Lilit Nahapetian – Page 4 – Armenian Directory & News

New Battleground for Antisemitism in Yerushalayim: Armenians’ Support for Palestinians

December 10, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

Dec 7 2023

The war that Israel is waging against the Hamas terror group gradually exposes its enemies, who until now have been sitting on the sidelines. However, as war goes on, it seems that those hostile countries are projecting poison and hatred towards Israel and the Jews.

One of those countries is Armenia, which in recent years has been involved in conflict with Azerbaijan, a country that has Israel’s support and maintains warm and staunch relations with Israel.

The story has no apparent connection to the war.

Several years ago, a 99-year lease agreement was signed for the development of a new luxury hotel in the Armenian quarter in Yerushalayim. A court hearing was recently held regarding the land and parking lot in the Yerushalayim court. The total area is approximately 11.5 dunams [1.15 hectares], which includes a parking lot.

The land was in possession of the Armenian Patriarchate and it was claimed to be a trust for the whole Armenian community. Several members of the community who were angry about this development filed a lawsuit, claiming that they would have to pay hundreds of shekels a month for parking. At the same time, according to a report by Al Jazeera, several Armenians claimed that the property offered for real estate development was allegedly stolen from them by a group of “settlers,” and that the State of Israel wants to expropriate the land in order to expel the Armenians from Yerushalayim. They even called it the State of Israel’s “ethnic cleansing” of non-Jews.

If that is not enough, it seems as though there were several members of the Armenian community under pressure from the Palestinians, who began initiating incitement in the global media, echoing pro-Palestinian claims against Israel, and presenting the real estate matter as proof, alleging that Israel wants to appropriate from them and dispossess Israeli land from non-Jews, even though anyone with a little common sense and who is not rabidly antisemitic, understands that there is no connection between this transaction and the current war.

There may be a financial dispute involving the plot, but there is definitely no place to turn the story into an attempt to ethnically cleanse Israel of other nationalities, and whoever makes such a connection, as has been done in several media outlets around the world, is making unsubstantiated claims to incite antisemitism.

The background to the Armenian unrest is probably due to the close, friendly relations between Israel and Azerbaijan, and Israel’s support for the Azerbaijanis in the context of the dispute over Karabakh, which has just recently returned to Azerbaijani control. The anger in the Arab world towards what Israel is doing in Gaza also gives license to aggressively attack Israel, so that everyone can make false claims that have nothing to do with the reality.

Proof that Armenia has recently come out against Israel and the Jewish world, does not only stem from the current story, but also from reports over the past month of the two attacks on the last synagogue in Armenia, where the perpetrators openly admitted that their actions were due to Israel’s support for Azerbaijan. To cover up for their actions, they claimed that they also acted in solidarity with and support for the Palestinians and the Lebanese.

Either way, the Palestinian pressure and desire to avenge Israel has resulted in savage incitement against Israel in several international media outlets, where the ludicrous claims of stealing land and ethnic cleansing are broadcast without any denial or offering an Israeli response.

Deputy Minster of Transport and Road Safety Rabbi Uri Maklev responded by saying, “We are sorry that a property dispute and the development of Yerushalayim is being used during these difficult times for Israel and the Jewish nation as a whole, as fuel to kindle fire in Yerushalayim and, chalilah, for and struggle between countries. Unfortunately we see over and over again that the pro-Palestinians attempt to light the fire with baseless antisemitic accusations. This is a danger to Yerushalayim and gives rise to disastrous consequences for the fabric of interreligious relations. We expect the Armenian leadership to come to their senses and to protect the local Jewish community exactly as Israel allows freedom of religion for all religions across the country.”

https://hamodia.com/2023/12/07/new-battleground-for-antisemitism-in-yerushalayim-armenians-support-for-palestinians/

‘No sense’ in participating in CSTO meeting – Speaker of Parliament

December 7, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

12:24, 7 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan has said that participating in the CSTO PA session would have made no sense and that’s why he opted out.

“There are outstanding issues, they are not implementing their obligations,” the Speaker said. “We only hear big talk against Armenia, whereas, if we look what happened after 9 November 2020, Azerbaijan, as an ally of Russia, numerously displayed very bad conduct, ranging from the killings of Russian troops, up to the violation of agreements. In other words, Azerbaijan did whatever it wanted in our region, and Russia either didn’t respond, or was unable to do so,” Simonyan said.

He recalled the discontent in Russia over Armenia sending humanitarian aid to Ukraine, whereas Azerbaijan has numerously sent aid to Ukraine, and the Russian authorities haven’t said anything about it.

“Unfortunately, in case of Armenia, Russia is reacting very painfully, but in case of Azerbaijan, it is either unable to respond or pretends not to have noticed it, in order to save its face during a bad game,” Simonyan said.

Simonyan was also asked to comment on Russia’s failure to deliver the armaments which Armenia has paid for.

The Speaker expressed hope that the issue will be resolved in a collegial atmosphere. He said it is a chance for Russia to show that it remains committed to the principles it has declared, and to the documents it has signed. “And the Russian side has a chance to show that nevertheless it continues to be committed to its declared principles and signed documents. If obligations aren’t being fulfilled, and it is a fact that they’re not fulfilled, Armenia must definitely protect its interests,” the Speaker said.

DIGITAIN PROMOTES ANI MKRTCHYAN TO CHIEF SALES OFFICER

December 7, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

Dec 6 2023

Gaming platform provider Digitain has announced the promotion of Ani Mkrtchyan to chief sales officer.

Mkrtchyan joined the supplier as sales manager in April 2018 and has served as head of strategy for the past three years.

“Digitain is committed to investing in its people and nurturing that talent,” said Digitain founder Vardges Vardanyan. “Over the nearly six years of being part of the Digitain Family and its growth into multiple markets, Ani has demonstrated exemplary attention to detail, insight, and leadership, putting our partners and customers at the heart of everything we do.

“We are delighted to have Ani join our leadership team as we continue expanding as one of the major platform providers to B2C partner operators in regulated markets.”

Commenting on her new role Mkrtchyan said: “I’m immensely grateful to Mr. Vardanyan for his unfaltering vision in Digitain, mentoring and coaching our people.

“When engineering complex sales solutions for today’s multi-jurisdictional operators, we put partners and our people first and strive for the very best versions of ourselves and for our partners in that delivery goal. I look forward to assembling and building a game-changing team over the months and years ahead.”

Iran’s Navy Chief arrives in Baku

December 6, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

19:21, 4 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The delegation led by the Chief of the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Rear Admiral Shahram Irani visits Baku, the Azerbaijani Trend news agency reported.

According to Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry, as part of the visit, the delegation is scheduled to meet with the Azerbaijan Defense Minister, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, as well as to attend the Azerbaijan Naval Forces headquarters and the Military Institute named after Heydar Aliyev.

Asbarez: EU Says Azerbaijan’s Attack on Artsakh was ‘Brutal Power Politics’

December 6, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

by Asbarez Staff

December 5, 2023

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

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign affairs chief, addresses a human rights forum in Brussels on Dec. 5

Baku Urged to Guarantee Rights of Artsakh Armenians

The European Union on Tuesday faulted Azerbaijan for attempting to resolve the Artsakh conflict through the use of force and urged Baku to guarantee the rights of the Armenians of Artsakh to return to their homes.

Addressing the EU-NGO Forum in Brussels, Josep Borrell, the EU foreign affairs chief lamented the current world order of what he called “the return of brutal power politics.”

“More and more conflicts are being solved by the use of force,” Borrell emphasized. “Something that was supposed to be forbidden. Not the use of force to solve conflicts, but what I see is that there are more and more conflicts [are] being solved by force.”

“Look for example at what has happened in Azerbaijan and Armenia. A long-frozen conflict that suddenly has been – I would not say solved – but decisively determined by a military intervention that, in one week, made 150,000 people move. In one week. Like this. 150,000 people had to abandon their houses and run. And the international community regretted [it], expressed concern, sent humanitarian support, but it happened [with] the use of force,” Borrell added.

Borrell reminded that the European Union had condemned Azerbaijan’s military attack against Artsakh in September and had criticized the human casualties and the mass migration of Artsakh Armenians that took place due to the violence.

Later, while responding to written questions submitted by forum participants, Borrell called on Azerbaijan to protect and guarantee the rights of Artsakh Armenians, including allowing them to return to their homes.

Borrell also said that Brussels wants a permanent international presence in the region.

“The property and cultural heritage of Karabakh Armenians must be protected,” Borrell also said.

Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry reacted with a scathing statement that not only condemned Borrell, but accused the EU of having an anti-Azerbaijan bias.

“EU official’s erroneous opinions which once again gravely distort the reality are unacceptable,” Aykhan Hajizada, Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry spokesperson said.

“The indifference by Josep Borrell, Vice-President of the EU Commission toward the illegal existence of the Armenian armed forces in the territory of Azerbaijan, which was the primary source of threats to Azerbaijan and led to counter-terrorism measures, is an example of a clear bias against our country,” added Hajizada.

The foreign ministry spokesperson scolded Borrell for saying that 150,000 Armenians had fled Artsakh as a result of Azerbaijan’s attack, saying that the EU leader’s “exaggeration” could “lead to serious misunderstandings.”

“Such false statements by Josep Borrell undermine EU’s mediation efforts and EU Council President Charles Michel’s mission in this direction,” added Hajizada.

Azerbaijan offers Armenia to hold direct talks

November 27, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

16:58, 21 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan has offered Armenia to hold a meeting on the state border to continue the peace talks, according to a statement released by the Azerbaijani foreign ministry.

"Azerbaijan is ready for direct bilateral talks with Armenia to achieve the peace deal as soon as possible. We believe that the two countries should decide the future of their relations together. The two countries bear responsibility for the continuation of the peace process, including the selection of a mutually suitable venue or a decision to meet at the state border," the Azerbaijani foreign ministry said in a statement, according to the Trend news agency.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said it conveyed to Azerbaijan new proposals on a peace treaty.

Pashinyan answered the questions of Armenian residents for more than 8 hours. Main theses

November 25, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

Nov 24 2023

JAMnews

Yerevan

The press conference of the Armenian Prime Minister lasted for more than eight hours with short breaks. This time it was held in a new format – without journalists. Nikol Pashinyan answered citizens’ video questions, which were very different in thematic terms – up to the treatment of specific people, payment of pensions and other social problems. There were also questions concerning the country’s security, the signing of a peace treaty with Azerbaijan, and Armenian-Russian relations.

“Take aid to Armenia off the agenda” – Yerevan’s appeal to the CSTO

“We are not satisfied with many things” – Armenian Foreign Minister on relations with Russia

“Entrust Armenia’s security to an American private company” – political scientist

Has Armenia decided to withdraw from the CSTO military bloc operating under the auspices of Russia? There is no definite and final answer to this question yet. At least, the prime minister, who has repeatedly spoken about the allies’ failure to fulfill their obligations, is still waiting for clarification:

“We want to do everything possible to fully understand the CSTO and make our position clear to the military alliance.”

At the same time, Pashinyan is aware: if all the potential for clarifying relations is considered exhausted, the Armenian society has the right to ask why the government does not leave the organization. As he put it, “a structure that gives nothing to the Republic of Armenia and, on the contrary, creates additional problems for the security system.”

The Prime Minister emphasized that the government has the political will to make decisions that meet the interests of the country:

“If there was no such will, there would be no critical statements from Yerevan regarding the activities of the bloc. The de facto actions or inactions of the CSTO do not correspond to the obligations of the organization towards Armenia and do not correspond to Armenia’s interests.

Moreover, membership in the CSTO is an insurmountable obstacle to support and cooperation with other partners. We have to make decisions that meet our interests. If at the moment we have made a decision or have not made a decision, our reference point is the state interest of Armenia”.

An Armenian resident asked how the government intends to solve the issue of undelivered weapons from Russia, for which the country paid millions of dollars. Pashinyan replied that the discussion of mechanisms for solving this problem is still ongoing:

“For example, one of the options could be to deduct the amount paid from the Republic of Armenia’s debt to Russia. And this is not the only option. The Russian Federation itself needs arms. The Armenian side is determined to solve the issue in a businesslike manner and hopes that the negotiations will bring concrete results”.

A question was raised whether the government plans to deprive Russian TV channels of airtime in connection with the recent scandalous incidents and the airing of programs containing anti-Armenian propaganda.

Pashinyan replied that the airing of Russian TV channels in Armenia is agreed upon by interstate agreement. And in recent months, Armenian state structures have been recording violations of the clauses of this agreement.

“There is a clear regulation that [in the content of TV channels] there cannot be interference in the internal affairs of the country, attempts to destabilize the internal political situation,” he stressed.

However, given its friendly relations with Russia, the Ministry of High-Tech Industry has officially invited Russian colleagues for consultations “to find solutions.”

“I hope that these consultations will take place as soon as possible so that we can resolve this issue in a normal, working, friendly atmosphere.”

The Prime Minister was asked this question from the town of Meghri in Syunik region – in the south of Armenia. Pashinyan replied that the government does not single out Syunik as a vulnerable zone in terms of security.

“There are also security problems in Tavush, Gegharkunik, Ararat, Vayots Dzor. These problems are obvious, they should be neither underestimated nor overestimated.”

According to the PM, Syunik is one of the most economically active regions of the country. Over the past 5 years, the government has invested more than 100 billion drams [$250 million] in the region and is implementing numerous projects, including with the financial support of the European Union.

“All this is done in order to give a clear political signal: all our plans related to Syunik are related to strategic development, welfare and economic activity.”

He emphasized that Meghri city itself is included in the concept of developing Armenia’s transportation system, unblocking regional communications under the government’s “Crossroads of the World” project.

The reason, according to the Prime Minister, is that “Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing has not changed.”

“In conditions when IDPs have no opportunity to return to the places where they were born and lived, the government’s policy is the following: to do everything so that they stay in Armenia and do not leave,” he said.

Pashinyan said that immediately after their arrival in Armenia, the impression was that many would leave. There was a large flow of Karabakh Armenians who left for other countries. However, according to the Prime Minister, statistics shows that then they returned. Assumes that perhaps they traveled to their relatives.

“In order to solve the security problem, the Armenian government is pursuing a peace agenda. We have also ensured rather strong international consolidation on the issues of defense of territorial integrity, sovereignty, independence and democracy of the Republic of Armenia,” the Prime Minister said.

He believes that there is no absolute security in the current situation in the world. And it is necessary to form reliable security mechanisms in these new conditions. He is convinced that only “de jure enshrined and binding peace” can provide 100 percent security, which he seeks.

According to the Prime Minister, it is not clear at the moment whether Azerbaijan is ready to sign a peace agreement with Armenia based on the three principles agreed upon during the talks in the Brussels format:

“We cannot say with certainty that Azerbaijan refuses to sign an agreement based on these principles, but neither can we say that Baku reaffirms its commitment to these three principles.”

Earlier, Pashinyan said the following three principles were agreed upon with Azerbaijan during trilateral meetings held in Brussels on May 14 and July 15, 2023:

“Armenia and Azerbaijan recognize each other’s territorial integrity with the understanding that Armenia’s territory is 29,800 square kilometers and Azerbaijan’s territory is 86,600 square kilometers.
The 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration is the political basis for the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In fact, there is also an understanding that the delimitation should utilize the 1974-1990 maps of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Soviet Union. It is also agreed that Armenia and Azerbaijan have no territorial claims against each other and undertake not to make such claims in the future.
Regional communications should be unblocked on the basis of sovereignty, jurisdiction, reciprocity and equality of countries”.

During the upcoming talks, the Prime Minister intends to clarify these issues and make conclusions:

“Although there was a statement from Baku that Azerbaijan recognizes the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, we need specifics on what they mean by that.”

More than 100 captives have returned home, the prime minister recalled. But he is dissatisfied with the fact that it was not possible to achieve positive results on the remaining captive compatriots.

“Baku is using the humanitarian issue for political purposes, which is illogical. We express our willingness to be flexible and work with Azerbaijan so that the captives return. We are even ready to exchange Azerbaijanis convicted [for crimes committed on Armenian territory, including murder], on the principle of all for all. We continue our work,” he said.

He reminded that in parallel with the negotiations, Armenia is appealing to the ECHR and other instances on the issue of prisoners.

Pashinyan did not answer the question about what Armenia is doing to free the leaders of the unrecognized NKR who are in Azerbaijani captivity.

https://jam-news.net/pashinyans-answers-to-the-questions-of-armenian-citizens/

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister, President of the OSCE PA exchange ideas on the challenges arising from the conflicts

November 19, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

21:33,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. On November 16, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Vahe Gevorgyan received Pia Kauma, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.

Welcoming the President of the OSCE PA, Vahe Gevorgyan noted that it is the first time in history that Armenia has the honor of hosting one of the OSCE PA sessions, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

''The interlocutors exchanged views on the existing conflicts in the South Caucasus and the OSCE region as well as the challenges emanating from them. In this context, Deputy Minister Vahe Gevorgyan briefed on the ethnic cleansing policy pursued by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the approaches of the Armenian side in terms of peace and regional interconnectivity.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs highlighted the important role of parliamentary diplomacy and its contribution in addressing regional security challenges,'' reads the statement.

New French and Armenian-inspired bakery hosts grand opening

November 10, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

Your Central Valley, CA

Nov 9 2023

Spirit Made Cakes is hosting its grand opening on Saturday at 10 a.m. and the first 100 customers will receive a free cupcake with purchase.

The French and Armenian-inspired bakery is the passion project of Vartine Garabet. A mother, a pastor’s wife and self-taught, certified cake decorator.

At her bakery Garabet makes specialty pastries, custom cakes, smoothies, Armenian coffee, gourmet sandwiches and more.

Spirit Made Cakes is located at 1345 N Willow Ave. in Clovis.

Podcast | How the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War has reshaped the region

November 9, 2023March 12, 2026 Lilit Nahapetian

Nov 9 2023

9 November 2023

The Second Nagorno-Karabakh War has had a lasting impact on the South Caucasus, leading to a massive geopolitical shift. Azerbaijan emerged victorious, taking control of large swathes of territory in 2020, and eventually what remained of Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenian population was forced to flee the region into Armenia, which since the war, has been forced to reassess its traditional alliance with Russia and to turn West for assistance.