The issues of arming, strengthening and replenishing the Armenian army have again aroused after the April escalation of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, making the refusal from army service by members of various religious groups a very acute problem.

On the morning of July 17, an armed group calling themselves Sasna Tsrer (Daredevils of Sassoun) seized a police compound in Yerevan’s district of Erebuni demanding the release of Karabakh war veteran, the Founding Parliament movement leader Jirair Sefilian accused of illegal possession of firearms. Sasna Tsrer also demanded the resignation of President Serzh Sargsyan and cancellation of talks to cede some lands around the former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast to Azerbaijan. Those in the building, as well as the deputy police chief of Armenia Vartan Yeghiazaryan and deputy police chief of Yerevan Valeriy Osipyan, who arrived at the site to hold negotiations, were taken hostage by the armed group. On July 23, the armed group released all hostages. On July 27, 4 ambulance personnel were held in the police building. However, paramedic David Tonoyan was released on the evening of the same day, while doctor Salvador Khechoyan was let go on July 29. Throughout the 2-week siege of the police compound, rallies were staged in support of Sasna Tsrer. On the night of July 29-30, dozens, including journalists, were injured as riot police fired grenades to disperse the demonstrators. 165 people were detained, 26 of them arrested.

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A crude population measure of obesity is the body mass index (BMI), a person’s weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of his or her height (in meters). A person with a BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese. A person with a BMI equal to or more than 25 is considered overweight.

On the morning of July 17 a group of armed people seized police headquarters in Erebuni district of Yerevan, demanding to release Artsakh war veteran Zhirayr Sefilyan, who was arrested on charges of illegal acquisition and storage of weapons. They took hostages, including Armenian police deputy chief Vardan Yeghiazaryan and Yerevan police deputy chief Valery Osipyan, who arrived at the site to hold talks. During the assault colonel Artur Vanoyan was killed and four police officers were injured.

The sun is the center of our solar system, which gives energy and life to the Earth and its inhabitants. Sunbathing or heliotherapy is one of the oldest and ancient health care practice used to fight common illnesses, maintain general health and boost the immune system.

Children from Talish village of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic now live in Charentsavan, far from their own home. PanARMENIAN.Net met with the refugee families and talked to the kids.

Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company Armenia celebrates the 20th anniversary of its activity in our country. On this occasion, the Company gathered its partners, employees, clients, representatives of the Government, diplomatic missions, NGOs, management of other affiliates, as well as people close to the company.

According to scientists, the flora and fauna of that period was close to the current climate of Eastern and Equatorial Africa.

Historically, the Armenian masonry emerged and developed in the territory of the Ottoman Empire. Four masonic lodges were initially formed within the powerful Armenian communities. Many Armenians also became members of other masonic organizations and new lodges were created by the Diaspora in the 20th century.

With the women’s month over, PAN will tell about the women of Armenia, presenting interesting statistical data.