Author: Edgar Tavakalian

​Armenian Synod elects new Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia

Edgar Tavakalian
Vatican News
Sept 23 2021

The Synod of the Armenian Catholic Church, meeting this week in Rome, has elected Raphaël Bedros XXI Minassian as the 21st Catholicos-Patriarch.

By Vatican News staff reporter

A ringing of bells in the patriarchal convent of Bzommar, Lebanon, announced the election of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Cilicia of Armenian Catholics: His Beatitude Raphaël François Minassian.

He had served until now as the titular archbishop of Caesarea of Cappadocia of the Armenians and Ordinary for the Armenian Catholic faithful of Eastern Europe.

The new Patriarch succeeds Gregory Peter XX Ghabroyan, who died last May, and has taken the name Raphaël Bedros [Peter] XXI Minassian. The election took place during the Synod of Bishops of the Patriarchal Church of Cilicia of the Armenians, convened in Rome by Pope Francis.

Born on 24 November 1946 in Beirut, the new Patriarch was educated at the Patriarchal Seminary of Bzommar and studied philosophy and theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

At the Salesian Pontifical University, he attended specialised in psycho-pedagogy. On 24 June 1973, he was ordained a priest as a member of the Patriarchal Clergy Institute in Bzommar.

From 1973 to 1982 he served as a parish priest of the Armenian Cathedral in Beirut, and later as secretary to Patriarch Hovannes Bedros XVIII Kasparian. From 1984 to 1989 he was in charge of the Holy Cross parish complex in Zalka, Beirut.

In 1989, he moved to the United States, where he served as pastor for Armenian Catholics in California, Arizona and Nevada until 2003.

Since 2004 he has directed Telepace Armenia, which he helped to found. In 2005, he was appointed Patriarchal Exarch of Jerusalem and Amman for the Armenians. Since June 2011 he has served as Ordinary for the Armenian Catholic Faithful of Eastern Europe.

Pope Francis appointed him to the titular See of Caesarea of Cappadocia for the Armenians with the title of Archbishop ad personam. From 24 to 26 June 2016, he hosted Pope Francis during his Apostolic Journey to Armenia.

Aurora to honor the spirit of humanity in Venice

Edgar Tavakalian

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 12:54,

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has prepared a unique program for the 2021 Aurora Prize Ceremony and accompanying events that will take place in Venice, Italy, on October 8–10, IDeA Foundation said in a statement.

In accordance with the tradition established over the years, every Ceremony features carefully curated cultural impressions honoring the spirit of our shared humanity, and the events in Venice will include some outstanding performances to celebrate modern-day heroes.

On October 9, a “Prayer for Solidarity” will be held in the Church of the Armenian Catholic congregation of Mekhitarists on the San Lazzaro Island, with religious and state leaders and representatives of the international humanitarian community in attendance. The service will be accompanied by live performances.

The 2021 Aurora Prize Ceremony, titled “Reviving Together,” will be hosted by Dalia Atallah, Aurora’s Amal Clooney Scholarship Fellow and UWC Dilijan alumna from Lebanon, and David Ignatius, Associate Editor and Columnist for The Washington Post and long-time friend of Aurora. The title of the event was chosen to reflect the Initiative’s commitment to putting into action the gratitude to those who saved Armenians more than a hundred years ago and helped them revive, as well as to highlight the eternal values of empathy, unity and cooperation that allow us to address the world’s most pressing issues, including the fight against the global pandemic of COVID-19 and its consequences, together.

The Ceremony will feature performances by Aram Ipekdjian and Jivan Gasparyan Jr. playing duduk, a traditional Armenian instrument, as well as by the Hover State Chamber Choir, conducted by Sona Hovhannisyan and famous for its experimental choral performances and promoting the Armenian choral heritage throughout the world.

On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate, whose name is to be announced during the Ceremony, will be honored with a US $1,000,000 award and a unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by supporting the organizations that help people in need. The event will culminate in a performance by Maestro Andrea Bocelli, a world-famous Italian opera tenor and philanthropist.

After the Ceremony, according to tradition, the name of the 2021 Aurora Prize Laureate will be added to the Chronicles of Aurora, a unique modern hand-written tome that contains the depictions of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative’s activities. The first manuscript of its kind created using ancient Armenian techniques and materials, it was crafted in 2018 in the Matenadaran, the national repository of ancient manuscripts in Yerevan, Armenia.

In 2021, for the first time since its creation, the Chronicles of Aurora tome will leave the walls of the Matenadaran to be brought to the San Lazzaro Island, one of the world’s most prominent centers of Armenian culture, where the first Armenian book was printed in 1512.

The program also includes two Aurora Dialogues events aimed at advancing insightful discussions about some of today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. The first discussion, titled “Conversation with the 2021 Aurora Humanitarians,” will take place on October 8 and give the humanitarians an opportunity to introduce their work and the causes that motivate them. The second one, “Humanitarian Dimensions of Health Security,” is scheduled for October 10 and dedicated to the lessons learned from COVID-19 and necessary to prevent the future pandemics.

In the meantime, nominations are still open for the 2022 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. Until October 31, 2021, any person can submit a nomination for the candidates they believe have overcome great personal challenges to help others.

 

* * *

About the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is a foundation that seeks to address on-the-ground humanitarian challenges around the world with the focus on helping the most destitute. Its mission is rooted in the Armenian history as the Initiative was founded on behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors and strives to transform this experience into a global movement.

All Aurora’s activities are based on the universal concept of Gratitude in Action. It implies that countless people around the world who have received aid in time of crisis can best express their gratitude by offering similar assistance to someone else. By involving Aurora supporters around the world, this will become a global endeavor that will snowball to expand the circle of saviors and most importantly – the number of those saved.

Addressing urgent humanitarian challenges, the Initiative provides a second chance to those who need it the most. True to its vision – “We believe that even in the darkest times, a brighter future is in the hands of those who are committed to giving others help and hope” – Aurora welcomes all who embrace this philosophy.

This commitment aims to promote action-based philanthropy focused on tangible results. This is achieved through the Initiative’s various programs: Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, Aurora for Artsakh, #AraratChallenge movement, Aurora Dialogues, Aurora Grants, Aurora Community, Aurora Index, and the 100 LIVES Initiative.

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is the vision of philanthropists Vartan Gregorian, Noubar Afeyan and Ruben Vardanyan who have been joined by thousands of supporters and partners. Aurora’s Chair, Dr. Tom Catena, draws on his experience as a surgeon, veteran, humanitarian and the 2017 Aurora Prize laureate to spread the message of Gratitude in Action to a global audience.

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is represented by three organizations – the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Foundation, Inc. (New York, USA), the 100 Lives Foundation (Geneva, Switzerland) and the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Charitable Foundation (Yerevan, Armenia).

About the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity

The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity is a global humanitarian award. Its mission is to recognize and support those who risk their own lives, health or freedom to save the lives, health or freedom of others suffering as a result of violent conflict, atrocity crimes or other major human rights violations. The Aurora Prize Laureate is selected based on the nominee’s demonstration of courage, commitment and impact.

On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, an Aurora Prize Laureate is honored with a US $1,000,000 award, which gives the Laureate a unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by supporting the organizations that help people in need.

The Aurora Prize Selection Committee is comprised of Nobel Laureates Shirin Ebadi and Leymah Gbowee; former president of Ireland Mary Robinson; human rights activist Hina Jilani; former president of Mexico Ernesto Zedillo; Médecins Sans Frontières Co-founder and former foreign minister of France Bernard Kouchner; journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner Dele Olojede, former CEO of Unilever and Co-founder and Chair of IMAGINE Paul Polman; human rights activist and Co-founder of The Sentry John Prendergast and President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York Vartan Gregorian. The Committee is chaired by the Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London Lord Ara Darzi.

World famous peace and human rights activist Benjamin Ferencz and Academy Award-winning actor and humanitarian George Clooney are the Committee’s Honorary Co-Chairs, and its honorary members include two-time President of Costa Rica and Nobel Laureate Oscar Arias; Artistic and General Director of Mariinsky Theatre and Principal Conductor of the Munich Philharmoniker Valery Gergiev and former foreign minister of Australia and President Emeritus of the International Crisis Group Gareth Evans.

We honor the memory of Elie Wiesel (1928-2016), inaugural Selection Committee Co-Chair, President of the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity; Nobel Laureate.




AW: Pashinyan presents goals for new government

Edgar Tavakalian
September 8, 2021 Lillian Avedian News 0

The administration of recently reelected Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has adopted a five-year Government Action Plan outlining the regime’s national security, foreign policy and socioeconomic goals. 

The plan, which will endure from 2021-2026, was adopted by the RA National Assembly on August 26 with 70 votes in favor. Parliament’s two opposition alliances, the Armenia Alliance and I Have Honor Alliance, abstained from voting, citing concerns that the document was being unilaterally enforced by the ruling party.  

The Government Action Plan endorses the resumption of the negotiation process for a peaceful settlement of the Artsakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chaired by France, Russia and the United States. The plan does not include specifications on the status of the Republic of Artsakh or the future of the Russian peacekeeping mission, which is scheduled to end five years after the signature of the November 9, 2020 trilateral ceasefire agreement. 

The plan additionally envisions the end of the 30-year blockade of Armenia through the opening of regional economic and transport routes. “Peace and stability in the region is our long-term strategy,” the plan notes regarding the administration’s foreign policy. “Deepening or normalizing relations with neighboring countries will be one of the important directions of the government’s foreign policy.” 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addresses his cabinet (September 8, 2021)

In recent weeks, the leaders of Armenia and Turkey have made public statements signaling a willingness to restore diplomacy between the two countries. During a cabinet meeting on September 8, Pashinyan noted that he sees within Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s statements “an opportunity to speak about the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations and re-launching the Armenian-Turkish railway and roads.” 

“We are ready for such a conversation,” he said. “By and large, this is about transforming our region into a crossroads linking the West with East and North with South.”

On August 27, Pashinyan referenced “positive public signals from Turkey,” noting that Armenia might “respond to the positive signals with a positive signal.” In response Erdogan told reporters that Turkey might be prepared to gradually normalize relations with Armenia, on the basis of respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

“I wish success to the new government of Armenia. Our region needs a constructive approach,” said Erdogan. 

In response to Erdogan’s reference to “respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty,” which presumably alludes to the settlement of the Artsakh conflict, chairman of the committee on foreign relations Eduard Aghajanyan insisted that Armenia would not accept preconditions to the normalization of relations with Turkey. “We certainly welcome positive rhetoric whenever it comes from Azerbaijan and Turkey,” he said in an interview. “But unfortunately, Erdogan’s statement contained points resembling preconditions, which do not help to launch that process at all.”

Opposition politicians have denounced reconciliation efforts, accusing the government of making broad concessions to Turkey in regards to the Artsakh conflict. Opponents additionally claim that Armenia might abandon its campaign for greater international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. 

During his August 24 speech to the National Assembly outlining the government plan, PM Pashinyan assured that the promotion of regional cooperation “cannot take place at the expense of other security and vital interests of Armenia and Artsakh.” 

Turkey closed its border with Armenia in 1993 in support of its ally Azerbaijan in the first Artsakh War. The nations neared a rapprochement in 2009 with the Zurich Protocols, which were signed yet never ratified after Turkey introduced a new set of preconditions insisting on a resolution to the Artsakh conflict.  

Russia has vocalized its support for Armenian-Turkish reconciliation. The Russian Foreign Ministry has indicated on multiple occasions within the past week that it would be willing to mediate normalization efforts.

The government plan additionally foresees military reforms, including technological modernization of the army, increased benefits for military service, the deployment of border troops instead of army units and the larger involvement of women in combat units. Pashinyan has also promised the creation of a foreign intelligence agency within the next five years. 

According to a recent survey conducted in Armenia, 56-percent of respondents believe that solving security issues should be the top priority for the new government, convened after the June snap parliamentary elections, to address. The second most popular choice, endorsed by nine-percent of respondents, was strengthening the army. The survey, overseen by the International Republican Institute based in the United States, was carried out through phone interviews with 1,504 permanent residents of Armenia older than the age of 18 collected between July 21 and July 30, 2021. 

Finally, the plan includes the possibility of granting a special status to the Western Armenian language standard in Armenia. Educational programming would aim to strengthen knowledge of the standard and preserve its transmission. 

According to the RA Constitution, the state language of the Republic of Armenia is Armenian. While the Constitution does not specify whether Armenian refers to Western or Eastern Armenian, the latter predominates in government documents and sessions. The Constitution also stipulates that Armenia shall “contribute to the preservation of the Armenian language.” 

The previous government plan announced in 2019 noted that the government should encourage “the dissemination of the Armenian language and strengthen the knowledge of Armenian (including Western Armenian) in Armenia and the diaspora.” Yet it did not go so far as to establish a special status for Western Armenian within the country. 

UNESCO categorizes Western Armenian as “definitely endangered,” meaning that “children no longer learn the language as a ‘mother tongue’ in the home.”




‘You must rely on yourselves and preserve national unity’, outgoing French ambassador tells Armenians

Edgar Tavakalian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 11 2021

French Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Lacôte is wrapping up his diplomatic mission in the country. Before saying goodbye, Hetq spoke with Lacôte about the Artsakh issue, Armenian-French relations, and his experience in Armenia.

Hetq: September 2 marked the 30th anniversary of Artsakh’s declaration of independence. For three decades, the people of Artsakh have been fighting for self-determination, for their right to live on that land. In your last interview, you said that France is a country that fights for the right of its inhabitants to stay on their land. What is France’s position on Artsakh?

Jonathan Lacôte: We must state that months after the 44-day war, the Karabakh issue remains open. The war did not provide any solution. The war showed that there is an existential threat to the Armenians living in Karabakh. We live in the 21st century, and in the 21st century we cannot accept that people cannot live in their own home. We cannot accept that they will face problems such as war or deportation. The goal should be to resume negotiations and ensure the security of the people of Karabakh. The November 9 statement is a big step forward, as it has provided an opportunity for a ceasefire, but the status issue is open. France’s priority is to create conditions for the resumption of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The role of the Minsk Group is more important today than in the past. Our mission is to protect the people of Karabakh.

Hetq: Azerbaijan considers the Karabakh issue resolved and emphasizes that the Minsk Group has been ineffective for thirty years. Do the Co-Chairs have leverage over Azerbaijan? Is it possible to restore the activity of the Minsk Group?

Jonathan Lacôte: The reality is that only the Minsk Group has a mandate to discuss the status of Karabakh. We can hope that the conflict has been resolved, but the issue of the security of the people living there has not been resolved. No other international organization is represented there except the International Committee of the Red Cross. Only the Lachin corridor allows for a connection between Armenia and Karabakh. We have a blockaded population in that area. All this once again proves the need to resume negotiations. The Co-Chairs have repeatedly spoken about this after the November 9 statement, emphasizing that this need is due not only to the situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but also to several events following that statement.

Hetq: Azerbaijan isn’t returning Armenian POWs, is not fulfilling its obligations under the trilateral statement. At the same time, the United States, France and Russia are talking about regional cooperation and unblocking of transport routes. Can such a thing happen given this backdrop?

Jonathan Lacôte: We are deadlocked over some issues. We are deadlocked on the issue of prisoners, on the issue of communication channels. No discussion, no negotiations are underway on the Karabakh issue. We see that this status quo is dangerous. After the November 9 announcement, we faced other problems, particularly in the territory of Armenia, on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. The priority is the resumption of talks between Yerevan and Baku under the Minsk Group co-chairmanship. The conflicting parties must decide for themselves the priority issues that they will discuss.

Hetq: Is there any progress in this regard?

Jonathan Lacôte: I think we are coming to a point where each of the parties is interested in resuming negotiations. In any case, there have been statements from Armenia at the level of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, which we have welcomed.

Hetq: Do you see the same tendency on the part of Baku?

Jonathan Lacôte: I am not the French Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Hetq: You said that the role of France is to prevent a new conflict and to accompany Armenia in the political process of peace. But we see that the two countries, Azerbaijan and Armenia, are acquiring new weapons. There’s the belief that they are preparing for a new war. What can you say about this?

Jonathan Lacôte: I think one would be naive to think that there is no risk of conflict in this region, that a new conflict is not possible. However, our role should not be to prepare the parties or to support any party in case of a new conflict, but to do everything to avoid a new conflict.

Hetq: Is there a superpower competition in the Caucasus?

Jonathan Lacôte: Cooperation between Russia, the United States and France provides a great opportunity for the South Caucasus. The difficulties that exist in the relations between Russia and the West do not exist in the case of the Karabakh issue. Presidents Macron and Putin often have telephone conversations on several controversial issues, but there is a common ground on the Karabakh issue.

Hetq: Is there anything in Armenia that you will miss?

Jonathan Lacôte: Before leaving, I am becoming more and more convinced that I will not leave Armenia for good, that I will return as an individual.  I do not say goodbye to people but see you. Because when you leave a country, you miss people, and nothing prevents you from seeing the people you know again.

Hetq: Officially, you could not visit Artsakh. When you finish your diplomatic mission, will you visit as an ordinary Frenchman? Do you have such a wish?

Jonathan Lacôte: I would especially like to visit a peaceful Karabakh. A Karabakh whose population lives in safety and where my visit will not be political manipulated.

Hetq: What is your parting wish for the Armenian people?

Jonathan Lacôte: First, I would like to wish that all Armenians be confident in their strength. 2.5 million united and determined people can work miracles. Everything should not be expected from the outside. At the same time, everything should not be expected from the government. You must rely on yourselves and preserve national unity. Armenia is going to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its independence, I think we should take the exam of those thirty years and try to project the next thirty years.

The full interview is available on Hetq.


Covid-19: Armenia back to EU’s “red zone”

Edgar Tavakalian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 9 2021

September 9, 2021, 15:41

 

Due to the sharp increase in the prevalence of COVID-19, Armenia has moved to EU’s “red zone,” the Ministry of Health reports.

once again found itself in an epidemically dangerous “red” zone, which could lead to tightening of entry rules for Armenian nationals.

The European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) updates the list of epidemiologically safe countries every two weeks, taking into account the COVID-19 situation, the number of new cases and vaccinations.


At the beginning of summer Armenia was moving from the “red” to the “green” zone, but due to the rapid spread of the new Delta variant within a month, Armenia is again considered an insecure country from an epidemiological point of view.

Water shortage in Artsakh arose when some of the reserves were left under Azerbaijani occupation – Gegham Stepanyan

Edgar Tavakalian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 9 2021

“The water shortage in Artsakh is critical. Around 20 percent of capital Stepanakert has an issue with access to water, while 80 percent of the communities face the problem,” the Human Rights Ombudsman of the Artsakh Republic Gegham Stepanyan told reporters on Thursday. 

He noted that in some communities, the water supply activates at fixed hours during the day and in other location  – once or twice during a week. 

“According to our studies, the issue is conditioned with three main factors: dry weather conditions and water scarcity, the growth of population in Stepanakert by 13-15 thousand as the city hosted displaced people from Artsakh regions and the third factor is most vividly expressed in communities, which is some of the water reserves were left under Azerbaijani occupation, and we have no possibility to access and use them,” said Stepanyan. 

 As to the issue of mobile connection and internet access in Artsakh, the Human Rights Ombudsman noted the problem has arose over the past month when the mobile network and internet started operating with interruptions. 

In his words, both Karabakh Telecom and the Ministry of Territorial Administration have confirmed that the Azerbaijani side uses special technical means to jam the mobile signal and internet spread throughout Artsakh. 

Azerbaijani media report launch of Turkish-Azeri joint military exercises in Lachin region

Edgar Tavakalian
News.am, Armenia
Sept 6 2021
19:22, 06.09.2021

According to the agreement between Azerbaijan and Turkey on cooperation in the military sector, joint exercises for combat shooting have been launched in the Lachin region, as reported Haqqin.az, citing the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.

The main goal of the military exercises is to improve cooperation and coordination of combat during combat operations, including enhancement of skills of commanders when it comes time to make decisions and manage units. Haqqin.az also reported that the special focus is on improvement of skills in using state-of-the-art military equipment in conditions of complex relief.


Gegham Nazaryan: ‘The leader of the regime has decided to kill Professor Armen Charchyan’

Edgar Tavakalian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 1 2021

Political scientist Gegham Nazaryan, a lawmaker from the opposition Armenia faction, on Tuesday demanded the immediate release of famous doctor, Armenia faction MP Armen Charchyan after the latter suffered a heart attack in pre-trial custody.

“The leader of the regime has decided to kill Professor Armen Charchyan. The professor suffered an acute myocardial infarction in the place of detention and his blood sugar level is very high. I would also like to emphasize that, regardless of his health condition, our colleague was deprived of liberty illegally and is being held in custody illegally,” Nazaryan wrote on Facebook.

“I demand the immediate release of the prominent doctor who saved many people and cured tens of thousands,” the MP said.

Earlier on Tuesday, Charchyan’s lawyer Erik Aleksanyan said that the doctor had suffered an acute myocardial infarction. In addition, Charchyan has high blood pressure, heart failure, insulin-dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney failure.

“Currently, the professor’s health is in poor condition,” the lawyer said.

Armen Charchyan, who formerly headed the Izmirlian Medical Center, was arrested in June for allegedly forcing his employees to take part in the snap parliamentary elections and vote for the Armenia bloc.

The Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction ruled to release him on bail on July 21, granting a defense motion. On August 23, the Yerevan Criminal Court of Appeals upheld an earlier ruling to arrest the opposition deputy.

​Congressional Armenian Caucus leaders mark 30th anniversary of Artsakh independence

Edgar Tavakalian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 3 2021

Congressional Armenian Caucus leaders mark 30th anniversary of Artsakh independence

 September 2, 2021, 23:22 

Congressional Armenian Caucus leaders mark 30th anniversary of Artsakh independence; call on the U.S. to penalize Turkey and Azerbaijan for ongoing aggression against Artsakh and Armenia; urge OSCE Minsk Group leaders to include Artsakh in renewed peace negotiations.

The full text of the Congressional Armenian Caucus letter to Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan below:

President Harutyunyan:

We write to congratulate you and the people of the Republic of Artsakh on the 30th Anniversary of your independence.

The United States Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues offers our support and commitment to Artsakh on this celebration of three decades of your independence. We continue to stand with your people as they face with incredible resilience the ongoing challenges and threats posed by Azerbaijan. Artsakh’s transformation over the years is truly a testament to its people and to the leaders like you who have helped guide it along the way, despite the constant pressure and acts of aggression taken by the regime of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

We continue working diligently to persuade the Biden Administration to take every available diplomatic action to penalize the Azerbaijani & Turkish regimes for their deadly and illegal attacks on Artsakh last fall. This conflict clearly demonstrates the dire need for international actors to take a stronger position pressuring Aliyev to return in good faith to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group negotiations. And, we continue to push for Artsakh to directly participate in negotiations regarding its future status and security to ensure a durable and lasting peace.

We remain committed to pushing for official engagement between the United States government and your administration, and we look forward to working with you to build on Artsakh’s already impressive transformation in the face of so many challenges. Again, please accept our sincerest congratulations on this important occasion and offer our full support for your country.

Sincerely,

Frank Pallone Jr.
Member of Congress

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress

Jackie Speier
Member of Congress

David Valadao
Member of Congress

Adam Schiff
Member of Congress

Armenpress: President Sarkissian congratulates newly-elected President of Estonia

Edgar Tavakalian

President Sarkissian congratulates newly-elected President of Estonia

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 21:10,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 31, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory message to newly-elected President of Estonia Alar Karis.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the President’s Office, the message runs as follows,

”I am convinced that your activity as the President of the country will further strengthen the partnership between Armenia and Estonia for the benefit of our countries and peoples.

Armenia attaches great importance to the continuous strengthening of friendly relations and constructive dialogue with Estonia, and I hope that due to joint efforts the warm Armenian-Estonian relations will continue to develop and strengthen both bilaterally and multilaterally’’.