Author: Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS

Parents Challenge Armenia’s Education Minister Over Controversial History Textbook

Emil Lazarian
Feb 27 2024
Nimrah Khatoon

In the heart of Armenia, a battle not of swords but of words and beliefs unfolds, as parents of 7th grade students take a stand against the country's Education Minister, Zhanna Andreasyan. At the core of the dispute is a newly sanctioned Armenian History textbook that has sparked outrage and a legal challenge. The lawsuit, spearheaded by lawyer Ara Zohrabyan, accuses the textbook of undermining the foundational narratives of Armenian history, igniting a nationwide debate on historical authenticity and educational integrity.

On August 3, 2023, a new history textbook intended for 7th grade students received official approval from Minister Zhanna Andreasyan. Authored by S. Hovhannisyan, the textbook has become the center of a heated controversy for its portrayal of Movses Khorenatsi, often revered as the father of Armenian history, and his works as mythical. This characterization has led to an uproar among parents and educators alike, who argue that such depictions discredit Armenia's rich historical legacy. Lawyer Ara Zohrabyan, representing the aggrieved parents, has formally initiated legal action, seeking to invalidate the minister's sanction of the textbook.

The significance of Movses Khorenatsi in Armenian historiography cannot be overstated. Known as the "father of Armenian history," Khorenatsi's works are foundational to the nation's understanding of its early history and cultural identity. The decision to label his contributions as mythical within a school textbook has, therefore, struck a chord with many Armenians, who view it as an affront to their historical narrative and national pride. The lawsuit, thus, transcends beyond a mere legal battle, touching upon the delicate threads of identity, history, and the collective memory of a nation.

The controversy surrounding the textbook has ignited a broader debate on the role of education in shaping national identity and the boundaries of historical interpretation. Critics argue that the textbook's contentious portrayal of key historical figures and events could sow confusion among young students and erode a sense of national pride. Supporters of the textbook, however, contend that it encourages critical thinking and a more nuanced understanding of history, emphasizing the importance of questioning and re-evaluating established narratives. As the legal battle unfolds, the conversation extends into Armenian society, raising important questions about the balance between preserving national heritage and fostering a critical, open-minded approach to history.

The lawsuit against Minister Zhanna Andreasyan over the controversial 7th grade Armenian History textbook represents a pivotal moment in Armenia's ongoing struggle to define its historical narrative. As both sides present their arguments, the outcome of this legal challenge will likely have lasting implications for how history is taught and understood in Armenia, echoing far beyond the courtroom and into the heart of Armenian identity and culture.

https://bnnbreaking.com/breaking-news/education/parents-challenge-armenias-education-minister-over-controversial-history-textbook

Ready to support Armenia and Azerbaijan in advancing the peace agenda: Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker

Emil Lazarian

 16:42,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The issues of people displaced from Nagorno Karabakh and the cases of destruction of Armenian cultural heritage are of extreme concern and cannot be justified in any way.
Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, the chairperson of the Legal Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag, stated this during a press conference at the German embassy in Armenia on Tuesday. She noted that it is impossible to imagine similar violations of fundamental human rights in Germany and forced displacement of any ethnic group.
Addressing the crimes committed by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020 and thereafter, Winkelmeier-Becker noted that the International Criminal Court should thoroughly examine all war crimes committed in different parts of the world and make clear assessments and judgments about them, especially since it has specific toolkit.
According to the German lawmaker, it also refers to the return of prisoners of war, which could be a key point for  promoting the peace process, as well as a good basis for reaching a positive milestone as a result of the negotiations.
"We would be pleased if Germany contributes to establishing stability in the South Caucasus; therefore, we are ready to support both sides in advancing the peace agenda and negotiations. At this stage of the peace process, Germany should act as an honest partner and supporter between the conflicting parties, which is in the interests of Armenia," said Chairperson of the Legal Affairs Committee of the German Bundestag.

The German lawmaker noted that the Minister of Justice of the Republic of Armenia had informed the members of the German delegation that one of the important components for the Armenian side is the process of demarcation and delineation between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on Soviet maps.

"We hope that they will serve as the basis for a long-term status quo within the framework of the future agreement. The process of demarcation and delimitation is also at the center of attention of the EU civil mission. We hope that Armenia and Azerbaijan will reach a stage where the internationally defined and recognized territory of Armenia will no longer be subject to dispute and will be the basis for stable peace," said Winkelmeier-Becker.
Answering the question why Germany does not impose sanctions on Azerbaijan, the lawmaker noted that sanctions, in general, have limited success and that the application of sanctions at this stage can hinder the effective progress of the peace process.
Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker said that the German delegation had made a joint tour with the representatives of the EU civil mission in Yeraskh and emphasized that the aim of the EU civilian mission is to prevent possible border escalations and to help European partners with fact-finding activities.
Manvel Margaryan



Baku continues to make territorial claims: Mirzoyan at the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament

Emil Lazarian

 19:37,

YEREVAN, 27 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS.  The security environment in the South Caucasus remains volatile as Azerbaijan hasn’t denounced its aggressive policy against the Republic of Armenia. It continues to present new territorial claims against the Republic of Armenia along with backtracking from previously agreed principles of the establishment of peace and security in our region. Particularly the principle of respecting each other’s territorial integrity based on the Almaty Declaration of 1991 and conduct of the delimitation process aiming to recover the borderline of 1991 have been consistently rejected by Azerbaijan.

According to the readout issued by the foreign ministry, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made a statement during the high-level segment of the Conference on Disarmament.

The statement reads as follows:

"It is a pleasure to address the Conference on Disarmament in our capacity as an observer state. We believe that the Conference on Disarmament serves as a crucial platform for dialogue and collaboration among nations, aiming to build trust and understanding in pursuit of common goals. Armenia, as an observer state, is eager to actively engage in the deliberations, discussions, and initiatives aimed at advancing disarmament efforts on a global scale.

We reaffirm our strong commitment to the universal implementation of the international obligations in the areas of arms control and non-proliferation and reiterate our steadfast support to the institutions that underpin it.

Armenia reiterates its firm support for the full, complete, and effective implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation (NPT). As a strong supporter of the non-proliferation policies, we reiterate our full compliance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreements and additional protocol.

Furthermore, we consider the Comprehensive test-ban treaty (CTBT) to be an indispensable pillar and tool for the global nuclear non-proliferation regime and disarmament.

New international regulatory instruments or mechanisms for addressing 21st-century threats and challenges are crucial for preventing potential conflicts and saving lives in line with the International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. In this regard, it is our strong conviction that our joint efforts should be directed not just at protecting and advancing what we have already achieved but at matching the rapid technological progress, especially in artificial intelligence, lethal autonomous weapons systems or drone technologies.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Armenia is well familiar with the devastating impact of conflict, having experienced the tragic consequences of wars in our recent history. This painful past motivates us to persistently advocate for peaceful resolution of conflicts, prevention of the use or threat of force, uncontrolled and mass acquisition of weaponry and disarmament.

The erosion of the arms control regimes does not happen in a vacuum. It is usually a consequence of years-long noncompliance to the main treaties and documents, as well as the negligence of such crucial principles of the UN Charter as the non-use of force or threat of use of force and the maintenance of international peace and security and good-neighborly relations. The international failures of identifying early warning signs of such violations usually evolve into bloody conflicts and hostilities.

It is in such an environment that Azerbaijan launched a violent war against Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020, infiltrated into Armenia’s sovereign territory and on 19 September last year conducted an ethnic cleansing of over 108.000 indigenous Armenian population from its ancestral homeland.

Overall, the security environment in the South Caucasus remains volatile as Azerbaijan hasn’t denounced its aggressive policy against the Republic of Armenia. It continues to present new territorial claims against the Republic of Armenia along with backtracking from previously agreed principles of the establishment of peace and security in our region. Particularly the principle of respecting each other’s territorial integrity based on the Almaty Declaration of 1991 and conduct of the delimitation process aiming to recover the borderline of 1991 have been consistently rejected by Azerbaijan.

Nevertheless, the Government of Armenia continues its genuine efforts to build peace and stability in our region as well as confidence and trust between Armenia and Azerbaijan. To that end we have proposed simultaneous withdrawal of troops from the Armenia-Azerbaijan interstate border, with further demilitarization of the bordering areas. Armenia also proposes to sign a bilateral arms control mechanism and non-aggression pact ahead of the peace treaty in case the signing of the latter requires additional time to reach a consensus. Despite the fact that all these proposals have so far been ignored or rejected by Azerbaijan, we are determined to continue our efforts.

Dear Colleagues,

The arms control and non-proliferation architecture were established with the objective of ensuring safer and more secure life for all. It cannot be accomplished without joint efforts, compromise and political will.

We firmly believe that dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect are the cornerstones of effective disarmament efforts. Armenia stands ready to work collaboratively with member states, sharing experiences, expertise, and resources to address the complex challenges that are ahead of us. Through open communication and a commitment to finding common ground, we can pave a way for a more secure and safe world.

I thank you."

EU provides 15 million euros to Armenia to support refugees: Adrienn Kiraly

Emil Lazarian

 21:00,

YEREVAN, 27 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS.  Adrienn Kiraly, Neighbourhood East & Institution Building Director at European Commission presented details of the results of the meeting with the Armenian Deputy Prime Ministers Mher Grigoryan and Tigran Khachatryan. 

“Good discussions with Deputy Prime Ministers Grigoryan and Khachatryan in Yerevan on our joint efforts to strengthen EU-Armenia relations. During the meeting, I handed over the financing agreement allocating €15 million in budget support for refugees”, Kiraly posted on her X account.

Katia Tavitian Karageuzian Discusses ‘Forbidden Homeland’ at Book Talk in Orange County

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 

 

in Arts & Culture, Books, Latest, News, Top Stories

Dr. Katia Tavitian Karageuzian (center) with guests at a book talk held in Orange County on Feb. 25

BY KARINE CODILIAN

The Orange County Armenian Center was packed on Sunday afternoon. Several community organizations partnered to organize a book talk event featuring Dr. Katia Tavitian Karageuzian, author of “Forbidden Homeland, Story of a Diasporan.”

“I am very humbled by the warm reception of the Orange County Armenian community,” said Dr. Tavitian Karageuzian. “As Judge Apkarian said: ‘This is the story of all of us.’ Keeping memories alive is very important for the identity preservation of a people in exile. As Armenians, we should never let go of our truths to appease others. A nation that does not uphold its history jeopardizes its very existence.” Using personal accounts of diaspora, author Katia Tavitian Karageuzian delves into her cultural past to start solving mysteries about her family history with a focus on the Armenian Genocide and the ongoing Karabakh conflict. The story unlocks a discovery that led to a decades-long search to reveal the extensive history of American involvement in the destiny of her homeland and a buried record of those living with generational trauma. 

Ari Guiragos Minassian School principal, Ani Sarkissian, offered opening remarks and welcomed the attendees.

Special guest speaker, Judge Gassia Apkarian, co-founder of The Center for Truth and Justice gave her remarks on the book. She emphasized how this book tells each and every one of our stories, and how “Forbidden Homeland, Story of a Diasporan” can be used as historical documentation.

Dr. Tavitian Karageuzian gave an informative presentation about Armenia’s history starting from before the genocide and an explanation of events that have led us to our current state of affairs. She encourages us all to mobilize and work towards what is rightfully ours.

“I am very humbled by the warm reception of the Orange County Armenian community. As Judge Apkarian said: ‘This is the story of all of us.’ Keeping memories alive is very important for the identity preservation of a people in exile. As Armenians, we should never let go of our truths to appease others. A nation that does not uphold its history jeopardizes its very existence,” Dr. Tavitian Karageuzian said.

AYF members and former AGM School and ARS “Sevan” Chapter Saturday school students, Karine Codilian, Gregory Codilian, and Gregory Mikhanjian read selected excerpts from the book that gave the audience a glimpse into the colorful world described in the book.

Hamazakayin OC “Siamanto” Chapter representative, and former AGM principal, Kohar Zaher thanked all the community organizations for their collective efforts in bringing this event to fruition: Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, ARF “Armen Karo” Gomideh, A.G. Minassian Armenian School, Hamazkayin “Siamanto” Chapter, and ARS “Sevan” Chapter.

Rev. Fr. Karekin Bedourian, pastor of Forty Martyrs Armenian Apostolic Church, gave the closing remarks and ended the event with a prayer.

“Forbidden Homeland, Story of a Diasporan” is available for purchase online and in select Barnes & Nobles bookstores.

Asbarez: Yerevan Ready to Sign Non-Aggression Pact with Azerbaijan

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan addresses the UN Disarmament Conference in Geneva on Feb. 27


Accuses Baku of Disregarding Human Rights Norms and Stoking Conflict

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Tuesday said that Armenia is ready to sign an non-aggression pact with Azerbaijan before the ratification of a peace treaty, talks for which are scheduled later this week in Berlin. He also accused Baku of disregarding international human rights norms and continuing the fan the flames of conflict.

Speaking at the annual United Nations Disarmament Conference in Geneva, Mirzoyan proposed to sign a bilateral arms control mechanism and non-aggression pact ahead of the peace treaty “in case the signing of the latter requires additional time to reach a consensus.”

“Armenia is well familiar with the devastating impact of conflict, having experienced the tragic consequences of wars in our recent history. This painful past motivates us to persistently advocate for peaceful resolution of conflicts, prevention of the use or threat of force, uncontrolled and mass acquisition of weaponry and disarmament,” Mirzoyan said.

“The erosion of the arms control regimes does not happen in a vacuum. It is usually a consequence of years-long noncompliance to the main treaties and documents, as well as the negligence of such crucial principles of the UN Charter as the non-use of force or threat of use of force and the maintenance of international peace and security and good-neighborly relations. The international failures of identifying early warning signs of such violations usually evolve into bloody conflicts and hostilities,” the foreign minister added.

He emphasized that continued disregard for international norms led to the 2020 Artsakh War, and continued as Azerbaijan invaded Armenia’s sovereign territory, and, finally in September of last year launched an attack on Artsakh that forced the Armenian population there to flee to Armenia. Mirzoyan accused Azerbaijan of an ethnic cleansing campaign that went generally unpunished by the international community.

“We have proposed simultaneous withdrawal of troops from the Armenia-Azerbaijan interstate border, with further demilitarization of the bordering areas. Armenia also is proposing to sign a bilateral arms control mechanism and non-aggression pact ahead of the peace treaty in case the signing of the latter requires additional time to reach a consensus. Despite the fact that all these proposals have so far been ignored or rejected by Azerbaijan, we are determined to continue our efforts,” Mirzoyan said.

He also spoke at the United Nations Human Rights Council, where he accused Azerbaijan of violating international norms and also derided world leaders for failing to properly condemn the Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia and Artsakh.

“We have been witnessing such a policy of Azerbaijan since the 80s of last century. In fact, today, we commemorate the victims of Sumgait pogroms. Together with similar acts in Baku, Kirovabad and other Armenian-populated cities of Azerbaijan, around 360 thousand Armenians were forced to flee their homes, deprived of all their rights, including the right to property, and find refuge in Armenia. Earlier, due to the same-style implemented policy, Armenians left their homes in Nakhichevan,” Mirzoyan told the UN HRC.

“In the case of Nagorno-Karabakh, there was no shortage of early warning signs of the looming atrocities. The list includes statements from the UN Secretary-General, the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Special Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Orders of ICJ, public communications of UN Special Procedure Mandate Holders,” explained Mirzoyan.
“However, this was not enough for the international community, and I quote the Secretary General again, ‘to stand on the right side of history, to stand up for human rights.’ Approximately 145.000 people were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and relocated to Armenia between 2020 and 2023,” he emphasized.

“There are more than thousand missing persons and enforced disappearances on the Armenian side from the wars of the 1990s and 2020. We have 23 prisoners of war and other detainees in Azerbaijan. We have an immense risk of destruction of Armenian cultural and religious heritage that the UN Special Rapporteur has recently warned: ‘may amount to cultural cleansing,’” Mirzoyan pointed out.

“There is continuous bellicose rhetoric and military escalation provoked by Azerbaijan following earlier incursions into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia. The impunity of the illegal use of force resulted in new territorial claims against Armenia. Nowadays, the whole territory of the Republic of Armenia is presented as so-called ‘Western Azerbaijan,’ which was invented with a pure intention to keep tension in the region,” he added, underscoring that February 27 marked the beginning of the 1988 Azerbaijani pogroms of Armenians in Sumgait.

Ararat-Eskijian Museum Research Center and UCLA’s Armenian Genocide Research Program launch Dadrian Archive Project

Emil Lazarian
 Guest Contributor Announcements 0

The Ararat-Eskijian Museum Research Center (AEMRC) and the Armenian Genocide Research Program (AGRP) within The Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA are proud to announce the launch of the Vahakn N. Dadrian Archive Project.

Professor Vahakn N. Dadrian (1926–2019) was a preeminent scholar of the Armenian Genocide and instrumental in establishing the larger field of genocide studies. He lectured and published widely in the field, leading to greater international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. His unique collection of archival materials and books is of extraordinary value to those researching the origins of the Armenian Genocide, the Genocide itself and its aftermath.

Throughout his long career, Professor Dadrian accumulated a wealth of material on the Armenian Genocide throughout the different archives in the world, American, British, German, French Armenian and Ottoman among them. His archive also has numerous unpublished manuscripts and newspapers from various languages. Before his death, he transferred these materials to the AEMRC. The Vahakn Dadrian Armenian Genocide Book Collection is now housed in The Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library located at the University of Southern California.

Professor Vahakn N. Dadrian

After a gradual process of herculean efforts and numerous trips across the nation transporting Professor Dadrian’s archives, the AEMRC initiated a project in 2009 to digitize his personal notes and archives of historical documents and make them available for future generations of researchers interested in furthering their knowledge of Armenian Genocide Studies and general genocide studies.

A total of 28,000 pages out of a total of 110,000 pages were digitized and indexed by 2018. It took two years to appropriately preserve the entire archive collection in special folders and boxes. This full archive has been available to scholars and researchers by in-person appointment only at the AEMRC. Due to a large grant received in 2023, we will be resuming the continuation of digitization and indexing of the remaining 80,000 pages.

Prof. Vahakn N. Dadrian’s collection of archival materials and books

We are also in the important process of facilitating the accessibility of the digitized collection, particularly to make it searchable through keywords for researchers. Dr. Anna Aleksanyan, a postgraduate student from Clark University, has been involved in these efforts. Dr. Aleksanyan is also currently on fellowship with the AGRP.

The Vahakn N. Dadrian Archive Project is led under the direction of Professor Taner Akçam, the inaugural director of the AGRP. This project is anticipated to be completed by December 2025. Upon completion, the entire collection will be available online.

The AGRP will host a webinar this spring to offer additional insight into the project.‍

The Ararat-Eskijian Museum was founded in June 1985 by Genocide survivor, Luther Eskijian, and includes a unique collection of Armenian artifacts as well as books and materials about the Armenian Genocide. The museum is also a cultural and educational center where scholars, artists, writers and community leaders can present current and historical subjects related to the Armenian people, as well as genocide education.

The Armenian Genocide Research Program (AGRP) was established within The Promise Armenian Institute at UCLA in early 2022. Led by Taner Akçam, Ph.D., the AGRP engages in research and scholarly activities pertaining to the study of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire during the early 20th century.




AW: Council of Socialist International adopts resolution on Artsakh

Emil Lazarian
 Guest Contributor Diaspora 0

On February 24-25, the Council of the Socialist International held a meeting in Madrid, at the headquarters of the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE).

Since 1907, the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun has been a member of this large political organization, which unites political parties from about a hundred countries. Mario Nalpatian, a former member of the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun Bureau and a member of the Armenian National Committee – International, as well as one of the vice-presidents of the Socialist International (SI), participated in the meetings of the Council and the Presidium and was elected a member of the SI Finance and Administration Committee.

President of the Socialist International and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez referred to the Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh issue in his opening speeches at the organization’s Presidium and Council meetings.

At the meetings of the SI Presidium and Council, Nalpatian presented the situation and challenges caused by the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh by Azerbaijan’s genocidal actions and violence, as well as Azerbaijan’s threats and demands directed at the Republic of Armenia.

The SI Council adopted a resolution on the Artsakh issue, which states:

The Socialist International supports the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan aimed at signing a peace agreement. To contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region, such an agreement should be reached without the use of force or the threat of force, based on international law and diplomatic practice, including a commitment to an internationally sponsored peaceful process towards a final political settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue and the full realization of the fundamental rights and security of the people of Nagorno Karabakh on their ancestral territory.

President of the Socialist International and Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez speaking at the Council of the Socialist International meeting

In line with our longstanding principled policy regarding the Nagorno Karabakh issue and the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and considering the November 17, 2023 provisional measure by the International Court of Justice ordering Azerbaijan to “ensure that persons who have left Nagorno Karabakh after 19 September 2023 and who wish to return to Nagorno Karabakh are able to do so in a safe, unimpeded and expeditious manner” and “are free from the use of force or intimidation that may cause them to flee,” we reiterate our call:

  1. Until the final political settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue and the full realization of the fundamental rights of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, for the collective, unhindered and safe return to their homeland. Also, for the provision of an intermediate status for Nagorno Karabakh – ensuring the full extent of the civil and political rights and providing effective security guarantees for the people of Nagorno Karabakh, as well as unhindered land connection with Armenia – guaranteed by international norms.
  2. For the release of prisoners of war and detained persons. 
  3. For the complete and simultaneous lift of the blockades of transport and other means of communication, without any restriction of sovereignty.

The Socialist International stands ready to assist in these processes through its good offices and with the participation of its member parties and organizations.

The meeting of the Council of the Socialist International also made decisions on organizational issues and adopted the Madrid Declaration.

The Socialist International is the worldwide organization of social democratic, socialist and labor parties. It currently brings together 132 political parties and organizations from all continents. The relevant structures of the ARF are full members of the Socialist International Women (SIW) and the International Union of Socialist Youth (IUSY). Sarine Abrahamian, from the ARF Youth, is a vice-president of IUSY. 

Armenian National Committee – International
2.27.2024

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 26-02-24

Emil Lazarian

 17:25,

YEREVAN, 23 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 26 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.07 drams to 404.42 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.96 drams to 438.63 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.03 drams to 4.38 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 0.13 drams to 512.60 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 49.41 drams to 26361.72 drams. Silver price down by 4.56 drams to 295.35 drams.

As New Talks are Announced, Aliyev Threatens Armenia

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan speaks in occupied Artsakh on Feb. 26


President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan on Monday threatened Armenia, saying that Yerevan should accept all of Baku’s conditions, as both countries announced that their foreign ministers will meet in Berlin this week for a new round of peace talks.

“Armenia and its patrons believed that no one would punish them. They were completely wrong, and they are still wrong today,” Aliyev said, according to the Trend news agency.

“Armenia, which is looking for a new owner and seeking refuge in somebody else’s arms, should understand that the only way is to accept all of Azerbaijan’s conditions and give up its territorial claims against Azerbaijan,” Aliyev added.

His remarks come two days after Azerbaijani forces attacked the Verin Shorzha region of the Gegharkunik Province on Saturday, prior to which another attack on Armenian positions in Nerkin Hand in the Syunik Province killed four soldiers.

Foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan will meet his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhum Bayramov in Berlin later this week.

Spokespersons from both foreign ministries confirmed the meeting, which they said will take place from February 28 to 29.

Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met in Munich earlier this month during talks mediated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Aliyev has criticized the European Union and France, accusing them of advancing pro-Armenian policies.

He criticized the EU’s mission in Armenia and France for selling weapons to Yerevan.

President Emmanuel Macron of France said last week that his country will continue to support Armenia and advance its military capabilities. Macron also emphasized that Azerbaijan should recognize Armenia’s territorial integrity explicitly.

A day later, France’s defense minister Sebastien Lecornu visited Yerevan and signed several more agreements with his Armenian counterpart. Reports also indicated that a new shipment of military equipment from France arrived in Armenia on the same day of Lecornu’s visit.