Author: Eduard Nalbandian

Yerevan Sets Security Guarantees for Artsakh as Precondition for Regional Peace

Eduard Nalbandian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan (left) with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna on Jul. 19


Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that guaranteeing the security of the people of Artsakh was an important precondition for peace in the South Caucasus.

He made the statement on Tuesday in Vienna after meeting with his Austrian counterpart Alexander Schallenberg, adding that the lifting of the now seven-month-old Azerbaijani blockade of Lachin is a priority to Armenia and sought the assistance of international partners for compelling Baku to adhere to decisions and orders to that end.

“We are confident, and I believe that Armenia is not alone in this, that stable peace in the region is possible if the issues of the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are properly addressed within the framework of an international mechanism, through the Stepanakert-Baku dialogue,” Mirzoyan told reporters during a joint press conference with Schallenberg.

“In this context, it is regrettable to state that instead of engaging in such a dialogue, Azerbaijan is currently pursuing a policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, a clear manifestation of which is the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh which has been going on for more than seven months now,” Mirzoyan added.

“Nagorno-Karabakh is now on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe. This is happening in violation of international humanitarian norms and contrary to numerous appeals of international actors, resolutions and the legally binding Order of the International Court of Justice of February 22, which, by the way, the Court reaffirmed with its Order of July 6 this year,” explained the foreign minister.

Mirzoyan voiced Yerevan’s readiness to advance the peace talks and also open transportation routes between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, he said, these elements may be achieved without the ongoing use and threat of force by Azerbaijan, which continues to employ aggressive rhetoric toward Armenia and Armenians.

He also said that the release of all Armenian prisoners of war being held in Azerbaijan must also serve as a precondition for the advancement of processes to attain peace.

AW: Thank You…It has been our privilege and honor

Eduard Nalbandian
 Stepan Piligian In Sight, Columns 0

A screenshot of Dr. Hovannisian during his presentation at NAASR about the Armenian communities of Iran/Persia, May 6, 2022 (NAASR YouTube)

We began our day on Tuesday with the sad news of the passing of Dr. Richard Hovannisian in California. For most of us in the community, whether we knew him as Dr. Hovannisian or Professor Richard, we were blessed to be in the presence of a truly great man. The term “great” is often used and at times overstated, but in this case, it is quite appropriate. Dr. Hovannisian left a large footprint in the world that will continue to enlighten and inspire for decades to come. As the son of Genocide survivors, he entered a field that was undefined and needed leadership. Armenian Studies, particularly modern Armenian history, was understudied and under published when he began his journey. When his earthly life ended this week, he had not only made unprecedented contributions to Armenian scholarship, but blazed the path for a new generation of scholars. With the exception of a few pioneering studies, our story of the late nineteenth and twentieth century had not been told. More importantly, the field of academic research and scholastic endeavors was in its infancy. Richard was our trailblazer in the field of modern Armenian history and pursued his vision with talent, energy and boundless commitment.

Beyond his remarkable accomplishments in teaching, research and publishing, Dr. Hovannisian inspired countless Armenians to study their heritage and family history and to contribute to our communities. He entertained thousands with his own family story of his father’s village Bazmashsen, connecting his intellectual skills with his personal story. Long before ancestry.com, he encouraged a new generation to discover their family history in Western Armenia and by doing so connect with our people’s heritage. There are literally thousands from multiple generations whose knowledge, motivation and contributions have been impacted by his work over the last 60-plus years. 

My own life was impacted from a distance. In the late 1960s, I was a high school student who had discovered the beauty of our history thanks to the AYF educational program. I was motivated to acquire as much knowledge as I could consume. I was particularly interested in the tumultuous period of the late 1800s and first half of the 20th century – an interest driven by my awareness of the impact those years had on our identities as Armenians in the diaspora. The first book I read during that time was Hovannisian’s Armenia on the Road to Independence 1918. Admittedly, it was the first scholarly publication I discovered and I could not put it down. In this book, which was his doctoral thesis, he answered so many questions that arose from my awareness of the plight of our people. It ignited within me a sustained appetite for knowledge. The Republic of Armenia series became another incredible contribution to the scholarly foundation we have today. His work has attracted not only the academic community but also thousands of Armenians seeking to build an identity through knowledge. Countless students, readers and those who enjoyed his brilliant lectures, have become contributing members of the Armenian community worldwide. Knowledge fuels motivation and commitment.

I continued to follow Richard’s career over the years through his publications, research, teaching and public discourse, but I had not met him in person. Many years ago I had that privilege through my affiliation with the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR). It is rare that we have the opportunity to be in the presence of such talent. I felt a bit like a fan meeting a rock star. I was happy to learn that he knew members of my family from his time in the community. His brilliance was obvious, but his humility and approachable nature enhanced the love he inspired. He was the patriarch of Modern Armenian Studies and the father of a scholarly movement that has blossomed in universities, libraries and communities worldwide. It is admirable to have such a gift and to be willing to share it universally. He has rightfully been described as a treasure of our nation. 

Richard remained close to NAASR for decades. A few years back he made one of his frequent calls to Marc Mamigonian, the dedicated director of academic affairs at NAASR, about coming east to present his latest edited volume through a public lecture. One of his most beloved attributes was his public speaking ability. Richard was equally talented in research, writing and speaking. His anecdotal style would keep his audiences mesmerized as he transitioned from story to story, always keeping them connected to his academic theme. The best historians convey their work as a story, and he was able to make it identifiable for his audiences through multiple generations. The respect of his colleagues and his students attest to the impact of his talent.

His passion about the democratic Republic of Armenia (the First Republic) was reflected in his life’s work and countless symposiums and lectures. His efforts created the ability for the current generation to understand the importance of 1918-20. As Dr. Hovannisian was beginning his academic career, Hai Tahd was experiencing a worldwide rejuvenation. Scholarly work was the foundation that activism resided on. What began as a modest effort for Genocide recognition grew into an international campaign for justice and advocacy. His work on the First Republic took on heightened credibility in 1991 when Armenia regained its independence and scholarly work on the 1918 period expanded. Thankfully, Richard’s work preceding the establishment of the 1991 republic was a solid platform for this new era. 

In 2018, Columbia University hosted a symposium, organized by the ARF Eastern Region and co-sponsored by the university’s Armenian Center and the Armenian Review, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the First Republic. It was a two-day event with many outstanding scholars invited to participate in the workshops and lectures. I wanted to attend because Richard would be participating—the man who brought the First Republic into the hearts and minds of the diaspora. On the first day, several scholars participated in a session on the impact of the Republic during its nearly two-and-a-half year existence. I was taken aback by the negative overtones of many of the contributors. While it was an academic conference and not a political rally, the tone was highly critical and negative about the Republic and its impact. My unsettled reaction was peaking when the final speaker, Dr. Hovannisian, took the floor. In the next 30-40 minutes, he not only admonished his colleagues for their negative tone, but brilliantly argued the case for the miracle of 1918 with keen insight into some of the profound contributions of that republic. With his focus on what we can extract from history, he reminded the room about why we had gathered to remember the anniversary. As a scholar, he acknowledged the challenges of that time and the almost impossible task inherited by the government, but he also spoke of the patriotism and sacrifice of the leaders. He articulated that were it not for the contributions of this republic, despite its flaws, the territorial base of an Armenian state would have vanished and there would be nothing to celebrate in 1991. This 85-year-old scholar had set the record straight with a life’s work of research and narratives. It was an astonishing moment to experience. Dr. Hovannisian was to be honored at a luncheon the next day during the conference. In what was one of the greatest honors of my life, I was asked to introduce him to the podium to receive his award. I was humbled as I thought about reading his book as a high school kid and now introduced the man I was proud to call a friend. It is such a blessing to meet people such as him who enrich our lives along the road of our journey.

A screenshot of Dr. Hovannisian and NAASR’s director of academic affairs Marc Mamigonian during Hovannisian’s presentation about the Armenian communities of Iran/Persia, May 6, 2022 (NAASR YouTube)

In late 2019, NAASR opened its new Vartan Gregorian Building in Belmont, MA, with heartfelt contributions by many. I mentioned to Marc Mamigonian that our opening didn’t seem complete until Richard could offer a lecture in the building. Shortly thereafter, the pandemic resulted in no lectures in the new building for almost two years. Last year in the spring, Marc received another one of those unique calls from Richard saying he wanted to come east and deliver a lecture on his latest and last edited volume on the Armenians of Iran. It would be one of the first in-person lectures as the building was re-opening. It seemed appropriate that the restart after the pandemic was led by our dear friend and the father of Armenian Studies. Dr. Hovannisian’s talk was another one for the ages. His joy in sharing his book and personal anecdotes keep the audience enthralled. It was to be his last visit to NAASR. After the evening was completed and we said our last goodbyes, I turned to Marc and said, “Now the building is officially open.”

Dr. Hovannisian leaves a remarkable familial and academic legacy. Richard and his beloved late wife Vartiter raised a family that has made significant contributions to the Armenian nation. As a public figure of prominence with many demands on his time, his family was his joy. His son Raffi was the first foreign minister of the modern republic of Armenia, daughter Ani has produced outstanding film and media work and grandson Garen has published about his family identity, to name just a few. Richard’s legacy is defined in his scholar work, the programs he has advocated and a new generation inspired to carry the work forward. It has been said that the greatest legacy is to be remembered. Richard Hovannisian will not be forgotten because he built a foundation that we stand on today. How can we say thank you? Continue to respect his legacy,  work for the truth and inspire a new generation. It has been our honor. Asdvadz Hokin Lousavoreh.

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Columnist
Stepan was raised in the Armenian community of Indian Orchard, MA at the St. Gregory Parish. A former member of the AYF Central Executive and the Eastern Prelacy Executive Council, he also served many years as a delegate to the Eastern Diocesan Assembly. Currently , he serves as a member of the board and executive committee of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR). He also serves on the board of the Armenian Heritage Foundation. Stepan is a retired executive in the computer storage industry and resides in the Boston area with his wife Susan. He has spent many years as a volunteer teacher of Armenian history and contemporary issues to the young generation and adults at schools, camps and churches. His interests include the Armenian diaspora, Armenia, sports and reading.


An increase in pensions and benefits in Armenia will affect about 580,000 people

Eduard Nalbandian
July 5 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Raising the minimum pension in Armenia

On July 1, the minimum pension in Armenia increased by 4,400 drams ($11) to 36,000 drams (almost $94). The average monthly pension payments, benefits for old age, disability and in connection with the loss of a breadwinner have also been increased. The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs reports that the changes will affect approximately 580,000 people.

However, according to economist Suren Parsyan, in conditions of 5.2 percent inflation, the increase in pensions and benefits cannot improve people’s living standards. He says this measure can only alleviate the situation.

In 2018, when the “velvet revolution” took place in Armenia and Nikol Pashinyan’s government came to power, the minimum pension was 16,000 drams ($41.6 at today’s exchange rate, $33 at the exchange rate of 2018). That is, over the past five years, it has increased by 20,000 drams ($52), or 225 percent.

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Since July 1, labor pensions have also increased. They are calculated based on the size of the basic pension, which before that was 21,000 drams ($54), and now it is 24,000 drams ($62.5).

The benefits for old age, disability and loss of a breadwinner have also increased:

  • the amount of the old-age benefit is 36,000 drams ($93.7) instead of the previously paid 31,600 drams ($82),
  • the amount of the benefit in connection with the loss of the breadwinner is 36,000 drams instead of 31,600 drams,
  • for persons with disabilities with a deep degree of functional limitation (disability group 1), the amount of the allowance is set at 39,000 drams ($ 103) instead of the previous 31,600 drams, and in the case of a military pension of the same group (we are talking about compulsory military service) – 50,600 drams ($131.7) instead of 46,000 ($119.7).

This is the assessment of the Prime Minister of Armenia. According to him, AMD 36,000 is 99.5% of the approved minimum food basket.

“And those pensioners who spend their pension non-cash and thus use the 10 percent discount program will actually receive an amount exceeding 106 percent of the food basket,” Pashinyan said.

Those pensioners who receive a pension or allowance non-cash and pay with a bank card for purchases in stores operating in Armenia will receive a 10% cashback from non-cash transactions next month, but not more than 5,000 drams ($13).

“This is an unprecedented event in the history of the country. For the first time, a pensioner will be able to cover his minimum food expenses from his pension,” Pashinyan said.

In the first quarter of this year, the cost of the food basket was 36,188 drams ($94.2) per person per month.

According to the prime minister, only 12 percent of pensioners (about 73,000 people) receive the minimum pension in Armenia. The rest, about 500,000 pensioners, receive a higher pension, and their amounts have also increased.

This is the opinion of Anahit Galstyan, head of the pension provision department of the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs.

“In any case, when a person’s pension is not enough to meet vital needs, there will be dissatisfaction, despite all the positive changes. At the same time, it is necessary to understand that a pension is not a salary, but an insurance system, and there are no pensions equal to a salary in any country,” she stressed.

Anahit Galstyan recalled that after the increase, allowances will be paid to 580,000 people, and if pensions and benefits were increased by only 1,000 drams, almost 6 billion drams ($15 million) would already be needed. At the same time, the average pension is now 49,000 drams ($127.6), which is 30,000 ($78) less than the minimum consumer basket. In order to raise it by 30,000, about 200 billion drams ($520 million) are needed.

“In any case, spending more than 200 billion at once is unrealistic. Our steps should be based not only on the desires, but also on the economic capabilities of the state,” she said.

According to economist Suren Parsyan, the increase in pensions and benefits against the backdrop of high inflation will not lead to a significant change in the quality and standard of living of people. The changes will only mitigate the situation that arose in connection with the sharp increase in prices last year and this year.

The economist positively assesses the fact that for the first time average pensions are almost equal to the food basket, but at the same time he emphasized:

“This may contribute to the elimination of extreme poverty among pensioners, but they will remain poor anyway, because they need to buy not only food, but also use various services and goods.”

According to Parsyan, given the level of inflation, the government should regularly review the amount of pensions:

“It is very important to solve not only the problem of pensions, but also to propose solutions regarding pensioners’ health care costs. It is no secret that many people spend most of their money on medicines and various medical services.”

The expert says that the number of extremely poor people has doubled in 2021, most of them were pensioners.

“It is important to overcome extreme poverty. To do this, the government must also stimulate, create conditions for pensioners to work, because there are many of them who are ready to work. In terms of employment programs for pensioners, the government is passive.”

https://jam-news.net/raising-the-minimum-pension-in-armenia/

Armenia jumps up FIFA world ranking

Eduard Nalbandian

 13:09,

YEREVAN, JUNE 29, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian men’s football team has jumped seven notches in the FIFA world ranking released today.

Armenia has moved up to the 90th place, up from 97.

The top 5 in the ranking are Argentina, France, Brazil, England and Belgium respectively.

Transparency is key for investment. Poland welcomes the democratic reforms of Armenian government

Eduard Nalbandian

 21:01,

YEREVAN, JUNE 29, ARMENPRESS. Poland supports the democratic reforms implemented by the Armenian government, emphasizing that the transparency of the economic system has a key impact on the attractiveness of foreign investments in the country, ARMENPRESS reports, Wojciech Gerwel, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Poland, said at the 7th session of the Armenian-Polish Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation held in Yerevan.

“According to Polish businesses, the stability and strength of democratic institutions, as well as the transparency of the economic system, have a key impact on the country’s attractiveness as a destination for foreign investment. That is why Poland supports the democratic reforms implemented by Nikol Pashinyan’s government,” said Gerwel.

He said that Poland is ready to support the development of economic policies and accomplishment of institutions in the region, especially in such areas as macroeconomic management, fiscal administration, public finance management, etc.

“Poland is ready to start cooperation with Armenia within the framework of the tax solidarity program on the promotion of reforms and the exchange of experience. It offers Polish expertise and IT solutions aimed at combating tax evasion and reducing the shadow economy,” said Gerwel.

He expressed confidence that the session of the commission will lead to new initiatives of economic cooperation between the countries.

Bilyaletdinov unsurprised Man City, Newcastle scouts watched Spertsyan in Armenia action

Eduard Nalbandian

Former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov isn’t surprised by major Premier League interest in Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan.

It’s emerged Manchester City and Newcastle United scouts have checked on the Armenia international over the past fortnight’s Euro 2024 qualifiers.

Bilyaletdinov told Metaratings: “Is Newcastle and Manchester City interested in Spertsyan? Perhaps they are viewing a hundred people, specifics are needed.

“I don’t know if the Premier League will suit him. But it seems to me that in terms of the style of play, Eduard will be more suitable for City.

“If the transfer takes place, then there are things in which Spertsyan will need to improve – physical condition, ability to defend, keep up the pace. If everything works out, then you can try, why not?

“But Newcastle are also a very good team. Again, you need a specific proposal, and they will make it if they are really interested.”

https://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/bilyaletdinov-unsurprised-man-city-newcastle-scouts-watched-spertsyan-in-armenia-action-4461992

Armenia to complete Margara restoration work ‘very soon’, hopes Turkey will adhere to agreements

Eduard Nalbandian

 15:13,

YEREVAN, JUNE 26, ARMENPRESS. Armenia will soon complete the restoration of infrastructures in Margara and hopes that Turkey will likewise adhere to the agreement on opening the land border for diplomatic passport holders and citizens of third countries, Vice Speaker of Parliament and Armenia’s Special Representative for Normalization with Turkey Ruben Rubinyan has said.

“The last agreement was the following: that in the beginning of the tourism season the land border should get opened for citizens of third countries and diplomatic passport holders. The Armenian side is working to restore the relevant infrastructures in Margara, we will complete it very soon. And we hope that the Turkish side will also adhere to the agreement, and that the agreement will be implemented this summer,” Rubinyan told reporters on June 26.

The process hasn’t stalled, Rubinyan added, noting that he maintains contact with his counterpart in Turkey Serdar Kilic whenever needed. There’s no agreement on a new meeting yet.

“It’s very important for this agreement to be implemented. When there’s a lack of trust in such processes, it is highly important for agreements to be implemented. If implemented, trust would increase, if not, it would naturally decrease,” Rubinyan said.

Russia to continue making efforts to resolve situation around Lachin corridor — MFA

Eduard Nalbandian
 TASS 
Russia –
Maria Zakharova also said Russia notes the importance of the work on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border by the relevant commission, and Moscow is ready to provide consultative assistance

MOSCOW, June 23. /TASS/. Moscow plans to continue making every effort to resolve the situation around the Lachin corridor in its communication with Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement on Friday.

“The Russian side will continue making intense efforts to resolve the situation [around the Lachin corridor] in its communication with Baku and Yerevan,” the statement said. “We reiterate our message to both sides about the importance of rigorous compliance with the trilateral agreements between Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia that have been reached at the highest level, restraint and understanding of their responsibility for ensuring security in the area of the Lachin corridor.”

Zakharova also said Russia notes the importance of the work on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border by the relevant commission, and Moscow is ready to provide consultative assistance.

“We note the importance of steadily-paced work on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border by the relevant commission. We are ready to provide the necessary consultative assistance,” she said in the statement.

Erdogan Criticizes Iran for Opposing Zangezur Corridor

Eduard Nalbandian
Financial Tribune, Iran
June 16 2023

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized Iran on Wednesday for opposing the Zangezur Corridor, which would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave through Armenia.

“Iran’s approach to this issue disappoints us and Azerbaijan,” Erdogan said while speaking to reporters on his way back from Baku.

“I wish that we can overcome this problem soon. If Iran would approach this positively, then Turkey-Azerbaijan-Iran would be linked to each other, and we can have a ‘Beijing-London’ line through land and railroads,” he added.

Iran’s Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei emphasized this stance when he met with Erdogan in Tehran last July. The Turkish leader claimed that unlike Tehran, Yerevan does not object to the idea of the “Zangezur Corridor,” which he discussed with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Baku.

Erdogan praised the visit by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Ankara to attend his inauguration as the 13th president of Turkey in early June.

“Pashinyan’s acceptance of our invitation was an important step. Mr. Pashinyan attended our ceremony after overcoming a lot of obstacles stemming from the opposition in his country,” he said.

Pashinyan’s government regularly rejects Azerbaijani demands for such a corridor and says it can only agree to conventional transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan. It has specifically made clear that Azerbaijani citizens and cargo passing through Syunik Province cannot be exempt from Armenian border controls.

Pashinyan and Aliyev openly argued about the matter during a Eurasian Economic Union summit in Moscow on May 25. Nevertheless, the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia reportedly made major progress on practical modalities of a rail linkup between Nakhichevan and the rest of Azerbaijan during a subsequent meeting held in the Russian capital.

Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk met with Pashinyan and his Armenian counterpart, Mher Grigorian, in Yerevan on Wednesday for further discussions on the thorny issue. An Armenian government statement said they focused on the restoration of railroad linkup and “border and customs controls based on the sovereignty and equal jurisdiction of the parties,” but it did not elaborate.

Pope Francis leaves hospital ‘in better shape than before’

Eduard Nalbandian

 11:41,

YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. Pope Francis was discharged from hospital on Friday morning, nine days after surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, Reuters reports.

His doctor said the Pope was stronger than before.

“The pope is well. He is in better shape than before,” Sergio Alfieri, who operated on Francis on June 7, told reporters.

Alfieri said the pope was well enough to travel. Francis travels to Portugal at the start of August and Mongolia at the end of that month.

“He will be able (to carry out his duties) better than before because he no longer will have the discomfort. He will be a stronger pope,” Alfieri said.