Author: Talar Tumanian

Ilham Aliyev continues to fuel anti-Armenian sentiments – Artsakh Foreign Ministry

Talar Tumanian
Panorama, Armenia
April 3 2021

“The statement by Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev at the Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States is of serious concern in terms of establishing lasting peace and stability in the region,” Arrsakh Foreign Ministry said in a released statement on Saturday. 

It notes that Aliyev continues to fuel anti-Armenian sentiments not only within Azerbaijan, but also in the societies of Turkic-speaking and Muslim countries. “By doing so, the leader of Azerbaijan deliberately attaches ethnic and religious elements to the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict, attempting to unite the Turkic and Muslim worlds around the aspirations of Azerbaijan,” the statement said. 

According to the Artsakh Foreign Ministry Aliyev purposefully transfers the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict and Armenophobia to the dimension of Pan-Turkism and Pan-Islamism, thus attaching elements of radicalism to these ideologies.

“In this context, the first serious geopolitical claim of the criminal trinity of Azerbaijan, Turkey and international terrorists was the large-scale military aggression unleashed against the Republic of Artsakh on September 27, 2020. This is followed by the expansionist aspirations also for different regions of the Republic of Armenia, in particular, Syunik. Without adequate steps by the international community, similar actions will surely take place in other regions as well, which are fraught with unpredictable consequences for global peace and stability,” the statement concluded. 

Unprecedented: Armenia National Football Team wins 3 times in a row

Talar Tumanian

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 21:49, 31 March, 2021

YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Armenia hosted Romania in the third round of the World Cup qualification.

ARMENPRESS reports no goals were scored in the first half.

In the 56th minute the Armenians were able to score a goal, but in the 62nd minute Romanians equalized. After the 1st goal, Romanians took the initiative and scored the 2nd goal.

In the 77th minute Puskás received a red card, leaving the Romanian team with 10 players. AT the end of the match the Armenian National Team was mainly attacking and soon the Armenian equalized. Minutes after the Romanians violated the rules and the Armenian team gained a 11-meter strike, which was perfectly implemented, making the score 3-2.

This was a historical victory for the Armenian team, since for the first time it wins 3 times in a row in the World Cup qualification.

Photos by Gevorg Perkuperkyan


CivilNet: As Armenia Raises Libel Penalties, Civil Society Warns of Chilling Effect

Talar Tumanian
CIVILNET.AM

30 Mar, 2021 11:03

By Mark Dovich

Last week, Armenia’s legislature, the National Assembly, passed a controversial set of amendments to the Civil Code that substantially raise the maximum damages for insult and defamation. The bill, introduced by Vice Speaker Alen Simonyan, a close ally of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, raises the maximum penalty for defamation to 6 million drams (about $11,400) from 2 million drams ($3,800), while increasing the penalty for insult to 3 million drams ($5,500) from 1 million drams ($1,900). Seventy-six lawmakers voted in favor of the changes, while 40 voted against, and 3 abstained.

Simonyan has argued that the amendments “will provide additional guarantees for individuals to protect the dignity or business reputation of not only an individual, but also the media, from false and offensive attacks.” Nonetheless, the changes have been roundly criticized by domestic and international press freedom advocates alike, who have expressed fears that the amendments may have a chilling effect on press freedom in the country.

Prior to the introduction of the new changes, Armenian courts rarely sought maximum damages in libel suits. Moreover, in past cases, Armenian judges have ruled that media organizations convicted of insult or defamation are not to be charged the maximum penalty under the law, but rather a proportionate amount, “so as not to interfere with the normal operation of the media.”

This is precisely why many press freedom advocates have decried the amendments. Very few media organizations in Armenia, if any, could afford to pay the new maximum penalties for insult or defamation and continue their operations.

Under Armenian law, insult is defined as “a public _expression_ made with the aim of defaming honor, dignity, or business reputation through speech, image, sound, sign, or in any other way,” while libel or defamation is legally considered “the public presentation of such factual information about a person (statement of fact) that is untrue and discredits their honor, dignity, or business reputation.” Precedent set by Armenia’s Court of Cassation holds that the presence of a third person allows a potential libelous statement to be considered public.

Following the passage of the amendments, a group of Armenian press freedom organizations issued a joint public statement urging President Armen Sarkissian not to sign the bill into law and to send it instead to the Constitutional Court for further review. The Union of Journalists of Armenia have called on Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan to challenge the amendments’ constitutionality in court.

Meanwhile, Freedom House, the prominent U.S.-based democracy-focused organization, released a strongly worded statement warning that the changes “will stifle free _expression_ and threaten the financial viability of media outlets in the country.” The organization has called on “the Armenian authorities to take the concerns of civil society and media organizations seriously, and strike down this legislation.”

Biden will take a stronger stance on Turkey and Russia – Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte

Talar Tumanian
Tert.am, Armenia
17:15 • 26.03.21

POLITICS

The United States is expected to take a more active stance on the region under President Joe Biden, especially towards Turkey and Russia, according to Anna Astvatsaturian-Turcotte, a member of the Westbrook City Council (Maine).

In an interview with Tert.am, the US-Armenian politician also shared her positive expectations from the Biden administration’s success in “swaying the conflict to the US advantage”.

Ms. Astvatsaturian Turcotte, I would like to know your opinion about the West’s role in the conflict settlement process. Do you see their interest and active involvement process?

I certainly think the West has a strong interest in the conflict but the only involvement, as we have seen during the war and after the agreement was signed, is limited to areas of their own national interests. It is outrageous for them to continue to preach European values and democratic principles while turning a blind eye to Turkey blatant violations of international law, especially the United States’ intolerance of international terrorism since 2001. So these standards and ideals are only relevant to these superpowers when convenient for their political purposes.

At the meeting with OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Anne Linde, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ara Aivazian announced the need for a strong co-chairmanship of OSCE Minsk Group. What role do you think the OSCE Minsk Group played during and after the war in Karabakh?

It is perhaps a tired assessment or opinion but it’s pretty clear the only co-chair that was active in the conflict and during the war has been Russia. Russia has its own strategy in the region and acted in its own long term interests. This left a huge vacuum that allowed the events to unfold the way they did and the crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression by Azerbaijan and Turkey were left completely unchecked.

The US was not very active during the war as it were busy with its presidential election. What policies do you think the Biden administration pursues in relation to Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as our region?

It was the election and the devastation of COVID. But it is also important to note the lack of care of the Trump administration about the aggression of Turkey and Azerbaijan that played a direct role on the US inaction during the war. I believe Biden will take a stronger stance on the US role in the region, especially toward Turkey and Russia. I do not believe the US will take an overly active role in Artsakh or Armenia on the ground. US will never get involved in Artsakh and Armenia on the ground. I believe that the Biden administration will sway the conflict to the US advantage (or opposing Russia’s) by imposing its diplomatic and economic influence.

How do you evaluate the actions by the Armenian leadership? How do they work with the international community in this process towards the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?

It’s nonexistent. We have yet to get out prisoners of war back home safely; we continue with the endless concessions to benefit Azerbaijan. The Status of Artsakh’s independence is not even on the leadership’s radar; Syunik is in continued threat and fear and the leadership both current and past is navel gazing and clawing at power as Azerbaijan is doing everything in its power to continue its victories in villainize Armenia as the aggressor on the world stage and shake Diaspora’s resolve and political capital. Wake up, Armenia.

You are conducting a full census of the post-war damages in Artsakh. I would like to know about the results. Do you envision any plan as to how they can be recovered?

Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation (www.Astvatsaturian.org) organized the project to conduct a full census on medical, psychological, economic and financial impact of the war on every citizen of Artsakh, both in Artsakh and in Armenia. The data collected will be utilized by the Artsakh and Armenian ministries of labor, human rights ombudsmen’s offices and various NGOs for Humanitarian and rebuilding efforts, as well as a legal framework for potential litigation. The Foundation employed and trained 100 staff members in Artsakh to conduct this extensive survey. Up to date we interviewed close 5000 families. We are still fundraising to ensure the project completes all reviews and anyone can donate on the Foundation’s website. When the data is collected it will be analyzed by experts in a detailed legal, human rights and humanitarian report which will be drafted for a final assessment. This final assessment will be available for humanitarian efforts in Artsakh, as well as for legal and academic purposes.

 

Armenian Defense Minister visits Central Military Hospital

Talar Tumanian

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 21:13, 19 March, 2021

YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Vagharshak Harutyunyan visited on March 19 the Central Clinical Military Hospital.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of Armenia, Vagharshak Harutyunyan toured in some of the departments of the hospital, discussed the existing problems with relevant Defense Ministry officials and the heads of the hospital.

During the visit Defense Minister Harutyunyan also met with the servicemen who had been injured during the Artsakh war unleashed by Azerbaijan in September, 2020, inquired about their health situation, treatment process and wished them speedy recovery.

Armenia ready to make efforts for dignified peace in region: FM addresses message on Francophonie Day

Talar Tumanian

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 14:35,

YEREVAN, MARCH 20, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ara Aivazian has addressed a message on the International Francophonie Day, the MFA told Armenpress.

The message reads:

“March 20 is celebrated around the world as the International Francophonie Day. Nearly 300 million French-speakers around the world celebrate this day not only as a celebration of the French language, but also reaffirm their will to “live together” in the context of solidarity and cultural diversity. Armenia, which currently chairs the Francophonie summit, attaches great importance to the celebration of the Francophonie Day which symbolizes peace, solidarity, tolerance and cultural diversity.

The strengthening of peace, solidarity and mutual relationships based on mutual trust, which open development paths, are important in the Francophonie fundamental value system. Hatred, discrimination and falsification are rejected here.

It’s regrettable that not all countries in our region share these universal values. On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan, with the direct support of Turkey and the involvement of foreign terrorists, have unleashed an aggression against Artsakh, which caused heavy humanitarian problems for the peaceful population. In this context the decision by the numerous representatives of the world’s Francophonie family to stand by us in the difficult days of the war is of utmost importance for the Armenian people.

Being committed to the Francophonie and universal civilizational values, Armenia is ready to continue making efforts for the establishment of fair and dignified peace in the region. As you know, in March-April of each year the bi-monthly Francophonie is celebrated in Armenia within the frames of which various cultural and educational events are being implemented in the country’s capital and provinces. Due to the COVID-19-related restrictions this year it’s impossible to celebrate the Francophonie Day in a way as each of us would like.

Nevertheless, we are convinced that all Armenian francophonies of schools, universities, local authorities and civil society will celebrate this symbolic day dedicated to the French language and the Francophonie. We hope the pandemic will be overcome in Armenia and the whole world next spring, and the Francophonie community of our society will have the opportunity of enjoying the traditional bi-monthly.

On the occasion of the International Francophonie Day I wish our Organization to always be relevant and justify the expectations of the peoples of the Francophonie space”.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Message of His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, on International Women’s Day

Talar Tumanian
Public Radio of Armenia
March 8 2021

His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,  has issued a message on International Women’s Day:

From the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we extend our pontifical blessings and warm wishes to all women and girls on the joyful occasion of March 8.

The role of a woman is irreplaceable in the strength of the family, in educating our children with Christian values and patriotic traditions.

Women are the embodiment of selfless devotion, love and tenderness in our lives.

In these difficult post-war days, when our country continues to be stormed by internal and external challenges, we have confidence that our people will once again pass the path of their cross towards a victorious resurrection.

Dear mothers and sisters, we wish that you meet this holiday of reverence with hope and comfort.

We pray that the Lord will grant the comfort of the Holy Spirit to our mothers and sisters who have passed through the hardships of war, as well as strength and vigor to all our people to build the bright and prosperous life of the homeland with willing love.

May Heavenly God keep and protect you all, under His Caring Holy Right Hand  and with His blessings, grant vibrant and peacefull years filled with happiness, as well as new bright accomplishments, today and forever. Amen

Opposition politician presents their answer to President Sarkissian’s proposal about meeting

Talar Tumanian

Opposition politician presents their answer to President Sarkissian’s proposal about meeting

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 20:48, 11 March, 2021

YEREVAN, MARCH 11, ARMENPRESS. Coordinator of Fatherland Salvation Movement Ishkahn Saghatelyan presented their answer to President Sarkissian’s proposal of holding a meeting between political forces.

‘’The Movement reaffirms its roadmap for overcoming the crisis – resignation of the PM, establishment of an interim government and holding snap elections. We announce about our readiness to hold consultations in line with the mentioned format and the agenda presented by our force. The meetings must be held at the National Assembly endowed with a primary mandate, in a public format and live broadcasted’’, ARMENPRESS reports Saghatelyan saying at a press conference.

President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian issued a statement on March 10 inviting PM Pashinyan, heads of parliamentary groups and Fatherland Salvation Movement (FSM) to hold a meeting at the Presidential Residence on March 13 to discuss the domestic political situation in the country and find mutually acceptable solutions for overcoming the crisis.

Ruling ”My step” block and opposition ”Bright Armenia” Party have already accepted the President’s invitation. Opposition ”Prosperous Armenia” Party has not expressed its decision on the proposal yet.




Russia sees no risk for regional security in upcoming Azeri military drills

Talar Tumanian

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 14:09,

YEREVAN, MARCH 12, ARMENPRESS. Moscow doesn’t see any risks for regional security in Azerbaijan’s upcoming military drills, the Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

Zakharova pointed out that these drills were planned and that all stakeholder parties are notified in advance.

“According to our information the exercises are of planned nature, are aimed at perfecting combat readiness and do not create risks for stability and security in the region,” Zakharova said at a press briefing.

The Azeri military announced it will start exercises involving 10,000 troops March 15-18.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Military fell into Pashinyan’s ‘PR trap’, says human rights activist –

Talar Tumanian
Panorama, Armenia

Human rights activist Ruben Melikyan says Colonel-General Onik Gasparyan should not have accepted his dismissal as chief of the army’s General Staff instead of challenging its legality in the Administrative Court.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that Gasparyan was automatically relieved of his post by virtue of law.

“It was incomprehensible to me that yesterday former General Staff Chief Onik Gasparyan admitted that his duties were terminated,” Melikyan told a news conference on Thursday, referring to the recent developments around the General Staff.

According to the human rights activist, there were lawyers who insisted that Onik Gasparyan could and should have remained in office, but the senior army officer instead decided to apply to the Administrative Court to challenge the legality of Pashinyan’s order to fire him.

Ruben Melikyan said that many people had different expectations from the military, particularly Onik Gasparyan, adding there were people who warned against heroizing them not to be “bitterly disappointed” later.

Reflecting on Nikol Pashinyan’s meeting with the military’s top brass on Wednesday, Ruben Melikyan first noted that the military has nothing to do with PR and could not imagine that their move to stand up for a moment to greet Pashinyan would be presented in such a way that they allegedly greeted him very warmly.

“But according to the information I obtained, the military has raised rather sharp questions. But it does not seem to matter at all. It’s just that those people [senior officers] have no idea about PR, that’s why they fell into the trap. However, I think that person [Pashinyan] is not worthy of even a five-second reception. I have a much more radical position on this issue and believe that people dealing with the main culprit of our national disaster are not worthy of a handshake,” he said.

The human rights activist said it is time for people to take risky steps, especially when there is nothing to lose anymore.

“We have lost our homeland, our compatriots … our dignity. We can no longer walk with our heads held high as we have lost that right. If we do not restore our dignity, it is too early to talk about the rest,” he said.

Commenting on the attitude of President Armen Sarkissian on the matter, Melikyan said that the role of the president was negative.

“He shouldn’t have taken any step other than to challenge Pashinyan’s decision to the Constitutional Court, because he had confirmed that it was unconstitutional. This means the president of the country has been discredited,” he added.