The chairman of Armenia’s Central Electoral Commission (CEC) on Friday addressed September 18 local government polls which he described as absolutely free, fair and transparent.
Tigran Mukuchyan said that the CEC will publish the final outcomes on Saturday to name the elected (or re-elected) governors of around 317 communities.
In his words, they have so far received only 11 appeals for a vote recount.
Mukuchyan said that the CEC worked full-time on the voting day to follow all the violations and subsequent reports in the media, and on the observer organizations’ websites.
Tankian Launches Change.org Effort Urging Reforms in Armenia
System Of A Down frontman Serj Tankian on Wednesday launched a petition on Change.org, calling for action for positive civic changes and reforms in Armenia.
“Friends (In Armenia and Worldwide) – Today marks the 25th anniversary of Armenian independence. We should take the opportunity to celebrate some of the successes of this small but beautiful nation while also tackling the troubling issues at hand,” Serj Tankian said in a Facebook post.
“Independence means little when a large segment of the public are discontent. That is why myself and a group of friends have drafted a statement of support for the people of Armenia and their call to action for positive civic changes and reforms. Please have a look at the campaign link on change.org and sign on if you agree,” Tankian said.
The petition reads:
We, as Armenians, residing in Armenia and throughout the diaspora, are collectively committed to immediate change and justice in Armenia. In the wake of yearly protests and recent upheavals during the spring and summer of 2016 that resulted in gross violations of human and civic rights,
We say
NO to systematic corruption, monopolies, judicial inequality, police brutality, partisan politics, unequal rights, national depopulation, and elections tainted by fraud, all of which have contributed to the ongoing unrest.
We say
YES to the equality of all people, the fundamental preservation and protection of human rights, direct engagement in fair and transparent elections, respect for the rule of law, fair wages, separation of powers, a free press and advocacy for the disenfranchised. We say yes to tangible, democratic change through civic engagement with the citizenry of Armenia.
As a global community of Armenians, we would like Armenia’s political leaders to embody integrity, accountability, wisdom, intelligence, diplomacy, compassion, effectiveness and visionary thinking in addressing the pressing needs of the people of Armenia, thereby securing an egalitarian, just and constructive path towards real democracy where every voice matters.
Justice Within Armenia is a coalition of concerned Armenians around the world who believe in standing in solidarity with the people of Armenia and being present as eyewitnesses and monitoring free and fair elections while actively engaging with the Armenian populace in contributing to the present and future of our nation. We need to visualize an egalitarian state worthy of the resilience of our people and achieve it. Given our unique values and character, Armenia can and should become a country of opportunity, creativity, democracy and hope in a region rife with turmoil. The alternative is unthinkable.
Armenia PM: One entire ministry will deal with business issues and assistance
YEREVAN. – An entire ministry will deal with business issues and assistance matters, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan said at Thursday’s Cabinet session.
He noted this while presenting the changes to be made within the government makeup and its activities. Accordingly, the Ministry of Economy will be renamed the Ministry of Investments and Entrepreneurship Assistance.
Speaking about the logic behind these changes, Karapetyan said, however, that even though the word “economy” will no longer be in the name of this ministry, it will be within its capacity.
“With the new name we wish to show investors that they have a department [in Armenia], where they can submit their complaints, wishes, recommendations,” added Karapetyan. “This ministry will also help entrepreneurs go through all necessary institutions, so they don’t encounter any obstacles.”
EU congratulates the Republic of Armenia on 25th Independence Day
The European Union congratulated the Republic of Armenia and its people on the 25th anniversary of its independence.
“The Republic of Armenia has undergone profound developments in these past years and we as the European Union look forward to continuing to work closely with the country in the future. The European Union has and will continue to support the development of strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, and economic prosperity, for the benefit of all citizens.
We look forward to the future EU-Armenia Agreement, which would, alongside our engagement in the Eastern Partnership framework, enable the European Union to enhance our dialogue with the Armenian authorities, to support them in their reform efforts and to increase our contacts with the population,” reads the EU congratulatory message .
Sargsyan: Restitution of Armenian statehood has been key objective that bridges Armenians
YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Wednesday received the heads and representatives of Diaspora Armenian organizations, who have arrived in Armenia on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the independence of the country.
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, Great House of Cilicia Catholicos Aram I, National Assembly President Galust Sahakyan, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan, and several other officials also attended the talk.
The President delivered welcoming remarks to those in attendance.
“Restitution of Armenian statehood has been the key objective that bridges the Armenia-Artsakh [(Nagorno)]-[Armenian] Diaspora trinity,” Sargsyan noted, in particular.
The official redeeming of the “25th Anniversary” and “Independence” postage stamps, which are issued on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, also was held within the framework of this meeting.
Armenia world’s first country to receive Iskander missile system – Modest Kolerov
Russian political scientist Modest Kolerov is impressed by the military parade in Yerevan on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence.
Military balance between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been restored, he told Tert.am. The Iskander missile system at Armenia’s disposal rules out any aggression by Azerbaijan. This is the most important result, Mr Kolerov said.
Asked if he has information on whether the Armenian armed forces had the Iskander, Smerch, Buk, missile systems at their disposal before the four-day hostilities, Mr Kolerov said:
“The Iskander systems were available earlier, but they have now officially been supplied to Armenia. And they are now military equipment at Armenia’s disposal.”
Interestingly, Armenian political scientists have voiced an opinion that Russia will not allow Armenia to use the missile systems in question in case of war with Azerbaijan.
But Mr Kolerov believes it is a myth.
Asked if Azerbaijan has Iskander systems at its disposal, Mr Kolerov said that Armenia is the world’s first country to be supplied with the missile system.
“Russia has not yet sold Iskander to any country. Armenia is the only exception.”
Asked if Iskander at Artmena’s disposal will prove a deterrent for Azerbaijan, Mr Kolerov said:
“If Armenia wants to check Azerbaijan’s aggression, it will do it.”
Armenian Military parade in Yerevan alarms Azerbaijani MOD, Iskander and Smerch complexes were for the first time
The military parade held in Yerevan on Wednesday on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, as well as the weaponry displayed during it have most likely discomposed the military and political leadership of Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry convened a consultation attended by the supreme MOD staff, haqqin.az reports. The tasks set before the Azerbaijani Armed Forces were discussed during it.
According to the source, the consultation addressed the need to strengthen the intelligence activities for determining new targets in the “adversary’s territory,” as well as assessing their significance and ways of their dismantlement. All the troops were instructed to enhance coordination in that direction.
“Minister Zakir Hasanov instructed to strengthen the supervision over the adversary’s objects of strategic and military significance and be ready for their dismantlement if needed,” the source says.
YEREVAN. – The weaponry demonstrated at the parade held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Armenian independence was purchased on $200 mln loan provided by Russia.
Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Armenian Armed Forces, Movses Hakobyan, said the aforementioned to journalists on Wednesday.
”Part of the demonstrated weaponry was purchased on Russian loan. The other part was obtained on our own means,” he noted.
Iskander and Smerch complexes were for the first time demonstrated during the military parade on Wednesday.
Opposition party wins Armenia regional elections
Gagik Sargsyan from the opposition Civil Contract party won regional elections in Nor Kyank community in Armenia’s Aragatsotn province.
Also running for the head of the community was Mayis Abrahamyan from the ruling Republican Party (RPA).
Meanwhile, Arayik Khandoyan from Sasna Tsrer movement and acting chief Yervand Khachatryan lost the elections to a former head of Tsaghkahovit community, Norain Hakobyan.
An armed group known as Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sassoun) stormed a Yerevan police patrol department in mid-July and took everyone inside hostage. Throughout the following days, the group released the captives one by one. After negotiations that lasted for a little over two weeks, the gunmen agreed to surrender to the law enforcement bodies. Three police officers were killed during this period.
Khandoyan is currently jailed.
In Vagharshapat, where an armed incident accurred on the eve of the elections, acting mayor Karen Grigoryan from RPA won with an overwhelming majority of votes.
John Kerry: United States deeply values its warm friendship with Armenia
The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has issued a statement in connection with the Independence Day of Armenia. The statement reads as follows:
“On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I want to extend my congratulations to the people of Armenia as you celebrate the 25th anniversary of your nation’s independence on September 21.
The United States deeply values its warm friendship with Armenia and with all of you. In the past quarter century, Armenia has made great progress, and my government looks forward to continuing to work closely with you in support of shared prosperity, strong democratic institutions, the rule of law, and regional peace. We appreciate Armenia’s consistent support for effective international peacekeeping operations and its leading role in responding to the Syrian refugee crisis. We are also grateful for the presence in the United States of a vibrant and highly-accomplished Armenian-American community.
On this special day, I offer best wishes to all Armenians for a peaceful and prosperous year to come.”
Video: Yerevan Armenia 25th Independence Day: rehearsals for military parade
By Wally Sarkeesian,
YEREVAN-Sunday, September 18 at 9 am, the soldiers and the Armenian army officers are trained on the Republic Square and nearby boulevards military parade Wednesday, September 21 for the 25th Independence Anniversary Armenia. Thousands of soldiers were in order on the Republic Square in a remarkable discipline. Military helicopters flew over the Armenian capital including the Republic Square. Thousands of citizens and tourists were present to follow this training military parade. Dozens of tanks, some equipped with missile launchers, military trucks carrying long-range missile batteries S300 and many other Armenian army units marched on the Republic Square and the boulevard Tigranes Medz resumed the way of their military bases. We realized many pictures of the units of the Armenian army carrying tanks and missiles.
A military parade will take place as part of celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Armenia’s independence on September 21.
Rehearsals for the military parade are taking place in Yerevan.
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