Armenian Foreign Minister, OPCW Director General discuss partnership

Parkev Tvankchian

 12:20, 9 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on February 8 in The Hague met with Fernando Arias, the Director General of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to discuss partnership.

The Armenian Foreign Minister “emphasized the importance attached by Armenia to the commitments stipulated in the Chemical Weapons Convention, which has been reflected, among others, in the legislative reforms undertaken in the country since Armenia joined the document,” the foreign ministry said in a readout.

Director General Fernando Arias presented the existing challenges facing the organization in the conditions of the latest developments, including in the context of implementing the mandate defined by the convention.

Views were exchanged around the continuous efforts of the OPCW and member states in the direction of disarmament and non-proliferation in the changing world.

Swiss police kill axe-wielding hostage taker on train

Alex Jidarian

 13:30, 9 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. Swiss authorities said a man armed with an axe and a knife held 15 hostages on a train for almost four hours, until police stormed the train and fatally wounded him late on Thursday, Reuters reports.

The incident occurred in the town of Essert-sous-Champvent on the train line connecting Baulmes and Yverdon-les-Bains in the Swiss canton of Vaud near the French border.

"The hostages were all released unharmed," police in the Vaud canton said in a statement on Friday. "The hostage taker was fatally wounded during the intervention."

Police did not provide any details regarding the possible motives of the man, who police said was a 32-year-old Iranian asylum seeker.

Jean-Christophe Sauterel, police spokesperson for the Vaud canton, said there was no indication that the hostage taking was a terrorist incident.

President Khachaturyan, Prime Minister Pashinyan attend celebration of Constitutional Court’s 28th anniversary

Hovik Karapetian

 14:33, 9 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other government officials attended on Friday an event marking the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Constitutional Court.

Prime Minister Pashinyan and Chief Justice Arman Dilanyan delivered remarks at the event.

Armenian FM says demarcation should be based on the most recent USSR maps

Arbi Tashjian
Mediamax, Armenia
Feb 10 2024

Yerevan /Mediamax/. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that the demarcation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan should be carried out on the basis of the most recent and legitimate maps of the USSR.

Armenian Foreign Ministry reports that he said this at the meeting with his French counterpart Stéphane Séjourné on February 9 in Paris.

“Issues related to the security situation in the South Caucasus were thoroughly discussed. Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Minister presented the country’s vision regarding the establishment of stability and peace in the region. Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the key principles in the process of settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, particularly the importance of respect toward territorial integrity and inseparability of borders, sovereignty, as well as the need to ensure greater certainty in order to implement the further demarcation process on the basis of the Alma-Ata Declaration and the most recent and legitimate maps of the USSR,” the news release reads.

US analyst urges the West not to “sacrifice Armenia to the autocracies surrounding it”

Torgomian Varazdat
Mediamax, Armenia
Feb 10 2024

Yerevan /Mediamax/. A senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute Michael Rubin believes that neither the U.S. nor Europe does enough to consolidate relations with Armenia.

“Armenians relied on Russia for protection against Turkey. The alliance between the two countries was of both heart and mind, yet within just two years, Putin’s arrogance and incompetence have flipped Armenia. Armenians resent how Putin greenlighted Azerbaijan’s 2020 aggression and ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh to avenge Armenia’s turn toward democracy,” Rubin writes in his article “Russia is making mistakes beyond Ukraine. Why won’t the US take advantage of them?”

The author claims that “today, Armenia is among the most pro-Western countries in the South Caucasus, while Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia all pivot to Moscow or Beijing.”

“Alas, neither the U.S. nor Europe does enough to consolidate its gain: providing Armenia with the economic infrastructure and partnerships and military support it needs to send the remaining Russian troops packing. Had the Senate not rejected a mandate for Armenia in 1920, the Soviet Union could never have consolidated its control over the region. Washington should not make the same mistake twice, sacrificing a pro-Western country to the autocracies surrounding it,” Rubin writes.

Mediamax notes that in September 2023, Michael Rubin wrote that the United States should back Armenia in saying no to any corridor to Azerbaijan and Turkey.

“If the White House is serious about protecting Armenia, it will consider stationing its own forces, at least on a temporary basis, in southern Armenia,” he wrote.

[Senator] Portantino’s Unique Healthcare Provider Bill Offers Armenia Educated Doctors Ability to be Physicians Assistants in California

Jagharian Tania
Senator Anthony J. Portantino
Feb 9 2024
Friday, February 9 2024

For Immediate Release: February 9, 2024

Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400

 

Portantino’s Unique Healthcare Provider Bill Offers Armenia Educated Doctors Ability to be Physicians Assistants in California

Sacramento, CA – Recognizing the severe shortage of healthcare providers in California, Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – Burbank) introduced Senate Bill 1041. The bill creates a pathway for foreign educated doctors to practice as physician assistants in California through a pilot program. The program establishes a partnership with Yerevan State Medical University to allow clinically trained healthcare professionals to work in healthcare at a time when our system needs more providers.

“There are many highly skilled medical professionals who reside in California but cannot practice medicine,” stated Senator Portantino. “This program would help address our healthcare provider shortage while offering immigrant doctors the opportunity to take steps to become qualified to practice their chosen craft here. It’s a win-win for the patient and the healthcare system.”

Foreign educated doctors often face challenges in leveraging their higher education qualifications in California. In particular, a significant number of Yerevan State Medical University graduates who practiced medicine in Armenia are not able to practice here.  These doctors, however, have received more clinical education than the typical physician’s assistant has. Rather than being welcomed into our healthcare system, many must accept other forms of jobs outside of healthcare because the process of undergoing licensing or certification to practice medicine is complex, time consuming, and challenging.

SB 1041 would establish a two-year Armenian Doctor Pilot Program. The program requires participants to enroll in a medical refresher course developed by Yerevan State Medical University and an accredited academic institution in California with an approved physician assistant program. It also requires classes to be provided by Yerevan State Medical University and the approved California educational institution via a distance learning program, clinical training undertaken in a federally qualified health center that serves the Armenian community in southern California. The unique program will be eligible only for permanent residents and the citizens of the United States.

“We welcome Senator Portantino's efforts to establish the Armenian Doctors Pilot Program, which would create a pathway for Armenian educated physicians to practice as physician assistants for two years in qualified health centers in California,” stated Sarkis Balkhian, Executive Director of ANCA-Western Region. “This program is paramount not only because it provides a professional pathway for Armenian doctors to resume their medical careers but also addresses the shortage of primary care physicians with the cultural and linguistic diversity and skills required to service Armenian-Americans across California, especially those who lack the socioeconomic resources and are often left behind by the system. SB 1041 will also foster further collaboration between the medical institutions of Armenia and California.”

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https://sd25.senate.ca.gov/news/2024-02-09/portantino%E2%80%99s-unique-healthcare-provider-bill-offers-armenia-educated-doctors-ability

Sangam literature-inspired fusion song harmonises Tamil Nadu’s yazh and Armenia’s duduk

Ani Tigranian
Feb 10 2024

Music collective Uru and Boston-based composer Aneesh Kashalikar unite to revitalise yazh and duduk, breathing new life into ancient melodies.

ByRoshne Balasubramanian

The song, titled Agandai Tegam, is a fusion piece that embodies the theme of love prevailing over ego. Aneesh, the composer and duduk player, explains, “We drew inspiration from Sangam literature.”

Residing in Boston, Aneesh transitioned from a career in computational neuroscience to pursuing music full-time. With training in Hindustani classical music and saxophone, he ventured into mastering new instruments a few years ago.

“My fascination with ancient cultures, and history naturally led me to explore musical instruments…that’s how I picked up the duduk, a double reed woodwind instrument,” says Aneesh, whose expertise lies in woodwind instruments. His diverse heritage, with a Maharashtrian father and a mother from a Tamil-speaking family in Bengaluru, further fueled his curiosity.

His journey led him to Uru and its founder, Tharun Sekar, who is known for his efforts in reviving ancient instruments like the yazh. 

“I had been following Tharun for a while and was fascinated by his process of bringing these ancient instruments back to life,” shares Aneesh.

“We were also following his work. Eventually, we connected and began brainstorming an idea together last year. After engaging in discussions for six months, we decided to proceed with recording the song!” Tharun reveals.

Aneesh flew down to Chennai, and the song was recorded in August 2023. 

“It started as an ‘Armenian duduk meets ancient Tamil Yazh’ concept. Initially, it was just a simple groove and percussion. But, the piece evolved organically with contributions from the performers,” he explains.

The yazh has a history dating back over 2000 years, and interestingly, the duduk appears to have existed around the same time as the yazh. “Their timelines are quite intriguing. During our interaction, we had fun jamming and learning more about the cultural similarities of some of these instruments,” notes Tharun.

However, the goal of this collaboration wasn’t to delve into the past of the instruments but rather to embrace a forward-looking approach. “I aimed to integrate ancient instruments like the yazh, kudamuzha, and duduk into a modern music aesthetic… in a contemporary context,” shares Aneesh. 

Experiencing a preview of the track, we grasp what the composer means — it’s challenging to discern the use of ancient traditional instruments. 

Does this pave the way for these instruments to be incorporated into mainstream music compositions as well?

“Absolutely. If they can fulfil the roles of some modern instruments, we should prioritise their recreation and teach them to people – especially the younger generation. This will contribute to their revival,” Tharun emphasises. 

Aneesh concurs, adding, “When listeners hear the track, they may not even realise ancient instruments are being used. We’re considering creating a music video to visually showcase the instruments, but that’s still a work in progress.”

The composition features male and female Tamil vocals by Pravekha Ravichandran and Iniyaal Karthikeyan. Instruments played include the Armenian duduk by Aneesh, the Sagoda Yazh and Seeri Yazh by Tharun Sekar, and a 4-string Fretless Bass (played in a Latin style) by Julian Reynoso.

Duduk. (Armeniadiscovery.com)

It also incorporates the kudamuzha, an ancient drum from the Sangam period, played by KR Keerthi Rathan, and a variety of Indian and Middle Eastern percussion instruments such as the daf, darbuka, talking drums, and chenda, among others, played by Krishna Kishore. The mix was handled by Thomas Van Opstal, and the music was mastered by Frederik Dejongh.

“This could be the first time the Seeri Yazh has been recorded,” says Tharun.

“Every artist has infused their unique essence into the song. Our jamming sessions were particularly fascinating, showcasing how music serves as a common thread that unites people. It was a wonderful experience, and I even had the chance to play the Yazh!” shares Aneesh.

அகந்தைத் தேகத்தை அருகரும் அரண்மான்,

காதலர்க் கூத்தாடிய பிரிவோம் என்னைக் கண்டு.

நெஞ்சில் திறமை சூழ்ந்தது அவள் பேசியதே,

மெஞ்சுவிடும் மழையில் முகம் பார்த்து.

“The song’s lyrics draw inspiration from Sangam literature’s Silapathikaram,” shares Tharun.

“It describes how the ego of a mighty warrior is pierced upon encountering a beautiful girl. Her words awaken the passion in his heart as he glimpses her face veiled by the rain,” Aneesh explains.

Discussing the significance of collaboration, Tharun stresses the importance of more artistic partnerships in introducing these ancient instruments to a broader audience.

“It will give these instruments visibility and allow people to explore them (musical instruments),” suggests Tharun, who conducts yazh classes as part of Uru.

“The government should also invest efforts in introducing these instruments in schools, offering free lessons, among other initiatives. While the current generation of artistes can be trained in these instruments, it’s crucial to pass this knowledge on to the next generation,” he emphasises.

With cinema being a prominent medium, would including these instruments in mainstream productions turn attention towards them?

“A couple of years ago, we recorded a BGM for music director Santosh Narayanan using the yazh and kudamuzha. Additionally, someone bought and gifted a yazh from Uru to music composer Anirudh Ravichander. He called and expressed interest in recording the instrument. We’ve also met Ilaiyaraaja sir, who showed interest in recording the kudamuzha. We are certainly considering integrating these instruments into films, given the medium’s popularity,” Tharun reveals.

The duduk has gained recognition among a wider audience, thanks to its inclusion in popular soundtracks such as The Last Temptation of Christ, Gladiator, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, the TV adaptation of Game of Thrones, and various other films, TV shows, and video games.

“Famous composers like Hans Zimmer have used the duduk. In India, in the Tamil, and Malayalam industries too, some ancient instruments are being put into use. There is more interest. However, while people might recognise the sound of the instruments, they might not necessarily know what they are. So, I want to show what’s going into the process and highlight them. But certainly, people are becoming more aware,” adds Aneesh. 

Agandai Tegam was released on 9 February, 2024. The track is available on multiple streaming platforms. To follow Aneesh, Tharun and Uru, visit Instagram @aneeshkmusic, @Tharun and @Uru_team To listen, visit: agandaitegam

https://thesouthfirst.com/featured/sangam-literature-inspired-fusion-song-harmonises-tamil-nadus-yazh-and-armenias-duduk/

Turkish Press: Free elections in Karabakh and the meaning of the Turkic States Organization

Elizabeth Jabejian
Yeni Şafak
Turkey – Feb 10 2024
Free elections in Karabakh and the meaning of the Turkic States Organization
by Ihsan Aktas

After the end of the Cold War, states under the umbrella of Russia's calendar declared their independence one by one. The first place where the fire of independence ignited was Azerbaijan, which declared its independence with great enthusiasm.


Not long after the declaration of independence, a war broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Armenia occupied one-third of Azerbaijani territory. This period of occupation was a great trauma for the Azerbaijani people. Almost a generation experienced this trauma day by day. During the years of occupation, Azerbaijani youth mourned.


People who moved from Karabakh to Baku and other cities lived a nomadic life and did not largely settle down in the hope of returning to Karabakh one day.


From the days of occupation until today, Azerbaijan has developed economically and had the opportunity to sell oil and natural gas. While they were making their cities prosperous on one hand, they also strengthened their armies on the other hand. During the recovery process, Azerbaijan had a chance, with the spiritual support of one of the world's most sophisticated and powerful armies, like Türkiye, by its side.


In a way, Azerbaijan was focusing on completing its own development day and night, 24/7, while also aiming to reclaim the lost territories.


When Armenian forces attacked Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan initiated a ground war, which turned into an opportunity for them. Within 40 days, Azerbaijan fought an important front-line battle and regained its territory.


Azerbaijan's reclaiming of its own territory also marked a turning point in the geopolitics of the Caucasus. Throughout history, Turks have established great empires around the world. Especially between the 14th and 16th centuries, more than half of the empires in the world were under Turkish rule.


After the Cold War, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan, that is, each of the Turkic states, occasionally came together. They held some meetings mostly consisting of cultural content.


Türkiye was largely in a position where it was not vocally advocating its full independence, largely adhering to the NATO concept. It was also not in a position to help newly emerged states from the Cold War climate. The death of Turgut Özal was an important loss for the Turkic states.


In the past 30 years, there have been significant changes in the world's conjuncture. Especially in the last decade, the AK Party governments have gradually turned Türkiye into a regional power.


Türkiye completed its infrastructure, made significant developments in the defense industry. It created an influence in Syria, Libya. At the same time, with its sophisticated support in the Karabakh War, it played an important role in changing the fate of the war for Azerbaijan.


At this very moment, the Turkish States Organization occasionally held meetings under the leadership of Türkiye. Until now, this community, which has been almost a cultural union, has also turned into a community with strategic depth and meaning integrity.


The Karabakh War, in a way, reminded the Turkic states that any Turkic state can solve its problems together with its partners. In interstate relations, of course, cultural proximity, language unity, and national unity are important, but the formation of an economic power also contributes to the deepening and meaningfulness of these relations.


One opportunity presented by the Karabakh War to the Turkic states is the direct connection between Türkiye and the Turkic world with the opening of the Zangezur Corridor. The establishment of a land connection and a cultural and geopolitical line stretching from Istanbul to Tashkent is quite valuable.


We went to Baku as observers for the presidential elections in Azerbaijan. On this occasion, we also visited Fuzuli and Shusha, which were liberated from Armenian occupation in Karabakh.


This seems to be due to the culture of Armenian resentment and anger; not a stone was left unturned in the city of Fuzuli. There is hardly a single house with a roof or chimney left.


Some buildings in Shusha have managed to survive.


Azerbaijan has launched an investment mobilization in all the provinces of Karabakh with its strong economic structure; roads, new buildings, and settlements…


Ilham Aliyev, staying overnight in Hankendi, one of the most important cities of Azerbaijan, which was once used as the "capital" by the separatist Armenian administration, and casting his vote there with his family, was a very political and symbolic image. This situation is a sign that Azerbaijan will forever keep the territories it has liberated from occupation in its own hands.


At first glance, the Karabakh War may seem like Azerbaijan's liberation of its own territories from Armenian occupation, but essentially it has empowered the Turkic States Organization and deepened its meaning, integrity, and unity. The 40-day Azerbaijan-Armenia War may shape the thousand-year future of the Turkic world.

https://www.yenisafak.com/en/columns/ihsan-aktas/free-elections-in-karabakh-and-the-meaning-of-the-turkic-states-organization-3677243

Aliyev’s representative proposes absurd demands against Armenia reminiscent of medieval expansionism

Chmshkian Vicken
Feb 10 2024

Azerbaijan continues its unsubstantiated demands on Armenia, as recently demonstrated by Elchin Amirbekov, Azerbaijan’s senior envoy for special assignments. This information is conveyed by Joshua Kucera, a contributor to “Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty” (RFE/RL), in his article titled “As Peace Negotiations Advance, Armenia And Azerbaijan Are Going It Alone.”

As negotiations progress, it becomes increasingly apparent that Azerbaijan’s demands extend beyond reasonable expectations. These demands are not only unsupported by credible evidence but also raise questions about the legitimacy of Azerbaijan’s claims. The lack of transparency in their assertions further complicates the already delicate peace talks, creating a potential obstacle to finding a sustainable resolution.

Upon a preliminary examination of Joshua Kucera’s article, a discernible bias is evident, particularly in the way he introduces the topic before quoting Amirbekov. Kucera asserts that Azerbaijani officials have expressed dissatisfaction with Armenia’s formal claim to Karabakh in its constitution, citing a preamble referring to a 1989 act advocating for the unification of Karabakh with Armenia. While Kucera notes the lack of response from the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he includes a statement from Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on January 25, attempting to link it to the narrative presented by Amirbekov.

“Azerbaijani officials have complained that Armenia continues to stake a claim to Karabakh in its constitution formally, the preamble of which makes reference to a 1989 act calling to unify Karabakh with Armenia.

Amirbayov said there are several other such claims in Armenia’s formal statements and legislation. For example, when Armenia’s legislature ratified the 1991 Alma Ata accords, which accepted Soviet republic borders as the borders of the newly independent states, lawmakers added language saying that it did not apply to Karabakh. He also called attention to language on the Armenian Foreign Ministry website saying that Nagorno-Karabakh is “an integral part of historic Armenia,” and recent Armenian filings in the European Court of Human Rights that imply a claim on Azerbaijan.

“We have pointed the attention of the Armenian side to those facts many times, during our [in-person] negotiations, but also through different exchanges of comments,” he said. “And the Armenian side acknowledges that this is the fact, but nothing is being done…. When they try to cheat, if I may use the word, if they try to put all the blame and the responsibility on our shoulders, and at the same time in the back of their minds still having these territorial claims against us, it’s not going to work,” he said”, Kucera writes in his article, quoting Amirbayov’s words

Upon closer inspection of the article, Amirbekov’s assertions become increasingly dubious. Notably, he claims that the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website acknowledges Karabakh as an “integral part of historical Armenia.” However, this assertion aligns with historical facts widely accepted within academic circles. Amirbekov’s demand to negate this historical fact appears unreasonable, especially when considering that historical truths should not be subject to revisionist interference based on individual whims. It is worth mentioning that Amirbekov’s ancestors are historically associated with nomadic tribes residing in the steppes of Turkestan until the mid-Middle Ages, a fact supported by numerous academic monographs, establishing it as an accepted and proven historical reality.

Amirbekov’s unfounded statements extend beyond this point. He raises Armenia’s claims against Azerbaijan at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), a topic that seems to surpass the boundaries of reasonable discussion, particularly given the substantial evidence of Azerbaijani crimes, including those committed against civilians. Intermediate decisions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) further affirm the groundlessness of Amirbekov’s accusations. Unfortunately, the article fails to include these crucial facts when describing the Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiation process.

In conclusion, Amirbekov’s position appears devoid of coherence and logical consistency, marked by tendentious and misleading disinformation disseminated by a representative of the Azerbaijani president. The article, in its current form, neglects to provide a balanced perspective and overlooks significant facts that could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the ongoing Armenian-Azerbaijani negotiation process. It is imperative to approach such complex geopolitical issues with a commitment to unbiased reporting and a thorough consideration of all relevant information.

By Deputy Editor-in-Chief of “ARMENPRESS”, Ararat Petrosyan. His Twitter.

https://greekcitytimes.com/2024/02/11/aliyevs-representative-proposes-absurd-demands-against-armenia-reminiscent-of-medieval-expansionism/

Armenia’s Pashinyan congratulates new Georgian PM

Ekmekjian Janet

 15:31, 9 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated the new Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on assuming office.

“Congratulations to the newly appointed Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze,” Pashinyan said in a post on X. “I expect the Armenian-Georgian strategic partnership, which is based on the common values, strong friendship and the idea of democracy, to strengthen further.”

The Georgian parliament on Thursday approved Irakli Kobakhidze, the former Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, as the Prime Minister of Georgia, following the resignation of PM Irakli Garibashvili.