Author: Parkev Tvankchian

Armenpress: Italian professor awarded Medal of Gratitude for contributions to Armenian studies

Parkev Tvankchian

 21:38,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 11, ARMENPRESS.  On January 5, 2024, at the Palazzo di Città (headquarters of the Municipality of Bari), Prof. Carlo Coppola, the president of the “Hrand Nazariantz” Study Center—Italian by birth and Armenian by choice—was honored with the "pro manibus" Gratitude Medal. The award was presented by the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia, Tsovinar Hambardzumyan, on behalf of the President of the Republic, Vahagn Khachaturyan.

The Armenian ambassador had a confidential meeting with Prof. Eugenio Di Sciascio, the deputy mayor (Rector Emeritus of the Polytechnic of Bari). The meeting was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Mayor of Bari, Hon. Vito Leccese, Dr. Giuseppe Cascella, President of the Culture Commission. The Armenian side was represented by Dr. Dario Rupen Timurian, Head of the Armenian Community of Bari, Prof. Coppola, and Dr. Siranush Quaranta.

 The meeting also served as an opportunity to further strengthen relations between Armenia and the City of Bari. Among the topics addressed were the intensification of cooperation in cultural and educational fields, high technology—which is highly developed in Puglia—tourism, and transportation.

 The parties also discussed the significant opportunities arising from the increasing economic exchange between Armenia and Italy. Following the private meeting, the deputy mayor of Bari congratulated the ambassador and the representatives of the Armenian community of Bari for their courtesy and the high quality of the conversation, full of diverse and concrete ideas. The ceremony continued in the City Council Hall, welcoming the community, friends, and supporters of the Armenian Cause who filled the hall.

In her speech Ambassador Hambardzumyan underlined the strength of the bond between Armenia and the City of Bari, citing the village of “Nor Arax” near Bari (which one hundred years ago welcomed many Armenian refugees fleeing the genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire), the life and work of the great Armenian poet from Bari Hrand Nazariantz and the presence, on the Emperor Augustus seafront, of the “khachkar” created by the Armenian architect Ashot Grigoryan and donated by the Armenian community to the city, symbolizing the historical bond between the two peoples dating back to the 9th century.

“I'm happy to be back in this city. The Armenian Khachkar, the Nor Arax village, the small but qualified community of my compatriots make me feel like a piece of Armenia in this wonderful and iconic city. This city captured my heart and I wanted to spend my holidays right here. I am very honored to have presented this medal of Gratitude to Carlo Coppola, 'Italian by birth and Armenian by adoption', on behalf of the President of the Republic. A man who was able to profoundly grasp the essence of our people and who allowed himself to be captured by the dreams of the Armenian poet Hrant Naziarants who, right here in Bari, together with the other refugees, founded the Village of Nor Arax. A historian who has always been able to deal with even the most painful aspects such as the genocide and ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan with professionalism and great sensitivity,'' said the Ambassador.

Carlo Coppola on the occasion of the awarding of the Medal of Gratitude described the technical, legislative and moral significance of the Medal received.

“I am honored to receive this Medal which on July 21st the President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan wanted to award me, in a completely unexpected and surprising way for me, a medal which is awarded for a great personal contribution, many years of dedication and fruitful work in the development of state, economic, social, scientific and technical spheres, public activities, healthcare, education and culture.

 As many know, the work of the Armenian and Bari poet Hrand Nazariantz instilled in me the love for this people, apparently so distant.

This Love was increased by one of his noblest spiritual heirs, Rupen Timurian and finally by my wife Tamar and my children Nicholas and Armen whom we educate in Sacred Devotion to both languages and cultures and Homelands.

I thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Armenia for bestowing on me the honor of this Medal, His Excellency Tsovinar Hambardzumyan, Ambassador Extraordinary Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia in Italy, who presented my name.

I thank the Mayor of my city, the municipal administration, councilor Giuseppe Cascella, organizer of this meeting, who has shown sympathy and closeness to the Republic of Armenia since its foundation in 1991.

I dedicate a thought to the Armenian Community of Puglia and Bari, the ancient one and the contemporary one, small, but strong in resilience, which welcomed me into its ranks, among them the prof. Arthur Timurian, Dean Rupen Timurian and Mrs. Nicoletta Timurian, their sister My friend Siranush Quaranta, mother Araxi and brother Tito, they are present today in this hall.

Allow me to give a special thank you to Dr. Dario Rupen Timurian, promoter of this today event. He combines Italian and Armenian skills as an honest and far-sighted entrepreneur.

 I would like to dedicate a final thought to the Servant of God Father Francesco di Vittorio da Rutigliano, a fellow citizen of our metropolitan city, who on 23 January 1920 fell as a martyr in defense of 20 Armenian orphans, of the values of the Faith and of the universal ones of brotherhood, equality and freedom so strenuously professed by the Armenian and Italian people. In the 1920s, the Italian port city of Bari became an island of salvation for a few dozen survivors of the Armenian Genocide.

Armenian refugees founded the village of "Nor Arax" here. The surviving compatriots were brought to Italy by the writer, public figure Hrand Nazariantz, who left his native Istanbul in the spring of 1913 and with the help of the writer Yenovk Armen,’’ said Carlo Coppola.

During the ceremony, the Armenian community of Bari presented two plaques as a gift: one dedicated to Mayor Antonio Decaro, highlighting his commitment "to actions of peace and dialogue between the peoples who have always inhabited the city territory," while the other was presented to Giuseppe Cascella "for his sensitivity shown towards the Armenian people during his presidency of the Council Culture Commission."

Germany Offers Aid to Armenia in Bid to Curtail Russian Influence: Report

Parkev Tvankchian
Jan 10 2024

By: Momen Zellmi

Reports from Russia cite informed sources that Germany is offering financial aid to Armenia, with strings attached that ostensibly aim to weaken Russian influence in the region. The terms of this reported aid package include the removal of Russian border guards from Armenian territory and the displacement of pro-Russian individuals from key positions within Armenia’s military, intelligence agencies, and law enforcement.

The financial aid, which is said to be tied to supporting the government of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, reportedly includes measures to prevent the mass migration of Karabakh Armenians to European Union countries. This is viewed as part of Germany’s broader geopolitical strategy to create a divide between Armenia and Moscow, and integrate Armenia into the anti-Russian policy of the West. The Russian media report suggests that Berlin is offering to provide Yerevan with financial and technical assistance, in addition to political support.

This move by Germany, if substantiated, could be seen as part of a larger effort to reduce Russian influence in Armenia and the surrounding region. Amid escalating tensions between Russia and the West, the financial aid package reportedly offered by Germany could represent a strategic pivot for Armenia, a country traditionally allied with Russia but now potentially drawn into the broader geopolitical chessboard.

While this report is yet to be officially confirmed, the alleged offer from Germany could have significant implications for the dynamics of power in the Caucasus region. A shift in Armenia’s allegiances could strain relations with Russia and provoke a response from Moscow. Moreover, the displacement of pro-Russian individuals from key positions could cause internal friction within Armenia and potentially destabilize the region. As the world watches, the move could set a precedent for how Western nations engage with countries within Russia’s sphere of influence.

AW: Growing hope: Transforming lives in Armenia’s border villages with fruit trees

Parkev Tvankchian
January 2, 2024 Armenia Tree Project Non-Profit 0

ATP distributes fruit trees to villagers in Khot Village, Syunik Region

Armenia Tree Project (ATP) orchestrated a remarkable initiative in the fall that not only distributed 10,982 fruit trees to over 1,200 families, but also sowed the seeds of hope in border villages of the Gegharkunik and Syunik regions. This heartwarming endeavor, which spanned communities like Sotk, Areguni, Pambak, Daranak, Akner, Khot, Karahunj, Hartashen and Shurnukh, has unfolded into a tale of resilience and rejuvenation for the residents of these villages.

Residents, whose lives have been marred by the echoes of Azeri UAV attacks and the devastating bombings that rocked Sotk in September 2022, were overjoyed to receive these life-changing gifts. The distribution of apricot, black currant, apple, pear, plum, peach and cherry trees brought not just big smiles, but tangible hope to these brave individuals, leaving them with bushels of saplings that signify a promising future.

Sotk, a village that has borne the brunt of conflict, is emblematic of the challenges faced by these border communities. In the aftermath of the repeated bombings, when 150 of the 250 houses were severely damaged, ATP stepped in with a vision for growth and restoration. Sevak Khachatryan, the administrative head of Sotk, expressed the profound impact of ATP’s intervention, stating, “Artsakh played a vital role in Gegharkunik’s cultural identity and economy, including imports and exports of agricultural goods. Before the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, our village and the region of Gegharkunik had developed lively trade with Artsakh, exporting wheat, potato and barley and importing fruits and nuts. Since we don’t have this opportunity anymore, we are trying to grow some of the formerly imported foods.”  

ATP’s distribution of seven trees each, including apple, pear and black currant, to over 150 families in Sotk is not just a gesture of generosity but a lifeline for a community heavily dependent on agriculture for sustenance and economic stability. These trees, carefully chosen for the climatic zone of Gegharkunik, represent a beacon of hope, promising nourishment and economic opportunities within just a couple of years.

With proper care, the trees will start to bear fruit in as little as two years. The villagers are eagerly anticipating establishing new orchards with the trees. Once they mature, the trees can also act as donor or parent trees to graft additional fruit trees. This way, villagers will be able to propagate more trees for their orchards and backyards in the years to come. 

As climate change brings warmer temperatures to the region, however, ATP and the villagers work together to adapt. “The only positive thing that we can harvest from this global warming is to grow varieties of fruit trees that before would be impossible in Gegharkunik,” Khachatryan remarked. “So, as our collaboration with Armenia Tree Project continues, we would like to try growing apricots, peaches, plums and cherries as well.” 

Since its inception in 1994, ATP has been instrumental in providing fruit and nut tree saplings to rural villagers, offering sustenance, additional income and a green revolution that encourages biodiversity. In 2006, the fruit tree distribution program began focusing on border villages, as these communities are the most vulnerable to environmental, economic and social distress.

The program is beloved by ATP staff and beneficiaries alike. The trees for the program come from our “Betty” fruit tree nursery in the Chiva village, located in the Vayotz Dzor region. The nursery has been a cornerstone of this effort, producing roughly 50,000 trees annually, the majority of which are fruit trees that are distributed to villages and used for community planting sites.

As ATP looks ahead, the organization aims to enhance its impact by providing a greater quantity and diversity of trees to rural and border villages in the coming years. This program captures resilience, growth and hope, which stand as testaments to the transformative power of community-led initiatives.

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Armenia Tree Project (ATP) is a non-profit program based in Woburn and Yerevan conducting vitally important environmental projects in Armenia's cities and villages and seeks support in advancing its reforestation mission. Since 1994, ATP has planted and restored more than 6,000,000 trees, and hundreds of jobs have been created for Armenians in seasonal tree-related programs.


EBRD, CIF and GCF support Armenian winemaker Vedi Alco

Parkev Tvankchian
European Bank
Jan 2 2024

By Olga Aristeidou

Like all wineries around the world, Vedi Alco, one of Armenia’s largest winemakers, has noticed the impact of climate change and looked for ways to become greener.

Under its Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF), the EBRD and its partner financial institution Armswissbank supported the company in modernising its equipment to improve energy efficiency and make production more sustainable.  

GEFF in Armenia is supported by the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).



The Impact of Starlink on Internet Access in Armenia

Parkev Tvankchian
Anyuakmedia
Jan 2 2024

Armenia, a small landlocked country in the South Caucasus region, has long struggled with limited internet access. However, a new development has the potential to revolutionize internet connectivity in the country. Starlink, a satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX, promises to bring high-speed internet to even the most remote areas of Armenia.

For years, Armenia has faced challenges in providing reliable and fast internet access to its citizens. The country’s mountainous terrain and limited infrastructure have made it difficult to extend internet connectivity to rural and remote areas. As a result, many Armenians have been left without access to the digital world, hindering their ability to participate in the global economy and access educational resources.

Starlink aims to change this by deploying thousands of small satellites into low Earth orbit. These satellites will form a mesh network, providing global coverage and enabling high-speed internet access in even the most remote corners of the world. The technology behind Starlink holds great promise for countries like Armenia, where traditional internet infrastructure is lacking.

One of the key advantages of Starlink is its ability to bypass the need for extensive ground infrastructure. Traditional internet providers rely on a network of cables and physical infrastructure to deliver internet connectivity. This approach is costly and time-consuming, making it difficult to reach remote areas. Starlink’s satellite-based approach eliminates the need for extensive ground infrastructure, making it a more viable option for countries like Armenia.

Moreover, Starlink’s satellite network can provide internet access at speeds comparable to or even faster than traditional broadband connections. This is a significant improvement for Armenia, where slow internet speeds have been a major hindrance to economic growth and development. With Starlink, Armenians will be able to access high-speed internet, enabling them to participate in online businesses, access educational resources, and connect with the global community.

Another advantage of Starlink is its potential to enhance internet reliability. Traditional internet connections in Armenia are often prone to disruptions and outages, particularly in rural areas. This can be detrimental to businesses and individuals who rely on a stable internet connection. Starlink’s satellite network, on the other hand, is designed to provide a more reliable and consistent internet connection, even in remote areas. This will greatly benefit Armenians who have long struggled with unreliable internet access.

However, it is important to note that the implementation of Starlink in Armenia is not without challenges. One of the main concerns is the cost of accessing Starlink’s services. While SpaceX aims to make the service affordable, it may still be out of reach for many Armenians, particularly those in rural areas with lower incomes. Addressing this issue will be crucial to ensure that Starlink’s benefits are accessible to all Armenians, regardless of their financial situation.

In conclusion, Starlink has the potential to revolutionize internet access in Armenia. By bypassing the need for extensive ground infrastructure and providing high-speed and reliable internet connectivity, Starlink can bridge the digital divide in the country. However, ensuring affordability and accessibility for all Armenians will be key to fully harnessing the benefits of this groundbreaking technology. With Starlink, Armenia has the opportunity to overcome its internet access challenges and join the global digital community.

Azerbaijan provides Ukraine with humanitarian aid worth $34 million

Parkev Tvankchian

 19:52,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan continued to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine in 2023, said the press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, according to the Azerbaijani media.

According to the source, the humanitarian aid, as well as the aid for restoration and reconstruction purposes provided to Ukraine by the Republic of Azerbaijan amounted to the total of 57 million Manats (about 34 million US dollars), half of which has been provided in the current year.

Festive Bonuses for Armenian National Assembly Members

Parkev Tvankchian
 bnn 
Hong Kong – Dec 26 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

As the year draws to a close, the members of the Armenian National Assembly and their staff are celebrating with festive bonuses, equivalent to a month’s salary. The decision was taken by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Alen Simonyan, as an advance gesture for New Year’s and Christmas festivities.

The Head of Public Relations and Communication of the National Assembly, Laura Antonyan, revealed that over half a billion drams, approximately 1.25 million dollars, were allocated for these bonuses. This figure is inclusive of taxes, and marks a significant increase from last year when nearly 300 thousand dollars were designated for similar bonuses for the National Assembly members, staff, and other workers.

While the gesture is sure to be welcomed by the recipients, it may raise questions about the use of public funds, especially given the substantial increase from last year’s allocation. Amidst the festive cheer, it remains to be seen how the public and various stakeholders within the political arena react to this development.

The Armenian National Assembly is the legislative branch of the government of Armenia, consisting of 105 seats. It is responsible for passing laws, ratifying international agreements, and overseeing the work of the government. The Speaker of the National Assembly, currently Alen Simonyan, is the third-highest official in the country.

Russia, Armenia set up operational communications channels on media issues — Russian envoy

Parkev Tvankchian
TASS, Russia
Dec 22 2023

According to Sergey Kopyrkin, during the negotiations, the Russian delegation listened to the arguments of its Armenian counterparts and took note of their concerns

YEREVAN, December 22. /TASS/. Russia and Armenia have established operational communications channels to address issues pertaining to the work of media organizations from each country in the other’s jurisdiction, Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin said in an interview with TASS.

"An agreement on cooperation in the sphere of mass communications dated December 30, 2020 is in force between our countries, and within its framework the Russian Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Ministry and the Armenian High-Tech Industry Ministry held bilateral consultations on December 14. During the negotiations, the Russian delegation listened to the arguments of its Armenian counterparts and took note of their concerns. It is important that during the consultations the parties agreed on the establishment of operational communications channels to resolve any potential disagreements in the spirit of friendly relations between our countries," he pointed out.

Earlier, Yerevan said that the Armenian government is not discussing the possibility of a broadcasting ban on Russian TV channels, as Yerevan and Moscow have settled their issues in this sphere.

After a meeting on the sidelines of the Russian-Armenian intergovernmental commission, Deputy Russian Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Minister Bella Cherkesova and her Armenian counterpart from the High-Tech Industry Ministry, Avet Poghosyan, signed a joint statement in which they agreed to "ensure full implementation of the agreement, promptly resolve emerging issues and maintain close cooperation between the relevant agencies."

In late October, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reported that a program on Russia's Channel One television "made insulting and unacceptable statements against high-ranking Armenian officials." The Russian ambassador was summoned to the country’s Foreign Ministry. On October 25, Armenian High-Tech Industry Minister Robert Khachatryan made a statement that Russian TV channels broadcasting in Armenia had allegedly committed certain violations. Later, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a similar statement.






If You Thought Dubai Was a Bad Place for COP, Wait Until It Goes To Azerbaijan

Parkev Tvankchian
Dec 14 2023
JEVA LANGE
When the announcement came that COP29 will be held in Baku in 2024, the immediate reaction in the climate community was “again?!”

It wasn’t that Azerbaijan — a nation of about 10 million people, situated on the Caspian Sea at the southern tail of the Caucasus mountains — had hosted the global climate summit before. Actually, it almost didn’t get the 2024 hosting gig at all: COP29 was briefly homeless after Russia vowed to block Bulgaria’s bid (because Bulgaria is part of the European Union) and longtime enemies Azerbaijan and Armenia vowed to block each other’s bids (because of what many have characterized as an ethnic cleansing). Other nations in the region balked at the sheer size of what the COP event has become. At one point, even Australia and Bonn, Germany, were on the table as potential COP29 replacements if the Eastern European bloc couldn’t pull things together.

But, rather amazingly, it did. That means — as countless headlines have blared, and as you’re undoubtedly already aware — that the United Nations summit intended to assess and progress the goal of limiting climate change will be held in an oil and gas-producing state for the third consecutive year. Cue the groans.

That is reason enough for hand-wringing, especially after a record turn-out of fossil fuel lobbyists at the convention this year, not to mention the scandal over the head of ADNOC leading the whole shebang. But if you thought all that was absurd and disturbing, wait until you hear about Azerbaijan.

“It’s stunning to me that they would make Baku the next place for COP,” Ronald Suny, a distinguished professor emeritus of History at the University of Michigan and an expert on the South Caucasian nations who’s written extensively about Azerbaijan, told me.

Yes, Azerbaijan is a petrostate. But more alarmingly, it is also even more repressive and authoritarian than the United Arab Emirates based on the scale developed by Freedom House, a human rights watchdog group. “Azerbaijan is not even a one-party state,” Suny explained. “It’s a one-person or one-family state.”

To make a long and complicated history very short, former First Secretary of the Communist Party of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev came to power after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1993 and eventually passed his title of head of state onto his onlyson, Ilham Aliyev, in “irregular” elections in 2003. Ilham Aliyev is still president today, and will remain so indefinitely. “There’s no dissent allowed,” Suny said. “There’s absolute control of the media — much stricter than Russia. Anyone who criticizes [the government] is either in jail or in exile. And lots of people are in jail.”

On the one hand, having COP29 in Baku could be viewed as a small positive. “For years, climate change has been a factor…in wars and conflicts,” reads one effusive lead paragraph in The Associated Press. “Now for the first time, it’s part of a peace deal.” True, the attention from the UN helped to spur a prisoner exchange and peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia following renewed bloodshed over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region earlier this fall. It’s also likely that Azerbaijan will be on its best behavior ahead of the UN convention, given that it’s now under a higher-than-usual level of international scrutiny. Giving Baku the convention “is not necessarily a bad thing,” argues Rashmee Roshan Lall, an international affairs columnist, on her blog, “because it shows that COPs reflect the diversity of the world in which we live and seek to preserve.”

But allowing COP29 to happen inAzerbaijan also helps to legitimize and sanitize Ilham Aliyev’s rule. This is why other authoritarian regimes from Russia to Saudi Arabia to Qatar and Dubai have vied to host global events such as the soccer World Cup and the Olympics. Since 2012, Baku has played host to the Eurovision Song Contest, the First European Games, and the Formula 1 Grand Prix, according to Gubad Ibadoghlu, a senior policy analyst at Azerbaijan’s Economic Research Center, writing for the website Crude Accountability. The government in Baku explicitly “tries to whitewash its damaged image in the international arena by ‘paying attention to modernization’ and by creating connections with global leaders in the sphere of sports and culture,” Ibadoghlu said.

Suny sees the same thing happening now with COP. “It could be that Azerbaijan, which has tried and worked very hard to refurbish and beautify its image, will benefit from such an event and will be happy to put on a good face,” he said. And as Ibadoghlu pointed out, Azerbaijan has spent a huge amount of money on this program over the years. “It’s a very rich state and it can divert its resources — because it certainly doesn’t go into the people — to building extraordinary buildings,” Suny added. By allowing COP to be held in a country that viciously cracks down on dissent and free speech, then, the UN is not only turning a blind eye to but actively assisting what is basically a twisted form of greenwashing.

Curiously, estimates indicate that Azerbaijan might not be an oil state for much longer. The nation is expected to deplete its supply and sole source of wealth within the next 25 years — an involuntary phase-out by 2050, if you will. According to a World Bank report published two weeks ago, “urgent action on climate” — including investing in renewable energy, prioritizing energy efficiency, and climate-proofing its agricultural sector — “can help Azerbaijan minimize the risks emerging from the global low-carbon transition and protect the living standards of its people.”

In that sense, at the least, Baku needs COP. Now we have to wait to see what it does with its chance.

Welcoming the Release of Armenian and Azerbaijani Soldiers

Parkev Tvankchian
U.S. Department of State
Dec 7 2023

PRESS STATEMENT

MATTHEW MILLER, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON

DECEMBER 7, 2023

The United States welcomes the announcement by Armenia and Azerbaijan of the release of two Azerbaijani and thirty-two Armenian detainees.  This commitment represents an important confidence building measure as the sides work to finalize a peace agreement and normalize relations.  We commend Azerbaijani President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan for their joint efforts to lay the groundwork for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the people of the South Caucasus.

The United States will continue to strongly support efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace.