Armenian News... A Topalian... Serena and Alexis
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 18 2017
World Vogue: Inside Serena Williams’s and Alexis Ohanian’s fairy-tale wedding
in New Orleans
Fashion magazine Vogue has published exclusive photos from the wedding of Tennis superstar Serena Williams and American businessman of Armenian origin Alexis Ohanian, who is the co-founder of Reddit social network.
To note Williams and Ohanian have been in a relationship since late 2015.
The magazine writes the pair chose November 16 as their wedding date in memory of Alexis’s mother, who passed away nine years ago. “It is her birthday, and we wanted her to be represented at the wedding,” says Serena. “Obviously, we wish that she could be here for this, but choosing her birthday as our wedding date was a nice way of making sure she’s still involved and made us feel more connected to her on our day.”
Among high-profile guests of the ceremony have been Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Kim Kardashian West, Anna Wintour; Ciara, and La La Anthony.
https://www.panorama.am/en/ news/2017/11/18/Vogue-Inside- Serena-Williams%E2%80%99s-and- Alexis-Ohanian%E2%80%99s- fairy-tale-wedding-in-New- Orleans/1867172
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia
November 18, 2017 Saturday
Armenia to be the first member of EAEU and CSTO to sign framework
agreement with EU – New Europe publishes article
One of the key events of the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in
Fashion magazine Vogue has published exclusive photos from the wedding of Tennis superstar Serena Williams and American businessman of Armenian origin Alexis Ohanian, who is the co-founder of Reddit social network.
To note Williams and Ohanian have been in a relationship since late 2015.
The magazine writes the pair chose November 16 as their wedding date in memory of Alexis’s mother, who passed away nine years ago. “It is her birthday, and we wanted her to be represented at the wedding,” says Serena. “Obviously, we wish that she could be here for this, but choosing her birthday as our wedding date was a nice way of making sure she’s still involved and made us feel more connected to her on our day.”
Among high-profile guests of the ceremony have been Beyoncé and her mother, Tina Knowles, Kelly Rowland, Kim Kardashian West, Anna Wintour; Ciara, and La La Anthony.
https://www.panorama.am/en/ news/2017/11/18/Vogue-Inside- Serena-Williams%E2%80%99s-and- Alexis-Ohanian%E2%80%99s- fairy-tale-wedding-in-New- Orleans/1867172
Armenpress News Agency, Armenia
November 18, 2017 Saturday
Armenia to be the first member of EAEU and CSTO to sign framework
agreement with EU – New Europe publishes article
One of the key events of the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit in
Brussels is expected to be the signing of the EU-Armenia Framework
Agreement, Armenpress reports, New Europe published an article on this topic.
Author of the article Violetta Rushev says there is no doubt about
Armenia’s commitment to intensify its political and economic ties with
the EU.
“The planned signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement on
the sidelines of the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels
will be Armenia’s second attempt to get closer to the EU”, Violetta
Rushev writes, reminding that in 2013 Armenia didn’t sign the
agreement with the EU and announced the decision on joining the
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Rushev says the rapid change in political and economic preferences in
Yerevan served like a cold shower for the EU bureaucrats.
According to author, for some, the decision, taken by Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan in the run-up to the 2013 EPS in Vilnius, was
at first sight unexpected, but it barely surprised those who are
familiar with the economic situation of this small South-Caucasian
republic. She said Armenia, a landlocked country, has few natural
resources, closed border with Turkey and uneasy relations with
Azerbaijan. “Considering these circumstances, this tiny Christian
Orthodox country had no other options but to seek Russia’s support”,
she writes, adding that at present, Russia is Armenia’s biggest trade
partner.
“If Armenia signs the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in
Brussels next week, it will be the first member of the EAEU and CSTO
to sign a framework agreement with the EU. It looks as though Armenia,
trapped between its traditional ties to the East and a desire to
integrate with the West, chose the latter option”, the author said.
RFE/RL Report
Armenian Parliament Adopts Controversial Military Service Law Despite
Student Protests
November 15, 2017
Ruzanna Stepanian
Amid continuing protests the Armenian parliament on Wednesday passed
in its second and final reading a controversial bill that, in
particular, restricts the rights of students to draft deferments.
Eighty-six members of the 105-seat National Assembly dominated by the
ruling Republican Party of Armenia and its junior coalition partner,
the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), voted in favor
of the legislation, with six lawmakers voting against it.
The votes against the bill came from the opposition Yelk faction,
whose representative Ararat Mirzoyan before the ballot called on his
fellow parliamentarians to vote against the legislation that has
sparked protests among students.
Hundreds of students of Yerevan State University, Armenia's largest
and oldest educational establishment, as well as students from some
other universities have held protests against the legislation under
which in order to get a draft deferment all male students who want to
pursue their studies must sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense
and agree to serve three years in the military after completing their
studies at the location chosen by the Ministry. Otherwise, the
legislation stipulates, the students will be drafted to the army once
they attain the age of 18 to serve for two years.
The protesting students as well as several opposition political
parties and public figures in Armenia believe this measure will only
harm the development of science in the country as it will imply
interruptions in the education process or will otherwise discourage
the few students who want to pursue scientific careers from entering
post-graduate studies.
To discuss the situation, representatives of the protesting students
met with Prime Minister Karen Karapetian, Education Minister Levon
Mkrtchian and Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian last week. After the
meetings, however, students continued their protests, including the
boycott of classes, saying that they were not satisfied with the
government's approach.
Five members of the group called "For Science Development" locked
themselves in a lecture room at Yerevan State University on Tuesday,
declaring they had gone on a hunger strike. One of the protesters felt
bad and was attended to by ambulance medics later that day. Four of
the activists continued their hunger strike, refusing to leave the
room despite calls from the university's rector. They, however, joined
the protest outside the parliament building today.
Activists who rallied in front of the National Assembly in Yerevan
today said they were determined to continue their struggle despite the
adoption of the law.
Defense Minister Sargsian, who initiated the legislation as part of
his Nation-Army doctrine, and other government officials say the main
purpose of the legislation is not to man the military, but to restore
justice among those male students who get draft deferments and
exemptions from military service and those who don't. They believe the
new law on army service and the status of servicemen will not harm
science in any way, but will only eliminate corruption by closing a
key loophole to avoiding compulsory military service.
Author of the article Violetta Rushev says there is no doubt about
Armenia’s commitment to intensify its political and economic ties with
the EU.
“The planned signing of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement on
the sidelines of the upcoming Eastern Partnership summit in Brussels
will be Armenia’s second attempt to get closer to the EU”, Violetta
Rushev writes, reminding that in 2013 Armenia didn’t sign the
agreement with the EU and announced the decision on joining the
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Rushev says the rapid change in political and economic preferences in
Yerevan served like a cold shower for the EU bureaucrats.
According to author, for some, the decision, taken by Armenian
President Serzh Sargsyan in the run-up to the 2013 EPS in Vilnius, was
at first sight unexpected, but it barely surprised those who are
familiar with the economic situation of this small South-Caucasian
republic. She said Armenia, a landlocked country, has few natural
resources, closed border with Turkey and uneasy relations with
Azerbaijan. “Considering these circumstances, this tiny Christian
Orthodox country had no other options but to seek Russia’s support”,
she writes, adding that at present, Russia is Armenia’s biggest trade
partner.
“If Armenia signs the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement in
Brussels next week, it will be the first member of the EAEU and CSTO
to sign a framework agreement with the EU. It looks as though Armenia,
trapped between its traditional ties to the East and a desire to
integrate with the West, chose the latter option”, the author said.
RFE/RL Report
Armenian Parliament Adopts Controversial Military Service Law Despite
Student Protests
November 15, 2017
Ruzanna Stepanian
Amid continuing protests the Armenian parliament on Wednesday passed
in its second and final reading a controversial bill that, in
particular, restricts the rights of students to draft deferments.
Eighty-six members of the 105-seat National Assembly dominated by the
ruling Republican Party of Armenia and its junior coalition partner,
the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), voted in favor
of the legislation, with six lawmakers voting against it.
The votes against the bill came from the opposition Yelk faction,
whose representative Ararat Mirzoyan before the ballot called on his
fellow parliamentarians to vote against the legislation that has
sparked protests among students.
Hundreds of students of Yerevan State University, Armenia's largest
and oldest educational establishment, as well as students from some
other universities have held protests against the legislation under
which in order to get a draft deferment all male students who want to
pursue their studies must sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense
and agree to serve three years in the military after completing their
studies at the location chosen by the Ministry. Otherwise, the
legislation stipulates, the students will be drafted to the army once
they attain the age of 18 to serve for two years.
The protesting students as well as several opposition political
parties and public figures in Armenia believe this measure will only
harm the development of science in the country as it will imply
interruptions in the education process or will otherwise discourage
the few students who want to pursue scientific careers from entering
post-graduate studies.
To discuss the situation, representatives of the protesting students
met with Prime Minister Karen Karapetian, Education Minister Levon
Mkrtchian and Defense Minister Vigen Sargsian last week. After the
meetings, however, students continued their protests, including the
boycott of classes, saying that they were not satisfied with the
government's approach.
Five members of the group called "For Science Development" locked
themselves in a lecture room at Yerevan State University on Tuesday,
declaring they had gone on a hunger strike. One of the protesters felt
bad and was attended to by ambulance medics later that day. Four of
the activists continued their hunger strike, refusing to leave the
room despite calls from the university's rector. They, however, joined
the protest outside the parliament building today.
Activists who rallied in front of the National Assembly in Yerevan
today said they were determined to continue their struggle despite the
adoption of the law.
Defense Minister Sargsian, who initiated the legislation as part of
his Nation-Army doctrine, and other government officials say the main
purpose of the legislation is not to man the military, but to restore
justice among those male students who get draft deferments and
exemptions from military service and those who don't. They believe the
new law on army service and the status of servicemen will not harm
science in any way, but will only eliminate corruption by closing a
key loophole to avoiding compulsory military service.
RFE/RL Report
Opposition Criticizes Government Over 2018 Draft Budget
November 16, 2017
Astghik Bedevian
Members of the opposition factions in parliament leveled harsh
criticism at the government over the draft budget for next year,
claiming that it falls short of the ruling party's promise of
increased pensions and salaries in 2018.
Lawmaker Lena Nazarian from the opposition Yelk faction said: "The
public must know that the Republican Party of Armenia and the
government have failed to live up to their promise of raising pensions
and the minimal salary."
The opposition lawmaker reminded that while speaking in a television
show ahead of the April parliamentary elections Prime Minister Karen
Karapetian said that pensions and the minimal salary will be raised in
2018 "if everything continues at the same rate."
Naira Zohrabian representing the Tsarukian Alliance's parliamentary
faction also mentioned the failture to raise pensions and salaries
among the reasons for not voting against the government-drafted
budget. "Besides, this budget does not curb disgraceful inflation, it
cuts more than 5,500 jobs in the public sector, reduces spending for
education and health," she said.
The oppositionist also described the country's demographic situation
as "catastrophic". She disagreed with Prime Minister Karapetian's
statement that how people feel economic growth is an immeasurable
factor. "No, Mr. prime minister, this is quite a measurable factor. If
you and your team felt at least for one day what an ordinary Armenian
citizen feels, then you would surely not say that economic growth is
an immeasurable factor," Zohrabian charged.
The government promises to ensure a 4.5-percent growth of the Gross
Domestic Product in 2018. It expects the industrial and services
sectors to provide the bulk of this growth.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov, who represents the
ruling Republican Party of Armenia, responded to the opposition's
criticism. "Instead of giving fish to our people we should teach them
how to fish. With our contribution we should enable people to create
conditions for themselves to catch that fish," he said.
November 16, 2017
Astghik Bedevian
Members of the opposition factions in parliament leveled harsh
criticism at the government over the draft budget for next year,
claiming that it falls short of the ruling party's promise of
increased pensions and salaries in 2018.
Lawmaker Lena Nazarian from the opposition Yelk faction said: "The
public must know that the Republican Party of Armenia and the
government have failed to live up to their promise of raising pensions
and the minimal salary."
The opposition lawmaker reminded that while speaking in a television
show ahead of the April parliamentary elections Prime Minister Karen
Karapetian said that pensions and the minimal salary will be raised in
2018 "if everything continues at the same rate."
Naira Zohrabian representing the Tsarukian Alliance's parliamentary
faction also mentioned the failture to raise pensions and salaries
among the reasons for not voting against the government-drafted
budget. "Besides, this budget does not curb disgraceful inflation, it
cuts more than 5,500 jobs in the public sector, reduces spending for
education and health," she said.
The oppositionist also described the country's demographic situation
as "catastrophic". She disagreed with Prime Minister Karapetian's
statement that how people feel economic growth is an immeasurable
factor. "No, Mr. prime minister, this is quite a measurable factor. If
you and your team felt at least for one day what an ordinary Armenian
citizen feels, then you would surely not say that economic growth is
an immeasurable factor," Zohrabian charged.
The government promises to ensure a 4.5-percent growth of the Gross
Domestic Product in 2018. It expects the industrial and services
sectors to provide the bulk of this growth.
Deputy Parliament Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov, who represents the
ruling Republican Party of Armenia, responded to the opposition's
criticism. "Instead of giving fish to our people we should teach them
how to fish. With our contribution we should enable people to create
conditions for themselves to catch that fish," he said.
EurasiaNet.org
Nov 17 2017
Karabakh: What to Make of the Fresh Diplomatic Round?
Emil Sanamyan
A EurasiaNet Partner Post from: Institute of Armenian Studies at USC Dornsife
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan meeting for talks at in Geneva in October 2017. The presidents have conceded that it is necessary to reduce tension in the Karabakh region before the next round of talks.
With relative quiet continuing on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Line of Contact, bilateral negotiations were set to resume a full month after Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev held talks in Geneva, Switzerland, described as “constructive” by the mediators. While both presidents have made clear that they disagree on the key matter of Karabakh’s status, both agreed that it was necessary to reduce frontline tensions for a new round of talks.
Preliminary ground work is being prepared. Sargsyan met with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on November 15. Putin had already met with Aliyev two weeks earlier. Also this week, Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers met with American, French and Russian co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, whereas Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov announced plans to visit Baku and Yerevan on November 19-20. A meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers was expected to take place in the near future, presumably followed by another presidential summit.
This latest round of talks is taking place in the context of intensified contacts between Russian and Turkish leaders, amid their shared antagonism towards the United States and the European Union. The Russia-Turkey talks have focused on achieving a ceasefire in Syria, where both countries have troops on the ground that support opposing sides.
“Turkey will also continue to act in solidarity with Azerbaijan in its just cause of getting upper Karabakh back from Armenia,” Erdogan told Turkish media on November 1, after his visit to Baku. “I will talk about the matter with Russian President Putin when we meet next week or the week after. His attitude is very important. If he really focusses (sic) on the matter, it will be easily resolved.”
However, neither Erdogan nor Putin mentioned Karabakh in their statements for the media after their November 13 talks. Both leaders were to meet again on November 22, this time in a trilateral format with Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani for talks on Syria. Erdogan had brought up Karabakh with Putin on several occasions in the past.
Azerbaijan has long sought to build international pressure against Armenia, but only Turkey and a few other countries at the Organization of Islamic Conference have overtly sided with Azerbaijan in the conflict. Even Turkey’s support appeared shaky in 2008-9, as it negotiated normalization of relations with Armenia. Aliyev was able to maintain Erdogan’s support for Azerbaijan’s position not least through billions of dollars of investments in Turkey’s energy and transportation infrastructure, some of them directly involving Erdogan’s family.
Since Russia-Georgia war of 2008, Azerbaijan re-focused its attention on Russia, seeking to sway President Putin’s position in its favor. While the Russian leadership approved the sale of billions of dollars of military equipment to Azerbaijan and Aliyev’s official rhetoric became aligned with Russia on the matter of Western “meddling,” Russia also sold advanced missile systems to Armenia and warned Azerbaijan against resuming large-scale hostilities.
Last month, chair of the Russian Senate’s foreign affairs committee Konstantin Kosachev again reminded Baku of Georgia’s 2008 experience, suggesting that any resumption of fighting would only help formalize Nagorno Karabakh’s separation from Azerbaijan. Lately, in other Karabakh-related conversations, Russia and Azerbaijan have also been going through a rough patch , with Aliyev-controlled media suggesting that these misunderstandings were caused by foreign minister Lavrov , because he is partially of Armenian descent.
Putin himself appears to believe that an attempt to shift the Karabakh status quo – either in Azerbaijan’s or Armenia’s favor – would hurt broader Russian interests and is not eager to do that. However, Russia might be interested in building up an alternative, regional states only format for conflict resolution, as it has been doing with Turkey and Iran on Syria, to illustrate the limits of Western influences. With Washington’s and Brussels’ appetite for supporting former Soviet republics mostly lost, France and the United States have long acquiesced to Russia’s leadership role in Karabakh talks, and supplanting the Minsk Group with a regional “concert of powers” -type arrangement would help formalize that.
For Sargsyan and Aliyev, these meetings, photo opportunities and associated commentary are important ways of continually reasserting domestic leadership. Sargsyan, in particular, will be concluding his final term as president in April 2018, when executive power transfers to a prime minister picked by parliamentary majority. While his specific role has not been made clear, Sargsyan is expected to remain leader of the ruling party and has expressed a desire to remain Armenia’s chief decision-maker on matters of national security. Azerbaijan is also expected to hold a presidential election in 2018 and, although that appear unlikely today, a speculation is building that Aliyev could transfer the presidency to his spouse, Mehriban Aliyeva, who was made first vice president earlier this year.
Nov 17 2017
Karabakh: What to Make of the Fresh Diplomatic Round?
Emil Sanamyan
A EurasiaNet Partner Post from: Institute of Armenian Studies at USC Dornsife
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan meeting for talks at in Geneva in October 2017. The presidents have conceded that it is necessary to reduce tension in the Karabakh region before the next round of talks.
With relative quiet continuing on the Armenian-Azerbaijani Line of Contact, bilateral negotiations were set to resume a full month after Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev held talks in Geneva, Switzerland, described as “constructive” by the mediators. While both presidents have made clear that they disagree on the key matter of Karabakh’s status, both agreed that it was necessary to reduce frontline tensions for a new round of talks.
Preliminary ground work is being prepared. Sargsyan met with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on November 15. Putin had already met with Aliyev two weeks earlier. Also this week, Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers met with American, French and Russian co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, whereas Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov announced plans to visit Baku and Yerevan on November 19-20. A meeting of Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers was expected to take place in the near future, presumably followed by another presidential summit.
This latest round of talks is taking place in the context of intensified contacts between Russian and Turkish leaders, amid their shared antagonism towards the United States and the European Union. The Russia-Turkey talks have focused on achieving a ceasefire in Syria, where both countries have troops on the ground that support opposing sides.
“Turkey will also continue to act in solidarity with Azerbaijan in its just cause of getting upper Karabakh back from Armenia,” Erdogan told Turkish media on November 1, after his visit to Baku. “I will talk about the matter with Russian President Putin when we meet next week or the week after. His attitude is very important. If he really focusses (sic) on the matter, it will be easily resolved.”
However, neither Erdogan nor Putin mentioned Karabakh in their statements for the media after their November 13 talks. Both leaders were to meet again on November 22, this time in a trilateral format with Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani for talks on Syria. Erdogan had brought up Karabakh with Putin on several occasions in the past.
Azerbaijan has long sought to build international pressure against Armenia, but only Turkey and a few other countries at the Organization of Islamic Conference have overtly sided with Azerbaijan in the conflict. Even Turkey’s support appeared shaky in 2008-9, as it negotiated normalization of relations with Armenia. Aliyev was able to maintain Erdogan’s support for Azerbaijan’s position not least through billions of dollars of investments in Turkey’s energy and transportation infrastructure, some of them directly involving Erdogan’s family.
Since Russia-Georgia war of 2008, Azerbaijan re-focused its attention on Russia, seeking to sway President Putin’s position in its favor. While the Russian leadership approved the sale of billions of dollars of military equipment to Azerbaijan and Aliyev’s official rhetoric became aligned with Russia on the matter of Western “meddling,” Russia also sold advanced missile systems to Armenia and warned Azerbaijan against resuming large-scale hostilities.
Last month, chair of the Russian Senate’s foreign affairs committee Konstantin Kosachev again reminded Baku of Georgia’s 2008 experience, suggesting that any resumption of fighting would only help formalize Nagorno Karabakh’s separation from Azerbaijan. Lately, in other Karabakh-related conversations, Russia and Azerbaijan have also been going through a rough patch , with Aliyev-controlled media suggesting that these misunderstandings were caused by foreign minister Lavrov , because he is partially of Armenian descent.
Putin himself appears to believe that an attempt to shift the Karabakh status quo – either in Azerbaijan’s or Armenia’s favor – would hurt broader Russian interests and is not eager to do that. However, Russia might be interested in building up an alternative, regional states only format for conflict resolution, as it has been doing with Turkey and Iran on Syria, to illustrate the limits of Western influences. With Washington’s and Brussels’ appetite for supporting former Soviet republics mostly lost, France and the United States have long acquiesced to Russia’s leadership role in Karabakh talks, and supplanting the Minsk Group with a regional “concert of powers” -type arrangement would help formalize that.
For Sargsyan and Aliyev, these meetings, photo opportunities and associated commentary are important ways of continually reasserting domestic leadership. Sargsyan, in particular, will be concluding his final term as president in April 2018, when executive power transfers to a prime minister picked by parliamentary majority. While his specific role has not been made clear, Sargsyan is expected to remain leader of the ruling party and has expressed a desire to remain Armenia’s chief decision-maker on matters of national security. Azerbaijan is also expected to hold a presidential election in 2018 and, although that appear unlikely today, a speculation is building that Aliyev could transfer the presidency to his spouse, Mehriban Aliyeva, who was made first vice president earlier this year.
StepFeed
Nov 19 2017
7 things Armenians in Lebanon are really tired of hearing
Not all of us are called Sako and live in Burj Hammoud ...
Dana Hourany
Walking through the streets of Lebanon, you can easily see the diversity and influence of different cultures, one of which is the Armenian.
Despite their rich history and many contributions, Armenians, like other minority groups, are faced with a lot of questions/statements they are tired of hearing.
Here are just some of them based on the accounts of several Lebanese Armenians we spoke to.
1. “Oh wow, I didn’t know you could speak Arabic!”
“I really hate it when people assume we don’t know Arabic. I’ve lived in Syria, Egypt, Iraq and now Lebanon. I probably know the language better than half the Lebanese people!" Caroline Bakjejian, a resident of Gemmayze, said.
"We have more than 100 years of experience in the Middle Eastern region."
2. “Do you prefer Armenia or Lebanon?”
“How about both? We love Lebanon because it’s the country we grew up in and we love Armenia because it’s our homeland! Why do we have to choose? Please don’t assume that we all share the same opinion as Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism Avadis Kadanian , who said he prefers Armenia. No, just no,” 18-year-old Garod Kambourian said.
3. “You must love basterma!”
“My husband and I really don’t like basterma and we’re both Armenian. Not all Armenians love basterma, just like not all Lebanese people love tabbouleh. Oh, and believe it or not we don’t eat at Basterma Mano everyday,” Bourj Hammoud resident, Anahid Sislian, told StepFeed.
4. “I know how to cuss in Armenian”
"Oh wow, what an achievement! You must think you deserve a medal for your multilingual cussing.
It’s funny, because you can’t even spell half of our words right. But hey, nice try," 29-year-old Raffi Kalajian said.
5. “Shou btehko bel bet?” ( what language do you use at home?)
“I really don’t think it’s a big deal which language we use at home but Armenian is usually the easiest option for us. I personally don’t care about the language I use as long as my kids remember to wash the dishes and not leave food on the floor,“ Jal El Dib resident, Sasso Hasholian, said.
6. “Oh you must know Sako from Burj Hammoud, who has a motorcycle!”
"You mean my brother Sako? Or my cousin Sako? Or maybe my grandmother’s son-in-law’s nephew Sako?
Asking an Armenian about 'Sako' is the equivalent of asking a Muslim about 'Mohammad' or a Christian about 'Michel,' we just know too many," psychology student Alik Vahe Kambourian said.
7. “You live in Burj Hammoud, right?”
“While it’s true that a large number of Armenians reside in Burj Hammoud, that doesn’t mean we refuse to live elsewhere. We have the freedom to move and live wherever we want, you know, it’s not like we’re held hostage in one place,” Zqaq el blat resident Aram Percudrum Papazian, said.
Metro, UK
Nov 20 2017
Henrikh Mkhitaryan ‘fighting to save Manchester United career’ as Jose Mourinho loses patience
United fear the Armenian cannot handle the rigours of the Premier League and needs a rest (Getty) Manchester United are seriously concerned about the form and fitness of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the playmaker’s Old Trafford career is in the balance, according to reports.
The Armenian, who only joined the club 16 months ago, lost his place in the United starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League victory over Newcastle.
While Jose Mourinho cited ‘tactical reasons’ for the omission, The Sun now claim that both the manager and his backroom team have major reservations about his suitability to the team and English football.
Mkhitaryan was integrated into the first team slowly last season but appeared to have found his feet when he record five assists in his first three league outings of the current campaign.
However, he has not recorded an assist since September and was dropped against both Huddersfield and Newcastle, with reports now saying he has shown alarming signs of fatigue.
Mourinho is growing increasingly frustrated with the former Borussia Dortmund man and is seriously concerned that he is still unable to adapt to the mental and physical demands of the Premier League.
The Sun quote one source who says Mkhitaryan is ‘battling to save his career’, with a number of the club’s staff concerned about his lack of sharpness and fitness.
In fact, it is so bad that Mourinho is considering giving the 28-year-old a period of rest over the coming weeks so he can build up some energy ahead of the busy festive schedule.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba back from injury, and Juan Mata taking his place against Newcastle, Mkhitaryan is facing a massive fight to get back in the side.
United, meanwhile, have been linked with a host of big-name attackers who could also take the Armenian’s place in the team, with Antoine Griezmann and Gareth Bale believed to be top of Mourinho’s shopping list, while a move for Mesut Ozil has also been muted.
Asking an Armenian about 'Sako' is the equivalent of asking a Muslim about 'Mohammad' or a Christian about 'Michel,' we just know too many," psychology student Alik Vahe Kambourian said.
7. “You live in Burj Hammoud, right?”
“While it’s true that a large number of Armenians reside in Burj Hammoud, that doesn’t mean we refuse to live elsewhere. We have the freedom to move and live wherever we want, you know, it’s not like we’re held hostage in one place,” Zqaq el blat resident Aram Percudrum Papazian, said.
Metro, UK
Nov 20 2017
Henrikh Mkhitaryan ‘fighting to save Manchester United career’ as Jose Mourinho loses patience
United fear the Armenian cannot handle the rigours of the Premier League and needs a rest (Getty) Manchester United are seriously concerned about the form and fitness of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the playmaker’s Old Trafford career is in the balance, according to reports.
The Armenian, who only joined the club 16 months ago, lost his place in the United starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League victory over Newcastle.
While Jose Mourinho cited ‘tactical reasons’ for the omission, The Sun now claim that both the manager and his backroom team have major reservations about his suitability to the team and English football.
Mkhitaryan was integrated into the first team slowly last season but appeared to have found his feet when he record five assists in his first three league outings of the current campaign.
However, he has not recorded an assist since September and was dropped against both Huddersfield and Newcastle, with reports now saying he has shown alarming signs of fatigue.
Mourinho is growing increasingly frustrated with the former Borussia Dortmund man and is seriously concerned that he is still unable to adapt to the mental and physical demands of the Premier League.
The Sun quote one source who says Mkhitaryan is ‘battling to save his career’, with a number of the club’s staff concerned about his lack of sharpness and fitness.
In fact, it is so bad that Mourinho is considering giving the 28-year-old a period of rest over the coming weeks so he can build up some energy ahead of the busy festive schedule.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba back from injury, and Juan Mata taking his place against Newcastle, Mkhitaryan is facing a massive fight to get back in the side.
United, meanwhile, have been linked with a host of big-name attackers who could also take the Armenian’s place in the team, with Antoine Griezmann and Gareth Bale believed to be top of Mourinho’s shopping list, while a move for Mesut Ozil has also been muted.
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