Armenia Hires U.S. Law Firm in Amulsar Arbitration Case; Government Refuses to Reveal Contract Price

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 24 2024

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) panel has begun hearing a U.S. investor’s treaty claim against Armenia over the controversial Amulsar gold mining project that has been blocked for years by environmental protesters.

Armenia has hired the services of the prestigious U.S. law firm Foley Hoag, but Pashinyan’s administration refuses to reveal what it’s paying to the firm, arguing “case confidentiality.”

The contract doesn’t appear on ARMEPS, the Armenian government’s online procurement’s ystem.

Hasmik Samvelyan, Press Secretary of Armenia’s Office of the Representative for International Legal Affairs, told Hetq that the Foley Hoag contract has not been published in the Armeps system since the case is being conducted under conditions of confidentiality. When asked to reveal the contract price, she argued this too is confidential.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PAC) is providing administrative support in the case “Amulsar Investor Ventures LLC v Republic of Armenia”.

In March 2019, Lydian International, the company that fully owned the mine then, informed the Armenian government that it was launching an arbitration claim for losses incurred due to the “illegal closure” of roads leading to the mine by environmentalists. (The mine site that straddles the Vayots Dzor-Syunik provincial border in southern Armenia.)

The mine has stood idle for years because of conflicting environmental impact studies and public protests. The Pashinyan administration, which came to power in 2018, originally opposed mining at Amulsar A year later, in an about-face, announced that the mine would not harm the environment and ordered police to remove the demonstrators.

Armenian Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan, last February, announced that the government has signed a $250 million deal with Lydian Armenia CJSC to restart operations at the controversial Amulsar gold mine.

The deal, a memorandum of understanding signed between the Armenian government Armenia, the Eurasian Development Bank and Lydia Armenia, will pump US$250 million into the Amulsar project to complete construction work and purchase mining equipment. The Armenian government will get a 12.5% stake in Lydian Armenia in return for allowing the mine to reopen.

In 2021, Lydian International was dissolved since its subsidiary, Lydian Armenia, wasn’t meeting its contractual obligations to its senior lenders, funding partners and equipment suppliers. The mine was idle, no money was coming in.

Lydian Canada Ventures, which took over Lydian Armenia, is owned by the U.S. firm Orion Mine Finance, and the Canadian company Osisko Gold Royalties.  

Much isn’t known about Amulsar Investor Ventures LLC, the plaintiff in the arbitration case. The company was registered in 2022 in the state of Delaware (U.S.) USA. The demands of the claimant in this case from the Republic of Armenia have not yet been published.

In addition to Foley Hoag, Armenia’s Office on International Legal Matters is also representing the government in Yerevan.

Foley Hoag has represented Armenia in the past in arbitration cases. In 2021, Armenia paid the legal firm US$1.5 million in an arbitration case against the Lebanese company Sanitek over a contractual dispute. The Yerevan Municipality had awarded Sanitek the contract for garbage disposal in the Armenian capital. Sanitek accused the municipality of non-payment and the municipality accused the company of doing a poor job and not fulfilling its obligations.

WFP Seeks $13.9 Million to Sustain Lifeline for Refugees in Armenia Amid Growing Needs

Albert Nalbandian
Feb 25 2024

Imagine fleeing your home, leaving everything you've ever known behind in search of safety, only to find yourself in a foreign land, unsure of where your next meal will come from. This is the reality for tens of thousands of refugees who have found a temporary haven in Armenia. Amid this humanitarian crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing essential food assistance and support. However, with funds depleting, WFP now requires USD 13.9 million to continue its emergency response efforts from February to July 2024.

Since the influx of refugees three months ago, the WFP has been on the front lines, delivering food assistance to 58,811 individuals. This support has not only been about alleviating hunger but also about restoring a sense of normalcy and dignity to those who have lost everything. The next cycle of in-kind food aid is set to reach approximately 40,000 refugees through March, with an additional plan to provide food card assistance to about 21,000 refugees, who are most food-insecure.

Yet, the challenge is far from over. The WFP's efforts to meet the burgeoning needs of these vulnerable populations hinge on the availability of funds. The required USD 13.9 million is not just a number—it represents the hope, well-being, and future of tens of thousands of individuals seeking refuge and a fresh start in Armenia.

WFP's intervention in Armenia goes beyond merely providing food; it's about building resilience and fostering a healthier future for the refugee population. In Gegharkunik province, for example, WFP is promoting wholegrain wheat products. By training bakery staff and school cooks on using wholegrain wheat, supported by the 'Kenats Hats' Wholegrain Academy, founded with WFP's help in 2022, the program aims not only to improve nutrition but also to stimulate local economies.

Moreover, the introduction of a Healthy Lifestyle curriculum targeting fifth and eighth-grade students in Armenian schools is a forward-thinking move. This initiative promotes healthy eating habits, physical activity, and sports, setting the foundation for a healthier, more active generation. With plans to expand this curriculum, WFP is planting seeds for sustainable change that goes beyond immediate food relief.

As the WFP strives to navigate the complexities of this humanitarian crisis, the path forward is clear: support from the international community is paramount. The plight of refugees in Armenia is a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the profound impact of collective action. The USD 13.9 million required by the WFP is more than a financial goal; it's a lifeline that can ensure the continuation of these vital programs.

With every donation, we inch closer to a world where no individual has to worry about their next meal, where children can thrive and learn in a supportive environment, and where communities can begin to rebuild. The time to act is now, to ensure that the WFP can continue its crucial work in Armenia, offering hope and tangible support to those who need it most.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/armenia/wfp-seeks-139-million-to-sustain-lifeline-for-refugees-in-armenia-amid-growing-needs

Soft power: China’s spheres of influence in Armenia. Analysis and human stories

Aram Torosian

Feb 25 2024

  • Gayane Asryan
  • Yerevan

Armenian-Chinese Relations

The past decade has been important for the development of Armenian-Chinese relations. They have been built not on diplomatic formalities and protocol events, but on thoughtful steps and practical actions.

China is the third country after Russia and the USA to be represented in various spheres of Armenia. This includes trade, healthcare, education, culture, and even cuisine.

This article explores the relationship between the two countries, the prospects of economic cooperation, and how China is perceived in Armenian society through the stories of individuals.

  • Armenia’s economic growth forecast: 8% with favourable conditions, 4% otherwise. Opinion
  • Ex-Minister of Economy of Armenia is under house arrest: corruption scandal
  • Armenia’s major bank up for sale: acquired by a Georgian or British bank?

Armenia and China officially declare friendly relations. However, in the modern world, it is customary to consider the friendship between an economically developed and influential country with a developing nation in need of assistance from the perspective of applying “soft power.”

The term “soft power” was coined by American political scientist Joseph Nye. This term denotes a political strategy that involves a country’s ability to achieve desired outcomes based on voluntary cooperation and sympathy towards it. Unlike “hard power,” which implies coercion.

Deepening friendly relations seem to lack serious political undertones. China simply wants to have a reliable partner in the region.

And in Armenia, this Eastern country is perceived as an underutilized opportunity for cooperation – in business, education, and other spheres.

In 2022, Armenia and China celebrated the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Chinese ambassador to Armenia Fan Yun stated that the peoples of the two countries “generation after generation make efforts to strengthen the traditional friendship.” Armenian diplomats emphasized that these are “warm relations with a centuries-old history – since the times of the Great silk road.”

Currently, Armenia is primarily a road to the West for China. The country is interested in ensuring that the road passes through friendly territory to avoid problems and obstacles.

At this point, the basis of economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations, some of which pass through Armenia, is the “Belt and Road Initiative.”

The Belt and Road Initiative is a transcontinental investment program aimed at developing infrastructure and economic integration of countries located on the historical Silk road. As of March 13, 2022, China has signed cooperation agreements under the Belt and Road Initiative with 148 countries and 31 international organizations.

Both countries emphasize the importance of high-quality road construction, which will boost trade and investment and develop infrastructure.

For China, besides its exceptional commercial value, it has an image component – enhancing its authority.

In addition, Armenia and China are interested in direct flights between the two countries, joint environmental, digital, and innovative technological projects.

Alina Matevosyan spent three years living in China, where she worked as an English teacher. Friends helped her find a job, teaching English to local children in both group and individual settings.

“The offer was quite attractive. I was offered work with small groups, as well as highly paid individual lessons. Besides, China had always been a mystical country for me. I couldn’t miss the chance to get to know it,” she says.

In her opinion, people either fall in love with China and integrate into its society or leave disappointed because their expectations were not met.

After her contract ended, Alina returned to Armenia, where she immediately gained students interested in learning Chinese.

“I have three small groups, each with four children, and had to turn away five others. I’m not sure why there’s such interest in learning Chinese. I assume most of my students’ families see their children’s futures connected with this country,” says Alina.

In a year, she plans to return to China, this time to study.

One of her students, 12-year-old Armine, explained her motivation for learning Chinese: she wants to understand the language of her favorite cartoons, animations, and movies.

“There are also Chinese bloggers whom I would really like to understand. And I have a Chinese friend with whom I communicate in English. I’d like to speak his language with him,” says Armine.

Armine’s parents were pleased with their daughter’s decision to study Chinese, as they plan to move to China as a family in the near future. Armine’s father has found a job there and will work under a contract for two years.

China is expanding its influence in Armenia through the teaching of Chinese language. The calculation is simple: proficiency in the language opens up opportunities for people to find online jobs in Chinese companies, watch movies, shows, read literature, and eventually, they will want to get to know the country better and visit China.

In 2009, the Confucius Institute was officially opened at the Yerevan State University of Languages and Social Sciences. It operates three Confucius classrooms and seven Chinese language learning centers.

In September 2018, the Armenian-Chinese Friendship School opened in Yerevan. It is designed for 600 students and does not have elementary classes; enrollment is open from the 5th grade, allowing students to study until the 9th grade.

The school’s director, Spartak Vardanyan, reported that in the year of its opening, 408 students enrolled, and now they have 685 students. Interest in the school is growing. In September 2023, there were 191 applicants for 54 places in three classes.

“China is represented in many spheres both globally and in Armenia. Communication in a common language for further relationship development becomes a necessity. Our school has taken on this important task.

In addition to the language, children are attracted by the mystery of China as an Eastern state. Chinese is a difficult language, it’s hard to learn it in two or three years. However, by the end of their education, our students reach a sufficiently good level of proficiency.

The educational program of the school is supported by the Confucius Institute. This year we submitted it to the ministry for expert evaluation. If the program is approved, then in the future, all schools wishing to teach Chinese as a third foreign language will be able to use this ready-made program,” the director said.

The school offers its students the opportunity to continue their education in China with the support of the Armenian government and the Confucius Institute:

“Over the years, 20 students have been given the opportunity to study in China. Currently, we have eight more applicants. Education is free. Parents only cover transportation expenses.”

Chinese language textbook for Armenian schoolchildren

Buses and ambulances of Chinese manufacture are often seen on the streets of Yerevan. They were donated to the Armenian government as assistance from the Chinese people.

In 2018, the healthcare system received 200 ambulances. China also provided support during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, with the assistance of the Chinese government, Yerevan received 100,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine. Subsequently, the Chinese helped Armenia procure 1.2 million doses of the Sinopharm vaccine.

Thanks to China’s assistance, Yerevan’s bus fleet has been supplemented by approximately 250 buses. Along with them, spare parts for maintenance and repair were also delivered to Armenia.

Armenia’s law enforcement agencies also received assistance in the form of Hyundai and Volkswagen buses for the police.

The Chinese government closely collaborates with the Public television.

Presumably, this could be related to the significant influence this channel has on shaping public opinion in Armenia.

In 2015, China provided three mobile television stations equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. In the same year, thanks to a grant from China, a new mobile station with 10 high-quality cameras and a digital satellite apparatus for content transmission was acquired.

The Chinese government also provided equipment for the central hardware and quality broadcasting. And very recently, it allocated a grant of 10 billion drams [about $25 million] for the construction of the 8th studio.

“This studio will have the largest pavilion covering an area of 1000 square meters. It will be used for shooting large-scale cultural and entertainment projects,” according to the public relations department of the TV channel.

Cooperation with China is considered important here in terms of “creating production infrastructure for the production of television projects and improving the quality of programs.”

Vaan is an expert in Eastern cuisine. He worked in several Chinese restaurants in Yerevan, offering visitors traditional, familiar flavors that he perfected thanks to his knowledge gained in China.

“My brother has been living in China for ten years now. When I first visited him, he took me to a restaurant. Honestly, I didn’t like the atmosphere or the smells. When we ran out the food we brought from Armenia, I went to the store, bought some groceries, and started cooking something similar to our dishes. My brother said I was good at mixing Chinese and Armenian cuisine. He invited his Chinese friends. They tried my meals and took me to other local restaurants,” Vaan recounts.

Later, he easily found a job in a Chinese restaurant in Yerevan. He was already familiar with Chinese cuisine, knew how to cook traditional dishes, and understood the nuances of their presentation.

“The head chef was Chinese, he liked me, and he taught me a lot. And when he decided to return to his homeland, he suggested me as his replacement. For eight years now, I’ve been trying to offer customers something new, despite Armenians being conservative about it. They continue to order what they’re used to – Pig Ears mushrooms, soy salad, chicken with oranges. They don’t go beyond this menu,” the chef says with a smile.

At the same time, he believes that after local cuisine, Chinese cuisine is the most popular in Armenia:

“Every year, for at least a week, I travel to China, visit new restaurants, try dishes to later adapt them. It works. I cautiously add spices and exotic dishes to the menu.”

China is one of Armenia’s significant trading partners. In 2023, it ranked second in terms of trade turnover, second only to Russia.

Moreover, over the past five years, the trade turnover between Armenia and China has more than doubled. Data for December 2023 has not yet been published, but it is expected that the annual turnover will exceed two billion dollars. This is almost 40 percent higher than the previous year’s figure.

According to economist Aykaz Fanyan, a significant portion of the trade turnover is attributed to China, accounting for about 80 percent of imports. These include various Chinese goods, from automobiles and household appliances to fruits.

He believes that Armenian-Chinese trade relations are at a very high level. However, based on objective and subjective circumstances, they have developed in one direction:

“Armenia mainly exports copper and molybdenum concentrate. Consequently, Armenian producers theoretically have a large untapped market in the form of the 1.5 billion-strong China. I believe Armenian brandy and grape wines have the greatest potential for success. Over the past five years, brandy imports to China have almost doubled. Chinese consumers are gradually transitioning to non-traditional alcoholic beverages.”

The expert states that the potential assortment of imported goods from China is enormous. However, in the coming years, the growth of electric car imports is more likely. China is becoming a major producer of electric vehicles and is improving their quality every year.

Chinese companies do not have major business projects in Armenia. China invests only in the construction of the “North-South” transport corridor, a plant producing mineral water managed by Chinese companies, and photovoltaic power stations.

The “North-South” highway is the largest transportation project in independent Armenia. This road is intended to connect the north of the country with the south. The highway from the north will connect Armenia with Georgia and through it will provide access to the Black Sea and European countries. From the south, the highway connects the country with Iran. Thanks to this project, Armenia can become a transit country.

“Chinese companies are desirable investors for Armenia, though at the moment their participation in the economy is nominal. The question is how attractive Armenia is to them. I think the chemical industry, pharmaceuticals, and food industry might be most interesting to them, however, only as a possible platform for servicing markets of other countries,” explains the economist.

The minimal Chinese investments indicate that Armenia is not attractive to Chinese businessmen. Only the government of this country is interested in cooperation. Even in the construction of the largest project, the “North-South” transport corridor, the investment comes from the state, not private business.

Armenian stores abound with Chinese products, which are both the cheapest and the most popular.

Karо owns two men’s clothing stores in downtown Yerevan. Previously, he imported clothing from Turkey because it was considered of good quality, and the delivery to Armenia took only a few days.

“After the third Karabakh war, I decided to stop importing Turkish goods and switched to Chinese ones. Initially, I worked with intermediary organizations. I provided them with a list of goods, they found them, took photos, and sent them to me. Then I made my selection and placed orders,” says Karо.

This allowed him to get cheaper goods, enabling him to sell them to his customers at prices lower than Turkish ones. Later, he decided to travel to China himself to find warehouses of goods, assuming he could buy even cheaper:

“I’ve been to China twice now. I’ve made good friends there, especially those who are honest in business. The only problem is sometimes the delivery of goods is delayed due to logistical issues. But now I can sell the same men’s trousers for 10,000 [around $25], instead of 13-15,000 [around $32.5-37.5].

Another advantage is the variety of Chinese goods. The main question here is quality, which is directly related to prices. For example, there are over a hundred varieties of the same type of hat, in the same color and style, ranging in price from one to 30 dollars. You can choose the quality you prefer to ensure demand in your market.”

Moreover, Karо assures that the myth about the poor quality of Chinese goods is gradually dispelled among his customers.

https://jam-news.net/soft-power-chinas-spheres-of-influence-in-armenia-analysis-and-human-stories/

Lukashenko on Armenia’s supposed withdrawal from CSTO: no need to hurry

Emil Lazarian
SB.BY, Belarus
Feb 25 2024

In particular, the Head of State commented on the statements of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his country's withdrawal from the CSTO. The President said that such decisions are made not by the Prime Minister, but by Parliament. At the same time, no official notifications have been received from Yerevan in this regard so far, and the Belarusian leader said, “I think sensible people prevail in Parliament. There should be no grudges against us, against the CSTO, and this has been voiced more than once. It is necessary to understand that Azerbaijan is not a stranger for us, for all CSTO members.”

Aleksandr Lukashenko commented on the talks related to this issue, “We react absolutely calmly, and we discussed this problem indirectly with the presidents in Kazan. That was an absolutely calm conversation, nobody was going crazy. If Armenia needs to be part of the CSTO, then [it needs to know] that we have not expelled anyone, we have always supported Armenia and we will support it as our ally. If it does not want to stay in the CSTO, then the organisation will not collapse.”

At the same time, the former Armenian authorities did not want to resolve problematic issues with Azerbaijan peacefully for a long time, although the Azerbaijani authorities put a lot of effort into that process. The Head of State repeatedly called for a solution to the conflict, but it caused a nervous reaction on the part of Armenia.

At the same time, the Belarusian leader believes the current solution to the conflict has become the most acceptable for everyone, “Did Armenia want us to get involved in the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan? That war would still be going on and thousands would have died. I think that Azerbaijan and Armenia have eventually came to the right solution – though, unfortunately doing that by means of the war. What was our position supposed to be? Armenians are our close, dear people, but is Azerbaijan a stranger?”

Aleksandr Lukashenko also stated that there had been no reasons for the CSTO’s joining the conflict. “There was absolutely no reason for us. There is no need to be resentful. Hurt people are seldom at ease,” he added.

Speculating on why official Yerevan is making statements about its withdrawal from the CSTO, the Belarusian leader shared his observations. Actually, the Armenian authorities spend a lot of time in France, which has allegedly promised to provide support in the economy and military field. “In short, Yerevan will pick up the burden and carry it… No one will carry anyone! You can see what is happening in France, so the politicians in Yerevan need to wake up. They should not lose what they have,” he noted.

The Head of State mentioned Georgia as an example. This country ‘made an attempt to live with ease in the West’, but it is now establishing normal relations with Russia and Belarus. At the same time, Georgia has already been forgotten in the United States. “It is necessary to draw appropriate conclusions. No one in the West needs them. There are thousands of problems there,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

The Belarusian leader advised the Armenian side not to rush and not to make sudden movements, “No need to lose what you already hold in your hands. It is easy to withdraw, but it will be difficult to join later. No need to go out, no need to freeze something. Don’t hurry! Is there any need in these abrupt movements? Time changes a lot, and the situation in the world will change – so such compact states as Armenia, Belarus and others do not need to make sudden movements. There is no need for Armenians to hurry. It seems to me that Nikol Vovaevich [Pashinyan] was in a hurry and made an emotional statement.”

Lukashenko unfazed by Armenia’s stance on CSTO

Karlen Baghdasarian
BELTA, Belarus
Feb 25 2024
MINSK, 25 February (BelTA) – Belarus has taken Armenia’s statements on CSTO membership in stride, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko told the media after he cast his ballot in the parliamentary and local elections on 25 February, BelTA has learned.
“We are absolutely calm about it. We discussed this problem with the presidents in Kazan. We are absolutely unfazed by it. It did not send anyone over the edge. If Armenia needs to be part of the CSTO, let it be, we have always supported and will support it as our ally. If they don’t want to be in the CSTO, the organization won’t collapse, it won’t be gone,” said the head of state.
At the same time, there have been no official notifications from Yerevan regarding its plans for the CSTO, the Belarusian leader remarked.
He noted that in line with Armenian laws, the issue of CSTO membership must be decided in parliament: “Pashinyan cannot make a decision whether to join or withdraw. The parliament is entitled to make such decisions. I think the majority of the Armenian MPs are sensible people. They don’t have any reason to harbour hard feelings against us, or the CSTO.”
According to the head of state, this topic has been discussed more than once, and it must be understood that Azerbaijan is not a stranger to any of CSTO member states. “There are many Muslim countries in the CSTO. You understand this too. This partly explains such a position. And, thirdly, did Armenia really want us to get involved in this war with Azerbaijan? In this case, this war would have been going on to this very day and thousands would have died,” said the Belarusian leader. “I believe that Azerbaijan and Armenia eventually arrived at the right solution to the issue, though through the war, unfortunately. Armenia (and they admitted it) occupied five or six regions of Azerbaijan,” the head of state said.
The president recalled that once he acted as a mediator between Baku and Yerevan in an attempt to peacefully resolve the territorial dispute, and for a number of years Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev not only called for a peaceful resolution, but also offered financial support to the Armenian side: “I occurred to be a mediator – I shuttled between Baku and Yerevan and conveyed these signals. The proposal envisaged billions of dollars of investment in the Armenian economy. Azerbaijan is a rich country. There were a lot of proposals to resolve this issue peacefully,” the head of state said.
However, in previous years, the Armenian leadership did not agree to a peaceful settlement and problems were snowballing. “It all accumulated and fell on Nikol Vovayevich Pashinyan [Prime Minister of Armenia], on his government. He is hardly to blame for what happened. Yet, this problem had to be solved. Moreover, the Armenia-occupied regions of Azerbaijan were desolate, although this is a very beautiful place where people could have lived with comfort. More than a million Azerbaijani refugees were a huge burden on Azerbaijan; there were many other problems,” the head of state noted.
“Well, the war is over. What position were we supposed to take? The Armenians are our kin, people we care about. And is Azerbaijan a stranger? We were put in a bind. And there was no reason for the CSTO to get involved in this conflict. There was absolutely no slightest reason for us to do it,” Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized.
He also drew attention to Armenia's contacts with France. “They communicated with Emmanuel Macron of France all the time. France pledged to help with air defense systems, with defense matters and economy. In general, they promised to take care of Yerevan’s needs. But they are not doing it. You see what is happening in France. Therefore, politicians in Yerevan need to wake up to reality and, to put it simply, try not to lose what they have,” the president of Belarus advised.
He cited Georgia as an example: “Thank God, they are mending relations with Russia, first of all, with us; their economy is recovering. They tried to get a free ride in the West. The Americans have already forgotten about Georgia. As soon as the Georgians started asserting that they were an independent country, the West began to put pressure on them, including and primarily the United States. You need to draw conclusions from it. No one in the West cares about them. They have thousands of problems of their own.”
“For example, today Biden supports Ukraine, Armenia, and so on. Tomorrow the government will change and Trump will say: “Listen, I don’t know you. My friends, this is the first time I’ve seen you!” the head of state remarked.
He once again urged to hold on to what one has: “It’s easy to leave, but it will be difficult to return. Again, Georgia is an example. It left the CIS and all structures. Is it better off without them? No. It is a good idea to return. But it's always more difficult to come back. It is not a good look and so on.”
Aleksandr Lukashenko advised the Armenian side not to rush to leave and not to make hasty decisions. “Take your time. Do not withdraw or freeze something. Well, if you don’t like something, just don’t come,” he said. “Time brings many changes. And the situation will change around Armenia, Azerbaijan. The global situation will change. Therefore, such compact, relatively small states as Armenia, Belarus and others do not need to make dramatic moves. We might fall through thin ice and no one will extend a helping hand, quite the opposite, they will push us further down so that we will drown there. Armenians should not rush. I believe that Nikol Vovayevich just got ahead of himself and made an emotional statement,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.

My kids went to school in Bolivia and Armenia. It was coming back to the US that was hardest for them to adjust.

Tatoyan Vazgen
Business Insider
Feb 25 2024
Essay by Lia Miller 
  • We lived in Bolivia when my kids were in elementary school.
  • By the time they were in middle and upper school we were living in Armenia. 
  • School shootings in the US impacted their mental health. 

My children have had the unique and wonderful opportunity to grow up overseas and attend school in Bolivia and Armenia.

We lived in Bolivia when they were in lower elementary school and Armenia when they were in middle and upper elementary school, respectively.

However, when it came time to move back home to the US, from the outside, what we had been observing was distressing. From extreme political polarization to fears of an economic recession, to most concerning for a family with school-aged children — the rise of school shootings, the idea of returning to the United States and enrolling my now middle and high school-aged children was terrifying.

This fear for my children's safety and relative powerlessness to protect them was further exacerbated by my inability to have good answers to the difficult questions my children were asking me. I knew that to help my children feel safe and more positively embrace the idea of returning to public school in the United States, I had to once again don the hat from my academic roots as a clinically trained social worker and set my mothering hat aside.

It was essential for me to approach these interactions with my children in this way, to be sufficiently mindful of my concerns and fears, which then put me in a better position to listen to my children and distinguish between my reactions and theirs.

The first and best lesson of social work is to listen. I had to listen to the thoughts and fears my children expressed to understand the impact that school shootings were having on them.

Their questions ranged from "Will I be safe?" and "Why are school shootings happening in the United States so often and not as much overseas?" As a parent, they were hard to answer, but after listening and now with greater awareness of my children's specific concerns and feelings, I was prepared and more equipped to engage in deeper discussions.

As a family, we took part in a series of discussions that ran the gamut from bullying and mental health, which centered on the reasons that lead individuals to choose gun violence, to finding ways to use empathy and kindness toward others to identify and potentially intervene in instances of bullying, to understanding the national debate around gun control and school safety, among other topics.

I told them it's normal to be scared

These conversations allowed us a space to put school shootings into greater context for our children and helped them understand how to articulate what they need to feel safe.

Listening to our children through these discussions taught us to accept the sad reality of school shootings in the United States, to embrace that we don't and won't have all the answers and that it is completely reasonable to feel scared and concerned about the possibility of a school shooting happening.

Putting my parenting hat back on to help turn the corner on their valid concerns about returning to the United States, we reassured them that while a familiar occurrence in the United States, school shootings remain rare.

We showed them that most schools, including the ones they are currently enrolled in, have implemented safety and security plans to help reassure them that significant efforts are being made on an ongoing basis to ensure their safety.

Most importantly, by carving out time for these intentional discussions, we created a safe space to share what they are thinking and feeling, and to demonstrate that they are not alone.

Ancient Documents May Void Sale of the Last Open Land in Jerusalem’s Old City

Babken Chilingarian

Ha'aretz, Israel
Feb 24 2024

Ancient Documents May Void Sale of the Last Open Land in Jerusalem's Old City

Jerusalem residents are protesting a real estate deal for the last large open space in the Old City, which Ottoman-era documents show was intended to benefit the Armenian community

Nir Hasson

In 1574, Andreas Ben Ibrahim, an Armenian bishop in Jerusalem, went to the city's sharia court requesting to register "a land parcel that includes grape, fig, olive, and pomegranate trees in addition to five cisterns for the collection of rainwater" in the name of a "legal, permanent and eternal" endowment in favor of his brother.

Minutes from the court hearing state that following the brother's death, the endowment will be inherited by the brother's sons, and following their death, "to the benefit of their children and then the children of their children and the children of the children of their children and any person who will be born to them."

If no heir remained, the land would be endowed to the Armenian Christian community of Jerusalem. This week, these minutes became the key document in a dispute that has outraged residents of the Old City's Armenian Quarter.

Two years ago, the Armenian patriarch of Jerusalem, Nourhan Manougian, sold land that comprises about a quarter of the entire area to real estate developers. The land sold is also the last large open space in the Old City, except for the Temple Mount/Al Aqsa compound – 11.5 dunams (2.975 acres) spread between the Armenian Monastery and the Old City walls.

Two months later, members of the Armenian community learned the full details of the deal, and embarked on a determined struggle to cancel it. The precious site was purchased by a company called Xana Gardens for a suspiciously low sum of $2 million. Under the agreement, the company undertook a plan to build a hotel on the site and transfer a fixed percentage of the revenue to the Patriarchate.

Xana Gardens was founded on the day the sale agreement was signed by Israeli-Australian businessman Danny Rothman (also known as Danny Rubinstein). Shortly after the deal was signed, Rothman sold half of the company shares to a Jaffa businessman named George Warwar.

Several young activists from the small Armenian community, which is estimated at just 1,000 people, are leading the struggle to cancel the deal. When Warwar's associates tried to access the site, they were blocked by the activists and violent confrontations broke out.

The activists warn that executing the deal would truncate the Armenian Quarter and wipe out Jerusalem's ancient Armenian presence. In view of the criticism of the Armenian community, Patriarch Manougian revoked the deal and the Patriarchate sued to cancel it.

The Patriarchate also accused the financier who handled the deal on its behalf, Father Baret Yeretsian, of corruption. Yeretsian was dismissed and left Israel as a result of the outcry. In December, he denied the charges in a response to Haaretz.

It now seems that the struggle against the deal has been invigorated, as historical documents found by lawyer Sami Arshid, co-counsel for the community with attorneys Eitan Peleg and Daniel Seidemann.

The claim that the three filled this week with the Jerusalem District Court on behalf of 380 members of the Armenian community states that the land sold by the patriarch was not his, but rather belonged to the endowment established by Andreas Ben Ibrahim 450 years ago.

The endowment deed states that the patriarch is only the endowment trustee and is prohibited from selling the land. He may only use it for the good of the Armenian community. The plaintiffs argue that the deal should thus be voided.

The Armenian community also argues that were the land wholly owned by the patriarch, he was not authorized to sell it without authorization of the general council of the Saint James Monastery, the primary religious entity in the Armenian Quarter, and that no such authorization had been given.

The authorization requirement is established in an amendment to the law on churches enacted in 2015 following lessons learned from the scandal of the sale of two large hotels owned by the Greek Patriarchate to the pro-settler Ateret Cohanim non-profit organization. That scandal has been reverberating throughout the Greek Orthodox Church for 20 years.

Sixteenth-century maps that label the land the Armenian Gardens have been attached to the suit, in contrast to other areas marked as owned by the monastery or Patriarchate. The plaintiffs argue that this is further evidence that the lot is owned by the Armenian community and not the Patriarchate or the church.

The lawsuit also criticizes the business logic behind the sale, specifically the lack thereof. "This is a large area of land without equal in the world, leased at a rent that is less than the rent paid for a single apartment in [Jerusalem's] Mamilla area or in the Talbieh neighborhood or in the Jewish Quarter," it says.

"What we are claiming against is the dispossessing of the Armenian community of the most valuable property in the city and perhaps one of the most expensive properties in the world at a ludicrous price, indicating the depths of the illegality and corruption adhering to this agreement."

"The claim is a milestone in the protection of assets of the Armenian community in Jerusalem," said Arshid. "The documents filed are intended to prove that the Armenian Gardens is the property of all members of the community. The land is an endowment property of the community, and the deal signed for it between the Patriarchate and Xana Gardens is therefore null and void."

Arshid emphasizes that the claim is also intended to "symbolize the unity of the community's members and their powerful wish to prevent construction of a megalomaniac project in the Armenian Quarter. Moreover, the Patriarchate itself admits that the project was made in a corrupt deal."

The Armenian Patriarchate declined to respond to the claim at this time. No response has been received on behalf of Xana Gardens.

Armenia values development of friendly relations with Estonia – President Khachaturyan to Karis

Tania Jagharian

 14:50,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has congratulated his Estonian counterpart Alar Karis on the country’s Independence Day.

“Armenia values the development of friendly relations with Estonia and is ready to take necessary steps for the expansion and strengthening of productive cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” Khachaturyan said in a letter addressed to President Karis. “I hope that our personal warm relationship will also contribute to the fulfillment of the agreements reached during my visit to Estonia last year, to the benefit of our peoples.”

Civil Contract Party approves candidacy of MP Gevorg Papoyan as Minister of Economy

Arpi Talalian

 15:45,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. The Civil Contract Party’s Board has approved the candidacy of Member of Parliament Gevorg Papoyan for the position of Minister of Economy, which has been vacant since the dismissal of Vahan Kerobyan on February 14. 

Papoyan is the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Financial-Credit and Budgetary Affairs.

The confirmation of Papoyan’s candidacy for the post was made during a board meeting of the party chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, the Chairman of the Board, the party said in a press release.

“The Board discussed and approved the candidacy of Gevorg Papoyan for the position of Minister of Economy,” the party said, adding that a number of other party matters were discussed.

Kerobian has been under house arrest since February 16, one day after he was indicted in an ongoing corruption investigation. The ex-minister denies the accusations of abuse of power allegedly committed in a procurement tender last year.

Armenpress: Azerbaijani forces open fire at Armenian military positions in Gegharkunik Province, coordinates released

Antranik Varosian

 17:35,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani military opened gunfire on February 24 at Armenian Armed Forces posts in the area of Verin Shorzha, Gegharkunik Province, the Ministry of Defense has said.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defense presented the coordinates of the Azerbaijani position from where the shooting occurred.

The Defense Ministry also warned that Azeri authorities are again spreading disinformation.

“The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia refutes the statement by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan, which claimed that on February 24th, around 12:45 p.m., Armenian Armed Forces units had allegedly fired toward Azerbaijani positions in the eastern part of the border. This claim does not align with reality. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia informs that on February 24th, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Azerbaijani armed forces units discharged fire against Armenian military positions near Verin Shorzha in the Gegharkunik region. The fire was directed towards the Armenian positions from the Azerbaijani position located at the following coordinates: 40 °05'31.68" N, 45 °52'51.44" E.,” the Ministry of Defense said.