ACEC Watertown presents Jazz and Armenian Wine

WATERTOWN, Mass. — Join the Armenian Cultural & Educational Center (ACEC) in Watertown for an elegant evening of “Jazz and Armenian Wine” on Friday, Aug. 25. 

The evening will begin with Storica Wines, the leading purveyor of Armenian wines in the U.S. Storica Wines boasts a portfolio of 19 exquisite wines that reclaim long-lost grape varietals indigenous to Armenia, including Areni and Voskehat. The company will offer eight of its finest wines at the ACEC event, accompanied by a presentation on Armenia’s historic winemaking culture. Hors d’oeuvres will be served by Boston eatery anoush’ella.

After wine tasting, guests will enjoy a performance by the Yulia Musayelyan Quartet. Musayelyan is an award-winning flutist and composer. Born in Moscow and raised in the U.S., Musayelyan has been involved in classical, jazz and Latin music projects, including the Macayú Trio, Fernando Huergo Quintet, Manhattan Camerata, Brooklyn Orchestra and Gaia Wilmer Octet.

The non-profit ACEC has served as a home to a number of Armenian cultural and educational organizations since 1980. The center builds community among Armenian Americans in the Boston area.




Film: ‘Aurora’s Sunrise’ Review: A Patchwork Record of the Armenian Genocide

The New York Times
Aug 10 2023

CRITIC’S PICK

This standout documentary combines archival footage and animated re-enactments to share one survivor’s memories.

The documentary “Aurora’s Sunrise” shares the great and terrible story of Aurora Mardiganian, an Armenian survivor of the genocide that began in 1915. Aurora was 14 years old and living in a small town in the Ottoman Empire when the violence started. Her peaceful life was obliterated when her father and brother were rounded up and murdered by Ottoman Turk soldiers. Aurora was then forced into a death march across the desert of what is now Syria. She survived weeks of the march and two years of subsequent violence. Aurora witnessed unimaginable atrocities: rivers teeming with corpses, children begging for their lives, bandits pillaging the caravans of survivors.

Aurora escaped these horrors through the aid of Armenian resistance groups. Her survival already made her a rarity, but Aurora’s most improbable achievement was that she was able to create a contemporary record of her own memories. This film follows Aurora’s story after she resettled in America and starred in the 1919 silent film, “Auction of Souls,” which dramatized the events of her own life. She never stopped sharing her memories, including in interviews that were filmed decades later.

Using many of the materials Aurora left behind, the documentary’s director, Inna Sahakyan, crafts a cohesive narrative of the woman’s life. Clips from “Auction of Souls” and footage from Aurora’s later interviews support animated re-enactments of her recorded memories. Despite the presence of material that is more than 100 years old, the parts using cutouts and rotoscoping (redolent of the 2008 war docudrama “Waltz With Bashir) are what feel the most dated. But even with that herky-jerky animation, the effect of Sahakyan’s compilation is still admirably seamless, and she creates a reconstructed, yet still personal record of a long-unrecognized genocide. The film’s coherence is a reflection of both the skill of the filmmaker, and the heroic efforts of Aurora herself to ensure that her view of history would not be forgotten.

Aurora’s Sunrise
Not rated. In Armenian, Turkish, English, German and Kurdish, with subtitles. Running time: 1 hour 36 minutes. In theaters.

NYT Critic's Pick
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Director
Inna Sahakyan
Writers
Peter LiakhovKerstin Meyer-BeetzInna Sahakyan
Stars
Anzhelika HakobyanArpi PetrossianShushan AbrahamyanSeyran AkopovMiqayel Aleksanyan
Rating
Not Rated
Running Time
1h 36m
Genres
DocumentaryAnimation
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/10/movies/auroras-sunrise-review.html

‘Reasonable’ to believe genocide against Armenians being committed, former ICC chief prosecutor says

Aug 12 2023

Armenian Cabinet member visits China’s Datong for Shanxi-Nairit Board of Directors, shareholder meeting

 16:10, 8 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan has visited the Chinese city of Datong to participate in the 6th plenary session of the Board of Directors and general shareholder assembly of the Shanxi-Nairit Armenian-Chinese joint enterprise.

The officials discussed the current state, issues and prospects of development of the joint enterprise’s activities, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures said in a press release.

The project on amending the enterprise’s charter was discussed.

Minister Sanosyan attached importance to a swift resolution to issues related to the company and ensuring its profitability. The issue of adding positions in the company under Armenian quota was also discussed.

India donates medication for thalassemia patients in Armenia

Kazakhstan – Aug 1 2023
Редактор:  
Kudrenok Tatyana

YEREVAN. KAZINFORM – India has donated 20,000 pills of an expensive medication used to treat thalassemia to the Armenian healthcare authorities, ARMENPRESS reports.

The medication was officially handed over to First Deputy Healthcare Minister Lena Nanushyan by Ambassador of India to Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha at the Yolyan Hematology Center in Yerevan.

Nanushyan commended the healthcare partnership between Armenia and India and underscored the importance of this donation, thanks to which the expensive drugs are given to ill children for free.

All 130 patients who are suffering from thalassemia will be given the medication for free.

Nanushyan and the Indian Ambassador also discussed new directions of cooperation between Armenia and India in the healthcare sector.

https://www.inform.kz/en/india-donates-medication-for-thalassemia-patients-in-armenia_a4096140 

Diplomats go to border of Armenia where there is cargo for NK

  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Diplomats in Kornidzor near the Lachin corridor

Representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations accredited in Armenia, at the invitation of the government and the Foreign Ministry, went to the southern Syunik region near the village of Kornidzor, on the approach to the Lachin corridor. Since the evening of July 26 there has been a convoy heading from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, with humanitarian cargo of almost 400 tons.

The diplomats got acquainted with the situation on the ground. They were accompanied by the governor of the Syunik region Robert Ghukasyan who said “Baku is talking about integration. But it wants to achieve it by bringing people to starvation? Right there, in Syunik, the ambassadors participated in a closed discussion.”

The Armenian authorities hope that Russian peacekeepers will still deliver humanitarian aid to the unrecognized NKR. They announce that they informed not only RMK, but also Azerbaijan “through the appropriate channels” about the transportation of the cargo. However, Baku calls the Armenian government’s initiative a provocation.

The Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia and the outside world, has been blocked since December last year. Since June 15, 120,000 Armenians have been living under a strict blockade – Azerbaijan will not allow even humanitarian supplies to be delivered.


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Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, who accompanied the diplomats, told journalists this in Kornidzor. He assured that the Armenian side will continue to inform international partners and carry out appropriate work so that “Azerbaijan fulfills its obligations at the international level.” In particular, the November 2020 statement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, as well as the decision of the International Court of Justice.

“The additional pressure of our international partners on the Azerbaijani authorities is very important,” he said.

The Deputy Foreign Minister recalled that in recent days, partners from various countries have made statements, but “this is not enough.”

“It is necessary that the international community act as a united front and not only send clear signals to the Azerbaijani authorities, but also take steps that will ensure the passage of people, goods and vehicles through the Lachin corridor,” he said.

Kostanyan said that “official Yerevan will try to ensure the opening of the Lachin corridor by all political means available to it.” But he did not elaborate on which.

All information about Armenia’s attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to compatriots, statements from Yerevan and Baku, the reaction of international partners

The day before, during the discussion of the issue of delivering humanitarian cargo from Armenia to NK, the public television of Armenia aired information that another 500 tons of cargo were waiting to be sent. They are kept in Syunik, in the city of Goris. Another batch of humanitarian aid, about 380 tons, is stored in warehouses in Yerevan.

“There are other organizations that are ready to provide assistance. It all depends on when the road will be open and when we can send it. We need to deliver this cargo as soon as possible. The situation of our compatriots is getting worse every hour,” Yury Khachyan, Deputy Permanent Representative of the unrecognized NKR in Armenia, said.

During a press conference, the Prime Minister of Armenia stated that the government is in no hurry to apply to the UN Security Council to consider the situation in NK, since the result is more important than the fact of holding hearings

Azerbaijan has long been promoting the possibility of delivering humanitarian cargo to Nagorno-Karabakh through its territory, through Aghdam. The head of the European Council, Charles Michel, spoke about this after the Pashinyan-Aliyev talks in Brussels.

However, the Armenians of NK categorically refuse such an opportunity. Ten days ago, they held an action, blocked the road from Askeran to Aghdam, put up barricades and hung out a poster “Our right to self-determination is not for sale.”

As the humanitarian crisis deepens, locals are declaring: “It is better to starve than to receive aid from Azerbaijan.” They believe that the offer to receive assistance through Aghdam is “a political way of integration into Azerbaijan, which will mean the expulsion of Armenians from Artsakh.”

Opposition member of the Armenian parliament Tigran Abrahamyan stated that Azerbaijan has set itself the task of ensuring that any goods come to NK from the territory of Azerbaijan. Thus, Baku, in his opinion, is trying to eliminate ties with Armenia.

“Azerbaijan believes that this step will accelerate the process of Azerbaijanization of NK, because in this way it will fall under complete dependence on Azerbaijan. Today we are talking about humanitarian cargo, tomorrow we will talk about trade, the day after tomorrow about gas, electricity and other things,” he said.

Protests taking place in Yerevan in support of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, at the UN office and embassies, as well as an expert’s comment

Political observer Hakob Badalyan believes that one should not place great hopes on the statements of the ambassadors of different countries, when there is already a decision of the International Court of Justice, which Azerbaijan does not comply with. In February 2023, the Hague ordered Azerbaijan to ensure unhindered movement along the Lachin corridor.

Badalyan proposes to ask diplomats accredited in Armenia the question “whether their countries are able to take steps for the decision of the Hague Court to come into force, are they ready to take real action.” He claims that it is the society of Armenia that should be exacting:

“At the official level, of course, it is incorrect to talk about this. The authorities need to work with all ambassadors and their countries, with international structures, no matter how dissatisfied we are with their inaction.”

According to Badalyan, although there are Russian peacekeepers in the Lachin corridor, all the actors involved in the negotiation process have their own obligations to unblock the road. He believes that, along with the question of the responsibility of Russians, attention should also be focused on the responsibility of other external actors:

“We must not allow anyone to freely and without hesitation turn the fate of Nagorno-Karabakh into a stone with which it will be possible to break the Caucasian window of the Russians – against the backdrop of expressed concern and various calls.”

https://jam-news.net/diplomats-in-kornidzor-near-the-lachin-corridor/

What do the mediators say at the talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia? Comparative analysis from Baku

  • JAMnews
  • Baku

Comparative analysis of intermediary statements

“Everything that we see on the pictures of the screens, the statements of politicians, the tweets of the ambassadors – this is all, of course, interesting, but the main thing is the negotiation tracks and the texts of the statements in Brussels and Moscow, where the leaders and foreign ministers of the countries participated,” political observer Farhad Mammadov says.

The expert analyzed points by point the statements made by the main mediators at the talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and President of the European Council Charles Michel.


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“So what do we have on topic:

⁃ The leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan once again fully reaffirmed their respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the other country. Based on the fact that the territory of Armenia is 29,800 km2, and the territory of Azerbaijan is 86,600 km2.

⁃ The most sensitive of them was and remains the problem of guaranteeing the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in the context of ensuring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in full accordance with the 1991 Declaration signed by the leaders of the former Soviet republics in Alma-Ata. Its effectiveness has been confirmed today by both the Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership. In accordance with this, work on a peace treaty is being built.

Lavrov said following the talks that the regional agenda was discussed, “primarily related to the situation in and around Nagorno-Karabakh”

⁃ Both leaders reaffirmed their unconditional commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration as the political basis for border delimitation. I welcomed the meeting of the two border commissions.

⁃ We paid special attention to the issues of delimitation, which are closely related to the entire set of problems under discussion, and the issues of the early conclusion of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan.

Here the EU has the mark of 1991 and the emphasis on the bilateral format, while Russia has the context of a peace treaty. And there is no reference to the maps of 1975, which Armenia insisted on.

⁃ We have discussed the terms of future transport agreements that will respect the principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction and reciprocity. The construction of the railway connection must be undertaken immediately. The EU would be ready to make a financial contribution.

⁃ The closest result at this stage is the achievement of an agreement in a trilateral working group headed by three vice-premiers who are engaged in agreeing on specific issues of unblocking transport communications in the region. In this context, prospects for the implementation of promising projects in the transport sector will also open up.

The most interesting thing is that the EU “immediately” has funding, sovereignty, while Lavrov has an emphasis on the trilateral format, that is, the functionality of Russia on the territory of Armenia.

⁃ The current state of affairs is clearly unsustainable. I stressed the need to open the Lachin road. I also noted Azerbaijan’s readiness to deliver humanitarian aid through Aghdam. I consider both options important and encourage humanitarian deliveries from both sides to ensure that the needs of the population are met. I also welcomed the ICRC’s resumption of medical evacuations.

⁃ We outlined to our interlocutors the assessments of the Russian side, taking into account the reports made by the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh, on the steps that it is highly desirable to take promptly, without delay in the interests of providing the population of Karabakh with food, medicine, basic necessities, ensuring uninterrupted electricity and gas supply. This is in the interests of ordinary people, Armenians, residents of the region.

The EU mentions both routes, separately opening the Lachin road specifically, Lavrov does not mention the Lachin road. Both do not have the resource provision imperative through Armenia.

The President of Azerbaijan commented on the situation between official Baku and the Armenian population of Karabakh

⁃ Local people need reassurance, first of all regarding their rights and security. In this context, I expressed the EU’s encouragement for a direct dialogue between Baku and representatives of the Armenians living in the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region. This dialogue should provide much-needed trust for all involved.

⁃ The most sensitive of them was and remains the problem of guaranteeing the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in the context of ensuring the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in full accordance with the 1991 Declaration signed by the leaders of the former Soviet republics in Alma-Ata. Its effectiveness has been confirmed today by both the Azerbaijani and Armenian leadership. In accordance with this, work on a peace treaty is being built. The Armenian side understands the need to convince the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to meet as soon as possible with Azerbaijani representatives to agree on the rights arising from the relevant legislation and from international obligations (in this case, Azerbaijan), including numerous conventions on ensuring the rights of national minorities.

⁃ The Azerbaijani side is ready to provide the same guarantees on a reciprocal basis with respect to persons living on its territory. Armenians are ready to do the same with respect to the application of all conventions to citizens residing in the Republic of Armenia.

Both statements do not (!) require the international format of the dialogue between Baku and the Armenians of Karabakh. Lavrov has detailed rights and security within the legal field of Azerbaijan.

⁃ We also discussed the issue of detainees. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the gentleman’s understanding that the release of soldiers who inadvertently switch sides will be facilitated.

Sergei Lavrov did not comment on this.

Thus, the negotiation tracks, in principle, meet the expectations of Azerbaijan and create a favorable basis for progress. And the provocation with trucks is just the reaction of the Armenian leadership to the failure of their negotiating positions,” Mammadov concluded.

https://jam-news.net/what-do-the-mediators-say-at-the-talks-between-azerbaijan-and-armenia-comparative-analysis-from-baku/

Culture Moves Europe: applicants from Armenia, Georgia, and Ukraine selected for individual mobility programme


One Armenian, 23 Georgian and 107 Ukrainian applicants have been selected in the first call for individual mobility to implement their cultural mobility projects travelling to another Creative Europe country. Four of the selected Ukrainian applicants are virtual projects.

A total of 1,800 applicants from 40 countries were selected in this call. The overall number of beneficiaries is relatively proportionate to the size of the countries’ population.

Beneficiaries selected 38 countries in which to implement their projects and the most popular mobility destinations were Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

The most popular sectors are visual (34.15%) and performing arts (24.72%), and music (20.97%).

The new rolling call for individual mobility of artists and cultural professionals will open in October 2023.

Culture Moves Europe provides mobility grants for artists and cultural professionals in all 40 Creative Europe countries. It covers the sectors of architecture, cultural heritage, design and fashion design, literary translation, music, performing arts and visual arts. Funded by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union, Culture Moves Europe is implemented by the Goethe-Institut.

Find out more

Press release

https://euneighbourseast.eu/news/latest-news/culture-moves-europe-applicants-from-armenia-georgia-and-ukraine-selected-for-individual-mobility-programme/

Armenia Wine Company Takes Part in Yerevan Wine Days, a Celebration of Armenian Winemaking & Culture

India – July 12 2023

The beloved event took place from June 2-4 and featured exclusive novelties and leading bands.

YEREVAN, ARMENIA, July 12, 2023/EINPresswire.com/ — Armenia Wine Company, one of Armenia’s leading winemakers, was proud to take part in the annual “Yerevan Wine Days” festival, one of the most exciting and beloved events in Yerevan. The festival, which took place from June 2-4 on Saryan Street, brought together large and family winemaking companies to celebrate the ancient traditions of winemaking and promote tourism in Armenia.

Throughout the three-day festival, the Armenia Wine Company delighted festival attendees with a separate stage hosting an outstanding musical program featuring the best bands, a luxury pavilion, award-winning wines, and exclusive novelties. To add to the excitement, the company’s pavilion featured unique wine-based cocktails crafted by renowned bartenders.

Guests visiting the Armenia Wine Pavilion were treated to more surprises. Jean Baptiste-Soula, the French main consultant of Armenia Wine, held an exclusive master class on biodynamic viticulture, providing valuable insights into this innovative winemaking approach. Additionally, festival participants had the unique opportunity to explore the winemaking culture in a separate pavilion at the Wine History Museum of Armenia, which recently opened within the Armenia Wine Company premises. The museum showcased the development of viticulture and winemaking in the Armenian Highlands through artifacts, interpretation, and interactive solutions, offering visitors a comprehensive understanding of Armenia’s rich winemaking heritage.

The museum’s main exhibition hall, located underground at a depth of 8 meters amidst basalt rocks, provided detailed insights into the chronological stages of wine development in Armenia, as well as its connection to various aspects of Armenian history and culture. Hayk Gyulamiryan, the museum’s director, emphasized the museum’s mission to popularize wine history through innovative solutions, adding, “This year, we call for the preservation and restoration of history: our guests will see original exhibits in the pavilion, as well as witness the restoration process taking place on-site.”

Speaking about the company’s participation in the festival, Kristine Vardanyan, the commercial director of Armenia Wine, expressed the company’s pride in showcasing Armenian winemaking traditions and culture to guests and participants. She revealed some exclusive novelties, stating, “This year, we are delighted to present our new ultra-premium wines, ‘Tariri Karasum’ and ‘Tariri Reserve,’ which pay homage to the 6000-year-old Armenian winemaking tradition and have already garnered high praise on prestigious international platforms. We also have exciting news in the field of organic winemaking, as our first organic wine, ‘BioNe,’ has received the US certificate from ‘EcoCert’ and will be presented at our pavilion.”

In preparation for the Yerevan Wine Days festival, the Armenia Wine Company embraced a compelling approach to the pavilion’s design, incorporating the red tuff color scheme that reflects the entire “Armenia Wine” winery complex. The pavilion featured separate sections dedicated to the company’s three most iconic wine lines: Takar, Tariri, and Bione.

The devotion of the Armenia Wine Company to Yerevan, Armenian culture, and national traditions shone through during the festival. Their unwavering commitment to serving the best to Armenian wine lovers and city guests, along with their hard work and honest goals, garnered immense appreciation. The founding of “Armenia Wine” can be traced back to the deep love the Vardanyan and Mkrtchyan families have for their homeland, nature, and culture.

Since its establishment, the company has embraced a combination of Armenia’s 6000-year winemaking heritage, wine culture, and modern international practices. It has an annual production capacity of up to 14 million bottles, 135 hectares of its own vineyards and 83 hectares of organic vineyards, collaborations with over 600 winegrowers from four winemaking regions, regular export to more than 50 countries, and partnerships with esteemed international experts and winemakers.

To learn more about Armenia Wine Company, visit https://armeniawine.am/.

Lilit Safaryan
Armenia Wine Company
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https://madrastribune.com/2023/07/12/armenia-wine-company-takes-part-in-yerevan-wine-days-a-celebration-of-armenian-winemaking-culture/

Armenia calls for humanitarian organizations to be allowed access to the Nagorno-Karabakh region

Lebanon –


Armenia called on Wednesday for international humanitarian organizations to be allowed entry into the Nagorno-Karabakh region following Azerbaijan's closure of the only road connecting Armenia to the breakaway region.

Local residents reported empty store shelves in the region, while health authorities warned of the lack of essential healthcare services, especially for children.

On Tuesday, Azerbaijan announced the suspension of movement through the Lachin Corridor, accusing the Armenian Red Cross of engaging in smuggling operations.

However, the International Committee of the Red Cross denied these accusations, confirming that no unauthorized goods were found in their vehicles.

The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Wednesday that this move "aims to create unfavorable conditions for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh."

The statement added, "It is regrettable that during these months, the international community and international humanitarian organizations have been unable to gain humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh."

The statement emphasized that such access is "essential to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe."

Residents of Stepanakert, the main city in the region, reported food shortages and severe difficulties in accessing medical services.

Health Minister of the separatist government, Vardan Tadevosyan, stated that over 180 individuals, including "two critically ill children," need to be transported to Armenia for medical treatment.

Kegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Ombudsman in Karabakh, noted that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly.

He said, "For patients and medications, the situation is worsening day by day," warning that the population is now threatened by "hunger."

On Wednesday, the United States and France expressed their concern over the temporary closure of the Lachin Corridor and urged Azerbaijan to allow freedom of movement again.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, according to the State Department, emphasizing the "need to ensure freedom of movement (…) through this corridor."

French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anne Claire Legendre stated, "Freedom of movement through the corridor must be restored, based on the decision of the International Court of Justice ruling on this matter on February 22, 2023."

The two former Soviet republics have been in conflict over control of Nagorno-Karabakh since the late 1980s, resulting in two wars, with the second one in 2020 leading to the defeat of Armenian forces and a Russian-brokered agreement between the parties.

Under the agreement, the Lachin Corridor was supposed to be operated by Russian peacekeeping forces to ensure freedom of movement between Armenia and Karabakh.

 
AFP