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Armenian Justice Minister Resigns

June 07, 2019

Naira Bulghadarian

Armenia’s Justice Minister Artak Zeynalian tendered his resignation on Friday after just over a year in office.

Zeynalian gave no reason for his decision which he announced on Facebook. Instead, he thanked Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian for appointing him as 

justice minister following last year’s “velvet revolution.” He also thanked Justice Ministry employees for the “interesting, fruitful and responsible joint 

work.”

“I’m sure that everything will be fine … But if it won’t be fine, it will be very fine,” wrote Zeynalian.

A spokesperson for the Justice Ministry refused to comment on his resignation.

Zeynalian, 49, is a prominent politician and former civil rights campaigner affiliated with the pro-Western Hanrapetutyun (Republic) party. He retained his post even after the party challenged Pashinian’s My Step alliance in the December 2018 parliamentary elections.

My Step’s parliamentary leader, Lilit Makunts, suggested that his resignation is connected with sweeping judicial reforms planned by the Armenian 

authorities. Makunts said some My Step lawmakers are unhappy with the reform-related work of the Justice Ministry and Zeynalian in particular.

Makunts told reporters that they voiced their “concerns” after government supporters blocked the court buildings across the country at Pashinian’s urging on May 20. She insisted, however, that none of them called for Zeynalian’s resignation.

Speaking to journalists on May 21, Zeynalian pointedly declined to comment on the court blockade denounced by the Armenian opposition.

Artur Sakunts, a human rights activist, likewise linked the minister’s resignation with the judicial crisis. Sakunts said that the Justice Ministry did not initiate “drastic changes” within the judiciary under Zeynalian.

Also resigning on Friday was Gevorg Danielian, the acting head of the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC), a state body overseeing Armenia’s courts. In a statement, Danielian said the SJC needs to have a different composition in order to “really inspire trust” and be able to implement judicial reforms.

The SJC’s previous chairman, Gagik Harutiunian, stepped down on May 24. Harutiunian attributed the move to “ongoing developments relating to the 

judicial authority” and his “concerns expressed in that regard.”

Armenpress.am

8 June, 2019

Azerbaijan violates ceasefire regime 250 times

The Azerbaijani troops violated the ceasefire regime nearly 250 times on Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line in the period of July June 2-8, during which over 2500 bullets were fired in the direction of Armenian border guards from different caliber weapons.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Defense Ministry of Artsakh, on June 4 Azerbajani forces also fired 60 millimeter mortars (4 projectiles) and AGS-17 grenade launcher (25 projectiles)

The front line units of the Defense Army of Artsakh took relevant actions to silence the provocations of the adversary, continuing to keep full control of the situation and confidently carry out their military duty.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Armenpress.am

7 June, 2019

How can people occupy territory where they have lived for centuries – Pashinyan responds to Azerbaijani reporter

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan answered the question of an Azerbaijani reporter in a press conference in St. Petersburg. ARMENPRESS reports an Azerbaijani reporter used the formulation “occupied territories” in his question, which has become a usual thing for Azerbaijani propaganda, to which PM Pashinyan responded,

“How can a territory be occupied by people, who were born there, whose grandfathers and ancestors were born and lived there? How can that territory be occupied? A territory, where those people have lived for many generations, how can it be occupied?”.  

The Armenian PM told the Azerbaijani reporter that the Governments of Armenia and Artsakh are ready to install mechanisms investigating incidents on Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line.

“In order we avoid the disputes about who, where and when fired, it’s necessary to discuss the agreements reached still back in 2016 in Vienna. I am about the mechanisms investigating incidents in the conflict zone”, Pashinyan added.

Referring to the issue of ARSENAL club midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who did not go to Baku to participate in Europa League final, Pashinyan reminded that a footage went viral on the net where the Azerbaijani police officers a

approached fans wearing Mkhitaryan’s shirt.

“Only imagine, fans appear in the focus of attention of Azerbaijani police only for wearing Mkhitaryan’s shirts. I think it speaks about everything”, he said, adding that there have been numerous cases when Russian citizens of Armenian origin have not been allowed to enter Azerbaijan.

‘It’s a very bad sign. I think such cases should be ruled out, since they cause more tensions. There is no such issue in Armenia. Recently, a reporter of Azerbaijani “Turan” news agency visited Armenia and I know that he had no troubles. No security issue was even raised”, Pashinyan emphasized,

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Matador Network

June 7 2019

TRIP PLANNING

Armenia is the most fascinating place you can visit this summer

by Eben Diskin

ASIA IS ON the rise as a popular summer vacation destination, and Europe has been a perennial favorite for over a century, but the region in between has been unduly neglected by travelers. 

Occupying a unique cultural space that isn’t quite European or Asian, the countries of the South Caucasus have flown under many travelers’ radars — particularly Armenia, one of the most picturesque and diverse places in the world. If you want your next vacation to be truly unique, you should start brushing up on this under-traveled country between Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Beyond the fact that the Kardashians are Armenian — though that’s not really the country’s fault — the place is largely unknown in the public conscious. Whether you visit for the stunning mountain landscapes and hikes, the ancient and delicious cuisine, or the rich history, you won’t regret making Armenia your first stop in the South Caucasus. Here’s why Armenia needs to be on your travel list this summer.

Ancient history and beautiful traditions

Even for history buffs who pride themselves on the depth of their knowledge, Armenian history is probably a mystery. As the first country in the world to adopt Christianity as a state religion in 301 AD, Armenia is home to the first Christian cathedral in the world. The Etchmiadzin Cathedral, completed in 303, is still standing in the town of Etchmiadzin and is the religious center of all Armenians to this day.

Centuries-old monuments of Christianity can be found all over Armenia, defined by their medieval architecture. Make sure to check out the Monastery of Geghard in the Kotayk province. The monastery is over 800 years old, composed of several churches and tombs carved into the rock and set against the backdrop of dramatic cliffs of the Azat Valley. The ninth-century Monastery of Tatev is also worth a visit. This Armenian Apostolic monastery is located on a plateau in the Syunik Province and serves as a scholastic center of enlightenment and spirituality. To reach the monastery, take the 3.5-mile tramway to the top of the plateau — the longest tramway of its kind at the time of its construction — or drive 40 minutes up the switchback road of the Vorotan Gorge.

If you’re someone who loves bringing souvenirs home from your travels, but you’re not exactly looking for a cliche refrigerator magnet, you’ll be thrilled by what you can find in Armenia. The Armenian Highlands are considered by many historians to be the birthplace of the eastern carpet, and the tradition of carpet-weaving is deeply rooted in Armenian culture. The Megerian Carpet gallery and factory in the country’s capital, Yerevan, displays carpets from the 16th to 19th centuries and even offers them for sale. If you want a truly authentic souvenir that speaks to the country’s history and tradition, it doesn’t get better than an Armenian carpet.

Stunning mountains and a lake that reflects the sky

One of the most defining features of Armenia’s natural landscape is Mount Ararat, with a peak soaring to 16,854 feet. Although technically located across the border in Turkey, Ararat holds immense significance for Armenians as a symbol of their motherland. In the Biblical story of the Great Flood, Mount Ararat was where Noah’s ark was said to have landed, and according to the story, Noah settled the Ararat Valley with his family. The best views can be had from the observation area in Victory Park or the Monastery of Khor Virap in the Ararat plain.

If you’d rather venture into the mountains than simply stare at them, a trip to Lake Sevan deep in the Caucasus Mountains is a must. The lake is so high up that the surface of its water sometimes appears to touch the sky. As the largest lake in the country, Armenians often refer to it as “the Armenian Sea,” and visitors could easily spend a whole summer’s day relaxing by the warm water. There’s even a ninth-century monastic complex nearby called Sevanavak, which could really round out your day trip to the mountains.

To really plunge into the mountains, take one of the hiking trails through the Tavush region in the northeast. The Dilijan National Park is not only home to oak forests, deep gorges, and an abundance of streams but also to the Transcaucasian Trail, two connected long-distance hiking trails spanning over 1,864 miles through the Caucasus region.

The southern route, through Georgia and Armenia, connects the mountain villages and gives hikers incredible views of the surrounding valleys, mountain peaks, and the Black and Caspian Seas. If hiking these epic trails doesn’t get your blood pumping, the Armenian mountains have become a popular location for paragliding, especially around Dilijan, Mt. Atis, and Lake Sevan. And in the winter, the Tsaghkadzor ski resort is buzzing with visitors looking for a dose of winter adrenaline — and it’s far more affordable than the Swiss Alps.

Some of the best food in the world

Armenia has one of the oldest and most delicious culinary traditions in the world. Spas is a creamy soup made with fermented Armenian yogurt called matsun, and it’s served by many traditional restaurants in Yerevan and around the country. Armenian kyufta (meatballs) or tolma (grape leaves stuffed with minced meat) are also local favorites, as well as khorovats (juicy barbeque). Lavash, Armenian pita bread, is so world-renowned it’s even been included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and many use it to wrap basturma — dried meat with spices. To satisfy your dessert craving, you need to try gata, a puff pastry that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, with many regions having their own version.

Since the temperate Armenian climate is perfect for producing large quantities of healthy fruits and vegetables, markets and shops are always packed with a wide range of veggies, fruits, and berries. The golden Armenian apricot is perhaps the country’s most famous piece of produce, as it absorbs the sun’s bright rays to give it its golden hue. Indeed, the apricot is said to have originated in Armenia and is considered an important symbol for the country. Armenian apples, peachesi, plums, grapes, figs, and pomegranates are also ubiquitous in the country, and they’re even popular abroad for their uniquely juicy flavor.

When it’s time to wash down the local fare, you can save yourself time Googling “Is it safe to drink the water in Armenia?” The answer is yes, the water is not only safe but some of the purest in the world. Armenia’s water comes from natural mineral sources, and its clean taste isn’t lost on Armenians. In honor of the city’s 2,750th anniversary in 1968, 2,750 water fountains were installed around Yerevan, dispensing clean, refreshing water to residents. The water in the town of Jermuk is even rumored to have healing properties — according to ancient legends. 

Armenpress.am

 8 June, 2019

Nikol Pashinyan congratulates Theresa May on UK National Holiday – Queen’s Birthday

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, on the occasion of the United Kingdom’s National Holiday - Queen’s Birthday.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the message runs as follows,

“I cordially congratulate you on the United Kingdom’s National Holiday – Queen’s Birthday. I wish the friendly people of Great Britain peace and further progress on this festive occasion.

It is my pleasure to note that as underpinned by close historical affinities, our relations are now developing in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual respect.

Armenia is keen to expand the scope of interaction with the United Kingdom in all areas of mutual interest.

I can say confidently that there are all the necessary prerequisites to impart new quality to the Armenian-British mutually beneficial cooperation by complementing it with effective programs.”

Aravot, Armenia

June 5 2019

What are 'anti-Soros people' trying to say?

by Aram Abrahamyan

[Groong note: the below is translated from the Russian edition of Aravot]

I have heard talk about "Western conspiracies" since long ago. Back in 1996, the [Armenian] government were sure that the special services of a number of countries were trying to destabilise the situation and worsen our relations with Russia through Vazgen Manukyan [opposition candidate in the 1996 presidential election] and the NDU [National Democratic Union led by Manukyan]. Later, "Western conspirators" were called "Sorosovtsy [followers of George Soros], implying not only the Open Society Institute, but also any other organisation emerging "from that side" for the purpose of destroying our nation.

 

However, what is my vision of the real situation? Of course, the West is working in Armenia in its own interests. At the same time, the term "West" has multiple layers. The interests of the USA and EU in our country may fail to fully coincide. Moreover, France and, say, Poland also seem to be pursuing various objectives in Armenia. The Soros Foundation and others also pursue the interests of certain circles in the West. It would be extremely naive to think that any country or organisation acts purely on the basis of altruism in specific issues. It is not ruled out that weakening Russia's influence in the South Caucasus may be one of their purposes.

 

However, Russia is also working in our country. Of course, it is doing this in its own manner, resorting to more uncouth and not so transparent methods, but it is working in compliance with its own interests.

 

We must admit that all this is no sensation and it is not the case of efforts of various centres being exposed in 2018. However, why did "anti-Soros" sentiments rise precisely now?

 

If those, who have such sentiments, want to say that the revolution last year was organised by Soros' followers, this is a blatant lie. Dissatisfaction with the previous government was enormous and no external interference was necessary to stir it up.

 

If they are trying to say that many incumbent MPs and officials used to have connections with these foundations, this will be true and quite natural too: People wanted to be involved in public activities and be active as citizens without becoming "young Republicans" or "hawks".

 

If those "opposed to Soros" want to say that some officials and MPs have been "brainwashed" in Western educational centres and foundations, there is some truth in this. However, in that case, it is necessary to specify what these ideas are.

 

If they imply fair elections, freedom of speech, and political pluralism, I personally support these ideas irrespective of any "Soroses". There are people, who are against these ideas, but they will never admit this.

 

This is why they are searching for some conspiracies.

Emerging Europe

June 8 2019

South Ossetia to play Western Armenia in final of CONIFA’s European Football Cup

Craig Turp

While English football teams Arsenal and Chelsea both complained vehemently last month at being forced to play their Europa League final in the Azerbaijani capital Baku, eight other teams have been only too happy to spend this week in a remote corner of Azerbaijan playing in the CONIFA Sportsbet.io European Football Cup, currently being held in the disputed Republic of Artsakh (also known as Nagorno-Karabakh). The tournament ends this weekend with the final taking place in the Artsakhi capital Stepanakert on Sunday. The match, between South Ossetia and Western Armenia, can be streamed for free online, here.

Founded in 2013, CONIFA represents countries, territories, autonomous regions, provinces and stateless peoples unable to gain membership of football’s global governing body FIFA. One example is Greenland. Although it has the same status as the Faroe Islands within Denmark, Greenland is not, unlike the Faroe Islands national football team, a member of FIFA nor of any continental confederation and is therefore not eligible to enter the World Cup or other sanctioned tournaments.

“CONIFA (the Confederation of Independent Football Associations) is a global umbrella organisation for national teams not under the auspices of FIFA – representing nations, minorities, isolated dependencies or cultural regions,” says Sascha Düerkop, CONIFA’s general secretary. “Our main goal is to give football outsiders overlooked by FIFA or left behind by their mother country FA the chance to win their place on a global stage.”

CONIFA currently has over 50 members, of which some – including Tuvalu and Kiribati – are independent countries that have yet to be granted membership of FIFA. The majority, however, are stateless peoples (such as the Roma and the Kurds), disputed territories (such as Artsakh) and self-declared independent states (such as Somaliland and Northern Cyprus).

However, with members also including breakaway regions of Ukraine and Russian-occupied territories of Georgia, CONIFA has faced accusations of playing more politics than football. Düerkop rejects such claims.

“We have many values and aims off the football pitch,” he says. “One of the main reasons CONIFA exists is that we want to bridge the world and bring people together. This should be done in a way which leaves all politics behind. We do not judge if our members deserve political independence. We want to put them all on the world map by showing their members and people to the world and give them the chance to represent themselves. Politically we are 100 per cent neutral and the only thing we do is raise awareness of our members. This leads to people thinking or educating themselves about the countries/minorities/regions they come from. Each player, in that sense, is an ambassador of his nation or people.”

CONIFA’s flagship tournament is the World Football Cup, last held in 2018 in England and won by Karpatalja (a predominantly Hungarian-speaking region of Ukraine), who beat Northern Cyprus on penalties in the final.