Month: February 2020

Armenian FM meets with Minister of State for Europe in Berlin

Khoyetsian Rose

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 21:16,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met with German Minister of State for Europe Michael Roth in Berlin. Zohrab Mnatsakanyan is in Berlin with PM Pashinyan’s delegation, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan noted that Armenia greatly highlights the partnering relations with Germany. The interlocutors discussed the joint programs and initiatives aimed at the expansion of the Armenian-German cooperation.

The sides also referred to the agenda of Armenia-EU partnership and highlighted the role of the Comprehensive and Enhanced partnership Agreement between Armenia and the EU as a legal base for fostering the cooperation between Armenia and the EU member states.

Emphasizing that the main beneficiaries of the Armenia-EU cooperation are individuals, FM Mnatsakanyan highlighted the works for the launch of visa liberalization talks.

During the meeting the sides discussed the process of the large-scale reforms carried out by the Government of Armenia aimed at the strengthening of democracy and rule of law, trust towards the judicial system and fight against corruption.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Michael Roth exchanged views on international and regional developments.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan


Changes in judicial system are necessity, Armenian PM says at Berlin meeting

Antranik Varosian

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 09:41,

BERLIN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s current judicial system, including the Constitutional Court, was formed in the previous political conditions. And the changes in this sphere are a necessity, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the meeting in the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Germany, Armenpress correspondent reports from Berlin.  

The PM said after the 2018 Revolution no major changes have taken place in the judiciary. On this path Armenia has been guided and continues to be guided with the principle of moving forward with institutional steps.

“We are guided with this approach so that our changes will not be spontaneous, we are guided with this approach in order to be convinced that we will bring a benefit, rather than a damage. For many years our country has lived under the conditions of a judicial system controlled by the government. But our task is to create guarantees that there will be really an independent and impartial judiciary in the country”, Pashinyan said, adding that it’s necessary to start the judicial reforms. In this context he attached importance to the EU support and thanked for the readiness to assist.

According to the Armenian PM, the most important news in the current period are the ongoing events around the Constitutional Court. He informed the meeting participants that the Armenian Parliament recently adopted a decision according to which a referendum on the Constitutional Court will be held in the country on April 5. The PM thoroughly introduced the reason of making such a decision. The reason is that legislative manipulations have taken place 30 days before the entry into force of the new Constitution under the former Parliament and Government.

“As a result today we don’t have a Constitutional Court by the current Constitution. Question arises, when we will have a court envisaged by the Constitution if we don’t make any change? If we don’t make any change, we will have that in 2035 because the representatives of the previous leadership have elected a president of the Constitutional Court based on manipulations who should remain in office until 2035. In other words, there will be no election of the Constitutional Court President for 18 years”, Nikol Pashinyan said, adding that such situation is unacceptable, and this issue has been put up to referendum.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




Armenia emigration is stopping, PM Pashinyan says in Berlin

Ani Basmajian

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 09:36,

BERLIN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Since 2018 the number of Armenian citizens seeking status in the EU territory has reduced by more than a double, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a meeting in the Berlin Friedrich Ebert Foundation when asked about the reforms’ impact on the emigration pace.

“The number of persons from Armenia seeking status in the EU has dropped nearly 60%. And since 2018 we have significant positive dynamics in the arrival and departure indicators of Armenian citizens. Particularly, in 2019 the number of citizens who entered our country is 10,000 more,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan noted that prices in the Armenian real estate market have grown and the mortgage loan volumes show doubling paces of growth compared to 2017. He expressed hope that this process will continue.

“I would really like to say that emigration from Armenia has stopped, but I can say that it is stopping. The figures show this,” Pashinyan said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

Bilateral meetings, economic agenda: Armenian PM continues working visit in Germany

Maral Chavushian

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 09:55,

BERLIN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan continues his working visit in Germany, Armenpress correspondent reports from Berlin.

The second day of his visit the PM will continue in Berlin and then will depart for Munich.

Today Pashinyan and his delegation will visit the German Chamber of Commerce where there will be a luncheon to discuss economic issues.

The meeting from the Armenian side will be attended by Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Germany Ashot Smbatyan, Minister of Economy Tigran Khachatryan, the ruling My Step faction MP, chair of the parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs Ruben Rubinyan and assistant to the PM Hrachya Tashchyan.

After the meeting the Armenian PM will visit the headquarters of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany political party to meet with the CDU Secretary General Paul Ziemiak. In the daytime the PM will continue his working visit in Munich where he will attend the official opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference. In Munich Pashinyan will have several bilateral meetings, in particular will meet with President of Moldova Igor Dodon and the EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn. At the end of the day Nikol Pashinyan will visit the headquarters of Giesecke+Dervien (German company providing banknote and securities printing, smart cards, and cash handling systems) where he will have a meeting with the company’s CEO Ralf Wintergerst.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




Turkey ramps up security for Russian embassy as ambassador receives threats over Syria

Hunanian Jack

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 10:57,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. The Turkish authorities have strengthened security measures of the Russian Embassy in Ankara after Ambassador Alexei Yerkhov began receiving threats over the escalation of the situation in Idlib, Syria, TASS reported.

A Russian diplomat in Turkey told TASS that the Turkish government ramped up security for the diplomatic mission after the latter’s request.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Asbarez: ANCA-WR Endorses Lisa Calderon for Assembly District 57

Emil Lazarian

Lisa Calderon

MONTEBELLO—The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region has endorsed Lisa Calderon for California Assembly District 57.

The endorsement followed a meeting between Lisa Calderon and Representatives of the ANCA Western Region and ANCA San Gabriel Valley Board of Directors.

“During the meeting, Mrs. Calderon demonstrated a readiness to work with us on a wide range of issues concerning the Armenian community,” remarked ANCA-San Gabriel Valley Chairman Viken Pakradouni, Esq. “We look forward to working closely with Ms. Calderon after the election and in the years to come.” Pakradouni noted that other members of the Calderon family have represented the 57th Assembly District in the past and expressed confidence that the close relationship built up with her predecessors would continue.

The 57th Assembly District covers areas of Southeast Los Angeles County and southern parts of the San Gabriel Valley, including the cities of Whittier and Norwalk.

“I am honored to have the ANCA-WR’s support and the thousands of Armenian-Americans it represents,” remarked Lisa Calderon. “The Armenian Community is one of Los Angeles County’s most vibrant and engaged communities working at many levels to enhance the fabric of our society. If elected, I look forward to advocating for the issues that are important to Armenian Americans across the state and be a strong voice for them in Sacramento.” Lisa Calderon has been involved in Democratic politics and State government for 30 years, serving as a legislative aide in Sacramento and Los Angeles. Most recently, she has worked in governmental affairs for a major local public utility. She has garnered strong support from unions and been endorsed by the California Latino Legislative Caucus.

During the meeting, representatives of the ANCA Western Region and San Gabriel Valley spoke about the lack of proportionate representation of Armenian – Americans in California commissions. The parties also spoke about the efforts by ANCA-WR to ensure that there is representation of Armenian-Americans in the ethnic studies curriculum – mandated through Assembly Bill 2016 – which would acknowledge the significant contributions Armenians have made to the State of California. In response, Calderon acknowledged the current inadequacy on both of those issues, and expressed her support to work with the Armenian community to fully address them.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region is the largest and most influential nonpartisan Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues in pursuit of the Armenian Cause.

Democracy will lead to overcoming conflicts in region, Armenian Prime Minister says

Baghdasarian Karlen

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 10:14,

BERLIN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship negotiations process for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict must be preserved, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said during a meeting with German academics and experts at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Berlin.

“It is an exclusive negotiations format where the cooperation of Russia, USA and France exists. It is due to this cooperation that the relative calm is being maintained in the region for more than 25 years,” Pashinyan said when asked about the OSCE Minsk Group format.

Regarding the EU’s factor, the PM noted that civil institutions can actively work with colleagues in Karabakh.

“It is strange for me that the EU, being the advocate of protection of human rights and democracy, but civil society representatives don’t have a cooperation format with representatives of the Karabakh civil society. It is said that there are problems regarding Karabakh’s status. I’m saying, let’s assume Karabakh’s status is unclear, but is there any doubt regarding the status of the people living in Karabakh? Does anyone say that the protection of human rights and development of the people living in Karabakh doesn’t fit in the context of human rights protection? I believe that EU countries can support this process,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan underscored that democracy is one of the important components of the NK conflict settlement, and that democracy itself will lead to overcoming conflicts in the region.

A representative of the Azerbaijani community of Berlin, who was present at the meeting, asked the Armenian PM when he will be able to return to his father’s home, claiming that he doesn’t have the opportunity to do so today.

“You know, there is the Shahumyan Region, where Armenians lived until 1990. Today, thousands of Shahumyan residents are unable to return to their homes because Shahumyan was subjected to ethnic cleansing. The situation that we have today, the status quo that we have, is the result of simply one thing – the Armenians of Karabakh wanted and want to defend their right to live. They didn’t try and aren’t trying to do harm to anyone, to deprive homes, they wanted to defend their right to live,” Pashinyan said.

He also addressed an observation claiming that Armenia is heading towards Europe. “Armenia isn’t heading anywhere. Armenia is where it always was. We continue being in our place,” Pashinyan said.

 

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Bashar al-Assad regretted trusting Erdogan, reveals opposition LHK leader Edmon Marukyan

Lilit Nahapetian

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 11:22,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Head of the opposition Bright Armenia (LHK) faction of parliament Edmon Marukyan has commended the Syrian parliament for passing a resolution on recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide.

“I salute our colleagues at the Syrian parliament, who adopted yesterday an important decision regarding the recognition of the Armenian Genocide,” lawmaker Edmon Marukyan told reporters in parliament on February 14.

“I remember how we went to Latakia with a parliamentary group during the capture of Kessab. We’ve talked about this topic that time also. I believe that the Armenian Genocide issue should not become an issue to remember during tensions with Turkey, this should’ve been done earlier. I remember our meeting with President Assad, when he had said “I was being told in Armenia that I shouldn’t trust Erdogan so much, I didn’t listen to you””.

On February 13th, the Syrian parliament unanimously adopted a resolution on recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Consul General Keynotes West L.A. Chamber of Commerce Event

Albert Nalbandian

LOS ANGELES—Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Ambassador Armen Baibourtian was a keynote speaker at a West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce event on February 5. The event was dedicated to expanding Armenia-Los Angeles commercial relations and tapping into the Chamber’s potential for advancing those ties.

Ambassador Baibourtian first described the strategic location of Armenia at the crossroads between Europe and Asia. He presented opportunities for investing in Armenia, as well as relevant sectors of its economy. The Consul General also outlined in detail the benefits of trading with Armenia, listing a wide range of Armenian products. He also spoke about Armenia as an attractive tourist destination.

The Consul General addressed another dimension of cooperation with Los Angeles – the advantage of having a large Armenian community in the Greater Los Angeles area. An agreement was reached to organize another event focusing on presentation of Armenian wines in the Southern California market.

The West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1945. Since 1993, it has expanded its operations to include several other agencies, making it the largest in the field by size and influence in one of the richest areas of Los Angeles. The West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce has now a membership of more than 2150 business organizations from Western Los Angeles and surrounding areas. The organization is expanding now its operation to meet the needs of large communities of Los Angeles also having Armenia among others in its plans.

Asbarez: Syria’s Parliament Recognizes Armenian Genocide

Emil Lazarian

Syrial lawmakers voter to recognize the Armenian Genocide on Feb, 13

The Parliament of Syria on Thursday voted unanimously to recognize and condemn the Armenian Genocide.

The resolution was introduced by the Syria-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Commission.

Parliament Speaker Rami Saleh said that while the parliament had previously commemorated the victims of the Armenian Genocide, the resolution needed to be adopted.

Turkey was quick to condemn Thursday’s vote, calling it “hypocrisy.”

“This is a picture of hypocrisy on the part of a regime which has for years committed any kind of massacre on its own people… which has displaced millions and which is well known for its use of chemical weapons,” the foreign ministry says in a statement.

Syria’s Ambassador to Armenia Mohammad Haj Ibrahim attached importance to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, saying that the successors of those who committed the Genocide are committing the same crime today against the Syrian people through terrorists.

“Recognition is important, because only Lebanon from Arab countries has recognized the Armenian Genocide so far.” he said.

“Today’s terrorist organizations, who are committing horrifying acts against the Syrian people, are the grandchildren of those who committed genocide against the Armenians and others in the past,” said Ibrahim during a press conference in Yerevan on Thursday.

“When during the Armenian Genocide the Armenians reached Syria, they became an integral part of the Syrian society, they safely resumed their life in Syria – preserving their identity, religion, studying in Armenian schools. There are numerous churches which are eternalizing the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide, most importantly the Armenian Genocide Memorial Church in Deir ez-Zor, the Forty Martyrs’ Church in Aleppo, as well as the Holy Martyrs of Armenian Genocide square in Damascus,” added Ibrahim.

Speaking about the Syrian parliament’s unanimous adoption of the Armenian Genocide resolution, the Ambassador said that Syria has always commemorated the memory of the victims of the massacres against the Armenians.

“This issue has been studied long time ago, and the Syrian Government has treated with utmost respect the Syrians who have Armenian roots. They have always been an integral part of the Syrian society. The Armenian pogroms have always been commemorated in Syria, through the events held in the Armenian-populated regions,” explained Ibrahim.

Chair of the Syrian Parliament’s Arab and Foreign Affairs Committee Boutros Morjana emphasized that the Armenian Genocide is a historical fact, which was followed by the massacres of Assyrians and Arameans in northern Syria.

“It is time to recognize and condemn these inhumane actions and prevent their repetition, especially that many countries have recognized the Armenian Genocide,” said Morjana.

The adoption of the resolution recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide by the People’s Council of Syria is clear evidence of the centuries-old friendship between the Armenian and Syrian peoples. It’s an important contribution to the restoration of historical justice and prevention of genocides, said a statement issued by Armenia’s Foreign Ministry.

Below is the text of the ministry’s announcement.

We highly appreciate the adoption of the resolution recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire by the People’s Council of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The genocide unleashed by the government of the Young Turks a major part of which was carried out in the territory of Syria that was under the Ottoman rule at that time, is a part of the shared memories of the Armenian and Syrian peoples.

The Syrian people, witnessing the calamity facing the Armenian people, were one of the 1st to extend a helping hand to the genocide survivors. Thousands of survivors re-found their new motherland in Syria, establishing one of the most flourishing Armenian communities and had their contribution to the development of Syria.

This resolution is a brilliant evidence of the centuries-old friendship and reciprocal sympathy between the Armenian and Syrian peoples. It’s an important contribution to the restoration of historical justice and prevention of genocides.