Author: Arbi Tashjian

Sargis Khandanyan emphasizes importance of the principles for Armenia-Azerbaijan relations settlement

Arbi Tashjian

 18:29,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian National Assembly delegation is taking part in the work of the Winter Meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA).

According to the readout issued by National Assembly press service, the Head of the Armenian National Assembly delegation, the Chair of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Sargis Khandanyan delivered a speech in the Assembly.

“Mr. Chair,

You presented your vision for the draft report of this committee. Of course, we will have time and opportunity before our annual session in Bucharest to contribute to this report and draft resolution, but I would like to emphasize the importance of inclusion in the text of the principles for the settlement of the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Those principles are the following:

1.Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to recognize each other’s territorial integrity based on the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

2.Two countries have agreed to conduct the delimitation process between the two countries on the political basis of the 1991 Almaty Declaration.

3.Two countries have agreed to unblock transport and economic links based on respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of either country, on the basis of reciprocity and equality.

The above-mentioned principles have been agreed and reconfirmed between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Prague in 2022, in Brussels last year, and in Munich a few days ago. After those meetings Armenia in the highest level reconfirmed its commitments to those fundamental points for the normalization of relations as soon as possible. It is very important, dear colleagues, to continue to call Azerbaijan to strongly adhere to these principles and to engage in the peace process based on these understandings without further delays and demands including territorial claims towards Armenia.

The adherence to the principles of Almaty declaration has a paramount importance for this process. 12 Soviet republics by joining this declaration and becoming sovereign states, recognized each other's territorial integrity, inviolability of borders and sovereignty. And thus, with the Almaty declaration, the existing administrative borders between the Soviet republics became state borders.

This principle is not only actual for the context of the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but it also fundamental for the respect of the other post-Soviet republics’ territorial integrity including Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova,” Sargis Khandanyan said.




Armenia Has ‘Frozen’ Participation in CSTO, Angering Moscow

Arbi Tashjian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

CSTO leaders gather in Yerevan for an annual summit on Nov. 23, 2022


Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Armenia has “frozen” its participation in the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization. The Kremlin has called on Yerevan to explain this decision.

In an interview with France 24, Pashinyan said the CSTO had not fulfilled its obligations toward Armenia, a member state.

“The CSTO hasn’t fulfilled its security obligations towards Armenia, particularly in 2021, in 2022, and this couldn’t have gone without consequences. And the consequence is that in practice we have basically frozen our participation in the CSTO,” Pashinyan told France24.

When asked about the Russian military base in Armenia, Pashinyan clarified that the base is located in Armenia not as part of the CSTO. “That’s an entirely different legal-contractual framework, and we haven’t had the occasion to address that framework,” he said.

The Kremlin was quick to react to Pashinyan’s statement, saying on Friday that Russia is planning to seek clarification from Armenia’s prime minister.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Zvezda television channel on Friday that Moscow needed more details from Armenia, Reuters reported.

“The Armenian side has not taken any official action in this regard,” he said, referring to the purported freezing of its CSTO participation.

“We intend to get in touch with our colleagues and clarify the meaning of these statements,” Reuters quoted Peskov as saying.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also said Yerevan needed to clarify its position.

“We expect comprehensive clarification through bilateral channels regarding Nikol Pashinyan’s statements concerning the freezing of Armenia’s participation in the Collective Security Treaty and the organization itself,” the Russian Foreign Ministry has said.

Armenia To Withdraw From Russia-Led CSTO; Boosts Ties With India & France Amid Azerbaijan Tensions?

Arbi Tashjian
Feb 23 2024

Armenia has reportedly withdrawn from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told France 24 in an interview.

“In our opinion, the agreement on collective security in relation to Armenia was not implemented, especially in 2021-2022, and this can not go unnoticed. We are freezing our participation in this agreement. Let’s see what happens next,” he said.

Armenia has repeatedly accused the CSTO and Moscow of failing to fulfill their obligations. Thus, in January, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan said that the republic “has no expectations” from the Collective Security Treaty Organization since it did not receive adequate support in September 2022 at the time of “large-scale conflict.”

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan refused to participate in the CSTO summit in Minsk on November 23.

The CSTO includes six states: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, speaking about the prospects for Armenia’s participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, said that Moscow will continue dialogue with Armenian friends, including the CSTO.

Meanwhile, Armenia has almost doubled its defense acquisitions over the last year. In 2022, the spending was around $700 million to US$800 million, which has now risen to $1.5 billion.

Disappointed by Moscow, Armenia has sought to diversify its defense imports and find new partners after Russia failed to provide the country with ordered weapons worth around US$400 million. The failed arms deal was an additional catalyst in the deteriorating Russia-Armenia ties.

India and France have emerged as key partners of Armenia,

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, during her visit to Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, on October 3, said: “France has given its consent to sign a future contract with Armenia, which will enable the provision of military equipment to Armenia so that Armenia can ensure its defense, it is clear that I cannot elaborate on this issue for now.”

As part of bolstering military ties between the two countries, parliamentarians in France announced sending 50 Bastion armored personnel carriers to Armenia. Although no delivery has been confirmed, the Armenian news site Armenpress reported earlier this week that France had already delivered 24 Bastion armored vehicles.

In one of the deals signed between France and Armenia, the latter is expected to acquire three air defense radar systems from Thales, a French defense company. The two sides also signed a “letter of intent” on the future delivery of Mistral short-range surface-to-air missiles.

Enhanced PINAKA rocket, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested from Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, in Odisha on November 04, 2020.

A report published in local French media also indicated that France could supply 50 VAB MK3 armored vehicles manufactured by Renault Trucks Defense. It provides armed forces with high-level protection and multi-mission capabilities.

Meanwhile, in 2022, India inked the deal to supply PINAKA multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL), anti-tank munitions, and ammunition worth US $250 million to Armenia; it was seen as New Delhi taking a position in the conflict. It was India’s first export of Pinaka.

As previously reported by EurAsian Times, Armenia also contracted to buy India-developed Zen Anti-Drone System (ZADS), which is a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS). Armenia is also acquiring Indian Akash surface-to-air missiles, which the Indian army has also inducted to defend its key installations.

Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces visits southeastern and southwestern border zones

Arbi Tashjian

 20:17,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS.  Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, First Deputy Minister of Defense, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan paid a working visit to the South-East and South-West border zones on February 14-16, the ministry said.

Lieutenant General Edward Asryan visited a number of military units, talked with servicemen on combat duty, got acquainted with the border situation, the conditions of service organization on the spot and also held consultations with the participation of the command staff of the military units. 

According to the source, Edward Asryan also followed the progress of construction of engineering and fortification structures, visited the newly built modular military unit and got acquainted with the work carried out.

 

Armenpress: Armenian community of Hungary highlights President Khachaturyan’s visit

Arbi Tashjian

 09:00,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. President Vahagn Khachaturyan’s official visit to Hungary on February 5-7 was highly important for the local Armenian community, Hungarian lawmaker, national minority advocate at the Hungarian parliament Nikogosz Akopjan told Armenpress.

Nikogosz Akopjan represents the Armenian community in the Hungarian parliament.

“The President’s visit was highly important for the Armenian community of Hungary because there were no diplomatic relations for a long time. We hope that the visit will intensify the relations in culture, science and trade,” he said. “…finally the Armenians living in Hungary understood that the ice was broken after 12 years. We hope that the visit is the beginning of the development of our friendly ties.”

Asked on his opinion regarding the direction of developing the relations, Akopjan said, “It’s no secret that Hungary has very good relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan. We must be able to delicately recover the lost balance. It is very important for us,” the lawmaker said, adding that the community must be actively engaged. 

Hungary was long ready to restore the ties with Armenia, according to Akopjan.

“Very often the Hungarian side would ask the Armenian community to act as a bridge for restoring the relations,” Akopjan said.

In an earlier interview with Armenpress, Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan also attached importance to Khachaturyan’s visit, noting that Hungary’s stance is highly important in terms of strengthening Armenia-EU ties since Budapest will assume the EU presidency in July 2024.

Armenia permanent population grows

Arbi Tashjian

 17:19, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s permanent population stood at 2,990,900 as of January 1, 2024, which is an increase by 53,4 thousand compared to the same period of 2023, according to official data released by the Statistical Committee.

According to preliminary data, by January 1, 2024, 41,4 thousand people registered in the state population registry (including forcibly displaced persons of NK). Whereas the natural population growth in 2023 comprised 12,000.

Yerevan’s population is 1,104,200 (increase by 15,6 thousand).

The most populated province is Kotayk with 278,000 people, followed by Armavir (259,4 thousand), Ararat (255,8 thousand), Shirak (237,9 thousand), Lori (225,3 thousand), Gegharkunik (213,2 thousand), Aragatsotn (131,5 thousand), Syunik (119,5 thousand), Tavush (117,1 thousand) and Vayots Dzor (49 thousand).

Armenia-Georgia agreement reflects mutual will – Pashinyan

Arbi Tashjian

 17:59, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan believes that the agreement on strategic partnership between Armenia and Georgia reflects the determination of both countries' governments to advance their entire agenda of relations.

 Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said while answering the question of Alkhas Ghazaryan, an MP of the ruling majority faction, during Wednesday’s question-and-answer session with the government at the National Assembly of Armenia.

"Regarding the declaration on strategic cooperation and dialogue signed with Georgia, I can say that, in fact, all the aspects are carefully planned. This demonstrates the mutual determination of both countries' governments to advance this entire agenda," noted the Prime Minister.

Armenia and Georgia signed an agreement on strategic partnership on January 26. The signing of the agreement took place within the framework of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's visit to Georgia.

Don’t Forget the Armenia Refugees of Artsakh

Arbi Tashjian
Feb 6 2024

In September, the Islamic nation of Azerbaijan invaded its neighbor Armenia.


James Day 
February 5, 2024

Living in the constant motion of a 24/7 news cycle inevitably pushes certain headlines off the front page. In recent months, that has been the plight of tens of thousands of Armenia refugees flung out of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In September, neighboring Azerbaijan, an Islamic nation, invaded Armenia and blockaded what Armenians call Artsakh. The region has been a locus of ongoing conflict since the fall of the Soviet Union, but events took a significant turn with the 2023 Azerbaijan offensive.

The result was a massive upheaval for those who call Artsakh home. Since then, fleeing Armenians — the vast majority of whom are Christian — have endured the constant threat of danger and the deprivation that followed.

American diplomat Sam Brownback, a Catholic, called the invasion and offensive a “religious cleansing” against Armenian Christians.

About 90% of the Armenian population as a whole is Christian, according to the U.S. State Department, most of whom are Orthodox, and fewer than 10% Catholic. Armenians proudly call their homeland “the first Christian nation,” referring to King Tiridates III proclaiming Christianity the official religion of the Kingdom of Armenia at the beginning of the fourth century. The Armenian Apostolic Church’s Etchmiadzin Cathedral is frequently cited as the oldest Christian church in the world. Pope Francis visited the historic site in 2016.

When Pope St. John Paul II traveled to Armenia in September 2001 to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia, he said, “A striking feature of this land are the many crosses in the form of the khachkar, testifying to your steadfast fidelity to the Christian faith.” A khachkar is a specifically Armenian artistic representation of the cross, typically as a free-standing stone monument.

Azerbaijan has routinely led pogroms of destruction against the khachkar over the decades.

There is a tradition in the Armenian Apostolic Church that St. Jude Thaddeus — with St. Bartholomew — evangelized the region, and was eventually martyred in Armenia. This patron saint of impossible causes is thus revered in both Western and Eastern Christianity. In fact, Louis Boettiger’s Armenian Legends and Festivals (1920) chronicles the tale of King Abgar of Edessa, whose kingdom reached modern-day Armenia, and his encounter with the image of Christ “not made by human hands,” delivered to him, the story says, by Jude Thaddeus.

The human catastrophes that have befallen Armenia in recent history, namely the Armenian Genocide and into our own time with the Nagorno-Karabakh Wars — which not a few Armenians view as related events in a longstanding struggle against Turkey — thus take on a sense of urgency for all Christians around the world as their fellow brethren suffer. These days, the urgency is quite palpable: the government of Artsakh agreed to dissolve at the beginning of 2024, forcing ethnic Armenians to seek a new homeland elsewhere with little time to spare.

Little Armenia is a community in East Hollywood named after the Armenians who fled their home in diaspora. The city of Glendale is the nexus for the Armenian population; the Greater Los Angeles area is home to the largest population of Armenians outside Armenia. John Semerdjian, an Armenian-American from the San Pedro area of Los Angeles, is concerned not only with the plight of Armenian refugees slipping from the attention of the general populace, but also that the news media itself has not accurately reported what has transpired in Artsakh.

“I don’t think the news showed what was happening in Armenia,” he told me. “A lot of the news coming from there was blocked from being shown here.” When Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, Semerdjian noticed a distinct shift in the world’s attention. “It’s really sad what’s happening now in Gaza and Israel,” he said. “But imagine all that happening and no one knowing about it. That’s what it felt like regarding Armenia the last few years.”

Semerdjian felt compelled to take action as refugees sought help. “Some people reached out to me to help families with kids living in their cars to get situated for a few months with a place to stay and food to eat.” So through the OKNi Foundation, a charity platform, Semerdjian launched a fundraiser “to extend a helping hand to displaced families as they embark on the courageous journey of rebuilding their lives.”

In 2015, Pope Francis declared St. Gregory of Narek a Doctor of the Church. Venerated as a saint in both the Catholic Church and Armenian Apostolic Church, Francis quoted Gregory, whom he called “the word and voice of Armenia,” during his visit in 2016: “The light of God’s mercy is never clouded by the shadow of indignation.”

Today, there are fellow Christians spurned from their home, forced to wander a dangerous world, hinging their hope on the mercy of God, asking, like God in the Garden:

Adam, who are you? I no longer recognize you.
Who are you, O man?
What have you become?
Of what horror have you been capable?
What made you fall to such depths?
—Pope Francis in Jerusalem, Yad Vashem Memorial, 2014

James Day James Day is the Operations Manager at EWTN in Orange County, California

Government carried out $223 million reconstructions projects in Lori in 5 years

Arbi Tashjian

 10:50,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government carried out projects worth $223 million in Lori Province in 2018-2023.

In a press release, the government said that 377 kilometers of roads, 286 kilometers of lighting, 39 kilometers of gasification, 311,5 kilometers of water lines, 7 kindergartens and 7 schools were either built, reconstructed or repaired in 2018-2023 in Lori.

ANCC condemns Canada’s ‘reckless decision’ on lifting Turkey arms embargo

Arbi Tashjian

 13:13,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) has condemned the decision by the Canadian government to lift its arms embargo on Turkey.

In a statement, the ANCC said the decision has ‘raised alarming concerns’ within the Armenian community of Canada because it compromises Canada’s ‘commitment to human rights, international security, and justice.’

Below is the full statement issued by the ANCC.

“The Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) condemns the recent decision by the Government of Canada to lift its longstanding arms embargo on Turkey. This decision has raised alarming concerns within the Armenian-Canadian community, as it compromises Canada’s commitment to human rights, international security, and justice.

“Despite Global Affairs Canada imposing a moratorium on arms sales to Turkey in October 2019, the government allowed the export of L3Harris/WESCAM drone technology to Ankara in the spring of 2020. Following Azerbaijan’s declaration of war against the Republic of Artsakh in September 2020, substantial evidence confirmed Turkey’s illegal diversion of the equipment to Azerbaijan, in violation of its contractual obligations with Canada and resulting in the illegal use of Canadian-made WESCAM drone avionics by Azerbaijan against civilians in Artsakh. As a result of an internal investigation and parliamentary scrutiny, the government subsequently moved to cancel all relevant export permits to Turkey in April 2021.

“Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey has consistently shown a disregard for human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law and has maintained a track record of violating contractual agreements. The lifting of the arms embargo not only contradicts Canada’s longstanding principles but also ignores the ongoing aggression and human rights violations perpetrated and supported by Turkey against various populations, including the Armenian people.

“The ANCC strongly urges the Government of Canada to reconsider this reckless decision and to adopt a principled stance against the belligerence of the Turkish government. By lifting the arms embargo, Canada will only embolden President Erdogan’s regime and once again risk complicity in crimes perpetrated and sponsored by the Turkish regime, endangering the lives of Armenians as well as other populations in the region. Such a move sends troubling messages to the international community and undermines Canada’s commitment to human rights, peace, and justice.”

“The Government of Canada must end the hypocrisy and prioritize human rights, international security, and justice over short-term political considerations. The ANCC calls on the government to heed the concerns of the Armenian-Canadian community, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates who have tirelessly advocated for justice and accountability.

“While we have taken note of the government’s decision to cancel or suspend permits, should credible evidence emerge of misuse by the Turkish side, we call on the Government of Canada to revoke its decision altogether and take a resolute stance against the Turkish government’s aggression, thereby reaffirming its commitment to the principles that define the Canadian people.”