Author: Garnik Tadevosian

A bill to recognize the driver’s license of Armenian citizens in Russia submitted to the State Duma

Garnik Tadevosian

A bill to recognize the driver’s license of Armenian citizens in Russia submitted to the State Duma

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 19:30, 4 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 4, ARMENPRESS. The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma, which is about the recognition of national driving licenses of Armenian citizens in Russia during business activities, ARMENPRESS reports TASS agency informs that the document was published in the electronic database of the Duma.

“The amendments envisage recognition of national driving licenses of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia while carrying out business and employment activities in the territory of the Russian Federation,” the bill says,

At present, such a procedure applies to citizens of Kyrgyzstan, citizens of countries whose legislation defines Russian as the official language.

Armenian American Museum Announces Historic $31 Million Milestone at Sold Out Legacy Gala

Garnik Tadevosian

Press Contact:

Shant Sahakian, Executive Director

Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California

(818) 644-2214

[email protected]

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

ARMENIAN AMERICAN MUSEUM ANNOUNCES HISTORIC $31 MILLION MILESTONE AT SOLD OUT LEGACY GALA

 

Glendale, CA (March 31, 2022) – The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California announced that the landmark center has surpassed the historic $31 million fundraising milestone at the sold out Legacy Gala on Sunday, March 27, 2022. More than 1,100 donors, supporters, public officials, and guests were in attendance at the signature event of the year at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE.

 

The Legacy Gala program kicked off with welcoming remarks by Executive Director Shant Sahakian who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.

 

“We have come together this evening on a historic occasion to celebrate a world class institution that was once an idea and is now under construction and becoming a reality in the heart of the Armenian Diaspora and Southern California,” stated Executive Director Shant Sahakian.

 

The National Anthems were performed by the renowned Allen G. Orchestra.

 

The Invocation was conducted by the museum’s Board of Trustees Co-Chairs including Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America Reverend Hendrik Shanazarian, and Bishop of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada Bishop Mikael Mouradian.

 

Gala Co-Chair Aleen Baran Oruncakciel remarked on the significance of the cultural and educational center for the next generation and recognized the sponsors who contributed to the success of the event.

 

“The Armenian American Museum will be a guarantor for the study, appreciation, and preservation of Armenian culture and heritage for future generations,” stated Legacy Gala Co-Chair Aleen Baran Oruncakciel.

 

Major Sponsors included Ron & Kourtni Arakelian, Jack & Maro Kalaydjian, Keghon & Alexia Kevonian, David & Margaret Mgrublian, The GASKA Alliance Foundation, Bank of America, Vartan & Janet Barsoumian, Fred Bonyadian, Sako & Aida Gharakhani, Gloria and Armen Hampar Family Foundation, Berdj & Mary Karapetian, LIZ General Partnership, Nora Tertzag Hampar Charitable Trust, SAMKO, and Sarkis & Nune Sepetjian.

 

Gala Co-Chair Dr. Alexia Kevonian remarked on the opportunity for the landmark center to build bridges between diverse communities and recognized the members of the Legacy Gala Committee.

 

“Our vision for the Armenian American Museum is about sharing our culture with our neighbors and in so doing discovering our similarities while delighting in our differences,” stated Legacy Gala Co-Chair Dr. Alexia Kevonian.

 

The Legacy Gala Committee includes Mayda Altounian, Aida Askejian, Angela Bedoyan, Ani Bekarian, Araxie Boyamian, Garine Depoyan, Aida Gharakhani, Silva Hameline, Marie Jean Harmandayan, Christine Hovnanian, Hermine Janoyan, Mary Karapetian, Lilian Khanjian, Margarit Mardirosian, Margaret Mgrublian, Narine Mouradian, Dzovig Zetlian, and Elizabeth Zoryan.

 

U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff remarked on his experience witnessing the incredible progress at the construction site during a recent visit. He announced to the capacity crowd that his efforts to secure $950,000 in support of the museum in the FY2022 federal government funding legislation was successful and signed by President Joe Biden.

 

Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian acknowledged the museum leadership, staff, committee members, volunteers, donors, and supporters as well as the corporate, foundation, and government partners who have generously contributed to the success of the Armenian American Museum project and the Legacy Gala event.

 

“The Legacy Gala is a tribute to the visionary benefactors, supporters, and friends who together are building a legacy of education, preservation, and cultural enrichment for generations to come through the creation and construction of the Armenian American Museum,” stated Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian.

 

Karapetian announced that the museum has officially formed a new Young Professionals Committee to promote the mission of the museum, connect young professionals throughout the community, and empower the next generation of leaders. The inaugural members of the Young Professionals Committee and Committee Chair Aleen Ohanian were welcomed to the main stage and introduced to the public for the first time.

 

During dinner, guests enjoyed a special musical performance by Allen G. Orchestra and a special video presentation featuring prominent figures in Armenian and Armenian American history.

 

Curator Ara Oshagan, who serves as a member of the museum’s Permanent Exhibition Committee, presented the work of artists Ruby Vartan, Vera Arutyunyan, and Anna Kostanian. The trio provided guests with a live painting experience in the foyer during the reception. In his remarks, he described the museum as a lighthouse and beacon of light for art, culture, and history.

 

Mayor Paula Devine remarked on her pride that the cultural and educational center is being built in the City of Glendale and how the institution will be a “jewel” in the Jewel City. Mayor Devine was joined by her colleagues on the Glendale City Council including Councilmember Ara Najarian, Councilmember Vrej Agajanian, Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian, and Councilmember Daniel Brotman.

 

Senator Anthony J. Portantino remarked on his excitement for the opportunity to educate the public and preserve Armenian culture and history for generations of Californians through the Armenian American Museum. He celebrated the State of California’s historic $9.8 million investment in support of the landmark center including his most recent successful effort to secure an additional $1.8 million in the 2022-2023 state budget.

 

Executive Director Shant Sahakian announced that the museum has launched its highly anticipated Naming Opportunities program to provide individuals, families, and organizations the unique opportunity to sponsor one of the museum’s iconic spaces and establish a lifelong association with the institution through a legacy gift. He welcomed museum leaders to the stage to introduce and honor the founding Naming Opportunities donors of the museum.

 

Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Avedik Izmirlian representing the Armenian Cultural Foundation presented the Kevonian family and announced that the museum’s Gift Shop will be named the Kevonian Gift Shop in honor of the family’s generous gift. The Kevonian Gift Shop will serve as a marketplace of culture and will offer to the thousands of annual museum visitors a collection of unique gifts, books, souvenirs, and memorabilia that complement the museum’s diverse programming and uplifting mission.

 

Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Talin Yacoubian representing the AGBU Western District presented the Arakelian family and announced that the museum’s Main Entrance Plaza will be named the Arakelian Plaza in honor of the family’s generous gift. The Arakelian Plaza will serve as the main entrance to the museum building from East Colorado Street and will feature the architectural metal cladding of the building facade overhead and Armenian-inspired basalt walls at each side with a floor-to-ceiling glass facade greeting patrons.

 

Board of Trustees member Dr. Nazareth E. Darakjian representing the Armenian Missionary Association of America presented the Mgrublian family and announced that the museum’s Archives Center will be named the Mgrublian Archives Center in honor of the family’s generous gift. The Mgrublian Archives Center will serve as a repository for Armenian heritage by preserving, conserving, and archiving rare artifacts, cherished artworks, historical documents and media, and special collections.

 

Board of Trustees representative Dr. Raffi Balian representing the Nor Or Charitable Foundation and Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian presented The GASKA Alliance Foundation and announced that the museum’s Alphabet Wall will be named The GASKA Alliance Foundation Alphabet Wall in honor of the foundation’s generous gift in the memory of Gagik and Knarik Galstian. The GASKA Alliance Foundation Alphabet Wall is the signature public art feature of the Grand Lobby towering to the upper levels as an homage to the Armenian alphabet and ancient Armenian architecture.

 

Board of Trustees member Gabriel Moloyan representing the Nor Serount Cultural Association and Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian presented the Kalaydjian family and announced that the museum’s Auditorium will be named Kalaydjian Auditorium in honor of the family’s generous gift. The Kalaydjian Auditorium will provide engaging and memorable experiences for patrons and serve as an arts and cultural destination by hosting a wide range of programming including lectures, performances, film screenings, special events, and more.

 

During the grand finale of the event, the Board of Trustees, Board of Governors, Construction Committee, and Gala Committee welcomed the founding Naming Opportunities donors to the main stage with a roaring applause. Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian concluded the event with the special announcement that the museum has surpassed the historic $31 million fundraising milestone through the generosity of the founding Naming Opportunities donors and the thousands of donors and supporters who have contributed to the landmark center.

 

The Armenian American Museum is a world class educational and cultural institution that is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Archives Center, and more.

 

The museum celebrated its historic groundbreaking and commenced construction on the project in Summer 2021.

 

For more information, visit https://www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org.

 

###


Click here for all press photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/LAUbc9WyH6SRCVJL6

Kindly,

Arsine Sina Torosyan
Communications Director
Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California
116 North Artsakh Avenue, Suite 205, Glendale, CA 91206
Office: (818) 351-3554, Ext. 706
Direct: (818) 644-2215
www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org
Confidentiality Notice: This communication and any documents, files, or previous e-mail messages attached to it constitute an electronic communication within the scope of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 ISCA 2510. This communication may contain non-public, confidential, or legally privileged information intended for the sole use of the designated recipient(s). The unlawful interception, use, or disclosure of such information is strictly prohibited under 18 USCA 2511 and any applicable laws.




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“Flagrant fake news” – PM Pashinyan denies reports on transferring fighter jets to Russia

Garnik Tadevosian

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 11:25, 31 March, 2022

YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan denied as fake news the reports that Armenia transferred its fighter jets to Russia for use in Ukraine.

“The fake news authored by Azerbaijani sources claiming that Armenia transferred its four SU-30SM multi-role aircraft to Russia to use in Ukraine is widely circulating in the Western world. This, certainly, is a flagrant disinformation and our SUs not even once left the borders of our country ever since being imported,” Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting.

Pashinyan added that sometimes such fake news have significant roles in the context of Azerbaijan being engaged in a policy of developing a false narrative both before, during and after the 2020 war in an attempt to substantiate military attack on Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh.

The Ministry of Defense of Armenia earlier also denied the reports by Turkish and Azerbaijani media outlets that claimed the Armenian military transferred four SU-30 fighter jets to Russia with the purpose of using them in the military operations in Ukraine.

With Russia distracted, Azerbaijan escalates in Karabakh

Garnik Tadevosian
Chatham House,UK
March 30 2022

The Ukraine invasion offers the opportunity and cover for Azerbaijan to test Russia’s peacekeeping mission deployed in contested Nagorny Karabakh.

EXPERT COMMENT

Associate Fellow, Russia and Eurasia Programme

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Azerbaijan has increasingly tested the will and capacity of the Russian peacekeeping mission deployed to the residual territory remaining under Armenian control at the end of the 2020 Karabakh war.

In early March, Azerbaijani forces were observed circling close to Armenian villages with loudspeakers urging the inhabitants to evacuate, and reports of increased ceasefire violations soon followed. On 8 March, a crucial pipeline supplying gas to the Karabakh Armenian population was cut off on Azerbaijani-held territory, leaving residents without heat for two weeks. Although the pipeline was repaired, it was reportedly cut off again, then restored.

Azerbaijani forces then advanced into the area which is ostensibly under Russian peacekeeper control, forcing the evacuation of one Armenian village, taking strategic heights overseeing others, and reportedly using drone strikes to kill three local Armenian servicemen and wound a further 15.

Although the Russian Ministry of Defence stated Azerbaijani forces later withdrew, both Azerbaijani and Armenian sources denied this. France, Russia, and the US – the co-chairs of the OSCE’s Minsk Group mandated to mediate the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict – all took the rare step of calling out Azerbaijan as the violator of the ceasefire regime.

If the post-2020 security infrastructure in Karabakh is precarious, the sources of these new tensions also relate to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which created a window of opportunity for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has leveraged Article 4 of the 9 November 2020 ceasefire statement, stipulating the withdrawal of Armenian troops, to justify its actions. But although 3,000 troops from Armenia reportedly did leave after the ceasefire agreement, the statement’s wording leaves the status of local Karabakh Armenian forces – the self-styled Nagorno-Karabakh Defence Army – as ambiguous.

Baku sees them as an illegal armed group on its territory, but the local authorities and population see them as essential self-defence. Yet with local Karabakh Armenian units being no match for the Azerbaijani army, it is only Russian peacekeepers that stand between Azerbaijani forces and Karabakh Armenian civilians.

If the post-2020 security infrastructure in Karabakh is precarious, the sources of these new tensions also relate to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which created a window of opportunity for Azerbaijan in two critical ways.

First, Russian distraction exposes the weaknesses of the peacekeeping mission in Karabakh, comprising 1,960 servicemen and approximately 2,000 civilian support staff but still lacking a defined mandate or rules of engagement.

This has suited Baku, which is keen to emphasise the temporary nature of Russia’s presence – its relationship with the mission has been fraught, with a rapid turnover of mission heads whose approach to peacekeeping has incurred Baku’s disapproval.

As units from other contested territories, such as South Ossetia, have now reportedly been reassigned to Ukraine, there has been – unsubstantiated – speculation that Russian units from Karabakh might follow. Mounting criticism of the Russian peacekeeping mission in the Azerbaijani press adds to this pressure.

Second, the international reaction to Russia’s invasion offers a golden opportunity to rhetorically homogenize the various post-Soviet conflicts and the legitimacy of their various actors’ claims. With Europe and the US mobilized as never before around Ukraine’s territorial integrity and the illegitimacy of occupation, arguments over the nuances and variable pathways of Eurasia’s conflicts are easily swept aside.

The scholarship on breakaway territories and de facto states has painstakingly identified differences between the numerous unrecognized entities in Eurasia and their paths of creation, but the war in Ukraine now enables their universal depiction as duplicates of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics – both widely rejected as the Kremlin’s manufactured creations.

In the heat of battle, consensus on Ukrainian territorial integrity trumps historical rigour, care with causality, and justified concern over the human rights of any population locked behind a contested border.

Western mobilization for Ukraine is also a bitter reminder for Baku that no such consensus has ever emerged on Azerbaijan’s own territorial integrity. After the mass ethnic cleansing of several provinces by Armenian forces in the 1990s, this added insult to injury.

Ambivalence towards Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity is widely framed by Azerbaijani analysts as evidence of islamophobia and orientalism. But neither tendency was much in evidence in the tepid international reactions to Azerbaijan’s September 2020 offensive in Nagorny Karabakh, which since 24 February has been bitterly contrasted in Armenia with international mobilization for Ukraine.

In the heat of battle, consensus on Ukrainian territorial integrity trumps historical rigour, care with causality, and justified concern over the human rights of any population locked behind a contested border

While degrees of islamophobia and orientalism are also likely present in certain external perspectives on Azerbaijan, international ambivalence over Nagorny Karabakh relates to rather dim prospects of there being alternative scenarios to more ethnic cleansing – this time of the Karabakh Armenian population – as a final ‘resolution’ of the conflict.

The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict has always been characterized by recursive, reciprocal rounds of ethnic cleansing leaving the two national communities totally segregated. A popular Azerbaijani narrative after the 2020 war claimed that Baku had ended this heinous tradition, but this is false. No Armenians remain in territories reclaimed by Azerbaijan in 2020.

With its peacekeeping architecture dependant on the reputation of Russian security guarantees, the post-2020 situation in Nagorny Karabakh has now been recast by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Moscow’s engagement in a draining – and indefensible – conquest of Ukraine gives Azerbaijan both the operational scope and normative cover to test the Russian presence within its borders. This presence is the most obvious and resented symbol of Azerbaijan’s truncated victory in 2020.

Recent developments also underline the extent to which security in Nagorny Karabakh has become a negotiation between Russia and Azerbaijan – leaving Armenia, constrained by dependency on Russia and a possible normalization of relations with Azerbaijan’s principal ally Turkey, all but powerless.

The more stretched Russia becomes in Ukraine – and in the world – the more likely Azerbaijani operations in Nagorny Karabakh will intensify, framed as ‘mopping up’ Armenian militants in a narrative of counter-insurgency. This escalates the pressure on Karabakh Armenian civilians to leave, edging towards a final ‘resolution’ through gradual ethnic cleansing.

And the more intensively this process unfolds, the more likely it is that widely promoted notions of regional connectivity – hailed by many regional and international observers alike as a new panacea for peacebuilding in the South Caucasus – will become little more than collateral damage.

Canada urged to join US and France in calling out Azerbaijan’s aggression in Artsakh

Garnik Tadevosian
Panorama
Armenia –

The Armenian National Committee of Canada on Tuesday issued the following statement, regarding the rising tensions in the Republic of Artsakh and Azerbaijan’s renewed aggression against the peaceful Armenian population.

“The Armenian National Committee of Canada condemns – in the strongest possible terms – Azerbaijan’s unprovoked aggression in the Republic of Artsakh and calls upon the Government of Canada to condemn Baku and use all the diplomatic tools at its disposal to contain Azerbaijan’s renewed attempts of violence and destabilization.

“Since March 24th, Azerbaijani forces have made several incursions into the territory of the Republic of Artsakh, grossly violating the November 2020 ceasefire agreement and signalling their clear intention for renewed hostilities in Artsakh.

“Using artillery and Bayraktar TB2 drones, Azerbaijan’s latest aggression has caused several casualties, while forcing the peaceful Armenian population of nearby villages to flee their indigenous homes.

“Taking full advantage of the already fragile situation in the region, Azerbaijan is using various methods to intimidate and demoralize the local population with an end goal to ethnically cleanse the Republic of Artsakh from its indigenous Armenian population.

“Aside from its military aggression, Azerbaijani forces have cut off the gas supply to the Republic of Artsakh, further exacerbating the already disastrous humanitarian situation in the region. Additionally, reports have confirmed that Azerbaijani forces have been periodically warning the residents of frontline villages and the capital city of Stepanakert to flee or face violence.

“Such psychological warfare, coupled with aggression and a systematic disinformation campaign cannot be left unpunished. While the co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group have clearly called out Azerbaijan’s aggression, Canada has remained silent in the face of this latest rise in tensions.

“In November 2020, Canada welcomed the trilateral ceasefire agreement that brought an end to hostilities. Azerbaijan’s latest acts are a brazen violation of that very agreement that Canada welcomed. Therefore, we call upon the Canadian Government to join the US and France in calling out Azerbaijan’s aggression and take all the necessary measures to deter further Azerbaijani violence and ensure that Baku abides by the ceasefire agreement of November 2020.”

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2022/03/30/Canada-Azerbaijani-aggression/2660781

The ANCCanada Statement can be read at 

Forum of Arts Charles Aznavour officially inaugurated in Montigny-le Bretonneux, France

Garnik Tadevosian

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 17:37,

YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. (Press Release, Aznavour Foundation) On March 26, 2022, the Forum of Arts Charles Aznavour was officially inaugurated in Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France. The inauguration ceremony brought together Nicolas Aznavour, co-founder of the Aznavour Foundation; Kristina Aznavour, President of the Foundation; senior officials from the Île-de-France region and the Yvelines department; Lorrain Merckaert, the Mayor of the city, as well as many other guests. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held in the presence of the Senator of Yvelines Michel Laugier, the Mayor Lorrain Merckaert and Nicolas and Kristina Aznavours.

Forum of Arts Charles Aznavour is dedicated to theoretical knowledge, practice and cultural _expression_ by pooling spaces and activities in order to encourage synergies between the 5 artistic disciplines which will now coexist in this center: dance, theater, music, rehearsals, recordings. This new cultural place embodies in itself the ambition to enrich the quality of learning as well as creativity. 

This extraordinary and modern space is also equipped with innovative technologies and special systems that will make the learning process much more attractive and effective. The center will offer a large auditorium, a recording studio, as well as studios dedicated to dance, music and theater, several classrooms and rehearsal rooms, and a forecourt designed to host shows “outside the walls”. The number of registered students is 1800, and 40 teachers will work with them.

The creation of the Forum of Arts was carried out thanks to the financing of the regional, departmental and municipal councils. The design of this ambitious 3500 m2 building was entrusted to the French architect Dominique Coulon.

The Center was named after Charles Aznavour following a consultation of the residents of the city and the vote of the City Council. The Aznavour family agreed to the naming after a guided tour of the construction site and a presentation of the project by the mayor of Montigny-le-Bretonneux, Lorrain Merckaert.

The Aznavour Foundation, in collaboration with the town hall of Montigny-le-Bretonneux and the “Agence NC – Nathalie Crinière” (specialized in exhibition scenography and interior architecture), worked on the creation of unique installations within this building in order to ensure the presence of the art of Charles Aznavour as motivation for students and visitors of the center. With the same objective, the Aznavour Foundation donated the Double Diamond Disc which had been awarded to Charles Aznavour for more than 2,000,000 copies of albums sold.

“My father would be proud and honored to see this iconic place that bears his vision and his name today. We hope that his “presence” will motivate and inspire generations to come. On behalf of the Aznavour family and on behalf of the Aznavour Foundation, I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have contributed to the realization of this project. The Aznavour Foundation will of course continue its cooperation with the Forum of Arts in future, organizing different events together”, mentioned Nicolas Aznavour during his speech.

Armenpress: Azerbaijan paving the way for new provocations and attacks in the direction of Nagorno Karabakh – Security Council

Garnik Tadevosian

Azerbaijan paving the way for new provocations and attacks in the direction of Nagorno Karabakh – Security Council

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 22:26,

YEREVAN, MARCH 28, ARMENPRESS. The security situation around Nagorno Karabakh was discussed at today’s sitting of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia, assessing it as extremely tense.

The analysis of the situation shows that the Republic of Azerbaijan, trying to find imaginary justifications, is paving the way for new provocations and attacks in the direction of Nagorno Karabakh, including accusing the Republic of Armenia of un-constructive actions in the issue of the peace treaty.

In the current situation, the Security Council considers it necessary to reaffirm the earlier position of the Republic of Armenia and offers the Republic of Azerbaijan to immediately start negotiations on a comprehensive peace treaty.

The Security Council, drawing the attention of the international community on the chances for armed clashes in Nagorno Karabakh and on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, considers it necessary to launch international containment mechanisms to prevent further military escalation and ethnic cleansing in the region.

Opposition MP: Armenian authorities trying to completely ‘wash their hands’ of Artsakh

Garnik Tadevosian
panorama
Armenia –

An Armenian opposition MP on Thursday denounced the pro-government majority in the parliament for rejecting two key opposition initiatives.

One of them was a bill calling for criminalization of all statements questioning Armenia’s territorial integrity. The second measure proposed the parliament to adopt a statement condemning the ongoing Azerbaijani and Turkish aggression against Armenians.

“As you know, we demanded an urgent sitting; closed discussions took place, where, unfortunately, this initiative was also voted down. In the statement, we wanted to record Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia and Artsakh and draw the international community’s attention to the steps taken against the two Armenian states,” Deputy National Assembly Speaker Ishkhan Saghatelyan, an MP from the main opposition Hayastan faction told a briefing.

The lawmaker also highlighted that the ruling Civil Contract faction MPs had earlier rejected an opposition request to set up a parliamentary standing committee on Artsakh issues, arguing that an inter-parliamentary committee was dealing with the matter.

“The inter-parliamentary committee has held no meetings for eight months now,” the opposition MP stressed. He also recalled that the ruling team turned down a draft resolution condemning the anti-Armenian provisions of the Shushi Declaration signed between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

“All this gives the Hayastan faction MPs grounds to assume that the incumbent Armenian authorities are trying to completely wash their hands of the Artsakh issue, renouncing their responsibilities as the guarantor of Artsakh’s sovereignty and security,” Saghatelyan said. 

“In this sense, we have deep concerns,” he noted.

Expert: Aliyev’s confession gives pretty complete answer to what really happened because of capitulation

Garnik Tadevosian
Panorama.am 
Armenia –

POLITICS 15:28 18/03/2022 ARMENIA

Varuzhan Geghamyan, an Armenian expert on Middle East and South Caucasus, has reflected on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s latest statement, where he admitted that his country had been defeated for 30 years.

“For many years, for almost 30 years, we had been represented in the international arena as a defeated country – both in sports and in the political arena. Difficult as it is to acknowledge that, it is what it is. In other words, we must know and tell the truth the way it is,” Aliyev said on Thursday.

“Aliyev’s confession gives a pretty complete answer to what really happened because of the capitulation. Armenia was transformed from a country which defeated Azerbaijan into a loser,” Geghamyan wrote on Facebook on Friday.

“Recalling Aliyev’s statements about Azerbaijan being forced to recognize Artsakh’s independence behind closed doors [in October 2016], it immediately becomes clear what chances Azerbaijan actually had to win if the de facto pro-Turkish group had not seized power in Armenia.

“The regime that destroyed the real victory is now deceiving large masses of the Armenian people with a virtual victory, which is spread by the media empire affiliated to it,” he said.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 17-03-22

Garnik Tadevosian

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 17:35,

YEREVAN, 17 MARCH, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 17 March, USD exchange rate down by 8.55 drams to 490.49 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 7.00 drams to 541.89 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 4.65 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 4.84 drams to 646.66 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 533.14 drams to 30170.43 drams. Silver price down by 1.89 drams to 393.37 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.