Daily News Summary

Daily News Summary [08.01.2021]

Pashinyan says unblocking of regional connections is conditional on exchange of PoWs Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has published the ‘priorities of further implementation of the trilateral statement’ over the recent Nagorno Karabakh war. The truce statement was signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia on November 10, 2020. Pashinyan highlighted the implementation of the 8th clause of the statement - the exchange of prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons and bodies of fallen servicemen, as well as search and rescue operations - as a top priority for complete implementation of the truce. According to the PM, the unblocking of all economic and transport infrastructures is Armenia’s second priority. This means enabling cargo shipments and a transport connection from Armenia to Russia and Iran passing through Azerbaijan’s territory and, correspondingly, from Azerbaijan to Nakhijevan through the territory of Armenia. Pashinyan reaffirmed that the November 10 agreement does not indicate any ‘transport corridor’ through the Armenian southern town of Meghri. Armenian Premier’s remark comes after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s statement about undergoing work ‘to open Nakhichevan corridor’. Armenian President urges to act in accordance with national interests Armenian President Armen Sargsyan made a statement highlighting the importance of implementation of the trilateral statement ending the Nagorno Karabakh war of 2020. The President called on the competent authorities to act exclusively in accordance with national interests both in the implementation of the provisions of the statement and verbal agreements, to ensure public accountability and to strictly observe the Armenian Constitution and legislation, as well as principles of international law. The President has recently tested positive for COVID-19 in London and ‘has a complicated course of the disease,’ Presidential Office informs. The Office reports that the President will return to Yerevan upon ‘situation stabilizes and with the permission of the doctors.’ Human rights activists demand clarifications over a ‘secret’ document about Nagorno Karabakh A group of Armenian human rights lawyers gathered in front of the Armenian Ministry of Justice demanding to deny or confirm whether a secret document around Nagorno Karabakh has been sent to the Ministry for approval, Sputnik Armenia reports. Earlier, some Armenian Telegram channels reported that Armenian PM Pashinyan will be in Moscow on January 11 to sign documents ‘to transfer Armenia’s sovereign territories to Azerbaijan’, providing a corridor linking Azerbaijan and its exclave Nakhijevan through Armenia’s territory and to withdraw troops from Nagorno Karabakh. Human rights activists Ruben Melikyan said that while Justice Minister Rustam Badalyan denied the existence of a secret document, they have no reasons to believe him and demand the Ministry representatives present detailed clarifications about the regional ‘corridor’, looking into their eyes. Azerbaijan’s leader violates internationally recognized principles – Armenian Ombudsman Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev used ‘statements and emphases which are part of the anti-Armenian policy in Azerbaijan and the organized propaganda of hostility towards the Armenian people,’ Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan said in response to Aliyev’s January 7th speech. Tatoyan specified that Azerbaijan’s leader ‘made open threats against Armenia and the Armenian society, expressions threatening the entire Armenian people and insulting their dignity.’ The Human Rights Defender said that the speech also referred to the isolation of Artsakh and disruption of humanitarian aid to the people of Artsakh. ‘This, as a matter of law, violates the internationally recognized principle that no one should be left behind and no human right ignored, regardless of the political status of the territory in which one is present or resides therein,’ Tatoyan said. The Human Rights Defender also addressed the issue of Armenian prisoners of war and others held in captivity and the artificial delays of their return by Azerbaijan. ‘The torture and inhumane treatment of these prisoners continue to take place, as evidenced by the purposeful publication of videos attesting to that; and, the recovery of the bodies of the deceased are being circumvented," Tatoyan said. Tatoyan condemned the statements of the Azerbaijani authorities calling Armenian captives ‘terrorists’ saying this is a gross violation of the post-war humanitarian processes and international human rights requirements. Other news from Armenia The Ministry of Healthcare dismissed the Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan’s concerns over a potential extension of the nationwide ‘quarantine’ regime which enables the government to continue requiring citizens to wear face masks in public areas, enforce other safety rules and measures, Armenpess news agency report.Economy Minister Kerobyan said in an interview that the decision hasn’t been discussed with his ministry stating that ‘the economy needs oxygen’ and ‘to work maximally open.’ In response to this statement, the Healthcare Ministry reminded that the decision does not envisage any ban on any type of economic activity if organisations adhere to epidemiological safety rules adding that coronavirus patients also needed oxygen above all. ‘90,000 people were displaced from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone to Armenia between 27 September and 9 November 2020, 88% of whom being women and children,’ the UN Office in Armenia told Armenpress news agency. The UN together with its donor partners has provided support across a range of critical needs for about 1000 people, including hundreds of metric tons of food and non-food items assistance. A Delegation of Bright Armenia Party led by Edmon Marukyan met with the President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan. The President presented the post-war situation in Artsakh and the programs aimed at overcoming the consequences of the recent Nagorno-Karabakh war. The sides emphasized the importance of the work of political institutions, particularly, the need for cooperation between the parliaments of the two Armenian republics. Earlier in December, the opposition Bright Armenia Party, which has 6% seats in the parliament, called for a parliamentary inquiry into the causes and the consequences of the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh.

21:23 - 08 հունվարի, 2021

Daily News Summary [07.01.2021]

Truce statement does not impose restrictions on Armenia-Artsakh relations – Foreign Ministry spokesperson ‘The November 9 statement does not impose any restrictions on the relations between Armenia and Artsakh at different levels,’ Armenian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan said in an interview to Interfax referring to the Azerbaijani foreign ministry’s statement that the Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan’s recent official visit to Artsakh is a violation of the obligation of the November 9 statement. ‘These allegations are completely baseless,’ said the spokesperson. ‘The trilateral statement of November 9, aimed at establishing a ceasefire and deploying Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh, does not indicate any agreement about the status of Artsakh,’ said Naghdalyan adding that the claims about any changes of status do not correspond to reality. ‘Artsakh’s status should be determined through a peaceful process based on the principles proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group – on the people’s right to self-determination,’ the spokesperson explained. Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Artsakh met in Stepanakert on Tuesday. The counterparts discussed the issues of the security of people in Artsakh and resumption of the process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict referring to the OSCE Minsk Group as the only internationally mandated format for mediation. Later, Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev threatened Armenia over the visits of the officials declaring that such visits should be carried out only with the permission of Azerbaijan. “These visits must stop,” Aliyev said as TASS reports. He warned that Armenia will regret much more if such meetings continue. Armenian PM’s spokesperson comments on Aliyev’s statement over a regional transport ‘corridor’ Armenian PM’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan has told the Armenpress news agency that unblocking the transportation and economic infrastructure in the region will be possible when Azerbaijan returns Armenian captives as indicated in the truce statement over the Nagorno-Karabakh recent war. Earlier Aliyev told Ria Novosti that Russia, along with Turkey, Armenia, and Iran, will be able to use the new transport corridor which will extend from the Nakhijevan exclave and pass through the Armenian southeastern Syunik province to the Eastern part of Azerbaijan. According to Aliyev, the opening of the corridor is reflected in the truce statement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia on November 10. Armenian PM’s spokesperson commented on the statement made by Azerbaijan’s President and reaffirmed Armenia’s interest in the possibility of transporting Armenian cargo through the territory of Azerbaijan to Russia and Iran and the opposite direction meanwhile ensuring communication between the Eastern part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. ‘However, the complete discussion of all these issues would be difficult without the complete fulfillment of point 8 of the November 10 joint statement which envisages exchange of captives, hostages, other detained persons and the bodies of the dead,’ said Gevorgyan. She noted that there are still Armenian captives in Baku. “There is evidence on executions of the captives, and all these evidence must be investigated in detail, including in the international platforms,” Gevorgyan added. Siranush Sahakian, a Yerevan-based human rights lawyer, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service on Wednesday that the Armenian side possesses evidence of at least 120 Armenian captives still being held by Baku. Azerbaijan violates truce statement Article over returning Armenian captives – Armenian Foreign Ministry spokesperson ‘Azerbaijan has failed to fully comply with Article 8 of the trilateral statement indicating that exchange of POWs, hostages and other detained person should be put into action,’ Armenian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Anna Naghdalyan said in an interview to Interfax. “The 1st Article of the statement establishes that the sides should end the hostilities and stop at the positions they had as of November 10,” Naghdalyan noted. However, as she explains, one month after the ceasefire Azerbaijani forces conducted military operations in the direction of two villages in the Hadrut region causing human losses and capturing Armenian servicemen. The spokesperson noted that Azerbaijan has been prosecuting Armenian POWs and portraying them as terrorists at the highest levels thus impeding the full implementation of the ceasefire statement. Other news from Armenia Families of missing Armenian servicemen have started a sit-in in front of a military unit in Echmiatsin. The protesters whose family members had gone missing since the beginning of the recent Nagorno Karabakh war say that Azerbaijan prohibits search works in the area of Zangelan and they demand a solution from the Armenian Government. Patriarch of All Russia Kirill said in an interview with Russia TV that the Russian Church has initiated a discussion of the Karabakh issue with the participation of the Armenian and Azerbaijani religious heads, Artsakh Press reports. ‘The role of religious leaders is important; we do not exaggerate, but we do not underestimate it either,’ said the Patriarch adding that their discussions resulted in removing the religious factor from the confrontation.

22:05 - 07 հունվարի, 2021

Daily News Summary [06.01.2021]

Armenian PM Did Not Attend Liturgy for Holy Nativity and Epiphany The liturgy at the St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral dedicated to Holy Nativity and Epiphany (Christmas celebrated in Armenia) was held on Tuesday evening in absence of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. PM’s spokesperson later informed that Pashinyan was self-isolating due to coronavirus pandemic. In his Christmas address Armenian church leader Garegin II referred to the ‘catastrophic consequences’ of the war, Armenpress.am reports. “The loss of a large part of Artsakh, the martyrdom of our heroic sons, the pain and grief of tens of thousands of displaced brothers and sisters in dire need of shelter and material supplies, of thousands of soldiers wounded, in captivity and missing, have plunged our national life in the homeland and diaspora into the grip of a gloomy night,” Catholicos says. Earlier in December the Armenian church leader Garegin II made a statement urging Pashinyan to step down to prevent further challenges to national solidarity among Armenians after the recent Nagorno Karabakh. Pashinyan has been criticized and accused of mishandling the war where thousands were killed and left homeless. Azerbaijan Violates Reached Agreements and Advances Its Positions, Head of Artsakh Security Council says “Azerbaijani armed forces have violated previously reached agreements and are advancing their positions in Nagorno Karabakh,” the Secretary of the Security Council of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) Vitaly Balasanyan said in an interview with RIA Novosti. Balasanyan noted that the November 10 agreement addressing, among other issues, the line of contact, has been repeatedly violated by Azerbaijani forces which advanced in the direction of Aghdam, Askeran, Karmir Shuka, and capital Stepanakert and continue their provocations. “We keep reporting the Russian peacekeeping contingent about the recorded violations,” Balasanyan said adding that some of the raised issues have been solved and there is a positive dynamic in that direction. Armenian Opposition Party Leader Calls for Investigation into Nagorno Karabakh War Circumstances Edmon Marukyan, the leader of Bright Armenia parliamentary group responded to PM Pashinyan’s recent article where the PM attempts to explain the reasons for defeat in the Nagorno Karabakh war. In Marukyan’s words, an investigation should provide the answers to the questions about the war. “It is impossible to answer these questions within an article: it is a monologue,” Marukyan said. Marukyan noted that his parliamentary group had earlier sent a proposal to all political forces to initiate a fact-finding group aimed at investigating all circumstances of the recent Nagorno Karabakh war. Speaking about the demand for the resignation of PM Pashinyan, Marukyan called on all political forces to unite around their jointly nominated candidate. “Replacing Nikol Pashinyan will be possible only with our candidate,” Marukyan said. He added that there are no regulations or Electoral code in Armenia at the moment, hence, it is impossible to hold elections now. Armenian Foreign Minister Continues His Working Visit in Artsakh Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan, who is on a working visit in Artsakh since Tuesday, had a meeting with the President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan as well as Foreign Minister Davit Babayan and the Head of Artsakh Parliament Artur Tovmasyan. The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh informed Armenpress that the sides discussed issues of security and establishing peace in the region. “The resumption of the process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict within OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship as the only internationally mandated format for mediation was discussed,” the report reads. The Ministers highlighted the recognition of the Artsakh people’s right to self-determination and security, restoration and protection of their rights, and de-occupation by Azerbaijan of the territories of Artsakh as a key for the political settlement of the conflict. Other News from Armenia Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with the President of France Emanuel Macron. The sides discussed the humanitarian situation and challenges caused by the Azerbaijani aggression in Nagorno Karabakh. PM Pashinyan expressed his gratitude to the French President for the support provided to the Armenian people during this difficult time. Armenian President Armen Sargsyan has tested positive for the coronavirus following a trip to the United Kingdom, his office told RFE/RL Armenian service. The president underwent foot surgery in London on Sunday. Four more bodies of servicemen have been retrieved from Mataghis area on January 5. “Search works will continue in the Talish-Mataghis direction. Single groups will be working in the areas of Fizuli-Hadrut to find possible survivors,” State Service of Emergency Situations of Artsakh reported. A digital book cataloguing the cultural ties of the last two years between Armenia and Italy was presented in Rome on January 4, Armenpress reports. The bi-lingual book entitled “Future-Past” includes illustrations and texts about the cultural events that took place in Armenia and Italy, including the visit by Italian President Sergio Mattarella on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia and the 2800th anniversary of Yerevan.

22:48 - 06 հունվարի, 2021

Daily News Summary [05.01.2021]

Armenian PM Said Nagorno Karabakh Conflict Was a Runaway Train Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan published an article on his official website addressing the defeat in the recent Nagorno Karabakh war and the history of the negotiations which he portrayed as a major drawback and a long history of failures since the ceasefire in 1994 when Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh had won the war against Azerbaijan. Speaking about the April war of 2016 in Nagorno-Karabakh and the impossibility to gain more time, Pashinyan reminded about Armenia’s former President Serzh Sargsyan’s statement that the Armenian army was fighting with weapons made in the 80s. He added that a more important factor was intensified international pressure on Russia accused of maintaining the status quo rather than trying to resolve the conflict. According to Pashinyan, since the 2018 Revolution in Armenia, the government aimed its efforts at returning Artsakh to the negotiation table. “This is where the failure was rooted as it turned out that it was impossible to stop the train which built up speed in 2016,” PM noted. Pashinyan added that the July 2020 Armenian–Azerbaijani clashes created assumptions that the Armenian side would not lose to Azerbaijan, However, according to Pashinyan, these clashes helped Azerbaijan to realize that it would not be able to succeed alone. “Hence, a decision was made to involve Tukey and Syrian mercenaries,” PM added. Armenia Security Council Session Attended by President of Artsakh The Security Council of Armenia held a session chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, News.am reports referring to the Government of Armenia. President of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) Arayik Harutyunyan was also attending the session. The situation surrounding Armenia and Artsakh, humanitarian issues and the security environment were on the agenda. Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Artsakh Discussed Security of Armenians after the Nagorno Karabakh War Foreign Minister of Armenia Ara Aivazian has arrived in the Republic of Artsakh on Tuesday on a working visit, Armenpress.am reports. The two ministers signed a 2021 consultation plan between the Armenian and Artsakh foreign ministries. The ministers discussed prospects for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. They stressed the importance of using the foreign policy potential of the two Armenian states to ensure the security and the unconditional right to self-determination of the people in Artsakh. During the meeting, the ministers addressed the issue of identification and release of the Armenian prisoners of war and hostages who went missing as a consequence of the recent war unleashed against Artsakh. Armenian Government to Launch New Projects to Support Those Who Fled Their Homes in Artsakh President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan received today Armenia’s Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Mesrop Arakelyan, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.am. They discussed the issues of social assistance to the residents of Artsakh who had to flee their homes and find shelter in Armenia during the recent Nagorno Karabakh war. President Harutyunyan highlighted the importance of the programs initiated by the Government of Armenia to provide social support to the residents and expressed hope for building a secure social environment with joint efforts. On his part, Minister Arakelyan informed that the government of Armenia is planning to launch new projects to support the people in Artsakh. Primate of Artsakh Diocese and Russian Peacekeepers Discussed Security of 4th-Century Amaras Monastery Accompanied by the Russian peacekeeping command, the Primate of the Artsakh Diocese Pargev Martirosyan visited the 4th-century Amaras Monastery where he discussed the security of the Monastery, Armenpress.am reports. Thereafter, Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan visited St. Vardan Church in Chartar town and then St. Nerses Church in Martuni town. Several ancient Armenian monasteries and Christian monuments have been captured or handed over to Azerbaijan as a consequence of the recent Nagorno Karabakh war which was ended with a Moscow-brokered peace statement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Azerbaijan has been silent to UNESCO’s request to evaluate Armenian cultural heritage in the territories under the Azerbaijani control as initial steps to protect the monuments as set by the 1954 Convention for the Protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict. Concerns were raised by many scholars and cultural institutions given the Azerbaijani government’s history of systematic destroying of Armenian cultural heritage. Other News from Armenia The remains of 19 Armenian servicemen and 1 civilian were found during search operations in Jabrail and Hadrut areas, State Service of Emergency Situations of Artsakh reports. Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan continues new government appointments. The president appointed davit Babayan as Foreign Minister of Arstak. By another decree, Grigory Martirosyan was appointed Minister of State and Finance of the Republic of Artsakh. The engineering units of the Russian peacekeeping forces in Nagorno Karabakh have demined over 414 hectares of land, over 160 km long roads, 617 buildings so far. Nearly 19 thousand explosive devices were found and neutralized. According to the Russian defense ministry, the specialists of the International Mine Action Center of the Russian defense ministry continue demining works in the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, in particular in Stepanakert, Armenpress.am reports.

22:00 - 05 հունվարի, 2021

Daily News Summary [03.01.2021]

Armenian PM and Russian Deputy Minister Discussed Situation in Nagorno Karabakh Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan received on Sunday Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk, Armenrpress.am reports. Pashinyan highly appreciated Russia’s and particularly Russian President Vladimir Putin’s role in establishing a ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh and the constructive role Russia played in stabilizing the situation in the region. Pashinyan noted that the presence of Russian peacekeeping troops is an important factor and guarantee for ensuring security in Artsakh. On his part, Overchuk reaffirmed Russia’s support to the ‘friendly Armenian people’ in this difficult time adding that Moscow is ready to continue the programs aimed at deepening the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership. Pashinyan and Overchuk discussed the situation in Nagorno Karabakh, the humanitarian assistance that has been provided, the exchange of POWs and bodies of killed soldiers, and other issues on the agenda of Armenia-Russia relations. Armenia to Import 2500 Variety of Goods from Iran after Banning Imports from Turkey According to the Trade Promotion Organization of Iran, Armenia is willing to import over 2,000 items from Iran after announcing bans on imports from Turkey, Tasnim News Agency reports. Iranian Trade Promotion Organization described this as an opportunity for Iranian companies, considering that Armenia’s minister of economy is going to visit Tehran within the next few weeks. The Armenian government approved a decision to ban goods imported from Turkey as a consequence of the recent war unleashed by Azerbaijan and overtly supported by Turkey. The ban was also aimed at preventing the penetration of potential dangers through the import of goods from a hostile country, as the Armenian government explained. Aliev’s Statements are in ‘Gross Violation of the Post-War Humanitarian Process’ Human Rights Defender Says Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan responded to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s statement over calling the Armenians, who are in the Azerbaijani captivity, terrorists. According to Tatoyan, Aliev’s statements are in “gross violation of the post-war humanitarian process and the international human rights protection standards.” “During and after the war activities, the Azerbaijani authorities have constantly violated international human rights standards and humanitarian commitments by artificially delaying the return of prisoners of war and captives and not reporting the real number of prisoners of war and captives,” Tatoyan said. Tatoyan reminded about intentionally published videos of torture and inhuman treatment of the Armenian POWs by Azerbaijani forces. “The studies and reports of the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia confirm that the aim of all these is to cause mental suffering to the families of the prisoners of war, to play with emotions of the Armenian society and generate tension in Armenia,” Tatoyan added. “The Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijani soldiers should be immediately released and returned to Armenia,” Tatoyan said calling on international bodies with human rights protection mandate to exclude any violation of the humanitarian process and ensure strict compliance of the process with international human rights standards. Residents of Armenian Southeastern Shurnukh Alarm About Azerbaijani Demands to Leave the Village Head of Armenia’s southern border village Shurnukh, through a Facebook live stream, showed Azerbaijani forces entering the village, News.am reports. According to him, they demanded the residents to leave the village by January 5. Earlier on Monday, Azerbaijanis gave one hour to the village residents to leave 12 houses, as Irina Yolyan, Deputy Mayor of Goris informed. Yolyan added that these lands have never been a part of Azerbaijan. The situation in Syunik started escalating recently after the Armenian Defense Ministry was reported to order handing over the Armenian advantageous positions to Azerbaijan dangerously exposing Armenian border communities to the Azerbaijani forces due to their close distance. Later the Minister of Defence announced that the security of Armenian southeastern borders will be guaranteed by Russian troops. As a consequence of the recent Nagorno Karabakh war, the southeastern Armenian region has been going through demarcations and delimitations processes which, according to the Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, endanger or violate the rights of people in border communities, their physical and psychological integrity, and property rights. “According to international requirements, when defining state borders, priority should be given to the rights of citizens of border settlements, their real estate and other property, issues of cadastral information of border settlements, and so on,” said Tatoyan on Thursday. Armenian PM Sees Russia as Strong Security Guarantor for Artsakh “The presence of Russian peacekeepers provides strong security guarantees for our compatriots in Artsakh,” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in his New Year address to Armenians, adding that the status of Artsakh continues to be an absolute priority. “We should further strengthen the relations with our primary security partner – Russia, and create new security guarantees in this context,” Pashinyan added after speaking about the importance of building a new security environment. Following the Moscow-brokered peace statement over the recent Nagorno-Karabakh war, Russian peacekeepers were deployed in Artsakh and the Armenian southeastern Syunik region, bordering with Artsakh. 47,000 Refugees Have Returned to Nagorno Karabakh Russian peacekeepers have escorted another row of vehicles transporting 220 refugees returning to Nagorno-Karabakh from the territory of the Republic of Armenia, News.am reports referring to Russian Ministry of Defense reported. Overall, nearly 47,000 refugees have already returned to their respective places of residence in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Russian peacekeeping contingent ensures the citizens’ safe return to their respective places of residence, providing humanitarian aid and restoring civilian infrastructures. During the recent Nagorno-Karabakh war, the majority of 150.000 inhabitants fled to Armenia as a consequence of the heavy bombardment of civilian settlements by the Azerbaijani military. According to Nagorno-Karabakh officials, 50 civilians have been killed.

23:48 - 03 հունվարի, 2021

Daily News Summary [31.12.2020]

European Court Orders Azerbaijan to Apply Urgent Measures Regarding 23 Captured Armenian Citizens Armenian human rights activists Siranush Sahakyan and Artak Zeynalyan, issued a yearend press release on the protection of the rights of Armenians in Azerbaijani captivity, Artsakhpress. reports. Following the petitions that the lawyers submitted to the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) for the protection of the rights of Armenian military servicemen and detained civilians during the recent Nagorno-Karabakh war initiated by Azerbaijan, ECtHR decided to apply urgent measures regarding another 23 people captured by Azerbaijani forces. The lawyers say their claims of the capture or detention of the above-noted individuals are based on a number of pieces of evidence, including videos. The European Court has set deadlines for documented information from the government of Azerbaijan on the fact of the 23 people being held captive, their location, detention conditions, and medical care. “With the petitions submitted to the European Court, the rights of 80 military servicemen in captivity and detained civilians are being protected; 18 of them have already been returned to their homeland," the lawyers inform. 55% of Settlements in Artsakh Passed to Azerbaijan. 35.000 People Left Homeless Out of 351 settlements of Artsakh, that were under Armenian control, 193 settlements or 55% passed under the control of Azerbaijan. More than 35.000 people and about 10.000 households lived in those regions before the recent Nagorno Karabakh war unleashed by Azerbaijan. A significant number of Armenian cultural heritage, including 77 churches and monasteries were taken under the Azerbaijani control. Border Demarcations with Azerbaijan Threaten Human Rights and Properties of the Armenian Border Residents “The approach, according to which the determination and change of the state border of Armenia, is linked with the law on the administrative-territorial division is fundamentally unacceptable,” Armenian human rights defender Arman Tatoyan said. As ARKA.am reports, Tatoyan brought justifications including the issues of the security of the country and endangering or violating the rights of people especially in border communities. Tatoyan added that discussions with community bodies and residents in the border settlements of Armenia (Syunik and Gegharkunik regions) confirm that there are serious problems or threats to human rights and life support, the residents’ physical and psychological integrity, and property rights. “According to international requirements, when defining state borders, priority should be given to the rights of citizens of border settlements, their real estate and other property, issues of cadastral information of border settlements, and so on,” said Tatoyan. Armenian and Greek Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Relations Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan and his Greek counterpart, Nikos Dendias reaffirmed their readiness to work towards expanding the cooperation established between the two friendly countries on bilateral and multilateral platforms, Hetq.am reports. The Ministers exchanged views on regional developments. Minister Ayvazyan highly valued the principled position of Greece on the Artsakh issue and the humanitarian aid provided by Greece to the people of Artsakh.

22:33 - 31 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [30.12.2020]

Moscow Stands Ready to Mediate Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers Meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed his readiness to initiate a meeting of his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts to discuss the pending political issues related to the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. "As for discussing unresolved political issues, I can confirm our readiness as a nation and a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group to facilitate efforts to arrange such meetings as soon as the parties are ready," Lavrov told TASS. Speaking about tensions at the line of contact that emerged after the trilateral peace statement, Lavrov noted that a noticeable violation happened on December 13 in the area where there were no Russian peacekeepers. "We will continue all efforts in order to prevent a ceasefire disruption,” Lavrov added. Later Sergey Lavrov and his Armenian counterpart Ara Ayvazyan discussed bilateral and international issues highlighting the high intensity of the Armenian-Russian partnership in the passing year and reaffirming the mutual readiness to continue the dynamic cooperation in 2021, TASS informs. On December 28, Moscow also mediated a meeting between the heads of Armenian and Azerbaijani security services where the exchange of captives and the search for those missing were discussed among other issues, Armenpress reports. Former Ruling Party Rejects a Dialogue with PM Pashinyan The Republican Party of Armenia, the country’s former ruling party, rejected PM Nikol Pashinyan’s offer to the Armenian political forces to discuss the possibility of snap elections in 2021. In a statement released after the meeting, chaired by former President and PM Serzh Sargsyan, the party confirmed its demand to Pashinyan to step down. The Party joined the coalition of more than a dozen parties under ‘Homeland Salvation Movement’ which suggests creating an interim government headed by Vazgen Manukyan as an interim Prime Minister. For his part, Pashinyan had a meeting with two non-parliamentary party leaders and discussed the situation in Armenia and further development around the possible snap parliamentary elections. The political situation in Armenia has escalated since the Moscow-brokered peace statement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia following the recent in Nagorno-Karabakh. The opposition accuses Pashinyan of the defeat in war and thousands of human losses. Armenian Minister of Healthcare Received Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine The executives of the Armenian Healthcare Ministry, including Minister Arsen Torosyan, were the first to receive Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine donated by the Russian Ministry of Health in November, Armenpress reports. The aim of this action was to “raise trust among the population and avoid potential manipulations” since the vaccine wasn’t yet registered at that time, despite having passed all safety requirements during clinical trials. “It is noteworthy that no unexpected post-vaccination occurrence was recorded among those who were vaccinated, and everyone is feeling well,” the Ministry announced. Other News from Armenia 22 More Bodies of Fallen Armenian Servicemen Found Artsakh State Service of Emergency Situations informed that the remains of 22 Armenian servicemen were found during search operations in Fizuli, Hadrut, and the areas in between Kubatlu regions, bringing the total number of bodies discovered so far to 1133 Armenpress reports. Russia Grants 10 Million Euros for Forcefully Displaced People in Artsakh Based on an agreement signed by Russian and Armenian Finance Ministries, EUR 10 million has been granted to Armenia “for the purpose of co-financing the implementation of financial support measures for people who were forcefully displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and are located in the territory of the Republic of Armenia,” Armenian Deputy Minister Mher Grigoryan’s Office told News.am. US Ambassador Lynne Made a New Year Address to the Armenian People “Between the pandemic and the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, this has been a year of challenges, difficulties, and great sorrow”, US Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy opened her address to the Armenian people, meanwhile extending her hope for better days in 2021. “Armenians are a resilient people, and I am confident that there are opportunities ahead for a successful future,” the Ambassador said.

21:47 - 30 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [29.12.2020]

Opposition Leaders Reaffirmed their position over PM’s Resignation PM Nikol Pashinyan and leader of “Prosperous Armenia” opposition party Gagik Tsarukyan held a short meeting. According to Tsarukyan, during the meeting, he reaffirmed his previous public statements about the need for PM’s resignation as the only way to overcome the situation in Armenia. The party’s MP Naira Zohrabyan was dismissed as chairwoman of the human rights committee earlier today, after Pashinyan’s majority party MPs initiated a response to Zohrabyan’s calling PM’s supporters a ‘scum’, RFE/RL’s Armenian Service reports. “Prosperous Armenia” is the second largest group in the Armenian Parliament. They have joined “Homeland Salvation Movement”, the coalition of more than a dozen opposition parties, demanding Pashinyan’s resignation over the recent Nagorno-Karabakh war. The “Homeland Salvation Movement” continues protests against Pashinyan refusing to have a dialogue with PM after Pashinyan invited political forces to discuss the possibility of snap parliamentary elections. Another meeting was held with ''Bright Armenia'' Party leader Edmon Marukyan, who presented his position to PM Pashinyan today, Armenpress.am reports. ''We suggested that the PM should resign, the parliament should elect a new Prime Minister, an interim Government should be established from the forces that have a consensus over that candidate and individuals that have made achievements in their spheres should be included in the Government,” Marukyan said. Demands over Pashinyan’s resignation have been supported by the Armenian President, the Catholicos, representatives of academia and cultural elites in Armenia and Diaspora. According to Armenian President Armen Sargsyan, the solution he offers is simple: the government should resign to spark hope in people in Armenia. “It is difficult to stay in power when you lost [the war],” Sargsyan said in his statement on December 29. Iran, Armenia Look into Gas-Electricity Barter Deal Delegations from Iran and Armenia discussed plans for the extension of a natural gas-electricity barter agreement between the two neighbors on Sunday, Tasnim News Agency reports. “The two Iranian and Armenian delegations discussed the expansion of long-term relations in the domain of energy and reached agreement on key issues,” Iran’s Deputy Oil Minister Amir Hossein Zamaninia said. For his part, the head of the Armenian delegation Hakob Vardanyan said his country had been discussing gas exports and the extension of a gas barter deal with Iran for one and a half years, describing his talks with the Iranian delegation as very constructive. Back in 2004, Tehran and Yerevan signed a natural gas and electricity barter agreement under which Iran’s exported gas would be used as fuel for power stations in Armenia and, in return, Iran would import electricity from Armenia. Armenia began importing natural gas from Iran in mid-2009. Human Rights Defender Slams Azerbaijan for ‘Terrorising’ Armenian Border Residents with Misleading Maps Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan condemned the Azerbaijani military for “terrorising” the peaceful residents of Armenia by installing a “Welcome to Azerbaijan” sign in between border settlements in Armenia’s southeastern Syunik region, where delimitation and demarcation works are still ongoing, Armenpress.am reports. The sign, featuring a distorted map showing large parts of Syunik as part of Azerbaijan, and flags of Azerbaijan were installed by the Azeri troops on the road leading from the town of Goris to the village of Vorotan. “The sign was installed on a road linking an Armenian civilian settlement with another one,” Tatoyan said in a statement, adding that the Azeri troops installed the sign to explicitly terrorize and transgress the rights of the peaceful Armenian residents of the border towns “taking into consideration the tortures, inhumane treatment and other war crimes and ethnic cleansings that the Azerbaijani military committed against our people especially during and after the September-November 2020 war,” Tatoyan added. Earlier in December residents of border communities in Syuniik blocked highways demanding Armenian PM’s resignation after discovering that new border demarcations are dangerously exposing Armenian civilian settlements to the Azerbaijani military. Azerbaijan Bans International Observers to Monitor the Armenian Cultural Monuments in the Territories under Azerbaijani Control A number of Armenian cultural and spiritual monuments of special importance have come under the Azerbaijani control as a result of the recent war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh. Azerbaijan banned the entry of UNESCO international observers from Russia, France, the United States and Italy to the territories currently under the control of Azerbaijan, Armenian deputy minister of education, science, culture and sports Narine Khachaturyan told Armenpress.am. She stated that Azerbaijan in general doesn’t explain its action. “It was expected in December that UNESCO should have sent a commission of international observers to the territories of Artsakh which currently are under the control of Azerbaijan”. The commission must have carried out a monitoring of several Armenian monuments. The delegates were from Russia, France, the United States and Italy, however, Azerbaijan banned their entry to these territories”, the deputy minister said. Pashinyan Received Congratulatory Messages on Upcoming Holidays from Putin and EU Ambassador to Armenia Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent a congratulatory message to Armenian PM Nikol Pahsinyan on the upcoming holidays, Armenpress.am informs. “I am confident that the further development of the multidimensional Armenian-Russian relations is in line with the fundamental interests of our fraternal peoples, and is meant for ensuring peace, security and stability in the Transcaucasian region,” the message reads. In her New Year’s message head of the EU Delegation in Armenia, Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin expressed her “sorrow and compassion for those who have lost their loved ones” during the recent Nagorno Karabah war. “And it is difficult for me to say this, but we know that hardship is not over yet. Today there are 90 000 displaced people in Armenia, who will not have a chance to spend the holidays in their homes,” the Ambassador said. Ambassador Wiktorin assured that the Delegation is “putting every possible effort to support Armenia in this difficult situation”. Armenian Defence Minister Visits Russian Military base Armenian Defence Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan visited the Russian 102nd military base in Gyumri. According to the statement by the Ministry’s press office, Harutyunyan emphasized the role of the Russian base in ensuring stability in the region. Second time in December the Director of the Armenian National Security Service Armen Abazyan is visiting Moscow. No further details about the agenda of the visit were provided by the Service.

23:27 - 29 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [28.12.2020]

“The Artsakh Defense Army is strictly adhering to the ceasefire”, Ministry of Defence “The Artsakh Defense Army is strictly adhering to the ceasefire, no unit has taken part in any action in the given section, moreover, no emergency incident relating to the Artsakh Defense Army units was recorded,” the statement by Armenian Ministry of Defence reads following the reports circulated by Azerbaijani media on the alleged resumption of fighting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani military near the village of Togh in the Hadrut region. The ministry reminded that the village is under the complete control of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces following the Moscow-brokered peace statement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. Nevertheless, the Ministry did not preclude the possibility of a provocative information campaign orchestrated by Azerbaijan, Artsakhpress.am reports. Later the Artsakh State Service of Emergency reported that Azerbaijani forces prohibited a rescue team from Artsakh to enter the Hadrut region and conduct search and rescue operations. Armenian Parliament Convened Extraordinary Sitting Citizens held protests demanding Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation in front of the National Assembly in Armenia as an extraordinary session of the Armenian Parliament was taking place today. The protests were held under the slogan "Armenia without Nikol." The Police informed about clashes between the protesters and two MPs and told that 15 protesters have been detained in consequence. A number of issues, including amendments to the constitutional Law on Political Parties were on the agenda. During the sitting, Prosperous Armenia Party MP Naira Zohrabyan called PM a traitor “who is handing over parts of [Armenian] homeland” to Azerbaijan based on verbal agreements that were not set down in the Russia-brokered trilateral ceasefire statement. Earlier, the ruling “My Step” parliamentary group had undertaken an initiative to dismiss MP Naira Zohrabyan from her post of the Parliamentary Committee on Protection of Human Rights and Public Affairs. The Prosperous Armenia Party called the initiative “anti-constitutional”, Press Service of the National Assembly informs. “Demands for the resignation of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have lost all meaning,” the ruling party MP Lilit Makunts said at the extraordinary sitting on December 28. According to her, everyone who wants a change of power should negotiate on when and how the early parliamentary elections should be held as the only legal way of power shift, Arminfo.am reports. During an interview with the Armenian Public TV on Sunday, PM Pashinyan stated that despite substantial media, financial, and organizational resources, the opposition has been unable to secure public support over the demands of PM’s resignation. “Let us not think of a coup d’état and internal conflict scenarios but give the people an opportunity to resolve this situation instead,” Pashinyan said. PM Pashinyan is Unable to Organise Snap Elections, Opposition Says “Homeland Salvation Movement”, a coalition of more than a dozen opposition parties demanding PM Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation, made a statement about Pashinyan’s call on starting discussions with political forces about snap parliamentary elections. “The Prime Minister’s willingness to quickly organize these snap parliamentary elections stems exclusively from the ongoing mass protests, generated by the Homeland Salvation Movement. A Prime Minister, which led to the unprecedented social split, has no moral and political legitimacy and is unable to ensure free electoral process,” the Movement’s statement reads. Opposition MP Edmon Marukyan also commented today on Pashinyan’s urge to hold snap elections. According to him, the events everyone is witnessing show that the PM’s ruling “My Step” party is incapacitated to organize snap elections and secure the safety of those – including the ruling party itself – who will go out to campaign. Marukyan also informed that he visited Syunik, the Armenian southeastern region where border issues with Azerbaijan emerged after the recent Nagorno Karabakh peace deal. He reminded that PM Pashinyan was unable to visit Syunik where protesters blocked the highways demanding the PM’s resignation following border demarcations dangerously exposing Armenian civilian settlements to the Azerbaijani military. Azerbaijani Forces Demanded Armenian Citizens to Leave Their Homes in Syunik Within One Hour “Azerbaijanis have given one hour to leave the premises of 12 buildings and structures located in the premises of a gardening company in the Armenian city of Goris,” Irina Yolyan, Deputy Mayor of Goris, a town in Syunik region bordering with Azerbaijan, told News.am. She added that the families living there asked for three hours to be able to leave their homes but were rejected by the Azerbaijani forces. “The people say they have all the documents stating that the buildings are on within the state boundary,” Yolyan said. “We claim that these are our lands and have never been a part of Azerbaijan,” Yolyan added. Meanwhile, the Deputy Mayor of Goris raised the issue of the strength of Armenian borders posting a picture on Facebook depicting a sign saying, “Welcome to Azerbaijan!”. She wrote that the sign has been put up on a highway leading from Goris to Kapan, towns in the Armenian Syunik region. Armenian and Iranian Officials Discussed Regional Agenda FMs of Armenia and Iran Ara Aivazyan and Mohammad Javad Zarif had a telephone conversation on December 28. The sides discussed the issues of “bilateral cooperation and regional agenda,” the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told Armenpress.am. Minister Zarif extended condolences over the losses of the Armenian side during the Artsakh War and expressed solidarity with the people of Armenia. “The interlocutors underscored the importance of further boosting mutual contacts and dialogue in various levels based on the centuries-old friendship between the two peoples. Mutual readiness for deepening close partnership in bilateral and multilateral formats was reaffirmed,” Armenpress.am reports. Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan accepted Iranian Ambassador to Armenia Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri on December 28. The sides discussed regional security challenges and highlighted the importance of stronger cooperation in the area of regional strategic infrastructure. During the meeting, the sides emphasized the special role of the North-South highway in the development of Armenian-Iranian trade and economic relations. Other news With the mediation of Russia and ICRC, four Armenian captures have been returned to Armenia today. “Their relatives are already informed, they are under medical supervision and receive necessary medical and mental support,” Tigran Avinyan, Armenian Deputy Prime Minister said. During the 8th session of Russian-Turkish strategic planning, Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov reaffirmed Russia’s concern over the deployment of foreign mercenaries during the recent Nagorno Karabakh war, Armenpress.am reports. Participation of Turkey-recruited Syrian mercenaries who were fighting for the Azerbaijani military against Nagorno Karabakh has been proven based on different evidence, including the testimonies of Syrian mercenaries captured in Nagorno Karabakh by the Armenian forces. The mercenaries are facing charges for international terrorism.

23:02 - 28 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [27.12.2020]

PM Pashinyan Discussed Nagorno Karabakh Peace Deal and Snap Elections in Armenia Speaking about possible snap parliamentary elections Nikol Pashinyan suggested, during his interview to the Armenian Public TV, to create public solidarity as a way to allow everyone's voice to be heard. Pashinyan said that the opposition demands his resignation, however, they disagree on holding snap elections. “The debate currently revolves around the question – who is to decide the fate of the government. The fate of the government must be decided by the people,” Pashinyan said. He added that the election campaign is an opportunity for everyone to stand before the people, to voice the accusations, and present evidence. Speaking about connecting Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan through the territory of Armenia, Pashinyan assured that the trilateral statement points to the opening of transport routes and that there is no word about a corridor through the southeastern region Syunik or Meghri. “The red line is our territorial integrity,” Pashinyan vowed. “If it turns out that we can have railway communication with Russia and Iran through Nakhichevan, will it be good news or bad news? How do we imagine going to Russia through the territory of Nakhichevan and Azerbaijan, but Azerbaijan being unable to go to Nakhichevan through [Armenian] territory?” Pashinyan added. The PM touched on the issue of Armenian southern border demarcation. He explained that the trilateral statement was signed when 90 percent of Kubatlu and Zangelan regions, neighboring with the southeastern Syunik region in Armenia, was under the control of Azerbaijan. “At the time when it was clear that a war could break out over this issue and pass to Syunik region, we took measures to ensure the security of Syunik,” Pashinyan said. According to him, the demarcations are serving the purpose of ensuring that those territories are within the area of responsibility of The Collective Security Treaty Organization. Opposition Sit-Ins Continue. PM Invites to a Discussion About Snap Elections The “Homeland Salvation Movement”, a coalition of more than a dozen parties, continues sit-ins at capital Yerevan’s main square demanding PM Pashinyan’s resignation. On Friday, groups of citizens blocked central roads in Yerevan, as an act of civil disobedience, causing major traffic disruption. Leaders of opposition parties said they would hold daily demonstrations until Pashinian agrees to hand over power to an interim government with Vazgen Manukyan nominated as an interim Prime Minister. On Friday, Pashinyan invited parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces to hold consultations over the issue of holding snap elections in 2021 confirming his readiness to step down or continue leading the country upon the decision of the people. As CivilNet.am reports, later the opposition groups described Pashinyan’s statement as an attempt to “deceive and mislead the people” adding that the parliamentary elections will completely break the state causing new social and economic shock. Armenian Catholicos Denounced Over Continuous Calls on PM to Resign “Like every citizen, the church is free to express its views,” said His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of all Armenians answering the journalists after the Sunday mass today. After a meeting with Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan on December 8, the Catholicos announced that the church had asked Pashinyan to step down over a growing tension in the country, possible clashes, and internal and external challenges due to Nagorno Karabakh trilateral peace deal signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Earlier today Arman Tatoyan, Armenian Human Rights Defender, made a statement over cases of hate speech on social media platforms calling on organizing protests against the Catholicos in the area of Etchmiadzin Cathedral (301-303), the Holy See of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Human rights activist Ruben Melikyan describes the events as a campaign against the Armenian Holy Apostolic Church and its followers, News.am reports. Calling on PM Pashinyan to resign was also supported by the Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I (headquartered in Lebanon). “We have large numbers of victims, captives, wounded and refugees,” he said. According to the Catholicos, Armenians around the world feel the suffering of this huge loss of the nation and demand clear accountability “about this horrible tragedy,” Armenpress.am reported earlier on December 8. Erdogan and Putin Friendly Relations Allows for Solutions of Disputes, Kremlin’s Spokesperson Said Speaking about Russian-Turkey relations Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated in an interview to Russia-1 TV that personal friendly relations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan and their constructive mood allow for identifying harmonious solutions of disputes, Russian News Agency TASS reports. Peskov added that as major geopolitical actors, Russia and Turkey can make tangible contributions to the peace and stability in the region. Armenian and Russian Foreign Ministers Discussed Nagorno Karabakh Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Armenia Ara Ayvazian held a telephone conversation on Saturday. The Ministers discussed the implementation of the provisions of the peace declaration signed on November 9 by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia, Armenpress.am reports.

23:28 - 27 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [25.12.2020]

PM Pashinyan Invites Opposition to Discuss Snap Parliamentary Elections Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan invited parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces to hold consultations over the issue of holding snap elections in 2021, Armenpress.am reports referring to the post by PM on his Facebook page. Pashinyan said that the opposition was unable to secure people’s support despite the resources it possesses. PM stated its readiness to step down or continue leading the country upon the decision of the people. Earlier today, groups of citizens blocked some central roads, as an act of civil disobedience, in the capital Yerevan causing major traffic disruption. 15 citizens have been arrested, Armenpress reports. Protests against PM Nikol Pashinyan’s staying in power resumed on Tuesday. Thousands of protesters rallied in Yerevan’s main square demanding Pashinyan’s resignation and chanting “Nikol the traitor”. Leaders of a coalition of 17 parties said they would hold daily demonstrations until Pashinyan agrees to hand over power to an interim government with Vazgen Manukyan nominated as an interim Prime Minister. Some of the protesters put up tents in the main square, saying that they would stay there until PM Pashinyan’s resignation. On Tuesday, Pashinyan announced that he has no intention to resign. Armenian Settlements Are in Dangerous Distance from Azerbaijani Military, Mayor of Kapan says Tensions over Armenian southeastern region Syunik grow amid demarcations at the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as a consequence of the recent Nagorno-Karabakh war. According to the Mayor of Kapan Gevorg Parsyan “Azerbaijan takes complete control over Kapan-Agarak road in Syunik Province,” Armenpress.am reports. The mayor added that residents of three neighbouring villages have become blockaded due to the situation with the roads. Parsyan warned that some of the settlements in the region will become a target for the Azerbaijani military since they are from 100 meters to 1 km away from the residential areas. The Mayor suggested starting legislative initiatives to arm the villages living in dangerous distance from Azerbaijani forces. Pashinyan said on Thursday that there are borderline issues related to Shurnukh and Vorotan villages in the Syunik region that can lead to painful outcomes for the residents. Hakob Arshakyan, head of Shurnukh village said today that sections of the border in his community are being delineated by GPS and that officials of the Armenian, Azerbaijani and Russian security services are monitoring the process, Hetq.am reports. The situation in Syunik started escalating recently after the Armenian Defense Ministry was reported to order handing over the Armenian advantageous positions to Azerbaijan dangerously exposing Armenian border communities to the Azerbaijani forces due to their close distance. Later the Minister of Defence announced that the security of Armenian southeastern borders will be guaranteed by Russian troops. Protests started in Syunik where the residents blocked the highway and prevented PM Pashinyan from entering the region. Following the protests, Arush Arushanyan and Manvel Paramazyan, Mayors of Goris and Kajaran towns in the Syunik region respectively were detained over several accusations. However, according to the court decision, the arrests were unlawful. Armenian Government Bans Imports from Turkey from December 31 The State Revenue Committee of Armenia reminded that the ban on the import of goods of Turkish origin will take effect in Armenia as of December 31. The statement said the measure is meant to not only hurt Turkey financially but also neutralize ‘various kinds of dangers relating to imports of goods from the ‘hostile country’ RFE/RL Armenia reports. The authorities referred to Ankara’s direct participation in the recent war in Nagorno Karabakh, military support to Azerbaijan as well as recruitment and deployment of terrorist mercenaries from Syria. The ban was approved on October 20 and will initially remain in force for six months. Today, the parliament of Luxembourg has unanimously adopted a motion on the Azerbaijani-Turkish aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) and their use of jihadist mercenaries against the Armenians. The motion says that Turkey, meanwhile, has provided military and political support to Azerbaijan in its campaign against the Armenians in Karabakh through the deployment of jihadist mercenaries and the provision of war equipment, Panarmenian.net reports.

23:02 - 25 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [24.12.2020]

New Border Checkpoints to Emerge in the Armenian Southeastern Syunik Region Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan said at a weekly cabinet meeting that new border checkpoints are being mapped out in the country’s southern Syunik region that borders Azerbaijan to ensure security, Hetq.am reports. Pashinyan added that there are borderline issues related to two villages in the region that can lead to painful outcomes for the residents. Pashinyan assured that the residents will receive full compensation in case their interests will be compromised. The situation in Syunik started escalating recently after the Armenian Defense Ministry was reported to order handing over the Armenian advantageous positions to Azerbaijan dangerously exposing Armenian border communities to the Azerbaijani forces due to their close distance. Later the Minister of Defence announced that the security of Armenian southeastern borders will be guaranteed by Russian troops. Protests started in Syunik where the residents blocked the highway and prevented PM Pashinyan from entering the region. Citizens Detained Over Anti-Government Rallies Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the government building trying to disrupt the weekly cabinet meeting. While the cabinet meeting was in progress, protesters outside the government chanted "Nikol, you are traitor!" "Armenia without Nikol", Panorama.am reports. 69 citizens have been detained by police, Armenpress.am writes. Citizens have also blocked one of the main avenues in the capital demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign. Vazgen Manukyan, the oppositional candidate for the Prime Minister’s post called on to participate in the rally. He said that people rose up two years ago hoping to have a better life, now they are ashamed to go to the streets. The “Homeland Salvation Movement”, a coalition of 17 parties nominated Vazgen Sargsyan for Prime Minister of an interim government. The Movement demands current Prime Minister Pashinyan to resign over what they call was a mishandling of the recent six-week war in Nagorno-Karabakh unleashed by Azerbaijan. Moscow-brokered peace truce ended with thousands of human deaths as well as large territorial and cultural heritage losses for Armenia. Demands for Pashinsyan’s resignation have been supported by Armenia’s President Armen Sargsyan, the Armenian Church, distinguished public figures, and academia representatives in Armenia and the Diaspora. Prime Minister Pashinyan recently announced that he has no intention to resign. Other News from Armenia A criminal case has been initiated against the former RA Minister of Culture and Youth Hasmik Poghosyan, who was in office from 2006 to 2016. The former minister is accused of abuse of official powers and money laundering. RA Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan is in Moscow on a working visit. The main goal of the visit is the early return of the Armenian prisoners, captured by the Azerbaijani side. The details of the visit and meetings will not be revealed. The Artsakh authorities have found the bodies of eight more servicemen in the regions under the Azerbaijani control amid ongoing search operations. The Artsakh State Service of Emergency Situations informed that so far, the number of remains of the war victims that have been found is 1069, Armenpress.am reports. Russian Rosatom Service company said today that the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant and the Russian TVEL nuclear fuel cycle company signed contract documents for the supply of Russian nuclear fuel in 2021, ARKA.am reports. Rosatom is contracted by the Armenian government to handle the modernization of the Armenian nuclear power plant. The Chamber of Deputies of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg unanimously accepted the mediation condemning the actions of Azerbaijan, Turkey and jihadists against Artsakh, Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Netherlands and Luxembourg informs. “The status of Nagorno Karabakh requires additional negotiations. Of course, we anticipate more efforts from the OSCE, France, the US and other states, involved in the Nagorno Karabakh settlement process,” Valentina Matvienko, Chair of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation said today. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with President Armen Sarkissian. The interlocutors discussed the situation in the country, security and protection of Armenia's border communities, restoration of normal life in Artsakh and support measures provided by the Armenian government.

23:29 - 24 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [23.12.2020]

Protests Against Prime Minister Continue in Armenia Anti-government protests continued today in capital Yerevan’s main square where some of the protesters of Tuesday’s mass rally set up camps outside government buildings. Opposition groups and their supporters demand Pashinyan to resign over what they called was a mishandling of the recent six-week war in Nagorno-Karabakh war unleashed by Azerbaijan. Moscow-brokered peace truce ended with thousands of human deaths as well as large territorial and cultural heritage losses for Armenia. The opposition leaders announced today that they are going to block entrances of government buildings tomorrow to prevent Pashinyan to hold a cabinet sitting. Ishkhan Saghatelyan, leader of the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation was summoned to The Investigative Committee of Armenia today over his statements ‘constituting a call for a crime’, Saghatelyan wrote on Facebook. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Pashinyan announced that he has no intention to resign. Negotiations Over a New Russian Military Base in Armenia Needed, Opposition Leader Says After his visit to the Syunik region, Edmon Marukyan, the leader of opposition Bright Armenia party confirmed today that “the positions of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces came unacceptably close to the borders.” He said that urgent discussions are needed over the deployment of a new Russian military base in the region, ARKA news agency informs. “The war in Artsakh in 2020 seriously changed the geopolitical alignment in the South Caucasus,” Marukyan added. Protests were also held in Armenia’s southeastern Syunik region where the residents blocked the highway preventing Prime Minister Pashinyan from entering the region. The protests started when the Defense Ministry ordered to hand over the Armenian advantageous positions to Azerbaijan dangerously exposing Armenian border communities to the Azerbaijani forces due to their close distance. Later the Minister of Defence announced that the security of Armenian southeastern borders will be guaranteed by Russian troops. Following the protests in the southeastern region, two mayors were arrested over different accusations. 40,000 Armenians Left Homeless Due to the Recent Nagorno Karabakh War “According to our data, we have 60 victims among the civilian population, 39 of them died directly during military actions as the result of targeted remote strikes, and 21 cases of murders of civilian in the territories controlled by the Azerbaijani side,” said Beglaryan who stepped down as Human Rights Defender of Artsakh on December 23. Beglaryan said that at least four Armenian women held captive by Azerbaijan. “At the moment we have 40 missing or forcibly disappeared people. They were either killed or held captive in the Azerbaijani prison, Beglaryan said. “Up to 40,000 people have been left homeless due to the Azerbaijani occupation of the Artsakh territories during the hostilities,” said Artak Beglaryan. He added that according to existing estimates, direct economic damage to Nagorno Karabakh as a result of the recent war may reach USD 2 billion. Other News from Armenia Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia informs that Nikol Pashinyan received Russian Minister of Emergency Situations Yevgeny Zinichev. Pashinyan noted the importance of the continuous development of strategic cooperation with Russia, emphasizing the key role of Russia in strengthening peace and stability in the region. “Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a discussion related to the current issues on the international agenda and the joint statement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia,” the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informs. European Union will support Armenia with an additional € 24 million in grants to fight against COVID-19 pandemic. “The EU's decision follows a positive assessment on progress in development of a Mid-Term Recovery Plan (MTRP), macroeconomic stability, public financial management and state budget transparency, in the frame of the COVID-19 Resilience Contract signed between the EU and the Government of Armenia,” Delegation of the European Union to Armenia informs. Armenia's Public Services Regulatory Commission has given its approval today to the investment program by Gazprom Armenia national natural gas distributing company for 2021-2025, ARKA news agency informs.

21:46 - 23 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [22.12.2020]

Anti-Government Protests Regain Momentum in Armenia Thousands of protesters resumed rallies in Yerevan’s main square today demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign over the Moscow-brokered peace statement with Azerbaijan. Leaders of a coalition of 17 parties said they will hold daily demonstrations until Pashinian agrees to hand over power to an interim government tasked with holding snap parliamentary elections within a year, RFL/RL Armenia reports. Anti-Pashinyan protest leaders, joined under Homeland Salvation Movement, nominated Vazgen Manukyan as an interim Prime Minister. Following a call to start a national strike, the protesters surrounded the buildings of the government and prosecution bodies. “We must take the entire state system from Nikol Pashinyan,” Ishkhan Saghatelyan, one of the leading figures of the movement, told the protesters, Armenpress reports. “We give My Step [parliamentary group led by Pashinyan, ed.] time till 6:00 p.m. to appear to the leadership of the Homeland Salvation Movement to discuss the situation in the country. We are a parliamentary state, and the issue must be resolved in the parliament,” Saghatelyan said. Later the Movement announced that they temporarily suspend the blockade of the buildings today to resume the rally in the main square. Meanwhile, despite the efforts of the Police, citizens put up tents in Republic Square, informing that they would stay there until Prime Minister Pashinyan’s resignation. Pashinyan Has No Intention to Resign. Attorneys Submitted Crime Report Against Prime Minister “The real confrontation is not between the government and opposition but between the ‘elites’ who lost their privileges in 2018 [after the Revolution, ed.] and the people,” said Pashinyan during his Facebook address today. He confirmed his intentions to stay in power and perform his functions of Armenian Prime Minister. Earlier today the President of the Chamber of Attorneys Ara Zohrabyan, jointly with other attorneys, submitted a crime report to the Prosecutor General’s Office accusing the prime minister of mishandling the war with elements of treason in his actions, Hetq.am reports. They also called on the parliament to lift the martial law in the country to allow for a no-confidence motion. ECtHR and UNESCO Awaiting Response from Azerbaijan over Armenian POWs and Cultural Heritage “On December 21, the ECtHR granted the request submitted by the Republic of Armenia, requesting Azerbaijan to provide information on 53 prisoners of war, their medical documents, and information on the terms of their exchange by 28 December. Earlier, on 18 December, another request was submitted by the Government of the Republic of Armenia on behalf of 62 servicemen captured in Khtsaberd [Nagorno Karabakh] (the attorneys had already submitted an interim measure request for 9 servicemen out of 63),” said Yeghishe Kirakosyan, RA Representative to the ECtHR. UNESCO announced today that “Only the response of Azerbaijan is still awaited for UNESCO to proceed with the sending of a mission to the field. The authorities of Azerbaijan have been approached several times without success so far,” Armenpress reports. “Every passing week makes the assessment of the situation concerning cultural property more difficult, not least due to the weather which is expected to become harsher in the coming weeks. The window of opportunity that was opened by the ceasefire must not be closed again. The safeguarding of heritage is an important condition for the establishment of lasting peace. We are therefore expecting Baku to respond without delay so that the constructive discussions held over recent weeks can be turned into action,” Ernesto Ottone, Assistant UNESCO Director-General for Cultural, said in the statement. Other News from Armenia Rapid Respond Mechanism funded by the European Union, will provide help to people displaced from Nagorno Karabakh, EU Delegation in Armenia announced today. Within the next six months, basic hygiene items will be provided to the families in the Shirak region. The project will also provide education assistance to 220 children, and 280 children will gain access to psychosocial and psychological support. The General Prosecutor's Office reports that the investigation did not confirm the statement by the former Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Movses Hakobyan that on the third day of the war in Nagorno Karabakh, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stopped mobilization, Arminfo reports. At a press conference held after the Moscow-brokered peace deal in November, Hakobyan accused Prime Minister Pashinyan and the Defence Ministry of mishandling the appointments of the military leadership and mobilization of forces during the war. Arush Arushanyan, Mayor of Goris, who was arrested yesterday after calling on protesters to prevent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s entering the southern Syunik region, will be released. According to the court’s decision, Arushanyan’s arrest was unlawful. Later today Arushanyan was accused of abuse of official power, organizing illegal business, violating the rules of subsoil protection and use, Armenpress reports. Last week, the residents blocked the Goris-Kapan highway in the Syunik region following the news that the Armenian Ministry of Defence ordered the serviceman to leave the advantageous Armenian positions dangerously exposing Armenian border communities to the Azerbaijani forces due to their close distance.

22:35 - 22 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [21.12.2020]

Turbulence on Armenia’s SouthEastern Borders Growing Over Pashinyan’s Visit Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan left the Armenian southeastern border earlier amid the protests by the residents of the border communities of Syunik region. Early in the morning, the residents blocked the road leading to Syunik in order to prevent Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan from entering the region. The residents gathered at the highway following a call by the Mayor of Goris Arush Arushanyan to fight for the security and physical existence of the people and to prevent Prime Minister Pashinyan’s entry to the region. Later, Arushanyan was arrested. Last week, the residents blocked the Goris-Kapan highway in the Syunik region following the news that the Armenian Ministry of Defence ordered the serviceman to leave the advantageous Armenian positions. According to the residents, this geography – which was not set by the trilateral statement signed by Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russian – will dangerously expose Armenian border communities to the Azerbaijani forces due to their close distance. Later Armenian Defence Minister Vagahrshak Harutyunyan announced that the security of Armenian southeastern borders will be guaranteed by Russian troops. Pashinyan’s visit was limited to the communities not affected by the new border demarcations. Prime Minister’s supporters gathered there to discuss the issues having emerged after the war. Later, in Saint Gregory Church in Sisian, the local priest refused to shake Pashinyan’s hand causing the Prime Minister’s supporters to march towards the church demanding the priest to leave. Pashinyan explained cutting short his trip by his decision not to use force amid mourning for fallen soldiers. Six Armenian Soldiers Rescued After Missing for 70 Days Six Armenian soldiers were found as a result of search operations in the territories that came under the control of Azerbaijan, President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan announced yesterday. Harutyunayn expressed his gratitude to the Russian contingent of the peacekeeping mission in Artsakh, the International Committee of the Red Cross as well as Ministry of Emergency Situations in Artsakh and Ministry of Defence of Armenia. Armenian Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan said today that the Armenian side has provided the International Committee of the Red Cross with information about 62 servicemen taken captive by the Azerbaijani troops in Nagorno-Karabakh's Hadrut region, Panarmenian.net reports. The servicemen were captured following new offenses by Azerbaijani forces in two villages in Nagorno Karabakh after Armenia, Azerbaijan, Russia trilateral peace statement. Meanwhile, according to Artsakh Emergency Situations Service, bodies of another 19 Armenian Servicemen have been recovered in Nagorno-Karabakh. As of yesterday, a total of 1039 bodies of Armenian servicemen and a few civilians were found, the Service reported. The Armenian side reports about over 3300 total deaths. Azerbaijan published a list of 2723 killed military personal on its side by early December. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates the number of killed Turkish Syrian mercenaries, who fought for Azerbaijan, at 514. Russian Officials About the Situation in Nagorno Karabakh “The presence of militants from the Middle East in hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh region is a confirmed fact by many. The number of mercenaries reached about two thousand,” Russian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Oleg Syromolotov said to Ria Novosti. The Deputy Minister reminded of the concerns by Russia over the radical jihadist mercenaries in Azerbaijan. “Our position regarding them has not changed - they should not be there,” said Syromolotov. Participation of Turkey-recruited Syrian mercenaries who were fighting for the Azerbaijani military against Nagorno Karabakh has been proven, including the evidence of captured mercenaries by Armenia facing charges for international terrorism. Russian President Vladimir Putin considers the Russian peacekeepers who are currently deployed in Nagorno Karabakh as a security guarantor, Armenpress reports referring to RIA. “They are endangering their lives in order to return the peaceful life there”, Putin said. Today Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu informed that two modular camps have been built in Stepanakert for 330 Russian peacekeepers. 32 new camps are envisaged to be built by April 2021, RFE/RL reported. Other News from Armenia President Sarkissian and His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians visited Yerablur Military Cemetery yesterday to pay tribute to the fallen servicemen of the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan presented maps used by Azerbaijan’s military that depicts Armenia as “historical Azerbaijani lands,” Armradio.am reports. According to the Ombudsman, these maps are accompanied by texts clearly not corresponding to reality and are based on the theses anti-Armenianism and hostility propaganda organized by the Azerbaijani authorities. The Ombudsman’s investigation suggests that these are among the main reasons why the Azerbaijani Forces continue to commit war crimes and atrocities (beheadings, shootings, torture, etc.) against Armenians in April 2016, September-November 2020, and other periods. These findings, accompanied by a corresponding analysis, will be sent to the respective international institutions. Online kick-off meeting of a two-year EU Twinning project aimed at improving the capacity of the Armenian National Assembly was held today. The project will be implemented by the Greek and Italian parliaments.

22:39 - 21 դեկտեմբերի, 2020

Daily News Summary [19.12.2020]

Ad Hoc Report on Azerbaijan’s Targeting of War Journalists Published The Human Rights Defenders in Armenia and Artsakh published an ad hoc report about indiscriminate targeting of journalists covering hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh. Heavy injuries were caused to the journalists (5 foreigners and 2 Armenians), and one person, accompanying them, was killed. “The journalists wore a special uniform and distinctive [Press] signs. Moreover, the journalists were targeted when they were carrying out their professional activities in civilian settlements, and not in the hotspots of hostilities,” the report says. The Azerbaijani authorities have also filed a criminal case against the journalists who worked in Nagorno Karabakh. Clashed broke out between the police and Nikol Pashinyan’s opponents Three days of national mourning began today in Armenia with a march to commemorate war victims in Nagorno Karabakh. Prime Minister Pashinyan, who led the memorial procession surrounded by a large number of police, created tension in Yereblur Military Memorial. Citizens demanding Pashinyan’s resignation tried to prevent him from entering the pantheon and threw things on him shouting “Nikol is a traitor!” followed by clashes involving the police. Another separate commemorative procession organized by the “Homeland Salvation Movement” moved to St. Gregory the Illuminator Church where a mass was served to honour the victims of the Artsakh war. The Movement is a coalition of more than a dozen parties that have been demonstrating against the government since the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire of November 10. Earlier this month, the President also met with Vazgen Manukyan, the joint candidate for interim Prime Minister nominated by the Movement. The Movement called on a national strike from 22 December. The six-week Nagorno-Karabakh war with Azerbaijan ended with a ceasefire statement brokered by Russia. The opposition accuses the Prime Minister of inability to handle the conflict which caused thousands of deaths and the conditions of the peace deal with Azerbaijan. “We are creating a new security guarantee for Syunik,” says Armenian PM In his address to the nation today Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that the decision on the power in Armenia should be decided by the people in Armenia and not the elite circles. Pashinyan said that the border in Syunik Province has not been changed. “I wish to reiterate that not a single millimeter of land has so far been surrendered in Syunik region, just as not a single millimeter of land has been surrendered from the entire territory of the Republic of Armenia,” said Pashinyan. Speaking about the Russian border troops to be deployed in Syunik, Pashinyan added that Armenia is “creating a new security guarantee for Syunik, since today’s border configuration stems from the security system of which we are part and where completely different security rules are being applied”. The residents of Syunik Province blocked the Goris-Kapan highway demanding security guarantees from the government. Yesterday, the municipality of Kapan reported that the Armenian Ministry of Defence ordered the serviceman to leave the advantageous positions in Kapan. Pashinyan also addressed the issue of new war prisoners in Hadrut Province, which he described as “incompatible with the logic of the truce” between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Photo: Hetq.am

22:47 - 19 դեկտեմբերի, 2020