Author: Markos Nalchajian

Gegharkunik Governor briefs Russian Ambassador on consequences of 2022 Azerbaijani attack

Markos Nalchajian

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 16:46,

YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. Governor of Gegharkunik Karen Sargsyan held a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergei Kopyrkin who’s visiting the province on March 10. 

In a statement posted on social media, Sargsyan said he discussed with the ambassador the roadmap of cooperation signed between Gegharkunik and Russia’s Omsk in August 2022, which enables to cooperate in economy, education, culture, healthcare, environmental protection, tourism and other vitally important areas, which in turn will contribute to expanding economic relations.

The governor also briefed the ambassador on the consequences of the 13-14 September 2022 Azerbaijani aggression against border settlements in Gegharkunik, the current situation in these settlements and the actions for overcoming it.

"Armenia Wine" company has received an exclusive right to export organic wines in the USA and EU countries

Markos Nalchajian

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 17:04, 3 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 3, ARMENPRESS. The “EcoCert” international organization, which exercises direct control of the largest viticulture and winemaking program in Armenia, granted the “Armenia Wine” company a license to export organic wines in the USA.

Armenia Wine company develops 11 European varieties of grapes on the total area of 75 hectares of organic vineyards.

“Armenian terroir is simply a perfect environment for organic viticulture.” This statement of the company’s French chief consultant-winemaker Jean Baptiste-Sula became the beginning of the path of organic viticulture for “Armenia Wine”. Today that path is an established and promising branch of viticulture in Armenia.

From the very beginning of the year, the company had one of the expected and important achievements. The vineyards of “Armenia Wine” successfully passed the new stage of European audit and also received the “USDA organic” certification from the “EcoCert” company. This certificate meets the US standards.

Organic winemaking is a dynamically developing direction in the world market. In 2022, about 1 billion bottles of organic wine were sold in the world, which is 3.6% of the world wine market. France, Spain and Italy are in the top three of the leaders of organic viticulture and winemaking.

Due to its dry climatic conditions and the large number of sunny days, the Armenian nature creates favorable conditions for the development of organic winemaking.

Exclusion of chemicals and competent use of mother nature’s resources are possible only due to the new mentality, cherished work, international standards.

This is a responsibility not only of nature, but also for the consumer’s health and the Armenian Wine traditions. The company also takes care of the natural life of the animals in the organic environment.

The wines made from the Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Malbec, Syrah, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel, Colombard, Viognier grape varieties wines have already proved that they are competitive in the international market, bringing gold and silver medals from prestigious international competitions.

Thanks to Armenia Wine company,  Armenia has received a unique opportunity to present Armenian winemaking in dignity in the largest markets of the EU and the United States.

“Bione” organic wine is the first in its own video, which can already be sold in EU countries and the United States of America.

Turkish press: Trapessac, Shrine of Bastami among landmarks collapsed after Türkiye quake

Markos Nalchajian
 ISTANBUL FEB 17, 2023 – 9:36 AM GMT+3 
EDITED BY BUSE KESKIN

The medieval fortress Trapessac, Darb-ı Sak in Turkish, was severely damaged after the earthquakes, Hatay, Türkiye, Feb. 15, 2023. (AA Photo)

Trapessac, (Darb-ı Sak in Turkish) a medieval fortress that played a crucial role in the Crusader Princedom of Antakya, one of Türkiye’s earthquake-stricken cities, was severely damaged in addition to many historical landmarks such as the Bayazid Bastami Shrine.

Earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.7 and 7.6, the epicenter of which was Kahramanmaraş, lead to the historical castle that was built on the mountain foot to collapse.

The Knights Templar built Trapessac in the 12th century, along with the nearby fortress at Bagras, to guard the Syrian Gates, a key passageway between the coastal region of Cilicia and inland Syria.

After a fierce two-week siege, the castle fell to Saladin in 1188. The castle’s strategic location between the Principality of Antioch and the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia made it a desirable target for both groups, and several attempts were made to retake it, including by Leo I of Armenia in 1205 and the Templars in 1237, but both efforts were unsuccessful.

The medieval fortress Trapessac, Darb-ı Sak in Turkish, was severely damaged after the earthquakes, Hatay, Türkiye, Feb. 15, 2023. (AA Photo)

Hetoum I regained control of the fortress in 1261 after the Mongols captured it, but it was surrendered to the Mamluks in 1266 to ransom his son Leo. Baybars took possession of the fortress in 1268, and in 1280, Abaqa Khan briefly regained control of it during his campaign to sack Aleppo, but ultimately abandoned it when he withdrew from Syria.

The rubble and huge rocks moving from the castle blocked the entrance of the shrine of Bayazid Bastami.

The entrance of the Shrine of Bayazid Bastami, consisting of four rectangular-planned, barrel-vaulted spaces were blocked with stones falling from the castle, Hatay, Türkiye, Feb. 15, 2023. (AA Photo)

Bastami was a prominent Sufi who renounced all worldly pleasures to be closer to Allah, and this devotion ultimately led him to a state of “self-union,” which many Sufi orders believe is necessary to attain unity with God.

Bayazid’s grandfather was a Zoroastrian who converted to Islam, and the name “Bastami” refers to his family’s origin in the town of Bastam. Sorushan had three ascetic sons named Adam, Isa and Ali. Bayazid, the son of Isa, was also an ascetic and spent most of his childhood isolated in his house and the mosque, but he still welcomed people to discuss Islam with him.

Those who heard that the tomb was damaged came to visit the tomb from all over Türkiye.

Bill on ratifying Armenia-Russia information security agreement OK’d by parliamentary committee

Markos Nalchajian

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 12:18,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The parliamentary committee on defense and security affairs approved a bill on ratifying an agreement between Armenia and Russia on information security signed earlier in April 2022.

The ratification will be debated at the plenary session of parliament.

First Deputy Minister of High Tech Industry Gevorg Mantashyan briefed the lawmakers at the committee hearing on the agreement.

He said that the agreement will expand partnership between Armenia and Russia in ensuring information security, including the exchange of information on threats and joint response, as well as the legislative framework.

The agreement highlights the coordination of countering threats to information security, exchange of information in the law enforcement sector and other areas of cooperation.

Armenia’s FM in Syria as Turkey’s opposition declares solidarity with Assad

Markos Nalchajian
Feb 23 2023
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Munich Security Conference and others, called for “urgent action to overcome the political obstacles that are blocking humanitarian assistance” to Syria.

Adam Lucente

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan visited Damascus on Thursday to express solidarity with Syria following the deadly earthquake in the country. 

Mirzoyan’s delegation brought 26 tons of aid. He was met at the airport by his Syrian counterpart Faisal Mekdad, Syria’s official news outlet SANA reported. 

Italy’s Agency for Development Cooperation also signed an agreement with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent on Thursday to provide more assistance to earthquake victims, according to SANA. 

Why it matters: Delivering aid to earthquake-stricken Syria is complicated by the ongoing civil war and US sanctions. However, many countries have provided aid to Syria, and Armenia and Italy were among the first to do so. Armenia sent rescuers to Syria earlier this month, while Italy sent the first aid shipment of any European country. 

Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other regional states also sent rescue workers and/or aid. The help could be indicative of the Syrian government’s improving relations with the rest of the world, particularly with the Middle East. After being ostracized at the onset of the Syrian civil war, the government of President Bashar al-Assad is now in control of much of the country. Regional states have warmed to Syria as a result. 

Relatedly, Turkey’s main opposition leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu also sent a letter to Assad, extending his condolences over the killer earthquakes, Turkey’s ANKA News Agency reported Thursday.

“I want you to know that we feel the loss of our country and the neighboring Syrian people in our hearts. As the disaster and pain we experience have once again shown, we are partners and neighbors in our grief, we share the common pain of our peoples,” Kilicdaroglu wrote.

Turkey and Syria remain in a sort of proxy war, with Turkey supporting Syrian rebel groups fighting the government in the north. In a first after more than a decade, the two countries’ defense ministers and intelligence chiefs held trilateral talks in Moscow in December.

International observers remain cautious toward working with the Assad government to deliver aid, but are sounding the alarm on the need to address the issue urgently. 

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Munich Security Conference, the European Institute of Peace and the Rockefeller Foundation called for “urgent action to overcome the political obstacles that are blocking humanitarian assistance.”

The immediate focus, it stressed, must be on lasting cross-border access. The statement warned, however, that engagement with Damascus will not be enough. It read, “Engagements by partial groupings or multiple bilateral actors with the regime in Damascus will not produce the type of progress that is required.”

The conference further called for “urgent high-level political attention and a more coordinated international approach” to deliver aid, especially to rebel areas. 

Both rebel and government territory in northern Syria was affected by the earthquake. 

Know more: Last week, the United Nations and the Syrian government opened two additional border crossings from Turkey into rebel territory in northern Syria for a three-month period. The situation is particularly dire in these areas due to the effects of years of war. 

Int’l community should acknowledge legitimacy of Artsakh people’s choice for independence – Artsakh foreign ministry

Markos Nalchajian

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 12:24,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 24, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) welcomed the order by the International Court of Justice on the indication of a provisional measure to Azerbaijan.  

“We welcome the Order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dated 22 February on the indication of a provisional measure to Azerbaijan, obliging the latter to “take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions”. This court order is a logical continuation of previous provisional measures indicated by the ICJ on 7 December 2021, and obliging Azerbaijan to “prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred and discrimination, including by its officials and public institutions, targeted at persons of Armenian national or ethnic origin”.

We deem it important that when considering the case, the ICJ noted that the blockade may constitute a violation by Azerbaijan of the rights of the people of Artsakh protected under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The ICJ order allows to define the ongoing blockade of Artsakh as a manifestation of discriminatory actions deliberately carried out by the Azerbaijani authorities. Of particular importance is also the Court’s conclusion that the ongoing blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan entails a real and imminent risk that irreparable harm will be caused to the rights of the people of Artsakh. Thus, while indicating a provisional measure to Azerbaijan, the International Court of Justice used the tools available within their competence to protect the people of Artsakh from racial discrimination by Azerbaijan. 

The Court’s decision is an objective confirmation of the repeatedly voiced position of Artsakh that the blockade is just another episode of Azerbaijan’s decades-long discriminatory policies aimed at expelling the people of Artsakh from their historical homeland. The criminal policy of Azerbaijan, carried out against the people of Artsakh and bearing a large-scale and systematic character, is defined by international law as a crime against humanity. The international community in general and the UN member states in particular have legal and political obligations to take effective steps to prevent such massive human rights violations, as well as restore the violated rights. 

In this context, we call on the international community to take effective measures to ensure the immediate and unconditional implementation by Azerbaijan of the order of the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. At the same time, we deem it necessary to systematically and thoroughly consider at the international level the issue of the legal protection of the people of Artsakh from the Azerbaijani policy of massive violations of their rights. We are convinced that in their approaches to resolving the conflict between Artsakh and Azerbaijan, the international community, as an effective remedy, should acknowledge the legitimacy of the Artsakh people’s choice for independence. Any discussion of the possibility of recognizing Azerbaijani jurisdiction and control over Artsakh and its people is tantamount to encouraging Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing,” the Artsakh foreign ministry said in a statement.

The United Nations’ highest court – the International Court of Justice – ordered Azerbaijan on Wednesday 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.




Mayfair’s first Armenian restaurant opens in London

Markos Nalchajian
 Lara Bazzoui Food, Culture 0

A common issue with any Armenian living or visiting London is the lack of Armenian restaurants in the city. When homesickness or cravings set in, you can now make your way to the first authentic Armenian restaurant in Mayfair. 

Located in one of the city’s most extravagant and sophisticated neighborhoods lies Lusin, Mayfair—a restaurant at the forefront of providing Armenian food, drink and culture and giving the cuisine the representation and exposure it deserves. 

Head of Operations for Lusin, Mohammad Rashwani, assures that opening an Armenian restaurant in London comes with its challenges, but the mission is worth it. “Even though Armenian food is currently not common in London, this would create curiosity for people to discover this centuries-old culture and cuisine. Lusin will evoke the beauty of the Armenian cuisine in London through its inspired rich atmosphere that takes guests on a gastronomic journey celebrating old traditions.”

The Lusin Kibbeh made from bulgar with meat, nuts, and pomegranate

Curated by French 2 Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin, Lusin’s menu is both innovative and flavorful, influenced by the enigmatic cultures of Eastern Europe and the Levant. 

Lusin’s Signature Eggplant Rolls

To start, try the Lusin Salad; the focal ingredient is the Armenian tressed cheese, that sits in a smoky-baked Aubergine with vegetables and coulis herbs. The fresh diced vegetables alongside the herb pesto and fresh salad leave you wanting more. 

Grilled kebab served with cherry sauce and pine nuts (Photo: Lara Bazzoui)

Perhaps follow this with the signature Lusin Kibbeh, renowned for its Armenian gastronomy. It is an amalgamation of Armenian spices, mixed daily-fresh meat, bulger and nuts, complete with pomegranate molasses. Be prepared for your taste buds to explode from the succulent, juicy and fruity cherry kebabs. Sourced in Armenia during picking season, the cherries turn into a sweet, sour and salty sauce of perfection that compliments the spiced charcoaled kebab skewers. 

The heavenly Honey Cake

A love for honey cake will either be re-awakened or born with just one bite from Lusin’s genuinely incomparable iteration. And yes, if you are longing to taste Armenian wine, your wish is Lusin’s demand; choose from a selection of Armenia’s finest, and you will feel transported.

A bottle of Areni wine to pair with the meal (Photo: Lara Bazzoui)

The delicious food and ravishing interior will definitely send you to the heart of Armenia. “The design aim for Lusin was to create an Armenian restaurant that is unique, inspirational and has a rich ambience – an atmosphere that would portray the true traditional experience of Armenian culture in a modern way that would make each guest’s visit memorable,” describes Rashwani. Influenced by Armenian architecture and core traditions, the restaurant embraces materials and colors in its design that embrace and emit Armenian culture. “The most prominent feature includes the tuff stone, exclusively transported from Armenia, whether as carved pillars resembling the Armenian khachkar or as wall cladding. The finely chosen lights, fixtures and furniture aim to illustrate and emphasize the warmth of Armenian culture. The design is very authentic, yet modern, setting a welcoming and fine first impression,” elaborates Rashwani.

The interior is both glamorous and relaxing

This new addition to London’s iconic food scene goes beyond delicious food and memorable vibes. This marks an important and pivotal step into integrating Armenian culture in London and educating non-Armenians about the country and its many wonders. It has created a space for the Armenian community in London, something Rashwani says they hoped to achieve. “The Armenian community now has a place in London to make them feel back home. With the experience and feel we convey in Lusin, reflected not only in the authentic and homestyle cooked specialties but also in the warm and modern interiors, and mainly with the tuff stone that comes from Armenian mountains, Lusin truly takes them back home to relish the culture and traditions of proud people.”

Editor’s Note, : The article was modified from its original publication as it incorrectly described Lusin as the first Armenian restaurant in London. 

  •  Bio
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Lara Bazzoui is studying fashion journalism at the University Arts London: London College of Fashion. She runs her own upcycling business called Bibi Bazz, where she regenerates damaged and deadstock sneakers into bags. Lara is also the public relations director for ACYO London.


CivilNet: Erdogan plays politics with Turkey earthquake

Markos Nalchajian
CIVILNET.AM

16 Feb, 2023 08:02

In the latest episode of Insights with Eric Hacopian, Eric discusses the worsening humanitarian crisis in Artsakh and the European Parliament’s Foreign Relations Committee’s latest Armenia report . Eric also gives his take on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s response to last week’s earthquake and the political fallout there.


"Disaster diplomacy" creates hope for Armenia-Turkey normalization

Markos Nalchajian
Feb 16 2023
Arshaluis Mgdesyan Feb 16, 2023
Building bridges (Armenian MFA)

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan was welcomed warmly in Ankara by his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on February 15.

The visit came shortly after Armenia sent humanitarian aid and rescue workers to its historical rival in a powerful gesture of goodwill following the deadly earthquakes that rocked southern Turkey on February 6.

At a joint news conference, Cavusoglu thanked Armenia for “extending a hand of friendship” in Turkey’s time of need while Mirzoyan said that the sides had agreed to open their border to third-country nationals and diplomatic passport holders ahead of the 2023 tourist season.

That border has been closed since 1993 with the exception of the historic brief openings on February 11 and 14 to allow the delivery of quake relief.

After the briefing, Mirzoyan paid a visit to the 27 Armenian rescue workers deployed to the quake-hit city of Adiyaman.

Back in Yerevan on February 16, the top diplomat told a government meeting that those rescuers would return home through the land border on the same day.

He also reported to the cabinet that an agreement had been reached on the restoration of the historic Ani bridge on the Akhuryan (Arpacay) river which forms part of the two countries’ border.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed the announcement as a “symbolic step” and said Armenia already had preliminary designs for the bridge’s reconstruction.

Pashinyan also hit out at domestic critics of the decision to send quake relief.

“Millions of people in the neighborhood of our country need support and it is unacceptable for anyone to remain indifferent,” he said.

That criticism, which included opposition groups’ use of the familiar epithet “Turkophilia” towards the Pashinyan government, is borne out of powerful historical grievances.

Ankara refuses to recognize the World War I-era mass slaughter and deportation of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as an act of genocide, and it has sided with fraternal Baku for decades in the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Turkey shut the border in 1993, just two years after Armenia gained independence, in solidarity with Azerbaijan amid the First Karabakh War.

But after Azerbaijan – with extensive Turkish help – retook large swathes of land from Armenian forces in the Second Karabakh War of 2020, Armenia and Turkey gingerly embarked on normalizing relations.

They appointed special envoys who met first in January 2022 and have occasionally achieved modest progress such as the restoration of direct cargo flights in January 2023.

Historian Nelli Minasyan believes Mirzoyan’s visit gave the normalization process a nudge.

“Turkey already uses the term ‘disaster diplomacy’ in relation to Armenia and Greece, countries that Ankara has deeply problematic relations with. I think that the agreements reached in Ankara were not formulated spontaneously. Discussions on these issues have been going on for a long time, and the earthquake and the processes around it served as an occasion to voice them,” she told Eurasianet.

But Ruben Safrastyan, a specialist in Turkey at Armenia’s National Academy, sees no reason to expect a major breakthrough.

“These statements have signaled that the process will move forward in small steps,” he told Armenian Public TV after the foreign minister’s visit. But, he warned, the recent catastrophe does not change the fact that Azerbaijan is wary of Armenia-Turkey normalization and possesses levers to stall it.

Cavusoglu, the Turkish foreign minister, hinted, during the briefing with his Armenian counterpart, at Ankara’s close coordination with Baku.

“Advances in Armenia’s dialogue with Turkey and Azerbaijan will contribute to stability in the region. If our three countries take sincere steps, we will be able to achieve long-term peace in the South Caucasus,” Cavusoglu said.

Arshaluis Mgdesyan is a journalist based in Yerevan.

https://eurasianet.org/disaster-diplomacy-creates-hope-for-armenia-turkey-normalization