The US recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
US President Donald Trump declares it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as capital of Israel. President Donald Trump directs government to begin preparations to move US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
“This is nothing more or less than the recognition of reality,” he said.
An artist Angelica Morozova’s personal exhibition entitled “Homeless View” has been presented at the Dalian Art Gallery.
“People have intelligence, the right to vote, but sometimes they do things, even towards the animals, which I consider a form of violence. Even fur coats; thousands of animals are killed to get a fur for someone who wants to self-establish, “says the artist.
The exhibition was carried out jointly with the team of “Dingo”. All proceeds from the sale will be provided to Dingo for the treatment of wounded animals.
President Serzh Sarkisian (left) and Artsakh President Bako Sahakian watch military exercises in Artsakh on Sarturday
STEPANEKERT—President Serzh Sarkisian and Artsakh President Bako Sahakian on Monday visited the “Asparez” training center, where they inspected and became acquainted with mew military equipment that was produced in Armenia and has been put to use in combat.
The “Made in Armenia” equipment was showcased in military exercises that took place on Saturday in the southern section of Artsakh, where both Sarkisian and Sahakian observed the simulation of offensive and counter-offensive operations. The exercises involved 1,000 soldiers and dozens of tanks and heavy artillery equipment.
These tanks took part in military exercises in Artsakh on Saturday
“I am grateful to you,” Sarkisian told the participating troops. “You have proved your skills with today’s exercises. Rest assured that you are thereby responding to those who want to take away our homeland and try to demonstrate their might and wrest something from us.”
“We can and we will defend our borders, we can and we will defend our homeland,” he said in a speech.
Also present at the military exercises were Armenia’s defense minister and top Army general, Vigen Sagsyan and Movses Hakobyan.
President Serzh Sarkisian in Artsakh visiting troops
On Saturday the two Presidents attended the commissioning of a multi-apartment residential building for soldiers, as well as the openings of a newly built canteen and barracks at one of the military units. Sarkisian handed awards and certificates of recognition to the best officers, contract and conscript soldiers for dedicated and excellent in service.
“Strong defense calls for determination, due diligence and hard work, which can ultimately lead to high professionalism. Modern armed forces imply not only state-of-the-art armament, but also the ability to apply it at the right moment and to its full capacity. I am grateful to you for today’s drills which testified to your high efficiency,” he said
Upon arriving in Artsakh on Friday, Sarkisian met with top military brass in Artsakh and head briefings about the combat-readiness of the Artsakh Armed Forces.
LOS ANGELES—Chamlian Armenian School Armenian Club participated in an Armenian Club Field Trip, that took place at Armenian landmarks and offices in Los Angeles on November 17.
During the field trip, students visited sites and various community organizations to become acquainted with the different aspects of the life of an Armenian that works for a specific cause.
Chamlian Armenian Club students prepared an itinerary that mapped out the sights they would visit during their trip. Amongst these places were the Armenian Genocide Monument in Pasadena, where students paid their respects to the 1.5 million Holy Martyrs who were slaughtered by the Ottoman Turks on April 24th of 1915. The next location on the itinerary was the editorial offices of Asbarez Newspaper and the studios where Horizon Armenian Television is produced. There, the students learned the importance of Armenians’ role in spreading the word of current events that happen both in our community, the diaspora and our homeland.
Next, students visited the headquarters of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region. There, the attendees were taught about the relation of politics and our cause inside and outside of Armenia. The penultimate sight students visited was the AYF office building, where speakers and directors gave presentations about how the younger generation can have a role in our community and make a difference for our cause. Lastly, Armenian Club members visited the Homenetmen Western Regional Office. They were were provided information about how physical activities can be beneficial and even create bonds between Armenians who live in the diaspora. In addition to the packed schedule, students enjoyed lunch at the original Carousel Restaurant in Hollywood.
“The trip was a refreshing experience. I had an amazing time because not only was it an excitement to partake in something I knew would be beneficial to our new, young generation, but I was also able to witness firsthand the livelihood and the exertion of Armenians in our community, who work for a greater cause,” said Chloe Garabedian, an executive member of Armenian Club, ,
“The trip was an absolutely remarkable experience as I had the chance to gain knowledge about Armenian organizations and the people that work effortlessly to preserve our rich culture,” shared Nayiri Kalindjian, president of Armenian Club. The students also thanked their advisor, Arpa Hatzbanian, for facilitating this experience for them.
All the students who took part in this field trip believe it was a wonderful experience and look forward to activities similar to this one as they know it will enhance their knowledge about the lives of Armenians living in the diaspora. The goal is for the students to be inspired and empowered to continue to work towards the Armenian Cause and become active participants in the diaspora.
Not only should EEU non-member states not take damaging steps for member states of the organization, but so should even observer states, deputy FM of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan said after today’s Cabinet meeting, commenting on a question regarding the possibility of Azerbaijan’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union.
“Azerbaijan’s membership to the EEU implies maintaining the EEU agreement’s provision, under which even an observer state, not only a member, shouldn’t take steps in harm of member states or overall the EEU. This implies that if Azerbaijan wants to somehow get closer to the EEU, it shouldn’t take such steps”, Kocharyan said, adding that Armenia will welcome Azerbaijan’s accession to the EEU, if the country maintains the abovementioned condition.
“If we speak of the economic field, it is enough to recall one thing – Azerbaijan is blockading Armenia. The joining or becoming an observer of this country to the EEU will be welcomed by us, is Azerbaijan implements the commitments which are set for both observer and member states, and this means that Azerbaijan should abolish the blockade, it means not to take hostile activities against Armenia, it means to end anti-Armenian sentiment”, he said.
The ‘menu’ on the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is on the negotiating table, Russian Foreign Minister said on Monday.
“All steps towards the resolution of the conflict have been discussed multiple times and have appeared in OSCE documents and statements of the co-chairs. The ‘menu’ is on the negotiating table,” Lavrov said at a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov in Baku, APA reports.
He said that the documents on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict’s settlement have been compiled as a package.
"It is impossible to exclude this element or another. The opposite party may think that the balance shifts. Diplomacy will find an option acceptable for both sides,” Lavrov noted.
Asked about the possibility of increasing the number of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, Russia’s top diplomat said it was the first time he had heard such a question.
"There is an agreed format for resolving the conflict. The three co-chairs do not work in isolation. The Minsk Group also has sides interested in the settlement process. You’re the first person I’ve seen asking about increasing the number of co-chairs of the Minsk Group. A new proposal may lead to the intentional or unintentional breach of the process,” added Lavrov.
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia Saturday Armenian defense minister's delegation completes visit to Canada YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. On the last day of the working visit in Canada the Armenian delegation led by defense minister Vigen Sargsyan was hosted at Montreal’s AGBU Alex ManoogianSchool, press service of the ministry told Armenpress. The defense minister was welcomed by the School students. The kids performed a small concert at the School’s hall. Minister Vigen Sargsyan thanked for the warm reception and said during his visits to other countries he always attaches importance to the meetings in the Armenian schools since without schools it is impossible to preserve the Armenian identity. “Our country is a country with limited territory and not a very large population. But our people are bearers of a great heritage. Our fight, meaning of our existence cannot be limited by our country’s territory, borders or population. We are the bearers of a heritage the creators of which have dreamed about statehood. Today, when we have a sate, we should do everything possible for Armenia, the Diaspora and Artsakh to jointly be able to implement our centuries-old dreams”, the Armenian defense minister said. The Armenian delegation thereafter visited the ARF St. Hakob School, toured the school where the defense minister left a note in the honorary guest book. At the end of the visit the delegation paid tribute to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims in Montreal.
Winning Films Include Joe Berlinger’s ‘Intent to Destroy’ for Best Documentary and ‘Mariam’s Day Off’ from Armenia for Best Short Honorees Terry George, Carl Weathers, Chris Cornell and Alexander Dinelaris Presented with Unique Gifts
HOLLYWOOD–The 20th Arpa International Film Festival and Awards Gala was full of memorable moments this year. An unprecedented number of guests attended the three-day film festival, held at Hollywood’s historic Egyptian Theatre from November 3-5. The opening night program featuring the French biopic ‘Dalida’ was sold to capacity, as were the centerpiece films ‘Intent to Destroy’ and ‘Dead on Arrival’ on Saturday evening.
The celebratory weekend closed with a spectacular sold-out Awards Gala held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel on Sunday, November 5. Over 400 guests attended the special 20th anniversary evening hosted by filmmaker Eric Nazarian (The Blue Hour, Bolis, Three Christs, The Sandcastle Girls). The program included special musical performances by theremin virtuoso Armen Ra and vocalist Mister X.
Awards were presented to the 5 winning films in the Best Shorts, Best Documentary, Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Feature categories. Honorees Terry George, Carl Weathers, Alexander Dinelaris and Chris Cornell (posthumously) were given touching tributes, along with one-of-a-kind gifts.
Special guests throughout the weekend included Serj Tankian, Angela Sarafyan, Billy Flynn, Barbara Carrera, Ara Keshishian, Ken Davitian, Stephen C. Sepher, Rory Fradella, Nazo Bravo, Lillo Brancato, Scottie Thompson.
Unique Khachkar presented to Terry George
Academy Award-winning screenwriter-director Terry George (The Promise, In the Name of the Father, Hotel Rwanda, The Shore, Some Mother’s Son) received the prestigious Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award named after the German soldier/medic who was stationed in the Ottoman Empire during the Armenian Genocide and documented the atrocities he witnessed in photographs.
Arpa’s coveted Armin T. Wegner Humanitarian Award, presented each year to a filmmaker whose work contributes toward the struggle for social consciousness and human rights, was awarded to Terry George in recognition of his extensive body of films that have shed light on the situation in his native Northern Ireland, the Rwandan Genocide, and the Armenian Genocide.
Terry George also received a unique khachkar (stone-cross) sculpted by local artist Hrach Gukasyan. The tradition of etching crosses on stone is unique to the Armenian and Irish nations. A special khachkar with a Celtic cross surrounded by Armenian motifs was commissioned by Arpa, symbolizing the Armenian people’s gratitude to the Irish filmmaker.
Boxing Belt presented to Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers, the beloved actor best known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky series, was the recipient of Arpa’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Weathers has also starred in films such as Predator, Action Jackson, Hurricane Smith, Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky. Presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to the legendary actor was award-winning writer/producer Jason Wilborn, best known for his work on Queen Sugar, Brothers and Sisters and American Dreams.
Weathers received a special personalized authentic championship boxing belt designed and gifted by SARTONK, originator of the modern boxing belt. Edward Majian’s SARTONK was founded based on the designs of his grandfather Ardash Sahagian’s boxing belts which serve as the blueprint for all of today’s championship boxing and MMA belts.
Portrait presented to Angela Sarafyan to be gifted to Family of Chris Cornell
This year’s Lifetime Legacy Award was posthumously awarded to music icon Chris Cornell, whose life came to a tragic end early this year. Chris Cornell, best known as the lead vocalist for the rock bands Soundgarden and Audioslave, as well as the founder and frontman of Temple of the Dog, was also a human rights activist committed to the world refugee crisis and the despair of vulnerable children. The Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter’s last solo release was the charity single “The Promise” written for the motion picture of the same name.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Cornell Family was unable to attend the Gala. There to accept the Lifetime Legacy Award on behalf of the family was beloved actress Angela Sarafyan (Westworld, The Promise), a recipient of the Arpa Rising Star Award in 2014. Sarafyan was visibly moved after a touching tribute reel to Chris Cornell and emphasized his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. A specially-commissioned portrait of Chris Cornell was gifted by renowned artist Emil Kazaz and presented to Sarafyan.
Specially Engraved Mont Blanc Pen presented to Screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris
Oscar-winning screenwriter Alexander Dinelaris, best known for his original screenplay for the 2014 film Birdman, received Arpa’s Career Achievement Award. His body of work includes numerous theatrical pieces and musicals, including The Bodyguard featuring the music of Whitney Houston, and the critically-acclaimed On Your Feet! Broadway musical about the life and career of Gloria Estefan. Alexander Dinelaris’ earlier works include the powerful play “Red Dog Howls” in which he touches upon the Armenian Genocide. The piece was influenced by his Armenian grandmother, who played an important role in his younger years.
The Award was presented to Dinelaris by Michael Peretzian, with whom he collaborated with on the play “Red Dog Howls.” Peretzian is known for representing many distinguished screenwriters and directors, including John Madden and Anthony Minghella. Both Peretzian and Dinelaris in their remarks touched upon their Armenian ancestry and the need to be more accepting of Americans who come from different ethnic backgrounds. Dinelaris was also presented with a specially engraved Mont Blanc pen gifted by Bhindi Jewellers, in recognition of his superb writing.
2017 Arpa IFF Winning Films
Best Feature Film – “DALIDA” (France, 2016)
The award was presented by two-time Golden Globe nominated actress Barbara Carrera who starred in close to 40 movies, including the James Bond film Never Say Never Again, The Island of Dr. Moreau and Embryo.
DALIDA is an intimate portrait based on the real story of a strong, fiercely independent woman whose 30-year dazzling career was punctuated by tragic events, with no less than three of her lovers committing suicide. With over 170 million albums sold, Dalida was the first singer to receive platinum and diamond discs, some of her best hits including “Bang Bang”, “Paroles Paroles”, and “Avec Le Temps”. Dalida continued to hold concerts until her last days, but her suicide in 1987 immortalized her iconic image as a diva and renowned singer.
Best Documentary Film – “INTENT TO DESTROY” (USA, 2017)
The award was presented to Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning filmmaker Joe Berlinger by top Eileen Ford model Ronnie Carol known for her role as Juliette Bagradian in the movie “40 Days of Musa Dagh” along with a recurring role on the soap As the World Turns.
Pulling back the curtain on mass murder censorship in Hollywood due to U.S. government pressure to appease a strategic ally, INTENT TO DESTROY embeds with a historic feature film production as a springboard to explore the violent history of the Armenian Genocide and legacy of Turkish suppression and denial over the past century.
Joe Berlinger’s thirteenth feature documentary film captures the cinematic and political challenges of producing a historically meaningful, big budget feature film in an environment rife with political suppression and threats of retaliation. By intertwining these three separate threads the modern-day production of THE PROMISE, the history of the Genocide and the century of international repression, INTENT TO DESTROY coalesces to provide a comprehensive view on the atrocities of 1915 to 1923 and their resounding aftermath right up until the present day.
INTENT TO DESTROY will be released theatrically on November 10 at the following locations: (Laemmle’s Playhouse in Pasadena; Pacific Theaters 18 in Glendale at the Americana at Brand; Village East Cinema in New York City.
Best Short Film – “MARIAM’S DAY OFF” (Armenia, 2016)
The Award was presented by actor Yancey Arias from the NBC series Kingpin and the FX series Thief. Arshak Amirbekyan’s film, shot in Armenia, is about a young prostitute who meets an artist in a park, gets invited to a modeling session and finds herself in a rather new and exciting world of artists; but when night falls, she has to return to her regular life in the park. The Award was accepted by actor/director Ashot Adamyan who stars in the film.
Best Screenplay – “THE LIBERATION OF SKOPJE” (Macedonia/Croatia/Finland, 2016), Writers: Dusan Jovanovic, Rade Šerbedžija, Danilo Šerbedžija
THE LIBERATION OF SKOPJE captures the horrors and suffering of the Second World War, portrayed in bittersweet terms through the eyes of 11-year-old Zoran whose father has joined the partisans to fight the German occupiers and whose mother becomes involved with a German officer.
Best Direction – “H.O.M.E” (USA, 2016) Director: Daniel Maldonado
H.O.M.E. is a film about urban communication, alienation and the human condition. Part lyrical tone poem of NYC, its comprised of 2 stories involving intimate & meaningful encounters through the lens of a “disconnected” city in constant motion.
Over the course of 20 years, Arpa International Film Festival has continuously provided a platform dedicated to cultivating cultural understanding and global empathy for international cinema. Recognized as one of the oldest independent film festivals for international cinema in Los Angeles, Arpa has bridged cultural divides by fostering dialogue among people of diverse backgrounds. By showcasing local, international and Armenian films that explore critical issues such as war, genocide, dual identities, exile and multi-culturalism, Arpa has solidified its role in safeguarding films that continue to make a social impact.
One of the overarching goals of Arpa Foundation for Film, Music & Art (AFFMA) in launching its signature Arpa International Film Festival two decades ago, was to create an arena that offers Armenian filmmakers, Armenian films and Armenian-themed films wider exposure in Hollywood. In light of its landmark anniversary, AFFMA has decided to create internship opportunities for students of Armenian heritage who are pursuing careers in cinema and entertainment. This will augment previous forms of support given to filmmakers over the past 20 years, and allow the organization to deliver an increased number of film screenings and other events promoting Armenian artists year-round.
Haydzayn.am wrote: The Armenian government invited experts from Disneyland and Universal to Armenia to create a similar place in Vanadzor, Noyland. Armenian Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said in his statement.
“The project started a year ago, the $ 100 million investment program has been launched in industry and agriculture, and now the best Italian consultants help us develop the concept of development inVanadzor,” the Prime Minister said.
He also added that the government currently discusses possible infrastructure solutions that can make businesses more attractive in Vanadzor.
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia October 31, 2017 Tuesday Pressures on supporters of dissent and peace in Turkey become severe – expert on Turkish studies YEREVAN, OCTOBER 31, ARMENPRESS. Ruben Melkonyan, dean of the faculty of Oriental Studies at the Yerevan State University, says the state and public pressure against supporters of dissent and peace in Turkey is becoming increasingly severe, reports Armenpress. Presenting his report on regional diversity in the example of Turkey during the international conference on ‘Realities and prospects of regional peace’, Ruben Melkonyan said if the Ottoman period is accepted among the professionals to be called as a mosaic society where there were different peoples and cultures, after that the adoption of extremist policy resulted in creation of monolithic Turkey. “My report is about the formation of Turkey from mosaic to monolithic where different nationalities and cultures are denied or embezzled”, he said. He said in case of Turkey there is a very little place for optimism since the current xenophobic policy continues at the highest level. “The Turkish president with different extremist dogmas does not contribute to establishment of peace, he further deepens the dividing lines, ethnic conflicts, discrimination which reached a high level in Turkey”, Ruben Melkonyan said. In these circumstances, according to him, the opportunities for dialogue are small, but it is necessary to continue the works with the Turkish public, scientific circles, the small circles of civil society that today exist and can hold discussions and strengthen the idea of peaceful co-existence among the wide circles of the public. “The Turkish participants of the conference are representatives of Turkish civil society who are well aware of the issue of the Armenian Genocide and different aspects of the Armenian-Turkish relations, they are among those figures who form broader public opinion in Turkey based on objective realities”, Melkonyan said. According to the expert in Turkish studies, this participation can be considered as courage since it is a courageous step in terms of dictatorial trends gradually deepening in Turkey. Ruben Melkonyan said the regional peace cannot have religious and sectarian dividing lines, quite the contrary, they need to serve for establishment of peace. The international conference on regional peace was held in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin on October 31 which has been organized by the Armenian Round Table Foundation of the World Council of Churches. The conference was attended by speakers from Armenia, Georgia, Russia, Iran and Turkey.