Category: 2019

WASHINGTON—With a strong focus on the new opportunities for the growth of U.S.-Armenia relations in the wake of last year’s Velvet Revolution, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and House Select Committee on Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-CA) each offered testimony to the U.S. House foreign aid panel in support of expanded assistance to both Armenia and Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“We strongly support the foreign aid priorities advanced by Congressmen Schiff and Pallone and thank them both their leadership in working with key appropriators in support of a forward-leaning aid package for Artsakh and Armenia,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We look forward to continuing to engage with our friends across Capitol Hill throughout the appropriations process to support each of these priorities, and – more broadly – to leveraging U.S. aid policy in driving a strategic upgrade in U.S.-Armenia political, economic, and military relations.”

Congressman Pallone, the founding Co-Chairman of the Armenian Caucus, and Rep. Schiff, a Vice-Chairman of the bipartisan Caucus, identified the following five appropriations priorities in the Fiscal Year 2020 foreign aid bill:

• Economic aid to Armenia – to promote sustainable growth
• Military aid to Armenia – to support peacekeeping programs
• “Safe haven” aid – to help Armenia settle Middle East refugees
• Artsakh aid – for de-mining and rehabilitation services

Royce-Engel aid – to strengthen the cease-fire by deploying gunfire locators

In their testimony, both Congressman Pallone and Congressman Schiff called upon the Appropriations Subcommittee on State-Foreign Operations to appropriate funds to support media freedom, judicial independence, anti-corruption, and civil society programs. They also encouraged the panel to zero-out U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan “until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

ANCA Government Affairs Director Raffi Karakashian will also be providing testimony on the ANCA’s FY2020 foreign aid priorities before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Foreign Operations on Tuesday, March 12th. Karakashian’s testimony will be streamed on the ANCA’s Facebook page at approximately 12:15pm.

The full text of both testimonies is provided below.

Testimony Of Rep. Frank Pallone
Chairwoman Lowey, Ranking Member Rogers, Members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify. Now more than ever, American interests are at stake as we confront unprecedented instability and growing humanitarian crises around the world. Congress must invest in our national security, which includes development and diplomacy programs, alongside strong defense.

While I will extend and expand on my requests to the subcommittee, today I want to highlight two matters that I hope the subcommittee will prioritize in the FY20 bill – support for Armenia and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh; and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the civilian arm of U.S. international media.

Nagorno Karabakh
I have always been a strong proponent of support for Armenia. I have also been unwavering in my support for the right of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh or Artsakh.

The continued instances of violence against the people of Artsakh call for specific steps to defuse tension and violence along the border, and humanitarian assistance to the people of Artsakh who simply want to live free of fear and violence, and exercise their right of self-determination.

I urge the Subcommittee to:

• Ensure that not less than $6 million in Fiscal Year 2020 aid be appropriated to Nagorno-Karabakh for de-mining efforts and other humanitarian projects.
• Suspend U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno- Karabakh, and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
• In the interest of effective U.S. oversight of our aid programs, we request that the Department of State and USAID lift any official or unofficial restrictions on U.S. travel, communication, or contacts with Artsakh government officials or civil society stakeholders.
• Include bill language providing funding to support implementation of the Royce-Engel peace proposals, prioritizing the placement of OSCE-monitored, advanced gunfire locator systems and sound-ranging equipment to determine the source of attacks along the line of contact.

Support for Armenia’s Independence and Democracy
The U.S.-Armenia relationship is founded upon a shared commitment to freedom and democratic values. Armenia provides a safe haven for refugees, participates in U.S. led peacekeeping deployments, and supports the peaceful resolution of regional disputes. Blockaded by Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia confronts serious challenges to its security and its sovereignty. U.S. economic and military assistance plays a vital role in strengthening Armenia’s independence. Military aid enables Armenia’s membership in NATO’s Partnerships for Peace and supports Armenia’s participation in peacekeeping operations.

The peaceful transition of government in 2018 and successful democratic elections provide an opportunity for the United States to support meaningful long-term governance reforms as an adjunct to our commitment to Armenia’s aid-to-trade transition. Increased funding for technical assistance on governance-related priorities, including rule of law reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, support for civil society and independent journalism should be prioritized. I urge encouraging the Administration to maximize the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meetings and to strategically broaden the U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force to include support for governance reforms. I also support movement on a modern Double Tax Treaty, Social Security Totalization Agreement, debt-for-reforestation swaps, and non-stop U.S. to Armenia commercial flights, all of which would be to the benefit of both Armenia and the United States.

I urge the Subcommittee to support Armenia by:

• Ensure not less than $30,000,000 be made available for governance and rule of law assistance to Armenia.
• Ensure not less than $20,000,000 be made available for economic assistance to Armenia.
• Support FMF aid for projects that develop Armenia’s capability to undertake peacekeeping missions.
• Increase IMET funding to expand U.S. training opportunities for Armenian officers.
• Suspend U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, ends its threat of renewed war, and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

Regional Safe Haven for Middle East Refugees
Over 25,000 individuals from Syria have sought safety in Armenia, which, despite being a small country, has received only modest levels of U.S. and international relief and resettlement assistance to accommodate this influx of refugees. Armenia has demonstrated its willingness to play a larger role as a regional safe haven for those fleeing persecution and death in the Middle East, but lacks the financial resources to offer the transition assistance needed by families fleeing violence.

I request the Subcommittee:

• Include language recognizing Armenia’s efforts to serve as a regional safe haven for Christians and other at-risk populations fleeing violence in the Middle East, and supporting these efforts through aid and international organizations.
• Provide funding to help Armenia provide transition support to refugees from Syria and throughout the Middle East who have found safe haven in Armenia.

Thank you for providing me the opportunity to testify before your Subcommittee. As co-chair of the Congressional Armenian Caucus, I believe the Fiscal Year 2020 House budget should reflect an unwavering commitment to democracy building and trade relations with the Republic of Armenia and to promoting peace in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).

In the last year, we have seen an incredible grassroots movement take hold in Armenia. The Armenian people have proved their commitment to democracy, anti-corruption measures, and rule of law during the nonviolent “Velvet Revolution” starting in April 2018. That revolution culminated this past December with one of the freest, fairest and most open national elections in the country’s history. The elections led to the elevation of the movement’s leader, Nikol Pashinyan, to Prime Minister and to the election of one of the youngest and most reform-minded legislatures Armenia has ever had.

Armenia’s newly-elected government has indicated its intentions to bolster civil society and democratic institutions. The United States Congress can aid this process by ensuring targeted assistance is given during this exciting transition. This is especially true with concern to the State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, which has been generous in its support of Armenian and Artsakh in previous Congresses. We are in a critical moment in which a meaningful increase in FY20 technical assistance to Armenia on important priorities – including for media freedom, judicial independence, anti-c01Tuption, and civil society purposes – will likely have an exponential positive impact on the country’s budding democratic institutions. I ask that the Subcommittee appropriate the specific funds it deems necessary to the Department of State’s Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Eurnpe and Eurasia and the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia for these pmposes.

As Armenia is an important safe haven for refugees and a strategic American partner, aid from the U.S. has also provided critical support for peacekeeping deployments and NATO interoperability in the region. The FY20 appropriations bill should include $30 million in economic aid and $10 million in military aid for Armenia, including funds for the Foreign Military Financing program and the International Military Education and Training program. I ask that Armenia also receive at least $20 million to help the country provide transition support to refugees from Syria and throughout the Middle East who have found safe haven there.

The Subcommittee’s tradition of generosity towards Artsakh also includes aid that has helped to provide maternal health care, support a multi-year HALO Trust land mine and unexploded ordnance clearance efforts, rehabilitation centers, and funds for badly needed water systems in Nagorno Karabakh. The FY20 appropriations bill should include $6 million to strengthen these critical programs and complete the work of HALO Trust in that area.

Additionally, intimidation and violence against the Armenian people continues today, in part because of continued U.S. military assistance to the Azerbaijani government. While much of the violence we saw in the spring of2016 has subsided, Azerbaijan continues to launch cross-border attacks into Artsakh and Armenia. Rather than• agreeing to a peaceful resolution of the conflict, President Aliyev of Azerbaijan has continued to offer threats of a renewed war between the two countries. The U.S. should suspend military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

For this reason, this year’s bill should also continue to invest in peace by providing the OSCE Minsk Group with $4 million, allowing for the placement of advanced gunfire locator systems and sound-ranging equipment to determine the source of attacks along the line of contact.

Taking these steps will continue to build on the U.S.-Armenia strategic relationship and help to grow the seeds of pro-democratic and civil society institutions in Armenia. I urge the Subcommittee to invest in peace and assist Armenia at this exciting time of continued development.

Testimony of Rep. Adam Schiff
Chairwoman Lowey, Ranking Member Rogers, Members of the subcommittee, thank you for the opportunity to testify. Now more than ever, American interests are at stake as we confront unprecedented instability and growing humanitarian crises around the world. Congress must invest in our national security, which includes development and diplomacy programs, alongside strong defense.

While I will extend and expand on my requests to the subcommittee, today I want to highlight two matters that I hope the subcommittee will prioritize in the FY20 bill – support for Armenia and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh; and the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) formerly known as the Broadcasting Board of Governors, the civilian arm of U.S. international media.

Nagorno Karabakh
I have always been a strong proponent of support for Armenia. I have also been unwavering in my support for the right of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh or Artsakh.

The continued instances of violence against the people of Artsakh call for specific steps to defuse tension and violence along the border, and humanitarian assistance to the people of Artsakh who simply want to live free of fear and violence, and exercise their right of self-determination.

I urge the Subcommittee to:

• Ensure that not less than $6 million in Fiscal Year 2020 aid be appropriated to Nagorno-Karabakh for de-mining efforts and other humanitarian projects.
• Suspend U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno- Karabakh, and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.
• In the interest of effective U.S. oversight of our aid programs, we request that the Department of State and USAID lift any official or unofficial restrictions on U.S. travel, communication, or contacts with Artsakh government officials or civil society stakeholders.
• Include bill language providing funding to support implementation of the Royce-Engel peace proposals, prioritizing the placement of OSCE-monitored, advanced gunfire locator systems and sound-ranging equipment to determine the source of attacks along the line of contact.

Support for Armenia’s Independence and Democracy
The U.S.-Armenia relationship is founded upon a shared commitment to freedom and democratic values. Armenia provides a safe haven for refugees, participates in U.S. led peacekeeping deployments, and supports the peaceful resolution of regional disputes. Blockaded by Azerbaijan and Turkey, Armenia confronts serious challenges to its security and its sovereignty. U.S. economic and military assistance plays a vital role in strengthening Armenia’s independence. Military aid enables Armenia’s membership in NATO’s Partnerships for Peace and supports Armenia’s participation in peacekeeping operations.

The peaceful transition of government in 2018 and successful democratic elections provide an opportunity for the United States to support meaningful long-term governance reforms as an adjunct to our commitment to Armenia’s aid-to-trade transition. Increased funding for technical assistance on governance-related priorities, including rule of law reforms, anti-corruption initiatives, support for civil society and independent journalism should be prioritized. I urge encouraging the Administration to maximize the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meetings and to strategically broaden the U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force to include support for governance reforms. I also support movement on a modern Double Tax Treaty, Social Security Totalization Agreement, debt-for-reforestation swaps, and non-stop U.S. to Armenia commercial flights, all of which would be to the benefit of both Armenia and the United States.

I urge the Subcommittee to support Armenia by:

• Ensure not less than $30,000,000 be made available for governance and rule of law assistance to Armenia.
• Ensure not less than $20,000,000 be made available for economic assistance to Armenia.
• Support FMF aid for projects that develop Armenia’s capability to undertake peacekeeping missions.
• Increase IMET funding to expand U.S. training opportunities for Armenian officers.
• Suspend U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan until its government ceases its attacks against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh, ends its threat of renewed war, and agrees to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts.

Regional Safe Haven for Middle East Refugees
Over 25,000 individuals from Syria have sought safety in Armenia, which, despite being a small country, has received only modest levels of U.S. and international relief and resettlement assistance to accommodate this influx of refugees. Armenia has demonstrated its willingness to play a larger role as a regional safe haven for those fleeing persecution and death in the Middle East, but lacks the financial resources to offer the transition assistance needed by families fleeing violence.

I request the Subcommittee:

• Include language recognizing Armenia’s efforts to serve as a regional safe haven for Christians and other at-risk populations fleeing violence in the Middle East, and supporting these efforts through aid and international organizations.
• Provide funding to help Armenia provide transition support to refugees from Syria and throughout the Middle East who have found safe haven in Armenia.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was named February “Player of the Month” by Arsenal after scoring and assisting in successive games, reported Arsenal Media.

Armenia’s national soccer team captain who is a midfielder for Arsenal returned from injury “with a bang, setting up Alex Lacazette before doubling our [Arsenal’s] lead 10 minutes later against Southampton,” said Arsenal Media in announcing the designation.

“Micki,” as Mkhitaryan in nicknamed by his team “then repeated the feat against Bournemouth, burying Mesut Ozil’s pass before assisting Laurent Koscielny as we ran out 3-1 winners over Bournemouth.,” added Arsenal Media.

YEREVAN (Azatutyun.am)—James Appathurai, NATO deputy assistant secretary general for political affairs and the secretary general’s special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, arrived in Armenia on Monday for an annual NATO Week event held this year from March 11 to 15.

While in Yerevan the NATO representative also held meetings with a number of senior Armenian officials, including President Armen Sarkissian.

At a meeting with Sarkissian in Yerevan, Appathurai described Armenia as a “stable and trustworthy partner.”

Appathurai and Sarkissian also underlined Armenia’s effective participation in a number of NATO-Armenia projects, including in international peacekeeping missions, the Armenian president’s press service said. Matters relating to regional and international developments were also discussed, it added.

While in Yerevan the NATO representative also met with Defense Minister David Tonoyan and Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanian.

During the meeting between Tonoyan and Appathurai a number of issues related to Armenia-NATO cooperation, in particular, the course of events planned for the Armenia-NATO Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) and Planning and Review Process partnership, their summary and assessment, as well as planning for the coming years were discussed.

According to the Armenian Defense Ministry’s official website, the sides stressed the importance of Armenia’s participation in NATO’s peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and Afghanistan as a major contribution to international security.

Issues related to regional security were also discussed at the meeting, the official report added.

Later, Armenian Foreign Minister Mnatsakanyan and Appathurai discussed prospects of continued political dialogue between Armenia and NATO as part of the IPAP, the process of reforms in the defense and security areas, cooperation in emergency situations, science and a number of other areas of mutual interest.

According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry’s official website, Mnatsakanyan and the NATO secretary general’s special representative exchanged views on a number of regional and international issues.

At the request of Appathurai, Minister Mnatsakanyan presented “Armenia’s foreign-policy priorities, the approaches and principle-based position of the Armenian side in the matter of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.”

At a press conference later on Monday the NATO official said that during his meetings with Armenia’s defense minister and foreign minister they also addressed the recent sending by Armenia of a humanitarian mission to Syria, including sappers and medics.

Appathurai said both ministers clearly presented the political and humanitarian reasons for the Armenian government to take that step.

BY HARUT SASSOUNIAN

For several years, the government of Azerbaijan and its diplomats overseas have gone to great lengths to win over Jews worldwide, American Jewish organizations, and Israel.

Azerbaijan is simply copying Turkey’s sinister behavior that until recently wooed Jewish organizations in the United States and Israel’s government to block the passage of a congressional resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Many Jewish groups ended their immoral cooperation with Turkey, after Turkish President Rejep Tayyip Erdogan began making anti-Semitic statements and threatening Israel.

Just like Turkey, Azerbaijan’s outreach to Jewish organizations and Israel is based on the typical anti-Semitic belief that Jews control American politicians and it is therefore in Azerbaijan’s interest to be on the good side of ‘powerful’ Jews. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, “many countries nurture their relationship to Israel in hopes of finding favor with influential American Jewish organizations who will in turn speak well of them to the U.S. government.”

Furthermore, Azerbaijan’s pro-Jewish efforts are based on the fact that it purchases billions of dollars of modern weapons from Israel. In return, Azerbaijan sells a large amount of oil to Israel. There have been also intelligence reports that Azerbaijan has provided Israel with several bases on its border with Iran, should Israel decide to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities.

The latest example of the collaboration between American Jewish leaders and Azerbaijan is the visit to Baku on March 3-8 by a group of U.S. evangelical pastors led by New York-based Orthodox Rabbi Marc Schneier “to promote interfaith dialogue and highlight cooperation with Israel,” according to the Associated Press. This was the first ever evangelical delegation to visit the Muslim Shiite nation. The Rabbi described Azerbaijan as “the most beloved and respected Muslim country in the eyes of the Jewish American community,” reported Trend, an Azeri news agency. Schneier spoke at an event in the U.S. Congress last year celebrating the close friendship between Azerbaijan and Israel.

The group of 12 U.S. evangelical pastors met Pres. Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, the foreign minister, Muslim Sheikhs, local church leaders, and Israel’s ambassador. Rabbi Schneier told the Associated Press that Pres. Aliyev “announced during the delegation’s visit that the country’s first-ever Jewish cultural center would be built in Baku with Kosher dining options and a hotel to accommodate Jewish guests.” Schneier heads the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding based in New York and founded the Hampton Synagogue in Westhampton Beach, New York. As a sign of their cozy relationship, Azerbaijan’s national airline flies directly to Tel Aviv and Pres. Aliyev hosted Israel’s prime minister in 2016.

Not surprisingly, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov took advantage of his meeting with the evangelical leaders to disparage Armenia and distort the facts of the Artsakh conflict. He said, “the recent statements of the Armenian leadership highlighted that such statements undermine the peace process.”

Pastor Adam Mesa, who leads the Abundant Living Family Church in Rancho Cucamonga, California, told the Associated Press that it was his first time in a Muslim majority country. The pastor said he was encouraged to take part in the trip because of Azerbaijan’s supportive Israeli stance and interreligious efforts. “It’s incredible that a Muslim majority country is the one that has to actually lead the charge on religious dialogue and community and solidarity.”

Rabbi Schneier confirmed to the Associated Press the political agenda behind the religious group’s visit: “from a political point of view, listen there is no question you know that Azerbaijan is looking to strengthen its relationship with the U.S. administration, with the United States Congress. Israel is very much a conduit to that.”

As in the case of Cong. Alcee Hastings, Azerbaijan seems to have picked another disgraced individual to disseminate its propaganda. The 60-year-old Rabbi Schneier has been married six times, the last on March 2017. In February 2018, the State of Florida ordered Schneier to pay $5,000 a month for $64,594 in unpaid child support he owed to his third wife for the care of their 19-year-old son. Rabbi Schneier was expelled in June 2015 by the Rabbinical Council of America for breaching the code of ethics by carrying on an extramarital relationship. In June 2010, the Rabbi announced to his congregation that he was suffering from “bipolar disorder.”

According to Wikipedia, “under pressure from his congregation for his multiple divorces and philandering, Schneier resigned in 2016 from his pulpit position at the Hampton Synagogue, which he had founded in 1990. Congregants had threatened to withhold pledges and payments until he left the synagogue.”

The New York Post reported that after cheating on his third wife, Rabbi Schneier in 2006 married Tobi Rubinstein, “a sexy worshipper,” who became wife No. 4. “In 2010, Tobi hired a private investigator who turned up explicit photos of her husband and Gitty Leiner, a then-30-something worshipper, getting hot and heavy in the Holy Land on what Schneier had told his wife was a routine business trip. Marriage No. 4 ended in divorce soon after.” The Rabbi ended up marrying Gitty Leiner in 2013 — wife No. 5. The couple had a child in 2014, “but then in 2015, Schneir was caught dining out in Queens with sexy young Simi Teitelbaum” who became his sixth wife in 2017! Interestingly, The Post reported that “Schneier explained away his unholy extramarital hookups by saying he was mentally ill and seeking treatment.”

Rabbi’s ex-wife Toby Gotesman told the Post: “When I left him, he was making $800,000 … that included a $500,000 salary, plus hundreds of thousands in additional compensation, including mortgage payments on his 5,000-square-foot Westhampton Beach home, said to be valued at around $3 million.”

Rabbi Schneier’s visit to Azerbaijan last week was not his first. He has been there several times in recent years on propaganda tours. One wonders if the Rabbi has received any compensation from Pres. Aliyev for his ‘valuable’ services. His multiple trips to Azerbaijan makes the Rabbi look more like a lobbyist for Azerbaijan than a religious figure!

I would urge Armenian evangelical church leaders to contact the 12 pastors who visited Baku last week in order to counter the propaganda they were fed against Armenia and Artsakh. I would also like to know if these pastors and Rabbi Schneier came back from Baku with suitcases full of the usual Azeri “gifts” of caviar, rugs, and other valuable items!

Armenia, Artsakh Joint Security Council Meeting Emphasizes Karabakh Peace

STEPANAKERT—Armenia’s and Artsakh’s national security councils held an unprecedented joint meeting on Tuesday with the aim of assessing the current stage of the Karabakh conflict resolution process and to coordinate efforts between the two Armenian republics. During the meeting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said there was a need to “clarify” the basic principles based on which the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen were leading the Karabakh peace negotiations.

The meeting, that took place in Stepanakert, was chaired by Pashinyan and Artsakh President Bako Sahakian, both of whom affirmed their commitment to an exclusively peaceful resolution to the conflict, based on the mediation efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen.

The security summit is taking place ahead of a proposed meeting between Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Both leaders last month agreed to the proposed meeting by the Minsk Group co-chairs.

“Armenia remains committed to the negotiation process and as the guarantor of the security of Artsakh will pursue exerting efforts in this direction. At the same time, the decisive voice of Artsakh and its involvement remains pertinent for ensuring a full-fledged and effective peace process,” said Pashinyan in his opening remarks, adding that the fact that the security council meeting is taking place in Artsakh signaled a new “qualitative” phase of relations between the two republics.

“Artsakh is ready to continue its constructive contribution to the process of establishing lasting and durable peace in the region,” said Sahakian in his opening remarks, adding that ensuring the security and status of Artsakh within the framework of the Karabakh issue have been and will remain absolute priorities for all sides. He also underscored that the unconditional implementation of the 1994-1995 cease-fire agreement constituted the basis for a conducive atmosphere for.

Pashinyan reiterated his long-held stance that Artsakh must take part in the negotiations explaining that he and his government have made this issue a key point in discussions with Aliyev as well as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.

The security councils’ meeting came a few days after the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmen issued a statement urging sides to return to the principles based on which the negotiation process has progressed and warned the sides to not make announcements that could derail the current stage of talks.

“With reference to some contradictory recent public statements on the substance of the Minsk Group process, the Co-Chairs reiterate that a fair and lasting settlement must be based on the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act, including in particular the non-use or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples,” said the co-chair’s announcement.

“It also should embrace additional elements as proposed by the Presidents of the Co-Chair countries in 2009-2012, including: return of the territories surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijani control; an interim status for Nagorno-Karabakh providing guarantees for security and self-governance; a corridor linking Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh; future determination of the final legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh through a legally binding _expression_ of will; the right of all internally displaced persons and refugees to return to their former places of residence; and international security guarantees that would include a peacekeeping operation,” the co-chairs added.

In his remarks Pashinyan said one of the key elements that must be discussed is whether the government of Armenia accepts the principles and steps proposed by the co-chairmen, saying that the basis outlined by the Minsk Group co-chairmen have opened the door to conflicting interpretations, thus, he said, the need to clarify these positions must be what guides the next phase of the negotiations, which he said Armenia was ready to do.

“This is really an important question, but in answering this question we need important clarifications. What can these principles mean in practice and who has the right to interpret them? This is important, because the way Azerbaijan interprets these principles is unacceptable for us. We, of course, can come up with our own interpretation of these principles, but it’s pointless because our goal is not to engage in a war of words, but to have an efficient negotiation process. And consequently, the basis for the negotiation process should not leave room for different interpretations,” said Pashinyan.

Another element of the co-chairs recent talking points has been the so-called preparation of the societies—the people—for peace. Pashinyan argued that this aspect must be done in concert with the others at the negotiation table, arguing, for example, that the government of Armenia had a role to also “prepare” the people of Azerbaijan for peace saying that “any solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh issue should be acceptable for the people of Armenia, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and the people of Azerbaijan.”

Pashinyan emphasized that he had taken such a step by making the aforementioned announcement at Armenia’s parliament in the fall. He lamented, however, that similar sentiments had not been expressed by Azerbaijan. Despite this, he said, ”I am ready to continue the dialogue not only with the president of Azerbaijan, but also with the people of Azerbaijan, because I am convinced that the people of Azerbaijan are as peace-loving as the people of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.”

NORTHRIDGE, Calif.—Students and guests gathered on March 5 at California State University, Northridge for a public forum regarding Javakhk, a historically Armenian region in modern day Georgia. The ARS Javakhk Fund Committee, CSUN Armenian Student Association (ASA), and the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region joined efforts to organize the forum, with the purpose of educating students about the history of Javakhk and the current state of the Armenian population in the region, especially because many students shared that this was their first time hearing about Javakhk.

CSUN ASA Board Member Lia Kechichian welcomed guests and introduced panelists ANCA-WR Communications Coordinator Dickran Khodanian and ARS Javakhk Fund Committee member Carnie Armenian. Among attendees were ARS Regional Executive Board Member Nancy Bederian, ARS Javakhk Fund Committee Chairperson Lena Bozoyan, as well as educators.

Khodanian provided a historical introduction on Javakhk, after which he spoke about the strategic significance of the region. Thereafter, Armenian explained the challenges faced by Javakhk Armenians including institutionalized oppression from the Georgian government, lack of employment opportunities and emigration, and difficult living conditions. Armenian discussed the varied living conditions from the cities and towns of Javakhk to its rural villages and how each group of counselors at Camp Javakhk were embraced by the locals.

Both Khodanian and Armenian have served as counselors and directors at Camp Javakhk, which is held every summer in different cities in Javakhk including Akhalkalak, Akhaltskha, Ninostminda, and Tsalka. They shared that through their time and experiences there, they learned more about the local customs of the people and daily living challenges, but most importantly they made strong connections with the people of Javahk and formed unbreakable bonds.

The camps are held at the Armenian youth centers in the cities, two of which are supported by the efforts of the ARS of Western USA’s Javakhk Fund Committee. They both stressed the significance of the centers as it is a place where the youth gathers to learn about their Armenian culture and history, which is not permitted to be taught in the local Georgian schools.

On the occasion of Javakhk Awareness Month in March, the committee aims to educate the community about this historically Armenian region and stresses the importance of continued support. The ARS Javakhk Fund Committee continues to collect funds for the youth centers to ensure the continuation of vital programs and services provided for the people of Javakhk.