Author: Parkev Tvankchian

Armenia appoints former prosecutor as new human rights defender

Parkev Tvankchian
 

ByAni Avetisyan
Anahit Manasyan. Photo: Prosecutor’s Office

Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract Party has elected a former deputy Prosecutor General, Anahit Manasyan, as the country’s Human Rights Defender.

The election in parliament on Wednesday morning was delayed by a day due to clashes on Tuesday near the border with Azerbaijan.

The Human Rights Defender, meant to be an independent figure responsible for ensuring respect for human rights in the country, is elected for a six-year term by three-fifths of the total number of MPs. 

Only Civil Contract voted for Manasyan, with the opposition Armenia Alliance and I Have Honour blocs refusing to take part after opposing her nomination. 

The parliamentary opposition parties questioned Manasyan’s impartiality and opposed her claims that she ‘will not be politicised and will protect everyone’. 

‘This is not a position for me, it is a responsibility and a mission, and I undertake it with great responsibility,’ Manasyan said in her address to parliament on Tuesday. 

During the debates, the opposition questioned her about several recent incidents. Manasyan refused to comment on an incident in which the Speaker of Parliament, Alen Simonyan, spat on an opposition member for calling him a ‘traitor’. She said she was against ‘hate speech and violence’. 

Manasyan replaces Kristinne Grigoryan, who resigned in late January after serving for only a year, citing her desire to take up a new position. Local media have reported she may be appointed head of foreign intelligence at the National Security Service. 

Grigoryan also faced allegations of political bias and links to the ruling party, as she served as Deputy Justice Minister following the 2018 revolution. 

Manasyan, 34, was appointed Deputy Prosecutor in November 2022. Previously she worked at the Constitutional Court. 

https://oc-media.org/armenia-appoints-former-prosecutor-as-new-human-rights-defender/

Armenian Authorities Release Russian Man Accused of Desertion

Parkev Tvankchian

Armenian authorities have released a Russian citizen who was detained two days ago at Moscow’s request for alleged desertion, the Armenia Today news website reported Monday.

Armenia’s Prosecutor General’s Office at no point considered extraditing the detained man to Moscow, the newspaper was told.

The news of the 23-year-old Russian citizen’s April 7 detention in Yerevan was first reported on Sunday, causing concern among the city’s large population of Russians in exile that Yerevan might begin extraditing other Russians being sought by Russian law enforcement.

Using data from the Russian Interior Ministry’s database, researchers from independent Russian media outlet Mediazona said they believed the detained man was Yuri Trostyansky, from the southern Russian town of Kamensk-Shakhtinsky.

Hundreds of thousands of Russians have fled the country following the Kremlin’s Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine and Sept. 21 launch of a “partial” mobilization for the war, with many of them settling in Russia’s immediate neighbors such as Armenia, Georgia and Kazakhstan.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/04/10/armenian-authorities-release-russian-man-accused-of-desertion-a80777

Yerevan: Anti-Armenian hate speech continues at highest level in Azerbaijan

Parkev Tvankchian
– 13:28 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – In Azerbaijan, hate speech towards the Armenians continues at the highest level, the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on the 31st anniversary of the massacre of Armenians in Maragha on April 10.

The statement reads:

31 years ago, on April 10, 1992, the Azerbaijani armed forces carried out a preplanned brutal massacre of the peaceful population of the Armenian settlement of Maragha in Martakert region of Nagorno-Karabakh, as a result of which the settlement with a population of about 5,000 was completely subjected to ethnic cleansing, more than 50 civilians were brutally killed and as many were taken captive. This data has been documented in the reports of the human rights organisations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. The fates of many hostages have not been clarified to this day, and they are considered to have been forcibly disappeared.

The Maragha massacre was a continuation of the organised pogroms of Armenians in Sumgait, Kirovabad and Baku and one of the manifestations of mass crimes committed by the Azerbaijani authorities on the grounds of national identity. The preplanned crimes against the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, war crimes, their impunity and glorification became part of Azerbaijan’s systemic policy and took on new manifestations during Azerbaijan’s aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh in April 2016 and on a larger scale during the 44-day war of 2020 as a result of which tens of thousands of Armenians were displaced also from Hadrut, Shushi and surrounding regions.

It is no coincidence that not only the Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh during 1988-1991 have never had the opportunity to return to their homes and exercise their rights, including managing their private property, but also nowadays, Azerbaijan violates the provisions of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020, disrupting the return of displaced persons and refugees to Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions, which should be carried out under the supervision of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Moreover, violating the norms of international law and the international obligations, nowadays the official Baku is populating with Azerbaijanis the Armenian settlements fallen under its control, the homes of Armenians, for example in the Armenian village of Talish.

It is also noteworthy that, grossly violating the decisions of authoritative international courts, Azerbaijan openly continues to desecrate, vandalise and destroy the Armenian religious, historical and cultural monuments and sanctuaries, having the aim to completely erase the Armenian trace from the territories that are under its control. At the same time, the hate speech towards the Armenians continues at the highest level. These actions have already been repeatedly condemned by international institutions.

31 years after the Maragha massacre, already for around four months Azerbaijan has been illegally blocking the Lachin corridor connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with the rest of the world. The deliberate creation of a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, the periodic violations of the ceasefire and the aggressive actions of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Nagorno-Karabakh, the consistent targeting and terrorising of the peaceful population prove once again that Azerbaijan’s goal is to subject Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing.

Today we pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the Maragha massacre. In order to further prevent such crimes, we once again emphasise the urgency of taking the active steps by the international community, including by using the available international mechanisms.

The Republic of Armenia reaffirms its commitment to the establishment of lasting and comprehensive peace and security in the region, which is possible by Azerbaijan’s refusal of the maximalist and aggressive policy and by the search for fair solutions to the existing problems.

Azeri forces take control of some heights, areas on border with Armenia — top brass

Parkev Tvankchian
 TASS 
Russia –
“Due to the commissioning of the new Lachin road, several commanding heights, main and subsidiary roads, as well as a vast area between the villages of Jagazur and Zabukh in the Lachin District were taken under control,” the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said in a statement

BAKU, March 30. /TASS/. Units of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces have taken control of a number of heights and areas in the Lachin District near the border with Armenia ahead of the commissioning of a new motor road that will connect Karabakh to Armenia, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry reported on Thursday.

“Due to the commissioning of the new Lachin road, several commanding heights, main and subsidiary roads, as well as a vast area between the villages of Jagazur and Zabukh in the Lachin District were taken under control,” the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Artsakh Army Thwarts Further Advances by Azerbaijani Forces

Parkev Tvankchian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

Azerbaijani forces stand guard near Shushi on Jan 17, 2023


Artsakh Defense Army units on Monday thwarted further attempts by Azerbaijani forces to advance into Artsakh proper, as their campaign to breach the line of contact continued.

At around 9 a.m. local time on Monday Azerbaijani forces again attempted to advance toward the heights around the Stepanakert-Ghaibalishen-Lisagor road, the Artsakh defense army reported.

The Artsakh army is pushing back Azerbaijani attacks to ensure safe passage on the mountain roads adjacent to the Stepanakert-Ghaibalishen-Lisagor road, which was attacked by Azerbaijani forces on Saturday in clear violation of the ceasefire and the November 9, 2020 agreement.

The Russian peacekeeping forces took note of the attack and called on the Azerbaijani forces to retreat to their positions.

The Russian peacekeepers have positioned themselves in the area that was seized by Azerbaijani forces on Saturday and are controlling the area, the Artsakh information center reported on Monday.

The Artsakh authorities are in constant contact with the command staff of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation in order to take all possible measures towards the settlement of the situation.

Azerbaijani forces on Sunday fired at farmers working in pomegranate orchards in Artsakh’s Martakert region, continuing their breach and violation of the ceasefire.

The orchard, which is managed by the Artsakh State Inspections Management Committee came under Azerbaijani fire at around 11:30 a.m. local time, forcing the suspension of all activities. No injuries were reported.

Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, who chaired an emergency session of the national security council, said the complexities of the situation resulting from Saturday’s attack was being assessed in order to better coordinate the response.

He said he was confident that Artsakh’s vital interests will be protected.

IRGC threatens Azerbaijani President for ‘Zionist aggression’ against Armenia

Parkev Tvankchian
Israel – March 21 2023

Ariel KoganMarch 21, 2023

Such threats to Ilham Aliyev personally are unprecedented

On March 21st, two official IRGC Telegram-channels, Sepah_pasdaran and IRGCQODS Niru-ye Qods channel, posted direct threats to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

According to the posts, the developments in Iran’s northern frontier are very much against Iranian interests, as they indicate that the intentions of Baku – puppeteered of course by the “Zionist regime” – are “for a hostile action against Armenia.” The post says that “the message of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Baku and its supporters is clear: Mr. Aliyev, it will cost you a lot.”

The threatening message begins with an ad hominem argument against Aliyev, claiming his mental state is declining due to “illusions caused by indiscriminate consumption of psychedelics.” The post continues to explain how the Azerbaijani president’s judgment, clouded by the aforementioned illusions, is flawed, and his belief “that by attacking the border areas of Iran and Armenia, it can take control of these areas and by closing the communication route between Iran, Russia and Europe, it will receive concessions from Iran and turned to blackmail.”

The IRGC statement ends with a warning – “In case of (your) stupidity in the Caucasus, even if the whole world calls you brother and all the nuclear states support you, the arrows of the archers of this separated piece of land will sew this land back to the homeland.” This final clear-cut threat is aimed at the whole of Azerbaijan, ensuring the IRGC will personally be overseeing the annexation of Azerbaijani territory in case of a war.

Niru-ye Qods channel adds that “for any Baku’s action to change the geopolitical borders, Iran will seek a military response,” while Israel might attack targets in Iran “in defense of its minor adopted son – Baku.”

Such threats to Aliyev personally are unprecedented: never before has any official Iranian body dared to address the Azerbaijani leader like this, especially pointing out his connection to Israel. Several times anti-Semitic caricatures, depicting Aliyev as a stereotypical Jew with a huge hooked nose, were published in the media. This kind of a threat is, naturally, another step towards serious military escalation.

A curious detail to mention is how this IRGC statements puts Armenia on the forefront of the issue. An attack on Armenia is enough of a casus belli for Iran, as both countries have extensive diplomatic and military ties.

“Iran considers the security of Armenia and the region as its own security, and the decision to open the consulate-general in the town of Gafan is the important manifestation that Iran is displaying of the millennia-old relations with the Armenian people,” said Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian during the inauguration of the Iranian consulate-general in Gafan in October 2022.

Additionally, Iran sees Armenia as its only trade route to the EU, so it is willing to go to war in order to preserve its land connection and Armenian territorial integrity, including the Armenian-populated enclave in the territory of Azerbaijan itself. 

According to the New Eastern Europe Journal, Iran’s support for the Russian war against Ukraine is being undertaken with the help of Armenia, which is allowing Moscow to evade sanctions through the supply of Iranian drones and missiles via Armenian air space and airports. Iran Air Cargo, a subsidiary of Iran Air, used Yerevan’s Zvartnots International, a civilian airport, for that purpose.

Newspaper: Ring around Karabakh is tightening

Parkev Tvankchian
NEWS.am
Armenia – March 14 2023
10:07, 14.03.2023

Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: The ring around Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)], which has been besieged for three months [now by Azerbaijan], is tightening; along with the deepening of the humanitarian crisis, the security threats have intensified.

We learned from our sources in Artsakh that the adversary [i.e., Azerbaijan] has gathered a large number of forces in Martakert, Shushi, in the area bordering the Kashen mine, thus trying to exert psychological pressure on the people of Artsakh and push the Artsakh authorities to agree to the demand of the Azerbaijani authorities for reintegration with Azerbaijan.

And yesterday, [Azerbaijani president] Aliyev’s staff proposed to hold a meeting with a similar agenda in [Azerbaijani capital] Baku, but it is noteworthy that the official Stepanakert did not respond to that proposal until the evening, and the [Artsakh] president’s press service left our phone calls—to clarify the position of the Artsakh authorities—unanswered.

Food Review: New Flavours At High-End Armenian Restaurant Lusin in Mayfair (London, UK)

Parkev Tvankchian
UK –
By Sara Odeen-Isbister

Mayfair is no stranger to international culinary delights – with a range of options available to a diner hoping to indulge in high-end cuisine from across the globe. 

You might be surprised, however, to learn there’s now a restaurant dedicated to Armenian food hidden amongst the many offerings.  

Lusin, which means moon in Armenian, opened on Hay Hill in October and is the first Armenian eatery in Mayfair.  

The brand was established in Saudia Arabia, where it now has a number of locations, and the Mayfair resturant is Lusin’s first step outside the Middle Eastern country. 

The London menu has been curated by two-star Michelin chef Marcel Ravin, the man behind the much-lauded Blue Bay restaurant in Monaco. 

It features an eclectic mix of Armenian-inspired dishes, with Levantine and Eastern European influences. 

Excited to try Armenian food for the first time, my partner and I recently booked a table for two on a Saturday night. 

After struggling somewhat to find the door (it’s very subtle!), we were welcomed by a very friendly team who took us to our table.  

The interiors are opulent and stylish with Armenian touches and – my favourite feature – a huge tree with cascading pink flowers.  

On to the food – we tried a variety of dishes from across the menu, which, on the whole, were very impressive.  

Among the appetizer highlights were Lusin’s signature eggplant rolls, slices of aubergine stuffed with walnut and whipped cheese and topped with pomegranate seeds. My partner isn’t a big aubergine fan, but really enjoyed these.  

We also loved the tiger prawns tempura – lightly battered crustaceans with pistachio pesto, paprika mayo and caramalised lemon. In fact, I think they were some of the best tempura prawns I’ve ever eaten.  

The traditional mutabel smoked aubergine dip and the Armenian bread we had it with were both delicious. 

Easily our favourite main dish was The Famous Cherry Kebab, which is grilled kebab served with a home-made cherry sauce and pine nuts. The cherries are sourced from Armenia and add a sweet and sour taste that compliments the saltiness of the meat. I’ve never tried anything quite like it and couldn’t get enough.  

Meanwhile, the sheesh tawood – grilled skewers of marinated chicken breast with a herb tomato sauce – was maybe not the most memorable dish we had that evening, but perfectly tasty.  

We also sampled the manti, dumplings stuffed with meat and topped with matzone yoghurt and a tomato sauce. These were nice but didn’t feel quite special enough to warrant the £32 price tag.  

For dessert we enjoyed the restaurant’s gorgeous honey cake – layers of honey biscuits and cream, served with honeycomb – and the Lusin ice cream – rose-flavoured ice cream with candy floss.  

The latter arrived at our table as a small mountain of candy floss with a scattering of rose petals, before the waiter divided the whipped sugar to reveal the ice cream hiding underneath.

I love when my food comes with a bit of theatre, so this part went down particularly well with me. Thankfully the ice cream lived up to the spectacle and tasted fantastic.  

Finally, special mention must go to the supernova cocktail we had on arrival. It’s described as a clarified punch with a vodka base and flavours of Armenian apricot brandy, fresh pineapple and passionfruit with a slight touch of sparkling wine.  

Like the cherry kebab, it was different to anything I’ve had before and delicious. 

Address: 16 Hay Hill, Mayfair W1J 8NY

Website: lusinrestaurant.com

Asbarez: Varant and Hoori Melkonian Become Lead Benefactors of New Crescenta Valley Armenian Church

Parkev Tvankchian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Community, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

Varant and Hoori Melkonian, accompanied by Angel Melkonian visited Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan


The Couple also donates $50,000 for Syrian-Armenian relief

Long-time activists, advocates, community leaders and philanthropists Mr. & Mrs. Varant and Hoori Melkonian are the lead benefactors of the new Crescenta Valley Armenian Church, the plans for which were announced last week by the Western Prelacy.

The couple, accompanied with Varant Melkonian’s mother, Angel, visited the Prelacy on Tuesday to ask the Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan for the honor of becoming the main benefactors of the new church.

In welcoming his guests, Prelate Donoyan praised them and commended the Melkonians for this generous contribution—the latest of a number of donations they already have made in the Western United States.

“Varant and Hoori Melkonian are not only a permanent presence in our community through their hard work and support, they are also always ready to ensure that community projects are successful. They bring their unwavering contribution to projects that aim to elevate our nation, homeland and the Western Prelacy through their generosity,” the Prelate said of the couple who have been bestowed with the “Cilician Prince” media by the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia.

During their visit to the Prelacy, the Melkonians welcomed the latest achievements of the Western Prelacy and congratulated the Prelate, reaffirming their commitment to always support the Prelacy’s activities.

Prelate Donoyan blessed his guests and the entire Melkonian family, wishing them health, happiness and prosperity.

During their visit on Tuesday, the Prelate briefed the Melkonians about the current challenges facing the Armenian community of Syria following the devastating February 6 earthquake

Varant and Hoori Melkonian announced a donation of $50,000 to the Syrian-Armenian community, which will be tranfered through the Western Prelacy to the Cilician Catholicosate.

Yuri Babakhanyan appointed Armenian Ambassador to Nepal

Parkev Tvankchian

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 18:34,

YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS. Yuri Babakhanyan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Republic of India, was appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (residence: New Delhi) on the basis of dual accreditation.

ARMENPRESS reports, President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan signed the appointment decree on March 13.