Month: November 2023

Use of Force by Azerbaijan Against Armenia is not Acceptable, says Subcommittee Chairman Kean (R-NJ)

Arpi Talalian
Armenian Assembly of America

(l-r) Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Chairman of Europe Subcommittee on House Foreign Affairs, Ranking Member of Europe Subcommittee on House Foreign Affairs, Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA), and Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) 


Washington, D.C. – During today’s hearing on “The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh,” House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe Chairman Tom Kean (R-NJ) made clear that the use of force by Azerbaijan against Armenia is unacceptable,” reported the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly).

In his opening remarks, Chairman Kean stated that “we cannot afford to look away from the region” and made clear that the “use of force against sovereign Armenian territory, including in the Syunik province, will be completely and totally unacceptable.”

Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-MA) echoed the Chairman’s message, stating that “military action is unacceptable”, and also indicated his support for a “safe and dignified return” of the Armenians of Artsakh.

Testifying before the Subcommittee, Department of State Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Europe and Eurasian Affairs James O’Brien repeatedly highlighted that the Biden Administration has no intention of waiving Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act for the foreseeable future and that such a decision does not negatively impact U.S. national security.

O’Brien highlighted that the Armenians of Artsakh should have complete access and that the Administration is insisting on the protection of their property and cultural assets as well as a “viable opportunity to return.” With respect to transport links (road and rail) in southern Armenia, O’Brien stated that it should not be created through force. When asked by Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) about the use of sanctions against Azerbaijan if “other methods don’t work,” O’Brien committed to the use of sanctions.

The Assembly has repeatedly called for sanctions to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its genocidal policies, and its testimony today stated that “Azerbaijan should not be rewarded for their continued assault against the Armenian people, but rather sanctioned” and highlighted that the “U.S. has many tools at its disposal to do so from the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and economic sanctions to trade restrictions and the enforcement of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act,” along with the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act.

Representative Dina Titus (D-NV) raised concerns about Turkey’s role in the region, including the use of Turkish F-16s in the 2020 war, while Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) highlighted the fallacy of the U.S. providing military assistance to Azerbaijan to counter Russian and Iranian influence while Azerbaijan has significant energy ties to Russia and Iran. Assistant Secretary O’Brien acknowledged that the Administration is aware of the situation which it found not in the U.S. interest.

In his remarks, Representative Joe Wilson (R-SC) highlighted his position that “dictators with the rule of gun [should] not prevail over democracies with rule of law.”

Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA) and Brad Schneider (D-IL) expressed concern about Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of the Armenians of Artsakh and the humanitarian needs arising from it. “It was ethnic cleansing that happened with the removal of these Armenians from their historic homeland in Nagorno-Karabakh… These folks did not want to leave,” stated Rep Costa who also asked about the Administration’s supplemental request and hoped that part of the humanitarian request would include Armenia. Rep. Costa also encouraged congressional visits to Armenia and the assistance of the Administration, to which O’Brien agreed.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.

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Armenpress: Prime Minister Pashinyan to answer questions from the public during upcoming press conference

Adrine Hakobian

 10:15, 16 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will hold a live press conference on November 24 at 12:00 where he will answer questions from the public. 

The Prime Minister’s Office said that the public, including Armenians in the Diaspora, can send questions beforehand via a video-message on WhatsApp at +374 44 900 800 from November 17 to November 23. Members of the public are urged to mention their name, country of residence and occupation. The Prime Minister will answer questions that are “brief, appropriate and clear.”

The press conference will be broadcast live on Public TV, the Prime Minister’s Facebook account and the Government’s YouTube channel.

U.S. developing record of what happened in Nagorno-Karabakh, says State Department official

Toneyan Mark

 10:39, 16 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The United States is developing a record of what happened in Nagorno-Karabakh and is working on support for Armenia, James O’Brien, Assistant Secretary at the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, announced during a congressional hearing on Wednesday, RFE/RL’s Armenian service reported.

During the hearing on “The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh” held by the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Europe, James O’Brien noted that the subject of investigation is not only what happened in Nagorno-Karabakh during September when the region’s virtually entire ethnic Armenian population fled their homes within a matter of days after a lightening military operation launched by Azerbaijan, but also during the months preceding it.

“We have commissioned independent investigators, we have our own investigators working in the field. There is information available from international non-governmental organizations and other investigators. And as we develop the record of what happened, we will be completely open about what we are finding. I can’t put a timeline on this investigation, but we will inform you as we go forward,” RFE/RL’s Armenian service quoted O’Brien as saying.

“The second thing we are working on is support for Armenia… I am very impressed by the Armenian government’s commitment to reforms and diversifying relationships that it has – economic, political, energy and security – particularly in the Trans-Atlantic community. And I think we owe it to the people of Armenia to help them through this difficult situation so that those choices they have made very bravely are able to help them to make them have a more secure, stable and prosperous future,” the U.S. diplomat added.

Speaking on behalf of the Department of State, O’Brien said that Washington insists that Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians have complete access to the territory, on the protection of the property and culture and that they receive adequate information “so that they can make real choice about their future.”

State Department signals pause in U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan

Adrine Hakobian

 11:17, 16 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador James O’Brien, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, told House Foreign Affairs Committee members on November 15  “we have not and don’t anticipate submitting a waiver on [Section ] 907,” referencing the 1992 U.S. law that restricts U.S. aid to Azerbaijan based on its ongoing aggression against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Amb. O’Brien flatly rejected arguments – often advanced by the Azerbaijani lobby — that enforcing Section 907 would undermine U.S. national security interests, the ANCA reports.

Amb. O’Brien’s statements came during the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Subcommittee on Europe hearing on “The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh”, where Committee members pressed the State Department and USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Dr. Alexander Sokolowski about expanding U.S. aid to the over 100,000 Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian victims of Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing and efforts to stop renewed Aliyev regime aggression against Armenia.

“Over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh are now living as refugees in Armenia. We cannot afford to look away from the region or be distracted by other conflicts proliferating across the globe,” stated Subcommittee on Europe Chair Tom Kean (R-NJ). He went on to call on State Department and USAID representatives to outline plans for humanitarian assistance to NK refugees and asked them to clarify the Biden Administration’s message to Azerbaijani officials to prevent further attacks against Armenia. “I hope our witnesses today will explain how they are communicating to President Aliyev that the use of force against sovereign Armenian territory, including in the Syunik province, would be completely and totally unacceptable,” stated Chairman Kean.

Subcommittee Ranking Democrat Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) concurred, noting “I strongly believe we must provide humanitarian and economic assistance to displaced people in Armenia and ensure accountability for any potential crimes committed against those fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh or those who are choosing to remain there.”

Speaking of the 100,000 Armenian refugees “uprooted” from NK, Amb. O’Brien told Congress “we insist on the people having complete access to the territory, on the protection of the property, the protection of the culture, and that the people receive adequate information so that they can make a real choice about their future and know that they have the viable opportunity to return and live well in Nagorno-Karabakh if that’s what they choose.” Amb. O’Brien announced that the State Department has commissioned independent investigators, and is working with international partners to provide “a comprehensive, thorough, and transparent record of what happened, not just on those days, but for the months before.” No timeline was announced for the presentation of the report.

In an attempt to address Congressional concerns about a clear US response to Azerbaijan’s attack on NK that led to the forced exile of NK Armenians, Amb. O’Brien noted “We’ve canceled a number of high-level visits […] We don’t anticipate submitting a [Section 907] waiver until such time as we see a real improvement in the situation. All of this is to say we continue to urge peace.”

With regard to the U.S. humanitarian aid for NK’s forcibly displaced, Dr. Sokolowski reiterated USAID Administrator Power’s commitment of $11.5 million in U.S. assistance. He also announced that “USAID has focused nearly $6 million in funding from existing programming at USAID Armenia to respond to the humanitarian crisis.”

Members of Congress were skeptical about the State Department’s optimism about Azerbaijan-Armenia peace talks and President Aliyev’s commitment to peace in the region.

“I don’t see the peace process as going nearly as well as some of the descriptions I’ve just heard. The meeting in Granada, Spain, the last two meetings, Azerbaijan refused to go. I don’t know how you describe that as being positive,” stated Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA). He went on to raise security concerns stemming from proposed economic corridors through Armenia. “Armenians are concerned and feel threatened by that corridor and what it might imply for another grabbing of land by Azerbaijan once it’s established.”

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) asked Assistant Secretary O’Brien to outline the specific resources the State Department is prepared to use to ensure Azerbaijan honors a peace deal. “What are you prepared to do, Ambassador [O’Brien], to create a carrot and stick to move this agenda? Are you willing to add sanctions for non-compliance?” Assistant Secretary O’Brien stated, “Yes, we are looking at all the tools we have. I’m not going to preview any sanctions decisions, but that’s certainly a tool in our toolkit.”

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) questioned Biden Administration’s military aid to Azerbaijan in the face of President Aliyev’s ties with Russia and Iran. “Sanctioned Russian and Iranian companies own significant shares in Azerbaijan’s gas fields exporting energy to Europe, and Azerbaijan has recently signed lucrative energy deals with both countries,” stated Rep. Lawler. Assistant Secretary O’Brien noted they were aware of Azerbaijan’s energy deals, and affirmed they are not in US national interests.

“Many of us here in Congress sent letter after letter after letter and supported resolution after resolution to exert pressure and relieve the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, which had been exacerbated since the 2020 war. It looks like we failed,” stated Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) in powerful remarks questioning the State Department’s assessment of prospects for peace. “The tightening of the stranglehold around Nagorno-Karabakh over the years until the ethnic Armenian population was forced to leave, was not just about counterterrorism, and it was not just about geopolitics,” stated Rep. Schneider. He went on to relay the story of the brutal murder of Armenian serviceman Gurgen Margaryan, axed to death by Azerbaijani soldier Ramil Safarov during a NATO exercise in Hungary in 2004. Safarov was extradited back to Azerbaijan in 2012, where he was promoted and rewarded for his actions. “What should be our takeaway from what happened in 2004 through 2012? How should we think of the possibilities of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan in this context,” asked Rep. Schneider.

Calling the Margaryan’s murder a “reprehensible” set of events, Amb. O’Brien cited the need for “accountability for crimes,” and “setting a new path going forward,” but stopped short of outlining any clear U.S. actions to achieve the former or to ensure the latter – placing the onus on Armenia and Azerbaijan. “We are creating a path for them to take and incentives for them to go there.”

Noting Turkey’s history of genocide against the Armenian people, Rep. Dina Titus cited the close ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan and asked “what kind of damage are they causing now?” Rep. Titus called for end-use monitoring of US weapons sold to Turkey, expressing concern about Turkey’s illegal transfer of military parts and munitions to Azerbaijan

Rep. Madeleine Dean stressed the importance of the hearing. “What started as a blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh culminated in the Azerbaijani offensive on September 19 and 20 to regain control of the region. Within 10 days, approximately 100,000 residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, about 80 percent of the population, fled to Armenia. Armenia, the U.S., E.U., and international organizations have stepped in to provide humanitarian assistance for the refugees, but many questions remain as to their future, as well as the future of Nagorno-Karabakh,” stated Rep. Dean.

Prime Minister Pashinyan says 2024 budget draft is ‘historic’

Meline Chalian

 11:30, 16 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The revenues in the 2024 budget will be doubled compared to 2018, increasing by 1 trillion 334 billion drams ($3 billion), Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said in parliament during debates of his administration's 2024 budget request.

“We are discussing the 2024 state budget draft and I have to say that in my opinion this is a historic budget of historic times,” Pashinyan said.

“The revenue part of the budget, compared to 2018, is being more than doubled, increasing by 1 trillion 334 billion drams, or 3 billion dollars. The expenditures part is also doubled,” Pashinyan said.

He noted that healthcare spending will be doubled, which means that the accessibility to healthcare for citizens will be doubled as well.

AraratBank joins Himq Support Foundation

Emil Lazarian

 11:33, 16 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Earlier in September, AraratBank decided to join Himq Support Foundation to assist our countrymen forcibly displaced from Artsakh.

AraratBank’s staff did not stand aside and committed themselves to making monthly transfers from their salaries to the special account - Supporting Artsakh Armenians - opened with AraratBank. The funds donated by the employees are regularly allotted to Himq Support Foundation account to take care of the critical needs of Artsakh Armenians.

Now it is also possible to send money through AraratMobile app. You need to log in, click Transfer, choose Supporting Artsakh Armenians and transfer money to the Fund's accounts in local or foreign currency:

AMD: 1510019628458463

USD: 1510016530220294

EUR: 1510016936976991  

RUB: 1510012517287202

The management of AraratBank has decided to transfer the funds intended for Christmas corporate gifts for partners and customers to Himq Support Foundation, as well as to cancel the annual New Year event, donating these funds to the Foundation.

As of November 14, 2023, over 1,340 beneficiaries have been provided with food and basic necessities, over 330 beneficiaries have received partial compensation for rentals, and about 3,500 beneficiaries have been registered and are undergoing evaluation processes.

Himq Support Foundation was established in September 2023, basing itself on the principle of securing the well-being and dignity of countrymen forcibly displaced from Artsakh. The Fund aims not only to address priority needs of Artsakh Armenians, but also to help them get back on their feet to provide for themselves in the future.

Sports: Croatia vs Armenia Prediction and Betting Tips | November 21st 2023

Ani Basmajian
Nov 19 2023
ByShubham Dupare
Croatia will entertain Armenia at the Stadion Maksimir in their final match of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualification campaign on Tuesday.

The hosts, second in the Group D table, need just one point from the match to ensure direct qualification into the main event. Wales are hot on their heels and trail them by just three points with one game left. If Wales win their match against Turkey and the hosts lose, only then will the 2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up fail to qualify directly for the UEFA Euro 2024.

In their previous outing, early goals from Lovro Majer and Andrej Kramarić helped them to a 2-0 away win over Latvia on Saturday.

Armenia held Wales to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, extending their winless run in all competitions to five games. Lucas Zelarayán opened the scoring in the fifth minute and it was an own goal from Nair Tiknizyan in added time of the first half that helped Wales earn a point from the match.

  • The two teams have squared off just twice in all competitions thus far, with one of the meetings being a friendly match. The hosts have enjoyed an unbeaten run in these games, recording one win and playing one draw.
  • Both meetings between the two teams have produced under 2.5 goals, with the hosts outscoring the visitors 2-1 in these games.
  • The hosts have outscored the visitors 12-9 in seven games in the qualifiers and also have the better defensive record, conceding six goals fewer (4).
  • Croatia have lost just once at home in European qualifiers, with that loss coming against Turkey last month.
  • Armenia have just two wins in their last 11 games in European qualifiers, suffering six defeats.

Kockasti have won just one of their last three home games in all competitions. Nonetheless, they have failed to score just once in their last 12 home games in European qualifiers while recording nine wins and should be able to produce a strong outing.

Bruno Petković, Nikola Vlašić, and Mateo Kovačić are confirmed absentees for the hosts while Josip Juranović will face a late fitness test after missing out against Latvia.

Havakakan have never qualified for the Euros and have suffered 40 losses in their 68 appearances in the qualifiers. Five of their four goals in the qualifiers in this edition have come in away games and they will look to build on that record in this match. Varazdat Haroyan picked up his fifth yellow card of the qualifying campaign and will serve a suspension here.

Both teams will look to sign off for the qualifying campaign on a positive note but considering the home advantage for Vatreni, we expect them to register a narrow win.

Prediction: Croatia 2-1 Armenia

Tip 1: Result – Croatia to win

Tip 2: Goals – Over/Under 2.5 Goals – Over 2.5 goals

Tip 3: At least a goal to be scored in the first half – Yes

Tip 4: Andrej Kramarić to score or assist any time – Yes

Azerbaijan rejects US invitation to participate in peace talks with Armenia in Washington

Christine Harutyunian
Foreign Brief
Nov 20 2023
BY NICK GIURLEO
NOVEMBER 20, 2023

Azerbaijan has declined an invitation from the US to participate in peace talks with Armenia in Washington today.

According to Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry, Azerbaijan would not send its foreign minister to participate in peace talks in the American capital due to the less-than-neutral stance of the administration of President Joe Biden on the ongoing crisis over Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku has specifically cited testimony by US Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien to the House of Representatives omitting references to Azerbaijani peace overtures to Armenia.

Azerbaijan’s decision is a significant blow to US efforts to present as an honest broker in the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis. On the micro level, it demonstrates a lack of unity and oversight within the State Department, criticized recently, for example, for internal dissent from some lower-level officials on the Biden administration’s policy toward Israel. On the macro level, expect the snub to help open the door for other interested brokers, like Turkey and Russia, to negotiate a peace agreement. The timing is especially poor for the US as Armenia and Azerbaijan have signalled—most recently at the latest meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on Saturday—that Yerevan and Baku are moving closer to a treaty.

Azerbaijan calls French statement on ICJ decision on Karabakh ‘irrelevant, unacceptable’

Yeghisabet Arthur
Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Nov 20 2023
Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL

Azerbaijan said Sunday that a statement issued by the French Foreign Ministry about a decision last week by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the situation in Karabakh is “irrelevant and unacceptable.”

The ICJ issued an order on Friday which stipulates that Baku should ensure the safety of those who wish to depart Karabakh and that those who wish to stay must remain “free from the use of force or intimidation that may cause them to flee.”

The French Foreign Ministry said this corresponds to the position of Paris.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said “France’s disregard for the rejection by the Court of most of the unlawful requests by Armenia is another vivid example of double-standards and bias against Azerbaijan.”

“It is lamentable that this country, which has presented itself as the greatest advocate of justice and order, misinterprets and meddles in the Court’s affairs on a matter that has nothing to do with France,” it added.

It said that France should “focus on the implementation of orders that are related to it, including with regard to its notorious colonial policy and illegal acts, including related to nuclear tests.”

“Unlike France, Azerbaijan takes its international obligations seriously,” it added.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/azerbaijan-calls-french-statement-on-icj-decision-on-karabakh-irrelevant-unacceptable-/3058906

GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] Secretary General reviews relations between GCC and Armenia

Tambiyan Samvel
Zawya
Nov 20 2023
DIPLOMACY

Throughout the meeting, they delved into several shared concerns, exploring economic and investment prospects between the GCC and Armenia, seeking ways to fortify their relationship

Staff Writer, Saudi Press Agency

Manama: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi has engaged in discussions with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, focusing on various collaborative fields between the GCC and Armenia. The aim was to bolster and elevate relations in a manner that advances the interests of both parties and fosters increased stability and prosperity.

This meeting took place in Manama, Bahrain's capital, today, on the sidelines of the nineteenth edition of the Manama Dialogue Conference, where the Armenian Foreign Minister was in attendance.

Throughout the meeting, they delved into several shared concerns, exploring economic and investment prospects between the GCC and Armenia, seeking ways to fortify their relationship. Additionally, they exchanged perspectives on recent developments in both regional and international arenas, while also addressing matters of mutual interest.