Author: Emma Jilavian

Boston triumphs in the return of the Homenetmen Navasartian Games

Emma Jilavian
 Homenetmen Eastern U.S. Diaspora 0

Opening Ceremonies, July 2, 2022

WOBURN, Mass. — The Homenetmen Boston Chapter hosted the Eastern US Region’s 30th Navasartian Games from July 1 to July 3, 2022. The Navasartian Games are the region’s largest athletic event, which includes basketball, soccer, volleyball, track, swimming and chess. Nearly 500 athletes participated from Homenetmen’s Eastern USA and Canada regions with 39 basketball teams, 15 soccer teams and 14 volleyball teams. The games were held at multiple facilities including Woburn High School, Malcolm White Elementary School and Goodyear Elementary School. Woburn High School served as a central hub for the athletic events and featured a concession area with an extensive selection of delicious food, souvenirs and lively Armenian music to enjoy between games. The Westin Hotel in Waltham, MA served as the venue for evening social events and accommodated out-of-town athletes and guests.

After a two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, athletes were eager to compete and reconnect with their friends throughout the weekend. The Navasartian Games Steering Committee had been diligently planning these games since 2019, with the goal of creating a safe and fun-filled weekend. The Steering Committee included a core group of 16 Homenetmen members working on a wide range of tasks, including hotel accommodations, athletic facilities, transportation, social events, sponsorships, welcoming, souvenirs, concessions, security, first-aid, and administrative and IT tasks.

Homenetmen Boston scouts after marching in the Navasartian Games Opening Ceremony

The first day of competitions kicked off at 8:00 a.m. on Friday with all athletes eagerly and impatiently waiting to start the games. After the first day of games, athletes and guests had a chance to socialize and relax at the “Mediterranean Night,” held at the Armenian Cultural & Educational Center courtyard in Watertown. Over 300 guests enjoyed a night of wonderful weather, delicious appetizers and desserts, and energetic music from DJ Reen.

On Saturday, the formal Navasartian Games Opening Ceremony was held at the Woburn High School outdoor stadium. In attendance were Der Mikael Der Kosrofian (representing His Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian); Khajag Mgrdichian, member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau; Paulie Haroian, ARF Eastern USA Central Committee member; Arby Gazarian, member of Homenetmen Canada’s Regional Executive, Nartouhi Abrimian, representative of the ARS Eastern USA Regional Executive, and Nareg Mkrtschjan, chairman of Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Central Executive.

Arby Gazarian (Canada Regional Executive) on the left with Homenetmen Chicago member Mgo Dikranian

The Homenetmen scouts, including the Boston chapter’s scout marching band “fanfare,” led the procession of the athletes. Participants from 13 chapters from the Eastern USA (Albany, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Florida, Merrimack Valley, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Providence and Washington) and Canada (Montreal and Toronto) proudly held signs of their chapters as they marched past dignitaries and cheering spectators. A delegation of two basketball teams that will represent the Eastern USA Region at the Pan-Homenetmen Games marched with their own banner, showing their readiness to compete at the long-awaited tournament in Armenia at the end of July.

Sevag Khatchadourian, chairman of the Boston Chapter Executive

Longtime Homenetmen member Avo Barmakian welcomed everyone to the 30th Navasartian Games and provided a biography of the chapters as they marched in the procession. Sevag Khatchadourian, chairman of the Boston Chapter Executive, thanked the countless volunteers and members of the Steering Committee for their tremendous efforts. Vicken Khatchadourian, chairman of the Regional Executive, emphasized the importance of Homenetmen’s mission within our community and stressed that the Navasartian Games should serve as a catalyst for each chapter to continue its growth and strive for greater successes in the future.

Avo Barmakian introduces dignitaries and representatives: Der Mikael Der Kosrofian; Khajag Megerdichian, ARF Bureau member; Vahe Tanashian, member of Homenetmen Central Executive; Paulie Haroian, ARF Eastern USA Central Committee member; Vicken Khatchadourian, chairman of Homenetmen Eastern USA Regional Executive; Arby Gazarian, member of Homenetmen Canada Regional Executive; Sevag Khatchadourian, chairman of Homenetmen Boston Chapter Executive

Der Kosrofian from Soorp Asdvadzadzin Armenian Apostolic Church of Whitinsville, MA presented a message from his Eminence Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian and concluded the ceremony with a prayer.

Sarkis Ourfalian, chairman of the 30th Navasartian Games Steering Committee

On Saturday evening, more than 600 people attended the Navasartian Games Victory Gala at the Westin Waltham Hotel. As Master of Ceremonies, Barmakian welcomed Homenetmen members and supporters and introduced the dignitaries and representatives present at the gala. Sarkis Ourfalian, chairman of the 30th Navasartian Games Steering Committee, extended special thanks to every member of the Steering Committee, the Boston Armenian community for their moral and financial support and to the many volunteers who dedicated their time to ensure a successful weekend. 

Sarkis Ourfalian and Sintia Petrosian (Washington Chapter Executive)

The program continued with a special performance by the Sayat Nova Dance Company of Boston. At the conclusion of the program, representatives from each chapter were presented with plaques commemorating the 30th Navasartian Games, followed by lively music and dancing with singer Harout Bedrossian and his band. 

Sunday marked the final day of athletic events, featuring semi-final and championship games. The athletic venues were buzzing with excitement, while spectators eagerly watched their favorite teams compete for the championship.

Spectators at the 2022 Homenetmen Navasartian Games

The weekend’s final event took place on Sunday evening, headlined by superstars Suro and DJ Jilber, who kept attendees dancing all night. During a brief break, the Regional Athletic Committee presented trophies to championship teams for each division and awarded the overall champion chapter award to Boston, this year’s host chapter. The night was an incredible way to cap off the weekend and send off the hundreds of athletes and guests who gathered to celebrate a memorable Navasartian Games.

The 2022 Navasartian weekend was energetic and vibrant. Athletes, members and guests had sorely missed the opportunity to reconnect with fellow Armenians and enjoy the fierce, yet friendly competition that is at the core of Homenetmen athletics. Volunteers working tirelessly to ensure a successful weekend found encouragement and support from attendees’ smiling faces as they hurried between athletic courts, concession stands and the evening social events. While only a few teams took home trophies, every attendee felt like a champion. They walked away knowing that the Homenetmen spirit is unbreakable, and the Navasartian Games traditions are here to stay.

Volunteers at the 2022 Homenetmen Navasartian Games

Results

Basketball:

Pee-wee boys (12 years and under)

Teams: Boston, Providence, New York A, New York B and Washington

The Boston pee-wee boys team dominated this tournament by going 4-0 with a margin of victory of 27 points. They trounced New York A in the final 40-24 with strong performances from Avo Bedrossian, Luca Mondolfi, Garen Keledjian and Gabriel Kioumejian.

Pee-wee boys basketball champions: Boston

Pee-wee girls (12 years and under)

Teams: Boston and Providence

On day 1, these two teams tied in their first game 28-28 (no overtime due to it being an exhibition match), and Boston edged Providence on day two by only three points. The final was another close contest with Leanna Iskenderian and Eva Khalarian helping Boston pull out the win to sweep the pee-wee basketball bracket.

Pee-wee girls basketball champions: Boston

Bantam boys (13 to 15 years)

Teams: Boston and New York

New York beat Boston in the two exhibition matches before the final, and it seemed like they were on their way to win the championship. Dominating performances from Michael Azatyan and Christopher Simonian had New York with the upper hand going into the last matchup. But in one of the upsets of the tournament, Boston beat New York in the final with strong performances from Michael Nshanian and KJ Keuchkarian to snatch the gold. 

Bantam boys basketball champions: Boston

Bantam girls (13 to 15 years)

Teams: Boston and New York

The Boston girls overwhelmed the New York team with strong plays from Leanna Dorian and Nayiri Chekijian in the final to win 42-11. 

Bantam girls basketball champions: Boston

Junior men (16 to 18 years)

Teams: New York, Montreal, Boston A and Boston B

With four teams in this bracket, the group played a round robin with the top two teams advancing to the final. New York swept the bracket going 3-0 to secure their spot in the final.

For the second spot, Boston A and Boston B played a thrilling game. With Boston A down two points with 20 seconds left, Chris Ashjian of Boston A found Mardin Minasian for an and-1 lay-up. Minasian hit his free throw to give Boston A a one-point victory.

While Boston A had a chance at redemption in the final, the team from New York continued their dominance. Lucas Boudakian, Dominic Correa and Mario Lilla led the way for New York as they held on to a 48-40 victory to grab the gold medal. 

Junior basketball champions: New York

Senior women (18+)

Teams: Chicago, Montreal, Boston A and Boston B

In a rematch of the last senior women’s final, Boston A met Chicago again in the championship game for one of the most exciting games of the entire tournament. Chicago’s Olivia Emerzian and Gina Kmiec helped build a small lead late in the game, but Boston battled back. Down one point and with less than 20 seconds left, Tanya Badrikian of Boston hit a game-tying free-throw to send the game to overtime. The teams battled back and forth in the extra time, but with just under a minute left, Boston point-guard Leeza Dayian found Nina Vosbigian for a three-point play (lay-up plus foul) to secure Boston’s second consecutive championship in this bracket.

Senior women’s basketball champions: Boston

Senior men (18+)

Teams:

Pool A: New Jersey A, Boston B, Toronto, Chicago A
Pool B: Merrimack Valley A, Boston C, Chicago B, New Jersey C
Pool C: Boston A, Merrimack Valley B, Providence A, New Jersey B, Washington
Pool D: New York, Philadelphia, Chicago C, Providence B, New Jersey D

In pool A, New Jersey A and Toronto took care of business against Boston B and Chicago A on day one of the tournament with both teams going 2-0 and setting up their final match as an opportunity to get to the semifinal. New Jersey built a lead early in the first half, but some hot shooting from Toronto cut the lead to just seven points in the second half. After exchanging baskets, New Jersey was finally able to pull away and secure their spot in the semis.

In pool B, the defending champs Chicago B swept through their group play by going 3-0 with an average margin of victory of 40 points to get to the semifinal. Ara Emerzian, Dalton Torosian and the rest of the Chicago team were on their way to try and repeat as champions. 

In pool C, Boston A took down Merrimack Valley B and New Jersey B. Providence beat Washington and then edged out a victory versus New Jersey B. Boston A and Providence met on day two for a spot in the semifinal with Boston taking the win, 63-35. Danny Yardemian and Daron Hamparian carried the scoring load for Boston during their undefeated group play. 

In pool D, New York and Philadelphia both went 2-0 before meeting on day two. Through strong play from Anto Keshgegian, the younger Philadelphia squad was able to exhaust the experienced New York team to grab the final spot in the semifinal.

In the semifinal, New Jersey A showcased their 3-point shooting ability to take down Boston A, 71-63. Strong performances from Koko Karajelian and Anthony Vincent led them to victory. On the other side of the bracket, Chicago B took down Philadelphia to make it to their third straight senior men’s final. 

This final was a rematch of the 2019 Navasartian Games when Chicago B won their first championship. 

The senior men’s championship trophy is known as the “Mark Alashaian Trophy.” Alashaian was the coach of the New Jersey men’s basketball team for several years. He also coached the Homenetmen  Eastern USA Region basketball team at the Pan-Homenetmen Games in Armenia before tragically passing away in 2017. Alashaian was not only an important figure to his basketball team but the entire Homenetmen family. And in heart-warming fashion, for the first time since the trophy was renamed, New Jersey was able to get their championship in honor of their coach. The winning effort was an all-around team performance that would have made Coach Mark proud.  

Senior men’s basketball champions: New Jersey

Veteran men (35+)

Teams: New York and Boston

Behind Ari Minassian’s steady shooting, the New York veteran’s team was able to take down Boston in a one-point victory in the finals and earn their gold medal. 

Veteran basketball champions: New York

Soccer:

Pee-wee 

Teams: Boston, New York A, New York B, Providence A and Providence B

The offensive juggernaut that was the New York A soccer team won the gold for pee-wee soccer. Led by Sevan Davidian and Paul Nenejian, the New York A team scored 25 goals in just three games to go 3-0. Samo Kechijian and Dante Hairabedian had great tournaments for the Providence A team. With victories over New York B and Boston, Hairabedian and Kechijian got Providence to the final but fell just short to New York A in the championship game.

Bantam 

Teams: New York, Boston, and Montreal

In bantam soccer, New York and Montreal both took care of Boston in group play. In their first match-up, New York edged out a 7-6 victory over Montreal. The rematch in the final was just as close. In an exhilarating final match-up, New York narrowly defeated Montreal again, 5-4. Michael Azatyan and Christopher Simonian delivered exceptional performances to help New York achieve the gold. 

Bantam boys soccer champions: New York

Junior

Teams: Boston and New York

With two teams in the group, the winner of the tournament was decided by aggregate (combined score after two games). New York dominated the first game 8-2 to give their team a comfortable lead heading to the second leg. While Boston fought back in the second match-up, they ultimately still fell short. Armen Aprahamian and Jack Abajian dominated both games for the New York side to help them win 15-8 on aggregate.  

Senior

Teams: New Jersey, New York, Boston, Washington and Providence

With five teams in the tournament, the group played a round robin with the top two teams advancing to the final.

On day 1, Washington took down New York 2-1 with Dean Dersimonian netting the game-winner in the second half. Boston beat Providence 4-0 with a strong defensive performance. In the afternoon games, New Jersey comfortably beat Providence behind a hat-trick from Steven Hazarian, and Boston took care of Washington to go 2-0 to start the tournament. 

On day 2, New York bounced back from their first loss to get an impressive win over Providence, 8-2, with goals from Tigran Nikoghosyan and Haig Piramzadian. Boston and New Jersey played to a 2-2 draw with goalkeeper Ara Naljian coming up with key saves to preserve the tie for New Jersey. In the evening games, Providence got their first win of the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Washington. New York continued their big day with a win over New Jersey to put themselves into second place in the group going into the final round robin games. 

On the final day, Washington beat New Jersey, 5-1 to eliminate them from the tournament. New York and Boston played to a 2-2 draw, setting up for a rematch in the final later that afternoon.

In the championship game, Boston took the lead in the first minute on a goal from Daron Hamparian and assisted by Alex Tavitian. Boston continued to attack, but goalkeeper Alex Mkryan’s timely saves and Gor Badikyan defensive performance kept the score 1-0 going into halftime. Boston eventually broke through and was able to double the lead in the second half with a goal from Tavitian. New York’s Haig Piramzadian’s impressive effort got his team back in the game as they cut the lead in half with time running out. But Boston’s defense, led by Raffi Yaboujian and Kevork Ourfalian, remained consistent throughout the tournament and sealed the 2-1 victory in the final. This was Boston’s seventh senior soccer championship in the last 10 Navasartian Games. 

Senior men’s soccer champions: Boston

Volleyball:

Senior men

Teams: 

Pool A: Washington, Merrimack Valley, Boston, New York
Pool B: Providence, Chicago, Philadelphia, New Jersey

In pool A, Merrimack Valley comfortably won their group dropping only one set in three games to get to the final.

Chicago, led by Alek Banklian and Ara Emerzian, took care of business in pool B by going 3-0 and setting up a final vs. Merrimack Valley.

Michael Baltayan, Jack Sarkissian and the rest of the Merrimack Valley team continued their dominance in the final by beating Chicago without dropping a set and getting the gold medal—the Hamo Sardarbegians Trophy. 

Men’s volleyball champions: Merrimack Valley

Senior women

Teams: Boston, Chicago A, New York, Chicago B, Providence and Washington

Pool A: Chicago A, Boston, New York
Pool B: Chicago B, Providence, Washington

Chicago A and Washington both went 2-0 in group play to advance to the semifinal. For the remaining two spots, New York took down Boston, while Chicago B beat out Providence. 

In the semifinal, Chicago A knocked out Chicago B, and Washington overwhelmed New York. Neither Chicago A nor Washington dropped a set on their way to the final, and so something had to give in the final. Chicago A (winner of the 2019 Navasartian games), led by Sarine Kalayjian’s strong play, was able to defeat Washington and successfully defend its championship. 

Women’s volleyball champions: Chicago

Track:

Pee-wee girls:

60m winner: Aline Mikaelian (Boston)
100m winner: Eva Khalarian (Boston)
200m winner: Aline Mikaelian (Boston)

Pee-wee boys:

60m winner: Sarkis Bakirdjian (New York)
100m winner: Sarkis Bakirdjian (New York)
200m winner: Luca Mondolfi (Boston)

Bantam girls:

60m winner: Violeta Cornea (New York)
100m winner: Violeta Cornea (New York)
200m winner: Violeta Cornea (New York)

Bantam boys:

60m winner: Gavin Anastasian (New York)
200m winner: Gavin Anastasian (New York)

Junior women :

60m winner: Lilly Karageozian (Albany)
100m winner: Loucine Santana (New Jersey)

Junior men : 

60m winner: Saro Karageozian (Albany)

Senior women:

60m winner: Olivia Emerzian (Chicago)
100m winner: Olivia Emerzian (Chicago)
200m winner: Olivia Emerzian (Chicago)

Senior men:

60m winner: Avo Sarkissian (New York)
100m winner: Avo Sarkissian (New York)
200m winner: Avo Sarkissian (New York)
800m winner: Alexander Besnilian (Boston)

Veteran: 

60m winner: Vartan Mardirosian (Boston)
100m winner: Vartan Mardirosian (Boston)
200m winner: Vartan Mardirosian (Boston)
800m winner: Lord Sevag Tokatlian (Florida)

Relays:

Pee-wee 4 x 100 winner: Boston
Junior 4 x 100 winner: Albany
Senior 4 x 100 winner: New York

Chess:

Under 18 division:

1st place: Tavid Bozadjian (Washington DC)
2nd place: Sareen Seraderian (Boston)
3rd place: Liana Seraderian (Boston)

18+ division:

1st place: Serg Aroush (New Jersey)
2nd place: Rostom Mkrtschian (Providence)
3rd place: Palig Mouradian (Boston)

Swimming:

Pee-wee:

25-yard free first place: Liana Seraderian (Boston)
25-yard breast first place: Liana Seraderian (Boston)
50-yard free first place: Liana Seraderian (Boston)

Veteran: 

50-yard free first place: Vartan Mardirosian (Boston)
50-yard breast first place: Vartan Mardirosian (Boston)
100-yard free first place: Vartan Mardirosian (Boston)

Other awards:

Most improved chapter: Providence
Aram “Sonny” Gavoor Sportsmanship Award: Merrimack Valley
Mark Alashaian senior men’s basketball trophy: New Jersey
Hamo Sardarbegians senior men’s volleyball trophy: Merrimack Valley

Overall Points:

1st place: Boston – 86 Points
2nd place: New York – 70 Points
3rd place: Chicago – 22 Points
4th place: Providence – 15 Points
5th place: New Jersey – 14 Points
6th place: Washington – 12 Points
7th place: Montreal – 9 Points
8th place: Merrimack Valley – 7 Points
9th place: Albany – 4 Points
10th place: Philadelphia, Toronto, Florida – 0 Points

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The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, known as "Homenetmen," is a non-profit organization founded over 100 years ago. Believing in the idea that strong bodies lead to strong minds, Homenetmen has provided Armenian youth across the globe with a moral, physical and psychological education outside the school environment, while also demonstrating richness of the Armenian culture and heritage, while at the same time. Today, Homenetmen is a worldwide organization with over 25,000 members on five continents. On the East Coast U.S., Homenetmen is a thriving organization with 12 chapters and over 900 members, governed by the Homenetmen Eastern Regional Executive.


Increase of flights, mutual visits of tour operators: What will Armenia’s visa facilitation give to Egyptian citizens?

Emma Jilavian

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 09:40, 8 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenian travel agencies call the facilitation of visa procedures for the citizens of Egypt a very important step.

Anriva Tour, which is the official representative of Air Cairo in Armenia, is operating regular flights from Armenia to Egypt for already five years. The tour agency hopes that the visa facilitation will ensure a great tourist flow to Armenia. Director of Anriva Tour Lilit Muradyan told Armenpress that this step of the government will positively affect Armenia’s economy.

“We take quite a large number of Armenian tourists to Egypt, it would be much better if Egyptians visit our country and have a chance to discover it. Previously, the procedure of obtaining visa was quite complex, but now in fact the citizens of Egypt can apply for a visa online or visit a diplomatic mission of Armenia. Moreover, the citizens of Egypt, who have a visa of EU countries, the USA and a number of other countries, can obtain the Armenian visa at the Zvartnots airport. As you see, the process is quite simplified. These new regulations come into force from July 11, we should wait for its launch in order to understand how long it takes to give an answer, and then we will organize our work”, she said.

She said that they have received many inquiries from Egyptian citizens for spending their vacation in Armenia, especially during the New Year. As the previous procedures of obtaining visa were difficult, it was taking a long time, and they could not understand how to regulate the process.

“Now it’s a very good chance for many Egyptian tourists to visit Armenia. We spread information about country, about the tours in Egypt via the Armenian community and our partner companies. We have sent packages in average prices. We are already working, but now we will do it more intensively because the biggest problem with visas is already solved”, she said, adding that they also consider increasing the number of flights.

President of the Armenian Tourism Federation Mekhak Apresyan also called this visa facilitation for Egyptian citizens an important step. He said the proposal on this direction was made years ago.

“Egypt is a very big market, it’s a country with a population of over 100 million. Let’s not forget that there are 10 million Copts. We have a lot to do to attract the attention of Egyptian tourists to Armenia. I want to inform that we have an initiative within the frames of which we are planning to organize mutual cognitive visits of tour operators. The Egyptian tour operators will visit Armenia, we will present them our tourism opportunities. The member companies of the Federation will be hosted in Egypt. The tourism opportunities of Egypt will be presented. This mutual activeness will greatly affect our country’s economy. Those who will organize flights to Egypt will not work unilaterally, they will not take tourists from Armenia only, but will bring tourists from Egypt. As a result, the airlines will start operating actively and the flights will become more frequent”, Mekhak Apresyan said.

Armenia is facilitating visa procedures for citizens of Egypt

Jesus Christ statue project gets preliminary approval from Armenian government

Emma Jilavian
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia – July 7 2022
July 7, 2022, 14:22

 Less than a minute

The Armenian government has given a preliminary approval for the proposal to erect a statue of Jesus Christ on Hatis Mountain, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the government sitting today.

Relevant documents have already been submitted by Multi Group Company headed by Gagik Tsarukyan.

“We believe it will increase the tourists’ interests towards Armenia,” the Prime Minister said.

He said a number of administrative decisions need to be taken and voiced hope that the relevant agencies would discuss the issue in due time to get the project going as planned.

Armenian PM receives President of National Endowment for Democracy

Emma Jilavian

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 15:41, 4 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 4, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received American foreign policy expert and the President and CEO of the National Endowment for Democracy, Damon Wilson, the PM’s Office said.

The National Endowment for Democracy is an independent grant-making foundation supporting freedom and democracy around the world. 

During the meeting PM Pashinyan stated that the development and strengthening of democracy is one of the key priorities of the Armenian government, adding that democratic reforms are underway in Armenia in a number of areas. In this context he highlighted the support of the United States and other international partners in strengthening democratic institutions in Armenia.

In his turn Damon Wilson emphasized the commitment of the National Endowment for Democracy to closely cooperate with different Armenian structures towards the development of democracy.

The sides exchanged views also on the opportunities of mutual partnership.

Vice Speaker of Parliament hosts representatives of Armenian Democratic Liberal Party

Emma Jilavian

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 15:45, 29 June 2022

YEREVAN, JUNE 29, ARMENPRESS. Vice Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan received the delegation led by Chairman of the Central Board of Armenian Democratic Liberal Party/Ramgavar, Michael Kharabian, the parliament’s press service said.

Welcoming the guests, Hakob Arshakyan congratulated them on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Party, highlighted the path passed and the role in the state building and preservation of Armenian identity. He touched upon the activity of Ramgavar Liberal Party and the issues of strengthening Armenia-Diaspora ties.

The representatives of the Party assured that they are ready to support the authorities of Armenia on the way of the implementation of the pro-Armenian initiatives. They especially highlighted the fact that the event dedicated to the 100th jubilee of the establishment of the Party was held in the Parliament’s Park and thanked the leadership of Parliament for supporting them in this issue.

Armenian PM sends congratulatory letter to Canadian counterpart

Emma Jilavian

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 10:49, 1 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau on the occasion of Canada Day, the Armenian PM’s Office said.

The message reads as follows,

“Honorable Mr. Prime Minister, dear Justin,

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia and on my personal behalf, I convey to you warm congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of Canada Day.

Armenia appreciates the development of relations with Canada and is determined to deepen them as much as possible. The efforts of the Government of Canada and personally your efforts to support the accomplishment of democracy in the Republic of Armenia, one of the brightest manifestations of which was the visit of Special Envoy to Europe Stéphane Dion to Yerevan, are greatly appreciated. The recommendations in the comprehensive report pusblished based on the results of that visit can serve as a roadmap for the effective development of relations between our countries.

Once again congratulating you and the friendly people of Canada on this holiday, I express my readiness to continue the close cooperation for the sake of peace, prosperity and friendship of the peoples of the two countries.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration”.

Meeting of special envoys of Armenia and Turkey launched in Vienna

Emma Jilavian

 

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 17:14, 1 July 2022

YEREVAN, JULY 1, ARMENPRESS. The meeting of the Special Representatives of Armenia and Turkey dealing with the Armenia-Turkey normalization process launched in Vienna, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said.

The last meeting of the special envoys took place on May 3. They reaffirmed the declared goal of achieving full normalization between their respective countries through this process. They reiterated their agreement to continue the process without preconditions.

Armenia finance ministry: Pensions, public servants’ salaries planned to be increased in 2023

Emma Jilavian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
12:52, 30.06.2022

In 2023, the spending being allocated to social protection in Armenia will increase by more than 65 billion drams, or by 13.1 percent, which will enable to increase both pensions and payments under other social assistance programs. Minister of Finance Tigran Khachatryan stated about this at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting of the government, presenting the medium-term state expenditure program for 2023-2025.

He noted that, in particular, the sums allocated to pensions will be increased by 33 billion drams.

"In 2023, additional funds will be allocated to increase the salaries of public servants. It is planned to direct 17.3 billion drams for that purpose," Khachatryan added.

Also, the minister informed that in 2023, it is planned to maintain the assistance being provided to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) at the level of this year; that is, in the amount of 114 billion drams.

Armenia And Azerbaijan Establish Border Commission To Decide Nagorno-Karabakh’s Future

Emma Jilavian

June 19 2022

  • Anna Grace Calhoun
  • June 19, 2022


Following E.U.-mediated talks in Brussels, Armenia and Azerbaijan announced the creation of a border commission to determine claims over the long-contested Nagorno-Karabakh region. For the last 30 years, Armenians have controlled this mountainous territory inside Azerbaijan, with skirmishes repeatedly breaking out between the two sides. The new commission has designated state officials from both Armenia and Azerbaijan – representing various ministries, state services, and executive positions – and executive representatives from the countries bordering Armenia to meet in order to make plans regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan interstate border. The framework for the April 2022 peace agreement would give both sides mutual recognition of territorial integrity, making Karabakh an official part of Azerbaijan. However, this is an unacceptable concession for many Armenians, thousands of whom have erupted in protest.

Conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh has claimed around 30,000 lives in the past 31 years. After the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991, Armenia launched an offensive against Azerbaijan, occupying the Karabakh region and settling nearly 150,000 people there. The ceasefire agreement struck in 1994 left Armenians occupying around 20% of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territories and did little to rehome the around 1 million internally displaced Azeri people.

Though violence remained low post-ceasefire, it flared up again into full-scale war in 2020 after Armenian forces shelled Azeri military positions and civilian settlements. In the ensuing six-week clash, over 6,000 people were killed and Azerbaijan reclaimed large swaths of territory, though Karabakh itself remained under Armenian control. A tri-lateral deal between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia ended the war after Russia deployed about 2,000 peacekeepers to oversee the truce.

However, violations of the ceasefire have been reported since this deal was struck, with a notable uptick in incidents over the past year. Azerbaijan argues that the de facto Armenian leadership has illegal military forces in the region. Armenia asserts conversely that disarmament was not part of the 1994 ceasefire deal. In March, Azeri troops seized territory near the ethnically Armenian-populated village of Farukh, sparking concerns about a greater incoming offensive. Furthermore, Armenian officials have accused Azerbaijan of deliberately damaging a pipeline into their country’s enclave, leaving Armenians in Karabakh to endure nearly a month of extreme winter conditions without heating. Azerbaijan denies the allegations.

This precedent – Azerbaijan making consistent gains, while Armenians operate on their back foot – does not bode well for re-defining borders in Karabakh. Following the 1994 agreement, the international community noted Armenians’ distaste for having to relinquish territory which they view as ethnically, historically, and rightfully their own. “The reaction to this declaration of an end to the war in Armenia has been greeted with what appears to be absolute disgust and despair,” Robin Forestier-Walker, an Al Jazeera correspondent in neighbouring Georgia, said. “There is just a sense of disbelief that somehow this was the only option for Armenia, to effectively admit defeat, and to sign this agreement, with Azerbaijan, brokered by Russia, that brings this war to an end, but effectively allows Azerbaijan to claim almost complete victory.”

The protests against Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his insistence that the “international community calls on Armenia to scale down demands on Karabakh” suggest that Armenians will view ceding any additional territory as capitulation. Armenia’s National Security Service warns of a “real threat of mass unrest in the country.”

The E.U. has played a critical role in easing tensions between the two countries and must continue to do so. Efforts to de-escalate conflict, like re-launching a hotline between the two sides’ defense ministries or funding missions to clear landmines, will be essential to ensure that miscommunication does not cause accidental clashes and that any intentional aggression will be attributed and documented correctly.

Furthermore, the needs of ethnic Armenians in Karabakh must remain a key element of negotiations, regardless of Azeri military capabilities to re-take the area. During the active fighting in fall 2020, many people in ethnic Armenian communities were forced to flee their homes and interviewees reported extra-judicial executions by Azeri forces. Azeri people considering relocating to territory reclaimed by Azerbaijan have also expressed concerns over entering what has been an Armenian stronghold for decades. “I have huge security concerns when it comes to living close to Armenians,” one source told Amnesty International. “There is lots of trauma between our two nations. I know lots of people who were killed.”

An agreement which does not uphold the dignity and basic living conditions of all peoples living in the region will create refugee flows and suffering, and likely trigger further violent disputes. Even ignoring new refugee concerns should borders shift, Amnesty estimates that up to 100,000 displaced people still live in informal housing in Azerbaijan. The border commission should consider resolving these conditions essential to establishing a safe and secure border.

In addition to determining civilian safety, the commission must articulate a new vision for how to govern and enforce the decided-upon border. This will be difficult; authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh have laid out their unwillingness to allow for expanded Azeri control. “Any attempt to incorporate Artsakh [an Armenian name for the region] into Azerbaijan would lead to bloodshed and the destruction of Arsakh,” Davit Babayan, the de facto foreign minister for the region, said on April 14th. The territory’s parliament concurred, issuing a statement declaring, “Any change of Nagorno-Karabakh’s status is unacceptable.” One member went so far as to say that “even the threat of war can’t hold us back” from defending Arsakh’s autonomy, and a former official even suggested that he would prefer to join Russia rather than face “physical annihilation” should Azerbaijan gain ownership of the region.

Karabakh’s de facto president, Arayik Harutyunyan, offered a slightly more optimistic stance. “We understand that we have to coexist like neighbors [with Azerbaijan] but living under their control is impossible,” Harutyunyan said.

Given the extreme hostility from local governing forces and civilians, a plan for transitional governance must be discussed in order to mitigate violence during any shifts in regional power. This plan will be best formulated incorporating local opinion, so Azerbaijan must be convinced to let mediators visit the conflict zone and speak with key figures.

Russia’s role in this transition must also be navigated with care, as it remains the leading outside power in the conflict.

Ultimately, this border commission is a necessary first step in moving towards a durable peace within Karabakh, but simply articulating new borders will be insufficient to prevent further warfare. The resolution of border claims must be accompanied by clear agreements over how to counteract displacement, remedy pre-existing poor living conditions, and establish governance and military activity in the region. All of these components of peace will be supported by the full and dedicated engagement of the E.U., co-operation with Moscow, and a concerted effort to understand and incorporate local officials’ and citizens’ priorities. This well-established and complex conflict will not be ended simply or quickly, but investing in the upcoming border commission talks can lay the groundwork for a safer and more just Karabakh.