Author: Karlen Baghdasarian

Rumors of detention of 160 Armenian soldiers in Iran baseless

Karlen Baghdasarian
Mehr News Agency, Iran

TEHRAN, May 23 (MNA) – Rejecting some baseless claims that 160 Armenian soldiers were detained by Iran during the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Iran Embassy in Armenia asserted that such rumors are false and groundless.

The Iranian Embassy in Yerevan has refuted the reports claiming some 160 Armenian soldiers are currently in Iran, Public Radio of Armenia reported.

The Embassy has said the rumors claiming that 160 Armenian soldiers are in Iran and the Iranian side has posed preconditions for their repatriation are false and groundless.

On Saturday a number of Armenian media outlets published the report claiming the soldiers had crossed to the Iranian side during the 44-day war.

This is while the Islamic Republic of Iran has good relations with its neighbors. During the recent war over the Nagorno-Karabakh region between Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, Iran has always stressed the need to avoid war and resolve disputes through dialogues.

RHM/PR

No territories of Armenia to be conceded with alleged document – My Step deputy

Karlen Baghdasarian
Aysor, Armenia
   
 

With alleged document no territory of Armenia will be conceded, My Step deputy Ruben Rubinyan told the reporters on Friday.

“No handing over or exchanging of territories has been discussed,” Rubinyan said.

Asked whether there are exact timeframes of signing the document, Rubinyan said it depends on whether Armenia's condition is accepted or not.

To note, Armenia’s former ambassador Mikayel Minasyan published an extract from a document Armenian PM, Russian and Azerbaijani leaders are going to sign.

Minasyan said with it the Armenian authorities are handing to Azeri side five villages of Tavush province and one in Ararat.

Later, at the cabinet sitting on Thursday, Pashinyan stated that if Azerbaijan carries out the arrangements he will sign the document.

Canada’s Garneau to Lavrov: We will continue to support OSCE in reaching permanent settlement of Karabakh conflict

Karlen Baghdasarian
Panorama, Armenia

Canadian Foreign Minister Marc Garneau spoke with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, at the Arctic Council Ministerial meeting on Thursday.

“Minister Garneau reiterated that Canada firmly supports the work of the Arctic Council and will continue to work with all Arctic states and Indigenous Permanent Participants to advance sustainable economic, social and cultural development as well as environmental protection initiatives important to Northern Peoples and communities in the circumpolar Arctic region.

Minister Garneau reiterated Canada's unequivocal condemnation of Russia's illegal invasion and annexation of Crimea and expressed Canada's concern over Russia's recent destabilizing actions in and around Ukraine,” the government of Canada said in a statement.

“Finally, Minister Garneau and Minister Lavrov discussed the developments in Nagorno-Karabakh. Minister Garneau reiterated that Canada continues to call on Armenia and Azerbaijan to ease tensions and expresses its hope that the parties can engage in meaningful action, including accelerating the release of detainees and the remains of the deceased, the investigation and prosecution of all alleged war crimes and cooperation on demining, and that we will continue to support the primary role of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in reaching a permanent settlement of this conflict,” the statement said. 

Putin to convene security council meeting over Azerbaijan’s incursion into Armenia

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 14:20,

YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. During the latest phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Armenia’s caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not discuss the issue of Russia’s help regarding the situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

“No, Pashinyan didn’t ask for help,” Peskov said. “Of course, the Armenian side expressed extreme concern over the situation at the border. President Putin shared this concern. And President Putin put special emphasis on the necessity for implementing all terms of the trilateral agreements. First of all the term which states about the need for a ceasefire”.

Peskov said President Putin will convene a consultation with permanent members of the security council, and will also hold other meetings and consultations.

On May 12, Azeri military units breached the Armenian state border in an attempt to seize the area of the Sev Lake in Syunik Province. Azeri military formations advanced into the Gegharkunik Province as well. A total of 250 Azeri troops are illegally deployed inside Armenian territory.

PM Pashinyan called the Azeri actions a pre-planned provocation and infringement on Armenian sovereignty. Armenia officially applied to the CSTO to initiate the mutual-defense mechanisms. 

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Congressman Chris Smith calls for $50,000,000 in direct U.S. humanitarian aid to Artsakh

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 10:39, 7 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) – the most senior member on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee – has called on House appropriators to allocate at least $50 million for food security, housing, medical aid, infrastructure, and other pressing needs in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) – citing the vast death and destruction caused by Azerbaijan’s Turkey-backed attack last year, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

In a letter addressed to the leaders of the House Appropriations subcommittee that writes the foreign aid bill, Rep. Smith noted that, “In September 2020, Azeri forces, supported by Turkey, embarked on a devastating war of conquest in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that caused thousands of casualties, rendered thousands more homeless, and destroyed vital infrastructure,” underscoring the need for “not less than $50 million shall be made available for humanitarian assistance in Artsakh to support food security, housing, medical assistance, and vital infrastructure.”

Congressman Smith also forcefully condemned “credible reports that the Republic of Turkey funded mercenaries recruited from the Syrian National Army to fight with the Azeri army that invaded Artsakh,” calling on his Congressional colleagues to appropriate “not less than $500,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of State for a report that the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate Congressional Committees, on the role of Turkey in the recent attack on Artsakh.”

In his letter, Rep. Smith called for the strengthening of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support, a statutory restriction on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, and for suspending all “U.S. military aid, including under Section 333 Building Partner Capacity Program, to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, and agrees to an equitable resolution of the conflict.”


Private meeting of Armenian, Russian FMs kicks off in Yerevan

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 10:42, 6 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS. The private meeting of Armenia’s caretaker foreign minister Ara Aivazian and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov kicked off in the Armenian foreign ministry on May 6, the Armenian MFA spokesperson said on Facebook.

Russian FM Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Armenia on May 5 on a two-day visit.

He is scheduled to meet with Armenia’s caretaker prime minister Nikol Pashinyan on May 6.

Lavrov will also pay a working visit to Baku on May 9-10.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

A momentous weekend for the Armenian people

Karlen Baghdasarian
JJW – Jewish World Watch
April 27 2021

Executive Director

More than a century ago, 1.5 million Armenians were rounded up and slaughtered amid a campaign of extermination that history has long acknowledged was the 20th century’s first genocide. We all know too well it would not be the last.

For decades, no United States president had called the atrocities what they were even as we collectively each year recall the horrors of the Holocaust. That changed this weekend, April 24, 2021, when President Joe Biden heroically and rightfully called the horrific events of the 1915-1918 Genocide. Jewish World Watch, which has long stood with the Armenian-American community in its push for truth, justice and reconciliation, applauds President Biden and thanks him for standing on the right side of history.

In 2007, Rabbi Harold Schulweis, founder of Jewish World Watch, recognizing the 92nd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, said, “Memory is an essential ingredient to develop moral sensibility. Amnesia of the past slides into amnesia of the future. To deny yesterday is to forget tomorrow…It is an insult to yesterday’s victims and today’s.”

Please join Jewish World Watch in thanking President Biden and applauding his leadership. Just as we stood with those in Darfur, stand today with Uyghurs fighting for their human rights, we too stand with President Biden and echo his sentiments that:

“With strength and resilience, the Armenian people survived and rebuilt their community. Over the decades Armenian immigrants have enriched the United States in countless ways, but they have never forgotten the tragic history that brought so many of their ancestors to our shores. We honor their story. We see that pain. We affirm the history.”

We will not deny the atrocities of yesterday nor turn our backs on those who continue to be perpetrated.

 

Armenian President thanks Kim Kardashian, Eric Esrailian and Cher for contribution to Genocide recognition

Karlen Baghdasarian 
Public Radio of Armenia
April 30 2021


Armenian President thanks Kim Kardashian, Eric Esrailian and Cher for
contribution to Genocide recognition


President Armen Sarkissian sent letters of thanks to renowned
American-Armenian physician, co-director of the David Geffen Medical
Center of the University of California, producer of the Armenian
Genocide film “The Promise” Eric Esrailian, American-Armenian TV star
Kim Kardashian and renowned pop singer Cher (Cherilyn Sarkisian).

In a letter to Erik Esrailian, President Sargkissian highlighted the
impact of the film The Promise. “I would like to mention Kirk
Kerkorian’s devotion, his sense of duty and faith, which helped him
implement a number of projects, including the shooting of The Promise.
The film had a great impact on raising awareness about the Armenian
Genocide. Undoubtedly, Kirk’s enormous influence played a significant
role here.”

“Together we must think about how to value Kirk’s vast legacy and
capitalize on his sincere patriotism. Thank you for your efforts and
for keeping The Promise. ”

In a letter to Kim Kardashian, President Sarkissian noted. “You and
your family have a huge impact not only in the US but also worldwide,
and it was fantastic to see how your influence and actions played an
important role in an international recognition of the Genocide. Thanks
you for your tireless efforts, sincere devotion and commitment.”

In a letter to Cher, President Sargsyan emphasized that the singer has
always been among the prominent figures fighting against genocide
denial. “Your influence played a significant role in the international
recognition of the Armenian Genocide. When we combine efforts and
transform our vision into real and measurable action, the result is
always tangible. I hope to see you in Armenia again, as years ago.”

Authorities should know any attempt to rig elections will meet aggressive response, Kocharyan says

Karlen Baghdasarian
Panorama, Armenia
April 30 2021

The current Armenian authorities should know that any possible attempt to rig the upcoming snap parliamentary elections will meet an aggressive and resolute response, Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan told a meeting with his supporters on April 26.

His comments came in response to a question about possible fraud during the early elections slated for June 20.

The official Facebook page of the former president released a video featuring the third part of the meeting on Friday.

According to Kocharyan, if there is a public demand for fair elections, no government will dare to carry out violations, understanding the consequences they may cause.

"I do not think that they have enough resources to take such steps today. The issue must be resolved immediately in a different way. I repeat myself, it is all up to you," he said.

The former president indicated the snap elections will not be an easy process, adding large-scale campaign will be required. Kocharyan said the creation of their election headquarters is nearing completion.

He noted a large group of proxies is set to monitor the voting at polling stations and ensure that the elections are not stolen.  

Sarkissian sends letter to ICRC President on ensuring return of Armenian POWs from Azerbaijan

Karlen Baghdasarian

 

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 10:51,

YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has sent a letter to President of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer, expecting the Committee’s support for the quick return of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians from Azerbaijan, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

In his letter the Armenian President said several hundreds of Armenian servicemen and civilians have been captured during the recent war launched against Artsakh by Azerbaijan with the active participation and direct involvement of Turkey, noting that the POWs are being tortured and are subject to inhuman treatment by Azerbaijan.

“Touching upon the humanitarian situation in Artsakh today is a key issue, and requires urgent attention from the international community.

The international community, all countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, the international organizations and individuals must give an adequate response to Azerbaijan’s actions.

According to the 2020 November 9 trilateral statement on the ceasefire, Armenia has transferred all prisoners of war to Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, it’s highly important to conduct the exchange of all POWs and civilians with the “all for all” principle, which is ignored by Azerbaijan.

With gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, Azerbaijan is currently hiding the real number of the Armenian prisoners of war and hostages, continues rejecting and obstructing the return of the hostage-taken civilians and the prisoners of war. Armenia is expecting support from the international partners on the quick return of all captives.

I appeal to you and the International Committee of Red Cross to take all necessary measures in accordance with the international humanitarian law to ensure the immediate release and safe return of the prisoners of war”, the President of Armenia said in his letter.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan