Suicide bomb attack on army training camp in Yemeni city of Aden had killed at least 45 people, medical charity Medicins Sans Frontieres said on Monday, Reuters reports.
A spokesperson for the group said at least 60 other wounded people had been brought into a hospital run by the charity in Aden.
On 26 August Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited the Alashan site of the Martakert region and met with the Talish residents who had left their houses and settled there in the aftermath of the war unleashed by Azerbaijan from 2 to 5 April of the current year, NKR President’s Press Office reports.
Issues related to improving the social and living conditions of the Talish residents were discussed during the meeting.
The President underlined that the state would do everything possible for proper solution of the existing issues giving appropriate instructions to the heads of the concerned structures.
Prime-minister Arayik Haroutyunyan and other officials accompanied the President.
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian participated in the Eastern Partnership Informal Dialogue Meeting of the Foreign Ministers. The full text of Minister Nalbandian’s speech is provided below:
Dear Pavlo,
Dear Johannes,
Dear Helga,
Dear Colleagues,
I would like to thank our Ukrainian colleague for hosting this informal ministerial dialogue.
This year we already have met twice – in Prague and Brussels, sharing our vision in regard to the cooperation with European Union and perspectives of multilateral relationship within the Eastern Partnership. We hope the EU will be able to overcome the situation created by the Brexit soon. As for Armenia, we will continue our efforts to further develop and deepen the partnership with the European Union, EU member states as well as the UK.
Months that passed since our last meeting in this format in Tbilisi were fruitful for the Armenia-EU cooperation. Negotiations on a new framework document between Armenia and the European Union were launched last December. This agreement will reflect the depth and essence of our bilateral relations and set new guidelines for enhanced and comprehensive partnership. Four rounds of negotiations have been held so far, recording a steady progress.
Dear Colleagues,
The outcomes of the Riga Summit and the Joint Declaration adopted in May 2015 provided a shared vision for our partnership and cooperation in coming years.
Agreement on the participation of Armenia in the COSME Programme (for small and medium-sized enterprises) was signed last December. A month ago Armenia joined Horizon 2020 programme (for research and innovation). We envisage becoming soon a part to the Creative Europe Programme, (which offers a broader frame for cultural exchanges) and we also expect the negotiations on the Common Aviation Area agreement to start this year.
The enhanced mobility remains one of the important prerequisites for making our societies closer. A month ago third meeting of the Joint Committees on monitoring the implementation of the Visa Facilitation and Readmission agreements took place in Yerevan. The parties highlighted their successful realization. We are looking forward to live up to our joint commitment to secure mobility and contacts between people by launching a Visa Liberalization Dialogue.
Dear Colleagues,
The Government of Armenia continues the reform process aimed at the consolidation and strengthening of the democratic institutions. On May 25th the National Assembly adopted the new Electoral Code. The Joint opinion of the Venice Commission and the OSCE/ODIHR recognized “the tangible efforts made by the authorities to take into account the recommendations on the basis of broad engagement with domestic stakeholders” and stated that “the draft electoral code could provide an adequate basis for the conduct of democratic elections”.
To take an extra step forward the Government of Armenia continued to work with the opposition and civil society and a deal was signed between the Government and the representatives of the parliamentary opposition to introduce new amendments in order to conduct more fair, inclusive and transparent elections.
In this context, let me note that we highly appreciate the EU’s continued support and assistance provided to our country over the years, which has been instrumental for the effective implementation and sustainability of the reform process and institutional capacity building in Armenia.
Dear Colleagues,
The ENP Action Plan was our cooperation roadmap for the last decade. Now, after the ENP Review, we are looking forward to elaborating a new Partnership Priorities document that together with the new framework agreement will become the core of our enhanced political and economic cooperation with the EU.
Dear Colleagues,
Since we are here to discuss also the security challenges, I would like to bring to your attention recent developments regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh problem.
The Vienna and St. Petersburg Summits were first and foremost aimed at stabilizing the situation in the conflict zone in the aftermath of large-scale military offensive unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh in April, which was accompanied by the gross violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws. First of all, it is a necessity to implement what was particularly emphasized and agreed upon in the frameworks of the Summits in order to create conditions for the continuation of the negotiation process – the exclusively peaceful settlement of the conflict, the full adherence to the 1994-1995 trilateral ceasefire agreements, which do not have time limitations, the creation of mechanism for the investigation of ceasefire violations, the expansion of the team of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
Unfortunately, Azerbaijan after both Summits tries to ignore the reached agreements hindering the advancement of the peace process. Armenia will continue its efforts together with the Co-Chair countries aimed at exclusively peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Dear Colleagues,
Giving full credit to the effectiveness of this setting in following up, discussing and moving forward the issues ahead of us, Armenia would like to host the next Eastern Partnership Informal Dialogue Meeting of the Foreign Ministers in Yerevan. We count on your consent in this regard and hope to make a meaningful contribution to our cooperation through the Yerevan meeting.
Thank you.
Ankara and Tel Aviv signed a deal to normalize ties on June 28 after six years of strained relations, teh reports.
The director-general of Israel’s Foreign Ministry, Dore Gold, signed the deal in Tel Aviv private broadcaster CNN Türk has reported, while Turkish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Feridun Sinirlioğlu signed the accord for the Turkish side in Ankara, according to state-run Anadolu Agency.
Turkish and Israeli prime ministers announced on June 27 that a deal to bring an end to the strained ties between the two countries had been reached and a deal would be signed on June 28.
Relations between Turkey and Israel had come to a halt after Israeli commandoes killed 10 Turkish pro-Palestinian activists on the Mavi Marmara aid flotilla in May 2010, as activists tried to breach an Israel’s Gaza blockade.
Attempts to mend ties were initiated in 2015 when delegations from two sides met for the first time. Negotiations were conducted throughout 2016 until June 26, when the two sides met in Rome to agree on the latest draft of the agreement.
According to the deal, Israel will pay $20 million in compensation to the relatives of the Mavi Marmara victims.
In exchange for the compensation, all claims against Israeli soldiers in Turkey will be dropped. As the deal will be an international agreement approved by the parliament, it will be positioned above domestic law and all charges against Israeli navy officers will need to be dropped.
Pope Francis and Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II are leading a Divine Liturgy in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, at the St. Trdat Open Air Altar.
Pointing to a loss of trust between OSCE countries in recent years, the rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly’s political affairs and security committee, Margareta Cederfelt (MP, Sweden), has authored a report and draft resolution geared towards strengthening international dialogue and improving co-operation to meet common challenges facing the OSCE region. The resolution will be considered at the OSCE PA’s 25th Annual Session, being held in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 1 to 5 July.
“Since so many international problems require real multilateral engagement, the gridlock and loss of trust we have recently seen across the OSCE area has had a tangible and negative impact on our mutual security,” Cederfelt said today. “Only by strengthening dialogue and political will can diplomatic efforts succeed in bringing together belligerent parties, resolving conflicts and addressing common threats.”
In this regard, she said that the OSCE should utilize its full capacity to tackle problems including transnational terrorism and the crisis in and around Ukraine. The resolution also points to conflicts and challenges of refugees and internally displaced persons in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Moldova as requiring greater attention and political will.
The resolution expresses over recent military escalation in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone, with the resolution urging parliamentarians to encourage political will from the sides in the region to promote an agreement on confidence building-measures to reduce the risk for further hostilities.
The European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) today published its new . While progress was achieved in areas such as migration legislation and living conditions of historical minorities, other issues give rise to concern, such as the continued use of hate speech, a crackdown on independent civil society and media, prejudice against LGBT people and discrimination against religious minorities.
ECRI expresses concern about a wide ranging crack-down on independent civil society and media. As a result, vulnerable groups can no longer turn to NGOs for assistance in cases of racism, hate speech and discrimination.
“Political leaders, educational institutions and media have continued using hate speech against Armenians; an entire generation of Azerbaijanis has now grown up listening to this hateful rhetoric. Human rights activists working inter alia towards reconciliation with Armenia have been sentenced to heavy prison terms on controversial accusations and there are big concerns that hate speech provisions have been misused against the Talysh minority,” the report reads.
“The authorities should ensure that public officials at all levels refrain from hate speech towards Armenians and create adequate conditions for the development of a diverse and independent civil society,” it continues.
“An entire generation of Azerbaijanis has now grown up listening to constant rhetoric of Armenian aggression. According to a 2012 survey, 91% perceived Armenia as Azerbaijan’s greatest enemy.”
ECRI reiterates its recommendation that the Azerbaijani authorities ensure that public officials at all levels refrain from hate speech towards Armenians.
“Even though no violent hate crime based on ethnic affiliation has been registered in Azerbaijan during the last five years, political leaders, educational institutions and media have continued spreading hate speech. The pardon, release and promotion in 2012 of Ramil Safarov, who had been sentenced in Budapest to life imprisonment for the murder of an Armenian army officer, contributes to a sense of impunity for the perpetrators of racist crime. The report recommends that authorities put an end to the constant, mediatized use of hate speech, and rather promote mutual understanding and confidence,” the report says.
ECRI is a human rights body of the Council of Europe, composed of independent experts, which monitors problems of racism, xenophobia, antisemitism, intolerance and discrimination on grounds such as “race”, national/ethnic origin, color, citizenship, religion and language (racial discrimination); it prepares reports and issues recommendations to member States.
Elizabeth MacBride
One month ago, one more Syrian restaurant opened, this one in Yerevan, Armenia.
“I love Armenia. It’s my job, I think, to love it. I want to live here. I don’t to go anywhere else,” said Shaghig Rastkelenian. She fled to Armenia about four years ago from Aleppo with her family. Her two sisters, and mother are working in the restaurant, which seats 35-40 and is called Zeituna.
“My mom is professional cook. She cooks Arabic food and Syrian food, and everybody knows her,” said Rastkelenian. “We decided to go ahead, to make money, because nobody can live in a place without working.”
As the Syrian refugee diaspora spreads across the world, one of the first signs of their integration into the communities where they land is turning out to be restaurants.
Syrians are known throughout the Middle East for their craft skills, which include cooking.
Syrian restaurants opening on Medina Street were an early effect of the refugee crisis in Amman. I’ve heard of a catering kitchen in Cairo, called Zeit Zeitoun, being run by Syrian refugee women, set up with the aid of the Syrian diaspora in Cairo. One of the first stories I wrote about refugees in the Middle East almost two years ago was about a Syrian woman who was supporting her family by making the savory pastry kibbeh. There’s an upcoming discussion of the culinary as part of the Syrian identity.
Stories of Syrian refugees rebuilding their lives in Armenia resonate because of the history of the connection between Syria and Armenia.
“I think for hard-working people they can find life where they want,” Rastkelenian said. “The only problem here is that you can do only small businesses. The economy is slow.”
She estimated that you can open a small restaurant in Yerevan for about $10,000.
Stories about the Syrian refugees in Armenia have particular resonance because of the history of connection between the two countries. One hundred years ago, during the Armenian genocide, Syria became a refuge for families that survived forced marches and mass violence in the desert between the two countries. Now that the tables are turned, Armenia is welcoming Syrian refugees: a population of about 17,000 has reportedly come to the country of about 3 million.
Before the genocide, Aleppo had had an Armenia community dating to the Silk Road that led from China to Venice and passed through both Syria and Armenia, according to lawyer Harout Ekmanian, a Syrian who worked for a few months in Armenia in 2012 before moving to New York. When the genocide happened, the Armenians living in Aleppo led the humanitarian effort, and as a result, grew an even stronger community in the city, one that lasted and sustained its culture until now. Rastkelenian grew up speaking Armenian and attended an Armenian school.
“They call Aleppo as the mother community of the whole Armenian diaspora,” he said.
Despite Armenia’s high poverty rate — 30% — and its fairly slow growth, Syrian refugees by all accounts are finding a welcome in Armenia. Though they aren’t able to continue in their same lines of work or businesses — a shopkeeper in Aleppo might find a market stand in Yerevan — they are finding community and support. For instance, Rastkelenian said, Syrian Armenian students attend school for free. (She finished college in Armenia).
Rastkelenian, 24, who also works as a model, has also set up an Instagram and Facebook campaign with two friends called LiveLoveArmenia, which sells bracelets emblazoned with the motto for about $4. Their first project, she said, was hiring a Syrian-Armenian family to knit scarves and hats, which they donated to a orphans in Yerevan.
On 1 June Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan issued a congratulatory address in connection with the International Children’s Day, NKR President’s Press Office reports. The message reads:
“Beloved children,
Dear parents,
I convey sincere congratulations on my own behalf and on behalf of the Artsakh Republic authorities on the International Children’s Day.
Children are our wealth, joy and future. Our entire life changes with their birth, acquiring new meaning and significance. And from this very moment on we bear responsibility for their healthcare, education and upbringing.
Artsakh authorities do their best to secure peaceful and prosperous life for our children, to make them healthy, happy and carefree. Diverse programs annually implemented in our republic pursue this very aim.
Unfortunately, the Four Day April war has left an indelible mark in the memory of Artsakh’s little residents. Thus, each of us ought to do everything possible to see laughter and smile, songs and joy on our children’s lips, for their life to be filled with the brightest colors and hues.
Dear children,
I once again congratulate everybody on this wonderful holiday and wish clear blue sky, green-lit and smooth way as well as great success in your entire life”.
On May 23-24, the delegation of Armenia headed by the Deputy Foreign Minister Ashot Hovakimian participated in the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS) in Istanbul. The UN organized summit, aimed to set a forward-looking agenda for humanitarian action to address current humanitarian challenges, was the first of its kind.
The Deputy Foreign Minister delivered a speech at the plenary session of the summit in which he particularly said:
“The abhorrent barbarity committed recently by the armed forces of Azerbaijan, including intentional and indiscriminate targeting of the peaceful population, especially children, women, and the elderly, as well as civilian objects, including schools and kindergartens, killings, beheadings, torture and mutilation of bodies is incompatible with the elementary norms of a civilized world. It is a product of a long standing policy of racism, intolerance and incitement to hatred against Armenians, condoned and directly executed by the authorities of Azerbaijan. The grave and systematic violations of international humanitarian law committed by Azerbaijan and the glorification at the highest political level of persons directly involved in the atrocities constitute a crime against humanity and a war crime.”
Touching upon the remarks of the president of Azerbaijan, made during the summit the day before, Ashot Hovakimyan emphasized that “Azerbaijani president, who bears personal responsibility in initiating the aggression and glorifying the terrorists and ISIL-style brutalities’ perpetrators, yesterday used this august body to disseminate fabricated allegations against Armenians. None of those lies have any connection with reality. Armenia certainly has no plans of creating a nuclear bomb, and Armenian forces have never used chemical weapons. Since the President of Azerbaijan enjoys quoting former Armenian officials, he could have surely referred to one of his predecessors, who claimed the responsibility of the then Azerbaijani political leadership for killing of their own people in Khojalu.”
Deputy Foreign Minister also touched upon the issue of Syrian refugees, who arrived to Armenia and the government’s efforts in providing them shelter. He also attached importance to the assistance, provided to refugees and displaced people by the international community, emphasizing that the values of dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms, must be guaranteed and must not be dependent on the status of the territory where peoples live.
The Armenian delegation participated in the parallel round-table discussions, dedicated to the issues of conflict prevention, assistance to refugees and displaced persons. Deputy Foreign Minister also took part in the event organized by the MFA of Lichtenstein and dedicated to the genocides prevention.