Author: Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS

Kremlin to announce possible Armenian-Azerbaijani summit in advance

Emil Lazarian

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 16:08, 19 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 19, ARMENPRESS. The Kremlin has said that they will announce the possible meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in advance.

“Indeed, we will work on Eurasian integration issues next week. Both the Eurasian Economic Conference and the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council session will take place in Moscow. We expect both President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan to be in Moscow. We will inform about possible contacts in time,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked on prospects of an Armenian-Azerbaijani summit in Moscow, TASS reports. 

On May 18, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Russia offered to host a trilateral meeting between himself and Azerbaijani President Aliyev, under the mediation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Pashinyan said he accepted the offer.

Armenpress: Armenian President, the special envoy of the President of Korea discuss the possibility of opening embassies

Emil Lazarian

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 19:58, 19 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 19, ARMENPRESS.  The President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan received the special envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea Jang Sung Min.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the office of the President of the Republic of Armenia, welcoming the guest, President Khachaturyan noted: "Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Korea were established in 1992 and continue to develop. I am sure that this meeting of ours will contribute to the further development of relations between our countries."

Thanking for the reception, Jang Sung Min said. "Mr. President, it is a great honor for me to meet you. I always wanted to visit Armenia. It is a great honor for me to visit this wonderful country, I think Armenia and Korea have many civilizational, cultural commonalities and great potential for close cooperation, which should be realized through joint efforts."

During the meeting, a wide range of issues of Armenian-Korean cooperation were discussed. The great potential of the development of cooperation between the two countries in the field of culture, education and high technologies and the importance of its full implementation were particularly emphasized.

In his speech, the President of the Republic referred to the close cooperation of the parliaments of Armenia and Korea, emphasizing the exchange of best practices of the two countries in the establishment of democratic institutions and the existence of a high level of political dialogue. In this connection, a number of issues were discussed regarding the opening of embassies in both countries, as well as the possibility of liberalizing the visa regime for the citizens of Armenia. During the conversation, the possibility of Armenian-Korean cooperation in the construction of a nuclear power plant was discussed.

At the end of the meeting, the sides emphasized the readiness to expand and promote the existing political and economic cooperation between Armenia and Korea.

AW: ANCA leaders to convene at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library for policy seminar

Emil Lazarian
May 18, 2023 ANCA ANCA News 0

ANCA leaders from across the US will be gathering at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum for a strategic dialogue about the security of Artsakh and Armenia.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. – Leaders of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) from across the United States will gather at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum on June 4, 2023, for a high-level strategic dialogue about the security of Artsakh and Armenia.

The ANCA Policy Seminar will feature a series of targeted policy-driven dialogues across a range of subjects aligning with ANCA initiatives, from grassroots political engagement, to communications and media, and electoral and legislative strategies. The seminar will also feature an in-depth discussion of the ANCA’s long-term strategic policy objectives, including the organization’s engagement with key Congressional and Administration branch stakeholders on the following priorities:

— Delivering sustained US pressure on Azerbaijan to end its blockade of Artsakh
— Prohibiting all US arms sales and security assistance to Azerbaijan
— Providing immediate US humanitarian assistance to Artsakh
— Ensuring accountability for Azerbaijan’s ongoing war crimes and human rights abuses
— Securing the release of Armenian POWs illegally detained and tortured by Azerbaijan
— Defining Armenia’s security as the highest US-Armenia bilateral priority
— Recognizing the Artsakh Republic’s inalienable right to self-determination

The invitation-only program will include presentations by respected experts across the fields of government and public relations, in addition to roundtable discussions and advocacy workshops. The seminar will bring together ANCA activists from across the United States and provide a platform for community leaders to gain insights and share their own experience into the most effective approaches for promoting grassroots political engagement, building momentum behind state and regional policy priorities and advancing our community’s federal legislative priorities through sustained advocacy.

“This policy seminar will serve as an opportunity to further empower the Armenian-American community’s activism at the local, regional, and federal levels,” remarked ANCA National Board member Aida Dimejian. “By bringing together activists from across the nation – from ANCA veterans, to the next generation of our community’s leadership – the ANCA Policy Seminar will be a vital opportunity for us to focus our community’s collective efforts on the security of Artsakh.”

The seminar, which will be held at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, will feature focused discussions on US policy towards the South Caucasus. Participants will explore measures to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its blockade of Artsakh and assault on sovereign Armenian territory, by exploring new avenues of enforcing Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, enacting statutory prohibitions on US military assistance to Azerbaijan under Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act – which mandates strict Congressional oversight over military and security aid to Azerbaijan – and ensuring the delivery of the humanitarian assistance strategy mandated by ANCA-backed amendments to the 2023 foreign aid bill to aid the victims of the 2020 Artsakh War.

The ANCA Policy Seminar will build upon a legacy of ANCA service to the cause of Armenian liberty that dates back more than a century, leveraging robust youth programs, vast grassroots reach in all 50 states, vigorous community engagement, and resilient coalition partnerships. The ANCA, as a grassroots Armenian American organization deeply anchored in the community, actively renews and reinvents the Armenian Cause. The ANCA remains aligned with our enduring national aspirations – the security and survival of the Armenian homeland – while constantly updating our policy priorities and advocacy tactics to adapt to and overcome the challenges of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

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The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.


AW: ACEC elects new Board of Trustees and Executive

Emil Lazarian
May 19, 2023 Guest Contributor Nonprofit News 0

WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) corporate meeting concluded on April 11 with the election of a new 21-member Board of Trustees made up of representatives of affiliated organizations and at-large members.

At a meeting on Monday, the newly-elected Board elected the following seven members to the Executive Board for a term of two years: George Bashirians, Ph.D., Vahé Ghahraman, Ph.D., Dikran Kaligian, Ph.D., Armen Khachatourian, Martha Mensoian, Esq., Vatche Seraydarian, DMD and Raffi Yaboujian. Following the meeting, the new executive elected the following officers: Seraydarian, president; Mensoian, vice president; Ghahraman, secretary; and Khachaturian, treasurer.

The meeting concluded with the official transition from the previous executive to the newly-elected members, who are experienced professionals in their respective fields. Outgoing president Stepan Chiloyan expressed his appreciation to his colleagues for their hard work, dedication and cooperation in the past term and wished the new executive a successful term.

Seraydarian expressed gratitude to the two outgoing board executive members Chiloyan and Ara Sarkissian for their years of dedication, generosity and service. He added that it is with great pride that he takes on the responsibility as president of the ACEC and expressed his confidence in the executive members’ commitment to continue the work of previous executives and contribute their skills and experience toward achieving new milestones for the ACEC. Seraydarian concluded that the new executive will spare no effort to advance the mission and collective purpose of the ACEC that has been ongoing since its foundation in 1980.

Following the meeting, a reception was held for the Board of Trustees with catering provided by Anoush’ella, which will start operating at the ACEC in the coming days.

The ACEC is honored to welcome these talented, distinguished and committed members to its executive to work on continuing to achieve the ACEC’s mission to build a sense of community among Armenian Americans living in and around metropolitan Boston and to foster awareness in the Armenian heritage and American civil society. The ACEC also prides itself for welcoming and hosting events and activities of many non-Armenian families, diverse groups and organizations.

The ACEC is also thankful to its dedicated volunteers who assist the organization in many different ways by sharing their time and expertise.

As a non-profit entity, the ACEC depends on the generosity of community members to better serve the local Armenian community. Donations can be placed online.

Nagorno Karabakh President calls for domestic stability and mutual tolerance amid crisis

Emil Lazarian

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 12:47,

YEREVAN, MAY 20, ARMENPRESS. Nagorno Karabakh/Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan has met with a group of family members of fallen troops of the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh War.

The families of the fallen troops wanted to meet President Harutyunyan and he accepted the offer, his office said.

During the conversation, Harutyunyan discussed a number of issues pertaining to the domestic and foreign developments.

“The Head of the State emphasized the need for internal stability and mutual tolerance in these crisis conditions, highlighting the role of those present in this matter,” Harutyunyan’s office added in a readout.

Nagorno Karabakh is experiencing a humanitarian crisis for several months due to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor.

Lachin Corridor – the only road linking Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world – has been blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. The closure has led to shortages of essential supplies such as food and medication.

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – ordered Azerbaijan on 22 February 2023 to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. Azerbaijan has so far ignored the order.

PODCAST | Breaking: First cross-border factoring facility between Armenia and Georgia supported by EBRD

Emil Lazarian
May 16 2023

During the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) 32nd Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, TFG spoke with several industry leaders to learn more about the particulars of a first-of-its-kind transaction. 

BY NANA KHURODZE, TAMAR GUGUSHVILI PETER MULROY ANZHELA BARSEGHYAN DEEPESH PATEL

PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY MAY 16, 2023

Listen to this podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, Podtail, ListenNotes, TuneIn

During the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) 32nd Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Trade Finance Global spoke with several industry leaders to learn more about the particulars of a first-of-its-kind transaction. 

For several years, FCI has supported EBRD in various areas, including education and legal framework support. 

Recently, a significant step FCI has taken to help facilitate cross-border transactions has been to develop a state-of-the-art, high-secure electronic data interchange (EDI) platform called EdiFactoring, which allows financial institutions (FI) to communicate and participate in risk distribution.

The EdiFactoring platform is a risk distribution system that allows FIs to distribute the risk of an open account transaction. The messaging system has facilitated over €1 trillion in transactions to date. Still, now the system has been used to facilitate a real-world trade between Armenia and Georgia for the first time.

This first transaction involved an Armenian chocolate factory importing confectionery products from a Georgian confectionery distributor with the help of the EBRD, TBC Bank, and ArmSwissBank.

Tamar Gugushvili, head of trade finance and documentary operations unit at TBC Bank, said, “We are very happy and proud that this transaction is the first international inter-regional factoring deal supported by EBRD’s standby letter of credit.”

While the transaction structuring was challenging because there was no precedent, EBRD, ArmSwissBank, and TBC Bank collaborated to develop a secured payment scheme, which was also adapted to the FCI platform and structure. 

ArmSwissBank issued a payment guarantee in favour of TBC Bank, which secured the obligations of data for the payment of all account receivables assigned to TBC Bank and the factoring contract. 

This payment guarantee was then backed by EBRD’s standby letter of credit (SBLC), enabling TBC Bank as an export factor to book the risk on ArmSwissBank.

Anzhela Barseghyan, trade finance and correspondent relationship department director at ArmSwissBank, said, “One serious challenge we faced was the price. We had to keep the price affordable, and the fact that ArmSwissBank issued a payment guarantee in favour of TBC Bank, which was backed by EBRD’s SBLC, allowed TBC Bank to offer low-cost financing solution to the exporter.”

While notable in its own right, the novel structure successfully provided several other long-term benefits. It demonstrated a practical blueprint for structuring cross-border factoring transactions with counterparties that may otherwise need help to do business together.

Moreover, the transaction helped to deliver improved receivables and payables cycles for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)  – which are the most affected by the trade finance gap – at an affordable rate. 

It also served as a catalyst to encourage private sector import and export growth in Georgia and Armenia and established a corresponding relationship between the banks, which is anticipated to lead to cooperation in other forms of products in the future.

Peter Mulroy, secretary general at FCI, said, “This is the very first transaction where a development bank had provided a guarantee within the EdiFactoring environment. It really enhanced the transaction and as a result of its uniqueness and the many benefits that the transaction resulted in, it was one of the top winners of the Best Deal of the Year award at the FCI annual meeting in Washington, DC last year.”

From a high level, there are certainly more opportunities for multinational development banks or other development finance institutions to facilitate trade on FCI’s factoring platform. 

Development finance institutions play a crucial role in mitigating cross-border trade risks, especially in countries with a lack of confidence between counterparties or where the financing gap is significant. 

By establishing guarantee mechanisms, these institutions can protect banks in one country and allow them to fund receivables from buyers in high-risk countries, which would otherwise not be possible.

Promoting innovative financing solutions can have further benefits down the road for the many smaller firms that may not currently have access to traditional financing mechanisms.

Nana Khurodze, associate director, senior banker of the Trade Facilitation Program at EBRD, said, “Unlike a traditional lending relationship, factoring and supply chain finance allows suppliers with weak credit ratings to access funding based on the value of their receivables or approve the invoice in the case of supply chain finance.” 

It is a promising indication that factoring and supply chain finance are fast-growing sources of short-term financing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. 

However, with any financial transaction, there are potential risks involved, one of which is the potential risk of currency volatility which can lead to fluctuations in the exchange rate and can ultimately affect the transaction’s profitability. 

Another risk is the possibility of political instability or conflict in the buyer’s country, which can disrupt the supply chain and impact the ability to collect receivables.

By identifying potential risks and implementing appropriate risk mitigation strategies, these institutions can help ensure the transaction’s success and benefit both the corporates and SMEs involved, as well as the partner banks.

Expert: It’s naive to think Baku recognizes Armenia’s territorial integrity

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia – May 15 2023

Iran specialist Vardan Voskanyan has dismissed claims about Azerbaijan’s recognition of Armenia’s territorial integrity and a "bright future" it could lead to.

President of the European Council Charles Michel said after Sunday's talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev that the two leaders “confirmed their unequivocal commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration and the respective territorial integrity of Armenia (29,800 km2) and Azerbaijan (86,600 km2).”

"It’s naive to believe that the leader of Baku's barbarian regime allegedly recognizes or will recognize the Republic of Armenia within an area of 29,800 square kilometers and that it will lead to a ‘bright future’,” Voskanyan wrote on Facebook on Monday.

He expert recalled Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s claims to modern-day Armenia, including Kond, one of the oldest districts in Yerevan which houses the government villas.

“It’s the same as if someone were to believe that I was supposedly convinced the artificial entity of Azerbaijan had a legitimate claim to the territory or culture of any indigenous peoples,” Voskanyan said.

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2023/05/15/expert-Armenia-territorial-integrity/2836290

Avinyan’s lawyer asks court to unfreeze reporter David Sargsyan’s assets

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia – May 16 2023

Yerevan Deputy Mayor Tigran Avinyan’s lawyer Harutyun Harutyunyan has asked a court in the Armenian capital to unfreeze assets of 168 Zham reporter David Sargsyan.

Avinyan filed a defamation lawsuit against Sargsyan and his newspaper after the journalist released a video report accusing the vice mayor of illicit enrichment. The report claimed Avinyan and his family had been “steadily getting richer” since Nikol Pashinyan came to power in 2018.

The court granted Avinyan’s request to freeze the assets of both the newspaper and the journalist worth 18 million drams and 9 million drams, respectively, pending a verdict in the case.

In a statement on Tuesday, Harutyunyan said following discussions with his client, he filed a motion to the court on Tuesday to unfreeze the reporter’s assets in response to a statement issued by Armenian media organizations on May 12.

“It also highlights that Tigran Avinyan has no intention of bankrupting any media outlet or deliberately causing it any financial inconvenience,” the lawyer said.

At the same time, he urged media outlets and reporters to be “as scrupulous as possible” and remain committed to the principle of integrity.

Asbarez: Granite City, Ill. Establishes Friendship City with Artsakh’s Ashan

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 May 16, 2023

 

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

Pictured left to right: Steve Hagopian, Mayor of Granite City Mike Parkinson, Stephen Hagopian and Rev. Taniel Manjikian.


The Granite City City Council issued a proclamation on April 18 establishing a Friendship City between Granite City, Illinois, and Ashan, Republic of Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of America-Eastern Region.

This proclamation, spearheaded by Granite City Mayor Parkinson, sets the foundation for long-term cooperation between the two cities and provides opportunities to “engage in critical exchange of ideas to further Ashan’s support of economic stability, cultural preservation, and strong social ties in Artsakh,” as outlined in the proclamation.

Ashsan is a border village in the Martuni Province of the Republic of Artsakh, and has been severely impacted by Azerbaijan’s timeline of aggression, most recently their brutal blockade of Artsakh that has surpassed 145 days, hindering the delivery of vital necessities. 

“Artsakhtsis, and more specifically the citizens of Ashan, have been subjected to the inhumane treatment of Azerbaijan for years. While resolute in our will to remain in our homes and on our indigenous lands, we have faced our fair share of hardships. This proclamation and the establishment of this Friendship City shows our people that the Diaspora and the communities in the Eastern United States have our back. With the support of the international community, we can continue to stand up to the enemy, amidst the threat of annihilation,” said Armen Balasanyan, Mayor of Ashan. “We have endured over 145 days of blockade and one thing remains certain, our right to live on this land is unalienable,” he concluded.

Through the tireless efforts of ANC of Southern Illinois activists, this proclamation expresses that Granite City stands in solidarity with the people of Ashan – sending a clear message that their plight is not one to face alone. 

“We are extremely proud of the stance that Granite City Mayor Parkinson took by issuing this Friendship City proclamation. This step builds on the longstanding relationship the Armenian community has built with the elected officials of Granite City. Through this proclamation, Mayor Parkinson powerfully demonstrates that he stands with the Armenians of Artsakh who are on the brink of genocide,” said Steve Hagopian, ANC of Granite City co-chair.

U.S. Faults Azerbaijan for Destroying Armenian Religious Landmarks in Artsakh

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 May 16, 2023

 

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

The Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi was dismantled by Azerbaijanis


State Department Places Azerbaijan on “Special Watch List”; Calls for Funding for USAID for Restoration and Protection of Artsakh Sites

The United State has faulted Azerbaijan for destroying Armenian religious and cultural landmarks in Nagorno-Karabakh, with the State Department placing Azerbaijan on a “Special Watch List.”

These details were outlined in the State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report 2022, which was released recently. The report calls on the U.S. government to fund the United Stated Agency for International Development for restoration and protection efforts of the sites in Artsakh.

“International structures and other organizations continue to question the willingness of the government of Azerbaijan to protect and preserve the religious and cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories under Azerbaijani control,” said the report.

“In February, the former Minister of Culture Anar Kərimov announced the creation of a working group, the purpose of which was to remove Armenian Apostolic inscriptions from churches, which he called ‘unreal.’ With most probability, the government abandoned the plan after the international community’s outrage, and in March the European Parliament condemned Azerbaijan’s continuous policy of erasing and denying the Armenian cultural heritage in and around Nagorno-Karabakh,” the report added.

The U.S. Commission for International Religious Freedoms, which prepares the annual report, recommended that the US government “provide funding to the US Agency for International Development and the US Embassy in Baku for the restoration, preservation, and protection of places of worship and other religious or cultural sites in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.”