Read the daily news digest for July 3 here.

The EU Special Representative and The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office commented on the return of 15 Armenian POWs

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Swedish Foreign Minister Ann Linden welcomed the return of 15 Armenian POWs by Azerbaijan to Armenia and the provision of maps of minefields to Baku by Armenia.

"Welcome the additional release of 15 Armenian detainees by Azerbaijan and Armenian release of maps of mines. Appreciative of Russian mediation. Hope more confidence-building can pave way for sustainable settlement under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs," Linden wrote on Twitter.

Toivo Klaar, Designated European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia also welcomed the provision of maps of the Varanda (Fizuli) and Kovsakan (Zangelan) minefields by Armenia, as well as the release of 15 POWs by Azerbaijan.

He wrote about this on Twitter.

"Excellent news from Baku and Yerevan. Good that more detainees have been released. Important also that more mine maps have been exchanged to prevent casualties," Klaar wrote.

It should be reminded that yesterday, July 3, 15 Armenian POWs returned to Armenia through the mediation of the Russian side. The Armenian side provided Azerbaijan with maps of minefields in Fizuli and Zangelan.

Armenian leaders congratulate Joe Biden on US Independence Day

The Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President Armen Sarkissian sent congratulatory messages to the President of the USA Joe Biden on the occasion of the US Independence Day.

Pashinyan's message particularly states,

“Dear Mr. President, I warmly congratulate you and the friendly people of America on Independence Day. With the Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers bequeathed the people of the United States and all mankind the noble ideas of state-building, democracy, and fundamental freedoms. We are pleased that your administration has reaffirmed its commitment to reinstating the role of the United States as an international leader in promoting democracy, strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights and fundamental freedoms worldwide. Shared by the Armenian and American peoples, these values are at the core of our bilateral relations. In this connection, I would like to thank the United States for its strong hand in supporting Armenia’s democratic reforms.”

President Sarkissian’s congratulatory message mentions,

“Independence at the cost of much deprivation, as well as subsequent achievements, is a testament to the American people's commitment to the principles of independence. This year, Independence Day celebrations have a special significance for millions of Americans, as the epidemic symbolizes a return to normal life.

These celebrations have a special significance for our Armenian-American compatriots, who have made a unique contribution to the development and strengthening of the United States of America, greatly contributing to the cooperation between our states. Armenians around the world have welcomed your statement on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, which is a reaffirmation of your administration's commitment to the protection of human rights and universal values.

The President stressed that the United States is one of Armenia's most important partners, expressing hope that due to joint efforts the relations between the two countries will continue to develop. Sarkissian wished Biden all the best, health and well-being, and further progress to the friendly people of the United States.

76 families moved to different settlements of Artsakh for resettlement

In June 2021, within the framework of the transfer and cognitive visits to the Republic of Artsakh, 8 families (39 people) moved to different settlements of Artsakh for resettlement. The process of relocating 10 families is underway. In general, 76 families (376 people) moved to different settlements of Artsakh for resettlement.

The US ambassador says they continue to recognize the losses that Armenia has suffered 

The US Embassy in Armenia has issued a statement on the occasion of the US Independence Day celebrations. 

"During the last year, because of COVID and the intense hostilities in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Armenia went through severe trials and suffered losses. We are well aware of all that. We continue to recognize the losses that Armenia has suffered. At the same time, we respect the tremendous partnership between our two countries, which is based on common democratic values. Today, celebrating the independence of the United States, we celebrate that partnership," the ambassador said in a video message. 

The ambassador also referred to the decision of the United States to provide $11 million to Armenia to fight the pandemic, as well as the provision of $5 million in humanitarian aid by the US government during the Karabakh war.

Levon Aronian won Goldmoney Asian Rapid

Grossmeister Levon Aronian won the 7th Goldmoney Asian Rapid International Tournament. On the second day of the final game of the online rapid chess tournament, Aronian won, defeating Vladislav Artemiev 2:0. The organizers of the Goldmoney Asian Rapid tournament are world champion Magnus Carlsen and the leader of the women's rankings Hu Yafan.

Aronian is still playing under the Armenian flag. A few days ago, he issued a statement reaffirming that he's leaving Armenia and joining the US team.

Armenia confirms 89 new COVID cases and 5 deaths

As of 11:00 on July 4, a total of 225.553 cases of COVID has been confirmed of which 217.131 have been cured and 4.526 died. 2.796 patients are currently under treatment. A total of 1.201.725 tests have been performed ever since. Thus, 5.073 tests were performed yesterday, of which 89 new cases of COVID were confirmed. Since yesterday, 57 people have recovered and 5 died.

No new cases of COVID registered in Artsakh

On July 3, 32 tests were performed, as a result of which no case of Covid-19 was registered in Artsakh. 11 infected people are currently receiving inpatient treatment for coronavirus, and those with light forms are receiving outpatient treatment at home. In 2021, 9.106 citizens were examined for COVID in Artsakh, of which 925 tested positive. A total of 2.907 cases of COVID have been confirmed in Artsakh. 27.058 tests have been performed so far.