Armenian News... A Topalian 9 Editorials
Three Armenian Painters | Major UK Exhibition
14 September - 13 October 2019
Armenia has an illustrious history of artistic achievement. Armenian reliquaries, illuminated manuscripts, textiles and books have caused wonder and excitement since the fourth century. However their modern art has also caused waves and been no less groundbreaking. The most celebrated Armenian artist of the 20th century, Arshile Gorky, is seen by many as having laid the foundations for the development of Abstract Expressionism. Now Goldmark Gallery, Uppingham is to show the work of three celebrated contemporary Armenian artists in a new exhibition that opens on 14th September. They are Tigran Asatryan, Arthur Hovhannisyan and Ashot Yan. Between them the three artists’ exhibitions include ones in New York, Paris, Moscow, Istanbul, Cairo and the Venice Bienalle as well as many in their own homeland. However this is the first time that any of their work has been exhibited in the UK. Admission to Armenian Art at Goldmark is free.
We are proud to the the first UK gallery to recognise these three talents and also to showcase Armenian Art. The Metropolitan Museum in New York has just staged a major exhibition of Armenian culture and the Goldmark show will demonstrate how current Armenian art draws from its unique culture and history whilst also exploring the new.
Armenian Art at Goldmark has been curated by Baykar Demir, Istanbul based Armenian art historian and curator, and he adds, ‘Tigran Asatryan, Arthur Hovhannisyan and Ashot Yan are each unique artists in their own right and their styles range from the sophisticated to the naturalistic, from portraiture to fairy like iconography with influences of The Renaissance, Surrealism, Mythology and Russia. However each is rooted in the very individual cultural heritage of Armenia and British visitors to Goldmark are guaranteed a long overdue insight into that culture and the passion that drives modern Armenian Art.'
Contact us for an invitation
14 Orange St, Uppingham, Oakham LE15 9SQ
Armenpress.am
28 August, 2019
Visits to Armenia’s theaters increase by 41% in first half of 2019
The visits to Armenia’s theaters increased by 41% in the first half of 2019, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Facebook.
“If in the first half of 2018, 113 thousand 832 people visited theaters, in the first half of 2019 the number of citizens who visited theaters comprised 160 thousand 423 people”, the PM said.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
RFE/RL Report
Armenian, Azeri FMs To Meet Again
August 29, 2019
Astghik Bedevian
Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanian said on Thursday he will meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart Elmar Mammadyarov again soon for fresh talks on the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
“Our objective is to continue the dialogue at the level of the foreign ministers,” he told reporters.
Mnatsakanian did not specify the date or venue of the talks. But other sources told RFE/RL’s Armenian service that they are likely to be held in New York in September.
The two ministers most recently met in Washington on June 20 in the presence of the U.S., Russian and French mediators co-heading the OSCE Minsk Group. The
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry described that meeting as “positive.”
The mediators said it focused on recent armed incidents around Karabakh and “core issues of the settlement process.” In a joint statement, they said they
urged the conflicting parties to “restore an atmosphere conducive to peace and favorable to substantive talks.”
Mnatsakanian and Mammadyarov have met on a regular basis over the past year. There have also been a series of face-to-face negotiations between Armenian
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Deadly truce violations along “the line of contact” around Karabakh and the
Armenian-Azerbaijani border decreased significantly following the first Aliyev-Pashinian talks held in September 2018.
According to Mnatsakanian, another Armenian-Azerbaijani summit is not being “planned” yet.
In a speech delivered before senior Armenian diplomats on Tuesday, Mnatsakanian charged that “Azerbaijan’s unchanged policy of Armenophobia continues to threaten the existence of the Karabakh people.” He also said that Yerevan will never accept a peaceful settlement limiting the Karabakh Armenians’ right to self-determination.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry condemned these remarks on Wednesday, saying that they could reignite tensions in the Karabakh conflict zone. “The Armenian
authorities must finally decide whether they want peace or an escalation of the situation,” it warned in a statement.
Mnatsakanian shrugged off Baku’s reaction. “I don’t want to pay much attention to that because it would mean entering a field which is not interesting for me,” he said.
PanArmenian, Armenia
Aug 29 2019
235 Syrians receive Armenian passports in Q2
235 Syrian Armenians received Armenian citizenship in the second quarter of 2019, including 34 in Damascus and 201 in Aleppo.
All of them were exempted from paying state duties.
The Armenian government on Thursday, August 29 decided to allocate AMD 14.1 million ($30,000) to reimburse the state duties.
“The government tries to support all foreign citizens of Armenian nationality and Armenian citizens whose country of residence is caught in an emergency that threatens their life or health.”
Wanderlust, UK
Aug 29 2019
Armenian food beginner’s guide: 7 dishes you absolutely must try
Hearty, delicious and made from the freshest ingredients, Armenian cuisine has borrowed the flavours of traders and conquerors to create a unique taste of its own...
Located at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, Armenia’s cuisine has been influenced by traders and conquers from the Mediterranean, Middle East and Eastern Europe.
It makes use of the freshest ingredients – Armenian fruit and vegetables are legendary throughout the region – and all kinds of spices, herbs, meat and fish.
Eating is an integral part of life in Armenia. Locals will find any excuse to have a feast, so don’t be surprised to be dragged into a family home as a guest of honour, enjoying a delicious meal made from recipes passed down from generation to generation.
And while some of the dishes may seem familiar (tabbouleh, dolma and kebab are staples), each has a distinctly Armenian twist. Just don’t expect your cook to reveal their secret ingredients too readily.
Here are the Armenian dishes you absolutely must try...
1. Khorovats
Khorovats are the Armenian take on a kebab, an inescapable part of dining in the country. In restaurants and in truck stops, on street corners and in family homes, you’ll find charcoal manghals (grills) and a man turning skewers loaded with huge chunks of meat over an open flame.
Pork, lamb and beef are the preferred cuts of meat and there is little marinading or seasoning. Armenians believe condiments detract from the natural flavours of the meat. And while you may sometimes see peppers and onions on the skewers, they are there purely for decoration.
The ‘greens’ come with the salad that accompanies every khorovats, made from fried tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, greens and onion. Wrap it all up in lavash, the delicious local flat bread, and experience a simple foodie delight.
2. Kyufta
Every Middle Eastern country has their take on the classic kofta, but nothing comes close to the Armenian version.
Like its near east cousins, minced meat is lightly spiced and mixed with crushed wheat and onions. They're also rolled into a tapered spinning top shape. But instead of being grilled, Armenians cook them in a broth.
A simple chicken broth is usually used, with that little bit of Armenian zing created by a dash of pomegranate molasses and brown sugar. Well flavoured and rich, kyufta are served sliced with a squeeze of lemon juice.
3. Dolma
Pronounced ‘tolma’ in Armenia, dolma is another dish you may recognise and think you know. Made from a mix of minced meat, onion, rice, and various spices, all wrapped up in a vine leaf, they are a staple across the eastern Mediterranean. But there’s something different about the Armenia dolma – both on how they are prepared and in the ingredients used.
Every Armenian grandmother has their own dolma recipe, but all agree that the key is in how you prepare the leaves. The key is to remove them from boiling water as soon as they change colour.
Armenians are also more adventurous with ingredients, too. Expect to find lentils, tomatoes, courgette, aubergine, mint, red peppers, coriander and onions as well as the more traditional rice.
Keep an eye out for the special dolma produced especially for Easter. The ingredients are largely the same, but the vine leaves are replaced with cabbage leaves.
4. Ishkhan
Armenia may be a landlocked country, but it still boasts its fair share of fishes dishes. The most famous is Ishkhan, based on a particular type of trout found in Lake Sevan.
The trout of Sevan are ‘meatier’ than most and, such was their fame, they were being exported across the region as early as the 15th century.
Ishkhan can be prepared in an infinite number of ways. You can order it be boiled, fried or braised with almonds. The most famous dish sees the fish cooked in wine and seasoned with basil, tarragon, chives and pepper.
It is also delicious stuffed with local hazelnuts or apricots. Such is the popularity of Sevan trout, locals drive from Yerevan especially to eat it, dining in family run restaurants overlooking the lake.
5. Manti
Ask any member of Armenia’s widespread diaspora what dish they miss most from home and the answer is unanimous: manti, delicious baked dumplings served in tomato sauce with a garlicky yoghurt on the side.
It’s not just the taste they miss. It is arguably Armenia’s most sociable meal. Baked until crisp, eager hands will be snapping off the thumb-sized dumplings and dipping them in yoghurt almost as soon as the dish is plonked on the table.
There are some variations. Some like the tomato sauce spicy. Others like their yoghurt less garlicky. Manti may have originated in Western Armenia, but it is much-loved across the country.
6. Ghapama
A delicious moorish dish from southern Armenia, ghapama is so beloved throughout the country that it has its very own song – Hey Jan Ghapama – extolling its delicious taste and fragrance.
Basically, it's a butternut pumpkin, scooped out and stuffed with rice and dried fruits. It's a real winter warmer and easily the most popular vegetarian dish in the country.
A mix of dried fruit can be used in the stuffing, including apples, prunes and plums. This being Armenia, apricots are a must. After the stuffing, the pumpkin is baked then cut up and served to eager diners.
Whether or not you have Hey Jan Ghapama playing in the background is entirely up to you.
7. Gata
Gata. It’s mere mention is guaranteed to bring a sparkle to any Armenian eyes. A sweet egg-rich, bread-like cake, it is exotic and syrupy and the perfect accompaniment to a thick, dark cup of surj, the industrial strength local coffee.
Gata goes by many names, look out for kada or katah if you cannot spot it on a menu, and varies in shape and size from region to region.
Everyone has their on twist on the classic recipe, too, so don’t be surprised to come across variations in ingredients. One thing never changes though – a well made gata always melts in your mouth.
Click for pictures:
https://www.wanderlust.co.uk/content/best-traditional-armenian-food/?fbclid=IwAR0vbjrU-bFlOhbwmFmwvt6JIFnkqAlI6XYQdG2xnMm-6jBEfPJYrMKnWVo
JAM News
Aug 30 2019
Company claiming Armenian gold mine safe for exploitation says another study needed
The consulting company admits that its data is not sufficient to draw a conclusion about the safety of operating the mine
A Skype conference was held between the Armenian government and Lebanese consulting company employees on August 29.
Elard recently released a study of how the exploitation of the Amulsar goldmine in Armenia would affect the local environment, particularly near Sevan Lake and the resort town of Jermuk.
The study went on for a year.
The conference began with the main question asked by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan: will it be possible to control the environmental risks associated with operating the Amulsar mine.
Representatives of the consulting company responded that their research is not sufficient to determine whether the operation of the mine will be completely safe.
Meanwhile, a comprehensive examination of the Elard company has already cost the treasury 400,000 dollars.
On August 14, Elard’s report was published stating that environmental risks during the operation of the Amulsar goldmine are minimal.
Then the authorities refused to conduct a new environmental review. The prime minister himself, during an hour and a half live broadcast on his Facebook page, said that the mine’s security level would be unprecedented.
Results of the discussion – a new study?
The discussion between members of the government and Elard representatives began with a statement by project coordinator Ricardo Khuri.
He said that the risks to the water resources of the territories around Amulsar “should be manageable.”
And this will be possible if Lydian, which has received a license to develop the mine, will properly carry out additional activities.
This phrase seemed rather vague to Prime Minister Pashinyan and he asked to formulate his response more specifically.
Then Khuri immediately announced the need for a new study:
“In fact, the activities proposed by Lydian have flaws. The environmental impact assessment needs to be reviewed. A new environmental impact assessment is needed.”
Recently, the spokesman for the Prime Minister, Vladimir Karapetyan, stated that the government sees no reason for another study.
Deputies of the parliament and the Lydian Armenia company also took part in the conference.
Minister of the Environment Eric Grigoryan inquired from representatives of the Lebanese company as to why the company’s study does not provide clear answers to questions and is full of shortcomings.
Khuri said that the study was ordered by the Investigative Committee of Armenia, and that Elard worked on the issue with studies given to them by the body – Elard allegedly pointed out numerous shortcomings of the studies and information they were provided with.
It follows that the consulting company in the process relied on research conducted earlier by local structures, and did not conduct fresh and its own research.
Khuri said the main question that the Investigative Committee was interested in was whether the mine could even work. And the company replied that with the available data, safe operation is not possible:
“Our team believes that the expert reviews conducted in 2016, as well as the environmental impact assessment, are not enough for the safe operation of the mine. And this is very clearly documented in our conclusion.”
Family connections in the Amulsar Mine case
On August 29, Armenian media reported that the head of the criminal investigation looking into the Amulsara mine Yura Ivanyan and former Minister of Environmental Protection Aramais Grigoryan are relatives – infocom.am reports they are cousins.
It was Grigoryan in 2016 who approved the expert opinion on the operation of the mine.
The ex-minister did not deny blood connection:
“Yes, we are relatives. What is this about? We are distantly related. The examination was approved back in 2014. In 2016, on the basis of new circumstances we conducted another environmental impact assessment.”
Meanwhile, on August 26, it was Yura Ivanyan who gave a press conference at which he announced that the environmental risks of the mine’s operation would be manageable.
In addition to the two brothers, the sister of the head of the investigation team, Yuri Ivanian, was also employed at the Ministry of Nature Protection. She holds the position of Head of Biodiversity and Biosafety Policy.
Despite all this, the Investigative Committee is confident that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure an objective investigation.
On the Amulsar gold mine
Amulsar mine is the second largest gold deposit in Armenia, and contains about 31 tonnes of ore and 40 tonnes of pure gold.
Lydian Armenia discovered the gold mine back in 2005.
Up until 2012, the company was looking for investors and was developing a mine development programme.
The same year Lydian Armenia and the Armenian government signed an agreement to develop and exploit the mine, and the company received the right to proceed with the project.
Protests against the development of the mine began in 2011. They were attended by residents of surrounding settlements and environmentalists, who said that gold mining in the area could have a negative impact on the environment of the city of Jermuk, Lake Sevan and local rivers.
The initiative group ‘Jermuk will not become a mine’ was created at the time.In 2012, the collection of signatures against the development of the mine began.
Activists repeatedly blocked the attempts of the mining company to approach the mine with heavy equipment. In 2018, they were able to have work at the mine suspended.
The Investigative Committee of Armenia then opened a case looking into environmental damage, for which an international assessment carried out by Elard was commissioned.
Several days ago after the release of Elard’s report, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that mining would continue, given the report’s findings.
“If it is true that operating the mine is safe for Sevan and the Jermuk water system, then the project will be implemented. However, if there is a threat, I, as the Prime Minister, will not be able to permit its operation regardless of anything.”
As a result, the examination concluded that the development of the mine does not contain “uncontrolled risks”. That is, the government had the go ahead to allow gold mining at Amulsar to resume.
Why is the Amulsar mine so important
The Lydian company received the right to exploit the Amulsar mine after signing one of the largest investment packages in the history of independent Armenia.
The structure announced a figure of 325 million dollars, and said 1,300 people would be involved in construction work, and that 770 jobs would be available during the operation stage.
The development of the mine, according to the company’s estimates, should provide an annual growth rate of 1.4% or $185 million for Armenia’s GDP.
Export figures, according to preliminary estimates, could reach up to $286 million per year.
Armenpress.am
28 August, 2019
ATN Armenia-Diaspora Business Forum to be held in Yerevan in October
The Armenian Trade Network – Global Armenian Chamber of Commerce is organizing the ATN Business Forum in Yerevan on October 10 dedicated to the Armenia-Diaspora business ties.
The Forum comes following the call made by ATN to the Diaspora-Armenian businessmen to be further engaged in the homeland.
ATN is the only inter-sectoral pan-Armenian business organization involving 17 business unions in 13 countries. The organization aims at rebuilding the Armenian centuries-old trade networks by contributing to the promotion of new business ties and creating a new platform between the Diaspora and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Armenia, as well as the business unions.
Armenia-Diaspora stable economic cooperation directions and promotion of global business ties are the main topics of the upcoming forum within the frames of which free discussions are expected on key issues. The event is organized in partnership with the Armenian government, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of the Diaspora and Armenia and business councils.
The Forum will be attended by the delegates of ATN’s member organizations, various businessmen and observers.
The Forum will also focus on the current investment policy and priority fields, etc.
After the Forum the traditional ATN’s awarding ceremony of Armenian businessman will take place.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Jam News
Aug 29 2019
Armenia will be able to borrow from international organizations at lower interest rates
This is the expected outcome after top credit rating service Moody’s publishes improved rating
The credit rating service Moody’s raised Armenia’s “sovereign rating” from B1 to Ba1.
Experts at the organization gave a positive assessment of the diversification of the Armenian economy and predict high GDP growth rates.
What factors influenced the decision?
Moody’s experts say that macroeconomic indicators, in particular, high GDP growth rate and an overall stable macroeconomic situation, influenced the decision to improve Armenia’s rating. Moreover, they believe that the country’s stability will continue into the future.
Moody’s considers it a good thing that Armenia’s economy is diversified and that the country doesn’t have a high dependence on any one industry:
“The growing diversity of Armenia’s economic growth factors, combined with increasing experience in stabilizing macroeconomic policies, is making the Armenian economy more sustainable. Continued measures to strengthen the country’s public finance will likely also gradually restore some of the fiscal [Government Policy to Improve Economic Stability – JAMnews] power lost between 2014-2017.”
What this means for Armenia
The Prime Minister himself brought the information to the attention of the Armenian media. Nikol Pashinyan believes that the improved rating gives the government new opportunities:
“This is a crucial development that builds international confidence in the Armenian economy and makes our country much more appealing to investors.”
The Prime minister also wrote on his Facebook page:
“We must also acknowledge the importance of developing Armenia’s IT industry, which mainly conducts research and development in high-tech fields and is a solid foundation for an economy based on scientific knowledge.”
Deputy of the National Assembly from the ruling faction My Step Alliance Artak Manukyan explained to JAMnews:
“The Moody’s rating will primarily affect our lending interest rates. This means the loans we take out and the securities we issue. Being more predictable and trustworthy partners, we will be able to get better deals in our financial transactions. And this, in turn, will create a more favorable investment climate.”
Former Chairman of the Central Bank of Armenia Bagrat Asatryan agreed with this assessment:
«When a country’s rating increases, so does the credibility of the country on the whole. And this will have a direct effect on the percentage at which our securities are bought back. They will become a less risky asset.”
Bagrat Asatryan suggests another positive outcome: the improved rating may lead to decreased interest rates within the country.
RFE/RL Report
Government Plans Tax-Free Zone In Gyumri
August 30, 2019
Satenik Kaghzvantsian
The government has announced plans to set up a free economic zone in Gyumri, a move welcomed by the mayor of Armenia’s second largest city.
Under a bill approved by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s cabinet on Thursday, the tax-free zone would occupy more than 300 hectares of land adjacent to Gyumri’s international airport.
“The free economic zone is expected to become an important hub for logistical services provided in electronic commerce,” said Economy Minister Tigran
Khachatrian. It is primarily designed to accommodate warehouses used for international e-commerce and foster “export-oriented manufacturing activities,” he added during a cabinet meeting.
Gyumri Mayor Samvel Balasanian has for years lobbied for such a measure. He stressed on Friday the tax haven’s economic significance for a city that has long been suffering from high poverty and unemployment rates.
“We are going to have new jobs and there will be lots of investments,” Balasanian said at a meeting with Armenia’s ambassadors abroad accompanied by
Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanian and Minister for Local Government Suren Papikian.
A government statement on the bill spoke of thousands of jobs to be created in Gyumri in the coming years
Armenia already has two free economic zones where companies meeting certain conditions are exempt from virtually all taxes. One of them was set up near
Meghri, a small town on the country’s border with Iran, in late 2017.
The Meghri zone has attracted few Armenian, Iranian or other firms so far. The Armenian government blames this fact on former government officials and their cronies who it says had privatized land plots in and around the zone at disproportionately low prices and are now obstructing economic activity there. In Papikian’s words, the government has asked to courts to declare those privatization deals illegal.
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