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Author: Parkev Tvankchian

Azerbaijani press: USAID support to Karabakh separatists flagrant violation of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty

Parkev Tvankchian
9 February 2022 14:14 (UTC+04:00)
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By Sabina Mammadli

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has provided assistance to Karabakh separatists, as evidenced by facts discovered in Azerbaijan's liberated Khojavand region's Bulutan village, Baku-based news website Day.az has reported. 

The footage posted online was taken at a first-aid post in the village set up by USAID specifically for the separatists, as evidenced by the agency’s logos on various equipment, the report added.

"The fact that such assistance was provided to the separatists by an agency funded by the U.S. government is a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. What makes this especially outrageous is the fact that the United States is one of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group – the same one that has been organizing the failed negotiations on a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict for 30 years," Day.az stressed.

USAID claims that it leads international development and humanitarian efforts to save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance and help people progress beyond assistance.

Since 1997, the U.S. has been acting as one of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs along with Russia and France to promote a peaceful resolution of the Karabakh conflict through negotiation and mediation. The OSCE Minsk Group was instituted in 1992 and activated in 1994.

On January 27, 2021, U.S. Ambassador Earle Litzenberger congratulated Azerbaijan on the restoration of its territorial integrity and expressed the U.S. readiness to participate in the restoration of the lands liberated from Armenia's occupation.

A Moscow-brokered ceasefire deal that Baku and Yerevan signed on November 10 brought an end to six weeks of fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani army declared a victory against the Armenian troops. The signed agreement obliged Armenia to withdraw its troops from the Azerbaijani lands that it has occupied since the early 1990s.

On January 11, the Azerbaijani, Russian and Armenian leaders signed the second statement since the end of the 44-day war. The newly-signed statement is set to implement clause 9 of the November 2020 statement related to the unblocking of all economic and transport communications in the region. 

Azerbaijan was one of the first countries to join the global anti-terror coalition assembled by the U.S. government. Azerbaijan opened its airspace to the allied forces and assured its agencies would cooperate and provide information that would assist in American-led efforts.

Azerbaijan’s contributions to the U.S.-led anti-terror campaign also included deploying a peacekeeping contingent in Afghanistan. Azerbaijani peacekeepers began serving there in November 2002, and by 2021 the contingent consisted of 120 servicemen. They left the country more than a week after the Taliban seized power on August 15, 2021.

Zakharova speaks in favor of organizing a speedy UNESCO mission to the region

Parkev Tvankchian

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 19:43, 9 February, 2022

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. The Russian Federation discusses the preservation of cultural and historical heritage during the contacts with official Baku and Yerevan, ARMENPRESS reports official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

"Of course, we are in favor of organizing the UNESCO mission to the region as soon as possible," she said.

Zakharova reminded that on December 7, 2021, the joint statement of the Foreign Ministers of Russia, the United States and France called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue cooperation under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group to make real progress in the protection of humanitarian, including historical and cultural monuments.

Zakharova reminded that on December 7, 2021, the joint statement of the Foreign Ministers of Russia, the United States and France called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue cooperation under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group to make real progress in humanitarian issues, including protection of historical and cultural monuments.

Recently, the minister of culture of Azerbaijan announced that a working consisting of local and foreign specialists on the history and architecture of Caucasian Albania has been formed in Azerbaijan with the aim of removing "false traces left by Armenians" from the so-called religious temples of Caucasian Albania.




Armenian Ambassador meets with US Congressman Jim Costa

Parkev Tvankchian

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 15:56, 8 February, 2022

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 8, ARMENPRESS. On February 7th Lilit Makunts, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States, met with member of House Foreign Relations Committee, Congressman Jim Costa (D–CA), the Armenian Embassy said in a statement on social media.

Ambassador Makunts handed over “Mkhitar Gosh” State Award to Congressman on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and the United States and for significant contribution to the development of Armenian-American relations.

The sides discussed issues related to further deepening of bilateral relations, as well as referred to international and regional developments.

Armenia reports 3956 daily COVID-19 cases

Parkev Tvankchian

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 11:14, 2 February, 2022

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 2, ARMENPRESS. 3956 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Armenia in the past one day, the ministry of health reported.

The total number of confirmed cases in the country has reached 374,878.

The COVID-19 recoveries rose by 5276 in a day, bringing the total to 341,355.

The death toll has risen to 8060 (4 death cases in past day).

9658 COVID-19 tests were conducted on February 1. 

The number of active cases is 23,923.

Asbarez: Istanbul’s Camp Armen to be Rebuilt

Parkev Tvankchian
by Contributor

 

 January 26, 2022

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

Hrant Guzelian with the Camp ARMEN children

PARAMUS, NJ – The Armenian Missionary Association of America welcomed the news of the rebuilding of Camp ARMEN in Tuzla and is committed to support the Camp’s reconstruction.

An architect’s rendering of the renovated Kamp Armen

In 1962, land located in Tuzla, Istanbul was purchased by the Armenian Evangelical Church of Gedik Paşa Foundation and Camp ARMEN was built on it. In 1974, properties belonging to Christian Foundations were seized due to the country’s political atmosphere which was affected by political activities outside the country. The camp land was one of the properties that was seized by the authorities.

The renovated structure of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Gedik Paşa

In 2015, with the consent of the President and in line with instructions from the Prime Minister at the time, a 50,752 square-foot portion of the original 92,570 square-foot property was returned to the Foundation by the Mayor of Tuzla. Following the return of the 50,753 square foot portion of land, work began quickly. A new architectural plan has been completed, a license obtained, and construction will be started soon. The new Camp ARMEN project will maintain its orphanage character, will serve as a “Youth and Information Center,” and will continue to operate throughout the year. Contact is also currently being made with relevant authorities for the return of a remaining part of the property owned by the Tuzla municipality.

“Camp ARMEN will be the first and only Camp in Turkey to function as a development center by serving our community every month throughout the year with social, cultural and religious development activities with the help of trained volunteers,” said Rev. Krikor Ağabaloğlu, Pastor of the Armenian Evangelical Church of Gedik Paşa, Istanbul, Turkey. “Camp ARMEN was established in 1962 by children whose small hands carried water, sand, cement and bricks. They literally wrote a story of existence. They built the Camp like a monument and called it Camp ARMEN. They left a lasting heritage that has never been forgotten. Let us, as the elders of today, bring Camp ARMEN back to life with the same spirit. By saying, ‘we have been broken down but not destroyed and we will last forever,’ let’s build a renewed and renovated Camp ARMEN for this era. Let’s make Camp ARMEN come alive together through our voluntary contributions and keep Camp ARMEN alive with the stories that have been lived in the past.”

“Under the leadership of Hrant Guzelian, Camp ARMEN was indeed a blessing to a multitude of Armenian youngsters from the plains of Anatolia, including Hrant Dink and his wife Rakel. We hope and pray that the new Camp will continue to be a blessing to a new wave of Armenian Youth from all corners, including Anatolia,” said Zaven Khanjian, AMAA Executive Director/CEO.

Hrant Dink School of Gedik Paşa Church

Just recently the AMAA helped the Armenian Evangelical Church of Gedik Paşa make renovations to the Church structure and give a facelift with a new coat of paint throughout the building. Besides Church activities, the Gedik Paşa Church operates the Hrant Dink School. Founded in 2003, the main goal of the School is to create a small Homeland for children from Armenia living in Istanbul and give them an Armenian upbringing and education until the day comes for them to return to Armenia and continue their education in the Homeland.

Founded in 1918, the Armenian Missionary Association of America serves the spiritual, educational and social needs of Armenian communities in 24 countries around the world including Armenia and Artsakh.

USA and its allies discuss deployment of additional forces in Eastern Europe – CNN

Parkev Tvankchian

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 20:03, 26 January, 2022

YEREVAN, 26 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The United States and its allies are considering the possibility of deploying additional troops of 1,000 manpower to NATO's Eastern European countries before Russia's predicted invasion into Ukraine, ARMENPRESS reports CNN informed, citing its sources.

According to the TV channel, the additional troops may be deployed in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, but no final decision has been made yet.

According to CNN, not all of the 30 NATO member states are ready to take such a step.

Turkish press: Azerbaijan’s oil fund places $1.1B deposit in Turkey’s central bank

Parkev Tvankchian
 ISTANBUL JAN 28, 2022 – 6:06 PM GMT+3

U.S. dollar and Euro bank notes are photographed in Frankfurt, Germany, in this illustration picture taken May 7, 2017. (Reuters Photo)

The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) has placed a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) deposit account within the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT), Azerbaijan’s Trend news agency reported Friday.

The deposit is for a period of six months, the report said.

The investment is expected to make a positive contribution to Turkey's financial stability, SOFAZ said in a statement on its website.

"The investment of these funds in the Central Bank of Turkey was carried out within the investment strategy of SOFAZ," the fund said.

Previously speaking to Bloomberg HT, sources stated that a deposit account would be opened from Azerbaijan.

The central banks of Azerbaijan and Turkey were earlier this month reported to have been close to signing a 1 billion euro currency swap deal, but Chairperson of the Board of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Elman Rustamov on Friday denied such claims.

“The CBA refutes the information spread by several media outlets about alleged negotiations on this matter,” Rustamov was cited as saying by Trend news agency.

Rustamov added that the central banks of the two countries are actively cooperating in several spheres.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 21-01-22

Parkev Tvankchian

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 17:40,

YEREVAN, 21 JANUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 21 January, USD exchange rate up by 0.46 drams to 482.12 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.14 drams to 546.68 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.01 drams to 6.30 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.07 drams to 654.24 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 312.23 drams to 28603.88 drams. Silver price up by 7.33 drams to 375.5 drams. Platinum price up by 650.51 drams to 16353.04 drams.

Interview: Armenian hairstylist and colorist Srap Shirinyan opens up

Parkev Tvankchian
DIGITAL JOURNAL
Jan 21 2022

By

Markos Papadatos

Published



Hairstylist and colorist Srap Shirinyan. Photo Courtesy of Srap Shirinyan

Acclaimed Armenian hairstylist and colorist Srap Shirinyan chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos about his latest endeavors and future plans. He is an art teacher, Armenian Ambassador, and creative partner of the L’Oréal team.

He was the first runner-up of the L’Oréal contest. “For me, this is a great advantage and a great responsibility. Now I have a big task which is to maintain the leading position in Loreal. Being the first is difficult when you have achieved this only through hard work. Maintaining it requires new efforts, a lot of work, and my team is ready for this pleasant work. We are working hard to continually keep the title of the best,” he said.

Regarding his daily motivations, he said, “I am motivated by the result of the work done and the shining eyes of the client. Healthy hair and a dazzling look that every woman when they come out of my salon.”

“My motivation is also related to the numerous comments that my followers and clients have been passing on to me over the years. I can proudly say that I have not had a non-returning customer in all my years of service,” he added.

On his future plans, Shirinyan said, “In the future, I want to enter the world of beauty market with my works. To make the Srap Shirinyan brand more ambitious, to open beauty salons first in Moscow and the USA, and then in the UAE. To do this, I train new professionals with my technique and style. There should be a lot of high-quality specialists who not only think about earning money but also give pleasure to their models.”

“I love them all very much and I want to see them with shining eyes,” he told his fans and supporters. “That’s why I’ve been beautifying my clients for years. My followers are very peculiar, they like you follow my daily work, I thank all those who are by my side, who always lavish me with kind words and inspire me.”

“I want to inspire my followers that in the near future I will enrich my content and demonstrate cooperation with world-famous stylists and brands. Time is passing, stylish trends are changing, and I am ready to introduce all my followers. I want them to always smile and to find their own style on my page, not be afraid of a bold change of style,” he said.

To learn more about Armenian hairstylist and colorist Srap Shirinyan, follow him on Instagram.

Polish OSCE Chairmanship reiterates full support to Minsk Group Co-Chairs after Aliyev tirade

Parkev Tvankchian

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 13:29,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. The Polish OSCE Chairmanship reiterates its full support to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, the OSCE Polish Chairmanship said in response to an inquiry from ARMENPRESS when asked to comment on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s threats to “pressure” the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ attempts to deal with the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement – its mandate.

“The Polish Chairmanship is not in the position to comment on the public statements of the President of Azerbaijan. We reiterate our full support and appreciation for the work of the OSCE Minsk Group, its Co-Chairs and the Personal Representative of the Polish OSCE Chair-in-Office Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk,” the Polish OSCE Chairmanship told ARMENPRESS.

In his latest infamous interview, the Azeri leader had again falsely claimed that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is already resolved and thus the OSCE Minsk Group is obsolete. He went on to claim that if one party of the conflict says the conflict is resolved then it leaves no room for mediation.

Azeri President Ilham Aliyev has numerously falsely claimed that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is resolved after the 2020 war.

However, the governments of Armenia, Russia, France, United States and others have repeatedly stressed that the conflict remains unresolved and called for a comprehensive and peaceful settlement within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship.

Aram Sargsyan