Author: Emil Karabekian

Aleksandr Iskandaryan: After the change of elites in the executive and legislative branches, it`s now the turn of the judicial branch

Emil Karabekian
Arminfo, Armenia
Feb 18 2020

ArmInfo. The change of elites in such a state as Armenia always takes place according to a “soft” scenario. This was announced on February 18 at a press conference by  the head of the Caucasus Institute, political scientist Alexander  Iskandaryan.

He noted that the change of elites in the country began in April  2018. “It also took place in the judicial field, which, in fact, fits  perfectly into the logic of any revolution. Thus, what is happening  in the country is not a surprise, it was predictable. First, the  executive branch changed, then the legislative and the turn of the  courts came, “the expert emphasized.

Iskandaryan emphasized that a process is now taking place when the  government, through various methods, is trying to change the  composition of the judiciary, including through transitional justice,  and then a referendum. “But such a” soft “scenario is not possible  everywhere, I mean countries with harsh regimes, such as Azerbaijan  or North Korea,” the political scientist said.

It should be noted that on February 6, the parliament adopted a  referendum decision at which Armenian citizens will decide whether  they agree to amend the Constitution of the country. On April 5, a  constitutional referendum will be held in Armenia, at which the issue  of judges of the Constitutional Court will be decided. Many deputies  and human rights activists said that this decision is  unconstitutional, since initially the deputies had to send their  proposal to the Constitutional Court. After that, two campaign  headquarters were formed, which campaign to vote “for” these  Constitutional amendments and “against” them. According to the  decision adopted on February 11 at the CEC meeting, the campaign will  be held from February 17 to April 3.

Art: Iranahayer Exhibition: Iranian-Armenian artists display works in Tehran

Emil Karabekian
Payvand, Iran
Feb 17 2020
02/16/20

Report by Tehran Times; photos by Sara Abdollahi, Borna News

The Mehrsun Art Gallery in Tehran is showcasing a collection of works by a group of prominent Iranian Armenian artists in an exhibition entitled “Iranahayer”.  Armenian Ambassador Artashes Tumanyan, Music Museum of Iran Managing Director Ali Moradkhani and Iranian Artists Forum director Majid Rajabi-Memar attended the opening ceremony of the exhibit on Friday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Tumanyan said that the exhibit features the deep relations between the two nations of Iran and Armenia. 

Armenian Archbishop of Tehran Sebouh Sarkissian, also attending the ceremony, said that the exhibit shows that people of Iran and Armenia have long been friends, and added that the exhibit is a dialogue of the two nations through art.

Setrak Nazarian, Sirak Melkounian, Vahik Hartounian Levon Haftvan and Loris Tjeknavorian are among the artists whose works have been put on display at the exhibit.

The exhibit will be running until April 5 at the gallery located on North Karegar St., near Forsat St. 

See more photos by Sara Abdollahi, Borna News

Armenian chef earns Michelin star for fourth year in a row

Emil Karabekian
PanArmenian, Armenia
Feb 15 2020
– 16:45 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Chef Karen Torosyan has earned a Michelin star for his Brussels restaurant, Bozar, the cook himself revealed in an Instagram post.

This is the fourth year in a row that the restaurant is getting recognition as a fine dining establishment.

“When we love we don’t count,” Torosyan said in a Instagram post.

According to the hospitality content hub World’s Best Places, Chef Torosyan is one of the most remarkable chefs in Belgium – if not Europe. He originally hails from Armenia and went to Belgium at the age of 18. He finished his hospitality studies at INFOBO and gained experience in various types of restaurants such as Michelin starred Bruneau and Chalet de la Forêt. It was at these restaurants that Karen discovered the real French cooking and the need of structure and hard work in the kitchen. At the famous La Paix restaurant of Chef David Martin, Karen also learnt the business aspects of running a restaurant. It was under the wings of Chef David Martin that Karen got the opportunity to go his own way with the start of Bozar Brasserie. After a few years he became fully independent and quickly gained name and fame in the culinary world.

Bozar Restaurant is housed on the ground floor of the famous center for Fine Arts in Brussels, and chef Torosyan took part in the whole building renovation and restoration project.

Armenian FM, OSCE Secretary General discuss NK conflict’s peaceful settlement process

Emil Karabekian

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YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met on February 14 with OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, the Armenian foreign ministry told Armenpress.

The Foreign Minister said Armenia attaches great importance to the strengthening and expansion of the current productive partnership with the OSCE executive bodies through the promotion of new targeted programs and initiatives. In this context the officials discussed the cooperation within the OSCE partnership program with Armenia and the ways to make it more effective.

The Armenian FM and the OSCE Secretary General also discussed the peaceful settlement process of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the recent meetings held on the matter.

Minister Mnatsakanyan highlighted the importance of direct engagement of the Artsakh authorities to the peace process, especially on matters relating to the security and status of Artsakh.

Both officials emphasized the importance of actions aimed at strengthening the environment for peace and preparing populations to peace, as well as the role of the OSCE in this framework.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




King Abdullah II of Jordan Visits Armenia

Emil Karabekian

President Armen Sarkissian welcomes King Abdullah II of Jordan to Armenia

King Abdullah II of Jordan arrived in Yerevan on Monday evening to kick off a two-day official visit to Armenia that on Tuesday included meetings with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Armen Sarkissian and His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians.

At Zvartnots International Airport, the Jordanian monarch was greeted by deputy prime minister Mher Grigorya. King Abdullah II is in Armenia at the invitation of President Sarkissian who visited Jordan last year.

The official ceremony welcoming King Abdullah II was held Wednesday morning at the Presidential Palace. The Jordanian leader was greeted by President Sarkissian and other officials.

The two then held a meeting during which bi-lateral cooperation between Jordan and Armenia were discussed, as were issues related to a potential visa-free travel regime between the two countries.

President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian and King Abdullah II of Jordan discussed issues relating to the cooperation potential of the two countries in different areas during their meeting in Yerevan.

King Abdullah II of Jordan meet with President Armen Sarkissian

“We had wonderful discussions with His Majesty today and yesterday. We discussed the cooperation potential of our countries in the fields of tourism, education, science, technologies, security and agriculture,” said President Sarkissian who called King Abdullah II’s visit to Armenia “historic.”

“I think this is a historic visit not only because that His Majesty is visiting Armenia for the first time, but also because the friendship of the two countries, peoples has a history that spans hundreds of years, or perhaps, millennia,” said Sarkissian.

“This is a good opportunity for me to express my gratitude as an Armenian to your people and family because we all remember when 100 years ago your great grandfather has sent a message to the Arab world asking to provide shelter to those Armenians who survived the Genocide. I want to bow my head before your family and your ancestors and also want to thank you on behalf of our people,” added Sarkissian.

“Our two nations are ancient. Your nation represents the essence and axis of Islam; You, Your Majesty, as well as Your family, are descendants of Prophet Muhammad. Armenia as country which was the first to adopt Christianity, not only has good relations with Jordan but we two have a lot to tell each other,” explained Sarkissian, expressing confidence the great potential for partnership and cooperation.

“We have great reverence toward the oldest Christian Church which is represented not only in Jerusalem but in our country too. It represents part of our past and is a beautiful element not only of our present but also of our future,” said King Abdullah II.

Sarkissian and the Jordanian monarch discussed the abolition of double taxation, as well as lifting visa requirement for travelers to and from Jordan. Cooperation in the fields of science, technology, education and healthcare were also discussed, with both leaders stressing the need to expand the already existing student exchange program.

Jordan, like Armenia, has made the human capital the main driving force leading to development. The two countries have a lot to gain from the bilateral cooperation, King Abdullah II told reporters after his meeting with Sarkissian.

“Yerevan, one of the oldest cities, reminds me of my beloved Jordan. Our countries and peoples have their unique place in the contemporary world, remaining adhered to their identity, culture and faith. Jordan, like Armenia, has made its human capital the main driving force leading to development. Our countries have a lot to gain from their cooperation in order to capitalize this very promising potential,” he said.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with King Abdullah II of Jordan

Also on Tuesday, King Abdullah II also met with Prime Minister Pashinyan who praised Jordan’s role in advancing Armenia’s strategic relations in the Middle East. The development of economic and humanitarian ties were discussed, as were advancing cooperation in the fields of information technology, tourism and agriculture.

Within the context of regional issues, Pashinyan briefed the Jordanian monarch on the recent developments of Karabakh conflict settlement process.

King Abdullah II invited Pashinyan to visit Jordan.

Konstantin Ishkhanov: World must discover Armenian talents

Emil Karabekian
News.am, Armenia
Feb 4 2020

16:01, 03.02.2020
                  

The essence and character of the Armenians is such that they try not to lose sight of any achievement or success of their compatriot, wherever he is. And it should be noted that we have many reasons to be proud of. It has already become a usual thing that we learn about many success stories of our compatriots living in different parts of the world.

However, there are cases when stories and legends about some outstanding personalities spread abroad without reaching the Armenian audience or reaching it in a distorted form. Today’s article is about such a case and refers to one of the most widespread names in the European cultural sphere.

Konstantin Ishkhanov of Armenian descent had to leave his house during the days of the massacre of Armenians in Baku and first move to Moscow, and then to distant Malta. The road was a long one, but during this time an art lover, who had already achieved success in business, witnessed an unacceptable phenomenon for him. There were many talented musicians, some of whom were powerless in the face of a seemingly overpowering reality and got broken of not being able to continue their careers. In an interview about these events, he admitted: “Lost talents are my greatest fear.”

This is what prompted Konstantin Ishkhanov to create the European Foundation for Support of Culture (EFSC) after moving to Malta. The foundation created by our compatriot took on a mission of supporting cultural and educational projects that will coordinate the work of young talents and allow worthy musicians to express themselves on international platforms.

In April of this year, Ishkhanov became the only foreigner to receive the highest national award in the field of culture in the nomination “Exceptional Contribution to the Cultural Life of Malta”.

“Throughout the evening, awards, congratulations and words of thanks sounded in Maltese. There was only one exception. The words of gratitude were spoken in English when Konstantin Ishkhanov, president of European Foundation for Support of Culture, entered the stage,” The Maltese Herald wrote.

In early December, Konstantin Ishkhanov was also awarded a medal for his contribution to the development of musical culture as part of a grand charity concert held in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. The medal was handed to Ishkhanov by rector of the State Musical Pedagogical Institute Valery Vorona.

Having settled in Malta, our compatriot began to actively engage in deepening the Armenian-Maltese relations and popularize the Armenian culture in his country of residence.

“Foreigners are interested in Armenia, its culture. A deeper awareness of this came to me when my son was invited to play at the “New Names” festival in Yerevan at the age of five. Once he returned he showed interest in learning the native language and Armenian dances. After returning to Malta, his first question was: “Can I learn the Armenian language?”, Ishkhanov said.

The foundation of Konstantin Ishkhanov has been engaged in cultural life of Armenia for many years and has been organizing a number of events. These are classical music festivals held in Armenia, and tours of many famous and young Armenian musicians (Hayk Ghazazyan, Nare Aghramanyan, Khachaturian Trio, Armenian State Symphony Orchestra) around the world.

“As an Armenian, I strive to involve my compatriots in all events in Malta as much as possible. Famous musicians are the cultural ambassadors of Armenia in the world. Our rich culture is of great interest in Europe. I consider this extremely important,” Ishkhanov said in an interview.

The main events, that EFSC supported in Armenia last year are the “Contemporary Classics” Composers’ Festival and the ballet “Crystal Palace”, which have turned Armenia into a cultural center, by their scale, uniqueness and the involvement of world-famous guests like Yuri Bashmet, Krzysztof Penderetsky, Karl Jenkins, Alexey Shor, Gidon Kremer.

Gevorg Kostanyan: I am ready to return to Armenia and publicly answer all the questions of the investigation

Emil Karabekian
Arminfo, Armenia
Feb 3 2020

ArmInfo. I am ready to return to Armenia and publicly answer all the questions of the  investigation. This is stated in the statement of the former Prosecutor General of Armenia Gevorg Kostanyan, who, to recall, who is accused in the case of the events of March 1, 2008.

The statement in particular notes: “Despite the fact that the charge  brought against me is devoid of any legal, logical and substantive  basis, I express my readiness to return to Armenia and publicly  answer all questions of the preliminary investigation body, given the  large range of the” March 1 case”, including the unilateral  presentation of this issue by the authorities at various  international venues. I propose organizing a public discussion with  the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia or with his direct  participation on-line, as well as with the participation of the head  of the SIS, the Prosecutor General, lawyers and international  experts. I also insist that representatives of the Council of Europe  and the EU in Armenia be invited to and participate in this public  discussion, as well as other ambassadors, whose presence I am ready  to ensure if necessary. I leave the number of participants in the  discussion and their choice to the discretion of the Prime Minister.

Although I am not a supporter of public discussion of criminal cases,  nevertheless, my demand to answer questions publicly is due to two  main reasons. The first is a unilateral discussion of the “March 1  case”, including at international venues and at the level of  ambassadors of different countries. The second is that law  enforcement agencies, without any justification, publish decisions on  bringing charges and other procedural documents in the media, and  through one-sided coverage by pro-government media, they give the  public the impression of guilt of specific people, hiding the real  circumstances of what happened in my case.

I’m even ready to return, realizing that after this meeting I will be  arrested, but our society should be informed not only about the  grounds and reasons for charging me with the question and answer  format, but also about those especially important circumstances of  the March 1 case, who are hiding from the public under the guise of a  “secret investigation”.

The Prime Minister of Armenia should be especially interested in such  a public discussion for two reasons. Firstly, since transparency and  open discussion with the people has been declared by him as a  priority, and secondly, since such a discussion will give him the  opportunity to assess the level of professionalism in the work of law  enforcement agencies subordinate to him, as well as the reliability  and validity of the legal subtleties reported to him in the office.  

If in the course of this public discussion the RA law enforcement  agencies succeed in presenting at least one more or less reasonable  evidence or the justification of the charges against me (not to  mention the totality of evidence), then I am ready to bear criminal  responsibility to the fullest extent of the law. I am also ready to  bear any responsibility, even if during this public discussion I can  not justify every word I say, based on the legislation, the  Constitution and the provisions of international criminal law>.  

To recall, on September 25 last year, former police chief Alik  Sargsyan was charged in the framework of the case of March 1, 2008.  The names of Gevorg Kostanyan and Gevorg Mheryan are mentioned in the  text of the charge. According to investigators, Sargsyan also  participated in hiding the facts of the participation of the military  in dispersing the opposition. A few years ago, from the Republic  Square in Yerevan a video goes viral on the Network, where vehicles  with the numbers of the Ministry of Defense,  as well as military  personnel were recorded. 

In addition, from the point of view of the investigation, the police  leadership and representatives of the Armed Forces drew up documents  stating that the army vehicles were transported not by soldiers, but  by police officers. Correspondence between the police and the  Ministry of Defense was fabricated for this. 

Azderbaijani press: Cavusoglu: Turkey to continue paying special attention to Karabakh issue

Emil Karabekian
30 January 2020 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan. 30

Trend:

Turkey continues to make efforts towards finding ways to resolve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a meeting with representatives of the International Federation of Journalists in Ankara, Trend reports Jan. 30.

The minister stressed that the Turkish side will pay special attention to the Karabakh issue this year as well.

“If Russia uses its influence in this issue, we will solve it,” Cavusoglu said.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno Karabakh and the surrounding districts.


Pashinyan to reduce cash turnover in Armenia

Emil Karabekian
Vestnik Kavkaza
Feb 1 2020
1 Feb in 21:53

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the country’s authorities will limit the cash turnover in the republic. The announcement was made during a working discussion in the government of the draft bill ‘On non-cash payments in Armenia.’

“This issue is important for us not only in economic or anti-corruption but also in civilization terms,” the prime minister said.

According to Pashinyan, such a measure will help to increase the international rating of Armenia.