nagorno-Karabakh officials,” the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X. “Later, guided by humanitarian purposes, Armenia prepared new maps through inquiries among former officials of Nagorno-Karabakh in order to transfer the maps to Azerbaijan. Unfortunately, this initiative was immediately met with a very negative and ironic response from the Azerbaijani side, negating Armenia’s trust-building efforts, continuing to manipulate the topic and turning Armenia’s positive move into an occasion for escalating and negative rhetoric.”
The Armenian National Security Service said it will transfer 8 new logs on minefield maps to Azerbaijan. In turn, Azerbaijan falsely accused Armenia of not pursuing humanitarian goals, that the goal of that move “is not to contribute to the humanitarian process and that this step cannot be viewed as a confidence-building measure.”
In a significant move, the Armenian government has confirmed an upsurge in the subsidies allocated to communities across the nation. The changes, which have been in effect from January 1, were announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan via his Facebook account. The government’s decision marks a pivotal push towards economic development in Armenian communities, including those with high income potential.
Interestingly, the capital city Yerevan and the popular resort town of Tsaghkadzor do not fall under the new subsidy increase. The prime minister pointed out that these two locations possess substantial potential for generating their own income. Despite the diminished subsidies, Pashinyan confirmed that these two locations would not be left unsupported. They are set to receive proportional assistance through specific programs aimed at fostering income growth.
This latest announcement from the prime minister reflects the government’s continued commitment to fostering economic development in Armenian communities. The increase in subsidies is a strategic move designed to bolster the economic strength of communities across the country. It recognizes the importance of supporting local economies and helping them to thrive, making it a significant step forward in Armenia’s economic growth trajectory.
The implications of this decision are far-reaching. By supporting communities with increased subsidies, the government is investing in the future of Armenia. It is a clear indication that the government is committed to ensuring that every community, irrespective of its income potential, is given the necessary support to grow and prosper. This move will undoubtedly have a positive impact on Armenia’s overall economic health and is a testament to the government’s dedication to its people and their prosperity.
https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/economy/armenian-government-ups-the-ante-increased-subsidies-for-communities/
The National Assembly of Armenia has instituted a historic change in its ‘Law on Military Service and the Status of Servicemen.’ The newly passed legislation provides amnesty for Armenian men who have evaded mandatory military service and left the nation, allowing them to return without facing criminal charges after the age of 27. The caveat is that they have to fulfill a two-year military service obligation. In essence, this law aims to balance the scales between national duty and individual freedom.
The new amendments introduce a range of options for fulfilling service obligations. Men now have the choice to serve for 15 months coupled with a payment of 2.5 million drams, serve for 7.5 months with a payment of 5 million drams, or serve for just a month with a payment of 10 million drams. A provision to entirely avoid military service by paying a flat fee of 15 million drams also exists. This flexible approach offers a greater range of choices to the citizens, reducing the potential for forced evasion.
The law further stipulates that individuals aged 37 and over, who have not completed their fixed-term service, will have their criminal prosecutions terminated. The same relief extends to those aged 45 and over in the case of reserve officer service. This provision seeks to alleviate the burden on older citizens who have been unable to fulfill their service obligations.
The law also takes into consideration Armenian males who have acquired citizenship of another country and have served 12 or more months in the military of their country of residence after turning 27. Such individuals, or those willing to pay 2.5 million drams, will be exempt from the Armenian military service. This approach respects the rights of dual citizens, acknowledging their military service in their country of residence.
11:46,
YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. In 2023, Armenia and the United Kingdom launched a Strategic Dialogue during Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s visit to London, the Foreign Ministry said in a 2023 review about the development of Armenia’s relations with European partners.
“The Foreign Minister’s visit was marked by the official opening ceremony of the Armenian embassy’s new building in London. During the year, the UK Minister of State for Europe Leo Docherty visited the region, and contacts took place between the Armenian FM and the newly appointed UK foreign secretary David Cameron. The active discussions with the executive and legislative bodies, academic-research and media circles of the UK were aimed at developing bilateral political dialogue, partnership in multilateral platforms, as well as mutual understanding around regional issues. An Armenian-British Business Forum was organized in London with the purpose of developing economic cooperation,” the foreign ministry said in the review.
19:24,
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 29, ARMENPRESS. The President of the Republic of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, has signed a decree appointing Mkhitar Hayrapetyan as Minister of High-tech Industry, the Presidential Office said.
According to another presidential decree, Robert Khachatryan has been relieved from the post of Minister of High-tech Industry.
BAKU: Azerbaijan on Thursday said that it is closely monitoring the arms purchases and sales between Armenia and India.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, in a press conference, stated that India’s official stance is that arms sales to Armenia are not connected to Azerbaijan’s friendly relations with Turkey and Pakistan.
He said that India needs to consider the historical context and not view this as a purely commercial venture. There was a factor of occupation [of Azerbaijani lands] here for a long time, and the war is now over.
Bayramov underscored the pivotal moment of post-war peace and the responsibility to avoid arms deals that might empower revanchist forces in Armenia.
Bayramov concluded by urging entities seeking a broader presence in the region to recognize these realities and foster positive agendas.
https://en.wenews.pk/azerbaijan-cautions-against-indias-arms-supply-to-armenia/
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lacks "will to peace."
Speaking in an interview with Russian state news agency TASS, Lavrov pointed out that the Ukrainian authorities speak only about war and use aggressive rhetoric.
"Any cease-fire is out of the question (for the Ukrainian authorities). The ban on negotiations with the Russian leadership, established by Zelenskyy on Sept. 30, 2022, continues to be in effect. Draw your own conclusions," he said.
Lavrov admitted that recent events in the Middle East shifted the focus from Ukraine, however, "inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia" continues to be one of the West's top priorities.
"The so-called Ramstein format continues to function, in which representatives of more than 50 countries discuss Kyiv's requests for military equipment and ammunition on a monthly basis," he said, referring to meetings at the US airbase in Germany.
"Neither Washington nor Brussels refuses to provide assistance to the Kyiv regime, realizing that without it, it is doomed. They are still vitally interested in holding back Russia with the hands and bodies of Ukrainians."
The West has provided unprecedented humanitarian, economic and military support to Ukraine, where Russia launched a "special military operation" in February 2022. The backing, however, is said to be waning amid internal political disputes and fiscal challenges.
Turning to the issue of arms control, the minister blamed the US for destroying its pillars, saying Washington either directly violated the agreements by withdrawing from them or created conditions that made their implementation impossible.
"Washington's logic is simple. The pillars that ensured the US dominance are slipping away from under their feet. Largely because of the mistakes of the Americans themselves. … In an attempt to slow down the loss of the hegemon's position, they relied on force. Hence the pursuit of military superiority, … the refusal from restrictions in arms control," he said.
– Russia concerned over Armenia's turn to NATO
Lavrov regretted Armenia's turn to the West, saying Yerevan is "trading a time-tested alliance with Moscow for the West's vague promises."
"To justify the course of a strategic U-turn, they (Armenian authorities) blame Russia for all the troubles of the republic, including the loss of Karabakh," he emphasized.
Azerbaijan established full control over the region after launching an anti-terror operation this September.
Russian authorities persist in considering Armenia as a strategic partner, steadfast in their belief that, with political will, any challenges can be surmounted, Lavrov said.
"Trade and economic ties and industry dialogue are developing at an impressive pace between Moscow and Yerevan. This is the foundation for the relations between the two countries, as well as the most important support for the stability of the Armenian economy and the well-being of the Armenian population.
"The rapid growth of the republic's GDP in recent years is largely due to cooperation with Russia and Yerevan's membership in the Eurasian Economic Union," he added.
According to Lavrov, the optimal path for Armenia to navigate the current challenges lies in the implementation of the trilateral agreements with Azerbaijan and Russia.
The minister criticized talks questioning the necessity of the presence of the Russian military base in the Armenian city of Gyumry, stressing that for many years the Russian military has been ensuring peace and stability in the region.
He also voiced concern over Yerevan's increasing military cooperation with NATO.
"This year, Armenia has participated in several dozen events with the alliance. It continues to modernize its armed forces according to NATO standards, and the republic's military is being trained in a number of states of the North Atlantic Bloc," he said.
The minister warned that "the true goal of NATO is to strengthen their positions in the region, create conditions for manipulation according to the 'divide and rule' scheme."
"I hope Yerevan is aware that deepening cooperation with the alliance leads to the loss of sovereignty in the field of national defense and security," he said.