Author: Mary Lazarian

Relations with Armenia can become even more productive, PM says

Mary Lazarian
Business Daily, Greece
feb 27 2024
The Armenian prime minister's visit was a significant step in consolidating the already excellent relations with Armenia, Mitsotakis said adding that they will have the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation in areas such as renewable energy sources and technology. 

Greece and Armenia have historic ties that stretch across the centuries and can now become even more productive in view of the common challenges that lie ahead, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday, during joint statements with his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan in Athens.

The Armenian prime minister's visit was a significant step in consolidating the already excellent relations with Armenia, Mitsotakis said, adding that they will have the opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation in areas such as renewable energy sources and technology. 
"We are also collaborating in the defence sector," Mitsotakis added, saying his talks with his Armenian counterpart had additionally touched on ways to improve Greek-Armenian trade relations.

Regional developments were also discussed, Mitsotakis told reporters, noting that the two countries shared many common positions. "We are steadfastly opposed to any form of threat or use of force, always on the side of international law, absolutely dedicated to respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of every state. We believe in dialogue. Armenia, after the war of 2023, better understands the values of peace. The decisions you will take will shape the course of your country in the coming years," he said.

Mitsotakis noted that roughly 100,000 refugees from highland Karabakh need relief: "Greece will stand at your side in every diplomatic effort for a permanent peace treaty with Azerbaijan. Only a sustainable agreement can open up the path. Greece supports your initiative "Crossroads of Peace" announced by the prime minister in December so that the region can be converted into a hub for trade… only joint prosperity is able to silence guns and the progress of peoples deflect the plans of authoritarian leaders."

The Greek prime minister expressed full support for Armenia's orientation toward the West and said it was natural for Greece to be prepared to help build this new, liberal democracy. He also declared Greece's support for Armenia in the protection of its important cultural heritage in areas such as highland Karabakh.

Mitsotakis concluded by referring to the good prospects for a bilateral agreement on the migration and employment of Armenians in Greece, saying the many ties between the two people make their integration into Greek society easier, while pointed to the large and thriving Armenian community in Greece "which is the most fertile link in the chain of friendship and solidarity that joins our peoples."

On his part, Pashinyan stated that his visit to Athens is important and that he will have the opportunity with the Greek prime minister to discuss bilateral issues, as well as Armenia's relations with the EU.

He also thanked Greece for its support of the Armenian community living in Greece, noting that there was also a Greek community in Armenia which contributes to economic and commercial life. 

"It reflects the historic ties between the two countries. Our relations are developing at a great speed and, as a result of today's visit, we will give them a fresh boost. You also noted the sectors of defence and security. We have a long history of cooperation and I am certain that it will become more effective," Pashinyan said, addressing Mitsotakis.

The prime minister of Armenia thanked Greece for its help in developing his country's cooperation with the EU, adding that the results of the reforms will soon become even more visible.

He also said that they discussed the issue of the displaced Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as regional developments. "I briefed the prime minister on the efforts on Armenia's part to reach a reconciliation agreement and how far on this road we are in order to make progress. A ministerial meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will be held in the near future and I hope we will make progress," Pashinyan said.

The Armenian premier also said that on a bilateral level, Greece and Armenia are collaborating in many sectors, they have made good economic progress and it was an opportunity to take steps to deepen this cooperation.

"We have a high level of dialogue. Bilateral trade is not impressive. I hope that in the context of the intergovernmental committee meeting we will have the opportunity to discuss the details of our cooperation in trade," Pashinyan underlined.

AMNA

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 21-02-24

Mary Lazarian

 17:08,

YEREVAN, 21 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 21 February, USD exchange rate down by 0.13 drams to 404.34 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.22 drams to 436.65 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.01 drams to 4.37 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.24 drams to 510.24 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 148.22 drams to 26377.96 drams. Silver price down by 0.42 drams to 299.78 drams.

Is Azerbaijan planning a full-scale war against Armenia?

Mary Lazarian
WION, India
Feb 21 2024
WION Video Team  
Four Armenian soldiers were killed and another wounded by Azerbaijani fire along the two countries' heavily militarized border on the 13th of February. Baku claimed that the attack on the Armenian position was in retaliation to an Armenian provocation a day earlier in which one Azerbaijani soldier was wounded. Tuesday's flare-up in violence was the first since the Caucasus' arch-foes began negotiating a deal last year to end more than three decades of intermittent war. A couple of days after the border skirmish, Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, warned that Azerbaijan is planning a full-scale war against Armenia. Both nations have professed an interest in signing a peace treaty but continue to disagree over issues including precise demarcation of their border and control over several small territorial enclaves. Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.


Baku, Yerevan Pledge To Resolve Differences Without Force: Scholz

Mary Lazarian
UrduPoint
Feb 17 2024

 Muhammad Irfan

Armenia and Azerbaijan's presidents pledged Saturday to resolve differences through peaceful means, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said after holding three-way talks between the leaders

Munich, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 17th Feb, 2024) Armenia and Azerbaijan's presidents pledged Saturday to resolve differences through peaceful means, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said after holding three-way talks between the leaders.

At the meeting in Munich with Armenia's President Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan counterpart Ilham Aliyev, Scholz urged a rapid conclusion of peace talks, according to a statement issued by the chancellery.

"The chancellor praised pledges from both sides today, to resolve differences in opinion and open questions exclusively through peaceful means and without the use of force," added the statement.

No official statements have been issued from either side regarding the talks.

But the promises to avoid conflict would be a marked change in tone from Pashinyan's warning on Thursday that Azerbaijan was planning a "full-scale war".

On Tuesday, both sides also accused each other of opening fire on their volatile border, in a skirmish Armenia said left four of its soldiers dead.

Tensions between the two Caucasus neighbours have remained high since Baku re-captured the Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh last September in a lightning military offensive.

Yerevan is concerned that Azerbaijan, emboldened by its success in Karabakh, could invade Armenian territory in order to create a land bridge to its exclave of Nakhchivan.

Aliyev, who won re-election this month, said in an inauguration speech Wednesday it was Armenia, not Azerbaijan, that had outstanding territorial claims.

Pashinyan and Aliyev previously said a peace agreement could have been signed by the end of last year, but internationally mediated peace talks have failed to yield a breakthrough.

In a bilateral meeting also in Munich, Pashinyan told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday morning that that had been a "new escalation" with Azerbaijan, in reference to the latest skirmish.

Aliyev is due to hold separate talks with Blinken later Saturday on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

Prime Minister of Armenia, President of Iraqi Kurdistan meet in Munich

Mary Lazarian

 17:49,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS.  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with the President of Iraqi Kurdistan Nechirvan Idris Barzani, the PM's Office said.

The interlocutors emphasized the continuous development of trade and economic cooperation. In that context, the need to expand and deepen business ties was emphasized.

The sides also exchanged views on other topics of regional importance.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan meets Kosovo counterpart

Mary Lazarian

 19:15,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS.  Within the framework of the Munich Security Conference, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
According to the readout issued by the Armenian Prime Minister Office, the parties exchanged ideas on the current situation and ongoing processes in the South Caucasus region and the Balkans, as well as ensuring security and stability.
According to the source, the Prime Minister of Kosovo expressed his support to the Armenian people in the context of the events of the recent years, noting that historically both nations are going through a difficult period.
It is noted that the meeting touched on multi-sectoral cooperation, as well as the prospects of cooperation on international platforms.

AW: Stepanyan and Beglaryan advocate for rights and safe return of Artsakh’s Armenians

Mary Lazarian
 ANCA ANCA News 3

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Gegham Stepanyan and former State Minister Artak Beglaryan concluded a two-week advocacy mission to Washington, D.C. that called on U.S. congressional leaders, administration officials and a broad array of faith-based and human rights groups to hold Azerbaijan accountable for the genocide against Artsakh’s 150,000 indigenous Armenian Christians and to provide support to refugees as mechanisms are explored to ensure their safe return to the homes from which they were forcibly displaced.

Former Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan and the ANCA’s Tereza Yerimyan speak with Congressional Armenian Caucus co-chair David Valadao

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) joined with Stepanyan and Beglaryan in over 60 meetings and briefings with congressional offices, coinciding with the introduction of two resolutions that would cut military aid to Azerbaijan’s genocidal regime, holding Azerbaijan accountable for its crimes.

Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan and former State Minister Artak Beglaryan and ANCA’s Tereza Yerimyan with Senate Armed Services Committee chair Jack Reed (D-RI)

In the Senate, Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a bipartisan resolution (S.Res.540) that would require the State Department to provide a detailed description of widely-documented human rights abuses perpetrated by Azerbaijan, pursuant to Section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act, which could block all military aid to the genocidal Aliyev regime.

U.S. Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) was joined by Congressional Armenian Caucus co-chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and House Foreign Affairs Committee member Gabe Amo (D-RI) in introducing the House counterpart (H.R.7288) of the Senate’s unanimously-adopted “Armenian Protection Act,” (S.3000), which would block U.S. security aid to Azerbaijan for two years.

Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan and former State Minister Artak Beglaryan thank Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) for leading the unanimous passage of S.3000 cutting U.S. security aid to Azerbaijan and discuss the need for expanded U.S. aid to support Artsakh genocide survivors

Stepanyan and Beglaryan offered eyewitness accounts of the brutal realities of Azerbaijan’s ten-month blockade of Artsakh, which culminated in the September 2023 genocidal attack that forcibly emptied Artsakh of its indigenous Armenian population. In addition to the passage of the latest legislation urging an end to U.S. support for Azerbaijan’s genocidal actions, the Artsakh people’s advocates urged:

— Sanctions on Azerbaijan, including the enforcement of Section 907 and the application of Magnitsky sanctions on Aliyev government officials for war crimes and ethnic cleansing committed during the 2020 Azerbaijan-Turkey attacks against Armenia and Artsakh and subsequent genocidal aggression.

— U.S. aid for Artsakh’s forcibly displaced Armenians, including housing and job placement assistance, until a secure mechanism can be put in place through international oversight and mediation with Artsakh authorities to guarantee the safe and dignified return of forcibly displaced Armenians to their Artsakh homes.

Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan and former State Minister Artak Beglaryan and ANCA’s Tereza Yerimyan and Alex Galitsky with senior House Foreign Affairs Committee member Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA)

— Expanded U.S. and international efforts to help secure the immediate release of Artsakh leaders, POWs and all the other captured persons illegally held by Azerbaijan since the 2020 Azerbaijan/Turkey attacks and the 2023 aggression.

— Preservation of Artsakh’s Armenian cultural and religious heritage already vandalized or under threat of destruction by Azerbaijan.

Stepanyan and Beglaryan stressed that without international efforts to address the Artsakh people’s right to safe return, dignified life in Artsakh and justice for the crimes committed, it will be impossible to establish sustainable peace in the region. They also emphasized that the systemic anti-Armenian hatred fomented by the Azerbaijani government must be eradicated to ensure an enduring settlement of the conflict and regional stability.

While in Washington, D.C., Beglaryan and Stepanyan participated in the International Religious Freedom Summit, co-chaired by Amb. Sam Brownback, the U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom (2018-2021) and Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights.

Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan and former State Minister Artak Beglaryan share the need for concrete U.S. action to address Azerbaijan’s genocide against Artsakh’s Armenians with U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain

During a presentation made to a diverse group of faith-based organizations and U.S. government officials, Stepanyan explained, “I speak before you today not just as the human rights defender (Ombudsman) of my people but as a witness and a survivor of genocide.” He stressed that the world is witnessing the systematic erasure of “the Christian and world heritage of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), of its ancient churches and hallowed cemeteries, now standing silent under the shadow of occupation and desecration by the dictatorial Aliyev regime of Azerbaijan.” Stepanyan urged faith leaders and government officials to rally together and serve as “the shield that protects the vulnerable, the voice that speaks for the silenced and the light that pierces the darkness of cultural erasure. Only then can we ensure that the soul of Artsakh, its ancient and sacred Christian heritage, is not lost forever.”

Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan, former State Minister Artak Beglaryan, and ANCA’s Tereza Yerimyan discuss Azerbaijan’s genocide of Artsakh and ongoing aggression against Armenia with International Religious Freedom Summit co-chair Amb. Sam Brownback

“Artsakh’s rights were center stage these past two weeks in Washington, D.C., as two of the Republic’s most eloquent voices – Artak Beglaryan and Gegham Stepanyan – made the case to U.S. legislators and international religious freedom leaders for the safe return of indigenous Armenians to their ancient homeland,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “Over the course of dozens of congressional meetings, legislators heard first-hand about the Artsakh genocide and explored the concrete U.S. steps needed to restore this integral part of the Armenian homeland.”

Former Artsakh State Minister Artak Beglaryan and the ANCA’s Tereza Yerimyan discuss the need for expanded U.S. aid for Artsakh’s forcibly displaced population with Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), a longtime champion of U.S. aid to Artsakh

Beglaryan and Stepanyan’s visit was part of a 120,0000 Reasons coalition effort, supported by the Tufenkian Foundation and the Philos Project, and over 20 human rights, faith-based, and ethnic organizations, calling on the U.S. government to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its genocide against Artsakh’s Armenian population and to prevent further aggression against Armenia.

The Artsakh people’s representatives also participated in a fireside chat, organized by the George Washington University Armenian Law Students’ Association, where they shared the ongoing challenges facing Artsakh’s displaced Armenians and the need for concrete political and legal action. They also shared their powerful message of survival and issued an international call to action during a series of press interviews.

Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan discusses paths forward to secure justice for Azerbaijan’s genocide against Artsakh’s Armenians with Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission co-chair Chris Smith (R-CA)

In addition to educational efforts in the nation’s capital, the trip also included a robust series of meetings with international organizations and community leaders in New York.  While in Washington, DC, they met with the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Earlier, Stepanyan and Beglaryan participated in meetings with California state and local government officials, various university law programs and community forums organized through the Armenian Bar Association, in conjunction with their annual meeting.

The Artsakh advocates offered an overview of their meetings in the U.S. during a press conference held in Yerevan upon their return, available here.

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The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.


Podcast | Against shame culture: virginity tests and sex education in Armenia

Mary Lazarian

Feb 16 2024
Last week, a bill on domestic violence passed its first hearing in Armenia’s parliament. The changes would classify virginity tests, a controversial practice meant to determine whether a person’s hymen is intact, as a form of domestic violence.

This week, we speak to Ani Jilosian of the Women’s Support Centre about what these amendments could mean and to Tereza Panchoyan, or Girlunmuted, an Instagram blogger, about attitudes towards sex in Armenia and the importance of better sex education.

Read more:

  • Talking about sex: an unspoken topic in Armenia
  • Imprisoned in their own homes: the Armenian women escaping psychological abuse

Listen to the Podcast at 

A Gaziantep Armenian following in the footsteps of his ancestors in the city

Mary Lazarian
Turkey – Feb 16 2024
Hovig Keşişyan, who traces the footsteps of his ancestors exiled from Antep in 1915, says, "If we hadn't left here a hundred years ago, we wouldn't have experienced a second exile from Aleppo."

Born in Aleppo, Syria in 1989, Hovig Keşişyan identifies himself as a person from Gaziantep: "I was born in Aleppo but I consider myself from Gaziantep. When people asked where I was from in Aleppo, we would say 'we are from Gaziantep.' I had other friends from Gaziantep too. They used to say to me, 'You are 18 karat Gaziantep, we are 24 karat!' because they were Gaziantepi on both their mother's and father's sides. My mother, however, is from Sivas."

His grandfather, who shares the same name, was born in Gaziantep in 1913. In his diary passed down from his grandfather, it is written: "I was born in Eblahan, Gaziantep. Somewhere near the Eyüboğlu Mosque."

Hovig Keşişyan, who visits the city where his ancestors were born every year, despite warnings from his family to not go to Gaziantep due to potential risks, met with us in an old Gaziantep house. We talked to him about being from Gaziantep and being Armenian.

Hovig Keşişyan and his family still speak Turkish at home: "This is a legacy passed down to us from Gaziantep. We see it as a cultural richness. I first came to Gaziantep in 2015. I feel like I belong here. I believe my roots and connection are here."

"Dad and grandpa used to say that the people of Gaziantep have a rich and deep-rooted history," says Keşişyan, recalling his memories:

"In Aleppo, you can find books and materials about Armenians from Gaziantep. We have kept the spirit of being from Gaziantep alive there too. If someone in Aleppo is awake, skilled, and clever, they ask, 'Is he from Gaziantep?' This is my sixth visit to Gaziantep. I met historian and writer Murad Uçaner, and through him, I learned about the city's history. When I first saw Kurtuluş Mosque, which used to be Surp Asdvadzadzin Church, I felt drawn to it, psychologically feeling like I belonged there. Later, I learned that my grandfather was baptized at Surp Asdvadzadzin Church in 1914."

Keşişyan, who says he feels a nostalgic melancholy with each visit to Gaziantep, describes 1915 as follows:

"I say, if we hadn't experienced the events of 1915, we wouldn't have migrated to Aleppo. We wouldn't have experienced a situation like 1915 in Aleppo either. If it weren't for 1915, we wouldn't have suffered due to what is happening in Syria today. And every time I come here, I also get angry with our people. I wish our ancestors had converted to Islam so we could have stayed here!

"Because we experienced trauma. We are now the fourth generation. We know my grandfather's father, but we don't know those before him. My grandfather was born in Gaziantep, my father and I were born in Syria. My son was born in Armenia. Four generations, three different countries… What does it mean to change three countries in 100 years? Every time I come here, I feel a pain."

Keşişyan is the only one from his family that has been going back and forth to Gaziantep. In fact, his mother worries every time he comes back, fearing that something might happen to him. She says things like, "Why are you going there, son? It could be dangerous. They might cause you trouble. Go to Europe instead, why are you going to Gaziantep? It's all in the past. Don't reopen closed chapters."

He says, "Bey Mahallesi attracts me. The old Armenian Quarter. I love places that smell of history. Especially when that history belongs to my family, my ancestors, and my grandfather. I don't want to be separated from it. I would prefer to stay in Gaziantep, to live here. I would like my son to have the spirit of Gaziantep as well. I want him to live here just like his ancestors did. (CÖ/TY/PE)    

https://bianet.org/haber/a-gaziantep-armenian-following-in-the-footsteps-of-his-ancestors-in-the-city-291986

Four candidates running for Russian president

Mary Lazarian

 18:45, 8 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. Four candidates will be on the ballot for Russian president, Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairperson Ella Pamfilova told a meeting of the commission, Tass reports.

The CEC has registered four presidential candidates – Leonid Slutsky of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), Vladislav Davankov of New People, Nikolay Kharitonov of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and incumbent Russian President Vladimir Putin, running for a fifth term as an independent.