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

President Aliyev promises to continue peace process with Armenia in his inauguration speech

Emil Lazarian
euronews
Feb 16 2024

Aliyev promises to continue peace process in his inauguration speech but said it could only be achieved without foreign interference.

Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev was sworn in for his fifth term in Baku on Wednesday, after winning the early elections with more than 92% of the vote.

In his inauguration speech President Aliyev vowed to continue the reconciliation process with Armenia, but he insisted on the terms and the process that in his opinion Yerevan must respect.

The president said Azerbaijan is ready to move on from the decades of conflict with its neighbour, but that it will continue maintaining a high combat readiness for its army.

Aliyev also insisted that the peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan can only be achieved by the two countries without any foreign interference.

“We do not need a mediator in this matter. I have said this before and I want to say it again from this lectern. We have resolved our problem. We have initiated the signing of a peace agreement with Armenia. We were the author of the five well-known principles. We also wrote the text of the peace agreement and sent it to the Armenian side.

"Now, if Armenia wants to comply with the norms of international law, this agreement will be signed. If it doesn't and if groundless claims continue to be made against us, this agreement will not be signed, but nothing will change for Azerbaijan. I have already said that we should be ready for the challenges ahead of us, for the ugly policy being conducted against us. Therefore, I think that the process of normalisation of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations should be dropped from the international agenda. Because everyone seems to want to deal with this issue. Mind your own business! This is why I don't want to spend a lot of time on this topic, because it's not worth it. We have resolved our problem,” the president said.

Aliyev said investments in the military continue to be a top priority for Azerbaijan, also in the current geopolitical context.

“Everyone sees the developments unfolding in the world today. The world has actually come very close to a third world war. Some believe that the third world war has already started. (…) Modern warfare is very different. It is not even possible to compare World War II with today's wars. Many countries have started paying attention to the military field today. We have been doing this for more than 20 years, and the experience we have today, including our combat experience, is invaluable. Our army has demonstrated its strength not in exercises, not in parades, but on the battlefield.

“Armenia and those supporting it militarily should understand that nothing can stop us. If territorial claims against us are not abandoned, if Armenia does not bring its legislation into order, of course, there will be no peace treaty. This once again suggests that building an army and strengthening the military potential is the primary objective. This has already become the main task for many countries. It can be clearly seen in their military doctrines, their budget expenditures and other steps.”

The president said that Azerbaijan is also looking forward to what he called “new horizons in the direction of foreign policy in this new era”.

“Whereas in the previous period the main direction of our foreign policy was the solution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, today this issue is almost no longer on the agenda. This is why new directions of our foreign policy should prevail. We will be more active in solving problems of concern in the world, including climate change, considering we will be the host and chair of COP29.

We must be at the forefront of the fight against Islamophobia in the world. We should be with the countries fighting against neo-colonialism. Those responsible for neocolonialism should also know that they have unleashed a cold war on us in vain. We will not lag behind. We have never been on the defensive. We will take adequate measures to the steps taken against us, and those who are preparing cunning plans against us, I am sure, will regret it,” the president warned.

Aliyev said while his country is pressing on with green energy developments, Azerbaijan wants to be a reliable partner in oil and gas supplies.

“Work will be continued in the field of conventional fuel – oil and gas. Work is under way on stabilising oil production, I think there will be results in the near future.

"Regarding natural gas. We are already exporting natural gas to eight countries. The demand is greater, first of all, of course, from the European Union. More and more people are asking us for help. And we, as a reliable partner, are always ready to help those in need. And we do provide this help, which is appreciated,” the president said.

https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/15/president-aliyev-promises-to-continue-peace-process-with-armenia-in-his-auguration-speech



Ex-Minister of Economy of Armenia is under house arrest: corruption scandal

Emil Lazarian
Feb 16 2024
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Ex-Minister of Economy indicted

Former Armenian Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan has been placed under house arrest for two months, as decreed by the anti-corruption court. “I intend to appeal this decision,” remarked the ex-minister during the courtroom proceedings.

Kerobyan tendered his resignation merely two days prior, and he was summoned for interrogation yesterday, subsequently being detained by law enforcement authorities.

As per the assertions of the former minister’s legal counsel, he stands accused of abuse of power “in collusion with a group of officials.” Vahan Kerobyan asserts his innocence. The defense contends that “the basis for the accusation is flimsy, relying largely on conjecture.”

The investigative committee has disclosed certain particulars of this criminal investigation, which was instigated on January 31. Presently, there are eight individuals implicated, five of whom are Ministry of Economy personnel, including Kerobyan. The allegations revolve around improprieties purportedly committed during the tender process for procurement services essential to the Ministry of Economy.

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Prior to the Anti-corruption Court’s announcement of its decision, Vahan Kerobyan engaged with journalists. He stated that he perceived no political undertones in the situation and proceeded to elaborate on his resignation. Specifically, he mentioned crafting a resignation letter at the behest of the head of the prime minister’s staff.

“Their dissatisfaction stemmed from my performance,” remarked the former minister.

In response to inquiries regarding his rapport with the prime minister himself, he expressed gratitude to Nikol Pashinyan for their collaborative endeavors. On February 14, when announcing his resignation via Facebook, Kerobyan also extended thanks to the prime minister for “the opportunity to serve the country.”

“Due to numerous differences, I’ve contemplated stepping down on multiple occasions during this tenure, yet I prioritized my professional duties over personal matters to maximize my contribution to the country,” he articulated. However, he refrained from delineating the nature of the disputes under discussion.

According to the investigative committee, the case revolves around abuses committed during a tender announced to establish a Bank for state investment projects in 2022. Four organizations submitted applications to participate, of which two, namely company “S” and foundation “H,” progressed past the preliminary stage and engaged in the competition.

As per the official statement, law enforcement agencies conducted an investigation, including covert operations, with the involvement of employees from the National Security Service in operational search activities.

“It came to light that a group of officials from the Ministry of Economy, driven by a predetermined bias to ensure company “S” as the victor of the tender at any cost, collaborated with the company’s director and employees, who were part of the [criminal] group, to undertake actions aimed at eliminating company “S”’s competition.”

Furthermore, alterations to the tender’s conditions during the process rendered the documents submitted by the “H” fund incompatible, resulting in the exclusion of the company from participation. The Ministry of Economy specified a budget of approximately $300 thousand for establishing the bank. However, despite this, company “S” was declared the winner of the tender, offering its services for $700 thousand.

“It was also discovered that an employee and the director of company “S,” aware of the company’s guaranteed victory in the tender and exploiting the absence of genuine competition, inflated the project’s cost by an amount equivalent to $50 thousand. Consequently, the company, which initially requested $1 million (over 392 million drams), was declared the tender’s winner,” reported the investigative committee.

Foundation “H” was only recognized as the tender’s winner a year later, through a court decision dated June 20, 2023. The Investigative Committee further states that even after this ruling, “an individual holding a senior position within the ministry instructed their deputy, the head of the relevant department, to submit a budget request amounting to 400 million drams to the Ministry of Finance for the acquisition of the project [from company “S”], which was carried out.”

Law enforcement agencies declare that these actions resulted in significant harm to the state and the legitimate interests of the “H” foundation.

Consequently, five employees of the Ministry of Economy and three representatives from the Synergy company have been charged in connection with this case.

Earlier, Deputy Minister of Economy Ani Ispiryan was dismissed from her position and subsequently detained in connection with this case. Also facing charges in the same case are the founder and director of Synergy company, Ashot Hovhannisyan, along with an employee of the organization, Lily Mkryan, and a former employee, Ani Gevorgyan. The arrest of Ani Gevorgyan garnered significant attention in society due to her relation as the wife of the brother of the Armenian parliament speaker.

As a precautionary measure, the court ordered house arrest for Ani Ispiryan, while the other three were remanded into custody. Members of the ruling Civil Contract faction petitioned the prosecutor’s office to reconsider the preventive measures.

On February 12, the preventive measures against Synergy employees Ani Gevorgyan and Lily Mkryan were altered. The prosecutor directed the investigative body to implement “combined alternative preventive measures” for them, including bail, travel restrictions, and surety. The company’s founder, Ashot Hovhannisyan, remains incarcerated.

Prior to his resignation, the Minister of Economy remarked that imprisoning officials on unsubstantiated charges would “cripple the state system.”

“If a person hasn’t been caught stealing… We receive inquiries from agricultural departments: how can we continue our work knowing that our honest efforts might be penalized? I believe we need a cultural shift. We must assess whether we sometimes allow room for errors. Although in this instance, I’m confident there were no significant errors,” Kerobyan stated.

BTA. Armenia’s National Assembly President Simonyan Visits Bulgaria

Emil Lazarian

 17:18,

SOFIA, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS/BTA. Armenia’s National Assembly President Alen Simonyan is paying a two-day official visit to Bulgaria on Thursday and Friday at the invitation of Bulgarian National Assembly Chair Rosen Zhelyazkov, the Bulgarian Parliament said in a press release.

After a formal welcoming ceremony and laying a wreath at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier, the two heads of parliament had a one-to-one session of talks and then they joined their delegations for plenary talks.

“The advancement of parliamentary cooperation is an important element in the development of our relations,” National Assembly Speaker Rosen Zhelyazkov said at his meeting with the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan.

Zhelyazkov described as excellent the relations between Bulgaria and Armenia and pointed out that they are built on the basis of long-standing historical and cultural ties between the Bulgarian and Armenian people. “We can boast of a solid legal base, including over 60 bilateral documents,” Rosen Zhelyazkov said. “Unfortunately, our relations in the trade and economic sphere, the exchange of goods and investments fall short of the existing potential,” he added.

Traditionally, the good ties between Armenia and Bulgaria are based on friendship and shared cultural values, said the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan. He stressed the importance of the dialogue between the legislative institutions of the two countries and welcomed the establishment of the Bulgaria-Armenia Friendship Group in the National Assembly. We are also pleased to note the successful preparation of an agreement on inter-parliamentary cooperation, which we hope will be signed in Yerevan soon, Simonyan added.

“We welcome Armenia's expressed intention to develop and deepen its partnership with the EU and its Member States, including within the inclusive regional political framework of the Eastern Partnership Initiative,” Zhelyazkov underscored. “For us, connectivity – infrastructure, transport, energy, digital, including people-to-people contacts – is of utmost importance,” he added.

Armenia seeks to develop its cooperation with the EU and highly appreciates Bulgari’s support, Simonyan said. He noted that it is in the interest of both countries to seek ways to increase trade and economic relations.

Zhelyazkov said that Bulgaria and the EU as a whole remain focused on building a constructive, stable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, based on the principles of recognition and non-violation of the borders of the two countries. In his words, the only path to a sustainable solution is through negotiations and a sincere commitment by Yerevan and Baku under international mediation, preferably in the "Brussels format".

Bulgaria and Armenia will benefit from cooperating in building transport infrastructure linking Europe and Asia, Zhelyazkov said. “We are consistent in the policy of developing economic relations both on a bilateral basis and within the EU framework to develop relations with the countries of the Caucasus and the Black Sea region,” Zhelyazkov said. He expressed confidence that the established Bulgarian-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Economy will provide additional tools for cooperation between the businesses of the two countries, and the direct air line between Sofia and Yerevan, which was opened in the spring of 2023, will have a positive effect on connectivity, business, tourism and people-to-people contacts.

On Friday, the guest will confer with the Chair of the Bulgaria-Armenia Friendship Group Atanas Zafirov and with MPs of the group.

During his visit, Simonyan will hold talks with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and with President Rumen Radev. The guest is scheduled to tour the St Alexander Nevsky Memorial Cathedral, the Boyana Church, the National Museum of History and the Sts Cyril and Methodius National Library.

(This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.)




Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 15-02-24

Emil Lazarian

 17:39,

YEREVAN, 15 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 15 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.68 drams to 404.25 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 2.02 drams to 434.00 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 4.39 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.30 drams to 507.66 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 99.33 drams to 25800.22 drams. Silver price down by 9.70 drams to 287.04 drams.

Armenpress: Ararat Mirzoyan met with President of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg

Emil Lazarian

 21:31,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS.  The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan on February 14  met with Claude Wiseler, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg. Members of the Luxembourg parliament's bureau and the committee on foreign affairs also participated in the meeting, the foreign ministry said.

During the meeting, the parties emphasized the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the dynamic development of high-level political dialogue between Armenia and Luxembourg.

 The Armenian Foreign Minister presented the latest events regarding the security situation in the South Caucasus. A detailed reference was made to Armenia’s approaches to the key issues of the draft agreement on the regulation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which are based on fundamental principles well-known to the civilized world.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia emphasized the importance of steps to restrain the destabilization of the situation in the region. Parliamentarians highly appreciated the decision of the Armenian government to open a diplomatic representation in Luxembourg, describing it as an _expression_ of close friendship.

Asbarez: Iran will Ensure Regional Security and Stick to Its ‘Red Lines’

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran hosts Armenia's Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan in Tehran on Feb. 15


President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran said Thursday that his country is ready to ensure the strategic security of the Caucasus region, keeping in mind the “red lines” that Tehran has advocated regarding its opposition to any changes in regional borders.

During the past several weeks, Iranian officials have reiterated their strong opposition to a scheme advanced by Baku — and backed by Ankara — on the creation of a land corridor through Armenia to Nakhichevan.

Tehran views this as a “red line” in its regional policy.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi  has welcomed the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing Iran’s readiness to ensure the strategic security of the Caucasus region given the red lines of the Islamic Republic in this regard.

Raisi made the remarks on Thursday during a meeting with Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan. The Iranian leader also warned about “outside forces” attempting to sway matters in the region under the pretext of assisting to overcome crisis, essentially referring to the West’s recent interest in Armenia.

He added that not only does the involvement of “outsiders” not yield solutions, but it brings about more severe challenges, the IRNA news agency reported.

Raisi welcomed the peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan, expressing Iran’s readiness to assist in that process.

He voiced his country’s full support for the implementation of all agreements between Tehran and Yerevan.

Armenia and Iran have signed agreements on economic cooperation in 19 different sectors during their intergovernmental commission meeting, IRNA reports.

Video Interview: "Armenia, My Home" ’s Andrew Goldberg

Emil Lazarian

Feb 14 2024

Video Interview: Armenia, My Home’s Andrew Goldberg

2 hours agoAlexa Alfano

Directed by So Much Film’s Andrew Goldberg and narrated by Andrea Martin (Only Murders in the Building), the upcoming documentary Armenia, My Home explores the storied country’s past and present. Through interviews with familiar faces from the diaspora, archival photographs and rich footage of the nation known for fusing the East and West, the doc delves into the modern-day Republic of Armenia’s unique cultural tapestry, which spans thousands of years.

TV Real Weekly spoke to Goldberg about what prompted the film, sifting through mountains of history for what shines through, the partnership between So Much Film and PBS and more. Armenia, My Home is set to bow on PBS stations on February 23.

Amaryan Charitable Foundation donates AMD 18mln for social housing program for displaced elderly people from NK

Emil Lazarian

 14:23,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. The Amaryan Charitable Foundation announced a 18 million AMD donation to the Senior Center program in Goris, Syunik region, implemented by the WINNET Goris Development Foundation with the support of 301 Land of Wisdom Foundation. The Senior Center’s goal is to ensure the well-being of displaced elderly people from Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) who are without family. The money will go towards the purchase of the Center’s building.

The center, developed by WINNET Goris Development Foundation, will feature 24 rooms, a social canteen, and a daytime activity center, ensuring access to basic necessities and social services. Additionally, it will offer a safe and secure environment for this vulnerable group, enabling them to combat the feeling of loneliness and isolation through social interaction and activities.

"This initiative deeply resonates with our Foundation’s beliefs and values," said David Amaryan, co-founder of The Amaryan Charitable Foundation. "What happened in Artsakh created a serious humanitarian challenge, and by contributing to organizations like WINNET Goris Development Foundation, which has been engaged in social programs in Syunik for over 15 years, The Amaryan Charitable Foundation aims to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis”.

 “Our roots are from Syunik and this region holds a special place in our hearts. We knew we had to contribute to this initiative addressing the urgent needs and challenges faced by Syunik,” stated Vardan Amaryan, co-founder of The Amaryan Charitable Foundation emphasizing the importance of coordinated relief efforts. “This Social center will provide much-needed shelter and support for elderly individuals who have lost their homes and loved ones."

Ruzanna Torozyan, Executive Director of WINNET Goris Development Foundation shared that after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, their Development Foundation expanded the scope of its activities, providing humanitarian relief to families displaced from NK. “It was obvious that the most vulnerable in this difficult situation are the elderly remained without care, pensioners who feel the need to be taken care of. It is important to create conditions so that elderly people can be provided with decent social services, activities, and entertainment. There are many initiatives, and we need partners to implement them. The Amaryan Charitable Foundation was the first to respond for which we are grateful. We value the trust and willingness to take care of the issues of older people. We are sure that this cooperation will positively change the lives of hundreds of elderly people. Their warm smiles, bringing some happiness in their lives is the most important thing for us. All efforts and contributions for the implementation of this big initiative are undoubtedly welcome” noted Ruzanna Torozyan.

 

About The Amaryan Charitable Foundation

The Amaryan Charitable Foundation, established by David Amaryan, an Armenian entrepreneur and investor, the founder and executive director of the Balchug Capital and Vardan Amaryan, a businessman and the founder of the Apricot Capital investment company. The Foundation aims to cultivate growth of individuals and communities through initiatives in education, sports, culture, and youth development.

About WINNET Goris Development Foundation

WINNET Goris Development Foundation's activities are aimed at expanding socio-economic opportunities for women and promoting their active participation in public life. Since 2020, the Foundation has expanded the scope of its activities, providing humanitarian relief to families forcibly displaced from Artsakh, providing development and social programs for women and the elderly.

About 301 Land of Wisdom Foundation

301 Land of Wisdom Foundation implements projects in Armenia in the fields of culture, science and education aimed at preserving and developing the cultural identity and values of the Armenian people.




PM’s Press Secretary responds to Baku’s statements: Azerbaijan continues strategy of deepening enmity in the region

Emil Lazarian

 20:02,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS.  The press secretary of Armenian Prime Minister Nazeli Baghdasaryan has responded to several statements from official Baku, specifically noting that Azerbaijan continues its strategy of deepening enmity in the region, which poses a continuous threat of destabilization, Baghdasaryan wrote this on her Facebook page.

In response to several announcements from official Baku, I am authorized to announce:

The legislation of the Republic of Armenia is an internal matter of the Republic of Armenia, and no external force has the right to interfere in the internal affairs of our country.

As for territorial claims, Armenia is committed to the agreements reached with Azerbaijan on international platforms to recognize each other's territorial integrity on the basis of the Alma-Ata Declaration, to conduct the demarcation and delimitation of the borders between the two countries based on the Alma-Ata Declaration, to open the regional communications on the basis of the sovereignty, jurisdiction, the principles of equality and reciprocity.

Azerbaijan regularly violates these agreements by persisting in aggressive rhetoric, using force and the threat of force, that contradict the written agreements reached at international platforms. Additionally, Azerbaijan continues to occupy 31 vital territories belonging to the Republic of Armenia. All this shows that Azerbaijan continues the strategy of deepening enmity in the region, which is a continuous threat of destabilization.

Armenia will continue its efforts to establish peace and again offers Azerbaijan the withdrawal of troops, based on the 1991 border line, which will be a cornerstone step for stability and mutual trust in the region. As for the peace treaty, there is an already agreed-upon point in the draft being negotiated between Armenia and Azerbaijan, according to which the parties cannot refer to their legislation to refuse to fulfill any provision of the peace treaty.

 We repeat: Armenia and Azerbaijan have already reached an agreement on this point, and the statements from official Baku contradict this agreement as well.