Category: 2023

 16:17, 4 May 2023

PRAGUE, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. The Czech Republic supports Armenia’s efforts aimed at a peaceful solution, Czech PM Petr Fiala said during a joint press conference with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan when asked by a reporter why the government of the Czech Republic isn’t taking actions and sanctioning Azerbaijan for blocking the Lachin Corridor.

“We must continue taking steps which will lead to a peaceful resolution. We’ve created an opportunity for that in Prague, we support Armenia’s efforts aimed at a peaceful resolution,” Fiala said.

“We’ve expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in NK, which is due to the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. The EU released a statement. And we support  this statement. It calls for ensuring security, freedom and safety of movement of the NK residents,” PM Fiala said.

He praised the Armenian Prime Minister’s efforts for peace and said that he can expect support from EU members.

“The common goal of the Czech Republic and EU member states is to achieve stability and lasting peace in the region, which means to guarantee the rights of Armenia, of Armenians. This is important,” Fiala added.

 16:27, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has emphasized the Czech Republic’s support for the EU’s decision on deploying a long-term monitoring mission to the border with Azerbaijan.

Speaking at a joint press conference with his Czech counterpart Petr Fiala, PM Pashinyan said that during their meeting he presented the regional situation and the security issues. Pashinyan said that he noted that despite all efforts the situation remains tense.

“This is because Azerbaijan continues its policy of using force and the threat of force despite all well-known agreements, constantly escalating the situation on the border with Armenia, in Nagorno Karabakh and in Lachin Corridor,” Pashinyan said.

PM Pashinyan called on the international community to give a targeted and clear assessment to the situation, especially because Azerbaijan’s current actions are preparations for ethnic cleansing against the Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh.

Pashinyan said it is necessary to ensure access of an international fact-finding mission to Nagorno Karabakh and Lachin Corridor.

Despite all difficulties, the Armenian government adopted the peace agenda, Pashinyan added.

“We believe that there is no alternative to peace in our region. We are fully engaged in the negotiations process with Azerbaijan and we will continue to be engaged in the future, with the goal of achieving results and not simply negotiating for the sake of negotiations. In order to achieve this goal we hope that Azerbaijan will abandon its policy of using force and the threat of force,” Pashinyan said.

 17:27, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. The delegation led by the President of the National Assembly of Armenia Alen Simonyan is in Ankara within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC). Alen Simonyan gave a speech at the 30^th Anniversary Summit of the Speakers of Parliaments. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the parliament of Armenia, the President of the National Assembly particularly said,

“Dear Mr Chair.

Dear Colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Yesterday in Belgrade a tragedy took place, I offer my condolences to my Serbian colleague and again express support to the Government of Turkey and the people for dozens of thousands human losses during February 6 devastating earthquake. In Armenia they know very well what is earthquake, and our country was among the first ones to respond to the disaster, sending humanitarian assistance and rescue group to the disaster zone.

It is very positive that the humanitarian cargo crossed the land border from Armenia to Turkey through Margara bridge which had been closed for 30 years.

From the previous year Armenia and Turkey have begun normalization process of relations, in the frames of which certain achievements have been succeeded to record, but the unsolved problems are still many. We hope that in the near future it will be possible not only having humanitarian cargos crossing the land border, but open it for international traffic and trade.

Dear participants of the Summit, 30 years ago, the parliaments of our countries have assumed to carry out their peoples’ hopes and expectations and confirmed their resoluteness to make use of all opportunities for expanding the cooperation in different spheres and levels between the countries of the region. Today, those expectations remain as just up-to-date.

As founding member of the organization, Armenia reaffirms its commitment to the full use of the Assembly potential, for boosting the regional economic cooperation and effectively implementing the statutory goals.

Armenia highlights the closer coordination between the BSEC and the Parliamentary Assembly, which will foster the building of firmer interaction between them. Taking into consideration the experience of the past of holding joint meetings between the Standing Committee of the Assembly and the Committee of the BSEC senior officials, we think that we should resume similar meetings already long ago, to thoroughly discuss all the problems laid on the table. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, to our conviction, should continue making its further efforts in apolitical, constructive and comprehensive way based on the principle of sovereign equality. The regional cooperation can considerably benefit from parliamentary cooperation.

We consider important the fact of harmonising the activities of PABSEC and in general, the BSEC with global, especially, the UN Sustainable development agenda by 2030.

Armenia remains faithful to the goals declared by this organization. Despite numerous challenges, the people of Armenia distinctly and out loud reaffirmed its resoluteness to strengthen the respect towards human rights, rule of law, the equal opportunities in the economic and social life.

Dear colleagues,

In the Black Sea Economic Cooperation region, we continue clashing security serious challenges. The 44-day war happened in Nagorno Karabakh in autumn 2020, the ongoing war in Ukraine have serious geopolitical consequences for common security architecture.

In 2021, afterwards in September 2022 Azerbaijan initiated the next unprovoked military aggression along the eastern and south-eastern borders, invading and conquering our sovereign territories.

At this moment, it has already been 5 months that Azerbaijan grossly violating the provisions of Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020, has blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only life road of Nagorno Karabakh, being under the responsibility of the peacekeepers of the Russian Federation, which resulted in the humanitarian crisis. On April 23, Azerbaijan set up an illegal checkpoint at the starting point of the Lachin Corridor. Though the Azerbaijani side insists on the fact that the Corridor is open, but actually it continues remaining closed for free transportation.

The crisis had a wide international response. The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the UN International Court of Justice made decisions on unblocking of the Lachin Corridor, which were despised by the official Baku.

Two and a half years passed after war, but until now Azerbaijan holds at least 33 prisoners of war.

The situation being created after the aggression against Armenia cannot become as a basis for stable and lasting peace.

In its foreign policy Armenia has reaffirmed the principles of good neighbourly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. We don’t have territorial requirements towards our neighbours, and we expect that our neighbours will also be led by that principle. On October 6, 2022, during the quadrilateral meeting held in Prague with the participation of the President of France and the President of the European Council the heads of Armenia and Azerbaijan confirmed their commitments to the UN Charter and the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1991, by which the two sides recognize the territorial integrity and sovereignty of each other.

Colleagues, in these days in Washington, on the initiative of the Secretary of the State of the United States the negotiations of the delegations led by the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan are underway. The matter of discussion are issues regarding the security situation created in the region, the settlement process of the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. I believe that this is a positive development, and I wish the diplomats success.

The conflicts should be settled through peaceful means. We are convinced that regional economic cooperation can promote the strengthening of peace, stability and the peoples’ welfare, as it is stipulated by the BSEC Charter and the appropriate statutory documents of the Parliamentary Assembly.

In 2021 and in 2022, the economy of Armenia recorded stable growth. In the previous year it was more than 14%, and the trade turnover with several Member States of our organization considerably enlivened. Our economy continues showing good results due to healthy macro-economic policy and legislative reforms affecting the economic development. We have also undertaken essential reforms, which are aimed at the decrease of corruption and the rise of transparency.

As a developing landlocked country, Armenia again underlines the importance of unobstructed access to the sea by all means, as well as values the development of the regional communication and stable transport systems. Armenia is ready to continue the unblocking of communications on the basis of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and full respect of national legislation.

In the international rapidly changing environment, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation should be a regional moving force. Only in case, when we, the parliamentarians, bring together our efforts, will be able to overcome the common challenges and make use of common opportunities. Let us make use of this jubilee anniversary and reflect upon the lessons of the past three decades and reaffirm our commitment to advance the organization.

Concluding my speech, I congratulate Ukraine on the occasion of assuming the upcoming presidency of PABSEC and wish the country success in their undertakings.

Thanks to host country for hospitality and for organizing the Summit.”

 20:30, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is ready to deepen relations with the Czech Republic in all areas of mutual interest, the correspondent of ARMENPRESS reports from Prague, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said at the "Armenia's democracy in the troubled region: Security and stability needs" discussion held at the Prague Center for Transatlantic Relations.

"My visit coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In the last 30 years, Armenia and the Czech Republic have formed a serious bilateral agenda, addressing various fields, including active politics. Today I would like to talk about Armenia's path to democracy in a region full of challenges," said Nikol Pashinyan.

He informed that after the 2018 revolution, Armenia is implementing comprehensive reforms in the fight against corruption. The Prime Minister emphasized the free _expression_ of citizens' will in the electoral process. Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the page of vote rigging has been closed in Armenia. As a result of a series of reforms, Armenia was able to record an impressive economic growth. In particular, 7.6 percent economic growth was recorded in 2019, 5.7 percent in 2021, and 12.6 percent in 2022.

[see video]

 18:50, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. On 3 May, Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Ghazaryan received Chairman of the ARF Hay Dat Central Council Hakob Ter-Khachatryan, member of the ARF Bureau, Head of the Hay Dat Central Office Giro Manoyan and Special Programmes Manager of the ARF Hay Dat Central Office Gevorg Ghukasyan, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Foreign Ministry of Artsakh.
 
Interlocutors discussed the challenges caused by the complete blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan and possible ways to overcome this situation, as well as the main directions of further co-operation.

 20:45, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is interested in deepening cooperation with the European Union, ARMENPRESS reports, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan announced during "Armenia's democracy in the troubled region: Security and stability needs" discussion held at the Prague Center for Transatlantic Relations, addressing the issue of cooperation with the EU.

"Armenia is generally in a very delicate situation. We are under siege. There are many doubts about Armenia. Many in the West think that we are a Russian proxy country and government. Many in the East think that we are a pro-Western government with pro-Western policies," Pashinyan said.

The Prime Minister mentioned that some of Armenia's neighbors are lobbying for those two positions, they go to the West, saying that Armenia is a close ally of Russia and that whatever they do against Russia, they should also do against Armenia, the next day they fly to Moscow and say that the Prime Minister of Armenia cooperates very closely with the EU, is implementing an agenda of democratic reforms, and that the Prime Minister of Armenia is diverting Armenia from the East to West.

"We act as transparently as possible and, of course, we are interested in deepening our cooperation with the EU. And to be honest, inviting an EU monitoring mission to Armenia was not an easy decision, because it does not provide any security guarantee, on the one hand, it can cause new challenges, and on the other hand, it is very important for us to stay focused in order to maintain international attention towards our region." said the Prime Minister.

Pashinyan noted that after the events in Ukraine, international attention was almost completely focused on Ukraine. And it creates risks of instability in the South Caucasus region.

 21:19, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. Prime Ministers of Armenia and the Czech Republic Nikol Pashinyan and Petr Fiala signed a joint Declaration on the relations between the two countries after the meeting, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The Declaration reads as follows,

“The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Petr Fiala (hereinafter referred to as the Sides) upon the completion of the high-level talks conducted in the framework of the official visit of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to the Czech Republic,

In the context of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the Czech Republic,

Mindful of long-standing traditions of friendship and cooperation and a strong sense of solidarity between the Armenian and Czech peoples, a rich historical and cultural heritage, common values of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms being in the core of the bilateral relations,

Aiming to raise the bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level as well as to enhance cooperation in multilateral dimensions,

Declare:

The Republic of Armenia and the Czech Republic note with satisfaction a steady development and broadening of the political ties and express their unwavering commitment to further intensify the existing high-level political dialogue and economic cooperation at the bilateral level, as well as in the framework of the United Nations, Council of Europe, OSCE, and other international and regional organizations;

The Sides express their readiness to reinforce and broaden cooperation within the framework of the European Union initiatives, including the Eastern Partnership, and in the context of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA), including but not limited to the Armenia-EU political and security dialogue as well as political, economic and sectoral cooperation, based on shared values and strong commitment to democracy, human rights, media freedom, and rule of law. The Czech Republic supports EU’s strong determination to enhance cooperation with Armenia, commends the progress of Armenia on the chosen democratic path and the principles of good governance, encourages further progress, and reiterates its readiness to assist Armenia in its reform path;

The Sides underline the importance of democratic principles, promotion and protection of human rights and rule of law;

The Sides attach importance to sharing transformation experience and encouraging cooperation of civil society members and engagement of civil society in reform process;

The Sides underline necessity to reach a peaceful and lasting settlement of all outstanding issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Armenian side highly appreciates the continuous efforts of the European Union towards creating an environment conducive to lasting peace in the South Caucasus;

The Sides regard the deployment of the European Union Mission in Armenia along the international border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, launched on February 20, as a substantial contribution to the strengthening of the security in the region; Armenia welcomes and highly appreciates a sizeable personnel contribution of the Czech Republic to the mission.

The Sides recognize the importance of maintaining international peace and security, inadmissibility of threat or use of force, and respect for international humanitarian law;

The Sides are mindful of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter that all states shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state and shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means. They stress the importance of all states inherent right to choose their policy course and alliances;

The Sides are aware that the question of future Visa Liberalization Dialogue between the Republic of Armenia and the EU is of the high importance;

The Sides consider the European Political Community as a useful format for the European Union and its partners. Armenia praises Czech Presidency in the Council of the EU for hosting the inaugural summit for EPC;

The Sides attach special importance to invigorating the activities of the Armenian-Czech Intergovernmental Commission, aiming at strengthening the mutually beneficial economic, financial, and scientific ties between the two countries;

The Sides express their support to the further development of cooperation and regular exchanges between the Parliaments of the two countries, including through the relevant friendship groups;

The Sides attach special importance to invigorating the decentralized cooperation and partnership between local authorities of the two countries, as an additional impetus for the development of bilateral relations;

Toward this end, the Sides express their strong determination to make every effort for effective cooperation in the areas outlined in this Declaration”.

 20:52, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. What Azerbaijan is currently դօինգ against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh is preparation for the ethnic cleansing process, the correspondent of ARMENPRESS reports from Prague that Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan said at the "Armenia's democracy in the troubled region: Security and stability needs" discussion held at the Prague Center for Transatlantic Relations.

Presenting the regional situation to the participants of the discussion, Pashinyan noted that Azerbaijan grossly violates the provisions of the tripartite agreement signed in November 2020. For several months, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to the outside world, the Lachin Corridor, has been blocked. Azerbaijan is doing this in ignorance of the decision of the international court.

"Despite the decision of the international court, Azerbaijan illegally set up a checkpoint in the Lachin corridor, violating the right to free movement with these actions. The supply of natural gas and electricity is disrupted, deepening the humanitarian crisis. We do not consider these isolated actions, but preparations for ethnic cleansing. It is necessary that an international fact-finding mission be sent to Nagorno-Karabakh, Lachin Corridor," said Nikol Pashinyan, emphasizing that the international community should give targeted assessments.

Despite all the difficulties, according to the Prime Minister, peace in the region has no alternative.

 21:41, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan will visit Moscow next week, ARMENPRESS reports, Nikol Pashinyan said at the "Armenia's democracy in the troubled region: Security and stability needs" discussion held at the Prague Center for Transatlantic Relations.

"I will visit Moscow next week," Pashinyan said.

 21:32, 4 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 4, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with the President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel at the presidential residence of the Prague Castle, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The interlocutors discussed a number of issues related to the further development and strengthening of Armenian-Czech relations. In particular, cooperation in both the political and economic spheres was emphasized. Cooperation in the fields of high technologies, education, and tourism was considered promising. The Czech side noted that they are interested in the experience of Tumo centers in Armenia and cooperation in the direction of opening a similar center in Prague.

The parties exchanged ideas on the developments taking place in the South Caucasus region. Prime Minister Pashinyan presented details about the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulted by Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor and emphasized the importance of the international community's consistent response. Both sides emphasized the need to implement the decision of the UN International Court on unblocking the corridor.

In the context of strengthening peace and stability, the deployment of the European Union civilian mission in Armenia was highlighted.

Reference was also made to the Armenian-Turkish dialogue.

Prime Minister Pashinyan laid a wreath at the National Memorial on the Vítkov Hill, paying tribute to the memory of the unknown soldier.