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  2. Armenpress.am Politics19:20, 6 November 2024 Tyranny and climate action are incompatible. Azerbaijani activists protest Read the article in: EspañolFrançaisՀայերենРусский YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani opposition activists are calling 'Stop COP 29' in an attempt to draw the international community's attention to human rights issues in Azerbaijan. A protest was held in Germany ahead of the UN Climate Summit in Baku, according to an article by the "Geghard" Scientific-Analytical Foundation. "Climate change, which could have catastrophic consequences for all of humanity, is one of the pressing global issues. It has also become a critical component of the political agenda for global leaders. Some countries' leaders are trying to 'catch the moment' and penetrate into the climate agenda, using it as a tool for their own PR and diverting public attention from their own crimes, violence, and aggressive actions. Azerbaijan will host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 29) on November 11, 2024, with thousands of representatives from different countries participating. This annual event aims to find solutions to urgent climate issues. The selection of Baku as the host country for the major climate event under the UN's auspices has sparked widespread criticism. Human rights organizations, international media outlets, and many political figures have expressed bewilderment about this decision. According to them, how can such a summit be trusted to be held in a country whose leadership has subjected Artsakh to ethnic cleansing, persecutes opposition figures, shuts down media outlets, and restricts freedom of speech? In Azerbaijan, in addition to human rights issues, there are also serious environmental problems. Protests regularly occur in the country against soil, air, and water pollution, but the authorities respond to these protests with violence against the residents. Opposition activists living outside Azerbaijan, who have been subjected to political persecution, are also dissatisfied with the situation. They have pointed out that there are numerous political prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons, the human rights situation is alarming, and freedom of speech and assembly are restricted. Currently, there are 347 political prisoners in Azerbaijani prisons, 30 of whom are journalists. Protest participants have noted that even after the country secured the right to host the summit, no positive changes have been observed in the country. Moreover, the Azerbaijani leadership continues to arrest, subject to violence, and persecute an increasing number of opponents. The participants of the protest have also appealed to the leaders and parliaments of the countries participating in COP 29, as well as to the UN and the European Parliament, asking for their support in the release of political prisoners in Azerbaijan. The climate conference in Baku is a mockery of climate issues; it aims to preserve Aliyev’s reputation through oil dollars and to conceal Baku’s criminal actions,'' reads the article. Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1204242?fbclid=IwY2xjawGYmr5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVGvJ173Rm39j8AeIm7V2eX8xK2vMU_f0MHXm7pq9WUsriTxzQ8Q5-TCXQ_aem_z3qw3E5F3R6d3QDNhGFk4w
  3. Armenpress.am Politics16:03, 6 November 2024 "COP29 in Baku: Greenwashing an ethnic cleansing?” conference held in European Parliament Read the article in: العربيةEspañolՀայերենРусский Lilit Gasparyan YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Member of the European Parliament Loucas Fourlas has hosted a conference titled "COP29 in Baku: Greenwashing an ethnic cleansing?" in the European Parliament. The event was organized through joint efforts of MEP Fourlas and the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy. Keynote speakers included Simon Papuashvili: Programme Director of the Eastern Europe & South Caucasus at IPHR, Catalina de la Sota: international lawyer, member of the Paris Bar, Siranush Sargsyan: internationally published journalist from Nagorno Karabakh, eyewitness, David Vardanyan: family member of the former state minister of Nagorno Karabakh, Ruben Vardanyan, famous philanthropist and former Nagorno-Karabakh official who is currently unlawfully detained in Baku. President of the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD), Kaspar Karampetian said it is unacceptable for a reputed and major event like COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan, an authoritarian country which has one of the poorest human rights track records in the world. He said that the conference and other similar initiatives contribute to growing international pressure to achieve the release of the unlawfully detained Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan. MEP Fourlas said it is imperative to stand by the Armenian people. He said that events like the "COP29 in Baku: Greenwashing an ethnic cleansing?" conference and other initiatives must ensure that human rights violations are not covered up by environmental debates. Armenian Ambassador to the EU and Belgium Tigran Balayan emphasized that now it is time for the European Commission to transform the resolutions of the European Parliament into concrete actions. The European Parliament recently called on Azerbaijan to release all Armenian detainees. Balayan said the release of the prisoners is a priority for the Armenian government. Ruben Vardanyan’s son Davit Vardanyan thanked for all the efforts and initiatives aimed at achieving the release of all the unlawfully detained Armenians in Azerbaijan. He stressed that his father’s activities have always been aimed at creating dialogue. Davit Vardanyan said his father moved to Nagorno-Karabakh well realizing all possible scenarios, but nevertheless he preferred to stand by his compatriots. Ruben Vardanyan moved to Nagorno-Karabakh in 2022 and was appointed State Minister. He served until 2023 and was detained, among other Karabakh officials, while trying to cross into Armenia together with over 100,000 others during the ethnic cleansing campaign perpetrated by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh. Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1204208?fbclid=IwY2xjawGYmplleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWkOZrQqiRVAMqSwIW3WMMf5zz2aHm-aDVj8c4Bu4nmbVHiCdhaXln8vaw_aem_Dc8iWBYJ8AT5eFqDQtFBvw
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  5. Armenian Prime Minister congratulates Trump on ‘impressive victory’ Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1204197 https://x.com/NikolPashinyan/status/1854096770587922870Warmest congratulations to @realDonaldTrump on your impressive victory as the 47th President of the United States. Mr. President-elect, I look forward to working with you to build up - strategic bilateral relations based on our shared values, priorities and interests.
  6. Next week’s UN Climate Summit in Baku Will Further Enrich Ruling Aliyev Clan By Harut Sassounian www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com Over the years, there have been several reports exposing the billions of dollars that Azerbaijan’s ruling Aliyev family has embezzled from the state coffers and the large amount of bribes the government has given to various European and U.S. officials. It is, therefore, not surprising that the next week’s COP29 Climate Summit in Baku is another example of how the ruling elite takes advantage of every opportunity to line its pockets. The OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project) exposed Azerbaijan’s scandalous actions titled: “‘Official Partners’ of Azerbaijan’s COP29 Climate Summit Linked to Ruling Aliyev Family and Their Inner Circle… Everywhere this year’s international visitors in Baku look, they’ll see companies that have been linked to the family of Azerbaijan’s authoritarian president, Ilham Aliyev.” This extensive report was written by James Dowsett, Kelly Bloss, Fatima Karimova, and Eli Moskowitz. OCCRP described Azerbaijan as “the most authoritarian country to ever host the event…. Whether it’s mining, banking, hospitality, or construction, there is hardly a major industry in Azerbaijan” that the ruling Aliyev family has not dominated. “As a result, the Aliyevs and their inner circle have built up staggering wealth, much of it held overseas or tied up in property abroad. Even the president’s 11-year-old son owned a London office building.” Here are the links between the inner circle of the family of President Ilham Aliyev and the ‘official partners’ of the Climate Summit: 1) “Pres. Aliyev’s daughter’s ex-husband [Emin Agalarov]… won a $5.2-million government contract [without any competitive tender process] to host 5,000 COP29 guests at his luxurious Sea Breeze Resort on the Caspian Sea.” The guests “will stay in ultra-luxurious rooms… with access to a seven-kilometer-long beach, over 50 bars and restaurants, and 60 swimming pools.” The six Azeri journalists who exposed this arrangement are now sitting in a Baku jail. 2) “PASHA Holdings, one of the biggest companies in Azerbaijan, owns many of the host city’s top hotels and has extensive interests in tourism, construction, insurance, and banking. PASHA belongs to Aliyev’s two adult daughters [Leyla and Arzu[.” The company’s deputy board chairman, Mir Jamal Pashayev “is a cousin of Azerbaijan’s first lady and vice president Mehriban Aliyeva.” 3) “Azersun Holding… is chaired by [Abdolbari Gozal] the uncle of [Hassan Gozel] who set up three companies in the British Virgin Islands for the Aliyeva sisters.” 4) “Silk Way West Airlines… is responsible for transporting materials and supplies to the conference. It’s owned by a former state official, but has been previously linked to one of the Aliyeva daughters through a sister company, Silk Way Bank…. The airline is ultimately owned by a former state official, Zaur Akhundov, but it has also been linked to the first family in the past through a sister company: A 2010 investigation by Radio Free Europe found that Arzu Aliyeva, the president’s younger daughter, was one of three owners of Silk Way Bank, the former financial arm of Silk Way Group, which the airline is also part of.” 5) “GILTEX, a firm that controls nearly three quarters of the local textile market and until last year was part of a conglomerate [Gilan Holding] in which the president’s daughters held a majority stake [alongside the children of Kamaladdin Heydarov, Azerbaijan’s Emergency Situations Minister. Heydarov is also a member of the COP29 organizing committee]. Gilan Holding was liquidated in 2023.” 6) “SOCAR Green… is a subsidiary of Azerbaijan’s state oil company, SOCAR, which plays an outsized role in the oil-producing nation’s economy.” 7) Bank ABB, “rebranded in 2021, but under its former name, the International Bank of Azerbaijan, made unflattering headlines for the central role it played in the $2.9-billion money laundering scandal known as the Azerbaijani Laundromat. An account at the bank was used as a key conduit for moving a large portion of these funds. The bank’s former chairman was jailed in 2016 for stealing almost $3 billion from the institution. His wife, who lived in the U.K., was later served with the country’s first-ever ‘unexplained wealth order,’ with British authorities demanding that she prove her vast wealth had a legal origin. She later agreed to forfeit a $17.8-million mansion and a golf club to the British state.” OCCRP further stated that it “has been reporting on Azerbaijan -- and exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and self-dealing -- for over a decade.” Here are the highlights of some of the reports: 1) “How the ruling Aliyev family profited from a currency collapse, how it sought to buy Kyrygz gold fields, and how it appeared to siphon off a staggering $1 billion from the acquisition of a telecom company.” 2) “A 2016 investigation from data in the Panama Papers that revealed how the [Aliyev] family used offshore structures and multiple layers of ownership to secretly hold a fortune.” 3) “The jailing earlier this year of a group of independent journalists on trumped-up charges ahead of February’s presidential election.” 4) “How American lobbyists have promoted and taken money from the regime, and how the ‘Azerbaijani Laundromat’ was used to funnel billions of dollars out of the country on behalf of its elite.”
  7. POLITICO Nov 4 2024 Armenian ambassador alleged Azerbaijani counterpart threatened to kill him in Brussels bust up The two countries are bitter rivals after more than three decades of war and occupation. By Max Griera and Gabriel Gavin BRUSSELS — The Armenian Embassy has lodged a formal protest with other diplomatic missions in Brussels after its ambassador claimed to have been on the receiving end of death threats from his Azerbaijani counterpart. A letter circulated to envoys last week, seen by POLITICO, alleged that Armenian Ambassador Tigran Balayan was “verbally attacked and intimidated” by Azerbaijani Ambassador Vaqif Sadiqov, who “voiced explicit threats against his life.” The incident is said to have happened at a reception at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels, hosted by the Turkish Embassy in honor of the country’s national day. It is understood to have been the first Ankara-sponsored engagement the Armenian Embassy had been invited to since a 2020 war between the country and Azerbaijan, a close ally of Turkey. However, speaking to POLITICO, Sadiqov denied the incident had taken place, saying such allegations were “becoming ridiculous.” According to him, the reception had “good food, nice people” and was a “standard diplomatic event as usual.” “I am not aware of any letter or allegation — Armenian diplomats can claim whatever they want,” he added. The Armenian Embassy declined to comment further on the exchange. The Turkish Embassy did not immediately reply to a request for information. Azerbaijan and Armenia have been bitter foes since the fall of the Soviet Union, fighting a series of wars since the 1990s over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh that left hundreds of thousands displaced on both sides. A 44-day conflict in 2020 saw Azerbaijan take back control of swathes of Armenian occupied territory and, in September last year, Azerbaijani forces began a final assault on the mountainous area that triggered a mass exodus of its 100,000 ethnic Armenian residents, sparking allegations of ethnic cleansing. The European Parliament has consistently called on Azerbaijan to respect the rights of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, as well as condemning Azerbaijan’s domestic human rights record. A growing row between Brussels and Baku over its crackdown on activists and journalists has ignited in recent weeks, just as Western leaders prepared to fly to the country for critical climate talks as part of the United Nations-organized COP29 conference. Sadiqov drew criticism from the European Union last year over a social media post where he appeared to threaten a delegation of MEPs visiting Armenia alongside Balayan with being shot. “The Istiglal IST-14.5 anti-materiel sniper rifle produced in Azerbaijan has the effective firing range of about 3,000 meters,” he wrote underneath a post that showed the European politicians posing along the tense frontier. “Guys, keep clear of Azerbaijani state border.” https://www.politico.eu/article/armenia-ambassador-tigran-balayan-azerbaijan-ambassador-vaqif-sadiqov-death-threats/
  8. The Blaze Nov 3 2024 Why a vote for Trump is good for Armenia — and the future of the West Garen Christopher Kaloustian November 03, 2024 The small, landlocked country of my ancestry could be the key to stability in the Middle East. After years of liberal lockstep, Armenian-Americans seem to be breaking for Donald Trump. This is good news, not just for ethnic Armenians but for all Americans. Let me explain. The first big break with the status quo came from Armenian Weekly columnist Armen Morian, who recently urged his readership to vote for Trump. But just take a look at a map, and the significance of Armenia’s role as it relates to Western hegemony becomes clear. Traditionally, Democrat candidates have pushed for Armenian causes, such as recognition of Armenian genocide. This has generally been enough for Armenians, like many other minority American groups, to nod their heads and go along with the empty promises of the liberal platform. Establishment stooges Morian acknowledges this habit as he makes a solidly persuasive case for why Armenian-Americans should vote for Trump. The Biden administration is simply the latest iteration of the fundamentally anti-human “Establishment” ideology: For Morian, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government is but an extension of this liberal establishment, with Pashinyan and his cronies doing the globalist work of trying to normalize relations between the republic and Turkey, harassing the Armenian Apostolic Church, and sowing division between Armenians of the mainland and of the diaspora, among other things. Donald Trump himself seemed to vindicate Morian's claims a few days later, when he made a post on Truth Social blaming Kamala Harris and the rest of the Biden administration for doing nothing as Islamic Azerbaijan ethnically cleansed 120,000 Armenians from their historic homeland in Artsakh, which was, up until 2023, a disputed enclave within the boundaries of Azerbaijan. I surmise that advisers like Vivek Ramaswamy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have had something to do with raising his awareness of the crisis in that part of the world. As an ethnic Armenian myself, these developments are all fine and dandy. If the Armenian-American community can wake up from its liberal slumber and manage to find its conservative spine, I can call that progress. Why you should care But why should you care? Why should you care about the political goings-on of the Republic of Armenia and about the Armenians in general? After all, Armenians make up a tiny minority in America. Their vote most likely won’t make a dent in the election. Likewise, the Western perception of Armenia and Armenians is barely existent, if it even exists at all. What does this tiny nation located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have to do with you? Well, allow me to appeal to your sense of geopolitics. On the surface, Armenia comes off as a backwater post-Soviet country tucked away from the rest of Europe under the Caucasus mountain range. It doesn’t contribute much in terms of GDP, as its 1991 statehood came with significant disadvantages: It's completely landlocked on all sides and neighbored by two bloodthirsty enemies — Turkey and Azerbaijan. But just take a look at a map, and the significance of Armenia’s role as it relates to Western hegemony becomes clear. Armenia is the lone obstacle standing in the way of Turkey’s pursuit of establishing a pan-Turanic land and sea bridge that would span Europe and Asia. Contrary to public perception, the bonds these nations share are less based on Islam than they are on ethnicity. The pan-Turanic menace The nations highlighted in the graphic are all demographically composed of ethnically Turkic peoples. And if they were to establish that pan-Turanic land and sea bridge, you can bet your bottom dollar they would throw the power of that newfound Turanic empire around. Some scenarios you can expect with the rise of the pan-Turanic empire: Turkey abuses its position in NATO even more, extracting any and all demands it may have due to its new status as a trading world power. The European states stand to pay even more for the oil they get from Azerbaijan, risking a position of total indentured dependence. Even more immigrants from Central Asia flood Europe. The U.S. is forced to comply with Turkish demands, norms, and cultural exports, so as not to lose out on major trade routes and markets. The eventual Islamified Turkification of all icons, symbols, and cultural artifacts the West holds dear and sacred. And if you think this isn’t coming down the pipeline, just look at both Greece and Armenia as your prime examples of what happens when Turks become the power brokers. The Hagia Sophia is no longer a church. Every major Armenian church and historical site has either been destroyed or retroactively cast as an ancient Turkish site. The ruthless predation of the Turkic world has remained only regional for Christians up until now, but it can very easily become international, very soon. What stands in the way is Armenia. That’s it. Very stable genius That is why the Azeris just cleaned out 120,000 Armenians from their ancestral homeland with military force. It’s why the traitorous, globalist Armenian government is pushing to “normalize” relations between itself and Turkey and Azerbaijan. And yes, it’s even why Iran considers Armenia’s territorial integrity a “red line” that it would not tolerate Azerbaijan breaching. It’s also why I want you, the reader, to be aware of this pressing issue. If Donald Trump becomes president, especially with advisers like Vivek Ramaswamy and RFK Jr. on his team, there will be a real opportunity to ward off this threat. What I’m pushing for is not more taxpayer-funded aid to yet another region of the world. Instead, I'd like us to siphon the power, influence, and money away from antagonists like Turkey and Azerbaijan, whom we help out a lot. The Middle East can be very stable, if we want it to be. That it happens to be occupied and governed by non-Christians is an anomaly — for much of history, Christians were in charge. A restoration of a Christian Middle East must be on the table as an agenda item for the next administration. Garen Christopher Kaloustian Garen Christopher Kaloustian is just your average Bible-believing Christian who likes to share his opinions on X every now and then. He is a native of Philadelphia. https://www.theblaze.com/align/why-a-vote-for-trump-is-good-for-armenia-and-the-future-of-the-west
  9. Panorama Armenia - Nov 2 2024 Analysis: Aliyev's daughters reportedly control business empire worth over $13 billion Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and director of policy analysis at the Middle East Forum, strongly criticizes Azerbaijan's selection as the host of the COP29 UN climate summit in an article on the National Security Journal. Azerbaijan continues to put finishing touches on Baku ahead of the COP29 international climate conference. Host governments treat the annual United Nations Climate Change Conference much like they treat the Olympic Games or FIFA World Cup: Not only do they rake in tourist dollars as delegates and visitors pack hotels and five-star restaurants, but they also rebrand themselves for the international audience. The United Arab Emirates, the 2023 host, could not easily highlight its environmentalism given that it is the world’s eighth largest producer of oil and tenth largest gas producer and so it instead both projected itself as laying on the fault lines of climate change and tried to highlight its own contributions. The United Arab Emirates is not the only monarchy or petro-state to host the climate conference. Qatar did in 2012 and Indonesia, another OPEC member, co-hosted in 2007. Azerbaijan’s selection was particularly pernicious, though. On its face, Azerbaijan is a ridiculous choice. Azerbaijan cannot pitch itself as a potential climate victim; its chief environmental concern is not climate but its own pollution and the ability of those connected to the ruling Aliyev family to stand above the law. It is among the world’s most authoritarian states and, according to Freedom House ranking, the least free country by far to host the United Nations Climate Change Conference. The Aliyev regime ranks just above the Taliban’s Afghanistan in total score, but Freedom House assesses Afghans have greater political rights under the Taliban than Azerbaijanis have under Aliyev. Freedom House also ranks Nagorno-Karabakh that Azerbaijan conquered just over a year ago and today administers, as the world’s least free place, worse than North Korea, Eritrea, or Tibet under Chinese rule. That many human rights voices that criticized speech restricts in Dubai or migrant labor practices in Doha are silent does not exculpate Baku; it only incriminates the selectively silent. Awarding the Aliyevs hosting rights also whitewashes the country’s kleptocracy. Many previous hosts have corruption problems, but not to the degree of Azerbaijan. Not only is freedom in decline in Azerbaijan, but it is among the world’s most corrupt states. Transparency International considers Azerbaijan far more corrupt than the United Arab Emirates or Qatar, for example, and even worse than Russia, Lebanon and Iran. Aliyev’s two daughters reportedly control a business empire worth more than $13 billion. Azerbaijan’s opportunity to host was due to the rotation system the United Nations implemented after the climate conference grew in size and prestige, but it was not the only candidate. Armenia, a country whose brand is environmentalism, also sought to host. Azerbaijan used Armenian hostages it seized as a bargaining chip, telling intermediaries it would release them only if Armenia dropped its bid. The State Department, anxious to broker peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, urged Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to comply. He dropped the bid, but Azerbaijan continued to hold Armenian prisoners and occupy more than 200 square kilometers of land the international community recognizes as Armenia proper. Following last year’s ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh’s millennia-old indigenous Armenian community, Azerbaijan has also systematically begun to destroy Armenian heritage across the region. Worse, it leads tours of foreign dignitaries—including Washington think-tankers and the U.S. ambassador in Baku—to Disneyland-like sanitized versions of ancient settlements in its place. Such tours will increase in frequency as Baku seeks to normalize ethnic cleansing. For the White House to bless Azerbaijan for hosting COP29 today would be akin to allowing Saddam Hussein’s Iraq to host an international forum while still occupying Kuwait or the State Department allowing its ambassador in Moscow to take a Kremlin-run propaganda tour of Crimea. https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2024/11/02/Aliyev-daughters-business-empire/3073205
  10. JAM News Nov 2 2024 "Armenia isn't militarizing but raising cost of attacking it": opinion JAMnews Yerevan Armenian experts are discussing the potential reasons and implications behind statements from Baku regarding Armenia’s alleged “militarization.” They believe these statements, made on various platforms, aim to portray Armenia’s arms purchases as a “threat to peace and stability in the region.” “The Azerbaijani narrative on Armenia’s militarization is intended as self-justification. When they decide to start a war, they will be able to claim this as their reason for initiating military action. They have similar narratives prepared for this scenario. For example, every two or three weeks, they also spread messages alleging that Armenian armed forces supposedly fired on Azerbaijani positions at the border,” said Leonid Nersisyan, a senior analyst at APRI Armenia and military expert, on a local television broadcast. He does not rule out the possibility that Azerbaijan might escalate the situation following COP 29. While winter weather conditions may not be favorable, Nersisyan believes the likelihood of escalation will increase in spring 2025. However, he notes factors that could accelerate the decision toward urgent military action. In his view, possible catalysts include the upcoming U.S. presidential elections and the further intensification of the Iran-Israel conflict. The expert believes that if tensions escalate, Armenia must be prepared to defend itself. To achieve this, it requires adequate weaponry that “raises the cost of attacking it.” “Baku wants Yerevan to acknowledge its hegemony” – Armenian political analyst “Blank shot”: Armenian political analyst on recent statements from Baku Yerevan proposes joint investigation of ceasefire violations, no response from Baku “Armenia holds potential for drone manufacturing” – Military expert Azerbaijan will not succeed in blocking Armenia’s arms purchases In response to whether Azerbaijan could prevent Armenia from purchasing weapons, a military analyst noted that this is unlikely to happen through diplomatic channels. However, Baku might attempt to obstruct Armenia’s efforts to forge new partnerships: “Take France, for example. I believe Azerbaijan miscalculated in its actions. It was actually their actions that helped us deepen our cooperation with France. I saw no signs that France had any strong desire to damage its relations with Azerbaijan. Baku damaged them itself. If the Azerbaijani side continues in the same way, it will achieve nothing.” “Baku cannot completely block all arms markets for Armenia. However, if Armenia makes significant arms purchases in certain important countries, and corruption factors are introduced into these deals, as happened with Serbia and Slovakia, then they might be able to hinder us to some degree.” “In 2025, the gap between Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s military budgets will be the smallest” There were years when Azerbaijan’s military budget exceeded Armenia’s by five or six times, says Leonid Nersisyan: “Next year, we will see the smallest gap in military budgets over the past 20 years. The difference will be less than twofold. We must work to ensure this gap continues to narrow each year.” The expert also reminds that as Armenia acquires weapons, Azerbaijan continues to build up its already powerful arsenal: “Baku has a serious arms supplier in Israel, which operates quite effectively. The country is strengthening its capabilities in various areas. For instance, they are now enhancing their aviation assets. We have four new fighter jets, while they have 20, plus 12 older ones.” "Unprecedented, but significantly inferior to Baku": expert on Armenia's military spending The Armenian government plans to increase military spending by approximately 20%. However, even with this increase, Azerbaijan’s military budget for 2025 remains nearly twice as large. Commentary from military expert Leonid Nersisyan. “Additional investment in air defense is essential” According to Nersisyan, current arms purchases remain insufficient due to market shortages, particularly in air defense systems. He points out that while Armenia has acquired a considerable number of Akash missile systems from India, these systems cover only one segment—medium-range defense. Indian media report that part of the order will be delivered to Armenia by the end of the year. He stresses the need for further investment in air defense capabilities. Following the 44-day war in 2020, Azerbaijan has continued to expand its capabilities, says the expert. Azerbaijan is now purchasing a large number of drones, remotely operated weapons, and cruise missiles: “The addition of 250-km-range cruise missiles to Azerbaijan’s arsenal means we must adopt a different approach. Air defense needs to be managed very efficiently, utilizing the latest control networks. For instance, if your radar detects five small drones, two large drones, and one Su-25 approaching, your control network should semi-automatically decide that anti-aircraft artillery should target the small drones, the S-300 should engage the Su-25, and the Indian Akash should intercept the large drones. And all of this needs to happen within one or two minutes.” "Armenia needs to sign a trilateral agreement with France and India." Opinion The leader of the “Republic” party and former PM, Aram Sargsyan, believes that this is good for Armenia’s security “New partnerships are needed” Military analyst Nersisyan highlighted that in recent years, Armenia has been acquiring defensive weapons from India and France. However, he believes that it is essential to explore other promising directions as well: “South Korea is currently one of the largest manufacturers. Looking at what Poland has ordered from South Korea, it’s clear that it has far outpaced Germany in this field.” Nersisyan noted that South Korea has invested heavily in its military industry over recent decades and, unlike many European countries, can take on and fulfill large orders. At the same time, he points out that while South Korean weapons are high-quality, they are also among the most expensive in the world: “For instance, the K2 tank is considered the most technologically advanced in the world, but a single tank cost over $12–15 million a few years ago.” “Collaboration with European countries is also essential” The analyst urges defense policymakers to remember that weaponry and ammunition are not limited to tanks and anti-aircraft systems: “There are also smaller components that should be considered. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, it’s important that any country Armenia wants to partner with not only shows interest in cooperating with Yerevan but also views Armenia as a priority alongside Ukraine. France has shown that it can do this, but we cannot say the same for other countries.” Nersisyan believes that Armenia’s Ministry of Defense should also collaborate with other European nations, such as Poland, “whose role in the military sphere has been growing recently.” https://jam-news.net/armenias-defense-sector-reforms-expert-opinion/
  11. Azatutyun.am Armenia To Host UN Biodiversity Conference In 2026 Նոյեմբեր 01, 2024 A poster about Armenia hosting the next UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17) in 2026 Armenia will host the next United Nations biodiversity conference in 2026, according to the country’s environment minister. Hakob Simidian said on Friday that Armenia was selected as the host for the conference, also known as COP17, with 65 votes. The other candidate was Azerbaijan, which is set to host a UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) later this month. During his working visit to Colombia earlier this week, Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturian addressed the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali, stating that holding COP17 in Armenia will be “an excellent opportunity to advance multilateral efforts to protect global biodiversity.” “Armenia will spear no effort to make sure that the CO17 will be another important milestone in our global efforts for biodiversity preservation and sustainable use of natural resources,” Khachaturian said. https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33182914.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawGSYNFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHaFTMpJTgZ_mI--jm3Lyr4pcqdx6asXD72b0PwY97Hjar-CDnGucz7rVEQ_aem_91H2k8neIarAagb-8eUxDg
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    Gen. Keane: The damage to Iran is beyond what's being reported
  13. YNet, Israel Oct 31 2024 Time for Israel to do what’s right: Recognize Armenian genocide, establish embassy in Yerevan Opinion: By affirming shared history and values with Armenia, Israel has a key opportunity to support justice and historical memory without major risks to strategic alliances Nadav Tamir The High Holidays are a time for reflection on one’s actions, and a resolution to do the right thing in the coming year. That goes, or should go, for countries as well. In international relations, doing the right thing can often feel difficult, especially when strategic interests are at stake – but Israel finds itself at such a juncture, and it is one that has nothing to do with the war that currently consumes our thinking. Israel’s close relationship with Azerbaijan, Armenia’s long-standing rival, is such a case. And yet Jerusalem should get over this and deliver a much-needed message of a value-driven foreign policy by recognizing the Armenian genocide and opening an embassy in Yerevan. Yes, Azerbaijan will be unhappy. Baku supplies Israel with significant oil reserves and purchases advanced weaponry, forming an essential part of Israel's defense strategy against regional threats, particularly Iran. But Azerbaijan will understand because the relations with Israel are a two-way street and Azerbaijan benefits from them as well. Israel and Armenia share more commonalities than meet the eye. Both nations are non-Muslim civilizations on the periphery of a largely Muslim region. Both have endured immense historical tragedies and are survivors of near annihilation—Armenians during the genocide of 1915, and Jews during the Holocaust. Israel’s recognition of the Armenian genocide would, in many ways, be a moral affirmation of shared history, acknowledging the suffering of another people with whom it shares a deep affinity. The political calculus behind Israel’s hesitation has long been rooted in its strategic ties with Turkey, not just Azerbaijan. Recognizing the genocide could have once jeopardized relations with Turkey, a NATO ally and key regional player. But Turkey's position in Israel's foreign policy calculus has drastically shifted, especially under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s government. His outrageous comments in recent years, including comparing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler and his unlimited support for Hamas, have led to a serious strain in relations. There is little reason left for Israel to fear Turkish retaliation for recognizing the Armenian genocide. In fact, taking such a step would send Ankara a much-needed message. Israel’s military support to Azerbaijan alongside Turkey and Pakistan while all Western countries refrained from doing so—some of which contributed to the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023—has cast a shadow over Israel’s moral standing. A balanced move would be to open an embassy in Armenia and recognize the genocide, both of which can reaffirm Israel’s commitment to historical justice without jeopardizing strategic alliances. Moreover, when Israel criticizes Armenia for recognizing a Palestinian state, it would do well to remember that Azerbaijan itself recognized Palestinian statehood back in 1992. Israel has managed its relations with Baku without making the Palestinian issue a point of contention, so it should not apply a double standard when it comes to Yerevan. From a logistical and cost perspective, opening an embassy in Yerevan is a relatively low-investment decision and the symbolic importance of establishing formal diplomatic ties there far outweighs the costs. The move would also pave the way for stronger economic collaboration, particularly in Armenia’s growing high-tech sector, where Israel excels and can offer valuable support. As a young democracy, Armenia has much to learn from Israel’s experience in building a resilient, innovation-driven economy. There is also an enduring historical connection between the two peoples. The Armenian Quarter in Jerusalem’s Old City stands as a testament to the deep-rooted relationship between Armenians and Jews. Both peoples have weathered the storms of history, surviving existential threats and preserving their cultures and identities. Recognizing the Armenian genocide would be a profound gesture of solidarity between two ancient peoples who understand the horrors of persecution and displacement. Ultimately, Israel has an opportunity to recalibrate its foreign policy in the South Caucasus. By recognizing the Armenian genocide and opening an embassy in Yerevan, Israel can demonstrate that it stands for justice, historical memory and the principles it was founded upon. Doing so would require little sacrifice in terms of realpolitik, while delivering a critical message to Turkey and reaffirming Israel’s moral leadership on the global stage. Let’s do the right thing in 5785 —both for Israel itself and for the broader region. Nadav Tamir is a former Israeli diplomat and adviser to President Shimon Peres. https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skyjfsg111x
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  15. Armenpress.am Politics16:50, 30 October 2024 Azerbaijan has occupied sovereign Armenian territory in Syunik, acknowledges French envoy Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisՀայերենქართულიРусский简体中文 GORIS, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies has recorded Azerbaijani occupation of sovereign Armenian territory in the Nerkin Hand section of Syunik Province. Speaking to reporters in Goris, the French Ambassador presented his impressions from his visit to Nerkin Hand. He said that a part of Nerkin Hand is occupied by Azerbaijan. “This situation creates great difficulties for the residents. They have a sense of danger, and that danger is real, because the strikes could start again. There are problems regarding everyday life, people even have problems with water, there is human drama here, people are unable to visit the graves of their relatives,” the ambassador said. Asked whether he acknowledges that Azerbaijan invaded from all four sides in that area into the sovereign Armenian territory, the ambassador said, “From three sides, because we went there from one side.” Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1203626?fbclid=IwY2xjawGPtPRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbBhGUKbGyZL2PQFDtkiIwJpg-SKKbav6bThg1PTXSbBUKDdbWXvDE0inQ_aem_jN-hVdpVfyUggyACZKf_-Q
  16. It will be interesting to see the final product when it comes out. At the moment there are not many proven software for working with video, at the moment for video processing I use this site. Is there any way to subscribe to updates on this program?
  17. his accent that's what makes him special
  18. Amazing voice, good looks! He should work on his French accent.😀
  19. MEDYA News Oct 27 2024 Armenia says it’s ready to open border with Turkey, awaiting Ankara’s response Armenian Special Envoy Ruben Rubinyan has declared Armenia’s readiness to open the border with Turkey immediately, pending Ankara’s action. The normalisation process, he says, could play a key role in easing regional tensions. Armenia is ready to open its border with Turkey and establish diplomatic relations “as soon as tomorrow”, Armenian Special Envoy Ruben Rubinyan announced on Thursday, stressing the mutual benefits this could bring to regional peace. Speaking to reporters, Rubinyan confirmed that Armenia has completed all necessary preparations, restoring the Margara (Alican) checkpoint, and is awaiting action from Ankara. “We have taken the steps required, the checkpoint is fully operational on our side, and everything is ready for the agreement to be implemented. Now, we’re waiting for Turkey to follow through,” Rubinyan said. He explained that while the Armenia-Turkey normalisation process and the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations are related, they remain two separate diplomatic tracks. “Progress with Turkey could greatly contribute to our peace process with Azerbaijan,” he added. Rubinyan noted that while an agreement to allow third-country nationals to cross the border had been reached and reaffirmed, it has not yet been enacted. Responding to questions about the delay, he stated, “I can’t speak to the reason for the lack of action from Turkey, but we are clear on our commitment to this agreement and hope to see it fulfilled soon.” He also shared that officials from both Armenia and Turkey’s relevant ministries plan to meet to discuss the conditions for reopening the Gyumri-Kars railway—a significant step for regional connectivity. While no date has been set for this meeting, Rubinyan emphasised the importance of improving transport links for both countries and the wider region. https://medyanews.net/armenia-says-its-ready-to-open-border-with-turkey-awaiting-ankaras-response/
  20. Turkish Minute Oct 26 2024 Turkey, Armenia to discuss reopening of Gyumri-Kars railroad line: report Representatives of Armenian and Turkish government agencies will soon meet to assess the conditions for the resumption of the Gyumri-Kars railroad line, the Massispost news website reported, citing Armenia’s deputy parliament speaker. The Kars–Gyumri–Tbilisi railway, completed in 1899, was a key link between Turkey, Armenia and Georgia during the Soviet era, facilitating transit between the USSR and Turkey. The line has been largely inactive since 1993, when Turkey closed its border with Armenia in response to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. “The date of the meeting is not yet set. As in the past, such as with the joint study on the Margara Bridge, representatives from the Armenian and Turkish departments will soon meet to conduct a similar study to implement this agreement. This involves assessing the conditions necessary for resuming the Gyumri-Kars railway,” Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan, who is also Armenia’s envoy for the normalization of relations with Turkey, told Azatutyun Radio. He emphasized that Armenia expects all the agreements reached to be implemented and assumes that the settlement process will be completed with the establishment of diplomatic relations and the opening of borders. The special representatives of Armenia and Turkey last met in July at the renovated Margara checkpoint, where Rubinyan and his Turkish counterpart agreed to jointly examine the technical conditions for crossing the border via the Gyumri-Kars railroad line. On October 15 Armenian Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan met with Turkish Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloglu in Istanbul during the World Congress of the International Road Federation. Details of the meeting were not disclosed. As Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan stated on October 18 at the 3+3 regional consultative platform ministerial meeting in Istanbul, the commissioning of the Gyumri-Kars railroad line together with the rail link between Armenia and Azerbaijan will enable effective communication between the Persian Gulf, the Black Sea, the Caspian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. https://www.turkishminute.com/2024/10/26/turkey-armenia-discussed-reopen-gyumri-kars-railroad-line-report/
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    Armenpress.am Iran14:02, 26 October 2024 Iran announces right to respond to Israel under UN Charter Read the article in: فارسیՀայերենРусский YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Iran has condemned the Israeli attacks on its military facilities and announced that it has the right to respond. In a statement, the Iranian foreign ministry said it “strongly condemns Israel’s aggressive actions against Iran’s military centers and considers it an explicit violation of international law and the UN Charter.” It added that pursuant to its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Iran is entitled and obliged to defend itself from foreign aggression. Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1203298?fbclid=IwY2xjawGKHaJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHR0xz1xANXMbEul6G66ALPVT85hZCTOxAi948ItNe-tb9wI_B8VuhpLpcw_aem_PqrsKolLxd3mfZoQj2y2iA
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    Armenpress.am Iran12:30, 26 October 2024 Iran denies Israeli claim on striking 20 targets Read the article in: فارسیՀայերենРусский YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Iranian official media dismissed the Israeli claim that it targeted 20 targets across Iran and said that Israel is seeking to “overplay its weak attack.” Israel struck military sites in Iran early on Saturday, saying it was retaliating against Tehran's strikes on Israel this month. Tasnim news agency, citing a source, reported that the Israeli military's claim that it targeted 20 locations across Iran is untrue and that the number of locations targeted by Israel is significantly lower. The Israeli attack caused limited damages, Tasnim reported. The source also confirmed a previous report from Tasnim that none of the military centers of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps in Tehran has been targeted. “The reports alleging that 100 Israeli military planes have had a role in the strike are also complete lies, as Israel is seeking to overplay its weak attack,” the source told Tasnim. Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1203287?fbclid=IwY2xjawGKHUVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQXb3PIuq3tpEgZ2J-VT7yq9ACXRXB4IRbqJHNfH4L2FSJYEY4ISDaHG4Q_aem_4azTiGNCRm2G9EI4hKo-vA
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    Armenpress.am Iran11:25, 26 October 2024 Israel strikes Iran ,Tehran says damage 'limited' Read the article in: العربيةفارسیFrançaisՀայերենРусский YEREVAN, OCTOBER 26, ARMENPRESS. Israel struck military sites in Iran early on Saturday, saying it was retaliating against Tehran's strikes on Israel this month. Hours later the Israeli military said its strikes had been completed and its objectives achieved, Reuters reports. Iranian media reported multiple explosions over several hours in the capital and at nearby military bases, starting shortly after 2 a.m. (2230 GMT on Friday). Before dawn, Israel's public broadcaster said three waves of strikes had been completed and that the operation was over. Iran said its air defence system successfully countered Israel's attacks on military targets in the provinces of Tehran, Khuzestan and Ilam with "limited damage" to some locations. "In response to months of continuous attacks from the regime in Iran against the State of Israel – right now the Israel Defense Forces is conducting precise strikes on military targets in Iran," Israel's military said in a statement announcing the attack. The military said later it had completed its "targeted" attacks in Iran, striking truck missile manufacturing facilities and surface-to-aerial equipment, adding its planes had safely returned home. "If the regime in Iran were to make the mistake of beginning a new round of escalation, we will be obligated to respond," the Israeli military said. Videos carried by Iranian media showed air defences continuously firing at apparently incoming projectiles in central Tehran. Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1203280?fbclid=IwY2xjawGKHLpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHazYVh_OTFlHzIMY_pcw6lK_AYTz8cViz3Nj-4dj2lCni6IHG1CaNUMtew_aem_SCre7flAbkC_ZnwY0Kvw_A
  24. Armenpress.am Press centre17:05, 25 October 2024 Soaring citizenship applications prompt Armenia to digitize procedure Read the article in: Հայերեն YEREVAN, OCTOBER 25, ARMENPRESS. The government plans to make changes in the citizenship application procedures. The services will be digitized and the fees for applying for/or revoking citizenship will be revised. According to Armen Ghazaryan, the Director of the Migration and Citizenship Service, the move will significantly improve the efficiency of the processes. Speaking with Armenpress, Ghazaryan presented data showing the overloaded process. “In the 2000s there were about three to four thousand citizenship request applications, since 2010 the number was five to six thousand annually, and since 2018 the number of applications for Armenian citizenship has abruptly increased. This indicator reached its highest point in 2022, surpassing 25,000. In 2023 the pace decreased a little, amounting to 19,000. In 2024, in the nine months, we already have 16,060 applications. And these are only the numbers of the applications seeking to obtain citizenship, and in addition to this we have an average of three thousand applications on renouncing citizenship. This means that our service is studying up to 30,000 cases pertaining to citizenship every year,” Ghazaryan said, adding that the current instruments are insufficient to deal with such high number of cases. Thus, the authorities propose to introduce an electronic procedure for citizenship applications. Citizens will upload their documents in the system instead of in-person visitations to various agencies or departments. The applicants will make an appointment and visit the administrative body only once, after the application is approved and all necessary data uploaded. Ghazaryan said the changes will help to avoid the time-consuming correspondence between government agencies. The fee for applying for Armenian citizenship will be raised from the current 1000 drams to 50,000 drams, while the fee for renouncing citizenship will increase from the current 25,000 drams to 150,000 drams. The current fees have never been revised since 1997. The new fees will not cover refugees, including the forcibly displaced persons of Nagorno-Karabakh who have temporary protection status. After passing parliament the changes will take effect in ten months. Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1203236?fbclid=IwY2xjawGI-VdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHfbadODL9_jl2N2N0hY-9QutHmEDEqDu74R5NOGijBuLDVLmXZ8YRfTUIQ_aem_ro0blaZsVGDapDWe66KIQg --
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