Category: 2018

Karen Karapetyan to represent Armenia at World Economic Forum

Emil Lazarian
Banks.am, Armenia
Jan 15 2018

15.01.2018 | 11:10 Home / News /



After a long period of absence, Armenia will participate in the 48th World Economic Forum, as represented by Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan. The forum will take place on January 23-26 in Davos, Switzerland.

Spokesperson for Prime Minister, Aram Araratyan has informed Banks.am about Karapetyan’s participation in the forum.

Mr. Araratyan has stated that the Prime Minister will deliver a speech and hold several bilateral, multilateral meetings within the frames of the forum.

He has also noted that while the composition of the delegation is yet uncertain, it will not be large.

It is worth reminding that last time Armenia participated in the forum in Davos in 2009, as represented by President Serzh Sargsyan. In general, Armenia’s absence in the World Economic Forum in recent years was explained by high expenses related to the event.

This year the forum in Davos will pass under the theme “Creating a Shared Future in a Fractured World”, aimed at renewal of the commitment to international collaboration as a way of solving critical global challenges. Over 400 sessions will take place within the frames of the forum.

More than 2,500 participants from over 100 countries will participate in the forum, which will be attended by US President Donald Trump as well this year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who participated in the forum in 2009 last time, has no plans to attend the event this year.


Mr. Trump, Meet a Hero You Maligned

Emil Lazarian 
The New York Times
 Sunday


Mr. Trump, Meet a Hero You Maligned

 By NICHOLAS KRISTOF



In 1885, a poor, uneducated 16-year-old boy arrived in our country
from Germany at a time when immigrants were often looked down on by
affluent Americans.

This boy was ambitious and entrepreneurial, and, despite language
problems, he earned some money and then traveled up to the Klondike
during the gold rush to operate a hotel that became notorious for
prostitution. He prospered, and today his grandson is President Trump.

After Germany became an enemy in World War I, the Trump family was
embarrassed enough about its heritage that it claimed to be from
Sweden instead. President Trump himself repeated this lie in his 1987
book, ''The Art of the Deal.''

Yet Trump hypocritically joined the modern Know-Nothings by reportedly
railing against immigrants from ''shithole countries'' like Haiti and
those in Africa. He favored admitting white people over black people
-- which is just the latest incident in a four-decade record of his
racial epithets and discrimination.

During the 2016 presidential campaign, I carefully reviewed Trump's
race-related history, including the 1,021 pages of legal documents
from racial discrimination suits against him, and the evidence is
devastating. We should be careful about tossing around the word
''racist,'' and any one incident can be misconstrued. But in Trump's
case, we have a consistent, 40-year pattern of insults and
discrimination, and I don't see what else we can call him but a
racist.

It's true, of course, that some African countries are in wretched
shape and that some immigrants from poor countries arrive uneducated
and end up, along with homegrown Americans, in dubious trades. But
careful, Mr. President, given your own grandfather's history.

More important, the toxic disparagement of immigrants tarnishes heroes
like Emmanuel Mensah, 28, a New Yorker who came from the West African
country of Ghana and joined the Army National Guard.

Then a couple of weeks ago, when he was back from training, a fire
broke out in Mensah's Bronx building. Mensah easily saved himself, but
then rushed back into the burning building to rescue others. Three
times he rushed in and out, bringing out four people.

Then Mensah dashed toward the flames again and reached the fourth
floor in a desperate effort to save a fifth person. This brave soul
from what Trump would describe as an s-hole country, the kind of
person Trump was insulting, never made it out. Mensah's body was found
high in the building's wreckage.

A few days ago, the Army posthumously awarded Mensah the Soldier's
Medal, its highest award for heroism outside of combat, and New York
State awarded him its Medal for Valor. The citation on the state medal
reads: ''His courageous and selfless act in the face of unimaginable
conditions are consistent with the highest traditions of uniformed
service.''

Who better embodies our nation's values? A politician with a history
of racist comments who took five deferments to escape military duty in
the Vietnam War, including one for heel spurs? Or a heroic Ghanaian
immigrant and soldier who dies in a fire while rescuing others?

Most of us recognize that immigration is complex and that we cannot
throw open our borders, but also that newcomers enrich us. That is
true not only of Norwegians but also of penniless refugees from
impoverished, war-torn countries, such as my father -- a
Polish-Armenian fleeing Eastern Europe, whose first purchase in the
U.S. was a Sunday New York Times to teach himself English.

Trump once showed a willingness to be big-hearted to immigrants who
break the rules: He married Melania, a Slovenian who came to the U.S.
on a visitor visa and then earned money as a model before she was
authorized to work, according to an investigation by The Associated
Press.

If only Trump could show a similar compassion to unauthorized
immigrants who don't look like Melania. In particular, his decision to
send Salvadorans back, in the face of murderous gang violence in that
country, and his rejection of a bipartisan deal to protect DACA
''Dreamers,'' simply seem cruel.

So what can we do?

Obviously, we need to stand up to racist xenophobia even when it
emanates from the White House -- particularly when it emanates from
the White House -- and in addition, if Americans are looking for a
constructive way to respond, here's a suggestion: Donate to an
immigrant rights organization like the National Immigration Law
Center, or to an aid group that works with people whom our president
just insulted.

I've seen firsthand and admired the work of two American aid
organizations that save lives in Haiti from tuberculosis, cervical
cancer and more. They are Partners in Health and Innovating Health
International. Both are working heroically on the front lines to save
the lives of ordinary Haitians, particularly women.

It seems to me that a fine, practical response to racism is to help save a life.

I'm delighted to announce that the winner of my 2018 win-a-trip
contest, to take a university student with me on a reporting trip, is
Tyler Pager, a graduate of Northwestern University now studying at
Oxford. The runner-up is Diana Kruzman of the University of Southern
California. Thanks to the hundreds of students who applied, and
special appreciation to the Center for Global Development in
Washington for helping screen applicants.

I invite you to sign up for my free, twice-weekly email newsletter.
Please also join me on Facebook and Google+, watch my YouTube videos
and follow me on Twitter (@NickKristof).



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Embassy: Health of Armenian businessman attacked in Georgia is improving

Meline Chalian
News.am, Armenia
Jan 14 2018
Embassy: Health of Armenian businessman attacked in Georgia is improving Embassy: Health of Armenian businessman attacked in Georgia is improving

19:57, 14.01.2018
                  

TBILISI. – Today there is a positive change in the health condition of Armenian citizen Artur Sukiasyan, who was injured as a result of a robbery attack in Georgia. 

The embassy of Armenia in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi on Sunday informed about the aforementioned to Armenian News-NEWS.am. It added that he feels better and is under medical supervision.

Sukiasyan on Saturday was transferred from the Ozurgeti town hospital to the Batumi city hospital.

Earlier it was reported that unidentified persons had attacked an Armenian businessman in Ozurgeti, and stolen a large amount of cash money from him.

The victim is Armenian citizen Artur Sukiasyan, 31, who has several stores in the Georgian province of Guria.

Sukiasyan was attacked on Saturday morning, at the entrance of his building.

210th Street in Bayside, NYC, to Be Symbolically Co-Named Armenia Way

Hagop Kamalian
The Armenian Mirror-Spectator
Jan 14 2018


By Fr. Abraham Malkhasyan

Pastor, Armenian Church of the Holy Martyrs, Bayside, NY

BAYSIDE, N. Y. — Three years ago, in January 2015, as the Holy Martyrs Genocide Centennial Committee began plans for their year of celebratory events, the idea to symbolically co-name 210th Street from Horace Harding Expressway to 58th Avenue as “Armenia Way,” was born. With the help of Garo Sekdorian, former member of Community Board 11 (CB 11) that serves Bayside and the surrounding communities, Dr. Lynn Cetin (Chair of the Centennial Committee) and I embarked on a mission to make this dream a reality. While Dr. Cetin drafted a letter to the Community Board describing the connection of Armenians to Bayside, I personally went door-to-door to all the neighbors on 210th Street to secure their support of symbolically renaming the street. It was important that they understood that the co-naming would not change their actual address, but just be a symbolic gesture to our community. Navigating the world of community politics was new to me and no easy task. With the tremendous help of Garo Sekdorian, I sent letters to community leaders and politicians seeking support for this project. Despite our efforts and the many connections I made with many prominent community members, the project fizzled and the dream of seeing “Armenia Way” on 210th Street dwindled over the next two years.

Last fall, with a new political climate in the community, I revitalized the street co-naming project and resubmitted an updated letter to Community Board 11. With the support of State Senator Tony Avella and City Council Member Barry Grodenchik, the project regained new life. On December 11, 2017, after almost three years of waiting, I was invited to the Transportation Committee board meeting of CB 11 to present the co-naming project. Dr. Lynn Cetin and I attended the meeting and were excited to hear the committee unanimously vote in approval of the co-naming of 210th Street. Now, one more step was needed – the approval of the entire community board. On January 8, 2018, Dr. Lynn Cetin, Bruce Ashbahian (Holy Martyrs’ 60th Anniversary Co-Chairs) and I attended the CB 11 meeting in Bayside. In my public remarks I thanked the local community for their support of Holy Martyrs and the Armenian community for the past six decades. This co-naming is our way of remembering those who established our community years ago and thanking them. Dr. Cetin told the attendees that Holy Martyrs’ annual Street Festival is a way our community has given back to our neighborhood. “Our community has discussed many times about relocating our church, but we have always said that we love Queens and are grateful to the community here. We hope Queens loves us back!” said Dr. Cetin. Community Board Chair Christine Haider told her own story about her connection to Holy Martyrs. A non-Armenian living in the area, Holy Martyrs was the only available kindergarten for her son 49 years ago. She spoke highly of the school and the education her son received. Eileen Miller, another Community Board member, stated that she has lived down the block from Holy Martyrs for 12 years and complimented our church community for being welcoming to the neighbors of all religious backgrounds.

After three years of waiting and some setbacks, on the evening of January 8 our perseverance prevailed as Community Board 11 voted unanimously to co-name 210th Street from Horace Harding Expressway to 58th Avenue as “Armenia Way.”After the vote, which brought applause and congratulations from all, we immediately texted Garo Sekdorian, who now lives in Florida. “What a beautiful gift to Holy Martyrs on its 60th anniversary!” wrote Garo Sekdorian upon receiving the exciting news.

I am humbled and grateful to all who supported this project from day one. I am especially thankful to our wonderful neighbors on 210th Street and the members of CB 11. I am excited to see “Armenia Way” on the corner of 210th Street and will notify all of you about the official street sign unveiling once I am made aware of the details. Nothing is impossible! We must always believe!



Discussions were held on a seven-year program for Armed Forces` modernization

Manouk Vasilian 
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
 Saturday



Discussions were held on a seven-year program for Armed Forces` modernization

Yerevan January 13

Mariana Mkrtchyan. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia, under the
chairmanship of the country's president Serzh Sargsyan, held
discussions on the draft seven-year program for the modernization of
the Armed Forces.

The press service of the Armenian leader told ArmInfo that the main
directions of the draft law, developed by the decree of the RA
President on October 24, 2017, and the main principles were reported.
It was emphasized that, in view of the existing challenges, when
developing the program for 2018-2024, are predicted the possible
developments of the situation, outlined the ways of counteraction,
created the necessary conditions for more effective management of
available resources.

The President of Armenia was also presented the results of discussions
of the draft 7-year program, which took place on January 4 2018, at
the Military-Sports College after Monte Molkonyan with the
participation of the leadership of the Defense Ministry, General Staff
and HQ of the Armed Forces, and continued with the participation of
representatives of the legislative and executive bodies, the public
sector and experts.

The Armenian President stressed the importance of a substantive
discussion of the draft program, noting that it depends on these
results whether the effectiveness of the management, training and
combat capability of the Armed Forces will be improved, which in turn
will enable the modern Armed Forces to ensure the inviolability of the
state border of the country. Sargsyan noted that the Armenian Armed
Forces have been constantly developing since the day of creation, and
today they have reached the stage when it is necessary to have a
longer-term development program, which will concern both the
strengthening of the Armed Forces and the modernization of armaments.

Tehran: VP Ebtekar visits St. Mary Church, Armenians anthropology museum

Hagop Kamalian
Tehran Times, Iran
Saturday
VP Ebtekar visits St. Mary Church, Armenians anthropology museum
 
 
TEHRAN — Masoumeh Ebtekar, vice president for women's and family affairs, paid a visit to Saint Mary Church as well as Arch Bishop Ardak Manoukian museum in Tehran on Thursday.
 
Saint Mary Church is an Armenian Apostolic church in Tehran, Iran completed in 1945.
 
From 1945 to 1960, the church was the main office and residence of the Archbishop of the Armenians, which was later transferred to the new Saint Sarkis Cathedral completed in 1970. On February 13, 2002, the church was registered by the Cultural Heritage, Handcrafts and Tourism Organization of Iran as a national monument.
 
Arch Bishop Ardak Manoukian museum also known as Armenians anthropology museum houses collection of ritual objects used in rituals, ceremonies, and practices in the conduct of Christianity.
 
The museum also features pictures and paintings as well as information about ancient Armenian churches, Armenian women costumes in various historical periods, etc.

Erdogan Gave Away Azerbaijan: Putin’s Stunning Statement

Yeghisabet Vorskanian
Lragir, Armenia
Jan 14 2018
 
 
Erdogan Gave Away Azerbaijan: Putin's Stunning Statement
 
Hakob Badalyan, Political Commentator
 Sunday, , 00:13
 
Turkey is not standing behind the drone attack at the Russian military base in Syria, the Russian president Putin said. He said they know who attacked, who were the sponsors, who produced the drones.
 
The attack on the Russian military base Khmeimim was on December 31, causing victims, as well as destruction of jets and helicopters. The Russian military announced that on January 5 and 5 they confronted an attack.
 
Earlier, at the end of the past year the Russian president visited the Russian military base in Syria and the withdrawal of personnel from Syria started. Afterwards Putin left for Turkey. And before the withdrawal of troops there was the Trump-Putin statement on their commitment to stability in Syria.
 
After this statement the Turkish president left for a meeting with the Russian president, and a few days later the presidents of Iran and Turkey met with Putin in Sochi. A few months earlier Iran, Turkey and Russia started the three-party Astana process to stabilize Syria involving Assad’s government and armed opposition. An agreement was reached in the Astana process to create demilitarized zones.
 
Did the joint Trump-Putin statement and agreement contradict the agreements of the Astana process? It is hard to tell. However, afterwards the presidents of Turkey and Iran left for a meeting with Putin, either to demand or to learn more.
 
Afterwards Putin announced about victory in Syria and withdrawal of troops, left for Syria to start the withdrawal and immediately left for Turkey.
 
At the same time, the strike on the Russian military base on December 31 overran with the unrest in Iran that started on December 28 for which the Iranian government blamed the United States and Israel. The United States and Israel supported the demonstrators in high-level statements.
 
Along with the developments in Iran the Russian military base was hit in Syria. In addition, the Russian ministry of defense confirmed the strike much later than it had appeared in the Russian press. The news was published by the Kommersant.
 
The Russian military base was stricken from the demilitarized zone agreed with Iran and Turkey by the Astana process.
 
In addition, on January 1 the spokesperson for the Russian president Peskov announced that the Russian president and the Israeli prime minister agreed to meet and discuss important issues soon. Peskov did not tell other details. Was this agreement of the Russian and Israeli leaders determined by the developments in Iran or the strike to the Russian military base in Syria? Or maybe both?
 
Who needed or who might need to strike Russia in this situation? Information came that the Russian military base was stricken from the area controlled by Turkey. On the eve there was a telephone conversation between the presidents of Russia and Turkey and today Putin announces that Turkey did not strike. He says they know who did but they do not say who. In addition, Ankara made another gesture to Moscow, arresting the person who organized the murder of the Russian ambassador. When the Russian plane was stricken at the border of Syria and Turkey, Putin announced, at the start of the Russian-Turkish reconciliation following the breakup that it was not Ankara but a hand that wished to harm the Russian-Turkish relations and friendship.
 
Moscow said almost the same thing when the Russian ambassador was killed in Ankara. It was not Turkey. Did Erdogan bring forceful arguments to Putin or has the Russian president appeared in Erdogan’s trap? Or maybe Putin catches Erdogan in a trap by way of accepting all the strikes directed at Russia, demanding some expensive concessions in return for silence.
 
The situation is strange. At the same time, it is interesting that Putin says to know the “producers” of drones. The point is that a limited number of countries produce combat drones: the United States, Israel, China, Canada.
 
Of course, the list of buyers of combat drones is longer. Among them is Azerbaijan which has bought drones from Israel. By the way, it is known that Azerbaijan supplies ammunition to the Syrian militants, including ISIS. The scandalous investigation was published in the Bulgarian press.
 
Of course, Putin would hardly hint to Azerbaijan but after the conversation with Erdogan the Russian president makes an interesting statement without a visible target. It will be interesting if it turns out that Erdogan has given away Azerbaijan. By the way, the Putin-Netanyahu meeting announced on January 1 has not taken place yet.
 

‘Artsakh is a real democracy,’ says French Mayor hosting ‘Days of Artsakh’

Garik Boshkezenian
Aravot, Armenia
Jan 14 2018

“Artsakh is a real democracy,” said the mayor of this southern French city, which is currently hosting a “Days of Artsakh” celebration, which features festivals and events in 10 French cities that have establishment “friendship cities” with towns and cities in Artsakh, “Asbarez” reports.

The statement was made by the Les Pennes-Mirabeau mayor, Monique Slissa, who is hosting the latest of the “Days of Artsakh” festival. The event is part of series of events dedicated to Artsakh in 10 French cities that have established “Friendship Cities,” with towns and municipalities in Artsakh.

Slissa, speaking to the local La Provence newspaper, said that Artsakh’s democracy in unrivaled in the region. “For just this reason,” she said “that country deserves our support.”

“Armenian issues are close to my heart and for that reason Artsakh is also important for us. We decided to establish relations with Artsakh and Les Pennes-Mirabeau became the first French city to sign a cooperation agreements with the Martuni region of Artsakh,” Slissa told La Provence, adding that one of the first decision she made upon her election as mayor in 2001 was to dedicate the city’s main square to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide

The Festival program included, an exhibition by famous French photographer Yvan Travert called, “Artsakh: the Spirit of the Land”; another exhibit by French graphic artist Sylvain Savoia called, “Pilgrimage to Artsakh”; the screening of the documentary “We are Our Mountains” by French-Armenian film director Arnaud Khayadjanian; as well as a lecture by attorney Gerard Gergerian, entitled, “Peoples’ Right to Self-Determination and the Legal Aspects of the Artsakh Conflict,” during which advisor to the Artsakh’s State Minister, Artak Beglaryan, made a presentation.

In addition Slissa, member of the French Senate, former Mayor of Les Pennes-Mirabeau Miche,l Amiel, members of the City Council and heads of municipal departments are attending the events. Also present at the celebrations are Beglaryan, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Artsakh to France, Hovhannes Gevorgyan, and representatives of the Armenian community of France.

Azerbaijani teacher dismissed for putting Armenian national costume on pupil

Anna Tamamian
Aravot, Armenia
Jan 14 2018

Azerbaijanologist Tatevik Hayrapetyan, speaking about the Azerbaijani teacher dismissed because of peace urges, noted: “Azerbaijani teacher had organized a performance at school, trying to represent the conflict simulation together with pupils of 5-6 classes. He had written on his Facebook page that he hated war, which had induced the response of Azerbaijani nationalists. He was humiliated in front of his pupils and called Armenian.”

We speak of the teacher of High School. N. 200 of Baku, Roshan Azizov, who had even put Armenian national costume on his pupil and taken her photograph in front of a closed Armenian church in Baku, he had also published a video about his Armenian-speaking pupils, which Azerbaijanologist Tatevik Hayrapetyan considers a courageous step.

By the way, the nationalists had entered the school by force and shot on the peace-loving teacher. Azerbaijanologist mentions that he was dismissed because of calling on for tolerance and peace, however, in Azerbaijan they say that the reason was a non-proper working style.

Gohar HAKOBYAN

Turkish Press: Special event honors legendary photographer Ara Güler in Istanbul

Hovsep Chakrian
Daily Sabah, Turkey
Jan 13 2018
Special event honors legendary photographer Ara Güler in Istanbul

DAILY SABAH
ISTANBUL

Source: The Üsküdar Municipality

An event to honor famous Turkish-Armenian photojournalist Ara Güler was held Friday in Istanbul as senior media figures paid their respect personally to the legendary photographer.

Speaking at the Culture and Congress Center in Üsküdar's Bağlarbaşı, Güler emphasized the importance of history as a science, saying it was the only way to truly learn one's past.

Commonly referred to as "the Eye of Istanbul", Güler made his name mainly with his black-and-white nostalgic pictures of Istanbul, depicting the city's wide range of emotions.

The 90-year-old artist interviewed and took the pictures of famous people such as Winston Churchill, Salvador Dali, Picasso, Alfred Hitchcock and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. After his photographs, Turkey's landmark mount Ararat and mount Nemrut gained worldwide recognition.

"Güler has told us about the story of Istanbul, Aphrodisias, Dali and Picasso. We are a nation with great stories, legends and tales," Presidential Spokesperson İbrahim Kalın said while describing Güler's prints that has captured the lives of people and the most important events since the 50s.

Güler's career as a photographer kicked off at the age of 22 when he received his first camera – a Rolleicord II – and joined a local newspaper called Yeni Istanbul in 1950.

By the end of the 1950s, he worked for world-renowned magazines such as Time Life in the U.S., the French weekly Paris Match or Der Stern in Germany, traveling around the world – from Pakistan to Kenya and from New Guinea to Borneo.

He was in Sudan in 1978 just before the second Eritrean civil war to report on clashes between rebel groups. Just before the 1980 military coup in Turkey, Güler went to Mongolia, the Turks' homeland, to photograph 8th century inscriptions. In 1990, he headed to Indonesia with his wife for a report on cannibal tribes.

He is currently spending most of his time in his Ara Cafe in Istanbul's teeming Beyoğlu district, where he has been living since he was born.