Author: Elizabeth Jabejian

​The Netherlands ready to assist Armenia in the implementation of judicial reforms

Elizabeth Jabejian
Public Radio of Armenia
Sept 6 2021

The Netherlands ready to assist Armenia in the implementation of judicial reforms

 September 6, 2021, 13:23 1 minute read

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is ready to assist Armenia in the implementation of judicial reforms.

The issues of Armenia-Netherlands cooperation were discussed today by the Minister of Justice Karen Andreasyan and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Armenia Nico Schermers.

The Ambassador was briefed on the priorities of the Ministry, and emphasizing that the Netherlands is open for all proposals.

Karen Andreasyan presented the five big dreams related to the sphere of justice, aimed at the improvement of the Constitution, reforms, in the penitentiary and probation systems, improvement of the judicial system through the examination of morals, reforms in the sphere of compulsory execution, digitalization of the judicial system.

In this context, the Minister noted that the spheres are large, noting that it will be difficult to implement the reforms in that direction without the support of international partners.

Ambassador Schermers expressed the readiness of the Netherlands to deepen cooperation in a number of areas.

Despite positive rhetoric, Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks a distant prospect

Elizabeth Jabejian
EurasiaNet.org
Sept 2 2021
Joshua Kucera Sep 2, 2021
Russian peacekeepers in Lachin this summer (Russian Defense Ministry)

For months, Azerbaijani officials have been talking up the need to reach a comprehensive peace deal with Armenia to finally resolve their decades-long conflict. “If we do not have a peace agreement with Armenia, it means that there is no peace,” President Ilham Aliyev said in June. In recent weeks Armenia has begun to make similar proposals; Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said repeatedly that “the negotiating process should be resumed in full.”

But the prospect of the two leaders sitting at the negotiating table nevertheless remains a distant one.

As much as last year’s war dramatically shifted the dynamics of the conflict, the fundamental disagreement that has divided the two sides since the 1980s remains the same: the status of the Armenian-populated region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

While the Armenian side has effectively given up its claim on the seven Azerbaijani territories it formerly occupied surrounding the Soviet-era Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, it continues to demand Armenian control over Nagorno-Karabakh itself, including the parts over which Azerbaijan regained control last year, such as Shusha and Hadrut. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, has said it will no longer entertain even any sort of autonomous status for Karabakh’s Armenians inside Azerbaijan, let alone any Armenian sovereignty over Karabakh.

Both sides have presented their positions on the future as red lines which they will not cross, making the prospect of real negotiations a faint one.

“That’s the challenge for any mediator here, you have what appear to be completely mutually exclusive positions and completely contrary narratives,” a senior diplomat familiar with the negotiations told Eurasianet on condition of anonymity. “And we need to find some way through that. That’s the reality right now. Neither side is going to be bullied into changing their position.”

Last year’s 44-day war ended with a Russia-brokered ceasefire statement that stipulated the return of many territories to Azerbaijan, the unblocking of transportation routes between the two sides, and a Russian peacekeeping force to monitor the new order. To finally resolve the conflict, however, will require a comprehensive peace deal.

Before last year’s war, the negotiations aimed at reaching such a deal were mediated by the OSCE’s Minsk Group, led by France, Russia, and the United States. But that body has been sidelined as a result of the war, and Russia has assumed the dominant role in mediating.

Russian President Vladimir Putin co-signed last year’s ceasefire, and a tripartite commission consisting of the deputy prime ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia are working out the practical implementation of the agreement, in particular the reopening of transportation links around the region. (That commission had suspended its work in the spring amid rising tensions, but on August 17 resumed operations with a meeting in Moscow.)

The Minsk Group co-chairs have continued to offer their services for more substantial negotiations, and Armenian officials’ recent statements have emphasized the role they hope the group plays in potential talks. “If negotiations begin some time, a part of them will have to be on the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, on the basis of the already determined principles of the OSCE Minsk Group,” said Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia’s newly appointed foreign minister, during an August 31 visit to Moscow.

This is a shift for Armenia and for the Pashinyan government in particular; previously the Minsk Group’s operating framework – known generally as the Madrid Principles – was politically toxic in Armenia. But that was before the most unacceptable element of the principles, the return to Azerbaijan of the occupied territories surrounding Karabakh, was rendered moot by Azerbaijan’s military victory last year.

Azerbaijan, meanwhile, has in the post-war period been heaping scorn on the Minsk Group, complaining that international mediators failed to solve the conflict for nearly three decades and deeming the body irrelevant. But Baku has not been as explicit about who it sees as a potential replacement mediator, if any.

“For now, I think Russia” is Baku’s preferred broker, said Fariz Ismailzade, the vice rector of Baku’s ADA University. The sticking point is France, which has increasingly taken pro-Armenian positions in the conflict, Ismailzade said. “But if France softens up and focuses on the issue of integrating Armenians into Azerbaijan rather than the status issue, then the Minsk Group can come back again,” he told Eurasianet.

While Azerbaijan’s position is that the question of the status of Karabakh’s Armenians is already resolved – they are citizens of Azerbaijan just like any other and all that remains is to integrate them – that is belied by the situation the ground, where a 2,000-strong Russian peacekeeping force is deployed in the territory that is still de facto administered by the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

“The reality on the ground is that Azerbaijan does not have control of that territory right now; it’s being controlled by Russian troops,” the diplomat said. “Until Azerbaijan physically has control over that territory and that population, there is still an issue that needs to be resolved.”

According to the ceasefire agreement, the Russian peacekeepers are to remain in Karabakh until 2025, with a possible extension that either side could veto. Azerbaijan would have an obvious interest in blocking the extension, as it would then have a relatively free hand to assert its full control over the region.

But the diplomat said it was unlikely the Russians would leave without being confident that the Karabakh Armenians’ security and identity were ensured. 

“What happens at the end of the five-year mandate is a very open question,” the diplomat said. “It’s hard to imagine a situation where the Russians decide to leave and leave the Armenian community of Karabakh exposed. If, between now and then, there can be a resolution of their situation so that there is no longer a need for protection, that would be the optimal outcome. But that requires a huge increase in the trust level, which just doesn’t exist right now.”

While the two sides still maintain incompatible positions on the question of Karabakh’s status, there can still be some room for would-be mediators to bring the sides together, in particular helping them delineate and demarcate their border. But here, too, the negotiations run up against another disagreement that parallels one of the fundamental disputes from before the war: whether to resolve issues in phases or all at once in a package deal.

“Some of the very delicate discussions going on now are, is it possible to engage in a way that addresses the issues like the border, that everyone agrees need to be addressed, and puts off the more difficult discussions until later,” the diplomat said. “Is there a way to do that that doesn’t take it off the table entirely? At what point does that issue get addressed?”

For now, despite the stated readiness to talk to each other, both sides are more talking past each other and making their respective cases to external audiences, the diplomat said.

“Both sides are still sensing how far they can go in getting what they want, getting support from the international community. I do think that both sides fundamentally want to have a peaceful path to the future for their people, and they realize they can’t get that without resolving the issues they now face,” the diplomat said. “But we’ve got to get through this very difficult impasse first. That’s where negotiators really can help, but it’s going to take some time before the sides are prepared to really come to the table seriously and engage.”

 

Joshua Kucera is the Turkey/Caucasus editor at Eurasianet, and author of .

Russian Defense Ministry recognizes the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in an official document – Ghazinyan

Elizabeth Jabejian
Panorama, Armenia
Sept 3 2021

An official document published on the website of the Russian Defense Ministry recognizes the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR – Artsakh), lawmaker Artur Ghazinyan wrote on Facebook. The document which is a purchase order by the Russian Ministry of Defense, reads: “Provision of services reads for the organization and implementation of comprehensive maintenance of the barracks and housing stock of the military camps of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation located on the territory of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh.” 

“Hysteria is going on in the enemy state,” Ghazinyan added. 

President Armen Sarkissian addresses congratulatory message on Knowledge and Schooling Day

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 09:48, 1 September, 2021

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian has addressed a congratulatory message on the Knowledge and Schooling Day, the President’s Office told Armenpress.

The message runs as follows:

“Dear pupils, students, teachers, lecturers, educators, and parents,

Congratulations on Knowledge and Schooling Day, and the start of a new school year.

Education opens the way to a new life and a new world. Be brave and confident. Open all doors through knowledge, open with your willpower and the impulse of your hearts, diligence, helping each other, trusting each other, learning from each other.

Believe that you can make positive changes with your knowledge, energy, perseverance, and faith, and be of use to the Homeland, Nation, Family, and of course, yourself.

Dear pupils and students,

This school year starts at the threshold of the thirty years of Armenia’s independence. You are creating the future of our country just like your parents and grandparents made Armenia and Artsakh independent, the same way as our ancestors fought for freedom, independence and future throughout our history.

The 21st century is that of thought and knowledge, technology and creativity. We are able and obliged to participate in the rapid development and progress of the world.

The talent of our people, together with diligence, purposefulness, and responsibility, can produce results. And that is also thanks to you!

The most difficult heights, which often seem inaccessible, can be conquered if these qualities are supplemented by patriotism and desire to do something for the sake of homeland and common national interests. Learn to overcome challenges and to pursue dreams without despair, to make, to create, and to take responsibility for the fate of the homeland.

Be faithful to the heritage of the past, to our identity, and believe in tomorrow.

Dear teachers, lecturers, and educators,

Tomorrow is shaped by your dedicated work and those efforts you invest into educating and bringing up generations. I am sure you all realize that the ability of the education system to keep pace with the times will determine Armenia’s place in the rapidly developing world. As the most significant part of the genuine elite of Armenia, you carry out a special mission of building the future of our country. It depends on you what our Homeland will be like in ten, fifty, or hundred years.

I believe in our inevitable success. It is essential for every one of us to believe in it and participate in bringing it closer by our knowledge, abilities, and opportunities.

I wish you all peace, happiness and prosperity”.

Caucasian Knot | Incident on Armenian-Azerbaijani border requires Russian militaries’ intervention

Elizabeth Jabejian
Caucasian Knot, EU
Aug 26 2021

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For several hours, Azerbaijani militaries blocked about 40 cars with residents of Armenia on the Goris-Kapan highway section, Arman Tatoyan, the Armenian Ombudsperson, has stated. Russian militaries have entered into negotiations in order to get people out of the blocked highway section.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that the Azerbaijani State Frontier Service announced an attack on a border guard committed in the territory of the “Gubadly” border-combat point located on the Gorus-Gafan (Goris-Kapan) highway. According to the Service, on August 25, two Armenian servicemen stabbed a border guard. In its turn, the Armenian Ministry of Defence (MoD) claims that no Armenian militaries took part in such incidents.

In the vicinity of the village of David Bek, Azerbaijani militaries stopped cars with Armenian citizens and surrounded the highway section. Families with children are among the passengers.

Naira Zograbyan, a former Armenian MP, wrote on the Facebook that the Armenian and Russian militaries managed to remove the blocked vehicles from the surrounded section.

The Azerbaijani militaries’ actions resulted in a violation of civilians’ right to free travel, Arman Tatoyan, the Armenian Ombudsperson, has emphasized on the Facebook.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 26, 2021 at 03:13 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:

Baku accuses Armenian militaries of attacking border guard, Analysts assess likelihood of attracting foreign peacemakers to Karabakh conflict zone, .

Author: Tigran Petrosyan; Source: CK correspondent

Caucasian Knot

Armenia improves position in 2021 Index of Economic Freedom

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 13:02, 26 August, 2021

YEREVAN, AUGUST 26, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has improved its position in the 2021 Index of Economic Freedom by 2 more points, Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan said in a statement on Facebook.

“We are the 32nd now. It’s worth noting that we strengthen the position of a country having the best business climate in the EAEU space. But we are not satisfied with the results, a lot needs to be improved for doing business, which we have promised by the new action plan of the government”, the minister stated.

Armenia’s economic freedom score is 71.9.

 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Tehran: Iran’s Border With Armenia Partially Closed by Azerbaijani Forces

Elizabeth Jabejian
Financial Tribune, Iran
Aug 28 2021
Iran’s Border With Armenia Partially Closed by Azerbaijani Forces

Parts of Iran border with Armenia have been closed by Azerbaijani forces, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration.

Rouhollah Latifi, spokesman of IRICA, citing incoming truck drivers from Armenia, added that the Goris-Kapan Road to Armenia was blocked by the Azerbaijani forces. 

According to the official, Yerevan and Baku were to hold talks on the issue, ISNA reported.

“Trucks carrying goods and passengers must ensure that the route is open in Armenia before leaving for the Nurduz border crossing in East Azarbaijan Province,” he said.

US congresswoman urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from Armenian territories and stop violence

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 12:37,

YEREVAN, JULY 31, ARMENPRESS. US congresswoman Katherine Clark urges Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw from the territory of Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports she wrote on her Twitter page.

‘’Azerbaijan’s military forces must withdraw from Armenian lands immediately and stop the violence that has already cost multiple lives. Proud to have voted for Chairman Frank Pallone’s amendment to cut off military funding to Azerbaijan and to stand with the Armenian people’’, Katherine Clark wrote.

Polad Bulbuloglu: "The war in Karabakh is over, the conflict is over"

Elizabeth Jabejian
Vestnik Kavkaza
<div><img src=”"https://mc.yandex.ru/watch/14749042" style="position:absolute; left:-9999px;" alt="" /></div>

28 Jul in 14:00 RIA Novosti

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbul oglu told in an interview to RIA Novosti correspondent Dmitry Vinogradov about how Baku is considering the situation in Karabakh and the implementation of the ceasefire agreement, assessed the progress of the Russian peacekeeping mission, and Azerbaijani-Armenian border.

– Several months have passed since the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and the Russian Federation signed a statement on a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh. Is the Azerbaijani side satisfied with the progress of its implementation? What items have not been completed yet?

– First of all, I would like to thank you for the opportunity to once again convey to the Russian audience information about the current stage of implementation of the points of the trilateral statement. I want to especially draw your attention to the fact that a few days ago, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an extensive interview to the state television of Azerbaijan, in which he touched upon almost all issues of regional stability and security. Taking this opportunity, I urge all interested parties to seriously familiarize themselves with this interview.

Regarding your question, in which you mentioned the term "Nagorno-Karabakh", I consider it important to emphasize that the Azerbaijani side at the highest level has repeatedly stated that there is no such territorial unit in Azerbaijan. The Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region was created on July 7, 1923 as an artificial formation and was legally abolished by the Azerbaijani parliament in November 1991 after the restoration of state independence. By the way, on July 7 of this year, by a presidential decree, the economic regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan were approved, including the Karabakh region, which includes the city of Khankendi, Agjabedi, Agdam, Barda, Fizuli, Khojaly, Khojavend, Shushi and Terter regions and East Zangezur, which covers Jabrail, Kalbajar , Gubadli, Lachin and Zangilan districts. Therefore, there can be no talk of the mountainous part of Karabakh as a separate unit.

At the same time, we perceive the statement of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia not only as a document on a ceasefire, but also as an agreement on the final solution of the conflict and practically recognition by Armenia of its surrender in the Second Karabakh war.
Speaking about the progress in the implementation of the said statement, it should be noted that there is complete mutual understanding between Azerbaijan and Russia on the issue of the further post-conflict arrangement. Both countries proceed from the fact that the war is over and the conflict is over. A certain part of the points of the statement has already been fulfilled. At the same time, such important issues as the return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes and the unblocking of all economic and transport links in the region, the main component of which, naturally, is the Zangezur corridor, remain on the agenda. Undoubtedly, the emergence of new international transport communications is beneficial first of all to Armenia itself and will ensure the sustainable development of the entire region, create conditions for trade, improve the lives of people living there, and these plans are uncontested.

As you know, on January 11, 2021, the heads of the three countries signed another statement, which specifically touched upon the opening of rail and road communications in the region, as provided for in paragraph 9 of the statement of November 9 last year. A tripartite working group was created under the joint chairmanship of the vice-prime ministers of Azerbaijan, Russia and Armenia, which began to work, held a number of meetings and determined the directions for further activities. But unfortunately, since June Armenia has been torpedoing the work of this group, which clearly shows the unwillingness of the Armenian side to fulfill its international obligations. Despite this, the Russian Federation, showing goodwill, continues to promote the implementation of the agreements reached, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia pays visits to Azerbaijan and Armenia, where he discusses issues in a bilateral format.
On July 20, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev paid a working visit to the Russian Federation, during which our leaders exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including regional stability and security. At the end of the working trip, the President of Azerbaijan positively assessed the results of the visit, noting that both countries are strategic partners, between which there are no disagreements related to the prospects for long-term strategic cooperation, including on the issue related to the post-conflict situation.

– How do you assess the progress of the Russian peacekeeping mission? Is it likely that her mandate will be renewed after the expiration of her five-year mandate?

– As you know, the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation, temporarily stationed on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continues to carry out the military and humanitarian tasks assigned to it, despite the provocations that the Armenian side resorts to from time to time. And this negatively affects efforts aimed at achieving long-term peace in the region. During this time, I have already visited Shusha several times and myself witnessed the shooting from the Armenian side. But despite this, I can say about the great work carried out to restore this city, declared the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. As for the further extension of the stay of the Russian contingent on the territory of Azerbaijan, it is probably too early to talk about it today. We must make every effort to fulfill the tasks that have been determined by the heads of our states.

– According to the statement of the Armenian side, several dozen prisoners of war remain in the hands of Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan considers these people as saboteurs detained for committing terrorist acts. At the same time, we see that from time to time some of these people are handed over by the Azerbaijani side to Yerevan. Is the transfer of new groups possible in the near future, including in exchange for minefield maps or something else?

– The essence of the question is as follows. A group of people from the Shirak region of Armenia was captured as a result of the anti-terrorist operation of the special services of Azerbaijan. This sabotage group of terrorists was thrown into our territories at the end of November 2020 with the aim of committing terrorist acts against the armed forces of Azerbaijan and civilians. They managed to kill four servicemen of the Azerbaijani army and injure a civilian. Members of the sabotage group were neutralized in December last year, that is, a month after the end of the war, and prosecuted. The issue related to terrorists should not be politicized in any way, and the actions of such persons should be qualified within the framework of national legislation, taking into account international documents and practice of states. It is quite obvious that these persons cannot be considered as prisoners of war under any international conventions, and they are not subject to the provisions of the tripartite agreement. The members of the above-mentioned group were brought to criminal responsibility, and the corresponding decisions were made within the framework of the judicial process. The Azerbaijani side approached this issue objectively, proceeding from the composition and depending on the severity of the crimes committed by these persons. Many of them were transferred to the Armenian side, and some were sentenced to serve their sentences in the Republic of Azerbaijan. Committed to the norms of international humanitarian law, the Azerbaijani side fully complied with the relevant paragraph of the statement and has already transferred to Armenia all the prisoners of war and the bodies of soldiers killed during the war. I would like to say that the Azerbaijani side at the official level has repeatedly expressed its attitude to this issue. An identical opinion was also voiced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation at an online press conference on January 18 this year. But the opposite side does not hear our arguments and tries to manipulate the situation.

– From time to time, disturbing news about shootings comes from the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, there are killed and wounded on both sides. What prevents the establishment of tranquility at the border?

– As I already said, answering the previous question, the Armenian side from time to time resorts to various kinds of provocations, creating tension. Just a couple of days ago, the Armenian armed forces in the Kalbajar section of the border shelled the positions of the Azerbaijani army. As a result of a sniper shot, our soldier was killed. I am sure that an adequate response will be given to such actions. The escalation of tension on the border is unacceptable, and the entire responsibility for any negative scenario of the development of the situation falls on the Armenian side. For our part, we have repeatedly stated that the war is over, the conflict is in the past, Armenia must recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, sign a peace treaty, and also constructively approach the issue of border delimitation. However, as we can see, the Armenian side is again trying to delay the process of regulating interstate relations and thereby hinders the creation of new conditions for the full development of the entire region. Sooner or later, Armenia will be forced to accept the new reality, and the sooner this happens, the sooner the world will be restored, and people will begin to live normally in the South Caucasus region.

– In June, the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey signed the Shusha Declaration, which, in particular, provides for the opening of the Zangezur corridor. When can it be open? If it passes through the territory of Armenia, will Azerbaijan agree that the corridor remains under the control of Yerevan? Or should the corridor have an extraterritorial status?

– Yes, on June 15 of this year a historic event took place in Shusha. A declaration was signed between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey, which echoes the 1921 Kars Treaty, according to which Turkey acts as the guarantor of Nakhchivan's security. It laid the foundation for a new level of allied relations between the two countries. The opening of the Zangezur corridor is noted not only in the Shusha declaration, but also indicated in a statement dated November 9, 2020, which clearly spells out the obligations to establish a connection between the western regions of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

Recently, the Armenian side in numerous media has been discussing the topic of territorial claims to Armenia by Azerbaijan. Here you need to understand that such statements from Armenia, which has occupied our territories for 30 years, carried out ethnic cleansing, destroyed the once flourishing cities and villages to the ground, has no moral and moral right to speak on this topic at all. All this time, Armenia made territorial claims to Azerbaijan, based on invented historical facts. However, the reality speaks of something else. Western Zangezur, now located on the territory of Armenia, was historically Azerbaijani land until the beginning of the last century, and only in the 1920s, without any legal basis, was torn away from Azerbaijan and transferred by the Soviet government to Armenia.

As for your question about control over the Zangezur corridor, here it is necessary to once again refer to the text of the trilateral statement, which clearly states that such control will be carried out by the Border Service of the FSB of Russia, which already ensures the security of the external borders of modern Armenia. Abstracting from the specific situation, I want to note: how can one consider an independent country, whose state borders are guarded by the troops of another state?

– After the signing of the Shusha Declaration, there were reports that a Turkish military base could be created in Azerbaijan. Is it known where and when it is possible to create such a base? Are its parameters known?

– The answer to this question should be sought in the official statements of the Azerbaijani side, any talk and speculation should not be the basis for conclusions. In this regard, I would like to draw your attention to the statement on this topic by the most experienced diplomat, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who said during a press conference that "we are not commenting on rumors." I believe that today the entire region is on the verge of serious changes, and everything possible must be done not to miss this historic chance of a new reality.

Global COVID-19 weekly case tally surpasses 2.6 mln, WHO says

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 13:18,

YEREVAN, JUNE 30, ARMENPRESS. More than 2.6 mln COVID-19 cases and over 57,000 deaths were recorded worldwide last week, the coronavirus incidence surged by 2%, while the death toll fell by 10%, reaching a new low since November 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Wednesday, reports TASS.

“Globally, COVID-19 incidence remains very high, with an average of over 370,000 cases reported each day over the past week,” the WHO stated in its weekly epidemiological bulletin. “The number of new deaths continued to decrease, with over 57,000 new deaths reported globally. This is the lowest weekly mortality figure since those recorded in early November 2020.”

Over the past week, some 2,600,313 new COVID-19 cases and 57,603 deaths were recorded across the world. As of June 27, as many as 180,492,131 cases of infection and 3,916,771 deaths were confirmed.

Last week, the COVID-19 incidence decreased in the Western Pacific Region (by 6%) and Southeast Asia (by 5%), while the figure rose in Africa (by 34%), the Eastern Mediterranean (by 13%) and Europe (by 10%). The coronavirus mortality rate surged in Africa (by 42%), however, it dropped in Southeast Asia (by 33%), the Western Pacific region (by 13%) as well as in the Americas (by 2%) and Europe (by 1 %).

Europe reported over 372,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 6,000 deaths over the past week. In the Americas, more than 1.1 mln new weekly cases of infection and over 30,000 deaths were registered. In Southeast Asia, doctors recorded over 573,000 coronavirus cases, while the death toll surpassed 13,000.

According to the WHO, the spread of COVID-19 strains classified as “variants of concern” is growing. In particular, the Alpha strain, found in September 2020 in the UK, was recorded as of June 29 in 172 countries (two more than a week earlier). The Beta strain, originally identified in South Africa, is now circulating in 120 countries, while there were 119 a week ago. The Brazilian Gamma strain, found in September, expanded its geography from 71 to 72 states in seven days. Furthermore, the Indian Delta strain, which has been discovered since October 2020, hit 11 new countries in a week, bringing their total number to 96.

According to the WHO bulletin, the Delta strain is likely to spread across a larger number of countries, since the possibilities for identifying COVID-19 variants are limited. Some countries attribute the surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations to the Delta variant’s presence. The Delta strain, “given the increase in transmissibility, is expected to rapidly outcompete other variants and become the dominant variant over the coming months”, experts predict.