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Pashinyan ‘I see our future victories in your eyes’ – tells military academy graduates

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Armenian Prime Minister attended the graduation ceremony of class 2018 of military academies, which took place in the headquarters of the defense ministry.

The Prime Minister congratulated the graduates and personally awarded certificates to a group of the officers.

“What does being an Armenian Army officer mean, it means to dedicate your life to the protection and security of the fatherland, it means to dedicate your life for the peaceful life, calm sleep and tranquil life of your fellow countrymen,” the PM said in his remarks.

“Tomorrow the Armenian Army won’t be the same as yesterday, because tomorrow the Armenian Army will have many of you, Lieutenants, as officers, commanders, whereas yesterday it didn’t have you in this status,” Pashinyan said.

“To be a commander means to be responsible before others and be responsible for others, be a commander means to have will and determination to give orders to die at the most important moment and this is an extremely heavy responsibility, and this is an extremely powerful responsibility, and only people with truly strong and unbreakable will can bear this responsibility. And in your eyes I see that you have the will not only to serve, but to triumph, to bring victories to our people, our state, our fatherland. I see the victories of our future in your eyes,” the PM said.

“The Armenian people have won the war, the Armenian people have won in building statehood and the Armenian people have won in establishing its power in its country and no one neither from outside or inside can and will not dare to take away this victory from the people. And the number one, most important protectors of this victory are you. Long live the Republic of Armenia, long live the Armenian Army, long live the armed forces of Armenia and the glorious soldiers and officers of Armenia”.

 

Armenian Caucus calls for Trump-Pashinyan meeting

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The leaders of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues are collecting the signatures of their U.S. House colleagues on a bipartisan letter encouraging President Donald Trump to meet with Armenia’s new Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during the United Nations summit in New York this September, as part of a broader expansion of U.S.-Armenian dialogue aimed at further integrating Armenia into the international economic system and increasing U.S.-Armenia bilateral trade and investment.

“We are encouraged by all the new opportunities for more robust U.S. cooperation with Armenia’s new government, and join with our Congressional friends in encouraging the Administration to pro-actively strengthen our bilateral ties – with a special focus on the sustainable growth of mutually-beneficial economic relations,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.

The ANCA’s U.S.-Armenia economic policy priorities include 1) a $140 million MCC Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math grant for Armenia’s public schools, 2) a modern Tax Treaty to eliminate double taxation and promote financial transparency, 3) a Social Security Agreement to protect benefits earned by people who divide their careers between the U.S. and Armenia, 4) non-stop commercial and cargo flights from Los Angeles to Yerevan, and 5) maximizing the effectiveness of the existing Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council and the U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force.

The ANCA is also working with Armenian Caucus leadership and Congressional appropriators to expand FY2019 economic, military and refugee assistance to Armenia and demining, rehabilitation and peacekeeping assistance for Artsakh.

In a “Dear Colleague” letter to their Congressional colleagues, the Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ), Jackie Speier (D-CA), Dave Trott (R-MI), and David Valadao (R-CA) and Vice-Chairs Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), wrote, “since being elected into office by Parliament, Prime Minister Pashinyan has committed himself to advancing Armenian issues both domestically and internationally and has stated his intent to deepen ties with the United States. Without question, a conversation between President Trump and Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasizing economic development, security and democracy is critical for a strong pivot towards a strategic partnership between our countries.”

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is encouraging U.S. Representatives to co-sign this bipartisan Armenian Caucus appeal to the President.

Nikol Pashinyan holds first big press conference as Armenia PM

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The Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, on Friday is giving his first big press conference in this capacity.

Until now, however, Pashinyan preferred to present his views to the public by way of Facebook livestreams, during which he was responding to the questions that were sent to him and which had received the most number of “likes.”

PM Pashinyan considers incident in Panik village as provocation against Armenian-Russian friendly ties

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Pashinyan incident in Panik

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan considers the incident in Panik village of Shirak province as impermissible and a provocation against the Armenian-Russian friendly ties and the Armenian leadership, reports Armenpress.

“I want to clearly record that this incident is impermissible, I consider it as a provocation against the Armenian-Russian friendly relations and the Armenian leadership. The guilty ones should be found out and held accountable. There is a problem to understand with what procedures this incident should be discussed. In any case, I know that the Police prepare materials and hope the further process will be effective”, PM Pashinyan said during today’s Cabinet meeting.

The 102nd Russian military base of Gyumri on July 17 has conducted military drills in Panik village without notifying the residents.

Villagers of Panik earlier reported hearing gunfire and explosions. Later they found out that the servicemen of the 102nd Russian military base of Gyumri were carrying out military exercises.

According to the local official of Panik, they weren’t notified about the exercises and that is why the villagers were alarmed. Villagers reportedly confronted the servicemen, which led to an altercation. The Panik residents contacted police and the national security service over the matter.

Later a military official of the Russian base apologized for carrying out the drills without prior notification.

 

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.”

European Commission head: We were inspired by Armenia’s developments

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Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels.

The interlocutors discussed prospects of Armenia-European Union relations in the context of democratic transformations in Armenia. Jean-Claude Juncker noted that the peaceful and democratic bias of Armenia’s developments had inspired them, and expressed readiness to continue supporting the reform process in our country, Armenian government said in a statement.

Thankful for the assistance provided over the past several years, Nikol Pashinyan assured that from now on EU’s institutional, financial and advisory support will be used more effectively.

“The continuity of the anticorruption campaign in Armenia, which has lasted for more than two months now, is high on our government’s policy agenda,” Nikol Pashinyan said.

 

Turkish FM congratulates Nikol Pashinyan on being elected Armenia’s PM

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Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu personally congratulated Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on his election on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels, reports Armenpress.

Summing up the results of his Belgium visit at a briefing with reporters at the Brussels airport, the PM said when they were sitting at the hall of the delegations, Cavusoglu swiftly passed by them, they returned some minutes later and approached to the Armenian foreign minister and then to him.

“He got acquainted with me and said they were following the Armenian events, and congratulated me on being elected Prime Minister. No other contact has taken place”, the Armenian PM said

 

Armenia’s Pashinyan a crusader who keeps democracy dream alive: TIME Video

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In a compilation of what TIME calls crusaders who are keeping the dream of democracy alive, the magazine has spoken with four people, including Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who have fought to defend democracy in their countries, about what inspired them and what it takes.

An opposition politician, Pashinyan led the protests that toppled then Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan in April and shortly after became the nation’s leader.

“It was love for my people that forced me to get out of my comfortable office as head of a parliamentary faction and spend about 20 nights in the woods, the streets, in a tent, in protest at the government led by Serzh Sargsyan,” Pashinyan said.

“I had no personal motivations. All I wanted was to win freedom and happiness for my homeland and people. I said that if citizens took to the streets in the hundreds of thousands and power did not change, I would no longer engage in political activities. From the very first day, we kept saying we would not resort to violence against anyone, even if we were met with brutality. From the podium, I said we would be guided by a biblical verse: if someone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. We knew we would never retreat.”

Now that people have triumphed, Pashinyan said he will honor his commitment to ensure that their victory lasts.

“I am convinced that we will move forward in building democracy, fighting corruption, establishing an independent judiciary and rule of law, and protecting human rights and economic competition,” he said.

“For us, democracy is not a component of regional interests or foreign-policy orientation but a reflection of values and convictions. I believe Armenia will be one of the world’s strongest democracies.”

The three other “crusaders” are Human Rights Defender Farida Nabourema from Togo, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ouided Bouchamaoui from Tunisia, and opposition leader Enrieth Martínez from Nicaragua.

Azerbaijan’s aggression is against democracy in the region, Armenian PM says

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“Our challenge is not the non-constructive policy from Armenia,” Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told reporters ahead of the meeting of the North Atlantic Council at the level of Heads of State and Government with Resolute Support in Brussels.

“Unfortunately, after the democratic revolution in Armenia Azerbaijan has become more aggressive,” he said.

Pashinyan added that this is not only an aggression against Armenia, but also an aggression against the democracy in the region.

Armenia PM Pashinyan, NATO chief to meet in Brussels

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will meet the NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg during his working visit to Belgium on July 11-13.

While in the Belgian capital, the Armenian Prime Minister will meet the heads of EU agencies, as well as hold bilateral meetings with the heads of several state and government.

As reported earlier, the PM will take part in the NATO Summit and the meeting of the heads of governments and states participating in NATO’s Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

Besides meeting the Secretary General, Pashinyan is set to deliver remarks at the summit and at an event in the Carnegie Endowment.

The Armenian delegation headed by Pashinyan will include Deputy PM Mher Grigoryan, Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan and Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, as well as advisor to the Prime Minister on foreign policy issues Arsen Kharatyan, Minister of Education and Science Arayik Harutyunyan, head of Armenia’s mission to NATO, ambassador Gagik Hovhannisyan and Armenian ambassador to Belgium Tatul Margaryan.