Author: Jirair Kafian

PM Pashinyan congratulates Singaporean counterpart on National Day

Jirair Kafian

 10:20, 9 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 9, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated the Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong on the National Day.

“I heartily congratulate you and the friendly people of Singapore on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Singapore,” PM Pashinyan said in the congratulatory message. “Since independence, Singapore has served as an example to the world, introducing an efficient model of economic growth, supporting democracy and the rule of law. Armenia attaches importance to further deepening and development of cooperative relations with Singapore. Taking this opportunity, I reaffirm my willingness to make efforts to expand existing cooperation with friendly Singapore in all areas of bilateral and multilateral interest,” PM Pashinyan added.

Representatives of US Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff visit Armenian Genocide Memorial

Jirair Kafian

 16:22, 9 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 9, ARMENPRESS. United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffers Sarah Arkin and Damian Murphy visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial on August 9.

Sarah Arkins and Damian Murphy laid a wreath at the memorial and flowers at the Eternal Flame and observed a minute of silence in memory of the Armenian Genocide victims, the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute said in a press release.

The Director of the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute Harutyun Marutyan presented the history of the Memory Alley to the guests and noted that the first tree dates back to 1997, and it was planted by the US Senator Robert Dole in memory of Hambar Kelekyan, an Armenian-American surgeon who survived the Armenian Genocide. He then presented the story of the three khachkars placed at Tsitsernakaberd in memory of the Armenians who died in the massacres organized by the Azerbaijani government in the cities of Sumgait, Kirovabad (Gandzak) and Baku at the end of the 20th century, as well as the stories of the five freedom fighters buried in front of Hushapat during the Artsakh struggle of survival— stressing that the events were the continuation of the Armenian Genocide.

Sarah Arkins and Damian Murphy arrived in Armenia at the instructions of Robert Menendez, the Chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Pashinyan extends condolences to Georgian counterpart after deadly landslide in Racha

Jirair Kafian

 18:00, 4 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 4, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has offered condolences to his Georgian counterpart Irakli Garibashvili on the deadly landslide in the region of Racha.

“I am deeply shocked by the deadly and devastating disaster in Georgia’s Racha region. On behalf of the people and government of Armenia, I express condolences and support to you and the brotherly people of Georgia. I wish resilience to the families and friends of the victims, and speedy recovery to those injured. We share the deep sorrow of the brotherly Georgian people at this difficult time,” Pashinyan said in a telegram sent to Garibashvili.

Armenia Ranks Fourth in Semiconductor Exports for Defense Industry

Jirair Kafian
Fagen Wasanni Technologies
Poland –
 Chelsea Johnson

Armenia has emerged as the world’s fourth largest exporter of semiconductors for the defense industry, according to Azernews. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Armenia saw a significant increase in semiconductor exports to Russia, making it a key player in this market segment.

The volume of semiconductor exports from Armenia to Russia has steadily grown since the beginning of the war. The growth in exports highlights Armenia’s ability to meet the demand for semiconductors in the defense industry.

It is worth noting that the majority of Armenia’s semiconductor exports to Russia are re-exports. Armenia relies on imports for the production of semiconductors and complex equipment, as the country does not have the capability to manufacture them domestically.

Despite its involvement in providing substantial assistance to Russia during the war in Ukraine, Armenia has not faced any significant sanctions from the international community. This underscores the double standards of the West in dealing with such situations.

Armenia’s rise as a major player in the semiconductor exports for the defense industry demonstrates the country’s potential in this sector. The growth in exports also indicates Armenia’s ability to meet the needs of its partners in the defense industry.

Armenian Dolma Recipe, Grape Leaves Stuffed with Culture and Tradition

Jirair Kafian
By Slurrp Desk
Updated:Jul 22, 2023

Discover the cherished Armenian delicacy, Dolma, a delectable combination of grape leaves filled with aromatic rice, minced meat, herbs, and spices. Rooted in ancient traditions across the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Caucasus regions, Dolma holds profound cultural significance, embodying communal gatherings and joyous celebrations. Try our recipe to create your own flavourful version!

Dolma, a cherished dish in Armenian cuisine, refers to grape leaves stuffed with a delectable mixture of rice, minced meat, herbs, and spices. Its origin can be traced back to ancient times, with variations found across the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Caucasus regions. Within Armenian culture, Dolma holds profound importance, symbolising communal gatherings and joyous celebrations. The dish is a true reflection of the nation’s history and traditions, passed down through generations, and remains an integral part of festive occasions and family meals. Beyond being a culinary delight, Dolma embodies the essence of Armenian heritage, enriching the country’s cultural tapestry with each flavourful bite.

The Art of Dolma Making

The art of Dolma making in Armenia involves meticulous preparation techniques that have been honed over centuries. Traditionally, tender grape leaves are carefully blanched to enhance their flavour and texture. The filling is a delightful blend of long-grain rice, minced meat (often lamb or beef), onions, fresh herbs like parsley and mint, as well as aromatic spices such as cinnamon and allspice, creating a harmonious balance of flavours. These ingredients are skilfully combined to achieve the perfect stuffing consistency. Each rolled Dolma is placed snugly in a pot, layered with additional grape leaves and sometimes, lemon slices, before being gently simmered in a rich broth until tender. While the core ingredients remain consistent across Armenia, regional variations add unique twists, such as the use of sour cherries or dried fruits in some areas, showcasing the diverse creativity of Armenian cuisine.

Grape Leaves in Armenian Cuisine

Grape leaves hold great significance in Armenian cuisine, acting as versatile vessels for various culinary delights. Beyond their practicality, grape leaves are deeply rooted in the region’s agricultural heritage, as Armenia boasts a long history of vine cultivation. In addition to being an abundant resource, grape leaves impart a unique tangy flavour and tender texture to dishes, making them an essential ingredient in traditional cooking.

Apart from Dolma, Armenian cuisine incorporates grape leaves into several other delectable dishes. One popular preparation is “Yalanchi,” where the leaves are stuffed with a vegetarian mixture of rice, onions, herbs, and spices, offering a delightful option for those abstaining from meat. Additionally, “Sarma” utilises grape leaves to wrap a medley of minced meat and rice, and in some cases, vegetables. These dishes showcase the culinary versatility of grape leaves, ensuring their prominence in Armenian cooking and preserving the country’s rich gastronomic heritage.

Dolma stands as a cultural icon in Armenian cuisine, reflecting its deep historical roots and profound significance in the country’s heritage. With its origins tracing back to ancient times, this flavourful delicacy has become synonymous with communal gatherings and joyful celebrations. Dolma’s enduring legacy as a symbol of Armenian identity remains steadfast, representing the preservation of tradition, family ties, and the rich tapestry of the nation’s culinary and cultural heritage, cherished and celebrated by Armenians worldwide.

Recipe For Dolma

Ingredients:

1 jar of grape leaves (approximately 30-40 leaves) or fresh grape leaves, blanched

500g ground lamb or beef (can also use a mix of both)

1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed

1 large onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped

3-4 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon ground allspice

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 cup tomato sauce or tomato paste

1 lemon, thinly sliced

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

3 cups chicken or vegetable broth (approximately)

Instructions:

If using jarred grape leaves, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess brine. If using fresh grape leaves, blanch them in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, then transfer to an ice water bath to cool. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef, rinsed rice, chopped onion, parsley, mint, minced garlic, allspice, cinnamon, black pepper, cumin, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Lay a grape leaf flat on a clean surface, vein-side up, and trim the stem if necessary. Place a small spoonful of the meat and rice mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) at the centre of the leaf, near the base.

Fold the bottom edge of the leaf over the filling, then fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly into a neat cylinder, resembling a small cigar. Repeat this process for all the grape leaves and filling.

In a large pot, place a few damaged grape leaves or lemon slices at the bottom to prevent sticking. Arrange the rolled Dolma snugly in the pot, layering them closely to avoid unravelling during cooking.

Once the first layer is complete, place lemon slices on top of the Dolma and repeat the layering process until all the Dolma are placed in the pot.

In a bowl, mix the tomato sauce or tomato paste with the remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Pour this mixture over the Dolma.

Carefully place additional lemon slices on top, and then pour enough chicken or vegetable broth into the pot to cover the Dolma.

Place a heat-proof plate or a few grape leaves on top of the Dolma to keep them secure during cooking.

Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the Dolma simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the rice is fully cooked and the grape leaves are tender.

Once the Dolma is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve the Dolma warm as a delightful main course, accompanied by yoghurt or a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad. Enjoy the rich flavours and cultural heritage of this cherished Armenian dish!

https://www.slurrp.com/article/armenian-dolma-recipe-grape-leaves-stuffed-with-culture-and-tradition-1690034951227

Turkish Press: ‘We do not know how many Armenians live in Turkey’

Jirair Kafian
Turkey –
‘We do not know how many Armenians live in Turkey’

Hrant Dink Foundation visited bianet for exchange of opinions. The foundation, currently working on hate speech on social media and the multicultural legacy in Turkey wishes that the media outlets report more on the major issues that concern the non-Muslim minorities in the country.
Hikmet Adalİstanbul – BIA News Desk

“All our main issues remain unsolved.”

“We do not know how many Armenians live in Turkey.”

“The 23.5 Site of Memory looks at the life of Hrant Dink, the stories of the Agos newspaper, and the past of the Armenian society in Turkey.

“Hate speech is becoming more widespread on social media, while it is on the decline in the press.” 

“KarDes is a mobile application designed as a personal tour guide for users who wish to discover the multicultural legacy of İstanbul.”

IPS Communication Foundation/bianet is holding meetings with non-governmental organizations working in the fileds of human rights, gender equality, women’s and LGBTI+ rights, migrants/refugees, ecology, rights of the disabled, law and media. 

The second meeting was held with the Hrant Dink Foundation. 

Yasemin Korkmaz, Atom Şaşkal, Katia Arslan, and Nayat Karaköse from the Hrant Dink Foundation participated in the meeting. They detailed the work carried out by the foundation and talked about the issues that concern the Armenian society in Turkey. 

“We do not know how many Armenians live in Turkey,” says Nayat Karaköse, the coordinator of the 23.5 Hrant Dink Site of Memory. 

“All major issues remain unsolved,” she adds. Noting that the press could report on all these problems, she says she wishes that the media would do more work in relation to the problems and the rights of minorities. 

Karaköse explains that the 23.5 Hrant Dink Site of Memory was founded four years ago, in the room which was the office where Hrant Dink worked in the Agos newspaper before he was murdered in front of the newspaper on December 19, 2007. 

“We can say that 23.5 is the first site of memory established in Turkey,” she says. The site of memory opened its doors on April 23.5, 2019 [see below].

The center looks at the life of Hrant Dink, the stories of the Agos newspaper, and the past of the Armenian society in Turkey on the one hand, and highlights the murder, the background of the murder, and the legal struggle waged after the murder on the other hand, as Karaköse describes it. 

“This is a venue of hope, a venue of transformation, a venue of research because it contains archives, and a venue of dialogue, interaction, and a venue for thinking and producing together,” she says. 

Yasemin Korkmaz was the one to talk about the project of the foundation on “Hate speech on social media and artificial intelligence.”

Reminding the participants that they have carried out a study on hate speech in the press in the past, she said that their target in the new project was to be able to identify hate speech on social media immediately and to collect data about it. 

Korkmaz observes that hate speech is becoming more and more widespread on social media, while it is on the decline in the press. 

“Hate speech was mostly used against the migrants/refugees and LGBTI+ during the election period,” she says. 

KarDes, is a mobile application designed as a personal tour guide in Turkish and English languages for users who wish to discover the multicultural legacy and multilayered fabric of Istanbul, as it is described in its website. 

Atom Şaşkal, the coordinator of the Cultural Legacy project introduced the KarDes program.

“We are trying to uncover the stories of the people who are not seen, who are not heard on this land that we live in,” says Şaşkal and describes the program as one that focuses on the cultural heritage of the non-Muslims. 

“The reason is that the non-Muslims are being overshadowed by the official history,” he says. 

The locatons in İstanbul have been included in the application first, and locations in İzmir and Ankara were added later. 

Şaşkan informs that the application offers the users a personal tour guide in Turkish and English languages, either physically, while they walk through these locations or digitally, so anyone in any part of the world who wish to discover this multicultural legacy can use it. 

————————————————————————————

From Hrant Dink’s article published on April 23, 1996 in Agos newspayer:

“April 23 is a white page in the history of a nation that has come out of painful decades. It is the day when the principle that “Sovereignty lies with the nation under any circumstances,” was written on the wall in the Parliament. 

“April 24 is a significant dark day for the Armenian nation “dispersed” throughout the world. […] It is the date when the “historical Armenian tragedy” that took place within the borders of the Ottoman Empire started. 

“I don’t know who will be able to understand this; but as an Armenian and as a citizen of Turkey, I live April 23 with all its joy, and am part of the deep sadness, the next day. How many people, I wonder, are living this dilemma at the moment? It is not easy, neither to understand, nor to tell.”

There are many steps that Armenia and Turkey can take towards the normalization of relations. FM Mirzoyan

Jirair Kafian

 19:51,

YEREVAN, JULY 18, ARMENPRESS. There are many steps that can be taken by Armenia and Turkey to make sure that the parties are on the right track towards a final, comprehensive and complete settlement of relations, opening of the border between the two countries and establishment of diplomatic relations.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from MFA Armenia, Foreign Minister Mirzoyan announced, answering the question of a journalist in Austria following the meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg.

Question: “Mr Schallenberg offered Vienna as a place of talks between Turkey and Armenia. What is your answer to that? Are you considering this?”

Ararat Mirzoyan: Well, once again, my appreciation to my dear colleague for offering Vienna to become a space for Armenian Turkish normalization process. I believe a couple of times our representatives already met here in Vienna and had an opportunity to discuss the normalization, and they will hopefully continue doing so. We had a pause, I would like to add this, in this process, I believe due to the electoral campaign and elections in Turkey. Now it is time to continue the talks on the normalization, and there are very concrete steps that already can be implemented by both sides to make sure that we are on the right track and the things are moving towards the final, comprehensive and holistic normalization of relations, opening the border between the two countries and establishing diplomatic relations. And here, of course, I primarily speak about opening the border between Armenia and Turkey for third country nationals, but also Armenian and Turkish nationals with diplomatic passports, and there are some other projects which are being discussed as well.

Follow-up question: “There are no further talks planned right now?”

Ararat Mirzoyan: There is no concrete date agreed.

Asbarez: Armenia, Azerbaijan Continue to Disagree on Key Issues, Yerevan Says Ahead of Talks

Jirair Kafian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

Secretary of State Antony Blinken (center) hosts talks with foreign ministers Ararat Mirzoyan (right) and Jeyhun Bayramov on May 4 in Washington


Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to be at odds on key issues related to a proposed peace agreement, Parliament Vice-Speaker Ruben Rubinyan told reporters on Monday, ahead of scheduled talks in Washington this week.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Monday that the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov will hold talks in Washington beginning Tuesday. The new round of meetings is expected to last until Thursday, Miller said.

“Very sensitive diplomatic discussions are going to take place here. We expect the talks to commence tomorrow, on Tuesday and continue through Thursday. Secretary Blinken will meet with the Foreign Ministers of both Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Millers said.

“We continue to believe that peace is within reach, and direct dialogue is key to resolving the remaining issues and reaching a durable and dignified peace,” the spokesperson added.

“We expect progress,” Rubinyan, who serves as Armenia’s special envoy on Turkey-Armenia normalization efforts said on Monday about the Washington talks.

“Armenia’s position is that we want to have the kind of text for a peace treaty that would be in our interests and would be possible to sign. Naturally, this is a difficult process, there are issues around which we disagree. But there are also issues that we already agree upon. But there are disagreements on main issues,” Rubinyan explained, adding that Yerevan expects that position of the sides may be brought closer

Rubinyan added that Yerevan is hoping that an agreement on sovereignty and jurisdiction of parties within context of unblocking transport links will be stipulated on paper.

He said Armenia wants to have a peace treaty in line with its interests as soon as possible and pointed out three most important issues.

“First, to place a specific map on the basis of mutual recognition of territorial integrity. Second, address the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, which we believe must take place through a direct dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert through an international mechanism. Third, the institution of guarantors,” Rubinyan said, highlighting the need for such guarantors because Azerbaijan has violated every clause of the November 9, 2020 agreement.

PM Pashinyan, Iranian President discuss regional developments and bilateral ties

Jirair Kafian

 15:03,

YEREVAN, JUNE 26, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke today with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, the Prime Minister’s Office said.

Pashinyan and Raisi discussed topics related to regional developments, as well as the further development and agenda of the relations between Armenia and Iran, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout. 

The leaders stressed the importance of high-level mutual visits and contacts.