14:54,
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Ombudsman of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan has submitted a resignation letter to the Speaker of Parliament on December 22.
Beglaryan said on social media that his decision is connected with assuming another position in the public administration system.
Artak Beglaryan will hold a press conference on December 23 at 11:00.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Civil disobedience protests have taken place throughout Armenia since 12.00 today, Ishkhan Saghatelyan, the coordinator at the Homeland Salvation Front stated during the rally at Republic Square in Yerevan. He reminded that numerous citizens, employees of factories and private companies, state structures have joined the nationwide strike to demand Pashinyan's resignation.
"Now is the time for all our people to be one fist together to save the homeland. We gave time to deputies of "My Step" faction and suggested to meet and discuss the current situation in the country. Regretfully, they do not perceive the seriousness of the situation and their responsibility. We have received no feedback from the faction thus far," Saghatelyan informed, adding there is much work with each member of the ruling party.
To remind, the opposition Homeland Salvation Movement set on Tuesday an ultimatum until 18.00 for deputies of the ruling "My Step" faction to send a delegation and hold discussions with the leaders of opposition on the current situation in the country.
Saghatelyan next informed that the opposition will soon announce the names of all deputies from the ruling faction, and the RA citizens 'will be free in their decision and action.' "If they do not realize and understand the public demand, we will force them to convene a parliamentary session," Saghatelyan said.
He next said the if their demands are not met, they will spend the night in the square.
December 19, 2020
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs R. Clarke Cooper
The United States believes that the presence of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh risks “destabilizing” the situation in the region, said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs R. Clarke Cooper on Thursday.
“In such cases Russia’s presence threatens with destabilization,” Cooper said when asked by an Azeri reporter whether or not the US “could counter the Russian influence.”
“This, of course, is a challenge for all parties and states involved,” Cooper added.
Russian peacekeepers have been deployed in Nagorno Karabakh as part of the November 9 statement signed by the Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani leaders that ended the 44-day war in Artsakh. The Russian peacekeepers mission includes providing humanitarian aid and medical assistance to the Armenians of Artsakh, they have cleared landmines and have disposed unexploded ordnances.
The Russian troops are guarding the borders of the Republic of Artsakh, as well as the Lachin corridor. The peacekeeping contingent’s Commander, Lt. General Rustam Muradov is personally supervising the repatriation of the Armenian POWs from Azerbaijan. The Russian peacekeepers are also escorting the refugees back to Artsakh, and are assisting in the search and retrieval of bodies from the battlefield.
10:58,
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. The City Council of Clamart, France, has passed a resolution on the final settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the recognition of the sovereignty of Artsakh, the Artsakh foreign ministry reports.
“France, based on its historic friendly ties with Armenia, should play a major role in the stable political and peaceful settlement. France should officially recognize the Republic of Artsakh for the sake of the peoples’ right to self-determination”, the resolution says.
The City Council stated that this recognition would allow to prepare ground for paving a way to the international recognition of nations.
The City Council has called on President of France Emmanuel Macron to engage France in the final settlement process of the conflict, the implementation of the peace process and the immediate recognition of Nagorno Karabakh, eliminate the ban put before the municipalities on having institutional ties with the Republic of Artsakh.
Recently the French Senate and National Assembly adopted respective resolutions on the need to recognize the Republic of Artsakh.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Armenia's ruling party does not rule out possibility of snap elections at any moment
17:47,
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 15, ARMENPRESS. MP from ruling ''My step'' bloc Nazeli Baghdasaryan does not rule out possibility of holding snap elections at any stage, ARMENPRESS reports Baghdasaryan told the reporters at the parliament.
''The roadmap published by the Prime Minister contains a clause on the law on parties and the Electoral Code. The works related to the amendment of the Code started in the summer of 2019. There are issues that still need to be decided. This is a logical process. We do not rule out holding snap elections at any stage'', she said.
Parliamentary and extra-parliamentary political forces demand resignation of PM Pashinyan and holding snap elections.
18:24, 9 December, 2020
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Armenia Vahram Dumanyan received on December 9 the delegation led by Ambassador of the USA to Armenia Lynne Tracy.
As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Ministry, issues referring to the educational, scientific and cultural programs between Armenia and the USA, as well as issues referring to the possible expansion of the cooperation were on the agenda.
Greeting the guests, Minister Dumanyan emphasized the importance of the activities of the U.S. Embassy and its joint programs with the Ministry. Focusing on the Azerbaijani policy of eradicating the Armenian historical-religious heritage during and after the war, Vahram Dumanyan proposed to observe the possibilities of expanding cooperation in the sphere of culture.
‘’At the moment the Armenian cultural and religious monuments that have passed under the Azerbaijani control are being destroyed and distorted. Azerbaijan's policy of cultural genocide violates international norms and contradicts universal values’’, Minister Dumanyan said, adding that he expects the assistance of also the U.S. Embassy in protecting Armenia’s material and mom-material heritage.
Thanking for the reception, Ambassador Lynn Tracey noted that they are ready to expand cooperation and help Armenia overcome the difficulties of the post-war period as soon as possible.
Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed during the meeting.
20:28, 4 December, 2020
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 4, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Avinyan received on December 4 Ambassador of the USA to Armenia Lynne Tracy.
As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, during the meeting Tigran Avinyan noted that the Government intends to push forward the reform program launched in previous years with even greater vigor, as well as works aimed at an anti-crisis economic program are underway.
The interlocutors discussed issues related to the investment and business environment.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the authorities of Armenia and Artsakh are making great efforts to resolve the humanitarian situation created by the Azerbaijani aggression, in this context highlighted the support of international partners, including the United States, and its further expansion. The American side presented the ongoing humanitarian assistance provided by the United States.
During the discussion of the issue of exchange of hostages, Tigran Avinyan said that the principle of "all for all" should be applied. He added that the Armenian side is doing everything to speed up the process as much as possible. Ambassador Tracy noted that she is ready for a constructive dialogue with the Deputy Prime Minister on how the United States can be useful in these efforts.
The Heads of Delegation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries – Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Secretary of State of the United States Stephen E. Biegun, and Minister for European and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Yves Le Drian – welcome the cessation of military activities in the area of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in accordance with the statement by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, and President of the Russian Federation from November 9, 2020.
The Co-Chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group call upon Armenia and Azerbaijan to continue implementing fully their obligations under the November 9 statement, in Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts, as well as their previous ceasefire commitments. The Co-Chair countries highlight the significance of measures taken by the Russian Federation, in agreement with Azerbaijan and Armenia, to guarantee the non-renewal of hostilities. They also call for the full and prompt departure from the region of all foreign mercenaries, and call upon all parties to facilitate this departure.
The Co-Chair countries remind Armenia and Azerbaijan of their obligation to comply with the requirements of international humanitarian law, in particular with regard to the exchange of prisoners of war and the repatriation of remains. They underline the importance of guaranteeing conditions for the voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable return of people displaced by the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including during the recent hostilities. They underscore the importance of protecting historical and religious heritage in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. The Co-Chair countries call on Azerbaijan and Armenia to cooperate fully with the relevant international organizations to implement their obligations in these areas and ensure humanitarian access.
The Co-Chair countries appeal to the international community including ICRC, UN institutions, and other appropriate structures as well as OSCE Minsk Group individual countries to take concrete steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent areas in a coordinated way. The Co-Chairs also reiterate their strong support for the continuing work of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chair-in-Office (PRCiO) and his team.
The Co-Chair countries urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to take advantage of the current ceasefire to negotiate a lasting and sustainable peace agreement under the auspices of the Co-Chairs. In that context, the Co-Chair countries urge the parties to receive the Co-Chairs in the region at the earliest opportunity and to commit to substantive negotiations to resolve all outstanding issues in accordance with an agreed timetable.
The Co-Chair countries of the OSCE Minsk Group recall their firm commitment to the non-use or threat of force to settle disputes. They reiterate their consistent and united position in favor of a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining core substantive issues of the conflict in line with the basic principles and elements well-known to both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Co-Chair countries remain fully committed to pursuing this objective in line with their long-standing efforts to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region.
13:05, 1 December, 2020
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting on December 1 with the French-Armenian football legend, France’s Goodwill Ambassador for Armenia Youri Djorkaeff and his brother Denis Djorkaeff, who is the Deputy Mayor of the French town of Décines-Charpieu and the advisor to the head of the Football Federation of Armenia.
The Armenian High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan was also in attendance, the Prime Minister’s Office said.
The Prime Minister thanked the Djorkaeff brothers for supporting Armenia and Artsakh in the difficult post-war period.
“I am happy to once again host you. The activity and support which the Djorkaeff family is doing for Armenia and Artsakh is very important. During these difficult times we must be united and unite our pan-national potential to overcome the difficulties and move forward. We must be more active and more closely connected,” Pashinyan said.
Youri Djorkaeff thanked the Prime Minister and said that the Armenian community of France will always stand by the Armenian people.
“Mr. Prime Minister, we are here today to provide humanitarian, moral support and also as a testament to the strong Armenian-French ties. We will continue our commitment, we will continue to stand at your side,” he said.
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
11:17,
YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 25, ARMENPRESS. 1563 new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been confirmed in Armenia in the past one day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 129,085, the ministry of healthcare said today.
1969 more patients have recovered in one day. The total number of recoveries has reached 100,913.
4198 tests were conducted in the past one day.
38 more patients have died, raising the death toll to 2040.
The number of active cases is 25,619.
The number of patients who had a coronavirus but died from other disease has reached 513 (6 new such cases).
Reporting by Lilit Demuryan; Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan