Author: Hambik Zargarian

Russia helps reconstruct over 300 buildings in Nagorno-Karabakh

Hambik Zargarian
TASS, Russia
Jan 14 2021
Work is underway to reconstruct another 450 buildings
MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. Over 300 buildings in the Nagorno-Karabakh region have been reconstructed using materials provided by Russia, the Russian Emergencies Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
 
"Over 300 buildings have been reconstructed using construction materials provided by Russia as part of humanitarian aid. Work is underway to reconstruct another 450 buildings," the statement reads.
 
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
On November 9, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said that Azerbaijan and Armenia would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region. In addition, the Agdam, Kalbajar and Lachin districts were handed back over to Azerbaijan. According to the statement, parts of the Martuni, Martakert and Askeran districts, the city of Shushi and almost the entire Hadrut district, which used to be part of the Nagorno-Karabakh autonomous region in the Soviet era, were also handed over to Azerbaijan.
 

Rose Shelengian, a World War II Rosie the Riveter and proud Armenian American, dies at 95

Hambik Zargarian
The Philadelphia Inquirer
Jan 13 2021
 
Rosie the Riveter and proud Armenian American, dies at 95
 
by Gary Miles,
 
Rose Shelengian, 95, of Broomall, a Rosie the Riveter factory worker during World War II, a determined mother of three, and a proud Armenian American, died Sunday, Dec. 27, of COVID-19 and other complications at Wellington at Hershey’s Mill.
 
Born to parents whose own parents suffered in the Armenian genocide, Mrs. Shelengian celebrated her heritage and embraced family and work life with persistent exuberance. Even over these last few years, she got dressed, made the bed every day, and found something constructive to achieve.
 
“She did all that she could do in a day so that a minute was never wasted,” her family wrote in a tribute.
 
Even as she grew older, Mrs. Shelengian did not slow down. When it snowed, she shoveled the driveway. When she fell ill, she set her own recovery goals and charted a course back to health.
 
“She was always pushing forward,” said her grandson, Paul Vartan Sookiasian. “She always kept on going. And to get to 95 is not an easy road.”
 
“Rose’s life was one of overcoming obstacles, and immeasurable perseverance,” her family wrote.
 
Mrs. Shelengian was born in Bridgewater, Mass., in December 1924. Her parents had arrived from Turkey a year before with her older sister, Madeline. Her mother was a survivor of the genocide, and her father was a veteran of war in Turkey.
 
When the Depression closed the factory in which her father worked, the family moved to Philadelphia in 1935 to be close to relatives. Mrs. Shelengian, pushing forward in her new world, became active at St. Gregory’s Armenian Church, and found fellowship at the local Armenian Youth Federation.
 
Her plan was to go to college and become a teacher. But her mother died when she was 13, so Mrs. Shelengian redirected her energy to helping her sister run the household so their father could work in his tailor shop.
 
 

 
She graduated from West Philadelphia High School in 1942, and, when the United States entered World War II, took a job at a defense plant in Westinghouse’s turbine division. She became one of the iconic Rosie the Riveter women who worked in factories and shipyards during the war while men served in the military.
 
Mrs. Shelengian later became involved in Rosie the Riveter recognition programs, and in 2017 was honored by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney for her work both during and after the war. She was also proud to have had her story shared on a radio podcast that aired on Memorial Day 2019.
 
“She didn’t seek the limelight but knew deep down the unified work the Rosies did filled a huge need,” wrote Anne Frazier-Montague of the American Rosie Movement. “I am blessed to know her and the story of her life.”
 
After the war, Mrs. Shelengian, then Miss Basmajian, met Martin Vartan Shelengian, a veteran who served in the Pacific theater, at a social event. They married in 1947, and had three children: Armine, Richard, and Karen. They were married for 64 years until his death in 2011.
  
The family moved to Broomall in 1958, and Mrs. Shelengian returned to work in 1960 when her husband temporarily lost his job. She went on to work for 35 years, rising to executive secretary at the Ultra Sonic Seal Company. She retired at 70 only because “she figured it was time,” her family said.
Mrs. Shelengian was a talented cook, and she delighted in whipping up Armenian specialties, like choreg, sweet bread. She liked to garden, read, and pass on family stories. She was a member of St. Gregory’s Ladies Guild. Family came first, and her grandson remembers that his first word was “Tide” because she always kept him close as she tended to the laundry.
 
“Her indomitable spirit was an inspiration and example to us all,” the family wrote.
 
In addition to her children and grandson, Mrs. Shelengian is survived by four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and other relatives. A service was held last month.
 
 

Chiefs of Armenian, Azerbaijani security services discuss exchange of POWs

Hambik Zargarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 9 2021
The Director of the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia Armen Abazyan had a working meeting with the Director of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Nagy in the neutral border zone adjacent to the Yeraskh community of Armenia’s Ararat region.
 
Issues related to the exchange of prisoners and the search for the missing were discussed during the meeting.
 
Communication on these topics continues.
 

Asbarez: ARF Western U.S. Regional Convention Pledges to Assist Soldiers and Their Families

Hambik Zargarian

December 29,  2020



Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S.

The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western United States convened its Regional Convention, during which the aftereffects of the Artsakh War became the lead topic of discussion.

The Convention unanimously decided that it will expend all its resources to assist our soldiers, and their families, in Armenia and Artsakh through specific programs and projects that will provide our heroes the tools to overcome the myriad obstacles created by the Artsakh War.

Of course, the current crisis facing Armenia, Artsakh and the entire Armenian Nation was compounded by the signing of the defeatist November 9 agreement by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The now infamous document ended the military hostilities in Karabakh, but forced the surrender of historic territories in Artsakh and Armenia to Azerbaijan.

Since then we have not only witnessed the surrender of historic Artsakh territories of Karvachar, Berdzor and Shushi to Azerbaijan, but also key outposts in Armenia-proper compounding the complexities facing our brothers and sisters in the homeland.

The Regional Convention also reaffirmed an earlier announcement by the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee, which declared the November 9 agreement treasonous against our nation. It also unequivocally asserted that the Armenian government, headed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, bears sole responsibility for the crisis that has arisen from the signing of the document. In accordance to our organization’s position, the Convention also reiterated that the best way to mitigate further losses to our Nation, would be the prime minister’s immediate resignation followed by the forming of a National Accord government, which will be tasked to plan snap parliamentary election. The person whose signature appears on that disastrous document cannot lead the nation out of this crisis.

The Regional Convention also emphasized the need to unite all existing potential of Armenian life in the Western United States to collectively work together to not only better assist the homeland but to also chart a new course in Diaspora-Armenia relations. One of the key facets of this effort are the continuing advocacy work being done to advance the issue of Artsakh’s recognition in federal, state and local governments, as well as securing much-needed U.S. assistance for Armenia.

At its conclusion, the Regional Convention elected a new Central Committee, comprised of the following members, which is tasked with shepherding the organization for the next two years.

Sako Berberian
Vahan Bezdikian
Shahen Derderian
Garo Ispendjian
Toros Kejejian
Arto Keuleyan
Levon Kirakossian
Harout Mgrditchian
Dr. Carmen Ohanian
Alik Ourfalian
Koko Topalian

ARF 55th Regional Convention
December 28, 2020
Montebello, California




Armenian opposition MP demoted for ‘offensive’ post about PM, calling public ‘trash’

Hambik Zargarian
JAM News
Dec 30 2020

    JAMnews, Yerevan

Armenian opposition MP Naira Zohrabyan has been stripped of her post as the head of the permanent parliamentary commission for the protection of human rights following her posts on Facebook that she “hates the garbage that brought Pashinyan to power.”

84 out of 132 MP took part in the closed vote on Zohrabyan’s position, 78 of voted for, four abstained, 2 ballots were declared invalid.

Naira Zohrabyan believes that the ruling faction took this step at the request of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan himself.

  • Eggs thrown at MPs, fistfights break out as protests continue in Armenia
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On her Facebook page, Zohrabyan wrote:

“I hate you, rubbish [the electorate of the prime minister] for bringing your own kind to power, the one who is gradually closing the page of our statehood.”

She also wrote that “the first problem of the country is ignorance and after” ‘nicholism’ – “it is necessary to forcefully educate the people so that they do not choose the same again”.

After that, MPs of the ruling faction came up with a project to dismiss Zohrabyan from the post of chairman of the parliamentary commission on human rights for making xenophobic statements about the citizens of Armenia.

Ruling party‘s comments

“The head of the commission for the protection of human rights cannot represent the interests of society, a part of which she calls rubbish,” MP Suren Grigoryan said, explaining the decision of the ruling bloc.

Neither opposition faction of the parliament participated in the discussion of the issue.

The ruling faction also stated that it does not intend to take away the post of the head of the commission from the opposition, and that Zohrabyan may be replaced by another representative of the same Prosperous Armenia party.

What MP Naira Zohrabyan says

She believes that Pashinyan’s “authoritarian junta”, which set his “Soros” MPs against her, is being dealt with.

Zohrabyan also stated that the head of the government himself “more than once or twice expressed hatred and contempt for those around him,” even to the priests:

“Since he [Pashinyan] is very petty, it seems to him that this will be a tragedy for me. He decided to punish me before his resignation.”

The MP also commented on the use of the word “trash”. She once again stated that she considers everyone who justifies the death of 5,000 soldiers in the war in Karabakh, and now also the surrender of the territories of Armenia itself in Syunik, the southern region of the country bordering Azerbaijan, as “rubbish”.

Naira Zohrabyan at the opposition rally demanding the resignation of the prime minister




Happy Holidays from AUA!

Hambik Zargarian

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Azerbaijanis behead Vazgen Sargsyan statue in Shushi

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia

Dec 28 2020

Azerbaijanis have beheaded the statue of Sparapet Vazgen Sargsyan, the national hero of Armenia and Artsakh, in the town of Shushi, Marina Shakhnazaryan, a member of the Civil Consciousness NGO, said on Facebook on Monday, sharing photos of the statue.

“Aram, how are you? … Are you satisfied?

“The enemy has desecrated and beheaded the statue of Sparapet Vazgen Sargsyan, which has been left in Shushi,” she wrote, addressing Vazgen Sargsyan’s brother Aram Sargsyan.



Armenian woman returns from Azeri captivity

Hambik Zargarian
Panorama, Armenia

Dec 28 2020

Armenian woman Azniv Baghdasaryan, who was held in Azerbaijani captivity and was shown in a video “welcoming” Azerbaijani soldiers, has returned home.

In an interview with Sputnik Armenia, Baghdasaryan said that together with three other prisoners, she was transferred to Armenia in December.

“I've been at home for several days already,” she said.

The woman is trying to adapt to a peaceful life, communicating with her neighbors. Her cat named Pushok also helps her.

The fact that Baghdasaryan was held in Baku became known after a press conference in October in which she took part.

Incidentally, Artsakh Ombudsman Artak Beglaryan said earlier that Armenia and Azerbaijan exchanged POWs three times in December. On December 14, 44 prisoners were handed over to Armenia, afterwards two small groups of POWs returned home.



Russian peacekeepers complete demining works in northern section of Stepanakert

Hambik Zargarian

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 12:54, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The specialists of the International Mine Action Center of the Russian defense ministry continue demining works in the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, the Russian defense ministry reports.

The engineering units of the Russian peacekeeping troops are completing the demining works in the northern section of Stepanakert. They have already cleared 260 hectares of land, nearly 100 km long roads, 434 buildings. Over 8,6 thousand explosive devices were found and neutralized.

In the course of demining and clearing the territory of explosive objects in Nagorno Karabakh, Russian peacekeepers use modern robotic systems.

Discovered explosive objects and unexploded ammunition are removed and destroyed at a specially equipped landfill. 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Nagorno-Karabakh: Over 500 Refugees Return Following Armenia-Azerbaijan Ceasefire

Hambik Zargarian
The Republic World
Dec 26 2020
Written By

Riya Baibhawi

Over 500 refugees, on December 25, returned to breakaway Republic of Nagorno Karabakh with assistance from Russian peacekeepers, the Russian Defense Minister said on December 25. It added that the refugees arrived in buses which were safeguarded by the Russian army and military police. The residents of the Caucasian region were displaced after a battle for control ensued between Armenia and Azerbaijan but have started to return following a ceasefire between the two. Since, Russia brokered the pact, over 37,000 locals have returned.

“Today, 540 people were delivered by buses from Yerevan to Stepanakert. The buses were accompanied by patrols from the Russian peacekeeping contingent and military police,” the Russian ministry was quoted as saying by ANI.

Read: Over 1,000 Refugees Return To Nagorno-Karabakh Following Armenia-Azerbaijan Ceasefire

Read: Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Shows Chinese Military Needs Better Counter-strategy: Report

In another official statement, the Russian Defense Ministry informed that the Russian peacekeepers have been providing security to the refugees returning to their residence in the Nagorno-Karabakh region along with humanitarian aid. The Russian force is also aiding in the restoration of the infrastructure facilities in the area and conducting 'round-the-clock monitoring' of the situation in the region from '23 observation posts'. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan agreed to exchange the prisoners of war captured by Armenia’s army along with the mortal remains of soldiers and victims killed during the military confrontation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. 

This move comes after Russia brokered a peace agreement and urged the warring sides Armenia and Azerbaijan to immediately restore the economic and transport ties in the Nagorno-Karabak region, and felicitate the return of the refugees. In accordance with the agreement, Armenia and Azerbaijan declared a complete ceasefire and halted all military operations in the Nagorno-Karabakh region in November 2020. Following this move, the Russian Federation deployed Russian peacekeepers to monitor the ceasefire and military operations in the area. 

Read: Armenia Honors Nagorno-Karabakh Dead, Anti-PM Demo

Read: Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Shows Chinese Military Needs Better Counter-strategy: Report