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Armenian PM Pashinyan urges NATO to send message to Azerbaijan: Exclusive Video

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Euronews Pashinyan interview

Armenian prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has called on NATO to send a message to neighbouring Azerbaijan that the international community will not accept any attempt to resolve the conflict in disputed Nagorno Karabakh by force.

In an interview with Euronews, Pashinyan, who was swept to power after popular movement against his country’s longstanding leader Serzh Sargsyan earlier this year, said he intends to maintain close ties with Moscow.

You can see his full interview above and read a transcript below.

Andrei Beketov, Euronews: “Mr Prime Minister, thank you for talking to Euronews at the NATO headquarters. First the general question: what is the Armenian government planning with NATO and what are your intentions regarding NATO?”

Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian Prime Minister: “You know, Armenia is a partner country for NATO. We are participating in two NATO missions – one in Kosovo, another in Afghanistan. This gives us (the) opportunity to participate in providing the international security. But we are member of the Organization of Collective Security treaty and we see in general Armenia in this organisation and this security system.”

Euronews: “Is Armenia going to stay a staunch ally of Russia or are you moving closer to NATO away from Russia?”

Nikol Pashinyan: “We will stay a close ally of Russia and we hope to develop our relations with Russia – but with NATO and Western countries and European Unions and United States as well. So we aren’t going to make a U-turn in our foreign policy.”

Euronews: “Do you think NATO can help Armenia over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict?”

Nikol Pashinyan: “This conflict should be resolved only through (a) peaceful way. Unfortunately from first days of becoming Armenian Prime minister I see that Azerbaijan is increasing its aggressiveness towards Armenia. I thank that now we see the situation changing because this aggressive policy is not only against Armenia, I think it’s also against democracy because now Armenia is a really democratic country.

“And I think that Azerbaijan has a fear that its own people will be inspired from the Armenian processes to initiate in Azerbaijan democratic changes. It would be very useful if NATO will send strong message to Azerbaijan that any attempt to solve (the) Nagorno Karabakh conflict using force will meet strong reaction from the international community.”

Armenian prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, has called on NATO to send a message to neighbouring Azerbaijan that the international community will not accept any attempt to resolve the conflict in disputed Nagorno Karabakh by force.

In an interview with Euronews, Pashinyan, who was swept to power after popular movement against his country’s longstanding leader Serzh Sargsyan earlier this year, said he intends to maintain close ties with Moscow.

You can see his full interview above and read a transcript below.

Andrei Beketov, Euronews: “Mr Prime Minister, thank you for talking to Euronews at the NATO headquarters. First the general question: what is the Armenian government planning with NATO and what are your intentions regarding NATO?”

Nikol Pashinyan, Armenian Prime Minister: “You know, Armenia is a partner country for NATO. We are participating in two NATO missions – one in Kosovo, another in Afghanistan. This gives us (the) opportunity to participate in providing the international security. But we are member of the Organization of Collective Security treaty and we see in general Armenia in this organisation and this security system.”

Euronews: “Is Armenia going to stay a staunch ally of Russia or are you moving closer to NATO away from Russia?”

Nikol Pashinyan: “We will stay a close ally of Russia and we hope to develop our relations with Russia – but with NATO and Western countries and European Unions and United States as well. So we aren’t going to make a U-turn in our foreign policy.”

Euronews: “Do you think NATO can help Armenia over the Nagorno Karabakh conflict?”

Nikol Pashinyan: “This conflict should be resolved only through (a) peaceful way. Unfortunately from first days of becoming Armenian Prime minister I see that Azerbaijan is increasing its aggressiveness towards Armenia. I thank that now we see the situation changing because this aggressive policy is not only against Armenia, I think it’s also against democracy because now Armenia is a really democratic country.

“And I think that Azerbaijan has a fear that its own people will be inspired from the Armenian processes to initiate in Azerbaijan democratic changes. It would be very useful if NATO will send strong message to Azerbaijan that any attempt to solve (the) Nagorno Karabakh conflict using force will meet strong reaction from the international community.”

Euronews: “I heard from the Armenians and we see from outside high profile corruption cases in Armenia. What happens if all corrupt officials would be in prison?”

Nikol Pashinyan: “For us it’s very important to fight against corruption but it’s very important to do it strongly in the framework of law with protection of human rights. I was a political prisoner in Armenia, and it would be big humiliation for me if in Armenia we would have new political prisoners.”

Euronews: “How would you proceed with your reforms?”

Nikol Pashinyan: “We have managed to make big economic changes. We have establish level playing field for all the economy players. We hope to make (the) Armenian economy more attractive for foreign investments. We will make stronger Armenian democracy with help of our international partners or without help of our international partners.”

Syria’s Bashar Assad talks ‘world war,’ chemical weapons and political solution in new interview

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Syria’s president believes his country is caught up in a much larger conflict than its own civil war. He warned that “things are going to be out of control” if superpowers engage in direct conflict.

In an exclusive interview with Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Syrian President Bashar Assad weighed in on major issues, including allegations of chemical weapons attacks, US troops in the country and his possible resignation as a political solution to the seven-year conflict.

Assad compared the fighting in Syria to a “world war,” saying “it’s something more than a cold war, but less than a full-blown war.”

Since the civil conflict emerged in 2011, it has transformed into a multi-faceted war, drawing in global superpowers, regional players and non-state actors, including the US, Russia, Iran and Israel.

“I hope we don’t see any direct conflict between these superpowers, because this is where things are going to be out of control for the rest of the world,” Assad said in the interview, which was aired on Thursday by DW partner, Greek broadcaster SKAI TV.

His comments came ahead of an Israeli retaliation against Iranian military assets in Syria. Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said his country was responding to an Iranian assault on front-line military positions in the Golan Heights.

We don’t have any chemical arsenal’

On the question of chemical weapons, Assad said his country complied with UN resolutions and handed over its stockpiles to international authorities.

“We don’t have a chemical arsenal since we gave it up in 2013,” said Assad. “The (Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) made investigations about this, and it’s clear that we don’t have them.”

In December 2014, OPCW investigators began dismantling Syria’s chemical weapons stockpile as part of a UN Security Council resolution passed the year before. But the United States and its European allies have accused Damascus of still using chemical weapons on civilians.

Read more: What traces of chemical weapons could OPCW investigators still find in Syria?

Last month, at least 49 people were killed and dozens more injured in an alleged chemical weapons attack. The US and other Western countries accused the Syrian regime of staging the assault.

But Assad refused to accept responsibility for the attack in rebel-held Douma, saying: “It’s a farce, it’s a play. It’s a very primitive play just to attack the Syrian army.”

One day ‘I have to leave’

The Syrian president also said he would step down under certain conditions, but rejected doing so as part of a political solution to the seven-year conflict.

“When I feel that the Syrian people do not want me to stay anymore, of course I have to leave, without hesitation,” Assad said.

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks Story: The Aristeion AWARD Recipient at American Hellenic council Gala night “Video”

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Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks President, CEO of Earth Friendly Products Interviewed by Wally Sarkeesian.

Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks President, CEO of Earth Friendly Products Interviewed by Wally Sarkeesian.

For nearly twenty years, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks has dedicated herself to the pursuit of environmental protection, social advocacy and innovation that improves the lives of others in both the public and private sectors. In her new role as Chief Executive Officer of Earth Friendly Products, the world’s leading manufacturer and distributor of eco-friendly cleaning products, Kelly has become an even more influential voice in the green and conservation movements.

At Earth Friendly Products, Kelly oversees the company’s 150 plus award winning green cleaning products including ECOS, the world’s number one selling green laundry detergent. Kelly is also responsible for the company’s five U.S. manufacturing facilities, the company’s new European headquarters in Athens, Greece, as well as worldwide distribution and the company’s private label operation.
During her tenure at Earth Friendly Products, Kelly has led a number of landmark initiatives for the company. Since 2009, she has opened four new manufacturing facilities and sales have quadrupled in the last ten years under her leadership. Kelly was a leading voice in the formation of the Sustainability Consortium and has served as a key strategic advisor to Walmart’s sustainability and conservation efforts. She has crafted internal incentive programs for EFP’s employees to carry the company’s values of sustainability through to their lives away from work and helped oversee EFP’s milestone achievement of reaching company-wide carbon neutrality in 2013.

Kelly is a graduate of UCLA, former Public Relations executive and Senior Political Action Committee leader. She has been profiled in Fortune Magazine, The Los Angeles Times and was recently designated one of Orange County California’s 20 most powerful women. Kelly looks ahead to expanding the innovative programs that have taken Earth Friendly Products to the forefront of corporate sustainability while working to achieve ever-higher standards for the company’s products that help keep families’ homes safe and clean while protecting the environment.

 

Interview: The Honorable Mayor of Anjar, Lebanon Vartkes khoshian. VIDEO

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By Wally Sarkeesian

Wally Sarkeesian Interview The Honorable Mayor of Anjar, Lebanon Vartkes khoshian.
How the Armenian from Mousa Dagh refused to surrender to Turkish atrocity. Moved to Anjor Lebanon and Turn the desert and the swamps land into Greenland.

When talking about Anjar, it’s impossible not to mention the Mousadaghians (the area is almost entirely populated by Armenians from the Mousa Dagh area of Turkey). In Franz Werfel’s epic novel “The Forty Days of Mousa Dagh,” he highlights the historic battle between Armenian villagers who held their ground against thousands of Turkish soldiers. With the help of the French government the same population was, in 1939, obliged to leave their homeland and eventually settle in Anjar. Since then, they’ve tirelessly worked to transform what was basically barren land into a rich landscape. Originally comb makers, shoemakers, blacksmiths and carpenters but through agriculture and beautification they succeeding in making Anjar green. Anjar residents today also specialize as goldsmiths, artists, restaurateurs and suppliers of pantry essentials. By just walking through the village you can meet the locals and chat with them.

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Interview with Istanbul-Armenian writer: I was the only Armenian – the only nonTurk and non-Muslim

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Sevan Nișanyan

YEREVAN. – “Turkish prisons are not at all like what you see in the film Midnight Express.”- Sevan Nisanyan

In an interview to Armenian News-NEWS.am, well-known Istanbul Armenian writer, linguist, journalist, and columnist, Sevan Nișanyan, who escaped from Turkish prison after serving 3.5 years in prison, talks about his future plans, situation in Turkey and other issues.

Mr. Nisanyan, how did you manage to escape from prison?

I didn’t actually escape from prison. I was transferred in April to an open institution, a kind of work camp, where we were allowed to take a week off every three months. I went home and did not return. Getting out of the country was more exciting, but I am afraid I cannot say too much about that yet.

Why did you choose Greece?

I applied for political asylum in Greece and received a temporary residence permit. The final decision on the asylum application will be made by the Greek authorities in March 2018.

I have always admired Greece and felt at home here. I hope to live in an Aegean island which is very close to my home in Sirince. We can actually see the island from the hills of my village.

Your family is in Turkey. Are not you afraid that they can be subjected to pressure?

My three elder children are grown up and intelligent people. I don’t think they will be in any kind of danger.

How do you assess the situation in Turkey in general? Many people say that dictatorship is established and it is, first of all, a danger to national minorities.

The political and judiciary situation in Turkey is bad enough, but I am happy to say it is not yet as bad as the old Soviet Union!

Turkey is going through a period of madness. The political situation is frightful, the rule of law has collapsed. This of course affects everyone in the country, including, but not especially, the minorities. I know that the Armenian and especially the Jewish minorities are very worried, and very many of them have made plans to migrate to safer countries.

What awaits Turkey in the case of this government ? May there be an explosion, taking into account tense relations both on the external and internal fronts?

Turkey was always a very difficult country to govern; now the difficulties have multiplied beyond control. The country is fighting with virtually every other country in the world, but more importantly, it is at war with itself. The outcome of so much bad energy is difficult to predict. In any case it looks like it will not be a happy outcome.

What is it really like inside Turkish prisons? What kind of manners prevail there? How did they treat you?

Turkish prisons are certainly not what they used to be thirty years ago. They are not at all like what you see in the film Midnight Express. The buildings and infrastructure are quite modern, the personnel is reasonably well-trained and efficient, the regulations extremely detailed and mechanically applied. This makes the prisons psychologically more oppressive places than before. Total isolation and dehumanisation may sometimes be worse than physical brutality.

In three and a half years I changed eight institutions. I was everywhere very correctly treated on account of both my age and my social position. I was the only Armenian – the only non Turk and non-Muslim in fact – everywhere I went. This never posed a problem. Most inmates thought this something exotic and interesting, and made a double effort to befriend and/or protect me. I believe the prison administrators were also under strict instructions to treat me correctly and to make sure there were no security issues.

When will you visit Armenia?

I would love to visit Armenia as soon as I am able to travel freely, which I hope will be in March 2018 or soon afterward. Many of my co-nationals in Armenia offered my their friendship and support while I was in jail. I have many friends in Yerevan whom I would like to thank in person.

Wally Sarkeesian Interview Shen NGO Group Yerevan Armenia “Video”

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Shen NGO InterviewBy Wally Sarkeesian,

It was pleasure meeting and interviewing the Shen.am organization in Yerevan, Armenia including the representative from  Shen France. doing great work, hardworking and wonderful people trying to help rural area of Armenian. These are the unsung heroes working every day by helping the villagers take care of their land and become more productive.

About Shen NGO

Shen NGO was created in 1988 by a group of professors and students of Yerevan Polytechnic Institute to address some of the urgent humanitarian problems of Armenia. Since then Shen as an NGO involved in development endeavours in over 350 rural communities of Armenia passed through almost all the stages of Rural Development area, such as:

  • Humanitarian Aid;
  • Integrated Approach to Rural Development;
  • Infrastructures Rehabilitation in rural communities;
  • Asset Based Community Development;
  • Value Chain Development using Markets for Poor (M4P) approach;
  • Agricultural Cooperative Development.

The cornerstone of all Shen development projects is long-term sustainability which is our vision since the establishment for all the implemented activities in over 350 rural communities of Armenia. During the last decade Shen engaged the facilitative leadership approach in its economic development projects (M4P projects) considering the potential vital role of Market Forces in income generation for rural population. This has been accomplished with significant support of our sister NGO Chene France, Yalkezian Foundation and several other Armenian Diaspora organisations. We would also like to acknowledge hereby our sponsors – World Council of Churches, Christian Aid (UK), IFAD, BfdW (Germany), ICCO (the Netherlands), Oxfam Novib (the Netherlands), HEKS-EPER (Switzerland), KASA Foundation (Switzerland), UNDP, UNFPA, USDA, FAO, DFID, USAID, SDC (Switzerland), Région Auvergne Rhône-Alpes.

Almost all projects include Capacity Building components aiming at transfer of minimum necessary knowledge and skills to its beneficiaries to ensure further sustainability of the projects. Shen NGO has also positive experience of cooperation with big companies within Corporate Social Responsibility model (e.g. Orange, France Telecom).

read more on www.shen.am

Video-Interview Repat Armenia Executive Director Vartan Marashlyan

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By Wally Sarkeesian,

Yerevan: The Repat Armenia is a very important bridge connecting the Diaspora Armenian with the homeland, www.gagrule.net Founder Wally Sarkeesian interview  Mr. Vartan Marashlyan executive Director at Repat-Armenia head office in Yerevan.

The Repat Armenia Foundation, a non-governmental, non-profit institution, was established in August 2012 to take the concept of active repatriation promotion to the next level, with a full time, dedicated staff based in Yerevan and a network of supporters worldwide.

Inform, initiate and actively champion the return of high-impact (professional, entrepreneurial) individuals and families to Armenia to secure the future development of the Armenian nation.

Repat Armenia unites hundreds of like-minded people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences, who provide potential repatriates and newcomers with soft landing and networking support, by providing information and necessary resources for those who wish to engage with Armenia.

Visit Repat-Armenia: http://repatarmenia.org/en/about-us/who-we-are

Sweden to interview Wikileaks founder

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free-wikileaksEcuador has agreed to allow Sweden to interview WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange inside its embassy. The Australian has been sheltering in Ecuador’s London embassy to avoid arrest on a Swedish criminal warrant.

Ecuador’s Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that “in the coming weeks” a Swedish judge will be admitted inside its diplomatic compound to take a statement from the 45-year-old Australian national.

Assange is wanted for questioning over a 2010 rape allegation in Sweden but has been inside Ecuador’s UK mission for more than four years in a bid to avoid extradition.

Assange denies the charge, saying the sexual contact was consensual and the charges politically motivated to retaliate over his role in Wikileaks, which publishes leaked data that is often embarrassing for governments and officials.

A long-running saga

Assange won an important victory before the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention in Februrary which had found that Sweden and Britain violated his fundamental rights.

Ecuador has maintained it would allow Sweden to take custody of Assange if Stockholm guarantees that he would not be sent to the United States for prosecution over WikiLeaks’ release of 500,000 US diplomatic cables in 2010.

Since then the anti-secrecy group has continued to leak files gleaned by hackers including emails from within the Democratic National Committee that suggested collusion between top party officials and Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. The party’s chair and other top officials resigned following the revelations.

Wikileaks has also been criticized for dumping unfiltered data including a recent email dump from Turkey’s ruling political party that had little apparent public interest value but included the personal contact information of women voters in nearly every Turkish province.

jar/kl (AFP, EFE)

Source: http://www.dw.com/en/sweden-to-interview-wikileaks-founder/a-19464749