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Author: Ekmekjian Janet

Armenpress: Armenian, Georgian PMs discuss transit opportunities of the two countries

Ekmekjian Janet

Armenian, Georgian PMs discuss transit opportunities of the two countries

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 18:35, 8 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Most of the discussion between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is on an official visitor to Georgia, and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garbiashvili  was dedicated to the agenda of opening an era of peaceful development in the region.

”Yes, we mutually state that, unfortunately, there are many unresolved issues, conflicts and threats in our region, but we try to help each other to focus on the opportunities that exist in parallel. I think that supporting each other in utilizing the opportunities is the very formula that should make risk management more feasible and accessible for us”, ARMENPRESS reports Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan told the reporters.

The Armenian Prime Minister thanked his counterpart for assisting the return of 15 Armenian captives on June 15.

”During those days, when we were discussing, we called each other several dozen times, it was a pre-election campaign period, and I was even joking, saying that during those two days I communicated more with the Prime Minister of Georgia than with our voters. I think that those two days were very important in terms of forming a new level of personal cooperation between us”, Pashinyan said.

PM Pashinyan also emphasized that fact that both Armenia and Georgia continuously demonstrate their committment to democracy and democratic processes, which creates new opportunities for the development of relations. ”I presented to Prime Minister Garibashvili our proposals and perceptions over regional issues and solutions enshrined in the Action Plan of the Armenian Government. I think there are new opportunities here as well, the use of which is not a reality yet, but we were talking about the fact that we should make efforts to use those opportunities”, the Armenian PM said, adding that transit opportunities of Armenia and Georgia were discussed with the Georgian PM.

”By the way, this does not refer to the transit opportunities of Armenia separately, or of Georgia separately. We discussed what we could do to increase each other’s potential. You are aware that projects are being implemented in the field of energy, we are also discussing programs in the field of transport communication, I hope that we will be able to find the most effective option from the possible solutions”, Pashinyan concluded.

Belarus to take part in Armenia Expo 2021

Ekmekjian Janet
Belarus – Sept 9 2021

MINSK, 9 September (BelTA) – Belarus will take part in Armenia Expo 2021 with a Made in Belarus exposition. The event in Yerevan will be running from 16 to 18 September, BelTA learned from the website of the Belinterexpo exhibition enterprise at the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The Made in Belarus exposition will feature 11 Belarusian manufacturers that will exhibit the best latest products adapted to the preferences and needs of Armenian consumers.

The Belarusian food industry concern Belgospishcheprom will have the largest stand featuring well-known Belarusian brands: Slodych and Kommunarka confectionery factories, Slutsk Sugar Mill, and Minsk Kristall Group, Belarus’ largest producer of alcoholic beverages in Belarus.

The Belarusian dairy industry will be represented by Slutsk Cheese-Making Plant and Kalinkovichi Dairy Plant. “Slutsk Cheese-Making Plant is the second largest dairy in Belarus. The company will showcase cheeses, milk powder and butter under the Yas Belous trademark. These types of Belarusian products are traditionally in demand in the Caucasus region. In 2020, they, along with cream and cottage cheese, prevailed in the Belarusian export to Armenia,” Belinterexpo said.

The products of Kalinkovichi Dairy Plant are familiar to consumers in the CIS countries, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. In Armenia, the company will present skimmed milk powder, whole powder, butter, dry whey, hard and semi-hard cheeses under the Kalinka trademark.

The Made in Belarus exposition will also feature manufacturers of farm machines. For example, Gomselmash is one of the world’s leading producers of combine harvesters and other sophisticated agricultural machines. Two Palesse harvesters have been working on the fields of Armenia since last year.

Grodnooblselkhoztechnika, a major manufacturer of agricultural machinery in Belarus, will take part in the expo too. It incorporates 12 enterprises producing tillage, fodder harvesting, post-harvest handling equipment, and milking systems. Its products sell into Lithuania, Ukraine, Georgia, Russia.

The exposition will also feature Gomel Electromechanical Plant. For more than 20 years, the company has been producing locomotives and rolling stock, and other complex systems.

“In 2021 Belarusian exporters took part in Expo Food & Drinks in Yerevan in May. Then the Belarus – Taste of Nature exposition brought together seven enterprises of the food industry,” the exhibition company added.

The organizer of the Made in Belarus exposition is Belinterexpo at the Belarusian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The event will be held with the support of the Embassy of Belarus in Armenia.

Armenia, Azerbaijan grant Red Cross access to border areas

Ekmekjian Janet
TASS, Russia
Sept 6 2021
Head of ICRC Regional Delegation for Russia, Belarus, and Moldova Ikhtiyar Aslanov also noted that the organization had not stopped its work during the escalation of the conflict

MOSCOW, September 6. /TASS/. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been granted access to border areas and Nagorno-Karabakh’s territory both by the Armenian and the Azerbaijani sides, Head of ICRC Regional Delegation for Russia, Belarus, and Moldova Ikhtiyar Aslanov said in an interview with TASS.

“One important issue for us is access from the point of view of security. As you know, the situation develops differently, especially along the international border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. And one of the most important matters for us is the security of our colleagues who may work there,” he said. “We have access from both Azerbaijan and Armenia.”

He noted that the ICRC is one of the few international organizations working in this region. “And we did not stop our work during the escalation of the conflict. We continue it today. Naturally, the situation is changing and people’s needs are changing along with it. And based on this situation, we change our programs and approaches,” he said.

According to Aslanov, Red Cross employees are now addressing long-term issues, whereas urgent humanitarian problems were the focus during the hostilities. In particular, these problems included the search for the bodies of those killed, satisfying the needs of refugees and displaced persons, ensuring water and medicines supplies. “And this work continues. Since last year, we have increased our budget in the region – it is around 45 million Swiss francs to organize our humanitarian activities. The number of our employees – both international and local staff – in this region has also been increased,” he said.

Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, 2020, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. On November 9, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Under the document, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers were deployed along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor that connects Armenia with the enclave to exercise control of the ceasefire observance. Apart from that, a number of districts came over to Baku’s control.

The situation at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has been tense since May 12, when Armenia’s defense ministry said that Azerbaijani armed forces had tried to carry out “certain works” in a border area in Syunik Province in a bid to “adjust the border. Since then, the sides have been reporting border incidents from time to time.

Russian FM Lavrov encourages Turkey, Armenia to improve relations

Ekmekjian Janet
Toys Matrix
Sept 4 2021
TURKEY
By Kemal Pasha On Sep 4, 2021

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday that the end of the conflict in the Nagorno-Karabakh region paves the way for improvement in Turkish-Armenian relations.

Speaking at the New Knowledge Forum in Moscow, Lavrov said Ankara and Yerevan should resume efforts toward normalization after Armenia and neighboring Azerbaijan signed an agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh last year.

“The parties saw the process of resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh issue differently. But now, when the war in Nagorno-Karabakh is over, there are grounds for unblocking the political process, transport and economic ties. It would be logical if Armenia and Turkey resumed efforts to normalize relations,” the minister said.

Russia is ready to actively support this process, he added.

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also said Russia always supported the normalization of Armenian-Turkish ties and has in the past participated in mediation efforts toward this end.

She noted that Russia welcomed the signing of the Zurich Protocols in 2009, which suggested a gradual improvement in relations between Armenia and Turkey without preliminary conditions.

“Along with the normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations in the context of the implementation of the statements signed by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on Nov. 9, 2020, and Jan. 11 this year, this (normalization between Armenia and Turkey) would work for peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” she said.

Turkey believes that permanent peace is possible through mutual security-based cooperation among states and people in the South Caucasus region, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said in June as he addressed Azerbaijan’s National Assembly in the capital Baku.

The president reiterated his proposal for a six-nation platform comprising Turkey, Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia for permanent peace, stability and cooperation in the region.

Relations between the former Soviet republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

California Assembly panel passes resolution on sister state relationship with Armenia’s Syunik

Ekmekjian Janet
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 3 2021


September 3, 2021, 10:16

 

Massis Post – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s resolution, ACR 105, that establishes a sister state relationship between California and the Armenian Province of Syunik – the southernmost province in Armenia, passed the Assembly Committee on Jobs, Economic Development, and the Economy on Thursday.

The resolution declares California’s solidarity with Syunik and will encourage and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges. The resolution is joint authored by Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, and coauthored by Assemblymembers Lisa Calderon, Laura Friedman, Vince Fong, Jesse Gabriel, Christina Garcia, Mike Gipson, Tom Lackey, Kevin Mullin, Luz Rivas, and Senators Bob Archuleta, Andreas Borgeas, Maria Elena Durazo, Bob Hertzberg, and Anthony Portantino.

“For thousands of years, the state of Syunik has had profound historical and cultural significance for Armenia and the world,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Strengthening our relationship with the Syunik comes at a critical time as regional powers like Azerbaijan and Turkey pose a threat to its existence.”

“I enthusiastically thank Assemblymember Chris Holden for initiating this resolution of paramount importance,” said Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles, Ambassador Armen Bairbourtian. “The establishment of a California-Syunik Sister State relationship will develop a multidimensional partnership between the U.S. State of California and the Armenian Province of Syunik. My gratitude also goes to all the state legislators supporting the resolution.”

State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) released a statement in support of the measure.

“Today’s resolution adopting the Province of Syunik as California’s sister state is an important declaration of friendship and I am proud to support this endeavor. Many of my neighbors and constituents have family and friends living in Syunik. ACR 105 serves as a connecting bridge to the Province of Syunik and I am confident the relationship will bring prosperity for both regions and facilitate mutually beneficial educational, economic, and cultural exchanges. In 2019, I introduced SB 302 to re-establish the California-Armenia Trade Office in hopes of building a vibrant business relationship between California and Armenia. Governor Newsom signed an agreement to establish the first California Trade and Services Desk in Armenia. The formal MOU between GO-Biz and Impact Hub Yerevan was signed earlier this year. The establishment of a sister state relationship is a continuation of our efforts to strengthen ties with Armenia and represents the strong bond between people of California and Armenia.”

Syunik is one of the original provinces of the ancient Kingdom of Armenia and is currently bordered by Artsakh or Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan, and Iran. Syunik is home to the Armenian Stonehenge, Karahounj, that dates back to the bronze age; The Ughtasar Mountain petroglyphs that are 7,000 years old; the 9th Century Tatev Monastery that served as a center of scholastic and spiritual activity. The most populated town in the province is its capital, Kapan with 43,000 residents.

The full text of the resolution, which will be next be heard on the Assembly Floor, can be found here: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220ACR105

Newspaper: Armenia authorities compile ‘blacklist’ of opposition MPs

Ekmekjian Janet
News.am, Armenia
Sept 1 2021
Newspaper: Armenia authorities compile ‘blacklist’ of opposition MPs
09:00, 01.09.2021

YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: The authorities have compiled a blacklist of opposition MPs and are actively working towards them in order to free the parliament from the presence of undesirables as soon as possible.

It is especially about the MPs of the “Armenia” Faction. For example, (…) [former deputy prime minister Armen] Gevorgyan is at the top of the authorities’ blacklist. Probably the reason is that he is one of [second President Robert] Kocharyan’s most trusted people and thus already poses a danger to the authorities.

According to authorities’ sources, soon the RA Prosecutor General will enter the NA [(National Assembly)]—after Armen Gevorgyan, in connection with which they will point out some offshore deal and a transfer of a large amount of money in his son’s name—as illegal enrichment.

Yerevan accuses Baku of blocking highway in breach of agreements with Moscow

Ekmekjian Janet
TASS, Russia
Aug 26 2021
Nikol Pashinyan pointed out that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces had blocked a segment of the road saying that some people from the Armenian side had stabbed Azerbaijani board guards
© Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS, archive

YEREVAN, August 26. /TASS/. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces’ move to block a segment of the Goris-Kapan highway violates Baku’s agreements with Yerevan and Moscow, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, addressing the country’s parliament on Thursday.

“The Azerbaijanis have blocked a segment of the road saying that some people from the Armenian side <...> stabbed Azerbaijani board guards. We officially declare that nothing of the kind happened. However, if there are any facts, we call on Azerbaijan to provide them to Armenia so that an investigation can be conducted. At the same time, these developments violate the agreement that Azerbaijan reached with Armenia and Russia, reflected in the Defense Ministry’s statement from December 2020,” Pashinyan pointed out.

Armenia’s National Security Service said earlier on Thursday that on Wednesday night, Azerbaijani troops had blocked a segment of the Goris-Kapan interstate highway that connects Armenia with Iran.

In accordance with a statement adopted by the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on November 9, 2020, seven districts adjacent to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region were handed over to Baku with the exception of the Lachin Corridor connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The Karmrakar-Shurnukh segment of the highway connecting Armenia with Iran was also handed over to Azerbaijan but a Russian border post was set up there to ensure the free movement of people and vehicles.

​Multiple Massive Brawls Break Out In Armenia’s Parliament

Ekmekjian Janet
Daily Caller
Aug 26 2021


Multiple Massive Brawls Break Out In Armenia’s Parliament

Harry Wilmerding Contributor
August 26, 2021

A massive brawl broke out in the Armenian parliament building Wednesday after politicians taunted each other and threw objects.

Footage obtained by the Guardian shows water bottles and bottles containing hand sanitizer being thrown at the speaker from the Civil Contract party, sparking the first of the two brawls. (RELATED: Massive Explosion In The Caspian Sea Caused By Mud Volcano)

Armenia’s National Assembly on Wednesday had its third brawl in two days, after an opposition party leader who criticized the government was violently attacked on the chamber floor by pro-government parliament members. pic.twitter.com/EY7FwujCBF

— CBS News (@CBSNews) August 25, 2021

One politician was removed from the floor on Tuesday after she called the Prime Minister’s party “supporters of the capitulator,” Barrons reported.

The politicians got into another fight Wednesday after water bottles and hand sanitizer were removed from the chamber. The second altercation was reportedly triggered after opposition leader Vahe Hakobian was taunted for calling Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian a “lying populist”, according to the BBC.

The speaker of the house reportedly called security to remove members of parliament in an attempt to control the chaos.

Members of parliament were angry with Pashinian after a peace deal he made with Azerbaijan over territory previously controlled by Armenia.

The brawl occurred as the country remains split in the wake of its defeat in the Nagorno-Karabakh war with Azerbaijan in Nov. 2020, according to the Guardian. Armenia has experienced political turmoil after Azerbaijan forces removed Armenia’s military from territory Armenia controlled since the 1990s.

https://dailycaller.com/2021/08/26/massive-brawl-parliament-armenia/

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MEPs issue statement on deadly clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Ekmekjian Janet
Public Radio of Armenia
July 30 2021

Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus, MEP Marina KALJURAND, the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Armenia, MEP Andrey KOVATCHEV, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Azerbaijan, MEP Željana ZOVKO, have issued a joint statement on the deadly clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan

 “We deplore the death of three Armenian servicemen on 28 July in clashes with Azerbaijani forces at Armenia’s Gegharkunik province border after Armenian positions and several villages were reportedly fired at since early morning, and express our deep condolences to their families. Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a series of incidents or provocations over the last months, including violations of the inter-state border that began with the incursion of Azerbaijani troops into Armenian territory on 12 May. The recent exchange of fire at the Nakhchivan border, where another Armenian soldier died, was no less concerning,” the statement reads.

We call on both sides to strictly observe the ceasefire and refrain from any provocations. Any possible disagreements about the border must be addressed through negotiations in a border delimitation and demarcation process, not through the use of force and unilateral actions. All forces need to pull back to positions held before 12 May and in line with the provisions of the Tripartite Ceasefire Statement. To de-escalate the situation, it is of utmost importance that inflammatory rhetoric ceases immediately. In this context, we condemn in particular recent statements by Azerbaijani representatives regarding so-called ‘West Zangezur’ and referring to the territory of the Republic of Armenia as Azerbaijani ‘ancestral land’. Such statements are highly irresponsible and threaten to undermine regional security further.

We recall the EU’s commitment to support confidence-building measures and the addressing of any issues at the negotiating table, including through the resumption of negotiations on a lasting conflict settlement and the future status of the Nagorno-Karabakh region.”

Azerbaijani forces open fire at Armenian positions in Yeraskh border section

Ekmekjian Janet
Panorama, Armenia
July 30 2021

The Azerbaijani forces once again resorted to provocations in the Nakhichevan direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on Friday, the Armenian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

“In particular, from 11:20am to 11:30am, the Azerbaijani army units opened fire from sniper rifles and firearms of various calibers at the Armenian defense positions stationed in the Yeraskh border section,” the ministry said.

The Azerbaijani fire stopped after retaliatory measures taken by the Armenian forces.

“There are no casualties from the Armenian side,” it noted.