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, UAE agree to sign MoU on cybersecurity cooperation

Emil Lazarian

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 15:10,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Minister of High Tech Industry Robert Khachatryan, who is on a visit in the United Arab Emirates, met with Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, the Director of the Cybersecurity Council of the United Arab Emirates.

During the meeting Minister Khachatryan and Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti discussed the possibilities of bilateral cooperation between Armenia and the United Arab Emirates in cybersecurity, the ministry said in a read-out.

An agreement was reached to sign an MoU on cybersecurity to regulate sectoral cooperation.

Khachatryan is leading a delegation to the United Arab Emirates to participate in the International Defense Conference and IDEX 2023 defense exhibition.

18 Armenian companies are represented at IDEX 2023.

Armenia’s exports to EEU countries grew by 1,6 billion dollars in 2022

Emil Lazarian

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 15:28,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Eurasian Economic Union’s (EEU) mutual trade volume grew by 10,3% and totaled 80,6 billion dollars in 2022, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) said in a statement citing the Eurasian Development Bank’s data.

It added that Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan increased their exports in the EEU by 9,8 billion dollars (1,4 times), of which by 9,5 billion dollars into Russia.

“Armenia’s exports to the EEU grew by 1,6 billion dollars (2,8 times), Belarus’ exports by 5,6 billion dollars (1,3 times), Kazakhstan’s exports by 1,9 billion dollars (1,2 times) and Kyrgyzstan’s exports by 646 million dollars (1,8 times), the EEC said.

The EEC said that the importance of the union’s market grew significantly for Armenia and Kyrgyzstan. The share of the union’s countries in the total exports of Armenia grew from 29,3% to 46,8%, and from 28,8% to 65,8% for Kyrgyzstan.”

‘Over 90% of Armenian population says Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan’, MP tells Euronest

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia – Feb 20 2023

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not a territorial dispute, but an issue of self-determination, Armenian MP Hayk Mamijanyan of the opposition Pativ Unem bloc told a meeting of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly Committee on Social Affairs, Employment, Education, Culture and Civil Society in response to the Azerbaijani delegate’s remarks on Monday. His full statement is provided below.

“Madam chair, please believe me that social issues have no nationality or state of origin, so we all do respect all the victims of other conflicts, people who live in Nagorno-Karabakh have the right to be regarded by their rights.

First of all, I would like to state regarding Azerbaijani delegation, we are not the only ones who are stating that the Luchin corridor is blockaded. The European Parliament states the same, vast majority of PACE officials state the same and very other international organizations, so when you accuse us of telling not the truth as a collateral damage you accuse the European Parliament and other respectful European organizations for saying not truth.

There is nothing special and nothing surprising in this policy, holding hostages is the brand of Azeri diplomacy for a very long time. A few years ago, until now for more than 30, I am speaking about the official number of Armenian POWs there are still kept in Baku as hostages, and now we have 120,000 more hostages who are kept in Artsakh as hostages for Azerbaijan to have a possibility to make diplomacy. It is their brand of diplomacy. The other point I want to share are regarding the experts visit to Baku. I am really surprised because for many years, people who have surname ending “yan”, no matter what passport they are holding, the US, Russian one, or European one, were forbidden to visit Azerbaijan and there are many cases regarding that. I also wanted to clarify for my international colleagues that I do repeat, there are no Armenian troops in Nagorno-Karabakh, and it has been stated very many times. Speaking about the peace treaty and peace discussions, at the moment there are some discussions regarding negotiations between Armenian and Azerbaijan, first of all speaking about the territorial integrity have mentioned, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not and has never been a territorial dispute, it is an issue of self-determination, that's plain and simple.

I do believe that the so-called peace treaty or peace negotiations had to be conducted on the bases of OSCE Minsk Group framework, five statements made by the co-chairs of OSCE Minsk Group and importantly in this chambers by the principles that are stated in the CEPA agreement between Armenia and EU, which was ratified by all the member states of EU, so I do believe that the voice of your legislative organs, parliaments is really important for you, and no matter what are you discussing currently with Nikol Pashinyan. I want you to know that more than 90 percent of the population of the Republic of Armenia says that Artsakh will never be the part of Azerbaijan. So not only Arthur Khachatryan was speaking about it this morning, more than 90 percent of population of Armenia is stating that.

I don’t want to really burden you with more of information regarding what Azerbaijan delegation stated but what currently is happening in Nagorno-Karabakh is consequence, social consequence and assumed to become a humanitarian crisis. Regarding the ammunition and the staff like that, please take into consideration that gas pipeline, electric cable and cable for internet from time to time blocked and injured by the Azeri troops, so I don’t really believe that there can be something discussed about the pseudo or so-called eco-activists. I do repeat that vast majority of terms I have used was expressed in resolution by the European Parliament.”

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2023/02/20/MP-Euronest/2796813

Governor of Shirak holds meeting with Russian Ambassador

Emil Lazarian

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 14:27,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Governor of Shirak Mushegh Muradyan held a meeting with the Ambassador of Russia in Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin.

The Governor talked about the friendly relations between the two countries and the programs implemented in Shirak, Muradyan’s office said in a read-out.

“Mr. Ambassador, welcome to Shirak Province, I am glad to meet you. The friendship between the Armenian and Russian peoples has history of centuries. In 2022, we held big celebrations on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Russia. As governor of Shirak, I also attach importance to de-centralized cooperation. Naturally you know that the Shirak province has memoranda and agreements of cooperation with Ulyanovsk, and Gyumri with Kursk, Mozdok, Domodedovo, Tver and other cities. I’d be happy if we could put the cooperation on more substantive foundations. We are ready for cooperation, I am sure we will be able to have new results through joint work,” the governor said.

The Ambassador thanked for the warm reception and said that he also attaches importance to the steps aimed at more substantive cooperation. He congratulated Muradyan on his appointment as governor and said that he attaches importance to the preservation of the allied relations with Armenia and strengthening of cooperation. “We are happy to visit Shirak and I am ready for the implementation of new practical programs.”

Issues related to the prospects of trade-economic, educational and cultural relations were discussed. An agreement was reached to organize new meetings to implement new joint initiatives.

International Aikido Aikikai Festival held with technical support of Ucom

Emil Lazarian

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 15:37,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. On February 17-19, 2023, with the technical support of Ucom, the 15th international seminar initiated by the Armenian Aikido Aikikai Federation was held in Yerevan, and hosted 35 foreign guests. 

International seminars are a great opportunity for Aikido athletes to discover new tricks, improve their skills and set new benchmarks.

Moreover, it is a formed culture in Aikido to hold festivals during the seminars, within the framework of which the participants demonstrate their mastery.

“This year, with the technical support of Ucom, the demonstrative performances were organized in online format, so that as many aikidokas as possible around the world would have the opportunity to follow the festival”, mentioned Ara Khachatryan, Director General at Ucom. 

“I want to express my profound gratitude to Ucom for the willingness to assure super powerful internet connection and for the execution of all the essential actions as fast as possible”, said Armen Avetisyan, the president of the Armenian Aikido Aikikai Federation.

Asbarez: Pashinyan, Aliyev Spar During Munich Panel Discussion

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Latest, News, Top Stories

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at a panel discussion in Munich on Feb. 18


Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan sparred at a panel discussion during the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, hours after meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the process of normalization of relations between the two countries.

The panel discussion also included Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Secretary General of the OSCE Helga Schmid and was moderated by Chairman of the Munich Security Conference Christoph Heusgen.

Aliyev peppered his remarks by advancing the false narratives of his country and reiterating his claims that “there is no such administrative unit as Nagorno Karabakh and that the word Nagorno Karabakh is no longer valid.” He also accused Armenia of destroying and desecrating mosques. The Azerbaijani leader also said that the November 9, 2020 agreement constituted a “capitulation” by Armenia.

In his response Pashinyan reminded Aliyev that the November 9, 2020 statement signed by Aliyev himself contains the words “Nagorno Karabakh” and cautioned the Azerbaijani leader against making highly dangerous statements that could be viewed as attempts to give religious context to the situation or deepen enmity. Pashinyan said the platform must be used to make things better.

“About Nagorno Karabakh. You know, President [Aliyev] mentioned the tilateral statement, which has provisions that include Nagorno Karabakh and we have signature of the president of Azerbaijan under this document,” Pashinyan said. “And we have the Lachin corridor that should be freely operable — and by the way according to that trilateral statement — outside of Azerbaijan’s control, and it carries the signature of president of Azerbaijan.”

To illustrate his point, Pashinyan recalled the recent incident when children traveling to Artsakh after the Lachin Corridor blockade on a convoy led by the International Committee of the Red Cross, masked Azerbaijani men stormed the vehicles and terrorized the passengers.

He said through Baku’s actions and accusations it could be concluded that Azerbaijan is advancing a policy of revenge. Pashinyan added that the mandate presented to them as leaders of their respective countries should be used to advance more tolerance and transparency.

“I am proud that our government was able to have free, democratic elections in our country that was acknowledged internationally as free, democratic and transparent and competitive event after the war. And as I said, from our point of view the solution is democracy, the solution is transparency, solution is dialogue, respect, for all countries in our region. And we are ready to work in that direction,” Pashinyan said.

Heusgen, the Munich Security Conference chair and the moderator asked Pashinyan to address the Lachin Corridor blockade.

“It already has been 70 days that the Lachin corridor is blocked and now unfortunately we have a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh, and an anergy crisis as well because electricity supplies to Nagorno Karabakh have been cut off, and the gas supplies as well have been shut down,” said Pashinyan.

“We have counted and during last 70 days the gas supplies were cut off at least 10 times and it is a problem that should be addressed. And our position is that in the trilateral statement from November 9, 2020 we have very precise provisions connected with the Lachin corridor, and according to that statement it is the obligation of Azerbaijan and the Russian peacekeepers to keep the Lachin corridor operable,” explained Pashinyan.

“Now, unfortunately, we have totally different situation and I meant Lachin corridor as well saying that international attention should be kept on this situation, because we are afraid that continuation of this situation can cause irreversible humanitarian consequences for Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh,” Pashinyan said.

PM Pashinyan meets with Europol Executive Director in Munich

Emil Lazarian

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 18:46, 17 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Catherine De Bolle, Executive Director of Europol, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

Issues related to the further development of cooperation in the fight against crime were discussed.

The Prime Minister referred to the reforms and programs implemented in Armenia’s police system, expressing hope that cooperation will also develop in this direction.

Catherine De Bolle assessed the cooperation with Armenian law enforcement bodies as effective and emphasized Europol's readiness to continue close cooperation with Armenian partners.

Russian peacekeepers deliver over 35 tons of humanitarian aid to Nagorno Karabakh

Emil Lazarian

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 10:07,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. The Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh delivered over 35 tons of humanitarian aid to the local population, the Russian Ministry of Defense said in a press release.

The ministry said that the Russian peacekeeping contingent organized a humanitarian campaign for children in Stepanakert.

It said that the Russian Aerospace Forces transported the humanitarian cargo – collected by the We are United multinational project – from Russia to the Armenian capital of Yerevan. Then, the Russian peacekeepers transported the 35 tons of food products to Stepanakert through the Lachin corridor.

The Russian Defense Ministry said the Russian peacekeeping contingent carried out humanitarian actions in various cities and settlement in Nagorno Karabakh.

Together with volunteers of the multinational project, a similar campaign was held at the Andrey Sakharov #8 school and at the children’s care center in Stepanakert. The Russian peacekeepers gave food to school students and vulnerable families. The children and employees at the children’s care center were also given humanitarian aid.

Armenpress: Russian peacekeepers deliver humanitarian cargo to Artsakh

Emil Lazarian

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 20:33, 17 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to fulfill its tasks in Nagorno-Karabakh, ARMENPRESS reports, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation said in a message.

It is noted that Russian peacekeepers are monitoring the situation at 30 observation points and monitoring the ceasefire. "The command of the force continues negotiations with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides on the issue of restoring the traffic of vehicles on the Stepanakert-Goris road (Lachin Corridor – ed.)," the message says.

According to the report, patrolling was carried out in the regions of Martakert, Martuni, Shushi and in the Lachin Corridor. Two convoys of Russian peacekeeping troops with humanitarian cargo were escorted along the Goris-Stepanakert route. Grocery packages were provided to multi-child families, families with disabled children and participants of the Great Patriotic War.

Asbarez: Superintendent Ekchian Among Recipients of L.A. County ‘Women of the Year’ Award

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 February 16, 2023

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

Glendale Schools Superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian


Glendale United School District Superintendent Dr. Vivian Ekchian will be one of the honorees at this year’s Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Women of the Year awards events.

The event will take place on March 13 when the L.A. County Board of Supervisors and the Commission for Women will hold its 38th Annual Women of the Year Awards and Commemorative Celebration, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

This year 13 women who have diligently worked to better the lives of women in Los Angeles County will be honored. The luncheon will be held at the Sheraton Grand Los Angeles in Downtown Los Angeles, 711 S. Hope St., in the California Ballroom. Registration and check-in will open at 10:30 a.m. and the event will begin promptly at 11 a.m.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will receive the President’s Award.

Ekchian will be honored in the education category.

A portion of the proceeds from these events will be used to provide education scholarships for young at-risk women.