Author: Kalantarian Kevo

Unearthing History: Armenia’s 6,000-Year-Old Tomb Reveals 30,000 Relics

Kalantarian Kevo
Feb 21 2024
Momen Zellmi
Imagine, if you will, the sun rising over the rugged landscapes of Yerevan, Armenia, casting its first light on a group of archaeologists as they stand at the brink of a historic discovery. It's a scene that captures not just the beauty of exploration but the thrill of unearthing secrets long buried. This isn't a tale woven from the threads of imagination, but a real-life narrative unfolding at the Yeghegis 1 archaeological site, where over 30,000 relics have been discovered in a tomb dating back 6,000 years.

In the heart of Armenia, a country cradled by the mountains and steeped in history, the discovery at Yeghegis 1 has illuminated a pivotal chapter in human civilization. The artifacts, which range from the remains of both domesticated and wild animals to intricately crafted tools, serve as a testament to the transitional period when societies began the monumental shift from hunting and gathering to more settled agricultural practices. This discovery is not just a window into the past but a mirror reflecting the intricate journey of human progress.

What makes the site truly remarkable is its ability to draw international attention, highlighting Armenia's crucial role in the historical migration of people and animals. The presence of both domesticated and wild animal remains sheds light on the coexistence of hunting and emerging farming practices, providing invaluable insights into the lives of our ancestors. The significance of Yeghegis 1 has resonated across continents, attracting experts and expedition teams eager to delve into its depths.

Armenia's rich tapestry of history has long been a subject of study, but the findings at Yeghegis 1 have catapulted the country onto the global archaeological map. The site's allure lies not just in the quantity of the relics but in the stories they tell, of a time when humanity stood on the threshold of a new world. This discovery underscores the importance of international collaboration in unearthing the mysteries of our past, with teams from around the world joining forces with local experts.

The ongoing interest in Yeghegis 1 has set the stage for continued excavations, scheduled to resume in July 2024. As the world waits with bated breath, the promise of more discoveries looms on the horizon, each potentially rewriting chapters of human history. The site has become a beacon for archaeologists and historians, a place where every unearthed artifact adds another piece to the puzzle of our collective past.

As the excavations at Yeghegis 1 continue to unfold, the site stands as a testament to the enduring quest for knowledge and understanding. The relics, each telling its own story of survival, innovation, and adaptation, offer a glimpse into a world vastly different from our own. They remind us of the complex journey of human civilization, from nomadic tribes to settled societies, from hunting and gathering to the dawn of agriculture.

The significance of these findings extends beyond the realm of academia, reaching into the hearts and minds of anyone who marvels at the vast tapestry of human history. As we look forward to the next chapter in the Yeghegis 1 story, we are reminded of the power of discovery to connect us with our ancestors, offering insights not only into their lives but into the very essence of what it means to be human.

https://bnnbreaking.com/history/unearthing-history-armenias-6000-year-old-tomb-reveals-30000-relics

​Armenian court rejects appeal of Christian conscientious objector

Kalantarian Kevo
The Baptist Paper
Feb 13 2024

Armenian court rejects appeal of Christian conscientious objector

An Armenian court rejected the appeal of a Baptist conscientious objector who faces two years in jail for refusing to serve in the military.

Armenian court rejects appeal of Christian conscientious objector

An Armenian court rejected the appeal of a Baptist conscientious objector who faces two years in jail for refusing to serve in the military.

On Feb. 9, a three-judge panel of Yerevan’s Criminal Court of Appeal rejected the appeal sought by 20-year-old Davit Nazaretyan, who received a two-year jail sentence last October.

“I am a Christian, and I read the Bible. … We have to love one another, even our enemies, and not kill people,” Nazaretyan told Forum 18, a Norway-based human rights organization.

RELATED: Check out more stories on the persecuted church here.

More appeals?

Nazaretyan, a member of an unregistered Council of Churches Baptist congregation in Arinj, near Yerevan, is considering another appeal and will not be required to go to jail until further appeal is heard.

The court pointed to an opinion by the theology faculty of Yerevan State University, who stated, “The creed of the Baptist Church and the analysis of the presented case materials allows us to state that Nazaretyan’s freedom of thought, conscience and religion would not be restricted by military service.”

Mikhail Shubin, Nazaretyan’s pastor, rejected the testimony offered by the Yerevan State University faculty regarding Baptist beliefs, saying his church believes convictions regarding military service are “a personal decision for each church member based on their conscience.”

“Davit asked for alternative civilian service,” Shubin told Forum 18. “If the law allows this, why didn’t they give it to him? If an individual’s conscientious views do not allow him to carry weapons or swear the oath, why didn’t they give him alternative service?”

Nazaretyan began the process of seeking alternative civilian service on religious grounds in June 2022, but officials with the Conscription Service and the Alternative Service Commission repeatedly rejected his requests.

All men in Armenia ages 18 to 27 are subject to conscription and 24 months of military service, with deferments available in strictly limited circumstances. Individuals subject to conscription can apply for 30 months of service without weapons within the armed forces or for 36 months of alternative civilian service.

‘Sincere’ testimony

Human rights defender Isabella Sargsyan of the Eurasia Partnership Foundation in Yerevan, who attended the appeal hearing, said Nazaretyan offered “very sincere” testimony.

“Davit set out very clearly that he does not consider himself guilty of any crime, that he has been in the church since childhood, and that he is ready to perform alternative service,” she told Forum 18.

In 2013, Armenia passed amendments to its alternative service law and its law on implementing the criminal code that created the civilian alternative service. Since then, hundreds of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been granted the right to alternative service, but adherents of other religious traditions seldom have their requests granted.

Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”

Interpreting Article 18, the U.N. Human Rights Commission has stated “there should be no differentiation among conscientious objectors on the basis of their particular beliefs; likewise, there shall be no discrimination because they have failed to perform military service.”

________________________________

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Ken Camp and originally published by Baptist Standard.

Turkish Press: Armenia’s economy minister steps down following arrests

Kalantarian Kevo
Feb 14 2024
World  |

Editor : Ahmet Erarslan
2024-02-14 17:10:28 | Last Update : 2024-02-14 17:27:16

Economy Minister Vahan Kerobian resigned on Wednesday, citing frequent disagreements with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian during his three-year tenure as the reason. 

Vahan took the ministerial post in November 2020, expecting a short tenure due to potential regime change. Despite numerous disagreements, he continued to perform his duties as the minister of economy.

Kerobian did not elaborate on these disagreements or address the recent arrests of senior ministry officials. He defended the ministry's handling of a state fund supporting fruit orchard establishment, which was extended by the government. Despite initially ruling out resignation following the arrests, he later stated he would take responsibility if the accusations against him were proven. 

The second criminal case is related to a procurement tender arranged by the Ministry of Economy, which was annulled by a court last summer. Officials from the ministry are accused of unlawfully disqualifying an information technology company, Harmonia, in order to ensure that a larger firm, Synergy International Systems, would win the tender. 

On Jan. 31, investigators also apprehended Ashot Hovanesian, the founder of Synergy, along with two current and former employees. The latter were released on Monday. Hovanesian's attorneys criticized his ongoing detention on Tuesday as "unlawful and biased." 

Hovanesian's earlier arrest prompted strong criticism from the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE) in Armenia. The organization stated that baseless detentions of "business representatives and other prominent individuals" are making Armenia a "high-risk country" for both local and foreign technology entrepreneurs. 


Armenia’s Gor Sahakyan to take the stage on Day 3 of European Weightlifting Championships

Kalantarian Kevo

 09:54,

SOFIA, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. The reigning European weightlifting champion (67kg) Gor Sahakyan will take the stage on February 14 at the 2024 European Weightlifting Championships in Sofia.

Sahakyan won gold at the 2023 European Weightlifting Championships in Yerevan.

So far, the Armenian team’s medal count stands at 1 after Aleksandra Grigoryan won gold at the women’s championships in the 55kg category.

Helen Knar Cirrito awarded Lifetime Achievement Award in Michigan

Kalantarian Kevo
 Weekly Staff Community News, Diaspora 0

Helen Knar (Arakelian) Cirrito has received the Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes individuals who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteer service. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission honored Cirrito on November 28, 2023 at the Governor’s Service Awards in Detroit.

Cirrito was born in Detroit to George and the late Zabel Arakelian. Her grandparents, Andrew and Sophie Arakelian and Yesahi and Armenouhi Gononian, were Armenian Genocide survivors from Ottoman Turkey. Raised in Detroit and Highland Park, where her parents and grandparents were active members of the Armenian community and church, Cirrito attended both Sunday school and Armenian school.

Helen Knar (Arakelian) Cirrito at the first Lansing Armenian community 4th of July picnic held at Francis Park, Lansing, MI. July 4, 1992

A graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and Michigan State University with a master’s in zoology, Cirrito was employed at Michigan State for 30 years in various research labs. She married Michael Cirrito, and they raised their children Andrea and Michael in the Greater Lansing area, where she has lived for 54 years.

Cirrito has had a life-changing effect on hundreds within the Armenian refugee community in the Greater Lansing region of Michigan. For more than three decades, Cirrito welcomed refugee families from all over the world into her home and helped them establish roots in the Greater Lansing area.

“In 1991, the first wave of Armenian refugees from Baku, Azerbaijan began to arrive in Michigan. In Lansing, about 40 refugees arrived that first year, at which time I became active in meeting and helping them in their resettlement,” Cirrito wrote to the Weekly. “Eventually, we welcomed over 250 people in Lansing and met many more in Detroit and Grand Rapids.”

As a descendant of Genocide survivors, Cirrito’s commitment to helping those in need was ingrained in her. In 1992, as Armenians were displaced by the first Artsakh War, Cirrito founded the Armenian Resettlement and Refugee Assistance Trust Fund using her resources and time. She worked closely with St. Vincent Catholic Charities to secure opportunities for the new arrivals. Cirrito also facilitated employment, education, transportation and medical care, setting the stage for success and integration into the Lansing community.

What truly sets Cirrito apart is her ability to remember and celebrate the milestones of each person she has helped. Her commitment to the well-being and growth of these individuals is a testament to her dedication and care. As the Armenian American community flourished, her efforts continued to expand. More than 90-percent of the refugees she assisted purchased homes, opened local businesses and provided employment opportunities to other community members. Cirrito’s influence has rippled through generations, as young Armenian Americans achieve academic, artistic and athletic success on national and international stages.

Cirrito’s profound service has not gone unnoticed by her community. Her selflessness and generosity have garnered deep respect and gratitude from everyone she has helped. The Armenian American community stands united in support of her nomination, echoing sentiments of appreciation for her dedication and life-changing work.  

“Helen Cirrito is an amazing woman who cherished all of us as her own family and gave us another chance to build a new life in America and succeed. She is worthy of hundreds of awards and recognitions, but she never sought or expected anything in return for all her hard work,” said Asya Vardanova, a member of the Lansing Armenian community. “We are all forever grateful for everything she has done for our entire community.”

“The Armenian Community in Lansing remains connected, but has seen many changes in the past 33 years,” Cirrito wrote. “It has been for me a personal journey of commitment and service to fellow Armenians.”

Cirrito’s legacy is one of unwavering compassion, boundless dedication and a resounding belief in the potential of every individual to thrive. Her lifetime achievement of saving lives, creating opportunities and fostering unity is a shining example of how one person’s actions can truly make a profound and lasting impact.




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.