Category: 2021

​ Armenia to call up more reservists for military training

David Nargizian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 2 2021


Armenia to call up more reservists for military training

Armenia will hold trainings for reservists from September 15 to December 15. The relevant decision was adopted by the government today.

A total of 869 citizens will be involved in the training, including 576 will be privates, 107 warrant officers and 186 officers.

Another three-month training for reservists kicked off on August 25 and will continue through November 25.

 

​Russia is ready to help improve relations between Armenia and Turkey – Zakharova

Karakhanian Suren
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 2 2021

Russia is ready to help improve relations between Armenia and Turkey – Zakharova

 September 2, 2021, 19:52 

Moscow is ready to further promote the improvement of relations between Ankara and Yerevan, and sees positive signals between the countries, official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told reporters today.

“We recorded the recent exchange of positive signals between Yerevan and Ankara, I mean we recorded them in the context of the fact that we saw them and took note of them,” Zakharova noted.

The diplomat noted that the establishment of relations between the countries would contribute to the establishment of peace, stability and prosperity in the region, especially against the background of “the normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations in the context of the implementation of the statements signed by the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021.”

Zakharova reminded that Russia has always stood for the improvement of relations between Armenia and Turkey and took an active part in this process.

“By the way, in the past we were directly involved in the relevant mediation efforts. That is how we facilitated the signing of the so-called Zurich Protocols in 2009 in Zurich. They assumed a gradual improvement in relations between Armenia and Turkey without putting forward preconditions,” she noted.

“Unfortunately, the initiatives that were achieved with the mediation of Russia have not been implemented by the parties. But this was the will of each state,” she added.

​Armenian FM, OSCE Secretary General discuss situation resulting from Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression

Vanyan Gary
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 2 2021

Armenian FM, OSCE Secretary General discuss situation resulting from Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression

 September 2, 2021, 20:09 

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a telephone conversation with OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid.

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Armenia values the role of the OSCE as a comprehensive regional organization based on the concept of cooperative security.

Minister Mirzoyan stressed that the Armenian side is interested in deepening cooperation in all three areas of OSCE security – military, political, economic, environmental and human. In this context, the parties emphasized the importance of continuation of the cooperation with the executive bodies of the OSCE, especially within the framework of the cooperation program with Armenia.

The parties referred to the situation created by the Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression against Artsakh. Ararat Mirzoyan stressed the need to resume the process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

The Foreign Minister also noted that Armenia is committed to the establishment of lasting peace in the region, but the provocative actions of Azerbaijan, including the intrusion of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces into the sovereign territory of Armenia, create new sources of tension, disrupting regional security and stability.

Asbarez: Armenian Educational Benevolent Union Announces 2021 Scholarship Award Recipients

Chakrian Hovsep
by Contributor

 

 September 2, 2021

 

in Community, Latest, News, Top Stories

AEBU scholarship recipients in Pasadena, Californa

PASADENA—In three different events, held in Armenia, Lebanon, and the United States, the Armenian Educational Benevolent Union Scholarship Fund Committee announced and presented 10 undergraduate college students with their awards.

After the war in Artsakh and due to the global economic and social crisis facing Armenian communities worldwide, the AEBU Scholarship Fund Committee decided to extend its reach beyond the boundaries of the United States and offer scholarships to college students in Armenia and Lebanon as well.

On August 13, during a visit to Armenia, founding member Mr. Khachig Keshishian presented four recipients with their scholarship awards:

  • Haroutiun Boshkeznian attending European University in Armenia majoring in International Relations
  • Maria Lapaian attending Yerevan State University majoring in Informatics & Applied Mathematics
  • Arusyak Nersisyan attending Yerevan State Medical School/Dentistry
  • Rosealine Tateossian attending Yerevan State Medical School/General Medicine
  • AEBU scholarship recipients in Lebanon
  • AEBU scholarship recipients in Armenia

On August 18, during a visit to Lebanon, founding member Mr. Garo Bekarian presented two recipients with their scholarship awards. The event held at the AEBU center in Beirut was attended by the AEBU chairman Mr. Aram Malian, Sahaguian-Levon Meguerditchian College principal, Mr. Nazo Jerejian, and several representatives of the Armenian Educational Benevolent Union in Lebanon. The scholarship awards were presented to:

  • Sarine Jabotian attending Lebanese International University majoring in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Sarine Tankian attending Lebanese International University majoring in Interior Design

Both recipients are graduates of the Sahaguian-Levon Meguerditchian College operated by AEBU in Lebanon.

On August 29, during a fundraiser event held in Pasadena, California, the AEBU Scholarship Fund Committee presented four undergraduate students with their awards. Many applications were received. After careful review, the following students were selected to receive the AEBU Scholarship Award:

  • Christina Chiranian attending University of California, Irvine majoring in Social Policy and Public Service (Focus: Education) and double minoring in Education & Armenian Studies
  • Narek Daduryan attending University of California, Los Angeles majoring in Computer Science
  • Aleen Kozian attending University of California, San Diego majoring in Human Biology
  • Mary Topoozian attending California State University, Fresno majoring in Biology
Armenian Educational Benevolent Union logo

To qualify for the AEBU Scholarship Award, applicants must be of Armenian descent, be academically accomplished, and above all, be involved in the Armenian community. All our recipients completed these requirements and even at this young age, have proven valuable participants in the different aspects of Armenian life in their respective communities.

The AEBU Scholarship Fund’s mission is to invest in the future of our youth and in turn, the future of our Armenian nation. This is made possible with the support of our donors.

Armenian Educational Benevolent Union is a California-based charitable organization, exempt from Federal income tax under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Tax ID # 95-3798531. For more information and to donate, please visit the website.

AW: US Congressional leaders stand in solidarity with Artsakh on 30th anniversary of independence

Garo Vardanian
September 2, 2021 ANCA ANCA News 0

WASHINGTON, DC – A bipartisan group representing the Congressional Armenian Caucus joined with Armenians across the US and around the world in marking the 30th anniversary of the Republic of Artsakh’s (Nagorno Karabakh) independence, pledging to continue efforts to strengthen US-Artsakh ties and push back against ongoing Azerbaijani and Turkish aggression, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“We mark Artsakh’s independence with our work, together with our Congressional allies – advancing a targeted array of ANCA-backed legislative initiatives blocking US military aid to Azerbaijan and securing US humanitarian assistance to Artsakh,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “In particular, we look forward, in the coming days and weeks, to cooperating with our Congressional friends, coalition partners, and community activists to stop all Defense Department funding for Azerbaijan’s army – through the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act.”

In videos shared with the ANCA and premiered during September 2nd Artsakh Independence Day celebrations hosted by ANC International in Artsakh’s capital city, Stepanakert, members of Congress congratulated the people of Artsakh for their commitment to peace and democracy, as they continue to recover from the September, 2020 war launched by Azerbaijan with Turkey’s military backing. During the 44-day onslaught, over 5,000 Armenians were killed, more than 100,000 displaced from their ancestral homes, and hundreds of Armenians illegally taken as prisoners of war. The Independence Day program coincided with the official opening of the Armenian National Committee of Artsakh offices.

Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and David Valadao (R-CA), and Vice-Chair Adam Schiff (D-CA), were joined by Representatives Judy Chu (D-CA), Jim Costa (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) in sharing powerful words of solidarity with the Artsakh people, excerpts of which are provided below. 

Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ): “I’ve never seen a more resilient people than the people of Artsakh, faced with all this aggression and all these problems from their neighbors around them, and I just want you to know that we in Congress remain supportive of you.  We’re working diligently with President Biden and his Administration with the spending bills to try to see and get as much help to Artsakh, to rebuild as possible, and also to penalize Turkey and Azerbaijan for their aggression. Also, I would like to see, ultimately, official recognition of Artsakh as a state, as a country, an engagement in an official way between the United States and Artsakh, and also really move forward with the peace process.”

Rep. David Valadao (R-CA): “On September 2nd, 1991, the people of Artsakh voted overwhelmingly to stand up to ongoing Azerbaijani aggression – in a fight for freedom to determine their own destiny. […] I visited Artsakh in 2017 and saw first-hand the dedication of its people to peace and self-determination – foundational values that the US and Artsakh share.  I have led efforts on the House floor to ensure expanded US aid to Artsakh, to strengthen US-Artsakh relations, and save lives through demining efforts.  […] I stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenia in condemning Azerbaijani aggression and will continue working with my Congressional colleagues to secure the release of Armenian POWs, zero-out military aid to Azerbaijan, and increase US assistance to Artsakh and Armenia.”

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA): “Today we come together to mark Artsakh’s independence day – when 30 years ago, the brave people of Artsakh declared their independence from the Soviet Union. And while Artsakh’s path has never been an easy one, the war over the past year or so has tested the people of Artsakh in unimaginable ways. Your resilience in the face of adversity is an inspiration to all of us. So, on this important day, let’s rededicate ourselves to confronting the many threats to the people of Artsakh. Because independence is just the beginning of the struggle for liberation.”

Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA): “Thirty years ago, in an embrace of democracy and self-determination, the people of Artsakh voted overwhelmingly for independence. Sadly, this peaceful vote was met with years of violence, including the war in the summer of 2020, that left homes and villages destroyed and claimed far too many lives. But I have been to Artsakh and I know how strong the people there are. That is why I am proud to stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenians everywhere. I am committed to ensuring the support needed, to help Artsakh not only rebuild but thrive.”

Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA): “It’s an honor and a great pleasure to shine light on the achievements and contributions made by the people of Artsakh. As we saw with the great American experiment, the path to freedom is never easy. However, we know that freedom and independence are worth fighting for. After three decades, Artsakh and her people have made great strides. Here in America, certainly in my home in the San Joaquin Valley, CA – the land of William Saroyan – Armenian Americans have contributed to the vibrancy and strength of our own democracy.  Please know, my colleagues and I have pledged to continue to work in the US Congress to ensure a free and prosperous Artsakh during these challenging times.”

Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA): “Today we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Artsakh’s independence. This is a historic moment for the people of Artsakh. Your resilience against decades of adversity is an inspiration to me and to millions of people around the world. As I speak to you from my office in Washington, DC, across from the Capitol, I want you to know that you have many friends in the US Congress who stand with you against those who refuse to accept your independence and seek to do you harm. I look forward to celebrating many more years of your independence and know that you will always have a friend and a partner in me here in the Congress of the United States.”

Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA): “Even as Azerbaijan has launched countless assaults and attempted to redraw the map by force, culminating in the deadly wave of Turkish and Azerbaijani violence last September, Artsakh remains standing strong as ever and, just as importantly, remains steadfastly dedicated to long-term regional peace. I want you to know that so many people in Massachusetts and across the United States stand with the people of Artsakh and Armenia in condemning Azerbaijani aggression. And, we will continue working in Congress to build strong support on behalf of Artsakh for a peaceful, democratic, negotiated resolution that treats the people of Artsakh and Armenians everywhere with the dignity and the respect that they deserve.”

Congressional Armenian Caucus Leadership Salutes Artsakh Independence

In addition to the Congressional video tributes to Artsakh resilience, the Congressional Armenian Caucus leadership sent a congratulatory letter to Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan where they emphasized the Caucus’ ongoing support for Artsakh self-determination, their call to penalize Turkey and Azerbaijan for the war waged against Artsakh in the fall of 2020, and urged the Organization for the Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to include Artsakh in peace negotiations.

The full text of the September 2nd letter sent to President Harutyunyan is provided below.

#####

Text of Congressional Armenian Caucus Leadership Letter to President Harutyunyan Marking 30th Anniversary of Artsakh Independence

Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515

September 2, 2021

H.E. Arayik Harutyunyan
President of the Republic of Artsakh
Stepanakert

President Harutyunyan:

We write to congratulate you and the people of the Republic of Artsakh on the 30th Anniversary of your independence.

The United States Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues offers our support and commitment to Artsakh on this celebration of three decades of your independence.  We continue to stand with your people as they face with incredible resilience the ongoing challenges and threats posed by Azerbaijan.  Artsakh’s transformation over the years is truly a testament to its people and to the leaders like you who have helped guide it along the way, despite the constant pressure and acts of aggression taken by the regime of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

We continue working diligently to persuade the Biden Administration to take every available diplomatic action to penalize the Azerbaijani & Turkish regimes for their deadly and illegal attacks on Artsakh last fall.  This conflict clearly demonstrates the dire need for international actors to take a stronger position pressuring Aliyev to return in good faith to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Minsk Group negotiations.  And, we continue to push for Artsakh to directly participate in negotiations regarding its future status and security to ensure a durable and lasting peace.

We remain committed to pushing for official engagement between the United States government and your administration, and we look forward to working with you to build on Artsakh’s already impressive transformation in the face of so many challenges.  Again, please accept our sincerest congratulations on this important occasion and offer our full support for your country.

Sincerely,

Frank Pallone Jr.
Member of Congress

Gus Bilirakis
Member of Congress

Jackie Speier
Member of Congress

David Valadao
Member of Congress

Adam Schiff
Member of Congress

[see all videos on the page]

CivilNet: Insights With Eric Hacopian: How to approach Armenia-Turkey normalization

Parkev Tvankchian
CIVILNET.AM

02 Sep, 2021 06:09

After a short hiatus, Insights With Eric Hacopian returns to CivilNet. Eric discusses Azerbaijan’s latest provocative actions against Armenia, and President Ilham Aliyev regime’s motives for pursuing such a path. Eric also speaks about the recent positive statements coming out of Ankara and Yerevan, and why what is going on in Afghanistan is important for Armenia.

Armenpress: Armenians around the globe celebrate 30th anniversary of independence of Artsakh

Anna Tamamian

Armenians around the globe celebrate 30th anniversary of independence of Artsakh

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 08:34, 2 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. Today, September 2, 2021, marks the 30th anniversary of the declaration of independence of Artsakh, formerly known as the Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

On this day in 1991, a joint sitting of lawmakers from the Nagorno Karabakh provincial council and the Shahumyan regional council proclaimed the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) within the borders of the former NKAO and Shahumyan region. The move was in line with the then-active legislation, particularly the April 3, 1990 law which entitled national autonomies to determine their status on their own.

On December 10, 1991, a few days before the official collapse of the Soviet Union, Nagorno Karabakh held a referendum, where the overwhelming majority, 99,89%, of the population voted in favor of complete independence from Azerbaijan. After this, Azerbaijan totally blockaded NKR and launched military aggressions.

The Artsakh Liberation War began when for the first time in September of 1991 Azerbaijan bombarded Stepanakert with Alazan rockets from Shushi. In 1994, at the request of Azerbaijan a trilateral (Azerbaijan, NKR, Armenia) ceasefire agreement was signed on May 12.

15 years after independence, in 2006, the people of Artsakh adopted the country’s Constitution through a referendum, again on September 2.

On September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan, with the support of Turkey and engagement of mercenary terrorists, launched a large-scale war against Artsakh. The war lasted until November 9 when a trilateral statement at the mediation of Russia was signed to stop the military operations.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Aliyev’s statements prove once again that Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan – Foreign Minister

Maral Chavushian

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 08:55, 2 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Artsakh Davit Babayan has commented on the recent statements of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made in the occupied Shushi, stating that “these statements are gross violation of international law, manifestation of Nazism and terrorism”.

In an interview to ARMENPRESS, Mr. Babayan said first of all it is necessary to thank Aliyev for such statements because it shows his main goals. “Countries spend huge sums of money to know the intentions of the enemy, but this one says everything. I have repeatedly stated that Aliyev is the most honest enemy, he has never hidden his intentions. Of course, what Aliyev says is a gross violation of international law, is Nazism and terrorism, and we must never be cut off from reality, we must understand who we are dealing with. All these statements once again prove that we will never be part of Azerbaijan. And what he is saying is his business. The important for us is to be able to recover and create a reliable future for our generations”, Davit Babayan said.

On August 30 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a number of anti-Armenian statements in the occupied town of Shushi. In particular, the Azerbaijani leader stated that “there is no such concept of a Nagorno Karabakh Republic”. Aliyev also said that “the current course of events, the second Karabakh war and the actions of international role players show that the [Nagorno Karabakh] issue could never be solved through negotiations”. Aliyev claimed that all norms and principles of the international law, in particular the UN Charter, the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the “historical justice”, have given a right to Azerbaijan to solve the issue with military means, if it is not solved peacefully. However, the experts note that the norms and principles of the international law, including the UN Charter and the resolutions of the UN Security Council do not give a right to any subject to solve conflicts by force.

 

Interview by Aram Sargsyan

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenian President addresses message on Artsakh Independence Day

Greg Madatian

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 09:45, 2 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 2, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has addressed a message on the 30th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Artsakh, his Office said.

The message reads:

“Dear compatriots,

On September 2, 1991, Artsakh declared its independence.

We are meeting the 30th anniversary of this significant event in the most complicated period, in a difficult situation after the 44-day war.

I once again extend my deepest condolences to the families and relatives of those killed in the war.

We are facing a pan-Armenian ordeal, which requires national unity and consolidation again.

Issues of ensuring the security of Artsakh and the inviolability of its population, the constant threat of a new war by Azerbaijan, the status of Artsakh, social-economic and humanitarian matters are priorities on the national agenda.

They cannot be resolved without the existence of an economically and politically strong, developed and competitive Armenia, without a fundamental transformation of the Homeland-Diaspora ties and the full use of the existing potential, without full-fledged cooperation with our international partners.

In our history, Artsakh and the people of Artsakh have always had a special significance for the Armenian world. That is so today as well when a period full of new challenges has begun for our people.

We have no right any more to make mistakes in any issue of the pan-Armenian agenda”.