Category: 2021

Iran, Armenia trade can exceed $1 billion – Ambassador

Antranik Varosian
Public Radio of Armenia
Nov 13 2021
, 16:12

 1 minute read

Iranian Ambassador to Armenia says the trade between Iran and Armenia is on the rise and adds that with a good plan, in near future, the level of turnover between the two neighboring countries could exceed from the current $400 million to one billion dollars a year, IRNA reports.

Abbas Zohouri made the remarks at a meeting with members of the Tehran Stock Exchange, who are in Yerevan to attend the meeting of the Federation of Asian and European Stock Exchanges.

He said that the level of trade ties between the two countries is increasing, and with proper planning, the level of trade ties between the two countries can reach from the current $400 million to $1 billion a year in the near future.

Reminding of the insufficient mutual knowledge of the economic activists of the two countries about the mutual capacities, Zohouri stressed the capacity of Aras Free Zone in Iran and Meghri Free Zone of Armenia, as well as the possibility of the presence of a large group of Armenian investors in the Iranian stock exchange.

Iraq eager to increase trade turnover with Armenia, says envoy

Emil Lazarian
PanArmenian, Armenia
Nov 13 2021
– 16:23 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Iraq is eager to strengthen relations with Armenia and increase the trade turnover between the two countries, Iraqi ambassador to Yerevan Dr. Suhailan M. Khaleel Al-Joubouri said at a meeting with Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan on Friday, November 12.

According to information provided by the Ministry of Economy, Dr. Al-Joubouri stressed the importance of Armenia for Iraq, as well as the fact that Armenians are popular in his country.

The diplomat suggested holding a meeting of the two countries’ intergovernmental commission in Baghdad, adding that Iraq is interested in the participation of Armenian construction and energy companies in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Kerobyan too expressed interest in that, noting that the government is ready to support those who’ll join the process. The Minister suggested that the Iraqi government consider the introduction of tools facilitating the Armenian companies’ entry into the Iraqi market.

Asbarez: Azerbaijani Checkpoints Isolate Armenian Civilian Areas, Warns Human Rights Defender

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 November 12, 2021

 

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

Azerbaijani flags on the Goris-Kapan highway

As the Armenian government’s cavalier attitude toward the establishment of customs checkpoints by Azerbaijan on the Goris-Kapan Highway continued, Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan warned Friday that Baku is pursuing a targeted policy of isolating civilian residential communities in Armenia, causing humanitarian concerns.

“It is evident that the Azerbaijani authorities are well aware that the blockade of the Goris-Kapan road or the so-called Azerbaijani border and customs checkpoints will cause violations of the rights of the civilian population and severe humanitarian issues, including the isolation of a number of civilian communities, which they are taking these deliberate steps to expand them,” Tatoyan said.

Communication and travel between towns and cities in the Syunik Province has become significantly more difficult, Tatoyan explained after a fact-finding mission from the Human Rights Defender’s Office outlined its findings.

Armenian government officials on Friday said that the alternate route for travel, the construction of which was completed recently, were safe for travel. The Human Rights Defender’s Office, however, reported significant difficulties and access for residents of Goris, Vorotan, Shurnukh and Bardzravan.

In an interview with Armenia’s Public Television, Armenia’s National Security Chief Armen Grigoryan gave assurances that Armenia villages would not be isolated as a result of the checkpoints, keeping silent about the fact that not only a number of villages in fact have been isolated, but their residents are forced to co-exist with Azerbaijani armed forces, who are within arm’s reach.  

Tatoyan revealed that the Tatev-Kapan road in the Syunik Province has been significantly obstructed, disrupting the free and safe movement of impeding the people’s ability to earn a living by, for example, selling agricultural products. He said there have been restrictions on the fast and efficient access to food, basic necessities, and medical care and other services in these areas.

“Masked and armed Azerbaijani servicemen continue to monitor the Goris-Kapan road, which in itself is a violation of the right to life and a real threat to security,” Tatoyan warned.

The fact finding mission of the Human Rights Defender’s Office observed that local government structures and officials are attempting their utmost to circumvent the obstacles created by the checkpoints, specifically impacting children, the elderly and those with special needs.

Tatoyan’s posted a short video (see below) detailing some of the challenges facing the civilian population that rely on the now-blockaded roads for their every-day life.

“Finding a solution to these issue is further complicated by the difficulty to pass through the alternative road (that goes through the Khot village in Tegh), which in certain areas can become impassable due to weather conditions, which may become further restricted as winter approaches,” said Tatoyan.

Parents, teachers and students were caught off guard Friday morning as they found out about the closure of the roads that lead to their schools.

Tatoyan’s office said that four out of nine teachers in the Bardzravan school are from Goris, while another travels from Kapan to the school, forcing the teachers to switch to online learning as the educators could not reach the school. Of the 44 students enrolled in the Vorotan school, three have special needs, with another three special needs students enrolled in the Vorotan elementary school. Of the 19 teachers in the schools, 14 live in Goris, who cannot travel to their jobs. A similar situation exists in the school in Shurnukh.

Tatoyan said that the road closures, coupled with the impassability of the alternate road, the free movement of the residents has become restricted. This, he said, could create acute humanitarian crisis in the area.

The Human Rights Defender said that the isolation of civilians stems from Baku ongoing policy of Armenophobia.

ANCA ‘Rising Leaders’ Seminars Set for March 2022 in Washington

Karakhanian Suren
 by Contributor

 

 November 12, 2021

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories
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ANCA’s “Rising Leaders” seminar slated for March 2022

Apply at anca.org/RisingLeaders to sign up for 3-Day Interactive Career Development and Civic Engagement Program

WASHINGTON—Armenian American university students are invited to apply for the Armenian National Committee of America’s “Rising Leaders: Career Development and Civic Education” – a three-day program in Washington, now in its second year, that introduces young Armenians to advocacy, policy, politics and media opportunities in the nation’s capital.

The ANCA is offering two participation options – March 6th to 8th, 2022, and March 13th to 15th, 2022 – to coincide with the two major Spring Break timelines at most universities. The top 25 applicants, based on academic excellence and proven community youth leadership, will be chosen for each session.

The ANCA has once again teamed up with the Armenian Youth Federation Eastern and Western U.S. and the Georgetown University Armenian Students Association in hosting these unique student-focused events, generously supported by Dean Shahinian and the family of the late ANCA activist Lucine Kouchakdjian.

Perspective participants can visit anca.org/RisingLeaders to review the program and submit their applications.  Students who are chosen for the program have two participation options – one that offers housing for the 3-day program ($100) and the other which includes program fees alone ($25). Students are responsible for travel to and from Washington. Financial aid will be provided based on need and availability.

“Building on a great inaugural experience in 2019, we are gearing up for ‘ANCA Rising Leaders 2022’ to offer even better in-person opportunities for university students to explore careers in Washington while engaging with civic leaders to advance key pro-Artsakh/Armenia priorities,” said ANCA Program Director Alex Manoukian. “We are excited to partner with the AYF Eastern and Western U.S. and the Georgetown ASA once again to offer this fun, innovative, and educational program in our nation’s capital.”

“The ANCA Rising Leaders program builds on our local and regional Hai Tahd efforts to provide hands-on advocacy training to help expand youth voices in the halls of Congress and the Administration in support of pro-Armenia and Artsakh priorities,” noted AYF Eastern Region Central Executive Chair Vrej Dawli. “We are deeply grateful to the Shahinian and Kouchakdjian families for providing dozens of bright and devoted young Armenians the chance to give voice to their values in Washington and explore career opportunities in our nation’s capital.”

“The 2020 Artsakh war is a stark reminder of the importance of an engaged Armenian American community – particularly our youth – working in Congress and with the media, and advocating from our communities across America,” said Armenian Youth Federation Western U.S. Vice-Chair Hasmik Burushyan. “We are thrilled to partner once again with the ANCA in encouraging civic participation and exploring career opportunities in Washington, DC, as university students start to make critical career decisions.”

The 2022 sessions will begin Sunday with a full day of interactive presentations by the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee focusing on career search fundamentals, from resume preparation and networking 101 to an overview of the Washington, DC internship and job market. Monday activities will include meetings with policy, political and media professionals, including current and former federal agency and Congressional staff, to discuss careers in the nation’s capital. Those will be followed by an extended session with ANCA team members on advancing community priorities on the federal, state, and local levels. The seminar will be capped off with the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day, a full day of Capitol Hill discussions with Members of Congress and staff on strengthening U.S.-Armenia ties, supporting Artsakh freedom, and securing justice for the Armenian Genocide.

Throughout the program, ample opportunities will be provided to explore Washington, DC, and make new friends.

Over 30 students from top universities and high schools across the U.S. traveled to the nation’s capital to take part in the ANCA’s inaugural Rising Leaders Program in 2019, which was made possible, in large part, through a generous contribution by the Ararat Foundation Shahinian Educational Fund. Longtime ANCA supporter Dean Shahinian is again the major sponsor of this unique youth development program along with the family and friends of Lucine Kouchakdjian.

Dean Shahinian served in the federal government in various capacities for over 30 years, including 16 years at the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, where he worked with Committee Chairs on numerous bills and laws, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Act.  He has staffed over 100 hearings and negotiated complex legislation with regulators and financial services industry members.  In the Armenian community, he has served on the boards of St. Nersess Seminary and the Armenian Students Association, among many others.  In 1995 and 1999, he traveled to Etchmiadzin to serve on the National Ecclesiastical Assembly (to elect the Catholicos).  He has also served multiple terms on the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America.

For dozens of years, living in the Washington, DC area – in addition to her cultural, education, and charitable work with a broad range of community organizations – Lucine Zadoian Kouchakdjian organized highly effective ANCA campaigns to call, write and meet with Members of Congress and engage in political campaigns, always fostering a forward-leaning spirit of civic responsibility among Armenian Americans across the nation’s capital. The Rising Leaders Capitol Hill day was named in memory of her lifetime of service to the Armenian Cause following her passing earlier this year.

For more information, email [email protected], or simply register today by visiting anca.org/risingleaders.

Nora Armani Leaps ‘Back On the Couch’ to Take Fans on Magical Journey of Self-Discovery

Dabaghian Diana
 by Contributor

 

 November 12, 2021

 

in Arts & Culture, Latest, News, Top Stories
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“Back on the Couch with Nora Armani” flyer

“Back on the Couch with Nora Armani” will be presented on November 21, 4:30 p.m. as part of the 12th UnitedSolo Theatre Festival on Theatre Row in New York City.

NEW YORK—”Back on the Couch with Nora Armani,” a funny and poignant tour-de-force, written and performed by Nora Armani to worldwide acclaim, comes back to New York after a short absence, this time to audiences on Theatre Row as part of the UnitedSolo Theatre Festival 2021.

Armani is an Armenian-Egyptian-French-British-American woman embarking on a journey of self-discovery in her self-penned, one-woman show, revisiting her adolescence on the banks of the Nile while settling accounts with a long lost love. Sharing her inner world through laughter and tears, she invites us on her breathtaking odyssey of belonging, searching, and finally discovering herself.

“I am excited to revisit this work that is such a personal story, after several years, where a lot has happened in my life personally and in the world in general,” said Armani. “Therefore, it was impossible not to take all those changes in to come up with an updated version. So here it is.”

Stories from pre-1915 Anatolian summers passed on to her by her grandmother are evoked and mingle with Nora’s own personal reminiscences of her childhood and adolescence in Nasser’s Egypt, her desperate need to belong somewhere, her peregrinations through the world, and poignant experiences that have forged her identity shaping her into the woman she has become today.

Armani is an award-winning actress (DramaLogue, Best Actress Armenia – Stage & Screen) and has represented the Ministry of Culture of Armenia in cinema. She has performed “On the Couch” on four continents in over 25 cities worldwide in its English and French versions to high critical acclaim. A multilingual actress, she performs in four languages.

Armani has made appearances at The MET Museum, Sydney Opera House, the New York Society Library, Cairo Opera House, Riverside Studios London, Joe’s Pub New York, Fountain Theatre Los Angeles, and Cartoucherie in Paris, to name a few.

“On the Couch with Nora Armani” is written and performed by Armani herself (New York), and directed by François Kergourlay (Paris). The show was highly recommended by filmmaker George Sluizer (“The Vanishing”).

“Rewarding moments of crystalline clarity. Armani gives herself the freedom to actually be herself,” wrote Talkin’ Broadway about the actress.

For tickets and information about UnitedSolo Theatre Festival visit the website.

Asbarez: Yerevan Hints at Possible Road to Nakhichevan, As Aliyev Again Touts ‘Zangezur Corridor’

Ekmekjian Janet
by Asbarez Staff

 

 November 12, 2021

 

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

Traffic on the Goris-Kapan Highway in September

Despite assurances by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that his government opposes the creation of a so-called “Zangezur Corridor,” Armenia’s National Security Chief Armen Grigoryan said Yerevan and Baku were discussing the possibility of having a road that would link Azerbaijan proper to Nakhichevan.

This announcement was made while President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, once again, touted his plan to create a “Zangezur Corridor,” when speaking at the summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States being held in Istanbul.

Grigoryan said in an interview with Armenia’s Public Television channel that a working group comprised of the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia is exploring ways to create a route to Nakhichevan through Armenia.

Armenia’s National Security Chief said that if Azerbaijan wants to have a road only to Nakhichevan, it would be expedient to use the Khndzoresk-Bichenek section of the highway.

“In return, we will receive the Khndzoresk-Horadiz section [of the road]. But these  issues are still under discussion. We are not talking about a corridor, but about providing a road,” Grigoryan said.

This statement comes a day after Azerbaijan informed Armenia that it would begin operating customs checkpoints on 13-mile stretch of the Goris-Kapan Highway. Pashinyan on Thursday told his cabinet that Baku’s actions stem from Yerevan’s opposition to the “Zangezur Corridor,” the creation of which he said was out of the question for his government.

Aliyev, in turn, told the Council of Turkic Speaking States that Azerbaijan’s victory in the war brought with it the development of regional communications and transportation links, saying that the opening of the “Zangezur Corridor” was a cornerstone of that plan.

“This [the corridor] will create vast opportunities for the entire region. The corridor has great potential and will unite all the countries in the Turkic world, connecting us to Europe,” Aliyev announced.

According to the ArmInfo news site, Grigoryan did not explain how a 13-mile stretch of road within Armenia’s sovereign territory was transferred to Azerbaijan, without the completion of the process to demarcate and delimit the borders.

When Azerbaijani forces began blocking the Goris-Kapan Highway in late August, Pashinyan announced that he had surrendered that 13-mile stretch to Azerbaijan in December. Last week, Pashinyan explained that he had given the order to pull back troops from the area in order to avoid military escalation on the border.

Grigoryan told Armenia’s Public Television that there are alternative roads to the Goris-Kapan Highway.

Footage of incident near Shushi emerges online

Toneyan Mark
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 13 2021

SOCIETY 11:34 13/11/2021 NKR

A video of the incident between the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides near the Azerbaijani-occupied Artsakh town of Shushi has emerged online.

The footage released on a Telegram channel shows a man approaching the Azeri checkpoint on the Stepanakert-Berdzor road and throwing an explosive device near it. The man appears to have been held by Russian peacekeepers.

It was reported earlier that the Stepanakert-Shushi-Berdzor interstate road was shut down. Later, the Artsakh Interior Ministry said that the road was already open to traffic on both sides and details of the incident would be provided soon.

According to rumors, the incident is connected with the murder of a young man from Artsakh by an Azerbaijani a few days ago near Shushi. One of the relatives of the killed 22-year-old man reportedly tried to take revenge on the Azerbaijanis. He drove up to the Azerbaijani soldiers and threw a grenade towards them. The latter opened fire in his direction.

There are no immediate reports of casualties.

Avetik Chalabyan: I call for protecting the rights of the killed Artsakh resident Martin Yeremyan and his brave brother

Vanyan Gary
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 13 2021

The Co-Founder of ‘National agenda’ party Avetik Chalabyan commented on the Saturday incident near Shushi where a man threw an explosive device at the Azerbaijani checkpoint on the Stepanakert-Berdzor interstate road. 

To remind, the man has been identified as Norayr Yeremayn, the brother of the 22-year-old Artsakh citizen killed by Azerbaijani forces on November 8. Three others were wounded as a result of Azerbaijani shooting then.

“I voice a solidarity with Norayr Yeremyan who was obliged to do justice for his killed brother. At the same time, I call on authorities of Armenia and Artsakh to ensure justice and protect all human rights of the killed Martik Yeremyan and his brave brother,” Chalabyan said. 

Tigran Abrahamyan: There is a need to introduce new security mechanisms in Artsakh

Arbi Tashjian
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 13 2021

MP from “With Honour” opposition faction Tigran Abrahamyan commented on Facebook the Saturday incident near Shushi. Abrahamyan referred to the press release, issued by the Artsakh National Security Service which in his words, added no new details to the known facts, but was important in terms of official confirmation of the circumstances of the incident. 

“The statement contained an important formulation  – “an unknown man threw an explosive device at the Azerbaijani checkpoint in response to PROVOCATIVE ACTIONS of the Azerbaijani servicemen. This means that even if we put aside the hatred toward Azerbaijanis formed as a result of objective realities, the enmity and revenge, the NSSS release confirms that the incident itself has been provoked by the Azerbaijani provocation in response to which the Artsakh resident threw the explosive device,” Abrahamyan wrote, concluding: “We should prove once again there is a need to introduce new security mechanisms in Artsakh based on the potential of the command of the Russian peacekeeping mission and the Artsakh Defense Army.” 

Lavrov expects OSCE Minsk Group to focus on resolving humanitarian issues in Artsakh

Garnik Zakarian
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 13 2021

Moscow expects that the work of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group will focus on resolving humanitarian issues in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference, summing up his meetings with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian and Minister for the Armed Forces Florence Parly held on November 12 in Paris. 

The Russian minister referred to the latest meeting between Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs in Paris. In his words, all involved sides had supported the trilateral statement from November 9, 2020, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. 

“We recorded certain progress in the activity of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, addressing number of humanitarian issues and outlined spheres for further work. In this respect, the work of the co-chairs [ed. of the OSCE Minsk Group] will soon focus on resolving humanitarian issues, creating conditions for establishing trust between the Armenian and Azerbaijani communities and solving daily issues in the spirit of constructive compromises,” stressed Lavrov.