Category: 2023

The ANCA and ANCA Rhode Island are pressing US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to block the sale of US assault rifles to Azerbaijan.

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) national and Rhode Island affiliate have called on Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to oppose any consideration of granting a license to permit the export of rifles to Azerbaijan.

In a February 13th letter, ANCA executive director Aram Hamparian and the local ANC chair from Secretary Raimondo’s home state of Rhode Island Steve Elmasian explained, “As you know, from your long friendship with Americans of Armenian heritage in Rhode Island and across the United States, our community is deeply troubled by the US military aid program to Baku, and even more shocked by the possibility that American offensive weaponry may be deployed against Armenians in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) and Armenia. The victims of Azerbaijan’s attacks are, very often, the relatives and friends of Armenian American citizens.”

News of a possible sale of US rifles – including assault-style and semi-automatic sniper models – to Azerbaijan broke on February 1st when Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Robert Menendez (D-NJ) announced his “deep concern and strong opposition” to the effort.

In a letter to Secretary Raimondo, Sen. Menendez explained that Azerbaijani atrocities against Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) and Armenia are well documented, citing the September 2022 attack on sovereign Armenian territory and the now two-month blockade of Artsakh, which has left the 120,000 indigenous Armenian population without sufficient food, medicine and rolling gas stoppages in freezing conditions.  Sen. Menendez also highlighted Azerbaijan’s ongoing extrajudicial killings, torture and unlawful treatment of Armenians following the 2020 Artsakh war, as documented in the State Department’s 2021 Country Report on Human Rights.

“The export of weapons to an authoritarian country that wages war against a neighbor, blockades a vulnerable population, and commits rampant human rights violations at home is not consistent with the Administration’s commitment to democracy and human rights,” Sen. Menendez stated.  “Further, the consideration of this export license further compounds my dismay that the Administration continues to allow the export of assault-style and sniper rifles abroad – even while supporting an assault-style rifle ban domestically – and deepens my reservations about the Department of Commerce having jurisdiction over such exports,” concluded Senator Menendez.

As Rhode Island general treasurer and later governor, Secretary Raimondo worked closely with the ANC of Rhode Island and the state’s Armenian American community, attending community events and taking a principled position condemning the Armenian Genocide.

During the 2017 Armenian Genocide commemoration, then-Governor Raimondo remarked, “We come together today as a community to remind ourselves of the Genocide and of the atrocities; and also to provide comfort to members of the community who are still struggling with loss and painful memories; but, probably most important, to commit ourselves to the cause of peace and tolerance and diversity – so that it never happens again. And I think now if you look around at what’s happening in the world, and even in this country, it’s very troubling – it is deeply troubling – when I see, sometimes in this state, expressions of religious intolerance and racism.  And as your Governor, I want you to know there is no place for that in Rhode Island.  And I reaffirm to you our core value of diversity, of religious freedom, and of tolerance here in Rhode Island. […] Today, we stand shoulder to shoulder to remind ourselves of the Genocide and to recommit ourselves – and remember, every time you hear an _expression_ of hatred, of intolerance, of racism or religious discrimination – don’t be silent, speak out.”

In her 2018 gubernatorial proclamation on the “Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide,” Governor Raimondo wrote, “we must do our best to raise awareness about the Armenian Genocide, not only because it is an undeniable chapter of world history, but also because learning more about this unconscionable tragedy will help us better understand the necessity of eliminating hatred from our own.”

The ANCA and ANC RI look forward to meeting with Secretary Raimondo to block the sale of assault rifles to Azerbaijan as part of a broader campaign to end US military assistance to Azerbaijan, aimed at preventing a second genocide against Artsakh’s Armenian population.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu (RA Foreign Ministry, February 15)

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made a historic visit to Turkey following the brief opening of the Armenia-Turkey border for the first time in three decades. 

“I consider it symbolic that on Saturday the Armenian-Turkish border, which has been closed for 30 years, was opened for Armenian trucks loaded with humanitarian aid heading to Adiyaman,” Mirzoyan said during a joint press conference with Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu.

The Armenia-Turkey border reopened briefly for the delivery of humanitarian aid following last week’s devastating earthquake. At least 40,000 people have been killed after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria. 

On February 11, Armenia sent five trucks carrying 100 tons of food, medicine, water and other emergency supplies to Turkey. The trucks crossed the Margara bridge, which connects the Armenian village Margara with the Turkish village Alican. A second convoy of trucks transported supplies to Turkey Tuesday night. 

Armenian rescue team in Turkey (Ruben Rubinyan, February 12)

Armenia also sent 27 rescue workers to Turkey and 29 to Syria. Armenian officials said that the Armenian rescue team saved two girls in Adıyaman on February 12. 

Cavusoglu said that the humanitarian assistance would bolster negotiations on restoring diplomatic ties between Armenia and Turkey and opening their shared border. 

“The normalization process continues in the South Caucasus,” Cavusoglu said on Wednesday during his joint press conference with Mirzoyan. “We believe that the understanding of cooperation we have put forward in the humanitarian field will support this process.”

Mirzoyan said that the foreign ministers had reached an agreement to jointly repair the Ani bridge and restore other infrastructure along the Armenia-Turkey border. 

“Being in Türkiye at this difficult moment, I would like to once again reiterate the readiness and willingness of the Republic of Armenia to build peace in the region and, particularly, to fully normalize relations with Türkiye, establish diplomatic relations and fully open the border between Armenia and Türkiye,” Mirzoyan said. 

Talks between Turkey and Armenia to establish bilateral relations have been ongoing since December 2021. On July 1, 2022, special envoys appointed for the normalization process announced the first major breakthrough in negotiations. The envoys agreed to “enable the crossing of the land border between Armenia and Turkey by third-country citizens.” They also agreed to commence direct air cargo trade between the two countries. 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had their first ever phone call that month, and three months later held their first meeting in Prague on October 6 on the sidelines of a pan-European summit.

On January 6, the Armenian Foreign Ministry announced with little fanfare that Turkey had lifted its ban on direct cargo transportation from Armenia. 

However, negotiations between the two countries have since stalled following Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenia in September and its blockade of Artsakh, which entered its third month this week.

Armenian politicians have been divided on whether the humanitarian assistance to Turkey will help Armenia in ongoing negotiations.

Civil Contract Party parliamentarian and chairman of the committee on foreign relations Sargis Khandayan expressed hope that Armenia’s aid delivery will incline Turkey toward the normalization process. 

“I think this is a positive sign,” Khadnayan told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service. “In light of a disaster of this scale, it is difficult to speak of positive signs, of course, but nevertheless, we see that when there is a desire, it is possible to open the border and operate the roads and communication. Let’s hope that Turkey’s government will be more inclined toward this process and we will see quicker results.”

Opposition lawmakers, however, have been less optimistic. Artur Khachatryan from the Armenia Alliance said that Turkey will not give up the preconditions it has placed on the normalization process, namely “giving up Artsakh.”

“Turkey opened the Margari road when it needed to, and it will keep it closed as long as Armenia does not fulfill Turkey’s demands,” Khachatryan said. “If Turkey wanted to show good will, it would demand that its junior partner Azerbaijan open the Lachin Corridor and so that at least 100 tons of goods are transported to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.” 

Garo Paylan, an Armenian member of the Turkish parliament, welcomed Armenia’s assistance to Turkey as a “historical, humanitarian and conscientious step.” He expressed hope that it will lead to the permanent opening of the Armenia-Turkey border.

“[The Armenian rescue workers] said, ‘We are Armenians, but above all we are human,’” Paylan told Turkish news agency Anka. “Likewise, the people of Turkey have seen that we are human beings first of all. Today, the people are in solidarity against the nationalist and racist policies that distance us from each other.”  

Toivo Klaar, special representative of the EU in the South Caucasus, welcomed Mirzoyan’s “historic visit” to Turkey. “Hopefully a harbinger of developments to come in the Turkey-Armenia relationship,” he tweeted.

The Armenia-Turkey border has been closed since the 1990s. In April 1993, Turkey closed its border with Armenia in solidarity with Azerbaijan during the first Artsakh War. 

In 2009, the countries signed two bilateral protocols brokered by France, Russia and the United States. The Zurich Protocols would have opened the border, established diplomatic relations and created a joint historical commission to study the Armenian Genocide. However, the protocols were never ratified or implemented under pressure from Azerbaijan, which opposed normalization of relations without a resolution of the Artsakh conflict.

Armenian authorities have been insistent that the current normalization process must remain separate from ongoing talks with Azerbaijan on the Artsakh conflict. However, Turkish authorities have said that Turkey is coordinating its decisions with Azerbaijan.

“Azerbaijan has been our red line from the beginning. We have said that we will open our doors after problems with Azerbaijan are solved,” Erdogan told reporters on July 25. 

“We coordinate every step with Azerbaijan,” Cavusoglu told reporters four days earlier. “Whether Armenia likes it or not, this is the reality. We are one nation and two states.”

PARAMUS, NJ– Since the 44-day war of Artsakh, the Armenian Missionary Association of America (AMAA) has organized several Pray+Act for Armenia and Artsakh Zoom events. These Zoom events have allowed AMAA members and friends to stay current on the ongoing situation in the homeland, to come together to pray for their brothers and sisters living in Armenia and Artsakh and to learn how they can help support them in their time of great need and suffering. Over 125 viewers have participated in the most recent two Zoom events of the year which were held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, and on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Two more Zoom events are currently scheduled for Saturday, March 11 and Saturday, April 1.

Artsakh has been under a full blockade by Azerbaijan for over two months resulting in an ongoing humanitarian crisis. A total of 120,000 people have been affected to date with over 16,000 people being displaced.  

There is an acute shortage of food caused by the blockade, an intentional disruption of gas and electricity, an absence of heat and hot water, a high risk of malnutrition and starvation, lack of proper and necessary health care and shortages of medication, baby formula and hygiene supplies. Businesses and schools have been shut down, and infrastructure has been deliberately attacked.

State Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan and Advisor to the State Minister of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan at the January 7 Pray+Act Zoom event

In January, State Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan, Advisor to the State Minister of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan and AMAA Representative in Artsakh Viktor Karapetyan participated in the Zoom meeting and reported on the current situation due to the blockade. 

Vardanyan thanked the AMAA for its ongoing support and spoke about the general situation and expectations from friends and compatriots of the Diaspora. “Despite the challenges that we are facing, it is definitely a unique time for our nation to become more unified,” he said. Vardanyan reported on the status of Artsakh and emphasized the shortage of basic necessities, food, medicines, interruptions of electricity and gas supplies, as well as families who have been separated. “Despite all these challenges, the Artsakh people are showing strong character, and they resist and fight for their independence,” he said. 

Vardanyan also spoke about the ongoing negotiations to pressure Azerbaijan to end the blockade. He encouraged Diaspora Armenians to be more organized and consistent in trying to convince international humanitarian organizations to put pressure on their governments and sanctions on Azerbaijan. “We are facing an existential crisis, as we are fighting for our own life and the blockade is just one small element of the pressure by the enemy,” concluded Vardanyan. He urged all to “pray for fairness of our society, trust in our leaders and trust in the future, because if we don’t see the future, we don’t trust our leaders and the future, it doesn’t matter how much money we raise, or how much food we bring in, we will continue to lose against our enemies.”

Beglaryan also thanked the AMAA for its ongoing prayers and efforts for Artsakh. “The main thing we need is to be unified and to have unified efforts to tackle this issue. This is not a short-term problem, but the continuation of a long-term problem,” said Beglaryan. “We need to be unified to overcome this phase and to prevent new and more brutal phases.”

In his report, Karapetyan said, “Despite the ongoing blockade and the difficult situation in Artsakh, AMAA continues to operate our office in Artsakh, as well as our kindergartens and Shogh day centers. Our kindergartens are the only ones that remain open, and our team in Artsakh continues to reach out and help those in need. Together, with Armenia, together with the Diaspora, together we will find the path through liberation… for the bright future of our people.”

Shogh day center in Stepanakert

During the February 4 Zoom event, following the opening comments and welcome from AMAA executive director and CEO Zaven Khanjian, reports were presented on the blockade and current conditions in Artsakh by Human Rights Ombudsman of the Republic of Artsakh Gegham Stepanyan, AMAA Artsakh Representative Viktor Karapetyan, AMAA Armenia Representative Aren Deyirmenjian and AMAA Armenia Director of Strategic Initiatives Lusine Ohanyan. 

Stepanyan spoke about the humanitarian and human rights consequences of blocking the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the world, the right for an adequate standard of living, the right to freedom of movement for separated families, the right to healthcare, children’s right to education, deliberate and consistent disruption of critical infrastructure and negative economic consequences. 

A child warming up at one of AMAA KGs in Artsakh

Karapetyan said, “Today is not the 54th day of blockade and conformity, but the 54th day of the world being silent and the 54th day of our resilient battle.” He also reported that AMAA kindergartens in Stepanakert, Martakert and Askeran are still open, and the Shogh day centers are functioning. “Artsakh is not just a piece of land. It is the homeland,” he concluded.

A child with his morning breakfast at AMAA Askeran KG

Deyirmenjian said that these are very trying times in Armenia and Artsakh and mentioned some of the activities that AMAA Armenia is currently involved in to find a remedy to this situation. Last month, through the Ministry of Social Affairs and ICRC, baby formula was sent to Artsakh; six tons of food and supplies are in the border town of Goris to be transported to Stepanakert. Together with all educational NGOs in Armenia, a letter was written to the United Nations reporting that the right to children’s education had been violated. “We have also helped a number of Artsakh families stuck in Armenia with food, medicine and financial assistance,” added Deyirmenjian.

Ohanyan spoke of her recent visit and experience to four border villages inside Artsakh – Yeghtsahogh, Lisagor, Mets Shen and Hin Shen. Despite many obstacles and the fact that the border was closed, she was able to deliver emergency necessities and supplies as well as the AMAA’s Christmas Joy packages for the children. “It was a very dangerous mission, and we prayed for her,” said Deyirmenjian. “She went to the border because it is a work of faith, and we must keep the faith and trust God.”  

AMAA Christmas Joy Program held in Stepanakert in January 2023

The Pray+Act Zoom events were moderated by AMAA’s Christian Life Committee chair Rev. Dr. Haig Kherlopian. Each presentation was followed by a prayer asking God to help give strength to the people of Artsakh to overcome this situation and have everlasting peace in the region. 

Since opening the Artsakh AMAA Center in the mid-1990s, the Association has implemented various educational, social and humanitarian programs in several towns and villages such as kindergartens, camps, Shogh day centers and other relief and humanitarian services to empower Artsakh families. The AMAA has not ceased its service due to the blockade. Even though Artsakh is blockaded and facing numerous challenges and many educational institutions and organizations have had to close, AMAA continues operating its kindergartens, Shogh centers, and offices. All social programs including providing baby formula, home visits, sponsorship, Christmas Joy Programs for children and spiritual services continue.

MANHATTAN, NY—The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA is proud to announce the establishment of the ARS “Tsiran” Chapter of Manhattan, New York. This marks the 34th chapter under the leadership of the ARS of Eastern USA, which includes 14 states with active chapter(s) and the nation’s capital, Washington, DC.

“We are so excited to welcome seven new members into our ranks during a pivotal time for the Armenian nation and diaspora,” said ARS Regional Executive Board chairperson Caroline Chamavonian. “The new members have vowed to extend their healing hands to advance our humanitarian mission and are dedicated to our organization’s motto, ‘With the People, For the People,’” she continued.

During two separate events, new members participated in an oath ceremony, where Regional Executive Board vice-chairperson Taline Daghlian and treasurer Margaret Babikian welcomed them to the organization. Daghlian administered the oath for the new members, and in her congratulatory remarks, she stressed the importance of diligently working to serve the humanitarian mission of the organization and assist those in our community, homeland and society.

The ARS “Tsiran” Chapter becomes the fifth chapter of the state of New York, working alongside the oldest chapter of this organization, the ARS “Mayr” Chapter (established in 1910) and the ARS Chapters of “Anahid,” “Erebouni” and “Lucia.”