Category: 2023

The EU has high expectations from the July meeting in Brussels. Borrell

Janet Ekmekjian

 19:22,

YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. The EU mission is part of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, but it cannot completely replace the process. the only solution is in the diplomatic sphere. The conflicting parties have expressed their desire to continue the negotiations, and the next meeting will be held in Brussels, from which the EU has high expectations, ARMENPRESS reports, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said during the discussion on "Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor" in the European Parliament.

According to Borrell, the current situation in the Lachin Corridor certainly raises the concern of the international community, but the EU does not have access to the checkpoint located in the corridor, therefore it is deprived of the opportunity to carry out a full observation.

"The EU is interested in the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus, and for this purpose it implements initiatives of a humanitarian nature, as well as contributes directly to the negotiations aimed at peace. We are also involved in finding missing persons during the conflict and keeping the conflicting parties away from new clashes," said the head of EU diplomacy.

Borrell notes that the socio-economic situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is serious

Varazdat Torgomian

 19:01,

YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. The socio-economic situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is quite serious, which is why the EU has implemented various initiatives in the last two years to provide humanitarian support to the local residents. 70 million euros have already been allocated for this purpose, ARMENPRESS reports, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said during the discussion on "Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor" in the European Parliament.

The head of EU diplomacy noted that the humanitarian support was aimed at solving health problems, including providing medical equipment and providing social support to people affected by the conflict. Borrell emphasized that there is still a lot to be done in that area.

We hope the message from the Armenian side will be a stimulus, pushing negotiation process on a positive path – Borrell

Ani Basmajian

 19:48,

YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. During the five-sided meeting held in Moldova, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan recognized each other's territorial integrity. Armenia has accepted Artsakh as a constituent part of Azerbaijan, with Nikol Pashinyan being the first Armenian leader to make such a statement, and the EU hopes that official Baku will receive this message and pay more attention to the rights and security issues of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, ARMENPRESS reports, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said during the discussion on "Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin Corridor" in the European Parliament.

"We hope that the message of the Armenian side will be an incentive, pushing the negotiation process to a positive direction," Borrell said.

The head of EU diplomacy also highly appreciated the role of the Russian peacekeeping troops in Nagorno-Karabakh, which, according to him, is an important factor in the resolution of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.

IMF Executive Board completes the first review under the Stand-By Arrangement with Armenia

Babken Chilingarian

 20:15,

YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the first review under the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) with Armenia, ARMENPRESS was informed from the website of the IMF. The completion of the review enables access of SDR 18.4 million (about US$24.5 million), bringing total access to SDR 36.8 million (about US$49 million). The SBA was approved by the IMF’s Board on December 12, 2022 (see Press Release No. 22/429 ). The Armenian authorities continue to treat the arrangement as precautionary. The Executive Board’s decision on the first review was taken without a meeting. [1]

Armenia’s economic activity was very strong in 2022, with real GDP growing at 12.6 percent, driven by robust consumption and external demand, and fueled by large foreign exchange and migrant inflows from Russia. The growth momentum has continued in 2023Q1, led by expansion in construction, service, and trade-related sectors. The current account deficit plummeted to 0.9 percent of GDP for the year, benefiting from strong tourism income and remittances. Foreign direct investment and other investment inflows also increased, reflecting primarily capital inflows from Russia. Gross reserves increased to US$4.1 bn. The dram appreciated by over 20 percent against the US dollar in 2022.

Inflationary pressures started to ease in late 2022-early 2023. Headline inflation declined to 3.2 percent (y-o-y) in April 2023, mainly on account of base effects and rapidly easing food and transportation prices. But core inflation remains above headline at 4.3 percent (y-o-y) in April 2023. Double-digit nominal wage growth and service price growth are sources of significant underlying inflationary pressures.

The fiscal position improved significantly in 2022. The headline fiscal deficit narrowed to 2.1 percent of GDP in 2022 on account of robust revenues and spending under-execution. Central government debt dropped by 14 percentage points of GDP to 46.7 percent of GDP, due to deficit reduction, high nominal growth, and exchange rate appreciation.

The program is broadly on track. All end-December quantitative performance criteria (QPCs) and indicative targets (IT) were met, and good progress was made toward the completion of structural benchmarks (SB). The end-March structural benchmark requiring the adoption of a decree clarifying the mandate, reporting, transparency, and viability requirements for the Armenian National Interests Fund (ANIF) was completed as a prior action for the review.

The economic outlook for 2023 is generally positive, although risks remain substantial. GDP growth is projected to decelerate but strong momentum, consumption and investment are expected to keep it at 5.5 percent in 2023. With services trade and remittances normalizing, the current account deficit is expected to widen in 2023. Inflation is expected to stabilize at the CBA’s target of 4 percent within a year. The outlook is subject to elevated risks stemming from a challenging external environment, including regional tensions, tighter global financial conditions, and a slowdown in major trading partners.

Macroeconomic policies need to prevent overheating of the economy in the short term, while supporting inclusive and resilient growth in the medium term. To elaborate:

  • Should growth and revenues be stronger than projected, building fiscal buffers is a priority. At the same time, revenue mobilization efforts should continue, including by broadening the tax base and tackling informality.
  • Decisive and pro-active monetary policy tightening has been successful in containing inflationary pressures, but monetary policy needs to remain vigilant and data dependent. Financial sector risks related to the real estate sector require close monitoring by strengthening supervisory tools.
  • To unlock Armenia’s long-term growth potential, continued progress with implementation of structural reforms is needed,including by boosting trade links and diversification, enhancing access to finance, completing governance reforms, and improving climate change resilience.

Azerbaijan opens fire in the direction of the Armenian positions in Yeraskh. Armenian side suffers no casualties

Yeghisabet Arthur

 19:53,

YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. At 6:40 p.m. on June 13, the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire from different caliber firearms in the direction of the Armenian positions located in the Yeraskh sector.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from MoD Armenia, the Armenian side has suffered no casualties.

"The message of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan that the units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of the Azerbaijani positions in the above-mentioned direction at 5:40 p.m. does not correspond to reality," the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia informs, adding that the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan with that message first created an information base, then opened fire in the direction of Armenian positions.

Armenpress: The Azerbaijani side prevents the entry of citizens with Armenian registration to Artsakh

David Nargizian

 20:59,

YEREVAN, JUNE 13, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani side deliberately obstructs the entry of the people with Armenian registration to the Republic of Artsakh at the checkpoint illegally installed on the Hakari bridge of the Goris-Stepanakert highway (Lachin Corridor).

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the "Facebook" page of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, according to the data collected by the HRD staff of Artsakh, at least three similar cases have been recorded since the checkpoint was installed: two women and one child were prevented from entering. In all recorded cases, although the citizens had Armenian registration, they always lived in the Republic of Artsakh, and their families also live in Artsakh.

"These persons went to the Republic of Armenia for treatment under the blockade, and now, after solving their health problems, they cannot return to their homes. It is noteworthy that the Azerbaijani side allowed their exit from Artsakh, arbitrarily and illegally prohibiting their entry.

As a result of the harassment by Azerbaijan, the rights of these persons were violated not only to move freely, but also to reunite with their families.

The Human Rights Defender emphasizes that the checkpoint illegally installed by Azerbaijan on the Hakari bridge in Lachin Corridor from April 23 and other measures hindering the free movement of people, vehicles and goods on that road violate not only the well-known international norms of human rights, but also the provisions of the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020, in particular, point 6, which envisages the safe and uninterrupted movement of people, vehicles and cargo through the Lachin Corridor.

Azerbaijan is trying to mislead the international community with various propaganda videos, showing that the corridor is not blocked and the free movement of people is ensured. "The existence of such a checkpoint, the use of passport, cargo and other types of control measures by Azerbaijan already mean obstacles to uninterrupted movement, causing significant risks not only of security, but also bearing the risk for other arbitrary disruptive measures at any time. According to the HRD of Artsakh, the recorded cases once again prove the inability of the Azerbaijani state propaganda and the systematic and consistent policy of ethnic cleansing carried out by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh.

Groundbreaking Event Held for New Mousa Ler Monument at Fresno’s Masis Ararat Cemetery

Zhanna Nahapetian
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Members of the Mousa Ler Association of Fresno at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Mousa Ler monument that will be installed at the Masis Ararat Cemetery in Fresno, CA


BY CAREEN DERKALOUSDIAN 

The Armenian community of Fresno, California on Saturday, April 29 gathered at the Masis Ararat Cemetery to witness the groundbreaking of the Mousa Ler monument. The event was planned by the Mousa Ler Association of Fresno and consisted of several guest speakers and a religious service. A reception took place after the groundbreaking at First Armenian Presbyterian Church.

The monument is being built in honor of the eighteen martyrs who gave their lives to save the region of Mousa Ler, a region that consisted of six villages, from the Ottoman Turks during the Armenian Genocide. The battle at Mousa Ler was a significant resistance effort as 600 Armenian fighters and 4,000 civilians were able to fend off 19,000 Turkish troops. The leaders of the resistance were Movses Derkalousdian, Reverend Dikran Antreassian, Yesayi Yakhubian, Nerses Kazandjian, and Yesayi Aprahamian. Although small in numbers, the villages of Mousa Ler successfully resisted the Turks for 53 days. They were eventually rescued in 1915 by the French navy and delivered to safety at Port Said in Egypt. In 1918, the province came under French control, and the Armenian villagers returned to the Mousa Ler region. However, in 1939, the province was given back to Turkey, and most of the villagers fled to Anjar, Lebanon. Anjar is a small town that is today divided into six districts commemorating each of the villages of Mousa Ler.

Members of the Mousa Ler Association of Fresno at the groundbreaking event Organizers of the event with local clergy who performed a religious service during the event

The groundbreaking event began with Chairman of the Mousa Ler Association Nshan Derkalousdian’s opening speech, where he highlighted the significance of the monument and expressed his gratitude for the individuals who made its construction a reality. He then invited the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia, Berj Apkarian, up to the podium to share his pride in the unity and hard work of the Armenian community. The chairman of the Masis Ararat Cemetery, Mark Topoozian, also expressed his appreciation for the monument. “Mousa Dagh became a symbol of the Armenian will to survive, and this monument will definitely attest to this,” said Topoozian.

Before the groundbreaking, a religious service was held by the local clergy, consisting of Senior Pastor Nerses Balabanian, Pastor Reverend Father Ashod Khachadourian, and Reverend Father Yesai Bedros. A highlight of the service was the reading of a passage from the book of Romans. “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” said Badveli Balabanian. Father Khachadourian then blessed the foundation of the monument. The clergy and members of the Mousa Ler Association gathered to bury the remains of one of the martyrs under the foundation before saying a prayer.

A scale model of the Mousa Ler monument was on display at the groundbreaking event

“It’s been a dream of all of ours for years and years, and it’s finally coming true,” said Ara Karkazian, treasurer of the Mousa Ler Association. He shared with the audience that his father was one of the men who built the original monument in Mousa Ler and that his dream is finally being realized. He expressed how Armenians build wherever they go and improve their surroundings. Chairman Derkalousdian then said his closing remarks, and people gathered to initiate the groundbreaking.

The monument is being built at the Masis Ararat Cemetery in Fresno near the Soghomon Tehlirian monument. A model of the structure and plans were created by architect Garbis Kataroian and structural engineer George Kiledjian. The structure is an exact replica of the monument built in Mousa Ler in 1932. Half of the structure represents an altar with two crosses and the other half depicts a ship representing the French fleet that rescued the villagers and delivered them to safety in Egypt. The original structure built in Mousa Ler was later destroyed by Turkish civilians.

A sign that reads ‘Future Site of the Mousa Ler Monument’ posted at the site where the monument will be installed

Building this structure is not only a legacy to future generations, but it also represents the victory of Armenians over repression and their unwavering perseverance. This monument is a testament to the fact that Armenians build wherever they go and that God always delivers us from the hands of our enemies.

Careen Derkalousdian is a sophomore biochemistry major at California State University, Fresno and a student in the university’s Armenian Studies program. She is also a descendant of the leader of the Mousa Dagh resistance, Movses Derkalousdian.




Armenpress: Sebouh Tashjian, Armenia’s First Energy Minister, Passes Away

Greg Madatian
by Contributor

 

 

 

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Sebouh Tashjian, an accomplished engineer from California who served as Armenia’s energy and fuel minister after its independence in 1991, passed away on June 6 in Los Angeles. He was 87.

Sebouh “Steve” Tashjian

Sebouh “Steve” Tashjian, was born on October 11, 1935 in Jerusalem, Palestine, to Vartan and Lydia Tashjian, survivors of the Armenian genocide. He was the second of three brothers, Krikor (predeceased) and Berj Tashjian.

The Tashjian family owned the British Restaurant in Jerusalem, where Sebouh often worked to help his father. In the context of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, his family’s destiny was to immigrate to the United States, essentially leaving everything behind.

Sebouh arrived with his family in the United States in 1957, and immediately moved to Los Angeles, where he dove into his passion for photography, while attending night classes Los Angeles City College. Ultimately, he completed his professional degrees at both UCLA and USC, graduating with a dual Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Education and academic achievement remained a point of emphasis for Sebouh in his own life, and also set the framework with how he would eventually raise his children. In 1968, while visiting London, he met Shake Haroutounian, and after an 8 day courtship and whirlwind romance, they were married, living a happy and full life together for the subsequent 55 years. They had a daughter, Lisa, and son, Vartan, and two precious granddaughters, Sophia and Taylor.

Sebouh enjoyed a long and fruitful career in engineering, at Southern California Edison, and was an important member of the team tasked with building the San Onofre nuclear power plant. Sebouh was also extremely proud of his Armenian Heritage, and was an active participant in many Armenian organizations, schools, churches, and related philanthropic events. Amongst these, were United Armenian Congregations Church (UACC), C & E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School (where he was a founding member), Armenia earthquake relief, and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Sebouh’s professional and personal interests aligned, when he was hand-selected by then President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, to serve as the first Minister of Energy and Fuel for the newly independent Republic of Armenia. He continued working in the Armenian government from 1991 through 1996, ultimately ascending to the role of Deputy Prime Minister.

Sebouh will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humor, and integrity. He was honest, almost to a fault, and he would always share his true feelings on a subject. He was extremely comfortable in his own skin. He was a proud Christian, proud American, and an even prouder Armenian.

Sebouh was predeceased by his parents Vartan and Lydia Tashjian, and his older brother, and best friend in life, Krikor Tashjian. He is survived by Shake, his loving wife of 55 years, daughter Lisa, son, Vartan, daughter-in-law Jill, and his two precious granddaughters, Sophia and Taylor.

Sebouh took his last breath in the early morning hours of June 6th, 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, hope, and love. His colorful personality will be greatly missed.

Services will be held at the old north church at Forest Lawn, Hollywood Hills CA at noon on June 29, with a graveside ceremony immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sebouh’s memory to Children of Armenia Fund.


Portantino-Chaired Committee Examines Trade, Technology and Travel Relations between California and Armenia

Yeghisabet Arthur
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Senator Anthony Portantino chairs a special meeting of the Select Committee on Armenia and Artsakh on June 12


SACRAMENTO – The Select Senate Committee on California, Armenia and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art and Cultural Exchange chaired by Senator Anthony Portantino (D–Burbank) held an informational hearing on Monday titled California and Armenia: Trade, Technology and Travel Exchange. Topics of discussion included the need for direct flights and increased air cargo capacity between Los Angeles and Armenia, the California-Armenia Trade and Services Desk, and technology incubators in the City of Glendale.
 
“We had an important conversation on how to improve trade and technology exchanges between California and Armenia,” stated Senator Portantino. “We also discussed the need for establishing direct flights between Yerevan and Los Angeles due to the large and vibrant Armenian community in my district. I am thankful to all the participants who provided testimony and critical insight on how California can strengthen our economic relations with Armenia.”
 
The hearing began with an update on the California Trade and Services Desk in Armenia. In 2019, Governor Newsom and Armenia’s Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the Armenian Mission to the United Nations in New York City formally establishing the California Trade and Services Desk in Armenia. As the facilitator of the trade desk agreement, Senator Portantino was in New York for the historic event. In 2021, the Senator also represented California for the placement of the California State Seal at Impact Hub in Yerevan. The Select Committee’s hearing provided an opportunity for representatives from Impact Hub, the official host of the California Trade and Services Desk, to give the State Senate an update on the economic developments and opportunities that have been generated from the agreement.
 
Additionally, the hearing included a report from the City of Glendale on its efforts to create a tech hub in Southern California. Glendale was represented by Mayor Dan Brotman who detailed the local tech scene and Glendale’s Tech Week.
 
“I would like to thank Senator Portantino for holding an informational hearing on how we can deepen our economic ties with Armenia and Artsakh,” stated Glendale City Mayor Dan Brotman. “I would also like to thank him for entrusting Glendale with a $1,000,000 grant to launch two technology accelerators, including Hero House. By combining the great work of Hero House with our Tech Week, Tech on Tap and other programs to support and connect entrepreneurs from around the world, we hope to build a technology ecosystem in Glendale that will strengthen the entire economy of Los Angeles County and Southern California.”
 
The hearing provided the Select Committee with the opportunity to hear directly from Hero House, a tech incubator who was the recipient of a $500,000 state grant, about how it expended the state resources and the positive outcomes it generated. Armine Galstyan, Managing Director of Hero House, gave an impressive and detailed summary of the economic activity stimulated by the grant.
 
“In 2020, SmartGateVC received a $500K grant from the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development to establish a startup accelerator in Glendale, California. SmartGateVC is an early-stage AI fund focused on investing and launching promising companies in California. The accelerator program in Glendale supported 33 companies from 10 countries, serving as a launch pad for their entry into the US market. These companies have already raised over $6M in funding, enabling them to establish operations in Glendale and some even relocated their headquarters to Hero House Glendale. The program garnered recognition for Hero House and supported companies in prestigious publications such as Time Magazine, Forbes, and others. Through strategic partnerships with local universities, research labs, tech players, and corporate entities, SmartGateVC continues to foster a collaborative environment for exploring technology and innovation,” stated Armine Galstyan, Principal at SmartGateVC.

The final topic of discussion centered around the need for a direct flight from Los Angeles to Yerevan. The 25th State Senate District is home to the largest concentration of Armenian Americans in LA County, while California is home to the most Armenian Americans in the country.  Armenia is popular destination for both travel and exchange of goods. Currently, a number of airlines offer flights from California to Armenia through transfers in other cities. 
 
“Access to a global pool of amazing talent is key to the success of any tech hub like Los Angeles. That’s why connecting LA to Yerevan with a direct flight makes complete sense and is long overdue. Over the past year, dot818 has been working with major US airlines, legislators, as well as LA-based tech companies with offices in Armenia, such as Plat.AI, to make LAX-EVN a reality within the next two years,” stated David Tonoyan, CEO of Dot818, a technology-building company.
 
At the request of Senator Portantino, the California State Senate Rules Committee first established the historic Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia, and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange in 2017 to expand business opportunities through trade, economic development, cultural awareness, and education between California, Armenia, and Artsakh.
 
Members of the Senate Select Committee on California, Armenia, and Artsakh Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange include Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera), Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger), Senator Brian W. Jones (R-Santee), Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park), Senator Henry I. Stern (D-Los Angeles), Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Senator Caroline Menjivar (D- San Fernando Valley), and Senator Scott Wilk (R-Santa Clarita).

Asbarez: Azerbaijani Forces Bar Armenians from Entering Artsakh

Liana Toganian

An illegal checkpoint, installed by Azerbaijan, on the Lachin Corridor

Azerbaijanis manning the illegal checkpoint at the Lachin Corridor barred two women and a child from entering Artsakh, the country’s Human Rights Defender said in a social media post, explaining that the three Armenian citizens had resided in Artsakh and were in Armenia to receive treatment.

“These individuals went to the Republic of Armenia to receive treatment during the blockade, and now, after resolving their health issues, they cannot return to their homes,” the Artsakh Human Rights Defender’s office said in the post. “It is worth noting that the Azerbaijani side allowed their exit from Artsakh, arbitrarily and illegally prohibiting their entry.”

“As a result of the harassment by Azerbaijan, the rights of these individuals were violated not only to move freely, but also to reunite with their families,” the rights defender’s office said in an statement.

The Human Rights Defender emphasized that the checkpoint illegally installed by Azerbaijan on the Hakari bridge in Lachin Corridor from April 23 and other measures hindering the free movement of people, vehicles and goods on that road violate not only well-known international norms of human rights, “but also the provisions of the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020, in particular, point 6, which envisages the safe and uninterrupted movement of people, vehicles and cargo through the Lachin Corridor.”

“Azerbaijan is trying to mislead the international community with various propaganda videos, showing that the corridor is not blocked and the free movement of people is ensured,” the statement said.

“The existence of such a checkpoint, the use of passport, cargo and other types of control measures by Azerbaijan already mean obstacles to uninterrupted movement, causing significant risks not only of security, but also bearing the risk for other arbitrary disruptive measures at any given time,” the human rights defender emphasized, adding that this latest breach is yet another sign of Azerbaijan’s efforts to ethnically cleanse Artsakh of its Armenian population.