Author: Alex Jidarian

World Council of Churches urges UNESCO to protect Artsakh’s sanctuaries

Alex Jidarian

World Council of Churches urges UNESCO to protect Artsakh's sanctuaries

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 19:00,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 14, ARMENPRESS. Following the declaration of the Armenian, Russian, Azerbaijani leaders on ending the 6-week intense war, the World Council of Churches organized a video conference from November 9-13 to discuss the situation of the people of Armenia and Artsakh.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the World Council of Churches made the following statement.

''The executive committee of the World Council of Churches (WCC), meeting by video conference on 9-13 November 2020, is gathered at a pivotal and acutely painful moment for the people of the land of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and for all Armenian people, following the announcement of an agreement between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia to bring an end to six weeks of intense armed conflict. We make an appeal for an end to the bloodshed and destruction this conflict has brought.

We join with His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, in praying for wisdom, unity and calm. We grieve with all those who have suffered terrible losses not only in the renewed fighting since 27 September, but throughout the long history of the struggle for self-determination in the region, entrenching antagonism more deeply with each precious life lost.

We stand in solidarity with the Armenian communities that are threatened by the renewal of the genocide against their people, particularly in light of the egregious comments made by Turkish President Erdogan vowing to “fulfil this mission, which our grandfathers have carried out for centuries, in the Caucasus region” and in light of Turkey’s role in the current conflict. The WCC condemns any such threats, explicit or implicit, and the actions of those who have insinuated themselves in the conflict and exacerbated its violence, including by supplying internationally-banned weapons, sending mercenaries and jihadists from Syria and elsewhere, and seeking to turn it into a religious conflict. The WCC condemns the use of chemical weapons and cluster munitions, the targeting of civilians, hospitals and public infrastructure, and all other war crimes, beheadings, torture and other atrocities witnessed in the past weeks.

Furthermore, we appeal for respect for the holy sites and cultural heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh, though the repeated shelling of the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi on 8 October and the numerous reports being received of other more recent desecrations indicate a different reality. We urge UNESCO to take all possible and appropriate measures to protect these sites.

We call urgently upon all members of the international community to join in supporting efforts for the protection of such holy sites, for the return in safety and dignity of all refugees and displaced people, for protection of the Armenian people from the threat of genocide, for a lasting peace founded on justice and human rights for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and the wider region, and to refrain from instigating or encouraging antagonism, conflict and injustice.

We lift up and accompany the continuing ministry and witness of the churches of the region, and pray that the church leaders may be given strength and wisdom to guide their people through this crisis''.

CivilNet: Only Russian peacekeepers will be deployed to Karabakh

Alex Jidarian
CIVILNET.AM

10 November, 2020 20:47

Only Russian peacekeepers will be deployed on the Karabakh line of contact, announced the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova.

In an interview with "Echo of Moscow" radio station, Zakharova said, “Once the official text of the statement is published, no one will have any doubts. Once again, I would like to direct your attention to the statement of Russian President Vladimir Putin, which notes that we are talking about the deployment of only Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh along the line of contact."

On November 9, following the announcement of the statement by Azerbaijani, Armenian, and Russian presidents, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev had said that the peacekeepers' mission be both Russian and Turkish, despite no formal announcement of Turkish peacekeepers from the other parties. 

The information about the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers was also denied by Armenian Prime Minister's spokesman Mane Gevorgyan.

CivilNet: Azerbaijani Armed Forces Retreat in the Shushi – Karin Tak Sector, Karabakh Army Reports

Alex Jidarian
CIVILNET.AM

9 November, 2020 11:39

During the night of November 8-9, the Defense Army of Nagorno-Karabakh fought defensive battles in the southeastern, southern and southwestern sections of the front line. Pitched battles against discovered adversary groups took place in the Shushi – Karin Tak section, due to which the adversary suffered essential losses and retreated. The Artsakh Defense Army Forces took over more strategically favourable positions, the official press release reads. 

Throughout that time, in various sections of the front line, one tank, four vehicles and eight UAVs were destroyed. During the operations in the southwestern section, Artsakh Defense Army military units captured one adversary tank and artillery battery. All the while, the adversary continued to launch air and missile strikes on the peaceful localities of the Artsakh Republic. In the morning, the adversary resumed offensive operations in all main sections of the front line.

The tactical situation is under the control of the Defense Army, says the release of the

Artsakh Defense Army.

Earlier in the morning of November 9, Artsakh’s President Arayik Harutyunyan posted  photos on his Facebook page saying that he had visited the fighting positions defending Stepanakert. “I talked with the soldiers of the Defense Army and militia, who have been fighting off enemy gangs attacking the capital Stepanakert from Shushi for more than a day.” 

The night of November 8-9 was relatively calm in the civilian localities of Artsakh, except the capital Stepanakert. After midnight, Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched several cluster rockets at Stepanakert, damaging civilian infrastructure. No casualties were reported by the State Emergency Service of the Republic of Artsakh.

EU extends Turkey sanctions by one year

Alex Jidarian

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 16:37, 6 November, 2020

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. The European Union extended by one year the sanctions against Turkey for the unauthorized drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and threatened to impose fresh sanctions.

“The Council today adopted a decision extending for one year, until 12 November 2021, the existing framework for restrictive measures in response to Turkey's unauthorized drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean”, the Council of the European Union said.

“The European Union will therefore maintain its ability to impose targeted restrictive measures on persons or entities responsible for or involved in unauthorized drilling activities of hydrocarbons in the Eastern Mediterranean. The sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for persons, and an asset freeze for entities. In addition, EU persons and entities are forbidden from making funds available to those listed. Currently two individuals are subject to sanctions.”

Editing by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenian PM holds farewell meeting with Italian Ambassador

Alex Jidarian

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 17:44, 6 November, 2020

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held today a farewell meeting with Ambassador of Italy Vincenzo del Monaco, the PM’s Office told Armenpress.

The PM highly valued the activity of the Italian Ambassador in Armenia during which the bilateral relations have recorded an efficient development. In this context he considered important his official visit to Italy in 2019 and thanked the Ambassador for his personal contribution to promoting the Armenian-Italian agenda.

The Ambassador of Italy thanked Armenia’s PM for appreciating his work and stated that he has invested the maximum efforts to further raise the level of the bilateral cooperation.

The sides stated that Armenia and Italy have a great cooperation potential and highlighted taking constant steps for fully utilizing it.

At the meeting the officials also discussed the war unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey against Artsakh. The Italian Ambassador expressed his condolences over the deaths of soldiers and peaceful civilians in the military operations and reaffirmed his support.

Pashinyan said the Armenian people are united and decisive in overcoming this difficult situation and achieving the political settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict with the support of leading international partners.

Nikol Pashinyan wished success to the Ambassador in his future activities.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

[see video]

Asbarez: Mnatsakanyan Tells Pompeo About Azeri War Crimes, Ankara-Backed Terrorists

Alex Jidarian

October 23,  2020



Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan meets with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Washington on Oct. 23

Azerbaijan’s continued attacks on civilian targets, which amount to war crimes, as well as the deployment of Ankara-backed jihadists in the fight against Armenians in Artsakh were some of the issues Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan discussed with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of Friday in Washington.

Mnatsakanyan presented details of Azerbaijan’s deliberate targeting of civilians and their structures, as well as the gruesome treatment of captured Armenian soldiers and Artsakh residents by Azerbaijan, calling them war crimes, reported Armenia’s Foreign Ministry.

Armenia’s foreign minister also emphasized that Azerbaijan’s aggression was taking place with the direct approval, backing and military assistance by Turkey, which is also deploying foreign terrorists to the region to fight alongside Azerbaijani forces.

Mnatsakanyan warned that Azerbaijan is creating a Turkish influence zone backed by terrorists, which are threatening the security and stability of the region.

Azerbaijan’s continued violation of the ceasefire agreement and the incessant attacks on Artsakh civilian and military targets proves Baku’s intention to resolve the Karabakh conflict through military means.

The two top diplomats reiterated the need for the immediate adherence to the provisions of the ceasefire agreement as well as continue working with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs on the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

Earlier Friday, Pompeo met with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

“During separate meetings with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jehun Bayramov we discussed critical steps to halt the violence in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Both must implement a ceasefire and return to substantive negotiations,” Pompeo Twitted after the meetings.

According to the State Department, Pompeo is called on Mnatsakanyan and Bayramov to “end the violence and protect civilians.”

“The secretary also stressed the importance of the sides entering substantive negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs to resolve the conflict based on the Helsinki Final Act principles of the non-use or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples,” said State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, reported Voice of America.

Mnatsakanyan discussed Azerbaijan’s aggression and Turkey’s interference with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour.

During a press briefing on Friday, President Donald Trump said good progress was being made in the negotiations over Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

”We are talking about that, we are working with Armenia. We have very good relationship with Armenia. There are very good people there, very dedicated, they are incredible people and we’ll see what happens,” added Trump.

“I think really good progress is being made with respect to that,” he said. “We have a lot of people living in this country originally from Armenia. They are great people and we’re going to help them.”

 

To the question if he had spoken to the Armenian or Azerbaijani leaders, Trump said, ”I don’t want to say, but really good progress is being made.”

Greek Foreign Minister to visit Armenia on October 16

Alex Jidarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Oct 15 2020

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias will arrive in Armenia on October 16 for a working visit, the Armenian Foreign Ministry informs.

The meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the two countries on the same day will be followed by a joint press conference.

Within the framework of the visit Nikos Dendias will have meetings with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Armen Sarkissian.



Newsweek: The war on Armenia threatens American interests |

Alex Jidarian
Newsweek
Oct 9 2020
Gavin Wax , President, New York Young Republican Club and associate fellow, London Center for Policy Research
On 10/9/20 at 6:30 AM EDT               
slamist aggression and expansion into the lands of a Christian people shouldn't be a 21st century reality, but it is. Making matters worse, the aggressors in today's conflict receive U.S. foreign aid. It's time for the U.S. to respond to Azerbaijan and Turkey's assault on Armenians.

Hundreds of people, including civilians, have been killed as the second week of heavy clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan potentially turns into a third. The war is over disputed territory widely called the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, but known as the Republic of Artsakh to its Armenian defenders.

The Republic of Artsakh is almost totally Armenian, about 99 percent. Part of the oldest Christian state in the world, it remains a front line against encroaching Islamism. A war over the land has been officially ongoing since the fall of the Soviet Union, but a 1994 ceasefire deal maintained a relative standstill until major escalations from Azerbaijan on September 27. Thomas de Waal, an expert on the region, has identified Azerbaijan as the aggressor in this most recent flare up.

Armenia has also called out Turkey, a strategic NATO partner for the U.S., for leading much of the onslaught. Turkey's reported actions are consistent with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's effort to build a neo-Ottoman empire, leading offenses against Kurds in their territories as well as Greeks in the Aegean and Cyprus.

Turkey is reportedly aiding Azerbaijan's assault with armed drones and by recruiting the same Syrian "moderate rebels" that former president Barack Obama employed to take down the Syrian government. As those hired fighters failed their mission to topple Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, they are in desperate need for a paid opportunity to prove themselves.

Think of it. Those "moderate rebel" Islamists who received U.S. weaponry just a few short years ago are now involved in the violent takeover of a Christian community of more than 150,000 people.

Now, that doesn't necessarily mean the U.S. government or military should be called upon to clean up the mess. There's a good chance direct intervention would only make things worse.

However, an America First geopolitical outlook must never underestimate the United States' immense economic power, including the ability to impose trade sanctions, to punish or ward off bad behavior in the South Caucasus as well as from Turkey.

After all, how could Turkey's and Azerbaijan's actions against Armenia serve any strategic benefit to the U.S.? The war is an unnecessary foreign adventure that apparently the U.S. is expected to support or at least smooth out in the fiery end.

In addition to the indirect assistance and lobbying the U.S. does on behalf of Turkey at the international level, that country receives about $153 million from the American taxpayer in the form of foreign aid. Azerbaijan gets around $14 million. Keeping those dollars home would be the easiest thing to do first.

Beyond that, Turkey's membership in NATO should be up for removal. It's already been talked about in Congress for over a year.

If the U.S. doesn't bring enough pressure to bear on Turkey and Azerbaijan to end their hostilities, there is clearly no reason to continue aiding them or even keeping a strategic partnership. There is no current U.S. interest worth risking the destruction of an ancient Christian civilization, and it's difficult to fathom how there ever could be one.

There is a U.S. interest in preserving Christian peoples in the Middle East. The establishment foreign policy that unfortunately still lingers in the background of the Trump administration disregarded that national interest in favor of endless wars in the region.

In Iraq, Islamism grew at the expense of some 1.5 million Iraqi Christians, many of whom are no longer there. The subsequent destruction of Christian churches and sites in Iraq and Syria was painful to watch. The threats to U.S. national security only grew as a result.

Armenians have already lost much of their Christian cultural heritage to the Soviet Union, and before that to the Turks during the Armenian genocide. In the Republic of Artsakh, a few sites remain, including a monastery dating back to the 4th century. To protect what's left, the U.S. should officially recognize Artsakh, as the Armenians have no ambition or desire to conquer beyond its borders.

The U.S. shouldn't be expected to police the world, but it must do right by the American taxpayers who are footing the bill for billions of dollars in foreign aid, not to mention generating the nation's economic power. An America First foreign policy must continue to eclipse the status quo foreign policy, and a great first step would be to stop all indirect assistance of those destroying Armenia's Christian civilization.

Gavin Wax is president of the New York Young Republican Club, chair of the Association of Young Republican Clubs, digital director for the Young Republican National Federation, an associate fellow at the London Center for Policy Research and a frequent guest on Fox News. You can follow him on Twitter at @GavinWax.

The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.