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

Turkish Press: Türkiye’s first ever Armenian district governor to assume office

Emil Lazarian

Turkey – Aug 18 2022

Türkiye’s first ever Armenian district governor to assume office

Ber Acar, 27, has been appointed as the district governor of Babadağ, Denizli.
İstanbul – BIA News Desk, Thursday 18:00

For the first time in the history of the republic, an ethnic Armenian has become a district governor, Agos reported.

Berk Acar, who has been appointed as the governor of the Babadağ district in the western Deniz province, is set to assume office in the coming days to replace Adem Karataş, the former governor.

Acar, 27, graduated from the Sahakyan Nunyan Armenian Middle School and Işık High School. In 2020, he graduated from Bilgi University’s Faculty of Law.

After completing his internship at the law office in İstanbul’s Şişli district, he entered 110th term district governor exam in July 2021. He ranked 72nd among 13,374 candidates and became of the of the 475 people who were interviewed for the position. (HA/VK)

Secretary of Nagorno-Karabakh Security Council demands ban on media activities in Russian peacekeepers` responsibility zone

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia – Aug 19 2022
Marianna Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo. Secretary of the  Nagorno-Karabakh Security Council Vitaly Balasanyan demanded that the  commander of the Russian peacekeeping contingent ban the activities  of Azerbaijani and other foreign journalists in the responsibility  zone without the consent of the Nagorno- Karabakh Security Council. 

Eynulla Fatullayev, Editor of haqquin.az, accompanied by Russian  peacekeepers, visited Berdzor and Aghavno, posing as a representative  of an international organization and talked to the Aghavno community  head and Armenia’s residents present there at the moment. 

The Security Council also accused the Azerbaijani side of  disseminating disinformation on a trip to Kashatagh.

"Prohibit the free sale of freeworks" – former Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia

Emil Lazarian
Aug 18 2022
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Ban sale of fireworks to public

“The tragedy that occurred in the Surmalu shopping center was sobering and painful. It is time to take tougher measures so that we see fireworks only at state and community events,” Tigran Avinyan, a Civil Contract party board member and candidate for mayor from the ruling party, said. The fire at the shopping center in Yerevan on August 14 appears to have been caused by a fire at a fireworks warehouse there.

Tigran Avinyan served as Deputy Prime Minister in 2018-2020. In April 2022, it came out that that the ruling party intended to nominate him for mayor. Elections will be held next year.

According to a member of the ruling party, fireworks should not be permitted in private celebrations and reserved only for public holidays.

The former deputy PM told reporters that in fall the parliament would consider toughening restrictions on fireworks.

On August 14, an explosion and fire broke out in the Surmalu shopping center. Sixteen bodies have been found, two are still missing. Sixty-two were sent to area hospitals. The fire was extinguished on the evening of August 16. The search for survivors continues.

In memory of the dead, August 17 and 18 have been declared days of mourning in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Avinyan, who visited the shopping center on August 17, said a terrorist attack had been ruled out, and exact causes of the incident would become clear during future investigation.

All details about the incident at the shopping center, and comments from Armenians on social media

Tigran Avinyan was one of the first to respond to the mall incident. Even before visiting the ruins of the shopping center, he posted on his Facebook page that unrestricted sale of fireworks should be reconsidered.

“I call on our colleagues in the National Assembly to attend to this matter,” he wrote.

Avinyan considers the storage of large quantities of highly combustible material to be an unacceptable risk, and that even the best emergency system would be ineffective in this situation.

“Storage of four tons of explosives in one place is a huge danger. A small spark can lead to disaster.”

Iran scholar Emma Begijanyan believes that the strategic and national security interests of Armenia and Iran coincide

According to the former Deputy Prime Minister, what happened in the Surmalu shopping center should give us pause about fireworks in general.

He believes that fireworks at private parties should be avoided, as they pose a great danger and disturb neighbors:

“We must understand that citizens within a radius of 10 km should not have to participate in our private events, especially since there are elderly people and young children among them. Even if there are fireworks before 23:00, they will disturb the peace of these people. It’s time to get tougher on this.”

Avinyan said that in the fall it is planned to submit to the parliament a draft for tightening access to fireworks:

“In 2021, the government approved a project that practically restricted the use of pyrotechnics during private events. According to the project, the use of fireworks was allowed only during state and community holidays.”

The former Deputy Prime Minister believes that this step should be taken definitively, and the government should moreover deal with the issue of hazardous waste storage.

https://jam-news.net/prohibit-the-free-sale-of-fireworks-former-deputy-prime-minister-of-armenia/

Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed condolences to the leadership of Armenia in connection with the tragedy in Yerevan

Emil Lazarian
Turkmenistan – Aug 17 2022

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent deep condolences to the President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturian and the Prime Minister of this country Nikol Pashinyan in connection with the loss of life as a result of the explosion in the territory of the “Surmalu” shopping center in Yerevan, announced the “Watan” news program of the Turkmen television today.

On behalf of the people and the Government of the country, and also on his own behalf, the head of Turkmenistan conveyed words of empathy and support at this difficult moment to the families and friends of the victims, and wishes for a speedy recovery to the victims.

On August 14, a warehouse of pyrotechnic materials exploded in the “Surmalu” shopping center. According to the Armenian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the explosion killed 16 people, injured more than 60, and 18 are considered missing, including a Russian citizen and an Iranian citizen.

Investigators completely ruled out the version of the attack. The Prosecutor General’s Office of Armenia opened a criminal case on violation of the rules for storing flammable substances and fire safety rules.

https://turkmenportal.com/en/blog/50653/serdar-berdimuhamedov-expressed-condolences-to-the-leadership-of-armenia-in-connection-with-the-tragedy-in-yerevan

195th anniversary of Battle of Oshakan marked in Armenia

Emil Lazarian
Armenia – Aug 17 2022

The battle between Persian army and Russian detachment which included Armenian volunteers took place on August 17, 1827 and ended with the defeat of the Persian side.

 

Maxim Seleznyev, Charge d’Affaires of Russia in Armenia, first expressed condolences regarding the tragedy that happened in Yerevan on August 14.

 

“On this day of mourning, on behalf of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, I would like to express my condolences to the families of the victims and wish the survivors soonest recovery. I also want to thank the rescuers and volunteers who work selflessly at the site of the tragedy.

 

It has been 195 years since the Battle of Oshakan ended here. Paying tribute to the heroes of this battle, we first of all remember the Russian General Afanasy Krasovsky, the courage of Russian officers, soldiers and Armenian volunteers who gave their lives to save the Armenian shrine. I think that besides having a historical context, this also became evidence of how two fraternal peoples can defend common values,” the diplomat said.

 

The event was attended by the Vice-Governor of the Armavir region Artak Avetisyan, Mayor of Etchmiadzin Diana Gasparyan, Commander of the Armenian-Russian Joint Group of Units Lieutenant-General Tigran Parvanyan, Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Alfred Kocharyan, representatives of the Armenian Apostolic and Russian Orthodox churches.

 

The Vice-Governor of the Armavir region Artak Avetisyan noted in his speech:

 

“Because of the exploits of the Armenian and Russian soldiers, the troops managed to save Etchmiadzin from the enemy. The Battle of Oshakan was crucial for the people of Armenia, because as a result of this battle, Eastern Armenia was liberated from Persian rule and joined Russia.”

Azerbaijan insists on removal of Armenian population from Lachin and two villages

Emil Lazarian
CAUCASIAN KNOT
Aug 18 2022
The Armenian population of Lachin and the villages of Akhavno and Sus must leave these territories, the Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliev, has stated.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that residents of Berdzor (the Azerbaijani name is Lachin, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”) and the village of Akhavno (the Azerbaijani name is Zabukh, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”) in Nagorno-Karabakh must leave their houses before August 20, as from that day on, communications will be cut off in these dwelling settlements, local authorities have confirmed.

According to the agreement signed by Aliev, Pashinyan and Putin, Armenia transferred the territory of the Lachin District to Azerbaijan. In June 2022, the Azerbaijan State Highway Agency reported that the construction of the 32-kilometre-long Azerbaijani section of the road continues at an accelerated pace and is scheduled to be completed this year. The transfer of Lachin (the Armenian name is Berdzor) under Azerbaijan’s control was delayed due to the absence of an alternative road from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. After the launch of this road, Lachin will be transferred to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani experts explained in July.

The people illegally settled in the town of Lachin and the villages of Zabukh and Sus must be evicted, Ilham Aliev said in an interview with the Azerbaijani TV on August 12. “Their presence there, in essence, is a war crime, because it contradicts the rules of the Geneva Convention. (…) Perhaps the Armenians living there, who came from Syria and Lebanon, don’t know this, but the leadership of Armenia is well aware of this. Let them not to test us and our patience again. Let them leave of their own free will. We are not interested in where they go. We must return to Lachin, Zabukh and Sus. I instructed the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons to contact residents of Lachin, Sus and Zabukh; and we’ll soon return them to their native places,” the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent has translated the words of the Azeri President.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on at 09:40 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:
Authorities hurry residents of Akhavno and Berdzor to move out, Despite authorities’ warning, Akhavno villager burns his house down, Residents of Akhavno and Berdzor reproach authorities for demanding urgent evacuation.

Author: Kyamal Ali Source: CK correspondent
Source:
© Caucasian Knot

Berdzor population reduces to 70 before resettlement from Lachin corridor

Emil Lazarian
CAUCASIAN KNOT
Aug 18 2022
About 70 people still stay in Berdzor, but people are preparing for involuntary resettlement from the Lachin corridor, the Mayor of Berdzor reports. The official emphasizes that the authorities do not guarantee the safety of those who stay.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that the administration of the Kashatag District of Nagorno-Karabakh reported that residents of Berdzor (the Azerbaijani name is Lachin, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”) and the village of Akhavno (the Azerbaijani name is Zabukh, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”) must leave their houses by August 20.

According to the agreement signed by Aliev, Pashinyan and Putin, Armenia transferred the territory of the Lachin District to Azerbaijan. In June 2022, the Azerbaijan State Highway Agency reported that the construction of the 32-kilometre-long Azerbaijani section of the road continues at an accelerated pace and is scheduled to be completed this year. The transfer of Lachin (the Armenian name is Berdzor) under Azerbaijan’s control was delayed due to the absence of an alternative road from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. After the launch of this road, Lachin will be transferred to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani experts explained in July.

There are no families in Berdzor who refuse to leave their houses, the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent has learned from Berdzor Mayor Narek Aleksanyan.

“I can’t imagine what security guarantees can be provided if someone nevertheless decides to stay. The authorities will not be able to provide any assistance if a person decides to stay. I personally can’t imagine how Armenians and Azerbaijanis could live next to each other in the same community,” Narek Aleksanyan noted.

At present, according to the Mayor of Berdzor, about 70 people still stay in the community. “Some of the families have already resettled, while others have returned to take their belongings. Everyone chooses whether to move to Armenia or stay in Artsakh (the self-name of Nagorno-Karabakh, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”). If they stay in Artsakh, they will be accommodated in a hotel for the first time. In Armenia, the people will be accommodated in rented housing,” Narek Aleksanyan reported.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on at 11:22 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:
Azerbaijan insists on removal of Armenian population from Lachin and two villages, Authorities hurry residents of Akhavno and Berdzor to move out, Despite authorities’ warning, Akhavno villager burns his house down.

Author: Tigran Petrosyan Source: CK correspondent
Source:
© Caucasian Knot

Maksim Seleznyev: Russia peacekeepers will not move from existing Lachin corridor until new road is operational

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia – Aug 18 2022
16:38, 18.08.2022

Russian peacekeepers will not move an inch from the existing Lachin corridor until the new road is operational. Maksim Seleznyev, an advisor-attaché at the Russian embassy in Armenia, told this to RFE/RL.

The high-ranking Russian diplomat emphasized that there are arrangements in this regard and the parties are in direct contact, but without detailing what kind of arrangements we are talking about and between whom exactly.

Yerevan has announced that it will complete its section of this new motorway in May next year.

Seleznyev stressed that the Russian mission in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) is doing what is possible within the scope of its powers.

At the same time, the Russian diplomat conveyed that Moscow is ready to expand the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Artsakh if both Yerevan and Baku come to an agreement on this matter.

Turkey talks about Zangezur corridor without even mentioning Armenia

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia – Aug 18 2022
17:24, 18.08.2022

Deputy Minister of Trade of the Republic of Turkey, head of the Customs Department Riza Tuna Turagay told APA that the “Preferential Trade Agreement” between Azerbaijan and Turkey will be extended. Turagay noted that the goal was set to increase trade turnover between the two countries to $15 billion: “Currently, our trade turnover is about $5 billion. In 2021 we had imports of $2.3 billion and exports of $2.7 billion. We’re working to increase that trade turnover.”

One of the most important issues for expanding trade relations, he said, is the opening of the Zangezur corridor. “The opening of this corridor will give us an advantage in terms of getting access to Azerbaijan, and from there to Central Asian countries, to increase the volume of trade. High-level negotiations with Russia to open the Zangezur corridor are ongoing. We expect the corridor to be opened in the very near future,” the Turkish deputy minister said, thus hinting at some secret negotiations with Russia.