24 YEARS # 5-6 (1140-1141) The Noah’s Ark 20 February 23 YEARS 2017 The #28 Noah’s Ark Published(1116) Since 1993 25 July Weekly Newspaper H I G H L I G H T S Նոյյան Տապան շաբաթաթերթ (անգլ./ֆրանս.) 2016 Published 9 Parties, Blocs Enter Since 1993 Weekly Newspaper HIGHLIGHTS ÜáÛÛ³Ý î³å³Ý ß³µ³Ã³Ã»ñà (³Ý·É. / ýñ³Ýë.) Armenian Parliamentary Race Hostages Released In

see page 3 See p. 2 InIn ThisThis IssueIssue Noyan Tapan Press-Center U.S. Condemns sends Armed 40 tons Attack of on Armenian Noyan Tapan Press Center holds different discussions, press conferences, round tables, teleconferences, seminars each week which are broadcast Policehumanitarian aid to Syria p.7p.5 live on the Internet. We invite you to take advantage of the Center, as well as to place your banner in our Press Room. Tel: 060 35 11 22. Oil prices rise as market shrugs off President Sargsyan Meets Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor, Yerevan, 0009 coup bid the Army Commanders p.p.8-9p.6 California State Board of Education Noyan Tapan Printing House adoptsLithuanian expanded Statehood Armenian Restoration Day is offering coloured and black and white offset and digital Genocidecelebrated curriculum in Yerevan p.p.12-13p.16 printing of books, brochures, booklets, journals, etc with Victor Ambartsumian International Science high quality and low prices Tel: 060 35 11 22 The Youth Orchestra Prize not to be awarded this year p.16 Address: Isahakyan 28, 3rd floor, Yerevan 0009 News p.p.13-15 The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 25 July #28 (1116)  2016 2 POLITICS

President Sargsyan attends 11th Convention of the Homeland Defenders Voluntary Union disbelievers look and see, let them lay to rest their doubts. Our youth, the freedom loving and defiant generation of our independence, reasserts that our tree of life is healthy, strong, and abundant. The Homeland Defenders have been living for decades under the motto “If necessary, we will go again to defend the Fatherland.” It became necessary last year, in April. And you went again. Many of you now have grey hair, but you went and stood next to our young lion cubs. You went to share their bur- den but also to give a new spirit and resolve to the new but not less valiant defenders of our land. For them at that time you already were “uncles”. It never occurred to us during the Artsakh Liberation War. Now, I will address you just like our young soldiers address you. Uncles, On February 18, President try. It is intertwined with the history of lib- Let no one doubt that we are devoted un- participated at the 11th Convention of the erating, defending and strengthening of our conditionally to the task of defending our Homeland Defenders Voluntary Union own country. In the end of the day, stories of homeland, we are ready at any moment to (HDVU) which took place at the Karen the people present in this hall represent the stand at the frontline, in trenches together Demirjyan Sport and Concert Hall. At the collective history of our struggle and our vic- with our young soldiers, our regular army Convention, President Sargsyan made wel- tories. to defend our Fatherland, we are true to our coming remarks addressed to the participants When the country was in danger, farmers, pledge, and we are loyal to the bright memo- and the guests. intellectuals and workers had become the ry of our fallen brothers in arms. homeland defenders. You carried out your The Homeland Defenders Voluntary Statement of President Serzh Sargsyan mission with honor. Today, from the de- Union as a non-governmental organization at the 11th Convention of the Homeland cades’ perspective we can confidently call has a unique status within our society. This Defenders Voluntary Union your deeds a “historic mission”. You came fact speaks of your power, speaks of your back to your peaceful work at the moment it organizational strength, unity, and a great Holy Fathers, became possible. reputation within the society. Dear Combat Friends, You came back with the pain of loss of your Today Armenia stands at the threshold of a Dear Brothers in Arms, combat friends in your hearts but also with serious reformation and transformation. We I salute the participants and guests of the the understanding that the ceasefire, which are making a transition to the parliamentary 11th Convention of the Homeland Defend- the enemy was forced to accept, was not model of governance and we have to make ers Voluntary Union. an ultimate peace yet. You came back with the transition painless. In the process, we also Homeland Defenders movement formed the understanding that there were still many have to ensure stability and the rule of law. along with the development of our modern things to do until the ultimate peace was es- Taking this opportunity, I would like to say statehood and had an outstanding role in the tablished in our land and serenity reigned on that the Republican Party of Armenia at the defense of Artsakh and Armenia. our borders. elections will appear as a strong team, with From that time on, the very name Home- Dear Homeland Defenders, the figures who, in the case they receive the land Defenders is used in singular as well as This structure has been carrying out an im- vote of the people, are ready to speak from in plural and means a strong individual and a portant job and today too is working actively. the podiums in Moscow, Brussels, Washing- union of bright individuals. You know the details better than I do, but I ton, through the leading mass media outlets The HDVU has formed traditions and prin- would like to stress particularly the important and make the voice of the Republic of Arme- ciples at the origins of which was the founder role which you have had in the military and nia audible from every possible and impossi- and irreplaceable leader of the Union Vazgen patriotic education of our young people. ble platform. They will be ready through the Sarkissian. These traditions and principles The bright youth we have today in Armenia daily work to make the Constitution a reality are maintained and developed in step with is the product of the efforts made by our state and in any dispute to promote their credo the millennia-long march of our country and and the entire society. The product created by through eloquence and willpower alone. our society. the families but also by the participants of the They will not lie to people, will not say that In our society, Homeland Defenders repre- Artsakh Liberation War, which means your one year from now Armenia will become a sent an entire stratum. It’s a unique stratum in personal example and that of your brothers paradise, will not lie, will not tell that if they which the biography of its each member is in arms. get your vote, they will give free gas and intertwined with the biography of our coun- Any tree is judged against its fruits. Let all electrical power to our people, will not say

20 February #5-6 (1140-1141) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights POLITICS 3 that young people will not be drafted to the ple have short memory. This kind of reason- Artsakh. Army. They will say things they can deliver. ing, which has neither legal nor moral base, I see it as my duty to declare from the po- They will say that every day our country will once resulted in the escalation of the conflict dium of this Conference that every provoca- make a step forward. We will participate in and in the war with numerous unnecessary tion will receive a worthy response. Politics these elections with well-known individuals victims and suffering first of all for the people based on illusions have no future and cannot but actually a new team and its voice will be of itself. have. Last decades have proven that. strong. By my directive and certainly by his Many of you remember that at the begin- We stand on the premise of a true balance own consent, we have included on that team ning of 1990s, when in Azerbaijan ministers of forces. We are changing the reality mak- also our esteemed general Manvel Grigorian. of defense were replaced every week, every ing our country freer and more democratic, Besides his experience and personal quali- single one of them viewed his duty to make a because we believe that as a result of these ties, he is also a prominent symbol for those statement that in a week, or a couple of days changes we will have more efficient gover- who will tomorrow be elected to the Nation- later he would be drinking tea in . nance. More efficient governance will in turn al Assembly: each initiative, each statement However, as the history shows, through the make us more competitive and more capable and each voting, even a short remark will be efforts of the heroic sons of our nation they of defense. done under the general’s gaze which is an didn’t drink tea in Stepanakert, instead they Dear Homeland Defenders, amalgam of the fight for freedom and com- lost the opportunity to drink tea in Aghdam, In conclusion, as always I urge you to keep mitment of our future victories. Fisuli, Jabrail, Kubatly, Karvachar, and other the gunpowder dry – our struggle is not Today some in Azerbaijan live under the places. finished yet. I wish the Convention of the illusion that Armenia preoccupied with the We wish Azerbaijan no suffering, honestly, Homeland Defenders Voluntary Union the elections will be distracted and as a result – but will allow nobody to dream about caus- efficient and productive work. vulnerable. That hollow dreams may tempt ing suffering to our people. I am confident that in the course of this Con- the foe to make certain provocations. The Artsakh issue is the Armenian people’s vention, the Homeland Defenders Voluntary Recently, the official Baku, which adores business, the national cause: the future of Union will manifest state thinking peculiar useless and short-lived PR actions and Artsakh will be the way the people of Art- to its members and sense of responsibility to throws enormous money to the wind to carry sakh will decide, while we all – those present carry on with honor the mission assumed by them out, declared the Artsakh issue is Azer- here and those outside this hall are standing its founding chairman . baijan’s “internal” affair. Unfortunately, peo- like a rock behind our sisters and brothers in Thank you. 9 Parties, Blocs Enter Armenian Parliamentary Race Armenia - Election officials test new menian Communist Party and the pro-West- vote respectively in order to be represented electronic machines for voter identification ern Free Democrats. in it. at a polling station in Armavir province, All of the four electoral alliances were Campaigning for the elections will offi- 12Feb2017. formed recently. Two of them are led by cially start on March 5. Five political parties and four blocs will businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, whose Pros- Virtually all national elections held in compete for seats in Armenia`s new par- perous Armenia Party boasts the second Armenia over the past two decades been liament that will be elected on April 2, the largest faction in the outgoing parliament, marred by opposition allegations of serious Central Election Commission (CEC) said and former President Levon Ter-Petrosian. fraud and criticized as flawed by Western on February 17. The latter has been in opposition to Sargsyan monitors. All of them submitted their lists of election throughout his nine-year rule. Under a landmark deal reached with the candidates and other registration documents The HHK will also be challenged by the parliamentary opposition, the Armenian to the CEC just before the expiry of a legal Yelk alliance of the pro-European Civil authorities enacted late last year a set of deadline on Thursday evening. Contract, Bright Armenia and Republic par- amendments to the Electoral Code aimed “All submitted documents will be exam- ties as well as a bloc led by former Defense at preventing serious irregularities, notably ined and as a result of that, a process of the Minister Seyran Ohanian and former For- multiple voting. In particular, they agreed to registration of parties participating in the eign Ministers Vartan Oskanian and Raffi introduce electronic verification of voters’ elections will be completed by February Hovannisian. identity and live online broadcasts of voting 26,”the CEC chairman, Tigran Mukuchyan, Under Armenia`s Electoral Code enacted in the majority of polling stations. told reporters. last year, the next National Assembly will The United States and the With Armenia currently switching to a par- be elected under a complex system of pro- have allocated up to $10 million for the pur- liamentary system of government, the vote portional representation. Armenians will be chase of relevant equipment. While wel- will determine who will govern the country voting for not only parties and blocs but also coming the government-opposition deal, after President Serzh Sargsyan serves out individual candidates nominated by them in they have cautioned that these anti-fraud his second and final term in April 2018. a dozen constituencies across the country. measures alone cannot guarantee the free- Sargsyan`s Republican Party of Armenia According to the CEC, almost 1,200 can- dom and fairness of the vote. (HHK) has made clear that it expects to re- didates have been fielded in those constitu- “The elections will be free and fair only if tain control of the parliament. encies and nearly 350 others will be running the government demonstrates the political The four other parties running for the par- for the assembly on a national party-list ba- will to make them so, and if the political liament are Sargsyan`s junior coalition part- sis. opposition and civil society act responsibly ner, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation The new parliament will have at least 101 to safeguard the process,” Richard Mills, the (Dashnaktsutyun), the Armenian Revival seats. The parties and the blocs will have to U.S. ambassador to Armenia, said on Feb- party formerly allied to the president, the Ar- win at least 5 percent and 7 percent of the ruary 1.

The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 20 February #5-6 (1140-1141) w 2017 4 POLITICS

Minsk Group Co-Chairs: No alternative to a peaceful solution of the Karabakh conflict The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Ambassadors Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France and Richard Hoagland of the United States of America) met on February 16 with the Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian and the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Elmar Mammadyarov, separate- ly and then jointly. The Personal Representative of the OSCE Chair- person-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, also participated in the meetings. The Co-Chairs discussed with the Ministers the current situation along the Line of Contact and the Armenia–Azerbaijan border. The Co-Chairs reiterated that there is no alternative to a peaceful solution humanitarian gesture. The two Ministers reiterated their commitment to the conflict and that war is not an option, and called upon the sides to strictly observe their international humanitarian obligations includ- to exercise restraint on the terrain as well as in their public commu- ing those of the Astrakhan Declaration of October 2010 issued by the nications and to prepare their population for peace and not for war. Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation. The Co-Chairs also urged the Sides to adhere strictly to the 1994/95 The Co-Chairs are aware that a so-called constitutional referendum ceasefire agreements that constitute the foundation of the cessation is scheduled to take place in Nagorno-Karabakh on February 20, of hostilities. The Co-Chairs recalled the May 2011 joint statements 2017. Although the Co-Chairs note that the de-facto Nagorno-Kara- of their Presidents in Deauville emphasizing that the use of force bakh authorities view the use of such a procedure as an effort to would only bring more suffering and devastation and would be organize the public life of their population, they underscore again condemned by the international community. The Co-Chairs shared that no countries, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, recognize their views with the Sides on the steps which should be taken toward Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent and sovereign state. Accord- implementing decisions from the 2016 Summits in Vienna and St. ingly, the Co-Chairs do not accept the results of the referendum on Petersburg aimed at stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone. February 20 as affecting the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh. The The Co-Chairs stressed to the Ministers the need to demonstrate Co-Chairs also stress that the results in no way prejudge the final greater flexibility and to resume comprehensive negotiations on status of Nagorno-Karabakh or the outcome of the ongoing negotia- reaching a lasting settlement as soon as possible. tions to bring a lasting and peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Kara- The Co-Chairs recognized that the Armenian authorities’ recent de- bakh conflict. cision to return the body of an Azerbaijani serviceman was a helpful The Co-Chairs plan to travel to the region in March. Armenia and the European Union (UN) will sign framework agreement. The French Ambassador Soon Armenia and the European Union another meeting, this time at the level of Eu- (UN) will sign framework agreement which ropean Union. The Ambassador expressed will meet both Armenia’s and EU’s require- hope that at the result of these meetings the ments. On February 14, this was announced sides will reach to a common agreement. by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- The Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- potentiary of France to Armenia Mr. Jean- potentiary of France to Armenia also men- Francois Charpentier during the meeting tioned, that he pays close attention to the with journalists. development of economic policy adopted by According to the Ambassador, there are the Government of Armenia as the French still some points of disagreement around side shows great interest in economic sphere. which the negotiations are taking place. In his “It is important to note, that in 2016 France words, within the framework of the EU-Ar- gives Armenia assistance of $ 20 million, menia agreement, the issue of geographical number and cannot be ignored”, - said Jean- that is the given assistance has increased 5 indications, especially in the connection with Francois Charpentier, stressing that France times and nowadays France considers to be the distribution of cognac and champagne in has a principled position in the protection of the third country which gives assistance to the European market, is not resolved yet. its trademark, which except alcoholic bever- Armenia after Germany and USA”,- noted “Naturally, this is very sensitive issue both ages also extends to other products. Jean-Francois Charpentier. for Armenia and France because it has im- According to the Ambassador, last week Referring to the Nagorno-Karabakh con- portant economic role, particularly in France in France, in connection with this issue a flict, the latter stressed, that the OSCE Minsk the turnover of brandy annually consists of meeting between Armenian and French ex- Group co-chairs do their best to create bases 3 billion euros, which is a very significant perts has taken place which will be followed for dialogue on the Karabakh conflict again,

20 February #5-6 (1140-1141) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights POLITICS 5 since there is no another solution except pends on political will of conflicting parties. Sharpantier added that France is willing to peaceful one. According to him, regularly recorded hu- accept conflicting sides and contribute to the However, the Ambassador believes that the man losses on the contact line are not ac- peaceful settlement of the conflict. solution of the Karabakh conflict is not in the ceptable for both sides, so the situation can Eliza Zakharyan, Noyan Tapan hands of the OSCE Minsk Group, but de- no longer continue in this way. Jean-François Translated by Sarah Melkonyan The Citizens should Vote for the Exit Alliance in Order to Change Country’s current status quo. Edmon Marukyan The citizens should vote for Exit Alliance if they want to change the and used their power effectively. current status quo in the country. On February 16, this was announced According to him, his and Nikom Pashinyan’s activity has never by the leaders of Exit Alliance during the meeting with journalists. been created artificially. “On behalf of myself I can present the facts According to the President of the Lusavor Hayastan Party, Member whom I have helped. People mainly referred to me for legal matters, of Parliament Edmon Marukyan, today’s status quo is the accumulat- I have been protected the rights of hundreds of people, so I have used ed problems of the last 25 years of independence. my mandate as efficiently as possible.” “By saying to change the status quo I understand to change the cor- The member of Civil Contract Party, MP ’s opin- ruption, sick political system, the uneven development of the country, ion the citizens who believe that Armenia can become safe and pros- the problems related to the rule of law, we have judicial system but perous country should vote for the Exit Alliance. do not have judicial authority, we have executive authority whose Moreover, the leaders of the Exit Alliance see Armenia as an indus- attaches become judicial and legislative authorities, mass violations trial country in the future. of human rights, that is we come to change this situation”, - he said. E. Marukyan claims that he and MP Nikol Pashinyan have had one Eliza Zakharyan, Noyan Tapan mandate in the Parliament but unlike many deputies, they were active Translated by Sarah Melkonyan Shahin Mirzoyev: NATO Defense Education I fled Azerbaijan Enhancement Program Expert Group visits Armenia to escape death On February 15, the expert group from the University’s main activities and work done Talysh journalist Shahin Mirzoyev has NATO Defense Education Enhancement after the visit of the expert group in March, participated in a conference in Yerevan Program (DEEP) visited the National De- 2016. Head of the Center for National Se- titled “Breaking the Siege of Stepanakert: fense Research Univerity (NDRU), MoD, curity Policy and Information-Communi- 25 years later.” RA. President of the NDRU, Doctor of Po- cation Technologies of the NDRU Arman Mirzoyev, a correspondent of the litical Science, Professor, Lieutenant-Gen- Grigoryan presented the main results of the eral Hayk Kotanjian welcomed the guests. Center’s activities. “Talysh Sado” newspaper, fled Azerbai- He highlighted the support provided by the The coordinator-consultant of the ND- jan to Armenia a few days ago due to NATO expert group for the defense educa- RU’s educational activities, Doctor of Po- persecutions against religious and ethnic tion reforms underway in Armenia. litical Science, Professor Arthur Atanesyan minorities. Professor Hayk Kotanjian noted that the presented the work done aimed at launch- “There are about 2 mln Talysh people target of the Second Strategic Defense Re- ing the Interagency Executive Education living in Azerbaijan, and they are actual- view (SDR) of the RA, launched in 2014, Certificate and Master Programs. The steps ly seen as enemies of the state. They are is the review of the National Security Strat- taken towards the organization of strate- deprived of the opportunity to raise their egy (NSS) of the RA. This work will be gic-operational-level military education in issues on mass media,” Mirzoyev said, implemented through the adoption of the the NDRU, suggested by the NATO DEEP addressing the conference. National Cybersecurity Strategy (NCS) of experts in March 2016, were also touched According to him, about 300 thousand the RA based on the Draft NCS, which was upon. The Head of the Academic-Educa- developed at the NDRU and reviewed by tional Center of the NDRU’s National In- Talyshis have fled to and then the experts of the U.S. National Defense stitute for Strategic Defence Security Edu- moved to other countries over the past University (NDU) and the NATO PfP Con- cation Anna Gevorgyan presented the main years. sortium’s Working Group on Cyber Secu- activities of the Center. “Talyshs are being arrested and perse- rity Reference Curriculum Writing. The presentations were followed by cuted in Azerbaijan. I’ve just fled Azerbai- NDRU’s Vice President for Research, Q&A session and a professional discussion jan with my family to escape death. I think Head of the Institute for National Strategic ensued. At the end, the NATO DEEP ex- I was not mistaken to come to Armenia,” Studies (INSS) of the NDRU, PhD in His- pert group expressed satisfaction with the Mirzoyev said. tory, Beniamin Poghosyan presented the visit.

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Armenia placed 33rd in 2017 Index of Economic Freedom Armenia is placed 33rd among 186 countries and is ranked as a “mostly free” country in the 2017 Index of Economic Freedom, an annual guide published by The Heritage Foundation. The Index cov- ers 10 freedoms – from property rights to entrepreneurship. Other countries in the region are placed as follows: Georgia 13th, Turkey – 60th, Azerbaijan 68th, Iran – 155th. Armenia’s partners in the Eurasian Economic Union Russia and Kazakhstan are ranked 114th and 42ndrespectively, Belarus is 104th, Kyrgyzstan is 89th. Hing Kong tops the list, followed by Singapore and New Zealand. “Considerable diversification of Armenia’s economic base has increased economic dynamism, and a decade of strong economic growth has reduced poverty and unemployment rates. Broad simpli- fication of business procedures has facilitated regulatory efficiency. freedom, but more reforms are needed to enhance judicial indepen- After years of expansionary fiscal policies, efforts have been made to dence and government transparency. Despite progress in tackling limit the cost of government through more prudent management of corruption, particularly in the tax and customs administrations, close public finance,” the report reads. relationships within political and business circles raise concerns about “Armenia performs relatively well in many categories of economic cronyism and undue influence,” The Heritage Foundation said. Swiss Companies Consider Armenia as a Good Opportunity for Making Investments Armenia continues to remain in the centre of attention of Swiss companies as a good opportunity for making investments. This was mentioned by the Ambassador of Swit- zerland to the Republic of Armenia Lukas Gasser during his press conference on Feb- ruary 10. According to the Ambassador, the last two-year statistical data shows that Switzer- land is in the first place among the row of foreign investors in Armenia. “The invest- ments of Swiss private companies in Arme- nia are quite significant. Very often, when it comes to economic cooperation, its integral part also consists of development-oriented cooperation with Armenia, and in this term products that Lukas Gasser would like to commitment to the peaceful settlement of Switzerland is one of the most important buy from the Swiss stores. Specifically, he the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and to the partners of Armenia,”- said Lukas Gasser. mentioned a few of them: “I would like to maintenance of the ceasefire agreement According to Lukas Gasser, Switzerland enjoy Armenian honey, Sevan trout, toma- signed in 1994. has become an important centre due to its toes, apricots and other products in Switzer- “We offer our services which have tradi- long-term stability which is an important land. Let’s work towards this.” tionally been one of the priorities of Swiss condition in terms of economic develop- Referring to the cooperation results be- foreign policy. In 1996 and 2014, when ment. Lukas Gasser also noticed that during tween the two countries, Lukas Gasser re- Switzerland was chaired by the OSCE, we the last 25 years Armenia has also reached called that in 2016 Switzerland concluded were intensively involved in the process of to a reasonable level of stability but it is visa facilitation contract and a number of normalization of the relations between Ar- not well recognizable and visible from this questions related to investments, as well as menia and its neighbors,”- said the Ambas- point of view and the Nagorno-Karabakh further economic and political cooperation sador, adding that the stable and permanent conflict is a serious challenge. have been discussed during his meeting solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict According to the Ambassador, Switzer- with the prime-minister Karen Karapetyan stems from Armenia’s economic and polit- land exports ten times more goods to Ar- that took place the week before. ical interests. menia than Armenia does to Switzerland, In the context of political cooperation, Eliza Zakharyan, Noyan Tapan whereas there are a number of Armenian the Ambassador highlighted Switzerland’s Translated by Sarah Melkonyan

20 February #5-6 (1140-1141) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights ECONOMY 7

Armenia sends 40 tons of humanitarian aid to Syria Armenia has sent 40 tons of humanitarian Defense Minister Vigen Sargsyan told re- efforts within the framework of the CSTO. aid to Syria. porters at the airport. Armenia responded to the proposal and ini- “This is the second time Armenia is send- The cargo will be delivered in cooperation tiated the delivery of this humanitarian aid,” ing aid to the friendly people of Syria upon with Russia, the Minister said. “There was an Minister Sargsyan said. the instruction of President Serzh Sargsyan,” offer from our Russian partners to combine He said the cargo includes consumer goods and food. He thanked the Russian side for providing cargo planes to transport the aid. “This is important to as, as Armenia has felt the significance of international humanitari- an aid on many occasions. This is especial- ly important in case of the friendly people of Syria, considering that Syria opened its doors to Armenians, who fled the in the Ottoman Empire a century ago,” Vi- gen Sargsyan said. He voiced hope that peace would be re-es- tablished in Syria as soon as possible. “Be- fore that will try to support the people of Syria to the best of our abilities,” the Minister said. The Minister added the aid would be equal- ly distributed among all in need irrespective of nationality. The plane has already landed in Syria. Karapetyan vows large-scale investments In 2017 $3.2 billion the government is now considering 79 other projects worth $5.3 billion,” added the premier. “We are paying special at- tention to this issue because there is an impression that it is impossi- ble to invest, make money, seek profits in Armenia.” With Armenia`s entire state budget for 2017 equivalent to less than $3 billion, the bulk of the large-scale investments repeatedly promised by Karapetyan in recent weeks would clearly come from private and foreign sources. The issue was apparently high on the agenda of his January 25 talks in Moscow with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Karapetyan said after the talks that Medvedev backed his propos- al to create a Russian-Armenian “investment fund” that would fi- nance business projects in Armenia. Karapetyan, 53, lived and worked in Russia from 2011-2016, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan reiterated on February 15 his holding senior positions in Russian subsidiaries of the Gazprom government`s pledges to help to inject hundreds of millions of dol- state-run energy giant. He had previously managed Armenia’s gas lars into Armenia`s economy and public infrastructure this year. distribution network owned by Gazprom. Karapetyan said the recently reshuffled government has received During his visit to Moscow, Karapetian also met with more than 471 investment proposals from private firms, various government three dozen Russian businesspeople of Armenian descent. In an ministries and local communities across the country. The govern- ensuing joint statement, the entrepreneurs expressed readiness to ment considers 345 of those projects worth a combined $3.2 billion “participate in joint initiatives and business projects with the Arme- to be “realistic” and thinks that at least $830 million of the required nian government.” They also voiced “full support” for “profound sum can be invested in 2017, he said. reforms” planned by Karapetian`s cabinet. “Those programs have sources of funding and partners,” Kara- The signatories included the Armenian-born billionaire Samvel petyan told students at . “They will be Karapetyan (no relation to the prime minister) who already has ex- financed from different sources, including the Armenian state bud- tensive business interests in Armenia. get, community budgets and the private sector.” Foreign direct investment in Armenia has rapidly declined in He did not specify those sources or single out major beneficiaries the last few years. According to the National Statistical Service, it of the planned investments. shrunk by almost half in January-September 2016, to $93 million. “I also want to inform you that apart from those [projects worth] By Emil Danielyan

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President Sargsyan Meets with the Leadership of the Armed Forces The President of Armenia, Command- point of view, I see as important clarifi- enter fully into law, that position will er-in-Chief of the RA Armed Forces cation of that issues with you. be reserved for the wartime period only. Serzh Sargsyan on Monday 20 February Our immediate external milieu is com- …After long deliberations, we came at the RA Ministry of Defense met with plex, intricate, often very contentious to the conclusion that for us to form the participants of the operative meet- and inexplicable. However, it doesn’t such a “cohabitation” would be a rather ing of the leadership of the RA Armed mean that we have simply to adjust to lengthy process, and I am sorry to say, Forces. The purpose of the meeting all that and sit on our hands, wait and but unfortunately, is still unattainable. was through the meetings and lectures see what surprises are coming our way. You all know that semi-solutions are to familiarize the officials of the Re- I’ve said it before and I repeat it now: usually imposed and the worst possible public with the priorities of Armenia’s the mindset that we are doomed to solutions, thus it was necessary to find domestic and foreign policy, tenden- failure as long as the Karabakh issue and present a comprehensive solution. cies of development within the Army, remains unresolved and the blockade In accordance with the new Consti- to discuss issues related to the cooper- imposed by Turkey is not lifted, is un- tution, our country makes a transition ation between the Ministry of Defense acceptable. to the parliamentary model of gover- and RA law enforcement structures, to Our internal failings are not creat- nance. The authorities and capabilities exchange experience of the prime min- as well as through ister with regard to the specialized sem- national security inars to enhance and defense will be- knowledge and skills come much broader of the generals, offi- than those assigned cers, and special civil to the current pres- servants in the areas ident – Command- of tactics, operative er-in-Chief by the expertise, army man- current semi-presi- agement, and func- dential system. The tional duties, to form objective is this: to a collective perspec- concentrate in one tive and viewpoints place responsibilities among the officials and the authority… related to the com- Thus, we have elim- bat readiness of the inated the possibil- Army and continued ity of an unhealthy enhancement of the state defense capa- ed by the Turks of Azeris. They have competition between the president and bilities. nothing to do with the flaws in our state prime minister created by the “cohabi- governance and they are not their faults. tation”. I believe this is extremely im- * * * The organization of our public life portant. President Serzh Sargsyan’s and good governance are issues of na- These changes will not impact your remarks at the operative meeting tional security. Flawed governance has work in any way, even if they do, only of the leadership of the RA Armed a direct impact on the national security positively. With this regard you will Forces (Essential extracts) and defense capability of the country. feel no negative changes... For that very reason, we initiated the …From the view point of the organi- …I would like to talk about the is- process of constitutional reforms. zation of the national defense and gov- sues related to the public and national With that, our country has entered a ernance this change, as I have already security agenda. These issues are nec- stage of critical changes which should said, will have only a positive impact. essary to organize properly the national become immediately discernable for The Armenian state will continue to defense of the Republic of Armenia. you and your families. I know that cherish and relish its indispensable Issues related to the public security in many of you are concerned with the and beloved child – the Armenian the Republic of Armenia do not belong fact that as a result of the changes to the Army. directly to the realm of responsibilities Constitution, in the absence of the state …Now, about the upcoming events of the leadership of the Armed Forces. of martial law, there will be no Com- for the next two to three months. We However, you all are citizens of the Re- mander-in-Chief. Yes, starting from have entered the phase of the National public of Armenia and from that very 2018, when the new Constitution will Assembly elections. Yes, there will be

20 February #5-6 (1140-1141) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights POLITICS 9 heated discussions in our country in the understand what kind of solution can fense who commend the Armenian pre-election period, sometimes there become a reality, that very moment the peace-keepers. I am thankful to the can be even exaggerated and inflated problem will be solved. That’s the rea- Armenian servicemen… speeches… I am sure many of you son Azerbaijan every now and then re- The military alliance of Armenia know and heard the well-known saying sorts to minor and major provocations, and Russia is one of the most import- that people never lie so much as after escalating the situation at the frontline, ant elements of Armenia’s security. It a hunt, or before an election. …The to remind us and the international com- has a very rich history and traditions important thing is that we know from munity of their existence. because the Armenian and Russian sol- the experience of previous years that in Such propaganda devises are useless diers never stood against each other in times such as these Azerbaijan intensi- and are doomed to failure. Our position the trenches. fies its anti-Armenian handlings in the is the following: the existing ceasefire Nevertheless, no military alliance can international organizations, and even cannot be substituted with a ceasefire be based on the emotions only. This al- tries to make provocations at the front- which will have worse conditions. We liance is based on the mutually realized line. Some indications of such attitude need to negotiate and create a solid base common interests and necessity. on their behalf become visible already. for the normal contacts between our It is indispensable for maintaining …I would like to stress that the two peoples and for peace. stability in this region. Armenia will Armed Forces of the Republic of Ar- Yes, the parties to the conflict should continue to carry out diligently all her menia are non-partisan and apolitical. negotiate over a durable, reliable peace responsibilities with regard to the Ar- It is true that the Minister of Defense based on the checkable mechanisms. menian-Russian alliance as well as in Vigen Sargsian heads the electoral roll The first true step in that direction might the framework of the Collective Secu- of the Republican Party but there will be a diligent implementation of the rity Treaty Organization. be no overlap of his official duties and agreements reached during the Vien- I want you all to understand clearly pre-election campaign. na and Saint Petersburg meetings last that yes, there take place developments …We, as a state, are able to self-or- year. But unfortunately, the leadership in the framework of the CSTO, activ- ganize and conduct elections which of Azerbaijan is not averse to assuming ities, statements which are not to our will have the trust of our public and our responsibilities at the highest level and liking, but actions of this or that leader people. rejecting them on the next day. or representative of the CSTO member …Some in Azerbaijan live under the It is necessary to transform the cease- state or statements or their demeanor in illusion that Armenia preoccupied with fire into peace but it will never take general can never become a reason for the elections will be very busy and in place as a result of unilateral conces- us to say that Armenia’s membership their wretched minds – vulnerable. For sions. We assess the situation realisti- to the CSTO has lost its necessity. It is that very reason, in this period of time cally and do not expect unilateral con- simply unacceptable. I require you to be exceptionally alert. cessions from Azerbaijan. We demand At the same time, we will continue to I am confident that our troops…, in the in return that the leadership of Azerbai- form a vibrant positive agenda with the period of the upcoming elections will jan understands that simple, rather to NATO and its member states aimed at be alert and watchful, ready to thwart say very primitive issue. the strengthening of the international any of treacherous designs of the foe. Thus, we will spare no effort to main- peace and security. These are all im- tain the balance of forces; we have no portant factors to thwart the unfriendly, …Regional problems: reason to enter into an arms race with not to say hostile policy of our another Azerbaijan. Let Azerbaijan compete neighbor –Turkey towards Armenia. At this moment, I see no reason to be- with its own ambitions. However, Among recent good news has been the lieve that there can be a breakthrough in we will continue to build capabilities agreement reached over Iran’s nuclear the negotiations aimed at the peaceful which will allow the efficient organiza- program. We need to follow develop- resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh tion of defense as well as a pronounced ments on this direction with the utmost issue. Under such circumstances, the response to the foe’s possible aggres- attention. Without overestimating our military balance between Armenia and sion. capabilities, we need to consistently Azerbaijan is the only way to maintain For the vital activities of the two encourage the parties of this agreement stability and fragile peace. peoples, under the existing conditions to implement truthfully their responsi- The official Baku is trying incessant- the military balance is simply indis- bilities. ly to accuse us of trying to prolong the pensable. Based on this balance, it is Within her abilities, Armenia should established status-quo. It is not true. I possible to negotiate over the peace. bring her contribution to the strength- would like to assure you all, that we Attempts to tip the scales is simply ening of the regime of the non-prolifer- really want the problem to be solved pregnant with the danger of provoking ation of nuclear weapons and weapons however the reality is like this: the new military actions. of mass destruction. With this regard, I Azeris propose solutions which are un- …I am filled with pride when I meet believe we are all concerned with the acceptable for us, that’s the reason the with my foreign colleagues as well developments going on at the Korean issue is not solved. When they finally as ministers of foreign affairs and de- peninsula.

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Bill on criminalization of genocide denial submitted to Argentine Parliament Agencia Prensa Armenia – Deputy Nilda Garre submitted a bill to criminalize denialism in Argentina this week, a project that would include the denial. Garre confirmed the news in an interview with Prensa Armenia. The project, which is based on the legislation of a number of Euro- pean countries, plans to include in the Criminal Code the criminal- ization to anyone who “publicly denied, minimized, justified and/or approved any form of genocide or crimes against humanity.” The proposal claims to be compatible with freedom of expression “when justified in protecting the rights of victims, in maintaining pub- lic order or national security, or to prohibit the apology of hatred and violence.” Nilda Garre is a Deputy of the Front for Victory party. She was Min- ister of Defense during the term of late PresidentNestor Kirchner and was later appointed Minister of Security under the mandate of Presi- dent Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. Garre is currently the Argentine the genocide of which the Armenian people were victims. Conse- Representative for the Organization of American States. quently it is clear that this is included in the project we propose,” said The project arose in the context of statements of two officials of the Nilda Garre in an interview with Prensa Armenia. current government, who issued denial statements about the geno- When asked about the recent visit of Turkish Foreign Minister cide committed by the last Argentine military dictatorship, and that Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu to Argentina, she said that “I am not clear how the country’s judiciary has already determined that those were crimes Turkey could react. What I do know is that the Argentine Republic is against humanity. a sovereign nation and the National Congress is the representation of “The National Congress passed Law 26,199 in 2006 recognizing one of its powers. Who did this? The truth behind Azerbaijani lies about Khojalu This year marks the 25th anniversary of saw corpses on the ground, with armed peo- ular Front, representatives of the Azerbai- the Khojalu events. In the course of the 25 ple freely walking between the bodies and jani army who supported the Popular Front years Azerbaijan has been distorting the lugging them. They escaped, when they against the then President Araz Mutalibov,” events of February 26-28, 1992, using them saw the camera. David Babayan told Public Radio of Arme- for its propaganda purposes. “Definitely, they were not Armenian. nia. A new video uploaded on YouTube on Where were they taking the corpses?” the February 12 comes to shed light on and reporter asks. Military journalist Chingiz Mustafayev disperse the Azeri lies. When shooting the scene a day later, Mus- died under unknown circumstances on June It is noted in the video that Commission tafayev saw the corpses were mutilated. 15, 1992. According to the official Azerbai- of the Supreme Council of Azerbaijan com- “Who has done all this in one day? I shot jani version, he was felled by mortar fire pleted the investigation into the events in the scene yesterday, there was nothing of a while filming an exchange of fire between Khojalu, but failed to reveal anything. It kind here,” the journalist is heard saying in Azerbaijani and Armenian forces near the says all witnesses died under different cir- the film. village of Nakhichevanik. cumstances, “but the accusations of mili- “As you see the corpses were initially not It’s clear, however, that the new authorities tary journalist Chingiz Mustafayev are still mutilated, but the second shooting was or- of Azerbaijan silenced this source of true there.” ganized for the “international community.” information about the crimes against their “As we know, Mustafayev has blamed Look what has happened to the bodies,” own people. “Naturally, the Azerbaijani and will continue to blame certain people one can hear in a voiceover commentary. authorities had their plans concerning such for the tragedy,” the narrator says in the The narrator comments on the pictures of people. Mustafayev exclusively filmed the film. the corpses, where the same people are pic- scene a few hours after the tragedy and a Chingiz Mustafayev also features in the tured twice; the corpses are seen mutilated few days later. The differences between the video. “I have one goal – to do my best to in the second ones). two shootings are obvious,” he said. have this program reach the public. I have “Question: who did this in one day? There David Babayan reminds that Azerbaijani to tell the truth about Khojalu,” he says. are many questions, but the time is short,” President Ayaz Mutalibov also confessed The reporter recalls the shootings at the the narrator concludes. that the massacre had been organized by site of the tragedy. Mustafayev was banned Commenting on the video, Spokesman Azerbaijan within the framework of do- from the site under the excuse that the ter- for the NKR President David Babayan said mestic political struggle. According to the ritory was under Armenian fire. However, “Chingiz Mustafayev was one of the first to Spokesman, the video should supplement he managed to reach there in a helicopter visit the site. the large package of documentary mate- meant to transport the bodies. “He actually proved that the massacre had rials on Khojalu events “in order to reveal Mustafayev filmed the scene twice. When been organized by representatives of the the Azeri lies and prevent similar inhumane he arrived at the place for the first time, he Azerbaijani authorities, the so-called Pop- crimes in the future.”

20 February #5-6 (1140-1141) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights POLITICS 11

Azerbaijan unhappy with Francois Hollande’s statement on self-determination for Karabakh France in March. He emphasized the urgency of finding a way out of the conflict “because the murderous clashes that occurred during those terrible days of April 2 to 5 remind us that deaths are reported in Nagorno-Karabakh almost every day.” “So we have to act. We must act, first of all, to stop hostilities when they happen – this is what we did with our Russian and American partners: there was a halt to the fighting, the opening of a dialogue , a truce. But we cannot be satisfied with a truce, because the ceasefire is not the solution. We must open real negotiations for the resolution of the conflict. It would be a serious mistake, once again, to con- sider that the situation has stabilized. We need to find elements of conflict resolution. We know them; they have been fixed; these are the – I will not state them here – but we know that they will lead, if they are applied, to the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh,” Hollande stated, in part. An Azerbaijani lawmaker blames France for pro-Armenian posi- “This was the first time a President of the OSCE Minsk Group tion and urges to send a note to Paris over President Francois Hol- co-chairing country declares that if applied, the Madrid Principles lande’s recent statement on Nagorno Karabakh. will lead to the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh,” said Kayts MP Azay Guliyev on Tuesday criticized French President Hol- Minasyan, analyst at the Center of Strategic Studies of France, said lande’s latest comments on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, calling on in an interview with Public Radio of Armenia. Accoridng to him, no Baku to send a note of protest to Paris. He believes “France supports President had done it before. Armenia in violation of the norms of international law.” “President Hollande spoke about the principle of the right of peo- Addressing the Parliament’s plenary sitting, the MP described ples to self-determination, without even referring to the other ones. Hollande’s recent statement on self-determination for Karabakh as Surely, other principles are also included in the Madrid Principles, a “non-constructive” step. but he didn’t speak about territorial integrity,” said Minasyan, who He said “France is a country which has the closest relationship with was present at the dinner. Armenia” and noted that French citizens constitute the majority of Commenting on Azerbaijan’s anger over the statement, the expert those visiting Nagorno Karabakh. said: “Azerbaijan has recently suffered three defeats on the diplomat- The comments come after French President Francois Hollande’s ic fields. First, France’s current Interior Minister is on Azerbaijan’s remarks at the annual dinner with the Coordinating Council of the black list for having visited Nagorno Karabakh two years ago. The Armenian Organizations of France. Addressing the meeting Fran- second defeat was President Hollande’s statement. The third defeat cois Hollande announced plans to discuss the Karabakh issue with was the refusal of the French Court to accept a complaint from Azer- Armenia’s President Serzh Sargsyan during the latter’s visit to baijan against MP Francois Rochebloine, a friend of Armenians.” Human Rights Watch: Armenia’s new strategy to help those in pain Armenia is taking an important step towards ending the suf- fering of cancer patients, Giorgi Gogia, Human Right Watch Director for South Caucasus, Europe and Central Asia Divi- sion, has said. “The government recently adopted a national strategy to introduce palliative care services, which focuses on treating pain and other physical symptoms, and provides psychoso- cial support for people with life-limiting illnesses. The strat- egy specifies reforms in policy, education, and medicines’ availability, and designates the responsible state institu- tions,” he said. The strategy recognizes the need to amend regulations re- stricting access to pain relief medications, and the govern- ment plans to review them in 2018. But thousands of cancer patients in Armenia have waited long enough. “Armenian authorities should urgently overhaul the regu- cancer patients can get the pain treatment they need – and to lations and promptly take the necessary steps to ensure that which they have the right,” Giorgi Gogia noted.

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The Day of the Restoration of the State of Lithuania Celebrated in Yerevan with a Unique Concert Two dates in the 20th century on which tions to Siberia, resistance fights by our par- Gourgen Lithuania declared the re-establishment of tisans which ended only in 1953. Throughout Khazhakian her Independence. We speak of RE-ESTAB- all those 50 years of occupation the 16th of LISHMENT as opposed to establishment, February was secretly commemorated by Chief since Lithuania was independent state in dissidents and Lithuanian Catholic Church Correspondent earlier times. who risked their lives to keep alive the flame As the day approaches, you ask yourself a of freedom. question - what does the date mean to me as My own generation, although still aware of On the Occasion of the Day of the Resto- a Lithuanian citizen of the 21st century? the soviet rule, was formed by the indepen- ration of the State of Lithuania the Ambas- For sure, for the 20 founding fathers of dence movement “Sąjūdis” of 1988-1990s, sador of the Republic of Lithuania to the Re- Modern Lithuanian State it was as an act of until the breakthrough from the Soviet Union public of Armenia H.E. Mr. Erikas Petrikas bravery to sign the Declaration of Indepen- and a comeback to the European family in and Mrs. Ilona Petrikienė invited for a con- dence on this particular day 99 years ago, 2004. The 16th of February for me person- cert performed by Lithuanian soprano Has- thus proclaiming the restoration of Inde- ally means an honor and duty to serve as a mik Grigorian and pianist Feliks Zakrevskij pendent Lithuania as a democratic republic Lithuanian diplomat and greet you - all Lith- that was followed by reception held in the within its ethnographic borders and free of uanian friends in Armenia - today. evening of Thursday, February 16, 2017 as any official obligations ever undertaken with Now, my son’s generation takes our inde- usual, at the Arno Babajanyan Philharmonic other states. pendence and freedom for granted, as if it Small Concert Hall. For the first time since the Middle Ages the has been this way for ages. But nothing is for

Below The Highlights readers can find Lithuanians were again masters of their own granted and nothing is as fragile as freedom. Ambassador’s remarks: destiny. Lithuanian language became the of- It comes at a very high price and cannot be “Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear ficial language. Out of the ashes of the First forgotten. friends, World War they built a flourishing market Quite often for our some friends Lithuania It is my great pleasure to welcome you economy with a stable currency during what is mildly mocked as a state of certain phobias here tonight on the occasion of the 99’th was to be a tragically short period of inde- toward some of its neighbors. Why? The oth- anniversary of the re-establishment of our pendence until 1940. er day I came across the lines that answered Independence. In Lithuania and throughout My parents’ generation was the one that the question. Most probably since Middle the world Lithuanians celebrate the 16th of witnessed occupations - first, by Germany, Ages we have a mentality of a FORTRESS. February 1918 and the 11th of March 1990. then by soviets followed by massive deporta- We will defend ourselves till the last drop of

20 February #5-6 (1140-1141) w 2017 www.nt.am The Noyan Tapan Highlights CULTURE 13 blood, and fight for freedom in an issue of life B. Dvarionas, “Today My Soul Feels Fes- tity thanks to her father, a world-know opera and death to us. Probably, we never had a tive” by J. Tallat-Kelpsa and indeed a work singer Gegham M. Grigorian of the blessed luxury to fight a war of choice (as it is often by great Ciurlionis – “Prelude”, Russian – memory. a case nowadays) where you may or may not Three Songs by Rachmaninov an a song by In his brief interview with The Highlights engage into a war. Always being at the main Tchaikovsky, Italian - arias from Puccini’s Konstantine G. Orbelian, the Artistic Di- European crossroads, we had no other choice operas, Czech – by A.Dvorak and indeed the rector/Acting Director of the Armenian Natl but to defend ourselves, thus freedom and in- Armenian ones: Anoush aria from “Anoush” Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre said dependence play a very special, dramatically opera by A.Tigranyan and “Kroonk”(The that, first, he was impressed by speech of the different role in our live and in our history. Crane) by the great Komitas. Ambassador, and, second, by the concert in- Now, moving to a cultural part of this deed. evening, I am happy to introduce to dear Maestro Orbelian informed this author that Armenian public and friends a Lithuanian some two years a CD was released that in- opera diva Hasmik Grigorian who has also cluded duet of Dmitry Khvorostovsky - Has- Armenian roots. Her late father, Gegham mik Grigorian accompanied by Moscow Grigorian, was a prominent Armenian and Chamber Orchestra conducted by K.Orbe- Lithuanian opera star soloist, Artistic Di- lian, and also they gave several concerts in rector of Spendiaryan National Opera and Zagreb, St.-Petersburg, Moscow. Ballet Theatre. We are really very honored According to Orbelian, technical data of that despite their busy schedule, Hasmik and Hasmik allow her to have a full suppleness, pianist Feliks Zakrevskij decided to celebrate To say that the concert was a success freedom. this 16h of February in Yerevan. means to say nothing ‘cause it was a NON- And such a freedom, - independent from Lastly, my sincere thanks go to the Minister STOP STANDING OVATION by audience any technical capacity, with no sign of “fear” of Culture of the Republic of Armenia Mr. in jam-packed hall! is a very rare thing for many and many per- Armen Amiryan, the Director of Arno Baba- Speaking to you author after concert, Has- formers, Maestro Orbelian stressed. janyan Concert Hall Mr. Gagik Manasyan mik Grigorian said that simply she could He added that they’ve agreed with Hasmik and their teams for their wholehearted sup- not refuse invitation to come to Armenia by Grigorian already for a solo concert in late port to our event”. Ambassador Petrikas as, in her own words, April, and her collaboration with the Arme- The concert program included a multi- “he has been a very good friend in both sor- nian opera and Ballet Theatre has very prom- cultural variety of pieces:Lithuanian ones row and joy”. Coming back to her Armenian ising prospects. such as Dalia’s aria from opera “Dalia” by roots, she said she’s kept her Armenian iden- News from the Youth Orchestra: A Saturated Week… Sergey Smbatyan: panyan is a great composer, who has cre- ers, celebrate their anniversaries. During We make recordings, digitize ated pieces in rather different genres but, the 5 concerts the Armenian and world pre- unfortunately, his musical heritage is being mieres will be presented”, – Armine Ghaz- and pass to the future forgotten. Thе initiative of the Youth Orches- aryan said. She also stressed the importance generations the best pieces by tra is an excellent one. Thanks to it we will of the activities carried out in the framework the Armenian composers be presented compositions not only by Haro of the festival by its organizers: the latters Stepanyan, but also the ones by the contem- digitized the musical heritage by Haro Stepa- The 8th Armenian Composers’ Art Festival porary composers. The main aim of the fes- nyan thus ensuring its safety for the decades was launched on February 15. Earlier, on tival is to reveal and create musical values. ahead. February 13, a press conference dedicated Undoubtedly this year we will witness such The Artistic Director and Principal Con- to the festival took place at the multimedia a miracle!”. ductor of the State Youth Orchestra of Ar- press center of Sputnik Armenia. During the Armine Ghazaryan, the Head of the De- menia Sergey Smbatyan noted the high re- event the organizers spoke about the main partment of Contemporary Art of the Minis- sponsibility entrusted to the organizers of the aim of the festival, the concert programs and try of Culture of RA noted the importance of festival, as it is held under the patronage of the general activities carried out under this the festival, which aims to preserve the conti- the RA President. initiative. nuity of the Armenian composer’s art. “It is very important to have a festival, The Armenian Composers’ Art Festival “Once again we have the opportunity to which despite its specialized focus follows a is held under the patronage of the President present the works by contemporary compos- serious purpose and mission: the young au- of the Republic of Armenia. It is organized dience, and not only, should be familiar with by the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia, our heroes. Haro Stepanian is one of them,”- with the support of the Ministry of Culture. Sergey Smbatyan said. The very festival is dedicated to the 120th Maestro Smbatyan also noted that over anniversary of the Armenian composer the past seven years, the festival has digi- Haro Stepanyan and is entitled “Haro Stepa- tized more than 50 symphonic and cham- nyan-Fest”. ber compositions by Armenian composers, During the conference the composer Var- more than 200 works were recorded, more dan Ajemyan stressed the importance of the than 150 premieres by Armenian composers initiative. “A wonderful initiative, we should appreciate our great composers! Haro Ste- continued on page 12

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News from the Youth Orchestra: A Saturated Week… According to musicologist Olga Nurijanyan, the State Youth Or- from page 11 chestra of Armenia implements the project of truly national impor- tance. Year after year, the latter refers to the creative path of one of were presented. the greatest representatives of the Armenian compositing school. The Sargis Balbabyan who is in charge of the artistic issues of the Ar- festival provides students and even professionals a unique opportuni- menian Composers’ Art Festival, noted that Haro Stepanyan made ty to explore the achievements of the Armenian music. a great contribution to the development of the Armenian classical Speaking of Haro Stepanyan, the musicologist said that he was an music. He has composed in almost all genres and has left a great leg- active musician, a pedagogue, one of the greatest figures of his time, acy. Unfortunately, for many decades his compositions haven’t been the scope of Stepanyan’s activities extended far beyond the music. performed and the main reason for this is the poor state of the scores. Solely thanks to such personalities today we have musical culture The latters are kept in the archive of the composer, in written form. which is not only alive but thriving. These pieces are of great artistic value and have never been presented The Armenian Composer’s Art Festival is held under the patron- to the general audience. age of the President of the Republic of Armenia. The organizer of the festival is the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia, supported by the The Armenian Composers’ Art Festival is the best Ministry of Culture. platform to present pieces by the Armenian SYOA ensembles performed within the framework composers of the “Musical Wednesday at The 8th Armenian Composers’ Art Festival was launched on Feb- Khachaturian House” project ruary 15 at the Aram Khachaturian Concert Hall. The festival is ded- icated to the 120th anniversary of the A concert entitled “Pictures at Armenian composer Haro Stepanyan. an Exhibition” was held with- During the opening concert of the in the framework of the project festival the State Youth Orchestra of entitled “Musical Wednesday at Armenia presented the Symphon- Khachaturian’s House” on Feb- ic Dances by Haro Stepanyan, Love ruary 16 at the Aram Khachaturi- Songs for soprano and string orchestra an House-Museum. The ensem- by Arthur Aharonian (soloist Julieta bles of the State Youth Orchestra Aleksanyan, soprano), Concerto for of Armenia – the Abgar Mu- Qanun by Grigor Hakhinyan (soloist radyan Duo and the Alexander Karine Hovhannisyan, qanun, arrange- Aroutiunian Woodwind-Piano ment for orchestra Quartet (Gevorg and qanun by Me- Avetisyan (flute), lik Mavisakalian) David Gyulamiry- and the symphonic an (clarinet), Ni- poem “Dedica- kolay Poghosyan tion to Bartok” by (bassoon), Lilit Martin Vardazary- Zakaryan (piano) an. The orchestra performed during performed under the concert. the baton of the The composi- conductor Ruben tions by E. Bag- Asatryan. dasarian, F. Poulenc, K. Debussy, A. Rosenblatt, M. Mussorgsky Ruben Asatryan highly appreciates the Armenian Composer’s Art were presented. Festival. Recalling the Soviet period, he mentioned the activities of the State Symphony Orchestra, which used to perform pieces by the Haro Stepanyan-Fest presents works by Armenian Armenian composers. “In some respects, it was a unique laboratory. However, after composers which hasn’t been performed the Soviet collapse, the orchestra was disbanded. Today this gap is for decades filled in by the State Youth Orchestra of Armenia headed by Sergey Smbatyan, the initiator of the Armenian Composer’s Art Festival. The chamber works by Haro Stepanyan were presented on Feb- During the festival the audience is presented numerous premieres, ruary 17 at the Aram Khachaturian House-Museum within the both the pieces which haven’t been performed for decades and the framework of the 8th Armenian Composer’s Art Festival- Haro ones, which are written just yesterday. I can see listeners enjoying Stepanyan-Fest were presented. During the concert, consisting of these concerts!”- said the conductor. two parts, preludes for piano and romances by the composer were The soloist Karine Hovhannisyan (Qanon) emphasized that de- performed. spite the fact the Concerto for Qanon by Grigor Hakhinyan is includ- This chamber concert is an interesting example of cooperation ed in the conservatory program, its orchestral version is presented to within the framework of the festival. The festival is always open the audience for the first time. for talented young musicians, and the students of the Yerevan State

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Conservatory performed during the con- Babakhanyan particularly emphasized the cert. The highlight of the concert was the format of the festival. Not only the works of performance of the State Chamber Choir the composer, to whom the festival is ded- Hover (artistic director and conductor Sona icated, are performed but also the works of Hovhannisyan). other composers are presented to the audi- Pianist Armen Babakhanyan noted that ence. Haro Stepanyan is the greatest composer, The Armenian Composer’s Art Festival is whose music, unfortunately, hasn’t been per- held under the patronage of the President of formed for more than 30 years. And he wel- the Republic of Armenia. The organizer of comes the initiative of the State Youth Orches- the festival is the State Youth Orchestra of tra of Armenia, as the audience has a chance Armenia headed by Sergey Smbatyan and to hear compositions by our great composers. supported by the Ministry of Culture.

Sergey Smbatyan Conducted Natl Philharmony Orchestra of Russia with Ovation As The Highlights has informed in Novem- retains clarity in his pianism and his phrasing cooperation will be continued. ber’2016, on February 8, 2017 a concert of is beautiful and pliant…”). -With which orchestras you plan to coop- the National Philharmonic Orchestra of Rus- The Svetlanovsky Hall of the MIMH was erate in the near future? sia (NPOR, Founding Artistic Director and really jam-packed, and the concert was in- - In 2017, I have a lot of concerts in Ger- Principal Conductor Vladimir Spivakov), terrupted by numerous “Bravo!”-s and “En- many, in April I debut with the Munich had to be held at the Moscow International core!”-s that turned into ovation. Symphony Orchestra in Wuppertal. There Music House (MIMH), with conductor the In the eve of the concert Sergey Smbatyan are a lot of plans and concerts too. Also per- Founding Artistic Director and Principal was interviewed by Sputnik Armenia ex- formances in South America and beyond are Conductor of the State Youth Orchestra of tracts of which presented to the readers be- planned. Armenia (SYOA) Sergey Smbatyan. And low: You know, my foreign trips are to promote then we’ve noted that this, of course, was -Sergey, on February 8th you will con- people to know that there are musical tradi- to be a great success for the tions of the highest level in Arme- young conductor ’cause, in nia. We are able to work in a team, fact, the NPOR is the main we have persons who can create orchestra of Russia created by ensembles. ’s personal or- But at the same time, when the der. The concert program in- conductor from Armenia is invited cluded “The Isle of the Dead” to perform with a foreign orches- Symphonic Poem and the tra, and I have not played with First Piano Concerto of Rach- the Munich orchestra before, you maninov as well as “Schehe- understand that they wait from razade” Symphonic Suite by you for something special. The Rimsky-Korsakov.That time question arises: what is expected it was announced that the by the orchestra musicians and soloist would be Yekaterina their director from an Armenian Mechetina. duct the National Philharmonic Orchestra conductor who will conduct, for example, But due to some reasons the soloist was of Russia. Is it easy to work with such a Schumann Symphony №4? changed and it was Philipp Kopachevsky, а celebrated ensemble, to find common lan- -What overseas performances of the State prize-winner at international competitions in guage with them? Youth Orchestra are expected in the nearest Russia, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and - Well, that’s a rhetorical question to the future and what about this year’s reper- Spain who has gained particular popularity conductor. It can be debated for a long time, toire? in Japan where he has recorded a Chopin Al- but when there is one professional language - Negotiations are underway at present. We bum on commission by NHK. (Criticis give of communication - music and ideology, have invitation for late March-early April, to him the highest appraisal: “The young pia- then you start to think about the fact, what play six concerts outside of Armenia with the nist’s playing has a perceptibly personal mes- is the essence of the work of the conductor. most popular and outstanding soloists. And sage. The natural blend of mastery and spiri- Although to conduct a team that is headed by this is an evidence of the Orchestra’s quali- tual maturity with raw emotion, the freedom Maestro Spivakov is a complicated thing. ty ‘cause when international stars are ready with which the pianist expresses himself and Every time working with a new orchestra to play with an Armenian orchestra, in my his Romantic sincerity and nobleness win is something undiscovered for a conductor. I opinion, it is big victory. one over from the very first notes…” “From treat this tenderly and am looking forward to The Orchestra is also invited to the Beetho- the first notes he plays, you sense the pia- meeting. This is one of the best orchestras in ven Easter Festival in Warsaw, with works nist’s powerful and lyrical individuality. His Russia, in Moscow, and this is my first con- by Aram Khachatourian. Naturally, during piano sings – this is a very rare quality now- cert with this famous ensemble. I hope that our overseas concerts we’re striving to rep- adays, typical of a Romantic worldview; he we will discuss plans for the future, and our resent Armenian music.

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ANCA, Senator Menendez discuss benefits of a U.S.-Armenia Double Tax Treaty to further strengthen America’s partnership with Armenia by ratifying this long overdue bilateral accord.” In an opinion article late last year, Hampar- ian made the case for why a U.S.-Armenia Double Tax Treaty is mutually beneficial: “A new tax treaty would represent a great way to give substance to the rhetoric – from both Washington and Yerevan – about improving U.S.-Armenia bilateral relations. This accord would both reflect and reinforce the progress we saw last year [2015] with the signing of a U.S.-Armenia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. It would, as well, create the conditions for the future growth of the U.S.-Armenia economic relationship, the continued development of bilateral gov- Armenian National Committee of America and cargo flights. ernment-to-government ties, and, of course, (ANCA) Chairman Raffi Hamparian recent- The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Com- the strengthening of the enduring bonds ly held a working meeting on Capitol Hill mittee, on which Senator Menendez serves, of friendship that have long connected the with U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) is constitutionally charged with ratifying all American and Armenian peoples.” on a range of shared priorities, including the treaties, including a future tax accord with The current treaty governing double taxa- negotiation of a new U.S.-Armenia Double the Republic of Armenia. tion issues between the two countries is the Tax Treaty. “We are pressing forward with our pro-ac- 1973 U.S.-U.S.S.R. Tax Treaty, an outdated This bilateral tax agreement, which would tive engagement with the full range of Amer- forty year-old accord. The lack of a double facilitate increased investment by remov- ican and Armenian stakeholders in support tax treaty between the United States and Ar- ing the threat of earned profits being taxed of a new U.S.-Armenia Double Tax Treaty,” menia creates legal uncertainty that deters twice, is among the ANCA’s economic de- remarked Hamparian. The ANCA looks potential U.S. investors, diverts investment velopment priorities, along with Millennium forward to the day when Senator Menendez flows and disadvantages American busi- Challenge funding for STEM education and and his colleagues on the Senate Foreign Re- nesses seeking to invest in the Republic of direct Los Angeles to Yerevan commercial lations Committee will have the opportunity Armenia. Armenian Genocide commemoration to be Held in Times Square on April 23 million Armenians who were massacred by the Young Turk Govern- ment of the Ottoman Empire and the millions of victims of genocide worldwide. Speakers will include well-known artists, politicians, academics and humanitarians. Dr. Rachel Goshgarian, Professor of History at Lafayette College and Armen McOmber, Esq. will pre- side over the program. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Turkey is Guilty of Genocide: Denying the Undeniable is a Crime.” The 102nd Armenian Genocide Commemoration is organized by the Mid-Atlantic chapters of the Knights & Daughters of Vartan (www.kofv.org), an international Armenian fraternal organization headquartered in the United States, and co-sponsored by the Arme- nian National Committee of America (ANCA), the Armenian Gener- al Benevolent Union (AGBU), the Armenian Assembly of America, and the Armenian Council of America and the Armenian Democratic Thousands will gather in New York’s Times Square (43rd St./ League-Ramgavars. Broadway) to commemorate the 102ndanniversary commemora- Participating organizations include the Diocese of the Armenian tion of the Armenian Genocide On April 23, 2-4 p.m., the Armenian Church of America, Prelacy of the Armenian Church of America, Ar- Weekly reports. menian Missionary Association of America (AMAA), and Armenian In recognition of Genocide Awareness Month in April, Holocaust Catholic Eparchy for U.S. and Canada, the Armenian Church Youth Remembrance Day will also be commemorated, along with other Organization of America (ACYOA), the Armenian Youth Federa- committed in contemporary history. tion (AYF-YOARF), Armenian youth organizations and university This powerful event, free and open to the public, will honor the 1.5 Armenian clubs.

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ANCA leads signature drive to urge Trump to recognize Armenian Genocide David Trott (R-MI) and David Valadao (R-CA) as well as Vice- Chairs Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) explained “there is no debate that an estimated 1.5 million Armenians were massacred in the first genocide of the 20th century. The United States Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, Henry Morgenthau, documented the Genocide and raised significant funds to help the Armenian people in its aftermath.” Their letter went on to state that “A Presidential recognition would pay tribute to the lives lost, the perseverance and determination of those who survived, and to the many Americans of Armenian descent who have strengthened our country to this day.” In their letter addressed to President Trump, Members of Con- gress will note that Presidential action on this matter would be an extension of previous affirmation by the executive and legisla- tive branches of government, including “President Reagan, who recognized the Armenian Genocide in 1981, and the Eisenhower The leadership of the Congressional Armenian Caucus on Mon- Administration, which did the same in a 1951 submission to the day called on their U.S. House colleagues to join with them in International Court of Justice. The House of Representatives has a bipartisan request that President Donald Trump honestly and also commemorated the Armenian Genocide, through HJR148 in accurately commemorate the Armenian Genocide, reported the 1975 and HJR247 in 1984.” Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). The letter also highlights the historic levels of U.S. assistance “Visit anca.org/genocide to add your voice to the Congressio- provided through the Congressionally chartered Near East Foun- nal Armenian Caucus in calling upon President Trump to reject dation, “which raised $116 million (over $2.5 billion in 2017 dol- Turkey’s gag-rule against an honest American remembrance of lars) to aid the victims of the Ottoman Empire’s mass murder of the Armenian Genocide,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram millions of Armenians, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Greeks, Pontians, Hamparian. “This is a vital moment. At the start of this new and Syriacs, and other persecuted peoples. The generosity of the disruptive era, we have an opportunity to help America break bad American people saved countless lives and helped to ensure the habits that have, for far too long, held America hostage to the ir- continued survival of the Armenian culture.” The letter concludes rational dictates of foreign governments. So, please, take action by urging President Trump to “appropriately mark April 24th as a today and then encourage your friends and family to join you in day of American remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.” asking their U.S. Representatives to co-sign this Congressional The ANCA has launched a nationwide online letter writing and letter.” calling campaign urging Members of Congress to co-sign the Ar- In a “Dear Colleague” letter to U.S. Representatives, Armenian menian Caucus letter to President Trump. To learn more and take Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Jackie Speier (D-CA), action, visit anca.org/genocide.

Former Canadian Parliamentarian Jim Karygiannis to Visit Karapakh as observer for the Constitutional Referendum Horizon Weekly independence and its people’s right to experience. I also met with government Despite continuous efforts by Azer- self-determination, Mr. Karygiannis is officials, residents of Nagorno Kara- baijani authorities to discourage for- visiting Artsakh at the request of the bakh and members of the Canadian eign diplomats, parliamentarians and Armenian National Committee of Can- Diaspora who were visiting and learned observers from visiting the Republic ada (ANCC). Previously and as recent more about the challenges facing this of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh/NKR), as 2012, Mr. Karygiannis led a team of Artsakh”. former Canadian parliamentarian, the Canadian Election Observers for the “Mr. Karygiannis’ timely visit to Art- Honourable Jim Karygiannis will be presidential election in the Republic of sakh is yet another indication that the visiting Artsakh in the upcoming week Artsakh. young republic is a democratic and a to serve as an international observer in In a statement released after the elec- fully functioning state, with a thriving the republic’s constitutional referen- tions, he explicitly stated; “It was a pic- market economy and an active civil so- dum that is set to be held on February ture-perfect election from start to finish ciety, that is striving to achieve its free- 20, 2017. and witnessing the election process in a dom and the formal recognition of its A long-time supporter of Artsakh’s new democracy was a positive learning independence,” ANCC said.

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U.S. Embassy highlights power of filmmaking with “Mosaic of Human Stories” American film showcase When the lights go down and a film flickers to life on the movie theater screen, we are quickly transported to a different time and place. Through film we can hear others’ stories and walk in their footsteps. Highlighting the transfor- mative power of movies and filmmaking, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan opened its “Mosaic of Human Stories” American Film Showcase – a two-month program featuring 33 American films – with a gala screening of the award-winning “Jack of the Red Hearts” on February 13 at the Moscow Cinema. “Movies transport us to new worlds, open our eyes to different perspectives, and give us a better understanding of the larger world around us, ” said U.S. Am- bassador to Armenia Richard Mills, Jr. in his opening remarks. The American Film Showcase runs Showcase includes a week-long training Janet Grillo, an award-winning film- through March 31 and features both session on film editing for Armenian doc- maker/producer and the director of “Jack documentary and feature films, which umentary filmmakers with Doug Blush, of the Red Hearts,” is visiting Armenia will be shown in Yerevan, Gyumri, and an Oscar award-winning film editor, as for one week to participate in the launch Vanadzor. Other movies to be screened well as an award-winning director, pro- of the American Film Showcase, engage as part of the Showcase deal with topics ducer, writer and cinematographer. with Armenian audiences, discuss film- such as disabilities, online bullying, en- “Armenians have so many moving sto- making with student groups, and share vironmental protection, the gender gap ries to tell, and I think it is wonderful that her experiences with autism. At the open- in computer programing, and the ties be- our guests will be spending so much time ing, Ms. Grillo led a question-and-answer tween food and culture. All screenings are with young Armenian filmmakers,” Am- discussion with the members of the audi- open the public and free, with seats avail- bassador Mills said. “By strengthening ence following the screening of her film, able on a first-come, first-served basis. A the skills of these filmmakers, we hope to which tells the story of a tough teenage complete schedule can be found online at help give a stronger voice to the next gen- runaway who impersonates a trained www.usa.am/announce/AFSArmenia. eration of Armenian artists so they can caregiver and forms a unique bond with Along with film screenings, the “Mo- share their stories with wider domestic an 11 year-old autistic girl and her family. saic of Human Stories” American Film and international audiences.” Charles Aznavour to tour Australia in June Armenia Media Inc. reports that French-Armenian singing legend, Charles Aznavour will perform in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth as part of a “Farewell Tour” in June 2017. Promoter VisionMax International has announced three Concert dates on June 17 (Perth), June 21 (Melbourne) and Jue 24 (Sydney). Charles Aznavour (born Shahnour Varinag Aznavourian) on 22 May 1924 is known for his unique tenor voice: clear and ringing in its upper reaches, with gravelly and profound low notes. He has written over 800 songs and recorded over 1,200, sung in eight languages and sold more than 180 million records. In 2009, he was appointed ambassador of Armenia to Switzerland, as well as Armenia’s permanent delegate to the United Nations at Geneva. Aznavour is the longest standing “A list” star, still filling major ven- ues all over the world. He started his most recent tour in 2014.

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The Noyan Tapan Highlights www.nt.am 20 February #5-6 (1140-1141) w 2017 20 16 Yerevan Home Care is the first and the only one company launched in 2011 in Yerevan. The company is providing a 24/7 qualified care serApartment- For Rent vice toA older comfortable adults, disabled apartment people, in the people center suf- feringof from Yerevan chronic on diseasesthe second or those floor who of theneed postoperativehouse. care, as well as to people with dementia. CreatingThe apartment the company (110 we sq. conceder m.) has to asupport din- manying families room, that two live bedrooms, abroad and a havekitchen, their ael- derlybathroom family members and twostaying balconies. in Armenia. The We succeedhouse in supporting has a central these familiesheating to system, have not only permanenta solution of thecold raised and problem hot water, but to TVhave a deepsatellite, feeling airof satisfactionconditioners that and their all relatives other home health aides. Home health aides might are infacilities. good hands. also provide limited assistance with things TheThere organization’s is a nice greatestview to wealth Mount is Ararat. edu- such as taking blood pressure or offering cated, professional, skilled, experienced staff The house has a nice garden and a medication reminders. and people with high values and psycholog- Nursing care is more related for patients ical knowledge.garage. The place is quiet and secure. 3 minutes by walk from Marshal after surgery, traumas, different chronic dis- We treat each patient with a strong sense eases of responsibilityBaghramian andave. showand Metro an individual station. Rehabilitation service is for people who approach to the families, at the same time need professional rehabilitation in their re- maintainingThe price the isaccepted 1000 USD norms monthly, and using covery periods after some types of diseases contemporaryfor a long approaches. term, and surgery. Dementia /Alzheimer /special Taking your relative’s care on our shoul- 40-50 USD daily for a short term. care is for people with dementia in all stag- ders, we bring harmony between the differ- es when you worried about their safety or a ent generations. Address: health problem. Apart from the professional knowledge Yerevan Home Care provides all type of the company3 Aygedzorpays a great Str, attention Yerevan. to the medical equipment that will increase the humanitarian qualities of the serving staff, to quality of like of your loved ones. (rent of their kindness, patience,Tel: attention and cour- the equipment is acceptable) 095-27- 87-09 mob., Transportation is a key issue for older adults and for people with 093- 22-95-70 mob., temporary or permanent disabilities especially in Armenia where the 27-87-09 home. streets and buildings are not adjusted for disabled people. Yerevan Home Care is providing a transportation service for people that are in wheelchairs. Contacts: New Armenian-Italian/Italian-ArmenianPhone: +37410 546 546, +37491 403 dictionary 979, +37493 401 982 E-mail: [email protected], hripsime.deghdzunyan@ gmail.com released inFacebook Italy Page: www.facebook.com/YerevanHomeCare A new Armenian-Italian, Italian-ArmenianWebsite: www.yerevanhomecare.am dictionary has been published In Italy. The authors of the dictionary, RoosannaAddress: Harutyunyan Yerevan, Baghramyan and Barbara 1 impasse, Grassi, 2 Building, 2nd Floor told Noyan Tapan that the official representative of the dictionary is the famous Italian teous manner. We assure that we will be your ir- HOEPLI Publishing House, which has been officially recognized by the Italian government. replaceable assistant in helping and For the first time, HOEPLI Publishing House printed a dictionary for eastern Armenian, surrounding your relative with care while already there was an Italian-western Armenian one. and support. This new dictionary contains 22.000 words with phonetic transcription and examples of We provide service to all type of simple sentences. patients who needs care assistance. A lot of lemmas are divided in use areas including metaphorical meanings. Personal care is for elderly people The dictionary includes also an Armenian grammar in Italian and an Italian grammar who are alone and need support in daily living, such as dressing, bath- in Armenian plus a lot of repertoires ing, feeding, or meal preparation. for geographical names, everyday use, proverbs and so on. This type of care includes personal For purchase follow the link: care aides, home care aides, and http://www.hoepli.it/libro/dizionario-armeno/9788820367381.html

President of the NT Media Holding: E-mail: [email protected] The Noah’s Ark Tigran Harutyunyan URL: www.nt.am Editor-in-Chief of the Media Holding: Gayaneh Arakelyan Address in 28 Isahakian Str., Yerevan, 0009, RA. Tel.: (+374 60) 35-11-23 Director of the Weekly: Armenia: HIGHLIGHTS Marina Harutyunyan (+374 60) 35-11-22 The publisher: NT Holding LTD Chief Correspondent:Gourgen Khazhakian Address in Masion De L' Armenie, Paris 17e - 95 Circulation: 1500 print copies and Proofreader: Susanna Mkrtchian Bld. Gouvion, France. 15.600 copies by e-mail list in PDF format Layout: Diana Grigoryan France: Tel.: (+33) 01 43 59 66 72 гٳñÇ ÃáÕ.å³ï.` Ø. гñáõÃÛáõÝÛ³Ý Ì³í³ÉÁ` 2.25 Ù³ÙáõÉ, ïå³ù³Ý³ÏÁ` 1500 Address in 1146 E. Lexington Dr., #112, Glendale, Èñ³ïí³Ï³Ý ·áñÍáõÝ»áõÃÛáõÝ Çñ³Ï³Ý³óÝáÕ` Weekly Newspaper, Since May 4, 1993. CA, USA, 91206. Üî ÑáɹÇÝ· êäÀ ISSN 1829-0604 USA: Tel.: (+1 818) 646 10 72 ¶ñ³ÝóÙ³Ý íϳ۳ϳÝÇ Ñ³Ù³ñÁ` Registration certificate and the date: Æë³Ñ³ÏÛ³Ý 28, ºñ»õ³Ý, ÐÐ, 0009 03²898368, ïñí³Í 11.01.2013 Ã. 273.110.00512, 15.12.1995 гëó»`

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