European budget carriers ready to enter Armenian market: official

PanArmenian, Armenia
Dec 26 2018

PanARMENIAN.Net – European low-cost airlines are ready to enter the Armenian market, head of the country's Tourism Committee Hripsime Grigoryan told reporters on Wednesday, December 26.

According to her, a set of negotiations have already been held with a number of European budget carriers.

She said the airlines will most probably fly to Armenia’s second-largest town, Gyumri, which is home to Shirak airport.

Grigoryan said government support is a key condition for a low-cost airline to enter the Armenian market, citing assistance in promoting the companies' marketing policies as an example.

Only one budget airline – Russia's Pobeda – is offering relatively cheap flights to from Moscow to Gyumri.

Iran, Armenia express readiness to hold joint rescue drills

Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA)
Tuesday
Iran, Armenia express readiness to hold joint rescue drills
 
 
Tehran (ISNA) – Ambassador of Iran to Armenia, Seyyed Kazem Sajjadi held a meeting with Armenian Minister of Emergency Situations, Feliks Tsolakyan, discussing bilateral cooperation in the fields of disaster prevention and relief and rescue operations.
 
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Congratulating the Armenian minister on Christmas, Sajjadi insisted on bilateral cooperation in reconstruction projects in the aftermath of natural disasters and unexpected accidents.
 
Mentioning the capacities of Iran's Red Crescent, he expressed the relief entity's readiness for bilateral cooperation in the fields of producing relief facilities and medicine, holding training courses and exchanging their experience with Armenian experts.
 
The Iranian official also stressed on the need for promoting provincial cooperation in the field of emergency situations, calling for holding joint search and rescue drills and implementing bilateral memorandums of understanding.
 
Noting the history of cooperation with Iran's Red Crescent and memorandums of understanding for emergency situations, Feliks Tsolakyan expressed Armenia's readiness to continue the cooperation.
 
He also insisted on deploying rescue teams on a route that Iranian tourists using it for traveling to Armenia.
 
End Item

Artsakh official recalls Azerbaijani poor record of treating ethnic minorities in Azerbaijan

Panorama, Armenia
Dec 26 2018

Azerbaijani foreign minister Elmar Mammadyarov has stated that Baku is ready to grant the Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh a high-level autonomy and ensure their security. Mammadyarov has noted that in line with its international commitments, Azerbaijan has always ensured the security of its citizens including of those belonging to different ethnic groups and today is ready to do the same for the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh. Panorama.am turned to the head of Information department at the Artsakh President’s Office Davit Babayan, asking to comment on the Azerbaijani FM’s statements.

“Those statements from Azerbaijani leadership are unacceptable and once again show that official Baku is in no way ready to change its stance. There was a time when Azerbaijani Republic was formed based on federative unions of two subjects – Armenians and Muslims.it was at a time when no nation called Azerbaijanis even existed. It was officially emerged in 1936. The two Armenian formations – the Nakhijevan Autonomous Republic and the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast – had different statuses. We all saw the fate of the Nakhijevan Autonomous Republic, when the Armenian population disappeared,” Babayan pointed.

The Artsakh official reminded of the poor record of Azerbaijani treatment of ethnic minorities, the Red Kurdistan among them which was eliminated off the face of the earth amid the unfulfilled promises by Azerbaijan to grant an autonomy.

“Azerbaijanis slaughtered Armenians in Artsakh, Baku and Sumgait which were stripped of their Armenian population and later had to fight a large-scale war imposed on them. Today, we are an independent state and have passed through the April war. What is the logic for an independent country to refuse its status, security guarantees and follow the Azerbaijani whims? Following this logic, we can expect them to appoint Ramil Safarov (ax-murderer of an Armenian army lieutenant) as a governor in Karabakh. This is impossible,” Babayan added. 

Music: Hro Palyan – The Uprising Armenian American Superstar

The Frisky
Dec 26 2018


by: Wendy Stokes

The music industry has been changing a lot for the past few decades, and we went from rock bands ruling the scene to modern hip-hop music being among the most popular out there. Hip-hop was at its height during the 90s, and now modern rappers are trying to make their way true (like Drake, Kanye, etc.). Still, it is safe to say that the hip-hop Tupac Shakur and Biggie preached was of a higher quality.

Saying this, it is nice to know that there are still people trying to recover the hip-hop that was alive during those years. And among them is the guy called Hro Palyan. Though maybe still not known to the wider audience this rapper already made a few public appearances and fired up the scene. He is an Armenian American and surely a refreshment on the existing hip-hop scene. Though still young, and new in the industry he already pumped out a few hits, and we can only expect more and even better of him.

Let’s take a more in-brief on this guy and see what he can bring us?

Hro Palyan is a young Armenian American guy that is out there waiting to become the next superstar in the hip-hop industry. While he has just begun making music some people maybe know him better for his works as a producer. He tried to explain the life of an Armenian in the USA through an 8-episode documentary series that he produced. The series was widely accepted, and very well rated by the critics. The series is from 2015, and in case you want to take a look, you can do that online as there are numerous websites streaming it for free. After his initial success, he decided to turn to the music industry and has since released two hits White China and Sick Freaks both featuring The Palyans.

Although he has been trained to play a number of musical instruments from a young age, and has already performed and sang at a wide variety of venues, he decided to join the music industry just a few months ago, as he thinks it is the right time to showcase his theatrical and extravagant ways of performing in his videos. This all-around entertainment star can surely freshen up the industry and bring us something to be eager about.


Azerbaijani Press: Azerbaijan needs to clear itself of "dirty money" image

Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijani Opposition Press
Tuesday
Azerbaijan needs to clear itself of "dirty money" image
 
 ASTNA.biz
 ***
 
-Gubad bey, British investigators have frozen a banking account of Azerbaijan related to laundering dirty money amounting to several billion dollars. The National Crime Agency reported on December 12 that an order on freezing accounts is a first step related to "Azerbaijani money laundry". It turns out that these steps may last rather long. Is that likely and if "yes" in what form?
 
-This is a logical result of contituing processes, for Britain is prone to trigger a process not only due to the Azerbaijani case but the dirty money laundering problem as a whole. The topic was broached as far back as in 2015, during a global summit of the Open Government Partnership in London where the then British Prime Minister David Cameron called for decisive struggle against the corruption. To all appearance, the Prime Minister would hold his position, Brexit would fail and decisions of Britain tougher. The point was that the Prime Minister assumed the liability, specified a name of the program and its directions. One of the main directions was to identify property owners especially as there is a great quantity of immovables in London and suburbs whose owners remain unknown. London is reputed to be one of the dirty money laundering centers. It is natural that the British authorities are anxious about the current situation.An article titled "Azerbaijani money laundry" referred to specific documents, as well as London-registered companies-leaders in the process. After the world public became aware of this, London"s actions were predictable, so the related processes are expected to drag on long. How these processes will develop is dependent upon results of the investigation. All things considered, if Azerbaijan has really collaborated with other companies to launder the dirty money, the above-stated is revealed, for London will face no difficulties in doing it. In all probability, British law-enforcement bodes are engaged in exploring the new information.
 
– British mass media have repeatedly raised a topic of dirty money laundering. As from 2015, many authoritative media organs have dealt with turnover of dirty money in Britain, purchase of expensive real estate in London by citizens of former Soviet Republics. Later on, a topic on the agenda was immovables owned by Russian banker Muhtar Ablyazov, by Zamira Hajiyeva, a wife of the former head of the International Bank of Azerbaijan, Janghir Hajiyev. But it should be remembered that Britain has also gained money from dirty money turnover. Is it possible that Britain is full of determination in the matter? Or instead, the government of Britain having sacrificed two/three persons is merely demonstrating its intent to belie the topic?
 
-I don"t think that the latest London developments are none other than a campaign. It is natural that there is a certain ground to think so due to Zamira Hajiyeva"s property. In the meanwhile, Azerbaijan-related topics did exist, true, about larger property though no information on the subject had been spread. The point is about a remaining influence on political power in London, specifically about Azerbaijan-related companies, as well as companies lobbying interests of the country in the matter. This may be explained as being due to the information about property of Zamira Hajiyeva and Russian banker Muhtar Ablyazov. I don"t think that the point here is about a mere campaign, for activities on this track will be continued. Besides, Britain adopted a global act of Magnitskiy from the United States. From this standpoint Britain bears legal liabilities and political responsibility for the goings-on. If the facts are revealed, hence, Britain-related suspicions come true. Therefore I do not accept allegations that the British government having sacrificed one/two persons is willing to belie the topic. It is an integral part of global initiatives arising from transparency, accountability, money laundering, return of stolen money and disclosure of names of property owners. Countries like Great Britain will, willy-nilly, get involved in the process.
 
– It is alleged that the inquiry into "Azerbaijani laundry" within the framework of the Organized Criminality and Corruption Report Project (OCCRP) revealed that the Estonian branch of Danske Bank ruled accounts of four Britain-registered companies.
 
By means of these accounts the Azerbaijani elite transferred money, offered a bounties to European politicians. The issue was discussed by the PACE and the EU. These studies mentioned names of Elkhan Suleymanov and other persons having properties in London. Suffice it to mention cases of Zamira Hajiyeva, as well as freezing of banking accounts of persons involved in the investigation – will the British government impose sanctions on the persons mentioned above?
 
-I don"t think that any sanctions will be imposed on the persons cited above. I believe that the government of Britain won"t apply any sanctions in respect of Elkhan Suleymanov and persons involved in the process. It was the investigation mentioned above that Azerbaijan has increasingly been referred to by the international community due to the corruption and money laundering. A special commission was set up by the PACE to clarify a question of deputies" being recruited by Azerbaijani deputies. What are consequences for Azerbaijan if the processes continue? Will these processes influence relations between Azerbaijan and the West, as well as between Great Britain, PACE and the CE? Will, of course. It was expected that the last London decision was to be used as a source in the cource of debates in the PACE. Note that no debates on this issue are over so far. In other words, there is a commission to explore the matter, make some conclusions and submit a report of the commission to reflect decisions as adopted in Britain. As a whole, these questions will have a negative effect on the relations between Azerbaijan and the PACE, European Parliament. The point is that there is a need in making inquiries into whether laundered money had been spent for lobby activity in Europe, particularly in Brussels. New facts, new statement and decisions are expected following the end of the commission activity and a related report thereunder.
 
-How is Azerbaijan going to get out of the situation?
 
-It should be remembered that the situation around Azerbaijan is not very nice and the country is eager to get out of impasse. At least, companies lobbying Azerbaijan in Europe will be able to acquire means to protect interests of the country. From now on, Azerbaijan will have to collaborate with a great number of companies and more expensive projects to thus avoid undesirable consequences. However, not everything is dependent upon activities of companies lobbying Azerbaijan. That will depend upon a principled stand of other institutions on the issue, including the PACE and European Parliament. At any rate, the current situation in Azerbaijan will remain in the spotlight of international organizations. If Azerbaijan fails to take appropriate measures for the release of political prisoners, stand of these institutions will be tougher which will complicate the possibility of Azerbaijan"s way out of the situation.
 
-What is Azerbaijan going to do to clear its name? What will Azerbaijan do to wipe off all stains? Are there any preventive measures to take?
 
– To my thinking, Azerbaijan is at a dead end, The whole setup is getting damn bad by now. Suffice it to say that a name of Azerbaijan has already been referred to in university debates on corruption and money laundering. Most distressingly, the authority of Azerbaijan has seriously been blown upon by recent dishonorable activities of the country"s government. Testifying to this is a cleavage on Azerbaijan and Armenia in the course of a recent Forum of Eastern Partnership. The latest elections in Georgia and Armenia were held in terms of free competition; besides, it was the peace revolution in Armenia that made it possible to improve the flyblown reputation of this country.
 
Granting this, Azerbaijan should make the most of the situation and hold free democratic elections in the country, ensure democracy and human rights, release political prisoners. Actions of this sort are likely to enhance the authority of the country. An end should put to political repressions and conditions created for activities of independent civil society. Should this happen, positive changes are sure to take place in the image of Azerbaijan?
 
– Can these actions of Britain be regarded as a political pressure on the authorities of Azerbaijan?
 
– There is no need for Britain to place pressures on Azerbaijan. Close relations and collaroration are maintained between the two countries, especially economy, trade, ivestments, etc. The same is true of political and diplomatic relations. From this standpoint I do not evaluate British steps as a political pressure on the Azerbaijani authorities. In my view, this is an integral part of British policy, so the Azerbaijani athorities are not concerned about recent developments. In other words, the British-Azerbaijani cooperation is in progress. Azerbaijan posed no problems for British companies which are active in Azerbaijan in the most favorable legal, tax, customs and currency conditions. The parties will face no problems in investment and trade relations. From that angle, all the above cannot be regarded a political pressure on the Azerbaijani authorities.

Azerbaijani Press: President: The only way for the new Armenian leadership to be able to carry out all their plans on transforming the country is to resolve the conflict with Azerbaijan

AzerTag, Azerbaijan
Dec 26 2018
 
 
President: The only way for the new Armenian leadership to be able to carry out all their plans on transforming the country is to resolve the conflict with Azerbaijan
 
Baku, December 26, AZERTAC
 
“We have been pursuing and will continue to pursue a policy of demonstrating what advantages peace will bring to the region and what difficulties will exist in Armenia if there is no peace,” said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in his interview with Rossiya-24 TV channel.
 
“I am deeply convinced that the only way for the new Armenian leadership to be able to carry out all their plans on transforming the country is to resolve the conflict with Azerbaijan. And to do that, they need to vacate the territories that do not belong to them and enable hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis to return to their lands. Therefore, there is hope that there will be more understanding in this regard. But I cannot predict, as they say, time will tell. But we will also consistently conduct the policy I spoke about earlier, especially since it is bearing fruit,” the head of state said.
 

Armenian Genocide Museum Foundation announced 2019 Lemkin Scholarship

Public Radio of Armenia
Dec 26 2018
Armenian Genocide Museum Foundation announced 2019 Lemkin Scholarship

2018-12-26 15:13:26 
                           

The Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute foundation has announced the 2019 Lemkin Scholarship program for foreign young researchers and PhD candidates. The scholarship is intended to extend research on the Armenian Genocide, promote multilayered research of the theme and engage young scientists.

The program will enable foreign PhD students or young researchers under 40, who specialize in the field of genocide research and work on their doctoral thesis, to spend one month in Armenia and conduct their research at the archives of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, as well as other local scientific institutions and libraries. The duration of the scholarship is one month.

The AGMI Foundation will cover travel and accommodation expenses.

The deadline for application is February 15, 2019. The name of the winner will be known on March 1, 2019.

At the end of the program, the scholarship holder will be required to make a report and present a summary of the work done within the month. He/she will also submit an article as a result of a research to be considered for publication in the International Journal of Armenian Genocide Studies within 1 year from the end of his/her visit to Armenia.

The winner will be selected by the Scientific Council of the AGMI Foundation.

The Lemkin Scholarship was founded in 2010. There have been 12 winners so far.

Lawyer Rafael Lemkin (1900-1959) coined the term "genocide" and participated in the preparation of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of December 9, 1948.

The Armenian Genocide has a special place for study in Lemkin’s extensive scientific heritage.

Rafael Lemkin was greatly impressed by the mass killings of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire in 1915.When studying at Lvov University, he learned from the local newspaper about the murder of ex-Minister of Interior of the Ottoman Empire Talaat Pasha by Soghomon Tehlirian in Berlin.

The impunity of Turkish criminals who committed the Armenian Genocide caused anxiety to Lemkin. He decided to go into the field of international law, specializing in the study of crimes against humanity. Unable to find appropriate international norms to prevent genocide and punish the perpetrators, he himself undertook the task of creating those norms.

Turkish parliament receives petition seeking to strip Garo Paylan of parliamentary immunity

Panorama, Armenia
Dec 26 2018
Politics 17:28 26/12/2018 Region

The Turkish parliament has received a petition seeking to strip eight deputies, including Turkish lawmaker of Armenian descent Garo Paylan of parliamentary immunity.

Ermenihaber reports, the petition was submitted to the parliamentary constitutional and justice commission on the grounds of "insulting the Turkish nation, the Turkish state, its army and police forces." 

Meanwhile, the summery of the proceedings prepared by the Ankara Chief Prosecutor's office says that Paylan is accused over an interview he gave in Canada in May 2017 for "public humiliation of the Turkish state and its president."

Armenia tightens control on key commodity markets ahead of New Year

Panorama, Armenia
Dec 26 2018

The Armenian State Commission for Protection of Economic Competition is tightening control over dominant commodity markets ahead of the New Year to prevent unreasonable price hikes and anticompetitive actions.

“Taking into account the fact that during the New Year holidays the demand of consumer goods grows multiple times due to a strong increase in economic activity, which is fraught with certain risks of abuses by unscrupulous business entities, the commission is switching to a daily monitoring regime instead of the previous three-day monitoring per week,” the commission said in a statement.

Meantime, the economic competition commission urges all the dominant businessmen to act conscientiously and avoid violations of the competition law.

The tightened control regime will run through the days following the New Year, including through the weekends.

The commission says it will take appropriate measures in case of detecting violations that could harm consumers or honest businessmen.  

Armenia acting PM: We had record low level of murders in 2018

News.am, Armenia
Dec 26 2018
Armenia acting PM: We had record low level of murders in 2018 Armenia acting PM: We had record low level of murders in 2018

14:36, 26.12.2018
                  

We have had a record low level of murders in 2018, ever since 1990; this is an important indicator, Armenia’s Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan wrote in a Facebook post.

“It is also important to record that all those who will attempt to resolve any economic, political, personal, group matter by way of violence or weapons will be met with a deserving counterblow and most severe accountability,” Pashinyan added.