Author: Edgar Tavakalian

US ‘deeply concerned’ by Azerbaijan’s checkpoint on Lachin corridor bridge

Edgar Tavakalian
By Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON, April 23 (Reuters) – The U.S. government said it is “deeply concerned” by Azerbaijan establishing a checkpoint on the only land route to the contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh, saying it undermines efforts toward peace in the region.

“The United States is deeply concerned that Azerbaijan’s establishment of a checkpoint on the Lachin corridor undermines efforts to establish confidence in the peace process,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement on Sunday.

The State Department urged free and open movement of people and commerce on the Lachin corridor and also called on the parties “to resume peace talks and refrain from provocations and hostile actions along the border.”

Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but its 120,000 inhabitants are predominantly ethnic Armenians and it broke away from Baku in a war in the early 1990s.

Azerbaijan on Sunday said it had established a checkpoint on the road leading to Karabakh due to what it cast as Armenia’s use of the road to transport weapons, a step that was followed by claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces.

Armenia said the checkpoint at the Hakari bridge in the Lachin corridor was a gross violation of the 2020 ceasefire agreement which ended a 2020 war.

Armenia called on Russia to implement the agreement, which states that the Lachin corridor, the only road across Azerbaijan that links Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh, must be under Russian peacekeepers’ control.

Nagorno-Karabakh was the focal point of two wars that have pitted Armenia against Azerbaijan in the more than 30 years since both ex-Soviet states achieved independence. Russia and Armenia are officially allies through a mutual self-defence pact, but Moscow also seeks to maintain good relations with Azerbaijan.

Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington, editing by Deepa Babington

Armenia’s representative presents objections to Azerbaijan’s case before the International Court of Justice

Edgar Tavakalian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
Armenia’s representative presents objections to Azerbaijan’s case before the International Court of Justice
20:21, 21.04.2023

Today the Representative of the Republic of Armenia on International Legal Matters, Yeghishe Kirakosyan, submitted to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) the Preliminary Objections of Armenia with respect to the Memorial of Azerbaijan in the case concerning Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Azerbaijan v. Armenia). Preliminary objections have been submitted to the entire text of Azerbaijan’s lawsuit.

“It was reasoned that most of the claims set forth in Azerbaijan’s lawsuit are outside the court’s jurisdiction and inadmissible,” the statement said.

The Court has suspended the proceedings of the case until the judgment on the issue of Preliminary Objections submitted by Armenia.

On February 22, the UN International Court of Justice granted Armenia’s request for an interim measure and obliged Azerbaijan to ensure uninterrupted movement of citizens, vehicles, and goods in both directions through the Lachin corridor until the final decision on the “Armenia v. Azerbaijan” claim is rendered. Azerbaijan does not comply with this decision.


Simonyan: Azerbaijani soldier suspected of killing civilian in Armenia

Edgar Tavakalian
– 13:22 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – One of the Azerbaijani servicemen arrested in Armenia after illegally crossing the border is suspected of killing a civilian, National Assembly President Alen Simonyan told the CIS inter-parliamentary assembly in St. Petersburg.

It was reported earlier that the Azerbaijani soldier who crossed the Armenian border on April 10 was found by three young men from the southern province of Syunik.

The soldier carried the phone of an employee of the Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine, who was killed on April 12.

Caucasus tensions pour in no one’s interest: Iran NSC chief

Edgar Tavakalian
  • By Al Mayadeen English 
  • Source: Agencies
  • Today 00:12

The head of the Iranian National Security Council underlines that tensions flaring up in the Caucasus region would benefit no one involved.

Conflicts and tensions in the Caucasus area would not be in any nation’s best interests, Iranian Supreme National Security Council chief Ali Shamkhani said, underlining his country’s opposition to geographic changes in the region.

“Any geographical change in the South Caucasus region is a tension-building measure, which will play into the hands of the enemies of regional security and stability,” he said, Iranian news agency Press TV reported.

Shamkhani stressed that dialogue and interaction needed to replace any “hard approach” aimed at curbing regional issues.

Furthermore, he added that the region in question was undergoing a sensitive period, hoping that Azerbaijan and Armenia would be able to resolve existing tensions by restraining themselves.

“[Maintaining] good-neighborly relations and making a joint endeavor for the settlement of the regional challenges through peaceful means are among the Islamic Republic’s most important pieces of advice to all [regional] parties,” Shamkhani underlined.

He also highlighted that the development of cooperation and interaction with neighbors was part of Iran’s foreign policy, saying it was a priority for the incumbent Iranian administration of President Ebrahim Raisi.

Shamkani’s words came during a meeting with Armenian Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan.

The top security official said Iran played an “important role” in the development of relations among the countries of the South Caucasus, as well as the protection of regional security.

He also praised Iran’s “very effective” role in the realization of regional peace and stability, stressing that dialogue and interaction among regional states were the only way of resolving the existing regional crises and exacerbating tensions.

In September 2020, the long-running Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan resurfaced. The parties attempted multiple truces before signing a trilateral Moscow-brokered agreement in November of that year, which enjoined a ceasefire and the exchange of captives.

After a meeting of Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Russian leaders in January 2021, the trilateral working group was formed to support the revival and building of new transport infrastructure facilities required for the organization of international transit between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The two countries agreed to a complete ceasefire and exchange of prisoners, while Russia deployed peacekeepers to the region.

However, clashes erupt every now and then between both sides despite the Russian-backed ceasefire agreement.

The latest hike in tensions was in late March, with the Armenian foreign ministry accusing Baku of preparing an escalation against Armenia via the use of an “aggressive rhetoric” aimed at undermining existing agreements between both countries. 

Edmon Marukyan presents details on peace treaty talks with Azerbaijan at British parliament, foreign ministry

Edgar Tavakalian

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 10:11, 3 April 2023

YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan had meetings at the British foreign ministry and parliament where he presented information on the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin Corridor, its non-compliance with the International Court of Justice ruling and Baku’s latest actions.

In a statement posted on social media, Marukyan said he also presented the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty negotiations process.

Marukyan said that he participated in discussions dedicated to the region in Oxford and London at the invitation of the John Smith Trust and the Centre for Democracy and Peace Building.

“During the visit I met with high-ranking officials at the UK foreign ministry’s South Caucasus division and comprehensively presented information on the Azerbaijani blockade of Lachin Corridor, the non-compliance with the UN’s International Court of Justice ruling, and the Azerbaijani government’s latest actions.

During a meeting organized for British think-tanks in the UK parliament, I presented details on the peace treaty negotiations process and the recent Azerbaijani actions, as well as the positions of the Republic of Armenia on the discussed issues,” Marukyan added.

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The Lachin Corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022.

Prominent Russian military blogger killed in St. Petersburg IED blast, suspect identified

Edgar Tavakalian

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 10:57, 3 April 2023

YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. Russian war correspondent Maksim Fomin – better known under the pen name Vladlen Tatarsky – was killed in a suspected IED explosion in a café in downtown St. Petersburg on Sunday afternoon. 32 other people were injured in the blast in the ‘Street Bar,’ according to Russian authorities.  

Tatarsky rose to prominence as a military blogger after Russia launched what it describes as “a special military operation” in Ukraine, which Kiev and many Western countries say is an unprovoked aggression.

On Sunday, Tatarsky was hosting a live event for his supporters at the St. Petersburg café.

Authorities believe that Tatarsky may have been killed by an improvised explosive device disguised as a statuette handed over to him by a young woman during the event, RT reports.

Reacting to the bombing, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Russian journalists face constant death threats from “the Kiev regime and its abettors.” Tatarsky was a “danger” and “provoked the hatred of the Kiev regime” with his professional activities, Zakharova claimed. 

On April 3, Russian authorities identified the suspect in Sunday’s bombing as Darya Trepova.

Trepova is at large.

Book Review | We Are All Armenian

Edgar Tavakalian
 Arev Dinkjian Literary Corner, Reviews 0

We Are All Armenian
Edited by Aram Mrjoian
University of Texas Press, 2023
224 pp.
$35

When I was first asked to read and review Aram Mrjoian’s We Are All Armenian: Voices from the Diaspora, I admit I was a little hesitant. I love to read, but in selecting a book, I look for something quite particular–an escape. I want to leave my life behind and travel to some unknown world. I want to check the fabricated map at the beginning of the book to remind me where I’ve been. I want to hear words spoken that haven’t been said before and feel like I, too, have something to say. I want to imagine characters with eyes a shade so blue they don’t exist here in our natural world. I want to live inside my mind even if just for a chapter or two. So when I was encouraged to read a book about the diasporan experience, I thought to myself I am the diasporan experience. I feared there was nowhere for me to go, nothing for me to learn. How incredibly different could other Armenians’ experiences be from my own? How beautifully naïve of me. 

Here’s what I discovered: 

  • Halva makes for the most perfect subject of a descriptive writing piece. From the crumbly texture to the intensity of the sesame flavor, how expressive this sweet can be. 
  • Perhaps there are ways we, Armenians, Turks and others are connected that we’ve yet to uncover. That God has chosen to withhold, for we’re not quite yet ready to understand how and why and what could possibly be next. 
  • Enemy and ally are two sides of the same coin, and much too often we find ourselves in need of a new toss. As an Armenian surrounded by other Armenians, on which side will I reside? 
  • Our struggle need not isolate us. 
  • Language is made to connect. Let us not sever our own from conversation for difference of tongue. 
  • Give grace to those who try to speak your name as your ancestors intended, and be patient with those who don’t see why they must.
  • The reality of Armenia’s beauty may never be depicted entirely by writing. The stories just never do it justice.
  • Tolerance of individuals isn’t enough. Until the leaders of our organizations acknowledge, accept and embrace our queer ungerner, we’ve failed them and each other. 
  • The roots of our existence touch down so deep that they’ll never be plowed. Feed them water and sunlight and watch them grow stronger still or wait until the season is right for you. Either way, they’ll remain. 
  • Heaven looks different for everyone but one thing’s for certain–our grandparents are there waiting for us. 
  • The pain of generational genocide feels much like carrying a bucket of water with a hole at the bottom. Sure, you’ll never fill your cup, but the water that spills out along the way feeds the seeds of tomorrow. 
  • The richness of our culture deserves to be savored slowly. 
  • There is still so much of our story left to be written. Might I suggest The Armenian Weekly?
  • The blood in our veins is shared, and though our hearts may not beat exactly in time, we are all Armenian.
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Arev Dinkjian grew up in an Armenian household in Fort Lee, NJ. She was always surrounded by art, sourced by her musical father and grandfather, Ara and Onnik, or her creative mother Margo. Arev graduated from Providence College with a degree in elementary and special education. She enjoys teaching language arts to her students and takes great pride in instilling an appreciation for literature in her classroom. She is a former member of the New Jersey AYF “Arsen” Chapter and a member of both the Bergen County ARS and the Sts. Vartanantz Ladies’ Guild. She also dedicated many summers to AYF Camp Haiastan, which she says remains her favorite topic to write about.


Asbarez: Fresno Community Marks 132nd Anniversary of ARF

Edgar Tavakalian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Several hundred community members and supporters gathered on Saturday to mark the 132nd anniversary of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation at an event hosted by the Fresno ARF Soghomon Tehlirian chapter, held at the Megerdichian hall of the Garo and Alice Gureghian Armenian Cultural Center.

The event began with a flag ceremony led by the Fresno Homenetmen Sassoon chapter scouts, followed by the performance of the Armenian and American national anthems.

The evening’s Mistress of Ceremonies Stacey Avedikian Arabian welcomed the dedicated supporters whose unwavering support throughout the years has advanced the Armenian Cause.

ARF Western USA Central Committee member Dr. Harut Mekerdichian

In an inspiring presentation, Narek Khatchikian, the chair of the Fresno Armenian Youth Federation Kevork Chavoush chapter, discussed the activities of the AYF and outlined the organization’s role in promoting the just aspirations of the Armenian Nation through local programs and projects centered on assisting fellow Armenians in Armenia, Artsakh and elsewhere. Khatchikian closed his remarks by expressing the AYF chapter’s appreciation for the ongoing support and guidance from the ARF Tehlirian chapter.

Mistress of Ceremonies Stacey Avedikian Arabian Narek Khatchikian, the chair of the Fresno AYF Kevork Chavoush chapter

Keynote remarks were presented by the ARF Western USA Central Committee member Dr. Harut Mekerdichian who reflected on the dedication of ARF members throughout its history who have courageously fought for justice for the Armenian people in service of our national ideals.

Mekerdichian pledged that the ARF will continue the struggle on all fronts, including internally, to weed out elements who have diverged from the ARF’s ideology, principles and beliefs, saying those people through their divisive actions have poisoned the organization and have veered from the values that have guided the ARF for more than a century.

Singer Raffi Badoyan performs patriotic songs

“We appeal to everyone, whether they are rank and file members or supporters,” said Mekerdichian. “Let us all think and speak freely, and fight together to return our beloved organization to serving our Nation and not personal interests.”

Those gathered were treated to entertainment by DJ Raffy with patriotic songs performed by Raffi Badoyan, who had traveled from Los Angeles to take part in the event.

CSTO reaction insufficient for Armenia, says Speaker of Parliament

Edgar Tavakalian

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 14:06, 20 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 20, ARMENPRESS. The CSTO’s actions and reaction are insufficient for Armenia, Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan has said.

He said the matter can’t be resolved simply with a visit by the Secretary General of the organization.

“The term ‘CSTO is leaving the region’ means that the CSTO is not doing the actions that it ought to do, and is showing its absence,” the Speaker said, explaining Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s earlier comments.

Commenting on a reporter’s observation that the CSTO hasn’t said that it is leaving Armenia, while the organization’s Secretary General visited the country on an official trip, the Speaker said: “So what that he visited? What changed?”

Regardless of anything Armenia is making its moves, Simonyan explained.

“Being a member of the CSTO is no obstruction for us in making any move. Regardless of which organization we hold membership in and what conclusions we can draw from this situation, we continue to seek all possible ways to ensure the security of the Republic of Armenia. And politically, he came and left, let them come and go, the issue won’t be resolved by doing so. They’ll come and leave and it won’t stand in the way, for example, for some action two days later. We’ve had that experience after the visit of even higher ranking officials,” Speaker Alen Simonyan said.

Simonyan said that regardless of what system Armenia is part of, it will always try to ensure its security by all means. And often this causes a strong reaction from other CSTO members. “Those strong reactions happen because of this. At the same time, we are committed to our signature. And at this moment, the actions and reaction by the CSTO which we have are insufficient for Armenia. And the visit, ensuring the theoretical part so to say, I don’t know to what extent will be sufficient enough to stop anything on the ground,” Simonyan said.

Armenpress: MEP Nathalie Loiseau calls for UNSC action for all UN humanitarian agencies to have access to Nagorno Karabakh

Edgar Tavakalian

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 09:36, 21 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 21, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan continues its blockade of Lachin Corridor – Nagorno Karabakh’s only road to the outside world – under fake environmental pretexts.

Despite numerous calls by the international community to open the corridor, as well as the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice, Azerbaijan is still keeping the corridor blocked. Nagorno Karabakh is under blockade for already 100 days. Only the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Russian peacekeepers have access to Nagorno Karabakh and attempt to somewhat mitigate the worsening crisis. Azerbaijan is regularly trying to mislead the international community by showing the Red Cross and Russian peacekeeping vehicles as they pass along the corridor to advance its narrative that the road is open. However, these manipulations fail because the international community is calling for the immediate lifting of the blockade.

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The Lachin Corridor has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. 

Member of the European Parliament Nathalie Loiseau from France says she cannot understand that only the ICRC and Russian troops are allowed to use the Lachin Corridor and that the world watches silently.

In an interview with ARMENPRESS, MEP Loiseau emphasized that the blockade of Lachin Corridor must be immediately lifted and the UN Security Council must form a fact-finding mission and demand all UN humanitarian agencies to have access into Nagorno Karabakh.

ARMENPRESS: It has now been 100 days since Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia and the rest of the world. The International Court of Justice ordered Azerbaijan to open the corridor, but Azerbaijan ignores the ruling. In this case, don’t you think that there should be sanctions to force Azerbaijan to open the corridor?

MEP Nathalie Loiseau: If one asks for sanctions, he or she must be certain they can be adopted. I don’t know if the UN Security Council is ready for this. Strong links between Russia and Azerbaijan already prevented the UNSC from delivering a statement last year. 

But there is a new reality: the decision taken by the ICJ and the fact that Baku has so far disregarded it. 

ARMENPRESS: Does the international community consider it realistic to impose sanctions? And what has prevented the international community from doing this so far? What role can the European Parliament play in forcing Azerbaijan to end its policy?

MEP Nathalie Loiseau: The UNSC should decide a fact-finding mission and demand that all humanitarian UN agencies can reach the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. I cannot understand that only the ICRC and Russian troops are allowed to use the Lachin Corridor and that the world watches silently. The European Parliament has voted two reports, one on Armenia and the other on Azerbaijan. I co-authored the report on Armenia and amended the one on Azerbaijan to ensure they don’t contradict each other. The European Parliament’s position is crystal clear: The blockade of the Lachin Corridor must stop.

ARMENPRESS: As a result of the blockade, the people of Artsakh are facing a serious humanitarian crisis, there are widespread shortages of food, medicine and other essential supplies. With these actions Azerbaijan demonstrates its policy of ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. In this case, how do you imagine the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and guaranteeing the security of the Armenian people of Artsakh?

MEP Nathalie Loiseau: It is time for confidence measures to take place, like the freeing of all war prisoners, the return of bodies of soldiers and civilians to their homeland, transparency on missing people and full protection of cultural heritage. Peace negotiations must be built on .