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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… Protesters Demand PM Resignation over Karabakh

Emil Lazarian
May 3 2022
 by Basant ahmed

About 5,000 people demonstrated in the Armenian capital Yerevan to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accused by the opposition of wanting to give away all of Karabakh to Azerbaijan after he told lawmakers last month that the “international community calls on Armenia to scale down demands on Karabakh”.

“We are launching a popular protest movement to force Pashinyan to resign,” Parliament Vice Speaker and opposition leader Ishkhan Saghatelyan told AFP ahead of the rally.

He added, “He is a traitor, he lied to the people,” accusing Pashinyan of “wanting to give away Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan.”

He continued, “He does not have a popular mandate to do so.”

“The protests will not stop until Pashinyan resigns,” he warned.

Turkiye, Armenia reaffirm goal of ‘achieving full normalisation’

Emil Lazarian
May 3 2022
May 3, 2022 at 4:50 pm

Turkish and Armenian envoys for the normalisation of ties between the two countries reaffirmed their goal of “achieving full normalisation,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, reports Anadolu Agency.

“The special representatives reaffirmed the declared goal of achieving full normalisation between their respective countries through this process,” the ministry said in a statement following the third meeting of Turkish and Armenian envoys in the Austrian capital Vienna.

The envoys discussed the possible steps that can be taken for the tangible progress in normalisation, the statement added.

Turkiye’s Ambassador Serdar Kilic and Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Ruben Rubinyan “reiterated their agreement to continue the process without preconditions,” it added.

Kilic was named as Turkiye’s special envoy to discuss steps towards normalisation with neighboring Armenia on December 15, 2021. Three days later, Armenia appointed its own special representative Rubinyan.

The first round of talks was held in Russia’s capital Moscow on January 14, where both parties agreed to continue negotiations without any preconditions. Turkish and Armenian envoys met for the second time in Vienna on February 24.

Also, a historic bilateral meeting took place between the Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye on March 12.

As part of the efforts, Turkiye and Armenia have also resumed commercial flights as of Febuary 2 after a two-year hiatus.

The two countries have been divided on a range of issues, including the 1915 events in the Ottoman Empire and Armenia’s occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh in 1993, since when the land border between Turkiye and Armenia has been closed.

Armenia/Azerbaijan fighting rages – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]

On October 10, 2009, the two neighboring countries signed a peace accord, known as the Zurich Protocols, to establish diplomatic relations and open the border, but failed to ratify the agreement in their respective national parliaments.

Relations between Ankara and Yerevan entered a new phase in the fall of 2020 with the end of the second Nagorno-Karabakh war, which lasted 44 days in which Turkiye helped Azerbaijan recapture its territory.

https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220503-turkiye-armenia-reaffirm-goal-of-achieving-full-normalisation/

Armenian opposition leader urges people to join ‘struggle for our homeland’

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia – May 3 2022

Armenian opposition members and supporters on Tuesday briefly blocked Abovyan Street in central Yerevan as part of a large-scale civil disobedience campaign to oust Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his cabinet.

The country’s opposition groups launched the campaign on Monday after rallying thousands of supporters in Yerevan’s France Square and setting up a protest camp there on Sunday.

“Join the struggle for our homeland!” Artur Vanetsyan, leader of the opposition Homeland Party, said during the protest on the street.

Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a deputy parliament speaker and chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Supreme Council of Armenia, said that in addition to the Yerevan streets, a number of regional roads were also blocked.

“All our compatriots should take to the streets to oust them [the authorities],” he said.

The demonstrators sat in the middle of the road, blocking it for a few minutes. Then, they continued the march along Abovyan Street, chanting ” Unification, Struggle, Victory” and “Nikol the traitor”.

Turkish press: Turkiye, Armenia reaffirm goal of ‘achieving full normalization’

Emil Lazarian
Handan Kazancı   |03.05.2022


ISTANBUL 

Turkish and Armenian envoys for the normalization of ties between the two countries reaffirmed their goal of “achieving full normalization,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. 

“The special representatives reaffirmed the declared goal of achieving full normalization between their respective countries through this process,” the ministry said in a statement following the third meeting of Turkish and Armenian envoys in the Austrian capital Vienna.

The envoys discussed the possible steps that can be taken for the tangible progress in normalization, the statement added.

Turkiye’s Ambassador Serdar Kilic and Deputy Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Ruben Rubinyan “reiterated their agreement to continue the process without preconditions,” it added.

Kilic was named as Turkiye’s special envoy to discuss steps towards normalization with neighboring Armenia on Dec. 15, 2021. Three days later, Armenia appointed its own special representative Rubinyan.

The first round of talks was held in Russia’s capital Moscow on Jan. 14, where both parties agreed to continue negotiations without any preconditions. Turkish and Armenian envoys met for the second time in Vienna on Feb. 24.

Also, a historic bilateral meeting took place between the Turkish and Armenian foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkiye on March 12.

As part of the efforts, Turkiye and Armenia have also resumed commercial flights as of Feb. 2 after a two-year hiatus.

The two countries have been divided on a range of issues, including the 1915 events in the Ottoman Empire and Armenia’s occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh in 1993, since when the land border between Turkiye and Armenia has been closed.

On Oct. 10, 2009, the two neighboring countries signed a peace accord, known as the Zurich Protocols, to establish diplomatic relations and open the border, but failed to ratify the agreement in their respective national parliaments.

Relations between Ankara and Yerevan entered a new phase in the fall of 2020 with the end of the second Nagorno-Karabakh war, which lasted 44 days in which Turkiye helped Azerbaijan recapture its territory.

Armenia values partnership with US aimed at peace and stability in region – FM

Emil Lazarian

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 00:59, 3 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenia values its partnership with the United States aimed at peace and stability in the region, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in his remarks during the meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Washington D.C..

“And I also want to note that we value our partnership aimed at peace and stability in our region, and in this regard I want to highlight the important role the United States of America plays as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, which has a mandate from the international community to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict”, he said. “I also appreciate United States support through the Armenia-Turkish normalization process and United States strong stance on the recognition on the condemnation of the Armenian genocide and confirmation of this stance this year, too”, he added.

Kansas National Guard leadership visits Armenia

Emil Lazarian

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 12:11, 3 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 3, ARMENPRESS. The U.S. Embassy to Armenia welcomed Major General David Weishaar on his first visit to Yerevan since he was appointed The Adjutant General (TAG) of the State of Kansas, the Embassy said in a statement.

“Major General Weishaar, along with other leaders from the Kansas National Guard, will meet with senior officials from the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the State Revenue Committee. He will visit the 12th Peacekeeping Brigade, the Military Hospital, the National Defense Research University, and the Military University.

The Republic of Armenia signed a bilateral affairs agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense and the State of Kansas in 2003 establishing the Kansas-Armenia State Partnership Program.  Under the program, the Kansas National Guard works closely with the Armenian Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Emergency Situations, and other governmental offices and agencies. Types of cooperation include military-to-military, military-to-civilian, and civilian-to-civilian events.

Since the beginning of the partnership in 2003, the Republic of Armenia and the State of Kansas have engaged in a number of military, emergency preparedness, law enforcement, business, medical, public health, educational, and humanitarian exchanges”, the statement says.

“I am very proud of the robust partnership between the State of Kansas and the Government of Armenia over the last 20 years. With every exchange and collaboration, the relationship between Kansas and Armenia grows stronger. It is always an honor working alongside our Armenian friends allowing both sides to learn and grow with each other,” Major General Weishaar said.

Armenian military denies accusations on opening fire at Azeri positions

Emil Lazarian

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 13:47, 3 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 3, ARMENPRESS. The statement released by the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense claiming that on May 2 the Armenian military opened fire at Azerbaijani military positions in the eastern section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is false, the Armenian Ministry of Defense said.

The Armenian Ministry of Defense added that the situation on the border is relatively stable and is under the full control of the Armenian military.

Speaker of Parliament receives delegation of France-Armenia Friendship Group

Emil Lazarian

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 16:24, 3 May, 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 3, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan received the delegation led by Chair of the France-Armenia Friendship Group in the French Senate Gilbert-Luc Devinaz, the Parliament’s press office said.

Welcoming the guests, Alen Simonyan stressed the warm relations with the French Senate, adding that he is always happy to receive the best friends of Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian people.

He noted with satisfaction the expansion of the France-Armenia Friendship Group of the Senate, stating that it is the proof of strong cooperation between the two countries.

The sides congratulated each other on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Parliament Speaker conveyed congratulations to the President of the Senate Gérard Larcher, noting that high-level close political cooperation has been formed between the two countries during thirty years.

The important role of the friendship groups to develop and enrich the political dialogue between Armenia and France was discussed at the meeting. Alen Simonyan remembered with gratitude the adoption of a number of resolutions with the active participation of the France-Armenia Friendship Group condemning the 44-day war in 2020 and the provocation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border clashes in July 2020.

In this context, he expressed hope that the French partners will continue to make efforts to return Armenian prisoners of war to the homeland and save the Armenian historical, cultural and religious heritage in the territories of Artsakh under the Azerbaijani control.

The French side reaffirmed its active support in that issue, adding that the cultural values of the country are considered to be a universal heritage.

The sides referred to the agreement between the Senate of the Republic of France and the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia resigned during the visit of the Parliament Speaker to France on November 20-23, 2021, which deepens further the already existing friendly and practical relations.

Armenian History Month: Rapper Super Sako honored in Hollywood

Emil Lazarian
Fox 11 Los Angeles
May 4 2022
By Alexi Chidbachian


HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – In celebration of Armenian History Month, rapper and recording artist Super Sako was honored Tuesday in Hollywood. 

The Armenian-born artist was immortalized with a special hand and footprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

is honor comes as LA county celebrates Armenian History Month in April.

“Sako we commend you for your contributions to the world of music as an international mega star, as well as your deep rooted ties right here with our communities in Hollywood and Los Angeles,” said Kevin James the former director of the Mayor’s Office of Film and Television.

“To my fans, thank you so much this is your day, you made me,” Sako said while accepting his honor. 

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MAY 03: (L-R) Tigran Asatryan, Super Sako, Andranik Madadian, and Armenchik attend the Super Sako Hand & Footprint Ceremony at celebrating Armenian History Month at TCL Chinese Theatre on May 03, 2022 in Hollywood, Cal

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Sako celebrated his big day alongside family, friends, fans, and several other Armenian artists including Tigran Asatryan, Andranik (Andy) Madadian, and Armenchik.


Azerbaijani press: President Ilham Aliyev received delegation led by Saudi Arabia’s attorney general

Emil Lazarian
9 May 2022 15:51 (UTC+04:00)
601

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by Attorney General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib.

Emphasizing the successful cooperation between the two countries in various fields, the President hailed the high level of political relations. Recalling with satisfaction his visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President Ilham Aliyev said that the hospitality shown during those visits had once again demonstrated the fraternal relations existing between the two countries’ peoples.

The President stressed that Azerbaijan had special respect for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia because the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was one of a handful of countries in the world that had not established any diplomatic relations with Armenia. The reason was that Azerbaijani lands were under occupation. President Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan highly appreciated this position. The head of state said that the liberation of lands as a result of the 44-day war had exposed Armenian savagery and the destruction by Armenians of everything in the liberated lands, including 65 of the 67 mosques.

Indicating that the opportunities for cooperation in the economic sphere, including energy, had been expanded since the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his satisfaction with the interest of large Saudi companies in Azerbaijan in this regard, describing the fact that Saudi company ACWA Power had laid the foundation of a wind power station in Azerbaijan as a good example of this.

Emphasizing the fact that the two countries supported each other in international organizations, the head of state said that the increase in people-to-people contacts, reciprocal visits and the number of tourists had created a good basis for further development of bilateral cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev also expressed his confidence that the visit of Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib to Azerbaijan would contribute to the development of bilateral relations.

Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib conveyed the greetings of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to the President of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the Saudi King`s and Crown Prince`s greetings and asked the attorney general to extend his greetings to Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Noting that they were happy with the development processes taking place in Azerbaijan, Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib said: “I want to congratulate you on the development your country has achieved. We have heard a lot about Azerbaijan and the achievements of your country in the economic, social and economic spheres. In particular, we congratulate you on your great victory and the liberation of your lands in a short time.”

On the eve of 10 May, the birthday of great leader Heydar Aliyev, Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib paid tribute to his memory.

The sides exchanged views on prospects for cooperation.