Author: Emma Nadirian

Turkey’s condition for normalizing relations with Armenia cannot be even discussed – FM Mirzoyan

Emma Nadirian

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 15:19,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Turkey puts forward new conditions for normalizing relations with Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan said in an interview with French Le Figaro newspaper, answering the question if Armenia is ready to normalize relations with Turkey.

“We have always stated that we are ready to normalize our relations without preconditions, despite the huge support provided by Turkey to Azerbaijan during the war against Artsakh, both politically and through the supply of weapons, as well as the deployment of thousands of foreign mercenaries.

We have received positive signals from Turkey to reopen the dialogue, but it remains complicated. Ankara puts forward new conditions. Among them is the "corridor" connecting Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan. It cannot be a subject of discussion at all. Countries should allow transit while maintaining their sovereignty over their territory. All communication channels in the region should be reopened”, Mirzoyan said.

Producer Eric Esrailian Gets Papal Medal, Announces Terry George Northern Ireland Peace Process TV Project

Emma Nadirian
VARIETY Magazine
Nov 18 2021

Courtesy Eric Esrailian

Los Angeles-based physician and producer Eric Esrailian, who recently received a medal from Pope Francis for his philanthropic activity around awareness of the Armenian Genocide, is developing a TV series entitled “Ceasefire” about the Northern Ireland peace process.

Oscar-winning Irish writer-director Terry George (“In the Name of the Father”) is attached to direct. 

“Ceasefire” is to depict the dynamics and diplomacy that facilitated the historic Good Friday peace agreement of April 1998, which helped transform Northern Ireland after decades of bitter conflict, in hopes that it can help similar political situations.

“You look at the events around the world and you say: ‘Where has there been a successful brokering of peace between two hostile opposing forces?'” Esrailian said, citing other political flashpoints such as the Israel–Palestine conflict and the civil war in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.

“If you read more about the ceasefire between Loyalists and republicans in Northern Ireland you see how the tension goes back literally hundreds of years,” he added.

“You can’t find two groups of people more bitterly opposed to one another, yet a ceasefire was successfully accomplished,” Esrailian noted. “I think that’s a fascinating subject matter; it’s relevant and timely.”

Esrailian also underlined that George — who has depicted “the Troubles” in Northern Ireland in early work like “Some Mother’s Son” and “The Boxer” — has a great grasp of the series’ subject matter and of the U.S. involvement in brokering the peace treaty. The “Ceasefire” series is being shopped around and “there is a lot of interest,” he said.

George previously directed Armenian genocide drama “The Promise,” which was bankrolled by late billionaire Kirk Kerkorian, and starred Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac. In 2017, prior to its U.S. release, the movie screened at the Vatican Cinematheque in a clear sign of Catholic Church support.

More recently, Esrailian was among the producers of the Discovery Plus doc “Francesco,” directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, in which the pope talks candidly about hot button issues such as same-sex couples, women’s rights and sexual abuse in the church. “Francesco” also features footage of Francis’ 2016 visit to Armenia, during which he used the term “genocide” to describe the slaughter of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks during World War I, sparking an angry reaction by the Turkish government, which strongly denies that a genocide occurred.

“For nearly 100 years the Turkish government influenced storytelling in the United States by suppressing the story and pressuring the U.S. State Department,” Esrailian noted.

But in 2019, the U.S. recognized the Armenian genocide through two congressional resolutions passed by both houses of Congress.

“I’m someone who loves working in storytelling for social impact,” said Esrailian, who on Oct. 25 received the Benemerenti medal from Pope Francis for exceptional service to the Roman Catholic Church, becoming the first Armenian to receive this honor.

 

Occupied Hadrut

Emma Nadirian
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 19 2021

"De-Occupation of Hadrud” NGO has published photos from Hadrut town of the Artsakh Republic which was occupied by Azerbaijani forces during the 44-day war in 2020. 

According to the first Soviet census of 1926, the total population of Hadrut stood at 25,247 and 98% of the population were Armenians. Around 93 churches and monasteries of the Armenian Apostolic Church were located in the area most of them build in early Christian and medieval times, including during the period of Ani Armenian Kingdom (9-11th centuries), Khachen Armenian state (11-16th centuries), Dizak Armenian Principality (17-18th centuries). 

Fragments of monuments and historical artifacts dated to pre-Christian, early Christian and medieval times have been found in and around Hadrut. Old Armenian cemeteries are located near every church in the area. 

As "De-Occupation of Hadrud” NGO  said, the town is today under the control of barbarians who have forcibly displaced the local population and destroyed historical monuments.

Armenia, Azerbaijan: Russia-brokered Ceasefire Holds After Clashes

Emma Nadirian
Stratfor
Nov 17 2021

Nov 17, 2021 | 20:22 GMT

What Happened: Russia brokered a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Nov. 16 after heavy fighting that resulted in the largest number of casualties since last year’s war, Eurasianet reported Nov. 17. 
 
Why It Matters: The fighting took place along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border near Lake Sev in areas Azerbaijan claims are without clear borders. Armenia will be restrained in its response to Azerbaijani attacks, as the country is likely unwilling to risk another war. Russia’s failure to take meaningful action to defend Armenia from Azerbaijani attacks and occupation erodes the legitimacy of Russia’s security commitments to Armenia and the Collective Security Treaty Organization, a Eurasian intergovernmental military alliance. Azerbaijan’s attacks will strengthen the country’s negotiating position in ongoing talks with Armenia regarding border demarcation and transportation agreements. Azerbaijan is therefore likely to test Russia’s limits through continued attacks on Armenia and stop only when Russian troops deploy or respond with force. 
 
Background: On Nov. 16, Armenia abandoned two domestic military positions in the deadliest flare-up between itself and Azerbaijan since last year’s war over the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, Eurasianet reported Nov. 16. 15 Armenians died and 12 were captured in the clash, and seven Azerbaijanis were killed and 10 were wounded. This escalation prompted Armenia to formally appeal to Russia for military assistance under the 1997 bilateral defense treaty, and Russian troops stationed in Armenia were allegedly moved to full combat readiness. 
 

Members of European Parliament condemn “borderisation” attempts observed since Azeri incursion into Armenia

Emma Nadirian

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 17:20,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The European Parliament’s Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina Kaljurand, the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Andrey Kovatchev, and the European Parliament's Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Željana Zovko released a joint statement following the Azerbaijani attack on Armenia on November 16. 

“We are seriously concerned by yesterday’s heavy fighting, which followed the recent increase in tension on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The military operation launched by Azerbaijan in response to alleged provocations amounts to the worst violation to-date of last year’s 9 November ceasefire agreement, leaving an as yet unconfirmed number of killed, wounded and captured soldiers. We urge the rapid de-escalation of the situation and welcome the engagement of European Council President and the reported Russian-mediated ceasefire. We reiterate that any possible disagreements about the border must be addressed through negotiations in a border delimitation and demarcation process, not through the use of force and unilateral actions. We condemn any attempts at “borderisation”, as observed since the incursion of Azerbaijani troops into Armenian territory on 12 May. We support and call for the opening of economic and transport connections as foreseen in the 9 November ceasefire agreement, which would be highly beneficial for the entire region. This includes the connection between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. To succeed, the parties should follow the text of the agreement and avoid a too extensive interpretation. Moreover, we are concerned by reports of hindered traffic on roads that connect Armenian towns and villages through Azerbaijani territory and believe that such behaviour contradicts the spirit of this agreement and unduly hampers the lives of local citizens. We also regret that despite numerous calls from the international community, including the European Parliament resolution of 20 May 2021, many Armenian detainees held in connection with the conflict have yet to be released, and we renew our appeal to the Azerbaijani authorities on this issue. We also reiterate our call to exchange all up-to-date maps of minefields to permit civilians to return to former conflict regions Once again, we recall the EU’s commitment to support confidence-building measures and to address any issues at the negotiating table, in particular through the resumption of negotiations on a lasting conflict settlement and the future status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in the process led by Minsk Group Co-Chairs," the MEPs said in the statement.

Fighting stops in the eastern borderline of the Republic of Armenia – MoD Armenia

Emma Nadirian

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 21:53,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. As a result of the agreement reached through the Russian mediation, hostilities stopped in the eastern borderline of Armenia from 18:30, the situation has relatively stabilized, ARMENPRESS was informed from MoD Armenia.

“It should be reminded that on November 16, at around 13:00, the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces attacked the Armenian positions located in that direction of the border. The adversary used artillery, armored vehicles, firearms of various calibers.

As a result of the retaliatory actions of the Armenian side, the enemy has suffered a large loss of manpower, several units of military equipment have been destroyed or taken out of service. The Armenian side also has losses. At the moment, there are verified data about one victim, Meruzhan Harutyunyan,1991, a contract soldier. The number of injured is also being clarified. Another 12 servicemen have been captured," the statement said.

CivilNet: 15 Armenian soldiers killed and 12 taken prisoner as Azerbaijan launches offensive in Armenia

Emma Nadirian
CIVILNET.AM

16 Nov, 2021 08:11

Azerbaijani forces fired on Armenian positions using artillery and armored vehicles on the Armenia-Azerbaijan state border in the southern Syunik region on November 16 from around 1pm, according to a statement released by the Armenian Defense Ministry. Later, parliament deputy Eduard Aghajanyan confirmed that 15 Armenian soldiers have been killed, 12 taken prisoner and four have been wounded.

Asbarez: Members of Congress Condemn Azerbaijan’s Aggression Against Armenia

Emma Nadirian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

Capitol Hill

Members of Congress condemned Azerbaijan’s attack and attempted invasion of Armenia’s eastern border on Tuesday, some urging greater engagement by the State Department for more decisive action to block Baku’s further aggression in the region.

“I am deeply disturbed by today’s reports of Azerbaijani forces attacking Armenian soldiers at the border, including the reported murder or illegal detainment of more than two dozen Armenian soldiers. This unprovoked attack is in direct violation of Azerbaijan and Armenia’s ceasefire agreement, and a grave reminder that the United States must be doing everything we can to deter Azerbaijan’s ongoing aggression,” Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
 
“I urge the State Department to act immediately to use every diplomatic channel and lever available to avert another mass humanitarian disaster and show our unwavering support for the Armenia people and their sovereignty,” added Schiff, who is also a Vice-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues.

A co-chair of the Caucus, Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ), called Azerbaijan’s incursion into Armenia “unacceptable.”

“Azerbaijan’s escalation of violence on Armenian soil is unacceptable. This increase of deadly violence against Armenia will only continue unless the OSCE, the State Department and the international community take immediate and decisive diplomatic action,” Pallone said in a Tweet.

“Claims that both sides are at fault ignore the fact that Azeri troops are attacking within the sovereign territory of Armenia and terrorizing innocent civilians. This is a purposeful violation of international law that will only further embolden Aliyev if he is not stopped,” added Pallone.

Rhode Island Democrat David Cicilline called on Baku to respect Armenia’s sovereignty.

“Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia’s eastern border is a clear violation of last year’s peace deal & can’t be tolerated. 6,000 died in last year’s conflict, not one more should be lost to this dispute. Azerbaijan must acknowledge & respect Armenian sovereignty,” said Cicilline in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

Asbarez: ANCA-WR to Host Panel with Armenia’s Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan and Leading International Legal Experts

Emma Nadirian
by Contributor

 

 November 10, 2021

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Community, Latest, News, Top Stories
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ANCA-WR will host a panel discussion with Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Dr. Arman Tatoyan and other legal experts

To mark the 10th anniversary of the ANCA Grassroots Conference initiative, the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region in collaboration with the Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law, the UCLA Promise Armenian Institute, and the CSUN Armenian Studies Department will be hosting a panel discussion featuring Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Dr. Arman Tatoyan.

The panel titled “Justice and Accountability After the Artsakh War” will examine the efforts to hold Turkey and Azerbaijan accountable under international law for their perpetration of grave human rights abuses and war crimes during the invasion of Artsakh last year. The discussion will examine the ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Azerbaijan over its violation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), as well as other opportunities for accountability under international law, including Turkey and Azerbaijan’s liability for the deployment of Syrian mercenaries. 

Dr. Tatoyan will be joined by leading experts in the field of international law: Kate Mackintosh, Executive Director of the UCLA Promise Institute for Human Rights; Rajika Shah, Director of the Loyola Law School Genocide Justice Clinic; and Karnig Kerkonian, international lawyer and counsel for Armenia in its proceedings against Azerbaijan at the ICJ.

“For the 10th anniversary of the ANCA Grassroots Conference initiative, we’re proud to be hosting such an esteemed panel to address the most pressing international legal questions in the wake of the Artsakh war,” remarked chair of the ANCA-WR Board Nora Hovsepian, Esq. 

Dr. Tatoyan, who will be honored by the ANCA-WR with the “Human Rights Champion” award at a luncheon on Sunday, November  21st, obtained his LLM and Ph.D. from Yerevan State University’s Department of Criminal Procedure. He also holds his Master of Laws from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In 2016, Tatoyan was elected as the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) of Armenia. He also serves as an Ad Hoc Judge in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the Permanent International Advisor at the Council of Europe’s Directorate General of Human Rights and Rule of Law and a lecturer at Yerevan State University, American University of Armenia and the Academy of Justice of Armenia. He previously held positions in the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia (2013-2016) and as Deputy Representative of the Government of Armenia before the ECHR (2013-2016). 

During and since Azerbaijan’s invasion of Artsakh last year, Dr. Tatoyan has undertaken extensive work not only in upholding citizens’ rights within Armenia but also in diligently documenting and presenting the breadth of the egregious human rights violations perpetrated by the Azerbaijani government against the citizens of Armenia and Artsakh that has been used extensively in Armenia’s case against Azerbaijan at the ICJ.

Dr. Tatoyan will be joined in conversation by legal experts with extensive experience both practicing and educating in the fields of public international law, international criminal justice, and human rights.

Kate Mackintosh has worked in the field of human rights, international criminal justice, and protection of civilians for over two decades and is currently executive director of UCLA Law School’s Promise Institute for Human Rights. Mackintosh has held multiple roles at international criminal tribunals – including the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) – and has been part of post conflict human rights field operations in Bosnia and Rwanda, working to rebuild the justice system after the genocide. For eight years, Mackintosh also worked with Doctors without Borders, providing legal and policy advice to operations in over 30 countries around the world, and leading advocacy in support of some of the world’s most vulnerable populations.

Rajika L. Shah is the Deputy Director of the Center for the Study of Law and Genocide at Loyola Law School, where she also runs the Loyola Genocide Justice Clinic. Prior to joining Loyola, Shah litigated international human rights and property restitution cases on behalf of Armenian and Sudanese genocide victims, indigenous groups, and religious and ethnic minorities. She has represented plaintiffs in numerous complex and high-stakes disputes against foreign sovereigns and commercial entities, at both the trial and appellate levels. She also represented Libyan terrorist hijacking victims before the U.S. Foreign Claims Settlement Commission.

Karnig Kerkonian is a seasoned international law expert and experienced litigator. He holds an A.B. magna cum laude in Government from Harvard University and two law degrees—a J.D. from the University of Chicago where he served on the Law Review as well as a post-doctoral Diploma in Public International Law from Cambridge University, England where he studied under James R. Crawford, later a Judge of the International Court of Justice. Kerkonian  presents regularly on matters of public international law, the International Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Rights and the application of international law in U.S. courts. He is an adjunct professor of public international law at Artsakh State University.

The “Justice and Accountability After the Artsakh War” panel will be held at the Grand Salon at California State University Northridge on Monday November 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. 

For the safety of our guests, COVID-19 precautionary measures will be strictly enforced. All guests must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours prior to the event. Due to the limited capacity as a result of COVID-19 precautions, attendees are encouraged to pre-register to secure their seat by visiting ancawr.org/conference. 

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region is the largest and most influential nonpartisan Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues in pursuit of the Armenian Cause.