The drop comes after the Armenian national team drew a match against Lichtenstein (1-1) and lost to Finland (0-3) as part of the Euro 2020 qualification.

While 184 recent international matches have left their mark on the latest ranking, those at the very top remain unaffected by the movement around them.  

Belgium (1st, unchanged) still lead the way from France (2nd, unchanged) and Brazil (3rd, unchanged), although top-ten rivals Uruguay (5th, up 1), Croatia (7th, up 1), Argentina (9th, up 1) have at least edged closer to the summit.

The trip to the Vatican was attended by Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan, the Co-Founders of the Aurora Forum and noted social entrepreneurs, as well as by the three previous Laureates of the annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity: Tom Catena, Marguerite Barankitse and Kyaw Hla Aung. In addition, the group also met with His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State to the Holy See.

During their conversation with Pope Francis, the group sought his blessing for the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative as it continues its global efforts in combating poverty, improving healthcare, and providing education to vulnerable communities. Likewise, the group also highlighted the Initiative’s newly launched fund-raising drive, the #AraratChallenge, which aims to inspire others to join the Aurora mission by sharing stories of personal gratitude, making donations, and getting involved with humanitarian causes.

Commenting on the meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis, Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the Aurora Forum, said: “We are honored to have received a special blessing from His Holiness earlier this morning. Driven by our commitment to spreading our message of Gratitude in Action and to maximizing its impact, it is important that we build closer relationships with religious, governmental, private sector and cultural leaders from across the world. Today’s meetings at the Vatican have allowed us to highlight the vital work being done globally by the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, and the need for greater collaboration as we expand these efforts in the long-term.”

Remarking on the audience with His Holiness Pope Francis, Ruben Vardanyan, Co-Founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the Aurora Forum, said: “Today’s meetings with His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Cardinal Parolin were an opportune time to take stock and reflect on the impact the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has had globally since its founding.  However, our work has only just begun. We look forward to discussing new challenges and opportunities that humanity faces at the inaugural Aurora Forum later this month in Yerevan.”

Founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is a globally-focused organisation which seeks to empower modern-day saviors to offer life and hope to those in urgent need of basic humanitarian aid anywhere in the world and thus continue the cycle of giving internationally.

Also speaking on the meeting, Tom Catena, Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and the 2017 Laureate of the annual Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, added: “Since joining the Aurora community in 2017, it’s been a privilege to see first-hand the incredible work being done by our organisation all around the world. As a Catholic Missionary, it was an honor to meet His Holiness Pope Francis during this visit. I’m incredibly excited for the Aurora Forum later this month, during which we’ll be sharing ideas on such work with leaders in various industries from all across the world. It is by collaborating with thought leaders and experts, as well as the contributions and support of grass-roots individuals and organisations, that we can continue our work in the long-term.”

In less than two weeks’ time, the inaugural Aurora Forum will take place in Yerevan, Armenia on October 14-21, 2019. The Forum will bring together the world’s leading authorities and thought leaders on social, scientific-technological, educational, and humanitarian innovation. Through the Forum, this network of remarkable individuals aims to drive practical action and change relating to some of the world’s most pressing challenges and opportunities.

The weeklong series of activities will provide an opportunity for thought leaders to compare best practices, lessons learned and, in some cases, disruptive thinking around issues ranging from infrastructure challenges to healthcare breakthroughs to women’s empowerment. The October 2019 Aurora Forum events will be held across Armenia with major events in cities from north to south.

The opening of the Embassy is expected to contribute to the deepening of bilateral ties, open up new perspectives for developing relations in a number of fields, expanding Armenia’s presence in the Middle Eastern region.

The establishment of an embassy is also aimed at preserving the centuries-old Armenian presence, rich historical-cultural heritage, and the Armenian Apostolic Church in the country.

Presenting the issue at the government sitting today, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said “the need to establish an embassy in Israel is conditioned by the fact that Israel is an important geopolitical player in the Middle East, whose policy directly affects the reshaping and establishment of stability in the region.”

The Minister noted that the contacts between Israel and Armenia have very active this year, which, he said, creates serious grounds for the development of further cooperation between the two countries.

“We were very aggressive, that’s why we scored the goal, but after that we somewhat retreated. We missed a goal, and there was a red card,” he told reporters after the match.

“But in the second half the guys fought till the end and we showed we can play against Italy even with ten men. We had changes to score a goal, but we didn’t succeed. It’s football. That’s why we were punished,” Mkhitaryan said.

Italy required two late goals to secure a 3-1 win over 10-man Armenia on Thursday.

Armenia took the initiative early on with Aleksandre Karapetyan finishing off a counterattack that began with an Italian defensive lapse.

Karapetyan was then sent off in first-half added time for picking up a second yellow card.

The Italy squad failed to produce any serious chances in the second half when it held a man advantage — until substitute Lorenzo Pellegrini broke the deadlock in the 77th.

Andrea Belotti then added another to go with his first-half equalizer.

In addition to the ombudsmen, the delegation also included the Permanent Representative of Artsakh Republic to the U.S. and Canada Robert Avetisyan and the leadership of the Armenian Bar Association.

Welcoming the guests, ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq. talked about the work of the organization, its accomplishments, and future plans in advancing the Armenian Cause.

“Promotion and protection of human rights encompasses a significant part of our work,” remarked Hovsepian. “From pursuing truth and justice for the Armenian Genocide to defending Artsakh citizens’ inalienable right to independence and self-determination, the ANCA Western Region takes a 360 degree view in identifying and promoting our public policy priorities.”

Mr. Beglaryan and Mr. Tatoyan talked about their current priorities and ongoing projects, highlighting the need to continuously strengthen the protection of human rights and further develop civil society resiliency in both republics. The two ombudsmen also thanked the ANCA-WR for the active work in promoting relations between the United States and the two Armenian republics.

Last week representatives of the ANCA Western Region Board and Staff were present at the Armenian Bar’s Conference and Gala Banquet, celebrating the organization’s 30th anniversary and supporting its important activities.

Armenia’s economic growth has slowed down this year as a result of the broader regional downturn which affects the country via reduced trade, remittances and investment flows. In addition, the depreciation of the Armenian dram and a decrease of foreign currency reserves have impacted the country’s economy.

To speed up economic growth and support the government’s ambitious reform programme, which includes improving the business environment, the EBRD will focus on the following key priorities in its new strategy for Armenia:

• Enhancing private sector competitiveness: For Armenia’s small and open economy, a significant improvement in competitiveness is key to attracting investment. The EBRD will continue financing the private sector. The Bank will target assistance for improvements to the regulatory and administrative environment and strengthen its assistance to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Developing capital markets and promoting local currency financing: As the authorities roll out mandatory pension reforms, the majority of pension fund investments will be channeled in local currency. Success will largely depend on the emergence of a healthy supply of capital market issues on the local market, and enough different investors to create market liquidity. The EBRD stands ready to support the development of the local capital market.
• Developing public utilities: Armenia’s energy, transport and municipal infrastructure still needs much update. For this, it is important to increase private participation in public service provision. The Bank will support commercially viable energy and energy efficiency, transport and municipal service projects and engage in policy dialogue.

The EBRD is the largest single investor in Armenia. To date, the Bank has committed almost €950 million in over 140 projects in all major sectors of the economy.

The eight agreements will support progress in some of the main areas of bilateral cooperation – from agriculture and regional development, through capacity building for the implementation of EU programmes, support to migration and integrated border management, anti-corruption and civil service reforms, to water supply improvement, Yerevan metro rehabilitation and nuclear safety.

The ceremony was welcomed by H. E. Mr. Hovik Abrahamyan, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, and H.E. Ambassador Traian Hristea, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, and attended by representatives of the beneficiary Government institutions, the EU Member States, and International organizations accredited to Armenia.

Prime Minister Abrahamyan mentioned in his remarks that “the assistance provided by the European Union enabled the implementation of reforms in many areas such as trade related regulations, food safety, intellectual property rights, justice, vocational education, public financial management”. He expressed confidence that the implementation of the concluded agreements will facilitate the reforms in the relevant areas as well as will strengthen the sectoral cooperation with the EU.

“The European Union expects that this substantial assistance will lead to bold reforms over the next years. A high level of commitment and strong domestic support under parliamentary and civil society oversight will be indispensable for Armenia’s successful development,” noted the Head of EU Delegation. He added that “Armenia remains the second largest per-capita recipient of EU funds in the Eastern Partnership”.

With two of the agreements, the EU gives support to economic development in Armenia, contributing to overall poverty reduction. This includes assistance to agriculture and rural development (€ 25 million), which will lead to efficient and sustainable agriculture, increasing employment, supporting farmers associations and cooperatives, and improving access to affordable food. In addition, through an action on regional development (€ 10 million), the EU will support specific projects (public-private partnerships, employment creation, training of the labour force) to step up the economic development of Armenia’s regions.

In the area of governance, the EU is now focusing specifically on anti-corruption and civil service reform measures (€ 21 million). The EU will also support border management and migration (€ 4 million) in view of the Mobility Partnership and Visa Facilitation agreement between the EU and Armenia.

Another agreement will enhance the ability of civil servants, facilitate Armenia’s participation in EU programmes (€ 6 million) and reinforce the civil society as an  important partner in promoting bilateral cooperation and monitoring reforms.

Two large infrastructure initiatives have also been agreed, set to improve the daily lives of Yerevan residents. One will provide an overhaul of the Yerevan metro system (€ 5 million) by addressing public health and safety concerns, while another will support the rehabilitation of the water supply network in Yerevan (€ 5.5 million), improving water and waste water services.

Last but not least, the EU will support nuclear safety through enhancing the regulatory capacity and framework for radioactive waste management (€ 1 million).

This new assistance package confirms the commitment of Armenia and the EU to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation.

“We respect Armenia’s balanced foreign policy and the fact that Armenia is a member of CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union in no way holds us back from practical cooperation,” Appathurai said.

Before the press conference the NATO Representative held meetings with Armenian President, Foreign Minister, Defense Minister and at the National Assembly. “I conveyed NATO’s thanks for contribution that Armenian forces are making in Afghanistan, in Kosovo, as well as UN missions. Armenia was the first country in the South Caucasus to complete the process to be able to contribute to the new mission in Afghanistan. It’s another sign of reliable contribution that Armenia makes to international peace and stability,” he said.

As for regional security situation, Appathurai said: “Of course, NATO is not involved in the Karabakh conflict resolution process, but we look forward to a peaceful and diplomatic resolution as soon as possible.”

He said the recent incidents at the line of conflict are worrying. “We fully support the Minsk Group and their efforts,” Appathurai said.

Speaking about the killing of the family of six in Gyumri, NATO representative said: “First, this is a terrible human tragedy. Secondly, we have full confidence that the authorities here will find the appropriate solution to this difficult situation.”

Minister Nalbandian commended the current level of Republic of Armenia-NATO relations, attaching importance to the implementation of Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan for 2014-2016.

The sides attached significance to the continuation of NATO-Armenia political dialogue, effective participation in international peacekeeping operations, the reform process in the RA Armed Forces, cooperation in the field of emergency prevention.

NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative expressed gratitude for Armenia’s continuous assistance to the international collective efforts towards the establishment of security and intra-national solidarity in Afghanistan.

Upon the request of the guest, Minister Nalbandian presented efforts of Armenia and the OCSE Minsk group Co-Chair states towards the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

Issues related to Armenia-NATO relations were discussed. The parties stressed the need to maintain the dynamics of development of cooperation with its main directions and formats – defense reforms, military education and training, improvement of the code of conduct, etc.

James Appathurai hailed Armenia’s participation in international peacekeeping operations under the auspices of UN and NATO.

During the meeting reference was made to issues of regional security. The parties shared the concern over the tension at the Armenian-Azerbaijani line of contact.