Russian deputy FM, French Ambassador discuss NK conflict

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 17:30,

YEREVAN, JUNE 11, ARMENPRESS. Deputy minister of foreign affairs of Russia Andrei Rudenko received today French Ambassador to Russia Pierre Levy, the Russian foreign ministry reports.

During the meeting the officials discussed the situation on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, including in the context of the work of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

Andrei Rudenko and Pierre Levy also touched upon other relevant topics relating to the CIS region.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Harutyunyan, Shoigu discuss situation on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Public Radio of Armenia
May 31 2021
 

Armenia’s acting Minister of Defense Vagharshak Harutyunyan had a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart, Army General Sergey Shoigu.

The defense ministers of the two strategic allies discussed the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the ways to implement the agreements reached during a meeting in Moscow last week.

The interlocutors also touched upon the main directions of the ongoing reforms in the Armenian Armed Forces, the course of the mission carried out by the Russian peacekeeping contingent in the Artsakh Republic, as well as regional security issues and a number of issues related to joint actions to counter them.

Turkish Press: ANALYSIS: Azerbaijan, Armenia reach third stage of post-conflict reconciliation

Yeni Safak, Turkey
June 2 2021
<div><img src=”"https://mc.yandex.ru/watch/30098939" style="position:absolute; left:-9999px;" alt="" /></div>

<div><img src=”"https://mc.yandex.ru/watch/30098939" style="position:absolute; left:-9999px;" alt="" /></div> ANALYSIS: Azerbaijan, Armenia reach third stage of post-conflict reconciliation

Diplomatic arm-wrestling still continues between the sides after a 44-day war that ended with the decisive victory of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus. After Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev’s statement that “we are ready to talk about the terms of the final peace agreement,” the parties, having mostly completed the first two stages, are discussing the terms of the third stage of post-conflict reconciliation. But in the post-war period, while clashes on the Azerbaijan-Armenia border still persist, diplomatic negotiations between the parties continue.

– First stage: Ending the Armenian occupation

The November 10 declaration, which ended the 44-day war, is in fact not just a ceasefire declaration but an important document regarding the solution of the problem. Through this document, the liberation of more than 300 settlements by the Azerbaijani army was accepted by Armenia and, according to Articles 2 and 6 of the declaration, the decision was also made for Armenia’s withdrawal from the remaining three occupied regions (Agdam, Kalbajar, Lachin) occupied by Armenia. Article 4 stipulates the withdrawal of Armenian armed units from the regions that are under the control of Russian peacekeepers as well. Article 5 of the tripartite declaration established a monitoring center, operated jointly by Turkey and Russia, to monitor the fulfillment of the ceasefire in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region. In accordance with Article 8, the parties exchanged the bodies of the slain soldiers and returned the hostages. Azerbaijan returned the bodies of over 1,600 Armenian soldiers and repatriated 70 prisoners of war. In accordance with Article 6, the Lachin corridor will be handed over to Azerbaijan and a new corridor will be constructed within the next three years.

According to Article 7 of the declaration, it was decided that the return of IDPs should be carried out under UN supervision. This matter, according to President Ilham Aliyev, will be handled in due time. One of the most pressing issues in completing the first stage is Armenia's refusal to deliver mine maps; and, while there was speculation during Sergey Lavrov’s recent visit to Azerbaijan that Armenia would provide these maps, this issue has yet to be resolved.

Another issue remaining from the first phase is the evaluation of the status of Armenian soldiers who entered Azerbaijani territory after the Nov.10 declaration and were designated as terrorists, in accordance with international law, because they violated the declaration by entering Azerbaijani territory and killing soldiers and civilians. The Armenian side claims that these soldiers are POWs who should be returned as per the November 10 declaration.

Overall, it appears that the first phase is progressing as planned. Although some Armenian politicians and soldiers made revisionist remarks immediately after the war they are now starting to come to terms with the reality.

– Second stage: The opening of transportation links

The second stage started to be implemented as a continuation of the first stage. According to Article 9 of the tripartite declaration, communication and transportation routes between the parties should be opened. As a result, on January 11, the parties signed a new declaration, and a committee comprised of the deputy prime ministers of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Russia was formed. According to the latest information, the commission has held a total of eight meetings so far.

Experts, lawmakers, and the commission itself are debating the establishment of three transportation linkages. The first is the Zengezur Corridor, which runs between Azerbaijan’s main territory and its exclave of Nakhchivan. The second is between Armenia and Russia and passes through Azerbaijan, while the third involves the formation of a regional transportation network with the participation of Turkey, Iran, and Georgia.

According to President Ilham Aliyev, the establishment of this transportation link will improve the region's chances of peace and aid in the prevention of new hostilities. However, this issue has sparked heated debate in Armenia ahead of the election. Experts believe this issue is being politicized by opposition figures ahead of the snap election. Nevertheless, despite the objections of the opposition in Armenia, the process on this issue continues. In his speech to the parliament, Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reminded his opponents of the principle of reciprocity in diplomacy, stating that “If we don’t give them a transportation link, they will do the same.” Azerbaijan, for its part, has begun infrastructure work in preparation for the construction of these roadways. This situation will also have positive implications for the creation and normalization of Turkish–Armenian relations.

– Third stage: Delimitation and demarcation of the borders

The third stage is the signing of an agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the delimitation and demarcation of their borders. The border between Azerbaijan and Armenia has been under Armenian occupation for the last 30 years. After the liberation of Azerbaijan’s territories, more than 500 km of borderline have emerged between the two countries; that is why delimitation and demarcation are needed in these new borders. This issue came to the fore prominently on May 12 after the tension in the Karagol region, located between the Lachin region of Azerbaijan and the Sisyan region of Armenia. This tension arose after the visit to the region of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to local media, during Lavrov’s visit, a draft agreement was prepared between the parties to determine the borders. According to the draft agreement, which was published in local media, the borders between the parties will be determined according to Soviet-era military maps from 1975/6. Meanwhile, Armenia will withdraw its military forces from eight Azerbaijani villages, which are mostly enclaves still under Armenian occupation.

Speaking in parliament on the matter, Nikol Pashinyan stated that the most essential task for the Armenian people is to usher in a new era of peaceful development for their future. It also appears that Pashinyan has no choice but to find mutual solutions to the problems with Azerbaijan because attempts to internationalize the issue have not yielded any results.

Different types of reactions have been observed from the Armenian side in relation to this issue. Armenia has built a deep “security” platform as a result of its prolonged occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Unfortunately, due to the false comfort of occupation, Armenia illegally annexed many Azerbaijani villages and settled in them its own citizens. Now, the Azerbaijani army is directly confronted by such “Armenian” villages, and identifying borders using maps alone is proving difficult.

The fact that this situation coincides with the pre-election period in Armenia complicates matters even more. Pashinyan, who was blamed for losing the Second Karabakh War, is being further called out by his opponents for making more concessions.

Not only the opposition but also some government officials known for their radical rhetoric have criticized Pashinyan. According to local media, former Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan has refused to sign the agreement on border delimitation and demarcation. President Armen Sarkisyan stated that Armenian military forces must take harsh preventative measures against Azerbaijan during the demarcation and delimitation process. But the fact is that Armenia has no option but to find a solution to its problems with Azerbaijan and Turkey.

– Obstacles to the final peace treaty

President Ilham Aliyev has stated that he has made proposals to Armenia on the terms of the final peace agreement, but Armenia has yet to respond. He has also emphasized that Azerbaijan is ready to talk about the conditions of that final peace agreement with Armenia. Azerbaijan’s condition for the ultimate peace deal is clear: The two countries must mutually recognize each other’s territorial integrity.

According to George Vanyan, an Armenian expert, the Armenian community is not yet ready for a final peace agreement. This is, in fact, a product of the radical and nationalistic sentiment fueled in the country by the rulers of Armenia over the past 30 years. As former Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan stated: “No lessons have still been learned in Armenia and the diaspora … This suggests that the Armenian people are bracing themselves for more losses and sorrows.” Petrosyan is implying that the reconciliation process does not sit well with Armenia’s radicals and revanchists. That is why they are attempting to derail the peace process by inciting provocations. The international community must be wary of such provocations.

* Opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own.

By Dr. Cavid Veliyev

– The writer is head of the Baku-based think-tank Center of Analysis of International Relations.

Armenia Investigative Committee launches criminal case regarding keeping of bodies and remains of deceased servicemen

News.am, Armenia
June 4 2021

The Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of Armenia in Kotayk Province is conducting an investigation to clarify the violations that were committed while keeping the bodies of servicemen (deceased during the war that Azerbaijan unleashed against Artsakh on September 27, 2020) at the Forensic Medicine Expert Examinations Unit of the Scientific-Practical Center of Forensic Medicine of the Ministry of Justice of Armenia, as reported the Investigative Committee of Armenia.

On May 31, 2021, data were obtained according to which there were bodies in bags kept in rooms not designed for keeping bodies at the Forensic Medicine Expert Examinations Unit of the Scientific-Practical Center of Forensic Medicine of the Ministry of Justice in Kotayk Province.

The investigation showed that the rooms to which the bodies and remains were transferred lacked the necessary conditions for keeping the bodies and remains.

Taking into consideration the fact that in the prepared report there is a legal ground and occasion for launching a criminal case, the Prosecutor’s Office of Kotayk Province has launched a criminal case under the elements of abuse of official powers, and the case has been forwarded to the Abovyan Investigation Division of the Kotayk Province Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee for preliminary investigation, and it has been accepted for proceedings.

Food: Reinterpreting Armenian Tradition

Argentina – June 3 2021
By: MIGUEL CABRERA

 Armenia  is a mythical country that surprises visitors at first glance, harmoniously combining past and present. It has a rich history of legends and myths such as Noah's Ark on Mount Ararat. Armenians, one of the oldest peoples in the world, have an original and rich culture that has developed over the centuries. They have managed to preserve their unique history and safeguard their ancestral traditions while integrating them into the modern way of life.


Therefore, when referring to Armenian cuisine of these times, we could say that it has in itself two  “cultures”  linked to the geographical distribution of the Armenian people. On the one hand, there is the cuisine of the present-day Republic of Armenia. On the other hand, there is what was generated after the Armenian diaspora in Europe, America and the Middle East after the genocide committed by the Turkish State from 1915 to 1917.

Although the two cultures inhabit relatively different geographies, their kitchen has common foundations, and above all their identity. An identity that is based on the richness of seasonal products. In the excellence of fresh aromatic herbs placed in each dish (chives, parsley, dill, mint), nuts and oriental species that perfume dishes, those fresh cheeses spread on traditional Armenian bread (an unleavened bread).

Eating can bring happiness: if it's not for you, it's for your stomach. At Restaurant Armenia, everyone – vegetarians and omnivores – will find dishes that meet their needs. In the spirit of its people, here the food is made with love, which makes traditional Armenian dishes even tastier.

Restaurant Armenia is an unsurpassed place of its kind in our country, which provides an exodus for the senses of the diner, a space where the palate experiences unique sensations. Following the tradition of the Armenian people, this establishment located in the Palermo neighborhood, in Buenos Aires City, prepares its food with the best raw materials and only with products that do not alter the history behind each dish. That's why sitting there, clearly, is a trip to that region of the Caucasus. The place offers unique creations following the ancient traditional recipes, transmitted to this day from generation to generation, from family to family.

This ethnic restaurant proposes to make a journey through one of the oldest culinary arts in the world. Since opening its doors in 1984, on the first floor of the Armenian Cultural Association, he impressed by the spacious living room with oak panels on its walls and luminaires that create a pleasant and serene climate.

Typical Armenian food takes place around a table where all the dishes are presented simultaneously, so in the restaurant they put together a menu, for those who want to know the flavors of their food, which is called Yerevan (the capital of Armenia) it consists of three dishes at the choice of entrance, a main course, dessert, paired with three types of wines to choose and the golden brooch the oriental coffee.

From Ser Argentino we make the following recommendation for the tickets:  Bastermá , which is an oriental cold made from smoked meat, cured in salt, smeared with oriental spices and chemen (an emblematic Armenian seasoning whose main ingredient is fenugreek);  falafel  are fried chickpeas canapes seasoned with oriental and seasoned spices, parsley, garlic and tahin (a sesame paste); next to that the must-see of the Armenian entrance is  yayik,  which is a whole-milk yogurt liquid with cucumbers, salt, garlic and dried mint leaves. At the time of the main course suggestions are complicated, but this dish will arouse indescribable sensations in your mouth we talk about  manté . They are oriental ravioli type barquitos stuffed with minced meat and broth we recommend you accompany them with  madzun  the classic Armenian yogurt. If your thing goes through the meat then you should order the khorovadz. In Armenia is what you will find in all the gastronomic venues. They are grilled skewers, mainly beef, but also chicken or lamb.

Desserts are a delight and it would be impossible to choose one. Most bathed in homemade syrup, stuffed with cinnamon, walnut and cloves, made mostly with row dough – this is an extrafine, almost transparent dough that to make it you need only flour, water and patience. At Restaurant Armenia, they ensure that the texture of the row dough is true to the original, for this is essential the quality contribution of the flour, for which a special grinding is commissioned that is allowed to park for an important period of time.

And if something was missing, for the diner to feel like he is in Armenia, for a while now the reading of the coffee erase and an Armenian show on weekends has been added. In this way the gastronomy, visual, auditory and participatory experience is completed with dancing and a bit of history. One of the keys to the success of this restaurant.

 Address:  Armenia 1366 Primer Piso

Congresswoman Jackie Speier: Aliyev has shown he has no interest in peace and diplomacy

Panorama, Armenia

U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Speier has reacted to the capture of six Armenian servicemen by Azerbaijani forces on Thursday.

In a tweet on Friday, the congresswoman stated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has shown he has no interest in peace and diplomacy, but only aggression.

“Azerbaijan’s attack on Armenian territory and the capture of six Armenian soldiers is despicable. Aliyev has shown he has no interest in peace and diplomacy – only aggression. The U.S. must freeze all military aid to Azerbaijan!” she tweeted.

Caucasian Knot | Russia’s and CSTO’s reaction to border conflict triggers criticism in Armenia

The Caucasian Knot, EU

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Armenia is unhappy with the reaction of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and Russia to the problem of withdrawing Azerbaijani troops from the border area, and is ready to appeal to the UN Security Council, Nikol Pashinyan, the Acting Prime Minister, has stated. Armenian MPs have also criticized Russia and the CSTO.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on May 12, Azerbaijani militaries advanced deep into the Syunik Region of Armenia and tried to gain a foothold in the Black Lake area. Armenia sent an official statement to the CSTO in connection with the penetration of Azerbaijani militaries into the territory of Armenia.

On May 26, during the government's hour at the parliament, Nikol Pashinyan, the Premier, expressed his dissatisfaction with the positions of Russia and the CSTO on resolving the border problem.

"The CSTO members must present their clear position on the situation, which they have failed to do yet. None of them has stated that Azerbaijan should withdraw its troops from the territory of Armenia," Mr Pashinyan has stated (as translated by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent).

According to the Premier, the issue of Armenia's appeal to the UN Security Council has always been on the agenda. "Authorities do not exclude that Armenia will follow this way, if it turns out that all the mechanisms of the CSTO or Russia in this situation are insufficient to resolve the problem," Nikol Pashinyan has added.

On May 26, during the parliamentary session, Armenian MPs also criticized the reaction of Russia and the CSTO. They expressed their dissatisfaction with the fulfilment of treaty obligations by Russia and the CSTO in relation to Armenia.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on at 06:48 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Armine Martirosyan; Source: CK correspondent

Source:
© Caucasian Knot

Number of Azeri soldiers in Armenia’s territory does not exceed 1000 – Armenia military official

Aysor, Armenia

The number of Azeri soldiers in the territory of Armenia does not exceed 1000, head of the chief operative department of the Armenian Armed Forces, deputy chief of General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Mayor-General Edward Asryan told the reporters today.

He said these 1000 servicemen do not have opportunity to fulfill serious tasks in our territory.

“If to give military solution to the issue, these 1,000 servicemen cannot leave our territory, they will all be eliminated – indiscriminately,” Asryan said.

Russia makes active efforts to resolve situation in Syunik, says ambassador Kopirkin

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 15:51,

YEREVAN, MAY 26, ARMENPRESS. Russia is making active efforts for resolving the situation in the province of Syunik of Armenia, the Russian Ambassador to Armenia Sergey Kopirkin said during a conference.

“Russia and Armenia are united by a lot more, which shouldn’t be forgotten especially now during this difficult period of time for the Republic of Armenia,” he said during the “Strategic Ally Russia’s Image in Modern Armenian Society” conference organized by the Eurasian Expert Club and the Integration and Development organization.

“Russia is the only country to have provided practical support to Armenia in difficult situations,” the ambassador said, adding that ending the military operations in Artsakh required big efforts, and now measures are taken to return Artsakh to peaceful life.

Speaking about the peculiarities of the Armenian-Russian relations, the ambassador said that the ties are the result of a union tried throughout centuries.

“Our countries are tied with very close people-to-people relations. Not mentioning the economic ties.”

Kopirkin also spoke about the need for the Armenian people to overcome the post-war stress.

“We prioritize that the Armenian population overcomes the post-war stress as quickly as possible, and feels safe, with the Russian military base playing an important role in ensuring this.”

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

Pashinyan, Putin discuss Armenian-Azerbaijani border issue – Armenian cabinet

TASS, Russia
May 19 2021
Acting Armenian Prime Minister thanked Russian President "for Russia’s efforts aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the region"

YEREVAN, May 19. /TASS/. Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Russian President Vladimir Putin have focused on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border issue in a phone call, the Armenian prime minister’s press service said on Wednesday.

"Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and RF President Vladimir Putin talked over the phone today. Nikol Pashinyan presented the situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. He underscored that in breach of all norms of international law, Azeri troops have crossed into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia," the press service said.

Pashinyan thanked Putin "for Russia’s efforts aimed at strengthening peace and stability in the region."

"The parties agreed on the ways and methodology to resolve the situation," the press service said.

Earlier in the day, the Kremlin reported that Putin and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev agreed in a phone call that the border dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan should have diplomatic solutions.

On May 12, Armenia’s Defense Ministry reported that early in the morning Azerbaijani forces had attempted to conduct "certain work" in an area bordering the Syunik region to "adjust the border." The ministry said that after the Armenian detachments had taken action, Azerbaijani troops stopped the work. Later in the evening, Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan convened a meeting of the national Security Council to slam the incident as an encroachment on Armenia’s territory. Pashinyan claimed that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces crossed into Armenia, travelling 3.5 kilometers. Several rounds of talks have been held in recent days to resolve the situation. The latest round, brokered by Russia, took place on May 16.

After the fighting had ceased in Nagorno-Karabakh last autumn, Armenian forces turned over control of seven districts adjacent to the region to Baku, so the Armenian-Azerbaijani border now lies along the Syunik and Gegharkunik regions.