Armenian News... A Topalian... EU's interest in Armenia
News.am, Armenia
Nov 25 2017
Juncker: Signing agreement with Armenia shows EU’s interest in cooperation with Armenia
The signing of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement with Armenia shows the interest of the European Union to cooperate with Armenia, President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker said during the press conference following the Eastern Partnership summit, underlining the progress Armenia has recorded.
“I have participated in all the summits of the Eastern Partnership and this is the first time the leaders speak openly and sincerely. We can record significant progress since the Riga summit two years ago. I speak also about the progress and achievements of Armenia, which means stable work, education and strong economy”, Juncker noted.
According to him, in the recent two years Armenia made the region more stable and all sides agree with that stability should start at home.
“The European Union can be useful in that regard, but stability should start at home. People should receive education, job and live in strong economic conditions”, Juncker added.
He emphasized that EU’s assistance to the Eastern Partnership participant countries focuses just on those issues.
According to him, starting from 2009 the European Union has allocated 1.5 billion Euro assistance to the EaP countries.
MediaMax, Armenia
Nov 25 2017
EU concludes negotiations with Armenia for a new aviation agreement
Yerevan /Mediamax/. On the occasion of the Eastern Partnership Summit held in Brussels, the European Union concluded negotiations with Armenia for a new aviation agreement.
This agreement will improve market access for airlines, providing better connectivity, more choice and lower fares for travelers, EU Delegation in Armenia said.
“Today we are further delivering on our ambitious aviation strategy by taking our aviation relations with Armenia to the next level. This agreement will not only improve market access, it will also contribute to the highest safety, security and environmental standards. This is good news for European and Armenian travelers and businesses”, EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said.
Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
November 24, 2017 Friday
Ordinary citizen will feel Armenia-EU agreement results within
the course of time, says President Sargsyan
An ordinary citizen will feel the results of the Armenia-EU agreement
According to the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, on
November 23, the official exchange of agreements between the Republic
of Armenia and the Federal Republic of Germany "On avoidance of double
taxation and prevention of tax evasion" took place at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of Germany.
On the Armenian side, the agreement was signed by RA Ambassador to
Germany Ashot Smbatyan, and from the German side - Maria Margaret
Goss, head of the Department of Legal and Consular Affairs of the
Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
Armenpress News Agency
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Nov 25 2017
Ani - forgotten Armenian capital’s majesty and solitude: Turkish paper
The contrast of majesty and isolation of theArmeniancity of Ani, which has been on the territory of modern Turkey since 1920, is the subject of a new article byTurkish newspaper Daily Sabah, in which the paper provides reasons for visiting the ancient and magnificent capital of the old Armenian Kingdom.
According to the publication, travelers can feel the rush of discovery if they take a flight out to Kars, and then a two-hour drive out to Ocakli village near the Armenian border, and then walk up the hill, where you'll find a lost city to discover.
Ani used to be a capital city of the Armenian kingdom in the 11th century.
“Its wealth and architecture rivaled Byzantine's Constantinople (modern day Istanbul). With a population of more than 200,000 at its peak, it was larger than both London and Paris at the time. It had a huge castle, battlements, a defensive wall, a thousand churches, 40 gates, and a thriving economy, and now, all that's left are its abandoned ruins on a high plateau. A stone bridge down in the gorge across a river, half collapsed. A guttered cone atop a brick church. The domes and arches of a sanctuary, fallen-in and exposed to the air. A cathedral with sturdy walls, covered with still-visible Armenian inscriptions, but with exposed, broken masonry. Walls and a gate no longer protecting anything. Emptiness,” the article says.
The contrast strikes you immediately: This must have been a magnificent city in its day, and yet today, this is the middle of nowhere and nobody lives here. Ani still has a lot of things standing, including some half-crumbled churches, towers, and a wall. It's wonderful to see such amazing stone architecture of a forgotten empire, and even better is that almost nobody goes there. On a really busy day, there might be eight other tourists.
The article then goes on to cite various authors, diplomats, military officials who were captivated by the beauty of the age-old Armenian city.
Daily Mirror, UK
November 24, 2017 Friday
Henrikh in a fight for future: Shape up or it's the end, Hen
by DAVID McDONNELL
MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Henrikh Mkhitaryan is facing a battle to
convince manager Jose Mourinho that he deserves to reclaim his place.
Mkhitaryan's form has deserted him to such an extent Mourinho has axed
him from United's last two match-day squads, despite the attacking
midfielder being fully fit.
Mourinho left Mkhitaryan (above) out of the squad that beat Newcastle
4-1 - and made the 28-year-old travel to Basel before omitting him
from Wednesday's disappointing 1-0 Champions League defeat in
Switzerland.
Mourinho hopes the stigma of being dropped will jolt the Armenian from
his slumber.
Signed from Borussia Dortmund for £27million in July 2016, Mkhitaryan
enjoyed an impressive start this season - producing a handful of
assists to apparently cement his place as United's No.10.
But his form dropped off, with Mourinho and his United coaches
deciding he no longer warranted his place and agreeing to drop him
completely.
Mkhitaryan has been on the receiving end of Mourinho's 'tough love'
approach before. He was exiled for nearly two months last season
following a calamitous 45 minutes in United's 2-1 derby defeat by
City.
The playmaker returned to become one of United's most effective
players as they won the League Cup and Europa League.
Mourinho has preferred Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial
in attacking roles recently, while Jesse Lingard is in favour again -
and £89m Paul Pogba back in business after injury.
An ordinary citizen will feel the results of the Armenia-EU agreement
during the course of time since Armenia is able to quickly implement
the reforms by the EU’s assistance, President Serzh Sargsyan told
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty after the European People’s Party’s (
EPP) summit in Brussels, reports Armenpress.
Asked what this agreement will give to an ordinary Armenian citizen,
the President said: “The day after tomorrow, perhaps, he/she will not
immediately feel anything, but he/she will feel it within the course
of time since we are able to quickly implement the reforms by the EU’s
assistance. We ourselves do not have the ability and the desire to
invent a bicycle, there are absolute truths, and we should be led by
these truths. But during the course of time, in addition to internal
freedoms, Armenian citizens will have a chance to visit Brussels,
Paris and other European countries without an obstacle, and I think
this was clearly stated in the EPP’s today’s statement, let’s see what
will happen during tomorrow’s summit”.
Asked whether this agreement will contribute to strengthening
Armenia’s security, whether it is an alternative direction for
ensuring a security, President Sargsyan said here the word alternative
is not right to use. “But, of course, especially in case when the OSCE
Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the US and Russia in particular agree on the
main challenges threatening our security, and this is one of the
unique places where they completely cooperate, as they announce. This,
of course, is an achievement for us”, the Armenian President said.
The President also touched upon Russia’s stance over the agreement to
be signed with the EU, stating that he didn’t hear any criticism from
the Russian President over Armenia’s cooperation with the EU. “Soon it
will already be ten years I am a president, before that being in
different posts, I have never heard half a word from any Russian
leader, especially from President Putin which would involve in it a
reproach on our partnership with the EU”, Serzh Sargsyan said.
Asked how he imagines, where he will be after 2018, whether he will
remain Armenia’s President or not, President Sargsyan said: “If I had
imagined it, I would have already announced. When I imagine it, I will
announce”.
Vestnik Kavkaza
Nov 26 2017
EU supports principles of territorial integrity
Brussels, capital of the European Union, hosted the Eastern Partnership summit. This initiative, aimed at improving relations with the countries of the former USSR within the framework of the EU Neighborhood Policy, includes six countries, including Azerbaijan and Armenia. In the final declaration, participants of the summit expressed they support of territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of their partners and pledged to protect them.
That's how the Brussels declaration responded to the issue of unresolved conflicts, in particular (although no conflict region was specifically mentioned) the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It's especially important for Azerbaijan, since 20% of its territory is under the Armenian occupation for more than 20 years. As a result of this occupation, more than million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian troops from the Azerbaijani territories, but Armenia refused to do it.
"Aggressive separatism can't be accepted in the 21st century. All forms of separatism must be condemned and a common approach should be applied to all manifestations of separatism. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is as valuable as territorial integrity of any other country, and it must be restored," Ilham Aliyev said in Brussels.
Apparently, he was heard, since final document of the summit stated that violation of principles and norms of international law continues in the region. This declaration also urged to intensify efforts to resolve conflicts in accordance with principles and norms of international law.
"We believe that all these conflicts must be resolved through the prism of international norms and laws, through very clear support for territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The EU supports existing platforms that help to resolve these conflicts," the document says.
What is the reason behind Europe's support of Azerbaijan's position in the conditions when there are still frictions between Baku and Brussels due to different views on the human rights issue, and due to the fact that Baku maintains relations of strategic partnership with Russia? Obviously, the answer lies in the fact that Azerbaijan, unlike other "Eastern partners", is able to pursue an independent policy and isn't going to join the European Union, although it's not against mutually beneficial cooperation with the bloc.
This story demonstrates that it's much easier to pursue independent foreign policy when you're economically independent. The European Union is the main trading partner of Baku. 50% of Azerbaijan's trade accounts for the EU member states. the EU invested $20 billion in its economy since Azerbaijan became independent. The Southern Gas Corridor project is currently developing, it already exceeds $40 billion. Azerbaijan's gas fields will become a new source of natural gas for Europe and will change the energy map of the European continent.
Another important initiative is the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, which connects Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, creating a new transport corridor between Asia and Europe. This will be the shortest transport route that will increase mutual trade turnover and allow many countries to join the project.
Another important result of the Brussels summit is the signing of an agreement on comprehensive and expanded partnership between the European Union and Armenia. Some experts suggested the Armenian leadership needs association with the EU for a more successful bargaining with Russia.
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
November 24, 2017 Friday
Armenia and Germany exchanged agreements on "Avoiding double taxation
and preventing tax evasion"
Ani Mshetsyan.
Asked what this agreement will give to an ordinary Armenian citizen,
the President said: “The day after tomorrow, perhaps, he/she will not
immediately feel anything, but he/she will feel it within the course
of time since we are able to quickly implement the reforms by the EU’s
assistance. We ourselves do not have the ability and the desire to
invent a bicycle, there are absolute truths, and we should be led by
these truths. But during the course of time, in addition to internal
freedoms, Armenian citizens will have a chance to visit Brussels,
Paris and other European countries without an obstacle, and I think
this was clearly stated in the EPP’s today’s statement, let’s see what
will happen during tomorrow’s summit”.
Asked whether this agreement will contribute to strengthening
Armenia’s security, whether it is an alternative direction for
ensuring a security, President Sargsyan said here the word alternative
is not right to use. “But, of course, especially in case when the OSCE
Minsk Group Co-Chairs and the US and Russia in particular agree on the
main challenges threatening our security, and this is one of the
unique places where they completely cooperate, as they announce. This,
of course, is an achievement for us”, the Armenian President said.
The President also touched upon Russia’s stance over the agreement to
be signed with the EU, stating that he didn’t hear any criticism from
the Russian President over Armenia’s cooperation with the EU. “Soon it
will already be ten years I am a president, before that being in
different posts, I have never heard half a word from any Russian
leader, especially from President Putin which would involve in it a
reproach on our partnership with the EU”, Serzh Sargsyan said.
Asked how he imagines, where he will be after 2018, whether he will
remain Armenia’s President or not, President Sargsyan said: “If I had
imagined it, I would have already announced. When I imagine it, I will
announce”.
Vestnik Kavkaza
Nov 26 2017
EU supports principles of territorial integrity
Brussels, capital of the European Union, hosted the Eastern Partnership summit. This initiative, aimed at improving relations with the countries of the former USSR within the framework of the EU Neighborhood Policy, includes six countries, including Azerbaijan and Armenia. In the final declaration, participants of the summit expressed they support of territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty of their partners and pledged to protect them.
That's how the Brussels declaration responded to the issue of unresolved conflicts, in particular (although no conflict region was specifically mentioned) the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It's especially important for Azerbaijan, since 20% of its territory is under the Armenian occupation for more than 20 years. As a result of this occupation, more than million Azerbaijanis became refugees and internally displaced persons. The UN Security Council adopted four resolutions demanding immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian troops from the Azerbaijani territories, but Armenia refused to do it.
"Aggressive separatism can't be accepted in the 21st century. All forms of separatism must be condemned and a common approach should be applied to all manifestations of separatism. Territorial integrity of Azerbaijan is as valuable as territorial integrity of any other country, and it must be restored," Ilham Aliyev said in Brussels.
Apparently, he was heard, since final document of the summit stated that violation of principles and norms of international law continues in the region. This declaration also urged to intensify efforts to resolve conflicts in accordance with principles and norms of international law.
"We believe that all these conflicts must be resolved through the prism of international norms and laws, through very clear support for territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The EU supports existing platforms that help to resolve these conflicts," the document says.
What is the reason behind Europe's support of Azerbaijan's position in the conditions when there are still frictions between Baku and Brussels due to different views on the human rights issue, and due to the fact that Baku maintains relations of strategic partnership with Russia? Obviously, the answer lies in the fact that Azerbaijan, unlike other "Eastern partners", is able to pursue an independent policy and isn't going to join the European Union, although it's not against mutually beneficial cooperation with the bloc.
This story demonstrates that it's much easier to pursue independent foreign policy when you're economically independent. The European Union is the main trading partner of Baku. 50% of Azerbaijan's trade accounts for the EU member states. the EU invested $20 billion in its economy since Azerbaijan became independent. The Southern Gas Corridor project is currently developing, it already exceeds $40 billion. Azerbaijan's gas fields will become a new source of natural gas for Europe and will change the energy map of the European continent.
Another important initiative is the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, which connects Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, creating a new transport corridor between Asia and Europe. This will be the shortest transport route that will increase mutual trade turnover and allow many countries to join the project.
Another important result of the Brussels summit is the signing of an agreement on comprehensive and expanded partnership between the European Union and Armenia. Some experts suggested the Armenian leadership needs association with the EU for a more successful bargaining with Russia.
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
November 24, 2017 Friday
Armenia and Germany exchanged agreements on "Avoiding double taxation
and preventing tax evasion"
Ani Mshetsyan.
According to the press service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, on
November 23, the official exchange of agreements between the Republic
of Armenia and the Federal Republic of Germany "On avoidance of double
taxation and prevention of tax evasion" took place at the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of Germany.
On the Armenian side, the agreement was signed by RA Ambassador to
Germany Ashot Smbatyan, and from the German side - Maria Margaret
Goss, head of the Department of Legal and Consular Affairs of the
Federal Foreign Office of Germany.
Armenpress News Agency
November 24, 2017 Friday
Polish Sejm adopts resolution relating to Armenian community
The Sejm of Poland (the lower house of the Polish parliament) has
Polish Sejm adopts resolution relating to Armenian community
The Sejm of Poland (the lower house of the Polish parliament) has
adopted a resolution relating to the Armenian community, reports
Armenpress.
In the resolution the Polish Sejm expresses its gratitude to the
Armenian community for the great role played in the history of Poland.
The resolution also mentions the 650th anniversary of privileges
granted to the Armenian community in Poland by King Casimir the Great.
The voting took place by the presence of the Armenian Ambassador to
Poland Edgar Ghazaryan and the Armenian community representatives.
A similar resolution has been adopted by the Polish Senate in the
presence of the Armenian delegation led by Speaker of the Parliament
In the resolution the Polish Sejm expresses its gratitude to the
Armenian community for the great role played in the history of Poland.
The resolution also mentions the 650th anniversary of privileges
granted to the Armenian community in Poland by King Casimir the Great.
The voting took place by the presence of the Armenian Ambassador to
Poland Edgar Ghazaryan and the Armenian community representatives.
A similar resolution has been adopted by the Polish Senate in the
presence of the Armenian delegation led by Speaker of the Parliament
Ara Babloyan.
ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
November 24, 2017 Friday
The most generous benefactors on the TV Marathon of the Hayastan
Foundation were Samvel Karapetyan and an anonymous patron from the
United States, who donated $ 2 million 250 thousand to the fund.
The most generous benefactors on the telethon of the
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund this year were owner of the Tashir Group
concern Samvel Karapetyan and an anonymous patron of the US, both of
which donated $ 2 million 250 thousand to the fund. Zangezour Copper
and Molybdenum Combine, which donated $ 350,000, donated $ 350,000,
Samvel Alexanyan, businessman-deputy, handed over $ 200,000,
Vardanyan's family - $ 125,000, businessman Varuzhan Grigoryan-$
100,000, an anonymous philanthropist from the US $ 100,000, the
Baghdasaryan family from the United States $ 100,000, Valex Group $
100,000, Heinrich Ter-Ghukasian from Iran $ 100,000, businessman
Barsegh Beglaryan $ 100,000, businessman Vahe Karapetyan $ 60,000,
Jean Mari Atamian $ 50,000, Albert Boyajyan $ 50,000. It should be
noted that the owner of the multi-group concern, MP Gagik Tsarukyan,
in the framework of the telethon, has built a military unit in
Nagorno-Karabakh.
It should be noted that during the telethon a total of $ 12 million
505 thousand 456 were collected. This amount will be directed to two
large-scale programs in Artsakh, namely: drilling of deep wells and
the construction of a new irrigation network and the establishment of
solar power plants.
It should be noted that the telethon has been held annually in the
USA, in the city of Los Angeles, for 25 years. During this time in the
telethon in Armenia and Artsakh were collected about $ 330 million,
aimed at more than 50 thousand programs.
During this time, the Fund repaired and built roads with the length of
605 km, 580 km of water pipes, 149 km of gas pipelines, 70 km of
electric lines, 359 schools and kindergartens, 24 community centers,
500 houses and apartments, 75 medical institutions, 58 cultural and
sports centers and . In 2016 within the framework of the telethon
under the slogan "My Artsakh" Hayastan Fund collected about $ 15.4
million. All the collected funds were used to restore the affected
settlements of Artsakh and measures to ensure the safety of the NKR
population.
News.am, Armenia
November 26 2017
Armenia official says having population of 4 million by 2040 is realistic
We will have the opportunity to have a population of 4 million in Armenia solely on the account of mechanical growth.
The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Artem Asatryan, on Saturday told the aforesaid to reporters in Jermuk town, according to RFE/RL Armenian Service.
President Serzh Sargsyan had announced about the objective of making Armenia’s population reach at least 4 million, by the year 2040. The minister said they will work toward achieving this objective.
Asatryan informed that they have identified three respective priorities. In his words, first, the growth in births needs to be contributed to. As per the minister, the next priority is ensuring the mechanical growth of Armenia’s population. And the next plan is to guarantee the immigration of emigrants.
Asatryan assured that steps are taken toward all these measures and programs.
The minister of labor and social affairs added that they need to submit all respective program directions and funding within three months.
November 24, 2017 Friday
The most generous benefactors on the TV Marathon of the Hayastan
Foundation were Samvel Karapetyan and an anonymous patron from the
United States, who donated $ 2 million 250 thousand to the fund.
The most generous benefactors on the telethon of the
Hayastan All-Armenian Fund this year were owner of the Tashir Group
concern Samvel Karapetyan and an anonymous patron of the US, both of
which donated $ 2 million 250 thousand to the fund. Zangezour Copper
and Molybdenum Combine, which donated $ 350,000, donated $ 350,000,
Samvel Alexanyan, businessman-deputy, handed over $ 200,000,
Vardanyan's family - $ 125,000, businessman Varuzhan Grigoryan-$
100,000, an anonymous philanthropist from the US $ 100,000, the
Baghdasaryan family from the United States $ 100,000, Valex Group $
100,000, Heinrich Ter-Ghukasian from Iran $ 100,000, businessman
Barsegh Beglaryan $ 100,000, businessman Vahe Karapetyan $ 60,000,
Jean Mari Atamian $ 50,000, Albert Boyajyan $ 50,000. It should be
noted that the owner of the multi-group concern, MP Gagik Tsarukyan,
in the framework of the telethon, has built a military unit in
Nagorno-Karabakh.
It should be noted that during the telethon a total of $ 12 million
505 thousand 456 were collected. This amount will be directed to two
large-scale programs in Artsakh, namely: drilling of deep wells and
the construction of a new irrigation network and the establishment of
solar power plants.
It should be noted that the telethon has been held annually in the
USA, in the city of Los Angeles, for 25 years. During this time in the
telethon in Armenia and Artsakh were collected about $ 330 million,
aimed at more than 50 thousand programs.
During this time, the Fund repaired and built roads with the length of
605 km, 580 km of water pipes, 149 km of gas pipelines, 70 km of
electric lines, 359 schools and kindergartens, 24 community centers,
500 houses and apartments, 75 medical institutions, 58 cultural and
sports centers and . In 2016 within the framework of the telethon
under the slogan "My Artsakh" Hayastan Fund collected about $ 15.4
million. All the collected funds were used to restore the affected
settlements of Artsakh and measures to ensure the safety of the NKR
population.
News.am, Armenia
November 26 2017
Armenia official says having population of 4 million by 2040 is realistic
We will have the opportunity to have a population of 4 million in Armenia solely on the account of mechanical growth.
The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Artem Asatryan, on Saturday told the aforesaid to reporters in Jermuk town, according to RFE/RL Armenian Service.
President Serzh Sargsyan had announced about the objective of making Armenia’s population reach at least 4 million, by the year 2040. The minister said they will work toward achieving this objective.
Asatryan informed that they have identified three respective priorities. In his words, first, the growth in births needs to be contributed to. As per the minister, the next priority is ensuring the mechanical growth of Armenia’s population. And the next plan is to guarantee the immigration of emigrants.
Asatryan assured that steps are taken toward all these measures and programs.
The minister of labor and social affairs added that they need to submit all respective program directions and funding within three months.
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 25 2017
Armenia Armenian church union comes under stone attack in Turkey
The Armenian representation of the “Union of Salvation Churches” came under a stone attack by unidentified people in Turkey’s Malatya province, Ermenihaber reported, citing Gazetekarinca.com Turkish news agency.
According to the source, there was no one inside the building during the attack, which only left the glass of windows broken.
The security cameras installed in the area fixed the incident, with the faces of some of the attackers clearly outlined in the footage.
The Turkish police have launched an investigation into the incident.
To remind, a few days ago red crosses with red paint were spotted marked on the outside walls and doors of several households belonging to Alevi people in the Cemal Gürsel neighbourhood of Malatya.
Nov 25 2017
Armenia Armenian church union comes under stone attack in Turkey
The Armenian representation of the “Union of Salvation Churches” came under a stone attack by unidentified people in Turkey’s Malatya province, Ermenihaber reported, citing Gazetekarinca.com Turkish news agency.
According to the source, there was no one inside the building during the attack, which only left the glass of windows broken.
The security cameras installed in the area fixed the incident, with the faces of some of the attackers clearly outlined in the footage.
The Turkish police have launched an investigation into the incident.
To remind, a few days ago red crosses with red paint were spotted marked on the outside walls and doors of several households belonging to Alevi people in the Cemal Gürsel neighbourhood of Malatya.
Pan Armenian, Armenia
Nov 25 2017
Ani - forgotten Armenian capital’s majesty and solitude: Turkish paper
The contrast of majesty and isolation of theArmeniancity of Ani, which has been on the territory of modern Turkey since 1920, is the subject of a new article byTurkish newspaper Daily Sabah, in which the paper provides reasons for visiting the ancient and magnificent capital of the old Armenian Kingdom.
According to the publication, travelers can feel the rush of discovery if they take a flight out to Kars, and then a two-hour drive out to Ocakli village near the Armenian border, and then walk up the hill, where you'll find a lost city to discover.
Ani used to be a capital city of the Armenian kingdom in the 11th century.
“Its wealth and architecture rivaled Byzantine's Constantinople (modern day Istanbul). With a population of more than 200,000 at its peak, it was larger than both London and Paris at the time. It had a huge castle, battlements, a defensive wall, a thousand churches, 40 gates, and a thriving economy, and now, all that's left are its abandoned ruins on a high plateau. A stone bridge down in the gorge across a river, half collapsed. A guttered cone atop a brick church. The domes and arches of a sanctuary, fallen-in and exposed to the air. A cathedral with sturdy walls, covered with still-visible Armenian inscriptions, but with exposed, broken masonry. Walls and a gate no longer protecting anything. Emptiness,” the article says.
The contrast strikes you immediately: This must have been a magnificent city in its day, and yet today, this is the middle of nowhere and nobody lives here. Ani still has a lot of things standing, including some half-crumbled churches, towers, and a wall. It's wonderful to see such amazing stone architecture of a forgotten empire, and even better is that almost nobody goes there. On a really busy day, there might be eight other tourists.
The article then goes on to cite various authors, diplomats, military officials who were captivated by the beauty of the age-old Armenian city.
Daily Mirror, UK
November 24, 2017 Friday
Henrikh in a fight for future: Shape up or it's the end, Hen
by DAVID McDONNELL
MANCHESTER UNITED outcast Henrikh Mkhitaryan is facing a battle to
convince manager Jose Mourinho that he deserves to reclaim his place.
Mkhitaryan's form has deserted him to such an extent Mourinho has axed
him from United's last two match-day squads, despite the attacking
midfielder being fully fit.
Mourinho left Mkhitaryan (above) out of the squad that beat Newcastle
4-1 - and made the 28-year-old travel to Basel before omitting him
from Wednesday's disappointing 1-0 Champions League defeat in
Switzerland.
Mourinho hopes the stigma of being dropped will jolt the Armenian from
his slumber.
Signed from Borussia Dortmund for £27million in July 2016, Mkhitaryan
enjoyed an impressive start this season - producing a handful of
assists to apparently cement his place as United's No.10.
But his form dropped off, with Mourinho and his United coaches
deciding he no longer warranted his place and agreeing to drop him
completely.
Mkhitaryan has been on the receiving end of Mourinho's 'tough love'
approach before. He was exiled for nearly two months last season
following a calamitous 45 minutes in United's 2-1 derby defeat by
City.
The playmaker returned to become one of United's most effective
players as they won the League Cup and Europa League.
Mourinho has preferred Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial
in attacking roles recently, while Jesse Lingard is in favour again -
and £89m Paul Pogba back in business after injury.
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