Breaking
Azerbaijan Designated Country of Particular Concern for 1st Time
Hungary ‘Blocking EU Military Aid To Armenia’
35 Border Posts Installed on Armenia-Azerbaijan Border
Liberal Party of Australia Calls for Opposition Leader to Recognize Armenian Genocide
Capitol Hill Briefings on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Nagorno- Karabakh May 7 & 8
Global ARM Capitol Briefings: Peace in the South Caucasus and Armenia’s Strategic Shift on May 7 and 8, 2024
Global ARM’s timely House and Senate Briefings, titled ‘Peace in the South Caucasus and Armenia’s Strategic Shift,’ will feature distinguished panelists including Thomas Becker, Legal and Policy Director of the University Network for Human Rights; Areg Danagoulian, MIT; and Nerses Kopalyan, UNLV. Global ARM President Tim Jemal will moderate. Additionally, Talin Hitik, Senior Legal Advisor for the Center for Truth and Justice, will provide a special update on the ICJ, ECHR, and Potential ICC Investigation of Azerbaijan for Genocide.
Global ARM President Interviewed on Major Armenian Network
Global ARM President:
“We are Pursuing the Correct Agenda”
President of Global ARM, Tim Jemal, stated in an interview with the Armenian 1st channel that there is broad support to strengthen U.S.-Armenia security and economic ties. He emphasized the importance of holding Azerbaijan accountable for ethnic cleansing, territorial occupation, and genocide.
U.S. Congress
Pallone, 65 Caucus Members Lead Bipartisan Fight for Robust Funding for Armenia and Artsakh in House Foreign Operations Spending Bill
Bipartisan Funding Request Aligns with Assistance Package Global ARM has Been Seeking Since January
Congresswoman Titus Proposes Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act in Response to Ethnic Cleansing in Artsakh and Political Repression
“I just introduced the Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act to take action against 44 Azerbaijani officials following the ethnic cleansing of Armenians from Artsakh and the violent repression of political opposition. The U.S. must take a strong stand against the genocide of Armenians,” Dina Titus stated.
Armenian Genocide Remembrance
Sampling of House & Senate Statements on the 109th Anniversary of the 1915 Genocide and ongoing Genocide in Artsakh and Sovereign Armenia
Congresswoman Meng Commemorates 109th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide, Calls for Accountability Amid Azerbaijan’s Aggression
“Today we mark the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide & honor the 1.5M innocent Armenians murdered. This solemn day takes on new meaning with Azerbaijan’s aggression against Artsakh. We must stand by Armenia & hold Azerbaijan accountable,” Grace Meng stated.
Congressman Pallone Marks 109th Anniversary of Armenian Genocide, Urges Action to Prevent Repetition of History and Address Ongoing Threats
“After forcibly removing thousands of Armenians from Artsakh, Aliyev continues to commit gross human rights violations against the Armenian people. These actions will continue to escalate if Aliyev is not held accountable for his genocidal actions and threats on Armenian territory,” stated Frank Pallone.
Congressman Calvert Pays Tribute on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Pledges Unwavering Remembrance
“Today, on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, we remember the victims of the Armenian genocide of 1915. We will never forget the lives lost,” Ken Calvert stated.
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Advocates for Greater Education on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
“From Yerevan to Carrollton, TX, the systematic murder of Armenians from 1915-1918 has left scars across generations and continents. On Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, I echo the calls for greater education on this painful chapter in our history,” Jasmine Crockett stated.
Congressman Peters Stands with Armenian Communities on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
Congresswoman Omar Highlights Ongoing Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh, Stresses Importance of Armenian Genocide Education Act
“Over a century later, we see the ethnic cleansing of Armenians continuing in Nagorno-Karabakh – a reminder that this fight is still not over. I am proud to be a cosponsor of the Armenian Genocide Education Act, so that future generations may learn from this tragedy,” Ilhan Omar stated.
Congressman Mike Garcia Stands with Armenians on 109th Armenian Genocide Day of Remembrance, Honors Victims and Recognizes Armenian Resilience
Rep. Pelosi Pays Tribute to Victims of Armenian Genocide
“Today, we remember and pray for the more than 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children murdered in the Armenian Genocide. It is our solemn duty to honor the victims by shining a bright light on this horrific truth – and always standing up for human rights all over the world,” stated Nancy Pelosi.
Rep. Michelle Steel Stands with Armenian Community on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Vows to Prevent Future Tragedies
Congresswoman Susie Lee Stands with Armenians on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Calls for Support Amid Continued Aggression from Azerbaijan
“We must mourn and recommit ourselves to stand with Armenia in the face of continued aggression by Azerbaijan,” Susie Lee stated.
Rep. Abigail Spanberger Commemorates Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, Condemns Continued Aggression Against Armenians by Azerbaijan and Turkey
U.S. Senate
Senator Gary Peters Reflects on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
“Today, on Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, I’m reflecting on my visit to the Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex in Yerevan. I’m proud to stand with Michigan’s resilient Armenian community, and honor the memory of the 1.5 million innocents murdered in the genocide,” stated Gary Peters.
Senator Bill Cassidy on Armenian Genocide Commeration:
“Coming as it does after the genocide of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh, we must reinforce our efforts. #NeverAgain needs to mean something. It can’t be just empty words.”
Azerbaijan’s Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and Genocidal Policy
Armenian Legal Representative Challenges Azerbaijan’s Interpretation of European Court’s Stance on Nagorno- Karabakh in Ongoing ICJ Proceedings
- Clarifies that determining the court’s jurisdiction does not fix a state’s responsibility for an international violation.
- States the intention to rectify Azerbaijan’s misrepresentation of the European Court’s position on Nagorno-Karabakh.
- Rejects Azerbaijan’s racial discrimination claims.
European Parliament Urges EU to Halt Strategic Energy Cooperation with Azerbaijan Amid Civil Society Repression
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on human rights violations in Azerbaijan.
- Calls on the Commission to consider suspending the strategic partnership with Azerbaijan in the field of energy; insists on making any future partnership agreement conditional on the release of all political prisoners and the improvement of the overall human rights situation in the country.
- Considers that the ongoing human rights violations in Azerbaijan are incompatible with the country’s preparations to host COP29.
- Calls on the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to request meetings with political prisoners in Azerbaijan.
- Reiterates its call for EU sanctions under its global human rights sanctions regime to be imposed on Azerbaijani officials who have committed serious human rights violations.
Read JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on Azerbaijan
Anne-Laurence Petel: Aliyev Regime’s Plan to Erase Armenian Presence in Karabakh
Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Co-Founder Issues Global Call To Prevent A Second Armenian Genocide
The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative today announced that Co-Founder Noubar Afeyan has issued a global call to action to prevent a second Armenian genocide, on this 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide Day of Remembrance. Afeyan made the global call to action in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The London Times, as well as on global social media channels. The Call to Action underscores the similarities in atrocities that took place 109 years ago, and are happening again today:
“Even as we mourn the past, history is repeating itself. Armenians are once again the target of ethnic cleansing, political leaders are unlawfully held as hostages, and the country of Armenia faces existential threats to its sovereignty and self-determination.”
NY Times Columnist Warns: Azerbaijan’s Threats to Armenia and Armenian Hostages Largely Overlooked, Potential for Escalation Looms
“It hasn’t gotten much attention, but Azerbaijan continues to threaten Armenia and to hold Armenian hostages — and it may get much worse,” wrote Nicholas Kristof in his X account.
Luis Moreno Ocampo: Azerbaijan Proxies will Attack me for these Remarks, but I will Ignore Them
German Society for Threatened Peoples (STP) held a news conference in Berlin today on the issue of genocide in Artsakh hosting the former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Luis Moreno Ocampo.
“On the night of April 24, 1915, the Ottoman forces arrested in Istanbul hundreds of Armenian leaders. They were deported and killed. Targeting the leaders was the first step to destroying the Armenian community. It’s a bitter irony that the same strategy is applied again,” stated Luis Moreno Ocampo.
Christian Alliance Lea: Today, Turkey and Azerbaijan Continue Killing and Ethnically Cleansing Christians in Artsakh and Armenia.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Urges Action to Stop Ethnic Cleansing in Artsakh, Calls for Release of Hostages and Sanctions Against Azerbaijan
“After the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, the Azeri regime is still holding onto the civilian political leadership of Artsakh: its prior presidents, ministers, and parliament members, as well as dozens of others as hostages to coerce further territorial concessions from Armenia,” stated Robert F. Kennedy.
MEP Commemorates Victims of Armenian Genocide, Recalls European Parliament’s Recognition of Tragic Events as Genocide
Driven by Fear from Nagorno-Karabakh
Abandoned to Their Fate: The Dim Future of Karabakh Armenians
“We will continue to support 100.000 ethnic Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh. This is central to Armenia’s long-term stability and prosperity, as well as its regional security. And we are supporting efforts to integrate people into the economy and society, including via access to housing, jobs, and education,” said Antony Blinken.
“First of all, they promised to give that money within 4 years. Of course, as a Karabakh Armenian, I am grateful to the EU and the U.S.; for so long, we have only received humanitarian support from them; others have not given us a single coin, but unfortunately, this will not solve the problems of Karabakh Armenians,” says Babken Aghajanyan, a refugee from Nagorno- Karabakh.
Photos of the week
Jerusalemite Armenian mother and daughter on Palm Sunday.
Photo Courtesy of Vince Kahkejian.
Armenians join the annual torch march in Yerevan on April 23, marking the 109th anniversary of the mass killings of Armenians during World War I under the Ottoman Empire in 1915, known as the Genocide Remembrance Day.
Photo Courtesy of Karen Minasyan.
The photos capture Armenians protesting in Berlin as Aliyev arrives. They hold signs demanding justice for kidnapped Armenians from Artsakh and prisoners of war, echoing calls made for their release.
Photo Courtesy of Arshak Makichyan.
Security
Armenians Fear New War with Azerbaijan Despite Talk of Peace
By Grigor Atanesian and Tim Whewell,
When more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh last September, Nina Shahverdyan and her brother, parents and cousin spent 30 hours on the road trying to leave.
The Chancellor of Germany Rated Highly the Chances of Settling the Conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan
European Commission Ready to Contribute to the Implementation of Armenian Government’s Priorities
Member of Bundestag: Armenia’s EU Membership Stems from EU Interests Itself
Azerbaijan Asserts Itself as a Regional Power While Pledging Support for Russia in the Region
By Emmanuel Grynszpan and Faustine Vincent
Taking advantage of the military weakening of Armenia and its former Russian ally, Baku has secured the withdrawal of Russian troops from Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as territorial concessions from Yerevan, while continuing to repress opposition within the country.
Armenia and Italy Discuss Military Cooperation
Danish Delegation Joins EU Mission in Armenia
Economy
Armenia’s Deputy Prime Minister meets with World Bank Group Executive Director
Opinion
Why Isn’t Anyone Talking about the Exodus of Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh?
By Kevin Clarke
After the Holocaust, world leaders agreed, “Never again.” After
Rwanda, they said, “Never again.” But when an ancient Christian
community was driven out of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of
Azerbaijan last year, the world’s great powers did little more than issue press releases.
The Alternative Scenarios Facing the South Caucasus
By Benyamin Poghosyan
In the long run, the key question is the geopolitical future of the
South Caucasus in a post-unipolar world. Two potential pathways
of future development present themselves to the region. In the
first scenario, the region becomes an active battlefield of different regional and global actors and may end up being fragmented and divided.
Hold Azerbaijan Accountable before it Hosts the next UN Climate Conference
By Alex Little
Azerbaijan was selected last year as the host country for the upcoming United Nations Climate Conference (known as COP29), which takes place in November. This follows a trend of repressive petrostates facilitating the conference, as Egypt held COP27 and the United Arab Emirates held COP28. The U.N. advocates for an approach to climate change centered around human rights. Yet given Azerbaijan’s questionable commitments to preserving the environment and its repressive approach to governance, activists, journalists and others have voiced their skepticism of the U.N.’s choice to hold COP29 in the capital city of Baku.
Aliyev Uses Religion to Hide His Dictatorship
By Tatevik Hayrapetyan
This message is another example of Azerbaijan’s policy that targets
both the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE),
European institutions, and the collective West, accusing them of
Islamophobia. This troubling trend was explicitly highlighted by the Azerbaijani state, including officials, members of parliament, as well as the entire propaganda machine, when PACE decided on January 25 to suspend the credentials of the Azerbaijani delegation for a year.
Armenia Turns Towards West in Search of Allies Amid Azerbaijan Tensions
By Patrick Wintour
The new partnership is designed to start easing Armenia’s heavy dependence on the Russian markets and energy.
As We Remember the Armenian Genocide, the U.S. Should Reject Azerbaijan’s Assault on Their Culture
By Elisa von Joeden-Forgey
Failure to recognize Azerbaijan’s true face will be interpreted as impunity to continue on this path. One only need to visit eastern Turkey, the historical homeland of Armenians, where former churches have been razed, lie in ruins, or are used for storage, to see what the results of inaction will be. As Rabbi Hillel once asked, “If not now, then when? If not us, then who?”
These Women Survived Genocide Only to Face Rejection at Home
By Rebecca Jinks
Every April 24, Armenians the world over commemorate the genocide of 1915, perpetrated by the disintegrating Ottoman Empire in the lands of what is today Turkey. More than 1 million Armenians were killed in the genocide that followed. But this symbolic focus on male elites can veil the experiences of hundreds of thousands of Armenian women who were left to cope as their husbands, fathers, and brothers were arrested or forcibly conscripted into the Turkish army’s brutal labour battalions.