Author: Manouk Vasilian

Armenpress: Blast at Azerbaijani furniture workshop kills six

Manouk Vasilian

 21:30, 15 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. An explosion at a furniture workshop in Azerbaijan's capital Baku on Monday killed six people and injured two dozen others, officials said, reports Agence France-Presse.

"The bodies of six people have been found and removed from the rubble," the prosecutor's office said.

It is noted that at least 24 people were injured, three of whom were pulled from the rubble, it said earlier.

The cause of the blast was not immediately clear but prosecutors said they had lanched a criminal investigation into a breach of "fire safety regulations".

Pashinyan calls Aliyev’s statements a blow to the peace process

Manouk Vasilian
 Hoory Minoyan News 2

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during the interview on Jan. 10, 2024 (Photo: Office of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan)

YEREVAN—Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s recent provocative statements damaging to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.

In a January 10 interview, Aliyev unveiled a comprehensive strategy that encompasses political alignment with Moscow, territorial demands against Armenia, and a dismissal of historical maps, marking a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape. 

These remarks prompted a strong response from Pashinyan. “I consider Baku’s latest statements a serious blow to the peace process,” Pashinyan said on January 13. He highlighted the importance of the border delimitation process, emphasizing that its goal is not to create a new border but to reproduce the borders that existed at the time of the Almaty Declaration of 1991. Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of attempting to form territorial claims against Armenia.

President Aliyev’s recent call for an unhindered road through Meghri, Armenia, has raised eyebrows, underscoring a deepening political alliance with Russia. During the January 10 interview, Aliyev reiterated his demand for a corridor without border controls passing through southern Armenia and insisted that the route should be monitored by Russian soldiers. Aliyev’s emphasis on the need for Russian control adds complexity to the geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus and is seen as a Turkish-backed project by Ani Avetyan of the Voskanapat Analytic Center.

Aliyev has rejected Armenia’s proposal to use Soviet-era maps from 1975 as the basis for negotiations, challenging the foundation of diplomatic talks. Azerbaijan has asserted its unwillingness to retreat from territories occupied during the 2021 conflict, hinting at potential expansionist ambitions. The Azerbaijani leader’s historical revisionism, dismissing maps predating the 1970s, has wider implications for the negotiation process.

Armenia faces challenges in navigating the intricate geopolitics of the South Caucasus as Azerbaijan’s strategic realignment and territorial aspirations unfold. The international community is closely watching for potential consequences stemming from these evolving dynamics.

President Aliyev’s recent three-hour interview, marking the beginning of his pre-election campaign, provided insight into his views on ongoing Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations. Varuzhan Geghamyan, a scholar of Turkish history, highlighted 10 key points that underpin Aliyev’s strategy:

  • Border Ambiguity: The proposed “peace treaty” avoids specifying the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, potentially enabling Azerbaijan to violate the agreement at any time without a defined border.
  • Territorial Retention: Azerbaijan will not release internationally recognized territories of Armenia occupied after November 2020, dismissing the idea of a “mirror withdrawal of troops” proposed by Armenia.
  • Unilateral Agreement: Azerbaijan aims to sign the document without an international intermediary, allowing for potential violations without international complications.
  • Blockade Continuation: Azerbaijan plans to maintain a complete blockade of Armenia and will not open the border, aligning with Turkey’s position.
  • Village Liberation: Azerbaijan insists on retaking eight villages inside Armenia’s borders as enclaves it claims are currently occupied by Armenia, demanding mini-corridors to the enclaves for Azerbaijani inhabitants.
  • Syunik Corridor: Azerbaijan seeks a corridor through the Syunik province of Armenia, specifically through the town Meghri, as the “shortest and most convenient way” to its exclave Nakhichevan.
  • Capture of Leaders: Aliyev expresses intent to capture former presidents Serzh Sargsyan and Robert Kocharyan.
  • Turkic Place Names: Aliyev consistently uses Turkic place names for Armenian areas, reflecting a broader effort to shape Azerbaijani societal perceptions.
  • Confidence in Gas Supply: Azerbaijan, a key gas supplier to the European Union, asserts confidence in managing Western pressure, emphasizing the need for strategic dealings with Russia.
  • Peace Treaty Manipulation: The interview suggests that Azerbaijan may not seek peaceful coexistence with Armenia, viewing the “peace treaty” as a manipulation to weaken Armenian resistance. Concessions from Armenia on these points may lead to further demands from Azerbaijan and Turkey, reminiscent of the dangers faced by Syunik and Jermuk after concessions on the Artsakh issue.

Artak Zakaryan, a member of the executive body of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), expressed strong opposition to Aliyev’s recent declaration that Yerevan and Jermuk belong to Azerbaijan. In an interview with ABC media, Zakaryan highlighted that the issue of the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh can only be considered closed by adhering to international norms and legislation.

Zakaryan emphasized that, according to international legislation, illegal actions have taken place against the people of Artsakh, including ethnic cleansing, forced displacement and risks of genocide. He urged the governing authorities of Armenia to approach the problem from the perspective of protecting their own interests rather than justifying Aliyev’s illegal demands.

The RPA official said the Armenian people should not be criticized for expressing their historical memory and accused the authorities of giving Azerbaijan the opportunity to make territorial claims against Armenia, referring to “Western Azerbaijan,” an irredentist concept used by Azerbaijan against Armenia. Zakaryan cautioned that such actions risk handing over the Republic of Armenia on a platter or, at the very least, preparing the ground for phased actions.

“[Armenians] patiently wait and hope that something good can happen from the conspirators, but it won’t happen. There will be deception, new losses, new victims, attempts at groundless explanations, searches for new culprits in other places, and an extension of one’s own infamous power,” Zakaryan said.

As tensions rise over territorial claims, the concerns of the people of Armenia regarding Azerbaijan’s assertions and the region’s stability increase.

Tatev Hayrapetyan, an expert on Azerbaijan, provided insight into the Armenian government’s reaction to Aliyev’s statements. Hayrapetyan argued that propaganda sites and expert circles close to Pashinyan are attempting to downplay Aliyev’s speech as connected to pre-election events. However, she emphasized that Aliyev’s statements have been consistent over the past year, indicating a more profound and longstanding plan for the occupation of Armenian territories.

Hayrapetyan urged the removal of Pashinyan and his team as essential to prevent the danger of war and maintain regional stability. She criticized the Armenian authorities for remaining silent and making concessions instead of presenting Azerbaijan’s policies to the international community, emphasizing that the de facto dictatorial regime in Baku is becoming a real threat to regional stability.

  •  Bio
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Hoory Minoyan was an active member of the Armenian community in Los Angeles until she moved to Armenia prior to the 44-day war. She graduated with a master's in International Affairs from Boston University, where she was also the recipient of the William R. Keylor Travel Grant. The research and interviews she conducted while in Armenia later became the foundation of her Master’s thesis, “Shaping Identity Through Conflict: The Armenian Experience.” Hoory continues to follow her passion for research and writing by contributing to the Armenian Weekly.


Jehovah’s Witnesses in Armenia Mark Ten Years of Alternative Civilian Service

Manouk Vasilian
JW.com 
Jan 11 2024

January 14, 2024, marks ten years since alternative civilian service was introduced in Armenia. The alternative civilian service arrangement allows conscientious objectors to contribute to their community by engaging in various forms of public service rather than serve in the military. Some of the tasks assigned include construction, landscaping, social work, or other public services. Since its introduction, over 450 of Jehovah’s Witnesses, all of them young men, have made the personal decision to participate in the arrangement.

Brother Samuel Petrosyan is currently working as a landscaper as part of his alternative civilian service. He said: “I strive to develop a good reputation. For example, I try to complete my work assignments properly and be honest in everything I do. Thanks to this, my supervisors have always treated me well and with respect.”

Brother Artur Martirosyan spent three years performing civilian service in a hospital. He reflected: “I appreciated the opportunity to help people in need. The experience also helped me to mature as a person. I learned how to be more flexible, cope with stress successfully, and be a better communicator.”

Prior to 2014, our young brothers in Armenia faced lengthy prison sentences because they would not violate their Christian conscience by serving in the military. Commenting on the success of the alternative civilian service program in Armenia, one senior official stated: “Initially, I opposed alternative civilian service due to concerns about national security and potential misuse. . . . However, time has proven me wrong. After several years, it’s evident that . . . Jehovah’s Witnesses pose no danger to national security while performing alternative service. Instead, we have dedicated workers in various spheres, thanks to the alternative service [arrangement].”

A member of the Republican Committee on Alternative Service also noted: “It has been ten years since we introduced alternative service in Armenia . . . We need to proudly admit that establishing alternative service was one of the wisest decisions by our State. Regular inspections in institutions where alternative service is performed reveal diligent work, a positive spirit, and genuine smiles. Year after year, we receive numerous letters of appreciation for the outstanding contributions of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the community as alternative civilian servants. Institutional leaders consistently praise them as their finest employees.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Armenia appreciate having the opportunity to contribute to the community by means of alternative civilian service while bringing praise to Jehovah by their “fine works.”—1 Peter 2:12.

https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/armenia/Jehovahs-Witnesses-in-Armenia-Mark-Ten-Years-of-Alternative-Civilian-Service/ 

Asbarez: Armenia’s Public TV Claims Etchmiadzin Did Not Want Karekin II’s Message to be Aired

Manouk Vasilian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 January 3, 2024

 

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

Catholicos Karekin II delivers new year message on Dec. 31


Armenian Public Television on Wednesday claimed that the Holy See of Etchmiadzin did not want Catholicos Karekin II’s annual new year message to be aired, saying a church official had contacted the network with a request to not air the video of the pontiff’s speech.

In a statement issued on Wedenday, Armenia’s Public Television Board said that a Reverend Vahram Melikyan had contacted the channel asking that they not use the video of the Catholicos.

“On December 31, the Public TV Company planned to broadcast the address of the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II in one of the most watched segments, at the time set aside for the official addresses this year. The speech of the Catholicos should follow the speech of the President of Armenia, who is the head of the state according to the Constitution,” said the public TV’s statement.

“December 31, Father Vahram Melikyan, on behalf of the Mother See, informed the Council of the Public Broadcaster that they disagreed with the time scheduled for the messages and demanded not to broadcast or use the video recording of the Catholicos’ message, whose copyright belongs to the Mother See,” added the statement.

In its statement, the Public Broadcasting Board said that it was satisfied with the verbal communication from the Holy See, but did not indicate whether the Board officially reached out to Etchmiadzin for confirmation.

“This year, at the last minute, the Public Television Company informed, without any reason, that His Holiness’ New Year’s message will not be broadcast before midnight, as was traditionally customary,” the church’s Etchmiadzin-based Mother See said late on Sunday. It said it rejected the state-controlled broadcaster’s offer to air the message during an earlier news program, Azatutyun.am reported.

Opinion: The U.K. and Armenia know the dangers of the war in Gaza

Manouk Vasilian
Dec 30 2023

Small wonder that staunch supporters of Israel are now calling for paths to a sustainable ceasefire.

Posted4:00 AM
Marc Champion

As Israel comes under growing international pressure to change its tactics and agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, its leaders have made clear they aren’t interested. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the shift would hand a victory to terrorism, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was “proud” to have blocked the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, seen by allies as the prerequisite for any sustainable peace.

Two examples from recent history – from Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan – warn that these could be catastrophic miscalculations for the state of Israel.

Marc Champion is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Europe, Russia and the Middle East. He was previously Istanbul bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal.

Ben Wallace, the U.K. secretary of state for defense until August, made the Irish comparison in an article published this month in the Daily Telegraph, a solidly pro-Israel U.K. newspaper. The Troubles, as more than three decades of sectarian bloodshed over Northern Ireland’s status are known, escalated dramatically, he recalled, after the British government tried to end them through a draconian combination of military force and a suspension of legal due process, called internment.

Internment involved the jailing without trial of thousands of people suspected of having connections to the Irish Republican Army. That in turn prompted the 1972 tragedy of Bloody Sunday, when British paratroopers shot 26 Catholics with live bullets at an anti-internment protest in the town of Derry, killing 14 of them. The result was a huge increase in membership for the Provisional IRA – a more radical splinter group of the Irish Republican Army – from a few dozens to about 1,000, funded by a boom in the group’s funding by sympathizers in the U.S. and elsewhere.

“Northern Ireland internment taught us that a disproportionate response by the state can serve as a terrorist organization’s best recruiting sergeant,’’ Wallace wrote. Two decades of intensified terrorist attacks followed Bloody Sunday, with the IRA expanding its bombing campaign to the U.K. mainland. Nothing worked to halt the violence until the U.K. government did what it said it never would and publicly opened negotiations in 1994 with the IRA’s political wing, Sinn Fein.

The price of peace was a power-sharing deal together with expanded self-government for Northern Ireland, plus the right to an eventual referendum on the region’s status, among other concessions made on both sides. The consequences for the U.K. were greater still because the deal forced it later to grant similar rights of self-government and potential secession to Scotland and Wales.

For sure, Northern Ireland is a different and in many ways much simpler case than the one Israel faces, not least because the Palestinian question plays a role far beyond Israel’s borders. The bloodshed in Gaza risks spurring recruitment not just for Hamas, but for Islamist terrorist organizations across the Middle East and beyond.

Small wonder then that such staunch supporters of Israel as France, Germany, the U.K. and the U.S. are now calling for Netanyahu to change tactics and look for paths to a sustainable cease-fire. As if to underscore the counterproductive nature of Israel’s scorched-earth tactics, the Israel Defense Forces recently acknowledged mistakenly killing three of the hostages they were sent into Gaza to rescue, even though they were waving improvised white flags of surrender.

The example of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh should be still more sobering for Israelis considering the road that Netanyahu and his government are taking. More than 30 years ago, I stood with an Armenian general at the top of a plateau as he pointed toward Mount Ararat in Turkey and territories beyond as far as Syria, which had once belonged to the Kingdom of Armenia but were now controlled by Muslim enemies. He called his predominantly Christian nation “the Israel of the Caucasus,” surrounded by sometimes genocidal hostility and obliged to rely on arms for its survival.

That was 1992. War was raging in Nagorno-Karabakh, a part of neighboring Azerbaijan that for centuries had been populated mainly by ethnic Armenians. They were now contesting Azeri control as the collapse of the Soviet Union gave sudden meaning to the USSR’s once notional internal borders. Karabakh’s Armenians wanted either to be independent or annexed, and by 1994 they had won a crushing military victory, backed by Armenia and its security guarantor, Russia. The future seemed secure, even without a political settlement to accompany the cease-fire that Armenia had forced on its defeated rival.

The U.S. and some in Armenia, including then President Levon Ter-Petrossian, worried this wasn’t sustainable. They argued for negotiating a long-term deal with Baku while Yerevan held most of the cards. The idea was that Armenians, including in Karabakh, should recognize Azerbaijan’s sovereignty over the enclave, in exchange for Baku accepting international peacekeepers, a land bridge from Karabakh to Armenia, and strong political autonomy for the enclave.

Ter-Petrossian’s proposals for compromise contributed to losing his job. He drew the ire of nationalists, including a hawkish diaspora, for whom the history of Armenian expulsion and genocide – committed by Ottoman Turkey in 1915 – required relentless vigilance and force, to ensure it could never happen again. Besides, why negotiate when Armenia had comprehensively won and enjoyed the support of regional hegemon Russia?

The answer to that question became apparent this summer. Azerbaijan’s oil and gas fields had slowly transformed the balance of forces over the years, allowing it to build and equip a military far in excess of anything Armenia could afford. Russia, meanwhile, became disenchanted with Yerevan, just as a resurgent Turkey grew willing to throw its weight behind Turkic Azerbaijan, disregarding objections from Moscow or Washington. Azerbaijan struck back in 2020, recovering many of its losses. And this year, with Moscow busy invading Ukraine, a further offensive took just a day to force Karabakh’s total surrender.

Ethnic Armenians fled, fearful of the coming Azeri revenge, and by now few if any remain in their ancestral homes. This tragic turn of events came about because Armenia fell victim to the “illusion of absolute security,” according to Thomas de Waal, a Caucasus specialist and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “Times change, alliances change, and the military balance changes,’’ he said. And by the time that happens, it’s too late for diplomacy.

Getting to a settlement with Azerbaijan that was acceptable to both sides would have been difficult, even when Yerevan held the advantage. It took painful compromises for the U.K. to cut a deal with the former IRA commanders running Sinn Fein in 1998. And the hurdles to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine would be even bigger. Years of failed peace talks, rocket attacks and Hamas’ Oct. 7 atrocities have combined to harden views on both sides, including against the very concept of a two-state solution. Yet Israel, too, may not always be in a position of military dominance, enjoying the full backing of a superpower. Palestinians and Israelis have reason to despair of each other, but neither rage nor despair is a policy. After three-quarters of a century, nobody has come up with an alternative to the creation of two separate states that offers even the possibility of peaceful coexistence.

The much-derided two-state idea proposes not a utopian Shangri-la of cohabitation, but a divorce aimed at cutting short the fundamentally genocidal dreams of extremists. The terms of that divorce would need to guarantee the security of each state against the other, taking Gaza’s administration and policing out of the hands of both Hamas and Israel. That would not be easy, but the attempt couldn’t be worse than anything Netanyahu’s effort to crush not just Hamas, but Palestinian rights and hopes, can produce.

Armenia’s economic activity index grows 9,4% in 11 months

Manouk Vasilian

 12:34,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s economic activity index grew 9,4% in January-November of 2023 compared to the same period of 2022, according to official data published by the Statistical Committee.

Industrial production output grew 2,1% in the 11 months.  

Construction grew 15,6%.

Trade turnover grew 24,3%, while services grew 11,1%.

The consumer price index grew 2,2%, while the industrial product price index grew 1,7%.

Energy production dropped 4,3%.

Foreign trade turnover grew 42,4% (exports grew 44,7% and imports grew 41%).

RFE/RL Armenian Service – 12/21/2023

Manouk Vasilian 
                                        Thursday, 


Russia ‘Continuing’ Peacekeeping Mission In Depopulated Karabakh


Nagorno-Karabakh - Russian peacekeepers stand next to an armored vehicle at a 
checkpoint near Stepanakert, October 7, 2023.


Russian peacekeepers are continuing their mission in Nagorno-Karabakh two months 
after the mass exodus of the region’s ethnic Armenian population caused by an 
Azerbaijani military offensive, Russia’s top general said on Thursday.

Armenia has denounced the peacekeepers for their failure to prevent or stop the 
September 19-20 offensive that restored Azerbaijan’s full control over Karabakh. 
President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials have rejected the criticism.

The chief of the Russian army’s General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, also 
praised the peacekeepers. Meeting with Moscow-based foreign military attachés, 
he said that the 2,000-strong contingent swiftly halted the September 
hostilities before ensuring Karabakh Armenians’ “safe departure” to Armenia.

“Our military contingent continues to carry out tasks as a guarantor of the 
possibility of building a peaceful life and the return of residents to the 
region,” added Gerasimov.

Even before their exodus, Karabakh’s leaders and ordinary residents made clear 
that they would not live under Azerbaijani rule. More than 100,000 of them took 
refuge in Armenia in late September.

The peacekeepers have since dismantled most of their observation posts along the 
Karabakh “line of contact” that existed until the Azerbaijani assault. A senior 
Russian diplomat said in early October that they should remain in the region 
because their mission “will also be necessary in the future.”

Putin and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev discussed the issue when they 
met in Kyrgyzstan four days later. They announced no agreements on the future of 
the Russian presence in Karabakh.




Armenian Authorities Suspend Russian Radio Broadcast


RUSSIA -- A view of the main newsroom of Sputnik news, part of the state run 
media group Russia Today, in Moscow, April 27, 2018.


In a move denounced by Moscow on Thursday, Armenian authorities have suspended 
the radio broadcast of Russia’s state-run Sputnik news agency in Armenia after 
it aired a program highly critical of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian.

The Sputnik Armenia news service’s weekly program broadcast on November 17 was 
authored and presented by Tigran Keosayan, a Russian film director and TV 
commentator of Armenian descent. It featured disparaging comments about 
Pashinian and his government’s policies.

Keosayan and his wife Margarita Simonyan, who runs the Russian television 
network RT and several other Kremlin-funded media outlets, are vocal critics of 
the current Armenian government. Simonyan was banned from entering the South 
Caucasus country last year.

Armenia’s National Commission on Television and Radio (HRAH) on Wednesday 
accused Keosayan of making “mocking and derogatory” statements about Armenia and 
its people in breach of Armenian law. It said foreign nationals also have no 
“moral right” to do that.

The commission announced that it has therefore banned an Armenian radio station 
from retransmitting any Sputnik Armenia programs for the next 30 days.

The Russian Embassy in Yerevan criticized the decision the following day, saying 
that it limited Armenians’ right to “receive information from a source of their 
choice.”

“This step cannot but look like a concession to those who are increasingly in 
favor of breaking the traditional, mutually beneficial and mutually respectful 
allied relations between Russia and Armenia,” the embassy added in a statement.

Russia - Film director Tigran Keosayan and his wife Margarita Simonyan attend an 
event in Moscow, February 12, 2018.

For his part, Keosayan responded to the ban by attacking and insulting Pashinian 
on his Telegram channel. The Armenian premier “once again proved the correctness 
of all my words addressed to him,” he wrote on Thursday.

The embassy statement noted that the HRAH’s decision came just three days after 
Russian and Armenian government officials met to discuss Yerevan’s discontent 
with Russian television’s recent coverage of Armenia. The two sides made 
differing statements on that meeting.

Russian Ambassador Sergei Kopyrkin was summoned to the Foreign Ministry in 
Yerevan in October after Russia’s leading state broadcaster, Channel One, 
derided and lambasted Pashinian during an hour-long program aired. The program 
featured pro-Kremlin panelists who portrayed Pashinian as a Western puppet 
tasked with ending Armenia’s close relationship with Russia.

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Armenian charge d’affaires in Moscow 
the following day. Ministry officials condemned what they called anti-Russian 
propaganda spread by Armenia’s government-controlled media.

In the last few years, Armenian Public Television has regularly interviewed and 
invited politicians and commentators highly critical of Moscow to its political 
talk shows. Their appearances in prime-time programs of the TV channel run by 
Pashinian’s loyalists have become even more frequent lately amid rising tensions 
between Moscow and Yerevan.

The HRAH on Wednesday also fined Sputnik Armenia 500,000 drams ($1,240) for the 
latest talk show by former opposition parliamentarian Arman Abovian during which 
he effectively accused Pashinian’s government of planning to cede much of 
Armenia’s territory to Azerbaijan. The commission accused the broadcaster of 
spreading false and unverified information.




Dozens Arrested After Fishing Ban In Armenian Lake

        • Robert Zargarian

Armenia - Speedboats of the newly established water patrol service of the 
Armenian police are seen in Lake Sevan, December 9, 2023.


More than two dozen Armenian fishers have been arrested after clashing with 
officials enforcing a seasonal ban on fishing in the country’s Lake Sevan.

The Armenian government introduced the two-month ban on November 20 in an effort 
to protect the vast lake’s endangered fish stocks during the annual spawning 
period. But it was not until this month that it began enforcing the measure 
extremely unpopular in Sevan’s coastal fishery-dependent communities.

Officers of a newly established water patrol unit of the national police and 
representatives of the Sevan National Park clashed with residents of one of 
those villages, Noratus, during a joint patrol on Tuesday.

According to a police report cited by Armenia’s Investigative Committee, their 
two patrol boats were surrounded by as many as 200 smaller boats carrying angry 
local fishers. The latter threw Molotov cocktails and other objects before some 
of them boarded a Sevan National Park vessel and beat up its crew, the 
law-enforcement agency said on Wednesday. The statement added that 26 attackers 
were arrested and charged with “mass hooliganism” and violent assault after the 
incident.

Noratus residents denied the official version of events as they blocked on 
Wednesday a nearby highway to protest against the arrests and the fishing ban. 
One of them said that the fishers themselves were attacked by the police while 
trying to retrieve their fishing nets from the lake. Others accused the police 
of sinking one of the fishing boats during the clash.

Armenia - A view of Lake Sevan, September 8, 2018.

The protesters also argued that fishing has long been their main source of 
income in their community which is officially home to some 6,800 people.

“There is no other work here,” one middle-aged man told RFE/RL’s Armenian 
Service. “Let them [the authorities] give us jobs, and everyone here would love 
to stop fishing.”

“There is no spawning at the moment,” claimed another fisher. “The scientists 
who say that are wrong. Spawning happens from January 1 to January 20.”

The authorities say that earlier this month they offered to delay the 
enforcement of the ban by several days but were rebuffed by the locals.

Decades of overfishing are believed to have taken a heavy toll on Sevan’s main 
species: trout and whitefish. The Sevan trout, an Armenian delicacy, became all 
but extinct even before the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ensuing upsurge 
in poaching. The lake’s whitefish population has also declined significantly 
since the early 1990s.

Fishing bans repeatedly imposed by the current and former Armenian governments 
have not been vigorously enforced until now.




Iran Reaffirms Opposition To Outside Powers In South Caucasus


Russia - Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attends a meeting with Russian 
President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, December 7, 2023.


“Extra-regional countries” must not be allowed to intervene in disputes in the 
South Caucasus, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi told Armenian Prime Minister 
Nikol Pashinian in a phone call late on Wednesday.

“Care must be taken that the Caucasus region does not become a field of 
competition for extra-regional countries and that its issues are handled by the 
countries of the region and without the interference of outsiders,” Raisi was 
quoted by his office as saying.

Raisi thus reaffirmed Iran’s strong opposition to Western presence in the 
region, which is shared by Russia. He described it as “harmful for regional 
peace and stability” during an October 23 meeting with Armenia’s visiting 
Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

Mirzoyan travelled to Tehran to attend a multilateral meeting with his 
Azerbaijani, Iranian, Russian and Turkish counterparts held there within the 
framework of the so-called “Consultative Regional Platform 3+3” launched in 
December 2021 in Moscow. Georgia continues to boycott the platform, citing 
continuing Russian occupation of its breakaway regions.

Amid its deepening rift with Moscow, Pashinian’s government is now pinning hopes 
on Western efforts to broker an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace deal. Russian 
officials claim that the main aim of those efforts is to drive Russia out of the 
South Caucasus, rather than bring peace to the region.

Yerevan is also seeking to deepen Armenia’s ties with the United States and the 
European Union. In September, it hosted a joint U.S.-Armenian military exercise 
criticized by Moscow and Tehran.

According to the official Armenian readout of Pashinian’s call with Raisi, the 
two leaders discussed Armenian-Iranian relations and the implementation of 
bilateral economic agreements. Raisi’s office said in this regard that he 
“expressed satisfaction with the process of developing relations and 
implementing agreements between the two countries.”



Reposted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2023 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

Armenpress celebrates 105th anniversary with exhibition and new departments presentation

Manouk Vasilian

 21:12,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. For 105 years, Armenpress has been documenting and presenting to the public the most significant events and developments taking place both in Armenia and beyond its borders.  The photographers of Armenpress do not overlook any significant event or outstanding individual, contributing to the agency's rich archive.
On December 18, the day of the establishment of "Armenpress", the agency showcased the fascinating episodes of that archive at the "Documenting the Century" exhibition dedicated to the 105th anniversary of its establishment, which brought together officials, public figures, politicians, and representatives of the culture sector.
Armenpress Director Narine Nazaryan expressed gratitude to all the guests for joining the agency on that symbolic day.
"Armenpress'' News Agency is 105 years old. We are deeply aware of our responsibility to be bearers of the heritage created over a century. A century that is not just a chronology; it embodies history, established values, exceptional events, and the contributions of thousands of agency employees and dozens of directors. Each has left their own style, contributing to the creation of this beacon of journalistic excellence with boundless dedication,’’ she said.
According to Narine Nazaryan, the exhibition of archival photos entitled "Documenting the Century" is a unique visual journey, an opportunity to recreate decades of history in the consciousness through images.
"The organization of this exhibition was another opportunity to reevaluate what we have. The millions of tapes and digitized photos stored at Armenpress should become public property through various initiatives. We are planning to regularly present thematic exhibitions, providing everyone with the opportunity to learn about our history," assured Narine Nazaryan.
According to Nazaryan, they are creating a new century; they are trying to do it in accordance with the solutions dictated by the time- innovative and inclusive. Armenpress Director noted that they clearly realize that they  represent the voice of Armenia in the world. And they try to make that voice heard in as many languages as possible, because the language serves as the bridge that breaks all borders.
"Until now, the agency has translated Armenian news reports into six foreign languages: English, Russian, Arabic, French, Turkish and Spanish. Today, we are delighted to announce that, after months of work, the Georgian, Persian and Chinese department of the website have been created. We express our gratitude for the opportunity to implement this program with  the  state support."
We are unwavering in our mission to create the media of the future,” Nazaryan said and invited the guests to watch a short video about the creation of exclusive Armenpress documents stored in the National Archives.
Afterwards, those present had the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new departments of Armenpress.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to Armenia Giorgi Sharvashidze congratulated the news agency, which has been carrying out its mission for more than a century. According to him, today more than ever, there is a need for a reliable, impartial, and free press.
"As the ambassador of Georgia, I am grateful and happy that Armenpress has added the Georgian language to its news website. In the era of digitalization, language still plays a crucial role in reaching the target audience and communicating news,” he said.
 
According to the Ambassador, many cornerstones in Georgian-Armenian relations are increasing day by day. He proudly emphasized that the volume of cooperation between the two countries has reached its maximum in politics, economy, culture, energy, tourism, and other fields. The ambassador reminded that from July 1, 2023, citizens of Georgia and Armenia have the privilege to cross the border without a passport, only with biometric ID cards, which further strengthens and deepens the cooperation and friendship between Georgians and Armenians.
"As you know, on December 15 of the current year, Georgia received the status of a candidate for EU membership, which is a historic step for Georgia towards the European Union. We hope that Georgia will become a full member of the EU in the near future. It is definitely encouraging that we witnessed the unanimous decision of the EU Council of Foreign Ministers regarding the start of negotiations on the liberalization of the visa regime with Armenia.
This is a very positive development, the European Parliament welcomes the readiness of the Armenian government to get closer to the European Union," stressed  Giorgi Sharvashidze and added that he cornerstone of any democracy is an independent, professional, and responsible media, and Armenpress has been providing the Armenian society with news for 105 years.
 The newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia Mehdi Sobhani was pleased to participate in the event.
“On the launch of the Persian language department at the agency, I extend my congratulations to the "Armenpress" news agency, the Persian speakers and to those who are interested in the Persian language. This strategic step by Armenpress underscores the significance of the Iranian and Farsi-speaking audience for the agency.
This is a commendable step, as it plays a significant role in representing Armenia to Iranians and Persian-speaking people and in terms of mutual understanding and recognition between the two countries,'' the Ambassador said.
The Ambassador highly  appreciated the efforts of the honorable government of Armenia, aimed at studying the language of one of the neighboring countries.
 
“This initiative testifies to the government's prospective steps toward peaceful coexistence. We consider it a harbinger of peace, friendship, and enhanced human communication.
The spread of the Persian language in Armenia is considered a social capital for the peoples of both countries and a cultural element in the direction of deepening the friendship between the two peoples,” said the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Republic of Armenia.
"I wish happiness and well-being to the government and people of Armenia. In advance, I extend my warmest congratulations for the upcoming New Year. May the coming year bring abundance, peace, and prosperity to the people of Armenia. I also hope for the expansion of relations and friendship between our countries. Long live Armenia! Long live Iran!” concluded the Ambassador.
Congratulating "Armenpress" state news agency on the occasion of its 105th anniversary, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of China to Armenia Fan Yong, welcomed the official launch of the agency's news releases in various languages, including Chinese.
"For over a century, Armenpress has served as a bridge, bringing  the voice of Armenia to the  world.  It has assumed the important role of being the bridge and window of Armenia. I am confident that with this new platform, the "Armenpress" news agency will make an even more significant contribution to the national development of Armenia,’’ the Ambassador noted.
According to him, China and Armenia are good partners and friends. "As the official Armenian media, Armenpress has established working relations with Chinese partners. I am confident that the launch of the Chinese department of the "Armenpress" news agency will greatly contribute to a better mutual understanding and exchange of cultural values between China and Armenia, as well as strengthen ties between the peoples of the two countries.
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Armenia is ready to provide active support to "Armenpress" and bring the Chinese-Armenian media cooperation to a new level," the Ambassador added.
Armenpress, founded in 1918,  is the leading news agency of Armenia, publishing approximately 200 Armenian news articles regularly. The agency distributes its news reports in Russian, English, Arabic, French, Turkish, Spanish, Georgian, Persian, and Chinese. The agency has the oldest and largest photo archive in Armenia, which includes about 1 million photos. Many of them have significant historical value. In recent years, Armenpress has actively expanded its services, including video production and podcast offerings.
From Latin America to Europe, from Africa to Asia. In recent years Armenpress has signed cooperation agreements with more than 30 news agencies.



U.S to support direct negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan to achieve peace

Manouk Vasilian

 12:31,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan regularly discuss normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has said.

"So I will say that in all of our conversations – or all the conversations between the Secretary – between Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Fidan, that is a topic that comes up for conversation – as part of the conversation. So I won’t give a specific readout, but that is something that they regularly discuss when they either get together in person or when they talk on the phone," Miller told a press briefing.

Miller has also referred to Hakan Fidan's statement made in Baku on December 14 that, in his opinion, Armenia and Azerbaijan are closer than ever to a peace agreement.

 "We welcome Turkey playing a productive role in resolving this conflict. We agree with what the foreign minister said, that peace is possible and we would support direct talks between the two parties to achieve that," he added.

Russian military police ‘abduct’ Russian deserter in Armenia

Manouk Vasilian
Dec 11 2023
 

ByArshaluys Barseghyan

Russian troops stationed in Armenia have been accused of impersonating the Armenian military police in order to abduct a Russian citizen who moved to the country to flee the draft.

On Friday, the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor, a local human rights group, stated that Dmitriy Leonidovich Setrakov had been abducted by Russian military police from the 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri on 6 or 7 December.

Idite Lesom (‘go through the woods’), a project created to help Russians avoid the draft, also reported Setrakov’s detention in Gyumri on Sunday. They stated that they had helped Setrakov move to Yerevan in late November after he had deserted his military police unit in April.

The group added that Setrakov had been allowed to call his wife and that he had told her he would be held in Armenia for two months before being transferred to Russia.

His wife, Alyona Setrakova, confirmed that she received a call from Setrakov after his alleged abduction. She said that he had told her that his captors approached him claiming they were members of the Armenian military police.

Upon inspecting the telephone number used to call her, she found that the caller’s WhatsApp profile picture was of the letter Z — a military symbol used by the Russian army in their invasion of Ukraine.

Agentstvo, an independent Russian media outlet, claimed that the phone number used to call Setrakov’s wife was that of Vadim Shevchenko, a graduate of the FSB Institute.

In an interview with Vot Tak, Idite Leson’s founder, Grigory Sverdlin, said that Setrakov was supposed to stay in Yerevan, and that he did not inform the group that he was going to Gyumri.

According to Vot Tak, Setrakov could face five to 10 years in prison if he were to be transferred to Russia and convicted of deserting his unit.

Armenian authorities have remained tight-lipped over the alleged abduction. The Prosecutor’s Office has so far declined to say if they have opened an investigation, telling local media only that they were looking into the reports.

In an interview with RFE/RL, Artur Sakunts, the head of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly-Vanadzor, called Setrakov’s alleged abduction an ‘attack against the legal system of Armenia’ and ‘against Armenia as a sovereign state’.

Sakunts called on the General Prosecutor’s Office to press charges against the Russian officers who kidnapped Setrakov and to prevent the former Russian soldier’s transfer to Russia.

Russia stationed military police in its bases in Armenia five years ago to oversee the discipline of the military units stationed in the country.

While the Armenian police have previously detained Russian nationals wanted by Russia for draft evasion or desertion, all were released shortly after, and Armenia has yet to extradite any to Russia.

On Saturday, the Armenian police announced they had arrested a 20-year-old Russian national wanted by Russian law enforcement for draft evasion. Sakunts stated that the man was released after Armenia’s Human Rights Defender intervened in the case.

Read in Georgian on On.ge.