Category: 2023

Fears grow of new war between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Arsine Chaltikian
 

ByAni AvetisyanandIsmi Aghayev
Mourners visit the Yerablur Military Memorial Cemetery on 2 April 2022. Photo: Ani Avetisyan/OC Media.

Growing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and in Nagorno-Karabakh have led to fears that a new escalation, or full-scale war, may be inevitable.

Tensions have been on the rise since a deadly clash on 5 March between Nagorno-Karabakh police officers and Azerbaijani troops near the Lachin corridor, which has been blocked for over three months. 

Since then, both Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh have regularly accused Azerbaijan of violating the ceasefire, including reports of civilians in Nagorno-Karabakh coming under fire.

On Wednesday, the Armenian Defence Ministry said a soldier was killed on the border with Nakhchivan, just south of Yerevan.

Baku has also accused Yerevan and Stepanakert of multiple ceasefire violations; on 20 March they said that an Azerbaijani soldier was wounded on the Armenian border in the south. 

Azerbaijan has also accused Russian peacekeepers of escorting Armenian troops and arms to Nagorno-Karabakh, with Armenia denying the reports and Russia reporting only about humanitarian vehicles passing through the Lachin corridor.

Tensions at the border have been accompanied by hostile rhetoric in Baku. During a Novoruz event last week, President Ilham  Aliyev said that if Armenians wished to  ‘live comfortably in an area of 29,000 square kilometres’ — the size of Armenia — they must recognise Azerbaijan’s borders and sign a peace deal ‘according to our conditions’. 

‘If Armenia does not recognise our territorial integrity, we will not recognise their territorial integrity either’, he said. 

Such comments have led to widespread fears in Armenia that Azerbaijan was laying the grounds for an attack on Nagorno-Karabakh or Armenia itself.

Tigran Grigoryan, a Yerevan-based political analyst and the head of the Regional  Centre for Democracy and Security, warned that a new escalation was now likely.

 ‘The trend is that every time, [Azerbaijan] are trying to increase the scale of the tension to see what is the international reaction’, Grigoryan told OC Media, adding that Azerbaijan also wanted to test Russia’s ‘red lines’. 

The Azerbaijani incursion into Armenia in September 2022 came to an end after unprecedented international criticism aimed specifically at Azerbaijan.

Grigoryan said Azerbaijani aims in a new escalation might be to force Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh to accept Azerbaijan’s terms, as peace talks remained ‘at an impasse’.

[Listen on the Caucasus Digest: A looming conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and newborn trafficking in Georgia]

Officials in Armenia have also raised the alarm. Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said the current rhetoric coming from Baku suggested a heightened risk of escalation. 

‘There’s always a risk of aggression regardless of the negotiations and Armenia’s constructive approach during the negotiations’, he said.

Mirzoyan added that if war broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh, the region’s Armenian population was at risk of ethnic cleansing. 

Azerbaijani officials and pro-government figures have also poured fuel on the fire.

Following Aliyev’s Novuruz comments, several officials posted similar statements online, stating that Armenia must ‘reciprocate Azerbaijan’s peace proposals’ to be allowed to live in its internationally recognised borders.

Several also switched to using the Armenian name for Armenia — Hayastan — in an apparent attempt to insult Armenia.

Commenting on the situation earlier in March, Azerbaijani writer and activist Samad Shikhi said that the government was attempting to create a pretext for military action by painting the other side as being unwilling to negotiate.

He said the government and pro-government media were already trying to ‘create support for [military action] in society’.

‘It is the state and its propaganda that shape the people’s thinking’, Shikhi wrote. ‘There is only one institution (the government) that creates and manages ideas in Azerbaijan.’

‘The Presidential Administration has tried to publish this kind of information in the media as much as possible, and tried to make it visible to everyone’, he added. 

If a new outbreak of hostilities were to occur, it is unclear what the international response might be.

Russia, Armenia’s traditional ally, has grown increasingly estranged from the Armenian government. 

Speaking on 16 March, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan repeated a claim that Russia was Nagorno-Karabakh’s ‘security guarantor’ as per the 2020 ceasefire agreement that ended the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. The agreement saw the deployment of Russian peacekeepers to the region.

Pashinyan also urged Russia to apply to the UN Security Council to take measures to protect the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh if their peacekeepers were ‘unable’ to do so. 

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova dismissed his claims, stating that ‘there is no mention of Russian guarantees regarding Karabakh’ in the agreement, and that calls for the security council to intervene were a ‘miraculous ride’.

Azerbaijani official rhetoric has also grown increasingly hostile towards Russia. Since early March, Baku has frequently accused Moscow of escorting Armenian military vehicles and troops to Nagorno-Karabakh bypassing the blockaded Lachin corridor. 

There has also been growing speculation about Tehran’s potential role in any renewed hostilities.

On Wednesday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, Ali Bagheri Kani, met with the Secretary of Armenia’s National Security Council, Armen Grigoryan, in Yerevan. According to Armenia, they discussed ‘regional security’ and the situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Iran has grown more supportive of Armenia since the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. 

The country has previously stated that it would not allow Azerbaijan to threaten its shared border with Armenia. One of Azerbaijan’s demands to Armenia has been a corridor through southern Armenia connecting the west of Azerbaijan with the exclave of Nakhchivan.

Kani’s visit came as tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran continue to flare.

On 10 March, during a visit to Baku by Israeli Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel, Azerbaijan accused Iran of violating the country’s airspace. They said a military plane flew along the border around areas in the south that Azerbaijan took control of in 2020, crossing into Azerbaijan and back.


Podcast | A looming conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and newborn trafficking in Georgia

Diana Dabaghian
 

ByOC Media

A Russian peacekeeper in Nagorno-Karabakh. Photo: Ani Avetisyan/OC Media.Tigran Grigoryan, a political analyst and the head of the Regional Centre for Democracy and Security, phones in to talk about the growing tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan as fears grow of a new war between the two countries.

Read more:

  • Week of ceasefire violations in Nagorno-Karabakh as tensions mount

Tata Shoshiashvili talks about a newborn trafficking scheme that allegedly kidnapping of dozens of thousands of victims between the 1950s and the early 2000s.

Music: TmbaTa Orchestra electrify Armenian folk tradition

Emil Lazarian
Chicago, IL – March 23 2023
by Aaron Cohen
Armenian folk music has retained its compelling singularity for centuries, through all the tribulations faced by the nation and its people, but TmbaTa Orchestra show that a deep respect for this tradition does not preclude reinventing it. The band, whose name derives from a musical exercise, grew out of an education program launched a decade ago by guitarist Arik Grigoryan at the teen-oriented Tumo Center for Creative Technologies in Yerevan. In the spirit of that youthful energy, TmbaTa titled their 2019 album ZarZ’ng’, which translates to “ring the bells”—short for the even more enthusiastic phrase “ring the bells so we can dance all night long.”

Here, electric guitar and bass re-create the type of lines traditionally made by ancient strings, such as the oud and kanun, while arrangements for clarinets and brass transpose Indigenous woodwinds, including the double-reed apricot-wood horn called the duduk. While TmbaTa’s driving rhythms take their cues from rock, their melodies adhere to long-standing Armenian modal lines that occasionally echo Middle Eastern idioms. Similar to their more folkloric peers, such as Armenia’s Shoghaken Ensemble, TmbaTa’s repertoire mixes such upbeat tunes as “ZarZ’ng’” with quieter devotional pieces. 

In 2021 TmbaTa self-released Fantastic Komitas, titled in honor of Komitas Vardapet (born Soghomon Soghomonian), an Armenian priest and musicologist who collected thousands of folk songs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. TmbaTa adapt a selection of those songs for this record, and their version of “Ampel a Kamar” (“Heaven Has Become Clouded in Arches”) features serene vocal harmonies over a slow, enthralling beat. If Komitas could time travel to the present, he might not quite recognize the tune in its modern, electrified state, but the orchestra’s spirit and dedication nonetheless embody what his work was all about.

https://chicagoreader.com/music/tmbata-orchestra-electrify-armenian-folk-tradition/

Food: Dolma, The Armenian Connect In Bengali Cuisine And It’s History

John Hovhannisian
  • Slurrp Desk

Updated :  17:03 IST

The rich history and diversity of dolma dishes in Bengali cuisine make it a must-try for any food enthusiast. From the meat-filled Potoler Dolma to the vegetarian-friendly Tomatoer Dolma, there is a dolma dish for everyone

Dolma is a popular dish in Bengali cuisine that has been enjoyed for centuries. The term "dolma" comes from the Turkish word "dolmak," which means "to stuff." It is believed that dolma dishes were brought to Bengal by the Turks during the Mughal era, and they quickly became a beloved part of the local cuisine.

Dolma dishes are typically made with vegetables such as eggplants, tomatoes, and peppers, which are stuffed with a mixture of spiced rice, ground meat, and herbs. The dish is then baked or cooked in a flavorful sauce. In Bengali cuisine, dolma is often served during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals.

Over time, the Bengali people have put their own spin on dolma dishes, incorporating local ingredients and flavors into the recipe. For example, in Bengal, dolma dishes are often made with potatoes and cauliflower, which are commonly grown in the region. The spices used in Bengali dolma dishes are also unique, with a blend of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder adding a bold and complex flavor to the dish. Today, dolma dishes continue to be a beloved part of Bengali cuisine, and they are enjoyed by people all over the world.

Now, we'll explore the top 5 dolma dishes in Bengali cuisine, from the classic Potoler Dolma to the seafood-filled Kakra Dolma.

Potoler Dolma – Potoler Dolma is one of the most popular dolma dishes in Bengali cuisine. It is made with pointed gourd (potol) that is stuffed with a mixture of spiced minced meat, onions, and herbs, and then cooked in a tomato-based gravy. The dish is rich in flavor and has a satisfying texture, with the tender gourd and savory stuffing blending together perfectly. It's a dish that is often served during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals.

Tomatoer Dolma – Tomatoer Dolma is a delicious vegetarian dolma dish that is made with ripe tomatoes that are stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes, onions, and herbs, and then cooked in a fragrant gravy made with onions, ginger, and garlic. The dish is full of flavor and has a comforting, home-cooked feel to it. It's a popular vegetarian option that is enjoyed by many in Bengal.

Paturi Dolma – Paturi Dolma is a unique dolma dish that is made with banana leaves that are stuffed with a mixture of spiced fish or prawns, coconut, and mustard, and then cooked in a steamer. The dish is full of flavor and has a unique, smoky taste that comes from the banana leaves. It's a dish that is often served during special occasions, such as weddings and religious festivals.

Dhokar Dolma – Dhokar Dolma is a vegetarian dolma dish that is made with spiced lentil cakes (dhoka) that are stuffed with a mixture of coconut, raisins, and cashews, and then cooked in a tomato-based gravy. The dish is full of flavor and has a satisfying, meaty texture that comes from the lentil cakes. It's a popular vegetarian option that is enjoyed by many in Bengal.

In conclusion, Bengali dolma dishes are a true celebration of the diversity and complexity of Indian cuisine. These dishes are more than just stuffed vegetables, but a culinary art form that showcases the unique spices, flavors, and cooking techniques of Bengali cuisine. Whether you're a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there is a dolma dish for every taste preference. So, the next time you're looking for an adventurous and delicious meal, be sure to try one of the top 5 dolma dishes in Bengali cuisine – you won't be disappointed! 

Overall, the rich history and diversity of dolma dishes in Bengali cuisine make it a must-try for any food enthusiast. From the meat-filled Potoler Dolma to the vegetarian-friendly Tomatoer Dolma, there is a dolma dish for everyone. The unique flavors and textures of each dish are a testament to the creativity and skill of Bengali cooks who have been perfecting these recipes for generations. As Bengali cuisine continues to evolve and spread throughout the world, dolma dishes will undoubtedly remain a staple of this rich and flavorful cuisine.

In conclusion, Bengali dolma dishes are a true celebration of the diversity and complexity of Indian cuisine. These dishes are more than just stuffed vegetables, but a culinary art form that showcases the unique spices, flavors, and cooking techniques of Bengali cuisine. Whether you're a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there is a dolma dish for every taste preference. So, the next time you're looking for an adventurous and delicious meal, be sure to try one of the top 5 dolma dishes in Bengali cuisine – you won't be disappointed! 

https://www.slurrp.com/article/dolma-the-armenian-connect-in-bengali-cuisine-and-its-history-1679496981925

Food: Armenian Connection With Indian Cooking And Its Influence

Emil Lazarian
  • Slurrp Desk

Updated :  15:03 IST

The cuisines of India and Armenia may seem worlds apart, but they share a surprising number of similarities. Both countries have a rich culinary history that is deeply rooted in tradition and culture. In this article, we will explore the influence of Armenia on Indian cuisine.

Indian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavours, and it has been shaped by various cultural influences over the centuries. One such influence that is often overlooked is the influence. The Armenian community has been an integral part of India for over 2,000 years, and their culinary traditions have left a lasting impression on Indian cuisine. In this article, let us explore the Armenian influence on Indian cuisine.

Armenians first came to India in the 4th century BCE and settled in various parts of the country, including Chennai, Kolkata, and Mumbai. They brought with them their own unique culinary traditions, which have been assimilated into Indian cuisine over the years. Armenian cuisine is known for its rich flavours, use of spices, and focus on fresh ingredients, all of which have had an impact on Indian cuisine.

One of the most significant connections between Indian and Armenian cuisine is the use of spices. Armenians were known for their love of spices, and this has had a lasting impact on Indian cuisine. One of the most popular spice blends in Indian cuisine is garam masala, which is a blend of several spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. These spices were introduced to India by the Armenians, and they have become an essential part of Indian cooking.

Another common ingredient in Indian and Armenian cuisine is yoghurt. In India, yoghurt is used to make raita, a side dish made with chopped vegetables like onions and cucumber and spices that are often served with biryani or other rice dishes. In Armenia, yoghurt is used to make matzoon, a tangy and creamy yoghurt that is often served with meat dishes. In both countries, yoghurt is used to add a refreshing contrast to spicy or richly flavoured dishes.

Armenians also introduced various cooking techniques to India, which have been adopted and modified by Indians. One such technique is "dolma,' which is a stuffed vegetable dish. The dish is believed to have been introduced to India by the Armenians and is now an essential part of Indian cuisine. Similarly, the 'Kufta," or meatball, is another dish that is believed to have been inspired by Armenian cuisine.

One dish that perfectly illustrates the connection between Indian and Armenian cuisine is the Armenian pilaf. This dish, also known as paklava or plov, is made by cooking rice with spices and meat and is a staple in Armenian cuisine. The Indian biryani is a similar dish, made by cooking rice with spices, meat, and sometimes vegetables. Both dishes are hearty, flavourful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or a community.

In addition to shared ingredients, Indian and Armenian cuisine also share a passion for pickles and chutneys. In India, pickles are made with a variety of fruits and vegetables, like raw mango, lemon, and tomato. These pickles are often served as a condiment or side dish and are a great way to add a burst of flavour to any meal. In Armenian cuisine, pickles are made with vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and peppers. These pickles are often served as a side dish or appetizer and are a great way to add a crunchy, tangy element to a meal. In India, chutneys are made with a variety of ingredients, like mint, cilantro, coconut, and tamarind. These chutneys are often served with snacks like samosas or pakoras and are a great way to add a burst of flavour to any dish. In Armenian cuisine, a similar condiment is made with walnuts and pomegranate juice. This tangy and nutty sauce is often served with grilled meat or fish and is a unique and delicious addition to any meal.

One of the most significant contributions of Armenians to Indian cuisine is the creation of the iconic Indian sweet, the gulab jamun. The sweet is believed to have been inspired by an Armenian dessert called 'Luqmat al-Qadi,' which is a deep-fried dough ball soaked in honey syrup. The recipe was modified to include khoya, a type of milk solid, and is now an integral part of Indian cuisine. Similarly, the 'Jalebi' is also believed to have been inspired by an Armenian dessert called 'Zalabia.' 

Apart from food, the Armenian influence is also evident in the Indian tea culture. Armenians were known for their love of tea, and they brought with them various tea-making techniques to India. The famous "Irani chai" served in cafes across India is a direct result of the Armenian influence.

In conclusion, the Armenian influence on Indian cuisine is significant, and their culinary traditions have had a lasting impact on Indian cuisine. The use of spices, cooking techniques, and the creation of iconic sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi are all examples of the Armenian influence on Indian cuisine. The Armenian community has been an integral part of India for centuries, and their contribution to Indian culture and cuisine is worth celebrating.

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 03/22/2023

Garo Vardanian 
                                        Wednesday, 






Armenian Opposition Wants Information About Talks With Azerbaijan

• Ruzanna Stepanian

Armenia - Opposition youth activists demonstrate against the Armenian 
government's policy on the Karabakh conflict, Yerevan, .


Opposition lawmakers have demanded that the Armenian government share with them 
details of its ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan on a bilateral peace treaty.

The two sides have exchanged in recent months written proposals regarding the 
treaty which Baku hopes will help to restore full Azerbaijani control over 
Nagorno-Karabakh. Few of their details have been made public so far.

Agnesa Khamoyan, a parliament deputy from the main opposition Hayastan alliance, 
said on Wednesday that two months ago she sent a letter to Armen Grigorian, the 
secretary of Armenia’s Security Council, asking him to let her see Yerevan’s 
proposals sent to Baku.

“As a member of the National Assembly, I have a right to familiarize myself with 
that document,” said Khamoyan. “They have not replied to me.”

She accused Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s government of deliberately 
withholding such information from the public.

“They present one thing to the public but clearly negotiate on something else,” 
she claimed.

Hayk Konjorian, the parliamentary leader of Pashinian’s Civil Contract party, 
dismissed the opposition complaints when he addressed the National Assembly on 
Tuesday. Konjorian argued that opposition lawmakers have previously turned down 
Pashinian’s offers to meet with them behind the closed doors to discuss details 
of the negotiating process.

Armenia - Opposition deputies Agnesa Khamoyan and Artsvik Minasian hold a news 
conference in Yerevan, November 19, 2021.

“I can read and don’t need any intermediaries,” countered Khamoyan. “I can read 
that treaty and don’t need any assistants, whether it’s Nikol Pashinian or 
somebody else.”

Hayastan and the second parliamentary opposition force, Pativ Unem, regularly 
accuse Pashinian of being ready to recognize Azerbaijani sovereignty over 
Karabakh. As recently as on Tuesday, the Armenian parliament’s pro-government 
majority rejected a Hayastan proposal to adopt a resolution voicing support for 
the Karabakh Armenians’ right to self-determination.

Parliament speaker Alen Simonian said late last month that Yerevan and Baku 
continue to disagree on “three or four” elements of the would-be peace treaty. 
He did not disclose them.

Pashinian complained last week that the Azerbaijani side is rejecting most 
Armenian proposals on the would-be treaty and making more demands unacceptable 
to Armenia. He said that he will not sign any “capitulation” deals.

For his part, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared at the weekend that he 
will not sign such an accord unless Yerevan recognizes Karabakh as a part of 
Azerbaijan and accepts Baku’s terms for demarcating the Armenian-Azerbaijani 
border. The Armenian Foreign Ministry responded by accusing Aliyev of “doing 
everything to make peace in the region impossible.”




Armenian FM Signals Meeting With Russian, Azeri Counterparts

        • Astghik Bedevian

Tajikistan - The foreign ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan meet in 
Dushanbe, May 12, 2022


Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan confirmed on Wednesday that his planned 
trilateral meeting with his Russian and Azerbaijani counterparts could take 
place soon.

The meeting was originally scheduled for the end of December. Mirzoyan cancelled 
it in protest against Azerbaijan’s blockade of the sole road connecting 
Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. Moscow criticized the move while trying to set a 
new date for the talks.

Mirzoyan and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov discussed the matter when 
they met in Moscow on Monday. Lavrov indicated that the trilateral talks will 
likely be held soon.

“In the near future we will choose convenient dates for all three ministers,” he 
told reporters.

“There is a possibility of such a meeting in the near future,” Mirzoyan told the 
Armenian parliament. He did not give possible dates.

Answering questions from pro-government lawmakers, Mirzoyan also questioned the 
effectiveness of Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks.

“What is the point of reaching agreements on other issues if they will be 
definitely violated by Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan will come up with tougher 
demands on those issues some time later?” he asked.

The minister pointed to the continuing Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin 
corridor. He reiterated that it constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 
ceasefire deal that placed the corridor under Russian control and committed 
Azerbaijani to ensuring safe passage through it. Moscow and Baku must put an end 
to the blockade, he said.

Armenian officials have repeatedly accused Russian peacekeepers of not doing 
enough to unblock the vital road. Moscow has rejected the criticism.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev again claimed on Tuesday that traffic through 
the Lachin corridor was not blocked by Azerbaijani government-backed protesters 
on December 12. Numerous reports to the contrary are “false Armenian 
propaganda,” Aliyev told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a phone call.




Yerevan Officials Freed Shortly After Arrest

        • Narine Ghalechian

Armenia - Former and current Yerevan municipality officials facing corruption 
charges.


Two current and former senior officials from Yerevan’s municipal administration 
were set free on Wednesday one day after being arrested on apparently corruption 
charges.

Armenia’s Anti-Corruption Committee (ACC) kept refusing to explain why it 
detained Davit Dallakian, the acting head of the municipality’s architecture and 
urban development department, and Seyran Mejlumian, who served as chief of the 
municipality staff until this week.

Sources told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service that the two men are facing criminal 
charges stemming from the sale of municipal property which was allegedly grossly 
undervalued by them.

Another senior local government official, Taron Miroyan, was also indicted as 
part of the same criminal case. All three suspects did not return phone calls on 
Tuesday.

Mejlumian tendered his resignation right after Yerevan Mayor Sargsian, who had 
appointed him to that position, stepped down on Friday.

Isabella Abgarian, an independent member of the city council, said that a 
Yerevan resident recently alerted her about a dubious privatization deal 
administered by the mayor’s office before filing a complaint to law-enforcement 
authorities.

“I don’t exclude that [the indictments] were made within the framework of the 
same case,” Abgarian told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.

“I had a chance to raise the matter with the mayor [Sargsian,] and he said, ‘I 
don’t believe it because Seyran Mejlumian is a very honest man, my most trusted 
official,’” she said.

The ex-mayor has not yet publicly commented on the indictments. It is not clear 
whether he has been questioned by the ACC.

Sargsian’s resignation is widely seen as being part of the ruling political 
team’s preparations for municipal elections that are due to be held in 
September. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s Civil Contract party has nominated 
Deputy Mayor Tigran Avinian as its mayoral candidate.




U.S. Urges Armenia, Azerbaijan To ‘Deescalate’


U.S. - John Kirby, National Security Council coordinator for strategic 
communications, answers questions during the daily press briefing at the White 
House in Washington, February 17, 2023.


The United States has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to defuse tensions in the 
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone that have risen again in recent weeks.

“We urge all sides here to deescalate,” John Kirby, the White House national 
security spokesman, told a news briefing in Washington late on Tuesday.

“We don’t want to see any of this violence, and we want to see all sides take 
appropriate steps to deescalate the tension and to stop the violence,” he said.

Kirby refused to comment on the presence of Russian peacekeeping forces in 
Karabakh.

The U.S. State Department insisted on March 6 that Washington is not competing 
with Moscow in its efforts to facilitate an Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed those efforts with Azerbaijan’s 
President Ilham Aliyev in a phone call earlier on Tuesday. He spoke with 
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Monday.

According to the State Department, Blinken told the two leaders that Washington 
remains committed to helping the two South Caucasus nations reach a “sustainable 
peace.”

Armenian leaders have repeatedly accused Azerbaijan this month of planning a 
“new military aggression” against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinian 
expressed concern over “Azerbaijan’s increasingly aggressive rhetoric” during 
his conversation with Blinken.

For his part, Aliyev blamed the Armenian side for increased ceasefire violations 
reported from the conflict zone in recent weeks. He also dismissed on Tuesday 
U.S. calls for an end to the three-month blockade of the sole highway connecting 
Karabakh to Armenia.


Reposted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2023 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

In Montreal, Hagop Manjikian reclaimed his Armenian name and grew an incredible garden

Lena Karagyozian
Canada –
SEVAK MANJIKIAN
CONTRIBUTED TO THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Hagop Manjikian: Engineer. Gardener. Athlete. Armenian. Born Nov. 8, 1937, in Kessab, Syria; died Oct. 8, 2022, in Montreal; after a heart attack; aged 84.

Hagop ManjikianCOURTESY OF FAMILY

Hagop Manjikian was the quintessential immigrant; always on the move and seeking out opportunities for himself and his family, all the while searching for a slice of Armenia.

He grew up in a small town populated predominantly by Armenians in northwestern Syria. His early life was spent on his father’s farm but his academic abilities landed him at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon and then Loughborough University in England, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.

When he returned to Beirut, Hagop met Diroug Menakian while volunteering at an Armenian cultural association. They fell in love and when Hagop was offered a job in Saudi Arabia, he asked her to marry him. Diroug’s father was not keen and wore pajamas for a week as an act of protest. But love won out and in 1966 the couple married and set off to start their lives and raise a family.

Living on a U.S. oil compound in Saudi Arabia was like living in a quirky version of Texas. The couple picked up square dancing, played bridge, joined a yacht club that had no yachts and moved up the tennis ladder. Along the way, they had three kids, Naraig, Sevak and Lalai, who grew up speaking a mixture of Armenian, English and Arabic at home. Hagop was a man of few words in a family of firecrackers. His quiet style of parenting was effective as he provided nuggets of wisdom that shaped his children’s choices, while his love of classical music and reading were gently transferred to his family.

His career took him to offshore oil platforms and refineries across the globe. This meant being away from home for long periods of time. In 1977, the refinery where he worked in Saudi Arabia exploded leaving Diroug frantically watching the flames from their house while appearing calm in front of their children. Though difficult, Hagop enjoyed his work.

Life in Saudi Arabia was idyllic despite the harsh heat, but the family’s time there was limited since Naraig and Sevak would have to report for compulsory military service in the Syrian Army. In 1987, he decided that it was time to leave the Middle East.

Family always came first for Hagop, even if that meant moving halfway around the world to Quebec. And in Canada, Hagop (who used to go by “Jake” at work) reclaimed his Armenian name and immersed himself in Montreal’s Armenian community. Here he devoted himself to the Armenian school, church and cultural association.

Mr. Manjikian grew tomatoes in the Arabian desert and in Montreal he tended a garden that bore flowers, fruits, and vegetables for over 30 years.COURTESY OF FAMILY

One of Hagop’s proudest professional achievements was his work on the Hibernia oil platform in Newfoundland. His contribution was his way of thanking Canada for giving his family sanctuary. He never collected knick-knacks but kept a small model of the Hibernia platform in the family’s living room.

Outside of work, Hagop remained true to his farming background. His ability to grow tomatoes in the Arabian desert was a testament to his stubbornness. In Montreal, he tended a garden that bore flowers, fruits and vegetables for more than 30 years.


War In Armenia: The Role Of The Armenian Diaspora – Analysis

Tatoyan Vazgen
   Observer Research Foundation  0 Comments

By Observer Research Foundation

By Ani Yeremyan

Throughout history, Armenia was always subjected to foreign invasions. Being at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, the country has always been at the epicentre of conflicting interests thus losing its autonomy a few times in history. Eventually, Armenians were either exiled from their homeland or had to migrate for a better future.

Over time, various Armenian diasporic communities emerged as stateless social formations; they developed unique elements of their identity in relation to their homeland to preserve their language, religion, and traditions in the host land. In this respect, the Armenian trade diaspora in India played a significant role in nation-building by printing the first Armenian political tracts in the early 18th century.

However, the relationship of the Armenian diasporas with the homeland was re-shaped after the Independence of Armenia in 1991. This also marked the period of renewed conflict and the first Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh) war between Armenia and Azerbaijan at the onset of the collapse of the erstwhile Soviet Union. Artsakh had been included in the territory of Soviet Azerbaijan as an autonomous region against the will of the people living there. In view of this, the role of various diaspora communities became significant in international politics.

Eventually, political and economic aspects also turn to be prevalent in the diaspora-home land relationship for the security of the nation-state and the promotion of its interests in the host country. Some governments granted permission to these communities for promoting their interests within their respective host countries in an institutionalised manner. In this respect, the significance of Armenian diasporic communities established in Western countries will be examined amid the vulnerable peace pact and the unstable situation in the region.

The emergence of the Armenian diaspora saw several push and pull factors, but the genocide in the Ottoman Empire was one of the main reasons for the Armenian diaspora to be considered ‘classic’, ‘victim’ and ‘archetypal’ one. The deportation and mass murder of non-Turkic ethnicities (such as the Armenians and the Greeks), resulted in the creation of a relatively homogenous population of Muslims including Turks, Kurds, and others. Thus, the massacres of the Armenians in the late 19th century caused forced displacement (1.75 million people) during 1915–16 by the Ottoman Turks to Syria and Palestine. Many Armenians subsequently migrated to western countries such as France and the United States (US). The genocide forced Armenians worldwide to carry out a “struggle” for preserving their national identity by establishing churches, schools, and other organisations.

As a matter of fact, consciousness of home and belonging became prevalent in the construction of the Armenian diasporic identity. Though the idea of “home” remained ambiguous, as many identify it with their lost homeland in the Ottoman Empire, others with their history and culture, and the rest with the Republic of Armenia, they show solidarity with their home state when it faces a challenge.

The recent 44-day war that broke out in 2020 attests to the significant role played by the worldwide Armenian diasporic communities in raising awareness about the war and in sending humanitarian aid to the affected. This war coincided with the COVID pandemic making it twice as hard to mobilise people. Armenian diasporic communities worldwide utilised the digital space as a meeting platform for a common cause.

The Armenian communities worldwide continued raising awareness about the existential threat against Armenians at home by organising protests under the aegis of organisations like the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

The significant role of the worldwide Armenian diaspora was stressed at Global Armenian Summit also. It highlighted that the existence of both the diaspora and Armenia stemmed from one another. On balance, when there is an existential threat against Armenians, diaspora plays a significant role both in the domestic affairs of the home country and international affairs in promoting the national interests of the home state by drawing attention to the major issues. Protests by the Armenian diaspora organisations and communities in various countries resulted in calls by higher officials of their host countries for sanctions against Azerbaijan.

Apart from lobbying in host countries, organisations like Hayastan All-Armenia Fundand Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) raised funds for the displaced and the affected. The vision of the Hayastan All-Armenia Fund is to have a global Armenian network that will support Armenians in Armenia and Artsakh through projects aimed at healthcare, social welfare, infrastructure betterment. Their objectives also include sustainable development of Armenia and worldwide Armenian diasporic communities based on a common identity.

Lobbying efforts by the Armenians worldwide for the Armenian cause does have an impact; this is best reflected in the strong reaction by the Turkish and Azerbaijani governments. Silencing the voice of diaspora, especially in France and the US, has been part of Türkiye’s foreign policy and has turned violent in many cases under the Erdogan regime.

The message of violence is also propounded by other higher officials. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu , the foreign minister of Turkey,  showed the symbol of Grey Wolves—the armed wing of the MHP (Turkey’s Nationalist Movement Party)—in April 2022 to the Armenian community members in Uruguay who were marching before the 107thanniversary of the Armenian Genocide. The Grey Wolves sign could also be seen during the Lachin corridor blockade by Azerbaijani military personnel. Targeted anti-Armenian propaganda and anti-Armenian hate posters by Turkey and Azerbaijan have increased in the recent times in several Turkish and Azerbaijani diasporic communities .

In conclusion, it may be noted that amid the dire situation in Nagorno-Karabagh and considering the changing world order, the Armenian diaspora may be considered one of the primary strategic partners of the Armenian State. Despite the fact that the Armenian diaspora is heterogeneous with different ideas of home and homeland, it may be a significant transnational actor in the international arena to raise awareness about the existential threat faced by Armenians in their homeland.

ORF was established on 5 September 1990 as a private, not for profit, ’think tank’ to influence public policy formulation. The Foundation brought together, for the first time, leading Indian economists and policymakers to present An Agenda for Economic Reforms in India. The idea was to help develop a consensus in favour of economic reforms.

National Geographic: Why you should plan to go to Armenia this spring

Garik Boshkezenian

TRAVEL

The country’s mountains, plummeting valleys and enticing cities come alive in the springtime. Choose from these five options reaching across diverse regions of the South Caucasus nation.
BY SJ ARMSTRONG
PUBLISHED 21 MAR 2023, 10:00 GMT

A country in the South Caucasus, Armenia is a land of natural drama, characterised by mountains interspersed with ancient, solitary churches. Come from March to explore the depths of the Caucasus Mountains on hiking trails, swim in thermal pools overhanging verdant gorges or roam around city parks turned technicolour in the springtime bloom.

Best for: hiking
Since the end of 2021, Armenia can be thru-hiked in its entirety thanks to the Transcaucasian Trail, the first itinerary aiming to link up the South Caucasus in one mammoth path. The 500-mile Armenian leg is the country’s only long-distance route, weaving together natural diversity and cultural heritage — desert canyons, forested hills, ancient monasteries and Silk Road caravan sites — with top-notch hospitality. Highlights include Dilijan National Park, which stretches over several mountain ranges in the northern Tavush Province, and the hard-to-reach Vorotan Canyon in southerly Syunik province. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Apostolic Tatev Monastery; one of the world’s longest cable-cars crosses two mountain peaks and the Vorotan Gorge on its way to this ninth-century complex, perched above a gorge through which the Vorotan River flows. 

Best for: spa breaks
The quiet mountain town of Jermuk is cleanly cleaved in two, divided by a plunging gorge and the rippling Arpa River. The dramatic landscape of steely cliffs and forests offers a scenic backdrop for visitors seeking sanctuary in the town’s spa resorts, which have been attracting travellers from the surrounding regions for decades. A number of hotels offer treatments including hydrotherapy; alternatively, bathe in streams of mineral water at the Gallery of Waters or imbibe the healing aura of salt caves, a treatment known as halotherapy. For a fuller immersion in nature, take an off-road drive to the nearby slopes, where mineral hot springs offer an open-air sauna experience.

Left:

The medieval monastic complex of Haghpat is located in northern Armenia's Debed Canyon.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TOURISM COMMITTEE OF ARMENIA

Right:

Jermuk is surrounded by mountains, forests, rivers and gorges, which offer a dramatic backdrop to travellers visiting the resort. 

PHOTOGRAPH BY GETTY IMAGES

Best for: nature lovers
Winding its way through a forested ravine, the Debed River cleaves a path through the Caucasus Mountains in northern Armenia. Come early April, wildflowers begin to blanket the meadow edges of the namesake canyon, speckling the tall grasses red, yellow and white. Tracing its twists and turns, travellers can hike or horse ride from the village of Odzun — located on a plateau above the banks and home to one of Armenia’s finest basilicas — to millennia-old monasteries, including the UNESCO World Heritage-accredited sites of Sanahin and Haghpat, their ochre roofs stark against the green of the forested hill. There’s also an opportunity to forage for your trail snacks, scouting for wild berries and fragrant herbs. And after exerting yourself on the trails, recover with a meal at a restaurant set in one of the gorge’s cliffside caves. 

Best for: cultural explorers 
The country’s second-biggest city, Gyumri is central to Armenia’s cultural offering, having long been a magnet for artists and craftspeople. Visit one of several creative centres in the historic city, including the house-museum of poet Avetik Isahakyan and the Dzitoghtsyan Museum of National Architecture. Alternatively, join in the fun by signing up for a workshop, trying your hand at crafts like pottery, jewellery making and metal working. It's easy to reach Gyumri by train from Yerevan, the 2.5-hour route lined by apricot trees, which bear their golden fruit in the spring. Nature lovers should also take a peaceful detour from the city to paddle along the Akhuryan River and embrace the solitude of the gaping gorge.  

 The country’s second-biggest city, Gyumri is the creative and artistic capital of Armenia.

PHOTOGRAPH BY TOURISM COMMITTEE OF ARMENIA

Best for: urban living
The wide avenues of the rose-washed capital sit beneath a leafy canopy, which blooms bright fuchsia in the spring. Taking a break from outdoor escapades, travellers can stroll between coffee stalls for intense brews, admire the Cascade, a giant limestone stairwell in the city centre, and end the day on Saryan Street, home to numerous wine cafes. Spring is an ideal time to discover the city’s green areas, too: explore the carefully curated English Park, one of Yerevan’s oldest and largest, or head out to the city outskirts for views of Mount Ararat. Sprawling beds of wildflowers come alive this time of year, intensifying the beauty of this mountain scenery. Still feeling adventurous? Helicopter tours are available for a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.

It’s possible to fly from the UK to Armenia via regular flights from a number of European airports, including Frankfurt and Vienna. Flights land in Yerevan and, from there, it’s easy to navigate the country by renting a car. 

For more information, head to armenia.travel





Armenian parliament majority rejects opposition resolution on Artsakh blockade

Andranik Taslakhchian
Panorama
Armenia –

The pro-government majority in the Armenian National Assembly on Tuesday
rejected an opposition resolution on Azerbaijan's blockade of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

The resolution drafted by the opposition Hayastan and Pativ Unem factions condemned the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the sole road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, which has led to a deep security, humanitarian and economic crisis.

Denouncing Baku’s non-compliance with the World Court order to unblock the corridor, the document insisted on the exercise of the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination and the extension of the Russian peacekeeping forces’ mandate in Karabakh.

It also called for the Armenians in Artsakh to stand up for their rights.

The draft resolution was presented by Hayastan MP Andranik Tevanyan.

MP Maria Karapetyan of the ruling Civil Contract party argued that the parliament had already passed a resolution on the Lachin Corridor, stressing the opposition-drafted document said nothing of the deployment of an international monitoring mission to Nagorno-Karabakh and the corridor.

The ruling faction MPs abstained from voting to hold debates on the resolution and it was not put on the agenda of today’s sitting with a vote of 28 in favor.