Category: 2021

Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs hold first post-war meeting in New York

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 25 2021

The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan held their first meeting since November 2020 on the sidelines of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday, the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs (Stephane Visconti of France, Andrew Schofer of the United States of America, and Igor Khovaev of the Russian Federation) said in a statement.

“On the sidelines of the General Debate of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, the Minsk Group Co-Chairs met separately in New York with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. The Co-Chairs also hosted both Foreign Ministers at a joint meeting. The Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (PRCiO) Andrzej Kasprzyk participated in the meetings,” they said. 

“The Co-Chairs and Foreign Ministers discussed a wide range of outstanding unresolved issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Co-Chairs proposed specific focused measures to deescalate the situation and possible next steps. The Co-Chairs stressed their continuing strong support for the full range of indispensable activities and operations undertaken by the PRCiO and his team.

“On 24 September the Co-Chairs and PRCiO met with UN Under Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo and OSCE Chairperson in Office Foreign Minister Ann Linde to brief them on their efforts over the past year, including the most recent developments in the process.

“The Co-Chairs welcome this first meeting of the two ministers of foreign affairs since November 2020 as a sign of the resolve of the two countries to reengage in the peace process through direct dialogue aimed at contributing to security, stability, and prosperity in the region. The Co-Chairs reaffirm their commitment to continue working with the sides to find comprehensive solutions to all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance with their mandate,” reads the statement.

Armen Ashotyan criticizes Pashinyan for ‘weak’ speech at UN General Assembly

Lilit Nahapetian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 25 2021

Deputy Chairman of the opposition Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Armen Ashotyan criticized Nikol Pashinyan for his “indescribably weak” speech at the General Debate of the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly on Friday.

“Nikol’s speech at the UN General Assembly was indescribably weak,” he wrote on Facebook.

According to Ashotyan, Pashinyan should have responded to Ilham Aliyev’s lies and manipulations and revealed the whole truth about the Artsakh war, instead of making a “shaky speech”.

“After Aliyev’s statement, he simply had to re-record his video message, and if it was the new version, I can imagine how weak the previous version was.

“A demand for an international investigation into the circumstances of the Artsakh war (which I have been talking about since last October), the de-occupation of Artsakh, the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the destruction of Armenian cultural and religious heritage, Azerbaijani fascism turned into state-run politics, the direct involvement of Turkey in the last war, mercenaries from the Middle East… there was not a single word or argument in this regard,” Ashotyan said.

“Instead, he talked about “velvet revolution,” “democratic elections” and “an era of peace”. Shouting democracy, he handed over Artsakh. Crying for peace, he is surrendering Armenia.

“After all this, do you think we are respected or should be respected in the world?” he added.

Torchlight procession to be held in Stepanakert on Sunday

Albert Nalbandian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 25 2021

A torchlight procession in memory of all those, who were martyred in the 44-day war, will be held in Stepanakert, Artsakh’s capital, on Sunday, September 26.

The march will start from the yard of St. Hakob Church. Before the procession, a requiem service will be held at the churchyard for the war dead at 6pm.

Afterwards, the participants will march to the Stepanakert Memorial to pay tribute to the fallen heroes. 

UN Chief Antonio Guterres Meets FMs Of Armenia, Azerbaijan; Discusses Border Conflict

Hovhannisian John
Sept 26 2021
Written By 


Bhavya Sukheja
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday, September 25, held two separate meetings with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

According to a press release, Guterres and the two Foreign Ministers discussed the situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border and talked about efforts to promote regional cooperation and durable peace. 

“The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Ararat Mirzoyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia. The Secretary-General and the Foreign Minister discussed UN-Armenian cooperation. They also discussed the situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian border and efforts to promote regional cooperation and durable peace,” a UN press release stated

It added, “The Secretary-General underlined the UN support for the ongoing dialogue and peacebuilding efforts as well as the efforts by UN agencies in the region. He underlined the importance of protection of cultural heritage.”

In meeting with Bayramov, the UN chief also discussed UN-Azerbaijan cooperation, as well as the regional situation. Guterres also commended Azerbaijan on its diplomatic efforts as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic response. 

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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers on the sidelines of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly.  Earlier this week, the French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had also met with Mirzoyan and Bayramov. The meetings of the ministers in New York was the first direct contact between the two countries at such a high level since the end of the conflict in Karabakh.

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Back in 2020, a conflict had flared up in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, following which Moscow had mediated an agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint declaration calling for an immediate cease-fire in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Azerbaijani and Armenian sides agreed to hold their positions, and Russian forces were sent to monitor the truce along the engagement line in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as along the Lachinsky corridor that connects Armenia to the enclave. 

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Under the agreement, Baku and Yerevan also agreed to exchange prisoners and bodies of the dead. In addition, the Kalbajar, Lachin, and part of the Agdam District were handed over to Azerbaijan. The situation along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border has been tense since May 12, when Armenia’s Defense Ministry stated that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces sought to conduct “certain operations” in a border area in Syunik Province in order to “alter the border.” Since then, both sides have reported border incidents on a regular basis.
 

Local church consecration to be held Oct. 15-17, new crosses raised in special ceremony

Kanayan Tamar

Sept 25 2021

The church is nearing completion. The consecration celebration of St. John Garabed 
Armenian Apostolic Church will occur Oct. 15-17. Photo above was taken at the blessing 
and raising of the crosses, held on Sept. 17. (Robert McKenzie)
SEPT. 25, 2021 2:25 PM PT

The Consecration Weekend of the new Armenian Church of San Diego will be held Oct. 15-17, at the church site on 13925 El Camino Real, San Diego, 92130. The blessing and raising of the crosses, held on Sept. 17, was the first event to kick off the church’s grand opening, according to a news release.

According to Parish Priest Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz V Berjekian, “The sacred tradition of blessing and raising the crosses follows the biblical example of what Moses did as was instructed by God, who commanded him to consecrate the tabernacle and all therein. The Cross is consecrated and elevated to the top of the dome of the sanctuary, first because Christ overcame the world (John 16:33). We also believe that cross on the top of the dome is the meeting point between heaven and earth.”

The Semerdjian, Kellejian and Mikaelian families donated the two raised crosses in memory of the Very Rev. Fr. Shahe AK and Yeretzkin Alice Semerdjian.

This event leads up to San Diego’s Consecration Weekend from Oct. 15-17. Ceremonies will be presided by His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America, and the Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Dz V Berjekian, Parish Priest.

Benefactors for the funding of the two crosses are the children and spouses of Rev. Fr. Shahe and Yn Alice Semerdjian, the first visiting priest in San Diego. They are Dr. Gregory and Zari Semerdjian, Steven and Nanette Mikaelian, Mary and Joe Kellejian, Peggy and Dick Semerdjian, pictured with Parish Priest Very Rev. Fr. Dz. V. Berjekian and His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian (Primate Of The Western Diocese Of The Armenian Church Of North America And Mexico)
(Robert McKenzie)

The Opening Ceremony will be Friday, Oct. 15 at 4 p.m., followed by a refreshment reception. The Consecration Ceremony will occur Saturday, Oct. 16 at 1 p,m,, also followed by a light reception. And the first mass (”Badarak”) to be conducted in the church will be Sunday, Oct, 17 at 10 a,m,, followed by an Armenian luncheon at $30/person. Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for all weekend attendees.

A Consecration Celebration Banquet & Recognition Ceremony will be held on Saturday night, Oct. 16, starting at 6 p.m. This event is taking place at the San Diego Marriott Del Mar, 11966 El Camino Real, San Diego, 92130. Seating is limited.

Recognition of past and present church leaders, donors, and volunteers will occur at the banquet and at all three ceremonies throughout the weekend, including the unveiling of the new church name, which takes place at Saturday’s Consecration ceremony.

Nora Balikian and Lisa Kradjian, consecration co-chairs, commented on this milestone event. “The new church campus is more than 14 years in the making. We thank everyone who has made it a reality, and we are looking forward to a new chapter for our San Diego Armenian Community with this once-in-a-lifetime weekend.”

Reservations and prepayment for the banquet are required and due Oct. 1. All San Diego County Covid protocols will be observed, and masks are strongly encouraged.

For more information or for RSVPS or sponsorships, contact Consecration Co-Chair Nora Balikian (858) 342-0500, [email protected] or Banquet Co-Chair, Viviane Hagopian (619) 884-8983, [email protected].

To make donations or ticket/table purchases, please mail to Armenian Church of San Diego, P.O. Box 1719, Vista, CA 92085 or visit www.stjohngarabed.com/donateshop.

When completed, the campus will feature a sanctuary designed to resemble St. Hripsime in Etchmiadzin, elegant social hall, youth center and gymnasium, education and cultural building with classrooms, the news release stated.

 

Sports: Varazdat Haroyan makes history as first Armenian to score in Spanish La Liga

Khondkarian Raffi
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 26 2021
, 22:43

 Less than a minute

Armenia international Varazdat Haroyan made history today, becoming the first Armenian player ever to score in Spanish La Liga.

Haroyan scored the goal in the 24th minute in Cadiz’ 3-1 defeat to Rayo Vallecano.

Cadiz announced the signing of Haroyan from Astana in May on a two-year contract, with Astana confirming his departure from their club on 24 June 2021. He made his La Liga debut for Cadiz, starting in a 1-1 draw against Levante on 14 August 2021.

Armenians rally in Washington, demand release of POWs

Emma Jilavian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 26 2021
, 23:05

 Less than a minute

The Greater Washington DC Armenian community have joined the AYF Ani chapter in front of the Azerbaijani embassy demanding justice for the Artsakh and Armenian people, the immediate release of over 200 Armenian POWs, and sanctions against Turkey and Azerbaijan for war crimes, reports the Armenian National Committee of America.

Armenian placed under house arrest after attacking Turkish consulate in France

Ekmekjian Janet
News.am, Armenia
Sept 26 2021
12:47, 26.09.2021

One of the two participants in the attack on the Turkish Consulate General in the French city of Marseille in 2016 was sentenced to 6 months of house arrest, writes Anadolu.

According to the newspaper, the attacker is an ethnic Armenian.

The case was heard in the Court of Appeal of Marseille on Friday September 24.

The basis for the guilty verdict was the data of a fingerprint examination, which proved that one of the bottles with Molotov cocktails thrown into the building of the consulate had the defendant’s fingerprints.

Judge sentenced the man to three years of suspended imprisonment for attacking a place demanding respect and replacing him with 6 months of house arrest while wearing an electronic bracelet.


Procession with candles starts in Yerevan

Emil Lazarian
News.am, Armenia
Sept 26 2021
23:59, 26.09.2021

From Garegin Nzhdeh Square in Yerevan, a procession with candles, initiated by the opposition “Armenia” bloc, started in memory of the victims of the 44-day war.

Earlier, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, MP from the Armenia bloc Ishkhan Sagatyan noted that no political speeches are planned during the event.

“We call on our fellow citizens, regardless of their political views, to join the march and express their participation, our state will rise up and there will be someone to continue the work of our dead guys,” he noted.

The second President of Armenia Robert Kocharian also takes part in the procession.

Sports: Armenia wins two bronze medals at World Military Boxing C’ships

Chakrian Hovsep
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 25 2021

SPORT 14:58 25/09/2021 ARMENIA

The Armenian team has won two bronze medals at the World Military Boxing Championships in Moscow, the Boxing Federation of Armenia reported on Friday.

In particular, boxers Armen Mashakaryan (69 kg) and heavyweight Davit Chaloyan won the medals for Armenia.

The Armenian delegation to the Military Boxing Championships was led by the Deputy Head of the Physical Training and Sports Department of the Armenian military, Colonel Arman Davtyan.