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

Azerbaijan misrepresents civilian vehicles as military transport – NK warns of new Azeri disinformation

Emil Lazarian

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 15:05, 22 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 22, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has spread another disinformation claiming that the Armenian side, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, transported troops and ammunition along the Stepanakert-Ghaybalishen-Lisagor forest road.

In a statement released Wednesday, the Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) Ministry of Internal Affairs said that actually only civilians and humanitarian goods are transported between the settlements of Artsakh, accompanied by peacekeeping troops.

“The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has spread another disinformation claiming that the Armenian side, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, transported troops and ammunition along the Stepanakert-Ghaybalishen-Lisagor forest road.

In fact, only civilians and humanitarian goods are transported between the settlements of Artsakh, accompanied by peacekeeping troops.

We should remind that the normal communication between the capital and some villages of Shushi region has been interrupted since December 12, 2022, due to the blockade of the Stepanakert-Goris interstate highway by Azerbaijan.

Taking into account the complex geographical [terrain] of that mountain road, the traffic is organized with large and [high-clearance] vehicles, which the Azerbaijani side tries to misrepresent as military transport.

The Russian peacekeepers fulfilled their function, [stipulated] in the Tripartite Statement of November 9, 2020. Taking into account the sabotage attack on Artsakh police officers on March 5 and the additional security risks, the Russian side ensured the safe movement of civilians and cargo,” the Artsakh Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement.

Azerbaijani president’s rhetoric obstructs peace process – FM Mirzoyan

Emil Lazarian

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 17:15, 22 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenia will soon respond to Azerbaijan’s peace treaty proposals with its own proposals, FM Mirzoyan said Wednesday.

The Foreign Minister was asked in parliament to comment on the recent threats by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

“What you are talking about isn’t a new thing. On one hand we have the negotiations process like the ongoing process around a peace treaty, and on the other hand we see the worsening rhetoric by Azerbaijan, its threats and aggressive actions on the ground. We witnessed it on 13 September, when Azerbaijan invaded the sovereign territory of Armenia. We witnessed it with the closure of the Lachin Corridor on 12 December. And regrettably this phenomenon continues. Furthermore, recently both the promotion of Armenophobia and direct threats have become worse. You recall that the Azerbaijani president even said that there won’t be any peace treaty, that they won’t live calmly in Armenia on their 29,000 square kilometers if they don’t accept Azerbaijan’s terms. This stance of ultimatums and rhetoric exists. At the same time, the negotiations over a peace treaty are ongoing. We’ve again received Azerbaijani proposals, we are working on it and our proposals and response will naturally soon take place. Certainly, needless to say the abovementioned rhetoric and aggressive stance not only don’t contribute to the peace process but also create new obstructions on the path of this process,” Mirzoyan said.

He added that Armenia is determined to its goal of establishing peace in the region and will continue to negotiate for establishing lasting and sustainable peace.

Iran Urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to Avoid Escalation through ‘Dialogue’

Emil Lazarian
March 23 2023
Thursday, 23 March, 2023 – 09:00
Baku, Yerevan, Tehran – Asharq Al-Awsat

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri-Kani called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to avoid renewed tensions and achieve stability through dialogue, pledging that Tehran would use its full potential to solve regional issues through peaceful talks.


During a press conference in Yerevan, Bagheri-Kani said that broadening relations with neighboring countries is Iran’s topmost priority in its foreign policy, and Armenia is Iran’s important neighbor.


Bagheri-Kani held talks with his Armenian counterpart and the Armenian foreign minister.


Armenpress reported that the Iranian official asserted that Iran is always a reliable partner in establishing peace and security, adding that the regional countries themselves are the guarantors of peace and stability.


He asserted that foreign forces couldn’t ensure stability and peace because these forces pursued other goals.


Asked about the possible renewed tension in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, Bagheri-Kani said that diplomacy was created to achieve stability through peaceful dialogue.


“I assume that the leaders of the regional countries are wise enough to choose dialogue for resolving issues. Iran will use its full capacity and potential to solve the issues through peaceful dialogue,” Bagheri-Kani said.


Media activists close to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that Iranian fighter jets flew over the borders of Iran and Azerbaijan on Tuesday, speaking of the readiness of the Iranian military sectors stationed near the border.


– Military action


Al-Quds Force channel on Telegram stated that the Iranian army’s second, third, fourth, and fifth air bases are on high alert following the heavy logistical movement of the Baku army and the possibility of an imminent attack on Armenia.


On Saturday, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry summoned the Iranian ambassador in protest against the flight of an Iranian military plane near the borders of the two countries.


The Foreign Ministry said in a joint statement with the Ministry of Defense that an Iranian military aircraft flew between the two countries 3-5 km from the state border.


“We strongly condemn the Iranian side for such a provocative step, urge them to provide an appropriate explanation, and refrain from such confrontational steps in the future,” read the statement.


Tensions remain high between Azerbaijan and Iran as Azerbaijan and Armenia fight over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.


Last October, Iran launched military maneuvers near the border with Azerbaijan. Baku also maintained close relations with Israel, sparking outrage in Tehran.


Azerbaijan also bought Israeli-made drones for its army.


– Blinken offers mediation


The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense published a video accusing the Armenian forces of moving sectors where Russian peacekeepers are stationed in the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.


Azerbaijani media said that Baku repeatedly informed the international community about transferring military equipment.


Meanwhile, US Secretary Antony Blinken called Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to offer continued US assistance in facilitating bilateral peace discussions with Armenia.


Blinken encouraged finding solutions to outstanding issues, stressing that there was no military solution.


The Secretary reaffirmed the importance of reopening the Lachin corridor to commercial and private vehicles, adding that the US looked forward to continued cooperation with Azerbaijan on the peace process.


On March 14, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned of a “high possibility of an escalation” at the border with Azerbaijan and Nagorno, noting that he had complained to Russian President Putin about problems with the Russian peacekeeping force.

French Foreign Minister announces upcoming Armenia trip

Emil Lazarian

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 12:43, 23 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 23, ARMENPRESS. French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna announced on March 23 an upcoming visit to Armenia.

Colonna told French lawmakers during question time that she will visit Armenia and Azerbaijan towards the end of April.

Senator Philippe Pemezec asked Colonna whether the French government is ready to provide as much diplomatic and military support to Armenia as it did to Ukraine.

In response, the French FM said: “France has condemned the closure of Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan since the first day. This blockade causes tension. I plan to visit Yerevan and Baku in the end of April to convey this message. France is taking measures.”

Nagorno Karabakh officials rule out “integration” with Azerbaijan

Emil Lazarian

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 13:38, 23 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenians and Azerbaijanis lived in Nagorno Karabakh for a certain period of time in the past, but have never been integrated with one another, and the integration narrative generated by Azerbaijan has never been reality, Nagorno Karabakh government officials said Thursday during a press conference. They ruled out the incorporation of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh into Azerbaijan.

Nagorno Karabakh Foreign Minister Sergey Ghazaryan said that their official position regarding the Azeri integration narrative remains the same – “Artsakh [Nagorno Karabakh] will continue its struggle for the international recognition of its exercised right to self-determination,” he said, adding that Russia, the US and France – the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs – bear responsibility for the current situation given that negotiations are taking place within the OSCE Minsk Group for many years.

Ghazaryan mentioned the latest multiple provocations by Azerbaijan.

“The Armenian side’s substantiations are so many that it is very clear, visible and understandable for everyone, including the international partners, that there can’t be a combination of the Armenians of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, this is simply ruled out,” he said.

Despite the hardships resulting from the blockade, the people of Artsakh remain committed to the path they chose and will utilize all efforts, expecting active participation of all partners, including the Armenian Diaspora.

Meanwhile, State Minister of Artsakh Gurgen Nersisyan said that they will work to fully and clearly present the origins and essence of the conflict to the international community.

Speaking about the integration narrative by Azerbaijan, Nersisyan said: “Indeed, the Armenians of Artsakh and the Azerbaijanis lived in Artsakh for a certain period of time, but they were never integrated with one another. During that entire period of time, numerous hate crimes were perpetrated by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Artsakh because of their ethnicity. And the narrative generated by Azerbaijan, the so-called integration, has never been reality since the 20th century,” he said.

Azerbaijan tries to mislead the international community by advancing this narrative, he added.

Chamlian School Students’ Achievements Recognized at 2023 LA County Science Fair

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 March 23, 2023

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

Principal Dr. Talin Kargodorian and Chamlian’s Science Department Head Lida Gevorkian with students whose projects were recognized by the LA County Science Fair


GLENDALE—Chamlian Armenian School announced its exemplary performance at the 2023 Los Angeles County Science Fair. Throughout the course of the 2022 to 2023 Academic School Year, students applied the knowledge gained throughout the course of their science classes to diligently prepare rigorous science projects to be submitted for consideration in the County Science Fair; the results proved promising as Chamlian students were commended for their hard work as evident in the congratulatory awards and recognitions they earned.

The continued success of the Chamlian Science Department, headed by Lida Gevorkian, was on full display at the Science Fair. Chamlian teachers, administration, and parents are proud of the students for utilizing their complex reasoning, planning, and critical thinking skills as they applied their scientific knowledge to prepare their award-winning projects. As young scientists and leaders, Chamlian students have proven that with commitment, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge, the realization of their goals is imminent.

Chamlian students standing in front of their submitted science projects, with Dr. Kargadorian and Lida Gevorkian

The following is the list of students whose dedication to their science projects earned them a place among recognition by the Los Angeles County:

  • Leana Asatourian, First Place: Sugars In Your Smoothies!
  • Sophia Martin, First Place: Comparison of Electromagnetic Fields Emitted from Various Objects
  • Dro Aboulian, Second Place: The Black Soldier Flies’ Affect on Food Waste
  • David Enfiadjian, Honorable Mention: Benzene Breach!
  • Natalie Davidian, Honorable Mention: Electrolyte Challenge
  • Talia Boghossian, Honorable Mention: Can Drosophila Melanogaster Help us Live Healthier and Longer?
  • Alex Ghazarian and Christopher Hagopian, Honorable Mention: Effects of Antibiotics on Radish Growth
  • Ari Armenian, Recognition Award: Water Distillation
  • Maral Shahnazarian, Recognition Award: The Effect of Food Residuals on Grass
  • Vem Boynerian, Recognition Award: Testing Radiation From Electronics in Certain Conditions
  • Emilie Gabrielyan, Recognition Award: Synthetic and Natural Antacids
  • Levon Hairabedian, Recognition Award: How Does Location Affect the Air Quality?
  • Angelique Matavosian, Recognition Award: What Materials Absorb Sound the Most

The Chamlian school faculty and staff applaud the time, effort, and dedication these students put in their science fair projects, and congratulate them on their well-deserved awards. Through their ambitious thirst to discover and create, these young scientists have taken their talents to the next level and accomplished their goals.

“I am incredibly proud of our young scientists and congratulate them on this huge achievement,” said Dr. Talin Kargodorian, when asked for a comment. “As Head of School, I can attest to their ambitious dedication, innovative spirit, and overall admirable thirst for knowledge. I have personally seen the efforts our students contribute to their accomplishments on a daily basis; witnessing their growth and advancement in all fields of academia serves as an honor for me. These attributes always shine through, especially during the annual Los Angeles County Science Fair. The Science Fair is part of a vast array of vital experiences our students take advantage of at Chamlian Armenian School. Academic excellence teams with cross curricular learning in order to provide valuable lessons our students carry with them for a lifetime. I would also like to thank the head of our Science Department, Mrs. Lida Gevorkian, for coordinating the annual Science Fair year after year, tirelessly instilling the love of scientific inquiry and exploration within the young minds of the future leaders of our global community.” Dr. Kargodorian added.

AW: Chidem Inch: N-words

Emil Lazarian
March 23, 2023 Mark Gavoor Opinion 0

I have not written about the blockade for a while. There was not much more I really had to say and did not want to rehash the same fears and indignations again. The news of late has been more worrisome. Earlier this month, Aliyev referred to Yerevan as part of “Western Azerbaijan.” It prompted a strong response from Armenia’s Foreign Ministry, but oddly, no protests from any other governments.

This kind of talk from Aliyev would have been moderately bothersome, bordering on the comical, about 10 years ago. Now, after the disastrous war of 2020, it is downright scary with the 100-plus-day blockade of the Lachin Corridor, Azeri troops killing Armenians in Artsakh, firing into Armenia proper, and a lot of buzz about troop movements as Iran has conjectured that Azerbaijan might invade and take the “Zangezur Corridor” soon. There is speculation they might move on Artsakh as well.

If Azerbaijan does either of these, there is little chance the Armenians can stop them. There is even less chance that anyone else is going to come to Armenia’s aid. Sure, there will be protests from France and maybe the US, but there will be no threat of force behind the words.  Russia is preoccupied with their war in Ukraine and has done nothing to break the Lachin Corridor blockade. Iran? If the Azeris take Zangezur, the Armenian-Iran border will disappear.  Iran will probably protest, but I expect not much more.

On February 8, the Armenian Caucus of the US House of Representatives introduced H.Res.108 – Condemning Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and ongoing human rights violations. The resolution has been referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Six weeks later, it is clear this is not a high priority for our US lawmakers. On March 20, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken had a phone call with Pashinyan where he offered US support in facilitating bilateral peace discussions with Azerbaijan. No serious words or warnings were given to Azerbaijan.

On January 19, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for the opening of the Lachin Corridor for humanitarian reasons. The Armenian side embraced this and urged the EU to sanction Azerbaijan, which they have not done. The Azeri Parliament passed a resolution condemning the EU resolution. Azerbaijan has increased their gas exports to Europe to offset the cuts in Russian gas, even though the Azeri gas covers only 2.8-percent of Europe’s gas needs.

It seems these kinds of resolutions and diplomatic words and offers are the limit of what the US and Europe are willing to do to stop Azeri moves in Artsakh and Zangezur. I wonder what, if any, actions they might take if Azerbaijan tries to annex Armenia itself?

This all makes me think of five N-words: Nakhichevan, Nagorno-Karabakh, Nzhdeh, “Never Again” and Nemesis.

Nakhichevan and Nagorno-Karabakh were to be part of the Armenian Republic and Armenian SSR. But the Soviets reneged and gave them to Azerbaijan SSR. The Azeris ethnically cleansed Nakhichevan and have since erased evidence of any Armenian presence there. They are doing the same in the territories they took in the 2020 war. There is no reason to think they would do any differently with any lands they may take in the future.

Obviously the third word refers to Garegin Nzhdeh, the Armenian patriot and military leader. Nzhdeh was born in Nakhichevan. He was a hero of the battle of Karakillise, in keeping Zangezur part of Armenia and in quelling the massacres in Shushi by the Azeris. In the first Republic of Armenia, he was appointed as governor of Nakhichevan. His life was dedicated to Armenian independence and self-determination. He understood and embraced the absolute need for a strong military to defend Armenia and Armenians.

Nzhdeh understood and embodied the phrase we all use: “Never Again.” We have been saying this since 1965, the 50th anniversary of the Genocide, which marked the birth of modern Armenian political activism. We say “Never Again” with passion, yet, here we are again with seemingly little ability to defend ourselves if Azerbaijan and Turkey decide to take the last of our homeland. We had 30 years to prepare for this. Instead, we had a massive brain drain and population exodus along with corrupt oligarchs and leaders lining their own pockets. We did not even recognize Artsakh, as Putin pointed out.

We could have certainly used a few Nzhdehs in the early days of the current Republic. We could use a few today.

Lastly, there is the word “nemesis.” It is the most interesting word of the lot with two overlapping meanings. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a formidable and usually victorious rival or opponent.” For Armenians, Turkey is most definitely a nemesis and so is Azerbaijan. The second definition is “one that inflicts retribution or vengeance.” It seems like the victims of the first kind of nemesis might well be motivated to become nemeses, of the second type, themselves. I hope this never becomes our only remaining course of action.

  •  Bio
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Mark Gavoor is Associate Professor of Operations Management in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago. He is an avid blogger and oud player.


Meet The Beautiful Eastern Country Not Enough Americans Are Visiting

Emil Lazarian
 
Americans may be flying abroad in record numbers this year now that international borders have reopened and restrictions have been dropped, but a majority of them still have their hearts set on Mexico, or the cobblestone, fairytale towns of Europe.

While Mexico is truly a bucket list destination, especially in the sun and sand category, and Europe undoubtedly boasts an impressive list of world-renowned historical cities and iconic sights, there is an entire world of lesser-known options yet to be explored.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and be among a select group of Americans who have dared go further, perhaps this beautiful Eastern country should be next on your travel wishlist:

Despite its relative obscurity, Armenia is one of the most awe-inspiring and promising destinations out there. It is located not on one but two continents, and its recorded history spans at least three millennia, with a defining culture and nationhood as ancient as the early Greeks.

Sitting along the Caucasus mountain range, a grey area acting as a natural divide between Europe and Asia, Armenia is both too Eastern to be considered traditionally European, yet too Western, and irrevocably Christian, to fit into the Western Asian stereotype.

Armenia is almost entirely surrounded by Islam, bordering Turkiye, Iran, and Azerbaijan to the South and West, but it takes pride in being the very first nation to fully convert from paganism into Christianity in the first century A.D., and for centuries, religion has been central to Armenian identity.

It has impacted not only the architecture through the construction of numerous monasteries and Orthodox churches but also the culture and the locals’ way of life.

Some of the oldest Christian shrines in the world can be found here, with Etchmiadzin Cathedral’s groundbreaking taking place as early as the year 301 A.D. In other words: it is old, preceding America’s settlement by 1,306 years.

Certain monuments which pre-date Christian Armenia can also be found across the country, most notably the Temple of Garni, a Greco-Roman temple built in the first century whose Ionic colonnades are virtually intact.

Other than ancient heritage, Armenia’s recent History has been defined by revolutionary movements, in particular those that led to the formation of the now-defunct Soviet Union, of which it was a constituent republic. Needless to say, communist-era landmarks can be found all over the country.

The cosmopolitan capital of Yerevan houses the most iconic monuments, including the Cascade Complex, a limestone staircase with elements of brutalism that has been an integral part of the city’s skyline since 1971, and Republic Square.

Armenia itself is particularly renowned for its painting-like natural landscapes.

More than 90% of the territory is at the height of 1000 meters above sea level, in the Lesser Caucasus, which means it is full of dramatic peaks, scenic lakes, and unique geological formations.

Other than the monumental Caucasus mountains themselves, the top tourist attractions in Armenia are:

  • Yerevan, the capital and largest city, known for its Soviet-era architecture and palatial buildings
  • Sevan, where a historic monastery is set against the backdrop of a serene lake
  • Dilijan, a mountainous region highly sought-after for its spa resorts and wellness retreats
  • The Shikahogh State Reserve, an unspoiled forested reserve offering scenic views
  • Mount Aragats, a dormant, snow-capped volcano that is Armenia’s highest peak
  • Noravank, a remote redbrick-built monastery founded in the 13th century
  • Tsaghkadzor, an up-and-coming hotspot for winter sports home to some of Europe’s most affordable ski resorts
  • The Upper Azat Valley, a UNESCO-protected site dotted with ancient monasteries
  • Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city and Yerevan’s closest rival in terms of cultural offer: more than a thousand buildings in the historic center are between 300 and 200 years old.

Armenia has been listed by Forbes as one of the top travel destinations for 2023, not only due to its wide array of cultural attractions but also the hospitality of the locals, the intriguing cuisine, and the low cost of living in major urban centers like Yerevan, only 1.1 times more expensive than the global average.

Tourism is also increasing, with 159,475 foreigners having landed in Armenia in January of this year, up 69 percent from the 94,339 who were registered in January 2022, as reported by the Armenian Tourism Committee. Throughout 2022, 1.4 million tourists vacationed in Armenia.

Between January and October 2022, Americans were the nationality posting the fourth biggest increase in visitor numbers, though at a modest 4% rate. More Americans are becoming acquainted with Armenia’s many wonders, but definitely not that many.

It is a true hidden gem waiting to be discovered, where crowds are not a common sight, prices are fairly reasonable, and nature is yet to be tarnished by development.

Granted, it is not the easiest country to reach, mostly due to the absence of nonstop flights and affordable fares leaving from the States, but low-cost options are plentiful departing from Europe, Turkiye, or other Middle Eastern hubs.

Lastly, Armenia has no COVID entry restrictions in 2023, welcoming tourists irrespective of vaccination status and without any health-related requirements.

Americans are allowed to enter the country simply by presenting a valid passport, and they are normally issued a 180-day entry permit upon arrival.

BREAKING: Azerbaijani troops breach line of contact and advance into Nagorno Karabakh

Emil Lazarian

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 17:57,

STEPANAKERT, MARCH 25, ARMENPRESS. Azeri troops have unlawfully advanced further into the territory of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), local authorities warned Saturday.

In violation of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement, the Azerbaijani forces breached the line of contact in the Shushi-Lisagor section on March 25 and secured some “positional advance”, the official Information Center of Nagorno Karabakh reported.

The Nagorno Karabakh authorities immediately notified the Russian peacekeepers on this yet another violation by Azerbaijan.

“The authorities expect the peacekeeping contingent to take practical steps for eliminating the consequences of this violation and preventing new violations,” the Information Center said in a statement.

“Azerbaijan’s false claim on the alleged use of the Stepanakert-Ghaybalishen-Lisagor mountain road for arms shipments is simply a pretext for their own renewed aggressive and destructive actions. They ambushed and killed three on-duty police officers and injured another on March 5 under this same pretext. The government of Artsakh has numerously said that in conditions of the ongoing blockade since December 12, the given mountain road is used for civilian, urgent connection between Stepanakert and four communities in Shushi region, which is carried out with [high-clearance] large vehicles, given the highly complex and hazardous terrain.

And the existence and normal functioning of the Defense Army doesn’t pose any danger for anyone, because it is envisaged exclusively for self-defense, taking into account the real and direct dangers and threats against the physical existence and safety of the people of Artsakh,” it added.