Day: May 7, 2024

The Japanese government intends to announce a tender for the supply of warships to Australia as part of its naval modernization and development program, Azernews reports.

The US Department of Defense has begun the next stage of testing an updated version of the M88A3 HERCULES armored recovery vehicle (BRAM), designed to evacuate upgraded Abrams tanks, Azernews reports.

Armenian PM explains why he did not attend Putin’s “inauguration”  Ukrainska Pravda

Abkhazian foreign minister resignation details

Details have emerged regarding the dismissal of Inal Ardzinba from the position of foreign minister of Abkhazia, who had established himself as one of the most scandalous and unpopular officials in society.

In particular, it is reported that a week before president Aslan Bzhania signed the decree dismissing Ardzinba, the president personally ordered (to the now former minister) a ban on leaving the republic. However, one day before the official resignation, Inal Ardzinba was eventually allowed to fly to Moscow

---

• Controversial Abkhazian foreign minister removed from office
• “Troll Factory” for Inal Ardzinba – “OKNO” Investigation
• Abkhazia’s foreign minister praised himself and insulted women from fake account

---

On the morning of May 7, Ardzinba made a statement in which he provided his version of the resignation. According to him, it was voluntary:

“I submitted my resignation due to a transition to a new job. This was a planned decision. Currently, I am in Moscow.

I want to express sincere gratitude to everyone with whom we achieved results. A lot of work has been done.

Ahead lie even more important tasks for the benefit of the Republic of Abkhazia and our people. We will take a step towards the future, a step towards progress.”

Ardzinba did not specify the nature of the new job. It is possible that he is referring to the Russian Channel One, where Ardzinba debuted as the host of the new television project “Global Politics” since early April.

However, according to JAMnews’ source within government circles, Inal Ardzinba did not leave the position of minister voluntarily, and the question of his resignation had long been on the agenda:

“Due to his difficult character, Ardzinba spoiled relations with many of his colleagues in the government, spoke unfavorably not only about them but also about the Russian ambassador in Abkhazia, Mikhail Shurgalin, avoided deputies who had repeatedly invited him to report on his work in parliament. The president eventually lost patience and dismissed Inal Ardzinba.”

Before heading the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Abkhazia, Inal Ardzinba worked in the Russian President’s Office for Socio-Economic Cooperation with CIS Member States, where he oversaw the Ukrainian direction.

After leaving there, Ardzinba assumed the position of Chairman of the Youth Affairs Council under the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, but he held this position for no more than a year.

In November 2021, by the decree of president Aslan Bzhania, Inal Ardzinba was appointed minister of foreign affairs of Abkhazia.

Now, following Ardzinba’s resignation, the president has issued a decree appointing Irakli Tuzhba, who previously held the position of deputy minister, as the acting minister.

Abkhazian foreign minister resignation details

---

Toponyms, terminology, views and opinions expressed by the author are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of JAMnews or any employees thereof. JAMnews reserves the right to delete comments it considers to be offensive, inflammatory, threatening or otherwise unacceptable.

Hosted by the ARS “Ani” chapter in Providence, Rhode Island, a “Hye Tea” event on May 4 offered an enlightening afternoon on one aspect of life in Armenia. The event was held in the Aramian Auditorium at Sts. Vartanantz Church. Ani Jilozian, Fulbright scholar and women’s rights advocate, comprehensively discussed her work with the Women’s Support Center (WSC) in Yerevan and the evolution of its outreach in Armenia since 2010. The presentation was facilitated by Lenna Garibian, WSC board member, who works to further the achievements and support of the center. 

Ani Jilozian and Lenna Garibian of the Women’s Support Center

How safe are women in Armenia? The answer is both surprising and disturbing. The topic of domestic abuse in Armenia was taboo within the culture up until relatively recently. Yet, as presented by Jilozian, who is the director of development for the WSC, while she has witnessed progress, legislative and cultural obstacles have been slow to address the needs of abuse victims.  

Jilozian has mobilized resources for the center, led gender-based violence programming and published research studies examining gender-based violence, women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender politics in Armenia. 

Jilozian’s experience with the WSC started in 2010 with counseling and advocacy for victims of domestic abuse. The need for a physical shelter for asylum from perpetrators soon became evident. The murder of Zaruhi Petrosyan by her husband that year particularly highlighted the need for more protection. It became clear that domestic abuse could not be contained as a “private family matter” and required political will to address the problem.  

In 2013, the center in Yerevan was established, with a second one in 2016. Now there are 11 centers in regions outside Yerevan. “To date, the Women’s Support Center has provided domestic violence services to over 5,000 women and children throughout Armenia,” Jilozian said. 

Social, legal, cultural and political hurdles remain. Awareness has been raised about the issue, but procedures for protecting women and children are still not totally standardized. Perpetrators are not easily thwarted. They often get a light fine instead of meaningful punishment and have continued access to the victim.

Lenna Garibian and Ani Jilozian with ARS “Ani” “Hye Tea” organizers Jean Goshgarian Michael, Linda Kamajian, Karen Pilla and Alice Simonian Buratti

Currently, 24 WSC team members provide legal, psychological, economic and vocational counseling to those who seek services. A 24-hour hotline provides emergency counseling. Goods such as clothing, appliances, school supplies and hygiene kits are always made available to families.  

There is more work to be done, as the precarious political situation in Armenia has given rise to increased pressure on families. Recently, however, in a positive development, the WSC supported legislation to standardize procedures in handling abuse cases through robust amendments to protect survivors. The WSC has also seen an increasing number of women open to seeking support and help in abusive situations in recent years.   

Garibian explained that the WSC receives support from the Armenian government, Tufenkian Foundation, AGBU, AIWA and World Vision Armenia, among others. The center has established global connections with legal, women’s rights and international organizations. Learn more at womensupportcenter.org.

The ARS “Ani” Chapter was happy to host the “Hye Tea” event. Jilozian and Garibian were energized and engaging speakers with firsthand information on an important Armenian topic.

Guest gathered in the Sts. Vartanantz Church Aramian Auditorium for the ARS “Ani” Chapter’s “Hye Tea”

Author information

The post Providence ARS “Ani” Chapter hosts “Hye Tea” appeared first on The Armenian Weekly.