Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan's visit to Syria

The delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan left for Syria today to deliver the third batch of humanitarian aid.

The delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia was welcomed by the Governor of Aleppo Hussein Diab at the airport of Aleppo.

RA Foreign Minister toured the earthquake zone. Later, he met with the Syrian President.

The interlocutors discussed the situation in the disaster-affected regions of Syria and the works aimed at overcoming the existing problems. Issues of Armenian-Syrian bilateral relations were also on the agenda. Cooperation on international platforms was touched upon. Issues on regional and international security were also discussed.

The Foreign Minister of Armenia briefed the President of Syria on the recent developments in the normalization process of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, as well as the dire humanitarian situation resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor by Azerbaijan.

Later, Ararat Mirozyan met the Foreign Minister of Syria.

Ararat Mirzoyan expressed his condolences to his colleague and the friendly people of Syria in connection with the devastating earthquake of February 6, expressing the support of Armenia and the Armenian people. In this context, the Foreign Minister of Armenia noted that the rescue squads sent by the Government of Armenia were among the first in Syria, adding that three batches of humanitarian aid have already been sent from Armenia to the disaster-affected regions.

Foreign Ministers also discussed issues on Armenian-Syrian cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats. The sides stated that the relations between the two countries are based on the centuries-old friendship between the Armenian and Syrian peoples. In this regard, it was emphasized that the Armenian community of Syria plays the role of a unique bridge between the two countries.

French Foreign Ministry commented on the decision of the Court of Justice regarding the Lachin Corridor

"France has duly noted the order of 22 February 2023 from the International Court of Justice regarding the situation in the Lachin Corridor.

Pending a final decision, the Court – to which the case was referred on the basis of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination – asked Azerbaijan to take all measures at its disposal to ensure the unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

France reiterates its unwavering support for the International Court of Justice and the binding nature of its rulings, including in the indication of provisional measures”, the statement reads. 

At least 33 Armenian POWs are still being held hostage by Azerbaijan - Alen Simonyan

RA NA Speaker Alen Simonyan hosted the delegation led by Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn on February 23.

The interlocutors referred to the active political dialogue between Armenia and Luxembourg.

"On the way to democratic reforms, we attach great importance to cooperation with your country within the framework of the EU. We are happy to appoint a new non-resident ambassador to Armenia. I hope that in the future we will also have resident ambassadors in the capitals," said Alen Simonyan.

Issues related to the security situation in the region were discussed at the meeting. The Speaker of the National Assembly thanked the Chamber of Deputies of Luxembourg for adopting resolutions related to the war unleashed against Artsakh in 2020, as well as the resolution regarding the repatriation of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians held in Azerbaijan.

Ruben Vardanyan dismissed from the post

On February 23, a government meeting was held under the leadership of Artsakh Republic President Arayik Harutyunyan.

The head of the country presented the military-political and socio-economic situation created in the Republic as a result of Azerbaijan's blockade of Artsakh, and the measures taken by the authorities to solve the arising problems.

At the government meeting, President Harutyunyan also published the decree on the dismissal of Ruben Vardanyan from the post of a state minister. He highly appreciated Vardanyan's efforts both in raising international awareness about Artsakh and solving many internal problems during the blockade.

The President of Artsakh has suggested that Gurgen Nersisyan, the Prosecutor General of the Republic, take over the duties of the State Minister. We learn about this from the press release of the Artsakh president's office.

Other News

• 24 people from Artsakh were transferred to Armenia through ICRC mediation, and 19 others went to Artsakh from Armenia.

• Suren Papikyan and the newly appointed US Ambassador to Armenia discussed issues related to the development of Armenian-American cooperation in the defense sector.