Author: Liana Toganian

Fire at National Library of Armenia destroys digital document servers

Liana Toganian
JAM News
May 15 2020
15.05.2020

A fire took place in the National Library of Armenia, damaging servers on which digital versions of books and periodicals in Armenian were stored.

Because of the coronavirus crisis in Armenia, library staff are working online, in remote mode. When it was noted the site was not available, the library staff, along with the police guarding the building, came in to check on the building and found the burned-out servers.

The digital information of the National Library had been put together over the course of almost 20 years. Many researchers and simply readers used it its open access source documents both in Armenia itself and abroad.

The cause of the fire has not yet been clarified. It is also not clear whether it will be possible to recover information stored on the destroyed servers. However, according to the acting director Hrach Saribekyan, the evaluation of their appearance by the library specialist is encouraging:

“A full assessment can be given only after verification, which will become possible after the Ministry of Emergencies will consider the case.”

However, according to Saribekyan, all the digitized and archived material that was on the server devices is stored on separate media, that is, in any case, it is not lost. And the library is already working to make online materials again available to readers.

Foreign ministers of Belarus, Armenia discuss cooperation in international organizations

Liana Toganian
BelTA, Belarus
May 6 2020

MINSK, 6 May (BelTA) – Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Makei has talked to Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Zohrab Mnatsakanyan over the phone. The sides discussed a broad range of matters of bilateral cooperation, including interaction within the framework of international organizations and integration bodies, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.

Vladimir Makei and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan praised tight and prompt cooperation between Belarus and Armenia in the course of assisting citizens with returning to their home countries amid a complicated humanitarian situation resulting from closed borders. Vladimir Makei and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan also sketched out further steps designed to step up interaction between the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Armenian one.


Turkish press: Turkey rejects Trump’s statement on 1915 events

Liana Toganian
 ISTANBUL DIPLOMACY 
APR 24, 2020 6:22 PM GMT+3

The Foreign Ministry criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s statement on 1915 events for being based on a ‘subjective’ narrative of Armenians.

In a statement, the ministry rejected the claims by the U.S. president, saying that it completely disregards over 500,000 Muslims who were brutally slaughtered by Armenian rebels in the same period.

“Our suggestion to establish a Joint Historical Commission is still valid,” the Foreign Ministry said, adding that the commission would help shed light on the truth regarding the 1915 events.

Trump issued an annual commemoration of the 1915 events Friday, again using the Armenian term “Meds Yeghern” to describe the tragedy.

“On this day, we bear witness to the strength and resiliency of the Armenian people in the face of tragedy,” he said in a statement. “We are fortunate that so many Armenians have brought their rich culture to our shores and contributed so much to our country, including decorated soldiers, celebrated entertainers, renowned architects, and successful business people.” 

Turkey’s position on the events of 1915 is that the deaths of Armenians in eastern Anatolia took place when some sided with invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. A subsequent relocation of Armenians resulted in numerous casualties.

Turkey objects to the presentation of these incidents as “genocide,” describing them as a tragedy in which both sides suffered casualties.

Ankara has repeatedly proposed the creation of a joint commission of historians from Turkey and Armenia as well as international experts to tackle the issue.

Successive U.S. presidents have refrained from calling the deaths of Armenians “genocide,” but former President Barack Obama adopted the Armenian phrase “Meds Yeghern,” or “Great Crime,” to describe the tragedy, a practice repeated by Trump.

“We welcome efforts by the Armenians and Turks to acknowledge and reckon with their painful history,” Trump said. “On this day of remembrance, we pay respect to those who suffered and lost their lives, while also renewing our commitment to fostering a more humane and peaceful world,” he added.

Anti-corruption row highlights struggle to control the narrative in Armenia

Liana Toganian
EurasiaNet.org
April 30 2020
Ani Mejlumyan Apr 30, 2020 
           
Gagik Khachatryan (presidential administration)

Since coming to power in 2018, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has ardently pursued a political agenda to curb rampant corruption, make government more accountable and wean the country’s political system of its authoritarian tendencies.

But for all his passionate declarations about wanting Armenia to embrace liberal democracy, his formidable critics, many of whom had strong attachments to the old regime, continue to grouse that the Pashinyan administration is using authoritarian means to achieve liberalizing ends.

Events of April 28 involving avowed Pashinyan opponents, the father and son duo Gagik and Gurgen Khachatryan, highlight the ongoing struggle to shape Armenia’s anti-corruption narrative, a struggle that naturally has important implications for the eventual outcome of anti-graft efforts.

Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) took action April 28 to make fresh corruption and money-laundering allegations against the elder Khachatryan, a former finance minister and a power-broker from a family with lots of questionable business interests. Known as Armenia’s “super minister” in former president Serzh Sargsyan’s administration, Khachatryan and his family have long been in the Pashinyan’s government’s crosshairs: last August he was taken into custody, where he remains, on suspicion of large-scale embezzlement and abuse of power. The latest NSS allegations mark a widening of that earlier investigation.

A spokesperson for the Special Investigative Service, an accountability agency with government oversight responsibilities, announced back in August that the equivalent of $1.7 million in “damage inflicted on the state” had been recovered from the former minister.

Amid the latest move against the elder Khachatryan and his relatives, it’s clear he and his family consider the best defense to be a good offense. The same day as the NSS’s April 28 announcement, son Gurgen Khachatryan launched a public barrage against the government, claiming that officials were improperly trying to “alienate” him from wielding control at a major telecommunications firm, Ucom.

Always quick to maintain the initiative when it comes to narratives, Pashinyan’s government accused the Khachatryans of impropriety. “According to the Armenian government, Gagik Khachatryan and his sons have run a corrupt, mafia system in Armenia for many years, accumulating several hundred million dollars in illicit wealth,” said a statement posted on Facebook by the prime minister’s spokesperson, Mane Gevorgyan. “The prime minister’s position is that the stolen [assets] should be returned to the state.”

The NSS statement on April 28 also alleged that MP Gagik Tsarukyan, a power-broker with a wide array of business interests, appeared to have questionable links to an allegedly improper $22 million transaction involving the Khachatryans in 2011. On April 25, an Armenian court ordered the confinement for two months of an executive at a company controlled by Tsarukyan while authorities investigated the allegations of bribery.

Muddying the waters surrounding the NSS’s actions, news reports circulated the same day that claimed Pashinyan’s government supposedly attempted to influence judicial and law-enforcement officials into manufacturing a criminal case against Gurgen Khachatryan.

Despite such allegations of skullduggery, Pashinyan appears to retain the faith of a critical mass of Armenian citizens, and of international watchdogs.

Late on April 29, authorities submitted a motion for an Armenian court order to detain Gurgen Khachatryan, according to his lawyers. 

 

Ani Mejlumyan is a reporter based in Yerevan.


Asbarez: Armenian Educational Foundation Steps Up in Time of Crisis

Liana Toganian

The AEF prepared care packages to distribute to those in need during the COVID 19 crisis

Sending Aid to Families in Need in Armenia

Times of crisis bring out either the best or worst in us. Thankfully, the best in us is shining through. The current situation in Armenia has sparked Armenian Educational Foundation members and volunteers to step in to support students and families in need of food and supplies. With citizens unable to move freely, families have found themselves in hopeless situations, losing the ability to take care of their own needs.

An initiative, led by AEF student Halmet Khkoyan and other AEF student volunteers, have distributed food and assistance to the needy in Yerevan, Gyumri, and the villages of Berdik, Azatavan, Lernagog, Nalbandyan, Kharberd, Sasunik and Oshakan. AEF members in support of these students’ charity work, contributed over $18,000 to provide needed funds for the volunteers to deliver food to over 1000 families. Each of the food boxes contain essential food and supplies that will feed a family of 3-4 people for 10-14 days.

AEF volunteers deliver assistance in Armenia

Besides purchasing food from super markets, the group is also getting certain items donated. In an initiative to also aid farmers who are unable to transport and sell their products to Yerevan – the group is driving out to villages and purchasing fruits and vegetables. For example, after buying 200 Kg of apples, the farmer even donated another 200 kg.

Basis groceries were part of the AEF care packages

“Experience has shown that people living in the city live in much worse conditions than in the villages. In the beginning, whoever was able to contribute did so voluntarily, from money to their own products: noodles, dried fruits, tea, apples, boxes, napkins, toilet paper, etc. At first, the team consisted of four people planning to help 5-10 families. Then we started to increase, helping hundreds of families. The number of people joining us was increasing every hour, and those who provided assistance were participating in the work in various ways,” Khnkoyan states.

AEF’s COVID-19 relief efforts in Armenia

While state measures certainly help people, the money provided reaches citizens very late, posing an immediate problem for families in need now. Thus, even with a global pandemic and an ocean of separation, AEF members and students have established a connection and continue to assist the most vulnerable populations in Armenia.

AEF Board Member Rafik Khatchaturian expressed immense pride and support for the initiative, describing AEF students as “soldiers in a humanitarian army.”

If you are interested in making a contribution to the initiative or in becoming a member of AEF, please visit our website at aefweb.org or email [email protected].

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Liana Toganian

UAE sends medical aid to Armenia to fight COVID-19

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 15:26,

YEREVAN, APRIL 27, ARMENPRESS.  The United Arab Emirates today sent an aid plane carrying 7 metric tons of medical supplies to Armenia to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the UAE Embassy in Armenia said.

The medical aid will be provided to more than 7,000 healthcare workers.

“The UAE is honored to carry out its commitment to help other countries to fight the novel coronavirus. The UAE government, people and all healthcare workers unite efforts to overcome the current crisis. We recognize that the international community can overcome coronavirus only with joint efforts and constructive cooperation”.

So far, the UAE has sent over 314 metric tons of aid to more than 27 countries, supporting nearly 314,000 medical professionals in the process.

Artsakh Defense Army fulfilled its task during the April War – Levon Mnatsakanyan

Liana Toganian
Panorama, Armenia

The acting Chief of Police, former defense minister of the Artsakh Republic Levon Mnatsakanyan attended on Monday the hearing of the Investigative Commission examining the circumstances of the April military operation in 2016. During the Four-Day war Mnatsakanyan served as the Commander of the Defense Army,

Following the commission session, Mnatsakanyan held a briefing with reporters. “I responded to all questions raised by the commission members. I was sincerer and presented the reality that was during the April War,” Mnatsakanyan told reporters.

Asked about the possible gaps during the military activities, and whether those could affect the course of was, Mnatsakanyan replied: “No, definitely.” In his words no circumstance can ever undermine the victory of the Armenian side. “Artsakh defense Army was able to fulfill its task during the April war,” added Mnatsakanyan.

Mnatsakanyan, however, noted there have always been room for improvement in the army building and the Defense Army continues its work in that direction. In his words, from 2 to 5 of April in 2016 the Armenian side suffered 75 losses, 35 of which were conscripts.

Music: SERJ TANKIAN Releases ‘Hayastane’ Solo Song Based On Lyrics By Armenian Prime Minister

Liana Toganian
Blabbermouth
SERJ TANKIAN Releases ‘Hayastane’ Solo Song Based On Lyrics By Armenian Prime Minister

  

SYSTEM OF A DOWN frontman Serj Tankian has released a new solo song called “Hayastane” (Hayastan is the Armenian name for Armenia). The track, which features lyrics by Armenian prime minister Nikol Pashinyan, can be streamed below.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from “Hayastan” will be donated to the public health, educational, cultural, social and environmental programs of My Step Foundation. The song is dedicated to the victorious spirit of Armenia and the past, present and future of the Armenian people.

“During these challenging times of pandemic and lockdown, we wanted to give the people of Armenia a present of hope that they themselves can share with the world,” Tankian wrote in a social media post. “The goal was to write a song that represented a victorious celebration of the Armenian spirit, covering the past, present, and future of our nation. Please enjoy!

“My Step Foundation is an amazing charity that is spearheading many meaningful initiatives within Armenia focusing on public health, education, culture, social welfare, environment along with other sectors in need, including the current crisis surrounding COVID-19. Their current COVID-19 response for Armenian citizens include support to elderly groups, the disabled and other vulnerable populations in the country in the form of care packages, nutrition and hygiene products; the purchasing of vital medical supplies (masks, gloves, insulators, and other personal protective equipment) for medical and other first response teams within Armenia, and the purchasing and distribution of computers and tablets, while helping to provide education for students in need within vulnerable families in regions of severe distress.”

Pashinyan thanked Tankian for writing a song based on his poem.

Tankian is the grandchild of Armenian Genocide survivors and achieved fame as the frontman of SYSTEM OF A DOWN, which has sold over 40 million records worldwide. While still touring with the hard rock group, Tankian has also recorded success as a solo musician and singer, songwriter, film score composer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, poet and political activist.

Armenia Decries Crimes Against ‘Civilization’ on Genocide Anniversary

Liana Toganian
Voice of America
By Agence France-Presse
06:38 PM    

Armenian Apostolic Church leader Catholicos Garegin II, second left, and other clerics attend a service at the monument to victims of killings by Ottoman Turks, to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the massacre in Yerevan, Armenia, .

YEREVAN, ARMENIA – Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Friday decried crimes against “civilization” and demanded an apology from Turkey as his country marked the 105th anniversary of the WWI-era Armenian genocide.

The genocide is a “crime not only against our ethnic identity, but also against human civilization,” Pashinyan said in a message after laying flowers at a genocide memorial in the capital, Yerevan.

Commemorative events were scaled back this year because of the coronavirus restrictions imposed throughout the country, and the Yerevan memorial was closed to the public.

In a short video address at the memorial, Pashinyan said that after more than a century, “the consequences of the genocide have not been eliminated.”

“Turkey has not yet apologized for what it did,” he said, adding that Yerevan “demands” that Ankara officially recognize the massacres as genocide.

Armenians say up to 1.5 million people were killed as the Ottoman Empire was falling apart during World War I in what amounted to genocide, a claim supported by some 30 countries.

Turkey rejects label

Turkey fiercely rejects the genocide label, arguing that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and at least as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops.

Yerevan has long demanded Ankara provide financial compensation and restore property rights to the descendants of those killed in the 1915-18 massacres, which Armenians call Meds Yeghern or the Great Crime.

Pashinyan said Armenians “are still facing the challenges posed to our people at the outset of the 20th century.”

He said that instead of visiting the memorial, Armenians worldwide could send their names to a mobile number to have them displayed on the pillars of the memorial until dawn.

Commemorations started in Armenia on Thursday evening, when street lights were switched off and church bells chimed across the country.

Yerevan residents also switched off lights in their homes and many lit candles or waved mobile telephone flashlights at windowsills.

Last month, Armenia — which has reported 1,596 coronavirus cases and 27 deaths — declared a state of emergency and imposed a nationwide lockdown to slow the spread of the infection.

Artsakh’s participation in all stages of negotiation process is mandatory – President of parliament

Liana Toganian

Artsakh’s participation in all stages of negotiation process is mandatory – President of parliament

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 20:35,

YEREVAN, APRIL 22, ARMENPRESS. President of the National Assembly of Artsakh Ashot Ghoulyan has commented on the announcments of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, noting that irrespective of the content of the proposals developed by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs and irrespective of their names, be it Lisbon, Key West, Madrid, Kazan or something else, they will be inadmissible for Artsakh if they are to be developed and discussed without the participation of the direct side of the conflict, the Republic of Artsakh, ARMENPRESS reports Ghoulyan wrote on his Facebook page.

‘’Judging from the answers of the Russian FM Sergey Lavrov, one can assume that stubborn efforts are being made for restoing the deadlock option of Artsakh-Azerbaijan conflict settlement, which is the ‘’step-by-step’’ option.

The Foreign Minister of an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country, who has deep information on the conflict, could have given more complete comments on the developments. Indeed, all the 4 resolutions of the UNSC were adopted in 1993, during the war. The priority and key demand of those resolutions was the total suspension of military actions, unblocking of communication means and start of negotiations. Did the other side of the conflict, Baku, really implement the main demand of the resolutions? If it had implemented, the war would not have lasted until May, 1994, when the Azerbaijani side was forced to sign Yerevan-Baku-Stepanakert trilateral agreement on ceasefire and the agreement on reinforcing the ceasefire regime signed in February, 1995.

It should be emphasized that the mentioned two agreements are the exclusive agreements signed during the entire process of Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict settlement, which were achieved by trilateral format.

Afterwards, numerous settlement options have been discussed, which have been denied either by Baku or by Stepanakert and remained on paper. I want to draw special attention on the fact that the settlement option denied by Stepanakert (October, 1997) was later named ‘’Step-by-step’’ option. Even if we try to understand the Co-chairs’ consistent efforts to find new ways for settlement, one can merely feel sorry for the fact that those quests took them back to the concept denied 23 years ago.

Irrespective of the content of the proposals developed by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs and irrespective of their names, be it Lisbon, Key West, Madrid, Kazan or something else, they will be inadmissible for Artsakh if they are to be developed and discussed without the participation of the direct side of the conflict, the Republic of Artsakh. And this last announcement that the step-by-step option is on the negotiation table once again makes us confident that Artsakh’s participation is mandatory, moreover, it’s mandatory in all stages of the negotiations’’, President of the National Assembly of Artsakh Ashot Ghoulyan wrote.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan