Author: David Nargizian

Zakharova responds to Armenia parliament majority faction secretary: They probably mistranslated it to him

David Nargizian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
16:53, 14.04.2023

Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian foreign ministry, responded to Armenian parliament ruling majority "Civil Contract" Faction secretary Artur Hovhannisyan’s statement that he does not understand why Russia is demanding an explanation from Armenia regarding the information about Armenia’s participation in the US-led military exercises in Europe.

"It should be noted that he is obviously relying on the wording he invented and is surprised by it, or they mistranslated it to him," the Telegram channel of the Russian foreign ministry reads in this regard.

We present below the respective question and Zakharova's answer to it at Wednesday’s press briefing.

Question: Armenia refused to conduct CSTO military exercises in its territory. At the same time, it has decided to participate in military exercises of NATO countries. How does the Russian foreign ministry assess such a position of Yerevan? Can this move by Yerevan be considered [an] unfriendly [move] that could worsen the bilateral ties between our countries?

Answer: I will not repeat, and draw your attention to the fact that I just commented on the topic of Armenia and CSTO. As for NATO, the alliance continues the practice of actively engaging partner countries in [military] maneuvers. It does this through the implementation of NATO standards, and tries to transform the defense complex of these countries, to gain leverage over their internal and external political processes, the course of development of the armed forces.

First of all, it refers to the post-Soviet territory, which is a real field of geopolitical confrontation with Russia for NATO. The US and its allies are trying to discredit the collaboration of the countries of the region with our country. They drag them into various formats of interaction that are anti-Russian and sometimes Russophobic in nature. Such actions of NATO lead to the destabilization of the situation, the increase of conflict potential, and the creation of new dividing lines in various regions.

We have requested an official explanation from the Armenian partners regarding their participation in the NATO military exercises. Our reaction [to it] will be clear after receiving the response. Undoubtedly, Yerevan's refusal to hold CSTO [military] maneuvers in its territory is regrettable and does not contribute to the enhancement of regional security. They probably mistranslated it to Artur Hovhannisyan.

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Osmani concludes visit to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia

David Nargizian
SKOPJE 

SKOPJE, 14 April 2023 — The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Bujar Osmani, concluded his visit to Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The visit focused on existing security challenges and efforts towards sustainable peace, as well as strengthening co-operation between the OSCE and the three states in the South Caucasus region.

In Georgia, the OSCE Chairman met with President Salome Zourabichvili, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Chairman of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili and other parliamentarians, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ilia Darchiashvili and State Minister for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Tea Akhvlediani.

During his talks in Tbilisi, Minister Osmani underlined that the OSCE will continue to support Georgia implement its commitments across the politico-military, environmental and economic, and human dimensions of security, which will contribute to internal reform processes in the country.

He also reiterated the OSCE’s continued efforts through the Geneva International Discussions and meetings of the related Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism in Ergneti.

“These channels and diplomatic processes must remain open, not only to avoid further escalation, but also to deal with the consequences of the 2008 war,” Chairman Osmani said.

“We support all pragmatic approaches to providing real results for the people affected by conflict. It is, after all, about people, and they count on us to deliver real results that allow them to live their lives in a state of peace and prosperity,” he added.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office also held a visit, organised with the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia, to the administrative boundary line in Odzisi, and met with internally displaced persons in Tserovani. He also met with representatives of civil society.

During his visit to Azerbaijan, the OSCE Chairman met with President Ilham Aliyev, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Speaker of the National Assembly Sahiba Gafarova. Discussions focused on the OSCE’s engagement towards lasting and sustainable peace, and finding solutions to outstanding issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“The peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable settlement of the disagreements that afflict and concern Azerbaijanis and Armenians remains paramount. We stand behind any effort that provides positive dynamics in support of the full implementation of previously agreed measures, and the identification of new areas for agreement,” Osmani said. “I also encourage continued engagement between Armenia and Azerbaijan towards peace, and addressing crucial issues such as demarcation and delimitation and the opening of communication lines,” he stressed.

In Armenia, Minister Osmani met with President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and parliamentarians.

“I support any effort that leads to peace and all initiatives that facilitate dialogue, defuse tensions, boost trust and confidence, leading to normalisation of relations. We stand ready to continue our efforts through the OSCE’s existing mechanisms and structures, and new ideas and approaches to achieve these goals,” Minister Osmani said.

During his meeting with civil society and other stakeholders, Chairman Osmani highlighted the potential for increased project co-operation with the OSCE across all aspects of security.

Knights and Daughters of Vartan to host annual commemoration of Armenian Genocide in Times Square

David Nargizian
April 3, 2023 Taleen Babayan Announcements 0
NEW YORK, NY – The 108th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide will be taking place in Times Square on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at 1:30 p.m. The program will feature headline speakers David L. Phillips, director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights and founder of the Artsakh Atrocities Project – who will be presented with the Knights and Daughters of Vartan Humanitarian Award; and Robert Avetisyan, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh to the US.

Hosted by the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, the event, now in its 39th year, will feature remarks by elected officials and a musical interlude by Huyser Ensemble, accompanied by the Holy Martyrs Armenian Day School and the Brooklyn Armenian School.

In conjunction with the Times Square Commemoration, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan will sponsor its annual global student essay contest that gives Armenian youth the opportunity to express their voices and concerns regarding genocide awareness and human rights. Winners will be announced at the commemoration, and selections from each essay will be read.

The momentous Armenian Genocide Commemoration will reinforce the memory of the first genocide of the 20th century that claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenian martyrs by the Young Turk Party of the Ottoman Empire. Thanks to the overwhelming support by members of Congress, both the US House of Representatives and Senate unequivocally stated US affirmation of the Armenian Genocide in 2019, preceding President Joe Biden’s acknowledgement on April 24, 2021.

The Armenian Diaspora will continue its vigorous efforts to remember, to honor and to educate the world about this devastating chapter in world history that continues to be denied today by the Turkish government. The Armenian Diaspora will not rest until Turkey recognizes the Armenian Genocide.

“As the next generation of Armenian Americans, we strive to continue bringing awareness to the Armenian Genocide here in the US, while ensuring the strength and vitality of the Armenian people,” said co-chairs Haig Gulian and Christopher Artun. “We appreciate the ongoing support from our diasporan communities to hold our annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration year after year in such an influential location as Times Square in New York City. We look forward to gathering together once again to honor our ancestors and utilize our collective efforts towards global recognition.”

The annual Armenian Genocide Commemoration in Times Square is sponsored by the Knights of Vartan and Daughters of Vartan, a national fraternal organization, and co-sponsored by the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Armenian Assembly of America, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, Tekeyan Cultural Association, Armenian National Council of America, Armenian Bar Association and the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA); participating organizations include the Diocese of the Armenian Church, Prelacy of the Armenian Church, Armenian Presbyterian Church, Armenian Evangelical Union, Armenian Catholic Eparchy, Armenian Network of Greater New York, Homenetmen Scouts of New York and New Jersey, Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) and national Armenian youth organizations.

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Taleen Babayan earned her masters in journalism from Columbia University in 2008 and her bachelors degree in history and international relations from Tufts University in 2006. Her work has been published widely in both Armenian and non-Armenian media. She can be contacted at


https://armenianweekly.com/2023/04/03/knights-and-daughters-of-vartan-to-host-annual-commemoration-of-armenian-genocide-in-times-square/?fbclid=IwAR0F3MsE-E34kYdQIAiELguUZvKnpQsi9s6zV0OsXJFwFD4NshrnmybMWbI

AW: ARS Eastern USA invites all to regional seminar

David Nargizian
April 3, 2023 Armenian Relief Society Eastern U.S. Nonprofit News 0

WATERTOWN, Mass. — The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA invites community and ARS members to attend its regional seminar to be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at noon at the Hackensack Medical Center, 30 Prospect Ave., Hackensack, NJ. Registration is required. 

Hosted by the ARS New Jersey “Agnouni,” “Bergen County Armenouhi” and “Shakeh” Chapters, the seminar will consist of two sessions.

The first session will include two presentations, one entitled “Resonating Patterns of Cultural Destruction and Genocide” with Cynthia Ruggerio, Esq. and the second about “Women’s Health in Armenia: A view through the lifecycle” with Dr. Kim Hekimian.

Ruggerio earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Fairfield University in 1984 and a juris doctor from Rutgers Law School in 1987. In 2019, based on her interest in Armenian Genocide awareness and education, she earned a master of arts in Holocaust and genocide studies and a graduate certificate in genocide prevention from Stockton University. Her primary area of academic research is in genocide and cultural loss, with an emphasis on case studies specific to the Armenian Genocide and its aftermath. Ruggerio has also been a practicing attorney for over 25 years.

Dr. Hekimian is assistant professor of nutrition in pediatrics (gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition) at the Institute of Human Nutrition at Columbia University Medical Center. She is also the associate director of education for the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons program in education in global and population health. Previously, she was on faculty at the American University of Armenia’s School of Public Health, where she served as the associate director of the MPH program and director of the Center for Health Services Research. Dr. Hekimian received her Ph.D. in health policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health with a concentration in behavioral science and health education.

The second session of the seminar will include a presentation by ARS member Valentine Berberian about “Armenian Women’s Rights and Roles Throughout History.” Berberian, a pharmacist for over 45 years, has been a member of the ARS New York “Mayr” Chapter since 1976. She was instrumental in getting the ARS admitted as a member of the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Commission (ECOSOC) on May 28, 1998 and continues to represent the ARS at the UN as an internationally established non-governmental organization. Berberian has also served the ARS on regional and international boards.  

The following ARS UN interns will also present: Taleen Nigdelian, “Armenian Women in Ancient Times”; Nory Boiatchian, “Armenian Women’s Rights”; Talar Hovsepian, “Women’s Role in Armenian Traditional Family”; and Arev Ebrimian, “Social Activism and Education of Armenian Women.”

Rounding out the seminar will be a presentation about ARS parliamentary procedures by ARS of Eastern USA board member Seda Aghamianz. Aghamianz serves as administrator of The Genocide Education Project. She has a master’s degree in international relations from Boston University and a bachelor’s degree in political science and Russian from UMass Amherst. Aghamianz has held several positions within the Armenian community, including in the office of the ARS of Eastern USA and as project manager at the Ani and Narod Memorial Fund. She has been a member of the ARS for over 35 years.

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The ARS Eastern USA has 33 chapters located throughout the New England, Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern and Southeastern regions of the United States.


CSTO “always ready” to send mission to Armenian-Azerbaijani border

David Nargizian

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 13:38, 31 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The CSTO is “always ready” to deploy a mission to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, a senior official of the organization’s secretariat said Friday.

“Regarding the Caucasian region, the organization is always ready to send a CSTO mission to the Armenian-Azerbaijani border pursuant to the interests of ensuring Armenia’s security, as well as to provide other assistance,” TASS news agency quoted CSTO Secretariat representative Yuri Shuvalov as saying after a joint meeting of the CSTO Secretariat and Joint Staff. 

The assistance mechanisms are included in the CSTO Collective Security Council’s draft decision, which is pending, he added.

Recognition of Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Genocides Gains Momentum in Australia

David Nargizian
https://neoskosmos.com
Posted 2023-03-28 08:01 GMT

Momentum is building for Australian parliamentary recognition of the indigenous Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek genocides ahead of the annual commemorations of the three catastrophes.

Associate Professor Dr Melanie O'Brien, president of International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) participated in the Joint Justice Initiative (JJI) Advocacy Week held at the Commonwealth Parliament.

The commemorations of the three genocides serve as a reminder of the mass atrocities committed against indigenous Hellenic, Assyrian and Armenian communities by the Ottoman and Republican Turkish authorities in the early 20th Century.

Approximately 1.5 million Armenians, 750,000 Assyrians, and 350,000 to 500,000 Greeks (including Pontic Greeks) were killed during the genocides committed by the Ottoman Empire between 1914 and 1923.

Dr O'Brien, a global historical authority on genocide studies spoke to parliamentarians about the atrocities.

"We are delighted Dr O'Brien was our inaugural guest for the JJI Advocacy Week this year," said Michael Kolokossian, executive director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).

Dr O'Brien talked to parliamentarians about her book From Discrimination to Death: Genocide Process Through a Human Rights Lens.

Dr O'Brien has worked closely with Australian Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek organisations and was a keynote speaker at the 2018 National Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, including the commemoration for the centenary of the holocaust of Smyrna in Sydney, in September 2022.

"Being part of this Joint Justice Initiative delegation is an important way that I can represent the International Association of Genocide Scholars."

"Our members conduct scholarly work with the goal of preventing and punishing genocide and aim for our work to influence policy and lawmakers," said Dr O'Brien.

"It is crucial that Australia recognise the genocide of the indigenous Armenian, Assyrian and Hellenic populations of the Ottoman Empire by the Ottoman and Republican governments."

"It is important to acknowledge the reality of the crimes committed against the victims, survivors and their descendants — some of whom are Australian citizens — and to contribute to the prevention of future genocides." O'Brien said.

Peter Stefanidis the president of the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia said that a key factor in the success of JJI's Advocacy Week was the involvement of youth leaders.

"Combining our resources on the key issue of genocide recognition continues to expand as the Hellenic, Armenian and Assyrian communities of Australia together develop the leadership skills of the next generation."

The inaugural JJI Advocacy Week was held before Armenian Australians commemorate the 108th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and as Azerbaijan's blockade of the Republic of Artsakh nears 100 days.

Formed in March 2020, the JJI is a joint advocacy effort aimed at achieving parliamentary recognition of the genocides of the Armenians, Assyrians and Hellenes from Australian Commonwealth, state and territory parliaments.

Turkish Press: 30 YEARS AFTER: Will the closed border gates of Armenia and Turkey be opened?

David Nargizian
Turkey –

For the first time, Turkey and Armenia want to permanently reopen their borders. In 1993, Turkey unilaterally closed its border with Armenia. However, the reopening is not for everyone for now.

According to information from Yerevan, Armenia and Turkey want to permanently reopen their borders for the first time in 30 years – but initially only for third-country nationals and diplomats. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirsoyan said on Friday that despite their conflicts, Yerevan and Ankara have agreed to re-allow land border traffic until the start of the tourist season.

There is already air traffic between Armenia and Turkey. Turkey first opened the border in February when Armenia sent humanitarian aid and workers in the wake of the earthquake in the country.

Turkey unilaterally closed its land border in 1993 in solidarity with its sister state, Azerbaijan. This meant serious economic problems for Armenia, which is still in a bloody conflict with Azerbaijan over the mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The relationship between Ankara and Yerevan is quite tense. However, the two neighbors have resumed diplomatic contacts since the end of 2021. Relations between the two countries are also strained due to the deportation of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire more than 100 years ago.

AW: Armenian Cultural Foundation to host piano recital in honor of Beatrice Ohanessian

David Nargizian
March 14, 2023 Guest Contributor Music, Announcements 0

ARLINGTON, Mass. – The Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) will feature noted pianist and educator Anahit Truzyan in concert on March 26 at 6 p.m. 

Truzyan is a pianist with undeniable talent and dedication to her craft, with a master’s degree and post-graduate degrees from Komitas State Conservatory.

Having performed internationally in the US, Middle East, Armenia and Russia, Truzyan has refined her craft to perfection.

In the United States, Truzyan pursued an artist diploma and continued to perform at various venues. She also served as a pianist and organist for church services, showcasing her versatility and commitment to sharing her talent with the community.

Her performances are breathtaking and manifest a deep understanding and emotional depth of music.

Truzyan’s contributions to music go beyond just performing. She is also a dedicated instructor with a private practice in the Greater Boston area, where she has inspired and mentored students of all ages and levels of experience. Her students describe her as patient, kind and endlessly creative, always finding new ways to unlock their potential and help them reach their goals.

Child prodigies Rebecca Lai (14) and Timothy Lai (12), students of Truzyan, will also be featured in the program.

Rebecca Lai is an eighth-grade student at Lexington Christian Academy (LCA). She began her journey with the piano under the guidance of Truzyan at the tender age of five. Rebecca has honed her skills and developed a strong technical foundation. With her unwavering dedication and hard work, she has won several awards, including the First Place Honor in Crescendo International Competition and the silver award in the American Association for Development of the Gifted and Talented (AADGT) International Young Musicians Festival. She also performs in various chamber ensembles and collaborates as an accompanist in different chorales. In September 2022, she started studying at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School.

Timothy Lai is a seventh-grade student at LCA. Like his sister, Timothy began learning piano at the age of five with Truzyan. Timothy’s exceptional musical sensitivity and quick absorption of new material is truly remarkable. He has the ability to feel the music in a way that is deeply touching. He has won the silver award in the AADGT International Young Musicians Festival. He also plays trombone and performs with different ensembles.

The Lai siblings have performed in various recitals and festivals throughout the Boston area, such as the New England Piano Teacher Association (NEPTA) recitals and Passion of Music Festival at New York’s Carnegie Hall.

Beatrice Ohanessian

The recital is dedicated to the memory of Baghdad Barcarolle, Beatrice Ohanessian—Iraq’s foremost classical pianist. Born on March 15, 1927 in Baghdad, Ohanessian received her early music training from the Institute of Fine Arts majoring in piano.  Later, she continued studies at the Royal Academy of Music in London with professor Max Pirani. Four years later, she earned her Licentiate from the Royal Academy of Music in performance and pedagogy, with a major in piano and a second major in voice.

Ohanessian took up music as a young girl. She studied in London and New York and went on to become a pianist for the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra. After receiving a Fulbright Scholarship, she continued her higher education at Juilliard School of Music in New York City. Upon returning to Iraq, Ohanessian was appointed the head of the piano department at the Institute of Fine Arts in Iraq. From 1969 to 1972, she taught at the University of Minnesota and Macalester College. Then, she spent the next two years teaching in Geneva and performing as a soloist throughout Switzerland.

In 1994, Ohanessian moved to the United States and settled in Minneapolis-Saint Paul with her siblings. A year later, she resumed teaching at the University of Minnesota, Macalester College, as well as the University of St. Thomas. She also served as the organist for the Armenian Apostolic Church of St. Paul. Ohanessian died of cancer on July 17, 2008 in Bloomington. She was 81 years old.

The program will include works by Beethoven, Chopin and Liszt. The event is free and open to the public and will be followed by a reception.




Armenian, Russian FMs to meet in Moscow

David Nargizian

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 17:30,

YERERVAN, MARCH 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on March 20 in Moscow, Ani Badalyan, press secretary of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia, told ARMENPRESS,

During the press conference held on March 14, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that in the near future the Armenian FM will visit Moscow, where he will meet with the Russian Foreign Minister. Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, informed the journalists that the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia to Moscow is being prepared.

Prime Minister of Iceland to visit Armenia for Women’s Role in Promoting Democracy, Peace and Security conference

David Nargizian

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 10:14, 9 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 9, ARMENPRESS. The Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir accepted Armenia’s invitation to participate in the Women’s Role in Promoting Democracy, Peace and Security conference which is scheduled to take place in October 2023.

The invitation was conveyed to PM Jakobsdóttir by the Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan during a meeting in New York City.

The Women’s Role in Promoting Democracy, Peace and Security conference is a joint initiative by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s wife Anna Hakobyan and the Women Political Leaders organization.

During the meeting with PM Jakobsdóttir in New York, Minister Mkrtchyan expressed gratitude for the support by Icelandic companies during the 2020 war in Artsakh, the cooperation and the visit by a group of Members of Parliament from Iceland to Artsakh, the ministry said in a read-out. 

They also discussed possibilities for cooperation in labor and social protection, as well as exchange of experience.

Speaking about the protection of women’s rights and the necessity for increasing the role of women, Minister Mkrtchyan presented details on the Women’s Role in Promoting Democracy, Peace and Security conference organized jointly by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s wife Anna Hakobyan and the Women Political Leaders organization.

The Prime Minister of Iceland welcomed the initiative and accepted the invitation to visit Armenia in October to participate in the conference.