Author: Badalian Vardan

Azerbaijan-Armenia relations moving forward again

Badalian Vardan
ARAB NEWS, Saudi Arabia
Feb 25 2024

YASAR YAKIS


Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met on Feb. 17 during the Munich Security Conference. It was a nice surprise that both leaders were able to make it to Germany.
There is now a thaw in Azerbaijani-Armenian relations. Using this opportunity, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz facilitated a meeting and personally participated in it. This was followed by a bilateral meeting between Aliyev and Pashinyan. The two leaders agreed on a number of issues, including the continuation of the peace talks between their countries and the demarcation of borders. It appears that Pashinyan was not fully happy with Aliyev’s hinting at the question of demarcation of the borders, but we have to admit that the dust cannot be swept under the carpet indefinitely.
With the end of Armenia’s occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh, a new window of opportunity is open in the region. It is important not to let this window close again. In this advice, there is also an allusion to encourage Azerbaijan to be more forthcoming.
Pashinyan may be counting on the support of the strong Armenian diaspora in the US during the presidential election at the end of this year. The Armenian diaspora in Russia is also strong, but we do not know how Moscow will use this leverage. One has to admit that Azerbaijan also has stakes in its hand and will probably use them when the opportunity arises.
The question of the Meghri corridor is one of the thorniest issues between Azerbaijan and Armenia and perhaps the most difficult to solve. Article 9 of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Russia President Vladimir Putin in November 2022 states: “All economic and transport connections in the region shall be unblocked. The Republic of Armenia shall guarantee the security of transport connections between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic in order to arrange unobstructed movement of persons, vehicles and cargo in both directions.”
The future status of the Meghri corridor could not be defined more clearly than that.
During a live broadcast that Pashinyan made and that lasted several hours, he said he was convinced that the only thing that can ensure 100 percent peace is a lasting “de jure fixed binding peace.” He claimed that the trilateral ceasefire did not specifically mention the Meghri corridor. The name “Meghri” may not be mentioned in the text, but an entire paragraph of the ceasefire agreement was exclusively about this corridor. The corridor will facilitate transport links between Russia, Georgia and Iran on the one hand and between the Nakhchivan exclave and Azerbaijan on the other. In addition, it will also facilitate the connection between Turkiye and — through the Caspian Sea — the Central Asian states.

A new era may be dawning in the Caucasus, but it has to be handled with the utmost care.

Yasar Yakis

Two days after the Munich Security Conference, another important meeting was held in Ankara between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Aliyev. In this meeting, Erdogan reiterated his full support for the signing of a peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He said: “There is no doubt that the signing of a lasting peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a new source of hope for peace and stability in our region and the world.”
A few hours before the Erdogan-Aliyev meeting, the spokesman of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry made an important point that should not be missed. According to the Armenian Constitution, the Nagorno-Karabakh territories that have been taken back by Azerbaijan are still shown in Armenian maps as belonging to Armenia. Hopefully, adjustments will be made in due course.
Other issues of cooperation were also raised in the meeting between Erdogan and Aliyev.
The Gaza war and other developments in the international arena have put Pashinyan in a difficult position because, under pressure from Washington and Paris, he last year ratified the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court to bring charges against Putin, meaning Yerevan would be obliged to arrest the Russian leader should he visit the country. On Feb. 2, Pashinyan announced that he would no longer rely on Russia’s protection and that Armenia had to have a new defense structure. This further exacerbated Moscow’s attitude toward Armenia. This is a major shift in Armenia’s attitude.
Substantive negotiations have recently been initiated between Azerbaijan and Armenia. They are being held in various Gulf countries. When the two countries are left alone, they make more progress in their talks. Problems arise when the Armenian diaspora in France and the US pour fuel on the fire.
Since the last Nagorno-Karabakh war of 2020, the Council of Europe has played a negative role by raising human rights issues in Azerbaijan. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe has initiated a procedure to suspend Baku’s membership, claiming that human rights violations were committed during the clashes. However, the atrocities committed by Armenians exceeded by far what was done by Azerbaijanis. On Feb. 26, 1992, for example, 613 defenseless Azerbaijanis suffered untold atrocities and were killed.
Turkiye has strongly opposed the suspension of Azerbaijan but some members of the council seized this opportunity to criticize both Ankara and Baku at the same time. Such an attitude will not lead the Council of Europe anywhere. Even if Azerbaijan’s membership of the Council of Europe is suspended, it could survive without being a member.
The initiative of the Council of Europe may also negatively affect the reconciliation process that was launched between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
A new era may be dawning in the Caucasus, but it has to be handled with the utmost care.

  • Yasar Yakis is a former foreign minister of Turkiye and founding member of the ruling AK Party. X: @yakis_yasar

Turkish Press: Historic window of opportunity for lasting peace in Karabakh should not be closed, says Turkish president

Badalian Vardan
Yeni Safak
Feb 20 2024

Historic window of opportunity for lasting peace in Karabakh should not be closed, says Turkish president

Signing of permanent peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be new source of hope for peace, and stability in our region and world, says Recep Tayyip Erdogan

With the end of Armenia's decades-long occupation of Karabakh, a historic opportunity opened for lasting peace in the region, said the Turkish president on Monday.

When Azerbaijan in fall 2020 and last September brought an end to Armenia's nearly 30-year occupation of Karabakh, a historic window of opportunity opened for lasting peace in the Southern Caucasus, said Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking in the capital Ankara alongside Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev.

It is “crucial” that this window does not close, Erdogan added.

“It is undoubtedly certain that the signing of a permanent peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be a new source of hope for peace, tranquility, and stability in our region and the world,” said Erdogan.

He said that during this process, Türkiye and Azerbaijan have stood “shoulder to shoulder.”

“I believe that Armenia should evaluate this process with a long-term, strategic perspective. We also invite third parties to contribute constructively to the process rather than poisoning it,” he said.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

Azerbaijan liberated most of the region during the war in the fall of 2020, which ended with a Russian-brokered peace agreement, opening the door to normalization.

Baku initiated an anti-terrorism operation in Karabakh last September to establish constitutional order, after which illegal separatist forces in the region surrendered.

Erdogan on Monday welcomed Aliyev in the capital Ankara to discuss all aspects of bilateral relations, as well as steps to further cooperation between the two countries.

Aliyev's visit to Ankara is his first trip abroad since being reelected earlier this month.

– Council of Europe and Azerbaijan

On more recent developments, Erdogan said Türkiye will continue to work to get Azerbaijan's credentials validated at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

“We will continue our support and efforts for Azerbaijan until the decision (not ratifying their credentials) is overturned,” Erdogan said.

Last month, PACE voted to deny validation to the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation to the body, alleging that it has not fulfilled major commitments under its Council of Europe membership.

Erdogan added that Türkiye will continue stressing that PACE should be a platform for “parliamentary democracy rather than conflict.”

– Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations on trade, transportation

Erdogan said the potential in the transportation and energy sectors between Baku and Ankara must be enhanced “in a period of critical challenges.”

“The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line is essentially one of the most concrete examples of this. It is crucial to complete our renovation efforts urgently to achieve the highest efficiency from this line. During my visit to Nakhchivan, the Turkish Gate, in September, I, along with Aliyev, signed the memorandum of understanding for the Kars-Nakhchivan railway with this understanding,” he said.

Erdogan added that expanding the capacity of Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and facilitating the transportation of Caspian natural gas to both Türkiye and Europe are key focuses in Ankara's agenda within this sector.

“We added a new dimension to our energy cooperation with the Igdir-Nakhchivan natural gas pipeline project initiated during my visit to Nakhchivan,” last September, said Erdogan.

On trade ties, Erdogan said: “The total Turkish-Azerbaijani trade volume last year reached $7.5 billion for the first time. We will step up our efforts to achieve a $15 billion target,” Erdogan added.

Erdogan also expressed hope that recent incidents on the border of the two countries that wounded one Azerbaijani soldier would not be repeated.

“Our family council continues to work towards further institutionalization and strengthening of our unity within the Organization of Turkic States,” Erdogan said.

-⁠ ⁠Turkish-Azerbaijani unity important factor for Eurasia

For his part, Aliyev described his visit to Türkiye following his reelection earlier this month as “natural,” saying that Turkish-Azerbaijani unity is an important factor not only for the region but also for the Eurasian continent as a whole.

Aliyev said Türkiye has reached new heights with Erdogan's efforts, and has gotten a say on the global level, adding that Türkiye is also the guarantor of “peace, stability and cooperation” in the southern Caucasus.

Türkiye stood by Azerbaijan, which “solved the historical problem that it could not solve by peaceful means on the battlefield," and his people will not forget Türkiye's support during this time, said Aliyev, referring to its regaining full sovereignty over its territory of Karabakh after a nearly 30-year occupation.

He added that the anti-terror operation Azerbaijan carried out in the Karabakh region last September “fully affirmed” the country's sovereignty.

Aliyev also said Azerbaijan and Türkiye share an outlook in all matters and are adding to their strength based on a declaration cementing their alliance.

“The unification of the Turkic world, the coexistence of peoples with common cultures, will increase the strength of each member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS),” he added.

Repeating his Turkish counterpart's remarks that an extraordinary OTS summit in Shusha, Azerbaijan will be held in July, Aliyev said Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Ersin Tatar will also attend, a move which he said will “give impetus to the unity of the Turkic people.”

Aliyev said he is very pleased that their trade with Türkiye is growing rapidly, much more than they could have ever dreamed.

He also said that military collaboration is also an important aspect of cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, describing the armies of both countries as “like a fist.”

He went on to say he and Erdogan had extensive discussions regarding the defense industry sector, and that they have “concrete plans” for joint production.

Ameriabank executives to retain management – Bank of Georgia Group chairman

Badalian Vardan

 13:36,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Ameriabank and Bank of Georgia Group (BOGG) PLC have completed negotiations. Ameriabank can now join the BOGG international group. The next phase envisages the confirmation of the deal, and meanwhile BOGG chairman Mel Carvill has visited Armenia on the occasion of the successful completion of the negotiations.

In an interview with journalist Eric Hacopian, Carvill spoke about Armenia’s investment appeal, presented BOGG, the details of the possible deal and its importance for both sides.

He also spoke about the opportunities that the deal would provide in case of confirmation. The BOGG chairman said that greater security and stability guarantees will be created for the bank’s customers, because Ameriabank will be part of a major banking group and thus have direct access to global capital markets. At the same time, Carvill said that Ameriabank will continue shaping its success story by remaining the leading Armenian bank. “The current management team will also continue to manage the bank,” he said.

[see video]

Feu! Chatterton chante la mémoire de Missak Manouchian, bientôt panthéonisé

Badalian Vardan
Le Figaro, France
18 fev 2024
Par Le Figaro avec AFP

Depuis 2021, le groupe de rock parisien Feu! Chatterton reprend le titre L'Affiche rouge de Léo Ferré, célébrant Missak Manouchian, héros de la résistance fusillé il y a 80 ans et honoré au Panthéon mercredi 21 février.

«La question, c'est pourquoi il n'y est pas entré plus tôt ?», s'interroge le chanteur Arthur Teboul aux côtés de l’instrumentaliste Sébastien Wolf concernant l’intronisation au Panthéon, mercredi 21 février, de Missak Manouchian. «Parfois, les chansons nous choisissent» : Feu! Chatterton, groupe de rock lettré, reprend depuis fin 2021 en concert L'Affiche rouge, chanson de Léo Ferré célébrant le héros de la résistance fusillé il y a 80 ans.

Arthur Teboul et Sébastien Wolf sont à l'origine d'un moment suspendu, récemment dans l'émission télé musicale Taratata . Quand ils jouent L'Affiche rouge, le public s'attend à une séquence débridée. «On n'avait rien dit. On l'a faite pendant les balances (répétitions) et, là, Nagui ne bougeait plus, puis il a dit: “vous le faites ce soir !”», se souvient Sébastien Wolf, seul au clavier pour une nappe sonore en apesanteur. «En concert, le silence se fait et, à la fin, les gens nous parlent de quoi ? De cette chanson. Mais c'est la chanson qui est forte, nous ne sommes que des passeurs», décrit Arthur Teboul. On peut saisir l'émotion du public, alors que le titre atterrit pendant les rappels, dans l'album Live à Paris enregistré en avril 2022 au Zénith.

«Arthur la chantonnait depuis longtemps en loges et, un jour, on s'est dit: “vas-y, on la joue ce soir !”», rembobine Sébastien Wolf. «C'était comme une évidence : c'était à l'automne 2021, pile pendant la montée d'Éric Zemmour lors de la campagne présidentielle», décrypte le multi-instrumentiste. «Il y avait comme une correspondance avec cette chanson dans notre set et la période politique». Le musicien espère faire réfléchir, dans un public «de tout bord politique». «Ceux qui ont fait de mauvais choix, à cause de la crise, de la peur, peut-être comprendront-ils que ce n'est pas l'étranger le problème».

Rescapé du génocide arménien, apatride, réfugié en France, Missak Manouchian rejoignit la résistance communiste (Francs-tireurs et partisans – Main-d'oeuvre immigrée/FTP-MOI), parmi laquelle il s'illustra à la tête d'un réseau très actif. Arrêté, il fut fusillé par les Allemands à 37 ans, le 21 février 1944, avec une vingtaine de ses camarades. Dix d'entre eux figuraient sur l'Affiche rouge placardée dans les rues par l'occupant, qui les présentait comme «l'armée du crime».

Louis Aragon rendra hommage en 1955 à ces «vingt et trois étrangers et nos frères pourtant» dans son poème Strophes pour se souvenir, s'inspirant de la dernière lettre que Missak Manouchian adressa à sa femme Mélinée (qui lui survécut 45 ans et entrera également au Panthéon). Un poème repris en chanson en 1961 par Léo Ferré. Un vinyle en édition limitée, avec Missak Manouchian sur la pochette, paraît d'ailleurs vendredi avec les versions de Léo Ferré et de Feu! Chatterton.

«Dans le groupe, plusieurs d'entre nous ont des grands-parents qui ont connu la guerre dans la résistance ou ont été déportés. Ça résonne énormément chez nous mais ça résonne encore plus avec l'actualité», reprend Sébastien Wolf. Et de souligner le «besoin de se rappeler ce qui s'est passé il n'y a pas si longtemps en France». Les mots posés par Aragon remontent à près de 70 ans. «Ça peut paraître loin mais on réalise à quel point ces mots ont une acuité qui fait flipper», rebondit Arthur Teboul.

«Il suffit de pas grand-chose, un peu de confort, de lâcheté, pour laisser les choses s'installer – la haine de l'étranger – et on est pris au piège, c'est trop tard», synthétise le chanteur. «Nous sommes des chansonniers, nous ne pouvons qu'éveiller un sentiment, parler à hauteur d'humain, dire comment tu trouves en l'autre ton égal», conclut-il.

https://www.lefigaro.fr/musique/feu-chatterton-chante-la-memoire-de-missak-manouchian-bientot-pantheonise-20240218

Armenpress: Armenian gymnasts Artur Avetisyan, Vahagn Davtyan enter World Cup finals

Badalian Vardan

 09:45,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. Two Armenian gymnasts have so far made it to the World Cup finals in Cairo, Egypt.

Artur Avetisyan entered the finals with 15,533 points in the Rings exercise. Vahagn Davtyan made it to the finals with an equal amount of points.

Gagik Khachikyan and Harutyun Merdinyan did not qualify for the finals in the Pommel Horse.

Artur Davtyan’s qualifying performance in the Vault is scheduled for February 16.

Armenpress: British delegation visits Jermuk

Badalian Vardan

 21:28,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS.  The British parliamentary delegation accompanied by the Chair of the Armenian National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Sargis Khandanyan and Armenian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the UK, Varuzhan Nersisyan visited Jermuk, Jermuk community leader Vahagn Arsenyan said on social media.

The meeting held in the Jermuk community hall was followed by the meeting with the forcibly displaced persons from Nagorno Karabakh.

The delegation also visited parts of the city of Jermuk, which were affected by the Azerbaijani military aggression in September 2022.

Brussels hosts EU-Armenia Partnership Council meeting

Badalian Vardan

 15:53,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. The fifth meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council is underway in Brussels.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Josep Borrell, the Vice President of the European Commission, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy are participating in the meeting.

The agenda of the meeting includes a wide range of issues: the implementation process of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, including the reforms implemented in Armenia and their results. The prospects of deepening the Armenia-EU partnership in various fields will also be touched upon, taking into account the current priorities and existing challenges. The security situation in the South Caucasus and regional issues will also be discussed.

Sports: Armenian Wrestling Star Malkhas Amoyan Secures Spot in European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship Finals

Badalian Vardan
Feb 12 2024

: Armenian wrestling prodigy, Malkhas Amoyan, clinches a spot in the finals of the European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship. The 77 kg category titan overpowered Moldova's Alexandrin Gutu with a 2-1 victory in the semi-finals, securing his chance at the gold in Bucharest, Romania.

Malkhas Amoyan, a two-time European champion and world champion, has once again etched his name in the annals of Armenian wrestling. His latest achievement at the ongoing European Championships has captivated audiences worldwide. Amoyan's impressive victories against Italian Riccardo Vito Abbrescia and Russian Adlet Tyulubaev in the earlier rounds showcased his unwavering determination and expertise.

In the high-stakes semi-finals against Alexandrin Gutu, Amoyan exhibited remarkable strength and tactical prowess. The intense bout saw both wrestlers vying for dominance. However, Amoyan's experience and skill ultimately prevailed, securing his coveted place in the finals.

Meanwhile, Manvel Khachatryan, another formidable contender from the Armenian wrestling team, competed in the 55 kg category. Despite a valiant effort, Khachatryan succumbed to Moldovan wrestler Artem Dileanu in the semi-finals. The bout ended with a score of 2-2, with the deciding point scored by Dileanu. However, Khachatryan will have the opportunity to redeem himself and vie for the bronze medal on February 13.

As the European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship unfolds, all eyes are on Malkhas Amoyan as he prepares to face Turkey's Emre Basar in the finals. Will Amoyan clinch his third championship in the 77 kg weight category? The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this international wrestling spectacle.

In the realm of Greco-Roman wrestling, where strength and strategy intertwine, Malkhas Amoyan's journey serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of Armenian athletes. As the curtains close on the European Championships, the world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the next chapter in this grand saga of human endurance and will.

https://bnnbreaking.com/sports/armenian-wrestling-star-malkhas-amoyan-secures-spot-in-european-greco-roman-wrestling-championship-finals


Hungary’s stance highly important in terms of strengthening Armenia-EU ties, says Deputy FM

Badalian Vardan

 09:37,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 12, ARMENPRESS. The diplomatic relations between Armenia and Hungary are now fully restored after President Vahagn Khachaturyan’s official visit to Hungary on February 5-7, Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan has said.

“We didn’t have any high-level visits to Hungary for more than eleven years, and with this visit, we can say that the Armenian-Hungarian diplomatic relations are fully restored,” Hovhannisyan told Armenpress, describing the trip as comprehensive.

“I’d like to mention the importance which we attach to this in terms of partnership with the EU. Hungary will assume the EU presidency in July, and from this perspective Hungary’s stance is very important in terms of deepening and enhancing our partnership with the EU. Besides, a number of important sectoral cooperation directions were discussed,” Hovhannisyan said, pointing out the talks involving Healthcare Minister Anahit Avanesyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Artur Martirosyan with their counterparts, as well as discussions with lawmakers.

The Deputy FM said that given the Hungarian side’s interest, Armenia presented the Crossroads of Peace project.

“Hungary attaches importance to energy and transport projects in the South Caucasus, not only with Armenia but also with our neighboring countries. I think that all these issues were important for us and the visit served its goal,” Hovhannisyan said.

Hovhannisyan said that the Hungarian side regrets for what happened in the past and has done several steps to restore the diplomatic relations.

“Hungary provided support to the Gurgen Margaryan School, supported in the issue of release of prisoners of war, sent humanitarian aid during the pandemic. All of this shows that the Hungarian side regrets for the pain caused in the past and tries to restore the relations based on the existing rich historical ties. Hungary is home to one of the oldest Armenian communities. The Armenian community in Hungary enjoys a number of privileges: they have representation in parliament, and the Armenian church in Budapest has been restored. Hungary’s very sensitive approach towards Christian minorities also matches our approaches. All of this created the grounds to believe that there was a sincere desire to overcome that painful chapter and move forward,” Hovhannisyan said.

Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Hungary were severed in 2012 by then-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan after Hungary extradited Ramil Safarov, the convicted murderer of an Armenian officer, to Azerbaijan. Armenian military officer Lt. Gurgen Margaryan was murdered by Azerbaijani military officer Ramil Safarov during a February 2004 training course organized by NATO in Hungary. Gurgen Margaryan was asleep in his room when Safarov attacked him with an axe. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hungarian court. However, in 2012 Hungary extradited Safarov to Azerbaijan upon Baku’s request, where he was pardoned.  On the same day, then-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan severed diplomatic relations with Hungary.

10 years later, in 2022, Armenia and Hungary to restore diplomatic relations.



https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129962.html?fbclid=IwAR220B2-pmVSGPy9Jq5pwYsaAJG4Nqir59wbOEoYsJg70Hn8lF0Pa_a3wIo

Greece Sees Opportunities in EU and Armenia Aviation Agreement

Badalian Vardan
Feb 9 2024
Posted On 09 Feb 2024
By : GTP editing team

Greece expects the recently implemented Common Aviation Area Agreement (CAAA) between the EU and Armenia to create new opportunities for the promotion of its tourism product and for consumers, airlines and airports, said Deputy Transport Minister Christina Alexopoulou this week.

Addressing parliament, Alexopoulou said the EU’s approval of the common aviation area agreement with Armenia would pave the way for synergies with airlines and air transport, which she added, was a Greek government priority.

Signed in 2021, the agreement entered administrative application last month, aims to remove market restrictions and create a common aviation area between Armenia and the EU. The deal will also facilitate people-to-people contacts and expand commercial opportunities and trade between the EU and Armenia.

The minister also referred to flight safety standards achieved by Greece.

Earlier this year, Transport Minister Christos Staikouras and Acting Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Luc Tytgat discussed Greece’s strong performance with regard to safety standards and strengthening regulatory policies in the aviation sector.

“Greece increased its implementation levels of international standards from 69.1 percent to 74.89 percent, compared to the global average of 69.3 percent,” she said.

Under the agreement, all EU airlines will be able to operate direct flights from anywhere in the EU to any airport in Armenia, and vice versa for Armenian airlines.

Concluding, Alexopoulou said the agreement further strengthens ties between Greece and Armenia.

The EU-Armenia CAAA was ratified by the Greek parliament plenary on Wednesday, February 7, by a large majority.