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Akoonk Media

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12/22/2023

The advisor to the President of Artsakh Samvel Shahramanyan has made the following statement,
“The decree on the dissolution of Artsakh no longer exists, Artsakh will not be dissolved from January 1.”
Vladimir Grigoryan emphasized that the basis for this is the decree signed by the president on October 19, according to which the president of Artsakh, the minister of state, members of the government and other officials continue to hold office on a public basis, that is, without remuneration. “Already with that decree, we can consider that Mr. Shahramanian has canceled the decree he signed on September 28,” Grigoryan said in a conversation with “Azatutyan”.
According to him, since the decision to dissolve Artsakh was illegal and after that the decree of October 19 was adopted, and also a number of legal normative acts were adopted, it implies that the Republic of Artsakh will exist after 2024.

12/22/2023

On December 21st, Hasmik Tolmajyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to France, was awarded the highest award of the city of Paris, the Médaille Grand Vermeil de Paris, by Mayor Anne Hidalgo. This was reported by the RA Embassy in France. Mayor Anne Hidalgo made a speech during the ceremony and emphasized that today France and Armenia are closer than ever, and Ambassador Tolmajian, who was able to protect and support Armenia and the Armenian people, has made a significant contribution to this issue. Mayor Hidalgo noted that Paris and all of France have been and will continue to be next to the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, and awarding the Armenian Ambassador is also a proof of that commitment. Deputies of the French National Assembly, members of the Senate, the Secretary General of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other high-ranking officials of the department, foreign ambassadors accredited to France, French politicians and public figures, artists, journalists, representatives of the Armenian community were present at the ceremony.

12/21/2023

Armenian film “Amerikatsi” appeared in the shortlist of 15 films that might make the cut in the “International Feature Film” category of the 96th Academy Awards.

12/21/2023

India is in talks with Armenia over the possible sale of missile systems. This was reported by Indian Defense Research Wing with reference to the Defense Research and Development Organization, which is subordinate to the Indian Ministry of Defense.
In particular, India is interested in supplying supersonic cruise missile “BrahMos” and short-range ballistic missile “Pralay”.
It is noted that the range of the “Pralay” missile is from 150 to 500 km, and the “BrahMos” missile - up to 290 km.
The source said that the potential deal with Armenia represents a significant step forward for India’s defense exports and its strategic partnership with Yerevan.

12/21/2023

The Vatican has allowed priests to bless same-sex couples, but not to perform weddings or wedding ceremonies for them. With this innovation, the declaration “Fiducia supplicans” was published by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and Pope Francis approved it, according to Vatican News.
The declaration states that the church’s doctrine on marriage does not change, and the ability to give a blessing does not mean the church approves of same-sex marriage. In addition, such a blessing should in no way resemble a wedding ceremony.
“When two people ask for a blessing, even if their marital status is ‘irregular’, an ordained minister can give a blessing. However, this gesture of pastoral blessing should not contain any element resembling a wedding ceremony,” the message reads.

12/20/2023

The National Council of Democratic Forces (NCDF) issued a statement on December 18, calling on “international organizations and the democratic world” to impose targeted sanctions against the ruling regime in Azerbaijan over political repression, Azerbaijani media reports.
In the statement, the NCDF cited “groundless accusations” and arrests of political opponents of the regime, prominent pro-democracy activists Gubad Ibadoglu, Tofig Yagublu and others.
“By stepping up repression, the authorities are trying to “insure themselves against geopolitical and internal dangers against the background of the social situation in the country, which is deteriorating day by day” and the worsening economic crisis.
In addition, “the whole region” has been swept up by the “European integration movement”, which the authorities also fear.
In any case, it is futile and harmful to push our state with a hundred-year tradition of democracy towards the East for the sake of preserving family power,” the statement said.

12/20/2023

The Khachaturian International Competition in the “violin” professional category started on December 17 in Beijing, the capital of China. It is dedicated to the 120th birth anniversary of the great Armenian composer, Aram Khachaturian.
This competition is being held in China for the first time, the Aram Khachaturian Cultural Foundation informs.
The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of its artistic director and chief conductor Sergey Smbatyan, is also invited to this competition. The orchestra will accompany the finalists.
Moreover, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will perform at this competition’s gala concert, which will take place on December 28.
During the tour to China, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra will also perform three concerts on December 29, December 30, and December 31. Aram Khachaturian’s works also will be played in these concerts.

12/20/2023

Armenia will submit an application for granting enhanced protection status to the “Tatev and Tatev Great Desert Monastery Complexes and the Vorotan River Gorge” monument group within the framework of UNESCO’s “Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in Conditions of Armed Conflict”. Strengthened protection in accordance with UNESCO’s 1954 attached to the convention in 1999 is a mechanism developed by the second protocol to establish special protection of cultural values in case of armed conflict.
“The grant approved by UNESCO is 55,000 US dollars, and is planned to carry out three-dimensional laser scanning and detailed digitization of all structures and sub-monuments included in Tatev and Tatev Great Desert monastery complexes, preparation of appropriate management and risk reduction programs, consultation of international experts , amendment of state registration documents, based on which the application to take the monument group under the auspices of the “Convention on the Protection of Cultural Values in the Conditions of Armed Conflict” will be prepared and submitted to UNESCO. The duration of the project is 15 months.
“Tatev and Tatev Great Desert Monastic Complexes and Vorotan River Gorge” monument group was included in the preliminary list of UNESCO World Heritage in 1995. The approved grant will simultaneously create all the necessary prerequisites to bring the monument group to the main list, which is also in the upcoming plans,” the message says.

12/20/2023

A 4-year-old boy riding in the backseat of his parents’ car was shot to death in a road rage attack, authorities said.
He was identified Monday as Gor Adamyan, a vibrant child “whose life was tragically cut short,” according to a GoFundMe account established to help his devastated parents.
The little boy was in the backseat of his parents’ car as the family drove to the grocery store on Friday night, said a post on the fundraising site.
Authorities said an aggressive driver cut in front of the family’s vehicle and then chased it through residential streets.
When the boy’s father slowed down, “the suspect driver pulled up along the passenger side of the victim’s car and began shooting,” said a statement released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office.
The child was hit in the torso, the statement said. His parents rushed him to a hospital, but it was too late. Gor was prounounced dead at a medical center, the sheriff office’s statement said.
On Monday, authorities announced that 29-year-old Byron Burkhurt and 27-year-old Alexandria Gentile were arrested on suspicion of murder and placed in custody.
The suspects were detained after investigators say they reviewed footage from an intricate series of traffic cameras spread across Lancaster, a desert city located about 70 miles north of downtown Los Angeles.

12/19/2023

Spokesman of the US State Department expressed concern about arrests of journalists and activists in Azerbaijan, saying,
“The trend of arresting journalists, civil society activists and opposition figures in Azerbaijan causes deep alarm. More than a dozen figures were arrested in the last month alone.”

12/19/2023

The changes made in the cinema law make Armenia attractive for film production. Today, a memorandum of cooperation was signed with the representative of the famous German actor, film producer Till Schweiger at the Ministry of Education and Culture. A total of three films, “Underdog”, “Dead by Dawn”, “Collapse” (Netflix 8-part film), will be shot in Armenia. Filming is scheduled to begin at the beginning of the year. In case of compliance with the established norms, the state will return 10-40 percent of the invested amount to the filmmakers. According to experts, in terms of location, our country is quite suitable for filming. In almost all periods of the year, you can simultaneously have snowy mountains, and asphalt melting from the heat, and buildings, streets, and abandoned and uninhabited villages and factories.

12/19/2023

Armenia makes it to the “Top Ten Most Desirable Emerging Destinations” at the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards! This is reported by Armenia’s Tourism Committee.
It is stated that a rich tapestry of culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality make Armenia a must-visit destination.

12/19/2023

The Aznavour Foundation has shared the following announcement across social media platforms,
“In honor of Charles Aznavour’s centennial anniversary in 2024, the city of Paris will pay tribute to the French-Armenian artist and humanitarian by renaming a portion of Ledoyen Square in the Champs-Élysées gardens to Garden. This particular area will be temporarily closed for renovation and improvement, with the intention of reopening to the public in the spring of 2024.”

12/18/2023

11 non-EU states, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, joined the EU Council’s decision to extend the so-called EU Magnitsky Act for another year, which Brussels has accused of “serious violations of human rights”. This was stated in the statement of the head of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
Within the framework of this regime, a ban on entering the EU and a freeze on financial assets in the territory of the EU countries have been introduced for the citizens, security forces and companies of Iran, China, North Korea, Russia, Syria and other countries.
“On December 4, the EU Council extended the current ban measures for another 12 months, until December 8, 2024, and clarified the list of persons and entities subject to restrictions. Candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as European Free Trade Area members Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway joined this decision of the EU Council. Armenia and Azerbaijan also joined the document,” Borrell said.
Along with this announcement, the EU Foreign Policy Service published two more with almost the same text, on the accession of non-EU countries to the decisions of the EU Council on the extension of sanctions against the DPRK and sanctions against the leadership of Transnistria. The same countriesplus Serbia and Georgia joined the sanctions against the DPRK. Azerbaijan, Armenia, Iceland, Serbia did not join the sanctions against Transnistria.

12/18/2023

A delegation of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, composed of rapporteurs Bernd Vöhringer (Germany, EPP/CCE) and Bryony Rudkin (United Kingdom, SOC/G/PD), will carry out a study visit to Yerevan and the municipality of Masis on December 19, 2023 to follow up on Declaration 7 (2023) on “The humanitarian situation in Karabakh and neighbouring cities and regions”. They will be accompanied by the member of the group of independent experts on the European Charter of Local Self-Government, Professor Jens Woelk from Germany. This was reported by the press service of the Council of Europe.
The rapporteurs will hold discussions with the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, Gnel Sanosyan, and the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Narek Mkrtchyan. The delegation will also meet representatives of the communes of Artashat, Yerevan, Goris and Hrazdan. In addition, a meeting will be held with representatives of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Armenian Red Cross Society. The Congress delegation will also visit the Masis commune to meet local elected representatives.

12/18/2023

The owner of the only pub in Stepanakert, “Bardak”, opened the same pub in Yerevan, after being displaced from Artsakh. The “Bardak” in Yerevan is ten times bigger than the one in Artsakh. Azat says that his intention is to create something better in Yerevan, which is the only way for him to not “feel completely defeated”.
The founder of the pub, who participated in two wars, Azat Adamyan, changed the door of the pub to a wooden door brought from a museum in Tigranakert. Moreover, visitors can find a “Smerch” projectile brought from Khnatsakh in the yard as well as two signs inside the pub: the sign of the village administration of Talish village and the road sign leading to Tigranakert.
Despite the complications of the deportation, Azat carefully brought those two signs with him to Yerevan.

12/15/2023

American-Armenian businessman, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanyan’s grandfather, John Ohanyan, has died.
Born into a family of Armenian Genocide survivors, his early years were marked by enormous challenges.
Alexis writes that the grandfather supported his grandchildren in every way, once at Alexis’s request he participated in an AMA on Reddit.
John Ohanyan was 101 years old.

12/15/2023

European Union countries agreed on a 12th package of sanctions against Russia, the European Council said on Thursday, meaning that a phased ban on Russian diamond imports among other measures will come into effect from Jan. 1, Reuters reports.
The EU has been adding sectoral and individual sanctions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 in an attempt to cut off revenues and military equipment feeding Moscow’s war machine.
“The European Council welcomes the adoption of the 12th package of sanctions,” the concluding statements said.
While the contents of the package had been agreed upon by all countries earlier this week, diplomatic sources said, Austria held back on giving its final approval until late on Thursday. Austria said on Wednesday while it was not opposed, the capital needed time to examine the legal texts.
However, sources familiar with the matter said the country had been attempting to have Raiffeisen Bank International, the biggest Western bank in Russia, struck off a Ukrainian blacklist in return for signing off on fresh European Union sanctions on Russia.

12/15/2023

46-year-old singer Ara Martirosyan has died. The manager of the singer, Lilit Galstyan, informed about this today.
The singer had a cardiac arrest and was reportedly taken to the hospital.

12/15/2023

The President of European Council Charles Michel has announced that “The EU has made a decision.”
The decisions involve starting accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova and well as granting Georgia the status of a candidate for membership.

12/14/2023

A meeting between the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of Armenia and the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia was held on Thursday in Yerevan, on the matter of maintaining the provisions of the agreement, signed between the governments of the two countries, on cooperation in mass telecommunications.
The First Channel News of Armenia was told by the Ministry of High-tech Industry that a joint statement was adopted after the aforesaid meeting.
Accordingly, the Russian side accepted the fact of the violations recorded by the Commission on Television and Radio of Armenia.
An agreement was reached to take steps toward proper observance of all points of the agreement signed in December 2020 for a period of seven years.
The Armenian public had previously demanded to stop the broadcast of Russian TV channels when insulting remarks were made against high-ranking officials of Armenia during a program on October 23 on the air of Channel One television of Russia.

12/14/2023

The official visit by the Minister of Defense of Armenia, Suren Papikyan, to Greece commenced on Thursday with a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument to the Unknown Soldier, in front of the country’s parliament.
Subsequently, a welcoming ceremony took place at the Ministry of National Defense of Greece, informs the Ministry of Defense of Armenia.
Afterwards, a formal meeting took place between Suren Papikyan and his Greek colleague, Nikos Dendias, during which the Armenian-Greek defense cooperation was discussed.
Both parties emphasized the considerable potential for cooperative development and, consequently, reached an agreement to invigorate this cooperation across various dimensions, encompassing technico-military engagements, experience exchange, educational initiatives, training programs, tactical training, and some other domains.
At the culmination of the meeting, the defense ministers of Armenia and Greece signed an agreement on technico-military cooperation between the governments of the two countries.
Later, the two defense ministers issued a joint statement for the press.

12/14/2023

Baku has accepted the US proposal to hold a meeting between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in the United States in January.
Edmon Marukyan, Ambassador-at-Large of Armenia, announced this on the air of Public Television of Armenia.
Marukyan expressed hope that during the meeting it would be possible to finalize the draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia announced that Yerevan has accepted the proposal to hold a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington.

12/13/2023

Foreign Minister of Estonia Margus Tsahkna has vowed to start a process of official recognition of the Armenian Genocide in the Estonian parliament.
“On a meeting with Armenian foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan I emphazised that it’s Estonian dept to Armenia that we haven’t recognized genocide against Armenian people & I will start the process in Estonian parliament,” Tsahkna said in a post on X.
Margus Tsahkna visited the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan on December 13.

12/13/2023

Reacting to the news that another Azerbaijani journalist, Teymur Karimov, was arrested on Monday in Baku and now faces criminal charges, Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International’s South Caucasus Researcher, said:
“The arrest of Teymur Karimov follows a disturbing pattern of spurious charges being brought against journalists and other critical voices in Azerbaijan. What we are witnessing is an escalating crackdown on independent media, which began with the arrest of the leadership of the independent Abzas Media and Kanal 13 in late November.”
On 12 December 2023, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan confirmed the arrest of Teymur Karimov, the head of the YouTube news channel Kanal-11, who had gone missing a day earlier. According to officials, a criminal case was opened against him under Article 182 of the Criminal Code (“extortion”).
Since November, authorities have arrested at least six journalists, placing them in pretrial detention on what appear to be fabricated charges.

12/13/2023

“Although the president of Azerbaijan has stated that he has no territorial ambitions towards Armenia, there are disagreements regarding the opening of regional communication channels.”President of the European Council Charles Michel said this in an interview with the RFE/RL Armenian Service, while addressing the question about the West’s continuous warnings sent to Azerbaijan about respecting the territorial integrity of Armenia and whether there is a base for fear in that regard.
“In fact, to be precise, there is a debate over the specific ways to connect Nakhichevan to Azerbaijan, to be convinced that they respect Armenia’s sovereignty and legislation,” Michel said.

12/13/2023

31 servicemen of the Republic of Armenia, captured in 2020-2023, and 1 serviceman, captured in Nagorno-Karabakh in September, have crossed the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and are in the Republic of Armenia.
Their names are listed below:
1. Avagyan Hrach Arzumani - Shirak, Gyumri
2. Avagyan Serob Sureni - Shirak, Zuygalbyur
3. Avagyan Tigran Manuki - Shirak, Gyumri
4. Avetisyan Vagharshak Ashoti - Shirak, Zuygalbyur
5. Aramyan Karen Armeni - Shirak, Ashotsk
6. Bahrikyan Vahagn Ediki - Shirak, Akhuryan
7. Baghdasaryan Arthur Eduardi - Shirak, Gyumri
8. Gevorgyan of Robert Hoviki - Shirak, Akhuryan
9. Dilanyan Arman Vazgeni - Shirak, Zuygalbyur
10. Yeghiazaryan Sasun Seyrani - Shirak, Ani
11. Tadevosyan Hrayr Vardani - Shirak, Ashotsk
12. Tosunyan Levon Ashoti - Shirak, Ashotsk
13. Isanyan Aren Arai - Stepanakert
14. Kirakosyan Eduard Armeni - Shirak, Gyumri
15. Kostanyan Narek Aghasu - Shirak, Artik
16. Hakobyan Volodya Gagiki - Shirak, Sarnaghbyur
17. Harutyunyan Varazdat Seryozhai - Shirak, Akhuryan
18. Herabyan Hrayr Hrachi - Shirak, Ashotsk
19. Hovagimyan Harutyun Yuriki - Syunik, Kapan
20. Hovhannisyan Haykaz Koryuni - Shirak, Akhuryan
21. Ghazaryan Karen Ashoti - Tavush, Dilijan
22. Martoyan Manuk Hovhannesi - Shirak, Lanjik
23. Martirosyan Gevorg Samveli - Shirak, Gyumri
24. Mikayelyan Andranik Vazgeni - Shirak, Gyumri
25. Oskanyan Gagik Ashoti - Yerevan
26. Rafaelyan of Vladimir Otari - Armavir, Vagharshapat
27. Saghatelyan Grigor Seyrani - Shirak, Ashotsk
28. Sargsyan Ishkhan Ashoti - Yerevan
29. Serobyan Gegham Samveli - Shirak, Zuygalbyur
30. Sukiasyan Andranik Srapi - Shirak, Gyumri
31. Stepanyan Davit Stepani - Shirak, Panik
32. Vardanyan Arsen Arayiki - Shirak, Ani

12/13/2023

Remembering the vibrant spirit of Grigori Alonc Sedrakyan, a renowned and exceptionally talented dancer, who left too soon.
Join on December 26 to celebrate his extraordinary life at St. Leon Cathedral, Burbank, CA, 12:00 PM for the Memorial Service, and 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills for the Funeral Service.

12/13/2023

Nobel Prize laureates, business leaders, former heads of state, and humanitarians are among the more than 150 global figures who have signed a letter calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the “Armenian Prisoners” in Azerbaijan, which includes eight Armenian political prisoners, who are former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh’s government illegally detained following Azerbaijan’s invasion and seizure of the region in September.
More than a dozen other prisoners of war arrested during the conflict also remain in custody.
The collective plea echoes growing concerns over conditions and treatment of these imprisoned individuals, including prominent Armenian businessman and humanitarian, Ruben Vardanyan.
“The human rights abuses witnessed in the wake of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict demand urgent attention and action,” said Noubar Afeyan, another signatory as well as the co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. “President Aliyev chooses political retribution over justice. We believe in the inherent dignity and rights of every individual and call on the international community to join us in condemning this injustice.”
“We call on President Aliyev to fulfill his obligations to international rules and law, ensuring those unjustly imprisoned can return safely to their families,” said Paul Polman, Vice Chair of the United Nations Global Compact and former CEO of Unilever.
Polman is one of the letter’s signatories, alongside former heads of state, such as Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico; Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland; Oscar Arias, former President of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and Elisha Wiesel, Chairman of the Board of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and son of the late Elie Wiesel, former Co-Chair of Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. Other prominent signatories represent a wide range of sectors, including Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin, Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce; Ariana Huffington, founder of Thrive and The Huffington Post; and Serj Tankian, renowned musician and lead vocalist of System of a Down.

12/12/2023

Forbes recently spotlighted Armenia’s remarkable transformation into a tech powerhouse, a significant shift from its past geopolitical challenges. The article highlights Armenia’s burgeoning tech sector, characterized by the presence of global tech giants and a vibrant startup ecosystem, heavily influenced by a strong Armenian diaspora in the United States. Key figures like Noubar Afeyan, Alexis Ohanian, and Avie Tevanian exemplify the diaspora’s impact.
As the article reads, “The country’s economy is booming – with projected 7 percent growth this year, according to the International Monetary Fund, making it the fastest growing economy in the region.
The tech industry is now the country’s the fastest-growing sector, expanding by more than 30 percent in 2023, surpassing resource extraction and agriculture as the primary drivers of the economy. And it is drawing foreign investment. Besides Adobe, many of the world’s most powerful technology firms have set up shop there, including Microsoft, Google, IBM and Cisco.”

12/11/2023

The Hight Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell has made the following statement,
“The European Union will expand its mission in Armenia by 50%. The number of observers will increase from 138 to 209.
This is a way to increase the stability of Armenia’s international border with Azerbaijan.”

12/11/2023

The session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the EU started in Brussels, chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. Before the start of the session, Borrell noted that his first meeting before the conference of foreign ministers of EU Eastern Partnership countries will be with the Foreign Minister of Armenia.
According to him, many processes took place in the region, including the South Caucasus, after the last meeting. “I am going to have first a meeting with the Armenian Foreign Minister, because you know that after we have the Eastern Partnership meeting at the Ministerial level. So many things are happening in the whole region, it is important to continue to pay attention to them and, in particular, to Armenia, that has been in a very difficult situation and still is. So, I will start my day with the Armenian Foreign Minister,” Borrell said.

12/11/2023

Austria is the happiest country in the 27-member European Union (EU), according to new data from Eurostat, the statistical office of the EU.
Austria scored 7.9 out of 10 in Eurostat’s latest annual Quality of Life indicator, which is based on surveys conducted in all EU member states.
Poland, Finland, and Romania came in second place, with a combined score of 7.7 out of 10, while at the other end of the scale Bulgaria scored the lowest, being the only country to score less than six points (5.6) on this indicator of satisfaction with life.
Italy, Spain, and France, the EU’s three largest economies, are at the 7.1 level.
But Germany was ranked as one of the unhappiest countries in Europe, with 6.5 points, surpassing only Bulgaria. In the previous year’s indicators, it had scored 7.1 points.
According to this survey, factors such as education level, family, and financial stability have influenced the respondents’ overall satisfaction with life.

12/11/2023

The Gibson Band, of the Gibson instrument brand, has launched its first single, “Deconstruction,” which was co-written by Serj Tankian of System of a Down and Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson, and features Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath on guitar.
According to “Zvartnots” international airport, Gibson Records, Cesar Gueikian, Serj Tankian, and Tony Iommi will donate all proceeds from the sale of the song “Deconstruction,” as well as the funds raised from the auction of Serj Tankian’s painting and a unique Les Paul guitar via Gibson Gives, and the Corporación America Foundation will match the funds raised from the auction, with all funds going to Armenia Fund’s Artsakh Refugee Initiative.
Eurnekian family represented by the Corporación America Foundation, will double all proceeds raised and all funds will go to the initiative.
Tankian’s original “Our Mountains” painting as well as a one-of-a-kind Gibson Les Paul Standard customized with the “Our Mountains” artwork, will be part of an exclusive global auction from Friday, December 8 through Monday, December 18, closing at 11:00 a.m. PST, via Julien’s Auctions.
“We have been working on this project for a very long time. Serj and I are both diaspora Armenians therefore, we immediately decided we wanted ‘Deconstruction’ to be dedicated to the Armenian community. I hope everyone loves ‘Deconstruction’ as much as we loved making it,” said Cesar Gueikian, CEO of Gibson.
“I am happy that we are using our platform to donate the music, my art, and Gibson’s incredibly unique guitar for such a great charity. Music with the right intentions can inspire and also create positive change,” said Serj Tankian.
“The Armenian people are really lovely people, and it’s a great pleasure, a great cause, and I’m very happy to be involved in it,” said Tony Iommi.

12/11/2023

Hadja Lahbib, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade and the Federal Cultural Institutions of Belgium, met with the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, in Brussels. Lahbib informed about this on her official page on X, saying,
“Good to meet with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on the sidelines of the FAC [i.e., Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union]. We reaffirmed the EU’s strong political support for Armenia and explored opportunities to enhance cooperation, fostering sustained peace in the region.”

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A car collided with Joe Biden’s motorcade in Delaware. The US president and his wife were not injured as a result of the incident.

The government has donated a precious Gospel of the 15th century to the Matenadaran Institute-Museum of Ancient Manuscripts named after Mesrop Mashtots. The manuscript was written in the Saint Astvatsatsin Monastery of Arberd, Vaspurakan, which is not far from Narekavank. This gospel is unique in that it is a one-of-a-kind manuscript preserved from the famous monastery of Arberd and is rich in illustrations: images of the evangelists, half altars, and border decorations. The ledger written and flourished in this ruined monastery is the only evidence of the culture and developed writing traditions of the Armenian people in that monastery. The manuscript was written by a pen named Izit in 1405, of which only one Gospel has been known to us until now, copied in Narekavank in 1420, it is kept in Matenadaran.

American actor with Armenian roots, Joe Manganiello, who recently received the COAF Humanitarian Award at the Foundation’s gala, told in his speech he didn’t expect what an impact could the story about his Armenian roots have on public. He posted a video of his speech on Instagram and wrote he was honored to have been invited to be a part of this year’s 20th Annual Children of Armenia Fund Gala in New York City and proud to have received the 2023 Humanitarian Award. “What an incredible evening full of strength, hope, and generosity. In a matter of hours we raised OVER $10,000,000 to help enhance COAF’S initiatives across rural Armenia, covering crucial areas such as education, healthcare, psychosocial support, and economic development. All Armenians are, or are descended from survivors and COAF works tirelessly to ensure that the next generation of children don’t have to suffer.” Earlier this year the actor had told the harrowing story of his great-grandmother, a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, on the PBS program Finding Your Roots. “The Turks came into her home in 1915 under the guise of World War I and tried to enact the genocide that they had begun. They shot her husband dead, shot her. She laid on the ground, pretended that she was dead while seven other gunshots that went off, which were...her seven children,” the actor told. Manganiello’s grandmother lay like that until the Turks left her house. “She laid there unmoving and the Turks left the house and left the eighth child, who was an infant in the crib, to starve to death, which is just the way that they did business.”

Meet Lucy Abgaryan Founder of Proone Labs Co-founder of GrittGene Therapeutics

“I don’t have any relatives here, but I came running when I heard that the boys were coming.” Relatives of the prisoners of war, who were recently transferred to Armenia, wait near “Muratsan” hospital along with a crown of standers. #akoonkmedia Video @factor_tv_live

Footage from the POW exchange between Armenia and Azerbaijan. 31 servicemen of the Republic of Armenia, captured in 2020-2023, and 1 serviceman, captured in Nagorno-Karabakh in September, have crossed the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and are in the Republic of Armenia.

It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of Grigori Sedrakyan at the age of 41. Sedrakyan’s legacy encompasses a lifetime of dance achievements, mentoring, and contributions to the world of dance. Known for founding the “-M- Dance Studio by S.Grigori” and serving as vice-president of the Professional Dance Federation of Armenia, Sedrakyan lived in Glendale with his family. His diverse career included working in Beirut, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Serbia, and contributing to the Las Vegas show “Le Reve” and Celine Dion’s program. His passion and commitment to his art will be remembered fondly by those fortunate enough to have been touched by his teachings.

“Bazumk” published a video presenting the disconnection of Hayasat-1 from the rocket. The following note is attached to the video. “We are pleased to present another spectacular moment of Hayasat-1’s mission: the separation of the satellite from the rocket. On the left side of the video, you can see the launch of the two 1U CubeSats loaded into the rocket, ENSO and HAYASAT-1. The release was carried out in 2023. on December 1 by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.”

Armenian boxer Albert Harutyunyan has become the world champion in the IBA Junior World Boxing Championships. In the course of the tournament, Albert won in fights against the representatives of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Spain, and in the final, he did not leave any chance to the representative from India, knocking him down in the third round and winning by a unanimous decision of the judges. This is the fourth and the final gold medal for the Armenian national team at the tournament.

Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan made a speech at the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council, stating that Armenia remains committed to the opening of a new era of peace in the South Caucasus and believes that it is still possible. The Foreign Minister noted that in the South Caucasus the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the root causes of which was hatred and xenophobia in its various forms and the existential threat to the people who wanted to live in freedom and dignity in their ancestral homeland, reached its final stage this year. “After a nine-month long inhuman siege, on September 19 Azerbaijan launched yet another large-scale military offensive against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh which resulted in mass forced displacement of its indigenous population. At this point in time, we can state that in silent agreement of the international community Azerbaijan has reached its long-standing goal – to get the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh without its Armenian population. However, even after having this done the claims of the Azerbaijani side were not halted. Now the entire sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia has become the target of our neighbor. This, coupled with continuous hatred, military rhetoric, use of force and threats of use of force, refusal to come to the meetings organized by various international actors, including the US and the EU, illustrates that this country is not sincerely interested in peace and stability in our region,’’ said minister Mirzoyan and added,“Despite this humanitarian disaster in Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenia remains committed to opening a new era of peace in the South Caucasus and believes that it is still possible. For turning this possibility into a reality, we need reciprocally genuine engagement of Azerbaijan and the strong support of international actors to our efforts, which are based on well elaborated and well-known principles.

History in the making: the launch of Hayasat-1

First ever Armenian satellite “Hayasat-1” gets launched to space

Dazzling Debut: Character Dance Studio Unveils Second Branch in Glendale

Turkey has been hit by severe storms and floods over the weekend, causing deaths, damages and transport disruptions in several cities across the country. Two people have been killed in the provinces of Konya and Sinop, while the coastal city of İzmir was flooded to the point of resembling Venice. Turkey’s third-largest city experienced unprecedented flooding on Saturday, as torrential rain turned streets into rivers and submerged cars and buildings. The city’s mayor, Tunç Soyer, said the rainfall was the highest in 80 years. He said more than 2,000 buildings were affected by the floods and urged citizens to stay at home. The storms and floods also affected other cities in Turkey, such as Istanbul, Ankara, Bursa, Antalya and Adana, where roads, bridges, homes and businesses were damaged by the rain and wind. The Turkish Meteorological Service warned of further rainfall and thunderstorms in the coming days and advised people to take precautions.

A part of the Moscow-Adler railway was washed away in Sochi. It is reported that 27 long-distance passenger trains were delayed along the route, 21 commuter trains were canceled and the route of 6 more trains was shortened.

Passionate Spanish dance performed by Arshak Hovhannisyan, whose 2 legs were amputated back in 1994, during the first Artsakh war, when Arshak was 20 years old and serving in Horadiz. Arshak from “Soldier’s House” was greeted and sent off with special loud applause, because Arshak, a hairdresser by profession, who is already a grandfather, showed amazing artistry, filling the opera stage with his energy and strength.

Today, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced more than $4.1 million in additional humanitarian assistance for people affected by the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, the office of USAID Armenia reports. This additional funding brings total U.S. humanitarian assistance for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to nearly $28 million since 2020. With this additional assistance, USAID is supporting efforts on the ground to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance for almost 74,000 vulnerable refugees and displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh who are sheltering in Armenia. This funding will increase life-saving food assistance and provide humanitarian protection and emergency shelter. “The U.S. stands with civilians affected by Azerbaijan’s military operation and supports the Armenian government’s efforts to help those in need.”

Winter is here. It heavily snowed in several regions of Armenia.նկար Winter takes full force in regions of Armenia տեքստ Winter is here. It heavily snowed in several regions of Armenia.

Meet Mikael Sharafyan Hollywood Costume Designer

OSCE Parliament Assembly delegates were welcomed in Yerevan with a protest regarding the political prisoners in Armenian and Azerbaijani prisons. “Europe is silent when our Artsakh brothers, representatives of the former authorities, generals, those glorious people who are in captivity today are in prison in Baku. All this is done with the silent consent of the OSCE,” said Eduard Sharmazanov.

“Starship” rocket lost contact 10 minutes after takeoff and exploded in mid-air.

Yesterday Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s security guard saved the Turkish president from a possible wasp attack. Social networks are discussing the lightning-fast reaction of a bodyguard who saw an insect landing on his jacket and instantly “neutralized” it.

Los Angeles city leaders gathered Monday morning to address the destructive storage yard fire that has forced the indefinite closure of the I-10 Freeway, making clear that there are actions underway to ease the expected traffic that will come along with it. The freeway remains closed in both directions between Alameda Street and Santa Fe Avenue, with the closure also affecting connectors to I-5 and the U.S. 101 and SR-60 freeways.

Armenia’s FEMINNO platform expands globally with a successful satellite conference in San Francisco. Themed “Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Innovation,” the event drew 100+ experts from Armenia and the US, featuring Silicon Valley luminaries. Founder Seda Papoyan highlighted the initiative’s global mission to unite women in innovation. The event garnered support from Armenian and US organizations and was hosted at the Cruzian-Zekaryan-Vaspuran Armenian School. FEMINNO plans a “digital reconstruction” program for displaced Artsakh women, with ongoing fundraising. This San Francisco event kicks off a series of global satellite conferences, leading to FEMINNO 2024 in Armenia on July 27-28, fostering collaboration among innovative Armenian women and supporters.

US Senator Bob Menendez delivered remarks on the Senate floor against the Armenian humanitarian crisis on Monday, and called for Congress to end support for the Azerbaijani government that perpetuated this assault. “Wherever assaults are launched without warning whether it’s Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine, Azerbaijan’s invasion of Nagorno-Karabakh, or Hamas’ barbaric terrorist attack on Israel we must always stand with our allies as they seek justice for victims in a way that upholds human rights and follows the laws of war,” Senator Menendez said. “The eyes of the world are watching how the United States responds to these conflicts. And as we have done so many times before, we must leverage our position as a moral authority for good in order to deliver necessary aid to the affected regions.” I submit to my colleagues that our top priority must be to stand in the breach and address the threats that Armenia continues to face,” Bob Menendez stressed.

If you or someone you know was impacted by Citibank or any other financial institution, please, reach out to the Armenian Bar Association at [email protected].

Italy’s Mount Etna roared into action on Sunday, November 12, spewing lava and ash high over the Mediterranean island of Sicily, Reuters reports. A massive plume of ash steam rose into the sky over Sicily from a southeast crater of Europe’s tallest and most active volcano, Italy’s Ansa news agency said. According to the Ansa, the nearby Catania airport remained open at the moment despite the volcano’s activity and the consequent ash precipitation.