Category: 2021

Turkey has successfully test-fired its high-altitude long-range air defense missile system, Siper, a top defense official said Saturday.

Different tests of the domestic air defense system, which is planned to enter the army’s inventory in 2023, will continue, Ismail Demir, the head of Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), tweeted.

He said Turkey will continue to produce new weapons and will have up to six different air defense systems.

The Siper project is led by Turkey’s defense giants Aselsan, Roketsan and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK)’s Defense Industries Research and Development Institute (SAGE).

Developed to protect strategic facilities against enemy attacks within the scope of regional air defense, Siper will allow air defense at long range and in the protection of distributed architecture.

Besides Siper, which is expected to rival Russia’s S-400, the Korkut, Sungur and Hisar air defense systems are also in place, systems set to outline a layered air defense for the country, as mentioned several times by the officials.

In this context, the first delivery within the scope of serial production of Korkut systems was carried out in 2019, and the pedestal-mounted air defense system Sungur was also put into service.

Developed by Roketsan, Sungur will be integrated in land, air and sea platforms with its portable feature.

The air defense system has the capability of shooting while moving, along with effective target detection, diagnosis, identification, tracking and 360-degree shooting capability day and night.

Sungur is ahead of its class in terms of effectiveness, high maneuverability, high target-hit capacity and countermeasures. It is equipped with a titanium warhead and has sighting capabilities allowing the target to be viewed from a long range.

While the deliveries of the low altitude air defense missile system Hisar-A missiles have started, the mass production of the Hisar-O missiles have also begun. The interception range of the Hisar-A system is 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), while that of the Hisar-O system is 25 kilometers. Siper, on the other hand, is intended to be at a level that can compete with the S-400.

In March, the Hisar-O+ medium-range air defense system, the upgraded version of Hisar-O, successfully completed a test firing, which was the longest range and the highest altitude test conducted in the country to date. The air defense system is expected to destroy all kinds of air threats created by fixed and rotary winged aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and air-to-surface missiles in adverse weather conditions.

The Turkish defense industry is set to start the mass production of lightweight, medium-class and heavy-class unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) in the near future, according to the related declarations of intent signed Tuesday.

At a ceremony on UGVs and military robotic technology, several agreements were signed at leading local defense company FNSS’s facility in the capital Ankara.

Along with Ismail Demir, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), representatives from prominent Turkish defense industry firms, including Aselsan, Havelsan and Katmerciler, also attended the ceremony.

Demir said the Turkish defense industry has started to make a name for itself, adding that the sector has a vision for the development of unmanned systems, including UGVs.

Pointing out that today’s modern battlefield is equipped with the latest technology and artificial intelligence, Demir emphasized that the use of UGVs will increase with the rapid development of the technology and the benefits it will create in the future.

Demir said, “With the success we have achieved in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), it is obvious that it is necessary to introduce a similar system for land, sea and even submarine vehicles, even to move toward multirole unmanned vehicles and to work directly with robotic systems.”

“Meeting multiple operational needs will only be possible with the integration and interoperability of such systems,” he said, noting that: “If we cannot foresee the developments of tomorrow, some elements in the field of tomorrow could catch us by surprise.”

Turkey’s aim, he continued, is the contrary in that it aims “to introduce some elements on the field that will surprise our opponents.”

Explaining that UGVs of various sizes and capacities were already delivered to the field as experiments and prototypes, Demir stated feedback from users is very important as it helps to create a much more developed product.

“Our aim in battle is for our forces to have an opportunity to intimidate their opponents and defeat them, to have a structure that sees without being seen, senses without being sensed and strikes without being hit,” the defense official said.

During the ceremony, the SSB and Havelsan signed an agreement on the development of a heavy class UGV, and the “Declaration of Intent on Mass Production of Medium-Class UGV” was also signed between Aselsan, Best Group, Elektroland and Havelsan.

ANKARA

Azerbaijan on Tuesday strongly condemned the Armenian defense minister’s “unauthorized” visit to Azerbaijani territory, terming it a “military-political provocation.”

“Armenian Defense Minister Arshak Karapetyan illegally visited the territory of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed,” the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Karapetyan’s visit was “deliberately held” ahead of the anniversary of the trilateral agreement signed by Azerbaijan, Russia, and Armenia on Nov. 10 last year, the ministry said.

His “unauthorized entry … into the territory of Azerbaijan, holding meetings with illegal Armenian formations, and expressing views on their combat readiness is a military-political provocation,” it added.

“The political and military leadership of Armenia, grossly violating the provisions of the trilateral statement, attempts to destabilize the situation in the region and overshadow the activities of Russian peacekeepers,” read the statement.

“Instead of drawing conclusions from the complete defeat in the 44-day war in Karabakh, adapting to the new geopolitical situation in the region, and strengthening peace and security, the military leadership of Armenia tries bad military adventurism.”

The ministry said Karapetyan’s visit “once again demonstrates that Armenia continues to directly support irregular Armenian military units, aggressive separatism, and terrorist acts on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

It warned that Azerbaijan will take “necessary measures … to prevent aggressive separatism and terrorist acts” if Armenia fails to cease such actions.

Conflict between Azerbaijan, Armenia

Relations between the former Soviet republics of Azerbaijan and Armenia have been tense since 1991, when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Upper Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

New clashes erupted on Sept. 27 last year, with the Armenian army attacking civilians and Azerbaijani forces and violating several humanitarian cease-fire agreements.

During the 44-day military conflict, Azerbaijan liberated several cities and some 300 settlements and villages that were occupied by Armenia for almost 30 years.

Prior to this, about 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory was under illegal occupation.

The two countries signed a Russian-brokered agreement on Nov. 10 to end the fighting and work toward a comprehensive resolution.

The cease-fire was seen as a victory for Azerbaijan and a defeat for Armenia, whose forces withdrew in line with the agreement.

On Jan. 11 this year, the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a pact to develop economic ties and infrastructure to benefit the entire region. The deal also included the establishment of a trilateral working group on Karabakh.

Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović

One year after the signing of the trilateral statement which ended the 2020 outbreak of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Dunja Mijatović, published a memorandum addressing the humanitarian and human rights consequences of the conflict and formulates eight recommendations for urgent human rights protection.

The Commissioner observes that access to the conflict-affected territories remains very limited for organizations providing humanitarian relief, as well as for human rights monitoring missions, and that obstacles are increasingly being placed on such missions. In her view, the issue of access to all areas affected by the conflict should be resolved as a matter of priority. The Commissioner calls on all the relevant authorities to come up with effective and flexible modalities of access enabling humanitarian and human rights actors to reach out to all those in need of urgent humanitarian assistance and human rights protection.

The 2020 outbreak of hostilities forced tens of thousands of people living in or near the conflict area into displacement, in addition to those who had been displaced by the conflict in the 1990s. “Anyone who has been displaced due to the conflict and is currently living in Armenia or Azerbaijan, including in areas affected by the conflict, should not be coerced either directly or indirectly to return to their former home”, said the Commissioner. She underlines that returns should be voluntary, and they should be carried out in conditions of safety and dignity. Accurate information should be provided to candidates for return in order to ensure that their choice is informed.

The Commissioner is also aware of the high level of contamination of the region by mines and explosive remnants of war and regrets that since the cessation of the hostilities, many persons, including civilians, have been killed or seriously injured due to the explosion of mines. She calls on the parties to co-operate and engage in the necessary exchange of data so as to facilitate the demining process. She also calls on the Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities to ratify the UN Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Excessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects (CCW) and its relevant protocols.

The Commissioner furthermore notes that the issue of captives, in particular of Armenian captives in Azerbaijan, remains a contentious one which exacerbates the already tense relations between the two countries. It is therefore crucial to ensure that all those still in captivity are provided with all protections guaranteed under international humanitarian and human rights law, and to facilitate their release and return.

“Many families still bear the brunt of the conflict, especially those who have lost a family member or whose relatives remain missing. It is therefore of paramount importance to place the families of missing persons, their legal and practical needs, and their right to know the truth at the centre of all actions concerning this issue”, said the Commissioner. In this regard, there is a need for more engagement with both sides to promote communication, establish a common database, and increase the chances of location and identification of mortal remains.

In addition, the Commissioner has received credible reports from NGOs and victims and their families about breaches of international humanitarian law as well as serious violations of human rights by the parties to the conflict. The Commissioner emphasizes that states have the legal obligation under international humanitarian law and the European Convention on Human Rights to hold those responsible for war crimes and serious human rights violations accountable.

Moreover, the Commissioner is particularly concerned by reports of indiscriminate shelling of populated areas resulting in deaths and serious injuries to civilians. She calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to renounce the use of cluster munitions and to ensure effective investigations into violations of international humanitarian law, such as indiscriminate and/or disproportionate attacks, to identify and bring those responsible to account, and provide adequate and effective reparation to the victims.

Lastly, the Commissioner observes that the public debate in both countries has increasingly been marked by toxic, hostile, intolerant, and downright disrespectful communication. “The constant rhetoric of ‘aggression’ or the use of words such as ‘enemies’ to designate the other side only contributes to perpetuating animosities between the people living on the different sides of the dividing lines”, the Commissioner added. She recommends that both member states take resolute action to prevent and combat hate speech and support initiatives that promote peaceful co-existence and reconciliation.

The participants of the Prelacy National Representative Assembly

On Friday, October 29, the 49th National Representatives Assembly (NRA) of the Western Prelacy convened at Avedissian Hall in the Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.

Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan presided over the Assembly, with the participation of Central Executive members, Religious and Executive Council members, delegates of Western Prelacy parishes, Members of clergy, representatives of boards of trustees and Board of Regents.

The board of trustees of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena hosted this year’s Assembly. At the conclusion of the Assembly, a dinner was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the election of Bishop Torkom Donoyan as Prelate.

Executive Council, Clergy Board of Trustees Meeting
 Prior to the official convening of the NRA, the prelate presided over an advisory meeting of the Prelacy Executive Council, clergy, and board of trustee chairs and representatives. Executive Council Chair Vahe Hovaguimian welcomed participants and invited H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, to conduct the opening prayer and address the meeting.

The prelate spoke about the emergence of the Armenian Church as a necessary structure in the formation of Armenian statehood and Armenian identity. Recognizing the importance of the existence of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Diasporan life, he noted that our prelacies are called “national” prelacies because they house our people and, in fact, belong to the people.

An informal conversation ensued with parish delegates presenting a variety of topics covering challenges and concerns within their communities as well as current and future projects. The focus of the conversation turned to our youth and the necessity to listen to their needs and concerns, and the means with which to address them. Participants agreed to utilize advanced and applicable technologies to communicate, and to maintain utmost honesty in addressing their concerns and in meeting their spiritual needs.

Catholicos Aram I Message
The 49th session of the NRA formally convened at 2pm with the opening of the first session. After opening prayer, the prelate welcomed participants and invited Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian to deliver the statement of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to the Assembly.

In his statement, the Catholicos declared the reorganization of all spheres of the Western Prelacy and activities in order to unite around the prelate and become a force to further advance the Western Prelacy, to give new impetus to Christian education programs, to increase awareness and commitment of Armenian youth, and continue to work toward the revitalization and recovery of the Lebanese-Armenian community.

The session proceeded to its Tivan: Co-chair, Garabed Moumdjian and Garabed Kamarian and Secretaries, Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Sabounjian and Minas Arisian. Addresses by Central Executive member Gaidzag Zeitlian, Executive Council Chair Vahe Hovaguimian and Host Board of Trustee Chair Hagop Yedalian, followed.

Prelate’s Message
After greeting the Assembly and those present, the prelate talked of the catastrophic global epidemic and its consequences, saying: “As you know, for more than a year, we have been coping with unprecedented difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic; our churches were closed to the public for months and our schools closed their doors, forcing students to continue their education virtually. In short, our collective lives were put on hold. We are, however, slowly returning to some semblance of normalcy, with the grace of God.”

Continuing, the prelate addressed the painful affects of the war in Artsakh on our national psyche. “Today, we commiserate over the loss of martyrs from more than one generation, over those still in captivity, and over the loss of our sacred lands, religious, national, and cultural institutions captured and desecrated by the enemy. It is distressing to acknowledge that only a portion of Artsakh remains in our hands today, and our compatriots living on those lands are in constant danger and in economic distress. Artsakh needs our utmost spiritual, moral, and financial support.

Turning to the dire situation of Lebanese-Armenians, the prelate said, “Furthermore, we as a nation are dealing with internal and external political instability in Armenia, and the Caucuses in general. We are dealing with the crisis in Lebanon: the August 4, 2020 port explosion in Beirut, collapse of the economy that resulted in widespread poverty, creating an unparalleled crisis for the Armenian community—individually and collectively—with its religious, national, cultural, social and charitable institutions. Hence, we can say with certainty that our people and our nation have not faced such complex, grave, and harsh circumstances in recent history.

Finally, Donoyan stressed that it pains him to state that there have been disagreements and certain intolerances in our community. “In addition to the aforementioned, our local community has also endured a number of challenges due to the multifaceted and extraordinary pan-Armenian and national crises. Throughout these grueling times, we have continued to pray, to wish for the best and to do whatever is humanly possible to extend a helping hand, God’s love, and spirit of brotherhood to our people in Artsakh and Lebanon.”

Bishop Donoyan outlined activities of the 2020-2021 fiscal year and called on the Assembly to work hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart.

49Th National Representative Assembly Session 1
Following the prelate’s spirited address, the first session was called to order with the election of the resolutions and voting committees, respectively. Executive Council vice Chair Meher Der Ohanessian presented Western Prelacy’s financial report for the fiscal year, followed by Executive Council Treasurer Kaloust Agopian who presented an addendum covering the first six months of the current fiscal year. Specifically, Agopian addressed the issue of a sizable debt accrued the previous year, which has since been cleared, thanks to the efforts of the prelate and the Executive Council.

The Assembly then deliberated on proposed Prelacy Board of Regents by-law changes, deciding to table the matter until the 50th NRA.

Following the auditing committee report, the body reviewed the annual activities of the prelate and Religious and Executive Councils, and commended their achievements and undertakings, noting that the prelate, through his activities and outlook, has succeeded in creating a positive environment in the Western Region, in spite of extreme difficulties. Parish clergy specifically noted the positive outcomes of the prelate’s two-three day-long pastoral visits to distant parishes that helped to bring out younger community members and unite them around the Church.

On communication and outreach, the Assembly noted positive changes in Prelacy media outlets and messaging trends. It also commended the expansion of the official Prelacy publication to adopt a broader, more comprehensive worldview through original articles as well as
a wider array of writers and the involvement of new human resources. The publication will be called CILICIA.

Highlighting the prelate’s pan-Armenian outreach and unwavering efforts to provide assistance to those outside our community, the Assembly commended the unifying force that enables the prelate and the Religious and Executive Councils to achieve progress.

During discussions, organizational issues and concerns of youth, prevalent in certain Prelacy parishes, were reviewed. H.G. Bishop Donoyan, Prelate, reminded participants to approach these matters with utter respect and love and to spread tolerance in our communities, and maintain a supportive attitude, “In order to secure increased prosperity and advancement, not only in the Western Prelacy but also in the lives of all Armenians,” he stressed.

49Th National Representative Assembly Session 2
The resolutions committee introduced a by-law commending the fiscal activities of the prelate and Religious and Executive Councils; the Assembly unanimously voted in favor.

The next agenda item called for a plan of action for the upcoming fiscal year based on recommendations from Prelacy parishes, including an invitation from St. Marys Church in Glendale to host the 50th NRA; the Assembly unanimously voted in favor.

The Assembly reviewed and approved the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and also elected Hagop Yedalian to the Auditing and Budgeting committee, joining current members Ohan Filhanessian and Kahren Beniasians.

In closing the meeting, the Assembly Tivan thanked participants and wished them well, then gave the floor to H.G. Bishop Donoyan, Prelate, who welcomed his first year as prelate and noted that it was certainly an exciting and fast-paced year; he proceeded to congratulate the Assembly for a high-level and constructive meeting. The prelate concluded the Assembly with a closing prayer.

A celebratory dinner followed, marking the first anniversary of the election of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate. Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian emceed the program portion of the evening that included the recitation of Vahan Tekeyan’s The Armenian Church by Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School students Karni Balian and Alicia Tufenkjian; performance by Deacon Souren Hazarian, Stole-Bearer Hovhannes Balian and world-renowned soloist Berge Kirazian, accompanied by choirmaster Gomidas Keshishian. After congratulatory remarks, the evening’s program ended with the cutting of the anniversary cake and signing of “Cilicia.”

Religious Conference
Prior to the convening of the 49th National Representative Assembly of the Western Prelacy, the Prelacy Religious Council held its yearly one-day conference on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Western Prelacy headquarters. H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, presided over the meeting.

The clergy participated in evening mass, followed by spiritual reflection by the prelate who chose John 2:17.

The prelate spoke about the necessity of spiritual fathers to approach the House of the Lord, religious rituals and services, the faithful and individuals, only with zeal.

The conference began with opening remarks by the prelate who thanked clergy and wished them success. The session elected Chair, Very Rev. Muron Aznikian; Vice Chair, Very Rev. Smpad Sabounjian; and Secretary, Rev Karekin Bedourian.

The conference examined rites of church services, reviewed current and administrative issues, and the schedule of upcoming religious holidays and events. After the discussion, proposals were submitted for review by the 49th NRA.

As the last agenda item, the conference held election of religious delegates.