Author: Jalatian Sonya

Armenia’s Media Landscape Stirred: Union of Journalists Reacts to Sputnik’s Suspension

Jalatian Sonya
 bnn 
HongKong – Dec 27 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

In a significant development within Armenia’s media landscape, the Union of Journalists of Armenia (UJA) has spoken out against the suspension of broadcasting by Sputnik, a Russian news agency. This move by the professional association has stirred conversations about the evolving dynamics of media integrity and political pressure in the region.

Reacting to the violations of journalistic ethics and the dissemination of false information by Sputnik, the UJA has suspended the news agency’s membership. The decision is seen as a response to Sputnik’s biased reporting and failure to adhere to the principles of professional journalism. The UJA’s action underscores the need for journalistic integrity and the importance of unbiased reporting in the media landscape.

Adding to Sputnik’s woes, the Tospa radio station, which carries programs of Russian broadcaster Sputnik, has seen its license suspended for one month by the Armenian authorities. The suspension came in the wake of ‘ironic and offensive’ comments made about Armenia by Tigran Keosayan, a Russian propagandist of Armenian origin. The move is perceived as a reaction to the derogatory remarks and an assertion of national dignity.

The developments surrounding Sputnik have raised concerns about press freedom and the principle of freedom of _expression_ in Armenia. The UJA’s stand and the suspension of Tospa’s broadcasting license could have implications for the broader media environment in the country. These actions serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by media outlets in maintaining a balance between journalistic integrity and political pressures. They also reinforce the necessity for diverse voices and perspectives to continue to have a platform in Armenia’s public discourse.

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/armenias-media-landscape-stirred-union-of-journalists-reacts-to-sputniks-suspension/

Inclusion of maps under discussion for providing predictability in demarcation process, says Mirzoyan

Jalatian Sonya

 19:04,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. The three principles put forward by Armenia regarding the peace process are in line with the norms of international law and even they are principles popularized as a result of the discussion with the participation of the President of Azerbaijan.

Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan expressed such an opinion during Wednesday’s joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart.

"The three principles pertain to the sovereignty of countries, mutual recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of borders. When talking about transport and communication infrastructures, we once again address the jurisdiction within the context of these three principles. They are principles accepted by the international community and their legitimacy is recognized worldwide.

 President of the European Council Charles Michel has also announced about this after the regular meeting," said FM Mirzoyan.

According to Mirzoyan, one should be guided by public announcements and established agreements. The Foreign Minister said that there is a real possibility of reaching lasting peace, but it depends on a number of factors, including Azerbaijan's constructive approach.

Regarding the maps to be used in the demarcation and delimitation process, the Armenian Foreign Minister emphasized the importance for the Armenian side that the process is highly predictable, and its principles and foundations are documented in the peace treaty. At this stage, the inclusion of maps is being discussed as a manifestation of fixing the principle of demarcation, providing predictability for demarcation.

Iran's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, in turn, noted that Armenia is committed to achieving peace and is taking concrete steps in that direction.

"The day before yesterday, I had a telephone conversation with Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and noted that official Baku also welcomes the possibility of achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We are optimistic; positive sentiments can help solve the existing problems without external interventions, through the '3+3' format," said the Iranian Foreign Minister.

Lukashenko on integration prospects: Armenia will definitely be with us

Jalatian Sonya
SB.BY
Belarus – Dec 25 2023

When asked by journalists whether he was offended that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived to the EEU summit in St. Petersburg, but had not earlier visited the CSTO summit in Minsk, Belarus’ President Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “What's the difference? St. Petersburg, Minsk… These are different formats.”

The Head of State said that, even during his telephone conversation with Pashinyan before the Minsk summit, he knew that he would go to St. Petersburg, “When I was talking to him, I asked: ‘Will you go to St. Petersburg?’ He replied: ‘Well, this is a different format, an economic one. We feel aggrieved with the military-political one, the CSTO, but this will focus on the economy’. That's why I knew he would come to St. Petersburg. I supported him in that then, and I support him now. What kind of offense could it be?”

“Won't we lose Armenia?” journalists asked.

“Well, if Armenia wants to die economically, then we can lose it. However, I do not think that Armenians are stupid people. They are smart, and I am sure that Armenia will not go anywhere. Didn’t it see how people were dying in Afghanistan, how they were clinging to the chassis? Do you remember that when Americans were going away? They will use Armenia in the same way and go away. This will be the case, it is their [Americans’] politics. Armenians are smart, they understand that this is exactly what will happen. Who will help them there? France is trying to do something. You see what is happening in France; they should better settle everything domestically before interfering with the Caucasus. They cannot resolve all issues at home, and Armenians see this,” the Head of State said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko explained what the key of the politics is, “The events happening publicly are one side, and the other side is what is occurring outside this publicity. The main processes are taking place there. Due to these processes, Armenia will definitely be with us, since the most important direction of their development is here.”

  

CSTO Secretary General arrives in Armenia

Jalatian Sonya

 16:26, 21 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov has arrived in Armenia.

He is expected to have a meeting with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to brief him on the results of the bloc’s summit in Minsk, which Armenia did not attend.

Film featuring Armenian story shortlisted for 2024 Oscar

Jalatian Sonya

 10:16,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. The “The Last Repair Shop,” a short documentary from the Academy Award-nominated directing duo Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers, which features an Armenian character that is central to its story, has made the Oscar shortlist for Best Documentary Short Film, Asbarez reports. 

The film tells the story of four devoted craftspeople who help keep over 80,000 student musical instruments in good repair in the city of Los Angeles, led by the charming general manager, Steve Bagmanyan, who faced ethnic persecution in Azerbaijan in the 1980s. The film blends the unexpectedly intimate personal histories of the repair people with emotional, firsthand accounts from the actual student musicians for whom their instruments made all the difference.

Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers were both nominated for an Academy Award in 2021. Ben Proudfoot won an Academy Award in 2022.

“The Last Repair Shop” is available online on Los Angeles Times’ YouTube channel.

With one month to go until the nominations are unveiled for the 96th Oscars, the Academy has announced shortlists in 10 categories: Documentary Feature Film, Documentary Short Film, International Feature Film, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music (Original Score), Music (Original Song), Animated Short Film, Live Action Short Film, Sound, and Visual Effects.

Each shortlist is determined by members of that corresponding branch, except for International Feature Film and Live Action Short Film. (Members from all branches are invited to participate in the preliminary round of voting and must meet a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.)

The nominations for the 96th Oscars will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, while the Oscars ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.

[see video]

Armenian American Museum Kicks Off Second Phase of Construction With Structural Steel Fabrication

Jalatian Sonya
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

A Muhlhauser Steel, Inc. fabrication facility


GLENDALE—The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California has commenced the structural steel fabrication for the two-level 50,820 square foot museum building superstructure. The major announcement kicks off the second phase of construction for the historic project.

“We are excited to announce a major milestone with the commencement of the structural steel fabrication for the Armenian American Museum,” stated Executive Director Shant Sahakian. “Our vision for the cultural and educational center will be taking shape in the new year as the museum building superstructure is elevated to the horizon.”

Berdj Karapetian, Executive Chairman of the Armenian American Museum, addressing attendees at the museum construction site

The museum is a world-class cultural and educational center that is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The first phase of construction featuring the museum parking garage and building foundation has been completed. The second phase of construction features the two-level 50,820 square foot museum building superstructure. The structural steel delivery, erection, and installation is anticipated to commence in early 2024.

PNG Builders, the General Contractor for the museum project, contracted with Muhlhauser Steel as the structural steel subcontractor following a competitive bidding process. Muhlhauser Steel is based in Southern California and brings more than four decades of experience with commercial, industrial, educational, and entertainment facility projects.

The mission of the museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Archives Center, and more.

Visit the website to learn more about the museum project.

Closing chapter of conflicts in South Caucasus requires strong and sincere support from int’l community – FM

Jalatian Sonya

 15:58, 13 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Closing the chapter of conflicts and establishing dignified peace in the South Caucasus requires clear commitment of all neighboring countries and the international community’s strong and sincere support, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at a joint press conference with Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

“My last meeting with the Azerbaijani foreign minister took place on September 18 in New York during the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, except for a brief conversation in Brussels two days ago. Only three months have passed but significant developments have taken place in the region. In September we were discussing the issues of rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, issues of lifting the illegal blockade of Lachin Corridor, but the developments that took place a day after our meeting, the Azerbaijani attacks against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, significantly changed the picture in the region. Today there are almost no Armenians left in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the ethnic cleansing, and over 100,000 Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh have become refugees and found shelter in Armenia,” Mirzoyan said.

Mirzoyan said the Armenian government is taking effective steps to meet the needs of the forcibly displaced persons of NK.

He thanked the government of Estonia for providing support for the refugees.

“The opening of the Yerevan office of the Estonian Refugee Council, which will take place today, is very meaningful. We also appreciate the statements by representatives of the executive and legislative bodies of Estonia supporting our efforts in the direction of establishing peace and stability in the region,” Mirzoyan said.

Mirzoyan said that advancing the peace process is possible if Azerbaijan shows unequivocal commitment to the process and the principles of mutual recognition of borders, recognition of territorial integrity without ambiguities, as well as unblocking of regional transport connections based on the well-known principles.  “In this sense we attach importance to the Crossroads of Peace project developed by Armenia,” Mirzoyan said.

The FM said that the abovementioned principles have been supported by the entire international community, and are also reflected in the July statement made by Charles Michel, the President of the European Council.




"Crossroads of Peace" will not compete with logistics projects, but complement existing opportunities, says FM Mirzoyan

Jalatian Sonya

 12:56,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS.  Armenia, as a landlocked developing country that has had its western and eastern borders under land blockade for the past three decades, is interested in the opening of communications in the region in accordance with international norms and full respect for the sovereignty of countries.

 Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at the Ministerial Meeting of Landlocked Developing Countries being held in Yerevan.

 In his speech, Mirzoyan referred to the Crossroads of Peace project initiated by the Government of the Republic of Armenia aimed at connecting the North and the South, the East and the West, and strengthening the ties between people, thus contributing to the dialogue and the establishment of peace and stability in the region.

Mirzoyan emphasized that the Armenian Government is ready to continue efforts to restore regional communications and build new ones. In this regard, he noted the importance of the North-South project, which is a high priority strategic plan for Armenia.

"It will ensure not only a good connection between the northern and southern regions of Armenia, but also between the Persian Gulf and the Black Sea, becoming an important transit route between Western Asia and Eastern Europe.

The Foreign Minister stressed the readiness of Armenia to restore the Gyumri-Kars, Hrazdan-Kapan, Nrnadzor-Agarak, and Yeraskh-Nakhichevan border railways.

“The Crossroads of Peace” is not a competitor to other logistics projects, but is meant to complement them,” Mirzoyan concluded.

Armenia backs Azerbaijan to host COP29 climate conference

Jalatian Sonya
Reuters
Dec 7 2023
By Nailia Bagirova

December 7, 20238:39 PM GMT+2Updated 2 hours ago

BAKU, Dec 7 (Reuters) – Armenia agreed on Thursday not to block Azerbaijan's candidacy to host next year's COP29 U.N. climate conference as part of a series of mutual goodwill gestures intended to promote reconciliation between the estranged South Caucasus neighbours.

The move could not only resolve a problem hanging over the COP28 forum under way in Dubai but also point to greater trust between Yerevan and Baku after Azerbaijan in September seized the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region from the ethnic Armenians who had controlled it.

A joint statement from both administrations said Azerbaijan would release 32 captured Armenian service members and Armenia would free two Azerbaijani soldiers.

“The two countries reconfirm their intention to normalise relations and to reach a peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity," it said.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at odds for more than three decades over Nagorno-Karabakh, which had freed itself from Baku's control in a bloody ethnic conflict that accompanied the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, surviving with financial, military and diplomatic support from Yerevan.

When Azerbaijani forces mounted their lightning offensive, which prompted almost all Karabakh's population of around 120,000 to flee to Armenia, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resisted domestic pressure to intervene.

He had already verbally recognised the territory as part of Azerbaijan, in line with international practice, even as repeated attempts at peace talks, often with international support, led nowhere and border skirmishes erupted regularly.

Faced in September with a militarily stronger opponent and with a seemingly indifferent ally in Russia, he said his country needed peace more than anything to secure its sovereignty and prosperity.

"The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan share the view that there is a historic chance to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region," the joint statement said. "An agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between two countries."

The neighbours said discussions would continue on implementing more confidence-building measures.

Azerbaijan, which had on Wednesday received U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien, said it was prepared to accept an offer by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to host talks between the countries' foreign ministers in Washington.

Reporting by Nailia Bagirova; Writing by Kevin Liffey; Editing by Mark Heinrich and Lisa Shumaker

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/armenia-backs-azerbaijan-host-cop29-climate-conference-2023-12-07/

France Could Supply 26 More Bastion Personnel Carriers To Armenian Army

Jalatian Sonya
Dec 5 2023
 December 5, 2023 

By PanARMENIAN

France has supplied Armenia with 24 Bastion armored personnel carriers, and another 26 to be shipped to Armenia are under production, a report published on the French Senate reveals, according to Sputnik Armenia.

The document says that Yerevan recently placed an order for three GM200 3D air surveillance radars developed by Thales, and negotiations are also underway on the supply of MISTRAL 3 anti-aircraft missile systems to the country.

Earlier, photographs of French armored vehicles heading through Georgian territory to Armenia surfaced on social networks and Telegram channels.

The Armenian Ministry of Defense has yet to comment on reports of the supply of French armored vehicles.

Back in October 2023, the Ministers of Defense of Armenia and France signed agreements on the supply of weapons to Armenia.