Construction of Vardenis-Martakert Highway by telethone 2013

[man]

The Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s upcoming Telethon will be dedicated to raising financial support for the construction of the Vardenis-Martakert Highway. The third project of its kind to be carried out by the fund. The Vardenis-Martakert Highway is expected to be a boon to the further socio-economic development of Artsakh and Armenia alike.

More: http://www.armradio.am/en/2013/10/10/funds-raised-through-telethon-2013-to-launch-construction-of-vardenis-martakert-highway/

http://www.armradio.am/en/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Vardenis_Martakert_Highway-620x300.jpg

This would be the most scenic rout or highway ever. At the border of Artsakh and Armenia the highway starts rising high crossing the mountains, then it passes near wild scenery through villages and monasteries (Dadivank), and mineral waters boiling in ponds or cascading like the American Yellowstone park. Plus it will be a boon for hikers who can now walk from Verdenis to Stepanakert easily, resting each night in a village lodging without having to camp in tents. Or from Stepanakert to Vardenis located at the souther part of lake Sevan. Finish it soon, here I come hiking, make way please!

[man]

After the Vard-Marta highway is finished Armenians of Armenia (and Alebbu) will have two options or ways for coming to Artsakh. The currant regular southern way by Goris and the northern way from Yerevan to Sevan to Kapan to Martuni to Vardenis and then into Stepanakert the capital of Artsakh. Then of course the flight rout will be inaugurated soon.

[Arpa]

Look here;

 

http://hyeforum.com/index.php?showtopic=37272&hl=highway

[man]

The new hotel in Artsakh- " Europe"

[man]

http://www.armenianweekly.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/GS_NS_VM_1_eng-new.jpg

 

Initially the highway was planned, in 2011, to pass through Karvachar, this has been changed and now the plan is to pass from north of Karvachar (in the map Karvacher is the dot above the word Shahumyan in blue). There is already a road that links Karvachar to the would be highway in its north. In the of Artsakh map above notice the two zones with vertical lines, those two Armenian zones are occupied now by Azerbaijan. Historical Armenia extended up to river Kura. The blue painted areas in north of the map is modern Georgia, the lake-like, in light blue color, between Artsakh and Georgia is river Kura, or part of Kura river, up to that river those are Armenian lands that has to be liberated someday and returned to Armenian mainland. So the construction of this new highway (white colored inside and outlined by red lines in the map) is not been done in Azeri lands, it is been done on Armenian lands.

 

October 22, 2013
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/10/22/armenia-fund-telethon-2013-a-new-route-to-security-and-prosperity/#prettyPhoto

For some, this new initiative may beg the question, Why another public road works project when there is the Goris-Stepanakert Highway? Since its completion back in 1999, that highway has proven to be the kingpin of the fund’s sustainable economic development and security strategy. Prior to its construction, it took several days to travel from Mardakert in Karabagh to Yerevan in Armenia. Following the completion of the Goris-Stepanakert Highway as well as the North-South Highway, within Karabagh alone it now takes just nine hours. With the addition of the Vardenis-Mardakert Highway, there will be a shortcut through the north, which will take just a few hours to cross. Trucks will be able to reach markets faster and, equally important, supplies will be able to reach military bases and local government centers promptly.

The Goris-Stepanakert route connects south-eastern Armenia with south-central Karabagh, ending in its capital city. It excludes access for both northern Armenia’s border communities and those border towns in Karabagh which, 22 years ago, were delineated as part of the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. Today, these villages are neighbors with a hostile Azerbaijan, creating a very different security dynamic. An alternative route connecting the two Armenian republics can make all the difference. The Vardenis-Mardakert Highway will link 16 village communities and 3 towns, Vardenis in Armenia and Kharvachar and Mardakert in Karabagh. That’s more 76,000 residents who stand to benefit from the new highway.

The security, stability, sustainability connection

Khoren Bandazian, the chairman of Armenia Fund USA, explained the rationale behind the project. “Security is a high priority for both Armenia and Karabagh,” he said. “And the key to that security lies in demographics. The stable presence of an Armenian population is paramount. But keeping multiple generations on their ancestral lands is only possible with economic growth and sustainability. The Vardenis-Mardakert Highway project is at the intersection of these three goals. It will hasten the transport of goods and supplies so that local businesses can reliably serve customers and regional trade can increase.” Bandazian also noted Armenia Fund USA’s generous support of and first-hand experience with building the Goris-Stepankert Highway, and later, with the North-South Highway that connect Armenia’s communities with Karabagh. “Given our track record, our affiliate is uniquely equipped to help make this project a success,” he said.

A projects-within-a-project approach

The road from Vardenis in Armenia to Mardakert in Karabagh totals 96.7 kilometers. It covers such varied terrain that there are multiple construction, engineering, and public safety challenges involved. For example, there is a significant stretch of unpaved, dirt-covered road that changes dramatically in width at different intervals and involves as many as 339 sharp turns, 17 of which are serpentine configurations. Other sections have been partially blocked due to landslides or river swells, adding to the hazardous conditions. Finally, new road signage, protective barriers, and other modern standards of road safety must be installed to meet current government regulations.

Telethon 2013 to put northern regions in spotlight

Armenia Fund USA has begun to reach out to some longtime donors to generate support for this worthy initiative. “We believe that our past support of major highway projects has convinced our donors that their generosity will produce tangible, lasting benefits once again,” said Irina Lazarian, the executive director of the eastern U.S. affiliate. “We have led the way through this type of ambitious undertaking twice before, under more trying circumstances. Sure, building roads is gritty and heavy work and doesn’t make for pretty photos,” she said. “Yet the promise for transformative change is golden.”

Armenia Fund Telethon 2013: A New Route to Security and Prosperity

Building an alternate route between Armenia and Karabagh is the designated campaign theme of the upcoming Armenia Fund’s 16th International Thanksgiving Day Telethon. The goal of this massive public works effort is to turn the roads that currently link a string of strategically important towns in northern Armenia and northern Karabagh into a modern highway system. The new route is projected to promote trade, cooperation, and economic development among vulnerable border communities that are vital to national security.

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Here is the 2011 article by Naira Hayrumyan, ArmeniaNow correspondent, of the old plan of the highway:

07. November. 2011

New route: Karabakh building second road to Armenia

http://www.armenianow.com/karabakh/33013/karabakh_kelbajar_new_road_armenia

Karabakh is rebuilding the second road linking it with Armenia, which passes through Karvachar. It is shorter than the main way via Goris by 150 kilometers.

The reconstruction of the road, which is now almost impassable, is strategic militarily and economically. While for the residents of Stepanakert who wish to go to Yerevan almost nothing will change in terms of the length of their journey, for residents of Karvachar the trip will be halved. But most importantly, the cost of transporting mining products will be reduced.

A large plant is being operated now in the area adjacent to the Karvachar district, in the village of Drmbon. This area is rich in gold and copper. The Base Metal Company, which is engaged in mining, has announced the exploration of new large deposits.

The extracted ore is transported to the processing plant in Vardenis (in Armenia, in an area bordering on the NKR’s Karvachar). Now heavy trucks are forced to make a circle through Karabakh and Armenia, although it is only about 100 kilometers from Drmbon to Vardenis in a straight line (now they have to take a journey of more than 500 km).

Base Metals is paying for the construction and state funding will also be available later.

The company is the largest taxpayer and employer in Karabakh. During the opening of the Drmbon plant 10 years ago, the government spoke about plans of laying a railway line to Vardenis. But economic and political problems hindered those plans.

According to Nagorno-Karabakh President Bako Sahakyan, the construction of the road – expected to take about two yeas -- is one of the biggest victories after the proclamation of Nagorno-Karabakh’s independence in 1991. That the NKR government has announced the laying of the road indirectly suggests that political obstacles are overcome.

Official Baku has condemned the decision on the construction of the roads and intended to make appeals to international organizations. Azerbaijan also condemns the ongoing Armenian settlement policy, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesman Elman Abdullayev said in a statement.

Meanwhile, international organizations reacted calmly to plans to build the road in Karabakh, understanding that if people live in some area, then their development and construction of infrastructure are inevitable. Besides, a sort of time-out period is setting in at Karabakh settlement talks.

Director of the European Programmes of the International Crisis Group Sabine Freizer said late last week that no progress in the negotiating process to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is expected during the next two years. The good news, she added, is that, accordingly, there is no likelihood of war during the next two years.

Comments: 1) ‎According to Azerbaijani ‎ambassador to Russian about 700 000 “Azerbaijani” ‎become citizens of Russian ‎Federation - Nobody did complain about the settlement ‎of “Azerbaijani” in Russia and ‎some where else, the same should be applied to ‎people moving to Karabakh. We ‎shouldn’t ignore the ethnic cleansing in ‎Nakhichevan carried out by Azerbaijani offices. Near Kalvacar there should be a ‎new town called (new) Julfa or little Nakhichevan ‎.

2) Friends of mine already drove the Vardenis-Sotk-Karvajar road in 4x4s, and I had intended to do it in June 2010...

3) This is an encouraging. Artsakh must continue to populate the land and build the economy. Infrastructure will encourage development.Went on the current road in June from Yerevan to Goris thru Lachin to Stepanakerd. An alternative will help the commercial transport and tourism. We must continue to support these efforts.

4) First of all NKR should ‎announce that so called "Armenian settlement“ are indeed Armenian ‎refuges form different ‎parts of former Soviet Azerbaijan ( since Azerbaijan regards this ‎Armenians still as ‎‎“Azerbaijani citizens” in this case there can not be any talk about ‎‎“Settlement and so on and ‎if Elman Abdullayev and his boss have any problem with this , he should address his protest ‎to the ‎foreign Ministry in Stepanakert! - ! Second while building a such road there is no ‎need to make so ‎much “noise and news” Third NKR should go an important step forward ‎and build a road ‎bypassing Goris via Gubatli (along the Arax river) either connoting later ‎NKR to Iran or ‎connecting Mehgri to NKR . This rout could become even an alternative ‎transit road for ‎Armenian too

 

[man]

http://armeniafundusa.org/i/t2013/telethon2013bnr.png

On November 28th, 2013, Armenia Fund’s 16th International Telethon to put northern regions in the spotlight. But you do not have to wait for 28th the Thanksgiving Day holiday, you can go to the site now or anytime and make your donation early :
http://armeniafundusa.org/events/20131019-telethon.htm
In the site there is the a list of TV stations and channel guides, and times, of each state where the telethon will be aired live.
A donation of $365 will cover the cost of construction of 1.5 meters of the new highway.

The road from Vardenis in Armenia to Mardakert in Karabakh, totals 117 kilometers (72 miles), estimated cost $30M. Over 150,000 residents and 30 communities stand to benefit from the new highway. It covers such varied terrain that there are multiple construction, engineering, and public safety challenges involved. There is a significant stretch of unpaved, dirt-covered road that changes dramatically in width at different intervals and involves as many as 16 bridges and overpasses, 339 sharp turns, 17 of which are serpentine configurations. Other sections have been partially blocked due to landslides or river swells, adding to the hazardous conditions. Finally, new road signage, protective barriers and other modern standards of road safety must be installed to meet current safety standards and government regulations. The constructor will provide 5-year warranty for the road.

Building an alternate route between Armenia and Karabakh is the designated campaign theme of the upcoming Armenia Fund’s 16th International Thanksgiving Day Telethon. The goal of this massive public works effort is to turn the roads that currently link a string of strategically important towns in northern Armenia and northern Karabakh into a modern highway system. The new route is projected to promote trade, cooperation, and economic development among vulnerable border communities that are vital to national security.
http://armeniafundusa.org/

[man]

Armenia Fund USA

80 Maiden Lane, Suite 2205

New York, NY 10038

USA

 

212.689.5307 Phone

212.689.5317 fax

 

info@armeniafundusa.org

www.armeniafundusa.org

[man]

http://armeniafundusa.org/i/t2012/btn-txt.png

Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 80088 to STOP. Text HELP to 80088 for HELP. Full Terms: mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy: mGive.org/P

 

http://armeniafundusa.org/i/t2012/btn-app.png

[Arpa]

AAAHHH!

All of a sudden you get back to Armenian issues. What happened. did you run out of fire and brimstone?

What a clown you are!

Please tell us who the engineer of that project is. Is it your Auntie Chris(t)?

Edited November 19, 2013 by Arpa

[man]

November 14

Physicist, writer Artak Voskanyan has his own experience in the issue of the knowledge of God, and that became a subject for collecting and presenting the thoughts of great people of all times about God in one complete collection.

click on "click to listen" for audio pop-up

http://www.vem.am/en/programs/shows/5899/#

 

 

[man]

Two Armenian girls in Artsakh forming the shape of a heart with their hands indicating: we love Artsakh

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightarmenia/7549954074/

[man]

Somewhere in Artsakh

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightarmenia/9143896780/

 

When the war in Artsakh started, her people had donkey's (like the one shown in the photo)

to ride and hunting rifles to defend themselves...but that soon changed as sympathy poured

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightarmenia/9143921788/

 

Looking at Artsakh from Tigranakert church

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightarmenia/8470396468/

 

Posing for photo shoot during a hike near Shushi

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightarmenia/5958093662/

 

On the road in Artsakh

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightarmenia/7214130528/

 

Artsakh highway

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightarmenia/9141663861/

Welcome..to Artsakh

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birthrightarmenia/9141659749/

[man]

Sunday 43 Nov. 2013

Despite the crisis affecting Europe, Armenians throughout the European continent have responded overwhelmingly to the calls of filmmaker Robert Guédiguian and actress Ariane Ascaris to donate whatever they can, Nouvelles d’Armenia reports.

This Phonethon, organized by the All-Armenia Fund in France, 1,460 million euros (almost one million & half) in four days, an increase of 4% compared to 2012, for the benefit of Artsakh, Armenia and the construction of schools in Syria.