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

Chief of General Staff of Armed Forces of Armenia, Russian Ambassador discuss military cooperation and regional security

Emil Lazarian

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 19:15,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 22, ARMENPRESS. On August 22, the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia, Major General Edward Asryan received Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Armenia Sergey Kopirkin. The defense attaché of the embassy, colonel Igor Shcherbakov also took part in the meeting.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MoD Armenia, Sergey Kopirkin congratulated Edward Asryan on assuming the post of the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces and wished him success during his responsible mission.

A number of issues related to military cooperation as well as regional security were discussed at the meeting.

Asbarez: Dr. Hrag Papazian to Discuss ‘The Christian Armenian Community’ at Fresno State

Emil Lazarian
 by Contributor

 

 

 

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Dr. Hrag Papazian

Dr. Hrag Papazian, Kazan Visiting Professor in Armenian Studies, will present an in-person lecture entitled “The Christian Armenian Community.” The lecture will be held on Friday, September 9 at 7:00 p.m., in the Smittcamp Alumni House, Whitten Boardroom, on the Fresno State campus. The presentation is the first in Dr. Papazian’s three-part series on “Armenians and ‘Other Armenians’ in Contemporary Turkey.”

This first lecture will discuss the legal-institutional and political contexts in which Christian Armenian citizens of Turkey had to survive and organize their communal life since the founding of the Republic. Dr. Papazian will examine the impact of these on the ways Armenian identity has been experienced and, importantly, on how it is conventionally understood and defined in the community. The talk will also explore some of the more recent developments among Turkey’s Armenians facilitated by contextual changes at the turn of the 21st century.

Dr. Hrag Papazian is the Kazan Visiting Professor of Armenian Studies at Fresno State. He earned his doctoral degree in anthropology from the University of Oxford (2020) where his dissertation about Armenians in contemporary Turkey was awarded the David Parkin Prize. His thesis also received an honorary mention in the Society for Armenian Studies Distinguished Dissertation Award competition (2017-2020). Before coming to Fresno, Papazian was Promise Armenian Institute Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Anthropology at UCLA. He has also been a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge and an Adjunct Lecturer at the American University of Armenia.

The lecture is free and open to the public. The Smittcamp Alumni House is located at 2625 E. Matoian Way on the Fresno State campus. Free parking is available in Fresno State Lots P1 and P2 (parking permits are not required on Friday evenings). Enter the campus at Shaw and Maple Aves. and turn right onto Matoian Way (first stop sign). The Smittcamp Alumni House is the second building on the left.

For information about upcoming Armenian Studies Program presentations, please follow us on our Facebook page, @ArmenianStudiesFresnoState or at the Program website.

Armenian, Georgian PMs inaugurate new border bridge

Emil Lazarian

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 14:52,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 19, ARMENPRESS. The new bridge at the Bagratashen-Sadakhlo border crossing point of the Armenian-Georgian state border was officially inaugurated on August 19.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia and Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili of Georgia inaugurated the Friendship Bridge.

Photos by Mkhitar Khachatryan

In statements to the press, the prime ministers congratulated each other on the occasion of launching the bridge signaling the Armenian-Georgian close collegial partnership and comprehensive cooperation.

“Undoubtedly, the centuries-old relations between our two friendly countries anchored on common values and historic heritage have the need of such modern infrastructure, which creates solid foundation for our future comprehensive cooperation. I am more than convinced that today all necessary prerequisites exist for the development and deepening of relations with brotherly Georgia, in line with the important priorities of Armenia’s foreign policy,” Pashinyan said.

He added that despite the current conditions of difficult challenges a noticeable growth in trade was recorded between Armenia and Georgia, which is a result of joint, uninterrupted and consistent work.

“Nevertheless the Armenian-Georgian trade-economic relations have greater potential. There are serious opportunities for deepening cooperation in industry, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, information and communication, transport, energy, tourism and other sectors. It is obvious that connection routes have key significance for developing trade relations, which enable to integrate into the world economy and ensure vital connection on the national, regional and international levels. The priority of the transport sector in our bilateral cooperation and partnership in several international transport organizations enable us to take realistic steps not only in the Persian Gulf-Black Sea International Transport Corridor but also other initiatives ensuring nodal connection in the transport sector,” the Armenian PM said.

Speaking about cargo shipments, the Armenian PM said it is necessary to make additional efforts to provide more facilitated movement of the freights. In this context he noted the importance of railway transport and multimodal transport, namely ferry transport.

“As a transit country Georgia has great role for Armenia in terms of reliable supply of energy resources, connection and communication. We have big experience in productive cooperation in energy. Relevant ministries and bodies must carry out every-day and consistent work in direction of ensuring cybersecurity and the abovementioned areas.”

Artsakh NSS opens criminal case against blogger Roman Baghdasaryan

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia – Aug 20 2022
Alexandr Avanesov

ArmInfo.The National Security Service of Artsakh opened a criminal case against blogger Roman Baghdasaryan for perjury. This is stated in the message of the  department.

The NSS notes that on December 1, 2021, the Prosecutor General's  Office of Artsakh sent a video recording with the participation of  Armenian citizen Roman Baghdasaryan to the NSS of the republic, in  which he stated about the murders allegedly committed during the war  by the military personnel of the Artsakh Defense Army and former  generals who gave the relevant orders.

According to the results of operational-search and criminal procedure  measures taken by the National Security Service, Roman Baghdasaryan's  statements were refuted, on the basis of which a decision was made to  refuse to initiate a criminal case on the grounds that there was no  corpus delicti. Taking into account these circumstances, the National  Security Service initiated criminal proceedings against Baghdasaryan  for perjury 

Armenian monumental art monuments are removed from Berdzor, Aghavno settlements of Artsakh

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia – Aug 20 2022
12:33, 20.08.2022

Monuments of monumental art have been removed from Berdzor, Aghavno, and Sus settlements that will be handed over to Azerbaijani control, and only the memorial stone at the central intersection of Berdzor remains. Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Lernik Hovhannisyan informed Armenian News-NEWS.am about this.

"We will make the final removal on Monday, and we will already discuss with Artsakh Diocese [of the Armenian Apostolic Church] and other interested parties, and we will already make a decision on where these monuments and cross-stones will be [re]located," Hovhannisyan added.

Artsakh Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Hayk Khanumyan had informed the Armenian residents of Aghavno village and Berdzor town that they had to leave their homes by August 25.

Georgia a key transit country for Armenia – Armenian PM

Emil Lazarian

Aug 19 2022

Georgia as a transit country is of "great importance" for Armenia in the matter of reliable and safe supply of energy resources, communications and telecommunications to the country, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan said on Friday at the opening of a new bridge connecting the two neighbouring countries, an occasion he attended with his Georgian counterpart Irakli Garibashvili. 

  • PM hails successful “cooperation and friendship” with Armenia in opening “bridge of friendship”

In his remarks, Pashinyan said the trade turnover between Armenia and Georgia had been “significantly increased”. 

A serious growth has been observed in Armenian-Georgian trade and economic relations. The trade turnover between Armenia and Georgia has increased by 97 percent compared to the same period of the last year. This is a very important indicator, which is the result of continuous and consistent efforts from both sides”, the Armenian PM said. 

Speaking about future prospects, Pashinyan  stressed the importance of regular intergovernmental meetings to “further strengthen cooperation” in cyber security, environmental protection, employment, education, sport, as well as youth and border matters. 

  • Georgian, Armenian PMs discuss cooperation agenda

The Head of the Armenian Government also said the two countries could take steps to get involved in various international projects. 

Expressing readiness for a “deeper cooperation”, Georgian PM Irakli Garibashvili said the new bridge “symbolised friendship and successful cooperation” between the two neighbours, noting the bridge also carried “strategic importance” as it was a part of the East-West International Highway. 

 

2022 Aurora Prize designated organizations announced

Emil Lazarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia – Aug 19 2022


“Aurora is based on the universal concept of Gratitude in Action. It implies that people around the world who have received aid in time of crisis can best express their gratitude by offering similar assistance to someone else. As we celebrate the global humanitarian community and its impact, we are excited to use this occasion to tell the world about the organizations chosen by the 2022 Aurora Humanitarians and raise further awareness about Aurora’s movement,” said Lord Ara Darzi, Chair of Aurora Prize Selection Committee and Co-Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.

The 2022 Aurora Humanitarians have decided to support organizations that provide humanitarian relief, promote peace, defend human rights, help distressed and displaced communities and facilitate access to medical care.

Jamila Afghani (Afghanistan),a peace activist and founder of the Noor Educational and Capacity Development Organization (NECDO) who has dedicated over 25 years of her life to ensuring the women of Afghanistan have access to education, has designated the following organizations:

  • Women International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
  • Noor Education and Capacity Development Organization (NECDO)

Hadi Jumaan(Yemen), a mediator and body collector who regularly risks his life to facilitate the exchange of prisoners of war and recover human remains from the front lines, has designated the following organizations:

  • Yemen Aid
  • Partners Yemen

Mahienour El-Massry(Egypt), a lawyer and political activist who promotes political freedom and human rights in her home country by organizing peaceful protests and defending political prisoners in courts, has designated the following organizations:

  • Action For Hope
  • Mersal Foundation

“World Humanitarian Day is a great opportunity to honor people like the Aurora Humanitarians who put themselves at risk to save others. The non-profits selected by this year’s Humanitarians and their vital work have already changed the lives of thousands of people, and we’re hopeful they would be able to achieve even more with support from Aurora,” noted Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Aurora Prize Selection Committee Member. 

The 2022 Aurora Prize Ceremony and special events will take place in Venice, Italy, on October 14–16, 2022. Aurora will bring together the world’s leading humanitarians to honor modern-day heroes, celebrate the spirit of humanity, and empower the next generation of saviors.

Since its launch, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has benefitted over 2,600,000 people worldwide.

Today, on World Humanitarian Day, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is pleased to reveal the designated organizations selected by the 2022 Aurora Humanitarians, one of whom will be named the 2022 Aurora Prize Laureate in Venice, Italy, on October 15, 2022. On behalf of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their saviors, the 2022 Aurora Prize Laureate will have a unique opportunity to continue the cycle of giving by allocating part of the $1,000,000 award to their designated organizations.

“Aurora is based on the universal concept of Gratitude in Action. It implies that people around the world who have received aid in time of crisis can best express their gratitude by offering similar assistance to someone else. As we celebrate the global humanitarian community and its impact, we are excited to use this occasion to tell the world about the organizations chosen by the 2022 Aurora Humanitarians and raise further awareness about Aurora’s movement,” said Lord Ara Darzi, Chair of Aurora Prize Selection Committee and Co-Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.

The 2022 Aurora Humanitarians have decided to support organizations that provide humanitarian relief, promote peace, defend human rights, help distressed and displaced communities and facilitate access to medical care.

Jamila Afghani (Afghanistan),a peace activist and founder of the Noor Educational and Capacity Development Organization (NECDO) who has dedicated over 25 years of her life to ensuring the women of Afghanistan have access to education, has designated the following organizations:

  • Women International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF)
  • Noor Education and Capacity Development Organization (NECDO)

Hadi Jumaan(Yemen), a mediator and body collector who regularly risks his life to facilitate the exchange of prisoners of war and recover human remains from the front lines, has designated the following organizations:

  • Yemen Aid
  • Partners Yemen

Mahienour El-Massry(Egypt), a lawyer and political activist who promotes political freedom and human rights in her home country by organizing peaceful protests and defending political prisoners in courts, has designated the following organizations:

  • Action For Hope
  • Mersal Foundation

“World Humanitarian Day is a great opportunity to honor people like the Aurora Humanitarians who put themselves at risk to save others. The non-profits selected by this year’s Humanitarians and their vital work have already changed the lives of thousands of people, and we’re hopeful they would be able to achieve even more with support from Aurora,” noted Mary Robinson, former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and Aurora Prize Selection Committee Member. 

The 2022 Aurora Prize Ceremony and special events will take place in Venice, Italy, on October 14–16, 2022. Aurora will bring together the world’s leading humanitarians to honor modern-day heroes, celebrate the spirit of humanity, and empower the next generation of saviors.

Since its launch, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative has benefitted over 2,600,000 people worldwide.


Artsakh Ombudsman: Number of appeals to key international humanitarian organizations still hang in air

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia – Aug 19 2022
18:38, 19.08.2022

World Humanitarian Day is a reminder that we must act to alleviate human suffering, regardless of origin, religion or other circumstances. This is stated in a statement issued by Artsakh Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day.

He noted in particular:

Every year, World Humanitarian Day brings together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises.

As a result of the war that began on September 27, 2020 against the Republic of Artsakh, an unprecedented situation of humanitarian crisis has broken out in the country – thousands of victims and invalids, including civilians and children, about 40,000 internally displaced persons, prisoners of war who are still illegally held in Azerbaijan in unknown conditions. Behind these statistics are individuals, families whose lives are undermined and whose fate is completely unclear.

The Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020 stopped the active phase of hostilities, but led to new serious security violations and gross human rights violations by Azerbaijan, such as taking civilians hostage and threatening them, killing civilians (still unpunished), deliberate violations of civil infrastructure, causing serious humanitarian consequences, intimidation of Artsakh people by various methods and systematic violations of the cease-fire. All this was accompanied by the hatred towards Armenians expressed by the President of Azerbaijan in his public speeches and state-level speeches.

Due to the unrecognized status of the Republic of Artsakh, the UN and other international organizations have no presence in Artsakh to monitor ceasefire violations, record violations of international law or provide humanitarian assistance. Although Artsakh has received some support from various individuals and organizations, a number of appeals to key international humanitarian organizations unfortunately still hang in the air.

It is imperative that the international community realize the severity of humanitarian problems in post-war Artsakh and force Azerbaijan to abandon its aggressive behavior and policy of ethnic cleansing of Karabakh Armenians, which leads to further complication of the already dire humanitarian situation.

On this day, I thank all those who have supported the people of Artsakh in overcoming the existing humanitarian problems, and I would like to once again call on all international humanitarian organizations to mobilize their will and resources to alleviate the suffering of the people of Karabakh. The UN and other organizations with a humanitarian mandate have a great role and responsibility in raising international awareness and taking action on these issues.

No defendants in Surmalu market explosion so far

Emil Lazarian

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 10:33,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 17, ARMENPRESS. The General Prosecution is denying media reports which claimed that charges have been pressed in connection with the Surmalu market explosion.

Prosecutor-General Artur Davtyan’s Advisor Gor Abrahamyan said in a statement that as of this moment there are no defendants in the case.

However, there is a defendant in the investigation into the fire which happened a year ago in the same market. He said that a local newspaper made the erroneous report after he was asked whether or not there are defendants in the 2021 fire which took place in the Surmalu where the explosion took place on Sunday.

“I am asking the news media to retract the disinformation.”