Author: Varteni Markossian

In a move that can cause fresh tensions in the region, Sri Lanka has allowed the Chinese Navy training ship, Po Lang, to dock at its port, despite a 12-month moratorium imposed earlier this year on foreign research vessels, following security concerns raised by India and the United States. Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath explained the decision to permit the Po Lang—a three-masted tall ship with a crew of 130. He emphasized that the vessel is classified as “a training vessel and not a research craft.” He stated that there has been no change in the policy regarding research vessels. The…

Dushanbe 25/2 (35.71) The social networking activity of “influencer” Ismoil Mahmadzoir is causing a stir within the country’s political and security corridors. His grandfather President Emomali Rahmon is planning his succession, which has triggered quiet maneuvering within elite factions, including Mahmadzoir’s relatives. Nobody is clear about how becomes the next president of Tajikistan. The daughters jockeying for the top job besides the grandson.Video of a bland speech by Tajikistan’s long-time President Emomali Rahmon was posted late last month on Instagram by Buzkashi_1111, a handle created by Ismoil Mahmadzoir, the 25-year-old son of Firuza Emomali, one of the president’s daughters, who…

Foreign investors significantly increased their bond purchases in key Asian markets in November, driven by a notable drop in U.S. Treasury yields and a shift in expectations for potential Federal Reserve rate cuts. Foreign investors made their largest monthly net purchase since May, buying a total of $6.36 billion in South Korean, Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Thai bonds last month, their biggest monthly net buying since May, according to data from regulatory authorities and bond market associations. The surge in Asian bond purchases in November coincided with a sharp fall in U.S. Treasury yields, following less hawkish remarks from Federal…

The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) has consistently taken a lead role in supporting our brothers and sisters in Artsakh since the early days of the Liberation War. The organization’s commitment is evident through various humanitarian programs, the establishment of kindergartens and ongoing assistance efforts. Demonstrating unwavering dedication to the wellbeing of the Armenians of Artsakh, the ARS remains steadfast in addressing the current adversities faced by our Artsakh brethren. Following the cruel attack on Artsakh on September 19, 2023, the Armenian Relief Society, alongside its global entities, swiftly responded to the critical situation by providing essential financial and moral support.…

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message to Luc Frieden on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Luxembourg. In the message, Pashinyan emphasized the excellent relations between Armenia and Luxembourg, expressed by high-level political dialogue and mutual commitment to materialize their efforts in various domains. As per the Armenian PM, this is evidenced by Armenia’s decision to establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Luxembourg. Also, Pashinyan expressed gratitude for the principled, unequivocal, and consistent support by Frieden’s political party to Armenia and the Armenian people in difficult times. And this, according to the Armenian premier, proves their…

“On November 24, 2023, while responding to questions from the public, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan once again attempted to undermine our right of return. The Armenian PM assessed the demands of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia to return to their home as a preparation for war. The prime minister of Armenia, a country that occupied the territories of Azerbaijan under the pretext of protecting the rights of Armenians in Garabagh, sees everything through the prism of his own beliefs,” the Western Azerbaijan Community said in a statement. “Unlike Armenia, which pursues a mono-ethnic policy, the Azerbaijani state and society…

“There are quite a few failed and dependent states worldwide trying to sit on two or more chairs, aiming to serve several patrons and eager to turn their countries into an arena of a standoff between bigger states. One of them is Azerbaijan’s neighbor, Armenia,” said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the Summit of the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA). “Such countries cannot be viewed as truly independent. The foreign policy of these countries is not based on their people’s will, and their fate lies in the hands of foreign sponsors.…

Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) said on Thursday it had arrested five suspects over what it said was a foiled “terror attack” aimed at government institutions, Armenian state news agency Armenpress reported. Armenpress cited the NSS as saying in a statement that the five suspects, alongside unidentified accomplices, had planned a bombing attack, assassinations and to seize government buildings. According to Armenpress, investigators seized weapons and ammunition in in the homes of the detainees. The report did not give a motive for the alleged plot. Armenia’s government under Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has faced calls from critics to step down…

Asia’s manufacturers faced worsening pressure in October with factory activity in China slipping back into decline, clouding recovery prospects for the region’s major exporters already squeezed by weaker global demand and higher prices. Purchasing managers’ indexes (PMIs) for factory powerhouses China, Japan and South Korea showed activity shrinking while Vietnam and Malaysia also struggled with the broadening fallout from a Chinese slowdown. China’s Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing PMI fell to 49.5 in October from 50.6 in September, a private sector survey showed on Wednesday, falling back below the 50.0 point threshold that separates growth from contraction. The Chinese survey echoed a downbeat official PMI reading…

As the war in Israel rages, an ongoing struggle to control the narrative of the conflict is unfolding between Hamas and the Jewish state. This propaganda battle is not novel, as it has long been observed to coexist with the kinetic action between Israel and the Palestinian armed groups, dating back to at least 2014. Drawing from its prior clashes with Israel, Hamas has gained vital insights on how to effectively counter Israel. Despite being at a military disadvantage in nearly every area, Hamas has developed unconventional methods to attack Israel, including a powerful propaganda system to garner global backing…