Author: Hambardsumian Paul

Hamazkayin of Washington, D.C. hosts first traditional Dyaruntarach/Trndez

Hambardsumian Paul
 Guest Contributor Community News, Diaspora 0

BETHESDA, Md.—The Hamazkayin Armenian Educational and Cultural Association welcomed families, friends and community members from throughout the Greater Washington D.C. area for the first traditional Dyaruntarach/Trndez celebration in the nation’s capital, held at the Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church’s new “River Road” property on February 18, 2024.

Victoria Penenian jumping over the fire

Hamazkayin of Washington D.C. vice-chair Kayane Kassarjian Tatarian warmly welcomed everyone to the age-old Armenian celebration of the upcoming spring and a bountiful harvest. She welcomed remarks from Soorp Khatch Armenian Apostolic Church pastor, Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian, who offered prayers, invoking blessings upon the gathering and its endeavors.

Hamazkayin of Washington D.C. vice-chair Kayane Kassarjian Tatarian warmly welcoming everyone to the age-old Armenian celebration

Archpriest Fr. Aktavoukian then shared the significance of the Armenian pagan rituals of Trndez, which, upon Armenia’s adoption of Christianity, was renamed Dyaruntarach, meaning “bringing forward of the Lord.” He explained that the ritual of jumping over fire is believed to ward off evil and bring the blessings of children to newly-married couples.

With anticipation mounting, Archpriest Fr. Aktavoukian initiated the lighting of the ceremonial fire, prepared by members of the ARF Sebouh Gomideh. As the flames flickered and danced, filling the air with warmth and light, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and joy.

Archpriest Fr. Sarkis Aktavoukian initiating the lighting of the ceremonial fire

The community then sang a series of traditional Vartanantz songs, voices resonating with pride and unity. Hamazkayin of Washington D.C. Van Dance Group member and AYF DC “Sevan” Juniors chair Meghri Aguilian took a moment to honor the memory of the Armenian traditional dance icon and Artsakh war veteran Gagik Ginosyan, who served as the first dance instructor of the newly-formed Hamazkayin D.C. Van Dance group. They performed the Echmiadzin dance in his honor, paying homage to his legacy and contributions.

Hamazkayin Washington D.C. Van Dance Group performing the Echmiadzin dance in Gagik Ginosyan’s honor, paying homage to his legacy and contributions

As the afternoon progressed, community members young and old eagerly took part in the ancient ritual of jumping over the fire, each leap accompanied by heartfelt wishes for a prosperous year ahead. 

Hamazkayin Washington D.C. members offered refreshments and gift lanterns to attendees, ensuring that the sacred fire and its spirit would continue to illuminate their lives long after the event concluded.

Hamazkayin Washington D.C. offered refreshments and gift lanterns to attendees, ensuring that the participants could take the sacred fire back to their homes

The inaugural traditional Dyaruntarach/Trndez in Washington D.C. was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and vision of Hamazkayin D.C. chapter members and the Van dancers, as well as the unwavering support of Archpriest Fr. Aktavoukian. As the flames of tradition were kindled anew, it was evident that this cherished custom had found a home in the heart of the nation’s capital, promising future celebrations and gatherings filled with joy, community and cultural pride.




Gevorg Papoyan: From National Assembly to Armenia’s New Economy Minister

Hambardsumian Paul
Feb 26 2024

In a decisive move that underscores the fluid dynamics of political careers, Gevorg Papoyan, a seasoned member of Armenia's National Assembly, has officially submitted his letter of resignation. This step, dictated by Article 155.1 of the Constitutional Law on the Rules of Procedure of the National Assembly, not only marks a significant pivot in Papoyan's career but also signals a forthcoming change in Armenia's economic leadership. With the backdrop of a nation at a crossroads, Papoyan's transition from lawmaker to potentially steering the country's economic fortunes as the Minister of Economy is both a testament to his political acumen and a beacon of new aspirations for Armenia.

Papoyan's resignation, while a procedural formality, is the precursor to a more significant undertaking. Assuming no retraction within the stipulated one-week period, the Speaker of the National Assembly will formalize Papoyan's departure, clearing the path for his new role. This transition is not merely about changing titles; it's about the weight of expectation now resting on Papoyan's shoulders. As Armenia grapples with economic challenges, including the need for sustainable growth and innovation, the eyes of the nation will be fixed on how Papoyan's strategies and policies will drive economic revitalization.

Papoyan's move comes at a tumultuous time for Armenia, with the resignation of the previous economy minister amidst a corruption investigation. This reshuffling within the ruling Civil Contract party, to which Papoyan belongs, is indicative of broader political realignments and the party's commitment to integrity and reform. Papoyan's appointment is seen as a fresh start, an opportunity to inject new ideas and vigor into Armenia's economic planning and execution. His journey from the parliamentary benches to the helm of the economy ministry encapsulates the fluidity and interconnectedness of governance and economic management.

While Papoyan's resignation and subsequent appointment spotlight the individual's career trajectory, they also reflect broader narratives within Armenia's political and economic landscapes. Transitioning from a lawmaker to overseeing the country's economic direction, Papoyan embodies the hope for a new chapter in Armenia's economic story. With challenges abound and opportunities on the horizon, his strategies, policies, and leadership will be pivotal in steering Armenia towards sustainable economic growth and prosperity.

As Armenia stands at this crossroads, the anticipation of Papoyan's economic stewardship is palpable. The nation watches, hopeful that this transition marks the beginning of an era of economic rejuvenation and progress. With a blend of political experience and a fresh mandate, Papoyan's journey from the National Assembly to the Ministry of Economy is more than a career shift—it's a symbol of Armenia's aspirations for a brighter economic future.

Armenia Eyes $20 Million Eurasian Economic Boost for Local Businesses

Hambardsumian Paul
Feb 26 2024

In the heart of Yerevan, a fresh wave of economic optimism is brewing. The National Assembly of Armenia, amidst lively debates, has turned its attention to a substantial financial lifeline offered by the Eurasian Economic Commission. We're talking about a $20 million subsidy program poised to reinvigorate local industries and keep the wheels of Armenia's economy spinning. At the core of this initiative, as unveiled by Narek Teryan, the Acting Deputy Minister of Economy, lies a commitment to bolster businesses with a much-needed infusion of funds, ensuring a brighter tomorrow for Armenia's diverse economic landscape.

The proposed subsidy program is not just about numbers; it's a beacon of hope for businesses across 26 industrial sectors. From the bustling markets of light industry to the innovative realms of renewable energy and energy storage systems, down to the meticulous craftsmen in the jewelry sector, this initiative promises to spread its wings wide. With a generous budget set between $20-22 million for 2024, it's clear that the Armenian government is placing a significant bet on the entrepreneurial spirit of its people. The eligibility criterion is straightforward yet pivotal – businesses must secure loans at interest rates not exceeding +6.5 percent of the Central Bank of Armenia's balance sheet summary percentage, ensuring a level playing field for all.

One of the program's standout features is its emphasis on cross-border collaboration. To qualify, businesses are required to engage with partners in at least three member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. This criterion isn't just bureaucratic red tape; it's a strategic move designed to weave Armenia more tightly into the regional economic fabric. By fostering partnerships across borders, the subsidy program aims to catalyze a synergy that transcends national boundaries, paving the way for a more interconnected and resilient Eurasian economy.

While the subsidy program glimmers with promise, it's essential to navigate the path ahead with eyes wide open. The cap of 3.8 million rubles per business entity per annum, paired with a maximum duration of five years, sets a clear boundary on the extent of support provided. Moreover, the requirement for participation across multiple member states, while advantageous for regional cohesion, may pose logistical and bureaucratic challenges for smaller businesses. Yet, the overarching narrative remains overwhelmingly positive. By laying down these financial rails, Armenia not only aims to empower its local businesses but also to carve out a more influential role within the Eurasian Economic bloc.

In the grand tapestry of Armenia's economic ambitions, the $20 million subsidy program represents a crucial stitch. As the National Assembly of Armenia deliberates its ratification, the eyes of local entrepreneurs and international observers alike remain fixed on Yerevan. In a world where economic fortunes can shift with the wind, Armenia's proactive stance offers a lesson in resilience and strategic foresight. As this story unfolds, it's clear that the nation is not just seeking to weather the storm but to sail ahead, charting a course toward sustained growth and prosperity.

I am sure there will be actions – Deputy Prime Minister on Azerbaijani murderer’s release

Hambardsumian Paul

 18:59,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 22, ARMENPRESS. During a briefing with journalists on Thursday, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan addressed the news concerning the return of Kamil Zeynalli, the Azerbaijani national wanted by Armenia on suspicion of committing war crimes during the 2020 war, to Baku. 

"I'm sure there will be actions, but for now, I prefer not to elaborate further because, there should also be a collegial discussion regarding the matter," Grigoryan commented on the situation when asked about the return of Zeynalli to Baku and the reception of him as a hero.

When asked what conclusion should be drawn from all this, the Deputy Prime Minister answered: "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. When there will be the official response, then we will talk."

Kamil Zeynalli is suspected of war crimes committed during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war when he fought from the Azeri side against Armenian forces, particularly of killing and beheading an elderly civilian hostage. According to the media reports, Zeynalli is a recipient of Azeri medals for his military service.  According to the reports, the man is now a 'blogger' and a ‘fitness trainer’.




France inducts Resistance hero Manouchian into Panthéon

Hambardsumian Paul
Feb 21 2024

French President Emmanuel Macron led a ceremony Wednesday honouring Missak Manouchian, a stateless poet of Armenian origin who died fighting the Nazi occupation during World War II. Manouchian becomes the first foreign Resistance fighter to enter France's Panthéon mausoleum for national heroes.

The belated honour to Missak Manouchian has been seen as long overdue recognition of the bravery of foreign communists – many Jewish – who fought the Nazis alongside French Resistants.

"Jewish, Hungarian, Polish, Armenians, communists, they gave their lives for our country," President Emmanuel Macron said this weekend.

"It's a way of ensuring all forms of internal Resistance enter (the Panthéon), including some too long forgotten," he told communist newspaper L'Humanite.

The bodies of Manouchian and his wife Mélinée, also a member of the Resistance, will be transferred from the Parisian cemetery where they were buried together to the Panthéon.

The names of 23 of his communist comrades-in-arms – including Polish, Hungarian, Italian, Spanish and Romanian fighters – will be added to a commemorative plaque inside the monument.

Baker – the first black woman to receive the honour – had been awarded French nationality before the war.

Last year the president said Manouchian would receive the honour too, paying tribute to his "bravery" and "quiet heroism".

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)


Armenian community of Jerusalem initiates legal action to protect the historic Cows’ Garden

Hambardsumian Paul
 Guest Contributor Diaspora 0

JERUSALEM—On February 18, the Armenian community of the historic Armenian Quarter officially filed a lawsuit to invalidate the lease between the Armenian Patriarchate and Xana Capital.

The community’s legal action asserts that the property is held in trust specifically for the benefit of the Armenian community pursuant to a waqf trust established more than 400 years ago. Under the waqf trust, which is legally enforceable, the property cannot be leased or sold by the Patriarchate if the transaction does not inure to the direct benefit of the Armenian community and if the transaction is not consented to by the Armenian community. Here, the transaction has neither been consented to by the Armenian community nor does it inure to the benefit of the Armenian community.

The Armenian community’s position aligns squarely with the stance of the Saint James Brotherhood. In 2021, 17 members of the Brotherhood, a majority of the members of the supreme body of the Patriarchate, issued a statement publicly opposing the deal and declaring that the Patriarch lacked the requisite authority and conditions to execute the purported agreement. As such, the Armenian community’s legal case underlines the Patriarchate’s lack of authority to enter into this specific deal.

The community’s lawsuit gives necessary legal voice and crucial legal strength to the objective of canceling the purported agreement and protecting the land – a goal the Armenian community, the Armenian Patriarchate and the global Armenian diaspora share. The Armenian community has specific rights that must be raised and protected by the Armenian community itself. This land holds immense historical and cultural significance, symbolizing the community’s and the Patriarchate’s enduring presence in the region, and the community is committed to preserving the integrity of the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem and protecting itself from the existential threat posed by this purported deal with Xana Capital.

Since the community learned of the illegal lease, community members had weekly demonstrations to vocalize their stance against the deal. The community has remained on the ground for over 100 days, camping in tents 24/7 to defend against physical threats and attacks on the land. The community understands that its very survival hinges on protecting this land. It now presses forward to enforce its historic rights on the land itself and to confirm the invalidity of the lease in the District Court of Jerusalem. Importantly, the community’s lawsuit bolsters the Patriarchate’s existing lawsuit with crucial arguments that are within the community’s rights in order to halt this attack on the community’s historic presence, heritage and existence in the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Armenian community of Jerusalem stands as one united voice. It stands together for the principle that only justice will suffice. It stands firmly on the belief that the lack of transparency and collaboration with the community is what has brought the Armenian Quarter to this existential moment – and that it is enough. The community will fight until the end to ensure that the Armenian Quarter remains untouched, that it remains Armenian and that it remains for the benefit of the Armenian people. These are the very principles that have united the global Armenian world – and our allies who understand the value of that unique mosaic that is the Old City of Jerusalem – to save the Armenian Quarter.

The community has been committed to carrying out this powerfully unifying mandate on the ground, and it is now establishing its legal rights in the courts. Hundreds of community members have signed in support of the legal fight to protect their historic rights and to protect this crucial property that has served the Armenian community for generations over the centuries, from a place for sustenance and social life to a refuge to house Armenian Genocide survivors, to providing access to the people to their schools, churches and community institutions. The Armenian community will stand in defense of its rights on the ground and in the courts.

The community insists that the parties to the lawsuit, and those under their direction, refrain from any and all retaliatory measures against community members. To this end, the people ask the international community to remain vigilant, to stand with the Armenian community against any such threats and to continue to voice their support for the Armenian community in its unwavering commitment to protect the Cows’ Garden, to protect the rights of the Armenian community and to protect the very future of the Armenian people in Jerusalem.




Bank of Georgia to acquire Armenia’s Ameriabank for $304 million

Hambardsumian Paul
Feb 20 2024
 

ByArshaluys Barseghyan

Bank of Georgia has reached an agreement to acquire Ameriabank, one of the largest banks in Armenia, for $303.6 million. 

Bank of Georgia Group, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, announced its proposed acquisition of 90% of the Armenian bank on Monday. The agreement would allow the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to retain its 10% share in the bank.

The acquisition still requires approval by regulators, including the Central Bank of Armenia.

Founded in 1992, Ameriabank is one of Armenia’s largest banks, ranking seventh on the list of highest tax-paying companies in the country in 2023, at around ֏26 billion ($64 million) annually. The bank is partially owned by the former State Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh, Ruben Vardanyan.

In their announcement on Monday, Bank of Georgia Group said they intended to change their name to mark ‘a new chapter’ once they closed the Ameriabank deal.

On Monday, Ameriabank stated that it would operate as a standalone entity within the group ‘under its own brand name and current leadership in place, committed to Ameriabank’s adopted strategic goals, values, mission, and vision’. 

‘Ameriabank views this transaction with the group as one of the well-reasoned options for its long-term growth’, says the statement.

A controversial acquisition

The sale has raised eyebrows in Armenia, with some speculating it could be going ahead without the approval of shareholder Ruben Vardanyan. 

Amriabank’s website lists him as holding a significant stake in Imast Group, which owns 49% of the bank.

Vardanyan, an Armenian–Russian billionaire, served briefly as Nagorno-Karabakh’s State Minister in 2022 and 2023. He has been in prison in Azerbaijan since Nagorno-Karabakh’s surrender in September last year.

In a since-deleted Facebook post on Monday, Mesrop Arakelyan, a political ally of Vardanyan, claimed the billionaire had ‘nothing to do with the possible sale of the bank’.

Others even speculated that Azerbaijan could have influenced Vardanyan to sell his shares. Hetq’s editor-in-chief, Edik Baghdasaryan, questioned whether Vardanyan was aware of the deal or if Yerevan had looked into potential Azerbaijani involvement.

‘The largest shareholder of Ameriabank is Ruben Vardanyan. Since 27 September 2023, he has been in prison in Baku. Obviously, he is not aware of this deal. Has the government tried to find out whether Aliyev is forcing Vardanyan to sell the bank?’, he asked.

Neither Ameriabank nor Armenia’s Central Bank confirmed whether Vardanyan had consented to the sale of his shares in the bank when asked by the Armenian investigative outlet Hetq.

Others have expressed concern over what they said was a significant presence of Turkish and Azerbaijani capital in Georgia. Such concerns were dismissed by Armenian economist Haykaz Fanyan, who pointed out that as a listed company, Azerbaijani and Turkish citizens could own shares in the Bank of Georgia Group, but this would not pose a security risk and that such shareholders would not have access to personal data held by the company.


Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 19-02-24

Hambardsumian Paul

 17:16,

YEREVAN, 19 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 19 February, USD exchange rate down by 0.05 drams to 404.37 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.23 drams to 435.71 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 4.38 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.03 drams to 510.11 drams.

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

Gold price down by 83.18 drams to 25974.29 drams. Silver price up by 4.97 drams to 299.15 drams.

Armenian PM says Azerbaijan gearing up for "full-scale war"

Hambardsumian Paul
eurasianet
Feb 16 2024
Ani Avetisyan Feb 16, 2024

Following the latest escalation on the border with Azerbaijan on February 12-13 that resulted in the deaths of four Armenian soldiers, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said he believes Baku is laying the groundwork for an invasion. 

Referring to Azerbaijan's rejection of Armenia's latest proposals on border delimitation/demarcation, he said:  "Our analysis shows that there can only be one reason for this, and the reasons could be their intentions to launch military operations in some areas of the border with the aim of turning it into a large-scale war against the Republic of Armenia."

"This intention can be read in all statements and actions by Baku," he added in his remarks to a cabinet meeting on February 15. 

The latest incident saw Azerbaijan claim that its troops had come under fire from an Armenian army position in the southern Syunik region on February 12, resulting in the wounding of one Azerbaijani soldier. Armenia denied the accusation.

The following day Azerbaijan launched what it called a "revenge operation," subjecting the same Armenian post to intensive fire for four hours and killing four soldiers and wounding another.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry was quick to respond to Pashinyan's remark. It reminded Pashinyan of "Armenia's territorial claims on Azerbaijan." This was a reference to Armenia's Constitution, which – through referring to other documents – calls for the unification of the formerly Armenian-populated Nagorno-Karabakh region with Armenia. The process of changing the Armenian constitution has become a heated topic in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.  

Azerbaijan's demand that Armenia change its constitution has complicated the years-long process aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace deal between the archrival neighboring states. 

A central issue in those talks is the delimitation and demarcation of the state border, particularly since Azerbaijan's full seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh last September took the fate of that region's Armenian population off the table. 

Azerbaijan demands the return of enclaves controlled by Armenia since the First Karabakh War in the early 1990s while Armenia demands the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the Armenian territories it occupied between May 2021 and September 2022. Azerbaijan justifies its troops' presence in the area due to the lack of demarcation and refuses to pull back. 

To deescalate the situation, Armenia proposed withdrawing troops from the border areas and establishing a demilitarized zone while the demarcation takes place. The West, including the European Union and the United States, supported Pashinyan's proposal for demilitarizing the borders. 

Unarmed EU monitors patrol the Armenian side of the border at Yerevan's invitation. Azerbaijan accuses them of pro-Armenian bias. 

In his speech on February 15th, Pashinyan suggested conducting the delimitation process province by province. He also stated that Baku opposed this idea and that Azerbaijan has not changed its policy of military coercion. It's a sharp contrast to two months ago, when the Armenian PM believed that Baku and Yerevan had agreed on the principles of a peace treaty and were close to signing it. 

Since then disagreements have continued regarding who should mediate. Armenia tends to prefer Western facilitation while Azerbaijan would rather see Russia and Turkey in that role. 

Despite the disagreements, Yerevan and Baku agreed – with no formal external mediation – on a prisoner exchange in January. 

Speaking on February 14 while being inaugurated to his fifth term as Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev said there should be no mediators in the peace talks

"I think that the process of normalisation of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations should be dropped from the international agenda. Because everyone seems to want to deal with this issue. Mind your own business!" Aliyev said.

In the same speech, he doubled down on his demand that Armenia change its constitution:

"Armenia and those supporting it militarily should understand that nothing can stop us. If territorial claims against us are not abandoned, if Armenia does not bring its legislation into order, of course, there will be no peace treaty. This once again suggests that building an army and strengthening military potential is the primary objective."

The border violence and the escalating Azerbaijani rhetoric have exacerbated existing fears in Armenia of an Azerbaijani invasion. Specifically, there is apprehension that Baku will seek to use force to realize its demand for an extraterritorial corridor connecting mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan exclave.

Ani Avetisyan is a journalist based in Armenia

https://eurasianet.org/armenian-pm-says-azerbaijan-gearing-up-for-full-scale-war

AW: ARF Bureau Chairman meets with Canada’s Ambassador to Armenia

Hambardsumian Paul
 Guest Contributor From the Party 0

Ambassador to Armenia Andrew Turner (left) and ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Bureau Chairman and President of the Armenian National Committee International Hagop Der Khatchadourian

YEREVAN – On Friday, February 9, 2024, ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Bureau Chairman and President of the Armenian National Committee International Hagop Der Khatchadourian met with Ambassador Andrew Turner at the Canadian Embassy.

Der Khatchadourian offered his congratulations on the recent inauguration of the Embassy of Canada in Yerevan in October 2023, which will deepen Canada-Armenia relations.

The ARF-D Bureau chairman discussed the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) through Azerbaijan’s genocidal acts and the ongoing negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, highlighting the threats and occupation of Armenian territory by Azerbaijan. He also raised concerns regarding Canada’s recent decision to lift its ban on military exports to Turkey. In early October 2020, Ottawa suspended export permits to Turkey for optical technology gear, with which Turkey equipped drones that were redirected to Azerbaijan and used to target Armenians during the 2020 Artsakh War.

Ambassador Turner reaffirmed his government’s support of the right of return of the people of Artsakh and the territorial integrity of Armenia. Canada will participate in the EU Monitoring Capacity (EUMCAP), which, in response to an official request by the Armenian authorities, has been deployed on the Armenian side of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border since October 2022. The mission aims to build confidence between the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan and, where possible, their authorities. So far, Canada is the only non-EU country to participate in the EU civilian mission on the ground. 

The Canadian ambassador also said that Canadian exporters have been notified that applications for new defense exports will require statements from Turkey indicating whether the goods will be re-exported to a third country or non-NATO member and whether they will be incorporated into a weapons system. Canada is obliged under domestic law and the global Arms Trade Treaty to detect and prevent the diversion of military goods to users other than intended customers.

The 90-minute meeting ended with both sides expressing readiness to continue such meetings in the future and, when possible, to cooperate on mutually beneficial initiatives to strengthen Canada-Armenia relations in different spheres.

Also attending the meeting were Giro Manoyan, ARF-D Bureau member and executive director of the ANC-International, and Aaron Coe, political counsellor at Canada’s Embassy.