Daily News Summary

Daily News Summary [22.12.2022]

The Russian peacekeeping troop informs about the continuation of the negotiations The Russian peacekeeping force carrying out a mission in Nagorno-Karabakh did not record incidents of ceasefire violation in its area of responsibility. This is stated in the message posted on the website of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. "The command of the force continues negotiations with the Armenian and Azeri sides on the issue of restoring traffic on the Stepanakert-Goris road," the message says. RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met the President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturyan "Issues related to the security environment take much longer time, naturally. The situation in Lachine Corridor is worrisome and condemnable that despite the tripartite statement of November 9, we have what we have. And with the tripartite declaration of November 9, such a situation should not have happened at all, and I hope that as a result of the efforts and direct communications of our international partners, as well as certain discussions, we will manage to settle this situation, in general, to achieve long-term stability and peace in the region," Nikol Pashinyan said to RA Vahagn Khachaturian. Putin granted Ruben Vardanyan's request to renounce Russian citizenship Russian President Vladimir Putin has accepted the request of Artsakh Republic State Minister Ruben Vardanyan to renounce his Russian citizenship. It should be noted that Ruben Vardanyan was appointed Minister of Artsakh on November 4. Before that, he lived and worked in the Russian Federation for many years. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Armenia refused to participate in the meeting with the foreign ministers of Russia and Azerbaijan On December 22, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov had a telephone conversation. The situation in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent was discussed, which was aggravated due to the disagreements between the parties regarding the closure of the Lachin Corridor and the exploitation of mines in the region. Lavrov emphasized the need to strictly observe the tripartite agreements on ensuring unimpeded communication between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia through the Lachin Corridor. The parties expressed regret for Yerevan's decision to refuse to participate in the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia to be held in Moscow on December 23 to discuss the preparation of the peace treaty. The importance of continuing the implementation of the tripartite statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia on November 9, January 11, 2021, and November 26, 2021, as well as October 31, 2022, was emphasized. Maria Zakharova commented on Nikol Pashinyan's statement Maria Zakharova, the representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented on the statement made by RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during today's government session. "Work is underway, and if it is not known, I can repeat that there were situations when the parties blamed each other and it was the Russian peacekeepers who did everything to stabilize the situation and they succeeded. Therefore, such an attitude towards our peacekeepers is not acceptable. It should be reminded that Nikol Pashinyan emphasized again at the beginning of the Government session that Azerbaijan is not fulfilling the obligation assumed by the tripartite declaration of November 9. "De facto, it turns out that the obligation recorded in the tripartite declaration, that is to keep the Lachin Corridor under control, is not fulfilled by the Russian peacekeeping troops either." Other News The friendship group with Armenia in the Senate of Argentina calls on Azerbaijan to immediately open the Lachin Corridor. The Parliament of the Republic of Artsakh made a statement expressing its satisfaction with those countries that condemned the closure of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. The mayors of Paris, Lyon, and Marseille called on France and the European Union to impose sanctions on Azerbaijan. No demands have been made to the Armenian government to open the Lachin Corridor: Armenian Minister of Emergency Situations Armen Pambukhchyan commented on the situation on the Lachin Corridor

23:58 - 22 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [21.12.2022]

The UN Security Council discussed the blockade of the Lachin Corridor The United Kingdom remains deeply concerned over the recent closure of the Lachin Corridor, the UK representative to the United Nations Ambassador James Kariuki said in his speech at the UN Security Council meeting on the Lachin Corridor. The US representative stated that the obstacles to the use of the Lachine Corridor set back the peace process, undermine international confidence in that process, and have potential bad humanitarian consequences and that the US calls on the government of Azerbaijan and others responsible for the security of the corridor to restore free traffic, including humanitarian and commercial use, as soon as possible. Mher Margaryan, the permanent representative of Armenia in the UN, also had a speech at the session of the Security Council. "We call on the UN Security Council to take steps to demand that Azerbaijan fully respect the provisions of the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020, and immediately and unconditionally lift the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, removing all obstacles to the safe and secure organization of transport communication, as well as a fact-finding mission deploy in NK, Lachin Corridor to assess the local humanitarian situation, ensure unimpeded access for UN agencies for humanitarian purposes in NK," he said. According to the representative of France, the obstacles to free movement through the corridor connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia are unacceptable, and France calls to unconditionally start the movement of goods and supplies through the corridor while ensuring the rights of the population. "France emphasizes that, according to the commitment of the government of Azerbaijan, the tripartite declaration should guarantee the safe movement of people and vehicles along the Lachine corridor. France also calls for immediate free access for humanitarian organizations and UN agencies to work with the affected population," the French representative said. Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan referred to the session of the UN Security Council today. "It is gratifying, it is very important that again the issue of Artsakh was raised from the highest international podium and Artsakh was on the agenda, and it was very important that the response was one-sided, that what is happening in Artsakh is unacceptable. I thank everyone who brought the issue to the UN Security Council, I also thank Armenia," said Ruben Vardanyan on his Facebook page live. He also informed that the first appointment was made, and the Minister of Health was appointed. The Vice Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan also commented on the results of the UN Security Council session. "The influential members of the UN Security Council have called for the immediate opening of the Lachin Corridor. This is very important, and that’s also the result of comprehensive work. We will do everything so that our brothers and sisters are able to travel along that corridor as soon as possible, and that the right to shipment of goods is restored,” Arshakyan added. Asked if the UNSC has practical mechanisms aside from making a statement that would force Azerbaijan to open the corridor, Arshakyan said that the UNSC can adopt a resolution or apply various other political mechanisms. “We must do everything so that this toolbox gets fully utilized,” Arshakyan said. In Artsakh, 8 children and 11 adults are still in intensive care units, and the health condition of a 4-month-old baby is serious Because of the blocking of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia by Azerbaijan, scheduled surgeries continue to be suspended in the medical institutions under the authority of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia. This is reported by the Artsakh Ministry of Health. "8 children are in intensive care and neonatal wards in Arevik medical unit. Among them, the 4-month-old baby, who was diagnosed with Visceral Leishmaniasis, remains in critical condition and is receiving appropriate treatment. Other News Vasif Talıbov, the chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhichevan, has resigned. He held this position since December 1995. The ECHR satisfied the request submitted by Armenia and applied interim measures to Azerbaijan.

20:21 - 21 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [20.12.2022]

The command of the Russian peacekeepers continues negotiations with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides The situation at observation post No. 7 in the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping troops remains unchanged. "The command of the Russian peacekeepers continues the negotiations with the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides to resume the unhindered movement of automobile transport on the Stepanakert-Goris road," the message says. It is noted that patrols were carried out in Martuni, Martakert, and Shushi regions. The peacekeeping forces report the absence of ceasefire violations in their area of responsibility. Arayik Harutyunyan did not say that 35 thousand Armenians lived in Artsakh in 2021։ The Azerbaijani diplomat is spreading disinformation Chairman of the Council of the Center for the Analysis of International Relations of Azerbaijan, former ambassador of Azerbaijan to Canada and the Czech Republic, Farid Shafiyev, tweeted yesterday, writing: "According to a leader of Karabakh Armenians, in 2021 35,000 Armenians lived in Karabakh." By "the leader of the Armenians of Karabakh", the Azerbaijani diplomat means the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan. Shafiyev also published a screenshot from the transcript of Araik Harutyunyan's speech, where he underlined Harutyunyan's direct speech. "How do you imagine solving the social and household problems of 35.000 citizens without cooperation with Armenia?" Because of such problems, we have deprived tens of thousands of our citizens of Martakert and Shahumyan from the opportunity to live in our country." Armenia is not responding as I expected - Ruben Vardanyan During an interview with Rusarminfo, Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan said that Armenia is not responding to the blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan as expected. Ruben Vardanyan answered the question of whether the international reaction is adequate. "I see that many people in different countries react, but as states, as international organizations, no, of course. The same is in Armenia. Why are we talking about other countries, we can talk about Armenia. Armenia is not responding as I expected, I am surprised. It's really unexpected for me to see such indifference and such caution regarding this. When I arrived, the first session of the Government was about how we prepare for winter. The first issue of the first session was that this winter will be very dangerous, very cold," the Artsakh state minister said. “Every minute counts in an emergency” – Healthcare Minister on the death of a patient in Azeri blockade of Nagorno Karabakh A number of critically-ill patients can’t receive lifesaving medical care due to Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), the Minister of Healthcare of Armenia Anahit Avanesyan said. “It pains me to announce that a 44-year-old man has died due to Azerbaijan's blockade of Artsakh. All people have the right to receive timely medical care; every minute counts in an emergency. A number of patients in critical condition can't receive the lifesaving medical care,” Avanesyan tweeted. The 44-year-old patient died in Artsakh on December 19. Doctors were unable to evacuate the patient to Armenia for treatment due to the Azerbaijani blockade. Other News 26 children were born in the blocked Artsakh after December 12. On December 20, the President of the Republic of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, called a meeting with the participation of the leaders of the republic's power structures. RA Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan visited the former Artsakh Minister of State Artak Beglaryan. Iran expressed hope that the issue of lifting the blockade of the Lachin Corridor will be resolved quickly. Parliament approved Armenia’s participation in EU Creative Europe program for 2021-2027. Can the UN World Food Program deliver food to blocked Artsakh?

00:10 - 21 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [19.12.2022]

For already the 8th day Azerbaijan keeps the Lachin corridor blocked The command of the Russian peacekeepers continues negotiations with the Armenian and Azeri sides to unblock the Lachin corridor. It is noted that there were no incidents of ceasefire violation in the zone of responsibility of Russian peacekeepers. Patrolling was carried out in three directions: Martuni, Martakert regions, and Lachin corridor. "At thirty observation points, Russian peacekeepers monitor the situation around the clock and monitor the observance of the ceasefire regime," the website states. Artak Beglaryan, the adviser to the Minister of State of Artsakh stated that he thinks Azerbaijan may present conditions for opening the corridor. "I do not rule out that in the coming days the Azerbaijanis will try to put forward additional preconditions or aggravate the situation with additional actions, but at the same time, our pressure should be greater, our protests should be stronger and the pressure of the international community should also be greater so that Azerbaijan should understand that it will pay a high price for this situation," Beglaryan said, adding that various actors of the international community have addressed the situation in different ways, mostly made targeted statements and clearly formulated their admonition that the road should be opened. As a result of the closure of the Stepanakert-Goris interstate highway, for the 8th day now, patients in critical and critical condition continue to remain in medical facilities under the Ministry of Health. All scheduled operations have been suspended in hospitals. Today, one patient in critical condition died. One patient in need of an urgent heart operation was transported to Yerevan by an emergency vehicle accompanied by the Red Cross through the Lachin Corridor. The patient was transferred to the Goris Medical Center and then to the Yerevan Specialized Medical Center by ambulance. "At the moment, 92 patients are receiving inpatient treatment in the republican hospital. At the moment, 11 patients are in the intensive care unit of the hospital, and 4 are in critical condition. The condition of 2 patients who were in critical condition in the first days after the corridor was closed, is currently stable," said Mher Musayelyan, executive director of Artsakh "Republican" Medical Center. Despite the situation, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry continued spreading misinformation on the topic, claiming that Armenian ambulances pass unhindered along the Lachin road. The Azerbaijani news agency apa.az published the words of the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Ayhan Hajizadeh regarding the blockade of Artsakh, under the title "MFA - The announcements about the blockade are false, Armenian ambulances pass unhindered along the Lachin road." Hajizade's statement and the headline of the Azerbaijani agency distort the reality. And Hajizade stated that "despite the misinformation about the blockade, the vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Armenian ambulances pass unhindered along the Lachin road." With this statement, the spokesperson of the Azerbaijani MFA creates the impression that the passage of ICRC and Armenian military vehicles through the corridor is continuous. However, only today, with the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Armenian emergency vehicle was able to pass through the Lachin corridor, transporting from Artsakh to Armenia a man born in 1960, with heart pathology, who needed an urgent operation. Hajizade also stated that "such cases are repeated several times during the day", which is also disinformation. In response to infocom.am's question, Zara Amatuni, the head of communication and prevention programs of the ICRC Armenian office, informed that during this period only one transfer of a patient was carried out with the mediation of the ICRC, and only one patient was transferred. CSTO General Secretary Stanislav Zas commented on the situation, saying that a humanitarian crisis cannot be allowed. It should be noted that a question was sent to Zas about the statements addressed to the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh. In response, he noted that the mission performed by the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh is very important for the entire Caucasus region. According to Zas, the peacekeepers are solving very important problems there. "Of course, it is necessary to mention the difficult conditions in which these issues need to be resolved - an aggravated situation, the blocking of the Lachin corridor. In our opinion, it is very important to give free movement to people and humanitarian goods, so that ordinary citizens do not have deprivations and difficulties, let alone some kind of humanitarian disaster", Zas said. He added that all parties should help and be interested in the activities of the peacekeepers. Earlier today, US congressman Frank Pallone and his colleagues appealed to the country's president, Joe Biden, urging him to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh. "Joined my colleagues on a letter to President Biden urging him to take action to ensure the safety of the people of Artsakh after Azerbaijan has imposed a blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia, endangering thousands," Pallone wrote in his on the Twitter page. It should be reminded that about three dozen congressmen led by US Congressman Adam Schiff sent a letter to US President Joe Biden, calling on him to take decisive steps to ensure the safety of the Armenian population of Artsakh. The congressmen noted that if such a situation continues, a humanitarian disaster will become inevitable. As a result of the September battles, the number of victims of the Armenian side is 224 - Investigative Committee As a result of the Azerbaijani attack on September 13-14, the number of victims of the Armenian side is 224. Gor Abrahamyan, the press spokesman of the Investigative Committee, told "Azatutyun" that, as of now, the identities of all 224 victims have been ascertained, and the identification process has been completed. "A multi-faceted investigation is being carried out to find out the circumstances of each victim's death and give an assessment," added Gor Abrahamyan. Earlier, the official Yerevan also announced territorial losses, announcing that Azerbaijan has captured around 140 square meters of the sovereign territory of Armenia. km The Azerbaijani side officially reported about 80 victims. Other News RA President Vahagn Khachaturyan signed a decree appointing Tigran Khachatryan as Deputy Prime Minister.

23:09 - 19 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [17-18.12.2022]

U.S. Congressmen call on Biden Administration to impose sanctions against Azerbaijan A powerfully worded U.S. Congressional letter to President Joe Biden, spearheaded by Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), called for decisive U.S. action in response to Azerbaijan’s blockade of Artsakh, a bipartisan reaffirmation of demands to stop U.S. military aid to Azerbaijan and restart humanitarian assistance to the Armenians of Artsakh, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) reported. Since December 12th, Azerbaijan has imposed a blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) to Armenia. The effect has been devastating to the population, rendering 120,000 individuals without access to the route that provides much of Artsakh’s food, medical supplies and transport, and other essential goods, and depriving them of their right to free movement. Additional reports allege that Azerbaijan has also shut off one of the major sources of natural gas for civilians in the territory, potentially leaving tens of thousands without heating as temperatures plummet. Galust Sahakyan, the former Speaker of the National Assembly, died Galust Sahakyan, the former speaker of the National Assembly, died. The news was confirmed by the Republican Party of Armenia. Galust Sahakyan was born in 1948 or on April 8. He was a member of the Council of the Republican Party of Armenia, and from 2014-2017 he was the Speaker of the RA National Assembly. He had a serious illness. Pope Francis expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh Pope Francis commented on the situation on the Lachin corridor and expressed his concern about the crisis in South Caucasus. "Around 120.000 Armenians, including 30.000 children, live in the enclave, and the alleged road closure has isolated them from the world and deprived them of food, medicine, and basic necessities. Families have reportedly been separated, and many are unable to reach Armenia for adequate medical treatment. I am concerned about the precarious humanitarian conditions of the people, which are in further danger of deteriorating during the winter season," he said. We are still blocked but we continue to work, people have the will to go through all this calmly and it does not feel like we are under blockade - Ruben Vardanyan We continue to work, nothing has changed, we continue to be blocked, and despite these difficulties, I am very excited because I see both the will and the readiness in people to go through this situation calmly: to work, live, and in no way does it feel like we're in a blockade, panicked, or depressed. And for that I am thankful, Artsakh Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan said this through a live broadcast on his Facebook page. He said that yesterday he had a meeting with the deputies and the head of the administrative region in Martakert. "This is very important for me, I was filled with energy by seeing people's attitude to the situation we are all in. We had the opportunity to communicate about very difficult issues and there was no problem, everyone was ready for everything, we are united and that was the most important thing," he said. Other News Nikol Pashinyan sent congratulatory messages on the occasion of the National Day of Qatar. Doctors carried out an action in front of the UN Armenian office against Azerbaijan's blockade of the people of Artsakh. Azerbaijan continues to spread disinformation.

00:07 - 19 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [16.12.2022]

The Prime Minister discussed issues related to Armenia-European Union cooperation with the EU official Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the Deputy Secretary General for Common Security, Defense Policy, and Crisis Response of the European Union's External Action Service, Charles Friese. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Mr. Friese's visit to Yerevan and emphasized the positive dynamics of Armenia-European Union cooperation. In particular, Nikol Pashinyan highlighted the support provided by the EU in effectively implementing the agenda of democratic reforms taking place in our country. The interlocutors discussed issues related to RA-EU relations, as well as the activities of the EU observation mission in Armenia on the border with Azerbaijan. The Prime Minister emphasized the role of the EU mission in the security and stabilization of the situation. Reference was also made to the situation in the Lachin Corridor, the regulation of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, and other issues of mutual interest. Artsakh Human Rights Defender commented on the situation on the Lachin Corridor The head of the UN office in Armenia is also the head of "UNICEF" and he must understand very well that the children living in Artsakh were deprived of gas supply, heating, and hot water for 2 days, Artsakh Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan announced this in front of the Yerevan office of the United Nations. "It is s that sad situation continues for the 5th day, but we have not received at least one comment from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Everyone's rights are important, but for me personally, it is very sad that the topic of wearing a hijab is being made around the world and there are thousands of statements about it, but when the lives of 120.000 people are under threat, the bother to make even one comment. The High Commissioner for Human Rights has that mission, let the head of the Armenian office come down and present whether he was properly notified about all this. It is enough that we are neglected by the world, as if Artsakh does not exist in the world, this neglect must be put to an end," said Gegham Stepanyan. He noted that the indifference of the international community makes Azerbaijan unpunished. "Within Azerbaijan, it is not possible to ensure any rights or security. We will continue the struggle for our rights, the pressure must multiply, the international community must feel that they will not have peace, up to 120.000 people do not have a peaceful life," said the Human Rights Council of Artsakh. The Secretary of the Council of Armenia presented the crisis caused by the closure of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan to his foreign counterparts Within the framework of his working visit to the Kingdom of Sweden, on December 15, SC Secretary Armen Grigoryan met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Sweden Tobias Billström, and the Chairman of the Riksdag Committee on Foreign Relations Aron Emilson and members of the committee. As reported by the RA Security Council office, Armen Grigoryan presented to the interlocutors the closure of the Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia by Azerbaijan, and the resulting humanitarian crisis. In this context, the Secretary of the Security Council emphasized the importance of an adequate response from the international community. Foreign Minister Tobias Billström emphasized Sweden's readiness to support stability in the region and overcome conflicts, both within the framework of the OSCE and with the support of the European Union. Other News There have been no recent incidents of peacekeeping troops carrying out a mission in Nagorno-Karabakh, and no cases of ceasefire violation. RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Richard Moore, the head of the secret intelligence service of Great Britain. Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges Azerbaijan to open the Lachin Corridor.

23:48 - 16 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [15.12.2022]

At the meeting with the UN Deputy Secretary General, the Foreign Minister presented the situation in Lachin On December 15, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a meeting with UN Secretary-General for Political and Peacekeeping Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo in New York. During the meeting, Minister Mirzoyan referred to the latest developments in the process of normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, and the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia noted that Azerbaijan's fanatical ambitions, aggressions against the territorial integrity of Armenia, the ongoing occupation of the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia, and bellicose and anti-Armenian statements create an unstable situation in the region, full of security and humanitarian challenges. We expect certain steps from the EU that will stop Azerbaijan's genocidal policy - HRD of Artsakh The European Union, being a structure based on human rights and freedoms, has no right to remain silent about the crimes that Azerbaijan is committing against Artsakh. Artsakh human rights defender Gegham Stepanyan expressed such a view during the protest action in front of the office of the European Union delegation in Armenia. He emphasized that the purpose of the actions initiated by him at the embassies of different countries in RA is to achieve direct condemnation of Azerbaijan's provocations by the international community and to push for practical steps aimed at overcoming the humanitarian crisis facing Artsakh. Nikol Pashinyan commented on the situation in Lachin Corridor The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh cannot be called anything other than a humanitarian crisis. Moreover, this crisis arose as a result of Azerbaijan's failure to fulfill its international obligations. RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this at the beginning of the government session, referring to the situation in the Lachin Corridor. "Closing the Lachin Corridor is a direct and gross violation of the tripartite declaration of November 9, 2020 by Azerbaijan on the simple grounds that according to point 6 of the said declaration, the Lachin Corridor is under the control of the Russian peacekeeping troops in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Republic of Azerbaijan guarantees is the safety of citizens, vehicles and cargo traffic," Pashinyan stated. According to the RA Prime Minister, Azerbaijan's violations of the November 9, 2020 statement are of a chronic nature, and these violations are as follows: the first point of the statement states the cessation of fire and all military operations in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. Pashinyan also made a post on his Twitter microblog about the closure of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijanis. "As a result of the closure of the Lachin corridor and cutting of the gas supply by Azerbaijan, 120.000 people in Nagorno Karabakh have appeared in the status of a hostage. Schools and kindergartens are forced to suspend work; 22000 children are deprived of the right to education. As a result of the closure of Lachin corridor and cutting the gas supply by Azerbaijan, 120000 people in Nagorno Karabakh have appeared in the status of a hostage. Schools and kindergartens are forced to suspend work; 22000 children are deprived of the right to education," Pashinyan wrote. The international community should put pressure on Azerbaijan, we still don't see that pressure - Babayan According to Davit Babayan, Acting Foreign Minister of Artsakh, the reaction of the international community regarding the closure of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia should be turned into pressure. "There are many reactions, the so-called first phase of the reaction, but after that, concrete action must be taken. In order for Azerbaijan to stop this genocidal step, there must be political pressure on it, we don't see that pressure yet, and maybe we don't feel it yet, when the road opens, we will see. Apparently, Azerbaijan is also slapping the international community," said Davit Babayan. According to the Artsakh official, Russian peacekeepers should be given an international mandate so that they have the authority to impose peace. The fate of 30.000 children in danger in Nagorno-Karabakh - Henrikh Mkhitaryan On Monday, Azerbaijan blocked the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outside world. This is the only road of life that is used to deliver all cargo to the Nagorno Karabakh population-from food to medicines, Armenian football player Henrikh Mkhitaryan wrote on Twitter. "The 120.000 residents of the Republic, including 30.000 children, have found themselves in a complete blockade. Moreover, today Azerbaijan has cut off the gas supply as well - to a devastating effect. Considering that it's winter, and the temperature often dips below zero at nighttime, this puts the local population in immediate danger of freezing to death. And this is becoming a real humanitarian catastrophe. A physical blockade of Nagorno Karabakh is tantamount to sentencing its people to a slow death," Mkhitaryan wrote. US Senate Foreign Committee commented on the situation in Lachin Corridor US Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued a statement regarding the closure of Berdzor (Lachin) corridor by Azerbaijani “eco-activists” and cutting the gas supply by Azerbainan. “Aliyev's weaponization of winter against the people of Nagorno Karabakh is straight out of the authoritarian playbook. Democracies worldwide must swiftly condemn the coercive gas cuts and blockade by Aliyev and his proxies. Freedom of movement in Nagorno Karabakh must be restored”, the Committee Tweeted. The ECHR gave Azerbaijan until December 19 to send a response to the request submitted by Armenia A little while ago, the European Court made a decision regarding the request to apply interim measures submitted by Armenia yesterday. The Court decided to give Azerbaijan time until Monday, December 19, at 4:00 p.m. (French time) to send a response to Armenia's request, after which the Court will make a final decision. It should be reminded that the office of the representative of the Republic of Armenia on international legal issues appealed to the European Court of Human Rights yesterday, demanding the application of interim measures against Azerbaijan and obliging to unblock the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor. Other News Dutch Foreign Ministry calls on Baku to unblock the Lachin Corridor. US House representative Katie Porter referred to the latest developments in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) and the closure of the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor by Azerbaijani “eco-activists” and cutting the gas supply by Azerbainan.

00:07 - 16 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [14.12.2022]

Azerbaijan keeps the Lachin corridor closed and cuts the gas for Artsakh For already the third day Azerbaijan keeps the Lachin corridor closed. Baku calls "groundless" the "accusations" of the Armenian Foreign Ministry about closing the Lachin Corridor and creating a humanitarian disaster. Opposing the statement issued by the RA MFA yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan declares that the calls to create an international mechanism to ensure the rights and security of Armenians in Karabakh are unacceptable, because "the issue of the rights and security of Armenians living in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan is an internal matter of Azerbaijan." "Karabakh is an inseparable part of Azerbaijan, and the rights and security of the population living there will be guaranteed by the laws and Constitution of Azerbaijan," official Baku announced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also categorically denied the accusations that it has anything to do with closing the only road connecting Armenia and Karabakh. The Azerbaijani side claims that "the Shushi-Lachin road was closed not by Azerbaijani protesters, but by the Russian peacekeeping mission, which was temporarily stationed in the territory of Azerbaijan." The message also states that "Azerbaijan is ready to meet all the needs of the local population, and Armenia's grievances have no basis." It should be noted that these claims were also confirmed by Hikmet Hajiyev, the assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, adding that Baku's goal is to completely close the mines operating in the territory of Artsakh. Over 1100 citizens of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) are unable to return home after Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin Corridor. Among those stranded are 270 children separated from their families. Over 200 – mostly women and children – are accommodated in Goris. Most of 1100 are accommodated in Yerevan. Those stranded are people who were visiting Yerevan for treatment, children who arrived to watch the Junior Eurovision 2022 together with their teachers, dance ensembles who were returning from international competitions, and even official delegations, according to the Representation of Artsakh in Armenia. Goris Deputy Mayor Irina Yolyan told ARMENPRESS that Mayor Arush Arushanyan maintains constant contact with colleagues in Stepanakert to swiftly resolve all issues. The Azerbaijani company "Azerigaz" issued a message stating that the Azerbaijani side has nothing to do with the termination of the gas supply in Artsakh. "Undoubtedly, it is aimed at misleading the international community and pushing the international public opinion in the wrong direction," the message said. The company noted that gas supply in the territory of the Republic of Artsakh is carried out by Armenia and it is not integrated into the gas supply system of Azerbaijan. "In the coming days, a technical inspection will be carried out in the section passing through the territories controlled by Azerbaijan. As it is known, due to cold weather conditions, there are disruptions of the gas pipeline in other mountainous and foothill regions of Azerbaijan. In general, conducting a technical inspection is considered as one of the steps designed to ensure a stable and safe gas supply," the message states. As a result of Azerbaijan's blocking of the road connecting Artsakh with Armenia and the gas supply, scheduled surgeries have been temporarily stopped in the medical facilities operating under the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan. There is currently no shortage of drugs and medical supplies needed for first aid in medical facilities. At the moment, 11 medical patients are in the intensive care unit at the "Republican Medical Center", 2 of which are in extremely serious condition. There are medical facilities that are heated with diesel fuel (there is no problem at the moment, but supplies are scarce), but there are also medical facilities that use electric heaters as a result of the gas supply being blocked.The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan is taking all possible measures to properly overcome the situation. The blockade of Artsakh and the cutting of gas supply is a very clear manifestation of the Azerbaijani genocidal policy, which has its assessment by international law, Advisor to the State Minister of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan told reporters while he was doing a sit-in outside the UN Office in Yerevan. According to him, an urgent reaction to this is the obligation of the UN Security Council, the High Commissioner for Human Rights. “I am starting a sit-in outside the UN Office in Armenia with different demands and calls, but the main demand is directed to the international community, first of all, to the UN so that they take concrete actions to protect the security and rights of the people of Artsakh, including to eliminate the Azerbaijani blockade at this moment, but also to ensure long-term international guarantees”, Beglaryan said. Beglaryan said the United Nations is the only organization that has the capacity, and mechanisms to give a concrete mandate to particular countries to carry out peacekeeping activities, as well as it has the authority and obligation to protect the security and rights of different nations if they are violated. The work of the Pashinyan-Putin-Aliev meeting is agreed upon. it is possible to have an informal meeting - Peskov The work of agreeing on a tripartite meeting between the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan Vladimir Putin, Nikol Pashinyan and Ilham Aliyev continues, but at least they can talk informally within the framework of the unofficial summit of the leaders of the CIS countries. This was announced by the press spokesman of the Russian President, Dmitry Peskov. "You know that an informal meeting of the leaders of the CIS member states is planned, where the three leaders will have the opportunity to speak. How it will turn out, the work is still in progress," said Peskov. Other News A protest action of the RPA against Azerbaijan's blockade of Artsakh took place near the government building. The third president of RA, Serzh Sargsyan, was also present at the meeting. The Dutch parliament adopts a resolution by an overwhelming majority of votes on the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. The Foreign Ministry of Cyprus calls on Azerbaijan to immediately restore traffic and energy supply in Nagorno-Karabakh․ The ministerial meeting started at the UN Security Council - Ararat Mirzoyan will make a speech.

00:07 - 15 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [13.12.2022]

The EU will send a group of experts to Armenia to consider the possibility of deploying a new mission - Peter Stano The European Union will send a group of experts to Armenia in the coming weeks to consider the possibility of deploying a new civilian mission here, the spokesperson of the European Union Foreign Minister Josep Borell informed today. "The special representative of the European Union, Toivo Klaar, is in constant contact with the parties. At the moment, the Union and member states are holding consultations with local partners to discuss how they can contribute to sustainable peace through engagement on the ground. For this purpose, the European Union will send a group of experts to Armenia in the coming weeks to consider the possibility of deploying a new mission in order to contribute to confidence building," said Peter Stano in his written response. The European Union civilian observer mission ends in six days. The press spokesperson for foreign policy did not, in fact, answer the question of "Freedom" why the European Union decided not to extend this current mission, especially since official Yerevan welcomed such an opportunity. RA Human Rights Defender presented to Federico Villegas the humanitarian consequences of closing Artsakh's only road with Armenia RA human rights defender Kristine Grigoryan had a private conversation with Federico Villegas, president of the UN Human Rights Council, and permanent representative of Argentina at the UN. The Ombudsman presented the interlocutor with the activities of the Office of the Ombudsman as a national institution for the protection of human rights. The Defender also thanked Ambassador Villegas for his participation in the Global Forum to Combat the Crime of Genocide, for his important messages, and in general for his important work in the UN Human Rights Council. Kristine Grigoryan used the opportunity to present to the President of the Human Rights Council the humanitarian consequences and risks of the closure of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia by the Azerbaijanis and emphasized that international organizations should not ignore such genocidal policy impulses. The parties exchanged ideas about the possibilities of sensitizing such issues within the framework of various mechanisms of the UN. Azerbaijan stopped the gas supply to Artsakh Azerbaijan stopped the gas supply to Artsakh a little while ago. Stopping the supply of blue fuel under such weather conditions is humanitarian and economic terrorism, which Azerbaijan is consistently carrying out against the civilians of Artsakh. Armenian President urges the international community to react to Azerbaijani provocations in Artsakh Vahagn Khachaturyan, the President of Armenia, referred to the latest developments in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) and the closure of the Berdzor (Lachin) corridor by Azerbaijani “eco-activists” and cutting the gas supply by Azerbaijan. “By blocking the Lachin corridor over 120.000 kids, elderly, women, and men are deprived of vital access to Armenia and the rest of the world. The second day of yet another challenge to the Artsakh People, facing an existential threat. International community’s urgent and targeted reaction is a must!”, Khachaturyan Tweeted. Congressman Pallone urges US State Department and UNHRC take action to protect the lives of all Armenian POWs Congressman Frank Pallone referred to the problem of Armenian POWs still in prison in Azerbaijan. “Azerbaijan has unlawfully held Armenian POW Vigen Euljekian captive for more than 2 years. The Aliyev regime has subjected him to inhumane treatment and various human rights abuses. US State Department and UNHRC must take action to protect his life and the lives of all Armenian POWs”, Pallone said in a Tweet. Other News On December 13, President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan chaired an enlarged sitting of the Security Council, the Presidential Office said. The peacekeeping troops carrying out a mission in Nagorno-Karabakh today did not record any incidents in their area of responsibility. On December 13, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Davit Babayan sent a letter to the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Maria Peychinovich Burich, in connection with the closure of the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia by Azerbaijan and the resulting humanitarian disaster in Artsakh. Zhanna Andreasyan was appointed the minister of RA Education, Science, Culture and Sports.

21:10 - 13 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [12.12.2022]

The Azerbaijanis closed the Lachin corridor again The Azerbaijanis closed the Lachin corridor again. It is noted that the so-called "eco-activists" of Azerbaijan demand a meeting with the commander of the Russian peacekeeping force in Artsakh, Andrey Volkov. They claim that the environmental monitoring, which was supposed to be carried out in the mines of Artsakh, was disrupted on Saturday. It should be reminded that on December 3, a group of Azerbaijanis in civilian clothes blocked the Stepanakert-Goris highway for environmental reasons at the intersection under Shushi-Kari. After more than three hours of negotiations with the Azerbaijani side, the road was finally opened. The Artsakh Environmental Protection Committee issued a statement stressing that the principles, procedures, and relations related to subsoil use in Artsakh are defined by the Code of Artsakh on Subsoil, and that the Republic of Artsakh is even ready to invite an international expert group to further assess environmental risks and improve the system. Later, the Azerbaijani side announced that they had a meeting with the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops in Artsakh, during which they expressed concern about the "illegal exploitation of minerals in Nagorno-Karabakh and the consequences of this activity". On December 7, the second meeting of a group of Azerbaijanis with the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops took place in Artsakh, during which several journalists tried to attend the discussions, but their entry was denied. The Armenian people in the region continue to face existential danger - Ararat Mirzoyan received the UN representative On December 12, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan received Alice Wairimu Nderitu, Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on Genocide Prevention, who is in Armenia to participate in the 4th Global Forum "Against the Crime of Genocide". The RA MFA informs about this. The interlocutors expressed satisfaction with the ongoing cooperation between Armenia and the Office of the Special Adviser, which is aimed at preventing genocides and promoting the global fight against xenophobia and discrimination. In this regard, the "Prevention of Genocide" resolution initiated by Armenia and presented every two years within the framework of the Human Rights Council was highlighted. Mirzoyan presented to Villegas the situation created as a result of the disruption of the normal activity of the Lachin Corridor On December 12, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with the President of the UN Human Rights Council, the Permanent Representative of Argentina to the UN Office in Geneva, Federico Villegas. Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the participation of the President of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in the Fourth Global Forum "Against the Crime of Genocide", appreciating his contribution to the protection of human rights. RA Foreign Minister emphasized that Armenia, as a state representing a nation that survived the genocide, is most actively involved in the promotion of the agenda for the prevention of genocide and other crimes against humanity. The interlocutors referred to the activities carried out by Armenia in the ICRC in the last three years, and also noted with satisfaction the close cooperation between Armenia and Argentina, including in the field of human rights. Ararat Mirzoyan presented to the interlocutor the situation created by Azerbaijan's steps aimed at disrupting the normal functioning of the Lachin Corridor and the dangers arising from it. Minister Mirzoyan also emphasized that Azerbaijan's overzealous, force or threat-of-force approaches are the main factors undermining stability and security in the region. Vladimir Putin and Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation - Kremlin Vladimir Putin also had a telephone conversation with RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. According to the Kremlin's message, the implementation of the tripartite agreements was discussed. Special attention was paid to ensuring security on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, as well as to projects aimed at restoring transport, logistics, and trade-economic ties in Transcaucasia. It is noted that during the telephone conversation, Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Putin, continuing the topics of the meeting held on December 9 within the framework of the session of the Eurasian Higher Economic Council in Bishkek, discussed the implementation of fundamental agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Other News RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has signed a decision to dismiss Zhanna Andreasyan from the post of RA Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh has issued a statement condemning Azerbaijan's provocative move to close the Goris-Stepanakert highway. The 4th Global Forum "Against the Crime of Genocide" was opened on December 12 in Yerevan’s Matenadaran, entitled “Prevention of Genocide in the Era of New Technologies”. The co-Founder of Lemkin Institute sees a need for sanctions against Azerbaijan to prevent another genocide against Armenians

20:57 - 12 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [10-11.12.2022]

Arayik Harutyunyan and the mayor of Marseille discussed issues related to decentralized cooperation with Artsakh regions and communities Within the framework of the working visit, the delegation led by the President of the Republic of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan held a number of meetings with the local leadership in Marseille on December 9. The head of state had a private conversation with Martine Vassal, chairman of the Council of the Department of Bouches du Rhône, then the meeting continued in a wide format with the participation of representatives of the Council of the Department. Harutyunyan expressed his gratitude to those present in 2020. for the resolution on providing urgent international humanitarian aid to the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, adopted on October 23 at the height of the war unleashed against Artsakh. Arayik Harutyunyan highlighted the fact that even today they continue to actively protect the interests of the people of Artsakh. Then there was a meeting with the President of the Provence Alpes Cote d'Azur Region, Renaud Muselier. Arayik Harutyunyan emphasized the need to expand and deepen cooperation with the administrative regions of France. In that context, the President of Artsakh thanked the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Regional Council for 2020. for adopting a resolution on the international recognition of the Republic of Artsakh on December 17, noting that it was a very important and encouraging step from both political and moral perspectives. During the meeting, the parties signed a joint declaration condemning Azerbaijan's aggression towards Artsakh and Armenia, and supporting the inalienable rights of the people of Artsakh, especially the right to self-determination. The document emphasizes that only a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict respecting the interests of all parties can open a new page of peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. At the same time, the international community is called to condemn Azerbaijan for war crimes, violation of human rights, as well as imprisonment of political prisoners and prisoners of war in Azerbaijan. The next meeting of the delegation headed by President Harutyunyan was with the mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan. Issues related to decentralized cooperation with Artsakh regions and communities were discussed. Mayor Payan assured that he will continue to make all possible efforts to increase the humanitarian assistance programs directed to Artsakh. RA Consul General, and philanthropist Vardan Sirmakesh also participated in the meetings. We see one way for relations with Azerbaijan. If they accept that Artsakh will be an independent country from Azerbaijan - Ruben Vardanyan After the 44-day war, Azerbaijan has adopted the strategy of regular provocations against Artsakh, which is aimed at disappointing the Artsakh Armenians. Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan said this in an interview with Artsakh Public Television. Ruben Vardanyan was not surprised by the Azerbaijani provocation of December 3, keeping the Lachin corridor closed for three hours. "For Azerbaijanis, it was surprising that 35-40 thousand people could come out to the square. My appointment was also unexpected for them. Interest in Artsakh was created in the world's press, changes took place in Artsakh. They responded to all this. Azerbaijan wants to do everything so that very few people live in Artsakh, have no faith in the future, do not believe in success, and leave. These provocations are not related to my name, although it is their president who is talking about me, these are the reasons why I came here. Because I think that it will be possible to destroy the Azerbaijani provocations if people unite, both in Artsakh and in Armenia," said Vardanyan. I think Turkey has a lot to offer to support the comprehensive settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan - Toivo Klaar As part of the TRT World Forum 2022, Toivo Klaar, the EU's special representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia, had a short meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavushoglu and, as he noted, a number of other officials in Istanbul, he announced on Twitter. "I think Turkey has a lot to offer to support a comprehensive settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan," Klaar wrote. Earlier today, we reported that the EU official once again stated that the European Union is actively working with Armenia and Azerbaijan to strengthen trust between the two countries. It should be reminded that Toivo Klaar left for Istanbul after his visit to Yerevan. In Armenia, he had meetings with RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. Employees and residents blocked the entry of the Azerbaijani group to the Artsakh mines on the spot. the tour was not agreed upon with the authorities On December 10 of this year, the Azerbaijani side, taking as a basis the letter sent to the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in Artsakh in advance to observe the mines of the Martakert region, planned to visit the Drmbon and Kashen mines. "The command of the peacekeeping troops, in accordance with the instructions of their superior bodies, allowed a one-time visual visit to the mines mentioned above. Taking into account that the proposed plan was not agreed upon with the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh and the organization operating the mines, on the spot, the employees of the mining organization and the residents of the surrounding communities spontaneously blocked the entry of the above -mentioned group to the territory of the mines. In order to solve the created situation, the representatives of the authorities of the Artsakh Republic went to the meeting places. As a result of the negotiations, a decision was made to stop the planned tour of the mines and address the issue after additional discussions. We call on the citizens of the Artsakh Republic to refrain from spreading unverified news and follow only official information. We assure you that the authorities are taking all steps to avoid unnecessary tension and to settle all issues in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Artsakh," the statement issued by Artsakh Information Center stated. Azerbaijan sent a diplomatic note to Russia due to the ban on visiting mines in Nagorno-Karabakh The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan sent a diplomatic note to the Russian side. Aykhan Hajizade, the head of the press service of the Azerbaijani MFA, told reporters that the Azerbaijani side has repeatedly appealed to the command of the peacekeeping military unit to prevent the "illegal exploitation" of natural resources in their locations, as well as to eliminate the consequences of its negative impact on the environment. It is noted that in many cases these calls from the Azerbaijani side were not answered, and no measures were taken by the peacekeeping troops "to prevent the illegal exploitation of Azerbaijan's natural resources". Other News The Secretary of the Council of Armenia will go on a working visit to Great Britain, Finland, and Sweden.

00:19 - 12 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [09.12.2022]

RA Foreign Minister's telephone conversation with the US Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs On December 9, RA Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan had a telephone conversation with US Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried. They addressed issues related to regional security and stability. Thoughts were exchanged on the settlement of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. The willingness of the US to support the peace process in the South Caucasus was emphasized. During the telephone conversation, the process of border security and demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the unblocking of transport infrastructures in the region, was also touched upon. Emphasizing the efforts made by Armenia to establish peace, Minister Mirzoyan noted that the security situation in the region is fragile, and the probability of new provocations by Azerbaijan remains high. The preliminary investigation confirmed the fact that Azerbaijan used a phosphorus bomb during the war - Artsakh Prosecutor's Office In order to investigate the circumstances of the aggressive war unleashed against the Republic of Artsakh by the armed forces of Azerbaijan from September 27, 2020, coupled with gross violations of international humanitarian law, a number of criminal cases were initiated by the law enforcement bodies of the Republic of Artsakh, within the framework of which the preliminary investigation body seized many unexploded shells and projectiles, examinations were appointed. As reported by the Artsakh prosecutor's office, the unexploded rocket found in the administrative area of Martuni city of Artsakh and the samples obtained from it were also submitted for examination by the investigator of the Investigative Committee. According to the conclusion given as a result of the research carried out by an independent expert group (the conclusion was received on 07.12.2022), it was proved that it is a phosphorus munition consisting of white phosphorus. Ministry of Internal Affairs to be created in Armenia: The National Assembly adopted the bill A Ministry of Internal Affairs will be established in Armenia. The RA National Assembly adopted the bill with 65 votes in favor and 28 against. NA Speaker Alen Simonyan informed that some deputies left their vote. Deputy Minister of Justice Arpine Sargsyan said that in terms of content, this means parliamentary and civil control over the police sector. She added that the ministries of internal affairs in democratic countries allow for the development of the police as a specialized structure, not as a power structure that performs a certain punitive function in the country. Sargsyan informed that three services will be included in the ministry to be created: Rescue Service, Police, Migration, and Citizenship Service. Nikol Pashinyan and Vladimir Putin met in Bishkek After the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council held in Bishkek, the meeting between the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin took place. Russia remains Armenia’s leading trade-economic partner, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Bishkek. In January-September, the trade turnover between RA and EAEU countries increased by 80% compared to the same period in 2021 - Pashinyan RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the regular session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The leaders of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union also participated in the latter: Presidents of the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, a Country Observer in EAEU, also participated in the session with an expanded composition. The leaders of the EAEU countries were welcomed by the President of Kyrgyzstan at the Ala-Archa state residence in Bishkek, after which a joint photo shoot ceremony took place. First, the session was held with a narrow and then with an extended composition. "The trade turnover between Armenia and EAEU countries in January-September of this year amounted to more than 3 billion USD and increased by about 80% compared to the same period in 2021," RA Prime Minister Pashinyan mentioned in his speech at the regular session of the Eurasian Economic Council. In the USA, RA Human Rights Defender presented the consequences of Azerbaijan's aggression on the sovereign territory of Armenia on September 13-14 As part of her visit to the USA, RA Human Rights Defender Kristine Grigoryan met with Kara C. McDonald, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor in Washington on December 9. McDonald expressed her satisfaction with the meeting with the Defender, then the parties exchanged ideas on the state of human rights in Armenia, and priority issues were discussed. During the meeting, the Defender presented the consequences of the Azerbaijani aggression and attack on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia on September 13-14, particularly the continuous violations of human rights documented by Human Rights Watch. The interlocutor was also interested in a number of individual cases related to human rights. Kara McDonald reaffirmed that the US government continues to work in the direction of humanitarian issues. At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue cooperation. Other News On December 9, Chairman of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia Alen Simonyan received Smail Benamara, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to the Republic of Armenia. Armenian and Russian Defense Ministers, Suren Papikyan and Sergei Shoigu met within the frames of the meeting of defense ministers of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Commonwealth of Independence States (CIS) in Moscow. From December 8 to 9, the delegation led by Hamlet Batikyan, Secretary General of the RA Ministry of Defense, participated in the NATO international conference entitled "The role of building goodwill in the Armed Forces in the protection of democratic values and strengthening of public and institutional resilience" in Brussels, RA Ministry of Defense reports. The special representative of the European Union, Toivo Klaar, left for Istanbul from Yerevan. Klaar wrote about this on Twitter, without specifying what meetings he will have in Turkey.

22:36 - 09 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [08.12.2022]

Azerbaijani Armed Forces units opened fire in the direction of Nerkin Hand - Ministry of Defense On December 8, around 8:20 p.m., the units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces opened fire from different caliber rifles at the Armenian positions located in the Nerkin Hand direction, RA Ministry of Defense reports. The Armenian side has no losses. As of 23:00, the situation on the frontline is relatively stable. Artsakh wants the UN Security Council to give the Russian peacekeeping mission an international mandate for an indefinite period Today, Artsakh's peace is ensured by the Russian peacekeeping mission, but since that period ends in 2025, we need more fundamental international guarantees in terms of security, Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan stated in an interview with "France 24". "Today, the fate of Artsakh Armenians is in danger, genocide, ethnic cleansing, there is no difference for us, if we have to leave Artsakh, it is equivalent to death for us, we have lived in our land for thousands of years and we want to continue living in our land, this is our right earned for thousands of years," he said. Acting Foreign Minister of Artsakh Davit Babayan, who is in France with Arayik Harutyunyan, explained to Azatutyan that they want the UN Security Council (SC) to give the Russian peacekeeping mission an international mandate for an indefinite period. "Under direct international guarantees, you understand that the best option is for the same UN Security Council to grant an international mandate to the Russian peacekeeping mission, that is, they also authorize the presence and deployment of Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh not only until 2025 but also indefinitely, as the conflict has not been settled," the acting minister stated. According to Davit Babayan, this does not mean that the West should wash its hands, it can use other levers to put pressure on Azerbaijan because Artsakh is under the threat of genocide. "The civilized world should also take steps, it is not necessary that they come through peacekeepers. Is there no other way to help and support Artsakh?" To the question of what messages were sent in the meetings with the French senators, Davit Babayan answered: "Exactly those messages that Artsakh is in danger, that the civilized world is not right to be indifferent or passive at all." Prime Minister Pashinyan discussed issues related to regional security, peace, and stability with Toivo Klaar Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Toivo Klaar, the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georga. The interlocutors discussed issues related to the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the latest developments related to the Nagorno Karabakh problem, as well as ensuring the rights and security guarantees of the Nagorno Karabakh Armenians. Thoughts were exchanged on issues related to regional security, peace and stability, border demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the process of unblocking the transport infrastructure of the region. During the day, Klaar also met RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirozyan. Thoughts were exchanged on the development of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the latest developments on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, as well as the border demarcation process, and the unblocking of regional transport infrastructures. Ararat Mirzoyan noted that the Armenian side is committed to its position of establishing peace and stability in the region, stressing that Azerbaijan's continuous provocative actions and fanatical rhetoric lead to the aggravation of the fragile security situation. The interlocutors also referred to the activities of the EU observation mission in Armenia and highlighted its role. Other News RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will leave for Kyrgyzstan on a working visit on December 9. Artsakh Security Council issued a clarification regarding the meeting of Security Council Secretary Vitaly Balasanyan with representatives of Azerbaijan on December 7. Suren Papikyan left for the Russian Federation on a working visit.

23:54 - 08 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [07.12.2022]

No incidents were registered in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping troops On December 7, no incidents were recorded in the area of responsibility of the peacekeeping troops carrying out a mission in Nagorno-Karabakh, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reports. "At 30 observation posts, Russian peacekeepers are monitoring the situation and maintaining the ceasefire regime around the clock. No violations were recorded in the zone of responsibility of the Russian military group," the message states. Patrolling was carried out in 3 directions: Martuni, Martakert, and Shushi regions. One of our expectations is to determine the area of responsibility of CSTO in Armenia - Pashinyan During the NA-Government question-and-answer session, RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan referred to the CSTO summit and Armenia's expectations. "Our expectation was two things. The first is to determine the area of responsibility of CSTO in RA. This is a fundamental question for building the right relationship. The second expectation was to give a clear political assessment of what happened. Now there is a lot of emphases that there was help and we refused some help. This is very important to clarify, there is a line there to provide assistance, including military-technical assistance to Armenia. First of all, it is not clear what kind of help is offered. Second, accepting that aid without clear evaluations would mean implicit and even direct acceptance of the status quo established within our borders. Accepting a monitoring mission from the CSTO in that area without a clear assessment will mean simply fixing and putting up with the status quo. For example, it happened in Prague that the parties clearly record each other's territorial integrity on the basis of the 1991 Alma Ata declaration, after which the mission of the EU observation mission to Armenia became possible," Pashinyan said. Military-technical assistance to Armenia was also considered in CSTO, but political assessment is a priority for Armenia Within the framework of the CSTO, the issue of providing military-technical assistance to Armenia was also considered, but the primary thing for Armenia is the political assessment, the recording of the fact by the allies, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan said during the parliament-Cabinet Q&A session, referring to the question of Lilit Minasyan, MP from "Civil Contact" faction. The MP reminded that, following the results of the CSTO summit recently held in Yerevan, Armenia did not join a number of documents, which were sent for revision. She inquired at what stage the revision process is at, and whether Armenia has any expectations from those documents. Armenian Foreign Minister comments on the current situation with Azerbaijan Armenia does not have any armed formation in the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan said. He said that Nagorno Karabakh maintains its Defense Army, whose mission is the self-defense of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh because a threat of ethnic cleansing exists. FM Mirzoyan made the remarks in parliament when asked by Member of Parliament Arman Yeghoyan. Yeghoyan asked the Foreign Minister to comment on Azerbaijan’s accusations that the 9 November 2020 statement’s terms aren’t fully implemented. Azerbaijan pointed out the issue of re-opening of regional connections and accused Armenia of maintaining a military presence in Nagorno Karabakh. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan says he is not sure that it will be possible to have a more or less final version of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan by the end of this year. “The negotiations aimed at settling the establishment of peace or relations are at an active stage, they continue. A document with new editing is being circulated. We have now received the new proposals from the Azerbaijani side, and we will present our new proposals. Unfortunately, the approaches of the sides on many issues are still far from each other. Still, the negotiations are also for this purpose so that we can find common grounds between these distant positions and have a joint result”, the FM said during the Q&A session in the Parliament. Ararat Mirozyan also commented on the situation in diplomatic relations with Hungary. Hungary shouldn’t have extradited Ramil Safarov – the convicted murderer of Armenian military officer Gurgen Margaryan – and Armenia’s assessment over this matter has not changed, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said. He added that at the same time, there are many positive examples displayed by Hungary that should be remembered and appreciated. Lynn Tracy, who completed the diplomatic mission in Armenia, was awarded the MFA Medal of Honor On December 7, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan received US Ambassador Lynn Tracy, who is completing his diplomatic mission in Armenia, RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs reports. The interlocutors emphasized with satisfaction the positive dynamics in RA-US relations, including active political dialogue. Minister Mirzoyan thanked Ambassador Tracy for his significant contribution to the development of Armenian-American relations and awarded the Ambassador with the medal of honor of the RA Foreign Ministry. Ararat Mirzoyan wished Lynn Tracy success in her future service. The Defense Ministry of Azerbaijan spread another misinformation The message spread by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan about the fact that on December 7, at 12:45 p.m., the units of the Defense Forces opened fire in the direction of the Azerbaijani positions, is another misinformation. This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Artsakh. Azerbaijani journalists tried to invade the territory of Artsakh - peacekeepers obstructed A discussion between the Russian peacekeepers' command and the monitoring group consisting of Azerbaijani "environmentalists" took place today in the city of Ivanyan, Artsakh. Azerbaijani media have published videos stating that the Russian peacekeeping force in Artsakh, led by commander Andrey Volkov, does not allow Azerbaijani media to cover the discussions. In one of the published videos, in response to the claims of Azerbaijani journalists that their work and rights are being violated, the commander of the Russian military contingent, Andrey Volkov, states that the entry of cameras and journalists to the discussions is prohibited. A meeting between Pashinyan and Aliyev is possible until the end of the month: The place is still unknown - Alen Simonyan It is possible that there will be a meeting between the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan by the end of the month. Today, on December 7, NA Speaker Alen Simonyan told reporters in the National Assembly. When asked whether Armenia agreed to Azerbaijan's demand that French President Emmanuel Macron should not be present at the meeting, Alain Simonyan said: "There is no information about where it will be, but we are not shaped by the option of meeting only in Brussels. We are ready for any meaningful discussion. You know that the meeting of the deputy prime ministers took place yesterday, and an agreement was reached regarding the next meeting. Other News Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan, who is in France on a working visit, gave a press conference in Paris on December 7, which was attended by about two dozen leading French media.

22:08 - 07 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [06.12.2022]

The former deputy mayor of Yerevan arrested The former deputy mayor of Yerevan Vahe Nikoyan was arrested. According to the preliminary investigation carried out by the criminal proceedings initiated by the RA Anti-Corruption Committee, sufficient facts were obtained that the former deputy mayor of Yerevan V. N. (Vahe Nikoyan-ed.) abused his official position during his term of office. A total of 3,002,486,270 AMD was unjustifiably paid for services not provided. The settlement of relations with Hungary without remorse will be another humiliation of the dignity of the Armenian people - Armenian MP The normalization of relations with Hungary, without remorse on the part of the latter, without condemnation of Safarov's heroization policy, will be another humiliation of the dignity of the Armenian people, MP of the "Armenia" fraction Anna Grigoryan stated today. "In 2012, Armenia severed diplomatic relations with Hungary after it extradited Ramil Safarov, an Azerbaijani who axed Gurgen Margaryan while he was sleeping in Budapest, despite the fact that Safarov was sentenced to life in prison for 30 years without parole. It is extremely important to record not only the fact of the extradition itself but the fact that the motive of the extradition was the promise of providing millions of dollars by Azerbaijan. In fact, Hungary extradited the murderer Safarov, and then the latter was made a hero in Azerbaijan, and Hungary remained silent, did not condemn, did not call for Azerbaijan to unconditionally fulfill the Hungarian court's verdict, and what is more important, did not repent and apologize." Any threat or provocation directed against Turkey and Azerbaijan will be considered a threat against both countries - Turkish Defense Minister Any threat or provocation directed against Turkey and Azerbaijan, regardless of where and by whom it comes from, will be considered a threat against both countries. This was stated by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, who recently left for Baku to attend the Turkish-Azerbaijani joint military exercises.Speaking about the 44-day war, Akar noted that "various international organizations, including the EU, rushed to the region to protect Armenia after the victory of Azerbaijan". "However, no one should ever forget that Turkey is always by the side of brotherly Azerbaijan. Once again, we want to emphasize that, having the understanding of "two states, one nation" with Azerbaijan, we also know how to be one army, one force, and one fist. We consider the threat or provocation directed against Turkey and Azerbaijan as directed against both countries, regardless of where and from whom it comes. Our friend and enemy are one and the same. No one should doubt it," said Akar. Akar also noted that the presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan, Erdogan and Aliyev, made great efforts to achieve peace in the region. "We hope that Armenia will shake the hand extended by Turkey and Azerbaijan. Turkey supports sincere efforts to establish permanent peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia," Akar said. Akar also referred to establishing a connection between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan through the so-called "Zangezur Corridor", noting that this way peace will be established in the region. "Our sincere desire is to restore railway and road connections in the region, especially the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, start an economic activity, and achieve the normalization of relations in the entire region, including Azerbaijan-Armenia and Turkey-Armenia relations. We expect that other actors in the region will also contribute to the formation of a prosperous future, where there will be cooperation and solidarity between countries. In the end, Turkey will continue to stand by Azerbaijan, as it has been until now," said the Turkish minister. According to the ECtHR ruling, RA must pay more than 4 thousand euros to the heirs of judge Samvel Mnatsakanyan The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in the "Mnatsakanyan v. Armenia" case that the Armenian courts violated the right to a fair trial of judge Samvel Mnatsakanyan. The international court obliged to pay 4 thousand 900 euros to the heirs of the late judge as compensation for non-material damage. Mnatsakanyan was fired in 2011 on the grounds that he did not properly justify his decision to release the accused on bail. He appealed this decision in all Armenian courts and was not successful. The RA HRD met with US Deputy Secretary of State Erika Olson in Washington On December 5, Human Rights Defender Kristine Grigoryan met with the US Deputy Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Erika Olson in Washington. HRD informs that the Defender thanked for the efforts made by the State Department for the repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and presented the difficulties and feelings that the families are going through, also considering the informative and provocative environment created by the Azerbaijani side. Deputy Olson noted that they continue to work towards solving many humanitarian issues, including the return of prisoners of war, finding out the fate of missing persons, etc. Other News The newly appointed Ambassador of Egypt to Armenia Serenad Soliman Gamil presented his credentials to the President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturian. Armen Khachatryan, deputy of the "Civil Contract" faction of the National Assembly called on RA officials, businessmen, and all citizens to organize their rest, external sessions, meetings, and seminars in the settlements where tourism was affected by the Azerbaijani aggression. In Artsakh, it is planned to give the brothers of those fallen in the 44-day war an opportunity to be released from compulsory military service. The President of the Republic Vahagn Khachaturian sent a congratulatory message to the President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov on his birthday.

19:38 - 06 December, 2022

Daily News Summary [05.12.2022]

In Moscow, Lavrov and Bayramov discussed the regulation of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations The meeting of the foreign ministers of Russia and Azerbaijan was held in Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that one of the important topics of the meeting is the issue of the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations. "One of Russia's foreign policy priorities is to promote the regulation of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia in accordance with the tripartite agreements at the highest level. We are interested in supporting in every possible way the unblocking of transport connections, the demarcation of borders, the signing of a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the strengthening of mutual trust in general," Lavrov said. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, in turn, emphasized the discussion of issues related to the settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations after the war, Russia's mediation efforts, and the implementation of tripartite statements during the meeting. During a meeting with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said that Baku has prepared a draft peace settlement agreement and presented it to the Armenian side. According to Bayramov, Azerbaijan aims to resolve the conflict with Armenia as soon as possible. The third round of negotiations on the draft peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan may take place before the end of the year, Bayramov added at the press conference held after the meeting with Lavrov. "The third package of comments from the Azerbaijani side has already been submitted to the Armenian side, and we believe that it is possible to hold the third round of negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the draft peace treaty by the end of this year," Bayramov said. “We are now preparing the next such event and are agreeing on certain timeframes and agenda,” Lavrov added. The first 3+3 format meeting was held on the foreign ministerial level in Moscow in 2021. However, Georgia rejected the session and did not participate. We have never made statements about leaving CSTO, we have said that CSTO is leaving the region - Alen Simonyan at the CSTO PA session Armenia has never talked about leaving the CSTO, but Yerevan is concerned about the organization's attitude towards the republic, RA NA Speaker Allen Simonyan said today during the fifteenth plenary session of the Council of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the CSTO PA. "Azerbaijan violates the ceasefire regime every day, as a result of which people die. Certain passivity of the CSTO, as well as the official statements of some of our allies, caused a significant change in the public mood in Armenia. We have never made statements about leaving the CSTO, we have said that the CSTO is leaving the region, and this worries us a lot. "It seems that the territory of Armenia does not have equal strategic importance for the CSTO when much attention is paid to the region of Eastern Europe and Central Asia," said Simonyan in his speech. The news about establishing an Azerbaijani base in the corridor connecting Artsakh with Armenia is false - Artsakh NSS Today, the interview of Andrey Volkov, the head of the Russian peacekeeping troops in Artsakh, was spread through mass media and social networks, based on which it was concluded that an Azerbaijani base will be installed in the corridor connecting Artsakh with Armenia. This was stated in the message of the Artsakh NSS. A discussion on the issue was organized by the Artsakh National Security Service. with Volkov, during which the latter announced that there will be no base in the corridor, it will not be controlled by Azerbaijanis, and there will be no Azerbaijanis in the places where peacekeepers are stationed in the corridor. A. According to Volkov, it is only planned to install technical control devices to facilitate the work of peacekeepers. The leadership of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh will make a corresponding statement about the above in the near future. Other News In January-November 2022, the number of tourists who came to Armenia was 1.54 million people. This is informed by the data published by the Tourism Committee. On December 5, Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan was handed a copy of his credentials by the newly appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua to the Republic of Armenia Alba Azucena Torres Mej. Today, the RA National Security Service issued an official message, informing that on December 1, the Armenian side transferred to the Azerbaijani side the bones of 10 victims of the first Karabakh war and 2 maps, where possible locations of 4 bodies are indicated.

20:42 - 05 December, 2022