Author: Meline Chalian

Armenia urges UN to hold emergency meeting on worsening humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh

Meline Chalian
                 Morning Star
                       UK – Aug 13 2023

ARMENIA has called on the United Nations security council to hold an emergency meeting over the worsening humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

In his letter to the council’s president, sent on Friday and released publicly on Saturday, Armenia’s UN ambassador Mher Margaryan said the disputed region inside Azerbaijan was “on the verge of a full-fledged humanitarian catastrophe.”

Azerbaijan has blockaded the only road leading from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh since December, severely restricting deliveries of food, medical supplies and other essentials to the region of about 120,000 people.

Mainly populated by ethic Armenians, Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised Azerbaijanian territory but most of it has been self-governed since 1994.

Azerbaijan regained control of previously Armenian-occupied territory surrounding the region during a six-week war in 2020.

“The Armenian government asks for the intervention of the UN security council, as the main body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, to prevent mass atrocities, including war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and genocide,” Mr Margaryan said in the letter.

Armenia’s appeal comes after the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) warned on Tuesday that Azerbaijan is preparing genocide against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Warning against the blockading of supplies, Luis Moreno Ocampo’s report called for the security council to bring the matter before an international tribunal.

“There is a reasonable basis to believe that a genocide is being committed,” he wrote, noting that a UN convention defines genocide as including “deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction.”

He added: “There are no crematories and there are no machete attacks. Starvation is the invisible genocide weapon.

“Without immediate dramatic change, this group of Armenians will be destroyed in a few weeks.”

A government representative in Azerbaijan dismissed the report from Mr Ocampo, who was the ICC’s first prosecutor, telling The Associated Press it “contains unsubstantiated allegations and accusations.”

Azerbaijani Press: At last, Armenians understand reintegration is only solution

Meline Chalian
AzerNews, Azerbaijan
Aug 12 2023
Qabil Ashirov

As far as it can be seen, the passion and enthusiasm for Armenian propaganda based on the myth about great Armenia playing out from the Caspian Sea to the Black Sea is getting dampened. This sacred myth for Armenians has a claim that as though Armenians are the most civilized and the most ancient nation in the world, and everybody in the world is obliged to fight and die for them. This fetish belief drove them to the extremes of terrorism, genocide and finally invasion. Even fanatically believing in this fabrication, Armenians tried to wrest Garabagh from Azerbaijan.

Taking advantage of the internal turmoils and economic crisis in Azerbaijan, Armenians were able to invade 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories and expelled over 1 million residents from their hometowns 32 years ago. Although it was useless in every visit, Azerbaijan did not take a step back from the negotiations even for a moment. The whole world witnessed the exhausting processes at the negotiating table. Finally, the biggest offer for reintegration – the offer to give Garabagh the highest status – came from Azerbaijan. However, the society, brainwashed with past mythical ideas of the most civilized and ancient nation, rejected this proposal. Even having gone further, David Tonoyan, the former Armenian Defense Minister, solemnly announced a new war, new territories.

Following this motto, Armenia attacked Azerbaijan to snatch new territories in 2020. So, Azerbaijan was obliged to respond with a counterattack.. First, Hayk demanded assistance from other nations and called them to come to Garabagh to fight against Azerbaijan for them. Then they started to beg but nobody came to help them due to their brazen and disgraceful ideology. So, the war resulted in a humiliating defeat for Armenians as a result of which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed the November 10 Statement – the capitulation act. Swift and unexpected defeat fumed the Armenian society and they poured into the streets to hold protests. The meeting continued for several days, but nobody understood to whom they protested. The streets of Yerevan were alive with reproaches directed to all nations in the world for not having come to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the "most civilized and ancient" nation. Russian blogger's interview with an unknown old Hay became a culmination of the protests. The old man was very angry and solemnly claimed that he had made Vladimir Putin the president of Russia by shouting. Ostensibly, he asked a friend of a friend of a friend of Boris Yeltsin, the former president of Russia, to make Putin president after him. Actually, the interview revealed how deeply the Armenian myth influenced the citizens. The old man really believed that Armenians are so a well-esteemed nation in the world that even when Russian state apparatus chooses the president, it takes into account the desire of a Hay living in a remote village in Armenia. He was so sure that Vladimir Putin was not elected by Russians but appointed to the post in accordance with his request. So, he reproached Vladimir Putin for not sending the Russian Army to fight against Azerbaijan.

All surveys conducted by different foreign organizations read that prior to the war in 2020, the majority of Armenians believed that someone will come to save Armenia. But it did not happen. But Armenians did not accept the reality and continued to take advantage of the goodwill demonstrated by Azerbaijan. Despite being the victor, Azerbaijan complied with the commitments of the November 10 Statement. In contrast, Armenians persistently violate their obligation. Even today, they are reluctant to open the Zangazur corridor. Despite being detected, they continued to transfer illegally some weapons into Khankendi. They did all provocations. Smuggling forbidden products to Khankendi and firing at Azerbaijani servicemen were the last straws. Azerbaijan closed the Lachin Border Checkpoint only for security purpose. Hoping that someone will come to save them, they performed a "tragedy named a humanitarian crisis in Garabagh." Through this period, Azerbaijan offered reintegration again and again. Of course, the answer was no.

However, last week, Samvel Babayan, one of the leaders of separatists in Khankendi spoke about opening a common market in Agdam where both Azerbaijanis and Armenians will collaborate initially. Despite he explained his proposal in favor of separatists, many on social media said that it is a hint for integration. As everybody was busy making out the market proposal, Dilara Afandiyeva, the head of the Centre "Women: Peace and Security" operating under the Dilara Aliyeva Azerbaijan Society for Protection of Women's Rights, stated that several Armenians in Garabagh have made calls to the hotline requesting that they wanted to accept Azerbaijani citizenship. She said that Armenians also ask questions about the fate of the people who fought against Azerbaijan in the first and second Garabagh Wars. Besides, they also are interested in getting pensions from Azerbaijan. All this foreshadows the crumbling of the Armenian myth. It reveals that at last Armenians understood that nobody care about them and with such kind of demands they just lose their face. At last, after tasting the the power of the Iron Fist over their heads, they understood that the reintegration is the only solution.

Armenia hopes international community will unite efforts to end humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh – Deputy FM

Meline Chalian

 16:27, 28 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to deteriorate as a result of the ongoing total blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan said at a meeting with members of the diplomatic corps of Armenia in Kornidzor.

“120,000 residents of Nagorno-Karabakh are factually besieged for over 220 days beginning 12 December. Human rights are violated in Nagorno-Karabakh, the right to life, right to education, right to healthcare. It’s difficult to imagine that something like this could happen in the 21st century. And it is difficult to imagine the international community not uniting efforts in such conditions to try and resolve the deteriorating humanitarian crisis with a united front. These seven months showed that Azerbaijan not only ignores the international community’s calls on opening the Lachin Corridor, but is also displaying explicit disregard for the UN International Court of Justice 22 February and 6 July rulings, according to which Azerbaijan must ensure unimpeded passage of persons, vehicles and goods along the Lachin Corridor in both directions, precisely how it is envisaged under the 9 November 2020 statement, which is also signed by the President of Azerbaijan,” Kostanyan said.

Azerbaijan is trying to mislead the international community, falsely claiming that the Lachin Corridor is open, and presents the rare movement of vehicles of the Red Cross and the Russian peacekeepers as attempted corroboration to this false claim.

The humanitarian convoy sent by the Armenian government which is unable to cross into Lachin Corridor from Kornidzor is direct evidence that the Lachin Corridor is blocked and Azerbaijan’s previous statements have been lies.

Kostanyan noted that it would be difficult to consider Azerbaijan’s latest statements as constructive ones.

“Basically, the statements made by the authorities of Azerbaijan and the actions they take show that there is a clear goal to create conditions incompatible with life for the people living in Nagorno-Karabakh, which in turn will lead to ethnic cleansings. I believe that this can’t anyhow be acceptable for the civilized society in the 21st century. And I hope you will clearly convey to your capitals everything you saw here today. And we hope that all capitals will make relevant statements and actions, which will allow to immediately unblock free and unimpeded movement along Lachin Corridor,” Kostanyan told the foreign ambassadors.

[see video]

List of countries whose envoys took stock of blocked humanitarian convoy at entrance to Lachin Corridor

Meline Chalian

 18:10, 28 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. Representatives of the diplomatic corps in Armenia visited on Friday the village of Kornidzor in the Syunik Province where an Armenian humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical aid to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor.

Azerbaijan refuses to let through the relief convoy, falsely accusing Armenia of provocation.

The members of the diplomatic corps took stock of the situation on the ground.

Diplomats from the following countries and representatives of the following organizations visited Kornidzor: United States, Belarus, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Iran, Iraq, Poland, Lithuania, India, UK, Switzerland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine, France, United Nations, ICRC.

Photos by Hayk Manukyan

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023 the United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – ordered Azerbaijan to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.  Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.

On July 25, the Government of Armenia said that it will try to send over 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other foodstuffs and medication to Nagorno-Karabakh to mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor. Armenia requested the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh to escort the aid. Armenia has also requested Azerbaijan to not obstruct the convoy.

On Thursday, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Azerbaijan would only corroborate Armenia’s fears that Baku seeks to commit genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh if the convoy gets blocked.

RFE/RL Armenian Service – 07/29/2023

Meline Chalian 
                                        Saturday, 


Karabakh Man Arrested By Azerbaijan During Medical Evacuation

        • Artak Khulian

Vagif Khachatrian and other patients from Nagorno-Karabakh pass through an 
Azerbaijani checkpoint in the Lachin corridor, .


Azerbaijani security forces arrested a seriously ill resident of 
Nagorno-Karabakh as he was being evacuated by the International Committee of the 
Red Cross (ICRC) to Armenia on Saturday.

Vagif Khachatrian, a 68-year-old resident of the Karabakh village of Patara, was 
among patients escorted by the ICRC to Armenian hospitals for urgent treatment. 
He was detained at an Azerbaijani checkpoint in the Lachin corridor in what 
Karabakh’s leadership and the Armenian government condemned as a gross violation 
of international law.

Azerbaijani authorities said later in the day that Khachatrian was taken to Baku 
to stand trial on charges of killing and deporting Karabakh’s ethnic Azerbaijani 
residents in December 1991, at the start of the first Armenian-Azerbaijani war. 
They claimed that he was indicted on these charges in 2013.

A senior Karabakh official, Artak Beglarian, rejected the “false” accusations. 
He insisted that like many other Karabakh Armenian men, Khachatrian “defended 
his homeland” during the 1991-1994 and did not commit war crimes.

“He was neither a commander nor a deputy commander. He was a driver,” 
Khachatrian’s daughter Tsovinar, who accompanied him during his aborted trip to 
Armenia, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service. She said her father was due to undergo 
a heart surgery in Yerevan.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry condemned Khachatrian’s arrest as a “blatant 
violation of international humanitarian law” and “war crime.” “It is aimed at 
completely disrupting the ICRC’s activities in Nagorno-Karabakh at a time when 
Azerbaijan is keeping the Lachin corridor closed and impeding the entry of other 
international organizations to Nagorno-Karabakh,” it said in a statement.

Nagorno Karabakh - A Red Cross vehicle leaves a hospital in Stepanakert in 
December 2022.

Khachatrian is the first Karabakh patient arrested by the Azerbaijani 
authorities during the medical evacuations organized by the ICRC after Baku 
halted last December commercial traffic through the only road connecting 
Karabakh to Armenia. The Red Cross did not immediately react to his detention.

There was also no immediate reaction from Russian peacekeeping forces stationed 
in Karabakh. It is not clear whether they tried to prevent the man’s arrest.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly suspended the medical evacuations. On June 15, it also 
banned the ICRC and the Russian peacekeepers from sending limited amounts of 
humanitarian aid to Karabakh, aggravating the shortages of food, medicine, fuel 
and other essential items in the Armenian-populated region.

The worsening humanitarian crisis there led the United States, the European 
Union and Russia to renew their calls for the lifting of the Azerbaijani 
blockade. Baku continued to reject such appeals this week.

Gurgen Nersisian, the Karabakh premier, on Saturday also blamed Armenia for the 
crisis and Khachatrian’s “kidnapping” in particular, saying that this was made 
possible by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s May 2023 pledge to recognize 
Azerbaijani sovereignty over Karabakh.

Armenian opposition leaders have likewise claimed that the far-reaching 
concession made by Pashinian only emboldened Baku to tighten the screws on the 
Karabakh Armenians.


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.

Engineer Armenia: Sustainable solutions for the homeland

Meline Chalian
July 26, 2023 Talar Keoseyan Non-Profit 1

Family home built in Jrashen, 2019

“When I think of how this organization started, I reflect on myself at 16 years old,” Karina Khadarian, founder and CEO of Engineer Armenia, said, “when I went to Armenia and Artsakh for two and a half weeks with my school. I loved every minute of it, but I left feeling like I was merely a tourist in my own homeland. I still felt a sense of disconnect.” In 2015, Khadarian spent her summer in Armenia and Artsakh as an AYF Youth Corps volunteer. This was the first time she truly formed a connection with the land and its residents on more than just a surface level. She immersed herself in the communities of Armenia, and that connection was liberating for her.

She was just two years into college as a chemical engineering undergraduate when she decided that she had to do something to impact change in the homeland. While staying with host families, she gained insight into the challenges they faced on a daily basis. She knew that infrastructure, water and waste management in Armenia were in need of serious improvement. She believed she could tie these issues together through education. In July of 2015, she founded Engineer Armenia. “To engineer is to use innovation, creativity, knowledge and resources to find a sustainable solution to a problem. We are to engineer our homeland,” Khadarian told the Weekly.

“You have to actively be Armenian. It’s not enough to preserve our culture and learn and share about our history. It’s not only about the genealogy. Patriotism is not just loving your country blindly,” Khadarian said. “You have to see the homeland for all its beauty, but also its flaws, and work proactively to get it to the level that it deserves.”

She was 20 years old, and she knew that her homeland needed her. She went back to foster relationships with her former host families and students. She investigated potential projects and grew the Engineer Armenia network with local municipalities, authorities and residents. Were the residents ready to invest in themselves and their own communities? Could they donate their time, skills, equipment or money? These were areas to discuss and seriously consider.

Engineer Armenia volunteers at work

She developed a team at the University of California, Irvine, (UCI) starting with 19 volunteers, most of whom were not of Armenian descent and had no relationship with Armenia. As a student volunteer in other engineering organizations on campus, she began by networking with and recruiting UCI students. As someone who had volunteered her time and skills for projects in Madagascar and Honduras, countries she did not have a personal connections with, she knew she could engage both her Armenian and non-Armenian peers by presenting it as the hands-on experience all engineering students needed to become desirable candidates for future employment opportunities. 

“We have to be strategic in how we get both our own community members and our non-Armenian friends, colleagues and even strangers involved in such development projects. Sell it as a hands-on experience, or a networking opportunity, or a way to grow your list of references,” Khadarian urged. “Do what you can to engage more people and secure more resources, whether it be for intellect and skills, or for financing and connections. Be strategic, be smart, and above all, always think of ways to help our beloved homeland.”

Since its inception and early years, Engineer Armenia’s membership, network and projects have grown. Engineer Armenia has projects in Gyumri, Tavush and Meghrashen in Shirak; Vanadzor, Jrashen and Hartagyugh in Lori; Hatsik and Karakert in Armavir; Goris in Syunik; and Nngi in Artsakh. Projects address water, waste management, infrastructure, engineering, education or consulting. They include design-heavy initiatives to renovate or retrofit civil or commercial infrastructure, treat and improve drinking or irrigation water quality, and install proper waste management processes. 

Engineering camp, Hartagyugh, 2022

Engineer Armenia also has education programs such as their annual summer engineering camp. During the camp, students are immersed into different engineering fields through interactive activities and competitions to demonstrate their new skills. At the end of camp, students present their original projects addressing how they can use engineering to develop the homeland. The projects involve at least one field of engineering and include detailed project scope, estimated costs, labor, materials and project timeline. This final project not only highlights the topics and skills students learn at the camp but also fosters a collaborative environment, improves their public speaking and presentation skills, and inspires them to take ownership of their work. This is a wonderful way of working on a growth mindset to encourage innovation and engage the next generation of Armenian engineers in homeland development, self-reliance and sustainability projects.

Engineer Armenia has also collaborated with start-up companies for prosthetics and 3D printing. “There are a lot of brilliant minds in Armenia with great ideas, but sometimes there is a gap between the conception of the project or business idea and the actual implementation and scale-up,” Khadarian said. To help bridge that gap, Engineer Armenia has helped with business proposals and grant writing. One of the groups secured a $10,000 grant to use for a startup.

Engineer Armenia is committed to helping our homeland with its dedicated volunteer staff throughout the Diaspora, Armenia and Artsakh. 

“The concept of being actively Armenian is on all of us. We all have something we can bring to the table to help our homeland. In fact, it is our civic duty to do so,” Khadarian said.

  •  Bio
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Talar Keoseyan is a mother, educator and writer. Talar’s book called Mom and Dad, Why Do I Need to Know My Armenian Heritage? is available on Amazon. Tigran’s Song is available at Abril Bookstore. She has been an educator for 25 years and resides in Los Angeles, CA. She can be reached at


https://armenianweekly.com/2023/07/26/engineer-armenia-sustainable-solutions-for-the-homeland/?fbclid=IwAR3an0gMM1Jaggwsa05bTsGUNGZ7lZ0PYu00GoU4B1Mvpg30TRDJlZwisn8

For the first time, Lufthansa Group to start regular Frankfurt–Yerevan air freight transportation

Meline Chalian

 13:10,

YEREVAN, JULY 24, ARMENPRESS. From 30 July 2023 Lufthansa Cargo AG for the first time will start regular transportation of air freight on the route Frankfurt –Yerevan – Frankfurt. Flights will be operated once a week: every Sunday.

For more details, visit the webpage of the airline at: .

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1116035.html?fbclid=IwAR2-3SMDCBM9-V7MLiDgFEMQVFr53ZB1RtXmcZSRDt9–eP49jln1Hpveys

Drone Map Armenia: Exploring the Beauty and History of Armenia through Drone Mapping

Meline Chalian
CLAYTON COUNTY REGISTER


Jennifer Pressman

Drone Map Armenia is an ambitious project that aims to explore and document the beauty and history of Armenia through drone mapping. This innovative approach to cultural preservation and tourism promotion combines cutting-edge technology with the rich heritage of a country that has been at the crossroads of history for millennia. By capturing high-resolution aerial images and videos, the project seeks to create an immersive experience that allows people from around the world to discover the breathtaking landscapes, ancient monuments, and vibrant culture of Armenia.

Armenia, a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, is home to a diverse array of natural and cultural treasures. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Ararat to the lush forests of Dilijan National Park, the country’s landscapes are as varied as they are stunning. Meanwhile, its historical sites, such as the ancient temples of Garni and the medieval monasteries of Geghard and Tatev, bear witness to the rich tapestry of civilizations that have shaped the region over the centuries.

Drone mapping technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we explore and understand these treasures. By providing a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, drones can capture images and videos that reveal previously unseen perspectives and details. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the sites, as well as the opportunity to identify and document new archaeological features that may have been hidden from view.

In addition to its scientific and cultural value, drone mapping can also play a crucial role in promoting tourism in Armenia. The stunning aerial footage captured by the project can be used to create interactive maps, virtual tours, and other multimedia content that showcases the country’s attractions to a global audience. This can help to attract more visitors to Armenia, boosting the local economy and supporting the preservation of its cultural heritage.

One of the key challenges faced by the Drone Map Armenia project is ensuring that the use of drones does not harm the environment or disrupt the local communities. To address this issue, the project team works closely with local authorities, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders to develop guidelines and best practices for drone mapping. This includes obtaining the necessary permits, conducting environmental impact assessments, and implementing measures to minimize noise and other disturbances.

Another important aspect of the project is its focus on capacity building and knowledge transfer. By training local professionals in drone mapping techniques and providing them with access to cutting-edge equipment and software, the project aims to create a sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystem for aerial imaging in Armenia. This not only benefits the country’s cultural heritage and tourism sectors but also opens up new opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs in the rapidly growing field of drone technology.

As the Drone Map Armenia project continues to expand its coverage and refine its methodologies, it is clear that this innovative approach to cultural preservation and tourism promotion has the potential to make a lasting impact on the country and its people. By harnessing the power of technology and fostering international collaboration, the project is helping to ensure that the beauty and history of Armenia can be appreciated and shared by generations to come.

In conclusion, the Drone Map Armenia project represents a groundbreaking fusion of technology, culture, and conservation. By utilizing drone mapping to explore and document the country’s rich heritage, the project is not only shedding new light on Armenia’s past but also paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. With its breathtaking landscapes, ancient monuments, and vibrant culture, Armenia is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered – and thanks to the pioneering work of the Drone Map Armenia team, that discovery is now more accessible than ever before.

https://www.claytoncountyregister.com/uncategorized/drone-map-armenia/1117/










Armenian foreign minister to visit Tehran Monday

Meline Chalian
 MEHR News Agency

TEHRAN, Jul. 23 (MNA) – The Armenian foreign minister will depart for Tehran to meet with his Iranian counterpart on Monday.

Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan is due in Tehran on Monday to hold talks with the officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

He will hold talks with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, local Iranian media said on Sunday evening.

KI

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 21-07-23

Meline Chalian

 17:08,

YEREVAN, 21 JULY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 21 July, USD exchange rate up by 0.19 drams to 386.48 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 2.76 drams to 430.00 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.03 drams to 4.29 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.65 drams to 496.51 drams.

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

Gold price up by 21.39 drams to 24554.27 drams. Silver price up by 2.14 drams to 312.81 drams.