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

Aliyev believes ‘Zangezur transport corridor is becoming a reality’

Emil Lazarian
News.am
Nov 28 2021
Aliyev believes ‘Zangezur transport corridor is becoming a reality’
15:47, 28.11.2021

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev believes ‘the Zangezur transport corridor is becoming a reality’.

“This new transport infrastructure will become an important part of the East-West and North-South corridor,” Aliyev declared in his speech at the 15th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Ashgabat. Moreover, he expressed certainty that the member states of the ECO will benefit from the opportunities that the Zangezur corridor will offer.

According to him, Azerbaijan’s leadership is carrying out large-scale activities to restore the ‘occupied’ and so-called ‘Eastern Zangezur’ territories of Nagorno-Karabakh. “In 2021, the government allocated $1,300,000,000 for restoration, and at least the same amount of funds will be allocated in 2022,” he stated, adding that Nagorno-Karabakh and ‘Eastern Zangezur’ are declared ‘green energy’ zones — the solar energy potential in those territories is 7,200 megawatts, and the wind power is 2,000 megawatts.


Putin briefs Security Council on Pashinyan, Aliyev talks

Emil Lazarian

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 11:57,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. President of Russia Vladimir Putin briefed members of the Security Council on the results of the talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Sochi, the Kremlin said in a press release.

 

 

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenian science and technology potential attracts US funding agencies

Emil Lazarian

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 12:00,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. At the initiative of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), the representatives of the US Office of Naval Research Global (ONRG) and US Army Development Command  (DEVCOM) visited Armenia in pursuit of blue-sky ideas. The delegation looked to identify fundamental research that could potentially disrupt our conventional understanding of science and technology. The goal was to explore the breadth of scientific research in Armenia and enable brilliant minds to explore unconventional thinking in hope of creating awesome new technologies in the not so distant future. 

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The US delegation, together with the FAST representatives, visited various scientific, educational, and technological centers both in Yerevan and surrounding regions, including Yerevan State University, National Polytechnic University of Armenia, American University of Armenia, National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Radio Physics and Electronics and Institute for Physical Research located in Ashtarak, Byurakan Astrophysical Observatory, TUMO center and a number of tech companies, such as Synergy and PicsArt.

According to FAST Foundation, the visit was  intense , consisting of both formal and informal meetings with university rectors, professors, scientists, and the startup and tech community. Through these meetings the US delegation had a chance to learn about the ongoing research projects and achievements of local scientists, as well as to hear about their ideas and aspirations for the future. 

Along with the visits to various institutions, there were  separate meetings organized at the FAST Creative Campus with the young scientists, tech companies, and the startup community. 

This visit created the first discourse to identify opportunities for cooperation between the participants. ONRG and Army ITC can leverage three mechanisms of funding in support of Armenian scientists: (1) Provide travel grants for  Armenian researchers to visit the US for knowledge exchange and international collaboration. (2) Support local workshops and conferences that bring together the regional and international scientific communities to enable scientific exchange. (3) Provide basic research grants, one to three years in duration, that explore fundamental issues, challenge conventional thinking in science and technology, and harness innovative thinking to enable  cutting-edge research.

“Armenia has a long storied history of developing world-class science and technology innovation. This fact was repeatedly highlighted during the week-long visit to Armenian science and technology institutions. It was impressive to see what work is ongoing. It was refreshing to see a new perspective in addressing foundational challenges in science and technology. The unequivocal passion and personal dedication to basic research, the sheer determination to make a difference highlights what opportunities Armenia has to offer. We are looking forward to a continuous and long-standing collaboration with FAST to support the brilliant ideas Armenia has to offer.” – ONRG Chief Scientist Patrick Rose, and International Technology Center’s Basic & Applied Research Team Lead Jon Brame concluded during their visit. 

“Considering the creation of such platforms and international collaborations an important investment, FAST Foundation will continue to coordinate this entire process and will serve as a bridge between the local scientists and our US partners, doing its best to help Armenian scientists bring their ideas to life.” – highlighted Suzanna Shamakhyan, Vice President for Strategic Programming at Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology.  

The US Office of Naval Research Global (ONRG) and US Army Development Command (DEVCOM) are already looking towards their next planned visit in the coming year.

ECHR applies interim measures regarding 4 Armenian POWs held in Azerbaijan

Emil Lazarian

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 14:52,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The European Court of Human Rights applied interim measures regarding 4 Armenian prisoners of war held by Azerbaijan, attorney Artak Zeynalyan told ARMENPRESS..

Lawyers Artak Zeynalyan and Siranush Sahakyan had asked the ECHR to indicate interim measures – prioritizing the physical inviolability and protection of the lives of the captives – in their application sent to the court in relation to those taken captive or who are missing during the military actions following the Azeri attack on November 16.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Foreign Ministers of Iran and Armenia speak on the phone

Emil Lazarian
Bollyinside
Nov 27 2021
ByDesk


TEHRAN – Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian spoke on the phone with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan about a variety of bilateral and regional topics. According to the Iranian foreign ministry, they spoke over the phone on bilateral ties, economic cooperation, the Joint Economic Commission of the two countries, the ECO summit, and regional and international developments. Iran-Armenia relations are strong and progressing, according to Amir Abdollahian, who calls for the strengthening of ties in several spheres.

In the telephone conversation, the top Iranian diplomat underscored the Islamic Republic’s policy to not accept any change in the borders of regional countries. Amir Abdollahian also voiced concern over the recent hostilities in the Caucasus region and urged restraint and respect for the territorial integrity of regional countries. The Armenian foreign minister also referred to the proposed roadmap in relations between Iran and Armenia which was emphasized during his recent visit to Tehran. Mirzoyan said Yerevan is ready to hold the Joint Economic Commission and expand trade ties with Tehran.

He expressed satisfaction with the growing trend in ties between Tehran and Yerevan over the recent months and underlined the importance of expanding cooperation in political, economic and other fields. Iran’s foreign minister declared Iranian companies are ready to boost their activities in Armenia, expressing hope that the Joint Economic Commission of Iran and Armenia will convene as soon as possible. Amir Abdollahian voices concern over the recent hostilities in the Caucasus region.

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan appreciated the Islamic Republic of Iran’s policy to respect the territorial integrity of countries and described it as important. Mirzoyan stressed Armenia’s resolve to boost relations in all fields with Iran and renewed his invitation to Amir Abdollahian to visit Armenia. The Armenian foreign ministry also issued a statement on the call, briefly touching on the issues discussed by the two ministers. It said Amir Abdollahian and Mirzoyan “discussed issues of mutual interest related to regional security.”

It concluded, “The Foreign Ministers of the two countries also touched upon a number of issues of multifaceted cooperation between Armenia and Iran, expressing readiness to make efforts for further deepening the relations. They emphasized the importance of high-level reciprocal visits. The interlocutors exchanged views on expanding the contacts in the fields of trade, economy, infrastructure and energy. Implementation of directed work aimed at the multilateral agreement on the establishment of the ‘Persian Gulf-Black Sea’ international transport corridor was also emphasized.”

The Armenian statement said, “Minister Mirzoyan presented in detail to his counterpart the situation resulting from the recent aggression of the Azerbaijani armed forces against Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He added that Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia is a serious threat to the efforts aimed at establishing security and stability in the region.” Mirzoyan highly appreciated Iran’s position on territorial integrity and inviolability of the borders of Armenia, according to the statement.

Iran has long called for respect of international borders in the south Caucasus region amid continued border tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Iran also called on the two countries to settle their decades-long disputes through dialogue. In mid-November, the spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Saeed Khatibzadeh, issued a statement expressing concerns over border clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Khatibzadeh has expressed concern over new military clashes in the border regions of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, and called on the two countries to exercise restraint and refrain from expanding and escalating the conflict. Khatibzadeh stressed the need for countries to respect internationally recognized borders and called on the two sides to resolve their differences through dialog and peaceful means.

The Foreign Ministry spokesman described the current tensions as dangerous for the gradual process of achieving peace and progress in the region. He stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran, as in the past, is ready to help the two sides resolve their disputes and establish stability and security in the region.

Qajar art exhibit celebrates 30 years of political relations between Iran, Armenia Culture

Emil Lazarian
Tehran Times, Iran
Nov 27 2021
  1. Culture
– 18:28

TEHRAN – An exhibition displaying artworks from the Qajar period (1789-1925) in Yerevan is celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Armenia.

The exhibit underway at the Matenadaran, a museum and repository of manuscripts in the Armenian capital, is being organized in collaboration between the museum and the Iranian Cultural Center in the country, the Embassy of Iran in Yerevan announced on Friday. 

Matenadaran director Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan, Iranian Ambassador Abbas Zohuri, Iranian cultural attaché Hossein Tabatabai, and a group of their colleagues visited the exhibition named “Iranian Cultural Day at Matenadaran”. 

They also attended a ceremony to unveil the fifth volume of “Persian Documents of the Matenadaran Decrees” written by Kristine P. Kostikyan, an Armenian scholar who was also in attendance at the unveiling ceremony.

The collection consists of governmental decrees that were issued concerning the Armenians during the Safavid period (1501-1736).

In his short speech, Zohuri said that the history of relations between Iran and Armenia needs to be reviewed regularly in the modern world, and praised the scholars who are studying in this field to generate food for thought for the academic centers.

He expressed his hope that the continuation of these study projects could prevent the distortion of historical facts, providing present and future generations with the truth about the history of the region. 
  
The curator of the exhibition, Ivet Tajaryan, also briefed visitors about artworks on view at the exhibition, and said that it has taken over four years to accumulate the artworks for the showcase, which will run for about a year.

Some of the artifacts are from Tajaryan’s personal collection. 

Speaking in a visit to the Matenadaran earlier in October, Tabatabai said that Iran is seeking closer cooperation with Armenia on the restoration of Persian manuscripts.

Ara Philipossian, an Iranian-Armenian professor of chemical engineering at the University of Arizona, who is scheduled to finance an immense project, which includes the restoration of Persian manuscripts at the Matenadaran, accompanied Tabatabai.

The Matenadaran has recently asked Iran to organize a workshop to be given by an Iranian scholar at the museum on the restoration of manuscripts with lacquered covers.

The Matenadaran – Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, home to Islamic manuscripts, now contains a total of 2715 volumes, 450 of which are in Persian.

The museum was established in 1959 on the basis of the nationalized collection of the Armenian Church, formerly held at Etchmiadzin.

Photo: Curator Ivet Tajaryan (L) briefs Matenadaran director Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan (2nd L) and Iranian diplomats on an exhibition of the Qajar-era artworks at the Matenadaran in Yerevan, Armenia. 

MMS/YAW

Putin announces agreement to create border demarcation and delimitation mechanisms between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Emil Lazarian
Market Research Telecast
Nov 27 2021
BY MRT ON NOVEMBER 27, 2021

The leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to develop mechanisms for demarcation and delimitation of the border between the last two countries, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, after a tripartite meeting held this Friday in Sochi (Russia) .

“There is no obstacle to the creation of these mechanisms,” Putin said when signing a joint statement with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Regarding the achievements of the trilateral negotiations, the Russian president commented: “We have worked very constructive. This has been a deep analysis of the situation that has been formed to this day “.

The parties confirmed their commitments to compliance consistent and rigorous of all the points of the Declaration on the complete ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh, of November 9, 2020, and the Declaration on the unblocking of all economic and transport links in the region, of January 11, 2021.

Likewise, the contribution of the Russian peace contingent to stabilize the situation in the disputed Nagorno Karabakh region.

The meeting came after a brief escalation of violence on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border in the middle of this month, followed by a Russian-mediated ceasefire.

Earlier, the autumn of 2020 saw the resumption of the conflict over Nagorno Karabakh, which dates back to 1988. Hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan ended on November 10, 2020 through a trilateral agreement sponsored by Russia.

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Pashinyan: It turned out that we have no misinterpretations on some issues as it seemed before Sochi meeting

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 27 2021

Nikol Pashinyan summed up the results of the trilateral meeting with the Russian and Azerbaijani leaders in Sochi on Friday, calling it “very positive”.

“I want to confirm that we had a very positive meeting, conversation, actually discussed all the issues on the agenda. This was not a meeting to hide the problems, but a meeting where we openly discussed all the issues,” he said in a statement for the press.

“I would like to positively assess the fact that we clarified the positions on many issues, and it turned out that we do not have any misinterpretations on a number of issues, opposite to what it seemed before this meeting,” Pashinyan said.

“I would like to mention that, in fact, in connection with the opening of all transport and economic communications in the region, we registered that we have a shared idea of how those communications will operate.”

He noted that the topic of starting the process of delimitation and demarcation is not new.

“We have discussed that issue. We also adopted a trilateral statement, in which we stated that before that the necessary conditions should be created, that is, security mechanisms should be created on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” the premier said, adding humanitarian issues were also discussed during the talks.

He thanked Russia for hosting the talks. “I reaffirm the readiness of Armenia and the Government of Armenia, which has received a mandate from the people of Armenia, to open an era of peaceful development for our country and our region. We are interested in that, and of course, today’s meeting contributed to the fulfilment of that agenda,” Pashinyan noted.