Author: Hovhannisian John

Teenager takes own life in Armenia after being outed online

Hovhannisian John
Nov 17 2023
 

ByArshaluys Barseghyan
A tribute to the victim left at the site of his death.

A 17-year-old boy has taken his own life in Armenia, reportedly after being outed by a popular local Telegram channel and kicked out of his home by his family.

Reports of the boy’s death emerged on Wedensday. ‘The last time I saw him was four days ago in our office. He knocked on my office door and said, I want to thank you for doing so much for our community,’ wrote Lilit Martirosyan, the founder of Right Side, an Armenian group defending the rights of trans people and sex workers.

Andranik Shirinyan, the Armenia country representative at Freedom House, wrote on Wednesday that the boy had been evicted by his family after they discovered he was queer.

Pink Armenia, a local queer rights group, corroborated this the following day, stating that the boy had taken his life after being bullied because of his sexual orientation. They added that the teenager’s pictures had appeared on a Telegram channel ‘that continues to spread hate and calls for violence against various individuals’. 

The group told OC Media that photos of the teenager were published around a month ago on xᴀʏᴛᴀʀᴀᴋ 18+ (‘disgraceful’), a private Telegram channel. 

The channel’s Russian description says its aim is to ‘preserve Armenian traditions and values’. Despite recently being blocked by Telegram, a new channel with the same name has appeared. According to TGStat, before the block, the channel had 43,000 subscribers making it one of the top 10 channels in Armenia. 

A spokesperson for the Armenian Investigative Committee, Gor Abrahamyan, told OC Media that a criminal investigation had been launched for incitement to suicide, which in the case of a minor, carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

Abrahamyan added that the victim was an ethnic Armenian but not a citizen of the Republic of Armenia.

Mamikon Hovsepyan, communications manager of Pink Armenia, told OC Media that the authorities had not made any information available and that what they knew so far had come from the victim’s friends.

‘His acquaintances said that after that publication [on Telegram], he was kicked out of the house’, Hovsepyan said, adding that he had also lost his job as a result of the post. ‘He was in a tough and depressed state’, he added.

Pink Armenia verified that photos of the boy taken in the street were published on the channel, stating that the post received numerous hateful comments in response. 

Hovsepyan said he believed the police were attempting to hide the incident, ‘probably at the request of their parents’. 

He added that it was common for Armenian police to support abusers more than the victims. ‘In these cases, the families usually get along easily with the police’, he said.

Incidents of bullying and violence against queer people are frequently reported in Armenia. Last year, a young queer couple took their own life after reportedly receiving abuse from the mother of one of the couple. Earlier this year, a transgender woman was brutally murdered in her flat in the centre of Yerevan.

[Read on OC Media: ‘You learn to hide your identity’: being queer in the Armenian army]

Andranik Shirinyan from Freedom House criticised the government’s record on protecting queer rights, stating that the Armenian government ‘bears the responsibility to safeguard the rights of LGBT people’, adding that ‘national human rights institutions are completely ineffective’. 

‘Armenia has yet to adopt an anti-discrimination law or initiate reforms to eliminate impunity and educate society. Law enforcement lacks both the sensitivity and willingness to help the victims’, he said.

‘What kind of democracy is it when the most vulnerable in our society are left unprotected by the state and abandoned by their families and community?’


https://oc-media.org/17-year-old-takes-own-life-in-armenia-after-being-outed-online/

Armenia Needs Help to Escape Regional Isolation

Hovhannisian John
Nov 8 2023
By Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's new plan for regional integration will need Western support to deliver on its promises.
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Participating in the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum in Georgia, Pashinyan outlined his government’s plans to cooperate with neighboring countries and open up to the world through road, rail, and energy links. 

Pashinyan said his landlocked country should be connected to the Black Sea, the Mediterranean, the Caspian Sea, and the Persian Gulf as soon as possible by joining projects with its neighbors to open up transit routes. As well as connecting Armenia to the sea, these would provide links between Georgian Black Sea ports and the Gulf, he told the forum in late October.  

He announced that steps will be taken to open the borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan “in the near future,” bringing “positive stimulus” to the whole region. 

The continued closure of the borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan reflects Armenia’s regional isolation since the early 1990s, which resulted from its victory against Azerbaijan in the first Nagorno-Karabakh war and its ultimate defeat this year.  

During that period, it lost the opportunity to host important infrastructure projects, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline and the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum natural gas pipeline, as well as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. These projects have instead been routed through Georgia, albeit at a slightly higher cost. 

Since 2020, after the regional fallout from the Second Karabakh War, the Armenian government has signaled its willingness to adapt to the new geopolitical realities and Pashinyan has expressed a hope that a final peace agreement with Azerbaijan will be signed soon. A peace treaty is the only way out of isolation and Pashinyan’s approaches, which can be considered radical in terms of Armenia’s political tradition, should be seen in this light. 

At the same time, Azerbaijan’s proposal to open a Zangezur Corridor was not well received in Armenia. The corridor, which aims to connect Armenia’s Syunik region with Turkey and Nakhchivan in Azerbaijan, was purportedly aimed at Armenia’s direct participation in regional projects. Some in Armenia argued it would mean the loss of sovereignty in the region, while others saw it as a means for Azerbaijan to gain the upper hand. 

Iran’s reaction also played a crucial role in opposition to the corridor. It said the proposal would amount to a NATO presence in the region (because of Turkey’s membership.) Azerbaijan, which had argued the corridor was the easiest way for Armenia to achieve regional integration and develop transport lines, has since announced it was no longer important.  

Pashinyan, who unabashedly expressed his discomfort with the Russian military presence in his country and the need to “diversify” security links, reflected the national anger at the Kremlin’s refusal to offer military support during its recent conflicts.  

Talks with France in the field of military cooperation have made some progress — including the purchase of ground radars, air defense systems, and missiles. The deployment of French security experts as consultants has also been discussed. As a result, military expenditure is expected to increase to $1.4bn in 2024 from $800m in 2022. But this is unlikely to change the military balance, where Azerbaijan enjoys a very considerable edge. 

Armenia is currently at a crossroads. The abandonment of traditional policies in favor of regional integration is in its earliest stages.  

The government’s aspirations will be clear in any final peace agreement with Azerbaijan, but bypassing an already hostile Russia could create consequences. The Pashinyan government will need the support of Western countries more than ever. 

Dr Mehmet Fatih Oztarsu is a professor of international relations at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, South Korea. He studied and worked in Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi, and Seoul as an academic and journalist. He is the author of numerous articles and books on the South Caucasus and Central Asia. @fatihoztarsu 

Europe’s Edge is CEPA’s online journal covering critical topics on the foreign policy docket across Europe and North America. All opinions are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or views of the institutions they represent or the Center for European Policy Analysis.

https://cepa.org/article/armenia-needs-help-to-escape-regional-isolation/

PM Pashinyan, Minister of State Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh discuss development of Armenia- UAE ties

Hovhannisian John

 12:44, 8 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received on Wednesday Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh, Minister of State at the UAE Foreign Ministry responsible for trade and economic affairs.

Prime Minister Pashinyan welcomed the Emirati delegation’s visit to Armenia and stressed the importance of implementing joint steps in the direction of developing and enhancing bilateral trade-economic ties, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.

Pashinyan said that bilateral partnership has been of dynamic nature in the recent period.

Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh said he’s had productive discussions with Armenian officials and outlined directions of expanding cooperation and possible projects.

Other issues pertaining to the relations of the two countries and topics of mutual interest were also discussed.

Former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan’s son became an MP and was released from arrest

Hovhannisian John
Nov 6 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Levon Kocharyan, son of former Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, became a deputy of the National Assembly today. The Central Election Commission announced this decision a couple of hours ago.

Kocharyan was arrested two months ago on charges of beating four policemen during an opposition protest. He denied the accusation and claimed that he himself was hit by the policemen during the protest organized in Yerevan on September 22. He was diagnosed with a concussion at a medical center.

The defense team believes that the arrest was due to the political views of Levon Kocharyan and his father.

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Former President Robert Kocharyan is the leader of the opposition Hayastan parliamentary faction. A few days ago, one of the deputies of the faction, Armen Charchyan, resigned his parliamentary powers.

After that, three candidates from the bloc’s pre-election list, Mirdat Madatyan, Angela Nalbandyan and Gerasim Vardanyan, applied to the Central Election Commission with applications to give up their mandates.

Psychologist Mihrdat Madatyan justified his refusal to give up his mandate by the impossibility of combining his parliamentary powers with his professional ones. Angela Nalbandian explained her decision by the fact that the party she represents has already decided to leave the “Hayastan” parliamentary bloc a year ago. Gerasim Vardanyan wrote on Facebook that his move was due to the “context of tactical positioning” in the fight against the authorities.

Levon Kocharyan was next on the list. The CEC decided to grant him a mandate during an extraordinary session.

As lawyer Alexander Kochubaev said earlier, “it turned out that it was not Levon Kocharyan who was engaged in active politics, but active politics was engaged in him.”

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan gave a speech at the dedication of a monument to those killed on March 1, 2008

Kocharyan’s lawyers argued in advance that after obtaining the status of deputy, “the illegal arrest should be canceled.”

“Levon Kocharyan, who does not have the status of a deputy and was illegally deprived of his freedom, cannot remain in prison from the moment he acquires the status of a deputy on November 6, 2023,” their statement read.

They referred to the precedent decision of the Constitutional Court made in 2021 regarding other deputies subjected to criminal prosecution.

Former deputies of the Hayastan faction Artur Sargsyan and Mkhitar Zakaryan were also under arrest when they received their deputy’s mandate. In December 2021, the Constitutional Court issued a decision stating that “a person who does not have the status of a deputy and is in detention cannot remain under arrest from the moment he/she acquires the status of a deputy”.

However, after his release, the Prosecutor General may apply to the National Assembly with a motion to deprive the MP of immunity and re-arrest him.

The prosecutor’s office has so far refused to say whether they will appeal to the parliament after Levon Kocharyan’s release.


https://jam-news.net/levon-kocharyan-became-a-deputy-of-the-armenian-parliament/

Armenia would have bought more defensive armaments if not for logistical issues, says FM

Hovhannisian John

 12:30, 3 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has rejected the opposition’s accusations of failure to acquire armaments for the military.

Opposition MP Kristine Vardanyan from the Hayastan faction, during a parliamentary committee hearing on the 2024 state budget, accused the incumbent administration of inability to acquire weaponry for the armed forces.

In response, FM Mirzoyan said that the Pashinyan Administration has been able to buy armaments from incomparably more countries than the previous authorities. At the same time, Mirzoyan said that the current government would have acquired a lot more weaponry if not for the logistical problems.

“We are able to acquire weapons from incomparably more countries than your political party could have ever dreamt of,” Mirzoyan told the lawmaker. “But there are also logistical issues, we would have been able to acquire a lot more.” Mirzoyan stressed that Armenia is acquiring defensive weapons and it has no hostile intentions.

“Buying defensive armaments is the sovereign right of any country. We would have brought a lot more if not for the logistical issues. It’s no secret that such logistical issues exist,” Mirzoyan said.

Germany favors sustainable peace, political and economic diversification – embassy ahead of FM Baerbock’s Armenia trip

Hovhannisian John

 12:48, 3 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock will visit Armenia on November 3 to meet with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, the German Embassy in Armenia said in a statement.

During her trip, the German Foreign Minister will also visit the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) and a reception center of the refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Germany is in favor of sustainable peace, political and economic diversification of the region, and close and good relations with Europe. Establishment of trust and reconciliation in the region is crucial. The goal is a negotiated, comprehensive peace solution so that Armenians and Azerbaijanis can live in peace and security within their national borders. We support the early resumption of trilateral talks under the mediation of the President of the European Council, Charles Michel,” the German embassy said.

Armenia calls on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict parties not to target the civilian population

Hovhannisian John

 20:11, 3 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, during the joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock Friday called on the parties of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict not to target the civilian population.

''Unfortunately, old conflicts, wars, and the suffering of civilians are being rekindled in different parts of the world. This is a very sensitive issue for us. Just a few weeks ago, we witnessed the same events. In all cases and in the event of conflicts, we call not to target the civilian population and to take all measures to stop hostilities as soon as possible and ensure the safety of the civilian population," Armenian FM said.

Deputy PM meets the Armenian Assembly of America representatives

Hovhannisian John

 20:24, 2 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan has held a meeting with Carolyn Mugar, President of the Board of the Armenian Assembly of America, Anthony Barsamian, Co-Chair of the Assembly Board of Trustees,  Executive Director Bryan Ardouny and the  regional director Arpi Vardanyan, Grigoryan’s Office said.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister thanked the representatives of the Armenian Assembly of America for the work carried out for the benefit of the people of Armenia. Mher Grigoryan has presented the short- and medium-term needs of more than 100,000 forcibly displaced refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.

During the meeting, the regional developments were also touched upon.

Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister meets with the Head of Delegation of EU

Hovhannisian John

 18:48,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS.  Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan has held a meeting with  the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Ambassador Vassilis Maragos, Grigoryan’s office said in a statement.

''The EU Ambassador was briefed by Armenia's Deputy Prime Minister on the activities implemented by the Government aimed at meeting the short-term and medium-term needs of more than 100,000 refugees forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh.

During the meeting the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement, as well as the implementation of the programs under the EU economic and investment plan was discussed.

Mher Grigoryan and the EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos referred to the opportunities for the development of Armenia-EU trade and economic relations.

 At the meeting the interlocutors exchanged ideas on issues related to regional developments,'' reads the statement.

Armenia is committed to peace agenda in the region: Deputy Speaker of Parliament

Hovhannisian John

 18:30,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan gave a speech at the 147th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

The full speech is presented below:

“Madam President,

Excellences, heads of the Parliaments

Fellow parliamentarians,

Ladies and gentlemen,

I wish to thank our Angolan hosts for the excellent organization of the Assembly and warm hospitality extended to all delegates.

The 16th goal of sustainable development is dedicated to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

However, ongoing, and new violent conflicts around the world are derailing the global path to peace and achievement of Goal 16. Alarmingly, the year 2022 witnessed more than 50 per cent increase in conflict-related civilian deaths – the first since the adoption of Agenda 2030.

High level of armed violence and insecurity have a destructive impact on a country’s development.

Dear Colleagues,

While speaking about peace and justice let me address the situation in the South Caucasus region.

On 19 September unfortunately Azerbaijan launched one more large-scale aggression against the people of Nagorno Karabakh violating international law and the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020 which they signed.

The military attack showcased that the goal was to finalize the ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population from Nagorno Karabakh, as well as involving the Republic of Armenia into a new war. The aggression resulted in hundreds of victims and injured, including civilian population, women and children. Over one hundred thousand people were forcibly displaced from Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia.

It is sad, extremely sad, that despite hundreds of alarms, decisions of the International Court of Justice, resolutions of the European Parliament, PACE and the parliaments of individual countries, appeals of executive bodies, the international community, we all were unable to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The attack followed more than nine months of blockade of the Lachin corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world. Blockade affected electricity, gas, food and medical supplies, emergency healthcare. The International Court of Justice made two rulings on lifting the blockade and opening the Corridor. However, these rulings were never implemented by Azerbaijan. This was the prelude to the ethnic cleansing that reached its aim in the following days.

The government of Armenia and people did everything to receive and shelter more than 100,000 Armenians – victims of the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno Karabakh. We could receive them due to the people of Armenia and democracy.

People, because sometimes they did not wait for what the government would do. They provided their forcibly displaced compatriots with essential goods and temporary shelter. And the democracy, because due to Democracy and open economy non-corrupt government we had enough economy growth to support 100,000 people of Nagorno Karabakh.

We are grateful to our international partners, which have already made and/or will continue to make allocations aimed at overcoming the humanitarian crisis caused by the forced displacement of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians.

Around 150km square still stands occupied by Azerbaijan due to aggression against internationally recognized sovereign territory Armenia.

Armenia does not have territorial claims to its neighbors, Armenia is committed to peace agenda in the region. Armenia’s position is to establish peaceful relations based on the mutual recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Armenia and Azerbaijan should open their roads for each other, border and other relevant control services should operate, based on the jurisdiction, sovereignty, and legislation of the countries. This should be done based on the principle of reciprocity and equality: Stretching from East to the West, the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, North to South, from the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea. We name this project the Crossroads of Peace.

Armenia is ready to ensure the safety of cargo, vehicles, people, pipelines, electric lines in its territory, because the Crossroads of Peace implies the passage of pipelines and power lines as well. We call on international partners to take part in this large-scale project.

The peace agenda in our region does not have an alternative. We are committed to the path of democracy to achieve a stable and lasting peace. We are resolute in our choice and are looking forward to the support by our international partners.

Thank you very much for your attention.”