Author: Kalashian Nyrie

Pashinyan lauds Russia for giving Armenia ‘a helping hand’ during pandemic, Karabakh war

Kalashian Nyrie
TASS, Russia
May 6 2021
According to the country’s acting PM, thanks to Moscow’s efforts it became possible to stop the hostilities and achieve substantial de-escalation in the region

YEREVAN, May 6. /TASS/. In Armenia’s time of difficulty, Russia helped solve the problems caused by the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. This was reported by the press service of the Armenian government, in wake of the Thursday meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia.

“During a difficult moment, the Russian Federation extended a helping hand to us, assisted in solving the problems caused by the pandemic and aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh. Thanks to the efforts of the Russian Federation, it was possible to stop the hostilities and achieve substantial de-escalation in our region. The presence of Russian peacekeepers is a solid guarantee of Nagorno-Karabakh’s security. I want to note the role of President [Vladimir Putin] of the Russian Federation in achieving peace in the region,” he emphasized.

On November 9, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to the document, the Azerbaijani and Armenian sides stopped at the positions that they had maintained, and Russian peacekeepers were deployed along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin Corridor that connects Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. It also envisages an all-for-all exchange of prisoners of war.

After the deployment of peacekeepers, the situation stabilized. Thousands of Nagorno-Karabakh residents who left their homes during the hostilities, returned with the support of the peacekeeping force.

In April, the first batch of Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine was delivered to Armenia. Later on, the parties reached an agreement on the purchase of 1 million doses of the vaccine. Yerevan also said it was in talks with Moscow about launching the production of the vaccine domestically with a view to manufacturing up to 100,000 doses per month.

Cost of living rises steeply in Armenia

Kalashian Nyrie
JAM News
May 8 2021
    JAMnews, Yerevan

Since April 2020, the cost of living in Armenia has risen dramatically, with prices for food staples up 6.2 percent.

The prices for vegetable oil (73.5 percent) and sugar (41 percent) rose the most.

In order to somehow influence the situation, the Central Bank raised the refinancing rate by 0.5 percentage points, bringing it to six percent. The refinancing rate is a uniform interest rate that the Central Bank applies when granting loans to commercial banks.

The main reason for the rise in prices is the rise in prices in the world market, and the new refinancing rate is too high, economist Vahagn Khachatryan believes. In his opinion, such a rate will have a negative impact on economic growth.

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Compared to last year, prices for food products increased by 8.3 percent, for other goods – by 8.5 percent.

The report of the statistics committee says that this was largely due to inflation of 5.3-7.8 percent.

Eventually

  • eggs have risen in price by 55.7 percent over the year,
  • vegetable oil – by 73.5 percent,
  • sugar and granulated sugar – by 41 percent.

Compared to April 2020, gasoline rose in price by 31.1 percent, diesel fuel – by 11.1 percent.

And only the prices for flour and bread became lower – by 0.2 percent.

The Ministry of Economy is “seriously concerned” about the rise in prices, but the issues of inflation and rise in prices are in the competence of the Central Bank, said the acting. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan.

“Nevertheless, we are working closely with the Central Bank to curb inflation not only through monetary policy instruments, but also through economic measures. We are not going to sit idly by and try to contain inflation with proactive measures, ”the minister said.

In addition, in the minister’s opinion, inflation in Armenia is not very high in comparison with other countries of the world.

The Central Bank raised the refinancing rate to curb the rise in prices. Chairman of the Central Bank Martin Galstyan announced this the other day. According to him, the Central Bank is trying to convey to consumers the main signal – in the short term there may be a slight increase in prices.

After some stabilization of food prices on the world market, inflation is again observed in March. And Armenia as an importing country cannot avoid it.

“The world market has seen about 80 percent of the rise in oil prices, 40 percent of the rise in sugar prices. As a small importing country, we cannot ignore these prices. In other words, we do not have domestic production, which is aimed solely at meeting the needs of the domestic consumer. Therefore, as an importing country, we also import inflation, ”the Central Bank chairman said.

Economist Vahagn Khachatryan agrees with the opinion of the head of the Central Bank that the rise in prices in the country is due to the situation in the world market.

“Recently I read an interesting analysis in the Russian media about prices related not to Armenia, but to Russia. But, as it turned out, the picture is the same. The reasons lie in the global economy and the global market.

What is happening now, starting in July last year, is associated with unfavorable weather conditions for agriculture and, of course, most importantly, with the geo-economic situation that arose during the pandemic. “

However, according to the expert, the data of the last three months indicate that the Armenian economy is gradually recovering:

“There is a good trend with the export of production. The increase in prices is mainly related to the external market and external circumstances in the global economy. “

Khachatryan considers the increase in food prices by 8.3 percent to be too high for the Armenian economy:

“The maximum level should have been 5.5 percent, and now it is almost nine, that is, almost twice as much, which, one might say, is already a negative indicator for further actions of the Central Bank.”

At the same time, according to the expert, the Central Bank is responsible for inflation, and not for economic development:

“The Central Bank should influence the inflation rate. This is a one-way traffic, which, of course, does not mean that if the inflation problem is solved, the country’s economy will grow.

But the constitution stipulates that for the stability of the financial condition, the Central Bank is responsible for inflation. The Central Bank has already got down to business. But if he raises the refinancing percentage too high, this will already have a negative impact on economic growth. “

Moreover, the economist also called the current refinancing percentage of six percent, which was set by the Central Bank, too high:

“This means that our revenues will fall, and not only revenues, but also productivity, and the economy will stall. Now the most problematic issue for the Armenian economy is to stop inflation and develop the economy at the same time. And so that it does not affect the income of citizens in any way.

It is difficult economically. Last year, the republic went through two crises [talking about the coronavirus pandemic and the war in Karabakh], to which the uncertainty in domestic politics was added. In addition, the exchange rate of the national currency has depreciated, which is why the prices for imported goods have increased.

Russian, Chinese, UAE companies interested in Armenian renewable energy market

Kalashian Nyrie

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 15:55, 7 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 7, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Government has outlined an action plan until 2040 under its strategy for developing the energy sector.

The program highlights the construction of high-capacity solar power stations.

“Armenia has big potential in this sector, and it is envisaged that in the next years we will have up to 1000MW photovoltaic stations,” Karen Asatryan, the Director of the Renewable Resources and Energy Efficiency Fund of the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures said at a news conference. He said the total output of these stations will be up to 15% of the entire electric-energy production.

“It’s planned that concrete work will be done in the direction of wind energy as well. It’s planned that by 2040 we’ll have up to 500MW wind power plants of systemic significance. These stations will be based on the public-private partnership.”

The next important component of the strategy is the liberalization of the energy market, as a result of which Armenia will have a new level energy system. Anyone producing electric-energy will be enabled to sell it directly to consumers.

Asatryan says another direction is energy saving. “We can have up to 40% energy saving,” he said. “Each saved kilowatt costs cheaper than producing it. We are making efforts so that energy saving becomes a part of our everyday lives. Active work in this direction is done in public buildings, and soon apartment buildings will also be involved.”

Speaking about the ongoing construction of Masrik-1, a 55MW solar power plant  in Gegharkunik province, he said it will be completed in 2024. “The investor is a Spanish company.” he said.

“Now, works are underway in the direction of developing a construction project of 120MW solar power plants. We hope to have new tenders next year. Now, tender processes are underway regarding other solar power plants, like the construction of the Ayg-1 and Ayg-2, each 200MW capacity. The winners will be known in the next months. Those interested include Russian, Chinese and UAE companies.”

Asatryan noted that over the time the legislative framework has been improved and it allows regular citizens or companies to install solar power systems for their own use. 4600 stand-alone power systems were installed as a result. In one year, a 59% growth in solar power production was recorded, he said. Asatryan says they expect up to 600,000,000 dollar investments in the solar power sector by 2030, and up to 500,000,000 dollar investments in the wind power sector.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Rep. Chris Smith calls for $50,000,000 in direct U.S. humanitarian aid to Artsakh

Kalashian Nyrie
Panorama, Armenia
May 7 2021

Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) – the most senior member on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee – has called on House appropriators to allocate at least $50 million for food security, housing, medical aid, infrastructure, and other pressing needs in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) – citing the vast death and destruction caused by Azerbaijan’s Turkey-backed attack last year, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

In a letter addressed to the leaders of the House Appropriations subcommittee that writes the foreign aid bill, Rep. Smith noted that, “In September 2020, Azeri forces, supported by Turkey, embarked on a devastating war of conquest in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region that caused thousands of casualties, rendered thousands more homeless, and destroyed vital infrastructure,” underscoring the need for “not less than $50 million shall be made available for humanitarian assistance in Artsakh to support food security, housing, medical assistance, and vital infrastructure.”

Congressman Smith also forcefully condemned “credible reports that the Republic of Turkey funded mercenaries recruited from the Syrian National Army to fight with the Azeri army that invaded Artsakh,” calling on his Congressional colleagues to appropriate “not less than $500,000 shall be made available to the Secretary of State for a report that the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate Congressional Committees, on the role of Turkey in the recent attack on Artsakh.”

In his letter, Rep. Smith called for the strengthening of Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support, a statutory restriction on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, and for suspending all “U.S. military aid, including under Section 333 Building Partner Capacity Program, to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, and agrees to an equitable resolution of the conflict.”

“Six months after the end of Azerbaijan’s attack – our U.S. government – under both Presidents Trump and Biden – has failed to provide meaningful assistance to meet desperate humanitarian needs in Artsakh,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We welcome Congressman Smith’s principled call for $50 million in direct aid to Artsakh and thank all the voices in Congress – House and Senate, Democratic and Republican – who are pressing aggressively for a robust U.S. assistance package for the Armenian population of Artsakh.”

Armenian, Russian FMs discuss humanitarian problems facing Artsakh

Kalashian Nyrie

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 15:02, 6 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s caretaker foreign minister Ara Aivazian and Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the humanitarian problems facing Artsakh during their meeting in Yerevan.

“In the context of ongoing actions aimed at restoring living conditions in Artsakh I would like to once again highlight the efforts of the Russian side with gratitude. Solving people’s return to their homes, restoring infrastructure, normal life ad solving the healthcare problems are very important for the Artsakh residents more than ever today”, Ara Aivazian said during a joint press conference with the Russian FM in Yerevan.

Russian FM Sergei Lavrov has arrived in Armenia on May 5 on a two-day visit.

He is scheduled to meet with Armenia’s caretaker prime minister Nikol Pashinyan on May 6.

Lavrov will also pay a working visit to Baku on May 9-10.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Foreign mercenaries used by Azerbaijan in 2020 war stand trial in Armenia for international terrorism, murder

Kalashian Nyrie

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 15:00, 4 May, 2021

KAPAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. The trial of the two Syrian militants who were fighting as mercenaries for Azerbaijan against Artsakh and Armenia in the 2020 war started at the Kapan courthouse of the Syunik Province Court of General Jurisdiction.

The trial is presided over by Judge Napoleon Ohanyan.

Muhrab Muhammad al-Shkher and Yusef Alabet al-Hajji – both Syrian nationals who were recruited and sent via Turkey –  were fighting for the Azerbaijani military as foreign mercenaries in the war of aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan on September 27, 2020. The actions of the mercenaries were aimed at killing civilians in Armenia and Artsakh, with the purpose of terrorizing the peaceful population and destabilizing the domestic situation of Armenia and Artsakh, the Committee of Investigations earlier said in the indictment. 

Yusuf Alabet al-Hajji is the Syrian terrorist who had testified that they ‘were ordered to slaughter every Armenian in the village’.

Muhrab Muhammad al-Shkher, also a Syrian citizen, had testified that he, along with many others, were recruited by the leader of the Suleyman Shah Brigade in Syria and taken to Azerbaijan via Turkey.

Criminal charges of Terrorism Activity Committed by an Organized Group, International Terrorism, Gross Violation of International Humanitarian Law During Armed Conflicts (murder of non-combatants, civilians) and Mercenarism were pressed against the two arrested Syrian mercenaries. 

The investigators in Armenia earlier said that more than 30 other mercenaries from the militant groups Sultan Suleyman Shah, Sukur, Hamza, Sultan Murad and others have been identified in having fought for the Azeri forces. These mercenaries are wanted for war crimes.

The leader of the Suleyman Shah Brigade – an international terrorist organization, Mohammad Al Jassim aka Abu Hamsha, is also wanted by Armenian investigators in the investigation.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Sarkissian sends letter to ICRC President on ensuring return of Armenian POWs from Azerbaijan

Kalashian Nyrie

 

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 10:51,

YEREVAN, APRIL 30, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has sent a letter to President of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) Peter Maurer, expecting the Committee’s support for the quick return of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians from Azerbaijan, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.

In his letter the Armenian President said several hundreds of Armenian servicemen and civilians have been captured during the recent war launched against Artsakh by Azerbaijan with the active participation and direct involvement of Turkey, noting that the POWs are being tortured and are subject to inhuman treatment by Azerbaijan.

“Touching upon the humanitarian situation in Artsakh today is a key issue, and requires urgent attention from the international community.

The international community, all countries of the OSCE Minsk Group, the international organizations and individuals must give an adequate response to Azerbaijan’s actions.

According to the 2020 November 9 trilateral statement on the ceasefire, Armenia has transferred all prisoners of war to Azerbaijan. Nevertheless, it’s highly important to conduct the exchange of all POWs and civilians with the “all for all” principle, which is ignored by Azerbaijan.

With gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, Azerbaijan is currently hiding the real number of the Armenian prisoners of war and hostages, continues rejecting and obstructing the return of the hostage-taken civilians and the prisoners of war. Armenia is expecting support from the international partners on the quick return of all captives.

I appeal to you and the International Committee of Red Cross to take all necessary measures in accordance with the international humanitarian law to ensure the immediate release and safe return of the prisoners of war”, the President of Armenia said in his letter.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Turkish press: Ironic as it is: The US and speaking about genocide | Column

Kalashian Nyrie
 COLUMNS 
APR 29, 2021 12:05 AM GMT+3
U.S. President Joe Biden speaks about COVID-19 vaccinations at the White House, Washington, D.C., U.S., April 21, 2021. (AP Photo)

In a speech on April 24, U.S. President Joe Biden classified the 1915 events as “genocide.” Biden declared: “We remember the lives of all those who died in the Ottoman-era Armenian genocide and recommit ourselves to preventing such an atrocity from ever again occurring,” using the term “genocide” twice.

Simply put, Biden’s “genocide” proclamation is obviously political and does not have any legal or historical standing. As we know, former U.S. presidents have always preferred the Armenian term “Meds Yeghern,” meaning “great calamity.”

Here, the question is why now must be the definition of an incident that took place some 106 years ago be changed?

While the 1915 case is nothing more than electoral campaign fodder for Biden and lobbies in the U.S., for Turks and Armenians, it is not that simple.

Turkey is home to citizens of Armenian descent as well as tens of thousands of Armenians who moved to the country for work.

As societies attempt to heal the wounds inflicted during World War I, gambles made by certain circles in international politics seek to cause tension. Such plays prompt radical bilateral discourse and, by attempting to reshape history, raise problems for politicians attempting to take constructive steps to normalize bilateral ties.

I think Armenian Orthodox Patriarch Sahak Maşalyan’s recent words clearly sum up the issue, that “it is desired that third party countries provide encouraging contributions to these aims.”

“Governments for decades have used the 1915 events in their agendas, which only causes further tension and serves no solid positive contribution. Contrarily, it impedes peace by provoking enmity. First, fellowship and sincerity bridges must be built,” he said.

My beloved friend, Daily Sabah columnist, Istanbul deputy Armenian Turkish citizen Markar Esayan, whom we lost last year, defined the atmosphere that would descend every April 24: “Without a doubt, April 24s are always traumatic times for us. Because we do not want our country to be stigmatized but demand the historically catastrophic incident be respected. Since April 24, 2014, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extends his condolences to us, the grandsons of the Ottoman citizens who lost their lives amid the conditions of World War I. It is a great revolution. This willpower and courage are the map for the road we’ll follow for peace.”

Moreover, instrumentalizing the crime of genocide, for which a legal and political definition was set in 1945, to be used as blackmail in domestic and foreign politics is disgusting exploitation.

Such dirty political discourses belittle the extent of the ongoing crime against humanity.

Our Armenian brothers and sisters, who perceive Biden’s “genocide” decision as a win for their side, must stop and think again. Do they need a state far far away from their homeland to define their history and its relations with its two neighbors that were harmonious for thousands of years?

Besides that, this definition comes from the U.S. – a country that has played a role in almost every “fresh crime” perpetrated that meets “genocide” standards in both the region and the world.

Do you think this development is to the benefit Turks or Armenians, who once fell into the trap of imperialism?

Beheading of POWs, bombing civilians, deploying foreign mercenaries –Armenian Prosecution presents Azeri war crime probe

Kalashian Nyrie

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 14:20,

YEREVAN, APRIL 29, ARMENPRESS. Armenian prosecutors are probing over 100 criminal casefiles on the war crimes committed by the Azeri military-political leadership and troops during the 2020 war.

Foreign mercenaries and another 37 Azerbaijani nationals are charged (2 are arrested while 35 are internationally wanted).

The prosecution said that the Azerbaijani authorities, fueled with ethnic hatred, launched premeditated and targeted attacks on the peaceful civilian settlements of Armenia and Artsakh using artillery and drone strikes.

The Armenian prosecution said the Azeri attacks were an act of aggression, a war of aggression, which resulted in the deaths of both servicemen and civilians – who were protected under international conventions, and civilian infrastructures such as residential homes, kindergartens and roads were destroyed.

The Armenian authorities noted that an Armenia SU-25 warplane was shot down while it was flying in Armenian airspace, and the pilot Valery Danelin was killed. Hostile UAVs breached Armenian airspace and bombed the province of Gegharkunik, hitting residential homes in Sotk, a passenger bus, as well as servicemen on duty. A child was severely wounded when the Azeri military fired on civilians in an agricultural field. A civilian was killed in the bombing of Mets Masrik. The Azeri combat drones even reached the airspace of Kotayk  Province but were shot down by the Armenian air defense.

In Armenia’s south, three soldiers were killed in a bombing and military equipment which was not in combat was hit.

The investigation has gathered evidence that the Azeri military repeatedly tortured, murdered and subjected to inhumane treatment the prisoners of war and other detainees, including civilians both during and after the war. In one case, the Azeri servicemen beheaded an Armenian POW and published photos on the interest.

All cases are under scrutiny to give individual criminal-legal assessment to the actions of the Azeri servicemen.

The investigation also has evidence that the Azeri military vandalized and destroyed Armenian cemeteries and monuments, including churches both during and after the war.

Evidence includes facts that Azerbaijan pre-planned the war back in June 2020 and recruited more than 2000 Syrian mercenaries and deployed them via Turkey. Azeri authorities transferred payments namely to the Suleyman Shah and Sultan Murad terror groups.

Another criminal case concerns the downing of a Russian gunship over Armenian airspace by Azeri military on November 9, 2020, which killed two pilots and wounded another one.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

‘Azerbaijani President’s statement a proof of genocidal policy against Armenians’ – Ombudsman

Kalashian Nyrie

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 10:14, 21 April, 2021

YEREVAN, APRIL 21, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan has commented on the statement of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, who in his interview to the Azerbaijani general television (Azərbaycan Televiziyası) spoke about the entire population of Armenia with open threats of use of force and war.

Armenpress presents the Ombudsman’s comment:

“The President of Azerbaijan in his interview to the Azerbaijani general television (Azərbaycan Televiziyası) spoke about the entire population of Armenia with open threats of use of force and war on April 20, 2021.

Referring to the territory of the sovereign Republic of Armenia, he spoke about the creation of the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” and the expulsion of the population of Armenia, regardless of the will of Armenia. The President of Azerbaijan also noted. “All forces are mobilized to implement the program. Thus, 101 years later, the Azerbaijani people are returning to the occupied Zangezur.”

Before that, for example, in his speeches of April 12 and 13, 2021, the President of Azerbaijan openly stated that ordinary people living in Armenia and Artsakh, the whole Armenian people have psychological disorders, they are full of poison, are incomprehensible, are savages, are arrogant, have no morals, etc. Instead, he demonstrates, in his opinion, the advantages of the people of Azerbaijan, considering them superior in class, morality and psychology, as compared to the Armenian people.

It is obvious that the April 20 interview of the President of Azerbaijan is a proof of genocidal policy, it contains intimidation of the entire population of Armenia, which is absolutely prohibited under international law. All this is done by openly distorting historical facts, presenting Zangezur as an Azerbaijani historical territory.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia specifically states that the President of Azerbaijan makes statements that are evidence of fascist policy, especially after the September-November war of 2020.

It is obvious that in this way the President of Azerbaijan insults, spews ethnic hatred and Armenophobia at the highest state level, and carries out public propaganda of animosity against Armenians.

Professional studies of the Human Rights Defender’s Office of Armenia confirm that exactly this Azerbaijani state policy was the basis of atrocities, beheadings alive, torture, and other war crimes committed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against civilians and servicemen of the Armenian side during and after the war.

These days the Human Rights Defender is carrying out fact-finding activities in the communities of the RA Syunik province. The results of the activities confirm Azerbaijani military’s shootings in the vicinity of peaceful communities, openly intimidating civilians and children, even making inappropriate hand gestures.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia firmly calls for the attention of international organizations, especially those with human rights mandates, to these genocidal and fascist statements.

International organizations must take into account that it was their silence that contributed to more of the Azerbaijani atrocities during the war, and the incredible gross violations of human rights. This is the reason why the President of Azerbaijan makes such absolutely aggressive statements that undermine the foundations of international law.

It is necessary to prevent the Azerbaijani genocidal and fascist policy, the state propaganda of hatred towards Armenians (Armenophobia) and the animosity with decisive steps, to ensure real results, and to prevent new violations of rights and new war crimes in the future”.