Introduction of Armenian Startups

Armenia, a small landlocked country located in the South Caucasus region, has been making significant strides in the global technology and innovation arena. Despite its relatively small size and population, the Armenian startup ecosystem has produced some remarkable companies that have attracted international attention and investment. In this essay, we will explore the best startups from Armenia that are driving the country’s innovation and growth in various sectors.

1. PicsArt

PicsArt is a leading all-in-one photo and video editing app that has taken the world by storm. Founded in 2012 by Armenian entrepreneur Hovhannes Avoyan, the platform enables users to create, edit, and share visual content seamlessly. With over 150 million monthly active users worldwide and a wide array of editing tools and features, PicsArt is undoubtedly one of the most successful Armenian startups. The company’s continuous growth and expansion can be attributed to its commitment to innovation, user experience, and its ability to adapt to the ever-evolving digital landscape.

2. Krisp

Krisp is an innovative noise-cancellation technology startup that has quickly gained international acclaim. Founded in 2017 by Davit Baghdasaryan and Artavazd Minasyan, Krisp’s AI-driven software eliminates background noise from calls and recordings, enhancing communication quality. The technology is widely used by remote workers, podcasters, and call centers, among others. With a robust suite of integrations for popular communication platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Discord, Krisp has become an indispensable tool for professionals worldwide.

3. ServiceTitan

ServiceTitan, founded by Ara Mahdessian and Vahe Kuzoyan in 2013, is a leading provider of business management software for home service companies. The platform streamlines operations, improves customer service, and drives growth for businesses in industries such as plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services. ServiceTitan has successfully raised over $500 million in funding and has become one of the fastest-growing SaaS companies in the United States. The company’s success can be attributed to its innovative approach to solving real-world problems faced by service businesses and its relentless commitment to customer success.

4. ggTaxi

ggTaxi is a popular ride-hailing platform that has revolutionized transportation in Armenia and neighboring countries. Launched in 2013 by Armenian entrepreneurs Narek Gevorgyan and Artyom Sahakyan, the company has expanded its services to Georgia, Russia, and other countries in the region. ggTaxi offers affordable and convenient transportation options, including taxi, courier, and delivery services. The platform has quickly gained popularity due to its user-friendly interface, transparent pricing, and commitment to improving transportation infrastructure in the region.

5. Earlyone

Earlyone is an innovative queue management system that aims to improve customer experience and streamline business operations. Founded in 2016 by Armen Karamanian and Tigran Petrosyan, Earlyone’s platform allows users to join virtual queues for various services such as banking, healthcare, and government offices. The company’s mission is to save customers’ time and optimize business processes, making it a valuable tool for both consumers and service providers. Earlyone’s success can be attributed to its unique approach to addressing an everyday problem and its commitment to providing a seamless user experience.

6. SuperAnnotate

SuperAnnotate is an AI-powered platform for image annotation, providing high-quality training data for machine learning and computer vision applications. Founded in 2018 by Tigran Petrosyan and Vahan Petrosyan, the platform combines cutting-edge technology and a global workforce of skilled annotators to deliver accurate, efficient annotation services. SuperAnnotate has garnered the attention of

leading technology companies and researchers, and has successfully raised over $14 million in funding. The company’s rapid growth can be attributed to its innovative approach to data annotation and its dedication to driving advancements in AI and machine learning.

7. ForgeFiction

ForgeFiction is a unique collaborative platform that brings together writers and fans to create crowd-sourced fictional stories. Founded in 2018 by Hovhannes Yeritsyan and Artak Tovmasyan, the platform allows users to submit story ideas, collaborate on plot development, and vote on their favorite submissions. This community-driven approach to storytelling has attracted a diverse and engaged user base, resulting in the creation of high-quality, original content. ForgeFiction’s success lies in its ability to harness the power of collaboration and provide a space for creative expression, connecting writers and readers in a novel way.

8. Embry

Embry is an AI-powered virtual assistant designed to help couples on their journey to parenthood. Launched in 2020 by Marine Adamyan and Arman Poghosyan, Embry offers personalized fertility and pregnancy insights, as well as guidance on health, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. The platform uses advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze user data and provide tailored advice, making it a valuable resource for couples trying to conceive or navigate pregnancy. Embry’s innovative approach to fertility and pregnancy support has garnered significant interest from users and investors alike.

9. Breedge

Breedge is a career development platform that connects university students and recent graduates with employers, providing personalized job recommendations and skill development resources. Founded in 2017 by Gevorg Goyunyan and Rafayel Gasparyan, the platform uses AI algorithms to match users with relevant job opportunities based on their skills, interests, and career goals. Breedge also offers a suite of tools for users to build their professional portfolio and enhance their employability. The company’s success can be attributed to its focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by young job seekers and its commitment to fostering talent development.

10. Sololearn

Sololearn is a mobile-first platform that offers a comprehensive library of coding courses and interactive learning experiences. Founded in 2014 by Yeva Hyusyan and Davit Kocharyan, the platform has attracted millions of users worldwide, making it one of the most popular coding education platforms globally. With a wide range of courses, from beginner to advanced levels, Sololearn empowers users to develop programming skills at their own pace. The company’s success is driven by its commitment to making coding education accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for users of all backgrounds.

Conclusion

The Armenian startup ecosystem is vibrant and diverse, with companies across various sectors demonstrating exceptional growth and innovation. From mobile app development and AI-powered platforms to collaborative storytelling and career development tools, these startups are not only transforming the Armenian economy but also making a lasting impact on the global stage. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence, Armenia is quickly establishing itself as a hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurial success.

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Introduction

Armenia, a landlocked country nestled between Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Iran, has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. It offers a unique blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culture. But is it safe to travel to Armenia? This comprehensive guide will discuss the factors contributing to Armenia’s safety and provide tips for a secure and enjoyable trip.

Safety in Armenia

Overall, Armenia is considered a safe country for travelers. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), Armenia ranks relatively high in terms of safety and security. The low crime rate, friendly locals, and well-maintained infrastructure contribute to its secure atmosphere. Here are some factors to consider when assessing the safety of Armenia:

1. Low Crime Rate: Armenia boasts a low crime rate, with theft and petty crimes being the most common issues. Violent crimes against tourists are rare, making the country an ideal destination for solo travelers, families, and groups alike.

2. Political Stability: Armenia’s political situation has stabilized over the past few years, with no significant conflict affecting the safety of tourists. While some tensions still exist with neighboring countries, these issues are generally confined to the borders and should not impact visitors.

3. Friendly Locals: Armenians are known for their warmth and hospitality. Locals are generally eager to help tourists, making it easy for travelers to feel safe and welcome during their stay.

4. Well-maintained Infrastructure: Armenia’s infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and tourist sites, is well-maintained and reliable. This contributes to the overall safety of the country and ensures a smooth trip for visitors.

Precautions for a Safe Trip: While Armenia is generally safe, it’s essential to take some precautions to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience:

1. Be aware of your surroundings: Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas where pickpocketing may occur. Keep your belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items.

2. Travel insurance: Invest in comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unexpected incidents, such as medical emergencies, theft, or cancellations.

3. Respect local customs and traditions: Familiarize yourself with Armenian customs and traditions, and show respect by adhering to the local norms. This will help you avoid inadvertently offending the locals and ensure a positive experience.

4. Border areas: Avoid traveling to border areas with Azerbaijan and Turkey, as these regions can be tense and may pose a risk to your safety.

Conclusion

Armenia is a captivating destination with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and a warm, welcoming culture. Its overall safety makes it an ideal choice for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. By taking basic precautions and staying informed about local customs, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to this enchanting country.

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Blue Mosque, Yerevan

Walking along the streets of Yerevan you can notice many churches. All of them are cultural heritage. Studying the past of each church people can learn about the history of that time. But, among the churches and monasteries, there is a mosque where Muslim people pray. After the adoption of Christianity, day by day people established lots of churches. After the invasions and other historic events, Armenia was a country led by non-Armenian people. Anyways, a mosque next to the churches proves the fact that Armenian people respect the religions of other nations. Blue Mosque is an obvious representation of it.

Blue Mosque, Yerevan

The History of Blue Mosque, Yerevan

Husein-Ali Khan – independent Sardar of Yerevan – established Blue Mosque or Gyoy-Jami in 1766. On the front part of the southern gate, the constructor left an inscription where he mentioned his name and the date of establishment of the mosque. Shahkhatunyants read the date of the establishment of the mosque in 1186, instead of 1179. And, Lynch says that the scholars ascribe the date of the establishment of the mosque in the time of Nadir-Shah (1736-1747).

The History of Mosques in Yerevan

It is hard to find out how many mosques Muslim residents of Erivan-Yerevan of Eastern Armenia had in the period of whole the history. But, it is known that at the beginning of 19th century there were 19 mosques in Yerevan. According to Tadevos Hakobyan, the mosques of Yerevan were Persian-Arabic (also Tartarian) monuments from the architectural perception.

Two of the mosques were in the area of the Yerevan fortress, and other six were just in the city. Many Christian travellers reported about the mosques in Shahar. Some of them were Lynch, Lachinov, Uvarova, Jarden and others.

Jarden’s Inscription

Describing Erivan, Jarden mentioned only one half-destroyed mosque. The name of it was Def-Sultan. Here is his citation “In front of the episcopal residence there is a big market and next to it there is a mosque. That mosque is made of brick and is half-damaged. It got its name from the founder Def-Sultan”. In the further period, there isn’t a mosque with that name in historical sources. Probably, the mosque having a name of Def-Sultan was in the place of Gyoy-Jami (Blue Mosque). The destructive earthquake damaged it. Blue Mosque was one of the most famous and luxurious mosques of Erivan-Yerevan.

Lynch’s Inscription

Other outstanding mosques of Haji Novruz Ali bek and Zal Khan were in Shahar central quarter. And in the back parts of the city, there were small and unremarkable mosques of Damirbulaghi. On the doors of the mosque of Zal khan, there is a common inscription about the date of its construction. According to Lynch the date of the establishment is 1687.

Here Lynch marks that the mosque of Zal Khan was smaller than Gyoy-Jami< but it had similarity and a yard with fence for taking rest.

There were two mosques in the fortress of Yerevan. It is worth mentioning that Rajip pasha built one of those mosques, when Turks occupied Yerevan, in 1727. It was a big construction on four pillars and it had an outstanding look. Considering the fact that Turks were Shia Muslims, after the occupation of Persians the mosques became a place where they kept their weapons. In 1827 October 1 Russians occupied Yerevan and in the honour of their victory, they made the mosque Orthodox Church.

Abas-Mirza Jami Mosque

Another remarkable mosque is Abas-Mirza Jami. Hussein Khan who was the last Sardar of Yerevan built the mosque. It got its name after Abbas Mirza- prince of Atropatene. The front part and the dome of the mosque was in faience. This style was characteristic of Persian and Arabic architecture.

It is interesting that the Turkish mosque and the mosques having the name of Abbas Mirza survived with Gyoy Jami till our days. But, in the 30s by the order of Russia, all the monuments and churches were destroyed, including all the mosques of Yerevan, except Gyoy Jami (Blue Mosque).

Blue Mosque, Yerevan

The Description of Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque belongs to the mosques that have Shia belief. It was not only the most beautiful and magnificent but also the biggest. The dome and most of the walls are covered by blue faience.

The constructions in southern and northern parts are all in blue. Next to it and in front of it, there are a number of small institutions and cabins. There is a square large yard surrounding the mosque. In the centre of it, there is a little basin. The mosque has three entrances. Two little ones are in the eastern and western part and big entrance is in the southern part. It consists of three arched halls. On the highest hall in the centre, there is the dome. Next, to it, other two halls are smaller and have a lower ceiling. The halls generally have no decoration and simple style. The furniture is also simple. Only the windows that are looking to the garden have decorations. Their ornaments are colourful glasses with eastern patterns. There is a little construction for praying in the northern side.

Blue Mosque, Yerevan

Gurgen Mahari

“Very often, me and Axel Bakunts were being here and going to Blue Mosque for drinking “Persian tea”. – Yerevan Charsu market, – said he and looked around, – can you imagine what will happen to these places in 50-60s? – said he, thought and concluded, – you won’t recognize, Abovyan were in these places 100 years ago. But if he passed by these places today, it wouldn’t surprise him, he would recognize. Nevertheless, whatever you see in 50-60s will become just a memory” said Gurgen Mahari smiling.

Mkrtich Armen

“Near to the market, in the square, the big building of Blue Mosque is standing. It has high walls on which there are small windows. Blue Mosque doesn’t seem to be interesting with its three walls at night. But the fourth, front wall is different. It is decorated with colourful shreds. The parts that are covered with colourful shreds shine at night and when it’s a sunny day. Two little gates of the mosque are always closed. Only the front door is open. From there you can go to the yard. There are many trees and flowers. The southern part of the yard is the main mosque, On the eastern and western walls, there are 20-24 small doors which are similar to each other. Those are the cabins. Nowadays no pilgrim comes here, and Persian and Turk craftsmen, workers live in the cabins”.

How Does It Look Today?

From the descriptions of popular people like Gurgen Mahari and Mkrtich Armen, we could understand that there was a market near to the mosque. That market exists till now. But, the time changes everything. The market and the look around it is changed too. Walking along Mashtots street we can notice a high wall all in blue. But, going near to it the colours in it.

In front of the mosque, there is a shopping mall. The simple market is changed into a large mall, where one can find everything he/she wants: clothes, food, cafe, restaurants.

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Chess is not just a game in Armenia, but a national passion that has become a source of pride for its people. In this essay, we will explore the history of chess in Armenia, its importance to the country’s cultural identity, and the reasons behind its success in producing some of the world’s best chess players.

The History of Chess in Armenia

The history of chess in Armenia dates back to the 9th century when the game was introduced to the region by Arab conquerors. Since then, chess has been an integral part of Armenian culture and has been passed down from generation to generation.

Armenia’s Rise to Prominence in Chess

Armenia’s rise to prominence in chess began in the 1950s, when Tigran Petrosian, a native of the country, won the World Chess Championship in 1963. Petrosian’s victory sparked a newfound interest in the game in Armenia and inspired a new generation of chess players. Since then, Armenia has consistently produced some of the world’s best chess players, winning multiple world championships, Olympiads, and other international tournaments.

Factors Contributing to Armenia’s Success in Chess

The success of chess in Armenia can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the government has shown tremendous support for the game, investing in the development of chess programs and facilities throughout the country. Secondly, chess is taught in schools and universities, and children are encouraged to play the game from a young age. Thirdly, chess has become a part of Armenian culture, and its success in producing world-class players has made it a source of national pride.

The Impact of Chess on Armenia

Chess has become so popular in Armenia that it is not uncommon to see people playing the game in public parks, cafes, and other public places. In fact, Armenia has one of the highest numbers of chess grandmasters per capita in the world, with over 30 grandmasters in a population of just 3 million people.

The success of chess in Armenia has also had a positive impact on the country’s economy. Chess tournaments and events have become major tourist attractions, drawing in visitors from all over the world. The game has also created job opportunities for chess coaches, trainers, and organizers.

Furthermore, chess has had a positive impact on the mental health of Armenians. Chess is known to improve cognitive abilities, memory, and problem-solving skills. In a country that has faced many challenges and struggles over the years, chess has provided a way for Armenians to focus on something positive and to take pride in their accomplishments.

Inspiring Other Countries to Invest in Chess

Armenia’s success in chess has also inspired other countries to invest in the game and promote it as a means of cultural and economic development. The game has become a universal language, bringing people from different countries and cultures together.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chess has become an integral part of Armenia’s cultural identity and a source of national pride. The game has had a positive impact on the country’s economy, mental health, and international reputation. With the continued support of the government and the passion of its people, Armenia will undoubtedly continue to produce some of the world’s best chess players and further cement its place in the global chess community.

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The Armenian Genocide

In the Ottoman Empire and its surrounding provinces, the mass deportations and massacres of Armenians alongside with the forced change of religion took place during 1915-1923. This is what we call the Armenian Genocide.

The Young Turks were the ones who planned and organized these massacres in the Ottoman Empire. Later on, the Kemal government took the role.

During World War I in 1915, leaders of the Turkish government planned the mass deportations and massacre of the Armenians. By the early 1920s, they finally ended. From 600,000 and 1.5 million Armenians died. Many more of them forcibly left the country. Today, most historians call these awful events a genocide: a premeditated and systematic campaign to exterminate an entire people. The Turkish government, however, still does not acknowledge the enormity or scope of those events.

What was the reason behind the Armenian Genocide?

On the threshold of the 1st World War, the Young Turks wanted to preserve the remnants of the Ottoman Empire. Consequently, they adopted Pan-Turkism and national homogeneous policies.  Their plan was to create a huge empire that would spread up to China and would involve all Turkish speaking peoples of the Caucasus and Central Asia. The Armenian population, however, was a major obstacle to the implementation of their program.

According to the 1908 Constitution, which was restored as a result of the Young Turks’ revolution, there were equal rights for all the citizens of the Ottoman Empire. The Armenians accepted this opportunity with enthusiasm.

Ottomans permitted religious minorities like the Armenians to maintain some autonomy. However, they also subjected them to unequal and unjust treatment.

Christians had to pay higher taxes compared to Muslims. They had very few political and legal rights. Despite these obstacles, the Armenian community bloomed under Ottoman rule. Armenians were usually better educated and wealthier than their Turkish neighbors. Consequently, they grew to resent their success. The Armenian population provided huge social, cultural and economic development even under those unlawful conditions.

The resentment grew even more

…when the Ottomans got suspicions that the Christian Armenian would be more loyal to other Christian governments and especially Russia, which shared an unstable border with Turkey.

At the end of the 19th century, Turkish Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who was obsessed with loyalty above all, and infuriated by the nascent Armenian campaign to win basic civil rights declared that he would solve the “Armenian question” once and for all.

In 1890, he told a reporter, “I will soon settle those Armenians. I will give them a box on the ear which will make them…relinquish their revolutionary ambitions.”

In addition, even though the Armenian Genocide was planned during the 1910-1911 meetings which took place in Thessaloniki, the Young Turks used the World War I as a really good opportunity to execute their plan.

More than two million Armenians were living in the Ottoman Empire. Around 1.5 million Armenians became the victims of the dreadful genocide in 1915-1923.

Now that it’s clear what the Armenian Genocide is, why and when it happened, let’s check out the 10 facts about the Armenian Genocide that everyone should know.

10 FACTS ABOUT THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

FACT NUMBER

APRIL 24 IS CONSIDERED TO BE THE BEGINNING OF THE GENOCIDE

On April 24, 1915, the Ottoman authorities began mass arrests of Armenian intellectuals and important figures in Constantinople (Istanbul). After being arrested, all of them with no exception were harshly tortured to death. April 24 is symbolically considered the Day of the Armenian Genocide, as the Turks destroyed the Armenian intellectuals on that day.

In addition, it is a common misconception that the Armenian Genocide started in 1915. Meanwhile, the systematic massacres of the Armenians took place under the rule of Sultan Abdulhamid in 1894-1896. The Young Turks have followed the example of Abdulhamid.

235 Armenian intellectuals were arrested in Constantinople on April 24, and as of April 29, their number exceeded 800. They were killed by Turkish criminal. This horrible day is therefore celebrated as a commemoration day for the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

For the first time the day of the commemoration of the genocide victims in Soviet Armenia was celebrated on April 24, 1965, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

A rally of thousands of people took place in Yerevan, with slogans demanding a protest against the monstrous crime of Turkey and the restoration of historical justice. The demonstration ended with a rally near Komitas’s grave. On the same day a gathering dedicated to the genocide took place. Representatives of public, state bodies and clergy attended.

Two years later, the Memorial to the victims and survivors of the Armenian Genocide was built at the Tsitsernakaberd highway.

Under the leadership of Karen Demirchyan, the “Minute of Silence” of April 24 was put on.

During the years of the first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan, a museum was built at Tsitsernakaberd, which later turned into a museum-institute. The museum was opened on April 24, 1995, on the 80th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

FACT NUMBER

HITLER’S FELLOW CONSPIRATOR WAS A WIITNESS OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

The Armenian Genocide was the center of the Turkish anti-Armenian state policy when a prearranged program was launched to exterminate Armenians under the cover of the First World War. Today, the principle of denial of the Genocide in Turkish political and historiographic guidelines is presenting the Great Massacre as nothing more but a military situation, and not a deeply developed program.

However, numerous documents, including documents in political archives of different countries, undoubtedly prove the existence of the prearranged program for the consistent destruction of the Armenian people.

Max Erwin von Scheubner-Richter served at the front during the WWI. However, already in November 1914 he started diplomatic and recon work in the Ottoman Empire.

From January to August 1915, he was the Vice-Consul of Germany in Erzurum. He was one of the eyewitnesses of the Armenian genocide. Max Erwin documented the fact of the purposeful extermination of Armenians by the Turkish authorities. In the course of these events he personally saved individual Armenians, tried to influence on the situation through Berlin and Constantinople, but his attempts were unsuccessful.

At the time, he was considered as one of the most outspoken individuals regarding the deportations and harsh massacres of Armenians. Scheubner-Richter believed that the reason behind the deportations was “racial hatred” and that none could survive such a journey. He condemned the Ottoman Empire’s actions in his writings as a policy of annihilation.

Scheubner-Richter got involved in the Nazi movement, developing a close relationship with Hitler.

When he returned to Germany, heprovided Adolf Hitler with a thorough plan for revolution. During the Beer Hall Putsch, he was walking arm-in-arm with Hitler. Scheubner-Ritcher was shot in the lungs and died instantly as Hitler and others were marching toward armed guards on 9 November 1923. Out of all the early party members who died in the Putsch, Adolf Hitler claimed Scheubner-Richter to be the only “irreplaceable loss”. The first part of Hitler’s book Mein Kampf is also dedicated to Scheubner-Richter and the other fifteen men who died in the Putsch.

FACT NUMBER

THE THREE PASHAS IMPLEMENTED THE GENOCIDE 

The heads of the Young Turks were the following trio or Three Pashas: Talât Pasha – Grand Vizier (or Prime Minister); Enver Pasha – Minister of War; Djemal Pasha – Minister of the Navy.

Talaat Pasha brought the political doctrine of Ottomanism to life. That is, the forced Turkishization of the non-Turkish peoples of the Empire. He was a rascal follower of Pan-Islamism and pan-Turkism. Talaat had far-reaching aspirations toward the Caucasus, Crimea and Turkestan. He participated in the development of a military-political project called “Turan Yolu” (Road to Turan).

In her memoirs, Young Turks Lady Halide Edip writes: “Talaat Pasha once pleasantly and cunningly pointed out that Pan-Turkism can lead us to the Yellow Sea.”

Talaat together with Enver Pasha and Jemal Pasha, formed a group famous as the Three Pashas. These men formed the triumvirate which ran the Ottoman government until the end of World War I in October 1918. They soon implemented the deportation and genocide of the Armenian people.

According to a German official in Mush,

“At the end of October 1914, when the Turks started the war, Turkish officials began to occupy all that they needed for the war. The property of the Armenians, their money. They confiscated everything. Later, every Turkish person could enter any Armenian shop and take everything that he needed or wanted.”

The confirmation of the genocide was given through a covert telegram which Enver Pasha sent on February 27, 1915. In the secret instructions of Talaat and Enver Pashas, they wrote the concrete steps of the “final extermination” of Armenians on April 15, 1915. The Armenian Genocide started on April 24, 1915 in Zeytoun.

In his memoirs published in 1946, Talaat Pasha confessed the extermination and destruction of the Armenians. He, however, explained it by the protection of “national interests” of the Turks and ” hindering the creation of an Armenian state on the border with Russia in the vilayets.”

On October 7, 1918, Talaat Pasha accepted the failure of the Young Turks policy and abdicated from power. He then fled to Germany where he lived under a different name. The military extraordinary court in Constantinople in 1919 remotely sentenced Talaat to death penalty for military crimes the destruction of the Armenian population of the Empire.

On March 15, 1921 Soghomon Tehlirian shot Talaat in the frameworks of the “Operation Nemesis” of the Dashnaktsutyun party.

FACT NUMBER

THEY USED THE WORLD WAR I AS A COVERUP

The Armenian genocide is very closely linked to World War I. The Ottoman Turkey was on the side of the Central Powers (Germany and Austria-Hungary). Their opponent were the Entente Powers (Great Britain, France, Russia, and Serbia).

World War I gave the Young Turk dictatorship an opportunity to implement their nationalist goals. the Young Turk government resolved a secret military agreement with their ally Germany on August 2, 1914. Soon, it formally entered the war on the side of the Central Powers on November 11.

After beating back an initial Russian invasion, Ottoman invaded the Caucasus (today: Armenia and Georgia). Afterward, they sought to advance their military positions into the Persian Empire (today: Iran). That winter, however, the Turks suffered a disastrous defeat in the Caucasus. Consequnetly, Russian troops invaded the Ottoman Empire. On the other hand, Great Britain and France attacked the Empire during the last week of April 1915 at Gallipoli. They wanted to knock the Ottomans out of the war.

Armenians were in the Conflict Zones…

Even though the Ottoman Empire was mostly Muslim, there were also some Christian populations. In the eastern provinces, though, Armenian Christians made up 45% of the population.

Under pressure, Ottoman military chiefs view Armenians as a threat which is acting in their enemy’s (Russia’s) interests. Hence, they pressed for the deportation of Armenians from the war zone. During diputes with the Entente Powers and the still neutral United States, Ottomans explained their deportations as a precautionary measure.

In January of 1915, during the Battle of Sarakimis with Russia, the Ottoman 3rd Army lost more than half of the soldiers. Even though Armenian soldiers in the Ottoman army usually fought loyally and bravely, the CUP leaders still publicly blamed the defeat on Armenian “traitors”.

The Three Pashas clearly knew that they should carry out the acts of genocide while the fog of war was still in play. That way, the foreign hands would be tied up and there would be no pressures.

Talât Pasha once even told to a German embassy representative the following when the latter brought up the genocide,

“Turkey is taking advantage of the war for thoroughly liquidating its internal foes, i.e. the indigenous Christians, without being thereby disturbed by foreign intervention.”

FACT NUMBER

ARMENIANS WERE NOT THE ONLY VICTIMS UNDER THE MASK OF WWI

Armenians surely suffered the most deaths during the attempts of the Ottoman Empire to eradicate Christian minorities during the period of World War I. Therefore, the Armenian Genocide is usually the main point of discussion. Unfortunately, other than the Armenian genocide, the genocide of both the Assyrians and the Greeks happened as well.

The Greek Genocide

The Young Turks originally planned the Greek genocide, including the Pontic genocide. It is no coincidence that in October of 1915, Turkish military Minister Enver Pasha politically declared that the Greek problem would be solved in the same way as the Armenians’.

During the same days the first wave of the extermination of the Greek people rose in Smyrna. On May 19 (1919), Kemal Ataturk in Samsun put the start of the second wave of the extermination of the Greek, including the Pontic Greeks.

By his order, the Greek and Armenian districts of Smyrna got burnt with tens of thousands of Greeks and Armenians killed. It is no coincidence that Winston Churchill said of Smyrna’s disaster the following: “Kemal turned it into ashes by annihilating all the Christian population”. Kemal, in turn, bravely and impudently announced that Turkey got rid of foreigners and now belongs only and only to the Turks.

The Greek victims’ death count is around 750,000. In addition, i 1923, a population exchange took place between Turkey and Greece. This effectively ending the bloodshed, but two million people forcibly left their homes.

The Assyrian Genocide

There are a few reasons for the Assyrian genocide, but religious cleansing of the Turkic lands seems to be main one. This happened during a period when the political and military power of the Ottoman Empire was getting weak against the Western powers. The Young Turk government soon realized that their territory at the end of World War 1 could be limited to an area not far beyond where the Turks dominated. Hence, they aimed at freeing up as much territory as possible for Turkic-speaking Muslims.

The Turkish explanation of the deportations was that the Assyrians were seeking power, autonomy, largely with the aid of the Russians(their enemy).
Most of Assyrians that died during the genocide died in the process of the deportation to and through the Syrian Desert, largely because of starvation and dehydration.

The Assyrian victims’ death count is around 300,000, with most of the killings largely happening around the Empire’s border with Persia. In the town of Midyat about 25,000 Assyrians lost their lives. In the town, there was a small uprising, which the Empire ultimately squashed.

FACT NUMBER

THE PLAN OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE CONSISTED OF 4 STAGES

Genocide – an organized extermination of people, with the ultimate goal of ending their collective existence. Therefore, for implementing the genocide, a centralized programming and an internal mechanism for its implementation are needed. This makes the genocide a state crime, as the state has all the resources that can be used to implement this policy.

In order to implement their program, the Ottoman authorities first tried to deprive Armenians of the opportunity to resist. So…

The first stage

Men with the age of 18 to 45 years were enlisted to the army. After the defeat of the Turkish army near Sarighamish, Enver Pasha ordered to disarm and destroy Armenian soldiers in February 1915. At first, they took the Armenians back from their front lines to the rear line – the military battalions, and then took them out of their places and slaughtered. Meanwhile, they confiscated the small amount of weapons and ammunition of the Armenian population.

The second stage

The second stage of Armenian Genocide was the arrest and destruction of Armenian intelligentsia and the power which unified them. Nazareth Chaush, Van’s Ishkhan (Nikoghayos Poghosyan), Arshak Vramyan (Onik Derdakyan) – a member of the Ottoman Parliment, and many others were killed in Zeytoun.

About 800 intellectuals were arrested in Constantinople on April 24 of 1915 and its following days and taken to the depths of Anatolia. Among them were composer Komitas, writers Grigor Zohrap, Ruben Sevak, Daniel Varoujan, Siamanto, Ruben Zardaryan, doctor Nazareth Taghavarian and many others. Most of them died. In June 1915, in one of the squares of Constantinople,  Hunchakian activist Paramaz (Matteos Sargisyan) and his 19 fellow party friends were hanged.

The third stage

Mass deportations of tens of thousands of defenseless women, children and elderly people began. In some places the Armenian population tried to resist. The deportation and massacre of the Armenian population of Van, Erzurum, Bitlis, Kharberd, Sebastia, Diyarbakir, Cilicia, Western Anatolia and other places started in May-June 1915.

During the deportations, Turkish soldiers, policemen, Kurdish gangs killed hundreds of thousands of people, others died of epidemics. Thousands of women and children were subjected to violence. Tens of thousands of people became violent and turned into a Muslim

US Ambassador to Turkey Henry Morgenthau had already guessed that the deportation of the Armenian population pursues one goal – mass destruction of Armenians. The ultimate goal of deportation was also known to Turkey’s ally Germany, whose ambassador Hans Wangenhaym had informed his government about it in July 1915.

The fourth stage

The last, fourth phase of the Armenian Genocide is the universal and absolute denial of the genocide committed by the Turkish government in its homeland. Despite the ongoing process of the international condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, Turkey continues to fight against the recognition of the Genocide, including the deception, propaganda, lobbying and other means.

FACT NUMBER

THERE ARE STREETS AND BUILDINGS NAMED AFTER THE GENOCIDE EXECUTIONERS IN TURKEY

FACT NUMBER

THE ARMENIAN REVOLUTIONARY FEDERATION IMPLEMENTED THE “OPERATION NEMESIS”

FACT NUMBER

THERE ARE MANY DOCUMENTARY AND ARTISTIC FILMS DEDICATED TO THE GENOCIDE

FACT NUMBER

THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT STILL DENIES THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

Article 10 facts about the Armenian Genocide is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

Lake Sevan

Lake Sevan is in Gegharunik province of Armenia. It is the second largest freshwater high-altitude lake in the world after Lake Titicaca. Sevan had different names during the course of the history: Gegharquni, Laknitis etc.
The length is 70 km. It is the largest lake in the Southern Caucasus. According to the genealogical facts of the lake, it was originated in the fourth era.

For a long time, the linguists explained the name of the lake dividing its name into “sev” (black) and “vank” (monastery) relating it to the Sevanavank monastery. Princess of Syunik Mariam Bagratuni built the monastery from black tufa (a type of stone).

There are two traditions about the origin of Sevan.

Tradition 1

According to the first tradition, there was a land in the place of the lake with forested hills, fields full of flowers and mellow tillages. Near to the village, there was a source. When the villagers wanted to take water from it, they opened the big plug of its outfall. After taking the water they closed it very carefully.

One evening one of the women of the village goes to the source for bringing water, takes out the plug, pours the water and goes back home, without closing it. So, water overflows. The flood reaches to the houses. While the people were running away leaving their houses behind, they are shouting “Whoever left the outfall open may become a stone”. So, the uncareful women become a stone. The water gathers and gather. So Lake Sevan originated.

Tradition 2

People from Van migrate to the shores of Sevan thinking that it is also a “Van”. But later, they don’t like the cold and cruel climate. They remember the mild weather of their country, so they start shouting ” Սև Վան եկավ մեր գլխին, սև Վան (sev Van)”. So the lake got “Sevan” name.

Sevanavank monastery

Sevanavank

Sevan Lake has a rich history, as well as “rich view” for those who visit there. Not only the lake but also its peninsula has great historical heritage.

Sevanavank was established in the peninsula of Sevan lake, from Sevan town to the east. During the excavations, archaeologists found out that there were residents there in new stone and bronze ages.

When, in 301, Armenian king Tirridates III got repentance from St Grigor I Illuminator and accepted the Christianity, in Armenia Christianity became a national religion. Everywhere people established monasteries and churches. Grigor Illuminator established first two churches of Sevanavank: St Harutyun and St Karapet (after St Hovhannes Mkrtich).

The Dream

According to the inscription on the southern wall of St Araqelots church, in the 9th-century princess Mariam – the daughter of Ashot I Bagratuni – enlarged and constructed the monastery. Metropolitan bishop of Syunik S. Orbelyan who was 13th century-bibliographer, describes like this:

“In this time blessed Mashtots was popular with his grace in Sevana peninsula… After many endeavours, in her dream, she gets an order to build a church after the names of 12 disciples and establish a unity. And for that, in her dream, walking on the lake, 12 disciples come to her and show the place of the church.

After this dream and motivated by divine influence Mariam – wife of Vasak Syuni – comes to St Mashtots, convinces him and they establish the beautiful churches. One of them got the name of St Astvatsatsin, the other one got the names of 12 disciples”.

During the invasion of Mongols and Timurid, the monastery was plundered and destroyed. But, fortunately, in 1451 the Catechism of the monastery was established.

During the Soviet period, the monastery stopped its function (the building of St Astvatsatsin was destroyed in 1931 and they took the stones for building a resort House). The ruinous earthquake damaged the monastery in 1936. Since the 1990s, the monastery has its religious renascence, its theological Academy started working again. Sevanavank is one of the most popular historical cultural places of Armenia.

Sevanavank monastery

The Monastic Complex

The monastery consists of Sb Araqelots and Sb Karapet churches, the wrecks of the yard, partly rebuilt monastic cabins, the ground of St Harutyun church. St Astvatsatsin church and the yard next to it doesn’t exist. There is also the basis of inner and outer walls, some residential and economic buildings.

Princess Mariam and Sevanavank

Till the 9th century, the monastery consisted of 2 churches. One of them, St Harutyun church, was established in 305. During the reign of Ashot, I Bagratuni and the 200 years period of Bagratunyats kingdom was advantageous for the economic and cultural rise of Armenia. Many monasteries and churches were built, including in Sevanavank.

According to the Armenian narrators, princess Mariam had decided to build 30 churches on the memory of her husband who died when he was young. Meeting the abbot of Sevanavank, future catholicos Mashtots Eghivardetsi, he took the responsibility to sponsor the reconstruction of the monastery and enlargement and establish St Araelots and St Astvatsatsin churches.

Monastic Houses, economic institutions and a yard with four pillars attached to St Astvatsatsin church were built.

Sevanavank monastery

St Karapet Church

The date of the full renovation of this church is the end of the 9th century. The central part of the church has a “leaf” shape.

St Araqelots Yard

The wrecks of the yard are in the western part of the church. The establishment date of the yard is the 9th or 10th century. On the floor, there are the grounds of six pillars. The central part had a special way of construction, people called it “yerdik”.

St Araqelots

St Araqelots and St Astvatsatsin churches’ establishment date was the same. The western part which is long has a rectangular hall.
The open space of the western side is remarkable. Its vault is wider and keeps the whole weight of the cupola on it. After the successful construction of this type of church, in all western Armenia people started building churches in this type, only bigger than this one.
According to the inscription of the southern part, the establishment date is 874, by princess Mariam who was the daughter of Ashot Bagratuni.

Khachkars, Sevanavank monastery

Khachkars

There are many khachkars and their pieces in Sevanavank. From every period of the history of the monastery came magnificent examples. One of the most magnificent examples are the sculptures. In the base of these sculptures is a green fragile stone. The complication of the khachkars proves the luxury of the sculptures and monuments. One can suppose how the monks took care of the artworks, considering their ecclesiastical worth.

St Harutyun

This is the oldest church of Sevanavank. Grigor I the Illuminator built this church, in 305.
The church doesn’t exist now. from the grounds of it, one can conclude that it had great size. In Armenia this type of church was rare.

So, if you want to be one of the luckiest tourists who visited this must-see monastery, than plan your way to Lake Sevan.

Article Sevanavank is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

On April 17, the National Assembly elections of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia started. Serzh Sargsyan became the prime minister. 77 National Assembly deputies voted for, 15 voted against.

At about 12:10, during the rally in the French Square, Nikol Pashinyan announced that he is now starting a velvet revolution and they must block public institutions. During the rally, the crowd of protesters stretched from the French Square to Amiryan Street.

Some related links:

• Protests Against Serzh Sargsyan.
• Read the brief article Armenian “Velvet” Revolution.
• Read the detailed article Velvet Revolution of Armenia.
• Pashinyan – Karapetyan Meeting (did not take place)

After the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan, which took place on April 23, Nikol Pashinyan made a speech at the Republic Square of Armenia.

Earlier, Nikol Pashinyan stated during a press conference:

I will become the prime minister, if the nation puts that responsibility on me.

Also, as another reminder, acccording to Pashinyan the following is the second step after Serzh Sargsyan resigned:

“The National Assembly must elect a candidate for the prime minister chosen by the nation and this should take place within the next week. After which there will be a temporary government. Then, snap parliamentary elections should take place as soon as possible.”

So far, the Armenian nation’s only candidate for the post of the Prime Minister is no other than Nikol Pashinyan. However, during May 1 elections, which took about 10 hours, he didn’t get enough votes. So, the civil disobedience continued.

See: What happened after May 1?

With enough deputies ready to nominate Nikol Pashinyan for the PM post, the second elections took place. This time again, he was the only candidate.

Before talking about the elections which took place on May 8, let’s go back for several days.

Important Events Prior To May 8 Elections

Will Eduard Sharmazanov vote for Pashinyan during the upcoming elections?

During an interview with Azatutyun, he answered this question as follows:

There is a faction announcement, which states that they will support the candidate nominated by one third of the parliament of the Republic of Armenia. Support means they will ensure that the PM candidate has 53 votes or more so that he becomes the prime minister. Does this mean that everyone should vote in the united party?

I do not think so… I think the essential part  is that we do not go to the deepening and confrontation of the political crisis. On May 8, the Republican faction, maybe even with his political views, vision, and also by not seeing Pashinyan as prime minister and supreme commander-in-chief, will not become an obstacle. Moreover, it will also support with its votes. We have 45 votes to ensure that we have the PM.

Pashinyan has also stated:

I can assure that there will not be any oligarch in the government.

Serzh Tankian‘s speech:

For many years, the world has known us by genocide, by the earthquake and war. But now with this movement you have raised the rating of our entire Armenian nation. Like you, I dreamed of this day for years, and I am fully proud of standing beside you.

May 8 Elections: The New Prime Minister

During the special session of the National Assembly 42 deputies voted against and 59 deputies voted for Pashinyan. Later, Armenian President Armen Sargsyan signed a decree on appointing Nikol Pashinyan as Prime Minister.

Consequently, Pashinyan officially became the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

In response to Azatutyun Radiostation’s question whether he was ready to include in the government the opposition Republican Party members, Pashinyan replied:

We will do discussions … If we say solidarity, it can not be just a slogan, but be something else in practice. We, of course, will work in that direction.

He did not name any specific candidates.

There are many candidates because there are many politicians and professionals in Armenia who must be involved in the governance of the country.

He said there would be changes in the government, including the Minister of Defense.

The first important step, of course, is the launch of reforms in the electoral system. We will definitely take measures in that direction. But the first thing I am going to do today is to hear the report of the Armed Forces and representatives of the National Security Authorities on the security environment of our country.

To the question, which power will be reduced, the newly-elected prime minister responded: – “I have already said that there should not be a supreme prime minister system.

This is how the nation responded to the long waited moment:

What reforms will take place in the country?

Referring to foreign political priorities, Pashinyan announced that after the election of the prime minister, the pivot of Armenia’s foreign policy will be the collective interest of the nation. Accordingly, relations will develop with Georgia and Iran, Russia and the European Union, the United States, China and India.

Armenia will enter into an agreement with the European Union and will continue to be a member of the YAP and CSTO. “We consider military cooperation with Russia as an important factor of Armenia’s security system. One of our priorities is the deepening of relations with European countries and the European Union. ”

He stated that in the conditions of equality before the law, there must also be an economic revolution. He called on Diaspora businessmen to come and make investments in Armenia.

Also, he called on Armenian businessmen to work by law, properly paying taxes. – “Be sure that the money you pay to the country will not be robbed but will serve to the interests of our nation and state.”

According to him, the introduction of a model of economic development will truly change people’s lives. It will dramatically increase the growth of the budget, which will enable the increase of salaries and pensions.

Nikol Pashinyan will assign three priorities for economic development. The spheres of information technologies, agriculture and tourism should be developed at revolutionary rates. New goverment will revise the farmers’ heavy loan obligations. The logic of fining citizens in different fields should change. – “The Republic of Armenia must become a state that cooperates with its citizen, rather than pursuing them, and being a punitive state.

More reforms:

Reforms will take place “without vendettas” – “All people are equal before the law, there will be no privileges in Armenia. The election results will no longer be rigged. There will be no election bribes. No artificial economic monopolies, everyone will be able to deal with his preferred business. Human rights will be protected.

The government will not be a means of earning money, there will no longer be corruption in the country and that’s it. There will be a supremacy of laws and rights. Let no one ever doubt that our government will make crucial changes in this period.

At the same time, I should emphasize again that we will solve these problems without vendettas. With no redistribution of property, strictly adhering to the law, the rights and interests of all citizens. The page of political and economic repression no longer exists. The law will be equal and shall act in the same way both with the political allies and friends, and with political opponents and critics. This is the main and most important message of the Armenian Revolution, which we must adhere to and endure.”

Education should be non-partisan. There should be erious reforms should in health care, social security. We must end the practice of leaving the social burden of our soldiers on their parents. It is also unacceptable that the information about the death of a soldier in by the enemy or in a peaceful manner becomes common in the newsletters. – “Every citizen of Armenia should be convinced that the Republic of Armenia is doing its best and the impossible to save every soldier’s life, health and security”.

He also added. “We put all our hopes on the professionals in the public administration system who have come to their positions thanks to their talent and diligence.”

And this is not all!

Pashinyan says the most important of all changes is the reform of the electoral system in order to hold free, fair and transparent elections. “This is a priority for us, because we remain sure that Armenia’s processes started moving in the wrong direction, whenever the country began to use the practice of election results faking, hindering voters’ free expression of will.

We need to provide a moral, legal and technical environment to avoid any such manipulation in the future.”

There should no longer be prisoners for political reasons in Armenia. “I want to assure you that the history of the Third Republic, many issues of the past will definitely have their answers in the near future. But all this that will take place will not be moved by hatred, hostility, harassment, but by the public dialogues, the search for truth, reconciliation and national unity in the atmosphere.

The government will also make efforts to ensure that the prisoners that are in jail for their political activities are released as early as possible. And we will eventually be released from the shameful stigma of a political prisoner. ”

“Hatred and its preaching no longer have a place in the new Armenia. There is no doubt that a new and glorious page has been opened for the history of Armenia. There will be no going back to the past. Our country has no place for despair and impasse. Our country is standing firm on its feet, with its open front and firm backbone, “Nikol Pashinyan concluded his speech at the National Assembly.

PRESIDENT ARMEN SARGSYAN’S SPEECH

We should be proud of today’s Armenia. We have been able to do something that no other country or state has been able to do in the last few decades. That is, to do a revolution, call it velvet, or some color, for me it is an Armenian revolution or a revolution in the Armenian way, where people revolutionize without a conflict, with flowers, smiles, joy and balloons.

Nikol Pashinyan is a talented person. I have a lot of practical and respectful relationships with him. I have and will have my contribution to make the government succeed, otherwise the movement is meaningless. Otherwise, all the hopes that the people have for the future will be meaningless. So, I hope tomorrow will be better and the government will justify itself.

The first sitting of the Government with Nikol Pashinyan as the Prime Minister

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you all. The government has gathered for the last time in such a composition. I wish you all success. I wish good luck to the newly forming government.

At the end of the day, it became known that Nikol Pashinyan appointed his party members in a number of positions: Ararat Mirzoyan First Deputy Prime Minister, Tigran Avinyan Deputy Prime Minister. Ex-Minister of Emergency Situations Davit Tonoyan Defense, Arayik Harutyunyan – Education and Science, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan Diaspora, Suren Papikyan Minister of Territorial Administration and Development.

The newly appointed Chief of Police Valeri Osipyan announced after the government session that he agreed to take the position to show that the police are really standing next to the people. Osipian is ready to take the responsibility for his colleagues.

Minister of Transport Vahan Martirosyan said he did not want the post. Meanwhile, Minister of Health Levon Altunyan is waiting for the offer.

Mayor Taron Margaryan arrived at the cabinet meeting. In addition, people have been demanding his resignation as well. The mayor however did not intend to follow the example of his party leader Serzh Sargsyan.

Article May 8 Elections: The New Prime Minister is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

On April 17, the National Assembly elections of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia started. Serzh Sargsyan became the prime minister. 77 National+

Assembly deputies voted for, 15 voted against.

At about 12:10, during the rally in the French Square, Nikol Pashinyan announced that he is now starting a velvet revolution and they must block public institutions. During the rally, the crowd of protesters stretched from the French Square to Amiryan Street.

Some related links:

• Protests Against Serzh Sargsyan.
• Read the brief article Armenian “Velvet” Revolution.
• Read the detailed article Velvet Revolution of Armenia.
• Pashinyan – Karapetyan Meeting (did not take place)

After the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan, which took place on April 23, Nikol Pashinyan made a speech at the Republic Square of Armenia.

Earlier, Nikol Pashinyan stated during a press conference:

I will become the prime minister, if the nation puts that responsibility on me.

Also, as another reminder, acccording to Pashinyan the following is the second step after Serzh Sargsyan resigned:

“The National Assembly must elect a candidate for the prime minister chosen by the nation and this should take place within the next week. After which there will be a temporary government. Then, snap parliamentary elections should take place as soon as possible.”

So far, the Armenian nation’s only candidate for the post of the Prime Minister is no other than Nikol Pashinyan. However, during May 1 elections, which took about 10 hours, he didn’t get enough votes. So…

What Happened After May 1?

After the vote, Pashinyan, in the crowded rally in Yerevan’s Republic Square, c

alled on the civil disobedience actions to resume. Demonstrators started to close Mashtots-Tumanyan and Mashtots-Amiryan intersections and even the road taking to the airport.

The evening of May 1, 2018 (Republic Square)

During an interview with Azatutyun Radio station, he answered several important questions.

Interviewer:

Mr. Pashinyan, do you think after seven days there’ll be Prime Minister’s new election? Or do you think that it can be resolved sooner?

Pashinyan:

There should be new de jure election for the post of the prime minister. Otherwise, if the election does not take place, extraordinary parliamentary elections will take place. You know, we analyze the scenarios and, in all scenarios, no one can defeat the pan-national movement. You see what’s going on, and the people who have felt the breath of victory can not let go of that victory.

Interviewer:

If the Republican Party holds the snap elections, are you ready for this scenario?

Pashinyan:

Yes, we are ready for all scenarios, and in each scenario we have a plan of action.

Interviewer:

Mr. Pashinyan, have you found the answer to the question as to what is the principal obstacle that they do not want to cede the power?

Pashinyan:

You know, they just use the opportunity. Because they only understand the power of brutal force, they do not understand anything else or they find it hard to understand. They think that if love and tolerance make up the revolution, then they can benefit from this love and tolerance, to save their seats for four more days.

The second issue is, I’m sure that their behavior is provocative. They want to annoy people, but that will not happen. Yesterday, they were constantly talking about aggravations, clashes. What clash? 95% of the people are supporters of the movement, who will clash with whom? Now they say that someone sent a provocative group, provokes clashes. That is no way to happen, no one can provoke, the whole situation is 100% under our control.

Nevertheless, two members of the Republican Party did not obey the decision of the faction to vote against Pashinyan. Grigor Avalyan did this indirectly, did not attend the session, and announced that he was leaving the mandate. Former deputy head of the National Security Service, former governor of Shirak, General Felix Tsolakyan voted for me. According to him, he did it as dictated his conscience.

Pashinyan also made a speech at the Republic Square.

Here it is:

It is already fixed that this is another Armenia and only 50 chairs in Baghramyan 19 remain in Armenia. The rest of Armenia is under the full control of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia.

The behavior of the Republican faction was exclusively provocative, they constantly wanted to make the people and their candidate nervous. To make them lose control, take provocative steps, to organize attacks. But we, dear people, are not engaged in marauding. That political corpse, which is called The Republican Party and faction, do not deserve our attention at all. And if it comes to negotations, I officially state that they can only refer to the political funeral of the Republican Party.

I want to clearly estimate what happened. The Republican faction’s voting has and will have the same effect as our kidnapping from Artsakh street and Erebuni street. I want to record that we have no option of doing a step back even half a millimeter.

The President’s Statement On The Latest Events

Yesterday, the National Assembly failed to elect the prime minister. I am really sorry that the political crisis is continuing despite the fact that everyone announces its danger for the future of the country.

Our attention is focused on the actions of the political forces involved. I urge you to continue the concils in the coming weeks to find a way out of the crisis that will serve our common national interests.

In addition, according to point 3 of Article 149 of the Constitution,”In case of a Prime Minister not being elected, seven days after the voting, a new Prime Minister’s election should take place. In which, at least one third of the total number of Deputies should nominate the candidates of the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister is not elected by a majority of the total number of Deputies, the National Assembly shall be released by law.

Hence, the issue of the election of the prime minister will be discussed at the special sitting of the National Assembly on May 8 at 12:00 pm by law. Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan stated this.

Pashinyan’s Speech at the Republic Square

The rally of Nikol Pashinyan on May 2 was in a festive atmosphere. He stated during the rally:

I had a meeting with Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukyan. Then, we had a talk with head of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun faction Armen Rustamyan. And you know that we all represent “Exit(Elq)” faction.

So tomorrow, with your permission, one third of the deputies of the National Assembly will formally nominate me as a candidate for the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. In other words,” Tsarukyan “,” Dashnaktsutyun “and” Exit “factions will give their signature for my candidacy for the prime minister. Do you agree with that option?

The oppositionist asked this to the crowd which greeted him with enthusiastic exclamations.

Pashinyan also informed that a meeting of the Republican faction took place. As a result of it, the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) stated that they will support the “candidate of the people” in the upcoming elections.

That is, if we take into account today’s political statements, the task of electing the candidate of the people in the second round of the Prime Minister’s elections is practically solved.

The oppositionist also added that so far all these are “verbal statements”. And, it is necessary to conduct concrete actions tomorrow, prepare documents.

In this regard, we offer the following scenario: tomorrow we are not carrying out any rallies in Yerevan or in the marzes of Armenia, and you are resting. We are working in the National Assembly and we are trying to make sure that these statements, which I have mentioned, particularly regarding the RPA, are guaranteed.

Pashinyan called on not to lose alertness in all cases, and to follow his Facebook page.

Because just theoretically, the events can develop in such a way, that there might be the need to hold rallies any time of the day.

Nikol Pashinyan also called on everyone to gather again on May 8 on the day of the Prime Minister’s election.

Our source: Azatutyun.am

Article What Happened After May 1? is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

On April 17, the National Assembly elections of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia started. Serzh Sargsyan became the prime minister. 77 National Assembly deputies voted for, 15 voted against.

At about 12:10, during the rally in the French Square, Nikol Pashinyan announced that he is now starting a velvet revolution and they must block public institutions. During the rally, the crowd of protesters stretched from the French Square to Amiryan Street.

Some related links:

• Protests Against Serzh Sargsyan.
• Read the brief article Armenian “Velvet” Revolution.
• Read the detailed article Velvet Revolution of Armenia.
• Pashinyan – Karapetyan Meeting (did not take place)

After the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan, which took place on April 23, Nikol Pashinyan made a speech at the Republic Square of Armenia.

Earlier, Nikol Pashinyan stated during a press conference:

I will become the prime minister, if the nation puts that responsibility on me.

Also, as another reminder, acccording to Pashinyan the following is the second step after Serzh Sargsyan resigned:

“The National Assembly must elect a candidate for the prime minister chosen by the nation and this should take place within the next week. After which a temporary government will be formed. Then snap parliamentary elections should be held as soon as possible.”

So far, the Armenian nation’s only candidate for the post of the Prime Minister is no other than Nikol Pashinyan.

Armenian Revolutionary Federation Party stated:

The federation has no final decision. But we think that in the context of our yesterday’s statement, we will defend Nikol Pashinyan’s nomination.

On the day before, they issued a statement suggesting to form a unified political agenda. with the participation of all parliamentary factions ahead of the special session of the parliament scheduled for May 1. And come to an agreement on a common candidate which enjoys the trust of the people who should “provide the relevant staff and program of activities of the Government on the basis of conciliation”.

Prosperous Armenia’s Leader Tsarukyan stated:

If the victory belongs to the people, nobody has the moral right to take that victory. It is the people’s victory, hence, the people must decide and offer the candidate. With my whole team, I will give my voice to the people’s candidate.

Republican Party stated:

If three political forces of the National Assembly have a single candidate, we will not be an obstacle to the people’s candidate. We will not be an obstacle.

The leader of the “My Step” initiative, Nikol Pashinyan, announced at the rally at Republic Square that he is ready to assume the post of Prime Minister.

Nikol Pashinyan

Now I want to clearly answer this pending question of the Republic of Armenia. I want to look straight in the eyes of all of you, with all the confidence to declare this. Yes, I am ready to take the post of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia with responsibility, because I serve to the people of Armenia.

In adition, thousands of supporters in the square warmly recieved his statement.

His speech on the next day is as follows:

It is absolutely not essential who will be the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. Because what’s essential is that there is a ruler of the country, the people who have taken the power of the country in their own hands.

He also noted that the only candidate nominated for the Prime Minister’s post on May 1 parliamentary elections was himself. Also, that he had received the support from the three “Exit(Elq)”, “Tsarukyan” and ARF factions. In addition, the majority of the Republican Party stated that they would not be and obstacle.

The square welcomed his statement with “Nikol, Nikol” exclamations. Interrupting them, Pashinyan continued:

So far many people seemed to think this would be the most important event in the recent political process. In reality, however, it is now possible to state that the most important event took place before that. The most important event took place a few days ago. And it was obvious to all of us, that in the Republic of Armenia there is a nation who stands up and took everything in their own hands.

I want to say that it is absolutely not important who will be the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia. The most important thing is that there are people in the country who very clearly, with all the details know what to do if suddenly any government in the country acts impudently, loses itself, loses its passion for experience and underestimates its people.

On May 1,  Nikol Pashinyan, through Facebook broadcast, stated that the ruling Republican Party is trying to overthrow the May 1 Prime Minister’s elections, where the only candidate nominated is Pashinyan.

“We have just been informed that during a night-time meeting, the Republicans have decided to overthrow the Prime Minister’s elections,” he said.

“I urge you all to come early in the morning and gather in the Republic Square to counteract the new plan of Serzh Sargsyan and the Republican Party,” says the opposition leader. Also noting that there will be an attempt to restore the ruling Republican Party.

MAY 1 ELECTIONS

Nikol Pashinyan stated in his speech at the National Assembly:

It seemed that the Republican Party would soberly evaluate the situation and would be guided by the interests of the people and the state. And that it would contribute to the de jure record of this pan-national awakening. However, the leadership, headed by Serzh Sargsyan, continues playing the “mouse and the cat” with his own people.

They did not announce that they will vote for the people’s candidate, although they realize that this is the only way to overcome the crisis and put Armenia on the path of sustainable development.

Understanding the sensitivity of the situation, based on our ideology of love and tolerance, national unity and solidarity, we have created all the opportunities for dignified removal of Serzh Sargsyan and RP elite. But these people, who have kept their own people in chains for many years, are probably inclined to perceive this behavior as a weakness.

…

From the tribune of the National Assembly, I appeal to the people of the Republic of Armenia, every citizen. Dear compatriots, they want to steal your victory again, do not stay at home and at right now, go to the street and head towards the Republic Square, flood the streets and squares of other cities.

In his final speech, Pashinyan called on the deputies of the Republican Party that form the majority of the National Assembly to “vote for the benefit of the people.”

“I was blamed for the fact that I threatened to destroy the Republican Party. I officially state that I have no such intention. Because the Republican Party of Armenia in its present debate has destroyed itself irreversibly, “Nikol Pashinyan announced. Adding that “The power that declares war on its own people can not exist.”

The oppositionist also stated that all those who. “try to hint that there are some dark, alien forces in this movement, insult their own nation.”

“This shows that this faction has nothing to do with the Armenian people. They speak about explosive situation, yet there is no explosive situation. Today there is no correlation between forces in Armenia, there are people in Armenia today. On the other side, there are 20-25 deputies from Republican party and their elite. They want to prove that there is an explosive situation.

There will be no clash. I have said many times that in case of danger threatening the Republic of Armenia and the Artsakh Republic, this entire nationwide movement will dedicate themselves to the defense of Armenia and Artsakh.

MAY 1 ELECTION RESULTS

Nikol Pashinyan, however, did not receive enough votes. 45 voted for, and 56 voted against him.

In addition, only one deputy from the ruling Republican Party voted for Nikol Pashinyan, former governor of Shirak, Felix Tsolakyan.

After the voting, Azatutyun Rdio station asked Tsolakyan what was the reason for his decision. “Conscience and peace,” the deputy replied.

The “Tsarukyan” faction together wit the ARF party had earlier stated that they would support Pashinyan. Exit, Tsarukyan and ARF factions have a total of 47 votes in the parliament with 105 deputies. (ARF member Aghvan Vardanyan announced that he would not vote). At least 53 voices are needed for Pashinyan to be elected. The RPA has 58 mandates.

Article May 1 Elections is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.

On April 17, the National Assembly elections of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia started. Serzh Sargsyan became the prime minister. 77 National Assembly deputies voted for, 15 voted against.

At about 12:10, during the rally in the French Square, Nikol Pashinyan announced that he is now starting a velvet revolution and they must block public institutions. During the rally, the crowd of protesters stretched from the French Square to Amiryan Street.

Some related links:

• Protests Against Serzh Sargsyan.
• Read the brief article Armenian “Velvet” Revolution.
• Read the detailed article Velvet Revolution of Armenia.

After the resignation of Serzh Sargsyan, which took place on April 23, Nikol Pashinyan made a speech at the Republic Square of Armenia.

In his speech, he said:

I ask to accredit me to negotiate on behalf of the people with the acting Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan over smoothly passing the power.

 Pashinyan – Karapetyan Meeting

The Meeting Did Not Take Place

At midnight on April 24, the spokesperson for the Civil Treaty party Tigran Avinyan made a statement. He said that the meeting of Nikol Pashinyan and Karen Karapetyan will not take place on April 25. as their demands have not been met. He said that negotiations could only take place on the peaceful transfer of the power. Also, if the the NA snap elections take place. There should be no ruling Republican Party of Armenia in the Transitional Government.

At midnight, President of the Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan met with Nikol Pashinyan. According to media reports, they discussed internal political issues in Armenia.

Later Nikol Pashinyan in the live broadcast stated that if he did not get a call from the Republican Party, they would start protest actions early in the morning. He also said that his meeting should be in the format 3 + 3. Karen Karapetyan, Ara Babloyan and Vahram Baghdasaryan should take part from ruling party. The agenda should be exclusively on the peaceful transfer of power. The negotiation process should be in the same format as his meeting with Serzh. (i.e the presence of the press)

Acting Prime Minister, member of the Republican Party Karen Karapetyan stated that the negotiations will not take place. The reason being that the demands put forward by Nikol Pashinyan, that is, the format of the meeting, agenda and the coverage are unacceptable to them. He also added that they would not attend the meeting, as Nikol Pashinyan offered the list of people participating from the authorities. Also because Pashinyan stated that he would negotiate exclusively on his agenda.

On April 25, 2018, mass protests against the current Armenian authorities continued in many settlements in Armenia. The demonstrators were protesting, marching, blocking the streets and roads.

Meeting of the Republican Party Members

According to a press release by the Republican Party of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan attended the first half of the meeting. He presented the members the reasons for his resignation in more detail He also talked about different formats of work in the National Assembly. Additionally, urged to set the stability and security of the country as primary importance. He stated that they can achieve it only through the unity of the Republican Party.

In the second part of the meeting, the members discussed the current political situation and possible developments. (with Karen Karapetyan). After the agreement, they announced that the Republican faction is ready to discuss any issue with all sides without preconditions.

Pashinyan’s second invite

Nikol Pashinyan, on April 27, invited Karapetyan to the “Marriott” hotel to start the second stage of the negotiation process.

“The previous round of negotiations failed because of the following. When I was going to meet Karen Karapetyan, there were Republicans who said that he did not represent them. Yesterday they had a party meeting with Serzh Sargsyan’s participation. Eventually, they came to a common agreement that Karen Karapetyan should be authorized to negotiate,” Pashinyan said.

“As previously, we are ready to continue the negotiation process within the framework of our proposed agenda. Tomorrow, at 12:00 pm, I invite Karen Karapetyan to the Marriott Hotel to start the second stage of the negotiation process,” he added.

The oppositionist underlined that there is one concrete precondition for the negotiations. It should take place with the participation of journalists. “To make public aware of what we are discussing”.

“We will not negotiate with the Republican Party behind closed doors, we will negotiate in front of the people. Because we declare that the people are the government, the people are our leader, the people are our boss. We have to be accountable to our leader for every step we take” , he added.

Karen Karapetyan doesn’t accept the invite

Prime Minister’s spokesman Aram Araratyan said in a statement on his Facebook page.

“Nikol Pashinyan’s invitation does not differ from the previous one,. Except that this time he does not dictate who should attend the negotiations. Karen Karapetyan’s answer is the same as the last time. Negotiations, where one party exclusively dictates the agenda and the other can not present their own, can’t be considered negotiations.

Besides, Karen Karapetyan remains the view that the holding of negotiations before the media suggests that the goal of the negotiations is not to record any results. That’s why participation in “negotiations”, which is unlikely to get a soultion, is unpromising”.

Pashinyan’s response was:

“I think that Karen Karapetyan is not sure about his negotiating strength. And as a man not quite sure about his negotiating strength inside his homeland, how is he going to negotiate on the Karabakh issue at all?”

In additions, the Prime Minister elections should be taking place on March 1.

Pashinyan’s speech on April 28

There is no doubt that the non-violent, national velvet revolution launched in Armenia a month ago has won. And we need another short period of time for turning that that victory, that de facto victory into de jure. And I am glad to see that our people are standing in the defense of this strong victory.

Some people hoped that the nation would be so happy about Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation that they would forget what he had gathered for. Serzh Sargsyan’s resignation is a necessary but insufficient condition to complete this process. The de facto victory of the people must be de jure.

But the revolution shouldn’t stop even there, because the main meaning of the revolution is that from now on, no one, no party, no group, no clan will own the power. Regardless of their status and position. The government will belong to the nation, only and only to the nation, solely to the nation.

This victory has one author, one director, one owner, and that owner is the victorious citizen of the Republic of Armenia and the people of the Republic of Armenia.

According to him, the Republican Party and the Acting Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan should understand that there is no longer a country that they can govern.

They will not be able to take a breathe even for a minute, as long as they do not accept the nationwide victory.

Nikol’s Speech About Negotiations

There are many talks about negotations, but these negotiations don’t take place for a variety of reasons. I want to confirm that we are ready for negotiations and we are interested in solving this problem day before. And if there are any complications in this or that format, we are ready directly negotiate with all the members of the Parliament at the same time.

In other words, we are ready to meet the deputies in one room and discuss the situation and offer our solutions and listen to their opinions. We are ready to meet with all deputies at the same time if there is a need. We are also ready to negotiate with other acceptable formats. I want to say that we are the ones most interested in the end of this history, in recording the de jure victory the day before.

During the rally in Vanadzor, the opposition also leader announced that the Republican Party will not nominate a PM.

Vice-President of the National Assembly, a member of the RP Sharmazanov announced during the press conference:

Today, the representatives of the Republican Party of Armenia met with the President of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Serzh Sargsyan and First Deputy Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia Karen Karapetyan.

The agenda included one issue – the domestic political situation in Armenia and the participation of the Republican Party of Armenia in the May 1 parliamentary elections.

Taking into account the internal political situation, the Republican Party of Armenia has always mentioned that the most important thing for us is the interests of the state, the interests of the Homeland, the security of Armenia and Artsakh and its internal stability.

Being guided by these challenges and these priorities, the Republican Party has decided today: a) The Republican Party of Armenia will not nominate a candidate for the PM and b) the Republican Party of Armenia will discuss all the candidates, the programs of all candidates and together will present their decision before the votes. That’s all.

Article Pashinyan – Karapetyan Meeting is the first on iArmenia: Armenian History, Holidays, Sights, Events.