Author: Garnik Tadevosian

ANN/Armenian News – TLG – 04/09/2021

Garnik Tadevosian

The Literary Armenian News

Ringing the Bells! Fire! Fire!


I am ringing the bells! Town Square! Decibels!

Sirens of warning, they are selling Armenia off

They are beaten, they are scared.

A silly journalist by trade

A walk of fame, selfie laden journey from Gumri

A so-called revolution, fighting corruption

But then? Chaos, lost wars, lost territory

Artsakh sold to the Turks, Azeris, tyrants, lost

Our history, our misery, our pain as Armenians

Our demands for lost land, Kars, Ardahan, Erzerum, Van, Moush, …

Squandered away again through the poison of ink and stupidity

Mother Russia sold us to the Turk, threatening our sovereignty

The end is coming, lost pride, lost land, lost history, lost identity

They are erasing our identity, as the old Turk plan, from 1900

Listen well, listen and scream so we storm the palace!

That little bureaucrat and his silly minions are negotiation away

OUR VERY IDENTITY.

There will be no Armenia to speak of soon. Carved up further

Threatened and shredded till nothing is left to preserve

Artsakh is dismissed, disowned by animals in suites and ties

STORM THE PALACE! This is 1913 again! This is the end.


Bedros Afeyan
Beverly Hills, CA
4-3-2022

 The homepage for The Literary Armenian News is at: groong.org/tlg/


Dr. Bedros Afeyan ([email protected]) is the editor of The Literary Armenian News (TLG), and will consider works not only of poetry, but also in the area of short fiction. Quality of language, excellence of translation, quality of song and images are all crucial to the aesthetic value of any work up for consideration.
Please note the following important guidelines:
  • All submissions to TLG MUST be sent to [email protected] and [email protected]. No others will be considered.
  • With your submission include a short bio about the author;
  • Submissions may not be anonymous, but at the author's request we may use their pen-name and/or withhold their Email address for purposes of privacy;
  • Submissions which have not yet been selected will continue to receive consideration for following issues;
  • In art, selection is necessarily a judgement call. As such, we will not argue why a particular submission was or was not selected;
  • There is no guarantee or promise that a submission will be published.
  • The Week in Review Podcasts
  • The Critical Corner
  • The Literary Armenian News
  • Review & Outlook
  • Probing the Photographic Record
  • Armenia House Museums
  • ..and much more

© Copyright 2022, Armenian News Network / Armenian News, all rights reserved.

Regards,
—
Armenian News Network / Armenian News
Los Angeles, CA     / USA

New York Times Square. Nasdaq congratulates Orion supporting Armenian startups for $27 million in investment

Garnik Tadevosian

Save

Share

 14:08, 7 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 7, ARMENPRESS. One of the world's largest stock exchanges, Nasdaq, has congratulated BAJ Accelerator and Orion Worldwide Innovations for attracting  $27 million in investments in 2021. As previously reported, the investments were made in Armenian startups operating in the fields of Security, SaaS, Robotics, FinTech, and AI. Orion is a New York-based company that opened an office in Armenia two years ago. Startups in the accelerator portfolio are on pace to attract another $20 million in 2022.

The showcase congratulating both BAJ Accelerator and Orion Worldwide Innovations were published on the large Nasdaq screen in Times Square, New York (photo attached) with the following text: “NASDAQ congratulates BAJ Accelerator & Orion Worldwide Innovations for their program companies raising $27M in 2021.” 

“We are very honored to be recognized by Nasdaq. Armenian talent invent many innovative products, and we are glad that through Orion the successes of the Armenian startups are becoming more visible to the world. For the first time this upcoming summer, we will organize the “Orion Summit 2022,” which will be an opportunity to highlight achievements together with rising unicorns that are part of our portfolio, and the Armenian startup ecosystem overall,” said Diana Arzumanyan, CEO & Co-Founder of Orion Armenia.

About Orion

Orion Worldwide Innovations (“Orion”), is a startup growth and ecosystem acceleration hub and offers a full-service package to make companies investable and enter the US market, enhance their customer acquisition strategies, stay competitive, and protect their innovation. Orion is a U.S.-based company that was formed in 2017, with offices in New York City, U.S., and Yerevan, Armenia. Orion partners with companies and investor networks worldwide.

About “BAJ Accelerator”

BAJ Accelerator is a growth stage accelerator and is for startups at the Seed to Series A+ levels. BAJ Accelerator is the first one in the world “accelerating the acceleration of technology” by offering high-touch relationships for funding and growth, business and legal, investment and academia. Topics span an impressive range including technology, legal, finance, sales, marketing, leadership, storytelling and exponential thinking.BAJ Accelerator brings fast-paced Firing Range drive with the unique vision of “Less Talk, More Deals” slogan.

Serzh Sargsyan to attend opposition rally

Garnik Tadevosian

Save

Share

 12:47, 5 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS. Third President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan will participate in the upcoming rally organized by opposition parties.

The rally is organized by the Hayastan and Pativ Unem opposition blocs of the Armenian parliament. It is scheduled to take place Tuesday evening in Freedom Square, Yerevan.

“The President of the Republican Party of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan will participate in the rally,” the Republican Party of Armenia Vice President Armen Ashotyan said in a statement. “He will participate not only as the leader of one of the organizing forces, not only as a person having enormous contributions for the freedom and security of Artsakh and Armenia, but also as a concerned citizen of the Republic of Armenia,” Ashotyan said.

Meanwhile, it is still unclear whether or not Second President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan, the leader of the Hayastan bloc, will attend the rally. Kocharyan’s office told Sputnik Armenia that he’s being treated for a sports injury and that his participation would depend on his well-being.

Armenian National Institute Posts Database on Media Coverage of President Biden’s Recognition

Garnik Tadevosian

Washington, D.C. – As important as the 2021 international media coverage of President Biden’s remarkable acknowledgement of the WWI-era Armenian Genocide was, the lessons of this history were not sufficiently appreciated when Azerbaijan and Turkey launched a campaign in 2020 to eliminate Nagorno-Karabakh by eradicating its Armenian inhabitants. That attempted genocide has been documented by the Program on Peace-building and Human Rights (PBHR) at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights (ISHR).


In advance of April 24, 2021, media sources began forecasting that the White House was likely to make an announcement, while newspaper editorials, once again, called on the President “to use honest and accurate terminology in describing the Ottoman Empire’s killing of more than 1 million Armenians a century ago,” as the April 5 Los Angeles Times editorial appealed.

The reporting by major media organizations following the official announcement by the White House relied extensively on information provided by ANI through its website, especially the documentation on the list of countries recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Further, several reports linked directly to the ANI site, including Time magazine, The Washington Post, Politico, Le Monde (French newspaper), L’agone Nuovo (Italian newspaper), La Razon (Spanish newspaper), Times of Israel, The Indian Express, and NBC News, among others.


Such significant coverage by international media of the Biden Administration’s acknowledgement of the Armenian Genocide and its implications across a range of issues, including the Turkish government’s continued denials, the reassertion of human rights concerns in U.S. foreign policy, and the appreciation of the Armenian American community and Armenians around the world, is now reflected in the growing database of press stories available on the ANI website.


A selection of 360 major media articles can be found in the database, which is also organized into a number of categories to facilitate research into distinct aspects of the public understanding of the Armenian Genocide, and the long road to its recognition by 31 countries to date. The categories include: Book Review, Editorial, Education, Feature Story, Film Review, Memorials, Opinion, Recognition, Remembrance, Reporting, and Restitution. News from ANI can also be accessed through the database, which can be searched by author or source of publication.

Aware of the pace of coverage that was manifested by the change in U.S. policy, ANI also launched a Twitter profile to facilitate the sharing of information on current developments in the course of universal affirmation of the Armenian Genocide, and for advising audiences about notable publications by researchers uncovering new sources and exploring new theories on the causes and consequences of the Armenian Genocide. While the Press Coverage database provides access to important journalistic contributions, the Twitter account allows interested followers to access current reporting and trends in the international response to issues surrounding the subject – or the threat – of genocide, in the hope of keeping audiences alert to potential outbreaks.

Representatives of the media were also directly in contact with ANI with inquiries on the importance of the policy change adopted by the Biden Administration. On April 24, following the release of the White House statement, ANI Director Dr. Rouben Adalian gave several interviews to national and international news services.

Dr. Adalian also appeared in a recently released documentary. Specifically, “The American Good Samaritans” tells the story of several important American humanitarians only some of whom have received the recognition that they deserve for rescuing survivors of the Armenian Genocide. The film was produced by Manvel Saribekyan, who released “The Map of Salvation” in 2015 that focused on European humanitarians. “The American Good Samaritans” features interviews with a number of scholars from the United States, Armenia, Lebanon, Greece, Turkey, and Iran, among them Dr. Levon Avdoyan of the Library of Congress, Dr. Antranik Dakessian of Haigazian University in Lebanon, Dr. Konstantinos Fotiadis of Greece, Dr. Sargon Donabed, an Assyrian-American specialist, Dominica Macios, a researcher from Poland, Karen Mkrdchyan, researcher from Iran, Dr. Paul Levine, attorney Garo Mardirossian, and Shant Mardirossian of the Near East Foundation – the successor organization to Near East Relief – the main U.S.-based charity that sponsored hundreds of volunteers to aid Armenian survivors of genocide.

For more information on ANI, please see the preceding March 21, 2022 announcement: “Armenian National Institute Website Now Includes 795 Official Records Affirming Armenian Genocide.”


Founded in 1997, the Armenian National Institute (ANI) is a 501(c)(3) educational charity based in Washington, D.C., and is dedicated to the study, research, and affirmation of the Armenian Genocide. The ANI website can be consulted in English, Turkish, Spanish, and Arabic. ANI also maintains the online Armenian Genocide Museum of America (AGMA).


###


NR# 2022-02

Armenian American Museum Announces Historic $31 Million Milestone at Sold Out Legacy Gala

Garnik Tadevosian

Press Contact:

Shant Sahakian, Executive Director

Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California

(818) 644-2214

[email protected]

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM ANNOUNCES HISTORIC $31 MILLION MILESTONE AT SOLD OUT LEGACY GALA

 

Glendale, CA (March 31, 2022) – The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California announced that the landmark center has surpassed the historic $31 million fundraising milestone at the sold out Legacy Gala on Sunday, March 27, 2022. More than 1,100 donors, supporters, public officials, and guests were in attendance at the signature event of the year at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.

 

The Legacy Gala program kicked off with welcoming remarks by Executive Director Shant Sahakian who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

 

“We have come together this evening on a historic occasion to celebrate a world class institution that was once an idea and is now under construction and becoming a reality in the heart of the Armenian Diaspora and Southern California,” stated Executive Director Shant Sahakian.

 

The National Anthems were performed by the renowned Allen G. Orchestra.

 

The Invocation was conducted by the museum’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairs including Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America Reverend Hendrik Shanazarian, and Bishop of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada Bishop Mikael Mouradian.

 

Gala Co-Chair Aleen Baran Oruncakciel remarked on the significance of the cultural and educational center for the next generation and recognized the sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.

 

“The Armenian American Museum will be a guarantor for the study, appreciation, and preservation of Armenian culture and heritage for future generations,” stated Legacy Gala Co-Chair Aleen Baran Oruncakciel.

 

Major Sponsors included Ron & Kourtni Arakelian, Jack & Maro Kalaydjian, Keghon & Alexia Kevonian, David & Margaret Mgrublian, The GASKA Alliance Foundation, Bank of America, Vartan & Janet Barsoumian, Fred Bonyadian, Sako & Aida Gharakhani, Gloria and Armen Hampar Family Foundation, Berdj & Mary Karapetian, LIZ General Partnership, Nora Tertzag Hampar Charitable Trust, SAMKO, and Sarkis & Nune Sepetjian.

 

Gala Co-Chair Dr. Alexia Kevonian remarked on the opportunity for the landmark center to build bridges between diverse communities and recognized the members of the Legacy Gala Committee.

 

“Our vision for the Armenian American Museum is about sharing our culture with our neighbors and in so doing discovering our similarities while delighting in our differences,” stated Legacy Gala Co-Chair Dr. Alexia Kevonian.

 

The Legacy Gala Committee includes Mayda Altounian, Aida Askejian, Angela Bedoyan, Ani Bekarian, Araxie Boyamian, Garine Depoyan, Aida Gharakhani, Silva Hameline, Marie Jean Harmandayan, Christine Hovnanian, Hermine Janoyan, Mary Karapetian, Lilian Khanjian, Margarit Mardirosian, Margaret Mgrublian, Narine Mouradian, Dzovig Zetlian, and Elizabeth Zoryan.

 

U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff remarked on his experience witnessing the incredible progress at the construction site during a recent visit. He announced to the capacity crowd that his efforts to secure $950,000 in support of the museum in the FY2022 federal government funding legislation was successful and signed by President Joe Biden.

 

Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian acknowledged the museum leadership, staff, committee members, volunteers, donors, and supporters as well as the corporate, foundation, and government partners who have generously contributed to the success of the Armenian American Museum project and the Legacy Gala event.

 

“The Legacy Gala is a tribute to the visionary benefactors, supporters, and friends who together are building a legacy of education, preservation, and cultural enrichment for generations to come through the creation and construction of the Armenian American Museum,” stated Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian.

 

Karapetian announced that the museum has officially formed a new Young Professionals Committee to promote the mission of the museum, connect young professionals throughout the community, and empower the next generation of leaders. The inaugural members of the Young Professionals Committee and Committee Chair Aleen Ohanian were welcomed to the main stage and introduced to the public for the first time.

 

During dinner, guests enjoyed a special musical performance by Allen G. Orchestra and a special video presentation featuring prominent figures in Armenian and Armenian American history.

 

Curator Ara Oshagan, who serves as a member of the museum’s Permanent Exhibition Committee, presented the work of artists Ruby Vartan, Vera Arutyunyan, and Anna Kostanian. The trio provided guests with a live painting experience in the foyer during the reception. In his remarks, he described the museum as a lighthouse and beacon of light for art, culture, and history.

 

Mayor Paula Devine remarked on her pride that the cultural and educational center is being built in the City of Glendale and how the institution will be a “jewel” in the Jewel City. Mayor Devine was joined by her colleagues on the Glendale City Council including Councilmember Ara Najarian, Councilmember Vrej Agajanian, Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian, and Councilmember Daniel Brotman.

 

Senator Anthony J. Portantino remarked on his excitement for the opportunity to educate the public and preserve Armenian culture and history for generations of Californians through the Armenian American Museum. He celebrated the State of California’s historic $9.8 million investment in support of the landmark center including his most recent successful effort to secure an additional $1.8 million in the 2022-2023 state budget.

 

Executive Director Shant Sahakian announced that the museum has launched its highly anticipated Naming Opportunities program to provide individuals, families, and organizations the unique opportunity to sponsor one of the museum’s iconic spaces and establish a lifelong association with the institution through a legacy gift. He welcomed museum leaders to the stage to introduce and honor the founding Naming Opportunities donors of the museum.

 

Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Avedik Izmirlian representing the Armenian Cultural Foundation presented the Kevonian family and announced that the museum’s Gift Shop will be named the Kevonian Gift Shop in honor of the family’s generous gift. The Kevonian Gift Shop will serve as a marketplace of culture and will offer to the thousands of annual museum visitors a collection of unique gifts, books, souvenirs, and memorabilia that complement the museum’s diverse programming and uplifting mission.

 

Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Talin Yacoubian representing the AGBU Western District presented the Arakelian family and announced that the museum’s Main Entrance Plaza will be named the Arakelian Plaza in honor of the family’s generous gift. The Arakelian Plaza will serve as the main entrance to the museum building from East Colorado Street and will feature the architectural metal cladding of the building facade overhead and Armenian-inspired basalt walls at each side with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade greeting patrons.

 

Board of Trustees member Dr. Nazareth E. Darakjian representing the Armenian Missionary Association of America presented the Mgrublian family and announced that the museum’s Archives Center will be named the Mgrublian Archives Center in honor of the family’s generous gift. The Mgrublian Archives Center will serve as a repository for Armenian heritage by preserving, conserving, and archiving rare artifacts, cherished artworks, historical documents and media, and special collections.

 

Board of Trustees representative Dr. Raffi Balian representing the Nor Or Charitable Foundation and Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian presented The GASKA Alliance Foundation and announced that the museum’s Alphabet Wall will be named The GASKA Alliance Foundation Alphabet Wall in honor of the foundation’s generous gift in the memory of Gagik and Knarik Galstian. The GASKA Alliance Foundation Alphabet Wall is the signature public art feature of the Grand Lobby towering to the upper levels as an homage to the Armenian alphabet and ancient Armenian architecture.

 

Board of Trustees member Gabriel Moloyan representing the Nor Serount Cultural Association and Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian presented the Kalaydjian family and announced that the museum’s Auditorium will be named Kalaydjian Auditorium in honor of the family’s generous gift. The Kalaydjian Auditorium will provide engaging and memorable experiences for patrons and serve as an arts and cultural destination by hosting a wide range of programming including lectures, performances, film screenings, special events, and more.

 

During the grand finale of the event, the Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, Construction Committee, and Gala Committee welcomed the founding Naming Opportunities donors to the main stage with a roaring applause. Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian concluded the event with the special announcement that the museum has surpassed the historic $31 million fundraising milestone through the generosity of the founding Naming Opportunities donors and the thousands of donors and supporters who have contributed to the landmark center.

 

The Armenian American Museum is a world class educational and cultural institution that is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Archives Center, and more.

 

The museum celebrated its historic groundbreaking and commenced construction on the project in Summer 2021.

 

For more information, visit https://www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.

 

###


Click here for all press photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LAUbc9WyH6SRCVJL6

Kindly,

Arsine Sina Torosyan
Communications Director
Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California
116 North Artsakh Avenue, Suite 205, Glendale, CA 91206
Office: (818) 351-3554, Ext. 706
Direct: (818) 644-2215
www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org
Confidentiality Notice: This communication and any documents, files, or previous e-mail messages attached to it constitute an electronic communication within the scope of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 ISCA 2510. This communication may contain non-public, confidential, or legally privileged information intended for the sole use of the designated recipient(s). The unlawful interception, use, or disclosure of such information is strictly prohibited under 18 USCA 2511 and any applicable laws.




Armenian American Museum Legacy Gala.jpg
JPEG image

Boston Photographer Takes Audiences From Watertown To Armenia in An Evening Of Photography, Storytelling, And Music

Garnik Tadevosian
March 31 2022
by A.A. Cristi Mar. 31, 2022  

        

American photographer and storyteller Winslow Martin offers a moving love letter to Armenia with We Wait For Your Return, a night of intimate stories, evocative imagery, and music celebrating the beauty and soul of the Armenian people.

Martin will take audience members on a unique journey from Watertown, Massachusetts, to Armenia with the help of award-winning Armenian composer Astghik Martirosyan and a five-piece band. We Wait For Your Return: A Love Letter to Armenia premiers Saturday, May 7 at 8:00 PM at Blackman Auditorium on Northeastern's Campus. Tickets are available now at eventbrite.com.

The images from We Wait For Your Return form a remarkable tapestry, one photo a probing portrait, the next a poignant still life, another an extraordinary photo that features a distinctive Armenian landscape, challenging and rewarding the viewer with the use of composition and light. Winslow connects each image in We Wait For Your Return through his storytelling, taking audience members a spiritual and artistic journey from his first meeting with Father Dajad Davidian at a Watertown church, through the deepening of their friendship, as it played out across their adventures together in Armenia.

Winslow Martin's life as a photographer has been all about people–photographing the music world in Boston, serving as a commercial photographer, and as Senior Staff Photographer at Community Newspapers Company, where he was honored as Photographer of the Year by the New England Press Association. He is best known for documenting everyday life and historical events in Armenia, his passion for the last twenty years. Martin is now pouring all of his energy into sharing his Armenian images and stories with a broader audience. His purpose is simple–to bring greater attention and support to Armenia today, where Martin is spending April, preparing for a showcase of his work at the National Museum of Armenia in Yerevan.

"I fell in love with Armenia and I want to, in this performance, somehow give back to them," said Winslow Martin, photographer. "When you are a photographer you reach a point when the work isn't just about you, and the photography, and your viewers. It is about what you owe to the people who so graciously opened their doors to you. You have to give back something because they have given so much of themselves."

Award-winning composer Astghik Martirosyan has crafted a beautiful accompaniment to the evening. Armenian folk songs and liturgical music are interpreted in her arrangements along with her own original compositions, which support Martin's storytelling and enhance the drama and emotion of his photographs. She will lead a five-piece band, which will include Martirosyan on vocals, with piano, bass, percussion, and duduk, an Armenian reed instrument.

An Armenian born Los Angeles-based vocalist, composer, and pianist, Martirosyan has collaborated and performed with renowned musicians including Dave Holland, Darek Oleszkiewicz and Johnny O'Neal, and is a recent recipient of Magos Herrera Female Immigrant Musician Award (2022) from the International Human Rights Art Festival.

A portion of the proceeds from the evening will support Project SAVE, an organization that brings to light the culture and history of Armenians by making photographs and their stories, which otherwise would be lost, destroyed, or forgotten, available for public and educational use.

We Wait For Your Return: A Love Letter to Armenia premiers Saturday, May 7, 8:00 PM at Northeastern University's Blackman Auditorium, 342 Huntington Avenue in Boston. Tickets are on sale now at eventbrite.com.


Armenia Says European Military Attaches Confirm SU-30 Fighters Not Handed Over To Russia

Garnik Tadevosian
April 3 2022

 Sumaira FH

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 03rd April, 2022) Military attaches of the European Union and NATO have visited an Armenian air base and verified that Yerevan had not handed over four SU-30SM fighter jets to Russia for engaging them in the special military operation in Ukraine, the Armenian defense ministry said on Thursday.

Earlier this week, Turkish-based Azerbaijani broadcaster Haber Global reported that Armenia transferred four SU-30 aircraft to Russia with the purpose of using them in the military operation in Ukraine. On Monday, the Armenian defense ministry dismissed it as fake news.

"The visiting personnel was most interested in SU 30-SM aircrafts.

Expressing gratitude for the acceptance, the defence attaches noted that during the visit they were once again convinced that all 4 SU-30SM aircrafts were in the home base, and the information spread in the Azerbaijani and Turkish press, that the aircrafts were taking part in the hostilities in Ukraine, did not correspond to reality," a statement said.

On February 24, Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine after the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk appealed for help in defending themselves against Ukrainian provocations.

Asbarez: Yerevan Accuses Baku of Ethnic Cleansing in Artsakh, as OSCE Leader Voices Concern Over Karabakh Instability

Garnik Tadevosian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 April 1, 2022

 

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

OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau (left) with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan at a joint press conference in Yerevan on April 1

“While the attention of the OSCE is mostly focused on military actions in Ukraine, we do hope the issue of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict will remain on the OSCE agenda,” Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Friday at a joint press conference with visiting OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau.

“This is especially important today as Azerbaijan is taking advantage of the geopolitical developments to continue its policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno Karabakh,” Mirzoyan said. “A vivid example of this is the March 24 invasion by Azerbaijani forces in the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers. And this situation continues into today.”

Saying that Azerbaijan’s military incursion into Russian peacekeeper-controlled areas of Artsakh was pre-planned, Mirzoyan added that it also was breach of the agreement reached between the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on November 9, 2020.

“This incursion and the inciting of military actions were preceded by shooting in the direction of civilian settlements and infrastructure, Azerbaijan has disrupted the functioning of the only vital gas pipeline in Nagorno Karabakh and therefore the supply of gas under the severe weather conditions,” said Mirzoyan.

“In this situations a clear response from the OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the international community is becoming imperative, and the unimpeded access of international humanitarian organizations in Nagorno Karabakh is urgent for preventing a humanitarian crisis,” Mirzoyan stressed.

“We note with satisfaction that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries have given a clear assessment of the latest escalation in Nagorno Karabakh, stating that it is a consequence of the movement of Azerbaijani forces,” the foreign minister said.

During the press conference, Rau said that one of the main messages he received in meeting with Armenia’s leaders was the concern over the instability of the situation in Karabakh. The Polish diplomat said he, too, was concerned about the unstable situation in the South Caucasus.

Rau stressed that the current Polish chairmanship in the OSCE contributes to all initiatives aimed at dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. “Real dialogue is very important for de-escalation,” he added, calling on the parties to participate in the dialogue in good faith in order to reach a comprehensive solution to all problems.

Rau expressed hope that progress can be made, in particular, on urgent humanitarian issues, such as the release of prisoners, the exchange of information on missing persons, de-mining, and the protection of cultural property.

“The OSCE is ready to increase its participation in Armenia and implement new programs in three areas of security,” Rau noted, adding that the situation in the wider region requires activeness and proactiveness.

Mirzoyan also stressed that a year and a half after the 44-day war, Azerbaijan continues to violate international humanitarian law, as well as the November 9 statement by holding Armenian prisoners of war captive, adding that in all stages of the Karabakh conflict settlement Armenia has stood for an exceptionally peaceful resolution and continues to do so.

“As you know, Azerbaijan has transferred proposals to the Armenian side, and we have said the proposals are acceptable, noting, at the same time, that they do not fully address the whole agenda of issues. We have completed this agenda with our proposals, adding that the issue of the rights of people of Artsakh and the status of Artsakh are of principled importance to us,” Mirzoyan told reporters.

“We expect that the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmanship will be able to organize peace talks in the near future with a view to signing a comprehensive peace treaty. We are consistent in this issue and committed to the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021,” Minister Mirzoyan said.

He reiterated Armenia’s willingness to take steps in strengthening stability on the border, and then start to the process of demarcation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

Noting that negotiations are underway with Azerbaijan on the opening of regional communications, “We have made proposals in this regard and are expecting a response from Azerbaijan,” he said.

Supporters Have Joined the Movement to Transform Armenia’s Future Through Science

Garnik Tadevosian

 

Save

Share

 18:30,

YEREVAN, MARCH 29, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has recently received attention from the international community supporting the advancement of science and innovation. Local and Diaspora Armenians as well as foreign companies and investors have joined the initiative undertaken by Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) to foster the development of the scientific ecosystem in Armenia. Professors and scientists Dr. Garabed Antranikian,  Dr. Mary A. Papazian, Naira Hovakimyan, Armenia's Men's Basketball Team head coach Rex Kalamian, comedian Vahe Berberian, rock star Serj Tankian, world known footballer Henrikh Mkhitaryan are among prominent Armenians who have been raising awareness of the public about the Advance Armenia Gala inaugural fundraiser initiated by FAST. 

Advance Armenia Gala aims to attract additional resources for scaling the ADVANCE STEM Research grant program, striving to provide competitive research opportunities to 10 research teams and up to 50 local scientists. The Gala will take place on March 31, 2022, at The Landmark, Los Angeles, CA. The keynote speaker of the evening is Dr. Noubar Afeyan, Co-Founder of FAST, Co-Founder and Chairman of Moderna, Inc. 

Thanks to the generous support of the US company, Reliance, the leading COVID-19 testing services provider, which acts as the Visionary sponsor, two new research projects will be launched. Armenian-American benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Nune Sepetjian representing Turbo Wholesale Tires, Inc. and acting as an Innovator sponsor, will facilitate one more research project to be launched. FAST is also exploring potential research collaborations with UCLA through The Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA. This unique hub for world-class education, research, and outreach on issues related to Armenia and Armenians around the world is ideal for FAST’s mission.

According to Armen Orujyan, Founding CEO of FAST, scientific advancement is an indisputable necessity for Armenia and everyone's contribution inspires hope in pursuit of success. “Armenia’s prosperity and sustainable future are embedded in the Nation’s scientific and technological advancement. Accordingly, FAST strives to deploy numerous solutions aimed at creating building blocks that will help foster Armenia's science, innovation, and technology ecosystem. We do believe that through consistent and committed efforts of all constituencies we will be able to empower our brain trust,  promising researchers and innovators, to bring cutting-edge, commercially viable, and globally competitive solutions to life. These joint efforts are crucial in ensuring Armenia’s leapfrogging”, said Armen Orujyan. What is remarkable, Orujyan exclaims,  is that the vision of facilitating the transformation of Armenia through Science and Technology unites people of all backgrounds. 

“Science and technology are driving forces behind modern healthcare innovation. Our Clinical Laboratory industry is benefiting from this advancement. The global pandemic has demonstrated how much the world’s health care system depends on the local advancement in science and technology.  We appreciate FAST’s vision of perceiving Armenia not simply as a territory, but rather as a consciousness that is limitless in its reach, creativity, and resources.  The FAST vision helps to unite people and organizations under the umbrella of their innovative projects,” said Joe Barnes, Founder/CEO of Reliance.

“We share FAST’s vision and goals for Armenia and believe that it is essential to support science and technology advancement in our motherland. As scientific research aims at gaining knowledge and finding solutions to unsolved problems, it will pave a path to many brilliant inventions, bringing progress and innovation to a thriving Armenia”, noted Sarkis and Nune Sepetjian, Turbo Wholesale Tires, Inc.

“Armenians have been making significant contributions to the world in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. UCLA is one of the top institutions in the world across various disciplines, and through The Promise Armenian Institute, we have the potential to connect Armenian researchers of FAST to scientists of the highest caliber from the university for collaboration and mentorship”, mentioned Eric Esrailian, physician, producer, entrepreneur.

An impressive collection of artwork and memorabilia are generously donated by outstanding personalities for silent auction during the gala. Partly a celebration of Armenia’s internationally recognized talent, these offerings from the fields of art, music, cinema, sport and fine beverages, include such gems as the Final Screenplay from Casablanca; Clark Gable’s original autograph and publicity photos; signed memorabilia from Serj Tankian and Henrikh Mkhitaryan and art-works by Kevork George Kassabian, Emil Kazaz and Rebecca Topakian; as well as some of the culturally and historically significant, and rich flavors of Armenian heritage.

In 2020, FAST designed the ADVANCE STEM Research grant program, to set the ground for the development of scientific directions in STEM-related fields in Armenia. The ADVANCE grant connects distinguished international scientists with local researchers for them to form a research group and work jointly on globally competitive research projects. FAST and its partners ensure comprehensive long-term institutional and financial support for the newly formed research groups. Now the amount of the grant is $65,000, but upon a successful fundraising round, FAST will be able to offer each team a grant of up to $125,000 per year. The grant covers salaries for local researchers and repatriated young scientists, laboratory supporting materials, international principal investigator salaries and travel expenses, collaborative research activities abroad, participation in conferences, publication in journals and patenting costs. Up to now 3 ongoing projects in biotechnology, machine learning and computer agriculture have engaged 4 PIs and funded 13 researchers.

***

The Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) is a non-profit organization established in 2017 to help foster and accelerate the advancement of science and technological innovation in Armenia and beyond. FAST has designed and structured numerous programs and initiatives that propel Armenia to advance in Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and other strategic fields.  Focusing on core science ecosystem drivers – Education, Research, Commercialization – FAST offers a wide range of initiatives to achieve its goal. FAST aims to play a critical role in Armenia's leapfrog and transformation into a top global innovator by 2041.




Opinion from Yerevan: “Direct Armenia-Azerbaijan dialogue is unlikely”

Garnik Tadevosian

March 24 2022


  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agenda. Who benefits from stalemate?

“A direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan is unlikely” – this opinion was expressed by political scientist Armen Vardanyan during a discussion on the topic “Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agenda. Who benefits from stalemate?” Another participant in the discussion, political scientist Edgar Vardanyan, believes that “the provocation of a new full-scale war is also unlikely”.

  • What’s behind new gas outages in Karabakh: technical shutdown or sabotage?
  • Baku, Yerevan react to celebration of 30th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s UN accession in Shusha
  • Enclaves – islands of Armenian-Azerbaijani confrontation

Armenia and Azerbaijan have different approaches to the peace agenda
According to political scientist Edgar Vardanyan, Azerbaijan wants everyone to forget about the existence of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and Armenia cannot allow this:

“Since the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict constitutes a large part of the agenda of the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, it is logical that we turned to the OSCE Minsk Group [the format of negotiations under the co-chairmanship of the United States, France and Russia, which was in effect until the 2020 Karabakh war] with a request to take on active functions or attempt to perform certain actions.

The political scientist believes that this step of the Armenian authorities indicates that they are in favor of peace and want to normalize relations with Azerbaijan:

“But there are issues that cannot be ignored, there are formats that cannot be put aside, forgotten about”.

In the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the confrontation between Russia and the West, the work of the Minsk Group, as Edgar Vardanyan put it, is “objectively difficult”:

“On the other hand, members of the group may not take joint action, but may contribute to this agenda individually. Everyone is interested in resolving this issue peacefully, everyone understands that new escalations are highly undesirable, especially in the current situation”.

According to Armen Vardanyan, Azerbaijan also wants peace, but in a different way and in its own format. It implies recognition by Armenia of its territorial integrity, including Nagorno-Karabakh.

However, the political scientist considers a direct dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan without intermediaries unlikely:

“Azerbaijan is well aware that Armenia is weakened after the war, and is trying in every possible way to take advantage of this situation. We see how provocations are constantly carried out at different areas [on the border of Armenia], but Armenia does not succumb to them”.

The political scientist recalls that after the 44-day war, the ambassadors of the United States, France, and a number of EU countries accredited in Armenia have repeatedly stated that the conflict has not yet been resolved, it is necessary to resolve the issue of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh:

“This is a clear signal to Azerbaijan that these countries will not make a final decision on the issue by force [that is, following the results of the war]”.

At the same time, Armen Vardanyan is sure that Russia is not interested in a comprehensive solution to the conflict:

“Russia needs this conflict to remain frozen, but not completely resolved. This conflict is a club in the hands of Russia, by using which it puts pressure on both sides. As soon as the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is really resolved, Russia will lose its weight and influence in the region”.

Armen Vardanyan even excludes such a possibility. He believes that a new war in Karabakh will become “a matter of Russia’s authority.” The expert also sees Azerbaijan’s invasion of the sovereign territory of Armenia as unlikely, since it is fraught with “serious consequences for Azerbaijan.”

The political scientist says that Aliyev “understands very well that the Karabakh conflict has not been completely resolved”, although he constantly announces this. The awareness of incompleteness confirms the rearmament and modernization of the Azerbaijani army, as well as some statements by the President of Azerbaijan:

“Aliev speaks in almost all his statements about Armenian revanchism, about the possibility that Armenia will start a war, and this reveals his fears”.

According to the political scientist, time is working in favor of Azerbaijan, but he believes that the situation may change in the near future:

“The US and Iran have almost reached an agreement on a new nuclear deal. This means that Iran will return to the world oil market. Oil prices will fall, and Azerbaijan’s oil revenues will also, which will affect the economy, as well as the acquisition of new weapons”.

According to Edgar Vardanyan, in the current situation, the provocation of a new war is not in the interests of Turkey and Azerbaijan:

“It is necessary to understand what is the goal, what result they can achieve in this situation, especially since today Turkey and Azerbaijan are trying to be reliable partners of Russia and the West. But Armenia does not pursue an aggressive policy, has no territorial claims against these states, considers the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as a matter of self-determination, and, moreover, constantly talks about peace”.