Daily News Summary

Daily News Summary [22.06.2022]

Washington and Paris have stopped contacting Russian co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group: Zakharova If Washington and Paris really had highlighted the unique mediation format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, they would not allow themselves to ignore the mandate approved by all member states. Official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova stated this during a briefing, answering the question of ‘Lurer’. “They have been demonstratively suspending contacts with the Russian co-chair of the Minsk Group since February 24 without any consultation. This has largely caused irreversible damage to the work of the troika,” Zakharova said, commenting on USAssistant Secretary for the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried’s statement that the United States is committed to the Minsk Group co-chairmanship format. According to Zakharova, there was no clear explanation as to the reasons for abandoning the format. The Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman called the move “irresponsible.” She added that the Russian side is interested in the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Zakharova assured that Moscow will do its best to implement the agreements reached by the leaders of the three countries. The meeting of the co-chairs of the trilateral working group of the Deputy Prime Ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan on unblocking transport links took place in St. Petersburg. We welcome the intensification of the work of the trilateral working group on unblocking regional communications. The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova stated this during a briefing. Answering the question of ‘Lurer’, she mentioned that during the meetings of the working group they managed to bring the positions closer. “The Russian side will continue to strongly support this process,” the diplomat added. Hatred is a poison similar to mercury; It is very hard to collect once it spills over: Sona Ghazaryan The member of the RA NA delegation to PACE Sona Ghazaryan gave a speech at PACE Plenary Session. “I highly appreciate the report, well-penned and very much on time. Political parties, among other actors, are responsible for combatting hate speech, racism, and xenophobia. However, what we often see today is that political parties, instead, build their election campaigns, rhetoric, sometimes even actions on hatred, racism, and xenophobia. This happens in Europe, and this happens beyond Europe. And then sometimes, these political parties and their leaders find themselves in their own trap. They build up and build on hate so much that they then do not know how to control and deal with the amount of hatred they have created themselves. This is especially dangerous when hatred is proliferated towards a society living in close proximity, towards a neighbor. And even more dangerous when there is an unresolved conflict in need of a robust peace process. This is the case in the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and the systemic Armenophobia in Azerbaijan. You know too well the case of the trophy park in Baku that glorifies war and that depicted Armenian soldiers in captivity degrading human dignity and dehumanizing Armenians. Schoolchildren were taken to this park. This was an outrageous case of state-sponsored hatred and racism. The mannequins of Armenian soldiers were taken down only after Armenia filed a case at the International Court of Justice based on the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. The International Court of Justice has already produced an interim decision in which it calls on Azerbaijan to “take all necessary measures to prevent the incitement and promotion of racial hatred and discrimination, including by its officials and public institutions, targeted at persons of Armenian national or ethnic origin.” I would like to draw your attention to the fact that the International Court of Justice has stated that it is the officials and public institutions in Azerbaijan that incite and promote hatred against Armenians. I believe that the Council of Europe and its Parliamentary Assembly should also be very vocal and direct calling state-level hate speech, racism and xenophobia by name, and we should together combat this because hatred is a poison similar to mercury; it is very hard to collect once it spills over.” Sona Ghazaryan said in her speech.

00:13 - 23 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [21.06.2022]

The EEU is entering the stage of revealing its integration potential for the benefit of creating a common economic space and sustainable economic growth. Prime Minister Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took part in the expanded-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Minsk. First, the Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko met the Heads of Government of the EEU member states, and then the video-shooting ceremony took place. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Eurasian Economic Union is gradually completing the stage of accomplishment, and is passing to the stage of revealing its integration potential for the benefit of creating a common economic space, sustainable economic growth of our countries, strengthening competitiveness, effective promotion of its economic interests in the international arena. "Given the new realities, the need to strengthen the close coordination of our actions increases as a basis for the member states to adapt to the modern conditions of the world economy. In the context of modern economic challenges, one of the most important issues remains to ensure food security of our countries. At present, for objective reasons, some restrictions on the supply of certain types of agricultural products arise in the common agricultural market, which can negatively affect the sustainable agricultural activities in our countries, in general, the food security of the Union. In this regard, I believe that the member states of the Union should respond to the risks first of all on a collective basis, using the potential of developing consolidated, mutually acceptable solutions, minimizing the possibility of food shortages," Pashinyan said. Armenian Prime Minister noted that the experience of the recent years shows that most of the obstacles faced by businesses arise due to the lack of unified, coordinated, consented rules of activity. Only the readiness for constructive dialogue, openness and transparency can help maintain positive dynamics in this issue. "I attach importance to solving the issue of the alcoholic beverages market. The establishment of common goals and principles, common regulatory measures can contribute to the creation of a common market without discriminatory restrictions or exceptions in mutual trade. This is a priority direction for Armenia, which has wide export opportunities," he said. By the decision adopted at the meeting, the Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission was instructed to ensure, together with the governments of the EEU member states, the preparation of indicative balances on wheat, barley, corn, sunflower seeds, sugar and other products. The agreed documents and protocols were signed at the session. It was decided to hold the next session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Kyrgyzstan at the end of August. After the session, the Prime Ministers visited the Victory Square in Minsk, laying wreaths at the monument to the victory in the Great Patriotic War, paying tribute to the memory of all the victims. The Armenian side didn't fire on the Azerbaijani positions. RA MoD The information spread by the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry that on the night of June 20, units of the RA Armed Forces opened fire on Azerbaijani positions located on the eastern section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border doesn’t correspond to reality, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia reports. The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is relatively stable and is under full control of the RA Armed Forces. Other News Artur Vanetsyan, the head of the parliamentary faction "I have Honor" (Pativ unem) has made a decision to resign

00:08 - 22 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [20.06.2022]

PM Pashinyan takes part in the narrow-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Minsk Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in the Republic of Belarus on a working visit. The meeting of the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Russia Nikol Pashinyan and Mikhail Mishustin took place in Minsk. Pashinyan said that Armenia pays special attention to the unblocking of transport and economic infrastructure in the South Caucasus, in accordance with the agreement of the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan. "The practical work is being carried out within the framework of a trilateral working group co-chaired by the Deputy Prime Ministers. Its regular session took place during the St. Petersburg Economic Forum," Pashinyan said. Prime Minister took part in the narrow-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Minsk. First, the Prime Minister of Belarus Roman Golovchenko met with the Heads of Government of Armenia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and then, after the video shooting ceremony, the session took place. The Prime Ministers of the Eurasian Economic Union member states discussed issues related to the strengthening of the internal market, the development of transport infrastructure, and the regulation of customs tariffs. Reference was also made to cooperation on the digital agenda. The expanded-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council will take place on June 21. U.S. says ready to work with Russia on Karabakh peace The United States is willing to continue to cooperate with Russia in facilitating a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Karen Donfried insisted over the weekend. The U.S., Russia and France have for decades jointly tried to broker an Armenian-Azerbaijani peace accord in their capacity as the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. According to Russian officials, Washington and Paris stopped working with Moscow in the Minsk Group format following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Donfried denied this as she visited Armenia on the last leg of her tour of the three South Caucasus states. “The U.S. has continued to say that we support the Minsk Group co-chair process,” she told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service in an interview. “We continue to believe that it is a very important format, particularly on Nagorno-Karabakh, and it is essential that we keep various formats in play to try to advance peace. And we will continue to do that going forward.” Asked whether Washington is ready for fresh contacts with Moscow for that purpose, Donfried said: “Yes. Russia is a Minsk Group co-chair. France, the U.S. and Russia would continue in that format.” In recent weeks, Armenia’s leaders have called for renewed joint activities of U.S., Russian and French co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian reportedly discussed the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin in a June 1 phone. By contrast, Azerbaijani officials and President Ilham Aliyev in particular have repeatedly questioned the need for the Minsk Group’s continued existence. Aliyev has said that the war in Ukraine has effectively put an end to that joint mediation framework. “Azerbaijan has not been supportive of the Minsk Group co-chair process, the United States is,” said Donfried. “We are a participant in that process and we will continue to do so.” The U.S. official met with Aliyev in Baku before proceeding to Yerevan for talks with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian held on Saturday. She said that in both capitals she “felt a desire for peaceful settlement.” Aliyev on Thursday implicitly threatened to resort to military action if Armenia continues to oppose the opening of a land corridor connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave. Officials in Yerevan responded by reiterating that Armenian-Azerbaijani agreements brokered by Russia call for only conventional transport links between the two South Caucasus states. Commenting on Aliyev’s bellicose rhetoric, Donfried said: “There is no question that words matter and so we need to be thoughtful about the words that we use. I think actions matter as well but if there is going to be forward progress toward reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia there is no question that people need to be mindful about their words.” Other News EU Special Representative for South Caucasus welcomes Azerbaijan leader’s statement at Baku forum |news.am| Parukh incident was a blow not only to Artsakh, but also to Russian peacekeepers – FM Babayan |armenpress.am| President of Artsakh convened an enlarged sitting of the Security Council

00:17 - 21 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [17.06.2022]

Armenia hasn’t rejected proposal of trilateral meeting in Tbilisi: Foreign Ministry comments on Aliyev’s statement The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia commented on the statement of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev according to which Armenia rejected the proposal to hold a trilateral meeting in Tbilisi at the level of foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. “We not only have not rejected, but also have always positively reacted to such a possible meeting, at the same time noting that work needs to be done to ensure the efficiency of the meeting”, MFA spokesperson Vahan Hunanyan said in response to query of ARMENPRESS. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan responded to the statements of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev that Armenia is not sincere in the process of achieving peace, it is delaying the process of unblocking the region. The questions of ARMENPRESS and FM Mirzoyan’s answers on the issue are presented below. Question - The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev stated in his speech yesterday that Armenia is not sincere in the process of achieving peace. How would you comment on that? Answer - The Government of the Republic of Armenia has repeatedly proved its readiness to make efforts for the establishment of long-term stability and peace in the South Caucasus. At the same time, it is obvious that these efforts cannot be unilateral, Azerbaijan must also take practical and sincere steps in this direction. The establishment of peace cannot be the result of the efforts of one side alone, and peace talks cannot be based on the proposals of one side alone. It is also obvious that for the success of these efforts, it is necessary to address the whole set of existing problems that have caused the conflict in order to find a solution acceptable to all parties. In this context, the statements made by official Baku that Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is solved are at least not understood or, moreover, cast doubt on the sincerity of the Azerbaijani authorities' intention to achieve peace. No matter what statements are made, the Nagorno-Karabakh issue will continue to exist as long as the issues of security, sufficient guarantees for the protection of all rights of the Armenians of Artsakh, and the status of Nagorno-Karabakh arising from them are not addressed. In the modern world, the situation created by the use of force cannot be the solution to a problem. The assertion that as a result of the use of force even Nagorno Karabakh does not exist, does not speak about the constructiveness of Azerbaijan. Needless to say that this, of course, corresponds neither to the de-facto reality, the most important part of which is the existence of Artsakh Armenians in Artsakh and the presence of Russian peacekeeping forces to ensure their security, nor the November 9 trilateral declaration, which stopped the war and clearly defines the existence of Nagorno Karabakh. The same can be said about the statements of the Azerbaijani authorities on the non-existence of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs. First of all, no one has suspended it or can suspend the international mandate of the Co-chairs to contribute to the political settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict without the relevant decision of the international institute defining it. In that case, it is incomprehensible that if the parties really want to negotiate sincerely, to find mutually acceptable solutions, to achieve a stable, comprehensive peace, then why should not those talks take place in the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format? A format which has the clear support of the international community and not to using its experience and potential is simply not logical and reasonable. Question - Ilham Aliyev claims that the Armenian side is delaying the process of unblocking the region. What can you say about this? Answer - We have always stated that we are interested in opening all the transport and economic infrastructures in the region. This is evidenced by the trilateral statements adopted by the Russian mediation on January 11 and November 26, as well as the agreements reached in Brussels. I would like to emphasize that Armenia has been involved in the discussions in good faith, the process would have been much smoother if there were no statements by Azerbaijan about extraterritorial corridor, which have nothing to do with the trilateral declaration of November 9, as well as with the commitments assumed by the statements I mentioned. As for Azerbaijan's efforts to draw parallels between the Lachin corridor and the regional transport routes to be unblocked, they obviously cannot have the same status, at least arising from the provisions of the trilateral declaration signed on November 9, 2020, which clearly define the status of the Lachin corridor. Moreover, Nagorno Karabakh and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic have different statuses, different neighborhoods, different security environments. Accordingly, their relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan cannot be identical. I would like to emphasize again that the November 9 declaration envisages unblocking of all infrastructures in the region, while Azerbaijan is delaying in taking steps in this direction. We are ready for unblocking the region within the framework of the agreements on the preservation of the sovereignty of the countries and jurisdiction over roads, and the recent talks between the Deputy Prime Ministers of the two countries in Moscow followed this logic. Secretaries of Security Councils of CSTO states discuss growing security challenges, threats during Yerevan session The session of the Committee of Secretaries of Security Councils of CSTO states has been completed in Yerevan on June 17. After the session, Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan, who was chairing the session, told reporters that the Secretaries of Security Council specifically focused on global security challenges and threats and the situation in the CSTO responsibility zone. Armen Grigoryan said that the session was held in a constructive and interesting environment. “Today’s session is specific in a sense that this year is a jubilee year for the organization as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Treaty on the Collective Security and the 20th anniversary of the foundation of CSTO, and on the other hand the session is taking place in the conditions of growing challenges and threats both in the world in general and the CSTO responsibility zone. Of course, this factor requires making effective decisions on time aimed at neutralizing these challenges and threats and ensuring the security of the CSTO member states”, he said. The session also covered issues relating to counter-terrorism, joint creation of governing bodies, strengthening the organization’s military component, etc. Armen Grigoryan informed that a number of documents were signed with the session results, which all have passed the respective procedures. Particularly, the Committee approved the draft decision of the CSTO Collective Security Council on giving a regional anti-terrorism operation status to the operational-preventive measures complex named ‘Mercenary’. The Secretaries of the Security Councils of the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) analyzed in detail the military-political situation at a globe during their today’s session in Yerevan, CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas said following the session, regretting over the current crisis in the global security system. “Agreements existing for decades actually stop operating, and the level of mistrust between a number of leading players is approaching a critical juncture. Moreover, the security challenges and threats not only have not lost their sharpness, but also are showing trends of escalation due to the growing global uncertainty”, he said. He said that the CSTO principled position on these issues remains the same that all disagreements and conflicts must be solved through political means. The organization addresses all powers with this call. In line with this, Mr. Zas said, the CSTO is taking all necessary measures to strengthen peace and stability in its member states and is ready for the protection of its interests. “The development of capacities of collective security forces and means, as well as the mutual partnership of special services and law enforcement agencies is one of the main tools to ensure the security of the member states and resist the challenges and threats”, the CSTO chief said. He thanked the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan and his staff for creating wonderful conditions for holding the session. Other News The statements of Azerbaijani officials should be warning sign, we should discuss this issue in the CSTO. The Prime Minister to the CSTO Security Council Secretaries RA MoD denies information about firing at Azerbaijani positions The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan met with the Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev

00:03 - 18 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [16.06.2022]

Aliyev spoke again about the so-called Zangezur corridor Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said that the opening of the so-called "Zangezur corridor" (quotes - ed.) is one of the fundamental elements of the future "peace" (quotes - ed.) in the region, minval.az reports. "If we are not granted access, it will be difficult to talk about peace, and all the efforts of Azerbaijan aimed at establishing normal coexistence and good relations with Armenia will fail," Aliyev said at the IX Global Baku Forum. According to Aliyev, Azerbaijan has the right to demand the opening of the "Zangezur Corridor" (quotes - ed.), since Armenia has signed a corresponding statement. Aliyev said the Minsk Group didn’t achieve any results in 28 years and that Azerbaijan resolved the Karabakh conflict during the 2020 war. He stated there is no need for another Minsk Group. "We have already been informed that the Minsk Group co-chairs will not function anymore. It is time for them to retire. Thus, I want to express our position that any speculation related to the Minsk Group or any other country in Armenia only causes anger in Azerbaijan. We have settled the conflict. The Madrid Principles developed by the Minsk Group have been resolved. Now, we must think of ways to normalize relations with Armenia, sign a peace treaty," Aliyev said. He said that given the Russian-Ukrainian war, everyone understands that it is impossible to hold a meeting with the participation of all the Minsk Group co-chair countries. Speaking about any possible status for Nagorno Karabakh, Aliyev said the Azerbaijan’s constitution provides for equal rights for all ethnic groups living in the country, including Armenians. "Unfortunately, we hear the statements of the Armenian government about the so-called status of Nagorno Karabakh, which is absolutely counterproductive and dangerous, even for Armenia. The Armenian government must stop trying to rewrite history. History has already been written.” Aliyev said that Armenia is putting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in question, forcing the Azerbaijani side to think about the issue. If Armenia will demand a status for the Armenians of Karabakh, why shouldn't we demand a status for Azeris in western Zangezur? This area was completely inhabited by Azeris.” Aliyev said the war in Nagorno Karabakh was inevitable and that it resulted in the "restoration of international law and justice." "The war was inevitable and led to the restoration of justice, international law, the national dignity of the Azerbaijani people. Now, we are talking about peace. I think this is one of the unique cases in the world when a country that has quickly restored justice after such a long confrontation and defeats the aggressor offers peace. In the history of war, you can find very few such cases.” Negotiations taking place for security guarantees and exercise of rights of Artsakh people – Armenian MP The leadership of Armenia moves on the path of the exercise of rights and the guarantee of the security of the people of Artsakh, and negotiations are taking place around this, and the status must derive from the guarantees that will be for ensuring the security and protecting the rights, Members of Parliament from the ruling Civil Contract faction said at a press briefing today. Commenting on Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s speech of yesterday in the Parliament relating to the status of Artsakh, Arusyak Julhakyan said: “The Prime Minister yesterday said the following over the status of Artsakh that it should not be a goal for us, but a mean to ensure the security and rights of Artsakh-Armenians. And I claim that he is not the first person in Armenia who made that statement, noting that the Artsakh issue has been initially and always considered by Armenia as an issue of right, a security issue, not as an issue of right to self-determination”. According to her, the Artsakh issue remains as an issue of ensuring the protection of rights and the security of Artsakh-Armenians. The lawmaker assured that there couldn’t be a step back on this matter. Artur Hovhannisyan highlighted the PM’s speech in a sense that with these statements the leadership is trying to close the “gap” existing between the public and the entire negotiation process. In fact, the public has not been aware of the negotiation processes. “We move on the path of the exercise of rights and the guarantee of the security of the people of Artsakh. Negotiations are taking place around this. And in fact, the status should be derived from the guarantees that will be for ensuring the security and protecting the rights”, he said. “Negotiations are taking place for the exercise of rights and the security guarantees of the people of Artsakh, and the status should be derived from this. Negotiations are underway to ensure the security of the people of Artsakh and their right to live in their homeland”, he added. We are a friend of difficult days for our friends: IRI President says at the meeting with Alen Simonyan The President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ebrahim Raisi received the delegation led by the NA President of the Republic of Armenia. The President Raisi attached importance to the cooperation of the legislative bodies in strengthening of the current warm relations between Armenia and Iran. The interlocutors referred to the bilateral economic relations and the implementation of the infrastructural joint programmes, for the development of which there are preconditions. The RA NA President presented to the President of Iran the current situation caused by the unleashed war against Artsakh by the Azerbaijani-Turkish tandem, the humanitarian problems and the issue of protection of the Armenian historical-cultural values passed under control of Azerbaijan. Alen Simonyan informed that Azerbaijan at state level destroys the valuable heritage, and Iran can serve as an example to Azerbaijan in this issue. At the meeting the consistent efforts made by Iran in establishing peace and stability in the region were highlighted. “We are a friend of difficult days for all our friends: we are led by that. On our happy days everybody can be next to everybody, but the real companionship and friendship are displayed during the hardships,” the IRI President Ebrahim Raisi noted. RA NA President Alen Simonyan met with the IRI Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The sides touched upon the war unleashed against Nagorno Karabakh by the Azerbaijani-Turkish tandem and the situation created as a consequence of it and the unsolved numerous humanitarian problems, particularly, the issue of the return of prisoners of war. “I think that the unbiased approach of Iran, the friendly state, will have a serious contribution to the pro-Azerbaijani initiatives being circulated on the international and regional platforms for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem,” Alen Simonyan noted. At the meeting the strategic dialogue with Iran was greatly emphasized and the possible essential progress of bilateral relations in all directions as a result of it was expected. At the discussion the sides spoke about the investment interests being shown from the Iranian side in the RA Syunik Marz. Other News Armenia is committed to continuing the democratic path. The Prime Minister receives Secretary General of the Council of Europe Additional program of events planned for STARMUS VI festival in Armenia |armenpress.am| Secretary of Security Council met with Belarussian counterpart

00:54 - 17 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [14.06.2022]

Ararat Mirzoyan briefed the President of Bulgaria the situation in the South Caucasian region On June 14, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in Bulgaria on an official visit, met with President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia reports. Referring to the prospects of international cooperation within the sphere of transport infrastructure, the interlocutors emphasized the importance of the implementation of active works towards the establishment of the “Persian Gulf-Black Sea” transport corridor. During the meeting a reference was also made to the issues of regional and international security. Minister Mirzoyan briefed the President of Bulgaria the situation in the South Caucasian region, particularly the recent developments regarding the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the process of the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Both sides stressed that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should be resolved through exclusively peaceful negotiations. In this regard Minister Mirzoyan stressed the role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in the lasting resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and highly valued the balanced position of Bulgaria on the settlement of the conflict under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. Among other urgent humanitarian issues, the need for repatriation of the Armenian prisoners of war and preservation of Armenian religious and historical-cultural heritage in Artsakh was stressed. The Foreign Minister of Armenia presented the normalization process between Armenia and Turkey to the President of Bulgaria. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan held a tête-à-tête conversation with the Foreign Minister of Bulgaria Teodora Genchovska which was followed by the meeting in an extended format with the participation of the delegations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia reports. The sides discussed a number of issues on regional and international security. Minister Mirzoyan presented to his Bulgarian counterpart the situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the position of the Armenian side on the processes aimed at establishing regional peace and stability and the negotiations on the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The mediating role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in promoting the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was underlined. In this regard, Ararat Mirzoyan highly valued the position of Bulgaria. Minister Mirzoyan expressed concern over the continuous anti-Armenian and warmongering rhetoric of the Azerbaijani authorities, and provocative actions against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. He also drew his colleague's attention to the fact that in gross violation of the norms of international humanitarian law, Azerbaijan continues to hold Armenian prisoners of war and civilian hostages. Special emphasis was given to the prevention of Azerbaijan’s policy of distortion and destruction of the identity of Armenian monuments that are part of the universal cultural heritage in the territories fallen under Azerbaijani control due to the 44-day war. In this context, Minister Mirzoyan stressed the urgency of a clear and targeted response of the international community, as well as the imperative of the involvement of relevant international organizations in Nagorno-Karabakh, especially the unimpeded implementation of UNESCO fact-finding mission. Ararat Mirzoyan briefed his counterpart on the recent developments of the Armenia-Turkey normalization process. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and the Minister of Culture of Bulgaria Atanas Atanasov signed the 2022-2025 cooperation program in the sphere of culture between the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia and the Ministry of Culture of Bulgaria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia reports. Other News November 9 statement doesn't address the Nagorno Karabakh issue. PM Pashinyan’s interview to Al Jazeera Content of negotiations are decided by Ilham Aliyev. Secretary of Security Council of Azerbaijan The Prime Minister discusses issues related to the implementation of investment programs in Armenia with the members of the Qatar Businessmen Association

20:52 - 14 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [13.06.2022]

The meeting of the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Qatar took place, based on the results of which a number of documents were signed The governmental delegation headed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived in the State of Qatar on June 13 on a two-day official visit. The Prime Minister was met at the Doha International Airport by the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan met with the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the State of Qatar Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani. During the meeting, the Prime Minister of the State of Qatar attached importance to the official visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, stressed the need for multifaceted cooperation between the two friendly countries. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Thani expressed confidence that the cooperation between the Governments of Armenia and Qatar will reach a new level as a result of this visit. Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani expressed confidence that the cooperation between the Governments of Armenia and Qatar will reach new level based on the results of this visit. In his turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that the political dialogue between Armenia and Qatar is at a high level, and it is necessary to give a new impetus to the development and expansion of bilateral economic ties. The Prime Minister attached imortance to the development and deepening of business ties and invited the representatives of Qatar’s business community to Armenia to discuss opportunities and prospects for joint investment projects with Armenian partners. Nikol Pashinyan and Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz al-Thani discussed a wide range of issues related to the development of cooperation in the fields of economy, in particular, information technologies, agriculture, transport infrastructure, trade, air communication, tourism. The sides also discussed the opportunities for cooperation in the field of education, including student exchange, science, as well as healthcare and culture. The broad potential for developing ties in all of the above areas was highlighted, for the implementation of which the Prime Ministers of the two countries gave specific instructions to the heads of the relevant government departments. Based on the result of the meeting, a number of documents were signed between the two countries in the presence of the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Qatar. In particular, Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Hambardzum Matevosyan and Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani signed a Memorandum of Understanding on holding political consultations between the foreign ministries of Armenia and Qatar, as well as Memorandum of Understanding on exchange of news between ARMENPRESS news agency and Qatar News Agency. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with the Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The Prime Minister of Armenia and the Emir of Qatar stressed the great potential of cooperation between the two friendly countries, the mutual readiness to expand and strengthen relations. The parties attached importance to the development of relations especially in the spheres of economy, information technologies, science, air communication, tourism, culture. Nikol Pashinyan referred to the business environment in our country, noting that within the framework of its tools the Armenian Government is ready to support the implementation of possible investment programs by Qatari companies. The interlocutors expressed confidence that the official visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia and the meetings envisaged by the agenda will contribute to the expansion and deepening of ties in the spheres of investments and trade. The Prime Minister of Armenia invited the Emir of Qatar to pay an official visit to Armenia, which was gladly accepted. The fate of the Shahumyan region is a vivid example of the prospect of any status of Artsakh within Azerbaijan. Human Rights Defender of Artsakh Gegham Stepanyan, the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh wrote on Facebook that 30 years ago, as a result of repressions, attacks and criminal acts by Azerbaijan, 20,000 people of the Shahumyan region of the Artsakh Republic were deported and ousted from their homeland, more than 700 people were killed and disappeared, historical Armenian communities were emptied of Armenians and looted, the Armenian religious and cultural values of region were vandalized and destroyed. "The houses of the Armenians were divided, and the “new masters” from Azerbaijan wrote their names on the gates with oil. The church was desecrated and turned into a sheep pen. The cross was broken, the bell was smashed with a rifle shot, and the fragments were scattered back and forth," eyewitnesses say. The crimes committed against the people of Shahumyan were an act of "punishment" for their free will, the realization of their right to live independently and with dignity in their homeland. The issue of justice for the people of Shahumyan, deprived of their homeland on the basis of ethnic-religious affiliation and the restoration of their violated rights, was not clearly set on the agenda, the Azerbaijani authorities were not held accountable for the crimes committed against them. Moreover, this impunity continues to breed new crimes, which we witnessed during the Azerbaijani aggression unleashed against the people of Artsakh in April 2016 and September 2020, and continue to witness after the November 9 trilateral statement on the ceasefire. The international community continues to show condemnable indifference to what is happening, which does not follow from the principle of the universality of the protection of human rights.

00:53 - 14 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [10.06.2022]

RF MFA corrected statement of FM Lavrov regarding situation in Parukh The RF MFA corrected the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov regarding the situation in Parukh. Yesterday Lavrov, answering the relevant question, said that the situation around the village of Parukh is a priority for the Russian military. According to Lavrov, there are already certain results of de-escalation of the situation there. "And we have an awareness that within the framework of the substantive work on demarcation that is already beginning, these issues will be discussed and definitely resolved," Lavrov said. Meanwhile, in the message of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the following was noted as Lavrov's response: "We hope that the launch of the process of delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border will help to increase trust between Baku and Yerevan and prevent incidents like Parukh in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent." Issue of incursion of Azerbaijani forces into Armenia’s sovereign territory remains open: FM says after CSTO meeting On June 10, a meeting of Council of Foreign Ministers of CSTO was held in Yerevan under the chairmanship of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan. The agenda of the meeting included issues related to international and regional security, improving the CSTO crisis response mechanisms, as well as the implementation of individual decisions of the CSTO Collective Security Council. At the expanded meeting, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan noted that 30 years ago the CSTO member states made a historic decision to combine efforts aimed at ensuring peace and security, which, in the end, led to the creation of the Collective Security Treaty Organization two decades ago. Minister Mirzoyan stated that by joint efforts it was possible to provide a reliable basis for countering challenges and threats, creating and further developing an effective defense system aimed at comprehensively meeting the expectations and aspirations of the organization's member states. Noting that the CSTO is gaining an increasingly important role in ensuring the security of the Eurasian region, the Armenian Foreign Minister added that it is obvious that the role of the CSTO as a security donor will gradually grow. The Foreign Ministers of the CSTO member states adopted a statement on international security issues with the results of today’s session in Yerevan, as well as approved the consultation plan of the representatives of the CSTO states for the next three years on foreign policy, defense and security affairs, Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan said at a joint press conference with CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas after the session. “We completed the session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, which was attended by the Foreign Ministers of the CSTO member states and the CSTO Secretary General. This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Collective Security Treaty and the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, and I want to once again congratulate all of us on this occasion. During the narrow and extended-format sessions we discussed with the Foreign Ministers of the CSTO member states the situation development trends in the field of international and regional security and their impact on the security of our states. We also touched upon the issue of improving the crisis response mechanisms, which, as you know, is the priority of Armenia’s presidency at the CSTO. In January the Organization responded to the incidents in Kazakhstan on the right time, but the issue connected with the incursion of the Azerbaijani troops into Armenia’s sovereign territory, which started in May 2021, still remains open. We also discussed the implementation process of the agreements that were reached at the level of the leaders of the CSTO member states in September 2021 on the sidelines of the session of the Collective Security Council, as well as Armenia’s chairmanship priorities”, the FM said. Mirzoyan said Armenia has been and remains committed to the initiating cooperation within the CSTO aimed at expanding the mutual partnership between the member states, including developing the foreign policy coordination within the CSTO and raising the role of the Organization in the international arena. Based on the session results, that took place in the Armenian Presidential Palace, the CSTO Foreign Ministers agreed to hold the next session of the Council again in Yerevan in the fourth quarter of 2022. The activities of the session of the CSTO Council of Foreign Ministers in Yerevan were held in a very constructive and good environment, CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas said during a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan after the session. The Secretary General said the CSTO Foreign Ministers paid a great attention especially to the discussion of the situation of international and regional security. Stanislav Zas said the situation is this respect is really very complex in all the three regions of the collective security. As for the situation in the Eastern-European region, it gradually deteriorates, according to him. “A document has been agreed on and approved with the discussion results, the statement of the foreign ministers about the international security where foreign ministers express their deep concerns over the continuous deterioration of the international security. The document reflects the position of the member states in the strong observation of the principle of equal and inseparable security and the impermissibility of strengthening the security of our states at the expense of others”, the CSTO Secretary General said. With the adopted statement the CSTO Foreign Ministers have also expressed their support to the strengthening of the leading role of the UN Security Council in maintenance of peace and stability in the world. The session agenda also included the issue on improving the CSTO crisis response mechanisms which is one of the main priorities of Armenia’s chairmanship at the CSTO, which was also stated by Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan. Over the matter Stanislav Zas said that the first experience of the CSTO in this respect was the peacekeeping mission carried out in Kazakhstan in January. “In fact, it was our first experience during the peacekeeping operation in Kazakhstan, when the CSTO crisis response system was put into operation. It paved the way for us for improving our activity in this area. The foreign ministers informed me about the activities that have already been done in our working bodies of the CSTO, and we are planning to draft a document on this matter in coming months”, Stanislav Zas said. The CSTO Secretary General thanked the Armenian side and the Armenian FM personally for presenting a number of proposals aimed at improving the crisis response mechanisms, as well as for hosting the event in a well-organized manner. Other News RA NA President Alen Simonyan meets with CoE General Secretary Marija Pejčinović Burićm Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan took part in session of CIS Economic Council |1lurer.am| Armenian-Belarusian relations develop dynamically - Exclusive interview of the Belarusian FM to ARMENPRESS

00:35 - 11 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [09.06.2022]

Armenia continues to believe Russian peacekeepers are able to restore status quo established in NK by 2020 statement- FM During a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan reported that the possible document on normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and issues related to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement process were at the center of their discussion. "I reaffirmed the readiness of the Government of the Republic of Armenia to make efforts to achieve stability and peace in the region. In this context, the addressing of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is key, which will include the key points of the final decision on the security of the people of Artsakh, the provision of all rights, the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. The principles of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement have been developed by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and we are interested in activating this format endowed with a mediation mandate by the international community," Mirzoyan said. Armenia continues to believe that the Russian peacekeeping mission is able to restore the status quo established in Nagorno Karabakh by the 2020 trilateral statement, the situation as of March 23, 2022, which has been violated by the incursion of the Azerbaijani armed forces into Parukh village in Askeran, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said at a joint press conference with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Yerevan on June 9. FM Mirzoyan said that Russia played a vital role in the stop of the aggression unleashed against Artsakh. “The deployment of peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh as a factor to prevent provocations and ensure the security of the people of Artsakh is aimed at creating conditions for restoring the normal life and ensuring stability and security in our region”, the Armenian FM said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is convinced that there will be final agreements over the settlement of the bilateral relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. During a press conference in Yerevan together with his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan, the Russian FM, commenting on the question relating to the progress in the process of the normalization of the relations between Yerevan and Baku, reminded that after the 2020 large-scale war the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan held three trilateral meetings aimed at settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and solving the practical issues connected with the settlement of the relations. “In my view, we have a common perception that the process moves forward. Perhaps, it would be desirable for the process to be faster, nevertheless, it moves on, substantive, positive, albeit still intermediate results are being achieved, but there is no doubt that there will also be final agreements. We try to contribute to it in every way. Of course, the sides have their own visions, which do not always coincide, especially on how to work in the upcoming stage, but in any case all our partners and we as well agree that the three statements adopted at the highest level are very simple roadmaps that we should all guided by”, the Russian FM said. He reminded that the meeting of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Border Commissions was held recently, and the next meeting is scheduled to take place in Moscow. Lavrov said the Russian side is ready to provide consulting support in this respect. According to the Russian top diplomat, the activities of the Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan deputy prime ministerial working group dealing with the unblocking of transportation and economic communications in the region have also greatly moved forward. “Therefore, I am sure that there is no other way than the complete normalization of the relations”, the Russian FM said. Other News The main issue on our agenda is related to regional security and the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Nikol Pashinyan to Sergey Lavrov

00:31 - 10 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [07.06.2022-08.06.2022]

There are no concrete results on the issue of negotiations on the opening of "Zangezur Corridor", as Armenia is delaying this process under various pretexts. Bayramov Official Baku expressed at the highest level support for the process of settlement of relations between Turkey and Armenia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov told Anadolu agency. He noted that Azerbaijan has a positive attitude towards the appointment of special representatives of Armenia and Turkey and their three meetings. Referring to the South Caucasus, Bayramov said that Baku allegedly always advocated good relations with all countries. He said that after the Second Artsakh War, Azerbaijan allegedly left on the side the "wounds of the past", declaring its readiness for peace and normalization of relations with Armenia. Bayramov said that the peace agenda of Baku provoked a positive response from the international community, including at the level of the European Union. He recalled that at the initiative of the EU, the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan have held two personal meetings over the past two months, noting that the unblocking of communications in the region, as well as the delimitation and demarcation of borders between the two countries were also included in the agenda of the negotiations, among other issues. "There are no concrete results on the issue of negotiations on the opening of the "Zangezur corridor", since Armenia is delaying this process under various pretexts. Turkey and Azerbaijan openly declare that we have no problems with Yerevan. Our countries stand for normal relations with Armenia. If Yerevan takes appropriate steps, observes the norms of international law and takes into account the realities of the region, good results will be possible," Bayramov said. EU Ambassador to Armenia calls on all sides to refrain from hate speech, not to escalate domestic political situation The European Union strongly supports and highlights the reforms of the democratic system of governance, the establishment of the rule of law and the fight against discrimination in Armenia, the EU Ambassador to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin said at a conference entitled “Judiciary as a Guarantor of Democracy” in Yerevan on June 8. “We have always supported the implementation of justice reforms, and for this purpose we have provided long-term and short-term support. We highly value the efforts Armenia has made in recent years in terms of democratic processes. It’s also very important that the political leadership is committed to continue the constitutional reforms that are envisaged by the 2019-2021 judicial reforms strategy”, the EU Ambassador said. The Ambassador said independent judiciary in a democratic country is the guarantor of human rights and freedoms, therefore, she said, the Constitutional Court has an important role to play to strengthen the public trust towards judiciary. “Armenia is facing numerous challenges, and we are very impressed that the authorities willingly continue moving on the path of reforms. There is currently big tension in the country, and it’s very important that all sides work together to protect the constitutional rights of the citizens of Armenia. We closely follow the domestic political situation and the protests in the country. It’s very important for the people to be able to voice their opinion freely, and the law enforcement agencies and police forces should refrain from using brute force. Some incidents that have taken place should be investigated, it already happens in some of the cases, the cases reach to the court and a ruling is being made. That’s how democracy works”, Andrea Wiktorin said. The Ambassador said it’s very important that all sides in Armenia refrain from hate speech and provocations. Any violence must be condemned, she added. “In such situation, I think, promoting trust towards our Constitutional Court and the judiciary is more than important”, she said. Other News Foreign Ministers of CSTO states to discuss international, regional security at upcoming Yerevan session |armenpress.am| In new report, European Parliament calls on Turkey to recognize Armenian Genocide |armenpress.am| Russian FM will pay a working visit to Armenia

00:04 - 09 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [06.06.2022]

Ararat Mirzoyan explained why the Stockholm meeting with Bayramov was canceled During last year’s OSCE ministerial conference in Stockholm, majority of the OSCE participating states, as well as high-ranking representatives of several international organizations have clearly emphasized the necessity of settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict through negotiations within the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship format, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan said at the joint session of parliamentary standing committees, presenting the Foreign Ministry’s 2021 activity. He stated that in terms of the format of the discussions the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship format had a special importance for the Armenian side. After a 1-year pause, the meetings of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers at the mediation and participation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs were held in New York in September 2021 and in Paris in November thanks to the position of the concerned states and the consistent work of the Armenian side. During those meetings the Armenian side highlighted its position on fully restoring the NK conflict’s peaceful settlement process in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship. The necessity for de-escalation in the border and the solution of humanitarian problems, as well as the impermissibility of provocations and anti-Armenian rhetoric were emphasized. Before the Paris meeting, the Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs also met in Minsk in October at the mediation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The next meeting was scheduled in December in Stockholm, on the sidelines of the OSCE ministerial conference, but several hours before the meeting the Azerbaijani side cancelled it. “Before this meeting, the Co-Chairs presented to the sides a clear negotiating agenda during the separate meetings. It’s worth nothing that days before that, during the session of the OSCE permanent council in Vienna, the Co-Chairs have once again clearly mentioned their mandate. And in our opinion, these factors, in line with Azerbaijan’s overall attitude to the format and mandate of the Co-Chairmanship, were the main reasons of the cancellation of the Stockholm meeting. Nevertheless, during the annual OSCE ministerial conference in Stockholm, majority of the OSCE participating states, as well as the high-ranking representatives of a number of international organizations have clearly emphasized the necessity of settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict through negotiations in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship”, the FM said. Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said that there is a common perception in the context of unblocking of regional communications according to which all transportation infrastructure and roads to be unblocked must operate under the sovereignty and legislation of those countries through which they pass. While presenting the Foreign Ministry’s 2021 activity at the joint session of parliamentary standing committees, the FM assured that one of the key foreign policy directions has been the unblocking of transportation communications and economic ties in the region. He reminded that the trilateral working group dealing with the unblocking of regional communications is chaired by the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan. This group held 8 meetings in 2021. “As an outcome of the meetings of leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan held in Sochi on November 26, 2021 and the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and the President of the European Council held in Brussels on December 15, an agreement over re-launching the railway communication has been reached. Works on this direction continue. There is a common perception that all transportation infrastructure, roads and railways to be unblocked should operate under the sovereignty and legislation of the countries through which they pass”, the FM said. Nagorno Karabakh problem is not a territorial dispute, but an issue of the rights of the local Armenian population. Alen Simonyan to his Kazakh counterpart On June 6, the RA NA President received the delegation led by the Speaker of the Mazhilis of the Republic of Kazakhstan that arrived in Armenia within the framework of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly Council. Welcoming his colleague, Alen Simonyan thanked him for being in Armenia on the crucial days for the Republic of Kazakhstan. “Yesterday was the Referendum Day of the constitutional reforms in your country, and after that important event leaving for Yerevan is appreciated,” the Head of Parliament noted. Touching upon the regional issues, the RA NA President mentioned that Armenia is faithful to the agenda of peace and stability. He stressed that the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh problem continues being of vital significance for Armenia, and it is not a territorial dispute at all, as the leadership of Baku presents it, but it is an issue of the rights of the local Armenian population. Alen Simonyan asked his Kazakh colleague to have his contribution to resolving the humanitarian and peaceful issues regarding Nagorno Karabakh. The sides positively assessed the level of the Armenian-Kazakh multilateral relations based on the traditional friendship and mutual understanding. They underlined the special role of the legislative bodies of Armenia and Kazakhstan, taking into consideration the fact that the Armenian-Kazakh political relations continue developing with growing rates. Both sides highlighted the cooperation on the international arena and active participation in the international organizations. Thanking his colleague for the reception, the Speaker of the Majilis noted that he had his military service in Armenia during the years of the Soviet Union, adding that he returned to his native places. Here everything is familiar to him, and he will never forget Mount Ararat. Yerlan Koshanov presented the referendum on constitutional amendments in Kazakhstan, stating that it was a step towards democracy. He thanked for the observation mission sent by Armenia to the constitutional referendum. The Speaker of the Majilis expressed satisfaction that after being elected his first interstate visit was Armenia. The Kazakh colleague underlined that the participation of Armenia and Kazakhstan in the Eurasian integration process opens new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, recording that today’s indicators do not reflect the real opportunities, furthermore, there are mutually accepted projects both in Armenia and Kazakhstan, which can be mutually beneficially carried out. Other News FM comments on activities done in international platforms for release of Armenian captives |armenpress.am| Stanislav Zas highlights process of delimitation and demarcation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan |armenpress.am|

00:59 - 07 June, 2022

Daily News Summary [30.05.2022]

Meeting between President Vahagn Khachaturyan and President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili took place President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has arrived in Georgia today on an official visit. At the Shota Rustaveli Tbilisi International Airport, President Khachaturyan has been welcomed by Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia Levan Davitashvili, Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia Lasha Darsalia, and other officials. At the residence of the President of Georgia, Orbeliani Palace, the official welcoming ceremony has taken place for President of the Republic of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan, who arrived in Georgia today on an official visit. The military orchestra has performed the state anthems of Armenia and Georgia. The Presidents of Armenia and Georgia have performed the inspection of the military orchestra and the guard of honor in the company of the commander of the guard of honor. After the official welcoming ceremony, President Vahagn Khachaturyan has written a note in the honorary guest book of the Georgian presidential palace. “I am glad to state that my first official visit in the capacity of the President of the Republic of Armenia is to the brotherly Georgia. I am certain that as Presidents of good neighborly states, we will make significant contributions to further strengthening and extending of the relations between the two countries,” wrote the President of Armenia. Afterwards, the private meeting took place between Presidents of Armenia and Georgia, Vahagn Khachaturyan and Salome Zourabichvili, which has been followed by the extended meeting of the delegations. Upon welcoming the official delegation of Armenia, President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili has stated that it is very appreciated that the visit takes place on the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Georgia, a period that has been 30 years of close friendly relations between the two countries, and so it will continue. President Khachaturyan has thanked for the warm welcome and noted that Armenia attaches great importance to continuous development and strengthening of relations with neighborly Georgia, for which there are all pre-conditions. At the meeting, the parties have discussed matters related to Armenian-Georgian relations and the prospects of development. Both parties have underlined that there is large potential for increasing collaboration in various fields, particularly transport, communications, information technologies. The parties have touched on matters of security, political, and regional importance, and noted that the high level of relations between Armenia and Georgia is an important factor of security in the South Caucasus. Baku still continuous xenophobic rhetoric against Armenians, violations of the ceasefire. Interview of the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan to “WION” Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan gave an interview to the leading Indian "WION" media outlet. The situation in our region remains volatile and tense. Aftershocks of the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 still affect Armenia and the whole region. Though large-scale hostilities were stopped after the Russian brokered ceasefire by November 9, 2020, Trilateral Statement of the leaders of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan, many issues still remain unresolved, Mirzoyan said answering a question about the situation in the region. "There is still continuous xenophobic rhetoric against Armenians coming from the official Baku. There is still psychological terror being made on Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, like broadcasting through loudspeakers appeals to leave their homes threatening otherwise to force them to do so, or cutting gas supply during severe weather conditions. There are still violations of the ceasefire taking place around Nagorno-Karabakh. The latest case in point is the incursion of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Parukh village of Nagorno-Karabakh on March 24. Nevertheless, we think that peace, not war, is the solution, and Armenia continues its efforts aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region. We’ve repeatedly stated that we are ready to start negotiations on comprehensive peace with Azerbaijan, which will also include the lasting settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including the protection of all rights of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and its final status. During the meeting of leaders in Brussels on May 22, it was agreed to start work towards delimitation and security of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, finalize talks on opening the transport infrastructure in the region and work on preparation for comprehensive peace talks. If Azerbaijan demonstrates a constructive approach and refrains from creating hurdles along the way like they did many times before, I think we can move forward." Armenian Armed Forces units didn't fire at Azerbaijani positions, Azerbaijan spreads disinformation. RA MoD The message spread by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan that on May 30, units of the Armenian Armed Forces fired at Azerbaijani combat positions located in the eastern direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is disinformation, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia reports.The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is relatively stable and is under the full control of the units of the RA Armed Forces.

08:19 - 31 May, 2022

Daily News Summary [28.05.2022 - 29.05.2022]

The Azerbaijani side opened fire in the direction of Armenian positions. Wounded Armenian serviceman died in the hospital On May 28, at around 10:40, units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire on Armenian positions located on the southeastern section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, as a result of which a serviceman Davit Vardanyan, received a gunshot wound, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia reports. The fire of Azerbaijani units was suppressed by retaliatory actions of the Armenian side. On May 29, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia reported that despite all the efforts of doctors, it was not possible to save the life of Davit Vardanyan, who received a gunshot wound on May 28. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia issued a statement on the violation of the ceasefire by the Azerbaijani armed forces on May 28. Armenian Foreign Ministry strongly condemns the gross violation of the ceasefire by the Azerbaijani armed forces in the south-eastern direction of Armenia's border area on May 28, as a result of which Davit Vardanyan, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Armenia, was killed. "Similar provocations and incidents committed on May 28 and previously, regular ceasefire violations once again justify the need for a mirror withdrawal of troops from the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and the deployment of an observation mission on the border area, which has been repeatedly raised by the Armenian side. We consider it important that the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries, the CSTO, the European Union and the entire international community give an adequate and targeted assessment of Azerbaijan's provocative actions and statements, aggressive rhetoric aimed at undermining peace efforts in the South Caucasus.We call on the Azerbaijani leadership to refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric and implement its commitments of establishing stability and security in the region, undertaken by the Trilateral Statements, as well as meetings in Brussels," the statement reads," the statement reads. Our discussions are about opening and unblocking communications and it is obvious that one branch of railway will pass through Meghri, Ordubad, Julfa, and Yeraskh. FM Mirzoyan The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan answered the questions of the "Armenpress" news agency. In particular, Minister Mirzoyan noted that by signing the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, the President of Azerbaijan acknowledged the existence of Nagorno-Karabakh and this is an irreversible fact. We can point to the official statements made by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing countries, in which they reaffirm their commitment as Co-Chairs. "By the way, Armenia has never had and does not have territorial claims against Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is a matter of rights and is perceived as such by the international community. That is evident from the meeting in Brussels. We have stated that the page of the war is turned for us, there is an issue that should be resolved through political and diplomatic means," Mirzoyan said. When asked about the statement of Ilham Aliyev that an agreement has been reached in Brussels on a corridor passing through Meghri which will connect Azerbaijan to Nakhijevan, Ararat Mirzoyan said: "We have repeatedly stated the position of Armenia. Let us repeat again. The existence of any corridor inside the territory of Armenia is ruled out. This is not even up to discussion. Our discussions are exclusively about opening and unblocking roads, transport, and economic communications. As for the routes, we have said that before clarifying the routes, we must first agree on the legal regulations for the civilian and cargo passages of Azerbaijan through our territory and the civilian and cargo passages of Armenia through Azerbaijan (including Nakhichevan). However, it is obvious that one branch of the railway will pass through Meghri, Ordubad, Julfa, and Yeraskh. There is no agreement on the route of the highways at this moment." Other News We call on the leadership of Azerbaijan not to disrupt the discussions conducted in the existing formats with warmongering, expansionist rhetoric. RA MFA

23:18 - 29 May, 2022

Daily News Summary [25.05.2022]

Until now, we have not stated that there are Azerbaijani enclaves on the territory of Armenia. Pashinyan During the Parliament-Government Q&A Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the Armenian side has not yet stated that Azerbaijani enclaves exist de jure on the territory of Armenia. "This question arose when the message said: "the connection between Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan and the connection between Armenia and Armenia". And the question arose, what is this connection between Armenia and Armenia? The Secretary of the Security Council noted that we are talking, for example, about a railway connection between Yeraskh and Meghri. Of course, we have a highway through Armenia from Meghri to all parts of Armenia, but the railway is only about that," Pashinyan said. As for the enclaves, the Prime Minister assured that such an issue, as such, was not discussed in Brussels. However, he stressed that Azerbaijan raises this issue by hint or directly in a variety of formats. "And our position here is transparent and public. We said that in all these processes we should delve into the legal grounds. And we said that so far our research has not recorded that Azerbaijani enclaves exist de jure on the territory of the Republic of Armenia, on the contrary, we have recorded that Artsvashen is de jure the territory of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinyan. MP of the ‘Civil Contract’ faction Sona Ghazaryan asked Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan what works were being carried out in the direction of returning the prisoners of war (POWs) and other detainees through international mediation. The Prime Minister first mentioned that this was one of the main topics discussed in Brussels a few days ago. "The position of the European Union and international organizations is that our captive compatriots should be returned as soon as possible. That is our position, and we try to make every effort to solve the problem as soon as possible. Azerbaijan is constantly trying to connect the return of our captives, hostages and other detainees to additional conditions, but we do not agree with that position. Our position remains the same that according to the trilateral statement of November 9, all prisoners of war, detainees and hostages must be returned. Unfortunately, we have 39 captives confirmed so far, one of whom has recently got lost and appeared in the territory under the control of the Azerbaijanis. We make every effort, but I must say that the most effective way is to provide the support and pressure of the international community, so that our citizens to return to the Homeland as soon as possible,” Pashinyan said. As a result of the meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Brussels, no agreement was reached between the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides over the formulations on Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and the President of the European Council decided to make comments that, in his opinion, would express as many elements as possible about the positions of both sides over formulations, ARMENPRESS reports Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said, answering the question of MP from Civil Contract Party Arman Yeghoyan. The MP quoted the statement of the President of the European Council Charles Michel after the meeting in Brussels, saying "I also stressed to the two leaders that it is necessary to address the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population of Karabakh." According to Yeghoyan, these words have been interpreted differently in the Armenian media. "It was speculated that this means that Artsakh's right to self-determination remains out of the agenda, that the EU does not consider the possibility of a separate status for Artsakh, this is a step back from the agenda of the OSCE Minsk Group," Yeghoyan said. Pashinyan reminded that at least two of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair countries welcomed and supported those talks and discussions. The Prime Minister reminded that the bilateral statement with the Russian President, which is also an OSCE Minsk Group Co-chair country, noted the importance of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement and the use of the potential of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format for that. "A very serious discussion on the Karabakh issue took place in Brussels, and as a result of that discussion, the differences between the positions of Armenia and Azerbaijan were registered," the Prime Minister said. He emphasized that those differences are expressed publicly. Azerbaijan considers that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved, Armenia considers that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved. "And in the possible context of the peace talks, you know that Azerbaijan has presented its 5 principles, and we have presented our observations and agenda in this regard. We have said that talks should be held on that basis. With the principles we have brought forward, the security and rights of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh and the clarification of the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh are recorded. And since as a result of the discussions no agreement was reached between the parties, the President of the Council of Europe decided to make comments that, in his opinion, would reflect as many elements as possible from the positions of both sides. And since as a result of the discussions no agreement was reached between the parties, the President of the European Council decided to make comments that, in his opinion, would reflect as many elements as possible from the positions of both sides. It’s another question how accurate it was. We have expressed our positions, of course, there are no changes in those positions. And we will continue to consistently follow that path," Pashinyan said. There is no consensus on the works of the Co-chairs, but the rumors about the "death" of the format are exaggerated. FM There is no consensus over continuing the work, talks of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs on Nagorno Karabakh, first of all by Azerbaijan, but the rumors about the "death" of the Co-Chairs format are a bit exaggerated, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan said during the parliament-Cabinet Q&A session. MP Vahagn Khachaturyan inquired if there is any consensus on the mandate and works of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format, what’s the future of that format and what’s being done to start talks on NK issue in the sidelines of the format. "Due to the war in Ukraine, the work of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, to put it mildly, is not active. In general, it can be stated that there were no visible works in that framework. Prior to that, Azerbaijan was the country that rejected the proposal, need to continue the talks on the format of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs. But after the war in Ukraine, there was some disagreement also between the Co-chairs. We, undoubtedly, see the place of negotiations for the political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the platform of OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs”, Mirzoyan said. He assured that the Armenian side constantly talks about this, works in this direction with all international partners, first of all, with the Co-chairs. "And I am happy to state that recently, you might have noticed that the Co-chair countries are reaffirming their commitment to continue working in that format," Mirzoyan said. According to him, this can be seen in the joint statement of Prime Minister Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin after the last meeting, and in the statement made after his visit to the US by US Secretary of State Blinken, in the statement made by his French counterparts. Referring to the issue, the Foreign Minister said that to say that there is a consensus on this issue would be an exaggeration. "There is no consensus, first of all, through Azerbaijan's efforts. However the rumors about the 'death' of this format are also a bit exaggerated," Mirzoyan said. Other News Next meeting of the commissions on the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be held in Moscow. RF MFA According to the Azerbaijani side, Eduard Martirosov will be returned to the Armenian side in the coming days Pashinyan stressed that no one can, nor is going to sign any document behind the back of the people of Armenia and Artsakh. President of Artsakh Russia is ready to assist bilateral commission on delimitation of Armenian-Azerbaijani border: Zakharova |1lurer.am|

00:08 - 26 May, 2022

Daily News Summary [24.05.2022]

Armenian and Azerbaijani Deputy PMs meet at the state border On May 24, 2022, within the framework of the implementation of the agreements reached between the two countries and in accordance with the relevant orders, the first meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Mher Grigoryan and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev was held in the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, within the format of the joint work of the commissions on delimitation and border security between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The sides reiterated their readiness to work on delimitation and other relevant issues, including border security issues within the commissions. Organizational and procedural issues of the commission’s joint activities were discussed. Along with the meetings at the interstate border, the sides agreed on the expediency of different platforms for further meetings of the commissions. In particular, an agreement was reached to hold the second meeting in Moscow and the third one in Brussels. Charles Michel, the President of European Council welcomed the meeting between Deputy Prime Ministers of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan. "Warmly welcome first meeting of Border Commissions held today on Armenia-Azerbaijan border to advance discussions on delimitation of inter-state border and how best to ensure stable situation," Michel, wrote on Twitter adding that it's a tangible progress following trilateral meeting with Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev. PM Pashinyan holds phone talk with Antony Blinken Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The Secretary of State praised the efforts of the Government of the Republic of Armenia aimed at establishing peace and stability in the region, as well as the process of democratic reforms in Armenia. The interlocutors exchanged views on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, opening of regional communications, regional security issues. Prime Minister Pashinyan shared his impressions of the trilateral meeting held in Brussels on May 22, emphasizing that although the meeting was generally positive, unfortunately, comments unrelated to the content of the discussions were voiced after the meeting. The Secretary of State reaffirmed the US readiness to continue supporting Armenia's democratic reforms, the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the demarcation of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, the opening of regional communications, and the establishment of regional stability. The sides also referred to the Armenia-Turkey discussions at the level of special representatives. The interlocutors agreed to continue Armenia-US high-level contacts. Other News Armenia denies Aliyev’s “corridor” narrative, says Brussels agreements concern opening of regional connections Borrell welcomes Pashinyan-Aliyev-Michel meeting in Brussels Issues related to fiscal policy discussed at Government

00:37 - 25 May, 2022

Daily News Summary [23.05.2022]

The preparation of the negotiation process for the settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan was discussed during the trilateral meeting The trilateral meeting of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, the President of the European Council Charles Michel and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev took place in Brussels. As a result of the discussion, agreements were reached on the further course of work on the opening of regional communications, on the launch of the work of the Commission on Border Demarcation and Security. Issues related to the preparations for the negotiation process on normalization of relations between the two countries, humanitarian issues, as well as the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict were also discussed. An agreement was reached to continue the trilateral meetings, scheduling another meeting for July or August. European Council President Charles Michel released a statement after hosting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for trilateral talks in Brussels. "The discussion was frank and productive. We reviewed the entire set of issues. We had a detailed discussion on humanitarian issues, including demining, and efforts to free detainees and address the fate of missing persons. We reached the following outcomes: Border issues The first joint meeting of the Border Commissions will take place on the inter-state border in the coming days. It will address all questions related to the delimitation of the border and how best to ensure a stable situation. Connectivity The leaders agreed on the need to proceed with unblocking the transport links. They agreed on the principles governing transit between western Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan, and between different parts of Armenia via Azerbaijan, as well as international transport through communications infrastructure of both countries. Notably they agreed on principles of border administration, security, land fees but also customs in the context of international transport. The Deputy Prime Ministers will take this work forward in the coming days. Peace Agreement The leaders agreed to advance discussions on the future peace treaty governing inter-state relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Teams led by the Foreign Ministers will take forward this process in the coming weeks. In addition to this track, I also stressed to both leaders that it was necessary that the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population in Karabakh be addressed." The Polish Chairmanship of the OSCE has welcomed the meeting between Armenia and Azerbaijan facilitated by the European Union. “Direct dialogue is a prerequisite to normalizing relations and preparing a comprehensive peace agreement. We remain ready to assist efforts to guarantee a peaceful, democratic and prosperous future for the South Caucasus,” the Polish Chairmanship said in a Twitter post. The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan referred to the problems of opening the communication channels between Armenia and Azerbaijan, answering the questions of Armenpress. "For example, it will be possible for Armenian citizens and cargo to reach Meghri from Yeraskh through the territory of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic and vice versa, within the same principles as Azerbaijani citizens and cargo can reach Nakhichevan from Horadiz through Armenia," Grigoryan said. Referring to the question why should the territory of Nakhichevan be used for going from one part of Armenia to another, Grigoryan answered: "This may be due to the fact that the railway connecting the north of Armenia to the south passes through Nakhichevan. Besides, the topic under discussion is about the opening of all communications in the region, and the issue of the principles of opening and operating of all existing communications must be resolved. Discussions follow this logic. Let me remind you that in the same context, the issue of transport connection from the Republic of Armenia through the territory of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic to the Islamic Republic of Iran and through the eastern parts of Azerbaijan to the Russian Federation and vice versa is also being discussed." Any status within Azerbaijan is unacceptable. Spox of the President of Artsakh The attitude of the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh to the statements voiced in various formats about the fate of the Republic of Artsakh and the people of Artsakh during negotiations and discussions has been unequivocally expressed several times by the President and the National Assembly. The spokesperson of the President of the Republic of Artsakh Lusine Avanesyan told Artsakhpress, adding that she wants to recall some of the provisions published by President Harutyunyan in December 2021. Full recognition of the right of the Artsakh Armenians to self-determination is not subject to any concession. The exclusive owner of this issue is the people of Artsakh. The international recognition of the independence of the Republic of Artsakh remains the guideline of the authorities. Any status within Azerbaijan is unacceptable. Going back to the past is unacceptable not only in terms of status, but also in demographic terms. The Republic of Artsakh has a problem of restoring its territorial integrity. Other News Phone conversation of the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan with the Foreign Minister of Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan receives Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk

00:24 - 24 May, 2022