Author: Arsine Chaltikian

Power Politics Obstructs Protection of Civilians in — and after — the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict

Arsine Chaltikian
Just Security
Feb 2 2021

Even as people in Ukraine’s Donbas region continue to suffer amid the seven-year-long conflict between government forces and Russian-backed separatists, populations elsewhere in Eastern Europe find themselves also at the center of lingering tensions between conflicting regional powers. The “flash” hostilities that broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan in September again turned Nagorno-Karabakh into a theater of confrontation among local and national armed groups operating with significant support from Russia and Turkey. Once again, civilians are paying the price.

While intentional and widespread attacks on civilians such as those waged in recent conflicts – in Syria, for instance — were not reproduced in this round of fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, the lack of consideration for the protection of civilians has been notable, both during the conflict and in the current phase since the Nov. 9 Russia-brokered ceasefire. The agreement put an end to intense hostilities, thereby decreasing physical threats to civilians. But schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure were destroyed, leaving the civilian environment significantly damaged and making it difficult for the tens of thousands of civilians who fled the violence to return home.

As humanitarian conditions worsen during these winter months and amid the global pandemic, local governments, assisting nations, and the international community must mobilize more quickly and decisively to aid the populations in and around Nagorno-Karabakh. In addition to immediate humanitarian assistance and relief, civilians are in great need of physical protection.

Bombardments in Densely Populated Areas 

Compared to the heavy toll paid by civilians in Iraq, Syria, or Yemen, the ratio between civilian and military deaths in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict might seem low. According to confidential interviews conducted by our organization, the Center for Civilians in Conflict, the number of civilian deaths stands at 150 compared with estimates of military casualties of at least 5,000. However, every casualty is one too many, not to mention the numbers forced from their homes. The protection of civilians was largely disregarded during the active phase of the armed conflict by both parties and assisting powers, and as a result, the civilian population suffered — and continues to suffer.

Bombardments in densely populated areas took place on both sides, with attacks on the Armenian-controlled cities of Stepanakert and Shusha and on Azerbaijan’s second city, Ganja. Parties to the conflict also used rocket artillery systems (BM-21 Grad, BM-30 Smerch, WM-80, LAR-160, EXTRA), drawing criticism from the likes of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). It determined that “the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area against military targets in populated areas may violate international humanitarian law, which prohibits indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks.”

While the damage this time was not as widespread as in the previous phases of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict in the 1990s, critical civilian infrastructure — namely schools and hospitals — were destroyed. In Azerbaijan, cities like Barda and Ganja were severely damaged by Armenian forces using outdated, low precision weapons. Even worse, cluster munitions – banned by international humanitarian law (IHL) – were used by both Armenia and Azerbaijan. Armenia has also accused Azerbaijan of using incendiary weapons, specifically white phosphorus, an allegation that has been corroborated by news reports from the ground. Amnesty International even documented cases of beheadings and mutilations, definitively a war crime.

Many civilians, caught off guard by the rapid deterioration of security, including in major cities, had to leave their homes in haste, often not having the time to gather even basic necessities. This left authorities on both sides scrambling to quickly adapt and figure out how to provide heating, blankets, shelters, and other winterization items, while the influx of about 80,000 to 100,000 displaced individuals in Armenia put host communities under additional strain. (Azerbaijan also received about 40,000 people displaced by the fighting, though most of them returned home soon after the clashes ended.) Two months after the signing of the ceasefire, tens of thousands of people remain displaced across the region, with humanitarian needs expected to worsen during winter.

Uncertain Implementation of Ceasefire 

The Nov. 9 agreement succeeded in bringing an end to the hostilities. But how it will be implemented is uncertain, including the specified redistribution of territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, displacement of civilian populations, and conditions for safe returns. Each of these elements poses serious challenges in the coming months and years for protection of civilians.

The first open question relates to what steps and standards Russia should adopt for its so-called “peacekeeping forces” to prevent and mitigate risks to civilians. Moscow had been silent during the conflict’s operational phase, but finally maneuvered quickly to deploy almost 2,000 soldiers in the region. Russian forces seem keen to adopt a professional and protective posture towards local civilians, positioning themselves as the new defenders of stability in the South Caucasus. They have coordinated the removal of dead bodies and have been present in the Lachin corridor, where they now operate joint checkpoints with Azerbaijani forces.

Yet, despite these positive signals, the United Nations and humanitarian NGOs still do not have access to the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. To date, the Russian “peacekeepers” and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) are the only ones allowed in the enclave and to deliver assistance. The fact that Moscow has decided to deploy its own “international humanitarian hub” to handle functions usually managed by U.N. agencies is insufficient to ensure populations are provided with an adequate level of humanitarian assistance, and does not allow for the provision of aid by the wider humanitarian community, including from international agencies.

Moreover, the Russian force, which is supposed to enforce the ceasefire along the demarcation line, may find itself confronted with a whole set of challenges, given the lack of clarity over who has authority in frontline areas. Civilians who cross newly established boundaries, knowingly or not, risk being arrested by Azeri forces and deported to Baku to spend several days in prison.

Potential Resurgence of the Fighting

A second challenge is the potential for a resurgence in hostilities. The agreement sealed by local and national actors, and in which Russia and Turkey played an outsized role, does not prevent further escalation by the parties, especially if these regional actors change their strategies. In this respect, Turkey is interested in deploying its own Joint Observation Center, a military stabilization force, and teams from the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Turkish Red Crescent. However, their deployment in the area could fuel new tensions with both Armenia and Russia. The proximity between Azerbaijanis and Armenians near Shusha/Shushi may also contribute to increased tensions and insecurity among civilians, hindering stabilization in the region.

Finally, civilians in and around Nagorno-Karabakh are now living in an environment deeply disrupted – in some cases destroyed — by the recent hostilities. Even if authorities are willing to incentivize returns to affected areas, civilians may not be willing or able to return to areas with high unemployment, limited access to essential services, damaged infrastructure, and explosive remnants of war. Environmental pollution due to the possible use of phosphorus munitions might also pose both short- and long-term complications.

In these winter months, there is a continuing unmet imperative for emergency shelter and other necessities, especially for displaced civilians. For the longer term, planning and resources are crucial to re-establish livelihoods, infrastructure, and public-health systems (especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic). People need psychosocial assistance to cope with post-conflict trauma, and mitigation measures are needed to safeguard cultural property like churches from future attacks in case hostilities resume.

Steps Forward 

The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains fragile, with the potential for re-escalation in precarious and heavily militarized areas inhabited by civilians. Security and defense forces involved should proactively review the way they conduct military operations and strive to mitigate the risks to civilians arising from their operations, activities, and even their mere presence.

The protection of civilians must be placed at the center of all political and strategic considerations. To do this, local forces and governments, assisting nations (such as Russia and Turkey), and the international community (specifically France, the European Union, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the United States) should take the following steps:

  • Ensure full transparency and accountability for international human rights and humanitarian law violations reported during the previous fighting and any future combat phase of the conflict, provide civilians who suffered harm and their families with direct and facilitated access to adequate compensation for the harm suffered, and return the bodies of those deceased to their families.
  • Guarantee physical protection to civilians on both sides of the contact line, especially those in the process of returning to their homes.
  • Support the establishment of a protective environment, including through the provision by all parties (including Azerbaijan and Russian “peacekeepers”) of access to humanitarian assistance.
  • Ensure that post-ceasefire mechanisms, including for protecting civilians and for human rights monitoring are multinational, authorized by the U.N. and/or regional bodies, and given mandates that ensure they operate in an impartial and transparent manner. Doing so will increase their legitimacy and credibility.
  • Review the way forces involved in the conflict conducted military operations and the impact on civilians, and identify lessons learned and policies and practices that need to be put in place to mitigate risks to civilians arising from future operations, activities, and presence.
IMAGE: Local residents take shelter in the basement of an undisclosed church on October 12, 2020 in Stepanakert, Nagorno-Karabakh. On the day after a ceasefire was broken between Azerbaijan and Armenia, war continued to rage between the two countries over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region. The regional capital was left largely untouched by the latest spate of Azeri shelling, with fighting in the south intensifying and the city of Hadrut sustaining the heaviest damage. (Photo by Alex McBride/Getty Images)

 

 

The California Courier Online, February 4, 2021

Arsine Chaltikian

1 –        Pashinyan Made Yet Another Gaffe,

            Implying that Shushi Was an Azeri City

            By Harut Sassounian

            Publisher, The California Courier

            www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com

2-         Armenia’s president congratulates Biden and Harris

3-         Armenia continues to fight COVID-19 pandemic

4-         Books by Chesnut Express Armenian, American Legacies

5-         Serj Tankian Speaks ‘Truth to Power’ in New Documentary

*****************************************

******************************************

1 –        Pashinyan Made Yet Another Gaffe,

            Implying that Shushi Was an Azeri City

            By Harut Sassounian

            Publisher, The California Courier

            www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com

After ruling Armenia as Prime Minister for almost three years and most
importantly during the country’s recent disastrous defeat in the
Artsakh War, Nikol Pashinyan keeps making mistake after mistake and
misstatement after misstatement.

As I have written before, regrettably Pashinyan is not competent to
lead Armenia. He is more of a protester and a critic, who does not
possess the necessary skills and experience to be the head of state.
The Artsakh War made the situation in the country even worse and
exposed Pashinyan’s inability to manage the plethora of Armenia’s
problems.

Armenians around the world had high hopes that, after getting rid of
the previous regime, Pashinyan would be able to lead Armenia into
prosperity and a degree a normalcy. The overwhelming majority of
Armenians supported him due to their complete hostility to the former
government.

Unfortunately, it turned out that Pashinyan was all talk and no
action. In addition to his lack of experience, he surrounded himself
with advisors and ministers who knew even less than he did. As a
result, neither he nor his government had the slightest chance to be
successful. The Artsakh War made matters worse. As the
Commander-in-Chief, he made error after error leading Armenia and
Artsakh to an indescribable disaster from which we will not recover
for decades, if ever. Pashinyan now insists that he should remain in
power to correct the grave problems of the country. One would be
extremely naïve to believe in such a promise. A leader who is
incompetent to lead in peace time and utterly fails during the war is
in no position to correct anything. He has made matters worse with his
misstatements and erroneous policies.

Several weeks ago, while addressing the Parliament, Pashinyan angered
many Armenians by describing as “unfortunate and pale” the historic
Armenian city of Shushi in Artsakh. There was no reason to use such
negative adjectives to describe a city which is the pride of all
Armenians.

More recently, during another appearance in Parliament, in response to
a question from a deputy about Shushi, Pashinyan made matters worse
for himself, when he said: “Shushi before the conflict and the
liberation [in 1992], had an Azeri population of 90 and more percent.
In other words, you mean to say that the city of Shushi with an Azeri
population of 90 and more percent is Armenian with that status?”

A huge outcry erupted among Armenians around the world after
Pashinyan’s unfortunate words. This was yet another self-inflicted
wound. A few days later, during Pashinyan’s visit to Yeraplour, the
cemetery where fallen Armenian soldiers are buried, when a journalist
questioned him about his statement in Parliament on Shushi, he said
that he would give an answer if the reporter put her question in
writing. The following day, the journalist wrote Pashinyan’s words on
a large placard and read them aloud, while standing in front of the
Prime Minister’s building. Even though one of Pashinyan’s supporters
attacked the journalist and tore up her placard, the Prime Minister
kept his word and on his Facebook page addressed the controversy
during a live video.

In his response, Pashinyan first accused the media of manipulating his
words. He repeated that in the early 1990’s Azeris consisted of over
90 percent or rather 96 percent of Shushi residents. He went on to
state: “How Shushi could be considered under Armenian control by its
status when 96 percent of the population was Azerbaijani?” Pashinyan
then mentioned the offer by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on
October 19, 2020, several weeks before the end of the war, to accept
Armenia’s demand for a ceasefire on condition that Armenians allow the
return of the former Azeri residents to Shushi, under Armenian rule.

Pashinyan made several errors in his original statement and subsequent
failed attempt to set the record straight. Actually, he had no reason
to go into such a convoluted and false argument. He had just to say
that he rejected Aliyev’s offer because allowing Azeris to return to
Shushi under Armenian control was unacceptable to him and most
Armenians. In fact, that’s exactly what Pashinyan told the President
of Russia, Vladimir Putin, when the latter relayed to him Aliyev’s
offer. Had Pashinyan limited his remarks to that fact, there would
have been no outcry in the Armenian world. There was no reason to say
that Shushi was mostly populated by Azeris prior to 1992, causing such
a controversy at a time when his power is waning and he is criticized
by a lot of Armenians, including many of his former supporters.

By mentioning the high percentage of Azeris living in Shushi in the
past, Pashinyan made several mistakes:

First of all, regardless of the number of Azeris who lived in Shushi,
it is a well-known fact that it has been an Armenian city for
centuries long before Azerbaijan existed. In 1920, after Azeris
massacred thousands of Armenians in Shushi and pursued a policy to
depopulate the city’s Armenians, their numbers were diminished
considerably. But Pashinyan provided no such background in his
misleading statement.

Secondly, Pashinyan was wrong to judge whether an area is Armenian or
not by its population at a particular time. For example, there are
hardly any Armenians now living in Nakhichevan or Western Armenia, but
Armenians still consider these territories to be a part of historic
Armenia.

Thirdly, it is understandable that accepting Aliyev’s offer to allow
former Azeri residents to return to Shushi, under Armenian control,
was a hard pill to swallow for Pashinyan and most Armenians, there is
an important issue to consider. How many Azeris would have returned to
Shushi to live under Armenian rule? Very few, if any. Pashinyan’s
implication that thousands of Azeris would have returned to Shushi,
making the city’s population again 96% Azeri was totally unrealistic.
No Azeri would have wanted to live in Shushi under Armenian rule, just
like no Armenian would risk living in territories controlled by
Azerbaijan.

Finally, Pashinyan’s refusal to accept Aliyev’s offer on October 19,
2020, meant that the war was prolonged until November 9, 2020, causing
the loss of much more Armenian territories to Azerbaijan. Furthermore,
Azeris took over Shushi completely and many more young Armenian
soldiers were killed or wounded. The consequences of Pashinyan’s
faulty decisions during the war were far worse than his misstatement
in Parliament and his subsequent lame effort to correct himself.

The Prime Minister should realize that the longer he clings to power,
the more he destabilizes the country. A defeated and incompetent
leader cannot improve the tragic situation in the country. The sooner
he leaves, the faster a new government can take over and try to reduce
the damages suffered by Armenia and Artsakh

************************************************************************************************************************************************

2-         Armenia’s president congratulates Biden and Harris

(Aysor)—Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian congratulated Joe Biden
on assuming the presidency of the United States.

“I am convinced that during the upcoming years You will do everything
possible to ensure progress and noticeable achievements in Your
country. I expect that our cooperation will give an opportunity to
advance in Armenian-American friendly relations and promote the
long-awaited peace and stability in the region,” Armenia’s president
said in his message. Sarkissian also sent a congratulatory message to
Vice President, Kamala Harris.

************************************************************************************************************************************************

3 –        Armenia continues to fight COVID-19 pandemic

The Armenian government has commissioned 600,000 doses of coronavirus
vaccines from WHO-backed COVAX; medical and social workers, seniors
and people suffering from chronic diseases will be the first to get
vaccine shots free of charge, and according to Gayane Sahakian, the
deputy director of the National Center for Disease Control and
Prevention,

The first COVAX-distributed vaccine is the one produced by
AstraZeneca, which will deliver it to COVAX in February or March.

According to the Ministry of Health, there were 6,204 active
coronavirus cases in Armenia as of January 25. Armenia has recorded
167,088 coronavirus cases and 3,084 deaths; 157,800 have recovered.

**********************************************************************************************************************************************

4-         Books by Chesnut Express Armenian, American Legacies

By Ellen Sarkisian Chesnut

From the killing fields of Marash, Turkey, in 1920 to America and from
the dustbowl in Amarillo, Tex., to California in 1935, We Armenians
Survived! Battle of Marash 1920 and Written Works of Glen Chesnut both
tell remarkable stories.

The first book relates the tale of immigration to America by a people
besieged by a government bent on their extermination.

The second written by my late husband weaves the narrative of
Americans leaving a parched homeland in Texas to literally greener
pastures in California.

I am very proud of being able to tell the story of my mother’s family
and the Armenians of Marash, Turkey by sharing the experiences of
eight Armenians who made it through the blood bath of Marash where
thousands were torched in their churches.

The author of The Media Monopoly, Ben Bagdikian, was newly born when
his family trekked out of Marash in one of the worst blizzards in
memory following behind the retreating French soldiers many of whom
were black Senegalese.

Dicran Berberian, at 17 years of age, learned of the murder of his
immediate family and others by none other than one of the perpetrators
who happened also to be his next door neighbor, a Turk, who proudly
showed Berberian his father’s pocket watch.

Berberian would later become the codiscoverer of plaquenil, an
anti-Malaria drug now known as hydroxychloroquine.

Glen, my husband of 45 years, was the youngest son of Sam and Ulta
Chesnut and had a remarkable story as well. Coming from a ranching
family, he quit high school in Tehachapi, Cal., for one year to work
as a cowboy. In later years he would become a merchant seaman and ship
out of San Francisco, when it was a great port city, and then out of
Oakland. Glen was a self-taught artist and a writer. Written Works
features some of his best flash fiction, poetry and short stories.

I invite you to visit his website to read more of his works not in the
book, don’t miss the art gallery of his paintings and multi-media
works and the photo gallery of pictures Glen took while stationed in
Germany in the early 1950s.

Go to to learn more. Glen’s book can be
ordered through Amazon in both an eBook and a paperback version and at
bookstores.

We Armenians Survived can be ordered at Abril Bookstore (818)
243-4112. www.abrilbooks.com); through Amazon in both eBook and
paperback versions. Abril Bookstore: All proceeds from book sales will
continue to go to Armenian charities.

This article appeared in The Alameda Sun on January 27, 2021.

************************************************************************************************************************************************

5-         Serj Tankian Speaks ‘Truth to Power’ in New Documentary

In 2001, the band System Of A Down partnered with music producer Rick
Rubin to record their sophomore album. Against all odds, and during
one of the most painful and precarious months in American history, the
album Toxicity skyrocketed up the Billboard chart and catapulted to
Number One. But just as System Of A Down achieved their commercial
triumph, in a post-9/11 world their politically-charged lyrics were
suddenly the subject of scrutiny; they were thrust into headlines, and
their songs were pulled off the radio. The band’s global fan base saw
in frontman Serj Tankian a spokesperson for their disillusionment.
Tankian had always been outspoken and political, both on stage and
off, but when he found his message inspiring a popular movement on the
other side of the world, he began to realize that his music was more
revolutionary than even he could imagine. The documentary TRUTH TO
POWER follows Tankian down an unexpected path as his passion for human
rights and activism led him to become a social justice organizer in
Armenia. The film is fueled by interviews with Serj Tankian, System of
a Down band members, their producers, and fellow rock icons.

With exclusive interviews, adventures, and original footage personally
filmed by Serj, TRUTH TO POWER allows audiences backstage access to an
international rock star whose faith in music not only revolutionized
heavy metal, but also world events. Throughout his life, the musician
has pursued social justice, harnessing the power of his songs and
celebrity for real political change. Serj’s voice is equally likely to
take on American corporate greed as lambast the corrupt regime of his
homeland. His decades-long campaign for formal U.S. recognition of the
Armenian Genocide was finally approved by Congress in 2019.

TRUTH TO POWER is also an artist portrait with a revealing look at the
musician as he writes music—from inception to recording—and pursues
ambitions outside of the band. It includes memories from Rick Rubin on
System Of A Down’s early years breakthrough, the bandmates’ candid
insights about the splinters and highpoints for the group, and stories
from Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello on his bond with Serj as
social justice advocates and their “Axis of Justice’’ nonprofit.

“I was an activist before becoming an artist so the two always worked
together within me. As time went by the breath and diversity of my
activism and music progressed side by side,” says Tankian. He notes of
his activism, “I just do the work and don’t think about how I feel
about it. Justice requires daily adherence. That’s all.”

When asked about the war in Armenia, and how to help Armenians
worldwide, Tankian explains, “The post war period in Artsakh and
Armenia are very contentious. Azerbaijan still continues its
aggression and committing of war crimes while the people of Artsakh
suffer innumerable humanitarian catastrophes. We need to inspire the
global community to recognize Artsakh, sanction Turkey and Azerbaijan
and bring war crimes charges against those countries while raising
funds for humanitarian aid for those Victims who are suffering.”

TRUTH TO POWER (79 minutes) opens worldwide February 19, 2021. The
film is written and directed by Garin Hovannisian; produced by
Hovannisian and Tankian; executive produced by Joe Berlinger, Michael
Rapino and Ryan Kroft; with music by Serj Tankian.

For more information, visit www.truthtopowerfilm.com

***********************************************************************************************************************************************

California Courier Online provides viewers of the Armenian News News Service
with a few of the articles in this week’s issue of The California
Courier.  Letters to the editor are encouraged through our e-mail
address, . However, authors are
requested to provide their names, addresses, and/or telephone numbers
to verify identity, if any question arises. California Courier
subscribers are requested not to use this service to change, or modify
mailing addresses. Those changes can be made through our e-mail,
, or by phone, (818) 409-0949.

Yerevan, Tehran Discuss Discuss Removing Trade Barriers

Arsine Chaltikian

January 25,  2020



ICCIMA Head Gholam-Hossein Shafeie (r) and Armenian Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan (l) meet in Tehran on Jan. 25.

Head of Iran’s Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture Gholam-Hossein Shafeie met with Armenia’s Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan on Monday to discuss ways of removing barriers to the expansion of economic cooperation, Tehran Times reported.

In this meeting, the two sides underlined the capacities for bilateral cooperation and explored ways for removing the existing challenges and obstacles to the expansion of trade relations and increasing the volume of joint investments by the two sides’ private sectors.

Considering some problems in the field of transportation, Shafeie proposed the establishment of a joint transit and transportation company between the two countries to overcome such issues.

The official noted that joint production by the two countries would be a successful solution for removing the existing hurdles for boosting trade relations between the two countries.

He further pointed to Armenia’s prominent role in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the country’s convenient access to the European market, describing the Armenian market as very valuable for the Iranian private sector’s trade and investment purposes.

“Iran and Armenia can reach an agreement to reduce trade costs by negotiating, exchanging trade delegations, and holding exhibitions,” Shafeie said.

Stating that the only shared land border between Iran and the EAEU region is the border between Iran and Armenia, the official stated that the fields of cooperation between the two countries are very diverse.

The Armenian minister for his part announced the dispatch of a delegation of Armenian entrepreneurs to Isfahan within a month and proposed the dispatch of a delegation from the Iranian private sector to Armenia.

According to Kerobyan, these visits will make the two sides’ private sectors more familiar with each other and their existing capabilities.

Heading a trade delegation, Kerobyan arrived in Tehran on Friday to discuss the expansion of trade relations between the two countries.

During this visit, which was organized by the Iranian Industry, Mining and Trade Ministry, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding for boosting trade ties.

The MOU was signed by Kerobyan and the Iranian Industry, Mining, and Trade Minister Alireza Razm Hosseini in Tehran on Saturday.

The Armenian minister also met with the Governor of the Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Abdolnaser Hemmati and discussed banking issues and ways of increasing the level of trade between the two sides.

Asbarez: New Report Reveals Higher Number of Civilian Killings by Azerbaijani Forces

Arsine Chaltikian

January 29,  2020



The updated tally of civilian deaths at the hands of Azerbaijani forces was published by the Artsakh Human Rights Defender’s Office on Jan. 29

The Artsakh Human Rights Defender’s Office updated an earlier report about civilian fatalities caused by Azerbaijani attacks on Artsakh, showing a higher number than previously reported.

The report was amended to include new information after more search operations revealed a higher number of civilian casualties.

The report summarizes the cases of civilian casualties from the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and Turkey against Artsakh beginning on September 27. It also includes the number of civilians killed while being imprisoned in areas that fell under the control of the Azerbaijani armed forces. The cases are introduced with relevant briefs.

From September 27 to January 28, 72 civilians were killed by Azerbaijani armed forces, according to the newly-updated report, which sites that 41 civilian were killed during targeted strikes, while 31 died in captivity.

The report also cites a number of torture cases, instances of mutilation and deliberate targeting of civilians. The Artsakh Human Rights Defender’s report also cites that there were 163 civilians who were injured as a result of targeted strikes.

The Report presents only the cases that have been irrefutably identified. At the same time the Human Rights Defenders Office continues to receive information about other cases, which require investigation and will be presented in future updates of the report.

At the time of updating the report, the Human Rights Defenders staff still has information on missing civilians some of whom most probably are in captivity, and others are allegedly killed by Azerbaijani armed forces. These instances can be proven as more bodies are recovered from areas in Artsakh that are now under Azerbaijani control.

Bodies of some of the victims were discovered a long time after their deaths, hence requiring in-depth forensic examination in order to determine the cause of death and whether crimes were committed. The report, however, includes some preliminary conclusion from forensic investigation.

Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation To Document Personal, Property Losses In Artsakh

Arsine Chaltikian

January 27,  2020



Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte

Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte launches eponymous foundation and announces the establishment of the Initiative to document and research financial, personal, and property losses of the Armenian population of Artsakh Republic incurred during the Artsakh War.

WESTBROOK, Maine—Author, lawyer, lecturer and human rights advocate, Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, launched the “Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation,” a Nonprofit Corporation that will focus its efforts on community initiatives in Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh/Artsakh and the Armenian Diaspora.  The first project of the Foundation will work toward determining the impact of Azerbaijani aggression on the Artsakh population.

Over the past decade, with the support of her growing fanbase and her trusted community partners, Astvatsaturian Turcotte spearheaded dozens of humanitarian, development, cultural, environmental and educational projects worldwide to support the community and to benefit the vulnerable population in Armenia and Artsakh Republic.  These include but are not limited to the following:

  • Renovation of 7 school bathrooms with Paros Foundation in Khndzoresk, Armenia
  • Planting a forest with Armenia Tree Project in Talin, Armenia
  • Supporting the Artsakh Ballet College with 300 ballet costumes, clothing and hundreds of dance shoes.
  • Supporting women’s group initiatives across Armenia
  • Provide medical eye care, surgeries and eyewear to two villages in Syunik region of Armenia
  • Bath/kitchen portable unit for Artsakh border post with Armenian Wounded Heroes Fund (AWHF)
  • Hundreds of military grade medical kits for Artsakh border posts with AWHF
  • Solar power banks for Artsakh border posts with AWHF
  • Organizing, collecting and sending handknit items to children of the rural population of Artsakh
  • Financial assistance to Baku Armenian refugee families residing in Artsakh and in Armenia
  • Art supplies, play costumes to Artsakh children in Shushi Kindergarten
  • Armath Laboratory with 3D printers, computers, furniture and software for Stepanakert School #8
  • Building 2 bomb shelters for civilians in Tavush Province, Armenia with Pahapan Foundation
  • Medical and humanitarian supplies to Artsakh and Armenia through AWHF
  • Financial assistance to 200 Artsakh refugee families
  • Christmas gifts to 1500 Artsakh refugee children

To maximize the impact of her work, Astvatsaturian Turcotte took the first steps to formalize the Foundation in the spring of 2020.  With the Tavush attacks in the summer of 2020 and the Artsakh War in the fall of 2020, the work of the Foundation will be more vital to Armenia’s future than first foreseen.  The humanitarian disaster currently faced by the people of Artsakh is unprecedented.  As Artsakh and Armenia begin to rebuild in their post-war reality, the Foundation will continue Anna’s work to strengthen the Armenian Nation independently and in collaboration with her trusted partners.

This first project is a detailed and well-planned initiative to collect empirical data on the displaced and affected population of Artsakh.  The project began in December 2021 in partnership with Armenia’s Association of Social Workers, and in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Republic of Armenia, the Ministry of Housing and Social Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh and the Offices of Armenia’s and Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsmen.  Individuals interested in contributing to this project should contact the Foundation. The Foundation’s website is www.astvatsaturian.org and the organization will have an active social media presence.

The “Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation” is organized as a public benefit corporation under the Maine Nonprofit Corporation Act, Title 13-B M.R.S., as amended, and will carry on business and operate anywhere within the State of Maine or in any state where it has a legal authority to carry on business and operate.  The Foundation is intended exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The “Anna Astvatsaturian Foundation” is based in Westbrook, Maine, United States of America.

Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte is an author, lecturer, lawyer, business woman and a human rights advocate.  She is an Armenian refugee from Baku, Azerbaijan. After fleeing Baku in the fall of 1989 due to ethnic cleansing of Armenians, Anna and her family spent three years in Armenia as refugees before coming to United States in 1992.

Anna received Bachelor of Arts degrees in English & Literature and Philosophy & Religion, a minor in Russian Language & Literature from the University of North Dakota. She received her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maine School of Law. As a law student Anna received an Outstanding Law Student of the Year by Who’s Who American Law Students.  In 2004 Anna was one of the first Americans to clerk at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands after working toward and observing the ICC’s creation at the United Nations in New York.

In 2012 Anna published her book, titled “Nowhere, a Story of Exile,” which she wrote at the age of 14 as her family settled in North Dakota as refugees. The book is based on the childhood diaries she kept as her family was fleeing Baku, Azerbaijan and during the years as refugees in Armenia.  In April, 2013 Anna successfully spearheaded the recognition efforts of Nagorno-Karabakh independence at the State of Maine House of Representatives.   In November, 2015 she was elected to the Westbrook Maine City Council by a 64% landslide.  In 2017 the Russian translation of Anna’s book was published. She was re-elected to the Council in November of 2018 and is currently serving as a Vice President of the Council.

Anna is the recipient of Mkhitar Gosh Medal, Republic of Armenia’s highest civilian honor awarded by President Serge Sargsyan for exceptional achievements in the political-social spheres, as well as outstanding efforts in the fields of diplomacy, law, and political science. Anna also received a Gratitude Medal from the President of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Bako Sahakyan, Vahan Cardashian award for her contributions within the Armenian Diaspora from ANCA-WR and Activism Award from ANCA-ER for enhancement of human rights, democracy, truth and justice.

Over the past decade, with the support of her growing fanbase and her trusted community partners, Mrs. Astvatsaturian Turcotte spearheaded dozens of humanitarian, development, cultural, environmental and educational projects worldwide to support the community and to benefit the vulnerable population in Armenia and Artsakh Republic. Aside from speaking worldwide on genocide prevention, refugee issues, international law and human rights, Anna has a 16-year career in banking regulatory compliance and risk management, currently as a Vice President, Senior Risk Manager at Androscoggin Bank. Anna lives in Westbrook, Maine with her husband John and their son and daughter.

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 01/26/2021

Arsine Chaltikian 
                                        Tuesday, 
Ruling Bloc Mulls Easier Dissolution Of Armenian Parliament
        • Gayane Saribekian
Armenia -- Deputies from the ruling My Step bloc attend a session of the 
Armenian parliament, Yerevan, January 22, 2021.
Lawmakers representing the ruling My Step bloc discussed on Tuesday a potential 
constitutional amendment that would make it easier for them to dissolve the 
Armenian parliament and pave the way for fresh general elections.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has expressed readiness to hold such elections in 
response to opposition demands for his resignation sparked by the Armenian 
side’s defeat in the autumn war in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Under Armenia’s existing constitution, snap polls must be called only if 
Pashinian resigns and the National Assembly twice fails to elect another prime 
minister. His bloc officially controls 83 seats in the 132-member parliament and 
should in theory be able to easily prevent the election of another premier 
nominated by the opposition minority.
Nevertheless, Pashinian demanded earlier this month that the two parliamentary 
opposition parties formally pledge to refrain from such nominations in the event 
of his tactical resignation.
Both parties, Prosperous Armenia (BHK) and Bright Armenia (LHK), refused to do 
that. Their senior representatives say Pashinian fears that pro-government 
lawmakers would break ranks and vote to install another premier.
My Step deputies stoked the opposition speculation when they met on Tuesday to 
discuss the possibility of enacting a constitutional amendment that would allow 
the parliament’s pro-government majority to dissolve the National Assembly 
without Pashinian’s resignation.
“It was a very tentative discussion,” one of them, Hamazasp Danielian told 
reporters after the meeting. “Most members of our parliamentary faction were not 
present at the meeting … and it’s really too early to formulate any position.”
To pass, the would-be constitutional amendment must be backed by at least 88 
parliamentarians. A senior My Step lawmaker, Vahagn Hovakimian, admitted that 
Pashinian’s political team cannot enact it without opposition support.
Hovakimian did not clearly explain the rationale for amending the constitution 
instead of activating the existing constitutional mechanism for the parliament’s 
dissolution. “This idea is designed not only for the current political 
situation,” he said.
Armenia -- Edmon Marukian (L), the leader of the opposition Bright Armenia 
Party, talks to senior pro-government lawmakers on the parliament floor, 
Yerevan, January 18, 2021.
Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers insisted that Pashinian does not trust his own 
parliamentary group.
“Why is Nikol Pashinian afraid of resigning?” said the BHK’s Naira Zohrabian. 
“Even if he resigns and the BHK or the LHK nominate a prime-ministerial 
candidate we won’t have enough votes without being backed by a large number of 
My Step deputies. This means that Pashinian does not trust even his own 
political team.”
“They are not sure their team would not elect, say, [LHK leader] Edmon Marukian 
as prime minister,” agreed the LHK’s Gevorg Gorgisian. “That is why they are 
choosing this option.”
Five deputies have defected from My Step since a Russian-brokered ceasefire 
agreement stopped the war on November 10. One of them publicly demanded 
Pashinian’s resignation last week.
Virtually all Armenian opposition groups want the fresh elections to be held 
after Pashinian’s resignation. President Armen Sarkissian has also called on the 
prime minister to step down and hand over power to an interim government.
Armenian President Discharged From Hospital
Armenia -- President Armen Sarkissian addresses the nation, November 16, 2020.
President Armen Sarkissian has been discharged from hospital but has not yet 
fully recovered from COVID-19, his office said on Tuesday.
The office said in a statement that Sarkissian is “continuing his treatment at 
home.”
“The Armenian President’s condition has relatively improved, there is a positive 
dynamic in his health state, but he is still monitored by doctors,” the 
statement said, adding that he is continuing to perform his duties remotely and 
will return to Armenia “immediately after the doctors' permission.”
According to the presidential press office, Sarkissian tested positive for the 
coronavirus days after travelling to Britain late last month to spend New Year’s 
Eve with his sons and grandchildren living in London.
The office announced on January 13 that the 67-year-old head of state was 
hospitalized there after developing double pneumonia and showing other symptoms 
of the disease.
It remains unclear whether Sarkissian, who has consistently observed physical 
distancing rules during his official engagements, was infected with COVID-19 in 
Armenia or the United Kingdom. Both countries have been hit hard by the 
coronavirus pandemic.
Opposition Leader Threatens ‘Uprising’
        • Robert Zargarian
Armenia -- Opposition leader Vazgen Manukian meets with opposition supporters in 
Ararat, .
The Homeland Salvation Front should stage an anti-government “uprising” if it 
fails to topple Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian with conventional street 
protests, a leader of the alliance of 17 Armenian opposition parties said on 
Tuesday.
“We are now following the constitutional path in trying to kick out Nikol 
Pashinian,” Vazgen Manukian told hundreds of opposition supporters in the 
southern town of Ararat. “If the constitutional path proves fruitless we should 
organize an uprising.”
“This is a natural right of the people. It is enshrined in the U.S. declaration 
of independence which says that if the government fails to fulfill its 
obligations the people have a right to revolt,” he said.
“At stake is the future of our country and people. We will either get destroyed 
or move forward,” added Manukian.
Speaking to journalists after the indoor meeting, Manukian explained that the 
uprising favored by him would involve nonviolent seizures of government 
buildings.
It was not clear if the comments reflected only his personal views or also those 
of the parties making up the alliance. Manukian was nominated by them late last 
year to serve as a prime minister in an interim government which they believe 
should be formed after Pashinian’s resignation.
The opposition alliance blames Pashinian for Armenia’s defeat in the war with 
Azerbaijan stopped by a Russian-brokered ceasefire on November 10. It staged a 
series of demonstrations later in November and December in a bid to force him to 
resign. The protests did not attract large crowds.
The alliance coordinator, Ishkhan Saghatelian, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service on 
Monday that the opposition forces are now exploring a “new tactic” for their 
push for regime change.
Pashinian has rejected the opposition demands and offered to hold fresh 
parliamentary elections instead. The opposition says that such polls must take 
place only after his resignation.
Armenian Trucks ‘Attacked In Georgia’
Armenia -- A commercial truck enters Armenia from Georgia through the Gogavan 
border crossing, November 29, 2018. (Photo by the Armenian State Revenue 
Committee)
Armenian heavy trucks were pelted with stones and damaged early on Monday as 
they drove through a region in Georgia mostly populated by ethnic Azerbaijanis, 
according to the Armenian Embassy in Tbilisi.
A statement released by the embassy said the incident took place near the 
village of Qvemo Ponichala just outside Tbilisi. It said unknown persons threw 
stones at the trucks and smashed some of their windshields before fleeing the 
scene.
“The trucks were then escorted by [Georgian] road police to the 
Georgian-Armenian border and crossed it,” read the statement.
The embassy added that Georgian law-enforcement authorities have launched a 
criminal investigation and that it is “actively working” with them to ensure 
that the attackers are brought to justice and to “prevent a repeat of such 
incidents.”
The Georgian Interior Ministry issued no statements on the reported attack.
The Yerevan.today news service reported that more than 30 Armenian trucks were 
damaged in the incident. “Cargo shipments through Georgia are becoming very 
dangerous,” it quoted one of their drivers as saying.
The online publication also posted a mobile phone video that showed a truck cab 
littered with broken glass.
Qvemo Ponichala is located along a highway connecting Tbilisi to the main 
Georgian-Armenian border crossing. It also passes through other 
Azerbaijani-populated towns and villages.
Armenia - Trucks at the main Armenian-Georgian border crossing at Bagratashen, 
December 5, 2020.
The Sadakhlo-Bagratashen crossing was effectively shut down on September 28 the 
day after the outbreak of the war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Citing security reasons, 
Armenian and Georgian authorities told commercial trucks with Armenian license 
plates to use another, more remote and smaller border checkpoint leading to 
Georgia’s Javakheti region mostly populated by ethnic Armenians.
The Sadakhlo-Bagratashen crossing was reopened for cargo traffic on December 1, 
three weeks after a Russian-brokered ceasefire that stopped the war.
Georgia serves as the main transit route for Armenia’s trade with the outside 
world. Armenian trucks mainly use Georgian territory for cargo shipments to and 
from Russia as well as European countries.
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2021 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

Armenian-American Mari Manoogian appointed Minority Vice Chair of Michigan House Committee

Arsine Chaltikian
Public Radio of Armenia
Jan 22 2021
– Public Radio of Armenia

Asbarez – Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives Jason Wentworth (R-Farwell) on Thursday appointed State Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham) to serve as Minority Vice Chair of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy for the 101st Legislature.

“It is an honor to be appointed to serve as Minority Vice Chair for the Committee on Energy,” said Rep. Manoogian. “Michigan has an opportunity to lead the nation in delivering clean, renewable, reliable energy to our residents, to chart the course for building infrastructure befitting of the advances in electric vehicle technology, and to ensure fair and safe energy worker conditions,” Rep. Manoogian said in a statement.

“As the daughter of a retired utility worker and Chief of Staff for the Utility Workers Union of America, I know the critical role this industry plays in providing good paying jobs that can support a family and keeping our state’s economy powered. I look forward to working with Chairman Bellino (R-Monroe) and my colleagues on the committee to create an energy future that works for everyday Michiganders,” she added.

Rep. Manoogian was also reappointed to serve on the House Committee on Commerce and Tourism.

Armenian, Russian defense ministers discuss return of prisoners of war

Arsine Chaltikian

Save

Share

 17:22,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Defense Minister of Armenia Vagharshak Harutyunyan had a telephone conversation on January 20 with Russian Defense Minister, Army General Sergei Shoigu, the Armenian defense ministry told Armenpress.

The defense ministers discussed the bilateral cooperation in the defense sector, the operational situation in Nagorno Karabakh, the return of prisoners of war, as well as the ongoing search operations for missing in action.

The Armenian minister of defense thanked his Russian counterpart for the productive operation of the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh, as well as for the major assistance on solving security issues in Armenia’s Syunik province with the deployment of the Russian border troops.

The Armenian and Russian defense ministers also exchanged views on the latest regional military-political developments.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Creative Armenia and AGBU announce 2021 Fellows

Arsine Chaltikian 
AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Website: 
  
  
PRESS RELEASE
  
Tuesday, 
  
Seven cutting-edge Armenian artists receive funding, mentorship, and promotion 
to push the frontiers of Armenian culture
Creative Armenia and the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) are delighted 
to announce the seven selected artists of the 2021 Creative Armenia-AGBU 
Fellowships, which provide funding, mentorship, industry connections, and 
promotion uniquely designed for career breakthrough. 
The selected Fellows for the 2021 term are: writer Olivia Katrandjian 
(Luxembourg); bass player and composer Noah Garabedian (USA); curator Nairi 
Khatchadourian (Armenia); filmmaker and writer Emily Mkrtichian (USA); musician 
and composer Bei Ru (USA); media artist and landscape architect Aroussiak 
Gabrielian (USA); and illustrator and animator Arevik d'Or (Belgium). 
"We are proud of these incredible artists," remarked AGBU Central Board Member 
Ani Manoukian. " They represent the wide range and depth of creativity that 
Armenians have to offer the world."
Alec Mouhibian, the founding VP of Creative Armenia noted, "These powerful 
creators are in the business of building a culture that lasts. It will certainly 
be a culture of resilience, innovation, and infinite possibilities."
As the 2021 Fellows step in, the 2020 Fellows - composer and musician Armen 
Bazarian; visual artist and curator Nvard Yerkanian; theatre director and dancer 
Tsolak Mlke-Galstyan; composer and conductor Alexandr Iradyan; composer and 
pianist Zela Margossian, and filmmaker Vahagn Khachatryan - continue their role 
as creative ambassadors for Armenia, leading and mentoring a new wave of 
artists. 
Now in its historic third term, the Fellowships are a collaboration of Creative 
Armenia and AGBU, which entered into a strategic partnership in 2018. Creative 
Armenia is a global arts foundation for the Armenian people that discovers, 
develops, and champions innovative talents across the arts.
AGBU, a trusted non-profit organization across the diaspora for over a century, 
has opened many doors for talented Armenians through such offerings as 
university-level performing arts scholarships, summer internships, and 
professional programs such as the Musical Armenia Program (MAP) and Sayat Nova 
International Composition Competition-all under the aegis of the AGBU Performing 
Arts Department (PAD) established in the United States in 2012 and in Europe in 
2016.
Creative Armenia is a global arts foundation for the Armenian people that 
discovers, develops, and champions innovative talents. Its founding advisory 
board includes Serj Tankian, Eric Esrailian, Arsinée Khanjian, Eric Bogosian, 
Carla Garapedian, Simon Abkarian and Michael Aram. For more information, please 
visit 
 .
The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) is the world's largest non-profit 
organization devoted to upholding the Armenian heritage through educational, 
cultural and humanitarian programs. Each year, AGBU is committed to making a 
difference in the lives of 500,000 people across Armenia, Artsakh and the 
Armenian diaspora.  Since 1906, AGBU has remained true to one overarching goal: 
to create a foundation for the prosperity of all Armenians. To learn more visit 
 .

No one ever rejected communication between Armenia and Artsakh – Lavrov’s response to Azeri media

Arsine Chaltikian

Save

Share

 16:33,

YEREVAN, JANUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. At no point during the decades of negotiations was an issue of cutting off Armenia and Karabakh (Artsakh) from one another voiced, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a news conference when asked by an Azerbaijani news outlet “why Armenian officials are visiting Karabakh without Baku’s permission, and what is Moscow’s stance in this regard.”

“In all agreements, first of all in the [2020] November 9 statement, the sides’ consent is recorded on ensuring communication between Armenia and Karabakh through the Lachin corridor, which is under the control of the Russian peacekeepers. No one ever rejected Armenia’s communication with Karabakh. The issue of cutting off Armenia and Karabakh from one another was never voiced during the negotiations that continued for decades. And that is why the Lachin corridor, as a concept, was not rejected by anyone. And just like in the past, it is subject of consent of the sides, including the consent of our Azerbaijani neighbors. And just like this, a reliable and permanent communication will be established between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhijevan. This is stipulated in the trilateral statement. If we agree – and everyone does agree – that a communication between the Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia must exist, I do not see reasons for obstructing the contacts in that level,” Lavrov said.

Government officials of Armenia are involved in the process of providing humanitarian aid to Nagorno Karabakh, which doesn’t get any negative reaction from Azerbaijan, and according to Lavrov it would be strange if it were otherwise.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan