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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

AW: Dr. Asya Darbinyan returning to Clark University as visiting professor in Armenian Genocide Studies

Emil Lazarian
April 6, 2022 Pauline Getzoyan Diaspora 0

Dr. Asya Darbinyan

Exactly nine years since being invited to join the Strassler Center’s doctoral program at Clark University, Dr. Asya Darbinyan is “delighted and honored” to be returning as visiting professor in Armenian Genocide Studies in the fall.

“I read that acceptance letter signed by Dr. Deborah Dwork—the founding director of the Center and one of my role models in academia—and it felt like a dream come true,” Darbinyan told the Weekly. “Now imagine how thrilled I am to be invited back and this time as a professor.”

The university community and friends of the Strassler Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies learned of Darbinyan’s return last week via an email from executive director Mary Jane Rein, Ph.D

Darbinyan’s research and teaching expertise stand at the intersection of Armenian history, the history of the Russian Empire, genocide, refugees and humanitarian interventions, with a focus on the agency and actions of refugees in addressing their suffering and plight. Having completed her Ph.D. in 2019 under the direction of Taner Akçam, Darbinyan currently is a postdoctoral scholar at the Martin-Springer Institute in the Department of Comparative Cultural Studies at Northern Arizona University. From 2019-2020, she was a Fellow in Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Stockton University. She holds M.A. and B.A. degrees in international relations from Yerevan State University. Before joining Strassler’s doctoral program, Darbinyan was a senior researcher and the deputy director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute in Yerevan from 2008-2013.

Darbinyan told the Weekly that she is enthusiastic about the prospect of returning to the vibrant intellectual community at Clark University. “I will seize the opportunity to learn more from and work with the exceptional group of professors and students at the Strassler Center, and in a variety of departments,” she said.

Darbinyan’s postdoctoral experiences at both Stockton University and the Martin-Springer Institute include offering undergraduate and graduate-level courses on Armenian Genocide and Holocaust history, along with women’s experiences during genocide and others. In addition, she has been revising her dissertation into a book manuscript while also working on a book proposal which she plans to submit to academic presses in the coming months. 

In the fall 2022 semester, Darbinyan will have two offerings at Clark: a lecture course titled “History of Armenia,” which will cover the history of the Armenian people from antiquity to the 21st century, and a seminar course she designed and is currently teaching on “Genocide and Women.” She explained that the seminar “examines the multifaceted roles women have played in genocidal and post-genocidal societies by conducting gendered analysis of mass atrocity. Focusing on women’s experiences during the Armenian Genocide and the Holocaust, as well as the genocides in Bangladesh, Rwanda, Bosnia, and Iraq, this course analyzes the relation between gender, ethnicity, class and violence.”

“I am eager to support, engage and help grow the Strassler Center’s current and future initiatives and programs with participation of my colleagues, students and local communities in Worcester, in the Greater Boston area and around the world,” Darbinyan told the Weekly. Regarding her work in the classroom, Darbinyan concluded, “I approach teaching as a special chance to build trust with students as I motivate, challenge and learn from them. I look forward to returning to and teaching at Clark next academic year.”

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Editor
Pauline Getzoyan is editor of the Armenian Weekly and an active member of the Rhode Island Armenian community. A longtime member of the Providence ARF and ARS, she also is a former member of the ARS Central Executive Board. A longtime advocate for genocide education through her work with the ANC of RI, Pauline is co-chair of the RI branch of The Genocide Education Project. In addition, she has been an adjunct instructor of developmental reading and writing in the English department at the Community College of Rhode Island since 2005.


Li Keqiang addresses Nikol Pashinyan on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties

Emil Lazarian

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 13:54, 6 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and China, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Keqiang sent a message to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

The message, in particular, reads,

“Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
Your Excellency,

On behalf of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and on my personal behalf, I convey my heartfelt congratulations, best wishes to you, and to the Government and people of the Republic of Armenia, on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Armenia.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, healthy and sustainable development dynamics has been observed in the Chinese -Armenian relations during the last 30 years. The political mutual trust between the two countries is constantly deepening, the practical cooperation in different spheres is progressing, and the cultural and humanitarian exchanges are getting closer.

Taking the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, I express my readiness to make joint efforts with you to deepen bilateral relations in various spheres, to enrich the agenda of the Chinese-Armenian friendly relations for the benefit of our countries and peoples.

I wish success in your mission and good health. I wish eternal friendship between China and Armenia”.

Armenian national futsal team departs for Bulgaria

Emil Lazarian

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 15:10, 6 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenian national futsal team left for Bulgaria, where the qualification tournament of C group of World Cup 2024 will take place, the Football Federation of Armenia said.

Headed by Ruben Nazaretyan the following players left for Bulgaria.

Luan Muller – AD Fundao (Portugal)

Emin Gharabekyans – FC Iracom (Iran)

Rodriginho – MFK Norilsk Nickel (Russia)

Vladimir Sanosyan – MFK Norilsk Nickel (Russia)

Joao Guilherme Carvalho – Gazprom-Ugra (Russia)

Lucas Rozenski – Al Tadhamon SC (Kuwait)

Vitinho – FC Wiener Neustadt (Austria)

Nikita Khromikh – Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (Russia)

Sargis Margaryan – VRZ Gomel (Belarus)

David Aslanyan – VRZ Gomel (Belarus)

Artur Melkonyan – FC Ukhta (Russia)

Saro Galstyan – Yerevan FC

Garegin Mashumyan – Yerevan FC

Hamlet Manukyan – Yerevan FC

Rafik Melikyan – Yerevan FC

 

Tournament schedule: 

Armenia-Scotland, 08.04.2022, 18:30

Bulgaria-Kosovo, 08.04.2022, 21:00

Kosovo-Scotland, 09.04.2022, 18:30

Bulgaria-Armenia, 09.04.2022, 21:00

Kosovo-Armenia, 11.04.2022, 18:30

Scotland-Bulgaria, 11.04.2022, 21:00

43 MEPs sent letter to Charles Michel, alerting about Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing in Artsakh

Emil Lazarian
Public Radio of Armenia
April 6 2022
April 6, 2022, 23:49

 1 minute read

On the initiative of the Members of the European Parliament (MEP) François-Xavier Bellamy and Loucas Fourlas, 43 MEPs from all the major political groups addressed a letter to President of the European Council Charles Michel and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell, ahead of the Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting in Brussels. 

MEPs express their concerns about Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing against the native Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh/ Artsakh. They urge the EU leadership to use all available leverage to pressure Azerbaijan to stop its aggressive policy in Artsakh, immediately withdraw its military forces back to their initial positions and stop any action that could endanger the indigenous Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The letter refers in particular to the provocations unleashed by Azerbaijan in Artsakh in the recent weeks, such as the incursion of the Azerbaijani armed forces into the Armenian village of Parukh, to difficult situation caused in the village of Khramort, as well as to the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh following the cut of gas supplies by Azerbaijan. The MEPs conclude their letter by stating that the EU cannot allow ethnic cleansing in its neighborhood.

Commenting on the letter, the President of the EAFJD Kaspar Karampetian emphasized:

“This initiative of the Members of the European Parliament is a strong signal to EU executive leaders, as it provides a clear assessment of the policy pursued by Azerbaijan, qualifying it as a policy of ethnic cleansing. We must continue to be consistent for the EU to put pressure on Azerbaijan to end its anti-Armenian policy of forcing the native Armenian population out of Nagorno Karabakh/Artsakh.”

https://en.armradio.am/2022/04/06/43-meps-sent-letter-to-charles-michel-alerting-about-azerbaijans-policy-of-ethnic-cleansing-in-artsakh/

Mikayel Vardanyan donated 104 million AMD to 348 beneficiary single mothers on April 7

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia – April 7 2022

There are 348 beneficiary single mothers registered in Armenia who have children with disabilities under the age of 18.

On April 7, on the occasion of Motherhood and Beauty Day, by benefactor Mikayel Vardanyan, each single mother was provided 300 thousand AMD financial assistance. The total budget of the program amounted 104 million AMD.

Azerbaijani press: U.S. experts: Aliyev’s calm, clear leadership moving region towards peace… See more

Emil Lazarian
7 April 2022 12:29 (UTC+04:00)
583

On April 6, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting in Brussels, hosted by President of the European Council Charles Michel.

The meeting was held for a continuation of their discussions on the situation in the South Caucasus region and the development of EU relations with both countries. The leaders assessed the developments since their last meeting in Brussels in December 2021 and their videoconference, together with French President Macron, in February 2022.

During the meeting, it was agreed to instruct the foreign ministers of their respective countries to work on the preparation of a future peace treaty, which would address all necessary issues.

At the same time, it was also agreed to convene a Joint Border Commission by the end of April. The mandate of the Joint Border Commission will be to: delimit the bilateral border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and ensure a stable security situation along, and in the vicinity of, the borderline.

Richard Hoagland, the former co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group from the US, noted that clear leadership from President Ilham Aliyev is moving the region towards peace and a better future.

“Undoing decades of conflict is no easy matter – strong feelings continue to simmer on both sides. However, calm and clear leadership from both President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan is setting the tone for the two nations to follow toward a safer and, ultimately, more prosperous future. Both sides have a long and difficult road ahead,” he said.

In turn, Former US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta told Trend that the meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders is an important and hopeful step, especially coming so soon after their last meeting with European Council President Michel December 14. This uptick in western European efforts to help Azerbaijanis and Armenians move towards peace is quite encouraging.

“In terms of what was announced coming out of the meeting – the leaders taking stock of developments since their December meeting and also their February meeting with President Macron, their discussion of the recent tensions and unfortunate incidents, the need to abide by the provisions of the November 2020 ceasefire agreement, the importance of both sides working to resolve humanitarian issues, work on de-mining, instructing the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan to work on preparing a peace treaty, and convening a Joint Border Commission by the end of April — all of these are important, needed, positive steps,” Cekuta noted.

Again, he said, overcoming the more than three decades of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan is not going to be easy.

“It is going to take time, determination, perseverance, and hard work to build the understanding and the level of trust necessary for peace. But it is good, very good to see President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan undertaking this difficult work,” Cekuta added.

However, he said, it is also important for everyone to recognize this process is likely going to take time, and that there will probably be what seem like setbacks and disappointments.

“This is the nature of any negotiations. Again, this is welcome and I would say overdue development. At the end of the day, no outside party can impose a peace; an effective, lasting peace agreement needs to be developed and entered into force by Azerbaijan and Armenia,” he noted.

Cekuta pointed out that outside actors can help move that process forward and help develop the confidence and conditions essential for progress towards a peace agreement.

AW: Armenian rock band Lav Eli announces east coast concert tour

Emil Lazarian
April 7, 2022 Guest Contributor Music, Announcements 0

Lav Eli (Photo: Facebook)

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—The popular Armenian rock band Lav Eli has announced a concert tour of select US east coast cities this spring. The tour will kick off in Richmond, VA on April 27th. Performances will continue in Washington, DC on April 28th, in New York, NY on April 29th, Boston, MA on April 30th and conclude in Portland, ME on May 1st.

Lav Eli was formed in 1996 by Vanadzor, Armenia natives Mher Manukyan and Gor Mkhitarian. Previously from the band SNACK, they picked up two members from the group ALQ in David Grigoryan and Vahe Terteryan and formed their classic lineup for a demo recording in 1997 entitled “The First Lav Album.” This limited edition cassette of 200 units was printed in Armenia and had 21 songs – 10 in English and 11 in Armenian. It became a local underground classic in the hands of children and adults alike who craved an original Western rock sound that was homegrown and Armenian.

In 2020, Lav Eli updated its lineup, now consisting of Manukyan (guitar/vocals), Mkhitarian (guitar/vocals), Gor Tadevosyan (guitar/backup vocals), Tigran Voskanyan (bass), Shogher Manukyan (cello) and Vardan Paremuzyan (drums) of The Bambir. Lav Eli’s music is available on all major streaming services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music and Spotify.

For this tour, Mkhitarian, who resides in North Carolina, will be joined by his bandmate Manukyan, who will be traveling from Armenia. LA-based accordionist Ara Dabandjian, who has performed with Mkhitarian on his solo projects as well as with Lav Eli, will appear on this tour as a special guest.

The Armenian Cultural Association of Maine (ACAME), which is a presenter of Lav Eli’s concert slated for Portland, ME, will host a virtual conversation with Mher Manukyan and Gor Mkhitarian on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at 9:00 am. ACAME board member Raffi DerSimonian, who is also a Portland-based musician and recording artist, will be moderating the conversation. This free program will provide music lovers of all backgrounds and cultures an opportunity to get to know the music of Lav Eli and Manukyan and Mkhitarian as professional musicians, Armenian natives, and an inspiration to thousands of music lovers across the world.

“Twenty-five years after their first appearance, Lav Eli continues to carry on a rich Armenian folk rock musical legacy to the delight of three generations of listeners,” remarked founder of Pomegranate Music, Raffi Meneshian.

Armenian Catholicos hosts delegation from Crimea

Emil Lazarian
April 8 2022

The news release of the Holy See press service reads:

 

“The Catholicos of All Armenians brought his blessings and best wishes to the members of the delegation, praying for the restoration of peace in the region and the strengthening of the spirit of solidarity and cooperation in the life of humanity. During the meeting, His Holiness referred to the important role and contribution of the Armenian community in the history of Crimea, to the current active national-spiritual life of the community. On this occasion, the Catholicos of All Armenians expressed his appreciation to the Crimean authorities for their caring attitude towards the Armenian community, as well as for their support in church building.”

 

Mediamax notes that the Crimean delegation, which is visiting Armenia this week, is led by the Vice Prime Minister Georgi Muradov, who, judging from the photo provided by the Holy See press service, was not present at the meeting.

Moscow Says ‘Clarification’ Needed with Peacekeepers on Parukh Invasion

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 April 8, 2022

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Russian peacekeeping forces in Artsakh

Lavrov Pledges Support for “Peace Treaty” between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday said that while the Russian peacekeeping contingent continued to investigate the circumstances of the March 24 incursion, by Azerbaijani forces, into the Parukh village in Artsakh’s Askeran district, certain incidents there require further “clarifications.”

Speaking at a joint press conference in Moscow, Lavrov said that he had discussed the issue with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, who is on a diplomatic visit to Russia.

Russia’s top diplomat scoffed at calls for an internal investigation into the peacekeeping contingent’s activities, saying that such sentiments do not reflect the “real attitude of the Armenian people and the leadership of Armenia.”

Yet Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, as recently as Thursday, called for such an investigation during remarks he made at his weekly cabinet meeting.

“The circumstances there [in Parukh] are not completely clear,” said Lavrov. “I do not want to go ahead and make a final judgment.”

“We are convinced that our Armenian friends fully trust the Russian peacekeeping contingent. Calls for holding [Russian peacekeepers] accountable and launching an internal investigation do not reflect the real attitude of the Armenian people and the leadership of Armenia and the big role that the Russian peacekeeping contingent plays for ensuring stability in the region,” Lavrov added.

“Yes, small incidents are taking place, and our servicemen are dealing with this particular incident. There are things there that need clarification,” he said.

In his remarks, Mirzoyan reflected on the fact that his visit was taking place at a time when the focus of discussions had become the situation in the South Caucasus and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Mirzoyan spoke of the incursion by the Azerbaijani forces into the Parukh village, which under the jurisdiction of the Russian peacekeepers. He also accused Azerbaijan of creating a humanitarian crisis, recalling its recent blockade of natural gas supplies to Artsakh, saying that the brunt of his discussions with Lavrov focused on the situation in Karabakh.

Armenia’s foreign minister said that Armenia “continues to believe that the Russian peacekeeping contingent will manage to restore the status-quo in Nagorno Karabakh, and that Azerbaijan will return to its initial positions.”

“As I have already said, the peacekeeping contingent has been deployed in Nagorno Karabakh for ensuring the status-quo outlined in the November 9, 2020 agreement and protecting the security of the population of Nagorno Karabakh. We continue to believe that the status-quo will be restored, and the Russian peacekeepers will continue fulfilling their important function and mission,” reiterated Mirzoyan.

Hailing Russia’s “significant role” in halting military operation in Karabakh, Mirzoyan expressed hope that the peacekeeping contingent “will contribute to the observance of the ceasefire regime and the prevention of provocations in Nagorno Karabakh, the return to normal life and stability, and security in our region.”

Lavrov pledged Russia’s readiness to support the creation of conditions for the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Advancing the discussion on a “peace treaty” was discussed on Wednesday during a meeting between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan that was mediated by the President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel.

“Russia is ready to provide support to the work between Yerevan and Baku for creating conditions for the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” said Lavrov, adding substantive discussions took place in ways that Moscow can support the launch of this effort

“We discussed issues that have been discussed at the level of our leaders, including in terms of the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan and future steps to strengthen trust and stability on the borderline,” Lavrov briefed reporters about his meeting with Mirzoyan.

Lavrov expressed hope that the commission for delimitation will be created as soon as possible, and noted that Moscow did not see any obstacles for this. He further added that the work for solving humanitarian issues must continue.

The working group for unblocking of transport and economic links will convene its next meeting this month, announced Russia’s top diplomat.

Lavrov also spoke about the normalization process between Armenia and Turkey. “We welcome the process of normalization of relations between Yerevan and Ankara. This must contribute to the improvement of the situation in the overall region,” he said.