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

Armenia to Launch Comprehensive Health Insurance

Emil Lazarian

Country has long had low spending on healthcare, leading to huge pressure on ordinary citizens.


Ani Aikuni is all too familiar with the stress of grueling and expensive cancer treatment.  

“It is really difficult, when you have to deal with a serious diagnosis and at the same time have to think about getting money to cover the costs of treatment,” the 37-year-old entrepreneur told IWPR. “If a person does not have financial resources, this can lead to a lot of stress. All this, of course, affects the patient’s physical and mental state.”

Aikuni, who was diagnosed in 2015, said that his family had quickly spent all their savings on treatment.

His life was only saved, he continued, thanks to a fundraising campaign launched by friends which brought in 30,000 US dollars of donations from all over the world. After recovering, Aikuni started a charitable fund providing financial support for cancer patients.

He wholeheartedly welcomed Armenia’s introduction of a new health insurance system he said could save many lives.

“It would be great if the new health insurance could alleviate the financial burden for patients,” Aikuni continued. “If everything is well organised, citizens will only benefit. It is critical to ensure that a person can have access to health care services immediately after being diagnosed, so that they don’t wait months for their turn.”

Experts have long debated the need to reform Armenia's current healthcare system, under which the general public pays for treatment, while those from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups can access free care.   

Armenia has low public funding for healthcare – 5.4 per cent of state budget expenditures or about 1.4 per cent of GDP, at least four times less than countries from the same income group.

According to ministry of health data, about nine per cent of the population spent more than a quarter of their entire consumer spending on medical care.

On February 2, 2023, the government decided to introduce a new system over the next four years. Announcing the measures, minister of health, Anahit Avanesyan said that the goal was “to provide timely and proper medical services to every citizen, regardless of their solvency, gender, age, etc”.

The strategy will be implemented in stages. After a year of preparatory work, 2024 will see it rolled out to cover some state employees, children and those from marginalised groups including socially disadvantaged citizens and those with special needs.  

In 2025, the system will extend to those aged 63 and over, as well as public sector employees. In 2026, all those in employment will have the opportunity to join. People also have the option to join voluntarily ahead of schedule.

“I often meet patients who cannot afford the costs of cancer treatment."

Yerevan aims to reduce mortality rates, increase life expectancy and ensure fewer people live with health-related disabilities.  

“The plan is to cover 95 per cent or more citizens of the Republic of Armenia in the final stage of the comprehensive health insurance programme; all citizens can benefit from the same services, regardless of their income and social status,” Avanesyan said.

However, she did not specify the annual cost for insurance, saying only that it would be a fixed amount for all regardless of income.   For those who earn less than the average salary, part of the insurance cost would be subsidised, while those currently using state-funded free health care services would have their costs covered.

In various public discussions, officials previously stated that the annual cost for health insurance might range between 150,000-200,000 drams (375-500 dollars).

The programme will cover diseases with a high mortality rate in Armenia, particularly, cardiovascular conditions, cancer and and diabetes.

For example, for oncology patients, the programme will cover costs for surgery, chemotherapy and up to 22 sessions of radiation therapy. Patients will also receive financial aid of 1.6 million drams (4,000 dollars).

Oncologist Vahe Ter-Minasyan welcomed the decision, noting that “I often meet patients who cannot afford the costs of cancer treatment and often get poorer in the course of the long-term treatment, losing not only health, but finances and property”.

The scheme would not entirely cover the amount needed for cancer treatment, but would certainly help many, he continued.

“Unfortunately, 1.6 million drams are not enough, because there are cases when this amount is only enough to buy medicines for two months. But on the other hand, of course, it’s better than nothing."

Along with the insurance programme, the minister of health also promised to upgrade infrastructure, building or modernising 50 medical facilities by 2026.

Deputy prime minister Tigran Khachatryan said that he hoped that state funding to the healthcare sector would also be stepped up

“We must increase the amount of resources allocated to the healthcare system by several times, thereby emphasising the significance of public health,” he said.

Although the comprehensive health insurance has not yet been formally adopted, 89 per cent of users voted in favour of it on the public discussion platform e-draft.am.

But the new system has not met with universal approval.

Economist Tigran Jrbashyan argued that it would only change the way healthcare was funded, rather than improving the efficiency and quality of the system itself.

He said that comprehensive health insurance should only introduced after healthcare reforms were carried that could increase the chances of its successful implementation. The sector simply did not function properly, he continued.

“For 30 years, the reforms in the healthcare sector have been carried out without focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector,” Jrbashyan said. “As a result of this, we are in a situation, when Armenia, in terms of number of hospitals, doctors and beds, outdoes most developed European countries, but as for the efficiency, is falls behind many less developed."

This publication was prepared under the "Amplify, Verify, Engage (AVE) Project" implemented with the financial support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway.

AW: In Memory of Dr. Dennis R. Papazian

Emil Lazarian
 Guest Contributor Obituaries 0

Dr. Dennis R. Papazian (1931-2023)

Dr. Dennis Richard Papazian passed away peacefully on March 16, 2023 after a brief illness. He was 91 years old.

Born the youngest of four children in Augusta, Georgia to Armenian parents from Istanbul, Turkey, Dr. Papazian lived a life of devotion and service to his community, church and nation. His family moved to Detroit, Michigan in the mid-1940s to join a growing Armenian community. As his family struggled to create a life in a new land, Papazian was determined to pursue an education that would ensure a life of security and the promise of the American dream. Across the arc of his life, Papazian was recognized as a distinguished leader and pillar of the Armenian community, with significant achievements in academia, political advocacy and church stewardship.

As a young man, Papazian was nurtured by numerous mentors, such as Archbishop Tiran Nersoyan and Professor George Naknikian, whom he came to know through the Armenian church community and as a student leader at Wayne State University. During these years, his leadership abilities continued to grow, as he encountered prominent leaders, including two American presidents and a former First Lady. The youngest of four siblings, Papazian was the first in his family to earn a college degree, ultimately earning a Ph.D. in Russian history from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and becoming one of the first American students to study in the then-Soviet Union during the height of the Cold War. This experience placed him at the center of major geopolitical events that influenced the course of his life. He also was active in the Armenian Church Youth Organization of America (ACYOA), serving on the Central Council and traveling frequently from Detroit to New York, something he would do years later as a member of the Diocesan Council for the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church. Dr. Papazian’s time in the Soviet Union led him to become an esteemed analyst as the Soviet Union broke apart decades later.

Upon his return to Michigan in 1962 following his recovery from a near-fatal air crash in Uzbekistan, Papazian went on to live a life of contribution and service and became a key leader in the emergence of an Armenian-American community just finding its footing 50 years after the 1915 Armenian Genocide. For over 40 years, Papazian enjoyed a distinguished academic career as a noted author, speaker and professor of history specializing in Russia and the Soviet Union. Papazian’s tenure at the University of Michigan, Dearborn started in 1962, when he joined the faculty. Soon after, he began serving as head of the department of social and behavioral sciences. From there, he oversaw the division of literature, science and the arts, then briefly held the title of associate dean of academic affairs. In his early years, Papazian led the expansion of the Dearborn Campus from an upper two-year college to a four-year university. In 1985, he founded the Armenian Research Center at the University of Michigan, Dearborn and served as its first director until his retirement in 2006. As a result of his tutelage and leadership, several of Papazian’s students went on to work for the CIA, the State Department and other government agencies. He also served as an authority on Russia and the former Soviet Union for numerous media outlets and as an expert resource in dozens of refugee and asylum cases from the former Soviet Union and its successor republics.

In addition to his role as an educator and scholar, Papazian served tirelessly as a forward-looking and creative leader of the emerging Armenian-American community, where he worked with leaders such as Alex Manoogian, Edward and Helen Mardigian, Stephen Mugar, Hrair Hovnanian, Richard Hovannisian and many more. Dr. Papazian was the founding executive director of the Armenian Assembly of America, a national organization whose mission is to promote public understanding and awareness of issues affecting Armenian-Americans. Under his leadership, the Armenian Assembly worked with key elected officials to secure passage of the Armenian Genocide Resolution in the United States House of Representatives. He also brought together several Armenian organizations to apply for and receive $1 million in grant funds from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) for the Aid to Lebanon project, which supported the Armenian community in the Bourj Hammoud neighborhood of Beirut during the 1975 Lebanese Civil War. Papazian pitched to and worked with National Geographic to create a piece about the Armenian-American community entitled “The Proud Armenians,” which was published in 1978.

Papazian traveled extensively during his career, presenting papers and delivering lectures in Armenia, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic, Israel and several other countries. At one point in his career, he conducted research on the USSR and personally worked with the State Department to coordinate an exchange between the University of Michigan and Moscow State University. In 1976, Papazian received an award from the US Department of State honoring his work as a scholar and diplomat, which was followed by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1977 and an award from the USAID in 1978.

Together with his wife Mary, the former president of San Jose State University, whom he married in 1991, Papazian was an ardent and faithful member of the Armenian community throughout his life. He represented the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America on the Supreme Spiritual Councils held in Etchmiadzin, Armenia that elected Catholicos Karekin I (1995) and Catholicos Karekin II (1999) and participated in several Armenia-Diaspora conferences in Armenia during the early years of independence. Papazian served on numerous boards and panels related to education and civic outreach, such as the Society for Armenian Studies, St. Nersess Armenian Seminary, the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR), the Michigan chapter of the American Red Cross, the Michigan Ethnic Heritage Association and, most recently, as a member of the New Jersey Commission on Holocaust and Genocide Education. He held numerous leadership roles in the Armenian community, including president on several occasions of the Society for Armenian Studies, advisor to the annual Times Square Armenian Genocide Commemoration, member of the Diocesan Council of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church and as Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan, an Armenian fraternal organization. He also has been affiliated with the American Association of University Professors, the National Association for Ethnic Studies, the Association for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies and the American Academy of Political and Social Science.

Throughout his career, Papazian spoke to audiences large and small on topics ranging from Russian and Soviet history, Armenian Genocide recognition, theology and the Armenian church, among many other topics. He authored numerous essays, articles, books and op-eds, served as editor of the Journal of the Society for Armenian Studies (JSAS) from 1995 to 2001, and recently completed his memoir, From My Life and Thought: Reflections on an Armenian-American Journey, which was published in May 2022 by The Press at Fresno State University as part of their Armenian Studies series. Papazian holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Wayne State University, a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the Armenian State Pedagogical University in Yerevan.

Dr. Papazian is survived by his wife Mary; his daughters Ani and Marie; nieces Louise Yardumian (Haig), Elise Papazian, Melody Lopez (Marc) and Vicki Ware (Hank); nephews Leon Sarkisian (Sharon) and Garo Papazian; great-niece Nicole Papazian; great-nephews Edward Yardumian (Eva), Ara Yardumian (Tatiana), Nishan Papazian, Alex Lopez and Christian Lopez; great-great-nieces Kennedy Yardumian and Valentina Yardumian; great-great-nephews Eli Yardumian and Edward Yardumian; brothers-in-law Robert Arshagouni (Manya), Michael Arshagouni (Ned Rodriguez) and Paul Arshagouni (Long Hoang); nieces Nina Arshagouni (Matt Pugmire), Liana Arshagouni and Beth Arshagouni; and great-nieces Alik, Aida and Maro Arshagouni; as well as dozens of extended family members, colleagues and friends. He will be deeply missed.

There will be memorial services in his honor on various days across the country. Visitation will be held at St. Andrew Armenian Church in Cupertino, CA on Thursday, March 30 at 6:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place at St. Leon Armenian Cathedral in Burbank, CA and will be officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian on Tuesday, April 4 at 9:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, with a memorial luncheon to follow. A 40-day memorial service will take place at St. John’s Armenian Church in Southfield, MI on Sunday, April 30, with a reception to follow. A Celebration of Life will take place in the New York/New Jersey area later this year, with details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dennis R. Papazian Memorial Foundation for advancing Armenian scholarship, education, and leadership and mailed to the Dennis R. Papazian Memorial Foundation, c/o Robert Arshagouni, 9176 Independence Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311.




Blinken says there’s ‘moment of opportunity’ for peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Emil Lazarian

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 10:07,

YEREVAN, MARCH 23, ARMENPRESS. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Armenia and Azerbaijan may soon reach a peace agreement.

“I’ve been very engaged on seeing what we can do to help Armenia and Azerbaijan come to a peace agreement that normalizes the relationship between them, as well as deal with obviously the rights and protections for the Armenian ethnics in Nagorno Karabakh, dealing with border delimitation, etcetera. And I think there’s an opportunity, I don’t want to exaggerate it, but an opportunity actually to bring a peace agreement to fruition. I had Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev together in Munich at the Security Conference, I had the Foreign Ministers here in Washington, I expect that they’ll come back, we worked on a text and this is not something that we are imposing on Armenia, we are answering the strong desire expressed by Armenia to see if we can help them reach an agreement which would end, at least in many ways, thirty plus years of conflict,” Secretary Blinken said at the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearings in response to question from the committee chairman Bob Menendez.

Blinken added that he’s been “pressing” Azerbaijan to re-open the Lachin Corridor.

“I am pressing on Azerbaijan, including as recently as this week, to re-open that corridor. We are working on that,” the US Secretary of State said, referring to the “real problems in Lachin Corridor”.

“I do think there is without exaggeration a moment of opportunity that would profoundly be in the interests of the people of Armenia, as well as Azerbaijan,” Blinken concluded.

Azerbaijan’s actions in Talish are proof of genocidal policy – PM

Emil Lazarian

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 11:24,

YEREVAN, MARCH 23, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan marked the 100th day of its blockade of Lachin Corridor by cutting off the gas supply to Nagorno Karabakh, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting.

“This happened after the Azerbaijani leader’s speech – which can’t be described anything else than aggressive – in the village of Talish in Nagorno Karabakh, which has been subjected to ethnic cleansing. What happened in Talish village is a substantial, fundamental proof of Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide. In this village – de-populated from Armenians as a result of the 44-Day War, Azerbaijan is demolishing the homes belonging to Armenians by their right to property and is instead building homes intended for Azerbaijanis. What we’ve been alarming about for so long is now reality,” Pashinyan said.

The PM said that by destroying the Armenians’ property in Talish, removing Armenian inscriptions from ancient Armenian monuments, Azerbaijan is showing its model of integration or guarantee of rights and security of Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh.

“These actions are illegal and are explicitly contradicting clause 7 of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement, which says that internally displaced persons and refugees shall return to the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent areas under the supervision of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. This means that March 18th had to be marked by the Armenian population’s return to Talish, instead of the act of vandalism of destroying their homes,” Pashinyan said.

The Armenian PM noted that these actions by the Azeri leadership were followed by the statement released by the Armenian IDPs of Nagorno Karabakh and adjacent regions.

“As one of the addressees of this statement, I want to clearly underscore that I find their demand to be justified, and the Government of the Republic of Armenia must take all political and diplomatic measures to protect the rights of the authors and beneficiaries of the statement,” Pashinyan said.

Representatives of the forcibly displaced Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh released a statement on March 20 calling on the UNHCR, PM Pashinyan, Russia’s Putin and Azerbaijan’s Aliyev to organize their return.

Our diaspora/homeland family affords us valuable perspectives

Emil Lazarian
 Stepan Piligian In Sight, Columns 0

Our time on this earth is all about relationships. We define them on a personal level with spouses, children and extended family. For many, they are reflected in a professional capacity, and hopefully we experience a divine relationship with our Lord. Human beings are a social creation, and Armenians as a culture are a shiny example of that attribute. One of the most rewarding aspects of building relationships is that it is a continuous process. Many of us add to our family trees as we start our own families. Some relationships are from our childhood, yet others begin later in life. All are important because they influence what we contribute to our earthly civilization. Just when we think we have fulfilled our quota on relationships, new branches emerge in our life’s journey. When Armenia became independent in 1991, an entirely new universe opened for Armenians in the diaspora. Discovering the homeland has produced friendships and familial relations that were not imagined. These experiences have made permanent improvements in our ability to make a difference and reconnect the broken Armenian nation.

The AYF afforded many of us lifelong friendships that have been sustained for decades. During our youth, several of us committed to each other that when Armenia became free (the optimism of youth), we would visit together. After years of trying to coordinate the availability of everyone, 17 of us went with our spouses (an odd number because one of the wives could not leave her teaching position). To accommodate our diverse group (several were first timers), we decided to hire a guide and transportation for the trip. Working through an established tour group, we were randomly assigned a young woman named Mary Mirzakhanyan. Similar to many of the bright educated guides in Armenia, it was more a mission than a job. She was representing Armenia to this group from the diaspora. Her skills were remarkable in language, knowledge and creativity. Little did we know that Mary would soon become part of our extended global family. We stayed in communication and returned a few years later with our children and granddaughter. Mary became like a sister to our kids and an aunt to our granddaughter Anoush. We explored the unique hidden wonders of Armenia and began to build our relationship base with farmers, NGOs and other quiet heroes. During this time with Mary, we initiated our connection with the Paruyr Sevak village on the southern Nakhichevan border. Our connection with Armenia has not been the same since that first encounter. Our eyes were opened to the remarkable people of the homeland. It became good fortune to build friendships and establish an identity. 

Since first visiting Armenia many years ago, I had longed to know people in a border village. I wanted to understand their struggle and through them perhaps discover the secret to Armenia’s resilience. My paternal grandfather was from a small village in Sepastia and always remained connected to his roots, when he left work in a foundry to run a poultry farm. This was where I spent my summers and imagined what his youth was like on the family ranch in Koch Hisar. As odd as it seemed, it felt like I was meeting my grandfather in his youth when we explored village life in Paruyr Sevak. We were in awe of their commitment and understanding that maintaining the land is the essence of patriotism. Through these regular folks, we have gained such valuable insight into the homeland. Our desire to listen, learn and fulfill a common vision with resources from the diaspora was a beautiful match for these people who have little materially, but are wealthy in every meaningful way. We were searching for something and somewhere to make a difference. God brought us to Mary and the Paruyr Sevak village. It’s that simple.

Sharing a meal with village mayor Ludwig Stepanyan, his family and our dear friend Mary and Paros partners

If we can, just for a moment, forget about geo-political turmoil, political unrest and the enormous challenges of nation building that dominate our thinking. If we choose to search, there is something special awaiting each of us. At the very foundation of the pyramid of life are people and our relationships. It’s what motivates the human soul and provides the creative energy for adding value. From 1894 to 1923, an unnatural state was formed as a result of the atrocities of the Genocide. We became a fragmented people scattered around the globe subject to the impact of cultural assimilation. Our recovery began in Europe, the Middle East and the Americas as we established a new identity with each other. Communities were built in Detroit, Boston, New York and elsewhere. One major piece was missing—a connection to the homeland. Those of us born in various countries of the diaspora longed for an identity with the highlands based on the stories our grandparents told us and by reading the ever-increasing number of volumes on our history, geography, culture and genealogy. When the homeland became more accessible to the diaspora, it was not the buildings but the people within those structures that helped us dissolve the stereotypes established by decades of separation and boosted our global recovery. Building real human relationships with our brethren in Armenia contributes slowly to the reconnection of this dispersed state. It is somewhat tragic when we contribute financially to the development of schools, infrastructure and the economy in the homeland and never realize the opportunity to meet the faces benefitting from our contribution to a prosperous Armenia. Our story is similar to many and has produced global friendships that are life-changing. 

In 2018, when our extended family first visited the arid region in southern Armenia where the village of Paruyr Sevak is located, we were looking to help a border village but the reality was we were looking to make friendships. Friendships build trust and combined with listening created a process of continuous improvement. We live in the United States but love Paruyr Sevak as if we lived there. I feel the same sadness when we leave the village as I did when I left my grandfather’s farm as a kid. I am filled with a void but also the anticipation of return.

There is great opportunity with a simple model of Armenians from the diaspora committing to a long-term relationship with a border village with the assistance of outstanding foundations such as Paros. It is a winning formula that is effective and relatively easy to replicate. It requires a sincere effort to build relationships based on their needs and respect. The physical results are but one aspect of the success. When young people have schools, playgrounds and other quality of life projects, two special things occur. The children begin to dream again as the burden of life is slightly lifted. These people are resilient and ask for little but create small miracles when they are supported. The other gift is that your paths will cross with like-minded Armenians who are going about their important work. We met a group called Focus on Children Now that donates school and playground equipment. They furnished the new preschool and exterior in Paruyr Sevak. Another group called Hoops for Haiastan installed a basketball court with soccer capability for the secondary school. It is their first real playground. The point is that no one is an island in this journey. We network together and move rocks previously thought to be immovable. We lost the longtime mayor of the village Edik Stepanyan to COVID during the pandemic. He was our friend and compatriot. His son Ludwig is now mayor. We met him in late October and immediately bonded in a common vision. He invited us to his home several times to share a meal and more importantly to become family. I was thrilled to hear that a fellow AYF alumnus and longtime supporter of Camp Haiastan John Mangassarian is continuing his own journey in Armenia. He is leading an effort to renovate the gym at the Ginevet/Nor Ughi school that is posted as a project on the Paros website. The village is located near Khor Virap. If you find it in your heart, please contribute to his effort or join them when they go to Haiastan in July. With each project, the foundation between the diaspora and the homeland is strengthened ever so slightly as respectful relationships are formed. The joy that we from the diaspora receive is continuous and self-sustaining. We have never met finer people than our friends in the homeland.

In our quest to understand the people of Armenia and their perspectives on politics, security and sovereignty, there is no better source than those who live on the edge of reality every day holding the land. Go to Tavush, Syunik or Artsakh (when we can) to listen, learn and make incredible friendships. Imagine a diaspora and homeland anchored by thousands of relationships that transcend governments, politics and alliances. These are the foundations of a lasting bond with the homeland. There are times when we as Armenians from the diaspora may inadvertently advocate ideas that are based on where we live. Through friendships like Mary and the countless residents in this precious border village, I have learned that the views of the people securing our presence is invaluable. There are times when geo-political analysis and external sources must be subordinated simply to the idea of what the people who have made the commitment to the land believe. With this approach, together we have made incredible progress, and we have been blessed with enduring relationships.  

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Stepan was raised in the Armenian community of Indian Orchard, MA at the St. Gregory Parish. A former member of the AYF Central Executive and the Eastern Prelacy Executive Council, he also served many years as a delegate to the Eastern Diocesan Assembly. Currently , he serves as a member of the board and executive committee of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR). He also serves on the board of the Armenian Heritage Foundation. Stepan is a retired executive in the computer storage industry and resides in the Boston area with his wife Susan. He has spent many years as a volunteer teacher of Armenian history and contemporary issues to the young generation and adults at schools, camps and churches. His interests include the Armenian diaspora, Armenia, sports and reading.


Shoigu, Akar Discuss Grain Deal, Syria, Karabakh – Russian Defense Ministry

Emil Lazarian

 Sumaira FH  Published | 10:32 PM

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, discussed the so-called grain deal, Syria and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during a phone conversation on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said, adding that talks were initiated by Ankara

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 22nd March, 2023) Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and his Turkish counterpart, Hulusi Akar, discussed the so-called grain deal, Syria and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict during a phone conversation on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said, adding that talks were initiated by Ankara.

"On the initiative of the Turkish side, on March 22, 2023, a phone conversation were held between … Shoigu and … Akar. During the talks, the parties discussed the results of the implementation of the 'Black Sea Initiative' (the grain deal), issues of the Syrian and Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, as well as other areas of cooperation of mutual interest," the ministry said in a statement.

Music: TmbaTa Orchestra electrify Armenian folk tradition

Emil Lazarian
Chicago, IL – March 23 2023
by Aaron Cohen
Armenian folk music has retained its compelling singularity for centuries, through all the tribulations faced by the nation and its people, but TmbaTa Orchestra show that a deep respect for this tradition does not preclude reinventing it. The band, whose name derives from a musical exercise, grew out of an education program launched a decade ago by guitarist Arik Grigoryan at the teen-oriented Tumo Center for Creative Technologies in Yerevan. In the spirit of that youthful energy, TmbaTa titled their 2019 album ZarZ’ng’, which translates to “ring the bells”—short for the even more enthusiastic phrase “ring the bells so we can dance all night long.”

Here, electric guitar and bass re-create the type of lines traditionally made by ancient strings, such as the oud and kanun, while arrangements for clarinets and brass transpose Indigenous woodwinds, including the double-reed apricot-wood horn called the duduk. While TmbaTa’s driving rhythms take their cues from rock, their melodies adhere to long-standing Armenian modal lines that occasionally echo Middle Eastern idioms. Similar to their more folkloric peers, such as Armenia’s Shoghaken Ensemble, TmbaTa’s repertoire mixes such upbeat tunes as “ZarZ’ng’” with quieter devotional pieces. 

In 2021 TmbaTa self-released Fantastic Komitas, titled in honor of Komitas Vardapet (born Soghomon Soghomonian), an Armenian priest and musicologist who collected thousands of folk songs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. TmbaTa adapt a selection of those songs for this record, and their version of “Ampel a Kamar” (“Heaven Has Become Clouded in Arches”) features serene vocal harmonies over a slow, enthralling beat. If Komitas could time travel to the present, he might not quite recognize the tune in its modern, electrified state, but the orchestra’s spirit and dedication nonetheless embody what his work was all about.

https://chicagoreader.com/music/tmbata-orchestra-electrify-armenian-folk-tradition/

Food: Armenian Connection With Indian Cooking And Its Influence

Emil Lazarian
  • Slurrp Desk

Updated :  15:03 IST

The cuisines of India and Armenia may seem worlds apart, but they share a surprising number of similarities. Both countries have a rich culinary history that is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. In this article, we will explore the influence of Armenia on Indian cuisine.

Indian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavours, and it has been shaped by various cultural influences over the centuries. One such influence that is often overlooked is the influence. The Armenian community has been an integral part of India for over 2,000 years, and their culinary traditions have left a lasting impression on Indian cuisine. In this article, let us explore the Armenian influence on Indian cuisine.

Armenians first came to India in the 4th century BCE and settled in various parts of the country, including Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. They brought with them their own unique culinary traditions, which have been assimilated into Indian cuisine over the years. Armenian cuisine is known for its rich flavours, use of spices, and focus on fresh ingredients, all of which have had an impact on Indian cuisine.

One of the most significant connections between Indian and Armenian cuisine is the use of spices. Armenians were known for their love of spices, and this has had a lasting impact on Indian cuisine. One of the most popular spice blends in Indian cuisine is garam masala, which is a blend of several spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. These spices were introduced to India by the Armenians, and they have become an essential part of Indian cooking.

Another common ingredient in Indian and Armenian cuisine is yoghurt. In India, yoghurt is used to make raita, a side dish made with chopped vegetables like onions and cucumber and spices that are often served with biryani or other rice dishes. In Armenia, yoghurt is used to make matzoon, a tangy and creamy yoghurt that is often served with meat dishes. In both countries, yoghurt is used to add a refreshing contrast to spicy or richly flavoured dishes.

Armenians also introduced various cooking techniques to India, which have been adopted and modified by Indians. One such technique is "dolma,' which is a stuffed vegetable dish. The dish is believed to have been introduced to India by the Armenians and is now an essential part of Indian cuisine. Similarly, the 'Kufta," or meatball, is another dish that is believed to have been inspired by Armenian cuisine.

One dish that perfectly illustrates the connection between Indian and Armenian cuisine is the Armenian pilaf. This dish, also known as paklava or plov, is made by cooking rice with spices and meat and is a staple in Armenian cuisine. The Indian biryani is a similar dish, made by cooking rice with spices, meat, and sometimes vegetables. Both dishes are hearty, flavourful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or a community.

In addition to shared ingredients, Indian and Armenian cuisine also share a passion for pickles and chutneys. In India, pickles are made with a variety of fruits and vegetables, like raw mango, lemon, and tomato. These pickles are often served as a condiment or side dish and are a great way to add a burst of flavour to any meal. In Armenian cuisine, pickles are made with vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. These pickles are often served as a side dish or appetizer and are a great way to add a crunchy, tangy element to a meal. In India, chutneys are made with a variety of ingredients, like mint, cilantro, coconut, and tamarind. These chutneys are often served with snacks like samosas or pakoras and are a great way to add a burst of flavour to any dish. In Armenian cuisine, a similar condiment is made with walnuts and pomegranate juice. This tangy and nutty sauce is often served with grilled meat or fish and is a unique and delicious addition to any meal.

One of the most significant contributions of Armenians to Indian cuisine is the creation of the iconic Indian sweet, the gulab jamun. The sweet is believed to have been inspired by an Armenian dessert called 'Luqmat al-Qadi,' which is a deep-fried dough ball soaked in honey syrup. The recipe was modified to include khoya, a type of milk solid, and is now an integral part of Indian cuisine. Similarly, the 'Jalebi' is also believed to have been inspired by an Armenian dessert called 'Zalabia.' 

Apart from food, the Armenian influence is also evident in the Indian tea culture. Armenians were known for their love of tea, and they brought with them various tea-making techniques to India. The famous "Irani chai" served in cafes across India is a direct result of the Armenian influence.

In conclusion, the Armenian influence on Indian cuisine is significant, and their culinary traditions have had a lasting impact on Indian cuisine. The use of spices, cooking techniques, and the creation of iconic sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi are all examples of the Armenian influence on Indian cuisine. The Armenian community has been an integral part of India for centuries, and their contribution to Indian culture and cuisine is worth celebrating.

Artsakh ombudsman releases ad hoc report on aftermath of Azeri blockade

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia –

Human Rights Defender of the Artsakh Republic Gegham Stepanyan on Tuesday published an ad hoc trilingual report on the violations of individual and collective human rights as a result of the 100-day blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, his office reported.

The report comprehensively and in detail presents data on the violations of 7 individual rights, 5 rights of vulnerable groups and 4 collective rights, which reflect the deepening humanitarian crisis and the genocidal policy of Azerbaijan towards the people of Artsakh. The document also contains 24 pictures and 27 human stories about the blockade, as well as 46 useful documents since 2016 on the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict and the violations of the rights of Artsakh people in its context.

In parallel with the complete blockade, Azerbaijan deliberately disrupts the normal operation of the vital infrastructure of Artsakh – the gas and electricity supplies, mobile and Internet communications with the aim to further aggravate the already severe humanitarian crisis and cause human suffering to the people of Artsakh.

The continuous blockade by Azerbaijan, disruption of the operation of vital infrastructure, as well as regularly and consistently carried out armed attacks and threats of use of force are aimed at subjecting Artsakh to ethnic cleansing and destroying the indigenous Armenian population of Artsakh by physical and psychological terror and creation of unbearable living conditions.

Below are presented some basic data reflected in the Report on human rights violations as a result of the 100-day blockade:

• The movement of people passing through the Stepanakert-Goris highway (along the Lachin corridor) has decreased by about 178 times (1,376 entries and departures instead of 245,000);

• Almost 43 times less car traffic was recorded on the road compared to what should have been in case of no blockade (2,154 car entries and departures, performed only by the Red Cross and Russian peacekeepers, instead of 92,000);

• Approximately 11 times less vital cargo was imported compared to what should have been in case of no blockade (3,707 tons instead of 40,000 tons);

• A total of about 3,900 people, including 570 children, were unable to return to their homes due to the blockade;

• Due to the suspension of the pre-planned operations, about 900 citizens lost the opportunity to solve their health problems via operations;

• Azerbaijan has completely or partially interrupted the gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh for a total of 34 days;

• The electricity supply from Armenia to Artsakh has been completely cut for 71 days now, which led to the introduction of 6-hour rolling blackouts followed by numerous accidents;

• According to preliminary estimates, about 9,800 people have actually lost their jobs and sources of income (including cases of job retention), which is more than 50% of the total number of private sector employees;

• The disruption of the gas and electricity supplies has led to unplanned deforestation – about 6,200 more trees were cut, which, in its turn, will create additional and long-term problems in terms of ensuring a healthy environment;

• The country's economy suffered loss in the amount of about USD 190 million, which led to the failure to meet the projected annual GDP figure of about 21% (USD 903 million);

• The construction of 32.6 km road, tens of kilometers of water pipeline, irrigation systems for thousands of hectares of land, 3,717 appartments, more than 40 social and industrial infrastructural facilities has been stopped;

• A number of violations of rights are more pronounced in case of vulnerable groups, in particular 30,000 children, 9,000 people with disabilities, 20,000 older people, 60,000 women (women and girls) and 15,000 displaced persons.

In addition to the continuous and multiple violations of the provisions of the Tripartite Statement of November 9, 2020, for 27 consecutive days now, the mandatory execution of the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of the United Nations (UN) on ensuring unhindered entry and departure of people, cars and cargo along the Lachin corridor has not been implemented by Azerbaijan, which once again tramples on the highest international values and principles. Consequently, the international community has not only the right, but also an indisputable obligation to implement the decision of the Supreme International Court of Justice by practical means as soon as possible and to prevent future Azerbaijani crimes, including the new planned and brutal crime against humanity.

All the violations of Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh are carried out within the framework of its state policy of racial discrimination (Armenophobia) and are deeply directed against their right to self-determination and the fact of its realisation, aimed at finally resolving the conflict to their advantage via ethnic cleansing based on the “no people, no rights” logic.

The systematic and consistent policy of ethnic hatred pursued by Azerbaijan, which manifested itself both during the aggression against the people of Artsakh in 2020 and after the establishment of the ceasefire regime, indisputably proves that any status of Artsakh within Azerbaijan is tantamount to ethnic cleansing of Artsakh and the genocide of the Armenians of Artsakh. Therefore, in the context of the Artsakh conflict, the right to self-determination is equal to the right of people to live in their homeland.

The fundamental right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, as well as the Azerbaijani encroachments and threats against their physical existence on the basis of racial discrimination are more than sufficient grounds for the protection of the people of Artsakh by the international community, as well as the international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh based on the principle of “remedial recognition”.

The full report is available here.

U.S. State Department report confirms execution of Armenian soldiers by Azerbaijani troops

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia –

The U.S. Department of State on Monday released the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices covering 198 countries and territories around the world, including Armenia.

The report says during last year, there were incidents of violence between Armenia and Azerbaijan that resulted in casualties and detentions.

“There were reports that Azerbaijani forces engaged in unlawful killings, and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment of Armenian forces in September. Complaints submitted by Armenia and Azerbaijan to the European Court of Human Rights accusing each other of committing atrocities during the fighting in 2020 and 2016 awaited the court’s ruling. Armenia submitted new complaints regarding the September fighting,” the State Department says.

“Following intensive fighting between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces in mid-September, there were credible reports of unlawful killings involving summary executions of Armenian soldiers in Azerbaijani custody.

"On October 2, Azerbaijani social media accounts circulated a video that Human Rights Watch and the investigative journalism group Bellingcat reported appeared to depict the unlawful summary execution of at least seven Armenian soldiers by troops in Azerbaijani military uniform. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Bellingcat announced respectively on October 14 and October 20 they had verified the video as having been made in mid-September. HRW described the execution as a “war crime for which there needs to be accountability.”

“Another video circulated by social media users beginning on October 11 appeared to depict three Armenian soldiers in the custody of Azerbaijani soldiers on the premises of a military post. The bodies of all three reportedly were later returned to the Armenian government. The Armenian armed forces and Armenian human rights lawyers separately identified the three soldiers,” reads the report.