Silk Road Briefing Georgia’s Belt And Road Initiative – Accelerating Trade Between Central Asia And Europe Feb. 7, 2022 Azerbaijan and Georgia play key roles within the framework of China’s Belt & Road Initiative, Soso Nibladze, the CEO of the Hualing Free Industrial Zone (FIZ), has stated. The zone is based in Kutaisi and is an important connecting hub between Tbilisi (the capital of Georgia) and Georgia’s Black Sea Ports of Poti and Batumi. Hualing FIZ was built by Hualing Group with Chinese investments and began operating in 2015. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Hualing FIZ was able to increase its investor client base in 2021 with 25 new companies registered during the past year. “One of the most important initiatives of 2021 was a project related to wood processing and furniture production, developed together with investors from Canada and China. This project provides for the production at the FIZ and further export.” Niblaze stated. Nibladze said the initial budget for this project was US$1.5 million, and in general, it is planned to increase it to US$7 million. Further investment into the zone is expected shortly, with a Chinese company to start the production and export of ferroalloys and silicon metal at the Hualing FIZ. The total volume of the investments amounted to US$5 million, and it is also expected to increase this as the business develops. Nibladze also pointed to a recycled plastic project, launched at the FIZ in 2021. Investments in this project amounted to about US$2 million. He said Hualing FIZ conducts most of the negotiations with manufacturers of the light industry sector. One of these is a German investor, dealing with the production and export of textile products. Nibladze said the negotiations on this project (signing the contract) are at the final stage. “About 2,000 people will be employed once the project is launched, and the total investment in it is about €3 million” Among the projects in the green energy field, Hualing FIZ has attracted solar panel production – and the largest project in this sector in the European-Caucasus region. The total investment for this project has reached US$10 million, with the exports mainly for the North American market. According to Nibladze, the Hualing FIZ now has 90 resident companies, of which 70% are in trading, 25% in manufacturing and 5% in the services sector. This success is expected to lead to an agreement with the Georgian government to expand the zone’s territory to 58 hectares, up from the existing 36 hectares. There are additional prospects to expand the FIZ to 200 hectares. The main export destinations for goods manufactured or traded at Hualing FIZ are the South Caucasus and Central Asia, the European Union, North America, and Mexico. The FIZ closely cooperates with investors from Azerbaijan, whose Baku Port to the east, on the Caspian Sea connects with Central Asia, Iran and the INSTC route to India. “Many Azerbaijani companies expressed their interest in cooperation with Hualing FIZ, mainly companies involved in the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and construction sectors” Nibladze stated. “There are bottleneck issues in global logistics that will continue to be problematic, but at the same time, we expect that there will be a great demand for exports to regional countries.” he said. There have been problems with the Baku-Tblisi-Kars railway connection through to Turkey and Europe with the proposed route and investment now looking to be something of a White Elephant given the changes presented as a result of the 2020 Azerbaijan-Armenia conflict and Georgian Government policy. The BTK has yet to carry a single passenger; the start of passenger services in 2020 was truncated by the Georgian government banning foreign visitors (even if they didn’t get off the train). Cargo services on the 800-odd kilometres from Kars to Baku via Georgia take about three days, meaning its not the high-speed line it was initially promoted as. Additional hold ups take place due to train gauge changing as the BTK crosses into Georgia. The Georgian Government are currently wondering why they donated so much territory for the construction of the BTK through Georgia; with Covid meaning no tourists, very little delivery of raw materials for their manufacturing industries, and no substantial exports of Georgian goods either to Central Asia or Turkey on the train, although this may be alleviated when the pandemic has calmed down. The Caspian-European BTK transit issues aside, the development of Chinse and locally invested Free Trade and Industrial zones along the Belt and Road Initiative is a primary example of the BRI moving from being an infrastructure investment play to being a cashflow generator based on that initial investment. This means that while critics may point to a slow-down of overall Chinese investment in overseas financing, investors along the BRI – such as the Hualing FIZ – can now generate profits and help their own invested clients manufacture and trade. BRI infrastructure investment is now showing up with the end result being increased trade turnover and exports, with the ultimate success measurement of BRI infrastructure investments to be measured in this increased capability rather than the project financing.
Category: 2022
Azerbaijani press: NATO supports normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia – Special Representative
7 February 2022 18:38 (UTC+04:00)
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By Trend
NATO supports the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Special Representative of the organization’s Secretary General for the South Caucasus and Central Asia Javier Colomina said on Twitter, Trend reports.
Commenting on the repatriation of eight servicemen of Armenian origin by Azerbaijan to Armenia, Colomina called it good news.
“NATO appreciates the partnership with both Armenia and Azerbaijan,” he noted.
According to him, the normalization of relations between the countries will contribute to increasing stability and prosperity in the region.
Guided by the principle of humanism, on February 7, 2022, Azerbaijan repatriated eight servicemen of Armenian origin to Armenia.
Some of them were servicemen detained on November 16, 2021 while suppressing a provocation committed by the Armenian armed forces in direction of the Kalbajar district of the state border.
Azerbaijani press: Azerbaijan’s AzerGold prospecting precious metals in liberated Kalbajar
BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 7
By Nazrin Israfilova – Trend:
Azerbaijan’s AzerGold CJSC started prospecting work in Kalbajar district [liberated from Armenian occupation as a result of the 2020 Second Karabakh War] in the autumn of 2021, the CJSC’s Board Chairman Zakir Ibrahimov said, Trend reports.
Ibrahimov made the remark at a press conference on the results of last year and the upcoming tasks of the company.
According to him, the prospecting work launched within the study of non-ferrous metal deposits in the liberated territories covers the Tutkhun field in the basin of the river of the same name in the southeast of Kalbajar district.
He also noted that for the purpose of a phased search for precious metals in the territory of the Tutkhun group of fields and its flanks (Orujlu, Bashlibel, Khanlanli, Asrik and other areas) with a total area of about 300 square kilometers, appropriate procedures were carried out. Research work is underway as part of the geological exploration program.
At the same time, relevant work is being carried out to obtain hyperspectral images from satellites, process them, and conduct remote (non-invasive) studies meeting modern standards.
The company’s head added that the relevant departments are taking the necessary steps to completely clear the territory of the Tutkhun group of deposits and its flanks from mines and unexploded ordnances for geological exploration.
Turkish press: Turkey, Armenia approach ‘turning point,’ caution required: Analysts
A man checks tickets before a Pegasus Airlines flight departs from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to land at the Yerevan International Zvartnots Airport, Istanbul, Turkey, Feb. 2, 2022. (AFP Photo)
As Turkey and Armenia head toward normalization after decades of frozen ties, analysts say that the process is on the precipice of a “real turning point” but warn that Ankara and Yerevan must avoid walking into the same “trap” that derailed past attempts at reconciliation.
Achieving the final objective “will not be easy, but the hardest parts have been overcome,” said an Armenian analyst as he delved into why he is “justifiably optimistic” about the historic bid by Turkey and Armenia to normalize their long-strained ties.
Turkey and Armenia have ramped up efforts to bury the hatchet over long-standing differences that led to the freezing of diplomatic ties and a border between the neighbors.
Special envoys recently appointed by the two countries to spearhead the latest peace push held the first round of talks in Moscow on Jan. 14, where they agreed to continue negotiations without preconditions for “full normalization.”
“The reason I’m justifiably optimistic is because we see a rapid pace of diplomacy. That’s very unusual,” Richard Giragosian, a U.S.-born Armenian who heads the Regional Studies Center (RSC) in Yerevan, said in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA) in the Armenian capital.
For Giragosian, the recent normalization process is a “re-engagement of diplomacy.”
“In other words, this is very much round two, after the protocol process and football diplomacy back in 2008 and 2009,” he said, referring to the Zurich Protocols signed by Ankara and Yerevan in 2009.
The agreements were part of a move to “establish good neighborly relations and to develop bilateral cooperation,” but never received the stamp of approval from their respective legislatures.
“This time, however, we have much more advantage in the re-engagement. We see greater political will on both sides to pursue and succeed in normalizing relations,” he continued.
Vahram Ter-Matevosyan, an associate professor at the American University of Armenia, however, sees some “red flags” in the “methodology of rapprochement.”
“Turkey and Armenia are getting into the same trap that they did in 2008 and 2009; that trap is clubbing together reconciliation and normalization,” he argued.
“It is important to go ahead with normalization first, reconciliation later,” he said, explaining that “normalization is between states, reconciliations between nations.”
Giragosian agrees that normalization is not reconciliation, but stresses that it is the “first step toward addressing any and all issues between our societies and our countries.”
“This time, unlike the protocols in 2009, Turkey and Armenia do not need a third party,” he said.
“A second key difference is the appointment of special envoys, which actually speeds up the process and removes any requirement of parliamentary ratification.”
Another critical change in circumstances is that “Azerbaijan is much more self-confident and much less opposed to normalization,” he added.
Talha Köse, associate professor of political science at Ibn Haldun University in Istanbul, viewed the new bid for normalization as “quite promising.”
“There are sincere and positive signals from both sides. There is a belief that this will be a win-win situation for both countries,” said Köse, co-author of the 2019 report, “Armenia and Turkey: An Overview of Relations,” published by the Turkey-based Hrant Dink Foundation.
“Expectations are not high either. Parties will start from diplomatic normalization and recognition, and other issues related to historical reconciliation will be left to the future,” he continued.
The normalization process received a major boost this week as flights between Turkey and Armenia resumed after a two-year halt.
However, their land border – shuttered since 1993 when Armenia occupied Nagorno-Karabakh – remains closed.
In Ter-Matevosyan’s view, resuming flights “is not enough,” as the “real turning point in relations will be the reopening of the land border.”
He said there are many more important issues still to be addressed, particularly the factor of public perception in the two countries.
For Köse, the change in leadership in Armenia has bolstered the prospect of a successful normalization process.
“(Prime Minister Nikol) Pashinian demonstrated bold leadership in taking the normalization attempt more seriously,” he said.
Giragosian echoed his views and built on them by pointing out that Pashinian has a “fresh second mandate” after his reelection last year.
“First of all, most importantly, economics and trade are now recognized as real incentives (for normalization). This wasn’t the case in the past,” he continued.
“For Turkey, normalization is also part of a broader strategy to repair and restore relations with the UAE (United Arab Emirates), Israel, Egypt. This is a positive development … it is part of a bigger package of opening borders, establishing trade, transport, and ending embargoes.”
Relations between Armenia and Turkey have historically been complicated. Turkey’s position on the events of 1915 is that Armenians lost their lives in eastern Anatolia after some sided with the invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. The subsequent relocation of Armenians resulted in numerous casualties, with massacres by militaries and militia groups from both sides increasing the death toll.
Turkey objects to the presentation of the incidents as “genocide” but describes the 1915 events as a tragedy in which both sides suffered casualties.
Turkish press: Azerbaijan to repatriate 8 detained soldiers to Armenia
Ruslan Rehimov |07.02.2022
BAKU, Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan announced on Monday that eight Armenian soldiers will be repatriated to their country.
According to Azerbaijan’s State Commission for Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, the soldiers were detained on Nov. 16, 2021.
In return, Armenia should provide information about the Azerbaijani civilians and soldiers killed in the First Karabakh War and presumably buried in mass graves, it was stated.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, French President Emmanuel Macron and President of the EU Council Charles Michel brought the situation of the Azerbaijani citizens lost in the First Karabakh War to the agenda in the quad video conference on Feb. 4. Pashinyan had promised to cooperate on this issue.
Asbarez: ARS Social Services Helps Tenants Avoid Eviction During Pandemic
ARS Social Services case manager Lousin Markarian provides State of California Emergency Rental Assistance Program services to a client
GLENDALE—As part of its ongoing work and efforts through the State of California Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), since mid-June 2021, the Armenian Relief Society of Western U.S., Social Services Division has helped over 200 households avoid eviction due to COVID-19-related unpaid rent, totaling to $3,013,525 in requested rental assistance.
In January 2021, almost a year after COVID-19 surfaced, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This act provided eligible households with both renter protections and funding. As a result, separate budgets and separate applications were established for LA City and LA County residents.
L.A. City funds ran out almost immediately, while L.A. County funds remained available for months on end. The funds were eventually redistributed to address LA City’s residents’ higher needs for rental and utility debt and now, both LA City and LA County residents are encouraged to apply using the same application.
To be eligible, renters must reside in incorporated LA County, have an income between 30 to 50 percent of Los Angeles’ average median income (AMI), and have financial hardship as a result of COVID-19. Having a landlord willing to participate in the program is also very helpful, but not necessary.
Whether it’s lay-offs, COVID-19 related medical costs, or incurred costs simply due to stay-at-home orders, tenants are finding it more difficult than ever to afford their rental payments in a city where housing had already presented itself as a crisis way before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many have had to downsize their homes, take in more roommates, borrow money from friends and family, or worse, take out high interest loans to evade homelessness.
Participants are encouraged to go online and apply on their own as soon as possible. This proves to be a bit difficult for the community as many either lacked internet or the technical skills required to navigate the site. To alleviate this digital gap, ARS Social Services staff assists interested clients over the phone and in person to assess eligibility and book appointments to facilitate the application process in its entirety. This includes, but is not limited to, recording each client’s and household member’s information, calculating rents owed, providing landlord contact information, and uploading proofs of household income.
“Many of the clients are very thankful that we are helping them, especially Armenian and other minority clients because, although the application is available in several languages, it isn’t the most accessible,” said ARS ERAP Case Manager Lousin Markarian. “Some clients are illiterate, some clients have disabilities, and almost all clients lack the digital literacy needed to navigate the application, upload their documents, and check their application statuses once submitted. Having people and organizations like us available through the entire process really gives applicants a sense of hope and security.”
Operating in Glendale, staff has a high language capacity and is available to assist Armenian, Spanish, English, and Farsi speaking applicants and with COVID-19, capacity has actually expanded to assist applicants all over LA County through over-the-phone appointments. As a result, the ARS ERAP team is able to assist over 30 households a week in completing their rental assistance applications- not to mention following up with prior applicants with application status updates and requests for additional funding.
Although first-time applicants are usually renters, landlords can also initiate the process and are more than welcome to receive assistance in doing so from ARS Social Services.
“This is a very helpful program and she’s been very kind to me,” said Gilbert Reodica, a local Glendale renter who received assistance from Markarian on-site and spoke with Vic Keossian, ARS ERAP Program Supervisor. “I am just hoping I get approved, because the reduced hours are tremendous. Before, I worked six days and this time I work three to four days. So this will be so great if I am approved,” he added.
If you are interested in rent and/or utility assistance, contact ARS Social Services to find out if you’re eligible. Program Supervisor Vic Keossian can be reached at (818) 253-4741.
Whether COVID-19 poses a language barrier, technical difficulty or any other obstacle, ARS Social Services is here to help. If you or a loved one have been impacted by COVID-19 in any way, please call ARS Social Services at (818) 241-7533 to find out how the team can be of service to you. The division offers free food assistance, housing navigation, senior services, case management, access and linkages to public benefits, employment support and more year round.
ARS Social Services is committed to providing comprehensive social services to low-moderate individuals and families through offices located in Glendale, Pasadena, and Hollywood. Services include case management, completion of forms, assistance with housing and transportation issues, senior services, Covid-19 outreach and system navigation services, employment services, referrals, English as a Second Language/Life Skills classes, refugee youth mentoring, homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing, food pantry services, and more. The ARS Social Services main office can be reached at (818) 241-7533 or at [email protected].
California Armenian Legislative Caucus Announces Inaugural Fellowship
California Armenian Legislative Caucus logo
Applications Due Friday, March 25.
SACRAMENTO—The California Armenian Legislative Caucus announced its inaugural fellowship program for California-resident students (undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduates). The Caucus’ fellowship program will provide students with invaluable insight into California’s policymaking process, with first-hand experience coordinating critical work that will shape California’s future
“I am thrilled to celebrate the launching of the California Armenian Legislative Caucus’ Fellowship,” remarked Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. “This program will provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to two exceptional college students to experience the Legislature’s policymaking process first-hand. They will gain invaluable experience in working on policy and a chance to help shape California’s future. I look forward to serving as a mentor and contributing to these students’ development,” he added.
“This fellowship is a great opportunity for a student interested in California government and policy,” said Senate Republican Leader Scott Wilk. “Successful candidates will work in a lawmaker’s office and get a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process in action. Fellows will walk away with first-hand knowledge of crafting policy, connections in the Capitol, stories to share, and an all-around great learning experience. Good luck to all applicants.”
“The California Armenian Legislative Caucus Fellowship is a great opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and witness California’s policy making process,” noted Senator Anthony Portantino. “I look forward to seeing this program come to fruition and hope to see more young folks in our Capitol shaping California’s future.
“By launching the California Armenian Legislative Caucus Fellowship, we’re providing a new pathway for future leaders to gain invaluable experience in public service and shape California policy. As a member of the Caucus, I look forward to helping the program grow in the years to come,” said Assemblymember Laura Friedman.
As a coveted and rigorous fellowship program, fellows will be given the opportunity to develop close working relationships with legislators, advocates, and agency representatives that may result in future employment and/or educational opportunities. Fellows will receive a $2,500 stipend (inclusive of a $1,000 housing stipend) and a public transportation pass.
The Caucus will select two fellows for the Summer 2022 cycle (August to September) in Sacramento, California. Pending changes to public health orders, the fellowship program will require in-person attendance in the State Capitol for up to 30 hours per week.
Submission requirements:
- Applicants must submit a 1,000-word personal statement explaining what interests them about public service and what they hope to learn and achieve if selected to serve as a fellow for the California Armenian Legislative Caucus.
- Two letters of recommendation.
- School transcripts (unofficial or official).
- Must show proof of full vaccination.
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Friday, March 25. The California Armenian Legislative Caucus invites future public service leaders to apply today. You can find the application and instructions to apply below.
CALC-2022-Fellowship-Application-2.3.22Download
Summer fellowship(s) will begin in August and end in September. All fellow(s) will be required to work in-personunless otherwise informed. The California Armenian Caucus is optimistic that this will be an in-person fellowship. However, should the circumstances of the pandemic continue, the fellowship will be completed virtually.
Applicants must be California residents, students (undergraduate, graduate, and recent graduates only), and must show proof of full vaccination. Desirable qualifications include: demonstrating a commitment to public service; possessing strong critical thinking, analytical, and communication skill; successfully working independently and in teams.
All applicants must complete and submit the online application. If selected to move forward, applicants will be contacted to schedule either in-person or virtual interviews.
Fellowship opportunities are advertised on legislator’s webpages, Armenian media, and groups (ex. Asbarez and Armenian Student Associations), job boards such as “After College,” social networking sites (ProFellow, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn), legislator newsletters, legislator websites, and more.
Fellows will work part-time, up to 30 hours per week. They will learn how to plan and coordinate Caucus events and community outreach, assist with governmental work at the Legislature, and conduct research for special projects. All fellows will be supervised by legislative staff, Caucus officers, and/or their designated supervisor/manager.
This is a paid fellowship, thus a stipend of $2,500 will be given to fellows (inclusive of a $1,000 housing stipend). If the fellowship is completed virtually and a stipend is still needed, this issue will be addressed after the application process selection. A public transportation pass will also be provided.
Students will gain invaluable insight into California’s policymaking process, with first-hand experience coordinating critical work that will shape California’s future. Capitol fellowships are coveted as fellows develop close working relationships with legislators, advocates, and agency representatives that result in future employment and/or educational opportunities.
The California Armenian Legislative Caucus is a bi-partisan, non-political Caucus that encourages California Armenian Americans to advocate and participate in cultural, educational, governmental, and community efforts in California. Through advocacy, the Caucus strives to ensure that California Armenian Americans’ voices are heard and given a platform. The Caucus serves as a forum for members from the California Senate and Assembly to identify key issues affecting Armenian Americans and develop and empower the Armenian American community throughout California.
Glendale City Council Visits Armenian American Museum Construction Site
Glendale Mayor Paula Devine visits the Armenian American Museum construction site. From left: Executive Director Shant Sahakian, Board of Trustees Co-Chair, Glendale Mayor Paula Devine, Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian, Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian
GLENDALE—The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California welcomed Glendale Mayor Paula Devine and City Councilmembers Ara Najarian, Vrej Agajanian, Ardy Kassakhian, and Daniel Brotman for a series of visits to the construction site to witness the progress on the landmark center. The center is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park.
“We are grateful to the Glendale City Council for their longstanding and continued support of the Armenian American Museum,” stated Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian. “We are making tremendous progress on the cultural and educational center that would not be possible without the partnership of the Glendale City Council and City of Glendale.
Glendale Councilmember Ara Najarian visits the Armenian American Museum construction site. From left: Executive Director Shant Sahakian, Glendale Councilmember Ara Najarian, Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian Glendale Councilmember Vrej Agajanian visits the Armenian American Museum construction site. From left: Executive Director Shant Sahakian, Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian, Glendale Councilmember Vrej Agajanian, Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian
The City of Glendale, home to one of the largest Armenian Diaspora communities, has dedicated a premier location for the historic project in downtown Central Park. The Glendale City Council has approved a major $18.5 million expansion and redesign of the museum campus at Central Park that includes a new central lawn connecting the museum and library, an outdoor amphitheater for live performances, a children’s park with playgrounds and splash pads, and outdoor recreation amenities for the community.
The mission of the Armenian American Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Armenian American experience. The vision is a cultural campus that enriches the community, educates the public on the Armenian American story, and empowers individuals to embrace cultural diversity and speak out against prejudice.
Glendale Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian visits the Armenian American Museum construction site. From left: Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian, Glendale Councilmember Ardy Kassakhian, Executive Director Shant Sahakian Glendale Councilmember Daniel Brotman visits the Armenian American Museum construction site. From left: Executive Director Shant Sahakian, Glendale Councilmember Daniel Brotman, Glendale City Manager Roubik Golanian, Architect Aram Alajajian
The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Archives Center, and more.
For more information, visit the website.
EU, France Mediate Release of 8 POWs
Eight Armenian POWs were released on Feb. 7 in an effort mediated by France and EU
Through a mediation effort from the European Union and France, Azerbaijan has released eight more prisoners of war who arrived in Armenia on Monday and were greeted at the airport by French and and European representatives in Armenia.
This latest release of POWs comes days after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev had a virtual meeting mediated by the President of the European Council Charles Michel and President Emanuel Macron of France on Friday.
French and EU representatives greet the POWs upon their return to Armenia
Armenia’s Foreign Ministry released the name of the eight prisoners of war. They are: Sargis Tarzyan, Vardges Balayan, Armen Petrosyan, Artur Babayan, Hmayak Sargsyan, Gurgen Galoyan, Grigor Kyureghyan and Vagharshak Maloyan.
Azerbaijan announced the release of eight POWs, saying that some of them were captured on November 16, when Azerbaijani forces attempted to invade Armenia.
Azerbaijani authorities reportedly have said that in exchange for the release of the POWS, Baku expects to receive information about Azerbaijani soldiers and civilians killed in the first Karabakh war and presumably buried in mass graves, as well as the location of these graves, News.am reported.
“Both in the first and the second Artsakh war, the Armenian side has missing persons. We attach importance to finding out the fate of the missing. In this sense, the Armenian side did not assume any unilateral obligations,” Armenia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vahan Hunanyan told Azatutyun.am’s Armenian Service on Monday.
Armenian Investigative Committee’s spokesperson Vardan Tadevosyan announced that all returned POWs will be interrogated. This has become the norm for Armenia’s authorities, who have questioned all POWs who were captured during the November 16 military operations. Thus far, five POWs have been detained and are facing criminal charges for allegedly not carrying out their combat duties.
In Tweet on Monday, Macron thanked French diplomats and military officials who were involved in the process of returning the eight POWs from Azerbaijan.
“8 Armenian detainees were released by Azerbaijan and transferred from Baku to Yerevan. They were reunited with their families, from whom they had been separated for several months. Thanks to our diplomats, as well as our soldiers who were mobilized for this operation,” Macron tweeted.
The EU supports stability and prosperity in the region, Michel, the European Council president said in a tweet on Monday.
“The release by Azerbaijan and reparation [sic] to Armenia of 8 Armenian detainees is another sign of positive developments following the meeting with Emmanuel Macron, Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan. The EU supports stability and prosperity in the region,” he said.
Javier Colomina, NATO’s Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs also tweeted a message on the POW release.
“It is indeed good news. NATO values our partnership with both Armenia and Azerbaijan , and supports the normalisation of their relations, which will contribute to increase stability and prosperity in the region,” Colomina said in this tweet.
USC Tacori Center Holds Third Student MasterClass in Armenia
The USC Tacori Center held a MasterClass for students in Maiakovski, a village in Armenia, from Jan. 18 to 20
Seventeen Master’s level students from five universities in Armenia gathered at the University of Southern California Tacori Center in Maiakovski village for a MasterClass on the “Social Science Principles and Research Methodologies.” The program took place from January 18 to 20, and was the third on the same themes, organized by the University of Southern California Institute of Armenia Studies.
Located 25 minutes outside of Armenia’s capital Yerevan, the USC Tacori Center is a year-round convening space where artists, policymakers, scholars, authors, practitioners, scientists from Armenia, Artsakh and from around the world gather to work, to learn from each other, and to turn ideas into actions.
This MasterClass was the third led by Dr. Vicken Cheterian, who teaches International Relations at Webster University Geneva, and Associate Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, and Dr. Naira Sahakyan, who teaches at Armenia’s Yerevan State University, the American University of Armenia, and is a senior researcher at the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute.
Scenes from USC Tacori Center’s third student MasterClass in Armenia
Six other presenters from Armenia and abroad led lectures and discussions to provide students with a basic tool-kit of theories and literature to understand how best to structure their own research projects. “As important as this scholarship would have been at any time, it is crucial and necessary today, in a post-war environment, so that the political, social and historical studies that are being developed represent solid, irrefutable research,” said Syuzanna Petrosyan, Associate Director of the USC Institute of Armenian Studies.
In addition to Cheterian and Sahakyan, presenters included Anahit Kartashyan and Benyamin Poghosyan from the Russian-Armenian University, Vahram Ter-Matevosyan from the American University of Armenia, analyst Tigran Grigoryan, Anna Gevorgyan from Yerevan State University, and Arman Grigoryan from Pennsylvania’s Lehigh University.
Students had the opportunity to share the challenges they are experiencing with their ongoing or upcoming research projects, after which they received feedback both from their peers and the presenters.
Scenes from USC Tacori Center’s third student MasterClass in Armenia
There will be additional student workshops at the USC Tacori Center that will focus on research methodology and approaches. Armenia-based students interested in participating, should email [email protected] to be added to the USC Tacori Center students list. Other workshops in the months to come will include a convening of sculptors, a colloquium on the intersection of heritage and technology, especially in the post-war context, and several workshops on writing – for animation, for theater and for publication. Scholars and regional experts will convene on current urgent issues impacting the region.
The Tacorian Family of Los Angeles gifted use of the secluded residence to the USC Institute of Armenian Studies. This unique regional hub, like other research and conference centers around the world, will become an important venue for cross-cultural and interdisciplinary exchange. Scholars and students from around Armenia, the Caucasus, Europe and the US will be coming together to explore the arts, social sciences and humanities, as well as business and engineering, in ways that are significant and relevant for today’s young scholars.
Established in 2005, the USC Institute of Armenian Studies supports multidisciplinary scholarship to re-define, explore and study the complex issues that make up the contemporary Armenian experience—from post-genocide to the developing Republic of Armenia to the evolving diaspora. The institute encourages research, publications and public service, and promotes links among the global academic and Armenian communities.
For inquiries, write to [email protected] or call 213.821.3943