Turan news agency, Azerbaijani Opposition June 9 2017 Ethnic minority activist faces travel ban in Azerbaijan [Armenian News note: the below is translated from the Russian edition of Turan] The head of an ethnic minority centre in Azerbaijan has been barred from travelling abroad in connection with an investigation into an ethnic reporter's defection to Armenia. Rafiq Calilov, the head of the Talis (Talish) culture centre, says that he was not allowed to leave the country in late May because of a travel ban imposed on him by the Prosecutor-General's Office. The travel ban was imposed because Calilov is a witness in the case of correspondent of Tolisi Sado (Tolyshi Sado, Voice of Talis) newspaper, Sahin Mirzoyev, who defected to Armenia in February 2017. Armenia is Baku's arch-foe due to the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute. Calilov said that he had no plans to emigrate, but wanted to travel to Dagestan, Russia for the wedding of a friend's son. He described the travel ban as politically motivated and filed a complaint with the Prosecutor-General's Office. "I do not understand what is the point of not allowing me to travel abroad. If I wanted to leave, I would have done that in 2014 when I was in Europe. I am not going to leave Azerbaijan," Calilov said. Turan said on 8 June that the editor of Tolisi Sado, Hilal Mammadov, was interrogated at the Interior Ministry's organised crime department in connection with the Sahin Mirzoyev case. Hilal Mammadov, received a five-year prison sentence in September 2013 on charges of drug possession, high treason and incitement of hatred. He was given a presidential pardon in 2016. Tolisi Sado's previous editor, Novruzali Mammadov, died in a Baku prison hospital in 2009, a year after he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for high treason and spying for Iran.
Category: 2017
Jewel purpose: the Boghossian family bring art-deco gem Villa Empain back to its former glory
The Telegraph, UK
June 8, 2017 Thursday 11:00 AM GMT
Jewel purpose: the Boghossian family bring art-deco gem Villa Empain back to its former glory
By Talib Choudhry
With its granite and gold leaf exterior, the Villa Empain must be one of the most distinctive and beloved buildings in Brussels.
Louis Empain – son of billionaire industrialist and railway pioneer Edouard Empain – commissioned architect Michel Polak to design the villa as a private residence in 1930. Four years later it was completed, combining the simple lines of Bauhaus architecture with the luxurious materials and detailing of art deco.
The original solarium now serves as a meeting roomCredit: Jake Curtis
The villa was designed as a home of Gatsby-esque grandeur – except no wild parties were ever held there; Louis Empain was a very sober young man – so reclusive it was rumoured at the time that he never actually moved in. In reality, he did live in the villa for at least four years, and the few who were lucky enough to step inside would have seen yet more splendour.
Floors and walls are rendered from five different types of marble; there is panelling in walnut, rosewood and oak, as well as the more exotic African bubinga and Venezuelan manilkara; bathrooms are tiled with intricate mosaics; and stained-glass panels and magnificent wrought-ironwork feature throughout. The swimming pool, which extends the entire length of the villa and boasted a thermostatically controlled heater, was one of the most impressive of its era.
Dominique Gonzalez Foerster's Chambre installationCredit: Jake Curtis
As such, Villa Empain is an aptly decorative home for the Boghossian Foundation, established as "a centre for art and dialogue between the cultures of the east and the west". Opened by the high jewellery house in April 2010, what might be dismissed as a glitzy vanity project for a luxury goods brand is, in fact, a heartfelt endeavour to use art as a force for good.
Caught up in the conflicts that have afflicted the Middle East throughout the 20th century, the Boghossian family found themselves fleeing from Armenia to Syria and then Lebanon, before finally settling in Belgium and Switzerland.
"I had the good fortune to grow up in the magnificent country of Lebanon but I lived through the damage caused by civil war," explains Jean Boghossian, a Brussels-based artist (who represented Armenia at this year's Venice Biennale). "I witnessed the brutality with which a peaceful coexistence can turn into a murderous hatred, and the wound it causes. Before, during the genocide that they suffered in 1915, my Armenian forefathers also lived through a nightmare."
A small bathroom was entirely rebuilt and mosaic-tiled after being demolished in 2000Credit: Jake Curtis
In 1992, Jean was moved to set up the Boghossian Foundation with his brother Albert – the company's CEO – and their father Robert, in order to undertake charitable work in the Middle East.
"We have been involved with humanitarian and educational projects for many years but we wanted to do something larger - shine a light on new ideas," says Albert's son Ralph, the company's production director. "The result is the Foundation in Brussels, which works to promote understanding between different cultures. Being Armenian, we drew inspiration from the Silk Road – it's the universe around which the Boghossian house revolves."
Descended from six generations of gem dealers, the Boghossian family has forged a unique identity in the world of high jewellery. Famous for the "art of inlay", a technique of setting one stone within another – Boghossian was known as Bogh-Art before being renamed in 2007 – the company's colourful aesthetic, extraordinary gems and attention to detail produce pieces akin to works of art.
Large parts of the original marble floor has been removed, but remained was so thick it could be sliced in half and repurposedCredit: Jake Curtis
"We start with the stone because we're gem experts and that's what we're passionate about," says Ralph. "We have developed many types of setting because it's the mount that emphasises and highlights the qualities of a stone."
Designs are influenced by both the Boghossian family's Middle Eastern roots and European lives today. Unusual stones are sometimes bought and stored for years before being turned into one of the handful of pieces that the house creates annually in Switzerland and Italy.
"We have loyal clients who buy several pieces on a regular basis," adds Ralph. "When you know that, for them, peerless beauty is the only thing that counts, you are able to push your abilities and create something special."
In contrast to the rarified world of Boghossian jewels, the Foundation at Villa Empain is open to all, and its general manager Louma Salamé (Jean's niece) is "very much into opening things up. Our shows and workshops are intended to make the visitor feel at home and we give everyone the same attention, whether it's the minister of foreign affairs or a Syrian refugee."
The villa's entrance hall features splendid wrought ironworkCredit: Jake Curtis
Louis Empain would surely approve of the current use of his former home. In 1937 Empain donated his mansion to the state as the site of the Royal Museum of Contemporary Decorative Arts of Belgium, but the Second World War brought a premature end to the museum's activities when the villa was requisitioned by the German invaders. It is rumoured to have been occupied by the Gestapo.
After the war, despite the conditions attached to Empain's gift to the Belgian state, the villa was handed over to the USSR to serve as its embassy. After much campaigning the building was returned to Empain in the mid-1960s and he staged exhibitions dedicated to kinetic and op art, before selling it in 1973, three years before his death. It was rented by the television station RTL for 20 years then, following another sale, the villa was abandoned and fell into disrepair.
When the Boghossian Foundation acquired Villa Empain in 2006, it was in a completely dilapidated state. After two years of site surveys and extensive research, complex restoration works took a further two. Walking through the building now it's difficult to imagine that it hasn't always looked the way it does.
The intricately panelled barCredit: Jake Curtis
"By restoring this magnificent piece of art-deco architecture and using it to house the headquarters of the foundation, we think that our projects will, in their own way, fulfil Baron Empain's wishes," says Jean Boghossian.
Having worked at the Guggenheim, the Mudam and the Abu Dhabi Louvre, Salamé is eminently qualified to run the Foundation. "It's a dream project for me – I found the idea of a bilateral east-meets-west project tremendously exciting," she says. "I've followed its progress for over 10 years, but I thought I had to do things on my own for a certain time and tried to learn everything you have to know to become the director of a cultural institution."
The first show that Salamé curated at the foundation was called Imaginary Borders. "There's an increasing stigmatisation of different groups of people for their religion, social background or nationality and the building of social barriers. All these walls are what we are fighting against."
The restored rear facade and magnificent pool of Villa Empain – renowned at the time it was built for its pioneering thermostatically controlled heating
The foundation's "mission" to encourage cultural exchange is carried out through exhibitions, events and residencies, with writers, artists, designers and curators living on site. The rooms in the villa are still referred to according to their original purpose and the hum of activity means it is far removed from a sterile gallery space.
"It's very much a living building – we want visitors to use the space and feel at ease," says Salamé. "It's a unique house, an amazing jewel and the perfect home for our mission. Genuinely, every morning when I put the key into this gorgeous front door, I feel like I've come home." villaempain.com
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund begins construction of sports complex in Ditavan
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia June 8, 2017 Thursday Hayastan All-Armenian Fund begins construction of sports complex in Ditavan YEREVAN, JUNE 8, ARMENPRESS. On June 8, the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund held a groundbreaking ceremony for the future sports complex of Ditavan, a village in Armenia’s Tavush province. Guests attending the event included the sponsor of the construction project, Argentinean-Armenian benefactor Nadya Ekserciyan, as well as her daughter. The planned sports facility having a total area of 504 square meters, will be used for a wide range of physical exercises and matches. The structure will also feature classrooms for preschoolers, and an underground bomb shelter where the residents of Ditavan, which is located near the border with Azerbaijan, will be able to take cover in case of an emergency. “Ditavan is burgeoning in front of our very eyes,” said Ara Vardanyan, executive director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund, and continued, “With its recently built infrastructures and community institutions, this village stands apart as among the best in not only the Tavush province, but Armenia as a whole. For this achievement, the support of the Ekserciyan family has been invaluable. Today, we are delighted that Mrs. Nadya continues the benevolent work of her late husband, Armen Ekserciyan, by providing ongoing support for the steady growth of Ditavan.” Through the Ekserciyan family’s contributions totaling nearly $1.5 million, since 2007 the fund has implemented a string of development projects in Ditavan, which has a population of 412. They include natural-gas and water networks, as well as a school and a multifunctional community center. In addition, the Ekserciyans provide social assistance to Ditavan’s newly-wed couples and families with newborns, and contribute to agricultural-development projects carried out in the village. In recognition of the Ekserciyans’ far-reaching support, Ditavan has named its school, main street, and square after the benefactors, who have also been made Honorary Citizens of the village.
US Ambassador to Armenia contributes to construction of longest zip line in the world
news.am, Armenia
June 9 2017
US Ambassador to Armenia contributes to construction of longest zip line in the world
17:00, 09.06.2017
The amount required for the construction of the longest zip line in the world has been collected.
According to Marketing Coordinator of Yell Extreme Park, Gegham Vardanyan, during the fundraising about $22,165 thousand was collected instead of the needed $20,000. 310 participants from 21 countries took part in the fundraising. 70 percent of the funds were transferred from Armenia, Russia and US coming second and third. Together with Georgia they collected overall 93 percent of the funds.
Armenian PM Karen Karapetyan and US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills, as well as private entrepreneurs and different organizations also transferred funds for the construction of the longest zip line.
The fundraising was held from May 4 to June 2. The longest zip line will be built in Yenokavan village. It will be 2680 meters long and 200-300 meters high. The flight will last 3-4 minutes at a speed of 120 kmh.
Author of the Yell Extreme Park project and co-founder of the park, Tigran Chibukhchyan, noted that the project is quite complex from the point of view of engineering.
It is planned to launch the construction after June 20. The Armenian side will be supported by specialists from Georgia, France and Austria. “We would very much like to put the zip line in commission by late June, but we will be able to mention the precise deadlines in the first week of July,” Chibukhchyan noted.
Longest zip-line expected to be commissioned in Armenia by the end of June
Public Radio of Armenia
June 9 2017
17:36, 09 Jun 2017
The world’s longest zip-line is expected to be commissioned in Armenia’s Yenokavan community by the end of June.
Tigran Chibukhchyan, founder of the Yell Extreme Park project, which has undertaken to construct the zip-line, says $22,167 has been raised in a month-long crowdfunding launched on May 4. An overall $100 thousand has been collected during different fundraisers.
Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan and Russia-based businessman Ruben Harutyunyan have been the biggest contributors, having donated $1,000 each.
He said, however, that a total of $200 thousand is needed, and the rest will be funded by private investors.
Authors of the project hope it will help boost the development of tourism.
Today the longest line is 750m long with the height of 200-300m and the speed of 5-7m/s.
The new zip-line is expected to be 2,680 m long and have a height of approximately 250 m and a speed of 120 km/h. There will be four parallel zip-lines from Yell Extreme Park to the village of Yenokavan.
After completing the project in Armenia, Yell Extreme Park plans to have 2-3 bases in Artsakh.
Sports: Montenegro vs Armenia live streaming free: preview, prediction
The Siver Times
June 9 2017
| June 9, 2017 | Sport
Montenegro vs Armenia live streaming free
Match Forecast Montenegro – Armenia
On Saturday at 21:45, the next match of the 6th round of the group stage of qualification for the World Cup is planned, in which the national team of Montenegro at the home arena of the Podgorica City Stadium will play against the national team of Armenia.
Montenegro vs Armenia preview
The national team of Montenegro in football, as a separate state, did not differ by achievements. Neither in 2010, nor in 2014, respectively, Montenegro among the participants in the final stage of the World Cup was not. As for the current selection, since Montenegro after a successful start in Group E, made a number of mistakes, due to which it reduced its advantage over the main part of the competitors. So in the played rounds Montenegro marked a draw with Romania, a victory over Kazakhstan and Denmark, as well as a defeat from Armenia and Poland.
Montenegro vs Armenia preview
But the national team of Armenia in its history since 1992, successful actions still do not remember. Despite the fact that Armenia remains a regular participant in the qualifying rounds for both the World Cup and the Euro, it often remains among the outsiders. In the current selection, Armenia started with a defeat from Denmark, Romania and Poland, but after defeating Montenegro and Kazakhstan and returned to the race for the 2nd place in the promotion zone.
Sports: Montenegro – Armenia: World Cup Qualification UEFA – 10 June 2017
EuroSport
June 9 2017
World Cup Qualification UEFA – Follow the Football match between Montenegro and Armenia live with Eurosport. The match starts at 20:45 on . Our live coverage lets you follow all the key moments as they happen.
Who will come out on top in the battle of the managers Ljubisa Tumbakovic or Artur Petrosyan? Find out by following our live matchcast.
Have your say by voting on who will win between Montenegro and Armenia? Enjoy some pre-match reading with related articles about these two Enjoy some pre-match reading with related articles about these two Football teams.
Head-to-head: see historical stats and visit our detailed profiles for Montenegro vs Armenia. Get all the latest on Football: fixtures, results and tables.
Sports: Three Armenian divers brace for European Championships in Kiev
PanArmenian
June 9 2017
June 9, 2017 – 16:06 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenia’s national diving team is preparing to participate in the European Championships, to be held in Kiev, Ukraine on June 12-18.
Chief coach Hrachya Chandiryan on Friday, June 9 revealed that Lev Sargsyan and Azat and Vladimir Harutyunyan will represent Armenia in Kiev.
“The Harutyunyan brothers will compete in the synchronized diving event, while Sargsyan and Vladimir Harutyunyan will climb the 10-m platform,” Chandiryan explained.
“Making it to the top six would be an excellent result for us.”
The Armenian divers will depart for Ukraine on June 12.
Chess: Armenia’s Arman Mikayelyan continues impressive performance at the European Individual Chess Championship
Panorama, Armenia
June 9 2017
In Round 9 of the European Individual Chess Championship 2017 Armenia’s Arman Mikayelyan recorded another sensational victory against Spanish chess grandmaster Anton Guijarro David (2660). National Olympic Committee of Armenia reports, Mikayelyan along Russians Anton Demchenko and Maxim Matlakov shares the 2-4 places in the tournament with 7 points each.
On June 9, our chess player will compete with Davit Navara of the Czech Republic (2739) who is the highest ranked player of the tournament. To compare, Arman Mikayelyan is ranked the 216th at the ongoing tournament.
To remind, the championship is played in 11-round Swiss system, with the time control 90 minutes for 40 moves plus 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with an increment of 30 seconds per move, starting from move one. The European Individual Championship 2017 is a qualification event for the next World Cup.
Chess: Norway Chess: Levon Aronian played draw against Hikaru Nakamura
Panorama, Armenia
June 9 2017
On June 7, the second round games of the Altibox Norway Chess Tournament were played in Stavanger. As the Chess Federation of Armenia reports, Vladimir Kramnik won against Viswanathan Anand with black. The games Nakamura – Aronian, Giri – Karjakin, Caruana – Carlsen, and So – Vachier-Lagrave were drawn.
With seven rounds still to go in the strongest tournament of the year, Vachier, Karjakin, Aronian, Wesley So, Caruana and Carlsen share the second spot on one point each having drawn both games while Anand and Giri share the ninth spot with half a point from two games.