Month: September 2021

Russia’s position on Karabakh crosses out Minsk Group’s negotiation format

Kanayan Tamar
Caucasian Knot, EU
Sept 4 2021

In his statement following the talks with Armenia, the head of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has ignored the issue of resuming the work of the OSCE Minsk Group, because Russia expects to resolve the Karabakh issue in a trilateral format, Armenian political analysts told the "Caucasian Knot".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 18, Armenian authorities confirmed their readiness to resume negotiations on Karabakh with the participation of officials of the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe).

There have been no talks on Karabakh in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group since the conflict escalation in the fall of 2020.

Sergey Lavrov, the head of the Russian MFA, following the talks with his Armenian colleague, Ararat Mirzoyan, called on Yerevan and Baku to diminish their hostile rhetoric in order to create "conditions for a final, full-fledged settlement."

"Now I proceed from the fact that we are not talking about the resumption of the process; we are talking about the realization of what has already been signed," the TASS quotes Mr Lavrov as saying on August 31.

Sergey Lavrov's statement implies no resumption of the work of the OSCE Minsk Group, since the head of the Russian MFA talks about the enforcement of the trilateral agreements of November 9, 2020, Naira Airumyan, a political observer, has noted.

In her opinion, Moscow will do everything so that the Karabakh issue, in principle, is not discussed at the level of international organizations.

Andrias Gukasyan, a political analyst, is also treating Mr Lavrov's statement as Russia's refusal to support the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and the mediating countries. "Lavrov, in fact, calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to implement the plan that follows from the trilateral agreement," Mr Gukasyan told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on September 3, 2021 at 09:29 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:

Armenian analysts rule out Yerevan's refusal to talk on Karabakh within OSCE Minsk Group format, Political analysts explain Baku's conditions for negotiations with Armenia, Armenia and Azerbaijan return to pre-war shelling frequency on border.

Author: Tigran Petrosyan; Source: CK correspondent

Source: 
© Caucasian Knot

Karabakh refugees demand housing from Armenian authorities

Ani Kharatian
Caucasian Knot
Sept 4 2021

At a protest action held in front of the building of the Armenian government, forced migrants from the Kashatag District, who left their homes because of the war in the autumn of 2020, demanded to provide them with housing or adequately compensate for the damage. The protesters gave the Armenian authorities a week to prepare a response to the forced migrants.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on May 3, refugees from the Kashatag District held a protest action in front of the building of the Armenian government. They then demanded the implementation of the decisions on assistance to the forced migrants, which had already been approved by the government.

Today, the former residents of the Kashatag District have come to a protest action in front of the building of the Armenian government. The forced migrants demand a roof over their heads, says Zograp Rkhoyan, the editor of the Kashatag regional newspaper. “Our demand is to be provided with houses, since we lost them through no fault of our own. Today, about 20 families live in the city of Abovyan in extremely difficult conditions, but the authorities are evicted them from there too,” claimed Zograp Rkhoyan as quoted by the “Yerevan.Today”. Rent payments have risen and the amount provided to the forced migrants to pay for housing is not enough, protesters add.

The protesters claim that their demands are not political in nature, and they give the country’s authorities a week to respond. About 13,000 residents, or about 3000 families, had to leave Kashatag, the “Sputnik Armenia” reports with reference to the participants of the protest action.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on September 2, 2021 at 05:00 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:

Authorities report on progress in post-war reconstruction works in Nagorno-Karabakh, Refugees in Nagorno-Karabakh complain about difficulties in obtaining housing, Nagorno-Karabakh residents report damage to nearly 7000 dwellings facilities.

Author: The Caucasian Knot;

Source: 
© Caucasian Knot

Sports: Germany vs. Armenia: Live World Cup qualifier buildup

Emil Lazarian
Deutsche Welle, Germany
Sept 4 2021

After a comfortable, if uninspiring, win in his first match, Hansi Flick welcomes Armenia for his first home game. The former Bayern Munich coach will have to shuffle the pack a little as he gets to know his new team.

Jamal Musiala made his Bayern Munich breakthrough under Hansi Flick

Both Timo Werner, who scored against Liechenstein, and Flick mentioned profligacy as an issue in their press conferences. The Chelsea forward was upbeat.

"Sometimes you win a game like that one against Liechtenstein 8-0 because the first few chances go in. On other occasions, however, you only win 2-0," he said. "The time will come again where we score two goals from a half chance."

The lack of a top class number 9 has been a problem for Germany for some time, and Flick believes it to be a matter of conviction. "We were lacking confidence in front of goal. We need to get that back," he said.

After missing the win on Thursday, Manuel Neuer is set to return in goal. But a foot injury will keep Robin Gosens out of this one, with Hoffenheim leftback David Raum perhaps set for a debut as a result. Kai Havertz is also a doubt, as he has flu. 

 That aside, Flick suggested there are unlikely to be too many changes in these games, saying in his press conference that "the starting eleven won't change much."

Coming so early in the domestic season, this first international break is not the more popular with fans, but this triple header is pretty important to new Germany coach Hansi Flick and a group of players who, for the most part, have only known Joachim Löw as their international boss.

A win against Liechenstein on Thursday preceeded this one in Stuttgart before a trip to face on Wednesday.

https://www.dw.com/en/germany-vs-armenia-live-world-cup-qualifier-buildup/a-59085500

Germany vs. Armenia: probable line-ups, match stats and LIVE blog!

Mary Lazarian
Sept 3 2021


Stuttgart's Mercedes-Benz Arena is the venue for Hansi Flick's first home international as Germany coach, and Armenia are the guests for another important World Cup qualifier (kick-off 6:45pm GMT).

Flick celebrated victory in his first game in charge of Germany since taking the reigns from Joachim Löw following this past summer's UEFA European Championships. Germany faced Liechtenstein in St. Gallen, Switzerland, on Thursday and came out 2-0 winners. Timo Werner and Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane got the goals in a dominant performance from the four-time world champions, who would have expected to have scored more goals on the night but were satisfied to leave with all three points. Thomas Müller is the only confirmed absentee after he left the squad to return to Munich following a minor injury, while captain Manuel Neuer was left out with a hamstring knock. Neuer, however, should be fit to start in Stuttgart, coming in for Bernd Leno who was between the sticks on Thursday. Jamal Musiala impressed once again as he assisted Germany's opener but with Bayern teammate Serge Gnabry waiting in the wings and Sane shining as well, Musiala looks set to take a place on the bench as Flick rotates his squad. Robin Gosens came off with a knock late on against Liechtenstein which could see him replaced by David Raum, who would make a full debut at left-back should he start.

This game is a meeting of the top two in Group J through four games of qualifying, and it's not Germany sat top of the pile. With three wins and a draw – 0-0 against North Macedonia on Thursday – Armenia are the only unbeaten side remaining in the group and they are led by Bundesliga royalty. Former Borussia Dortmund star Henrikh Mkhitaryan is their captain, with Hoffenheim's Sargis Adamyan also expected to lead the attack as a pair of familiar faces for the German defence. With six games still to play in qualifying, there are still 18 points up for grabs with Armenia sat one clear of Germany before this game.

  • Flick becomes only the 11th Bundestrainer - head coach of the Germany national team – after spending eight years as assistant to Löw during his 15-year reign.
  • Kimmich was Germany's captain for the second time in his career last time out against Liechtenstein, but first in a competitive fixture.
  • By start in that game on Thursday, Jamal Musiala became the first 18-year-old to start for Germany in a competitive international fixture since Uwe Seeler in 1957.
  • Florian Wirtz joined Musiala in making his senior debut for Germany aged 18.
  • Germany last faced Armenia in a friendly just before their triumphant 2014 FIFA World Cup, winning 6-1 on the night. In two competitive meetings, Germany have come out 4-0 and 5-1 winners – both games taking place in 1997.
  • Only the group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, which takes place in Qatar between 21 November and 18 December, 2022. The runners-up enter a play-off for the six remaining qualifying berths for European nations.

Germany: Neuer (c) – Baku, Süle, Rüdiger, Raum – Kimmich, Gündogan – Gnabry, Havertz, Sane – Werner
Out: Müller (thigh)
Doubtful: Gosens (foot)
Coach: Hansi Flick

Armenia: Yurchenko – Hambardzumyan, Haroyan, Calisir, Hovhannisyan – Barseghyan, Udo, Grigoryan, Mkhitaryan (c) – Karapetyan, Adamyan
Out: –
Doubtful: –
Coach: Joaquin Caparros

Russian peacekeepers ensure safe restoration of cell tower in Karabakh

Emil Lazarian
PanArmenian, Armenia
Sept 4 2021
September 4, 2021 – 10:39 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The servicemen of the Russian peacekeeping contingent have ensured the safe restoration of a cell tower providing about 5 thousand residents of remote regions of Nagorno-Karabakh with mobile communications and high-speed Internet, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on Saturday, September 4.

In particular, engineers repaired and restored the antenna and replaced the relay equipment in Martakert, close to the new contact line.

"Our task today is to ensure the safety of work on the cell tower, which is located near the demarcation line. The company's management has asked the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh to ensure the safety of the work," said Alexander Zaitsev, a spokesperson for the peacekeeping contingent.

In certain remote areas of Karabakh, work is underway to equip cell towers with modern solar panels to ensure uninterrupted mobile communications and high-speed Internet.

The Russian peacekeepers were deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh immediately after Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days on November 9, 2020. Under the deal, the Armenian side returned all the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities.

​US encourages reengagement in substantive negotiations on Karabakh: Blinken congratulates Mirzoyan on appointment

Varazdat Torgomian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 4 2021

US encourages reengagement in substantive negotiations on Karabakh: Blinken congratulates Mirzoyan on appointment

 September 4, 2021, 11:34 1 minute read

The US encourages reengagement in substantive negotiations under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs as soon as possible, US Secretary of State Antony Blinkern said in a congratulatory message to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

“I warmly congratulate you on your appointment as foreign minister.  The United States has a longstanding commitment to supporting the Armenian people’s democratic aspirations, and we look forward to cooperating with you to forge stronger bilateral ties based on our shared democratic values,” Secretary Blinken said.                                

“As a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, we remain committed to working with  you to support a comprehensive and sustainable political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.  We encourage reengagement in substantive negotiations under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs as soon as possible,” he added.

“The United States is a partner in your government’s efforts to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, and bolster democratic institutions, while respecting human rights and fundamental  freedoms.  The U.S. Embassy team in Yerevan is ready to assist you and your government maintain robust ties between our two countries.  Together, we can advance our joint interests in Armenia’s sovereign,  democratic, peaceful, and prosperous future,” the Secretary of State said.  

US encourages reengagement in substantive negotiations on Karabakh: Blinken congratulates Mirzoyan on appointment – Public Radio of Armenia ()

​France reiterates full support for the people of Armenia: Le Drian congratulates Mirzoyan on appointment

Meline Chalian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 4 2021

France reiterates full support for the people of Armenia: Le Drian congratulates Mirzoyan on appointment

 September 4, 2021, 17:59 1 minute read

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian sent a congratulatory message to Ararat Mirzoyan on his appointment to the post of RA Foreign Minister. The message reads:

“Dear Mr. Minister,

I cordially send you my warm congratulations on the occasion of assuming the post of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, expressing my gratitude in advance for the prospect of working closely with you in an atmosphere of trust.

Your country has faced a number of security, economic and health challenges in recent months. I would like to reaffirm France’s full support for the Armenian people who are going through this difficult phase.

There are privileged relations between France and Armenia, based on deep historical and cultural ties, with a rich agenda. The quality of the Armenian-French political dialogue obliges us to deepen our economic cooperation in favor of, in particular, the unblocking and diversification of the Armenian economy.

France will continue to assist Armenia in overcoming the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which has resulted in numerous casualties, and, as a co-chair of the Minsk Group, will continue to pursue a comprehensive solution to the conflict.

If the incidents of recent months underscore the need to work on the demarcation and demarcation of your country’s borders, we want the positive dynamics of the recent exchange of prisoner-of-war and mine maps to help restore trust between the parties. France acts as a player of peace in the South Caucasus region and stands by Armenia to achieve the expected peace.

Please accept, my Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. “

​Serbia detains North Macedonian diplomat on Armenia’s request

Emil Lazarian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 4 2021

Serbia detains North Macedonian diplomat on Armenia’s request

 September 4, 2021, 12:34 

The law enforcement bodies of Serbia have detained North Macedonian diplomat Mile Milenkovski on the basis of an international arrest warrant issued by Armenia, North Macedonian Alsat TV reports.

The detention took place on August 27 as Milenkovski was crossing the border point “Presevo” to enter the territory of North Macedonia. However, the news was confirmed by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, September 3.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of North Macedonia confirms that an employee of the Ministry, who is currently assigned to our OSCE Mission to Vienna, was detained in the Republic of Serbia on 27.08.2021. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia has officially has reported this to the Embassy of North Macedonia in Belgrade. According to the report, the competent court in Serbia has ordered extradition detention on the basis of an international arrest warrant for a crime he is accused of having committed during his private trip abroad,” the Foreign Ministry stated.

According to the TV channel, the Serbian authorities acted in accordance with the request of the Armenian side, which is investigating the case, in which Milenkovsky is one of the defendants.

At the same time, the diplomat is a relative of the former head of the country’s national counterintelligence Sasho Mijalkov, who is currently serving a prison term for abuse of office.

According to Armenian law enforcement agencies, in 2018, three diplomats from North Macedonia, led by Milenkovski, helped a former Armenian government official flee the country on a private jet.

Music: InClassica: Aram Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto to be performed at Dubai Opera for first time

Adrine Hakobian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 4 2021

Author Hasmik Hakobyan

The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra (ASSO), led by its artistic director Sergey Smbatyan, and world-renowned violinist Sergey Khachatryan will perform great Armenian composer Aram Khachaturian's Violin Concerto at the Dubai Opera on September 5 within the framework of the InClassica International Music Festival.

Speaking to the Panorama.am correspondent, ASSO Director Sargis Balbabyan said according to their information, Khachaturian's Violin Concerto will be performed for the first time at the Dubai Opera and in the UAE in general.

He strongly belives that it will be warmly welcomed by the foreign audience.

Sargis Balbabyan also said that Mussorgsky’s " Pictures at an Exhibition" will also be performed during the concert slated for September 5.

"This is an important concert for our orchestra, because it is going to perform such a big program after the pandemic. I am convinced that this time as well the orchestra will perform brilliantly," he said.

The Armenian State Symphony Orchestra is participating in the 10th InClassica International Music Festival being held in Dubai from August 28 to September 26. The festival is organized by the European Foundation for Support of Culture (EUFSC) in partnership with the SAMIT Event Group.

Within the framework of the festival, the second grand edition of the “Classic Piano” International Piano Competition for young pianists is being held, the participants of the 3rd and 4th rounds of which are to perform with the State Symphony Orchestra.

Touching upon the activities of the orchestra and its participation in the InClassica Festival, Sargis Balbabyan said that it is not the first time that the ASSO has held concerts in the United Arab Emirates. He said they had performed at the Dubai Opera before the coronavirus pandemic.

Referring to the cooperation with the European Foundation for Support of Culture, he noted that the orchestra took part in the Malta International Music Festival 2018 at the invitation of the foundation. Moreover, ASSO performed as the official resident orchestra at the festival. The cooperation with the European Foundation was not limited to this, he said.

"The foundation is one of the key partners and supporters of the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra. The vivid evidence of that is the concerts organized in 2020," Balbabyan underlined.

In his words, with the support of the European Foundation for Support of Culture and Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra started its 2020 concert season with a concert tour across Europe, presenting Armenian music. In particular, John Ter-Tatevosian's Symphony No. 2 "The Fate of Man", which is one of the best Armenian musical compositions of the 20th century, was performed outside Armenia for the first time. The symphony by Ter-Tatevosian was warmly welcomed by the European audiece.

"It was a great achievement, because the composition was performed in Europe for the first time. The recordings of that performance will soon be available on the online channels of classical music,” he said.

Incidentally, world-famous violinist Maxim Vengerov shared the stage with the Armenian orchestra during the concerts in Europe, performing compositions by Max Bruch, Maurice Ravel and others.

Speaking about the 10th InClassica International Music Festival, Sargis Balbabyan described it a truly “unprecedented event” against the background of developments taking place all over the world, adding after the pandemic it is a great opportunity for world-renowned musicians and orchestras to take part in such a big music event.

"Every single day, lovers of classical music have the opportunity to listen to the best soloists and orchestras of the world, who perform famous pieces by Russian and European composers. Presenting the works of Armenian composers to foreign audiences is of high importance to our orchestra. We are glad to be here and be able to present the Armenian performing art," he said.

Newspaper: 44-day war’s satellite footage to end up in Armenia opposition’s hands?

Emil Lazarian
News.am, Armenia
Sept 3 2021
10:11, 03.09.2021

YEREVAN. – Hraparak daily of Armenia writes: According to our information, the representatives of one of the countries that has an artificial satellite in space have contacted some circles of Armenia’s opposition, and offered them to provide some footage at their disposal—and which are related to Armenia.

Among them is especially the 44-day war’s whole footage, by viewing of which one can get a clear idea of what tactics Azerbaijan carried out during those 44 days [last fall], and how Armenia lost.

We could not find out what they [i.e., the aforesaid circles of Armenia’s opposition] responded to them.