Author: Adrine Hakobian

Armenian, Iranian MPs highlight development of Meghri Free Economic Zone

Adrine Hakobian
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 21 2021

MP Vahe Hakobyan from the opposition Hayastan faction, who heads the Armenian National Assembly Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, as well as its members Mkhitar Zakaryan and Hripsime Stambulyan, on Monday met with members of an Iranian parliamentary delegation led by Seyed Mahdi Farshadan, head of the Iran-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Head of the Armenia-Iran Friendship Group Gevorg Papoyan also took part in the meeting, the parliament’s press service reported.

Vahe Hakobyan highlighted the friendly relations with Iran.

Seyed Mahdi Farshadan noted that they had effective meetings and discussions in parliament. He highlighted the development of the economic ties between the two countries.

Referring to the trade turnover, the Iranian lawmaker said that at this point it amounts to $350 million. He expressed hope that as a result of joint work, it would be possible to increase the volume of the trade turnover up to $1 bln.

In 2022 it is planned to renovate the Meghri customs point and bring it in line with international standards, the MP noted.

Both sides highlighted the development of Meghri Free Economic Zone.

Seyran Ohanyan: Delimitation and demarcation mean mutual recognition of the states’ territorial integrity

Adrine Hakobian
Panorama, Armenia
Dec 15 2021

The actions of the current leaders of Armenia have never been a surprise to us, as they are now boycotting the National Assembly sitting whenever discussions are focused on the situation around Armenia and Artsakh,” the leader of opposition ‘Armenia’ bloc Seyran Ohanyan told reporters on Wednesday. 

Ohanyan’s comments came in response to assess the boycott by the ruling Civil Contract faction of a special of parliament sitting to discuss issues related to the border delimitation and demarcation with Azerbaijan.  

In Ohanyan’s words, the internal and external challenges Armenia faces, developments on the foreign policy arena and in the peace process, on the borders of Armenia and Artsakh make the opposition take necessary measures to give an assessment. 

Speaking of the process of delimitation and demarcation, Ohanyan stressed that no real conditions are created to implement them. He warned that unless the process is linked to the issue of Artsakh’s self-determination in one package, serious risks would arise for Artsakh. 

“Delimitation and demarcation means a peace agreement, mutual recognition of the territorial integrity, that is to recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and throw a big stone on the fate of Artsakh,” stressed Ohanyan.

He added that serious studies must precede the delimitation works to determine the exact borders of the Republic of Armenia as since entering the Soviet Union those have been continuoiusly changed. 

Armenian, Russian FMs discuss broad scope of issues related to NK conflict

Adrine Hakobian

Save

Share

 20:34, 8 December, 2021

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan had a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, the Armenian and Russian FMs discussed a broad scope of issues related to Nagorno Karabakh conflict. The full resumption of the peace process under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs’ format for reaching a lasting and comprehensive settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict was highlighted.

Ararat Mirzoyan and Sergey Lavrov also discussed the process of fulfillment of the commitments undertaken by the parties through the trilateral statements of November 9, 2020, January 11 and November 26, 2021.

Minister Mirzoyan stressed that the belligerent statements made by the Azerbaijani leadership and threats of use of force seriously endanger regional stability and security.

The Armenian and Russian Foreign Ministers also discussed issues related to the “3 + 3” platform, as well as issues of mutual interest on the regional and international agenda.

Cyprus Parliament adopts resolution condemning Azerbaijani aggression against Armenians

Adrine Hakobian
Public Radio of Armenia
Dec 3 2021
December 3, 2021, 17:07

 Less than a minute

The House of Representatives of Cyprus has unanimously adopted a resolution on Azerbaijan’s ongoing aggression against Armenians and the current situation in Nagorno Karabakh, the Armenian Embassy in Greece and Cyprus informs.

The resolution condemns Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia and Artsakh and demands that the provisions of the November 9, 2020 ceasefire statement, including the immediate release of the captives, be implemented.

At the same time, it calls on the international community to act to end Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia, as well as to urge international organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Artsakh.

The resolution also condemns Turkish involvement in the war against Artsakh.


President of Artsakh sends condolence letter to Russia’s Putin

Adrine Hakobian

Save

Share

 16:08, 26 November, 2021

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 26, ARMENPRESS. President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan sent a condolence letter to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the President’s Office reports.

The letter runs as follows:

“Honorable Vladimir Putin,

In Artsakh, we have learnt with deep sorrow about the accident that took place in Kemerovo region of the Russian Federation and which took dozens of lives.

On behalf of the Artsakh people, authorities and myself, I express condolences and support to You dear Vladimir Putin, to relatives and friends of the miners who fell victim to the tragic disaster. I wish all the injured a speedy recovery.

At this difficult moment we bear the brunt of loss and pain with the fraternal Russian people”.

Asbarez: EXCLUSIVE: Human Rights Defender Discusses Current Situation on Armenia’s Borders

Adrine Hakobian
 by Asbarez Staff

 

 November 15, 2021

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Interviews, Latest, News, Top Stories, Videos
 0

Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan on Monday said that the current border standoff, especially after Azerbaijan set up customs checkpoints along two main roads, violates the rights of the citizens of Armenia who reside in and around the impacted areas.

He told Asbarez Editor Ara Khachatourian, in an exclusive interview that also will air Monday at 8 p.m. on Horizon Television, that Azerbaijan’s ongoing policy of Armenophobia currently has manifested itself in using the checkpoints to isolate residents from their basic rights—food, work, medical services and commerce.

He argued that as negotiations are underway to determine the pace and process of opening the co-called communications and transport links between Armenia and Azerbaijan, blockading Armenian citizens from access to basic necessities is a violation of rights and international norms.

Tatoyan is in Los Angeles at the invitation of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region and will serve as a keynote speaker at a luncheon on Sunday, Nov. 21 marking the 10th anniversary of the landmark ANCA Grassroots Conference. Tatoyan also will receive the ANCA-WR “Human Rights Champion” award during the luncheon. Obtain tickets. Tatoyan will also speak on a panel with other leading human rights experts on Monday, Nov. 22 at CSUN. ANCA-WR has organized this event in collaboration with the Promise Institute for Human Rights at UCLA School of Law, the UCLA Promise Armenian Institute, and the CSUN Armenian Studies Department.

Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan met with Asbarez’s editorial department and staff

Following the interview at Horizon studios in Little Armenia, Tatoyan visited the Asbarez offices and met with its editorial department and staff. He answered staff questions about the current post-war realities in Armenia.

He also praised Asbarez for its continued coverage of the events in Armenia and especially the newspaper’s commitment to shed light on the activities of the Human Rights Defender’s Office and its mission to protect the rights of the citizens of Armenia.

Azerbaijan spreads disinformation attempting to blame Armenia for provocation, warns Ministry of Defense

Adrine Hakobian

Save

Share

 16:16, 16 November, 2021

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 16, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces are employing a large-scale disinformation campaign alongside their attack on Armenia, the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

“Particularly, today at midday, before launching the attack the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense issued a statement falsely claiming that Armenian military units opened fire simultaneously in several directions of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on November 15 and 16. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense is further claiming that the Armenian military units are carrying out operations in the direction of Tavush. The mentioned reports are false,” the Armenian Ministry of Defense said.

The Armenian Ministry of Defense said that the goal of the Azeri disinformation campaign is to blame the Armenian side for their large-scale provocation. Nevertheless, it is more than obvious that Azerbaijan itself launched the attack, deploying artillery and other equipment in attacking Armenian positions.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Armenian Ambassador briefs OSCE on Azerbaijani aggression

Adrine Hakobian
Public Radio of Armenia
Nov 19 2021
November 19, 2021, 19:29

 1 minute read

On November 18, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Armenia, Ambassador Armen Papikyan, addressed the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna in response to the report of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

Ambassador Papikian reaffirmed Armenia’s support for the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs as the only international mandate for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The resumption of the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process and visits to the region was emphasized.

Among other issues, the Ambassador noted that Azerbaijan continues to violate the ceasefire, and the frequency is increasing, hindering the international community’s efforts to establish lasting peace in the region. The Ambassador reminded about the crimes committed by Azerbaijan against the civilian population of Artsakh and Armenia.

Ambassador Papikyan noted that the passive acquiescence of the international community towards such an aggressive policy of Azerbaijan is one of the reasons of the attack on the sovereign territory of Armenia by the Azerbaijani armed forces on November 16, which led to human losses, missing and captives.

The Armenian envoy added that, unfortunately, such open _expression_ of the use of force and threat of force is becoming one of the main features of Azerbaijan’s policy, and the OSCE MG Co-Chairs, the OSCE and its member states should not have any doubt as to who the aggressor is and what is he main obstacle to peace in the region.

Russian Prime Minister arrives in Armenia

Adrine Hakobian

Save

Share

 15:16,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin arrived in Armenia to participate in the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council meeting in Yerevan November 18-19.

PM Mishustin was greeted at the airport by the Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan.

The heads of government of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission Mikhail Myasnikovich are also already in Yerevan.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office calls for continued de-escalation in talks with Azeri FM

Adrine Hakobian

Save

Share

 16:48,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 18, ARMENPRESS. The Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde held a phone conversation with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov on “recent developments in the region.”

“Called for continued de-escalation. Reiterated support for process through Minsk Group Co-Chairs and my Personal Representative,” Linde tweeted.

On November 16, the Azerbaijani military launched a major attack on Armenia from the eastern border, deploying armored equipment and artillery.

Editing by Stepan Kocharyan