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

Chess: Levon Aronian disappointed in FIDE over scrapping of presidential term limit

Emil Lazarian
SportStar – The Hindu, India
Dec 18 2023

Published : Dec 18, 2023 21:48 IST , CHENNAI 

S. PRASANNA VENKATESAN

The World chess federation’s (FIDE’s) approval of a motion to scrap the presidential term limit in its annual general assembly on Sunday has met with disappointment from the Armenia-born chess great, Grand Master Levon Aronian.

Previously, the president had to step down after two four-year terms in power.

Expressing his disapproval of and disappointment at the decision, Aronian said at the Chennai Grand Masters Chess Championship on Monday, “I think generally it doesn’t matter what kind of governance, serving more than two terms always leads to trouble. Leadership is something that is very infectious and it is something you want to do forever. No matter how good of a leader you are, you are going to eventually start developing those birth traits that belong to all of the leaders that stay there for too long. So, it’s my personal opinion. I think when you make such decisions, a lot of the good things that you do get undone. Because now you are perceived as an usurpator of the position. I don’t like that decision. And I’m disappointed in FIDE.”

https://sportstar.thehindu.com/chess/chennai-grand-masters-2023-levon-aronian-disappointed-fide-scrapping-president-term-limit/article67651742.ece

Talakvadze Stresses Vital Importance of Peace Agreement Between Armenia and Azerbaijan for the Region

Emil Lazarian
The Messenger, Georgia
Dec 13 2023
By Liza Mchedlidze

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Archil Talakvadze positively assessed the visit to Azerbaijan. According to Talakvadze, the Georgian delegation engaged in significant meetings with key figures, such as the president, the chairman of the parliament, and the prime minister, as well as their colleagues. Talakvadze also highlighted the active nature of the friendship group between the parliaments and mentioned plans for future collaboration.

Parliament Deputy Speaker believes that the future of the entire region, including economic and infrastructural projects, trade relations, and tourism connecting the two countries, significantly depends on the friendship and cooperation between Georgia and Azerbaijan. According to his assessment, the two governments are making every effort to strengthen and enhance relations with their strategic partner for the benefit of their people.

"Georgia supports long-term peace in the region and is prepared to contribute to future negotiations and agreements. Both the leader of this country and our Prime Minister are genuinely committed today, and the government is actively working to facilitate this agreement. Georgia has always been the space where Azerbaijan and Armenia could engage in dialogue.

Today, our mediation and participation are genuinely necessary, and we have once again heard from our partners in Baku that they appreciate and welcome Georgia's involvement in the process of reaching a peaceful agreement.The region, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia all need this agreement," said Talakvadze.

The Deputy Speaker also expressed gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan for supporting Georgia's European integration. According to him, the message and support President Ilham Aliyev announced in the international arena were once again acknowledged in Baku.

"At this point, of course, we really appreciate the support of our friends. The European integration of Georgia is in the interests of the region as a whole, as well as in the interests of Azerbaijan, and of course it will further strengthen our positions in the international political arena.

There is very little time left before the final decision is made, but it is important that we are focused not only on the candidate status but also on the future when our country is already moving to the final accession stage.

Georgia should be accepted; it deserves its rightful place in the European family, and it is in the interests of both Georgia and Europe.

I believe that a fair decision will be made, one determined by the vision of the European future, the security architecture in Europe, and, most importantly, the function and value of Georgia in the common European policy," Talakvadze said.


IWSC 2024 Wine Judging in Georgia: judges’ impressions of Armenian wines

Emil Lazarian
IWSC
Dec 13 2023
This year, our Wine Judging in Georgia grew into a regional event, with entries beyond Georgia itself. We were delighted to welcome wines from the neighbouring Armenia – a country with ancient wine traditions and an impressive collection of indigenous grapes. Out of around 50 Armenian entries more than a half were awarded with medals.

Following the tasting, our judge, Journalist and Broadcaster David Kermode caught up with Cat Lomax, IWSC judge and Independent Drinks Retail Consultant. Cat shared her opinion of the Armenian wines she tasted and highlighted several important tips and takeaway points for Armenian producers.

Watch the video below to hear judge Cat Lomax' feedback

Over 150 Global Humanitarian, Business and Political Leaders Demand Freedom of "Armenian Prisoners"

Emil Lazarian
Market Insider
Dec 12 2023

PRESS RELEASE PR Newswire

 Dec. 12, 2023, 07:00 AM

Nobel Laureates, Captains of Industry, Former Heads of State and Civil Society Leaders Unite, Calling for Unconditional Release of Ethnic Armenians Illegally Held in Azerbaijan

Failure to release most prominent prisoners demonstrates political retribution by Baku; Calls for sanctions against the Aliyev regime mounting in the US Congress and the European Parliament

Letter signed by former presidents Mary Robinson, Ernesto Zedillo, Nobel Prize Winners Leymah Gbowee and Oscar Arias, Elisha Wiesel, Chairman of the Board of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity, entrepreneurs Richard Branson, Marc Benioff, publisher Ariana Huffington, and other global figures highlights concerns for detained leaders from Nagorno-Karabakh, including Armenian humanitarian Ruben Vardanyan.

BRUSSELS, Dec. 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ – Nobel Prize laureates, business leaders, former heads of state, and humanitarians are among the more than 100 global figures who have signed a letter calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the "Armenian Prisoners," which includes eight Armenian political prisoners, who are former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh's government illegally detained following Azerbaijan's invasion and seizure of the region in September. More than a dozen other prisoners of war arrested during the conflict also remain in custody.

The collective plea echoes growing concerns over conditions and treatment of these imprisoned individuals, including prominent Armenian businessman and humanitarian, Ruben Vardanyan. Their arrest follows a campaign of ethnic cleansing by the Azerbaijani forces. While the December 7th release of 32 Armenian prisoners of war is a welcome first step, all of the others must be released.  The failure of Baku to release the remaining eight political prisoners raises deep concerns over the motives by the Aliyev regime of their continued detention.  

"The human rights abuses witnessed in the wake of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict demand urgent attention and action," said Noubar Afeyan, another signatory as well as the co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. "President Aliyev chooses political retribution over justice.  We believe in the inherent dignity and rights of every individual and call on the international community to join us in condemning this injustice."

Afeyan has long collaborated on global and regional economic development and humanitarian projects with Vardanyan, who has become a symbol of the broader struggle for political freedom and human dignity in the region. His unjust imprisonment has galvanized some of the world's most respected voices to champion his cause and that of others unjustly detained.

"We call on President Aliyev to fulfill his obligations to international rules and law, ensuring those unjustly imprisoned can return safely to their families," said Paul Polman, Vice Chair of the United Nations Global Compact and former CEO of Unilever. "All individuals in Nagorno-Karabakh have a right to experience a life of peace and security, including the freedom to move without hindrance or the looming specter of inhuman treatment. Given Azerbaijan's bid to host COP 29 in 2024, I sincerely hope the United Nations will only agree if Baku releases all these prisoners."

Polman is one of the letter's signatories, alongside former heads of state, such as Ernesto Zedillo, former President of Mexico; Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland; Oscar Arias, former President of Costa Rica and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, and Elisha Wiesel, Chairman of the Board of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and son of the late Elie Wiesel, former Co-Chair of Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. Other prominent signatories represent a wide range of sectors, including Richard Branson, CEO of Virgin, Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce; Ariana Huffington, founder of Thrive and The Huffington Post; and Serj Tankian, renowned musician and lead vocalist of System of a Down.

"The unjust detention of Ruben Vardanyan and so many others being held in Baku violates their basic human rights," said Mary Robinson, Former UN High Commissioner of Human Rights. "For the government of Azerbaijan to be respected in the global community, it is critical they respect the rule of law, especially in light of the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh. They must release these detainees immediately."

Their unified plea serves as a powerful reminder that global political leaders are closely monitoring developments in Azerbaijan and calling for the release of the detainees. As asserted in the letter issued today, the detention of Armenian prisoners is a clear violation of international norms, including the Third Geneva Convention.

In recent weeks, members of the European Parliament and European Council have pursued a peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the release of all illegally held detainees arising from the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh. In October, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling on Azerbaijan to release and commit to a broad amnesty for all the inhabitants of Nagorno-Karabakh who have been arrested since September 19, including former officials from the region. The European Parliament has also called for sanctions against the individuals in the Azerbaijani Government responsible for multiple ceasefire violations and violations of human rights in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as investigations into the abuses committed by Azerbaijani forces that could constitute war crimes.

Similarly, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced a resolution calling on Azerbaijan to immediately release all prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians currently detained in the years-long attack on Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Artsakh. The resolution also calls on President Biden to impose sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act on Azerbaijani Government officials responsible for the illegal detention, torture, and extrajudicial killing of Armenian prisoners of war, civilian detainees, hostages, political prisoners, and others detained persons.

A full list of signatories and a copy of the letter are available at: www.FreeArmenianPrisoners.com

For questions about the letter or how to support this effort, or to request an interview, contact: [email protected]

CONTACT:

Nia Jackson 
Edelman Global Advisory
+1 202 983 0478
[email protected]

Anahit Akopian
H/Advisors
+33 7 87 38 79 80
[email protected]

Free Armenian Prisoners
[email protected]
www.FreeArmenianPrisoners.com
#FreeArmenianPrisoners @RubenVardanyan

Azerbaijan releases 32 Armenian POWs

Emil Lazarian

 16:04, 13 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. 31 servicemen of the Republic of Armenia who were taken captive in 2020-2023, and 1 serviceman who was taken captive in Nagorno-Karabakh in September, have been released from Azerbaijani captivity and are now back in Armenia, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced Wednesday afternoon.

He said that the servicemen will undergo a preliminary medical examination and then return to their families.

The Prime Minister also issued a list of the names of the released POWs.

  1. Avagyan Hrach A. – Gyumri, Shirak
  2. Avagyan Serob S. – Zuygaghbyur, Shirak
  3. Avagyan Tigran M. – Gyumri, Shirak
  4. Avetisyan Vagharshak A. – Zuygaghbyur, Shirak
  5. Aramyan Karen A. – Ashotsk, Shirak
  6. Bahrikyan Vahagn E. – Akhuryan, Shirak
  7. Baghdasaryan Arthur E. – Gyumri, Shirak
  8. Gevorgyan Robert H. – Akhuryan, Shirak
  9. Dilanyan Arman V. – Zuygaghbyur, Shirak
  10. Yeghiazaryan Sasun S. – Ani, Shirak
  11. Tadevosyan Hrayr V. – Ashotsk, Shirak
  12. Tosunyan Hrayr V. – Ashotsk, Shirak
  13. Isanyan Aren A. – Stepanakert
  14. Kirakosyan Eduard A. – Gyumri, Shirak
  15. Kostanyan Narek A. – Artik, Shirak
  16. Hakobyan Volodya G. – Sarnaghbyur, Shirak
  17. Harutyunyan Varazdat S. – Akhuryan, Shirak
  18. Herabyan Hrayr H. – Ashotsk, Shirak
  19. Hovagimyan Harutyun Y. – Kapan, Syunik
  20. Hovhannisyan Haykaz K. – Akhuryan, Shirak
  21. Ghazaryan Karen A. – Dilijan, Tavush
  22. Martoyan Manuk H. – Lanjik, Shirak
  23. Martirosyan Gevorg S. – Gyumri, Shirak
  24. Mikayelyan Andranik V. – Gyumri, Shirak
  25. Voskanyan Gagik A. – Yerevan
  26. Rafaelyan Vladimir O. – Vagharshapat, Armavir
  27. Saghatelyan Grigor S. – Ashotsk, Shirak
  28. Sargsyan Ishkhan A. – Yerevan
  29. Serobyan Gegham S. – Zuygaghbyur, Shirak
  30. Sukiasyan Andranik S. – Gyumri, Shirak
  31. Stepanyan Davit S. – Panik, Shirak
  32. Vardanyan Arsen A. – Ani, Shirak

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 13-12-23

Emil Lazarian

 17:02, 13 December 2023

YEREVAN, 13 DECEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 13 December, USD exchange rate up by 0.53 drams to 404.12 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.32 drams to 435.52 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 4.49 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.63 drams to 505.80 drams.

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

Gold price down by 41.50 drams to 25736.71 drams. Silver price up by 0.85 drams to 298.25 drams.

Armenian PM optimistic about peace agreement with Azerbaijan

Emil Lazarian
MEHR News Agency, Iran
Dec 14 2023

TEHRAN, Dec. 14 (MNA) – Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said a peace treaty with Azerbaijan could be signed soon if Baku reaffirms the principles coordinated between the leaders of the two South Caucasus countries.

"If Azerbaijan reaffirms the given principles, a peace agreement could be signed soon," Pashinyan said, addressing the opening ceremony for a ministerial meeting of landlocked countries, TASS reports.

The Armenian premier also mentioned Yerevan’s three key principles, namely the reopening of regional transport links while upholding the national sovereignty of the countries involved; public recognition of the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan on land areas of 29,800 square km and 86,600 square km, respectively; and the delimitation of the border based on the final maps of the area published before the demise of the Soviet Union.

"Yesterday’s exchange of POWs makes us optimistic that [a] peace [agreement] could be signed soon," Pashinyan added.

On Wednesday, Armenia’s head of government wrote on his page on Facebook that Baku had handed over 32 Armenian prisoners of war to Yerevan based on a joint agreement between his government and the administration of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

SD/PR

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/209592/Armenian-PM-optimistic-about-peace-agreement-with-Azerbaijan

The price of Russian gas for Armenia will remain unchanged in 2024 – Deputy PM Grigoryan

Emil Lazarian

 13:58,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. The price of Russian gas for Armenia will not change in 2024. Accordingly, the tariff for consumers will remain unchanged as well,  Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan told "Armenpress".

"As of now, we have clear information that the gas price at the border will not change in 2024. And I am confident,  based on that, the tariff for consumers will stay unchanged, as well," clarified Grigoryan.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, 'Gazprom Armenia' has already signed a contract with 'Gazprom' for 2024, according to which no price changes are envisaged.

The cost of Russian gas at the border with Armenia is 165 USD per 1000 cubic meters.

Armenpress: Bankruptcy court judge Tigran Poladyan jailed

Emil Lazarian

 11:57,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS.  Bankruptcy court judge Tigran Poladyan has been jailed in pre-trial detention on bribery charges, the prosecution announced Saturday. 

Lusine Martirosyan, the Advisor to the Prosecutor-General, said that a court has approved the prosecution’s motion on remanding the judge in pre-trial detention.

Judge Poladyan was earlier stripped of immunity by the Supreme Judicial Council.

Armenian Prime Minister congratulates King, Crown Prince of Bahrain on National Day

Emil Lazarian

 12:26,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated HRH King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and HRH Crown Prince, Prime Minister of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa on the National Day of the kingdom.

“I convey to you my warmest congratulations and sincere good wishes on the occasion of the National Day of Bahrain,” the Prime Minister said in a letter to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa published by his office. “On this joyous occasion, I wish robust health and happiness to you, and eternal peace and stability to the friendly people of Bahrain. I am sure that through joint efforts we can achieve deeper Armenian-Bahraini ties, for the benefit and prosperity of our countries.”

In a separate letter to the Crown Prince, the Armenian Prime Minister said, “I convey to you my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the National Day of Bahrain. On this joyous occasion I wish happiness and success to you, and peace and sustainable development to the friendly people of Bahrain. I am sure that through joint efforts we can intensify the Armenian-Bahraini friendly relations.”