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Armenia Elected member of UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

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YEREVAN, JUNE 13,  At the elections held during the plenary meeting of the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on June 13, Armenia became member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for a three-year term starting January 2019, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia.

One of the principal organs of the UN the ECOSOC is responsible for coordinating the economic, social, environmental and related work of the specialized agencies, funds and programmes, the functional commissions and the regional commissions of the United Nations. The ECOSOC with a membership of 54 countries serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues, and for formulating policy recommendations addressed to Member States and to the United Nations.

By gaining the seat for the second time (previously served for the term 2004-2006), Armenia is renewing its commitment to support the global efforts towards sustainable development and to contribute on the national level to the works of the Council.
 

Armenia, Azerbaijan ‘voice war preparation plans’, says German analyst

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The developments around Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) signal a likelihood of renewed Armenian-Azerbaijani military hostilities, the paper says, citing a German political analyst.

“The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will hopefully demonstrate a creative approach in trying to stop the hazard,” Alexander Rahr told a correspondent of 168 Zham on Friday.

He added that he also expects the peace mediators to turn the recent political changes in Armenia to the country’s advantage. “They know better how to do that,” he added.

According to Pavel Felgenhauer, both the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders are voicing war rhetoric. “I can hardly describe that as diplomacy. In the case of Armenia’s prime minister, diplomacy and war rhetoric are intermingled in a way given the existing desire to be the dictator in the negotiation process,” he told the paper

Felgenhauer also ruled out Azerbaijan’s possible consent to Artsakh’s participation in the peace talks. “Azerbaijan totally rejects that possibility; all the more, they are ready for a war rather than concessions. But there is also the role-playing of Russia and the United States. Their position on Artsakh’s participation isn’t absolutely clear to me for now. Lavrov laid the responsibility for that issue, and its consequences upon the sides. At the same time, the Azerbaijani authorities are facing Western pressures whose outcomes aren’t quite understandable to me,” he is quoted as saying.

For a long time at Yerevan City, a large mechanism of tax evasion and false entrepreneurship has been used. Criminal proceedings have been instituted

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YEREVAN, MAY 30, . The National Security Service adjunct to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, continuing the consistent struggle against corruption and economic crimes, has revealed in the result of operative-investigative measures and investigative actions undertaken within the framework of its functions, a long-term scheme (developed and implemented by the largest Armenian entities for tax avoidance mechanism), which has been used for hundreds of lands founded by the name of the kings, actually engaged in false entrepreneurship.

An official from the NSS press office told Armenpress that according to the preliminary data, “Alex Holding” LLC, being a taxpayer organization, has received an agreement with the former RA SRC ex-Prime Minister with the management of the sale of agricultural products purchased from farmers through the Yerevan City supermarket chain, with the establishment of individuals named by different people, whose sales turnover limit is 115 million AMD, yerel instead of 20% VAT and income tax paid only 2% of turnover tax. Then, the management team of “Alex Holding” company until 2018. Within the period of May, 461 NGOs have been registered in the Yerevan City supermarket chain, mostly in the same notary as the employees of their company, as well as by their family members and acquaintances. At the same time, some of them were registered without the knowledge of the citizens, using their identification documents or their copies stored in “Alex Holding” LLC. When the turnover of the private sector reached 115 million drams, the activity was terminated or liquidated, after which newly registered other Private Entities were used.

Taking advantage of the arbitrary and illegitimate opportunity provided by the former SRC’s former management, the “Alex Holding” LLC, with the exception of local agricultural products, also has carried out many other products, as well as imported agricultural products for which Only the turnover tax has been paid.

According to preliminary calculations, the total sales turnover with 461 Private Societies amounted to more than 40 billion drams, of which 2% was payable, whereas in case of legal activity, “Alex Holding” Company had to pay 20% VAT and profit tax :

The exact amount of damages caused to the state will be calculated by the professional (tax) audit and the forensic expertise prescribed in the prescribed manner on the activities of “Alex Holding” LLC.

In connection with the incident, a criminal case has been initiated under Article 205 (Part 2) of the RA Criminal Code (“Particularly large taxes, duties or other mandatory payments”) and Article 189 (Part 3 of the Criminal Code “).

Within the framework of the criminal case, 10 searches were carried out at the same time, as a result of which confiscated accounting documents, electronic storage media, other documents proving the case, responsible employees of “Alex Holding” LLC, the notary carrying out the registration of private entrepreneurs, a part of citizens whose names are registered by the Private Entrepreneurs.

Additionally, according to the available reliable data, the 11 senior organizations dealing with network trading have been provided with the method described by the former SRC leadership, which has obviously created unfavorable and unequal competitive conditions for many other value-added companies selling agricultural products. Within the framework of the criminal case, testimonial activities will be carried out against these 11 companies, so the latter are recommended to recalculate the amount of unpaid taxes as described and to provide relevant information to the preliminary investigation body to resolve the issue of compensation for damages.

The preliminary investigation continues, measures are being taken to find out all the circumstances important to the case and to identify other persons and to compensate for the damage done.

The National Security Service urges the business entities to engage in activities solely in the so-called “white” field and refrain from using suspicious schemes and mechanisms to avoid tax evasion, taxes or other mandatory payments while at the same time warns that the relevant units of the National Security Service within the jurisdiction and exclusively by law

Last night Armenia celebrates the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia Video

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Armenia celebrates the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia. A festive concert took place at the Republic Square where Sirusho, Sevak Khanaghyan, Hasmik Karapetyan and other stars sang.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Armen Sarkissian, other officials and many citizens were present at the concert.

 

“God Bless Armenia” – Elton John has dinner with Nikol Pashinyan and Armen Sarkissian

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Elton John

YEREVAN.- “God bless Armenia,” world-famous singer and composer Elton John said, after dinner at Noyan Tun restaurant with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Armenian President Armen Sarkissian.

A great number of fans were waiting for him at the entrance of the restaurant. He kindly greeted a little boy and then asked the crowd how they were doing.

Asked about his impressions from the visit, the British musician replied: “Fantastic. God blesses Armenia. ”
Then Armenian president, Nikol Pashinyan and his wife also left the restaurant.

To our question what they were talking about with Elton John , the prime minister noted that they were talking about everything.

The restaurant manager also added that Elton John tasted French cuisine and liked it very much.
By the way, tonight Elton John will leave for Kiev.

Armenia to celebrate Battle of Sardarapat and the Battle of Bash Abaran Century of Victories on Monday

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YEREVAN, MAY 26,  The day after tomorrow, Monday, Armenia will celebrate two significant events – Republic Day (100th anniversary of establishment of first republic) and the 100th anniversary of the “Heroic Battles of May” –  the historic battles which took place in early 20th century and were a turning point for the country – most notably the Battle of Sardarapat and the Battle of Bash Abaran. The Armenian victories at these battles halted the invasion of the Ottoman Empire.

Armenia’s law enforcement issued a notification ahead of the celebrations on the schedule of events for that day.

Citizens willing to attend celebrations at the Sardarapat Memorial can travel to the area by special buses from Yerevan’s Republic Square at 08:30 in the morning.

The celebrations carry the title – Century of Victories.

A celebration will also kick off 20:30 in Yerevan’s Republic Square.

Several nearby streets will be shut down for safety reasons from 17:00.

 

USA ready to examine issue of including Armenia into Millennium Challenge Corporation program

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YEREVAN, MAY 22, Newly sworn-in U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo – in a letter this week to Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Chairman Raffi Hamparian – voiced “enthusiasm” for Armenia’s peaceful, constitutional political transition, affirmed America’s friendship with the Armenian people, pledged to work with Armenia’s new government to advance shared interests, gagrule.net reports, citing the official website of the Armenian National Committee of America.

“We welcome Secretary Pompeo’s enthusiasm for Armenia’s peaceful, constitutional political transition and look forward to working with him and his team to take our bilateral cooperation to a new level,” said ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “We are confident that – with our continued advocacy and sufficient will on both sides of the U.S.-Armenia relationship – that we will see progress toward a major Millennium Challenge Corporation compact educating and empowering the next generation of Armenian youth.”

The May 17, 2018, letter from Secretary Pompeo came in response to the ANCA’s call upon the Secretary – in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) – to support expedited consideration of a new $140 million Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) grant for Armenia’s public schools.

“We appreciate your idea of a new MCC compact focused on STEAM education for Armenia,” noted Secretary Pompeo, who went on to voice willingness to assist Armenia with the MCC process, while noting that the Corporation does not have a formal process in place for accelerated consideration of compacts. “We hope to see the Armenian government make progress on MCC’s eligibility criteria (‘scorecard’) this year so that the MCC Board of Directors may consider Armenia for a compact during the annual selection process,” noted Secretary Pompeo.

The ANCA recently held a series of meetings with White House and State Department officials and leading Members of Congress advocating for a STEAM MCC compact for Armenia that would, similar to one being implemented in neighboring Georgia, deliver over $75 million for school infrastructure improvements; $30 million for STEAM education projects; and, over $15 million for vocational educational programs to meet the growing demand for information technology professionals. The MCC grant would likely be apportioned over a 5-year period and would be subject to strict oversight by the MCC to ensure the program is benefiting students across Armenia.

The MCC is an innovative and independent U.S. foreign aid agency that is helping lead the fight against global poverty. Created by the U.S. Congress in January 2004 with strong bipartisan support, MCC has changed the conversation on how best to deliver smart U.S. foreign assistance by focusing on good policies, country ownership, and results. MCC provides time-limited grants promoting economic growth, reducing poverty, and strengthening institutions. These investments not only support stability and prosperity in partner countries but also enhance American interests. With cost-effective projects, a lean staff, and an evidence-based approach, MCC is a good investment for the American people.

Seeking MCC funding for STEAM education is part of the ANCA’s federal legislative agenda, a 360-degree advocacy program that seeks to strengthen Armenia economically, grow U.S.-Armenia relations, defend Artsakh’s (Nagorno Karabakh) security, and end U.S. complicity in Ankara’s obstruction of justice for the Armenian Genocide.

 

Armenia, The inauguration ceremony of the members of the government will kick off at the Presidential Palace

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YEREVAN, MAY 21, For the first time in the history of independent Armenia, the members of the Armenian government will swear to faithfully fulfill their responsibilities in the RA Presidential Residence.

As Armenpress reports, the inauguration ceremony of the members of the government has kicked off at the presidential residence.

Government members will read the following text: “For the sake of achieving national goals and strengthening the homeland, I swear to fulfill my commitments to the people, to preserve the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Armenia, to promote the sovereignty and interests of the Republic of Armenia, to remain loyal to the highest member of the Government.”

Turkish Dictator Erdogan repeats unfriendly statements towards Armenia in London speech

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YEREVAN, MAY 14, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is currently in the UK, delivered a speech in London’s Chatham House, the Turkish Milliyet newspaper reports.

Erdogan also touched upon Armenia in his speech titled “Turkey’s regional and global vision”, once again displaying his unfriendly position towards Armenia.

In particular, Erdogan claimed that Turkey is supporting all initiatives for establishing long term peace and welfare in the Caucasus and the Middle East, adding: “the only country absent from this picture in Armenia. We are waiting for the day when we will see a reasonable approach from the Armenian leadership”.

This is the second similar statement by Turkey about Armenia in the recent days, which once again proves that Ankara continues speaking in the language of preconditions with Armenia.

Earlier on May 11, Turkey’s Prime Minister Binali Yildirimn responded to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement on the establishment of diplomatic ties with Ankara without preconditions. However, the Turkish PM once again repeated their preconditions.

According to Hurriyet newspaper, Yildirimn has said that Turkey doesn’t want to be hostile with its neighbors. Nevertheless, Yildirimn essentially didn’t deviate from the traditional Turkish political line towards Armenia.

In particular, the Turkish PM said: “Certainly if Armenia changes its hostile stance towards Turkey, refuses from its ambitions towards Turkey’s territorial integrity and borders, refuses from it all, desires to open a new chapter, then we will examine details and respond accordingly. We don’t want to be in hostility with anyone, particularly with neighbors. If such an approach would exist, we will discuss it within the framework of the interests of our state”.

In response to a question from reporters in Artsakh, the Armenian Prime Minister had earlier said that Armenia is today also ready for establishing relations with Turkey – without preconditions.

“As you know, Turkey has preconditions in this issue, and these preconditions are illogical, because relations with a third country cannot be a preconditions for the establishment of relations between two countries”, PM Pashinyan had said.

ENGLISH: Editor/Translator – Stepan Kocharyan

Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan arrives in Sochi, welcomed by local Armenian community

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Armenia PM arrives in Sochi

SOCHI. – Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan has arrived in Sochi where he was welcomed by local Armenian community near St. Sargis church on Sunday evening.

Those gathered are chanting “Nikol” and “Nikol, PM”, Armenian News-NEWS.am correspondent reports from Sochi.

Prime Minister has arrived in Russia to participate in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council on Monday. PM is expected to meet with Russian president Vladimir Putin on the margins of the summit. Other bilateral meetings are expected as well.