Monday,
Putin Praises Russian Peacekeepers In Karabakh
NAGORNO-KARABAKH -- Military vehicles of the Russian peacekeeping force move on
the road outside Lachin, November 29, 2020
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin praised on Monday Russian peacekeeping forces
deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh, saying that they are successfully ensuring the
implementation of a Moscow-brokered agreement that stopped the
Armenian-Azerbaijani war on November 10.
“On November 10 the Russian peacekeepers embarked on a very difficult mission in
Nagorno-Karabakh. Their presence became a guarantee of compliance with the
agreements on cessation of hostilities,” Putin said at a meeting with top
Russian Defense Ministry officials.
Putin pointed out that the 2,000 Russian troops are also ensuring the safe
return of refugees to Nagorno-Karabakh, helping to rebuild the region’s public
infrastructures, demining civilian areas and protecting religious monuments.
“They are risking their lives to bring peace back to that land,” he added,
according to the RIA Novosti news agency.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also mentioned the peacekeeping operation
in his remarks at the meeting chaired by Putin. “Civilians are returning to
their places of residence and rebuilding their homes in completely safe
conditions,” Shoigu said.
The peacekeepers set up 23 observation posts in and around Karabakh shortly
after Putin brokered the Armenian-Azerbaijani ceasefire agreement following six
weeks of heavy fighting in the conflict zone. They are also deployed along the
so-called Lachin corridor connecting Karabakh to Armenia.
The peacekeeping contingent suffered its first casualty last week when a Russian
officer was killed in an explosion during a demining operation near the
Azerbaijani-controlled Karabakh town of Shushi (Shusha).
In Shoigu’s words, the Russian troops have already defused more than 6,000
landmines and pieces of explosive ordnance. They are also helping the warring
sides to exchange prisoners and recover the bodies of soldiers killed in action.
Armenian Mayor Arrested Over Anti-Pashinian Protest
• Naira Bulghadarian
Armenia - Goris Mayor Arush Arushanian.
The mayor of the southeastern Armenian town of Goris was arrested early on
Monday just hours after urging local residents to block a highway and not allow
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian to visit their region bordering Azerbaijan.
The 29-year-old mayor, Arush Arushanian, was among the elected heads of more
than a dozen communities in Syunik province who demanded Pashinian’s resignation
earlier this month. They held him responsible for the Armenian side’s defeat in
the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh and accused him of putting Syunik’s security
at grave risk with Armenian troop withdrawals completed over the weekend.
Pashinian planned to visit the region on Monday in a bid to reassure its
population.
Arushanian urged Goris residents late on Sunday to join a convoy of vehicles
which he said will block the main regional highway to stop Pashinian from
entering Syunik.
“This is not a political orientation or a partisan initiative,” he wrote on
Facebook. “This is a fight for the dignity, security and physical existence of
the people of Syunik,” he wrote on Facebook.
Arushanian was arrested and taken to Yerevan a few hours later. Armenia’s
Investigative Committee said on Monday afternoon that he is suspected of
organizing an illegal gathering.
Goris’s Deputy Mayor Irina Yolian and other Arushanian supporters condemned the
arrest as politically motivated. Several dozen opposition activists gathered
outside the Investigative Committee headquarters in Yerevan to demand the
mayor’s release.
Arushanian’s lawyer, Armen Melkonian, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service earlier in
the day that he is being illegally denied access to his client.
Despite Arushanian’s arrest, a highway section near Goris was blocked by several
hundred protesters, forcing Pashinian to cut short his trip to Syunik.
The prime minister was able to visit only one provincial town, Sisian.
Addressing several hundred supporters who gathered there, he condemned the road
blockade and said its organizers want to prevent similar gatherings in Goris,
the provincial capital Kapan and other communities which he said would expose
continuing popular support for him.
Pashinian is facing growing pressure to resign from the Armenian opposition and
many public figures. He has rejected the opposition demands backed by President
Armen Sarkissian and the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Pashinian Cuts Short Visit To Armenian Border Region Amid Protests
Armenia - Vehicles at a blocked section of a road outside Goris, December 21,
2020.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian faced protests by angry residents of Armenia’s
southeastern Syunik province as he visited it on Monday following further
Armenian troop withdrawals resulting from the Russian-brokered ceasefire in
Nagorno-Karabakh.
The protests forced Pashinian to cut short his visit.
Syunik borders the Zangelan and Kubatli districts southwest of Karabakh which
were mostly recaptured by Azerbaijan during the war. Parts of the districts
close to the provincial capital Kapan and other communities remained under
Armenian control until last week.
Armenian army units and local militias completed their withdrawal from those
areas at the weekend despite protests staged by many local residents. The latter
say that they can no longer feel safe because Azerbaijani forces will now be
stationed dangerously close to their communities.
The troop redeployments also raised questions about the safety of a road
connecting Kapan to another provincial town, Goris. Some of its sections
straddle the Soviet-era Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
Armenia’s Defense Ministry and National Security Service (NSS) insisted over the
weekend that the road, which is also part of the country’s vital transport link
with Iran, will remain open for traffic.
A Defense Ministry statement said Russian border guards deployed in Syunik will
guarantee its security. Pashinian announced, meanwhile, that he will tour Syunik
on Monday and try to personally reassure the region’s population.
Armenia -- Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutiunian (R) visits a new Armenian
army post set up in Syunik province, December 18, 2020.
In an extraordinary move, Goris Mayor Arush Arushanian, urged supporters late on
Sunday to block the main regional highway and bar Pashinian from entering the
mountainous region bordering Iran.
“This is not a political orientation or a partisan initiative. This is a fight
for the dignity, security and physical existence of the people of Syunik,” he
said in an appeal posted on Facebook.
Arushanian was arrested overnight. This did not prevent hundreds of his
supporters from gathering in Goris early in the morning. A convoy of vehicles
carrying them was stopped just outside Goris riot police units sent from
Yerevan. Some protesters and police officers briefly clashed at the scene.
Hundreds of other protesters blocked a highway section more than a dozen
kilometers northwest of Goris.
Armenia - Prime Minister NikolPashinian pays tribute to soldiers killed in the
Nagorno-Karabakh war and buried at a military cemetery in Sisian, December 21,
2020.
Arushanian was among the heads of more than a dozen Syunik communities who
issued earlier this month statements condemning Pashinian’s handling of the war
with Azerbaijan and demanding his resignation.
Pashinian condemned the road blockade as a “provocation” when he began his tour
of Syunik in another provincial town, Sisian, in the morning.
Addressing several hundred supporters that gathered in Sisian’s main square, he
claimed that organizers of the protests want to prevent similar gatherings in
Goris and Kapan which he said would expose continuing popular support for him.
The embattled prime minister insisted that he is ready to answer “tough
questions” from the region’s population. “I admit that there are question to
which we have no answers now,” he added.
With the protesters refusing to unblock the roads, Pashinian announced early in
the afternoon that he will not travel to Goris, Kapan and other Syunik towns.
“We will not resort to the use of force especially during this mourning period
[for Armenian victims of the war,]” he wrote on Facebook. “We are returning to
Yerevan.”
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2020 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Category: 2020
Asbarez: ARF Serves The Nation While Pashinyan Does Not
December 21, 2020
ARF and Homeland Salvation Movement marches, activities, and services at Yeraplur
BY GARO R. MADENLIAN
Nikol Pashinyan and his “my-steppers” have managed to dismantle the national agenda, denounce patriotism, divide the country, destroy democracy, degrade national icons and desecrate Artsakh, the Armenian nation’s unified and primary purpose of the modern era; But they evidently had other priorities… During the war they deceived the country, denied sending supplies and troops, diverted the truth, and retreated into a desolate surrender, even though the Armenian nation around the world was united like never before. Then, Pashinyan signed the disastrous agreement surrendering most of the Republic of Artsakh, and apparently parts of Armenia, after allowing thousands of brave men and women to perish and over 10,000 to be wounded.
Nikol and his mis-steppers continue their pattern of deceit and betrayal in their last-ditch effort to retain their seats and an illusion of power by blaming everyone else for this catastrophic situation that they themselves inflicted upon Armenia and Artsakh; they’ve unleashed their fakes, bots and zombies to attack any and all dissenters on social media in their attempts to distort the facts and shift the focus away from their incompetence, a common tactic utilized during the velvet regime change.
They continue to try to dictate the narrative by calling for unity, supposedly to allow time for the nation to grieve, but more likely to continue capitulating further as it seems Nikol has promised much to others. They question protesters motives and whether they were at the front during the war, and stress that the focus should be on the humanitarian crisis, yet they do nothing to help but continue to detract and distract the Armenian people. They attempted a disgraceful PR campaign with photo-ops at Yeraplur utilizing our martyred heroes as a prop to buy time to complete their “plans.” And now they even attack the ARF who called for unity and offered to pool resources during the economic collapse and covid crisis in Armenia, and from the onset of the war.
Yes, We Call For Unity; A Unity Of Purpose Based On The National Agenda
Yes, we call for unity; but unity of purpose based on the national agenda and that which is just and right for Armenia and Artsakh, the citizenry, and the diaspora; but not a failed government serving personal interests that unabashedly hands over large portions of the country, and gives itself unimaginable financial bonuses while the country faces a humanitarian crisis with thousands of displaced and homeless families from Artsakh.
Nikol and his mis-steppers absurdly scream for unity when they encouraged and perpetuated divisions, and ultimately created this calamity. Yet, they now expect the intelligent and proud Armenian people to forget that it was Pashinyan and his incompetent policies and incapable government that projected this painful reality of Nikol’s “new Armenia” with no Artsakh, and possibly no Syunik, on us as they continue to drown our nation deeper into depths of despair.
Thus, unity of purpose for the nation starts with abolishing those like Nikol and his mis-steppers who worked contrary to the national interest, prioritized personal benefit and gains over that of the country, while serving others interests; A unified effort to remove Nikol and his mis-steppers from office is the first step to correct the course, salvage what remains of the Homeland and move forward.
ARF volunteer groups in, or heading to, Syunik in defense of the people
It’s Time to Grieve and Honor the Heroes By Continuing the Struggle
Nikol and his followers ask the people to wait so everyone can grieve; in essence to do nothing while the enemy advances militarily and politically. They continue to sacrifice young and old men and women in Artsakh and Armenia instead of saving the POWs and securing the return of the remains of our fallen heroes. They continue to dishonor our soldiers by further capitulating to the enemy instead of recognizing our heroes and ensuring their sacrifices were not in vain by continuing the collective struggle for justice, self-determination for the people of Artsakh, and basic human rights for all Christian Armenians.
ARF is the Rock That Unifies the Nation
Pashinyan and his followers (fakes, bots and zombies) even have the nerve to attack the ARF, question our patriotism, hurl unimaginable slurs against our 130-year old organization that has, and continues to, tirelessly work for the Armenian nation in the homeland and in the diaspora, furthering the national agenda, securing the survival of a nation in exile with schools and community centers, and continuing the fight for justice for the Armenian people everywhere including Artsakh and Armenia, and even for those that disagree with our policies.
ARF Volunteer Groups Were at the Front in Artsakh and Protesting in Yerevan
Nikol and his mis-steppers attack those rightfully demanding his resignation, asking the protesters where they were during the war, when in fact, many of those same protesters had recently returned from the front lines only to find themselves arrested and beaten when they voiced their disapproval of Nikol and his missteps. A bludgeoning example of Pashinyan’s modern democracy in his “new Armenia.”
ARS continues its mission to assist the people during this humanitarian crisis
When the war first started, the ARF immediately mobilized and sent its first volunteer battalion to the front in coordination with the Defense Ministry. Soon after, the ARF sent additional platoons comprised of its members and supporters, from Armenia and abroad. Of course, those ARF members that were drafted into the military, served there as well. Many did not return, but those that did, joined the protests calling for Pashinyan’s resignation.
ARF Volunteer Groups Remain At The Front Along The New Border In Syunik
After Pashinyan’s initial capitulation, he refused to send troops to border towns and villages where Azeris are laying claim to Armenian lands and amassing their armies such as in Kapan. Most recently in Syunik, Nikol ordered the military and its remaining soldiers to surrender critical defensive posts and retreat, leaving defenseless villagers to fend for themselves and placing Kapan and surrounding villages within the crosshairs of Azeri snipers. Meanwhile the ARF sent volunteer battalions into the region to defend our people and our lands, and to help the civilian population along the border.
ANCA secures emergency aid, recognition ofr Artsakh, partners to return POWs,and investigates US companies
Pashinyan and his mis-steppers continue to give away Armenia one piece at a time while unashamedly talking about establishing economic relations with Azerbaijan and Turkey even before the bodies of our martyrs are returned for proper burials; they promote their agenda for economic prosperity from the Azeri-Turkish-Pashinyan coalition, similar to the Levon Ter Petrosian plan of the 1990s, even while the enemy kidnaps and tortures civilians and soldiers, takes more Armenian lands and ancient villages, and announces it will seize all of Armenia starting in the south where Nikol and his mis-steppers have placed the entire area at risk even before the Azeri-Turkish corridor through Meghri is built.
ARS, Homenetmen, Hamazkayin and Others Respond To The Humanitarian Crisis
During this humanitarian crisis with thousands of homeless and displaced Armenian families from Artsakh, the failed pashinyan regime created a bureaucratic nightmare for those in need to register, jump through a myriad of hoops, and if they’re lucky they may eventually receive a few minuscule crumbs; minimal assistance to barely survive less than a month during the harsh winter.
The ARF, its affiliates and many other community organizations, churches and schools, and countless individuals, contributed funds and supplies to help those in need trying to survive the Pashinyan nightmare.
ANCA action alerts, partners and sanctions against Turkey
The ARS has already sponsored thousands of families and reopened kindergartens in Stepanakert; Hamazkayin is continuing with classes for displaced families and their children in Yerevan; Homenetmen is providing much needed assistance to families in crisis; and still many others have mobilized to join in the efforts to help their brothers and sisters survive during this ongoing existential crisis. Many in Armenia, including a plethora of individuals from the diaspora, have created independent groups to distribute funds and supplies themselves because they do not trust Nikol or his mis-steppers.
Making matters worse, there’s warehouses full of supplies sent from the diaspora not being dispersed to those in need because the government wants to either charge a tax or take the supplies for themselves to use how they deem fit, which most likely will find their way to be sold for personal profit or used to bribe people to support Nikol and his mis-steppers; a government that seized Armenia Fund moneys, gave themselves bonuses, and focused on selfies and photo-ops instead of governing and leading.
ANCA Maintains Relations With Governments and Represents Interests of Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora
Armenia’s failed foreign policy and lack of relationships with other governments is also blatantly obvious as Nikol’s representatives are “too busy” or “preoccupied” while ANCA secures funding, humanitarian and medical aid, sanctions against Azerbaijan and Turkey, and works with international partners to secure the return of POWs, calls for investigations into weapons manufacturers and much more.
AYF youth political activism and assistance to wounded soldiers and families
AYF Political Activism and Support for Wounded Soldiers and Their Families
In addition, it’s the AYF (ARF youth) that continues to fundraise for its Wounded Soldiers program to assist the injured and the families of the injured or fallen soldiers; they continue to be politically active, fighting for justice for Artsakh and Armenia as they do hunger strikes, organize protests, rallies, and social media campaigns, and continue a long legacy of fighting for justice for the Armenian nation.
ARF in Armenia and Throughout the World Rightfully Demands Pashinyan Resign
And finally, ARF is one of the organizations in the Homeland Salvation Movement in Armenia that organizes protests and rallies demanding Pashinyan resign to establish a unified, temporary government to salvage the crisis created by Nikol and his mis-steppers, clarify the remaining vague points in the trilateral agreement, return the bodies of our dead, secure the release of remaining POWs, manage the humanitarian crisis, and have free and fair elections within a year.
What Has the ARF Done? What Have Nikol & His Mis-Steppers Done?
Go ahead and ask us what the ARF has done for the past few months or 130 years in the Homeland and in the Diaspora, and what we’ve been doing since the Pashinyan capitulation? Then ask Nikol and his mis-steppers what they’ve done in the past, for how long, and what they’re doing now? Where were they during the war, the capitulation and surrender, and what have they been doing since? Whose interests are they really furthering and protecting?
Then demand a public and transparent trial against Nikol and his mis-steppers to bring to justice those who organized or were complicit in this act of treason with swift and severe punishment to serve as an example and deter any future acts of betrayal against the Armenian nation.
Together We Shall Overcome, Without Nikol & His Mis-Steppers
Together we will rescue, rebuild and recreate our Armenia and Artsakh despite Nikol and his mis-steppers not so hidden agenda and their efforts to destroy that which we hold dear. We shall rise again and flourish as a united nation in the homeland and the diaspora. Together we shall overcome but first, Nikol must resign, so the united, temporary government can start the process to resurrect the national agenda.
Garo R. Madenlian is a member of the ARF Western U.S. Central Committee.
Azerbaijan is Delaying UNESCO Mission Visit to Artsakh
December 21, 2020
The Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi was vandalized by occupying Azerbaijanis
Azerbaijani is delaying its approval for a UNESCO mission to Artsakh to assess damage to cultural and religious sites. According to the United Nations-affiliated organization. The authorities of Azerbaijan have been approached several times without success so far, reported the organization on Sunday.
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, reiterated countries’ obligation to protect cultural heritage in terms of the 1954 Convention for the Protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict to which both Armenia and Azerbaijan are parties.
The Organization proposed to carry out an independent mission of experts to draw a preliminary inventory of significant cultural properties as a first step towards the effective safeguarding of the region’s heritage.
The proposal received the full support of the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group and the agreement in principle of the representatives of both Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Meeting at UNESCO on December 10 and 11, the members of the intergovernmental Committee of The Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Second Protocol (1999), welcomed this initiative and confirmed the need for a mission to take stock of the situation regarding cultural properties in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. The Committee requested each of the parties to render the mission possible.
Since November 20, UNESCO has made proposals and led in-depth consultations with a view to organizing the mission which, in the terms of the Convention, requires the agreement of both parties.
Ernesto Ottone, Assistant UNESCO Director-General for Cultural, said: “Only the response of Azerbaijan is still awaited for UNESCO to proceed with the sending of a mission to the field. The authorities of Azerbaijan have been approached several times without success so far.
Every passing week makes the assessment of the situation concerning cultural property more difficult, not least due to the weather which is expected to become harsher in the coming weeks. The window of opportunity that was opened by the cease fire must not be closed again. The safeguarding of heritage is an important condition for the establishment of lasting peace. We are therefore expecting Baku to respond without delay so that the constructive discussions held over recent weeks can be turned into action.” Reads the statement issued by the UNESCO.
To Our Readers
December 21, 2020
Asbarez is 112 years old.
We have reached the end of a year, which, by all accounts, was tragic to say the least.
In addition to the economic uncertainty brought on by the pandemic, the events of 2020 also mandated that we band together as a nation and ensure that our brothers and sisters—be they in Lebanon or on the frontlines of Armenia and Artsakh—received the immediate assistance they required after experiencing unfathomable tragedies and loss.
Despite the myriad challenges this year, Asbarez was on the frontlines of covering the important news that impacted the Armenian community and Armenians around the world. In fact, those challenges propelled us to work even harder to provide critical public health information about the coronavirus emergency, the horrific explosion in Lebanon, the hate crimes gripping our community, and, of course, up-to-the-minute coverage of the Artsakh War, the outcome of which has impacted all of us as a nation.
Our National priorities always take precedence and require that we unite and collectively address the needs of our Nation. Our homeland is on the road to a tenuous recovery and we are certain that each and every one of you will rise to that challenge.
For 112 years Asbarez has counted on the generosity and support of our community organizations and institutions, our advertisers and you, our readers. In return, our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to make the news accessible to you. In January 2021, we look forward to unveiling our new website and introducing our mobile applications to make it easier for you to stay informed and become engaged. These additions will complement and enhance our already-existing print publication, our electronic newsletters and our presence on social media platforms.
As the year comes to a close and we look toward new horizons, we would like to ask that you extend your generosity to Asbarez and ensure that not only we can continue our work on a daily—in not hourly—basis but also are able to advance our capabilities to fulfill our mission.
In lieu of our annual Year-End Issue, Asbarez will publish a special edition on January 6 that will focus exclusively on Artsakh, and give impetus to our collective efforts to advance our national aspirations. Your generous contributions will be published in a list in that edition, cementing your dedication to advancing our publication—Asbarez.
Thank you and please donate.
Armenia Submits Arman Nshanian’s ‘Songs Of Solomon’ for Oscar Race
December 21, 2020
“Songs of Solomon” was submitted as Armenia’s entry for the Oscars
Armenia has selected Arman Nshanian’s historical drama “Songs of Solomon” as its official submission for the 93rd Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category, Deadline reported.
Written by Audrey Gevorkian, Nshanian’s first feature highlights the life and impact of Komitas. The film will also follow a childhood friendship torn apart by the Hamidian massacres infiltrated by the Ottoman Empire. Songs of Solomon centers on a brave Turkish woman as she risks her own life and family to save her best friend targeted for her religious beliefs. “Songs of Solomon” spans from 1881 to 1915 and takes inspiration from Sirvart Kavoukjian’s “The Past Unsung.”
Songs of Solomon features Samvel Tadevossian, Arevik Gevorgyan, Tatev Hovakimyan, Sos Janibekyan, Arman Nshanian, Artashes Aleksanyan and Jean-Pier Nshanian. Slava Seyranyan, Iren Ayvazyan and Mery Hovsepyan also appear in the film.
The feature, which was screened earlier this in Hollywood and premiered on November 26 in Armenia, is produced by Nick Vallelonga of Vallelonga Productions and Asko Akopyan of Oscar Gold Productions. Nshanian produces under his People of Ar Production Company in association with AnEva Productions in Armenia. Karo Kavoukjian serves as executive producer.
Nshanian’s film is set to make its U.S. debut in 2021.
Asbarez: Congress Calls for National Intelligence Report on Artsakh Attacks; Scrutinizes Impact of U.S. Military Aid on Caucasus Balance of Power
December 21, 2020
Zero-Out Military Aid to Azerbaijan: Congress has called on the Director of National Intelligence to prepare a report on Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), which may serve as the basis to zero-out military aid to Azerbaijan, a key ANCA priority.
ANCA Welcomes Report as Potential Basis for Zeroing out U.S. Military Aid to Azerbaijan
WASHINGTON—Congress is calling on the U.S. Administration to provide a detailed report on aggression in and around Artsakh, demanding a detailed analysis of the impact of U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan and Armenia and its ramifications on the balance of power in the Caucasus region, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.
“We welcome this new statutory requirement that the Director of National Intelligence formally report to Congress on Artsakh – drawing upon the full resources of the U.S. intelligence community to identify the initiator of force against Artsakh and on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We are confident that this report – and the facts it will confirm about Azerbaijan’s ongoing aggression – will serve as a sound basis upon which the incoming Biden Administration can formally end the Trump Administration’s reckless $120 million military aid program to Azerbaijan’s oil-rich, corrupt, and violent Aliyev family.”
The Congressional request for the Artsakh report is included in the Fiscal Year 2021 (FY2021) foreign aid bill (H.R.133), adopted by the House in parallel to the COVID-19 stimulus package earlier today. The Senate is set to vote on the measure later in the evening. It is similar to language spearheaded by House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) in the FY2021 Intelligence Authorization Act, whose leadership was critical to its inclusion in the foreign aid bill. The measure also maintained support for Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, which restricts U.S. aid to Azerbaijan for its ongoing aggression and blockade of Armenia and Artsakh. Since 2002, successive U.S. presidents have waived that provision, citing national security interests.
House Select Committee on Intelligence Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA) spearheaded efforts to include language calling for a report on Artsakh included in the FY2021 Foreign Aid Bill.
The FY2021 foreign aid bill also includes two key restrictions on U.S. military aid to Turkey, blocking funds for the transfer of F-35 aircraft or related weapons systems and stopping aid to the Turkish Presidential Protection Directorate (TPPD), in response to the 2017 Erdogan-ordered attack against peaceful U.S. protesters in Washington, DC.
The full text of legislative language calling for an investigation on the aggression in and around Artsakh is provided below.
SEC. 615. ASSESSMENT REGARDING TENSIONS BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN.
(a) ASSESSMENT REQUIRED —Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence shall submit to the congressional intelligence committees a written assessment regarding tensions between the governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan, including with respect to the status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Such assessment shall include each of the following:
(1) An identification of the strategic interests of the United States and its partners in the Armenia-Azerbaijan region.
(2) A description of all significant uses of force in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region and the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan during calendar year 2020, including a description of each significant use of force and an assessment of who initiated the use of such force.
(3) An assessment of the effect of United States military assistance to Azerbaijan and Armenia on the regional balance of power and the likelihood of further use of military force.
(4) An assessment of the likelihood of any further uses of force or potentially destabilizing activities in the region in the near- to medium-term.
(b) FORM OF ASSESSMENT.—The assessment required under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
‘Armenian Army is a heroic army’ – PM
12:20,
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Army is a heroic army, there cannot be two opinions on that, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during a visit to Syunik province.
“Our Army is a heroic army, there cannot be two opinions on that. Our people are heroic people”, he said. “We need to build our self-confidence, optimism, Armenia and Artsakh in a new way”, he told the locals.
He emphasized the need for determination for building life in a new way.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Protests in Syunik: Authorities came to power through blocking roads, they maintain power with same method
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 21 2020
Numerous Syunik residents are protesting on Monday against PM Nikol Pashinyan's visit to the province. "When we learnt about the plans of the traitor to visit the province, we joined Syunik residents with our raid response group. Our aim is not about allowing or not Pashinyan's entry to the province, but to show that Nikol will never can freely walk in Armenia. The traitors have no place in our country," Vahagn Ter-Nakalyan, member of Adekvat initiative told reporters.
Ter-Nakalyan reminded that the current leadership came to power through blocking the roads and now they try to maintain their power, using the same method.
"This comes to prove that hey have no power in this country. There can be no cooperation with Nikol. Even shaking his hand would be a betrayal."
"Nikol, you are a traitor," "Nikol, you are Turk," the protesters, who have blocked the road, are chanting.
One of the participants told reporters that he would prefer to lose his job and salary rather than the lands. The participants also called on not to yield to possible provocations, given massive police busses have arrived in Syunik.
The participants of the rally also called for releasing Goris Mayor Arushanyan who was arrested after appealing to the locals to prevent the entry of the prime minister, 'who gave away the Armenian lands and disrupted the inviolability of Syunik.'
Aurora doubles Artsakh aid program
13:00,
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative doubled its humanitarian aid program for Artsakh, adding numerous local and international projects to the list in phase two, the IDeA Foundation told Armenpress.
“After the war, the people of Artsakh faced a grave humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold amidst a global pandemic, and Aurora stepped up to bring them immediate relief. Aurora’s humanitarian aid program for Artsakh has since doubled, with a total budget of $400,000 (over 208,000.000֏) allocated to support 46 projects listed below. Among them are the initiatives run by the HALO Trust and the Near East Foundation (NEF) – with contributions to both matched – reflecting further development of Aurora’s global cooperation with international partner organizations possessing relevant expertise”, the statement says.
In addition, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative also continues to run the global #AraratChallenge4Artsakh crowdfunding campaign, which encourages people worldwide to express their Gratitude in Action by offering a second chance to people in need, and invites world humanitarian leaders to Artsakh where their expertise helps maximize the impact of the Initiative’s aid program in the region.
Urgent Humanitarian Aid to Families and Children
- Assisting in resettlement of displaced persons from Shushi in Stepanakert and other Artsakh localities (in cooperation with the Shushi “Narekatsi” Art Union and the “Hrant Matevosyan” Foundation) – $12,500 (6,400,000֏)
- Providing urgent humanitarian assistance to the population of 7 villages in Martakert Province (Nor Maraga, Nor Aygestan, Nor Seysulan, Nor Karmravan, Nor Haykajur, Nor Jraberd, Hovtashen) – $10,000 (5,100,000֏)
- Providing 1,000 bedding sets to the temporarily displaced people from Artsakh relocated to Armenia – $12,700 (6,500,000֏)
- Making 450 warm jackets for the people of Artsakh at the Stepanakert Clothing Factory – $12,000 (6,100,000֏)
- Humanitarian aid program assistance for 600 Artsakh residents affected by the war (in cooperation with the Bari Mama Foundation) – $10,000 (5,100,000֏)
- Providing 210 heaters to the temporarily displaced Artsakh families – $2,500 (1,300,000֏)
- Supporting the development of an online platform that engages Diaspora’s resources to mitigate the humanitarian crisis and boost local economy (in cooperation with AMIA) – $5,000 (2,600,000֏)
- Assisting in the creation of job opportunities for war widows in textile industry (in cooperation with Bari Mama) – $7,000 (3,640,000֏)
- Assisting in providing urgent humanitarian support to displaced people in Artsakh (in cooperation with Street Workout Armenia) – $10,000 (5,200,000֏)
- Educational and psychological support program for the displaced people from Artsakh in Vayots Dzor (in cooperation with the Vayots Dzor Regional Youth Center) – $2,800 (1,456,000֏)
- Supporting professional trainings and job opportunities creation for displaced women from Artsakh (in cooperation with Hay Mayrer Charity Organization) – $2,885 (1,500,000֏)
- Creating safe spaces for young women and children to participate in sport and educational programs in Artsakh (in cooperation with GOALS Armenia) – $4,800 (2,505,705֏)
- Supporting emergency cluster munitions and other explosives clearance operations in civilian areas to allow the safe return of displaced people to Artsakh (in cooperation with HALO Trust; the organization will also match Aurora’s funding) – $25,000 (13,000,000֏)
- Supporting the Made in Artsakh program to create job opportunities in Artsakh (in cooperation with Support Market) – $5,000 (2,600,000֏)
- Supporting the underprivileged people affected by war via a grant to the Artsakh Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Housing – $10,000 (5,200,000֏)
- Providing 425 bedding sets to the temporarily displaced people from Artsakh relocated to Armenia – $5,500 (2,860,000֏)
- Supporting providing shelter and food to 83 Artsakh families affected by the war (in cooperation with Mission Armenia Charitable Foundation) – $4,700 (2,444,000֏)
- Creating new job opportunities for the displaced people from Artsakh relocated to the Syunik Region of Armenia (in cooperation with NEF; the foundation will also match Aurora’s funding) – $15,000 (7,800,000֏)
Healthcare Services
- Assisting in the repairs of X-ray equipment of the Republican Hospital of Stepanakert – $10,500 (5,400,000֏)
- Assisting the Traveling Doctors of Armenia Foundation in organizing at-home medical services for the wounded (with limited mobility) in the hard-to-reach regions of Artsakh and Armenia – $10,000 (5,100,000֏)
- Contributing to the acquisition of ambulances for Artsakh (in cooperation with Support Our Heroes Foundation) – $20,000 (10,200,000֏)
- Purchasing vital medication for senior citizens residing in Artsakh (in cooperation with Miasin Foundation) – $2,000 (1,000,000֏)
- Purchasing 55 folding beds for the forcibly displaced people from Artsakh (in cooperation with the VIVA Foundation) – $3,000 (1,500,000֏)
- Supporting the production of post-coma recovery equipment, designed and manufactured in Armenia during the war (in cooperation with QaylTech) – $7,000 (3,640,000֏)
- Providing orthopedical items to injured soldiers (in cooperation with VIVA Foundation) – $7,000 (3,640,000֏)
- Providing support to wounded soldiers with mobility issues from Artsakh and Armenia (in cooperation with Arites Tour Тeam) – $2,000 (1,040,000֏)
- Supporting a training program for locals in Artsakh dedicated to using acupuncture for pain relief and mental health care in war and post-war context (in cooperation with EliseCare NGO) – $5,000 (2,600,000֏)
- Supporting building a mobile clinic to provide the health care services necessary for the rehabilitation of the wounded soldiers and civilians in Artsakh (in cooperation with EliseCare NGO) – $5,000 (2,600,000֏)
- Supporting the rehabilitation of the children and adults affected by the war via a grant to the Rehabilitation Center named after Caroline Cox in Stepanakert – $10,000 (5,200,000֏)
- Providing 500 heaters for temporarily displaced Artsakh families – $5,300 (2,756,000֏)
Restoration / Equipment
- Assisting in restoring secondary school №1 in Martakert (in cooperation with Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, Artsakh) – $20,000 (10,200,000֏)
- Assisting the Martuni City Administration in restoring school №2 named after Mesrop Mashtots hit by aerial bombardment – $20,000 (10,200,000֏)
- Assistance in founding a bakery in Stepanakert for the purpose of free distribution of bread for 6 months and for providing new jobs (in cooperation with Tikoonq Initiative Group) – $10,000 (5,100,000֏)
- Contributing to the fitting out of temporary shelters in Stepanakert for the displaced people from Artsakh – $10,000 (5,100,000֏)
- Assisting the Stepanakert City Administration in restoring local civil infrastructure – $10,000 (5,100,000֏)
- Supporting housing and renovation in Artsakh for the people affected by the war (in cooperation with We Are Armenians Charity Foundation) – $5,000 (2,600,000֏)
- Assisting in the restoration of a hospital in Martakert (in cooperation with the Support Our Heroes Foundation) – $15,000 (7,800,000֏)
- Providing an electric generator(120kw) to Martuni City Administration to secure drinking water delivery – $20,000 (10,400,000֏)
- Providing 2 electric generators to a school and a kindergarten in Askeran and 4 more units to Martuni villages (in cooperation with the Artsakh Ministry of Education, Science and Culture) – $5,200 (2,700,000֏)
Food
- Contributing to providing meals for 166 people currently housed in Sevan, Dilijan, Yerevan for 15 days (in cooperation with Victory-2020 Foundation) – $10,000 (5,100,000֏)
- Contributing to providing meals for 65 children and adults from Artsakh currently housed in Holy Mother of Armenia Catholic Center (Gyumri) for 30 days – $9,750 (5,000,000֏)
- Supporting food delivery to 300 people in the border village of Nor Shin (in cooperation with Dilijan Nor Shin Initiative Group) – $5,000 (2,600,000֏)
Essentials
- Purchasing essentials for 200 Artsakh families temporarily relocated to Armenia (in cooperation with House of Hope Foundation) – $3,000 (1,500,000֏)
- Providing 50 kits with essentials to the children forced to relocate from Artsakh to Armenia (in cooperation with Global Shapers) – $2,050 (1,500,000֏)
- Providing 20 tires for Artsakh ambulance cars – $1,631 (830.000֏).
- Supporting providing essentials’ kits to 85 newborn children from Artsakh (in cooperation with Prolife) – $10,000 (5,200,000֏)
***
About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, is transforming this experience into a global movement based on the universal concept of Gratitude in Action. By addressing real, on-the-ground challenges, the Initiative provides a second chance to those who need it the most. We believe that even in the darkest times, a brighter future is in the hands of those who are committed to giving others help and hope, and Aurora welcomes all who embrace this philosophy. This eight-year commitment (2015 to 2023, in remembrance of the eight years of the Armenian Genocide 1915-1923) aims to promote global projects and support people who tackle the needs of the most helpless and destitute and do so at great risk. This is achieved through the Initiative’s various programs: Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, Aurora Dialogues, Aurora Grants, Aurora Community, Aurora Index, 100 LIVES Initiative and #AraratChallenge. The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is the vision of philanthropists Vartan Gregorian, Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan who have been joined by thousands of supporters and partners. Our Chair, Dr. Tom Catena, draws on his experience is a surgeon, veteran, humanitarian and the 2017 Aurora Prize laureate to spread the message of Gratitude in Action to a global audience. The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is represented by three organizations – the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Foundation, Inc. (New York, USA), the 100 Lives Foundation (Geneva, Switzerland) and the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Charitable Foundation (Yerevan, Armenia).
French and international singers initiate an online charity concert to support the children of Artsakh
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 21 2020
More than 50 French and international singers and artists unite their efforts and organise an online show to help and support the children of Artsakh and Armenia. The online event, initiated by Amnésie Internationale, will be streamed live on December 26, at midnight Yerevan time.
The organizers inform that after the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, over 30.000 children in Armenia and Artsakh are now facing extremely difficult living conditions. Hundreds of them have lost a father, a mother, or both. Thousands have no more home to go to. Most of these kids cannot even attend school anymore, as they are denied its basic right to education.
"Children of Artsakh and Armenia deserve a bright, new future. And together, we can all help them build it! Now is the time to make a difference," the organisers added.
The fundraiser will be streamed live on Facebook, and will then be available till January 10th, 2021, for enjoyment as well as the ongoing donations, on YouTube and 6play, the replay channel of M6, third most watched television network in the French-speaking world.
The funds raised by the online benefit concert will help the children and their tens of thousands of displaced parents find a new home. All of the funds raised during the concert will be donated to Children of Armenia Fund, Fonds Arménien de France and Jeunesse Arménienne de France.