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One soldier was killed on Aug. 13 after stepping on a mine laid by Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) in the eastern province of Bingöl.
Clashes erupted in Bingöl’s Genç district between security forces and PKK during which the soldier stepped on the mine. He was rushed to the Bingöl State Hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The clashes between the security forces and the PKK are reportedly continuing in the area.
Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex nonprofit organization, currently belonging to the Republic of Armenia and RA Defense Ministry, will be sold to NTAA Investment Group LLC at a price of $30 million.
According to the government’s decision, the buyer is bound to cover costs of property’s valuation worth AMD 2,120,000, engage in at least 6-month labor contracts with 99 employees currently working at the facility with monthly minimum wages of AMD 55,000, organize up to 5 events on government’s request per year within 10 years’ span.
The company must also ensure the people’s right to access Tsitsernakaberd, the Armenian Genocide Memorial freely.
By acquiring the Sports and Concerts Complex and redeveloping the surrounding areas, NTAA Investment Group LLC plans to implement a major investment project, total value of which exceeds $100 million. The investment project is scheduled to be implemented within 4 years: the complex will be renovated and turned into a family-oriented center, which will be the first of its kind not only in Armenia, but also in the region. The complex will include hotels, indoor waterpark, concert halls, meeting rooms, restaurants, shops and a casino.
The hotels will have more than 350 family rooms, the indoor waterpark will cover an area of more than 18,000 square meters and will operate round-year. The project will provide at least 250 new jobs.
The company must also contact international record labels, such as Virgin Records, Sony Records, EMI, while concert centers should cooperate with stars.
GLENDALE—Hundreds of community members attended a requiem Mass and rally at St. Mary’s Armenian Church to pay their respects to the Artsakh Junior Sergeant Armen Hovhannesyan, who died last week heroically 
defending his homeland. The event was organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western US Central Committee.
During the Mass, the Very Rev. Father Muron Aznikian praised the courage of Armenian heroes.
The rally, which was held in front of the Cross Stone at St. Mary’s Church courtyard, was initiated by ARF Western US Central Committee’s public relations director Saro Nazarian.
The message from the ARF youth was presented by David Arakelyan. Lamenting that he could not talk about peace, Arakelyan expressed his anger at Azerbaijan’s barbaric aggression.
Arakelyan also expressed his frustration at the Minsk Group co-chairmen who call for restraint from both sides, but ignore the reality that Azerbaijan is the only entity that does not exercise restraint.
The current reality, said Arakelyan, “is forcing our nation, especially our youth, to work with renewed dedication in order to defend our homeland.”
“For all of us, Armen Hovhannesyan must become an example of selflessness, courage and love for the homeland,” said Arakelyan calling on the entire Armenian nation to sacrifice in the name of justice and in the name of a free, united and independent Armenia.
Armenian Veterans’ Association chairmen Vigen Ghazaryan read an announcement on behalf of the organization, while Salpi Mailian performed a rendition of the ARF Anthem, “Meshak Panvor.”
Speaking on behalf of the Central Committee, Avedik Izmirlian said that sacrificing oneself for the freedom of the nation is one of the tenets of the ARF, adding that Armen Hovhannesyan was the bearer of that distinction for his heroism in combat.
Izmirlian also promoted the contributions of the Western US to Artsakh’s liberation struggle and the commitment of the community to advance justice and support the people of Artsakh.
The ARF leader also emphasized the importance of unity within the community on the road to strengthening Artsakh’s statehood and the international recognition for the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.