Armenian Foreign Minister extends condolences on Prague shooting

 10:53,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the December 21 shooting in Prague.

“Deeply saddened by news of tragic shooting in Charles University, Prague. My heartfelt condolences to families & friends of victims, wishing them endurance, & speedy recovery to those injured. Armenia stands in solidarity with friendly Czech people,” Foreign Minister Mirzoyan said in a post on X addressed to his Czech counterpart Jan Lipavský.

Lipavský in turn thanked Mirzoyan for the support. “Dear Ararat, thank you for your kind words. Your support means a lot in this tragic time,” the Czech FM responded on X.

On December 21, a gunman shot dead 14 people and injured another 25 at a university in Prague in the deadliest attack in modern Czech history.

Local police said the 24-year-old gunman was also "eliminated" following the shooting at Charles University in the historic center of the capital.

Armenia and France Convene Military-Political Consultations, Bolstering Bilateral Relations

 bnn 
Dec 23 2023

By: Safak Costu

Armenia and France, in a significant move, have held high-level military-political consultations in Paris. The Armenian delegation was spearheaded by Levon Ayvazyan, a prominent figure in the Armenian Ministry of Defense, while Alice Rufo, a known stalwart in French defense circles, led the French delegation. In the meeting, the two countries discussed various issues of international and regional security, opening up new avenues for political dialogue and mutual cooperation.

These consultations, held on December 21, marked a new chapter in Armenian-French bilateral relations. The discussions were comprehensive, encapsulating not only the current security scenario but also the broader cooperation agenda between the two nations. In a world fraught with security threats and political tensions, such a meeting indicates a shared commitment to peace and stability.

As a result of the consultations, a series of agreements were reached, further strengthening the bond between Armenia and France. These agreements, though not specified in detail, may pave the way for more significant bilateral cooperation, especially in defense matters. The discussions also hinted at potential future agreements, which could further deepen the ties between the two countries.

It is worth noting that, according to AZfront, a source close to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, reported earlier in May that France had begun delivering military equipment to Armenia. This included about 50 armored personnel carriers. Later, Dupuy, a former advisor to the French Ministry of Defense, confirmed this information in an interview with Caucase de France. There are also reports suggesting that France might supply Armenia with offensive weapons and that Armenia has received military equipment previously refused by Ukraine. Such developments, if confirmed, would represent a significant shift in France’s support for Armenia.

Yerevan admits possibility of new military, technical cooperation agreements with Russia

TASS, Russia
Dec 22 2023


Earlier, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin said that Moscow and Yerevan were discussing the establishment of new agreements within military and technical cooperation

YEREVAN, December 22. /TASS/. Armenia and Russia may negotiate new agreements on military and technical cooperation, Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan said at a briefing.

"I don't rule it out, but I can't tell you the details, you are asking about armament," he said.

Earlier, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin said in an interview with TASS that Moscow and Yerevan were discussing the establishment of new agreements within military and technical cooperation.

Merdinian School Celebrates Spirit of Giving by Sponsoring 40 Displaced Artsakh Students

Students displaced from their homes in Artsakh are now continuing their studies in Armenia, where they have found refuge


SHERMAN OAKS, Calif.—In the spirit of Christmas generosity, the C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School has concluded its “Sponsor a Student” campaign and met its goal of sponsoring 40 students forcibly displaced from Artsakh.

During a visit to Armenia, Merdinian Principal Dr. Souzy Ohanian toured the Khoren & Shooshanig Avedisian School, a sister school. Inspired by the stories of the 40 recently enrolled students displaced from Artsakh, Dr. Ohanian initiated a campaign upon her return. The administration and students rallied to have each class sponsor a student through the Armenian Missionary Association of America.

In just a couple of weeks, the students, families, faculty, and staff began collecting donations to raise $300 per student to sponsor their tuition. This sponsorship ensures the students’ tuition and essential school supplies and books. 

“The true essence of Christmas lies in the joy of giving and making a difference in the lives of others,” remarked Dr. Souzy Ohanian. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to our campaign, helping our fellow compatriots and ensuring that the future of these students is shaped with hope and opportunity.”

The Merdinian administration will frame the name and biography of each sponsored student and prominently display it in every classroom, fostering a connection that allows all students to learn about the resilient journeys of their peers from Artsakh.

Moscow Acknowledges ‘Issues’ in Fulfilling Military Contract with Armenia

Sergei Kopyrkin, Russia's Ambassador to Armenia


Russia acknowledged that there have been “issues” in fulfilling certain aspects of military contracts with Armenia, a point recently used by certain Armenian government officials in the rhetoric, which has deepened a wedge between Yerevan and Moscow.

In an interview with the Tass news agency, published on Friday, Russia’s Ambassador to Armenia, Sergey Kopyrkin, seemed to imply that Russian defense companies have not fulfilled their contractual obligations on time because they have had to manufacture more weapons and other military equipment for the Russian military.

“Military-technical cooperation between our countries has a long tradition and is based on the agreement on military-technical cooperation between Russia and Armenia signed on June 25, 2013. Nearly all signed contracts are either completed on time and high quality, or are in the final phase of fulfillment,” Kopyrkin told Tass.

“In terms of certain individual contracts there are indeed issues related to the obligations on fulfilling the state order by Russian enterprises in the defense sector, however these are working issues that are resolved during dialogue between respective government agencies of Russia and Armenia,” the Ambassador added.

He said that Armenia and Russia are discussing the signing of new military-technical cooperation agreements.

The Russian envoy seemed upbeat about the state of Moscow-Yerevan relations, which have been steadily deteriorating in recent years, following the 2020 War, and especially after Armenian authorities blamed Russia and its peacekeepers for inaction during Azerbaijan’s September attack on Artsakh, which forced the displacement of its Armenian population. Yerevan also contends that Moscow did not step up when Azerbaijan breached Armenia’s sovereign border, especially during an attack in September 2022.

“We believe that the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia remain partners and strategic allies, united by common interests, a common history and similar views on international problem, and that this alliance corresponds to the fundamental interests of both participants,” Kopyrkin said.

“Of course, it cannot be denied that there are certain differences in our bilateral and multilateral agenda,” the Russian Ambassador said. “Both the Russian and Armenian sides are ready to discuss any contentious topics frankly and in a constructive atmosphere, as befits allies.”

Russia and Armenia Strengthen Ties: An Interview with Ambassador Sergey Kopyrkin

 bnn 
Dec 22 2023

In a recent interview, the Russian Ambassador to Armenia, Sergey Kopyrkin, shed light on the evolving bilateral ties between Russia and Armenia. Kopyrkin stated that the majority of contracts concerning military-technical cooperation between the two nations have been successfully fulfilled in a timely and quality manner. Furthermore, he revealed that discussions are underway regarding new agreements in the same field.

Russia and Armenia have been consistently nurturing their strategic partnership, focusing on shared interests and mutual benefits. Kopyrkin underscored their shared commitment to bolstering and expanding their interaction across multifarious sectors. The ambassador also highlighted the importance of maintaining an intensive dialogue, crucial for the resolution of any potential issues.

Despite Armenia’s conspicuous absence from the meetings of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Kopyrkin confirmed that Armenia does not intend to leave the organization. He stressed that the question of Armenia’s withdrawal from the CSTO is not currently on the agenda.

On the topic of Armenia’s potential accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Kopyrkin expressed Russia’s stance, suggesting that such a move would not be in Armenia’s best interests.

Lastly, the ambassador disclosed that Russia and Armenia have established operational communication channels to handle media issues on each other’s territories. This development is a significant step towards strengthening diplomatic ties and facilitating transparent communication between the two nations.

Dismantling of Armenian Genocide Monument in Germany: A Shift in Recognition?

 bnn 
Dec 22 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

Germany has witnessed the dismantling of a monument dedicated to the Armenian genocide, a historical event that remains a sensitive issue for many nations. The monument, located in the city of Cologne, has been removed by the local municipality, a move that may signify a shift in local or national attitudes towards recognizing the Armenian genocide.

The term ‘Armenian genocide’ refers to the mass killings and forced deportations of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I. This event is still a subject of intense debate and political sensitivity, with countries and political groups holding divergent views on its recognition and implications.

The removal of the monument could suggest a change in Germany’s stance on the recognition of the Armenian genocide. It may also point towards the influence of diplomatic pressures or agreements, potentially involving Germany, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The nuances of these diplomatic relations are often reflected in how nations approach the topic of the Armenian genocide.

Given the contentious nature of the topic, the dismantling of the monument is likely to elicit reactions from different communities and stakeholders. The Armenian diaspora, in particular, may view this as a denial or diminution of historical atrocities. The incident could also impact the diplomatic relations between the countries involved, potentially influencing future policy decisions and diplomatic negotiations.

Turkish Press: Turkish, Russian FMs discuss Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal

Daily Sabah, Turkey
Dec 22 2023

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, diplomatic sources said Friday.

Sources said two top diplomats talked about peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Fidan highlighted the importance of signing the peace agreement “as soon as possible,” the Turkish sources told the media.

Türkiye is a close ally of Azerbaijan and maintains good relations with Moscow.

Normalization of Türkiye’s own relations with Armenia also hinges on Azerbaijan’s ties to Armenia, Turkish officials have earlier said.

The South Caucasus neighbors have fought two wars in the past 30 years over the Azerbaijani enclave Karabakh, but staged a prisoner exchange this month and issued a joint statement saying they want to normalize relations and reach a peace deal.

Azerbaijan sent troops to Karabakh on Sept. 19 and after just one day of fighting, the Armenian separatist forces that had controlled the disputed region for three decades surrendered and agreed to reintegrate with Baku.

Russian, Turkish FMs discuss S. Caucasus, normalization of Baku-Yerevan relations – Russian Foreign Ministry

Interfax
Dec 22 2023

MOSCOW. Dec 22 (Interfax) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan spoke on Friday to discuss bilateral and international issues, including the situation in the South Caucasus.

"The sides exchanged opinions on pressing issues of the bilateral and international agendas with emphasis on the current situation in the South Caucasus, taking into account the special role of regional countries in assisting with the normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement published on its website on Friday.

The sides touched on "certain aspects of Russian-Turkish cooperation, including the schedule of upcoming top- and high-level contacts," the ministry said.

Earlier, Lavrov also spoke by phone with Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and discussed the regional agenda and agreements reached by the two countries' presidents during talks on December 7.

https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/97922/