Morning Star, UK Syria’s Kurdish administration calls for talks with Damascus in pivot away from pro-US strategy By Steve Sweeney Nov. 1, 2021 KURDISH leaders in northern Syria issued an appeal for talks with Damascus today indicating a dramatic U-turn from its previous pivot toward the United States. Democratic Union Party (PYD) co-chair Aldar Khalil said talks should take place in the Syrian capital however, without the need to travel to Geneva. “What is wrong with us sitting and deliberating as Syrians and proposing possible solutions to reach a formula…to all issues in Syria,” he said in an interview with Rojava TV. The party, which dominates the Autonomous Administration of North East Syria (AANES) as the Rojava government is formally known, insists that the system operated under its control could be applied to the whole of Syria. Mr Khalil’s pronouncement comes days after Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) second-in-command Cemil Bayik pressed the case for Syrian unity, saying that the future for Kurds lay with Damascus. In an interview with the al-Nahar newspaper last week he said the Syrian government’s demand for all occupying forces to leave the country was “legitimate.” And he welcomed President Bashar al-Assad’s plans for decentralisation announced in April, saying it “opened the door to reconciliation.” It was viewed by many as an attempt to distance the PKK from the Kurdish-led administration in northern Syria and its strategy of seeking recognition from the US and other imperialist powers. But a tour by Syrian Democratic Council co-chair Ilham Ahmed received a lukewarm response, with little in terms of concrete results for the Kurdish administration. The strategy was criticised by a number of sources close to the movement who feared that what was initially badged as a short-term military alliance to defeat Isis was developing into a longer-term political alliance. Ms Ahmed came under fire earlier this year for comments made at a virtual meeting of the US-based Newlines Institute – a CIA cut-out supporting US regime change operations across the world – in which she called for the US to maintain its presence in northern Syria. Kurdish officials have previously stated their desire for talks with Damascus, insisting dialogue has stalled on a number of key issues. Today’s about-turn comes as Kurdish forces fear an imminent invasion by Turkey which has amassed hundreds of military vehicles and hardware in areas under its occupation. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met US President Joe Biden at the G20 in Rome on Sunday amid fears he was seeking the green light for a new offensive. Last week Damascus mobilised Syrian Arab Army units to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)-held Tel Rifaat in anticipation of an attack by Ankara’s forces. T-90 battle tanks and BMP-2 infantry vehicles bearing the Syrian flag were positioned in south-eastern Aleppo as part of defensive build-up.
Author: Varazdat Torgomian
Parliament OKs less New Year holidays at first reading
10:06, 27 October, 2021
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The government-backed bill on cutting the New Year holidays passed parliament at first reading by 53/16/3 votes.
Before, Armenia had a week-long holiday starting December 31st (New Year holidays until January 2nd, then until January 5th pre-Christmas holidays, January 6th Christmas, and the 7th of January was observed as Merelots (Day of Commemorating the Dead).
By the new law, only December 31st and January 1st, as well the January 6th will be non-working days.
The recommendation was brought forward by Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan, who says that the week-long holidays negatively impact the GDP and production volumes in different branches of the economy, as well as foreign economic activities and the implementation of contract relations with domestic and foreign organizations.
The opposition Hayastan bloc proposed to keep January 2 and 7 as non-working days, but the recommendation was rejected.
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
Four soldiers injured in Armenia
Caucasian Knot, EU
Oct 28 2021
Four militaries were injured because of careless handling of ammunition, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Armenia reported.
The “Caucasian Knot” correspondent has been informed by a press officer of the Armenian MoD that the incident has taken place today at about 10 a.m. at one of the combat posts in the eastern direction. “All the wounded militaries were provided with first aid. The investigation is underway to find out the circumstances of the incident,” the press service for the Armenian MoD reported. All victims got minor injuries.
Earlier, the “Caucasian Knot” has repeatedly reported on the injuries and deaths of Armenian soldiers during armed incidents at the border with Azerbaijan. So, on October 9, soldier Misak Khachatryan was wounded. The Armenian MoD insists that the fire came from the Azerbaijani side, but the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan denies any involvement in the incident.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 28, 2021 at 05:17 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Tigran Petrosyan; Source: CK correspondent
Source:
© Caucasian Knot
COVID spikes in Armenia even as vaccine mandate goes into effect
EurasiaNet.org
Oct 29 2021
Israel may grant entry to tourists vaccinated with Sputnik V starting on Nov 15
11:44,
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The Israeli authorities have upheld Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov’s initiative to grant entry to foreign tourists inoculated with Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine starting on November 15, an Israeli government source told TASS.
“A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Naftali Bennett upheld Tourism Minister Razvozov's initiative to grant entry to tourists vaccinated with Sputnik V”, the source said. “The decision on Sputnik V is yet to be approved by the cabinet”, he added.
According to the source, if Israel's government approves the move, tourists “fully vaccinated with Sputnik V” will be allowed to enter the country starting on November 15, provided they receive the second vaccine dose “no later than six months before the trip”. Travelers will also need to do a PCR coronavirus test and a serological test at the airport upon arrival in Israel.
Government plans to rebuild 500km of roads in 2022
10:58,
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The government plans to spend 32% more funds for infrastructure development in 2022 compared to 2021, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during parliamentary joint committee debates on next year’s budget.
The spending on infrastructure development will thus reach more than 278 billion drams, he said.
“It is planned to rebuild and restore 500 kilometers of roads, to develop or build various-sized reservoirs which will significantly increase irrigation water supply volumes and quality,” PM Pashinyan said.
The volume of work for improving the quality of drinking water will grow 35%, reaching 11,5 billion drams. The tenders for the Sisian-Kajaran and Kajaran-Agarak sections of the North-South Highway will be launched with the aim of starting construction works of both parts in 2022, he said.
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
Fake vaccine passport scandal revealed in Armenia
Oct 14 2021
14 October 2021
A vaccination station in Yerevan. Photo: Robin Fabbro/OC Media.
Over 700 people bought fake vaccine certificates from healthcare workers in Armenia’s second-largest city Gyumri, according to the Armenian authorities.
On Wednesday, six health workers were detained in the Gyumri Family Medical centre in Armenia’s Shirak Province after investigators revealed the distribution of fake vaccine certificates. According to the official report, the staff at the centre issued fake papers in exchange for bribes ranging from ֏5,000–֏10,000 ($10–$20).
A day earlier, the National Security Service reported they had arrested a nurse from a clinic in the village of Yeranos, in Gegharkunik Province, also for distributing fake vaccine certificates to residents of the village.
The arrests come soon after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed dissatisfaction with the low vaccination rate in the country. In a government meeting on 7 October, Pashinyan stated that he was giving a ‘task’ to the state bodies: ‘go and solve it’.
He specifically appealed to law enforcement bodies to crack down on false vaccination documents.
‘To the National Security Service and to the Police: I don’t want to hear about fake vaccinations anymore. Arrest them’, he said.
The only such arrest before Pashinyan’s instructions was in Yerevan, when a doctor allegedly issued a fake vaccine passport in exchange for money.
The issue of fake vaccine certificates arose after vaccination or bimonthly, paid PCR tests, became mandatory for many employees in the country.
The Health Ministry stated on Thursday that vaccine certificates or PCR tests would soon be required to enter cafes, restaurants, and other public places.
Amidst the growing daily cases of COVID-19 and an average of 20 daily deaths, only around 6% of the country’s population is fully vaccinated. The number of people to have received at least one dose is around 500,000 people, around 12% of the population.
Turkish press: Turkey’s heritages enjoy UNESCO stamp
Handan Kazancı |15.10.2021
ISTANBUL
With the addition of the Arslantepe Mound earlier this year, Turkey currently boasts 19 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, including 17 cultural and two mixed.
As of 2021, UNESCO lists 1,154 cultural and natural sites worldwide on its World Heritage List.
Selimiye Mosque and social complex in Edirne
Added to the UNESCO list in 2011, the Selimiye Mosque and its social complex in Turkey's northwestern province of Edirne was constructed by Sinan, the most renowned Ottoman architect in the 16th century.
Its complex includes madrasas (Islamic schools), a covered market, a clock house, an outer courtyard, and a library.
“The square Mosque with its single great dome and four slender minarets, dominates the skyline of the former Ottoman capital of Edirne,” according to UNESCO's website.
Adorned by tiles from the town of Iznik renowned for its ceramics at "the peak period of their production," the organization says the mosque "testifies to an art form that remains unsurpassed in this material."
Pergamon and multi-layered cultural landscape
Located in Turkey's Aegean province of Izmir, Pergamon and its surrounding multi-layered cultural landscape was added to the list in 2014.
As the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty, the acropolis of Pergamon was a major center of learning in the ancient world, says UNESCO.
“Monumental temples, theatres, stoa or porticoes, gymnasium, altar, and library were set into the sloping terrain surrounded by an extensive city wall,” it adds.
It is possible to see the remains of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires in and around the modern town of Bergama.
Ephesus
Also in Izmir province, the world-renowned ancient city of Ephesus was added to the UNESCO list in 2015.
The UN body celebrates "grand monuments of the Roman Imperial period" including the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, which have been unearthed in excavations.
"Little remains of the famous Temple of Artemis, one of the ‘Seven Wonders of the World,' which drew pilgrims from all around the Mediterranean." The House of the Virgin Mary, a chapel close to Ephesus has also become a place of Christian pilgrimage, it says.
Historic areas of Istanbul
Turkey's largest city Istanbul has been associated with major political, religious, and artistic events for more than 2,000 years, the UN has said.
“Its masterpieces include the ancient Hippodrome of Constantine, the 6th-century Hagia Sophia and the 16th-century Suleymaniye Mosque."
However, it has warned that all these sites are now "under threat from population pressure, industrial pollution, and uncontrolled urbanization.”
Istanbul was added to the list in 1985.
Bursa and Cumalikizik
In northwestern Turkey, the city of Bursa and nearby village of Cumalikizik were added to the UNESCO list in 2014 as a serial nomination of eight component sites.
“The site illustrates the creation of an urban and rural system establishing the Ottoman Empire in the early 14th century,” it says, adding that the area "embodies the key functions of the social and economic organization" of the Ottomans' first capital, which "evolved around a civic centre."
The village of Cumalikizik is the only rural area “to show the provision of hinterland support for the capital.”
City of Safranbolu
Added to the UNESCO list in 1994, the City of Safranbolu, a typical Ottoman town, is located in northern Turkey.
From the 13th century to the advent of the railway in the early 20th century, Safranbolu was "an important caravan station on the main East-West trade route,” UNESCO says.
It features an Old Mosque, Old Bath and the Suleyman Pasha Medrese, which were built in 1322. "During its apogee in the 17th century, Safranbolu's architecture influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire."
Hattusha
Hattusha, the capital of the Hittites — one of the most ancient Anatolian civilizations — was added to the UNESCO list in 1986.
The city's remains, located in present-day central Turkey, is "notable for its urban organization, the types of construction that have been preserved," including temples, royal residences, fortifications.
UNESCO also notes the rich ornamentation of the Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate into the city's interior, as well as the "ensemble of rock art at Yazilikaya."
“The city enjoyed considerable influence in Anatolia and northern Syria in the 2nd millennium BC,” it adds.
Great mosque and hospital of Divrigi
The distinguished 11th-century Great Mosque and Hospital of Divrigi are located in central Turkey. It was added to the UNESCO list in 1985.
With its single prayer room and two cupolas, the mosque exhibits a "highly sophisticated technique of vault construction, and a creative, exuberant type of decorative sculpture — particularly on the three doorways, in contrast to the unadorned walls of the interior," it describes the "unique features of this masterpiece of Islamic architecture."
Arslantepe Mound
Located in eastern Turkey, the 7,000-year-old ancient mound of Arslantepe was added to the UNESCO list just earlier this year.
The site was occupied from at least the sixth millennium BC until the late Roman period, says UNESCO, citing archeological evidence.
“The earliest layers of the Early Uruk period are characterized by adobe houses from the first half of the 4th millennium BCE.”
“The site illustrates the processes which led to the emergence of a State society in the Near East and a sophisticated bureaucratic system that predates writing … Exceptional metal objects and weapons have been excavated at the site, among them the earliest swords so far known in the world, which suggests the beginning of forms of organized combat as the prerogative of an elite, who exhibited them as instruments of their new political power.”
Diyarbakir fortress and Hevsel Gardens cultural landscape
The Diyarbakir Fortress, Hevsel Gardens, and its surrounding cultural landscape in Eastern Turkey were added by UNESCO in 2015 as a single listing.
The area “has been an important center since the Hellenistic period, through the Roman, Sassanid, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman times to the present, the UN agency explains.
“The site encompasses the Inner castle, known as Ickale and including the Amida Mound, and the 5.8 km-long (3.6 miles) city walls of Diyarbakir with their numerous towers, gates, buttresses, and 63 inscriptions."
Archaeological site of Troy
The legendary ancient city of Troy is located in the western province of Canakkale and was added to the list in 1998. "Troy, with its 4,000 years of history, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world," according to UNESCO.
“In scientific terms, its extensive remains are the most significant demonstration of the first contact between the civilizations of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world.”
“The siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors from Greece in the 13th or 12th century BC, immortalized by Homer in the Iliad, has inspired great creative artists throughout the world ever since."
Aphrodisias
Added by UNESCO in 2017, the archaeological site of Aphrodisias in present-day southwestern Turkey comprises of a temple to the Greek goddess Aphrodite that dates from the third century BC, along with a city constructed a century later.
“The wealth of Aphrodisias came from the marble quarries and the art produced by its sculptors,” adds UNESCO. “The city streets are arranged around several large civic structures, which include temples, a theatre, an agora, and two bath complexes.”
Hierapolis-Pamukkale
Pamukkale, a natural landmark known for its mineral-rich thermal waters and white travertine terraces, has long been a major tourist attraction in southwestern Turkey and was added to the list in 1988.
It is “an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins,” according to UNESCO.
The adjacent site of Hierapolis was established at the end of the second century BC by the Attalid kingdom as a thermal spa. “The ruins of the baths, temples, and other Greek monuments can be seen at the site.”
Xanthos-Letoon
The ancient city of Xanthos-Letoon was added to the UNESCO list in 1988.
Serving as the capital of the ancient Lycian kingdom in current-day southwestern Turkey, it "illustrates the blending of Lycian traditions and Hellenic influence, especially in its funerary art," the UN agency underlines.
“The epigraphic inscriptions are crucial for our understanding of the history of the Lycian people and their Indo-European language."
Neolithic site of Catalhoyuk
Dating back 9,000 years, prehistoric Catalhoyuk is located in what is today central Turkey and was added to the list in 2012.
The site testifies "to the evolution of the social organization and cultural practices as humans adapted to a sedentary life,” according to UNESCO.
“The western mound shows the evolution of cultural practices in the Chalcolithic period, from 6200 BC to 5200 BC. Catalhoyuk provides important evidence of the transition from settled villages to urban agglomeration, which was maintained in the same location for over 2,000 years … It features a unique streetless settlement of houses clustered back to back with roof access into the buildings.”
Goreme National Park and rock sites of Cappadocia
UNESCO describes Cappadocia as “a spectacular landscape,” adding the site to its list in 1985.
The site is “entirely sculpted by erosion," it says, adding that the Goreme valley and its surroundings contain "rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide unique evidence of Byzantine art in the post-Iconoclastic period.”
Gobeklitepe
The famed ancient site of Gobeklitepe is located in Turkey’s southeastern Sanliurfa province and was added to UNESCO's list in 2018.
It “presents monumental round-oval and rectangular megalithic structures erected by hunter-gatherers in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic age" between 9,600 and 8,200 BC, according to UNESCO. “These monuments were probably used in connection with rituals, most likely of a funerary nature.”
“Distinctive T-shaped pillars are carved with images of wild animals, providing insight into the way of life and beliefs of people living in Upper Mesopotamia about 11,500 years ago."
Mt. Nemrut
Located in the Kahta District of the Adiyaman province, Mt. Nemrut, towers 2,134-meters (7,001 feet) high and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987.
“The mausoleum of Antiochus I (69–34 BC), who reigned over Commagene, a kingdom founded north of Syria and the Euphrates after the breakup of Alexander's empire, is one of the most ambitious constructions of the Hellenistic period,” says the UN agency.
“The syncretism of its pantheon, and the lineage of its kings, which can be traced back through two sets of legends, Greek and Persian, is evidence of the dual origin of this kingdom's culture.”
Archaeological site of Ani
Ani, a medieval Armenian city that is often called “the City of 1,001 Churches,” is situated in the eastern Kars province on the Armenian border. The site was added to the UNESCO list in 2016.
The site “combines residential, religious and military structures, characteristic of a medieval urbanism built up over the centuries by Christian and then Muslim dynasties,” UNESCO says. “The city flourished in the 10th and 11th centuries CE when it became the capital of the medieval Armenian kingdom of the Bagratides and profited from control of one branch of the Silk Road.”
“The Mongol invasion and a devastating earthquake in 1319 marked the beginning of the city’s decline … The site presents a comprehensive overview of the evolution of medieval architecture through examples of almost all the different architectural innovations of the region between the 7th and 13th centuries CE.”
CivilNet: Explaining the Armenia v. Azerbaijan case at the International Court of Justice
CIVILNET.AM
Yeghishe Kirakosyan, a lawyer and the designated Armenia representative at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, explains the processes of the UN high court as hearings begin for the case filed by Armenia against Azerbaijan. Mr. Kirakosyan discusses what evidence the Armenian side is presenting, why this case is important, what sort of mechanisms are in place, and what the Azerbaijani side is presenting as a countercase.
ICJ to Discuss Provisional Measures Imposed on Azerbaijan
Foreign Brief By Can Eker Oct. 14, 2021 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will convene today to review provisional measures it imposed upon Azerbaijan. Last month, Armenia filed a complaint to the ICJ regarding Azerbaijan’s alleged war crimes during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict of 2020, including ethnic cleansing and destruction of cultural heritage sites. Azerbaijan then responded that it would also submit a mirror complaint regarding Armenia’s alleged violations. While the ICJ will acutely take Armenia’s complaints into account to determine Azerbaijan’s guilt, Azerbaijan’s mirror complaint—although likely to be approved—in turn, will not be as fruitful due to the lack of Azeri minorities in Nagorno-Karabakh. Additionally, the court will look over the status of Armenian prisoners of war. As the ICJ will likely find Armenia’s appeal plausible, it could also acknowledge Armenian political legitimacy in the region. As a result, the ICJ could press to begin a territorial reorganization of Nagorno-Karabakh in the medium-term. In this framework, the Christian heritage sites in the region could be granted special status under Armenia’s purview. In the case of a negative verdict however, Baku’s retaliations against Yerevan could increase. With all things considered, the case will further provoke the rival states, making reconciliation all but unachievable in the long-term.