2020 – Page 1129 – Armenian Directory & News

Canadian Armenian Genocide Survivor Passes Away at Age 105

January 17, 2020January 17, 2020 Vatche Chakhmakhchian

Eugenie Papazian

TORONTO (Horizon Weekly)—A Toronto woman believed to have been one of the last Canadians to have survived the Armenian genocide died on Thursday, four months shy of her 105th birthday. Eugenie Papazian (Kokorian-Yerganian) passed away on January 14, 2020.

Papazian was born in Turkey, in the Ionia district of Samsun by the Black Sea in 1915. She never knew her parents. Her father was taken to the army in 1915 and did not return home, while her mother died when she was still a newborn. She had a large family: two sisters, Arousiag and Azniv, three brothers, as well as three maternal aunts and uncles, whom she has not met or seen.

At the start of the 1915 deportations, the members of her extended family gathered and found refuge in the mountains, and then descended into the gorge, where she was born. Seeing how frail her mother was, many advised and almost forced her to leave Eugenie there on the road, in order to avoid hard times. Naturally, her mother could not agree. Others argued against abandoning her, considering it a sin committed against God’s will. Due in part to her beauty and golden hair, they named her Voski (Gold). After Eugenie’s birth, her mother, exhausted, died in a place her daughter would never know.

Following her mother’s death, her maternal grandmother struggled to look after her for three years, and gave her to an orphanage when she was no longer able to feed her. So began her painful odyssey through three children’s homes in Greece, where an American relief organization had arranged the placement of Armenians in 13 orphanages.

An Armenian couple took Papazian to Egypt, and she spent her early teens in Cairo where she met her husband, Garabed Kokorian. She was 15-years-old when she married Garabed.

In 2019, Horizon Weekly special correspondent Sarine Poladian interviewed Eugenie Papazian and her son, Bedros Kokorian.

Eugenie Papazian had five children, nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

ARS Issues Emergency Appeal for Lebanese-Armenian Community

January 17, 2020January 17, 2020 Emil Lazarian

The ARS is offering a number of programs and packages for the Lebanese-Armenian community. To donate, visit ars1910.org/give

The economic crisis and the political instability in Lebanon have taken an evident toll on the Lebanese-Armenian community.

The Armenian Relief Society’s Central Executive Board has closely monitored the circumstances and, in November of 2019, already sent $5,000 in order to help the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon to ensure the provided services remain uninterrupted.

However, the situation has gotten progressively worse, and the number of Armenians asking for support from the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon has exponentially increased. Therefore, the Central Executive Board during its first Plenary Meeting (January 3 to 7) sent an addition $10,000 and decided to initiate a campaign to collect donations as part of an Emergency Appeal for Lebanon.

Through this project, entities and donors can sponsor the following programs, projects:

The Hot Meal Program is distributed to 150 community members in need. Although this program has been operating for many years (offered twice a week), under these financial circumstances, the entity had to reduce it to only one day per week. The Central Executive Board has deemed this service a priority and it has reinstated the Hot Meal Program to twice a week. With funding, the entity will continue to serve meals twice a week. Donation: $500/per day for 150 people ($1,000 for both days per week).
The Care Support project offers imminent aid such as medication, one-month worth of groceries, and other basic needs will be provided to individuals (who already rely on the entity for their medication and nutrition) in order to help with the well-being of all community members. Donation: $250.
The Hope Package provides families in need with a box of groceries with a supply of food that can last them a month. Donation: $150.

As usual, any donation, regardless of how large it may be, can greatly contribute to the cause. General donations will be distributed by the Central Executive Board and the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon, wherever it is most needed.

It is our responsibility to support the Armenian community of Lebanon which has been a pillar in our diaspora with its schools, cultural centers, and organizations, and has continued to participate in homeland and diaspora initiatives.

We call on the community to join our efforts for this emergency appeal and help us extend our healing hands to our compatriots to help bring a smile to the children, teenagers, and the elderly.

Donations can be made to your local ARS entity or on our website.

Newspaper: Surprise expected in criminal case of Armenia ex-President Kocharyan

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 George Mamian

News.am, Armenia

Jan 16 2020

09:36, 16.01.2020

YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Our source says that a surprise is expected in [second President Robert] Kocharyan's [criminal] case in the near future. Remember: The Constitutional Court has applied to the Venice Commission and the ECHR [for advisory opinion] on the issue of [presidential] immunity and Article 300.1 [of Armenia’s Criminal Code].

The opinion of both institutions has no legal force. What “surprise” is this about? “Yes, they are advisory, but no state body, the court will make a decision even against the advisory opinion. They are such prestigious organizations that they will not go against them. After receiving the opinions, the Constitutional Court must decide whether or not the law (indictment) complies with the RA Constitution. If it decides that it does not comply, the charge should be dropped.”

Criminal case launched against Armenia activist

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Liana Toganian

News.am, Armenia

Jan 16 2020

11:54, 16.01.2020

YEREVAN. – A criminal case has been launched against activist Narek Malyan of Armenia.

Today, he and his friends came to the Yerevan Arabkir Administrative District Investigation Department with cake and firecrackers.

"I kindly invite everyone to the entrance of the Arabkir Investigation Department to celebrate together my 100th anniversary visit to law enforcement," he wrote, in particular, on Facebook earlier. "In the program: cake, champagne, balloons, firecrackers, songs, dances, of course, high spirits, and a bouquet to my new investigator."

And he told reporters outside the investigative department: The ‘Soros’ [members] are trying to prosecute me with various fake and false allegations, but none of these many fake, false complaints are being processed."

Malyan added that he has accepted the challenge of the “Soros” members.

Forecast: Turkish Stream will have a direct and indirect impact on Armenia

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Ani Kharatian

Arminfo, Armenia

Jan 16 2020

ArmInfo.The Turkish Stream gas pipeline commissioned the other day will still have its direct and indirect impact on Armenia. A similar opinion was expressed by ArmInfo, the editor-in-chief of the journal "Russia in Global Affairs", Fedor Lukyanov, Director of Research, Development and Support Fund, Valdai International Discussion Club.

On January 8, during the working visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Turkey, the Turkish Stream gas pipeline was inaugurated. It is planned to pump 31.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Europe annually through a 930-kilometer pipeline. The Turkish Stream consists of two lines along the bottom of the Black Sea. One fuel is supplied to Turkey, another – to European consumers. The depth of the pipeline in some sections is about two kilometers.

"In general, it is rather difficult to make forecasts regarding the possible impact of this large-scale, energy and geopolitical project on the energy system and, accordingly, the foreign policy of Armenia. Nevertheless, in my opinion, the implementation of the Turkish Stream will lead to an indirect energy effect and already direct political influence on the foreign policy of Yerevan, "he stressed.

According to the analyst, given the rather close relations between Moscow and Ankara, this circumstance can and will have an exceptionally positive impact on the regional positions of Armenia as a strategic ally of Russia. According to him, first of all we are talking about the Armenian-Turkish relations and the settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

The Turkish Stream, as a new round in the development of relations between Moscow and Ankara in the field of energy, is called upon to change the entire energy structure in the neighboring region. Russia and Turkey have come to this for a very long time and with great difficulties, primarily of a political nature. Nevertheless, this large-scale project is of great importance not only for its parties, but also for European countries. Its implementation is beneficial to almost everyone, "summed up Lukyanov.

In 2019, the office of the Ombudsman increased the number of complaints regarding domestic violence

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Emma Nadirian

Arminfo, Armenia

Jan 16 2020

ArmInfo.In 2019, the number of complaints about domestic violence increased in the office of the Ombudsman of Armenia. This was reported by the press service of the Ombudsman.

According to the source, in 2019, about 100 complaints were received, which is twice as practical as in 2018. Typically, these complaints relate to violence by men against their wives.

Employees of the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia believe that the increase in complaints is related to the campaign conducted by the Ombudsman's office to inform about the legal possibilities of protection against domestic violence.

It should be noted that speaking in December to students of the Russian-Armenian (Slavic) University regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention by the Parliament, Armenian Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan expressed the idea that the problem of domestic violence in the country will be difficult to solve, since it is related to the traditions and way of life of the people, and as long as the country is in such difficult socio-economic conditions, domestic violence will not disappear. <Our task is not to eradicate domestic violence as such by force, but to develop mechanisms that are used to prevent such misconduct> – he noted.

According to police statistics, in the 10 months of 2019, 2756 cases of domestic violence were registered in Armenia, however, among the 1760 registered rapists, 10% are women.

MP: In Armenia, the media turn into a weapon of political struggle in the information war

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Hambik Zargarian

Arminfo, Armenia

Jan 16 2020

ArmInfo. Revision of current legislation governing broadcasting is a necessity. Independent MP Arman Babajanyan announced this on January 16 during parliamentary hearings on legislative changes in the field of audiovisual media.

He noted that in the work of local media, especially television companies, there is a fine line between the provision of information and the implementation of propaganda, which turns the media into a weapon of political struggle in the information war. According to him, the current situation in television companies has a number of objective and subjective reasons. So, for almost 20 years, the television sector was privatized by the then authorities, and television companies carried out a political propaganda mission.

Under these conditions, as Babajayan noted, the television companies did not act within the framework of the law, but worked according to imperative requirements adopted in government offices. <Thus, the television companies played the role of the propaganda shield of the authorities, presenting to the audience a colored virtual reality that has nothing to do with the true state of affairs. As a result, for almost 20 years, citizens have lived in two parallel realities>, he said.

After the "velvet revolution", it would seem that television companies would have to get rid of the need to carry out propaganda by order of the former authorities, but this was a misleading impression. "Since the majority of TV companies are owned by the former authorities, or by persons related to them, they began to work in the opposite direction, presenting the viewers with reality not in pink but in black," Babajanyan emphasized. Thus, according to him, television companies do not fulfill their functions of providing reliable and objective information, and the current legislation is devoid of mechanisms to combat this phenomenon. Babajanyan emphasized that the provision of information by television companies should imply social and social responsibility, which is practically absent today. "We must return to citizens the constitutional right to receive objective and impartial information," the deputy said.

Armenian humanitarian mission donates medical supplies to Aleppo hospital

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Kanayan Tamar

Aravot, Armenia

Jan 16 2020

Turkish press: Some circles aim to use ‘Armenia issue’ to divide Turks, official says – Turkey News

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Emil Lazarian

11:05:05

Some circles are seeking to use the Armenian allegations over the events of 1915 to create divisions within the Turkish community, the country’s communications director said Jan. 14.

Fahrettin Altun’s remarks came after a meeting of the High Advisory Board under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the capital Ankara.

In a statement following the event, Altun said the 1915 Armenian incidents were among the agenda items covered during the meeting, adding some actors were seeking to use the so-called “genocide” claims in a bid to damage the harmony of the Turkish people.

He said the officials evaluated national and international opinions on the issue along with the correct diplomatic moves and attempts to hinder acts of disinformation on the case.

"The members of the High Advisory Board once again emphasized its determination to maintain our solidarity and union and the protection of our country's interests," Altun said.

Turkey's position on the events of 1915 is that the deaths of Armenians in eastern Anatolia took place when some sided with invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. A subsequent relocation of Armenians resulted in numerous casualties.

Turkey objects to the presentation of the incidents as "genocide" but describes the events as a tragedy in which both sides suffered casualties.

Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Turkey and Armenia plus international experts to examine the issue.

Armenpress: President Sarkissian meets Armenian community representatives in Sharjah, UAE

January 16, 2020January 16, 2020 Emma Nadirian

President Sarkissian meets Armenian community representatives in Sharjah, UAE

11:10,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian visited St. Gregory the Illuminator Church in Sharjah on the sidelines of his working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

After a prayer the President laid flowers at the Armenian Genocide Memorial paying a tribute to the memory of innocent victims.

Thereafter, President Sarkissian watched the performance of kids of Ohannessian Armenian college, and then met with the representatives of the Armenian community.

“I am one of you, and you all are part of Armenia. These are not just words of gratitude and appraisal. This is reality”, he said. “Armenia is not only about our buildings, history, lands, mountains and churches. Armenia are we all together.

You are part of Armenia regardless of holding an Armenian passport or not. I am sure that every Armenian child, no matter where he is born, if he is born in an Armenian family, Armenia is born in him with his birthday. In other words, you don’t need to be born in Armenia for having Armenia inside you.

I dream that one day all Armenians will return to homeland, but want to believe that each of you today has already returned to homeland. He/she has returned because of having an Armenian passport, relatives in Armenia, loving Yerevan and being ready to serve for the homeland”, he said, adding that only the strong and powerful homeland makes all Armenians together, firm and reliable.

The President urged them to visit Armenia, Artsakh, to get acquainted with the homeland and introduced their homeland to their children because they are the future citizens of Armenia. “Armenia is the country of all of us, is the homeland and home of all of us”, he said.

Armen Sarkissian in his remarks said the world is changing quite rapidly in the 21st century, adding that all those nations who have some qualities, have preserved their national culture, identity, church, religion, language, are connected with the homeland and can succeed. “Today the power of Armenia are also you. You can connect Armenia with the world”, the Armenian President said. “All those nations who have an opportunity to develop new technologies and are stable, self-confident in this rapidly changing world, will be able to succeed”.

Talking about his visits to the UAE, the Armenian President said great success was registered in the relations of the two countries in this past one year in the form of intensification of ties and numerous programs.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan