Author: Lilit Nahapetian

Iraqi PM, Armenian President discuss investment opportunities in Iraq

Lilit Nahapetian
IRAQI
Feb 28 2024
  • Amr Salem

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – The Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, said that Armenian companies can contribute to investment opportunities and important projects in Iraq, especially the Development Road and the Al-Faw Grand Port.

Al-Sudani’s remarks took place on Tuesday during his meeting with the Armenian President, Vahagn Khachaturyan, where he expressed appreciation for the Armenian government’s directions towards developing bilateral relations, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Khachaturyan, who was accompanied by a delegation of Armenian businessmen, confirmed that his visit to Iraq aims to explore the available opportunities and expand the economic partnership between the two countries.

The Armenian President also expressed his country’s eagerness to cooperate with Iraq in the fields of information technology, banking, and clean and renewable energy.

In a separate meeting with the Iraqi President, Abdul Latif Rashid, Khachaturyan discussed strategies to promote bilateral relations and collaboration in various fields, including the economy, trade, and investment.

During a visit to Armenia in late November, the Iraqi President indicated that Iraq had become an attractive country for foreign investments, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, tourism, and trade exchange.

The two leaders addressed the importance of regulating flights between Baghdad and the Armenian capital, Yerevan, as well as between Erbil and Yerevan, to boost tourism activities between the two countries.

Both sides also discussed the cancellation of entry visas between the two countries, in addition to operating direct flights between Iraq and Armenia.

Ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan in advancing the peace agenda: Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker

Lilit Nahapetian

 16:42,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The issues of people displaced from Nagorno Karabakh and the cases of destruction of Armenian cultural heritage are of extreme concern and cannot be justified in any way.
Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, the chairperson of the Legal Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, stated this during a press conference at the German embassy in Armenia on Tuesday. She noted that it is impossible to imagine similar violations of fundamental human rights in Germany and forced displacement of any ethnic group.
Addressing the crimes committed by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and thereafter, Winkelmeier-Becker noted that the International Criminal Court should thoroughly examine all war crimes committed in different parts of the world and make clear assessments and judgments about them, especially since it has specific toolkit.
According to the German lawmaker, it also refers to the return of prisoners of war, which could be a key point for  promoting the peace process, as well as a good basis for reaching a positive milestone as a result of the negotiations.
"We would be pleased if Germany contributes to establishing stability in the South Caucasus; therefore, we are ready to support both sides in advancing the peace agenda and negotiations. At this stage of the peace process, Germany should act as an honest partner and supporter between the conflicting parties, which is in the interests of Armenia," said Chairperson of the Legal Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag.

The German lawmaker noted that the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia had informed the members of the German delegation that one of the important components for the Armenian side is the process of demarcation and delineation between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on Soviet maps.

"We hope that they will serve as the basis for a long-term status quo within the framework of the future agreement. The process of demarcation and delimitation is also at the center of attention of the EU civil mission. We hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will reach a stage where the internationally defined and recognized territory of Armenia will no longer be subject to dispute and will be the basis for stable peace," said Winkelmeier-Becker.
Answering the question why Germany does not impose sanctions on Azerbaijan, the lawmaker noted that sanctions, in general, have limited success and that the application of sanctions at this stage can hinder the effective progress of the peace process.
Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker said that the German delegation had made a joint tour with the representatives of the EU civil mission in Yeraskh and emphasized that the aim of the EU civilian mission is to prevent possible border escalations and to help European partners with fact-finding activities.
Manvel Margaryan



EU Monitors Are Barred by Russia from Nerkin Hand, Site of Last Week’s Attack that Killed 4

Lilit Nahapetian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Azerbaijani forces attacked Nerkin Hand on Feb. 13, killing 4 Armenian soldiers


The head of the European Union’s Monitoring Mission in Armenia revealed on Wednesday that his team is barred by Russia from entering the Nerkin Hand region of the Syunik Province, which was the site of an Azerbaijani attack last week that left four Armenian soldiers dead.

Markus Ritter, the head of the EU’s mission, explained that while his team can visit the entire territory of Armenia, it is barred from entering Nerkin Hand, which is being monitored by Russian Security Forces.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday during an event marking the first anniversary of the EU’s mission in Armenia, Ritter hinted that if his team attempted to enter the area “there could be problems.”

He explained that since the mission he leads is invited by Armenia, it is contingent on the Yerevan authorities to address the issue with Moscow since the EU mission “does not communicate with the Russian peacekeeping forces stationed in Armenia.”

The EU has been criticized by both Moscow and Baku for deploying a mission to Armenia. Russia blamed Armenia for engaging the EU and West, which it says seek to destabilize the region. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, citing similar concerns, has accused the mission of aiding and abetting Armenia to conduct “anti-Azerbaijani” activities along the border.

Last week, the Ambassador of the European Union to Azerbaijan, Peter Michalko, was summoned to the Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry, which accused EUMA of being exploited as an “anti-Azerbaijani propaganda tool,” and becoming an agent of “binocular diplomacy.”

The EU’s Ambassador to Armenia Vassilis Maragos told reporters that such accusations were baseless.

“Our mission has a very clearly defined mandate. It is deployed on the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan, and is exclusively engaged in what is outlined in its mandate, to ensure its presence, to carry out patrols, with the goal of helping to ensure peace in the region. This is what we’ve always been doing. Any other accusation or slander on engaging in any other activities are absolutely baseless,” Maragos told reporters at the event marking the first anniversary of the mission. 

Maragos added that all EU member states support the mission. “We are resolutely aiming for strengthening peace and stability in the region,” he said.

France, Germany and Poland call for fair and sustainable peace in South Caucasus

Lilit Nahapetian

 16:01, 14 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. France, Germany and Poland have called for a fair and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus and expressed support to the mediation efforts of the EU and U.S. to facilitate dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The foreign ministers of the three countries made the call in a statement issued after the meeting of the ‘Weimar Triangle’ on February 12th, 2024.

“We call for a fair and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus and support the mediation efforts of the European Union and of the United States of America to facilitate dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We reiterate our support to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the states of the South Caucasus,” reads a part of the statement.

Blinken Meets with Armenian PM Pashinyan

Lilit Nahapetian
Mirage
Feb 17 2024

As stated by Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to discuss strengthening bilateral ties and U.S. support for efforts to reach a durable and dignified peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Secretary Blinken noted our ongoing efforts to support Armenia's vision for a prosperous and democratic future for its people, as well as U.S. support for Armenia's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

Igor Khovaev, Jeyhun Bayramov discuss peace process present situation between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Lilit Nahapetian

 18:16,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. On February 14, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and the Special Representative of the Russian Foreign Minister for the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan Igor Khovaev met in Baku.

 According to the Azerbaijani media, the meeting covered the current situation of the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, recent developments in the region, and other regional issues.

Asbarez: Azerbaijan Attacked Syunik from Positions Within Armenia, Tatoyan Says

Lilit Nahapetian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Azerbaijani military position with Armenia's sovereign territory (Tatoyan Foundation graphic)


Azerbaijan attacked military posts in Syunik’s Nerkin Hand region on Tuesday from its positions that are within Armenia’s sovereign territory that have been occupied since Azerbaijan’s breach of Armenia’s sovereign borders, announced Armenia’s former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan.

In a social media post, Tatoyan shared maps and photographs, saying that Azerbaijan’s brazen attack on Tuesday was a result of the Armenian government’s nonchalance toward the fact that Azerbaijan invaded territories in Armenia.

Trajectory of the Feb. 13 attack on Nerkin Hand in Syunik

“This brazen Azerbaijani behavior is a consequence of the fact that the Armenian government, for its own political interests, has been justifying Azerbaijani crimes and invasions in every possible way, declaring that Azerbaijani armed servicemen are present in their territories,” Tatoyan said in his post.

He called the presence Azerbaijani armed forces on the territory of Armenia “unlawful and criminal.”


“The Azerbaijani authorities have also taken advantage of the opportunity presented to them and have fortified their positions, while makingfalse declarations for peace and deepening hatred and enmity toward Armenians,” Tatoyan added.

Tatoyan also said it was unacceptable and “humiliating” that the Armenian authorities are giving credence to Azerbaijani accusations that Armenian forces had opened fire on Monday and even launched a so-called “investigation,”

Earlier Tuesday, Armenia’s defense ministry cited photos and information disseminated on Azerbaijani social media claiming an attack by Armenian forces.

Helen Knar Cirrito awarded Lifetime Achievement Award in Michigan

Lilit Nahapetian
 Weekly Staff Community News, Diaspora 0

Helen Knar (Arakelian) Cirrito has received the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteer service. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission honored Cirrito on November 28, 2023 at the Governor’s Service Awards in Detroit.

Cirrito was born in Detroit to George and the late Zabel Arakelian. Her grandparents, Andrew and Sophie Arakelian and Yesahi and Armenouhi Gononian, were Armenian Genocide survivors from Ottoman Turkey. Raised in Detroit and Highland Park, where her parents and grandparents were active members of the Armenian community and church, Cirrito attended both Sunday school and Armenian school.

Helen Knar (Arakelian) Cirrito at the first Lansing Armenian community 4th of July picnic held at Francis Park, Lansing, MI. July 4, 1992

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and Michigan State University with a master’s in zoology, Cirrito was employed at Michigan State for 30 years in various research labs. She married Michael Cirrito, and they raised their children Andrea and Michael in the Greater Lansing area, where she has lived for 54 years.

Cirrito has had a life-changing effect on hundreds within the Armenian refugee community in the Greater Lansing region of Michigan. For more than three decades, Cirrito welcomed refugee families from all over the world into her home and helped them establish roots in the Greater Lansing area.

“In 1991, the first wave of Armenian refugees from Baku, Azerbaijan began to arrive in Michigan. In Lansing, about 40 refugees arrived that first year, at which time I became active in meeting and helping them in their resettlement,” Cirrito wrote to the Weekly. “Eventually, we welcomed over 250 people in Lansing and met many more in Detroit and Grand Rapids.”

As a descendant of Genocide survivors, Cirrito’s commitment to helping those in need was ingrained in her. In 1992, as Armenians were displaced by the first Artsakh War, Cirrito founded the Armenian Resettlement and Refugee Assistance Trust Fund using her resources and time. She worked closely with St. Vincent Catholic Charities to secure opportunities for the new arrivals. Cirrito also facilitated employment, education, transportation and medical care, setting the stage for success and integration into the Lansing community.

What truly sets Cirrito apart is her ability to remember and celebrate the milestones of each person she has helped. Her commitment to the well-being and growth of these individuals is a testament to her dedication and care. As the Armenian American community flourished, her efforts continued to expand. More than 90-percent of the refugees she assisted purchased homes, opened local businesses and provided employment opportunities to other community members. Cirrito’s influence has rippled through generations, as young Armenian Americans achieve academic, artistic and athletic success on national and international stages.

Cirrito’s profound service has not gone unnoticed by her community. Her selflessness and generosity have garnered deep respect and gratitude from everyone she has helped. The Armenian American community stands united in support of her nomination, echoing sentiments of appreciation for her dedication and life-changing work.  

“Helen Cirrito is an amazing woman who cherished all of us as her own family and gave us another chance to build a new life in America and succeed. She is worthy of hundreds of awards and recognitions, but she never sought or expected anything in return for all her hard work,” said Asya Vardanova, a member of the Lansing Armenian community. “We are all forever grateful for everything she has done for our entire community.”

“The Armenian Community in Lansing remains connected, but has seen many changes in the past 33 years,” Cirrito wrote. “It has been for me a personal journey of commitment and service to fellow Armenians.”

Cirrito’s legacy is one of unwavering compassion, boundless dedication and a resounding belief in the potential of every individual to thrive. Her lifetime achievement of saving lives, creating opportunities and fostering unity is a shining example of how one person’s actions can truly make a profound and lasting impact.




Russia ready to assist Armenia during EEU presidency, says Prime Minister Mishustin

Lilit Nahapetian

 16:41, 2 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. Russia has said that it shares Armenia’s priorities as President in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and is ready to support the country in implementing them.

Armenia holds the EEU presidency for 2024.

“Good luck to our Armenian colleagues,” Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said at the EEU meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstan. “We’ve closely studied the priorities for further development of integration proposed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. They mostly match with Russia’s position. We are ready to provide full support for their implementation,” TASS quoted Mishustin as saying.

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan chaired the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Almaty on February 2.

Turkish Press: Azerbaijan reacts to EU military aid to Armenia

Lilit Nahapetian
Feb 2 2024
Politics  |

Editor : Koray Erdoğan
2024-02-02 16:38:17 | Last Update : 2024-02-02 17:02:17

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies of the Czech Republic, Marketa Pekarova Adamova, to respond to military cooperation between the European Union and Yerevan.

"Azerbaijan is a reliable partner of the EU and its member states. However, double standards and unfair approaches toward our country do not contribute to the establishment of sustainable peace in our region," Bayramov said, according to Anadolu Agency (AA).

Bayramov also noted that some EU member states provide military aid to Yerevan under different names.

"The efforts of these states, which distract Armenia from the peace process, harm the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus," Bayramov said.