Category: 2020

Armenia to assume chairmanship of CIS Cooperation Council in education sector

Chakrian Hovsep

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 16:04,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The session of the Cooperation Council of CIS states in education sector was held on October 21, Armenia’s ministry of education told Armenpress.

The Council unanimously agreed that Armenia’s ministry of education, science, culture and sport will assume the chairmanship of the Council for 2021. Deputy minister of education Artur Martirosyan has been elected as chair of the Council.

During the session the works done so far within the frames of the cooperation between the CIS member states in the education sector were discussed.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Azeri military death toll reaches 6539

Nahapetian Samvel

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 16:12,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. 6539 Azeri troops have been killed in action since the attacks on Artsakh began on September 27, the Armenian official Unified InfoCenter reported.

Azeri military losses also include 206 UAVs, 16 helicopters, 24 warplanes, 588 armored equipment and 4 TOS launchers.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

President of Artsakh addresses open letter to Russia’s Putin

Markos Nalchajian

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 16:23,

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. President of the Republic of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan has addressed an open letter to President of Russia Vladimir Putin.

The letter is posted on Arayik Harutyunyan’s Facebook account:

“Dear Mr. President,

The Artsakh-Russia relations have a history of centuries. Russia is perceived in the historical memory of the Artsakh people as a brotherly country which has always assisted this part of Armenians at all difficult moments.

The Artsakh-Russia ties have been exercised in the most direct way especially during the flourishing period of the Artsakh principalities and melikdoms, of which there is a lot of factual evidence.

For more than a century (in the 19th century and in the 10s of the 20th century) Karabakh has been part of tsarist Russia. That historical period was marked for Karabakh by long-term peace, repatriation and economic development. The cultural life has also developed. It’s noteworthy that in the second half of the 19th century Artsakh’s administrative-political center Shushi has become one of the key spiritual, cultural and economic centers in the Caucasus.

At the same historical period a whole unity of Artsakh-Armenians, such as Valerian Madatov, Hovhannes Lazarev, Lazar Serebryakov, Mikayel Loris-Melikov, Vasily Behbutov and others, played a key role in the military-political and public life of the Russian Empire.

These ties also continued in the Soviet period. During the Great Patriotic War, nearly 90,000 Armenians from the Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast and historic Artsakh participated in the war, half of them dedicated their life to the defense of the homeland. Artsakh was capturing one of the leading positions in the USSR in terms of number of USSR heroes and knights of Order of Glory per capita.

The five ethnic Armenian USSR marshals were from Artsakh – Hovhannes Baghramyan, Ivan Isakov, Hamazasp Babajanyan, Armenak Khanperyants (Sergey Khudyakov), Sergei Aganov. More than 30 generals and thousands of officers have been distinguished with their military talent.

Anastas and Artyom Mikoyan, Ivan Tevosyan, Andranik Iosifyan, Nikolay Yenikolopov, Mikayel Tariverdiyev and many others were from Artsakh.

The Artsakh-Russia close ties continue till today. A large part of nearly 3 million Armenians living in Russia are from Artsakh, among them there are many people forcibly displaced from Artsakh due to the Azerbaijani genocidal and ethnic cleansing policy carried out in late 1980s and in the 1990s.

I would like to specifically emphasize that Russia has exercised its policy in support of the principle of the non-use of force or threat of force and the peaceful settlement of conflicts enshrined by the international law, during all phases of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement. Russia is acting in the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement process both in the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship format and in a separate role. The Republic of Artsakh highly values Russia’s mediation efforts, active role and decisive mission at all phases of the conflict settlement, especially in the reaching of the 1994 trilateral ceasefire agreement. Russia also played a decisive role during the escalation of the conflict on April 5, 2016: an agreement by Russia’s mediation has been reached in Moscow on cessation of hostilities and restoration of ceasefire, in accordance with the 1994 ceasefire agreement.

We highly value Russia’s and in particular your diplomatic efforts aimed at stopping the aggression and large-scale war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh. I also want to inform you that your assessments on the current situation voiced during your speech at the Valdai club met a great reaction in the Republic of Artsakh and among all Armenians.

You have stated in your speech: “This conflict started not as an inter-state conflict and a fight for territories, it started from ethnic confrontation. Unfortunately, this is a fact: brutal crimes were committed against the Armenian people in Sumgait, later in Nagorno Karabakh. We must take this into account”. Unfortunately, till now Azerbaijan continues its genocidal policy.

Dear Mr. President,

You are the personality and the head of state who has a huge reputation in the world and in our region. Taking this into account, I ask you to make all possible efforts to stop the war in the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict zone and resume the political processes”, the President of Artsakh said in his letter.

 

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Trump announces about progress in NK talks

Arbi Tashjian

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 21:15,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 23, ARMENPRESS. President of the USA Donald Trump has announced about good progress in negotiation over Nagorno Karabakh conflict, ARMENPRESS reports Trump said in a briefing with reporters.

”We are talking about that, we are working with Armenia. We have very good relationship with Armenia. There are very good people there, very dedicated, they ar eincredible people and we’ll see what happens”, Trump said.

To the question if he has talked with the Armenian or Azerbaijani leaders, Trump said, ”I don’t want to say, but really good progress is being made”, he said.

TURKISH press: Erdoğan: Turkey has right to be part of solution process in Nagorno-Karabakh as much as Russia

Emil Lazarian
 ISTANBUL DIPLOMACY 
OCT 23, 2020 2:07 PM GMT+3
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan responds to journalists’ questions following Friday prayers in Istanbul, Turkey, Oct. 23, 2020. (AA)

Turkey has the right to be involved in a solution for Nagorno-Karabakh as much as Russia does, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Friday, adding that he hopes the two countries can work together toward the goal.

Speaking to journalists following Friday prayers in Istanbul, Erdoğan referred to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s recent remarks calling on Turkey to mediate for cease-fires, saying that such words cannot be put aside.

“Azerbaijan says if Armenia offers Russia (to mediate) we are offering Turkey. It says Turkey should also be present with Russia in these peace talks. In fact, I have not heard any negative stance from Russia in this respect,” the president expressed.

On Oct.12, Aliyev said that although not knowing when would the talks with Armenia begin, he wants Turkey to participate in the talks as well.

Aliyev said the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group, formed to mediate the conflict and led by France, Russia and the United States, was biased, and that Turkey, which he described as a global power due to its involvement in Syria, Libya and other international conflicts, must be involved in the solution process.

“Turkey is also a member of the Minsk Group, why shouldn’t it be among the co-chairs? Even if many Western countries do not want to accept it, Turkey’s word is big, it’s fully independent,” he said.

The Nagorno-Karabakh region has seen heavy fighting over recent weeks, which has claimed the lives of 600 people, including civilians. The region is considered by the United Nations and international law to be part of Azerbaijan.

The clashes began on Sept. 27 when Armenian forces targeted civilian Azerbaijani settlements and military positions in the region, leading to casualties. World powers, including Russia, France and the United States, have called for a new cease-fire. Turkey, meanwhile, has supported Baku’s right to self-defense and demanded the withdrawal of Armenia’s occupying forces.

Russia has brokered two cease-fires since Sept. 27 when the new clashes first broke out, but neither has held. In two missile attacks on Ganja, a major Azerbaijani city far from the front line, Armenia killed some two dozen civilians, including children, and injured scores more.

Relations between the two former Soviet republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh. Around 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory has remained under illegal Armenian occupation for nearly three decades.

‘US view on S-400 is void’

Regarding the S-400 missile purchase dispute with the U.S., the president confirmed that Turkey has conducted a test launch.

“The U.S. approach is not binding for Turkey,” he emphasized.

“What else can we do but test the opportunities we have? We do not have to go and ask the U.S.’ permission for it. Greece has S-300s. Beyond conducting test launches, Greece uses these as weapons. Does the U.S. say anything to them? No, it doesn’t,” Erdoğan continued, underlining that Turkey is determined to pursue its S-400 purchase.

In response to reports that Turkey conducted the first tests of S-400s, the U.S.’ NATO Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison said Wednesday that it is problematic that Turkey tested S-400s within NATO territory. She added that Turkey sacrificed many benefits in order to own S-400s.

“We, along with our all NATO allies, did whatever it takes to make Turkey give up buying missile defense system from Russia, which we recognize as an enemy. Buying a missile defense system from Russia and placing it in our NATO alliance … this is a redline. No doubt about it,” she explained.

Ties between the two NATO allies were badly strained last year over Ankara’s acquisition of the advanced S-400 Russian air defense system, prompting Washington to remove Turkey from its F-35 Lightning II jet program.

The U.S. argued that the system could be used by Russia to covertly obtain classified details on the Lockheed Martin F-35 jets and is incompatible with NATO systems. Turkey, however, insists that the S-400 would not be integrated into NATO systems and would not pose a threat to the alliance.

The S-400 air defense system will not be integrated into NATO systems and will be deployed independently, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said Thursday on the issue.

Speaking to Bloomberg HT, Akar stated that S-400s will be used as an independent system just like S-300s that some NATO members use.

He added that all defense systems include their own test and system control. He stressed that the purchase of the S-400s was a necessity for Turkey, and it will not distance Turkey from NATO.

Previous talks between Turkey and the U.S. on the purchase of Patriots collapsed over a host of issues, from the S-400s to Ankara’s dissatisfaction with Washington’s terms.

Turkey has said it will only agree to an offer if it includes a technology transfer and joint production terms.

Ankara has repeatedly stressed it was the U.S.’ refusal to sell it Patriots that led it to seek other sellers, adding that Russia had offered a better deal, including technology transfers.

Turkey even proposed setting up a commission to clarify any technical issues.

During a visit to Washington last November, Erdoğan met with U.S. President Donald Trump and agreed with him on setting up a working group.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg reiterated Wednesday his commitment to finding alternatives to the Russian-made S-400, saying: “Of course, it is a national decision what kind of defense capabilities different allies acquire. But at the same time, what matters for NATO is interoperability and the importance of integrating air and missile defense, and that cannot be the case with a Russian system S-400.

TURKISH press: Nagorno-Karabakh: The next Syria in the Caucasus?

Kalashian Nyrie
 COLUMNS 
OCT 24, 2020 12:05 AM GMT+3

It was Washington’s turn to make a diplomatic move regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict yesterday. Although Moscow initially stepped in to broker two cease-fires between Azerbaijan and Armenia, those pauses proved short-lived. Likewise, no one seriously expects U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s meetings with the two foreign ministers to yield lasting results. One thing is clear: As Azerbaijan’s military liberates more villages from Armenian occupation every passing day, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian continues to explore every avenue to save himself. One day, he talks about a war between rival civilizations. The following morning, we hear him denounce Russia and play the U.S. card. With the U.S. presidential election around the corner, Yerevan seeks to tap into the Armenian diaspora. At the same time, Pashinyan claims that there can be no diplomatic solution and says that Nagorno-Karabakh will be the next Syria.

Needless to say, Pashinian threatened to turn Nagorno-Karabakh into the next Syria in order to fuel fears in Russia, Iran and Europe. Having failed to turn the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh into an all-out war between his country and Azerbaijan, the Armenian premier threatens the world with a war that could last for many years. Obviously, Russia does not want a prolonged conflict in the Caucasus, which would undermine its influence over the region and possibly lead to U.S. or NATO intervention. Tehran, in turn, would be more concerned than others in the case of prolonged fighting and a spread of violence, because it fears that the United States and Israel may attempt to carry out operations on Iranian soil through foreign fighters. Europe, which has been sidelined in a number of conflicts, including the Syrian civil war, cannot do more than settle for France’s statements and symbolic efforts.

Judging by the current situation in the Nagorno-Karabakh theater, Pashinian’s Armenia is in no shape to fight a prolonged war. At the same time, global and regional powers are experienced enough not to be dragged into another Syria-style conflict. What the Armenian premier really wants is to put an international force on the ground, so that his country won’t be forced to end its occupation of additional regions in Nagorno-Karabakh. He also hopes that the international community would be willing to recognize an independent state in the region.

Keeping in mind Russia’s strong influence over the Caucasus, it seems that Moscow is just letting Yerevan exhaust all options. In its own way, the Russians allow Pashinian’s Armenia to face the consequences of refusing to withdraw from five regions – as Moscow requested. At the end of the day, the Armenian military has been extremely unsuccessful. That won’t change despite shipments of heavy weapons from Moscow to Yerevan.

Azerbaijan, in contrast, appears to have made adequate preparations for an armed conflict in light of Armenia’s July 2020 attack on the strategically important Tovuz region. To make matters worse, Turkish and Israeli drones have dealt a heavy blow to the Armenian forces – which hurts the Russian defense industry’s reputation.

In light of those facts, Pashinian, having failed to get what he wanted from NATO and the United States, will eventually turn to Russia. His threat of creating the next Syria, however, isn’t just an admission of helplessness on Armenia’s part. It is also a reminder that Moscow must avoid a new and costly military adventure. Indeed, Russia is in no position to endorse Armenia’s refusal to withdraw from occupied Azerbaijani lands. Moscow and Baku, too, have mutual interests – which the former would not wish to undermine.

There is a new situation in the Caucasus now. Turkey’s support for Azerbaijan has the potential to challenge the balance of power in the region. Moscow’s traditional policy of keeping both Baku and Yerevan around is no longer meaningful. Azerbaijan has new strategic calculations and considerations as President Ilham Aliyev enjoys greater room to maneuver. Compared to 1992 or 2016, Baku has a stronger hand today.

Hence the Russian statement about Turkey’s potential involvement – if Yerevan and Baku sign off on it. Tehran, in turn, calls for a tripartite mechanism, à la Astana, involving Turkey, Russia and Iran. Due to uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election and its aftermath, what role the United States will play in this new balance of power remains unclear. It would be extremely surprising if an armed conflict in Russia’s sphere of influence would stop under pressure from the U.S. One would therefore expect Moscow to enter into negotiations with Ankara, as opposed to Washington, and mount pressure on Yerevan accordingly.

Asbarez: Mnatsakanyan Tells Pompeo About Azeri War Crimes, Ankara-Backed Terrorists

Kajoyan Gevork

October 23,  2020



Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan meets with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Oct. 23

Azerbaijan’s continued attacks on civilian targets, which amount to war crimes, as well as the deployment of Ankara-backed jihadists in the fight against Armenians in Artsakh were some of the issues Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan discussed with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of Friday in Washington.

Mnatsakanyan presented details of Azerbaijan’s deliberate targeting of civilians and their structures, as well as the gruesome treatment of captured Armenian soldiers and Artsakh residents by Azerbaijan, calling them war crimes, reported Armenia’s Foreign Ministry.

Armenia’s foreign minister also emphasized that Azerbaijan’s aggression was taking place with the direct approval, backing and military assistance by Turkey, which is also deploying foreign terrorists to the region to fight alongside Azerbaijani forces.

Mnatsakanyan warned that Azerbaijan is creating a Turkish influence zone backed by terrorists, which are threatening the security and stability of the region.

Azerbaijan’s continued violation of the ceasefire agreement and the incessant attacks on Artsakh civilian and military targets proves Baku’s intention to resolve the Karabakh conflict through military means.

The two top diplomats reiterated the need for the immediate adherence to the provisions of the ceasefire agreement as well as continue working with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

Earlier Friday, Pompeo met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

“During separate meetings with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jehun Bayramov we discussed critical steps to halt the violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Both must implement a ceasefire and return to substantive negotiations,” Pompeo Twitted after the meetings.

According to the State Department, Pompeo is called on Mnatsakanyan and Bayramov to “end the violence and protect civilians.”

“The secretary also stressed the importance of the sides entering substantive negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to resolve the conflict based on the Helsinki Final Act principles of the non-use or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples,” said State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, reported Voice of America.

Mnatsakanyan discussed Azerbaijan’s aggression and Turkey’s interference with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.

During a press briefing on Friday, President Donald Trump said good progress was being made in the negotiations over Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

”We are talking about that, we are working with Armenia. We have very good relationship with Armenia. There are very good people there, very dedicated, they are incredible people and we’ll see what happens,” added Trump.

“I think really good progress is being made with respect to that,” he said. “We have a lot of people living in this country originally from Armenia. They are great people and we’re going to help them.”

 

To the question if he had spoken to the Armenian or Azerbaijani leaders, Trump said, ”I don’t want to say, but really good progress is being made.”

Over 50 House Members Call for U.S. Sanctions on President Aliyev, Azerbaijani Leaders for War Crimes Committed in Artsakh

Alex Nanijanian

October 23,  2020



Over 50 House members call for sanctions against Aliyev for war crimes

ANCA Applauds Leadership of Representatives TJ Cox, Brad Sherman, Jim Costa, and Katherine Clark in Urging Secretary Pompeo to Apply Global Magnitsky Sanctions on Azerbaijan

WASHINGTON—As U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo prepared to meet with Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov earlier today, over 50 U.S. House members called for crippling sanctions against President Aliyev and the country’s top military leaders for war crimes committed against Artsakh civilians during the ongoing Turkish and Azerbaijani attack against the Republics of Armenia and Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of America.

“Sanctions – the strictest of sanctions – need to be enforced immediately against Aliyev and each member of his regime responsible for war crimes and human rights violations against Armenian civilians in Artsakh,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.  “We thank Representatives Cox, Sherman, Costa, and Clark for their leadership and express our appreciation to each signatory and all of those in the House and Senate who have so forcefully condemned Ankara and Baku for their unprovoked attack and sustained war against the Armenian people.”

Representatives TJ Cox (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), and Katherine Clark (D-MA) led the Congressional letter, which specifically targeted Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, Chief of the General Staff Sadikov Najmeddin Huseynoglu, Deputy Minister of Defense (Army) Mustafayev Kerem Narimanoglu, and Deputy Minister of Defense (Air Force) Tairov Ramiz Firudinoglu and called on the Trump Administration to “impose significant, tangible consequences on the individuals responsible for Azerbaijan’s continuous campaign of aggression against civilians in Artsakh.”

The Congressional letter warned that “without a firm response from the United States, the return of fighting in the region stokes the possibility of a full-blown war embroiling Turkey and Russia. We have already seen Turkey’s heavy hand in this conflict, including the recent deployment of pro-Turkish fighters from Syria and Libya to bolster Azerbaijan’s army and reported use of Turkish F-16s in their ongoing bombing campaign. Any further escalation of fighting runs the risk of a much larger conflict threatening.”

As early as October 4, the ANCA publicly called for imposing crippling sanctions on President Aliyev and Turkey’s President Erdogan under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act (Public Law 114-328), based on reports that Turkish and Azerbaijani forces were deliberately targeting Armenian civilians in their attacks on Armenia and Artsakh.  On October 5th, Amnesty International confirmed Azerbaijan’s use of internationally illegal cluster bombs during the shelling of civilians in Artsakh’s capital, Stepanakert.

“This administration needs to act with urgency to bring an end to the perpetual aggression from Azerbaijan towards the Armenian communities of Artsakh. Implementing Global Magnitsky sanctions on Azerbaijani officials is long overdue,” said Rep. Cox. “Not only is this inaction costing hundreds of lives, but it also allows these injustices to be repeated elsewhere and incites the possibility of additional conflicts involving Turkey and Russia.”

“Four weeks on, and the Azeri offensive against Artsakh, continues. International human rights organizations have confirmed Azerbaijan’s use of cluster munitions, in clear violation of international law,” said Congressman Brad Sherman. “Azeri officials must be held responsible for their part in the ongoing human rights abuses taking place in Artsakh. The implementation of sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act will send a firm response from the United States that this offensive, and specifically the targeting of civilians, is unacceptable. We cannot risk the fighting in the region devolving into a full-blown proxy war involving Turkey and Russia. Azeri officials must be held to account.”

“It’s important that the U.S. stand against human rights violations,” said Rep. Jim Costa. “Azerbaijan must be held accountable for its aggressive actions against the Armenian people. Implementing sanctions on key officials is an important first step in showing there are consequences to these gross violations of internationally-recognized human rights. I will continue to stand up for the Armenian people.”

“Multiple human rights abuses have been reported following Azerbaijan’s unprovoked attacks on Armenians in Artsakh,” said Congresswoman Clark. “Civilians have been killed, hospitals and churches have been bombed, and thousands have been displaced. Those who are responsible for these atrocities must be held accountable if we are to prevent further bloodshed. The Trump administration must immediately respond with a clear and consequential condemnation of Azerbaijan.”

Joining Representatives Cox, Sherman (D-CA), Costa (D-CA) and Clark (D-MA) in cosigning the letter to Secretary Pompeo are Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Tony Cardenas (D-CA), Judy Chu (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), Lou Correa (D-CA), Veronica Escobar (D-TX), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), Dwight Evans (D-PA), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Joe Kennedy (D-MA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Steve King (R-IA), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), James Langevin (D-RI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Susie Lee (D-NV), Andy Levin (D-MI), Ted Lieu (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Betty McCollum (D-MN), James McGovern (D-MA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Grace Napolitano (D-CA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Kathleen Rice (D-NY), Harley Rouda (D-CA), Linda Sanchez (D-CA), John Sarbanes (D-MD), Janice Schakowsky (D-IL), Brad Schneider (D-IL), Albio Sires (D-NJ), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Haley Stevens (D-MI), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Lori Trahan (D-MA).

Should the U.S. Department of Treasury enact sanctions called for by Congressional leaders and the ANCA, all of Aliyev’s property and interests in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons would be blocked or frozen and reported to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). U.S. regulations generally prohibit any dealings by U.S. persons with blocked or designated persons. Non-U.S. persons that engage in certain transactions with the designated persons may themselves be exposed to this designation. Furthermore, any foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates a significant transaction for or on behalf of the persons designated today could be subject to U.S. legal action.

Schiff Calls for U.S. Recognition of Independent Republic of Artsakh

Anna Tamamian

October 23,  2020



Rep. Adam Schiff speaks during the Oct. 11 March for Victory in Los Angeles

WASHINGTON—Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) on Friday called for the official U.S. recognition of Republic of Artsakh, in a statement entered into the official Congressional Record.

Below is Schiff’s statement.

“Madam Speaker, I rise because for more than four weeks, Azerbaijan and Turkey have been waging war on Artsakh, bombarding civilians, churches, and committing possible war crimes. More than 800 soldiers have been killed repelling Azerbaijan’s attacks, and dozens of civilians are dead. Estimates are that more than half of the civilian population of Artsakh has been displaced, sleeping in cars or open fields away from falling bombs, as winter approaches.

Schiff’s statement in the Congressional Record

“For decades, through the OSCE Minsk Group, the United States has supported a peaceful, democratic, and negotiated resolution to the dispute surrounding Nagorno Karabakh, or Artsakh. We have persisted in this policy even as Azerbaijan launched countless assaults and as their leadership frequently threatened war to redraw the line of contact by force, and as they rejected monitoring along the line of contact.

“Today, it appears that Azerbaijan and Turkey are determined to make good on their threats. With bombs, and drones, and Syrian mercenaries, Turkey and Azerbaijan are pushing ahead with a war that has no end in sight. The Armenian people are the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the genocide perpetrated a century ago by the Ottoman Empire, and the words and deeds of Erdogan and Aliyev today call to mind the crimes of one hundred years ago.

“We cannot allow history to repeat itself. If Azerbaijan and Turkey have determined to wage war, the United States, the Minsk Group, and the International Community should make clear that they will not succeed in their aims.

“And that if they persist in this violence, we must recognize the Republic of Artsakh as an independent nation. Doing so would send the strongest possible message that we will not allow border disputes to be settled by the indiscriminate and devastating use of force against civilian populations.

“Aliyev and Erdogan must be made to understand that if they continue with this war, there will be consequences. The United States will not stand idly by.”

Schiff took to Twitter to announce his statement saying “I stand with Artsakh.”

“I am formally calling for U.S. recognition of the Independent Republic of Artsakh,” Schiff said on Twitter. “The United States will not stand idly by as Azerbaijan and Turkey wage war on Artsakh, killing hundreds of soldiers and civilians, and displacing tens of thousands.”

Western Prelacy Holds 48th Representatives Assembly

Frangulian Shushan

October 23,  2020



Western Prelacy’s 48th National Representative Assembly

  • A Letter To President Trump Regarding War In Artsakh
  • Bishop Torkom Donoyan Elected Prelate
  • New Religious And Executive Councils Elected

The 48th National Representatives Assembly of the Western Prelacy convened on October 16 at “Avedissian” Hall in Encino, presided over by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. Due to the current pandemic, the Assembly was held in a single day, instead of the usual two days. The activities of the Prelate and the Religious and Executive Councils were evaluated and activities for the forthcoming year were proposed and drafted. The election of the Prelate and Councils also took place.

Members of the Clergy, Central Executive members; Vahe Yacoubian and Gaidzag Zetlian, Religious and Executive Council members, Chairmen of Boards of Trustees and the Chairwoman of the Board of Regents participated in the Representatives Assembly. This year’s Assembly was hosted by St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas.

The Assembly commenced with prayer for Armenia, Artsakh, our soldiers and to those who have lost their lives during the war. The prayer was followed by the singing of the Armenian National Anthem. The Prelate greeted the participants and invited Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian to read the message of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I., in which the Pontiff stressed; “During times of strife and upheaval, our prelacy must continue its mission through revitalized faith and service, especially for our youth and communities.”

The election of the assembly’s executive followed, with Boghos Sassounian elected as Chairman and Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian and Hamo Kasbarian elected as Co-Secretaries. The Prelate then invited the participants to stand for a moment of silence in memory of delegate Haigaz Terterian and Prof. Ara Manash whom we lost in the previous term, and also for the casualties in the recent war in Artsakh.

Expressing their unified outrage toward the war crimes perpetrated by the Turkish and Azerbaijani governments, the representatives decided to direct a demand letter to the President and Congress of the United States of America.

Central Executive member Vahe Yacoubian delivered his remarks to the Assembly, emphasizing on the statement made by the Pontiff, in which we must commit in our future endeavors within the prelacy. He reflected upon the effects of the Corona Virus and the recent war in Artsakh, stressing on the imperativeness of reorganization and wished strength and perseverance to the soldiers in Artsakh.

On behalf of the Executive Council, Chairman Garo Eshgian expressed hope that the 48th Assembly will open new horizons in the Prelacy’s mission and stated that we are living in troubling times due to the Corona Virus and the war in Artsakh, but that should not deter us in our efforts, because we will overcome all challenges through our spirit of oneness. Concluding his remarks, Eshgian expressed his gratitude toward Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, for his years of service and efforts in prospering the Western Prelacy.

On behalf of the host parish, Chairwoman Arpy Hicks greeted her colleagues.

Outgoing chairman of the Prelacy Executive Council Garo Eshgian with newly-elected Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan

The Prelate then delivered his message, which he acknowledged the challenges which our Prelacy faces during these difficult times. He wished for the ceasefire to persist and for the war to come to a lasting end, so that the both Independent Republics of Armenia and Artsakh will once again live in peace and for the civilians to return to a normal life. The prelate also thanked all the sponsors and donors whom have aided the Western Prelacy throughout the years. He appreciated the service and dedication of the Chairman and members of the Executive Council, Representative Assembly members, Board of Trustee members, Ladies Guild members, new and old employees of the Western Prelacy and to all those who serve the church. He concluded his remarks by thanking Catholicos Aram I., for his blessings throughout his 6 term tenure as the prelate of the Western Prelacy. The prelate informed the Assembly that he had delivered an official letter to Catholicos Aram I., expressing his desire to step down from his duties and responsibilities as the Prelate of the Western Prelacy. In conclusion, he prayed that God bestows insight, strength and endurance upon the newly elected Prelate, Religious and Executive Councils, so that they may serve for the praise of God, the betterment of the Armenian Church and the prosperity of the people.

The Financial and Auditing Committee reports were then presented, followed by briefings by the Religious Council, Executive Council, and Board of Regents. Following questions on the annual reports and a review of the year’s activities, the Resolution Committee found the endeavors of the Prelate and Executive Council highly commendable.

The next item on the agenda was the election of the Prelate. Before hearing the names of three candidates put forth by Catholicos Aram I., as per tradition, due to a candidate being present at the Assembly, Bishop Torkom Donoyan was escorted out of the hall. Thereafter, the names of the three candidates were read; Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian, Bishop Magar Ashkarian, and Bishop Torkom Donoyan. The delegates then voted by secret ballot and by a unanimous vote, Bishop Torkom Donoyan was elected to serve as Prelate of the Western Prelacy. Escorted by the Assembly executive, the newly elected Prelate proceeded back into the hall to a standing ovation.

The clergy formed a procession, and by the singing of “Ourakh Ler” and “Hrashapar,” they guided Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan, into Holy Marty’s Church to perform the “Canonical Prayer.” The newly-elected Prelate, recited the “Canonical Prayer,” received the Prelate’s staff from his predecessor Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian and delivered his first message to representatives and clergy members.

Catholicosate Central Executive Council member Vahe Yacoubian

The Prelate stated, “Prayer is fundamental in strengthening the spirit, enlightening the mind, having a healthy body and is a daily presence in my life. That is why, today, I pray with a deeper conviction that God will give me strength, as I am elected the Prelate of the Western Prelacy by His blessing and your votes. I believe and trust the words of the psalmist; “Lord I put my trust in You, do not forsake those who seek You.” (Psalm 9:10.) The Prelate continued, “With sincerity and a deep gratitude, I thank Catholicos Aram I., and to the Representatives Assembly for the trust that you have placed in me.” He concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of working in unity, and that all of our future achievements will be fulfilled as we carry the responsibilities together.”

The last item on the agenda was the election of the Religious and Executive Councils. The new Religious Council was elected as follows: Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian, Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Saboundjian, Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian, Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian, Rev. Fr. Boghos Baltagyan, Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, and Rev. Fr. Movses Shannakian.

The new Executive Council was elected as follows: Vahe Hovaguimian, Meher Der Ohanessian, George Chorbajian, Dr. Kaloust Agopian, Deacon Berj Apkarian, Dzovig Zetlian, Ara Shabanian, Garbis Bezdjian, Jack Hadjinian, Sarkis Tatiguian and Gevik Baghdassarian.

The National Representatives Assembly tivan contacted H.H. Catholicos Aram I., regarding the outcome of the Representatives Assembly and in turn the Pontiff ratified the elections of the Prelate, Religious and Executive Councils.

The ratification of the activities and budget for the coming term followed.

On behalf of the National Representatives Assembly executive, Boghos Sassounian congratulated the newly elected Prelate, Religious and Executive Councils, and invited Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, to deliver his concluding remarks.

The Prelate once again thanked Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian for his service to the Western Prelacy, and wished him a healthy and long life, emphasizing that he will always remain his spiritual elder brother. He concluded by praising the efforts of the tivan and accomplishments of the outgoing council members, he congratulated the newly elected members of both councils and promised that all future endeavors will be taken in good faith and honesty. He also commended the employees of the Western Prelacy and thanked the Pastor and Board of Trustees of St. Garabed Armenian Apostolic Church of Las Vegas for hosting this year’s Assembly.

Prior to the conclusion of the National Representative Assembly, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian once again congratulated the newly elected Prelate, Religious and Executive Councils. The 48th National Representatives Assembly came to a close with the Prelate’s benediction and singing of Cilicia.

On behalf of the newly elected Prelate, a dinner reception took place following the National Representatives Assembly. In attendance were members of Clergy, Religious and Executive Council members, National Representatives Assembly members, representatives of the A.R.F. Bureu and Central Committee and employees of the Western Prelacy.

The Master of Ceremonies was Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian. Congratulatory remarks were made by; Central Executive Council members Vahe Yacoubian and Gaidzag Zetlian, Ex-Chair of the Executive Council Garo Eshgian and Chair of the Religious Council Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian. Also, heartfelt congratulatory remarks were delivered by A.R.F Central Committee representative Garo Ispedjian and A.R.F. Bureau representative Dr. Viken Yacoubian.

Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan delivered his closing remarks and called on everyone to work with one goal in mind, for the praise of God, the betterment of the Armenian Apostolic Church and the people. The evening came to a close with the Prelate’s benediction.