Author: Karlen Baghdasarian

ANCA outlines Artsakh-driven US foreign aid priorities

Karlen Baghdasarian
 ANCA ANCA News 0

ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan making the case on Capitol Hill for aiding Artsakh and holding Azerbaijan accountable.

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) – in grassroots outreach, legislative meetings, appropriation requests and Congressional testimony on Capitol Hill – is rolling out Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) foreign aid priorities aligned with the survival of Artsakh and security of Armenia in the face of escalating threats by Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The ANCA is asking House and Senate appropriators – particularly those that serve on the State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs subcommittees, to fund direct humanitarian aid programs in Artsakh, to prohibit continued US military aid to Azerbaijan and to hold the Aliyev regime accountable for its war crimes, anti-Armenian aggression and ongoing blockade of Artsakh. Policy priorities for Artsakh, Azerbaijan and Armenia are provided below.

Artsakh

Starting in Fiscal Year 1998, Congress began sending direct US aid to Artsakh in the form of maternal health care, clean drinking water and life-saving demining by the HALO Trust. The ANCA is making the case that, in the wake of Azerbaijan’s 2020 attack, and to address the crisis arising from Azerbaijan’s prolonged blockade of the region, this aid program must be meaningfully expanded to meet the humanitarian and recovery needs confronting the families of Artsakh – estimated at well over $250,000,000 – helping them rebuild their lives and resettle in safety upon their indigenous Armenian homeland.

While encouraged by language in the FY23 Consolidated Appropriations Act mandating the Department of State in consultation with USAID prepare a humanitarian assistance strategy to support those impacted by the Artsakh War, the ANCA is requesting that Congress ensure that this strategy is delivered and implemented in order to meet short-term humanitarian needs and support a long-term investment in Artsakh. In terms of the FY24 bill, the ANCA is requesting $75 million for Artsakh:

Refugee Relief: $20,000,000
Food Security: $15,000,000
Energy Security: $10,000,000
Education: $10,000,000
Healthcare: $10,000,000
Water/Sanitation: $5,000,000
Rehabilitation: $3,000,000
Demining/UXO: $2,000,000

Azerbaijan

The ANCA continues to communicate its outrage over the Biden Administration’s reckless and irresponsible decision to continue US military aid to Azerbaijan in the wake of Azerbaijan’s 2020 attack on Artsakh, its assaults and occupation of sovereign Armenian territory and its ongoing blockade of Artsakh. The ANCA is making the case that sending US military aid to Baku – including Section 333 (Capacity Building), Foreign Military Financing and International Military Education and Training – materially adds to Baku’s equipment stores, tactical abilities and offensive capabilities, and frees up state resources for renewed cross-border action against both Artsakh and Armenia. In addition to the material impact the provision of military assistance has had on Azerbaijan’s capacity to wage its war of aggression against the Armenian people, the continuation of US military assistance is viewed by Azerbaijan as a green-light for renewed aggression against Armenia and Artsakh.

In light of Azerbaijan’s ongoing blockade of Artsakh and the humanitarian crisis it has created – which the Administration has noted undermines the prospects for peace in the region – the ANCA contends that the Administration should strictly enforce Section 907 and that Congress, for its part, should rescind the President’s authority to waive this provision of US law and enact statutory prohibitions on any new US military or security aid to Azerbaijan.

Armenia

The ANCA is explaining to legislators, new and old, that Armenia – an ancient Christian nation deeply rooted in Western democratic values – has, despite the crushing economic impact of Turkish and Azerbaijani aggression and blockades, stepped forward as an ally and partner for the United States on a broad array of complex regional challenges. Armenia is a member of NATO’s Partnership for Peace, and the Armenian military has been among the highest per capita providers of peacekeepers to US-led deployments, including those in Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, Kosovo and Mali. Today, given the existential regional threats to the Armenian homeland, the ANCA is pressing policy-makers to urgently prioritize the security and viability of Artsakh and Armenia above domestic and reform agendas.

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The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.


Armenian, Iranian Foreign Ministers meet in Geneva

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 16:17,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan met with Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian in Geneva within the framework of the high-level meeting of the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights Council. 

The foreign ministers discussed issues related to bilateral and multilateral partnership, the Armenian foreign ministry said in a read-out. Both sides were pleased to note the high level political dialogue between Armenia and Iran.

Joint actions for the further development of cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including in the sectors of energy, transport and infrastructures were highlighted.

Ideas were exchanged around issues of security and stability in the region.

Speaking about the grave humanitarian situation resulting from the blockade of Lachin corridor, FM Ararat Mirzoyan stressed that it is imperative that Azerbaijan immediately stops the blockade of Nagorno Karabakh without preconditions in accordance with the terms of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement.

The implementation of the ICJ ruling was also underscored.

FM Mirzoyan presented the latest developments in the Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement process.

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice (ICJ) – ordered Azerbaijan on February 22 to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The Lachin Corridor is blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022. Azerbaijan hasn’t yet complied with the order.




Iran reiterates opposition to any geopolitical change in region

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 16:30,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. Iran’s relations with Armenia are historical and in line with the interests of the entire region, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian said during a meeting with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Geneva, IRNA reports.

“We’ve numerously said that the good relations between Tehran and Yerevan aren’t detrimental to any country. We support the development of communication between all countries in the Caucasian region, however being against any geopolitical change in the region is our fundamental policy,” the Iranian FM added.

FM Hossein Amir-Abdollahian added that Armenia and Iran have big potential for development of relations especially in the economic sector.

The foreign ministers discussed issues related to bilateral and multilateral partnership, the Armenian foreign ministry said in a .

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1105122.html?fbclid=IwAR3rDle38LdhWc7iobYWheZCh-MQs1URAykw-SyvEle_gcQ70tnz2jcM_qQ

Armenpress: Azerbaijani blockade of Artsakh and other criminal activities have resulted in increase in diseases

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 21:30,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. Due to the fact that the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia has been blocked by Azerbaijan for 78 days, as well as due to the continuous stress caused by uncertainties and threats arising from Azerbaijani criminal activities, the indicators of a number of diseases and complications have increased in Artsakh compared to the same period of last year, ARMENPRESS reports the Ministry of Health of Artsakh informs.

"They include ischemic heart disease – 58%, cerebral palsy – 36%, birth complications – 11.6% and a number of other diseases.

Among adults and especially children, an increase in nervous and psychological problems is recorded, compared to the same period of the previous year, which was manifested by a 46% increase in children's visits to neurologists and psychologists, and a 47% increase in the case of adults.

Compared to the same period of the previous year, the cases of surgical interventions due to intestinal obstruction, which may be caused by a lack of some ingredients in the diet, have increased by 25%.

Dutch lawmakers call for actions to open Lachin corridor as Azeri officials display “absolute ignorance” of ICJ ruling

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 13:14,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. Lawmakers in the Netherlands called on Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra to take action for the immediate opening of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan and restoration of unimpeded access to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), the Federation of Armenian Organisations in the Netherlands (FAON) reported.

FAON said that Dutch MP Pieter Outsight and 12 other MPs of parliamentary factions – Brekelmans (VVD), Mulder (CDA), De Roon (PVV), Van Dijk (SP), Van der Staaij (SGP), Ceder (CU), Piri (PvdA), Van der Lee (GroenLinks), Koekkoek (Volt), Teunissen (PvdD), Eppink (Ja21) and Van der Plas (BBB) have consolidated their voices to address questions to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands urging to take action for the immediate opening of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan.

“The questions call for an unambiguous stance in regards to the application of the ICJ order, according to which Azerbaijan must take all necessary measures to halt the blockade and ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor, in both directions, and asks what steps the Netherlands is planning to take in order to have the Azerbaijani authorities implement the ruling. The MPs ask if the Minister has taken note of the fact that the ambassador of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands made provocative tweets about “ongoing NGO’s peaceful action”, which underscores once again the absolute ignorance of the Azerbaijani officials to the ruling of the ICJ. Among other questions the MPs also inquire, in case the Minister shares the opinion that Azerbaijan does not meet the ruling of the Court, if he intends to address the ambassador of Azerbaijan about it. The MP’s also want to know what steps the Netherlands will take towards EU, Council of Europe and UN for the immediate implementation of the ruling. The MPs also ask about Azerbaijan’s obligation, being a member of organisations as UN and Council of Europe, to stop the ongoing violations of human rights and international law, and also this ruling of the International Court of Justice. The FAON also took note and welcomes the statement by the Dutch MFA calling upon Azerbaijan to abide by the legally binding decision of the ICJ. FAON has been active for the opening of Lachin corridor towards Dutch public, media and politics since December 12th, resulting in several debates and 2 motions (December 14 and January 19) and held a 3-day Silent Protest demonstration in front of the parliament on January 17,18,19, submitting a petition on January 17 to the parliament and a rally at the Peace Palace on January 30 in The Hague,” reads the FAON press release.

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice – ordered Azerbaijan to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

The Lachin Corridor is blocked by Azerbaijan since 12 December 2022.

Food: Mini Kabob Glendale California – Home-style Armenian Kabobs

Karlen Baghdasarian
Feb 21 2023

Posted onFebruary 21, 2023

Mini Kabob is a small mom-and-pop Armenian restaurant located in the heart of Glendale, California.


In 2021, Mini Kabob made it on the New York Time’s list of Best Restaurants in America. They’ve been featured many times in the press because of their delicious home-style Armenian fare.

The restaurant was first founded by a Persian American who owned the mechanic shop behind the building. His goal was to fulfill his craving for traditional mini ground beef kabobs served in Amernian lavash (thin flatbread).

In 1995, current owners Ovakim Martirosyan and his wife, Alvard Martirosyan, bought this business and never looked back. This couple works with their son, Armen, to create delicious, fresh kabobs daily. This family is welcoming and friendly offering home-style Armenian fare for customers.

While the interior of this no-frills joint is small, that’s only because all of the emphasis is on the food, making this a popular spot for takeout.

Guests particularly enjoy the tantalizing aromas as soon as they walk in.

They serve up quality meat such as ground beef/chicken; beef/chicken cutlet; beef shish pieces; chicken breast and thigh skewers; French cut lamb chops; falafel plates, and of course mini kabobs. They also offer homemade Egyptian style hummus, eggplant caviar, and cucumber yogurt. 

When I got to Mini Kabob, Armen was at the counter and I told him it was our first time visiting. He asked for how many people (including kids) and I told him 4. He put together a variety of items for us to try and it came out to be around $70 (paid in cash).

We got an assortment of ground beef lule kabob; ground beef shish kabob; chicken thigh kabob; pork shish kabob; chicken breast shish kabob as well as fire-roasted jalapeños and tomatoes, hummus, onions with parsley, and rice.

The meats were so juicy, tasty and flavorful with spices.

There was also homemade Egyptian style hummus with a drizzle of lemon, oil and a sprinkle of red pepper.

We also tried the homemade fresh yogurt and cucumber mixed with a dash of dry mint.

The Greek salad featured fresh feta cheese with black olives on a bed of romaine lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes, with red wine vinaigrette.

The charred vegetables were a nice touch.

They’re a busy spot so try to order ahead if you can. Can’t recommend them enough!

Torture and exploitation at a psychiatric care center in Armenia

Karlen Baghdasarian
Feb 21 2023

  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Torture at Vardenis care center

An investigation has revealed abuse at a psychiatric care center in Armenia, where 450 people with mental health problems reside. A criminal case has been initiated and a preliminary investigation is underway.

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On February 17, information was received from the police about violations by the director of the Vardenis center to the effect that that “the director of the institution tortures patients and instructs they not be given the full amount of cigarettes and food prescribed.”

Attached was a list of other violations committed by the head of the center:

  • “demanded and received through an intermediary bribes to increase wages for employees,
  • showed a careless attitude to work during the years of tenure,
  • did not fire employees who did not have the necessary qualifications.

“On February 16, in the ward of one of the departments, a patient was found chained up with a metal chain,” the report said.

Later, the Investigative Committee announced that a criminal case had been initiated, and the director of the center and three employees were detained.

A number of violations have been investigated:

  • “guests were not fully provided with cigarettes and food for the day,
  • from the whole menu they were fed only soup without meat and bread,
  • part of the duties of the orderlies of the medical department and the workers of the dining room were performed by patients,
  • some of them performed cleaning work in the barnyard belonging to the director of the boarding house or his family.”

“It turned out that the bed of one of the patients, a mattress, was thrown on the floor in front of the radiators, and a fabric belt was attached to his waist, to which a metal chain was attached. This chain was connected to the radiator..

In addition, one resident was tied by his hands and feet to the four corners of the bed,” police say.

Veterans of the war in Armenia often avoid seeking psychological help, hindered by both glorification and stereotypes.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, which operates the facility announced that it was closely following the case:

“The Ministry considers reprehensible any illegal actions in any institution under its jurisdiction, especially torture.”

And yet it is reported that the facility is operating as normal.

The ministry also stated that they “are cooperating with law enforcement in order to fully reveal the circumstances of the case.”

In Armenia, stereotypes about the deaf are still alive, and they face significant barriers to employment and even forming social lives. A new film proves how much they can do.

Marietta Temuryan, a spokeswoman for the Vanadzor office of the Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly, says that human rights organizations have been warning for years about the high risk of abuse in such institutions. During the monitoring process, representatives of the organization themselves became witnesses of violence.

“Whatever control is established, and despite the presence of a mandate for visits to these institutions by human rights activists, the ombudsman or monitoring groups, they are closed, and it is quite difficult to keep abreast of all incidents,” Temuryan said at a press conference.

According to Mushegh Hovsepyan, head of the NGO Disability Rights Agenda, violence against people with mental health problems is widespread outside of institutions, but within them “the risk is higher.”

“There is a misconception in society that the majority of criminals are people with mental disorders. However, according to statistics, they actually constitute the majority of victims,” he said.

According to Hovsepyan, at the moment the state does not have “any political document” that could protect the rights of people with disabilities who are in closed care institutions and prisons.

“In recent years, we have seen a regression in this sense. For example, in 2020, a 2022-24 Disability Care Services Transformation Plan was developed, but which was not adopted. A five-year comprehensive program for the social integration of disabled people was developed which was also not adopted.”

Experts believe that systemic reforms and deinstitutionalization are needed — that is, these places should be abolished altogether, and the residents of these institutions should live in communities, receiving services necessary for independent living.

“The state must provide a person with a suitable place to live, it must take into account their will and preferences: where, with whom and under what conditions they want to live,” Marietta Temuryan asserts.

https://jam-news.net/torture-at-vardenis-care-center/






Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 21-02-23

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 17:23, 21 February 2023

YEREVAN, 21 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 21 February, USD exchange rate down by 0.67 drams to 391.68 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 2.24 drams to 417.06 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.03 drams to 5.25 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.51 drams to 473.35 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 109.72 drams to 23243.80 drams. Silver price up by 5.78 drams to 273.39 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.

Durham mayor rescinds pro-Azeri proclamations after meetings with ANC of North Carolina activists

Karlen Baghdasarian
February 22, 2023 ANCA-Eastern Region ANCA News 0

Members of the Armenian National Committee of North Carolina met with Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neal on February 20, 2022. Pictured from left to right: Armen Melikian, Edgar Vardanian, Lilia Schwartz, Artak Vardanyan, and Davit Melikian.

DURHAM, NC – Representatives from the Armenian National Committee (ANC) of North Carolina met with Durham Mayor Elaine O’Neal on February 20, 2023, to discuss the harmful proclamations issued by her office. 

ANC of North Carolina members Artak Vardanyan, Lilia Schwartz, Armen Melikian, Edgar Vardanian and Davit Melikian educated the mayor on Azerbaijan’s campaign of ethnic cleansing and the impact of pro-Azerbaijan proclamations on humanity, amidst their human rights abuses. At the urging of ANC of North Carolina activists, the mayor rescinded the proclamations, including ones for “Khojaly Remembrance Day” and “Azerbaijan Victory Day,” and thanked the activists for bringing these important issues to her attention.

“We are deeply moved by the warm reception and heartfelt consideration Mayor O’Neal showed to members of the Armenian American community of North Carolina who informed her about the exploitation of proclamations as a propaganda tool by the government of Azerbaijan and its significance in the context of the blockade of Artsakh,” said Vardanyan. “The mayor acknowledged full responsibility for the harmful impact of the proclamations and expressed support for the continued struggle of the Armenian people. I commend the ANCA Eastern Region and our Armenian American compatriots in North Carolina as their dedication to never surrender the fight for Artsakh made this outcome possible.”

Mayor O’Neal not only rescinded the harmful proclamations but also issued a formal apology letter to the Armenian-American community of Durham. In the apology letter, Mayor O’Neal stated, “I would like to extend my sincerest apologies to the Armenian-American community of Durham for the proclamations issued on recognition of and ‘Khojaly Remembrance Day’ issued on January 24, 2022. This proclamation did not meet our City’s mission to make Durham a diverse and safe place to live, work and play, so I have chosen to rescind it. I have previously rescinded the ‘Azerbaijan Victory Day’ proclamation issued on November 8, 2022.”

The letter continues, “The City does not issue correspondence in matters of political issues, campaigns, or in matters that endorse a particular religion. I regret that the issuance of this proclamation has exacerbated this divisive matter in our community. I would like to thank Durham’s Armenian-American community for bringing this to my attention and I am grateful for the amicable relationship between the City and the Armenian-American community. Please accept my apologies for the hurt the issuance of this proclamation has caused.”

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The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region is part of the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots organization, the ANCA. Working in coordination with the ANCA in Washington, DC, and a network of chapters and supporters throughout the Eastern United States, the ANCA-ER actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.


UN court calls for end to Nagorno-Karabakh roadblock

Karlen Baghdasarian
 Associated Press

Feb 22 2023

By MIKE CORDER

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The United Nations’ highest court ordered Azerbaijan on Wednesday to “take all steps at its disposal” to allow free movement of traffic along the only road between Armenia and the ethnic Armenian Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan that has been blocked by protesters in a move that has further fueled tensions between the two countries.

The legally binding 13-2 ruling by the International Court of Justice results from the latest legal skirmishes in a long-running feud between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Each country filed a case with the court accusing the other of breaching a convention aimed at stamping out racial discrimination.

Wednesday’s ruling on the blocked road known as the Lachin Corridor came just over two years after the neighboring nations ended a war in Nagorno-Karabakh that killed about 6,800 soldiers and displaced around 90,000 civilians.

The remote and rugged region is within Azerbaijan but had been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since the end of a separatist war in 1994.

A cease-fire brokered by Russia ended the 2020 war and granted Azerbaijan control over parts of Nagorno-Karabakh as well as adjacent land occupied by Armenians. Russia sent a peacekeeping force of 2,000 troops to maintain order, including controlling the Lachin Corridor.

Armenia’s lawyers said during court hearings last month that the roadblock set up late last year by protesters claiming to be environmental activists was part of an Azerbaijani campaign the Armenians labeled “ethnic cleansing.”

International Court of Justice President Joan E. Donoghue said the evidence presented by Armenia established that the blockade “has impeded the transfer of persons of Armenian national and ethnic origin hospitalized in Nagorno-Karabakh to medical facilities in Armenia for urgent medical care.”

It also interrupted supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh of “essential goods causing shortages of food, medicine and other lifesaving medical supplies,” Donoghue said.

In their majority decision, the court’s judges ordered Azerbaijan to “take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.”

In a statement, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the court’s ruling “took note of Azerbaijan’s representation that Azerbaijan has and undertakes to continue to take all steps within its power and at its disposal to guarantee safe movement along the Lachin road.”

The statement said Azerbaijan “will continue to uphold the rights of all people under international law and to hold Armenia to account for its ongoing and historic grave violations of human rights.”

The court, in its ruling, said that Armenia’s request for judges to order Azerbaijan to “cease its orchestration and support” of the protests on the Lachin Corridor was “not warranted.”

The judges rejected Armenia’s request for an order for Azerbaijan not to block gas supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, saying that Armenian lawyers did not provide enough evidence to back their claim that Azerbaijan was disrupting the supply.

In a statement, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the court’s ruling “took note of Azerbaijan’s representation that Azerbaijan has and undertakes to continue to take all steps within its power and at its disposal to guarantee safe movement along the Lachin road.”

The statement said Azerbaijan “will continue to uphold the rights of all people under international law and to hold Armenia to account for its ongoing and historic grave violations of human rights.”

The court, in its ruling, said that Armenia’s request for judges to order Azerbaijan to “cease its orchestration and support” of the protests on the Lachin Corridor was “not warranted.”

The judges rejected Armenia’s request for an order for Azerbaijan not to block gas supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh, saying that Armenian lawyers did not provide enough evidence to back their claim that Azerbaijan was disrupting the supply.

The judges also declined a request by Azerbaijan for an order to stop or prevent Armenia from laying landmines and booby traps in areas of the region to which Azerbaijani citizens are to return.

The world court ordered both nations a little over a year ago to prevent discrimination against one another’s citizens in the aftermath of the war and to not further aggravate the conflict.

____

Aida Sultanova in London contributed.