Author: Hagop Kamalian

Healthcare Minister Anahit Avanesyan questioned in COVID-19 response probe

Hagop Kamalian

 14:48,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Healthcare Minister Anahit Avanesyan has said she’s been questioned by law enforcement agencies in the case on alleged abuses and embezzlement committed during the COVID-19 response.

Avanesyan served as Deputy Minister of Healthcare during 2018-2021 under then-Minister Arsen Torosyan.

“I’ve been summoned to questioning. I was questioned either in late November or in December of 2023,” Avanesyan told reporters. She did not elaborate. 

Multiple arrests have been made so far in the criminal investigation into alleged abuse and embezzlement during the COVID-19 response.

Finland to keep crossings on border with Russia closed for one more month

Hagop Kamalian

 21:09,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 11, ARMENPRESS. The Finnish government has decided to keep the crossings on the border with Russia closed for one more month, Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah said, reports Tass.

A number of Finnish media reported earlier that checkpoints would be closed for a month.

"In this case, I can confirm information that has been made public," Essayah, who is a candidate for Finnish president, said in an interview with the Yle television channel.

In November 2023, Finland closed all eight of its motorway crossings on the eastern border, saying the move was motivated by Russia’s alleged campaign to let migrants from third countries reach the Finnish border.

Two crossings were opened on December 12 only to be closed again on December 14 for a period of one month "due to security considerations," according to the Finnish side.

On January 9, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said that Helsinki would not reopen the border crossings after January 14. The cabinet was expected too make a decision on this matter on January 11.

AW: New youth ARF members take oath in New Jersey

Hagop Kamalian
January 9, 2024 Guest Contributor Diaspora, Youth 0

HACKENSACK, N.J.—Four youth members of the Armenian community of New Jersey joined the ranks of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) on December 23, 2023.

After successfully completing the ARF New Jersey novice program, the new members took their oaths, which were administered by their godfather Unger Vartivar Keshishian, underscoring their dedication to the ideals and mission of the ARF.

Unger Vartivar emphasized the pivotal role of these young individuals in advancing the Armenian cause. His speech not only commemorated Arshavir Shiragian’s pivotal role in Operation Nemesis but also highlighted his active participation in the New Jersey and New York Armenian communities. As a dedicated ARF member, Shiragian’s service extended beyond his historical actions to his significant contributions within the diaspora, exemplifying a lifetime commitment to the Armenian cause. This multifaceted legacy provided a profound backdrop for the ceremony.

Arshavir Shiragian’s gravesite in Hackensack, N.J.

The ceremony held profound significance, taking place at the Hackensack, N.J. cemetery—the final resting place of Arshavir Shiragian. Shiragian, an esteemed Armenian writer, made his mark in history through an act of retribution, assassinating Said Halim Pasha, Cemal Azmi and Behaeddin Shakir for their unforgivable roles in the Armenian Genocide. His gravestone bears a powerful inscription, “Through Him Justice Was Served.” This setting serves as a symbol of the unwavering dedication, passion and leadership embodied by the ARF youth and future generations in their relentless pursuit of a free and independent Armenian nation. In this union of past and present, the ARF youth’s commitment stands as a testament to the long-lasting determination driving the Armenian community forward.




Berg Advocates for Dialogue and EU Involvement in Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict author

Hagop Kamalian
Jan 7 2024

By: Momen Zellmi

In an interview, Lars Patrick Berg, a Member of the European Parliament, shed light on the enduring issue of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Berg expressed his hope for the reactivation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship and increased European Union involvement in the peace process. He also underscored the importance of dialogue and negotiation among all concerned parties as the path to a lasting solution.

Berg, who has traveled to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and is a vocal advocate for its people’s self-determination, acknowledged the complexity of the situation in the South Caucasus. He also recognized Germany’s role as a member of the Minsk Group in navigating this intricate geopolitical landscape. His current visit to the region, he noted, might be viewed as provocative.

Berg touched on the pressing matter of Armenian prisoners of war still held captive by Azerbaijan, despite international agreements calling for their release. Relations between the two former Soviet republics have been fraught since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. In the wake of a Russian-brokered peace agreement in 2020, most of the territory was liberated by Azerbaijan, yet tensions persist.

In his efforts to ensure peace and justice, Berg has reached out to UNESCO, urging the organization to safeguard Armenian cultural heritage in the occupied territories. He emphasized the crucial role politicians play in advocating for justice and peace, but also acknowledged the limitations of the European Parliament’s influence.

In conclusion, Berg underscored the importance of a solution that satisfies all parties, recognizing that this will not be achieved overnight. His call for dialogue, negotiation, and increased involvement from the European Union and the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, serves as a beacon of hope in these trying times.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/armenia/berg-advocates-for-dialogue-and-eu-involvement-in-nagorno-karabakh-conflict/


    Baku Says ‘Corridor’ Through Armenia Should be Included in Peace Treaty

    Hagop Kamalian
    by Asbarez Staff

     

     January 3, 2024

     

    in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

    A military post along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border


    An Azerbaijani official said Wednesday that creating a land corridor through Armenia will provide unimpeded access to Nakhichevan and pointed out that for Baku this was one of the “main directions” of peace talks with Armenia.

    Elchin Amirbekov, an Azerbaijani presidential envoy for special assignments, said in an interview with the Estonian television that restoring transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan was an important facet of the peace process between the two countries.

    Within that context, Amirbekov said Baku’s initiative to “restore the Zangazur [(Zangezur)] corridor so that Azerbaijani citizens living in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, or in the main part of the country, have unhindered land communication” was of crucial importance.

    “The main direction of the negotiations is the agreement on the text of the peace agreement. It notes all the main parameters of future peace, including the restoration of communications. In addition to the main direction, there are two more: the opening of communications, as well as the delimitation and the subsequent demarcation of the state border between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” said Amirbekov.

    “It’s about a 42-kilometer railway line, which, unfortunately, was destroyed as a result of the conflict. It’s not just about building the missing section. By the way, this work is almost finished by us. I mean the Horadiz-Agbend section. Unfortunately, the Armenian side has not even started working on the technical rationalization of this project,” added the Azerbaijani official.

    Asbarez: Iran Again Voices Support for Armenia’s Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty

    Hagop Kamalian
    by Asbarez Staff

     

     

     

    in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

    Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian speaks to reporters in Yerevan on Dec. 27


    Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who was in Yerevan on Wednesday, once again voiced his country’s support for Armenia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. Official Tehran has been a vocal opponent of Baku’s ambitions to carve out a land corridor through Armenia to connect with Nakhichevan.

    During a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, Amir-Abdollahian also welcomed Yerevan’s efforts to establish peace in the region, specifically supporting the Armenian government’s so-called “Crossroads of Peace” plan.

    He told reporters that during his meeting Mirzoyan, they “reflected on stable peace and stability in the South Caucasus and the role that Iran has as an active factor and can assume the role of a guarantor of peace and stability in the region.”

    “I would like to emphasize that Iran supports the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Armenia. Iran has had historical relations with neighboring Armenia, which are further developing, deepening, and reaching a high level day by day,” Amir-Abdollahian emphasized.

    “We fully understood that Armenia is very serious about achieving stable peace and is taking serious steps,” Iran’s top diplomat said.

    Amir-Abdollahian reflected on recent telephone conversations he held with his Azerbaijani and Russian counterparts, Jeyhum Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov, saying that he is convinced that they too are commitment to “lasting peace” between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

    “I think that it is possible to achieve [agreement between Armenia an Azerbaijan] in the first months of the new year in order to achieve stable peace,” he said.

    Amir-Abdollahian said that Tehran is optimistic about peace in region, and believes that there are various avenues, including the so-called “3+3″ format, to ensure stability in the region “without external influences.”

    The Iranian foreign minister stressed the importance of excluding “intervention of foreign forces” several times during his remarks.

    “Iran supports the establishment of stable peace in the South Caucasus and the launch of the North-South transit route. Iran also welcomes the project proposed by the Prime Minister of Armenia, which was presented as the Crossroads of Peace. We are ready to be consistent for the development of the North-South transit route,” Amir-Abdollahian added.

    Armenian, Iranian foreign ministers hold talks in Yerevan

    Hagop Kamalian

     14:43,

    YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has met with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Yerevan.

    The Iranian Foreign Minister arrived in Armenia on a visit Wednesday.

    The tête-à-tête meeting was followed by an expanded-format meeting.

    The FMs are expected to deliver a joint press conference.

    How far can Armenia go in getting closer to West: Expert opinion

    Hagop Kamalian
    MSN
    Dec 24 2023
    Story by Natalia Direyeva 
    Armenia continues its path towards Western integration and expresses the desire to resume the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union, says to RBC-Ukraine Wojciech Wojtasiewicz, an expert on the South Caucasus at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (Warsaw).

    Closer ties with the European Union

    Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, affirms his commitment to diversifying security relationships. Concrete steps have been taken, including agreements for military supplies from France. In October, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that Paris would provide a certain quantity of arms, including air defense assets. In November, it was disclosed that the planned transfer of light armored vehicles Bastion to Ukraine would be redirected to Armenia.

    Since February 2023, a Civilian Mission of the European Union (EUMA) has been operating in Armenia. This neutral mission, exclusively active on Armenian territory, lacks executive functions. It is designed for a two-year term to contribute to stability in Armenia's border regions and normalize relations with Azerbaijan.

    Additionally, an Agreement on Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership is in effect between Brussels and Yerevan. Pashinyan considers it one of the pillars of reforms in Armenia, expressing the ambition to draw closer to the EU and cooperate on police reform, the judicial system, education, and public administration.

    The Armenian government aims to return to the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU

    As the first step towards strengthening cooperation, on December 11, the EU expanded its mission from 138 to 209 personnel. Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, made a series of statements affirming a pro-European direction. He welcomed the decision to start negotiations on the EU accession of Ukraine and Moldova, not only on behalf of the government but also on behalf of the Armenian people. According to him, the process of democratization and reform in the country "will not stop for a moment."

    Expert Wojciech Wojtasiewicz suggests that the authorities aim to return to the signing of the Association Agreement. The document was ready in 2013, but then-President Serzh Sargsyan received a call from the Kremlin and ultimately declined. Following this, Vladimir Putin initiated the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

    Armenia is eager to secure visa-free access to the EU

    The Armenian government now seeks a new agreement with the European Union, with the expansion of the observer mission marking the initial move.

    "Secondly, they want to obtain a visa-free regime so Armenians can travel to EU countries without Schengen visas. They also want a free trade zone. In principle, this is the most important. Additionally, negotiations are underway with the US and France on constructing a power plant to reduce dependence on Russian resources and gas. But implementing such decisions quickly is difficult; it will take time," Wojtasiewicz explained.

    The details of what is happening in the triangle of Armenia – the West – Russia are discussed in the material by RBC-Ukraine.

    PM Pashinyan highlights science and education in strategic planning of Armenia’s future

    Hagop Kamalian

     14:22,

    YEREVAN, DECEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has accumulated scientific potential and it’s time for the government to make serious investments in science, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

    Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the 80th anniversary of founding of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), PM Pashinyan emphasized the important role of supporting science given that the government has been continuously increasing science funding since 2019.

    The government increased science funding by 151% in 2023 compared to 2018, and in 2024 the funding will grow by 181%.

    Mentioning the salary increase in the sector, the PM said that in 2022-2023 the number of persons engaged in science grew by 296, most of whom are scientists below the age of 55.

    “The glorious legacy of the NAS is viewed not just as a fact, but a necessary and highly important asset to make strategic investments in the future. Today, many active scientists in Armenia have concrete contributions in modern scientific achievements by being involved in international scientific teams, but their work isn’t sufficiently covered. But the society must know all renowned scientists involved in breakthrough achievements,” the Prime Minister said in his speech at the event.

    He said that the government is investing in science not just for the scientists, but for Armenia’s future, because the government sees the country’s progress in serious scientific development and reforms.

    “It’s impossible to envision Armenia’s future without a developed scientific-educational sector, and it is science and education where we see the strategic planning and guarantee of our country’s future,” the Prime Minister said, noting the project on creating the Academic City.

    Baku Says Border Delimitation Can be Done after Peace Deal with Armenia

    Hagop Kamalian
    by Asbarez Staff

     

     

     

    in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

    A military post along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border


    Official Baku has signaled that the delimitation and demarcation of borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan may proceed on a separate track and should not be linked to a peace deal between the two countries currently being discussed.

    “The 35-year-long conflict is now over,” Hikmet Hajiyev, a top foreign policy adviser to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, told reporters in London, Reuters reported.

    “The strategy for Azerbaijan now is to win peace. (This) requires action from both sides,” he added.

    “A peace treaty is not rocket science,” Hajiyev said. “For Azerbaijan there are no longer obstacles on the way to a peace agenda.”

    “Azerbaijan is ready to form a peace treaty with Armenia. For that reason, Azerbaijan has also suggested five fundamental principles and a text for a peace treaty. Currently, there are diplomatic engagements between Armenia and Azerbaijan in direct talks. I believe that Armenia and Azerbaijan have managed to surprise the world with a positive agenda. On December 7, the two countries made a joint statement expressing their intention to advance the peace agenda and implement confidence-building measures,” Hajiyev told reporters in London on Tuesday.

    He noted that these last three months could be considered the most calm and peaceful period in the history of the Armenia-Azerbaijan relationship since the independence of the two countries.

    “There is no war, no atrocities, and no confrontation, with soldiers returning to their barracks. Relative peace has been ensured on the ground. Now is the time to transform it into a long-lasting peace, including the signing of a peace treaty,” Hajiyev added.

    He claimed that Baku has made it possible for Armenians who fled Artsakh to return, after a vetting process and as long as they are ready to accept Azerbaijani citizenship.