Author: Edgar Tavakalian

Armenian, Indian Foreign Ministries will make additional efforts to further deepen the relations between the countries

Edgar Tavakalian

 21:14, 3 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 3, ARMENPRESS. Political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of India were held in Yerevan on July 3.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from MFA Armenia, In the framework of consultations, Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan received the delegation headed by Sumit Seth, the Head of the Foreign Policy Planning Division at the Ministry of External Affairs of India.

During the political consultations, the parties discussed the priorities and primary issues of the foreign policies of Armenia and India, as well as the main functions of the policy planning departments in the Foreign Ministries of Armenia and India.

The counterparts highlighted the growing dynamics of bilateral friendly relations, discussed the significance of high-level Armenian-Indian contacts, the activation of interdepartmental relations and political dialogue agenda. The parties have expressed readiness to exert additional efforts aimed at further deepening relations between the two states.

Participants touched upon a broad spectrum of issues encompassing international and regional security, the strengthening of bilateral economic, cultural, educational ties, the cooperation within international organizations and the establishment of effective connectivity between the two countries.

Deputy Minister Safaryan briefed the Indian side on the aggressive actions undertaken by Azerbaijan recently and ongoing to this day, which pose a threat to  stability and peace in the South Caucasus. The importance of immediately addressing the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor was emphasized.

"Element of a hybrid war" – a political scientist on attempted military coup in Armenia

Edgar Tavakalian
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Gabrielyanov on coup attempt

“Russia no longer has the resources for the hybrid war with Armenia and is reusing agents it has already used,” political scientist Ruben Mehrabyan says, commenting on a Facebook post by Russian journalist and publisher Aram Gabrielyanov.

He wrote that after the defeat of Armenia in the Karabakh war of 2020, he personally met the Chief of the General Staff Onik Gasparyan and said that “serious people from Moscow are proposing to take the army to the streets and transfer power to the provisional government.” According to Gabrielyanov, the Chief of the General Staff of Armenia replied that he would withdraw the army in the event of a “direct order.”

According to Mehrabyan, the statement of a Russian journalist recognized in Armenia as persona non grata almost three years after the end of the war proves that “Moscow is trying to strike at the current government of Armenia.”

  • Why does Russia need a consulate in the south of Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan? Opinions
  • Armenia at a crossroads: will the country leave Russia’s sphere of influence
  • “Property or money for weapons not supplied to Armenia”: about Russia’s debt

The Russian media tycoon with Armenian roots and founder of the News Media holding talked about his proposal to Onik Gasparyan. This was at a time when Gasparyan served as head of the general staff.

“I told Onik that serious people from Moscow are proposing to take the army to the streets and transfer power to the interim government. And I will provide information support. Onik replied – let Moscow give a direct order and I will withdraw the army. I said – no one will give a direct order, and with that they parted ways. Then you know.”

He concludes that Gasparyan’s cowardice made it possible to “strangle Armenia to the delight of Pashinyan and his vile clique.”

Personae non gratae in Armenia – On the banning of Margarita Simonyan and Aram Gabrielyanov, Russian journalists of Armenian origin

Political scientist Ruben Mehrabyan believes that Gabrielyanov’s statements should be treated with great reservations, given his “personal qualities.”

“Maybe it’s true, maybe it’s not. Explanations should be given by Onik Gasparyan himself. On the other hand, I have no doubt that, yes, Moscow’s goal was to change the government in Armenia from 2018. Do not be shy in choosing means and methods. And now, in this way, an attempt is being made to strike at the current government. This is another provocation directed against the Republic of Armenia,” he told JAMnews.

According to Mehrabyan, Moscow will continue to do everything to “defile the atmosphere”, as Russia is worried and unnerved by the position of Armenia, which:

  • invited European observers to monitor its border with Azerbaijan,
  • is negotiating with Baku in the States,
  • participates in tripartite formats with Russians without enthusiasm,
  • makes critical statements against the Russian military bloc CSTO and de facto froze its participation in it,
  • discusses the issue of ratification of the Rome Statute.

Ratification of the Statute would have grave consequences for both Russia and Armenia

According to the political scientist, the purpose of such statements is to preserve and expand the Russian “pathetic presence” in Armenia as long as possible.

“And this will be implemented exclusively through the collapse of the Armenian statehood. This is what the hybrid war that Russia has been waging against Armenia for many years and up to today is aimed at. And it will be so until Russia gives up its great imperial goals.”

Commenting on the role of Russia in the region, he recalled that a commission has been set up in the Armenian parliament to study the circumstances of the last Karabakh war. The commission invited high-ranking military officers, including Onik Gasparyan, to testify. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also spoke here with a live broadcast of his testimony:

“In fact, all this is very unnerving for Russia, because, I have no doubt, the role of Russia in the unleashing and further course of the 44-day war will be revealed here. And this is one of the reasons why Moscow is trying to split Armenia with such statements.”

https://jam-news.net/gabrielyanov-on-coup-attempt/


Expoloring the untapped potential of wind energy in Armenia’s energy market

Edgar Tavakalian
EVWind, Spain
 

Armenia, a landlocked country in the South Caucasus region, has long been dependent on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy needs. However, with the growing global emphasis on clean and renewable energy sources, the country is now exploring the untapped potential of wind energy to diversify its energy market and reduce its reliance on imported energy resources.

Wind energy, a clean and inexhaustible source of power, has been gaining traction worldwide as a viable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the total installed wind power capacity reached 651 GW in 2020, with a 53 GW increase from the previous year. This growth trend is expected to continue, driven by technological advancements, cost reductions, and supportive government policies.

Armenia’s geographical location and topography provide favorable conditions for harnessing wind energy. The country is characterized by high mountains and plateaus, which create strong and consistent wind flows, particularly in the regions of Aragatsotn, Gegharkunik, and Syunik. A study conducted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2013 estimated that Armenia has a technical wind energy potential of around 4,900 MW, which could generate approximately 14.3 TWh of electricity annually.

Despite this potential, wind energy remains a largely untapped resource in Armenia’s energy market. As of 2020, the country’s installed wind power capacity stood at a modest 7.6 MW, with the Lori-1 wind farm being the only operational wind power facility. This accounts for less than 1% of Armenia’s total electricity generation, highlighting the vast potential for growth in this sector.

The Armenian government has recognized the need to diversify its energy mix and reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels. In recent years, it has taken several steps to promote the development of renewable energy sources, including wind power. The country’s National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) for 2017-2020 aimed to increase the share of renewable energy in the total energy consumption to 26% by 2020, with a particular focus on wind energy development.

In 2019, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure announced plans to construct a 50 MW wind farm in the Gegharkunik region, which would significantly increase Armenia’s wind power capacity. The project, known as the Ayg-1 wind farm, is being developed by the Spanish company Ocean Winds and the United Arab Emirates-based renewable energy company Masdar. Construction is expected to begin in 2021, with the wind farm scheduled to become operational by 2023.

Additionally, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has expressed interest in financing wind energy projects in Armenia. In 2020, the EBRD signed a memorandum of understanding with the Armenian government to support the development of renewable energy sources, including wind power. This partnership is expected to attract further investments and facilitate the implementation of new wind energy projects in the country.

The development of wind energy in Armenia’s energy market offers numerous benefits. It can help the country reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels, thereby enhancing its energy security and reducing its vulnerability to external price shocks. Moreover, the expansion of wind power can contribute to the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, in line with its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

In conclusion, Armenia’s energy market holds significant untapped potential for wind energy development. With favorable geographical conditions, supportive government policies, and growing international interest, the country is well-positioned to harness the power of wind and transform its energy landscape. The expansion of wind energy can not only help Armenia achieve its renewable energy targets but also contribute to a more sustainable and secure energy future for the nation.

Why do some Jews spit on Christian clergy in Jerusalem’s Old City?

Edgar Tavakalian
By PEGGY CIDOR

Clergy living in Jerusalem know that nothing good comes out of a random encounter with young haredim in the alleys of the Old City.

The striking clothing of Armenian priests, the heavy crosses hanging on the chest of monks from each of the 15 different churches represented here – and lately also Christian buildings, especially entrance gates to churches – have become favorite targets for Jews to spit on.

Why do some Jews spit on gentiles? This was the subject of an emergency conference of scholars on Christianity and Christian communities in Israel, run by the Institute for the Study of Relations between Jews, Christians and Muslims at the Open University.


Yisca Harani, a scholar who has devoted years to the study of the phenomenon as part of her extensive research on the Christian denominations in the Holy Land, conceived and planned the conference as an initial response to the increase in these incidents.

The conference, initially planned to be held at the Tower of David Museum, was almost canceled due to Mayor Moshe Lion’s opposition to connecting the municipal institution with such a sensitive issue. On very short notice, the organizers moved the conference to the Armenian complex in the Old City.


Videos shown included ultra-Orthodox or National-Religious youths spitting in the face of priests or at their feet; stopping for a second – even while sitting in a car– just to spit at the entrance to a monastery or church; and disturbing graffiti. It all painted a worrying picture of a serious deterioration of relations with Christians in the holy city.

Some downplay the severity of the phenomenon, attributing it to bored young people who do not really understand the seriousness of the act.


Deputy Mayor Arieh King, who does not support the spitting incidents, has maintained that Christians, including the Evangelicals who love Israel, are all engaged in missionary work. He has said that this issue should be addressed, and not the spitting phenomenon, and accused the organizers of running an “antisemitic conference.”

For the conference organizers, the spitting phenomenon has been aggravated by political events. On Jerusalem Day, King – along with Rabbi Zvi Thau, who has been leading a hard line against Christians for years – protested during a traditional ceremony of Evangelical Christians at the Davidson Center, claiming that it was a blatant missionary event.

Harani said that the current political atmosphere in the country has enabled the spitting phenomenon to worsen. Now, she said, it is no longer a question of “bored brats,” but an organized campaign at least on the ideological level, which originates from the claim of fighting missionaries. In this context, King’s comments are significant, despite the fact that he does not approve of the spitting incidents.

The fact that the Armenian Church has never engaged in missionary activity does not seem to bother those who wish to increase the fight against the Christian presence in Israel. 

Dr. Amnon Ramon, a researcher on Christian communities in Israel at the Jerusalem Institute for Policy Research, pointed to the hostility that sectors of the extreme Right have toward Christians. This, he maintained, is a continuation of acts that occurred in the 1980s, such as when arsonists torched the Baptist Church in Rehavia.

According to Ramon, the extreme Right feels that the threat of Christianity to the State of Israel’s Jewish identity is much more dangerous than the fight against the Muslims. Ramon also said he believes that the current political extremism in the country is enabling the worsening of the spitting phenomenon.

With the exception of a letter issued about two weeks ago by former Sephardi chief rabbi Shlomo Amar, in which he expressed his opposition to the practice, silence on the subject among rabbis from all sectors is deafening. ❖


More cases of elder abuse in Armenia

Edgar Tavakalian
June 13 2023
  • Sona Martirosyan
  • Yerevan

Violence against the elderly in Armenia

Domestic violence has become one of the most frequently discussed topics in Armenia after years of silence and even denial of the existence of this problem in society. But still there are types and forms of violence that remain taboo, in particular physical and psychological violence against the elderly in their own family.

In the first five months of 2023, five elderly people were victims of domestic violence. The relatives – son, daughter-in-law, grandson – are accused of murder.

  • Why Armenia isn’t taking to the European convention against domestic violence – myths and refutals
  • Selective abortion in Armenia
  • Armenia: domestic violence gets more attention – action still needed

“My mother is dying, come soon!” shouted an excited man into the phone, calling an ambulance.

The call came from the city of Dilijan in the afternoon. When the doctors arrived at the indicated address, they could no longer help 62-year-old Varsenik.

The son and relatives gathered in the house claimed that the woman died suddenly in front of them, they did not have time to help. But doctors noticed bruises on the woman’s body.

“This has nothing to do with death,” the son insisted, “she had been feeling unwell for several days, and three days ago she lost consciousness and fell. That’s why the bruises on the body.

Relatives confirmed his words.

However, the forensic examination concluded that the fall could not have caused such injuries. A few hours later the police detained the daughter-in-law of the deceased woman. According to the preliminary investigation, she killed her mother-in-law, bruises appeared due to blows with a metal ladle, including on the head and face.

Sexual harassment in Armenia in the workplace – There is not even a legal definition of sexual harassment, thus no protection of labor rights.

Violence against the elderly is a worldwide phenomenon, but there is almost no actual data.

Researchers claim that only one in 24 cases of elder abuse is recorded in the world.

The fact is that all over the world the elderly are silent about their problems, and most governments do not have an appropriate approach and policy to protect them from violence. Approximate statistics are available in only a few countries where the rate of violence against older people ranges from 1-10%.

The WHO considers elder abuse to be “an important but understudied public health issue”. The organization’s latest data is based on the results of 52 studies conducted in 28 countries in 2017.

According to the WHO,

• 15.7% of the world’s population over the age of 60, that is, one in six in this age group is subjected to some form of violence.

• Extremely high rates of violence against older people are observed in closed institutions. 64.2% of employees in hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities admitted to having ever witnessed violence against an elderly person. Every second employee admitted that he himself “used violence in the past.”

• The most common type of violence against the elderly is psychological (11.6%), followed by financial (6.8%), neglect (4.2%), physical (2.6%), sexual (0.9%) .

Cases of violence against the elderly have increased significantly under the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. US studies show that the rate of elder abuse in families during the pandemic could rise to 84%.

The researchers calculated that these figures will increase in the coming decades, “taking into account the fact that in 2050 the number of older people in the world will exceed 2 billion people.”

According to statistics, in the last decade the number of suicides in Armenia has been between 150 and 215

The main reason for the lack of statistics on elder abuse is that those who are abused prefer to remain silent. For some, violence becomes the “norm”, others do not identify the attitude towards them as such, in particular when it comes to psychological or financial violence.

The rights of older people are mainly infringed upon by their spouses or children. And in these cases, the elderly are psychologically and financially dependent on them.

Violence can also occur in care centers or shelters. Older people, including those with disabilities, are subjected to violence by employees.

Only 4% of those who have been abused report it. The rest

• afraid of being punished or being alone,

• worried that the abusive relative will be held legally liable,

• ashamed to speak.

Those who do not report abuse are twice as likely to die prematurely because no action is taken to address the effects of abuse.

At high risk are older people with mental health problems. Two out of three people with mental health problems experience violence.

In addition, the elderly do not know who to turn to. In Armenia there is no social service dedicated to the elderly who have been subjected to violence. There are only two domestic violence shelters across the country. Both are created by non-governmental organizations and operate with extremely limited resources.

Although official statistics are not available, the demand for surrogacy is on the rise in Armenia

Human rights activist Zaruhi Hovhannisyan says that children and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups subjected to domestic violence. They speak less than others about being subjected to violence, and know less than others about their rights and opportunities for protection.

“Unlike children who attend school, kindergarten, find themselves surrounded by acquaintances and friends, where they can give out this information, even if they don’t want to talk about it, the elderly lead a more isolated lifestyle. Therefore they are more vulnerable, the likelihood of violence against them is higher,” she said.

She recalls cases of violence against the elderly that occurred in a women’s support center and in a shelter for victims of domestic violence. He says that these were exceptional cases, and they became known only because there was severe physical violence, which was recorded by the police:

“These women then ended up in a nursing home and did not return to the environment where they were bullied, but this rarely happens. In other cases, the elderly usually do not report what happened to them. Mainly because they spare their relatives. Even if acquaintances and friends notice bruises or other marks, as a rule, they deny the violence, claiming that it was their “guilty” – they slipped and fell, hit something by negligence.

Zaruhi Hovhannisyan regrets that there is no complete statistics. For this reason it is difficult to judge what is happening now – there is an increase in cases of violence against the elderly or they have begun to talk more about self-abuse.

“We cannot exclude the possibility of an increase in cases of violence against the elderly. Especially given the difficult socio-psychological situation in society, the unresolved traumas of the 2020 war, as well as the worsening social situation every day.

The state is not able to provide for the basic needs of the elderly, and the social burden, as a rule, falls on children. And this creates additional dependence for the elderly. Of course, all these factors directly affect the situation, but the lack of data, the exact number of cases, does not allow us to make clearer judgments about this.”

Music: Armenian Cello Concertos

Edgar Tavakalian
June 14 2023

Alexander Chaushian (cello); Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra/Eduard Topchjan (BIS)

Our rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 out of 5
By Michael Church


Armenian Cello Concertos
Works by Khachaturian, Babajanian, Michel Petrossian
Alexander Chaushian (cello); Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra/Eduard Topchjan
BIS BIS-2648 (CD/SACD)   68:30 mins

Is there such a thing as an Armenian sound? The three concertos gathered here might suggest there is one, if you go by the liner note. Alexander Chaushian makes much of the Armenian and Georgian folk elements in the Khachaturian work, talking of its Georgian dances and its use of the (Armenian) Ashug improvisatory style, while Michel Petrossian, introducing his own concerto, goes on at length to explain how Armenia’s holy mountain – Ararat – has inspired both the work’s texture and its structure.

Its title, he says, refers to the first mention of Ararat in the Book of Genesis, and the proportions of his work correspond symbolically to the proportions of the mountain; he then goes into detail about the contrasts between the writing for each movement, and points to the incorporation of Armenian and Byzantine liturgical chants. But you’d have to listen with extremely close attention to this 12-minute work if you wanted to catch everything the composer says he has put into it. It’s highly condensed, with the cello moving gracefully through thickets of sound created by strings, high woodwind and piano, and it invites us into an interesting sonic environment, but there’s little discernibly Armenian in that sound.

Babajanian’s Concerto does in several ways sound a dark mysteriousness which might be thought Armenian. But its beauty lies in its finely wrought effects, brought into high relief by the refinement of Chaushian’s playing.

Khachaturian – often celebrated as the musical voice of Armenia – is represented by a work which has echoes of his ballet Gayaneh. But essentially it’s a mid-century European work, full-bloodedly tonal, and rich in invention, and Chaushian’s expressive style highlights its many virtues. I immediately needed to listen again, to savour both the effects and the brilliance with which they are knitted together.

Michael Church



Armenia: Growing strawberries in the snow

Edgar Tavakalian

Farmer Garegin Muradyan has been growing strawberries for 5-6 years in the village of Tavshut, in the Shirak region of Armenia, on a field that is covered only with a net, without the possibility of heating, without additional ‘excesses.’ He says he’s doing well.

“At first, I didn’t believe in the result either, but then I fell in love, started to love this business,” says Garegin, who, until 2017, had never been involved in agriculture. He says that last season he harvested about 1.6 tons of strawberries from one hectare of land, which he sold or distributed, “except for the ones we ate,” he jokes.

However, in Armenia’s agricultural sector, successful people like Muradyan are more often the exception than the rule. Such success seems beyond reach to many of those working in agriculture due to the need for financial investments, infrastructure, and weather conditions.

Vardan Khachatryan, who runs a greenhouse in the village of Khoronk in the Armavir region, says planting strawberries wouldn’t work for them. And the problem is access to water, with no irrigation system and not enough money to install his own.

In Khachatryan’s case, the greenhouse is a source of income. But Martun Vardanyan from the village of Lernakert in the Shirak region uses his land to grow crops for his family. He also adds cold weather as a problem specific to their village. Lernakert is located on the slopes of Aragats in a mountainous area.

https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9536363/armenia-growing-strawberries-in-the-snow/

Armenia and Italy to cooperate in road infrastructures

Edgar Tavakalian

 11:48,

YEREVAN, JUNE 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Italy have signed a memorandum of cooperation in the area of road infrastructures.

The agreement was signed between Gor Avetisyan, the CEO of the Road Department Foundation of Armenia, and Aldo Isi, the CEO of Anas S.p.A., the Italian company dealing with the construction and maintenance of Italian motorways and state highways.

Avetisyan and his staffers visited Italy together with the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan to get acquainted with Italy’s road infrastructures, strengthen partnership in the sector and exchange experience.

Anas CEO Aldo Isi said the signed document is an important opportunity for cooperation and exchange of engineering skills between the two countries.

Avetisyan said that Armenia is eager to study the best global experience in road construction and maintenance. He highlighted continuous training of specialists as a prerequisite for the development of the sector.

The memorandum envisages training of specialists, regular introductory visits to contribute to the improvement of road infrastructures, as well as joint seminars, meetings and other projects.

Armenia: socio-cultural initiative opens in Gyumri with EU support

Edgar Tavakalian
June 7 2023

On 6 June, the Oda cultural room opened its doors in Gyumri, Armenia. The opening ceremony was accompanied by a live music performance of national instruments followed by a shadow theatre performance. 

The Oda cultural room, located at 11 Tigran Mets avenue, is a socio-cultural initiative that will host cultural events dedicated to music, art, and poetry. It aims to revive old traditions and contribute to the development of cultural tourism in Gyumri.

“The support to the Oda cultural room once again proves the EU commitment to promote cultural exchange and the preservation of the diverse heritage of countries, supporting the development of cultural tourism. I hope that the Oda will become a place for inspiration and a place where tradition and innovation coexist in harmony,” Frank Hess, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Armenia, said at the opening ceremony.

The creation of the Oda cultural room was made possible through the support of the EU4Business ‘Innovative Tourism and Technology Development for Armenia’ project, co-funded by the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany and implemented by GIZ (the German development agency).

Find out more

Press release

Armenpress: U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken plans to visit China next week – POLITICO

Edgar Tavakalian

 10:08, 9 June 2023

YEREVAN, JUNE 9, ARMENPRESS. United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to travel to Beijing as soon as next week, POLITICO reported citing two people familiar with the scheduling.

The trip will mark the highest-level visit of a U.S. official to China since that of then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2018.

The Biden administration has been working to renew high-level diplomatic and military communication following a near breakdown over the Chinese spy balloon incident in February. Blinken had originally been scheduled to visit China few days later and postponed because of the rancor over the balloon.

Last month, U.S. President Joe Biden predicted a “thaw” in U.S.-China relations. Within days, Chinese Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao had flown to the U.S. for meetings with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai. But Beijing’s denial of a request by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to meet with his counterpart Li Shangfu at the Shangri La Dialogue defense summit in Singapore suggested that bilateral ties remained tenuous, according to POLITICO.