Nagorno-Karabakh is turning into a news and information black hole: Reporters Without Borders

The Lachin corridor linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh will have been blocked for three months on 12 March. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the Azerbaijani authorities and Russian peacekeepers to allow reporters freedom of movement so that they can cover this blockade and its serious humanitarian impact.
 
Nagorno-Karabakh is turning into a news and information black hole because purported Azerbaijani environmental activists have been blocking all traffic along the Lachin corridor, the only road linking Armenia to the enclave, for the past three months, thereby causing a major humanitarian crisis. Only Azerbaijani journalists from state or pro-government media can cover the demonstrations on the corridor. The few independent local media are not allowed through the checkpoints.
 
The few journalists who have been escorted to the point where the road is blocked have not been able to report freely. When David López Frías, a reporter for the Spanish newspaper El Periódico de España, visited Azerbaijan in late February, he spent an evening on the Lachin road accompanied by “guides” from Azerbaijan’s state-owned Global Media Group, who let him interview the protesting "environmentalists” without any problem, but not any Russian peacekeepers. It was not possible either to meet with any members of the Armenian population, on the other side of the Russian checkpoints.

Armenia proposes Iran-Black Sea corridor for Indian traders: The Economic Times

Armenia has proposed a Persian Gulf-Black Sea corridor to connect Indian traders with Russia and Europe, The Economic Times reports. The offer was made last week by a visiting Armenian team comprising senior officials and experts. It came at a time when Armenia's foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan was also visiting India.
 
The proposed corridor-which will run parallel to the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC)-will aim to connect Mumbai with Bandar Abbas in Iran and then Armenia and onward to Europe or Russia, bypassing Azerbaijan with whom India has lukewarm ties amid its close association with Turkey and Pakistan.
 
Armenia, whose ties with India have witnessed an upswing in recent years buoyed by defense exports from here, has sought Indian investments for the corridor in the Armenian territory, sources in the Armenian government indicated to ET.

Armenia’s natural beauty, unique cultural heritage – U.S. Ambassador shares impressions from Syunik, Vayots Dzor trip

United States Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien shared her impressions from her trip to Syunik and Vayots Dzor.

“While traveling to Syunik and Vayots Dzor, I had the chance to experience Armenia’s natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, taste some delicious regional foods, and meet some of Armenia’s talented artisans,” Ambassador Kvien tweeted. “I look forward to seeing more!”

United States Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien traveled to Syunik and Vayots Dzor on March 10 to “discuss the economic and security situations in the regions” with the governors of the two provinces.

Russian Ministry of Defense recorded a violation of the ceasefire

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation recorded one violation of the ceasefire regime in the Martakert region in the March 11 bulletin about the activities of peacekeepers in Artsakh.

"There were no casualties or injuries. The forces of the Russian peacekeeping force are investigating this fact," the newsletter states.

It is noted that patrolling was carried out along three routes in Shushi, Martakert, and Martuni.

The army provided the escort of its convoy with humanitarian cargo on the Goris-Stepanakert route.

It should be remembered that yesterday, on March 10, the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan units in the northern direction of the contact line violated the ceasefire by using small arms.

Other News 

• 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Malaysia.

• An extraordinary extended session of the Security Council was held under the leadership of Arayik Harutyunyan.