Category: 2023

By Catherine Tsounis

Who holds the record for Longest non-stop double track cable car in the world? It is in a country struggling to maintain its independence . A poor nation materially, the first Aryans or “Ancient people”, Armenia has the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section at the Tatev monastery. Its majestic view is unforgettable.

I remember Tatev because I was the only person of the Holy Martyrs 2018 Pilgrimage who was not warned and drank poisonous juice that landed me in a hospital without adequate plasma. A life experience that had a happy ending, because Father Abraham Malkhasyan sang an Armenian religious hymn, blessing me at the hospital. It was destiny for me to experience all, overcome and remember “The Wings of Tatev” in 2023. Every traveler has an experience that changed their life. Seeing historic Armenia helped me appreciate my Greek heritage. It is the longest reversible aerial tramway built in only one section the Aegean and Western Anatolia because of the courageous Orthodox Armenian people, the backbone of the Byzantine education, spiritual and military establishments.

Flying over the gorge located at the Syunik region, south of Yerevan, presented a once in a lifetime view. The manufacturer is the Doppelmayr/Garaventa Group of Austria/Switzerland. In the middle of nowhere, the Caucasus mountains, one sees Western technology. “The Wings of Tatev” was built within the framework of the Tatev Revival Project. The project was conceived by Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend. The aerial tramway was officially launched on 16 October 2010., where it set the Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop reversible aerial tramway.1

The Tatev Gateway is noncommercial. It has one goal: the restoration of Tatev Monastery and the development of the local community. – Tatev, that means “give wings.”2 Flying across the gorge was like having wings.

Special appreciation to Rev. Dr. Abraham Malkhasyan of Holy Martyrs Apostolic Armenian Church in Bayside, NY, the Pilgrimage leader Aram Ciamician and photographer Lara Ciamician, Zarmi Megherian and Armenian mentors scholar Mardo Anastasian and community activist Carol Anastasian.

Reference:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wings_of_Tatev

2. https://araratour.com/the-legends-of-tatev-monastery

https://hellenicnews.com/memories-of-armenia-the-wings-of-tatev/

Belarus –

MINSK, 29 June (BelTA) – The photo exhibition "Armenia through the eyes of a Belarusian photographer and Belarus through the eyes of an Armenian photographer" has opened at the National Historical Museum of the Republic of Belarus, BelTA has learned.

The exhibition has been organized on the initiative of the Embassy of Armenia in Belarus with the support of the news agencies BelTA and Armenpress, with the assistance of the Belarusian Embassy in Armenia. The event is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Belarus and the Republic of Armenia.

The exhibition features 100 photographs depicting nature, culture and traditions of the Belarusian and Armenian peoples. The photos were taken by Belarusian photographer Leonid Shcheglov during a trip to Armenia and by Armenian photographer Mkhitar Khachatryan to Belarus. The photographs have captured the original images of Belarusians and Armenians, their daily life, architecture and unique landscapes of the two countries.

"Today is my day, because my long-standing idea of this exhibition has come true," Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Belarus Razmik Khumaryan said at an exhibition launch ceremony. He said that he came to Belarus eight years ago and worked for six years in the CIS Executive Committee. At that time, he actively traveled around the country, visited many memorable and iconic places and sights that delighted him, and was surprised that many did not know about them. It was then that he had the idea to make an exhibition of photographs about Belarus, but not by a local, but by an Armenian photographer who would look at the country with fresh eyes. The same applies to Armenia – to be shown by a Belarusian photographer.

He noted that the historical ties between Armenia and Belarus date back about five centuries and this year's scientific conference will be devoted to this. The history of their relations as two sovereign states goes back three decades. "I hope that future generations will celebrate the tercentenary of our relations as sovereign independent prosperous states," Ambassador Razmik Khumaryan added.

In his opinion, it is very important to develop interaction between the countries at the level of interpersonal contacts of people. "Friendship of peoples, cooperation, mutual recognition, mutual understanding, mutual respect – this is the basis on which cooperation between sovereign states rests," he said.

The ambassador stressed that the foundation of strong cooperation between the two countries is their common fight against the brown plague in the 20th century. As is known, many Armenians participated in the battles for Belarus and its liberation. About 10,000 Armenians died on Belarusian soil, and 15 were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union, including Ivan Baghramyan. "This is the foundation that will remain forever, and we will build our relationship based on it in memory of those people who, shoulder to shoulder, created what we have now," the diplomat said.

For her part, BelTA Director General Irina Akulovich said: "The place of strength of each of us is home. We have Belarus in our hearts, you have Armenia in yours. Each of our countries has its own flavor, style, vibes and vibrations. Of course, it is interesting to see how first comers to our country see it, what they will remember. The most important thing is that both photographers wanted to return, one to Belarus, the other to Armenia."

These photographs, according to her, depict first of all people – hospitable Armenians, good-natured Belarusians. Looking at them, it is important to understand that not only politicians, but also ordinary people can do a lot to establish relations, to promote friendship. "I am sure that those who see these photos will love Belarus and Armenia," Irina Akulovich said.

This is the third joint project of BelTA and Armenpress, she noted. An exhibition to mark the 30th anniversary of the Spitak tragedy and an exposition of Belarusian photographers in the metro in Yerevan were held earlier. "I am sure that if we admire each other, know more about each other, then everything will be fine with us. In today's world this is very important," BelTA Director General stressed.

https://eng.belta.by/society/view/photo-exhibition-celebrating-armenia-and-belarus-opens-in-minsk-159938-2023/

Digital Journal

Department of State, USA

SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  I just have a few things to say at the outset.

First, to both of my colleagues and their delegations, great thanks and appreciation for the important and hard work that’s continued in the effort to reach a durable peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as to deal with a number of other important issues that can help advance relations between the countries.  I’m grateful for the time that you’ve all spent here, now the second meeting that we’ve held.  I appreciated very much the opportunity to spend time with you, as did our team, the National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and appreciate again that, as we’ll share in a statement that’ll be released in a little while, further progress toward this shared objective of an agreement, to include agreement on some additional articles as well as a deepening understanding of the positions on other outstanding issues, as well as a recognition that there is – there remains hard work to be done to try to reach a final agreement.

We’ve had a series of meetings not only here but also with our counterparts – hosted by our counterparts in the European Union, to include as well Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev, and we know that a further meeting is expected in a few weeks’ time with the European Union and the president and prime minister.  And we look forward to continuing this process as well in the weeks ahead to take advantage of the momentum that we’ve helped achieve through these meetings, through further agreement on different discrete pieces, with, again, the objective of reaching an overall and final agreement in the weeks and months ahead.

I think there’s also a clear understanding on everyone’s part that the closer we get, the closer you get to reaching an agreement, in some cases the harder it gets, because by definition the most difficult issues are left for the end.  But I very much appreciate the spirit of candor, openness, directness that everyone has exhibited.  That is the way, ultimately, to reach understanding and, finally, to reach agreement.

So again, thank you both for being here.  Thank you for the hard work that’s gone into these three days.  Thank you for the progress that has been made.  And thank you for the determination to continue this effort in the weeks and months ahead.

Thank you.

https://www.state.gov/secretary-antony-j-blinken-at-a-closing-plenary-session-with-armenian-foreign-minister-ararat-mirzoyan-and-azerbaijani-foreign-minister-jeyhun-bayramov/

Egypt – July 1 2023

A group of "Egyptian-Armenian youth" succeeded in reaching summit of Mount Ararat (5165 meters) and raising the flags of Armenia and Egypt.

Mount Ararat is particularly popular with the mountaineering crowd and explorers, as it was believed to be Noah's Ark after the flood.

Mount Ararat is a complex, dormant volcanic mountain consisting of two ancient volcanic peaks, located in eastern Turkey (occupied Western Armenia) near the Armenian border.

For thousands of years, Armenians have used Mount Ararat as a symbol of their national and cultural identity.

Mount Ararat appears frequently in modern material culture; On T-shirts, posters and even wood carvings and necklaces, it adorns Armenian currency, stamps and coats of arms since 1918. It is also found on the official emblem of the Republic of Armenia.

Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan

July 1 2023

The Armenian quarter, the smallest among Jerusalem's Old City quarters, is currently experiencing an existential crisis that threatens the very presence of Armenians in the historic area.

The crisis is allegedly being orchestrated by their own religious leadership, various media outlets reported.

Lawyers working to halt the deal have revealed that a 99-year lease agreement has been signed by the Armenian Patriarchate, which will transfer up to 25 percent of the quarter's land to a commercial entity.

Reports suggest that the intention behind the deal is to construct a luxury hotel on a prime real estate spot, presently a parking lot nestled within the Old City walls.

Long standing history
The Armenian community has a long-standing history in Jerusalem, with their settlement dating back over 1,600 years.

Their presence expanded significantly in the early 20th century as Armenians sought refuge from the Ottoman Empire's genocide. However, over the past century, the Armenian population in the quarter has significantly declined.

This property emerges at a time when Christian Armenians feel increasingly squeezed by Jewish extremists and the ongoing Israeli occupation.

A severe threat
Despite few individuals having access to the actual contract and their reluctance to disclose its worth, lawyers and residents opposing the deal assert that it poses a severe threat to not only homes but also significant Armenian cultural heritage sites, including the Armenian heritage museum and cemetery within the quarter.

The controversy surrounding this real estate deal has resulted in a rift within the Armenian community, with protesters organizing regular demonstrations. Armenian residents and supporters have even formed human chains around the section of the quarter allegedly affected by the deal.

Speculation regarding the lessee led to the discovery of a sign on the parking lot displaying the name "Xana Capital".

Baret Yeretsian, a former priest and Real Estate Manager for the patriarchate, identified Xana Capital and its chairman Danny Rothman as the lessee. Yeretsian claimed that the contract, signed in 2021, aimed to secure future financial stability for the patriarchate.

Photographs provided by Yeretsian reportedly depict the signing ceremony, featuring Rothman, Yeretsian, Patriarch Nourhan Manougian, and the patriarch's deputy, Archbishop Sevan Gharibian.

However, the authenticity and timing of these photos could not be independently verified reported CNN.

Yeretsian, who left Jerusalem for the US under the patriarch's request, faced angry protestors upon his departure, angered by the deal. He maintains that he acted on the patriarch's orders and feels he is being made a scapegoat.

A threat to unity
While some residents express indifference toward the identity of the lessee, the Armenian lawyers investigating the situation emphasize that the issue extends beyond commercial purposes.

They view it as a threat to the unity and indivisibility of the Armenian community within the Old City, urging collective action to prevent the deal's execution.

The fallout from the community has garnered attention from the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, who have withdrawn recognition of the patriarch due to the real estate deal. The absence of the patriarch from the community has fueled further concern among residents.

During a ceremony at St. James' cathedral, the Patriarch's absence was notable, with his deputy, Archbishop Sevan Gharibian, confirming the existence of the deal but claiming efforts are underway to cancel it. Gharibian defended the patriarch's limited response to the matter, stating that not every question or discussion should be addressed publicly to protect ongoing efforts.

Many residents believe that the actions of the patriarchate prioritize financial gain over the preservation of Armenian heritage and community.

Amidst growing attacks by extremist Jewish settlers targeting Christians in Jerusalem, Armenians see this real estate sale as further endangering the Christian presence in the city. The escalating tensions and changes in Israeli policy have emboldened Jewish extremists, altering the city's shape and character.

https://www.jordannews.jo/Section-20/Middle-East/Armenian-community-in-Jerusalem-faces-existential-crisis-over-real-estate-deal-29507