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

Asbarez: AEF Welcomes ANCA-WR Donation for Displaced Artsakh Student Scholarships

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 

 

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


The Armenian Education Foundation welcomed the news of a significant $20,000 contribution from the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region.

This generous donation will sponsor an additional 33 displaced Artsakh students. ANCA-WR, recognized as the largest and widely recognized Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States, actively collaborates with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters. Together, they address a broad range of concerns within the Armenian American community, including the Armenian Cause.

The funds generously provided by ANCA-WR are earmarked to contribute to AEF’s mission of empowering and supporting the educational aspirations of Armenian youth. Specifically, these funds will be utilized to provide scholarships to displaced students from Artsakh, reflecting AEF’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by those directly affected by the displacement crisis.

To date, AEF has taken significant actions in response to the displacement crisis in Artsakh. In a dedicated effort to alleviate the financial burdens on 133 students impacted by the displacement, AEF has pledged to grant scholarships, motivating these individuals to pursue their academic aspirations despite the obstacles they’ve encountered.

In addition to supporting displaced students, AEF has allocated a portion of its funds to award 50 scholarships for an IT certification program. Recognizing the increasing importance of technology in today’s world, these scholarships aim to equip individuals with valuable skills, creating new avenues for personal and professional growth.The objective is to provide educational tools that empower these students to seamlessly integrate into the workforce, thereby contributing to the Armenian economy.

Beyond scholarships, AEF extends its assistance by providing humanitarian aid to over 400 alumni, current scholarship recipients, and their families directly affected by the displacement.

This additional assistance underscores AEF’s commitment, not only to fostering educational development but also to addressing the immediate needs and challenges faced by these displaced families.

“We wish to express our deep appreciation to ANCA-WR for their unwavering support and significant contributions, specifically in advancing our shared objectives and initiatives,” said Serop Beylerian, AEF Board President.

This collaborative effort between AEF and ANCA-WR exemplifies the power of community solidarity in addressing the urgent needs arising from the displacement crisis. Together, we are making a meaningful impact on the lives of displaced students, providing hope and opportunities for a brighter future.

“As we reflect on our commitment to support the Armenian community and secure the future of the Armenian Nation, the ANCA Western Region commends the Armenian Educational Foundation for their exceptional work both in the diaspora and the homeland,” stated Nora Hovsepian, Esq., Chair of ANCA-WR.

“Their dedication to education and development in Armenian communities has been consistently demonstrated over their 74 years of service, now more crucial than ever as thousands of students from Artsakh, who, after being forced to leave their universities and find safety in Armenia, now face the unique challenge of completely re-envisioning their educational pathways. With the gravity of their plight in mind, we decided to donate a portion of our 2023 Gala proceeds to the AEF, joining hands with them in our shared endeavor to guarantee a brighter future for Armenian youth,” added Hovsepian.

The Armenian Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1950. Our goal is to provide financial assistance to Armenian educational institutions and support students of Armenian descent. Currently, AEF is offering over 1500 scholarships in Armenia and the Diaspora. Moreover, we have successfully renovated more than 200 village schools in Armenia, contributing to the improvement of the Armenian educational infrastructure. Our programs also encompass various initiatives catering to Diaspora students.

U.S. hopes Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign peace treaty recognizing each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

Emil Lazarian

 11:20,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. The United States hopes Armenia and Azerbaijan will sign a durable peace treaty that recognizes each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller has said.

“We welcome the work towards peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Miller said at a press briefing. “We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries. We hope they will sign a durable peace treaty that recognizes such sovereignty and territorial integrity, the sooner the better. The parties have made significant progress over the past year, and we encourage them to maintain momentum building on past negotiations and conclude an agreement.”

Miller declined to give details about U.S. Senior Advisor for Caucasus Negotiations Louis Bono’s meetings in Armenia last week.

PROSPECTS FOR AN ARMENIAN-AZERBAIJANI PEACE AGREEMENT AND TURKEY’S PARTICIPATION

Emil Lazarian
Jan 19 2024
by Emiliano Di Loreto

A rapprochement between Yerevan and Baku could go through Ankara, which is actively engaged in stabilizing the Caucasus and in reducing the Russian influence. Nevertheless, long-standing rivalries and inter-ethnic conflicts could prevent the agreement from being reached

The Azerbaijani offensive launched in September 2023 against the self-declared independent Republic of Artsakh brought the region completely under Baku’s control, causing almost the totality of the Armenian ethnicity population to flee, and all Artsakh institutions to be officially dismantled from January 1, 2024. Despite the long standing rivalry, however, the two countries could be at a potential, even if not easy to realize, turning point in their relations that would be crucial for the political stability of the area. Although tensions remain between the parts, the two Presidents – Aliyev and Pashinyan – have recently stated about the importance of building good relations and reaching a peace agreement. In this context, Turkiye, Azerbaijan’s closest ally, plays a key role.

Historical background

Baku and Ankara share historical, cultural and linguistic ties. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Turkiye took the chance for a rapprochement with Azerbaijan, by strengthening diplomatic and military relations. Over the years, the two countries signed four agreements on military cooperation. Ankara helped Baku modernize its security apparatus and actively supported Azerbaijan in aligning with NATO’s standard by providing both military equipment and training for Azerbaijani officers. In particular, the Turkish-made “Bayraktar-2” drones enabled the Azerbaijani army to inflict heavy losses on its Armenian adversary without directly endangering its men.

On the contrary, Turkiye broke off diplomatic relations with Armenia and closed the border with Yerevan in 1993 in response to the First Nagorno-Karabakh war. Although Turkiye was the first country to recognize Armenia’s independence from the USSR, they nevertheless failed to establish relations due to two major issues; First, Turkiye’s refusal to recognize the Armenian massacre of 1915-1919 by Ottoman forces as genocide based on the 1948 UN Convention on Genocide, and second the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute, for which Ankara has always declared unconditional support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

In recent years, however, the two countries have made several attempts to normalize their relations. In 2008-2009, they signed normalization protocols in Geneva, mediated by Switzerland, which never got to a ratification and were officially canceled by Armenia in 2018. Despite the unsuccessful outcome, Ankara and Yerevan showed that rapprochement is not impossible. In 2021, following Armenian defeat in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh war, the two parts resumed diplomacy. On the 12th of March, Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers met in Antalya, talking about what they called “normalization without preconditions”.

Common interests in the region

Even though territorial disputes remain between Baku and Yerevan over some villages in southern Armenia, and over Azerbaijan’s demand for special status for the Zangezur Corridor, both countries would benefit from mutual cooperation. Azerbaijan would gain direct access to its exclave of Nakhchivan, thus reconnecting with the Nagorno Karabakh region. This would enable Baku to cut off Iran from the route, with which tensions have recently arisen. On the other hand,  Armenia would benefit from having a trading partner like Azerbaijan, which would allow the country to expand its trade routes. Considering the difficult economic situation Yerevan is going through, opening the border with its neighbors would allow Armenia to act as a strategic partner for both Baku and Ankara.

From a Turkiye’s perspective, the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute between the two countries made it possible for Erdogan’s foreign policy to establish diplomatic relations with Yerevan. Normalization would bring Ankara several advantages; Firstly, it would limit Russia’s already eroded influence in the region, bringing Armenia even closer to NATO and the European Union. Shortly after the Azerbaijani attack in September 2023, French President Emmanuel Macron declared his willingness to supply Yerevan with military equipment in the event of a possible new war, and in December Brussels granted Georgia the status of “candidate country”. These two events clearly show the growing European interest in the region. Secondly, it would represent an outstanding victory for Erdogan’s foreign policy, ending a long-standing dispute and promoting Ankara’s international status as a mediator, which would even boost its EU candidacy.

Nevertheless, a greater role in the path to normalization could be played by the hatred between the populations. Opening the borders would mean that the Armenian citizens come into contact with Azerbaijanis after years of war and ethnic cleansing, eventually resulting in a dangerous situation both for the citizens themselves and for any restored diplomatic relations.

The Turkish rapprochement could also go the same way, as most of the Armenian population still demands for international recognition of the genocide. Although the agreements could formally end the dispute, they could in turn lead to an internal conflict within the Pashinyan government, which is already struggling because of the refusal to mobilize the army to defend the Republic of Artsakh and for the further refusal to grant Armenian citizenship to the refugees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that the greatest problems for possible cooperation between the three states in the Caucasus lie in the long-standing hatred between the peoples. Even if the presidents reach an agreement on opening the respective borders and trade routes, the people will not forgive the other side so quickly. Good diplomatic relations take years, especially when it comes to inter-ethnic clashes that have resulted in massive killings.

 

Is an Azerbaijani-Armenians Agreement Imminent?

Emil Lazarian
Politics Today
Jan 19 2024
WORLDBY ORHAN VALIYEV

Azerbaijan made better use of its capacity, won the Second Karabakh War, and saved its legitimate lands, recognized by international law, from occupation.

A

zerbaijan achieved a historic victory in the Second Karabakh War. In fact, for the first time in modern times, it gained the opportunity to dominate completely the lands of Karabakh and the entirety of Azerbaijani lands. In order to understand Azerbaijan’s victory better, one can refer to Atatürk’s and his comrades’ victory in the War of Independence; in a way, Azerbaijan won its own War of Independence and secured its future.

To understand this process, a brief historical background and an introduction of certain concepts is necessary. The most decisive outcome of modernity for states was undoubtedly sovereignty, and nations have played the role of cement in the consolidation of sovereignty. In this sense, the end of the 18th century and the whole 19th century gave birth to a state model that appeared to make Machiavelli’s dreams come true.

However, modernity has not produced the same results for all nations. Although the right to self-determination, in a sense a universal achievement of modernity, is expressed as a right for every nation, the colonial peoples had to struggle in a different way. The Treaty of Turkmenchay (1828), signed as a result of the war between Iran and Tsarist Russia, not only divided Azerbaijan’s lands, but also initiated the colonial process that ended its sovereignty over its remaining lands (today’s Republic of Azerbaijan).

Read: Azerbaijan Writes the Last Chapter in Karabakh

It is, thus, possible to look for the beginning of the historical root of the Karabakh problem in Turkmenchay, which went down in history as the first modern agreement that determined the modern order in the Caucasus. This agreement included the Azerbaijani Turks, the main power in the region, but not all the people of the region? Were the Azerbaijani Turks not part of the people of the region. In short, the liberation of the occupied part of Karabakh and the redefinition of the status of Karabakh in the name of the Azerbaijani nation became a matter of national sovereignty.

On the other hand, after the occupation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, which could not be transformed into a full-fledged state, by the Red Army forces, the Soviet Union established its dominance there and in the entire geography, and began to build its own order. Nagorno-Karabakh, the first modern status of Karabakh, was created in 1923, and was intended to serve the system built by the Soviets within the framework of Homo Sovieticus.

Therefore, the Soviets made the historical dominance of the Azerbaijani Turks over Karabakh problematic, and, in this way, the foundations were laid for the conflict that was to take place in the post-Soviet period. In order to make the Soviet system work in the South Caucasus, the Azerbaijani Turks, who have historically been the dominant and influential group in the region, had to be dealt with.

The bipolar system that emerged after World War II allowed Soviet policy to continue. However, the end of the Cold War, or the “end of history” as Francis Fukuyama claimed, began to bring about the end of the Soviet strategy. In short, as a result of the 44-day Second Karabakh War, it became clear that the consequences of the uprising of the late 1980s and the subsequent First Karabakh War were unsustainable.

Read: Is War at the Door? Iran and the Azerbaijan-Armenia Tensions

All diplomatic negotiations following the ceasefire agreement that ended the First Karabakh War, signed on the initiative of Heydar Aliyev, ended in failure. From today’s perspective, it is understood that the Second Karabakh War was a necessity.

The war should be evaluated as the result of a multidimensional process and development. First, the Azerbaijani state had to acquire the knowledge of conducting and managing a war. The oil agreement, signed on the initiative of Aliyev immediately after the ceasefire agreement (1994), became the main factor of Azerbaijan’s economic development. Azerbaijan did not spend the years of occupation only in fruitless diplomatic negotiations: improving the capacity of the Azerbaijani state was one of the central government’s main goals.

On the other hand, Turkey, which has defined a new strategy for the 21st century, began to carve out a place for itself as a new center in the regional geopolitical equation that is changing over time. The presence of a militarily, politically, and economically active Turkey in the region has also strengthened Azerbaijan’s power in the long run. Azerbaijan made better use of its capacity, won the Second Karabakh War, and saved its legitimate lands, recognized by international law, from occupation. This gave it the opportunity to become a fully fledged sovereign state on its legitimate territory. With the local anti-terrorist operation carried out in September 2023, the Azerbaijani state removed all occupying forces from the occupied territory and closed the sovereignty gap.

Read: What’s Next for Karabakh?

It should be remembered that the result of the First Karabakh War was an occupation contrary to international law. In the Second Karabakh War, the Azerbaijani state carried out its military operation in order to save its lands, which are recognized by the international law, from occupation. In other words, in spite of all the difficulties, adherence to international law brings justified success and victory in the long run.

After the Second Karabakh War, President Aliyev stated that the period of military conflict and war between Armenia and Azerbaijan has ended and the phase of diplomacy has begun. However, the modern order of Karabakh and even the region was built during the Tsarist and Soviet colonial periods, and therefore, despite the victory, it was impossible to sign an agreement immediately; in the modern process, the status of Karabakh was determined by the Soviets during the colonial process.

More important than an agreement, Azerbaijan and Turkey signed the Shusha Declaration, which was the first agreement signed between states in the region in the 21st century. It was important to deepen Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, which had been tested during the war, especially in the military dimension. The changing economic and political uncertainties in Eurasia, necessitate that the military, technological, and economic dimensions be taken into account, and bring to the fore the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), which was proclaimed in Istanbul on the basis of the Nakhchivan Agreement of 2008.

The principles and institutions of the 20th century, especially those built after World War II, are now being abandoned. In a sense, the 21st century is giving birth to itself. In this sense, the effect of the OTS must be taken into account in the order that will emerge in the South Caucasus after the Second Karabakh War.

Read: The Myth of Miatsum: Armenia Stuck between the Past and Reality on the Ground

Azerbaijan’s victory in the Second Karabakh War shook off the Russian hegemony in the region, which began in the Tsarist era, was consolidated in the Soviet period, and continued in the post-Soviet period. However, the Russia-Ukraine war, with its growing global influence, has shaken Russia’s immunity in the region. Nevertheless, Moscow still maintains its status as a mediator.

The Azerbaijani side was not in a hurry to win, and after its historic victory, continues to act driven by the state spirit. Azerbaijan, considering that it is not possible to achieve peace immediately in the lands of Nagorno-Karabakh, which have been controlled and whose status has been determined by the colonialists for a long time, prefers to solve the process by extending it over time. In fact, Azerbaijan has achieved both the Lachin Corridor, solving the problem of the road to Khankendi, and the liberation of the Nagorno-Karabakh provinces from occupation, while maintaining its loyalty and commitment to international law—as President Aliyev has repeatedly stated.

Russia has now lost the privilege of being the sole hegemonic power involved in resolving the problem between Armenia and Azerbaijan. At the same time, Azerbaijan has managed to maintain its commitment to a balanced policy based on pragmatic, practical, and rational principles by pursuing a realistic policy. The foundation of the agreement was laid with the victory achieved as a result of the 44-day war.

Peace talks between the two countries after the Second Karabakh War; It continued in the context of Washington, Brussels and Moscow. The main issue in the peace talks, or before peace, was the recognition of the status and territorial integrity of Karabakh. In the current process, all the occupied territories, including Khankendi and Khojaly, have been redistributed within the framework of the “Karabakh Economic Zone” defined by Azerbaijan.

The Armenian constitution is the main obstacle to the recognition of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Yet, towards the end of the year, there were positive developments in this regard. Azerbaijan is able to achieve results because it evaluates the mediation platforms in the peace talks according to their practical contributions to the process. The prisoner exchange was a remarkable development, and the fact that the two countries issued an official joint statement should not go unnoticed. Thus, a possible peace agreement will be possible in the context of the “development of mutual relations, sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

In short, the peace talks; in particular, Azerbaijan’s constructive attitude, which it has persistently maintained from the beginning, the reality of the reconstruction of the economic ecosystem in the region, especially in Turkey-Azerbaijan cooperation, Turkey’s presence in the region both militarily and politically, Turkey’s positive approaches towards Armenia in line with possible positive developments are all important factors The invitation of Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan to Ankara for the swearing-in ceremony  of the Grand National Assembly can be seen as the reason for the positive developments that took take place at the end of 2023.

Given the UN Security Council’s “talk to Baku” move, we can say that a peace agreement is not far away.

https://politicstoday.org/is-an-azerbaijani-armenians-agreement-imminent/

"Russians ‘saved’ Artsakh, now they want to pass to Armenia". Opinion from Yerevan

Emil Lazarian
Jan 19 2024
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

On severing ties with Russia

“Russia wants to project in Syunik [Armenia’s southern region bordering Azerbaijan] the logic of a corridor. They say if you don’t want to be taken away by force [the road meant to connect Azerbaijan with its exclave of Nakhichevan], give it away voluntarily,” Armenian political scientist Gurgen Simonyan said, commenting on the Russian Foreign Minister’s statements.

Although Sergey Lavrov said yesterday that there is no clause about the so-called “Zangezur corridor” in the November 9 trilateral statement, Simonyan claims that Moscow is determined to take possession of this road. What the Russian side calls control of the road, in his opinion, is actually a demand for an extraterritorial corridor. At the same time, the analyst emphasizes that there cannot be any “X-space where the laws of the country do not apply” on Armenia’s sovereign territory.

The political analyst commented both on Lavrov’s recent statements concerning Armenia and expressed his opinion on Armenian-Russian relations and cooperation with the West.

  • “Armenia is separating from Russia” – opinion on reforms in the National Security Service
  • Armenia-Russia Trade: Benefits and Risks of Sanctions
  • How the influx of Russian citizens has affected the Armenian real estate market

Sergey Lavrov said during a press conference on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s activities in 2023 that the “Zangezur corridor” was never discussed within the framework of the agreements reached on November 9, 2020.

According to him, all economic and transportation ties will be unblocked according to this document, which ended the 2020 Karabakh war. Armenia will guarantee the security of transport in both directions between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan, and the border service of the Federal Security Service of Russia will exercise control on that road. He emphasized that Armenia’s sovereignty and jurisdiction on these routes will be fully preserved.

Lavrov also said that the West does not want to allow the implementation of the agreements reached between Yerevan and Baku through Moscow’s mediation. According to him, the lack of progress in the conclusion of the peace treaty is due to the position of Yerevan, while Baku is ready to sign the agreement on the territory of the Russian Federation.

The analyst argues that only Armenia has “naively and shortsightedly” fulfilled all points of the obligations stipulated under the November 2020 trilateral statement, while Moscow and Baku have not fulfilled a single one:

“If they raise the issue of unblocking the roads in Syunik, then let them ensure the security of the Lachin corridor [was stipulated under the trilateral statement], provide an appropriate atmosphere and conditions for the return of Artsakh Armenians to the homeland of their ancestors.”

The political analyst regards any demands from the Russian side, which has not fulfilled its obligations, as “rhetoric with hostile overtones”. He believes that Armenia should take Russia’s statements as a threat and pursue a policy of reducing the risks arising from them.

In the political analyst’s opinion, Yerevan should be very clear about the situation on the ground.

“It should be said that it was you who annulled the November 9 document, no process envisaged under it has been implemented in the region. And there are no Armenians left in Nagorno Karabakh. But the situation is changed not by statements, but by appropriate policy”.

He also suggested what motives Russia has to control the road connecting Azerbaijan with Nakhichevan through the territory of Armenia. He recalled that Russian peacekeepers stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh demanded large sums from local residents for transportation of goods and people through the Lachin corridor:

“If they control this section of the road, the money that was supposed to go to the Armenian budget will flow into their pockets.”

Political scientist Richard Kirakosian – on Armenian-Russian relations, Armenia-EU cooperation

“If some force threatens your existence, there is a way to confront it, regardless of its scale. Obviously we cannot confront this powerful country with brute military force. So we have to look for allies,” the political scientist believes.

At the same time, Simonyan says that Armenia can only expect new allies to provide it with the latest technologies, economic and military training, but it should fight on its own.

According to him, the West has failed to prevent the Russians from “saving Artsakh”, but so far it has managed to oppose Russia’s plan to “save” Armenia. If suddenly Russia succeeds, then after such “rescue” the Republic of Armenia will cease to exist and there will be no Armenians left in it, just as there were no Armenians left in Karabakh.

The political scientist made such an appeal to the Armenian authorities. He believes that if Yerevan is able to harmonize its interests with those of friendly countries, it will find allies in their face. However, for that it is necessary to pursue an active policy.

Meanwhile the current government, in his opinion, pursues an “unprincipled and short-sighted” policy, regularly “heading North,” to Russia.

“In addition, Armenia continues to be part of military-political and economic integration projects (the CSTO military bloc and the Eurasian Economic Union), which obviously pursue a hostile policy towards it. The authorities go to the EAEU event and play up the chairmanship of this organization [the Prime Minister recently accepted Armenia’s chairmanship of the EAEU], but do not participate in the economic forum in Davos, where the future of the world is being discussed. These people do not react to the realities facing Armenia due to external and internal challenges, they are in some illusory world.’

The political analyst believes that Yerevan should start strategic relations with the European Union, as well as with the North Atlantic security system, as Armenia’s ally in the region is the West. And Russia, according to him, has staked on the Turkic world.

He does not rule out that in the near future Azerbaijan will join the structures operating under the aegis of Russia, e.g. EAEU and CSTO. He says it is still unclear what Baku will get in return for this integration.

“If this scenario is played out, we must fight and defend our territories [in Syunik] so as not to lose our strategic importance, our connection with Iran. If we lose our territory but keep our independence, we will lose our independence after some time because we will not be interesting to the world.”

Armenian American Business Leaders Meet with Supervisor Kathryn Barger

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories
Supervisor Kathryn Barger (center) with Armenian American business leaders


Armenian American corporate and business leaders on Wednesday met with Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger to express their gratitude and appreciation for her years of commitment and support to both the Armenian American and business communities of the region. The event was hosted by businessman and community activist Peklar Pilavjian at his residence in Encino.

“Supervisor Barger has been an ally of our community and has never wavered in her resolve. It’s important that we recognize our friends when they do amazing work and when they represent the diverse nature of their constituency,” said Pilavjian in his address to guests.

During the evening gathering Supervisor Barger addressed the group and met with guests one on one. 

“I’m honored to be joining you all this evening and your outpouring of recognition has been very touching. I know that daily we impact lives in such tremendous ways and to hear your stories directly from you all really makes it come full circle. Your kindness means so very much,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. 

“On this auspicious evening filled with leaders who represent every sector, we continue to express and acknowledge our resounding recognition of Supervisor Barger’s commitment, dedication and support of the Armenian and Business communities,” said event emcee Greg Martayan.

Barger’s re-election bid has been endorsed by the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region.

Supervisor Barger represents the 5th District of Los Angeles County, which is home to nearly two million people. The district covers 2,785.21 square miles and touches the Ventura, Kern and San Bernardino County lines. The 5th District includes 20 cities, 63 unincorporated communities, 15 neighborhoods in the City of Los Angeles.

ANCA-WR Allocates $25,000 from Gala Proceeds to Support University Students and Freelance Journalists from Artsakh

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 

 

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


LOS ANGELES – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region announced the allocation of $20,000 to the Armenian Educational Foundation to distribute university scholarships to forcibly displaced students from Artsakh who found refuge in Armenia following Azerbaijan’s illegal military assault on September 19.

An additional $5,000 was also earmarked for rental and utility subsidies to freelance journalists who documented the resilience and suffering of Artsakh Armenians during Azerbaijan’s 280-plus day long genocidal blockade, and who continue to shed light on the plight of Artsakh refugees in Armenia. 

The funds allocated by ANCA Western Region were raised thanks to the generous contributions of ANCA WR supporters during the 2023 Annual Awards Gala which was held in Los Angeles on November 12.

“In the lead up to our annual awards banquet in November 2023, ANCA WR’s board unanimously decided to allocate a portion of its Gala proceeds to the survivors of the Armenian Genocide in Artsakh,” said ANCA-WR Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq. 

“After a careful review of the needs of displaced Artsakh Armenians, we decided to direct a portion of the funds to the Armenian Educational Foundation to ensure the education of Artsakh’s new generation, and another portion to the ReArmenia online campaign launched by Scout Tufankjian and Simon Maghakyan in support of the heroic journalists who continue to report about the suffering of Armenians during and after Azerbaijan’s genocidal blockade,” added Hovsepian.

Since its establishment in 1950, the Armenian Educational Foundation has been instrumental in fostering educational development in the diaspora and the homeland. With over 72 years of service, AEF has consistently provided financial assistance to Armenian educational institutions and students of Armenian descent. Since 2000, AEF has disbursed $5 million to renovate over 200 schools in the villages of Armenia, Artsakh and Javakhk, and $3 million in scholarships, including $1 million in full tuition scholarships to 1,000 students in Armenia, Artsakh, and Javakhk during the 2021 academic year. Their programs also include advancing IT education through Armath Labs, supporting schools in the diaspora, and supporting Artsakh war veterans with scholarships, laptops, and other essential educational resources. 

In the coming months, with ANCA Western Region’s $20,000 contribution, AEF will increase the number of scholarships for Artsakh students from 105 to 138.

“We, at the Armenian Educational Foundation, believe that the best way to help Armenia is through education. We are glad and thankful to see that the ANCA WR shares our vision and are joining us in this mission. Thanks to their generous donation we will be able to give the gift of education to 33 displaced students from Artsakh,” said AEF President Serop Beylerian. 

The initiative to “Support Displaced Artsakh Freelance Journalists,” spearheaded by Scout Tufankjian and Simon Maghakyan, addresses the urgent needs of freelance journalists who have been uprooted from their homes.

This campaign does not only aim to provide them with financial assistance, but it sustains the voice of Artsakh Armenians through the articles and investigative research work of freelance journalists, enabling them to continue their vital work under challenging circumstances. The journalists’ reporting plays an essential role in bringing to light the experiences and stories of the over 100,000 Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh, ensuring that their voices are heard and their experiences are not forgotten in the larger global discourse.

 “The journalists of Artsakh were our eyes and our ears throughout the illegal Azerbaijani blockade, working tirelessly to provide a window through which the world could see the strength, resilience, humor, love, and humanity of the Artsakhtsi people. They did this while suffering from the effects of the blockade—filing stories while queuing for bread and water, charging camera batteries with scraps of electricity, conducting interviews while trying to make sure that their children in their lives could still laugh and play. And finally, horrifyingly, reporting on the One Day War, the Fuel Depot Explosion, and then their own forced exile,” said Scout Tufankjian, renowned documentary photographer and co-creator of the online fundraising campaign.

“These are hard-working professionals, but they have lost everything. We owe these journalists so much and we (and Artsakh) will continue to need their work in the future. I am so grateful that while the world may have turned its eyes to other stories, the ANCA-WR has not turned away and has stepped in to help support them in their time of great need. Thank you for supporting these amazing men and women,” Tufankjian added.

The “Support Displaced Artsakh Freelance Journalists” fundraiser is organized by U.S.-based writer and researcher Simon Maghakyan, best known for his pioneering investigative exposé of Azerbaijan’s covert erasure of Armenian heritage, and U.S.-based photographer Scout Tufankjian, best known for her photographs of President Barack Obama, the Armenian Diaspora, and Artsakh.

One hundred percent of the donations to the campaign will go directly to displaced freelance journalists from Artsakh (reArmenia doesn’t charge processing fees for fundraisers).

This online fundraising campaign has a target amount of $23,822. As of today, the organizers have been able to raise $11,801.78 (49% of the target amount). With ANCA Western Region’s $5,000 contribution, the organizers will reach 71% of their target amount with the online campaign active for another 37 days. Anyone interested in contributing to the online fundraiser can do so at the following ReArmenia campaign page: https://rearmenia.com/en/fundraisers/support-displaced-artsakh-freelance-journalists?tab=story. 

“I am grateful to ANCA-WR for the generous contribution in support of displaced freelance Artsakh journalists. We have all read the work of these journalists, seen their photographs, and heard their voices during the 2023 siege, the invasion, and the exodus in every major media outlet. But now, the people who became the global voice for Artsakh are unhoused. Being a freelance journalist is a tremendous sacrifice, one that refugees cannot sustainably afford in expensive Yerevan,” said writer and researcher Simon Maghakyan.

“It is, therefore, encouraging that one of the largest Diaspora organizations is supporting displaced freelance Artsakh journalists so that they can continue their work. Helping displaced refugee journalists with housing expenses is not only a humanitarian act: it’s an investment in ensuring that the plight of Artsakh has credible spokespersons. I hope that community members and other organizations will be inspired by ANCA-WR’s generous contribution and likewise participate in this fundraising effort,” Maghakyan added.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, ANCA WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

The Armenian Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1950. Their goal is to provide financial assistance to Armenian educational institutions and support students of Armenian descent. Currently, AEF is offering over 1500 scholarships in Armenia and the Diaspora. Moreover, they have successfully renovated more than 200 village schools in Armenia, contributing to the improvement of educational infrastructure. Their programs also encompass various initiatives catering to Diaspora students.

Following Azerbaijan’s Sep. 2023 ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, many freelance journalists became homeless refugees in Armenia. This fundraiser will help ease their hardships and continue their freelance work.

Asbarez: Crescenta Valley Center to Host Lecture on Cultural Genocide

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Latest, News, Top Stories


The Educational Committee of the Crescenta Valley Meher & Satig Der Ohanessian Youth Center will host a lecture on Thursday, January 25 titled, ”Cultural Genocide, The History and the Future of Armenian Heritage Sites in Artsakh,” presented by Dr. Marco Brambilla.

The presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Crescenta Valley Youth Center, located at 2633 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020.

This presentation addresses the reality of the future of Armenian historical monuments in Artsakh after the Azerbaijani take-over. There are over 1500 registered historical, Armenian heritage sites in this area, dating back from early Christianity to date.

After the Armenia- Azerbaijan wars, these monuments are being systematically destroyed by the Azeris, and history is re-written by a special department of the Azerbaijan government.
Dr. Marco G. Brambilla is a practicing architect and an architectural historian specializing in the history of Islamic and Armenian architecture. He has taught and lectured extensively in major schools of architecture worldwide.

As a specialist in preservation of historic monuments, he has taught architectural conservation and its adaptive reuse in Italy, the United States and Iran. As the chair of the Department of Preservation of Historic Monuments, at the National University of Iran, he was the project architect of several major restoration projects in Iran and in cooperation with the University of Milan, Dr. Brambilla organized and identified over 230 unknown Armenian churches in the northern provinces of Iran.

Armenia’s Military Service Law: New Amendments Provide Options and Amnesty

Emil Lazarian
Jan 16 2024

By: Momen Zellmi

The National Assembly of Armenia has instituted a historic change in its ‘Law on Military Service and the Status of Servicemen.’ The newly passed legislation provides amnesty for Armenian men who have evaded mandatory military service and left the nation, allowing them to return without facing criminal charges after the age of 27. The caveat is that they have to fulfill a two-year military service obligation. In essence, this law aims to balance the scales between national duty and individual freedom.

The new amendments introduce a range of options for fulfilling service obligations. Men now have the choice to serve for 15 months coupled with a payment of 2.5 million drams, serve for 7.5 months with a payment of 5 million drams, or serve for just a month with a payment of 10 million drams. A provision to entirely avoid military service by paying a flat fee of 15 million drams also exists. This flexible approach offers a greater range of choices to the citizens, reducing the potential for forced evasion.

The law further stipulates that individuals aged 37 and over, who have not completed their fixed-term service, will have their criminal prosecutions terminated. The same relief extends to those aged 45 and over in the case of reserve officer service. This provision seeks to alleviate the burden on older citizens who have been unable to fulfill their service obligations.

The law also takes into consideration Armenian males who have acquired citizenship of another country and have served 12 or more months in the military of their country of residence after turning 27. Such individuals, or those willing to pay 2.5 million drams, will be exempt from the Armenian military service. This approach respects the rights of dual citizens, acknowledging their military service in their country of residence.


    Armenian Ambassador Warns CoE of Azerbaijan’s Threat to Regional Peace

    Emil Lazarian
    Jan 18 2024

    By: Rizwan Shah

    Armenian Ambassador to the Council of Europe (CoE), Arman Khachatryan, voiced apprehensions about the recent statements from Azerbaijan, alleging them as possible threats to regional peace efforts. In a meeting with the CoE Committee of Ministers, Khachatryan expressed disapproval of Azerbaijan’s aggressive rhetoric, failure to respect agreements, and imposition of new demands on Armenia. These actions, according to him, obstruct the path to peace and stability in the region.

    Khachatryan called on the Committee of Ministers to take decisive actions to prevent Azerbaijan from worsening the regional situation. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and respect for international law, referring to recent incidents where Azerbaijan allegedly penetrated 20 km into Armenian territory. In response, Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan highlighted the significance of international legal legitimacy regarding borders and territorial integrity. Khachatryan, supporting Pashinyan’s stance, expressed his concerns about these intrusions and implored for countermeasures.

    Khachatryan also drew attention to the report on human rights by CoE Commissioner Dunja Mijatovic, which followed her visit to Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Nagorno-Karabakh. He stressed that the report contradicts Azerbaijan’s allegations about the obstruction of the Lachin corridor and the forced displacement of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. In response to Baku leader Ilham Aliyev’s statements about the ‘Zangezur corridor’, Pashinyan said that Armenia is prepared to open the road to Nakhichevan for Azerbaijan under the same conditions as Iran.

    The Azerbaijani Ambassador to France criticized a draft resolution in the French Senate condemning Azerbaijan’s military attack on Nagorno-Karabakh, claiming it was based on erroneous information. MEP Nathalie Loiseau countered by questioning the ambassador’s understanding of democracy and the rule of law, and emphasized the close ties between France and Armenia. She supported the draft resolution, which calls for the prevention of further aggression by Azerbaijan, the introduction of sanctions, and guarantees for the right of the Armenian population to return to Nagorno-Karabakh.

    Ending his address, the Armenian ambassador reiterated Armenia’s dedication to establishing lasting peace in the region, based on the principles agreed upon. Khachatryan’s speech serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region and the crucial role international organizations like the CoE play in fostering peace and stability.