Author: Lena Karagyozian

Investing in health care to improve the demographic situation in Armenia

Lena Karagyozian
Aug 11 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Reproductive health program expands

Armenia will allocate another 500 million drams ($1.3 million) for the implementation of the reproductive health program. Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan explained “the need to raise additional funds by the extreme demand” for the program.

“The number of children born under the program was 31.6%, which is in line with the average for developed countries. In January-July 2023, 2,876 beneficiaries took advantage of the project,” she said.

The program to overcome infertility in Armenia started in 2019. Parents of military personnel who died during the 2020 Karabakh war can also use the expensive services of the latest reproductive technologies for free without age restrictions.

  • People, money and the economy: an analysis of the situation in Armenia
  • An increase in pensions and benefits in Armenia will affect about 580,000 people
  • Contracts will be signed with volunteers, including the state structures of Armenia

According to the Minister of Health, in the first 7 months of 2023, 57 babies were born, of which 9 are in the families of fallen servicemen, and more than 300 women have become pregnant. Anahit Avanesyan said that the program can be used

  • all childless women under 36 who have been diagnosed with infertility for two years,
  • women aged 36-42 living in the border areas who have difficulties with the birth of a second child.

She said that it is planned to increase the coverage of the program by creating regional centers in the regions of Armenia, in the cities of Gyumri, Vanadzor and Goris.

Births are down, divorces are up, and experts are worried about what it means for Armenia’s future.

This is how the Prime Minister reacted to the message of the Minister of Health. Nikol Pashinyan believes that the program should be available to everyone who wants to have children. In this case the amount of work will increase, but, according to the prime minister, it is important for the country that more children be born:

“We have discussed this issue before, I did not record that we have set an age limit. If an adult wants to use the program, why do we say no, you have to be 36 years old?”

The Minister of Health replied that a professional discussion should be held on this issue, as there are “medical nuances”. Pashinyan stressed that this would be a politically correct decision, unless, of course, there are objections or “irresistible medical contraindications.”

The Prime Minister of Armenia said that in January-July, 540 more babies were born in the country than in the same months of last year. And according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, the first half of 2023 recorded the lowest death rate for the same period in the last 20 years.

“In addition, the highest level of natural population growth since 2015 was recorded, amounting to 4,467 people. That is, the ratio of deaths to births is positive,” Pashinyan said.

Previously this service was available only to soldiers, fallen soldiers’ families, and those living in border settlements; now even unmarried and divorced women may benefit.

As of July 11, 2023, about 1,500 couples have applied to participate in the infertility program.

The state budget for 2023 allocated 917.9 million drams ($2.3 million) for these services. The Ministry of Health reports that by June 30, the volume of work performed exceeded the budgeted figures by about 150 million drams ($390,000).

According to medical forecasts, by the end of the year, artificial insemination services will be provided to another 750 couples. It is reported that “the average cost of one in vitro fertilization is 1.42 million drams [almost $3,700].”

Nagorno-Karabakh parliament elects ARF’s Davit Ishkhanyan as new Speaker

Lena Karagyozian

 11:40, 7 August 2023

STEPANAKERT, AUGUST 7, ARMENPRESS. ARF Member of Parliament Davit Ishkhanyan has been elected as the new Speaker of Parliament of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Ishkhanyan was nominated for the position by the ruling Free Motherland (AHK) party on August 7 and passed a confirmation vote by 22-9.

The post of the Speaker of Parliament was vacant since July 29 following Speaker Artur Tovmasyan’s resignation.

Van Novikov




Blinken condemns blocking of Red Cross workers providing aid to Armenians in Azerbaijan

Lena Karagyozian
UPI
By Adam Schrader

July 30 (UPI) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke Saturday with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev after Armenia accused the country of blocking humanitarian aid to the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Blinken expressed "deep concern" for the situation as well as the urgent need for free transit of commercial, humanitarian and private vehicles through the Lachin corridor, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

"[Blinken] emphasized the need for compromise on alternative routes so humanitarian supplies can reach the population of Nagorno-Karabakh," Miller said. "The Secretary stressed the need for all parties to keep up positive momentum on peace negotiations."

Azerbaijan and Armenia have a fraught history, having been in conflict after the two nations became independent in 1918 upon the fall of the Russian Empire. The dispute went on hiatus when both nations became republics within the Soviet Union.

The two nations have fought two wars since the end of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Nagorno-Karabakh region had significant autonomy under Soviet rule and came under the control of ethnic Armenians in Azerbaijan in 1994 as the Armenian military claimed land around the region itself.

In 2020, Azerbaijan reclaimed parts of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas in fighting which ended when Russia brokered an armistice and established the Lachin corridor for safe transit protected by Russian peacekeepers.

Armenia has accused Azerbaijan of blocking aid along the Lachin corridor for several days.

Meanwhile, the Nagorno-Karabakh region is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has established a breakaway government, the Republic of Artasakh.

Gurgen Nersisyan, the state minister of the breakaway region's unrecognized government, said Saturday in a statement that a 68-year-old man who was being transported by Red Cross aid workers to Armenia for medical treatment was taken into custody by Azerbaijan.

"Azerbaijan always tried in every possible way to hinder the process of transferring patients to Armenia even through the ICRC and every time presented new conditions to the ICRC, and this was another step to create fear among people even to pass through the Lachin Corridor for treatment," Nersisyan said.

"This is the day-by-day consequences of recognizing the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and calling Artsakh 'Azerbaijan.'"

Nersisyan said the international community has been "inactive" in its condemnation of the "months-long crimes against the people of Artsakh."

Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General's Office identified the man taken into custody as Vagif Khachatryan, a citizen of the country, and accused him of committing "genocide" against Azerbaijani people in the first Nagorno-Karabakh war.

The claims of genocide come as Azerbaijan itself has faced growing concerns of genocidal statements and actions.

Top Diplomats Of Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan To Discuss Karabakh, Peace Treaty – Moscow

Lena Karagyozian
UrduPoint

 Sumaira FH

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his counterparts from Azerbaijan and Armenia, Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan, will discuss tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh and preparations of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan during a meeting on July 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 24th July, 2023) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his counterparts from Azerbaijan and Armenia, Jeyhun Bayramov and Ararat Mirzoyan, will discuss tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh and preparations of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan during a meeting on July 25, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

"The heads of the foreign ministries will analyze ways to de-escalate the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh and intensify the implementation of the trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia dated November 9, 2020, January 11, November 26, 2021 and October 31, 2022. Particular attention will be paid to the preparation of a peace treaty between Baku and Yerevan, the search for solutions to the remaining issues, to which Russia is ready to provide maximum assistance," the ministry said in a statement.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/top-diplomats-of-russia-armenia-azerbaijan-1728223.html

President Khachaturyan visits Italy, meeting with Sergio Mattarella expected

Lena Karagyozian

 09:52,

YEREVAN, JULY 24, ARMENPRESS. President Vahagn Khachaturyan arrived in Italy on a three-day visit on July 23, his office announced Monday.

President Khachaturyan will have a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and other government officials. He is also expected to participate in the ECAM Council – Global Leaders today: multilateralism for a better future event.

The Armenian President started his visit with a trip to the San Lazzaro degli Armeni island where he met with the Mekhitarists and other members of the Armenian community.  He commended the invaluable spiritual cultural heritage of the Armenians in Venice, particularly Mekhitarists, which belongs not only to Armenians and Italians, but has a global significance.

Khachaturyan has also visited the Armenian honorary consulate in Venice.

Moscow comes under attempted drone attack

Lena Karagyozian

 09:56,

YEREVAN, JULY 24, ARMENPRESS. The mayor of the Russian capital of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, said there was “no major damage” following an attempted Ukrainian drone strike around 4am Monday morning, RT reports.  

The drones crashed into non-residential buildings after the military suppressed them using electronic warfare means, Russian media reported. 

The Russian Defense Ministry said the attack was carried out by Ukraine.

Several drone fragments were found on Komsomolsky Prospekt in downtown Moscow, not far from the Defense Ministry’s main headquarters, according to the reports. 

There were no reports of casualties or injuries. The second drone apparently hit a high-rise building in southern Moscow.

Asbarez: Artsakh Parliament Urges UN to ‘Restore Faith in Human Rights’

Lena Karagyozian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

The Artsakh Parliament building in Stepanakert


After convening an emergency session late Thursday night, the Artsakh Parliament issued an announcement urging the United Nations to take effective measures “to enforce peace in Artsakh” and to compel Azerbaijan to end the now seven-month-long blockade of the Lachin Corridor.

The statement also called the UN to “restore faith in human rights,” by applying its own Charter to the current escalating situation in Artsakh.

Below is the translated text of the statement issued by the Artsakh parliament’s press service.

On September 27, 2020, with the direct participation of Turkey and the involvement of foreign armed terrorists, grossly violating the principle of non-use of force and the threat of force, Azerbaijan unleashed a 44-day military aggression, which was stopped with the mediation of the Russian Federation, with the joint statement of the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on November 9, 2020. In accordance with the procedure established by the tripartite statement, peacekeeping troops of the Russian Federation have been deployed in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) for a period of 5 years, with the possibility of further extension, if one of the Parties does not announce the intention to stop the application of this provision 6 months before the end of the period.

With the tripartite statement, the Russian Federation, in fact, implemented the provisions of peaceful settlement of disputes defined in Chapter 6 of the UN Charter, in particular, Part 1 of Article 33, moving the settlement of the dispute between the parties to the conflict to the field of “mediation, agreement and negotiations”, which failed as a result of the continuous and large-scale aggression displayed by Azerbaijan, creating a regional crisis with the involvement of direct and indirect parties to the conflict. On the other hand, the subjectivity of the Republic of Artsakh and the will of the people of Artsakh continue to be ignored. The people of Artsakh, in accordance with the popular norms and principles of international law, as well as the legislation of the USSR, exercised their right to self-determination in 1991, declaring the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) on September 2, and holding a referendum on Independence on December 10.

The Russian peacekeeping contingent stationed in Artsakh does not have an international mandate – a circumstance that gives a green light to Azerbaijan’s violations of the Tripartite Declaration and the norms and principles of international law, and the continued threat to the security and stability of the region. The actual proofs of the above are the gross violations of the cease-fire regime and norms of international law established by the Tripartite Statement by Azerbaijan, the records of the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the UN International Court of Justice, and the PACE resolution. In particular, as a result of the blocking of the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor, the siege of Artsakh that has been going on for more than seven months, the disruption of infrastructure, the continuous intimidation of the civilian population, the propaganda of national hatred, the deliberate destruction of Armenian churches, historical, cultural, religious and other monuments and the many recorded cases of vandalism. The politics of ethnic cleansing with the mentioned and other methods are clear manifestations of crimes against humanity.

Based on all that, as well as the determination of the United Nations to save future generations from the scourge of war, ethnic cleansing and genocide, and the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security, the highest representative body of the people of Artsakh, the National Assembly, calls on:

The Republic of Armenia:
to immediately take measures to endow the peacekeeping mission located in the Republic of Artsakh with an international mandate, applying the established procedure to the UN Security Council, the General Assembly, proposing to take appropriate steps in the direction of maintaining peace and security in the region.

The international community, represented by the permanent members of the UN Security Council:
to adhere to the goals and principles set forth in Chapter 1 of the UN Charter and guided by the procedure set forth in Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, adopt an imperative decision (resolution) by taking and establishing effective measures to enforce peace in Artsakh.

The Republic of Artsakh is committed to save its people from the scourge of war, to re-establish faith in fundamental human rights and freedoms, as well as the equal rights of large and small nations, therefore it expects from these structures to create conditions that will ensure respect for the obligations arising from the norms of international law, promote the provision of a dignified life for the people of Artsakh in conditions of freedom.

Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan chairs regular session of the SME Development Council

Lena Karagyozian

 18:09,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Today, July 19, the 21st session of the Small and Medium Business Development Council of the Republic of Armenia was held under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan, ARMENPRESS was infomred from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. 

Welcoming the members of the Council, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the formation of a friendly institutional environment for the activity and continuous growth of small and medium enterprises is among the Government's priorities. Khachatryan expressed confidence that as a result of cooperation with the private sector, the legal framework regulating the business environment will be continuously improved, creating favorable conditions for the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Summarizing the results of the implementation of the decisions made during the previous session, the members of the Council referred to a number of important issues from the point of view of ensuring a favorable business environment, including the possibility of revising the responsibility for the employer in case of non-calculation or non-payment of wages in accordance with the law, reasonableness of fines for violation of the rules of the use of cash registers, as well as the problems that appear in the export process.

Thanking the members of the Council for the objective and effective discussion, Deputy Prime Minister Khachatryan expressed hope that the close cooperation formed during this period with state administration bodies will be continuous, allowing to effectively address the obstacles that appear during the activity of small and medium enterprises.

AW: From AYF Simon Zavarian to ANCA Leo Sarkisian

Lena Karagyozian
 Artur Shekyan Opinion 0

The ANCA’s Alex Galitsky and Leo Sarkisian intern Artur Shekyan between congressional meetings advocating for Artsakh

As a child, I always believed that I would devote my time and energy to sports. I even envisioned my future career in the sports industry. But as I got older, I realized that I had a far greater and more significant passion: Armenia and Artsakh. This devotion became even stronger after war broke out in Artsakh in September 2020. I clearly recall gathering with my ungers at the AYF Toronto Simon Zavarian Chapter, planning protests and painting banners that were later hung on overpasses and bridges in Toronto to bring greater public awareness to the war. It is not hyperbole to say that the war in Artsakh consumed us, and we strived wholeheartedly to do whatever we could to spread awareness and help ease the suffering of our people besieged by war. 

The horror hit even closer to home when I learned that my dear friend’s uncle, Christapor Artin, died while defending our homeland. This tragic event changed me in ways I could never have imagined, as it was then that I decided to dedicate my future career to the preservation of Armenia and Artsakh. I don’t think the Armenian community has been the same since the end of the war in Artsakh. I know I haven’t been the same. 

ANCA Leo Sarkisian interns Artur Shekyan, Tara Ourfalian and Emma Lopez preparing for the next set of pro-Artsakh congressional meetings.

It was also around this time that I first heard about the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship (LSI) program. Initially, I was very nervous about applying to the program because I didn’t fully believe that I could do it. After all, it involved living in a different country for six weeks, interacting with new people and working harder than I had ever worked before. 

Looking back now, it is safe to say that it was one of the best decisions I ever made. The experiences, insights and friendships that I have gained from this internship program are almost indescribable. Over the years, the program has attracted many interns from Toronto and Montreal, but more of us—especially young people—should become involved. I firmly believe that as Armenian-Canadians, we must grab every opportunity to learn how to best help and support our homeland and contribute to Hai Tahd. 

Artur Shekyan, vice-chair of the AYF Toronto “Simon Zavarian” chapter, at the AYF Washington D.C. Ani chapter protest demanding an end to Azerbaijan’s Artsakh blockade.

My favorite parts of the program were the working visits on Capitol Hill and the networking opportunities. Since I live in Toronto, coming into the program I didn’t really think I would network as much, but to the contrary, I have found myself making connections every single day with people in different fields who might help me down the road when I start pursuing my career. 

The Capitol Hill visits have also been extraordinary. Talking with elected officials and their teams has improved my communication skills immensely. It has allowed me to witness how they operate and what their daily routines look like. Most importantly, it has given me a sense of, if I one day decide to seek elected office, what I should emulate and what I would change. 

The program also allowed us to engage in meaningful conversations with Hai Tahd advocates like Alex Galitsky, Aram Hamparian, Tereza Yerimyan and Yeghisapet Chouldjian, to understand the strategy behind pro-Artsakh/Armenia legislation and effective ways to move our cause forward. After completing the ANCA LSI program, wherever program alumni go—whether it is Canada or the U.S., France, Lebanon or the Armenian homeland—we can use the lessons we have learned to advocate for Armenian issues. The LSI program has affected me more than I can adequately put into words, and I shall be forever grateful for the experience.

  •  Bio
  •  Latest Posts
Artur Shekyan was born in Yerevan and grew up in Toronto, Canada, where he graduated from the ARS Armenian Private School. He is currently studying political science and economics at the University of Toronto. Currently, he serves as the vice-chair of the AYF Toronto “Simon Zavarian” chapter, dedicated to tirelessly promoting the Armenian Cause in his community and the homeland. Artur is an alumnus of the 2023 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship program.


Starlink in Armenia: Starlink’s Impact on Armenia’s Internet Connectivity and Economy

Lena Karagyozian
Gillett News

The introduction of Starlink, a satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX, promises to revolutionize internet connectivity in Armenia, a country that has long struggled with slow and unreliable connections. The ambitious project, spearheaded by Elon Musk, aims to provide global internet coverage through a network of thousands of satellites orbiting the Earth. As the project continues to progress, the potential impact on Armenia’s internet connectivity and economy becomes increasingly evident.

Armenia, a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region, has faced numerous challenges in establishing reliable and fast internet connections. The mountainous terrain and the limited number of internet service providers have contributed to slow speeds and high costs for users. According to the Speedtest Global Index, Armenia currently ranks 94th in the world for fixed broadband speeds and 78th for mobile internet speeds. This has limited the country’s ability to fully participate in the digital economy and has hindered the growth of its tech sector.

The arrival of Starlink could change this landscape dramatically. By providing fast and reliable internet coverage through its satellite network, Starlink has the potential to overcome the geographical challenges that have hindered Armenia’s internet connectivity. This would enable more Armenians to access high-speed internet, opening up new opportunities for remote work, online education, and digital entrepreneurship.

Moreover, Starlink’s satellite internet service is expected to be more affordable than current options in Armenia. While the exact pricing for the service has not been announced, it is anticipated that the cost will be competitive with existing providers. This would make high-speed internet more accessible to a larger portion of the population, helping to bridge the digital divide in the country.

The improved internet connectivity offered by Starlink could also have a significant impact on Armenia’s economy. The tech sector has been identified as a key area for growth and diversification in the country, with the government launching initiatives such as the “Digital Armenia” strategy to promote digital transformation and innovation. By providing fast and reliable internet connections, Starlink could help to attract more foreign investment and stimulate the growth of the tech industry in Armenia.

Furthermore, the enhanced internet connectivity could benefit other sectors of the Armenian economy. For example, the country’s burgeoning tourism industry could capitalize on improved online marketing and booking capabilities, while small and medium-sized enterprises could expand their online presence and access new markets. In addition, the agricultural sector, which remains a significant part of the Armenian economy, could benefit from the adoption of digital technologies for precision farming and supply chain management.

As Starlink continues to expand its satellite network, the project has already begun to generate interest in Armenia. In February 2021, the Armenian government announced that it had entered into preliminary discussions with SpaceX to explore the possibility of using Starlink for internet connectivity in the country. While the details of any potential agreement remain to be seen, the prospect of Starlink in Armenia has generated considerable excitement among the population and the tech community.

In conclusion, the introduction of Starlink in Armenia has the potential to dramatically improve the country’s internet connectivity and provide a much-needed boost to its economy. By overcoming the geographical challenges that have limited internet access in the past, Starlink could help to bridge the digital divide and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation in Armenia. As the project moves closer to becoming a reality, the anticipation and optimism surrounding Starlink’s impact on Armenia’s internet connectivity and economy continue to grow.