Author: Manouk Vasilian

AW: US State Department signals pause in US military aid to Azerbaijan

Manouk Vasilian
 ANCA ANCA News 0

House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee hearing on “The Future of Nagorno Karabakh”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—In an overdue and still inadequate response to Azerbaijan’s U.S.-armed genocide of Artsakh’s indigenous Christian Armenians, President Biden has only now started to outline potential accountability measures – starting with a cut-off of all U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan – that have long been called for by the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), our congressional allies, and community and coalition partners.

Ambassador James O’Brien, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, told House Foreign Affairs Committee members today “we have not and don’t anticipate submitting a waiver on [Section ] 907,” referencing the 1992 U.S. law that restricts U.S. aid to Azerbaijan based on its ongoing aggression against Armenia and Artsakh.  Amb. O’Brien flatly rejected arguments – often advanced by the Azerbaijani lobby – that enforcing Section 907 would undermine U.S. national security interests.

“A day late and a dollar short,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “Having armed, emboldened and actively abetted Azerbaijan’s genocide of Artsakh – the U.S.-backed ethnic cleansing of Armenians from yet more of our indigenous homeland – President Biden will need to do far more than send signals about his willingness to enforce an existing U.S. statute. He can, for example – if he is serious and not just engaged in electoral damage control – lead a U.N. Security Council resolution establishing an international mandate providing security for the safe and sustainable return of Armenians to Artsakh.”

Dr. Alexander Sokolowski, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, and Amb. James O’Brien, Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs

Amb. O’Brien’s statements came during the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Subcommittee on Europe hearing on “The Future of Nagorno-Karabakh,” where committee members pressed the State Department and USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Dr. Alexander Sokolowski about expanding U.S. aid to the over 100,000 Artsakh Armenian victims of Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing and efforts to stop renewed Aliyev regime aggression against Armenia.

Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ), Chairman, U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe

“Over 100,000 ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh are now living as refugees in Armenia. We cannot afford to look away from the region or be distracted by other conflicts proliferating across the globe,” stated Subcommittee on Europe Chair Tom Kean (R-NJ).  He went on to call on State Department and USAID representatives to outline plans for humanitarian assistance to Artsakh refugees and asked them to clarify the Biden administration’s message to Azerbaijani officials to prevent further attacks against Armenia. “I hope our witnesses today will explain how they are communicating to President Aliyev that the use of force against sovereign Armenian territory, including in the Syunik province, would be completely and totally unacceptable,” stated Chairman Kean.

Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA), Ranking Democrat, U.S. House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe

Subcommittee Ranking Democrat Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) concurred, noting, “I strongly believe we must provide humanitarian and economic assistance to displaced people in Armenia and ensure accountability for any potential crimes committed against those fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh or those who are choosing to remain there.”

Speaking of the 100,000 Armenian refugees “uprooted” from Artsakh, Amb. O’Brien told Congress, “We insist on the people having complete access to the territory, on the protection of the property, the protection of the culture, and that the people receive adequate information so that they can make a real choice about their future and know that they have the viable opportunity to return and live well in Nagorno-Karabakh if that’s what they choose.”  Instead of clearly condemning Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, Amb. O’Brien announced that the State Department has commissioned independent investigators and is working with international partners to provide “a comprehensive, thorough and transparent record of what happened, not just on those days, but for the months before.”  No timeline was announced for the presentation of the report.

In an attempt to address Congressional concerns about a clear U.S. response to Azerbaijan’s brutal attack on Artsakh that led to the forced exile of Artsakh Armenians, Amb. O’Brien noted, “We’ve canceled a number of high-level visits […] We don’t anticipate submitting a [Section 907] waiver until such time as we see a real improvement in the situation. All of this is to say we continue to urge peace.”

With regard to the U.S. humanitarian aid for Artsakh’s forcibly displaced, Dr. Sokolowski reiterated USAID Administrator Power’s commitment of $11.5 million in U.S. assistance.  He also announced that “USAID has focused nearly $6 million in funding from existing programming at USAID Armenia to respond to the humanitarian crisis.”

Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA)

Members of Congress were skeptical about the State Department’s optimism about Azerbaijan-Armenia peace talks and President Aliyev’s commitment to peace in the region.

“I don’t see the peace process as going nearly as well as some of the descriptions I’ve just heard. The meeting in Granada, Spain, the last two meetings, Azerbaijan refused to go. I don’t know how you describe that as being positive,” stated Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA).  He went on to raise security concerns stemming from proposed economic corridors through Armenia. “Armenians are concerned and feel threatened by that corridor and what it might imply for another grabbing of land by Azerbaijan once it’s established.”

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA)

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) asked Assistant Secretary O’Brien to outline the specific resources the State Department is prepared to use to ensure Azerbaijan honors a peace deal.  “What are you prepared to do, Ambassador [O’Brien], to create a carrot and stick to move this agenda? Are you willing to add sanctions for non-compliance?” Assistant Secretary O’Brien stated, “Yes, we are looking at all the tools we have. I’m not going to preview any sanctions decisions, but that’s certainly a tool in our toolkit.”

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY)

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) questioned the Biden administration’s military aid to Azerbaijan in the face of President Aliyev’s ties with Russia and Iran. “Sanctioned Russian and Iranian companies own significant shares in Azerbaijan’s gas fields exporting energy to Europe, and Azerbaijan has recently signed lucrative energy deals with both countries,” stated Rep. Lawler. Assistant Secretary O’Brien noted they were aware of Azerbaijan’s energy deals and affirmed they are not in U.S. national interests.

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL)

“Many of us here in Congress sent letter after letter after letter and supported resolution after resolution to exert pressure and relieve the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, which had been exacerbated since the 2020 war. It looks like we failed,” stated Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) in powerful remarks questioning the State Department’s assessment of prospects for peace. “The tightening of the stranglehold around Nagorno-Karabakh over the years until the ethnic Armenian population was forced to leave was not just about counterterrorism, and it was not just about geopolitics,” stated Rep. Schneider. He went on to relay the story of the brutal murder of Armenian serviceman Gurgen Margaryan, axed to death by Azerbaijani soldier Ramil Safarov during a NATO exercise in Hungary in 2004.  Safarov was extradited back to Azerbaijan in 2012, where he was promoted and rewarded for his actions. “What should be our takeaway from what happened in 2004 through 2012? How should we think of the possibilities of peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan in this context?” asked Rep. Schneider.

Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV)

Calling Margaryan’s murder a “reprehensible” set of events, Amb. O’Brien cited the need for “accountability for crimes,” and “setting a new path going forward,” but stopped short of outlining any clear U.S. actions to achieve the former or to ensure the latter – placing the onus on Armenia and Azerbaijan. “We are creating a path for them to take and incentives for them to go there.”

Noting Turkey’s history of genocide against the Armenian people, Rep. Dina Titus cited the close ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan and asked, “What kind of damage are they causing now?” Rep. Titus called for end-use monitoring of U.S. weapons sold to Turkey, expressing concern about Turkey’s illegal transfer of military parts and munitions to Azerbaijan.

Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA)

Rep. Madeleine Dean stressed the importance of the hearing. “What started as a blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh culminated in the Azerbaijani offensive on September 19 and 20 to regain control of the region. Within 10 days, approximately 100,000 residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, about 80-percent of the population, fled to Armenia. Armenia, the U.S., E.U. and international organizations have stepped in to provide humanitarian assistance for the refugees, but many questions remain as to their future, as well as the future of Nagorno-Karabakh,” stated Rep. Dean.

Video from the hearing is available on the ANCA YouTube channel.

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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.


Local children’s author introduces new book series featuring famous Armenian figures

Manouk Vasilian
November 8, 2023 Guest Contributor Literary Corner, Diaspora 0

BELMONT, Mass.—Local children’s book author Meghri Dervartanian is proud to announce the publication of her newest series about famous Armenian figures. The first book of the series is about Gomidas Vartabed. 

“As I started my journey of tutoring Western Armenian, I realized that there is not much content out there for children to get introduced to our incredible figures,” explained Dervartanian. “Many always ask, who will be the next Hovhannes Toumanian or Baruyr Sevag? But if our generation and future generations don’t know who those people are, why would they strive to continue the work that they started?” 

Unlike Dervartanian’s two previous hardcover publications, these books are comic style saddle stitch booklets. The Gomidas Vartabed booklet is a conversation between returning characters Haig and Nare. They talk about Gomidas’ life and accomplishments, while introducing new Armenian words to young readers. The reader will learn interesting facts about Gomidas, while also enjoying a joyful conversation between the two characters. 

This is Dervartanian’s third Western Armenian offering, and she is eager to write and publish even more. “Language and culture should be used as a tool and weapon. We must preserve and promote it through our daily life,” she said. As she continues her journey to ensure that the diasporan youth don’t ever see a shortage of Western Armenian content, she challenges those around her to find a way to call Armenian their own and create with it. 

You can purchase all of Dervartanian’s books, including Gomidas Vartabed, through her website armeniancrashcourse.com., or by completing the order form here.




Caring for Burned Patients in Armenia

Manouk Vasilian
Nov 2 2023
NOVEMBER 2, 2023

ARMENIA — A Samaritan’s Purse medical team is caring for burned patients in an explosion while fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh. They are are sharing by word and deed that Jesus cares and has not forgotten them

Peter Holz – Samaritan’s Purse:

Samaritan’s Purse has arrived in Armenia. We are treating patients with severe burns to them from the gasoline fire that occurred a couple of weeks ago.

Sasha Thew – Samaritan’s Purse:

Our medical team landed, many arriving after 3 a.m. and by early afternoon, our team was in the operating room performing surgeries on critical burn patients, many with up to 80% burn of their entire body and in very, very critical condition.

Peter:

We are doing six to eight major surgeries per day. This amount of burn patients would overwhelm any country. The hospitals here are doing a great job of taking care of their patients, but we really are here to help, but just build the capacity in the hospitals that we can get through all of these surgeries.

Sasha:

Not only will these patients require surgical care, but they also will require a lot of psychosocial care and spiritual care.

Peter:

I pray that you give each one of us the skill, the wisdom and discernment necessary to do the best possible job for him.

This is a very difficult and unique crisis. All of these people just trying to leave to safety. In many circumstances, they’re families, they’re livelihoods. But when they were just trying to flee to safety, a fire took many lives. And the burden is just so huge. Yeah, so sad.

Jessica Burger – Samaritan’s Purse:

We pray that they know that they are seen and that they are loved by Jesus, that He will not forsake them or leave them.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The last war in Nagorno-Karabakh: One family’s story

Manouk Vasilian
Oct 31 2023
  • Armine Martirosyan
  • Yerevan

The story of a family who fled NK

After the hostilities in September 2023, all Armenians left Nagorno-Karabakh as soon as Azerbaijan unblocked the Lachin corridor. Tatev Mikayelyan, one of the residents of the village of Nerkin Sznek (Ashagi Yemishchan, as it is called by Azerbaijanis) tells the story of her family. Her relatives and fellow villagers fled Sznek through gorges and forests to escape. After a 9-month blockade, there was no gasoline in the village to leave by car.

Tatev also talks about distrust of Russian peacekeepers who have failed to fulfill their obligations to protect the population. He thinks that the more than 100,000 Armenians who left for Armenia after the war could return to their homeland only if their safety is guaranteed by an international contingent.

Watertown High School’s Armenian Club raises almost $1,200 for ARS Artsakh Relief

Manouk Vasilian
 Guest Contributor Community News, Diaspora 0

WATERTOWN, Mass.—The Armenian Club at Watertown High School organized a highly successful bake sale, raising nearly $1,200 to support the Armenian Relief Society (ARS). The event was led by club co-presidents Ishkhan Ishkhanian and Gacia Haserjian, along with their dedicated teacher advisor, Siran Tamakian.

The bake sale, which took place on a sunny Friday after school, drew a remarkable turnout from students and faculty. The aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air, and a wide variety of delectable treats were available for purchase, from traditional Armenian pastries to homemade cookies and brownies.

The primary goal of the event was to raise funds for the ARS, an international organization that supports Armenians in need, particularly those affected by the ongoing conflict in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The crisis in Artsakh has led to widespread displacement, suffering and a dire need for humanitarian aid. The funds raised will go towards providing essential aid such as food, shelter and medical assistance to the affected Armenians of Artsakh.

In addition to the bake sale, the Armenian Club displayed informational posters throughout the school sharing insights on the ongoing hardships in Artsakh. They expressed their gratitude to everyone who donated and supported their mission to provide much-needed relief to Artsakh’s Armenians. 

Members of the Watertown High School Armenian Club, including co-presidents Ishkhan Ishkhanian and Gacia Haserjian holding the bake sale sign

Ishkhanian and Haserjian, both deeply passionate about their Armenian heritage and the global Armenian community, took the initiative to lead the bake sale. The duo worked tirelessly alongside their fellow club members to make the event a resounding success. 

Tamakian, the Armenian Club’s teacher advisor, played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting the students throughout the planning and execution of the bake sale. Her dedication and commitment to the cause were evident in the seamless organization of the event.

“We are deeply grateful to our school, both students and faculty, for their overwhelming support. The funds raised will make a meaningful difference in the lives of Armenians facing the hardships in Artsakh. We are proud to see our WHS community come together to help those in need,” Ishkanian said.

“Our bake sale was a display of the force that the WHS community has, and it shows that even small efforts can make a significant impact. We want to thank everyone who contributed and express our unwavering support for the people of Artsakh,” Haserjian added. 

The Watertown High School’s Armenian Club has proven that through unity and determination, young individuals can be a force for positive change. The success of their bake sale stands as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in addressing global issues and helping those in need.




Lemkin Institute: Statement on the October 1 UN Mission to Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh

Manouk Vasilian
                 Oct 28 2023

October 28, 2023

The Lemkin Institue of Genocide Prevention is disappointed with the outcome of the UN mission’s visit to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) on October 1, which took place after the entire Armenian population of Artsakh had already fled due to forcible displacement following the recent Azerbaijani invasion. It is difficult to understand what the purpose of such a mission was and why there was never more pressure for Azerbaijan to allow a mission into Artsakh during Azerbaijan’s 9-month blockade of the region that led up to the invasion. The Lemkin Institute calls on the UN to prepare a proper mission to the Republic of Artsakh, one that is inclusive of international team members from countries neutral to the conflict to conduct a thorough analysis of the current situation on the ground. In order to ensure the rights of the Armenians in Artsakh, the UN must act with professionalism, impartiality, and commitment to the values presented in the UN Charter.

The Lemkin Institue of Genocide Prevention is disappointed with the outcome of the UN mission’s visit to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) on October 1, which took place after the entire Armenian population of Artsakh had already fled due to forcible displacement following the recent Azerbaijani invasion. It is difficult to understand what the purpose of such a mission was and why there was never more pressure for Azerbaijan to allow a mission into Artsakh during Azerbaijan’s 9-month blockade of the region that led up to the invasion. If the United Nations is not going to take genocide seriously, it would be better if it sent no missions at all to regions that have experienced genocide.

According to the UN, “the mission aimed to assess the situation on the ground and identify the humanitarian needs of both the people remaining and those who are on the move”. Despite the complex purpose of this visit by the mission, the assessment itself and the statement on the outcome of that assessment were completed within one day, begging the question of just how seriously the UN mission could have taken the task of an assessment on the ground. It is worth mentioning that this was the first UN visit to the region in 30 years.

Prior to this visit, concerns about the consistent political insecurity of Armenians in Artsakh and threats to the Armenian population within the region had been raised several times within UN bodies. Two UN Security Council meetings were convened on the topic of ongoing threats to the Armenians of Artsakh (on August 16, regarding the full blockade imposed on the Republic of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, and on September 21, regarding the Azerbaijani military attack on the Armenian population in Artsakh). In both meetings, the majority of the Security Council’s member states condemned Azerbaijan’s actions, stating that they posed a threat to the security and well-being of the region’s Armenians and discouraged any peacemaking efforts in the region. In addition to these condemnations, the International Court of Justice has ordered Azerbaijan on two separate occasions (on February 22 and July 6, 2023) to reopen the Lachin Corridor—the humanitarian route connecting the Republic of Artsakh with Armenia. All statements and ICJ orders have been ignored by Azerbaijan.

The Lemkin Institute has issued multiple Red Flag Alerts for Azerbaijan since the Lachin Corridor was blockaded in December 2022, as well as an Active Genocide Alert and SOS alerts indicating an extremely high risk of genocide for the Armenians in Artsakh. Given the UN representatives' clear knowledge of the risks to the Armenian population in Artsakh (as demonstrated by the convening of two Security Council meetings on the topic), it is very surprising to us that the mission would visit this region only after the end of the Azerbaijani offensive and after the exodus of more than 100,000 Armenians from the former Republic. The fact that Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev donated USD $1 million to the UN Human Settlements Program on September 30—just one day prior to the mission’s deployment to Nagorno-Karabakh—only increases our concerns regarding the honesty and transparency of the mission.

In examining the mission’s operation and statement, we found numerous controversial points. First, the mission arrived in the region only after the end of the bloodshed and exodus of the Armenians, and it only lasted only one day. In the briefing by Stephanie Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, it was stated that “they [the members of the mission] got to see quite a bit”. However, in the context of a full-blockade, followed by military invasion and ethnic cleansing, 24 hours alone is certainly not sufficient to adequately assess the situation on the ground. Second, the information on the number of Armenians remaining in Artsakh (from 50 to 1,000) contradicts the numbers given by the former Ombudsman of Artsakh, Artak Beglaryan, who has argued that there are not more than 40 people remaining in the region at the moment. And third, as for the text of the statement itself, the UN visited certain unspecified parts of the city of Stepanakert, where it “saw no damage to civilian public infrastructure, including hospitals, schools and housing, or to cultural and religious structures”. However, there is verifiable photographic evidence of the destruction of civilian infrastructure in the city of Stepanakert, as it was bombed by Azerbaijan during its military offensive. In addition to this limited access to Stepanakert, the team visited Agdam City—which was under Azerbaijani control and uninhabited by Armenians, and therefore not crucial for the agenda—and the Lachin Corridor, which was surveyed after the entire population had been forced to flee. It is notable that the UN mission failed to include any representatives from the Armenian mission to the UN, and it did not visit the Syunik region to speak with Armenian refugees who were forced to leave Artsakh. The concluding statement is extremely vague and uninformative.

With all of this said, the Lemkin Institute considers the operation of the mission to be unsuccessful, as it failed to accurately present or assess the reality of the situation in the Republic of Artsakh. We strongly believe that undertaking the “mission for the sake of a mission” and making a“statement for the sake of a statement” are not adequate responses to situations as serious and as dangerous as what has unfolded in the South Caucasus. We question the scruples and integrity of this mission. The vague operating principles and assessments of the UN mission, which lacked any specific goals, methodology, or recommendations, severely risks undermining the trust that the international community collectively places in the work of the United Nations.

The Lemkin Institute calls on the UN to prepare a proper mission to the Republic of Artsakh, one that is inclusive of international team members from countries neutral to the conflict to conduct a thorough analysis of the current situation on the ground. This reality, which is the result of a conflict that has endured for three decades, cannot be assessed in one day. In order to ensure the rights of the Armenians in Artsakh, the UN must act with professionalism, impartiality, and commitment to the values presented in the UN Charter.


https://www.lemkininstitute.com/statements-new-page/statement-on-the-october-1-un-mission-to-artsakh%2Fnagorno-karabakh

Georgia “big supporter” of peace deal between Azerbaijan, Armenia – Parliamentary Committee Chair

Manouk Vasilian
Agenda, Georgia
Oct 27 2023
Agenda.ge, 27 Oct 2023 – 17:37, Tbilisi,Georgia

Nikoloz Samkharadze, the Chair of the Foreign Relations Committee in the Georgian Parliament, on Friday said Tbilisi had “great desire” for the “friendly and neighbouring” countries of Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign a peace deal in their long-running conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. 

  • Georgia interested in “lasting” regional peace as “impartial mediator” between Azerbaijan, Armenia – PM

In his press comments amid the ongoing Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, which the Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Thursday opened along with his Azerbaijani, Armenian and Montenegrin counterparts, the lawmaker said such a deal would benefit the “whole South Caucasus region”. 

  • Azerbaijani PM highlights Georgian counterpart’s efforts in regional peace talks

Reiterating the stance of the PM and his office to facilitate peace talks between the two states, Samkharadze claimed “Georgia is probably the only country in the world that has equal trust from both Armenia and Azerbaijan”. 

Thus, Tbilisi is naturally the place where peace talks can be held and see their successful completion. [The Government and the PM] will spare no efforts to make this historical event happen in Tbilisi”, the MP said, and added Garibashvili had been “actively engaged” in the process, and the “first, positive signs” had “already been observed”. 

  • Building bridge without peace “very complicated” – Armenian PM to Tbilisi Silk Road Forum

The head of the Georgian Government has previously expressed his “readiness” to mediate the peace talks, including comments at the Forum where he said he was ready to “personally and through my office” facilitate such negotiations.

Iranian companies to build $215m stretch of Armenian highway

Manouk Vasilian
Oct 24 2023
Joe Quirke
Iranian companies are to build a 32km stretch of Armenia’s North–South highway.

According to Russian news agency Interfax, the project is located in the south of Armenia and will run between the town of Kajaran and the village of Agarak in Syunik Province. It will include 920m of tunnels, five interchanges, six overpasses and 17 bridges. Construction is due to be completed by 2026.

The project’s $215m cost will be financed through loans provided by the Eurasian Development Bank and by the Armenian government.

The deal was signed at a meeting between Nikol Pashinyan, Armenia’s prime minister, and Mehrdad Bazrpash, Iran’s minister of roads and urban development.

A press release from Pashinyan’s office said Iranian companies may become involved in other Armenian infrastructure projects, and Armenian companies may participate in large-scale Iranian housing schemes.

https://www.globalconstructionreview.com/iranian-companies-to-build-215m-stretch-of-armenian-highway/

AraratBank: General Partner of SIA Awards Armenia 2023

Manouk Vasilian

 13:10,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 19, ARMENPRESS. On October 17, Impact Hub Yerevan hosted a pitch event and an award ceremony for the participants of this year’s Social Impact Award Armenia. 

The award ceremony was organized as part of Collaborate for Impact program, funded by the European Union in Armenia and implemented by the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) in partnership with Impact Hub Yerevan.

Within its corporate social responsibility, AraratBank joined the SIA Awards, contributing EUR 6,000 for this purpose. The funds were allocated among four winning teams, EUR 1500 per team.

The top 10 startup teams of incubation stage pitched their business ideas incorporating social dimension, from plastic recycling to strawberry production, from creation of travel apps to production of clothing for disabled people.

Three of the four winning teams were announced Jury Award Winners, and the fourth, Refill, was selected through online Community Voting:

  1. Adapteon: production of comfortable yet stylish clothes for people with disabilities.
  2. Contests Lab: creation of fun educational games and content for children and teens, as well as their parents and teachers.
  3. org: creation of an SME-oriented agricultural information and educational platform.
  4. Refill: creation of an app to help users find the nearest place to refill their water bottles free of charge, providing users with a valuable service while promoting sustainability and reducing plastic waste.

The winning teams received an exclusive invitation to participate in Social Impact Award Annual Summit, scheduled between November 27 and December 1 in Serbia.

Asbarez: After Raising Azerbaijani Flag in Stepanakert, Aliyev Again Vows Military Action

Manouk Vasilian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

President Ilham Aliyev raises Azerbaijani flag in Stepanakert on Oct. 15In Vitriol-Filled Speech, Aliyev Vows to Punish Artsakh Leaders

Weeks after ethnically cleansing Artsakh of its Armenian population, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan traveled to capital Stepanakert on Sunday and raised the Azerbaijani flag, after which, in a vitriol-filled speech again threatened military action against Armenia.

“The Flag I raised today will fly here forever, and we will live here forever. Karabakh is ours, Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” declared Aliyev.

After the flag raising ceremony, Aliyev entered the government. Azerbaijani media outlets posted videos of Aliyev stepping on an Artsakh flag, which was strategically placed on the ground for him to walk over.

President Ilham Aliyev walks over the Artsakh flag in Stepanakert on Oct. 15

“Unfortunately, the words I said 20 years ago and repeated many times did not register with them. They thought those were just words. No, I do what I say; everyone knows it, including Armenia, and they should not forget it either,” Aliyev ranted.

“Don’t forget the Patriotic War [2020 war]! Don’t forget the counterterrorism operation [the large-scale attack on Artsakh in September]! If some forces in Armenia ever think about revenge, let them take a good look at these images,” Aliyev said pointing to the newly raised Azerbaijani flag in front of what once served as an Artsakh government building.

“We have achieved what we wanted and fulfilled the decades-long wishes of the Azerbaijani people. We have restored the dignity of the Azerbaijani people. We have returned to our lands, we have restored our territorial integrity, and at the same time, we have restored our dignity,” declared Aliyev.

“The three clowns who used to sit here and call themselves ‘president’ await their deserved punishment today,” Aliyev added, referring to Artsakh’s leaders. “I wonder if the man who used to sit in one of these buildings and call himself a ‘prime minister’ will ever dare to threaten us again. His tea is being served in the detention facility as we speak.”

“A separatist who called himself a ‘foreign minister’ once sarcastically said that Azerbaijan should open an embassy in our country if it wanted to raise its flag in Khankendi [Stepanakert]. Now, his tea is also served there in the detention facility. Our flag is flying high here. This should be a lesson to them,” added Aliyev, referring to Artsakh’s former foreign minister, Davit Babayan.

Before going to Stepanakert, Aliyev visited all of the regions of Artsakh, including the Sarsang Reservoir, which he claimed was built under the leadership of his father, Haydar, who served as Communist Party head of Azerbaijani SSR for decades.

Aliyev explained that his visit coincided with the 20th anniversary of his “election” as president and the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth.

He blamed the “anti-nationalist” forces who ousted his father from power in 1987 for the loss of Karabakh in the 1990s and explained that when he assumed power he would return Azerbaijan “to its glory.”

“Unfortunately, the then-Azerbaijani leadership let the situation spiral out of control and showed cowardice, helplessness, and indecision,” Aliyev said.

“Nationalists occupied this place, so many rallies with anti-Azerbaijani slogans were held in this square, and all this encouraged the nationalists even more. Armenian nationalists, Dashnaks, and bloodthirsty international terrorists were constantly coming here from Armenia. It was here that the policy of ethnic cleansing against our people began,” claimed the Azerbaijani leader, again pointing to the government building, he declared that “those sitting in this building in those years were the cause of the tragedies of Armenian and Azerbaijani peoples.”

He hailed Heydar Aliyev as the “National Leader and the Savior” of Azerbaijan and credited him for the “vision” to “reclaim Azerbaijan’s history.”