Author: Jagharian Tania

Today marks one of the darkest, yet not widely known pages of the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Twenty-five years ago Azerbaijan committed gross violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

“On April 10, 1992, the Azerbaijani “OMON” – Special Purpose Mobility Unit, destroyed and set on fire Maragha village of the self-determined Artsakh Republic, burned alive and tortured to death through inhuman cruelty its peaceful population. A part of the villagers was taken as a hostage – the fate of some of them is still unknown,” Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan said in comments on 25th anniversary of Maragha tragedy.

“In several hours of Azerbaijan’s control over the village its inhabitants went through the atrocities and barbarism, which fully meet all the criteria of a crime against humanity,” he said.

“The impunity for atrocities committed in Maragha encouraged the continuation of perpetration of new crimes in an atmosphere of complete permissiveness. The barbarism committed by the Azerbaijani armed forces during last April aggression against Artsakh undeniably prove that,” Shavarsh Kocharyan stated.

Today, President Serzh Sargsyan has left for France for an official visit.

In the framework of the visit, the President of Armenia will meet with the highest leadership of France – President François Hollande, President of Senate Gérard Larcher, President of the National Assembly Claude Bartolone, Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo, and with the Secretary General of the International Organization of Francophonie Michaëlle Jean.

Based on the results of the high-level Armenian-French negotiations, the parties will sign a numer of documents aimed at the strengthening and deepening of the bilateral relations and cooperation.

In Paris, the President of Armenia will meet with the representatives of the French business circles and representatives of the Armenian communities of Europe.

President Sargsyan will also visit Lyon where he will meet with the Mayor of the city Gérard Collomb.

The Federal Constitutional Court of Germany rejected an appeal to annul the bill on recognition of the Armenian Genocide adopted by the Bundestag on June 2, 2016.

The German Constitutional Court did not accept the appeal, stating that there was insufficient evidence that recognition of the Armenian Genocide violated the law, Ermenihaber.am reports, quoting the Turkish Dogan agency.

Ramazan Akbas, a lawyer from Turkey who demanded the cancellation of the decision of the Bundestag, has announced an appeal will be filed to the European Court of Human Rights.

Earlier this week a Cologne court (Alliance of German Democrats.

The Alliance of German Democrats was founded o by entrepreneur Remzi Aru, lawyer Ramazan Akbas and Halil Ertem to prevent the adoption of the resolution on the Armenian genocide by the German Bundestag.

Tensions were high at the line of contact between the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan last night, the NKR Defense Ministry reports.

The rival used D-44 cannons, mortars, grenades and firearms of different calibers as it violated the ceasefire 80 times, firing over 950 shots in the direction of the Armenian positions.

The front divisions of the NKR Defense Army follow the developments at the line of contact and take necessary measures to pressure the activeness of the rival.

The Global Cinema Film Festival of Boston (GCFF) in partnership with WCF studios/films and under the direction of multiple award-winning Documentarian Raouf J. Jacob and award-winning Executive Producer Lara M. Moreno are committed to bringing the best of global cinematography to Boston. Their mission is to give filmmakers an opportunity to spotlight stories that deserve global attention

Their event this year which runs from March 9-12, includes more than 28 independent films, including “The Simon’s Way” on March 12 at 5:15 PM, which is being co-presented by the Armenian Museum of America.

Since 1993, the border between Armenia and Turkey is closed. The countries have no diplomatic or economic relations. But on the two sides of tightly closed borders, there are relatives living on each end who manage to communicate with each other through the power of hope. “The Simon’s Way,” which won the 2017 Armenian Film Academy Award for Best Short Film, is a story about the influence of politics on human destiny.

Photo: Marina Lystseva/TASS

 

Russia may supply two-four Sukhoi Superjet-100 aircraft to Armenia in 2018-2019, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said on the sidelines of the meeting of the United Russia faction on Tuesday, reports.

“I think in total it concerns supplying not more than 10 aircraft in five years, but we will start with two-four aircraft,” the minister said.

“If we form a sound program this year and find ways of its implementation, including the sources of financing, than, taking into account the production cycle, the delivery of aircraft will be in 2018 – early 2019 in the best case. But I think it would be more realistic in 2019,” Manturov added.

In January, it was reported that Russia and Armenia are in talks on establishing a new airline in Armenia. It was planned that SSJ-100 aircraft would form the core of the fleet of the new company. Currently, Armenia has only one airline that was created in 2016 and began to carry out flights last summer. The airline’s main airport is Zvartnots (Yerevan).

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan received Head of EU Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski. The parties discussed cooperation in the fight against corruption, Government’s Press Service reports.

Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan introduced the steps taken by the Armenian government to that effect, including legislative reforms, decisions and activities carried out by the Anticorruption Council. Talking about the future plans, the Prime Minister said a new legislative package has been developed to create an independent preventive anti-corruption authority based on the terms of reference of the High-Ranking Officials’ Ethics Commission.

The new package implies full revision of the applicable system of income statements and conflict of interest. Work is underway to improve investigation of corruption offenses. Based on the discussions held by Anticorruption Council, a number of important bills are being developed aimed at reducing the risks of corruption in all spheres of public life.

The Premier stressed that the effectiveness of measures for the fight against corruption is largely dependant on the stance of civil society. Set to activate feedback from society, the Government will give new impetus to the activities of the anticorruption Council of the Republic of Armenia. Noting that his government is open to suggestions and recommendations, Karen Karapetyan stressed the importance of cooperation with EU partners.

Welcoming the Government’s efforts in the fight against corruption, Piotr Switalski extended a vote of thanks on behalf of the business community for the Government’s decisions and legislative initiatives. He noted that the EU Delegation to Armenia is prepared to continue cooperation with the Government as part of the priorities and anti-corruption reforms outlined by the Prime Minister.

Taking the opportunity, the Prime Minister and the Head of EU Delegation to Armenia exchanged views on the possibilities for implementing joint projects within the framework of the Center for Strategic Initiatives.

Statement by Edward Nalbandian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia at the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Commitments and Actions

Mr. President,
Distinguished Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to thank Director General Amano for convening this important international conference on Nuclear Security in Vienna.

This is a good opportunity to review the progress made in implementing decisions adopted during Nuclear Security Summits and 2013 Conference on Nuclear Security and IAEA General Conferences, as well as to elaborate our joint endeavors aimed at further strengthening the international nuclear security. In this regard the outcome document of the Ministerial Segment will guide us in our joint endeavor to achieve more effective global nuclear security.

Mr. President,

Armenia strongly supports the essential role of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the global nuclear security architecture and its leading role in facilitating and coordinating nuclear security activities among Member States, as well as international organizations and initiatives.

Armenia attaches great importance to reinforcing nuclear security both at national and international levels through the ratification and implementation of international legal instruments as well as the establishment of robust national legislation. It is noteworthy that in 2015 we have adopted Amendments to the Government decrees on approval of the licensing procedure for import and export of radioactive materials, on the rules of physical protection for radioactive materials and on the concept of physical protection and security of Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and nuclear materials. These measures are aimed at complementing the implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and its Amendment.

Armenia fully implements its international obligations under the UN Security Council Resolution 1540. The National Action Plan of Armenia for 2015-2020 outlines series of concrete steps ranging from reviewing already implemented national measures to the coordination of ongoing and anticipated activities.

We are also active in counter-proliferation initiatives such as Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and Proliferation Security Initiative. The Government of Armenia is continuously working with its international partners at bilateral and multilateral levels to further enhance its national capabilities in countering nuclear smuggling.

Mr. President,

Armenia closely cooperates on a regular basis with the IAEA and other relevant International organizations and partner countries on all issues related to the nuclear energy. The Armenian nuclear power plant has always registered excellent record of safety. The Armenian Government’s decision on extension of the life cycle of the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant was taken after thorough consultations with the IAEA and our international partners with a strong emphasis on ensuring its safety and security. In particular, numerous IAEA on-site inspections and assessment missions have reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment in implementing its international obligations and the highest level of openness and transparency. Non-compliance or deviation from the requirements of international treaties has not been recorded.

Against this background it is regrettable that some Member States, namely Azerbaijan and Turkey in a sheer disrespect to IAEA – its findings, records and analysis have been trying to exploit international fora for their own narrow political and propaganda purposes in order to spread groundless charges against Armenia. These fabricated and recycled accusations have nothing to do with the reality.

Mr. President,

As a strong supporter of the non-proliferation policies, Armenia reiterates its full compliance with the nonproliferation treaty and other relevant treaties, as well as IAEA safeguards agreements and additional protocol.

In conclusion, I would like once again to reiterate Armenia’s strong commitment to the collective efforts aimed at strengthening the nuclear security architecture.

Thank you.

President Serzh Sargsyan sent today a letter of condolences to the President of the Council of State and the Council of Ministers of Cuba Raúl Castro Ruz on the occasion of the death of his brother Fidel Castro Ruz, extending condolences and solidarity to him and the friendly people of Cuba.

“The role and significance of Fidel Castro in the modern history of Cuba is, indeed, hard to overestimate. This is bereavement for the people of Cuba who sincerely loved and respected him. Remaining faithful to his ideologies and principles until the end and preserving the brave and noble qualities, Fidel Castro will continue inspiring and guiding the new generations of Cuba”, reads the letter of condolences of the President of Armenia.

The Freedom House has ranked Armenia as a “free”country in its annual   report.

“Internet freedom remained largely uninhibited in the past year, though Armenia’s overall score declined somewhat after police physically attacked journalists livestreaming protests in Yerevan,” the report says.

“The past year in Armenia has been marked by periods of civil unrest and regional conflict. However, historically the internet has remained relatively free in Armenia, with gradual improvements in infrastructure and accessibility connecting more of the population. Activists regularly use social media as a tool to promote their causes, and opposition and independent media flourish online,” the Freedom House says.

Armenia’s neighbor Georgia is also a “fee”cuntry, while Azerbaijan is “partly free. Turkey  and Iran are both ranked as “not free.”

Armenia’s partners in the Eurasian Economic Union Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan are all rated as “not free,” Kyrgyzstan is “partly free.”

Estonia and Iceland top the ranking. Other countries rated as “free” include Canada, the United States, Germany, Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Georgia, Italy, South Africa, Philippines, Argentina, Hungary, Kenya and Armenia. Chine, Syria and Iran are at the bottom of the list.

Freedom on the Net provides analytical reports and numerical scores for 65 countries worldwide.

The Freedom on the Net index measures each country’s level of internet and digital media freedom based on a set of methodology questions developed in consultation with international experts to capture the vast array of relevant issues that enable internet freedom.

Given increasing technological convergence, the index also measures access and openness of other digital means of transmitting information, particularly mobile phones and text messaging services.