Author: Ara Felekian

None of the troops are returning armed, Pashinyan says on manipulations

Ara Felekian

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 11:09,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says the manipulations around his latest statement on November 15 are “absolutely inappropriate”.

“Understandably we are all rather tense now,” he said at an online press conference on November 16.”Regarding my yesterday’s statement I can say that a number of reactions showed how manipulative mechanisms are put to action especially during this period of tension.  What did I say in that statement, I said ‘I am waiting for you in Yerevan’”, the PM said, referring to his statement addressed to servicemen at the frontline. “This sentence gave grounds to many to say that allegedly it contains calls for civil war and clashes. If our dearest countrymen pay attention, after the well-known events one can see even on the internet that many of these servicemen are being demobilized and are returning to their families, and many of these people, groups and detachments are addressing messages to me, saying they want to meet me, and I found it necessary to publicly respond to them, saying that I will organize a meeting with them and we will discuss issues with them,” the PM said.

Speaking about the last sentence of his statement, he said that it contains a rather harsh terming, but that this terming was used yesterday also by official bodies.

“I wrote – ‘to finally solve the issues of those whining under walls’. Sure, this is a rather harsh terming, but taking into account that even official bodies use this phrase in their statements, I used it. This means that after the return of the frontline troops and during the conversation with them I will finally close the talks which are actively being generated, which allege that the Armenian military-political leadership has been involved in some kind of a conspiracy and so on. Who else if not the frontline troops know the answer to this question? It is very important for me to talk with these men, to hear their assessments,” Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan stressed that none of the troops is returning with their weapons, and that he has had a discussion with the Military Police Chief in order to rule out such cases.

“In this situation I find the manipulations regarding my yesterday’s statement to be absolutely inappropriate. I believe that the demobilized troops, the soldiers who are returning from the frontline are also entitled to have their opinion, and I don’t believe there is anything condemnable that they want to meet with me. They are the ones who bear the truth about the events, and if it turns out that a conspiracy has happened, then let those guilty be punished,” the PM said.

He said that in no way can the country’s leader call for civil war or clashes, and stressed that the law enforcement agencies have all opportunities to prevent potential clashes.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Asbarez: President Says Any Agreement on Artsakh Must Stem from National Interests and Consensus

Ara Felekian

November 9,  2020



President Armen Sarkissian

President Sarkissian says he was not consulted on the end of war agreement

President Armen Sarkissian on Tuesday morning (local time) issued an announcement regarding the agreement that was reached between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia to end the military attacks in the Karabakh conflict zone.

Sarkissian said that he, as president of the Republic of Armenia, was not consulted on the agreement. He insisted that any agreement on Artsakh—the fate of the Armenian people—must be reached based on the aspirations of the Armenian nation with the relevant consensus.

He called for consultations to discuss to achieve solutions for the defense of our national interests.

Below is the translated text of the president’s statement.

I learned from the press the announcement of an agreement that has been signed with the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan to end the Karabakh war. I also learned from the press about the circumstance of ending the war.

Sadly, no consultations or discussions took place with me, as president of the Republic, about the agreement and I have not participated in any negotiations.

The settlement of the Karabakh conflict is an important question that has national ramifications. Any step, activity or decision, especially signing any agreement, regarding the fundamental security of Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian people must occur through comprehensive discussion and consultations.

I am stressing that fate of Artsakh, thus the Armenian nation, can be resolved only by taking into consideration our national interests and aspirations and only based on a national consensus.

Taking into consideration the deep concern of a broad range of our people, given the current situation, I am organizing immediate political consultations in order to coordinate solutions that stem from the agenda of defending our national interests in the shortest time period.

As the president of the Republic, at this decisive time for our nation, I consider the fostering of unity as my current mission. I hope that during the next 10 days we will be able to bring about such unity that will make me believe that I have harnessed all my abilities in service my homeland.

Armenia’s Defense Ministry representative assesses operative situation as favorable

Ara Felekian

Armenia’s Defense Ministry representative assesses operative situation as favorable

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 22:19, 8 November, 2020

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Representative of the Defense Ministry of the Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan informed that the situation on the front line remains tense. Hovhannisyan said in a press conference that the clashes continued along the entire frontline from night and throughout the day in different directions.

”The clashes were quite intensive. In the northern direction small combat groups tried to attack our positions reinforced by artillery fire, but suffered losses and retreated. After recording some success in Martuni direction by the Azerbaijani armed forces, our troops were able to stop the adversary and repel to their initial positions, inflicting heavy losses. The clashes inside Shushi, nearby Shushi and on the roads were quite intensive during the entire day”, ARMENPRESS reports Hovhannisyan as saying.

He added that at the moment there are some clashes, but at a much lower intensity.

Hovhannisyan emphasized that in the direction of Berdzor the Azerbaijani armed forces made a number of attempts to break in the front line and head to Berdzor, probably, trying to reach and support their troops near Shushi, but suffering heavy losses, fled. ”At the moment the clashes continue and the overall situation can be assessed as quite favorable. Our troops are able to hamper all the attempts for a success of the adversary, but the clashes are still going on. It’s already 3-4 days that in fact, clashes for Shushi continue at night hours”, Hovhannisyan said.

CSTO expresses deep concern over downing Russian Mi-24 helicopter

Ara Felekian

 

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 22:56, 9 November, 2020

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. The CSTO has expressed serious concerns over the destruction of the Mi-24 Russian helicopter by the Azerbaijani armed forces, ARMENPRESS reports, citing Ria Novosti, press secretary of the CSTO Vladimir Zaynetdinov said.

The press secretary of the organization expressed regret for that the escalation of the NK conflict has led to sad consequences.

”We express our serious concern for the incident. We offer condolences to relatives and friends of the victims. We should wait for the results of the investigation to find out where the shooting was from”, Zaynetdinov said.

Glendale Armenian Community Sending Support Back Home

Ara Felekian
Spectrum
Nov 9 2020
By Aziza Shuler Glendale
PUBLISHED 3:28 PM ET Nov. 09, 2020

GLENDALE, Calif. — There are only 700 BMW M4 GTS’s around the world and Glendale resident, Levon Sargsyan owns one.

For a car enthusiast driving one of the rarest German cars on the roads, Levon says, is an untouchable feeling.

Coming from Armenia where he was born, a car is considered a luxury. When his family moved to Glendale, Levon was mesmerized by L.A.’s car culture.

Driving has become a stress reliever he’s turned to since his family is constantly concerned for their many relatives in Armenia where a 30-year-old conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan recently reignited.

Levon says hearing updates from family of the bombings and attacks gets depressing.

All of sudden, material things like getting a set of rare super sport tires to compliment his need for speed, lost value.

“So I decided to say you know what, I don’t need it. Let me just sell them because I knew they were popular wheels and they sold in literally two hours. The person came and picked them up the same day. I was able to donate that money the same night,” Levon said.

Of course, the 27-year-old posted on social media about donating the $3,500 to the Armenia Fund, and soon someone anonymously matched his donation.

Together they sent a total of $7,000 to help the people in Artsakh.

With Glendale being home to the largest Armenian population in the United States, Levon’s brother Haik Sargsyan hosted a donation drive at his local business.

In matter of days, truckloads of medical supplies, food and clothing were shipped to Armenian soldiers on the front line.

Haik said, “It does get emotional because when Armenians as a people get together it’s amazing.”

That’s exactly what Levon says is the true definition of of the movement ‘Artsakh Strong’.

“Everyday we try to do everything we can on our part, it could be financially, it could be resources, it could be spreading the word on social media,” he said. 

So when you see an Armenian driving with the Armenian flag waving, it’s a silent call for help from their second home, the U.S.

Glendale City Council recently passed a unanimous resolution to officially recognize the independence of Artsakh.

Given the Mayor of Glendale and two of the four city council-members are Armenian, this issue hits close to home for them and the thousands of Armenians in the city.

This resolution is basically Glendale taking a stand for the human rights of the people in Artsakh.

Also, calling on the U.S. and congress to do the same and intervene in the conflict and bring peace to the Armenian region.

LIVE UPDATES: Azerbaijan fires cluster munitions at Stepanakert City

Ara Felekian

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 11:08, 6 November, 2020

STEPANAKERT, NOVEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Two explosions were heard in Stepanakert City at 11:10, ARMENPRESS correspondent reported from the capital of Artsakh.

The air raid sirens are activated.

Stepanakert and Shushi were under intense Azeri bombardment overnight November 5-6 also. 

11:20 – More explosions heard

12:06 – Azerbaijan uses cluster munitions to bombard Stepanakert. The Azeri forces are striking residential buildings and civilian infrastructure.

12:42 – Air raid sirens again activated, three explosions heard

12:54 – Multiple explosions heard

13:00- Air raid sirens off

13:40- Several explosions again heard

15:30- Air raid sirens again ativated, a distant sound of explosion heard. 

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Pashinyan Calls on Putin to Determine Russia’s Assistance for Safeguarding Armenia’s Security

Ara Felekian

October 31,  2020



Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with Russian President Vladimir Putin

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Saturday dispatched a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin, outlining in detail the challenged created by Azerbaijan military aggression against Artsakh.

In the letter Pashinyan has specifically stressed the issue of foreign terrorists being transferred from the Middle East and being engaged in military operations against Nagorno-Karabakh.

Given evidence of breaches against the territory of Armenia in order to bring military operations close the border of the Republic of Armenia, Armenia’s prime minister requested that the Russian president immediately begin discussions to determine the scope and size of assistance Russia can provide to Armenia to safeguard its security on the basis of the alliance between Armenia and Russia, as well as Article 2 of the August 27, 1997 “Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance” agreement.

Peaceful Armenian demonstration attacked in Fresno, 3 hospitalized with stab wounds

Ara Felekian

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 13:25,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 29, ARMENPRESS. Three people have been hospitalized with stab wounds after a suspect attacked an Armenian demonstration in Fresno, CA that was held in the northern part of the city in support of Armenia and Artsakh amid the Azeri attacks.

The incident happened at the intersection of Blackstone and Nees, where about 150 demonstrators had blocked off the northbound lanes of Blackstone about 6:40 pm, ABC30 News reported.
That’s when one agitated driver came out of his vehicle and had a verbal exchange with the protesters, police say.
“He was cussing us out and threatening us that he is going to damage our cars and also kill us,” said Katarina Melikian, who was at the rally. The suspect first ripped the group’s banner, then went back to his vehicle and took a wooden stick and began swinging it violently at the protesters.

As demonstrators attempted to fend him off, he allegedly pulled out a knife and started slashing.
Police said the suspect fled the scene and rammed into other cars.

“We don’t stand for hate at all. We stand against hate, we stand against racism,” said Sosi Dzhugarrian, one demonstrator.

The demonstrators said this won’t discourage their cause.

“We are not going to stop fighting for our country,” said Katarina Melikian.

Police say the suspect, who is already under arrest, faces charges of assault with a deadly weapon.

Editing by Stepan Kocharyan

Cher, Rep. Susie Lee host early voting rally in southwest Las Vegas

Ara Felekian
Review Journal
Oct 24 2020

By Sabrina Schnur Las Vegas Review-Journal
– 4:15 pm


Cher and Congresswoman Susie Lee rallied an audience of about 100 people Saturday night in southwest Las Vegas to ensure everyone has a plan to vote in the general election.

In the first of two voter mobilization events sponsored by the Biden Harris campaign this weekend hosted by the singer and actress Cher and Lee rallied at The Gramercy Residences in southwest Las Vegas to promote why they’re voting for Joe Biden. On Sunday, Cher is expected to host a Pride Walk to the Polls at 10 a.m. at an as-yet unannounced Las Vegas location.

While rallygoers found their seats Saturday, Lee told the Review-Journal that judging by early voter turnout, residents are excited to vote after witnessing President Donald Trump’s decisions the past four years.

“People are fired up and ready for change,” she said. “We live in a community who has seen this failed leadership in action.”

Lee said the nation’s next president is tasked with ending the pandemic.

“We need someone who recognizes the science,” she said. “We’re not going to get out of this devastation until we beat this virus.”

Lee told the crowd that she understood their excitement was because most local residents haven’t heard live entertainment in months because of COVID-19, and that she was working in Congress to put together another relief package.

The coronavirus pandemic struck Las Vegas “harder than anywhere in this country,” she said, noting the virus’ effect on the the city’s economy. “And it didn’t have to be that way if we had a leader that recognized the science. If we had a leader that took steps and just wore a damn mask. I am a one-issue congresswoman right now and that is getting another package and getting aid into the hands of American people.


“Nevada will come back better and stronger than before. We always have and we always will.”

Cher sang “Walking in Memphis” live before a seven-minute speech on her fears if Trump were elected for another four years and the things she’s spoken to Biden about fixing. Cher said she’s known Biden since 2006 and knows him to be honest.

“You cannot build anything unless you build it on the truth. That’s one of Joe’s great attributes is he is honest. He is truthful. He knows whats he’s doing and he’s smart,” she said. “If you don’t vote you’ll have nothing. If (Trump) gets another four years in office, we will have nothing.”

Cher told stories about her family’s history in poverty, including how embarrassed she was when she had to rubber band the soles of her shoes so she could walk to school. She said she remembers when she was 10 and learned women were introduced by the name’s of their husbands and she doesn’t want to reverse women’s progress.

She praised Biden’s goals if elected. “He’s got this idea to make jobs where there were no jobs before and they’re good jobs and they pay well,” Cher said. “I want people to have better. I want them to feel good about themselves and have a good living.”

In response to the rally, the local campaign for President Donald Trump issued a statement criticizing Biden.

“Joe Biden would turn back time to the days of record unemployment and home foreclosures. Nevadans can feel something inside them say they really don’t think Joe Biden is strong enough, and come November 3, the Silver State will re-elect President Trump,” according to the statement from Keith Schipper, spokesman for Trump Victory.

‘Most important election’

Rallygoers were fired up by the event. Dave Bye, for one, said this was his first political rally in nearly 30 years, since a Bill Clinton event in the early 90s.

“This is probably the most important election in my lifetime and I feel really strongly about the outcome,” the 61-year-old Las Vegan said.

“The camaraderie here with other Biden supporters is nice,” he said.

Bye said he voted early and in-person to avoid “any shenanigans,” and appreciated that voting opportunities are widely available in Las Vegas.

Pattie Mercadante, 67, said that she’s already received confirmation her mail-in ballot was received but that she couldn’t miss out on a chance at a free Cher concert. “How could I not be here? It’s Cher after all!” she said before the rally.

Laura Esparza, 52, and her daughter, Victoria Wright, 21, of Henderson, said they appreciated the social distancing and free masks at the rally. This is Wright’s first presidential election and the two have been very involved in campaigning locally.

“If it takes five minutes to vote, it’s five minutes well-spent,” Esparza said.


Another journalist wounded by Azerbaijani artillery strikes on Artsakh

Ara Felekian

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 14:25, 1 October, 2020

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 1, ARMENPRESS. A cameraman of the “Armenia TV” channel has been wounded in Artsakh from Azerbaijani artillery strikes, the Armenian Unified InfoCenter said.

“Armenia TV channel’s cameraman Aram Grigoryan has been wounded from Azerbaijani artillery shelling. Other reporters were also in the group,” they said.

The report comes right after two French reporters of Le Monde newspaper were wounded in the town of Martuni after Azeri forces bombarded the civilian settlement.

103 servicemen of the Artsakh military have been killed in the Azerbaijani attacks since September 27. Over 120 troops are wounded. 

7 civilians were also killed in different cities of Artsakh since September 27 as Azeri forces bombarded towns.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan