Day: May 3, 2024

Texas Rep. Henry Cuellar Indicted Over Ties to Azerbaijan  TIME

Texas Democratic U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar and his wife indicted over ties to Azerbaijan  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Stepping Back from the Brink: A Clausewitzian Explanation of Israel’s Restraint toward Iran – Modern War Institute  United States Military Academy West Point

Nuclear Agency Chief Visits Iran: Expectations and Next Steps  The Washington Institute

Hijab Crackdown Hurts Iranian Markets  IranWire |

‘Intergenerational trauma’ drove Sen. Menendez to stash cash at home, attorneys say • New Jersey Monitor  New Jersey Monitor

Thanks to Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, Sinwar has managed to do to the Israeli government what Netanyahu did to the Palestinian Authority and Hamas – sow division and schism, divide and conquer / Zvi Bar’elhttps://t.co/Gi6GDHNDRx

— Haaretz.com (@haaretzcom) May 3, 2024

AYF Manhattan “Moush,” New York “Hyortik” and New Jersey “Arsen” chapters, along with the ANCs of New York and New Jersey, lead march for justice

On April 24, 2024, the New York and New Jersey communities came together for a divine liturgy under the auspices of H.E. Archbishop Anoushavan Tanielian. Following the service, attendees participated in a candlelight vigil and march for justice led by the AYF Manhattan “Moush,” New York “Hyortik” and New Jersey “Arsen” chapters, along with the ANCs of New York and New Jersey. 

The vigil began with the blessing of madagh, followed by a program including speeches, songs and recitations. Garine Koushagjian delivered remarks on behalf of the NJ “Arsen” Hai Tahd committee, drawing parallels between the 1915 Genocide and the recent Artsakh genocide, with the significant difference being that the recent genocide is reversible – through a focus on accountability and the safe and dignified return of Armenians to Artsakh. 

Candlelight vigil marking the 1915 Genocide and the recent Artsakh genocide

“But we must understand that each of us, within the diaspora and the homeland, have inherited this sacred responsibility – to keep the conversations alive, to remind ourselves and the world that our commitment to our history has a real impact on our present and future. We reject the notion that has been circulating by enemies – external and internal – to ‘shed fictional historical narratives.’ No matter the obstacle, we vow to continue demanding justice, accountability, reparations and restitution for every crime committed against our nation and the return of our people to their rightful homeland,” Koushagjian said. 

Soseh Hovasapian, chair of the Manhattan “Moush” chapter, delivered a message about the power of unifying the Armenian people and the continued struggle for a free, united and independent Armenia. The cultural portion of the program featured NJ “Arsen” Junior Executive member Sarhad Melkonian reciting a timely poem “Anbadaskhan Hartsuh” by Kevork Emin. Arya Balian of the Manhattan “Moush” chapter captured the audience with an iteration of “Dle Yaman.” Chantelle Nasri provided closing remarks on behalf of the ANCs of NY/NJ. She called on those in attendance to get involved in civic activism and provided an overview of current measures in Congress that the community can rally behind.

March through Times Square led by the New York and New Jersey AYF and ANC chapters

Before marching to Times Square with flags and signs, attendees gathered in a reflective moment of silence to honor the souls of fallen heroes and soldiers. Afterwards, attendees were encouraged to trace back their roots on map handouts provided by the AYF.

Hosting the vigil on April 24 served as a meaningful way to mobilize the New York and New Jersey communities to commemorate the Armenian Genocide and recent Artsakh genocide and to remind each other of opportunities to take action through the national, regional and local Armenian National Committees.

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A telephone conversation between European Council President Charles Michel and Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze took place on May 3, with a strikingly different tone in the readout provided by the two sides.

European Council President wrote that he discussed the recent developments in Georgia and reiterated “EU’s full support to all Georgians who put European future of their country first.” Michel notes that “Georgian citizens’ call for an open democratic and pluralistic society must be heeded.” He stresses that “vibrant debate is a cornerstone and genuine dialogue is now needed.” Stressing that “Georgia’s future belongs with the EU” he calls on Georgians: “Don’t miss this historic chance.”

The readout of the same conversation as per the statement of PM Kobakhidze says that he conveyed to the President of the European Council his “disappointment that despite numerous invitations, our partners have been reluctant to engage in substantive discussions on transparency law.” PM writes: “Furthermore, I highlighted that we have not yet heard any counterarguments against this proposed legislation, which is solely aimed at promoting transparency and accountability of relevant organizations vis-à-vis Georgian society.”

He then notes that he brought to the attention of Charles Michel “the active involvement of foreign-funded organizations in two attempted revolutions in Georgia between 2020 and 2023.” He also writes that he emphasized that “the transparency law” is a “crucial prerequisite for achieving de-polarization, which he notes is “the main recommendation of the European Union.”

Also Read:

• 03/05/2024 – Rebuking French Criticism, Georgian MFA Points to “Brutal” Acts by French Police
• 03/05/2024 – PM Kobakhidze Accuses U.S. of Attempting Revolutions, Says Special Efforts Needed to “Restart” Relations