Iran, Armenia eye $3bn trade volume: Armenian dep. PM

Torgomian Varazdat
MEHR News Agency, Iran
Feb 16 2024

TEHRAN, Feb. 16 (MNA) – Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan has said that Iran and Armenia have the potential to increase the volume of their bilateral trade to $3 billion.

Grigoryan made the remarks in the 18th meeting of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission where he also described Iran as “a very important partner”.

The president of the Islamic Republic and the Prime Minister of Armenia agreed in 2022 that the volume of trade between the two countries would increase to 1 billion in the first place and $3 billion next. 

The two countries’ joint economic commission is a good ground to help realize the objective, the Armenian Deputy Prime Minister  added.

The 18th meeting of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Commission was held on February 14-15 in Tehran to further foster economic ties between the two countries.

MNA/IRN

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/212055/Iran-Armenia-eye-3bn-trade-volume-Armenian-dep-PM

Opinion: Recent incidents on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border remind us of the fragility of peace in the South Caucasus [Azeri opinion]

Khoyetsian Rose
Feb 16 2024
Vasif Huseynov

As recently as 1 February, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev celebrated peaceful stability along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border following the dissolution of the separatist regime in the Karabakh region in September 2023. There is already de facto peace between the two countries, and a state of peace has prevailed along the border for several months, he said in a meeting with the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union. “Yet, to deliver a logical conclusion to this process, a peace treaty must be signed, and Armenia’s territorial claims against Azerbaijan must be brought to an end”, President Aliyev stressed in reference to the territorial claims in Armenia’s constitutional documents.

This stability at the border, along with the optimism for a tangible breakthrough in the near future, was undermined on 12-13 February, when the armed forces of the two countries clashed in the border area, which ended with the loss of four servicemen on the Armenian side and wounded soldiers on both sides.

Armenia’s Defense Ministry launched an investigation examining the circumstances of the initial fire against the Azerbaijani side which led to the escalation of tensions and the military response of the Azerbaijani army. While the results of this investigation have not been made public yet, the first Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia was relieved of his post on February 14 – which may be related with the border clashes. Another fact that has emerged is that the killed servicemen were senior volunteers from a non-governmental military group called Yerkrapah, i.e., not the members of the regular army of Armenia. This raises further questions about the causes of the first sniper attack against the Azerbaijani side.

The area where the clashes took place is an Armenian border village named Nerkin Hand, which, according to the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan, is a zone of observation of the monitoring mission of the European Union (EU). The Ministry’s statement particularly raises this fact and voices concerns. “[This] provocation that was undertaken exactly in the territories observed by the European Union Mission in Armenia raises serious concerns about the aims and purposes of this Mission”, said the ministry on 13 February.

These worrying developments came on the heels of Azerbaijan’s intensifying protests concerning the activities of the EU monitoring mission. On 12 February, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Azerbaijan, Peter Michalko, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, where the Azerbaijani side complained that “the mission is being widely exploited as an anti-Azerbaijani propaganda tool”. Baku also protested the fact that the “Mission has essentially become an agent of ‘binoculars diplomacy’ facilitating the visits of different European officials and unofficial delegations to the border areas.”

Although it has not been stated or hinted by the Azerbaijani government in its recent statements, we may assume that Baku’s concerns are also caused by the mission’s overall impact on the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus. As Russia gradually recovers its military strength and bolsters its influence regionally, consequences of overt confrontations between Russia and the West over the South Caucasus would be devastating for all three countries of the region. These concerns are shared also by Armenian experts who warn their leaders against “new foreign policy blunders” and urge them to consider that “the prospect of Russia’s defeat in the Ukraine war is gradually becoming dimmer, and if Trump is elected president of the United States in November 2024, its probability may reach zero.”

Russia has never concealed its displeasure and resentment towards growing engagement of the West in the South Caucasus which is seen in Moscow as a “geopolitical game” to drive Russia out of the region. Last month, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov again accused the EU and the United States of playing “who’s boss” game in this region, interfering into the local affairs with a geopolitical agenda, pursuing their own interests at the cost of others. He blamed the Armenian government for implementing the instructions of the West and undermining the relations between Yerevan and Moscow. At the same time, the Russian government called upon Armenia to urgently return to “normal and full work” within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and lamented that “our Armenian allies have truly distanced themselves from it for now”.

The historical experience shows that Russia’s disputes with a regional country at such an extreme level do not remain limited to only statements. This is a big threat not only for Armenia but also neighboring countries Azerbaijan and Georgia. Any instability in this region may upend the local peace and stability and can turn the South Caucasus into another theater of the Russia-West confrontation. While Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan denies any intention to depart from the CSTO or align with NATO, his government’s actions, including hosting EU monitoring missions and conducting joint military exercises with the United States, signal a strategic shift.

In conclusion, the recent clashes between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the border village of Nerkin Hand serve as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in the South Caucasus. Despite optimistic statements from Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regarding the stability along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, the eruption of violence underscores the persistent tensions and unresolved issues between the two countries. Azerbaijan's concerns about the activities of the European Union’s monitoring mission, as well as broader geopolitical dynamics involving Russia and the West, add layers of complexity to the situation. The region is increasingly becoming a battleground for competing interests, with Russia viewing Western involvement as a threat to its influence. For Armenia, navigating these geopolitical fault lines presents significant challenges. The potential consequences of escalating tensions in the South Caucasus are dire, not only for Armenia and Azerbaijan but also for neighboring countries like Georgia. Any instability risks drawing the region deeper into the Russia-West confrontation, jeopardizing the hard-won peace achieved following the dissolution of the separatist regime in the Karabakh region. The local countries and their international partners should make sure that the conflict-ridden South Caucasus is not going to end up with a larger conflict with a geopolitical background.

https://www.commonspace.eu/opinion/opinion-recent-incidents-armenia-azerbaijan-border-remind-us-fragility-peace-south-caucasus

Iran, Armenia ink 19 co-op documents during 18th Joint Economic Committee meeting

Khondkarian Raffi
Tehran Times
Feb 16 2024

TEHRAN – The 18th meeting of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Committee was held in Tehran during February 14-15, in which the two sides signed 19 documents and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to enhance cooperation in various areas.

The mentioned documents covered a variety of areas including trade development, customs cooperation, maritime transportation, food, and medicine.

The 18th meeting of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Committee meeting, hosted by Iran’s Plan and Budget Organization (PBO), was attended by senior officials and ministers from the two sides including the PBO Head Davoud Manzour, Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan, Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan, Armenia’s Deputy Minister of Economy Narek Teryan, and the Head of Iran’s Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Mehdi Zeighami.

Tehran, Yerevan eye $3b of annual trade

Speaking at the meeting, Mher Grigoryan said Iran and Armenia can increase their annual trade to $3 billion.

Underlining the significance of the two countries’ Joint Economic Committee meeting, Grigoryan said: “Considering the relations and cooperation between the two countries, we can implement the agreed matters with joint efforts and take the necessary steps for ensuring the interests of the people of the two countries.”

“Iran is not just a neighboring country for us, but a very important partner and we have to deepen the relations between the two countries,” he stressed.

Iranian government fully supports implementation of agreements with Armenia: Raisi

Prior to attending the second day of the Joint Committee meeting on Thursday, Grigoryan held a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, during which Raisi said his government fully supports the agreements reached with Armenia.

“We support the implementation of all agreements made between Tehran and Yerevan, and (implementing these agreements) requires efforts and diligent follow-up of the Joint Economic Committee of the two countries,” the president said.

Iran, Armenia could be gateway to Eurasia

On the sidelines of the meeting, TPO Head Mehdi Zeighami held a meeting with Narek Teryan to discuss ways of expanding trade relations.

In this meeting, Zeighami said Iran and Armenia could be the gateway to link east to Eurasia by developing their transportation infrastructure at borders.

“Having a common land border, Iran and Armenia can act as a gateway to Eurasia by developing road infrastructure and transit routes,” he said.

Armenia welcomes Iranian companies’ participation in infrastructure projects

In another meeting on the sidelines of the event, Armenian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Vahan Kostanyan met with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari in which he called on Iranian companies to participate in Armenia’s road construction and infrastructure projects.

Armenia, Iran could soon enhance energy swap deal

Earlier on Tuesday, February 13, Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan said that Armenia and Iran could soon increase the volumes of the gas for electricity swap deal.

The gas-for-electricity agreement between Armenia and Iran has been extended until 2030 and enables Armenia to import greater volumes of natural gas and export more electricity.

“I believe that in terms of the legal documentation we have implemented the important phase and soon, as required, according to needs and also infrastructures, we will be able to use that opportunity. New power transmission lines are under construction in order to be able to export greater volumes of electricity to Iran. Both sides have the desire to increase the volumes, and the changes will be visible in various stages,” Sanosyan told Armenpress.

The minister also spoke about the involvement of Iranian companies in construction projects in Armenia. He said that the bigger the project the harder it is to find contractors.

Iran ready to export medicine to Armenia

Also during the two countries' Joint Economic Committee meeting, the Head of Iran’s Food and Drug Administration (IFDA) Heidar Mohammadi voiced the country’s readiness to export domestically produced drugs to Armenia.

Iran enjoys self-sufficiency in the production of drugs and pharmaceutical equipment, he said.

For her part, Deputy Minister of Healthcare of Armenia Lena Nanushyan said that Iran has made significant progress in the production of medicines and medical equipment.

Armenia welcomes cooperation with Iran in the field of health tourism, pharmaceutical insurance, and healthcare, the official added.

EF/MA

Armenian PM says Azerbaijan gearing up for "full-scale war"

Hambardsumian Paul
eurasianet
Feb 16 2024
Ani Avetisyan Feb 16, 2024

Following the latest escalation on the border with Azerbaijan on February 12-13 that resulted in the deaths of four Armenian soldiers, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said he believes Baku is laying the groundwork for an invasion. 

Referring to Azerbaijan's rejection of Armenia's latest proposals on border delimitation/demarcation, he said:  "Our analysis shows that there can only be one reason for this, and the reasons could be their intentions to launch military operations in some areas of the border with the aim of turning it into a large-scale war against the Republic of Armenia."

"This intention can be read in all statements and actions by Baku," he added in his remarks to a cabinet meeting on February 15. 

The latest incident saw Azerbaijan claim that its troops had come under fire from an Armenian army position in the southern Syunik region on February 12, resulting in the wounding of one Azerbaijani soldier. Armenia denied the accusation.

The following day Azerbaijan launched what it called a "revenge operation," subjecting the same Armenian post to intensive fire for four hours and killing four soldiers and wounding another.

Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry was quick to respond to Pashinyan's remark. It reminded Pashinyan of "Armenia's territorial claims on Azerbaijan." This was a reference to Armenia's Constitution, which – through referring to other documents – calls for the unification of the formerly Armenian-populated Nagorno-Karabakh region with Armenia. The process of changing the Armenian constitution has become a heated topic in both Armenia and Azerbaijan.  

Azerbaijan's demand that Armenia change its constitution has complicated the years-long process aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace deal between the archrival neighboring states. 

A central issue in those talks is the delimitation and demarcation of the state border, particularly since Azerbaijan's full seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh last September took the fate of that region's Armenian population off the table. 

Azerbaijan demands the return of enclaves controlled by Armenia since the First Karabakh War in the early 1990s while Armenia demands the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the Armenian territories it occupied between May 2021 and September 2022. Azerbaijan justifies its troops' presence in the area due to the lack of demarcation and refuses to pull back. 

To deescalate the situation, Armenia proposed withdrawing troops from the border areas and establishing a demilitarized zone while the demarcation takes place. The West, including the European Union and the United States, supported Pashinyan's proposal for demilitarizing the borders. 

Unarmed EU monitors patrol the Armenian side of the border at Yerevan's invitation. Azerbaijan accuses them of pro-Armenian bias. 

In his speech on February 15th, Pashinyan suggested conducting the delimitation process province by province. He also stated that Baku opposed this idea and that Azerbaijan has not changed its policy of military coercion. It's a sharp contrast to two months ago, when the Armenian PM believed that Baku and Yerevan had agreed on the principles of a peace treaty and were close to signing it. 

Since then disagreements have continued regarding who should mediate. Armenia tends to prefer Western facilitation while Azerbaijan would rather see Russia and Turkey in that role. 

Despite the disagreements, Yerevan and Baku agreed – with no formal external mediation – on a prisoner exchange in January. 

Speaking on February 14 while being inaugurated to his fifth term as Azerbaijan's president, Ilham Aliyev said there should be no mediators in the peace talks

"I think that the process of normalisation of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations should be dropped from the international agenda. Because everyone seems to want to deal with this issue. Mind your own business!" Aliyev said.

In the same speech, he doubled down on his demand that Armenia change its constitution:

"Armenia and those supporting it militarily should understand that nothing can stop us. If territorial claims against us are not abandoned, if Armenia does not bring its legislation into order, of course, there will be no peace treaty. This once again suggests that building an army and strengthening military potential is the primary objective."

The border violence and the escalating Azerbaijani rhetoric have exacerbated existing fears in Armenia of an Azerbaijani invasion. Specifically, there is apprehension that Baku will seek to use force to realize its demand for an extraterritorial corridor connecting mainland Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan exclave.

Ani Avetisyan is a journalist based in Armenia

https://eurasianet.org/armenian-pm-says-azerbaijan-gearing-up-for-full-scale-war

Azerbaijani president signals further divergence from West in inauguration speech

Nahapetian Samvel
eurasianet
Feb 16 2024

Azerbaijan is drifting further and further away from the West. 

As though any further indication of this was needed, President Ilham Aliyev made it painfully clear in his inaugural address on February 14.

He had won election to a fifth term a week earlier with 92 percent of the vote.

Shortly before the poll, Aliyev had already threatened that his country would leave top European bodies, namely the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. This was shortly after the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe voted to kick out the Azerbaijani delegation. 

"Sometimes we hear that some countries or a group of countries want to take over the functions of the international community and try to speak on behalf of it. When they have nothing to say, they say that the international community will not perceive this issue well," Aliyev said in his lengthy inaugural address, without naming any country or institution. 

"First, it is a matter of modesty. Any limited number of 20-30 countries cannot speak on behalf of the international community, not to mention one country. The international community is on our side, the international community supported us during the Second Karabakh War [in 2020] and the anti-terror operation [seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh of September 2023]. I think the international reputation of Azerbaijan is not a secret to anyone today."

However, he went on to name several organizations, of which Azerbaijan is a member, that his country will continue to support and be part of, making it clear that earlier he was only addressing Western institutions and countries. Aliyev also made clear what international bodies he did like. 

"Should we bow to those who do not want to accept us somewhere? Absolutely not! Our family is the Turkic world. We feel perfectly fine there. We have brotherly relations with all countries that are members of the Organization of Turkic States, and our policy is to solidify the Organization of Turkic States," he continued. "It is a vast geography, an extensive territory, a large military prowess, a substantial economy, natural resources, transportation routes, a young and growing population, and peoples from the same roots. Can there be a stronger union than this? Of course not! We must make a joint effort so that the Organization of Turkic States becomes an important actor and power center in the global arena. We can only achieve this together."

He added the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement as unions that his country will be loyal to, for they "always stood with Azerbaijan during and after the Second Karabakh War."

"If it is necessary to help solve the problems facing member countries, of course, we will do that," he promised. 

At the same time, pro-government media have been ramping up their anti-West coverage. Prominent news agency Report.az ran separate editorials this week criticizing France and the U.S. 

Azerbaijan's relations with the West have not always been smooth, especially ever since the 2020 war, as Baku accused several Western countries of pro-Armenian bias. The exception was the country's commitment to the EU-led mediation efforts between itself and Armenia in negotiating a peace treaty. But even on that front, Aliyev presented an ultimatum in his inaugural address. 

"The process of normalization of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations should be dropped from the international agenda. Because apparently every other party wants to deal with this issue. Mind your own business! This is why I don't want to spend a lot of time on this topic because it's not worth it. We have resolved our problem," he said. Elsewhere in his speech he warned Armenia to modify its constitution; otherwise, there will be no peace treaty. 

Azerbaijan has also been increasingly critical of the EU mission deployed to the border with Armenia. Before and after a recent deadly operation near the border, the government and its affiliated media criticized the mission. 

On February 13, on the day the attack happened, the EU High Representative Josep Borrell told a briefing, which he held together with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, that Azerbaijan is to blame for its "disproportionate response" as it went to kill four Armenian soldiers. 

Azerbaijan's foreign ministry clapped back, calling the operation "totally adequate and of a local character." 

"Moreover, we must reiterate that the proposal of the High Representative of the European Union for the distancing of forces, which has no practical significance, is regretful," the statement read in English. "The EU should take into account the fact that the mercenaries deployed by Armenia in border regions under the 'patronage of the European Union Mission' jeopardize the lives of Azerbaijani servicemen and civilians."


Kazakhstan-Armenia economic cooperation discussed in Yerevan

Babken Chilingarian
KazInform, Kazakhstan
Feb 16 2024

As part of further intensification of Kazakh-Armenian trade and economic cooperation, ambassador of Kazakhstan Bolat Imanbaev met with the leadership of the Ministry of High-Tech Industry and the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Armenia, Kazinform News Agency cites the press service of the Kazakh MFA.

The Armenian side was informed about the large-scale political and socio-economic reforms being carried out in Kazakhstan, and the tasks set for the new government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The parties discussed the current state and prospects of bilateral economic cooperation, as well as the schedule of joint events in 2024.

During the conversation with minister of High-Tech Industry of Armenia Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Imanbaev informed in detail about the achievements in the development of the IT industry of Kazakhstan and the activities of the largest international technology park of IT startups in Central Asia – Astana Hub. The parties exchanged views on further deepening the interaction in promising areas, in particular in the field of innovation and exchange of experience between technology parks and technology centers of the two countries. An invitation was sent to minister Hayrapetyan to participate in the Astana International Forum, which will be held in Kazakhstan in June of this year.

Issues of infrastructure and interregional cooperation were discussed at a meeting with minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Armenia Gnel Sanosyan. Mutual interest in deepening cooperation in the areas of alternative energy, subsoil use and construction was noted. Particular attention was attached to the development of interregional cooperation.

Following the meetings, the readiness to further develop and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the economic sphere was confirmed.

https://en.inform.kz/news/kazakhstan-armenia-economic-cooperation-discussed-in-yerevan-41a07d/

Ex-Minister of Economy of Armenia is under house arrest: corruption scandal

Emil Lazarian
Feb 16 2024
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Ex-Minister of Economy indicted

Former Armenian Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan has been placed under house arrest for two months, as decreed by the anti-corruption court. “I intend to appeal this decision,” remarked the ex-minister during the courtroom proceedings.

Kerobyan tendered his resignation merely two days prior, and he was summoned for interrogation yesterday, subsequently being detained by law enforcement authorities.

As per the assertions of the former minister’s legal counsel, he stands accused of abuse of power “in collusion with a group of officials.” Vahan Kerobyan asserts his innocence. The defense contends that “the basis for the accusation is flimsy, relying largely on conjecture.”

The investigative committee has disclosed certain particulars of this criminal investigation, which was instigated on January 31. Presently, there are eight individuals implicated, five of whom are Ministry of Economy personnel, including Kerobyan. The allegations revolve around improprieties purportedly committed during the tender process for procurement services essential to the Ministry of Economy.

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Prior to the Anti-corruption Court’s announcement of its decision, Vahan Kerobyan engaged with journalists. He stated that he perceived no political undertones in the situation and proceeded to elaborate on his resignation. Specifically, he mentioned crafting a resignation letter at the behest of the head of the prime minister’s staff.

“Their dissatisfaction stemmed from my performance,” remarked the former minister.

In response to inquiries regarding his rapport with the prime minister himself, he expressed gratitude to Nikol Pashinyan for their collaborative endeavors. On February 14, when announcing his resignation via Facebook, Kerobyan also extended thanks to the prime minister for “the opportunity to serve the country.”

“Due to numerous differences, I’ve contemplated stepping down on multiple occasions during this tenure, yet I prioritized my professional duties over personal matters to maximize my contribution to the country,” he articulated. However, he refrained from delineating the nature of the disputes under discussion.

According to the investigative committee, the case revolves around abuses committed during a tender announced to establish a Bank for state investment projects in 2022. Four organizations submitted applications to participate, of which two, namely company “S” and foundation “H,” progressed past the preliminary stage and engaged in the competition.

As per the official statement, law enforcement agencies conducted an investigation, including covert operations, with the involvement of employees from the National Security Service in operational search activities.

“It came to light that a group of officials from the Ministry of Economy, driven by a predetermined bias to ensure company “S” as the victor of the tender at any cost, collaborated with the company’s director and employees, who were part of the [criminal] group, to undertake actions aimed at eliminating company “S”’s competition.”

Furthermore, alterations to the tender’s conditions during the process rendered the documents submitted by the “H” fund incompatible, resulting in the exclusion of the company from participation. The Ministry of Economy specified a budget of approximately $300 thousand for establishing the bank. However, despite this, company “S” was declared the winner of the tender, offering its services for $700 thousand.

“It was also discovered that an employee and the director of company “S,” aware of the company’s guaranteed victory in the tender and exploiting the absence of genuine competition, inflated the project’s cost by an amount equivalent to $50 thousand. Consequently, the company, which initially requested $1 million (over 392 million drams), was declared the tender’s winner,” reported the investigative committee.

Foundation “H” was only recognized as the tender’s winner a year later, through a court decision dated June 20, 2023. The Investigative Committee further states that even after this ruling, “an individual holding a senior position within the ministry instructed their deputy, the head of the relevant department, to submit a budget request amounting to 400 million drams to the Ministry of Finance for the acquisition of the project [from company “S”], which was carried out.”

Law enforcement agencies declare that these actions resulted in significant harm to the state and the legitimate interests of the “H” foundation.

Consequently, five employees of the Ministry of Economy and three representatives from the Synergy company have been charged in connection with this case.

Earlier, Deputy Minister of Economy Ani Ispiryan was dismissed from her position and subsequently detained in connection with this case. Also facing charges in the same case are the founder and director of Synergy company, Ashot Hovhannisyan, along with an employee of the organization, Lily Mkryan, and a former employee, Ani Gevorgyan. The arrest of Ani Gevorgyan garnered significant attention in society due to her relation as the wife of the brother of the Armenian parliament speaker.

As a precautionary measure, the court ordered house arrest for Ani Ispiryan, while the other three were remanded into custody. Members of the ruling Civil Contract faction petitioned the prosecutor’s office to reconsider the preventive measures.

On February 12, the preventive measures against Synergy employees Ani Gevorgyan and Lily Mkryan were altered. The prosecutor directed the investigative body to implement “combined alternative preventive measures” for them, including bail, travel restrictions, and surety. The company’s founder, Ashot Hovhannisyan, remains incarcerated.

Prior to his resignation, the Minister of Economy remarked that imprisoning officials on unsubstantiated charges would “cripple the state system.”

“If a person hasn’t been caught stealing… We receive inquiries from agricultural departments: how can we continue our work knowing that our honest efforts might be penalized? I believe we need a cultural shift. We must assess whether we sometimes allow room for errors. Although in this instance, I’m confident there were no significant errors,” Kerobyan stated.

President Aliyev promises to continue peace process with Armenia in his inauguration speech

Emil Lazarian
euronews
Feb 16 2024

Aliyev promises to continue peace process in his inauguration speech but said it could only be achieved without foreign interference.

Azerbaijan’s president Ilham Aliyev was sworn in for his fifth term in Baku on Wednesday, after winning the early elections with more than 92% of the vote.

In his inauguration speech President Aliyev vowed to continue the reconciliation process with Armenia, but he insisted on the terms and the process that in his opinion Yerevan must respect.

The president said Azerbaijan is ready to move on from the decades of conflict with its neighbour, but that it will continue maintaining a high combat readiness for its army.

Aliyev also insisted that the peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan can only be achieved by the two countries without any foreign interference.

“We do not need a mediator in this matter. I have said this before and I want to say it again from this lectern. We have resolved our problem. We have initiated the signing of a peace agreement with Armenia. We were the author of the five well-known principles. We also wrote the text of the peace agreement and sent it to the Armenian side.

"Now, if Armenia wants to comply with the norms of international law, this agreement will be signed. If it doesn't and if groundless claims continue to be made against us, this agreement will not be signed, but nothing will change for Azerbaijan. I have already said that we should be ready for the challenges ahead of us, for the ugly policy being conducted against us. Therefore, I think that the process of normalisation of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations should be dropped from the international agenda. Because everyone seems to want to deal with this issue. Mind your own business! This is why I don't want to spend a lot of time on this topic, because it's not worth it. We have resolved our problem,” the president said.

Aliyev said investments in the military continue to be a top priority for Azerbaijan, also in the current geopolitical context.

“Everyone sees the developments unfolding in the world today. The world has actually come very close to a third world war. Some believe that the third world war has already started. (…) Modern warfare is very different. It is not even possible to compare World War II with today's wars. Many countries have started paying attention to the military field today. We have been doing this for more than 20 years, and the experience we have today, including our combat experience, is invaluable. Our army has demonstrated its strength not in exercises, not in parades, but on the battlefield.

“Armenia and those supporting it militarily should understand that nothing can stop us. If territorial claims against us are not abandoned, if Armenia does not bring its legislation into order, of course, there will be no peace treaty. This once again suggests that building an army and strengthening the military potential is the primary objective. This has already become the main task for many countries. It can be clearly seen in their military doctrines, their budget expenditures and other steps.”

The president said that Azerbaijan is also looking forward to what he called “new horizons in the direction of foreign policy in this new era”.

“Whereas in the previous period the main direction of our foreign policy was the solution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, today this issue is almost no longer on the agenda. This is why new directions of our foreign policy should prevail. We will be more active in solving problems of concern in the world, including climate change, considering we will be the host and chair of COP29.

We must be at the forefront of the fight against Islamophobia in the world. We should be with the countries fighting against neo-colonialism. Those responsible for neocolonialism should also know that they have unleashed a cold war on us in vain. We will not lag behind. We have never been on the defensive. We will take adequate measures to the steps taken against us, and those who are preparing cunning plans against us, I am sure, will regret it,” the president warned.

Aliyev said while his country is pressing on with green energy developments, Azerbaijan wants to be a reliable partner in oil and gas supplies.

“Work will be continued in the field of conventional fuel – oil and gas. Work is under way on stabilising oil production, I think there will be results in the near future.

"Regarding natural gas. We are already exporting natural gas to eight countries. The demand is greater, first of all, of course, from the European Union. More and more people are asking us for help. And we, as a reliable partner, are always ready to help those in need. And we do provide this help, which is appreciated,” the president said.

https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/15/president-aliyev-promises-to-continue-peace-process-with-armenia-in-his-auguration-speech



What did Vahan Keshishyan do? Charges explored as suspect arrested after body found in Glendale home

Boris Nahapetian
SportsSkeeda
Feb 15 2024
ByAaratrika Bal

28-year-old Vahan Keshishyan has been arrested after a body was discovered at a residence in Glendale. Law enforcement officials stated that Keshishyan was arrested as a suspect after a hectic standoff. The area was shut down for quite some time after the incident for investigation purposes. At least two educational institutions were also shut down during that time.

Authorities are investigating the case and trying to discover the relationship between the suspect and the victim. Law enforcement officials have not revealed the identity of the victim. They are trying to find what possibly happened during events that led to the death of the victim.

Authorities made a horrific discovery at a house in Glendale after they responded there at about 2:15 pm local time on Wednesday, . According to cops, they arrived at the scene on the 3300 block of Reta Street after receiving a report of assault with a deadly weapon. The World Time Todays reported that after cops arrived at the house, they found shreds of evidence to prove that an assault had taken place but couldn't find either a suspect or a victim.

Meanwhile, three schools were shut down for safety purposes, and since authorities were conducting an investigation. Authorities discovered a suspect inside the house, later identified as Vahan Keshishyan. However, due to lack of cooperation, SWAT and a crisis negotiation teams had to be called for assistance. Eventually, after a lengthy standoff, Keshishyan gave up and surrendered to the authorities.

When the SWAT team arrested 28-year-old Vahan Keshishyan from La Crescenta, he was found barefoot and shirtless. He was arrested on suspicion of murder. However, cops have yet to reveal the victim's identity. They are reportedly awaiting a notification from the family.

CBS News reported that the suspect, Vahan Keshishyan, had barricaded himself inside the house and allegedly assaulted someone with a machete. Glendale Police Department issued a news release stating that they canvassed the entire residence to look for the victim after the arrest. Upon thorough investigation, they discovered the deceased victim, who also seemingly sustained some "unspecified injuries."

Among the schools shut down, Clark Magnet High School and Valley View Elementary School have been named as two of them. The lockdown has, however, been lifted as of now. The Glendale Police Department is currently investigating the case to unearth all possible details. The case is a developing story, and new updates are anticipated. In an update by the Glendale PD on X (formerly Twitter), they wrote,

"The Glendale Police Department is responding to an active critical incident at a residence in the La Crescenta area."

Glendale Police Department was involved in another investigation last month, including looking for a missing man. The authorities and North Shore Fire Department have looked around the Milwaukee River behind the missing person's residence to find his whereabouts.


A Gaziantep Armenian following in the footsteps of his ancestors in the city

Maral Chavushian
Turkey – Feb 16 2024
Hovig Keşişyan, who traces the footsteps of his ancestors exiled from Antep in 1915, says, "If we hadn't left here a hundred years ago, we wouldn't have experienced a second exile from Aleppo."

Born in Aleppo, Syria in 1989, Hovig Keşişyan identifies himself as a person from Gaziantep: "I was born in Aleppo but I consider myself from Gaziantep. When people asked where I was from in Aleppo, we would say 'we are from Gaziantep.' I had other friends from Gaziantep too. They used to say to me, 'You are 18 karat Gaziantep, we are 24 karat!' because they were Gaziantepi on both their mother's and father's sides. My mother, however, is from Sivas."

His grandfather, who shares the same name, was born in Gaziantep in 1913. In his diary passed down from his grandfather, it is written: "I was born in Eblahan, Gaziantep. Somewhere near the Eyüboğlu Mosque."

Hovig Keşişyan, who visits the city where his ancestors were born every year, despite warnings from his family to not go to Gaziantep due to potential risks, met with us in an old Gaziantep house. We talked to him about being from Gaziantep and being Armenian.

Hovig Keşişyan and his family still speak Turkish at home: "This is a legacy passed down to us from Gaziantep. We see it as a cultural richness. I first came to Gaziantep in 2015. I feel like I belong here. I believe my roots and connection are here."

"Dad and grandpa used to say that the people of Gaziantep have a rich and deep-rooted history," says Keşişyan, recalling his memories:

"In Aleppo, you can find books and materials about Armenians from Gaziantep. We have kept the spirit of being from Gaziantep alive there too. If someone in Aleppo is awake, skilled, and clever, they ask, 'Is he from Gaziantep?' This is my sixth visit to Gaziantep. I met historian and writer Murad Uçaner, and through him, I learned about the city's history. When I first saw Kurtuluş Mosque, which used to be Surp Asdvadzadzin Church, I felt drawn to it, psychologically feeling like I belonged there. Later, I learned that my grandfather was baptized at Surp Asdvadzadzin Church in 1914."

Keşişyan, who says he feels a nostalgic melancholy with each visit to Gaziantep, describes 1915 as follows:

"I say, if we hadn't experienced the events of 1915, we wouldn't have migrated to Aleppo. We wouldn't have experienced a situation like 1915 in Aleppo either. If it weren't for 1915, we wouldn't have suffered due to what is happening in Syria today. And every time I come here, I also get angry with our people. I wish our ancestors had converted to Islam so we could have stayed here!

"Because we experienced trauma. We are now the fourth generation. We know my grandfather's father, but we don't know those before him. My grandfather was born in Gaziantep, my father and I were born in Syria. My son was born in Armenia. Four generations, three different countries… What does it mean to change three countries in 100 years? Every time I come here, I feel a pain."

Keşişyan is the only one from his family that has been going back and forth to Gaziantep. In fact, his mother worries every time he comes back, fearing that something might happen to him. She says things like, "Why are you going there, son? It could be dangerous. They might cause you trouble. Go to Europe instead, why are you going to Gaziantep? It's all in the past. Don't reopen closed chapters."

He says, "Bey Mahallesi attracts me. The old Armenian Quarter. I love places that smell of history. Especially when that history belongs to my family, my ancestors, and my grandfather. I don't want to be separated from it. I would prefer to stay in Gaziantep, to live here. I would like my son to have the spirit of Gaziantep as well. I want him to live here just like his ancestors did. (CÖ/TY/PE)    

https://bianet.org/haber/a-gaziantep-armenian-following-in-the-footsteps-of-his-ancestors-in-the-city-291986