Author: Anna Tamamian

Belgium deeply concerned about humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh – FM Hadja Lahbib

Anna Tamamian

 15:22,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. The latest Armenia-Azerbaijan talks held in Brussels showed that a peace treaty is close and therefore the leaders of both countries must do everything in order for the Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples to live in peaceful conditions, Belgium’s Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib has said.

She said that new consultations must take place in Brussels, Yerevan and Baku.

Lahbib said at a press conference with Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan that she’s come to Armenia to support and encourage.

“Belgium is deeply concerned about the tension caused by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The only way out of this conflict is the negotiations process and mutual concessions. During my upcoming visit to Azerbaijan, I will tell my Azerbaijani colleague that the agreements reached as part of the meetings in 2023 under the mediation of the President of the European Council Charles Michel have recorded positive progress. The leaders of the two countries have reciprocally recorded each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. I welcome the Armenian Prime Minister’s courageous statements pertaining to the path of peace. I also reiterate that the security and rights of the population must be guaranteed,” the Belgian FM said.

Lahbib lauded that EU monitoring mission in Armenia. The actions must contribute to the development of trust between the two nations, she added.

“Belgium is deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, and its deterioration. The restriction of movement along Lachin Corridor is having serious consequences, causing serious dangers of famine and disease. During our meeting, representatives of the ICRC also stated that the life of residents in Nagorno-Karabakh is in danger, which is naturally unacceptable. Belgium fully shares the EU’s stance that ensuring the security of the population of Karabakh and free movement in Lachin Corridor is Azerbaijan’s obligation. Belgium will continue to be guided by this approach in is diplomatic contacts,” Foreign Minister Lahbib said.

Azerbaijani military opens gunfire at tractor in Nagorno-Karabakh to obstruct harvest

Anna Tamamian

 11:01,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 18, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan violated the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire on August 18 in the Martuni region, the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Defense Ministry said Friday.

In a statement, the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Ministry said that the Azeri military opened small arms fire in the direction of a tractor working in the fields of Myurishen village.

“It is obvious that by consistently obstructing agricultural work, Azerbaijan seeks to further deepen the humanitarian disaster in the Republic of Artsakh resulting from the blockade,” the ministry added.

The Azeri military twice targeted Nagorno-Karabakh farmers on August 17 as well.

18 Under 18 Award​ Honors Fairfax Grad For Armenian Advocacy Efforts

Anna Tamamian
PATCH
Aug 17 2023
Michael O’Connell,Patch Staff
Posted Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 3:17 pm ET|Updated Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 3:56 pm ET

Hovsep Seferian, a recent Robinson Secondary School graduate, received the 18 Under 18 Award from the National Society of High School Scholars. The award and scholarship recognize Seferian’s advocacy work for the Armenian community. (Nerses Semerjian)

FAIRFAX, VA — For his contributions to the Armenian community, the National Society of High School Scholars recently presented Hovsep Seferian of Fairfax with its 18 Under 18 Award. The scholarship honors students who spread positivity and show leadership in their communities through their passions.

A recent graduate of Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax, Seferian is about to start his freshman year at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. While he welcomed the scholarship money, he appreciated the validation the award bestowed on his efforts on behalf of the Armenian community.

“I’ve been working really, really hard over my time in high school to try to make a difference,” he told Patch. “My age has been a hurdle at times just because, for example, if I’m on the Hill and I’m lobbying people, they ask me, ‘How old are you?'”

Seferian admitted that because of his age that his words were sometimes taken less seriously than others. That’s why the 18 Under 18 Award meant so much to him.

“It shows that the work that I put in is being appreciated,” he said.

Seferian’s first exposure to anything having to do with Armenian culture was at church.
Every Sunday, Seferian and his family attended St. Mary’s Armenian Church in Washington, D.C. At age 6, he started serving on the alter and when he was 9 or 10, he was ordained as an acolyte.

“Never had it occurred to me growing up that there was something more to being Armenian than church, because I wasn’t really exposed to it,” Seferian said. “But as I grew up, and I started meeting more and more Armenian people, I realized how the struggle for the freedom and the peace of our people has been ongoing and that motivated me over the past two years more than anything else to get more involved with advocacy work.”

The 18-year-old’s first step into advocacy came when he wrote a poem about the Armenian genocide for his English class at school. He ended up showing the poem to his priest. This led to an invitation to read the poem at the Armenian Embassy on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day in April 2018.

“I remember this day like it was yesterday,” he said. “I was 13-years old. This would have been almost five years ago now. I go up. I read it. I’m shaking. I’m nervous, but I delivered it fine.”

Seferian recalled one of the consulate members coming up after he’d stepped down from the podium and saying,”When I grow up, I want to be like you.”

“That really struck a chord with me,” Seferian said. “That moment was probably an awakening of sorts, because I realized, ‘Hey, I don’t think there’s anything inherently special about me, but I’ve been given opportunities to use my voice and this is what I want to keep doing.’ From there, it just kind of grew and grew.”

In high school, Seferian participated in speech and debate and discovered that he was pretty good at it.

Whenever there was a protest and a speaker was needed, Seferian would volunteer. He’s delivered speeches in front of the Azerbaijani Embassy and the United Nations building. He’s also visited Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress.

“It’s been an amazing experience, because it makes you feel great as an Armenian to know that you’re meeting with the lawmakers who are talking about how to help your country,” he said. “But also as an American, it completely changes your view of how the government operates. … You see it in action. You meet the people that are making our laws face-to-face. How blessed we are to live in the United States that we get to go and do this.”

In addition to his lobbying efforts, Seferian also completed an internship with the Armenian National Committee of America.

Even while Seferian was preparing for college, he had not slowed down his advocacy work. He is trying to raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis involving the Republic of Artsakh, a disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The mainly Armenian-populated area has been under a blockade by Azerbaijan since December 2022.

“No food, no water, no electricity, no power, no one can get in and out for medical service,” he said. “It is undoubtedly an intended ethnic cleansing of the area by the Azerbaijani government, who have been trying to get rid of Armenians living there for the better part of three decades now.”

United States urges Azerbaijan to restore free transit through Lachin Corridor

Anna Tamamian

 10:56,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 16, ARMENPRESS. The United States has urged Azerbaijan to restore free transit through Lachin Corridor amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“We remain deeply concerned about the continued closure of the Lachin corridor, specifically its closure to commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles,” United States Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing. “The halting of this kind of humanitarian traffic, in our opinion, it worsens the humanitarian situation and it undermines the efforts that have been in place to build confidence in the peace process. And so we urge the Government of Azerbaijan to restore free transit of commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles through this corridor. We’re also aware that the UN Security Council has a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the issue of Nagorno-Karabakh, and we expect further discussions to take place there as well,” he added.

Asked on the U.S.’s position on that very issue at the UN, Patel said, “I’m not going to get ahead of the meeting…but we have consistently emphasized and reiterated the fact that direct dialogue is essential to resolving this longstanding conflict, and we think that any engagements that ultimately bring peace and stability to the people of South Caucasus would be a good thing and a positive step forward.”

Asbarez: Azerbaijan Wants to Continue War, Warns Artsakh President

Anna Tamamian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 August 7, 2023

 

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

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan during an interview with Public TV on Aug. 6


Says There Are Disagreements with Yerevan Over Artsakh Policy

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan warned that Baku is planning to abandon the November 9, 2020 agreement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, and by doing so it will continue the war and aggression.

Harutyunyan said during an interview with Artsakh State Television on Sunday that Azerbaijan, is taking advantage of Russia’s war with Ukraine and is trying force Artsakh to give up its rights as cemented in the November 9, 2020 statement. He added that Baku is also attempting push its own agenda during talks with Stepanakert.

“Azerbaijan wants to abandon the trilateral statement and continue the war. This is already war, This is the continuation of the war, the aim of which is to turn Nagorno-Karabakh into a concentration camp through a siege, and then carry out genocide,” Harutyunyan said.

According to the President of Nagorno-Karabakh, one of the goals of Azerbaijan’s genocidal policy in Nagorno-Karabakh is to put pressure on Armenia to have more favorable conditions for a road through Syunik.

Harutyunyan warned of Azerbaijan’s aspirations by quoting its President Ilham Aliyev’s December 2021 remarks made before a meeting with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the European Council President Michel, when he claimed that the “Zangezur Corridor should work in the same vein as the Lachin Corridor.”

“Of course, in the beginning, we did not pay attention to it, we thought that it was a statement to put pressure on Armenia’s authorities, but later Azerbaijan emphasized that it in its policy. I can also announce today that Azerbaijan is continuing its pressure to coerce the maximum benefit. We must record that Azerbaijan wants to keep the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh hostage in some sense and simultaneously to commit genocide, by putting pressure on Armenia to get an upper hand in its pursuit of the Zangezur road,” Harutyunyan explained.

Harutyunyan said that Azerbaijan has turned Artsakh into a “major concentration camp” and is committing genocide there. “Now we already have a preliminary conclusion that this constitutes genocide,” he said.

“We have severe shortages of medicine in the healthcare sector. There are shortages of life-saving medications in pharmacies. The number of deaths resulting from various chronic illnesses continues to grow. For example, the cases of deaths from cardiovascular diseases have nearly doubled in the first half of the year. Pregnant women, children and people with chronic illnesses are the most vulnerable ones, and their health is deteriorating because of malnutrition, stress and other issues,” Harutyunyan explained.

The Artsakh President said that he declared nationwide disaster with the expectation that the international community would provide at least humanitarian support.  He noted that Armenia was first to respond and sent a humanitarian convoy, but the goods remain blocked at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor because Azerbaijan is not allowing them to go through.

Harutyunyan added that the Azerbaijani blockade has destroyed the economy and restoring it would take decades.

“We are witnessing genocide, and we are planning our steps in this regard,” he added.

The Artsakh leader also said that Yerevan’s policies regarding Karabakh have created disagreements between the two countries.

“We have quite active contacts and we wouldn’t have it any other way. We are in touch regularly —if not every day — and we discuss problems. There are disagreements and the most important disagreement is always related to the Karabakh issue,” Harutyunyan said when asked about relations with Yerevan.

The Artsakh president said that there is a mutual consensus between Yerevan and Stepanakert that Azerbaijan is committing genocide in Artsakh.

While he did not clarify the specifics of the so-called “disagreement” he did appeal to Yerevan to refrain from undermining Artsakh’s right to self-determination.

“No one has the right to question and limit our right to self-determination. It is an inherent right that was not granted by the authorities, but is internationally recognized, and in terms of that right, the people of Artsakh have expressed their willingness to fight, which is supported by the Armenian people,” Harutyunyan added.

Governor of Syunik to meet with ambassadors of France, Poland and Czech Republic

Anna Tamamian

 14:03, 2 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 2, ARMENPRESS. Governor of Syunik Robert Ghukasyan is set to have meetings with the ambassadors of France, Poland and Czech Republic.

“I’ll have three official meetings. One with the new ambassador [of France], the other with the new ambassador of Poland, and one with the Ambassador of Czech Republic who are here today. We will discuss various issues, naturally we won’t avoid the issues we are all concerned about. We see the efforts made by these countries, especially by France, which is doing everything. I am very grateful to France, because we are receiving the greatest warmth from this country in every sense,” Ghukasyan said at the of the EUMA Kapan hub.

Drone Map Armenia: Exploring the Beauty and History of Armenia through Drone Mapping

Anna Tamamian
CLAYTON COUNTY REGISTER


Jennifer Pressman

Drone Map Armenia is an ambitious project that aims to explore and document the beauty and history of Armenia through drone mapping. This innovative approach to cultural preservation and tourism promotion combines cutting-edge technology with the rich heritage of a country that has been at the crossroads of history for millennia. By capturing high-resolution aerial images and videos, the project seeks to create an immersive experience that allows people from around the world to discover the breathtaking landscapes, ancient monuments, and vibrant culture of Armenia.

Armenia, a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region of Eurasia, is home to a diverse array of natural and cultural treasures. From the snow-capped peaks of Mount Ararat to the lush forests of Dilijan National Park, the country’s landscapes are as varied as they are stunning. Meanwhile, its historical sites, such as the ancient temples of Garni and the medieval monasteries of Geghard and Tatev, bear witness to the rich tapestry of civilizations that have shaped the region over the centuries.

Drone mapping technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we explore and understand these treasures. By providing a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, drones can capture images and videos that reveal previously unseen perspectives and details. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the sites, as well as the opportunity to identify and document new archaeological features that may have been hidden from view.

In addition to its scientific and cultural value, drone mapping can also play a crucial role in promoting tourism in Armenia. The stunning aerial footage captured by the project can be used to create interactive maps, virtual tours, and other multimedia content that showcases the country’s attractions to a global audience. This can help to attract more visitors to Armenia, boosting the local economy and supporting the preservation of its cultural heritage.

One of the key challenges faced by the Drone Map Armenia project is ensuring that the use of drones does not harm the environment or disrupt the local communities. To address this issue, the project team works closely with local authorities, environmental organizations, and other stakeholders to develop guidelines and best practices for drone mapping. This includes obtaining the necessary permits, conducting environmental impact assessments, and implementing measures to minimize noise and other disturbances.

Another important aspect of the project is its focus on capacity building and knowledge transfer. By training local professionals in drone mapping techniques and providing them with access to cutting-edge equipment and software, the project aims to create a sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystem for aerial imaging in Armenia. This not only benefits the country’s cultural heritage and tourism sectors but also opens up new opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs in the rapidly growing field of drone technology.

As the Drone Map Armenia project continues to expand its coverage and refine its methodologies, it is clear that this innovative approach to cultural preservation and tourism promotion has the potential to make a lasting impact on the country and its people. By harnessing the power of technology and fostering international collaboration, the project is helping to ensure that the beauty and history of Armenia can be appreciated and shared by generations to come.

In conclusion, the Drone Map Armenia project represents a groundbreaking fusion of technology, culture, and conservation. By utilizing drone mapping to explore and document the country’s rich heritage, the project is not only shedding new light on Armenia’s past but also paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future. With its breathtaking landscapes, ancient monuments, and vibrant culture, Armenia is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered – and thanks to the pioneering work of the Drone Map Armenia team, that discovery is now more accessible than ever before.

https://www.claytoncountyregister.com/uncategorized/drone-map-armenia/1117/










Digital Society and Economy program discussed at Government

Anna Tamamian

 19:30,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a consultation was held in the Government, during which issues related to the process of the program of the formation of Digital Society and Economy were discussed, ARMENPRESS was infomred from the Office of the Prime Minister. 

Nerses Yeritsyan, Secretary of the Information Systems Council of Armenia, reported on the works carried out in the direction of the implementation of the digitization strategy and the road map. In particular, it was noted that based on the results of the meetings of the Information Systems Management Board, the program’s vision and targets were approved, the one and a half year work program was defined, which is implemented according to the guidelines approved by the Board. Work is being done on the introduction and active use of the electronic identification system, analysis on impact assessment and formation of digitalization capabilities in the public sector, formation of national cyber security capabilities, dialogue platforms with the private sector have been launched, and the digital architecture of Armenia has been approved.

Based on the report,  an exchange of ideas took place, the participants of the consultation presented their views on issues related to service provision policy, interoperability of information systems, data infrastructures.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to create a developed and safe environment and infrastructure for Armenia’s transformation into a digital society and digital economy. According to Nikol Pashinyan, it will contribute to increasing the potential and well-being of citizens, support enterprises in improving competitiveness and ensure effective management of public institutions.

Nikol Pashinyan instructed to organize discussions on the issues raised during the consultation and to present the proposed solutions at the next meeting.

European Rights Court Also Affirms Call on Baku to Open Lachin Corridor

Anna Tamamian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

The European Court of Human Rights


The European Court of Human Rights has joined the International Court of Justice in reaffirming its order compelling Azerbaijan to open the Lachin Corridor and end the Artsakh blockade.

The ECHR said on Monday that after reviewing a request from Armenia to apply interim measures against Azerbaijan regarding unblocking of the Lachin Corridor, the court decided to reaffirm its ruling of December 21 that calls on Baku to open the road.

The December 21 ruling ordered Azerbaijan to ‘take all measures’ to ensure safe passage through the “Lachin Corridor” of seriously ill persons in need of medical treatment in Armenia and others who were stranded on the road without shelter or means of subsistence.

With Monday’s decision, the European Court of Human Rights reaffirmed the need of implementing the decision made of December 21, 2022 in the current situation, and it must be implemented by Azerbaijan.

Earlier this month, the International Court of Justice, the United Nations highest judicial body, also reaffirmed its ruling of February 21, ordering Baku to take all steps to ensure the “unimpeded movement” along the Lachin Corridor.

Despite international calls, Baku has refused to comply by these orders.

Azerbaijan initiates Criminal Case against ICRC as its vehicles helped illegally smuggle goods to Armenia

Anna Tamamian
Pakistan – July 11 2023

BAKU, Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan has initiated a Criminal Case against the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for allegedly aiding in illegal smuggling of various types of goods to Armenia as well as temperately suspended the trade passing through the “Lachin” Border Checkpoint.

The Criminal Case has been launched under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan while the “Lachin” State Border Checkpoint will remain closed till necessary investigative measures are completed.

The State Border Service told AZERTAC – the official News Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan – since the establishment of the “Lachin” Border Checkpoint on the border with the Republic of Armenia, necessary conditions have been created for the passage of ICRC vehicles across the state border, subject to appropriate border and customs clearance.

However, over the past period, employees of the State Border Service have repeatedly detected attempts to smuggle various types of goods in ICRC vehicles. In particular:

  • At about 16:41 on 1 July 2023, 15 undeclared mobile telephones were discovered by border guard personnel hidden in the hand luggage of the Reno vehicle with the license plate 35-VX-480, driven by Garik Hartunyan, Armenian citizen, born on 17 June 1976 (passport: AT0573343), who was proceeding from Armenia to Azerbaijan.
  • At about 15:52 on 3 July 2023, a total of 115 undeclared mobile phone screens, 10 mobile phone boards, 120 mobile phone chargers and one screen protector were discovered by border guard personnel hidden among the hand luggage in the passenger compartment of the UAZ vehicle with the license plate 768-UU-22, driven by Vrezh Grigoryan, Armenian national, born on 12 April 1977 (passport: AU040291), who was proceeding from Armenia to Azerbaijan.
  • At about 16:10 on 5 July 2023, a total of 848 packets of cigarettes of 17 brands and 320 litres of petrol in a separate tank were discovered by border guard personnel in the passenger compartment of an Iveco truck with the license plate 711-FF-11, driven by Sasun Harutyunyan, Armenian citizen, born on 26 April 1981 (passport: AU0219416), who was proceeding from Armenia to Azerbaijan.
  • At 16:54 on 5 July 2023, a total of 125 packs of cigarettes of five brands and 1,000 liters of gasoline in a separate tank were detected by border guard personnel in the passenger compartment of a DAF truck with registration number 37-FF-609, driven by Vakif Musaielian, Armenian national, born on 4 December 1959 (passport: AU031091), who was proceeding from Armenia to Azerbaijan.

The State Border Service maintained that although the ICRC was warned about this through official channels, the illegal actions continued and the necessary steps were not taken to prevent them.

It said that the use for smuggling purposes of vehicles belonging to the ICRC and reserved for medical evacuation is not only a gross violation of the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan but also an abuse of the trust that our Country has placed in the ICRC as a humanitarian organization.

The State Border Service also said that all facts of smuggling using ICRC vehicles have been documented on the spot by means of operational footage.

https://dnd.com.pk/azerbaijan-initiates-criminal-case-against-icrc-as-its-vehicles-helped-illegally-smuggle-goods-to-armenia/295002