Author: Alex Jidarian

Populism fighting populism in Armenia – Garegin Miskaryan

Alex Jidarian
ARMINFO
Armenia –
David Stepanyan

ArmInfo.Populism is fighting populism in Armenia. The Opposition is using populist methods and instrument to fight against the authorities it is accusing of  populism, the public and political figure Garegin Miskaryan said in  an interview with ArmInfo.

“All these flags and failed visits to Artsakh is nothing but  populism. And if we dig deeper, we can see there is no either  parliamentary power or opposition – only because the people there  have nothing in common with Armenia’s national interests. They are  just incapable of solving our state problems, and their activities  are nothing but miserable struggle for power,” Mr Miskaryan said. 

The reason is the poor Armenian political thought. And the flags and  the rest – as well as populist statements and steps – are nothing but  means for the opposition forces to remind others of their existence.   And the ruling party is doing nothing but keep pace with them. 

Yerevan’s foreign policy formulated under external pressure is the  result of absence of political forces serving Armenia’s national  interests in Armenia’s parliament and of a political agenda. In this  context, the answer to the question as to whether Armenia will sit  down at the negotiating table with Azerbaijan depends on the  interests and influence of geopolitical actors rather than on the  Armenian authorities or opposition forces. 

It is clear that not all the steps by the Armenian leadership are in  conflict with Armenia’s interests.  Sometimes are can be in line with  the agenda of the external forces in control of Armenia’s  authorities.  However, they cannot oppose the external pressure when  the external forces’ foreign agenda is, to put it mildly, in conflict  with Armenia’ interests.   

“Over the last three decades the authoritarian Armenian authorities  have been serving the interests of external authoritarian systems.  And breaking out of this vicious circle is only possible by forming a  political culture and political forces of a new quality. The  incumbent political forces are unable to nor are they seeking to,” Mr  Miskaryan said. 

34th sitting of Interparliamentary Commission on Cooperation between Armenia, Russia takes place in Stepanavan

Alex Jidarian

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 19:17,

YEREVAN, APRIL 22, ARMENPRESS. The regular sitting of the Interparliamentary Commission on Cooperation between the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the Federation Council of the Russian Federation was dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Russia, as well as the 25th anniversary of the Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance. The Armenian and Russian parliamentarians held the 34th sitting of the commission on April 22 in Stepanavan.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the parliament of Armenia, the Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Viktor Bondarev praised the cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing that Armenia is a strategic ally of Russia. He stressed the importance of establishing stability in the region, noting that one of Russia’s priorities is the peaceful settlement of the situation in Nagorno Karabakh.

The Vice President of the Natoinal Assembly of Armenia, Co-Chair of the Armenian-Russian Commission on Interparliamentary Cooperation Hakob Arshakyan, in his turn, highlighted the role of Russian peacekeepers in maintaining peace in Nagorno Karabakh.

Chairman of the Defense and Security Committee of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Viktor Bondarev thanked the Armenian side and personally Hakob Arshakyan for organizing the sitting at a high level and for the warm reception.

According to Hakob Arshakyan, the results of the sitting were satisfactory, the discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere. According to him, a clear agreement has been reached to expand cooperation and implement programs in various fields.

Armenian Defense Minister, Ambassador of India discuss issues of bilateral cooperation in the defense field

Alex Jidarian

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 20:28,

YEREVAN, 13 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Minister of Defense of Armenia Suren Papikyan on April 13 received Ambassador of India to Armenia Kishan Dan Dewal.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, issues of bilateral cooperation were discussed at the meeting. In particular, the sides attached importance to the deepening of cooperation in military-technical, military-educational, combat readiness and peacekeeping fields.

The sides emphasized the importance of military-political consultations, high level mutual visits, as well as of signature of agreement of military cooperation between the Defense Ministries of Armenia and India.

AW: ARF Western USA celebrates organization’s 131st anniversary

Alex Jidarian
April 5, 2022 Guest Contributor Diaspora 0

ARF Western USA celebrates organization’s 131st anniversary

GLENDALE, Calif. – More than one-thousand members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Western USA attended a celebration in honor of the organization’s 131st anniversary.

Finally, after a five year pause, the ARF Western USA returned to its much-loved traditional ARF Day Celebration.

The program at the Alex Theatre commenced with a flag raising ceremony by the Homenetmen Western United States color guard and marching band. 

Flag raising ceremony led by the Homenetmen Western United States color guard and marching band

Historic documentary video clips highlighting the instrumental role of the ARF in the creation and strengthening of Armenian statehood and Diasporan institutions were presented.

The invocation was led by Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the US.

Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the US.

Master of Ceremonies Dikran Sassounian welcomed all attendees, recognizing a multitude of elected officials, organizational leaders and other dignitaries. Sassounian also addressed the past and present challenges faced by the ARF in the United States and worldwide, concluding that no force can impede the mission of the organization.

Dikran Sassounian

Preny Alaverdian of the Armenian Youth Federation Western Region (AYF-WR) also delivered a message.

Preny Alaverdian, AYF-WR

Then, the “Adana” dance ensemble performed the first of its multiple renditions.

Central Committee member Khachig Tazian delivered remarks on behalf of the ARF Western USA. “Today, we come to confirm that the ranks of the ARF in the Western United States cannot fail to be part of the struggle that is once again imposed upon the Armenian people. Today, we come to accept the challenge and declare our determination to fight again, to expand, to accelerate, and to organize. It is time to unite and reject all attempts and schemes that seek to weaken our will, our determination and our capacity.”

Khachig Tazian, Central Committee – ARF WUSA

Following the Central Committee’s remarks, the attendees enjoyed an exceptional performance of the songs “Martik’s Song” and “Tun im Hayreni” by Lala Yeremian, accompanied by Mher Gharakhanian on guitar.

Audience members also watched video messages from Arshak Mesrobian, representative of the ARF Bureau’s Youth Office, and Ishkhan Saghatelyan, chairman of the ARF Armenia’s Supreme Council and Vice Speaker of Parliament. Saghatelyan was slated to be the original keynote speaker of the event, but due to the country’s adverse conditions, he needed to stay in Armenia.

Serving as the main speaker of the event was ARF member and RA National Assembly deputy Arthur Khachatryan.

Arthur Khachatryan, MP

A member of the ARF since 1991, Khachatryan is a senior reserve lieutenant. He began his speech in Armenian and concluded it – for the elected officials and other non-Armenian speakers in the hall – in English. He explained the current situation in Artsakh and the proposed means to a just solution to the issue. Khachatryan emphasized why a nation cannot have a future based on concessions and capitulation and why lasting peace is an impossible outcome of the current processes.

He called on all Armenians to unite in the struggle against this disturbing period of Armenian history, against the internal and external enemies of Armenian statehood. Khachatryan also called on the OSCE Minsk Group and the United States, as co-chairs, to fulfill their responsibilities and act justly, respecting the right of nations to self-determination and recognizing the rights of the people of Artsakh.

The event’s final remarks were delivered by ARF Bureau member Khajag Mgrdichian. “We are all convinced that the person and the personal are very vulnerable to even the slightest loss of their homeland,” stressed Mgrdichian. “Today, in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, we are facing the imperative of exerting our will to fulfill our mission of liberating Artsakh and Armenia,” he concluded. 

ARF Bureau member Khajag Mgrdichian

The event also provided an opportunity for the Central Committee to announce the publication of its new official newspaper, Oragark. The printed copy of the first issue of the newspaper was distributed to those present at the event. The newspaper will be online, bilingual and will cover a wide range of issues of concern to the Armenian-Armenian community.

During the program, a video clip highlighting the activities of the AYF was presented, including a moving message from Hampig Sassounian to camp participants.

There was also a special memorial video in remembrance of regional ARF members who passed away in the last year.

Karnig Sarkissian closed out the evening, singing “Akh Hayrenik” and “In Memory of Kukunian.” He was accompanied by Armen Babayan on the piano.

Karnig Sarkissian

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 30-03-22

Alex Jidarian

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 17:31, 30 March, 2022

YEREVAN, 30 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 30 March, USD exchange rate down by 2.63 drams to 487.77 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.14 drams to 542.74 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.06 drams to 5.83 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 1.25 drams to 640.83 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 587.99 drams to 29952.94 drams. Silver price down by 6.26 drams to 386.41 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.

Turkish press: Erdoğan urges Armenia to abide by trilateral deal with Azerbaijan

Alex Jidarian
 KHIVA, UZBEKISTAN MAR 31, 2022 – 1:28 PM GMT+3

A service member of the Russian peacekeeping troops stands next to a tank near the border with Armenia, following the signing of a deal to end the military conflict between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces, in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Nov. 10, 2020. (Reuters File Photo)


Azerbaijan fully abides by the terms of the trilateral deal signed with Russia and Armenia, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said, as he called on Armenia to also abide by the terms.

In response to a question about recent tensions between Yerevan and Baku, Erdoğan told reporters in Khiva, Uzbekistan, that Azerbaijan is a valuable ally and a brotherly country.

“Azerbaijan fully abides by the terms of the Trilateral Agreement and has not violated it,” Erdoğan said, adding that the Azerbaijani military responded to an attack by Armenia.

He highlighted that Armenia needs to fully withdraw its troops from internationally-recognized Azerbaijani territory.

In a new flare-up of tensions in the region amid Russia’s military offensive in Ukraine, Azerbaijani troops on Thursday said their forces prevented a sabotage attempt by illegal Armenian armed elements in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of the country.

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry in a statement on Monday demanded an “investigation into the Russian peacekeeping contingent’s actions during the Azerbaijani incursion.”

“We expect Russia’s peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh to take concrete steps to put an end to Azerbaijani units’ incursion into the zone of responsibility of peacekeepers,” the statement said.

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said on Saturday that illegal Armenian forces in the region, which was liberated in the fall of 2020 from decades of Armenian occupation, took advantage of hazy weather to provoke the Azerbaijani army. It added that the Armenian forces had to retreat when “immediate measures” were taken, not specifying what form of provocation took place.

Azerbaijan said on Sunday that it had not withdrawn its forces and the area was its sovereign territory.

Earlier in March, Azerbaijan sent a proposal containing five conditions to normalize relations.

The Azerbaijani military routed the Armenian forces in 44 days of fierce fighting in the fall of 2020, which ended with a Russia-brokered peace deal that saw Azerbaijan gain control of a significant part of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Russia has deployed nearly 2,000 peacekeepers for at least five years to monitor the peace deal.

Following years of frozen ties, the neighboring countries of Turkey and Armenia have announced they seek to normalize relations amid efforts for regional integration and cooperation in the South Caucasus. In December, the two countries appointed special envoys to normalize relations.

The borders between the two countries have been closed for decades, and diplomatic relations have been on hold. Armenia and Turkey signed a landmark peace accord in 2009 to restore ties and open their shared border after decades, but the deal was never ratified and ties have remained tense.

Relations between Armenia and Turkey have historically been complicated. During the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict last year, Ankara supported Baku in its war that saw it liberate Azerbaijani territories from Yerevan’s occupation.

Armenian FM says unhindered access of int’l humanitarian organizations to Nagorno Karabakh is urgent

Alex Jidarian

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 14:01, 1 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 1, ARMENPRESS. Assuming the presidency of the OSCE by Poland coincided with the serious security crisis in the European region – the ongoing military operations in Ukraine, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan said during a joint press conference with OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau in Yerevan.

“It’s understandable that it takes most of the attention of the OSCE, but we expect that the issue of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict will remain in the OSCE agenda. This is important especially these days when Azerbaijan is using the geopolitical developments to continue its policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno Karabakh. The vivid evidence of this is the March 24 incursion of Azerbaijan into the village of Parukh, located in the responsibility zone of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno Karabakh. This incursion and provocation of military operations were preceded by regular shots in the direction of Armenian settlements and civilian infrastructure. Azerbaijan disrupted the operation of the main gas pipeline of Nagorno Karabakh and the gas supply in the strong weather conditions”, the FM said.

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan said this incursion is a pre-planned aggression by Azerbaijan, which openly ignores the commitments assumed by the 2020 November 9 trilateral statement. According to him, in such situation the clear response by the OSCE Chairmen-in-Office and the international community is an imperative, and the unhindered engagement of international humanitarian organizations in Nagorno Karabakh is urgent for preventing the humanitarian crisis.

“We praise the fact that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries have already given a clear assessment to the latest escalation of the situation in Nagorno Karabakh, stating that it is a consequence of the movement of Azerbaijani troops”, Ararat Mirzoyan said.

Pashinyan, Putin agree to take measures to resolve the situation resulted by Azerbaijani incursion in Nagorno Karabakh

Alex Jidarian

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 20:44,

YEREVAN, 31 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. A telephone conversation took place between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin, ARMENPRESS wa sinformed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Pashinyan presented to the Russian President the situation after the incursion of Azerbaijani troops into the responsibility zone of the Russian peacekeeping force in Nagorno-Karabakh and noted with regret that the situation has not been resolved, moreover, according to some information, new provocations by Azerbaijani units are possible in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping force.

Prime Minister Pashinyan provided details on the actions of Azerbaijan to intimidate the residents of the villages of Nagorno Karabakh with loudspeakers and to exert psychological pressure.

Nikol Pashinyan reiterated that these actions and the incursion of Azerbaijani units into the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping force in Nagorno Karabakh in the presence of peacekeepers raise questions and thanked the Russian President for a positive attitude to the issue of carrying out investigation of the situation.

The Prime Minister presented to the Russian President the expectations of the Armenian side that the Russian peacekeeping contingent will take measures to withdraw the invading Azerbaijani units from the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.

The leaders of the two countries agreed to take measures to urgently resolve the situation. They both highlighted the full implementation of the trilateral statements signed by the President of the Russian Federation, the Prime Minister of Armenia and the President of Azerbaijan on November 9, 2020 January 11 and November 26, 2021.

Mirzoyan receives Russian Co-Chair of OSCE MG, presents situation caused by Azerbaijani violation of NK line of contact

Alex Jidarian

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 17:42,

YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received today Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovaev, the foreign ministry said in a news release.

The sides discussed the current situation caused by the latest Azerbaijani violation of the Nagorno Karabakh line of contact and their incursion into the section of Parukh village, an area under the responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent.

Other actions of the Azerbaijani side aimed at creating a humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, targeting the civilian population and conducting ethnic cleansing were also discussed. The necessity of the return of Azerbaijani troops into their initial positions was emphasized.

FM Mirzoyan presented the position of the Armenian side over the start of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan around a peace agreement within the frames of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship.

The importance of full activities of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship was reaffirmed.