Author: Lena Karagyozian

EU Finalizes Enlargement of Armenia Mission

Lena Karagyozian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

EU monitors at the Armenian-Azerbaijan border


The Council of the European Union on Tuesday voted to approve proposals for the enlargement on its mission in Armenia.

The decision to expand the mission was adopted late last year by the EU’s foreign ministers and was said to be the _expression_ of the EU’s commitment to peace in the region, as well as Armenia, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity were supported by the EU member-states and the EU Council President Charles Michel.

On Wednesday the EU Mission in Armenia welcomed the enlargement decision, which will allow participation from all EU member-states,

The two-year mission, which started in January of last year, has deployed 100 monitors along Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Last fall, Canada joined the mission as the only non-EU country.

“The increase in mission personnel underlines the EU’s commitment to peace and security in the region,” EUMA said Wednesday on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Aurora’s Sunrise by Inna Sahakyan included in top 25 films of 2023 by Irish Cinephile

Lena Karagyozian

 11:01,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. Inna Sahakyan’s animated documentary Aurora's Sunrise has been included in the list of 25 best films of 2023 according to Irish Cinephile, an online film and television review platform.

The story of Aurora Mardiganian from Armenian genocide survivor to silent movie star is close to unreal. Having lost her family, escaped slavery and now enduring trauma, she journeys far to tell the world of the Armenian Genocide as it happened. Once in Hollywood, as a star of the silent screen, her story becomes the biggest blockbuster of the time. 30 million dollars is raised, which will save 160 000 orphans, whose descendants number in the millions today. Her courage long forgotten, “Aurora’s Sunrise” revives Aurora’s story through unique testimony, archive footage, and the magic of animation.

Aurora's Sunrise was earlier included in MovieWeb’s 16 Best Animated Movies of 2023.

It also won the Grand Prix at 2023 FIFDH.

Armenia and the Middle East – Foreign Ministry’s 2023 Year in Review

Lena Karagyozian

 13:33,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The Middle East has a special place in the foreign policy agenda of Armenia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a social media post about Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan’s 2023 trips to the region.

“The Middle East has a special place in the foreign policy agenda of Armenia. In this context, 2023 was marked by several important developments. Foreign Minister Mirzoyan visited Egypt, Syria, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain.

"For the first time since the independence of the Republic of Armenia, the Foreign Minister of Armenia participated in the Arab League Council’s foreign ministerial meeting.

"Minister Mirzoyan’s visit to Syria, particularly to Damascus and Aleppo, took place after the devastating earthquake on February 6, and during the visit the minister conveyed the humanitarian aid provided by the Armenian government.

"Among other international treaties, Armenia signed a mutual visa waiver with the UAE in 2023, which will take effect in February 2024. In multilateral platforms, Minister Mirzoyan held meetings with the foreign ministers of Jordan, Lebanon and Saudi Arabia, and the secretaries-general of the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council. Diplomatic relations were established between Armenia and Saudi Arabia in 2023. Political consultations were held on the level of foreign ministers of Oman and Tunisia, co-chaired by Armenian Deputy FM Vahan Kostanyan,” the foreign ministry said.

 

L.A. County Board of Supervisors Call for Release of Armenian Hostages Held Captive by Azerbaijan

Lena Karagyozian
Pasadena Now
Jan 9 2024
STAFF REPORT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell that throws the weight of Los Angeles County behind calls for the release of Armenians being held hostage by Azerbaijan.

At least 36 Armenian prisoners are captive and remain in Azerbaijani custody. Additionally, Azerbaijan is holding eight former military and political leaders of Artsakh captive as political prisoners as of September 2023.

“This is about accountability,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “We need to hold Azerbaijan accountable for violations of humanitarian law. As leaders of a County that is home to the greatest number of Armenians outside of Armenia itself, we must do what is within our power and use our voice to condemn Azerbaijan’s violations of human rights and urge the return of all Armenian hostages and prisoners of war. We have a moral obligation to do so. I am proud to stand in solidarity with the Armenian community.”

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has approved several motions authored by Supervisor Barger related to the ongoing humanitarian violations and acts of violence committed by the Azerbaijani government against the ethnic Armenian people of Artsakh.

“The conflict between Azerbaijan and the people of Armenia impacts our Armenian community in Los Angeles County,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell. “ We must make it clear that these crimes against humanity will not be tolerated by our government. We support the Biden administration in urging the Azerbaijan government to immediately return all Armenian prisoners of war and work toward a solution for lasting peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.”

The motion notes that the only “crime” committed by these individuals was the peaceful exercise of their political rights; they are being held under false and fabricated charges.

According to a recent report by the Center for Truth & Justice, Armenian civilians have been the target of illegal arrests by Azerbaijani officials, with no basis or evidence.

A letter will be sent with all five Supervisors’ signatures to United States President Joseph Biden, Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen urging the Administration to take action at the federal level and suspend all U.S. military and economic assistance to Azerbaijan.

https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/l-a-county-board-of-supervisors-call-for-release-of-armenian-hostages-held-captive-by-azerbaijan

Asbarez: Construction Begins on New Crescenta Valley Church

Lena Karagyozian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 January 8, 2024

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Prelate Bishop Torkom Donyan with the lead architect and design team of the church


Months after announcing that the La Crescenta parish will have its own church, the Western Prelacy announced that construction on the new Holy Archangels Church has begun and is being closely overseen by Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donyan.

“We are hopeful that by mid-year the church will be ready to be officially anointed by His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia,” Bishop Donoyan said in a statement last week.

The Western Prelacy announced in May that the new La Crescenta Church, whose benefactors are Mr. & Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian, will be named “Holy Archangels” Church, with the blessing from Catholicos Aram I.

Varant and Hoori Melkonian, accompanied by Angel Melkonian visited Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan

Community leaders and benefactors Varant and Hoori Melkonian announced a generous donation and became the lead contributors of the new church. They also asked that the church be dedicated to in memory of Varant Melkonian’s father, Melkon, and to honor his mother, Angel, for whom the church was named “Holy Archangels.”

“Varant and Hoori Melkonian are not only a permanent presence in our community through their hard work and support, they are also always ready to ensure that community projects are successful. They bring their unwavering contribution to projects that aim to elevate our nation, homeland and the Western Prelacy through their generosity,” Prelate Donoyan said last March of the couple who have been bestowed with the “Cilician Prince” medal by the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia.

A special committee, comprised of professionals specializing in the fields of architecture and construction, is overseeing the renovation and redesign of the building, which will house the Holy Archangels Church and comply with architectural motifs of the Armenian Church.

Dačić condemns Cameron’s promise to help Kosovo recognize independence

Lena Karagyozian

 19:08, 4 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 4, ARMENPRESS. First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Serbia Ivica Dačić sharply condemned the promise of his British colleague David Cameron to help the self-proclaimed Kosovo in recognizing independence by third countries, Political Lore reports.

The British Foreign Secretary is in Pristina on a working visit, where he held meetings with the Kosovo Albanian leadership and at a press conference promised to help Great Britain in obtaining new recognition of independence for the self-proclaimed republic.

“The statement is extremely hypocritical and deserves the sharpest condemnation. I have never mentioned (Kosovo “Prime Minister”) Albin Kurti, who, like self-proclaimed Kosovo, has been refusing to implement the Brussels Agreements for 11 years, which, among others, was signed and given guarantees on behalf of the EU by the British (ex- head of EU diplomacy) Catherine Ashton, and did not mention a word about terror and the forced expulsion of over 200 thousand Serbs, the destruction of Serbian medieval Christian churches and monasteries, but Cameron promises the so-called Kosovo assistance in new recognitions and in admission to international structures,” Political Lore quoted Dačić as saying.

According to the source, the First Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia recalled that Great Britain recognized Kosovo’s independence the day after it was unilaterally declared on February 18, 2008, and has supported Pristina since then.

Prime Minister Pashinyan congratulates Egypt’s President on re-election

Lena Karagyozian

 16:08,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on his re-election.

“I cordially congratulate you on your re-election as President of the Arab Republic of Egypt as a result of a decisive victory in the Egyptian presidential elections,” PM Pashinyan said in a letter to the Egyptian president.

“I am sure that you will continue to serve your vast experience and wisdom both to the further development and progress of your country, as well as the establishment of peace and stability in the Middle East and Africa. I am convinced that your re-election, which is a testament to the friendly Egyptian people’s trust for you, will boost the Armenian-Egyptian friendship and will allow to continue our jointly agreed projects, including the efforts aimed at intensifying partnership in the economy and security sectors. Taking this opportunity, I wish robust health and productive activities to you, and peace and continual prosperity to the friendly people of Egypt,” the Armenian PM said.

Asbarez: CSTO Secretary-General Visits Armenia

Lena Karagyozian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

CSTO Secretary-General Imangali Tasmagambetov meets with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan on Dec. 21


The Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Imangali Tasmagambetov, arrived in Armenia on Thursday amid growing tensions between Armenia—a member state—and the Russia-led security bloc.

Tasmagambetov met with Foreign Minister Arart Mirzoyan and briefed Armenia’s top diplomat about the latest decisions taken at the CSTO’s recent summit held last month in Minsk. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Mirzoyan, Defense Minister Suren Papikyan and Armenia’s National Security chief Armen Grigoryan did not attend the summit, adding to the rift.

Pashinyan and his government blame the CSTO for not responding to Yerevan’s appeal after Azerbaijan breached Armenia’s sovereign territory in May 2021 and later in September of last year. Armenian authorities have said that the CSTO failed to properly condemn Baku during its annual summit held last year in Yerevan and reneged on the bloc’s mandate to assist member-states during military conflict.

The CSTO contends that it is ready to send a mission to the Armenia border.

According to the source, during the meeting, Mirzoyan and Tasmagambetov exchanged views on the situation in the region, as well as projects aimed at the development of transport and economic interconnectivity, including the “Crossroads of Peace” concept being advanced by the Armenian government.

No Prosecutions Following Pashinian’s Accusations in Armenian Land Seizure

Lena Karagyozian
bnn
HongKong – Dec 21 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

In a tense turn of events, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s allegations against officials, accusing their negligence for Azerbaijan’s seizure of agricultural lands from an Armenian border village last spring, have so far led to no prosecutions. The incident transpired as Azerbaijani forces concluded a redeployment in the Lachin district on March 30, creeping up to 300 meters into Armenian territory at five border locations near the village of Tegh.

This encroachment resulted in the loss of land that sparked escalated tensions, culminating in a skirmish on April 11. The confrontation led to a tragic outcome with at least seven soldiers losing their lives from both sides. In response to these events, Pashinian dismissed the commander of Armenia’s Border Guard Troops, Colonel Arman Maralchian, and criticized unnamed officials for not adhering to his instructions.

(Read Also: Tragic Loss of Azerbaijani Soldier Stirs Military Concerns Amidst Border Tensions)

This triggered an investigation for possible negligence by military officers. Yet, the Prosecutor-General’s Office has not charged anyone, and the investigation continues to unravel the truth. The opposition, however, squarely places the blame on Pashinian for the territorial losses. They accuse him of failing to fortify Armenia’s military post the 2020 war in Karabakh.

(Read Also: Explosive Device Found and Defused in Azerbaijani School)

Pashinian rebuts these allegations, attributing the country’s security challenges to the policies of previous administrations. As the investigation continues, the nation waits for the truth to surface and justice to be served.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/azerbaijan/no-prosecutions-following-pashinians-accusations-in-armenian-land-seizure/

Byblos Bank Armenia donates New Year gift funds to Soldier’s Home

Lena Karagyozian

 19:14,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Byblos Bank Armenia is summing up 2023 and ringing in the New Year with an important donation.

On behalf of all of the Bank’s employees, customers and partners, funds intended for holiday gifts will be transferred to the Soldier's Home charitable NGO to contribute to the social reintegration of disabled veterans, as well as to projects aimed at providing education, training and employment for the displaced residents of Artsakh.

The donation will fund the participation of forcibly displaced Artsakh civilians in educational programs that match their preferences and potential, as well as provide advanced professional education at a later stage and help them find a job.

The cooperation was officially announced on December 19, when the Bank's Chief Executive Officer Hayk Stepanyan and Director of the Soldier's Home Charity NGO Haykuhi Minasyan signed a memorandum at a special event at the Soldier's Home.

"We are happy to collaborate with the Soldier's Home again and unite around the important goal of returning wounded soldiers to a normal life. Today, our attention is also focused on efforts to help our compatriots displaced from Artsakh, to create a healthy environment for them. I am confident that there will be some tangible result, and I hope we will continue the work to benefit the defenders of the motherland," said Hayk Stepanyan, Chief Executive Officer of Byblos Bank Armenia.

As part of the New Year initiative, Byblos Bank Armenia joined the Soldier’s Home project Armenia 301 to make a modest contribution to improving the quality of life of injured veterans․ The symbol of the project Armenia 301 is the painting “Hayastan” (Armenia) by Martiros Saryan, and during the event, the representatives of the Bank got to install fragments of a puzzle on a replica installed at the Soldier's Home.

“The policy adopted by Byblos Bank Armenia clearly reflects the Bank’s attitude towards the defenders of the motherland. It is not the first time that the Bank supports the Soldier's Home, so that we can take care of the veterans and improve their lives. It is very nice to see that Byblos Bank Armenia feels a great social responsibility towards people who were injured while defending the homeland. We are immensely grateful and we hope this will become a contagious example for many other organizations as well,” said Haykuhi Minasyan, the Director of the Soldier's Home Charity NGO.

This year, forcibly displaced persons from Artsakh are the primary beneficiaries of all, including educational programs of the Soldier’s Home. Their social integration is achieved through education and creation of a permanent source of income for them.

In 2022-2023, the Soldier’s Home assessed the educational needs of about 2,400 beneficiaries, of which more than 1,300 participated in various educational courses, and over400 of them found jobs.

———————–

In 2023, Byblos Bank Armenia CJSC celebrated its 15th anniversary and financed a number of educational and charity projects throughout the year. The Bank was founded in December 2007. Today, Byblos Bank Armenia has four branches in Yerevan where customers access various banking services and receive financial advice. The Bank provides its customers corporate-retail banking services that meet the highest international standards.

Soldier's Home is a charitable NGO that addresses the problems of soldiers injured or disabled in combat or on active duty. Veterans receive quality healthcare services free of charge at the rehabilitation center established in 2018. In addition, Soldier's Home helps disabled veterans get education and jobs by organizing a number of educational programs for servicemen living in Yerevan and the provinces of Armenia.