Author: Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS

Baku Says ‘Corridor’ Through Armenia Should be Included in Peace Treaty

January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 Emil Lazarian

by Asbarez Staff

January 3, 2024

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

A military post along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border

An Azerbaijani official said Wednesday that creating a land corridor through Armenia will provide unimpeded access to Nakhichevan and pointed out that for Baku this was one of the “main directions” of peace talks with Armenia.

Elchin Amirbekov, an Azerbaijani presidential envoy for special assignments, said in an interview with the Estonian television that restoring transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan was an important facet of the peace process between the two countries.

Within that context, Amirbekov said Baku’s initiative to “restore the Zangazur [(Zangezur)] corridor so that Azerbaijani citizens living in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, or in the main part of the country, have unhindered land communication” was of crucial importance.

“The main direction of the negotiations is the agreement on the text of the peace agreement. It notes all the main parameters of future peace, including the restoration of communications. In addition to the main direction, there are two more: the opening of communications, as well as the delimitation and the subsequent demarcation of the state border between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” said Amirbekov.

“It’s about a 42-kilometer railway line, which, unfortunately, was destroyed as a result of the conflict. It’s not just about building the missing section. By the way, this work is almost finished by us. I mean the Horadiz-Agbend section. Unfortunately, the Armenian side has not even started working on the technical rationalization of this project,” added the Azerbaijani official.

Documentary “We Thrive” to screen at film festival in Izmir, Turkey

January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 Emil Lazarian

January 3, 2024 Guest Contributor Film, Diaspora 0

We Thrive, an award-winning documentary highlighting Armenian-American musicians and the healing powers of music, will be screened at IZDOC International Documentary Festival in Izmir, Turkey at the French Culture Center from January 25-28, 2024. Detroit area filmmakers Lisa Hagopian and Eric Harabadian are honored that the progressive festival organizers agreed to screen their Armenian-American documentary.

We Thrive is a feature length documentary that demonstrates all of us can go beyond the struggles and tragedies of our lives, and the often tragic history of our ancestors, and “thrive” via music.

Hagopian and Harabadian of Vision 561 Productions LLC produced the film spotlighting an eclectic mix of musicians who share a common bond. The film features Chuck Alkazian, Stevie “Soul” Ansara, Sean Blackman, Kim Kashkasian, Hachig Kazarian, Vaughn Masropian, Tia Mayhem, Kim Naccashian, Eliza Thomasian Neals, Ara Topouzian, Tanya Venom and Dan Yessian.

Armenian-American history is a tale of genocide, struggle, survival and, ultimately, renewal. These aspects are touched on in detail through a contemporary lens that sheds light on the Armenian community at large and on a more personal scale, with stories from the subjects in the film.

We Thrive is told through conversations, archival footage, photographs and live performances. It is a unique and captivating mix of traditional Armenian music, world beat, rock, blues and classical.

We Thrive won “Best Documentary” at the Golden Door Film Festival in New Jersey and the “Independent Spirit Award” from the Detroit Trinity International Film Festival. The film was nominated for “Best Documentary” at the Glendale International Film Festival in California and “Best Music Documentary” and Lisa Hagopian for “Best Directress” by Film Threat Magazine’s “Award This!” competition.

View the We Thrive official trailer here and follow on Facebook. For more information, contact [email protected].

Armenian Christmas 2024: Activities, History, FAQs, Dates, and Facts About the celebration

January 5, 2024January 5, 2024 Emil Lazarian

India – Jan 4 2024

Armenian Christmas 2024: The Armenian Christmas holiday is annually observed on January 6. Commemorating this occasion in the same manner since its inception, it has been an integral part of Armenian customs for over 1700 years. Although the date of the commemoration may seem peculiar to the majority, it is consistent with Christian traditions.

Armenians observe the Epiphany of Christ, the revelation of Jesus Christ as the son of God, as opposed to Christ’s birthday, in contrast to Catholics. Following a period of fasting, Armenians partake in lavish feasts that consist of rice, nuts, sweets, and chocolates.

Armenia’s history dates back to approximately 3500 B.C. Remains have been unearthed by scientists, providing evidence of the Armenians’ existence throughout the Stone Age. During the second century A.D., Pompey ruled Armenia. The reign came to an end with the establishment of the Armenian Arsacid Dynasty. The Armenian Apostolic Church established Christianity in Armen in 301 A.D., marking the nation’s historic adoption of Christianity as its official religion and the first to do so globally.

The Armenian Apostolic Church operated autonomously from both the Catholic and Orthodox faiths. People throughout Europe observed the Roman holiday known as Solis Invicti. Solis Invicti was a winter solstice observance that was specifically devoted to the monarch Helios. To prevent a conflict between Christmas and Solis Invicti, Catholics have chosen to reschedule the celebration of the two festivals.

Consequently, the 25th of December was designated as Christmas, and the 6th of January was designated as the Feast of the Epiphany. In Armenia, on the other hand, Solis Invicti was not observed, so there was no necessity to alter the dates. The Armenians continued their Christmas celebrations that began on January 6. Christmas in Armenia has been observed on January 6 ever since that time.

A week before Armenian Christmas, several Armenians observe a fast. Following it are celebrations with a Christmas theme that take place all over the world on December 25. Gathering for family dinners, preparing traditional Armenian dishes, engaging in activities, and exchanging gifts are all components of the festivities.

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Yes. Soorp Dznoont is the name given to Armenian Christmas in several Eastern nations. The nocturnal structure is known as Tonatsar. Soop Stepanos Day is a holiday that some Armenians celebrate on December 25.

On January 5, Armenians used fire carried from the church to illuminate candles in their homes. It is believed that this bestows good fortune and prosperity upon them, symbolically banishing the shadow of darkness from their existence.

Certain Armenians fast for one week before Armenian Christmas in the belief that they ought to partake in the feast of Epiphany with a pristine stomach.

It is now time to demonstrate your culinary prowess, so hon your knives and utensils. Attempt to prepare traditional Armenian dishes such as ‘Ishli Kufta,’ ‘Blinchik,’ ‘Ghapama,’ and ‘Dolma.’ Enjoy these delectable dishes with family and friends.

Inform all individuals of your celebration for this day. Post photographs of your Armenian Christmas celebrations to social media. Also acceptable are articles concerning Armenian Christmas.

As your research into the origins of Armenian Christmas and Armenian history progresses, you will come across numerous intriguing anecdotes and facts. Make an effort to increase your general knowledge today.

In Armenian Christmas, Dzmer Pap, the winter godfather, is the Armenian equivalent of Santa Claus.

During antiquity, Dzmer Pap exclusively offered counsel and discouraged the exchange of tangible presents.

Certain individuals transport fire from churches into their residences in the hope that it will bestow blessings upon them.

That year, whoever discovers a coin in gata (the traditional delicious bread of Armenia) will have the greatest good fortune.

It is customary for Armenians to pay visits to relatives and neighbors at midnight to extend festive greetings.

https://newsd.in/armenian-christmas/

Armenia takes over chairmanship in EAEU since January 1

January 4, 2024January 4, 2024 Emil Lazarian

Kyrgyzstan – Jan 3 2024

AKIPRESS.COM - Armenia has taken over chairmanship in the Eurasian Economic Union since January 1, 2024 and will preside in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council, Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and Eurasian Economic Commission Council throughout 2024.

The meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Moscow on occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Eurasian Economic Council, the Third Eurasian Economic Forum, meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council and other events are planned.

https://akipress.com/news:752282:Armenia_takes_over_chairmanship_in_EAEU_since_January_1/

10 Armenian Startups To Watch In 2024

January 4, 2024January 4, 2024 Emil Lazarian

TechRound

Jan 3 2024

DANA LEIGH

The Armenian tech scene is bustling with innovation and potential, showcasing a diverse range of startups that are making strides in their respective fields.

From AI-driven platforms to cutting-edge software solutions, these ten startups are not just reshaping the Armenian tech landscape, but also making an impact on a global scale. Here’s a closer look…

SoloLearn has emerged as a premier mobile platform revolutionising how individuals learn coding. Launched in 2013, it now boasts over 30 million users, offering courses in 13 programming languages including Python, Java, and C++. What sets SoloLearn apart is its blend of education and social interaction; users not only learn but also share knowledge within a thriving community.

The app’s evolution from offering diverse courses to focusing solely on programming demonstrates its commitment to specialising in coding education. Recognised as the FbStart App of the Year in 2017, SoloLearn is a testament to innovative, accessible learning.

krisp is a noise-cancelling app that has transformed digital communication. Utilising advanced machine learning and digital signal processing, Krisp efficiently filters out background noise from calls on platforms like Skype and Slack. What makes krisp stand out is its ability to process both incoming and outgoing audio, delivering a clear conversation experience with minimal sound delay.

Its adoption by large companies for call centre operations shows its effectiveness and growing necessity in professional and personal communication environments. krisp represents the forefront of audio technology, enhancing communication clarity in an increasingly noisy digital world.

OnePick is redefining social media management through its AI-powered platform. This innovative startup assists in creating compelling social media content by generating tailored text and selecting relevant images based on page and market data analysis.

The AI software not only crafts a content plan but also streamlines the entire content creation process. OnePick stands out for its ability to understand and adapt to evolving social media trends, ensuring that the content remains fresh and engaging. This makes OnePick an invaluable tool for businesses and individuals looking to maintain an impactful and efficient social media presence.

Payva offers a solution in payment and expense management for enterprises, particularly targeting the complex systems used in the U.S. and Europe. Their SAAS & AI-based platform simplifies the organisation, processing, and management of corporate expenses, especially in travel and entertainment.

By addressing the inefficiencies in existing systems, Payva has become a vital tool for over 5 million companies, helping them save costs and streamline their financial operations. Their technology not only enhances expense management but also represents a significant leap in financial technology, providing a more intuitive and efficient approach for businesses.

Vineti is at the forefront of healthcare technology with its personalised Therapy Management platform, designed to simplify the complex process of cell and gene therapy and personalised cancer vaccines.

Serving as a central ecosystem, it connects all stakeholders – from medical professionals to drug manufacturers and logistics providers. The platform enhances operational efficiency, reduces human error, and ensures compliance with regulations. Recognised as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum in 2019, Vineti’s platform accelerates the delivery of life-saving therapies, making it a critical innovation in personalised healthcare and medical treatment.

ServiceTitan, founded in 2012, provides a comprehensive platform tailored for businesses offering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services. It’s more than just a management tool; it’s a growth catalyst, streamlining operations, improving customer service, and enhancing business performance. ServiceTitan’s platform integrates various aspects of service business management, including scheduling, billing, and customer relations, in a user-friendly interface.

This focus on ease of use and efficiency makes ServiceTitan a go-to solution for service-based businesses seeking to optimise their operations and expand their customer base, marking it as a leader in business management solutions.

UCAR is changing the transportation and logistics industry in Armenia. This technological platform simplifies the process of sending parcels and finding truck drivers for various transportation needs. It’s an invaluable resource for both businesses and individuals, providing a seamless way to estimate costs, locate appropriate trucks, and manage logistics.

UCAR’s platform demonstrates the power of technology in optimising logistics, making it easier to move goods across Armenia and the surrounding regions. Its user-friendly interface and efficient service model make it a standout choice for those seeking reliable and straightforward transportation solutions.

Destination Armenia is an innovative online platform designed to showcase Armenia’s tourism potential. This comprehensive aggregator collects all relevant information and resources about Armenian tours, culture, and unique characteristics of the region. It’s a valuable tool for tourists and travel enthusiasts, offering insights into the best experiences Armenia has to offer.

By bringing together diverse aspects of Armenian tourism in one location, Destination Armenia makes trip planning more accessible and informative, effectively promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to a global audience.

9. Podcastle: AI-Powered Audio Content Creation

Podcastle stands at the cutting edge of audio content creation, powered by AI technology. This platform is a haven for podcasters, bloggers, journalists, educators, and content marketers, enabling them to effortlessly transform text into high-quality audio. Podcastle’s editing tools allow for seamless content modification, achieving professional-grade sound within seconds.

Its user-friendly interface and advanced features make it an indispensable tool for anyone looking to create or enhance audio content, highlighting the transformative impact of AI in the realm of digital content production.

IntelinAir is changing the agricultural landscape with its analytics platform. By analysing aerial imagery along with other indicators like soil temperature and humidity, IntelinAir provides farmers and insurance companies with valuable insights for crop management. This technology, driven by machine learning and computer vision, identifies problem areas and offers forecasts, enhancing decision-making in agriculture.

Available through a mobile application, IntelinAir operates on a subscription model, tailoring its services to the specific needs of its clients. With an estimated annual revenue of $4 million, IntelinAir is a leader in agricultural technology, offering innovative solutions for modern farming challenges.

In conclusion, these ten Armenian startups are not just innovating within their industries; they’re setting trends and redefining their sectors. As they continue to grow and evolve, they’re worth keeping an eye on in 2024 and beyond, as they represent the dynamic and promising future of Armenia’s tech sector.

Asbarez: Armenian Float Wins ‘Grand Marshal’ Award at 135th Rose Parade

January 3, 2024January 3, 2024 Emil Lazarian

by Asbarez Staff

January 2, 2024

in Community, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

Members of the American Armenian Rose Float Association and performers from Lilia Margaryan Dance Studio pictured with the “Armenian Melodies” float

The American Armenian Rose Float Association’s 2024 float entry, “Armenian Melodies,” won the “Grand Marshal” award for Most Outstanding Creative Concept and Float Design at the 135^th Tournament of Roses.

This year marked the 6^th anniversary of the American Armenian Rose Float Association’s participation in the iconic parade.

Inspired by the strength of Armenian matriarchs throughout history, “Armenian Melodies” featured dynamic Armenian mother and daughter figures dressed in vibrant, traditional garb —“taraz” — surrounded by important symbols within Armenian heritage and culture. Tying in perfectly with the 135th Tournament of Roses theme of “Celebrating a World of Music,” “Armenian Melodies” showcased several musical instruments endemic to Armenia.

The “Armenian Melodies” float captured the heroism of Armenian mothers as exemplars of determination, resilience and fortitude in the face of centuries of upheaval. The float was a reminder that, through their steadfast support, Armenian mothers inspire their families and communities to persevere, even through turbulent times.

The float featured Armenian birds that are indigenous to the Armenian Highlands, including the crane, chukar and little ringed plover. Traditional wind and percussion instruments native to Armenia were also on display. Instruments included on the float were: the duduk, shvi, blul, parkapzuk, as well as the dhol and nagara.

Other objects symbolic to Armenian culture, made entirely of flowers, were also on display on the “Armenian Melodies” float, including the AARFA’s tricolor logo, pomegranates, apricots, and an “arevakhatch” or sun cross, which symbolizes eternal life.

Lilia Margaryan Dance Studio, based in Glendale, also took part n the 135^th Tournament of Roses. A total of 10 students performed alongside the American Armenian float throughout the parade’s 6.5-mile route.

AARFA is a nonprofit organization for the sole purpose of presenting the American Armenian community’s achievements to the world. Help AARFA continue this tradition by donating online.

Armenian official: Spirit of President Xi Jinping’s New Year message peaceful, constructive

January 2, 2024January 2, 2024 Emil Lazarian

Jan 1 2024

CGTN published this video item, entitled “” – below is their description.

For more:

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-01-01/Spirit-of-President-Xi-s-New-Year-message-peaceful-constructive-1q0NXmRjbQ4/p.html

Discussing #Chinese President #Xi Jinping’s New Year message, Hayk Mamijanyan, a member of the national assembly of #Armenia, told CGTN that the spirit of the greetings is peaceful and constructive. He said China has consistently committed to promoting peace and development and actively building bridges of communication instead of erecting barriers.

CGTN YouTube Channel

Watch the video at

Armenpress: Why 2024 Should be the Year of Armenia-India Strategic Partnership

December 31, 2023December 31, 2023 Emil Lazarian

16:49,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Over the past three years, the level of cooperation between India and Armenia has increased at a rapid pace, bolstered by the establishment of a growing defense and security partnership. Given its expanding contribution to Armenia’s efforts to increase its defense capabilities and its potential to partner on Armenia’s strategic and economic development, India has become Armenia’s most important new foreign policy partner.

So far much of the growth in the Armenia-India relationship has been driven by the initiative of India. Armenia should not sit idly by, waiting for India to approach Armenia for the next stage of cooperation. Amid reports that India’s enthusiasm for Armenia has waned slightly after the fall of Nagorno-Karabakh, it is important for Armenia to maintain and strengthen this relationship. Armenia should now be proactive in establishing a strategic partnership with India which would realize the full potential of the bilateral relations.

As a rising geopolitical power that has managed to maintain friendly relations with all major superpowers, India has a great deal of lessons to share on how to navigate the Russia-West confrontation and the North-South divide. It has managed to maintain a balance between the US and Russia, without burning bridges with either one. It has kept diplomatic channels open and productive with China, its neighboring rival. It has also built important know-how in border management and border security as a result of repeated flare ups along its northern frontiers. All of this is important for Armenia to learn and understand as it undertakes its own foreign policy diversification.

Importantly, India has expressed an explicit desire to partner with Yerevan in the South Caucasus given their aligned strategic interests in the region. India can serve as a geopolitical counterweight to the “Three Brothers” alliance between Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. By engaging with India in bilateral and multilateral formats, such as Armenia-India-Iran and Armenia-India-France-Greece, Armenia gains a strategic ally in a region that otherwise faces Turkish hegemony. At the same time this partnership does not antagonize either the West or Russia.

India has attracted the interest and attention of many countries. It has a particularly strong influence on mid-sized and emerging countries that consider themselves part of the “Global South” – countries that lie outside of Europe and North America and their incumbent power structures. At the most recent Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate held by the Emirates Policy Center, my colleagues at APRI Armenia attended a dynamic session on India’s rising role on the global stage. In his panel intervention, explaining how India views itself in today’s world, President Samir Saran of the Delhi-based Observer Research Foundation think tank, said that “India is South-West” in its sensibilities. Its combination of emerging country know-how, represented in the Global South, and strong democratic institutions, well-known to the Western world, allow it to play a global "bridging role.” India is exercising that bridging role by becoming a credible global advocate for smaller countries, like Armenia. India has diplomatic and economic leverage, which it has used on Armenia's behalf at the UN Security Council to condemn the September 2022 attacks by Azerbaijan on the Armenian territory.

While existing relationships with other countries run their course, Armenia’s bilateral ties with India in every sphere have the potential to flourish, to the benefit of both partners. As Armenia seeks to diversify its foreign policy and acclimate to the chaos of the current world, it should maximize this opportunity to further boost its national development and come up with initiatives that will benefit both countries.

Over the past year, APRI Armenia has included at the core of its research agenda the opportunities that exist for comprehensive engagement between Armenia and India, identifying security, infrastructure, trade, technology, business collaborations, and tourism as key areas to explore.

Though the trends in Armenian-Indian defense cooperation and new arms deals are promising, Armenia should establish a more strategic and comprehensive partnership with India, starting with holistic defense collaboration. As one of a handful of countries with experience integrating Russian and Soviet-grade weapons with Western equipment, India could provide the proper equipment and training necessary to modernize Armenia’s defense capabilities while using its existing stockpiles. Moreover, defense cooperation with India should also include partnership on peacekeeping, joint exercises, military training by the Indian army, and advice on logistical and technical reforms by Indian military officials. As a country friendly with both Armenia’s traditional and newer security partners, it holds the most potential for revamping Armenia’s defense capacities without provoking any of its partners.

In its vision for greater connectivity and transit routes, Armenia should further boost its partnership with India in building up its infrastructure. India has significant experience investing in infrastructure in geographically-significant countries to improve trade routes, such as with its investment in Iran’s Chabahar Port project. From land routes like the North-South highway connecting the Persian Gulf and Iran with Georgia and the Black Sea through Armenia, to its envisaged dry port in Gyumri, Armenia would benefit from Indian experience and investment to build out these projects.

Despite an almost doubling in trade since 2020, Armenia and India’s bilateral trade volume is still objectively low – only around $358 million USD in 2022. In contrast, India’s trade volume with Azerbaijan was almost five times that of Armenia’s at $1.9 billion USD in 2022. Establishing greater trade volumes and dependencies between Armenia and India is not just economically beneficial for Armenia, but important geopolitically as well. Greater economic ties contribute to increased transit and people-to-people connections, while also enhancing Armenia’s economic value to India in the region.

Specifically within the fields of pharmaceuticals, information technology, and renewable energy technology – where India is a leading exporter – Armenia could benefit from imported Indian products. Furthermore, Armenia could replace goods it currently imports from adversarial countries with those from India. Research should be conducted to assess which products (Turkish textiles, Pakistani rice, etc.) can be imported from India most effectively.

There are already collaborative projects happening between Indian and Armenian businesses. Indian businesses and technology companies alike have expressed to APRI Armenia that they are interested in partnering on joint ventures with businesses in Armenia as well as in the Armenian diaspora. This route should be actively pursued, through joint ventures that are based in Armenia and India, rather than in third countries.

Because the absence of a direct flight between Armenia and India hinders larger trade volumes, establishing a direct flight should be the first step towards facilitating bilateral trade. Alongside, Armenia should take actionable steps to boost tourism with India, incentivize the Indian film industry to produce more movies in Armenia and better promote Armenia in India through more active marketing. These important individual initiatives, and many more, should be part of an integrated road map for enhanced bilateral relations that will complement already ongoing cooperation in the military field and infrastructure development.

All of this reinforces our original point: that the most important foreign policy relationship for Armenia, now and into the future, is India. Developing these relations should be an all-of-society project, with focused initiatives from government, academia, civil society and even student groups, starting at the primary level. The opportunity for Armenia to survive and thrive in what has been called “The Asian Century” will depend on the projects launched today, which can foster mutual understanding and innovative new directions of interstate collaboration.

Next year, the APRI Armenia team will continue to explore and outline what a strategic and comprehensive vision for the Armenia-India relationship should look like, identifying opportunities in defense, trade, infrastructure, and tourism. With its interests aligned in keeping the Three Brothers alliance in check and pushing forward a Middle Path that does not antagonize the West or Russia, the Armenia-India comprehensive partnership should come to fruition.

In the coming year, India must earn Armenia’s resolute focus and a dedicated effort to envision our shared, prosperous future.

Davit Antonyan, APRI Armenia Associate Fellow

Azerbaijan sees no “serious obstacles” for peace treaty with Armenia, says Hajiyev

December 31, 2023December 31, 2023 Emil Lazarian

14:46,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan sees no “serious obstacles” for concluding a peace treaty with Armenia, a senior Azerbaijani official has said.

Hikmet Hajiyev, the assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, told TRT that the contacts between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Aliyev during the CIS summit in Saint Petersburg have been “productive and constructive.”

“The Azerbaijani side finds it to be a productive and constructive partnership for advancing the peace agenda between the two countries,” Hajiyev said.

The official added that Baku wants to advance the peace process and doesn’t see any serious obstacles for doing so. “We don’t see further serious obstacles for signing a peace treaty between the two countries,” he said, without specifying possible timeframes due to ongoing talks.

Opinion: Frontline view of war in the South Caucasus by a Tulsan

December 30, 2023December 30, 2023 Emil Lazarian

Dec 27 2023