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

Azerbaijani forces open fire in direction of Armenian military vehicle

Emil Lazarian

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 20:13, 2 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. The units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire in the direction of an Armenian defense ministry vehicle in the eastern section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the Armenian ministry of defense said. 

No casualties are reported on the Armenian side. 

 “At the same time, the Azerbaijani ministry of defense spread disinformation, claiming that the units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire at the Azerbaijani positions and military vehicles in the eastern direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border”, the ministry added.

EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform holds its first meeting

Emil Lazarian
Sept 2 2022
September 2, 2022

On 1 September, the first meeting of the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform was held. One of its mandates is to monitor the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union.

The platform consists of civil society representatives from the European Union side, including members of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and representatives of civil society organisations (NGOs, trade unions and employers) from the Armenian side.

Jan Plešinger, Chargé d’Affaires of the EU Delegation, said that the EU welcomes the establishment of the platform: “A proactive involvement of civil society in policy making and governance reforms is crucial for the transformation process in Armenia, and for contribution to deepening EU-Armenia cooperation.”

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11 hrs 

The 1st meeting of the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform was held on September 1 at the Trade Unions’ Confederation office. This Platform is composed of representatives of civil society on the side of the European Union, including members of the EESC – European Economic and Social Committee, and representatives of civil society organisations (NGO, trade unions and employers) on the side of Armenia. One of its mandates is to monitor the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed between the Republic of Armenia and the European Union.
A mission of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) attended the session.
At this occasion, Mr. Jan Plešinger – Chargé d’Affaires of the EU Delegation said: “An empowered civil society is a crucial component of any democratic system. A pro-active involvement of civil society in policymaking and governance reforms is crucial for the transformation process in Armenia, and for contribution to deepening of the EU-Armenia cooperation. In this context, the EU welcomes the constitution of the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform, which aims at monitoring of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA)”.
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https://euneighbourseast.eu/news/latest-news/eu-armenia-civil-society-platform-holds-its-first-meeting/

Armenpress: Garo Paylan studies condition of Armenian churches, monasteries that are under danger of destruction in Van province

Emil Lazarian

Garo Paylan studies condition of Armenian churches, monasteries that are under danger of destruction in Van province

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 20:52, 2 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. Ethnic Armenian lawmaker of the Turkish Parliament Garo Paylan studied the current conditions of churches and monasteries in Van province which are facing a danger of elimination because of destruction, Arti Gercek reports.

At first, Paylan visited Varagavank monastery. The monastery has suffered great damages and if not restored it may collapse in several years.

“Why is Varagavank, one of the key structures of the province, not being restored? Because we see the following response from the ministry of culture and tourism to the application sent for the restoration of the monastery: “It is a private property. We can’t take steps”. It turned out that the monastery’s ownership certificate belongs to journalist Fatih Altayli”, Garo Paylan said.

He reminded that Varagavank has a history of 1200 years and has 7 churches. He called on Fatih Altayli to refuse from the ownership right in order for the monastery not to be collapsed.

“This is a very important religious complex where thousands of clergymen could be prepared. This monastery is in an isolated condition. If Mr. Fatih Altayli transfers this place to the Armenian Patriarchate or the culture ministry as soon as possible, that site will be restored”, he said.

He reminded that 100 years ago every 5th of the people living in that region and 2 out of 3 living in Van were Armenians. 

“The Armenian people have created a very serious civilization. They have thousands of cultural values, monasteries, churches, schools and hospitals. Unfortunately, these cultural values have been destroyed by a planned policy after the massacres of the Armenian people. Under the conditions of the vandalism organized by the state, few traces of these thousand-year-old cultural values remained”, Paylan said, adding that if an interference is not made for saving these monuments, nothing will remain from what has been maintained as well.

Garo Paylan said that he will deal with this issue after returning to Ankara.




Artsakh’s destiny is in our hands – Hayastan bloc

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia – Sept 2 2022

The opposition Hayastan alliance issued a message on the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Independence Day marked on September 2.

On 2 September 1991, the people of Artsakh declared independence from the Soviet Union and became the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR).

“The Republic of Artsakh with its constitutional relations, well-established state institutions, educational and cultural institutions and economic capabilities was built over years of persistent and hard work, sacrifices and courage, as well as the selfless devotion of Artsakh Armenians to the idea of independence,” the bloc said in its message.

“Artsakh was getting stronger day by day, being convinced that it was part of the security, spiritual and economic system of Mother Armenia. Alas, the dangerous, reckless and anti-national policy pursued by the incumbent Armenian authorities dealt a devastating blow to the unbreakable Armenia-Artsakh unity, putting the two states at serious risk.

“Nevertheless, no matter how severe the consequences of the 44-day war imposed on us are, Artsakh’s destiny is in the hands of us all. Defeat is not a verdict.

“Independence and dignity are earned by those nations that do not give up on their dreams, that know how to defend their rights and appreciate their homeland,” reads the message.

US lawmakers congratulate Artsakh on Independence Day

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia – Sept 2 2022

Congressional Armenian Caucus leaders – Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Congresswoman Jackie Speier, Congressman David G. Valadao and Congressman Adam Schiff – congratulate the Republic of Artsakh on 31st Independence Day marked on September 2, the ANCA reported.

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2022/09/02/US-Artsakh/2725192

Yerevan: The Declaration of Independence of Nagorno-Karabakh is the consequence of the policy of ethnic cleansing against Armenians by the Azerbaijani SSR

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia – Sept 2 2022
Marianna Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo.The Armenian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on the occasion of the 31st  anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of  Artsakh.  Thus, the statement of the Armenian Foreign Ministry reads  in part:  “On September 2, 1991, the joint session of the deputies of  all levels of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region and Shahumyan  region adopted the declaration of independence of Nagorno-Karabakh. 

This step was the logical consequence of the policy of ethnic  cleansing against Armenians by the Azerbaijani SSR, which is still  manifested today. 

In contrary to the constant statements by the authorities of  Azerbaijan that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the  Nagorno-Karabakh territorial unit no longer exist, it is a fact that  around one hundred and twenty thousand Armenians continue to live in  Nagorno-Karabakh, and as a member of the international community,  they have equal and inalienable rights, and the conflict cannot be  considered as resolved until the core needs of the Armenians of  Artsakh are not addressed. 

Ensuring the security and rights of the Armenian population of  Nagorno-Karabakh as well as a comprehensive and lasting resolution of  the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict by using the experience and potential  of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, continue to be a milestone  for achieving stability and peace in the South Caucasus.

The Republic of Armenia continues to be committed to providing all  the necessary conditions for the secure life of the people of Artsakh  in their homeland.” It should be recalled that on September 2, 1991,  at the joint session of the Nagorno-Karabakh regional and Shahumyan  district Councils of People’s MPs, a Declaration was adopted on the  proclamation of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic within the borders of  the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (NKAO) and the Shahumyan  region.  

Thus, the right that reflected in the legislation in force at that  time, in particular, in the law adopted on April 3, 1990, which  provided for the granting to national autonomies of the right to  independently determine their state-legal status in the event of  the  collapse of the Union Republic from the USSR, was realized. On  December 10, 1991, just a few days before the official collapse of  the Soviet Union, a referendum was held in Nagorno-Karabakh, during  which the vast majority of the population – 99.89% – voted for  complete independence from Azerbaijan. After that, the NKR parliament  was elected in the parliamentary elections, which formed the first  government. The independent government of the NKR carried out its  duties under the conditions of an absolute blockade and the  subsequent military aggression of Azerbaijan.

Garo Paylan raises alarm over destroyed Armenian church

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia – Sept 2 2022
(photo)
17:54, 02.09.2022

Garo Paylan, who has been studying destroyed Armenian churches in Van, addressed the Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism.

According to Turkey’s Sondaggi, Garo Paylan visited the Varaghavank, Zoradir St. Echmiadzin, and St. Bardokhemeos monasteries in Van and studied them on site.

Seeing that the monasteries were destroyed and on the verge of destruction, Garo Paylan turned to the Minister of Tourism and Culture with the words, “What benefit do you want to gain from the destruction of this monastery? Turkey will neither gain nor lose from the destruction of this monastery. Have you thought about that?”

Oppositionist names three principled demands on Karabakh, which must be secured

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia – Sept 2 2022
(PHOTOS)
21:00, 02.09.2022

There are only three principled demands on Karabakh, which must be secured, said Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a representative of the Supreme Body of ARF Dashnaktsutyun and an MP from the opposition “Armenia” bloc, during the September 2 rally of the Resistance Movement on the French Square in the center of Yerevan (PHOTOS).

The Karabakh issue, he said, has existential significance for Armenia.

“Karabakh is our strength and our dignity. It can never become an object of bargaining. Nevertheless, Karabakh today is on the brink of an abyss. It is threatened by ethnic cleansing and expulsions of Armenians,” the oppositionist said.

He also listed the previously mentioned three main demands:

1. Any solution by which Karabakh can be incorporated into Azerbaijan must be excluded.

2. The enclave state of Karabakh should be excluded. That is, a reliable land connection must be established between Karabakh and Armenia.

3. Karabakh’s demilitarization should be excluded. That is, the Armed Forces of Armenia and Karabakh should participate in the creation of a unified security system.

The obligatory provision and subsequent implementation of these three requirements, according to Saghatelyan, can prevent attempts to evict Armenians from Karabakh.

“For all these three requirements, we have problems. But we, for the realization of these goals, will fight to the end!” the parliamentarian stressed.

Armenia, Iran plan to deepen bilateral economic ties and increase trade turnover

Emil Lazarian

 

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 17:41, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Iran are planning to raise the bilateral economic relations to a higher level, increase the trade turnover volumes and boost the ties between the businessmen of the two countries. 

Yerevan hosted today an Armenian-Iranian Business Forum. 

Photos by Mkhitar Khachatryan

The delegation led by the Governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province Abedin Khorram has arrived in Yerevan at the invitation of Armenian Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan. The Iranian delegation includes representatives of public sector, traders, businessmen who are going to meet with Armenian businessmen.

“We expect that these meetings will be productive. New business contracts will be signed which could be an important impetus for trade turnover”, Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Armen Arzumanyan said. 

The trade turnover between Armenia and Iran is growing. A huge growth has been registered in the first 6 months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. “It has been around 307 million dollars in 2022, and 224 million dollars in the same period of 2021. We expect to have more intensive growth in the second half of the year”, he said.

Arzumanyan assured that the ministry, the government, the embassy and the commercial attache of Armenia in Iran are making efforts to create all prerequisites for that. Thus, the two countries will try to expand the cooperation frameworks in many areas. Steps are also being taken to attract investments from Iran to Armenia and find new markets for Armenian exporters and manufacturers. 

Ambassador of Iran to Armenia Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri stated that Iran is attaching importance to the development of stable relations with its neighbors. “The East Azerbaijan is one of the economically powerful provinces of Iran. The visit of the delegation led by the Governor of the province speaks about the will of Iran to develop the economic relations with Armenia”, the Ambassador said.

He said that the Forum will help the two sides to get acquainted with each other’s economic and trade potential and give a logical development to the bilateral ties. 

In his turn Abedin Khorram said: “We are here in order to be able to further develop the bilateral relations. Our key goal is to develop the relations of the East Azerbaijan province with the Armenian side, so that as a bordering province to be able to increase that cooperation and the export volumes. He said that their goal is to contribute to raising the bilateral trade turnover to a higher level. The Governor of the province also talked about some problems existing in the customs sector, stating that efforts should be made to solve them. He expressed hope that serious achievements will be registered during the visit. “Taking into account the historical-cultural past of the two countries and their ties, let’s try to raise the relations of the countries to a high level also in the economic sector”, he stated.

Abedin Khorram stated that they also plan to enter the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union (EU) through Armenia.