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

No prompt decisions on Karabakh – Fyodor Lukyanov

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia – May 25 2022
David Stepanyan

ArmInfo. No prompt decisions on the problems between Armenia and Azerbaijan, especially on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, should be expected in the foreseeable future, Fyodor Lukyanov, Research Director of the Valdai Discussion Club,  said in an interview with ArmInfo.

“I think it is a protracted settlement process that Moscow’s  reckoning and policy toward the Brussels- supervised stage of the  conflict settlement is based on. It is obvious for Moscow that EU’s  major task is full control of the process, and Brussels is giving  promises to Yerevan and Baku,” he said.  

According to the statement by President of the European Council  Charles Michel following his meeting with the Armenian and  Azerbaijani leaders, the leaders agreed on the need to proceed with  unblocking the transport links, on the work of Border Commissions and  on meeting again in the same format by July/August.

As regards Moscow’s obvious passiveness “on the Karabakh-related  geopolitical track,” Mr Lukyanov explains it by an objective  geopolitical situation. However, it is too early to ignore Russia’s  role as mediator. With no light at the end of the tunnel, Moscow has  every chance to retake its role at any moment. 

“In any case, it is Brussels, not Moscow, that is the venue for the  substantial negotiations now, which does not at all improve the  chances of resolving the major Armenian-Azerbaijani problem, Nagorno-  Karabakh’s status. Brussels will certainly continue with statements  in support of Yerevan and Baku, but it is our [Russian] peacekeepers  that are ensuring security in Karabakh. And it is the status of the  principal mediator in the region that is being determined now, and  the prospects are dependent on the geopolitical signals far beyond  the South Caucasus borders,” Mr Lukyanov said.   

Hrant Bagratyan: The Armenian authorities flirt first with the West, and then with Russia

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia – May 25 2022

ArmInfo. , former Prime Minister of Armenia, well- known economist and statesman Hrant Bagratyan wrote on his  Facebook page.

In his opinion, “the May can be considered the month of the West.”  , Bagratyan says, asking the current  politicians in power: “Why are you doing this? Do you do it on  purpose or do you not find anyone who wants to meet you? “

In this vein, the ex-premier was indignant at the actions of the  Central Bank of Armenia, which intends to sell 65% of the shares of  the Armenian Exchange (AMX) to the Warsaw Stock Exchange. According  to the ex-premier, as a result of the deal, it will be impossible to  list Russian, Chinese and Iranian companies on the Armenian stock  exchange. “Meanwhile, we have 50% of economic ties with these three  countries,” Bagratyan noted. 

Updated: Protesters block presidential residence in Yerevan

Emil Lazarian

UPDATED: Protesters block presidential residence in Yerevan

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 10:05, 25 May 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS. The anti-government protesters have blocked the entrances to the Presidential residence.

Opposition lawmaker from the “I have an Honor” faction Hayk Mamijanyan told reporters that they are holding a peaceful disobedience campaign. “I have told our policemen that even if the door is open, we will not enter”, he said.

Vice Speaker of Parliament Ishkhan Saghatelyan from the opposition “Armenia” faction said that their purpose is to prevent any staffer from entering the presidential residence.

UPDATES: 

11:12: Protesters opened the entrances to the presidential residence and the building of the Security Council.

Vice Speaker of Parliament Ishkhan Saghatelyan said that the presidential staff, as well as the staffers of the Security Council were unable to enter the building as a result of their actions. He said that there is no need anymore to block the buildings as there are no people inside. Saghatelyan called on the protesters to stop blocking the buildings and continue their march.

Armenia’s economic activity index grows 9.4% in four months

Emil Lazarian

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 14:04, 25 May 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS. The economic activity index of Armenia increased 9.4% in January-April 2022 compared to the same period of the previous year, the Statistical Committee said.

Industrial production volume increased 2.6% in January-April 2022 compared to January-April 2021. Construction volume increased 9%, and the increase in the trade turnover comprised 7.8% for the period of January-April 2022.

The services sector also registered growth – 23.5%, in the first four months of 2022.

In January-April 2022, the consumer price index increased 7.4%, the index of industrial production prices – 10.8%. Electricity production volume increased 14.1%.

The increase in external trade turnover volumes is 33.8%. Moreover, the export increased 25.2%, and the import – 39.1%, compared to January-April 2021.

The dram exchange rate against the US dollar comprised 484,55 drams as of January-April.

Minister of Economy of Armenia Vahan Kerobyan said that the 6.7% economic activity index registered in March has turned into 8.8% in April. In other words, the economic growth has been accelerated.

“This growth would have been significantly higher if there were no queues in the Upper Lars, over which the Armenian government is conducting different works in order to solve the situation as quickly as possible. Today, I also had a quite substantive online discussion with my Russian counterpart Maxim Reshetnikov and other colleagues”, the minister said.

Armenia, Azerbaijan "negotiating about negotiations", says Yerevan

Emil Lazarian
PanARMENIAN
May 26 2022
May 26, 2022 – 13:03 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has said that Armenia and Azerbaijan are still holding “negotiations about negotiations”.

Mirzoyan spoke about a possible peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and said the sides are still working out the parameters, structure and format of negotiations.

“We have our clear positions, Azerbaijan has those of its own. Some mediators express their positions from time to time, which sometimes coincide, more often don’t, but negotiations are also for resolving such issues,” Mirzoyan said in a Q&A session in parliament..

Mirzoyan said some progress has been reached in several directions on the supposed negotiation table, such as the fist meeting on border demarcation and border security. According to him, there are “certain coincidences” in the reopening of transport and economic infrastructure in the region.

The Minister noted that Armenia should not allow the creation of “a negotiation vacuum”. He added that the Armenian side also welcomes the EU efforts, which “are already yielding tangible results.”

Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said earlier that a team of Russian experts has been brought together to work with Armenia and Azerbaijan on the delimitation and demarcation of the border.

Shogher Margossian Appointed as Assistant Director at the Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation

Emil Lazarian 
PRESS RELEASE:
Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Avenida de: 
Berna 45-A, 1067-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Contact: Vera Cunha
Telephone: (351) 21 782 3658
Web: gulbenkian.pt:
Shoger Markosian is appointed Assistant Director of Galust Kulpenkean Foundation 
Department of Armenian Communities
Welcome to the Armenian Communities Department of the Kulpenkean Foundation with joy 
announces the appointment of Shogher Markosian as Assistant Director of the Department. An 
Cooperates with the foundation as a consultant since 2018. 
Shogher Markosia studied in Lebanon and then in England and Belgium, specializing 
in English literature and cultural studies. Worked Armenian 
and with international organizations of culture, education, art and others 
in interdisciplinary fields. Developed new strategies and plans, 
focusing on contemporary materials and approaches.
"We are very happy that Shogher will join our staff. His skill 
expertise and enthusiasm will enrich the Armenian culture and language 
our development plans and complement our comprehensive approach to them 
approach," said Razmik Panosian, director of the Department of Armenian Communities. 
Shogher Markosian will assume his new position on June 1, 2022. 
--
Shogher Margossian Appointed as Assistant Director at the Armenian Communities 
Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
The Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation is: 
very pleased to announce the appointment of Shogher Margossian as Assistant 
Director. Shogher has been working with the Foundation since 2018 as an external 
consultant. With a Master’s Degree in Music and Culture from London, additional graduate 
work in Brussels, and undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in English Language 
and Literature from Beirut, Shogher brings interdisciplinary approaches to her 
work. Multilingual and multicultural, she has worked with international and 
Armenian organisations in art, culture, history and education, including online 
publishing and design. She has developed strategies and managed projects that 
bring new approaches to issues pertaining to contemporary experiences, and 
specifically, Armenian experiences. “We are keen to have Shogher Margossian as an inherent part of our team,” said 
Razmik Panossian, the Director of the Department, adding, “her skills, knowledge 
and enthusiasm will strengthen our programming and reinforce our wholistic 
approach to Armenian culture and language.” 
Shogher Margossian will assume her duties on 1 June 2022. --END--

Armenian authorities propose to unite 13 large communities into 5

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia – May 26 2022
14:21, 26.05.2022

The Armenian authorities propose to unite 13 large communities with 141 settlements into 5 communities. The corresponding bill was approved on May 26 at a meeting of the Government of Armenia.

In particular, it is proposed to include 34 settlements in Talin community of Aragatsotn province, 19 settlements in Chambarak of Gegharkunik province, 28 settlements in Alaverdi of Lori province, 24 settlements in Tashir of Lori province, 36 settlements in Sisian of Syunik province.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan explained that this is a return to district models, recalling that elections will be held in September.

Pashinyan said that since 2018, subventions in the amount of $350 million have been provided to communities, assuring that this figure will grow.

The first Armenian space satellite launched into near-Earth orbit

Emil Lazarian
May 26 2022
Natasha Kumar
May 26, 2022


Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that the first space satellite had been launched into low Earth orbit.

cooperation of the Armenian state CJSC “Geokosmos” and the Spanish company Santlantis”, — he said.

Pashinyan said that the satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral on May 25.

not only to Armenian, but also to foreign operators. Satellite images will allow, among other things, to control borders”, — noted the prime minister.

The Family Behind Mini Kabob Offers Big Armenian Flavors from a Tiny Restaurant

Emil Lazarian
may 26 2022
The Martirosyans welcome diners with expansive hospitality and epic grilled meats
By Khushbu ShahMay 26, 2022

He is standing in the prep corner of the tiny kitchen at Mini Kabob, the beloved restaurant his family owns in Glendale, California. The night before, the 32-year-old and his father finished catering a local wedding for 100 people, so supplies are low, including the seasoned ground beef that forms the base of what is arguably their restaurant’s most iconic dish—the tender lule kebab. When it emerges from the flames, it glistens with fat and ripples with flavor. Swaddle the meat in a blanket of chewy lavash and a shower of paper-thin onions, and it’s one of the best bites in the entire city.

Although it might feel like Mini Kabob is a reference to the restaurant’s shockingly small size—it clocks in at barely 299 square feet—or its shockingly small staff (there are exactly three employees: Armen; his father, Ovakim; and his mother, Alvard), it is in fact a style of kebab, known as loghme in Farsi. The Martirosyans inherited the name of the place from the original owner, who started the restaurant 36 years ago directly in front of his mechanic shop, selling meat skewers when he wasn’t fixing cars. Ovakim, who spent several years working as a cook in the Russian army, bought the restaurant 25 years ago after it had passed through a series of different owners, transforming the kitchen into a celebration of simple but flavor-packed Armenian cooking (with a gently Egyptian influence, thanks to Armen’s grandparents).

The space might be small, but it is difficult to ignore the energy and heart that ebbs and flows through the space. It’s a mom-and-pop shop in the truest sense: Ovakim is a master of meat and takes on a majority of the labor-intensive prep work. He butchers the various proteins before grinding them down and seasoning them according to recipes he likes to keep close to the vest. Ovakim then lovingly and patiently pats and sculpts the meat onto the flat, swordlike metal skewers with wet hands. It’s easy to see the years of experience in his steady rhythm.

Alvard, who Armen says is definitely the “best cook” in the family, has knife skills that might worry even the most veteran assassin. She whips up batches of the restaurant’s cold appetizers, like ikra, a tangy eggplant salad, and mounds thinly shaved onions tossed with sumac, which help round out nearly every dish. Alvard and Ovakim do all the shopping for the restaurant themselves, regularly visiting the local supermarket and carrying back plastic shopping bags of eggplants and peppers.

Armen, who joined the business full time after completing culinary school, staging in prestigious kitchens around Los Angeles, and managing other restaurants, pulls triple duty managing the grill, answering the endlessly ringing phone, and welcoming the customers who pop in and out of the shop at a rapid clip. (Due to the space constraints, there are just two small tables in the front of the restaurant for dine-in customers, so it’s mostly a to-go operation.) It’s a job he makes look easy, never breaking a sweat as he jumps from grill to customer.

Like many successful family businesses split across generations, there exists an underlying tension, felt most palpably between son and father. Armen is nearly bursting at the seams with ideas on how to modernize and expand the restaurant, while Ovakim prefers to keep things the way they have been for the past quarter century. “I’ve been trying to get him to let us accept credit cards for years,” says Armen with a sigh. The compromise? The “cash only” sign in bright blue ink still sits in front of the register, but Mini Kabob is now on all the third-party delivery apps.

The biggest shift has been the restaurant’s robust presence on social media. Armen mans the Instagram account with nearly 37,000 followers, posting everything from behind-the-scenes videos of kebabs charring on the grill and close-up shots of him marinating the meat for their tender beef shish kebabs to charming videos of his parents dancing around the shop. He recently put the restaurant on TikTok, where Armen amasses thousands of views on videos of him and his parents re-creating popular dance trends while in the restaurant. Mini Kabob’s internet presence has won it a legion of fans, elevating it from an under-the-radar neighborhood joint to one of Los Angeles’ most famous kebab spots, counting celebrities like Diplo and Eric Wareheim among its fans.

Armen is hopeful that he can one day make Mini Kabob not so mini by expanding into the space next door so there is at least a proper dining room to lay out platters piled high with rice, charred peppers, crispy beveled potatoes, and supremely tender tubes of meat licked by the flames of the grill. And though he has a deep emotional attachment to the restaurant he grew up in, he also has ambitious culinary aspirations of his own. When he isn’t slinging kebabs, Armen runs a pop-up concept called MidEast Tacos, fusing his California upbringing with Armenian roots. He is in the process of opening a brick-and-mortar location of MidEast Tacos while daydreaming about other concepts he would like to bring into the world. But for now, he must get back to the kitchen: The kebabs will not grill themselves—and the orders are piling up.

[Armenian News note: See some of the menu items with photos and recipes at the link below]