Category: News

The Armenian office of the Institute for War & Peace Reporting, in cooperationwith the Public Journalism Club and the Media Center, will hold a discussion on the position of Iraqi Yezidi refugees in Armenia on September 30.

Three Yezidi families from Iraq have obtained refugee status in Armenia so far, but community representatives are expecting the government to do more. For instance, the Sinjar Yezidi National Union Sinjar has previously asked the Armenian foreign ministry to work with its Georgian counterpart to facilitate travel from Turkey. The ministry has said this will be a long process since the National Security Service will need to check each individual separately.

Yezidis are the largest minority in Armenia. According to the 2011 census, there were more than 35,000 of them, accounting for about one per cent of the population. Many Yezidis began settling here during the Russian-Turkish wars of the 19th century, and more fled the Ottoman Empire alongside with Armenians during the massacres of 1915.

 

 

 

Kamp Armen, an Armenian orphanage built in Istanbul’s Tuzla neighborhood in 1962, faces the danger of demolition. Activists have been struggling since May to save the orphanage. Construction works have now been stopped under public pressure.

A few days after the Armenian Genocide Centennial, on May 6 in the morning of May 6th construction machines entered into the premises of Camp Armen and started destroying the building.

Activists are now holding vigil to protect the building. The resistance began when the current property owner tried to demolish the camp in order to realize his own project. All in all, 1,500 citizens joined the struggle, Kurds and Turks among them.

Garo Paylan, an Armenian MP of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), has joined the vigil. Speaking to Public Radio of Armenia he said the struggle for the orphanage will continue.

“Hrant and Rakel Dink have done much to keep Kamp Armen since 1980. The orphanage could have a different fate if Hrant was alive. When the camp was first attacked on May 6, many people gathered to support us – the leadership of the Tuzla district, representatives of the pro-Kurdish People’s Democratic Party, and many others. We’ll struggle until we achieve results. We are now waiting for the result of parliamentary elections, and we hope the issue will be solved,” Paylan said.

When visiting Kamp Armen one can see young people of different nationalities sitting side by side, because there is one thing uniting them all – the struggle for justice. Those who keep vigil often host guests, who come to encourage and give them advice. The head of Tuzla district has been supporting the activists since the start of the resistance.

Camp Armen was one of the most symbolic and important property belonging to the Armenian community and confiscated by Turkish authorities. In 1915, after the Armenian Genocide, there was no school left in Western Armenia and more than 1500 Armenian orphans were living in the camp and being taught the Armenian language.

In 1962, the Church Foundation administration, after receiving the necessary permissions from all relevant State institutions like the Foundations Regional Directorate and the Istanbul Governorate, purchased the land plot of the Tuzla Camp from Sait Durmaz, and registered the deed in the foundation’s name. Then, the children at the orphanage worked an entire summer to build the camp where hundreds of children would eventually attend.

On 6 July 1971, the 2nd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation, by unanimous vote, approved the recognition as foundation vouchers of the 1936 declarations of community foundations that had no foundation voucher. This served as a legal provision to prevent community foundations from acquiring real estate properties directly or through inheritance.

When the General Assembly of the Court of Cassation approved the decree of the 2nd Civil Chamber of the Court of Cassation on 8 May 1974, the legal precedent was set. In cases filed following this approval, the great majority of immovable assets community foundations acquired after 1936 were seized.

On 23 February 1979, the Foundations General Directorate applied to the Kartal 3rd Civil Court for the cancellation of the deed held by the Gedikpasa Armenian Protestant Church Foundation and the return of it to its former owner. At the end of the case that lasted four years, the court ruled for the return of the property to its former owner. Thus, Sait Durmaz, retook the land he had sold in 1962 as an empty plot, without paying a single penny, and with the camp facilities built on it in the meantime. The Armenian Protestant Church Foundation was forced to return a property it had purchased years ago by fulfilling every manner of legal procedure to its former owner as if it had stolen it in the first place.

When in 2011, a change in the Law on Foundations triggered a process for the return of seized foundation properties; an application was made to the Foundations General Directorate for the Tuzla Children’s Camp as well. However, the Foundations General Directorate, on the basis of the legal cancellation of the sale of the Tuzla Camp, did not treat the file as a ‘seized property’ file, and thus the return of the camp or the payment of compensation did not take place.

Hrant Dink had described the Tuzla Children’s Camp where he grew up, met his future wife, and later assumed its administration along with his wife Rakel Dink as ‘the Atlantis Civilization’. This reference specifically underlines the contribution of the children’s own labor in the creation of the camp.

Photos by Armine Gevorgyan

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session in New York, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu had a meeting with his Belgian counterpart Charles Michel.

The Resolution the Belgian Parliament adopted on the occasion of the Armenian genocide Centennial was high on the agenda, Ermenihaber.am reports, quoting Turkish TRThaber.com.

According to the source, the Belgian Prime Minister said the bill is of political importance and does not imply any legal consequences.

Davutoglu, in turn, expressed his discontent with sanctions against MPs that voted against the bill, meaning Mahinur Ozdemir, who is of Turkish descent.

Davutoglu added they are ready to discuss any issue, including the one of expelling the lawmaker from his party.

The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) said in a report Sunday that its guerrilla fighters have killed hundreds of Turkish soldiers and police officers in a month of clashes with the Turkish army, reports.

In a special report released Sunday on the latest conflict, the PKK said that from Aug. 25 to Sept. 25 its guerrilla fighters had killed “586 soldiers, policemen, special teams and counter-guerrilla forces, and two Turkish soldiers taken captive.”

The group said that only 48 of its fighters had been killed in clashes with the army or by air strikes.

According to the report, the PKK conducted 385 attacks on the army and police in response to 533 Turkish military operations against the guerrilla group.

It added that five guerrilla fighters were taken captive by the Turkish security forces.

The Turkish government and media outlets however, have reported contradicting numbers of the war casualties.

Army sources said that only 129 soldiers and policemen were killed in two months of fighting while the PKK lost 337 of its guerrillas.

Since the resumption of the conflict 30 civilians are also reported to have been killed in the Kurdish areas of Turkey.

On September 28, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; consecrated two Khachqars (Cross-stones) that are replications of originals from the Monastery of St. Davit of Derjan in Aparan Western, Armenia. They were installed on the grounds of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin several days prior to the consecration.

The two khachqars have been installed through the initiative and blessings of His Holiness and by the generous sponsorship of Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Mrs. Donna Didzyan.

Before the consecration service, His Grace Bishop Mushegh Babayan, Director of Operations of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin addressed the crowd. His Grace stated in part, that it is a remarkable and extraordinary day. Reflecting on the cherished year of 2015 for the Armenian people, His Grace stressed that this year was discerned with the canonization of the ArmenianGenocide victims. The consecration of the Khachqars on the Grounds of the Mother See dedicated to the victims of the Armenian Genocide, was an opportunity to extend our prayers to Heaven for the intercession of the saints who tasted the sweet yoke of martyrdom.

His Grace also added that it was a great joy to see all the guests gathered at the consecration of the Khachqars as a divine and sacred reality. In His remarks His Grace stated that it was an important achievement of the Catholicos of All Armenians to consecrate the two glorious Khachqars, which are also immeasurable in their spiritual meaning, using the newly blessed “Victory” Holy Muron for the first time. “These two Khachqars have been installed to represent the thousands which no longer exist and the Armenians who have kneeled at them and extended their prayers to Almighty God” he noted in his remarks.

Mr. Hagop Didizyan, the benefactor of the Khachqars, made brief remarks. He recalled the long journey, which the two stones had taken. He also expressed his gratitude to the sculptors and architects who endeavored over 9 months and carved the sanctities. He also expressed confidence, that the newly erected Khachqars will reveal to the coming generations the glorious culture of the Armenian people, as well as the eternal memory of the Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide, exemplifying the current rebirth of the Armenian people.

After the remarks a veil covering the soaring Khachqars was removed by Mr. and Mrs Didizian and the Catholicos of All Armenians consecrated the uniquely designed Khachqars.

Following the service a special reception was held during which His Holiness Karekin II once again extended His blessings to the Didizian family. Mr. and Mrs. Hagop and Donna Didizian were granted the Order of “St. Gregory the Illuminator” for their beneficial and church-devoted endeavors, by His Holiness Karekin II.

President Serzh Sargsyan, who has arrived in the U.S. on a working visit, had a meeting with Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi on September 28 in New York.

Serzh Sargsyan and Matteo Renzi discussed a broad range of issues pertaining to the political dialogue between Armenia and Italy and their trade and economic collaboration, and touched upon the two countries’ cooperation within the frames of international organizations.

The interlocutors expressed their satisfaction with the fact that Armenian-Italian interstate ties have always developed in the spirit of mutual understanding. However, they stated that the two countries’ potential allows for further intensification of bilateral relations. The RA president and Italy’ prime minister attached importance to the promotion of stable political dialogue between the two countries, to which the interlocutors are sure frequent reciprocal visits could considerably contribute. In that context, President Serzh Sargsyan warmly recalled his official visit to Italy in April this year and the meaningful and interesting meeting with President Sergio Mattarella.

Armenia’s president stressed that through concerted efforts, the two countries can elevate Armenian-Italian interstate relations, as well as their cooperation within the frames of the EU to a qualitatively new level.
Serzh Sargsyan underscored that Italy is important to Armenia also as a leading EU country, and the promotion of comprehensive cooperation with it continues to hold a serious place in Armenia’s foreign policy agenda. The president expressed the hope that Italy will continue to support the implementation of the current RA-EU agenda.

Armenia’s president placed importance on defense cooperation which has occupied a special place in the Armenian-Italian bilateral agenda since 2012, underlining that the defense cooperation is not limited to bilateral format: since last November, 32 Armenian peacekeepers have joined the UN peacekeeping forces under Italian command in Lebanon, which, according to the president, can truly be considered as a successful example of cooperation between Armenia and Italy.

At the meeting, the RA president and the Italian prime minister attached importance also to the role of parliamentary diplomacy to develop bilateral relations.

Noting that trade and economic relations are among vital components on the Armenian-Italian agenda, the interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the fact that in the last four years, despite the global financial and economic crisis, the two counties have witnessed considerable trade growth. Furthermore, according to the previous year’s indicators, Italy is the 2nd trade partner of Armenia among the EU countries (the first is Germany). The parties were sure that this bears testimony to the fact that there is serious potential for better results, at which vigorous efforts need to be directed.

The RA president and Italy’s prime minister touched upon regional issues and challenges, including the current stage of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and the present problems. President Serzh Sargsyan stressed that as a friendly country, Armenia values Italy’s stable and balanced position on the NK conflict.

On September 28, Serzh Sargsyan also had a meeting with Prime Minster Stefan Löfvén of the Kingdom of Sweden in New York.

The president spoke highly of the Armenian-Swedish cooperation, which, according to him, has experienced tangible development in recent years, marked by the active dialogue of foreign ministers, the increase in the number of embassies and by various reciprocal visits.

The RA president and Sweden’s prime minister highlighted the special place of Armenian-EU relations and collaboration in the Armenian-Swedish cooperation agenda. Armenia’s president stressed the role of Sweden, a co-author of the Eastern Partnership, in the reinforcement of Armenia-EU relations.

The interlocutors talked about the need to develop bilateral trade and economic ties, stating that unfortunately, the current economic indicators do not correspond with the huge economic potential of cooperation between Armenia and Sweden. The parties agreed that in order to reveal the full potential, there is a need to foster mutual contacts and exchange of information at a state level, develop a comprehensive legal framework, and hold business forums.

At the meeting, President Serzh Sargsyan attached importance to Sweden’s balanced position on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process.

The parties also reflected upon issues pertaining to cooperation within the frames of international organizations.

Serzh Sargsyan and Stefan Löfvén placed importance on the intensification of parliamentary cooperation between the two friendly countries.

The Monitoring Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), meeting on the margins of the Assembly’s autumn plenary session in Strasbourg, approved the following statement yesterday:

“The Monitoring Committee welcomes the progress of constitutional reform in Armenia, which has been conducted in close co-operation with the Venice Commission. This has resulted in a text that, in the view of the Venice Commission, is of high quality and in line with international standards.

The committee similarly welcomes the fact that the constitutional changes will be adopted by referendum, and it calls on all political forces to participate in the referendum and the consultations that are part of it.

The committee notes that some issues in the proposed reform are politically contentious and hotly debated in Armenian society. The choice of political system is for Armenian citizens, and only for them, to decide in the forthcoming referendum. The committee therefore calls on all political stakeholders to ensure that the referendum is conducted according to the highest democratic standards.”

A new study released today by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, shows that improvements in productivity, output quality, and food safety standards, combined with market and product diversification, can increase the competitiveness of Armenian fish products and lead to greater access to export markets.

Armenia’s aquaculture sector is an important employer, a key food provider, and an engine for export-driven economic growth. It is also one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors. Yet its untapped potential remains significant: At the request of Armenia’s Ministry of Economy, the IFC Armenia Investment Climate Reform Project has produced a sector review to pinpoint market imperfections and offer recommendations.

“The Armenia Aquaculture Sector Review developed at the Ministry’s request by IFC will be a useful tool for policymakers and businesses operating in this sector,” said Sergey Avetisyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia. “It will help develop the country’s fish industry and stimulate export performance.”

The report found that improving export and import procedures can help increase the competitiveness of aquaculture products. It also stressed the importance of addressing the challenges and opportunities of exporting to foreign markets, including the benefits of improved food safety practices, a stronger supply chain, and reduced administrative barriers.

“This review aims to help tap the country’s significant potential and thereby contribute to Armenia’s economic development,” said Arsen Nazaryan, the IFC Armenia Investment Climate Reform Project Manager. “We look forward to continued cooperation with our partners to do more to enhance the competitiveness and promote exports of the country’s agriculture products.”

The IFC Armenia Investment Climate Reform Project is implemented by the World Bank Group Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice, in partnership with Austria’s Federal Ministry of Finance and Hungarian Partnership Funding/Hungary EXIM Bank.

The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry announced yesterday that three of its troops were killed in clashes at the line of contact with Nagorno Karabakh and claimed there were seven victims on the Armenian side. The NKR Defense Ministry latter dismissed the reports, saying “official Baku is trying to attribute its own losses to the Armenian side.”

As it becomes clear from the data obtained by the Defense Army, the Azerbaijani side incurred six more losses, the Ministry said. The Azeri soldiers were identified as Shahriyar Ali golu Uyadov, Eyub Abdullah oglu Ramazanov, Nijat Mehman oglu Yarayev, Ahmed Jivanshir oglu Eyubov, Elvin Mushru oglu Yusufoc and Samir Sabir oglu Ahmedov.

The rival continued to intensively violate the ceasefire regime last night, firing 1,600 shots from artillery weapons of different caliber, also as 60 and 120 mm mortars and HAN-17 grenades. The adversary also used Turkey-made TR-107 reactive rocket launchers.

The front divisions of the NKR Defense Army confidently perform their military duty and resort to punitive actions, when necessary.

On 29 September Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan received Defense Minister of the Republic of Armenia Seyran Ohanyan, Central Information Department of the Office of the Artsakh Republic President reported.

A number of issues related to army building and cooperation between the two Armenian states in this sphere were discussed during the meeting.

NKR Defense Minister Levon Mnatsakanyan was present at the meeting.