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

Ankara Claims Pashinyan ‘May’ visit Antalya; Yerevan Says No Decision Has been Made

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 January 27, 2022

 

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

The Turkey-Armenia border

As has become the norm in the context of the newly-started process of normalization of relations between Yerevan and Ankara, Turkey’s Foreign Minister Mevlut Çavuşoğlu made statements regarding the future of the process in an attempt of set the agenda on the talks and, at times, force official Yerevan’s hand to discuss certain issues.

This time, following a meeting for the Central African Republic foreign minister, Çavuşoğlu said the the special envoys, appointed by the leaders of Armenia and Turkey, will discuss further steps, adding that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is poised to attend a diplomatic summit in Antalyan, Turkey in March.

“The normalization process we started with Armenia and supported by Azerbaijan, continues with confidence-building steps. The tete-a-tete meeting of our special envoys was held in Moscow. They met directly, without any mediator. It is true that the host country, Russia, hosted both of them during the dinner, for which we thank them. After the first familiarization meeting, the special envoys will discuss further steps together,” Çavuşoğlu said, noting that from February, one Turkish and one Armenian airline will start operating Istanbul-Yerevan-Istanbul flights.  

He stated that at present 50 countries have confirmed their participation in the Antalya Diplomatic Forum, with 45 of them being represented by their foreign ministers, while another five being represented by deputy foreign ministers. Çavuşoğlu added that representatives of more than 30 international organizations (NATO, EU) will also participate.

“We want to bring diplomacy, dialogue to the forefront, to discuss existing issues, to bring forward visions for the future…,” said Çavuşoğlu.

“We have invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and the Special Representative Ruben Rubinyan. Recently Pashinyan said that they [Armenia] may participate in the forum. We will be happy, because Azerbaijan is also coming. Let Azerbaijan and Armenia present their opinions,” said the Turkish Foreign Minister, who did not rule out that Armenia’s prime minister might visit Antalya.

On Monday, during a virtual press conference, Pashinyan sounded upbeat about Armenia’s attendance of the conference, despite the fact that his foreign ministry had publicly acknowledged the invitation but had said that it was assessing its options.

Eduard Aghajanyan, the chair of the parliament’s foreign affairs committee, said Thursday that a final decision on whether Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan or Rubinyan, the special envoy, will participate in the Antalyan summit.

“As of this moment there is no final decision about the participation,” said Aghajanyan, a member of Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party.

Foreign Ministers of Armenia, Luxembourg emphasize need for comprehensive and lasting settlement of NK conflict

Emil Lazarian

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 20:16, 26 January, 2022

YEREVAN, 26 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. On January 26, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg on an official visit, met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg Jean Asselborn.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries praised the cooperation in the fields of democracy, rule of law, protection of human rights, as well as the fight against corruption. Ararat Mirzoyan and Jean Asselborn expressed readiness to intensify the political dialogue between the two countries.

It was emphasized that on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Luxembourg, the first official visit of the Armenian Foreign Minister in the history of bilateral cooperation will serve as a new impetus for the realization of the still untapped potential for cooperation.

The sides exchanged views on deepening the Armenia-EU partnership, emphasizing in this context the effective implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

The interlocutors highlighted the cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries, in particular, through the Armenia – Luxembourg friendship groups.

The Ministers noted with satisfaction the experience of effective cooperation within the framework of international organizations, including the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the United Nations, expressing mutual readiness to make efforts to strengthen close cooperation at the multilateral level.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Luxembourg discussed regional and international security issues. The sides exchanged views on the solution of humanitarian problems created by the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh. Minister Mirzoyan thanked for Luxembourg’s clear position from the very first days of the 44-day war, including the adoption of the resolution condemning the hostilities unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh by the parliament of Luxembourg. The sides emphasized the need for a comprehensive and lasting settlement of NK conflict under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format.

During the meeting, reference was made to the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Turkey without preconditions. The importance of establishing cooperation between the countries of the region and creating preconditions for sustainable development was emphasized.

Asbarez: Soccer Star Ronaldo Wears Armenian-Made ‘Azat Mard’ Hoodie in Dubai

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Latest, News, Top Stories

Cristiano Ronaldo (left) wearing an AZAT MARD hoodie during a meeting with VP and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo wore a hoodie made by the brand Azat Mard, a name that translates to “Free Man” in Armenian, during the meeting with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.

Ronaldo has been in Dubai for a few days and has been making the most of the warm weather with time spent on the beach and training at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex.

Ronaldo in a turquoise Azat Mard hoodie The popular Azat Mard hoodie, as seen on the brand’s website

The Manchester United star was pictured in Sheikh Hamdan’s Instagram stories, along with his son Cristiano Junior.

Azat Mard positions itself as “a contemporary menswear brand specializing in luxury closing and outwear for the fashion-forward, powerful men.”

It was co-founded by Garen Tchobabanian and Neil Malhotra in 2018. Tchobanian previously played for the Armenian National Soccer team.

Ronaldo (second from left) wore the Azat Mard hoodie while attending a meeting in Dubai with his son, Cristiano Junior (far left)

The name, Azat Mard, is from Armenia and translates to “Free Man.”

“Freedom and self-_expression_ are the driving forces behind the ethos of the brand, the Azat Mard man is a leader, he is forward-thinking and not afraid to stand up and stand out,” reads a post on the brand’s website.

Turkish press: Turkish Aerospace’s Anka UCAV sets flight record at over 30 hours

Emil Lazarian
 ISTANBUL JAN 12, 2022 – 1:23 PM GMT+3


TAI’s Anka is seen in the air in this photo provided on Aug. 14, 2021. (IHA Photo)

Turkey’s Anka medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) has set a new flight record on Tuesday by staying in the air for 30 hours and 30 minutes, according to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the manufacturing company.

The TAI shared the related news via a Twitter statement. “Anka has achieved new successes! It broke the record for the longest flight by making a mission flight of 30 hours and 30 minutes in a sortie!”

The Anka UCAV, which broke the flight record, is estimated to be in the “next-generation Anka” configuration, according to open sources.

The next-generation Anka drones are based on the Anka-S UCAVs, which are already included in the Turkish security forces’ inventory.

In June last year, Turkey-based defense industry news platform SavunmaSanayiST.com reported that TAI has delivered four of the newly-configured Anka-S drones, two of which have been allocated to the Turkish Naval Forces, while the country’s air force will use the other two.

In an interview with the news website, TAI UAV Systems Vice-Chair Ömer Yıldız said the main difference between the new generation and the current Anka-S is in the wings and wing profile.

The Anka-S UAV has a useful payload capacity of 250 kilograms (551 pounds) and can stay in the air for up to 24 hours. With the new configuration, it can now carry up to 350 kilograms and stay in the air for up to 30 hours.

The Anka-S configuration, with Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) capabilities through satellite links, is used by the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) and the Gendarmerie units. The Anka-B configuration, which has Link Relay capabilities, is also used by the TSK and the Gendarmerie. The Anka-I, on the other hand, is operated by the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) and used in signal intelligence.

This particular drone was also exported to Tunisia, its first sales deal abroad, while reports suggested that Kazakhstan will soon buy three Anka UCAVs.

Armenia’s National Day to be celebrated at Expo 2020 Dubai

Emil Lazarian
Jan 29 2022
– 13:27 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenia’s National Day will be celebrated at Expo 2020 Dubai on January 30 and give spectators a chance to immerse themselves in the nation’s incredible culture.

The event will include a lively and colorful performance of Armenian contemporary dance, music and beautiful singing.

“To top it off, there’s acrobatic stunts! In tune with the theme, the performers will be wearing costumes with traditional Armenian patterns,” according to information cited on the official website of Expo 2020 Dubai.

The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra, meanwhile, will bring Khachaturian Jazz to Al Wasl stage.

Home to contemporary innovators and some of the world’s oldest cities, Armenia is a nation where the ancient and modern worlds converge. The Armenia Pavilion at Expo 2020 features a wealth of highlights from each realm, blending deep cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology.

Armenian PoWs send letters to families with help from ICRC

Emil Lazarian
Jan 29 2022
– 14:57 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross visited the Armenian prisoners of war still being held in Azerbaijan, Zara Amatuni, PR specialist of the ICRC office in Armenia, has said, according to Sputnik Armenia.

“Employees of the organization visited all those persons whose capture was confirmed by the Azerbaijani authorities. Among them are those who were captured at the end of 2020 and in November 2021,” Amatuni was quoted as saying Friday, January 28.

The ICRC staff got to learn more about the conditions of detention, handed over letters and video messages from families to the PoWs, as well as took their messages for their families. In addition, with the mediation of the Red Cross, the prisoners were able to talk to their relatives on the phone.

Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan stated that the number of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, according to various estimates, is about 70 people. According to unofficial data, about 130 Armenian soldiers are in captivity in Azerbaijan.

Newspaper: How Armenia PM justifies expensive purchases?

Emil Lazarian
  News.am  
Armenia – Jan 29 2022
10:04, 29.01.2022

YEREVAN. – Zhoghovurd daily of Armenia writes: During the penultimate—the final—press conference of 2020, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had reflected also on the matter of the official cars being acquired for the [country’s] officials, justifying the process of buying new, expensive cars [for them].

Pashinyan had explained this [process] by the fact that the [official] cars—which serve those holding state positions—on the balance of the state security service are old and break down often. (…).

(…) however, the question does not arise in Pashinyan as to whether or not the [aforesaid] cars have passed the relevant inspection before going on the road. Maybe the malfunction was before the moment of moving, which could have been eliminated, then head on to the road. Are the people in charge of the problem—the specialists or the mechanics—properly dealing with the car? (…).

On the other hand, Pashinyan’s [aforesaid] statement may have more far-reaching goals to justify the super-expensive and new [official] car to be bought for the prime minister tomorrow, the next day, with the excuse that, “Oh dear people, the old [official] cars were breaking down on the road.”

In the near future, it will be clear what Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s tendency was to make references to officials’ official cars remaining or breaking down on the roads. It is clear that neither of the abovementioned two observations can be understood and justified.


Moscow police interrupt screening of film about Armenian statesman Garegin Nzhdeh

Emil Lazarian
  News.am  
Armenia – Jan 29 2022
15:49, 29.01.2022

Moscow police have interrupted the screening of a film about Armenian statesman and military strategist Garegin Nzhdeh (Garegin Ter-Harutyunyan), Regnum reported, citing its source.

Accordingly, those in attendance to this screening were dispersed by the police—and on the grounds of the Russian Criminal Code article on the inadmissibility of the “rehabilitation of Nazism.”

The screening of this film was organized by the Union of Armenians of Russia.

Armenia ex-president Sargsyan gives exclusive interview

Emil Lazarian
  News.am  
Armenia – Jan 29 2022
19:46, 29.01.2022

Third President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan gave an exclusive interview. This is stated in a message circulated on the official website of the ex-president in Facebook.

“…Despite the destructive war, despite the capitulation, there are still opportunities”: Serzh Sargsyan.

An exclusive interview with Serzh Sargsyan will be aired soon,” the message reads.

Four Azerbaijani soldiers got lost in Qarvachar

Emil Lazarian
panorama.am
Armenia – Jan 29 2022

Four servicemen of the Azerbaijani army, including an officer, got lost due to bad weather in a hard-to-reach area in the Artsakh’s Karvachar region, currently under control of Azeri forces. 

“Due to a sharp change in the weather and a storm …, four servicemen of the Azerbaijani army got lost and disappeared,“ the local sources reported, citing the defense ministry. 

According to them, search operations are underway to find the servicemen in  a remote area on the border with Armenia. The area is covered with snow and the passage there is extremely difficult.