Author: Toneyan Mark

Armenia sees India, France as its key partners in defense sphere — defense minister

Toneyan Mark
TASS, Russia
Jan 2 2024
According to the minister Suren Papikyan, the diversification process is irreversible

YEREVAN, February 2. /TASS/. Armenia considers India and France as its key partners in the defense sphere, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said.

"In the process of the diversification of weapons purchases, we have acquired new partners and established relations with many superpowers. In particular, India and France have become our main partners in the defense sphere," he said in an interview with Armenia’s Public Television.

According to the minister, the diversification process is irreversible. He that the country’s new contracts and reforms would have a positive effect on the quality of the country’s weapons.

Georgian PM reaffirms commitment for “lasting peace” in South Caucasus with Armenian counterpart

Toneyan Mark
Agenda, Georgia
Jan 26 2024

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday highlighted his office had “consistently advocated” for establishment of “lasting peace and stability” in the South Caucasus region, in a Tbilisi press briefing with his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan.

Garibashvili stressed his Government was “always prepared” to play a role in fostering “enduring peace”, which he said would bring benefits to countries across the region. 

We observe the ongoing dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia [to resolve the long-running dispute between the states over the Nagorno-Karabakh region] with great optimism. I wish to convey our hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will expeditiously reach a peace agreement, undoubtedly contributing to the reinforcement and sustenance of the prevailing peace in the region -  an imperative for our nations", he said. 

The Georgian Government succeeded in mediating peace between the neighbouring states when in 2021 Garibashvili and the United States Department of State official Philip Reeker brokered a deal involving Azerbaijan’s release of 15 Armenian prisoners of war in exchange for receiving from Armenia a map of landmines in the Agdam district of the disputed region. 

Tbilisi has also hosted top officials from the two states over the past years to encourage peace talks between Baku and Yerevan.

https://agenda.ge/en/news/2024/261

Asbarez: Yerevan Rejects Aliyev’s So-Called ‘Corridor’ Scheme

Toneyan Mark
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan holds press conference in Yerevan on Jan. 23


With Azerbaijani leaders, including President Ilham Aliyev, stepping up demands for a so-called “corridor” through Armenia to Nakhichevan, official Yerevan on Tuesday rejected such a scheme saying that the concept was “inadmissible.”

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that Armenia has not undertaken any obligation regarding a “corridor,” neither through the November 9, 2020 agreement or any other document.

When earlier this month Aliyev threatened to not open his country’s borders with Armenia unless the so-called “corridor” was in place, he cited the November 9, 2020 as paving the way for this scheme. Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the document did not envision a “corridor,” nor has there been an agreement with the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia about such a road.

During Tuesday’s press conference, Mirzoyan emphasized that the so-called “corridor logic” was inadmissible, repeating Yerevan’s readiness and interest in opening transportation links as stated in the November 9, 2020 document.

“All three demands voiced by Aliyev are a violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia,” Mirzoyan stressed, expressing readiness to find solutions. He emphasized, however, that passage through Armenia without customs controls is unacceptable to Yerevan.

He explained that the November 9, 2020 agreement did not envision the participation of third countries in the internal customs processes and added Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had pledged to ensure the safe passage of cargo and individuals through the territory of Armenia.

Mirzoyan said that Yerevan is ready to resume negotiations with Baku, and noted that in recent weeks Azerbaijan has reversed the progress made in the peace talks.

In early December, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan issued a joint statement about an agreement on a prisoner exchange, which took place on December 8.

“Unfortunately, after this positive step of December 8 [prisoner exchange] we saw that Azerbaijan is not continuing with its constructive stance, to say the least,” Mirzoyan said.

“That was evident both within the seventh Azerbaijani proposals on the [peace] treaty and the Azerbaijani president’s latest interview. There was a significant regression and even a blow to the peace process on a number of key issues,” Mirzoyan added.

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Armenia Mark Ten Years of Alternative Civilian Service

Toneyan Mark
JW.com 
Jan 11 2024

January 14, 2024, marks ten years since alternative civilian service was introduced in Armenia. The alternative civilian service arrangement allows conscientious objectors to contribute to their community by engaging in various forms of public service rather than serve in the military. Some of the tasks assigned include construction, landscaping, social work, or other public services. Since its introduction, over 450 of Jehovah’s Witnesses, all of them young men, have made the personal decision to participate in the arrangement.

Brother Samuel Petrosyan is currently working as a landscaper as part of his alternative civilian service. He said: “I strive to develop a good reputation. For example, I try to complete my work assignments properly and be honest in everything I do. Thanks to this, my supervisors have always treated me well and with respect.”

Brother Artur Martirosyan spent three years performing civilian service in a hospital. He reflected: “I appreciated the opportunity to help people in need. The experience also helped me to mature as a person. I learned how to be more flexible, cope with stress successfully, and be a better communicator.”

Prior to 2014, our young brothers in Armenia faced lengthy prison sentences because they would not violate their Christian conscience by serving in the military. Commenting on the success of the alternative civilian service program in Armenia, one senior official stated: “Initially, I opposed alternative civilian service due to concerns about national security and potential misuse. . . . However, time has proven me wrong. After several years, it’s evident that . . . Jehovah’s Witnesses pose no danger to national security while performing alternative service. Instead, we have dedicated workers in various spheres, thanks to the alternative service [arrangement].”

A member of the Republican Committee on Alternative Service also noted: “It has been ten years since we introduced alternative service in Armenia . . . We need to proudly admit that establishing alternative service was one of the wisest decisions by our State. Regular inspections in institutions where alternative service is performed reveal diligent work, a positive spirit, and genuine smiles. Year after year, we receive numerous letters of appreciation for the outstanding contributions of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the community as alternative civilian servants. Institutional leaders consistently praise them as their finest employees.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses in Armenia appreciate having the opportunity to contribute to the community by means of alternative civilian service while bringing praise to Jehovah by their “fine works.”—1 Peter 2:12.

https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/armenia/Jehovahs-Witnesses-in-Armenia-Mark-Ten-Years-of-Alternative-Civilian-Service/ 

FM Mirzoyan, UN official exchange views on regional issues

Toneyan Mark

 16:29,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS.  On December 15, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with Tatiana Molcean, UN Under Secretary-General, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the foreign ministry said in a readout.

According to the source, during the meeting, topics of cooperation between Armenia and the UN institutions, including the UN Economic Commission for Europe, and the implementation of joint projects were discussed. The possibilities of further cooperation on developing sectoral directions, including energy and infrastructure, and the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals were touched upon.

Ararat Mirzoyan and Tatiana Molcean exchanged views on the regional issues as well. In the context of the peace agenda and expected economic benefits, the "Crossroads of Peace" project developed by the Government of Armenia was touched upon.




Prime Minister Pashinyan, Anna Hakobyan visit Ghosts of Communism’s Demise exhibition in Gyumri

Toneyan Mark

 13:57,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his wife Anna Hakobyan have visited the Sergey Merkurov House-Museum in Gyumri to view the Ghosts of Communism’s Demise exhibition by painter Karen Ohanyan.

The exhibition will be open until the end of January 2024. Most of the paintings are in the genre of landscape and still life.

“These two traditional genres have gotten an unexpected, innovative and impressive interpretation in Karen Ohanyan’s new series of work,” the prime minister’s office said in a press release.

“In his works, he expresses himself about the demise of communism and war sometimes directly, and sometimes by creating impressive artistic symbols and metaphors.”

Armenpress: 1 trillion 954,8 billion AMD in tax revenues, state duties collected in January-November

Toneyan Mark

 11:18, 4 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. The State Revenue Committee of Armenia (SRC) ensured 1 trillion 954,8 billion drams in tax revenues and state duties in January-November 2023. The figure is 242,2 billion or 14,1% more compared to the same period of 2022, the SRC said in a press release.

Approximately 337,2 billion drams were returned (cashback) to corporate taxpayers and individuals in the reporting period (99,5 billion or 41,9% more).

Serviceman sustains gunshot wound in unknown circumstances

Toneyan Mark

 12:10, 4 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. A serviceman of the Armed Forces of Armenia has sustained a gunshot wound in a military base, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The incident took place around 02:50, December 4. The Defense Ministry only released the victim’s initials – A.H.

The conscript is in serious but stable condition, with no immediate life-threatening conditions observed.

Authorities launched an investigation to reveal the circumstances of the incident.

Israeli right-wing extremists intimidate Armenian protesters in Jerusalem

Toneyan Mark
The Observers

Dec 2 2023

Israeli right-wing extremists have been harassing members of Jerusalem’s Armenian community protesting the razing of an important historic site. An Australian businessman purchased the area, called Cows' Garden, back in 2021 to build a hotel there but there has been fierce opposition from the Armenian community. In recent weeks, the businessman has also participated in intimidating protesters.

By:Guillaume Maurice

A car park in Jerusalem has become the centre of a heated debate over the past few months. The car park is part of a historic area known as the Cows' Garden. Located in the city’s Armenian quarter, this site has cultural and historic significance to that community and includes a wall built during the Ottoman Empire.

However, back in 2021, Jerusalem’s Armenian Patriarchate – the religious authorities in the Armenian community – decided to sell the parking lot and several nearby buildings. They signed a 99-year lease with Australian businessman Danny Rubinstein (known as Danny "Rothman"), who owns the company Xana Garden.

He wants to demolish the site and build a luxury hotel. However, when news broke about the sale in October 2021, there was immediate outcry from Jerusalem’s Armenian community.

The Armenian Patriarchate granted a 99-year lease agreement to a private company called Xana Capital, according to a statement from SaveTheArQ, an Armenian collective that contests the legality of the sale. 

On October 26, 2023, the Armenian Patriarchate published a statement saying that they now considered the sale illegal, apparently backing out of the agreement they themselves signed and leaving the site in a state of legal flux.

Ever since the Patriarchate announced that they no longer considered the sale valid, there has been uncertainty about who actually owns the land. Our team contacted Jerusalem’s city government, but they said that they didn’t want to comment on the land and that it was a “private affair.”

We also reached out to the Patriarchate as well as Danny Rubinstein but neither of them wanted to speak about the contract either.

On November 6, Israeli settlers threatened protesters from the Armenian community opposed to construction on the historic site. Observers

However, the confusion around the site was immediately apparent. Just a few days after the Patriarchate’s announcement that they no longer viewed the sale as legal, demolition crews arrived on the site and began tearing up the parking lot, according to Setrag Balian, a member of SaveTheArQ.

There is talk about construction, but what we’ve actually seen are attempts at intimidation. They came with machines and armed settlers. We made a human chain and peacefully stopped the bulldozers. I was personally threatened by the director of the company [Rubinstein]. Since April, the settlers have banned a number of members of our community from parking in the lot. 

Bulldozers were brought in to demolish some of the lot.

Things became even more tense on November 6 when Rubinstein himself showed up alongside settlers armed with assault rifles. Skirmishes broke out between Armenian protesters and the armed men.

Arrival of Israeli settlers who faced off with Armenian protesters.

Many said that these armed men are radical activists from the Israeli far-right. Thanks to the online facial recognition software PimEyes, it’s possible to identify Saadia Hershkop, an American citizen known to have links to settler movements in the West Bank. On Instagram, Hershkop promotes organised trips to colonies in Hebron in the West Bank and poses for photos with weapons.

According to the Qatari newspaper The New Arab, Saada Hershkop is known to have links to a man named Eden Natan-Zada. On August 4, 2005, Natan-Zada killed four Israeli citizens as a sign of protest against the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Israeli law enforcement reportedly put out a warrant for Hershkop's arrest in connection with the crime.

It’s not just the conflict around the Cows' Garden. Some members of the Armenian community are reporting a rise in insecurity all round. Liana Margaryan, a member of the Armenian community who lives in Jerusalem, said the community began to feel intimidation after the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020. During the war, Azerbaijan reinforced its ties with Israel:

These attacks are carried out by Jewish extremists […] Most often, these are psychological attacks and threats. However, it has all become more intense since the conflict in the Cows' Garden […] they even attacked an Armenian restaurant.

Setrag Balian says that the Israeli government holds some responsibility for the rise in the violence towards Jerusalem’s Armenian community.

Since 2022, when Binyamin Netanyahu’s government took office, including ministers from the far right, there has been an increase in attacks against Christians. This includes everything from spitting to harassment to assault. Since the current government took office, extremists have the feeling they can act in complete impunity. 

The people who live in the Jewish quarter have been our neighbours for the past 40 years and we haven’t had any problems with them. 

Of course, it’s common that people who don’t like to see churches or crosses spit at us or shout insults… but it was nothing big, we felt like those were isolated incidents. But recently, we’ve felt directly targeted. 

Despite the intimidations, members of the Armenian community say that they will continue to fight against the construction of the hotel with sit-ins and protests.

https://observers.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231201-%C3%A0-j%C3%A9rusalem-l-extr%C3%AAme-droite-joue-l-intimidation-pour-forcer-la-vente-d-une-partie-du-quartier-arm%C3%A9nien

Armenians warn ethnic cleansing risks being forgotten – again

Toneyan Mark
Nov 25 2023
Jan van der Made

Amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the ongoing war in Ukraine, the exodus of ethnic Armenians from the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh is getting little media attention – to the chagrin of Armenians, who feel betrayed by the international community, for the third time.

"I'm the third generation of Armenian genocide survivors," says Aline Kamakian, a chef and owner of a string of restaurants in Armenia and Lebanon, who volunteers to help refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh.

Kamakian, who is part of the vast global Armenian diaspora, is referring to the massive campaign of ethnic cleansing launched by the Ottoman Empire in 1915, which murdered up to 1.5 million ethnic Armenians.

The mass killings and death marches saw entire villages destroyed, and prompted the remaining population to flee on a massive scale.

"I always thought that because there was no TV or internet at the time, that's why the genocide arrived. Because if someone would know what's going on, no way that any country would let that happen," Kamakian told RFI in an interview at the offices of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (Agbu) in Paris.

  • Spectre of 1915 Armenian genocide looms over Nagorno-Karabakh

The world did pay some attention to the genocide at the time. There were books and even a Hollywood movie based on the story of an Armenian girl, Aurora Mardiganian, who managed to escape while her relatives were killed.

The Armenian diaspora, however, jumped into action.

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/armenians-warn-ethnic-cleansing-risks-154413870.html