Author: Aram Torosian

Turkey: Convicted killer of Armenian journalist faces new terror-related charges

Aram Torosian
MEDYA News
Nov 20 2023

A fresh indictment has been levelled against Ogün Samast, just released from prison after serving a 16-year sentence for the 2007 murder of Hrant Dink, the Armenian editor-in-chief of the Agos Newspaper. The indictment, lodged in Istanbul, accuses Samast of involvement with the Fethullah Gülen Organisation (FETÖ), the group accused of plotting the 15 July 2016 coup attempt, linking the murder to their objectives and seeking a sentence of between 7 years and 6 months to 12 years.

Samast, who was a minor at the time of Dink’s assassination, is classified in the indictment as a “child led into crime”. Despite the absence of direct evidence linking Samast to FETÖ, the prosecution argues his actions were in line with the organisation’s objectives. The document cites Samast’s 2014 testimony in the Dink murder trial, which details his interactions with his former co-defendants, Yasin Hayal and Erhan Tuncel, both convicted, and an overheard conversation about support from key figures within the organisation.

The indictment also outlines FETÖ’s alleged strategy subsequent to Dink’s murder, including a takeover of the Istanbul Intelligence Directorate, part of a broader scheme to infiltrate state institutions, culminating in the controversial 2016 coup attempt.

The case, referred to the Istanbul 2nd High Criminal Court for Children, reflects Samast’s age at the time of Dink’s murder. Originally sentenced to a life term, his sentence was reduced due to his juvenile status at the time of the crime.

Meanwhile, Reşat Altay, Police Chief of the city of Trabzon at the time of the assassination, recently reflected on the murder, suggesting it could have been prevented. Altay stated that he had received no intelligence about the plot, which had been laid in Trabzon, Samast’s home town. He highlighted the lack of communication and follow-up on critical intelligence, pointing to systemic failures within the police department.

Altay’s revelations align with the ongoing scrutiny of the role of law enforcement in the case. The indictment’s focus on Samast’s alleged links to FETÖ adds a new dimension to the long-standing controversy surrounding Dink’s murder, a case that has become emblematic of issues within Turkey’s justice and law enforcement systems.

Hrant Dink’s widow Rakel Dink, speaking at a recent conference, emphasised the broader implications of the case for Turkey’s democratic development. Her comments underscore the ongoing public demand for accountability and transparency in the investigation of Dink’s assassination and the broader struggle for justice in Turkey.

“Matenadaran: The Revelation of the Photographic Treasury” exclusive exhibition presented to the public

Aram Torosian

 14:00,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The Mashtots Matenadaran Museum on November 25 opened an exclusive exhibition called “Matenadaran: The Revelation of the Photographic Treasury”.

Deputy Ministers of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Alfred Kocharyan and Daniel Danielyan also attended the opening ceremony of the exhibition, the ministry said.

Deputy Minister Alfred Kocharyan congratulated on the opening of the exhibition, emphasizing: "It is especially gratifying that the event is taking place with inter-museum cooperation. The ministry is always ready to support every idea contributing to the advancement of the sector.''

 The photographs are such samples found from different collections of the Matenadaran that hold significant importance from historical, artistic, source science, and ethnographic perspectives.

 "I am pleased that we have the opportunity to enrich the contents of Matenadaran with this exhibition," said the director of Matenadaran, Arayik Khzmalyan.

 The photos depict the historical and cultural monuments of both Eastern and Western Armenia, everyday life and household items, portraits of famous Armenians, ethnographic materials, and more.

Thanks to modern technology, those photos will be revitalized and given a new lease of life.

Armenia and Tunisia to lift visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders

Aram Torosian

 11:06,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Tunisia are lifting visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders, a move intended to contribute to expanding political dialogue and intensifying mutual-visits on various levels between the two countries.

The Armenian government approved the decision during the November 17 Cabinet meeting.

The Foreign Ministry said in the decision that Tunisia is Armenia’s important partner within the framework of the International Organization of Francophonie and a friendly country in North Africa, with whom it is developing relations both bilaterally and multilaterally.

Armenia discusses the notion of becoming a non-bloc state

Aram Torosian
Armenia – Nov 11 2023

TASS reports that speaking at the “Strategic Future of Armenia” forum in Brussels on November 10, Armen Grigoryan said:

 

“In Armenia, of course, there is a European integration notion, but there is also the notion of becoming a non-bloc state. We listen to civil society and try to grasp what tools can provide the best conditions for security, peace and development for Armenia and the region.”

 

At the same time, according to another TASS report, Armen Grigoryan said that “Armenia has never had such an intensive dialogue on the security matters with the West and Europe.”

 

“We hope to deepen cooperation in security sector with the collective West and separate countries. By the security sector, I mean not only the military component – economic cooperation may also have a security component. Armenia is ready for this, we have shown the will to move forward,” he noted.

https://mediamax.am/en/news/politics/53077/

Investor ignores Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem’s cancellation of land deal and starts demolition works

Aram Torosian

 15:58, 6 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The investor who sought to buy some 25 percent of the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem has ignored a letter by the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem cancelling the controversial real estate deal and has started demolition works, the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem warned Monday.

The party relevant to the cancelled contract, instead of giving a legal response, reacted with the demolition of walls and a parking lot, scraping of asphalt pavements and even threatened to cause more harm, the Chancellery of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem said.

“Yesterday they even brought security guards armed with high powered rifles and tactically trained dogs demanding an evacuation of the Armenian presence in the parking lot. As a reaction to this, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, members of the St. James Brotherhood, and members of the Armenian community, gathered in the Armenian Gardens and peacefully expressed their discontent. After a few hours, the two sides agreed to disperse until the Patriarchate receives an answer to their sent cancellation letter,” the Chancellery of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem added in a communique.

Secret Terror Plot Thwarted: Armenia’s Close Call with Chaos

Aram Torosian
Novinite, Bulgaria
Nov 2 2023

Armenian security forces have announced the successful arrest of five individuals linked to an attempted "terrorist attack" on government institutions. The operation, dubbed "Northern Leaffall," was intended to disrupt the functioning of key government bodies. The suspects had reportedly prepared explosive devices and other hazardous materials for their nefarious plan.

During searches of the detainees' residences, authorities uncovered weapons and ammunition, shedding light on the severity of the threat. It is worth noting that the criminal group's scheme was foiled "due to circumstances beyond its control," according to Armenian law enforcement.

One of the group's strategies involved creating Telegram channels resembling "Uprising of National Salvation" in Ukraine and Moldova. These channels were intended to rally support for their cause, which involved the relocation of their families to Georgia.

These events unfold amidst mounting public pressure on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign, particularly in the wake of Azerbaijan's recent takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh. This military offensive led to the displacement of a significant portion of the Armenian population.

Pashinyan, while under pressure to respond, maintains a commitment to not involve Armenia in another war, emphasizing his focus on achieving a peace agreement by year's end. However, recent statements by the prime minister expressing skepticism about the benefits of Russian military bases in Armenia have created tensions with Moscow.

Last ethnic Armenian residents flee troubled Nagorno-Karabakh area by bus

Aram Torosian
Irish Independent
Nov 3 2023

Aida Sultanova and Avet Demourian



The last bus carrying ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh has left the region, completing a gruelling week-long exodus of more than 100,000 people – over 80pc of its residents – after Azerbaijan reclaimed the area in a lightning military operation.

The bus carried 15 passengers with serious illnesses and mobility problems, said Gegham Stepanyan, Nagorno-Karabakh’s human rights ombudsman. He called for information about any other residents who want to leave but have had trouble doing so.

In a 24-hour military campaign that began on September 19, the Azerbaijani army routed the region’s undermanned and outgunned Armenian forces, forcing them to capitulate. Separatist authorities then agreed to dissolve their government by the end of this year.

Azerbaijan Interior Ministry spokesman Elshad Hajiyev said on Monday that the country’s police have established control over the region.

“Work is conducted to enforce law and order in the entire Karabakh region,” he said, adding that Azerbaijani police have moved to “protect the rights and ensure security of the Armenian population in accordance with Azerbaijan’s law”.

While Azerbaijan has pledged to respect the rights of ethnic Armenians, most of them fled the region, fearing reprisals or losing the freedom to use their language and practise their religion and customs. The Armenian government said on Monday that 100,514 of the region’s estimated 120,000 residents have crossed into Armenia.

Health minister Anahit Avanesyan said some people died during the journey over the mountain road into Armenia which took as long as 40 hours. The exodus followed a nine-month Azerbaijani blockade of the region that left many suffering from malnutrition and lack of medicines.

Sergey Astsetryan (40), one of the last Nagorno-Karabakh residents to leave in his own vehicle on Sunday, said some elderly people have decided to stay, adding that others might return if they see it is safe for ethnic Armenians under Azerbaijani rule.

“My father told me that he will return when he has the opportunity,” Mr Astsetryan told reporters at a checkpoint on the Armenian border.

Azerbaijani authorities moved quickly to reaffirm control of the region, arresting several former members of its separatist government and encouraging ethnic Azerbaijani residents who fled the area amid a separatist war three decades ago to start moving back.

The streets of the regional capital, known as Stepanakert to the ethnic Armenian population and Khankendi to Azerbaijanis, appeared empty and littered with rubbish, with doors of deserted shops left open.

The sign with the city’s Azerbaijani name was placed at the entrance and Azerbaijani police checkpoints were set up on the city’s edges, with officers checking the boots of cars.

Russian peacekeeping troops could be seen on a balcony of one building in the city and others were at their base outside it. On Sunday, Azerbaijan prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for former Nagorno-Karabakh leader Arayik Harutyunyan, who led the region before stepping down last month.

After six years of separatist fighting ended in 1994 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Nagorno-Karabakh came under the control of ethnic Armenian forces, backed by Armenia.

After a six-week war in 2020, Azerbaijan took back parts of the region in the south Caucasus Mountains along with surrounding territory captured earlier by Armenian forces. Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan alleged that the exodus of ethnic Armenians amounted to “a direct act of ethnic cleansing”.

 

"Economic growth in Armenia is unstable": analysis of the situation and expert’s forecast

Aram Torosian
Nov 1 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

On the problems of the Armenian economy

The Armenian government intends to achieve economic growth of 7% in 2024. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the macroeconomic stability observed in the country is the most important tool for managing challenges and capitalizing on opportunities.

According to economist Lilia Amirkhanyan, macroeconomic indicators do point to positive trends in the economy. But the factors driving this, she says, are external, and warns that without them Armenia’s economy will face serious problems.

  • The effect of “positive and negative shock” on Armenia’s economy. Opinion
  • “A blow to microbusiness in Armenia”: experts on the abolition of tax incentives
  • Construction boom in Yerevan, prohibitively high housing prices will remain for the time being

During the preliminary discussions on the state budget for 2024, the Prime Minister said that macroeconomic stability is one of Armenia’s most important achievements:

“We were able to maintain it during the war, internal political instability and the coronavirus pandemic. Armenia continues to maintain the level of high economic growth for the second year in a row.”

According to Pashinyan, macroeconomic stability was also facilitated by “a principled and systematic fight against corruption”.

About the latest developments – according to the stories of ordinary people. Also, an expert’s commentary on support for socially vulnerable segments of the population and uneven distribution of income

According to Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan, “the services sector will remain the driving force of Armenia’s economic growth, and consumption will remain the driving component.” He believes that the inflow of investments and exports will also contribute to growth.

When asked by MPs what Armenia’s economic growth will be like without the positive influence of external factors, the minister replied:

“Armenia’s economic growth potential is estimated at 5.5%. The scale of this potential depends on the investments, diversification of our economy and the reforms we are implementing. The main efforts of the government should be directed precisely at increasing this potential.”

Economist Hrant Mikaelyan agrees with agency experts that economic growth in Armenia is “indirectly linked” to the ongoing war in Ukraine

Economist Lilia Amirkhanyan says that all the factors that have been the drivers of Armenia’s economy over the past year and a half are still going, but are mainly external, largely due to the economic effect of the Russian-Ukrainian war, i.e. migrants and cash remittances.

The expert notes that two “cornerstone areas of the economy” – industry and agriculture – are significantly lagging behind the growth rate. She is alarmed that the agricultural sector continues to be at ground zero, while industry is recording a decline.

“The economic growth in trade, service, services and construction is steady. These sectors dominate both the GDP structure and the economic activity index.”

But the recorded economic growth is unstable and the cessation of external factors will cause major problems:

“We will face the problem of an economy with declining industry, agriculture and agrarian sector and exports. These problems already exist, but the indicators of other sectors so far give us the opportunity to cover the gap.”

As for the influx of Armenians who left NK for Armenia, the expert said they could become a “stimulus” for economic activity:

“If additional value is to be created as a result of increased state budget expenditures and return to the state budget, this is a natural phenomenon, not a negative one. The problem is the lack of institutional mechanisms and inefficiency, not only in the case of migrants from Artsakh, but also in the case of Russian migrants.”


https://jam-news.net/expert-on-the-problems-of-armenias-economy/

New Memoir by Asbarez Columnist Catherine Yesayan Explores Her Journey from Iran to America

Aram Torosian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 November 1, 2023

 

in Arts & Culture, Books, Latest, News, Top Stories


BY ALEEN ARSLANIAN

Catherine Yesayan, who has been writing Asbarez’s “Community Links” column for the past 12 years, celebrated the release of her first memoir, titled “A Woman, A Revolution, A Journey.” More than 50 friends, family and community members attended launch party on Sunday held at her residence in Glendale.

Yesayan opened the event by welcoming attendees and offering a brief description of “A Woman, A Revolution, A Journey,” which details key events throughout the author’s life in three parts. Part one, “Leaving Tehran and Arriving in California”; part two, “Growing Up in Tehran”; and part three, the “Third Act.” Yesayan then read a few excerpts from her memoir.

“The first part is about the revolution, how it happened, and a short history of Iran. The second part is about my upbringing in Iran. And the third part is the ‘third act’ of my life, when my kids moved out of the house and I had empty nest syndrome. It’s about my emotions,” Yesayan told Asbarez at the event.

Attendees at Catherine Yesayan’s book launch event held on Oct. 29

Guest speakers at the book launch party included Sylvia Carrie, a friend and colleague of Yesayan’s who participated in the editing process of the memoir, Asbarez Editor Ara Khachatourian, as well as award-winning Los Angeles-based journalist Saida Pagan.

“She [Yesayan] is not only a reasonable person—so easy to get along with—but she has great ideas. I think her book is wonderful. I became a big fan,” said Carrie during her remarks.

According to Yesayan, she felt inspired to write her memoir after her uncle, Henry A. Sarkissian, published his own in 1981, titled “Tales of 1,001 Iranian Days.”

Yesayan began working on her memoir around the same time she began writing her column in the Asbarez newspaper in 2011. The column, “Community Links,” is a space where Yesayan documents her extensive travels to Armenian communities around the world. Describing writing as her “passion,” the author said that she is elated to have finally published her first memoir.

“I began writing my memoir many, many years ago and put it aside,” Yesayan told Asbarez at the book launch event. “But when Mahsa [Amini, a Kurdish Iranian teenager] was killed for not wearing a hijab, it gave me a new impetus—I said, ‘I should finish writing it.'”

In December of 1978, Catherine Yesayan, her husband, and her young daughter flew from Tehran to London for the Christmas holiday. They woke up in their hotel room the next morning to hear a radio announcement of the eruption of the Islamic Revolution and realized they could never return home.

“A Woman, A Revolution, A Journey,” an independently published book, is available for purchase on Amazon.