Author: Alex Jidarian

Ammo depot fire forces evacuation in Crimea

Alex Jidarian

 11:26,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Crimean authorities have shut down a major highway and ordered the evacuation of four settlements in the immediate vicinity of an ammunition depot in the east of the peninsula, which “caught fire” on Wednesday morning, RT reports.

Crimean leader Sergey Aksyonov announced the plan to “temporarily evacuate residents of four settlements” at around 7:15am local time, shortly after announcing that a segment of the Tavrida highway was closed due to major blaze at a nearby military range.

Later in the day he reported that the evacuation order affected some 2,200 people, who will be provided all necessary assistance. Nobody was hurt in the incident, the official added.

The cause of the incident has yet to be officially confirmed, but several popular Telegram channels have shared videos purportedly showing the fire.

The incident comes a day after the Russian military reportedly intercepted at least 28 Ukrainian drones targeting multiple locations across the peninsula.

On Monday, Kiev used two unmanned maritime surface drones to strike the Crimean Bridge.

Caucasus, the agony of Nagorno Karabakh held hostage by Azerbaijan for seven months

Alex Jidarian

It has already been 7 months since the Azerbaijani authorities illegally blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only access to the self-proclaimed Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the South Caucasus. Since then, 120,000 people have been completely isolated, without supplies and escape routes to save themselves. Azerbaijan has also cut off supplies of water, gas and electricity. And in recent days it has also blocked the means of the International Red Cross that were trying to bring aid to civilians. Despite appeals from Europe and the United States to break the isolation of the small Armenian enclave, the Azerbaijani army continues its military offensive undisturbed, violating the ceasefire agreements signed in 2020 after the 44-day war.

Ethnic cleansing

«All the actions undertaken by Azerbaijan in recent months, from the demonstrations of fake eco-activists (including sympathizers of the Turkish terrorist formation of the Gray Wolves, ed) to the installation of an illegal checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor, are clearly planned to create impossible living conditions for the population of Nagorno Karabakh: an authentic operation of ethnic cleansing is underway» denounces the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs bluntly.
“Baku not only breaks the truce signed three years ago, but also ignores the resolutions adopted by many parliaments (including the European one, ed) and by the International Court of Justice against the closure of the Lachin Corridor”. On 6 July, the International Tribunal in The Hague once again ordered Azerbaijan to immediately reopen the crossing “because denying the right to free movement of persons, vehicles and goods plausibly constitutes racial discrimination”. This appeal has again fallen on deaf ears because Nagorno Karabakh remains completely isolated, surrounded by Azerbaijani military forces and devoid of any external connections. The Russian interposition force, which was supposed to guarantee access to and security of Karabakh on the basis of the agreements signed by Yerevan, Baku and Moscow, continues to be of no use.

«Previously, an average of 400 tons of foodstuffs passed daily from Lachin to Karabakh. Then from 7 December 2022 the illegal checkpoint placed by Azerbaijan reduced supplies to a tenth. Since June 15, supplies have been completely cut off» confirm the Armenian authorities.

Humanitarian disaster


The situation is disastrous because the food stocks in the warehouses are now reduced to a flicker, the shops are empty, the lines for rationing are long. There is also a shortage of medicines and oxygen in hospitals. Furthermore, Azerbaijan is preventing the transfer of the most seriously ill to Armenia, a fact which is causing an increase in mortality rates, especially among the weakest segments of the population.
“Before the total blockade, only a few people managed to reach Armenia to receive urgent treatment thanks to the International Committee of the Red Cross,” says a government official. «The sick and their companions were subjected to humiliating control procedures and degrading treatments: they were filmed and subsequently those images were exploited by Azerbaijani propaganda to demonstrate the normal opening of the passage to Lachin. But it was just a fabrication, a falsehood, disinformation» denounces Yerevan pointing the finger at the international community and humanitarian organizations «unable to gain access to Nagorno Karabakh to conduct an adequate fact-finding mission and provide humanitarian aid».

The appeal to the UN


Armenia also appeals to the United Nations Security Council (chaired by Russia responsible for the massacres and destruction taking place in Ukraine) to “use all the tools at its disposal to ensure the implementation of the orders of the International Court of Justice, prevent the humanitarian catastrophe and stop the ethnic cleansing in Nagorno Karabakh”. Harsh, clear words, an appeal almost out of time “to the civilized world which cannot and must not tolerate such actions, just as it must not accept contempt for the legally binding orders of the Hague Tribunal”. Words that on Friday 14 July were again drowned out by the roar of Azerbaijani batteries on the peaceful villages of Nagorno Karabakh. Words then sunk into the umpteenth silence of the international community.

https://www.breakinglatest.news/world/caucasus-the-agony-of-nagorno-karabakh-held-hostage-by-azerbaijan-for-seven-months/

Protestors in Artsakh, led by State Minister, present demands to Russian peacekeepers

Alex Jidarian

 14:28,

YEREVAN, JULY 14, ARMENPRESS. The participants of the rally of the “Popular movement” in Artsakh marched to the military station of the Russian peacekeeping troops, where they will present their demand to take measures to stop the blockade of Artsakh and the humanitarian disaster.

The correspondent of ARMENPRESS reports that Artsakh’s State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan said that he, together with some others, will have a meeting with the commander of the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in Artsakh, after which he will return and present the results of the meeting.

"Our next step is now we are setting up tents here, and everyone in the tents is expecting for our demand to be fulfilled," Nersisyan stated.

He emphasized that they want to tell the Russian peacekeepers that the people of Artsakh are the main beneficiaries of the trilateral declaration of November 9, and when one of the parties to the declaration does not fulfill its responsibilities, it does not mean that the people of Artsakh should bear the heaviest consequences caused by it. "We are here to convey the word of the people of Artsakh to the peacekeepers that it is not friendly at all when Artsakh is under a complete blockade, but we see helicopter flights every day," Nersisyan announced.

After the meeting with the Russian peacekeepers, some of the participants of the gathering, the residents of Askeran, will stay in tents near the military station of the peacekeepers, and the rest will return to Stepanakert's Renaissance Square, where the rally that started in the morning will continue.

Van Novikov




Armenpress: President of Artsakh convenes a meeting to address humanitarian and security issues

Alex Jidarian

 20:40,

YEREVAN, JULY 10, ARMENPRESS. On July 10, President of the Republic of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan held a working meeting with participation of representatives from different branches of the government and heads of power structures, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the President of Artsakh.

 The meeting aimed to discuss the measures being taken to address the deepening humanitarian and security problems resulting from Azerbaijan's ongoing aggressive policy against the Republic of Artsakh. The participants emphasized the importance of effectively utilizing internal resources and intensifying foreign political efforts to resolve the blockade of Artsakh.

Armenia: Human Rights Defender’s office inaugurated in Vanadzor within EU project

Alex Jidarian
July 5 2023

On 4 July, the regional office of the Human Rights Defender (HRD) of the Republic of Armenia was inaugurated in Vanadzor, the country’s third-largest city, which also serves as the capital of the Lori Province in the northern part of the country.

The establishment of this office was made possible through the EU-funded ‘Accountable Institutions and Human Rights Protection in Armenia’ project, jointly implemented by UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, and OSCE.

As part of the offered support, necessary furniture and IT equipment was sent to ensure this office running an efficient operation. In addition, the office was redesigned to create a space that meets the specific needs of HRD and one that is convenient for citizens seeking help.

“It is important to recognise that human rights defenders are crucial partners with governments in addressing the enormous challenges we face, both nationally and globally,” said Andrea Wiktorin, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia, at the opening ceremony. “However, they can only play this crucial role if they are given the necessary protection and room to do so.” 

Find out more

Press release

https://euneighbourseast.eu/news/latest-news/armenia-human-rights-defenders-office-inaugurated-in-vanadzor-within-eu-project/

"Operation" Revenge-3 "on the nose." Comments from Baku

Alex Jidarian
July 3 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Baku

A few days ago, after Azerbaijan handed over to Armenia the bodies of two Armenian soldiers who died during a shootout between the parties in Karabakh, Azerbaijani experts started talking about the possibility of carrying out the Revenge-3 operation. Political observer Elchin Mirzabeyli argues that “the presence of two servicemen belonging to the armed forces of Armenia among the dead makes the presence of the army of this country in Karabakh probable.” According to him, such processes bring the operation closer.

  • “Baku uses ‘coercive diplomacy’ against Yerevan” – Thomas de Waal
  • Georgian PM says combat training should be in kindergartens
  • Blockade of the village of Soyudlu has been going on for ten days

On July 1, the International Committee of the Red Cross removed the corpses of two Armenian soldiers which were still in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan to Armenia, passing through the Lachin checkpoint. The Azerbaijani side stated that the two men were citizens of Armenia and served in the Armenian army.

Armenian sources reported that during the June 28 incident in the part of Karabakh where the Russian peacekeeping forces are temporarily stationed “four Karabakh soldiers” were killed.

The Armenian service of Radio Liberty, referring to Gegham Stepanyan, whom Azatutyun introduced as the “ombudsman” of the regime in Khankendi (Stepanakert), reported that “one of the dead, 20-year-old Samvel Torosyan, is a resident of Khankendi, but his parents want him buried at the Yerablur military cemetery in Yerevan. Another dead soldier, 20-year-old Yervand Tadevosyan, was a former resident of Lachin, but after the 44-day war he lived in Armenia.”

“Complete disarmament of illegal military groups is inevitable,” an Azerbaijani military observer believes

Political observer Elchin Mirzabeyli believes that “the opinions expressed by the Armenian side about the absence of military personnel in Karabakh do not reflect reality.”

“The fact that two of the five members of illegal groups killed during the Revenge-2 operation in Karabakh are citizens of Armenia confirms this once again. Recent events have once again shown how hypocritical Armenia is behaving, trying to pretend to be innocent in the peace negotiations.

The provocations committed by Armenia are a gross violation of the tripartite declaration, as well as evidence of the peacekeepers’ neglect of their obligations,” he said.

Mirzabeyli stated that illegal armed formations in Karabakh support themselves with funds provided by Armenia:

“Azerbaijan will not allow the presence of occupying forces on its territory. If there are new provocations, more stringent measures will be taken. Processes bring Operation Revenge 3 closer.

Military expert Adalat Verdiyev said that Russia creates conditions for the presence of Armenian militants in the territory of Azerbaijan.

“The connection of the Russian contingent with the armed forces of Armenia completely contradicts the terms of the tripartite agreement. The Russian contingent also guarantees the stay of the Armenian militants, who should have been withdrawn from the region two and a half years ago. These actions, the presence of the armed forces of Armenia on the territory of Azerbaijan are unacceptable.”

According to A.Verdiyev, Azerbaijan will take tougher measures to prevent these actions:

“The fact that Armenia resorted to such provocations after the disasters that happened to it may force Azerbaijan to take tougher measures. It is possible that the next stage of the operation “Revenge” will take place. As always, this does not bode well for Armenia.”

All information from the United States about the negotiations between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, the demand from Nagorno-Karabakh to stop them until a truce is established, as well as an expert’s comment

Military expert Elkhan Shikhaliyev said that the Armenians began to escalate by arranging provocations on the conditional border, in particular wounding an Azerbaijani soldier at the Lachin border crossing.

“At a meeting of foreign ministers in Washington, it was reported that the parties could not agree on some provisions of the peace agreement. This means that politicians cannot agree, that is, Armenia does not agree with Azerbaijan’s proposals.

At such a moment, it became clear why certain incidents occurred on the conditional border. The boundaries have not yet been fully clarified, since demarcation and delimitation work has not been carried out.

In a speech by President Ilham Aliyev in Lachin, a road map for Armenians living in Karabakh was announced. In this speech, the wishes of Azerbaijan towards the Armenians were expressed.

But the separatists did not accept our proposal, they said that they did not accept reintegration and would fight. By this choice, they allow Azerbaijan to retain the option of conducting an anti-terrorist operation on its territories,” the expert said.

An antiterrorist operation in Karabakh?

https://jam-news.net/operation-revenge-3-on-the-nose-comments-from-baku/

White House NSA Jake Sullivan calls on Armenian and Azerbaijani FMs to ‘avoid provocations and de-escalate tensions’

Alex Jidarian

 09:44,

YEREVAN, JUNE 29, ARMENPRESS. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to “avoid provocations and de-escalate tensions” during his meeting with the foreign ministers of the two countries.

“Good to host Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov together at the White House today. I encouraged Armenia & Azerbaijan to continue making progress toward peace, as well as to avoid provocations and de-escalate tensions in order to build confidence,” Sullivan tweeted.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is in Washington D.C. for fresh talks with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov.

Critically ill Karabakh infant airlifted to Armenia

Alex Jidarian
– 13:49 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A one-year-old Nagorno Karabakh child with acute hemorrhagic encephalomyelitis who has been in critical condition in the past two days has been airlifted to Armenia.

The Health Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh said the Russian peacekeepers stationed there transferred the baby to Armenia and delivered medication to Karabakh on their way back.

Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopyrkin was summoned to the Armenian Foreign Ministry on June 16 after an attempt by the Azerbaijani forces, accompanied by Russian peacekeepers, to raise an Azerbaijani flag over Armenian territory, which left one Armenian border guard injured. Following the incident, Azerbaijan completely blockaded Karabakh.

Karabakh health authorities said six children are currently receiving inpatient treatment in intensive care units. 7 adult patients too are in the intensive care unit, 3 of them in critical condition.

Armenian MFA emphasizes direct and meaningful discussions between Baku and Stepanakert

Alex Jidarian

 19:18,

YEREVAN, JUNE 24, ARMENPRESS. The best way to clearly guarantee the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh is direct and substantive discussions between Baku and Stepanakert with international participation, ARMENPRESS reports, the Foreign Ministry of Armenia said in a statement.

“For building real and lasting peace in the region, Armenia and Azerbaijan should find mutually acceptable solutions to all existing problems in the negotiation process and prevent further manifestations of hatred and enmity.

Those issues equally include agreeing on a solid legal basis for the delimitation of the state border between Armenia and Azerbaijan in accordance with the Alma-Ata Declaration and the latest Soviet maps, unblocking the region's transport infrastructure on the basis of the sovereignty, jurisdiction, equality and reciprocity of the countries as well as clearly guaranteeing the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. At the same time, we are convinced that the best way forward for guaranteeing the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh lies in direct and substantive discussions between Baku and Stepanakert with international participation.

Meanwhile, the sincerity and political will of the top leadership of Azerbaijan to achieve peace in the South Caucasus is seriously questioned by the incessant hostility and hate speech from the Azerbaijani authorities, by the provocations, threats to use force against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia and the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. Moreover, Azerbaijan's actions are not only deviating from addressing numerous problems through constructive dialogue with Stepanakert, but also, on the contrary, they are consistently leading to ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The latest evidence of this is Azerbaijan's installation of concrete barriers in the Lachin corridor on 22 June and the impediment of any movement of people, goods and transport. As a result, the supply of food, medicine and basic necessities has been completely halted, as has the transportation of critically ill patients, even by the International Committee of the Red Cross. In parallel gas and electricity supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh have been cut as a result of the illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor for more than six months. The targeting of citizens engaged in agricultural work and sabotage activities of the Azerbaijani armed forces are constant. While the humanitarian crisis is deteriorating, the urgently needed access to Nagorno-Karabakh for international humanitarian and fact-finding missions remains blocked.

In this context, it is also necessary to recall the intimidation of the peaceful population of Nagorno-Karabakh through statements on social media as well as through loudspeakers on the ground, the deliberate disregard of the obligation to ensure the return of displaced persons from Hadrut and Shushi regions, the seizure and total expulsion of Armenians from the settlements of Khtsaberd, Hin Tagher and Parukh after the ceasefire of 9 November 2020, the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in the Armenian settlements under Azerbaijani control, etc. 

These actions are being carried out in defiance of legally binding decisions of the UN International Court of Justice and numerous appeals by the international community. Under such circumstances, the international community cannot turn a blind eye and delude itself that the issues of the rights and security of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh can be addressed without special and urgent international attention, involvement and efforts. It is necessary and vital to address the rights and security issues of the 120,000 Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh through the Baku – Stepanakert dialogue within the framework of an international mechanism. We consider it necessary to emphasise once again that the Republic of Armenia will continue its sincere efforts aimed at establishment of peace in the region”, reads the statement.

Moody’s changes Armenia’s outlook to stable from negative; affirms Ba3 rating

Alex Jidarian

 10:25,

YEREVAN, JUNE 23, ARMENPRESS. Moody's changed Armenia's outlook to stable from negative and affirmed Ba3 rating on .

Moody’s changed the outlook because it found Armenia’s economic and fiscal prospects to have improved, while the risks are balanced compared to its March 2022 rating.

A part of the increased capital and workforce inflow, which improved the economic indicators in Armenia, are expected to be maintained, according to Moody’s.

The agency forecast 7% economic growth for 2023 and 5-6% for 2024.

The debt burden will be lower than during the pre-pandemic period, stabilizing around 45%, according to the assessment.