Author: Janet Ekmekjian

COVID-19: Armenia reports 995 new cases, 1047 recoveries in one day

Janet Ekmekjian

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 11:05,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 12, ARMENPRESS. 995 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Armenia in the past one day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 147,312, the ministry of healthcare said today.

1047 more patients have recovered in one day. The total number of recoveries has reached 124,521.

2846 tests were conducted in the past one day.

17 more patients have died, raising the death toll to 2462.

The number of active cases is 19,714.

The number of patients who had coronavirus but died from other disease has reached 615 (2 new such cases).

Reporting by Lilit Demuryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenia’s defense minister departs for Russia on working visit

Janet Ekmekjian

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 17:00,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s delegation led by Minister of Defense Vagharshak Harutyunyan has departed for Russia on a working visit on December 12, the ministry told Armenpress.

During the visit the minister is scheduled to meet with Russian Defense Minister, Army General Sergei Shoigu and other top officials.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

An open letter to Armenia from a Romanian

Janet Ekmekjian
Greek City Times
Dec 9 2020
by GUEST BLOGGER
0

Armenia, I know your sorrow and your bravery. You fought for your ancestral land, for a righteous cause, and still the drums of victory and dances are heard on the side of those that are unfair and willful. Such tragic events often take place in human history.

As a Romanian, I know this better than most Europeans: my family had to leave their possessions from Macedonia due to Turkish oppression hundreds of years ago.

On another line of the family, we lost everything when the Bolsheviks took over our mansion and lands from Khotyn (in the historic Romanian region of Northern Bukovina) at the end of World War II.

I am thus sympathetic to the Armenian people, and pray for those that fought for their homeland and for their Orthodox faith and fell.

The conflict was asymmetric and the main disadvantage of Armenia was a lack of anti-UAV (Unmanned aerial vehicle) defense system, combined with a désuète military doctrine.

However, at individual level, it was evident that the character and training of the Armenian forces was superior to that of its opponents.

Right now the priority is to make measures in order to prevent further indirect or direct aggression from Turkey in the Caucasus and Balkan regions.

From my perspective, developing low-cost anti-UAV systems in Armenia (and Romania and Greece) is essential towards this purpose.

Autonomous systems and robotic drones technology can be made low cost, and with enough creativity, Armenia is able to develop its first medium range surveillance unmanned systems, anti-UAV UCAV (Unmanned aerial vehicle) and solid-propellant missiles in approximately one year, if a focused effort is made.

As I see the situation, Turkey would have an interest to create further political turmoil in both Armenia and the Balkans in order to distract people’s attention from the essential matters: it is up to the people to individually support and contribute to such a national effort.

This effort would require opening application-focused research projects at the National Polytechnic Institute of Armenia, the Yerevan University and other institutions. Hardware development would be done in research facilities distributed across the country.

Such facilities would be distributed across the country in the form of makerspaces with CNC machines and electronics laboratories.

These statements may surprise you, but I have to remind you that the beginnings of the Turkish UAV industry started with an MIT student drop-out, Selçuk Bayraktar, about ten years ago.

After obtaining support from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan a few years ago, Baykar was able to produce multiple high tech UCAV and they started an extended STEM program in Turkey in order to train the next generation of engineers, scientists and military personnel.


Such measures can be also taken in the Balkans and Armenia, in order to be able to produce the technology that allows us to protect our national sovereignty.

Those that observed the political movements of the last years have seen an alarming increase in Turkey’s military spending and many aggressive moves, such as starting conflicts in the Aegean with the Greeks, illegally extracting natural gas from Romania’s maritime space, bringing war criminals and terrorists into the Nagorno-Karabakh region and many others.

From a geopolitical and geostrategic point of view, Turkey has a neo-Ottoman agenda, which includes eliminating competent elites (STEM, military, political) in the Balkans through the use of their Turkish-speaking private schools.

Moreover Turkey is evolving on a line in which it seems more probable to exit (or be excluded from) NATO and try to extend its control over the Black Sea (due to economic reasons, such as the Silk Road presence).

As a Romanian, I know that it is imperative that we act before it’s too late. The sleep of reason produces monsters.

The views of the author do not necessarily reflect those of Greek City Times.

Codrin Paul Oneci is a Romanian student studying aerospace engineering and physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).





Turkey Must Withdraw Troops, Mercenaries from Karabakh, Says Armenia’s Foreign Minister

Janet Ekmekjian

December 7,  2020



Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ara Aivazyan with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Dec. 7

Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ara Aivazyan said that it was imperative for Turkey to withdraw its troops, as well as the mercenaries it has deployed out of Karabakh.

“Turkey, as the main instigator and supporter of the Azerbaijani aggression against the people of Artsakh today as well continues advancing a destructive policy for the region,” said Ayvazyan during a joint press conference Monday in Moscow with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

“This obliges the international community to take all possible steps to force Turkey to refrain from any activities which could further escalate tensions. Turkey should withdraw the staff of its armed forces and the armed terrorist groups from the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone and the South Caucasus in general,” added Aivazyan.

Armenia’s foreign minister, who is on his first visit to Moscow since assuming the post last month added that there are no significant signs of Turkey making any effort to withdraw the foreign armed terrorists.

“Quite the contrary, there are confirmed reports that Azerbaijan is planning to expand the geography of spreading armed terrorists and mercenaries and populate the occupied regions of Artsakh with them,” Aivazyan warned.

Aivazyan and Lavorv both emphasized the need for the quick exchange of prisoners of war and return of the remains of soldiers from the Artsakh war, which is one of the provisions of the November 9 declaration that ended the military actions in Karabakh. 

“The exchange of captives is a very important issue,” Lavrov said during his meeting Aivazyan. “We will try to mediate through our peacekeepers to complete the process as soon as possible. We know that this a very difficult matter for the families and relatives of those who are held captive, as well as the issue of the exchange of the remains of the victims, which should also be resolved.”

Aivazyan said that exchange of captives is more crucial given evidence coming to light of the inhumane treatment of Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijani soldiers.

“Certainly, the issue of the search for the servicemen missing in action, the exchange of captives and the remains of victims is a very sensitive issue and requires speedy solution,” said Aivazyan, emphasizing the barbaric acts being committed against Armenians by Azerbaijan.

The Armenian foreign minister also highlighted the need to preserve Armenian religious and cultural sites, which have already been destroyed or vandalized by Azerbaijani forces after territories were surrendered to Baku.

During the joint press conference, Lavrov discuss the establishment of the humanitarian response center.

“This is President Putin’s initiative. We have proposed to make this center an international one, with the participation of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Now the practical issues of this initiative are under discussion. Numerous Russian ministries and agencies will participate in its realization,” Lavrov said.

The Russian foreign ministers set forth preconditions for transforming the South Caucasus from what he called a conflict zone to a region of stability and prosperity.

“I would like to highlight the importance of the joint statement signed by the Prime Minister of Armenia, the President of Russia and the Azerbaijani President which stopped the war, ensured agreements which enable the refugees to return to their homes, unblock all economic and transportation routes. We can turn the South Caucasus from a region of conflicts into a region of stability and prosperity for all nations in the region. We will assist with all means in this process,” Lavrov said.

The process of restoring the economy, infrastructure, health systems and life support would contribute to the establishment of good-neighborly relations between Armenians and Azerbaijanis both in the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and in the interstate plan, he added.

“This would contribute to the formation of an atmosphere of trust and cooperation in the region for the benefit of all the people living there and the countries located there. We are convinced that representatives of various nationalities, religions should live in peace and security wherever they are. And the South Caucasus deserves just such an approach,” Lavrov said.

San Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy, recognizes the Armenian Genocide

Janet Ekmekjian
Public Radio of Armenia
Dec 4 2020

The Municipality of San Giorgio di Nogaro, Italy, has recognized the genocide of the Armenian people perpetrated in the years 1915-1916, the Council of the Armenian community of Rome reports.

With a resolution presented by Councilor Fabio Fiorin and voted unanimously by those present, the Municipality of San Giorgio di Nogaro formally recognized the historical truth of the Armenian genocide “on the basis of the resolutions already adopted by the UN, the European Parliament, the House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States of America and by the Parliament of the Italian Republic itself.”

With this pronouncement the name of the Municipality of San Giorgio di Nogaro joins the more than 140 Italian communities that have recognized the Genocide.

The Council for the Armenian community of Rome welcomes the news of the recognition and expresses its gratitude to the Municipal Council of San Giorgio di Nogaro for having chosen to be on the side of universal values such as truth and justice and express solidarity with the Armenian people particularly at this challenging moment in its history.

On 25 November 2020 the Council adopted another resolution which recognized the independence of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).

TURKISH press: Best road map for post-Karabakh war process

Janet Ekmekjian
 OP-ED 
DEC 05, 2020 12:05 AM GMT+3
An Azerbaijani soldier stands guard at a checkpoint on a road entering Fuzuli province, Azerbaijan, Dec. 2, 2020. (AFP Photo)

The second Karabakh war is over, and peace has come. But peace is not just an absence of war; it also should involve a settlement that makes future war no longer necessary or desirable. In the search for a functional settlement in Karabakh, it might be worth examining the political structures which were established in Northern Ireland in 1998 to accommodate diverse interests and make reconciliation possible between two divided communities.

After a 28-year conflict in the north of Ireland, a peace agreement was signed, known as the Good Friday Agreement of 1998. Despite some difficult moments, it has stood the test of time. There are a number of elements within it that might be appropriate to apply to the Karabakh conflict to assist the development of long-term peace and stability.

What we have in Karabakh, like in Northern Ireland, is a conflict between two nationalities. Finding an accommodation between what are effectively two nations sharing the same territory involves discovering a way these historic peoples can share this land in peaceful coexistence. The previous Armenian regime attempted to solve the nationalities issue by removing one of them entirely. It failed, and nothing of the sort should be attempted again.

For the next five years, at least, the Armenian population of two-thirds of the former Nagorno-Karabakh will be isolated from their Azerbaijani neighbors. It would be very unfortunate if they remain a ringed-off homogeneous enclave within the Azerbaijani state, guarded by Russian forces. That would maintain a “siege mentality” which would certainly not be conducive to the building of future good relations between the two peoples of Karabakh, or between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The lessons of Northern Ireland suggest there needs to be development of mutual trust and interest within Karabakh itself, as well as between Armenia and Azerbaijan to address the totality of relations in the conflict. So how can this be done?

The settlement in the north of Ireland was built from strands that addressed all the crucial relationships. First, there was an internal arrangement that involved the establishment of an inclusive power-sharing government with powers over local aspects like the economy, education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and policing. This government was a mandatory coalition including ministers from each community and headed by two joint first ministers. Applied to Karabakh, this would provide for a cabinet made up of equal numbers of Armenians and Azerbaijanis, sharing executive authority.

A local legislative assembly made of representatives from both communities, elected on a proportional basis, also makes up the consociational structures in Northern Ireland which could be a model for Karabakh. This would facilitate power-sharing in which the two peoples are required to engage with one another on an equal basis, with veto power safeguards provided to each in legislative affairs, to protect the rights and interests of all. Statutory measures to ensure cultural and economic equality would be an important aspect of this.

A question will undoubtedly emerge about what the size and population composition of a new Karabakh might be. It should not be the territory of the old Soviet-imposed Nagorno-Karabakh. It would be better to form an autonomous region out of a roughly equal populace of Armenians and Azerbaijanis sharing the same local issues. That removes a potential minority problem faced by one of the communities.

Policing and justice acceptable to both peoples could be provided, as in Northern Ireland, through 50/50 recruitment to a local police force. It would have a distinct uniform and be unarmed. The decommissioning of all private arms would be insisted upon and carried out by the peacekeeping forces. Only state forces and any remaining peacekeepers would carry weapons.

As in the Good Friday Agreement, the wider relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan could be provided for through an intergovernmental council in which the respective foreign and other relevant ministers would work together, consulting and cooperating in the mutual interest.

Issues like regional energy security, the development of infrastructure projects, economic resources and tourism would be discussed and collaborated on. The aim would be to build on the development of the totality of relationships between Armenians and Azerbaijanis in a harmonious and mutually beneficial way. It might even be desirable to establish an adjunct to such a council involving representation from Georgia to build a wider governmental structure for the region on the lines of the old Transcaucasian model.

This process would be important for Armenia, in particular. Due to the occupation, Armenia has been isolated from the rest of the region for three decades. Azerbaijan already has gained the benefits of being a corridor of east-west and north-south trade and transport links. Armenia could now be integrated into the wider economic sphere, as well as the energy supply routes that have, of necessity, bypassed the country which helped develop Azerbaijan into a prosperous country. Armenia, given a new dispensation, could develop in such a way that its population increases and its large number of migrant workers return home to their families.

All these relations, at executive and legislative levels, internally and regionally, would help build good relations and interdependence among peoples and states formerly in conflict. Confidence in each other would develop, and barriers and stereotypes would be broken down. The dissensions of the past could be replaced by the development of fraternal relations in the longer term.

In the short term, the supervisory powers of Russia and Turkey would have a vital role to play. These powers, working closely together, would provide for regional security and stability. All would be locked into a common purpose for the betterment of all. The potential of this vital geostrategic region at the heart of Eurasia could be fulfilled, bringing about the reconstruction of Karabakh and the enrichment of its people.

There will, of course, be problems on the road to peace and reconciliation, some of which may threaten the very existence of such a project. However, an imperfect peace will always be preferable to the most perfect war.

*Irish historian, political analyst, author of "Great Britain against Russia in the Caucasus: Ottoman Turks, Armenians and Azerbaijanis caught up in geopolitics, war and revolution"

Ishkhan Saghatelyan: We are not electing a king or a savior, but an adequate person

Janet Ekmekjian
Panorama, Armenia

Dec 5 2020

"If we had remove Nikol Pashinyan from office six months ago, there wouldn't be a war. If we had removed Pashinyan in the first days of the war, victory would be the outcome of the war," Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Supreme Body representative Ishkhan Saghatelyan stated at Liberty Square during the rally organised by the Salvation Front for Motherland.

In Saghatelyan's words, Armenia would be in more advantageous position if Pashinyan had been removed even on the day of signing the humiliating document. "Every day of Pashinyan's rule is a disaster for our people and country," said the ARFD representative.

Saghatelyan went on stating that with Nikol Pashinyan's removal, stability and solidarity will be established in the country, the the state interests and the people will be defended, the humanitarian crisis as well as social and economic collapse will be prevented, providing an opportunity to hold free and fair elections.

"A leader kneeled in front of Turks, a failed leader, surrendered to Turks,  can not defend the interests of our people," Saghatelyan stressed, adding Pashinyan may seek a way out of the ongoing crisis through organizing snap elections, while  clinged on power, he will falsify the results.

"Let us state that no option is acceptable for us. There is one way out and that is for Nikol to go," said Saghatelyan.

Speaking of Vazgen Manukyan, the united opposition's candidate for the post of the prime minister, Saghatelyan pointed to the latter's experience and capability to bring solidarity and peace.

"Over the past 30 years, two cases of consolidation of opposition forces took place in Armenia. The first was in 1996 and the second is now. In both episodes, the consolidation took place around Vazgen Manukyan. We are not electing a leader, a king or a savior for us, but an adequate person, an interim government responsible for crisis prevention and capable to overcome the challenges our country faces," said the ARFD member.



Armenian opposition to hold protests over recent ceasefire with Azerbaijan

Janet Ekmekjian
Dec 4 2020
  • In Daily Brief
  • December 5, 2020
  • Chris Thomson

Armenian opposition parties will hold protests in the capital Yerevan today.

These protests mark a continuation of the demonstrations that began on November 10 over the signing of a ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which brought a formal end to hostilities over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region. Yerevan seized control of the Armenian-majority territory in 1994 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but Nagorno-Karabakh has remained internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. The recent fighting brought much of the territory firmly back into Azerbaijan’s hands.

Today’s demonstrations come after the Armenian government partially lifted martial law. Protesters are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who signed the Russia-brokered ceasefire with his Azeri counterpart Ilham Aliyev, which ceded substantial territory within Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan. The protests have labelled Pashinyan a traitor for the ceasefire and demand that it be declared void. If protests continue, it is likely that Pashinyan will be removed from power. Though the Armenian parliament is largely composed of his supporters, Pashinyan himself was brought to power following a wave of popular protests in 2018.

If Pashinyan is ousted, the new Armenian government will likely violate the current ceasefire and resume hostilities with Baku. In this scenario, greater international influence is likely. Turkey, which backs Baku, stated that Armenia would “pay the price” if it broke the ceasefire.

Wake up smarter with an assessment of the stories that will make headlines in the next 24 hours. Download The Daily Brief.

NAASR raises over $314K for Armenia Fund

Janet Ekmekjian
Wicked Local, MA
Dec 3 2020
Community Content  |  Wicked Local

The National Association for Armenian Studies and Research recently raised $314,625 for the Armenia Fund to address the need for humanitarian and educational relief in Artsakh and Armenia arising from the devastation of the war launched on Sept. 27. 

NAASR reached this total through a matching campaign from the NAASR board of directors. 

“NAASR board members responded immediately to the urgent humanitarian crisis and pledged generously,” said Yervant Chekijian, chairman of NAASR’s board of directors. “The board’s commitment meant people could double the impact of their donations.”

The funds are designated for educational humanitarian relief in line with NAASR’s educational mission. The community response to the matching campaign was overwhelming. 

“We are extremely grateful to the many people who responded right away with very generous donations,” said Judith Saryan, NAASR treasurer. 

The campaign ran through Nov. 20.

NAASR is a nonprofit organization located in Belmont whose mission is to advance Armenian studies and build community worldwide. 

For information, contact NAASR Executive Director Sarah Ignatius at 617-489-1610.

2020-12-03T16:54:02Z


​Azerbaijan intends to involve Armenia POWs in parade, Armenia president sends letter to Putin

Janet Ekmekjian
News.am, Armenia
Nov 30 2020
 
 
 
Azerbaijan intends to involve Armenia POWs in parade, Armenia president sends letter to Putin
20:00, 30.11.2020
 
 
Armenian News – NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related top news as of 30.11.2020:
 
•             Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian has addressed a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the matter of returning the Armenian POWs and detainees on the Azerbaijani.
 
According to the letter, the Armenian society and diaspora are deeply concerned about the situation regarding these Armenian soldiers and civilians in Azerbaijani captivity.
 
The Russian President's respective mediation will provide great assistance to the issue of returning these Armenian military and civilians captured by Azerbaijan, as well as the bodies of the Armenian casualties, the letter added.
 
Meanwhile, Artsakh President Arayik Haroutyunyan noted that over 600 bodies have been retrieved from the conflict zone.
 
•             Armenia PM Nikol Pashinyan has provided details on ex-Presidents Robert Kocharyan, and Levon Ter-Petrosyan's non-implemented Moscow visit.
 
According to him, on October 20, the second and third presidents of Artsakh, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan proposed to arrange a meeting of the current and former leaders of Armenia and Artsakh.
 
The PM added that later Ter-Petrosyan and Kocharyan had an intention to go to Moscow and have high-level meetings there, and thus their meeting will be organized after their return.
 
The PM reportedly offered to arrange Ter-Petrosyan and Kocharyan’s ceremonial visit to Moscow as retired presidents, however, Bako Sahakyan said the ex-presidents have already had agreements in Moscow, and the only issue is R. Kocharyan's passport, which is in court.
 
"The court returned Kocharyan's passport, but Ter-Petrosyan and Kocharyan did not head for Moscow," Pashinyan added.
 
Kocharyan's office, responding to Pashinyan's FB post, noted that 'lying and falsification are inseparable from Nikol.'
 
Armenia's first president Ter-Petrosyan's spokesman, in turn, noted that he considers it meaningless 'to reflect on the nation-destroying scourge’s mental anguish.'
 
•             Nikol Pashinyan's visit to Russia has been canceled because the Prime Minister of Armenia could not get an opportunity for a high-level meeting from the Russian leadership, Mediaport Telegram channel reported.
 
All attempts by Armenia to set up a Pashinyan-Putin bilateral meeting have failed, and the head of the Prime Minister's protocol has been recalled to Yerevan.
 
However, there is no official information in this regard yet.
 
•             PM Pashinyan had arranged a meeting Monday with the Supreme Judicial Council staff, as well as the courts’ presidents, including the presidents of criminal courts, of the country. The very fact testifies to the fact that the authorities are trying to ensure control over the courts in the course of repressions against the opposition.
 
According to PM's press office, during the meeting, Pashinyan noted there is a growing public demand for the state bodies and institutions of Armenia to work clearly. "In this case, it refers especially to the law enforcement system, the protection of the rule of law," he noted.
 
Summing up the meeting, PM noted that every citizen in Armenia, regardless of his position, should feel fully protected.
 
•             In the meantime, heated discussions are taking place after receiving information that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev intends to display Armenian POWs and military equipment during a parade in Baku.
 
Naira Zohrabyan, chair of the standing committee on protection of human rights told reporters that she had sent an official letter to the PACE leadership, the UN Secretary-General, the Council of Europe Commission for the Prevention of Torture, and to virtually all international organizations.
 
•             The relatives of the servicemen who are currently serving in Artsakh were once again protesting in front of the main building of the Armenian government.
 
They demand the return of their sons to Armenia.
 
•             TV star Kim Kardashian continues to support the homeland during the difficult days for Armenia and Artsakh.
 
"Initiated by UCLA and UC Berkeley HRI chapters, "Holiday Backpacks for Artsakh," aims to bring holiday cheer to the children displaced by the war in Artsakh. Pack a backpack with toys, school and art supplies, personal care items, clothing and accessories, a personal note, and more, and gift it to a child displaced by the war in Artsakh. The backpacks will be distributed to students at Project Hope centers," Kim wrote.