Author: Arbi Tashjian

Military spending of Armenia and Azerbaijan – in numbers

Arbi Tashjian

June 2 2022


  • JAMnews

Military spending of Armenia and Azerbaijan

Armenia is actively discussing the country’s military spending and compares it with Azerbaijan’s military budget. The FIP.am “Fact investigation platform” reports that in 2020, Armenia was the second most militarized country in the world and the first in the South Caucasus. In 2021, Armenia became the fifth, and Azerbaijan – the third. However, the platform notes that it is necessary to take into account a significant disproportion between the “absolute values of the numbers”, that is, the real costs.

For example, 17% of the budget allocated by Armenia on defence needs in 2020 is a much more modest amount than the 13% spent by Azerbaijan due to the difference between the budgets of the countries.

FIP.am pays special attention to facts and figures since “Armenia’s military spending is often a subject of numerous manipulations and speculations”.

“Fact Investigation Platform” positions itself as an independent media outlet. The goal of FIP.am is “ the disclosure of inaccurate information published by officials, official bodies and the media and preventing the spread of disinformation”.

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Both Armenia and Azerbaijan allocate relatively significant portions of the state budget for military and defense expenditures, being among the most militarized countries in the world. According to the Global Militarization Index, in 2020 Armenia was the second most militarized state in the world and the first in the South Caucasus. According to the indicators of 2021, Armenia ranked fifth in the world, while Azerbaijan ranked third, following Israel and Oman.

The main source of information on countries’ military expenditures is the relevant allocations from the state budget. The main source of information on countries’ military expenditures is the relevant allocations from the state budget. In the case of Armenia, these means are allocated to the Ministry of Defense. Azerbaijan allocates funds for military expenditures to the Ministry of Defense, the State Border Guard Service, the State Security Service and the Foreign Intelligence Service.

The main sources of information about arms sales and their prices are specialized organizations, in particular the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). However, the data are not complete․

Many military transactions and their values can be kept secret for a variety of reasons.

“If we define the borders, then what status of NK can we talk about?” – Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has been resolved

After the second Nagorno Karabakh war, Azerbaijan increased the country’s military budget by about 20%, from $ 2․2 billion to $ 2.6 billion annually for 2021 and 2022.

Armenia significantly increased its military spending after the 2018 revolution, reaching about 5% of GDP, surpassing Azerbaijan in terms of the ratio.

In 2021, Armenia allocated about $ 600 million from the state budget to the Ministry of Defense, and in 2022, it increased military spending by more than 10%, reaching $ 750 million.

In 2021, Armenia’s military spending amounted to 4․4% of GDP, and that of Azerbaijan amounted to 5․3%.

After the first Nagorno Karabakh war, since 1995, Armenia has allocated about $ 9 billion for military and defense expenditures. Azerbaijan’s military expenditures for the same period are about 5 times higher.

Despite the significant disproportion in the absolute values of the numbers, in 2020 Armenia allocated 17% of the budget for military expenditures, while Azerbaijan’s military spending was 13%.

Although the two countries are leaders in the world in terms of relative military spending, Azerbaijan’s rapid economic growth has greatly influenced its military procurement policy. Thus, Azerbaijan significantly increased its military spending in 2006, after the launch of the famous Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, as well as in the years before the April 2016 war. It is also noteworthy that in 2020, just before the war, Azerbaijan again increased military spending by about 17%, while Armenia reduced it by 2.6%.

The Kremlin is trying to destabilize Armenia and Azerbaijan and believes that without it, the definition of borders between the two Caucasian countries is impossible, but Azerbaijani experts think otherwise

As we have already mentioned, the only official source on Armenia’s military expenditures is the state budget, broken down into allocations in the main directions. The growth of military spending in Armenia was mainly comparable to the economic growth, although sometimes it also exceeded the GDP growth rates.

Thus, during the last 10 years (2012-2021), the military budget of Armenia has doubled, increasing from AMD 155 billion to about AMD 312 billion. During the same period, the GDP increased from AMD 4.266 trillion to AMD 6.983 trillion, increasing by 1.6 times. Approximately AMD 345 billion were allocated to the Ministry of Defense from the 2022 budget.

Allocations to the Ministry of Defense in the 2018 budget increased significantly (from AMD 209 billion to 247 billion), of which AMD 238 billion were envisaged for meeting military needs.

It can be seen from the infographic that the growth of Armenia’s military spending mainly coincides with the general growth, and, as a rule, the allocations fluctuated in the range of 3-4% of GDP. It is noteworthy that Armenia has reduced allocations to the Ministry of Defense after the four-day war in 2016 and the 44-day war in 2020.

The data on the state budget and military expenditures are incomplete for the period of the tenure of the first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan, when Armenia was at war with Azerbaijan and was in the crisis of the post-Soviet period. Nevertheless, during these years Armenia had acquired a large number of weapons from Russia, which had a decisive impact on the course of the war.

According to the state budget information, during the rule of the second president of the republic Robert Kocharyan (1998-2008), a total of AMD 639 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Defense.

During the decade of Serzh Sargsyan’s rule (including 2018), Armenia allocated AMD 1 trillion 828 billion to the Ministry of Defense, and in the four years following the Velvet Revolution, during Nikol Pashinyan’s rule (2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022), AMD 1 trillion 272 billion were allocated.

However, it should be noted again that the country’s GDP has increased significantly compared to the 2000s, which is reflected in the military spending indicators.

The main, if not the only, major partner in arms trade with Armenia is Russia. Armenia receives more than 95% of its weapons from Russia.

Years ago the situation was the same in the case of Azerbaijan, but in the last decade the country has diversified its arms supply, procuring a huge amount of weapons and ammunition from Israel, Turkey, Ukraine and other countries.

According to SIPRI, Russia accounted for only 31% of Azerbaijan’s military procurements in 2015-2019, compared to 80% in 2009-2013. During the recent CSTO conference on May 16, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the issue of selling arms to Azerbaijan by Russia and other CSTO member states.

In response to such criticism in the past, Russian President Vladimir Putin described Russia-Azerbaijan military cooperation as “just business.”

During the 2020 war, the Fact Investigation Platform referred to the main suppliers of weapons to Azerbaijan and the main types of weapons acquired.

Among the countries supplying arms or other military equipment to Azerbaijan are the well-known suppliers, as well as other countries of the European Union and Europe, which have sold both arms and technology to Azerbaijan in different years.

Since then, Azerbaijan has not not made new statements about the acquisition of new weapons.

However, Armenia did announce earlier this year about the procurement of new transport helicopters from Russia, the transaction value of which is still unknown. The last big deal was made by Armenia in 2019, when it acquired four SU-30 fighter jets worth about $ 120 million.

https://jam-news.net/military-spending-of-armenia-and-azerbaijan-in-numbers/


Swedish court recognized Azerbaijan as anti-democratic state

Arbi Tashjian
ARMINFO
Armenia – June 3 2022

ArmInfo.The Swedish government has withdrawn its decision to finance a Swedish- Azerbaijani company that organized all-inclusive tours to Azerbaijan last year.

As Swedish journalist Rasmus Canback wrote on his Twitter page, the  company sued the Swedish government in connection with the  termination of subsidies, but the Swedish court declared Azerbaijan  an anti-democratic state and rejected the company's complaint.

AW: Dr. Sharon Chekijian collaborates with AUA to develop Armenia’s emergency response systems

Arbi Tashjian
June 2, 2022 Guest Contributor Non-Profit 0

Dr. Sharon Chekijian

Dr. Sharon Anoush Chekijian is an esteemed medical doctor, director and assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Yale School of Medicine who recently joined the exclusive group of ChangeMakers of the American University of Armenia (AUA). With a strong belief in the power of education to take Armenia towards a brighter future, she is committed to extending her personal and professional expertise to the next generation of forward-thinkers and leaders.  

Dr. Chekijian has partnered with AUA in the past, contributing to the growth of the university and student success in different ways. Her philanthropic comportment was imparted to her by her family — her father Yervant Chekijian and late uncle Samuel Chekijian, both AUA Pillars. “Our family has always believed in the power of education to change lives, countries and destinies. I believe that is because we have experienced the power of education firsthand,” said Dr. Chekijian.

Born to an Armenian family from Jerusalem with ancestral roots in Zeytoun and Marash, Dr. Chekijian was raised in the Boston area of Massachusetts and currently resides in Connecticut. The granddaughter of genocide survivors Mary (née Zümrüt Norashkharian) and Youhanna Chekijian, she reflects on how this heritage has colored her worldview, strengthening her desire to work hard and aspire to success in honor of the invincible will and strength of her grandparents. “As children and grandchildren of genocide survivors, we know everything can be taken away from you, but not your education. We also know that the future of a brilliant and prosperous Armenia lies in the education of those who will continue to grow and transform the country.”

Dr. Chekijian remembers her first trip to Armenia during the First Artsakh War. She spent the summer with a special educational exemption through the AGBU/University of Michigan summer language program — a trip that preceded a critical time for the nation and served as a catalyst for her dedication to the Armenian cause. “On our return flight on Aeroflot via Paris, we learned that the Soviet Union had collapsed while we were in the air. This heralded a lifelong fascination with the birth and subsequent shaping of the newly independent Republic of Armenia,” she says.  

Though AUA was founded soon after her return home, she was first introduced to the university while in medical school. Upon applying for funding to work on a project titled, “Legal, Professional, Public and Policy Barriers to the Development of Organ Donation and Transplantation Programs in the Republic of Armenia” — which later served as the basis of her thesis — she met Dr. Varduhi Petrosyan, current dean of the AUA Turpanjian College of Health Sciences (CHS). 

“Dr. Petrosyan was one of the researchers in this project at the start of my career. The work I did that summer introduced me to people who have become lifelong collaborators. Since then, AUA has been a home away from home for all of my work and projects in Armenia that focus on emergency medical systems, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, traffic safety, and stroke care,” she explains, adding that she is currently working on a grant that combines many of these areas of interest.

In 2020, Dr. Chekijian became a Fulbright Scholar, continuing her work with CHS. “AUA was a natural partner and home for me, and the Fulbright Program allows me to advance my work in emergency care program development in Armenia.” Dr. Chekijian is working to optimize emergency systems and establish a novel emergency medicine residency program in cooperation with the Armenian Ministry of Health’s National Institute of Health. She is collaborating with colleagues at AUA on the research component of this initiative.

Dr. Chekijian emphasizes the value of developing emergency systems and disaster preparedness, something she thinks has been grossly undervalued, both in Armenia and globally. She had submitted her proposal right before March 2020, after which Armenia was drawn into the ravages of both COVID-19 and the 2020 Artsakh War, overwhelming the nation and its healthcare system. The timing of the Fulbright grant she was awarded perfectly lined up with her intent. 

Further underlining the importance of a functional emergency care system, she cites global statistics that suggest Armenian citizens are at an unusually high risk for disaster in multiple ways, 2020 standing as an unfortunate example of being caught unaware and unprepared for the danger that ensued. She explains, “Emergency response relies on a functional emergency care system. The global burden of disease has recently shifted toward trauma and non-communicable diseases. The World Bank estimates that, in low- and middle-income countries, more than 50-percent of deaths and 40-percent of the disease burden could be alleviated with adequate emergency medical care.” She elaborated that the silver lining in all this is that we recognize the amplified value that emergency response systems would bring and are aware of the work we have to do in Armenia to strengthen these systems.

Through the AUA Open Centers of Excellence, such as the Open Center for Transformative Health Solutions, students and faculty are able to collaborate with private and public stakeholders to develop processes that will address areas lacking within the national framework. “The development of emergency care systems can multiply the functioning of the health system overall and improve outcomes for all other disease processes,” Dr. Chekijian notes. “Weak delivery systems are especially dangerous when pushed to their limit, potentially due to a pandemic, a foreign attack, or a natural disaster resulting in mass casualties. Some cite cost as a reason not to strengthen emergency care and response, but globally, the development of emergency systems has proven to be an extremely efficient way to provide care across many different conditions. Surprisingly, emergency care is among the most cost-effective public health interventions.” 

As an AUA ChangeMaker, Dr. Chekijian is happy to see that AUA students have already been introduced to these concepts, resulting in heightened interest in the subjects. “Our current students will lead the charge to right these wrongs and shore up our safety in the future. It’s my hope that AUA will become a regional center of excellence in the areas of disaster preparedness and injury prevention across the region and especially across Central Asia, where very few people are working in this field,” she urges.

In conclusion, she paraphrases Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” AUA is grateful for the longtime support of the Chekijian family and highly values the commitment of Dr. Chekijian as a ChangeMaker for the University.




Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 01-06-22

Arbi Tashjian

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 17:30, 1 June 2022

YEREVAN, 1 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 1 June, USD exchange rate down by 2.35 drams to 445.64 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.31 drams to 477.59 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.06 drams to 7.27 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 3.18 drams to 560.93 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 372.98 drams to 26344.26 drams. Silver price down by 5.46 drams to 311.91 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.

AW: The Hidden Map to premiere on PBS in hundreds of US cities

Arbi Tashjian
June 1, 2022 Guest Contributor Film, Announcements 0

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is days away from premiering the Armenian story as told through Ani Hovannisian’s The Hidden Map. The documentary will air about 1,000 times primarily between June 5-13, 2022 across the nation in cities from Boston, Massachusetts to Juneau, Alaska.

The Hidden Map takes viewers deep into the ancestral Armenian homeland, where a chance meeting between an Armenian-American granddaughter of genocide survivors and a Scottish explorer leads to a joint odyssey beneath the surface of modern-day Turkey, uncovering buried secrets, brave resilience and the hidden map. 

“It’s time,” said Hovannisian. “To know that the silenced voices and stories of our people, of truth, are going to resonate into the homes and consciousness of perhaps millions of Americans is hugely filling.” She noted that she couldn’t have chosen a better home for her life’s most important work—four journeys and seven years in the making— and she is thankful that PBS feels the same. 

PBS’ historic decision to distribute this independent film to 330 stations comes on the heels of an outpouring of viewer support when it debuted locally in Southern California. With the film’s national release, viewers who pledge even a nominal amount to PBS will help ensure additional airings and receive unique gifts, including hand-crocheted dolls made by women in Goris, Armenia— among them displaced citizens of Artsakh working toward economic stability. This is a rare opportunity for individuals and communities to be directly involved with bringing this human story of heartbreak, discovery and hope to life for millions of Americans, while touching the lives of Armenians today. 

To find program dates and times, which also include in-studio conversations with the filmmaker, viewers can check their local schedules online. Most PBS stations have multiple channels – for example, PBS World – so it is important to locate the right channel ahead of time.

The Hidden Map has earned more than a dozen international awards and honors and was considered for three 2021 Primetime Emmys, including Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking. Among many notable presentations in the US and abroad was a special in-person screening in the UK Parliament.  

Hovannisian has traveled the world producing stories for non-fiction television programs, and reported the Armenian news on Horizon Television for more than a decade. She is the daughter of Professor Richard and Dr. Vartiter Kotcholosian Hovannisian, beacons of truth and humanity to whom she dedicates the film. Ani and husband Armenio have two children, Sophene and Daron, named after the ancestral homes of their great-grandparents whose flame they keep alive.




​Sports: Three Armenian boxers make it to the final of European Championship in Yerevan

Arbi Tashjian
Public Radio of Armenia

Armenia –

Three Armenian boxers make it to the final of European Championship in Yerevan

 Siranush Ghazanchyan Send an email, 21:25 Less than a minute

Three Armenian boxers made it to the finals of the European Boxing Championship under way in Yerevan.

In the 86 kg event Rafael Hovhannisyan surpassed the Polish Tomasz Niedzwiechi in all respects. In the final, the Armenian will face Georgia’s Georgy Kurshinashvili.

Artur Bazeyan beat Javier Ibanez Diaz of Cuba in the 57 kg weight category.

Hovhannes Bachkov (64 kg) scored an impressive victory against Richard Kovac of Hungary.

In the final bout of the evening Armenia’s Narek Manasyan (92 kg) lost to Emmanuel Reyes of Spain.

Armenpress: PM Pashinyan issues congratulatory message on the Republic Day

Arbi Tashjian

PM Pashinyan issues congratulatory message on the Republic Day

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 09:47,

YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan issued a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Republic Day. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the message runs as follows,

“Dear compatriots, dear people. I congratulate all of us on the occasion of the Republic Day.

Today we mark one of the most important events in our history – the day of founding of the First Republic. Why is this day so important to us? For three reasons. First, because we obtained a statehood after a pause of more than 500 years. The second reason is that for the first time we had a Republic, that is, a state order, where power is formed as a result of the people's choice. The third reason is that we were able to create the Republic, the state, which is the highest institution of organization of any nation, at a moment of despair, when the deadly wheel of the Armenian Genocide continued to spin.

The First Republic of Armenia was proclaimed on May 28, 1918 after the heroic battles of Sardarapat, Bash-Aparan, Gharakilisa. It was the period when it seemed to be the end, that it was impossible to not only have a statehood, but also to preserve our identity, language and culture.

However, our people were able to act as one fist at a crucial moment, building the First Republic by uniting forces, consolidation. The role of Aram Manukyan, Tovmas Nazarbekyan, Movses Silikyan, Dro, Nzhdeh, Daniel and Poghos Bek Pirumyans, the commander of the Yazidi cavalry division Jhangir Agha, the clergymen with weapons in hands is undeniable.

The sacred independence gained through the efforts of these great men and thousands of other compatriots was lost in just two and a half years. This was preceded by war, tragic territorial and human losses. This happened because for two years the First Republic of Armenia failed, did not manage to achieve political, international, regional institutional resilience, to establish peace around itself.

Today, our country faces similar challenges and we need exceptional flexibility of mind, iron will and faith as a small as a mustard seed to overcome those challenges. The founding fathers of the First Republic did not even have time to make the newborn state resilient to global challenges. We have sadly wasted a lot of time during the Third Republic.

But the heroes of Sardarapat, the founding fathers of the First Republic, inspire us continuously. And the state, independence, sovereignty are another inseparable part of our national self-consciousness. The state, the statehood must become the subject of our daily work, adoration, respect, peace must become the environment in the conditions of which we must pass on the statehood received from the founding fathers of the First Republic to our generations for centuries.

Congratulations on May 28. Happy Armenian state revival day”.

Armenian soldier gravely injured in Azerbaijan’s fire

Arbi Tashjian
PanArmenian
Armenia –
– 15:27 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - An Armenian soldier was injured in Azerbaijan's fire from across the border on May 28, the Armenian Defense Ministry reports.

The Azerbaijani troops used various caliber firearms, including sniper rifles, to target the Armenian posts in the southeastern section of the contact line.

The serviceman identified as Davit Vardanyan is in a serious condition.

The Ministry added that the Armenian side retaliated to silence Azerbaijan's fire.

Asbarez: Rep. Judy Chu, Lt. Governor Kounalakis, Supervisor Barger, and Women Leaders Endorse Elen Asatryan For City Council

Arbi Tashjian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

Elen Asatryan


GLENDALE—Over a dozen federal, state, regional, and local women elected officials and community leaders have endorsed Elen Asatryan in her bid for Glendale City Council. Pointing to Asatryan’s proven leadership, courage, integrity, and ability to get things done, each in their own way have stepped forward to support Asatryan since her launch in December 2021.

Elen is the only candidate to receive endorsements from Congresswoman Judy Chu, California Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, Supervisor of the 5th district of the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger, Glendale Community College Board of Trustees President Dr. Armine Hacopian, Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Vice President Ann Ransford, Glendale Unified School Board President Nayiri Nahabedian, Glendale Unified School District Board Member Jennifer Freemon, LACCD Board of Trustees Member Andra Hoffman, LACCD Board of Trustees Member Kelsey K. lino, Burbank City Council Member Sharon Springer, Burbank City Clerk Zizette Mullins, *Executive Director of YWCA Glendale Tara Peterson, *Chief Executive Officer of Glendale Arts Nina Crowe, and *President of Glendale Arts and Former Director of Glendale Educational Foundation Susan Hunt, among others.

“I strongly support Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council because of her experience in building broad multi-ethnic coalitions focused on uplifting vulnerable communities,” said Congresswoman Chu. “Over the course of her career, Elen has organized and led efforts to support victims of domestic violence, expand green space to underserved communities, and secure recognition of the Armenian Genocide. She will undoubtedly provide the leadership and experience needed to move the City of Glendale forward.” 

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis echoed similar remarks. “I am proud to endorse my friend Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council. Elen has the determination, strength and compassion to lead residents and small businesses alike through this critical recovery period post COVID. With her extensive experience working with all levels of government and innovative problem solving approach, Elen will be a breath of fresh air for Glendale and its residents.”

Similarly, LA Board Supervisor Kathryn Barger commented, “I am endorsing longtime community leader Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council. For the last 20 plus years, Elen has helped residents and small businesses cut through bureaucratic red tape. She is the pragmatic, visionary leader with experience Glendale residents deserve. I’ve personally witnessed her courage and integrity in action. Elen knows how to get things done.” 

“I am honored and grateful to have the support of so many exceptional women leaders,” said Asatryan. “Having run campaigns for the last 20 years and now being a candidate, I know firsthand the different standards placed on women candidates, the importance of having a strong support system, and the critical role the physical presence of women leaders play that inspire future generations to become civically engaged. My priorities list for making Glendale the best city to live, work and play in is long, and among the many on the list is ensuring we pave the way for young women to run for office and to ensure our government structures properly represent the diverse communities they serve. I am excited for what’s ahead and look forward to continuing our important work.” 

Glendale Community College Board of Trustees President, Dr. Armine Hacopian and Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Vice President, Ann Ransford both praised Elen for her experience and ability to tackle Glendales most pressing challenges. 

“I am endorsing Elen for City Council because she is extremely capable of bringing the people of Glendale together. She has, and will continue, to put the people of Glendale first, which I attribute to her genuine love and concern for this city and its residents,” said Hacopian.

 “I admire that Elen has taken intelligent, and thoughtful positions on issues facing our city of Glendale. She will make a great city councilperson. Proud to support her” remarked Ransford. 

President of Glendale Unified School Board, Nayiri Nahabedian, further commended Elens commitment to helping residents and small businesses. 

“I have known and worked with Elen for almost 20 years. We can count on her to put Glendale families first! She has a demonstrated record of helping small businesses and families get Covid-19 resources, protected parks and open space, and made sure everyone has access to city hall.”

Glendale Unified School District Board Member, Jennifer Freemon echoed this sentiment applauding Elen for her commitment to community involvement and activism. 

“I have had the privilege of knowing Elen for many years, first meeting her when she was a student at Toll Middle School. Her dedication to improving the Glendale Community started as a student when she advocated to the school board against issues of discrimination,” said Freemon. “She has continued advocating for her community ever since, working on public policy, creating fellowships and opportunities for students to become civically engaged, and stepping up to Chair the Glendale Parks and Recreation Commission. Elen has a proven track record of being a positive change maker in Glendale, from her work with students, to her community activism, to her city involvement. We need her on the City Council so she can bring her unique advocacy and dedication to the community to improve the quality of life for all Glendale residents.”

Andra Hoffman, Trustee for the Los Angeles Community College District commented, “I’ve worked in Glendale for the past 25 years. Elen will be a progressive voice on the City Council and we need a bold, inclusive leader who understands the needs of Glendale’s diverse communities.”

Burbank City Clerk, Zizette Mullins and Burbank School Board Member Sharon Springer spoke of their admiration for Elen’s character and strong work ethic.

“I have known Elen for close to 15 years from when I served as the Community Outreach Director for the City of Glendale and am proud to endorse her in the Glendale City Council race. Elen is outspoken, determined, a hard worker, and a go-getter. Her background in public affairs and community outreach will make her an ideal Councilmember who will ensure residents from all backgrounds are well informed, represented, and have access to services.” 

“Elen is strong, brave, persistent and not afraid to speak up and I support her for Glendale City Council,” said Sharon Springer. 

2022 can be a year of many firsts for Glendale. If elected, Elen will make history as the first immigrant, Armenian-American, youngest, and only the 5th woman in the history of Glendale to serve on the Glendale City Council. 

Asatryan’s long list of priorities for Glendale stem from her 22+  years of involvement in Glendale as a civic leader, city commissioner, community organizer, a businesswoman, and her thorough understanding of where improvements are much needed in the city. Asatryan’s professional background in policy, budgeting, and public affairs gives Glendale the unique leadership to tackle its pressing challenges. Her priorities include:

  • Proactive vs. reactive city hall culture and policies;
  • More affordable housing;
  • Clean energy & green solutions;
  • Safe streets & walkable neighborhoods;
  • Small business recovery & support;
  • Efficient, responsive, & accessible city services;
  • Green spaces & parks below 134 FWYGreen spaces & parks below the Ventura Freeway;
  • Traffic decongestion;
  • Dynamic arts, music, & culture;
  • Overhaul inefficient & costly permitting processes for homeowners;
  • Youth seat on every commission;
  • Citizen’s Ethics Commission;
  • Proper representation;
  • Community outreach that engages all residents.

These endorsements are the latest in a chain of prominent organizations and individuals to announce their support for Elen.

The Glendale City Council election is scheduled to take place on June 7. All registered voters have already all been mailed ballots. Voters may mail back their ballot, drop off or walk into any voting center until 8 pm on Election Day, June 7, to cast their vote. Vote Centers will be open May 28-June 7.  

To learn more about, get involved in, and contribute to Elen’s campaign, visit the website. Asatryan’s campaign office is in full gear reaching out to voters.  Residents and supporters are encouraged to stop by 900 W. Glenoaks Blvd Unit A, Glendale, CA 91202. Monday through Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m to help. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the campaign’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ElenAsatryan.