Ukraine: 4 Troops Die as Attacks on Rebels Rise

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ukraine-troopsFour Ukrainian troops were killed as forces carried out over 100 attacks on rebel positions and forced pro-Russia separatists out of three eastern villages, a military official said Wednesday.

The foreign ministers from Germany, France, Ukraine and Russia were to meet later Wednesday in Berlin to keep searching for a way to de-escalate the conflict that has taken over 400 lives since April.

Fighting in eastern Ukraine has increased since a much-violated 10-day cease-fire expired Monday. President Petro Poroshenko said conditions for further peace talks had not been met as rebels refused to disarm or hand back seized border posts.

National Security and Defense Council spokesman Andriy Lysenko said three military troops died in rebel attacks on government vehicles and checkpoints and 10 were wounded.

 

Letter to the European diplomatic missions to Armenia

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աֆրիկյաններ

Representation of the Council of Europe

Mr. Oleksandr Pavlyuk, Head of Representation

 

Delegation of the European Union to Armenia

H.E. Mr. Traian Hristea, Ambassador, Head of Delegation

 

Embassy of the French Republic

H.E. Mr. Henri Reynaud, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

H.E. Mr. Reiner Morell, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of the Hellenic Republic

H.E. Mr. Ioannis Taghis, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of the Italian Republic

H.E. Mr. Giovanni Ricciulli, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania

H.E. Mr. Erikas Petrikas, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of the Republic of Poland

H.E. Mr. Zdzislaw Raczynski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of Romania

H.E. Mr. Sorin Vasile, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of the Kingdom of Sweden

H.E. Mrs. Diana Janse, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of Switzerland

H.E. Mr. Lukas Gasser, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

H.E. Mrs. Katherine Jane Leach, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

 

Mr. Timothy David Straight

Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Norway, Honorary Consul of Finland

 

Copy: media

 

17.06.2014

Your Excellencies,

 

On behalf of “SOS Afrikyan Club Building” civic initiative we would like to draw your attention to the attempt by the Armenian Government of breaking the Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (Granada, 3.10.1985), ratified by the National Assembly of Armenia on 21.10.2008. According to Article 5 of the Convention, “Each Party undertakes to prohibit the removal, in whole or in part, of any protected monument, except where the material safeguarding of such monuments makes removal imperative. In these circumstances the competent authority shall take the necessary precautions for its dismantling, transfer and reinstatement at a suitable location.”

 

The Afrikyan Club Building is a unique late 19th-20th century structure listed among architectural heritage of national importance. According to N1616-N decision of the RA Government dated 7.10.2004, the Club building was subject to replacement. This decision, however, has lost its power after the ratification of the above mentioned Convention guided by Article 6 of the Armenian Constitution.

 

We are deeply concerned by the fact that since 2011 the Government of Armenia, particularly the Ministry of Culture, has been ignoring our pledges to act in line with its international commitments, therefore to annulate its decision about replacement of the monument and undertake the protection and conservation of the sight. Particularly, starting from June 9, 2014 the contractor agency started to dismantle the building.  Thanks to the efforts of a few dozens of citizens, professionals and media it has been possible to abort the dismantling attempts so far. However, at any moment the dismantling may be re-launched. We are working in various layers: legal processes, awareness raising and public mobilization, all-day-long presence at the sight by shift, and other actions.

 

“SOS Afrikyan Club Building” civic initiative involves activists, professionals, media and NGOs which have been actively engaged in series of civic movements on cultural, environmental, public space and human rights causes, such as Mashtots Park civic struggle, Save Open-Air Hall of Moscow Cinema, Save Teghut civic initiative, Public Transport movement, and more.

 

We urge you to act as guarantors of the respective European Convention, to closely monitor the situation and react accordingly. This could involve supporting statements and media interventions, negotiations, public political pressure, etc.

 

Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your reaction at your earliest convenience.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

“SOS Afrikyan Club Building” civic initiative

 

 

 

Minister requested the Ambassador to take effective measures to decrease the tension on the contact line

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On June 6 Minister of Defence of the Republic of Armenia received Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-office Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk.

During the meeting the Minister requested the Ambassador to take, within his capacity, effective measures to decrease the tension on the contact line, since ongoing escalation in the shaped operational environment is prone to entail unforeseen consequences for the Azeri side.

Ambassador expressed his concerns and promised to take measures to de-escalate the current situation at the contact line.

President took part in groundbreaking ceremony of new figure skating school and visited companies of Grand Holding

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Սերժ Սարգսյան, Իրինա Ռոդնինա

MHM88371

 

 Today, President Serzh Sargsyan took part in the groundbreaking ceremony of a new figure skating school to be built in Yerevan’s Malatia-Sebastia administrative district. The thrice Olympic champion in figure skating, the multiple world and European champion, the Russian public figure and State Duma Deputy Irina Rodnina also participated in groundbreaking ceremony of the school to be built in the vicinity of the new velodrome. She has been directly engaged in the school establishment program and expressed readiness to promote the development of figure skating in Armenia after the school is put into operation. The school construction is financed by Chief Executive Officer of Monarch Group of Companies and the Armenian businessman Sergey Hambardzumyan who is going to donate the school to Yerevan. Head of that construction company Sergey Hambardzumyan was also present at the ceremony. The total construction value is close to 5 million US dollars. It is to start in June and according to the executives, will be finished in a short space of time – in 2015. The school will have a skating-rink with 500 seats and auxiliary buildings.

Սերժ Սարգսյան, Գրանդ Քենդի

Later on, the President of Armenia visited Grand Tobacco and Grand Candy companies which make part of Grand Holding. The president toured the workshops, familiarized with the investments made by the company being considered as one of the leading native manufacturers, as well as with its recent years’ works aimed at putting new modern workshops in action and increasing the factory’s production potential. Serzh Sargsyan was told that the companies making part of Grand Holding keep on successfully implementing all the programs and abide by Hrant Vardanyan’s business traditions. This is proved by the economic indicators of the first five months of this year. The executives assured that they plan to maintain the same growth rates throughout the whole year. The acquisition of new production lines by Grand Tobacco during 2014 will lead to the creation of 100-130 new jobs. At the other company of Grand Holding, Grand Candy, the President of Armenia was informed that the number of the company’s 410 types of products will increase at least by 15. Currently, Grand Candy employs 3100 workers whose number is going to increase by 150 by the end of this year. All in all, Grand Holding employs around 6500 people.

At the end of the tour, Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with the leadership of Grand Holding. The president welcomed the steps being taken to promote the company and wished Grand Holding further successes.
Անկախ

The State Commission on Coordination of the events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide held its fourth session

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6503

Today the 4th session of the State Commission on Coordination of the events dedicated to the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide held at Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex. The session was presided over by the Chairman of the Commission and the President of the RA Serzh Sargsyan.
Today’s enlarged session was aimed at finalizing the schedule and the strategy of the Commission’s actions in the run up to the official launch of the Centenary events. The members of the commission were joined by the representatives of regional Centenary committees from different communities, experts, diplomatic representatives of the Republic of Armenia, leaders of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church dioceses and members of the clergy from the Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia, Armenian Catholic Church of Cilicia and Armenian Evangelical World Council.

 

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President Serzh Sargsyan informed the participants that a conference of regional committee representatives took place the day before that discussed the preparations and upcoming projects in various countries in the world.

In his opening speech the President mentioned that after the first session, in the past three years, enormous organizational and preparatory work has been carried out within the framework of the Centenary events of the Armenian Genocide both in Armenia and in Diaspora and Artsakh. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora were assigned to support the creation of regional committees in different countries and coordinate the efforts in organizing local events.

“I appreciate that the regional committees have brought together representatives of various organizations and have engaged foreign scholars, state and political figures. Clerical organizations, traditional political parties, Pan-Armenian organizations and NGOs carry out focused work. Mass media make a big contribution with their role of raising awareness.
I attach great importance to the role of lobbying and advocacy structures, as well as to close cooperation with local authorities to carry out diverse activities. Armenian lawyers are compiling a legal package on the Armenian Genocide covering issues at individual, community and national levels.

This year Komitas Museum will open its doors; the renovation of the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial and the enlargement of the Armenian Genocide museum and the arrangements for the new exhibition will be finalized by next April, just a few examples out of numerous Centenary events to mention.

Dear colleagues,

There is no need to specify the order of the Armenian Genocide Centenary for each Armenian. Mets Yeghern is both a collective and an individual tragedy – one can hardly find an Armenian who has not learnt about the genocide from his or her family’s own tragedy. The order of the Centenary and its moral, psychological and political meaning is extremely important for current generations. This is why I think that each of us should have a personal sense and share of responsibility to ensure the success of the Centenary events and provide a new level of international awareness.

The order of the Armenian Genocide Centenary is strong both for all Armenians and the entire humanity. April 24, 1915 is not only the beginning of unprecedented extermination and dispossession of an entire people in the history of mankind, a date that of course is symbolic, but also the precursor of other genocides of the 20th century, proved by the later events.

The statutory limitation cannot be applied to the crimes against humanity. There is only one formula to prevent genocides and that is the recognition and condemnation of horrendous pages of the history of humankind. As a nation who has survived through genocide, we have a special mission to rule out repetition of such cataclysms.

On the eve of the Armenian Genocide Centenary we once again openly urge all the states and the international community to recognize and to condemn this unprecedented crime.

We, as a state and people, will carry on our struggle for both the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and against this most horrible crime committed against humanity in any corner of the world.

I would not disclose a secret by saying that Turkey’s decades-long official stance contrary to the simple, clear and evident truth has ultimately failed triggering countless questions on the official position among skeptical Turkish youth with increasingly growing numbers: thousands of Turks demand from their own government truth and justice. Many calls can be heard from different corners of the world urging the current Turkish authorities to put an end to their hopeless policy of denialism. Turkey has to understand that there is no alternative to facing the history and recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide, not to become an accomplice of the Ottoman Empire.

This circumstance and the undeniable facts force Turkish authorities to take steps. Official Ankara takes new measures that are sometimes unprecedented in terms of form, yet unfortunately display Turkey’s century-long policy of denialism in terms of content. They replicate the well-known Turkish positions that seek to distort the history, equalize the victim with the perpetrator, compare the incomparable. There is only one possible step Turkish authorities can take to free themselves from the heavy burden of the past and that is the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Half a step is not enough to achieve a tangible result.

I would like to inform you that I have sent invitations to a number of heads of states to visit Armenia in 2015 and especially on April 24, to join us in paying tribute to the memory of one and a half million innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide, to speak out against the crime of genocide in general and to state that the Armenian people has not only survived through this hardship but also took the road of rebirth. Not only did we survive but also managed to unite and pave the way for an independent statehood – free Armenia.

Official Ankara continues talking about establishing a committee of historians and disclosing the archives. First and foremost it is known that Armenian archives have always been open to the researchers who have been interested in the scientific aspects of the issue. The materials in scientific institutions and museums have also been available. However, the whole point is that there is no need of archival research to face the truth of the Armenian Genocide. It is just enough to enter any Armenian house, any family and the testimonies will touch the heart of any listener. It is enough to be present in Tsitsernakaberd on April 24 and perceive the counsel of the day for each Armenian, be they in Armenia or Diaspora. It is enough to visit any community of Diaspora and to ask how their ancestors have appeared there. If the Turkish authorities are interested in the truth they should arrive in Armenia and stand next to Armenian people on April 24. I don’t think they will be able to raise the idea of visiting archives then. Availing myself of this opportunity I officially invite the Turkish President, whoever will win the upcoming elections, to visit Armenia on April 24, 2015 and to face the vocal evidences of the history of the Armenian Genocide.

Mindful of all this, we do not feel hostile towards the Turkish people. Moreover, we try to lay grounds for Armenians and Turks to communicate to find the way to reconciliation. This is why we made efforts and we remain committed to normalization of relations with Turkey without preconditions and opening of the Armenian-Turkish borders, even though Turkey’s desire is only limited to statements. If the desire is indeed sincere, Turkey knows well enough the road to the Armenian-Turkish reconciliation.

Dear colleagues,

Let no one hope that the Armenian Genocide Centenary is the endpoint of our cause. It is a particular destination to mourn our sorrow, to become morally stronger and to achieve justice. The Armenian Genocide Centenary will give birth to renewed objectives, a new Pan-Armenian agenda and plans to build a more powerful statehood and more consolidated Diaspora. With the Centenary we will sum up a historical period and will herald a new phase of struggle for the restoration of justice.

We have an important message to the entire world: we will continue our fight for the recognition and condemnation of the crime against humanity – the Armenian Genocide- with new vigor, enthusiasm and determination,” said President Serzh Sargsyan.

Underlining that there are a few months left before 2015, the President urged to make the most of this representative meeting to exchange constructive ideas and present valuable proposals.

In the framework of the State Commission’s session, the political context of the Armenian Genocide Centenary was discussed. At the session, NKR President Bako Sahakyan, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I, Catholic Patriarch Nerses Petros XIX of the House of Cilicia , the Chairman of the Armenian Evangelical World Council Hovel Mikayelyan, the President of the Constitutional Court of Armenia Gagik Harutyunyan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian, representatives of the traditional parties – the ARF, the DLP, the SDHP, as well as leaders of the largest Pan-Armenian structures made statements touching upon the fundamental approaches the Commission aims to include in the text of the Pan-Armenian Declaration to be adopted on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

The second item on the agenda referred to works implemented by local bodies and to coming programs. Reports were made by the Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, as well as by the committee representatives of the largest local structures in Russia, US, Lebanon, France and Argentina.

The commission members and the other participants listened to the report of the Commission’s Secretariat on the multi-dimensional activities carried out since the previous session, as well as on the current organizational works, discussed the proposals made to the State Commission and the 2015 events program.

The participants of the session were also presented the logo of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Forget-Me-Not Flower, designed by a working group established by the State Commission. The etymology of the flower’s name in different languages shows that it conveys the same meaning – “REMEMBER!” The latter is exactly the main message of the 100th anniversary. The working group chose such a logo because its color range is associated with the main motives underlying the concept of the mentioned date, and finally, in the Middle Ages Forget-Me-Not was considered the symbol of God’s presence. Five leaves of the flower symbolize the five continents where the Genocide survivors found shelter being deprived of the opportunity to live in their homeland. The flower has four main colors: violet, light violet, yellow and black. Each color conveys a certain meaning. The color of black symbolizes horror and the memories of the Genocide. The inner light violet stands for a unifying idea. The color of violet is suggested as the main color of the symbol. It is widely used in vestments worn by the priests of the Armenian Apostolic Church which is a basis of Armenians’ self-consciousness. The yellow color symbolizes the sunlight which gives a hope to live and create. It is represented by cyclically ordered 12 stylized pillars symbolizing the Genocide Memorial.
 

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Train derails near Moscow, killing five

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train-moscowA cargo train derailed Tuesday and crashed into a passenger train near Moscow, killing five people and injuring 15, according to preliminary information from the scene, Russia’s Interior Ministry said.

The accident took place at Naro-Fominsk, southwest of Moscow, the Emergency Ministry said.

The cargo train crashed into the last three carriages of a passenger train that was traveling from Moscow to Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. A total of 394 tickets were purchased for the passenger train, the Interior Ministry said.

Open letter to the President of the French Republic, Francois Hollande, and French ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, Henri Reynaud

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Մաշտոցի պուրակ. հուշատախտակ

 

Honorable Mr. President,

Honorable Ambassador,

 

We, the citizens of the Republic of Armenian, who carried on a 90-day struggle demanding that an abandoned and derelict corner of Yerevan be saved and restored as a public park, are expressing strong disapproval that the RA authorities are once again taking anti-democratic steps, during President Hollande’s visit to Yerevan, by renaming the park after Misak Manushyan.

 

While the decision was made by the Yerevan City Council on April 30th, this decision was made public barely one day ago. This decision was passed without any public debate, and in the absence of journalists, who were banned from the city council session. In the past as well, many of our attempts to attend Yerevan City Council Sessions have been blocked, often by force on behalf of the police.

 

Mashtots Park has a symbolic value for social movements in Armenia. It was saved from being turned into a commercial space by a decision of the Yerevan City Hall. The name “Mashtots Park” has been used by City Hall itself, and has gained wide recognition and acceptance by the public at-large, during the campaign to save the park. Since the saving of the park, the name has also been used by other governmental agencies and in official documents.

 

Yerevan municipality, other state structures of the country, Serj Sargsyan have numerously violated the Armenian Constitution and legislation with regard to Mashtots Park, and nobody has ever been charged for these violations. These state bodies and persons do not have any legitimate and constitutional right to take decisions regarding this park, therefore the decision to rename is illegal and unlawful. If any person participates in enforcing this decision, he or she becomes part of an illegality. If the president of France participates in the designed event, he will become part of a process entailing violation of Armenian constitutional order and fundamental human rights.

 

We are announcing that we consider the renaming, re- appropriation and co-optation of this public space with such important significance, as well as the neglect of the plaque in the park celebrating the victory of the campaign to save the park, to be unacceptable. The regime and the authorities in City Council are doing everything in their power to dismiss and devalue the principles of freedom, the right to peaceful assembly, and solidarity, and remove them from the space that represents these values in our city. It is especially unacceptable that they are attempting to erase the name of Mashtots Park, under the guise of French President Hollande’s visit and the using name of the French Republic, to curb Armenian democracy. Mashtots park is and will always be called MASHOTS PARK, as a symbol of the Armenian citizenry’s campaign to protect its constitutional rights, and as a platform for the freedom of expression and thought in Armenia.

 

While we are proud of the long and storied heritage of French-Armenian relations, and respect Misak Manushyan’s role in the resistance movement during the Second World War, we condemn the French Ambassador’s implicit consent and participation in an event that disgraces the struggle for democracy. We are certain that as representatives of a democratic country, you will refuse to participate in such an event. As an alternative, we propose that you discuss with the Armenian authorities the naming of another park after Misak Manushyan, or the creation of a new park that bears his name instead, a move that will be fully supported by us.

 

With respect,

“This City Belongs To Us” Civic Initiative

“Our City” Public-Civic Initiative

RA President Held Consultations with Representatives of RA National Assembly Parliamentary Factions

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սերժ,ՀՅԴ

After having discussions with the Executive Body of the leading political force Republican Party of Armenia and with its various layers the President of Armenia today held procedural consultations preceding the formation of the RA Government with the representatives of the RA National Assembly parliamentary factions. The leaders of the political forces represented in the parliament whose representatives took part in the meeting with the president also attended the consultations.

 

 

Սերժ,ԲՀԿ

From the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the Representative of the Bureau of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Hrant Margaryan, the leader of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Faction Armen Rustamyan, the Deputy of the National Assembly Aghvan Vardanyan took part in the meeting with the President of Armenia.

 

 

սերժ, օրինաց

From the Prosperous Armenia Party, the leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party and the Prosperous Armenia Parliamentary Faction Gagik Tsarukyan, the Deputies of the National Assembly Stepan Margaryan and Vartan Oskanian participated in the consultation with the President of Armenia.

From the Rule of Law Party, the leader of that political force Artur Baghdasaryan, the leader of the Rule of Law Parliamentary Faction Heghine Bisharyan, the Deputy of the National Assembly Hovhannes Margaryan took part in the meeting.

 Անկախ

United States and Armenia Cooperate to Strengthen Counter Nuclear Smuggling Capabilities

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ԱՄՆ, Հայաստան

Officials from the governments of the United States and Armenia met in Yerevan April 3-4, 2014, to discuss ways to further strengthen cooperation to counter nuclear smuggling. These discussions continued ongoing bilateral cooperation initiated in December 2007 to advance Armenia’s capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to nuclear and other radioactive material smuggling incidents.

At the two-day meeting, the U.S. and Armenian delegations reaffirmed the need to cooperate more closely to prevent terrorists and other criminals from acquiring black market nuclear material. Recognizing the importance of a coordinated, whole-of-government response to potential nuclear smuggling incidents, meeting participants included representatives from several ministries of the Republic of Armenia, and representatives from the relevant U.S. Government agencies.

During the meeting in Yerevan, both sides reviewed progress in implementing the U.S.-Armenia Joint Action Plan, signed in July 2008. Within this framework, both sides shared information on current nuclear smuggling threats and trends, and discussed best practices in the areas of nuclear detection, nuclear forensics, law enforcement investigations, and other tools to prevent, detect, and respond to incidents of nuclear smuggling. These discussions provide a platform for continued cooperation between the United States and Armenia to strengthen capabilities to investigate and successfully prosecute nuclear smugglers.

Seizures of potentially-dangerous  nuclear material in the region in 2010 and 2011  highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation to counter nuclear smuggling. The threat posed to regional and global security by the potential smuggling of nuclear material is best met through joint cooperation. The United States works with partner governments, including Armenia, to strengthen counter nuclear smuggling capabilities in a comprehensive manner, including by focusing on information collection and analysis, law enforcement, and technical reach-back—all capabilities that have proven successful in detecting past nuclear smuggling networks and arresting criminals involved in most known cases.

 Անկախ

The Government of Armenia and the World Bank hosted an International Conference entitled “Responsible Mining in Armenia: Opportunities and Challenges”

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Yerevan, Armenia – On March 25-26 at the Marriott Armenia Hotel, the Government of Armenia and the World Bank hosted an International Conference entitled “Responsible Mining in Armenia: Opportunities and Challenges”.

 

 

 

The goal of the conference is to facilitate dialogue between the various stakeholders of the mining industry in Armenia by informing stakeholder groups about modern mining and international best practices. The conference is supported by the EBRD, IFC, and Embassies of the U.K., U.S., Germany and Canada.

 

 

 

The Responsible Mining Conference brings together international and local experts, international diplomatic missions and civil society representatives to openly discuss current opportunities and challenges of the mining industry in Armenia. During the two-day conference international experts will share their expertise and experience with their counterparts and civil society representatives. The themes of discussion range from mining in the world economy, foreign investments, transparency and accountability of mining practices internationally and in Armenia, to social and environmental management measures.

 

 

 

The conference participants have the opportunity to explore various perspectives on responsible development of the mining sector in Armenia, including the improvement of social and environmental management, promotion of better investment climate, and increased transparency in the sector. This multilateral discussion of mining practices in Armenia intends to provide avenues of improving the regulatory and investment framework in the country.

 

 

 

The conference opened on March 25 with welcome remarks by RA Prime Minister Mr. Tirgan Sargsyan, Mr. Jean-Michel Happi, World Bank Country Manager for Armenia, and the Ambassadors of U.K., U.S., Germany and a representative of the Government of Canada.

 

 

 

“By engaging multiple stakeholders and the civil society, together, we aim to promote responsible mining in Armenia, learning from the best international practices. Armenia’s new mining code and the upcoming social and environmental regulatory framework will enhance the sector’s readiness for investments that are economically viable, socially responsible, environmentally sustainable.”, – noted Mr. Jean-Michel Happi, World Bank Country Manager for Armenia.

 

 

Անկախ

THE SECRETARY-GENERAL — MESSAGE FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

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  պանգի մուն  This International Women’s Day, we are highlighting the importance of achieving equality for women and girls not simply because it is a matter of fairness and fundamental human rights, but because progress in so many other areas depends on it.

Countries with more gender equality have better economic growth. Companies with more women leaders perform better. Peace agreements that include women are more durable. Parliaments with more women enact more legislation on key social issues such as health, education, anti-discrimination and child support.

 

The evidence is clear: equality for women means progress for all.

This simple truth must be central as we work to accelerate progress towards the Millennium Development Goals by next year’s deadline and craft an agenda for the years beyond 2015.

Important gains have been made in access to primary education for girls and political representation by women. But progress remains far too slow and uneven.

A baby girl born today will still face inequality and discrimination, no matter where her mother lives. We have a common obligation to ensure her right to live free from the violence that affects one in three women globally; to earn equal pay for equal work; to be free of the discrimination that prevents her from participating in the economy; to have an equal say in the decisions that affect her life; and to decide if and when she will have children, and how many she will have.

I have a message for every girl born today, and to every woman and girl on the planet: Realizing human rights and equality is not a dream, it is a duty of governments, the United Nations and every human being.

I also have a message for my fellow men and boys: play your part. All of us benefit when women and girls – your mothers, sisters, friends and colleagues — can reach their full potential.

Together, let us work for women’s rights, empowerment and gender equality as we strive to eliminate poverty and promote sustainable development. Equality for women is progress for all!

Give children cheap toys like buckets and hay bales… report suggests simple toys may be better for youngsters as they keep them active

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խաղահրապարակ

 

Children who play with cheap toys like crates and buckets are more physically active and creative than children with expensive playground apparatus, new research found.

A group of 120 primary school children aged between five and 12 were given access to cheap simple toys like buckets, pipes, exercise mats, hay bales and foam swimming pool toys.

They were compared to children from a nearby school with an expensive playground that included monkey bars and slides.

The study, published in the journal BMC Public Health, found that children playing with cheaper toys were less likely to sit around, with sedentary behaviour falling from 61.5 per cent to 30.5 per cent.

Children playing with everyday household objects took 13 more steps per minute and played more intensively and vigorously than those in the traditional playground.

Researchers now believe that conventional playgrounds may stifle energetic and imaginative children, and that cheap toys could be one way of preventing childhood weight problems.

 

 Անկախ

Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Yerevan will represent the Swiss Confederation in Visa Matters

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The Embassies of the Republic of Poland and the Swiss Confederation in Armenia have the honor to inform that as from March 1, 2014 the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Yerevan will represent the Swiss Confederation regarding visa issuance for Armenian nationals, as well as third country citizens legally residing in Armenia.

The representation concerns only Schengen visas (type C) enabling maximum 90-day stay within 180-day period, excluding national visas (type D).

Accordingly, as from March 1, 2014 Armenian nationals intending to travel to the Swiss Confederation up to 90 days should apply for visas at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Yerevan but not at the Embassy of the Swiss Confederation in Tbilisi.

On January 27, 2014 in Warsaw Foreign Minister of Poland Radoslaw Sikorski and President of the Swiss Confederation Didier Burkhalter signed the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Poland and the Federal Council of the Swiss Confederation on Mutual Representation in the Process of Examining Visa Applications and Issuing Visas.

For more information please consult “Consular Information” section.

ACNIS Hosts Conference on International Integration Processes

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ռազմավարական կենտրոն

Yerevan—The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS) today held a roundtable discussion on “The Eastern Partnership and Customs Union: International Integration Projects or Geopolitical Competition?” The meeting brought together representatives from the diplomatic community in Yerevan, leading policy analysts, political figures, and members of the press.

Raffi K. Hovannisian, ACNIS founder and president, welcomed the audience with keynote remarks, and wished the participants fruitful deliberation. “With today’s strategic offering, ACNIS enters its 20th year of public service and commitment to the cause of objective, multi-disciplinary research, analysis, and national discourse for the betterment of Armenia and the deepening of its democracy, rule of law, and sovereignty,” he said.

Welcoming the guests with an opening speech, ACNIS director Manvel Sargsian underscored the need for public debates on the matter at hand. “Armenia’s choice between signing the EU Association Agreement and entering the Customs Union evoked concerns all over the world, and particularly in those countries, whose interests are closely linked with the afore-mentioned projects. Armenia is one of those countries,—hence comprehensive, multi-disciplining assessments of the processes taking place are of vital significance for us.”

The day’s first speaker was governance expert Harutyun Mesrobyan, who described Armenia’s decision to access the Customs Union as a serious challenge to the state’s sovereignty and security. “By accessing any union, we will become uncompetitive. It is simply amazing why Armenia—neighboring Iran with its vast resources—does not make any use of it and is knocking at doors of the North and the West. The impression is that we do need a state but we are looking for any available protector,” Mesrobyan underscored.

In his intervention, leading economist Dr. Tatoul Manasserian assessed the advantages and disadvantages of the Customs Union. According to him, Armenia’s membership in the Customs Union may bring more economic harm than good if the procedure of customs clearance is not clarified. “I appreciate the very positive cooperation, but along political decisions, we need to be able to make correct economic calculations so that the budget could avoid any gaps caused by not cleared customs.” On the other hand, Manasserian stressed that at current stage it is of vital importance to solve the Abkhazian railroad issue with assistance of the strategic partner “which will create more favorable conditions for businesses to develop trade and economic relations with the outside world.”

In his turn, Yerevan Press Club president Boris Navasardyan—in light of Armenia’s “official” decision to enter the Customs Union—contemplated the prospects of the nation’s facing restrictions upon its democratic freedoms. “By choosing the Eurasian direction, we are entering a system where the other three members do not meet the minimum threshold of democracy—freedom of assembly and freedom of access to Internet—that Armenia has already reached. Therefore, the model prevailing therein will have a negative impact on our value system. If Armenia signs the agreement on accessing the Customs Union, it will become monopolistically dominated by one country. Armenia has never experienced such isolation over the course of its modern history,” Navasardyan mentioned.

The presentations were followed by a series of questions and answers, and featured a lively exchange with the audience. The roundtable participants also included writer and blogger Marine Petrosyan, political analysts Mikayel Zolyan, Nikita Zarobyan, and Edgar Vardanian, civic activist Zarouhi Hovhannisyan, expert Khachik Harutyunyan of TransparencyInternationalAnti-CorruptionCenter in Armenia, head Arthur Avtandilyan of FreeDemocratsPartyPolicyAnalysisCenter, and others.

 

 

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The ArmenianCenter for National and International Studies (ACNIS) is a leading independent strategic research center located in Yerevan, Armenia.  As an independent, objective institution committed to conducting professional policy research and analysis, ACNIS strives to raise the level of public debate and seeks to broaden public engagement in the public policy process, as well as fostering greater and more inclusive public knowledge. Founded in 1994, ACNIS is the institutional initiative of Raffi K. Hovannisian, Armenia’s first Minister of Foreign Affairs.  Over the past 20 years, ACNIS has acquired a prominent reputation as a primary source of professional independent research and analysis covering a wide range of national and international policy issues.

 

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YEREVAN HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL PENSION CONFERENCE

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Yerevan, Armenia – On February 21, 2014, the Pension System Awareness Center Foundation, under the leadership of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia and with support from the USAID-funded Pension Reform Implementation Program and the Finance for Economic Development Program, hosted the Third Annual Pension Conference titled “New Pension System: Opportunities, Challenges and Expectations.”

 

Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan, Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artem Asatryan, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John A. Heffern, USAID/Armenia Mission Director Karen Hilliard, and members of the Pension Reforms Management Board attended the event. Participants also included high level officials from the Government and international organizations, representatives of the National Assembly and the Central Bank of Armenia, heads of several commercial banks, managers of other financial institutions including insurance, loan, and investment companies, actuaries, representatives of business associations, political parties, as well as local and international organizations involved in the pension reform.

 

The Third Annual Pension Conference provided an overview of the past ten years of work that laid the foundation for the introduction of the multi-pillar pension system in Armenia. The event focused on the results and challenges that have emerged over the last three years since the adoption of the new pension legislation.

 

In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Sargsyan shared the primary motivations behind the introduction of the new pension system. He discussed its necessity and inevitability in view of the socio-economic developments of recent decades and its painful reception by the generation that had to carry the burden of the first wave of the reform, resulting in behavioral and cultural changes.

 

Ambassador Heffern spoke about the challenges and perspectives of introducing the funded pension systems and noted that the U.S. Government was ready to provide continuous support to these efforts. He emphasized the need for public education and awareness initiatives on behalf of the Armenian government to provide detailed and clear explanations about the reform to all citizens of Armenia.

 

Representatives of the Central Bank of Armenia and the Ministry of Finance made presentations at the conference, speaking about the practical and operational components of the reform, including guarantees of fund security, legal limitations, and levers for state supervision.

 

Recently licensed asset managers “AMUNDI-AGBA” and “C-Quadrat AMPEGA” also had the opportunity to present their packages and policies to the conference attendees.

 

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USAID TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRY BRAND FOR ARMENIA

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On February 20, USAID and the National Competitiveness Foundation of Armenia (NCFA) signed an agreement under which USAID and the Government of Armenia will provide financial support to the Foundation to create a country brand for Armenia.

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern and Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan witnessed the signing ceremony, held in the Prime Minister’s Office. Minister-Chief of Staff of the Government of Armenia Vache Gabrielyan, Minister of Economy Vahram Avanesyan, Deputy Minister of Economy Sergey Avetisyan, and U.S. Mission staff were also in attendance.

The branding effort complements USAID’s tourism development activities by positioning Armenia on the world map and generating awareness about the country as a place to visit and invest. Partners are confident a strong brand and effective messaging will significantly benefit Armenia by communicating Armenia’s uniqueness to potential tourists and investors, and distinguishing the country among its competitors.

During the coming nine months, the NCFA will lead the efforts of brand creation and development of a promotional plan for Armenia.

Blood Drive in Armenia organized at the U.S. Embassy by the Hematology Center

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A blood drive, “Have a Heart, Save a Life,” was organized at the U.S. Embassy by the Hematology Center. Ambassador John A. Heffern, Deputy Minister of Health Sergey Khachatryan, and Director of the Hematology Center Smbat Daghbashyan took part in the event, offering congratulatory words.

“Giving blood is a normal part of life in the United States”, the Ambassador said. “We are proud to partner with the Hematology Center so that Armenian organizations and businesses can also take part in giving the gift of life.”

 

Volunteer donations of blood are not common in Armenia yet. Only 4% of blood donations are from volunteers. 51% of donations are from relatives, and 45% of donations are from people who are paid.

“This was a common practice in the United States until the 1960’s”, said Ellen Dempsey, Health Practitioner at the U.S. Embassy. “It eventually became clear that paying for blood was not a good use of resources. The volunteer movement started, and more resources were available for things like research, diagnosis and patient care,” she said.

 

The current system of blood donation in Armenia involves asking a relative to donate when blood is needed.   If a relative is unable to donate for some reasons, then a previous donor is contacted and asked to donate. These donors are paid.

 

արյունատվությունThe Hematology Center has sufficient supplies of blood, however the share of blood from voluntary donors is not enough, and they would like to see a significant increase in the number of voluntary donors.  This is an approach practiced in all developed countries and is recommended by the Council of Europe and the World Health Organization.

 

The blood collected today will be set aside for use by children and the needy at no charge.   If there is enough interest, the Hematology Center would be willing to organize blood drives for Armenian businesses and organizations on-site or at the Hematology Center.

 

ԱՄՆ դեսպան“We are very happy to start this initiative in Armenia,” said Professor Smbat Daghbashyan . “Our supply of volunteer blood is low, there is always need for blood and efforts should be made towards supplementing the supplies mostly through voluntary blood donations.” Anyone interested in organizing a blood drive can call the center at 010 283823.

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President Serzh Sargsyan held a meeting with the leadership of Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs

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5171_bPresident Serzh Sargsyan visited today the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs. The President of Armenia toured several departments of the Ministry, including labor and employment, disabled and elderly people affairs departments, conversed with the employees about the activities conducted in the framework of their functions, and forthcoming programs, inquired about their working conditions and existing problems. Later, at the conference hall of the Ministry, the President conducted a working meeting with the leadership of the Ministry.

At the meeting, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Deputy Ministers, Head of Staff and the Head of State Social Security Service reported on the works carried out in their respective areas, spoke about the existing problems and development programs.

Minister Artem Asatryan presented the main results of the Ministry activities for 2013, the process of programs carried out, spoke about the existing challenges and forthcoming steps.

First Deputy Minister Arayik Petrossyan reported on the works related to labor and employment, social support, spoke about demographic problems and the activities aimed at their solution in the framework of their functions. Deputy Minister Jemma Baghdasaryan presented the activities and future steps related to disabled people social inclusion and elderly people social protection issues. Another Deputy Minister Sona Harutyunyan reported on the process of monitoring of the projects conducted in social protection area and evaluation system efficiency, and spoke about future activities.

Deputy Minister, Filaret Berikyan reported on family, women and children’s issues, gender politics, and anti-trafficking and charity programs.

Head of State Social Security Armen Abrahamyan presented the system of ”Electronic Pension”, its advantages and effectiveness, after which Head of Staff, Artak Grigoryan reported on the steps carried out related to the ministry staff structure, human resources and current activities management and increasing the effectiveness of staff function.

After listening to the Leadership reports, the President gave instructions to the responsible people in certain issues. The President spoke about Ministry future problems and priority directions of activity, also about conducted improvements. The President of Armenia stressed the importance of thoroughly and accessible presentation of improvements to the public which is actual, especially in the case of pension system improvements due to the President convincement.

According to the President, while speaking to people, it can be often heard that they do not know about it, they did not have time to read, listen or watch the notifications made a few days ago. In this case, all responsible people should continue to present, explain the importance, effectiveness and actuality of these improvements for the public, also mention to where they can lead our country and society.

President Serzh Sargsyan underlined that improvements on social area have wide range of process and we do not have any right to slow this process. In regard to pension system improvement, the President emphasized. “I am convinced that this improvement is a complex of program which will be called historical, years will pass and your today’s work will be only granted with respect and gratitude. Obviously the results will probably not be visible both for me and for you. However, if we are involved in this work and are deeply convinced that this improvement is exact and it is one of the programs which tends to our country’s future, then, I repeat again that we should explain it everyone with patience. We are responsible for everyone. We are responsible also for the people who do not understand the logic of this improvement or do not accept and perceive it under general dissatisfaction. However, these people will also use the results of this improvement. Therefore, one again, Mr. Minister, we should mobilize not only Ministry full staff, but also various specialists, people, our supporters in order to explain the essence, meaning and aims of the improvement in detail. It is extremely important.’’

The President underlined that social area improvements are integral parts of our fellow citizens’ social condition improvement. It is evident that people’s social condition is based on economic growth and low inflation which make it possible to increase salaries and to make various investments. People should feel directly economic growth in their lives.

“At this time we turn our focus on boosting economic growth and jobs creation, especially that projects were conducted during the years which have almost reached their final stage. This year several companies will be launched which will have essential impact on our economy” President Serzh Sargsyan said, underlining that these projects will constantly have continuous funding in line with changing economic structure.

The President of Armenia expressed confidence that the Ministry will be insistent in his improvements.

At the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the President responded also to the questions raised by the participants of the meeting related to domestic and foreign policy, defense and security of our country.

In particular, responding to the question on how realistic the President Ilham Aliyev bellicose declarations are to resolve Nagorno-Karabakh issue by force and our country’s response in contrast to this armament, considering Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev from time to time statements on starting war, press reports about Azerbaijan armament, estimation about that Azerbaijan bought armament for 3 billion dollars during last 4-5 years, President Serzh Sargsyan said, “In your opinion how long is Ilham Aliyev speak such way, if he can do, why is not he doing, if he should do, why is he talking about it. I can not exclude that military operations will not be held in such an environment, because at least two people in our country, the President and the Defense Minister should probably consider that military operations can start just tomorrow. I still do not see military operation in foreseeable future, but we will have to fight if we are imposed. You said “what you are doing”. We do that special squad soldiers from Baku, the number of whom is of 3-4 time more than we, do not manage to perform their task and, in fact, they failed, bearing more losses than border keeping our solders. This is the first. I want to tell that our Army combat preparedness is on sufficiently high level. Second, our position equipments are relevant to today’s situation. If one of you are in our border positions, you will see both our commanders and soldiers equipping their positions: making different traps, inventing warning devices and using various tricks. If you remember, such act of diversion had success two years ago. It is not a coincidence that they failed now. It means we use means for our turn, senior commanders, junior commanders and the most important, our ordinary soldiers for their turns. Third, we replenish our arsenals, military reserves, our armor, weapons, and equipment not less than anyone. Every time we acquire modern weapons used in special cases along with the use of mass weapons. We are not behind anyone in this field. Yes, the money put in our budget are not so expressive, do not reach billions, but I assure you that our Army ammunition does not have much lack. I say it does not have much lack, because there are few armies in the world which are fully equipped with ammunition.

Army is the body that every time requires new weapons and ammunition. This is typical to all armies. We do not want war, it is evident that we do not want it, but we have no other way if we are imposed.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a group of the Ministry employees were awarded for diligent and efficient work. Aghavni Asatryan, Finance and Accounting Department Accounting Senior Specialist, Hasmik Khachatryan, Head of Department of Public Relations, Roza Mkrtchyan, Deputy Head of Pension Security Department, Karmen Petrosyan, Head of Disabled and Elderly People Issues Department received Presidential Letters of Commendation.

In 2013 SCR Transported More than 3.2 Million Tons of Cargo and More than 415 Thousand Passengers

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In January – December 2013 South Caucasus Railway transported 3275.2 thousand tons of cargo and 415.4 thousand passengers. In the reporting period SCR volume of freight decreased by 5.3% compared with 2012, while passenger traffic increased by 4% (from 52992,0 thousand passenger/km to 55123,8 thousand passenger/km).

In export traffic throughout the year 456 tons of cargo was transported by rail, imported 1260.7 thousand tons, and in local traffic 1558.5 thousand tons.

In the nomenclature of the goods carried the past year in particular non-ferrous ore (1.3 million tons), grain cargo (over 455 tons), oil loads (276.8 thousand tons), building materials (133.5 thousand tons), cement (more than 110.2 thousand tons) dominated.

However, only in December SCR transported 245 tons of cargo: 29.7 tons in export, 120 tons in the import and 95.3 thousand tons in the local traffic .

And within 415.4 thousand passengers carried out last year 60.2 thousand people were transported to the international and 355.2 thousand in the domestic traffic.

SCR CEO Victor Rebets instructed corresponding managers to hold a detailed examination of the situation and to take steps to ensure growth in freight and passenger traffic, attracting to the railway additional cargo volumes and new passengers .

 

SCR increased efficiency of locomotive and car Fleets

 

In 2013 South Caucasus Railway significantly increased the level of efficiency of freight cars and locomotive.

According to recent statistics SCR car turnover compared to the same period in 2012 accelerated to 0.2 days or 6.7 %. On average one car was in circulation during 3 days.

Average daily productivity of one car reached 4995 net tkm/wagon, which is 10.6 % more than in 2012.

Performance of the locomotive fleet also improved. In particular, the average mileage of one locomotive was 394 loc/km, which is higher than in 2012 by 7.7%.

The Company achieved such results due to its policy of railway infrastructure and traction-rolling stock improvement on the basis of comprehensive measures to ensure traffic safety.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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