19:22, 7 December 2023
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Denmark's parliament adopts a law making it illegal to burn the Quran or other religious texts.
The bill, which prohibits "inappropriate treatment of writings with significant religious importance for a recognized religious community", was passed with 94 votes in favor and 77 opposed, BBC reports.
According to the source, those who break the law would be punished with fines or up to two years in prison.
20:08, 7 December 2023
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Grandmaster Manuel Petrosyan has become the winner of the Kazakhstan Cup.
The Kazakhstan Cup was held using the knockout system. Among the 16 participating chess players, Petrosyan competed with Iranian chess player Bardia Daneshvar in the final and won with a score of 1:5-0:5.
Manuel Petrosyan had the highest rating at the tournament held in Almaty.
19:46, 7 December 2023
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the negotiations with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, proposed discussing the conflict between Palestine and Israel, Ria Novosti reports.
“Of course, it is very important for us to exchange views on the situation in the region, especially as regards the situation in Palestine,” Putin said.
21:06, 7 December 2023
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. The staff of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued a joint statement, the office of the Prime Minister of Armenia said.
The statement reads as follows:
"The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan share the view that there is a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region. Two countries reconfirm their intention to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following the talks between the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, an agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between two countries.
Driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Azerbaijan releases 32 Armenian military servicemen.
In its turn, driven by the values of humanism and as a gesture of goodwill, the Republic of Armenia releases 2 Azerbaijani military servicemen.
As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Armenia supports the bid of the Republic of Azerbaijan to host the 29th Session of the Conference of Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, by withdrawing its own candidacy. The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan do hope that the other countries within the Eastern European Group will also support Azerbaijan’s bid to host. As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Azerbaijan supports the Armenian candidature for Eastern European Group COP Bureau membership.
The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will continue their discussions regarding the implementation of more confidence building measures, effective in the near future and call on the international community to support their efforts that will contribute to building mutual trust between two countries and will positively impact the entire South Caucasus region."
23:29, 7 December 2023
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS. On December 7 Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received Louis Bono, the Senior Adviser for Caucasus Negotiations, the U.S. Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group.
The interlocutors touched upon topics of regional security and stability.
The recent developments in the process of normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the positions of the sides on the draft peace treaty were discussed. The Armenian side responded positively to the offer of the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to organize the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in Washington.
Svetlana Movsisyan, who received financial aid from the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, with her family. Photo by Gohar Palyan
BY GOHAR PALYAN
Since October of this year, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan have subsidized 122 Artsakh families with a total of $65,800, disbursed to address their pressing needs, ranging from rent to appliances and household essentials. The organization also helped to transport 700 tons of humanitarian provisions which were delivered directly to the Armenians living in Artsakh earlier this year.
The Knights and Daughters of Vartan have been dedicated to advocating for the well-being and security of Armenians in Artsakh and Armenia and supporting them for over a century. Since 2022, the organization has focused on advocating for the rights of the citizens of Artsakh, including their self-determination, liberty, security, and the right to live on their own land. In the fall of 2022, the Knights and Daughters established an Action Committee and successfully raised over $196K from members and non-members to address the needs of Artsakh Armenians.
In October 2023, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan created a road map for immediate humanitarian and long-term economic development projects specifically for Artsakh Armenian families. This Humanitarian project included supporting families the organization aided in 2022 while in Artsakh, vulnerable families with burned victims, small children, large families, or those who lost family members. In this endeavor, the organization partnered with other institutions, such as Aparan Municipality, the Knights of Vartan School #106, Paros Foundation, Martuni Vocational School named after V. Khachatryan, and Sahman NGO.
While the focus has been on the immediate and urgent needs, it has also emphasized the dire need to find people from Artsakh jobs to earn an income. In some cases the families preferred to obtain tools vs. purchasing household items, so they can work and later buy the household items with their income.
For example, Svetlana, a mother, with 12 children, preferred financial aid to purchase chickens and piglets to raise for winter and have a little farm similar to the one she had in Artsakh.
Ira Gevorgyan, who was displaced from her home in Artsakh. Photo by Gohar Palyan
Another individual, Ira Kocharyan Gevorgyan, had to leave her hometown of Martuni in September along with her daughter Narine like many other displaced Artsakh people. She is a skilled professional in both sewing and teaching, Ira was employed at Martuni Vocational School named after V. Khachatryan. Despite the challenges, both women were determined to build a new life as a hardworking and independent family. With the necessity of paying rent for their house, they knew they had to combine their efforts to generate income. Recently, Narine secured a job, marking the beginning of their journey to financial stability. Their rented home, situated in a peaceful corner of Yerevan’s suburbs offers a serene environment. As a longstanding partner, the Knights of Vartan extended support to Ira, suggesting assistance with essential appliances, household items, and early rent payments. However, Ira made a conscious decision to forgo some immediate comforts at home. Instead, she opted to invest in a professional sewing machine, a crucial tool she had in Artsakh but was too large to transport by car. Despite the expense, the store empathized with her situation, offering a generous discount upon learning of her Artsakh origins. Now fully equipped, Ira is actively seeking sewing orders, ready to leverage her skills and determination to secure a stable income for her family.
Ira Gevorgyan at home and with her new sewing machine. Photo by Gohar Palyan
Vilen Avanesov, another Artsakh Armenian supported by the Knights of Vartan expressed his gratitude saying, “Two of my brothers were affected by the Stepanakert explosion, and one is currently in a critical condition in the hospital. We take turns providing full-time care for him until he recovers. Unfortunately, we had to find a temporary, run-down dwelling two hours away from Yerevan, where the hospital is located, which resulted in its own set of challenges. Amidst these difficulties, it is the children who have suffered the most from the impact of these changes. The Knights and Daughters of Vartan support has empowered us to secure a better home at a preferable location, reducing the commute and allowing us to focus on providing stability for our children. This will enable them to attend school and secure a more conducive environment for their education and well-being. Hopefully, my brothers will recover and we can start our lives here by setting up greenhouses similar to the ones we had in Artsakh.”
The Knights and Daughters of Vartan are certain that their humanitarian project is needed and appreciated, and will continue as long as there is an urgent need.
Our next objective is the Economic Recovery Project, which will facilitate economic development for impoverished families, guiding them toward establishing new homes in Armenia. This endeavor begins with the creation of income-generating resources. Our compatriots embody the spirit of proud and hard-working Armenians, and they deserve a helping hand. The Knights of Vartan are committed to sustaining this support for the people of Artsakh, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for Armenians in Armenia.
To sustain our Humanitarian and Economic Development efforts, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan is continuing to raise funds. We invite you to join us as well and make a donation online or via check. Please visit our web site for more information visit kofv.org.
The Knights of Vartan Inc. is a fraternal leadership and service organization of Armenian men dedicated to safeguarding and perpetuating the Armenian heritage and cultural traditions. Its membership represents the spectrum of the leadership of the Armenian community. It was founded in 1916 in Philadelphia and is based in the United States with 23 local chapters which support Armenian causes around the world.
For more information about the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, visit the website.
Gohar Palyan is a Knights of Vartan liaison.
EU Welcomes the Deal, Calls for Resumption of Talks
The governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced a prisoner exchange deal whereby 32 Armenian soldiers detained by Azerbaijan will be released. In return Armenia will also release two Azerbaijani soldiers currently in custody in Armenia.
In a joint statement issued by the offices of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, it was announced that as a result of talks between the two offices “an agreement has been reached on taking tangible steps towards building confidence between two countries.”
“The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan share the view that there is a historical chance to achieve a long-awaited peace in the region. Two countries reconfirm their intention to normalize relations and to reach the peace treaty on the basis of respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement said.
As a sign of goodwill, the deal stipulates that Armenia will support Azerbaijan’s bid to host the 2029 Climate Summit by withdrawing its own candidacy.
“The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan do hope that the other countries within the Eastern European Group will also support Azerbaijan’s bid to host. As a sign of good gesture, the Republic of Azerbaijan supports the Armenian candidature for Eastern European Group COP Bureau membership,” said the statement.
“The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan will continue their discussions regarding the implementation of more confidence building measures, effective in the near future and call on the international community to support their efforts that will contribute to building mutual trust between two countries and will positively impact the entire South Caucasus region,” the statement concluded.
The latest prisoner deal followed U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien’s visit to Baku, Azatutyun.am reported. O’Brien discussed with Aliyev U.S. efforts to kick-start talks on the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. In what may have been a related development, a U.S. special envoy for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks, Louis Bono, met with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan on Thursday.
European Council President Charles Michel welcomed the Yerevan-Baku joint statement.
“Delighted to welcome a major breakthrough in relations as they issue a joint statement. Welcome in particular release of detainees and unprecedented opening in political dialogue,” Michel said on X, formerly Twitter.
“Establishing and deepening bilateral dialogue between sides has been a key objective of the EU-led Brussels process: today’s progress is a key step. I now encourage the leaders to finalize the peace Armenia-Azerbaijan deal ASAP,” added Michel.
Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Ben Cardin
Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair Ben Cardin sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him to hold Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev’s regime accountable for ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and to continue the United States’ support for Armenians who were forced to flee the region, informed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
“While terrible tragedies elsewhere have diverted the world’s attention, I write to ensure that we remain focused on holding the Aliyev regime accountable for its brazen campaign of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and continue to support Armenians who were forced to flee,” Cardin, a Democrat from Maryland said.
“As you are well aware, in September 2023, President Ilham Aliyev launched a military campaign that drove around 100,000 Armenians out of their homes, and during which Azerbaijani forces reportedly killed and wounded civilians. These attacks were not only a clear violation of the November 2020 ceasefire but also reportedly involved heinous atrocities,” added the powerful committee chair.
“Prior to the military invasion, Azerbaijan was effectively imposing a humanitarian blockade on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, preventing the delivery of food, medicine, and basic humanitarian supplies. Beyond the blockade, the State Department’s 2022 Human Right Report cites numerous reports of Azerbaijani forces committing extrajudicial killings of Armenians,” Cardin pointed out.
“Furthermore, both before and after September, Azerbaijan has continued its well-documented practice of seizing and destroying Armenian cultural property in areas it controls, in further pursuit of its efforts to erase Armenian history and culture,” emphasized the letter.
“While Azerbaijan thus far is abiding by the terms of the September 20, 2023 ceasefire, I remain deeply concerned that Azerbaijan could take further military action to achieve additional political gains, particularly in regards to the so-called Zangezour corridor,” Cardin stressed.
“I strongly encourage you to continue to work with international partners and organizations to support accountability for the Aliyev regime’s actions. Specifically, I would like to know what steps you have taken and plan to take regarding the following:
“It is critically important that the United States continues our commitment to prevent the commission of atrocities, protect vulnerable civilians, and hold those responsible for atrocities accountable for their actions. We must send a clear message to those who believe they can operate with impunity,” Cardin concluded.
Zoravik Protest Vigil, JFK Federal Building, Boston, MA., Nov. 18, 2023 (Photo: Art Ghazaryan)
BOSTON—On the frigid afternoon of November 18, 2023, Zoravik Activist Collective concluded its protest series in support of Artsakh by hosting a “Rally to Demand US Action for Artsakh” in front of the JFK Federal Building in Boston. In solidarity with 14 organizations in the greater Boston community, the rally’s 16 speakers shed light on the ethnic cleansing of over 100,000 Armenians from Artsakh by Azerbaijan in September 2023 after a 44-day war in 2020 and a brutal nine-month blockade in 2023 that deprived the population of food, medical supplies and fuel.
Activist singer-songwriters Sami Martasian (of Puppy Problems) and Chris Kazarian performed before and during the rally. Martasian’s songs about gentrification and Kazarian’s song titled “When Will We Get To Live?” were musical explorations of inequality and injustice that echoed the themes of the rally mentioned by many of its speakers.
The speakers at the rally expressed outrage over the international community’s failure to protect Armenians in Artsakh, demanded that the U.S. cut military and other aid to Azerbaijan, highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance for forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh, urged American lawmakers to support Armenian democracy and sovereignty, noted the strength of aligning with other oppressed populations and encouraged the community to do more together.
The organizers had compiled a list of statements, trusted news articles, videos and other links about Artsakh into the following website: www.ArtsakhSOS.com. This online resource was disseminated to passers-by via postcards and through QR codes on protest signs.
Dr. Henry Theriault of Genocide Studies International (Photo: Arev Kaligian)
Several speakers noted their outrage about the international community’s failure to protect Armenians in Artsakh from Azerbaijani aggression. Reading Zoravik’s prepared statement, Dr. Lisa Gulesserian listed numerous times when different state actors and international human rights organizations failed to prevent the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh. Referencing a long history of willful neglect by international powers to prevent violence against Armenians, Dr. Henry Theriault on behalf of Genocide Studies International asserted: “Many scholars of genocide, whether they have any kind of focus on the Armenian case or not, are recognizing that what is happening now [in Armenia and Artsakh] is not only part of the genocidal process that started in the 1890s with the goal of eliminating Armenians from the entire Caucasus and Western Armenian regions, but it is also, just what has happened now, also, is either already genocide, or on the verge of becoming genocide, according to the UN Convention and other applicable international law.”
Rally speakers also noted that international inaction was not the only contributing factor—the United States government has provided military and other aid to Azerbaijan that enabled its aggression against Armenians, and this aid must be stopped immediately. As Gulesserian explained, “The United States actively built the military of Azerbaijan over decades with hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. military aid. The U.S. thus had a direct role in helping Azerbaijan reach its genocidal goals.” Judy Norsigian of Our Bodies Ourselves highlighted the connection between the U.S. and Israel that allowed Israel to sell Azerbaijan weapons that were used to terrorize and kill Armenians: “It’s really important that we also ask our legislators to do what they can to apply pressure upon Netanyahu not to provide such weapons to Azerbaijan as it now seeks to take over southern parts of Armenia proper. They will not stop. They will continue to do whatever they can, and our job is to hold our legislators’ feet to the fire as best we can.”
Knar Krafian of the Armenian Youth Federation – Boston and Northeastern University ASA (Photo: Arev Kaligian)
Many of the rally’s speakers called for the urgent needs of Artsakh Armenians forcibly displaced by Azerbaijan. Knar Krafian speaking on behalf of the Northeastern Armenian Student Association noted that she and her peers “are lucky enough to continue our education and carry on with our lives,” while “most Artsakhsis our age are focusing on survival.” Gulesserian on Zoravik’s behalf asserted: “With sanctions against the Aliyev clan and no more aid for Azerbaijan, Armenians might have a future. But the Armenians of Artsakh who fled Azerbaijani persecution need help now. The elderly sleeping in the streets and the malnourished children need immediate humanitarian assistance, and the paltry 11.5 million that USAID just promised to send to help ease the plight of Armenians is not enough. We demand that our congressional representatives do more: Send more humanitarian assistance to Armenia NOW! If we could give hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Azerbaijan to help cause this catastrophe, the least we can do is send adequate aid to save the lives of those directly victimized by it.”
Speakers with personal connections to the region noted that democracy in Armenia and Artsakh must be protected. Nairi Krafian’s speech on behalf of the Armenian Youth Federation was delivered by Knar Krafian, who described how visits to the Caucasus showed her that “Artsakh was a beacon of hope for all oppressed peoples, and a shining example of the good that could come from decolonization and democratic values,” but how “the beacon of light that was Artsakh was overcome by the darkness of Azerbaijani oppression and colonialism.” Judith Saryan, representing Democracy Today, echoed the sentiment: “America and the West did nothing to help the fledgling democratic Republic of Artsakh during the nine-month blockade by Azerbaijan and Russia which starved the people and led to their inability to protect themselves against the Azerbaijani attack.” Documentary photographer Winslow Martin noted: “Armenia cannot alone insure peace and stability in the region. Today, the border of the Republic itself is not safe. The free, independent democratic nation continues to be threatened with military incursion by its autocratic neighbor. No nation born in and committed to freedom and justice in the world should let this stand. To ignore such crimes is to embolden this and other potential perpetrators of such crimes around the world.”
Speakers noted the strength of aligning with other oppressed peoples. Emra Altindis on behalf of Bostonbul, a Boston-based Turkish organization, asserted: “Just in the last month, all these companies who are sending weapons to the world, specifically to Israel, made 27 billion dollar profits just in the last month. And these American companies are directly collaborating with the Israeli military complex, which supported the Azerbaijan regime during these attacks on Karabakh. And I think we need to see this connection between the suffering of the people in Palestine and the suffering of the people in Karabakh right now. They are so connected. And I hope this ethnic cleansing will stop in Karabakh, and in Gaza, as soon as possible. And I hope these oppressor regimes in Azerbaijan, in Turkey, in Israel, that they will lose, and we will find ways to live in peace and harmony.” Ihsan Karahasi, an activist with Zoravik, spoke in Western Armenian about the shared struggles of Kurds and Armenians against Turkish violence. Aïcha Belabbes, an activist with the Muslim Justice League, spoke about the shared histories of indigenous Palestinians and Armenians victimized by oppressive, genocidal, well-equipped regimes.
Several speakers urged the community to take a more active role in advocating for Armenia and Artsakh. Referencing Azerbaijan’s campaign to destroy Armenian cultural heritage in Artsakh, Tamar Melkonian, speaking on behalf of Amaras Art Alliance, explained: “We, who proudly bear the name Amaras [an Armenian monastery in Artsakh built in the 4th century where the inventor of the Armenian alphabet, Mesrob Mashdots, founded the first educational center for teaching it; the monastery is currently located in territory controlled by Azerbaijan], now have a heavier duty, to always remember this name and elevate its history and importance.” She urged the community to work in concert to prevent more cultural heritage destruction: “Together we stand to strengthen our resolve and to preserve that rich cultural heritage and ensure it thrives and prospers for generations to come.”
Herman Purutian of the Armenian Assembly of America – Massachusetts (Photo: Arev Kaligian)
Herman Purutian of the Armenian Assembly of America – New England encouraged the community to keep working: “Our job is to make sure that we hold our government accountable in all ways. Last week the Senate passed the [“Armenian Protection Act of 2023”], which would take away the ability of the President to waive Section 907. It is a good start, but it is not done yet. It has to go through the House, and this is where we come in holding our government accountable. Each of you, I ask, that you reach out to your representatives. You can use the Armenian Assembly resources, you can use the Armenian National Committee’s resources. Reach out to your representatives and make sure that they ensure the passage of the resolution through the House and that bill goes to the President’s desk.”
Aram Kaligian of the Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts (Photo: Arev Kaligian)
Aram Kaligian, who spoke on behalf of the Armenian National Committee – Eastern Massachusetts, asserted: “It is important to get out in the streets and show our congressmen, our leaders, our senators that what happens in Armenia matters to us and that is important to us. When 100,000 Armenians are starved and terrorized and driven out of their homes, and we don’t hit the streets, it says to our congressmen that it is not that important to us.” Kaligian went on to urge the attendees to take concrete action for Artsakh: “In terms of leveraging political support, the easiest thing you can do right now is to go to the ANCA website and sign up to be a rapid responder. So, whenever ANCA sends an email to President Biden, or the Congress, or Secretary Blinken demanding sanctions on Azerbaijan, or cutting military aid, an email gets sent in your name to your Congress[person] or Senator.”
The speakers at the rally were joined in spirit by Massachusetts Senators Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren—both of whom have offices in the JFK Federal Building—who submitted statements of solidarity to be read at the rally in their absence.
Senator Ed Markey wrote:
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all of you for being here today, and for your continued advocacy on behalf of your Armenian family and friends who are being impacted by the ongoing displacement and dire humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. I want to take this opportunity to reassure you that my awareness and concern for you has remained steadfast.
On September 26, I signed a bipartisan, bicameral letter to the Department of State and the Department of Treasury calling on Secretaries Blinken and Yellen to impose sanctions on individuals in the Government of Azerbaijan associated with the military attacks against and brutal blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh.
And on September 21, I signed the “Supporting Armenians against Azerbaijani Aggression Act,” along with six other senators, to protect and provide humanitarian assistance to Armenians impacted by the genocidal actions taken by the Government of Azerbaijan. I once again wish to express my sincere thanks for your relentless advocacy.
I will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you all to lay bare truth and to push for understanding, sustained peace, and prosperity in [the region].”
Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote:
“Although I regretfully cannot be with you in person today, I strongly share your concerns about Azerbaijan’s recent attack in Nagorno-Karabakh, the need to protect Armenia and Armenians, and the worsening humanitarian crisis.
In September I joined my colleagues to call upon the State Department and Treasury Department to impose sanctions on those in the Azerbaijani government responsible for the attacks and blockade against Nagorno-Karabakh. I have also requested to be added to Senator Padilla’s resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s blockade of the Lachin Corridor and human rights violations by Azerbaijani officials against Armenian civilians. My office has been regularly in touch with the State Department to express these concerns.
I stand with the Armenian community during this extremely concerning time. We must hold accountable Azerbaijani officials responsible for this attack, blockade, and human rights violations. I will continue to press the Biden Administration to stand up for the Armenian people, including providing humanitarian aid, and to prevent the humanitarian crisis from escalating even further.
Thank you for your advocacy on such an extremely pressing issue, and I look forward to our continued efforts to protect the Armenian people.”
The rally was organized by the Zoravik Activist Collective and co-sponsored by a coalition of Boston-area youth, activist and advocacy groups, including the Pan-Armenian Council of New England, the Armenian Assembly of America – Massachusetts, the Armenian National Committee of Eastern Massachusetts and the Armenian Youth Federation – Greater Boston “Nejdeh” chapter.
Thursday, December 7, 2023
Yerevan, Baku Announce Prisoner Deal
Armenia - A French military plane with eight Armenian prisoners of war freed by
Azerbaijan on board is seen at Yerevan airport, February 7, 2022.
Azerbaijan will free 32 Armenian prisoners of war in exchange for the release of
two Azerbaijani soldiers detained in Armenia and Yerevan’s support for Baku’s
bid to host the COP29 climate summit, the two sides announced late on Thursday.
In a joint statement, the offices of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian said the deal is the result of
negotiations held by them. They pledged to discuss “more confidence-building
measures in the near future.”
“The two states reaffirm their intention to normalize relations and negotiate a
peace treaty based on respect for the principles of sovereignty and territorial
integrity,” said the statement.
Baku did not immediately identify the Armenian POWs that will be repatriated by
it. A similar number of Armenian soldiers as well as eight current and former
leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh will remain in Azerbaijani captivity.
The Azerbaijani servicemen to be freed by Yerevan are apparently the conscripts
who were detained in April after crossing into Armenia’s Syunik province from
Azerbaijan’s Nakhichevan exclave. One of them was charged with murdering a
Syunik resident one day before his detention. Armenia’s Court of Appeals
sentenced him to life in prison earlier this week.
The latest prisoner deal followed U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James
O’Brien’s visit to Baku. O’Brien’s discussed with Aliyev U.S. efforts to
kick-start talks on the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty. In what may have been
a related development, a U.S. special envoy for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace
talks, Louis Bono, met with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Yerevan on
Thursday.
Head Of Armenian Anti-Graft Watchdog Removed From Office
• Astghik Bedevian
Armenia - Haykuhi Harutiunian, head of Commission on Prevention of Corruption,
speaks at a seminar in Yerevan, February 8, 2023.
The Armenian parliament effectively fired on Thursday the head of a state
anti-corruption body who has investigated many pro-government lawmakers
suspected of illicit enrichment, conflict of interest or other corrupt practices.
Haykuhi Harutiunian was elected by the previous National Assembly as chairwoman
of the Commission on Prevention of Corruption for a four-year term in November
2019. Armenia’s government and ruling Civil Contract party were expected to back
her reelection until recently.
However, Armenian media reported last month that during a meeting with
Harutiunian held behind the closed doors some parliamentarians affiliated with
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s party complained about the commission’s actions
taken against them, their relatives or friends.
Speaking in the parliament on Wednesday, Harutiunian said that “up to 25” Civil
Contract deputies have been investigated for possible conflict of interest or
inaccurate asset declarations submitted to the commission.
Many pro-government deputies openly attacked Harutiunian during a two-day heated
debate on her candidacy. Some of them claimed that members of her own family did
not file such declarations for two years, while another said Harutiunian
arranged for her sister to hold a “seminar” for the anti-graft watchdog’s
members and staffers.
“My sister has never participated in any activity financed by the commission,” a
visibly angry Harutiunian insisted on Thursday.
Armenia - Deputies from the ruling Civil Contract party talk on the parliament
floor, Yerevan, March 1, 2023.
She was also attacked by Arsen Torosian, another Pashinian ally who was
investigated in 2020 in his then capacity as health minister. Harutiunian
accused Torosian at the time of conflict of interest stemming from a lucrative
procurement contract awarded by him to a company owned by his wife. Other
commission members disagreed with her at the time.
Torosian claimed on Thursday that the probe was politically motivated. “Ms.
Harutiunian, if that campaign continues -- and it appears to be continuing --
please look for other heroes,” he said.
“You are not my hero,” shot back the anti-corruption official. “I’m afraid you
can never become one.”
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers defended Harutiunian. One of them, Artsvik
Minasian, praised her “political will” to fight against corruption and accused
the authorities of seeking to “usurp” the body scrutinizing the declared assets
of the country’s leading state officials.
Not surprisingly, the parliament’s pro-government majority blocked Harutiunian’s
re-appointment by boycotting an ensuing vote.
Several Armenian civic organizations expressed serious concern over such a
prospect earlier this week. In a joint statement, they urged Civil Contract’s
parliamentary group not to “succumb to the desires of a few members driven by
self-interest” and to delay the vote.
Pashinian has repeatedly claimed to have eliminated “systemic corruption” in
Armenia. However, members of his entourage are increasingly accused by media
outlets of enriching themselves or their cronies and breaking their
anti-corruption promises given during the 2018 “velvet revolution.” There are
also growing questions about integrity in public procurement administered by the
current government.
European Court Rules Against Ousted Armenian Judges
• Naira Bulghadarian
France - A view of the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, Janury 26,
2023.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has dismissed an appeal filed more
than three years ago by the former chairman and three other members of Armenia’s
Constitutional Court against their dismissal engineered by Prime Minister Nikol
Pashinian.
The judges came under strong government pressure to resign in 2019, with
Pashinian accusing them of maintaining close ties to Armenia’s former government
and impeding his “judicial reforms.” They did not bow to the pressure, leading
Pashinian’s administration to enact controversial constitutional amendments a
year later.
The amendments extended a 12-year term limit to all nine members of the
Constitutional Court, thereby mandating the immediate dismissal of three court
justices who had taken the bench in the 1990s. They also required Hrayr
Tovmasian to quit as court chairman while allowing him to remain a judge.
Tovmasian and the three ousted judges -- Alvina Gyulumian, Felix Tokhian and
Hrant Nazarian -- said the amendments are null and void because they were not
sent to the Constitutional Court for examination prior to their passage. The
Armenian opposition also accused Pashinian’s political team of violating this
legal requirement.
Armenia -- Constitutional Court Chairman Hrayr Tovmasian reads out a court
ruling, Yerevan, March 17, 2020.
Tovmasian, Gyulumian, Tokhian and Nazarian went on to appeal to the ECHR, saying
that they were forced out in violation of several articles of the European
Convention on Human Rights. One of those articles guarantees their “access to
court.”
In its long-awaited ruling made public on Thursday, the Strasbourg-based court
refused to invalidate or challenge in any away their ouster, saying that it
resulted from the constitutional changes “not directed against them
specifically.” It claimed to have found no “evidence of the authorities singling
out any of the applicants with negative remarks about their professional
performance, personality or moral values.”
Pashinian and his political allies never made secret of the fact that the
amendments are designed to help them get rid of Constitutional Court members
installed during former Presidents Serzh Sarkisian’s and Robert Kocharian’s
rule. The prime minister stated in 2019 that they must resign because they do
not “represent the people.”
The ECHR ruling also cited statements on the issue made by the Venice Commission
of the Council of Europe in 2020. While largely backing the constitutional
amendments, the commission criticized the Pashinian administration’s refusal to
introduce a transitional period that would “allow for a gradual change in the
composition of the court in order to avoid any abrupt and immediate change
endangering the independence of this institution.”
Tovmasian and his sacked colleagues did not immediately react to the ruling.
Siranush Sahakian, a lawyer representing them, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service
that she is now examining the text and will comment later.
Armenia -- Supporters of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian block the entrance to
the Constitutional Court building in Yerevan, May 20, 2019.
As a result of the 2020 amendments, two more Constitutional Court members
resigned in the following years. The vast majority of the court’s current judges
have been handpicked by Armenia’s current political leadership and confirmed by
the parliament loyal to it.
The Pashinian government has also installed virtually all members of the Supreme
Judicial Council (SJC), a powerful body overseeing Armenian courts. The judicial
watchdog is now headed by Karen Andreasian, Pashinian’s former justice minister
who was affiliated with the ruling Civil Contract party until September 2022.
Over the past year, the SJC has fired a number of respected judges and launched
disciplinary proceedings against others, stoking opposition allegations that
Pashinian is seeking to further curb judicial independence in Armenia under the
guise of Western-backed “judicial reforms.” Opposition leaders have accused the
West of turning a blind eye to this for geopolitical reasons.
Armenia, Azerbaijan ‘Not Discussing’ New Date For U.S.-Mediated Talks
• Shoghik Galstian
U.S. - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hosts talks between Foreign
Minsters Ararat Mirzoyan of Armenia and Jeyhun Bayramov of Azerbaijan in
Arlington, May 4, 2023.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have not yet agreed on a new date for fresh talks between
their foreign ministers in Washington, Armenian parliament speaker Alen Simonian
said on Thursday.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was scheduled to host the talks on
November 20. However, Baku cancelled them in protest against what it called
pro-Armenian statements made by James O’Brien, the U.S. assistant secretary of
state for Europe and Eurasia.
Speaking during a congressional hearing in Washington on November 15, O’Brien
condemned Azerbaijan’s September 19-20 military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh
and warned Baku against attacking Armenia to open a land corridor to its
Nakhichevan exclave.
Blinken telephoned Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and Azerbaijani
President Ilham Aliyev before sending O’Brien to Baku this week. The latter
described his talks with Aliyev and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov
as “positive and constructive.”
“As I told President Aliyev … Secretary Blinken looks forward to hosting foreign
ministers Bayramov and Mirzoyan in Washington soon for peace negotiations,” the
U.S. diplomat tweeted early on Thursday.
Simonian insisted that Yerevan and Baku are not even discussing yet possible
time frames for those negotiations.
“We have said that we are not refusing any meetings,” he told reporters. “The
Azerbaijani side has declined at least three invitations [from Western
mediators.] We hope that it will become more constructive.”
Aliyev twice cancelled meetings with Pashinian which the European Union planned
to organize in October. The two leaders were due to try to bridge their
remaining differences on an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace treaty.
Aliyev cautioned on Wednesday that the treaty alone would not guarantee a
lasting peace between the two South Caucasus nations. He said he wants to secure
safeguards against Armenian “revanchism.”
“In order to prevent revanchism, he should form a peace agenda together with
us,” countered Simonian. “There is no other way.”
Reposted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
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