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

The Prime Minister gets acquainted with the overhaul works of kindergarten No. 10 in Kapan

Emil Lazarian

 18:33,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 28, ARMENPRESS. In the sidelines of the visit to Syunik region, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan familiarized himself with the renovation works of Kindergarten No. 10 in Kapan carried out within the framework of the subsidy program. the Prime Minister's Office said.

The number of students in the pre-school institution is 99, as a result of the renovation, attendance of about 140 students is planned. The total cost of the project is 293.8 million AMD, 80 percent of which was allocated by the Government. The two-story building was built in the 1980s. Under the project, repair works of the building were carried out: waterproofing, replacement of doors and windows, interior finishing, roof repair, installation of children's playground, fencing and beautification of the area.

Pobeda Airlines launches Gyumri-Sochi flights

Emil Lazarian

 09:52,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS Pobeda Airlines has launched direct flights from the Russian city of Sochi to Armenia’s Gyumri.

The roundtrip flights will be operated 4 times per week from Sochi International Airport to Shirak International Airport in Gyumri, Armenia International Airports said in a statement.

Government plans 125% more defense spending in 2024 compared to 2018

Emil Lazarian

 12:32,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government plans a significant increase in defense spending in 2024, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told lawmakers at a committee hearing on the budget draft.

He stressed that the growing dynamics of the defense spending doesn’t anyhow contradict the peace agenda.

“Defense spending in 2024 will be more than doubled compared to 2018, increasing by 125%. The increasing part of the 2024 budget is 309 billion drams alone, while the entire 2018 budget was 247,9 billion drams,” Pashinyan said.

“The reforms of our army, our military are a priority for us. And I also have to stress that such a dynamics of defense spending doesn’t anyhow contradict our declared peace agenda, because having a combat ready military is the legitimate right and mandatory attribute of any state,” the PM said.

In terms of security, the PM also mentioned the newly created Foreign Intelligence Service.

“It has already been created and is now being developed. I hope, and I am convinced, that it will become an additional and significant factor in terms of ensuring Armenia’s foreign security,” the PM said.

At present Armenian Embassy received no requests regarding the transportation of citizens from Lebanon to Yerevan: MFA

Emil Lazarian

 20:44, 24 October 2023

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Embassy of the Republic of Armenia to the Lebanese Republic  is in regular contact with the relevant bodies of Lebanon, as well as the leadership of the Armenian community structures to propose solutions that can contribute to the safety of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, as well as many thousands of Lebanese Armenians.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan said in response to Armenpress question.
She also noted that at the moment the Armenian embassy has not received any request regarding the transportation of citizens from Lebanon to Armenia.

"In response to several requests, the embassy provided the necessary information, including currently operating Beirut-Yerevan commercial flights," said Ani Badalyan.

AW: Recent Armenian American Graduates: Kick-Start your Careers in Washington, D.C.

Emil Lazarian
October 23, 2023 The Armenian Weekly ANCA News 0

The application deadline for the Winter 2024 session of the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program is November 17. Visit anca.org/gateway to learn more and apply.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Recent graduates interested in starting careers in policy, politics or media are invited to apply for the winter 2024 session of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP) – a unique Washington, D.C. job placement service that has helped hundreds of Armenian Americans explore professional opportunities in the nation’s capital.

The Capital Gateway Program offers successful applicants three months of free housing, professional development workshops, networking opportunities and personalized mentorships to help them excel in their careers in Washington, D.C.

Applications for the winter 2024 session are due by November 17. The session begins on January 8, 2024. In addition to recent graduates, the Gateway Program also serves university students interested in Washington, D.C. internship opportunities – both at the ANCA offices and at various governmental agencies, space permitting.

“Hundreds of Armenian American young professionals started their Washington, D.C. policy careers through the ANCA’s Gateway Program. With mentorships, enrichment seminars and free housing – right in the heart of the nation’s capital – the transition to Washington, D.C. is smoother than ever,” said ANCA Communications Director Elizabeth Chouldjian.

Fall 2022 fellow Soseh Yepoyan called the Gateway Program “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to kick-start your D.C. professional career,” noting that constructive workshops and networking events help participants explore opportunities and identify where their future interests lie. Watch Soseh’s video testimonial here.

“Coming to a new city can be daunting, but with the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program, it becomes a home away from home,” explained fellow fall 2022 participant Nikolas Manzo, who touted the program’s master class in resume building, networking and LinkedIn prep as particularly useful.  Watch Nikolas’ video testimonial here.

Launched in 2003, the ANCA Gateway Program is named after Hovig Apo Saghdejian, a beloved young community leader who lost his life in a tragic car accident and whose eternal memory continues to inspire new generations of Armenian Americans. His family generously established the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fund in his memory and, over the past decade, has played a vital role in the expansion of the program. Substantial support has also been provided through a grant by the Cafesjian Family Foundation, longtime ANCA benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Barbara Hekimian, and the Armenian American Veterans Post of Milford, Massachusetts (AAVO).

The Gateway Program has helped over 275 Armenian American professionals from across the U.S. explore career prospects in Washington, D.C. Gateway Program fellows are offered three months of free housing at the ANCA’s Aramian House, located in the heart of Washington, D.C. in the Dupont Circle neighborhood, just blocks from the ANCA offices. The Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee (CGPAC) coordinates a series of career placement workshops on a range of issues, including resume and cover letter preparation, effective interview strategies and networking. The CGPAC also connects fellows with mentors most closely aligned with their career goals for one-on-one advice and encouragement.

For university students interested in a quarter/semester in Washington, D.C., the ANCA CGP can assist with internship guidance and placements both at the ANCA headquarters and other public policy and government institutions.

The Aramian House was purchased in 2016 and made possible through a generous donation by the family of the late community leader and philanthropist Martha Aramian of Providence, Rhode Island. The Aramian family – led by sisters Sue, the late Margo and the late Martha – have long been among the most generous benefactors of ANCA programs and charitable projects in the Armenian homeland and the Diaspora.

Additional information about the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program is available at anca.org/gateway, by emailing [email protected] or by calling (202) 775-1918. Information about all the ANCA’s youth empowerment programs is available at https://anca.org/youth.

Montenegrin PM lauds Georgian counterpart for bringing together Armenian, Azerbaijani PMs to Silk Road Forum

Emil Lazarian
AGENDA, Georgia
Oct 26 2023

Dritan Abazović, the Prime Minister of Montenegro, on Thursday congratulated his Georgian counterpart Irakli Garibashvili for bringing together the Prime Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia at the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum. 

In his comments at the event, Abazović highlighted similarities between his country and Georgia by saying “we also try to act as a bridge to connect our neighbours”. 

I am from Montenegro and my country is very similar to Georgia in many aspects. We are a country located in the Western Balkans, and like Georgia, we also try to play the role of a bridge, to connect our neighbours to each other, to connect people to each other”, Abazović told the audience.

“I would especially like to congratulate [Garibashvili], because he has brought together here today two of our counterparts, my friends, the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, as well as the Prime Minister of Armenia, two countries that are friends of Montenegro”, he told the event.

This is a great opportunity to talk about important projects that are important for the future of this region and are also important for both Europe and Asia”, the visiting official continued.

Abazović also stressed the importance of “how big an idea is”, as opposed to the size of countries, in the modern global environment in his comments.

WSJ: Pashinyan sees no advantage in Russian military presence in Armenia

Emil Lazarian
The Kyiv Independent
Oct 26 2023
by Martin Fornusek

Yerevan sees no advantage in the continued presence of Russian military bases in Armenia, as Moscow failed to live up to its commitment as an ally, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told the Wall Street Journal in an interview published on Oct. 25.

Armenia's rival Azerbaijan launched a military offensive last month against the ethnic Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, which is internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory, achieving full military victory after a day of hostilities.

Moscow failed to dissuade or stop Baku's advance even though Russian "peacekeepers" have been present in the region since the last Karabakh war in 2020. Russia is also Armenia's formal ally, as both countries are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military pact.

The military cooperation between the two nations includes Russian army garrisons in two locations on Armenian territory, as well as an airbase, Reuters said.

"These events have essentially brought us to a decision that we need to diversify our relationships in the security sphere, and we are trying to do that now," Pashinyan said in the interview.

Armenia has been increasingly looking further west for new allies. French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said earlier this week that France agreed to strengthen the Caucasian country's air defense capabilities.

Pashinyan's steps sparked have ire in Russia. An unnamed Russian official told the state news agency TASS that the Armenian leadership is "trying to turn Armenia into Ukraine No. 3… and Pashinyan is taking leaps and bounds along the path of Volodymyr Zelensky."

In his speech in the European Parliament on Oct. 17, the Armenian head of government noted that not only did Yerevan's allies decline to fulfill their security obligations, but they also attempted to "subvert Armenia's democracy and sovereignty." He stopped short of naming a specific country, however.

Yerevan may need more reliable partners soon. Western leadership is reportedly growing worried that Azerbaijan may not satisfy itself with Karabakh and might try to conquer parts of Armenia in the coming months to create a land bridge with Turkey, the Journal said.

Yan Girls to represent Armenia in Junior Eurovision 2023 Song Contest

Emil Lazarian

 10:01, 26 October 2023

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Yan Girls will represent Armenia in the "Junior Eurovision 2023" Song Contest with the song called "Do It My Way". Armenia’s entry for this year was chosen through a competition announced by the Public TV of Armenia.

In 2023, Nané, Nancy, Kamilla, Syuzanna, and Aida formed the group Yan Girls to participate in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. Inspired by the legendary K-pop artists, Yan Girls brings the familiar sound to a completely new level with influences from traditional Armenian music elements. Young, colourful, rebellious and poppy, they sing about the importance of staying true to yourself, being confident and doing things the best way – their way. “Do It My Way” was composed by Tokionine, the lyrics are written by Maléna and Vahram Petrosyan – the same team behind JESC 2021 winning song “Qami Qami”. The music video is directed by Artur Manukyan.

Nancy is 11 years old. Most of all, she loves singing and painting and is fond of art. Her favourite music genre is Pop. Her favourite music artists are Iveta Mukuchyan, Aram MP3, Dua Lipa, Beyonce, Black Pink, and BTS. Her biggest dream was to represent Armenia in Junior Eurovision.

9-years-old Aida is passionate about singing and dancing. Her favourite music genres are K-pop and Hip-hop, with her favourite groups being BlackPink, Triple Charms, and BTS. In her free time, she loves surfing. She has many dreams – one being the lead actress in a movie, and the biggest one is having her own song and dance studio. 

Syuzanna is 10 years old. She sings, dances, plays piano, and does artistic gymnastics. Her best friend is her dog – the first to listen to all her songs.

Kamilla is 11 years old. She has played piano, and drums and has sung since the age of 4. She loves active games and puzzles. In her free time, she builds unique structures with Legos. Her favourite music genre is classical and contemporary pop music.

Nané is 11 years old. She loves to sing and dance and pose for the camera. Her hobby is painting, and she’s proud that some of her paintings have been parts of different exhibitions.

Armenia joins over 65 nations in Malta to chart course for ending war in Ukraine

Emil Lazarian
Oct 28 2023
The New Voice of Ukraine

Armenia has taken part for the first time in a meeting on the Ukrainian Peace Formula, which this time is being held in Malta, the Armenian service of Radio Liberty reported on Oct. 28.

The meeting at the level of foreign policy and national security advisors was attended by Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan.

Read also: Yermak and Sullivan discuss joint defense production and upcoming Ukraine Peace Formula meeting in Malta

International support for the Ukrainian Peace Formula is growing, and more and more states are joining its implementation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief-of-staff Andriy Yermak noted. In particular, both Western countries and countries from the Global South are represented at this event.

"The large number of countries from the Global South involved in the meeting is a confirmation of this (growing support for the Peace Formula),” Yermak wrote on a post in Telegram.

Read also: In call with Qatari emir, Zelenskyy expresses gratitude for Doha's help in repatriating Ukrainian children abducted by Russia

“This is indeed a demonstration that the world is interested in justice and Ukraine's victory," he said, adding that Russian claims about a loss of interest in Ukraine were not true.

The head of the President’s Office also provided details of the issues to be discussed in Malta, noting that this meeting is "about specifics."

The gathering will present and discuss "concrete plans" for the implementation of five points of the 10-point Peace Formula: nuclear safety, energy security, food security, humanitarian issues (release of prisoners and deportees), and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and world order.

These plans were developed by working groups that included representatives of the embassies and experts from different countries, Yermak said.

The goal is to hold a Global Peace Summit at the level of state leaders.

On Oct. 28 and 29, Malta hosts the third meeting on the Ukrainian Peace Formula at the level of advisors to the heads of state. Previous meetings were held in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Ukraine also intends to organize a global summit on the Peace Formula.

In November 2022, at the G20 summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented a 10-point peace formula, which includes, among other things, the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all prisoners, a tribunal for those responsible for aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Read also: Zelenskyy discusses Peace Formula, grain exports with South African leader

The ten points of the Ukrainian Peace Formula are as follows:

  1. Radiation and nuclear safety;

  2. Food security;

  3. Energy security;

  4. Release of all prisoners and deportees;

  5. Implementation of the UN Charter and restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and world order;

  6. Withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities;

  7. Justice, i.e., a tribunal for those responsible for the aggression and compensation for damages;

  8. Immediate protection of the environment;

  9. Security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent escalation;

  10. Confirmation of the end of the war.

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Turkish Press: Russian, Azerbaijani foreign ministers discuss preparation of Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty

Emil Lazarian
Anadolu Agency, Turkey
Oct 29 2023
Elena Teslova

MOSCOW

Russian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers discussed preparation for an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty in a telephone call Saturday.

Sergey Lavrov and Jeyhun Bayramov confirmed the need to step up efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

They also spoke about unblocking transport communications and delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

The Azerbaijani army initiated an anti-terrorism operation last month in Karabakh to establish constitutional order in the region, after which illegal separatist forces in the region surrendered.

Azerbaijan, having now established full sovereignty in the region, has reiterated its request to the Armenian population in Karabakh to become part of Azerbaijani society.