Category: News

Catholicos Aram I meets with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa on Oct. 15

The United States Ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, met with His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia at the Catholicosate headquarters in Antelias, Lebanon on October 15.

During the meeting that lasted about two hours, questions related to the current situation in Lebanon were raised, according to a statement from the Catholicosate.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Catholicos “stressed that it is a great privilege for Lebanon to have an ambassador of Lebanese origin and familiar with the issues of Lebanon, as well as directly connected with the U.S. president, and therefore, it is expected that Lebanon will make the most of its ambassador for its diplomatic services.”

The meeting with Aram I came weeks after President Donald Trump hosted Armenian religious leaders at the White House. Western and Eastern prelates Archbishops Kegham Khacherian and Anoushavan Tanielian were among those in attendance at the White House gathering.

Acting Artsakh Parliament Speaker Gagik Bakunts

As the COP-17 kicked off in Yerevan last week, the acting speaker of Artsakh’s Parliament Gagik Bagunts, issued an appeal that the conference examine the environmental impact and consequences of the displacement of the Armenian population of Artsakh.

“The forced displacement of the Armenian population of Artsakh presents the international environmental agenda with a fundamental challenge concerning the preservation of biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge, as their bearers have been deprived of their natural connection with their historical places of residence,” Bagunts said in his appeal.

Below is the text of Bagunts’ appeal.

Emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and effective public participation in environmental decision-making processes, we express our deep concern regarding the environmental and biocultural consequences of the forced displacement of the Armenian population of Artsakh.

In September 2023, more than 120,000 Armenians were forcibly displaced from Artsakh and sought refuge in Armenia. This displacement resulted not only in the loss of homes, property, and livelihoods but also in the disruption of the intergenerational ties that had developed over centuries between communities and the natural, cultural, and social environments of their historical settlements. The forced removal of the bearers of this knowledge may jeopardize its continued practice and transmission to future generations, which, in turn, negatively affects opportunities for environmental protection.

Traditional agriculture, irrigation and water supply systems, forests and pastures, sacred sites, as well as cultural practices associated with rural settlements, together constitute a unique biocultural system. The destruction of this system represents an irreversible loss of biocultural diversity.

The Convention on Biological Diversity emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and practices that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, as well as the participation and approval of the holders of such knowledge. The Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, highlights the need for the effective participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity-related decision-making processes, as well as respect for their rights. In this context, it is urgent to take into account the traditional knowledge and centuries-old experience of Armenians displaced from Artsakh as the indigenous population of the region.

Taking the above into consideration, we call upon the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity and the participants of COP-17 to:

• give due attention to the biocultural consequences of the forced displacement of the Armenians of Artsakh;
• ensure the meaningful participation of representatives of displaced communities in the development of environmental research, conservation initiatives, and ecosystem restoration programs;
• emphasize the inseparable interconnection between environmental objectives and the protection of human rights;
• continue discussions on the protection of the rights of displaced populations within relevant international mechanisms, taking into account the need to safeguard rights related to housing, property, cultural heritage, and the natural environment.

The forced displacement of the Armenian population of Artsakh presents the international environmental agenda with a fundamental challenge concerning the preservation of biodiversity and associated traditional knowledge, as their bearers have been deprived of their natural connection with their historical places of residence.

We call upon the participants of COP-17 to consider this issue within the context of the interconnection between biodiversity conservation, cultural continuity, and human rights, as well as through the prism of ensuring the collective, unhindered, and safe right of the Armenians of Artsakh to return to their historical homeland.

An EXTRA medium-range supersonic rocket system

The Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems announced Monday that it had secured a $235 million contract to supply medium range rockets and the relevant rocket artillery systems to a European client, under a government-to-government agreement between the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the client nation’s Ministry of Defense. The Israeli business publication Globes has learned from sources that the country in question is Azerbaijan.

Under the contract, Elbit will supply the medium-range version of its EXTRA supersonic rocket system. The contract also includes the supply of PULS launchers, additional rocket artillery platforms, and integrated logistical support.

The EXTRA-MR is a precision-guided rocket designed for medium-range operational scenarios, facilitating accurate strikes against enemy targets at ranges of up to around 50 miles.

“This contract award further strengthens Elbit Systems’ position as a global leader in rocket artillery systems and reflects the growing international demand for our advanced rocket and launcher capabilities,” the company’s chief operating officer Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis said, according to Globes.

“The PULS systems and precision rocket solutions are recognized among the leading systems in their category and have been selected by a growing number of customers worldwide, including European and NATO member states. We remain committed to delivering advanced operational capabilities that support our customers’ evolving defense requirements,” he added.

The relationship between Israel’s defense industry and Azerbaijan has experienced a resurgence. As Globes reported a week ago, Israeli company Ari Arms earlier this month inaugurated a rifle manufacturing plant in Azerbaijan, with President Ilham Aliyev and his wife, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, in attendance. The event, the first of its kind in the country, was also attended by several senior figures, including Ari Arms owners Avihai Stolero, Ravid Ankonina, and Oren Ankonina.

The facility, which is owned by the Azerbaijani government, has been expanded and will now be the first to produce Western-style M4 rifles. Before, the plant manufactured only Kalashnikov-pattern weapons. The production of these Western-style rifles is being carried out through a joint venture involving Ari Arms, Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense Industry, headed by Defense Minister Vugar Mustafayev, and the Azerbaijani firm Iglim Scientific Production Enterprise.

Having already secured agreements with Azerbaijan, as well as nations such as the Philippines and Albania, the company is now on the verge of finalizing further deals that may also incorporate local production. At the ADEX defense exhibition, Minister Mustafayev presented the first prototype of the M4 manufactured at the plant to Aliyev and Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov. Mustafayev described the project for the president and provided an overview of the production process. Besides Ari Arms and the major Israeli defense firms, companies such as Aeronautics, Plasan, UVision, Bagira, and BIRD also participated in this year’s ADEX. Another intriguing company, according to Globes, with a significant Israeli presence was Ondas, which was represented by its president and chairman, former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea.

These are not the first Israeli-developed technologies to reach Azerbaijan. They include, among others, Elbit’s Hermes 900 UAVs; air defense systems such as Israel Aerospace Industries’ Barak MX; and Rafael’s Spike series of tactical missiles, which are among the most sought-after in the world. Azerbaijan has made operational use of all these systems in recent years during conflicts with Armenia.

Armenia’s Constitution and Coat of Arms

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Civil Contract Party leaders held a second meeting to discuss a draft of Armenia’s constitution, which many say is being amended at the behest of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

Members of the Constitutional Reform Council, appointed by Pashinyan, have been left out of the discussions, with the Justice Ministry drafting a constitution without input or consultation. The council headed by Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan has not met since April.

This move has angered some who were appointed to the council by Pashinyan.

Armenia’s former ambassador at large turned Pashinyan critic, Edmon Marukyan, told Azatutyun.am on Monday that he has petitioned Galyan to finally disclose the draft and resume the work of the ad hoc body.

“Now, I am interested in the status of the draft—what is being done with it, and whether or not it is being submitted for public discussion—because, ultimately, this is a matter for public consultation,” Marukyan said, adding that once he receives a response from Galyan, along with feedback from the council members, he will provide further updates.

Marukyan went on to accuse Pashinyan of meddling in not only the constitutional draft process, but other processes that require an independent approach.

“First, let us track down this draft—if such a draft that is being discussed actually exists—as there is information suggesting that Nikol Pashinyan himself is working on it. In other words, he has not only authored and edited the report on establishing a commission regarding the Church, but he has also acknowledged that he is writing the draft of the Constitution. There is no text in this country—whether related to our state-building or our spiritual life—that he is not writing himself,” Marukyan said.

“Let us locate this draft, convene a meeting of the Constitutional Council, and examine its current status: who is writing it, what is being done, what sections it comprises, which bodies are included and which are omitted, and what exactly is being developed—only then can we reach the stage of a referendum. At this point, discussing a referendum is entirely pointless,” added Marukyan.

Daniel Ioannisyan, another Constitutional Reform Council member, who has been left out of the process, told Azatutyun.am that discussing a document that requires a two-thirds majority approval by parliament is moot, because Pashinyan’s Civil Contract Party was unable to secure that majority in the June 7 elections.

The two opposition groups represented in parliament have vowed to block the referendum. They remain strongly opposed to the change of the constitution, which they say is imposed by Baku. Pashinyan and his political allies have still not clarified how they plan to overcome the opposition resistance.

Artur Sakunts, another member of the Council for Constitutional Reforms, also intends to vote against the draft proposal based on the same reasoning, once the matter is discussed within the Council and put to a vote.

“Since the issue of the Declaration of Independence is being raised by Azerbaijan, I am firmly opposed to it. Even the Constitutional Court has addressed the Declaration of Independence, clearly stating that it contains essential provisions regarding state-building—provisions that remain relevant and serve as a foundation,” Sakunts told Azatutyun.am.

In addition to the text of the draft, Sakunts believes that the conceptual framework should also be published: “How can a draft be presented without a conceptual framework? Any legal draft must have a justification—and that justification is, in fact, the conceptual framework.”

YEREVAN — A gala concert celebrating the 75th birth anniversary of internationally renowned Armenian opera tenor Gegham Grigoryan was held at the Alexander Spendiaryan National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Yerevan. The event featured legendary Spanish opera singer, pianist, and conductor Plácido Domingo as the guest of honor.

In her tribute to Grigoryan, one of the most distinguished Armenian opera singers of the 20th century, Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, emphasized that his artistic legacy continues to live on in the memories of generations.

“Gegham Grigoryan’s powerful, velvety, emotional tenor and stage presence have filled the halls of the world’s most renowned opera houses, from La Scala to the Metropolitan Opera. This anniversary takes on special significance thanks to the presence of a living legend of opera, the incomparable Plácido Domingo, not only the greatest honor but also a great testimony to the immense respect, sincere friendship, and recognition that Gegham Grigoryan enjoyed among his colleagues on the world stage. It is both symbolic and moving that Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, soprano and world-renowned star Hasmik Grigoryan, and his son, conductor Vardan Grigoryan, stand side by side on stage. They continue to uphold the fame of the Grigoryan family, Armenian opera, and the conducting school worldwide,” said Andreasyan.

Gegham Grigoryan is recognized among the 40 greatest tenors of the 20th century, alongside legendary performers such as Enrico Caruso, Luciano Pavarotti, and Plácido Domingo. The gala concert was a tribute to his memory; the Yerevan audience once again expressed its warmth and thunderous applause for Gegham Grigoryan’s art.

Gegham Grigoryan’s daughter, opera singer Hasmik Grigoryan, performed alongside Plácido Domingo on the stage of the Opera House. She has performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, La Scala in Milan, the Vienna State Opera, the Royal Opera in London, the Paris Opera, and the Salzburg Festival. Hasmik Grigoryan is a laureate of the International Opera Prize and the Opus Classic Award, and has twice been named Singer of the Year by Opera World magazine.

Gegham Grigoryan’s eldest son, Vardan Grigoryan, served as the evening’s musical director and conductor.

The commemorative concert celebrated not only the remarkable career of one of Armenia’s most distinguished operatic voices but also the enduring influence of his musical legacy, carried forward by his children and honored by leading figures of the international opera world.