Daily News Summary

Daily News Summary [03.02.2023]

Despite the geopolitical tension, mutual trade in EAEU continues to show positive dynamics - Pashinyan Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took part in the extended-format session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in Almaty. The event was attended by the Heads of Government of EAEU countries, as well as the prime minister of Uzbekistan and the diplomatic representative of Cuba in the Union. "The formation of the competitive industry of the Union is completely determined by the level of technological independence and the dynamics of the introduction of new technologies. These are the undisputed priorities of the EAEU in the near and medium term. Strengthening the technological independence of EAEU member states is directly dependent on the transition to a new technological system and cannot be implemented all at once. It requires defining strategy, stages, and expenditures that depend on the level of technological development of EAEU industries, and, as a result, the transition will require the modernization of existing productions, as well as the creation of new innovative sectors of industry. It is quite obvious that for these purposes, a technological forecasting system should be established in the Union for the timely identification of the most promising trends in the field of technological development. At the same time, an important element of interaction can be the creation of a data bank of the best available technologies," Pashinyan said during his speech. The command of the Russian peacekeepers continues negotiations on the issue of restoring traffic through the Lachin Corridor The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to fulfill its tasks in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation issued a message about this. It is noted that Russian peacekeepers are monitoring the situation at 30 observation points and monitoring the ceasefire. "The command of the force continues negotiations with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides on the issue of restoring the traffic of vehicles on the Stepanakert-Goris road (Lachin Corridor - ed.)," the message says. Patrolling was carried out in the regions of Martuni and Martakert and in the Lachin corridor. The report also mentions that the Russian peacekeepers escorted the convoy with humanitarian cargo on the Goris-Stepanakert route. RA Deputy Prime Minister Khachatryan discussed issues related to cooperation with World Bank partners RA Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan had a working discussion with representatives of the World Bank (WB) group on February 3. The bank's delegation was headed by WB South Caucasus Regional Director Sebastian Molineus and WB Yerevan Office Director Carolin Geginat. This was reported by the office of RA Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan. Deputy Prime Minister Khachatryan, welcoming the guests, highly appreciated the effective cooperation with the World Bank and reaffirmed the government's readiness to strengthen cooperation and expand the scope of cooperation. RA Minister of Finance Vahe Hovhannisyan also received Sebastian Molyneux and the head of the WB Armenia office Carolin Geginat. Armenian Picsart is among the top 20 apps in the world The Armenian company Picsart was included among the top 20 applications in the world in the new State of Mobile 2023 report by data.ai, being the leader in the photo editing category, RA Ministry of High-tech Industry informs. Among the top 20 are also world-known companies such as Netflix, TikTok, CupCat, Spotify, and Tinder. Data.ai is an organization that offers data on more than 8 million apps and thousands of websites. The regional director of the World Bank emphasized that the Bank will continue to support the RA government in the implementation of reforms to reach a higher level of partnership. Expert warns Azerbaijani blockade of Lachin corridor is an attempt to solve military objective Military expert Hayk Nahapetyan says that by blocking the Lachin corridor Azerbaijan is trying to solve a concrete military objective. Speaking at parliamentary hearings initiated by the "Hayastan" faction on a draft statement of parliament regarding the Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin corridor, Nahapetyan said the blockade is an element of warfare by Azerbaijan. He said that usually blockades of territories have a military goal, and not a political one.

21:43 - 03 February, 2023

Daily News Summary [02.02.2023]

Nikol Pashinyan met Russian Prime Minister Within the session of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council held in Almaty, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin. In his speech, the Prime Minister of Russia stated that Russia is Armenia's leading foreign trade partner and the main investor in the economy. "From January-November last year, mutual trade increased by 77% compared to 2021. It exceeded 4.1 billion USD, which for today is a record-high indicator in our mutual trade, and the volume of Russian investments is about 2 billion USD. More than 40 leading Russian companies to operate in the Armenian market and are among the largest taxpayers in Armenia. We consider it important to ensure the implementation of the agreements reached by the leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The creation of new transport infrastructure routes is in the interests of all states of the region," he said. In turn, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that everything is good in the field of economy, and Russia is a key partner of Armenia in the field of security but, unfortunately, the situation is not so good in the field of security. "You know that Lachin Corridor has been blocked for more than a month, and according to the trilateral declaration of the President of the Russian Federation, the President of Azerbaijan, and the Prime Minister of Armenia, it should be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Now it turns out that the Lachin Corridor is not under the control of Russian peacekeepers, which creates specific problems. Now we can say that a humanitarian crisis is escalating in Nagorno Karabakh. It is a very important and sensitive issue in our bilateral relations. Unfortunately, we have certain issues in the field of security also in the multilateral format, in the CSTO, and we hope that we will manage to solve all these issues. We are working, and we are interested, but unfortunately, frankly speaking, we see no progress in those directions," Pashinyan mentioned. The International Court of Justice to decide on the cases of Armenia v. Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan v. Armenia On January 30-31, the hearings on Armenia vs. Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan vs. Armenia cases were held at the International Court of Justice. Both parties justified their requests for temporary measures, and their justifications, and then presented objections to each other's requests. It should be reminded that Armenia requested to apply the following temporary measures: • Azerbaijan must stop organizing and supporting alleged "protests" that are blocking unhindered free movement in both directions through the Lachin Corridor. • Azerbaijan should ensure uninterrupted free movement of all people, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. • Azerbaijan must immediately fully restore and refrain from disrupting or obstructing the supply of natural gas and other utilities to Nagorno Karabakh. The International Court of Justice left for the deliberation room to make a decision. After making the decision, the Court will read it during an open and online broadcast session. The Court will inform the parties about the date of reading the decision. According to the Court, the decision should be taken as soon as possible. The proposal to deploy a CSTO mission in Armenia is still not off the table - Lavrov Russia's proposal regarding sending a CSTO mission to Armenia is still relevant. If Armenia is still interested, the mission can be deployed within 1-2 days. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during an interview given to Russia 24 TV and RIA Novosti. "The proposal is not off the table, and if our Armenian allies and friends are as interested as before, that mission can be deployed within 1-2 days," the Russian Foreign Minister mentioned. It should be reminded that the EU Council reached an agreement on creating a civilian mission of the European Union in Armenia. The EU civil mission will be initially deployed in Armenia for two years, the management headquarters will operate in Armenia. Other News Vahram Dumanyan, former Minister of education, science, culture, and sports of the Republic of Armenia was appointed adviser to the President of Armenia. The Australian Institute for Holocaust and Genocide Studies (AIHGS) and the NSW Ecumenical Council have written to the Australian Federal Government, expressing immediate concerns about Azerbaijan’s blockade against the indigenous Armenians of Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).

00:11 - 03 February, 2023

Daily News Summary [01.02.2023]

There should be a dialogue, the problem cannot be solved by subjecting 120 thousand people to ethnic cleansing in their own homeland - Ruben Vardanyan's interview with The Hill Times The prestigious Canadian magazine The Hill Times published an extensive article about the reasons for the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan and the resulting situation in Artsakh "Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, who spoke with The Hill Times via Zoom on Jan. 31, challenged Azerbaijan’s count of the number of vehicles being allowed to travel through the Lachin corridor, describing the flow of vehicles as “a few hundred” since Dec. 12, most of which belonged to Russian peacekeepers and the Red Cross bringing medicine and humanitarian aid. The body of the Armenian soldier handed over by Azerbaijan to the Armenian side on January 27 has been identified The body of the Armenian soldier handed over by Azerbaijan to the Armenian side on January 27 has been identified. The information was confirmed by Gor Abrahamyan, press secretary of the Investigative Committee. He mentioned that as a result of the identification, it was found that the latter is Vahe Torosyan, who was killed during the September battles. The CE resolution condemned Azerbaijan's continuous policy of destroying Armenian cultural values in Nagorno-Karabakh In a resolution, the European Parliament called on the European Commission to strongly condemn Azerbaijan's continuous policy of destroying and denying the Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and its surroundings. "The European Parliament adopted the resolution "Implementation of a new European agenda for culture and a new EU strategy for international cultural relations". The resolution refers to the protection of cultural values in conflict zones and condemns the purposeful destruction of historical, artistic, and cultural heritage during recent conflicts. UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State meets Azerbaijani envoy, notes urgent need to reopen Lachin corridor UK Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Europe Leo Docherty says he met with the Azerbaijani ambassador to the UK and “noted the urgent need to immediately reopen the Lachin corridor.” Docherty made the remarks in the House of Commons during a Q&A session. Belgian lawmakers adopt a resolution in a parliamentary committee condemning the Azerbaijani blockade of Artsakh The Foreign Affairs Committee of the Belgian Federal Parliament adopted a resolution unanimously condemning Azerbaijan for the blockade of Artsakh and calling on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately open the Lachin Corridor, the European Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD) said in a statement on Twitter. “Foreign Affairs Committee of the Belgian Federal Parliament just adopted a resolution unanimously condemning Azerbaijan for the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh/ Artsakh and calls on the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately open the Lachin Corridor,” EAFJD tweeted. Other News Attacks on Armenians in Jerusalem were carried out by several extremists who do not represent our society - the Ambassador of Israel. With joint efforts, it will be possible to raise the Armenian-Turkmen dialogue to a new level - Pashinyan to Berdimuhamedov. Suren Papikyan's sudden visits to all military units and military units of the Ministry of Defense have started.

23:59 - 01 February, 2023

Daily News Summary [31.01.2023]

EU has called on Azerbaijan to take measures to ensure freedom, and security of movement in the Lachin corridor - Borrell Since the beginning of December 2022, the EU has been closely following the developments along and around the Lachin Corridor and their humanitarian implications. High Representative/Vice-President Borrell is in regular contact with the Foreign Ministers of both sides. EU Special Representative Klaar also remains in close contact with both sides, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell said in response to an inquiry from Member of the European Parliament Assita Kanko. “Since the beginning of December 2022, the EU has been closely following the developments along and around the Lachin Corridor and their humanitarian implications. High Representative/Vice-President Borrell is in regular contact with the Foreign Ministers of both sides. EU Special Representative Klaar also remains in close contact with both sides. The EU observation mission is an opportunity to minimize new battles - International Crisis Group The Brussels-based International Crisis Group Research Center published a report entitled "Averting a New War between Armenia and Azerbaijan". The report warns of the high probability of a new conflict and presents recommendations on what should be done to prevent it. In mid-2022, the EU and the US suggested to Baku that it could overcome the impasse through direct negotiations with Stepanakert authorities. Azerbaijan has indicated that, despite reservations, it will consider this option, although, given the blockade, no progress has been made in that direction. The authors of the report pay special attention to the EU observation mission to be deployed in Armenia and remind that the proposal to send OSCE observers was not approved by Baku. The idea of a longer-term OSCE mission gained support, especially in the US and France. As the OSCE brings together all the major European actors, French officials told the Crisis Group that they see a bigger role for the OSCE as a way to avoid tensions between Western states and Moscow that the EU mission could cause. The report notes that EU diplomats had started preliminary talks with Azerbaijani officials, but these were disrupted by the crisis over the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. Azerbiajan's claim against Armenia is in the International Court for Justice With the blockade of the only road connecting Artsakh to the outside world for more than a month and a half, Baku today demands the International Court of Justice to oblige Armenia to stop the "mining of Azerbaijani territories" and the use of Lachin road to "transport mines" to Karabakh. Azerbaijan's representative Elnur Mammadov in his speech at the UN court demanded an urgent measure against Armenia, claiming that he has new facts. "Azerbaijan has new evidence that Armenia continues to mine Azerbaijani territories. In 2021, more than 2700 mines of Armenian production were found in Azerbaijan. More than half of those mines were found in civilian areas. Explosive traps were found in the houses, the purpose of which is to kill or maim the Azerbaijanis who want to return home," he stated. Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Armenia's representative for international legal affairs in the International Court of Justice, responded to Azerbaijan's false claims that Armenia is moving mines through the Lachin Corridor and placing them near settlements. Yeghishe Kirakosyan mentioned that Baku collected these mines from the sovereign territory of Armenia during the discussion of the claim presented by Azerbaijan against Armenia at the UN International Court of Justice. According to him, Azerbaijan's demand is another obvious attempt to divert attention from its misdeeds. Kirakosyan emphasized that Azerbaijan submitted its petition only 6 days after Armenia's petition, despite the fact that most of its alleged evidence has been in its possession for months. "As the legal advisers have shown, Azerbaijan's request for interim measures is an insincere and unrealistic request. It is designed to create a false impression of equality. Based on the oral presentations, Armenia respectfully asks the Court to completely reject Azerbaijan's request for interim measures," Kirakosyan said. Prime Minister Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with Vladimir Putin Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the PM's office reports. Pashinyan referred to the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor and highlighted the importance of the implementation of the necessary steps by Russia to overcome it. In this context, reference was made to the activities of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh. Other News Negotiations on resuming unimpeded traffic on the Stepanakert-Goris road are going on. Çavuşoğlu expressed hope that Armenia will be able to join regional programs.

22:16 - 31 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [30.01.2023]

RA Security Council Secretary presented the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh to the adviser of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands RA Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan had a telephone conversation with Dutch Prime Minister's Foreign Policy and Defense Adviser Geoffrey van Leeuwen. Armen Grigoryan presented the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the closure of the Lachin Corridor. The interlocutors both emphasized the importance of the active steps of the international community in unblocking the Lachin Corridor. It is noted that during the phone call, the parties also discussed the bilateral agenda of Armenian-Dutch relations. Armenia did not transport weapons to Nagorno-Karabakh, even if Armenia did so, it is the same, there is no reference to it in the tripartite statement - Ruben Rubinyan Referring to Baku's statements that the Armenian side is transporting weapons and mines through Lachin, Ruben Rubinyan, said that firstly, RA does not have troops in Nagorno-Karabakh and has not transported any weapons, secondly, it is not even written in the statement of November 9 that such a thing happened. "Even if RA did that, it's still the same, there is no reference to it in the statement, but I repeat - Armenia has neither troops nor armed forces in Nagorno-Karabakh, nor has it transported weapons and ammunition. If we talk about the blockade. and through which gas pipeline were weapons transported, that they damaged the gas pipeline and do not allow gas to be in Karabakh, or were weapons transported through the power line or the Internet? It is clear from these actions that the false story about the transfer of weapons is a means by which they try to justify the closing of the corridor," said the deputy speaker of the National Assembly in an interview with Azatutyun. Rubinyan noted that the international pressure and attention on the issue of the closure of the Lachin Corridor are increasing. He also responded to the criticism directed at the government for not going to negotiate with Azerbaijan on this issue. Armenia presents provisional measures requested from ICJ against Azerbaijan Armenia’s agent to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Yeghishe Kirakosyan presented the provisional measures requested by Armenia against Azerbaijan. “Azerbaijan shall cease its orchestration and support of the alleged protests blocking uninterrupted free movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions, Azerbaijan shall ensure uninterrupted free movement of all persons, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions, and Azerbaijan shall immediately and fully restore and refrain from disrupting or impeding the provision of natural gas and other public utilities to Nagorno Karabakh,” Kirakosyan said during the International Court of Justice public hearing on Armenia’s request for provisional measures against Azerbaijan in the case of Armenia v. Azerbaijan (Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan) - Request for the indication of provisional measures). RA MFA spokesperson referred to the attacks on Armenians and Christian institutions in Jerusalem We are deeply concerned about the recent violence and vandalism targeting Christian institutions in Jerusalem. RA MFA spokesperson Vahan Hunanyan wrote about this on Twitter. He specifically mentioned the violence against the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem and the Armenian residents of the Old City. It should be noted that two attacks took place within 24 hours on January 28, one near the synagogue in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood, and the other near the "City of David" archaeological excavation center. On the same day, a group of Jewish extremists also provoked a fight in an Armenian restaurant, and on January 29, there were attacks on Armenians and the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem. Other News Red Cross representatives visited the Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan in January. The Prime Minister met the leaders of extra-parliamentary political forces.

23:19 - 30 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [28-29.01.2023]

The peace agreement must be signed, otherwise, the risks will increase - Aliyev The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, announced that Baku and Yerevan should sign a peace treaty to normalize relations. "The Armenian-Azerbaijani Karabakh conflict has ended, that conflict has already been settled. Karabakh remains an integral part of Azerbaijan and will always be so," Aliyev asserted in his speech following the talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi. "But peace has not been achieved yet. The peace treaty, which will be signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, will lead to the achievement of peace. We have made our clear proposals, and despite all the suffering, and all destruction, we still believe that a peace treaty should be signed. Otherwise, the risks in our region may increase," the President of Azerbaijan stated. Azerbaijan has completely cut off the gas supply to Artsakh from Armenia Azerbaijan has completely disconnected the gas supply to Artsakh from Armenia. "Because of this, the gas supply to Stepanakert city will be stopped in the near future," the message states. It should be reminded that after another disconnection, Azerbaijan restored the gas supply from Armenia to Artsakh on January 25. 6 more patients from Artsakh were transferred to Armenia - Artsakh Ministry of Health Artsakh Ministry of Health informs that planned operations are still suspended in medical institutions. 8 children are in the neonatal and intensive care units in the "Arevik" medical unit. At "Republican Medical Center" CJSC, 12 patients are in the intensive care unit, and 5 of them are in critical condition. Until today, a total of 55 patients were transferred from Artsakh to Armenia with the mediation and accompaniment of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Significant progress has been made in almost all areas of Armenian-Egyptian cooperation - Vahagn Khachaturyan Today, the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sissi arrived in Armenia on a two-day official visit. At the “Zvartnots” international airport, the high-level guest was greeted by the RA Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan, the Chief of the Office of the RA President Khachatur Poghosyan, and other officials. After the official welcoming ceremony on May 20 at the residence of the President, Presidents Vahagn Khachaturyan and Abdel Fattah Al Sisi will have a private meeting, which will be followed by the extended meeting of the delegations of the two countries. Afterward, the Presidents of Armenia and Egypt will make statements for the media. Within the framework of the official visit, President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi will also have a meeting with the Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan. Mirzoyan presented the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh to the Egyptian Foreign Minister On January 29, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri, who is in Armenia as part of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sissi's delegation. Ararat Mirzoyan highlighted the first official visit of the Egyptian leader to Armenia in the history of bilateral relations. It was noted on both sides that high-level mutual visits give a new charge to the development of Armenian-Egyptian cooperation. The Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Egypt exchanged ideas on the prospects of further deepening the existing cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, high technologies, and tourism. The parties also emphasized the expansion of the bilateral legal contract field. Reference was made to strengthening cooperation between the two countries on multilateral platforms. Armenian and Egyptian presidents discuss the South Caucasus, and the strengthening of ties, particularly at the economic and investment level President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sissi said he discussed with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan a number of international and regional issues of common interest, in the Middle East and South Caucasus. The two presidents confirmed the importance of dialogue, negotiation, and sustained action to achieve permanent, comprehensive, and just peace to complete the course of peace, to achieve a better reality and decent life for the people, particularly at present when the people’s suffering has doubled at the economic level, in light of the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi said during a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart. President el-Sisi said he is confident that his visit to Armenia will represent a real starting point, by the political momentum gained and understanding shared at the summit level, to strengthen Egyptian-Armenian relations in various fields, particularly at the economic and investment level. The interlocutors discussed issues of international and regional security and stability. Pope Francis recalls Lachin Corridor crisis Pope Francis joins thousands of young people in St. Peter’s Square to appeal for peace in our world. He renewed his appeal for the “grave humanitarian situation in the Lachin Corridor in the South Caucasus. “I am close to all those who are forced to cope with these inhumane conditions in the dead of winter. Every effort must be made at the international level to find peaceful solutions for the good of people.” Nikol Pashinyan and Abdel Fattah el-Sissi discuss a number of issues related to the further development of Armenian-Egyptian relations Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted the Government of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Еl-Sisi, who is in Armenia on an official visit. First, a private conversation between the leaders of Armenia and Egypt took place, then the negotiations continued in an expanded format. At the beginning of the private conversation, Prime Minister Pashinyan noted. "Honorable Mr. President, I welcome you to the Republic of Armenia. You are the first head of the Arab Republic of Egypt to visit the Republic of Armenia, it is a great honor to host you.

21:01 - 29 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [27.01.23]

In Stepanakert, the children who returned from Yerevan with the mediation and accompaniment of the Red Cross have been welcomed Today, January 27, 15 children who returned from Yerevan with the mediation and accompaniment of the Red Cross were welcomed in Stepanakert. According to the correspondent of "Artsakhpress", the children who were separated from their families for 47 days as a result of Azerbaijan's siege of Artsakh were welcomed by their parents, friends, relatives, and many fellow citizens in the area of the "We are our mountains" memorial. Before the blockade, a group of Artsakh children went to Yerevan to attend the children's Eurovision Song Contest. Yerevan has not abandoned the CSTO mission on the border with Azerbaijan - RA Ambassador to Russia Armenia has not refused to deploy the mission of the Collective Security Treaty Organization on the border with Azerbaijan. Armenian Ambassador to Russia and former Minister of Defense Vagharshak Harutyunyan stated this in a conversation with a TASS reporter. "None of the CSTO observers refused. The document, which was supposed to be signed in Yerevan as a result of the visit of the CSTO Secretary General and the Chief of the Joint Staff to the region, was not signed because the Armenian side wanted to amend the document. The document is currently being revised," the ambassador noted. Harutyunyan also denied some statements that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government is preparing to withdraw the country from CSTO. There will be some actions, there will be answers - Zakharova announced that Russian peacekeepers will respond to the appearance of representatives of the EU mission Maria Zakharova, the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, announced that Russian peacekeepers will respond to the appearance of representatives of the EU mission in the border regions of Armenia. To the journalist's question, what does this mean, what will be the reaction of the Russian peacekeepers, the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry rudely interrupts the Armenian journalist and then announces that there will be actions, there will be a reaction. "There will be actions, there will be reactions. There will be no action, there will be no reaction. Everything is very simple. And there is no need to indulge in fantasies," Zakharova said. PACE calls on Baku to release the Armenian prisoners and open the Lachin Corridor On January 26, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted the resolution "Progress in the Assembly's monitoring processes" (January-December 2022). The amendments proposed by the Armenian delegation in the resolution were adopted by the vote, regarding the immediate release of the Armenian prisoners of war by Azerbaijan and the implementation of the interim measures of the European Court of Human Rights regarding the Lachin Corridor. This is reported from the website of the Permanent Representation of Armenia in the Council of Europe. RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan's phone conversation with Iceland's Foreign Minister Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir On January 27, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iceland Þórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörð Gylfadóttir. Minister Mirzoyan congratulated his colleague on assuming the chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe. Other News Today, Azerbaijan handed over to the Armenian side the body of the Armenian soldier who died in the Nerkin Hand direction on September 13-14, 2022. Levon Ter-Petrosyan met with Ambassador Sergey Kopirkin in his private residence.

00:29 - 28 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [25.01.2023]

The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan responded to the statement of the spokesperson of the US State Department regarding the Lachin Corridor As the Azerbaijani mass media reports, Ayhan Hajizadeh, the head of the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, responded to the statement of the representative of the US State Department, Ned Price, about the need to lift the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. "Dear representative of the State Department, the movement of more than 1,000 vehicles transporting goods to the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan proves the opposite of what you said. It would be appropriate to call on the Armenian side to fulfill its obligations and put an end to the illegal activities," Hajizadeh's Twitter post was quoted by mass media. It should be reminded that the spokesperson of the US State Department, Ned Price, announced that the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno Karabakh is the focus of attention not only of the Secretary of State but also of other employees of this building. We call for the full restoration of free movement along the corridor, including for commercial and private traffic - US Department of State During a meeting with journalists on January 24, US State Department spokesman Ned Price, in response to a journalist's question regarding Secretary of State Blinken's recent telephone conversations with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan, stated that the US State Department hopes that direct dialogue between Yerevan and Baku will resume, which will lead to to the settlement of issues on which the parties have had disagreements for a long time. "Through that dialogue, we hope, it will be possible to achieve lasting peace. We continue to have direct discussions with Armenia and Azerbaijan. We do this both bilaterally, with our partners, and through multilateral organizations. Last year, we also had the opportunity to organize meetings in a tripartite format several times. We will continue to do everything that is most effective to solve these rather acute issues," Price emphasized. Answering another question, whether the US Secretary of State has a clear understanding of the current situation in this matter, Ned Price noted that the American side is very well aware of the situation and has various concerns, one of which is the situation around the Lachine Corridor. Ruben Rubinyan presented the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor to the Secretary General of the CE The Vice President of the National Assembly Ruben Rubinyan met with the Secretary General of the Council of Ministers Maria Peychinovich Burich. Rubinyan announced this on his Facebook page. "I presented the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor. We agreed that CE monitoring bodies should have unhindered access to any area in the CE zone. I called to increase the pressure on Azerbaijan to open the corridor immediately," Rubinyan wrote. The Minister of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Armenia received the delegations of the European Union and the US Embassy in the Republic of Armenia On January 25, RA Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan received the delegations of the European Union and the US Embassy in Armenia, led by Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin and Chargé d'Affaires of the US Ambassador to Armenia Chip Laitinen. Welcoming the guests, Vahe Ghazaryan highly appreciated the effective cooperation with the European Union delegation and the US Embassy, which has been developing more and more in recent years. He pointed out a number of reforms being implemented and thanked the guests for helping to implement them. The Minister of Internal Affairs expressed readiness to continue the cooperation, which is aimed at having respectable and professional services that face modern challenges. Azerbaijan should immediately stop blocking the Lachin Corridor - Ararat Mirzoyan to Josep Borrell On January 25, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in Brussels on a working visit, had a meeting with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. During the meeting, the parties exchanged ideas on regional security and stability issues. Minister Mirzoyan highly appreciated the decision to deploy the EU civilian monitoring mission in Armenia. Ararat Mirzoyan drew the attention of Josep Borrell to the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan's illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan, according to the provisions of the tripartite statement of November 9, should immediately stop the blocking of the Lachin Corridor. The Secretary of the Security Council had a telephone conversation with Kestutis Budris, adviser to the President of Lithuania On January 25, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan had a telephone conversation with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda's Chief National Security Adviser Kestutis Budris. RA Security Council office informs that the SC secretary presented to his colleague the situation created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan and the humanitarian crisis that is worsening day by day. Armen Grigoryan highlighted the reaction of the international community in resolving the situation. The issues raised by Azerbaijan in the form of a legal dispute have nothing to do with the purpose of the Berne Convention - RA representative for international legal issues The representative of RA on international legal issues issued a statement about the initiation of arbitration proceedings by Azerbaijan within the framework of the Berne Convention. "On January 18, 2023, the Republic of Armenia was notified by the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the initiation of arbitration proceedings against the Republic of Armenia within the framework of the Bern Convention on the Protection of European Wildlife and Natural Environment (Bern Convention). The Republic of Armenia regrets that Azerbaijan has decided to start a legal process based on such a document, the main purpose of which is to "promote... cooperation" between states aimed at "conserving wild flora and fauna and their natural habitats". Armenia has reaffirmed its commitment to the conservation of the region's wildlife and environmental protection on numerous occasions, including through its work with Berne Convention monitoring and other bodies. During the telephone conversation, the interlocutors also discussed issues of mutual interest.

00:02 - 26 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [24.01.23]

The humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh is worsening day by day, and the immediate intervention of the international community is necessary - Ararat Mirzoyan On January 24, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan delivered remarks at the discussion held by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament. "As the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh is intensifying day by day, the immediate intervention of the international community is necessary. As mentioned in the extraordinary resolution of the European Parliament last week, it is imperative to send an international fact-finding mission to the NK and Lachin Corridor to assess the humanitarian situation on the ground, as well as to ensure the unhindered humanitarian access to relevant UN bodies to the NK. There are two theoretical options to remove the blockade of the Lachin Corridor - military or diplomatic. Armenia is committed to the second option, but this is possible only in case of decisive intervention by the international community, strong pressure on Azerbaijan, and tangible actions in that direction," he said. Negotiations on resuming the traffic on the Stepanakert-Goris road are continuing - Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to fulfill its tasks in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation issued a message about this. According to the source, Russian peacekeepers are conducting round-the-clock monitoring of the situation in 30 observation posts and monitoring of the ceasefire. It is noted that the command of the Russian peacekeepers continues the negotiation process with the Armenian and Azeri sides regarding the resumption of the unhindered movement of automobile transport along the Stepanakert-Goris road (Lachin Corridor - ed.). "A convoy of Russian peacekeeping troops with humanitarian cargo was escorted along the Goris-Stepanakert route. Patrolling was carried out along three routes in Martakert, Martuni, and Lachin regions. Russian peacekeepers continue demining the facilities and the area. An area of 0.2 ha was cleared during the day. In order to ensure the safety of Russian peacekeepers and prevent possible incidents, continuous cooperation with the main headquarters of the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia is maintained," the message states. The attitude of the international community, which leads to the violation of the education and other fundamental rights of Artsakh children, is unacceptable - Artsakh Human Rights Defender Artsakh human rights defender Gegham Stepanyan has sent a letter to the CE human rights commissioner, the general director of UNICEF, and other international organizations and actors involved in the protection of human rights on the occasion of the International Day of Education. The defender referred to the humanitarian crisis caused by the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan, the intentional disruptions of the important infrastructures of Artsakh, and the violation of children's education and other fundamental rights as a result. Azerbaijan's non-constructive approaches hinder the establishment of long-term peace in the region - Eduard Aghajanyan Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations of the National Assembly, and head of the Armenia-Switzerland friendship group, Eduard Aghajanyan, on January 24, received Lucas Rosenkranz, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Swiss Confederation to Armenia. Maria Karapetyan, a member of the Standing Committee on Foreign Relations and the Armenia-Switzerland Friendship Group, was present at the meeting. The parties discussed issues related to regional security. Presenting details about the crisis situation created by Azerbaijan around the Lachin Corridor, Eduard Aghajanyan noted that blocking the road is a gross violation of the international obligations assumed by the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020, by Azerbaijan. EU civilian mission in Armenia will involve up to 100 staff, and become fully operational in the coming weeks, EU Delegation to Armenia The delegation of the European Union to Armenia referred to the EU Monitoring Mission in Armenia, commissioned on January 23 by the EU Council, responding to the request of the Armenian Public Television. “On 23 January the Council agreed to establish a civilian European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The objective of the Mission is to contribute to stability in the border areas of Armenia, build confidence on the ground, and ensure an environment conducive to normalization efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan supported by the EU. The Mission has a two-year mandate and will involve up to 100 staff, including EU experts and monitors. It will become fully operational in the coming weeks. EUMA will be deployed in several locations across Armenia’s territory, in border regions close to Azerbaijan. Its area of operation will cover the entire length of the border with Azerbaijan, including the Nakhchivan section”, the message reads. Armenia files memorial to International Court of Justice in a case concerning the application of ICERD against Azerbaijan Armenia filed its Memorial at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case concerning the interpretation and application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) against Azerbaijan, Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters Yeghishe Kirakosyan said. Ararat Mirzoyan discussed issues related to the Armenia-EU partnership with Andrey Kovatchev, permanent rapporteur on Armenian issues in the European Parliament RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who is in Brussels on a working visit, had a meeting with Andrey Kovatchev, the permanent rapporteur on Armenian issues in the European Parliament, RA Foreign Ministry reports. The parties referred to the situation in Nagorno Karabakh as a result of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized that Azerbaijan should restore the normal operation of the Lachin Corridor immediately and in accordance with the provisions of the tripartite statement of November 9. Issues related to the Armenia-EU partnership were discussed during the meeting. In this context, Ararat Mirzoyan highly appreciated the EU Council's decision on deployment of the monitoring mission in Armenia. Other News UNFPA issued a statement on the situation around the Lachin corridor.

23:22 - 24 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [23.01.2023]

Toivo Klaar visits Armenia to discuss the situation on the Lachin corridor Toivo Klaar, the EU special representative for the crisis in South Caucasus and Georgia, is on a one-day visit to Yerevan. "Back in Yerevan for a day of meetings. The situation around the Lachin corridor is serious and solutions have to urgently be found. I look forward to discussions to explore ways forward. The EU goal remains a comprehensive settlement between Armenian and Azerbaijan," Klaar wrote on Twitter upon his arrival. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Toivo Klaar, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and Georgia crisis. The meeting was also attended by the head of the delegation of the European Union to Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin. The interlocutors discussed the situation in the region, as well as issues related to Armenia-European Union cooperation. The decision taken on the location of the new civilian mission of the European Union on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border was highlighted, which will contribute to stability and security in the region. Reference was also made to the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor. Prime Minister Pashinyan emphasized that as a result of this, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh is getting worse and worse day by day, schools and kindergartens are not functioning, and health institutions have a severe shortage of medicine and are facing serious problems. Later today, RA Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan received Toivo Klaar, the EU's special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia. The government reports that the head of the EU delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Victorin, was also present at the meeting. Regional developments were discussed during the meeting. Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan presented to the interlocutors in detail the situation created in Nagorno Karabakh as a result of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor. Klaar also had a meeting with the RA Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. The meeting was also attended by the head of the EU delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Extraordinary, and Plenipotentiary Andrea Wiktorin. Armen Grigoryan and Toivo Klaar discussed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the resulting humanitarian crisis. Secretary Grigoryan emphasized the implementation of effective steps by international partners aimed at stopping the illegal blockade of Nagorno Karabakh and preventing the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh Armenians. During the meeting, the interlocutors also discussed other issues of bilateral interest. An EU civilian mission will be established in Armenia - The EU Council approved the decision The EU Council agreed on the creation of a European Union civilian mission in Armenia within the framework of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). We learn about this from the website of the EU Council. According to the statement, the purpose of the mission is to contribute to stability in the border regions of Armenia, to build local confidence, and to provide an environment conducive to EU-supported efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The EU civilian mission will initially be deployed for two years and the administrative headquarters will be in Armenia. The Civil Operations Commander will be Stefano Tomat. In the near future, ahead of the mission will be appointed to lead the operations on the ground. Ararat Mirzoyan presented to NATO Secretary General the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh due to the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor On January 23, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who was in Brussels on a working visit, had a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports. During the meeting, the parties exchanged ideas on regional and international security issues of common interest. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia presented to the Secretary General of NATO the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan's illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor, the consequences of the continuous policy of ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh by the Azerbaijani authorities. In this context, the importance of clear actions of the international community was emphasized in order to eliminate the inhuman siege of Nagorno-Karabakh and return Azerbaijan to the negotiation table. Ararat Mirzoyan also presented to Jens Stoltenberg the current developments in the process of regulating Armenia-Turkey relations. During the meeting, the parties expressed satisfaction with the level of RA-NATO political dialogue, reflected on the current cooperation programs and future prospects. https://infocom.am/en/article/96522 Other News The issue of the humanitarian crisis in Artsakh was included in the agenda of the PACE sessions. RA Human Rights Defender Kristine Grigoryan submitted a resignation letter to the National Assembly. EU invited member states, and like-minded partners to join forces and maximize the impact of support to Syunik.

20:54 - 23 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [21-22.01.2023]

A list of measures to ease the existing social tension will be developed by January 2 - National Assembly of Artsakh Today, the Standing Committee on Social and Healthcare Affairs of the Artsakh National Assembly organized a discussion on the situation created as a result of the blockade. Minister of Social Development and Migration Armen Mangasaryan, referring to the employment issue, said that in the current situation, more than 700 employers are unable to provide work to their employees. By January 25, a list of measures to ease the existing social tension will be developed. Suren Papikyan visited the servicemen injured in the fire RA Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan visited the National Center of Burns to meet the servicemen who received burns of various degrees as a result of the fire on January 19. Papikyan wrote about this on his Facebook page. "The medical staff presented details about the health condition of the servicemen and the process of treatment. Having talked with the servicemen, I wished them a speedy recovery," he wrote. It should be reminded that on January 19, at around 01:30, a fire broke out in the shelter of the engineering sniper company of the N military unit of the RA Ministry of Defense located in the territory of Azat village, Gegharkunik, as a result of which 15 servicemen were killed. The Azerbaijani side has again completely blocked the only gas pipeline entering Artsakh from Armenia Today, on January 21, the Azerbaijani side again completely blocked the only gas pipeline entering Artsakh from Armenia, Artsakh Information Center reports. "The natural gas cut off again in Artsakh at -5 degrees on the Celsius scale proves once again that official Baku is conducting an open terrorist policy against the 120,000 besieged civilian population of Artsakh, in the presence of the international community," the statement of the information center reads. Ararat Mirzoyan will be in Brussels on a working visit On January 23-25, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will be in Brussels on a working visit. "Ararat Mirzoyan will deliver a speech at the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, where he will address the issues of stability and security in the South Caucasus, the humanitarian crisis created in Nagorno-Karabakh due to the blocking of the Lachin Corridor, the Armenia-Azerbaijan settlement process, the RA-EU interaction. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will also answer the questions of the members of the European Parliament. Within the framework of his visit to Brussels, Minister Mirzoyan will also have meetings with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, and Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib," the post states. Other News The head coach of the Armenian national team, Alexander Petrakov, arrived in Yerevan, Armenian Football Federation reports. Vahan Kerobyan participated in the Global Forum on Food and Agriculture in Berlin. The chairman of the RA NA Defense Committee visited the place of the fire that killed 15 servicemen.

21:40 - 22 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [20.01.2023]

This is an important step in forcing Azerbaijan to end the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh - Ruben Vardanyan thanked the members of the European Parliament Ruben Vardanyan, Minister of State of the Republic of Artsakh, thanked all the deputies of the European Parliament for their support to the Armenians of Artsakh. "The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the humanitarian consequences of the Nagorno-Karabak blockade by Azerbaijan. The Parliament calls upon Azerbaijan to immediately open the Lachin corridor and allow the freedom of movement between Armenia and Artsakh. This is an important step in forcing Azerbaijan to end the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh. I express my heartfelt gratitude to all MEPs of the European Parliament for their support for the Armenians in Artsakh," he wrote on Twitter. Armenia gives great importance to the deepening of relations with the US: RA Deputy Prime Minister received the US chargé Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan received the delegation led by the US chargé RA Chip Laitinen. According to the Deputy Prime Minister's office, Tigran Khachatryan emphasized in his speech that Armenia attaches great importance to the further deepening and development of relations with the United States. The Deputy Prime Minister presented the priorities of the Government's plan and highly appreciated the support provided by the USA to Armenia in the implementation of the planned reforms. Mirzoyan will have a meeting with the Secretary General of NATO On January 23, 2023, a meeting between NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will take place at the NATO headquarters. The meeting will not be open to journalists. The condition of 3 servicemen transferred to the National Burn Center is stable - Karine Babayan It is too early to talk about the change in the health condition of the 3 servicemen who were transferred to the National Burn Center as a result of the fire that broke out in the shelter of the engineer battalion of the military unit located in the territory of Azat village of Gegharkunik, both in terms of positive and negative changes. The Mejlis of Azerbaijan condemned the resolution of the European Parliament regarding the Lachin Corridor The Milli Mejlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan reacted to the resolution adopted yesterday by the European Parliament regarding the Lachin Corridor, condemning it. It should be reminded that the European Parliament adopted a resolution consisting of 11 points regarding the humanitarian consequences of the blockade of Nagorno Karabakh, by which it demands Azerbaijan unblock the Lachin Corridor. The Parliament of Azerbaijan expressed dissatisfaction with this resolution. Mirzoyan assures that Armenia has never stopped negotiations to establish peaceful relations with Azerbaijan RA Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, assures that Armenia has never stopped negotiations to establish peaceful relations with Azerbaijan. The minister emphasizes that Armenia takes a constructive and conscientious approach to the negotiation process, as our ultimate goal is to establish security and peace in the region. Today, 4 people were moved from Artsakh to Armenia in order to be reunited with their families Due to the fact that the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia is blocked by Azerbaijan, 4 people were transferred from Artsakh to Armenia and 1 person from Armenia to Artsakh with the mediation and accompaniment of the International Committee of the Red Cross for the purpose of family reunification. The only purpose of the blockade of the Lachin Corridor is the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians - Marukyan The sole purpose of Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor is the ethnic cleansing of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. Edmon Marukyan, Armenian ambassador-at-large, wrote about this on his Twitter page.

22:49 - 20 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [19.01.23]

20:28 - 19 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [18.01.2023]

"The OSCE, through its structures, should play a role in the important task of achieving and maintaining peace." - Mirzoyan met with the OSCE Secretary General On January 17, in Vienna Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan met with Helga Schmid, the OSCE Secretary General. The sides discussed issues of regional importance and exchanged views on the special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council held on the same day. The Foreign Minister of Armenia touched upon the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, emphasizing that Azerbaijan seeks to subject Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing. Minister Mirzoyan stressed the imperative of clear actions from the international community toward unblocking the Lachin Corridor and restoring safe and unhindered communication between Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The importance of ensuring humanitarian access for relevant international organizations to Nagorno-Karabakh was highlighted During the meeting, views were exchanged on the normalization process of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Kim Kardashian addressed the blockade of the Lachine Corridor Global TV star Kim Kardashian published a video about the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and placed the flag of Armenia in the "Story" section of her official Instagram page. In the video, people in Artsakh talk about the consequences that Artsakh is suffering as a result of the Azerbaijani blockade. Lavrov believes that the crisis created around the Lachin Corridor will be resolved soon Sergey Lavrov expressed his opinion that the crisis created around the Lachin Corridor will be resolved soon. The Russian Foreign Minister said this during the press conference summarizing the year 2022. Lavrov stated that according to the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020, the Lachine Corridor should be open for cargo, citizens, and vehicles. "Of course, it is specifically stated that no military cargo of any kind can pass through." The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation said that the Azerbaijanis gave them information that the Armenian side moved mines through the corridor, and then they were used to mine the areas near the Azerbaijani positions. According to Lavrov, the Russian side is checking these data. Speaking about the CSTO, he referred to the statement that was not accepted in Yerevan. He noted that the statement could not be accepted in Yerevan, because the Armenian partners insisted that it contain a sharp condemnation directed at Azerbaijan. According to Lavrov, they explained that when it comes to condemnation and rhetoric, everyone has their own will to do it. But, according to him, when it comes to sending a CSTO mission, such statements are not mandatory "We are still ready to send a CSTO mission to the border of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Although we are allies, despite the fact that the mission is ready, the Armenian side prefers to agree with the EU to deploy a long-term mission of civilian observers there. Of course, this is the right of Armenia, but we should not forget that the mission will be located on the border of Azerbaijan, and if there is no agreement with Azerbaijan, the deployment of the mission may have the opposite effect. Instead of strengthening trust on the border, it can create unnecessary tension," he said. The Danish ambassador to Armenia and Georgia is concerned about the situation in the Lachin Corridor The European Union is concerned about regional developments in the Lachine Corridor and reiterates its call to Azerbaijan to fully restore free movement. Danish Ambassador to Armenia and Georgia Anne Toft Sørensen wrote about this on Twitter. "The EU is concerned reg developments on the Lachin Corridor and reiterates its call on Azerbaijan to fully restore freedom of movement! 🇪🇺 is increasingly alarmed about the negative humanitarian impact for Armenia and creates tensions that run contrary to much-needed confidence-building efforts," the ambassador wrote. Pashinyan received the representative of the NATO Secretary General - The issue of the Lachine Corridor was also discussed Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the Special Representative of the Secretary-General of NATO in the Caucasus and Central Asia Javier Colomina. The parties discussed issues related to Armenia-NATO cooperation, as well as the processes taking place in the South Caucasus, RA Prime Minister's Office reports. Armen Grigoryan presented the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh because of the closure of the Lachin Corridor On January 18, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan met with Javier Colomina, the special representative of the NATO Secretary General in the Caucasus and Central Asia, the Security Council office reports. Secretary Grigoryan presented the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh caused by Azerbaijan's closure of the Lachin Corridor and its multi-sectoral consequences. Today in the French city of Strasbourg, in front of the European Parliament, a protest was held in support of Artsakh Today in the French city of Strasbourg, in front of the European Parliament, a protest was held in support of Artsakh. It should be noted that today an urgent discussion was held in the European Parliament, during which the representatives of the commission of the executive body answered the questions of the deputies.The agenda of the plenary session also included an urgent discussion-debate on the topic "Humanitarian consequences of the blockade in Nagorno-Karabakh". The interlocutors exchanged ideas on the international and regional security situation. Ararat Mirzoyan and Javier Colomina discussed issues related to security and stability in the South Caucasus RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan received the special representative of the NATO Secretary General in the Caucasus and Central Asia Javier Colomina. During the meeting, issues related to security and stability in the South Caucasus were discussed. Minister Mirzoyan presented to the interlocutor the difficult humanitarian situation created in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. The parties also referred to Armenia-NATO cooperation.

21:00 - 18 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [17.01.2023]

Negotiations on resuming unimpeded traffic on the Stepanakert-Goris road continue - Russian Ministry of Defense The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues to fulfill its tasks in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to MoD Russia, Russian peacekeepers are conducting round-the-clock monitoring of the situation in 30 observation posts and monitoring of the ceasefire. It is noted that the command of the Russian peacekeepers continues the negotiation process with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides regarding the resumption of the unhindered movement of automobile transport along the Stepanakert-Goris road (Lachin Corridor - ed.). The gas supply cut again in Artsakh Mesrop Arakelyan, the adviser to the Minister of State of Artsakh informed today that as of 13:00 the gas supply has been stopped in Artsakh and that Azerbaijan continues the actions aimed at the depopulation of Artsakh. According to the information headquarters of Artsakh, "Azerbaijan has again blocked the only gas pipeline feeding Artsakh from Armenia, depriving the population of Artsakh of the opportunity to use natural gas." In the evening. "Artsakhgas" company informed that at the moment appropriate preventive and rehabilitation works are being carried out in order to ensure gas supply. It is planned that the gas supply will be restored in the evening both in Stepanakert and in the regions. "Artsakhgas" urges gas consumers to be careful and observe safety rules, and check gas valves. France has reiterated its call to restore freedom and security of movement through the Lachine Corridor The representation of France in the OSCE commented on the situation on the Lachin Corridor in a tweet. "At the special permanent council of the OSCE in the presence of the Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, France reiterated its call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of freedom and security of movement through the corridor of Lachin respecting the rights of the local population," the statement reads. Davit Babayan was appointed adviser to the President of Artsakh Davit Babayan, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh, was appointed Advisor to the President of the Republic of Artsakh. Babayan announced this on his Facebook page. He noted that he will continue to serve the state and the people. It should be reminded that Davit Babayan was dismissed from the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh on January 11. Sergey Ghazaryan, who was the permanent representative of Artsakh in RA, was appointed to that position. The humanitarian crisis in Artsakh is intensifying day by day and requires the immediate intervention of the international community - Mirzoyan at the special session of the OSCE Permanent Council On January 17, Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan delivered remarks at the special session of the OSCE Permanent Council initiated by Armenia. "Today, with the blockade of the Lachin corridor the Azerbaijani side created a humanitarian crisis with far going intentions. On 12 December 2022, a group of Azerbaijanis claiming to be environmental activists blocked the Lachin Corridor, the lifeline, the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, thus effectively isolating the 120 thousand people in Nagorno-Karabakh, 30 thousands of which are children. Over 1000 people, including 270 children, are unable to return home to Nagorno-Karabakh. Some of those children are separated from their parents and were temporarily sheltered in Armenia. From the very beginning, it was obvious that this blockade was a preplanned action directed and financed by the Azerbaijani authorities, using the cover of so-called “eco-activists” for plausible deniability.These actions of Azerbaijan constitute an overt breach of paragraph 6 of the 9 November trilateral statement, which clearly indicates and I quote: “The Lachin Corridor shall remain under the control of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation; the Republic of Azerbaijan shall guarantee safe movement of citizens, vehicles, and cargo in both directions along the Lachin Corridor.” For more than a month now, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh remain under factual siege. Food, medical and energy supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh are almost completely halted. About 400 tons of essential goods, including grain, flour, rice, vegetables, fruits, medicines, and baby formula, were imported to Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenia daily. After around five weeks of the blockade, there is a severe shortage of all essential goods. Lavrov emphasized the need for the complete restoration of traffic through the Lachin Corridor in a telephone conversation with Bayramov Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, the press service of the Russian Foreign Ministry reports. The parties discussed a number of current issues of bilateral and regional agenda. "The Russian side emphasized the need for the immediate complete unblocking of traffic through the Lachin Corridor in accordance with the criteria laid down in the November 9 in 2020 high-level trilateral statement. The importance of reaching mutually acceptable solutions on all related issues was also emphasized, in order to resume the complex work of the key ways of the Azerbaijani-Armenian settlement based on the agreements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia", said the message of the Russian Foreign Ministry. Other News On January 17, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, who was in Vienna on a working visit, had a meeting with Austrian Federal Minister of European and Foreign Affairs Alexander Schallenberg.

22:50 - 17 January, 2023

Daily News Summary [16.01.2023]

March in Marseille and Paris against the blockade of Artsakh On Sunday, January 15, a solidarity march was held in Marseille, France, in support of Artsakh, in which 300 people participated, according to Nouvelles d'Arménie. Armen Grigoryan and Artsakh FM emphasized the implementation of joint efforts aimed at overcoming the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh Armen Grigoryan, Secretary of the RA Security Council, today received Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan. This was reported by the RA Council of Ministers office. Grigoryan congratulated Sergey Ghazaryan on assuming the post of Foreign Minister and wished him success. The interlocutors exchanged ideas on the security situation around Armenia and Artsakh. In particular, they discussed the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the blocking of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. In this context, joint efforts aimed at overcoming the humanitarian crisis were emphasized. The ECHR sent an urgent notice to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the unblocking of the Lachine Corridor Today, the European Court of Human Rights sent an urgent notice to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in order to monitor Azerbaijan's implementation of its December 21, 2022 decision to unblock the Lachin Corridor. Ararat Mirzoyan and Ghada Fathi Waly discussed the prospects of cooperation in the fight against terrorism and the use of foreign mercenaries On January 16, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting in Vienna with the Secretary General of the United Nations Office, the Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Ghada Fathi Waly. The RA Foreign Minister noted that Armenia gives great importance to the continuous expansion of cooperation with the UN system and specialized agencies. During the meeting, Minister Mirzoyan referred to the reforms carried out by the RA government, including in the anti-corruption, judicial and police sectors. The parties discussed the prospects of cooperation and implementation of joint programs in the fight against corruption and economic crimes, as well as illegal drug trafficking, organized crime, use of foreign mercenary fighters and terrorism. The President of Armenia and the Prime Minister of Estonia referred to issues of security and regional significance Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan, who is on a working visit to the Republic of Estonia, met with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas. At the meeting, the close cooperation formed between the two countries in different directions was highly appreciated. In particular, a wide range of issues related to high technologies, space travel, closer trade and economic ties were discussed. The parties also touched on issues of security and regional significance, and emphasized the importance of establishing stable and long-lasting peace. RA has not received any official offer to become part of the Union State - RA MFA The Republic of Armenia has not received any official offer to become part of the Union State. This was announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia in response to Infocom's written request. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also stated during the press conference a few days ago that there was no proposal for Armenia to become part of the Union State with Russia and Belarus. Pashinyan, however, emphasized that "the reality is not so simple, and often it is necessary to consider not so much the text of the questions as the context". Speaking about whether RA has received an unofficial offer to become part of the Union State, Pashinyan said, "the talk continuously developed by experts can be considered unofficial, and unofficial contacts can also be considered."

21:00 - 16 January, 2023