ACNIS reView #18, 2018: The Karabakh issue against the background of the change of power in Armenia

 

Analysis

18  MAY 2018

 

The
change of power in Armenia presented in a new light the most crucial problems
of the Armenian statehood – the problems of the political state of the NKR and
the settlement of international conflict relations around it. The former
configuration of the Karabakh factor was disrupted. The approaches to the place
and role of the NKR in the state policy of Armenia and in international
relations have lost their relevance. A completely different situation arose,
requiring the revision of approaches to Artsakh as a country, and the Karabakh
problem as a component of the security problem of Armenian statehood. This
situation requires careful characterization.

For more than
half a century, the principle of "miatsum (reunification) on a parole of
honor " reigned in the state policy of Armenia. This principle has blurred
the political and legal basis of the Armenian statehood, creating great
problems both in Armenia's domestic and foreign policy. The history of the
formation of political and legal realities and the corresponding state policy
is shrouded in fog. Everyone knows that in 1988 the Armenian people demanded
the reunification of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh region. But not all are
aware of the political realities that have arisen after this. And the realities
are as follows:

On December 1,
1989, at a joint session of the Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR and the
National Council of Nagorno-Karabakh, a decision was made on the reunification
of the Armenian SSR and Nagorno-Karabakh. A course was taken to create a
unified Armenian state. On May 20, 1990 elections to the Supreme Council took
place in Armenia. In the territory of the NKAO, elections were held in 10 of
the 12 districts. On August 23, 1990, based on the joint decision of the
Supreme Council of the Armenian SSR and the National Council of
Nagorno-Karabakh of December 1, 1989 "On the reunification of the Armenian
SSR and Nagorno-Karabakh", the new parliament of Armenia adopted a
Declaration on the proclamation of the process of establishing an independent
statehood. The country was renamed the Republic of Armenia.

Nevertheless,
in the policy of the first authorities of the Republic of Armenia, the policy
of politico-legal separation of the Republic of Armenia and NKAO began. On
September 21, a referendum on independence was held in Armenia. The NKR
population did not participate in this referendum. Nevertheless, when the
independence of the Republic of Armenia was proclaimed, the new declaration was
not adopted. On September 23, 1991, the Supreme Council of Armenia referred to
the Declaration of August 23, 1990, where the Republic of Armenia was declared
jointly with the territory of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region.

Accordingly,
the process of politico-legal self-organization of Artsakh went separate way.
On November 28, 1991, the session of the NKR Council of People's Deputies
passed a resolution on holding a referendum in the NKR, as well as Provisional
Statute on elections. On December 10, a referendum on the independence of the
NKR was held. Conditions were created for holding elections to the Supreme
Council of the NKR – independent state building was initiated. The declaration
on the independence of the NKR was adopted at the first session of the Supreme Council
of the NKR on January 6, 1992.

During the
disintegration of the USSR, it was necessary to show attitude towards the
current political and legal realities of the moment. In this sense, it is
noteworthy that by signing the declaration on the formation of the Commonwealth
of Independent States (CIS) on December 21 in the city of Alma-Ata, which
recognizes the sovereignty and existing borders of all the participating states
(including Azerbaijan), the Armenian leadership refrained from recognizing independence
NKR. The fate of the NKR was left to the international community for
consideration. And the further process of state building in Armenia and NKR
went on the basis of a completely different philosophy.

Fenced off from
the NKR in the legal sense, the leadership of the Republic of Armenia armed
with a course to suppress the political independence of the NKR. The first
elected authority in the NKR was suppressed by the efforts of the corpus of
supporters of the Armenian leadership. The idea of independence of the NKR
began to be presented as a fiction, and any power in the NKR should have been
formed under the pressure of the Armenian authorities. It was then that the
principle "reunification on a parole of honor" came into use.
Elections in the NKR were turned into a fiction – a military dictatorship was
established in the country.

The situation
became even more complicated when a crisis of power arose in Armenia after the
1996 presidential election. The political system of the country collapsed under
the onslaught of the military dictatorship of the NKR. The leaders of this
dictatorship reduced the NKR factor to a full fiction, removing it from
international negotiations on the settlement of the conflict between the NKR
and Azerbaijan.

State building
in Armenia and Artsakh was trapped in a non-legal atmosphere. The situation
described above was preserved until the change of power in Armenia in May this
year. With the advent of the new government, the foundations of the power elite
of the NKR, which are dependent on the leadership of Armenia, have been
undermined. The latter only had to accept submissively the new prime minister
nominated by the Armenian society. The NKR society recognized him as well. The
fact of long-term usurpation of the rights of the NKR to form its state power
through free elections, and also to negotiate, hung in the air. The statement
of the new Prime Minister of Armenia N. Pashinyan that Armenia will speak only
on behalf of its republic in negotiations on the settlement, only stressed the
fact of the emergence of a new situation.

It turns out
that the new interim government of Armenia that declared the policy of legal
regulation of state life of the country can not take responsibility for
problems that go beyond the constitutional territory of the Republic of
Armenia. First and foremost, this means that the debated "Madrid
principles" of the settlement of the Karabakh conflict do not in any way
affect Armenia but are a matter for the NKR and Azerbaijan. Armenia can
negotiate with Azerbaijan only on the topic of security due to the fact that it
assumed the role of guarantor of the security of the NKR population.

The same
concerns the problem of the formation of state power in the NKR. The interim
government of Armenia, based on its principles, can not influence the elections
in the NKR. All figures and political forces of Artsakh, still having the
support of the Armenian authorities, will have to rely on their own resources.
This means that an imperative of political reforms has arisen in Artsakh. The
current situation demands the rejection of the demagoguery of the principle of
"reunification on a parole of honor" and the transition to the
principle of political and legal settlement of all spheres of relations between
the Republic of Armenia and the NKR. Everything should be regulated by the
principle of "right-responsibility" both in domestic life and in the
international sphere. It will not be easy to do, but life does not give permission
for anything else.

 

Manvel Sargsyan

 

https://acnis.am/en/analysis/18-2018-en

 

 

 

 

Cypriot House President continues meetings in Armenia in framework of official visit

Cyprus News Agency
Monday
House President continues meetings in Armenia in framework of official visit
 
 
President of the House of Representatives Demetris Syllouris is continuing his contacts in Yerevan, Armenia, in the framework of an official visit, and on Monday met with President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian and President of the National Assembly Ara Babloyan.
 
In statements, Sarkissian said prospects for cooperation between Cyprus and Armenia are much greater than they have been, noting that they agreed to promote cooperation in the sectors of services and education.
 
Sarkissian said the friendship between Cyprus and Armenia goes back centuries, and referred to the Armenian community in Cyprus, noting that its members are also good citizens of Cyprus.
 
Syllouris said they discussed practical ways to enhance cooperation and relations, to the benefit of the people of both countries.
 
In his meeting with Babloyan, Syllouris referred to preparations for the trilateral parliamentary cooperation of Cyprus, Greece, and Armenia, the first meeting of which will take place in Cyprus.
 
Babloyan said Armenia looks forward to the House of Representatives ratifying the enhanced partnership agreement between the EU and Armenia.
 
In a press conference after the talks, Babloyan said the official visit strengthened the effort for the further development of bilateral ties, noting that they had the opportunity to discuss parliamentary cooperation and relations.
 
Babloyan also said they discussed developments in the Cyprus issue, adding that Cyprus and Armenia support each other in matters of national importance.
 
Regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, he said Cyprus was the first European country to recognise in 1975 and condemn the genocide. Babloyan also mentioned the law that the House of Representatives passed regarding the criminalisation of the denial of the genocide.
 
Regarding the Armenia's 'velvet revolution', Syllouris said 'there is only one Armenia for us', adding that 'we want a strong Armenia'.

Ruben Haytayan: There are violations in the bakery and dairy market (video)

Today, Vice President of Armenian National Consumers’ Union Ruben Haytayan said at the news conference that the violations in Armenia’s bakery market are continuing.

Ruben Haytayan states that even though the national food safety service says that the field is settled, it does not correspond to the reality.

“Only the price tag is mentioned on the bread. Despite the requirements of the law, the flour type and many other details are not mentioned.”

Ruben Haytayan announced that there are also violations in the dairy sector.

“The same thing is in the butter’s case. There are also violations here when the manufacturer does not specify the presence of vegetable oils in it. This is also an example of fraud. It is roughly the same as selling copper instead of gold. It is necessary to bring to responsibility and punish,” said Ruben Haytayan.

Impact of the Change in Government in Armenia on the Karabakh Conflict: View From Baku

The Jamestown Foundation
 
 
 
 
Impact of the Change in Government in Armenia on the Karabakh Conflict: View From Baku
 
Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 74
 
By: Farhad Mammadov
 
04:49 PM Age: 23 hours
 
(Source: Al Jazeera)
 
The mass street protests across Armenia, which began in late March, forced the resignation, on April 23, of Serzh Sargsyan, who had recently taken over as prime minister (with strengthened constitutional powers) after ruling as president for the last decade. Shortly thereafter, on May 8, opposition politician and leader of the demonstrations, Nikol Pashinyan, was elected the new head of government (see EDM, April 23, May 10). Thus, the political history of this South Caucasus country now enters a qualitatively new phase because the leadership transition represents not simply a single change at the top, but also a broader upending of the political elite. For Azerbaijan, perhaps the most important issue to watch will be how this political change in Yerevan will affect prospects for the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Karabakh.
 
For the past 25 years, Armenia’s domestic politics were always closely linked to developments in the conflict settlement process. Arguably, the resignation of Armenia’s first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan; the transfer of power in Armenia to the Karabakh politicians Robert Kocharyan and later Serzh Sargsyan; the shooting in the Armenian parliament, in 1999, resulting in the deaths of the parliamentary speaker and prime minster; the July 2016 seizure of a police building by the revolutionary “Sasna Tsrer” armed group; and the resignation of Hovik Abrahamyan’s government in fall 2016 were all strongly influenced by events surrounding the Karabakh conflict (Vestnik Kavkaza, May 4).
 
While both international and local media coverage, not to mention the expert community, enthusiastically focused on the “democratic profile” of the recent protests in Armenia, many failed to highlight two important issues that will continue to have a significant impact on domestic politics, even despite the change in government: First, the so-called “Karabakh Clan”—composed largely of corrupt and often criminally linked generals who came to power in the 1990s, during or after the Nagorno-Karabakh War—remains entrenched in the Armenian economy and politics. Second, the country continues to be regionally isolated, with 83 percent of its border (with Turkey and Azerbaijan) closed as a result of Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani territory.
 
The new Armenian government hopes to be able to relaunch a “Turkish-Armenian normalization” process—i.e., steps to reopen the Turkish-Armenian border, which Ankara closed in 1993, in support of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. But such attempts had failed in the past, while the strategic nature of Turkish-Azerbaijani cooperation has continued to grow in relevance thanks to a number of joint regional energy-transport projects and other initiatives (see EDM, January 5, 2012; March 11, 2014; October 16, 2017; October 26, 2017). The government may also seek to attract more financial aid from the West with the assistance of the Armenian diaspora. Following Pashinyan’s election, the Armenian National Committee of America called on US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo to support Armenia by considering allocating a new Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant worth $140 million (Anca.org, May 8).
 
Meanwhile, the new prime minister’s populist statements proposing that the separatist Karabakh authorities participate directly in conflict negotiations as well as his declaration that “the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic should become an integral part of Armenia” (see EDM, May 10) tend to match the self-held beliefs of much of his domestic audience. As such, under Pashinyan’s government, the Armenian Armed Forces cannot be expected to voluntarily abandon their long-held positions in occupied Karabakh and the seven adjacent districts of Azerbaijan (A1plus.am, December 4, 2017; Mediamax.am, May 10, 2018; Rosbalt, May 13, 2018).
 
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev recently declared that his country and its people will not allow for the creation of second Armenian state on Azerbaijani soil, emphasizing, “If someone thinks differently, I believe he vainly lives in illusion” (President.az, May 10). At the same time, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov underscored that “the format of the negotiations has already been approved within the framework of the OSCE [Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe]. Armenia and Azerbaijan participate as negotiators… Such attempts [to allow Karabakh to be a party to the negotiations] were made earlier, but this is unrealistic, absurd and does not correspond with the negotiation process. Nagorno-Karabakh is an occupied territory of Azerbaijan, end of discussion” (Apa.az, May 10). Azerbaijani foreign ministry spokesperson Hikmet Hajiyev commented that Pashinyan’s narratives on the Karabakh conflict are regrettable and controversial, designed to stir political agitation. As Hajiyev stressed, “Armenia and Azerbaijan were recognized as two sides of the conflict [in compliance with a 1992 decision by the OSCE], and the Azerbaijani and Armenian communities of the region were accepted as the interested parties.” In addition, the United Nations Security Council resolutions “constitute the fundamental basis for a political settlement,” he added (Mfa.gov.az, May 10). Therefore, in Baku’s view, Pashinyan’s statements will hamper the peaceful resolution process and muddle the negotiating format originally established by the OSCE Minsk Group.
 
Based on Prime Minister Pashinyan’s early remarks, the new Armenian government could negatively affect the settlement process of the Karabakh conflict. In this context, the activity of the international mediators, the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group—Russia, the United States and France—will be particularly important. The question is whether the co-chairs will continue pursuing a coordinated line, or whether regional and global tensions will also affect the workings of the Minsk Group format. Throughout the period of political crisis in Armenia, Azerbaijan hoped for the eventual formation of a government in Yerevan able to soberly to assess the regional security realities. But additionally, Baku was concerned that the Karabakh generals might exploit the political turmoil by heavily escalating the military situation on the frontline with Azerbaijan in order to arouse nationalist sentiment in Armenia. Provocations on the line of contact have repeatedly broken out since the Nagorno-Karabakh War ceasefire of 1994; however, in Armenia’s present political reality, such future armed skirmishes will likely be perceived more emotionally, potentially leading to unpredictable consequences. Thus, Pashinyan’s yet-to-be-formed vision regarding the Karabakh conflict could give rise to further frontline clashes to which Azerbaijan will likely respond forecefully, as it did in April 2016 (see EDM, April 6, 2016).
 

Azerbaijani Press: Armenia’s "Velvet Revolution" keeps peace with Russia – for now

Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijani Opposition Media
 Friday


Armenia's "Velvet Revolution" keeps peace with Russia - for now



The leaders of the protest movement that toppled Armenia's longtime
leader Serzh Sargsyan have studiously - and so far successfully -
avoided making their call for a "velvet revolution" about Armenia's
foreign relations.

But not far under the surface of the protest movement lie strongly
skeptical attitudes of the country's tight relationship with Russia.
And if, as seems increasingly likely, a fundamental change in
Armenia's politics is underway, the country's relationship to Russia
will come under pressure.

Russia is Armenia's closest ally and security guarantor, maintaining a
large military base in Armenia and providing substantial military aid.
Armenia is a member of Russia's two most significant regional
organizations, the security-oriented Collective Security Treaty
Organization (CSTO) and the trade bloc Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Russian border guards man the country's frontier with Turkey.

Moscow tends to hold a dim view of popular revolts in its post-Soviet
allies, regularly warning of the danger of so-called "color
revolutions" such as those seen in Georgia and Ukraine. And it
generally saw Sargsyan as a reliable, if not enthusiastic, steward of
Russian-Armenian ties.

Nevertheless, the Kremlin has maintained a hands-off attitude toward
events in Yerevan.

"For now we see that the situation is not unfolding in a destabilizing
way which is a cause for satisfaction," Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry
Peskov told reporters the day after Sargsyan stepped down.

The leader of the anti-Sargsyan movement, Nikol Pashinyan, carefully
avoided voicing any international agenda during the protests. And when
Sargsyan stepped down, Pashinyan took pains to announce that he did
not foresee any significant changes to Armenia's relationship with
Russia. He has said that he supports staying in the CSTO and EAEU and
keeping the Russian military base.

Pashinyan and other leaders of the movement met Russian officials at
their embassy in Yerevan on the evening of April 25, and Russia
appeared to give its tacit approval. "I met with official
representatives from Moscow, who assured me of Russia's
noninterference in Armenia's internal affairs," Pashinyan told a rally
the same evening.

In the past, however, Pashinyan and other protest leaders have taken
more Russia-skeptical positions. The Yelk bloc in parliament, to which
many of the leaders including Pashinyan belong, submitted a proposal
last year to leave the EAEU. Pashinyan has also expressed skepticism
about the CSTO's value to Armenia.

At a press conference on April 24, the day after Sargsyan resigned,
Pashinyan alluded to the possibility of geopolitical shifts in the
future. "We're not going to make any sharp geopolitical movements.
We're going to do everything in the interests of Armenia. Any question
has to be discussed in its own time," he said.

At the protests, many of the participants, unprompted, criticized
Sargsyan's close ties to Moscow and expressed hope that a change in
government would lead to a less pro-Russia orientation.

"You're not from Russia, are you?" one protester asked angrily when
approached by a reporter during one of the low moments of the
movement, shortly after Pashinyan had been arrested. "Good. All of
this is Russia's fault."

After Sargsyan stepped down, another protester - asked what his hopes
for the country were now - put foreign relations close to the top of
list: "We hope that the politics won't be only pro-Russia, that they
will be more balanced."

And even as Moscow has stayed relatively sanguine about the events
unfolding in Armenia, many pro-Kremlin commentators have been framing
the developments as a potentially dangerous color revolution. The
protest leaders "are committed to the West," said analyst Nikolai
Spiridonov in an interview with the Russian news agency RIA Novosti's
Ukrainian service. "We can assume that if one of them becomes
president or prime minister, under the new system, then the balance of
power in the country will change in favor of the West."

One Russian meme has the Kremlin's attack dog TV anchor Dmitry
Kiselyov asking Russian President Vladimir Putin: "I don't understand
- are the Armenians now Banderovtsy, or not yet?" ("Banderovtsy" is a
Russian derogatory term for Ukrainian nationalists and a key trope in
Russia's information war against Ukraine's 2014 "Maidan" revolution
that brought in a pro-Western leadership.)

"Pashinyan wants a pro-Western political course," said Anton
Evstratov, a Russian commentator and history professor in Yerevan. But
there are deep security and economic ties that bind Armenia to Russia,
which will make it difficult for him to implement any sort of
pro-Western agenda, Evstratov said. "The question is, is he able to
put his pro-Western views into reality?"

He said that Russian officials' low-key reaction also is the result of
a belated understanding that the Kremlin's heavy-handed approach
backfired. Evstratov said he was "surprised" by the "soft" reactions
from Russian officials like Peskov, but said that they appeared to
have learned from their mistakes in Georgia (during the Rose
Revolution of 2003) and Ukraine (during the Maidan revolution of
2013-14), when the heavy-handed Russian reaction exacerbated events
and largely turned the two countries against Russia. "They [Russians]
are doing it much more professionally now."

Pashinyan and his colleagues could be compared to "Euroskeptics who
come into parliament on a nationalistic movement, but when they are in
power they become far more moderate and able to negotiate," said Yuri
Kofner, head of the Eurasian sector of the Centre for Comprehensive
European and International Studies at Moscow's Higher School of
Economics, and an advocate of greater Eurasian integration. "I think
the situation can be similar here."

Styopa Safaryan, a former member of Armenia"s parliament who advocates
closer ties with the West, said Russia is likely reassured by
Pashinyan's relatively balanced foreign policy orientation. Pashinyan
did advocate leaving the EAEU, "however, he also was not supporting
Armenia's full European and Euro-Atlantic integration," Safaryan told
Eurasianet. "Pashinyan will not change Armenia's foreign policy agenda
and there is nothing to threaten Russia and Russian interests."

He added, though, that free and fair elections - one of Pashinyan's
major demands - could help more openly pro-Western parties gain a
foothold in the country.

Joshua Kucera is the Turkey/Caucasus editor at Eurasianet, and author
of The Bug Pit.

‘Inclusive dialogue is essential’ – European Union on Armenia protests

Categories
Politics
World

In a statement on behalf of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the Commission Federica Mogherini, the EU has attached importance to dialogue in the ongoing unrest in Armenia.

“The right to exercise freedom of assembly in a peaceful manner and in accordance with the law is a universal and fundamental right of all.

The European Union expects the Armenian authorities to fully respect this right and to apply the law in a fair and proportionate manner, in accordance with Armenia’s international obligations, including in particular under the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms. All those who have been detained while exercising their fundamental right of assembly in accordance with the law must be released immediately.

It is of utmost importance that all parties involved show restraint and act responsibly. An inclusive dialogue, as President Armen Sarkissian has called for, aimed at an immediate and peaceful resolution of the current situation is essential. It is therefore disappointing and worrying that today’s short meeting between Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan and MP Nikol Pashinyan did not prevent further escalation”, the statement of Mogherini’s spokesperson said, as reported by the EU.


Western Prelacy News – 4/20/18

Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate
6252 Honolulu Avenue
La Crescenta, CA 91214
Tel: (818) 248-7737
Fax: (818) 248-7745
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.westernprelacy.org


PRELATE TO PRESIDE OVER DIVINE LITURGY AT ST. SARKIS CHURCH IN PASADENA

        On April 22, 2018, the fourth Sunday of Eastertide or Red Sunday,
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, will preside over Divine
Liturgy and deliver the sermon at St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena. 

***

COMMUNITY-WIDE COMMEMORATION OF THE 103RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE

        On April 24, 2018, Armenians worldwide will commemorate the 103rd
anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and pay tribute to our 1.5 million holy
martyrs through various religious, cultural, and political events. A number
of community-wide commemorative events will take place in the Los Angeles
area, most notably the following:
        On Sunday, April 22, the annual commemoration organized by the
United Armenian Council will be held at the Armenian Genocide Martyrs'
Monument in Montebello (Bicknell Park, 901 Via San Clemente) beginning at
2:00 p.m. The program will feature a religious ceremony by clergy from the
Armenian Apostolic, Catholic, and Evangelical Churches, political messages
by Congressman Ed Royce, Congressman Adam Schiff, State Senator Anthony
Portantino, and State Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian, remarks by Bob Morgenthau,
great-grandson of U.S. Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire Henry Morgenthau,
and cultural performances by students of Armenian Schools.
        The annual "March for Justice" will take place on Tuesday, April 24,
at 12:00 noon. Tens of thousands will gather at Pan Pacific Park (7600
Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles) and march to the Turkish Consulate where there a
special program will take place. Transportation will be provided from
Glendale, Burbank, La Crescenta, Pasadena, Montebello, Hollywood, North
Hollywood, Encino, Canoga Park, an Van Nuys. Please call 888-924-1915 for
more information.
        We call on our faithful to participate in these and all
commemorations in large numbers. 

***

ORDINATION AND CONSECRATION OF BISHOPS IN ANTELIAS

        On April 14 and 15, 2018, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I elevated
four members of the Holy See of Cilicia Brotherhood to the rank of Bishop
during special ceremonies held at St. Gregory the Illuminator Mother
Cathedral in Antelias. Four clergyman received the rank of Bishop; Very Rev.
Fr. Masis Zobouyan (Prelate of Kuwait and Neighboring Countries), Very Rev.
Fr. Sipan Ketchejian (Prelate of Isfahan, Iran), Very Rev. Fr. Mesrob
Sarkissian (Catholicosal Vicar of UAE and Qatar), and Very Rev. Fr. Torkom
Donoyan (Vicar General of the Western U.S.). H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, and members of the Executive Council and community
participated in the ceremony. 
        The ordination ceremony began on Saturday evening at St. Gregory the
Illuminator Mother Cathedral, where His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided
over the ritual of the examination of the faith of the priests. Following
the reading of the recommendations of the Prelacies requesting their
ordination and prayers, His Holiness led them to the ceremony of the
confession of the true Orthodox faith. The priests confessed their faith,
signed papers and vowed to remain loyal to the Catholicosate of Cilicia, to
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, and to the Church and its faithful.
        On the second day of the ordination and the consecration ceremony,
His Holiness conducted Divine Liturgy, assisted by the Prelate and H.E.
Archbishop Nareg Alemezian. According to the Armenian Orthodox Church's
tradition, His Holiness consecrated the forehead and right hand of each
bishop with Holy Muron. During the ceremony, each bishop was also granted an
episcopal staff, ring, and pectoral panagia, symbols of their newly received
rank.
        At the end of the ceremony, His Holiness delivered his Pontifical
message. Addressing the newly ordained and consecrated bishops, His Holiness
described the vocation of the episcopate as service, obedience, humility,
and accountability to the people.
        At the end of the two-day ordination and consecration ceremony, the
new Bishops and the pilgrims who had accompanied them were received by His
Holiness for a final blessing.

***

CHAMLIAN SCHOOL'S ANNUAL WALK-A-THON TO THE PRELACY IN COMMEMORATION OF THE
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

        On Friday, , students of Vahan and Anoush Chamlian
School walked to the Prelacy to pay homage to the holy martyrs of the
Armenian Genocide and renew their commitment to the pursuit of our cause.
Prior to the walk-a-thon students had a candle-lighting ceremony on campus
and planted a tree dedicated to the region of Shadakh in Western Armenia.
The tree was sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Ara and Jacqueline Tovmassian.
Accompanied by Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian, Vice-Principal Mrs. Rita
Kaprielian, teachers, and parents, the students then walked to the Prelacy
where they were welcomed by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate,
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian, and Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian.       
        Upon their arrival to the Prelacy, students placed flowers before
the Armenian Genocide centennial monument. Remarks were delivered by
Armenian Club members and teacher Armenig Hayrabedian, with the message that
they will remain committed to the pursuit of our cause and rights and will
never forget our language and heritage. Group by group the students
presented a program of patriotic songs and recitations. 
        The Prelate delivered his message to each of the groups urging them
to keep the legacy of our holy martyrs who gave their lives for our nation,
church, and homeland alive, to be exemplary Armenians, to love our homeland,
language, and heritage and keep fighting for our cause. He blessed the
students and the teachers and parents who embed our national identity in our
youth. 
        The program concluded with Cilicia and the benediction.

*** 

KEVORK BEDIGIAN'S LATEST BOOK PRESENTED AT THE PRELACY 

        On Thursday, , writer and educator Kevork Bedigian's
latest book dedicated to Aleppo, in particular to Karen Jeppe College on its
70th anniversary, was presented at the Western Prelacy "Dikran and Zarouhie
Der Ghazarian" Hall. The event was held under the auspices of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, and was organized by the Western
Prelacy Cultural-Education Committee in conjunction with Asbarez and the
Karen Jeppe College Alumni Association Los Angeles chapter. 
        The program began with welcoming remarks by Mr. Herair Jermakian,
Chair of the Cultural-Education Committee. Committee member Mr. Moushegh
Bedevian, who served as the Master of Ceremonies, highlighted the rich
history and valuable contributions of Aleppo's Armenian community and spoke
about the current situation and rebuilding efforts. Asbarez editor Mr. Apo
Boghikian lauded Mr. Bedikian's intellectual discipline and his allegiance
to our national values, both of which are reflected in his writings. He
pointed out that Aleppo is oftentimes the topic of Mr. Bedikian's writings,
with this seventh book solely dedicated to Aleppo and Karen Jeppe College.
He also commended that the fact that the event had a young MC. 
        ARS "Talin" Chapter Saturday School student Lily Dabbaghian read an
excerpt from the book and a group of students sang two songs, one of which
was written by Mr. Bedikian. 
        Mrs. Dzovinar Ghazarian-Melkonian gave a synopsis of the book and
spoke about the author's life and his inner world, noting that the book can
be deemed an autobiography for through the pages one gets a sense of his
upbringing, that which influenced and molded him. She stated that the book
also gives a sense of Mr. Bedikian's eternal bond with his birthplace, how
he carries the memories of decades past in his heart and is moved by the
crisis of the present day, and his hope for Aleppo's rebuilding and revival
of its invaluable role in our national and cultural life. The book is also a
representation of the Aleppo's Armenian community in general, of its
triumphs and hopes, she said.
        Mr. Bedikian's granddaughter Vana, presented a moving rendition of
the song "Dear teacher" dedicated to her grandfather, her first teacher.
        The author first and foremost thanked the Prelate and organizers,
those who assisted in the preparation and publication, the presenter and all
program participants, family, and friends for their support. He reflected on
his half-century of service as an educator and his deep love for our
language which has been the driving force of his life. He noted also that
the event itself is a demonstration of the people's love of reading.
Finally, he stated that Aleppo is not a distant memory rather a living
emotion, and that the book is a portrayal of this essence as well as an
expression of gratitude to all the individuals, to Karen Jeppe College and
the environment which shaped his identity.
        The Prelate began his message by stating that the day will be an
unforgettable one, for in addition to the book presentation earlier in the
day the Prelacy had hosted the visit of Tufenkian and Pilibos Schools'
students who had come to renew their allegiance to our nation and cause. He
echoed Mr. Boghigian's portrayal of Mr. Bedikian as a disciplined
intellectual and highlighted the importance of discipline in all aspects of
life. His Eminence commended Mrs. Ghazarian-Melkonian's presentation and
lauded the book's merit as a beautiful expression of gratitude toward Aleppo
and its national institutions. This evening is an invitation for optimism
and strengthening of hopes regarding the rebuilding and revival of Aleppo,
he said, and quoted a passage from the book where the author expresses this
same hopefulness. The Prelate noted also that H.E. Archbishop Shahan
Sarkissian, Prelate of Aleppo, was just recently in Antelias to report the
community's rebuilding efforts to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, which is
yet another sign of the community's impending resurrection. He concluded by
wishing that the book spur efforts to preserve and promote our national and
religious treasures.
        The program concluded with the benediction and Cilicia. Guests
enjoyed a reception hosted by the Karen Jeppe College Alumni Association Los
Angeles chapter while the author signed copies of his book. 

***

PILIBOS SCHOOL JUNIORS VISIT THE PRELACY AHEAD OF PILGRIMAGE TO ARMENIA

        On Thursday, , the junior class of Rose and Alex
Pilibos School paid a visit to the Prelacy to receive the blessings of H.E.
Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate, ahead of their pilgrimage to
Armenia. The visit also served as a renewal of the students' allegiance to
our religious and national values. His Eminence was joined by Archpriest Fr.
Nareg Pehlivanian.
        The visit was held at the "Dikran and Zarouhie Der Ghazarian" Hall.
The program began with opening remarks by Ara Yacoubian, who expressed
thanks for the warm welcome, highlighted the church's valuable role in the
collective life of the Armenian people, and joyfully noted that he and his
peers will be in Armenia during commemorations of the centennial and asked
for the Prelate's blessings.
        Areni Chorbajian served as the MC and one by one invited her peers
who presented a patriotic program of songs, recitations, and musical pieces.
        The Prelate commended the performances and expressed his delight at
the students' visit, pointing out how much more mindful and mature they have
become since their last visit three years ago. He lauded also the sentiments
of nationalism and allegiance to our faith and nation echoed in the
students' remarks. His Eminence stated that the students are fortunate to be
visiting Armenia during centennial commemorations and urged them to really
take in our rich history and heritage as they visit a number of historic and
sacred sites. By the request of the students, the Prelate explained the
history and meaning behind the Holy Muron and how it's made, noting that
while many churches use a form of holy oil, the Holy Muron used in the
Armenian Church is unique in formula and method of preparation. He explained
that Holy Muron dates back to the time of the exodus of the Jews from Egypt,
reached Armenia by Christ's apostles and the tradition reinstituted by St.
Gregory the Illuminator. The Prelate emphasized the continuity of Holy Muron
from the time of St. Gregory until the present and the combining of Holy
Muron in Etchmiadzin and Antelias which is a beautiful symbol of our unity.
He concluded by wishing them a safe trip and expressing confidence that they
will return strengthened in their faith and national identity and will also
remain bonded to our community life following their graduation next year and
beyond. 
        Afterward the Prelate answered questions posed by the students,
giving further information on the Holy Muron and also speaking to them about
challenges of our faith in the modern day.
        The program concluded with Cilicia and the Prelate's benediction. 

***

TUFENKIAN SCHOOL STUDENTS PAY TRIBUTE TO THE HOLY MARTYRS OF THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE AT THE PRELACY MONUMENT

        On Thursday, , the young students of Richard Tufenkian
Pre-School visited the Prelacy where they paid tribute to the memory of the
holy martyrs of the Armenian Genocide by placing flowers at the Genocide
memorial monument. The students, accompanied by Director Mrs. Arsine
Aghazarian and teachers, were welcomed by H.E. Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian, Prelate, who had returned from Lebanon the prior evening.
Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian was alongside His Eminence.
        Following the collective singing of The Lord's Prayer, the Prelate
spoke to the students about April 24 and our holy martyrs who gave their
lives for our nation, church, and homeland. In response to a question by His
Eminence, the students stated that they will join the cause of pursuing our
stolen lands when they get older and will remain faithful to the legacy of
our forefathers. The Prelate noted that the centennial of the first Republic
of Armenia is a testament to our collective will and efforts. The students
sang patriotic songs and the Armenian national anthem, after which they
placed flowers at the monument. 

***


LOS ANGELES CITY COUNCIL COMMEMORATES THE 103RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARMENIAN
GENOCIDE

        By the initiative of Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian,
on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, the 103rd anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
was commemorated at City Hall. Archpriest Fr. Nareg Pehlivanian represented
H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate.
        During the commemoration, the City Council honored the following
education leaders: Prof. Richard Hovannisian, Mr. Gabriel Injejikian, Ms.
Vivian Ekchian, and the USC Shoah Foundation.

***






Azerbaijani Press: Russian newspaper Izvestiya commits provocation against Azerbaijan

Azeri-Press news agency (APA), Azerbaijan
Monday
Russian newspaper Izvestiya commits provocation against Azerbaijan


The Russian newspaper Izvestiya has committed a provocation against Azerbaijan.

The newspaper's website has published an interview with Serzh Sargsyan, ex-president of Armenia and current nominee for the post of prime minister, APA's Moscow correspondent reports.

The interview conducted by journalist Alexei Zabrodin includes a photo of the flag of the illegitimate regime created in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region occupied by Armenia and of a plaque which reads "Welcome to Free Artsakh".

One question in the interview with Sargsyan pertains to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The editor-in-chief of the newspaper Izvestiya, founded in 1917, is Arseni Ohanesyan, who has Armenian background.

Il catholicos armeno Aram I parla al Papa di dialogo con l’islam

La Stampa, Italia
6 aprile 2018
 
 
Il catholicos armeno Aram I parla al Papa di dialogo con l’islam
 
Il presidente Sargsyan e il conflitto in Nagorno-Karabakh: se riuscissimo a ottenere un accordo con l’Azerbaigian, sono certo che potremo regolare anche le relazioni con la Turchia
 
 
Iacopo Scaramuzzi
Città del Vaticano
 
Nel corso del colloquio privato che ha avuto con Papa Francesco, Aram I, catholicos di Cilicia, ha parlato di «genocidio» armeno, ha caldeggiato l’individuazione di una data comune di Pasqua per tutti i cristiani, ed ha sottolineato la necessità di porre maggiore attenzione al calo di cristiani in Medio Oriente e al dialogo con l’islam. Il presidente uscente Serzh Sargsyan parla del conflitto in Nagorno-Karabakh: «Se riuscissimo a ottenere un accordo con l’Azerbaigian», afferma, «sono sicuro che potremo regolare anche le nostre relazioni con la Turchia».
 
 
 
Jorge Mario Bergoglio ha inaugurato ieri una statua di bronzo nei Giardini Vaticani che raffigura l’eroe della cultura armena, san Gregorio di Narek, dopo aver ricevuto, in mattinata nel Palazzo apostolico, Sargsyan e i due massimi rappresentanti della Chiesa apostolica armena (o Chiesa ortodossa armena), il Catholicos di tutti gli Armeni Karekin II e il Catholicos di Cilicia Aram I (alla cerimonia era presente anche il patriarca Bedros della Chiesa armeno-cattolica).  
 
 
 
Nel corso del colloquio privato, riferisce oggi il Catolicosato della Grande Casa di Cilicia, «il catholicos Aram I ha ringraziato il Papa per la sua posizione ferma nel riconoscere il genocidio armeno. Nel corso dei colloqui che hanno affrontato le questioni che l’umanità deve affrontare, le minacce del mondo, e la risposta cristiana, Sua Santità Aram I ha sollevato le seguenti questioni». Primo, «una data comune per Pasqua. Il catholicos ha notato che le Chiese celebrano la risurrezione di Cristo in date diverse non a causa di un disaccordo teologico ma solo perché hanno adottato calendari liturgici differenti (Gregoriano e Giuliano), ed ha proposto che le Chiese concordino una data comune come segno dell’unità dei cristiani».  
 
 
 
Secondo, «attualmente tutte le Chiese affrontano conflitti interni e divisioni a causa delle questioni sociali. Aram I ha dunque proposto che le Chiese sospendano i loro antichi dibattiti teologici e focalizzino l’attenzione nel trovare risposte comuni alle questioni contemporanee che i loro fedeli devono affrontare». Terzo, «come leader spirituale che vive in Medio Oriente, Sua Santità ha parlato dell’urgenza di una comprensione comune tra cristiani e musulmani ed ha proposto che il dialogo cristiano-musulmano divenga una priorità nell’agenda dei dialoghi teologici bilaterali». E, infine, «condividendo la sua preoccupazione per il calo del numero di cristiani in Medio Oriente, il catholicos Aram I ha parlato della necessità di una maggiore attenzione da parte del Vaticano».
 
 
 
Anche la sede centrale della Chiesa apostolica armena, guidata da Karekin II, fa sul suo sito internet una cronaca della cerimonia di ieri mattina per svelare la statua bronzea di san Gregorio di Narek «eretta nei giardini vaticani per beneficenza di Mikael Minasyan, ambasciatore straordinario e plenipotenziario della Repubblica d’Armenia presso il Vaticano, del bsuinessman Artur Janibekyan dalla Russia e grazie agli sforzi di Vardan Karapetyan, presidente del dipartimento per la cultura dell’ambasciata armena in Vaticano».
 
 
 
Il Pontefice argentino ha elevato san Gregorio di Narek alla dignità di Dottore della Chiesa Universale il 12 aprile 2015 con lettera apostolica annunciata il giorno della messa speciale celebrata a San Pietro per i fedeli di rito armeno. In quell’occasione, Jorge Mario Bergoglio ricordò peraltro il «genocidio» di inizio Novecento, commemorato dagli armeni il 24 aprile, l’esplicito uso del termine contestato dalla Turchia che suscitò le proteste di Ankara e il ritiro temporaneo del proprio ambasciatore presso la Santa Sede. Proteste poi ribadite – senza ritiro dell’ambasciatore – quando il Papa è tornato a usare il termine «genocidio» durante la visita in Armenia del giugno 2016. L’idea di offrire alla Città del Vaticano e a Francesco la statua bronzea inaugurata oggi ha preso corpo proprio in occasione del viaggio del Papa, quando il presidente Sargsyan donò al Pontefice argentino una miniatura bronzea di San Gregorio di Narek con l’auspicio di poterla vedere un giorno installata a grandezza naturale nei Giardini Vaticani. Cosa avvenuta nel corso della breve cerimonia avvenuta ieri che non ha ovviamente toccato il controverso tema del «genocidio» né altre questioni politiche.
 
 
 
Il presidente armeno uscente Serzh Sargsyan (nei prossimi giorni si insedierà il suo successore, già eletto dal Parlamento, Armen Sarkissian), da parte sua, dopo avere incontrato il Papa ha scambiato con il cardinale Pietro Parolin, Segretario di Stato vaticano, opinioni su «le questioni e le sfide regionali», si legge in un comunicato della Presidenza arena, «compresi i colloqui per una pacifica composizione del conflitto del Nagorno-Karabakh» tra Armenia e Azerbjgian. «Serzh Sargsyan ha aggiornato il Segretario di Stato sugli ultimi sviluppi nel processo di composizione del conflitto. In questo contesto, è stato sottolineata la necessità di una risoluzione esclusivamente pacifica del conflitto». Un tema ripreso dal Capo di Stato armeno in una intervista concessa oggi a Vatican News: «Io – afferma in risposta ad una domanda circa la speranza che con Azerbajgian e anche Turchia arrivi finalmente una vera pace – non vedo nel futuro prossimo possibilità che queste relazioni possano essere regolate. Loro dovrebbero lasciare da parte le loro illusioni. Noi non accettiamo la loro convinzione di poter risolvere i problemi con la forza, perché sono forti. Il problema del Nagorno-Karabakh è molto complicato e senza compromessi da entrambe le parti non si potranno trovare soluzioni, quindi se riuscissimo ad ottenere un accordo con l’Azerbaigian per la soluzione del problema del Nagorno-Karabakh, sono sicuro che potremo regolare anche le nostre relazioni con la Turchia». Quanto alla speranza che i profughi armeni in Siria e Iraq possano tornare nelle loro case, «i danni che sono stati causati in Medio Oriente a tutta la popolazione e alle nostre comunità armene sono difficilmente recuperabili, soprattutto per la nostra gente», risponde Sargsyan. «Il danno è talmente grande, che difficilmente si potrà ricostruire una comunità in quelle zone, anche nel caso finisse il pericolo della guerra. Anche se io ho grandi dubbi che nel prossimo futuro, la guerra possa finire». Il presidente armeno, che ha incontrato cinque volte il Papa nel corso della sua presidenza (2008-2018), è stato peraltro ricevuto oggi al Quirinale dal Presidente della Repubblica italiana Sergio Mattarella.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

*UPDATED* Armenian Assembly to Celebrate the Past, Present, and Future in Philadelphia

ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:

Contact: Danielle Saroyan

Telephone: (202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

 

ARMENIAN
ASSEMBLY TO CELEBRATE THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE IN PHILADEPHIA

                                                                                      

Intern
Alumni Join Community Leaders on Honorary Host Committee

 

WASHINGTON,
D.C.
– Celebrating the past, present and future, the Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly) under the leadership of its dynamic committee will come
together in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 28 at the National Constitution
Center.  The Philadelphia Celebration is
an occasion to reconnect with intern alumni and network with more young
professionals in a lively setting with dinner and dancing. On this occasion,
the Assembly family will also be honoring Life Trustees Peter and Irene
Vosbikian.

 

"As the Philadelphia Celebration Host Committee
Chairman and a former Terjenian-Thomas Assembly intern, I can honestly say that
this event brings everyone together and offers a unique opportunity to
reconnect with old friends while being able to make new connections," Alex
Karapetian said.

 

The Philadelphia Celebration Host Committee Members
include Assembly Board Members Alex Karapetian and Bianka Kadian Dodov, and
local Philadelphia-natives Celeste Ayjian, Jake Der Hagopian, and Silva
Santerian.

 

"We look forward to celebrating the Armenian
Assembly and its internship program in Philadelphia, home of the Super Bowl
Champion Philadelphia Eagles! The evening will be a kef-time party filled with
great food, drink, music, dancing, and, most importantly, great people
celebrating the youth of the Armenian American community – past, present, and
future," stated Philadelphia Celebration Committee Member Jake Der
Hagopian.

 

As the event is nearing, the Honorary Committee
continues to grow. Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program alumni who are
part of the Honorary Host Committee include Ani Acopian ('14), Adam Azarian
('09), Alexander Azarian ('14), Michael Azarian ('05), Mark Hoplamazian ('83),
Edele Hovnanian ('80), Leslie Azarian Karapetian ('02), Julia Mirak Kew ('87),
Raffi Manoukian ('98), Mark Momjian ('79 & '80), Melineh Momjian ('85),
Paul Sookiasian ('05), Erika Hajatian Torosian ('05), and Linda Yepoyan ('81).
Former Assembly Board Chairman Michael Haratunian and former Assembly Board
Member Harry S. Cherken, Jr. are also part of the Honorary Host Committee,
which includes their former Board colleagues Edele Hovnanian and Mark Momjian.

 

"My summer spent in Washington, D.C. as part of
the Armenian Assembly Internship Program is one I will never forget. I had my
first 'real' work experience, which set the tone for my career in marketing. I
got to experience an incredible city, and participate in a rich curriculum of
cultural and social activities. But even better, I met interesting and
well-rounded individuals and created life-long friendships," said Erika
Hajatian Torosian, Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship class of 2005.

 

The evening's entertainment features Kevork Artinian
and His Band. Last week, Kevork Artinian shared a video message inviting
everyone to attend the Philadelphia Celebration.

 

"What better place to host the Armenian
Assembly's celebration of the past, present, and future than in the city of
brotherly 'Armenian' love? We look forward to welcoming friends both old and
new and enjoying this incredible venue," Philadelphia Celebration
Committee Members Celeste Ayjian and Silva Santerian said. "Let's dance
the night away while overlooking Independence Hall and our Liberty Bell. This
is not an event to be missed!"

 

Tickets are available for purchase online at
www.aimhye.com. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the evening,
contact Assembly Development Director Nazanee Topian at (202) 393-3434 ext. 345
or [email protected]. Please purchase your ticket by April 16, 2018.

 

To learn more about the Philadelphia Celebration,
please visit www.aimhye.com or the Armenian Assembly of America Facebook Page.

 

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of
America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting
public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a
non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

 

###

 

NR#
2018-009

 

Photo Caption 1:
Philadelphia Celebration flyer

Photo Caption 2: Erika
Hajatian Torosian, standing immediately behind Congressman Joe Knollenberg
(R-MI), with the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program Class of 2005


Available onlibe: 


Knollenberg with group.JPG

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Philly Flyer 8.5 x 11 - Updated Darker Font.jpg

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