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

Russian PM highlights more actively using national currencies in trade with Armenia during current sanctions

Emil Lazarian

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 15:12,

MOSCOW, APRIL 20, ARMENPRESS. Russia is interested in developing the cooperation with Armenia, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during the meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Armenpress correspondent reports from Moscow.

“Welcome to the government headquarters. Your official visit is very important for the further development of our friendly and allied relations that link Armenia and Russia. This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 25th anniversary of the treaty of friendship, cooperation and mutual support with Armenia. As a result of yesterday’s talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, you have reached large-scale agreements on the strengthening of the bilateral cooperation almost in all directions that exist on the agendas of our countries. The Russian Federation will take all measures for the implementation of the decisions made at a high level”, the Russian PM said.

PM Mishustin said Russia is in the first place among Armenia’s foreign partners and investing countries. He praised the fact that last year the trade turnover between the two countries increased by almost 13%, reaching 2 billion 600 million dollars, and in January and February 2022 it increased by 42% compared to the same period of 2021, comprising 430 million dollars. “Russian investments in Armenia’s economy amount more than 2 billion dollars. We are interested in the development of the bilateral cooperation, the implementation of new projects in areas such as energy, mining industry, transport infrastructure, pharmaceutics, agriculture and digital technologies”, Mishustin said, adding that the inter-governmental commissions of the two countries deal with such initiatives.

PM Mishustin also proposed to accelerate the process of signing a new economic cooperation program between the inter-governmental commission of Armenia and Russia. “Under conditions of illegal sanctions imposed against Russia by non-friendly countries, of course, it is important to more actively use the national currencies in the bilateral trade, develop the industrial cooperation and create new opportunities for trade”, he said.

Chinese, Armenian FMs hold phone talks over 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties

Emil Lazarian
News.cn, China

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

Wang Yi said that China and Armenia are good friends of mutual trust and good partners of sincere cooperation, and that China welcomes Armenia’s early accession to the Global Development Initiative.

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday held a conversation with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan over phone.

During the phone conversation, Wang said that China and Armenia are good friends of mutual trust and good partners of sincere cooperation.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 30 years ago, the relations between the two countries have stood the test of changing international situation and always kept to the right direction, with fruitful results achieved, Wang said.

The Chinese side is satisfied with the outcomes of bilateral cooperation and full of confidence in the prospect of bilateral relations, he said.

The two sides should take the opportunity of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties to continue to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and push forward the sustained development of bilateral relations, Wang said.

A girl from Armenia takes photos with kids from a Peking Opera performance group in Xiaopu Town, Changxing County of east China’s Zhejiang Province, Sept. 11, 2019. (Xinhua/Xu Yu)

China will, as always, respect Armenia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and support the development path chosen by the Armenian people in light of their national conditions, Wang said.

China believes that Armenia will continue to firmly support China’s position on issues concerning China’s core interests, adhere to the one-China policy and oppose any form of “Taiwan independence,” Wang said.

China welcomes Armenia’s early accession to the Global Development Initiative, Wang added.

Mirzoyan congratulated on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and appreciated China’s firm support for Armenia’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

The Armenian foreign minister stressed that Armenia will continue to pursue the one-China policy and fully support China in safeguarding its core interests.

Armenia attaches great importance to developing relations with China, Mirzoyan said, noting that Armenia is ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation with China in all areas, strengthen communication and coordination on international and regional affairs and push for greater progress in bilateral relations.  ■

https://english.news.cn/20220421/f3774f38f1724479ab666432b08f435c/c.html 

Rossiya Airlines Launches Flights to Armenia

Emil Lazarian

Iuliia Tore

Rossiya Airlines (Aeroflot Group) will start operating regular direct flights from Moscow to Yerevan, the capital of the Republic of Armenia. The flights will be carried out from the capital’s Sheremetyevo Airport on a daily basis and will replace Aeroflot flights in this direction.

Direct flights of “Rossiya” Moscow – Yerevan are a convenient and quick way to visit hospitable Armenia. This is an actual direction of the air carrier’s route network for the development of both business and tourism. The city of Yerevan, located in the Ararat Valley, is rich in its history and unique culture and traditionally attracts travelers. The status of one of the most important business and economic centers of the Transcaucasus allows us to speak about the high demand for the route for business trips.

The air carrier will operate on the Moscow-Yerevan-Moscow route modern and comfortable Russian-made Superjet 100 aircraft, presented in a two-class layout. The total number of seats on board is 87, of which 12 are business class and 75 are economy class. Flights to Yerevan are possible thanks to the transfer of Superjet 100 aircraft of the Rossiya airline.

Rossiya also operates regular direct flights to Yerevan from Sochi on a daily basis. They are part of a new large-scale flight program of the carrier from Sochi abroad on domestic Superjet 100.

Rossiya Airlines (Aeroflot Group) has launched a large-scale flight program from Sochi International Airport.

LIST: Most popular Armenian restaurants in Los Angeles

Emil Lazarian
    FOX 11
    Los Angeles
   
By Alexi Chidbachian
Published  2:56PM
Armenian History Month
FOX 11

FOX 11’s Araksya Karapetyan tells us how we can celebrate Armenian History Month through food.

LOS ANGELES – Food brings people together. Food can also be used to explore and learn about different cultures. 

Los Angeles is home to the largest population of Armenians, and the county has some of the most Armenian restaurants. 

Some of the most popular and authentic dishes include kebab, dolma, monta, and sweet pastries like baklava and gata. 

If you’re interested in trying some authentic Armenian food this Armenian History Month, below is a list of popular restaurants in and around Los Angeles. 

  • 5112 Hollywood Blvd. #107 Los Angeles, CA 90027
  • 304 N Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91203

211 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205

1208 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91201

10962 Ventura Boulevard Studio City, CA 91604

 5752 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

4441 San Fernando Rd, Glendale, CA 91204

1139 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205

Various locations 

16147 Nordhoff St, North Hills, CA 91343

4905 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

1122 E Chevy Chase Dr, Glendale, CA 91205

  • 17305 Roscoe Blvd, Northridge, CA 91325
  • 12904 Victory Blvd. North Hollywood CA, 91606
  • 1817 W. Glenoaks Blvd. Glendale CA, 91201
  • 5019 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood CA, 90027
  • 1100 S. Central Ave. Suite F Glendale CA, 91204

17828 Chatsworth St, Granada Hills, CA 91344

515 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205

12001 Victory Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91606

  • 18135 Sherman Way, Reseda, CA 91335
  • 7134 Sepulveda Blvd, Van Nuys, CA 91405 (inside Jons Market)
  • 1700 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201
  • 5114 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029

1825 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201

Senator: Russia will help ensure Armenia’s security if sovereignty threatened

Emil Lazarian
PanArmenian
Armenia –
– 17:15 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Russia guarantees assistance in ensuring the security of Armenia if there is a threat to its integrity, independence and sovereignty, according to Viktor Bondarev, chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security.

Bondarev said on his Telegram channel that Russia is aimed at constructive dialogue and good neighborliness with all CIS countries, but among them one of the key strategic partners of the Russian Federation is Armenia.

“We cooperate through the CSTO and guarantee assistance in ensuring the security of Armenia in cases where there is a threat to its integrity, independence, sovereignty. The Russian military base in Gyumri is an outpost for protecting the Asian region from external aggression,” the Senator said.

He maintained that when Azerbaijan launched a large-scale offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh in the fall of 2020, Russia made an “invaluable and decisive contribution to its peaceful settlement.”

Bondarev also revealed that he and his colleagues are flying to Armenia for events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The Second Karabakh war lasted 44 days and ended when Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev signed a ceasefire statement on November 9, 2020. Under the deal, the Armenian side returned all the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities.

Senator Robert Menendez honored for bold pro-Artsakh leadership

Emil Lazarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia –
, 10:05

 3 minutes read

Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) leaders gathered with friends and supporters to honor U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) – a decades-long champion of Armenian American concerns, who led the historic 2019 battle to secure unanimous U.S. Senate recognition of the Armenian Genocide and continues his unwavering support for Armenia’s security and Artsakh’s freedom.  Chairman Menendez has had strong ties to the ANC of New Jersey for decades and consistently receives an “A+” rating on the ANCA Congressional Report Card.

“Senator Menendez’s bold leadership and principled defense of human rights and American values have been a hallmark of his service in the House and Senate,” said ANCA Chairman Raffi Hamparian. “The ANCA has been with him every step of the way and looks forward to our continued work together.”

Mr. Garo Mardirossian, Esq. and his wife Yulia generously hosted the evening, which included special guest, His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, Holy Etchmiadzin’s Pontifical Envoy-at-Large and former Primate of Artsakh. Hamparian was joined by ANCA National Board members Zanku Armenian, Aida Dimejian, and Ani Tchaghlasian, who traveled from the Senator’s home state of New Jersey to offer a Garden State Armenian welcome to Chairman Menendez.

“I was honored to host Chairman Menendez at my home with a broad and distinguished cross-section of Armenian Americans,” shared Garo Mardirossian.  “I am proud to stand with Chairman Menendez – who is firmly committed to working to strengthen U.S.-Armenia ties, defend Artsakh freedom, and secure justice for the Armenian Genocide,” stated Mardirossian.  “With new challenges facing the United States and our Armenian Homeland, Chairman Menendez’s visionary leadership of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is needed now more than ever to ensure that peace and justice prevail for Armenia and Artsakh.”

“Armenian Americans in the Garden State and across the U.S. stand with Senator Menendez in our collective pursuit for justice for the Armenian Genocide, self-determination for Artsakh, and stronger U.S.-Armenia ties,” said ANCA National Board Member Ani Tchaghlasian.  “From his unstinting resolve to end U.S. complicity in Armenian Genocide denial to ongoing efforts to stop U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan, and block the sale of U.S. aircraft to Erdogan’s autocratic Turkey – Senator Menendez has been a champion for human rights and peace. We look forward to working together for years to come to advance Armenian American priorities and values.”

Senator Menendez’s tenacious resolve to end U.S. Senate complicity in Turkey’s Armenian Genocide denial culminated in the unanimous passage of the bipartisan resolution he authored in December, 2019.  The Armenian Genocide Resolution (S.Res.150) established, as a matter of U.S. policy, 1) the rejection of Armenian Genocide denial, 2) ongoing official U.S. government recognition and remembrance of this crime, and 3) support for education about the Armenian Genocide in order to help prevent modern-day atrocities.

Senator Menendez has been equally adamant about enforcing Section 907 restrictions on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, initially adopted as part of the FREEDOM Support Act in 1992 in response to Azerbaijan’s blockade and attacks against Armenia and Artsakh.  In June, 2020, alarmed that the U.S. military aid program to Azerbaijan had skyrocketed, Senator Menendez requested that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) provide the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with a detailed report on this assistance program and its compliance with Section 907.  The GAO report, released in March, 2022, revealed that the State Department consistently failed to inform Congress of the impact of over $164 million in assistance to Baku on the military balance between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“The human consequences of the terrible war in Nagorno-Karabakh underscore the deep concerns that I have long had about providing U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan,” stated Sen. Menendez. “These findings are further proof that the status quo is unacceptable, and we must exercise additional scrutiny over the U.S. government’s ongoing provision of assistance to Azerbaijan. In the coming weeks, I will be renewing my efforts for the State Department to reconsider any future planned assistance to Azerbaijan, respect Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, and improve its reporting to Congress in the future.”

Senator Menendez’s stellar record of support for key community concerns began with his election as mayor in Union City in 1986 and continued during his time in the New Jersey State legislature from 1988 to 1992, and his 1992 election to the U.S. House of Representatives.  Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, Senator Menendez often took the lead in questioning U.S. ambassadorial nominees to Turkey and Azerbaijan regarding their positions on the Armenian Genocide and efforts to mediate a lasting peace for the Republic of Artsakh.  And, when nominees crossed the line into Armenian Genocide denial or showed undue bias toward Azerbaijan, Senator Menendez resisted White House and Senate leadership pressure, placing a “hold” on the candidates, ultimately blocking nominee Dick Hoagland from becoming U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, and stopping a full-term appointment for Matt Bryza as U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan.

Armenian Genocide victims’ cross-stone installed in France

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
Armenian Genocide victims’ cross-stone installed in France 
13:05, 21.04.2022

The unveiling of the cross-stone dedicated to the memory of the Armenian Genocide victims took place in Nimes, France.

The event was attended by Armenia’s Ambassador to France Hasmik Tolmajian, Mayor of Nimes Jean-Paul Fournier, chairwoman of the Standing Committee on National Defense and Armed Forces of the French National Assembly Franoise Dumas, Consul of Armenia in Marseilles Samvel Lalayan, and several other officials.

Also, the Nimes city park, where the aforesaid cross-stone was placed, was named in memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide.

https://news.am/eng/news/697665.html

Armenia political scientist: OSCE Minsk Group no longer exists de facto

Emil Lazarian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
17:02, 21.04.2022

The ongoing processes on the normalization of Karabakh, as well as the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations have moved to the sphere of the most brutal confrontation between Russia and the West. Political scientist Vigen Hakobyan told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am, commenting on the recent statements by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian foreign ministry.

According to him, despite all the disagreements and conflicts, the format of the OSCE Minsk Group has remained a format of cooperation for decades.

“It was an exceptional format. Now the logic of this confrontation has moved to the sphere of normalization of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. It should also be noted that the Minsk Group truly does not exist de facto [anymore]. De jure, of course, it exists, but de facto practically does not exist; and we see that,” said Hakobyan.

The political scientist added that now each country co-chairing the OSCE Minsk Group is trying to “pull” the “blanket” on itself.

Vanetsyan: Iran’s stance towards Armenia is very friendly

Emil Lazarian
Panorama
Armenia –

Armenia MP Artur Vanetsyan, leader of the opposition With Honor (Pativ Unem) faction and the Homeland Party, who has been holding a sit-in in Yerevan’s Liberia Square for five days now, does not object to any talks within the 3+3 format (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia – Russia, Turkey, Iran), however he says not all issues can be discussed by it.

“I think any format of communication is important, especially for the regional countries, however it is necessary to clarify what issues are discussed within this format and whether the issues discussed earlier in other formats will be discussed too,” Vanetsyan told reporters.

“It’s about the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) issue, which cannot go beyond the format of the OSCE Minsk Group and be discussed in other formats. In general, I welcome the contacts and consider them normal,” the opposition leader said.

Referring to Iran’s stance on the recent developments, Vanetsyan underscored that the country had set clear red lines in the region.

“Iran has repeatedly spoken of its red lines. The country has made it clear what it will not tolerate at its borders. I believe that Iran is on the right track to ensure long-term peace in the region,” he said.

“I think Iran has a very friendly stance towards Armenia,” Vanetsyan noted.

Artsakh solution: from rights toward status, but not vice versa – Edmon Marukyan

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia –
David Stepanyan

ArmInfo.The current global political situation is making us review the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process. In this context, a proposal has been made to move from the  fundamental human rights toward the status, but not vice versa, Edmon  Marukyan, Chairman of the Bright Armenia party, said in an interview  with ArmInfo. 

“What is the international community telling us? We are being told  that all out expectations for many years are unrealistic. We are  being reminded of our hardships for the last decades. And now are  faced with a dilemma: either insisting on achieving our goals ‘in  lonely pride’ – as the world is not yet understanding them – or  bringing them in line with the present geopolitical reality,” Mr  Marukyan said. 

Armenia’s refusing to “speak the international community’s language”  and bring its position on Artsakh in line with the real international  relations is pregnant with even graver problems. It is impossible to  go on entertaining illusions in the current situation, especially  after the illusions were destroyed in the 44-day war. 

Since “politics is the art of the possible,” Mr Marukyan stresses  that if this “possible” makes Artsakh’s independence possible, it  will be done. As ambassador-at-large, he is ready to do his best to  get an international mandate to honor his commitments to lead Armenia  and Artsakh out of the current crisis. 

“We are not opponents of normalization of relations with Turkey or of  a peace agenda with Azerbaijan.  And, of course, we are welcoming  reforms in our country in a number of fields. But we should realize  that the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, is of importance  for the international community. It is being and will be implemented  regardless of whether we want it or not,” Mr Marukyan said.