Author: Ani Tigranian

 20:25, 23 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 23, ARMENPRESS.  The Foreign Ministry of Artsakh issued a comment regarding the targeting of the civilian population of Artsakh by the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, considering it necessary to take decisive and urgent measures by the UN Security Council against the background of the genocidal policy conducted by Azerbaijan at the state level, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh.

“On 22 March, the Azerbaijani armed forces, once again violating the ceasefire, opened fire on civilians engaged in agricultural work in the administrative area of the town of Chartar of Artsakh’s Martuni region. This is already the third case of targeting civilians by Azerbaijan within a week.
 
We recall that on 15 March, farmers working in the vineyards in the area adjacent to the Amaras Valley of the Martuni region, and on March 19, a civilian doing agricultural work on a tractor in the administrative area of the village of Taghavard were targeted with small arms fire from Azerbaijani combat positions.
 
It is obvious that such attacks, which have become more frequent recently, are part of Azerbaijan's long-standing and consistent policy and are aimed at creating unbearable living conditions in Artsakh, harming the country's economy, and exerting psychological pressure on Artsakh Armenians. It is within this policy that for more than 100 days now, Artsakh has been under a blockade orchestrated by the Azerbaijani authorities, as a result of which the delivery of food, medicine and other vital supplies to the republic has been reduced to a minimum, and the rights of the people of Artsakh to free movement, proper medical care, education and other fundamental rights have been violated. Moreover, the Azerbaijani side regularly cuts the gas supply to Artsakh, obstructs the repair of the damaged high-voltage power line coming from Armenia, depriving the people of Artsakh of basic living conditions. Against the backdrop of the critical humanitarian situation in Artsakh, the demonstrations of the so-called "eco-activists" are accompanied by music, dancing, fireworks, consumption of alcohol and parties, which resemble a coven of hate in celebration of Azerbaijan's illegal and inhuman blockade of Artsakh and the suffering of 120 thousand people. 
 
By targeting civilians engaged in agricultural work, Azerbaijan is trying to prevent the citizens of Artsakh from mitigating, to some extent, the serious problems of food shortage caused by the blockade.
 
Azerbaijan strives at all costs to break the will of the people of Artsakh to live freely in their homeland and does not shy away even from terrorist acts, such as the sabotage attack of 5 March, which left three Artsakh police officers killed and one seriously wounded. Clearly nationalist, anti-Armenian and inhumane calls are regularly made both by the country's top leadership and ordinary citizens. The latest such example is a video widely circulated recently in the Azerbaijani media, in which one of the “eco-activists” who blocked the Lachin Corridor, with Azerbaijan's connivance, literally threatens to slaughter an Armenian on the occasion of Nowruz holiday. 

Against the background of the genocidal policy pursued by Azerbaijan at the state level, we consider it necessary for the United Nations Security Council to take decisive and urgent measures aimed at ensuring the fundamental rights of the people of Artsakh and preventing the genocidal intentions of Azerbaijan. We are convinced that the best and most effective way to save the people of Artsakh from ethnic cleansing and genocide is to recognise their right to self-determination and establish it as the basis for the conflict settlement”.

“There is a very high probability of an escalation along Armenia’s border (with Azerbaijan) and in Nagorno-Karabakh,” Pashinyan said in a press conference, accusing Baku of stepping up “aggressive rhetoric” amid the “humanitarian catastrophe” caused by Baku’s blockade of the contested territory.

 11:45,

YEREVAN, MARCH 15, ARMENPRESS. A proposal to erect a statue of Charles Aznavour has been passed by the Yerevan City Council.

Charles Aznavour, the world-famous French-Armenian singer, died in 2018 at the age of 94. Aznavour sold more than 100 million records in 80 countries.

A square in central Yerevan was named after him in 2001. In 2004, Aznavour received the title of National Hero of Armenia – the country's highest state award – in recognition of his support for his homeland. 

Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Tigran Avinyan told city councilors on March 15 that ahead of the legendary crooner’s 100th anniversary of birth the Aznavour Foundation proposed to install his statue in Yerevan. Avinyan said the central part of France Square in downtown Yerevan – where the Jules Bastien-Lepage statue by Auguste Rodin is currently standing – has been chosen as the location for the statue of Aznavour.  Avinyan said the location was selected given that city authorities already had plans to move the Jules Bastien-Lepage statue closer to the sidewalk for passersby to have a better view.

Avinyan said that by installing the Aznavour statue the city will “properly appreciate, value and promote the world famous Armenian artist, great humanitarian and public figure’s creative heritage and eternalize his memory.”

The motion was adopted by the city council unanimously.

 12:40,

YEREVAN, MARCH 10, ARMENPRESS. The United States Intelligence Community has warned of Azerbaijan’s readiness to use calibrated military pressure to advance its goals in talks with Armenia.

The 2023 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community, published by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, noted that “relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are likely to remain tense and occasionally volatile in the absence of a peace treaty, given the proximity of military forces at the interstate border, the lack of a cease-fire enforcement mechanism, and Azerbaijan’s readiness to use calibrated military pressure to advance its goals in talks with Armenia.”

Furthermore, the report states that in September 2022 Azerbaijani forces launched a “coordinated attack” at multiple locations along the border, seizing some Armenian territory. 

“Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan are likely to remain tense and occasionally volatile in the absence of a peace treaty, given the proximity of military forces at the interstate border, the lack of a cease-fire enforcement mechanism, and Azerbaijan’s readiness to use calibrated military pressure to advance its goals in talks with Armenia. The continued presence of military forces in close proximity along the delimited border elevates the risk of armed confrontation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, although such confrontations are likely to be limited in duration and intensity.  Since May 2021, military clashes have occurred regularly at the interstate border and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The most intense flare-up took place in September 2022, when Azerbaijani forces launched a coordinated attack at multiple locations along the border, seizing some Armenian territory and resulting in nearly 300 military deaths.  Peace talks have made some progress, but the most challenging issues—related to state borders and the future of Nagorno-Karabakh—are far from being resolved,” the report reads, in part.

 10:00, 2 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Mexico has said on numerous occasions that the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict must be resolved through peaceful negotiations prioritizing the interests of the peoples, the new Ambassador of Mexico to Armenia Eduardo Villegas Megías told ARMENPRESS in an exclusive interview.

The Ambassador is visiting Armenia to present his credentials. During our interview, Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías explored the Armenian-Mexican bilateral relations, the Armenian community’s role in Mexico, and discussed the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and the blockade of the Lachin Corridor which has resulted in an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). He also reiterated that Mexico is in favor of free movement along Lachin Corridor.

ARMENPRESS: - Mr. Ambassador, please present the agenda of your trip to Armenia. What are your plans?

Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías: I am here first of all to present my credentials as newly-appointed ambassador. I have other planned meetings during my visit to Armenia, particularly meetings related to the culture sector, for example I will visit the Komitas Museum-Institute and the Tchaikovsky Music School. Of course, there will be political meetings as well, for example meetings with Members of Parliament. Meetings with Armenian businessmen are also scheduled for discussions on economic matters. This is my first visit and I plan to cover all possible aspects.

ARMENPRESS: How would you describe the Armenia-Mexico relations? Which areas of mutual interest have potential for development? Do you see prospects for enhancing trade-economic partnership?

Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías: In terms of bilateral relations, I have to mention that warm and friendly relations have developed between Armenia and Mexico. Over the course of the 30 years [of diplomatic relations], the two countries maintained very friendly relations ever since Armenia gained independence. And I came to Armenia in this capacity to intensify and encourage the development of bilateral relations in all areas, such as educational, economic, political, cultural and others.

Regarding the economic sector, as you know trade turnover between our countries isn’t high and this is associated with various factors. We have a neighbor with whom we cooperate a lot, whom we trade with a lot, I am referring to the United States of America. You in turn have trade relations with your neighbors, for example with Russia and the European Union. Actually, there hadn’t been a big impetus for the development of the relations between the two countries, although undoubtedly there is a big potential. In this regard I talked with an Armenian yesterday who lived in Mexico and is very interested to boost Armenian presence in Mexico, and Mexican presence in Armenia.

ARMENPRESS:  You were appointed Ambassador of Mexico to Armenia during a difficult period of time for Armenia. The Lachin corridor – Nagorno Karabakh’s only lifeline – is blocked by Azerbaijan for already 80 days. The blockade has disrupted essential supplies and resulted in a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh. Despite international calls to reopen the corridor, and the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice ordering Azerbaijan to open the corridor, Azerbaijan is still keeping the corridor blocked. What is your attitude for this kind of conduct by Azerbaijan? In your opinion, what actions can be taken by the international community, including by Mexico, in order for the corridor to be opened. Do you think it’s time to consider imposing sanctions against Azerbaijan?

Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías: We are aware of the Lachin Corridor and the humanitarian crisis facing the people in Nagorno Karabakh. In turn, Mexico expressed its stance on many occasions during international forums. This issue must be resolved through negotiations. Our country truly aspires to peace and supports peace. We believe that the best way is to sit around the negotiating table and find a solution in a civilized manner, and the interests of the peoples must be a priority in the solution. We don’t believe that in this regard sanctions could be effective. In relation to the special military operation in Ukraine many countries tried to impose sanctions against the sides, especially against Russia, but Mexico did not join these sanctions. During international forums Mexico numerously outlined that the issue must not impact the way of life and quality of life of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. We’ve numerously called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to sit around the negotiating table in order to give a solution to this issue, because ultimately it is the people who’d suffer from sanctions. The sanctions against Russia are a vivid example, they actually don’t produce the desired result and only the people suffer.

ARMENPRESS: Just to clarify, is Mexico in favor of uninterrupted functioning of the Lachin Corridor?

Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías: Yes, Mexico expressed its stance and is in favor of free movement in Lachin Corridor.

ARMENPRESS: On February 8 the Mexican Senate adopted a document recognizing the Armenian Genocide, citing the need to protect universal human rights. Is the society in Mexico aware of the Armenian Genocide?

Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías: Regrettably, right now the Armenian presence in Mexico is very low. Mexico took in many Armenian migrants throughout the course of history. This topic remains among priorities for these people. Overall, the awareness on what had happened in this region is low, though there are certain organizations which raise awareness about this fact. There is the Memory and Tolerance Museum in Mexico City, where the genocides and massacres that happened over the course of the history of mankind are talked about regularly. What happened to the Armenian people in 1915 in Ottoman Turkey is often recalled there. To answer your question, I will repeat that the awareness is actually low but there are active organizations which pay attention to this issue, and one of them is the Senate of Mexico.   

ARMENPRESS: As you know, Azerbaijan has been occupying sovereign territories of Armenia since 2021 and 2022 and is refusing to release Armenian PoWs of the 2020 Artsakh war. In your opinion, what can the international community do to make Azerbaijan release the PoWs and pull back its troops from territory of Armenia?

Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías: There are multilateral mechanisms, the UN, EU and also Asian platforms which can raise their voice and express themselves within the framework of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict in order to ensure free movement in Lachin corridor and for the issues related to the Armenian prisoners of war to receive a concrete solution. All countries should be concerned over the issue of prisoners of war. And during these discussions, Mexico, which isn’t involved in this conflict, will again call on the sides to sit around the negotiating table.

ARMENPRESS: How would you assess the Armenian community’s role in Mexico today? How many Armenians live in Mexico?

Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías: There are ethnic Armenian governors, businessmen and cultural figures in Mexico. There are few Armenians in politics, but many in culture. For example, musicians, because I think music has developed a lot in Armenia. Now the estimated size of the Armenian community in Mexico stands at around 3,000 people, with the highest concentration in Mexico City, Cancun and Tijuana.

ARMENPRESS: Mr. Ambassador, does Mexico consider opening an embassy in Armenia?

Ambassador Eduardo Villegas Megías: Like I said, the development of bilateral relations proceeded at a low intensity in the past thirty years. Actually, there are no plans to open an embassy of Mexico in Armenia because at this moment the relations aren’t yet at that level, however this can’t in any way be an obstruction and if we succeed to intensify and develop bilateral relations in the coming years then eventually Mexico could look into the possibility of opening an embassy in Armenia.

Interview by Karen Khachatryan

Cameramen: Hovhannes Mkrtchyan, Hayk Barseghyan

Photos by Hayk Badalyan

 14:07, 7 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 7, ARMENPRESS. Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan on March 7 held a meeting with the French Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Special Envoy for South Caucasus Brice Roquefeuil.

Grigoryan and Roquefeuil discussed the situation around Lachin Corridor and the resulting grave humanitarian situation in Nagorno Karabakh, Grigoryan’s office said in a read-out. They underscored the necessity for implementing the binding ruling by the International Court of Justice regarding the opening of the Lachin Corridor.

Secretary Armen Grigoryan drew Roquefeuil’s attention to the March 5 terror attack by the Azerbaijani military in Nagorno Karabakh and emphasized the necessity for international presence in Nagorno Karabakh and Lachin Corridor.

 20:56, 2 March 2023

YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan considers sending international fact-finding mission to Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh to be important for the international community in terms of getting more comprehensive information of the situation, ARMENPRESS reports Pashinyan said at the joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Pashinyan first thanked the German government for supporting the decision to deploy a new EU long-term monitoring mission in Armenia. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that this mission will play a significant role in establishing peace and security in the region. He personally thanked Chancellor Scholz, because his personal contribution to making that decision was very big.

One of the key topics of the discussions between Pashinyan and Scholz was the security situation in the South Caucasus and the challenges facing Armenia.

"After the signing of the declaration on November 9, 2020, Armenia spared no effort to achieve the normalization of relations with Azerbaijan and ensure the rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh. Unfortunately, instead of participating in negotiations in good faith, the Azerbaijani side continues its unconstructive policy, threatens Armenia's democracy, undermining our government's efforts to establish peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus. Today, the most urgent problem is that since December 12, 2022 the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outside world, the Lachin Corridor, has been closed by Azerbaijan, as a result of which 120,000 residents have found themselves in a blockade," said the Prime Minister.

He emphasized that these actions of Azerbaijan are a gross violation of the obligations assumed by the tripartite declaration of November 9, թճթճ, which is a part of the large-scale and systematic policy of Azerbaijan aimed at the ethnic cleansing of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"We think it could be very important to send an international fact-finding mission to the Lachin Corridor and Nagorno-Karabakh for the international community to get a more comprehensive understanding of the situation," Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister reminded that on February 22, the International Court of Justice made a legally binding decision for Azerbaijan, obliging it to take all necessary measures to ensure the uninterrupted movement of people, vehicles and cargo in both directions through the Lachin Corridor.

"We call on our international partners to take active steps to ensure the immediate implementation of the court's decision by Azerbaijan. We attach importance to the clear position of Germany, a country of democracy, protection of human rights and preservation of universal values, which will support Armenia's efforts towards stability and peace in the South Caucasus," said Pashinyan.