Month: September 2020

The establishment of full diplomatic relations between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain is a watershed moment for the Middle East, said Eli Belotsercovsky, Ambassador of the State of Israel to the Republic of Armenia.

His statement runs as follows:

While this region of the world is often thought to be somewhat of a dysfunctional family, the Abraham Accord represents a conscious decision to instead be a functional one. It is a historic event that marks a new beginning for the region, and in addition to peace, will bring about prosperity that will be felt immediately.

The Accord represents an alternative and paradigm-shifting step forward for the region. It has fostered a revolutionary opportunity for other Arab nations to establish formal ties with the State of Israel, a concept previously deemed far-fetched and impossible. It provides a striking alternative to those radical forces who oppose peace and prefer to perpetuate conflict until victory is won over resolving conflict in a peaceful manner and reaping the benefits that cooperation can provide. Moreover, the agreement effectively strengthens the power of moderatism in the face of the extremism that Iran and its proxies sow across the region.

The Accord is an important stage in ending the conflict in the Middle East, and we believe that this kind of agreement will effectively serve to immunize countries against the calamity that comes with extremism, for which peace is the only remedy.

This landmark agreement, most significantly, does not come at the expense of the Palestinians, but in fact, presents them with a unique opportunity to return to direct negotiations with Israel. Israel is ready to do so and will come to the negotiating table with the principles of the American administration’s Peace Initiative. The peace deal provides a practical and realistic basis upon which the two sides can begin negotiations, and in the light of the Abraham Accord, achieving a lasting resolution between Israel and the Palestinians now seems that much more attainable.

Ultimately, the Abraham Accord represents an alignment of values. Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain are all facing the shared challenges of climate change, diminishing resources, and most pertinently, of disease. It is essential that we focus on agreement over disagreement, and combine our capabilities for the wellbeing of our citizens. This is exactly what this agreement has achieved. The Abraham Accord should be the guiding light for all other nations of the region of the good that can come from making peace with Israel.

We call on everyone watching this historic agreement unfold to recognize the significance of this moment, express their support publicly, and encourage others to follow.

Armenia is known as a natural bastion of tranquility and stability. However, like Israel, it had its share of conflicts and victims. Like Israel, it is only too well aware of the unbearable price in human lives. Like Israel, it will always follow the path of peace over war. It is precisely because of this Armenia's natural choice is the camp of peacemakers over the camp of war-mongers. The peace between Israel and the Emirates and Bahrein is good for the region, it cools the expansionist ideas of some regional powers, it strengthens the coalition for peace, and opens wide opportunities. We are sure that Armenia welcomes the new developments and looks forward to its support for the new Middle East.

YEREVAN. – The residents of Yekmalyan Street in capital city Yerevan—and who have fallen victims to the eminent domain—on Thursday again gathered again outside the main building of the government of Armenia.

There are three mysterious buildings in Armenia that change those who enter there. Ani Khudaverdyan, one of the aforesaid victims, said this during their protest.

"The government, 26 Baghramyan [the presidential seat], the National Assembly. Whoever climbs there becomes an impudent, hooligan zombie. This is a morgue for me," she added, referring to the main government building.

According to her, there is an investor who is ready to pay, but the government deliberately delays and does not come to an agreement with the investors, and waits for the residents to get tired and sell their old houses.

The demand of these residents is but one: to pay attention to them and to resolve their housing issue. About 15 years ago, their apartments on Yekmalyan Street were demolished as eminent domain, but they have received neither new housing nor compensation to date.