Author: Frangulian Shushan

Stepanakert residents told not to panic from explosion sounds as bomb squads dispose ordnance

Frangulian Shushan

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 12:11,

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS.  Bomb squads are disposing the unexploded munitions fired by the Azeri military in Stepanakert City and nearby territories, the State Service of Emergency Situations of Artsakh said.

“At this moment the bomb squads of the State Service of Emergency Situations are working in Stepanakert and the adjacent territory of the city. The discovered ordnance is being disposed on spot. Therefore, please do not panic in the event of hearing sounds of explosions,” the service said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenpress: Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs and OSCE MG Co-chairs to meet in Geneva October 29

Frangulian Shushan

Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs and OSCE MG Co-chairs to meet in Geneva October 29

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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America will meet in Geneva on October 29, ARMENPRESS reports reads the joint statement of the Co-chairs.

‘’ The Co-Chairs met in Washington D.C. on October 24 with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and also participated in a joint meeting with the Foreign Ministers and U.S. Deputy Foreign Minister Stephen Biegun. The Personal Representative of the OSCE’s Chairman in Office, Andrzej Kasprzyk, also participated in the meetings.    

The Co-Chairs urged the sides to take immediate steps to implement all aspects of the October 10 Moscow Joint Statement in accordance with their commitments, noting that they had reaffirmed these commitments with Paris on October 18. The Co-Chairs also reminded the sides of the October 1, 2020 joint statement of United States President Donald J. Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as the October 5 joint statement of Secretary of State Secretary of State of the United States of America Michael R. Pompeo, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, calling on the sides to cease hostilities immediately and to resume substantive negotiations to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.  

During their intensive discussions, the Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers discussed implementing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, possible parameters for monitoring the ceasefire, and initiating discussion of core substantive elements of a comprehensive solution, in accordance with the October 10 Joint Statement. The Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers agreed to meet again in Geneva on October 29 to discuss, reach agreement on, and begin implementation, in accordance with a timeline to be agreed upon, of all steps necessary to achieve a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance with the basic principles accepted by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia”.

Armenia, Azerbaijan agree to a humanitarian ceasefire entering into force on October 26, 08:00. Armenia and Azerbaijan had agreed to ceasefire on October 10 and October 17, but the agreements were never observed by the Azerbaijani side, which violated the humanitarian ceasefire immediately after it entered into force.




Western Prelacy Holds 48th Representatives Assembly

Frangulian Shushan

October 23,  2020



Western Prelacy’s 48th National Representative Assembly

  • A Letter To President Trump Regarding War In Artsakh
  • Bishop Torkom Donoyan Elected Prelate
  • New Religious And Executive Councils Elected

The 48th National Representatives Assembly of the Western Prelacy convened on October 16 at “Avedissian” Hall in Encino, presided over by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. Due to the current pandemic, the Assembly was held in a single day, instead of the usual two days. The activities of the Prelate and the Religious and Executive Councils were evaluated and activities for the forthcoming year were proposed and drafted. The election of the Prelate and Councils also took place.

Members of the Clergy, Central Executive members; Vahe Yacoubian and Gaidzag Zetlian, Religious and Executive Council members, Chairmen of Boards of Trustees and the Chairwoman of the Board of Regents participated in the Representatives Assembly. This year’s Assembly was hosted by St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas.

The Assembly commenced with prayer for Armenia, Artsakh, our soldiers and to those who have lost their lives during the war. The prayer was followed by the singing of the Armenian National Anthem. The Prelate greeted the participants and invited Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian to read the message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I., in which the Pontiff stressed; “During times of strife and upheaval, our prelacy must continue its mission through revitalized faith and service, especially for our youth and communities.”

The election of the assembly’s executive followed, with Boghos Sassounian elected as Chairman and Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian and Hamo Kasbarian elected as Co-Secretaries. The Prelate then invited the participants to stand for a moment of silence in memory of delegate Haigaz Terterian and Prof. Ara Manash whom we lost in the previous term, and also for the casualties in the recent war in Artsakh.

Expressing their unified outrage toward the war crimes perpetrated by the Turkish and Azerbaijani governments, the representatives decided to direct a demand letter to the President and Congress of the United States of America.

Central Executive member Vahe Yacoubian delivered his remarks to the Assembly, emphasizing on the statement made by the Pontiff, in which we must commit in our future endeavors within the prelacy. He reflected upon the effects of the Corona Virus and the recent war in Artsakh, stressing on the imperativeness of reorganization and wished strength and perseverance to the soldiers in Artsakh.

On behalf of the Executive Council, Chairman Garo Eshgian expressed hope that the 48th Assembly will open new horizons in the Prelacy’s mission and stated that we are living in troubling times due to the Corona Virus and the war in Artsakh, but that should not deter us in our efforts, because we will overcome all challenges through our spirit of oneness. Concluding his remarks, Eshgian expressed his gratitude toward Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, for his years of service and efforts in prospering the Western Prelacy.

On behalf of the host parish, Chairwoman Arpy Hicks greeted her colleagues.

Outgoing chairman of the Prelacy Executive Council Garo Eshgian with newly-elected Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan

The Prelate then delivered his message, which he acknowledged the challenges which our Prelacy faces during these difficult times. He wished for the ceasefire to persist and for the war to come to a lasting end, so that the both Independent Republics of Armenia and Artsakh will once again live in peace and for the civilians to return to a normal life. The prelate also thanked all the sponsors and donors whom have aided the Western Prelacy throughout the years. He appreciated the service and dedication of the Chairman and members of the Executive Council, Representative Assembly members, Board of Trustee members, Ladies Guild members, new and old employees of the Western Prelacy and to all those who serve the church. He concluded his remarks by thanking Catholicos Aram I., for his blessings throughout his 6 term tenure as the prelate of the Western Prelacy. The prelate informed the Assembly that he had delivered an official letter to Catholicos Aram I., expressing his desire to step down from his duties and responsibilities as the Prelate of the Western Prelacy. In conclusion, he prayed that God bestows insight, strength and endurance upon the newly elected Prelate, Religious and Executive Councils, so that they may serve for the praise of God, the betterment of the Armenian Church and the prosperity of the people.

The Financial and Auditing Committee reports were then presented, followed by briefings by the Religious Council, Executive Council, and Board of Regents. Following questions on the annual reports and a review of the year’s activities, the Resolution Committee found the endeavors of the Prelate and Executive Council highly commendable.

The next item on the agenda was the election of the Prelate. Before hearing the names of three candidates put forth by Catholicos Aram I., as per tradition, due to a candidate being present at the Assembly, Bishop Torkom Donoyan was escorted out of the hall. Thereafter, the names of the three candidates were read; Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, Bishop Magar Ashkarian, and Bishop Torkom Donoyan. The delegates then voted by secret ballot and by a unanimous vote, Bishop Torkom Donoyan was elected to serve as Prelate of the Western Prelacy. Escorted by the Assembly executive, the newly elected Prelate proceeded back into the hall to a standing ovation.

The clergy formed a procession, and by the singing of “Ourakh Ler” and “Hrashapar,” they guided Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan, into Holy Marty’s Church to perform the “Canonical Prayer.” The newly-elected Prelate, recited the “Canonical Prayer,” received the Prelate’s staff from his predecessor Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and delivered his first message to representatives and clergy members.

Catholicosate Central Executive Council member Vahe Yacoubian

The Prelate stated, “Prayer is fundamental in strengthening the spirit, enlightening the mind, having a healthy body and is a daily presence in my life. That is why, today, I pray with a deeper conviction that God will give me strength, as I am elected the Prelate of the Western Prelacy by His blessing and your votes. I believe and trust the words of the psalmist; “Lord I put my trust in You, do not forsake those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10.) The Prelate continued, “With sincerity and a deep gratitude, I thank Catholicos Aram I., and to the Representatives Assembly for the trust that you have placed in me.” He concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of working in unity, and that all of our future achievements will be fulfilled as we carry the responsibilities together.”

The last item on the agenda was the election of the Religious and Executive Councils. The new Religious Council was elected as follows: Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian, Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian, Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltagyan, Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, and Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian.

The new Executive Council was elected as follows: Vahe Hovaguimian, Meher Der Ohanessian, George Chorbajian, Dr. Kaloust Agopian, Deacon Berj Apkarian, Dzovig Zetlian, Ara Shabanian, Garbis Bezdjian, Jack Hadjinian, Sarkis Tatiguian and Gevik Baghdassarian.

The National Representatives Assembly tivan contacted H.H. Catholicos Aram I., regarding the outcome of the Representatives Assembly and in turn the Pontiff ratified the elections of the Prelate, Religious and Executive Councils.

The ratification of the activities and budget for the coming term followed.

On behalf of the National Representatives Assembly executive, Boghos Sassounian congratulated the newly elected Prelate, Religious and Executive Councils, and invited Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, to deliver his concluding remarks.

The Prelate once again thanked Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian for his service to the Western Prelacy, and wished him a healthy and long life, emphasizing that he will always remain his spiritual elder brother. He concluded by praising the efforts of the tivan and accomplishments of the outgoing council members, he congratulated the newly elected members of both councils and promised that all future endeavors will be taken in good faith and honesty. He also commended the employees of the Western Prelacy and thanked the Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas for hosting this year’s Assembly.

Prior to the conclusion of the National Representative Assembly, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian once again congratulated the newly elected Prelate, Religious and Executive Councils. The 48th National Representatives Assembly came to a close with the Prelate’s benediction and singing of Cilicia.

On behalf of the newly elected Prelate, a dinner reception took place following the National Representatives Assembly. In attendance were members of Clergy, Religious and Executive Council members, National Representatives Assembly members, representatives of the A.R.F. Bureu and Central Committee and employees of the Western Prelacy.

The Master of Ceremonies was Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian. Congratulatory remarks were made by; Central Executive Council members Vahe Yacoubian and Gaidzag Zetlian, Ex-Chair of the Executive Council Garo Eshgian and Chair of the Religious Council Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian. Also, heartfelt congratulatory remarks were delivered by A.R.F Central Committee representative Garo Ispedjian and A.R.F. Bureau representative Dr. Viken Yacoubian.

Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan delivered his closing remarks and called on everyone to work with one goal in mind, for the praise of God, the betterment of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the people. The evening came to a close with the Prelate’s benediction.

Armenians Came to SF to Escape Genocide. Now, Fears of That History Are Resurfacing

Frangulian Shushan
KQED
Oct 19 2020
Devin KatayamaNastia VoynovskayaEricka Cruz GuevarraAlan Montecillo


Generations of Armenians and descendants of those who escaped the Armenian Genocide have found refuge in San Francisco. That’s the epicenter of a robust church community center and where Armenian Americans can celebrate their culture, history and heritage. It’s also where a recent spate of suspected hate crimes are raising fears about the current border conflict — and painful memories of violence.

Guest: Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED Arts and Culture editor and reporter


Greek Foreign Minister to visit Armenia on October 16

Frangulian Shushan
Public Radio of Armenia
Oct 15 2020

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias will arrive in Armenia on October 16 for a working visit, the Armenian Foreign Ministry informs.

The meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries on the same day will be followed by a joint press conference.

Within the framework of the visit Nikos Dendias will have meetings with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Armen Sarkissian.



Without Russian Aid to Armenia, Azerbaijan Has the Upper Hand in Nagorno-Karabakh

Frangulian Shushan
Foreign Policy
Oct 9 2020
 
 
 
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has overplayed his hand by spouting belligerent nationalist rhetoric and refusing to negotiate—and Putin isn’t coming to his rescue.
 
By Robert M. Cutler | October 9, 2020, 5:02 AM
 
he renewal of fighting in the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenian forces could have been foretold. A four-day outbreak of hostilities in mid-July occurred in northwest Azerbaijan, 60 miles away from Nagorno-Karabakh, but that is not even the proximate cause of today’s fighting.
 
The current conflict broke out in the late 1980s, when Armenians in Azerbaijan’s Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO) began organizing to take the territory out of Azerbaijan. When the NKAO Regional Council voted to unite with the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic in February 1988, central Soviet authorities abolished the local government and instituted direct rule from Moscow.
 
In 1992, a year after the two countries became independent, Armenian forces seized control of the “Lachin corridor,” a winding mountain road since improved with funds from the Armenian diaspora, connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. Turning northward, they then seized and held the Kelbajar district of Azerbaijan. They continued, until early last month, to hold not only the former NKAO but seven additional Azerbaijani districts outside the former NKAO, forming a bloc having a long common border with Armenia.
 
For a quarter century, Azerbaijan has had to support a large number of refugees and internally displaced persons representing 10 percent of its total population.
 
That was the situation when the war ended in 1994. Despite periodic skirmishes, the worst of which were in 2016, the status quo remained—until last month. The whole area under occupation represents 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory. No fewer than four U.N. Security Council Resolutions (822, 853, 874, and 884) adopted in 1993 called for Armenian troops to leave all these occupied territories without delay.
 
Approximately 800,000 Azerbaijanis were ethnically cleansed from those areas. Another 200,000 were driven out of Armenia proper, finding shelter as refugees in Azerbaijan. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) set up its “Minsk Group”—co-chaired by the United States, France, and Russia—to promote negotiations for settlement of the conflict. For a quarter century, Azerbaijan has had to support a large number of refugees and internally displaced persons representing 10 percent of its total population.
 
________________________________
 
Azerbaijan was patient for over a generation. With Armenia, it subscribed to the Madrid Principles for a settlement, proposed by the Minsk Group more than a decade ago. These called for returning the seven districts around Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijani control; giving Nagorno-Karabakh an interim status that would provide “guarantees for security and self-governance”; linking it with Armenia by a corridor; determining its final legal status “through a legally binding _expression_ of will”; returning all refugees and displaced people to their former places of residence; and putting in place a peacekeeping operation.
 
These negotiations languished. Azerbaijan warned over the years that the use of force would be a last resort if the peace process were exhausted. This resort to force finally occurred after Armenia overtly and unilaterally rejected the Madrid Principles.
 
Azerbaijan warned over the years that the use of force would be a last resort if the peace process were exhausted. This resort to force finally occurred after Armenia overtly and unilaterally rejected the Madrid Principles.
 
That rejection of the agreed basis for talks brought negotiations to an impasse. Baku still attempted to revive the defunct peace talks. By doing so, it probably sent Yerevan the wrong signal.
 
Azerbaijan warned over the years that the use of force would be a last resort if the peace process were exhausted. This resort to force finally occurred after Armenia overtly and unilaterally rejected the Madrid Principles.
 
Instead, Armenia completely discarded the Madrid Principles. The country’s current prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, who came to power in what resembled a “color revolution” in May 2018, was initially conciliatory toward Azerbaijan. Early on, he gave the impression that he was an open interlocutor ready to discuss thorny issues. Unfortunately, he was unable to make good on the many promises he made to the Armenian public—promises that, if realized, would have improved Armenia’s isolated socioeconomic situation and heavy dependence on Russia. After failing to deliver on these preelection promises, Pashinyan became a victim of the irredentist nationalism seemingly required to survive in Armenian domestic politics.
 
Trapped there, he seems then to have fallen hostage to his own nationalist rhetoric, which has in turn strengthened domestic Armenian populism and militarism. This irredentist nationalism finally touched not just the Nagorno-Karabakh issue—which Pashinyan, like his predecessors, politically manipulated—but extended to other neighbors beyond Azerbaijan.
 
 
 
 

Kseniya Kirillova explains the Kremlin’s strategy as conflict mounts between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Frangulian Shushan
ByLine Times
Oct 2 2020
Putin’s Gameplan in the Armenia-Azeri Conflict 

Fierce battles continue in Nagorno-Karabakh between Armenia and Azerbaijan, after weeks of escalating tensions.

The defense ministries of both countries report successful attacks on enemy equipment and troops. Although reports of losses from both sides may be exaggerated, it’s clear that full-scale warfare is being conducted in the region. 

In Nagorno-Karabakh’s capital Stepanakert and elsewhere, there has been gunfire for several days, while thousands of Armenian volunteers are gathering in Artsakh. Turkey continues to provide full support to Azerbaijan, with its leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan calling Turks and Azerbaijanis “one people”.

Experts suggest that escalation of the conflict and the associated swelling of patriotism will benefit the leaders of Turkey and Azerbaijan. They have both seen their authority significantly weakened against the backdrop of the Coronavirus pandemic and associated economic problems.

Many analysts rightly point out that these military actions are disadvantageous for Moscow. Formally, Armenia is an ally of Russia and protected by it within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO). If it can show that military activities are taking place not only in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, but also in Armenia itself, then the country can demand the support of Russia’s military might.

However, Russian intervention would threaten relations with Turkey, which unconditionally supports Azerbaijan, and would mean opening a “third front” for Russia, which already is fighting in Ukraine and Syria. This is something the weakened Russian economy might not sustain.

Yet, not aiding Armenia would jeopardise the rationale for participating in the CSTO – weakening Russian influence globally. 

Moscow, then, faces a serious dilemma.

As the Director of the Armenian Centre for Political and International Studies, Agasi Yenokyan, stated in an interview recently, Russia has the leverage to force the de-escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, but is in no hurry to do so. Instead, the Kremlin hopes that it can take advantage of the situation to put pressure on the Armenian leadership.

According to Yenokyan, the Kremlin could use Armenia’s military vulnerability to force Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to steer in a more pro-Russian direction, or else face a coup.

This theory is bolstered by the campaign mounted by the Russian mass media. “In Moscow drawing rooms they are saying that Armenia is either doomed to return to Russia or simply doomed,” according to the general editor of RT (Russia Today), Margarita Simonyan.

The Telegram channel ‘Nezygar,’ which is close to the Russian President’s administration, outlined 12 conditions for Russia to provide Pashinyan with military support. Among these are: recognition of the Crimea as part of Russia; the status of Russia as the official language; economic integration with the Eurasian Economic Union; and activation of the Armenian diaspora in the EU and the US to lobby for the lifting of anti-Russian sanctions.

It is quite possible that if Vladimir Putin’s blackmail is successful, the Kremlin will provide the assistance requested by Armenia, despite the considerable risks.

Indeed Russia employed a similar strategy in Belarus. By supporting the country’s illegitimate leader, Alexander Lukashenko, Russia guaranteed the resentment of most Belarusians and once again provoked the anger of the West. Lukashenko has also more than once proven to be a highly unreliable partner, simultaneously pledging loyalty to Russia while trying to “sell” himself to the West as a guarantor of “the defense of Belarus against the Russian threat”.

Despite this, Putin decided to support the “friendly dictator,” realising that a victory for anti-Lukashenko protestors would provide inspiration for dissidents in his own country. Moreover, although he has made overtures to the West, Lukashenko is now more dependent than ever on Moscow for his survival, guaranteeing his loyalty.

To judge from this logic, we can assume that Russia will interfere in the conflict on the side of Armenia only if it’s possible to extract complete subordination from the Armenian leadership.

It seems that Pashinyan took the first step in this direction by speaking on Russian TV by promising to build a qualitatively new relationship with Russia. The country’s sovereignty is at stake, with Putin ready to subsume Armenia into his neo-Soviet ecosystem.



Armenian expert warns of ‘sharp increase’ in security threats

Frangulian Shushan
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 25 2020

Armenian military expert Tigran Abrahamyan, the head of Henaket Analytical Center, unveiled two possible reasons behind the current military-political situation in the Caucasus region, the statements made by the Turkish and Azerbaijani authorities and their recent steps.

“First, Turkey and Azerbaijan have concluded that there is no alternative to the military settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict, and their preparations and statements fit into this logic,” the expert said in a Facebook post on Friday.

“Second, the developments in Tavush, which, on the one hand, confirmed the stalemate in negotiations, and, on the other hand, the lack of their possible outcome, suggest two possible results: a return to the negotiating table, vague border provocations or hostilities.”

“If we consider the resumption of negotiations under this logic, Turkey and Azerbaijan are trying to increase pressure [on Armenia], including through threats of renewed war, in order to achieve their desired concessions.

“In short, the happenings around us, in Azerbaijan and Turkey, suggest that either military clashes will resume or all this is aimed at exerting total pressure on Armenia to extort concessions in the event of the resumption of talks,” he wrote.

In Abrahamyan’s words, even if Azerbaijan and Turkey are “bluffing” in an attempt to gain concessions from Armenia, it is not excluded that they may resort to a military solution shortly after failing to get those concessions. 

“In any case, it should be noted that there is a sharp increase in security threats, which forces us to put in place the necessary mechanisms,” he said.


24,221 immovable historical and cultural monuments registered in Armenia

Frangulian Shushan
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 19 2020

According to the data of 2019, a total of 24,221 monuments are included in the list of Armenia’s state owned immovable historical and cultural monuments.

The data released by the Statistical Committee shows that 995 monuments are located in Yerevan. Gegharkunik Province is home to most of the monuments – 5,267.

Last year, 119 new objects were found, 106 of which received the status of a newly discovered monument.