Author: Kalantarian Kevo

Speaker Simonyan, Czechia Chamber of Deputies President discuss Azerbaijan normalization

Kalantarian Kevo

 13:00,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 31, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan has met with visiting President of the Chamber of Deputies of Czechia Markéta Pekarová Adamová.

Speaking at a joint press conference after the meeting on Wednesday, Simonyan said they discussed the processes taking place in the South Caucasus.

“We also discussed the development of relations between our countries, the trade turnover, as well as cooperation in various international platforms. At a one-on-one meeting with Ms. Adamova we discussed regional issues and the normalization with our neighbor Azerbaijan. As you know, our guest will then travel to our neighboring country from here. We had discussions about that too. I’d like to once again say that I am happy to welcome my colleague here,” Simonyan said.

Armenpress: Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Poland address security situation in the South Caucasus

Kalantarian Kevo

 21:51,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 29, ARMENPRESS. On January 29, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a telephone conversation with Radosław Sikorski, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland.

The interlocutors touched upon the bilateral cooperation and possible future contacts in the direction of its further development.

The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Poland touched upon the security situation in the South Caucasus. Minister Mirzoyan briefed on the vision of Armenia for the establishment of stability and peace in the region and the key principles at the core.

Nikol Pashinyan and Irakli Garibashvili summarize the results of the session of the intergovernmental commission

Kalantarian Kevo

 19:23,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 26, ARMENPRESS.  Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Garibashvili made statements summarizing the results of the session of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between Armenia and Georgia for media representatives, Armenian PM's Office said in a statement.

In his speech, Irakli Garibashvili said: "Dear Mr. Prime Minister, it is a great honor for me to host you in Tbilisi. We had a warm conversation with Mr. Prime Minister. We discussed important issues related to the cooperation of our countries in various directions.

We also had a meeting of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation, where we also discussed important issues which referred to trade and bilateral relations. I must mention that the trade relations between our countries are developing, the trade turnover has exceeded 1 billion USD, Armenia is the 6th trade and 2nd investment partner country for Georgia. This should also be praised. Last year, we had almost 1 million visitors and tourists from Armenia in Georgia. This is important for the economic development of our country.

Last summer, we announced that we will sign a memorandum on strategic partnership. I want to note that we are traditional, historically very powerful allies, friends, not just neighbors, we have a very good partnership, we cooperate in all directions. De facto we were already strategic friends and strategic partners. Today we can already say that this reality was defined, and today we officially signed an agreement on strategic partnership. We are grateful to our Armenian partners, the two governments are called to further deepen the trade and economic relations.

Georgia has always advocated establishment of long-term peace and stability in the region. Mr. Prime Minister knows very well my position, the position of our government. We have always been ready and are ready to contribute to the establishment of this long-term peace, which will benefit the countries and peoples of the entire region. We look at the ongoing dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia with great optimism and hope. I want to express our hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will soon conclude a peace treaty, which is undoubtedly important for our countries and nations.

I also want to note that both Armenia and Georgia have very high economic growth, and it is important to maintain this dynamic. Mr. Prime Minister and I mentioned once again that December was a very important month, December 15 for us, for our country. Georgia received, acquired the status of a candidate for the European Union and became a candidate for membership to the European Union, which is very important not only for our country, people, but also for the region.

I want to note once again that work on regional projects must be continued at a high pace. We heard Mr. Pashinyan's confirmed interest in regional projects, like the Black Sea cable project, we are also working on other projects, I mean big projects. I want to note once again that this day is very important and historical. Thanks once again to my friend, my colleague. Let me give the floor to him."

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said,

"Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear attendees,
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

The 13th session of the intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and Georgia was held today. I would like to express my gratitude to Prime Minister Garibashvili, our Georgian colleagues for hosting this session in Tbilisi.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to sincerely congratulate the Georgian government on obtaining the status of a candidate for EU membership, emphasizing the contribution of both the government led by Prime Minister Garibashvili and the people of Georgia in that process. This is a historic event for Georgia and the entire region.

I am happy to emphasize that after the restart of the format of the intergovernmental commission in 2019, the meetings are held regularly, greatly contributing to the effective functioning of the commission. Today we discussed a wide range of issues, from teconomy to trade and investment, from the energy sector to education, culture and people-to-people contacts.

During our discussions, we also touched upon the unblocking of trade and transport channels of the South Caucasus and the possibilities of creating new communications. We emphasized the availability of reliable infrastructure for economic progress, emphasized possible cooperation within the framework of transport networks, energy systems, telecommunications and other projects aimed at improving and deepening regional connectivity.

In this context, it is worth noting that the customs authorities of the two countries are actively discussing models of implementation of joint customs control at the border crossing point. This process will have a significant impact in terms of shortening the terms of custom administration, efficient organization of functions and simplification of cargo transportation.

I also presented to our colleagues the developments regarding Armenian government’s "Crossroads of Peace" project, which I had the opportunity to speak about and present last year in October, during my participation in the fourth "Tbilisi Silk Road" conference at the invitation of Prime Minister Garibashvili. This project is aimed at promoting the regional connectivity, respecting the sovereignty of states and the principles of equality and reciprocity. Under the current realities, when different routes are being changed, our region can become a new transit hub between East and West, North and South.

We emphasized that it is necessary to ensure inclusiveness in regional and extra-regional projects, which will enable all countries of the region to participate in economic processes, promote cooperation and increase efficiency. A vivid example of this is the Black Sea electric cable project, which Armenia shows great interest in joining.

Dear attendees,
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

Today, the interstate relations of Armenia and Georgia were marked by a landmark event. We signed a joint declaration with Prime Minister Garibashvili on establishing a strategic partnership between the Republic of Armenia and Georgia. This achievement is the result of our joint efforts and work over the past few years and reflects our commonality and goal-oriented nature. However, this achievement once again emphasizes the need to multiply our efforts and not limit ourselves to what we have achieved, which we also talked about at the meeting of the intergovernmental commission.

During the discussions with Prime Minister Garibashvili, we also agreed to instruct relevant departments to take practical steps to complete the process of delimitation of the interstate border between Armenia and Georgia.

I also informed my colleague about the efforts made by the Armenian government aimed at normalizing relations with Azerbaijan. It was emphasized that belligerent and maximalist rhetoric does not contribute to the settlement process. I hope that after the presidential elections in Azerbaijan, the negotiation process will reach its full scale aimed at completing the revision of the peace treaty on the basis of the already agreed and well-known principles.

Ladies and gentlemen,
Prime Minister Garibashvili,

Summing up and giving information about our talks with Prime Minister Garibashvili, I would also like to say that we have made a joint decision to maintain and deepen regular dialogue at all levels with the aim of strengthening cooperation and overcoming possible problems along the way.

I would like to thank you once again, dear Irakli, for the warm reception shown to me and my delegation and wish all success and more efficiency to our cooperation. Thank you."

Azerbaijani Lawmakers Threaten Sanctions Against France

Kalantarian Kevo
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

French Senate, in a vote of 336 to 1, calls for sanctions on Azerbaijan


Reacting to the French Senate’s almost unanimous passage of a resolution calling for sanctions against Azerbaijan, a committee within the Azerbaijani parliament called for cutting off all economic ties with Paris.

In a statement adopted in response to the French resolution, which also supports the territorial integrity of Armenia, the Azerbaijani parliament’s international relations committee recommended sanctions against France.

It also goes a step further to call for freezing “any assets of French officials,” “to expel all French companies from the country, including Total,” and “to prevent French companies from participating in any projects carried out on behalf of the Azerbaijani state.”

The committee’s statement called the French Senate resolution “biased, one-sided and unfounded.”

In a vote of 336 to 1, the French Senate on Thursday adopted a resolution supporting Armenia and demanding sanctions against Azerbaijan.

The resolution condemned the military attack carried out by Azerbaijan with the support of its allies on September 19 and 20, 2023 against Nagorno-Karabakh and calls on Azerbaijan to guarantee the right of the Armenian population to return to Nagorno-Karabakh by providing conditions that will ensure their safety and well-being.

The French lawmakers also called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territory of Armenia and condemned the arbitrary arrests of political leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The French Senate urged the government to seize the assets of Azerbaijani leaders and embargo gas and oil imports from Azerbaijan.

EU Finalizes Enlargement of Armenia Mission

Kalantarian Kevo
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

EU monitors at the Armenian-Azerbaijan border


The Council of the European Union on Tuesday voted to approve proposals for the enlargement on its mission in Armenia.

The decision to expand the mission was adopted late last year by the EU’s foreign ministers and was said to be the _expression_ of the EU’s commitment to peace in the region, as well as Armenia, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity were supported by the EU member-states and the EU Council President Charles Michel.

On Wednesday the EU Mission in Armenia welcomed the enlargement decision, which will allow participation from all EU member-states,

The two-year mission, which started in January of last year, has deployed 100 monitors along Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan. Last fall, Canada joined the mission as the only non-EU country.

“The increase in mission personnel underlines the EU’s commitment to peace and security in the region,” EUMA said Wednesday on the social media platform X, formerly Twitter.

Turkey providing documents for genocide hearings against Israel -Erdogan

Kalantarian Kevo
Reuters
Jan 12 2024
Reuters

ANKARA, Jan 12 (Reuters) – Turkey is providing documents for a case brought by South Africa against Israel at the U.N.'s top court on a charge of committing genocide against Palestinian civilians, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday.

Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, Erdogan said that Turkey would continue to provide documents, mostly visuals, on Israel's attacks on Gaza.

"I believe Israel will be convicted there. We believe in the justice of the International Court of Justice", Erdogan said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz described Erdogan as the president of "a country with the Armenian genocide in its past", and that he was targeting Israel with "unfounded claims".

Israel is not among the more than 30 countries that have formally recognised the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman Turks in 1915 as genocide. Turkey, established in 1923 after the Ottoman Empire collapsed, has always denied there was a systematic campaign to annihilate Armenians.

Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Daren Butler, Toby Chopra and Alex Richardson

Land dispute in Jerusalem threatens Armenian Christians, nonviolent group says

Kalantarian Kevo
Jan 11 2024

By Marinella Bandini

Jerusalem, Jan 10, 2024 / 12:45 pm

For the past two months, 33-year-old Kegham Balian, an Armenian Christian, has spent a significant part of his days and nights in a tent in a parking area known as “Cows’ Garden” in the southeast corner of the Old City of Jerusalem. He expects to spend his Christmas there, which the Armenian Apostolic Church in the Holy Land celebrates on Jan. 19 along with the Epiphany. 

The tent is a permanent outpost established by the “Save the Armenian Quarter” (ArQ) association, founded by Hagop Djernazian and Setrag Balian (Kegham’s younger brother). It is a nonviolent movement created to defend properties of the Armenian Patriarchate from being taken over by Xana Gardens Ltd., a real estate company with alleged links to Israeli settler interests. 

Kegham Balian is an Armenian with the “Save the Armenian Quarter” (ArQ) association, founded by Hagop Djernazian and Segrat Balian, the younger brother of Kegham. It is a nonviolent movement created to defend some properties of the Armenian Patriarchate. Credit: Marinella Bandini

In the last two months the Armenians have suffered seven or eight attacks by people Balian says were sent by Xana Gardens. The last was on Dec. 28, when 10 Armenians were injured by people throwing stones. Members of the ArQ community have been taking turns to maintain a constant presence on the property.

According to ArQ, the contract between the Armenian Patriarchate and Xana Gardens was illegal and jeopardizes the existence of the Armenian community in the Holy Land.

“In April, we found out there was an illegal leasing of the premises known as the ‘Cows’ Garden’ — an open area which today serves as a parking lot,” Balian explained to CNA. The Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem allegedly agreed to give Xana Gardens a 49-year lease of the property — with the option to renew for another 49 — to build a luxury hotel. The deal was signed in 2021 and kept a secret. 

CNA reached out to Xana Gardens for comment but received no response.

The area known as Cows' Garden in the Armenian Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem, seen from above. Currently, it serves as a parking lot. The area, together with some other Armenian properties, is at the center of an economic and judicial dispute after a lease deal was signed between the Armenian Patriarchate and the real estate company Xana Garden. Credit: Marinella Bandini

CNA also contacted Kerkonian Dajani LLP, the law firm representing the Armenian community of the Old City of Jerusalem.

“The community is opposed to any deal that undermines the integrity of the Armenian Quarter and the centuries-old presence of Christian Armenians in Jerusalem,” said Karnig Kerkonian, co-founder of the firm. “Our investigation has revealed that the signing of the purported agreement at issue did not follow the internal procedures of the Holy Synod [the highest authority in the Orthodox and Oriental Churches] and the General Assembly [the general assembly of the monastic order of the Brotherhood of St. James]. This, and a number of other material irregularities including financial ones, fatally handicap the validity of the purported contract.”

Furthermore, according to Balian, “this contract doesn’t bring any benefit to the Armenian Patriarchate nor to the Armenian community. The rent is $300,000 a year, which is like a joke.” 

When the Armenian community found out about the agreement, protests broke out. They felt threatened not only with regard to their security but also to their identity and cultural heritage. “We started protesting, asking for transparency from the patriarchate,” Balian explained. 

The Armenian patriarch has reportedly said he was deceived about the details of the agreement and in October 2023 canceled the deal. The patriarchate is now bringing the case to court.

The positions of ArQ and the patriarchate have gradually come closer together in the past few months, “even if they’re not fully transparent yet,” Balian said. “In any case, the outpost in the parking lot has the full support of the patriarchate.”

The complex of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. The building is located in the Old City of Jerusalem in the Armenian Quarter, which comprises one-sixth of the old city and occupies the entire southwest corner of the town. Credit: Marinella Bandini

The Armenian community has been present in Jerusalem for about 1,700 years. The Old City is today divided into four quarters, a legacy of the British Mandate for Palestine. The Armenian Quarter comprises one-sixth of the old city and occupies the entire southwest corner of the city. Here are not only religious institutions such as the patriarchate, seminary, and churches but also schools, shops, and residences for approximately 2,000 people.

The property involved in the disagreement with Xana Gardens constitutes approximately 25% of the neighborhood’s total area. In addition to the parking lot, it also encompasses a residential area, the private garden of the patriarch, and the Alex and Mary Manougian Hall of the theological seminary of the patriarchate. 

“If they take 25% of the Armenian quarter, they condemn the next generation to extinction. It would be the biggest existential crisis in our history,” Balian said. 

Garo Nalbandian, a professional photographer, and his wife, Hrout, risk losing their home because of the agreement. Sitting on a couch in their spacious living room, they share their story and the anxiety they feel at the thought of having to leave the house they purchased when they got engaged in 1969 and where they have raised their children.

“We were born and raised in the Armenian Quarter. Here we feel protected,” they said. “But if they take away this land, which belongs to all Armenians worldwide, our presence and heritage will be at risk.” 

The contract with Xana Gardens was originally signed by the Armenian patriarch of Jerusalem, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian; the grand sacristan of the Armenian Patriarchate, Archbishop Sevan Gharibian; and Father Baret Yeretzian (now known as Khachig Yeretzian), the former director of the Real Estate Department of the Armenian Patriarchate, who was defrocked and removed from his position. 

The chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate, Father Aghan Gogchyan, told CNA that according to the bylaws of the patriarchate, the contract cannot be considered valid because one of the three signatures — that of the then-priest Yeretsian — should not have been present.

“For transactions like this, where the property is transferred for a period of more than 25 years, the signatures of the patriarch, the grand sacristan, and the chairman of the General Assembly of the Brotherhood of St. James are required. The latter is missing, and instead, someone who should not have signed has done so. That’s why the contract is not valid,” he said.

This is also why on Oct. 26, 2023, the patriarchate announced that it would cancel the lease deal, saying it was illegal, but only after months of internal pressure from the Armenian community. 

Since then, the patriarchate has consistently emphasized the exclusively Armenian character of the neighborhood and the importance of preserving it as such. 

After the patriarchate’s announcement in October, bulldozers believed to be sent by Xana Gardens entered the parking lot to dismantle the pavement and take over the area, and the ArQ group started mounting protests and peaceful sit-ins there.

“Some people are trying to spin it as a religious battle, but the issue isn’t Jewish-Armenian or Muslim-Armenian,” Balian told CNA. “It’s not a religious fight or an ethnic issue, it’s purely against Xana Capital.” 

The interior of the tent where the Armenian activists from the “Save the Armenian Quarter” (ArQ) association gather. For more than two months, a group of youth of the Armenian community of Jerusalem takes turns to maintain a constant presence and defend the area of the Armenian Patriarchate known as “Cows' Garden,” which is now a parking lot. Credit: Marinella Bandini

On Dec. 8, 2023, Archbishop Manougian, the patriarch, made a surprise visit to the members of the Save the ArQ Movement in a show of solidarity. All the members expressed their undivided and steadfast support for the patriarch for having initiated the cancellation of the illegal deal pertaining to Cows’ Garden.

Balian said there have been blessings in the struggle.

“The entire community gathered, we got united despite any political affiliation, personal differences, and familiar disputes,” Balian said. “Everyone was united around the common goal of protecting the Cows’ Garden and by extension preserving the Armenian heritage in Jerusalem … Before, there was no interaction between civilian people and clergy, but now we started to get to know each other better,” he said.

“Furthermore, through this struggle, the younger generation has come to understand the value of the land, of our heritage and presence, while before we took it for granted and not appreciated it,” he said.

The Armenian community is planning to take further legal action in the next few weeks, Kerkonian told CNA.

“We are undertaking legal actions as well as diplomatic outreach to counter the attacks on the Armenian Quarter — and to hold those having brought about the circumstances and the violence accountable,” he said.

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/256496/land-dispute-in-jerusalem-threatens-armenian-christians-says-non-violent-group

Stable Iran Crucial for Armenia’s Security, Says Expert

Kalantarian Kevo
Jan 7 2024

By: Momen Zellmi

In the geopolitical ballet of the Middle East, Armenia’s security is inextricably tied to the stability of Iran. This was the core message delivered by Gohar Iskandaryan, an expert on Iranian studies, during a recent press conference.

The assertion underscores the intricate interplay of regional politics, where the tremors of unrest in one country can ripple through its neighbors.

Iskandaryan highlighted the symbiotic relationship between Armenia and Iran, outlining how stability in Iran directly impacts Armenia’s security interests. As neighboring nations with close economic and geopolitical ties, the potential security threats Armenia could face if Iran’s stability is compromised are significant.

Recent demonstrations in Iran, contrary to their usual anti-government nature, have been pro-government, signaling a show of support for the regime. This shift in public sentiment is an element that Iskandaryan believes is crucial for the ongoing stability of the region.

Asbarez: In Response to Baku’s Actions, France Expels 2 Azerbaijani Diplomats

Kalantarian Kevo
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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President Aliyev and Macron in Paris in 2012


France has decided to expel two employees of Azerbaijan’s embassy in Paris, after Baku took a similar step this week against two employees working in France’s embassy in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said that two French diplomats had been ordered to leave the country over actions “incompatible with their diplomatic status.”

Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that it had summoned French ambassador Anne Boillon to voice a “strong protest over the actions of two employees of the French Embassy.”

“France has taken note of the decision taken by Azerbaijan to declare two members of the French Embassy in Azerbaijan persona non grata. It categorically rejects the allegations presented by Azerbaijan to justify its decision,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday in response to Baku’s actions.

“As a reciprocal measure, France has declared two employees of the Azerbaijani Embassy in France persona non grata,” the French Foreign Ministry said, adding that Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France was summoned and was officially informed of the decision.

Armenia Takes Charge: PM Pashinyan Vows to Curb Politics in Moscow-Led Alliance

Kalantarian Kevo
Dec 25 2023
 

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, despite tensions with Russia, pledges to suppress political interference in regional integration as Armenia prepares to chair the Moscow-dominated Eurasian Economic Union in 2024. 

By Sathish Raman
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, whose country's relations with Russia have been strained this year, has pledged to suppress political interference that hinders regional integration when Armenia assumes the rotating chairmanship of a Moscow-led economic alliance.
Armenia to Chair Eurasian Economic Union in 2024 

Armenia is set to become the chair country of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) in 2024. Established in 2014, the bloc comprises Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Armenia, and promotes the free movement of goods and services.
Pashinyan's Actions Strained Armenia-Russia Ties 

In the past year, Pashinyan has strained relations with Russia by denying permission for a Moscow-led security alliance to conduct exercises in Armenia and by declining to attend an alliance summit. Additionally, Armenia's accession to the Treaty of Rome, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC), further irked Russia. The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on charges of war crimes related to the deportation of children during the conflict with Ukraine.
Pashinyan Attends EEU Supreme Council Meeting 

Despite these tensions, Pashinyan attended a meeting of the EEU's Supreme Council in St. Petersburg on Monday. He emphasized that the union and its economic principles should not be intertwined with political ambitions and that Armenia is committed to preventing any attempts to politicize Eurasian integration.

Armenia's Dependence on Russia 

Armenia is heavily reliant on Russian trade and hosts a Russian military base. However, relations between the two countries deteriorated in the past year when a Russian peacekeeping force failed to reopen a crucial road connecting Armenia to the ethnic Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan gained full control of the region in a swift offensive in September.