GEORGIE
Les azéris manifestent devant l’ambassade d’Arménie en Géorgie
Une manifestation a été organisée devant l’ambassade d’Arménie en
Géorgie pour exiger la libération de deux azéris Dilgam Askérov et
Chahbaz Gouliyev, qui ont été fait prisonnier alors qu’ils s’étaient
infiltrés au Karabagh et avaient tué un jeune arménien de 17 ans.
Les manifestants brandissant les drapeaux azerbaïdjanais, ont scandé
les slogans >,
From: A. Papazian
Charlie Hebdo attack infringement on freedom of speech – Armenian experts
18:14 * 08.01.15
Ashot Melikyan, Chairman of the Committee to Protect Freedom of
Speech, Arabist Hayk Kocharyan and Chairman of the Helsinki Committee
of Armenia Avetik Ishkhanyan condemn the terrorist attack on the
Charlie Hebdo editorial office and believe it to be an infringement on
freedom of speech.
“Of course, it is an infringement on not only freedom of speech, but
also on democratic freedoms. It is most important that France’s
authorities identify the perpetrators of the heinous crime and punish
them,” Mr Melikyan told Tert.am.
Although a caricature of Muhammad could be viewed as controversial,
one of any other person could not be considered an insult.
“By resorting to such steps, the terrorists do not actually consider
themselves part of the civilized world. Human life is the greatest
value in the civilized world, but they committed that act without
stopping at anything. The journalistic community and the entire world
must condemn that step,” he said.
According to Arabist Hayk Kocharyan, European Muslims are trying to
show that the terrorist act has nothing in common with Islam.
“Extreme manifestations of Islam do not show high percentage in Europe
if we consider the number of Muslims in Europe – ten to 20 percent,”
Mr Kocharyan said.
“It was a terrorist act. The Charlie Hebdo attack is an instance of
the sides being unable to find common ground. The investigation is
supposed to identify the persons behind the attack. They may be
Muslims or Islamic extremists or even not Muslims. Of course, it is
Islamic extremists that are the first to be suspected, but it may be
groups as well,” he added.
Mr Kocharyan expects different periodicals to organize actions or a join action.
“Since terrorist is aimed at threatening freedom of speech, actions
are likely to take place.”
With respect to possible further developments, Mr Kocharyan said that
different media outlets will try to show it was a terrorist act, but
the perpetrators’ religion is of no importance.
Chairman of the Helsinki Committee of Armenia Avetik Ishkhanyan points
out three key factors.
“The first is religious fundamentalism, with the two other factors
stemming from it. Any fundamentalism – humanitarian or ideological –
results in restrictions on freedom of speech, violence and terror.”
This is intolerance to a different opinion.
“If we consider Europe, we should remember that people could be
subjected to torture for refusing to accept certain Christian dogmas.
In speaking of present-day European values, freedom of speech, we
should realize that it means making the state a secular one, which
implies caricatures and humor,” Mr Ishkhanyan said.
According to him, the terrorist act in Paris is a test for the civilized world.
From: A. Papazian
Armenian Archbishop describes Iran as role-model for interaction among religions
14:33 08/01/2015 >> SOCIETY
Archbishop of the Armenians of Isfahan Province Babken Charian
underlined that the rights of religious and ethnic minorities are
respected in Iran, saying that the country can serve as a role model
for interaction among followers of divine religions in other world
states, Iran’s Fars news agency reported.
“The existing model of interaction among different religions and
communities in Iran is very appropriate and if people and nations of
other countries follow this model they can live at peace and
tranquility,” Charian said in a meeting with Isfahan mayor on Tuesday.
“Thank God, peace, tranquility and unity is prevalent among all
communities (in Iran) and we are not experiencing the problems of war
and turmoil that other countries are facing,” he added.
Iran’s Constitution has officially recognized Christianity, Judaism
and Zoroastrianism as divine religions alongside Islam and their
followers are having a peaceful life and friendly relationship with
each other.
From: A. Papazian
PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (+961- 4) 410001, 410003
Fax: (+961- 4) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
The Catholicosate of Cilicia Will Always Be at the Forefront of
Demanding the Restoration of Our People’s Rights and Restitution of
Their Properties
His Holiness Aram I
Antelias – 1 January 2014. At the end of the Holy Liturgy, celebrating
the New Year at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, the clergy and
laity went to the residence of Catholicos Aram I to hear his message and
receive his blessings.
In his message, the Catholicos reminded the gathering that the New Year
and the Feast of the Nativity of Jesus is a message of transformation
and renewal through faith, hope and determination. He asked Armenians
everywhere, whether individuals or communities with their organizations,
to renew themselves by turning to Jesus so that they might become
strengthened as righteous and responsible stewards of God’s creation.
His Holiness then emphasized that Armenians must remain attached to
their roots, stating that affirmation of identity should go hand in hand
with transformation and renewal.
In the second part of the message His Holiness referred to 2015 as the
100th anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. He invited
everyone to advocate for and work towards the restitution of the
cultural artefacts and properties belonging to the Church and the
people, which were seized by Turkey during the Genocide of over a
million martyrs.
His Holiness concluded the message by reaffirming the commitment of the
Catholicosate of Cilicia to remain at the forefront of demanding from
Turkey the restitution of all the belongings and properties of
Armenians.
Do Not Be Afraid, God Is with Us
through the Birth of His Only Begotten Son in Bethlehem
Antelias – 6 January 2015. On Tuesday on all continents Armenians
celebrated Christmas and His Holiness Aram I celebrated the Holy Liturgy
at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias.
This year again political personalities and officials joined the
community for the Christmas liturgy.
His Holiness began his sermon by reminding the people that God had
expressed his desire to show humanity the way to faith, love and hope by
sending His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Jesus assured the sick, the
sinners and the oppressed of God’s love through his teaching, and
repeatedly said, `Do not be afraid, just believe’ (Mark 5:36). The
Evangelists and Apostles also stated, `If God is for us, who can be
against us?’ (Romans 8:31).
His Holiness then reminded the faithful that irrespective of difficult
historical circumstances, the Church has always told the people to
listen to the Gospel, to heed God’s promise and to defy hopelessness.
He then acknowledged the current economic problems in Armenia, the
difficult political situation in Karabagh and the sufferings of
Armenians in Syria and encouraged them to remain strong in their faith
and firm in their hope because `God was with us.’
The Catholicos described 2015 as a special year with a special meaning.
One hundred years ago, he said, `Ottoman Turkey organized the Genocide
to annihilate Armenians. Current Turkey is the continuation of the
Ottoman Turkish state, which continues to deny the Genocide. Armenians
have no enemies, but they have a just cause. Modern Turkey should take
responsibility and accept the crimes committed by its predecessors.
According to International Law, genocide is a crime against humanity.
Turkey, through its negationist policy cannot ignore the Genocide, the
crime committed against our people. For 100 years, we remembered,
reminded and demanded justice. Today, with renewed faith we say that we
shall continue demanding justice.’
His Holiness concluded his sermon by addressing the situation in the
Middle East; he said, `Bethlehem is located in Palestine. The roots of
Christianity are in the Middle East. Irrespective of all sufferings,
Christians are determined to remain in the region. We and our sister
Christian communities are suffering in Iraq and Syria but our people
will remain in their ancestral homes in the Arab countries. Referring to
the situation in Lebanon, he said that he is thankful that Lebanese
leaders are determined both to avoid the conflict in the region and to
maintain the internal unity of the country, but added that not having an
elected President of the Republic works against those goals; he called
upon all parties to assume their responsibilities and elect a new
president.
At the end, His Holiness Aram I expressed his good wishes to the
President of Armenia, H.E. Serge Sarkissian, His Holiness Karekin II
Patriarch of All Armenians, the Patriarchs of Jerusalem and
Constantinople and all Armenian everywhere.
After the Liturgy, Catholicos Aram I met with the faithful in the Main
Hall of his residence received their good wishes and blessed them.
# #
Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
PO Box : 70 317 Antelias – LEBANON
Tel: (+961-4) 410 001 / 3
Fax: (+961-4) 419724
E-mail: [email protected]
From: A. Papazian
Mystery but Fact
Igor Muradyan, Political Analyst
Comments – 07 January 2015, 16:13
In NATO there will not be formats other than “membership” and
“partnership”. Armenia successfully cooperates with NATO under the
well-known programs. The Individual Partnership Plan enables
submission of proposals on participation in implementation of
different objectives.
These opportunities still exist. Sweden is not a NATO member and
cooperates with the alliance under this plan, implementing objectives
which exceed the contribution of most NATO members in the operations
of the alliance by their scope and importance.
The scope of participation in the NATO activities depends not only on
the status of the country in the alliance but its level of economic
and democratic development. NATO respects Armenia for its balanced
foreign policy and willingness to participate in the actions, with
correct estimation of our own possibilities and the level of
preparedness of the armed forces.
In NATO there are no official evaluations of conflict sides but
Azerbaijan is perceived as an aggressor, while Russia is perceived as
Russia’s former and relative ally and a vivid example of how Russia
betrays its partners. Strange though it may seem, the example of
Armenia demonstrated how CSTO and Russia’s alliance collapses.
In addition, NATO understands that Armenia has always postured as
Russia’s reliable and loyal ally. In NATO this factor is used for
purposes of propaganda in conversations with NATO member states.
Armenia could hope for receiving arms from NATO member states under
certain conditions: similar goals in the sphere of defense, sufficient
funds, reliable relations, guarantees to use weapons.
Though supply of arms is the sovereign affair of states, cooperation
with NATO is a key factor and condition for supply of arms by NATO
member states.
The United States would hardly be able and wish to supply arms to
Armenia and Azerbaijan but NATO may always have arguments that Turkey
supplies arms to Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan’s possibilities are bigger.
One way or another, the United States has considerable possibilities
to enhance Armenia’s defense capability unless Armenia is too obedient
to Russia. The Western community has the experience of cooperation
with Armenia in the sphere of defense, including in supply of
technology, which is certainly related to NATO to some extent.
NATO is thoroughly studying the possibility of supplying weapons to
Armenia, and what weapons Armenia is interested in. One way or
another, NATO must approve the decision of separate states to supply
weapons to Armenia. One of the key issues of security in the Black Sea
and the Caucasus – the maintenance of the real balance of forces –
will depend on this.
NATO member states are rather independent in regard to supply of
weapon to different countries but these supplies cannot be determined
by the interests of the alliance and separate members, especially when
modern offensive weapons are concerned.
NATO must arm the new partners if there are certain prospects for
cooperation with them after the summits in Chicago and Wales and the
developments in Ukraine. The United States is ready to cooperate with
Russia because the Americans hope to play a more visible role in the
region if Turkey is too aggressive.
This is a mystery but a fact. It will be useful for Russia in a
certain aspect because in this case Azerbaijan and Turkey will try to
get closer. However, the Americans are apparently betting on major
controversies between Russia and Turkey. It is not known whether these
controversies will persist but now Russia is not fully aware of these
prospects.
It is known that the United States blocks Turkey’s attempts, causing
Turkey’s dissatisfaction. Turkey’s role in development of NATO-Armenia
cooperation can be demonstrated in the following way:
1. France and Greece are for the discussion of the Armenian-Turkish
relations in the sphere of NATO;
2. Greece confirms that Armenia must demand solution of issues
relating to Turkey, just like Greece insisted on Greek-Turkish
relations;
3. The United States and other NATO member states have oral agreement
with Turkey that Turkey will not hinder development of NATO-Armenia
relations;
4. The participation of Armenia in peacekeeping actions in Kosovo and
Afghanistan has a big importance in integration with NATO and
strengthening relations, which does affect development of NATO
assistance and support to Armenia;
5. NATO supports the Minsk Group-mediated Karabakh settlement but
finds that development of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan
should not be limited to the circumstances of this issue;
6. NATO is against single-handed peacekeeping actions of Russia in the
area of the Karabakh conflict. There are obvious controversies among
NATO member states: the United States is reluctant to discuss
political issues in NATO while France and Greece would like to use
these circumstances to counteract Turkey, NATO member states could
supply arms to Armenia, apparently the United States would be
reluctant but means other states.
However, the question occurs whether supply of arms is a key factor
for cooperation with NATO. Of course, the key factor is large-scale
cooperation in different directions, and this can be a factor for new
and sequential supplies of arms.
From: A. Papazian
AGOS, Istanbul
Jan 3 2015
Yetvart Danzikyan: DavutoÄ?lu’s `family’ dinner
Yetvart Danzikyan 01.03.2015 13:56 NEWS
Yetvart Danzikyan on the official dinner Prime Minister DavutoÄ?lu held
for religious leaders: `This is, of course, a positive meeting, and
the messages that have come out of the dinner are also positive.
However, regarding the issue of representation, one must accept that
there is something strange about the other side of the dinner table.
It is part of the job of the Prime Minister to hold such meetings, but
once you describe it as a `family’ dinner, we have to ask what kind of
family we are talking about here, and about those who have been left
out.’
On January 2, Friday, Prime Minister DavutoÄ?lu had dinner with the¦
You know¦ Well, were they the representatives of minority communities
in Turkey? No, not really. Representatives of the non-Muslim minority
communities? That’s how the official press agency Anadolu Agency chose
to word it¦ But that’s still not it, these guys were men of god. And
it is quite a mouthful, isn’t it,
non-Muslim-minority-community-representatives. Anyway, we have a
problem with the word representative, too. Whatever, it’s a hazardous
issue. So, one by one, these are the people Prime Minister DavutoÄ?lu
met with:
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos, Deputy Patriarch of the Greek
Orthodox Church Peter Stefanos, Turkey Chaldean Catholic Community
Patriarchal Vicar François Yakan, Patriarchal Vicar of the Syriac
Orthodox Church in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey’s envoy to the Vatican
Mehmet Paçacı, Deputy Patriarch of the Turkey Syriac Catholic Church,
Archbishop of the Turkey Armenian Catholic Church Levan Zekiyan, Chief
Rabbi of the Jews of Turkey Ä°sak Haleva, and Armenian Deputy Patriarch
Aram AteÃ…?yan.
President of the Presidency of Religious Affairs Prof. Dr. Mehmet
Görmez, Grand Mufti of Istanbul Rahmi Yaran and President of the
Directorate General of Foundations Adnan Ertem were reportedly also
present at the dinner.
Great. Ultimately, this is a good thing. And the messages that came
out of the dinner are also generally positive. `So what’s bugging
you?’, you may ask, because it is obvious that something is troubling
me. To be frank, the first question mark emerges at the point where
the `Ottomanist’ leaning of the AKP and especially DavutoÄ?lu `
although this is not a course of action unique to the AKP ` is
reinvigorated and legitimized precisely in such places. I say it is
not a course of action unique to the AKP, let me first explain that
point a little. Yes, it is a fact that since the founding of the
Republic, the establishment has taken pains to perceive, and thus
treat, ethnic components, that were forcibly reduced into minorities,
as religious communities. The establishment conveys its messages to
the Patriarchate, the Chief Rabbi and the Metropolitan Bishops, and
makes a point of discerning and treating them as the spokespeople of
their communities, and of having the communities to also act in
accordance of this perception.
This method of the old, former establishment, ever proud of its
secular appearance, clearly made things convenient. Because this meant
that the question of `representation’ was trapped within a religious,
and therefore softened zone; and as long as religious services
continued to be held at churches and synagogues and patriarchs,
metropolitan bishops and chief rabbis were elected, it seemed as if
these communities were maintaining a problem-free existence. This, of
course, was a great convenience for the regime. Besides, in this way,
members of these communities grew increasingly accustomed to seeing
their representation and `equality’ within this framework; and their
remaining problems were either never mentioned, or were perceived as a
different, broader problem, making it impossible to discuss them.
However, and quite naturally, this was what happened: The Republic,
which took pride in building a `modern’ ` classless, unprivileged `
nation, by forming a Presidency of Religious Affairs, held a monopoly
over official Islam, thus not only completely destroyed the principle
of secularism, but also effectively declared that it did not perceive
other ethnic groups within the framework of a universal `Republic’ or
modern state, or in other words, as `equals’. Accompanied by all
manners of fascistic implementations taking place behind the scenes,
of course. To be frank, a comprehensive critique of the Republican
regime’s claim of secularity from this viewpoint remains lacking to
this day.
After the AKP came to power, and consolidated its position, it also
took steps regarding this issue, within the framework of its reckoning
with the regime. That is impossible to deny. However, we now faced a
new, strange situation: While the Republic, or the old state, despite
claiming to be a modern state, based its policy on this issue on
religious representation, the AKP, too, within the framework of its
following of the Ottoman example, based its own policy on this issue
on religious representation. Thus, although certain things change in
practice, many things in the main philosophy do not change, and in
fact, this mentality has now taken even deeper roots. The following,
for instance, are from DavutoÄ?lu’s press declaration before the
meeting:
`In the context of authentic cultural traditions, religious
traditions, this picture that contains all the colours of our Turkey
is important. On the other hand, it is also important in terms of the
principle of equal citizenship. We have never discriminated between
our citizens; citizenship has remained our main principle. Regardless
of their religion, denomination or ethnic origin, the lives,
properties, honour, intellect and integrity of all our citizens is
sacred for us, as it is in all religions.’
As I said above, the messages are quite positive. However, the
discussion of the entire issue within the framework of `religious’
communities and religious representation; the failure, still, to
discuss the issue of `equality’ within the logic of the modern state,
and its exposition within the context of authentic cultural traditions
and religious traditions, doesn’t all this reveal that we are in a
problematic zone?
Let us first ask, for instance, what are Armenians for this state, in
the most fundamental sense? A group of Christians? Yes, the Ottoman
Empire might have perceived them like that, but can that perception be
sustained today? Of course, Armenians are also Christians, but first
and foremost, they are Armenians. The Church is undoubtedly important
for them, and the Patriarch is of course important. But, first,
religion does not encapsulate the life of all Armenians. There are
Armenians who have nothing to do with religion, or those who do not
place Christianity above and ahead of everything in their lives, and
they are by no means few in number. As is the case with the Greeks. As
is the case with the Jews.
Besides, let us imagine, for one moment, that it is so. I mean, that
all the groups we mentioned above are formed of devout members. This
would still mean that this type of representation and framework is a
problematic one. Because, in this type of representation, are we not
also confronted by this further problem:
Who has elected these people? After all, they are referred to as
representatives, but let’s take a closer look at how they are elected.
Yes, some Patriarchs are elected with community participation, but
this is not the case for all sections of society, and besides ` and
this is quite an interesting point ` the Armenian Community has been
without a Patriarch for a long time now. Mutafyan, who is struggling
with a grave illness, cannot fulfil his duty, and the present
Patriarch, has been acting in proxy for 7 years. Therefore, the
situation we implied above, does in fact underline a significant
point. How accurate is it to call these figures representatives?
Secondly: In what `capacity’ are you meeting the representatives of
these religious communities (it should be clear by now that the word
minority is not appropriate)? As the representative of the largest
religious community? No? As the elected head of the executive power,
that on appearance has no connection with religious representation. I
would once again like to note that this meeting is of course positive,
and that the messages that have come out of the dinner are also
positive. However, regarding the issue of representation, one must
accept that there is something strange about the other side of the
dinner table. It is part of the job of the Prime Minister to hold such
meetings, but once you describe it as a `family’ dinner, we have to
ask what kind of family we are talking about here, and also about
those who have been left out.
There is a broad hint there. And it spells out that DavutoÄ?lu sits
there not as the representative of a modern state, but as the
representative of the political authority that also contains the
representation of Islam, the dominant religion. In other words, we see
almost all the clues of a regression to the Ottoman system here. (The
permission given to the construction of a new church in YeÅ?ilköy, and
its announcement on this occasion should be evaluated in this
framework. Why, exactly, is this a task of the Prime Minister?)
This, as far as I’m concerned, points to a greater problem beyond all
the problems I have mentioned above: That we are now discussing all
issues along the axis of `religion’. In the same manner that in public
life in Turkey, and particularly in education, `religion’ has
penetrated everything, thus indicating a highly unpleasant course of
affairs, we are now beginning to see forms of social relationship
within the framework of the distinction between Muslim and non-Muslim.
Therefore, while the establishment now codes the majority as `devout’
and `non-devout’ individuals, and as public life is reconstructed
according to this new code, there is a possibility that minorities,
too, will be perceived within this code of Muslims and non-Muslims.
This, I mean this policy on minorities, is according to some, a better
stage than that of the former state. Because some foundation
properties are being returned, the official discourse has become more
moderate compared to the past, etc. However, this relative softening
of the state’s stance does not mean `progress’. Because the place we
could have arrived at in the year 2015, is for people to be treated
equal as `individuals’, without reference to any other identity, and
to find representation in fields other than religious representation,
and to seek their rights in such frameworks. And the basis for that
would not be authentic traditions, or arguments based around the
terribly opaque concept of ancient civilisations that seems to have
been pulled out of thin air, but constitutional and legal assurances.
From: A. Papazian
The enigmatic phenomenon of Desert Kites in Israel and Armenia
By DANI NADAL
01/06/2015 13:26
“Desert Kites” is a nickname to ancient structures first discovered by
RAF pilots who flew over the Near East during the 1920’s.
A kite by Kibbutz Samar, where two undulating walls are leading
towards the round head. An Early Bronze Age grave (tumulus) was later
built on top of the kite, and we found in it human and cattle bones,
tiny beads and a stele.. (photo credit:UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA)
JPost Holy Land is a new column that will bring you the latest
archaeology news and stories from Israel in collaboration with the
University of Haifa.
It all begun a few years ago, while walking back to the bus from a
desolate archaeological site in the Negev. With a bunch of archaeology
students trailing behind, two of us (Dani Nadel and Guy Bar-Oz) were
talking about the age and function of the ancient “Desert Kites”. It
was during that morning that we decided to launch a new research
project. We thus gathered several experts and built a
multi-disciplinary research team; it included Uzi Avner (the Arava
Institute and the Dead Sea-Arava Research Centre) who already
excavated a couple of kites in the Negev, Dan Malkinson – a landscape
ecologist (the Department of Geography), Naomi Porat (the Geological
Institute) for OSL dating, Elisabetta Boaretto (the Weizmann
Institute) for 14C dating and Sagi Filin (Technion) for 3D modeling.
Within a few months we went out, camped in remote places and started
to survey and excavate on behalf of the Zinman Institute of
Archaeology at the University of Haifa.
“Desert Kites” is a nickname to ancient structures first discovered by
RAF pilots who flew over the Near East during the 1920’s. Over 4,000
kites are currently known between Yemen in the south and Armenia in
the north, most of them only through Google Earth images. So far about
1% has been thoroughly surveyed, and less than 30 kites were ever
excavated. Interestingly, the first to ever be excavated in modern
times was a kite by Kibbutz Samar, followed by excavations near Eilat
and in Sinai.
The kites in the Negev look like a funnel, with two diagonal walls
(usually some 50-150 meters long) leading to a cliff below which a
round wall was built. The aim was to chase and drive small herds of
ungulates into the funnel, and down to the trap head where they were
killed and then carried away to be eaten elsewhere.
We have studied the 12 known kites in the Negev. The structures were
excellently planned by their contractors, based on deep knowledge
regarding both the behavior of the target animals and the landscape.
Their construction details show sophisticated techniques and well
organized manpower, which is not self evident for desert societies.
The target animals were gazelles and maybe also onagers. Today we are
using a Laser Scanner and photogrammetric methods to construct
high-resolution 3-D models of the kites.
For obtaining a wider view of the kites phenomenon, we also launched a
project in Armenia and established collaboration with Boris Gasparyan
(Institute of Archaeology and Ethnography, National Academy of
Sciences, Armenia). We added Dafna Langgut (Tel-Aviv University) to
study past vegetation communities, and Israeli and Armenian scholars
and students spent several weeks together in excellent collaboration,
in the field, in the labs and in leisure time. We excavated there four
kites, all located on the fringes of the Ararat Depression, 900-1,000
meters above sea level, in a barren landscape covered by smelly sedge
with no trees. One of the kites was actually a wide enclosure with
several cells annexed to it. Likely, it was used to capture wild sheep
and keep them alive.
Based on radiometric dates, it appears that most Negev kites were
first constructed during the Early Bronze Age (about 5,000 – 4,500
years ago). This was the period that the Pyramids were built in Egypt,
and palaces and temples were constructed in many urban centers around
the Fertile Crescent. We were able to date two kites in Armenia, to
the end of the Middle Bronze Age (about 3,500 – 3,200 years ago).
>From a broader point of view, one can’t refrain from admiring past
societies living in some of the harshest and driest areas. While urban
societies were thriving at the time, the desert nomads and herders
were inventing ingenious ways to survive, and indeed show high
technological skills and complex social organization. Noteworthy, many
of the Near Eastern kites are among the longest structures in their
time, yet built in the deserts and not in or near the urban centers.
Their contribution to local economy and diet must have been
substantial, to be worth the efforts.
From: A. Papazian
Trend, Azerbaijan
Jan 6 2015
Armenia’s withdrawal from Azerbaijani lands necessary for preventing incidents
6 January 2015, 18:15 (GMT+04:00)
By Seba Aghayeva – Trend:
First of all, the withdrawal of Armenian occupying armed forces from
Azerbaijani territories is necessary for preventing incidents on the
contact line of Azerbaijani and Armenian armies, acting spokesperson
of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmet Hajiyev told Trend on Jan.6.
Hajiyev added that Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated this.
He commented on the remarks made by spokesperson for the US State
Department Jen Psaki on the tense situation on the contact line.
Psaki said the US authorities are troubled by reports of ceasefire
violations in recent days in Nagorno-Karabakh, according to a message
posted on the website of the US Department of State.
“We are troubled by reports of ceasefire violations, as well as
casualties in recent days,” she said. “As an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair
country, we do continue to urge both sides at the highest levels to
engage in negotiations that could lead to a peace agreement.”
“The continuation of the Azerbaijani lands’ occupation by Armenia and
the presence of this country’s armed forces in Azerbaijan’s occupied
territories is the main threat to peace and stability in the region,”
said Hajiyev.
He said the sides should hold negotiations on the peace treaty, adding
that Psaki also approved this in her remarks.
However, by staging provocations, Armenia hinders the start of the
work on the Great Peace Agreement, Hajiyev said, adding that the tense
situation on the frontline is a bright example for that.
Hajiyev said the spokesperson for the US State Department has also
emphasized the necessity of preventing the incidents on the contact
line and Armenian-Azerbaijani border.
Armenian armed forces’ divisions intensively fired on the positions of
Azerbaijani armed forces and settlements near the contact line of
Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Jan.3 by using large-caliber
weapons, anti-tank grenade launchers and 60-millimetrs and
82-millimeter mortars.
Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry made a statement saying that the
continuation of occupation of Azerbaijani territories and presence of
Armenian armed forces on these lands can lead to extremely negative
consequences.
The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988
when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result
of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent
of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven
surrounding districts.
The two countries signed a ceasefire agreement in 1994. The co-chairs
of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia, France and the US are currently
holding peace negotiations.
Armenia has not yet implemented the UN Security Council’s four
resolutions on the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh and the
surrounding regions.
From: A. Papazian
APA, Azerbaijan
Jan 6 2015
Azerbaijani embassy to investigate reports on Uruguayan FM’s alleged call
[ 06 January 2015 14:42 ]
Baku – APA. Spokesman for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Hikmet Hajiyev has commented on the reports about Uruguay’s Foreign
Ministry’s call to recognize Nagorno-Karabakh as an independent state,
APA reports.
Hajiyev said that under the instructions of Azerbaijani Foreign
Ministry, the country’s diplomatic mission in Uruguay would
investigate this issue along with Uruguay’s Foreign Ministry: “In most
cases, Armenian mass media outlets, like “asberaz.com” distort such
news, especially disseminate them in the form out of context. The
statements of Danilo Astori, Vice-President, President of the Senate
of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay have been recently distorted.
Uruguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Danilo Astori said
this report is untrue, he didn’t make such statements and Uruguay’s
position is to support a peaceful resolution of the conflict through
dialogue and negotiations taking into account the interests of the
conflicting parties,” said Hajiyev.
Armenian media reported that Uruguayan Foreign Minister, Luis Almagro
asked for the international recognition of Nagorno Karabakh as an
independent state.
From: A. Papazian
Los Angeles Community Remembers Vahan Hovannesian During Memorial Gathering
Monday, January 5th, 2015
ARF Western US Central Committee representative Vahe Bozoyan delivers
remarks during the memorial gathering in memory of ARF leader Vahan
Hovannesian
GLENDALE-Hundreds of community members gathered at St. Mary’s Armenian
Church for Requiem Service and memorial gathering for late Armenian
Revolutionary Federation leader Vahan Hovannesian who passed away on
December 28 after a long illness.
Prior to the Requiem Mass, Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh
Mardirossian delivered a eulogy, in which he praised Hovannesian’s
years of service to the ARF and the Armenian Nation, emphasizing his
resolve for advancing and strengthening Armenia’s statehood and his
role in the Karabakh Liberation movement.
Following the church service, community members descended to the
Armenag Der Bedrossian Hall where a memorial gathering, organized by
the ARF Western US Central Committee, took place, highlighting
Hovannesian’s career and many contributions.
On behalf of the ARF CC, Vahe Bozoyan spoke of Hovannesian’s ties to
the Western Region, stressing the many times he had visited the region
and spoke at various ARF Day celebrations, community events and his
keen approach to the community, where he became a beloved
representative of Armenia and an exemplary activist for the Armenian
Cause.
Chairman of the opposition Heritage Party in Armenia, Raffi
Hovannisian, who was in attendance, also addressed the gathering. He
spoke of the friendship and collegial bond the two shared and the
mourned Hovannesian’s loss as a friend, but more important, as comrade
in the quest to elevate Armenia as a true democratic state.
On behalf of the Western Diocese and Western Primate Archbishop Hovnan
Derderian, Father Dajad Yardemian delivered a message of condolence
and memorial prayers. On behalf of the Western Prelacy, Rev. Vazken
Atmajian offered blessing and condolences.
The program started with Master of Ceremonies Saro Nazarian presenting
Hovannesian’s biography, followed by video highlighting the ARF
leader’s life from childhood to the present-day produced by Asbarez’s
television affiliate in Armenia, Yerkir Media.
During the program and at its conclusion, Ara Sahakian performed
Hovannesian’s favorite song, as well as the “Verkerov Li,” a patriotic
song traditionally sung at the conclusion of a memorial gathering for
an ARF member.
From: A. Papazian