Author: Garo Vardanian

187,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine donated by Belgium through COVAX arrive in Armenia

Garo Vardanian

187,200 doses of AstraZeneca vaccine donated by Belgium through COVAX arrive in Armenia

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 15:04, 6 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The first deliveries from a pledge of 4 million doses to be donated to COVAX by The Belgian Development Cooperation have arrived, with 187,200 doses of the AstraZeneca (AZ) vaccine shipped to Armenia on 5 September, Gavi reports.

“The only way to defeat this pandemic is through international cooperation. This week, Belgium shares 187,200 AstraZeneca doses with Armenia through COVAX vaccine sharing mechanism. No one is safe until everyone is safe,” said Meryame Kitir, Minister of Development Cooperation and Major Cities Policy.

Armenpress: Armenian Defense Minister, Commander of Russian peacekeeping forces discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Garo Vardanian

Armenian Defense Minister, Commander of Russian peacekeeping forces discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

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 20:56, 6 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Arshak Karapetyan received on September 6 Colonel-General Rustam Muradov, who completes his mission as the Commander of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Artsakh.

The process of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh, as well as the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border were discussed at the meeting, which was also attended by the attaché of the Russian Embassy in Armenia, Colonel Igor Shcherbakov. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MoD Armenia, Arshak Karapetyan thanked Colonel-General Rustan Muradov for his efforts aimed at preserving peace in Artsakh and wished him success in future activities.

1000 social businesses to be established in Artsakh

Garo Vardanian

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 10:02, 31 August, 2021

YEREVAN, AUGUST 31, ARMENPRESS. 1000 social businesses will be established in Artsakh aimed at providing its residents with their own stable income, promoting entrepreneurship and raising their life quality.

“1000 Armenians families from Armenia and the Diaspora will invest for the establishment of these businesses. The initiative is already at a practical stage. According to the agreement reached with Director of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund Haykak Arshamyan, 100 out of these 1000 businesses (greenhouses) will be implemented with their support”, Armenia’s ministry of labor and social affairs said in a statement.

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) has also welcomed the initiative and will make an investment.

On the sidelines of this initiative a social entrepreneurship week has started in Artsakh from August 28 at the initiative of Armenia’s ministry of labor and social affairs and the government of Artsakh, in joint partnership with the School of Social Entrepreneurs and the Yunus Center of the State University of Gavar.

During his visit in Artsakh, Armenia’s minister of labor and social affairs Narek Mkrtchyan met with the participants of the program. In his remarks he emphasized the importance of this program, stating that this will enable the residents of Artsakh to acquire social business skills, and noting that the best business ideas will be funded.

The minister also stated that the ministry has switched from social assistance programs to development programs and aims at creating a sustainable development environment, calling this program as one of the first steps of their vision.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

AW: US Congressional leaders stand in solidarity with Artsakh on 30th anniversary of independence

Garo Vardanian
September 2, 2021 ANCA ANCA News 0

WASHINGTON, DC – A bipartisan group representing the Congressional Armenian Caucus joined with Armenians across the US and around the world in marking the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Artsakh’s (Nagorno Karabakh) independence, pledging to continue efforts to strengthen US-Artsakh ties and push back against ongoing Azerbaijani and Turkish aggression, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“We mark Artsakh’s independence with our work, together with our Congressional allies – advancing a targeted array of ANCA-backed legislative initiatives blocking US military aid to Azerbaijan and securing US humanitarian assistance to Artsakh,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “In particular, we look forward, in the coming days and weeks, to cooperating with our Congressional friends, coalition partners, and community activists to stop all Defense Department funding for Azerbaijan’s army – through the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act.”

In videos shared with the ANCA and premiered during September 2nd Artsakh Independence Day celebrations hosted by ANC International in Artsakh’s capital city, Stepanakert, members of Congress congratulated the people of Artsakh for their commitment to peace and democracy, as they continue to recover from the September, 2020 war launched by Azerbaijan with Turkey’s military backing. During the 44-day onslaught, over 5,000 Armenians were killed, more than 100,000 displaced from their ancestral homes, and hundreds of Armenians illegally taken as prisoners of war. The Independence Day program coincided with the official opening of the Armenian National Committee of Artsakh offices.

Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and David Valadao (R-CA), and Vice-Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA), were joined by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) in sharing powerful words of solidarity with the Artsakh people, excerpts of which are provided below. 

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ): “I’ve never seen a more resilient people than the people of Artsakh, faced with all this aggression and all these problems from their neighbors around them, and I just want you to know that we in Congress remain supportive of you.  We’re working diligently with President Biden and his Administration with the spending bills to try to see and get as much help to Artsakh, to rebuild as possible, and also to penalize Turkey and Azerbaijan for their aggression. Also, I would like to see, ultimately, official recognition of Artsakh as a state, as a country, an engagement in an official way between the United States and Artsakh, and also really move forward with the peace process.”

Rep. David Valadao (R-CA): “On September 2nd, 1991, the people of Artsakh voted overwhelmingly to stand up to ongoing Azerbaijani aggression – in a fight for freedom to determine their own destiny. […] I visited Artsakh in 2017 and saw first-hand the dedication of its people to peace and self-determination – foundational values that the US and Artsakh share.  I have led efforts on the House floor to ensure expanded US aid to Artsakh, to strengthen US-Artsakh relations, and save lives through demining efforts.  […] I stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenia in condemning Azerbaijani aggression and will continue working with my Congressional colleagues to secure the release of Armenian POWs, zero-out military aid to Azerbaijan, and increase US assistance to Artsakh and Armenia.”

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA): “Today we come together to mark Artsakh’s independence day – when 30 years ago, the brave people of Artsakh declared their independence from the Soviet Union. And while Artsakh’s path has never been an easy one, the war over the past year or so has tested the people of Artsakh in unimaginable ways. Your resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiration to all of us. So, on this important day, let’s rededicate ourselves to confronting the many threats to the people of Artsakh. Because independence is just the beginning of the struggle for liberation.”

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA): “Thirty years ago, in an embrace of democracy and self-determination, the people of Artsakh voted overwhelmingly for independence. Sadly, this peaceful vote was met with years of violence, including the war in the summer of 2020, that left homes and villages destroyed and claimed far too many lives. But I have been to Artsakh and I know how strong the people there are. That is why I am proud to stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenians everywhere. I am committed to ensuring the support needed, to help Artsakh not only rebuild but thrive.”

Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA): “It’s an honor and a great pleasure to shine light on the achievements and contributions made by the people of Artsakh. As we saw with the great American experiment, the path to freedom is never easy. However, we know that freedom and independence are worth fighting for. After three decades, Artsakh and her people have made great strides. Here in America, certainly in my home in the San Joaquin Valley, CA – the land of William Saroyan – Armenian Americans have contributed to the vibrancy and strength of our own democracy.  Please know, my colleagues and I have pledged to continue to work in the US Congress to ensure a free and prosperous Artsakh during these challenging times.”

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA): “Today we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Artsakh’s independence. This is a historic moment for the people of Artsakh. Your resilience against decades of adversity is an inspiration to me and to millions of people around the world. As I speak to you from my office in Washington, DC, across from the Capitol, I want you to know that you have many friends in the US Congress who stand with you against those who refuse to accept your independence and seek to do you harm. I look forward to celebrating many more years of your independence and know that you will always have a friend and a partner in me here in the Congress of the United States.”

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA): “Even as Azerbaijan has launched countless assaults and attempted to redraw the map by force, culminating in the deadly wave of Turkish and Azerbaijani violence last September, Artsakh remains standing strong as ever and, just as importantly, remains steadfastly dedicated to long-term regional peace. I want you to know that so many people in Massachusetts and across the United States stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenia in condemning Azerbaijani aggression. And, we will continue working in Congress to build strong support on behalf of Artsakh for a peaceful, democratic, negotiated resolution that treats the people of Artsakh and Armenians everywhere with the dignity and the respect that they deserve.”

Congressional Armenian Caucus Leadership Salutes Artsakh Independence

In addition to the Congressional video tributes to Artsakh resilience, the Congressional Armenian Caucus leadership sent a congratulatory letter to Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan where they emphasized the Caucus’ ongoing support for Artsakh self-determination, their call to penalize Turkey and Azerbaijan for the war waged against Artsakh in the fall of 2020, and urged the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to include Artsakh in peace negotiations.

The full text of the September 2nd letter sent to President Harutyunyan is provided below.

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Text of Congressional Armenian Caucus Leadership Letter to President Harutyunyan Marking 30th Anniversary of Artsakh Independence

Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515

September 2, 2021

H.E. Arayik Harutyunyan
President of the Republic of Artsakh
Stepanakert

President Harutyunyan:

We write to congratulate you and the people of the Republic of Artsakh on the 30th Anniversary of your independence.

The United States Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues offers our support and commitment to Artsakh on this celebration of three decades of your independence.  We continue to stand with your people as they face with incredible resilience the ongoing challenges and threats posed by Azerbaijan.  Artsakh’s transformation over the years is truly a testament to its people and to the leaders like you who have helped guide it along the way, despite the constant pressure and acts of aggression taken by the regime of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

We continue working diligently to persuade the Biden Administration to take every available diplomatic action to penalize the Azerbaijani & Turkish regimes for their deadly and illegal attacks on Artsakh last fall.  This conflict clearly demonstrates the dire need for international actors to take a stronger position pressuring Aliyev to return in good faith to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group negotiations.  And, we continue to push for Artsakh to directly participate in negotiations regarding its future status and security to ensure a durable and lasting peace.

We remain committed to pushing for official engagement between the United States government and your administration, and we look forward to working with you to build on Artsakh’s already impressive transformation in the face of so many challenges.  Again, please accept our sincerest congratulations on this important occasion and offer our full support for your country.

Sincerely,

Frank Pallone Jr.
Member of Congress

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress

Jackie Speier
Member of Congress

David Valadao
Member of Congress

Adam Schiff
Member of Congress

[see all videos on the page]

Japan seeks to further deepen cooperation with Armenia

Garo Vardanian

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 16:47, 26 August, 2021

YEREVAN, AUGUST 26, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Japan Motegi Toshimitsu sent a congratulatory message to Ararat Mirzoyan, on the occasion of assuming the position of the Foreign Minister of Armenia, the Armenian foreign ministry said.

“Your Excellency,

I would like to heartily congratulate your Excellency on appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia.

For Japan, Armenia is an important partner in building an international order that is free and open, based on the rule of law. Cherishing the historical connections of both nations, I wish to further deepen cooperation in the wide range of fields like IT, digitization, culture and so on.

The next year will be a milestone of the 30 years anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between our two countries and I hope that bilateral relations will furthermore expand and develop under close cooperation with your Excellency in future”, reads the letter of the Japanese FM.

Pashinyan says Azerbaijani roadblock at Kapan-Goris inter-state highway aims at blowing peace agenda

Garo Vardanian

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 11:37, 27 August, 2021

YEREVAN, AUGUST 27, ARMENPRESS. The blocking of Kapan-Goris inter-state highway by the Azerbaijani armed forces in Syunik province is against to the agreements (Russian border guards are deployed in the Goris-Davit Bek section for the uninterrupted operation of traffic. The security of the 21 km long section of the Goris-Kapan highway, which passes through a disputable territory, will be provided by the Russian border guards) reached in December 2020, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting today.

He expressed hope that the situation will be quickly solved.

“From political terms it’s obvious to me that that campaign has been done for blowing the peace agenda proposed by us, for discrediting that agenda. Azerbaijan’s behavior shows that such incidents can again happen. Of course, our services need to be vigilant and careful, but on the other hand we need strong nerves, and we must develop and push forward our strategic line – the peace agenda”, the PM stated.

According to him, this situation connected with the roads of Syunik was not unexpected for the government. At this period they have worked for forming new infrastructure and will continue to work, but the opening of the road could become a very good symbol of regional stability.

Pashinyan says the Azerbaijani side claims that the current situation is connected with the recent incident when a serviceman of the Azerbaijani border forces has been stabbed.

“Our preliminary checks have showed that the Armenian side has no connection with the alleged incident. I have also announced in the Parliament that if the Azerbaijani side has concrete data, it would be desirable if they transfer it to us. We are also ready for joint investigation with the participation of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan”, he added.

Pashinyan drew the attention of deputy prime minister Suren Papikyan and minister of territorial administration and infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan on the renovation programs of inter-community and republic roads in Syunik province.

“The renovation of Tatev-Aghavni road must be completed by the end of the year. We also must complete the road construction programs of the other sections in order to make the communication of communities with the inter-community and republican roads more qualified”, Nikol Pashinyan said.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

​EU, WHO hand over 30 medical refrigerators for vaccine storage to Armenia

Garo Vardanian
Public Radio of Armenia
Aug 28 2021

EU, WHO hand over 30 medical refrigerators for vaccine storage to Armenia

 , 15:15 

The European Union and the World Health Organization handed over 30 medical refrigerators for vaccine storage to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia.

The Chargé d’affaires a.i., EU Delegation to Armenia Jan Plešinger, RA Deputy Minister of Health Lena Nanushyan, and the Special Representative of WHO in Armenia were at the National Center for Disease Control to receive the equipment and discuss the upcoming procurement and technical assistance.

“The EU is honoured to provide assistance to Armenia jointly with the WHO, in order to strengthen capacities of the healthcare sector and to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. The refrigerators will be used to keep vaccines and other medical products at a stable temperature, thus offering safer storage facilities, and – consequently – benefiting Armenian citizens. We need to patiently continue the fight against this pandemic together,” said chargé d’affaires a.i. at the EU Delegation to Armenia Jan Plešinger.

The EU and WHO stand by the Government of Armenia to provide sufficient supply of vaccines to citizens and overcome the pandemic faster.

Driver’s head broken after Azerbaijanis throw stone at his head while he was driving in Armenia’s Kut village

Garo Vardanian
News.am, Armenia
Driver's head broken after Azerbaijanis throw stone at his head while he was driving in Armenia's Kut village
23:06, 26.07.2021

Russian border guards will be deployed in the Norabak village of Gegharkunik Province of Armenia. During a conversation with Pastinfo newspaper, resident of Norabak village, cameraman Armen Ghazaryan informed that five days ago, border guards came to the village, climbed to the top of a mountain and left. He and the other residents only know that shacks will be built there.

There aren’t many incidents between the residents and Azerbaijanis. The residents haven’t heard gunshots fired by Azerbaijanis after midnight. A few days ago, the Azerbaijanis threw stones at a driver who was taking bread to Armenian military posts in his car in the neighboring Kut village.

“The tents in Kut are top to bottom. Our soldiers are little below. Three days ago, an Azerbaijani threw a stone at a driver who was taking bread to the military posts and broke his head,” a resident said.

People have been tense since Azerbaijani soldiers infiltrated into the territory of Norabak village of Gegharkunik Province. Villagers don’t have the opportunity to approach their haystacks and graze their cattle in the mountains near the village. One of the villagers said the grazing fields are located 7 km away from the village and used to belong to Norabak village since the Soviet era, but now the Azerbaijanis are deployed in those territories, and the villagers simply can’t sow and reap.

Asked if the government has compensated, the villager said the government doesn’t care about the villagers.

Newspaper: How will issue of Armenia parliament’s opposition vice-speaker be resolved?

Garo Vardanian
News.am, Armenia
09:54, 22.07.2021

YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: The issue of the third vice-speaker available to the NA [(National Assembly)] opposition will most probably be resolved by the following mechanism: The [opposition] "I Have Honor" bloc will give the [opposition] "Armenia" bloc the opportunity of the first [such] attempt. The largest opposition force [in parliament] will nominate its candidate; but if the candidate is not elected by secret ballot, "I have honor" will use the opportunity of the second attempt.

The authorities’ circles, however, have reservations about the candidates being nominated by "I have honor," too. If the bloc nominates an RPA [i.e., the former ruling party] candidate, they will reject again.

By the way, [third President and RPA chairman] Serzh Sargsyan wants that position to be filled by the number three on the [“I Have Honor” bloc’s electoral] list: the unknown and very young [woman] Anna Mkrtchyan, the daughter of the Kasakh village mayor. However, the pro-government ones tend to choose the most experienced and probable candidate from "I Have Honor": Ishkhan Zakaryan, the former Chairman of the Control Chamber.