Author: Vanyan Gary

Armenpress: Aliyev openly threatens to carry out ethnic cleansing. MFA Armenia

Vanyan Gary

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 21:35, 29 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 29, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia issues a statement, drawing the attention of the international community to the repeated belligerent statements made by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 28, which are aimed at aborting the efforts of the Republic of Armenia and international partners aimed at establishing peace, stability and security in the region.

ARMENPRESS reports, the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia reads as follows, “Contrary to the UN Charter, the written commitment to refrain from the use of force or the threat of force made in the tripartite statement of Sochi on October 31, similar verbal commitments made many times in other platforms, as well as the ongoing negotiations on the normalization of bilateral relations, the President of Azerbaijan is again threatening the Republic of Armenia with the use of force, and the population of Nagorno-Karabakh with ethnic cleansing.

It is necessary to record that the leadership of Azerbaijan continues to violate and ignore the previously reached agreements, including the provisions of the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020, as well as the fundamental principles of international law. This is evidenced by President Aliyev’s words that by controlling the Lachin Corridor, Azerbaijan disrupted the connection between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. Moreover, in the same context, the latter openly threatens to carry out ethnic cleansing if the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh if they do not “learn lessons” from the blocking of the Lachin Corridor.

Unfortunately, violations of agreements and commitments are not limited to this. Instead of starting a dialogue with the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh within the framework of the international mechanism, the President of Azerbaijan threatens them with reprisals and criminal prosecution. At the same time, it is demonstrated that Azerbaijan does not want to address the existing problems, but to move forward on the principle of “there are no Nagorno Karabakh Armenians, there is no Nagorno Karabakh problem”. This behavior also contradicts the logic of the current negotiations, including the approaches of the actors carrying out a mediation mission for the settlement.

It is indisputable that the recognition of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan cannot be interpreted as the authority to carry out ethnic cleansing against the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. The Republic of Armenia draws the attention of the international community, including the mediating actors, to the fact that the president of Azerbaijan, with his statement, is preparing the ground for another aggressive action against the population of Nagorno-Karabakh and depriving them of the right to live freely, safely and with dignity in their homeland.

It is noteworthy that the president of Azerbaijan not only makes genocidal threats against the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, but also calls into question the independence and territorial integrity of Armenia. In fact, the president of Azerbaijan challenges the entire civilized society by threatening to occupy new sovereign territories of Armenia by force. Moreover, it is emphasized that even the presence of the EU observation mission along the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot stop Azerbaijan from its territorial claims against Armenia.

Armenia is firm on its chosen path of establishing peace in the region. Unfortunately, as can be seen from the aggressive rhetoric and actions of the leadership of Azerbaijan, that state does not see the solution to the problems through the recognition of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia with the borders defined by the Alma-Ata Declaration and addressing the rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, but through the use of threats and military force.

In order to prevent such developments, all partners interested in the peace and stability of the South Caucasus are obliged to come up with unequivocal assessments.

Secretary of Security Council of Armenia urges Hikmet Hajiyev to refrain from maximalist aspirations

Vanyan Gary

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 17:26,

YEREVAN, MAY 30, ARMENPRESS. On May 30, the Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, participated in a panel discussion with Hikmet Hajiyev, the Foreign Policy Advisor to the President of Azerbaijan, in the framework of the “GLOBSEC 2023 Bratislava Forum”, in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, during which he presented the position of the Armenian side regarding the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiations.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Security Council, Armen Grigoryan particularly addressed the issues regarding the international mechanism on the security and rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, the delimitation and border security processes of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, and the unblocking of regional communications.

The secretary emphasized the need for a constructive position of Azerbaijan in the negotiation process, calling to refrain from maximalist aspirations.

Armenian Border Guards Ready To Ensure Communication With Azerbaijan – Pashinyan

Vanyan Gary
May 25 2023

 Faizan Hashmi  Published May 25, 2023 | 11:30 PM

Armenian border guards and customs officers are ready to ensure normal passage of all vehicles and railway trains between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday

YEREVAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 25th May, 2023) Armenian border guards and customs officers are ready to ensure normal passage of all vehicles and railway trains between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on Thursday.

The prime minister mentioned that Armenia is interested in unblocking transport links in the region.

“I want to reaffirm that Armenia is really interested in this, and we are ready to start unblocking all transport and economic ties and communications based on the sovereignty and jurisdiction of our country … Both the border service and the customs service of Armenia are ready to ensure the normal passage of all vehicles, in particular trains, through the territory of Armenia,” Pashinyan said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Pashinyan added that Armenia expects that the Azerbaijani railway will also be open for Armenian cargo.

Armenia, Azerbaijan optimistic at Putin-mediated talks

Vanyan Gary

EURACTIV.com with AFP

Arch foes Armenia and Azerbaijan are advancing towards normalising ties following mutual recognition of territorial integrity, the two countries’ leaders said Thursday (25 May) as they held talks in Moscow.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met separately with Russian leader Vladimir Putin before the three held joint negotiations late on Thursday.

The talks were held following recent deadly border clashes between the two Caucasus neighbours, which have been locked in a decades-long conflict for control of Azerbaijan’s predominantly Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“There is a possibility of coming to a peace agreement, considering that Armenia has formally recognised Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan,” Aliyev said ahead of talks.

Pashinyan was quoted on Monday saying that his country is ready to recognise Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan if Baku guarantees the security of its ethnic Armenian population, 

“Azerbaijan has no territorial claims to Armenia,” Aliyev added.

Pashinyan said the two countries were “making good progress in normalising relationships, based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity.”

He said Yerevan was ready “to unblock all the transport links in the region that pass through Armenian territory”.

Putin said that “despite all the difficulties and problems that still remain, the situation is developing towards the settlement” of the Karabakh conflict.

He said the three countries’ vice prime ministers will meet in a week’s time in Moscow “to resolve the remaining issues,” regarding the reopening of transport links between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The Caucasus neighbours have been seeking to negotiate a peace agreement with the help of the European Union and United States.

On 14 May, they agreed at a meeting hosted in Brussels by the European Council President Charles Michel on mutual recognition of territorial integrity.

But the West’s diplomatic engagement in the Caucasus has irked Moscow, the traditional power broker in the region.

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought two wars — in 2020 and in the 1990s — for control of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Six weeks of hostilities in autumn 2020 ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire that saw Armenia cede swathes of territory it had controlled for decades.

Armenia, which has relied on Russia for military and economic support since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, has accused Moscow of failing to fulfil its peacekeeping role in Karabakh.

Yerevan’s concerns have grown after Azerbaijani activists blocked in December Karabakh’s only land link to Armenia. In April, Azerbaijan set up a checkpoint manned by border guards along the route.

Last year, Yerevan also accused Azerbaijan of occupying a pocket of its land, in what it has said amounted to military aggression and demanded military help from Russia, which has never materialised.

With Russia bogged down in Ukraine and unwilling to strain ties with Azerbaijan’s key ally Turkey, the United States and European Union have sought to repair ties between the Caucasus rivals.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, ethnic Armenian separatists in Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan. The ensuing conflict claimed some 30,000 lives.

https://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/armenia-azerbaijan-optimistic-at-putin-mediated-talks/

UK Minister for Europe to announce launch of Strategic Dialogue with Armenia, urge peaceful resolution of NK conflict

Vanyan Gary

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 11:38,

YEREVAN, MAY 22, ARMENPRESS. During his first visit to Armenia this week (22-23 May), the UK’s Minister for Europe, Leo Docherty, will urge for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh as negotiations continue between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the British Embassy in Armenia said in a press release.

He will call on both sides to continue substantive negotiations to resolve all outstanding tensions – including the closure of Lachin Corridor – in a peaceful and sustainable way.  

He will also say that immediate action needs to be taken to restore the flow of goods and people into Nagorno-Karabakh.  

Ahead of the visit, Minister Docherty said:    

“The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is affecting thousands of people, and while we are supporting humanitarian efforts, the only way this will end is through both sides continuing to engage fully in good faith negotiations.  

“The UK is committed to supporting Armenia’s democratic and economic reform agenda. I am proud that the UK is funding programmes to protect freedoms and boost prosperity.”   

“While in Yerevan, Minister Docherty will reiterate the UK’s long-standing support for Armenia’s democratic and economic development. During meetings with the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, he will also discuss security, defence and the strengthening of trade relations.  

“He will announce the launch of a Strategic Dialogue that will take place between the two countries later this year as well as underline a desire to sign a Comprehensive Enhanced Partnership, an agreement which will enhance our countries economic relationship. 

“In addition, Minister Docherty will meet Members of Parliament and the Minister of Economy. He will also visit representatives from across civil society and business, including companies with ties to the UK. The Minister will discuss opportunities to strengthen the UK-Armenia trading relationship and grow both of our economies. 

“Minister Docherty will visit a Research and Training Centre at the Armenian Parliament and a project developing the textiles industry. They are both part of the UK’s programme to support Armenia. The UK funded programmes worth nearly £4 million supporting Armenia’s democratic and economic reform agenda in 2022.  

“As well as contributing to humanitarian efforts related to Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, UK funding is also supporting Armenia’s efforts towards green transition; tackling disinformation by promoting media self-regulation and effective cooperation with the state authorities in regulating the sphere; promoting conflict resolution through facilitation of dialogue, enabling healthy debate and promoting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda,” the embassy said.




Armenia: Activists to protest for prisoner release in Yerevan, through mid-May

Vanyan Gary

Activists are likely to continue protests in central Yerevan through mid-May to call for the release of Gayane Hakobyan. Hakobyan is suspected of attempting to kidnap the son of the prime minister of Armenia. Several hundred protesters blocked Arshakunyats Avenue, and then gathered in front of the Shengavit District Court of General Jurisdiction, May 19-20.

Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near protest sites. While the gatherings will probably pass peacefully, minor skirmishes between police and participants remain possible.

Avoid the protests as a safety precaution. Allow additional time to reach destinations in central Yerevan. Heed instructions of authorities.

Pashinyan: Armenia recognizes Azerbaijan’s territory of 86,600 square kilometers

Vanyan Gary
Panorama
Armenia – May 17 2023

Nikol Pashinyan delivered a speech at the 4th Council of Europe summit in Reykjavik, Iceland on Wednesday. Below is his full statement published by the Armenian premier’s office.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,

Based on our own experience we can say that war is the biggest threat to democracy. For a long time, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict served as an excuse for the lack of democracy in Armenia.

In 2018, our velvet revolution provided great democratic developments in Armenia, but in September 2020 Azerbaijan attacked Nagorno-Karabakh, and Armenia had to get involved in the war. Many still think that the cause of the war was Armenia’s aspiration for democracy in the region, where democracy may be viewed with suspicion.

On November 9, 2020, I signed a trilateral ceasefire agreement, which became a reason for attacks on the state institutions, the Government and the National Assembly, because the unleashed war was apparently also aimed at changing the government in Armenia.

But we were able to maintain the country’s democracy. Then we decided to conduct early elections to safeguard public accord. On May 12, 2021, two days after my and National Assembly’s resignation came into effect for the purpose of the elections, Azerbaijan invaded the territory of Armenia.

If we diverted from our way to democracy at that time, we would have lost our statehood, but we provided the internationally recognized free and democratic elections, and shaped the agenda of peace.

But our agenda of peace was also attacked. In November, 2021 and in September 2022, Azerbaijan again invaded the territory of Armenia.

On October 6, 2022, with support of the French President Macron and President of EU Council Michel, we reached an agreement with the President of Azerbaijan that we normalize our relations on the basis of 1991 Almaty Declaration, according to which administrative borders of the former soviet Armenia and soviet Azerbaijan would become our state borders.

Three days ago with the mediation of the president of the European Council, we made a step further emphasizing that Armenia recognizes Azerbaijan’s territory of 86.6 thousand square kilometers, and Azerbaijan recognizes the territory of Armenia of 29.8 thousand square kilometers.

But as a result of illegal blockade of Lachin Corridor, the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh have been under siege for 5 months and are facing humanitarian crisis. To send an international fact-finding mission to Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh is of high priority today, and to start Baku-Stepanakert negotiations aimed at providing security and human rights for the Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh under the international mechanism, is of vital importance.

Assisting in addressing these issues, the Council of Europe will promote democracy and stability in the South Caucasus.”

Asbarez: KTVU Fox Anchor Gasia Mikaelian to MC AMAA’s 104th Annual Meeting Banquet in San Francisco

Vanyan Gary
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Latest, Top Stories
MC Gasia Mikaelia


BY ELISE KALFAYAN

The Armenian Missionary Association of America 104th Annual Meeting Banquet, celebrating Armenian Evangelical education, will be held at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront on October 21 with Gasia Mikaelian, KTVU Fox TV News Anchor, as emcee.

From its founding in 1918, the AMAA has prioritized education that fosters Armenian Christian identity as part of its mission. Hundreds of Armenian Evangelical elementary, secondary, higher education, boarding, and theology schools were founded and thrived in the decades before the Armenian Genocide, offering a high-quality education to all Armenians, and to girls and women for the first time. Armenian Evangelical leaders in the United States and abroad committed themselves through the work of the AMAA to rebuilding schools for their nation in the years after the Genocide.

With its faithful benefactors, the AMAA opened elementary and secondary schools in the Near East throughout the 20th century, established Haigazian College (now Haigazian University) in Beirut, Lebanon in 1955, opened the K-8 Charlotte & Elise Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School in Los Angeles, CA in 1982, and established kindergartens in Armenia and Artsakh following the nation’s independence. With visionary benefactor Edward Avedisian and his family, the AMAA built the state-of-the-art, private, tuition-free, K-12 Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School and Community Center, which opened in Yerevan in 1998. Several graduates of the Avedisian School have now gone on to higher education and service to their country in prominent leadership and service roles.

“Education is the foundation of Armenians’ spiritual, emotional and practical lives: we are fortunate to be the beneficiaries of institution builders, teachers, and learners as we carry AMAA’s work well into the future,” said Gasia Mikaelian.

Haigazian University, Beirut, Lebanon

Mikaelian is a news anchor at KTVU FOX 2 News in Oakland. She grew up in the Bay Area and is one of 4 children. She is grateful to her parents, who instilled in her a deep love for the Armenian language, culture, and (of course) food. Through her work at KTVU, Mikaelian has been able to highlight much of the good work that’s happening in and by the Armenian American community. She is proud to work for a station that values and supports diversity in its newsroom and the larger community.

Mikaelian has reported live on everything from the North Bay wildfires to the Super Bowl. Some of her most fulfilling work came during the height of the COVID pandemic, in a series exploring the pandemic’s effect on mental health. After graduating with a journalism degree from San Diego State University, she started her career as a reporter at KSWT in Yuma, Arizona. She then reported and anchored at WAFF in Huntsville, Alabama, XETV in San Diego and KPRC in Houston before returning to the Bay Area in 2005 to join KTVU as anchor.

C & E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, Sherman Oaks, CA

Banquet Co-Chairs Roushig Kalebjian and Vana Khanjian Vartanian invited Mikaelian to emcee the Banquet, all sharing a commitment to education. “Growing up in an Armenian Evangelical household has played a significant role in shaping my educational journey. The emphasis on education and academic achievement, both within Evangelicalism and Armenian culture, created an environment that fostered and supported my passion for learning. As I reflect on my educational pursuits, I am grateful for the values instilled in me by my upbringing, and the positive impact they have had on my life,” said Kalebjian.

Vartanian’s sentiment is similar: “Having grown up in the Armenian Evangelical Church and community, I’ve seen and experienced first-hand how our educational initiatives have instilled strong moral and spiritual values.”

Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School, Yerevan, Armenia

“Our Armenian Evangelical schools have educated generations of leaders who value Armenian culture and uphold our Christian faith,” said AMAA Executive Director/CEO Zaven Khanjian. “I look forward to the AMAA’s 104th Annual Meeting Banquet at which we will honor Edward Avedisian posthumously and celebrate his beautiful vision realized in the Khoren and Shooshanig Avedisian School, named in memory of his loving parents, and to joining our AMAA community in Celebrating Armenian Evangelical Education.”

For more information and to make your reservations, you may call AMAA headquarters at (201) 265-2607 or visit the AMAA website.

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.

Russian citizens working in Armenia contributed to the country’s economic growth. Pashinyan

Vanyan Gary

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 19:41,

YEREVAN, MAY 15, ARMENPRESS. Most of the people who came to Armenia from Russia are dual citizens. have both Russian and Armenian citizenship, ARMENPRESS reports, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said in an interview with the Czech “Respekt” magazine.

Answering the question of how many people from Russia arrived in Armenia as a result of the military operations in Ukraine and what effect this had on Armenia, the Prime Minister noted that approximately 30 thousand people who only have Russian citizenship came to Armenia.

“They have contributed to our economic growth because most of them are highly qualified and often work in the field of innovative technologies, which leads to economic activity. We are happy for their presence,” Pashinyan stressed.

Defense Ministry reports decreased tension in Sotk

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 10:03,

YEREVAN, MAY 10, ARMENPRESS. The tension had reduced significantly in the direction of Sotk as of 10:00, the Armenian Ministry of Defense reported.

The Azerbaijani military has been shelling Armenian positions near Sotk since 06:00, May 11. 

Three Armenian servicemen have been wounded in the attack.