Month: September 2021

AW: US Congressional leaders stand in solidarity with Artsakh on 30th anniversary of independence

Hagop Kamalian
September 2, 2021 ANCA ANCA News 0

WASHINGTON, DC – A bipartisan group representing the Congressional Armenian Caucus joined with Armenians across the US and around the world in marking the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Artsakh’s (Nagorno Karabakh) independence, pledging to continue efforts to strengthen US-Artsakh ties and push back against ongoing Azerbaijani and Turkish aggression, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“We mark Artsakh’s independence with our work, together with our Congressional allies – advancing a targeted array of ANCA-backed legislative initiatives blocking US military aid to Azerbaijan and securing US humanitarian assistance to Artsakh,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “In particular, we look forward, in the coming days and weeks, to cooperating with our Congressional friends, coalition partners, and community activists to stop all Defense Department funding for Azerbaijan’s army – through the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act.”

In videos shared with the ANCA and premiered during September 2nd Artsakh Independence Day celebrations hosted by ANC International in Artsakh’s capital city, Stepanakert, members of Congress congratulated the people of Artsakh for their commitment to peace and democracy, as they continue to recover from the September, 2020 war launched by Azerbaijan with Turkey’s military backing. During the 44-day onslaught, over 5,000 Armenians were killed, more than 100,000 displaced from their ancestral homes, and hundreds of Armenians illegally taken as prisoners of war. The Independence Day program coincided with the official opening of the Armenian National Committee of Artsakh offices.

Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and David Valadao (R-CA), and Vice-Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA), were joined by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) in sharing powerful words of solidarity with the Artsakh people, excerpts of which are provided below. 

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ): “I’ve never seen a more resilient people than the people of Artsakh, faced with all this aggression and all these problems from their neighbors around them, and I just want you to know that we in Congress remain supportive of you.  We’re working diligently with President Biden and his Administration with the spending bills to try to see and get as much help to Artsakh, to rebuild as possible, and also to penalize Turkey and Azerbaijan for their aggression. Also, I would like to see, ultimately, official recognition of Artsakh as a state, as a country, an engagement in an official way between the United States and Artsakh, and also really move forward with the peace process.”

Rep. David Valadao (R-CA): “On September 2nd, 1991, the people of Artsakh voted overwhelmingly to stand up to ongoing Azerbaijani aggression – in a fight for freedom to determine their own destiny. […] I visited Artsakh in 2017 and saw first-hand the dedication of its people to peace and self-determination – foundational values that the US and Artsakh share.  I have led efforts on the House floor to ensure expanded US aid to Artsakh, to strengthen US-Artsakh relations, and save lives through demining efforts.  […] I stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenia in condemning Azerbaijani aggression and will continue working with my Congressional colleagues to secure the release of Armenian POWs, zero-out military aid to Azerbaijan, and increase US assistance to Artsakh and Armenia.”

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA): “Today we come together to mark Artsakh’s independence day – when 30 years ago, the brave people of Artsakh declared their independence from the Soviet Union. And while Artsakh’s path has never been an easy one, the war over the past year or so has tested the people of Artsakh in unimaginable ways. Your resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiration to all of us. So, on this important day, let’s rededicate ourselves to confronting the many threats to the people of Artsakh. Because independence is just the beginning of the struggle for liberation.”

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA): “Thirty years ago, in an embrace of democracy and self-determination, the people of Artsakh voted overwhelmingly for independence. Sadly, this peaceful vote was met with years of violence, including the war in the summer of 2020, that left homes and villages destroyed and claimed far too many lives. But I have been to Artsakh and I know how strong the people there are. That is why I am proud to stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenians everywhere. I am committed to ensuring the support needed, to help Artsakh not only rebuild but thrive.”

Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA): “It’s an honor and a great pleasure to shine light on the achievements and contributions made by the people of Artsakh. As we saw with the great American experiment, the path to freedom is never easy. However, we know that freedom and independence are worth fighting for. After three decades, Artsakh and her people have made great strides. Here in America, certainly in my home in the San Joaquin Valley, CA – the land of William Saroyan – Armenian Americans have contributed to the vibrancy and strength of our own democracy.  Please know, my colleagues and I have pledged to continue to work in the US Congress to ensure a free and prosperous Artsakh during these challenging times.”

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA): “Today we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Artsakh’s independence. This is a historic moment for the people of Artsakh. Your resilience against decades of adversity is an inspiration to me and to millions of people around the world. As I speak to you from my office in Washington, DC, across from the Capitol, I want you to know that you have many friends in the US Congress who stand with you against those who refuse to accept your independence and seek to do you harm. I look forward to celebrating many more years of your independence and know that you will always have a friend and a partner in me here in the Congress of the United States.”

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA): “Even as Azerbaijan has launched countless assaults and attempted to redraw the map by force, culminating in the deadly wave of Turkish and Azerbaijani violence last September, Artsakh remains standing strong as ever and, just as importantly, remains steadfastly dedicated to long-term regional peace. I want you to know that so many people in Massachusetts and across the United States stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenia in condemning Azerbaijani aggression. And, we will continue working in Congress to build strong support on behalf of Artsakh for a peaceful, democratic, negotiated resolution that treats the people of Artsakh and Armenians everywhere with the dignity and the respect that they deserve.”

Congressional Armenian Caucus Leadership Salutes Artsakh Independence

In addition to the Congressional video tributes to Artsakh resilience, the Congressional Armenian Caucus leadership sent a congratulatory letter to Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan where they emphasized the Caucus’ ongoing support for Artsakh self-determination, their call to penalize Turkey and Azerbaijan for the war waged against Artsakh in the fall of 2020, and urged the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to include Artsakh in peace negotiations.

The full text of the September 2nd letter sent to President Harutyunyan is provided below.

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Text of Congressional Armenian Caucus Leadership Letter to President Harutyunyan Marking 30th Anniversary of Artsakh Independence

Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515

September 2, 2021

H.E. Arayik Harutyunyan
President of the Republic of Artsakh
Stepanakert

President Harutyunyan:

We write to congratulate you and the people of the Republic of Artsakh on the 30th Anniversary of your independence.

The United States Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues offers our support and commitment to Artsakh on this celebration of three decades of your independence.  We continue to stand with your people as they face with incredible resilience the ongoing challenges and threats posed by Azerbaijan.  Artsakh’s transformation over the years is truly a testament to its people and to the leaders like you who have helped guide it along the way, despite the constant pressure and acts of aggression taken by the regime of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

We continue working diligently to persuade the Biden Administration to take every available diplomatic action to penalize the Azerbaijani & Turkish regimes for their deadly and illegal attacks on Artsakh last fall.  This conflict clearly demonstrates the dire need for international actors to take a stronger position pressuring Aliyev to return in good faith to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group negotiations.  And, we continue to push for Artsakh to directly participate in negotiations regarding its future status and security to ensure a durable and lasting peace.

We remain committed to pushing for official engagement between the United States government and your administration, and we look forward to working with you to build on Artsakh’s already impressive transformation in the face of so many challenges.  Again, please accept our sincerest congratulations on this important occasion and offer our full support for your country.

Sincerely,

Frank Pallone Jr.
Member of Congress

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress

Jackie Speier
Member of Congress

David Valadao
Member of Congress

Adam Schiff
Member of Congress

[see all videos on the page]

CivilNet: Insights With Eric Hacopian: How to approach Armenia-Turkey normalization

Janet Ekmekjian
CIVILNET.AM

02 Sep, 2021 06:09

After a short hiatus, Insights With Eric Hacopian returns to CivilNet. Eric discusses Azerbaijan’s latest provocative actions against Armenia, and President Ilham Aliyev regime’s motives for pursuing such a path. Eric also speaks about the recent positive statements coming out of Ankara and Yerevan, and why what is going on in Afghanistan is important for Armenia.

Armenpress: Armenians around the globe celebrate 30th anniversary of independence of Artsakh

John Hovhannisian

Armenians around the globe celebrate 30th anniversary of independence of Artsakh

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 08:34, 2 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. Today, September 2, 2021, marks the 30th anniversary of the declaration of independence of Artsakh, formerly known as the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

On this day in 1991, a joint sitting of lawmakers from the Nagorno Karabakh provincial council and the Shahumyan regional council proclaimed the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) within the borders of the former NKAO and Shahumyan region. The move was in line with the then-active legislation, particularly the April 3, 1990 law which entitled national autonomies to determine their status on their own.

On December 10, 1991, a few days before the official collapse of the Soviet Union, Nagorno Karabakh held a referendum, where the overwhelming majority, 99,89%, of the population voted in favor of complete independence from Azerbaijan. After this, Azerbaijan totally blockaded NKR and launched military aggressions.

The Artsakh Liberation War began when for the first time in September of 1991 Azerbaijan bombarded Stepanakert with Alazan rockets from Shushi. In 1994, at the request of Azerbaijan a trilateral (Azerbaijan, NKR, Armenia) ceasefire agreement was signed on May 12.

15 years after independence, in 2006, the people of Artsakh adopted the country’s Constitution through a referendum, again on September 2.

On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan, with the support of Turkey and engagement of mercenary terrorists, launched a large-scale war against Artsakh. The war lasted until November 9 when a trilateral statement at the mediation of Russia was signed to stop the military operations.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Aliyev’s statements prove once again that Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan – Foreign Minister

Janet Ekmekjian

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 08:55, 2 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Artsakh Davit Babayan has commented on the recent statements of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made in the occupied Shushi, stating that “these statements are gross violation of international law, manifestation of Nazism and terrorism”.

In an interview to ARMENPRESS, Mr. Babayan said first of all it is necessary to thank Aliyev for such statements because it shows his main goals. “Countries spend huge sums of money to know the intentions of the enemy, but this one says everything. I have repeatedly stated that Aliyev is the most honest enemy, he has never hidden his intentions. Of course, what Aliyev says is a gross violation of international law, is Nazism and terrorism, and we must never be cut off from reality, we must understand who we are dealing with. All these statements once again prove that we will never be part of Azerbaijan. And what he is saying is his business. The important for us is to be able to recover and create a reliable future for our generations”, Davit Babayan said.

On August 30 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a number of anti-Armenian statements in the occupied town of Shushi. In particular, the Azerbaijani leader stated that “there is no such concept of a Nagorno Karabakh Republic”. Aliyev also said that “the current course of events, the second Karabakh war and the actions of international role players show that the [Nagorno Karabakh] issue could never be solved through negotiations”. Aliyev claimed that all norms and principles of the international law, in particular the UN Charter, the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the “historical justice”, have given a right to Azerbaijan to solve the issue with military means, if it is not solved peacefully. However, the experts note that the norms and principles of the international law, including the UN Charter and the resolutions of the UN Security Council do not give a right to any subject to solve conflicts by force.

 

Interview by Aram Sargsyan

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenian President addresses message on Artsakh Independence Day

Arsine Chaltikian

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 09:45, 2 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has addressed a message on the 30th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Artsakh, his Office said.

The message reads:

“Dear compatriots,

On September 2, 1991, Artsakh declared its independence.

We are meeting the 30th anniversary of this significant event in the most complicated period, in a difficult situation after the 44-day war.

I once again extend my deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those killed in the war.

We are facing a pan-Armenian ordeal, which requires national unity and consolidation again.

Issues of ensuring the security of Artsakh and the inviolability of its population, the constant threat of a new war by Azerbaijan, the status of Artsakh, social-economic and humanitarian matters are priorities on the national agenda.

They cannot be resolved without the existence of an economically and politically strong, developed and competitive Armenia, without a fundamental transformation of the Homeland-Diaspora ties and the full use of the existing potential, without full-fledged cooperation with our international partners.

In our history, Artsakh and the people of Artsakh have always had a special significance for the Armenian world. That is so today as well when a period full of new challenges has begun for our people.

We have no right any more to make mistakes in any issue of the pan-Armenian agenda”.

A Plea for Compromise – Reconnecting Armenia With the World

Tatoyan Vazgen
Sept 3 2021
By Ivan Sascha Sheehan

The contorted lines of railways and gas pipes across the South Caucasus bear the imprint of a torrid history. Whether breakaway republics from Georgia or the Azerbaijan-Armenian dispute, frozen conflicts have forced nations to move against geography’s imperatives. But if this has damaged one country above others, it is Armenia – a nation whose diaspora twice outnumber it.

Over 80% of the former Soviet republic’s borders have been closed for more than 30 years, stunting its economic development.But the reason for this fiscal debility has recently disappeared.

As the Soviet Union collapsed, Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan descended into conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh,  a mountainous region within the latter’s borders but with a mixed population. Azerbaijan suffered serious territorial losses – nearly a fifth of its country. In response, along with ally Turkey, it closed its border with Armenia. But a rerun of the conflict last year reversed most of Azerbaijan’s past losses – and with it, the justification for Armenia’s economic isolation.

Tensions remain high. Borders are yet to be renormalized, leaving the situation as before: a slither of border with Iran to the South (along difficult mountain roads), and one with Georgia to the North (itself not a well-connected country).With few natural resources, the geopolitics has posed major problems for Armenia’s development since independence. Many of its young now emigrate when they can.

This could all now change with economic reintegration. The November ceasefire agreement committed both countries to reopen the transport lines that existed between them in Soviet days. The most obvious place to begin is the reestablishment of a 1946 train line that ran parallel to Armenia’s southern border with Iran.

It would be easy to sell to both domestic audiences, many of whom see one’s gain coming only at the other’s expense. The line would connect Armenia into the regional train network, reestablish a rail freight line with Iran at the transit town Julfa, and most importantly, gain a prized part in the so-called middle corridor – the fastest freight line stretching from China to Europe through Turkey and Central Asia, bringing the benefit of wider trade, transit fees, and foreign investment.

For Azerbaijan, it would connect its mainland to its exclave Nakhchivan. Reachable now only through lengthy circumnavigation, it is the world’s largest landlocked exclave and holds special significance in Azerbaijani culture. Consequently, the Armenian government has been talking tough on whether to restore the link, hoping to win concessions. Yerevan has said the November 9 peace accord does not imply the opening of a corridor from Azerbaijan through Armenia to Nakhichevan. But term nine of the agreement states:“The Republic of Armenia shall guarantee the security of transport connections between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.”

Yerevan may be overplaying its hand.The government is right to identify the high value Azerbaijan places on reconnecting with Nakhchivan. However, taking an uncooperative stance may push Azerbaijan to consider building a fresh line on the Iranian side of the border. Allowing this to happen would be a catastrophic miscalculation by the Armenian administration, condemning its economy to isolation for decades to come.

We know which route is preferable for Azerbaijan. For one, the cost of the line through Armenia is cheaper. Though most of the rail line has been looted, tunnels and track ballast remain to run a new one through and upon. Establishing a new line through Iran would require expensive work to clear the path; not to mention the logistical difficulties posed by American sanctions on Tehran. But these costs pale in comparison to the symbolic importance of linking Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan once again.

That is why the Armenian government must cooperate now, or risk being left behind. Leaders have failed to compromise before. Following the first war,the first President of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, warned there was a choice when it came to the Karabakh problem: war or peace? The first would be the result of a maximalist Armenian position on the disputed territory: not giving up an inch of land, despite it breaching international law; then achieving recognition of Karabakh’s independence or merging with Armenia.The second would be a compromise on the issue where both Armenia and Azerbaijan came to a political settlement: some form of autonomy which preserved the rights of Armenians in Karabakh as a part of sovereign Azerbaijan.

Yet many leaders at the time maintained a maximalist position whilst pretending peace would last indefinitely. Meanwhile, Armenia’s economy suffered in isolation, as Azerbaijan’s grew exponentially from its rich natural resources. Azerbaijan was never going to accept the status quo on Karabakh; unable to enter its internationally recognized territory, with over 800,000 internally displaced persons wishing to return to their homes. If compromise was not found, war was the only other path.

Ter-Petrosyan’s words were not heeded. Uncompromising stances led to the breakdown of a peaceful and diplomatic solution. The resulting loss of most of Karabakh last year was greater than what could have been negotiated.

Now again, the government argues from a false sense of strength that Armenia can go without regional integration and still thrive economically. But this will only hinder generations to come, as the decisions on those before have for the young today. Many will continue to leave the country.

As the recent war demonstrated, nobody will come running to Armenia’s aid over Karabakh. It must instead rely on itself. Missing out on regional integration will only weaken the country. The question now is whether Yerevan will pursue peace with prosperity or peace without prosperity.

Prof. Ivan Sascha Sheehan is the executive director of the School of Public and International Affairs at The University of Baltimore. Opinions expressed are his own. 
  

The Armenian church of Malatya reopens for worship after 106 years

Emil Lazarian
Sept 1 2021
Wednesday, 1 September 2021
Malatya (Agenzia Fides) The Armenian Apostolic Church of Surp Yerrortutyun (Holy Trinity), in the eastern Turkish province of Malatya, has reopened its doors to divine worship after an interruption of 106 years. The divine liturgy, celebrated in the church on Sunday, August 29, was presided over by Sahak Maşalyan, current Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople, and was attended by a large number of Armenian Christians residing in the region. The day before, Saturday, August 28, the building had been reopened as a "Cultural Center of Art and Tashhoran Culture". The architectural work, whose construction had been completed in 1893, was in a state of decay after decades of total abandonment. The last liturgical celebration took place there in 1915, when the place of worship was under the jurisdiction of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, and before Anatolia became the scene of the deportations and massacres known as the "Armenian Genocide".

The restoration of the church – reports the bilingual Armenian-Turkish newspaper Agos – was promoted by the local Hayder association. Local political authorities, present at the inauguration, explained that the architectural complex is being reopened to the public as a cultural center. At the same time, upon request, local Armenian Christian communities will be able to use the church for ecclesial initiatives, baptisms and weddings, prayer meetings and divine liturgies. "The church, restored 100 years later as an artistic and cultural center" declared Patriarch Maşalyan in the speech given during the inaugural celebrations, "also opens to Christian citizens for worship. Of course, we take this as a very important message in terms of peace, unity and brotherhood for this country".

In recent times (see Fides, 23/1/2021 and 27/1/2021) the fate of ancient Christian places of worship reduced to a state of abandonment that had been put up for sale by private owners or had even been dismantled in order to free up land for the benefit of new building and real estate initiatives had caused disappointment. Even the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Constantinople had issued a statement on the matter, expressing regret that "ecclesiastical buildings are perceived as a commercial good and are seen by some as a source of income". In the past – the declaration of the Armenian Patriarchate based in Istanbul continued – Christian places of worship were established, built or restored thanks to the 'edicts of the Sultan'. We know that protecting the ecclesiastical buildings that contribute to the cultural wealth of our country, which are no longer available to the communities of reference, is in any case a duty of the competent institutions of the state". (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 1/9/2021)
  

WB: Dare to Succeed: Armenian Women in Small Business

Elizabeth Jabejian
Sept 3 2021


Five stories of women entrepreneurs from various regions of Armenia engaged in different types of business. Each story portrays their experiences – how the idea of their business originated, the path from idea to getting established, the enabling environment and the kind of constraints they faced and overcame. Each of the five women provides advice to other women interested in setting-up or doing business in Armenia. Their motto: dare to start, dare to proceed, dare to succeed!
 
Watch the video at 

Annual service to be held in Van’s Akdamar Armenian Church

Elizabeth Jabejian
TOYS MATRIX
Sept 3 2021

By Kemal Pasha On Sep 3, 2021

The Armenian Church on Akdamar Island in Turkey’s eastern province of Van will host the faithful from around the world for annual religious service.

The preparations were completed for the once-a-year ritual, which was held for the first time in 2010 after a 95-year hiatus with the special permission of the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

The ceremony, normally attended by hundreds of people, will be held this year with a limited number of participants as part of the COVID-19 measures.

The visitors will be taken to the Akdamar island on boats from Gevaş and Edremit districts of Van on Sept. 5 and will participate in the ceremony after having their temperatures measured.

The Armenian church, also known as the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Aghtamar and Surp Haç, was built between 915 and 921 by architect Bishop Manuel under the sponsorship of Gagik I Artsruni of the Kingdom of Vaspurakan.

After the 1915 incidents during World War I when the Armenian community in the area was relocated, the church was abandoned. The building’s restoration began in 2005 and it opened as a museum two years later after a comprehensive reconstruction carried out by the state at a cost of about $1.4 million.

The church is open to visitors as a museum, while the Armenian Orthodox community is allowed to hold an annual religious service.

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