Sos Hakobyan, the spokesman for the Homeland Party, released footage showing a police officer hitting an activist and then using unlawful force.
“A crime report will be submitted to the Police on this fact. The guys are tougher than they were this morning. Not one step back will be taken,” Hakobyan wrote on his Facebook page.
The Board of Regents of the Prelacy Armenian Schools is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director at St. Mary’s Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool and Kindergarten, located in Glendale, California.
Applicants for the Director position will be responsible for the following: Supervise and evaluate implementation of curriculum; Follow and implement NAEYC accreditation plan; develop and execute re-accreditation process; Evaluate teacher performance and identify opportunities for faculty training and education; Assess student achievement data; Develop and administer the budget; Hire faculty and staff; Administer safety and emergency response protocols; Work in collaboration with School Board to provide strategic direction for the school; Engage parent community and encourage parent involvement; Work collaboratively with all stakeholders, staff, parents, Board of Regents, School Board and local community.
Applicants should possess the following minimum requirements: Fluent in Armenian and English languages (oral and written) Knowledge of Armenian history and culture; Must meet state educational and licensing requirements for Preschool Director; Minimum of five years’ experience in early childhood education, including leadership roles; Ability to collaborate with school community structure, stakeholders and local organizations; Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills; Strong knowledge in educational technology; Experience in leading staff developments; Teaching and administrative credentials preferred; California Child Development Site Director Permit or higher preferred.
Qualified candidates are requested to forward their documentation (cover letter, resume, two recommendation letters from most recent supervisors, and copies of diplomas and certificates) to Board of Regents of Prelacy Armenian Schools, located at 104 N. Belmont St., Suite 208, Glendale, CA 91206 or via email to [email protected]
All documentation must be received or postmarked by Friday, May 13.
Since 1975 Richard Tufenkian Armenian Preschool and Kindergarten has been serving the educational needs of Armenian community in Glendale and greater Los Angeles County. The Preschool is accredited by National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
March dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of Artsakh Revival Day held in Stepanakert, February 20, 2021
With the Armenian political landscape currently dominated with the “normalization” dialogue with Turkey and the “peace” negotiations with Azerbaijan, the lines of communication and representation have become controversial. Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) was legally considered an autonomous oblast (region) within Azerbaijan. The latter abused this relationship with decades of discrimination and economic deprivation. When they were unilaterally attacked in 1991, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh succeeded in securing their freedom from the oppressive Azerbaijani regime. Most Armenians have a vague recollection that, despite their status as an unrecognized republic (some refer to it as a “breakaway” but how can you break away from something that you were never a part of), Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), until the late 1990s, was a direct party in the post-war negotiations with Azerbaijan and Armenia. Beginning in 1998, as the wounds of the war diminished, Azerbaijan hardened its position and refused to recognize NKR as a party in the peace talks. The leadership dynamics also changed in Armenia as Robert Kocharyan, a native of Karabakh and veteran of the liberation war, became the second President of Armenia. He was followed in 2008 by Serzh Sargsyan who was also raised in Karabakh. Starting with Kocharyan, Armenia backed away from the direct participation of NKR in the conflict. This decision was obviously influenced by the birthplace of the president and his close ties to the people of Artsakh. It also began a period of tension between some political leaders from Armenia and the Karabakhtsis. The ugly head of disunity began to emerge. Regardless of the causes, Armenia from this time had assumed full responsibility for the security and representation of NKR in the negotiations process. Many Armenians considered this a political error because the Artsakh situation would be subject to the interests and pressures of Armenia proper. This is particularly evident today as Armenia is no longer led by individuals with strong emotional ties to Artsakh. There have been ominous rumors and public statements from the government about compromise and capitulations. The rhetoric of the government denies this, but fear of surrender is present in the general population.
Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan recently said, “For us, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not a territorial dispute, but a matter of rights.” I would venture to say that a few people would disagree with that statement, including the people in Artsakh whose future he is discussing. It seems clear that these alleged concessions are intended to gain Azerbaijani agreement for some “guarantees of rights and freedom.” This is how a defeated nation acts. We are appealing to the murderers and thieves to respect our rights, and we will forgo with this idea of the last 30 years that this is Armenian land. Based on the public statements of the government, it is difficult to draw any other conclusion. In his recent address to the Parliament, Pashinyan did nothing to dispel this mentality. Apparently, the leaders of Armenia have decided to sacrifice Artsakh in order to “save” Armenia.” In contrast to a time when we fought against overwhelming odds, the vision of the last 30-plus years, at a cost of thousands of lives, will be discarded. I weep for our heroes in Artsakh.
In recent days, there has predictably been an increase in public opposition to this approach. Public rallies and opposition statements from prominent Armenians are speaking up against the predicted capitulation. It raises the question: “Who speaks for the people of Artsakh?” Is it possible that the current environment has created a conflict of interests whereby the interests of the people of Artsakh are not aligned with Armenia? If so, how can the people of Artsakh have their voice heard in this process? Normally one would never question Armenians representing Armenians, but these are very different times. The Pashinyan government is inexperienced. It presided over a disastrous war and now operates as a defeated nation. The animosity between the former presidents from Karabakh and the Pashinyan government remains high. I doubt there can be respect between Pashinyan and Kocharyan after the former’s failed attempt to prosecute the latter. The current government has consolidated its power by controlling the Parliament and the replacement of Armen Sarkissian as President. Yet, instead of working to unite the country at a time of great external peril, we are divided. Armenia has operated for years as the guarantor of Artsakh security. There were never foreign troops on the soil of the Artsakh until late 2020 when the Russian peacekeepers entered the picture. This was a monumental change and reduced Armenia’s position as the security partner to a subordinated position. Border incursions have occurred regularly by the Azerbaijani criminals. Armenia fails to respond, and instead defers to the Russian presence. Azerbaijan violates the tripartite agreement on a daily basis, yet Armenia fails to respond to the needs of our brethren in Artsakh. How can Armenia represent the interests of the Armenians there when they have removed themselves as the security guarantor and are operating as a subordinated player? This summer, many of Armenia’s contract soldiers will be rotating out. Will they be replaced? Will the Artsakh Defense Army be forced to disband with Armenia’s consent?
This question of advocating for Artsakh is not a legal matter. We have managed to box ourselves into a corner. Artsakh remains an unrecognized republic and as such has no formal diplomatic relations with other countries. So, it is easy to dismiss them as a party in the negotiations. It became far more difficult for the Armenians of Artsakh when even Armenia, the protector for 30 years, failed to recognize the Republic of Artsakh. Even in the darkest days of Azeri oppression, Armenia balked for fear that it would ignite war with Azerbaijan. Apparently, it didn’t prevent the 2016 attacks and the barbaric 2020 war, including the thousands of border violations. The overly cautious approach by Armenia, behaving like a vassal state of Russia and fearful of being perceived as an aggressor, has cost the Armenians dearly. In contrast to the “nice guy” approach, the Azeris have ignored all agreements, continued aggressive policies of intimidation and violated international law countless times. So much for following the rules and seeking fair play. This is a matter of conscience among Armenians. When Armenia assumed the responsibility for Artsakh’s security, that obligation carried with it to work in their best interests. Many of us have met the people of Artsakh. They are strong, courageous and committed to their rights. Capitulating is not something in their vocabulary. Those of us in the western diaspora have witnessed, read or seen hundreds of examples of their valor and determination during the endless border disputes and incursions. Have we ever heard comments about giving up on their dreams or relinquishing their freedom? After the devastating war in late 2020, during which the refugee situation was catastrophic, thousands returned within a few months. As a result of Azeri barbarism, many returned to nothing except the beloved land they are eternally committed to. Can there be any clearer _expression_ of their desire to live free in Artsakh? Yet, here we are talking about “lowering the bar” and abandoning their future. There seems to be a large gap in the desire of the people of Artsakh and those representing their interests at the negotiating table.
The Armenian government has diluted its position with wording shifting towards “security and rights” verses “freedom and sovereignty.” A question that Armenia must consider during this process is what type of future will the Armenians in Artsakh have under any type of Azerbaijani administration? Undoubtedly, it is a death sentence that will be filled with discrimination, population dilution and cultural genocide. In 20 years, the Armenians of Artsakh will have gone the way of our people in Nakhichevan through no fault of their own. There is no evidence or history to suggest anything but another calamity. Knowing this, why would the Armenian government advocate for a deadly compromise? It is unconscionable. We have heard that resisting would be a disaster. The only thing worse than these difficult odds is agreeing to the humiliation of a plan that will ensure your eventual destruction. A great deal has been written speculating that Pashinyan may already have agreed to a “peace” agreement or that the pressure to surrender Artsakh is too great. What if he refused to sacrifice Artsakh? In practical terms, what would happen? Would Russia shut off the gas supply or would Azerbaijan sabotage the lines? The Armenians have been there and would not be intimidated. What if Aliyev decided to attack? That would be interesting given the border presence of Russian troops and their commitment for a five-year presence. What would the European reaction be given the Council of Europe mediation and the OSCE Minsk Group? They haven’t been very helpful, but this could push their buttons. It is not our right to speak for the people of Artsakh given the options available, but they would rather resist than accept a slow death under Azerbaijan. A Russian protectorate status is reminiscent of the “autonomous oblast” past unless it is absorbed into the Russian Federation. History would repeat itself. In 1920, Armenia became a Soviet entity to prevent a further slaughter by the Turks and virtual extinction. Is this an option that Pashinyan will represent? Will Russia be able to convince the criminal Aliyev to accept this compromise?
The future is unclear, but Artsakh must have an advocate to prevent its demise. The Armenians have too many examples in our history of areas subjected to forced expulsion, massacre and economic discrimination. The list is long with Western Armenia, Cilicia, Nakhichevan and the current atrocities in occupied sections of Artsakh. We don’t need another territory lost that becomes an additional demand of territorial return. The price has been too high already. It would be a stain to abandon those heroic people and an insult to the memory of those sacrificed. I realize that words such as “abandon,” “insult” or “responsibility” have little value in the vicious world of geopolitical conflict, but Pashinyan has one last chance to stand with the people of Artsakh and demand a viable future for our brethren.
17:25,
YEREVAN, APRIL 20, ARMENPRESS. Vice Speaker of Parliament Ruben Rubinyan received today Ambassador of the Netherlands to Armenia Nico Schermers, the Parliament’s press service said.
The sides discussed the current situation and the challenges in the region. Ruben Rubinyan presented the current situation and humanitarian problems in Artsakh caused by the latest actions of the Azerbaijani units.
The Vice Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia expressed gratitude to the partners of the Dutch parliament for the adoption of resolutions condemning the 44-day war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh in 2020 and its consequences.
The process of democratic reforms in Armenia was also touched upon during the talk. Ruben Rubinyan said the Armenian authorities will be consistent with the implementation of the reforms.
The sides also discussed issues relating to deepening the Armenian-Dutch inter-parliamentary cooperation, the necessity for mutual visits and the implementation of joint programs in a parliamentary platform.
Credits: Ruptly
Armenian opposition lawmakers are still barred from entering Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) by Russian peacekeepers, the parliamentary faction of the Hayastan alliance said in a statement on Wednesday.
Several dozen MPs representing the opposition Hayastan and With Honor (Pativ Unem) blocs headed to Artsakh after announcing a boycott of the four-day parliament session on Tuesday. However, the Russian peacekeepers manning the Aghavno checkpoint in the Lachin corridor did not allow them to enter Artsakh without providing any explanations.
“It is worth noting that the incumbent authorities and the Azerbaijani side were very quick to react to the decision of the deputies to visit Artsakh, even making a demand to ban it,” the faction said.
“This behavior and situation, among other things, run counter to the commitment to ensure uninterrupted communication between Armenia and Artsakh. This situation is clearly unacceptable.
“At the same time, it is not clear what concrete measures the authorities have taken to solve the problem and prevent similar cases in the future, other than just making statements.
“We would like to inform you that the ban on the entry of MPs to Artsakh has not yet been lifted. The incumbent authorities, as a logical continuation of the statements made by them, must take immediate action and assure that unrestricted entry into Artsakh is allowed for all Armenian citizens,” reads the statement.
11:32,
YEREVAN, APRIL 12, ARMENPRESS. On April 12, President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan held a meeting in Askeran with responsible officials of the region, community heads and local residents, his Office said.
A range of issues related to the military-political situation in the republic, security-related as well as socio-economic problems were on the discussion agenda.
The Head of the State referred to the imperative of ensuring food security and employment in the current geopolitical conditions, emphasizing the need to make consistent efforts to intensify agricultural work, to efficiently use uncultivated lands and all possible economic resources in general.
President Harutyunyan listened to the concerns and opinions of the residents, gave instructions to the responsible officials on the tasks to be done.
United States announces additional $100 million security assistance for Ukraine
09:45, 6 April, 2022
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. The United States announced an additional 100 million dollars in assistance to Ukraine.
“I have authorized, pursuant to a delegation from the President earlier today, the immediate drawdown of security assistance valued at up to $100 million to meet Ukraine’s urgent need for additional anti-armor systems,” United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a press release.
“This authorization is the sixth drawdown of arms, equipment, and supplies from Department of Defense inventories for Ukraine since August 2021. Combined with $300 million in assistance announced by the Department of Defense on April 1 under the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, this additional drawdown brings the total U.S. security assistance commitment to Ukraine to more than $2.4 billion since the beginning of this Administration, and more than $1.7 billion* *since the beginning of Russia’s brutal assault against Ukraine began on February 24.”
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he ordered the launch of a “special military operation” in Ukraine in response to a request for help from the leaders of the Donbass republics. He stressed that Moscow had no intention of occupying Ukrainian territories and that the goal of the operation is the “demilitarization and denazification” of Ukraine.
Kiev insists the Russian offensive was completely unprovoked and has denied claims it was planning to retake the two rebel regions by force.
The normal life of the Khramort and Parukh communities in Artsakh’s Askeran region has been disrupted in the wake of Azerbaijan’s criminal actions.
According to the estimates of Artsakh Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan, more than 400 people have been affected, including women, children and the elderly.
Some of the people displaced from the settlements after the Azerbaijani attack in late March are temporarily housed in the apartments of their relatives and friends, while others have been provided with temporary shelter by the government.
Meanwhile, despite the evacuation order, a group of women refuse to leave Khramort, saying: “We will bring up the rear so that the men keep the border impregnable.”
One of them is Gayane, a nurse by profession. She has not left the village since day one. She always keeps first aid supplies with her to go to the positions if necessary, the Artsakh Public TV reports.
“I wish that the enemy withdrew from Karaghlukh to its initial positions. This is my only wish, my dream, so that we can live peacefully in Khramort village again,” the woman says.
“We are strong. We can do it and we will definitely achieve our goal,” she adds.
YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: We had written on March 29 that RF [(Russian Federation)] Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu had personally started dealing with the prevention of the Azerbaijani provocations and the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops in Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)].
(…) Shoygu had had a direct telephone conversation with Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and “discussed ways to stabilize the situation in Artsakh.”
(…). The content of the telephone conversation between Shoygu and Hasanov has reached the Artsakh authorities, from which it can be seen how the RF minister demands with rather harsh expressions from Hasanov to withdraw their armed forces from the territory of Artsakh. And Hasanov answers that he will convey his demand to his president, the commander-in-chief.
Those in Artsakh confidently claim that the conversation between [Russian and Azerbaijani President Vladimir] Putin and [Ilham] Aliyev was also quite harsh, and the RF president repeated the demand—conveyed through Shoygu—to return the [Azerbaijani] troops to the initial positions.
(…) the political forces and authorities of Artsakh also seem to have realized that there is no need to rely on the Russians, and they have decided to take some steps. First, the DA [(Defense Army)] forces have been brought to combat-readiness—they have realized that responding to the aggressor is not an “insult” to the Russian peacekeepers, and force must be responded with force, not beg for peace or rely on Russian weapons. Moreover, according to our information, the Artsakh authorities also have decided to spend additional funds on the army, weapons and ammunition, and the establishment of defense structures, and have decided to redistribute state funds—directing them to security issues.