Category: 2018

Arminfo, Armenia

Aug 1 2018

Arminfo, Armenia

Aug 1 2018

Maria Zakharova: Russia historically proved to be responsible intermediary in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement

Yerevan July 31

Naira Badalian. Russia in every possible way welcomes contacts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, contributing to the development of a mutually respectful dialogue between the two countries, Official Representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova stated in an interview to Sputnik Azerbaijan.

“Moscow welcomes contacts between Baku and Yerevan, and we are sincerely glad that these contacts continue on the agreement of the two sides, and we have always welcomed and always contributed to the development of a mutually respectful dialogue between the two countries. We have always considered that through dialogue, through stimulation of this communication between the two capitals and the achievement of positive results, it is possible to move forward and resolve the existing problematic issues. Russia, being a mediator in the settlement of the Karabakh problem, as well as friend of both Armenia and Azerbaijan is interested in the settlement”, Zakharova said. At the same time, as she pointed out, historically, Russia has proved to be a responsible intermediary, who repeatedly demonstrated in practice its constructive intermediary role. “This will continue in the future,” she added in response to a request to comment on the recent statement of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that “Russia has all the levers, all the possibilities to prevent the war in Karabakh.”

Moscow clearly states its official position related to the Karabakh settlement. This position is consistent, Zakharova believes. The representative of the foreign ministry also touched upon the recent visit to Azerbaijan of a group of Russian experts and deputies who visited positions on the contact line with Karabakh and voiced a number of statements in support of the “territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.” According to Zakharova, in any country with a democratic society, there are many experts and politicians who express their point of view. This is not a state opinion, but they have the right to express it. “But every time questions arise about Moscow’s official stance, you can be sure that our position on the Karabakh issue is clear, it has never been ambiguous, has never been aimed at flirting, all efforts have been focused on an intermediary role, the ultimate goal of which is the achievement of mutually acceptable agreements, “Zakharova added.

As of today, consist¥ncy of stances of the large states and major players in international affairs is one of the most important factors of world stability. And Russia is among these states, she added. According to her, both Baku and Yerevan know that Moscow is a reliable partner in this sense. The parties have confidence in Moscow and its role.

Arminfo, Armenia

Aug 1 2018

Ara Babloyan and Sergio Mattarella discussed issues of Armenian-Italian cooperation

Yerevan July 31

Tatevik Shahunyan. On July 31, NA President Ara Babloyan met with President of the Italian Republic Sergio Matarella, who arrived in Yerevan on a state visit. The meeting took place in an expanded format. Sergio Mattarella. Greeting the guests in the National Assembly, the head of the parliament expressed hope that the visit of Sergio Matarella will give a new impetus to the centuries-old Armenian-Italian relations.

The NA Speaker appealed to the development of parliamentary diplomacy and the promotion of the activity of friendship groups, as well as the need for effective interaction on international platforms. In this context, Babloyan stressed that the parliamentary system of governance in both countries provides broad opportunities for cooperation. According to the head of the legislative body, the study of the fruitful experience of the Italian parliamentary government may prove useful for Armenia.

Speaking about the RA-EU comprehensive and expanded partnership agreement, the NA Speaker expressed hope for Italy’s ratification of the document by the Italian Senate as soon as possible, which will be an additional impetus for further deepening of bilateral relations. Babloyan stressed that both countries unite and strengthen the relations of the Armenian community of Italy and common historical, cultural, civilization and democratic values in every possible way.

Touching upon the process of peaceful settlement of the NK problem, the President of the National Assembly highly appreciated the balanced position of the Italian Republic on this issue. The head of the parliament assured that irrespective of the political changes in Armenia, the Armenian-Italian relations will continue to develop and deepen. The President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, thanked for the warm welcome, expressed his readiness to consolidate the centuries-old friendly relations and cooperation between Italy and Armenia. Mr. Mattarella stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation at inter- parliamentary platforms, the joint work of the parliamentary friendship groups, as well as mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields. In this vein, the President noted that Italy will promote ratification of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Expanded Partnership Agreement, which, in his opinion, will further strengthen Armenia-EU relations. At the end of the meeting Sergio Mattarella made an entry in the Book of Honored Guests of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia.

Arminfo, Armenia

Aug 1 2018

President of Italy visited memorial of victims of Armenian Genocide “Tsitsernakaberd”

Yerevan July 31

Naira Badalian. Italian President Sergio Mattarrella, who arrived the day before with a two-day state visit to Armenia, visited the Tsitsernakaberd memorial to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and laid a wreath. ArmInfo was informed in the press service of the Armenian President.

According to the information, members of the Italian delegation also visited the Museum-Institute of the Armenian Genocide, got acquainted with its exhibits. President Matarella left a record in the Book of Memory, and after planted a spruce in the alley of the memory of the complex.

To note, it should be noted that on the eve of the presidents of Armenia and Italy at the briefing they stated that the meeting was held in a warm atmosphere and a substantive discussion of the broad agenda of the Armenian-Italian cooperation took place. The presidents of the two countries noted the need for deepening economic, business, cultural and scientific-educational ties, as well as the importance of contacts with people. In particular, according to Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, the parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening interstate relations. “We agreed that more efforts should be made to ensure a new and dynamic development of the Armenian-Italian cooperation both in the bilateral format and on the international arena, including within the framework of Armenia-EU cooperation.” We noted that Italy, as the OSCE Chairman-in-Office , will continue to support the only international format for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict – the co-chairmanship of the OSCE Minsk Group.We touched upon the Armenia-EU partnership, this is another platform in which we There are great prospects for deepening the Armenian-American relations, and I expressed hope that Italy will soon ratify the Agreement on Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership, “the Armenian President said. Sergio Mattarella, in turn, noted that the relations between Armenia and Italy are at a high level, and there is a desire to further deepen bilateral cooperation in various fields. Armenia and Italy successfully cooperate in different directions, in particular, Armenian and Italian peacekeepers work together in Lebanon. Active work is being carried out in the fields of trade, economy, culture and science, but, according to the Italian President, there is an untapped potential for further development. “My visit is a good opportunity for further development of bilateral relations and deepening of friendship,” said Mattarella, “Italy will necessarily support the peaceful settlement of the conflict in the Karabakh issue.” We will do everything to start peace talks and try to find ways through the Minsk Group OSCE, and on the basis of the principles of international law, only a political and not a military solution that will be protracted. “Italy, he noted, highly appreciated the Armenia-EU agreement, which is a pre a red opportunity for the development of relations with the EU, the Italian President also expressed his satisfaction with the opening ceremony of the Armenian-Italian Center for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage on July 31. “This will help strengthen cultural ties, help Armenia preserve its historical heritage,” the president said. . Sergio Mattarella stressed that the issue of cooperation in the field of science is also on the agenda. Presidents of the two countries in the course of the conversation highlighted astrophysics. Possibilities for sharing experiences between research institutions were discussed. “Armenia and Italy have an opportunity to develop cooperation in other spheres, and Armenia can count on Italy’s support and friendship,” Sergio Mattarella said. On July 30, the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, together with his daughter Laura Mattarella visited the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts – Matenadaran. During the visit, guests were presented with centers of Armenian writing, and then introduced them to the Armenian script, the Bible, the Gospel. At the end of the visit, the President of Italy was presented with two books. Sergio Mattarella, in turn, presented the medal. In the evening, in honor of Italian President Sergio Mattarella and his daughter Laura Mattarella, a state dinner was given in the residence of the President of the Republic on behalf of President Armen Sarkissian and Ms Nune Sarkissian. Presidents Armen Sarkissian and Sergio Mattarella made a mutual toast in which they talked about the centuries-old Armenian-Italian friendship, about the lasting 25 years after the establishment of diplomatic relations of lasting interstate relations and the prospects for their development, on the issues of the Armenian-Italian bilateral agenda, sphere.

Arminfo, Armenia

Aug 1 2018

Armenian-Italian regional center for preservation and restoration of cultural heritage opened in Yerevan

Yerevan July 31

Naira Badalyan. The President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, who is in Armenia on a two-day state visit, together with his Armenian colleague Armen Sarkissian attended the opening ceremony of the Armenian-Italian regional center for the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage in the National Art Gallery of Armenia.

The Armenian Minister of Culture Lilit Makunts and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy Enzo Moavero Milanesi made a welcoming speech at the opening ceremony, after which the presidents of the two countries opened the nameplate of the Center and walked through its territory.

It is reported that the Center was founded by a joint initiative of the Armenian and Italian sides, and has the goal of implementing various, including regional, programs aimed at preserving and restoring cultural heritage.

Earlier today, Italian President Sergio Matarella awarded Armenian President Armen Sarkissian with the highest award of the Republic of Italy – Cavalier of the Great Cross, decorated with the Great Ribbon.

Arminfo, Armenia

Aug 1 2018

Republican Party Concerned Over Recent Trends in Armenian-Russian Relations

Yerevan July 31

Tatevik Shahunyan. Representatives of the Republican Party of Armenia express their concern over the latest dangerous, by their definition, tendencies in the Armenian-Russian relations.4

Edward Sharmazanov, the RPA spokesman, told the ArmInfo correspondent that the “small” but diplomatically “demonstrative” transfer between the foreign affairs agencies of Armenia and Russia gives reason to think that at present the Armenian-Russian relations experiencing not the best of times. “The same goes for Armenia-CSTO relations,” he said. Meanwhile, the vice-speaker reminded, Armenia’s strategic partnership with Russia is primarily aimed at serving the state interests of the Republic of Armenia. “We must realize that in the current geopolitical realities, the CSTO does not have an alternative in terms of ensuring Armenia’s security,” Sharmazanov stressed.

In his turn, another Republican, head of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Armenian Parliament Armen Ashotyan wrote on his Facebook page: “No matter how much the RA authorities try to focus society’s attention on domestic issues, this reality does not change, and the situation around Armenia and Artsakh continues stay tense. ” According to him, the situation was aggravated by the forms and methods of recalling CSTO Secretary General Yuri Khachaturov, as evidenced by a tough diplomatic protocol statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry in response to Armenia’s proposal to begin the procedure for changing the secretary general. “Obviously, all these processes negatively affected the image of the CSTO, and the risks of all this were visible from the very beginning,” the parliamentarian said, citing the statement of the Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Maria Zakharova in Baku, where she puts Moscow’s relations with one level Yerevan and Baku. “All this cannot but worry, especially against the background of the activation of the Azerbaijani lobby in Russia and the anti-Russian circles in Armenia,” Ashotyan said.

ArmenPress, Armenia

State dinner given in honor of Italy’s President on behalf of President Armen Sarkissian

YEREVAN, JULY 31, ARMENPRESS. State dinner on behalf of Armenian President Armen Sarkissian and Mrs. Nune Sarkissian was given at the Presidential Palace in honor of President of Italy Sergio Mattarellaand daughter Laura Mattarella who arrived in Armenia on a state visit, the Armenian Presidential Office told Armenpress.

The two Presidents made toasts, touching upon the Armenian-Italian centuries-old friendship, the firm interstate relations formed over the past 25 years, since the establishment of diplomatic relations, as well as their development prospects.

“Dear Mr. President,

Dear Prime Minister of Armenia,

Dear Speaker of the Parliament,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It’s a great honor for us to host the delegation led by President of Italy Sergio Mattarella.

I already had a chance to discuss the development process and prospects of the Armenian-Italian relations with my Italian counterpart. We are deeply interested in continuing the cooperation also in new directions and supplement the agenda of our political dialogue with new programs.

Last year we celebrated the 25th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. I think the mutual trust between our countries is going to be a strong signal to expand our ties in economy, trade, culture, science, education and other areas.

Only the distance separates us, meanwhile we have much in common.

Personally, I am very connected to Italy. Previously I gave lectures at the Bologna University, I have lived and delivered reports at the Erice Scientific Centre in Sicily. In Rome I frequently visited the old Armenian quarter with its Levonian college.

Really, while touring Italy, any Armenian feels some kind of familiarity, you meet old evidences of friendship of our peoples everywhere. In different parts of history Armenia was an ally or a part of the powerful Roman empire, in middle ages Cilicia Armenia had close political and commercial ties with Italy.

Meanwhile, Mr. President, the title of the Royal House of Cilicia Armenia is still owned by the Savoy family.

For Armenian Christian believers, the fact that first Catholicos of the Armenian Church St. Gregory the Illuminator came from Rome, from Constantinople, is highly valued. In new times one of the most important awakenings of the Armenian culture has been the St. Lazarus Island in Venice where the Mekhitarist Congregation, operating for over three decades as a major center for Armenian studies, had its invaluable contribution to enrichment of the Armenian and world scientific-educational and cultural treasury. The Armenian Venice with its Armenian quarter, palaces, Murad-Rafaelian college, churches, today is the pride of us and Italians. Today we are proud of our past, but look at the future with great expectation.

Dear guests,

Today democratic, new Armenia runs a balanced and reliable international policy. On this path we rely on the support of our partners. Italy is one of our best friends, and we will do everything possible to further intensify, deepen and make more mutually beneficial our relations. Armenia and Italy have great opportunities to further develop the ties in economy, business, education, culture and other sectors.

Armenia and the European Union signed the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement on November 24, 2017. By this Armenia, which has always been an integral part of Europe, further deepened its partnering relations with the European family, with Italy in particular.

The Armenian community of Italy also contributes to the development of the Armenian-Italian cooperation. Many representatives of that community are the 1915 Armenian Genocide survivors and their sons.

Italian national hero Giuseppe Garibaldionce said: “I insist that people have a right to determine their own fate, and of course, they must always allow others to determine theirs”. We, Armenians, fully share this view, this is the main meaning of the fair fight of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, Artsakh, to determine their own fate.

Dear friends,

I propose a toast for the welfare and peaceful future of our peoples, the Armenian-Italian sincere friendship and personally for President of Italy Mr. Mattarella”, President Armen Sarkissian said in his toast.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Arms supply from Slovakia to Azerbaijan is violation of international law, says Armenian foreign ministry

YEREVAN, JULY 31, ARMENPRESS. Armenia continues to follow the illegal arms supply issue from Slovakia to Azerbaijan, Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Tigran Balayan said today at a briefing.

He said that in addition to bilateral channels Armenia has also raised the issue in OSCE circles, taking into account that Slovakia will chair the OSCE in 2019.

Asked by reporters how Armenia is dealing with the issue of two CSTO member states continuing to supply Azerbaijan with weapons, Balayan said: “We have raised this issue to our Belarus and Russian colleagues. Our stance is not to concentrate on the supplies from one country, for example, the supplies from Slovakia specifically are a violation of international law: when an end user certificate is given for one country, but everyone knows that these weapons turn out in another country. And in the country where these weapons end up, they start boasting, saying – look, we acquired it in a devious way. The criminal code of Slovakia has an appropriate article for this case. As far as the supplies from other countries are concerned, if these supplies are within the law, then our opportunities to limit them are political. We don’t have any legal mechanism to affect. We continue and reiterate our principled stance that the supply of any weapons, lethal armaments to Azerbaijan is problematic, taking into account the unpredictable policy, as well as the shameful state of human rights in Azerbaijan, when it can use the weapons not only against foreign adversaries, but also against its own population,” Balayan said.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

ArmenPress, Armenia

Azerbaijan violates Geneva Convention and doesn’t allow ICRC representatives to visit Armenian captive Karen Ghazaryan

YEREVAN, JULY 31, ARMENPRESS. It’s already more than two weeks there is no information about Armenian citizen Karen Ghazaryan who appeared in the Azerbaijani territory still for unknown circumstances, Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Tigran Balayan told reporters at a press briefing, reports Armenpress.

“By grossly violating the Article 106 of the Geneva Convention on the protection of civiliansin time of war, Azerbaijan till now has not allowed the representatives of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to visit him [Karen Ghazaryan]”, Tigran Balayan said.

He reminded that Armenian Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan issued a statement on this matter.

“This issue is in our spotlight, the works continue”, the MFA spokesman said.

On July 15, 2018 the Azerbaijani defense ministry announced that it pushed back, with the formulation of the Azerbaijani media, a sabotage group of the Armenian Armed Forces in the direction of Qazax region, and one of the group members was taken captive. Immediately after this statement Armenia’s defense ministry announced that that person is Karen Ghazaryan, a resident of Berdavan village of Armenia’s Tavush province, who faces mental problems, doesn’t serve and has never served in the Armenian Armed Forces.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

ArmenPress, Armenia