21:58, 4 November, 2021
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Senator Bob Menendez demanded that the US State Department and the Ministry of Defense submit a report on Turkey’s export of drones, ARMENRESS reports, the Armenian National Committee of America reports. Bob Menendez presented as an example the use of Turkish Bayraktar drones by Azerbaijan against Artsakh in 2020.
The Armenian government is caught between a rock and a hard place as it tries to mediate between environmental activists and an international mining company.
Last year, a small-scale “battle” took place in a picturesque stretch of mountains in Armenia’s Vayots Dzor region.
For years, Lydian Armenia, a subsidiary of Jersey-registered mining company Lydian International, had been trying to set up a gold mining operation at Amulsar in the south of the country, much to the chagrin of locals and environmentalists.
Following Armenia’s so-called Velvet Revolution of 2018, which swept a reformist government, led by Nikol Pashinyan, into office, protesters had felt emboldened and subsequently blockaded the site, setting up mobile homes on the road to prevent any heavy machinery from passing through.
Last year, Lydian Armenia hired a private security company to begin removing the mobile homes. This led to fistfights and clashes between protesters and private security forces, requiring the intervention of the police. Dozens were arrested.
Now, more than a year on from this “battle”, the dispute continues, with little hope of a resolution in sight.
Lydian Armenia first discovered the gold deposits in Amulsar in 2005. In 2012, the company signed an agreement with the Armenian government – then led by the controversial Serzh Sargsyan – to begin exploiting the resource. According to some estimates, the company has already invested 400 million US dollars into the project, despite not even starting actual mining operations.
According to Armenia’s Ministry of Economy, the mine, when fully operational, can raise Armenia’s GDP by up to 1.14 per cent in just its first year.
However, plans for the mine have from the start been met with opposition from environmentalists. Their main concern revolves around the potential use of cyanide in gold mining. According to chemist Oksana Kharchenko, cyanide is widely used in gold mining operations around the world because of how easily it combines with metals.
“Cyanide is used to leach gold from ore,” she says. “This means that by applying a cyanide solution over a pile of ore, miners can extract just the gold. Of course, because cyanide is poisonous, if large quantities find their way into water sources, for example, this could cause major negative effects to people’s health.
Located in the Arpa and Vorotan river valleys, ecologists say that the Amulsar mine carries a major risk of pollution. This in turn would have a major impact on the ecosystem of Armenia’s iconic Lake Sevan.
Amulsar is not the first time that the use of cyanide in gold mining has stirred controversy in Central and Eastern Europe.
In Romania, a decades-long dispute between environmentalists and a mining company, Gabriel Resources, which wanted to mine gold in the ancient Roman mining town of Roșia Montană, was only resolved in 2020 when Romania applied to UNESCO to protect Roșia Montană as a World Heritage Site. (Roșia Montană was added to UNESCO’s list in July of this year).
Much of the opposition to mining at Roșia Montană stemmed from a large cyanide leak which occurred at an Australian-owned gold mine in northwestern Romania in 2000. Over one million cubic metres of cyanide-contaminated waste spilled into the Tisza and Danube rivers, killing fish and poisoning water supplies for hundreds of kilometres downstream, even affecting neighbouring countries Hungary and Serbia.
Earlier this year, Kyrgyzstan was also in the headlines for its attempts to nationalise the Kumtor gold mine, the largest in the country, for persistent reports of environmental violations by the mine’s Canadian owners. The most serious was in 1998, when a truck carrying two tonnes of sodium cyanide crashed into the Barskoon river, dumping its load into the water. Around 2,000 people were hospitalised in the aftermath.
In Armenia, one of Pashinyan’s first acts as prime minister was to commission Lebanese company ELARD to investigate the potential negative impact of the Amulsar mine. A report was produced concluding that there were significant areas where Lydian’s environmental protection measures fell short, but that the possible impact on nearby water sources – including Lake Sevan – was nil.
Pashinyan put a positive spin on the report and used it to give the project the green light. However, following protests and much opposition from Armenian civil society, who claimed that the report in fact made it clear that the mine would cause environmental damage, he changed his mind just two weeks later, saying that his government would continue to study whether the mine would in fact be safe for the environment.
Back to square one, the standoff continued.
The Armenian government now finds itself in a difficult position. It is reluctant to ignore the very persistent demands of the protesters, particularly as his government portrays itself as more open, democratic and consensus-based than its predecessors.
However, at the same time, acquiescing to the demands of the protesters could hurt investors’ confidence in Armenia.
The country already lacks foreign capital and can scarcely afford to scare away other potential investors. Furthermore, halting the project, after Lydian Armenia has already spent hundreds of millions of dollars, could open the door to the company taking legal action against the Armenian government and demanding compensation.
It will no doubt be aware that Gabriel Resources has filed a 4.4 billion US dollars arbitration claim against Romania for alleged investment treaty violations in relation to the Roșia Montană project.
Pashinyan and his government have been largely silent on the issue for the past two years, although last month Deputy Prime Minister Suren Papikyan did say that he was “inclined to operate the mine”.
He added, however, that “it’s rather difficult to say when the Amulsar gold mine will be opened”.
11:10,
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The Parliament of Armenia is debating the candidacy of Artak Manukyan for the position of member of the Board of the Central Bank.
Vice Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan said that the parliamentary standing committee on financial-credit and budgetary affairs is proposing Artak Manukyan’s candidacy. He has been nominated by the ruling Civil Contract party.
“I think I didn’t have any point in my biography which would deter me from applying to this position, taking account the experience I have. I think I can bring certain additional value to the structure like the Central Bank”, Manukyan said in his remarks and thanked the ruling party for nomination.
Manukyan says that he could contribute to the works on developing the CBA strategy if elected.
Previously Artak Manukyan has served as vice-chair of the standing committee on financial-credit and budgetary affairs of the 7th convocation parliament.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Artvin’s main tourist attraction is unquestionably its nature. (Shutterstock Photo)
When planning a trip to Turkey, most people concentrate on the long-loved southern parts of the country, the spectacular Aegean and Mediterranean coasts with their beautiful beaches, canyons and historical sites.
Without a doubt, everyone should visit those places at least once in their life. However, not everyone knows that Turkey has much to offer to tourists in its north, especially in the Black Sea region that is home to verdant colors and promises to fill your lungs with oxygen, take you away from the rush of the metropolis and introduce you to the heart of nature.
One of the jewels of the Black Sea region is the Artvin province. Famous for its tall mountains, crater lakes, emerald green forests, waterfalls and wildlife, Artvin has been a destination for true adventurers and nature lovers. This dreamlike land mesmerizes its visitors with its mountains, reaching as high as 4,000 meters (13,000 feet), and rock formations cut by one of the longest-running rivers in Turkey.
Surrounded by steep valleys carved by the Çoruh River, the high mountains of Kaçkar, Karçal and Yalnızçam, and forests and national parks such as the Karagöl-Sahara, which contains the Şavşat and Borçka lakes, Artvin is an alternative tourism destination for those who like to get lost in beautiful nature.
As it is situated on the border of Georgia in Turkey’s northeast, driving to Artvin could be a little challenging as, for example, from Istanbul it would take nearly 20 hours, and maybe more with intercity coaches. The best option would be to fly to Trabzon or Batumi airports and then rent a car when you arrive.
Artvin is known for a few things – its people, nature and, of course, food. The Caucasian and the Black Sea cultures are dominant in the region. Arvin is home to the Laz people as well as the Kipchaks and Muslim Georgians who migrated to the city when the northern borders were drawn following the Turkish War of Independence. This mix of so many cultures has naturally prompted a rich culinary tradition in the region and so here is advice number one: try to taste as many traditional dishes as you can.
However, Artvin’s main tourist attraction is unquestionably its nature. Since nature is a great part of the province, both geographically and culturally, alternative tourism opportunities such as camping, skiing, jeep safaris, rafting and canoeing are popular.
There are various trekking routes visitors can explore to discover the area. One of the highest mountains in Turkey, Mount Kaçkar, is probably the most coveted trekking route. Mountaineering groups and mountaineers complete the Trans-Kaçkar route by walking through Yusufeli Yaylalar village to Rize – the Çamlıhemşin Ayder highlands. If that trail is a bit too difficult, you can take various other routes through the Altıparmak Mountains.
Hunting is also allowed during the region’s open season. However, visiting hunters are advised to hire a local guide to avoid getting lost in the thick forests of Artvin.
The province is also home to a few national parks, the most famous being Karagöl-Sahara National Park, which came under state protection in 1994. Covering 3,251 hectares (8,033 acres), the national park is composed of two areas. The Karagöl side consists of kale and thick trees and is used as a recreational area by locals. In the Sahara part of the national park, locals continue living the traditional Black Sea highland life.
Artvin is home to three castle ruins. The first is the Şavşat Castle located in the Söğütlü quarter in the city. Built by the Armenian Bagratunis dynasty in the ninth century, the castle was later used by the Ottomans. Today the castle is abandoned, but parts of its towers are still visible.
Also built by the Kingdom of Bagratuni in the 10th century, Artvin Castle is located on a huge rocky outcropping near the Çoruh River.
The third, Ardanuç Castle, is among the most significant ruins in the region. Dating back to the region’s ancient civilizations, the castle had been an attraction for centuries due to its unique interior design. Even the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent recorded his interest in this castle.
On a working visit to Armenia, Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich Romanov and his wife visited the Armenian Genocide Museum Institute (AGMI).
The guests were greeted by Lusine Abrahamyan, AGMI Deputy Director for Museum Works.
They toured the Armenian Genocide Museum, got acquainted with permanent and temporary exhibitions. At the end of the visit, Mr. Georgi Romanov left a note in the Book of Honorary Guests.
Expressing gratitude to Mr. Georgi Romanov for the visit, Lusine Abrahamyan presented the guest with the English translation of the Ravished Armenia, where Aurora Mardiganyan tells about the support of Nikolay Nikolayevich Romanov.
12:23,
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Prominent Italian saxophonist Federico Mondelci will visit Armenia to give a concert in memory of legendary French-Armenian singer Charles Aznavour and Russian-Armenian composer Michael Tariverdiev.
The concert will take place on October 26 at the Aram Khachatryan concert hall.
The State Chamber Orchestra of Armenia led by artistic director and chief conductor Vahan Martirosyan will perform at the concert.
New covers of the works of Aznavour and Tariverdiev will be presented to the audience.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
PanARMENIAN.Net – The World Court in The Hague has promised to make a decision as soon as possible on a case case Armenia filed that said Azerbaijan promotes ethnic hatred against Armenians and asked the court to stop the cycle of violence and hatred.
The judge said the decision will be adopted as soon as possible, adding that the sides will be provided information about the date a little later, Sputnik Armenia reports.
The hearing dealt with Armenia’s request for emergency measures to stop the violations, while the court considers the claim. The Armenian lawyers said Azerbaijan’s authorities are fostering ethic hatred and a culture where murder and torture of ethnic Armenians were “systematic”.
“Generations upon generations are indoctrinated into this culture of fear and hate of anything and everything Armenian,” Yeghishe Kirakosyan said.
Dozens of videos of Azeri troops cutting the throats and ears of Armenians have been spreading online since the final days of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Azerbaijanis subject the Armenian POWs and captives to physical abuse and humiliation. The videos depict Azerbaijani captors variously slapping, kicking, and prodding Armenian POWs, and compelling them, under obvious duress and with the apparent intent to humiliate, to kiss the Azerbaijani flag. In most of the videos, the captors’ faces are visible, suggesting that they did not fear being held accountable.
Iran’s anger also stems partly from Azerbaijan’s quiet security partnership with Israel, which it views as a potential threat to its territory.
In a show of force directed at Azerbaijan amid rising tensions, Iran’s military has initiated a series of exercises near the neighboring country’s border. Footage broadcast on Iran’s state-run television portrayed tanks and artillery taking part in the exercises in northwestern Iran, and broadcasters claimed that Iran had tested a domestically-manufactured long-range drone.
Tensions between Iran and Azerbaijan have escalated throughout 2021. In September, troops from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) deployed to the border in response to joint military exercises between Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Pakistan.
Iran’s anger also stems partly from Azerbaijan’s quiet security partnership with Israel, which it views as a potential threat to its territory. However, the small Caspian nation’s ties to Tel Aviv have proven highly advantageous. Israeli and Turkish drone technology, as well as other assistance, were crucial to Baku’s victory over Armenia in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War from September to November 2020. In that war, Iran proclaimed neutrality and refused to aid either side, despite its traditionally closer ties to Armenia.
Another point of contention between the two countries was raised after Azerbaijan imposed taxes on Iranian truck drivers passing through Azerbaijan’s newly conquered territory in Nagorno-Karabakh to bring goods to Armenia, and arrested two truck drivers, stoking outrage in Tehran.
Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the Foreign Minister in the administration of newly elected President Ebrahim Raisi, warned Azerbaijan’s new ambassador to Tehran that the Islamic Republic would not “tolerate the presence and activities of the Zionist regime” along its borders. Amir-Abdollahian indicated that Iran would do “whatever necessary” to repel Israeli encroachment, ominously warning that the IRGC’s Quds Force were “soldiers without borders.”
Iranian leaders also expressed concern over terror groups such as ISIS, which it suggested had infiltrated its members into Azerbaijan as volunteers during its 2020 war. Azerbaijan was known to recruit Syrian mercenaries to its side during the conflict, possibly violating international law in the process.
Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev told the Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency news outlet that Iran had not informed him of the planned exercises and questioned Tehran’s motivations for doing so, although he acknowledged that it was their “sovereign right” to conduct the exercises on their own territory.
While Iran and Azerbaijan are both majority-Shi’a Muslim states—two of the world’s only four such states, in addition to Bahrain and Iraq—they have a complicated history and some degree of mutual animosity. Ethnic Azeris are a majority in several of Iran’s northwestern provinces and have pushed for separation from Tehran on several occasions in the past century.
Trevor Filseth is a current and foreign affairs writer for the National Interest.
16:43, 4 October, 2021
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s delegation led by Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan met today with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow, the Armenian Parliament’s press service said.
The Russian FM highly appreciated the Armenian-Russian strategic and partnering relations, calling the first official visit of the Armenian Speaker of Parliament to Russia as an evidence of this.
Alen Simonyan thanked for the reception and offered his congratulations to the Russian people on the recent parliamentary elections.
The sides discussed in details the current situation in the region, touching upon the establishment of lasting peace and the elimination of the problems which obstruct that process. In this context they in particular stressed the importance of the return of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives from Azerbaijan.
The Armenian Parliament Speaker and the Russian FM also discussed the bilateral cooperation in political, economic, cultural, humanitarian and other sectors. During the talk they emphasized the role of parliaments in developing and strengthening the bilateral mutual partnership.
Both sides highlighted the effective partnership within the CIS Inter-parliamentary assembly and the CSTO parliamentary assembly, taking into account the priorities of Armenia’s chairmanship.
At the end of the meeting Speaker Simonyan thanked the Russian Foreign Minister for his significant contribution to the development of the Armenian-Russian cooperation.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
The Armenian National Committee of America, Western Region (ANCA-WR) condemns in the strongest terms the vile act of vandalism against the St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church in Van Nuys.
During the night of , eight stained glass windows of the church were broken and the sign of a neighboring church on the property was vandalized. No one has been harmed, and the church reports that the LAPD is actively investigating this incident, while the parish priest and parish council are taking immediate measures to secure and protect the church.
PNG image