Author: Arpi Talalian

Nikol Pashinyan holds farewell meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Armenia Fukushima Masanori

Arpi Talalian

 19:13,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Armenia Fukushima Masanori, who is completing his diplomatic mission in our country, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement.

The Prime Minister thanked Mr. Masanori for contributing to the development of Armenian-Japanese relations and cooperation with his vigorous activities. Nikol Pashinyan noted that Armenia attaches importance to the expansion of cooperation with Japan in various directions and expressed hope that bilateral ties will continue to deepen and strengthen.

Ambassador Fukushima Masanori, in turn, thanked the Prime Minister for cooperation and assured that in the future he will invest all his efforts for the development of relations between Armenia and Japan.

Prime Minister Pashinyan wished the Ambassador all the success.




A new stage of Armenian-British cooperation. What is behind it?

Arpi Talalian
Nov 21 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

New stage of Armenian-British relations

Minister of State of the United Kingdom for Europe Leo Docherty is in Yerevan on a regional visit, but a statement from the British Embassy emphasizes that the minister’s visit to Armenia is intended to continue “the strategic dialogue with Armenia that took place last week in London.”

According to some Armenian experts, this proves that Armenia is a “strategic direction” for the West. Others believe that Britain’s role in the South Caucasus is actually aimed at nullifying Russia’s influence, including resolving the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and completing the peace process.

This is Docherty’s second visit to Armenia; his first visit took place in May. He will also visit Azerbaijan and Georgia.

The British minister arrived in Yerevan immediately after the end of the visit of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to London. Last week, the Armenian Embassy moved to a new building in London. Mirzoyan stated: “Together with the new building, we are also laying a new foundation for deepening our relations.” The parties announced the start of a “strategic dialogue.”

  • “Take aid to Armenia off the agenda” – Yerevan’s appeal to the CSTO
  • Borrel threatened Baku with “serious consequences”. Opinion on the EU position
  • “The enclaves may become a pretext for Baku’s next attack” – Armenian political scientist

Just before his visit, Docherty stated:

“The South Caucasus faces serious security challenges that threaten the stability of the region – both internal and emanating from neighboring countries. In an unstable region, the UK is a trusted partner for reform, peace and stability.”

The British Embassy said that during the minister’s visit the democratic reform agenda in Armenia will be discussed, as well as the need for direct talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The region on Russia’s southern border, according to the embassy text, “remains vulnerable to external interference.” And the minister will propose that Yerevan, Baku and Tbilisi “expand trade and security cooperation to diversify the economy and reduce Europe’s dependence on Russia.”

Georgia is actually one step away from EU membership, Armenia openly declares its desire “to be closer – as far as the EU considers possible”, Azerbaijan’s position is ambiguous

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan talked about this with Minister for European Affairs Leo Docherty. He said that mutual visits will contribute to more successful realization of the cooperation potential.

The Prime Minister’s Office reports that Docherty emphasized Britain’s interest in deepening cooperation with Armenia. The progress of the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process was also discussed.

The Secretary of the Armenian Security Council also received the British Minister. Armen Grigoryan and Leo Docherty discussed “opportunities for cooperation in the security sphere”.

Armenian Prime Minister on peace treaty with Azerbaijan, “Crossroads of Peace”, arms acquisition and more

According to political scientist Gurgen Simonyan, “the West is beginning to perceive Armenia as a strategic destination”. He suggests considering the strengthening of relations with the UK among other developments, recalling Armenia’s deepening cooperation with France and Germany.

“The beginning of strategic relations between Armenia and the UK, as well as the opening of the RA Embassy in London, are links in a chain reflecting the development of relations,” he said.

Meanwhile, political observer Hakob Badalyan believes that the activation of British policy in the South Caucasus is only aimed at neutralizing Russia’s influence:

“The main emphasis will be on the promotion and completion of the Armenian-Azerbaijani ‘peace process’ on Western platforms, which will allow building the next stage of weakening or practically nullifying Russia’s influence.”

According to him, Azerbaijan now refuses not Western platforms and mediation, but negotiations with Armenia, and it will behave this way until Yerevan agrees to its terms:

“An attempt is being made to persuade Armenia to accept them. Britain, of course, has a certain influence on Azerbaijan in the form of tens and hundreds of billions invested in the Azerbaijani economy. But the question is whether there is a motivation to influence Azerbaijan and whether there is a real possibility of such influence.”

Badalyan believes that “the logic of the British game” is different, the emphasis is on providing Armenia with “certain bonus promises” so that Yerevan agrees to the idea of a new deal with Azerbaijan.

https://jam-news.net/new-stage-of-armenian-british-relations/

Use of Force by Azerbaijan Against Armenia is not Acceptable, says Subcommittee Chairman Kean (R-NJ)

Arpi Talalian
Armenian Assembly of America

(l-r) Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Chairman of Europe Subcommittee on House Foreign Affairs, Ranking Member of Europe Subcommittee on House Foreign Affairs, Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), and Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) 


Washington, D.C. – During today’s hearing on “The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh,” House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe Chairman Tom Kean (R-NJ) made clear that the use of force by Azerbaijan against Armenia is unacceptable,” reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

In his opening remarks, Chairman Kean stated that “we cannot afford to look away from the region” and made clear that the “use of force against sovereign Armenian territory, including in the Syunik province, will be completely and totally unacceptable.”

Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-MA) echoed the Chairman’s message, stating that “military action is unacceptable”, and also indicated his support for a “safe and dignified return” of the Armenians of Artsakh.

Testifying before the Subcommittee, Department of State Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Europe and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien repeatedly highlighted that the Biden Administration has no intention of waiving Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act for the foreseeable future and that such a decision does not negatively impact U.S. national security.

O’Brien highlighted that the Armenians of Artsakh should have complete access and that the Administration is insisting on the protection of their property and cultural assets as well as a “viable opportunity to return.” With respect to transport links (road and rail) in southern Armenia, O’Brien stated that it should not be created through force. When asked by Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) about the use of sanctions against Azerbaijan if “other methods don’t work,” O’Brien committed to the use of sanctions.

The Assembly has repeatedly called for sanctions to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its genocidal policies, and its testimony today stated that “Azerbaijan should not be rewarded for their continued assault against the Armenian people, but rather sanctioned” and highlighted that the “U.S. has many tools at its disposal to do so from the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and economic sanctions to trade restrictions and the enforcement of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act,” along with the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act.

Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) raised concerns about Turkey’s role in the region, including the use of Turkish F-16s in the 2020 war, while Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) highlighted the fallacy of the U.S. providing military assistance to Azerbaijan to counter Russian and Iranian influence while Azerbaijan has significant energy ties to Russia and Iran. Assistant Secretary O’Brien acknowledged that the Administration is aware of the situation which it found not in the U.S. interest.

In his remarks, Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) highlighted his position that “dictators with the rule of gun [should] not prevail over democracies with rule of law.”

Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) expressed concern about Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of the Armenians of Artsakh and the humanitarian needs arising from it. “It was ethnic cleansing that happened with the removal of these Armenians from their historic homeland in Nagorno-Karabakh… These folks did not want to leave,” stated Rep Costa who also asked about the Administration’s supplemental request and hoped that part of the humanitarian request would include Armenia. Rep. Costa also encouraged congressional visits to Armenia and the assistance of the Administration, to which O’Brien agreed.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

###

Georgia impressed by ongoing defense reforms in Armenia

Arpi Talalian

 14:39,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with Minister of Defense of Georgia Juansher Burchuladze, who is on an official visit in Armenia.

The Armenian Prime Minister said that relations with Georgia continue to develop dynamically and that expansion of cooperation is taking place in various areas, which is of great importance and a priority for the Armenian government, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.

Juansher Burchuladze thanked for the warm reception and spoke about partnership with the Armenian Ministry of Defense. The Georgian Defense Minister said he’s impressed by the ongoing reforms in the defense sector in Armenia.

Issues related to cooperation and exchange of experience in security and defense, as well as regional peace and stability were also discussed.

Armenia Security Council Secretary meets European Commission President’s Head of Cabinet

Arpi Talalian

 20:18,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS. During the working visit to Brussels, the Secretary of the Armenian Security Council, Armen Grigoryan on Friday, held a meeting with Bjoern Seibert, the Head of Cabinet of the President of the European Commission, the Office of the Security Council of Armenia said.

During the meeting, the interlocutors discussed the process of implementation of the agreements reached during the meeting between the Armenian Prime Minister and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

The parties also referred to issues covering the scope of Armenia-EU bilateral multi-sectoral cooperation.

RFE/RL Armenian Service – 11/03/2023

Arpi Talalian 
                                        Friday, November 3, 2023


Armenian Industrial Output Shrinks Amid Soaring Exports


Amenia - Workers at a textile factory in Vanadzor, August 28, 2023.


Armenia’s industrial production contracted in the first nine months of this year 
despite continuing economic growth driven, in large measure, by re-exports of 
various goods to sanctions-hit Russia.

The Armenian government’s Statistical Committee put its total amount at 1.84 
trillion drams ($4.6 billion), down by 0.6 percent from the same period of 2022. 
A downturn in the country’s export-oriented mining sector appears to have been 
instrumental in this drop contrasting with double-digit increases in trade, 
other services and construction.

The government data shows that wholesale and retail trade is the fastest growing 
sector of the domestic economy at present, having expanded by over 23 percent in 
January-September amid Armenia’s soaring trade with Russia.

Armenia’s imports and exports jumped by roughly 48 percent, continuing a trend 
that began after last year’s Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting 
barrage of Western sanctions against Russia. Goods manufactured in Western 
countries and their allies and re-exported from Armenia to Russia clearly 
accounted for most of this sharp gain. They mainly included second-hand cars and 
consumer electronics.

Armenia - Car carrier trailers line up near a customs terminal outside Gyumri, 
March 13, 2023
This explains why Armenian exports to Russia tripled in 2022 and doubled in 
January-August 2023. During the eight-month period, Russia generated half of 
Armenia’s overall export revenue worth $4.6 billion.

Used cars became Armenia’s number one export item in the first half of this 
year, according to data from the national customs service reported by Hetq.am. 
The South Caucasus country, which has no car industry, exported $311 million 
worth of various vehicles, circumventing U.S. and European Union bans on their 
shipments to Russia. Also, its first-half exports of mobile phones, TV sets and 
other electronics totaled $332 million.

The re-exports, coupled with other cash inflows from Russia, are the main reason 
why the Armenian economy expanded by 12 percent in 2022. The Armenian government 
and the Central Bank have forecast a 7 percent growth rate for this year.

The re-exports prompted concern from EU and especially U.S. officials earlier 
this year. They pressed the authorities in Yerevan to comply with the Western 
sanctions. The authorities introduced in May mandatory government licenses for 
shipments of microchips, transformers, video cameras, antennas and other 
electronic equipment to Russia.




Armenian Leaders Hit Back At Moscow


Armenia - Parliament speaker Alen SImonian chairs a session of the National 
Assembly, November 24, 2022.


Armenia’s political leadership rejected on Friday Russia’s latest claims that it 
is systematically “destroying” relations between the two longtime allies.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, made the claims on 
Thursday when she condemned a senior Armenian official’s participation in 
Western-backed peace talks on the conflict Ukraine and meeting with the chief of 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s staff. She called it a “demonstrative 
anti-Russian gesture of official Yerevan.”

Alen Simonian, the Armenian parliament speaker and a leading member of the 
ruling Civil Contract party, scoffed at Zakharova’s criticism. He suggested that 
Moscow does not want Yerevan to “communicate with partners on multilateral 
platforms” and is trying to maintain Armenia’s “existential dependence” on 
Russia.

“This is apparently the ‘right allied’ approach,” Simonian wrote in a Telegram 
post.

Echoing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s recent statements, Simonian also 
accused the Russians of not honoring their security commitments to Armenia and 
recalled their past large-scale arms deals with Azerbaijan.

Another member of Pashinian’s political team, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, 
dismissed Zakharova’s complaints that Armenia’s state television and other 
pro-government media outlets have been spreading “Russophobic” propaganda.

“We believe that what our Russian partners are surprised by is the consequence 
of what we have seen on various [Russian] airwaves,” Mirzoyan told Armenian 
lawmakers.

He also said that the Armenian government hopes to mend fences with Moscow and 
“move on like partners.” “But not everything depends on one side,” added 
Mirzoyan.

The Russian Foreign Ministry earlier deplored “a series of unfriendly steps” 
taken by Pashinian’s administration. Those included his assertion Armenia’s 
military alliance with Russia has proved a “strategic mistakes” and Yerevan’s 
acceptance of jurisdiction of an international court that issued an arrest 
warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in March.

For its part, the Armenian side has held Moscow responsible for Azerbaijan’s 
recent military offensive that led to the mass of exodus of Nagorno-Karabakh’s 
ethnic Armenian population.

The deepening rift is raising growing questions about Armenia’s continued 
membership in Russian-led defense and trade blocs. Pashinian said last week that 
he is not considering demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Armenia 
even if he it sees no “advantages” in their presence.




Armenia ‘Optimistic’ As Turkey’s Erdogan Insists On Corridor For Azerbaijan

        • Aza Babayan
        • Astghik Bedevian

Turkey - Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addresses members of parliament from 
his ruling AK Party, Ankara, October 25, 2023.


Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan sounded optimistic about the normalization of 
Armenia’s relations with Turkey on Friday just as Turkish President Erdogan 
Recep Tayyip again demanded that Yerevan open a special transport corridor for 
Azerbaijan.

Speaking at a summit of the leaders of Turkic states in Kazakhstan, Erdogan 
hailed Azerbaijan’s September 19-20 military operation that led to the exodus of 
Nagorno-Karabakh’s ethnic Armenian population and restored Azerbaijani control 
over the territory.

“Azerbaijan put an end to the 30-year occupation of Karabakh and we are very 
happy with and proud of this historic achievement,” he said. “Armenia must 
fulfill its obligations to Azerbaijan. This includes the opening of a transport 
corridor that will connect Nakhichevan to western regions of Azerbaijan.”

Erdogan said the corridor sought by Baku is important also because it would link 
Turkey to Central Asia which he described as “our ancestral homeland.”

Ankara set this as a key precondition when it started normalization talks with 
Yerevan in early 2022. The Armenian government has ruled out any 
extraterritorial corridors to Nakhichevan that would pass through Armenia’s 
Syunik province bordering Iran.

The normalization process essentially stalled last year even though the two 
sides reached an agreement to open the Turkish-Armenian border for their 
diplomatic passport holders and citizens of third countries.

“I want to express optimism that we may have some good news on this front in the 
near future,” Mirzoyan told Armenian lawmakers. He did not elaborate.

Speaking in the National Assembly earlier this week, Prime Minister Nikol 
Pashinian similarly expressed hope that the border agreement will be implemented 
soon.

Pashinian attended Erdogan’s inauguration in June. His domestic critics 
denounced the move, saying that Ankara will not unconditionally normalize 
Turkish-Armenian relations even after his unilateral concessions.

Another interim agreement reached by Turkish and Armenian negotiators last year 
called for air freight traffic between the two neighboring nations. There have 
been no signs of its implementation, even though the Turkish government 
officially allowed cargo shipments by air to and from Armenia in January 2023.




German FM Calls For Renewed Armenian-Azeri Talks

        • Nane Sahakian

Armenia - German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at a news conference with 
her Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, November 3, 2023.


German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to 
resume peace talks mediated by the European Union when she visited Yerevan on 
Friday.

“Germany supports the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and this 
must be the basis for all peace negotiations,” Baerbock said after meeting with 
her Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan.

“I believe that European Council President Charles Michel’s efforts could serve 
as a bridge for establishing peace between the two countries. Therefore, the 
start of a new round of negotiations is important,” she told a joint news 
conference.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev 
had been scheduled to meet, together with Michel, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz 
and French President Emmanuel Macron, in Spain on October 5. Aliyev withdrew 
from the talks at the last minute, citing pro-Armenian statements made by French 
officials.

Michel said afterwards that the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders will likely 
hold a trilateral meeting with him in Brussels later in October. That meeting 
did not take place either.

A senior Armenian lawmaker suggested on Monday that Aliyev is now reluctant to 
hold further talks with Pashinian to finalize an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace 
accord backed by the EU and the United States. The deal would commit Baku to 
explicitly recognizing Armenia’s current borders.

“Unfortunately, we still have serious concerns that … Azerbaijan still has, in 
one way or another, territorial claims to Armenia,” Mirzoyan said during the 
press conference with Baerbock.

There are lingering fears in Yerevan that Azerbaijan could invade Armenia to 
open a land corridor to its Nakhichevan exclave. Baerbock, who was due to 
proceed to Azerbaijan on Saturday, declined to say whether Germany would support 
a freeze on imports of Azerbaijani gas and oil or other EU sanctions against 
Baku in the event of such invasion. She spoke out against any further 
“escalation in this region.”

The German minister was also careful not to repeat her earlier condemnations of 
Azerbaijan’s September 19-20 offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh that forced the 
region’s ethnic Armenian population to flee to Armenia. She said only that the 
more than 100,000 Karabakh Armenians “left their homeland for security reasons” 
and praised the Armenian government’s response to the exodus. Baerbock also 
announced that Berlin will provide 9.3 million euros ($10 million) in additional 
humanitarian aid to the refugees.



Reposted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2023 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
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Armenia ready to contribute to Europe’s energy security if joins the Black Sea Cable project

Arpi Talalian

 20:04, 3 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is ready to make its contribution to the energy security of Europe, which is possible if Armenia participates in the Black Sea Energy Submarine Cable regional project.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said during the joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock Friday.

 “At the meeting with our German counterpart, I presented Armenia’s readiness to contribute to the energy security of Europe, which is possible in case of Armenia's participation in the Black Sea Submarine Electric Cable Project," said Mirzoyan.

Hoffmann hopes German foreign policy in the South Caucasus to be value-based

Arpi Talalian

 17:57, 2 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS.  Dustin Hoffmann, a German human rights activist , the head of the office and political adviser to German MEP Martin Sonneborn, believes that the European Union has a huge responsibility to support Armenia. He noted with satisfaction that France acted in that regard and helped Armenia in developing its defense capabilities, expressing hope that Germany, which for many years has conditioned its policy in the South Caucasus based on economic interests, will also change its approach.

Dustin Hoffman said  in an interview with Armenpress Brussels correspondent.  

“With Armenia moving away from Russia, the EU has a huge responsibility to support Armenia. It is good to see that France acted further by helping Armenia with what it needed: defense capabilities. I very much hope that Germany will also change its policy regarding the South Caucasus. Due to Germany’s contribution to the Armenian Genocide in 1915, there is a strong moral responsibility to prevent any further escalation. It is important to note that all the failures in the past should not stop the German government from changing its course. Better late than never,” he said.

Referring to the main purpose of German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s visit to Armenia, Hoffmann said that in the past, Germany’s foreign policy in the South Caucasus was mainly to Azerbaijan’s benefit.

 “Although Azerbaijan was frequently using military force, Germany deepened the economic relationship with the regime in Baku.  Now when there is a risk of a regional conflict which could involve neighboring states like Iran and Turkey, such an escalation would not be in Germany’s interest because it jeopardizes the region’s stability. Also, Armenia started to move away from its partnership with Russia. Given the West’s current stance towards Russia, there is a strong interest in supporting such developments,’’ said Hoffmann.

Responding to the question about the place of Armenia and the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh in the political agenda of Germany's foreign relations, Hoffmann answered: “In the past, German foreign policy in the South Caucasus was not value-based but instead prioritised economic interests. Also, it seems like there is a lack of understanding of the conflict’s dynamics. Ms Baerbock did not comment on Azerbaijan’s blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh for months, and when she did, it was already too late.’’ 

He also criticized the German Foreign Minister for his speech at the UN Security Council after Azerbaijan’s assault in September when she said that, Baku and Karabakh Armenians have to return to a dialogue”.

According to Hoffmann, such a statement was inappropriate after such a brutal attack by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh.

Speaking about the possibility of the EU imposing sanctions on Azerbaijan, Hoffmann said: “Currently, sanctions are unrealistic because there is no unanimity in the EU. Borrell’s statement of condemnation after Azerbaijan’s aggression was supposed to be a statement of 27 EU member states, which Hungary consequently vetoed. If the EU is not able to condemn Azerbaijan’s aggressions, it is doubtful that there will be consensus on sanctions. This is tragic, especially since the European Parliament already called for sanctions months ago. It is possible that more pressure would have prevented Azerbaijan from resorting to military force. Impunity encourages Baku.’’

 He also stated that the EU's foreign policy related to the South Caucasus has failed: “The EU’s foreign policy regarding the South Caucasus is a major failure. In the recent resolution, the European Parliament expressed it in an unusually blunt way: "The European Parliament expresses deep dissatisfaction at the fact that regular alerts by Parliament regarding the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the risks of a catastrophic outcome have been disregarded,’’he said.

Hoffmann also criticized the European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for the signed memorandum on increasing gas supplies from Azerbaijan, although Aliyev’s fondness for military force was not a secret.

Hoffman positively assessed the activity of the EU observation mission in Armenia.

“The EU Monitoring Mission seems to be a success since it can have a deterrent effect and enables accountability for the EU leadership,’’ Hoffmann said.

  Lilit Gasparyan




Sts. Vartanantz Church community raises more than $20,000 for displaced families of Artsakh

Arpi Talalian
November 1, 2023 Pauline Getzoyan Community News, Diaspora 0

Sts. Vartanantz Church Aramian Auditorium, Oct. 28, 2023

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—More than 100 people came together for a sold-out steak dinner in support of the displaced people of Artsakh on Saturday, October 28 at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Providence. Generous community members collectively donated $23,000 to benefit the Armenians of Artsakh through the Saint Nerses the Great Charitable Foundation.

The presence of His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian, who came to share what he learned about the needs of the displaced during his recent trip to Armenia, along with church pastor Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian and retired pastor Archpriest Fr. Gomidas Baghsarian, lent reverence to the somber evening.

The mural, We are Artsakh, by the Providence Homenetmen

Displayed above the stage was a large mural created by the Providence Homenetmen scouts of tri-colored handprints surrounding an image of the “We Are Our Mountains” monument in Artsakh painted by Anahid Donoyan. “Their hands are reaching out to touch the hands of those children affected by the war and genocide that just took place,” Board of Trustees chairman Levon Attarian explained about the mural’s symbolism. Attarian went on to cite the widely-quoted words by William Saroyan about the growth of community that happens when Armenians come together. “I guarantee you that the Artsakhtsis will build our new Armenia in the coming years,” Attarian said.

Sts. Vartanantz Church Chairman of the Board of Trustees Levon Attarian (Photo: Berge Zobian)

Rhode Island State Senator David P. Tikoian regretted being unable to attend the dinner and sent a message that Attarian read on his behalf. As always, Sen. Tikoian expressed pride in his Armenian heritage and devotion to his community, church and people. “It is beyond comprehension, after 108 years, that Armenians would once again be subjected to an ethnic cleansing. This is not the time to feel beaten down; it’s a time to be what Armenians are known for, being strong and being survivors! My friends, our people need our help now more than ever,” Sen. Tikoian wrote. Attarian concluded the message by announcing Sen. Tikoian’s donation of $500 to the Saint Nerses the Great Charitable Foundation, which is overseeing the distribution of the funds collected by the church.

Before welcoming His Eminence Archbishop Tanielian to speak, Rev. Fr. Nazarian offered his sincere gratitude to the Board of Trustees and the entire community for their support and charitable works. Fr. Kapriel noted that Board Chairman Attarian and Vice-Chairman Arees Khatchadourian had been outside manning the grills and cooking the steaks before coming in and changing for dinner. He also said that the event was the brainchild of Board member Charles Mouradjian. 

Sts. Vartanantz Church pastor Rev. Fr. Kapriel Nazarian (Photo: Berge Zobian)

Archbishop Tanielian, recently returned from Armenia, offered to address the community about his findings upon learning that Fr. Kapriel and the Board were hoping for someone to provide firsthand knowledge of the conditions faced by the Armenians of Artsakh. His Eminence went to Armenia with a delegation designated by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. 

Archbishop Tanielian said that he’s been to Armenia many times previously, “but this time was the most difficult time.” The delegation visited about 1,000 displaced families who were forced to leave Artsakh. “We were uprooted from our 5,000-year-old land, traditions, sacred churches and more,” he said, stressing that it is heartbreaking to be cut off from your ancestral land.  

His Eminence recounted meeting with men whose fathers had fought and died in the First Artsakh War. “Imagine, Srpazan, now we cannot visit our own fathers’ graves,” they told him. “1915 is not the past. 1915 is the present. It is ongoing, the history of the annihilation of our nation,” Archbishop Tanielian said. “It is very difficult to describe what we witnessed.”

He recounted his message to the displaced families of Artsakh, a message he takes to every parish he visits around the world. “No matter what you lose—house, belongings, family members—no matter what you lose, please don’t lose your faith in God,” he entreated them. “The very center of our existence is trusting in God. When we trust in God, eventually we renew ourselves. Who could have imagined after 1915 that we would create prosperous communities in the four corners of the world? That’s how God works mysteriously.”

His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian addressing the community (Photo: Berge Zobian)

He went on to praise the work of the Saint Nerses the Great Charitable Foundation, established by Archbishop Mesrob Ashjian of blessed memory, which has been in service to the nation for 30 years, taking care of orphans and other charitable acts. Initially, the foundation provided the immediate necessities and distributed 50,000 drams to each displaced family. His Eminence said that much more will be done based on the needs of the people through trusted partners of the foundation, including helping families to have homes in communities together so they stay in Armenia.

His Eminence said they tried to bring the families, who are in such a desperate situation, “a message of faith, hope and love—faith in God, hope for the future and love for our nation.” Archbishop Tanielian thanked the community on behalf of the Religious and Executive Councils of the Eastern Prelacy. “We are one nation, with one vision and one future,” he said. “Our people’s heart is more precious than gold.” 

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Editor
Pauline Getzoyan is editor of the Armenian Weekly and an active member of the Rhode Island Armenian community. A longtime member of the Providence ARF and ARS, she also is a former member of the ARS Central Executive Board. A longtime advocate for genocide education through her work with the ANC of RI, Pauline is co-chair of the RI branch of The Genocide Education Project. In addition, she has been an adjunct instructor of developmental reading and writing in the English department at the Community College of Rhode Island since 2005.


Government to aim for 7% growth in 2024

Arpi Talalian

 13:15,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government will aim at ensuring 7% economic growth in 2024, Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan told lawmakers Monday.

“Regarding the predictions of economic growth, given the latest developments we believe that in 2023 we will ensure at least 7,2% economic growth. The budget originally forecast 7%. And for 2024 we continue to target 7% economic growth,” Hovhannisyan said.

The services sector will be the moving force of the growth.