Author: Anna Tamamian

Armenian Genocide 107th anniversary commemorated in Uruguay parliament, with attendance by country’s president

Anna Tamamian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
Armenian Genocide 107th anniversary commemorated in Uruguay parliament, with attendance by country’s president
12:08, 28.04.2022

The Armenian Genocide official commemoration, which has been traditionally held for 20 years, was held in the Uruguayan parliament, Armenian News-NEWS.am has learned from Armenian National Committee – International.

The event was attended by the President of Uruguay Luis Lacalle Pou, Vice President Beatriz Argimon Cedeira, President Ope Pasquet of the Chamber of Representatives, numerous ministers, parliamentarians, diplomats, the Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Uruguay, heads of Armenian organizations, and several other others.

Vice President Beatriz Argimon Cedeira of Uruguay and President Ope Pasquet of the Chamber of Representatives of Uruguay delivered remarks on the occasion of the Armenian Genocide remembrance day.

Pasquet, reflecting on the Turkish nationalist Gray Wolves’ sign made to Armenians by Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu a few days ago in Montevideo, strongly condemned it, stating: “We consider this gesture an insult not only to the Armenian community, but also to the people of Uruguay.”

In her turn, the Vice President of Uruguay reaffirmed her country’s commitment to the fight for the Armenian Cause, and added that as historically accepted, Uruguay will always continue to commemorate this day to prevent future atrocities—as the Armenian Genocide was.

Newspaper: Ambassador to Washington avoids attending Armenian community’s Genocide remembrance events

Anna Tamamian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
Newspaper: Ambassador to Washington avoids attending Armenian community’s Genocide remembrance events
09:59, 26.04.2022

YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: According to our sources in the Armenian community in Washington, [Armenian ambassador to US] Lilit Makunts avoided participating in the April 24 [Armenian Genocide commemoration] events of the [local Armenian] community.

Makunts’s avoidance of the April 24 events in Washington is seen as an evasion of the Armenian authorities’ from claimancy and, in general, from the topic of international recognition of the genocide, which, according to the community’s perception, is something like a crime.

Makunts marked April 24 with only a small group of her own people, including embassy staff and their families, laying flowers at the cross-stone placed inside the embassy gates.

The [local] Armenian community says that the embassy-community relationship has never been in such a deplorable state. Makunts has divided the Armenian American community into black and white and communicates only with a small group of her own.

​A diplomacy agenda for Saudi Arabia and Armenia

Anna Tamamian
Arab News

A diplomacy agenda for Saudi Arabia and Armenia

LYNN ZOVIGHIAN
22:49


Ten years ago, Riyadh became my second home. When I first began my work as a social investor in the Kingdom, my family, team and I were welcomed as professional craftspeople who designed and implemented complex research-led community and nation-building interventions with measurable positive impact. One of our earliest clients and friends told me that their choice to work with us came from the confidence that as Armenians we would take our work deeply seriously and deliver with much attention to detail. Bearing an Armenian family name as I established our family business in the Kingdom became a public emblem for professionalism, trust and vested responsibility. And indeed, ever since, we have been working very hard, paying much attention to detail, to always deliver.


When then-Armenian President Armen Sarkissian surprised us with a much overdue first diplomatic mission to the Kingdom in October 2021, I was beyond ecstatic. And so were many of my Saudi friends. Our seats at the Future Investment Initiative conclave shook with historic significance.
Being Armenian is a right and a responsibility. It is a testament to survivorship. And it is deeply personal. Every Armenian and Armenian-origin citizen I know is Armenian in their own way. Armenian roots are not new to Saudi Arabia. I have a handful of Saudi friends who have Armenian blood dating back to their great-great grandmothers and grandfathers. During the Armenian genocide, many were forced into death marches toward Deir Ezzor. At the onset of these forced displacement campaigns, some Arab tribes provided refuge to Armenian families. Some of them came from the Arabian Peninsula and brought them back home. I have learned that the Armenian Genocide Museum in Yerevan has a black-and-white photo in its archives dating back to the 1930s showing two Armenian children dressed in tribal clothing in Hail. History teaches us that following the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz placed Armenian children under his protection. My Saudi friends today do not just have Armenian blood, they have genetic markers of genocide and survivorship. Not so different from my Saudi friends, the last member of my family who was a pure-blood Armenian was my great-great grandfather.
The special rapprochement between Armenia and Saudi Arabia should not be one of political convenience built on anti-Turkish sentiment. Rather, diplomacy must begin with a deep sense of citizenship, community and country, built on common values and joint ambitions for socioeconomic advancement. And both countries have much to inspire and offer each other.

Riyadh and Yerevan are each on a quest of rediscovery that has invigorated a deep sense of belonging.

Lynn Zovighian

Today, Armenia and Saudi Arabia are each on a quest of rediscovery that has invigorated a deep sense of belonging and pride between people and homeland. Saudi Arabia is experiencing this in a new awakening under the auspices of Vision 2030, where every citizen can ask: What does it mean to be Saudi? As Armenia grapples with the continuing suffering in Artsakh, citizens and members of the diaspora are also asking: What does it mean to be Armenian? Powerfully, citizens of both countries are on personal journeys of global citizenship and value creation.
There are many seeds for long-term friendship that we can plant together. Vision 2030 inspires us with a blueprint, demonstrating that both countries have so much in common. The Kingdom is on an incredible adventure for socioeconomic innovation. So is Armenia. Let us explore together opportunities for innovation in agriculture and mining. Saudi and Armenian tech entrepreneurs are investing in digital innovation to solve critical human problems for a sustainable climate, food security, health and gender equity. Let us bring them together. Our scientists are pushing new frontiers with research in artificial intelligence and space exploration. Let us join forces in scientific collaborations. At a time of critical energy insecurity, let us combine hand in hand our efforts and investments in solar and alternative energy and reduce our carbon footprint. We clearly share a mutual strategy for nation-building driven by socioeconomic enablement so that our people may thrive.
Our mutual drive for innovation extends to cultural diplomacy and humanization. Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in music, food and entertainment by both elevating local talent and welcoming musicians and performers from around the world. Let us take the stage together and invite artists from both our countries to serve as diplomats of identity, history and growth. Both Armenia and Saudi Arabia are prioritizing the preservation of heritage sites, embracing the cultural-scientific value of archaeology and history. Let us exchange learnings on intangible cultural assets and cultural governance. Let us also champion our love for design and local craftsmanship by bringing our specialized masters and mentors together in sociocultural programs.
By opening our homes to each other for exchange, innovation, tourism and trade, our diplomatic strategy can be one that is citizen-led, harnessing the excellence of each country. By co-creating sociocultural and socioeconomic value together, both Armenia and Saudi Arabia will also be able to gift the international community unique, innovative assets. It is time to uplift this much-overdue friendship.

• Lynn Zovighian is the co-founder and managing director of The Zovighian Partnership, a family-owned social investment platform that conducts community-centered research, designs and implements humanitarian and socioeconomic interventions.
Twitter: @lynnzovighian

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News’ point of view

 

Military insurance fund launches In Memoriam donation campaign

Anna Tamamian

Save

Share

 13:40,

YEREVAN, APRIL 22, ARMENPRESS. The Insurance Foundation for Servicemen has launched the “In Memoriam” donation campaign ahead of April 24.

The foundation’s PR manager Ani Harutyunyan said at a press conference that those willing can make donations to the foundation and pay tribute to the memory of an individual fallen serviceman and support the fallen troops and their families.

Those making donations will receive a certificate through email.

Donations can be done at the fund’s website.

Artsakh’s MFA considers holding the "5th Congress of the Azerbaijanis Worldwide" in Shushi extremely un-constructive

Anna Tamamian

Artsakh’s MFA considers holding the “5th Congress of the Azerbaijanis Worldwide” in Shushi extremely un-constructive

Save

Share

 19:01,

YEREVAN, APRIL 22, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Artsakh Republic issued a statement on the occasion of holding the “5th Congress of the Azerbaijanis Worldwide” in Shushi, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Artsakh Republic.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh considers extremely un-constructive the initiative to hold the “5th Congress of the Azerbaijanis Worldwide” in the Armenian town of Shushi occupied by Azerbaijan, which includes obvious elements of Armenophobia and expansionism.

Such an “initiative” is also an attempt to escalate tensions in the region. The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh strongly condemns the nationalist and aggressive policy of official Baku, which aims to torpedo and disrupt the peaceful settlement process of the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict”, reads the statement.

At meeting with Russia’s Matviyenko, Armenian PM called inter-parliamentary ties vital

Anna Tamamian

Save

Share

 15:36,

YEREVAN, APRIL 20, ARMENPRESS. The relations between Armenia and Russia have dynamically developed over the past 30 years, and today it is a good occasion to analyze the work done so far, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said during the meeting with Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council Valentina Matviyenko in Moscow.

“Dramatic events have also taken place at this period, it is necessary to analyze everything and see where we have reached to the results we have outlined, and in this context to plan our future actions and joint programs. I think the inter-parliamentary ties play a vital role in these processes”, the Armenian PM said.

He said that the visit of Russian parliamentarians is expected to Armenia on April 21, which, he called, very important.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that a productive partnership exists with the Russian partners within the EAEU, CIS and CSTO. He emphasized that even in successful formats it is necessary to think about how to organize the works to make them more effective, especially when new challenges arise.

Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh escorted Armenian pilgrims to Dadivank, Amaras and Gandzasar monasteries

Anna Tamamian
ARMINFO
Armenia –
Marianna Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo.Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh escorted Armenian pilgrims to the Dadivank, Amaras and Gandzasar monasteries, according to a newssheet by the RF  Ministry of Defense. 

The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues carrying out tasks in  Nagorno-Karabakh. 

Since November 23, 2020, Russian corps of engineers have cleared  2,369.8 hectares, 689.5km of roads, 1,937 buildings of unexploded  ordinance. The Russian peacekeeper also neutralized 26,262 pieces of  explosive material. 

Oppositionist: Pashinyan and his team seek Artsakh’s complete surrender to Azerbaijan

Anna Tamamian
Panorama
Armenia –

Sos Hakobyan, the spokesman of the opposition Homeland Party, has reacted to the statement of ruling Civil Contract faction MP Vigen Khachatryan concerning Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

Speaking in the parliament on Thursday, Khachatryan said that first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s claim that “Karabakh has no future within Azerbaijan” was “not right”.

In a public post on Facebook, Hakobyan urged the Artsakh authorities to declare the pro-government MP persona non grata and bar him from entering Artsakh.

He also accused Nikol Pashinyan and his team of seeking Artsakh’s complete surrender to Azerbaijan.

“Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan: this is part of the political program of Nikol and his Civil Contract party,” Hakobyan said.

“Dear compatriots, don’t be surprised when your native villages and settlements slowly fall under the control of the enemy. We have to ask each other again: what do we actually want?” he added.

Artsakh President calls urgent meeting over Pashinyan’s statements on ‘lowering bar’ of Karabakh status

Anna Tamamian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
Artsakh President calls urgent meeting over Pashinyan’s statements on ‘lowering bar’ of Karabakh status
20:24, 13.04.2022

President of the Republic of Artsakh Araik Harutyunyan called an urgent working meeting which was attended by representatives of parliamentary forces, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Secretary of the Security Council.

The head of state noted that the meeting was being held at the request of representatives of a number of NGOs operating in Artsakh because Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s statement in the Armenian National Assembly on lowering the bar on the status of Artsakh on Wednesday caused serious concern among the public.

“Our society has very clear demands, which we must meet by organizing diverse discussions,” the president noted.

A wide range of issues related to external challenges were discussed during the meeting.

Parliament Speaker accuses opposition in actions combined with Azerbaijani provocations

Anna Tamamian

Save

Share

 11:21,

YEREVAN, APRIL 12, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan commented on today’s statement made by the opposition Armenia and I have the Honor factions that they are not going to participate in the sessions of the Parliament and are going to visit Armenia’s bordering villages and the Republic of Artsakh.

During today’s session in the Parliament, the Speaker addressed questions to the representatives of the opposition.

“I want to understand, when these persons [opposition MPs] are going to work, when they will justify the salary they receive, when these persons are going to justify the money spent by the state on them?”, the Speaker said.

He accused the opposition in presenting very few legislative initiatives and almost not participating in international visits and meetings.

“The most famous “meeting” was to vote against the report on Armenia’s democracy together with Azerbaijan and Turkey. They haven’t been in any significant, serious meeting after that. There haven’t been proposals to the Prime Minister, to hold a meeting relating to Artsakh or get information about the situation. No, their task is to come here and say that everything is kept secret from them, and thus to avoid all kinds of talks. A combined work with Azerbaijani armed forces. Statement – provocation on border, statement – provocation on border. All this is combined with each other. These are not coincidences. And you must give the answer to this, to your non-attendance to work. In your view, why everyone was here and is making statement and then leaving? In order to press the button that ensures the salaries of the lawmakers”, the Speaker said.

He also asked the opposition MPs why they are not stepping down. The Speaker is confident that they can’t step down.

“Put down your mandates. If you are not working here, what do you do here then? Why do you come here, why do you receive salaries? Why this money is provided to you in order to ensure materials for your websites? No one reads your websites, the TV channels as well, except a small part of your voters. No one watches them. Find yourself”, Speaker Alen Simonyan said.

He once again claimed that, unfortunately, the activity of Armenia’s opposition today has one direction, and that direction is the actions combined with the Azerbaijani provocations.

“The Armenian opposition has no other political agenda”, the Speaker said.