Author: Lena Karagyozian

Asbarez: State Dept. Fails to Address Bipartisan Demands for Azerbaijan’s Release of POWs

Lena Karagyozian



State Dept. fails to address bipartisan demands for Azerbaijan’s release of POWs

Administration Letter Unresponsive to Six Bipartisan Congressional Policy Priorities

WASHINGTON—The State Department’s response to a detailed Armenian Caucus letter was unresponsive to six specific policy priorities raised by over 100 Congressional signatories – failing to address or even mention the plight of over 200 Armenian prisoners of war still being held, abused, and killed by the government of Azerbaijan, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

The May 6 State Department letter, signed by Naz Durakoglu, Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, came in response to a February 19 Armenian Caucus letter outlining a broad range of bipartisan policy concerns. In the months since the Caucus sent this letter in February, it has forwarded two additional Congressional letters to the Biden Administration, the first calling for Armenian Genocide recognition and the second seeking a robust aid package of at least $100,000,000 for Artsakh and Armenia.

Armenian American community members and coalition partners can call for sanctions on Azerbaijan by visiting www.anca.org/907 and support robust U.S. aid to Artsakh and Armenia by visiting www.anca.org/aid.

The six policy priorities left unaddressed by the Administration’s letter are listed below.

1. Prisoners of War:  The bipartisan Armenian Caucus letter stressed that Azerbaijan has refused to free Armenian prisoners of war and apprehended civilians.

The State Department entirely ignores Congressional concern for the release of Armenian prisoners of war, failing, in this letter, to even cite their existence, despite sustained Congressional pressure.

2. Azerbaijani and Turkish Aggression:  The bipartisan Armenian Caucus letter identified Azerbaijani and Turkish forces as having initiated the September 27, 2020 attack that killed an estimated 5,000 people and forced more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee from Artsakh.

The State Department fails to identify Baku and Ankara as aggressors, choosing instead to speak generically of “last year’s fighting.”

3. U.S. Humanitarian Aid:  The bipartisan Armenian Caucus letter called for “significant U.S. commitments” of urgently needed humanitarian aid for the people of Artsakh, to help them reconstruct their communities and rebuild their lives. (A subsequent Armenian Caucus letter called for at least $100 million in U.S. aid.)

The State Department dismisses Congressional calls for a significant U.S. commitment, citing just $5 million in humanitarian aid it has sent to support affected populations of both Armenians and Azerbaijanis.

4. Section 907:  The bipartisan Armenian Caucus letter supported ending the waiver of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, sanctioning Turkish and Azerbaijani leaders, and ceasing military aid to Azerbaijan through the Section 333 Building Partner Capacity program.

The State Department neglects to mention that the White House officially waived Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, and fails to respond to Congressional concerns about withholding U.S. aid to Baku.

5. Turkish Drones and Prohibited Munitions:  The bipartisan Armenian Caucus letter cited Azerbaijan’s use of Turkish Bayraktar drones utilizing American components and technology, and also Baku’s illegal use of cluster and white phosphorus munitions.

The State Department disregards Congressional concern over Azerbaijan’s illegal use of cluster and white phosphorus munitions, and fails to address Baku’s deployment of Turkish Bayraktar drones utilizing American components and technology.

6. Foreign Mercenaries:  The bipartisan Armenian Caucus letter cited Azerbaijan’s deployment of Turkish-backed foreign mercenaries, many with ties to internationally recognized terrorist groups.

The State Department refuses to address Congressional concerns about the foreign mercenaries recruited by Turkey to fight alongside Azerbaijani forces.

CSTO welcomes ceasefire deal on Tajik-Kyrgyz border

Lena Karagyozian

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 13:16, 4 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has applauded the ceasefire deal on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border and the pullout of military units and equipment, the CSTO said in a statement, reports TASS.

“The CSTO welcomes the agreements on establishing a ceasefire on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, the withdrawal of additional military units with military equipment and the commitment by the sides to regulating contentious border issues via political and diplomatic means in the spirit of alliance and good neighborliness, which forms the basis of the organization’s activity”, the statement says.

The situation on the border between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan near the Golovnoy water intake facility escalated on April 28, after skirmishes had erupted between the residents of the two countries’ border areas. On April 29, clashes between Kyrgyz and Tajik servicemen broke out. Kyrgyzstan accused Tajikistan of using mortars, automatic weapons and Mi-24 military helicopters. On the evening of April 29, the parties agreed to a ceasefire and the pullout of troops, however, these hostilities continued periodically in certain locations until May 1.

Beirut: Lebanese-Armenian Is Facing ‘Terrorism’ Charges In Azerbaijan

Lena Karagyozian
The 961, Lebanon
May 6 2021
Souad Lazkani·

Diaspora

·May 6, 2021

Viken Euljekchian, a Lebanese national of Armenian origin, is facing terrorism-related charges in Azerbaijan for allegedly participating in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He was captured by Azeris as a war prisoner after the ceasefire.

Elijekchian along with Maral Najarian, who has since returned to Beirut, first went missing on November 10th, 2020, the day the ceasefire was signed. Now, Azerbaijan is accusing him of mercenary activity, alleging that he voluntarily took part in the conflict for a sum of money.

Lebanese-Armenian Is Facing 'Terrorism' Charges In Azerbaijan

According to Azerbaijan’s investigation, Elucekhian was offered $2,500 by Lebanese-Armenian Ovak Kikiyan to fight in the war.

Eluchekhian is facing charges for fighting as a mercenary, illegally crossing Azerbaijan’s border, and engaging in terrorist activities, Azeri news reported. 

The investigation reportedly found that Eulcekjian and others who had partaken in “terrorist activities against Azerbaijani citizens” for material compensation were part of an organized group. 

“By a court decision, a measure of restraint was chosen in the form of arrest. On May 5, 2021, the indictment in the criminal case was confirmed and sent to court for consideration,” read a joint statement by Azerbaijani Prosecutor’s General Office and the State Security Service. 

Biden’s Declaration On Armenian Genocide Resonates In DelVal Communities

Lena Karagyozian
PATCH, Pennsylvania
April 28 2021

  • Delaware Valley Journal, News Partner

When President Joe Biden used the word "genocide" on Saturday to describe the 1915 killings of over one million Armenians as genocide, some in the U.S. might have wondered what the big deal was about the use of a single word. It was an event from over a century ago after all, and many wondered what it has to do with them as Americans. They can hardly be blamed for not finding a long-ago tragedy as relevant to the American experience. Turkey's state-sponsored and aggressive denial campaign has attempted to keep it obscure and forgotten.

However, beyond the need as a leading world power to condemn genocides whenever and wherever they may occur, especially by a Biden administration that has declared human rights as a cornerstone of American foreign policy, it is important to recall that the legacy of the Armenian Genocide is intricately linked to the American experience, including in our region.

The Delaware Valley was a place of refuge for Armenians since at least the Civil War. The birth of the first known Armenian in Pennsylvania goes back to 1871, when carpet merchant Hagop Capamagian's daughter Adella was born in Chester. During the Hamidian Massacres — a wave of mass atrocities of Ottoman Armenians between 1894-1896 which foreshadowed the genocide to come – -Armenian Americans organized relief efforts and helped survivors settle here.

That scene was repeated 20 years later during the genocide. Numerous local residents joined Armenians in raising money for those suffering, while some doctors and humanitarians even traveled to Armenia after the war to help save lives. Reverend Haig Yardumian of Philadelphia's Armenian Martyrs Congregational Church, a 114-year old church now located in Havertown, organized the "American Committee for Armenian Independence" in 1915. It raised over $300,000. Rev. Yardumian also secured a White House meeting with President Woodrow Wilson to advocate for Armenians. Wilson, in turn, envisioned an independent homeland for Armenians as one of his famous "Fourteen Points," although an isolationist Congress infamously prevented his Arbitral Award for Armenians from happening.

In the decades to come, a modern Turkey grew into a strategic U.S. ally and sought to deny the killings. Turkey demanded silence on the killings, which had once been widely known throughout the U.S., adding to the already traumatic and unresolved pain of the survivors and their descendants, the very thing which brought them to these shores invalidated by their own country. What followed was years of scholarship, advocacy, and an extremely hard-fought struggle for proper recognition of a historic truth over geopolitical convenience which finally came to fruition this weekend.

As America helped survivors rebuild their lives here – they, in turn, repaid their debt of gratitude to their adopted communities by enriching them in numerous ways. For example, we can look to Rev. Yardumian's son Richard, who became composer-in-residence of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and Harry Kuljian, who arrived here with little money speaking almost no English only to become a world-famous engineer who designed the airfield of the Philadelphia International Airport and built the Broad Street Subway extension. Many of these survivors persevered through unthinkable horrors, losing their entire family. But they had the strength to start anew, becoming American veterans, business owners, and productive community members. The legacy of this once-denied and mostly forgotten genocide has made the Delaware Valley a more vibrant and special place for all of us.

Failing to recognize the Armenian Genocide was a failure to recognize our own history as Americans, one which shaped our region and country for the better. The U.S. is a mosaic of people, culture, religions, which at its best stands for the guiding principles of democracy and human rights. Biden has made it clear he wants to restore those values, and affirming the Armenian Genocide as a genocide was an important step in that process. Biden has been a staunch supporter of Armenian Genocide recognition, with a 30-year documented record as senator from Delaware. By officially affirming the Armenian Genocide, Biden honored the memory of the victims, as well as these survivors who gave their heart and soul to the nation that saved them.

Paul Vartan Sookiasian is a writer and editor based in the Delaware Valley and Yerevan, Armenia, where he has worked in English-language journalism and international development. 

According to Constitution Pashinyan obliged to continue fulfilling duties of PM – Caretaker Justice Minister clarifies

Lena Karagyozian

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 10:03,

YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. Caretaker Justice Minister of Armenia Rustam Badasyan answered to the questions of ARMENPRESS regarding whether Nikol Pashinyan can be considered as caretaker prime minister after resigning from the position and is there a legal opportunity for replacement?

-Mr. Badasyan, after the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan aimed at triggering snap parliamentary elections, the discourse whether he can continue serving as caretaker PM or not still continues. After all, is there a concrete response to this question?

Of course, there is, but the discourse is highly artificial. After resigning the prime minister, as well as the other members of the Cabinet continue fulfilling their duties before the formation of a new Cabinet. In particular, according to Article 158 of the Constitution of Armenia, the government is submitting its resignation to the President also when the prime minister resigns. According to that same Article, the Cabinet members continue fulfilling their duties before the formation of a new Cabinet. And the composition of the Cabinet members is defined already by Article 147 according to which the government is composed of the prime minister, deputy prime ministers and ministers.

-Different parallels are drawn between the resignation cases of Serzh Sargsyan and Nikol Pashinyan in 2018. Is there a difference between these two resignation processes?

-Look. On April 23, 2018, a decision was adopted by the government according to which the government, based on the respective regulations of the Law on Composition and Activity of Government and the resignation of Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, decided to state the impossibility of Serzh Sargsyan’s fulfilling his powers.

At that moment, in the absence of incumbent prime minister and the impossibility of fulfillment of powers, according to the government’s decision defining the procedure of replacement of PM, Serzh Sargsyan has been replaced by first deputy prime minister Karen Karapetyan because of the impossibility of the fulfillment of duties by the PM. In other words, leaving aside the grounds of impossibility, in this case the issue of applicability or non-applicability, it has been, in fact, stated by the decision of the previous government that PM’s resignation doesn’t exclude him from fulfilling his duties, and a necessary act is needed to replace Serzh Sargsyan with Karen Karapetyan.

Moreover, when Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on October 16, 2018, he continued fulfilling his duties before the formation of a new government in 2019.

In other words, not only the aforementioned Articles of the Constitution clearly define this issue, but also there has never been another perception over this matter.

-Let’s imagine that the PM doesn’t continue fulfilling his duties after resignation. In that case is there a legal opportunity for replacement?

-Thank you for a good question. Let’s imagine that the PM should not continue fulfilling his duties after his resignation, until the new Cabinet is formed, in that case where is his replacement procedure? Such a procedure, moreover, should have been defined exclusively by the Constitution, because, in fact, we are talking about the constitutional security component. According to the decision of the government as I mentioned above, there are replacement procedures for the PM only in the cases of the absence of the PM and the impossibility of fulfilling duties by him, but none of this includes the case of resignation of the PM.

Those people, who claim that only the prime minister cannot continue fulfill the duties of the PM before the formation of a new Cabinet, in fact, claim that Armenia must not have a head of an executive branch before the formation of a new Cabinet, and I think that we all understand the absurdity of such claim.

 

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armen Sarkissian: Turkey and Azerbaijan must take first of 1,000 steps before opening of roads

Lena Karagyozian
News.am, Armenia
17:24, 16.04.2021

All the possible programs, recommendations and possible solutions to transport issues were discussed during the meetings in Georgia, and there are various schemes such as the 3+3 scheme. This is what President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian told Armenian reporters in Tbilisi.

“We discussed everything. Everyone understands that Armenia, which is in a deadlock, needs to become a crossroads, but there are a large number of hardships with regard to the opening of roads with Turkey and Azerbaijan. There are a thousand steps to take before the opening of roads, and Turkey and Azerbaijan must be the first ones to take those steps. How can Armenia forget about the Armenian Genocide? However, it’s a fact that Armenia needs more active relations and the development of political, diplomatic and economic relations with Georgia and Azerbaijan,” he said.


Turkish press: Turkey-US need ‘realist but positive’ approach: Ambassador Mercan

Lena Karagyozian
 ISTANBUL DIPLOMACY 
APR 07, 2021 12:36 PM GMT+3
Turkey's U.S. Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan speaks in an interview with Anadolu Agency in Washington D.C., the U.S., April 7, 2021. (AA)

Turkey and the U.S. stand to benefit from reinvigorated diplomatic relations, Turkey's recently appointed envoy told Anadolu Agency (AA) amid significant differences between the NATO allies.

In an interview, Ambassador Hasan Murat Mercan, who took office last month, said the two nations should adopt a "realist but positive" approach towards Turkish-American relations and pledged to work to enhance cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

"Turkey is much stronger with its military power, cultural history and human infrastructure when compared to other countries in the region. There may be cyclic ups and downs in Turkish-American relations. This is very natural," he said.

"But," the envoy continued, "when you look at long-term relations, we should see what the mutual interests are between the two nations. Let's continue to talk about the existing problems, but those problems should not poison our cooperation in other areas."

"If we focus on existing problems, only develop strategies to solve those problems and put our relations into this framework, we will not be able to make much progress," he added.

He said Turkey and the U.S. are two key countries with a longstanding alliance, noting that both support transatlantic solidarity.

Mercan said cooperation on regional stability and development focused on common interests will be important both for Turkey and the U.S.

"Given that, I propose moving ahead together. When we do that, the problem of trust will disappear by itself," he added.

Relations between Turkey and the U.S. have been tense due to a range of issues including U.S. support for the Syrian offshoot of the PKK terrorist group, the YPG; its inaction against the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ) and Ankara's purchase of Russia's S-400 missile defense system.

The U.S.' support of the YPG in northern Syria during the country's civil war has been one of the most controversial topics that seriously harmed the partnership between the two countries. Regarding this support, Jeffrey said that the U.S. has its own national interests in Syria within the context of the fight against the terrorist group Daesh, and it was not possible for the U.S. to conduct this fight without a partner having power on the field.

Mercan said decision-makers engaged in Turkish-American relations are aware of Turkey's importance, and if the U.S. wants to maintain a presence in the Middle East and Europe, Turkey is one of the most important actors in the region.

"The reason is simple: Turkey's geography, human resources, population, threats in the region and global repercussions of these threats.

"If the U.S. continues to be interested in these issues, then Turkey will emerge as an indispensable country, which is very natural. Besides, new balances are emerging after the COVID-19 pandemic. At this point, Turkey's importance in the region is much more than ever before," he added.

The diplomat said there are serious differences and "issues that we cannot agree on," but these differences should not harm Turkish and U.S. interests in the medium and long term.

The ambassador also touched on U.S. inaction against FETÖ, the group behind the July 15 coup attempt in Turkey, calling it a cause of "serious issues" between the two countries.

"The erroneous policies of the U.S. administrations and system on this issue are saddening," said Mercan, adding that Turkish-American relations are too important to be undermined due to stances on this matter.

"This is an issue that negatively impacts our relations and extremely bothers our country and people. That the perpetrators of a coup attempt staged in Turkey are sheltering in another NATO ally always saddens us.

"That will harm our relations and add more question marks. That is true for the YPG/PKK, too," he added.

FETÖ and its U.S.-based leader Fetullah Gülen orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016, which left 251 people killed and 2,734 injured.

FETÖ ran an extensive campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary for years.

FETÖ has a considerable presence internationally, particularly in the U.S., including private schools that serve as a revenue stream for the terrorist group. The U.S. is home to a large community of Gülenists, including Gülen. Gülen has lived in self-imposed exile in a secluded compound in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania since 1999. The U.S. is the target of most extradition requests. Turkey has sent seven extradition requests for Gülen to Washington but has seen little progress.

Mercan pointed to the U.S. media and public bring up the so-called Armenian genocide every year, noting that it is another issue that harms relations with Turkey.

"No U.S. president has so far used the so-called word 'genocide' and (President Joe) Biden is the one who decides on whether to use it or not and Ankara will take necessary steps toward such a move," said Mercan.

He said Turkey's explanations are clear and independent historians should work together to shed light on this issue.

"That has been a proposal by Turkey since the very beginning, but unfortunately, the Armenian side has yet to take a step," said the envoy.

Turkey claims the events of 1915 in eastern Anatolia took place when Armenians sided with the invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces, resulting in numerous casualties and the subsequent relocation of Armenians.

Turkey objects to the presentation of the incidents as "genocide" but describes the 1915 events as a tragedy in which both sides suffered losses.

Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Turkey and Armenia that includes international experts to examine the issue.

Armenia’s defense and high-tech ministers discuss military industry-related issues

Lena Karagyozian

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 17:29, 6 April, 2021

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan today held a meeting with Minister of High Technological Industry Hayk Chobanyan, the defense ministry told Armenpress.

At the meeting the two ministers discussed a number of issues relating to the military industry field and outlined the activity directions aimed at the efficient and purposeful development of the sector.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Catholicos of All Armenians hopes Azerbaijani aggression will receive proper response from European Parliament

Lena Karagyozian

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 09:48, 5 April, 2021

YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS. His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received on April 4 Member of the European Parliament François-Xavier Bellamy who was accompanied by French Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Lacôte, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reports.

His Holiness Garegin II thanked the authorities and people of France for supporting Armenia at all times. He expressed hope that the support of France will contribute to the stabilization of the situation in the region and the restoration of justice.

MEP François-Xavier Bellamy thanked Garegin II for the wishes and blessings, stating that he is visiting Armenia for the first time and noting that it’s a great honor for him to be in the ancient Christian country the people of which are bearers of the victorious values of resurrection.

The MEP also presented the purpose of his visit, that is to get acquainted with the post-war situation, the current problems, the preservation of the Armenian spiritual-cultural values in Artsakh.

Introducing the damages caused by the recent war in Artsakh, as well as the current challenges, the Catholicos of All Armenians expressed hope that the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and the subsequent developments will receive a proper reaction by the international community and the European Parliament.

 Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

MEP Nathalie Loiseau calls for protection of Armenian churches in Nagorno Karabakh

Lena Karagyozian

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 14:33, 5 April, 2021

YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS. The chair of the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence Nathalie Loiseau has expressed concern over the protection of Armenian heritage in parts of Nagorno Karabakh which have gone under Azerbaijani control after the 2020 war.

In an article for La Croix newspaper, Loiseau stated that Armenian churches such as the St. Mariam Church of Mekhakavan, the Saint John the Baptist Church (Kanach Zham) in Shushi, the St. Yeghishe Church in Mataghis have been vandalized, desecrated or destroyed after the territories fell under Azeri control.

“Every day, monuments or cemeteries are being destroyed. There are all grounds to fear that this destruction will continue at full swing,” the MEP stated, reminding the destructions of Armenian churches and monuments in Nakhichevan, and the complete demolishment of the Armenian cemetery in Hin Jugha.

The MEP highlights statements made by high-ranking Azerbaijani officials, such as Azeri leader Ilham Aliyev who called for removing Armenian writings from the churches, and distorted history by claiming that these Armenian churches are “buildings of Albanians of the Caucasus”, or the Director of Azerbaijan’s Union of Architects who expressed his desire that all churches in Karabakh will get “destroyed”.

MEP Loiseau alarmed that the international community is indifferent over the matter, instead of doing everything it can to preserve the cultural legacy. She noted that the attacks against cultural legacy is part of ethnic cleansing.

“For the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh crisis it is necessary for us to take more comprehensive actions and display greater determination, all captives must be released, all borders and exits to Karabakh must be open, the de-mining must be completed. All this requires a strong international presence,” she said.

“I am calling on the Minsk Group Co-Chairs France, USA and Russia to interfere in Azerbaijan. I am calling on the European Union to use the Eastern Partnership ties to receive clear assurances from Baku that the Armenian cultural legacy will be preserved,” MEP Loiseau said. She also addressed UNESCO, urging the organization not to give in to threats.

 “Don’t let the churches of Nagorno Karabakh get destroyed,” she said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan