Friday, February 25, 2022
Flights To, From Armenia Disrupted By Ukraine War
February 25, 2022
• Marine Khachatrian
Armenia - Marshallers guide a plane that landed at Zvartnots international
airport, Yerevan, January 15, 2021.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has disrupted air travel between the two countries
and Armenia.
Ukraine completely closed its airspace to commercial aircraft immediately after
the start of the Russian military offensive early on Thursday, forcing the
cancellation of all flights between its capital Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities
and Yerevan.
For its part, Russia banned civilian flights over its western and southern
regions bordering Ukraine and Belarus. It temporarily shut down the airports of
the southern Russian cities of Krasnodar and Rostov that also offered regular
flight services to Armenia.
Airlines carrying out daily flights between Moscow and Yerevan thus have to
bypass the Krasnodar and Rostov regions and take a longer route as a result.
Many of those flights were again delayed by a few hours on Friday.
“We got this morning a text message and call from [the Russian airline] Aeroflot
saying that our flight will be delayed,” said one passenger waiting for his
flight to Moscow at Yerevan’s Zvartnots airport. “And we are going to take a
longer route. The flight was supposed to take about three hours. It will now
last for about four or just over four hours.”
“The partial closure of Russian airspace has diverted everyone from their usual
routes,” said Gevorg Khachatrian, the executive director of Air Company Armenia,
a local carrier.
“Now an alternative route is offered to not only our company but also all other
airlines that fly from Armenia to Russia. The flights therefore take an extra
40-45 minutes,” Khachatrian told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.
The longer flights also mean additional costs incurred by Russian and Armenian
airlines, he said.
Armenian Defense Minister Visits Moscow
February 25, 2022
Russia - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (right) meets with his Armenian
counterpart Suren Papikian in Moscow, February 25, 2022.
Defense Minister Suren Papikian reportedly reaffirmed Armenia’s commitment to
closer military ties with Russia and spoke of “new challenges and threats”
facing the two allied countries as met with his Russian counterpart Sergei
Shoigu in Moscow on Friday.
“I can assure you that I will do my best to further develop Russian-Armenian
defense cooperation,” the Russian Defense Ministry quoted him as telling Shoigu
at the start of their talks.
Papikian, who was appointed as defense minister in November, began his first
visit to Russia in his current capacity on Thursday just hours after the Russian
military launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine condemned by the West.
Official press releases on his meeting with Shoigu made no explicit mention of
the Russian invasion.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Papikian said Moscow and Yerevan have
to constantly deal with “new challenges and threats.”
“It’s obvious that all these challenges and threats facing our states can only
be overcome by acting jointly,” he said.
A statement released by the Armenian Defense Minister said the two ministers
discussed Russian-Armenian military cooperation as well as “international and
regional security issues.” It said they praised Russian efforts to help
“stabilize the military-political situation” in the South Caucasus.
“The discussions also touched upon the ongoing reforms and modernization of the
Armenian Armed Forces,” added the statement.
Armenia - Russian and Armenian troops hold a joint military exercise, November
24, 2021.
Armenia moved to deepen its already close military ties with Russia shortly
after the 2020 war in Nagorno-Karabakh stopped by a Russian-brokered ceasefire.
Moscow has since deployed troops in Armenia’s Syunik province sandwiched between
Azerbaijan and its Nakhichevan exclave.
Meeting with Papikian’s predecessor Arshak Karapetian in Moscow last August,
Shoigu said Moscow will continue to help Yerevan reform, rearm and modernize the
Armenian army.
Papikian met with Shoigu two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin and his
Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev signed in the Kremlin a joint declaration
on “allied cooperation” between their nations.
The declaration says, among other things, that Russia and Azerbaijan will avoid
“any actions directed against each other” and could consider “providing each
other with military assistance.”
Yerevan Worried About Wider Impact Of Western Sanctions Against Russia
February 25, 2022
• Astghik Bedevian
Kazakhstan - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian speaks during a session of
the the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Nur-Sultan, February 25, 2022.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Friday signaled concerns over the economic
impact of Western sanctions, imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, on
other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), including Armenia.
In a clear reference to fallout from Russia’s unprecedented military action,
Pashinian spoke of a “sharp escalation of the geopolitical situation” as he
visited Kazakhstan to attend a meeting of the prime ministers of five ex-Soviet
states making up the Russian-led trade bloc.
“Of course, it is obvious that sanctions actions will have a direct impact on
the economic climate in the Eurasian space,” he said at their joint meeting with
Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev. “In this regard, we must discuss what
operational decisions need to be made to ensure that these negative effects are
minimal or, if possible, circumvent them through appropriate decisions.”
Toqaev and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin discussed the matter during
their separate talks held in Kazakhstan’s capital Nur-Sultan. The Kazakh
presidential press service said they spoke about “joint efforts to prevent a
decrease of trade volume between the two nations amid the escalation of the
situation in Ukraine and the international sanctions being imposed on Russia.”
UKRAINE -- Servicemen of the Ukrainian National Guard take positions in central
Kyiv, Ukraine February 25, 2022.
The talks between Toqaev and Mishustin were held as EU leaders agree to impose
additional sanctions on Russia which that they say will have “massive and severe
consequences.” A day earlier, U.S. President Joe Biden announced another round
of harsh U.S. sanctions against Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.
Armenia has still not officially reacted to the large-scale Russian military
attack launched on Thursday and strongly condemned by the West. The Armenian
Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that Yerevan regards both Russia and Ukraine
as “friendly countries” and hopes that they will resolve their conflict through
“diplomatic dialogue.”
Armenia - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and other senior officials attend a
Russian-Armenian business forum in Yerevan, September 20, 2021.
Russia is not only Armenia’s closest ally but also number one trading partner.
According to official statistics, Russian-Armenian trade rose by almost 21
percent, to $2.6 billion, last year.
Armenian exports to Russia were up by about 25 percent at $847 million,
contributing to renewed economic growth in the South Caucasus country. They
could be hit hard by an ongoing weakening of the Russian ruble.
Russia is also the main source of multimillion-dollar remittances sent home by
Armenians working abroad. A weaker ruble could slash the monetary value of these
cash inflows.
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2022 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Author: Talar Tumanian
New Human Rights Defender of Armenia gets acquainted with staff
17:00, 25 February, 2022
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 25, ARMENPRESS. Acting Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan today introduced new Human Rights Defender Kristine Grigoryan to the staff, the Office of the Ombudsman said.
In his remarks Hakob Arshakyan said that Kristine Grigoryan has high human and professional characteristics.
In turn the new Human Rights Defender said she already had a chance to get acquainted with the staff, adding that more detailed discussions of the ongoing activities are ahead. She also thanked all those who have been working at the Office of the Ombudsman from the very beginning and brought their contribution to the development of the institution. However, she noted that a lot needs to be done and expressed hope that they will be able to jointly fulfill the important mission aimed at protecting rights of people and promoting right-centered policies in Armenia.
Police, Russian peacekeepers negotiating with Azeri soldiers in Artsakh’s Khramort
panorama.am
Armenia – Feb 26 2022
Artsakh police officers and Russian peacekeepers are negotiating with the Azerbaijani troops, who have been terrorizing the residents of the village of Khramort in Artsakh’s Askeran region for several days now, State Emergency Service spokesman Hunan Tadevosyan said in a Facebook post on Saturday.
Using loudspeakers, the Azerbaijanis are demanding that the civilians leave the village voluntarily, threatening to “use force” otherwise. They also announce that “Khramort is Azerbaijan, and, in general, Kharabakh is Azerbaijan.”
Tatevosyan says the Azerbaijani soldiers are trying to stir panic among the villagers, but their efforts are unsuccessful.
“No one is going to leave the village. On the contrary, 12 more families from other communities currently live in the village together with the locals,” he wrote.
Armenpress: We are all here defending our independence – Zelenskyy posts footage from Kyiv
We are all here defending our independence – Zelenskyy posts footage from Kyiv
21:15,
YEREVAN, 25 FEBRUARY, ARMENPRESS. The President of Ukraine Vladymyr Zelenskyy released a video message in which he noted that he and the leadership of the government and the parliament are in Kyiv, ARMENPRESS reports Zelenskyy published the video message on his Telegram channel.
“We are all here, we are defending our independence, our state, it will continue to be so,” Zelenskyy said.
Earlier, CNN had reported about Zelensky’s departure from Kyiv.
MEP: Karabakh issue remains unresolved
NEWS.am
Armenia – Feb 24 2022
15:37, 24.02.2022
The Karabakh conflict is not resolved, Marina Kaljurand, Co-Chair of the Committee, Member of the European Parliament from Estonia, said at a briefing on Thursday.
Kaljurand noted that during the discussions, the need to return all Armenian prisoners without exception was emphasized.
European Parliament will continue to insist on this until all Armenian citizens held in Azerbaijani prisons are returned home, she noted adding that the EU welcomes Yerevan’s step to provide maps of minefields.
During the discussions, the parties touched upon the issue of protecting the Armenian cultural heritage, as well as steps to ensure the work of the UNESCO mission in the region.
The issue of normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations and the forthcoming meeting of special envoys in Vienna today were also touched upon.
Armenia, according to her, is an important partner of the EU.
Carrying the Family Torch in Support of AUA
The Youredjian family. From left: Renee, Jack, Zarig, and Haig
Benefactors Jack and Zarig Youredjian have been generous supporters of the American University of Armenia, and in recent years, became AUA Pillars at a time when more students were in dire need of support amidst the global pandemic. Now, their children, Renee and Haig, are continuing the Youredjian tradition of philanthropy by becoming the two most recent AUA ChangeMakers.
As successful entrepreneurs in their own right, the Youredjian siblings have built upon the professional legacy of their father and shaped their own distinctive path of success.
Renee Youredjian Arakelian operates L.A. Medical Wholesale as its President and CEO. She is recognized in Los Angeles County, and nationally, as a notable woman business owner. “Our parents are our role models and our pillars of strength, and have been so instrumental in bringing change to the children of Armenia,” said Renee. “Witnessing their support and everlasting dedication has made me realize the importance of being active in the process of bringing positive change to benefit our culture and our people.”
The Youredjian siblings, Haig and Renee
Her younger brother, Haig Youredjian, operates the family business, Western Drug Medical Supply, succeeding his father as President and CEO of the company. He recalls how, from an early age, his parents instilled in them the importance of giving back to their communities. “We were taught that success lies not only within one’s own accomplishments, but also in one’s ability to assist others in their own accomplishments,” noted Haig. “Today, we carry that standard in our own lives and hope that we can make even the smallest difference in the lives of others and contribute to their successes.”
Haig dissects the process of creating change, enumerating the instrumental components of the system: individuals who participate in change; those who actively contribute to realizing change; and those who benefit from change. “As contributors, we hope to furnish a better opportunity for those who participate and benefit from the robust opportunities AUA offers,” he posited, with Renee reiterating their strong belief in equal opportunity for all those who are “dedicated, determined, and passionate about furthering their education.”
Placing emphasis on the responsible role AUA plays in providing that opportunity for the youth in Armenia, the siblings are eager to see a new generation of innovators and educators rising up to profoundly impact Armenian society and more broadly in the world. “The programs of the University, along with the AUA Open Centers of Excellence, will provide students and youth with the opportunity to stand at the forefront of growth and change, catapulting the country to achieve advancement and long term success,” Haig added.
Their father, Jack, recounted his own academic path that took him from his birthplace Jerusalem to Lebanon, where he attended the School of Pharmacy of the American University of Beirut, then moved to Los Angeles in 1970, where he earned a doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Southern California. “Throughout those years, I received scholarships from AGBU and the Gulbenkian Foundation, without which I would not have been able to continue my education,” said Jack, expressing his heartfelt gratitude and emphasizing the importance of helping the children of Armenia to access higher education.
Trusting in the indomitable warrior strength and historic resilience of the Armenian people, Renee concluded, “I am certain that we will continue to prevail in anything we set our minds to. Excellence is a state of mind and as long as we continue to support one another, there isn’t anything that is impossible to achieve!”
AUA is grateful to have the unwavering backing and sustained support of the new generation of Youredjians and proud to have added their names to the esteemed list of AUA ChangeMakers.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.
Best experts and families of victims to participate in works of commission investigating circumstances of 2020 war
12:18, 14 February, 2022
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. The new commission aimed at investigating the circumstances of the 2020 Artsakh War approved its agenda today.
Chairman of the parliamentary standing committee on defense and security affairs Andranik Kocharyan said that this is an exceptional open session, but later they will have an open session at the end of the work.
“The best experts, not only of the Armed Forces, will participate in the works of the investigative commission, because thousands of families of the victims are waiting for the work of this commission. I would like to inform that the families of the victims will regularly participate in our works, but they will decide concretely who will take part”, he said.
Stepanakert calls adoption of bill on occupied territories of Artsakh a response to “Shushi Declaration”
13:53, 16 February, 2022
YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 16, ARMENPRESS. The adoption of the bill on the Occupied Territories by the Parliament of Artsakh is a response to the so-called “Shushi Declaration”, Head of the Justice faction of the Artsakh Parliament, co-author of the bill, Davit Galstyan, said in an interview to ARMENPRESS, talking about the importance of the adopted document.
“The importance of this bill lies in the fact that we firstly state that the territories mentioned in the bill are Armenian. And this is also a response to the ratification of the so-called “Shushi Declaration” by Azerbaijan. With this initiative we show that we own our historical and cultural values which today are being transformed, destroyed and eliminated by Azerbaijan”, he said.
The Parliament of Artsakh unanimously adopted today the bill on the “Occupied Territories” at first hearing. The bill has been recently put into circulation by all factions represented in the Parliament of Artsakh. According to the bill, there will be a ban on those foreign companies which will want to carry out activity in the territories of Artsakh occupied by Azerbaijan, without the permission of the Artsakh government. The bill also states that the territories of the Republic of Artsakh which have been captured by the Azeri forces during the conflict are considered as “occupied territories”.
On June 15, 2021, the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey signed a declaration on “Allied Relations” in Artsakh’s Shushi, which has come under the Azerbaijani control following the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh war. The document has been ratified recently by the Turkish and Azerbaijani parliaments.
Parliament of Artsakh adopts bill on “Occupied Territories”
12:15,
STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. The Parliament of Artsakh adopted the bill on the “Occupied Territories of the Republic of Artsakh” at the second reading, State Minister Artak Beglaryan said on social media.
“The National Assembly has just adopted the bill on the “Occupied Territories of the Republic of Artsakh”. The works on developing the bill have started months before in the government. We understand very well that we have limited legal mechanisms to fulfill the functions mentioned in the law and achieve the goals, but we ought to maximally use the existing legal and political mechanisms on that direction. The territories of the Republic of Artsakh must be de-occupied, and our citizens must return to their homes”, he said.
All factions represented in the parliament of Artsakh recently put into circulation a draft law on the Occupied Territories of Artsakh, according to which there will be a ban on those foreign companies which will want to carry out activity in the territories of Artsakh occupied by Azerbaijan, without the permission of the Artsakh government. The bill also states that the territories of the Republic of Artsakh which have been captured by the Azeri forces during the conflict are considered as “occupied territories”.
Opposition boycotts work of Armenia parliamentary committee of inquiry into 44-day war
NEWS.AM
Armenia – Feb 14 2022
12:16, 14.02.2022
On Monday the first sitting of the inquiry commission of the National Assembly on the circumstances of the 44-day war was held in Yerevan.
MP from the opposition bloc I Have Honor Tigran Abrahamyan said that the opposition will not take part in the work of the commission. According to him, the current government has in fact admitted that it bears full responsibility for the consequences of the second Karabakh war. “And under these conditions, the implementation of the work of the commission, and moreover, headed by representatives of the current authorities, cannot be unbiased. The clarification of the circumstances of the 44-day war remains one of our priorities. But we think that its work should be launched only when the government resigns,” Abrahamyan said.
In his turn, Gegham Nazaryan, an MP from the opposition Armenia bloc, said that they will not take part in the work of the commission either. Another member of the same bloc Gegham Manukyan said that an objective investigation is possible only when it is trusted to the opposition, and not the ruling political force, which is guilty of unleashing this very war.
After these words, the opposition members stood up and left the room where the discussion was taking place.
Such behavior angered the commission members representing the ruling Civil Contract party.