Author: Jhanna Virabian

Secretary of Security Council meets with EU delegation

Jhanna Virabian

 16:15, 28 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 28, ARMENPRESS. Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, has met with members of the Joint Delegation of the European External Action Service and the European Commission Directorates-General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Migration and Home Affairs, Research and Innovation and International Partnerships.

The sides discussed prospects and directions of Armenia-EU bilateral cooperation in the security sector, Grigoryan’s office said in a readout. In this context, Secretary Grigoryan highlighted the activities of the EU monitoring mission (EUMA) as a good example of Armenia-EU cooperation, and the Armenia-EU partnership within the framework of the European Peace Facility as a promising direction of cooperation.

Grigoryan also underscored the ongoing military reforms in Armenia aimed at democratic supervision and attached importance to it as part of Armenia-EU bilateral cooperation.

Kidnapped Nagorno-Karabakh man files appeal against unlawful 15-year prison sentence in Azerbaijan

Jhanna Virabian

 15:22,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Vagif Khachatryan, an elderly ethnic Armenian man from Nagorno-Karabakh who was kidnapped by Azeri border guards during his ICRC-mediated medical evacuation on July 29 and later sentenced to 15 years in prison in Azerbaijan on fabricated war crime charges, has appealed the verdict to a court of appeals, his lawyer told Azeri media.

Azeri authorities pressed fabricated charges against Khachatryan and jailed him in Baku.   

The Armenian foreign ministry earlier said that the arrest of the Red Cross-protected patient from Nagorno-Karabakh amounts to war crime.

Prominent lawyer Siranush Sahakyan said that the kidnapping constitutes extraordinary rendition in terms of international law and a due process is therefore ruled out.

The kidnapped man’s daughter, in a plea to the UN to ensure the safe release of her father, said that all charges pressed by the Azeri prosecution are fabricated and her father is innocent.

Khachatryan’s testimony in court was even by an Azeri translator earlier in October.



https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1125016.html?fbclid=IwAR3t5rGE0v18J6aWE7C6Su12o2fS1AiFy0Ea72ecS4oiDSh_lUd4_ugR2HE

Opinion: Location, location, location! Or maybe not!

Jhanna Virabian
Nov 23 2023
By Benyamin Poghosyan

It may appear that the primary obstacle to the signature of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan is the different views of the sides on where to resume and finalize the process. Armenia wants to do that in Western platforms, while Azerbaijan wants to return to the Russian platform, use the 3+2 format, or have direct negotiations without any mediators. In this op-ed for  Benyamin Poghosyan says that "in reality, the roots of the current situation are more profound than simple geopolitical choices of venue."

The military takeover of the self–proclaimed Nagorno Karabakh Republic by Azerbaijan has raised hopes that it may facilitate the signature of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The logic behind this thinking was clear – the future of Nagorno Karabakh, and the fate of the Armenians living were the primary obstacles on the road toward peace. As all Armenians were forced to leave the region, and NKR de facto president Samvel Shahrmanyan signed a decree about the dissolution of the republic by the end of 2023, it seemed that the stage was set for quick signature of the Armenia – Azerbaijan peace treaty, and then a push forward in the Armenia – Turkey normalization process.

However, the reality appears to be different. Instead of fostering peace negotiations, the military takeover of Nagorno Karabakh resulted in an impasse in the process. Azerbaijan rejected to participate in the meeting in Granada, on the margins of the third European Political Community summit, arguing that the EU, France, and Germany had pro-Armenian views and, thus, could not be neutral facilitators. Baku indicated it was ready to resume negotiations in the "original Brussels format" by the end of October but also canceled that meeting. In mid-November, Azerbaijan rejected a US invitation to organize negotiations between Armenian and Azerbaijani ministers of foreign affairs in Washington, this time accusing the United States of having pro-Armenian sentiments. Simultaneously, Azerbaijan started to speak about the dangers of non–regional actors (the US, the EU, France, and others) involvement in the South Caucasus geopolitics, calling for settling the issues by the regional powers, using either Russian platform or 3+2 format. Baku also started to circulate the idea of having direct Armenia – Azerbaijan negotiations without any mediators, either in Georgia or near the Armenia – Azerbaijan border.

Meanwhile, Armenia continued to state that Yerevan was ready to immediately resume negotiations either in Brussels or in Washington and sign a peace treaty with Azerbaijan based on so-called "Granada principles," referring to the statement adopted in Granada by Armenia, France, Germany, and the EU. Simultaneously, Armenian officials argued that they did not hear about any Russian offer to resume negotiations in Moscow, despite several Russian officials recently reiterating Russia's readiness to host Armenia – Azerbaijan negotiations and a peace treaty signing ceremony.

It may appear that the primary obstacle to the signature of the peace treaty is the different views of the sides on where to resume and finalize the process. Armenia wants to do that in Western platforms, while Azerbaijan wants to return to the Russian platform, use the 3+2 format, or have direct negotiations without any mediators. This situation looks weird, given that Armenia is still an ally of Russia, while Azerbaijan has a strategic economic partnership with the West. However, in reality, the roots of the current situation are more profound than simple geopolitical choices of venue.

Azerbaijan was interested in signing the peace agreement with Armenia "to close the Karabakh chapter" and to have a legal document where Armenia has recognized Nagorno Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, thus preventing any future possibilities for Nagorno Karabakh Armenians to strive for autonomy or independence. However, after closing the Karabakh chapter by force, Azerbaijan lost its interest in the quick signature of a peace agreement. Now, the peace agreement should close the Armenia – Azerbaijan chapter, and Azerbaijan has no reason to hurry. Meanwhile, Armenia and Azerbaijan still have significant disagreements on some issues, and from the Azerbaijani perspective, a peace agreement can be signed only after solving them.

The list is quite long and includes issues related to enclaves, the special guarantees for Azerbaijanis who will pass via Armenia to reach Nakhijevan and Turkey, the problem of so-called "Western Azerbaijan," and the "guarantors mechanism." Azerbaijan not only wants to receive back so-called enclaves – several small villages inside Armenia, which are located on strategic highways connecting Armenia with Iran and Georgia, but apparently would like to have land access to them to end their enclave status. While recognizing Armenian sovereignty over Syunik, Azerbaijan argues that Armenia is not able to ensure the safety of Azerbaijani citizens and cargo that will pass Syunik to reach Nakhijevan and Turkey. There is a lack of clarity on what Azerbaijan wants, but Baku would probably like to see Russian or other third-country involvement. Baku demands that hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis should have the right to return to Armenia, while the Armenian government should guarantee their safety and rights. Furthermore, Azerbaijan is unhappy with the Armenian suggestion to include the dispute-solving mechanism and the "institute of guarantors" in the agreement, arguing that guarantors have their regional geopolitical interests and may exploit their status to achieve their narrow goals.

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All these issues are very sensitive for Armenia and the Armenian government. It is challenging to believe that Armenia would agree to give to Azerbaijan not only enclaves but also additional lands to ensure Azerbaijani access to them. The Armenian government often reiterated that any involvement of third countries in overseeing the communications passing via Armenia is unacceptable. It believes that Azerbaijan created the concept of 'Western Azerbaijan" to prepare the ground for new attacks against Armenia. And finally, Armenia believes that the dispute-solving mechanism and "the institute of guarantors" are necessary to ensure that Azerbaijan will not violate the peace agreement as it violated the November 10, 2020, trilateral statement.

Thus, we currently have a situation where Armenia and Azerbaijan have differing views on the venue to resume the negotiations and the venue to sign the peace agreement, and they do not agree on some significant topics in the peace agreement. The peace process may stagnate in current circumstances, increasing the risk of limited or even large-scale military escalations as soon as Spring 2024. Perhaps the only way to avoid this scenario could be to intensify efforts by all mediators – Russia and the West – to bring back sides to the negotiation table.   

 

https://www./opinion/opinion-location-location-location-or-maybe-not 

Normalization with Türkiye is highly important for regional peace and development, says Armenian PM

Jhanna Virabian

 17:03,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hopes that the agreement with Türkiye on opening the land border for diplomatic passport holders and citizens of third countries will soon be realized.

“We are in dialogue with Türkiye. At least in the past we didn’t have such active dialogue, although we still don’t have any success in terms of establishing diplomatic relations,” Pashinyan said at the OSCE PA Autumn Meeting in Yerevan.

“But the normalization of Armenia’s relations with Türkiye is a highly important factor for the strategic vision of a peaceful, developing and safe environment of our region, South Caucasus. We hope to soon hear the news about the opening of the Armenia-Türkiye border for citizens of third countries and diplomatic passport holders, and this will be a very meaningful step,” Pashinyan said.

Asbarez: Investor Storms Jerusalem Patriarchate Garden in Defiance of Real Estate Deal Cancelation

Jhanna Virabian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 November 6, 2023

 

in Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

Israelis affiliated with a real estate venture storm Jerusalem Patriachate


The investor who sought to lease 25 percent of the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem has ignored a letter by the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem cancelling the controversial real estate deal and has started demolition, the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem warned Monday.

The Jerusalem Patriarchate announced last week that it was canceling the deal after fallout from the community, as well as a warning from the governments of Jordan and Palestine, who legally have control over the Armenian Quarter.

The Patriarchate said on Monday that the investor did not provide a legal response to the Patriarchate’s letter from last week and instead began demolishing walls and a parking lot adjacent to the property, the Patriarchate Chancellery said in a statement.

Jerusalem religious leaders stand firm on the grounds of the Patriarchate building

“Yesterday they even brought security guards armed with high powered rifles and tactically trained dogs demanding an evacuation of Armenians from the parking lot. As a reaction to this, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, members of the St. James Brotherhood, and members of the Armenian community, gathered in the Armenian Gardens and peacefully expressed their discontent. After a few hours, the two sides agreed to disperse until the Patriarchate receives an answer to their sent cancellation letter,” the Chancellery added.

At around 3 p.m. local time on Sunday afternoon, a group of Israeli extremist settlers entered the Armenian Quarter’s park, known as the Cow’s Pasture, where the Armenian community members had gathered to prevent further illegal demolition of the interior walls, the Save the ArQ Movement reported.

Danny Rothman and George Warwar, representatives of Xana Capital, backed with about 15 armed settlers and attack dogs, demanded the expulsion of Armenians, calling it their land. Warwar threatened the community, exclaiming that he’ll “get them one by one.” The settlers were also active, announcing that the Armenians are all “Goys [foreigners] and when the Messiah comes, [they] will all die.”

The Armenian community refused to back down and stood firmly on the rightfully owned property.

The Save the ArQ Movement community leaders, Hagop Djernazian and Setrag Balian, and the legal team, led by international lawyer Karnig Kerkonian, convened an emergency meeting and a member of the team, Eitan Peleg, arrived on scene to negotiate the stand down.

Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Archbishop Nourhan Manougian also arrived on the scene and stood side by side with the Armenian community of Jerusalem, along with priests and bishops. The community stood strong, with 200 members in unity to prevent the takeover and to save the Armenian Quarter.

Last week the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem announced that a letter was sent on October 26 to Xana Gardens Ltd. whereby the Patriarchate informed Xana Gardens of the cancellation of the agreement signed in August 2021 regarding the Armenian Gardens in the Old City, Jerusalem.

The Yerevan-based Tatoyan Foundation, established by Armenia’s former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, has been involved in the issue and together with the U.S.-based Kerkonian-Dajani law firm, attorney Garo Ghazarian and the Center for Law and Justice contacted community leaders and began monitoring the situation to quell any unrest.

In June, a group of attorneys and advisers led by the Kerkonian-Dajani firm headed a fact-finding mission, in which the Tatoyan Foundation and the Center for Law and Justice also participated.

Before that mission, alerts were received from the Armenian community in Jerusalem that a hotel and entertainment facility would be built in the Armenian grounds known as “Cows’ Garden,” and the residents who historically live in the area of the St. James Armenian Monastery would be evicted from the adjacent neighborhoods. Further, they found that the museum of the Armenian neighborhood would also be seriously threatened and the cemetery would be displaced.

Based on the evidence gathered during the fact-funding mission, the legal team prepared a 184-page report that included substantial evidence which formed the basis for the first in a series of legal remedies initiated, and more to be pursued in due course, the Tatoyan foundation reported.

Armenia rejects Russia’s claims to participate in meeting on Ukrainian Peace Formula

Jhanna Virabian
y! news
Nov 4 2023
Ukrainska Pravda

Paruyr Hovhannisian, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, commented on Russia's dissatisfaction with Yerevan's participation in the Ukrainian Peace Formula summit in Malta.

Source: European Pravda with reference to News.am

Details: Hovhannisian said the Russian Federation incorrectly qualified the meeting in Malta between Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, and Andrii Yermak, Head of the Ukrainian President's Office.

Quote: "This platform is a platform for secretaries of security councils. I wouldn’t say that it was devoted to the issue of Ukraine, there was a broader agenda. I think that this description does not correspond to reality."

Background:

  • Maria Zakharova, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, said that Moscow considers Armenia's participation in the summit on the Ukrainian Peace Formula in Malta to be a "demonstrative anti-Russian gesture".

  • The third meeting on the Ukrainian Peace Formula in Malta, which occurred on 28-29 October, focused on questions of nuclear, food and energy security, as well as the release of prisoners and deportees and the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine.

  • The meeting was attended personally or remotely by representatives of 66 countries – over 20 more than in the previous meeting in Saudi Arabia. Armenia took part in the meeting for the first time. However, China did not participate.

  • In September of this year, Armenia handed over humanitarian aid to Ukraine for the first time – it was brought during the visit of Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenia Prime Minister's wife.

  • Subsequently, Pashinyan and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for the first time on the sidelines of the European political community summit in Granada in early October.



Why does Israel still dominate the news and not Nagorno-Karabakh?

Jhanna Virabian
Nov 1 2023

01-11-2023

Opinion

Evert van Vlastuin, CNE.news

The Israeli representative at the UN in New York put on a yellow star last Monday. His photo was used all over the world, confirming the observation that the conflict between Israel and Hamas still dominates all the news. Why is that?

Early October, just before the terrorist attack on Israel, we shifted our focus to Nagorno-Karabakh. Something historic was going on there: the “ethnic cleansing” of Armenians from the region.

The conflict there has a spiritual element as well. You can view these events as Christians (Armenians) against Muslims (Azerbaijan). But why does it not come back as a central topic in the news? Why is it still Israel and Gaza?

These questions are not easy to answer.

Of course, the Armenians are of no less value than Israelis or Palestinians. And it is still difficult to understand that such events that took place in Nagorno-Karabakh recently can take place in our days.

Still, there is a difference between Nagorno-Karabakh and Israel. Israel is not a country like all others; it is unique. And therefore, it is called the Holy Land. What does that mean? You can give three perspectives on that:

The Middle East has been a challenging region, at least since the end of the Second World War. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, there has been unrest continuously. Of course, this has to do with the territorial issue: not only the Jews but also the Arabs want their state to be on the same soil.

Together with this, the West has many interests there. The UN’s partition plan from 1947 was one of the significant decisions of this new international body. The United Nations still feel committed to the Israel-Palestine problem (although the relationship between Israel and the UN has never been so bad as it is now).

Many leaders in Israel have strong relations with the Western world. Prime Minister Netanyahu, for instance, even lived in the USA. And the same applies to thousands of other Israelis. Western journalists always have somebody to talk to. The country is quite easily accessible to the media compared with Nagorno-Karabakh.

Another aspect of this horizontal perspective is this short word: oil. The Middle East is a region that is essential for the economic development of the rest of the world because of energy. From this standpoint, it is understandable that the media focus on the region’s stability. Take only the nuclear ambitions of Iran.

There is more between Israel and Palestine than the issue of land. It is religion. Most Arabs are Muslim, and many Jews are Judaistic. They have different visions, even colliding values. In most Muslim countries, anti-Semitism is extreme. It seems that Islam and Judaism cannot live along each other easily.

Especially in Jerusalem, this is a problem. The Jews are proud that they are back in the Old City, in which even King David lived. But for the Muslim nations in and around Israel, this is an offence. A Muslim is not allowed to give up land that was occupied by Islam once. It doesn’t surprise that they use power and even violence to get this land back again.

The West has been trained in a secular outlook. Especially Protestantism has taught there is no difference between the sacred and the profane; God creates both, and they are equally holy. This sometimes resulted in an indifference towards the Israel-Palestine issue. If all land is sacred –even the Sahara desert– why would I be concerned about the Temple Mountain? Of course, this has not helped to solve the problem.

For many, Israel is not only called the Holy Land but is Holy Land. And within the country, Jerusalem is the very location where heaven meets earth.

As an outsider, I have witnessed how European Jews visited the Western Wall. The nearer they came to the Wall, the more they were captured by emotions. For them, this place is very, very special.

Also, for Muslims, Jerusalem is a holy city. This is where the prophet Mohammed prayed and was taken to heaven. For them, it is difficult to share the holy place with the Jews.

But also, for Christians, Israel is a beloved country. For centuries and centuries, God only revealed Himself to the twelve Israelite tribes. Only after the resurrection of Christ and Pentecost (around the year AD 35) the Gospel went abroad “till the end of the earth”. But still, no land was as blessed with God’s interference as this soil. It is self-evident that people with an interest in the Bible also have an interest in the land of the Bible. This is the place where it all happened. Many places in the world are historic, but this place is central in salvation history!

But after 1948, many Protestants –especially Evangelicals– have taken on a position that sometimes is similar to the Jewish and Muslim one, in that sense that Jerusalem has a vertical dimension that London, Paris and Moscow do not have.

In the past, Roman Catholics had this idea about the Vatican. We read that Martin Luther had strong expectations when he went to Rome in 1510; he would see a holiness that he had never seen before – and he returned very disappointed.

The same vertical dimension we see in Mecca, where the Muslims think the Black Stone from the Kaaba has fallen out of heaven. This stone gives a material connection between the earth and the spiritual world.

Does Jerusalem indeed have that vertical element? Well, as a staunch Calvinist, it would be difficult for me to say that. I don’t believe the Bible teaches that there is less sin in Jerusalem than in my hometown. Neither is there more holiness.

On the other hand, I believe that God still has a plan with the Jews, the chosen people. Few ancient nations have survived the centuries until the present day, but the Jews did. Why? I think that God has a unique goal with that, to glorify Himself and to bring the Israelites to Christ (see Romans 11,26).

Some have said recently that anti-Semitism is not just hatred against men but hatred against God. I believe this is true. Satan does not want this spiritual change among the Israelites.

Of course, this has nothing to do with politics and the Middle East. But it might be so that God brought (half of) His people back to their old house for a particular purpose.

I use the word “house” deliberately. The State of Israel is an earthly house for a special people. It is not helpful to put this state on a unique level, different from other states. But for the Jewish nation, yes, I think the Bible teaches that we can expect something of God for them.

Back to the first question: why so much publicity for Israel? I have given some considerations that could help.

It seems wise to me first to consider horizontal aspects. I believe that God works in horizontal things as well. If we don’t think of Him, He thinks about us. And there are plenty of reasons why the Middle East gets more continuous attention from the media than other regions.

And at the end, there remains a riddle. Or a secret. Only God knows that.

In my church tradition, they sometimes make the comparison with an embroidery: we only see the back of the stitching, a bit rough and full of loose ends. But God guides the history according to His plan – don’t be afraid.

https://cne.news/article/3822-everts-comment-why-does-israel-still-dominate-the-news-and-not-nagorno-karabakh

Racine, New Jersey and Greater Boston host 2023 ACE Weekend and AYF Junior Conferences

Jhanna Virabian
November 1, 2023 AYF-YOARF Community News, Youth 0

Mid-Atlantic ACE weekend participants

From October 20-22, Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Junior members took part in their respective regions’ Armenian Cultural Educational (ACE) weekend and Junior conferences. The weekend was hosted in the Midwest by the Racine “Armen Garo” Chapter, in the Mid-Atlantic region by the New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter, and in the New England region by the Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter. 

ACE is an annual weekend where Junior members have the opportunity to participate in a variety of Armenian educationals and activities to form a strong connection with their Armenian culture. Educationals and activities range between dancing, language, cooking and other valuable aspects of Armenian heritage and tradition.

The weekend started with lectures discussing Armenian traditions throughout Armenia and the region. Arev Kaligian, Vartenie Kachichian and Holly Khaligian led a baking activity, during which Juniors learned how to prepare choreg, a well-known Armenian sweet bread, and kekhke, delicious pastry.

While waiting for the bread to rise and bake, Juniors spent time learning about the Armenian language. They learned the meaning of a revolutionary song and how to sing it. Juniors in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions learned “Lerner Hayreni” from lecturers Shant Keshishian and Ani Khachatourian, while Juniors in the Midwest region learned “Arunod Trosh” from lecturer Nora Fronjian. 

The ungers then played games of Telestrations, but in Armenian, which was put together by the AYF Eastern Region’s Central Language Council. 

Following the language activities, the Juniors were treated to the choreg they had made earlier in the day along with lunch. For the final portion of ACE weekend, juniors spent time embracing Armenian music and art. The afternoon kicked off with an educational about Armenian art and how it can be used as a form of activism. The participants also spent time learning about different instruments. As the final activity of ACE weekend, the Juniors learned traditional dances from Armenia and Artsakh. 

To end the day, Juniors hosted region-wide conferences, where participants from each chapter in attendance briefed their fellow members about how their chapter’s year had gone. They also learned how AYF convention works at the Senior level and had the opportunity to come up with improvements that can be made locally and region-wide for the upcoming year.

AYF Juniors offered the following reflections about ACE weekend:

“It was a great time, and I had a lot of fun with my friends.” – Christian Kindt, Chicago “Ararat” Chapter

“I thought ACE was very fun and such a great way to learn about our Armenian culture and connect doing activities related to what we learned.” – Ani Haroutunian, New Jersey “Arsen” Chapter

“It was really fun, and we had a lot of fun activities to do, and it was entertaining.” – Tsoline Papazian, Chicago “Ararat” Chapter

“I felt that the lectures and accompanying activities were so very appropriate and relevant for the current place we as a nation and people are at. It’s with this new information and drive that we can accomplish our various goals as an organization.” – Krikor Iskenderian, Greater Boston “Nejdeh” Chapter

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Founded in 1933, The Armenian Youth Federation is an international, non-profit, youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The AYF-YOARF Eastern United States stands on five pillars that guide its central activities and initiatives: Educational, Hai Tahd, Social, Athletic and Cultural. The AYF also promotes a fraternal attitude of respect for ideas and individuals amongst its membership. Unity and cooperation are essential traits that allow members of the organization to work together to realize the AYF’s objectives.


Biden meets with top Chinese diplomat at White House

Jhanna Virabian

 12:22,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 28, ARMENPRESS. President Biden met Friday with China’s top diplomat at the White House ahead of a potential meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Hill reports.

''Biden met with Wang Yi, the foreign minister and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission, and the president “emphasized that both the United States and China need to manage competition in the relationship responsibly and maintain open lines of communication,” the White House said in a readout of the meeting. 

He underscored that the United States and China must work together to address global challenges,” the White House said.

Wang also met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and with national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

"France to help protect Armenia’s skies". Signing of documents in Paris

Jhanna Virabian
Oct 23 2023


  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Agreement on arms transfers from France

The Armenian Defense Minister is on a working visit to Paris. The French military ministry’s X account published a report according to which Prime Ministers Suren Papikyan and Sebastien Lecornu met to “formalize the acquisition of weapons that will allow Armenia to protect civilians and secure its borders”.

The details of the agreement have not yet been disclosed. The volume and type of weapons, when and by what route they will reach Armenia, are unknown. The French Armed Forces Minister said in an interview with Le Parisien that an “agreement will be signed that will allow Armenia to ensure the defense of its skies.”

In early October, French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna also stated in Yerevan that she was ready to sign a document with Yerevan on the supply of French military equipment.

Political observer Hakob Badalyan believes that the conclusion of the agreement is undoubtedly important from the point of view of replenishing and modernizing Armenia’s armaments and increasing the country’s defense capacity. At the same time, he emphasizes that it is important to understand where the Armenian authorities are going: “whether they are looking for a new guardian or an important political partner in the person of France”.

  • “Granada annulled the 2020 trilateral declaration”. Opinion from Yerevan
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  • The active phase of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict. Who will mediate?

Despite the heightened interest of Armenian residents in the issue of acquiring French weapons, the Defense Ministry published only one sentence before Suren Papikyan’s visit to France. It was reported that the Armenian Minister left for Paris on a working visit at the invitation of his French counterpart.

Journalists tried to find out some details from the Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission on Defense and Security Affairs Andranik Kocharyan. He replied that during the meeting with Lecornu, “many issues will be discussed, including some elements of military cooperation”.

Kocharyan stressed that the 2020 Karabakh war revealed the necessity not only to have friends, but also to build relations that will make the country’s security “more inclusive” and give an opportunity to ensure stable defense.

French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said the countries will sign a corresponding agreement for French arms supplies

Political observer Hakob Badalyan believes that the agreement on military-technical cooperation between Armenia and France essentially means a new level of political relations. He wonders “what kind of complement Armenian-French interstate relations will receive at this new level” in terms of political content:

“This is the main question that will also determine the international value, the “currency rate” of the new level of Armenian-French political relations, the degree of Armenia’s subjectivity in them. Thus, the starting points for the attention and interest of other players to the new level of these relations will be formed.”

According to Badalyan, France seeks to increase cooperation with Armenia based on its strategic views and interests. And this means that “Armenia should form a counter position in terms of its content.”

Badalyan puts forward two key issues:

  • Armenia through France is looking for a new patron or an important political partner,
  • Is Armenia’s current political elite capable of being a partner rather than a consumer of French interests?

He believes that if Yerevan gives its relations with Paris a serious political content, it will become “a prerequisite for new opportunities in other areas of partnership.”

https://jam-news.net/agreement-on-arms-transfers-from-france-to-armenia/