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

Armenpress: World-renowned pianist Alexei Lubimov arrives in Armenia

Emil Lazarian

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 09:33,

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. World-renowned pianist Alexei Lubimov is visiting Armenia at the invitation of the State Philharmonia of Armenia.

Lubimov will perform during the Listen regional concert in Gyumri on April 25. The performance will take place at 17:00 in the Chamber Music Hall and will feature pieces by Mozart, Chopin, Brahms, Silvestrov and Komitas. The Listen tour is organized by the State Philharmonia of Armenia with support from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport. 

Then, on April 26, Lubimov will deliver a master-class for the young musicians in Gyumri.

On April 27 the renowned pianist will travel to Yerevan to deliver a concert in the Arno Babajanyan Music Hall at 19:00. In addition to classical and contemporary music, Lubimov will also perform pieces by Armenian composers, such as Komitas and Mansuryan.

Hovnanian Scholarship Recipients Thriving at Villanova University

Emil Lazarian

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 10:44,

YEREVAN, Armenia – Since its inception, education has always been one of the core values of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation. For over a decade, the Foundation has supported Armenian and non-Armenian recipients with educational scholarships to attain a quality education at both institutions of higher learning in Armenia as well as in the United States.   

As part of its scholarship program, the Foundation created an endowment fund at Villanova University, named after the late Hirair Hovnanian, a Villanova alumnus (’56 COE), and the founder of The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation. The creation of the Hovnanian Scholarship fund was Mr. Hovnanian’s way of paying it forward for others to have the same opportunity he was given to get a top-notch education that helped propel his success as a master builder and entrepreneur.   

At just over $3 million total, the endowment allows undergraduate students of Armenian descent, who gain acceptance to Villanova University on a full-time basis, to apply for a scholarship. Returning undergraduates are considered for scholarship renewal based on academic performance and financial need. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, leadership skills, college testing scores, as well as financial need. Recipients of a Hovnanian Scholarship can use the awarded funds to cover eligible expenses such as tuition, room and board. For the school year 2022-2023, a total of 22 scholarships amounting to $128,558 were awarded, of which 16 were for students of Armenian descent.

The Armenian Students Organization at Villanova is thriving, now 25 students strong. Isabella Balian, 20, from Winchester, MA, is a Hovnanian scholarship recipient.  The class of 2025 student notes, “My grandfather escaped the Armenian Genocide as a child and migrated to Lebanon where he started his family. From Lebanon, my dad and his family immigrated to America at age six. I have always held strong to the values of faith and perseverance of my ancestors, and at Villanova I hope to continue spreading the Armenian culture and hope that their generation so boldly established”. Isabella stays true to her words by taking on a leadership role within the Armenian Students Association on campus, which is doing incredible work educating Villanovans on issues important to Armenians and the Republic of Armenia.   

Soon to be in the graduating class of 2024 is Michael Stamboulian, 21, from Robbinsville, NJ, is thankful for the assistance the scholarship afforded to him. “I am 100% Armenian, and my family and I take immense pride of our ethnicity. I love sharing my identity and Armenian history with others. The Hovnanian family scholarship program at Villanova University is a testament to the loving nature and sense of community that exists with Armenians. Two of the things that make Villanova most attractive to me are the high-quality academics and the strong community. Like Armenians, Villanovans possess a powerful sense of community. I am proud to be an Armenian Villanovan!”

In addition to the annual scholarships provided to Villanova students, the Foundation donated $10 million to Villanova University in the spring of 2022 to support several significant academic initiatives, including the continued modernization of Falvey Library. In recognition of this gift, a building on campus in Villanova’s newest residences, known as The Commons, is now named “Hovnanian Hall.”

Since the Foundation’s establishment in 1986, H. Hovnanian Family Foundation has earmarked over $75 million to hundreds of initiatives and projects for charitable, educational, scientific, cultural, and other related purposes with a primary focus on assisting Armenian communities worldwide as well as organizations in Monmouth and Ocean Counties in the state of New Jersey




Pashinyan, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State discuss development of int’l mechanism for Stepanakert-Baku dialogue

Emil Lazarian

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 11:50,

YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has held a meeting with U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Erika Olson.

The Armenian Prime Minister “attached importance to the consistent development of close cooperation with the United States and the continuous advancement of the Armenian-American Strategic Dialogue agenda,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.

PM Nikol Pashinyan highly appreciated the United States government’s support to the implementation of democratic reforms in Armenia and added that the implementation of this agenda is a strategy and priority for the Armenian government.

At the same time, PM Pashinyan attached importance to the United States’ efforts for establishing stability and peace in the region.

In turn, Olson said that the United States will continue effective cooperation in the direction of the effective implementation of democratic reforms in Armenia and stated that the United States government attaches high importance to the continuous development of relations with Armenia, including in the economy.

Pashinyan and Olson also discussed issues relating to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the development of an international mechanism for dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku, the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan, the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and unblocking of regional transport infrastructures.

Azerbaijan fires at Armenian positions in Sotk

Emil Lazarian
Armenia –

“The units of the Azerbaijani armed forces fired from firearms of different caliber at the Armenian positions located in the direction of Sotk.

 No casualties reported,” the ministry said in a news release.

 It also said that as of 10:00 a.m. on April 17 the situation on the frontline is relatively stable.

https://mediamax.am/en/news/armypolice/50979/

​Second Azerbaijani soldier arrested in Armenia

Emil Lazarian
April 13 2023

Second Azerbaijani soldier arrested in Armenia

Yerevan /Mediamax/. The second Azerbaijani serviceman was found and arrested in the territory of Armenia on April 13, the Ministry of Defense reports.

On April 10, the Ministry reported that another soldier of the Azerbaijani armed forces was arrested.

Speaking at the Armenian parliament on April 12, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the Azerbaijani soldier arrested in the territory of Armenia “expressed no wish to return.”

Food: Tracing The History Of Armenian Influence On Indian Cuisine

Emil Lazarian
India – April 13 2023
  • Slurrp Desk

Updated : April 12, 2023 03:04 IST

One of the most notable contributions of the Armenian community to Indian cuisine was the introduction of the tandoor, a traditional clay oven used for baking bread and roasting meat. 

Armenian cuisine has had a significant influence on Indian cuisine, particularly in the city of Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), which was a major centre for Armenian trade and commerce in the 18th and 19th centuries. Armenian traders and merchants settled in Kolkata during this time, and they brought with them their culinary traditions, which were then integrated into local Indian cuisine. The history of Armenian influence on Indian cuisine can be traced back to the early medieval period when Armenian merchants and traders established settlements in India. The Armenians were known for their skills in trade, and their presence in India brought about a significant cultural exchange, including the introduction of new ingredients and culinary techniques. One of the most notable contributions of the Armenian community to Indian cuisine was the introduction of the tandoor, a traditional clay oven used for baking bread and roasting meat. The tandoor was widely adopted in northern India and has become an integral part of Indian cuisine. Armenian cuisine itself also had a significant influence on Indian cuisine, particularly in the Mughal era. The Mughal emperors, who ruled over northern India from the 16th to the 19th centuries, were known for their love of rich, flavorful dishes. They were also patrons of the arts, and their courts attracted artists and craftsmen from around the world, including Armenians.

Armenian dishes, such as kofta, a meatball dish, and pilaf, a rice dish, were adapted by the Mughals and became staples of Indian cuisine. The Mughal emperors also introduced new ingredients to India, including saffron, which became an essential ingredient in many Indian dishes. Armenians also contributed to the development of Indian sweets, such as gulab jamun, a milk-based sweet, and jalebi, a sweet made from wheat flour and sugar syrup. These sweets were adapted from Armenian desserts, such as baklava and halva.

In addition to food, the Armenian community in India also had an impact on the culture and society of the country. Many Armenians became prominent members of Indian society, including musicians, writers, and entrepreneurs. Today, the Armenian influence on Indian cuisine can still be seen in dishes such as biryani, kebabs, and tandoori chicken. The tandoor has become a ubiquitous feature of Indian restaurants, and the rich, flavorful dishes of the Mughal era continue to be popular across the country.

Here are some Indo- Armenian dishes that are worth trying-

Khorovat

Khorovats (also spelt Khorevats) is a traditional Armenian dish that consists of grilled meat, typically lamb, beef or chicken, marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs. The word "khorovats" literally means "to grill" in Armenian, and the dish is a popular part of Armenian cuisine. Khorovats are typically served hot off the grill, accompanied by a variety of side dishes such as Armenian-style flatbread (lavash), grilled vegetables, and a tangy yoghurt-based dip called matzoon. Khorovats is a dish that is widely enjoyed throughout Armenia and the surrounding regions, and it has also had an influence on the cuisine of neighbouring countries such as Georgia and Azerbaijan. In India, khorovats have been adapted to local tastes and are enjoyed as a part of Armenian-Indian fusion cuisine in places like Kolkata, which has a significant Armenian population.

Khash

Khash is a traditional Armenian dish that is made from beef or lamb trotters, which are slow-cooked for several hours until the meat and bones have broken down into a rich, gelatinous broth. The dish is typically served with bread and a variety of seasonings, such as garlic, salt, and red pepper. In terms of its relation to Indian cuisine, there are some similarities between khash and Indian paya soup, which is a dish made from beef or lamb trotters that are slow-cooked for several hours until the meat and bones have broken down into a rich, flavorful broth. Like khash, paya soup is also typically served with bread and a variety of seasonings, such as garlic, ginger, and red chilli powder.

Armenian Pilaf

Armenian pilaf, also known as Armenian rice pilaf, is a rice-based dish that is believed to have originated in Armenia. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is typically made with long-grain basmati rice, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices and herbs. The influence of Armenian pilaf on Indian cuisine is evident in the preparation and seasoning of Indian biryanis. Biryanis are a popular rice dish in India that is similar to Armenian pilaf. Both dishes are made with long-grain rice and seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs. The use of saffron, cumin, coriander, and cardamom is common in both Armenian pilaf and Indian biryanis. The Armenian community that settled in India during the 18th and 19th centuries brought with them their food culture and cooking techniques. They introduced the concept of using rice as a base for dishes, which was not a common practice in traditional Indian cooking. They also brought with them a variety of spices and herbs that were not typically used in Indian cuisine, which helped to create new and unique flavour profiles in Indian dishes.

armenian pilaf/ pinterest.com

Armenian Pickles

Armenian pickles, also known as Torshi, are a popular side dish in Armenian cuisine. They are made by pickling a variety of vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, and carrots in vinegar or brine, along with various herbs and spices. The pickling process helps to preserve the vegetables and gives them a sour and tangy flavour. The influence of Armenian pickles on Indian cuisine can be traced back to the Armenian community that settled in India during the 18th and 19th centuries. They brought with them their expertise in pickling and preserving vegetables and introduced the concept of pickling to the local cuisine. This led to the development of a variety of Indian pickles that are made using a similar technique and a similar blend of herbs and spices.

Armenian pickles, also known as Torshi, are a popular side dish in Armenian cuisine. They are made by pickling a variety of vegetables such as cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, and carrots in vinegar or brine, along with various herbs and spices. The pickling process helps to preserve the vegetables and gives them a sour and tangy flavour. The influence of Armenian pickles on Indian cuisine can be traced back to the Armenian community that settled in India during the 18th and 19th centuries. They brought with them their expertise in pickling and preserving vegetables and introduced the concept of pickling to the local cuisine. This led to the development of a variety of Indian pickles that are made using a similar technique and a similar blend of herbs and spices.


Pashinyan: We are ready to withdraw troops to safe distance along Armenia-Azerbaijan 1991 border

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia – March 13 2023
11:33, 13.04.2023

The situation since March 30 at the Tegh village section of Armenia needs a detailed examination, including evaluating our actions in terms of actions to protect that part of the state border from the beginning. This was stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at Thursday’s Cabinet session of the Armenian government.

"At the same time, I must record that Azerbaijan's actions at that section are provocative and contradict the statements adopted at the meetings held on October 6, 2022 in Prague and on October 31, 2022 in Sochi.

"In terms of the political assessment of the border situation, I believe that the message disseminated by the EU the previous day, where the border line of 1991 is emphasized, is important. It’s about the administrative border that existed between the Armenian SSR and the Azerbaijan SSR, which was transformed into a state border on December 21, 1991 by the Almaty Declaration. That border line must be respected, the EU statement notes.

"It emphasizes the withdrawal of the armed forces of both sides from that border line to a safe distance as a reliable guarantee of the stability of the situation. Armenia is ready to go to such a measure along the entire border line of Armenia-Azerbaijan in 1991. We express our readiness in this regard since 2021, and such an action stems from the logic of the Prague quadrilateral and the Sochi trilateral agreements," said the Armenian PM.

He added, however, that such a solution is hindered by Azerbaijan's destructive approach.

"Azerbaijan systematically demonstrates its practice of not fulfilling the agreements reached on international platforms. This is the case with the issue of the release of [Armenian] captives, this is the case with the maintenance of the ceasefire regime and the non-use of force and the threat of force, on which the written agreement was reached on October 31, 2022 in Sochi, this is the case in the matter of the Lachin corridor’s illegal blockade, which Azerbaijan continues despite also the February 22 decision of the highest international court instance, the International Court of Justice. But in case of not fulfilling the court's decision, there are internationally defined mechanisms, and our efforts should be focused on the implementation of those mechanisms," the Armenian premier stressed.

Armenia ‘preparing for another defeat’, says political activist

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia –

Political activist Edgar Ghazaryan claims Armenia’s leadership is preparing the country for “another defeat”.

“The country is preparing for another defeat,” he wrote on Facebook on Friday.

Ghazaryan criticized the move to transfer the responsibility for guarding Armenia's borders from the Armenian army to the “incompetent” National Security Service (NSS) border troops.

“Meanwhile, the commander of the NSS Border Guard Troops has been dismissed and his replacement has not yet been named,” he said.

“The Armenian Security Council secretary warns of a new large-scale war, whereas martial law is not declared in the country. The chief of the Special Army Corps is in a military hospital. The posts of the two deputy chiefs of the Armenian military’s General Staff and the NSS Border Guard Troops commander remain vacant,” Ghazaryan underscored.

Washington forces Yerevan to join anti-Russian sanctions

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
13:45, 16.04.2023

Washington is forcing Armenia to join the anti-Russian sanctions, Doctor of Political Science Vahe Davtyan wrote on Facebook.

“According to some sources, this issue was discussed at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan and US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo, as well as during the visit of Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration Thea Kendler to Yerevan a few days ago.

Naturally, there is no mention of the discussion of sanctions in any official statement, as well as in the minutes of the meeting,” Davtyan wrote.


Expert: Iran continues ‘carrot and stick’ policy towards Baku regime

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia –

Iran specialist Vardan Voskanyan has reacted to a phone call between the Iranian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers held for the third time in a week on Friday, saying Iran continues the “carrot and stick" policy towards the Aliyev regime.

“The brief readouts of the phone call make it clear that no tangible progress in the settlement of their relations has been made, but they indicate the possibility of organizing a bilateral meeting between the FMs,” Voskanyan, head of the Chair of Iranian Studies at Yerevan State University (YSU), wrote on Telegram on Saturday.

He stresses strong condemnations of the Baku dictatorial regime’s activities continue unabated in Iran.

“Taking all this into account, Iran continues the "carrot and stick" policy towards the Baku dictator, however, no real "carrots" are visible at least in the near future,” the expert said.