Armenian Security Council convenes session led by PM Pashinyan

June 25, 2018 By administrator

The session of the Security Council was held led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the government told Armenpress.

PM Pashinyan said this is the first session of the Security Council since the formation of the new Cabinet and stated: “You know that after April 9 the functions of the Security Council have become more specific and according to the Article 155th part 2 of the Constitution, the Security Council defines the main directions of the defense policy. Our today’s session also aims at discussing these issues and future actions”.

During the session issues relating to the Armed Forces development plan and upgrading and military equipment development state program, as well as increase of efficiency of the combat duty of the Armed Forces were discussed.

Defense minister Davit Tonoyan reported on the introduction of more effective ways and methods for the organization of active defense in the ministry.

Armenian Council Announces Endorsements for Tuesday’s Vote

May 31, 2018 By administrator

The Pasadena-based Armenian Council of America-Political Action Committee (ACA-PAC) has released its list of endorsements for California’s primary election on June 5, a report media report said.

Before endorsing anyone, the ACA-PAC Board said it carefully reviews each incumbent’s track record and each new candidate’s answers to questions concerning their Armenian- American constituency.

ACA-PAC endorsements are based largely on the candidate’s preparedness and ability to address issues ranging from reaffirmation of the Armenian genocide, promoting Armenian genocide education in public schools, and support for the independent Republics of Armenia and Artsakh, according to the Massis Post said.

The majority of these endorsements, ACA-PAC said in the report, include incumbents who have served as a strong voice for the community.

For California governor, the organization is endorsing Antonio Villaraigosa as its candidate, and Ed Hernandez for California lieutenant governor.

The ACA-PAC’s other statewide endorsements are:

California Secretary of State – Alex Padilla
California State Controller – Betty Yee
California State Treasurer – Fiona Ma, CPA
California State Insurance Commissioner – Ricardo Lara
California State Board of Equalization – Scott Svonkin
California Attorney General – Xavier Bacerra
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction – Tony Thurmond
U.S. Senate – Kevin de Leon
U.S. House of Representatives
Congressional District 27, Judy Chu
Congressional District 28, Adam Schiff
California State Assembly – Chris Holden – AD 41
Los Angeles County Assessor – Jeffrey Prang

ACA-PAC said it is encouraging all Armenian-Americans to exercise their rights as citizens on June 5 by voting for these candidates who represent its common values, ideals, and aspiration for the progress of our long-standing and growing communities of California and the United States.

Acting Prime Minister of Armenia summons Security Council All state bodies function entirely –

April 24, 2018 By administrator

Armenia summons Security Council

YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS. Acting Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan has chaired a Security Council session today in the government headquarters.

The session was attended by acting Deputy PM Armen Gevorgyan, acting defense minister Vigen Sargsyan, acting foreign minister Edward Nalbandian, director of national security service Georgy Kutoyan, Police Chief Vladimir Gasparyan and Head of the General Staff of Armed Forces Movses Hakobyan.

At the beginning of the session, acting PM Karapetyan addressed a number of urgent issues related to the domestic situation in Armenia, the government’s press service told ARMENPRESS.

“First,

I would like to address the armed forces and thank our soldiers, officers and especially forces on active combat duty on behalf of all of us for carrying out their mission with great sense of responsibility and pride every day regardless of any developments.

There shouldn’t be any doubt and especially within our armed forces that we are alert and united.

Mr. Sargsyan, based on the latest tactical information, which was also presented through official statements, an active movement of Azerbaijani armed forces and military equipment is seen in the direction of the line of contact. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs have already made a call against possible Azerbaijani military adventurism and escalations. We agree that the tension must immediately be de-escalated. I have also talked with President of Artsakh Mr. Sahakyan on this issue today.

Just like before, the political leadership and armed forces of the two Armenian republics are ready for adequate response and suppressive actions for any ceasefire violation or an attempt of violation. The adversary shouldn’t have any illusions in this regard.

Second,

Mr. Gasparyan, during these difficult days the police showed their high professionalism and abilities of maintaining public safety. I am grateful to all police officers for their dedication, their work and tolerance.

At the same time it must be clear that as much important it is to maintain tolerance during mass gatherings or rallies, understanding that we must display alertness in terms of ensuring public order is no less important. Normal public order and rules must be restored and maintained from today.

Third,

Mr. Kutoyan, I would like to specially point out the alertness and duly implementation of duties of the national security service these days. We know that certain powers attempted to take advantage of the active processes in our country. We will continue being strict and resolute in issues of state security maintenance.

Our society must be certain that state bodies continue implemented their functions fully and in line with the letter of law, the foreign colleagues can be certain that Armenia is committed to all of its assumed partnership obligations, and remaining external powers must clearly realize that the entire complex of our abilities continues to fully ensure our national security,” Karapetyan said.

Armenia President, Eurasian Intergovernmental Council members discuss Yerevan meeting

October 25, 2017 By administrator

YEREVAN. – President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Wednesday received the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council members—the prime ministers of Armenia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, and Kazakhstan—who will participate in the Council meeting to be held on the same day in capital city Yerevan. Tigran Sargsyan, Chairman of the Board of Eurasian Economic Commission, the executive body of the Eurasian Economic Union, also attended this talk.

First Sargsyan expressed confidence that the said meeting will be productive and will serve the interests of promoting Eurasian integration, press office of the President informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. Also, he underscored the activities of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, and thanked for the active and productive work.

Stressing that he is familiar with the agenda of this meeting, the President especially noted the matter of elimination of technical barriers. But he expressed the hope that this and the other matters on the meeting agenda will be resolved.

The Eurasian Intergovernmental Council members, for their part, said they will thoroughly discuss all the matters on the agenda, find joint solutions, move forward, and keep the pace.

Council of Europe issues Level 1 alert on trial of blogger Lapshin in Azerbaijan

March 7, 2017 By administrator

The Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists of the Council of Europe today released a statement issuing Level 1 alert over the trial of Israeli-Russian Blogger Aleksandr Lapshin in Azerbaijan.

The statement notes that Aleksandr Lapshin was detained in Minsk, Belarus, on 15 December 2016, at the request from Azerbaijan and extradited to Baku on 7 February 2017.

“Lapshin faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison on charges of illegally crossing Azerbaijan’s state borders during his April 2011, October 2012, and June 2016 visits to Nagorno-Karabakh, and for making “anti-state calls to the public” and criticizing Azerbaijani policies,” reads the statement.

It is noted that currently Alexander Lapshin is in the Kurdakhani Pre-trial Detention Centre of the Baku Investigative Prison Nr 1.

France: MARSEILLE County Council Commemorates #ArmenianGenocide

April 21, 2016 By administrator

The president of the County Council of Bouches-du-Rhône, Martine Vassal, inaugurated on April 19 evening a banner in memory of the 1915 genocide.

The sentences were well constructed and the words chosen were strong. President South CCAF, Simon Azilazian set the tone for an evening where Armenians Bouches du Rhône were invited to County Council in Marseille for the unveiling of a banner in memory of the genocide victims.

“Despite the centenary of the many tragic events of 1915 marked by actions in France, Europe and around the world, led by Erdogan Turkey continues its disinformation campaign, and denial-fixing. It approves the Azerbaijani aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh. Today, Jihadism and Pan-Turkism are one. With Erdogan, Turkey has become an Islamo-fascist state that imprisons journalists. Between Daesch and Europe, Turkey has to choose. Our duty of memory beyond the framework of the Armenian Genocide. Our values are: Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. We say yes to peace and no to war “insisted Simon Azilazian during his speech applauded at length.

Invited to speak, the MP Valérie Boyer said that “Nagorno-Karabakh is an Armenian land” and denounced “the indifference of the media that does not treat Azerbaijani aggression with the complicity of Turkey against the Armenians of this Republic.

President of the Departmental Council of Bouches-du-Rhône, Martine Vassal, believed “we need to have the United Armenian associations to demand the recognition of the Genocide of 1915. It is encouraging to see the new generation represented by Scouts continue this fight. I salute the spirit of resistance of the Armenian people and its dignity, courage and strength. We must combat Holocaust denial and must awaken consciences. It is time that the Turkish state is changing. I think the French government is cautious about what is happening in Karabakh, “concluded Martine Vassal which stated that on May 23, the County Council of the Bouches du Rhône will receive Charles Aznavour. In June, she will visit Armenia with a delegation of elected officials and members of the Chamber of Commerce French Armenian.

We noted in the audience attendance Maurice Di Nocera, Deputy Mayor of Marseille and Departmental Councillor Didier Parakian, Deputy Mayor of Marseille. JAF was represented by the President and by Pascal Julien Harounyan Chamassian. FRA Dashnaksoutioun was also represented. Raffi Delanian and Karen Khurshudian headed the delegation of the Apostolic Scouts. It also noted the presence of Pastor Gilbert Leonian and Father Aram, representing the Prado Cathedral.

Thursday, April 21, 2016,
Claire © armenews.com

Istanbul Orthodox Council moved from Turkey to Greece over Russia crisis

April 19, 2016 By administrator

MURAT YETKİN

murat.yetkin@hurriyet.com.tr

A historical meeting bringing together representatives of 300 million Orthodox Christians, which had been due to be held in Istanbul this year after centuries away, has been shifted to the Greek island of Crete. The move came after the Russian Orthodox Church indicated that it did not want to come to Turkey due to the crisis between the two countries over the downing of a Russian jet that violated the Turkish-Syrian border last year, Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew told a group of journalists on April 18.

The Pan-Orthodox Council, or the Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church as it is officially referred to, will be held in Crete on June 17-27. The first Pan-Orthodox Council is highly anticipated, as it has been planned ever since 1961.

The Patriarch explained that the last equivalent of such a Council, the “Ecumenical Council,” was held in Nicaea (İznik in today’s Turkey) in the year 787, centuries before the Eastern and Western Churches were split in the Schism of 1054.

“Then there were only four churches. Now in Orthodoxy we have 14 churches, led by us in Istanbul. This is going to be their first joint meeting,” Patriarch Bartholomew said. Other Churches from east and west, including the Catholic Church in the Vatican, will be sending observers to the Crete Council.

In a 2014 conference in Istanbul, it was agreed to hold the Council at the Hagia Irene church-museum in Istanbul, which was built before the neighboring Hagia Sophia in the 4th century, and which was also the first house of the Orthodox Patriarchate. However, Patriarchate officials say they received a message in late December 2015 that said Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow did not find it appropriate to hold the Council meeting in Istanbul. This message came amid a political crisis between Russia and Turkey over the downing of a Russian jet by the Turkish army. The Russian jet was downed and its pilot was killed on Nov. 24, after violating Turkey’s border with Syria, where Russia was helping the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria’s civil war. The Russian Orthodox Church, founded in the 16th century, is known to be in competition with the Greek Orthodox Church, following the capture of Constantinople by the Turks in 1453 and its renaming as Istanbul.

“The content of our mission is religious, not political,” Bartholomew said. “We have moved the Council meeting from Istanbul to Crete in order not to cancel it. This is an historic meeting. We have important topics to discuss and will be making the first declaration to the world as the Orthodox faith.” Dr. Konstantinos Delikostantis, an advisor to Bartholomew, said there are six topics to be discussed at the Council: The problems faced by the Orthodox diaspora, the problems of autonomous churches, dietary rules in Orthodoxy, marriage and family, relations with non-Orthodox Christians, and the stance of the Orthodox Church regarding contemporary developments in today’s world – from the environment to technology, from human rights and individualism to what Delikonstantis described as “contemporary sins.”

Meanwhile, Bartholomew also said he has requested an appointment with Turkish President Tayyip Erdoğan to update him on the situation and to discuss issues faced by the tiny Greek minority in Turkey, including the long-demanded re-opening of the Halki Seminary on Heybeliada island near Istanbul.

April/19/2016

Armenia President convenes National Security Council session

November 12, 2015 By administrator

YEREVAN. – Armenia’s National Security Council (NSC) session presided by the President of Armenia and NSC, took place today. The results of the Shant-2015 military exercises held from September 3 to 6, specifically the work carried out in the direction of achieving the main objectives provided by the exercise’s scenario, achievements recorded, the gaps, coordination of activities and activity efficiency, etc. were discussed in detail.

Following the reports by the head of the military exercise headquarters and his deputies, Sargsyan gave corresponding instructions.

Prior to this, President Serzh Sargsyan made an introductory speech, in which he specifically mentioned that the aforementioned military exercises aimed at continuing the work carried out by the Armenian state authorities in order to resist the possible aggression of the adversary.

“We held similar military exercises of smaller volume in 2008 and 2013. But this time the exercises were held in full volume, definitely being unprecedented,” he said.

Sargsyan also noted that there is a regulation which establishes periodicity for holding each type of military exercise, and “we must all adhere to that periodicity.”

According to the president, each military exercise has at least three main goals: to check, improve and gain experience. “Each military exercise also definitely has special purposes, and according to the preliminary conclusions, Shant-2015 command and staff military exercises were held in an organized manner and achieved their goals,” he said.

Genocide Prevention Resolution adopted by UN Human Rights Council message to entire world – experts

March 29, 2015 By administrator

The Armenia-submitted Genocide Prevention Resolution, which was adopted at the 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council, proves that Armenia is struggling not only for recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but also for preventing further genocides, Director of the Institute of Oriental Studies Ruben Safrastyan told Tert.am.

This most important initiative succeeded. Armenia is thus not only showing its concern, but is also taking specific steps.
“This way of action must become one of our diplomatic priorities,” Mr Safaryan said.

As regards the importance of the resolution in the context of international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, the scholar stressed that the entire civilized world is well aware Armenia’s initiative is no coincidence.

Expert in Turkic studies Ruben Melkonyan says that genocide prevention is a panhuman task, and the resolution adopted by the UN Human Rights Council is evidence that the organization is responsible for dealing with the humankind’s problems in the right way.

Armenia’s initiative must be considered within context of the Armenian Genocide centennial.

“We can suppose that the adoption of the resolution is at least a political ‘message’ to the entire world, particularly to Turkey. We can regard the resolution as silent support for the opinions on the Armenian Genocide. That is, without placing any emphasis, the UN is condemning Turkey, urging it to admit the Armenian Genocide.”

The entire civilized world is well aware that Armenia is champion of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and this is one of Armenia’s foreign policy priorities.

LA city council bill urges Obama to recognize Armenian Genocide

March 28, 2015 By administrator

Los Angeles City Councilmembers introduced a measure urging US President Obama to recognize the Armenian Genocide and voicing LA’s support for H-Res 154, the Armenian Genocide Truth and Justice resolution introduced in Congress last week, reported Asbarez.

“Los Angeles is home to one of the largest Armenian populations in the world, including a tremendous number of Genocide survivors and their descendants,” said Councilmember Paul Krekorian.