Day: June 13, 2024

Iran seen expanding enrichment after IAEA rebuke, but response tamer than feared  The Times of Israel

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson welcomed Armenia as the newest nation to sign the Artemis Accords Wednesday during a ceremony with the U.S. State Department at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Armenia joins 42 other countries in a commitment to advancing principles for the safe, transparent, and responsible exploration of the Moon, Mars and beyond.

“NASA is proud to welcome Armenia to the Artemis Accords as we expand the peaceful exploration of space,” said Nelson. “Today’s signing builds on an important foundation. Armenia long has looked to the heavens and helped humanity understand them. As the 10th nation this year to sign the Artemis Accords, we are proving that exploration unites nations like few other things can. We will continue to expand humanity’s reach in the cosmos – together.”   

Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Minister of High-Tech Industry, signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of Armenia. Lilit Makunts, ambassador of Armenia to the U.S. and Jennifer R. Littlejohn, acting assistant secretary, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Department of State, also participated in the event.

“By signing these accords, Armenia joins a community of nations dedicated to advancing the frontiers of human knowledge and capability in space,” said Hayrapetyan. “Our involvement will not only enhance our technological capabilities, but also inspire a new generation of Armenians to dream big, to innovate and to explore the world and universe.”

The United States and seven other nations were the first to sign the Artemis Accords in 2020, which identified an early set of principles promoting the beneficial use of space for humanity. The accords are grounded in the Outer Space Treaty and other agreements including the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior that NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data. More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years to come.

The commitments of the Artemis Accords, and efforts by the signatories to advance implementation of these principles, support NASA’s Artemis campaign with its partners, as well as for the success of the safe and sustainable exploration activities of the other accords signatories.

American conservative political commentator Candace Owens has criticized Israel for supplying arms to Azerbaijan, which the latter uses against Christians in Armenia. She also highlighted Armenia’s status as the oldest Christian nation in the world.

“The biggest issue I have with Israel is the fact that they are supplying the arms to murder Christians in Armenia, the oldest Christian country in the world, and yet nobody talks about that,” Owens said in an interview with Piers Morgan.

“I’m a Christian first, and my concerns are going to be with what’s happening with Christians all around the world. We are the #1 most persecuted religion in the world, and it’s time to speak up,” she said.

The parliamentary delegation led by Speaker Sahiba Gafarova from the Milli Majlis visited the National Library of Belarus during their official trip to the Republic of Belarus, Azernews reports citing the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis.

“We are committed to close cooperation with Azerbaijan under our COP29 presidency,” stated Jennifer Baumvoll, a specialist at the United Nations Development Program – Office of Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction, Azernews reports

During an event celebrating the official birthday of Britain’s King Charles III, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov highlighted that the UK is the largest foreign investor in Azerbaijan, with total investments exceeding $35.9 billion, Azernews reports.

American political commentator Candace Owens slams Israel for supplying arms to Azerbaijan – Public Radio of Armenia  en.armradio.am