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

Investigators release death toll of September 25 Stepanakert explosion

Emil Lazarian

 16:00,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. The Investgiative Committee of Armenia has released interim results of the investigation into the September 25 fuel depot explosion near Stepanakert.

218 people were killed in the blast. 2 of the victims were police officers patrolling the depot and 31 were military servicemembers. 

At least 120 others were injured in the explosion and subsequent fire.

21 people are missing.

DNA tests were performed to identify 138 victims.

3 bodies are still unidentified because no claims have been made by next-of-kin, and subsequently no DNA samples are available to perform the test.




Merdinian School Celebrates Spirit of Giving by Sponsoring 40 Displaced Artsakh Students

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories
Students displaced from their homes in Artsakh are now continuing their studies in Armenia, where they have found refuge


SHERMAN OAKS, Calif.—In the spirit of Christmas generosity, the C. & E. Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School has concluded its “Sponsor a Student” campaign and met its goal of sponsoring 40 students forcibly displaced from Artsakh.

During a visit to Armenia, Merdinian Principal Dr. Souzy Ohanian toured the Khoren & Shooshanig Avedisian School, a sister school. Inspired by the stories of the 40 recently enrolled students displaced from Artsakh, Dr. Ohanian initiated a campaign upon her return. The administration and students rallied to have each class sponsor a student through the Armenian Missionary Association of America.

In just a couple of weeks, the students, families, faculty, and staff began collecting donations to raise $300 per student to sponsor their tuition. This sponsorship ensures the students’ tuition and essential school supplies and books. 

“The true essence of Christmas lies in the joy of giving and making a difference in the lives of others,” remarked Dr. Souzy Ohanian. “I extend my deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to our campaign, helping our fellow compatriots and ensuring that the future of these students is shaped with hope and opportunity.”

The Merdinian administration will frame the name and biography of each sponsored student and prominently display it in every classroom, fostering a connection that allows all students to learn about the resilient journeys of their peers from Artsakh.

Film: Oscars shortlists: France, UK, Mexico, Finland, Armenia among international feature contenders B

Emil Lazarian
 SCREENDAILY 
Dec 21 2023

BY JEREMY KAY

The Academy has announced shortlists in 10 categories for the 96th Oscars in March 2024, with The Taste Of Things (France), Fallen Leaves (Finland), The Zone Of Interest (UK), Totem (Mexico), and Amerikatsi, Armenia’s first entry on the shortlist, among those making the cut in the international feature film category.

The international contest also sees Pawo Choyning Dorji’s drama The Monk And The Gun becomes Bhutan’s second film to make the shortlist after his Oscar nominee Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom from two seasons ago.

A strong showing by European films besides the aforementioned comprises J.A. Bayona’s Society Of The Snow representing Spain; Leonie Benesch’s The Teachers’ Lounge for Germany, Nikolaj Arcel’s Danish entry The Promised Land, Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano for Italy, Mstyslav Chernov’s Ukrainian documentary 20 Days In Mariupol, and Hlynur Pálmason’s Godland (Iceland), which premiered in Cannes 2022.

Asmae El Moudir’s Moroccan documentary The Mother Of All Lies and Kaouther Ben Hania’s Tunisian documentary hybrid Four Daughters fly the flag for Africa.

Wim Wenders’ Japanese submission Perfect Days starring Cannes best actor winner Koji Yakusho is the other Asian representative alongside Amerikatsi, Michael A Goorjian’s Armenian comedy drama which premiered in Woodstock Film Festival.

Lila Aviles’s Mexican entry Totem is the only film from Latin America to advance.

In total six shortlisted films premiered in Cannes: Jonathan Glazer’s grand prix winner The Zone Of Interest; best director winner Tran Anh Hung’s The Taste Of Things; Perfect Days; Un Certain Regard entry The Mother Of All Lies; Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves; and Four Daughters. 

Three premiered in Venice: Silver Lion winner Io Capitano, Society Of The Snow, and The Promised Land.

Lila Avilés’s Totem and The Teachers’ Lounge premiered in Berlin. 20 Days In Mariupol premiered in Sundance, and The Monk And The Gun debuted in Busan.

Shortlists were announced for documentary feature, documentary short film, international feature film, makeup and hairstyling, music (original score), music (original song), animated short film, live action short film, sound and visual effects.

Documentary titles advancing to the nominations voting stage include 20 Days In Mariupol, American Symphony, Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Beyond Utopia, The Eternal Daughter, and Four Daughters.

Barbie secured five places on shortlists overall on Thursday, more than any other film. It has three in contention for music (original song) category, while there are two in that category from The Color Purple, two from Flora And Son, and one each from Asteroid City, Killers Of The Flower Moon and Past Lives, among others.

Films moving forward in the visual effects category include Poor Things, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Napoleon, Society Of The Snow, Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3, and Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child Of Fire.

Nominations voting runs January 11-16, 2024, and nominations will be announced on January 23, 2024.

The 96th Oscars will take place on March 10, 2024, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

Fifteen films will advance in the category. There were 167 eligible films. Members of the documentary branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

American Symphony
Apolonia, Apolonia
Beyond Utopia
Bobi Wine: The People’s President
Desperate Souls, Dark City And The Legend Of Midnight Cowboy
The Eternal Memory
Four Daughters
Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project
In The Rearview
Stamped From The Beginning
Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie
A Still Small Voice
32 Sounds
To Kill A Tiger
20 Days In Mariupol

Fifteen films will advance. There were 114 eligible films. Members of the documentary branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

The ABCs Of Book Banning
The Barber Of Little Rock
Bear
Between Earth & Sky
Black Girls Play: The Story Of Hand Games
Camp Courage
Deciding Vote
How We Get Free
If Dreams Were Lightning: Rural Healthcare Crisis
Island In Between
The Last Repair Shop
Last Song From Kabul
Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó
Oasis
Wings Of Dust

Fifteen films will advance to the next round of voting. Films from 88 countries and regions were eligible in the category.

Academy members from all branches were invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and must have met a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.

In the nominations round, Academy members from all branches are invited to opt in to participate and must view all 15 shortlisted films to vote.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by country, are:

Armenia, Amerikatsi
Bhutan, The Monk And The Gun
Denmark, The Promised Land
Finland, Fallen Leaves
France, The Taste Of Things
Germany, The Teachers’ Lounge
Iceland, Godland
Italy, Io Capitano
Japan, Perfect Days
Mexico, Totem
Morocco, The Mother Of All Lies
Spain, Society Of The Snow
Tunisia, Four Daughters
Ukraine, 20 Days In Mariupol
United Kingdom, The Zone Of Interest

Ten films will advance category. All members of the Academy’s makeup artists and hairstylists branch will be invited to view excerpts and interviews with the artists from each of the shortlisted films on January 14, 2024. Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

Beau Is Afraid
Ferrari
Golda
Killers Of The Flower Moon
The Last Voyage Of The Demeter
Maestro
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
Society Of The Snow

Fifteen scores will advance. There were 148 eligible films. Members of the music branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The scores, listed in alphabetical order by film title, are:

American Fiction
American Symphony
Barbie
The Boy And The Heron
The Color Purple
Elemental
The Holdovers
Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Oppenheimer
Poor Things
Saltburn
Society Of The Snow
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse
The Zone Of Interest

Fifteen songs will advance in the category. There were 94 eligible films. Members of the music branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The original songs, along with the motion picture in which each song is featured, are listed below in alphabetical order by film title:

“It Never Went Away” from American Symphony
“Dear Alien (Who Art In Heaven)” from Asteroid City
“Dance The Night” from Barbie
“I’m Just Ken” from Barbie
“What Was I Made For?” from Barbie
“Keep It Movin’” from The Color Purple
“Superpower (I)” from The Color Purple
“The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot
“High Life” from Flora And Son
“Meet In The Middle” from Flora And Son
“Can’t Catch Me Now” from The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes
“Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from Killers Of The Flower Moon
“Quiet Eyes” from Past Lives
“Road To Freedom” from Rustin
“Am I Dreaming” from Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse

Fifteen films will advance in the category There were 93 eligible films. Members of the short films and feature animation branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

Boom
Eeva
Humo (Smoke)
I’m Hip
A Kind Of Testament
Koerkorter (Dog Apartment)
Letter To A Pig
Ninety-Five Senses
Once Upon A Studio
Our Uniform
Pachyderme
Pete
27
War Is Over! Inspired By The Music Of John & Yoko
Wild Summon

Fifteen films will advance in the category. There were 187 eligible films. For the first time, Academy members from all branches were invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and must have met a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.

In the nominations round, Academy members from all branches are invited to opt in to participate and must view all 15 shortlisted films to vote.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

The After
The Anne Frank Gift Shop
An Avocado Pit
Bienvenidos A Los Angeles
Dead Cat
Good Boy
Invincible
Invisible Border
Knight Of Fortune
The One Note Man
Red, White And Blue
The Shepherd
Strange Way Of Life
The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar
Yellow

Ten films will advance. All eligible members of the sound branch vote to determine the shortlist and the nominees. Academy members will be invited to view excerpts from each of the shortlisted films beginning January 11, 2024, in the San Francisco Bay area, followed by London, Los Angeles and New York. Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

Barbie
The Creator
Ferrari
The Killer
Killers Of The Flower Moon
Maestro
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Napoleon
Oppenheimer
The Zone Of Interest

Ten films remain in the running. The visual effects branch executive committee determined the shortlist. All members of the visual effects branch will be invited to view excerpts and interviews with the artists from each of the shortlisted films on January 13, 2024. Branch members will vote to nominate five films for final Oscar consideration.

The films, listed in alphabetical order by title, are:

The Creator
Godzilla Minus One
Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3
Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
Napoleon
Poor Things
Rebel Moon – Part One: A Child Of Fire
Society Of The Snow
Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.

Former Armenian President Sargsyan Weighs In On Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Emil Lazarian
 bnn 
Dec 22 2023

In a recent statement, Serzh Sargsyan, former President of Armenia, took to Twitter to articulate a profound assertion regarding the ongoing Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The crux of his message affirmed that the resolution of such a deep-seated conflict cannot be enforced with a single person’s proclamation.

Amidst this political turmoil, Armenia’s relations with Russia have deteriorated significantly. The Russian embassy in Yerevan condemned the temporary suspension of the local branch of Russian broadcaster, Sputnik. The Armenian commission responsible for television and radio imposed a 30-day suspension on Sputnik Armenia’s license, sparked by offensive remarks made by a Russian TV personality. Sputnik, a state-run Russian media organization, has been accused of disseminating Kremlin disinformation.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict’s resolution sparked a wave of contrasting reactions. The announcement triggered jubilations in Azerbaijan, while Armenia was plunged into a political crisis. Angry protestors stormed government buildings and the parliament, leading to injuries and hospitalizations.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict escalated in 1988 when the Karabakh Armenians demanded the region’s transfer from Soviet Azerbaijan to Soviet Armenia, leading to the First Nagorno-Karabakh War. The recent conflict in 2020 led to a significant Azerbaijani victory, resulting in thousands of casualties and an armistice established by a tripartite ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Republic of Artsakh has led to a humanitarian crisis for the population of Artsakh, violating the 2020 ceasefire agreement and international legal rulings.

Nagorno-Karabakh Leader Retracts Dissolution Proposal Amid Tensions

Emil Lazarian
 bnn 
Dec 22 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

The leader of the Armenian separatists in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh has recently reversed his earlier statement regarding the dissolution of the local government. This unexpected turnaround has emerged amidst escalating tensions and ongoing territorial disputes. The region, although internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, has been predominantly populated and governed by ethnic Armenians since the fall of the Soviet Union.

The separatist leader had initially proposed the idea of dissolving the local government as a response to increasing political and military pressures from Azerbaijan. This suggestion, however, was met with significant backlash from both the local population and the Armenian government. Concerns were raised about the potential ramifications of such an action on the already fragile situation in the region.

The leader’s retraction of the plan to dissolve the government comes as an apparent attempt to maintain a semblance of stability and self-determination in the face of these external challenges. The decision has been seen as a critical move to reassure the local population and the Armenian government. It also sends a signal to Azerbaijan and the international community that the Nagorno-Karabakh leadership is determined to uphold its governance and resist external pressures.

Despite this development, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains precarious. International efforts to resolve the conflict continue, but without a clear and definitive solution in sight. The region remains a hotspot of tension, where any misstep could potentially lead to a severe escalation of the conflict. As such, the decisions of the separatist leader and the reactions of the involved parties will continue to be closely watched.

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/nagorno-karabakh-leader-retracts-dissolution-proposal-amid-tensions/


Dismantling of Armenian Genocide Monument in Germany: A Shift in Recognition?

Emil Lazarian
 bnn 
Dec 22 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

Germany has witnessed the dismantling of a monument dedicated to the Armenian genocide, a historical event that remains a sensitive issue for many nations. The monument, located in the city of Cologne, has been removed by the local municipality, a move that may signify a shift in local or national attitudes towards recognizing the Armenian genocide.

The term ‘Armenian genocide’ refers to the mass killings and forced deportations of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire during World War I. This event is still a subject of intense debate and political sensitivity, with countries and political groups holding divergent views on its recognition and implications.

The removal of the monument could suggest a change in Germany’s stance on the recognition of the Armenian genocide. It may also point towards the influence of diplomatic pressures or agreements, potentially involving Germany, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The nuances of these diplomatic relations are often reflected in how nations approach the topic of the Armenian genocide.

Given the contentious nature of the topic, the dismantling of the monument is likely to elicit reactions from different communities and stakeholders. The Armenian diaspora, in particular, may view this as a denial or diminution of historical atrocities. The incident could also impact the diplomatic relations between the countries involved, potentially influencing future policy decisions and diplomatic negotiations.

Russia accuses Armenia of non-compliance with Karabakh agreements. Pashinyan responds sharply

Emil Lazarian
Dec 19 2023
AUTHOR: NATALIA DIREYEVA

Russia has begun accusing Armenia of allegedly violating the agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded to these accusations, reports News-Armenia.

He pointed out that he would advise representatives of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who started accusing Armenia, to read "who did not fulfill their obligations."

"In other words, in the trilateral statement of November 9, it is written that Azerbaijan should attack Nagorno-Karabakh, and Russian peacekeepers should be in shelters at that time?" Pashinyan added.

He also noted that Russia deployed its peacekeeping contingent based on the decision of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

"And in this decision of the Federal Assembly, it is stated that the peacekeeping contingent is there to protect the civilian population. Where is the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh now?" the Prime Minister emphasized.

Russia's accusations

Recall that earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed that the agreements within the trilateral deal with Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding Nagorno-Karabakh were not fulfilled primarily because of Armenia.

These accusations are not the first from Russia against Armenia. Previously, Zakharova stated that Yerevan is trying to "sit on two chairs" as it builds relations with the West.

Additionally, a Russian Foreign Ministry representative criticized Armenia for participating in a meeting regarding the Ukrainian peace formula, referring to such actions as anti-Russian gestures.

Armenpress: Angola announces exit from OPEC

Emil Lazarian

 21:43,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. Angola is leaving the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) because membership is not serving its interests, oil minister Diamantino Azevedo said on Thursday, reports Reuters.

Angola, which joined OPEC in 2007, produces about 1.1 million barrels of oil per day, compared with 28 million bpd for the whole group.

"CSTO technically cannot create a unified air defense system": Opinion from Yerevan

Emil Lazarian
Dec 19 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

CSTO Unified Air Defense System

On December 19 a meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the CSTO military bloc under the leadership of Russia will be held where the issue of creating a unified air defense system will be discussed. However, Armenia stated that it will not participate in the session. Recently, the country’s authorities have refused to participate in all events organized within the framework of pro-Russian integration structures.

The Russian Foreign Ministry responded to another boycott by saying that Armenia’s absnece at the CSTO assembly will not affect the decision on the creation of the organization’s air defense system. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has not yet commented on whether Armenia is going to join the system if the decision on its creation is made.

Meanwhile, political scientist David Harutyunov told JAMnews that it is technically impossible to create a unified air defense system within the CSTO. According to him, this means cooperation in the format of “CSTO member country-Russia”.

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The speaker of the Armenian parliament was supposed to take part in the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly session. However, in late November, Alen Simonyan announced that he would not participate in the event.

“I have informed my CSTO colleagues that I will not participate in the event. There is no response from them yet and, I think, there will be none. I’m sure they understand the reasons for non-attendance.”

At the same time, the Speaker of the National Assembly emphasized that lack of parrticipation does not mean “freezing of relations” and that Armenia has no intention to withdraw from the CSTO.

“Simply participation in this event is not expedient in the current situation. And the situation is such that the CSTO does not fulfill its obligations [towards Armenia] and did not fulfill its obligations earlier,” Simonyan said, commenting on the issue at the request of journalists.

The Russian side said that the absence of the Armenian delegation would not affect decision-making on the creation of a unified air defense system.

“Their physical non-appearance for participation does not significantly slow down the processes of harmonization by other member states of the adoption of collective here documents, to which in many cases they join,” Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Pankin told reporters.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also touched upon the creation of a joint air defense system. He noted that it is actually already in operation, as there are relevant bilateral agreements with each state. And in the case of the CSTO, all that remains is to document the existence of the system.

The agreement on the creation of a unified air defense system between Armenia and Russia was signed on December 23, 2015, three months before the April 2016 four-day war. The situation at that time was tense both on the line of contact with Nagorno-Karabakh and on Armenia’s border, in the Tavush region. After the end of hostilities at the end of June, the agreement was submitted for parliamentary approval.

Armenian media are now reminding their audiences of these events, including quoting and clarification from the Defense Ministry from 2016 on what capabilities this agreement will provide Armenia:

“The agreement provides an opportunity to use the capabilities of the Air and Space Forces of the Russian Armed Forces, up to the use of nuclear weapons. The Air and Space Forces of the Russian Armed Forces have a satellite system that can be used on the territory of Armenia in the interests of the Armenian Air Defense Forces. The Russian side also has surveillance systems that can be used in the interests of Armenia.”

However, there is no information about the practical application of the points of this agreement signed seven years ago, despite the fact that after 2016, the Armenian authorities have twice appealed to Russia and other allies in the CSTO bloc to help protect the country’s sovereign territory — the advance of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces deep into the territory of Armenia in May 2021 and September 2022.

Political scientist David Arutyunov says that it is not clear what kind of unified air defense system we can talk about. He believes that it is impossible to create it within the CSTO:

“The countries that are members of the bloc are located in different geographical zones – in Europe, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus. First of all, it is impossible to combine all this. And secondly, it simply does not need to be done. Each of these countries is only interested in protecting its own borders.”

He explains that cooperation in the field of air defense is achieved on a bilateral basis, i.e. between a CSTO member country and Russia. According to him, Armenia’s cooperation with Russia in this sphere began even before the signing of the agreement. In particular, one of the main functions of the Russian military base stationed in Armenia was to create air defense:

“A significant part of Armenia’s air defense, along the entire border with Turkey is provided by the Russian side. And this is one of the reasons why Armenia still exists.”

Arutyunov recalls that many Armenian-Russian agreements were signed in the 90s, when in parallel with the war in Karabakh there was a threat of an attack on Armenia by Turkey. At the same time he emphasizes that there were no documents and it was not assumed that the RF would defend the territory of MK:

“As for the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, the lack of reaction and non-interference was a political decision of the Russian Federation, as Russians do not want to enter into a conflict with Azerbaijan.”

The political scientist considers this problematic, but notes that since 2010 Armenia’s role in Russia’s foreign policy priorities has declined, mainly because of its “presence in Crimea and military base in Syria, as well as the development of Russian-Turkish relations”.

As for the CSTO, according to Arutyunov, the bloc “was not a very effective structure from the beginning.” For Armenia, membership in the organization was just an opportunity to buy cheap weapons. In addition, the CSTO reinforced the guarantees that Armenia already had within the framework of agreements with Russia.

“Perhaps there was some sentiment in Armenia that the bloc would immediately respond and rush to save Armenia. But I don’t know where they came from. There are very few real cases when this structure did anything,” he said.

It is not clear to the political analyst what Armenia will get as a result of leaving the CSTO as there are no alternative guarantees offered by the West:

“A certain diversification in the security sphere is simply inevitable. We see that Russia is not ready to provide at least part of the guarantees that it was initially supposed to provide.”

According to Arutyunov, Armenia has “maneuvering resources” in order not to break ties with Russia and, at the same time, to develop them with the West.

https://jam-news.net/csto-unified-air-defense-system-will-armenia-join/