Author: Andranik Taslakhchian

Podcast | Where are the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace talks going?

Andranik Taslakhchian
June 2 2023

Armenia and Azerbaijan have recently been engaged in a series of frequent meetings between the country’s leaders and foreign ministers in an attempt to reach a peace agreement. Despite hopes that the two countries would sign new agreements in at least one of Moscow on 26 June or Chisinau on 1 June, neither meeting broke new ground.

This week in the Caucasus Digest, we spoke to Bahruz Samadov, a PhD candidate at Charles University in Prague, and Tigran Grigoryan, a political analyst and head of the Regional Centre for Democracy and Security, about the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace talks.

Listen to the podcast at the link below: 

Armenia’s Role In Helping Russia Circumvent Sanctions – Analysis

Andranik Taslakhchian
   The Jamestown Foundation  1 Comment

By The Jamestown Foundation

By Orkhan Baghirov*

On April 12, the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) placed more than 100 people and entities across over 20 countries on its sanctions list due to violations of US export controls in helping Russia with its war effort (Treasury.gov, April 12). Among the newly sanctioned entities included on the list was TAKO LLC, a company registered in Yerevan in May 2022 that is fully owned by a Russian national and specializes in the wholesale trade of electronic and telecommunications equipment (News.am, April 13).

TAKO supplied electronic items to Russia’s defense industry through cooperation with Russian company Radioavtomatika, which was also sanctioned last year. According to OFAC, TAKO recently underwent a name change and was previously called TACO LLC, which had been sanctioned by the US back in September 2022 (Azernews, April 14). Along with TACO, now TAKO, Armenian-registered entities Areximbank-Gazprombank Group, VTB Bank Armenia, Bank Mellat, Flight Travel LLC and Milur Electronics LLC were also sanctioned in 2022 (Verelq.am, September 30, 2022).

Despite the fact that only a few Armenian companies, mostly owned by the Russian government or individuals, were subject to sanctions, Armenia’s role in helping Russia circumvent sanctions goes far beyond that. The unusual changes in Armenia’s trade statistics and in the level of economic relations with Russia after the start of Moscow’s war against Ukraine raise suspicions about Armenia’s role in re-exporting sanctioned products, including technological components, machinery and transportation equipment, to Russia.

According to the Armenian National Statistical Committee, Armenia’s foreign trade turnover surged by 68.8 percent in 2022 as compared to the previous year, reaching the level of $14.1 billion (Arka.am, January 31). During this period, Armenian imports increased by about 63.5 percent as compared to 2021, reaching over $8.7 billion. In parallel, in 2022, trade turnover between Armenia and Russia amounted to $5.03 billion, a 91.7-percent increase when compared to the previous year (Arka.am, March 20). Armenian exports to Russia surged by more than 2.4 times and registered a record total value of $2.4 billion. As a result, Russia’s share of Armenian exports reached 45 percent—hinting at Yerevan’s role in helping Moscow with its sanctions-plagued trade.

Along with the aforementioned figures, organizing this trade by product groups also seemingly demonstrates that Armenia is actively participating in the re-export of sanctioned products to Russia. In 2022, a significant increase was registered in Yerevan’s import of precious metals and stones (200 percent), vehicles (170 percent), electronics (100 percent), iron and steel products (76 percent), machinery and mechanical devices (52 percent), as well as technical and medical equipment (42 percent) (Tradingeconomics.com, accessed May 25). Interestingly, these products were among the top-ten main product groups that saw the highest quantity of exports from Armenia to Russia in 2022, and their volume of exports to Russia has increased significantly (Tradingeconomies.com, accessed May 25).

Specifically, the export of electronic products to Russia increased by about 37 times, vehicles increased by 30 times, machinery and mechanical devices by 10 times, precious metals and stones by about 200 percent and technical and medical equipment increased by 400 percent. These exponential increases imply that Armenia, at some level, is engaged in the re-export of these products to Russia, as they are the main categories that have been sanctioned by the West and are necessary for Moscow to continue its war effort against Ukraine. Additionally, Armenia does not have the economic capabilities and infrastructure to increase domestic production of these products to such an extent that it could increase exports by several times. And traditionally, these product groups have not represented a large share of Armenian exports overall.

In 2022, output in Armenia’s manufacturing sector grew by 13.5 percent (Armenpress, February 10). For agriculture, the growth in production was only about 0.4 percent, and industry grew by 7.8 percent for the year (News.am, January 31). Compared with these levels of growth for production in the main economic sectors, it becomes apparent that Armenia could not increase its exports to Russia by about 2.4 times given its actual domestic potential without supplementing this with the re-export of certain goods from elsewhere.

Also, it does not seem realistic that domestic demand in Armenia for various products, such as electronics, vehicles, mechanical devices and technical equipment, increased to the extent of expanding imports by more than 63 percent in one year, especially in the face of high emigration and demographic problems (Hetq.am, April 13, 2021; Iwpr.net, July 13, 2022).

When the war in Ukraine initially started and the first round of sanctions against Russia was announced in March 2022, Armenian exports to Russia decreased by about 30 percent (Armenpress, March 24, 2022). In response, many experts, including local analysts in Armenia, raised concerns about the expected economic crisis coming to the country due to its high economic dependence on Russia. At that time, several financial institutions, including the Central Bank of Armenia, slashed their forecasts for Armenian economic growth in 2022 (JAM-news, April 4, 2022). The Central Bank lowered its growth forecast from 5.3 to 1.6 percent, the International Monetary Fund from 5.25 to 1.5 percent and Fitch Ratings reduced its forecast from 5.3 to 1.3 percent. However, since these predictions were reduced, the opposite process has been observed, as in 2022, Armenia’s economy grew by 12.6 percent and, as mentioned, foreign trade turnover increased by almost 69 percent (Finport.am, February 20).

Thus, contrary to expectations, a significant increase in Armenia’s foreign trade turnover without any serious economic basis domestically, especially the remarkable increase in exports to Russia, as well as the list of products primarily traded, give reason to think that these dynamics are artificial and that Armenia is directly involved in re-exporting sanctioned products to Russia. Moreover, according to the US Bureau of Industry and Security, Armenia increased the import of microchips and processors from the US by 515 percent and from the European Union by 212 percent—then reportedly exported 97 percent of those products to Russia (Report.az, April 19).

This fact demonstrates that Armenia did not import these products for local use; instead, the aim was to re-export them to Russia, as Moscow has been lacking products that have strategic importance for its military sector. However, despite the aforementioned indicators, which raises substantial suspicions about Armenia’s complicity in helping the Kremlin circumvent sanctions, little political pressure has been exerted on Yerevan and any comprehensive investigation has not been initiated in this regard.

*About the author: Orkhan Baghirov is a Senior Research fellow at the Baku-based non-governmental independent research organization Center for Studies of the South Caucasus (CSSC), where he is in charge of research on regional economic affairs.

Source: This article was published by The Jamestown Foundation’s Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 20 Issue: 85

https://www.eurasiareview.com/29052023-armenias-role-in-helping-russia-circumvent-sanctions-analysis/

Azerbaijani Press: Criminal case initiated against two Armenian saboteurs detained in Azerbaijan

Andranik Taslakhchian
Azerbaijan –

A criminal case has been initiated against two Armenian saboteurs detained in Azerbaijan.

BYAZEMEDIA

Report informs, citing the joint information of the Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Border Service of Azerbaijan, that they were brought to the investigation.

According to the information, two members of the sabotage group of the Armenian Armed Forces were detained while trying to violate the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan on May 26, on the section of the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border, passing through the territory of the village of Razdere, Zangilan district.

The Azerbaijani Prosecutor General’s Office has opened a criminal case against the detained Hovakimyan Harut Yuriki and Ghazaryan Karen Ashoti under articles 206.3.2 (smuggling of firearms by a group of persons by prior agreement), 214.2.1, 214.2.3 (terrorism committed by a group of persons by prior agreement with the use of firearms), 228.2.1 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation or carrying firearms by a group of persons by prior agreement), 283.2.1 (initiation of national, racial or religious enmity with the use of violence or with the threat of its use) and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan by a group of persons by prior agreement, with the use of violence) of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

Based on the collected evidence, Harut Hovakimyan and Karen Ghazaryan were arrested as suspects and brought to the investigation.

Currently, the necessary investigative measures on the criminal case are being taken.

https://aze.media/criminal-case-initiated-against-two-armenian-saboteurs-detained-in-azerbaijan/

AGBU Statement on Agreement That Gives Azerbaijan Sovereignty Over Artsakh

Andranik Taslakhchian

 

 

May 26, 2023

For immediate release

 

Yesterday, the Republic of Armenia’s leadership met with the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia to continue advancing the process of securing a regional peace agreement. Citing its rationale of making it possible for the citizens of Artsakh to be “guaranteed their security and rights,” Armenia has indicated that it intends to officially agree that Azerbaijan has sovereignty over the people of Artsakh.

 

AGBU, along with many Armenians across the Armenian World, rejects the validity of this rationalization. While all Armenians want stability, peace and security for Armenia and the region, we are deeply concerned by the prospect of Armenia signing away the fate of the Armenians of Artsakh to an enemy that knows no bounds in reaching its dual goals to eradicate Armenians from Artsakh and ultimately win hegemony in the region, which puts the sovereignty of Armenia, itself, at stake. Especially concerning is Azerbaijan stating that no country, including Armenia, will be permitted to stand in the way of its objectives for the population of Artsakh, signaling that blockades, humanitarian terrorism, and cultural genocide in Artsakh will all be fair game.

 

“The history of this conflict over the past 30 years shows that Azerbaijan has never been an honest negotiating partner, “states AGBU President Berge Setrakian. “It has failed to honor any international treaty, convention, agreement, or law where the people of Artsakh are concerned. Ilham Aliyev’s relentless anti-Armenian public rhetoric, unprovoked military aggressions against civilian Armenian communities, and deprivation of thousands of Armenians in Artsakh with a ruthless economic blockade are evidence enough. We know that signing this document is tantamount to giving Azerbaijan a blank check to complete its mission to eradicate Artsakh of all Armenians, with impunity.”

 

For 30 years, the people of Artsakh have tried to exercise their right to self-determination, as defined by the second article of the United Nation’s Charter and the principles of the OSCE Minsk Group. Self-determination is the only acceptable course of action and the world community must step up to finally see this process through. As such, AGBU calls upon all international bodies to support the right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination, otherwise, they will be further subjected to ethnic cleansing by an Azerbaijan that consistently and unapologetically fails to fulfill its end of a settlement.

 

For translations, please see attached documents or visit: https://agbu.org/statement/agbu-statement-agreement-gives-azerbaijan-sovereignty-over-artsakh

 

The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world’s largest non-profit organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the Armenian diaspora.  Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit www.agbu.org.

 

This email was sent to [email protected]

AGBU, 55 East 59th Street, NY, New York 10022, United States

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Putin lauds Armenia’s GDP growth at EEU summit

Andranik Taslakhchian

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 14:18,

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Armenia benefited the most as part of cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and noted that the country has the highest pace of economic growth.

Putin made the remarks during the EEU summit, officially known as the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council session, in Moscow.

In his speech, the Russian President said that cooperation within the EEU is proceeding very successfully and emphasized Armenia’s role. He said that Armenia is the “main beneficiary” of the cooperation and asked Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is in attendance, to remind him how much the GDP has grown in Armenia.

Pashinyan said that in 2022 the GDP growth was 12,6%, and 12,1% this year. “12,1 percent GDP growth is certainly a serious number, a very serious number,” Putin said in response, adding that Russia highly appreciates cooperation with all EEU members.

Why is France trying to play into Russia’s hands?

Andranik Taslakhchian
 eureporter 
MAY 20, 2023

By

 James Wilson

France is starting to supply weapons to Armenia. Initially, it involves the delivery of 50 armoured vehicles, but in the future, deliveries of French Mistral surface-to-air missile systems are also possible – writes James Wilson.

This information has been published by several Israeli and European media outlets and later was confirmed by the statement of one Rachya Arzumanyan, a former high-ranking official of the separatist administration in the Armenian enclave of Karabakh, situated on the occupied Azerbaijani territory. Arzumanyan, speaking to the Armenian channel 1inTV, stated that “significant changes would occur in the military sphere in Armenia in the next two months”. He also added, "I cannot openly talk about it yet… We need to forget about cooperation with Russia in the military sphere… We don't have time to talk and wait."

Earlier, several Ukrainian outlets and the state television channel of Moldova reported on the upcoming supplying of French weapons to Armenia, emphasising that "Western military equipment supplied to Yerevan could be used by Russians to counter the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive. This is apparent, considering the close military cooperation between Yerevan and Moscow."

Commenting on the reports of Moldova's state TV regarding the French arms supplies to Armenia, Ukrainian military expert Roman Svitan stated "If France carries out such deliveries, it is playing into the hands of Russia."

Kyiv has feared all along that Western military hardware, delivered to Armenia, may be used by the Russians. This is why Ukrainian intelligence services have actively surveilled the developments within the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict zone since mid-2022. Their concerns primarily stem from the understanding that such equipment may be reverse-engineered to enhance Russian capabilities in countering the same weaponry supplied by the West to support Ukraine's counteroffensive against Russia's invasion.

The probability of this outcome is very high, considering the close military collaboration between Yerevan and Moscow. After all, Armenia even allowed two Russian military bases to be established within Armenian territory.

Obviously, Russians are eagerly following any developments in direct military cooperation between France and Armenia. The partnership itself was announced during a visit by Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan to Paris in September 2022. Various sources, including  the U.S. analytical outlet on international security, Global Security Review, wrote about the supply of arms: “The pro-Armenian rhetoric of [French] President [Emmanuel] Macron could lead to an agreement regarding air defence.”  This May, Russian outlet REX reported that the military aid that France plans to supply Armenia “at the initial stage includes lethal weapons.”

In the wake of the discussions about French military aid to Armenia leading Western media outlets like The New York Times published various articles about the role that Armenia plays in aiding and abetting Russia to circumvent sanctions, including secret exports of chips and microcircuits for its military, as well as additionally serving as a trans-shipment hub for Iranian weapons sent to Moscow.

Those Iranian weapons, especially drones, are already very much in use by Russia in Ukraine, but also the same drones were used during clashes in April and May between the armed forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia. 

There is also a significant likelihood that French weaponry could potentially find its way into the possession of Iranian forces. Given Iran's history of employing reverse engineering techniques, this strategy presents an opportunity for Iranian arms manufacturers to upgrade and enhance their own arsenal. Such advancements could then be channelled into the arms exported to various terrorist organisations, actively seeking to disrupt stability in the Middle East.

The timing of France's weapon deliveries to Yerevan, coinciding with the upcoming presidential elections in Turkey is rather important. Over the past three years, Erdogan has consistently portrayed himself as a counterbalance to Macron, particularly concerning developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the South Caucasus. This rivalry between the two leaders was notably amplified during the aftermath of Azerbaijan's victory, with the backing of Turkey and Israel, in the Second Karabakh War in 2020.

Besides that, weapon deliveries from France to Armenia put France on a collision course with Israel, for whom Azerbaijan is a close strategic partner. Israel is also one of the of the main suppliers of weapons to Baku's defence forces.

Prominent Israeli expert Ron Ben Ishay has issued a warning about the heightened threat posed by the modernization and improvement of Iranian munitions. He asserts that the utilisation of Russian weaponry in Ukraine will inevitably contribute to enhancing Iranian capabilities, thereby intensifying the danger for all powers currently opposing Iran's aggressive military activities. This development, notably, includes Israel.

Should Erdogan face electoral defeat in Turkey, Israel could potentially emerge as the sole strategic ally for Baku, which consistently faces threats from Tehran. This shift in the political landscape could have significant implications, reshaping the dynamics of regional alliances in the ongoing geopolitical landscape.

An interview with the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia on relations with Russia

Andranik Taslakhchian
May 16 2023
  • JAMnews

Armenia’s independence and relations with Russia

Novaya Gazeta Europe published the opinion of the Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, on issues of concern to the country’s society.Journalist Jan Shenkman asked Grigoryan questions about the problems between Armenia and Russia, the presence of the Russian military in Karabakh, “which is no longer a factor of stability”, why the Pashinyan government is “so indecisive and cannot choose between Russia and the West”, and how the confrontation in Karabakh will end.

  • Is ban on export of dairy products from Armenia to Russian Federation a political decision?
  • Criticism of Russia and the CSTO by the Armenian authorities
  • Ratification of the Rome Statute: will the Armenian authorities go against Russia?

– There is nothing strange here. In recent years the security architecture in the world and in our region has changed dramatically. Before, everything was clear and understandable. We thought that it would be possible to call on the phone and say: “I have a problem.” In response, they would say: “Okay, my friend, we will help.” We have tried and seen that this mechanism does not work. Contractual obligations are not respected. Our whole security concept was built on this, but there is no new one yet.

The mechanisms that were supposed to ensure the security of Armenia have collapsed, new ones have not been created. This is the crisis.

We need to look for new mechanisms and arms supplies, because objectively we do not get what we ordered and paid Russia for. The 2021 contract for hundreds of millions of dollars, which is still not closed, is not the only one. There are several such contracts. And we also expected from the CSTO that it would work in September last year during the direct aggression of Azerbaijan on Armenian territory. It didn’t work and so on.

On a recent message from the Russian Foreign Ministry on the upcoming EU civilian mission to the Armenian border

– You are right in some ways, not in others. Shelling and provocations occur not only when we are negotiating with the West.

In 2018, when the revolution took place in Armenia, we said that this is an internal democratic process, it will not influence foreign policy. And we continued to work with Russia, but this did not guarantee us security: we got the war of 2020.

Another example. In 2013, President Serzh Sargsyan decided to join the Customs Union, which later became known as the EAEU. He was given to understand that if he did not do this, there would be problems in Nagorno-Karabakh. The main argument for joining the Union for Sargsyan was the security of Karabakh. After that we got two wars. April 2016 and September 2020.

Human rights activist on Putin’s extradition – “Facilitating the arrest of Putin is in the interests of Armenia.”

– Yes, there is such a danger. In fact, there are many vulnerabilities. We need to diversify the economy, but we cannot do it overnight.

So far, there is only one way to preserve sovereignty and prevent interference in the internal affairs of Armenia – these are the democratic institutions that we have managed to build.

– A complete reform of the security structures is needed to curb any intelligence activity. We must ensure that our institutions serve only Armenia.

Right now we cannot interfere, but in the future we can and will do it. By the way, everyone remembers that until recently Russian border guards were sitting at the Zvartnots airport, and now Armenian border guards are also sitting. So, there is progress. But sovereignty is a long way to go. You can’t wake up one day and be completely independent.

Even if you are in a hurry, it is impossible to change the sequence of actions. It has to e step by step.

We honestly admit that we do not yet have a solution, but we are looking for it. We have a chance, an opportunity. But there are no guarantees.

Armenia and Russia have completely stopped mutual Armenia and Russia have completely stopped mutual settlements in dollars and euros. settlements in dollars and euros. Economist Armen Ktoyan’s opinion on the situation as a whole, the risks that have arisen and how to overcome them

– Since the beginning of December 2022, Armenia has been saying on all international platforms that Azerbaijan has plans for ethnic cleansing in Karabakh. Let’s see who has the ability to prevent them. First, the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation, which are located in Nagorno-Karabakh. Moreover, under the 2020 agreements, they are obliged to do so. But they don’t.

You understand the tragedy of the situation: Russian peacekeepers are in Karabakh, and people are talking about the threat of ethnic cleansing. They have no hope of being rescued.

The second chance is the international community. Armenia has long been lobbying to send an international observation mission to Karabakh. At least observant.

– Unrecognized, but the international community is committed to preventing genocide wherever it happens.

More and more experts advise the Armenian authorities to take a decisive stance and abandon pseudo-allied relations with Russia while it is still possible to change something

– It was until recently. Now the mood has changed under the influence of circumstances. This is a very interesting topic. Russia began to treat Armenia worse because after the revolution a pro-Western party came to power.

Can such a huge country like Russia change its geopolitical plans and rebuild its strategy because of the changes in the leadership of Armenia?

There are no pro-Western sentiments in Nagorno-Karabakh. No Soros. Instead of NATO – the Russian peacekeeping contingent. And yet there are anti-Russian sentiments. Why do you think? Because of Russia itself, not because of the West. Russia shapes the attitude towards itself.

– But this is already happening, gas is already flowing within the framework of the existing infrastructures. I don’t think that’s the issue, or at least not only that.

In any case, Armenia will never agree to an extraterritorial corridor through its territory. For us, this is a red line.

– What if there is a war?

– Then there is a war.

https://jam-news.net/armenias-independence-and-relations-with-russia/

Council of Europe’s declaration on damages to Ukraine unsigned by six countries — official

Andranik Taslakhchian
 TASS 
Russia –
Some 43 countries have already joined the mechanism, including the Netherlands and Ukraine

MOSCOW, May 18. /TASS/. Six countries – Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia and Turkey – have not signed a declaration on creating a register of damage incurred to Ukraine at a summit of the Council of Europe in Reykjavik, Ukrainian Deputy Justice Minister Irina Mudra said on Wednesday.

"In Reykjavik, at the summit of the heads of states and governments of the Council of Europe, 43 countries and the European Union signed an agreement on the register of damage," she wrote on her page on Facebook (prohibited in Russia due to its ownership by Meta, which has been designated as extremist). Among others, she listed Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova and Estonia. "Not signed (6): Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bosnia, Hungary, Serbia, Turkey," she added. According to the Ukrainian official, three other countries, Andorra, Bulgaria and Switzerland, are getting ready to join the register while undergoing "internal procedures."

Earlier, Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said that at its Reykjavik meeting, the Council of Europe had officially approved the creation of a register of damage inflicted on Ukraine as a result of hostilities. According to him, "the register will be headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands." It is being developed in close cooperation with Ukraine and "will receive, process and record claims."

Some 43 countries have already joined the mechanism, including the Netherlands and Ukraine. It is expected that it will become fully operational in 2024.

Asbarez: Turkey’s Presidential Vote Heads to Runoff

Andranik Taslakhchian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Latest, News, Top Stories

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (left) will face off against Kemal Kilicdaroglu in runoff elections set for May 28


The presidential elections in Turkey, held Sunday, will head to a runoff set for May 28 as the leading candidates failed to secure the more than 50 percent of the votes needed to win.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received 49.51 percent of the votes and his main opposition rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu 44.88 percent, the country’s High Election Board chairman Ahmet Yener told reporters. Turnout was a very high 88.8 percent, Reuters reported.

A third candidate, nationalist Sinan Ogan received five percent of the votes, making his tally crucial for both candidates in the runoff.

The 69-year-old Kilicdaroglu, a member of Republican People’s Party (CHP) ran as the opposition’s main candidate, with the left-leaning People’s Democratic Party (HDP) among the six parties supporting his candidacy.

In the parliamentary elections, which were held simultaneously on Sunday, Erdogan’s People’s Alliance, which included his Justice and Development Party (AKP) and other nationalist forces, appeared to win a majority in Turkey’s new parliament with results suggesting that the president’s bloc had won 321 of the 600 seats.

“The winner has undoubtedly been our country,” Erdogan said in a speech at the AKP headquarters in the capital Ankara overnight, Reuters reported.

Kilicdaroglu welcomed the prospect of a runoff vote and said his party would triumph, CNN reported.

“If our nation says second round, we gladly accept it. We will absolutely win this election in the second round. Everyone will see that,” he said.

Sunday’s election in Turkey was being watched closely in the West and in Russia. Over the years Erdogan has been creating obstacles for the West, including the United States. The Turkish president, however, has become a close ally of President Vladimir Putin of Russia and has purchased Russian defense systems whose technology is incompatible with systems of NATO, of which Turkey is a member.

White House spokesperson John Kirby said President Joe Biden was looking forward to working with whoever won the vote. The Kremlin said it expected Russia’s cooperation with Turkey to continue and deepen regardless of whoever wins, Reuters reported.

Armenia, Azerbaijan confirm commitment to 1991 Almaty Declaration and each other’s respective territorial integrity

Andranik Taslakhchian

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 22:17,

YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. President of the European Council Charles Michel released a statement on May 14 after the trilateral meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

 

Below is the full statement:

“It was a pleasure to host President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan today for a fifth meeting in Brussels. Our exchanges were frank, open and result-oriented. They focused on progress on the path towards Armenia-Azerbaijan normalization. The leaders shared a common willingness for a South Caucasus at peace. I commend their respective efforts. Together, we reviewed all issues on our agenda.

Following the recent positive talks held in the United States on the peace treaty, the momentum should be maintained to take decisive steps towards the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

On border issues, we reviewed progress and the next steps regarding the delimitation of the border. In this context, the leaders agreed on the resumption of the bilateral meetings on border issues. The leaders confirmed their unequivocal commitment to the 1991 Almaty Declaration and the respective territorial integrity of Armenia (29,800 km2) and Azerbaijan (86,600 km2). The ultimate delimitation of the border will be agreed through negotiations.

On connectivity, the sides made clear progress in their discussions aimed at unblocking transport and economic links in the region. Positions on this topic have now come very close to each other in particular on the reopening of the railway connections to and via Nakhchivan. Their respective teams have been tasked to finalize an in principle agreement on the modalities for the opening of the railway connections and the necessary construction works together with a concrete timetable. They also agreed to draw upon the support of the World Customs Organization in supporting this work.   

On humanitarian issues, there has been an understanding that further detainees would be released in the coming weeks. I also stressed the need to safeguard the mutual understanding that soldiers who have simply got lost and crossed to the other side would continue to be released through a speedy procedure. We also discussed the importance of stepping up work on addressing the fate of missing persons and on demining.

We continued our exchanges on the issue of the rights and security of Armenians living in the former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. I encouraged Azerbaijan to engage in developing a positive agenda with the aim of guaranteeing the rights and security of this population, in close cooperation with the international community. I also raised the need for a transparent and constructive dialogue between Baku and this population.

I believe that it is important to refrain from hostile rhetoric, engage in good faith and show leadership to reach mutually-acceptable solutions.

The EU has no hidden agenda. Our sole aim is to help Armenia and Azerbaijan reach a comprehensive and fair peace. We are ready to contribute to their joint efforts. We have agreed to hold the Brussels meetings as often as necessary. Leaders will meet again in Brussels in July. And as was already announced publicly, we will also meet again in the very near future together with President Macron of France and Chancellor Scholz of Germany on the margins of the 2nd European Political Community Summit in Chișinău. I also intend to invite the leaders for another such meeting in the margins of the third EPC summit in Granada in October.”