Author: Karlen Baghdasarian

Azerbaijanis ‘may have buried’ some Armenians killed in recent Artsakh war, official says

Karlen Baghdasarian
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 12 2021

Artsakh Presidential Chief of Staff Artak Beglaryan told Hetq on Thursday that Artsakh will certainly have some sort of defense force, regardless of what it is formally called.

Beglaryan said the local force will ensure the security of the Artsakh people in parallel with the Russian peacekeepers stationed in the region.

"Naturally, Azerbaijan would very much like to see no armed people in Artsakh. I think it would very much like to see no Russian peacekeepers. Azerbaijan's wishes in this respect do not matter," said Beglaryan.

He admitted that the identification of war dead has taken longer than desired and that the main problem remains DNA identification of the bodies.

Hundreds of bodies have not been identified yet.

Beglaryan said that rumors are circulating in Artsakh that Azerbaijani troops have already buried some of the Armenians killed in the recent war.

Nagorno Karabakh: captives must be released – UN experts

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 16:24, 1 February, 2021

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 1, ARMENPRESS. UN human rights experts called for the prompt release of prisoners of war and other captives from the recent Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and for the return of bodies to families for burial with due respect for cultural customs, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reports.

“Everyone deprived of their liberty for reasons related to the conflict should be returned to their homes, and relatives of those killed must be able to receive the mortal remains of their loved ones, in line with the ceasefire agreement signed on 9 November 2020,” the experts said.

“We are alarmed at allegations that prisoners of war and other protected persons have been subjected to extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance, torture and other ill-treatment,” the experts said.

“No exceptional circumstances whatsoever – whether a state of war, internal political instability or any other public emergency – may be invoked as a justification of torture and enforced disappearances,” they said. “Such acts, when perpetrated in armed conflict, may also constitute war crimes.”

“We are seriously alarmed at reported acts of ill-treatment and the desecration of bodies,” the experts said. “We note that both parties have commenced the return of prisoners of war and other captives, and we call on them to complete the all for all exchange, to clarify the fate and whereabouts of the disappeared, and to treat dead bodies with dignity”.

The experts called on the authorities of Armenia and Azerbaijan to carry out thorough, prompt, independent and impartial investigations into allegations of serious human rights violations committed during the conflict and its aftermath in order to hold perpetrators to account and provide redress to the victims. They added that they will continue to engage with the authorities of both countries and closely monitor the situation.

South Australia recognizes the Republic of Artsakh, condemns Azerbaijan and Turkey

Karlen Baghdasarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Feb 3 2021

South Australia became the second state in Australia to recognize the rights to self-determination of the Republic of Artsakh, condemning Azerbaijan and Turkey for their invasion of the country’s indigenous Armenians in a motion passed with a vote in the House of Assembly, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).

The motion follows one passed by the New South Wales Parliament’s Legislative Assembly in October 2020, and similarly “calls on the Federal Government to also recognize the Republic of Artsakh as the only permanent solution to the conflict to avoid further attempts of such military aggression”.

Member for West Torrens, the Hon. Tom Koustantonis MP moved the historic motion, which also called out “the actions of President Erdogan of Turkey and President Aliyev of Azerbaijan in their pursuit of a policy of Pan-Turkish nationalism, which has previously led to genocide and which now threatens the Armenian population of Artsakh with ethnic cleansing”.

The House of Assembly considered a proposal to “adjourn the debate”, however this was defeated by the casting vote of the Speaker. The debate resumed and resulted in a vote – without dissent – in favor of the motion.

ANC-AU Executive Director Haig Kayserian thanked the Armenian Cultural Association of South Australia (ACASA) for their grassroots advocacy.

“We were proud to support members of Adelaide’s dedicated Armenian community for their tireless efforts on the ground, which have ensured South Australia’s parliament has joined a growing number of legislatures around the world supporting the legitimate rights to self-determination of the Republic of Artsakh,” said Kayserian.

“Mr Emil Davityan and the President of the Armenian Cultural Association of South Australia are a credit to the greater Armenian-Australian community and were a pleasure to work with to achieving this wonderful outcome for our heroic brothers and sisters of the Armenian Republic of Artsakh,” he added.

Emil Davityan added: “We thank Mr Tom Koustantonis and Ms Jayne Stinson for championing this motion and extend our gratitude to all parliamentarians who supported its passage in the name of human rights.”

“South Australia’s Armenian community wanted to play its part in supporting the people of Artsakh, bringing attention to the critical humanitarian issues in the region and contributing to an enduring and peaceful settlement to the conflict. The community thanks all who supported it in its endeavors.”

Armenian FM discussed humanitarian situation in Artsakh with Luxembourgish Foreign Minister

Karlen Baghdasarian
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 5 2021

Armenia's FM Ara Aivazian held on Friday a phone conversation with Jean Asselborn, Foreign Minister of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the foreign ministry reported in a press statement. 

The ministers exchanged views on the issues of bilateral agenda, expressing mutual readiness to undertake practical steps aimed at preserving the existing dynamics. Both sides commended the effective cooperation established in the international platforms. 

In the context of the issues of regional security and stability Minister Aivazian briefed his counterpart on the humanitarian situation in Artsakh resulting from the Azerbaijani aggression. The Foreign Minister of Armenia expressed his gratitude to Jean Asselborn for Luxembourg's principled position during the war and for the humanitarian assistance provided to the Armenians of Artsakh through the International Committee of the Red Cross, the source said. 

Armenian director’s film included in competition program of prestigious French film festival

Karlen Baghdasarian
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 4 2021

“Beyond the Threshold”, an Armenian short film directed by Angineh Isanians has been selected for the International Competition of the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, a prestigious French film festival held annually in Clermont-Ferrand.

The film which is the director's debut work is a social drama that received the financial support of the National Cinema Center of Armenia in 2019, the center said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

9 Armenian films have been submitted to the film festival, 5 of which were made with the financial support of the Cinema Center.

Ombudsman: State policy of Armenophobia continues in Azerbaijan

Karlen Baghdasarian
Panorama, Armenia
Feb 2 2021

The state policy of Armenophobia continues in Azerbaijan, Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Arman Tatoyan said in a statement on Tuesday. The full text of his statement is below. 

"The Azerbaijani authorities continue to violate the internationally recognized rights of the border residents of Armenia (based on specific findings).

In particular, on the inter-community road leading from the Armenian city of Kapan to Chakaten and a number of other villages which connecting peaceful residential communities, the Azerbaijani military, on January 22, 2021 erected a sign with the words "Welcome to Azerbaijan" which was displayed in Azerbaijani and English, and leading up to it, with Azerbaijani flags.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has been receiving alarmed and anxious calls from the residents of Kapan, as well as the villages of Chakaten, Shikahogh, Srashen, Tsav, Nerkin Hand, Shishkert, and especially more so in recent days. These reactions are equally due to the placement of  flags on those sections of the road. The head of the community of Kapan has already provided the relevant information to the Defender.

The residents of these neighborhoods have issued alarms that these steps by the Azerbaijani authorities are deliberate and are aimed at grossly violating their physical security and emotional well-being, property and other vital rights, as well as violative of the health and welfare of the resident children.

By carrying out these demonstrative targeting of civilians, coupled with the practically daily shootings are undeniably exacerbating tensions in those Armenian villages.

Immediately after these alarms, a detailed study was initiated in the Syunik regional and central subdivisions of the Human Rights Defender's Office. Field observations were made, as well as a number of discussions were had with the residents. Consequently, the referenced alarms raised by those who reside in Kapan and by the community bodies there were all confirmed.

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia considers it necessary to consider these steps of the Azerbaijani authorities at least from the point of view of the following factors:

1) The state policy of organized hatred and enmity towards Armenians continues in Azerbaijan;

2) The highest authorities of Azerbaijan openly speak about the Armenian people in a language of ethnic cleansing and genocide, insulting the dignity of the entire Armenian people;

3) There are open calls for a new war against Armenia in Azerbaijan by not only public figures but even by human rights defenders in that country;

4) For more than a month now, the Azerbaijani military has been firing with small and large caliber weapons, at times while under the influence of alcohol or visibly drunk. This, as observed by the villagers in the immediate proximity of the mentioned villages of the Kapan in Armenia;

5) On the way from Kapan to Chakaten village, there are Azerbaijani soldiers, and other armed personnel;

6) As for the process of determining the borders of Armenia with Azerbaijan, within the framework of which such signs and flags were placed, it appears that the Azerbaijani soldiers are proceeding with gross violations and are endangering human life and rights, all of which contradicts the foundations of the international human rights system and the rule of law. Therefore, the outcome is not supported by law;

7) The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have committed and continue to commit torture, inhumane treatment and other war crimes against the military and civilians of the Armenian side. This was especially so during the September-November 2020 war, but has continued hence.

Therefore, it is clear that the referenced measures of the Azerbaijani military were taken in a manner which violates the rights of the residents of Armenia’s border communities, by openly intimidating them (including children and women). This situation can not contribute to peace in the region in any way, but rather, it causes increased tensions, and violates the internationally recognized rights and interests of civilians as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia.

Reports on these findings will be sent to international organizations, including the OSCE, the UN, and the Council of Europe (with the necessary supporting evidence). Separate reports will also be sent to special mechanisms of intergovernmental organizations."

EU calls for release of Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan

Karlen Baghdasarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 29 2021

EU has welcomed the release of five Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan in November.

“EU welcomes release of five Armenian servicemen captured by Azerbaijan in November and calls for the immediate release of the 57 remaining in custody,” Peter Stano,  European External Action Service Spokesman Peter Stano said in a Twitter post.

” This would contribute to building confidence between both countries which is important for lasting peace in the region,” he continued.

Five Armenian servicemen were repatriated in Thursday through the mediation of the Russian side. They were among the 62 volunteers from Shirak province captured by Azerbaijan after the signing of the November 9 statement of the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan. 

The fifth provision of the Karabakh trilateral statement comes into effect – Tigran Abrahamyan

Karlen Baghdasarian
Panorama, Armenia
Jan 30 2021

The Head of Henaket analytical center Tigran Abrahamyan commented on the operation of Russian-Turkish monitoring center of the Nagorno-Karabakh ceasefire launched on January 30. 

"The fifth provision of the trilateral statement signed by Russian, Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders came into effect which envisaged a  peacekeeping center to be deployed to monitor the ceasefire. This will be carried out by Russia and Turkey and comes as another provision damaging Armenia's interests. It directly ensures Turkey's participation and that takes effect," Abrahamyan wrote. 

In the words of the expert, the development comes amid the fact that one of the priority provisions for Armenia which is the  exchange of prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons has still been implemented partly.  

"According to different source, some 150 people are held in Azerbaijani captivity, and Azerbaijan uses this circumstance as a tool for pressure to get more concessions and, why not, mocking us" added Abrahamyan. 

Vazgen Manukyan Meets with Political and Policy Experts

Karlen Baghdasarian

January 29,  2020



National Salvation Movement’s candidate for prime minister, Vazgen Manukyan, meets with policy experts on Jan. 29

National Salvation Movement candidate for prime minister Vazgen Manukyan on Friday met with a group of political and policy experts in Armenia to discuss the current political situation, the future fate of the Artsakh issue and the recent geopolitical developments in the region, reported the movement’s press office.

The domestic political crisis in Armenia after the war was discussed and the experts weighed in about how to resolve the situation.

Some of the experts said that future political strategy and activities must be developed through polling, research and analysis. In that context views were expressed about the fact that social media platforms are often controlled, which results in the dissemination of information that often does not correspond with reality and are unreliable.

Views were also expressed regarding the fundamental reasons for the 2018 regime change in Armenia and the resulting events, as well as the issues facing the government and its structure, the opposition and political parties, highlighting the imperative to coordinate that aspect.

The experts discussed the critical challenges facing post-war Armenia

The participants of the discussion also stressed the need to create a national agenda in Armenia and to prioritize issue of national identity and the importance of coalescing civil society around those issues.

In discussing the Artsakh issue, the participants emphasized the need for the Republic of Armenia to clarify its position and upcoming steps and actively pursue them, expressing concern about recent indications to place the issue on the back burner.

Turkey’s recent moves in the region were also discussed and the imperative for Armenia to take immediate steps and formulate a strategy were voiced. During the discussion, the sides also discussed the need for a succinct approach to relations with the U.S. and prospects for advancing relations with Russia and common allies.

The need for formulating a comprehensive foreign policy based on geopolitical developments was stressed, as was the importance for Armenia to have a favorable position in the event of regional realignments, which will be vital for country and will only come to fruition when the current crises and problems are resolved.

Asbarez: New Report Reveals Higher Number of Civilian Killings by Azerbaijani Forces

Karlen Baghdasarian

January 29,  2020



The updated tally of civilian deaths at the hands of Azerbaijani forces was published by the Artsakh Human Rights Defender’s Office on Jan. 29

The Artsakh Human Rights Defender’s Office updated an earlier report about civilian fatalities caused by Azerbaijani attacks on Artsakh, showing a higher number than previously reported.

The report was amended to include new information after more search operations revealed a higher number of civilian casualties.

The report summarizes the cases of civilian casualties from the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey against Artsakh beginning on September 27. It also includes the number of civilians killed while being imprisoned in areas that fell under the control of the Azerbaijani armed forces. The cases are introduced with relevant briefs.

From September 27 to January 28, 72 civilians were killed by Azerbaijani armed forces, according to the newly-updated report, which sites that 41 civilian were killed during targeted strikes, while 31 died in captivity.

The report also cites a number of torture cases, instances of mutilation and deliberate targeting of civilians. The Artsakh Human Rights Defender’s report also cites that there were 163 civilians who were injured as a result of targeted strikes.

The Report presents only the cases that have been irrefutably identified. At the same time the Human Rights Defenders Office continues to receive information about other cases, which require investigation and will be presented in future updates of the report.

At the time of updating the report, the Human Rights Defenders staff still has information on missing civilians some of whom most probably are in captivity, and others are allegedly killed by Azerbaijani armed forces. These instances can be proven as more bodies are recovered from areas in Artsakh that are now under Azerbaijani control.

Bodies of some of the victims were discovered a long time after their deaths, hence requiring in-depth forensic examination in order to determine the cause of death and whether crimes were committed. The report, however, includes some preliminary conclusion from forensic investigation.