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 should fully realize new reality surrounding Artsakh – Stepan Grigoryan

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia –
David Stepanyan

ArmInfo.The reason for Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovaev’s new status, Special Envoy of the RF Foreign Minister for Armenian-Azerbaijani  normalization, is the desire to present it as a result of the USA and  France refusing to work with Russia within the OSCE Minsk Group, the  political scientist Stepan Grigoryan said in an interview with  ArmInfo. 

And it is only Moscow that considers the OSCE Minsk Group’s  activities ended on February 24.  “Otherwise, the U.S. and French  co-chairs would not have come to the region to find a solution to the  Artsakh problem – let me emphasize, within the OSCE Minsk Group,” Mr  Grigoryan said. 

“Russia is determined to contribute to the signing of a peace  agreement between Yerevan and Baku based on the Baku-proposed  principles for establishing Armenian-Azerbaijani interstate relations  and on Yerevan’s response to them,” Maria Zakharova, Spokesperson for  the RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated.   

On February 24, 2022, Washington and Paris broke off all contacts  with Moscow as OSCE Minsk Group co-chair. However, the real situation  in the South Caucasus does not allow intervals in negotiations. It  requires further consistent steps to establish long-lasting peace in  the region, Zakharova said.   

In his context, Ambassador-at-large Igor Khovaev will continue in a  new capacity of Special Envoy of the Russian FM for normalization of  the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

According to Mr Grigoryan, official cessation of the OSCE Minsk  Group’s activities and dissolution of the co-chairmanship – the only  official international format mandated to deal with the issue of  Artsakh’s status – is actually Moscow’s desire not that of Washington  or Paris. In fact, the OSCE Minsk Group has over recent years been a  “thorn in the side” of not only Azerbaijan and Turkey, but also of  Russia. So it is Russia that is actually seeking dissolution of the  co-chairmanship by bringing accusations against the USA and France.  

“Igor Khovaev’s appointment as Special Envoy of Russia’s foreign  minister for Armenian-Azerbaijani problems is nothing but an official  reorganization of the international format of negotiations over  Artsakh – and it is not France or the USA, but it is Russia. And the  goal is to sideline the USA and the EU and gain an opportunity to  ensure surrender of Artsakh to Azerbaijan as part of its pro-Turkish  and, consequently, pro- Azerbaijani policy. 

“We, on our part, should fully realize the new reality. Otherwise,  Armenia and Artsakh are very soon going to face entirely new threats  and challenges,” Mr Grigoryan said. 

18 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia – 04/16/2022

Emil Lazarian

18 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

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 11:07,

YEREVAN, APRIL 16, ARMENPRESS. 18 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed over the last 24 hours, bringing the cumulative total number of confirmed cases to 422,747, the Armenian Ministry of Healthcare said.

No new deaths were recorded and the death toll stood at 8621.

14 people recovered (total recoveries: 410,434).

2631 tests were administered (total tests: 3,013,643).

The number of active cases stood at 2011.

Opinion: The Armenian Genocide’s martyrs

Emil Lazarian
CT Post
Harry Mazadoorian

On April 15, Armenians in Connecticut and all over the world will commemorate the Armenian Genocide of 1915, when more than 1.5 million Armenians perished in a vicious and unthinkable state action by the Ottoman Empire.

Despite overwhelming and virtually incontrovertible evidence of that horrific tragedy, the government of Turkey continues to shamelessly deny it. The United States, which had sidestepped the recognition issue for many years so as not to offend its NATO ally, formally recognized and condemned the genocide in 2020 with resolutions of both houses of Congress and then by President Joe Biden’s statement in 2021, courageously recognizing the genocide, which said of the victims, “We honor their story. We see that pain. We affirm the history … The American people honor all those Armenians who perished in the genocide.”

Efforts for continued condemnation of all genocides is important to honor those who perished during those horrible times but equally to deter the ongoing threats of future genocides. Continued vigilance is needed as the world today witnesses an escalation of brutality in Ukraine, which that government now condemns as genocide. Continued atrocities in the historic Armenian region known as Artsakh further demonstrate the need to watchfully condemn ongoing genocides.

In addition to the increasing number of recognition of the Armenian genocide by scholars, journalists and governments has been another event which has uplifted the hearts and souls of Armenians all around the world: In 2015, the year of the 100th commemoration of that tragic event, the Armenian Church took an unprecedented and truly remarkable step: The canonization of the martyrs of the genocide by the Armenian Church. The Synod of bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church, under the auspices the Armenian Catholicoi, formally recognized those who perished in the Genocide as martyrs and canonized them as saints of the Armenian Church.

The event was reported to be the largest canonization service in history. It was an occurrence of enormous consequence. It had been some 500 years since the last time the Armenian Church had canonized a new saint. While not widely reported in non-Armenian communities, the historic event was reverently and proudly proclaimed throughout Armenia and the diaspora. It was a monumental event filled with hope and symbolism.

His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Findikyan, primate of the Armenian Diocese of the Armenian Church in America, Eastern Region, before his ordination, produced a magnificent monograph titled “From Victims to Martyrs.” In it he wrote: “Never in (the) history of the Armenian Church had new saints been proclaimed with greater splendor, excitement or inclusiveness — every hierarchical jurisdiction of the Armenian Church was represented, as were a few sister churches throughout the world. … Unprecedented as well was the Armenian Church’s readiness, after one hundred years, to discern God’s redeeming grace from within the darkness and evil of that great crime against humanity.”

The Genocide victims are now martyrs. They can now provide intercession. Instead of praying for them, we now pray to them. It is something of incredible mystery and relevance. In the words of Father Untzag Nalbandian, pastor of Trumbull’s Holy Ascension Armenian Church “Many of us are the sons and daughters of the survivors of the Armenian Genocide, who gave us a new life in this country and or wherever they went. Since 2015, our generation became the children of saints, which puts on us a greater responsibility to be good, caring, helpful and compassionate towards others. Genocide against one ethnic group is a genocide against all humanity. We remember our martyrs, but now we also can ask for their intercession.”

Along with the canonization of the martyrs came the consecration and anointment of a new icon depicting the Holy Martyrs. It is present in all Armenian churches.

The canonization has proved to be an inspirational event for the entire Armenian community, and for the world. It is a reminder that despite the passage of time, helpless victims of the Armenian Genocide will be never be forgotten, but rather will be remembered for their faith and will forever serve to intercede on behalf of all of their descendants.

Harry Mazadoorian lives in Kensington. His parents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide in which three of his grandparents perished.

Russia’s FM talks about new developments in Karabakh with Armenian politician

Emil Lazarian

Date

4/17/2022 8:15:51 AM

 

(MENAFN) According to the Russian Foreign Ministry statement on Friday, the country’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talked about new advances on Karabakh in a telephone discussion with his Armenian partner Ararat Mirzoyan.

Based on the ministry’s statement, “the ministers exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia dated November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021, with an emphasis on further steps to unblock transport communications in the region and the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.”

The statement also mentioned, Lavrov and Ararat also talked about the forecasts for the talk of a Baku-Yerevan peace treaty with Russia’s help, and about the arrangements to the next trip of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to Russia.

MENAFN17042022000045014146ID1104035833

Artsakh Ombudsman: Protection of rights is acceptable to all, but political interests decide everything

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
16:30, 17.04.2022

From the viewpoint of the protection of Artsakh people’s rights, there was no visible interest in the meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office Zbigniew Rau, Artsakh Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan said on the air of the NEWS.am Power Factor.

“During the meeting, my main task was to present the humanitarian situation in Artsakh and the consequences of Azerbaijan’s criminal actions, and to make it clear that human rights cannot be ignored. In my opinion, from the meeting, it is very difficult to bring the defense of rights in the world. It seems acceptable to everyone that there are rights to be protected, but in the end it is political interests that decide everything. And I did not see any interest in terms of the real protection of Artsakh people’s rights,” Stepanyan said.

He noted that during the meeting it was said that the status of Artsakh must be solved by both sides in the course of negotiations.

Newspaper: US ambassador visits Armenia Central Bank, gives instructions to heads of banks

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
10:17, 16.04.2022

YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: Yesterday we received a written answer from the US embassy to our written question—whether a meeting between US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy and the heads of Armenia’s banks took place in the RA Central Bank building about a month ago, during which the ambassador made a demand to the banks not try to circumvent Western sanctions and help the RF [(Russian Federation)] citizens—by which, in fact, they confirmed our news:

“The United States appreciates Armenia’s commitment to follow international sanctions, and on this issue maintains regular contact with representatives of Armenia’s banking sector. The sanctions imposed by the United States, its allies, and partners in response to the war Russia unleashed against Ukraine are the heavy price imposed on those who support the war preferred by [Russian] President Putin. They [i.e., the sanctions] have no intention of punishing ordinary Russian citizens.”

ARMENPRESS arts journalist acknowledged by Union of Writers

Emil Lazarian

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 16:50,

YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. ARMENPRESS’s arts journalist Angela Hambardzumyan is among the distinguished reporters who were recognized by the Union of Writers for their coverage of the cultural events organized by the organization during 2021.

Union of Writers President Edward Militonyan presented certificates to ARMENPRESS’s Angela Hambardzumyan, Public Television’s Nune Aleksanyan, RFE/RL Azatutyun’s Gayane Danielyan, Aravot’s Vova Arzumanyan, Irvunk’s Nune Zakaryan, Grakan Tert’s Shake Yeritsyan and writer, reporter Hovhannes Avdaryan. The Third Armenian Channel, Shant TV, Zinuzh Media and Public Radio were also given certificates of acknowledgment.

Notable events organized by the union in 2021 include the Book Giving Day and the World Poetry Day events and the 125th anniversary of birth of Charents.

President Vahagn Khachaturyan receives President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union Perch Sedrakyan

Emil Lazarian

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 18:33,

YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan received President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Perch Sedrakyan and AGBU Armenia President Vazgen Yacoubian.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the President’s Office,  AGBU President Perch Sedrakyan presented the current programs, priorities and forthcoming activities of the Union.

President Khachaturyan praised the activities of the Armenian General Benevolent Union aimed at preserving the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs.

During the meeting, the sides touched upon Armenia-Diaspora relations, the need to use the potential of the Diaspora more effectively, the consolidation of Diaspora and Armenians around national goals, the preservation of the Armenian identity, as well as the joint implementation of strategic goals.

This endless succession of losses must be put an end to – Ishkhan Saghatelyan

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia –
Marianna Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo.This endless succession of losses must be put an end to, Armenian Parliament  Vice-Speaker Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a member of the Armenian  Revolutionary Federation (ARFD) party and opposition parliamentary  faction Armenia, wrote in a Facebook message.  

“I know you are greatly concerned. I know you are awaiting actions. I  know this treachery is impossible to put up with. Our worst  predictions are coming true. But all is not lost yet. We must stand  up and put an end to this endless succession of losses. Believe,  please, the opposition is up and doing. Of many questions I am going  to inform you in the coming days. Everything is bad, but we have a  chance. So w must use every moment in the right way. We have no right  to wrong steps. I say again, be ready. We have much work to do, and  wee are going to do it together. It is our mission, and we will carry  it out with honor,” Mr Saghatelyan wrote. 

Speaking in Parliament on April 13, 2022, Armenia’s premier said:   “The international community is telling us straightforwardly now:   being the world’s only country refusing to recognize Turkey’s ally   Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is a great threat not only to   Artsakh, but also to Armenia. The international community is telling   us again now: request a lower status for Nagorno-Karabakh,  and you   will enjoy international unanimity on Armenia and Artsakh.    Otherwise, we request you not to hope for us not because we are  unwilling to help, but because we are unable to.”  

Pashinyan: “We are speaking about Armenia and Artsakh’s being or not being”

Emil Lazarian

“Back in 1997, it was planned to divide the issue into parts, first was the Karabakh issue, then the peace agreement, and so is with the 2018 and 2016 packages. This package very clearly states that these initial principles are agreed upon, and then negotiations between the governments begin with the participation of the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh.

 

This is where by saying NK representatives the Armenians and Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh would have been meant. And it is here that with this settlement proposal the Azerbaijanis of Nagorno-Karabakh would have sat at the table of negotiations and there would not have been any settlement until the issue of Shushi, which was on the table of negotiations since 1996, was resolved.

 

Would Serzh Sargsyan hand over Shushi? No, he would not. A war would have broken and not only Shushi but a part of Karabakh would have been handed over. A new stage was added to the stage-by-stage option. The NK status or the ongoing status was to be determined at the Security Council session,” Pashinyan said.

 

He stressed that “if we wanted to hand over Karabakh and take the logic of the negotiations left by Serzh Sargsyan to the end, we would have handed over Karabakh.”

 

“Even if a referendum was to take place, it should have been within the timeframe agreed between the parties. Azerbaijan was very clearly saying that there would be no referendum in the next 50 years: let the Azerbaijanis return to Karabakh, live side by side for 50 years, the Azerbaijani settlements be returned, and in hundred years we will see, we do not agree to any other conditions,” Pashinyan said.

 

The premier said he is speaking about not handing over Karabakh.

 

“If we follow other path, we will hand over Karabakh. The developments over Parukh village are bright example – piece by piece. Let’s stop lying to each other.”

 

Politics | 2022-04-13 11:57:04

Commenting on his yesterday’s speech, he said that with it “he opened space for Armenia and Artsakh.”

 

“Through the whole negotiation process of the previous period, Armenia and Artsakh were deprived of political and diplomatic space. We open the way for Armenia and Artsakh to preserve the statehood. Armenia is a sovereign state, and we must return the right to decide something. We need to bring issues to the agenda, fill the regional agenda with content. It is enough for others to impose agendas to us all the time. We are talking about Armenia and Artsakh’s being or not being. There is a great deal of aggression around us and it is not just where we see it. We have to manage that aggression,” he said.