Shushan Frangulian – Page 12 – Armenian Directory & News

Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of hypocrisy concerning peaceful agenda

March 6, 2023March 6, 2023 Shushan Frangulian

TASS

Russia – March 5 2023

According to the Azerbaijani foreign ministry, such actions demonstrate the Armenian side’s hypocrisy in the process of the search for a peaceful solution for the region

BAKU, March 5. /TASS/. Armenia continues to pursue an occupational policy toward Azerbaijan and Yerevan’s ideas on the peace agenda are hypocritic, the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said on Sunday following clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian units in Nagorno-Karabakh.

"On March 5, a unit of the Azerbaijani army was deployed to an area around the Khankedi-Khalfali-Turshsu country road to check reports that the Armenian army is transporting weapons, munitions and manpower. During an attempt to check a vehicle, the other side opened fire. The Azerbaijani army sustained losses, with several soldiers killed and wounded. The attackers were repelled by retaliatory fire," it said.

According to the Azerbaijani foreign ministry, such actions demonstrate the Armenian side’s hypocrisy in the process of the search for a peaceful solution for the region. "Such acts of aggression and provocations demonstrate that Armenia has not dropped its occupational policy toward Azerbaijan, that Yerevan’s ideas about the peaceful agenda is nothing but hypocrisy. Armenian is not interested in establishing peace and security in the region," it added.

The ministry stressed that this incident once again proved that checkpoints on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border are needed.

US says Uzbekistan and Armenia used to evade Russian sanctions

March 3, 2023March 3, 2023 Shushan Frangulian

Uzbekistan – March 3 2023

AKIPRESS.COM - The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), and the Department of Justice issued a joint compliance note on the use of third-party intermediaries or transshipment points to evade Russian- and Belarussian-related sanctions and export controls.

The compliance note highlights one of the most common tactics used to evade Russia-related sanctions and export controls: the use of third-party intermediaries or transshipment points to circumvent restrictions.

Routing purchases through certain transshipment points commonly used to illegally redirect restricted items to Russia or Belarus. Such locations may include China (including Hong Kong and Macau ) and jurisdictions close to Russia, including Armenia, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

https://akipress.com/news:696406:US_says_Uzbekistan_and_Armenia_used_to_evade_Russian_sanctions/

Luxembourg ready to contribute to establishment of peace in region – Vice Speaker Djuna Bernard

February 28, 2023February 28, 2023 Shushan Frangulian

14:03,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 28, ARMENPRESS. Secretary of the Security Council Armen Grigoryan held a meeting with the parliamentary delegation from Luxembourg led by MP Djuna Bernard, Vice Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies/ Vice President of the Bureau of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg.

Grigoryan said that Armenia attaches importance to the development of the multi-sector partnership with Luxembourg, the Office of the Secretary of the Security Council said in a read-out. Grigoryan expressed confidence that the Armenian-Luxembourgish bilateral relations will continue getting stronger.

Bernard underscored Luxembourg’s readiness to contribute to the establishment of peace in the region and mentioned the recent ICJ ruling ordering Azerbaijan to ensure unimpeded movement of people and vehicles in the Lachin corridor.

The developments taking place in the region and the activities of the EU civilian mission in Armenia were also discussed.

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice – ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

The Lachin Corridor is blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022.

1% increase in Armenia’s GDP is predicted with the operation of the Amulsar mine. MoU was signed

February 26, 2023February 26, 2023 Shushan Frangulian

18:18, 22 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. There is no legal prohibition for exploiting the Amulsar mine, "Lydian Armenia" company has all the necessary permits to resume operations, ARMENPRESS reports Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan said after the signing ceremony of the tripartite memorandum of understanding between the Armenian government, Eurasian Development Bank and "Lydian Armenia" company.

"The parties aim to invest 150 million dollars under this contract and another 100 million dollars outside of this contract for the resumption of the Amulsar mine owned by the Lydian Armenia company. The money will be used to complete the construction works and purchase the necessary technical equipment. The government will receive 12.5 percent of Amulsar's shares and will not pay anything in return, but instead will insure certain risks of the transaction, also as a shareholder," Kerobyan said.

Photos by Hayk Manukyan

According to him, the affected communities will receive 7 million dollars of support from the company every year.

"We have held long discussions related to the management of the company, negotiated with various investors and secured the highest quality investors. We have successfully completed this process, which is the beginning of practical work," Kerobyan emphasized.

The minister noted that "Lydian Armenia" will create hundreds of jobs in the affected communities and will ensure significant economic growth and activity not only for the region, but also for the entire Republic of Armenia.

"It is estimated that Armenia's GDP will increase by 1 percent with the operation of the Amulsar mine. That is quite a high indicator. We have no right to refuse such opportunities," Kerobyan emphasized.

Referring to the environmental problems in the case of Amulsar mine operation, the minister noted that all studies have been carried out in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Armenia, and the "Lydian Armenia" company currently has all the necessary permits to start the work.

"In other words, there is no legal barrier for the company to carry out its activities," concluded the minister.

Prime Minister Pashinyan chairs Security Council meeting

February 24, 2023February 24, 2023 Shushan Frangulian

16:50,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chaired a regular meeting of the Security Council.

Along with members of the Security Council, the session was attended by President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan, Vice Speaker Ruben Rubinyan and Parliament Majority Leader (Civil Contract faction) Hayk Konjoryan.

Various agenda items were discussed at the meeting, according to a read-out released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

Dr. Eduard Abrahamyan to present “Small-State Strategies for Reforming Armenia’s Military”

February 22, 2023February 22, 2023 Shushan Frangulian

Guest Contributor Announcements 0

FAIR LAWN, NJ—On Thursday, March 2, at 7:00 p.m. ET, United Kingdom-based Dr. Eduard Abrahamyan, an international relations scholar who specializes in small states’ foreign and security policies, will present “Small-State Strategies for Reforming Armenia’s Military: How Armenia Can Punch Above its Weight”—the fifth in the What’s Next series on the post-war Armenian reality.

The previous discussions—which featured analysts Armen Kharazian of blessed memory, Lilit Gevorgyan and Irina Ghaplanyan—examined the 44-day catastrophe and its aftermath within a wider context of Russo-Armenian relations, shifting geopolitical currents across the South Caucasus, and Armenia’s internal challenges—can be watched on YouTube.

Join Dr. Abrahamyan for a timely discussion of: how other small states have successfully constructed defense systems to mitigate asymmetric threats; combining compulsory service with active reserves and citizen-based territorial defense models; heightened role of education and training in small-state security architecture; oversight and responsibility of parliament for effective functioning of the security sector; role of independent media and security analysis; and strengthening whistleblowing provisions to ensure accountability and efficacy.

Register online to spend an evening in conversation with Abrahamyan and moderator Dr. Zaven Kalayjian to explore these topics and key findings from the Green Paper on Armed Forces Reform that was prepared by the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Office and released in 2022.

Dr. Eduard Abrahamyan

Dr. Abrahamyan is a political scientist and teaching fellow at the University of Leicester (UK). His field of study includes foreign and military strategies of small states, strategic adaptation and asymmetrical relationships. Abrahamyan earned his doctoral degree from the University of Leicester in 2022. In 2010, he received his Candidate of Science in Military History from the Academy of Science of the Republic of Armenia. He was awarded a Rumsfeld Fellowship at the Washington-based American Foreign Policy Council (2017). Abrahamyan was a staff assistant and advisor on foreign affairs in 2019-2021 to former President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian. He was a senior associate fellow at the Institute for Statecraft based in London, as well as a regular contributor to the IHS Markit (Jane’s Military Capabilities), The Jamestown Foundation, and other publications. He is a researcher with the Justice Armenia, Security Reform Research Project.

Dr. Zaven Kalayjian

Dr. Kalayjian received his BSE in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. From 2001 to 2009, he lived in Yerevan, Armenia and worked in the high-tech sector. Kalayjian currently resides in Virginia, works in the defense industry and is active in the DC-Metro Armenian community. Kalayjian is coordinator with the Justice Armenia, Security Reform Research Project.

Armen Kharazian

This event is dedicated to the memory of diplomat, legal scholar and linguist Armen Kharazian and his lifelong commitment to strengthen a sovereign Armenia. The organizers and participants of this discussion mourn the loss of a beloved friend and colleague. Kharazian suffered a fatal heart attack on January 27 during a working visit to Yerevan.

The event is jointly sponsored by the Ararat-Eskijian Museum, Armenian Bar Association, Armenian Network of America-Greater NY, Daughters of Vartan-Sahaganoush Otyag, Justice Armenia, Knights of Vartan-Bakradouny Lodge, National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR)—Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Lecture Series on Contemporary Armenian Issues and St. Leon Armenian Church.

Artsakh’s FM visits Yerablur Pantheon

February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 Shushan Frangulian

19:51,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the Karabakh Movement, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan, who remains in the Republic of Armenia due to the ongoing blockade, visited ‘Yerablur’ military pantheon and on behalf of the people and authorities of Artsakh placed a wreath in memory of those who gave their lives for the independence and freedom of the Motherland throughout the National-Liberation Struggle of Artsakh, ARMENPRESS was informed from MFA Artsakh.

Government seeks to boost textile industry to promote Made in Armenia products in international markets

February 17, 2023February 17, 2023 Shushan Frangulian

09:54,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government plans to increase the output and exports of textile industry in three years and make the Armenian products more competitive in the international market.

Deputy Minister of Economy Rafayel Gevorgyan told ARMENPRESS that the government has seen a significant potential for growth in the sector. In the past decade, textile industry grew around 40% annually.

The Armenia 2023-2026 Textile Industry Development Program and Action Plan includes projects aimed at boosting productivity.

“We expect output to grow 1,8 times as a result of implementing the program,” Gevorgyan said. “We believe that as a result of the output growth our products will become more competitive in the international market, and exports will grow. Now we have a bit over €200 million in exports, and we believe that in 2027, after completing the program, we will have over €500 million in exports,” he added.

Major projects in the action plan include the government support for capacity development in the educational sector and assistance for entrepreneurs in this direction, increasing the efficiency and modernization of business processes for companies and technological re-equipment, and also export-oriented actions such as promotion of participation in expos and promotion of sales in target markets.

The program includes government subsidy of 20-70% of salary for employees with respective qualification: i.e. a degree from one of the top 400 universities of the world. The move is aimed at attracting qualified specialists in companies.

There are over 30 medium and major textile industry companies in Armenia, with over 200 small enterprises. The government wants the small companies to benefit from the program and enhance their size.

The program is aimed at making the Armenian products more competitive in international markets in terms of quality and value.

Clothing of several European brands is already being made in Armenia, such as Moncler and MaxMara. “You’ll find many jackets in European stores with “Made in Armenia” written on them. This trend continues. Our producers are now negotiating with different countries, including with Canadian companies, in order to render more services.”

The Russian market is also now rather attractive for the Armenian textile production and many opportunities are available, the deputy minister said.

The official said products made in Armenia must also be promoted in the domestic market, in order to shape a certain attitude among consumers. Gevorgyan said they want Made in Armenia to be a “high quality standard and also pride” for Armenian consumers.

Speaking about the rating of Armenian products in international markets, the deputy minister said that in the traditional markets, such as the post-Soviet states, the Armenian products have a certain legacy. “In post-Soviet countries people associate Armenian footwear with high quality. This legacy is still in place. We see many Russian consumers who come to Armenia and buy footwear,” Gevorgyan said.

Gevorgyan mentioned the promotion campaign last year when Armenian designers presented their collections at the Milan Fashion Week.

The ministry will focus on the Italian, German and French markets. “Russia is also a target market. We have some ideas concerning the Arab market too. The Emirates is the center of many trade events,” the deputy minister added.

Interview by Anna Grigoryan

Photos by Hayk Badalyan

Expanding cooperation in Armenia-Greece-Cyprus format discussed within framework of 77th UNGA

September 19, 2022September 19, 2022 Shushan Frangulian

17:51,

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. On September 19, within the framework of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with Foreign Minister of Cyprus Ioannis Kasoulides, the foreign ministry said.

Minister Mirzoyan presented details regarding the consequences of the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan in the sovereign territory of Armenia since September 13, the targeting of the civilian population and infrastructure by the Azerbaijani armed forces, as well as the gross violations of international and humanitarian law.

Ararat Mirzoyan expressed gratitude to the Cypriot side for showing solidarity to the Armenian people, as well as for the clear and targeted response to the situation. He noted that, in terms of preserving the ceasefire regime and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, as well as the exclusion of a new aggression, the international community's clear and unambiguous condemnation of the aggressor country and the appropriate actions are fundamental.

During the meeting, Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Cyprus also discussed a number of issues of the bilateral agenda and exchanged views on further expanding the cooperation within the framework of Armenia-Greece-Cyprus format and enhancing it to a new level.

The interlocutors also exchanged views on regional issues. Minister Mirzoyan briefed his counterpart on the position of the Armenian side regarding Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.

During the meeting, the sides touched upon the normalization process of relations between Armenia and Turkey.

Kalçık: Historical buildings reminiscent of Kurdish and Armenian identity are being destroyed

September 3, 2022September 3, 2022 Shushan Frangulian

Sept 2 2022

Van ÇEVDER President Ali Kalçık said that all areas with historical buildings reminiscent of Kurdish and Armenian identity were destroyed by a conscious policy.

Friday, 2 Sep 2022

The old city of Van, whose history dates back 3,000 years, is on the way to extinction as it is abandoned to its fate, although it is a protected area.

The Urartians founded the city on the south side of Van Castle 3000 years ago. The city, which was the cultural, artistic, economic and political center of the time, served as the capital of the Urartians for centuries. Kurds and Armenians lived together in the city, which tried to preserve its former glory until 1915. With the Armenian Genocide, the historical city was plundered and destroyed.

This ancient city was waiting to come to light under the ground, but it was left to its fate due to the conscious policy of the state. The historical city, which is the target of treasure hunters today, is used as a place for grazing, shelter and rest.

Van Historical Artifacts Preservation Research and Development Association (ÇEVDER) President Ali Kalçık said: “There were mosques, churches, artisans’ workplaces, Kurdish and Armenian neighbourhoods and a bazaar center in the historical Tusba. Such an important ancient social space has come to the point of complete extinction today. They repaired one or two mosques in this old city, but Kurdish and Armenian buildings such as historical Turkish baths, workplaces, mansions and houses have come to the point of extinction.”

Cuneiform inscription destroyed

Kalçık continued: “As the saying goes, wherever there is a cross, there is always a treasure. Following this logic, they seriously destroyed Van's historical buildings and Van Castle, and took away many of their treasures. There is also Meher Kapı there. Meher Kapı is an inscription in cuneiform. On 12 September [1980], they smashed that inscription with cannons. They tried to destroy it in such an incomprehensible way. It is now in ruins in Tusba, the ancient Van. The authorities, who did not give importance to this historical city, turned Van Castle into a business. They cut people off from history, culture and tourism.”

A policy of destruction

Stating that the historical city must be reformed and cleared of treasure hunters, Kalçık said: “The old city has almost been turned into a molehill. Animals should be prevented from entering here. This old city is our culture. If taken seriously, it means a great income for the city of Van and its people. A great profit will be obtained both in terms of economy and tourism. Unfortunately, the administrators of the city don't do that. Decision makers and local authorities are responsible for protecting the values, culture, history, geography, water and soil of this province. Van Castle, the old city of Van, and other historical structures in the Van Lake basin, which are the building blocks that provide our connection with history, should be preserved and restored in accordance with their original form. Unfortunately, stones have been removed and destroyed in all areas where historical buildings are located. The destruction of these buildings is the product of a conscious policy. It is to destroy life, culture, Kurdish and Armenian identity and all values that belong to them here. This is a deliberate practice.”