Author: Jalatian Sonya

Pashinyan: We can’t say Shushi with 96% Azeri population is under our control without clarifying Karabakh status

Jalatian Sonya
News.am, Armenia
Jan 30 2021
12:18, 30.01.2021

One of the recent scandalous headlines is that I allegedly stated that Shushi is not an Armenian city. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this Saturday during a live broadcast on Facebook, entitled “About Shushi,” also directly quoting his statement during the recent parliament-government question and answer session that, “There has never been such an option of discussion, not only now, but during the whole negotiation process, that the refugees from Azerbaijan do not return to Shushi, and Shushi had 90 and more percent of Azerbaijani population before the [Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh)] conflict and the liberation; that is, do you mean to say that the city of Shushi, with a population of 90 and more Azerbaijanis, is Armenian in its status?”

According to the PM, using this _expression_, some say that he claimed that Shushi is not an Armenian city. Pashinyan noted that he had referred to that topic while answering the question of one of the MPs that the Russian president had proposed to stop the recent Artsakh war in much more favorable conditions for the Armenian side, and Shushi would remain under Armenian control.

“During the war, there was talk of options for stopping the war, and the Azerbaijani side posited a condition for the return of Azerbaijani refugees to the city of Shushi. In fact, it was about the possibility of restoring the demographic status quo in [19]92. When we had already agreed that we should stop the war, a new condition arose that the Azerbaijani refugees shall return to the city of Shushi in accordance with the status quo that existed in 1992,” Pashinyan said.

He added that when the above-mentioned fact became clear, many people publicly accused him that there was an option for Shushi to remain Armenian in status, but he did not make use of that opportunity.

“I have responded to the reality of who and how they think that when there will be a 96 percent Azerbaijani population in Shushi, the city with that status will be considered under Armenian control, as the MP says,” Pashinyan emphasized.

According to the Armenian PM, the condition for stopping the war in the context of Shushi is to have 90 and more percent of Azerbaijani population.

“It is about its current status, not about the origin; that is, we have not discussed a historical issue. We discussed a specific situation when the return of Azerbaijani refugees to Shushi in accordance with the demographic status quo existing in 1992 was proposed as a condition for stopping the war. In no way could it be considered that there is a 96 percent Azerbaijani population in Shushi without clarifying the status of Nagorno-Karabakh and we can say that it is under Armenian control,” said Nikol Pashinyan.

According to him, this matter only shows an example of media manipulation.

Competent state body of Armenia must publish the number of Armenian POWs – Ombudsman

Jalatian Sonya

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 10:02, 20 January, 2021

YEREVAN, JANUARY 20, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan says the competent state body of Armenia must publish the number of prisoners of the Armenian side who, according to the information at its disposal or in its belief, are currently being held captive in Azerbaijan.

“The rule of the law presupposes the presumption of publishing any data of public importance. When rejecting the disclosure of given data, the state must show what legitimate interest it is pursuing. The state’s decision not to make a relevant disclosure must be grounded in reason.

The Armenian government official announced yesterday through a statement that it did not publish the data on the number of captives of the Armenian side in Azerbaijan, and by way of justification, in its official response, merely stated that the issue is one of a “super-sensitive nature.” This is not an acceptable approach.

In fact, the publication of the number of captives held by the Armenian side in Azerbaijan will at least:

1) significantly increase international pressure on Azerbaijan to release and return the captives,

2) provide grounds for additional obligations of Azerbaijan,

3) increase the level of protection of prisoners held in Azerbaijan,

4) demonstrate publicly and emphasize the state’s respect for the rights of prisoners and their families,

5) publicly emphasize the state’s responsible attitude towards this issue of public importance, and

6) finally, through such a stance, the state will be eliminate or otherwise significantly reduce efforts and any attempts by either side to manipulate and mislead the public with false information.

Therefore, the competent state body of the Republic of Armenia must publish the number of prisoners of the Armenian side who, according to the information at its disposal or in its belief, are currently being held captive in Azerbaijan”, the Ombudsman said on Facebook.

Russia never called for neglecting status of Nagorno-Karabakh — Foreign Ministry

Jalatian Sonya
TASS, Russia 

Jan 13 2021
 
Moscow has never said the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement must be confined to the return of seven districts of the region, special ambassador Igor Popov said in the wake of Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s article Origins of the 44-Day War
MOSCOW, January 13. /TASS/. Russia has never said the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement must be confined to the return of seven districts of the region to Azerbaijan without taking care of its status, the Russian co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, special ambassador Igor Popov said in the wake of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s article Origins of the 44-Day War.
 
“Claims to the effect Russia called for returning seven districts ‘in exchange for nothing’ and forgetting about its status have nothing to do with the reality,” the diplomat said.
 
Popov said that in his article Pashinyan most likely used the term “Russian proposals” in relation to the multi-stage settlement plan. Its latest version was handed over to the conflicting parties in June 2019.
 
“That plan, largely identical to the Kazan document, is based on the fundamental principles of the Karabakh settlement, such as the return of five districts to Azerbaijan in the first phase and another two in the second phase. It should be stressed that the handover was firmly linked with the determination of Nagorno-Karabakh’s status,” he explained.
 
The diplomat also stressed that among other elements of the first stage reflecting Armenia’s interests was the recognition of Nagorno-Karabakh’s rights that would guarantee full-scale activity of its population, participation of Nagorno-Karabakh’s representatives in OSCE sessions, the lifting of the blockade, the opening of borders and the bilateral pledge not to use force.
 
About the question of the territories’ status Popov said it should be remembered that among the proposals that remained on the negotiating table in recent years there were the determination of the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh “by means of holding (within the dates agreed by the sides and under the aegis of the UN or the OSCE) popular voting that would express in a free way the will of Nagorno-Karabakh’s population and be legally binding in accordance with the rules and norms of international law.” The diplomat stressed that the question or questions to be put to the vote would be formulated with no restrictions set and that any outcome of the voting was to be respected by the sides.
 
“Incidentally, it was proposed that the width and status of the Lachin corridor would be considered only in the second phase following the return of the Kelbajar and Lachin districts to Azerbaijan,” he added.
 
Popov stressed that neither the Armenian side nor the Azerbaijani one rejected this proposal. Although complete accord remained unachieved, negotiations had continued on a regular basis up to 2018, when Yerevan came out with new approaches.
 

Venture Capital: Armenia Needs to Develop Military-Industrial Complex

Jalatian Sonya

January 12,  2020



The first 1,000 Made in Armenia AK-103 Kalashnikov rifles will be delivered to the Armed Forces rifles

BY STEPAN ALTOUNIAN

In my last op-ed published in Asbarez in November, I argued the we, as a nation, need a comprehensive defense plan.

The events that have unfolded in the past several months, as well as the humbling response from Asbarez readers whose comments suggest a clear consensus that Armenia needs a domestic military-industrial sector if the country is truly going to prosper and be safe for future generations. And most important, repel the next Azeri attack and restore Artsakh’s territorial integrity.

If this is what we want then we need to stand on our own two feet and build a country where we will not fear our enemies. Instead, our enemies must gain new respect for our ability to defend ourselves against any and all aggressors.

What is the plan for development of the military-industrial sector? It is interesting that the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Armenia which is posted on the Diasporan Ministry website addresses the need for a military-industrial complex. It is quite informative. But as the saying goes “Don’t talk the talk if you can’t walk the walk.”

In the case of our homeland we need to crawl before we can walk. This is where the Diaspora in collaboration with entrepreneurs in Armenia, and with the support of the Armenian government can be of incredible value.

Can you imagine the formation of venture funds with $50 million to $100 million plus in capital? This money can be used to invest in seed and startup funding for a new military-industrial complex that could become an entirely new business sector for Armenia. A sector that will not just be dedicated to Armenia’s defense, but a sector that could sell state-of-the-art defense technology to other countries.

It may be useful to look at the Israeli example. There are approximately 70 venture funds currently focused on Israel. These funds utilized the resources of the Jewish Diaspora and in the past 20 years they have achieved such success that they now are considered the second Silicon Valley. They are leaders in both military and electronic technology with worldwide sales. There is no reason the same cannot happen for Armenia.

What is next? How do we start? The Armenian Diaspora has two valuable resources that can help.

The first is money. There are many Armenians working in the venture fund industry. Some of them manage multi-billion dollar funds. They should be the ones who put these funds together. They have the expertise and know how required. And do not forget, Armenians have always been successful when it comes to business. An investment in a venture fund is like purchasing a stock or mutual fund. There is an expectation one will receive a return on investment (ROI). Therefore, these are not charitable donations that are tax deductible.

Who could invest in a venture fund? That depends on the fund managers. I would think the fund managers will first enlist seven figure commitments from wealthy high profile and widely respected Armenians. These investors will set the example for all of us. Due to investment restrictions, small investors would not be able to participate.

However, Limited Liability Company (LLC) partnerships can be established that raise hundreds of thousands of dollars from smaller investors. These LLCs could then invest in the main venture fund. How can any Armenian argue against investing in a venture fund that could result in a sizeable return on investment and at the same time build Armenia’s military defense system?

At tax season, LLC Investors would receive a K-1 form which is an Internal Revenue Service tax form issued annually for an investment in a partnership. The purpose of the Schedule K-1 is to report each partner’s share of the partnership’s earnings, losses, deductions, and credits.

The second is talent. Though Armenia’s technology sector is growing at 30% per year, it is more of an outsourcing industry. They primarily develop websites, apps, robotics and third party software. But that is where the money has been and how they currently make a living. There are many Diasporan Armenians working in high technology who can provide expertise and advice to help entrepreneurs jump start this new industry. Venture funds will then make it financially more attractive to refocus a sizeable portion of the technology sector toward development of the military-industrial complex.

How hard will it be? I actually believe raising the money will be the easiest. Especially due to our loss in the recent war. Everyone is a patriot and wants to do something. More importantly no one wants a repeat of this latest disaster. A much more difficult challenge will be for the venture fund managers to determine which companies offer the highest likelihood of success. AND they need buy-in from the Armenian government.

It is conceivable there will be more money available than businesses to invest. The fund managers will likely need to identify technology entrepreneurs in Armenia and promote this new opportunity. Therefore, they will perform a strategically critical role in helping to develop the future security of Armenia.

The time is now. Let us hope these new funds will become a reality and spur the development of the Armenian military-industrial complex.

Aliyev can intimidate only his own people with threats and ‘iron fist’ – Ara Abrahamyan

Jalatian Sonya
Panorama, Armenia

Jan 11 2021
Aliyev can intimidate only his own people with threats and ‘iron fist’ – Ara Abrahamyan
 
 
“Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev can intimidate only his own people with threats and his ‘iron fist,’ as we, Armenians, are not afraid,” President of the Union of Armenians of Russia Ara Abrahamyan said, commenting on Ilham Aliyev’s recent anti-Armenia speeches.
 
“It is ridiculous that he can intimidate Armenians with his ‘iron fist’ and aggressive behavior. His dictatorial traits and rhetoric are not interesting for us. However, Aliyev remains a source of major challeneges for the Azerbaijani people in the future. I am sincerely sorry for them, as not the people but the ruler should to be blamed, as he speaks of peace and prospects for living together and at the same time deliberately creates grounds for enmity and leads his people to a new war,” Abrahamyan said.
 
He added that neither Erdogan, nor the spirit of butcher Enver whom Aliyev was appealing in a Baku square, may help him any more. In Abrahamyan’s words, Armenians are one of the most integrated people with a long history of coexistence with different people, including islamic. “Yet with his belligerent rhetoric and actions, Aliyev, regretfully, leaves no place for trust,” stressed Abrahamyan.
 

Justice Minister denies reports on receiving “treaty” ahead of purported NK summit

Jalatian Sonya

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 09:55, 8 January, 2021

YEREVAN, JANUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. The Minister of Justice of Armenia has denied media reports which claimed that his ministry received the draft treaty which is purportedly planned to be signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan during an upcoming summit in Moscow. The media reports alleged that the justice ministry is tasked with conforming the treaty with the constitution.

“Unfortunately, the conduct of applying psychological pressure on people through disinformation is not stopping. The Armenian Ministry of Justice has not received any treaty within the framework of any procedure. The information generated in the press is fake,” Justice Minister Rustam Badasyan said.

Despite many reports on an upcoming meeting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Moscow for a NK summit, the information remains unconfirmed so far.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Increased tensions around Nagorno-Karabakh to be on OSCE agenda: Sweden takes over OSCE Chair

Jalatian Sonya
Public Radio of Armenia

Jan 2 2021

Sweden took over the OSCE Chair on January 1, and will in the coming year focus on defending the European security order, addressing protracted conflicts and enhancing democracy and gender equality.

“Sweden is honoured to take over the Chair of the OSCE at a time when our region needs to come together to focus on our common security, based on the principles and commitments we all have made,” said Ann Linde, Sweden’s Foreign Minister and the new OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.

“While conflicts and political crises continue to challenge security, international law, democratic principles and sustainable development, the OSCE can serve as a crucial multilateral platform to tackle these challenges and build stronger societies together,” she added.

“Our priorities as Chair will be to emphasize the fundamental tasks of the OSCE; defending the European security order, upholding the OSCE concept of comprehensive security and to contribute to resolving the conflicts in our region. On 14 January, I will present our programme in detail to the OSCE Permanent Council,” Linde added.

”The ongoing conflicts and crises in the OSCE area, such as the situations we see in Belarus, in and around Ukraine and the increased tensions around Nagorno-Karabakh require the continued, common attention of our organization. This will naturally be on our agenda at the beginning of the year.”

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office noted that enhancing gender equality would be a key priority of the Swedish Chair.

“In line with the organization’s concept of comprehensive security we will stress the inclusion and meaningful participation of women in all phases of the conflict cycle, and move forward the Women, Peace and Security agenda. This is crucial for the prevention and mitigation of conflicts, as well as to consolidate peace.”

Civil society will also be assured their place in discussions, Linde added.

“The participation and inclusion of civil society in relevant OSCE meetings and formats is a unique component of the OSCE as a security organization. To continue to promote the broad participation of civil society representatives in security discussions will be a priority for our time as Chair. Our support for strengthening democratic processes and the right to freedom of opinion and _expression_ will remain steadfast in 2021.”

Linde concluded by adding that the Swedish Chair will work closely with, and support, the newly appointed OSCE Secretary General and the three Heads of Institutions (the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media) in their first year in office.

https://en.armradio.am/2021/01/02/increased-tensions-around-nagorno-karabakh-to-be-on-osce-agenda-sweden-takes-over-osce-chair/

David Babayan appointed Foreign Minister of Artsakh

Jalatian Sonya
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 4 2021

President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan as signed a decree, relieving Masis Mailyan of the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

According to another presidential decree, David Babyan was appointed to the post. He will step down as Advisor to the President of the Republic of Azrtsakh.

By another decree, Vahram Baghdasaryan was relieved of the post of Minister of Finance of the Artsakh Republic due to transfer to another job, and Grigory Martirosyan was appointed Minister of State and Finance of the Republic of Artsakh.


Russia committed to further development of allied cooperation with Armenia, Putin tells Sarkissian

Jalatian Sonya
Public Radio of Armenia
Dec 30 2020

President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message to the President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian on the occasion of New Year and Christmas.

“I hope that the difficulties and worries the passing year brought will remain in the past. I would like to reaffirm our commitment to the further development of the Russian-Armenian allied cooperation for the benefit of our two brotherly peoples, for the benefit of strengthening peace and security in the South Caucasus region,” Putin said in the message.

He wished good health happiness and success to president Sarkissian, his relatives and friends. The Russian president also wished peace and prosperity to all citizens of Armenia.

On behalf of the President of the Russian Federation, a collection of stamps dedicated to the hero of the Soviet Union Gevorg Vardanyan was handed to the President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sarkissian.