History and presence of Armenian-German relations discussed in Berlin

July 6, 2018 By administrator

On July 4, the Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation and the Global Perspectives Initiative organized a joint event in Berlin, which focused on the discussion of the history and presence of Armenian-German relations. A number of honorable guests, including members of the German Bundestag, representatives of the Armenian Embassy in Berlin as well as German intellectuals, cultural and diplomatic figures attended the discussion.

The discussion was held within the framework of the Armenian chapter of “Hello World” exhibition opened at Museum Hamburger Bahnhof with a special focus on the Armenian Chapter of the Exhibition which occupied one of the largest halls in total of 500sqm.

At the opening session, co-founders of the IDeA Foundation Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend welcomed the guests and highlighted the importance of such events and discussions for strengthening and expanding Armenian-German relations in the field of education and culture.

Veronika Zonabend noted that Dilijan Intercultural Exchange project, which was implemented as part of the Civil Society Cooperation program, funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany, with the support of the Initiatives for Development of Armenia (IDeA) Foundation, demonstrated intensive networks between Armenian and German artists and societies at large. In her opinion, the outcomes of the project may give a new breath to restoring and enhancing cultural experiences between Armenia and Germany.

“We have witnessed a very open-minded and deep discussion today. The fact that the event has took place in the building of museum proves/shows a new role and new way of art and museums in the current world. The role of such events is to open new horizons and make both sides aware of our cultural heritage and generally each other. Culture is the best way to learn about each other without losing your own identity. I believe that the event helped us to better understand each other, interact with each other,” – said Ms. Zonabend.

After the opening remarks, CEO of IDeA Foundation Rafi Baghdjian communicated IDeA’s cultural vision to the German audience and presented the Foundation’s projects that are aimed at preserving national identity and cultural heritage, such as the Tatev Revival Project, Dilijan Arts Observatory, Shushi Mosque restoration, etc.

E. Ambassador of Armenia to Germany Ashot Smbatyan was among the distinguished guests of the event. He stated: “We welcome this initiative, yet another demonstration of friendly relations between Armenia and Germany. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the organizers and participants of the initiative, who have enabled us to touch upon the dynamically developing cooperation between our two nations with great history.”

Cem Özdemir, Member of the German Parliament, and Wolfgang Huber, former Chairperson of the Council of the Evangelical Church of Germany, were the discussion panelists and key speakers. The panel was moderated by a famous German TV host and journalist Ali Aslan. They expressed their views on Armenian-German relations and their recent common history.

“I think one of the turning points was when Germany recognized the Genocide towards Armenians and other Eastern Christians that used to live in Ottoman Empire. I think that moment was crucial for us to start new relations between Armenia and Germany. When we look on today’s Armenia we see a very strong civil society and it is really something to admire. And I think Europe and particularly Germany should play more important role that Armenia become full democracy. The more Armenia becomes full democracy the easier it will be to convince Germans to invest in Armenia,” – remarked Mr. Özdemir.

After the discussion, the guests had a guided tour through the Armenian part of “Hello World” exhibition at Museum Hamburger Bahnhof. The chapter displayed the results of the Dilijan Intercultural Exchange project – a unique selection of artworks and investigations produced at the Dilijan Arts Observatory. The origins of the project build on the German-Armenian cultural and educational networks that have been in place over the course of the 20th century. In the 1960-70s, Dilijan was well-known as an international artists’ retreat hosting German architects, writers, filmmakers, and musicians.

Armenia-UAE relations reaching a level of strategic partnership – Ambassador

December 1, 2017 By administrator

Armenia-UAE relations The Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Yerevan hosted an event, celebrating the 46th anniversary of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event was attended by high-level officials, representatives of diplomatic mission and NGOs.

In his welcoming speech, the Ambassador of the UAE to Armenia, Jassim Mohammed Al Qasimi pointed to the high-level bilateral relations established between Armenia and UAE based on mutual respect and principles of cooperation. As the Ambassador noted, the relations have reached a level of strategic partnership especially since last year. “The latest visit of the President of Armenia to UAE, the forthcoming visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Emirate to Armenia, the visit of the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation to Yerevan, mutual visits of ministers demonstrate the desire to elevate the bilateral relations to a new level,” the Ambassador said, adding trends of continuous development are noticed in the culture and economic spheres, as evidenced by the growth in trade turnover.

“The overall level of trade exchanges has reached $140 million in the first nine months of the ongoing year to compare with $71 million last year,” Al Qasimi exemplified. In the Ambassador’s words, the development of the mutual relations as well as the growth of UAE investments in Armenia speak of the increasing trust of the UAE business toward Armenia, which takes place also due to the consistent efforts by the Armenian partners.

The Chief of Staff of the President’s Office of Armenia Armen Gevorgyan congratulated on the anniversary and noted that the past three years recorded breakthrough in the Armenia-UAE bilateral relations.

“The friendly relations formed between the leaderships of the two countries further contributed to deepening and developing of the bilateral ties. Today, I want to assure that we stay ready to continue that work with the same resolve and diligence,” Gevorgyan said.

ETHIOPIAN PRINCE PRAISES ETHIOPIA-ARMENIA RELATIONS AT ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY ANNUAL HOLIDAY RECEPTION

November 22, 2017 By administrator

Armenian Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny, Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. Grigor Hovhannissian with his wife Victoria, Armenian Assembly Board Member Annie Totah, His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie of Ethiopia, Armenian Assembly Capital Region Council Co-Chairs Doris George and Clara Andonian, and Artsakh Permanenet Representative to the U.S. Robert Avetisyan with his wife Elvina

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) and its Capital Region Council hosted its Annual Holiday Reception this month, with special guest His Imperial Highness Prince Ermias Sahle-Selassie of Ethiopia. Prince Ermias spoke highly of the bilateral relations between Ethiopia and Armenia that date back centuries.

“At this point, it is both important and gratifying to know our two people – Ethiopia and Armenia – have been colleagues longer than most of the nations on this planet. Indeed, the Imperial Family has taken note of the active trade and civil relationships between Ethiopians and Armenians, extending back to the 3rd Century A.D. Moreover, Armenians and Ethiopians share a rich and historic connection as members of the same branch of Orthodox Christianity, as well as perhaps lesser known stories of the invaluable Armenian contributions to Ethiopian history,” Prince Ermias said.

Prince Ermias, President of the Crown Council of Ethiopia, recalled the story of his grandfather, Emperor Haile Selassie I, and his encounters with Armenians. In 1924, when the Emperor was visiting Jerusalem, he came across a marching band of forty Armenian youngsters. When he asked who they were, he was told that they were all orphans who had escaped Ottoman Turkey during the Armenian Genocide. After listening to the band play, the Emperor was “struck by the band’s musical talent.” Thereupon the Emperor asked for permission from the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem to adopt and bring the musicians to Ethiopia.

The Armenian musicians were then known as the “Arba Lijoch,” which means forty children in Amharic, and were trained in Ethiopia by musical director Kevork Nalbandian. Nalbandian was an Armenian Genocide survivor, originally from Aintab in the southeastern region of the Ottoman Turkish Empire. The Armenian musicians came to form the Royal Imperial Brass Band, beginning a tradition in modern Ethiopian music of heavily using brass instruments. Amazed by their progress and skill, Emperor Selassie asked Nalbandian to compose a national anthem for Ethiopia. On November 2, 1930, the Emperor’s coronation day, the Arba Lijoch unveiled the Imperial National Anthem, Marsh Teferi, which was Ethiopia’s official anthem from 1930 to 1974. Prince Ermias told the audience that these Armenians became known as the “forerunners in the modernization of mainstream music in Ethiopia.”

Assembly Board Member Annie Totah expressed her gratitude to Prince Ermias, her personal friend, for his kind words about the Armenians. “We thank you so very much for joining and educating us about the situation in Africa, and thank you for having presented to us the history about Armenians in Ethiopia. Emperor Haile Selassie welcomed us – the Armenians – and we have an ideal, mutually beneficial and fantastic relationship between both countries,” Totah said.

Over 100 guests attended the Holiday Reception, including Armenian Ambassador to the United States His Excellency Grigor Hovhannissian with his wife Victoria and Artsakh Permanent Representative to the United States Robert Avetisyan with his wife Elvina.

In his remarks, Ambassador Hovhannissian noted that Ethiopia has a special place in the hearts of Armenians. He also recognized the Assembly’s advocacy work, as well as the grassroots activism and dedication of its members.

“We are very mindful and cognizant of the tremendous effort that the Armenian Assembly of America has been making towards the development of Armenia and towards building and strengthening relations with the United States,” Ambassador Hovhannissian stated. “You have many, many dedicated members, and Armenia is blessed to have them among its most committed friends,” he added.

Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny briefed the audience on the Assembly’s accomplishments this past year and explained the challenges ahead. He emphasized the continued efforts to increase membership in the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, which is currently at 113, as well as urging Members to withdraw from the Turkish and Azeri Caucuses. Both Ardouny and Totah encouraged the audience to contact their Representatives and educate them on the importance of strengthening U.S.-Armenia and U.S.-Artsakh relations.

Following the speeches, Dr. Naira Babayan, a member of the Armenian Assembly, performed an Armenian musical selection, including Krunk (Stork) by Komitas, Six Dances by Komitas, and Dance of Sasun by A. Arutiunian.

“We would like to especially thank Assembly Capital Region Council Co-Chairs Clara Andonian and Doris George with Host Committee Members Naira Babayan, Nadya Carson, Natalie George, Anahid Ghazarian, Takuhi Hallajian, Anahid Nishanian, and Marguerite Satian for donating and hosting the reception, as well as our volunteers Kyra Chamberlain and Nicole Merullo, who are currently with George Washington University’s Armenian Student Association,” Totah added.

Armenia, Cyprus mark 25 years of diplomatic relations

April 3, 2017 By administrator

The foreign ministers of Armenia and Cyprus have exchanged messages in connection with the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
In his address to Ioannis Kasoulides, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan highlights the country’s special role for Armenia, appreciating the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples and the close interstate relations anchored on a deep respect and warmth, reports the Foreign Ministry’s press service.
For his part, Mr Kasoulides promises his country’s best efforts to further deepen the bilateral relations, opening up new prospects of cooperation in the best interest of the two nations.

Rex Tillerson: 1915 atrocities remain a painful issue in Armenia-Turkey relations

January 25, 2017 By administrator

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On January 23, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved President Donald Trump’s Secretary of State nomination of Rex Tillerson by a party line vote of 11 to 10, clearing the path for approval by the full Senate.

As genocide denialists are calling upon President Trump and his team to guarantee that the Armenian Genocide will not be recognized by his administration, Trump’s cabinet nominees are taking a considered view of this important human rights issues. Responding to a question for the record posed by New Jersey’s senior Senator, Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the Secretary of State nominee, for his part, said: “The tragic atrocities of 1915 remain a painful issue in the relationship between Armenia and Turkey, and it is in the U.S. interest to ensure peaceful and stable relations between the two countries. If confirmed, I will support a full accounting of the historical events and an open dialogue between Armenia and Turkey in the interest of regional stability.”

Additionally, President Trump’s U.S. Representative to the United Nations nominee Nikki Haley responded to Senator Menendez’s question about supporting a U.S. declaration calling the Armenian Genocide as such and whether the failure to do so hereto speaks ill of our values and encourages the continuation of such crimes. She promised: “I will never shy away from calling out other countries for actions taken in conflict with U.S. values and in violation of human rights and international norms.”

Focusing on Turkey’s violations of basic freedoms, Tillerson made it clear that he is “very concerned about many of the measures recently taken by the Turkish government.” He stated: “Religious freedom is a core American principle and an important aspect of international peace and stability. If confirmed, I will work with Turkey to safeguard religious minorities and promote respect for their cultural heritages, including the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Halki Seminary.”

“The Armenian Assembly greatly appreciates Senator Menendez’s long-standing commitment and leadership on Armenian issues and the questions he raised for the nominee,” stated Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. As Tillerson awaits a final vote by the full Senate, more responses to questions regarding U.S.-Armenia relations and the region are anticipated.

“We look forward to working with the new Administration and Congress to further strengthen the permanent bonds between the United States and Armenia as well as expand economic opportunities for Armenia,” Ardouny said.

Netanyahu once again suspected of shady relations with foreign businessmen

July 5, 2016 By administrator

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

(Presstv) Israel’s prime minister, who is already suspected of having accepted more than USD one million worth of “donation” from a French fraud brain, is now the subject of a new investigation.

Back in March, it was reported that Benjamin Netanyahu had had shady relations with a French individual considered by French prosecutors as the “brain” behind one of the biggest frauds in history.

The Frenchman, Arnaud Mimran, along with his partners, is accused of stealing between EUR 300 million to 1.6 billion (USD 334 million to 1.7 billion) in a fraud case commonly referred to in Europe as “the scam of the century.”

On Monday, Israel’s Channel 2 reported that police were now probing whether the Israeli prime minister had received illegal contributions from foreign businessmen during his current tenure.

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit is reportedly assisting the probe, which the Channel said has grown into a full-blown investigation.

Reacting to the recent report, Netanyahu said, “It’s nonsense.”

“Every time I go for a historic visit abroad, we hear about investigations,” he told reporters while in Uganda as part of his first trip to Africa.

His office also accused Mimran of having created the hype as a means of deflecting attention from his own case.

In May, Israeli comptroller Yosef Shapira cited a “fear of criminality” concerning Netanyahu’s finances when he was the finance minister over a decade ago.

It said he had received funding from private organizations and donors for family travels between 2003 and 2005.

Netanyahu’s wife, Sarah, has also been accused of using state funds to pay for private costs, including for the purchase of garden furniture for the residence, and mishandling funds from recycled bottles.

Kurdish Party to fundamentally change Turkey’s relations with Armenia, expert says

November 1, 2015 By administrator

The appearance of Kurdish Party has dramatically changed the traditional structure of Turkey’s parliament, the director of Euphrates Center, expert on Turkey Gevorg Petrosyan told reporters during a press conference in Yerevan today.

“As a political force, Kurdish Party will change fundamentally Turkey’s relations with Armenia because its programs attach importance to the Armenians and Armenia,” G. Petrosyan said.

When commenting on the snap parliamentary elections due in Turkey on November 1 and the Armenian candidates’ chances to get into the parliament, he said the Armenian candidates can collect enough votes to enter the parlaiment, while the situation now is the same as ahead of the June elections.

Source: Panorama.am

EU Foreign Ministers discuss Armenian-Azerbaijani relations

September 7, 2015 By administrator

The relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and several other issues were included on the agenda of the two-day meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy said.

“We have also discussed relations with our Eastern Partners. We have particularly focused on the recent hope-inspiring events in Belarus, where a number of political prisoners were released from jail on August 22. We have also discussed the current state of affairs in Georgia and Moldova, as well as the events taking place in Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Federica Mogherini told reporters, according to RFE/RL Armenian service.

Mogherini, however, failed to mention which exact questions concerning Armenia and Azerbaijan were discussed at the meeting.

An Armenian contract soldier Hayk Devoyan (born in 1975) was deadly wounded in the Azeri armed forces attack in the province of Tavush, spokesperson for the Armenian Defense Ministry said.

Azerbaijani armed forces continuously violated the ceasefire at the line of contact with Armenia (Tavush province) on the evening and night of September 5.

Azeri armed forces attacked Armenian posts and border villages, firing from various caliber weapons, including mortars, infantry support guns and artillery weapons.

Keeping the situation under control, the Armenian armed forces mostly stayed committed to the ceasefire, taking retaliatory measures only in extreme necessity to silence the rivals’ attacks.

Ambassador of Iran Discusses Iran-Armenia Relations, Hopes Iranian President Will Visit Armenia Soon

July 20, 2015 By administrator

A press conference on topic “Relations between Armenia and Iran” took place at the Media Center

YEREVAN (ARMENPRESS)—In an interview with Armenpress, Mohammad Raiesi, ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Armenia, discusses the recent deal struck between Iran and six global powers over Iran’s nuclear program, Iran-West relations, the importance of joint Armenian-Iranian projects, and a possible visit by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to Armenia.

Armenpress: Mr. Ambassador, a historic agreement was signed in Vienna which is being called by many analysts the agreement of the century.

Raiesi: Any event taking place in any country can be a turning point and a historical reality for that country. This agreement which was signed in Lausanne, then in Vienna, can be considered a historical one. For years, the West did everything to hurt Iran and by hurting Iran, the East also suffered losses. The agreement between Iran and the six world powers is important in many aspects.

First of all, Iran, not complying with the demands, resisted, and after overcoming many difficulties was finally able to reach an agreement with the other sides. Secondly, the worst and the most difficult problem can be solved through negotiations. Probably no one could imagine that such a serious problem could be solved by means of negotiations. Thus, these negotiations will get registered in the history of world diplomacy, it will be taught at schools and it’ll serve a good example for international conflict resolution.

As a result of this agreement, the United Nations Security Council’s seven resolutions and the sanctions against Iran are cancelled, and the right of uranium enrichment and nuclear research is officially entitled to Iran. The West claims that Iran made certain concessions in producing nuclear weapons in the case that Iran never had any aim of producing it. I hope that other international conflicts will be solved in this way.

Armenpress: There’s a viewpoint in Armenia that big Armenian-Iranian projects that require serious financial investments are not brought to life because of Western sanctions. Do you agree with this viewpoint?

Raiesi: Yes. I am of the opinion that if there were no sanctions, the projects would have been realized. One of the widely discussed projects is the construction of an Armenia-Iran railway.

Armenpress: The President of the Republic of Armenia spoke about the importance of the construction of the railway during the meeting at Ufa last week. What can we expect from this project?

Raiesi: The project has regional significance and in the case of its realization Armenia will become a regional transit corridor between the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Transfers will be conducted to northern countries through Armenia from the southern neighbors of East Asia and Iran. It will become a north-south corridor. Goods from India, Pakistan will be transited through Armenia, including Europe. The project needs considerable investments. If there is a company that wants to implement the project it will be very good. For one part of the project (from Meghri to Sevan) $3,200,000,000 USD is needed. We have announced so many times that if there is an investor to allocate funds for the Armenian part of the project, we are ready to build up to 60 kilometers in our part. Like the President of the Republic of Armenia Serzh Sarkissian, I agree that this project is very important.

Armenpress: Mr. Ambassador, what are the Armenian-Iranian economic relations today? Is the growth of the trade turnover visible during the recent years?

Raiesi: Notwithstanding the high level of political relations between the two countries, the economic ties are considerably behind. It was intended that trade turnover reached 1 billion USD, but it does not exceed 300 million. One of the reasons for that are the laws. We should smooth these issues and facilitate conditions that help the businessmen of the two countries implement their businesses comfortably. There are countries with which Iran has signed agreements with preferential tariffs, and statistics show that after the signing of these agreements, the economic relations and trade turnover developed immediately. There are some very important issues with trade. One of them is the simplification of laws and transparency. Customs laws should be transparent. Iran has cooperated with Armenia for 22 years, but we still do not have an agreement on preferential tariffs. If Armenia and Iran also sign a visa-free regime agreement, it will also help develop tourism.

Armenpress: 2015 is a very important year for Armenia. We commemorated the centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Iran is among the countries that has not yet officially recognized the Armenian Genocide. Why?

Raiesi: We always honor the memory of the victims and on April 24 the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran attended the commemoration events in Yerevan. We respect the memory of the victims. We always condemn the massacre of innocent people.

Armenpress: When can we expect the visit of President Hassan Rouhani to Armenia?

Raiesi: We hope that the visit will take place this year. I cannot say the concrete time right now. Works are carried out in this direction. In the nearest future the visit of the First Vice President to Armenia is expected and after that we will be consistent for the visit of Mr. Rouhani.

Turkish Minister urges Armenia to boost ties, “avoid mention of past”

September 15, 2014 By administrator

Turkey’s EU Minister Volkan Bozkır said that Turkey did its share to promote relations with Armenia and that everyone needs to live together by avoiding the mention of what happened in the past, Daily Sabah reported.

Underscoring the significance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s letter on April 24, Bozkır said, “With this letter, we showed that we are turning over a new leaf to heartbreaking events and offer a hand of peace. If [our] counterpart accepts this hand, we may open a new page. It is impossible to walk [together toward] the future of the world with hatred and by killing each other.”

In the statement, Erdoğan said, “[he] wishes Armenian people who lost their lives under the conditions of the beginning of the 20th century to rest in peace” and he “sends [his] condolences to their grandchildren […] Having experienced events with inhumane consequences such as relocation, during World War I, should not prevent Turks and Armenians from establishing compassion and mutually humane attitudes toward one another.”

On October 10, 2009, Armenia and Turkey signed two protocols aimed at normalizing relations.

Foreign ministers Edward Nalbandian and Ahmet Davutoglu, inked protocols committing to the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of their borders.

But since the signing ceremony, senior officials in Turkey have sought to link ratification of the protocols with progress in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.

Yerevan responded by saying the protocols contained no conditions regarding that issue and that Ankara should, therefore, proceed with the ratification of the agreements unconditionally.

The diplomatic bickering eventually led to Armenian President Sargsyan suspending the ratification process in the Armenian parliament on April 22, 2010.

Photo: Sabah