Category: 2021

Political consultations held between Armenian, Croatian foreign ministries

Nahapetian Samvel

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 17:02, 4 December, 2021

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. On December 2-3 political consultations were held between the Foreign Ministries of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Croatia, the Armenian MFA reports.

The Armenian delegation was headed by Tigran Samvelian, Head of the European Department of MFA of Armenia and the Croatian by Dunja Sicaja,  Director of Eurasia and Oceania Directorate of the MFEA.

Ashot Hovakimyan, Ambassador of Armenia to Croatia (with residence in Prague) participated at the meetings.

In the framework of the visit, the Armenian delegation also held talks with Petar Mihatov, Director-General for Political Affairs of MFEA, Vladimir Drobnjak, Foreign Policy Adviser to the Prime Minister, Neven Pelicaric, Foreign and European Policy Adviser to the President, as well as with the members of the Croatia-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group headed by Davor Ivo Stier, Chairperson of the Group.

During the meetings a wide range of issues related to the bilateral relations, including cooperation in international organizations and perspectives economic relations promotion were discussed.

The parties also touched upon the current state of affairs of Armenia-EU partnership and its further strengthening, the role of Croatia in that process, as well as the upcoming Eastern Partnership Summit.

The Armenian Delegation stressed the importance of addressing the humanitarian issues and releasing the captured persons, resulting from the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and the invasion to the sovereign territory of Armenia, as well as a comprehensive and lasting solution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs.

FM Babayan highlights international recognition of Artsakh, de-occupation of territories as a priority

Hambardsumian Paul

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 17:13, 4 December, 2021

STEPANAKERT, DECEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh David Babayan participated in the conference of the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Hay Dat Committees and Offices, which took place in the Grand Hall of the National Assembly of Artsakh, and delivered a speech, the Artsakh MFA reports.

In his speech, the Foreign Minister touched upon the main directions of the foreign policy of the Republic of Artsakh, regional developments, and the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict settlement process.

Among the foreign policy priorities David Babayan pointed out the international recognition of the Republic, de-occupation of the territories of the Republic of Artsakh, comprehensive and just settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict, as well as the development and expansion of relations with different countries and their entities.

The Minister stressed that any status within Azerbaijan is unacceptable for the people and authorities of Artsakh, which would mean annihilation of Artsakh and the Armenian statehood.

For the effective solution of those problems, the Foreign Minister noted the importance of the status of Artsakh as a geopolitical actor, the pan-Armenian unity, and perception of Artsakh as a supreme national value in Armenia and in the Diaspora.

David Babayan highly appreciated the works carried out by the Hay Dat Offices and their contribution to the development and strengthening of Artsakh. The Minister expressed gratitude to the ARF Hay Dat for its patriotic activities and expressed hope that the structure would continue its work with the same zeal and dedication and that the Artsakh-centrism would remain among the pillars of its activity.

During the conference, the Foreign Minister also answered the questions of the participants related to the challenges in the foreign policy sphere and the works carried out to overcome them.

Armenpress: Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 04-12-21

Emil Lazarian

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 04-12-21

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 17:21, 4 December, 2021

YEREVAN, 4 DECEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 4 December, USD exchange rate stood at 489.99 drams. EUR exchange rate stood at 553.44 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate stood at 6.65 drams. GBP exchange rate stood at 650.95 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price stood at 27805 drams. Silver price stood at 352.8 drams. Platinum price stood at 14776.82 drams.

Asbarez: Armenian American Museum Hosts Donor Appreciation Receptions

Jalatian Sonya
 by Contributor

 

 December 2, 2021

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories
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Members of the Armenian American Museum’s Executive Board

GLENDALE—The Armenian American Museum hosted a series of donor appreciation receptions to celebrate the commencement of construction on the landmark center and honor the generous support of the museum’s Benefactors, Legacy Council, and Founder’s Circle members who have contributed to making the historic milestone a reality.

Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian welcomed guests to the receptions on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, expressing the organization’s gratitude to the valued donors.

“The cultural and educational center dedicated to our history, culture, and heritage was once a mere idea,” stated Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian. “Today, we celebrate the construction of the Armenian American Museum that is turning our dreams into reality – a milestone that would not be possible without your generous support.”

A scene from the Benefactors and Legacy Council Appreciation Reception

Executive Director Shant Sahakian provided a progress report on the development of the museum’s programming for the Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, and Archives Center as well as the construction underway at the museum campus in Glendale Central Park.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to provide an exciting progress report on not only the construction of a building but the creation of a world class institution that is going to serve and enrich the lives of students, families, and community members for generations to come,” stated Executive Director Shant Sahakian.

The receptions were sponsored by Edison International, a valued early corporate partner of the museum.

“Edison International is honored to continue its support of the Armenian American Museum and its mission to build a center that will showcase the Armenian American experience and create bridges between the many diverse communities in California,” stated Edison Director of Public Affairs Zanku Armenian. “Edison is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and this museum will stand as a testament to those values and the contributions of the Armenian American community.”

Scenes from the Founder’s Circle Appreciation Reception

The Benefactors and Legacy Council Appreciation Reception was held at Vertigo Event Venue on November 23. The Founder’s Circle Appreciation Reception was held at L.A. Banquets Brandview Ballroom on November 17.

To learn more about the museum’s donor programs and opportunities, visit the website.

The mission of the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The vision is a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.

Asbarez: At OSCE Forum, Yerevan Highlights Azerbaijan’s Aggression, Invasion of Armenia

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 December 2, 2021

 

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

Foreign Ministers of OSCE member-states gather in Stockholm on Dec. 2

A year after Azerbaijan’s aggressive attack on Artsakh and the ensuing ceasefire agreement signed on November 9, the situation in Karabakh, as well as along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border remains tense, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said during an address to the OSCE Ministerial Council meeting in Stockholm, Sweden on Thursday.

“Since May 2021, Azerbaijani armed forces have breached the borders of Armenia. Up to now, they maintain and continue strengthening their illegal presence on the sovereign territory of Armenia,” he explained. 

“Through its aggressive actions, Azerbaijan is flagrantly violating the United Nations Charter and the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. Needless to say, Azerbaijan’s actions also violate its obligations under the trilateral statement of November 9 on the cessation of all hostilities,” added the foreign minister.

He also stressed that Azerbaijan continues to capture and hold captive Armenian servicemen and civilians.

“Not only does Azerbaijan continue to ignore the calls of the international community for the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages, but on a number of occasions, most recently on November 16, its armed forces captured more military personnel in the course of its attack on the territory of the Republic of Armenia,” said Mirzoyan.

No pretext can justify these violent actions, Mirzoyan said, adding that “the continued presence of Azerbaijani armed forces on the territory of Armenia is a destabilizing factor in the region.”

He voiced hope that the November 26 trilateral meeting organized by the Russian Federation would pave the way for taking certain measures toward the de-escalation of the situation in the region. 

“The use of force has never been a way to peace in general and in particular in our region.  The use of force can de-freeze dormant conflicts for a certain period of time, but they will get frozen again once there is no negotiated and peaceful solution. War can come as a unilateral choice but peace always requires consent of all sides,” Mirzoyan said.  

He stressed that Armenia is willing to achieve lasting stability in the South Caucasus and is ready for negotiations to achieve that. 

“The sooner Azerbaijan embarks on the resumption of the peace process, the better will the chances be to achieve comprehensive and durable settlement in our region. The definition of the status of Nagorno-Karabakh based on the right to self-determination, the safe and dignified return of the displaced Armenian population throughout the entire territory of Nagorno-Karabakh should be substantive issues of negotiations. Equally, the resolution of pending humanitarian issues such as unconditional return of all Armenian POWs and other captives, inquiry into the cases of enforced disappearances, protection of cultural heritage, necessitates the strong engagement of the OSCE and its relevant mandates,” Mirzoyan emphasized.

“With this in mind, Armenia will further contribute toward the resumption of a full-fledged NK peace process under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in close cooperation with all OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries,” he concluded.

Armenpress: US Senator expresses readiness to work in Senate to facilitate release of Armenian prisoners of war held by Azerbaijan

Garo Vardanian

US Senator expresses readiness to work in Senate to facilitate release of Armenian prisoners of war held by Azerbaijan

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 09:41, 2 December, 2021

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. On December 1st Lilit Makunts, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the United States of America, held a virtual meeting with Senator Edward Markey (D – Massachusetts), the Armenian Embassy in the USA said in a statement on social media.

Interlocutors dwelled upon regional security environment and in this context Ambassador Makunts presented the position and assessment of Armenia.

Ambassador Makunts emphasized the comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict within the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship and informed about the ongoing processes in that direction.

Ambassador Makunts stressed the need for the unconditional repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war held by Azerbaijan. In that regard Senator Markey expressed readiness to work in the Senate to facilitate the release of prisoners of war.

FM Mirzoyan raises Armenian POW issue at meeting with Swedish Parliament Speaker

Torgomian Varazdat

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 09:46, 2 December, 2021

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan met on December 1 with Speaker of the Riksdag (Parliament) of Sweden Andreas Norlén on the sidelines of his working visit in Stockholm, the Armenian foreign ministry reports.

The sides remembered with warmth the official visit of the Swedish Parliament Speaker to Armenia in 2019.

Ararat Mirzoyan and Andreas Norlén touched upon the prospects of further developing the friendly relations between Armenia and Sweden, expanding the mutually beneficial cooperation in bilateral and multilateral platforms. FM Mirzoyan highly appreciated Sweden’s support to the ongoing democratic reforms in Armenia, the fight against corruption, as well as the support at the parliamentary level.

In the context of further deepening the Armenia-EU partnership, FM Mirzoyan and Speaker Norlén exchanged ideas about the effective implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement.

Minister Mirzoyan presented the current situation caused by the recent incursion of Azerbaijani armed forces into Armenia’s sovereign territory and the 2020 war in Artsakh unleashed by Azerbaijan. He emphasized the importance of a proper and addressed response by the international community in the context of de-escalation and stabilization of the situation in the region.

Touching upon the humanitarian problems which require urgent solutions, Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the necessity of the repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages and other persons held by Azerbaijan, as well as the solution of the post-war humanitarian problems in Artsakh.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Trilateral deputy prime ministerial task force meeting to resume in ‘coming days’

Jagharian Tania

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 11:04, 2 December, 2021

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. The December 1 meeting of the trilateral task force led by the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan will resume in the “coming days”, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan’s office told ARMENPRESS when asked to present details from the session held in Moscow.

“We can speak about the results of the session only after its completion,” Grigoryan’s office said.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenia reports 558 daily coronavirus cases

Parkev Tvankchian

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 11:26, 2 December, 2021

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. 558 new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Armenia in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 339,578, the ministry of healthcare reports.

9013 COVID-19 tests were conducted on December 1.

716 patients have recovered in one day. The total number of recoveries has reached 318,481.

The death toll has risen to 7631 (21 death cases have been registered in the past one day).

The number of active cases is 12,016.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenia-Azerbaijan foreign ministerial meeting in Sweden not ruled out

Tatoyan Vazgen

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 11:39, 2 December, 2021

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. A meeting between Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov in Stockholm isn’t ruled out, Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahan Hunanyan told ARMENPRESS.

“A meeting is possible within the framework of the 28th OSCE Ministerial Council,” he said.

FM Mirzoyan is currently in Stockholm, taking part in the OSCE ministerial meeting.

On December 1, the European External Action Service representative Luc Pierre Devigne told RFE/RL’s Armenian service that Mirzoyan and Bayramov will meet on December 2.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan