2021 April 25

Daily news wrap-up

Apr/25/2021 news recap: (1) World marks the 106th anniversary of Armenian Genocide (2) Idaho officially recognizes Artsakh Republic (3) Armenian gymnast becomes European Champion (4) Wrestlers win medals (5) Air defense report (6) French delegation (7) Hundreds of thousands of trees planted
by ar_david_hh

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Your 11-minute weekend report in 2625 words.

the world marked the 106th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide

ADANA song author Daniel Decker: the time has come for the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Candlelight vigil was held in Beirut and Glendale. Armenians marched in Sydney. An event was organized in Moscow and Switzerland.

U.S. Sen. Warren: I welcome Joe Biden's intention to recognize the Genocide. It is time to call the massacres for what they are: genocide.

Deputy President of European Parliament Castaldo: I urge all EU states to recognize the Armenian Genocide. A clear position on the issue will also prevent the authoritarian regimes from distorting the truth.

France will always fight against denial, hatred, and violence, said President Macron in a message.

Seda Aznavour: Le 9 avril 1975, la Chambre des représentants des États-Unis adopte la résolution n° 148 adoptant la date du 24 avril , comme la « journée nationale de commémoration de l’inhumanité de l’Homme contre l’Homme ». La résolution insiste sur les victimes de génocides, en particulier celles du génocide Arménien. Les victimes restent en nos coeurs pour toujours.❤️

Sec. Gen. of Organization of American States Aramgo: the Genocide is a reminder of the unbreakable character and resilience of the Armenian people. The fact of the Armenian Genocide is historically undeniable.

Luxemburg MFA Asselborn: I couldn't visit Armenia this year but I assure you that Armenia people are in my heart. I remember how moved I was by the photos at the Armenian Genocide Museum during my 2018 trip.

French Senate President Gerard Larcher laid flowers in Tsitsernakaberd.

The Speaker of the Central American Parliament paid tribute in Tsitsernakaberd to the memory of the victims. "The Armenian people have sacrificed a lot for a long time in order to preserve their millennial culture, language, religion, and survive," said Carolina Fernandes.

Not recognizing the Genocide is the same as denying it, said former Swedish Left Party leader Ulla Hoffmann.

Lebanon's Youth and Sports Minister Ohanian visited Tsitsernakaberd.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050134.html You can always count on our friendship and support, said Lebanon's MFA Charbel Wehbe].

The world must have the courage to give absolute priority to humanity by recognizing the Armenian Genocide, said upper-chamber Swiss National Councilman Carlo Sommaruga.

I hope the Spanish government will recognize the Armenian Genocide ASAP, said Spanish MP Jon Iñarritu, who visited Artsakh during the war.

It's a shame that many countries have not yet recognized this dark episode of modern history, said Spanish Senator Charles Mulet. "It's difficult to repair the damage but at least such events can be prevented in the future."

Bundestag vice president Friedrich: we must keep the memory of all the Armenian Genocide victims alive in our hearts.

A group of Dutch MPs visited Tsitsernakaberd.

Cyprus MOD visited Tsitsernakaberd. "It is incomprehensible that the perpetrators and instigators of this horrible crime against the Armenians, the civilized humanity, still deny their actions, ignore the calls to recognize their vile genocidal policy. In 2015, the Parliament of Cyprus adopted a resolution criminalizing the denial of the Armenian Genocide."

Cyprus President Anastasiades: we will continue our efforts to the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

Finnish MP Vilhelm Junnila visited Tsitsernakaberd. "Together we pray for peace and for your trials to end."

106 years have passed, and we remember, said prominent Russian-Armenian businessman-comedian Garik Martirosyan.

EU Parliament MP Assita Kanko: Armenians continue to seek justice, the recognition of the truth, so that the world recognizes the tragedy suffered by the Armenian people. This day is not only about the past, but also about the future. More than a century has passed, but last year we were reminded that Armenians are in a vulnerable place.

Italian MP Luisa Regimenti: We stand with the Armenian community in Italy and around the world in this sorrow day.

Dutch ambassador shared a video from Tsitserbakaberd.

The leader of Armenian-Yezidi community Hajoyan paid tribute in Tsitsernakaberd.

Italian MP Matteo Salvini: never forget. Greetings, recognition, and love to Armenian people from my Lega party and Italian nation.

Uruguay MP Alfredo Fratti: we send a distant fraternal hug to the whole Armenian community, the community with a millennial history that began 3,000 B.C.

Uruguay, as the first country to recognize the Armenian Genocide, reaffirms its position on the issue, expressing support for the Armenian people. Deputy President of Eastern Uruguay Republic Beatriz Argimon shared a message.

Defense Minister of Argentina Sabina Frederic shared a message.

We are pressuring the UK to recognize the Armenian Genocide, said Baroness Caroline Cox, a great friend of Artsakh Republic.

Soccer star Henrikh Mkhitaryan: thank you to all the states that have recognized the Armenian Genocide.

Ukrainian MP Oleksander Lukashev: the world is close to the recognition of the first mass crime [of 20th century]. 49 out of 50 US states have already recognized it.

It is the duty of politicians and citizens to remember history so that it does not repeat itself, said President of the Chamber of Deputies of Czechia Radek Vondrachek.

A group of Russian MPs visited Tsitsernakaberd. "I agree with Vladimir Putin who considers the murder of Armenians a personal pain of Russia," said Tatiana Kusaiko.

More messages from foreign politicians:

French MFA visits Yerablur pantheon https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050256.html

Canada Premier https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050245.html

Argentina President https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050252.html

Italy https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050188.html

Uruguay https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050207.html

Basque https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050236.html

Spain https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050226.html

Austria https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050229.html

France https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050249.html

U.S. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050241.html

EU Parliament: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050276.html

EU's Renew Europe fraction: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050285.html

EU's "European Free Alliance" alliance: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050312.html

French Senate President: we believe in democracy in Armenia

... it puts you in a special position in this region, said Larcher during a visit to Armenia. "Armenian people have a spirit of independence, which was expressed by the French-Armenians at a time when France needed to stand up and regain its freedom [presumably WW2]."

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050205.html

French Senate President: Azerbaijan must immediately release all POWs

Gerard Larcher met Parliament president Mirzoyan then released a message: "Our visit is the continuation of the resolution adopted in French Parliament with a large majority. It urged the French government to recognize the Republic of Artsakh."

Ararat Mirzoyan thanked France for the principles adopted during the war. French MFA met several families of POWs.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050201.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050210.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050259.html

Pashinyan: French resolution on the need to recognize the Artsakh Republic is key

Pashinyan met the French delegation and thanked them for the support. He later held a phone conversation with President Macron about the Artsakh conflict and other topics.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050244.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050290.html

Joe Biden becomes the first US President to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide

As promised earlier, Biden used the term Genocide during his April 24 message. The Turkish government responded with angry noises and called it "populism" and summoned the US ambassador for an explanation. Leaders of Turkey and Azerbaijan held a phone call to coordinate a response. The U.S. will temporarily close the embassy and consulate in Turkey ahead of possible protests.

Pashinyan to Biden: I appreciate your principled position. Please accept my assurance of my deepest respects. I'd like to note that both US Senate and House recognized the genocide in 2019, and with your statement, the process of recognizing of Armenian Genocide in the US has achieved its goal. It is not only important for paying tribute to the 1.5 million victims, but also for preventing similar crimes in the future.

Pashinyan on Twitter: It is an important day for all Armenians. Following the resolutions adopted by US Congress in 2019, President Biden honored the memory of victims of the Armenian Genocide. The US has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting human rights and universal values.

Armenian MFA: the message of the US President is a significant contribution to the global recognition of the Armenian Genocide. The US government and people selflessly helped and saved many lives during the difficult says of the Genocide.

Armenian Assembly of America: this is a turning point in US history and a significant moment in terms of human rights. Joe Biden dared to say what his predecessors have always known for the last 100 years. 30 countries and 49 US States have recognized the Armenian Genocide.

Aram A Catholicos: it is a wise and courageous step.

Dashnaks: this is a historic day for Armenians. The United States has joined the list of numerous states where the legislative and executive branches recognized the Armenian Genocide.

President Sarkissian: it was a courageous and inspiring step. Thank you, President Biden. It is important for the Armenian people, all over the world, for all those who seek justice.

Congressman Pallone: the US must help Artsakh civilians to return to their native land.

Congressman Schiff: today we are stronger together than ever.

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi: President Biden has taken a historic step. As the House speaker, I have the honor to convey the greetings of the US Congress to the Armenian people. Full message.

EU's S&D Party: we salute Joe Biden's recognition of the mass killings of Armenians as Genocide. In 2015 the EP adopted a resolution to commemorate and to pay tribute to genocide victims.

Kim Kardashyan: I'm proud of my heritage and the Armenian community. Thank you, President Biden, for giving this day to every Armenian. Thank you for the truth.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050264.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050266.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050269.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050271.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050272.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050273.html https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=208742917395118 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050274.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050275.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050278.html https://twitter.com/NikolPashinyan/status/1385996291612758021

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050284.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050286.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050304.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050310.html https://factor.am/363257.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/212258

Israeli MP drafts a resolution to recognize the Armenian Genocide

Yesh Atid leader Yair Lapid called on Israel to follow the US in recognizing the Armenian genocide.

https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/lapid-us-recognition-of-armenian-genocide-important-moral-statement-666230

After Biden acknowledges the Armenian genocide, Israel stops short of doing the same. Israeli MFA released a message "recognizing the terrible suffering" but fell short of saying "Lord Voldemort" out loud.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-recognizes-terrible-suffering-of-armenians-doesnt-use-term-genocide/

US State of Idaho has officially recognized the Republic of Artsakh

The resolution also proclaimed April 24, 2021, a Day of Remembrance of the Armenian Genocide.

https://factor.am/362972.html

Armenian MFA and Cyprus MOD discuss security issues in Mediterranean and Caucasus

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050302.html

Pashinyan called Putin

They discussed the conflict, POWs, upcoming snap elections, and energy-related topics. "It was noted with satisfaction that due to the efforts of Russian peacekeepers, the situation in the region is stable and calm."

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050200.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050209.html

military and borders

Defense Ministers of Armenia and Russia held a phone conversation over the ongoing army reforms and peacekeeping mission.

The Defense Ministry denied shootout between AM-AZ troops on Syunik borders and "giving away a position unilaterally", calling the social media rumors a coordinated and intentional lie to increase clicks through sensational headlines.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050153.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050300.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050321.html

army released a video about air defense during the war, and ongoing reforms

Chief of air-defense division: modern tech allows the creation of new attack weapons that the existing defense tools cannot fully catch. It's a game of catch-up. Before the war, Azerbaijan developed a military industry and was cooperating with Israel and Turkey, who always supplemented state-of-the-art weapons. It wasn't just a joint production. During military events their own [Turkish and Israeli] personnel aided Azerbaijan. Not even superpowers can fully "close" the air.

During the war, Azerbaijan supplemented its arsenal with daily 7 flights, through Turkey, Georgia, and Caspian. The Turkish F16 and Bayraktar drones did not return to Turkey after the pre-war joint military exercises.

During the war, the opponent conducted over 5,000 drone flights, 1,000 jet flights, 700 helicopter flights, 300 military cargo flights.

Armenia's air defense was somewhat able to counter drones. Harop, kamikaze, and Bayraktar drones were sometimes shot with tools that weren't originally designed for them. Such tools detected over 2,700 drone and 1,000 jet/helicopter flights.

OSA-AK, although not initially designed to target drones, was used by skilled officers to create a dense firing system. Captain Ordoyan set a world record by shooting 21 drones: Hermes, Harop, and Bayraktar. The 22nd drone strike took away the Captain's life.

Senior Lt. Vardanyan operated TOR during the war. He made numerous successful shots with his calculations. During a battle, he shot 3 drones but the 4th one struck his unit.

Besides missile operators, we had information-gathering radar units. 19-[unintelligable] radiolocation stations did their duties. The opponent was trying to search and destroy them, too. Boys fought until the end at the cost of their lives.

During the war, the opponent continuously searched for Armenia's S-300 defense missile stations. Sometimes they were discovered, but the opponent failed to destroy them. The divisions of S-300 were constantly on the move and engaged the opponent.

S-125 systems played a big role. We had crews that repaired the systems around the clock. The S-125 calculations alone allowed the shooting of 15 drones.

Part of the damaged equipment was repaired. The ones that were lost are being supplemented through new purchases. All the shortcomings during the war will be analyzed. We are working with Russia and others to obtain modern weapons. //

https://youtu.be/90ChXj6dPXk

https://factor.am/363064.html

April 25: Pashinyan resigns to trigger snap elections

As announced earlier, the resignation had to happen in late April to meet the June 20 election deadline. If the Parliament does not vote for a new Premier now, he will continue to serve until the elections.

The Parliamentary opposition parties, after initial resistance, eventually agreed not to vote for a new Premier so snap elections can take place. Pashinyan will seek reelection as the party leader on the ballot.

President Sarkissian accepted the government's resignation.

Non-former-regime opposition LHK party leader Marukyan promised not to do any shenanigans before elections. He criticized the former regime without giving specific names: "After Premier's resignation, we began receiving pressure to nominate a candidate for Premier [to block elections] or else we are 'traitors'. We agreed for snap elections, we promised not to hinder the elections. When the government earlier said there won't be elections, they [former regime] said it's because the government is afraid. Now that the government says there will be elections, they say it's not necessary."

Largest opposition fraction BHK leader Tsarukyan denied rumors about forming coalition with the ruling patty. When asked about his son's recent luxury wedding and a cake bigger than Mt. Ararat, Tsarukyan replied, "Աղջիկ ջան, ես պետք է ճոխ անեմ, դու մի քիչ անես, դու չես կարող իմ պես անես: Ամեն մարդ իրա հնարավորության սահմանում, իրա երեխայի համար: Զույգերն են որոշել, իրենց հարսանիքը կազմակերպել: Ամեն օր 100 հատ հարսանիք ա լինում:"

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=958984221513732 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050293.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050295.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050296.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050327.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/212223

no boxing match between politicians

Last week an opposition politician called a ruling party MP to fight in the boxing ring. The MP initially agreed to meet but today he appeared with a suit and tie and urged his opposition colleague to visit Parliament or to engage in a live debate instead. The opposition figure will "think about it".

https://factor.am/363303.html

mass tree-planting event launches in Armenia

360,000 trees are being planted across Armenian provinces. It's part of the campaign to plant 10 million.

A former landfill area in Gegharquniq is now covered with 20,000 new trees.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050301.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/212293

COVID stats over the weekend

7,710 tested. 1,174 infected. 1,799 healed. 34 deaths. 14189 active (down again).

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050146.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050298.html

2.3M earthquake 15km south-east of Yerevan

No reports of damage after the Saturday quake.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050112.html

boxer Hovhannes Papazyan wins silver in the youth world championship

Super heavyweight division.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050121.html https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=785776392371355

wrestlers win medals in the European championship

Rudik Mkrtchyan won bronze. Malkhas Amoyan won silver.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050270.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1050330.html

Armenian gymnast Arthur Davtyan wins gold in European championship (men's pommel horse)

He completed a trick with a 5.8-point difficulty and became the champion with a combined 14,266 score.

Video: https://twitter.com/UEGymnastics/status/1385941192089690112

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/212218

today in history

April 24, 1983: Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian was born.

April 24, 1953: playwriter and novelist Eric Bogosian was born.

new Armenian cartoon trailer: Olympicos

https://youtu.be/ODVPBi5UliU

end of report

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports

Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/myijoz/apr252021_news_recap_1_world_marks_the_106th/