Author: Alex Nanijanian

Russia assured entry of Armenian MPs to Artsakh was not allowed for avoiding provocations – FM Mirzoyan

Alex Nanijanian

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 17:00,

YEREVAN, APRIL 13, ARMENPRESS. After the incident when a group of members of the Armenian Parliament were not allowed to enter Artsakh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia contacted the authorities of Artsakh and the Russian Federation, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said during the Q&A session in the Parliament, asked what measures have been taken to avoid such incidents in the future.

“Since it became known that the members of the National Assembly were unable to enter Nagorno Karabakh through the Lachin corridor, of course, we have taken actions. We have been in contact with both the authorities of Nagorno Karabakh and the Russian Federation at a high level. We were assured that the entry of the MPs to Artsakh was not allowed to avoid provocations. As for our position, it is clearly reflected in the statement of the Foreign Ministry, that is that the 2020 November 9 trilateral statement doesn’t envisage any restriction in the movement through the Lachin corridor, and the citizens of Armenia, including (or moreover, if you want) the members of the National Assembly must have an unimpeded access to Nagorno Karabakh”, the FM said.

Vice Speaker of Parliament Ishkhan Saghatelyan announced that the opposition lawmakers of the Armenian parliament were not allowed to enter Artsakh.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry issued a statement over the incident, expressing its concern. “This action contradicts the Trilateral Statement of November 9, which envisages the unimpeded connection of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia through the Lachin corridor. All parties to the Statement must strictly adhere to the latter’s letter and spirit, as well as fulfill its obligations”, the ministry said in a statement.




Pashinyan considers it inappropriate to discuss invasion of Azerbaijani armed forces in Parukh in Brussels platform

Alex Nanijanian
ARMINFO
Armenia – April 7 2022
Naira Badalian

ArmInfo.The Armenian side did not discuss in detail the situation in Parukh in Brussels, for the reason that the issue is in the field of responsibility of the Russian  peacekeepers. This was stated by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on  April 7 at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, referring to the  results of yesterday’s meeting with the Azerbaijani President in  Brussels.

As the press service of the RA PM reports, before discussing the  agenda, the Prime Minister summed up the results of the trilateral  meeting between him, the President of the European Council and the  President of Azerbaijan, which took place on April 6 in Brussels. In  his speech, Nikol Pashinyan particularly said, “You are aware that  under the mediation of the President of the European Council Charles  Michel, the meeting between me and the President of Azerbaijan took  place in Brussels yesterday until late night through. Based on the  results of the meeting, decisions were made over two issues. First,  the foreign ministers of the two countries have been instructed to  begin preparations for the future peace treaty, to hold talks and  establish contacts in this direction. What does this mean? This means  that the principles and issues presented by Armenia and Azerbaijan on  the peace treaty should be summed up and be addressed based on the  results of the negotiations.    In my speech at the previous Cabinet meeting, I raised our  considerations in this regard. You are aware that in response to  Azerbaijan’s proposals, we have emphasized that there is nothing  unacceptable for us, but they do not generalize all the issues on the  peace agenda, and the security guarantees of the people of Nagorno  Karabakh, the protection of their rights and freedoms, as well as the  clarification of the final status of Nagorno Karabakh are of  fundamental importance for us. These issues are included in our  response to the peace agenda and they should become subject of  negotiations. Of course, as before, we consider the involvement of  the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs essential in this process, and we must  continue to work in that direction.  Naturally, there was a  discussion about the deterioration of the security environment in  Nagorno Karabakh, particularly the events in Parukh, but those  discussions did not lead to a joint assessment of the situation. I  must also say that I did not consider the further discussion of this  particular topic appropriate in the Brussels platform, because,  nevertheless, it is about the intrusion of Azerbaijani units into the  responsibility zone of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Nagorno  Karabakh, and we should discuss this issue with the participation of  our partners of the Russian Federation, which we do and will continue  to do. I have published our position on this issue. Accordingly, we  expect that the peacekeepers of the Russian Federation in Nagorno  Karabakh will take measures to ensure the withdrawal of Azerbaijani  units from the zone of their responsibility.    We also consider it important to conduct an investigation into the  activities of the Russian peacekeeping forces, the adequacy of their  actions, and possible inaction during the course of the developments,  about which I spoke during my telephone conversations with the  President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin.    Returning to the Brussels meeting, let me inform you that the next  decision that was made was about setting up a bilateral commission on  delimitation of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border by the end of April.   That commission will have a double mandate. The first is  delimitation. Second, ensuring security and stability along the  border. Discussions on this issue, you remember, including through  the mediation of the Russian Federation, have been going on for about  a year, and finally we came to such a compromise decision.  You know  that there are territories of the Republic of Armenia that are under  the control of Azerbaijan, there are territories of Azerbaijan that  are under the control of Armenia, these issues must be resolved  through negotiations, of course, on the basis of de jure  substantiated records and legally grounded facts.  

The Russian Federation has expressed readiness to support the  delimitation and demarcation work. The European Union is also ready  to support, we must move in this direction. You know that our  position is that there is a de jure border between Armenia and  Azerbaijan, and that is the border that existed in Soviet times.   With this consideration, it’s necessary to start the delimitation  works and try to reach solutions, taking parallel measures to ensure  security and stability,” Pashinyan said.

EU hosts high-level meeting between Armenian, Azerbaijani officials

Alex Nanijanian
Public Radio of Armenia
March 30 2022
March 30, 2022, 23:26

 1 minute read

The European Union hosted a meeting of high-level officials from Armenia and Azerbaijan in Brussels today to advance joint efforts to find solutions to a range of issues between both countries. In particular, discussions focused on preparations for the upcoming meeting between President Charles Michel of the European Council, President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of the Republic of Armenia in Brussels on 6 April 2022.

The meeting between Secretary of the Security Council of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Grigoryan, and Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Hikmet Hajiyev, was facilitated by EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Toivo Klaar.

During substantive discussions, which also included a separate bilateral conversation between Mr Hajiyev and Mr Grigoryan, the participants reviewed the political and security situation and the full spectrum of issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a follow-up to the understandings reached during the meeting of leaders of both countries and President Michel, held in Brussels on 14 December 2021. 

The participants agreed to meet again over the coming weeks in order to continue discussions, among others on issues raised during the leaders’ meeting of 14 December 2021. Armenia and Azerbaijan will also address issues related to prospects for a peace agreement between them.

The European Union remains committed to continue its engagement towards sustainable peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

Ambassador Makunts presents security environment around Armenia and Artsakh to US Congressman

Alex Nanijanian

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 09:56, 31 March, 2022

YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Lilit Makunts Armenian Ambassador to the United States met with Chairman of “House Democracy Partnership”, Congressman David Price (D-NC), the Armenian Embassy said in a statement on social media.

Ambassador Makunts emphasized the membership of National Assembly of Armenia as a partner to HDP and highly assessed the effective cooperation between two legislative bodies.

Ambassador Makunts briefed about the security environment around Armenia and Artsakh and stressed the need for active engagement by the US and other Co-Chairs of Minsk Group to restrain the further escalation by Azerbaijan in the region.

During the meeting Ambassador Makunts by the order of the President of the National Assembly of Armenia, handed over to Congressman Price the “Medal of Honor” for his significant contribution to the development and strengthening of the Armenian-American inter-parliamentary friendly relations.

Armenian FM holds meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office

Alex Nanijanian

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 13:01, 1 April, 2022

YEREVAN, APRIL 1, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan held a meeting with OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Poland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Zbigniew Rau.

The private talk was followed by an extended -format meeting, the ministry said.

The Armenian FM and the OSCE Chairman-in-Office will then hold a joint press conference.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office arrived in Armenia as part of a regional visit.

Rau will also meet with Armenia’s President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Armenia participating in Artozyma International Exhibition of Bakery and Confectionery in Thessaloniki

Alex Nanijanian
Public Radio of Armenia
April 2 2022
April 2, 2022, 13:26

 1 minute read

Armenia is participating for the first time in Artozyma International Exhibition of Bakery and Confectionery which will beheld in the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Centre from the 2nd to the 4th of April, 2022.

The Exhibition takes place alongside the Detrop Boutique Show, which hosts the major food and beverage companies in Greece. Both shows with their original thematic features highlight the modern trends of food and beverage sectors.

A wide range of Armenian products will be presented at the show, including the legendary brandy ArArAt, the world famous ZULAL, ARMENIA WINE, KARAS, ARAME wines, legendary ZORAH – one of the best 10 wines of the world, according to Bloomberg, the multi-award winning KILIKIA beer, JERMUK and BJNI mineral waters as well as NOYAN Premium juices and sweets. For the first time wine labels ARMAS and OSHIN will be presented to the Greek consumers.

Armenia’s participation is organized by the Hellenic-Armenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as part of an annual series of events dedicated to the 30th anniversary of establishment of the Chamber back in 1992. The event is held under the auspices of the Embassy of Armenia to the Hellenic Republic

Chamber’s staff will be available at the booth to provide important information about doing business with Armenia.

Armenian Human Rights Defender participates in ENNHRI online general assembly

Alex Nanijanian

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 16:21,

YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Kristinne Grigoryan participated today in the online general assembly of the European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (ENNHRI), her Office said in a news release.

The discussions focused on a number of issues relating to protection of human rights in different regions and sectors. Particularly, the situation of migrants in Europe and ensuring their rights, as well as the possible actions aimed at assisting national human rights institutions that appeared under danger, were discussed during the online meeting.

Welcoming her international colleagues, the Armenian Ombudswoman highlighted the ENNHRI role in promoting the protection of human rights in the region and strengthening the role of national institutions.

During the discussion of the topic titled “National Human Rights Institutions under Danger – Ukraine”, the Ombudsperson of Armenia said, in particular: “From the viewpoint of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, I can say that we know well from our experience what difficulties and challenges the conflicts could bring and their devastating consequences for the defense institutions. Therefore, I call on my colleagues from Ukraine and Russia to use at best the potential of this wonderful network and also the direct contacts, to fulfill their mandate at best in these difficult times”.

Artsakh MIA: The number of people entering and leaving the territory of the Republic of Artsakh remains almost unchanged

Alex Nanijanian
ARMINFO
Armenia,
Marianna Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo.Against the backdrop of certain tensions that have reigned in Artsakh in recent days, wide circles of the society, despite anxiety, continues to maintain  composure and calm. This is stated in the statement of the Ministry  of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh.

In particular, the monitoring of the period from March 24 to March 29  and as of 1:00pm shows that the number of people entering and leaving  the territory of the Republic of Artsakh remains almost unchanged,  there are only minor fluctuations.

“Nevertheless, we take this opportunity to appeal to representatives  of the media, active users of social networks and to all public  circles with an appeal to be extremely restrained, not to publish  records or make statements that could once again provoke completely  inappropriate tension.  

Time has shown that periodic enemy provocations are not capable of  breaking the heroic people of Artsakh, and nothing can take away from  us our desire and desire to live and create in our native land,” the  NKR Ministry of Internal Affairs said in a statement.

Nagorno Karabakh conflict was never a territorial issue, it is a matter of rights – Armenian PM

Alex Nanijanian

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 11:44, 24 March, 2022

YEREVAN, MARCH 24, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed what he described as the “radical opposition’s” criticism claiming that his administration has agreed to accept the principle of territorial integrity as the principle of normalization of relations.

Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting that this criticism is “more than strange.”

PM Pashinyan reminded a 1999 statement by then-President Robert Kocharyan, who said “If we speak about territorial integrity in general, we shouldn’t say that we oppose it. We also have territory, and we too consider that this territory requires adherence to such principle”. Pashinyan said Kocharyan made this statement after returning to Yerevan in 1999 from the OSCE Istanbul summit where he had voted in favor of the security charter in Europe, which defends territorial integrity.

“After him, Serzh Sargsyan also negotiated over the NK conflict settlement for many years, accepting the principle of territorial integrity, among others, as a fundamental principle for resolution. Therefore, speculations are inappropriate here. We believe that the Nagorno Karabakh has never been a territorial conflict and isn’t such now as well, it is an issue of rights and we will consistently defend all rights of the Armenians of Artsakh, also by not ignoring the rights of other nations, because, as Serzh Sargsyan once rightfully said in a latest interview – ‘we are not fascists’”, Pashinyan said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan earlier also said that the “Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not a territorial issue, but a matter of rights.”

‘Armenia is a free country, unlike Russia’: rallies in Yerevan amid Russia-Ukraine war

Alex Nanijanian



  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

A rally in support of Russia in Yerevan has been held today. It was organized by several pro-Russian politicians who do not enjoy a lot of public support. In Armenia, very few paid attention to the action, which did, however, raise interest, and even resonance outside the country. Against the backdrop of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the has begun to arise question of whether the Armenian authorities and society support Russia in this conflict.

The country’s authorities adhere to absolute neutrality, despite the fact that Armenia and Russia are official strategic allies. The expert community is more open about the fact that an exhausted Armenia, especially in its position after the 2020 Karabakh war, needs to strictly adhere to neutrality – as much as possible. There are both supporters of Russia in society and those who express support for Ukraine.

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Hundreds of people with posters and inscriptions of letters “Z” and “V” which became symbols of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine participated in the action in support of Russia. The organizers of the rally remain unknown, but it has been attended by several politicians who are known for their pro-Russian agenda.

One of them is the chairman of the Constitutional Right Union party, a member of the executive committee of the Strong Armenia with Russia movement, Hayk Babukhanyan, who stated the following:

“Today we stand with Russia, as our brotherhood has been proven on the battlefield and on the borders, where the Russian soldier defends Armenia and Artsakh. We will strengthen our brotherhood, unity. We are supporters of freedom, self-determination, Armenian-Russian friendship. Today our ally is waging a civilizational struggle. This is a civilizational conflict. By defending Russia, we are protecting our identity, traditions, our traditional families, the church”.

“Friendship with Russia should be honest and non-pragmatic. This is the foundation of relations between our countries. We are participating in this event today because we want Armenia to be strong and sincere in its friendly relations. And when there is a fight against Nazism, we express our position. We are here for the sake of a strong Armenia, its strong relations with a strategic partner”, announced Tigran Urikhanyan, leader of the Alliance party.

At the end of the speeches, the participants of the action marched to the Russian embassy. Here they announced that their rallies will be periodic and the next one will take place on March 26th.

The action was organized in support of the Russian military operation in Ukraine, but outside of Armenia it was also perceived as the consent of the Armenian society and authorities to enter the Union State with Russia and Belarus.

Discussion of such a development of events began after another scandalous statement by the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenka. In early February, the Armenian media quoted and discussed the following words of his: “Armenia has nowhere to go. Do you think anyone needs them?

This statement caused resonance not only in society, but also in the Armenian parliament, and the press secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Vahan Hunanyan was forced to comment on the attitude of the authorities to this statement:

“We are convinced that the peculiar geopolitical analysis of the President of Belarus aims to serve, first of all, his own domestic political agenda and has nothing to do with Armenia and its foreign policy”.

But as the talk continues unabated, the Armenian news agency Infocom has asked the Armenian foreign minister if he sees any possibility of the country joining an alliance with Russia and Belarus.

On March 18, the following response was received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

“According to the first article of the RA Constitution, the Republic of Armenia is a sovereign, democratic, social, legal state”.

This was followed by an explanation: there are no discussions on this issue on the government’s agenda.

Political observer Hakob Badalyan, on his Facebook page, commented on the few not very crowded rallies that have been held in Armenia in support of one or another side of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict:

“A significant part of society is quite rightly outraged by the rallies carried out in Armenia in support of the Russian military campaign in Ukraine. […] But just as Armenian communities can hold actions in different countries that do not comply with the state policy of that country, so any “community” in Armenia can hold such an action.

Armenia is a free country, unlike the same Russia.

Of course, part of the Armenian society does not like the protest action in front of the Russian embassy, the other part does not like the action in defense of the Russian “Z” campaign. […]

In my opinion, these actions acquire significance only because of their condemnation. Or maybe the expectation is that there will be noise, because if there is no noise, these actions remain within the “marginal” limits of their organizers. And the noise allows, firstly, for more attention to be paid to the “rallies”, and secondly, which is no less important, it allows one to “remotely” manage the public agenda and moods in Armenia.

Accordingly, no matter how difficult it is to restrain oneself from the point of view of emotions, it is important to “ignore” these actions from the point of view of rationality, showing that the Armenian society has its own “resistance agenda” and is not subject to remote control of various manipulations.

In the end, those who are interested in the public and state behavior of Armenia probably know best of all that these actions are “marginal”, and not an _expression_ of the general mood, and can hardly be used to assess the current situation in the country.