Lior Shafir

The most likely outcome is that Ankara and Baku will bank on the hope that a long game to prevent Armenia from entering the Western camp will not be met with much Western resistance. 
Read more in our newest report by Prof. Stefan Hedlund: https://lnkd.in/dev9rNqX

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🚀 Attention Startup Founders! 🚀 Are you ready to elevate your game-changing project to new heights? Don’t miss this year’s legendary EMERGE Conference in Yerevan! 🌟 Since its launch in Minsk in 2018, EMERGE has swiftly become the premier venture conference for Eastern Europe and the "New East." This year, we're bringing together bold startups from CEE, MENA+, and Central Asia, all set to tackle major global challenges. ✨ Why You Should Join EMERGE: STARTUP CHALLENGE: Take the stage, impress top global investors, and win amazing perks from EMERGE Partners. What to Expect: – Online Group Mentoring Sessions – Online Pitching Sessions (pre-selection required) – 1-on-1 Pitch Review Sessions (for Challenge Finalists) – Pitch Offline at Finals in Yerevan and compete for fantastic prizes 📅 Date: September 25-26 📍 Venue: o2 Gardens, Yerevan – Armenia’s first-of-its-kind oxygen-rich environment 🌍 Connect, Innovate, and Grow with the best in the industry. Apply now and be part of the EMERGE movement! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dHZW9ut7 #EMERGE2024 #Startup #VentureCapital #TechConference #Innovation #Networking #Entrepreneurship

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#Share Widely: Preserving Our Cultural Heritage in #Karabakh The intentional #destruction of the #Bulbul statue in Shusha by Armenian forces during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a #violation of international law and an attack on Azerbaijani #cultural identity. Under Article 4 of the 1954 #Hague Convention, such acts of hostility against #cultural property are expressly #prohibited, underscoring the importance of protecting our #heritage. Azerbaijan remains committed to restoring and preserving our cultural landmarks, ensuring that our rich history endures despite attempts to erase it. It’s time for accountability and justice. #Azerbaijan #CulturalHeritage #InternationalLaw #HumanRights #Shusha #JusticeForAzerbaijan

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We didn't know what to expect from a crowdfunding campaign in the current situation in Israel. Who has the mental energy to think about investments when daily life is so complex and draining? Even we feel overwhelmed sometimes. And with funding environment macro-economic trends the way they are, there are many good reasons for why not. But there is one good reason to say yes. We're proud of what we've built and how consumers love our product. We're proud of our positive impact and taking Israeli products abroad. To keep growing, we need more funds, and we're confident we'll continue achieving impressive results. 600 investors have already joined our fundraising round, including returning and new investors. It's exciting to see people who work closely with us investing, showing trust in us. We have four days left in our campaign, and though we've achieved 75% of the maximum legally allowed target, we want to reach the maximum and ensure everyone interested has the opportunity. So please share, tag friends, or comment to help us reach more people. https://lnkd.in/dtvbGngD Elya Adi Bareket

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RealClear Politics, "Why Armenia Is a ‘Must Buy’ for Silicon Valley and Big Tech,” by Stephen Pechdimaldji, 6/8/2024, https://lnkd.in/eHCENNut "In many ways, Armenians are turning to technology to preserve and advance history while Azerbaijan is using technology to destroy it. This contrast in ideas can be traced to the opposing values and principles that each country exhibits and spreads to the rest of the world. "In Armenia, which is a representative democracy with a parliamentarian form of government based on the rule of law, there is a thriving technology sector that has experienced significant growth over the past decade with a four-fold increase in its IT workforce, and it is home to more than 500 startups today. And according to the World Bank, technology contributes to nearly 6% of Armenia’s total exports. "Much of that development has been nurtured by a society that fosters a strong sense of community and giving back. It is one of the reasons why the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies, which is a free after-school program focused on using technology to teach students coding, robotics, 3D animation, video and music production, drawing, and creative writing, has been such a success. .. "Compare that with Azerbaijan, a country led by a petro-dictator, Ilham Aliyev, who has deftly used his country’s vast oil and gas resources to whitewash his dreadful human rights record and to basically buy a seat at the world’s table. Aliyev has been able to use his country’s natural resources for various geopolitical trade-offs and to skirt accountability for his mistreatment of Armenians and his own citizens. And unlike in Armenia where children are taught the value of hard work and independence at a young age, Aliyev has enacted a state policy that hatred towards the Armenian people be taught to school children across the country. "The differences between the two countries could not be starker. That is why Silicon Valley and Big Tech have an opportunity to bet big in Armenia. It is ripe for the taking. Armenians have shown that they have the intellect and brain power to move fast and get things done. Whether it’s chip design, robotics, advanced engineering, or electronic design automation, Armenia is an untapped pipeline for human capital and talent. And while there are some companies – NVIDIA, Intel, Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Cisco – investing in Armenia, there could be more. "Armenia also offers the world’s most powerful technology firms an opportunity to use that intelligence to develop technologies that can combat and address societal issues such as climate change. It can be a key differentiator for them in positioning themselves as good corporate citizens who are trying to make an impact as opposed to companies that are investing in fossil fuels that contribute to global warming."

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𝗔𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 The European Union's decision to inject €270 million into Armenia's industries over the next four years shows a strategic shift towards strengthening ties with Western allies and reducing reliance on historical partner Russia. The investment aims to fortify Armenia's economy and society, focusing on infrastructure projects, renewable energy, and support for small to medium enterprises. While the aid package doesn't explicitly cover defense and security, there's a notable uptick in military cooperation between Armenia and EU / NATO nations. France, for instance, has strengthened defense ties with Armenia, supplying military equipment and exploring further collaborations. Armenia recently froze its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), which signals a divergence from Russian influence. On the other hand, Armenia's longstanding defense relations with the United States continue to strengthen, with recent agreements for armored ambulances and joint military exercises. These developments highlight Armenia's strategic realignment and its evolving partnerships on the global stage. The country's pursuit of closer ties with the EU and the U.S. highlight shared values and interests, marking a significant shift in regional dynamics. Photo by Karen Minasyan / AFP via Getty Images

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Under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev, one of the landmark agreements in Azerbaijan's 20th-century history was signed on September 20, 1994. Known as "The Contract of the Century," this agreement was significant due to its political, economic, and strategic importance. It involved the joint development and production sharing for the “Azeri” and “Chirag” fields, as well as the “Gunashli” field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea. The $7.4 billion agreement included 11 international oil companies—AMOCO, BP, McDermott, UNOCAL, SOCAR, Lukoil, Statoil, TPAO, Pennzoil, Ramco, and Delta—representing seven countries: Azerbaijan, the USA, the UK, Russia, Turkey, Norway, and Saudi Arabia. These companies established several key structures, including the Steering Committee, Azerbaijan International Operating Company (AIOC), and the Advisory Council. “The Contract of the Century” was ratified by the Parliament of Azerbaijan on December 12, 1994. Initial evaluations estimated the “Azeri” and “Chirag” fields, along with the deep-water part of the “Gunashli” field, to contain 511 million tons of crude oil. However, subsequent assessments increased the estimate to 1.072 billion tons.

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Center for Truth & Justice, "Documented Conclusive Evidence of Ilham Aliyev’s Intention to Invade and Occupy Armenia,” 4/9/2024, https://lnkd.in/ezcTNbgw "The following catalogues represent evidence collected by our team regarding Ilham Aliyev’s intentions to invade and occupy Armenia." Regarding “Western Azerbaijan” - Categories include: "Western Az” agenda; False pretenses for self-determination of 'Western Azerbaijanis' and the creation of the 'West Az republic’;  Intent to occupy & territorial claims against Armenia; Historical revisionism; Azeri propaganda;  Armenophobia; Incitement to ethnic hatred; Sham accusations against Armenia; Threats to Armenia; Bellicose statements; Intent to occupy & territorial claims against Armenia; Admitting to have occupied Armenian territory; Admitting to having created the term 'Zangezur Corridor' despite its absence in the 9 Nov agreement; Attacks on France Regarding State Owned Media - Categories included are similar.

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Tech Transfer – Have You Tried It? Bridging the gap between research and commercial application is never simple, but it’s an essential leap for innovation, especially in the #foodtech sector that relies on deeptech and biology that takes time to develop. The journey often starts with tough negotiations over licensing agreements. Universities do an excellent job protecting their IP and ensuring their future incomes, and continues with the clash of cultures - academia thrives on exploration and discovery, while the industry needs fast, market-ready solutions. The timelines and priorities don’t always align. Medium Well Technological Solutions began as a spin-off from a concept that emerged at the The Hebrew University of Jerusalem . Like many ventures starting from academia, our path has been complex. But despite the challenges and the physical distance between our labs (initially 200 km apart and then down to 100 km…), we’ve managed to operate as a cohesive team, supporting each other every step of the way. The most important lessons we learned for positive collaboration: 📢 Effective Communication: we kept regular and transparent communication to bridge the gaps and align goals. 🔬 Leverage University Resources: we enjoyed access to advanced analytics, state-of-the-art labs, and experience across various fields. These resources can significantly boost a lean startup, especially in a sector as technically demanding as foodtech. 📈 Plan for Scale Early: We considered scalability and commercialization from the very beginning, and always focused on finding the right moment to transition from research to product development.

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🌍 Israel: Leading Innovation in Alternative Proteins 🌍  #Israel stands out as one of the most #innovative nations, driving the future of food with a thriving #alternative_protein sector. With over 75 startups, over $1.3 billion in venture capital, and strong academic and government backing, Israel has become the world’s second-largest hub for alternative protein development. In challenging times, Israeli resilience fuels our global impact. At EFISHient Protein, we’re proud to be part of this revolution, working toward a sustainable and secure food future. 🐟 #AlternativeProtein #IsraeliInnovation #Sustainable #FoodSecurity #EFISHientProtein

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Zartonk Media, "Top U.S. & Armenian Generals Meet In Washington D.C., Discuss Defense Cooperation & Regional Security,” 10/17/2024, https://lnkd.in/eAYw64qw "U.S. General Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, praised growing U.S.-Armenia military ties and emphasized the importance of countering Russia’s “malign influence in the region” during his meeting with Armenia’s top general, Lieutenant General Edward Asryan, in Washington D.C. late Wednesday. "General Brown expressed gratitude to Armenia’s First Deputy Defense Minister and Chief of the Army’s General Staff for the productive military cooperation between the U.S. and Armenia, reaffirming the significance of strengthening their defense relationship, according to Joint Staff Spokesman Jereal Dorsey. "Additionally, the military leaders discussed Armenia’s military modernization initiatives, and Gen. Brown offered U.S. support for these efforts through the State Partnership Program and additional training opportunities. The Chairman also expressed concern about Russia’s malignant influence in the region and the need to counter them, Dorsey added in a brief statement. "Armenia’s Defense Ministry (MoD) did not mention Russia in its readout of the talks. Instead, it emphasized that “the two sides discussed topics of mutual interest, acknowledging the continued development of Armenia-U.S. defense cooperation. The importance of sustaining joint activities was underscored, and a range of issues related to regional security were also addressed.”"

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https://lnkd.in/dFFPeKnd In this episode of CivilNet’s weekly Insights series, we break down the latest war of words between Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and what it may mean for Armenia.

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🇮🇱🇱🇧 IDF spokesman: The IDF completed a wide series of attacks on military headquarters of the terrorist organization Hezbollah. A short time ago, the IDF launched an extensive attack on military targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization where the organization's terrorists were. As part of the attack, dozens of warplanes, under the direction of the Intelligence Division, the Northern Command and the Air Force, attacked about 120 military targets of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in areas in southern and deep Lebanon. Among the properties that were attacked, significant headquarters of various units of the organization, military buildings and many infrastructures from which Hezbollah terrorists planned and carried out terrorist plots against the State of Israel. The attack constitutes another significant damage to the organization's competence, its command and control capabilities and its conduct in emergencies.

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Dear friends, dear colleagues, dear partners! It is depressing that the Armenian representative office of the highly respected company Efacec has managed to accumulate debts in relations with its Armenian partners. This fact is doubly depressing because for more than two years, having been subject to lawsuits against itself, the respected company Efacec still has not bothered to explain or even refute that they do not have such debts. Moreover, such refutations were not received neither by the creditors, nor such refutations were even sent to the court. What we cannot understand, is whether this is a new strategy for doing business in a European way or whether someone is still deceiving the respected company Efacec. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks eV Power Exchange Corporation Statkraft Edisun Power Europe AG Abengoa Brasil STEG Tunisie OST sh.a.-Operatori i Sistemit të Transmetimit Mutares SE & Co. KGaA

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Simultaneously with government reshuffles in Moldova, changes are also taking place in the government of Armenia. Notably, the number of women in key positions has significantly increased: • Zhanna Andreasyan — Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports; • Anna Vardapetyan — Prosecutor General of Armenia; • Kristinne Grigoryan — Head of the Foreign Intelligence Service; • Srbuhi Galyan — Minister of Justice; • Arpine Sargsyan — Minister of Internal Affairs. Promoting gender equality is an important goal. However, if gender becomes the primary criterion for appointments, it may lead to the opposite effect, where gender equality is achieved at the expense of gender discrimination. It is interesting to note that in both Armenia and Moldova, Western partners have a significant influence on government formation. Based on their recommendations, activists from non-governmental organizations, often fluent in English but having built their careers mainly on public activism, are frequently appointed to governmental positions. This situation resembles the character Shurochka from the popular Soviet film ‘Office Romance’. Upon joining ministries, such specialists often limit themselves to slogans, as individuals tend to act in accordance with their experience and skills. Thus, the inertia of the American deep state’s operations, particularly the State Department, becomes evident. The department traditionally adheres to left-liberal views and promotes its candidates in partner countries based on ideological considerations. How much Donald Trump will be able to change the existing status quo remains to be seen.

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While many Torah commandments can be fulfilled daily (honor father and mother, grace after meals, charity, and many others), only a small handful are mandatory daily. For example, if one doesn't eat bread, he doesn't recite the grace after meals, and if one doesn't interact with parents, he wouldn't have the opportunity to fulfill "honor your father and mother", and so on. This precludes commandments that have no associated action, such as the well-known "six" that are required constants and mandatory at all times, which are (1) to believe in God and (2) to not belive in any other but God, (3) to love God, (4) to have an awe-induced fear of God, (5) recognizing God's oneness, (6) not to stray (heresy or illicit relations). The few others (requiring an action) and are indeed mandatory necessitate perhaps three to five minutes in total to fulfill, and they are (1) reciting the Shema, (2) putting on Tefillin, and (3) prayer (which can be recited in any language and in the most basic form merely involves thanking and glorifying God, as well as asking for one's needs). Therefore, considering all the time people spend on trivialities, particularly on social media, what excuse could someone possibly give to God if ultimately asked why they couldn't give God just three minutes a day. These are not hard things to do where one might think his behavior is excusable. These are the simplest of activities, and not doing so is disgraceful to God. On the flip side, by doing them, one demonstrates to God that although he may not be up to doing everything, he is at least giving it a real shot and doing the minimum that is biblically required on a day to day basis. I can't think of many things much more compelling to be able to tell God. I would like to launch a campaign which aims to demonstrate how the daily requirements of the Torah can be done with minimal effort and what a beautiful demonstration that would be making [to God] about an individual's desire to become closer to Him. In exchange, those who remain committed for a certain amount of time would be entered into a lottery for various rewards. I am seeking someone with experience launching such campaigns to spearhead this endeavor, and would love to hear from anyone who is sincerely interested. Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Despite the fact that our Armenian company is already 9 years old and we have diversified our business in the country since the beginning of 2022. We are ready to admit that in recent years, one of the best and most profitable investments has been made in the food industry of Armenia. After watching the video you will understand everything perfectly. We move forward. #Armenia, #FoodProcessing, #CRC, #Investments

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Los Angeles Times, "Opinion: How lies on paper enabled Azerbaijan’s destruction of an Armenian community," by Taleen Mardirossian, 8/18/2024 "For the last century, Turkey has employed the power of paper to deny the Armenian genocide. Turkish history textbooks teach young students that there was no genocide; rather, the Turks were victims of Armenian aggression, leaving them with no choice but to target the traitors conspiring against them. One Turkish textbook estimates a death toll of 57,000 Armenians. Although the real number will never be known, historians put it at around 1.5 million. "This history of violence is being repeated today. .. "In 2020, with Turkey’s support, Azerbaijan began the latest genocidal campaign against the Armenians, this time in the territory of Artsakh, also known as Nagorno-Karabakh. Although this autonomous region was inhabited and controlled by Armenians, who the land belonged to was contested on paper. "Claiming this land as theirs, Azerbaijan beheaded civilians. It blasted residential areas with cluster munitions. Even after a cease-fire was called in November 2020, attacks continued and tensions escalated. Then, starting in December 2022, Azerbaijan trapped and starved the men, women and children of Artsakh in an illegal blockade, cutting off access to food, medicine and humanitarian aid. In September, after nine months of psychological and physical torment, Azerbaijan launched a final attack that would force the region to surrender and its Armenian population to flee, in effect ethnically cleansing Artsakh of its people. "[T]he international community failed to see beyond what they were told on paper. "Much of the little concurrent reporting done on this conflict — reporting that has largely vanished in the past year — would include some version of the misleading statement that Artsakh is internationally recognized as Azerbaijan. In other words, among the first facts often established by the media on Artsakh is that the land belongs to Azerbaijan on paper, establishing a sense of justification for their violence. .. "In the 1920s, although the population of Artsakh was 90% Armenian, the USSR debated which Soviet republic the region would be officially aligned with. Armenia was poor and faced a refugee crisis following the Armenian genocide, while Azerbaijan sat on vast reserves of oil. So the Soviets prioritized economy rather than autonomy. .. "Armenians have lived, and died, on this land for millennia. The rocks and stones of thousand-year-old Armenian churches and monasteries are engraved with Armenian inscriptions. .. Why are these carved facts not presented alongside what we are told by a source as thin, transparent and fragile as paper? "Armenians’ cultural heritage — is being actively destroyed by Azerbaijan, just like our presence is being erased from its books. "And we are all to blame. We are not taught to question paper."

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