Author: Ani Basmajian

European Parliament ‘Strictly Condemns’ Turkey’s Destabilizing Role in Karabakh

Ani Basmajian

January 21,  2020



European Parliament

In resolutions adopted on Wednesday, the European Parliament “strictly” condemned Turkey’s destabilizing role in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The resolution states that the European Parliament regrets that changes to the Nagorno-Karabakh status quo were made through military force, rather than peaceful negotiations and strongly condemns the killing of civilians and destruction of civilian facilities and places of worship.

The resolution also condemned the reported use of cluster munitions in the conflict; urges both Armenia and Azerbaijan to ratify the Convention on Cluster Munitions, which comprehensively bans their use, without further delay.

The resolution also “stresses that a lasting settlement still remains to be found and that the process of achieving peace and determining the region’s future legal status should be led by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs and founded on the group’s Basic Principles; highlights the urgent need to ensure that humanitarian assistance can reach those in need, that the security of the Armenian population and its cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh is ensured, and that internally displaced persons and refugees are allowed to return to their former places of residence; calls for all allegations of war crimes to be duly investigated and those responsible to be brought to justice; calls on the EU to be more meaningfully involved in the settlement of the conflict and not to leave the fate of the region in the hands of other powers.”

In Artcile 38 the European Parliament strongly condemns the destabilizing role of Turkey which further undermines the fragile stability in the whole of the South Caucasus region; calls on Turkey to refrain from any interference in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including offering military support to Azerbaijan, and to desist from its destabilizing actions and actively promote peace; condemns, furthermore, the transfer of foreign terrorist fighters by Turkey from Syria and elsewhere to Nagorno-Karabakh, as confirmed by international actors, including the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries; regrets its willingness to destabilize the OSCE Minsk Group as it pursues ambitions of playing a more decisive role in the conflict.

In the resolution on the implementation of the Common Security and Defense Policy the European Parliament welcomes the cessation of hostilities in and around Nagorno-Karabakh; underlines with concern the military involvement of third countries in the conflict and notably the destabilizing role and interference of Turkey; calls for an international investigation into the alleged presence of foreign fighters and use of cluster munitions and phosphorous bombs; calls on the European Union and international bodies to ensure that there is no impunity for war crimes in Nagorno-Karabakh and for the use of prohibited weapons in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; insists on the need to allow humanitarian aid to get through, to proceed without delay with the exchange of prisoners and casualties, and on the need to preserve the cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh.

In the resolutions on the implementation of the Common Foreign and Security Policy the European Parliament recognizes that the stability, security, peace and prosperity of the Western Balkans and the Eastern and Southern Neighborhood countries directly affect the Union’s own stability and security and that of its Member States, as well as its reputation as a geopolitical global actor; underlines the fact that the European Union is the biggest trading partner and investor in the Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries; calls for the EU to assume its strategic responsibility in the EU neighborhood and play a more timely, active, unified and effective role in the mediation and peaceful resolution of the ongoing tensions and conflicts, and in the prevention of any future conflicts in the neighborhood; believes that this can be achieved by prioritizing efforts at pre-emptive peace-building, including preventive diplomacy and early warning mechanisms, by strengthening bilateral cooperation and supporting democratic forces and the rule of law, by creating positive incentives for socio-economic stabilization and development, and by building up the resilience of societies, backed up by adequate budgetary resources; reaffirms its strong support for the Normandy Format, the Berlin Conference on Libya and the Minsk Group.

Icelandic man receives world’s first double-arm-and-shoulder transplant – [Dr. Aram Gazarian, Lead surgeon]

Ani Basmajian
The Guardian, UK
Jan 23 2021

Patient lost both arms in work accident 23 years ago and it took years to find suitable donors for the complex operation

Icelandic man receives world's first double-arm-and-shoulder transplant | Iceland | The Guardian

Agence France-Presse
Sat 23 Jan 2021 02.44 GMT

An Icelandic man who got the world’s first double-shoulder-and-arm transplant is recovering well after the operation, two decades after the accident that cost him both limbs, doctors have said.

They said it was still uncertain how much mobility Felix Gretarsson, 48, will recover following the operation earlier this month in the southeastern French city of Lyon.

But “giving a little to somebody who was missing so much, that’s already a lot” Aram Gazarian, the lead surgeon in the operation, told a news conference on Friday.

“If he can recover the possibility to actively bend his elbow, that would be a life-changer,” he said.

On 12 January, 1998, Gretarsson, an electrician, was working on a high-voltage power line when an 11,000-volt surge burned his hands and flung him to the icy ground.

He sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries, and went into a three-month coma during which surgeons amputated both arms.

He underwent several more operations, including a liver transplant.

When hand transplant pioneer Jean-Michel Dubernard, based in Lyon, visited Reykjavik for a conference, Gretarsson asked him whether it would be possible to replace the lost limbs.

The operation was “his biggest dream”, Gretarsson’s wife Sylwia told Friday’s news conference, adding that she herself never felt that the operation was truly necessary as he “wasn’t missing anything”.

It took years to find suitable donors, during which some 50 medical staff in total became involved in the preparations for the operation.

Four surgical teams were involved to minimise the transition time between donor and recipient.

Doctors said the outlook for the right arm to become functional was better than for the left, which had also required a complete rebuild of the shoulder. No serious complications had been detected nine days after the operation, they said.

The patient was a long way from being able to move his arms, but seemed visibly pleased with the outcome in a short video shot at his hospital bed and shown at the news conference.

“With this level of amputation, we can’t promise anything,” said Lionel Badet, the surgeon who launched the medical protocol for the operation in 2010. Gretarsson has years of re-education ahead of him, he said, “but we will support him all his life”.

US ambassador: Political solution on Karabakh status essential for securing regional peace and stability

Ani Basmajian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 22 2021

U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Lynne M. Tracy on Friday published an article entitled “Democracy is Precious”. The ambassador’s article is presented below.

“On January 20, 2021 just before 12:00pm in Washington, D.C., President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. took the oath of office to become the 46th President of the United States.  His Vice President, Kamala Harris, was also sworn in, becoming not only the first woman, but also the first Black and Indian American to hold the office.

In his inaugural address, President Biden said of the moment, “We've learned again that democracy is precious. Democracy is fragile. At this hour, my friends, democracy has prevailed.” As we have seen over the last few weeks, and as President Biden emphasized, democracy cannot be taken for granted, even after nearly two and a half centuries in the United States.

Since Armenia’s independence, the United States has supported Armenia in its fight for democracy – not because we have perfected it ourselves, but because we know how much work it takes to protect and defend. Critical to this task are building and maintaining strong democratic institutions and advancing the rule of law, providing economic opportunity for all, and broadening access to education.  It is a process that demands unity, resolve and perseverance, often in the face of enormous challenges.

As the United States begins a new chapter in our own country’s history, we renew our commitment to partnering with the Armenian people, Government, civil society, media, and the private sector to support the aspirations of the Armenian people who voiced their choice for meaningful, tangible reforms to strengthen the institutions of Armenia’s democratic institutions and for a more prosperous future.

Democracy and the rule of law are cornerstones of the U.S.-Armenia relationship, but we have an even broader common positive agenda. Supporting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, expanding trade and investment, promoting energy security, managing environmental resources responsibly, fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and investing in people through educational opportunities reflect a deep and wide U.S.-Armenia partnership that I am confident will continue to strengthen.

Above all, we recognize the urgent work to be done in moving forward following the devastating conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The U.S. government has responded to Armenia’s critical needs by providing clothes, food, child-friendly safe-spaces, and shelter to displaced peoples. The United States continues to call for the swift and safe return of the remaining detainees. We condemn the acts of atrocities connected with the conflict. Those responsible must be held to account. And, while the fighting has stopped, the need for an enduring political solution on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh is essential for securing regional peace and stability.

As I look ahead to the upcoming year, I acknowledge the many challenges we still face.  But I am confident that, together, we are up to the task. We will continue to support Armenia as it rebuilds in the years to come. As President Biden said on Wednesday – “We have never ever, ever failed in America when we have acted together.” That emphasis on togetherness transcends our borders – together with our Armenian friends and partners, we will tackle the challenges before us, uphold our shared values, and ensure that democracy and the rule of law prevail, leading to a brighter future for us all.”

You are getting worse’, opposition MP tells Armenian authorities

Ani Basmajian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 18 2021

Back on November 14, the opposition Bright Armenia Party presented a road map on how to get Armenia out of the crisis, but all problems outlined by the opposition party have remained unresolved, Edmon Marukyan, the head of the Bright Armenia parliamentary faction, said at the National Assembly on Monday.

The lawmaker reiterated the call for the country’s “defeated leader” to step down, adding Nikol Pashinyan cannot achieve pro-Armenian decisions during negotiations.

"Our claim was dismissed and condemned by the authorities, but on January 11 our assertion turned into a reality. The issues of internal solidarity, tolerance, social and economic problems … humanitarian crisis are not resolved. The political crisis also persists in the country," the MP said.

According to Marukyan, the authorities do not want to use any opportunity to show the world that they do not agree with what is happening today, that “in the 21st century our brothers and sisters are being kept in Azerbaijani prisons. "Accepting and discussing our agenda was a chance for you to show that you are against the current situation,” he stated.

Marukyan says now the parliament has to discuss the points of the road map proposed by them, even if MPs vote down the bill in the end.

"You continue to silence the opposition, relieving an opposition MP of the post of a committee chairman. You are getting worse, instead of learning lessons and getting better. Let's discuss the steps to take the country out of the crisis," Marukyan noted. 

Arsen Torosyan appointed Chief of Staff at the Office of Prime Minister after being sacked as health minister

Ani Basmajian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 18 2021

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a decision on Monday, dismissing Eduard Aghajanyan from the post of the Chief of Staff at the Office of Prime Minister, the government press service reported. By another decision of Pashinyan, Arsen Torosyan was appointed to the post. 

To note, Torosyan was dismissed from the post of the health minister earlier today. 

Exhibition displaying Artsakh’s manuscript heritage to open in Yerevan’s Matenadaran

Ani Basmajian

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 09:28,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Exhibition presenting the manuscript heritage of Artsakh will open in the Matenadaran – the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, next week.

Director of the Matenadaran-Gandzasar scientific-cultural center Aram Torosyan told Armenpress that the manuscripts which were written and kept in Artsakh, the books published in Shushi, archival documents, catholicos writings, etc, will be displayed during the exhibition. There will be a total of 80 exhibits. Torosyan stated that over 100 manuscripts have been displayed in the Artsakh branch of Matenadaran since 2015.

“During the recent war when the whole world witnessed how Azerbaijan was targeting the cultural centers of Artsakh, such as the Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi, the Matenadaran-Gandzasar cultural center has organized the evacuation of the exhibits from Artsakh. We transferred them to the Matenadaran in Yerevan. But I want to note that their transfer is temporary as we will definitely return them to Artsakh, and the exhibition will again take place in Gandzasar. Meanwhile, the directorate decided to display the treasures of Artsakh in the Matenadaran. The exhibition will open soon and will last until we decide to return it back to Artsakh, probably in the middle of the year. Although it’s not clear yet as there are some technical, security issues which should be clarified before the return. The Matenadaran-Gandzasar center must continue its activity. The building has not been damaged, the staffers are working, the state oversight service is conducting control”, Aram Torosyan said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Former Minister of Healthcare to assume position of chief of staff of PM’s Office

Ani Basmajian

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 17:24,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Former Minister of Healthcare of Armenia Arsen Torosyan will assume the position of chief of staff of the Prime Minister’s Office.

The respective decision has been signed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Earlier today, based on the PM’s proposal, President Armen Sarkissian has signed a decree on appointing Anahit Avanesyan as Minister of Healthcare.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Cease-fire holds but Armenian refugees feel effects of conflict

Ani Basmajian
The Alabama Baptist
Jan 15 2021

Desperation and a sense of deep sadness continue.

Since the Azerbaijani military launched air raids and artillery attacks Sept. 27 on the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, long-disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, more than 150,000 Armenian refugees still find themselves seeking food, shelter and life’s necessities.

“The people of Armenia are still suffering because much land was lost,” said Don Parsons, ministry director to unreached people groups for Mission Eurasia. “In many cases people can’t go back to their homes. They have nothing to go back to.”

Some who are returning to the Nagorno-Karabakh region are discovering towns and cities with few resources.

“In some of the worst cases, people have lost their lives,” Parsons said. More than 5,000 soldiers and at least 143 civilians were killed in the conflict, he noted, citing a recent BBC report.

In November, following six weeks of hostilities, Russia brokered a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The November ceasefire split Nagorno-Karabakh into two territories: one controlled by Azerbaijan, where the population is largely Muslim; the other controlled by ethnic Armenians where the population is largely Christian, Christianity Today reported.

“The cease-fire agreement is holding right now, but many are concerned it won’t be a long-lasting agreement,” Parsons said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down for talks in the Kremlin Jan. 11 with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Associated Press reported. Many Armenians opposed the peace deal, which brokered about 2,000 Russian peacekeepers to the region, but the Armenian prime minister has defended the deal as a painful but necessary move to prevent Azerbaijan from overrunning the entire Nagorno-Karabakh region, according to AP reports.

The Armenians were the first to declare Christianity as their national religion in the year 301. Alongside the devastating toll of human life and personal loss, many Armenian Christians fear destruction of the ancient symbols of their Christian heritage, such as churches and monasteries, particularly in the area of Nagorno-Karabakh controlled by Azerbaijan, CT reported.

In the city of Shusha, home to one of the largest Armenian Orthodox churches in the world, the situation is “deteriorating every day, said Father Andreas Taadyan, rector of the cathedral there, as reported by Christian Headlines. “In particular, I am told they are destroying houses, Armenian shrines and our cultural heritage. I believe that if the situation continues like this, there will be no traces of Armenians left there.”

Taadyan has fled his church but is trying to help displaced families.

“We all hope that tomorrow will be better than today,” Taadyan said. “So we go on with our lives, hoping for better days. I think that God will not leave us alone; everything will be fine, eventually. At the moment we are surrounded by Azerbaijanis, so there is a physical danger for all of us, but everything is in God’s hands.”

Parsons, who recently spent time in Armenia helping with relief efforts, recalls visiting “one home where multiple generations of refugees were living. When we entered, the place was quiet and sad, even with children there. Why? One of the men of the home, a young father and husband and son had been missing for more than two months. They fear the worst, but not knowing is devastating,” he said.

In another home, the head of the household wept as Parsons spoke with him. The man had lost his farm with 1,000 fruit trees, almost everything he had, because his territory is now under Azerbaijani control.

“Ethnic Armenians lost a lot of territory. Huge swaths of land, including homes and livelihoods, were taken away, and right now there appears to be little hope for them of getting it back,” Parsons said.

Even amid the devastation, Mission Eurasia, numerous churches and ministry partners have come together to offer hope to Armenian refugees, providing not only food and clothing but also prayer guides and portions of scripture.

“We were thankful to be able to help provide food and some needed relief for them, but especially to share the Word of God. Mission Eurasia’s desire of course in not just to provide food but to also share the Gospel of Christ with every home, with every refugee that we meet,” Parsons said.

He expects “there will still be many years of struggle for this little nation and region. They need our help both physically and spiritually.”

For more information visit https://missioneurasia.org/armenia-azerbaijan-war-response.

By Margaret Colson

URGENT: President Sarkissian hospitalized with coronavirus-related double pneumonia

Ani Basmajian

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 11:56,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. President Armen Sarkissian is hospitalized, his office said in a news release.

Sarkissian has COVID-19 and was being treated at home before being hospitalized.

“The disease still has a complicated course. President Sarkissian has the symptoms characteristic to this condition, including fever and double pneumonia.”

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Russian de-miners clear 6.5 hectares of land in Artsakh in one day

Ani Basmajian

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 12:54, 9 January, 2021

YEREVAN, JANUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. The specialists of the International Mine Action Center of the Russian defense ministry continue demining works in the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, the Russian defense ministry reports.

The Russian de-miners have cleared 6.5 hectares of land in one day.

So far, the engineering units of the Russian peacekeeping forces have already cleared nearly 446.4 hectares of land, about 165 km long roads, 618 buildings. 22,542 explosive devices were found and neutralized.

In the course of demining and clearing the territory of explosive objects in Nagorno Karabakh, Russian peacekeepers use modern robotic systems.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan