Author: Albert Nalbandian

Armenian PM says he needs to consult Karabakh on any peace deal with Azerbaijan – agencies

Albert Nalbandian
Reuters | Yerevan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Friday he would not sign any peace deal with Azerbaijan "behind the backs" of ethnic Armenians in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, news agencies reported.

He was speaking after Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev called for negotiations to take place soon on a peace treaty with Armenia, but said Yerevan would need to renounce any territorial claim against Azerbaijan.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

Turkey would become more "dignified and stronger" by recognizing Armenian Genocide, says Spain legislator

Albert Nalbandian

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 08:00,

YEREVAN, APRIL 24, ARMENPRESS. Member of the Congress of Deputies (lower house of parliament) of Spain Jon Iñarritu says he believes that the reason behind Spain not having officially recognized the Armenian Genocide yet is the pressure exerted by Turkey.

In an exclusive interview to ARMENPRESS, the legislator expressed hope that the situation will change soon. 

ARMENPRESS: This year marks the 107th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. More than 30 countries have formally recognized the Armenian Genocide. However, Spain is not among them. What’s the reason behind it? 

Iñarritu: Firstly, I have to say that in Spain there are several parliaments such as the Basque Parliament or the Catalan Parliament that have already recognized the Armenian Genocide. Unfortunately, the Spanish Congress has not done until now. Secondly, I am hopeful that soon this can change and the Spanish Parliament recognizes the first genocide of the 20th century. 

I believe that the reasons why Spain and other some States have not recognized it to this day, is the pressure exerted by Turkey, but if historically the facts are evident, it makes no sense that this is not recognized by his name: genocide.  

ARMENPRESS: More than a century after the Genocide Turkey still continues its policy of denial. How would you assess the behavior of Ankara to avoid the historical truth? 

Iñarritu: The facts of denial and historical relativism in relation to the Armenian Genocide I think are very unfair and humiliating to the Armenian people and other minorities such as Assyrians or Pontic Greeks, but in the same way I think they do not benefit the Turkish society. 

ARMENPRESS: A process has started aimed to normalize the relation between Armenia and Turkey. In your opinion, can the process succeed if one of the parties refuses to accept the historical truth and admit the crime of genocide committed by his ancestors? 

Iñarritu: Hardly, I know Turkey and I lived a short period of my life in Turkey and it is a fascinating State, but I think that acknowledging of the historical facts in relation to Armenians would help to consolidate a better relationship with Armenia, and at the same time, it would be an act of historical justice. 

I think that Turkey should follow the example of Germany to deal with dramatic events in its own history. That would not weaken Turkey, it would make Turkey more dignified and stronger. 

ARMENPRESS: Impunity emboldens the perpetrators of the crimes. We recently witnessed it in Artsakh, where the Azerbaijani military tortured, killed and mutilated unarmed captive Armenian soldiers and civilians. Don’t you think there’s a lack of proper reaction from the international community? 

Iñarritu: The war crimes committed in Artsakh by the Aliyev´s Regime and its allies are evident. I myself witnessed what was happening. The responsibles for these acts should be brought to the International Justice. The best way to prevent similar events, I believe, would be that the international community  recognize that Artsakh is a clear Remedial Secession case. That would prevent new crimes, allow the Armenians of Artsakh to live in peace in their ancestral land, and to improve relationships  between the South Caucasus peoples and States.

Finally, I want to express my solidarity and support for the Armenian people on the day of commemoration of the Genocide.

Asbarez: Glendale Armenian Community Shows Appreciation For Past and Present Mayors

Albert Nalbandian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Glendale Mayor Ardashess "Ardy" Kassakhian is welcomed to the stage

Following a long tradition of expressing gratitude each year to the outgoing Mayor of the City of Glendale and support for the incoming Mayor, the city’s Armenian community hosted a meet and greet event at St. Mary’s Church Hall on Wednesday, attended by over 120 individuals and elected officials who enjoyed the evening mingling with good food and good company.

Former Mayor Ara Najarian Outgoing Mayor Paula Devine Former Mayor Vrej Aghajanian

For the past two years, the social distancing mandates imposed by the pandemic prevented this annual gathering from occurring, but in light of the recent relaxation of such mandates and the election this month of Mayor Ardashes “Ardy” Kassakhian, a son of the Armenian community, a successful event was held.

Mayor Ardy Kassakhian with former Consul General Ambassador Armen Baibourtian and his wife, Yvette Glendale City Councilmember Dan Brotman Ronnie Gharibian with Glendale Police Chief Carl Povilaitis

During the program, Master of Ceremonies Ronnie Gharibian invited Very Reverend Father Zareh Sarkissian, the newly appointed Dean of St. Mary’s Church, to bless the event and its participants. In his remarks, Fr. Sarkissian conveyed his welcoming message emphasizing that he is looking forward to working with city officials and getting to know the local community.

Gharibian proceeded to acknowledge the service of former Mayors, Vrej Aghajanian and Ara Najarian, who helped navigate the City through the Covid crisis, gifting each of them with an Armenian alphabet pendant as a token of the community’s appreciation.

To thank the most recent outgoing mayor, Paula Divine, Gharibian invited Christine Hovnanian, a long-time community activist representing the Armenian Relief Society, for her introductory remarks. Hovnanian expressed gratitude to former Mayor Devine for her leadership and support for the Armenian community and gifted her with the Armenian alphabet pendant as a token of the community’s appreciation. Councilmember Devine gave moving remarks, proclaiming that she feels she is Armenian in her heart and reaffirming her love and support for Armenia and Armenians.

Gharibian further thanked all city officials who were present, including Glendale City Manager Roubik Golanian, Glendale Police Chief Carl Povilaitis, City commissioners and department heads, as well as special guests, former Armenian Consul General Ambassador and Mrs. Armen Baibourtian, newly appointed President of the Glendale School Board Nayiri Nahabedian, Glendale Community College Board of Trustees President Dr. Armine Hacopian, La Crescenta Town Council President Harry Leon, Glendale-based business and sponsor of the evening Golden State Bank, and many more.

In addition, representatives from numerous Armenian community organizations including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, the Armenian Cultural Foundation, Homenetmen, Armenian Relief Society, Hamazkayin, ANCA Western Region, St. Mary’s Armenian Church Board of Trustees and Glendale Youth Center, as well as the Editor of the Asbarez Newspaper, Ara Khachatourian and ARTN TV President Robert Oglakhchyan.

Glendale Civil Service Commissioner Garo Ghazarian was then invited to introduce newly-elected Mayor Kassakhian, providing a detailed background of his biography and successful path toward assuming his new position, wishing him well for the next year in office and expressing the community’s commitment toward progress and prosperity for all residents of Glendale.

Mayor Kassakhian took the podium to a rousing round of applause and addressed the crowd both in English and Armenian, pledging to innovate many new projects and ideas for the success of the City of Glendale in the coming year and continuing his support of the Armenian community and its priorities.

Gharibian reminded everyone of the upcoming April 24th Armenian Genocide 107th remembrance and emphasized that the Genocide is not only 107 years old, but rather only days, weeks and months old as the onslaught against the Armenian People continues today in Artsakh and requires action by every Armenian who is concerned with the threats being faced by Armenia and Artsakh today.

Asbarez: Armenia has Initiated Criminal Cases Against 60 Azerbaijani Leaders over 2020 War

Albert Nalbandian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Ankara-deployed Syrian mercenaries fought against Artsakh Armenians in 2020

Armenia’s Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan on Friday said that based on objective evidence that proves that Azerbaijan military and political leaders committed gross violations of international laws during the 2020 War, it has initiated criminal cases against 60 Azerbaijani leaders that it has identified to have been complicit in those acts.

Davtyan made the announcement while presenting his office’s 2021 report to the parliamentary committee on state and legal affairs.

“In concrete cases they [Azerbaijanis] targeted civilian settlements and civilians, murdered civilians, violated the rules of war, deployed banned munitions, targeted and destroyed Armenian historical-cultural values and fueled by ethnic hatred committed violence, torture and killings, all in a premeditated manner,” Davtyan said, describing the actions of the Azerbaijani troops.

He also highlighted the acts of terror committed during the 44-day war. 

“The objective evidence gathered under the criminal cases clearly prove that as early as June-July 2020, known terror groups started recruiting mercenaries from northern Syria. The recruited mercenaries were transferred into Turkey through the Turkey-Syria state border, without impediments, control or check, and were then transferred by plane to Azerbaijan. In Azerbaijan, they underwent military training. The Syrian mercenaries detained by us have testified that they underwent special training for combat in mountainous terrains. They were ordered to target, kill and torture civilians in settlements,” Davtyan explained.

Davtyan also reported on a controversial effort by his office to prosecute Armenian soldiers and citizens alleged to have committed criminal acts during and following the 2020 war.

He said investigations by his office into criminal cases related to the 44-day war revealed that “numerous” military servicemembers and high-ranking officers failed to fulfill their duty properly.

“From the onset, we adopted the following two directions: subject for investigation under the criminal cases related to the 44-day war are the war crimes committed by Azerbaijan’s military-political leadership, as well as the alleged criminal violations committed by our military-political leadership and the armed forces during war,” Davtyan explained, adding that his office has investigated 2,150 domestic criminal cases related to war in 2021.

“As of the end of the year [2021], 800 people faced prosecution in these criminal cases, 55 of whom have already been handed over to courts and respective verdicts delivered,” said Davtyan who also explained the those investigations are ongoing.

Armenpress: Australian-Armenian community to hold marches for justice on Genocide Remembrance Day

Albert Nalbandian

Australian-Armenian community to hold marches for justice on Genocide Remembrance Day

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 09:36,

YEREVAN, APRIL 20, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian community in Australia will hold a march for justice on April 24 – the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, in the Sydney and Melbourne Squares. The marches will be held jointly with the representatives of the Greek and Assyrian communities.

Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia Hayk Gayserian told Armenpress that the purpose of the upcoming march is to urge the Australian authorities to recognize the genocide of Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks perpetrated by Turkey.

“Our goal is to deliver to the Australian authorities that recognizing the genocide of Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks, perpetrated by Turkey in 1915, is an important and strong necessity for our communities. Like more than 30 countries, international organizations, the different states of Australia have also recognized the Armenian Genocide, and the government of Australia should also do that”, Hayk Gayserian said.

He informed that this year’s April 24th march will also touch upon the current situation in Artsakh. It will be presented in a context that the actions of Aliyev’s administration against the people of Artsakh are the continuation of the same genocide.

“Those actions have been done against Armenians because Turkey’s crimes are still left unpunished. We consider this impunity the main reason that countries like Azerbaijan and Turkey are trying to carry out such actions against Armenians”, the ANC Australia Executive Director said.

The commemoration events will continue also on April 26. A commemoration event is scheduled that day, during which members of the Parliament of Australia will deliver speeches. There will be representatives from the two major political parties of the country. They will call on their government to recognize the 1915 genocide. The event will be held online. Ombudsman of Artsakh Gegham Stepanyan will also deliver a speech on the impunity of the genocide which affected the people of Artsakh.

Asked what is the probability that the government of Australia will recognize the genocide of Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians, Hayk Gayserian said there is progress and they will continue the works on this direction. At this stage the situation is that the Parliament of Australia adopted a resolution, calling on the government to recognize the genocide of Armenians, Assyrians and Greeks. The Australian Parliament had its say on the issue of the Genocide.

“The Parliament represents the whole society, therefore we can state that the people are ready for the recognition, it remains for the executive power to do that. It either should follow the call of its people and recognize the Genocide or become the subject of the dictatorial leadership of Turkey, which is exerting external pressure on the Australian government”, he said, recalling the 2021 April 24th speech of the Australian PM where he talked about the 1915 events, the deportation of Armenians without using the term genocide. According to Gayserian, it’s the time for the next step.

Hayk Gayserian said Australia is on the eve of new elections. The elections of the Federal Parliament will be held on May 21, the incumbent PM tends to be re-elected. According to him, the elections are an occasion to touch upon the issue of the Genocide, although there could be reasons between the leadership and the opposition.

“Of course, our call must be to use the term genocide in the commemoration speeches. If the April 24th speeches do not address the Genocide as we expect, we will clarify the positions of the two parties on this matter from April 24 up to the May 21st elections. Armenians will vote in favor of those who are ready to recognize the genocide of Armenians, Greeks and Assyrians”, Hayk Gayserian said.

 

Interview by Anna Gziryan




Artsakh top of agenda of Putin-Pashinyan talks – Alexander Iskandaryan

Albert Nalbandian
ARMINFO
Armenia –
David Stepanyan

ArmInfo.Artsakh was top of the agenda of the Putin-Pashinyan talks in Novo-Ogaryevo, Alexander Iskandaryan, Director of the Caucasus Institute, said in an interview  with ArmInfo.    

Armenia's Premier Nikol Pashinyan was on an official visit to Russia,  April 19 and 20, accompanied by First Vice-Premier Mher Grigoryan,  Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan, Foreign Minister  Ararat Mirzoyan and other officials. The Armenian and Russian leaders  approved a 30-point joint statement on various aspects of the  bilateral agenda.  

"We understand that Yerevan's cooperation with Moscow is developing  in the current situation, and it is not at all the situation in the  conflict zone alone that account for that. I think that at their  meeting in Novo- Ogaryovo the Armenian and Russian leaders discussed  a wide range of issues of diplomatic development and the latest  signals concerning the global situation, security and so on," Mr  Iskandaryan said. 

In this context, the Russian president's meeting with the Armenian  premier is an attempted step to stabilize the situation in Artsakh,  which seems quite logical in the context of the rather complicated  situation in Artsakh. It is of special importance amid the regular  skirmishes, which have been more frequent in the last few months. 

Mr Iskandaryan is sure the situation in Artsakh will not be  normalized soon as the conflict over Artsakh is a most complex and  protracted one. And the Artsakh problem is not Artsakh alone, but it  involves the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations – and even more. In any  case, with the pressure on Yerevan, Baku, Ankara – and on other  actors as well – Armenia's leadership is trying to rectify the  situation with Russia's help. 

"We are all witnessing some panic in Armenia over Atrsakh, and the  reason of Azerbaijan's demands for a peace agreement addressed to  Armenia, which implies Armenia recognizing Azerbaijan's territorial  integrity and, consequently, Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan," Mr  Ikandaryan said. 

He also points out much Yerevan's lesser opportunities for political  and diplomatic maneuvers as a result of the 44-day war – and these  opportunities are lessening due to the Ukraine developments, which,  in turn, was one of causes of incapability of the OSCE Minsk Group.  And if the 1994 status quo fails to be restored, conditions for a  future peace treaty with Azerbaijan that would be more or less  acceptable to Armenia and Artsakh could well be ensured. And the  Armenian premier is trying to do so, including during his visit to  Moscow, Mr Iskandaryan said. 

Barger and Hahn Lead Efforts to Honor Armenian Culture in L.A. County By Reporters Desk

Albert Nalbandian
April 5 2022
By

 Reporters Desk

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors  April 5, unanimously approved a motion authored by Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn to honor L.A. County’s Armenian community by proclaiming the month of April as Armenian History Month. 

Additionally, in a separate motion, Supervisor Barger named four honorees of Armenian heritage to recognize their contributions and local positive impact. Those named included a diverse range of individuals in background and achievements. 

Sona Van co-founded a non-profit medical group with various locations that serve the indigent and is a literary poet of works that focus on the Armenian Genocide. Al Cabraloff is a member of the Armenian Education Foundation, an avid supporter of Armenian educational institutions and students of Armenian culture. Ronald Altoon is an internationally renowned architect and board member of several higher education institutions. Mariam Kuregyan is a lawyer and dedicated volunteer who has supported many causes, including helping women affected by domestic violence.

Pashinyan congratulates Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang on Armenia-China 30 years of diplomatic ties

Albert Nalbandian

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 10:20, 6 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent congratulatory messages to the President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping and the Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and China, the Prime Minister’s Office reported.

The message of the Prime Minister to the President of China reads as follows,

"Your Excellency,

I cordially congratulate you on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the People's Republic of China.

The Armenian-Chinese friendly relations have a rich history, are distinguished by mutual trust and great respect. It is this rich traditional foundation that our interstate cooperation is anchored on, which has continuously developed over the past thirty years in a healthy and stable way. A high-level political dialogue has been maintained between Armenia and China, the partnership over international and regional issues, including on multilateral platforms, has been strengthened.

During these three decades, our countries have achieved significant results in cooperation in trade, economy, development, security, culture, education, science and other spheres, the friendship between the Armenian and Chinese peoples has strengthened, mutual understanding and recognition has deepened.

The Government of Armenia attaches great importance to the Armenian-Chinese relations, considering the development of multifaceted cooperation with the People's Republic of China as one of its foreign policy priorities.

I would like to express our gratitude for the support provided by the Chinese Government to the development of Armenia over these years, which has helped to solve important problems for broad layers of population in Armenia. One of the latest episodes in this series is the assistance provided in the fight against COVID-19.

Marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Armenian-Chinese diplomatic relations, I express my readiness to make efforts with you to achieve new success in the future-oriented Armenian-Chinese relations.

I wish you good health and further success, and prosperity and peace to the friendly people of China".

Nikol Pashinyan’s message to Li Keqiang runs as follows,

“Your Excellency,

I cordially congratulate you on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the People's Republic of China.

The traditional Armenian-Chinese friendly relations come from the depths of history, having a solid foundation of mutual trust and respect. The establishment of interstate relations three decades ago gave our countries and peoples an opportunity to open a new era, to develop and strengthen cooperation in various fields, recording significant achievements.

Armenia highly values the existing political dialogue between our countries, attaching great importance to the further comprehensive, sustainable, consistent development and expansion of the partnership with China, on both bilateral and multilateral formats. Significant results have been achieved in the past period in trade, economics, security, science, education, culture, interpersonal exchanges, and many other areas.

One of the important components of the Armenian-Chinese relations is the economic cooperation, which we are committed to maximally expanding, embracing new and promising programs of mutual interest. In this regard, we attach importance to Armenia's participation in the "Belt and Road" initiative, which creates new development opportunities for the region.

China has stood with Armenia over these years also through programs implemented within the framework of gratuitous assistance provided by the Chinese government. One of the latest examples of mutual support and cooperation between our countries is the joint fight against COVID-19.

On the occasion of this remarkable anniversary, I would like to express my readiness to work with you to bring the Armenian-Chinese relations to a new level for the benefit of our countries and peoples.

I wish you good health and further success, and prosperity and peace to the friendly people of China”.

Li Keqiang addresses Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties

Albert Nalbandian

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 13:54, 6 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and China, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China Li Keqiang sent a message to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

The message, in particular, reads,

"Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Government of the People's Republic of China, and on my personal behalf, I convey my heartfelt congratulations, best wishes to you, and to the Government and people of the Republic of Armenia, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Armenia.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, healthy and sustainable development dynamics has been observed in the Chinese -Armenian relations during the last 30 years. The political mutual trust between the two countries is constantly deepening, the practical cooperation in different spheres is progressing, and the cultural and humanitarian exchanges are getting closer.

Taking the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, I express my readiness to make joint efforts with you to deepen bilateral relations in various spheres, to enrich the agenda of the Chinese-Armenian friendly relations for the benefit of our countries and peoples.

I wish success in your mission and good health. I wish eternal friendship between China and Armenia”.