Author: Ani Basmajian

Asbarez: After Yeraskh Attack, Yerevan Accuses Baku of Deliberately Targeting U.S.-Affiliated Project

Ani Basmajian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

EU monitors visit smelting plant in Yeraskh on June 14


Calls on International Community to Take a “Very Sharp Stance” against Azerbaijan

Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan accused Baku on Wednesday of deliberately targeting a U.S.-affiliated smelting plant under construction in Yeraskh, which was attacked by Azerbaijani forces earlier in the day, causing injuries to two Indian nationals working at the facility.

Mirzoyan also called on the international community to take a “very sharp stance” against Azerbaijan’s breach of Armenia’s sovereign borders.

Mirzoyan said he could not explain why Azerbaijan continues attack Armenian positions while at the same time negotiating for peace with Armenia.

“It’s no secret that Azerbaijan is constantly trying to use force to change, disrupt the course of the negotiations and, in the end, impose on Armenia the solutions it wants. This is not the first time, and I’m sure it won’t be the last either,” Mirzoyan told lawmaker on Wednesday.

“Armenia, and the international community should take a very sharp stance toward this kind of behavior,” Mirzoyan added.

“Either we negotiate with good will to find mutually acceptable solutions, or, if it is through the use of force, then this kind of policy is at least unacceptable for us. We hope that it is also unacceptable for the international community,” said Mirzoyan.

The foreign minister said that Armenia’s borders are inviolable, emphasizing that “the territorial integrity of Armenia must be restored, and the international community must play a role in this matter.”

Azerbaijan targeted a smelting plant being built in Yeraskh through investment from the United States. Mirzoyan explained that the operation would simnifically contribute to Armenia’s economic development.

“The Azerbaijani side first came up with fabricated environmental accusations, while we have fulfilled all our international obligations, including within the environmental context, and this is also about this specific factory,” Mirzoyan said, accusing Azerbaijan of deliberately targeting that specific facility and disrupt its development through the use of force.

“This is not an empty statement, but a verified one,” said Mirzoyan, referring to his accusation. He added that Wednesday attack was “not only an encroachment on Armenia’s borders — not only a violation of the ceasefire — but also after making baseless accusations and giving false justification, an attempt is being made to disrupt a project that can contribute to the economic development of Armenia.”

Mirzoyan stated that Azerbaijan’s leadership has repeatedly undertaken an additional obligation in the presence of other international actors not to resort to the use of force. “That way of working is unacceptable for the Armenian side, it should be unacceptable for the international community as well,” Mirzoyan added.

The foreign minister also announced that the European Union’s monitoring mission in Armenia visited the site of the attack earlier on Wednesday. He added that accredited diplomats in Armenia will visited the area on Thursday.

Flemish Parliament of Belgium calls for opening of Lachin Corridor, withdrawal of Azeri forces from Armenian territory

Ani Basmajian

 12:02,

YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. On June 13, the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Flemish Parliament of Belgium adopted a resolution, calling for the immediate opening of the Lachin Corridor which has been blocked by Azerbaijan and for the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia. 

The Lachin Corridor, a vital lifeline connecting Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh with the Republic of Armenia, has been subject to a blockade by Azerbaijan. This blockade has caused a humanitarian crisis for the native Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and hindered their access to essential supplies, humanitarian aid, and economic opportunities. 

The Flemish Parliament recognizes the urgency of this issue and urges Azerbaijan to immediately lift the blockade, ensuring the free flow of goods, services, and individuals through the corridor, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) said in a press release.

Furthermore, the resolution highlights the need for the immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia. It emphasizes that the presence of foreign military forces within a sovereign nation’s borders is a violation of international law and undermines the principles of sovereignty. The resolution urges the EU to call on Azerbaijan to end its hostile policy against the Armenian people and ensure the rights and security of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh which is facing a threat of genocide.

The initiator of the resolution, member of the Flemish Parliament Allessia Claes from the party N-VA commented:

“I am very pleased that the Committee on Foreign Policy of the Flemish Parliament approved our resolution on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, including the closure of the Lachin corridor and the humanitarian situation. We stand united in condemning the ongoing war and calling on all parties to move ahead in fruitful discussions towards a lasting peace.”

Karl Vanlouwe, a member of the Parliament from the NVA and co-signer of the resolution stated: 

“This resolution is the result of many conversations with the Armenian community and a hearing with Flemish journalist Jens De Ryck that we hosted last week in the committee in the Flemish Parliament. He gave an exposition of the devastating conflict in the Caucasus. The current blockade of the Lachin corridor is a true humanitarian crisis. It must stop now.”

Elaborating on the resolution the EAFJD president Kaspar Karampetian said:

“We highly appreciate the work of the Flemish MPs in particular those Members who have been playing a leading role and tirelessly speaking up against the Azerbaijani aggression as well as its policy of ethnic cleansing in Artsakh /Nagorno Karabakh.” Karampetian concluded emphasizing, “The right to self-determination of the native Armenian people of Artsakh equals to their right to life which must be defended relentlessly.”

Construction Underway for Armenian-American Steel Plant in Yeraskh

Ani Basmajian
June 7 2023
In a recent Facebook post, Armenian Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan shared exciting news about the construction of a substantial Armenian-American steel
Armenian Steel PlantImage Source – Eurasianet
Strategic Research Institute

In a recent Facebook post, Armenian Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan shared exciting news about the construction of a substantial Armenian-American steel plant in the village of Yeraskh, located in the Ararat region. This ambitious project is set to bring significant economic and industrial growth to the region.

With an estimated investment of around $70 million, the steel plant is being built from the ground up. The production workshop stands at an impressive height of 30 meters, covering an expansive area of 16,500 square meters. Once fully operational, the plant is projected to manufacture 180,000 metric tons of steel products annually.

The construction of this steel plant is a testament to the commitment to fostering industrial development and creating job opportunities in Armenia. The project has already provided employment to 200 individuals, and it plans to expand its workforce further, aiming to hire an additional 800 employees once the plant is commissioned.

The establishment of the Armenian-American steel plant in Yeraskh represents a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to bolster its industrial capabilities. This venture is expected to contribute to the overall economic growth and enhance Armenia’s position in the steel production sector.

https://www.steelguru.com/steel/construction-underway-for-armenian-american-steel-plant-in-yeraskh

Artsakh’s parliament condemns the May 28 statement of the president of Azerbaijan

Ani Basmajian

 18:29, 29 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 29, ARMENPRESS. The press service of the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh responded to the May 28 statement of the President of Azerbaijan, stating that the National Assembly of Artsakh strongly condemns such attacks on the right to self-determination, sovereignty and security of the people of Artsakh, as well as the peace of the region and the threats of resumption of military operations.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, the the statement reads as follows, “The May 28 statements of the President of Azerbaijan once again contained clear threats to the people and authorities of Artsakh, violating the well-known norms of international law and the international obligations undertaken by Azerbaijan.

This time, by demanding the dissolution of the democratically elected bodies of the Artsakh people, the President and the National Assembly, as well as the rest of the state institutions, the leader of Azerbaijan has once again proven that he is ready to continue the policy of ethnic cleansing of the people of Artsakh and the occupation of territories by using force and the threat of force. This is another proof that the people of Artsakh simply cannot live within Azerbaijan, due to the existential dangers arising from the xenophobic and anti-Armenian politics prevailing there.

The people of Artsakh have chosen the path of self-determination, sovereignty and statehood, the pillars of which are the President and the National Assembly. Therefore, we strongly condemn such attacks on the right to self-determination, sovereignty and security of the people of Artsakh, as well as the peace of the region and the threats of the resumption of military operations.

Addressing all actors of the international community, including the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia that have signed the trilateral declaration of November 9, 2020, as well as to all entities interested in peace and stability in the region, we expect their practical and active actions to eliminate the almost six-month-long blockade of Artsakh and other continuous encroachments, as well as to prevent Azerbaijan from new crimes against the people of Artsakh, including possible military aggression. The obligation of the international community is also to guarantee the security of the people of Artsakh, which does not pose any threat to international peace and simply seeks to live freely and with dignity in its native land, based on the fundamental norms of international law.

The National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh, as the highest body elected by the people, regardless of repeated threats from Azerbaijan, will continue to implement its main mission of state-building and protection of our rights to live freely”.

Sports: We hope that some of these Armenian children will become professional football players. Claudio Zola

Ani Basmajian
Aysor, Armenia
June 1 2023

The Milan Academy Junior Camp has kicked off in Yerevan bringing together Italian coaches, kids and teens from Armenian regions and leading brands.

The Milan Academy Junior Camp is a charity project implemented by Ameriabank. Leading Armenian brands such as Team Telecom Armenia, Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine and Tashir Group have joined the initiative. The camp is held under the slogan “Let’s score tomorrow’s goal today”.

From May 28 to June 7, a total of 160 children from various regions will start their day at the Yerevan Football Academy with the coach’s whistle and go to the stadium to refine their football skills and practice football techniques brought by the professionals from Milan.

The camp has welcomed boys and girls aged 11-15 from the regions of Armenia who play in regional football clubs. The participants have showcased exceptional performance, having previously participated in the Armenian junior championships and distinguished themselves as the finest in their respective positions.

To train the children, AC Milan Academy coaches Claudio Zola, Amadeo Cataldi, Leo Mosesohn and Virio Perelli have arrived in Armenia.

“We speak different languages but the football is the same around the world. We hope that some of these children will become professional football players. It is important that kids follow their dreams. Maybe one day they have an opportunity to play in the top leagues”, said Claudio Zola, AC Milan International Academies Head Coach. 

For more details, watch the video.

Ameriabank CJSC

Ameriabank is a leading financial and technology company in Armenia, a major contributor to the Armenian economy, with assets exceeding AMD 1 trillion. In the course of digital transformation, it has launched a number of innovative solutions and platforms going beyond banking-only needs of its diverse customer base, thus creating a dynamically evolving financial technology space. 

Team Telecom Armenia

Team Telecom Armenia is a company operating in the field of telecommunications in Armenia, which provides mobile and fixed telephone, as well as internet services and digital television services. As the successor of the first telecommunication system in Armenia, Team combines the rich experience of the first communication operator with modern technologies.

Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine

Zangezur copper-molybdenum combine was founded in 1952. It is one of the largest employers in Armenia and the number one taxpayer. Only last year, ZCMC paid about 144 billion drams to the state budget. ZCMC is among the world’s top 10 producers of molybdenum․

Tashir Group

Tashir is a diversified group of industrial and construction companies, operating across various economic sectors. The group consists of approximately 200 companies primarily involved in construction and real estate management. The group has a presence in the Republic of Armenia and several cities in the Russian Federation.

Iran-EEU Free Trade Deal to Benefit Armenia: Kerobyan

Ani Basmajian
Financial Tribune, Iran
June 1 2023

With the implementation of the free-trade zone agreement between Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union, Armenia will receive privileges for a number of products, including food commodities, Armenia’s Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan said on Tuesday.

He noted that it is very difficult to export goods to Iran, but the main reason is not customs duties, News.am reported.

“Iran strives for self-sufficiency in all the main branches of the economy, and this sharply complicates competition. The main direction of cooperation with Iran is the joint production of goods that can be sold all over the world,” Kerobyan added.

Armenia is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said the implementation of the free trade agreement between Iran and the EEU is a priority for Armenia.

“Given the high dynamics of the development of cooperation with Iran, the entry into force of the Free Trade Agreement and its subsequent implementation are priorities for us in the context of a real expansion of trade cooperation with third countries,” he was quoted as saying at the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Moscow.

He said continued negotiations with India and Egypt, as well as the development of comprehensive dialogue on the economic agenda and the deepening of trade and economic cooperation with the UAE and Indonesia, will give an additional impetus to the process of integrating the union into the world economy.

The Eurasian Economic Union may strike a deal on a free trade zone with Iran earlier than with other countries, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Overchuk was quoted as saying by TASS.

“We are closest with Iran,” he said, when asked which countries the EEU is closest to reaching an agreement with on a free trade zone.

EEC (Eurasian Economic Commission) Trade Minister Andrey Slepnev said earlier that the agreement on a free trade zone between the EEU and Iran could be signed as early as this year.

Overchuk said Russia is negotiating free trade zone agreements with a number of Muslim countries.

“Within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, we have been negotiating the creation of a free trade zone with a number of Islamic states, including Egypt, Iran, the UAE. We have already started negotiations with them and we are about to begin talks with Indonesia,” he told the plenary session of the 14th international economic forum Russia-Islamic World: Kazan Forum on Friday.

“We see our bilateral trade growing and it may indicate that our countries are becoming closer to each other. Our task for today is to reduce trade barriers and simplify contacts, primarily in the economic sphere,” Overchuk said.

Pashinyan lauds record income taxes paid by businesses

Ani Basmajian

 10:39,

YEREVAN, MAY 29, ARMENPRESS. Businesses in Armenia paid a total of 160,5 billion drams in income tax in April 2023, the final stage of the 2022 income tax.

PM Nikol Pashinyan said the number is a historic record in the country.

The numbers show that businesses received 337% more income in 2023.

“If we were to speak with the business representatives they would say that the 2022 incomes were unprecedented, but on the other hand the reduction of the shadow [economy] and the institutional reforms that contributed to this process are also important,” Pashinyan added.

Putin believes opening regional communications will contribute to normalization of relations between Armenia, Azerbaijan

Ani Basmajian

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 22:51,

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS.  The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, emphasized that bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Russia in various fields continues to develop actively, ARMENPRESS reports, Vladimir Putin said at the meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. “I would like to emphasize that our trade turnover registers very positive dynamics. Last year, it grew by more than 83 percent and reached 5 billion USD. In January-March of this year, it increased by another 1.5 billion USD. If this process continues at the same pace, we will definitely surpass last year’s record.

Referring to the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Putin emphasized that once again he discussed the issue face-to-face with the Prime Minister of Armenia, they will also have the opportunity to discuss the issue of unblocking transport communications at the meeting in a trilateral format with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

“The issues are very important and sensitive. I am sure that if we finally, despite all the difficulties, reach decisions on these issues, it will undoubtedly be beneficial for both Armenia and Azerbaijan, but not only for those two countries. It will be beneficial for the entire region, because many states are interested in it, and it will contribute to the normalization of relations in all directions, including the political direction from the point of view of ensuring the safety of people living in that area,” said the Russian President.

Putin also thanked the Armenian Prime Minister for his active participation in the work of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

The President of the Russian Federation also thanked Nikol Pashinyan for that the latter agreed to the participation of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council.

Russian Defense Minister mentions ‘importance’ of Armenia’s participation in CSTO trainings

Ani Basmajian

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 13:10,

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS. Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu has said that Armenia’s participation in the joint tactical and combat training events as part of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is important.

“Armenia is a member of our organization, our ally. We are interested in establishment of peace and we are doing everything possible to stabilize the situation in Transcaucasia. At the same time I’d like to specifically mention the importance of the Armenian side’s participation in the joint tactical and combat readiness events as part of the CSTO,” the Russian Defense Minister said in his speech at the CSTO Defense Ministerial Council session in Minsk, Belarus.