Category: 2022

Pashinyan: If "Zangezur corridor" becomes a reality, Armenia will have problems with territorial integrity

Dabaghian Diana
ARMINFO
Armenia –
Marianna Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo.According to RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, if the “Zangezur Corridor”, put forward by Azerbaijan, becomes a reality Armenia will have problems with  territorial integrity. This was stated in the Office of the Prime  Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

So, in response to the request of RFE/RL’s Armenian Service, to  clarify what the head of the RA Cabinet of Ministers meant when on  April 13, presenting a report on the implementation of the  Government’s program for 2021 from the rostrum of the Parliament,  stated that “I could not convince myself for the reason that I  realized that Robert Kocharyan did not exaggerate at all when he said  that Armenia also has territorial problems.”

“The prime minister meant that in the early 1990s, during the first  Karabakh war, the Republic of Armenia also suffered territorial  losses. In addition, in 2021, the territorial integrity of the  Republic of Armenia was violated due to the invasion of Azerbaijani  units into the Sotk-Khoznavar section of the sovereign territory of  Armenia,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a response.  

To the question whether Armenia will face the problem of territorial  integrity in the event of the implementation of the so-called  “Zangezur corridor” put forward by Azerbaijan, a laconic answer was  given: “Yes.” For clarification, speaking of the territorial  integrity of Armenia, the prime minister has in mind the issue of the  Armenian enclave, which was part of Azerbaijan in the Soviet years,  the Prime Minister’s Office noted in particular: “Yes, it refers to  the Artsvashen enclave and the fact that tens of kilometers of the  territory of Armenia from the Tavush region, thousands of hectares of  arable land are under the control of Azerbaijan.”

Armenia should fully realize new reality surrounding Artsakh – Stepan Grigoryan

Emil Lazarian
ARMINFO
Armenia –
David Stepanyan

ArmInfo.The reason for Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovaev’s new status, Special Envoy of the RF Foreign Minister for Armenian-Azerbaijani  normalization, is the desire to present it as a result of the USA and  France refusing to work with Russia within the OSCE Minsk Group, the  political scientist Stepan Grigoryan said in an interview with  ArmInfo. 

And it is only Moscow that considers the OSCE Minsk Group’s  activities ended on February 24.  “Otherwise, the U.S. and French  co-chairs would not have come to the region to find a solution to the  Artsakh problem – let me emphasize, within the OSCE Minsk Group,” Mr  Grigoryan said. 

“Russia is determined to contribute to the signing of a peace  agreement between Yerevan and Baku based on the Baku-proposed  principles for establishing Armenian-Azerbaijani interstate relations  and on Yerevan’s response to them,” Maria Zakharova, Spokesperson for  the RF Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated.   

On February 24, 2022, Washington and Paris broke off all contacts  with Moscow as OSCE Minsk Group co-chair. However, the real situation  in the South Caucasus does not allow intervals in negotiations. It  requires further consistent steps to establish long-lasting peace in  the region, Zakharova said.   

In his context, Ambassador-at-large Igor Khovaev will continue in a  new capacity of Special Envoy of the Russian FM for normalization of  the Armenian-Azerbaijani relations.

According to Mr Grigoryan, official cessation of the OSCE Minsk  Group’s activities and dissolution of the co-chairmanship – the only  official international format mandated to deal with the issue of  Artsakh’s status – is actually Moscow’s desire not that of Washington  or Paris. In fact, the OSCE Minsk Group has over recent years been a  “thorn in the side” of not only Azerbaijan and Turkey, but also of  Russia. So it is Russia that is actually seeking dissolution of the  co-chairmanship by bringing accusations against the USA and France.  

“Igor Khovaev’s appointment as Special Envoy of Russia’s foreign  minister for Armenian-Azerbaijani problems is nothing but an official  reorganization of the international format of negotiations over  Artsakh – and it is not France or the USA, but it is Russia. And the  goal is to sideline the USA and the EU and gain an opportunity to  ensure surrender of Artsakh to Azerbaijan as part of its pro-Turkish  and, consequently, pro- Azerbaijani policy. 

“We, on our part, should fully realize the new reality. Otherwise,  Armenia and Artsakh are very soon going to face entirely new threats  and challenges,” Mr Grigoryan said. 

Armenia ex-ruling party official: Turkey and Azerbaijan are the ‘international community?’

Ani Kharatian
News.am
Armenia –
Armenia ex-ruling party official: Turkey and Azerbaijan are the ‘international community?’
10:20, 18.04.2022

What is happening before and after the [Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)] war [in the fall of 2020] is happening because of these anti-state, destructive authorities. Eduard Sharmazanov, National Assembly ex-deputy speaker as well as vice-chairman and spokesperson of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), told this to Armenian News-NEWS.am.

“In one part they say, ‘What genocide?’ In another part they say, ‘What Artsakh status?’ They say we must lower the bar on the matter of the status of Artsakh. Who is the ‘international community?’ Are Turkey and Azerbaijan the ‘international community?’ The international community stands with those who keep their homeland,” Sharmazanov said.

According to him, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not learn about the negotiation process from the former presidents, but from his “constructive” colleague: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

“This man [i.e., Pashinyan] has put forward theories in 3-4 years that even the Azerbaijani propaganda has not put forward. Or what does it matter who left what negotiation legacy? (…). During [preceding Armenian President and RPA chairman] Serzh Sargsyan’s talks, Aliyev was saying, ‘Behind closed doors, they are forcing us to recognize Artsakh’s independence.’ But now Pashinyan is saying that the international community is forcing us to lower the [Artsakh] status bar,” he said.

As per Sharmazanov, all former Armenian leaders should put aside their differences, come together, and make a decision because Armenia is facing very serious challenges, and the question of its existence is put.

“Armenian blood is shed on every square [meter] in Artsakh. I say again: this is not only an Artsakh issue, this is a matter of the dignity of the Armenian people. The movement in [19]88 was not only for the people of Artsakh; this is a pan-Armenian issue. After the [Armenian] Genocide, the Artsakh issue is our national awakening,” Eduard Sharmazanov added.

Amaras Monastery restoration program 2nd phase completed in Artsakh

Chatinian Lara
News.am
Armenia –
14:32, 18.04.2022

The second phase of the Amaras monastic complex restoration program has been completed in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), Luys Foundation informed Armenian News-NEWS.am.

At that phase, three more the six main activities were implemented, bringing the number of completed work to four—which is about 60% of the total work to be carried out at this monastery.

Launched in September 2019, the Amaras restoration program consists of three phases and is implemented in accordance with international standards.

The program is expected to be completed by the spring of 2023.

These days, the necessary work for the start of the third—and final—phase are being carried out.

The objective of this program is to create all the necessary conditions for the full use of the Amaras monastic complex.

Armenia revenue committee ex-chairman: Change of power should have been willingly on November 10 morning

Andranik Taslakhchian
News.am
Armenia –
14:39, 18.04.2022

Former chairman of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia, Davit Ananyan, also visited Monday Freedom Square where Artur Vanetsyan, the leader of the “With Honor” Faction of the National Assembly, is on a sit-in, and two young men who fought in the 44-day Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) war in the fall of 2020 are on a hunger strike.

“It’s no surprise I’m here. I came to salute my friends and go,” Ananyan told reporters.

Asked whether—former National Security Service chief—Artur Vanetsyan is his friend, Ananyan responded: “Of course. He is my good friend—from work. If my greeting did not have an element of support, I could have [just] called over the phone and say ‘hello.’ I have never been involved in active politics; consider this as my civic duty. I came, greeted my friends, now I am going to work.”

Ananyan added, however, that he is naturally concerned about the situation in Armenia. According to the former SRC chief, there are probably no words in the human lexicon that will accurately describe the situation in the country.

“The situation is not good, to put it mildly,” he said.

And to the question whether he demands a change of power in Armenia and whether that will be the beginning of saving the country, Davit Ananyan answered: “The change of power should have been willingly, on the morning of November 10 [2020]. This is my position which I do not renounce until now as well.”

Earlier, Armenian News-NEWS.am reported that Artur Vanetsyan, the leader of the “With Honor” Faction of the National Assembly of Armenia, on Sunday announced the start of protests—and with no term or end—at Freedom Square in downtown Yerevan. Sometime thereafter, Nver Kirakosyan and Artur Avagyan, two participants of the 44-day Artsakh war in the fall of 2020, announced a hunger strike, and they came to Freedom Square Monday morning.

Asbarez: Ferrahian School Expansion Becomes a Reality

Elizabeth Jabejian
 by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Community, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories
 0
Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School will expand with the purchase of adjacent property

Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan and the Prelacy Executive Council announced the expansion of the Holy Martyrs Church and Ferrahian High School campus through the purchase of the adjacent three-acre property, located at 5338 White Oak Ave., Encino and owned previously by the church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints.

“Thursday, April 14, 2022 was a momentous day in the history of the Western Prelacy with the final historic steps of acquisition of this property. This milestone achievement, is the product of unyielding determination, generous financial assistance, and fortuitous timing, which was made possible through the diligent efforts of the Prelate, the Executive Council, Parish and School Boards, and the collaboration and generous donations of community members,” said a statement from the Western Prelacy.
 
With the new property, the Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School’s potential for growth has increased. The school can immediately utilize new classrooms, a second indoor basketball court, several multi-purpose rooms, a large banquet hall, and ample parking which will relieve the congestion during Christmas and Easter Divine Liturgies. Naturally, this enables the school to offer new and state-of-the-art programs to its ever-increasing student body, including computer science/coding, drama, music, graphic arts and engineering. The new facilities will also expand the proud Armens athletic program, allowing for simultaneous events and the introduction of additional team and individual offerings for our student athletes.

“All of these improvements would not have been possible without the unflinching generosity of our benefactors and donors within the community, and this consistent giving has laid the foundation for this opportunity. Our deepest appreciation and gratitude also goes to our lead philanthropist for their anonymous $5 Million contribution that secured the purchase and enabled our community to realize this dream after decades of trying. There is more work to be done to continue to build on this excellent tradition, but this has been a truly unique moment for Armenians in Los Angeles,” the Prelacy said.

“As Armenians in the Diaspora, we are all aware about the pivotal and major role the Armenian school plays in building our future generations. Holy Martyrs Ferrahian High School, as the first Armenian day school in the country, is poised and prepared to make the most of this unprecedented opportunity, and will continue to provide the resources and guidance to have our students flourish and thrive,” added the Prelacy in its announcement.

The last two years have been tremendously difficult for Armenian communities worldwide. During this time, all Armenian schools struggled.

“But with spring comes rebirth, our Encino community is once again on the rise, and the enrollment at the Ferrahian/Cabayan/Pilavjian schools have reached record levels. The community is smiling again, and the purchase of the adjacent property will no doubt usher in a new chapter of pride and purpose. We know that the community will continue to financially and morally support and encourage this project until we collectively, as one big family, achieve the fulfillment of this project and its successful completion,” said the Prelacy.

In Attempt to Walk Back Concessions, Ruling Party Claims Artsakh ‘Misunderstood’ Pashinyan

Hovhannisian John
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

The Armenia-Azerbaijan border

After Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan blamed the international community for “forcing” Yerevan to lower the bar on its expectations for a final status of Karabakh and thus angering the authorities and people of Artsakh, his ruling party made an attempt to walk back some of the brazen concessions by saying that Artsakh had “misunderstood” Yerevan’s signals.

In an unprecedented rebuke of Pashinyan’s remarks, the authorities in Stepanakert emphasized that Artsakh cannot fall under Azerbaijani control and its hard-won independence and the people’s right to self-determination should not be threatened. The Artsakh parliament on Thursday issued a statement calling on Pashinyan to retract his statement, which they said posed an existential threat to Artsakh.

“Our colleagues probably did not understand well the essence of the prime minister’s speech. I just can’t find any other explanation for that declaration,” said Eduard Aghajanyan, a senior member of Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party who heads the Armenian parliament’s committee on foreign relations.

“Any solution that would lead to the exodus of Armenians from Artsakh cannot be acceptable for the Republic of Armenia,” Aghajanyan claimed, adding that the people of Artsakh would be the crucial beneficiaries of Pashinyan’s proposed approach to engage in “peace talks” with Azerbaijan.

“The Artsakh conflict was never a territorial dispute for Armenia,” said Aghajanyan. “It has been an issue of exercising the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to live safely in their homeland. Therefore, for us, basically the status has always been a measure to exercise these rights. Armenia’s position on this issue has always been unchanged.”

Pashinyan’s ally also discussed the issue of “lowering the bar” on expectations on Artsakh’s status.

“First of all, this is about the bar as a result of which the international community ensure consolidation around Armenia resulting in, at least, a pro-Armenian solution becoming more likely,” said Aghajanyan.

“We have 30 years of negotiating experience during which we’ve had a certain bar, and also because of this during these 30 years Armenia was essentially in a diplomatic isolation, the consequences of which I believe we are all seeing, and we also saw during and after the 44-day war. I think it is time to draw conclusions from our mistakes and move forward realistic reasons,” claimed the Civil Contract lawmaker.

Aghajanyan claimed that Pashinyan did not make any comments about Artsakh being part of Azerbaijan, saying that Yerevan would not agree to any solution that is not acceptable to the people of Artsakh.

In New Attack Azerbaijani Forces Target Artsakh’s Martakert

Jagharian Tania
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

Artsakh Defense Army soldier

Azerbaijani forces again breached the ceasefire on Friday this time violating the line-of-contact in Artsakh’s Martakert region, Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

“The command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, in cooperation with the representatives of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan, is taking measures to resolve the incident,” the statement said.

On Saturday, Artsakh authorities reported that the Azerbaijani armed forces entirely have pulled back to their initial positions near Seysulan in Artsakh’s Martakert region.

The operative-tactical situation in other parts of the line of contact remain calm, according to Artsakh InfoCenter.

Primate’s Easter Message

Parkev Tvankchian
 by Contributor

 

 

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest
 0
Primate of the Western Diocese Archbishop Hovnan Derderian

“Glory to Your Miraculous Resurrection, Lord.”

The Mystery of Christ’s Resurrection is beyond the limits of human comprehension and logic. Christ’s Resurrection can only be felt and lived solely through faith. Faith is the key to immerse in the transparency of the Resurrection and comprehend its influence in the life of humanity, especially throughout various historical periods of our nation.

The Resurrection is the purest _expression_ of Christ’s limitless and unconditional love, the assurance His true promise, with which light overcame darkness, hope prevailed over uncertainty, life defeated death, and good prevailed over evil.

The Resurrection of Christ is the greatest testament to our faith, the framework of the validity of our creed, the undeniable truth of Christ’s divinity for the non-believers and skeptics, and lastly the anchor of our spiritual identity.

In these times, when the chaos of the world is overwhelming, some have resorted to unknowingly pose the following question: “Where is the Resurrected Lord?” Why didn’t God save us from the merciless coronavirus pandemic, why didn’t He send signs of the 44-day Artsakh War, why didn’t He resolve the differences between Russia and the Ukraine, a war between brother countries that may well turn into a global conflict and result in World War III?

The righteous Job also resorted to asking such questions, when he lost everything despite being pious and God-loving. Like others, Job also experienced feelings of hopelessness. However, when listening to Job’s complaints, God answered him “Would you condemn Me that you may be justified?” (JOB 40:8). Hearing this Job regretted his actions and repented by saying “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You” (JOB 42:5).

Let us not be naive like those who attempted to console Job through empty and wearisome explanations, being the cause of his temptation. The answers to the “Whys” rest in the Cross and the Crucified, the precious blood that He shed in sacrificing Himself for the salvation of humanity. The All Benevolent God does not wish death upon the sinful. The evil and the devastation that occurs in of the world are not His will nor does He command them. They are the result of our free will. St. James the Apostle says it rightfully “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone” (JAMES 1:13).

Therefore, such doubts and questions which may arise from our human condition ought to be answered in our partaking in Christ’s sufferings, as God demonstrated His salvific power, which ultimately culminated with His Glorious and Victorious Resurrection. It is for this reason that during Holy Week, when we sing “To Your Cross, Christ” (Khachi ko Krisdos), we praise and signify Christ’s betrayal, passion, burial, and resurrection.

As did our ancestors, we too must live our lives embracing the sunrise of Christ’s Resurrection, realizing that the temptations of life are impermanent and temporary. The mystery of Christ’s Victorious Resurrection ought to reside in the hearts of our people in Armenia and the Diaspora if we wish to heal our pain and diminish our sufferings. Comfort and consolation is derived from God. At times of doubt, sorrow and great pain, like Job, we bow before His Might. We regret and furthermore, we repent. It is only then that we will become worthy of seeing the Resurrected Lord.

Today, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church exhorts her faithful to renew their spiritual lives with the mystery of the Resurrection. Our Church commands us to relinquish slanderous discourse, destructive criticism, unsuitable complaints, the relay of self-responsibility on others. Our Church instructs us to express our God-loving nature by demonstrating keenness, care, and love for another, just as God loves us all. We rest assured that our spiritual reawakening and national strength is conditioned upon the realization of these aforementioned exhortations.

The Feast of the Resurrection becomes meaningful when our people embrace a spirit of forgiveness, welcome humility, rely on wholehearted faith signified epitomized by the Christian spirit. How can we become God-loving, if we cannot uphold these virtues? How shall we stand before the power and the glory of the Resurrected Lord, if we are unable to value our God-given gifts of our Homeland, our Holy Etchmiadzin, our language and our culture?

For us, the year 2022 is of great significance as we celebrate the 95th anniversary of the establishment of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America. We have dedicated this year as the year of “The Armenian Christian Family.” These occasions oblige us to celebrate the milestone anniversary with feelings of gratitude, emphasizing that the strength of our Diocese is conditioned upon the vivacity of the Armenian Christian family.

When we reflect on these two occasions, the light shines upon the path to an everlasting life.

Therefore, may our souls gaze upon that light wherein our salvation and the salvation of our nation is derived. Let us welcome and embrace Christ’s Resurrection proclaiming “Christ is risen from the dead. Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ.”

ARCHBISHOP HOVNAN DERDERIAN
APRIL 17, 2022


AW: Celebrating Palm Sunday in Aghavno: A Rebellious Act of Existence

Arsine Chaltikian
 The Armenian Weekly News, Culture 0

A house in the village of Aghavno (Photo: Irina Safaryan)

Have you ever been to Artsakh? If yes, you probably remember the first village of small, cozy houses with red rooftops. That’s the border village of Aghavno, connecting Artsakh with Armenia. It’s one of the cradles of hope and revival located in the Lachin corridor (the tiny pass controlled by Russian peacekeepers to help Armenians living in Artsakh freely and safely travel to and from Armenia) where several hundred people defended their right to live and didn’t flee the village even when it was deprived of electricity, water and other utilities. To this day, there is no gas in Aghavno; residents use electricity and wood-fired ovens to heat their homes. 

The village recently celebrated Palm Sunday (Tsaghkazard in Armenian). The celebration was organized by locals and members of an initiative known as Mshakutamet (literally translates to “close to the culture”). There was so much happiness and joy in this small village that I couldn’t resist sharing my experiences from the day. 

Mshakutamet team

Mshakutamet is an educational, cultural initiative founded in 2020 during the Artsakh War. Its goal is to spread Armenian culture, traditions and rich heritage especially in the border villages of Armenia and Artsakh. There are about 50 teachers, young and talented professionals who, by the way, are all volunteers. They started their initiative in Tavush and hosted classes in Eraskh. Now, they are at the “Gate of Artsakh’’—Aghavno. Young people from all over Armenia are giving classes on embroidery, reading, guitar, national songs and dances, piano, theater and the history of art to help raise a generation of patriots who know their history, culture and traditions and are able to stand strong on their motherland knowing the value of every inch of it. 

During an inspiring conversation with the co-founders of Mshakutamet, we were introduced to three volunteers who moved to Aghavno to reveal the best in Aghavno’s school children and organize the event. Arusyak Mkrtchyan teaches piano, history of art and theatrical art. Naira Ter-Asatryan is a guitar coach who teaches national songs and dance. Shushan Babayan leads reading and embroidery classes. 

“We are delighted to have this opportunity to teach the young generation as the village itself is amazing, and village children as always are very talented and very smart,” commented Mkrtchyan. “There was no fear before coming to Aghavno despite the fact that we are surrounded by the Azerbaijani army, and there is only a small corridor which connects Artsakh to Armenia.”

Ahead of the Lenten season, organizers celebrated Barekendan in the border village of Aygedzor in Tavush. “I think that we have taken a step away from our traditional values and traditional holidays,” said Mkrtchyan. “This is why it’s so important to bring them back to life and show our people how amazing they are.”

Mkrtchyan said a Palm Sunday celebration in Aghavno was a dream of a community member. “Tsaghkazard is children’s blessing day, and we wished to have a pastor and bless all the children living in Aghavno as there is a church, but there is no working pastor. Another main reason to celebrate Tsaghkazard in Aghavno was to keep an eye on the borderline villages and to make people living here feel that we care that we are here for them. There were obviously difficulties while organizing this event, but the whole village and the mayor and even a young child supported us to make Tsaghkazard happen.”

A son of Aghavno, Palm Sunday 2022

Mkrtchyan is hoping more young people will join the mission Mshkutamet to spread Armenian culture throughout the homeland. “The Mshakutamet initiative has helped school children of Aghavno discover their inner talents, and they are really happy for this opportunity. We are planning to have classes in all borderline villages of Artsakh in future.”

Another outstanding participant and organizer of the celebration is Nina Shahverdyan from Stepanakert. She is an English language teacher working in Aghavno. She graduated from the American University of Armenia and moved to Aghavno to teach and inspire children with her own experience and bright personality.

Nina Shahverdyan

‘’Villagers are happy to see this joy and all the people coming to Aghavno to celebrate Tsaghkazard here,” said Shahverdyan. “Mshakutamet is doing a great job here and bringing new colors to Aghavno’s everyday life. Children are happy to have them and spend quality time with them. They explore themselves from different angles, and in general every kind of activity in Aghavno is always welcomed by the mayor and the fearless habitants.”

Alison Tahmizian Meuse

There were many guests from Yerevan and other parts of Armenia and Artsakh including Alison Tahmizian Meuse, a journalist who moved to Armenia from the US a year ago and believes in the protection of Armenian statehood. She commented, “Being here in Aghavno, I feel a great sense of purpose, determination and optimism, especially while seeing the activism and smiles of not only the kids, but young people and adults living in this community. It was wonderful to see many people come from Yerevan and Stepanakert and join them. I emphasize that every Armenian anywhere in the world should stand and speak loudly in support of the Republic of Artsakh.”  

Children were seen playing Armenian games, dancing the Tamzara and Kochari and helping themselves to delicious food, including traditional Zhengyalov hats (bread with herbs) and homemade halva. 

Hope and a firm claim to this land are keeping these brave people here despite all the obstacles that have occurred after the November 9 trilateral agreement between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. Villagers in Aghavno exemplify once again that it’s the people living on the soil who decide their own fate, and only with their unconditional determination does a territory for someone else become a homeland for them.  

Tsaghkazard in Aghavno was a declaration of people that they are here, and they continue to live and create. The whole world should recognize their natural right to live and their right to self-determination.

Palm Sunday in Aghavno, 2022