Month: November 2023

The Wings of Tatev cable car has been nominated for World Travel Awards 2023

John Hovhannisian
 Guest Contributor Nonprofit News 0

The Wings of Tatev cable car has once again been nominated for the prestigious international tourism award, World Travel Awards 2023, in the category of “World’s Leading Cable Car Ride 2023.” The project previously won in this category in 2021. Now it is competing with cable cars from Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the United States and Vietnam.

Wings of Tatev is the world’s longest passenger cable car. It entered the Guinness Book of Records, not only because of its length – 5,752 meters – but also as the world’s only engineering structure of this scale built in just 10 months. The ropeway project was realized by the Austrian-Swiss company Doppelmayr/Garaventa, a leader in the field of ropeway construction.

On October 16, 2023, the Wings of Tatev cable car celebrated its 13th year of operation. Since its opening in 2010, it has been used by more than 1,300,000 people. Thanks to the cable car, every fifth tourist in Armenia visits Tatev. The Wings of Tatev project is part of the “Tatev revival program,” initiated by Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend. The cable car, managed by Impulse Business Management, is a non-profit project, and all its proceeds are directed towards the restoration of the Tatev Monastery and community development.

To vote for the Wings of Tatev, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the official award website by following the link.
  2. Register with your email.
  3. Confirm the received email.
  4. Click on the “Vote Now” button.
  5. Choose the “World” section.
  6. Select line 60: “World’s Leading Cable Car Ride 2023.”
  7. Vote for “Wings of Tatev, Armenia.” 

The voting deadline is November 17, 2023.




Providence community unites for “Together for Artsakh” fundraiser

Karlen Baghdasarian
 Guest Contributor Community News, Diaspora 0

PROVIDENCE, R.I.—The Armenian community of Rhode Island is coming together on Saturday, November 18 at the Egavian Hall (70 Jefferson Street, Providence, RI 02908) for a special event to support our most important cause. The Together for Artsakh fundraiser is set to be a memorable evening as we come together to raise funds for the displaced families of Artsakh. 

The event is being hosted jointly by our community organizations: the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), Armenian Relief Society (ARS), Homenetmen and Hamazkayin. 

A buffet dinner catered by Sonia’s Near East Market & Deli will be served at 6:30 p.m., with a program to follow.

ARS representative Taline Mkrtschjan will provide an update from the work being done on the ground in our homeland. Having recently returned from Armenia, she will provide crucial insights into the current relief efforts in progress.

Attendees will also receive a visionary outlook by ARF Bureau member Khajag Megerdichian, who will share his thoughts and perspective on the future role our diasporan Armenian communities will play in supporting the homeland.

The highlight of the evening will be a captivating performance of Armenian folk, patriotic and revolutionary songs by Tro Krikorian and Ara Dabandjian. Their acoustic renditions will strike a deep chord of Armenian patriotism, creating an unforgettable atmosphere of unity and solidarity.

We encourage all members of our community and beyond to come together and make this event a resounding success. Let us unite as a community and stand—together for Artsakh. Your presence and support are invaluable as we come together to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. 

All proceeds from the fundraiser will be directed towards supporting the ARS relief efforts for displaced Artsakh families, making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by the ongoing challenges in the region.

Tickets are available for purchase for $60 online. For cash/check payments and table reservation requests, please contact Nareg Mkrtschjan through email at [email protected] or by phone at 401-358-2155.




Young European Socialists condemn Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Artsakh

Garik Boshkezenian
 Guest Contributor Diaspora, Youth 0

Sarineh Abrahamian, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) and vice president of the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY), actively participated in the Young European Socialists’ (YES) Congress held in Barcelona, Spain from October 20-23, 2023. This gathering represents the pinnacle of the organization’s activities involving the submission of comprehensive progress reports, the adoption of resolutions that shape the organization’s policies and the election of new leadership.

During the meeting, spurred by the initiative of the Young Socialists of France and with the support of the Social Democratic Youth Organization of Germany, a pivotal resolution was proposed. The resolution fervently condemns the ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Azerbaijan against the Armenian population of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). It calls upon international courts to conduct thorough investigations into all those accountable for war crimes and advocates for their stringent prosecution. Additionally, it impels the leadership of the European Union to reevaluate its relations with the Azerbaijani dictator Ilham Aliyev.

Furthermore, the resolution calls for expedited and more efficient humanitarian aid for refugees from Artsakh, while also urging the European Union and its member states to support Armenia in safeguarding its borders, which face threats from Azerbaijan. The Young Socialists of Europe express their deep concern for the imperiled historical and cultural heritage of Artsakh. They staunchly defend the inalienable right of the people of Artsakh to return to their homeland and lead dignified, secure lives there. 

The full text of the resolution is available here, and you can watch Abrahamian delivering her remarks here.

This resolution garnered unanimous approval, with European delegations demonstrating strong support.

ARF member and vice president of the International Union of Socialist Youth Sarineh Abrahamian delivers powerful remarks at the YES Congress in Barcelona, Spain

During the plenary session, Abrahamian underscored the significance of the resolution, extending gratitude to her French and German colleagues for their unwavering dedication. Abrahamian also addressed the notable oversights of the leadership of the European Union, Russia and the United States regarding the Artsakh crisis. She urged concrete steps towards its resolution, specifically emphasizing the right of Artsakh Armenians to return to their ancestral lands and the recognition of Artsakh’s right to self-determination.

Additionally, the ARF representative emphasized that Armenians must not solely place blame on the international community but rather endeavor to establish robust leadership. Abrahamian pointed out that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been suppressing dissenting voices and curbing opposition, while the European Union legitimizes his manipulative autocracy and undemocratic actions.




Watertown High School’s Armenian Club raises almost $1,200 for ARS Artsakh Relief

Jhanna Virabian
 Guest Contributor Community News, Diaspora 0

WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian Club at Watertown High School organized a highly successful bake sale, raising nearly $1,200 to support the Armenian Relief Society (ARS). The event was led by club co-presidents Ishkhan Ishkhanian and Gacia Haserjian, along with their dedicated teacher advisor, Siran Tamakian.

The bake sale, which took place on a sunny Friday after school, drew a remarkable turnout from students and faculty. The aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, and a wide variety of delectable treats were available for purchase, from traditional Armenian pastries to homemade cookies and brownies.

The primary goal of the event was to raise funds for the ARS, an international organization that supports Armenians in need, particularly those affected by the ongoing conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The crisis in Artsakh has led to widespread displacement, suffering and a dire need for humanitarian aid. The funds raised will go towards providing essential aid such as food, shelter and medical assistance to the affected Armenians of Artsakh.

In addition to the bake sale, the Armenian Club displayed informational posters throughout the school sharing insights on the ongoing hardships in Artsakh. They expressed their gratitude to everyone who donated and supported their mission to provide much-needed relief to Artsakh’s Armenians. 

Members of the Watertown High School Armenian Club, including co-presidents Ishkhan Ishkhanian and Gacia Haserjian holding the bake sale sign

Ishkhanian and Haserjian, both deeply passionate about their Armenian heritage and the global Armenian community, took the initiative to lead the bake sale. The duo worked tirelessly alongside their fellow club members to make the event a resounding success. 

Tamakian, the Armenian Club’s teacher advisor, played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the students throughout the planning and execution of the bake sale. Her dedication and commitment to the cause were evident in the seamless organization of the event.

“We are deeply grateful to our school, both students and faculty, for their overwhelming support. The funds raised will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Armenians facing the hardships in Artsakh. We are proud to see our WHS community come together to help those in need,” Ishkanian said.

“Our bake sale was a display of the force that the WHS community has, and it shows that even small efforts can make a significant impact. We want to thank everyone who contributed and express our unwavering support for the people of Artsakh,” Haserjian added. 

The Watertown High School’s Armenian Club has proven that through unity and determination, young individuals can be a force for positive change. The success of their bake sale stands as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing global issues and helping those in need.




AW: New York Winter Vernissage 2023

Lara Antonian
 Guest Contributor Community News, Diaspora 0

The AYF New York “Hyortik,” Manhattan “Moush” and ANC-NY Chapters will be hosting the third annual New York Vernissage fundraising event on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 1-5 p.m. at St. Sarkis Armenian Apostolic Church, 3685 234th Street, Douglaston, NY 11363. 

The event is usually held in the springtime, but this year we are introducing our first NY Winter Vernissage during the holiday season. We would like to take the time to acknowledge the cultural achievements of Armenian Diasporans today and feature the success of our local Armenian businesses through art, food, clothing, accessories and more. Our Vernissage event, inspired by the popular open-air market in Yerevan, Armenia, is unique as it highlights the amazing work of different types of Armenian vendors. It also brings together our local community and emphasizes the importance of supporting our fellow Armenians.

If you are interested in participating as a vendor, please contact [email protected] for more information about selling products. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Armenian Relief Society Artsakh Relief Fund.

We look forward to the event and encourage the Greater New York community to join us for another successful NY Vernissage event this December!




RFE/RL Armenian Service – 10/31/2023

Mary Lazarian 
                                        Tuesday, 


Armenian Government Reluctant To Pay Karabakh Pensions

        • Anush Mkrtchian

Armenia - Pensioners and other refugees from Nagorno Karabakh visit a Karabakh 
office in Yerevan, October 18, 2023.


The Armenian government has no plans to pay the pensions and other benefits 
received by residents of Nagorno-Karabakh until their exodus to Armenia, Finance 
Minister Vahe Hovannisian said on Tuesday.

The government had for decades contributed a large part of Karabakh’s budget in 
the form of monthly subsidies officially called “interstate loans.” The figure 
reportedly averaged 12 billion drams ($30 million) per month this year, with 
roughly half of it used for paying public sector salaries, pensions and other 
benefits.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s administration made clear that it will not pay 
them anymore shortly after more than 100,000 Karabakh Armenians took refuge in 
Armenia following the September 19-20 Azerbaijani military offensive that 
restored Baku’s control over the region. It said that all refugees will instead 
receive 50,000 drams ($125) each in November and December in addition to 100,000 
drams given to them this month.

An exiled Karabakh official told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service earlier this month 
that Yerevan is even reluctant to pay the September pensions and salaries 
despite the fact that the exodus began at the end of last month.

Hovannisian confirmed this, saying that the government has no obligation to meet 
the Karabakh leadership’s last financial obligations.

“We didn’t give pensions to anyone [in Karabakh,]” he told reporters. “We gave 
the government of Nagorno-Karabakh money and it decided to what to do with it: 
pay pensions or make other expenditures.”

“We have no decision not to give [the September pensions,] but I see no reason 
why we should give … We are already paying people sums equivalent to pensions,” 
added the minister.

ARMENIA - Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh region ride in the back of a truck as 
they arrive in the border village of Kornidzor, September 26, 2023.

A Karabakh office in Yerevan indicated, meanwhile, that the Karabakh pensioners, 
many of whom lack adequate housing, may still be paid for September. It said 
nothing about benefits paid to other categories of Karabakh’s displaced 
population, notably retired military personnel.

Armen Arushanian, a disabled Karabakh veteran of a past war with Azerbaijan, 
still hoped to continue getting his monthly allowance in Armenia when he visited 
the office on Tuesday.

“They told me to forget about military pensions,” Arushanian told RFE/RL’s 
Armenian Service.

Armenian opposition figures and other critics have condemned the government’s 
stance as immoral. They claim that Pashinian is washing his hands of the 
Karabakh refugees after controversially recognizing Azerbaijani sovereignty over 
Karabakh in May.

Pashinian has repeatedly assured the refugees that his government will help them 
settle down and find new livelihoods in Armenia.

The government sparked another controversy last week when it decided to grant 
them “temporary protection” formalizing their status of refugees. It thus made 
clear that it does not consider the Karabakh Armenians as citizens of Armenia 
despite the fact that virtually all of them hold Armenian passports. Government 
officials described their passports as mere “travel documents,” a claim disputed 
by some legal experts.




New Armenian Plant Moved Away From Azeri Border


Armenia - The site of a steel plant that was due to be built in Yeraskh, June 
15, 2023.


Economy Minister Vahan Kerobian confirmed on Tuesday that a U.S.-Armenian joint 
venture has decided, for security reasons, to relocate a metallurgical plant 
which it began building on Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan earlier this year.

The construction site in Yeraskh, a border village 55 kilometers south of 
Yerevan, came under fire from nearby Azerbaijani army positions on a virtually 
daily basis in June. Two Indian nationals working there were seriously wounded 
on June 14.

The automatic gunfire began one week after the Azerbaijani government protested 
against the $70 million project. It claimed that building the industrial 
facility without its permission is a violation of international environmental 
norms. The Armenian Foreign Ministry brushed aside Baku’s “false” environmental 
concerns, saying that they are a smokescreen for impeding economic growth and 
foreign investment in Armenia.

Despite making defiant statements, Armenian and U.S. investors behind the 
project suspended work on the plant later in the summer.

A security guard at the Yeraskh construction site and several villagers said on 
September 14 that the GTB joint venture has begun moving construction and 
industrial equipment from the site. The company did not confirm that. An RFE/RL 
crew spotted a new and active construction site near the town of Ararat, several 
kilometers from Yeraskh.

“The Yeraskh metallurgical project continues to be implemented,” Kerobian told 
reporters. He acknowledged that the steel plant is now constructed in a 
different, “nearby” location.

Asked whether that means Armenia has again succumbed to Azerbaijani pressure, 
the minister said: “We are dealing with private investors who decide their 
further actions on their own. Given the geopolitical and regional environment, 
we are trying to be as helpful as possible.”

Armenia’s largest gold mine also located on the border with Azerbaijan was 
likewise targeted by systematic Azerbaijani gunfire this spring. The Russian 
owner of the Sotk gold mine announced in June that it has no choice but to end 
open-pit mining operations there and put many of its 700 workers on unpaid leave.




Drug Trafficking, Abuse Continues To Soar In Armenia

        • Ruzanna Stepanian

Armenia - Interior Minister Vahe Ghazarian meets with parliarnent deputies, 
.


Pro-government lawmakers called for mandatory drug tests in Armenian schools on 
Tuesday in response to a continuing rapid increase in drug trafficking cases in 
the country.

The total number of drug-related crimes recorded by the Armenian police more 
than doubled in the first nine months of this year, continuing an upward trend 
observed in recent years. It is widely blamed on increasingly accessible 
synthetic drugs mainly sold through the internet and, in particular, the social 
media platform Telegram. Links to Telegram channels selling such narcotics can 
now be seen painted on residential buildings and other public areas across 
Yerevan.

The alarming trend has prompted serious concern from not only opposition 
politicians but also parliament deputies representing the ruling Civil Contract 
party. The latter again raised their concerns with Interior Minister Vahe 
Ghazarian during a meeting held as part of preliminary parliamentary discussions 
of the 2024 state budget drafted by the Armenian government. They were 
particularly worried about drug trafficking in or around schools, a new 
phenomenon which was virtually non-existent in Armenia several years ago.

One of those lawmakers, Hayk Sargsian, described the growing drug abuse among 
school students as a “national security problem” and called for all teenagers to 
be subjected to drug test by the police at least once a year. Positive test 
results should be communicated to parents and/or lead to “some punitive 
measures,” said Sargsian.

Armenia - A photo by the State Revenue Committee shows packets of heroin 
smuggled from Iran and seized by Armenian law-enforcement authorities, July 2, 
2021.

Andranik Kocharian, the chairman of the parliament committee on defense and 
security, said such testing must also be mandatory for police officers and other 
security personnel suspected of involvement in trafficking rings.

Another pro-government lawmaker, Vahagn Aleksanian, said the police should 
instead encourage the parents of underage Armenians and “especially boys” to 
conduct tests at home.

“If the problem is widespread among minors, then there isn’t much the police can 
do,” he said. “Parental control must be the key thing here.”

Ghazarian backed these proposals and called for a broader toughening of the 
fight against the increasingly serious problem. In particular, he said, the 
Armenian authorities must again criminalize drug addiction.

“The more we toughen sanctions against drug trafficking, the more the figures 
will fall,” the interior minister told the parliamentarians.

The rising drug-related cases have been a key factor behind considerable annual 
increases in Armenia’s overall crime rate registered since the 2018 “velvet 
revolution.” The police recorded 29,682 various crimes in January-September 
2023, up by 12 percent year on year. Critics claim that the country is not as 
safe as it used to be because its current government headed by Prime Minister 
Nikol Pashinian is more incompetent and softer on crime than the previous ones.



Reposted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
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