Author: Arpi Talalian

Armenia, Iran leaders speak amid Yerevan-Baku tensions

Arpi Talalian
New Arab
Sept 10 2023
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan made a number of other calls to foreign leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholtz.

Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi spoke Saturday, as tensions escalated on Armenia's border with Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan and Raisi discussed issues including the blockade of the Lachin corridor leading to the Nagorno-Karabakh region by Azerbaijan, and the buildup of the Azerbaijani military around the disputed region, read a statement from the Armenian prime minister's office released Saturday.

The call was one of a series made by Pashinyan, who also spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, among others, according to other statement from the prime minister's office.

The flurry of calls comes as tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan increase following Azerbaijan's blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh by cutting off the Lachin corridor, the only road that connects the enclave to Armenia.

The blockade, which has been ongoing since December 2022, has resulted in food and fuel shortages in the territory.

These tensions have further escalated following the election of Samvel Shahramanyan as the new leader of Nagorno-Karabakh, an act Azerbaijan labelled as "a clear violation of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity."

As well as tensions over the current situation with Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defence claimed that Armenian soldiers opened fire with small arms on its soldiers in the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan – a claim denied by the Armenian defence ministry.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have had tense relations following both countries independence from the Soviet Union, fighting two wars over the ethnically Armenian territory of Nagorno-Karabakh which is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. 

The most recent all-out war, fought in 2020, resulted in a Russian-backed ceasefire, with much of the Armenian held territory, some of which being outside Nagorno-Karabakh, was ceded to Azerbaijan.

However, the two countries have yet to sign a lasting peace settlement even with mediation efforts from international powers such as the EU, the US and Russia.

Iran has sought to present itself as a mediator in Baku and Yerevan's longstanding dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh, but Tehran has been accused of sending weapons to the Armenians to support its fight for the territory. Iran has denied such claims.

Pashinyan changing country’s politics to align with West — experts

Arpi Talalian
 TASS 
Russia – Sept 7 2023
It is believed that the Armenian prime minister is taking advantage of the situation in Ukraine, trying to sign an agreement with Azerbaijan with the help of the West

YEREVAN, September 7. /TASS/. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has decided to change the country's politics in a move that benefits the West, as evidenced by his recent moves, Eduard Sharmazanov, a former deputy speaker of the country's parliament and member of the board of the Republican Party led by the third President, Serzh Sargsyan.

Last week, Pashinyan, in an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, argued that Russia was distancing itself from the South Caucasus and that Russian peacekeepers were not controlling the Lachin corridor, because Russia was either unwilling or unable to do so. The day before, Armenia's Cabinet sent the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court to parliament for ratification. This week, Yerevan announced joint exercises with the United States, due to begin on September 11, and Pashinyan's wife Anna Hakobyan visited Kiev, where she took part in a "forum of first ladies and gentlemen" and was photographed with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.

"Nikol Pashinyan is changing Armenia's political course," Sharmazanov believes. "This is a continuation of his statements that Russia’s military presence in Armenia is a threat, that Russia wants us to provide them with a corridor (meaning a proposed transportation corridor from the main territory of Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan through the territory of Armenia – TASS) or is forcing us to join the Union State. This is a continuation of the statements about the issue of Lachin (Lachin corridor – TASS) being put under the responsibility of Russia."

He said this was not the first such attempt by the current Armenian authorities.

"Back in 2018, US presidential national security advisor John Bolton visited Armenia and said that the Armenian people should abandon their traditions. Among other things, he had in mind the destruction of Armenian-Russian relations. Pashinyan is consistently ruining Armenian-Russian relations," the expert believes.

"Pashinyan is taking advantage of the situation in Ukraine, trying to sign an agreement with Azerbaijan with the help of the West. As a result, Armenia sustains territorial losses," Sharmazanov warned.

Hayk Naapetyan, a security expert and retired colonel, agrees. "The plans for ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, the Armenian-US military exercises, the statements about joining NATO, and the visit of Pashinyan's wife to Kiev indicate that the Armenian leadership has made a final decision to start the process of distancing itself from Russia and leaving the CSTO and the EAEU," he told TASS.

According to Naapetyan, in his interview with the Italian newspaper, Pashinyan clearly stated that security cooperation with Russia was the wrong architecture and that the CSTO was not fulfilling its legal obligations.

In Moscow, Pashinyan's statements to the Italian media sparked criticism. A diplomatic source told TASS that the Russian side regarded them "as unacceptable in tone and content and aimed at shifting the responsibility for its own miscalculations and mistakes onto Russia."

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov, commenting on the news of the upcoming Eagle Partner 2023 exercises between Armenia and the United States, told TASS that Russia had made its allies in Armenia deftly aware of the fact that their military exercises with the United States were perceived in Moscow with certain concern. Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the information about these exercises was worrisome, and Moscow would deeply analyze this situation and keep an eye on what happened next.

Russia also paid attention to the statement made by the Chairman of the European Committee for NATO Development Gunther Fehlinger to the effect that Armenia should join the North Atlantic Alliance. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin said in this regard that the Armenian people had enough wisdom "not to buy" NATO's attempts to draw their country into the alliance's sphere of influence. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told TASS that the statements made in the EU about Armenia's needing to join NATO were "grand fantasies."

Armenia reassigns CSTO envoy as new ambassador to Netherlands and representative to OPCW

Arpi Talalian

 16:56, 5 September 2023

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 5, ARMENPRESS. At the advice of Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Vahagn Khachaturyan has formalized the appointment of Viktor Biyagov as Armenia’s new Ambassador to the Netherlands, the presidency reported Tuesday.

Biyagov was relieved from his post as Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the CSTO.

He will also serve as Armenia’s Permanent Representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

Armenian President, India’s National Defense College Commandant discuss development of cooperation

Arpi Talalian

 09:53, 31 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 31, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Vahagn Khachaturyan has met with Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya, the Commandant of India’s National Defense College.

The Ambassador of India to Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha also participated in the meeting.

“Our friendship has a history of centuries,” the Armenian President said at the meeting, according to a readout. “And ever since Armenia gained independence, we’ve continued that tradition and by establishing diplomatic relations with India we’ve done everything in order for our ties to develop dynamically.”

“Last year, we marked the 30th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, and we now continue to find new opportunities for the further development and expansion of our relations, and in this regard your visit has important significance,” President Khachaturyan said.

The Armenian President and Lieutenant General Sukriti Singh Dahiya discussed the directions and areas for further developing the existing close cooperation between Armenia and India.  The importance of utilizing the great potential for partnership in high technologies, healthcare, agriculture and defense areas was emphasized.

The opportunity for implementing exchange of experience projects in military education was discussed.

The regional realities were also discussed, and the President stated that Armenia is resolute in its position to achieve sustainable and lasting peace and is moving in that direction.

Armenian government approves signing agreement on EUMA status

Arpi Talalian

 13:21,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 31, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia has approved the signing of the Agreement on the Status of the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) between Armenia and the EU.

The approval was made at the Cabinet meeting on August 31.

The agreement complies with the Armenian law on International Treaties and is in line with the government’s foreign policy and international obligations, the foreign ministry said.

EUMA is a non-executive, non-armed civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Mission. EUMA observes and reports on the security situation along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan.

It was established in response to a request by Armenia.

10 patients evacuated from Nagorno-Karabakh by ICRC

Arpi Talalian

 16:39,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 31, ARMENPRESS. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated on August 31 the transfer of 10 patients from blockaded Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for treatment, the Ministry of Healthcare of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) said in a press release.

The ICRC plans to transfer 1 patient, who’s completed treatment in Armenia, back to Nagorno-Karabakh later today. All patients are accompanied by their attendants.

34 children remain hospitalized in the Arevik clinic in Nagorno-Karabakh. 8 are in neonatal and intensive care.

Another 94 patients are hospitalized at the Republican Medical Center in Stepanakert. 7 are in intensive care (3 are critically-ill).

ANCA Haroutioun & Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy rallies for Artsakh

Arpi Talalian
 ANCA ANCA News 0

Kasparian Summer Academy participants with ANCA Government Affairs Director Tereza Yerimyan and Programs Coordinator Nareg Aghjayan at the Aramian House as they start a day exploring careers in policy, politics and media

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Over thirty Armenian American high school-age students shared Artsakh’s powerful story of perseverance and commitment to freedom with Congressional leaders during the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Haroutioun & Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy. Over the span of two separate week-long sessions held in early August, students met with Washington, D.C.’s Armenian American professionals and learned about career and academic goals in policy, politics, media and finance.

“Participants in the Kasparian Summer Academy brought their remarkable personal devotion for the Armenian cause to our nation’s capital, where they served as effective advocates for their brothers and sisters in Artsakh amid Azerbaijan’s genocidal blockade,” stated ANCA Programs Coordinator Nareg Aghjayan. “Alongside non-stop advocacy efforts, these students also explored avenues to professional and academic success, all the while, making new friends for life.”

Summer Academy participants were chosen based on a rigorous application process focusing on academic excellence and proven pro-Artsakh/Armenia efforts through groups, including the Armenian Youth Federation, Armenian churches and organizations, schools, student groups and individual initiatives. The ANCA expanded the program to two sessions, in order to accommodate unprecedented interest from youth across the U.S.

The first session of the Summer Academy, held from July 31st to August 4th included Diran Deichmann, Nairi Garibian, Aris Givelekian, Meghri Hamparian, Athena Hovanessian, Aram Kedeshian, Arek Kedeshian, Karine Kevorkian, Anton Khechoyan, Zaven Kouchakdjian, Daniel Markarov, John Nenedzhyan, Vartkaes Pamboukian, Seta Sahagian, Lori Sarafian, Maral Sarafian, and Vartan Yildiz.

The second session of the program, held from August 7th to 11th included Zabella Aslanian, Anna Baghdassarian, Tigran Bdoyan, Andrew Gorgissian, Areg Horoupian, Grace Hovsepian, Vincent Hovsepian, Sophia Karabetian, Jackalyn Karamanougian, Hagop Khayalian, Zepure Merdinian, Alec Sarkissian, Lori Sarkissian, Simon Soghomonian, and Nyrie Tavidian.

Each shared their expectations and impressions of the program in testimonials shared below and videos available on the ANCA social media channels. Videos are available on the ANCA YouTube channel.

During the two sessions, Summer Academy participants explored the diplomatic challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh in discussions with ANCA National Board Member Ani Tchaghlasian. Big Whig Media founders Ken and Keith Nahigian discussed the broader political media scene in Washington and effective communication strategies during a tour of their state-of-the-art multi-media studio located just blocks from the White House. Armenian genealogy expert and ARF Eastern Region Central Committee member George Aghjayan led discussions on the evolution of Armenian identity and explored what justice would look like for the Armenian nation, which continues to battle a present-day Genocide in Artsakh. Dr. Khatchig Mouradian, the Armenia and Georgia Area Specialist at the Library of Congress, shared the vast treasures of the Library’s growing Armenian collection. Participants also had a special Executive Director’s tour of the Woodrow Wilson House, learning about the U.S. president’s pivotal role in launching the US government’s first major international humanitarian assistance program during the Armenian Genocide.

Kasparian Summer Academy participants at Big Whig Media with founders Ken and Keith Nahigian

Summer Academy participants were introduced to a wide range of career opportunities on Capitol Hill, international development, advocacy and consulting by successful Armenian Americans in their respective fields. Congressional Armenian Staff Association (CASA) leaders and members shared the journeys that led them to Capitol Hill and their impact in U.S. policymaking. Spotlighting Washington, D.C.’s robust consulting world, Deloitte’s Armenian Senior Managers Tadeh Issakhanian and Sipan Ohannesian shared their experiences and discussed career growth opportunities.

The ANCA’s Washington D.C. team focused on best practices of Armenian American grassroots advocacy with intensive sessions on the organization’s 360-degree agenda to defend Artsakh safety and security, promote stronger U.S.-Armenia ties and secure justice for the Armenian Genocide. Executive Director Aram Hamparian and Programs Director Alex Galitsky led in-depth discussions on the policy priorities advanced on Capitol Hill, including mock meetings to share effective advocacy techniques for future Congressional visits. ANC Artsakh Executive Director Gev Iskajyan shared the daily realities and political challenges facing the people of Artsakh in interactive Zoom sessions from Stepanakert. ANCA IT Director Nerses Semerjian shared the myriad of ANCA tools of pro-Armenian advocacy and communication priorities in encouraging broader Armenian American community civic participation and expanding outreach to media and U.S. political leaders.

During both sessions, participants visited with all U.S. Senate and House offices, calling on Congressional leaders to send a humanitarian airlift to Artsakh and end U.S. military assistance to Azerbaijan. With Semerjian’s assistance, first-session participants prepared a video urging Armenian Americans and allies to join them in their pro-Artsakh efforts through advocacy across the U.S.

The ANCA Summer Academy is named after Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian in recognition of their lifetime of selfless service and sacrifice for the Armenian community and cause, through a generous grant by their daughter and son-in-law, Arsho and Adour Aghjayan, and grandson, Nareg Aghjayan, who ran this year’s program. In presentations to the students, Nareg encouraged participants to explore the full range of ANCA-sponsored national and regional internships and post-graduate programs, as they consider careers in policy, politics, and media.

ANCA Summer Academy participants stayed at the ANCA Aramian House, a landmark property in downtown Washington, D.C. which serves as the home and permanent headquarters of the ANCA’s signature youth programs. The Aramian House is named in honor of the late community leader and philanthropist Martha Aramian of Providence, Rhode Island.

The ANCA Haroutioun & Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy is the latest in the series of youth leadership and career development programs including the Leo Sarkisian Internship Program, Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program, Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellowship, and the ANCA Rising Leaders Program – which features the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day.

In Their Own Words: Summer Academy Participants Share Their Experiences in the Innovative Program

“Thanks to the Kasparian Summer Academy, my passion for the Armenian Cause has deepened immensely.” – Zabella Aslanian, Saddle River NJ

“The combination of education and hands-on advocacy has forever changed my understanding of the Armenian Cause and how to help my community in a meaningful way.” – Anna Baghdassarian, Woodstock NY

“Participating in the ANCA Kasparian Summer Academy at the Aramian House was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of Armenian issues and advocacy. The connections I made and the info I absorbed, have become an enduring part of my personal and intellectual growth.” – Tigran Bdoyan, Ghanna OH

“The Kasparian Summer Academy was an opportunity to meet new Armenian friends but also encouraged us to advocate for the Armenian Cause. I think the best part was when we worked together as a whole, because this gave us an opportunity to get closer to one another while also realizing how much we relate to each other.” – Nairi Garibian, Longmeadow MA

“The Kasparian Summer Academy was an amazing experience for me. I was able to take my passion for politics to the next level and learn in great detail about the political world, especially in relation to Armenia. And last but not least, I am grateful for the friends that I made along the way.” – Areg Horoupian, Belmont CA

“A huge thank you to the entire ANCA team for putting on a memorable and inspiring program for the upcoming Armenian youth in our efforts to bring justice to Armenia and Artsakh.” – Athena Hovanessian, Las Vegas NV

“The ANCA Kasparian Summer Academy has given me the opportunity to get involved and stay involved in my Armenian community. I learned how to properly advocate for the Armenian Cause and Artsakh, met the ANCA staff learning about their different roles and made lifelong friendships with people who are incredibly passionate to help strengthen our Armenian community.” – Grace Hovsepian, Altadena CA

“The Kasparian Summer Academy not only provided countless networking opportunities, but allowed me to share perspectives with Armenians around the world who have used policy to advance our Cause.” – Vincent Hovsepian, Los Angeles CA

“The ANCA Kasparian Summer Academy taught me how to effectively advocate for legislation that helps Armenians in Artsakh who are suffering the effects of the blockade. While learning about the ANCA and its vital role in the Diaspora, I made lifelong friendships and memories I will always carry with me.” – Jackalyn Karamanougian, La Puente CA

“Participating in the ANCA Kasparian Summer Academy was truly an amazing experience. Over the course of a week I was not only taught how to advocate for Armenian issues but was also given the opportunity to practice what I learned by going to Capitol Hill and bringing the current issues we face as a community to the attention of the staffs of House of Representatives members.” – Arek Kedeshian, Pasadena CA

“The Kasparian Summer Academy enlightened me to a new understanding of policy and Armenian advocacy. Furthermore, my love for DC has grown even more and I hope to return in the near future.” – Hagop Khayalian, Los Angeles, CA

“I loved learning about the Armenian and American political systems, while also becoming more educated about my heritage and the ongoing situation in Artsakh. I am very happy to have made more Armenian friends from all across the country, and plan to keep in touch with them for years to come.” – Anton Khechoyan, Englewood, CO

“Throughout the past week, I have gained a very deep insight on the issues that affect the Armenian people, how to help solve these issues, and the ways that Turkey and Azerbaijan create and allow these issues to happen. I learned all of this while being surrounded by fellow Armenian youth from across the country, all with different experiences and perspectives.” – Zaven Kouchakdjian, Sudbury, MA

“I walked in with a strong but narrow understanding of my Armenian-ness; yet afterward, I can say that I have learned so much more about my people and my place in the world as an Armenian in the Diaspora.” – Arsen Markarov, San Francisco, CA

“Though my interests don’t fall into the political world, I enjoyed learning more about the politics that help us advance Hai Tahd. I was also grateful to have had the opportunity to connect with the local Armenians who work at the ANCA and to have met Armenians from around the world who had decided to attend this program.” – Vartkaes Pamboukian, Gaithersburg, MD

“From an early age, we enhanced our activism skills in order to ensure the future of Artsakh is safe in our hands. The connections we made with the interns and all those we had conversations with will truly be the ties to sustain our ongoing fight.” – Seta Sahagian, Mahwah, NJ

“I really enjoyed being able to go to Congress and advocating for Armenia with my fellow interns. The lectures were very educational and forced us to think critically about Armenia and specifically how we educate others about our concerns.” – Maral Sarafian, Paramus, NJ

“The ANCA Kasparian Summer Academy has given me the opportunity of a lifetime. I thank everyone who has put their time and effort into making this internship what it is.” – Alec Sarkissian, West Sacramento CA

“As someone who felt uneducated about the political situation in Armenia, this week was fantastic. I didn’t just learn, but I met new people and made new friends.” – Simon Soghomonian, Springfield, VA

“Thanks to the ANCA Kasparian Summer Academy allowed me to network with successful Armenians in the nation’s capital and form lifelong friendships with other young Armenians who share the same passion for advancing the Armenian Cause.” – Nyrie Tavidian, Glendale, CA

“I thoroughly learned about the current situation of Armenia and Artsakh which I was later able to advocate for on Capitol Hill. I was also able to meet with other Armenians that work on Capitol Hill providing me with valuable insight and connections with those Armenians.” – Vartan Yildiz, Edgewater, NJ

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The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.


Asbarez: France Slams Baku for ‘Illegal and Immoral’ Artsakh Blockade

Arpi Talalian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

France's Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna meets with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan on Apr. 27


Pashinyan, Macron discuss Artsakh humanitarian crisis

France on Tuesday increased its pressure campaign on Azerbaijan by slamming what it called the “illegal” and “immoral” blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The strategy of chokehold aimed at inciting a mass exodus of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh is illegal, as already defined by the international court. That policy is also immoral,” French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said Tuesday during a meeting with French diplomats

Colonna’s statement comes a day after President Emmanuel Macron of France said that France will increase its pressure on Azerbaijan to end the Artsakh blockade.

The French foreign minister added that France is mobilizing its efforts for the establishment of just and sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which will allow to implement border delimitation.

“Just and sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan would also allow the people of Nagorno-Karabakh to live in their homeland and for their rights, culture and history to be respected,” she said.

Official Baku was quick to respond calling Colonna’s remarks “unaccapetable.” Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada said that France is “showing a one-sided pro-Armenian position, which does not serve peace and stability in the region.

“The Republic of Azerbaijan is making efforts, within the framework of national legislation, to reintegrate the Armenian residents living in the Karabakh region into the political, social, and economic spheres of our country, and it is absolutely wrong to obstruct this efforts and to declare that as if a policy is being pursued [by Azerbaijan] to remove Armenian residents from the region,” Hajizada added.

“Once again, we call on the French side to put an end to such inflammatory and provocative statements,” Hajizada said.

In his remarks on Monday, Macron stated that he will discuss the humanitarian crisis with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan’s office reported on Tuesday that the prime minister and Macron held a telephone conversation to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Artsakh.

“Nikol Pashinyan underscored the daily deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan and emphasized the need for steps aimed at overcoming and resolving it,” the prime minister’s press service said.

“The Armenian and French leaders also underscored the importance of consistent efforts in the direction of ensuring stability and peace in the region,” the call readout added.

New military service option for women launched

Arpi Talalian

 11:53,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 29, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia announced on August 29 that applications are open to women who want to join the military for the new service option.

In June, parliament approved a bill enabling women aged 18-27 to voluntarily join the military for a 6-month service.

The recruits will serve in the training military bases.

Servicemembers will receive a 1,000,000 AMD remuneration upon completion of the 6-month service. After completing the term, recruits will have the voluntary option of renewing their contract for another 5 years under the Homeland Defender contract service option.

Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister briefed on Nagorno-Karabakh humanitarian crisis

Arpi Talalian

 19:12,

 

YEREVAN, AUGUST 23, ARMENPRESS. On August 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a phone conversation with Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The interlocutors touched upon the deepening humanitarian crisis and the most serious challenges unfolded in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor, the foreign ministry said in a readout.

Ararat Mirzoyan noted that by subjecting 120,000 people of Nagorno-Karabakh to starvation and creating conditions incompatible with a decent life, Azerbaijan is implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing.

The urgency of supplying food, medicine and other essential goods to Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the need to ensure the full and uninterrupted functioning of the International Committee of the Red Cross, the only international humanitarian organization with access to Nagorno-Karabakh was emphasized. Minister Mirzoyan also touched upon the case of abduction by the border guard service of Azerbaijan of Vagif Khachatryan, who was being transported from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia for medical treatment on July 29, accompanied by the ICRC. He emphasized the absolute inadmissibility of such behavior of Azerbaijan.

Appreciating the targeted calls of international partners, Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of effective steps to immediately lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor and ensure humanitarian access to Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the Orders of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6.