Day: January 3, 2024
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NPR News: 01-03-2024 5PM EST
Armenian Public Television on Wednesday claimed that the Holy See of Etchmiadzin did not want Catholicos Karekin II’s annual new year message to be aired, saying a church official had contacted the network with a request to not air the video of the pontiff’s speech.
In a statement issued on Wedenday, Armenia’s Public Television board said that a Reverend Vahram Melikyan had contacted the channel asking that the pontiff’s message and not use the video of the Catholicos.
“On December 31, the Public TV Company planned to broadcast the address of the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II in one of the most watched segments, at the time set aside for the official addresses this year. The speech of the Catholicos should follow the speech of the President of Armenia, who is the head of the state according to the Constitution,” said the public TV’s statement.
“December 31, Father Vahram Melikyan, on behalf of the Mother See, informed the Council of the Public Broadcaster that they disagreed with the time scheduled for the messages and demanded not to broadcast or use the video recording of the Catholicos’ message, whose copyright belongs to the Mother See,” added the statement.
In its statement, the Public Broadcasting Board said that it was satisfied with the verbal communication from the Holy See, but did not indicate whether the board officially reached out to Etchmiadzin for confirmation.
“This year, at the last minute, the Public Television Company informed, without any reason, that His Holiness’ New Year’s message will not be broadcast before midnight, as was traditionally customary,” the church’s Etchmiadzin-based Mother See said late on Sunday. It said it rejected the state-controlled broadcaster’s offer to air the message during an earlier news program, Azatutyun.am reported.
An Azerbaijani official said Wednesday that creating a land corridor through Armenia will provide unimpeded access to Nakhichevan and pointed out that for Baku this was one of the “main directions” of peace talks with Armenia.
Elchin Amirbekov, an Azerbaijani presidential envoy for special assignments, said in an interview with the Estonian television that restoring transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan was an important facet of the peace process between the two countries.
Within that context, Amirbekov said Baku’s initiative to “restore the Zangazur [(Zangezur)] corridor so that Azerbaijani citizens living in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, or in the main part of the country, have unhindered land communication” was of crucial importance.
“The main direction of the negotiations is the agreement on the text of the peace agreement. It notes all the main parameters of future peace, including the restoration of communications. In addition to the main direction, there are two more: the opening of communications, as well as the delimitation and the subsequent demarcation of the state border between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” said Amirbekov.
“It’s about a 42-kilometer railway line, which, unfortunately, was destroyed as a result of the conflict. It’s not just about building the missing section. By the way, this work is almost finished by us. I mean the Horadiz-Agbend section. Unfortunately, the Armenian side has not even started working on the technical rationalization of this project,” added the Azerbaijani official.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has dismissed claims that the Metsamor nuclear power plant in Armenia can contaminate the Araks River with radioactive materials, the Iranian Tansim News Agency reported.
Addressing Iranian lawmakers, Amir-Abdollahian said that the technical report and inspection by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran dismissed the possibility of contamination of the Araks River as a result of the operation of the Metsamor nuclear power plant in Armenia.
Earlier, the Azerbaijani media claimed that Armenia’s Metsamor nuclear power plant pours 12 to 16 thousand cubic meters of radioactive waste into the Araks River every day.
Iran, once again, challenged Baku’s ongoing insistence to create a land corridor through Armenia to Nakhichevan, saying that preserving the territorial integrity of countries in the region is of utmost importance.
In an interview with Armenia’s Public Television, Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia Mehdi Sobhani emphasized that Iran’s position on regional developments has not changed.
“We are against any geopolitical changes in the region. Changing borders is a ‘red line’ for us, which was announced at the highest level in Iran and no one can deviate from this position,” the ambassador said.
“An extraterritorial corridor through the territory of one of the countries in the region makes no sense. Transport routes in each country are that nation’s sovereign affair. I believe that the establishment of an extraterritorial corridor on the territory of Armenia has nothing to do with international law, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” Sobhani said when asked to clarify Tehran’s position on the continued insistence by Ankara and Baku on the so-called corridor.
At the same time, Sobhani wondered whether those states that are talking about an extraterritorial corridor through Armenia are really ready to allow similar routes to be laid through the territory of their country.
“I think that the answer can only be no. Therefore, they should not expect from others what they would not want in their case,” Sobhani added.
The Iranian ambassador also discussed Tehran’s position on the forced displacement of Artsakh Armenians, and categorically condemned military responses to regional problems.
“We share the same opinion regarding the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. We believe that military action cannot solve fundamental regional problems. To solve them, it is necessary to identify the roots of the conflict, and this can be done through dialogue and peaceful communication,” added the Iranian diplomat, expressing his conviction that the best mechanism for solving existing problems is dialogue.
Sobhani said that to achieve a common understanding on all issues, Armenia and Azerbaijan should talk to each other.
“This is a package within which they must be able to reach mutual understanding that will ensure the establishment of a stable peace. This can be guaranteed by the participation of the countries of the region, a striking example of which is the holding of a meeting in the 3+3 format in Tehran. When the countries of the region support the agreements reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan, this could become the biggest guarantee of achieving permanent and stable peace in the region,” the ambassador said.
Referring to the humanitarian assistance provided to refugees from Artsakh, the diplomat noted that this was the least that a neighboring country could do. According to him, there is no religious, ethnic or other context in this either.
“In Kapan, I met with Armenian settlers to understand why and under what conditions they left their homes. Their clear message to me was that they want the necessary conditions to be provided in Nagorno-Karabakh to return to their homes. I asked them why they left their homes, they responded that they had to do so because they did not feel physically safe,” Sobhani said.
He also said that Iran’s newly-opened consulate in Kapan in Armenia’s Syunik Province has played an important role in simplifying traffic, helping drivers resolve emerging issues and increasing trade turnover between the two countries.
Sobhani said that the Syunik region is of strategic significance for Armenia, and added that the opening of a consulate was of vital importance.
“We can say that this diplomatic establishment has continued the path to developing relations in this region,” Sobhani added, expressing hope that it will soon be possible to open an Armenian consulate in Tabriz.
The Grigoryan family working in the Zhingyalov Hats bakery they opened with the help of the Knights of Vartan. Photo by Gohar Palyan
BY GOHAR PALYAN
The Knights of Vartan initiated a comprehensive Economic Sustainability Program for Armenians displaced from Artsakh, along with support for local Armenian families in communities where Artsakh refugees reside. In October 2023, the organization launched a humanitarian project to provide immediate assistance to Artsakh refugees. This initiative included funding for urgent needs such as housing, food, heaters, washing machines, and other household appliances during the initial months for over 200 Artsakh families living in Armenia.
This year, the Knights of Vartan will launch its Economic Sustainability Program to create jobs and help sustain the economy. The displaced families essentially need help finding jobs to rebuild their lives and help generate sufficient income to sustain their expenses and thrive in their homeland. This program is designed to empower families by providing the tools and resources they need for long-term self-sustainability. The Knights of Vartan are committed to fostering economic resilience and self-sufficiency within the communities they serve.
The financial burden of rent and the cost of living is overwhelmingly high for Artsakh families. Recognizing this challenge, the Knights of Vartan have stepped in to provide critical support. The organization remains dedicated to empowering families displaced from Artsakh to ensure that they overcome the economic hurdles and build sustainable futures in Armenia.
“While the immediate help we provided in 2023 addressed a pressing need, empowering individuals with the means to sustain themselves creates a lasting impact. This program focuses on long-term solutions, fostering independence and resilience among the Armenian people.” said Hunan Arshakian, Grand Commander of the Knights of Vartan. “The program demonstrates the biblical proverb, Give a man a fish, and He will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and He will eat for a lifetime,” he added.
In December 2023, two beneficiaries, the Gabrielyan and Grigorian families, were the first two applicants approved under the program. Karmen Gabrielyan, along with his wife and two children, had to flee Taghavard, Artsakh on September 19, 2023, and find refuge in Nor Hajn near Abovyan town. This marked the second time in two years that the Gabrielyan family lost their home, livelihood, and all their possessions, navigating the challenges of survival as refugees.
Karmen Gabrielyan, who is displaced from his home in Artsakh, received aid from the Knights of Vartan. Photo by Gohar Palyan
In 2022, the Knights of Vartan provided tools for Karmen to work in Artsakh. Unfortunately, these had to be left behind when he fled his home with his family, leaving everything behind. Once again, the Knights and Daughters of Vartan stepped in, offering financial support for Karmen to acquire additional tools essential for continuing his work. This assistance reflects the ongoing commitment of Knights and Daughters of Vartan to empower individuals like Karmen, enabling them to rebuild their lives and contribute to their communities.
In his heartfelt application, Karmen said, “I need tools to work so that I can feed my family.”
Karmen received funding for new replacement equipment on December 24, 2023 through the Knights of Vartan Economic Sustainability Program. The same day, Karmen successfully purchased 29 large and small tools essential for his work. Now equipped with new tools, he is in the process of rebuilding his life once again. Karmen’s expertise lies in electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, flooring, tiling, and home-building construction. Despite the setbacks he faces, Karmen commutes to various construction sites in Yerevan, daily, to earn an income.
Karmen Gabrielyan with new work tools provided by the Knights of Vartan. Photo by Gohar Palyan
With these upgraded tools and equipment, Karmen anticipates securing employment and delivering better-quality work on construction sites in and around Yerevan. The positive impact of the Knights of Vartan’s assistance extends beyond providing tools; it contributes to the broader goal of fostering economic sustainability and community integration for Artsakh refugees like Karmen.
The Grigorian family wanted to use their experience and culinary skills to open a bakery to begin rebuilding their lives. Although Yerevan boasts numerous Zhingyalov Hats bistros, most are concentrated in the city center, with few extending to the suburbs. Recognizing this gap, the Grigoryan family identified an opportunity to offer authentic and delicious Zhingyalov Hats from Artsakh. Situated in the 9th Massive, an area towards the outskirts of Yerevan characterized by tall apartment buildings and supermarkets, there was a noticeable absence of cafes and bistros.
The Grigoryan family in their new Zhingyalov Hats bakery. Photo by Gohar Palyan
Seeing the potential in this underserved location, the Grigoryan family developed a simple business plan and proposal. In this family-run business, each family member — from the youngest grandchild, who is a student, to their 75-year-old grandmother — contributes to its success. Their grandmother takes the lead in cooking to guarantee the highest quality of Zhingyalov Hats is made.
“I wasn’t sure what to do after enduring all these hardships, but this project from the Knights of Vartan truly saved us. It provided us with a meaningful endeavor to stay busy with, to create and share, and, of course, to earn income for our family,” Gayane, the mother of the family, shared.
The family leased and promptly renovated the bakery on their own, with equipment acquired through funding from the Knights of Vartan. Now, the entire family is working hard to operate the establishment, addressing challenges together, step by step. The Grigoryan daughters created a Facebook page for the bistro, showcasing their menu, while their grandmother introduced delectable new bites, all of which are available for delivery.
Gayane Grigoryan and her mother preparing Zhingyalov Hats. Photo by Gohar Palyan
The Knights of Vartan extend a helping hand to our compatriots through economic projects like these, enabling them to rebuild their lives. The resilience and collaborative spirit of communities are essential in overcoming challenges and building brighter futures. The journey of refugee families, like that of the Grigoryan and Gabrielyan’s, serves as a testament to the perseverance, diligence, and tenacity of Armenians who, after fleeing genocide and persecution, have bravely embarked on the arduous task of rebuilding their lives in Armenia.
The Knights and Daughters of Vartan are continuing to raise funds to support this economic recovery program. You can learn more about the program, how to donate, and stay up-to-date on their efforts by visiting the website. through their website.
The Knights of Vartan Inc. is a fraternal leadership and service organization of Armenian men dedicated to safeguarding and perpetuating the Armenian heritage and cultural traditions. Its membership represents the spectrum of the leadership of the Armenian community. It was founded in 1916 in Philadelphia and is based in the United States with 23 local chapters which support Armenian causes around the world. For more information about the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, visit the website.