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30 Apr 2007
Azd Daily, May 1
In 2006 BBC awarded ‘Armenian Navy Band’, led by Arto Tuncboyacian, and 17-years-old Silva Hakobian. Yesterday UK Ambassador Anthony Cantor organized an invitation in his house in Armenia in honor of the nominees. There were also the members of ‘Armenian Navy Band’, Silva’s mother, father and sister, Mane, who is the author of the nominated song ‘I like’, also brother, Edgar, who is the producer. ‘The aim of this invitation, though a little late, is to value and congratulate the ‘Armenian Navy Band’ and Silva Hakobian on their prizes. About 20 thousand fans voted for ‘Armenian Navy Band’ at the ‘Listener’s prize’ nomination and Silva got her prize at the ‘Next Big Thing’ nomination, the Ambassador said. Arto and Silva thanked UK Embassy and BBC for their support and prizes.
Silva’s new video clip and CD will be ready next month, which will be introduced in California. What about ‘Armenian Navy Band’, it will have concerts in several countries abroad, probably also in Beirut.
29 Apr 2007
Armenpress, April 30
One of the best new Italian quartets- Prometeo- and Armenian singer Anna Mailian, a famous performer of medieval spiritual music, will join on May 2 for a concert that will feature the works by outstanding Armenian composer Komitas, as well as by Brahms, Mendelson and Bartok.
Mariam Shahinian, the founder of the National Gallery international music festival, said to a news conference that the Italian quartet will be performing in Armenia for the first time and its participation in the third National Gallery festival is expected to give it an extra weight.
Anna Mailian, who has been cooperating with Prometeo for a decade, said she is fascinated with their professionalism.
Prometeo quartet was founded in 1993 by musicians from Orchestra Giovanaile Italiana.
The National Gallery festival is being held with the support of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).
27 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 28
By late 2007, the Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) plans to implement a number of programs with the aim of expanding international cooperation in the tourism sector and improving the image Armenia as a tourism country. Syuzanna Azoyan, ATDA Marketing Director, told NT correspondent that Armenian, Russian, French, Italian, German and Japanese versions of ATDA's English website(www.armeniainfo.am) will be created by December 2007. "Refreshing the website will help to increase the number of individual tourist visits from abroad," she noted.
According to her, ATDA is conducting negotiations on creating the Armenian domain "armenia.travel" at the domain "travel" of the famous
tourism website.
26 Apr 2007
Azg Daily, April 27
A new arrivals terminal of the Zvartnots international airport, Armenia, will be opened in late May 2007. Artiom Movsisian, head of the Civil Aviation Department, also informed that in early June the project of construction of the second complex of the Zvartnots airport will be started.
25 Apr 2007
PanARMENIAN.Net, April 26
On the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Parliamentarians, Armenians and supporters gathered for a commemorative service for the first time in the Houses of Parliament Church (St Mary’s-under-Croft) and also for a major international conference in the Grand Committee room of the House of Commons. The events were organized by Armenia Solidarity, the British-Armenian All-Party Parliamentary Group and Nor Serount (New Generation) Publications. The Church service was under the care of the Rev Frank Gelli, who called for the government to be more proactive in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. A wreath-laying ceremony took place at the Monument to the Innocents, Westminster Abbey.
Participants of the international conference, which was chaired by distinguished British parliamentarian Lord Avebury also discussed the tactics of Armenian Genocide denial used by denialist historians and the British Government. They also drew parallels between Holocaust and the Armenian Genocide, as well as the cultural genocide in the Eastern Anatolia. Besides powerful messages of a number of organizations were read at the conference.
The results of the conference, together with statements received from Genocide experts will be presented to the government in the course of the next few weeks by Lord Avebury and Baroness Cox. The government will also be invited to contact other well-known Genocide experts directly, say Prof Jurgen Zimmerer of Sheffield University and Dr Cathie Carmichael, of the University of East Anglia.
25 Apr 2007
Armenpress, April 26
Sen Arevshatian, the director of the Matenadaran Institute of Ancient Manuscripts in Yerevan, brushed away fears of some Armenian academic circles that a formal agreement (memorandum on intentions) signed by the Matenadaran with the Hill Museum & Manuscript Library (HMML) of the Minnesota University whereby the HMML undertakes the largest manuscript digitization project in history would entail the loss of copyright to thousands of unique manuscripts kept in the Institute.
The collection in Yerevan, totaling almost 17,000 manuscripts, is by far the most extensive and richest repository for Armenian manuscripts in the world. These manuscripts are known for their outstanding illuminations, considered to be among the most beautiful ever created.
Speaking to a news conference today Arevshatian said the only motive that prompted the Matenadaran Institute to sign the memorandum with HMML was to 'save the manuscripts from gradual ageing."
Arevshatian said the HMML does not pursue any profit and was founded 40 years ago in response to the devastating loss of manuscripts and books during two World Wars. It is the only institution in the world exclusively dedicated to the photographic preservation and study of manuscripts.
He said to preserve the manuscripts in Yerevan, HMML will use the latest technology to capture high-quality digital images and will provide the equipment, training and salary to local photographic technicians, as well as ongoing technical support to the Matenadaran.
Arevshatian further said that the HMML will give the Matenadaran copies all of the digital images and will also provide for the safe storage of another copy of the digital images in a highly secure location in Minnesota.
Scholars wishing to consult complete manuscripts may apply to HMML for copies after agreeing to conditions that reserve all copyright and commercial interests to the Matenadaran.
24 Apr 2007
Armenpress, April 25
One of the greatest cellists of the world Mischa Maisky will perform in Yerevan on April 29 within the frameworks of the 8-th international music festival here called 'The 21-st Century Prospects.' The world-renowned cellist will play together with the Armenian Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Russian/Israeli cellist Mischa Maisky studied with Mstislav Rostropovich, won the Moscow Tchaikovsky Competition in 1966 and has made numerous recordings.
Misha Maisky will be received here by the First Lady, Mrs. Bella Kocharian, the spouse of prime minister Serzh Sarkisian and culture and youth minister Hasmik Poghosian.
Misha Maisky was born in Riga in 1948. In 1966 he won a prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition and commenced studies with Rostropovich at the Moscow Conservatory; at the same time, he began pursuing an active concert career throughout the Soviet Union.
Following a period of harassment by Soviet authorities, Maisky emigrated in 1972 to Israel, where his sister had settled several years before, and now lives in Belgium. In 1973, he won the Gaspar Cassado International Cello Competition in Florence, and later that year made his debut at New York's Carnegie Hall with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra under William Steinberg.
After this concert, an anonymous admirer gave Maisky a Montagnana cello from the 18th century - the instrument he still uses today. In 1974, Misha Maisky studied for several months with Gregor Piatigorsky, thus becoming the great master's last student and the only other person ever to have studied with both Piatigorsky and Rostropovich.
Since then Mischa Maisky has been enthusiastically received in London, Paris, Berlin, Vienna, New York, Tokyo along with the rest of the major musical centers of the world. In 1995 he returned to Moscow after a 23 year absence to give a concert and to record with the Russian National Orchestra and Mikhail Pletnev.
24 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 25
Golden Apricot (Voske Tsiran) film
festival's this year's greatest surprise will be the visit of Jeanne
Moreau to Armenia. As festival's Director General, the actress will
be given festival's Grand Prix for her great contribution in the
world cinema.
H. Khachatrian also said that a new program, festival of French films,
will be implemented for the first time this year within the framework
of the film festival. "For the first time there will be a new festival
within the festival, thanks to which the Armenian spectator will
have a possibility to get acquainted with the modern French cinema,"
he emphasized.
In the film director's words, the French film festival will be held
within the framework of Golden Apricot every year, during which 7-10
new French films will be shown. Applications of 16 films have been
already received for that program.
23 Apr 2007
Armenpress, April 24
Hundreds of thousands of Armenians from Armenia proper and its vast Diaspora struggled today against an unexpected snowfall to go uphill to the Genocide Memorial in Yerevan to remember 1.5 million of their ancestors killed brutally at the orders of the government of Turkey from 1915-1923.
President Robert Kocharian, Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian, Parliament Chairman Tigran Torosian, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II and other top government officials and senior clergy were the first to remember the victims by visiting the Memorial and laying flowers to it. The heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Yerevan were the next to lay wreathes at the Memorial.
On Aril 23 evening thousands of young Armenians marched across the central Yerevan to the Genocide Memorial in the traditional torchlight procession to remember the Genocide victims. The torchlight procession was organized by the Armenian Youth Federation and the Nikol Aghbalian Student Union, an affiliation of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. The young people carried national flags singing patriotic songs and chanting "recognition."
"Turkey has begun to realize that the time is coming for it to recognize the crime its government committed against Armenians in 1915 and is trying to veil its fears by display of extreme nationalism and radicalism. We shall continue pressing not only for Turkey's acknowledgment of this horrific crime, but also for compensating the damages Armenians suffered in those years," Kiro Manoyan head of the Armenian Cause Office said to thousands of young men.
Robert Atarian from the Council of Armenians in Italy, said to Armenpress a liturgy will be conducted today in memory of the genocide victims in Saint Nicolaus Armenian Church in Rome and later flowers will be laid at a cross-stone monument erected in its yard last year with the permission of the Rome municipality in commemoration of the Armenian genocide victims.
In Moscow, Russia, the Russian Eparchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Union of Armenians in Russia and the World Armenian Congress laid wreaths at the cross-stone erected in front of the Holy Cross Cathedral and a liturgy in the Holy Cross Church was served in memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, and a little later the youth branch of the Union of Armenians in Russia rallied outside the Turkish Embassy in Moscow demanding that its government recognizes the genocide.
Extensive events to commemorate the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian genocide began Monday in California, USA that hosts the biggest Armenian community worldwide, after Russia, with a flag-raising ceremony in Fresno. Commemorations also include church and cemetery services, vigils and a poetry reading.
Despite vast academic recognition of the Armenian Genocide, this has not always been followed by governments and media. Many governments, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, Ukraine, and Georgia, do not officially use the word genocide to describe these events. Although there is no federal recognition of the Armenian Genocide, 40 of the 50 U.S. states recognize the events as genocide.
In recent years, parliaments of a number of countries where Armenian Diaspora has a strong presence have officially recognized the event as genocide. Two recent examples are France and Switzerland.
Countries officially recognizing the Armenian Genocide include Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela. Although part of the United Kingdom, Wales also officially recognizes the Armenian Genocide. The Parliament of the State of New South Wales, Australia passed a resolution acknowledging and condemning the Armenian Genocide in 1997.
Many newspapers for a long time would not use the word genocide without disclaimers such as "alleged" and many continue to do so. A number of those policies have now been reversed so that even casting doubt on the term is against editorial policy, as is the case with the New York Times.
On June 15, 2005, the German Bundestag passed a resolution that "honors and commemorates the victims of violence, murder and expulsion among the Armenian people before and during the First World War". The German resolution mentions that "many independent historians, parliaments and international organizations describe the expulsion and annihilation of the Armenians as genocide", but stops short of doing so itself. It also contains an apology for any German responsibility.
On 10th May 2006, the Bulgarian Government rejected a bill on recognition of the Armenian Genocide. This came after Emel Etem Toskova, the Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria and one of the leaders of the MRF, the main Turkish party in Bulgaria, declared that her party would walk out of the coalition government if the bill was passed. The bill itself was brought forward by the nationalist Ataka party.
International bodies that recognize the Armenian genocide include the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the United Nations Sub-Commission on Prevention of Discrimination and Protection of Minorities, the International Center for Transitional Justice, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, the World Council of Churches and the Permanent Peoples' Tribunal.
On 4 September 2006, Members of the European Parliament voted for the inclusion of a clause prompting Turkey "to recognize the Armenian genocide as a condition for its EU accession" in a highly critical report, which was adopted by a broad majority in the foreign relations committee of the Strasbourg Parliament. This requirement was later dropped on 27 September 2006 by the general assembly of the European Parliament by 429 votes in favor to 71 against, with 125 abstentions.
20 Apr 2007
PanARMENIAN.Net, April 21
In connection with the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide committed in Turkey in 1915 a number of events will be held in Krasnodar. The Russian based “Yerkramas” Armenian newspaper reports that starting from 9:00 am a live broadcasting of mass rally to the Yerevan Genocide Memorial will be organized from the territory of the Armenian Church. At 11:00 am a service will be offered in the St. Hovhanes Avetaranich Armenian Church of Krasnodar, after which Armenian organizations of the city will lay wreaths on the khatchkar placed in memory of Genocide victims. The event on the territory of the Armenian Church will be concluded with a rally.
At 16:00 pm in the Krasnodar Territorial Exhibition Hall of Culture Department of Krasnodar Territory local painter Mkhitar Aslanyan’s personal exhibition of paintings and graphic works will be opened dedicated to the 92nd anniversary of the Genocide committed 1915-1922 by Ottoman Turkey. The exhibition will function till May 13. The same day similar events will be held in all towns and districts of Krasnodar Territory
20 Apr 2007
NOYAN TAPAN - ARMENIANS TODAY, April 21
In his recent statement Governor of the US state of Ohio Ted Strickland recognized the Armenian Genocide, calling on to respect "the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide which was conceived and committed by the Ottoman Empire." Thus the number of the US states recognizing the Genocide has made 40.
According to the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), a week prior to the statement of the Ohio governor, the Armenian Genocide was recognized by the US state of North Dakota, while the Chicago city council passed a resolution, in which April 24 is declared Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide Victims.
19 Apr 2007
PanARMENIAN.Net, April 20
The Chicago City Council adopted a resolution, according to which April 24 is being proclaimed as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day. Mayor of Chicago Richard Daley has undersigned the resolution. In 2005 the American State of Illinois became 11th in number to include facts of genocide in curriculum of schools and colleges of the state. Currently 12 of 19 Congressmen from Illinois express their support for H. Res. 106, which recognizes the Armenian Genocide. 19 Apr 2007
Meline Daluzian (Gyumri) was recognized the winner in the 63 kg weigth category of the women's tournament of the Europe weight-lifting championship being held in the city of Strasbourg, France, and was awarded the champion's gold medal (pull 108 kg, push 135 kg, biathlon 243 kg). M. Daluzian established 3 new records.
Representative of Armenia Arsen Tamrazian (Gyumri) took the 14th place with a result of 271 kg in biathlon (121+150=271 kg) in the 62 kg weight category of the men's struggle. And representative of Russia, an Armenian by origin, 19-year old Sergey Petrosian (130+159=289) became the champion.
19 Apr 2007
Yerkir, April 20
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation, its Youth Union and the Nikol Aghbalian Student Union will hold a traditional torch-march.
The organizers call on everybody to join the march and light a candle on their windows in solidarity. Each torch will symbolize eternity and the strength of struggle.
The march will start from the Liberty Square at 20:00 local time.
19 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 20
Museum of prominent statesman and politician Karen Demirchian opened on April 20 in Yerevan. As Deputy Yerevan Mayor Kamo Areyan said at the solemn opening ceremony, the opening of the museum is one of the events implemented on the occasion of K. Demirchian's 75th birth anniversary. In the Deputy Mayor's words, the goal of museum's creation is to sum up all materials related to the biography of the renowned statesman, to make them accessible for today's and future generations.
As early as in 2001 January RA government had made a decision to found that museum. The building in Yerevan's Ghazar Parpetsi street provided for the museum was completely reconstructed with the funds of the government, as well as Karen Demirchian Fund, the territory near the museum was improved and the museum was replenished with necessary property and furniture.
RA NA Speaker Tigran Torosian, Prime Minister Serge Sargsian, Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs Hasmik Poghosian were present at the solemn opening ceremony of Karen Demirchian museum. 18 Apr 2007
PanARMENIAN.Net, April 19
On April 21 a khachkar monument will be placed in Bergen, Norway, dedicated to Fridtjof Nansen, Norwegian polar explorer, scientist, diplomat and humanist, Nobel Peace Prize in 1922, and the 1915 Armenian Genocide victims. Independent French journalist Jean Eckiyan told the PanARMENIAN.Net corespondent, in his book “Armenia and the Near East” published in 1923, Fridtjof Nansen one wrote, “The massacres that started in 1915 have nothing to compare with the history of mankind. The massacres by Abdul Hamid are minor in comparison to what today's Turks have done. Woe to the Armenians, that they were ever drawn into European politics! It would have been better for them if the name of Armenia had never been uttered by any European diplomatist.” The initiative of placing the khachkar comes from the Armenian Society of Kaunas, a District in Lithuania. 18 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 19
A park named after world-famous Italian screen-writer, playwright and poet Tonino Guerra will be created soon in Yerevan, in front of Italian street, in the territory between monuments to Alexander Myasnikian and Stepan Shahumian. As Armen Mazmanian, Art Director of Goy theater, stated at the April 19 press conference, the park will be opened in summer, in the days of the Golden Apricot - 2007 (Voske Tsiran) international film festival, in which Tonino Guerra will also take part.
"Tonino Guerra has already given his consent to construction of fountains in the park by his draft (Guerra is also known for his drafts of fountains of great value: NT)," Mazmanian said. The park's construction will be directly headed by Yerevan Mayor Yervand Zakharian. The park's architect is the grandson of famous writer Kostan Zarian, Ara Zarian, who resides in Venice.
In A. Mazmanian's words, the famous Italian screen-writer, who has not been creating screens either for theater or cinema for already 15 years, of his own free will wrote a screen for Goy theater. And in summer when Guerra again comes to Armenia the rehearsals of the performance will start.
The Art Director of the theater said that his acquaintance and friendship with Guerra started last year when the renowned writer arrived in Yerevan to take part in the Golden Apricot film festival as a guest. A. Mazmanian said that on April 16 he took part in Tonino Guerra's 87th birth anniversary and gave him a 250-kg khachkar (cross-stone) made by similarity with one of Jugha khachkars.
After leaving Armenia Guerra wrote nearly 30 articles, lithographic works and a poem about Armenia and Armenian people. In Mazmanian's words, Guerra everywhere tells and presents the Golden Apricot festival and calls all renowned figures of cinematography for "leaving for Armenia and participating in that festival." "I think this is the best assistance to Armenia done through art and artist," Mazmanian emphasized.
Besides, a branch of Tonino Guerra International Cultural Association opened in Yerevan, the Chairman of which is A. Mazmanian. The latter said that with the funds of that cultural association every year young Armenian producers, screen-writers and cameramen will pass one-month master-classes in Italy.
18 Apr 2007
The "National Gallery" festival of classic music will be held for the third time in Yerevan from April 20 to June 20.
Famous singers-performers of Armenia, creative collectives, including Barsegh Tumanian, Anna Mayilian, Alexander Chaushian, pianist Svetlana Navasardian, "Prometheus" string quartet, "Speghani" (consolation) choir, Artsakh state chamber orchestra will present themselves to the art-loving society in majestic halls of the National Gallery of Armenia during two months.
The festival is held with the assistance of the "Hayastan" (Armenia) All-Armenian Fund and RA Ministry of Culture and Youth Issues. 17 Apr 2007
Arminfo, April 18
Armenian singer Alla Levonyan joined today the ranks of 200 celebrities around the world who have partnered with UNICEF to advocate for children's rights, reports UNICEF Armenia Office.
"People of all ages in this country enjoy Ms. Levonyan's music. We at UNICEF Armenia hope that Alla Levonyan's voice will help us focus attention on the most pressing needs of children in Armenia," the UNICEF Representative stressed.
Celebrating Alla Levonyan's appointment, Mr. Yett presented the newly appointed Goodwill Ambassador with a UNICEF T-shirt and a cap symbolizing her commitment to UNICEF's mission to ensure every child's right to health, education, equality and protection.
"I am truly honoured to accept this new and challenging role. Before this appointment I was responsible for my two children only, now my responsibility has grown to embrace all children of Armenia. I am excited to begin doing what I can to bring more attention to children's issues," said Alla Levonyan.
Alla Levonyan is one of the most popular and respected singer in Armenia, whose unique voice and talent charms Armenians and others from all over the world. She is known for contributing proceeds from her concerts and sales of her albums to help persons with disabilities in Armenia.
"We are confident that Alla Levonyan will be a highly respected and effective National Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF who will be able to use her talent and fame for the benefit of Armenia's children," Sheldon Yett said.
UNICEF established its presence in Armenia in 1994. UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to meet their full potential.
17 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 18
A chronicle-documentary film telling about Armenian national musical instruments will be shot on the initiative of founder of the "Tkzar" state orchestra Karlen Mirzoyan and RA Ministry of Culture and Youth Issues. Armine Mirzoyan, the artistic head of the orchestra informed the Noyan Tapan correspondent about it. She mentioned that about 2 mln drams (about 5.4 thousand U.S. dollars) allocated from the state budget for shooting the film are not enough, sponsors' assistance is also necessary.
To recap, the "Tkzar" orchestra uses exclusively national musical instruments: pipe, bagpipe, etc. which made based on medieval miniatures were kept at the Matendaran (Armenian repository of ancient manuscripts). In A. Mirzoyan's words, the orchestra founded in 1982 has numerous problems today: particularly, it is not possible to organize concerts as well as respond invitations for going on tours got from foreign countries because of absence of financial resources. In the orchestra head's words, if it continues in this way, "Tkzar" will be dissolved and the restored instruments will again become museum exhibits.
17 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 18
Ambassador of Armenia to France Eduard Nalbandian, Bouches-du-Rhone Governor Jean-Noel Guerini, Provence Alpes Cote de Azur Regional Council Chairman Michael Vozel and Arles Mayor Herve Schiavetti opened on April 13 the exhibition entitled "At the Foot of Ararat Mountain: Wonders of Antique Armenia" at the Antique Arles and Provence Museum. Noyan Tapan was informed about it by the RA Foreign Ministry's Press and Information Department.
The exhibition consists of four parts where about 150 exhibits brought from Armenia present the Armenian people's cultural roots (from the 7th century B.C. to the 10th century), Urartu (10th-6th B.C.), post-Urartu (6-4th B.C.) and pre-Christian periods. The exhibits are brought from the History Museum of Armenia, Erebuni and Sardarapat Museums as well as from the Culture House of Goris and Aharonian collection (Paris).
The exhibition is organized within the framework of the Year of Armenia in France and will last till July 29, 2007.
During the exhibition days Anna Mayilian's and Armenian song masters' concert will take place in Arles on May 24, duduk (Armenian national pipe) player Arayik Bartikian's concert will take place on July 26. Robert Gedikian's "Travelling towards Armenia" film will also be shown on July 26.
Groups of making jewelry and pottery goods will also be organized for children at the Antique Arles and Provence Museum during May and June. French schoolchildren will attempt to copy here models of Armenian decoration art. The museum will also organize hearing on the theme "Noah's Ark Landed There, on Ararat" on June 3.
15 Apr 2007
http://www.caps.am, April 11.
More than half the Armenian-American Diaspora state that they are extremely or very interested in visiting or revisiting Armenia and are likely to do so in the next five years. This fact, and other interesting and useful information on people of Armenian descent living in the United States, was revealed in a statistical survey conducted through the CAPS Project in cooperation with the Armenian Tourism Development Agency. Armenia’s tourism industry must ensure that they take advantage of Diaspora travel interest and proactively encourage the Diasporan community to visit or revisit the country.
The high proportion of Armenian-American Diaspora who want to visit or revisit Armenia reveals that this is one of Armenia’s most important market segments. Assuming there are 1.4 million Armenian-Americans living in the US (an estimate given on the armeniadiaspora.com website) then the potential market is approximately 728,000. The interest expressed does not reduce the need for high profile promotion – indeed it implies that targeted promotion to the Armenian-American Diaspora will result in cost-effective and high impact results in terms of arrivals.
Specifically targeting the Diaspora, and particularly those most interested and willing to travel, is almost certainly more likely to bring about increases in arrivals than continuing to undertake global, untargeted promotion to large undefined markets. Click here for a copy of the Diaspora Survey Summary http://www.caps.am/tourismconf/materials/Sum_Diaspora_Survey_eng.pdf or http://www.caps.am/tourismconf/materials/Diaspora_Survey_Report_eng.pdf for a copy of the Full Report.
14 Apr 2007
Armenianow, April 15
A new horseracing federation has been established in Armenia in addition to the Equestrian Federation that has been here for years.
Last Saturday, the new organization staged the first horse race in Armenia in nearly 50 years.
Jockeys had three starts – for 1,000-, 1,200- and 1,400-meter races – on a newly constructed racecourse that according to federation officials corresponds to international standards. It is 16 meters wide and 1,800 meters long and makes room for up to 12 horses competing in a single race. The stands are not yet ready, but the Federation hopes to get them done by autumn to seat up to 1,500 spectators.
Horseracing was popular in Armenia in the 1950s when competitions were organized for nearly a decade before a fire gutted the hippodrome in 1959.
Only decades later, after the fall of the soviet regime, it became possible to restart the development of equestrian sports with fresh vigor.
Young horses aged 2-5 are used for racing. They are divided into age and breed groups. While horse quality matters, much also depends on the jockey’s skills. Unlike jockeys in equestrian, jockeys on the course need to be lightweight, on which their ultimate success may depend.
At the same time, the federation head says there are some good sportsmen and trainers in Armenia and the tendency is to have more homegrown athletes.
Currently, the Equestrian Federation of Armenia (www.fea.am) is part of the Asian Federation.
13 Apr 2007
PanARMENIAN.Net, April 14
On April 22 the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) will honor the memory of victims of the 1915 Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire. This event dedicated to the 92nd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide will take place at the Genocide Monument in Montreal. ANCC reports during the event candles will be lighted and flowers will be laid on the memorial.
13 Apr 2007
Azg Daily, April 14
"Culture Heritage Information" of Iran reports that the Armenian church of Srub Tadevos (St. Thaddeus) was included in the UNESCO List of World Culture Heritage upon the request of the Government of Iran. The church, also known as Karakilisa ("the Black Church" in Turkish), is situated in the Western Azerbaijan province of the Islamic Republic of Iran and was constructed about 1700 years ago, being one of the oldest Christian shrines. According to the legend, verified by certain historians, Apostle Thaddeus, who preached Christianity in several regions of Armenia and Iran, is buried there. At present the church belongs to the Armenian community of Iran and each year a holy service and a feast is held there.
Expectedly soon a UNESCO expert group is to arrive there so as to get acquainted with the church and nearby historical buildings.
13 Apr 2007
KarabaghOpen, April 14
In 2008 the construction of the museum of Shushi will start, said the minister of territorial administration Armo Tsatryan in an interview with the KarabakhOpen.
The Dhyiak Association of Karabakh Armenians in Moscow will build the museum. The company is likely to invest 90 million drams and create 8-10 jobs. Dhyak will invest as much in the construction of a hotel near Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi. Tufenkian Hospitality will build another hotel in Shushi, and will invest about 450 thousand dollars in 2007-2010.
Armo Tsatryan says privatization in Shushi is not over. Presently two buildings are under consideration, which are also related to the hotel business. In answer to the question what efforts the government made after the prime minister had committed to creating a free economic zone in Shushi several years ago, Armo Tsatryan said the concept has been drafted but it has not been discussed yet. `We discussed it with the board of trustees of the Revival of Shushi Foundation, however the draft has not been discussed yet,' said the minister adding that the money raised during the next telethon will be directed at the reconstruction of Shushi. 12 Apr 2007
PanARMENIAN.Net, April 13
The New York Times has launched a web site dedicated to Armenia. 1915 Genocide Bracelet (www.myarmenianpride.com) tells about Armenia’s history since ancient times up to present day. Special attention is paid to the history of the Armenian Genocide and Armenia’s fate after the World War I, when the Turkish government concluding an agreement with Soviet Russia consigned to oblivion U.S. President Woodrow Wilson’s plan which provided for conveyance of 6 Turkish provinces, including Kars and Ardahan, to Armenia.
Last week The New York Times corrected an article which mentioned of the Armenian Genocide. The editorial staff changed term ‘massacre’ into term ‘genocide’ that will be henceforth used in all articles concerning the events of 1915
11 Apr 2007
PanArmenian.Net, April 12
The week of April 22nd through April 29th is proclaimed as “Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide” in California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s statement particularly says, “Between the years 1915 and 1923, during the chaos of World War I, over one million Armenian men, women and children living within the borders of the Ottoman Empire were killed; forcing hundreds of thousands of Armenians to flee to foreign countries after being stripped of their possessions, their national identities and their homeland. Scores fled to the United States, and California was fortunate to become home to one of the largest populations of Armenians outside the Republic of Armenia. Many of California's Armenian-American families are the descendents of these courageous genocide survivors, whose hope for a life independent war and violence was realized on our soil. Like their family members before them, the Armenian-American community bravely flourished and contributed much to our state and nation. Documented as the first instance of genocide in the twentieth century, the Armenian Genocide remains unacknowledged to this day. I strongly echo the sentiments that all nations must examine their own painful histories, as the denial of genocide further wounds a nation's ability to heal. Though over ninety years have passed since these mass killings took place, present day atrocities resonate throughout the world. It is our responsibility to recognize the brutal slayings of so many innocents, remembering their suffering and vowing to help prevent future genocides. I join California's Armenian-American communities and all Armenians worldwide in remembering those who were killed and persecuted during the Armenian Genocide, and urge people throughout the world to never forget these horrific crimes against humanity.
Now, therefore, I, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim the week of April 22nd through April 29th, 2007, as “Days of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.””
10 Apr 2007
Arminfo, April 11
By the degree of development of the tourism industry, Armenia holds the third place among the CIS countries, being left behind by Georgia and Russia, Manouk Hergnyan, the Director of the Economy and Values Research Center, said at the Tourism Competitiveness Conference, Wednesday, referring to the data of the International Economic Forum of 2007.
According to him, out of 123 countries Armenia holds the 74th place, taking lead over most part of the CIS countries; however, it is inferior to the countries of Eastern and Western Europe. M.Hergnyan considers the personal security of the tourists and the rich cultural and historical heritage to be the competitive priorities of Armenia. The weak sides of Armenia are the ecology and poor infrastructure, particularly, the transport and telecommunication infrastructure. He added that according to international experts, air tickets are comparatively expensive in Armenia, this being the result of the Armavia national carrier's monopoly on air service. The research shows that over half of the visitors to Armenia come to the country to see their relatives and friends.
Meanwhile, James Phillips, an international tourism consultant, noted in his speech that Armenia has the smallest budget for advertisement and marketing in the sphere of tourism. According to him, in 2005 the budget of Armenia allocated only about $40 thsd for these purposes, while Turkey, for instance, annually spends $60 mln, Croatia - $30 mln, Estonia - $4 mln. The consultant thinks that few people in the world know Armenia and it is not enough to spend funds only on the preparation and show of the video commercials on CNN and Euronews. According to the data of the Armenian Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, the 2006 budget allocated 270 mln AMD ($750 thsd) to the sphere of tourism, 139 mln AMD of them - for the preparation of video commercials.
To note, the conference was organized by the Armenian Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, the Armenian Tourism Development Agency and the USAID-funded Competitive Armenian Private Sector Project.
10 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 11
250 mln drams (about 687 thousand USD) has been allocated to the tourism sector from the 2007 RA state budget. 180 mln drams of this sum will be spent on demonstration of two commercials about Armenia on CNN and Euronews. Head of the Tourism Department of the RA Ministry of Trade and Economic Development Mekhak Apresian stated this on April 11 at the 4th two-day conference dedicated to problems of competitiveness of Armenian tourism.
According to him, 70 mln drams against 35 mln drams in 2006 has been allocated to the Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) this year. "This money will be used to implement many programs in Armenia and to ensure ATDA'a participation in several famous international tourism events abroad," M. Apresian said.
It was noted that 270 mln drams (about 742 thousand USD) was allocated to the tourism sector by the 2006 state budget. 21 mln drams of this sum was spent on making two commercials about Armenia, and 139 mln drams - to show these commercials on CNN.
10 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 11
According to forecasts, in 2007 the number of tourists to Armenia will amount to 450 thousand. The RA Deputy Acting Minister of Trade and Economic Development Ara Petrosian stated this at the opening ceremony of the 4th two-day conference dedicated to problems of Armenian tourism's competitiveness.
According to him, the achievements of the Armenian tourism sector and the strategical program of tourism development will be presented at the conference, whose participants will also discuss the key factors of the sector's competitiveness.
In the words of Mekhak Apresian, Head of the Tourism Department of the RA Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, in 2004-2006, the average annual growth of tourists to Armenia made 20%. He said that this index is the result of active cooperation of all parties interested - state and private bodies of the tourism sector.
The event has been organized on the initiative of the RA Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, the Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA), and the USAID Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS) Program.
09 Apr 2007
ARKA, April 10
Women's World sixth international exhibition is to be held in Armenia from May 31 to June 2. The EXPOMEDIA Exhibition Designing Center reported that the exhibition is to be held in the House of Moscow in Yerevan.
According to the report, the aim of the exhibition is the presentation of whatever is intended for easing women's concerns and making women more charming and the presentation of business woman image.
The exhibition will have six subject sections - "Labor and rest", "Beauty saloons and fitness centers", "Everything for mothers and babies", "Cosmetology, esthetic medicine and healthcare", "Perfumes, cosmetics, skin care effects", "Personal hygiene effects", "Clothes, shoes and bijouterie", "Household appliances" and "Children's furniture".
At the exhibition, fashion shows, master classes and contests are to be held on children's international day.
EXPOMEDIA center reported that the exhibition will give companies an opportunity to extend their sales market and have direct discussion with clients on the goods and services.
He information on the participant companies will be incorporated into the official guidebook of the exhibition that is to be distributed free of charge to Armenian businessmen. 09 Apr 2007
Arminfo, April 10
Since the launch of its film restoration program, Hayfilm Studio has digitized 40 movies, says the chairman of the Union of Cinematographers of Armenia, the chairman of CS Films-Studios Ruben Gevorgyants.
All original negatives are brought from Moscow State Film Library. The films are digitized in presence of their photography directors so that their original tonality is preserved. Gevorgyants says that in the future the digitized movies may be put up for sale.
This year the studio is to digitize 150 more films. The key problem is electricity: the high precision Da Vinci revival system often fails because of unstable voltage.
The first digitized movie was “The Men” by Edmond Keosayan (1973) with legendary actors Armen Jigarkhanyan, Azat Sherents and Frunze Mkrtchyan.
08 Apr 2007
ARKA, April 9
The conference "Competitiveness of Tourism in Armenia" will be held in Yerevan on April 11-12, 2007, lead specialist of CAPS (Competitive Armenian Private Sector) for tourism Alan Saffery told reporters in Yerevan on Monday.
According to him, results of surveys conducted by CAPS employees will be presented at the conference. The surveys demonstrate concrete indicators of this sector and contain practical approaches to objectives of its development.
"Besides this, representatives of state-owned and non-governmental organizations of Armenia will make presentations on a wide range of issues of competitiveness of the Armenian tourism on the home and foreign markets," he said.
Saffery reported that the conference is organized by the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, Tourism Development Agency, and CAPS. Participating in the conference will be leaders and representatives of many interested organizations, including travel agencies, NGOs, and restaurants," he said
05 Apr 2007
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services, April 6
The triumphal entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem is not only a historic event, but also an opportunity for festive commemoration every year on the last Sunday before Easter. This year, Palm Sunday was celebrated throughout the world and in all Armenian Churches on April 1. In the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, continued the tradition of blessing the children and presided during a number of services focused on the youth.
In the Cathedral of All Armenians - Holy Etchmiadzin, the festive songs and psalms of the Morning Service began early in the day. At mid-morning, His Holiness presided and offered the `Andastan' service in the courtyard of the Mother Cathedral, blessing the four corners of the earth and the willow branches which were to be distributed to the faithful throughout the course of the day. Surrounded by hundreds of children, His Holiness blessed them all, congratulating them and presenting them with gifts.
Prior to the commencement of the Divine Liturgy, approximately 250 young boys and girls participated in a chalk-art competition in the courtyard of Holy Etchmiadzin. Rev. Fr. Khad Ghazarian, Director of the Youth Centers jointly sponsored by the Mother See and AGBU, organized the annual event which displayed the artistic talents of the children. In the festive atmosphere of music and singing, the young artists covered the stone pavement with their colorful national and church themed drawings. Similar competitions were organized throughout the capital city of Yerevan as well.
As the Divine Liturgy commenced, many high-ranking state officials, guests from abroad and thousands of faithful greeted the pontifical procession entering into the cathedral with their willow branches and colorful flowers. The liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Bishop Ararat Kaltakjian, Grand Sacristan of the Mother See.
At the conclusion of the service, the Pontiff of All Armenians offered a prayer for blessing the children, extending to them his fatherly love and special message. Thousands of families, with children young and old, continued to visit Holy Etchmiadzin throughout the day, bringing with them willow branches, flowers, candles and their heartfelt prayers in celebration of the feast. 03 Apr 2007
Arminfo, April 4
The opening ceremony of the new head office of the HSBC Bank Armenia in a high-class new building at Teryan 66 was held in Yerevan, Wednesday. Present at the event were Head of the Central Bank of Armenia Tigran Sargsyan, representatives of banking and business organizations, the diplomatic corps accredited in Armenia and the clients of the HSBC Bank Armenia.
In his speech, Chief Executive Director of the HSBC Bank Armenia Tony Turner noted that the new head office will partially solve the problem of high demand for the bank’s services. In this connection, the bank is going to open three more branches in Yerevan and the regions of the country, as well as to increase the number of bancomats to 44. Yet, Head of CBA Tigran Sargsyan noted with humor that not only the employees of the HSBC Bank Armenia, but also the CBA were looking forward to the opening of the new office. He added that the HSBC’s promises to open three more branches are not enough as “we hope that the bank will not only continue growing in the territorial meaning, but also actively introduce new banking services in the Armenian market”.
To note, in 2006 the HSBC Bank Armenia demonstrated the highest level of net profit - 2.856 bln AMD, or $7.9 mln. The bank holds the leading position by the volume of mortgage credits portfolio. The bank also showed the highest rate of banking retail growth. At the moment, $39 mln out of the $98 mln of total volume of credits are retail credits.
According to the Ranking of Armenian commercial banks prepared by the Agency of Rating Marketing Information (ArmInfo), by January 1, 2007, the amount of the total capital of the bank was $19.8 mln (5th position), the assets - $220.6 mln (1st position), the total provision of crediting - $85.0 mln (3rd position). By the natural persons’ deposits, the bank holds the 1st place - $103.4 mln.
03 Apr 2007
Noyan Tapan, April 4
A group of the Al. Spendiarian Opera and Ballet National Academic Theater will leave for Egypt on tours on April 12. As Kamo Hovhannisian, the theater Director informed, the company will perform Aram Khachaturian's Gayane ballet in Cairo on April 15, in Alexandria on April 18. K. Hovhannisian stated that 145 members of the orchestra and ballet group will leave for Egypt.
In the Director's words, those tours are dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the Armenian-Egypt diplomatic relations.
02 Apr 2007
A preliminary decision on the venue for the Armenian and Azeri national football teams will be taken in the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, April 11-12.
The final decision will be made in Cardiff during the meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee April 18.
01 Apr 2007
http://www.traveldailynews.com. Armenia: A land full of history. April 2
The Armenians, an ancient people living on an ancient land, call Armenia "Hayastan," and themselves "Hai." The indigenous people of the land of Ararat, Armenians forged their national identity with the rise of powerful Armenian kingdoms, the adoption of Christianity as Armenia's state religion in 301 a.D. and the creation of the Armenian alphabet in the fifth century, which spurred the development of literature, philosophy, and science.
Archaeological and historical facts point to the development of civilization in the region with the formation of the Urartu kingdom, also mentioned in the Bible, around 980 BC.
No wonder that Armenia is fast becoming a tourism hot spot. The richness of its cultural, historical and artistic heritage is set in an imposing territory made of spectacular mountains, valleys, canyons and forests. Lake Sevan, at 1.900 m. above sea level, is one of the largest and most beautiful mountain lakes of the world. The best view is from the Sevanank Monastery (IX century), situated in panoramic position on a promontory, surrounded by crystal clear waters and breathtaking mountains. Yerevan is the buzzing capital city that offers every kind of cultural and artistic attraction - museums, galleries, theatres, music and concerts - and entertainment with hundreds of restaurants, cafes and shops.
Armenia’s stable political situation has given way to a fast-growing economy and an expanding travel industry. Over the past five years, the Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) has been developing programs to showcase Armenia’s many attractions to the world travel industry and tourists alike. Visitors to Armenia come mostly from US, Canada, South America (Argentina and Brazil), Europe (France, Germany, UK, Greece, Italy), Middle East (Lebanon and Syria), Iran, CIS countries (former Soviet republics) and Japan.
01 Apr 2007
Armenpress, April 2
An exhibition of paintings by famous American Armenian artist Arshile Gorky has opened today in George Pompidou Center in Paris. The exhibition is organized in cooperation with the Lisbon-based Gyulbenkian Foundation and displays the painters works which he created in 1940-s.
The exhibition is part of an extensive range of events, known as The Year of Armenia in France. The opening was attended by the French coordinator of the events, the Armenian ambassador to France and also an acclaimed glass designer Alain Mkrtchian (Alain Mikri).
One of the most famous contemporary artists, the founder of Abstract Surrealism, Gorky was described by Andre Breton as the most important painter in American history.
Arshile Gorky (1895-1948) was born Vostanik Adoyan in eastern Turkey. Raised in a poor Armenian family, Gorky's childhood was shaped by the genocide of 1915, that affected the entire Armenian population, and which claimed the life of his mother.
Arshile Gorky was the name the aspiring artist assumed after coming to the U.S. in 1920. He adopted it from his admiration of the Russian writer Maxim Gorky. Once settled with relatives in New England he enrolled in art classes.
Not long after, one of his instructors arranged for Gorky to move to New York to work as an art instructor. In the 1930s he achieved his first public success - producing a large abstract mural painting for Newark Airport.
In his artistic endeavors, Cezanne and Picasso became his praised models. Other influences came from the surrealist painters and poets who came to New York as exiles from the war in Europe.
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