Author: Aram Torosian

UK flag flies at half-mast at Yerevan Embassy in memory of victims of Surmalu blast

Aram Torosian

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 16:42,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS.  The UK’s flag is flying at half-mast in front of the British Embassy in Yerevan today in memory of the victims of the blast at Surmalu shopping centre on 14 August, the British Embassy said in a statement.

“At this difficult moment, the British Embassy sends its deep condolences to the people of Armenia,” it added.

On Sunday 14 August, UK Ambassador John Gallagher wrote on Twitter:

“Shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the explosion at Surmalu shopping centre this afternoon. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. I wish those injured a full and speedy recovery.”

Two days of national mourning are declared in Armenia in memory of the victims of the Surmalu trade center explosion.

CoE Secretary General sends condolence message to the Prime Minister of Armenia

Aram Torosian

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 20:22,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 16, ARMENPRESS. Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, sent a condolence message to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding the explosion in Yerevan’s “Surmalu” shopping center, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister. The message reads as follows,

“Dear Prime Minister,

It is with deep sadness that I learned about the tragic incident at Surmalu market in Yerevan, as a result of which many have lost their lives, have been injured or are still missing.

On behlaf of the Council of Europe, I would like to express our condolences to the families of the victims and to your authorities. We commend those who work valiantly to rescue possible survivors and send our sincere wishes for a prompt and rapid recovery to all those injured”.

Fireworks explode in Armenian mall, killing one and injuring 45 as others remain trapped

Aram Torosian
Aug 14 2022

A powerful explosion has rocked a shopping centre and caused a fire in Armenia’s capital Yerevan, killing one person and injuring 45 others.

  • Rescue teams and civilians searched for people trapped under rubble 
  • 45 people were injured and one person died following the explosion, fire
  • It is not yet known what caused the fireworks to ignite

A spokesman for the emergency services ministry said 26 people had been taken to the hospital with 11 being children.

More than three hours after the early afternoon blast at the Surmalu market, firemen worked to put out the blaze.

Rescue workers and volunteers in civilian clothes searched for victims who might be trapped under slabs of concrete and twisted metal.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw two people pulled from the rubble — a woman with an injured leg and a young man who appeared to be unconscious.

Emergencies Minister Armen Pambukhchyan also said two sisters were pulled alive from the rubble.

The market, located 2 kilometres south of the city centre, is popular for its low prices and variety of goods.

Fireworks continued to explode as the firemen and rescuers worked amid thick thick grey smoke seen rising above a building. 

An Associated Press reporter at the scene saw two people pulled from the rubble — a woman with an injured leg and a young man who appeared to be unconscious.

Emergencies Minister Armen Pambukhchyan said two sisters were pulled alive from the rubble.

The Surmalu market is about two kilometres south of the city’s centre.

There was no immediate word on what caused the fireworks to ignite.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-14/fireworks-explode-in-armenian-mall-killing-injuring-many/101332410

Tigran Abrahamyan: Aliyev’s main point is that Armenians, Azerbaijanis can already live together

Aram Torosian
NEWS.am
Armenia – Aug 13 2022
Tigran Abrahamyan: Aliyev’s main point is that Armenians, Azerbaijanis can already live together
09:22, 13.08.2022

Referring to the construction of the new route along the Lachin (Berdzor) corridor Friday, the president of Azerbaijan noted that in the last 6-7 months, the work of the representatives of the construction company was carried out without the accompaniment of Russian peacekeepers, and they had the opportunity to communicate with the local Armenian residents. Tigran Abrahamyan, an MP from the opposition “With Honor” Faction in the National Assembly of Armenia and a security expert, wrote about this on Facebook Saturday morning.

“The general idea of the speech is that during that time there was no enmity between Armenians and Azerbaijanis, normal relations were established, and there was no need for the presence of Russian peacekeepers.

Even if we put aside the propaganda deviations of [Azerbaijani President Ilham] Aliyev’s speech, an announcement was made about a rather dangerous idea in the political sense.

Aliyev’s main point is that Armenians and Azerbaijanis can already live together, communicate without INTERMEDIARIES; in this case, Russians.

If we keep in mind that there are 3 years left until the end of the 5-year term of deployment of [Russian] peacekeepers in Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)], it was naturally understandable that a basis is already being prepared [by Azerbaijan] for not extending the term of the peacekeepers, or demanding a high price for the extension.

But any step, plan aimed at the joint residence of Armenians and Azerbaijanis is a tragedy in itself,” Abrahamyan added.

Armenian Assembly’s Working Trip to Artsakh Highlights Needs

Aram Torosian
A photo of downtown Stepanakert

Washington, D.C. – Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) Congressional Relations Director, Mariam Khaloyan, traveled to Artsakh last month on a working trip, where she assessed the region’s needs and conditions in the aftermath of the 2020 war launched on Artsakh that resulted in devastating consequences for the Armenian people. Khaloyan held meetings directly with several governmental and humanitarian organizations addressing these challenges.
Khaloyan met in Stepanakert with International Christian Concern (ICC), a human rights organization that is helping families amidst the current humanitarian crisis.
During the meeting, Khaloyan and ICC representatives discussed the importance of therapy for those who are trying to adjust after the brutal war that claimed the lives of soldiers and civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced thousands of residents.
The Assembly had also connected with ICC in person in December 2020, when Khaloyan traveled to Artsakh during her fact-finding trip following the signing of the November 9, 2020 trilateral ceasefire statement. Since then, ICC has conducted extensive research, participated in the Assembly’s online Advocacy Panels, and published several articles raising awareness and expressing concerns regarding Azerbaijan’s continued existential threats and violence against the Armenian people in Artsakh.
The HALO Trust’s field workers focus on demining and clearing contaminated areas in Artsakh

During Khaloyan’s meeting with The HALO Trust, she was briefed on current conditions of post-ceasefire challenges relative to unexploded ordnance and demining clearance operations in the remaining areas of Artsakh. Khaloyan also participated in a field visit by The HALO Trust in Martuni province’s Nengi village, where she saw demining efforts firsthand alongside HALO team members.
The HALO Trust is focused on clearing cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance from densely populated areas such as Stepanakert, Martakert and Martuni, which will ensure the safety of the remaining population and returning displaced families in the coming weeks and months.
Most of the current contamination is due to the 2020 war on Artsakh, where cluster munitions continue to be found in civilian areas, including in fields, schools, and homes. HALO’s team surveyed areas for threats to the civilian population and found three types of cluster bombs: a Russian-manufactured bomb delivered by Smerch carrier rockets which carries over 70 submunitions; a 9N235 bomb with a self-destruct mechanism that often fails to function; and an Israeli-manufactured M095 cluster bomb, delivered by long artillery ranged rockets (LAR-160). HALO’s diligent team works in the field in groups of eight. They are accompanied by trained medics, who are on hand for the clearance team.
Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan receives an update from a member of The HALO Trust team

“As one can imagine, the work is very dangerous. These teams put themselves in harm’s way everyday to ensure the safety and well-being of civilian lives,” said Khaloyan. “This critically important work saves lives and we very much appreciate continued U.S. assistance in this regard,” Khaloyan added.

Since 2000, HALO has cleared almost 500 minefields in Artsakh, making the land safe and transforming the lives of more than 130,000 people. They visit schools and communities to teach individuals, especially children, on how to stay safe until all landmines are cleared.
Assembly Congressional Relations Director Mariam Khaloyan with Artsakh Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan
In her meeting with Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan, a variety of ongoing issues that are priorities for the well-being of Armenians living in Artsakh were discussed. They included the humanitarian crisis on hand, including the lack of proper housing for approximately 40,000 internally displaced persons. Currently, funding for housing and help with the displaced is coming from the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and other diasporan organizations. Additionally, challenges facing school-aged children were also emphasized.
“There is not enough space for students or educators, as students are crammed in one classroom,” said Khaloyan. “There is also a concern of language preservation as there are many dialects throughout Artsakh. To ensure the preservation of these dialects, children are taking second shifts in school. To help solve this issue, additional schools are needed to protect the language and help preserve the culture of the different areas of Artsakh now under occupation,” added Khaloyan.
Alternate road construction along the Berdzor/Lachin Corridor
The November 2020 statement required that Armenia and Azerbaijan “exchange prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons.” Despite this, and along with strong calls from Congress, the Administration, and a number of humanitarian organizations, Azerbaijan still has not released all prisoners of war and captured civilians. Just last month, the U.S. House of Representatives reiterated the importance of the immediate release and repatriation of Armenian POWs – still unjustly held captive and subjected to torture and abuse by Azerbaijan – via passage of an amendment strongly supported by the Assembly to the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The Assembly remains deeply troubled by Azerbaijan’s ongoing ceasefire violations, including last week’s unprovoked attack against the Armenian people in Yeghtsahogh – a region along the Lachin/Berdzor Corridor monitored by Russian peacekeepers – with the use of mortars, launching grenades, and strike drones aimed at defense posts, resulting in 2 killed, 19 wounded, and 4 seriously wounded.

The Assembly urges Congress to hold the Aliyev regime accountable for its ongoing ceasefire violations and renewed hostilities against the Armenian people. The importance of enforcing Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act is clear. “It is imperative for Armenian Americans to make their voices heard and press Congress to stop Turkey and Azerbaijan from succeeding in their plans to remove the surviving Armenians from Artsakh and infringe further on Armenia’s border,” stated Khaloyan. “Armenia and Artsakh stand as leading democracies in the region and efforts to maintain its security are tantamount,” added Khaloyan.

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
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NR# 2020-35

ARS of Eastern USA to hold 101st Convention in North Carolina

Aram Torosian
 The Armenian Weekly Nonprofit News 0

For the first time ever, the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA will hold its 101st Convention in North Carolina.

The newly-established ARS Nayiri chapter and its founding members are serving as convention hosts and eagerly await the arrival of delegates and guests to Charlotte. 

“I would like to thank the North Carolina chapter members for their hospitality and help,” said ARS of Eastern USA Board chair Caroline Chamavonian. “Please join us to celebrate the new chapter at our 101st convention.”

All are invited to the banquet reception at the Hilton Garden Inn Charlotte SouthPark as the ARS of Eastern USA marks another year of humanitarian service. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Raffi.




Armenia ex-MP: Residents of villages along Lachin corridor are unlawfully being dispossessed of their homeland

Aram Torosian
NEWS.am
Aug 10 2022
16:33, 10.08.2022

The resettlement of residents from villages along the Lachin (Berdzor) corridor contradicts any logic and is an unlawful process; people are unlawfully being dispossessed of their homeland. Gagik Minasyan, representative of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia and an ex-MP, told this to a press conference Wednesday.

He stated that the illegally built new road is located at a maximum distance of one kilometer from Aghavno village, the latter is located in the Lachin corridor whose width is 2.5 km on both sides, and therefore the safe travel of people to and from Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) should be ensured by the new road.

In this regard, the politician expressed bewilderment that the authorities of Armenia, Karabakh, Azerbaijan, and Turkey are telling the local residents to leave their homes.

“This is nothing but dispossession of the homeland. The authorities of Armenia and Karabakh are implementing this very program according to the plans of Turkey and Azerbaijan. All the guilty will be held accountable for this,” added Minasyan.

He noted that Turkey and Azerbaijan are constantly talking about the need to fulfill the arrangements.

“What arrangements are we talking about? Obviously, there are unpublicized agreements, as a result of which Kovsakan [(Zangelan)] and other territories were handed over, which, according to the [trilateral] statement of November 9, [2020] should not have come under the control of Azerbaijan.

It is possible that the Armenian authorities received money in exchange for these arrangements, and therefore Turkey and Azerbaijan speak with them in the ‘language’ of blackmail. Otherwise, the representatives of the incumbent regime in Armenia would at least deny these statements. If they don’t do it, the Armenian authorities have obviously agreed to these arrangements,” Minasyan emphasized.

The former lawmaker noted that the current Armenian authorities are implementing the Turkish-Azerbaijani plan and keeping Armenia under their occupation.

“Therefore, it is necessary to show an appropriate attitude towards them, declare a national liberation struggle, and get rid of them. Any way to liberate the homeland from invaders is permissible. It is necessary to achieve a change of power [in Armenia] in any way, as the process overseen by the treacherous regime leads to irreversible losses,” concluded Gagik Minasyan.

The USA and its allies should condemn the violence of Azerbaijan – Congresswoman Lori Trahan

Aram Torosian

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 11:11, 6 August 2022

YEREVAN, AUGUST 6, ARMENPRESS. US Congresswoman Lori Trehan called on the United States and allied countries to condemn the latest violence against Artsakh by Azerbaijan, ARMENPRESS reports, she wrote on her “Twitter” page.

“I’ve heard from many Armenian Americans in Massachusetts who are rightly outraged by Azerbaijan’s latest violent attack that has led to tragic and unnecessary loss of life. The U.S. and our allies must condemn this violence and work diplomatically to prevent future escalation”, she wrote.

Armenia women’s chess team defeats Israel. Olympiad

Aram Torosian

Armenia women’s chess team defeats Israel. Olympiad

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 19:57, 5 August 2022

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. The women’s chess team of Armenia defeated the Israeli team in the regular round of the Olympiad.

ARMENPRESS reports in the 7th round of the World Olympiad in the Indian city of Chennai, the women’s team of Armenia won over Israel with a score of 2.5-1.5. Only Susanna Gaboyan celebrated the victory, while Elina Danielyan, Lilit Mkrtchyan and Anna Sargsyan ended in a draw.

In the previous 6 rounds, the national team of Armenia celebrated 5 victories (Botswana, Norway, Ireland, Indonesia, England) and lost to Estonia. The World Chess Olympiad is being held this year in Chennai, India, from July 29 to August 10.

Expert: How Azerbaijan’s expansion at the expense of Armenia, Iran and Georgia is imagined

Aram Torosian
Panorama
Armenia – Aug 4 2022

The real political ambitions of Azerbaijan and Turkey concerning the South Caucasus region are sometimes more vividly illustrated by maps that are widely shared both by decision-makers and ordinary people, Turkologist Varuzhan Geghamyan said.

“Here is one of the most famous maps, which shows how they imagine the expansion of Azerbaijan at the expense of Armenia, Iran and Georgia,” he wrote on Facebook on Thursday, sharing a copy of the map.

“One of the first political rationales for this was given by one of the founders of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mammad Amin Rasulzadeh, back on April 8, 1920.

“Turkey has set itself the task of creating Southwest Azerbaijan, which would include some parts of Erivan (Iravan) and Tiflis (the Akhaltsikhe and Akhalkalaki districts) provinces as well as the Republic of Azerbaijan after incorporating Southwest Azerbaijan, Adjara, Muslim-populated Terek, Dagestan, Karabakh, Persian Karadag, Tavriz and Marat into it. Thus, a great Azerbaijan should be created under the protectorate of Turkey.”

“We are now witnessing not only how it is becoming a reality, but also how it is being facilitated by the de facto pro-Turkish authorities of Armenia,” the expert said.