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Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian President of American University of Armenia at AUA’s 100 Pillars Luncheon Video

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By Wally Sarkeesian

OC. California at Zov’s Restaurant A luncheon event hosted by Dr. Kris Mirzayan & wife Pam for American University of Armenia AUA’s 100 Pillars of Tomorrow.

keynote speaker Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, President of American University of Armenia (AUA)

the event Began with speaker president of AUA Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, see the video, what is the Pillars, the pillars are the generosity of the Armenian of Diaspora investing in the future and realizing the dreams of Armenian student. To become one of the pillars Pledge, $50,000 payable in 5 years, $10,000 year., Today American university of Armenian have 100 Pillars and continues to expand,
AUA is the only U.S. accredited university in all of Caucasus, AUA has been able to remain ahead of the curve in forging a new path for education in Armenia because of its supporters and its close affiliation with the University of California. At the end, Dr. Kris Mirzayan and Mrs. Pamella Mirzayan were awarded a plaque in Honor of Their Dedication to AUA’s Students, whom Dr. Kris Mirzayan calls” These Students are The Future of Armenia ”

Biography

Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian received his B.S. and M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran, and his Ph.D. in Structural Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1975. After three years at the University of Southern California, he joined the faculty at the University of California at Berkeley, where he has served as Assistant Professor (1978-81), Associate Professor (1981-85), Professor (1985- ), Vice Chair (1990-93) and Chair (1997-2001) of the Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials Program and as Vice Chair for Instruction (2007-2009) in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering.

After the devastating Spitak earthquake of 1988 in Armenia, he was instrumental in establishing the American University of Armenia in Yerevan as an affiliate of the University of California. He has served as the founding Dean of Engineering (1991-2007), the Director of Engineering Research Center (1991-2004), and as Interim Provost (2011-2012) of AUA concurrently with his position at Berkeley. He continues to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American University of Armenia Corporation.

Der Kiureghian’s teaching and research interests are in the areas of structural reliability, risk analysis, random vibrations and earthquake engineering. He has pioneered methods for safety and reliability assessment of complex structures, for risk analysis and decision making, and for stochastic seismic analysis of buildings, bridges and critical equipment. He has more than 300 publications, including 110 in archival journals.

Education

Ph.D. – Civil Engineering, University of Illinois, 1975
B.S./M.S. – Civil Engineering, Tehran University, 1971

A special thank you to the event hosts, Dr. Kris Mirzayan and Mrs. Pamela Ascher Mirzayan, who have invested in AUA both with their resources and their time. During the Fall 2017 semester, the couple relocated to Armenia so Kris could teach business-related courses to AUA students, where he saw first-hand the potential of the academics and the need for ongoing support.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Peggy Barsam, who further contributed to the university by purchasing a painting by Arev Petrosyan – the Yerevan-based artist has pledged to donate half the proceeds from each artwork sold to benefit AUA’s “Yes, Armenian Women Can!” campaign, which supports female students studying technology, science and engineering at the university. Arev’s contributions are ongoing and additional paintings are available for purchase at http://yawc.aua.am/.

 

Please visit http://100pillars.aua.am/ to learn more about the 100 Pillars of AUA program. If you have any questions, please call the Development Office at (510) 925-4282 or email development@aua.am.

Armenian President receives Serj Tankian and Garin Hovannisian

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Armenian President Armen Sarkissian today received member of the Board of Creative Armenia innovative cultural foundation, famous American-Armenian rock musician Serj Tankian and founding director of the foundation Garin Hovannisian, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

President Sarkissian highly valued Serj Tankian’s both cultural and public activity and stated: “You are not only a great musician, but a wonderful Armenian, dignified and proud Armenian”.

Garin Hovannisian introduced the main goals and activities directions of the Creative Armenia foundation. Hovhannisian said their mission is not only to develop the Armenian culture, but also to become a platform to reveal talented artists, assist them and implement promising projects.

The members of the Board of the foundation stated that the Creative Armenia aims at becoming one of the most dynamic and effective cultural initiatives.

President Armen Sarkissian welcomed the foundation’s programs and initiatives and expressed readiness to assist their implementation as much as possible.

 

The President may exercise his powers to grant or discontinue his nationality exclusively in the manner prescribed by law

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YEREVAN, JUNE 1, ARMENPRESS. Recently, a group of artists, intellectuals and politicians have addressed an open letter to the President of Armenia, Zhirayr Sefilyan on granting Armenian citizenship. They demanded Jirayr Sefilyan’s 2004 Citizenship. Considering the first application submitted as a legal document, which maintains legal force and waits for a legitimate response, and grants it the RA citizenship on the date of rejection of the first application. Armenpress applied to the Public Relations Department of the Presidential Administration to find out the position of the Armenian President regarding the issue.
“Article 134 of the current Constitution defines that the President of the Republic of Armenia, in the cases and in accordance with the procedure, shall settle the issues concerning granting the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia and termination of the citizenship of the Republic of Armenia.

In other words, the President of the Republic of Armenia can exercise his powers of granting or suspending citizenship exclusively within the scope of the procedure prescribed by law, and in accordance with the said amendments to the law, a new person must submit a new application by the relevant commission and then, presentation to the RA President, “the Public Relations Department of the Presidential Administration of Armenia clarified.

The administration noted at the same time that, Article 15, paragraph 55, of the Constitution, which was effective at the time of the adoption of the decree, was a legal basis for President Serzh Sargsyan’s Decree NN-311-A on rejecting the application for Jirayr Sefilyan’s citizenship on November 18, and Articles 13 and 26 of the RA Law on “Citizenship of the Republic of Armenia”.

ԵՐԵՎԱՆ, 1 ՀՈՒՆԻՍԻ, ԱՐՄԵՆՊՐԵՍ: Վերջերս մի խումբ արվեստագետներ, մտավորականներ և քաղաքական գործիչներ բաց նամակով դիմել էին ՀՀ նախագահին՝ Ժիրայր Սեֆիլյանին ՀՀ քաղաքացիություն շնորհելու հարցով։ Նրանք պահանջում էին ՀՀ քաղաքացիություն ստանալու վերաբերյալ Ժիրայր Սեֆիլյանի 2004 թ. ներկայացրած առաջին դիմումը համարել իրավական ուժը պահպանած և իրավապատշաճ պատասխան ակնկալող փաստաթուղթ և նրան ՀՀ քաղաքացիություն շնորհել առաջին դիմումը մերժելու օրվանից։ «Արմենպրես»-ը դիմեց ՀՀ նախագահի աշխատակազմի հասարակայնության հետ կապերի վարչությանը՝ հարցի հետ կապված ՀՀ նախագահի դիրքորոշմանը տեղեկանալու համար։
«Գործող Սահմանադրության 134-րդ հոդվածը սահմանում է, որ ՀՀ նախագահն օրենքով սահմանված դեպքերում և կարգով լուծում է Հայաստանի Հանրապետության քաղաքացիություն շնորհելու և Հայաստանի Հանրապետության քաղաքացիությունը դադարեցնելու վերաբերյալ հարցերը:

Այսինքն, Սահմանադրության նշված կարգավորման ուժով ՀՀ նախագահը քաղաքացիություն շնորհելու կամ դադարեցնելու հարցերի վերաբերյալ լիազորությունը կարող է իրացնել բացառապես օրենքով սահմանված կարգի շրջանակում, իսկ համաձայն օրենքի նշված կարգավորումների՝ անհրաժեշտ է անձի կողմից նոր դիմումի ներկայացում, համապատասխան հանձնաժողովի կողմից դրա քննարկում, այնուհետև՝ ՀՀ վարչապետի կողմից առաջարկության ներկայացում ՀՀ նախագահին»,-պարզաբանեցին ՀՀ նախագահի աշխատակազմի հասարակայնության հետ կապերի վարչությունից:

Վարչությունից միաժամանակ նշեցին, որ 2008 թվականի նոյեմբերի 18-ի՝ Ժիրայր Սեֆիլյանի Հայաստանի Հանրապետության քաղաքացիություն ստանալու վերաբերյալ դիմումը մերժելու մասին ՀՀ նախագահ Սերժ Սարգսյանի ՆՀ-311-Ա հրամանագրի համար իրավական հիմք է հանդիսացել հրամանագրի ընդունման պահին գործող Սահմանադրության 55-րդ հոդվածի 15-րդ կետը և «Հայաստանի Հանրապետության քաղաքացիության մասին» Հայաստանի Հանրապետության օրենքի 13-րդ և 26-րդ հոդվածները:

‘You have the country’s future in your hands’ – President tells school graduates Video

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YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has addressed high school graduates as children are celebrating the Last Bell in Armenian schools – the traditional graduation ceremony.

“My dears,

Today, the school bell will ring one last time for you. But I wouldn’t want to say that you are having your last lesson, because you still have many lessons to learn, and why not, many will learn lessons from you. You are at the beginning of a new path,” the president said in a congratulatory message published on his website.

“I am sure that in the context of the latest changes in our country you were convinced what kind of an able force youth is, what kind of an frantic age adolescence is, and what you yourselves can achieve, if you are united and believe in your strength”, the president continued.

“Education is one of our most important values”, Armen Sarkissian said, urging the children to value the efforts of the teachers and parents, and to use their knowledge.

“You are holding not only your own futures in your hands, but also the future of the country”, the president said, calling on the graduates to confidently move forward. “Believe that today’s last school bell is guiding you towards the Armenia of your dreams”.

The Last Bell – the graduation ceremony in high schools across– is taking place May 25 this year in Armenia.

Yerevan City Hall is organizing a concert in the evening outside the Opera Theater.

The ceremony in Artsakh will take place May 26 because educational institutions in the country operate 6 days a week.

 

WATCH: Armenia’s charismatic president deals with demonstrations in total swag – all smiles and joy as President Sarkissian grooves to folk music with protesters

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YEREVAN, MAY 23, ARMENPRESS. The “Amulsar Without Mine” initiative, a protest movement against Lydian’s Amulsar gold mine, rallied today in Yerevan. The rally began from the Mashtots Park with demonstrators marching towards the Presidential Residence to hand over a letter to President Sarkissian. Demonstrators claim that the mining industry is being implemented in Armenia with numerous irregularities and violations, and has negative impact on nature and other branches.

The protesters said that their rally isn’t solely against the Amulsar project. They said their goal is to draw the attention of the government on problems in the mining industry. Demonstrators called for a new independent expert group to study the mine. They said their letter contains evidence regarding the problems related to Amulsar. Shortly after handing over the letter in the building, the President himself came down to personally speak to the protesters.

“If we view the most important issues of our country, certainly everything is important, however for me, as a citizen and as a president, there are three important problems. One is the security of our country. Security in a broad sense, it isn’t only the army, not only the military industrial complex, but also foreign relations and others. Second is education, eventually the future of our country will depend on the level of the new generation. And it’s not just about academic education, but also civil, which they got on the street. I hope this isn’t en emotional outburst and being a citizen will continue. I hope that the new generation will be citizens in their entire lives,” President Sarkissian said.

The third important issue, according to the President, is nature protection, where numerous unregulated issues exist. “If Amulsar was our sole problem I would be happy, but our nature preservation issues are a lot bigger, it’s not one mine, but many mines which require studies. The most important issue in nature protection is water, which is our wealth and it must be preserved. Recently I met with Eduardo Eurnekian [Argentine-Armenian business tycoon, owner of many businesses in Armenia], who is cultivating grapes in a 400 ha area, then produces wine and exports it. The man says he can multiply the area if the water issue is solved, whereas a significant part of water gets wasted in the pipes. Therefore, any issue which will impact the water base must be scrutinized. I assure you that Amulsar and other issues will be under our spotlight, “ the President said.

The President vowed to give a quick response to the letter. In a joyous conclusion of the demonstration, the protesters began dancing under some Armenian music, and the President joined the group.

The Armenian president has personally interacted with protesters in various unrelated instances while in office. Recently the president went outside his residence to talk with protesting staff of a defunct factory. And most notably, perhaps, the President walked through thousands of protesters in Yerevan’s Republic Square earlier in April to negotiate with Nikol Pashinyan, then-opposition leader who is now serving as Prime Minister.

 

Armenian president calls for dialogue amid protests against new PM

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YEREVAN (Reuters) – Armenian President Armen Sarkissian on Thursday called for dialogue, as thousands continued to protest on the streets against the appointment of the new prime minister, who was president for 10 years before switching jobs this month.

Parliament on Tuesday voted to allow ex-president Serzh Sarksyan to become premier in the former Soviet republic, despite weeks of angry rallies against such a move.

“I’m confident that the only solution is a dialogue and mutual respect,” Sarkissian said in a statement.

“As a leader of the country, I’m calling on the sides to hold a dialogue in order to find the best solution in the current situation.”

Thousands of opposition activists marched in the center of Yerevan on Thursday, waving national flags and chanting: “Make a stand, say no to Serzh”.

They blocked entrances to government buildings and staged sit-ins. In the evening about 15,000 protesters were massed in the main square.

Police detained more than 120 activists.

Sarksyan was president from 2008 until April 9 and demonstrators said he was switching jobs but clinging to power.

Under a revised constitution approved by referendum in 2015, the prime minister will hold most power while the presidency becomes largely ceremonial.

Sarksyan’s ally Sarkissian was sworn in as president last week after being elected by parliament. Sarksyan said in March, while still president, he would become prime minister to allow him to share the benefit of his experience.

Armenia seceded from the Soviet Union in 1991 but remains dependent on Russia for aid and investment. Many Armenians accuse the government of corruption and mishandling an economy that has struggled to overcome the legacy of central planning.

U.S. lawmakers urge colleagues to commemorate Armenian Genocide

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The leadership of the Congressional Armenian Caucus on Wednesday, April 11 called on their U.S. House colleagues to join them in pressing President Donald Trump to reject Turkey’s gag-rule by honestly and accurately commemorating the Armenian Genocide on April 24, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“Recep Erdogan is undermining U.S. interests, insulting U.S. allies, and threatening U.S. forces, yet he’s still granted a veto over U.S. policy on the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

“American complicity in Ankara’s genocide denial is a relic of the Cold War. It didn’t make sense then, and it makes even less sense now. “Take a moment today to ask your U.S. Representatives to demand an end to Turkey’s gag-rule.”

In a “Dear Colleague” letter to U.S. Representatives, Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Jackie Speier (D-CA), David Trott (R-MI) and David Valadao (R-CA) as well as Vice-Chairs Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) explained that: “The Armenian Genocide continues to stand as an important reminder that crimes against humanity must not go without recognition and condemnation. Through recognition of the Armenian Genocide we pay tribute to the perseverance and determination of those who survived, as well as to the Americans of Armenian descent who continue to strengthen our country to this day. It is our duty to honor those contributions with an honest statement of history recognizing the massacre of 1.5 million Armenians as the 20th century’s first genocide. By commemorating the Armenian Genocide, we renew our commitment to prevent future atrocities.”

They closed by asking that the President: “appropriately mark April 24th as a day of American remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.”

Some three dozen countries, hundreds of local government bodies and international organizations have so far recognized the killings of 1.5 million Armenians in the Ottoman Empire as Genocide.

Turkey denies to this day.

New Armenian President Sworn In, As Ex-President Expected To Retain Power

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New Armenian President Sworn In

New Armenian President Sworn In

YEREVAN — Armen Sarkisian has been sworn in as president of Armenia amid speculation that outgoing President Serzh Sarkisian will become prime minister, a post that is now more powerful than the presidency due to constitutional reforms.

Armen Sarkisian, who is not related to the outgoing president, was inaugurated in a ceremony at Yerevan’s Karen Demirchian Sports and Concert Hall on April 9.

The 64-year-old Sarkisian, a former ambassador to Britain, was elected to a seven-year term by lawmakers in the South Caucasus nation on March 2.

Opposition leaders have accused Serzh Sarkisian, who was first elected in 2008 and held office for two terms, of seeking the prime minister’s job to allow him to retain power.

Parliament is scheduled to elect a prime minister on April 17.

Under a shift that was approved in a December 2015 referendum, Armenia changed its form of government from a semipresidential to a parliamentary republic.

As a result, presidential veto powers have been stripped from the post and the presidency has been downgraded to more of a figurehead position.

Unlike previous post-Soviet presidents in Armenia, Armen Sarkisian was elected by parliament instead of by popular vote.

The constitutional reforms coming into effect also limit the president to a single seven-year term.

Armenian president awards women on the occasion of March 8

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Official press release by the office of President of ArmeniaIn the run-up to Women’s Day, President Serzh Sargsyan and Mrs. Rita Sargsyan hosted today mothers of many children and a group of women who have excelled in various spheres with fruitful and dedicated work.

The President of Armenia congratulated the guests and, in their person, all Armenian women on the upcoming holiday. A number of women were encouraged with high State awards, while the mothers of many children were presented with the Parental Glory Medal and materials incentives for setting up and strengthening families, providing for their children’ physical, spiritual and moral well-being and harmonious development.

“Dear Awardees,
Dear Women,

I cordially congratulate you on the receipt of high State awards and, of course, on the occasion of tomorrow’s holiday, which will last for a whole month and then all year up to next March 8.

No society can be described as modern and up-to-date if it fails to strengthen women’s role in public life, and where women are not serious players. Our historical experience suggests that our women should be reserved a major role in society. They have that role in our society. Of course, I would like to say that they enjoy a broad involvement in public life, but that work is part of our future work.

I am deeply convinced that every year, women should take part in local or State elections, women should participate in the elections every time, and their role must certainly increase. But there is one circumstance here: women themselves should want it.

In many cases women do not want to be actively involved in social and political life. It may be the fault of the whole society, maybe the problem of men. Nevertheless, I have always called for and urge women to actively participate in our country’s construction. It is very important. And though my words were not able to state exactly that there is no great involvement, but we are on the right path: every year our women are represented at all levels of government and there is no sphere in the country where women are not represented.

 

Once again, I cordially congratulate you for the awards and on the Holiday. I wish you could always be feminine, to give warmth, enthusiasm and, of course, soberness to all of us – to the society and to men. This is a very important circumstance. Thank you for being here today. Once again, I congratulate all of you,” President Sargsyan said.

After the solemn award ceremony, President Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with the women at the tea table.

The President proposed them to present their views, remarks, proposals concerning women’s role in the State, their social and political life and the steps to be taken to enhance involvement in the system of public administration.

Lebanon president visits Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

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Lebanon president visits Armenian Genocide

President of Lebanon Michel Aoun on Wednesday paid a visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.

Aoun, accompanied by the Lebanese delegation, placed a wreath at the genocide monument, the Armenian News-NEWS.am reporter informed from the memorial.

Michel Aoun has arrived on an official visit in Yerevan, at the invitation of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan.

Within the framework of the visit, the President of the Republic of Lebanon will meet with Armenia’s top leadership—the President, the Chairman of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister.

Also, President Aoun will be hosted by Catholicos of All Armenians His Holiness Karekin II, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin; afterwards, he will visit the Cathedral and the Treasury.

Following the highest-level Armenian-Lebanese talks in the presidential residence, Presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Michel Aoun will make statements on the outcome of their meeting.