Author: Bedik Zaminian

More bodies of war casualties found in Nagorno Karabakh

Bedik Zaminian

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 11:17, 22 January, 2021

STEPANAKERT, JANUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. Artsakh authorities say they have found the remains of 1 killed serviceman and 3 civilians during search operations in the combat zones of the 2020 Artsakh War.

State Service of Emergency Situations spokesperson Hunan Tadevosyan told ARMENPRESS that the civilian casualties are identified. “The body of Marina Hayrapetyan, an elderly woman, was found in the Drakhtik village of Hadrut. The bodies of Serzhik Avagyan and Yura Arushanyan were found in a park at the village of Azokh in Hadrut. They were also elderly persons. A medical examination is being carried out. The body of the serviceman was found in Jrakan (Jabrayil). The serviceman, according to preliminary reports, was a volunteer. Overall, the bodies of 1251 servicemen and civilians were found during search operations so far,” he said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Icelandic man receives world’s first double-arm-and-shoulder transplant – [Dr. Aram Gazarian, Lead surgeon]

Bedik Zaminian
The Guardian, UK
Jan 23 2021

Patient lost both arms in work accident 23 years ago and it took years to find suitable donors for the complex operation

Icelandic man receives world’s first double-arm-and-shoulder transplant | Iceland | The Guardian

Agence France-Presse
Sat 23 Jan 2021 02.44 GMT

An Icelandic man who got the world’s first double-shoulder-and-arm transplant is recovering well after the operation, two decades after the accident that cost him both limbs, doctors have said.

They said it was still uncertain how much mobility Felix Gretarsson, 48, will recover following the operation earlier this month in the southeastern French city of Lyon.

But “giving a little to somebody who was missing so much, that’s already a lot” Aram Gazarian, the lead surgeon in the operation, told a news conference on Friday.

“If he can recover the possibility to actively bend his elbow, that would be a life-changer,” he said.

On 12 January, 1998, Gretarsson, an electrician, was working on a high-voltage power line when an 11,000-volt surge burned his hands and flung him to the icy ground.

He sustained multiple fractures and internal injuries, and went into a three-month coma during which surgeons amputated both arms.

He underwent several more operations, including a liver transplant.

When hand transplant pioneer Jean-Michel Dubernard, based in Lyon, visited Reykjavik for a conference, Gretarsson asked him whether it would be possible to replace the lost limbs.

The operation was “his biggest dream”, Gretarsson’s wife Sylwia told Friday’s news conference, adding that she herself never felt that the operation was truly necessary as he “wasn’t missing anything”.

It took years to find suitable donors, during which some 50 medical staff in total became involved in the preparations for the operation.

Four surgical teams were involved to minimise the transition time between donor and recipient.

Doctors said the outlook for the right arm to become functional was better than for the left, which had also required a complete rebuild of the shoulder. No serious complications had been detected nine days after the operation, they said.

The patient was a long way from being able to move his arms, but seemed visibly pleased with the outcome in a short video shot at his hospital bed and shown at the news conference.

“With this level of amputation, we can’t promise anything,” said Lionel Badet, the surgeon who launched the medical protocol for the operation in 2010. Gretarsson has years of re-education ahead of him, he said, “but we will support him all his life”.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry willing to contribute to joint projects with Armenia

Bedik Zaminian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 19 2021
– Public Radio of Armenia

Artashes Tumanian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Islamic Republic of Iran was received by Seyed Rasool Mohajer, Deputy Foreign Minister on Economic Diplomacy, the Armenian Embassy in Iran informs.

During the meeting, the Ambassador briefed the Deputy Minister on the current state of Armenia – Iran economic relations. Projects in infrastructure, trade and investment were pointed out.

The sides discussed the objectives, challenges and capabilities for developing bilateral and multilateral economic relations in the aftermath of Artsakh war.

Mr. Mohajer affirmed the willingness of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran as well as his readiness to contribute in implementing of Armenia – Iran economic plans and projects.

Government approves Armenia’s energy development strategic program

Bedik Zaminian

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 11:54,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government approved today the energy development strategic program by 2040 and the timetable for the implementation of the program.

According to the explanation, the energy system long-term development program adopted in 2015 was not fully reflecting the Armenian government’s current policy in the energy sector, the ongoing situation of the field and its development prospects. The main purpose of the current document is the strategic planning of the energy sector.

The adoption of the draft decision will define the main directions of Armenia’s energy development by 2040 and the actions aimed at ensuring its implementation.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

De-occupation of Artsakh territories, safe return of IDPs a priority for Armenia – Foreign Minister

Bedik Zaminian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 14 2021
Armenia is worried about periodic violation of key provisions of the the trilateral statement on Nagorno Karabakh by Azerbaijan, Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian said at a meeting with members of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Relations.
 
“He said the violations are primarily related to the 1st and 8th points, according to which the parties remain on the positions occupied at the moment of signing of the statement, fully cease the fire and return the prisoners of war and other detainees,” the Foreign Minister said.
 
According to the Minister, in some cases these violations have been interrelated. “For example the attack in the Hin Tagher-Khtsaberd direction in Hadrut region capturing of 64 Armenian servicemen.”
 
“The false charges brought against the Armenian servicemen and launching of criminal cases not only violate the trilateral statement, but also the Geneva Conventions,” the Foreign Minister stated.
 
He noted that these factors do not contribute to trust-building efforts in the region, as implementation of commitments is the most important guarantee for building trust.
 
“Armenia pursues the issues of return of POWs on the highest level, and Armenian Prime Minister declared about this during the trilateral meeting in Moscow on January 11. Armenia will maintain efforts towards ensuring the return of all captives, finding out the fate of the missing,” the Foreign Minister said.
 
He added that in this regard the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is cooperating with international partners, coordinating the steps with other relevant bodies.
“As a party to the trilateral statement of January 11, Armenia made it clear that it is ready to take steps for the mutually beneficial utilization of the transport and infrastructure capacities of the region, but we need reciprocal trust to move forward,” Minister Aivazian said.
 
He emphasized that the existing situation in the region is a result of use of force and added that no conflict in the world has ever been settled through use of force.
 
“The use of force can shape a new stage in the conflict, but will not solve the conflict. Only a negotiated, political solution that will respect everyone’s rights will pave the way for eliminating the reasons and consequences of the war, and bring lasting peace and reconciliation to the South Caucasus,” the Foreign Minister added.
 
According to him the right of the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination is at the core of settlement of the Karabakh conflict, and Armenia will continue to pursue the realization of that right.
 
“Armenia is ready to continue the process of peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict under the aegis of the OSCE Minsk Group and their countries, based on the part of the basic principles and elements not addressed in the November 9 statement,” the Foreign Minister said.
 
He stressed that a priority for Armenia is the de-occupation of Artsakh territories, and ensuring conditions for the safe return of displaced Armenians to their homes.
 
Given the previous experience of consistent destruction of Armenian cultural heritage, the protection of Armenian cultural and religious heritage on the territories under Azerbaijani control should be an important part of the peace process.
 
“Appropriation or distortion of the history and values of the Armenian people, violation of its rights cannot shape a good future for our region,” Minister Ara Aivazian said.
 
He said addressing humanitarian issues in Artsakh and the direct involvement of international partners, particularly the UN, is another priority in this stage.
 
 

Armenia strongly condemns initiation of prosecution against Armenian POWs by Azerbaijan

Bedik Zaminian

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 14:48, 9 January, 2021

YEREVAN, JANUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia has issued a statement on the violations of the trilateral statement and international humanitarian law by Azerbaijan.

The statement says:

“We strongly condemn the initiation of prosecution of the Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijan, as stated by the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan. These actions of the Azerbaijani authorities are a gross violation of international humanitarian law. During the 44-day Turkish-Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh, the Azerbaijani side extensively and systematically violated international law by committing war crimes. These war crimes have no statute of limitations, and the perpetrators should be held accountable.

The release and repatriation of the prisoners of war is clearly enshrined in the November 9 statement, and the prosecution of the prisoners of war after the adaptation of the trilateral statement constitutes its gross violation.

It should be noted that the Armenian servicemen were captured as a result of the violation of another provision of the trilateral statement: Azerbaijan launched military operations in the direction of the villages of Khtsaberd and Hin Tagher in the Hadrut region of the Republic of Artsakh a month after the establishment of the ceasefire. Notably the Azerbaijani side announced the prosecution of POWs about a month after the capturing of Armenian servicemen, which demonstrates that Azerbaijan is using Armenian prisoners of war as hostages to advance its political agenda.

The consistent and deliberate violations of the trilateral statement by Azerbaijan seriously undermine the full implementation of the statement and pose new challenges for regional security and peace”.

Armenian PM’s spokesperson comments on Aliyev’s statement over Nakhijevan corridor

Bedik Zaminian

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 15:24, 7 January, 2021

YEREVAN, JANUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Spokesperson of the Armenian prime minister Mane Gevorgyan has commented on the statement made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev over the Nakhijevan corridor in response to ARMENPRESS inquiry.

– Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has talked about the “Nakhijevan corridor”, stating that it will open soon citing the November 10 joint statement. Are there any concrete agreements on opening such a corridor?

– Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly drawn the attention to the fact that there is no talk about a corridor connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhijevan in the November 10 statement. Point 9 of the statement is about unblocking the transportation and economic infrastructure of the region and in this context about establishing a transport connection between the eastern part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic.

Armenia, of course, is interested in the possibility of transporting Armenian cargo through the territory of Azerbaijan to Russia and Iran and the opposite direction. We are interested in the possibility of the transfer of the Armenian cargo through road and rail transportation to Russia, and to Iran especially through railway transportation. In this context Armenia, naturally, is ready to ensure communication between the Eastern part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic.

However, the complete discussion of all these issues would be difficult without the complete fulfillment of point 8 of the November 10 joint statement which envisages exchange of captives, hostages, other detained persons and the bodies of the dead. The Armenian side also attaches importance to expanding the scale of ongoing search-rescue operations in the battle zones. The recent statements made by Azerbaijan on this topic are puzzling and question Baku’s commitment to implement the agreements of the November 10 statement. There are still Armenian captives in Baku, there are numerous evidence on ill treatment shown against the Armenian POWs. There is evidence on executions of the captives, and all these evidence must be investigated in detail, including in the international platforms.

At the same time, the anti-Armenian propaganda of the past decade still continues in Azerbaijan. In order to establish stability and peace in the region, it is necessary to put an end to the provocative actions and statements.

Studio CaberlonCaroppi’s prestigious Armenian DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Yerevan City Centre

Bedik Zaminian
World Architecture News
Jan 5 2021
Georgina Johnston
11 hours ago

The Italian spirit was both a prerequisite and a strength, which made the difference in this project. Fabrics referencing the typical colours of the area (in particular red and blue) were used to reiterate the constant dialogue between the outside and the inside. 

Starting from the curved contours which characterise the property, the designers opted for the incorporation of large, keel-like shapes into the design, playing with spatial awareness from the outside and creating an architectural structure unique in its kind. 

In a capital like Yerevan, a city with a strong presence of large hotels characterised by a unified, homogeneous design style, it was important to to draw upon the distinctive mark of Italian design, the designers said.

The most original feature of the structure is the Grand Hall, an eight metre high great room which houses the fireplace, the bar and other spaces typical of an international hotel. A part of the restaurant directly faces the grand hall, creating a close relationship between the ground and second floor.

The spa includes a panoramic view of the city, a gym, and a relaxation area on the upper floors which offers a fascinating view of both the urban skyline and the surrounding mountains.

The custom built furnishings of the common areas were conceived by Fabbri Group, which perfectly interpreted the spirit of the project. 

The welcoming sofas are illuminated by large lighting fixtures designed by M&M Chandeliers, emphasising height and distributing light according to a meticulously composed design concept. 


Dendias speaks with new Albanian, Armenian counterparts

Bedik Zaminian
eKathimerini, Greece
Dec 31 2020

[Intime News]

TAGS: Diplomacy

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias held a phone call with his new Albanian counterpart, Olta Xhacka, on Thursday.

During their talk, the two officials noted the willingness “to strengthen [bilateral] relations and enhance cooperation to address common challenges,” Dendias said in a post on Twitter.

The Greek minister also spoke with the new Armenian Foreign Minister, Ara Ayvazyan, with whom they discussed their countries’ close relations and recent regional developments. 

Turkish Press: ‘Turkish, Russian troops to defend Azerbaijan’s rights’

Bedik Zaminian
Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Dec 31 2020
‘Turkish, Russian troops to defend Azerbaijan’s rights’

Sarp Ozer

BAKU

Turkey’s defense minister said Turkish and Russian troops will work together to defend the rights of the Azerbaijani nation.

“Our activities will intensify after the joint center starts operating and we will carry out our duty of defending the rights of Azerbaijani brothers,” visiting Defense Minister Hulusi Akar told a military ceremony in the Azerbaijani capital Baku late Wednesday.

Turkish personnel, who arrived in Azerbaijan earlier this week to work in the joint monitoring center in Karabakh, were also present at the ceremony, which was also attended by Turkey’s Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Guler, military commanders, and senior authorities.

Praising Azerbaijan’s victory over the Armenian forces in Upper-Karabakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, Akar said the joint center of Turkey and Russia will monitor the cease-fire which was announced on Nov. 10.

Following the truce, Turkey and Russia signed a memorandum of understanding to set up a joint center to monitor the peace deal. It will be established on Azerbaijani territories liberated from Armenia’s occupation.

Earlier in December, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the center will be established in the Aghdam city.

Akar noted that the Turkish and Azerbaijani troops continue to clear mines and improvised explosives planted by Armenians in the region.

Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, for his part, said: “Turkey has always been by our side. The Turkish president, defense minister and other authorities have always supported Azerbaijan.”

Liberation of Karabakh

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

When new clashes erupted on Sept. 27, the Armenian army launched attacks on civilians and Azerbaijani forces and violated several humanitarian cease-fire agreements.

During the 44-day conflict, Azerbaijan liberated several cities and nearly 300 settlements and villages from the nearly three-decade-long occupation.

Despite the deal ending the conflict, the Armenian army several times violated the agreement and martyred several Azerbaijani soldiers and a civilian, according to the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.

The truce is seen as a victory for Azerbaijan and a defeat for Armenia, whose armed forces have been withdrawing in line with the agreement.


https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-russian-troops-to-defend-azerbaijans-rights/2094437