Month: May 2021

US calls for talks on demarcating Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Hagop Kamalian
TASS, Russia
       
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concern over recent tensions between two countries

WASHINGTON, May 18. /TASS/. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke separately over the phone on Monday with Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, calling for talks on demarcating the border between the two countries, National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne said in a statement.

"He [Sullivan] expressed concern over recent tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and emphasized that military movements near un-demarcated borders are irresponsible and provocative. He welcomed the ongoing communication between the two sides and both leaders’ commitment to resolving this issue peacefully. In addition, he underscored the need for the two countries to conduct formal discussions to demarcate their international border," the statement reads.

Sullivan also "conveyed the commitment of the United States to peace, security, and prosperity in the South Caucasus," as well as to "achieving regional reconciliation through bilateral engagement and as a Minsk Group Co-Chair" of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

According to the press service of Armenia’s head of government, at talks with Pashinyan the US adviser stated that Washington would demand Azerbaijan withdraw troops from Armenia’s soil. Sullivan highly appreciated the restraint shown by Armenia in this situation and an attempt to iron out the issue by a diplomatic, not military means. The conversation was held at the initiative of the US side.

On May 12, the Armenian Defense Ministry reported that the Azerbaijani forces attempted to carry out "certain activities" in one of the Syunik border region’s districts to "adjust the border." The ministry added that the Azerbaijani troops halted their activities following some steps taken by Armenian forces.

In the evening of the same day, acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan convened a meeting of the republic's Security Council, during which he slammed these events as an encroachment on Armenia’s territory. According to Pashinyan, the Azerbaijani forces crossed Armenia’s border, moving 3.5 kilometers into the country.

Australian Greens leader calls for recognition of Greek, Armenian and Assyrian genocides

Adrine Hakobian
The Greek Herald
        

Author

The Greek Herald

Date

Member for Melbourne and Leader of The Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP, has joined the Joint Justice Initiative, continuing his party’s calls for Federal recognition of the Greek, Armenian and Assyrian Genocides.

The February 2020 launch of the Joint Justice Initiative at Australia’s Parliament House featured the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), Assyrian Universal Alliance (AUA) and Australian Hellenic Council (AHC), which declares Australia’s recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides as a priority on behalf of their communities.

An industrial lawyer by training, Bandt took over leadership of the largest cross-bench party in the Federal Parliament, The Australian Greens, in 2020 after the retirement of fellow Joint Justice Initiative supporter, Richard Di Natale.

READ MORE: Australia’s Greek community join initiative to recognise Turkish-committed genocide against the Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian citizens.

Australian Greens leader, Adam Bandt, has been a long-time advocate of human rights and social issues in public office.

Bandt has represented constituents in the electorate of Melbourne since 2010, and always stood out as a supporter of human rights and social issues in public office.

Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), Haig Kayserian, said the Joint Justice Initiative was pleased to see another familiar face join the Initiative.

READ MORE: Michael Sukkar MP pledges support to Armenian-Assyrian-Greek ‘Joint Justice Initiative’.

“Mr. Bandt has been a long-time advocate for human rights and has consistently called for Federal Australian recognition of the Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Genocides,” Kayserian said.

“The Armenian-Australian, Assyrian-Australian and Greek-Australian communities represented in the Joint Justice Initiative thank Mr. Bandt and The Australian Greens for their principled condemnation of what happened to our ancestors at the hands of the Ottoman Empire.”

File image of the Greek genocide.

READ MORE: Australian MP Mike Freelander supports Armenian, Assyrian and Greek Joint Justice Initiative.

The Joint Justice Initiative has so far announced the support of Bandt, Tim Wilson MP, Senator Janet Rice, Steve Georganas MP, Michael Sukkar MP, Senator Louise Pratt, Warren Entsch, Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Andrew Wilkie MP, Julian Leeser MP, Michelle Rowland MP, Senator Paul Scarr, Tony Zappia MP, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator Hollie Hughes, Senator Rex Patrick, Mike Freelander MP, Senator Eric Abetz, Senator Larissa Waters, Senator Pat Dodson, Jason Falinski MP, Josh Burns MP, John Alexander MP, Senator Andrew Bragg and Bob Katter MP with a promise of more announcements to come.

READ MORE: Australian Senator Larissa Waters joins Joint justice Initiative for recognition of Armenian, Greek and Assyrian genocides.

On February 25, 2020, over 100 Federal Australian parliamentarians, diplomats, departmental officials, political staffers, academics, media and community leaders were treated to cultural performances, food, wine and brandy, as well as the historic signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, which affirmed that the signatory public affairs representatives of the three communities were jointly committed to seeing Australia recognise the Turkish-committed Genocides against the Armenian, Greek and Assyrian citizens of the Ottoman Empire during World War I.

USCIRF Concerned by Azerbaijan Religion Law Amendments, Condition of Ghazanchetsots Cathedral

David Nargizian

 

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is concerned that proposed amendments to Azerbaijan’s law “On Freedom of Religious Beliefs” would fail to address issues in the existing law, which USCIRF Commissioners raised in a delegation to the country last year. The amendments would also enact additional restrictions on religious communities.

“We are disappointed to see Azerbaijan introduce new restrictions that will only serve to further circumscribe the space for the free exercise of freedom of religion or belief. We urge the Azerbaijani government to reconsider these amendments in light of its commitments to human rights,” said USCIRF Chair Anurima Bhargava. “USCIRF encourages Azerbaijan, as a participating state in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to request a legal review of its proposed changes from the OSCE Office of Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.”

 The amendments would introduce new, bureaucratic limitations, including restrictions on religious leaders and on the ability of religious communities to operate in the absence of a religious leader. The amendments would also require religious communities form a “religious center” to perform certain functions. At the same time, the amendments would not change current, already restrictive provisions that require official registration, limit registration to those communities that have at least 50 members, mandate state approval of all religious literature, and prohibit foreign citizens from conducting religious ceremonies.

Earlier this month, Azerbaijan’s parliament reportedly approved the amendments and submitted them to President Ilham Aliyev for his signature.

“USCIRF is troubled by reports concerning the preservation and integrity of houses of worship and other religious sites—such as the Armenian Apostolic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shusha, which appears to have had its domes removed amid reports of its ‘restoration’ without the input of its congregation,” USCIRF Commissioner Nadine Maenza added. “While the cathedral is certainly in need of repair following the damage it endured as a result of Azerbaijani shelling last fall, it is imperative that it and other sites are properly restored and maintained.”

 In its 2021 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State place Azerbaijan on its Special Watch List for engaging in or tolerating severe religious freedom violations. In March, USCIRF released a country update on Azerbaijan that described problematic legislation on religion, the continued imprisonment of religious activists, and recent violations committed in the context of renewed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at

https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/uscirf-concerned-azerbaijan-religion-law-amendments-condition

Azeris destroy another Armenian cemetery in Artsakh –

Tania Jagharian
Panorama, Armenia

The Caucasus Heritage Watch (CHW) has made a high-confidence assessment that a centuries-old Armenian cemetery north of Shushi town  in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) has been partially destroyed. The Organisation has shared satellite imagery on its Twitter, showing a portion of the grounds on the western side of a road leading into the city was leveled in the construction of a building complex.

It is noted that the expansive cemetery, which spans both sides of the road, contained 96 tombstones dating 1834-1920 and two 12-13th c. cross stones (khachkars), including the tombs of noble Armenian families (Meliks). Although the construction occurred in an area shaded by tree cover, imagery from Feb 2021 reveals a dense array of tombstones, and documentation provided by Monument Watch, in Yerevan, details specific plots in the location.Neither the number of damaged tombs nor the affected plots can be determined with available data, the source said.  

CHW calls on UNESCO to directly assess the extent of the damage and preserve the historic site.

Armenia failed to learn lessons, nearing next ‘tragic point’, expert says

Hovik Karapetian
Panorama, Armenia

Armenia has failed to learn lessons from last year’s war in Artsakh and is nearing a “tragic point”, according to military expert Tigran Abrahamyan, the head of the analytical center Henaket.

"The biggest problem for us is that the border in Syunik had gone unprotected, allowing Azerbaijanis to enter our territory without obstacles. In other words, our primary problem is the conduct of the military-political leadership,” Abrahamyan told a news conference on Tuesday.

According to him, the “criminal inaction of the authorities” has pushed Armenia into applying to Russia, the CSTO or a number of European countries.

"We should clearly realize that what is happening today in the direction of Gegharkunik and Syunik Provinces continue to be linked with the southern parts of Syunik and Artsakh. In other words, the act of aggression here, the ongoing negotiations with all their components are connected with the developments around Artsakh and Syunik,” he said.

Abrahamyan claimed Azerbaijan is now trying to resolve several problems for itself. First of all, it seeks to get new levers of pressure against Armenia, to make use of the inaction of the current Armenian authorities and to get the most out of the process.

"We must understand that what we are witnessing is very important for us in terms of the existence of the homeland, while for the current government that idea does not exist at all. You see, the government members state that the army protects the people, not the deserted areas, and there were no military positions in those areas, no fighting took place there, because there were no servicemen," he said.

According to Abrahamyan, the statement that a large part of the border was unprotected in the post-war period amounts to a crime report.

"After the November 9 statement, we lost 75% of Artsakh, nearly 5,000 of our compatriots were killed, but Armenia has not learned lessons even today and is nearing the next tragic point. Those who have been to Syunik in the recent 6-7 months and have seen which part of the highway the Azeri forces are deployed, have a better understanding of the situation. Unfortunately, a large part of our society does not realize what a tragic point we have reached. This is not just a problem facing our homeland, there is also a regional problem here involving Iran, Azerbaijan and others," he said.

Armenian diplomat: Azerbaijan’s actions come to manifest that genocidal ideology does not merely belong to history

Boris Nahapetian
Panorama, Armenia

Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN Mher Margaryan delivered remarks at the UN General Assembly plenary meeting on the responsibility to protect and the prevention of genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity on Monday, May 17.

“Addressing and countering hate speech remain crucial priorities in delivering on the genocide prevention agenda. Incitement to hatred and hate crimes, denial, justification or glorification of past crimes, along with instances of racial and ethnic profiling constitute the detectable early warning signs, which, if unaddressed, can lead to further violence and atrocities,” the Armenian diplomat said.

Margaryan stated Armenia, whose people have undergone through the horrors of Genocide in the early 20th century, will continue to support strong focus on the early action to prevent situations, which can result in atrocities.

“As the main sponsor of the UN General Assembly resolution instituting the International Day of the 9th December as the Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime, Armenia is fully committed to strengthening this important platform, most notably, through thematic events aimed at fostering cooperation for prevention of atrocity crimes and the further development of national and international early warning mechanisms,” he said.

Margaryan underlined that Azerbaijan’s continued failure to release the numerous prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian hostages who are still being held in captivity, the ongoing provocations by way of incursions into the territory of Armenia, as well as the wide-spread state-led campaign of dehumanization of Armenians “come to manifest that the genocidal ideology does not merely belong to history.”

“This is a source of grave concern that needs to be properly identified and acknowledged to prevent further atrocities,” he said. 

Three arrested in attack on Armenian priest in Jerusalem

Nyrie Kalashian
Panorama, Armenia
Society 19:59 18/05/2021World

The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem strongly condemns the attack on Rev. Fr. Arbak Sarukhanyan by a group of Jewish young men.

The Armenian priest was attacked on his way to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

"Fr. Arbak was injured. He was rushed to hospital and was discharged after receiving the necessary aid,” Fr. Koryoun (Hovnan) Baghdasaryan, Chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, wrote on Facebook on Tuesday.

The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem lodged a complaint with the police, after which three of the attackers were arrested, he said.

"We demand that the police conduct a fair investigation and bring all the perpetrators to account in accordance with the law in order to avoid such incidents in the future," Fr. Koryoun said.  

Member of congregation of Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem attacked

Emil Lazarian
News.am, Armenia
15:17, 18.05.2021

 A member of the congregation of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem has been attacked. This is what analyst Sago Arian wrote on his Facebook page, adding the following:

“The attack was made by extremist Jews. His Holiness has been shown first aid, and his life isn’t at risk.

There is also information according to which the criminals are under arrest. The Patriarchate will touch upon all this with a special press release.”

Young Armenians hold demonstration in Armenia’s Goris, say Syunik Province is in danger

Emil Lazarian
News.am, Armenia
Young Armenians hold demonstration in Armenia's Goris, say Syunik Province is in danger
16:48, 18.05.2021

A group of young people of Syunik Province of Armenia today held a demonstration in the city of Goris to protest against the current situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in the sector of Syunik Province.

The youth held signs reading “Meghri can’t be used as a corridor since it will be used for implementation of the Turan”, as well as the Armenian tricolor flag and the maps of Armenia and Artsakh.

“Syunik is in danger. The Turks are standing over the city of Goris. The residents are unaware of the danger they are facing. Today we have gathered here to raise our voices. We call on everyone to join us and participate in our demonstration. We don’t know what the future holds for us,” one of the demonstrators said.

Another young participant said he and the other young people will continue to hold demonstrations and will stay until late at night.

The young people also emphasized that they can’t come to grips with the idea that Turks can live at a distance of 2 kilometers from them or share a road with them.

Analyst: Armenia’s Syunik has become arena of conflict of interests of major players

Mary Lazarian
News.am, Armenia
16:57, 18.05.2021

YEREVAN. – Syunik Province of Armenia has become an arena of conflict of interests of the major players. Analyst Tigran Abrahamyan, a former security adviser to the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) President, told this to a press conference Tuesday.

According to him, the process in Syunik has become a factor for foreign players, including aimed at weakening of the regional influence of Russia and Iran, which do not know how far the Armenian authorities are ready to go in their concessions.

The analyst recalled the statement of the UK ambassador to Azerbaijan about the desire to see a multinational peacekeeping force in Artsakh, and which is aimed at weakening Russia's influence in the region.

As for Iran, Abrahamyan noted that about nine months ago it had a predictable and approximately 130-kilometer border with Artsakh, but now this border does not exist. "This is a problem for Iran. It realizes that if Armenia loses control of Syunik, this part of the border will be under a blockade," the analyst said.

According to him, Armenia’s border demarcation with Azerbaijan may take decades, and this creates risks of long-term instability. This conclusion, as the analyst explained, can be made based on the experience of such a process with Georgia, which has ended with a maximum of 5 percent.

Abrahamyan stated that the saddest thing is that all this is happening in the territory of Armenia due to the lack of balanced decisions by its authorities.

He recalled the explanations of the Armenian authorities in connection with the handover of the Kashatagh (Lachin) and Kovsakan (Zangelan) regions: as if due to the threat of war. "If so, this argument can be put forward in the case of the current processes in Syunik and Gegharkunik, too" the analyst concluded.