For the first time ever, victims of war crimes and atrocities committed by Azerbaijan will share their testimonies in Washington, D.C. this week.
The Center for Truth and Justice has facilitated the visit of a delegation from Armenia to Washington D.C. to testify at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission hearing.
The delegation, which consists of CFTJ staff, relatives of hostages held in Azerbaijan, the victims group, which includes victims from Nagorno-Karabakh and from Armenia, will also hold meetings with lawmakers, organizations, and congressional committees.
From left to right: Goharine Hovoyan, Sharmagh Mardi, Marina Simonyan, Father Hrant Hovhannisyan, Lala Abgaryan.
EU to invest in Armenia's infrastructure projects - Ursula von der Leyen
Von der Leyen mentioned that the vision of partnership with Armenia would be implemented through a program aimed at enhancing Armenia's resilience. "We will make investments to strengthen Armenia's economy and society, making them more robust and stable in the face of shocks," said the President of the European Commission, referring to the 270 million euro grant, which will particularly aid small and medium-sized companies.
According to Ursula von der Leyen, the EU will invest in Armenia, especially in infrastructure projects, particularly in the Black Sea power cable project, as well as in renewable energy production. Von der Leyen welcomed the "Crossroads of Peace" project of the Armenian government and noted that the EU will also explore cross-border transport when conditions allow.
The President of the European Commission spoke about the new support package, the European Economic and Investment Program for Armenia. "It has already mobilized half a billion euros for investments. This is great news and we can do more. That's why we have recently launched the investment coordination platform so that we can identify new projects and speed up implementation," Von der Leyen said.
The President of the European Commission welcomed Armenia's efforts towards democratic reforms, despite the challenges faced by the country, and reaffirmed that the EU will continue to support the ongoing reforms through advice, technical assistance, and funding.
Ursula von der Leyen added that they do not forget about the difficult situation of displaced Artsakh Armenians. "The humanitarian situation of refugees in Armenia remains a priority. We have provided more than thirty million euros to support them, and we are ready to do more," said President von der Leyen, noting that they can count on the United States as a loyal and like-minded partner in this effort.
"We will continue to work together for the sake of Armenia's future, in the stable and prosperous South Caucasus region," concluded the President of the European Commission.
A strong and stable Armenia means a more stable South Caucasus -Borrell
The European Union aims to develop a positive agenda for Armenia and, by joining forces with the United States, demonstrate its strong commitment to Armenia's sovereignty, democracy, and resilience, said the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, during a press conference ahead of the Pashinyan-Blinken-Von der Leyen meeting to be held in Brussels.
According to the Armenpress Brussels correspondent, Borrell reminded that two months ago, he and Armenian Foreign Minister Mirzoyan decided to work on a new EU-Armenia partnership agenda. Borrell noted that the new agenda will provide an ambitious vision to promote bilateral cooperation in areas that are important for Armenia's resilience, mobility, trade diversification, and connectivity.
Josep Borrell assured that these are not just words of support. "We welcome Armenia's efforts in the direction of democracy, fighting corruption, and establishing the rule of law. It will be important to continue the reforms to further increase the country's resilience. The EU will continue to support reform efforts through the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement," said the EU High Representative.
Borrell stressed that a strong and stable Armenia means a stronger and more stable South Caucasus, which would be beneficial for all the countries of the region.
Nikol Pashinyan's speach
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan began his speech at the press conference ahead of the tripartite meeting with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels by thanking his colleagues for their collective commitment to a sovereign, resilient, and prosperous Armenia.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of this tripartite meeting, calling it an expanding partnership with the United States and the EU. "Not content with the progress achieved, we will discuss Armenia's efforts to strengthen the resilience of democratic institutions. We are convinced that our cooperation is based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Republic of Armenia reaffirms its commitment to promoting justice and public sector reforms to build a stronger, safer, and more progressive country," emphasized Nikol Pashinyan.
In his speech, the Prime Minister mentioned that, based on effective political cooperation, it is the right time to promote economic cooperation, trade, and expand partnerships in the field of mobility. "We are determined to increase the competitiveness of Armenia's private sector to enter new markets. Moreover, we are ready to improve our investment environment to make it more attractive for European and American companies. We expect that our partners will support us in modernizing Armenia's quality infrastructure, building business networks, and exploring possible trade facilitation schemes," said Prime Minister Pashinyan.
Addressing the needs of more than 100,000 Armenians forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh, the Prime Minister emphasized restoring their dignified lives through housing and economic activation policies.
Speaking about the settlement of relations with Azerbaijan, Nikol Pashinyan once again reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to the process based on mutual recognition of each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration. He added that Armenia is also fully committed to the demarcation of borders and the unblocking of all regional communications based on the Alma-Ata Declaration, which is founded on full respect for the principles of sovereignty and jurisdiction, equality, and reciprocity.
At the end of his speech, Prime Minister Pashinyan mentioned that in order to achieve all that, the government presented the "Crossroads of Peace" initiative and expressed hope that partners will support integrating the initiative with the EU's Global Gateway strategy.
"I believe that our common vision of a democratic, peaceful, and prosperous future will continue to serve as the pillar and guiding beacon of our mutually trusting relations," Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan concluded.
The United States supports the Armenian government's "Crossroads of Peace" project
The United States of America supports the "Crossroads of Peace" project initiated by the Republic of Armenia. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated this during a press conference ahead of the tripartite meeting with RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels.
"We support the ideas, Mr. Prime Minister, that are at the core of your "Crossroads of Peace" proposal. We envision a more integrated South Caucasus with new transport routes, energy cooperation, and telecommunications. This will contribute to diversified economies, expanding opportunities, and promoting peace and reconciliation efforts,” he stated.
According to the Secretary of State, there is a promising future with a region that is increasingly integrated and that will benefit people and countries.
"And the United States, along with the European Union, want to help you build that," Blinken said, adding that he looks forward to a productive discussion.
Blinken thanked Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for his leadership and partnership, noting that it is of great importance and creates a very solid foundation for what can be achieved together in the future.
"We have gathered here to reaffirm transatlantic support for the democratic, prosperous future of the Armenian people and a more integrated and peaceful South Caucasus region. We share the vision for the future of the Armenian people.
We want Armenia to be strong, independent, living in peace with its neighbours, and connected to the region and the world. The USA and the European Union want to be partners in this endeavour. I believe that today serves as a testament to all that," Blinken declared, adding that it is necessary to capitalize on this moment of the Armenian people's election and its leaders.
The Secretary of State mentioned that the USA is making investments that align with the Prime Minister's (RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan) efforts aimed at economic reforms.
“We plan to provide more than $65 million in aid from our fiscal year 2023 budget. This figure is 50% higher than two years ago. We intend to further increase our support for Armenia's democracy and economic stability by investing in food security, digital infrastructure, energy diversification, diversification of trade partners, and other priorities set by the Prime Minister," Blinken emphasized.
Referring to the support of the forcibly displaced Armenian population from Nagorno Karabakh, the Secretary of State, in particular, noted: "We will continue to support the 100 thousand ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno Karabakh. This is crucial for Armenia's long-term stability and prosperity, as well as its regional security. For Armenia, regional integration is the key to security and prosperity," he added.
#Armenia #EU #USA
Letter from the Permanent Representative of Armenia🇦🇲 addressed to the UN Secretary-General regarding Azerbaijan’s dehumanizing “collection” of grotesque wax figures portraying ethnic Armenians and exhibition of helmets, equipment and personal belongings of the Armenian soldiers
Turkish-backed SNA fighters from Sultan Suleiman Shah complain that commander Abu Amsha, never paid them for fighting in Karabakh. "We have dead and injured. Abu Amsha stole their salaries, people are dying from hunger."
Turkey and Azerbaijan still deny that SNA went to Karabakh.
#HRW "#Azerbaijan should also immediately release all remaining #POWs and civilian detainees and provide information on the whereabouts of servicemen and civilians whose situation is unknown but were last seen in #Azerbaijani custody".
https://t.co/XtnChfuSLP
We're delighted to co-host a well attended webinar Power of Women in the Wreckage of War which united participants globally & encouraged vibrant discussion.Thanks to our highly motivated panelists DFM Aleksanyan @mfankr, @emkrt & @LikaZakaryan for their informative presentations.
In 2004, Armenian #GurgenMargaryan was axed to death, while he was sleeping, by Azeri #RamilSafarov during #NATO course. Safarov was extradited to Azerbaijan & honored as hero. Release & glorification of murderer is indignity & affront to every moral standard & human values.
Today is the International Holocaust Memorial Day. We join and remember all those who were tragically killed in the Holocaust and all Genocides.
#HolocaustRemembranceDay
While Armenians globally remain heavy in heart we at the Network would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. May you stay safe and well, and should this Holiday find you on a journey to family or friends please travel safely. #Armenia#NagornoKarabakh