Time names Angela Merkel Person of the YearDecember 9, 2015 - 18:04 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel has been named the 2015 TIME magazine person of the year, the Independent reports. The prestigious title was announced both on TIME's website and NBC’s Today Show in New York on Wednesday, December 9. Merkel leads the way, coming before Isis leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi in second place and Republican candidate Donald Trump in third. Nancy Gibbs, the editor of TIME wrote that the Chancellor was awarded the title for "asking more of her country than most politicians would dare, for standing firm against tyranny as well as expedience and for providing steadfast moral leadership in a world where it is in short supply." She also praised Merkel, the first woman to be named the title for 29 years, for her leadership during the refugee crisis. "At a moment when much of the world is once more engaged in a furious debate about the balance between safety and freedom, the Chancellor is asking a great deal of the German people, and by their example, the rest of us as well. "... By viewing refugees as victims to be rescued rather than invaders to be repelled, the woman raised behind the Iron Curtain gambled on freedom." Merkel was revealed as one of the eight shortlisted candidates on Monday. The other finalists shortlisted for the accolade, in order, were Al-Baghdadi (2nd), Trump (3rd), Black Lives Matter activists (4th), Hassan Rouhani (5th), Travis Kalanick (6th) and Caitlyn Jenner (7th). Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |