Dec 27 2020
https://www.persecution.org/2020/12/27/ecthr-requests-information-armenian-pows/?fbclid=IwAR1ESbyXYR4wKp9FTURRM1GbKwcUgSWtpYpEQndbwZ2tdYfNuMYM-6VLRrQ#.X-jzswYVvVc.facebook
Author: Jack Hunanian
TURKISH press: Turkey bashes Armenia for violation of Nagorno-Karabakh peace deal
An Armenian soldier fires artillery on the front line during the ongoing fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Oct. 25, 2020. (AFP)
Turkey on Monday denounced a recent cease-fire violation and attack on Azerbaijani servicemen and civilians by Armenian forces in Nagorno-Karabakh.
"The attacks carried out in Nagorno-Karabakh against the Azerbaijani Armed Forces by the Armenian elements, who refused to lay down their arms and withdraw, are a clear violation of the cease-fire regime established by the Trilateral Declaration dated Nov. 9, 2020," Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hami Aksoy said in a statement.
"Military and civilian casualties and injuries occurred as a result of the attacks by Armenian armed elements, which took place earlier on Nov. 26, Dec. 8 and Dec.11, and the latest one on Dec. 27. As the signatory of the Trilateral Declaration, the primary responsibility for the withdrawal of all armed Armenian elements and compliance with the cease-fire regime lies in Armenia," Aksoy said.
Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry said on Monday that one soldier had been killed in an attack in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, in violation of the cease-fire struck in November that ended 44 days of fighting.
The ministry statement said the incident occurred on Sunday in the Khojavend region when a group of six Armenians launched an attack on units of the Azerbaijan army in the direction of Aghdam village. One soldier was killed while another one was wounded and evacuated to a medical institution after receiving first aid, the ministry said.
The ministry added that as a result of the actions taken, all six members of the illegal Armenian armed group were killed. The ministry warned if a similar case happens again, the Azerbaijan army will take necessary measures.
This is the second violation of the cease-fire in the region as four other Azerbaijani soldiers were killed two weeks ago when their units were attacked in areas adjacent to the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
Aksoy stressed that the Azerbaijani side gave the "necessary response" by using its right to self-defense against the "provocations" of the Armenian armed elements.
"In order to be a stakeholder of the lasting peace that is trying to be established in the region, Armenia must accept the realities in the field and fulfill the commitments it has undertaken with the Trilateral Declaration," he added.
Aksoy also wished Allah's mercy upon the "Azerbaijani brothers" who lost their lives in the attacks and a speedy recovery to the wounded and extended condolences to all Azerbaijanis.
Nagorno-Karabakh lies within Azerbaijan but was under the occupation of Armenian forces since a war there ended in 1994. That war left Nagorno-Karabakh itself and substantial surrounding territory in Armenian hands.
In 44 days of fighting that began in late September and killed more than 5,600 people on both sides, the Azerbaijani army pushed deep into Nagorno-Karabakh, forcing Armenia to accept last month's peace deal which saw Azerbaijan reclaim much of the region along with surrounding areas. Russia deployed nearly 2,000 peacekeepers for at least five years to monitor the peace deal and to facilitate the return of refugees.
Under the agreement, which leaves Karabakh's future political status in limbo, Armenia lost control of parts of the enclave as well as the seven adjacent districts that it seized during the 1990s war.
The deal has sparked celebrations in Azerbaijan and fury in Armenia, where the country's prime minister, Nikol Pashinian, is facing mounting criticism for agreeing to the deal.
Christmas gifts from London for Artsakh kids
Public Radio of Armenia
Dec 30 2020
About 1,200 shoeboxes filled with New Year’s gifts are on their way from London to Yerevan, where they will be distributed by the NGO “Future is Now” to children of families displaced by the war.
An appeal was launched one month ago and word spread quickly within the UK and across all of Europe, engaging both non-Armenians and Armenians alike.
With the help of 39 volunteers working over two weekends at St Sarkis Church in Kensington, London, the boxes were collected, grouped by age and gender, security checked, itemized and packaged to be placed in transit to Yerevan, via Brussels.
The appeal was the initiative of Victoria Lazzari, 32, who together with her Armenian boyfriend Yuri Khodjamirian, 35, visited Artsakh last year.
“The idea came from my mother who reminded me how as a family we used to send boxes via our school around Christmas time to children affected by war. I felt compelled to bring a little joy and hope to this devastating tragedy that has displaced thousands of families. Sending a shoebox creates a connection between the donor and recipient that donating money alone does not. It also gives the receiving child a sense that someone far away made a great effort to show that they care,” said Victoria Lazzari.
These shoeboxes are not just gifts, they are a personal connection between people living in the UK to children far away in Armenia. One of those dropping a shoebox was Tatevik. She herself received one such shoebox 30 years ago and told of the affect it had on her. People enclosed cards containing hopeful messages, photos of themselves. Many had never heard of Artsakh or Armenia prior to taking the time to make a shoebox.
Lookback at Nagorno Karabakh deal: How Azerbaijan cheered Armenia’s loss as Turkey, Russia won strategically
Times Now News
Dec 21 2020
Kriti Mehta
Film: Official Trailer for Armenian Religious Music Epic ‘Songs of Solomon’
First Showing
Dec 22 2020
by Alex Billington
December 22, 2020
Source: YouTube
"Come with me, my child. Take my hand." A new trailer has been released for an international film titled Songs of Solomon, made by Armenian actor Arman Nshanian. He was initially going to make it as a short film, but turned into a full feature instead thanks to the push of producers. Inspired by true events, this is a film about a childhood friendship, torn apart by the horrific Hamidian massacres infiltrated by the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Sultan Abdul Hamid II (1894-1896). This epic portrayal spans from 1881, to 1915, Constantinople, taking us on an emotional and epic musical journey to the last concert given by Archbishop Komitas. A musical and biographical film which takes place on the backdrop of the sacred and ancient music of Archbishop Komitas, also known as Solomon. The film stars Samvel Tadevossian, Sos Janibekyan, Tatev Hovakimyan, Artashes Aleksanyan, Arman Nshanian, Arev Gevorkian, as well as Jean-Pier Nshanian. This looks like a cliche and obvious historical epic, without much of any style or substance.
Here's the official trailers (+ posters) for Arman Nshanian's Songs of Solomon, direct from YouTube:
A film about a childhood friendship torn apart by a horrible empire set out to destroy everything in its path. A brave woman at a time of dire prejudice risks her life and the life of her family to save her best friend who is hunted down for her religious beliefs. This epic portrayal takes place at the turn of the century in Constantinople, taking us on an emotional and musical journey. A film of love, hope, courage, deceit and pain – And music, a film just as much about music… Ancient pagan music. Music that would bind an entire people to the heavens and the earth, to the rivers and the stars. The music of Komitas, also know as Solomon. Songs of Solomon is directed by Armenian actor-turned-filmmaker Arman Nshanian, making his feature directorial debut after one short film previously. The screenplay is co-written by Audrey Gevorkian and Sylvia Kavoukjian. This hasn't premiered at any festivals, as far as we know. The film opened first in Armenia in November of this year. Stay tuned for release news. Anyone interested in watching this?
See trailers at the link below
Armenia PM: I’m inviting political forces to consultations over snap parliamentary elections in 2021
News.am, Armenia
Dec 25 2020
Armenia PM: I'm inviting political forces to consultations over snap parliamentary elections in 2021
Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has posted the following on his Facebook page:
“Dear people, compatriots,
Now it is already clear that the opposition’s demonstrations demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation weren’t supported by the people.
The opposition had all the opportunities to generate the people’s support since it had tremendous financial and media resources and had resources for organizing the demonstrations, had wide opportunities to organize rallies and protests, but not only did the opposition fail to ensure the people’s support, it also had a minimum number of supporters, and there are fewer demonstrations at the square.
Nobody can say that the authorities maintained power through brutality. On the contrary, the authorities are blamed for being soft.
However, this in no way changes my and our political team’s commitment to bearing responsibility before the people. I am not clung to the seat of Prime Minister, but I also can’t be negligent towards the power granted to me by the people.
The people need to determine the fate of the future political leadership of the country through _expression_ of free will, and I, as Prime Minister of Armenia, consider myself the guarantor of the _expression_ of that will.
I am also ready to leave the post of Prime Minister based on the people’s decision, but I can leave the post only upon the people’s decision.
I am ready to continue to serve as the leader of the Republic of Armenia in this difficult period, if the people reestablish their confidence in me.
There is only one way to receive the answers to all these questions, and that is the holding of snap parliamentary elections.
Based on the aforementioned, I am inviting parliamentary forces and interested extra-parliamentary forces to consultations over the holding of snap parliamentary elections in 2021.”
President of Artsakh reveals conditions for resignation
15:10, 16 December, 2020
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan says he is ready to resign as soon as the country will be ready to duly overcome the difficulties of presidential and parliamentary elections in terms of domestic and external conditions and constitutional regulations.
In an address to the nation on December 16, he added that in the next few days he will approve a new Cabinet’s structure and composition.
He said that all presidential decrees and Cabinet decisions related to the country’s defense and security will be adopted only at the consent of the Security Council.
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
Armenian-Azerbaijan Peace Deal: Bloodshed Ends But Problems Remain
The Organization for World Peace
Dec 18 2020
November 10th saw the signing of the Azerbaijan-Armenian peace deal, ending six weeks of bloody conflict. Large swathes of Nagorno-Karabakh were awarded to Azerbaijan after being seized during the war. Ethnic Armenians who resided in these areas fled Armenia, often destroying their homes in the process. During the war, international law pertaining to the proper conduct of conflict was regularly flouted. Urban areas in both countries have been attacked using a weapon known as ‘cluster bombs,’ resulting in the death and injury of numerous civilians. These weapons are inherently indiscriminate, and their use on populated areas is abhorrent. Both countries must outlaw the use of these weapons immediately and renew efforts of negotiation to prevent further conflict.
Belkis Wille, senior crisis and conflict researcher at Human Rights Watch has condemned the use of cluster munitions, stating that “Both Armenia and Azerbaijan should immediately stop using cluster munitions, destroy their stockpile, and join the Convention on Cluster Munitions.” The 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions expressly prohibits the use of cluster munitions. Neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia have joined the treaty, allegedly due to the dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh. The recent peace deal alone is unlikely to stabilize Nagorno-Karabakh. As noted by Olga Olika of the International Crisis Group in The Guardian, “The deal ends six weeks of heavy fighting, but it is not a comprehensive peace treaty,” adding that, “many of the details are still vague.” This leaves significant concerns about the effectiveness of the deal to maintain peace.
It is still unknown how peace will be maintained long-term. Before the war, peace was partly maintained through the use of open dialogue between the respective leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia. Talks broke down over Armenia’s claim that Nagorno-Karabakh would always be Armenian land, and the six week long war soon followed. Communication must be restored, and must be made resolute enough that it can weather disagreements. A comprehensive agreement over Nagorno-Karabakh must be reached through cooperative dialogue and negotiation, or the territorial dispute will remain an unresolved grievance for both countries, which will likely result in further conflict.
The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh is a territorial dispute spanning decades. In the late 80s, Karabakh Armenians accused Azerbaijan with forced ‘Azerification’ of Karabakh, and sought to transfer control of the region to Armenia, by petitioning Moscow. Moscow refused the petition, and conflict erupted in 1988 between Karabakh and Azerbaijan. Armenia soon joined, and the conflict escalated until 1994 when Nagorno-Karabakh was recognized as independent by Azerbaijan. Territorial disputes and conflicts have regularly occurred over the region since. The recent free election of Nikol Pashinyan in Armenia brought hope that relations between the two countries would improve. However, the recent dispute broke out, in part due to Pashinyan’s claim that Karabakh was and always would be ‘Armenia.’ The involvement of Turkey and Russia also complicate relations. Turkey adamantly supports Azerbaijan’s claim, while Russia maintains good relations with both countries.
The dispute between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia and Azerbaijan is a complex grievance. All the actors involved are deeply invested in territorial security. Yet the region has been a constant state of conflict and insecurity for decades. To foster mutual security, Armenia and Azerbaijan must outlaw the use of the cluster bombs, and should approach further negotiations as openly as possible. Future negotiations should assess the interests of key players, particularly Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. Without these key steps, it seems likely that Nagorno-Karabakh will remain a significant security issue which will result in further conflict, death and displacement of civilians.
Armenia’s eastern border with Azerbaijan in Syunik province to be guarded jointly with Russia troops
17:22,
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Russian border guards will be deployed alongside Armenian border guards in some parts of Armenia’s eastern border with Azerbaijan in the southernmost Syunik Province, the ministry of defense told ARMENPRESS when asked to comment on media reports alleging that PM Pashinyan ordered Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan to sign a secret deal with Russia on handing over the defense of positions in Syunik to them.
“Naturally the Defense Minister couldn’t have signed any secret document, and he hasn’t,” the defense ministry said, refuting the report. “Moreover, the Defense Minister ex-officio doesn’t have the authority to sign any document related to the demarcation of the Armenian borders. The Defense Minister has only agreed with his Russian colleagues that in some parts of Syunik’s borders, due to security reasons, Russian border guards will be stationed as well.”
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
Armenian President continues consultations with different political forces
12:14,
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 17, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian continues consultations with parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces, the Presidential Office told Armenpress.
This time the President met with chairman of the Social-Democratic Hunchakian party Radik Karapetyan, the Ramghavar party chairman Hrachya Karapetyan, president of the Green party Armenak Dovlatyan, as well as a number of other party leaders.
The meeting participants exchanged views on the current situation in the country and the ways of solving it.
The party representatives presented their views and approaches on the situation.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan