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

Azerbaijan, Armenia exchange blame after deadly border skirmish (+Links)

Emil Lazarian
Fox News
Feb 13 2024
Associated Press

Armenia and Azerbaijan on Tuesday traded accusations over a border skirmish that left at least four Armenian soldiers dead and escalated tensions between the two Caucasus neighbors.

Armenia's Foreign Ministry denounced what it described as a "provocation" by Azerbaijani troops who fired on Armenian forces across the border in the eastern Syunik region early Tuesday. Four Armenian soldiers were killed and one was wounded, the ministry said. It urged Azerbaijan to refrain from "destabilizing" actions.

Azerbaijan's State Border Service said it had fired on an Armenian post in retaliation for Armenian shelling of Azerbaijani positions that wounded one Azerbaijani service member the previous day.

"Any provocations by the Armenian side aimed at escalating tensions along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border will now be met with even more serious and decisive measures," the State Border Service said in a statement. "The military-political leadership of Armenia bears full responsibility for these developments."

Armenia and Azerbaijan have a long history of land disputes. Azerbaijan waged a lightning military campaign last year to reclaim the Karabakh region, which Armenian separatists had ruled for three decades.

The region, which was known internationally as Nagorno-Karabakh, and large swaths of surrounding territory came under full control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia at the end of a separatist war in 1994.

Azerbaijan regained parts of Karabakh and most of the surrounding territory in a six-week war in 2020. It then launched a blitz in September that routed the separatist forces in one day and forced them to lay down arms. More than 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled the region in the following days, leaving it nearly deserted.

With political momentum from the successful military operation, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev last week won another term with 92% of the vote in a snap election.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have pledged to work toward signing a peace treaty, but no visible progress has been made, and tensions have continued to soar amid mutual distrust.

Armenia's Foreign Ministry cited the latest skirmish to accuse Azerbaijan of "searching for pretexts for escalation" and trying to derail peace efforts.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/azerbaijan-armenia-exchange-blame-deadly-border-skirmish

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New Bloodshed Threatens Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks

Emil Lazarian
Feb 13 2024
Waqas Arain

A deadly dance of conflict resumes on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, as the first fatal incident since peace talks began claims two Armenian lives. The incident, reportedly instigated by Azerbaijani fire, occurred near the southern Armenian village of Nerkin Hand.

The recent escalation of violence along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border has cast a dark shadow over the ongoing peace negotiations. The conflict, which has claimed the lives of two Armenian soldiers, marks the first major incident since both sides began discussions to end the decades-long dispute.

As tensions rise, the potential for further bloodshed looms large, threatening to derail the fragile peace process. The incident has not only resulted in casualties on both sides but has also led to Azerbaijan issuing stern warnings of more serious measures in response to any future provocations.

The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, characterized by intermittent war and territorial disputes, stretches back over 30 years. The latest incident is a grim reminder of the ongoing tensions between the two nations, despite recent efforts to broker a lasting peace.

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The Deadly Clashes of September 2022 serve as a stark reminder of the volatility of the situation. The clashes, which resulted in numerous casualties, highlighted the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict.

In the aftermath of the September clashes, both Armenia and Azerbaijan have accused each other of launching attacks and instigating incursions. The Armenian Armed Forces allege that Azerbaijani military units initiated the recent attack in the Nerkin Khand area, resulting in Armenian casualties. Conversely, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry claims that the Armenian Armed Forces targeted their military positions in the Tovuz district.

The border conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has had a profound impact on local residents, particularly in the Armenian provinces. The conflict has led to casualties, displacements, and the significant militarization of the border.

The lack of officially demarcated borders since both countries gained independence has further complicated the situation. Issues of exclaves/enclaves and Azerbaijan's expansionist claims to Armenian territory have added fuel to the already contentious dispute.

As the conflict continues to simmer, the human cost of the border war becomes increasingly evident. The recent fatal incident, which claimed the lives of two Armenian soldiers, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

In the aftermath of the incident, both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to finding a peaceful solution. However, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, as the recent violence serves as a stark reminder of the tensions that continue to divide Armenia and Azerbaijan.

As the world watches and waits, the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan hope for a future free from the specter of conflict and violence. The recent fatal incident, a tragic interlude in the peace talks, underscores the urgent need for a lasting resolution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

Pashinyan refuses to guarantee Putin’s non-arrest if he visits Armenia

Emil Lazarian
feb 13 2024

By bne IntelliNews February 13, 2024

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has refused to give any assurances regarding the possible arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a possible visit to Armenia, following the country's recent accession to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In a recent interview with the British Daily Telegraph, Pashinyan was asked about the possibility of Putin's arrest during such a visit. His vague response, citing legal complexities and the responsibility of Armenian law enforcement and courts, has fueled speculation and heightened tensions. Pashinyan's government claims that joining the ICC is aimed at taking legal action against Azerbaijan and preventing further attacks on Armenia. Opposition politicians, however, argue that the move is a strategic effort to drive a wedge between Russia and Armenia.

"As for the legal intricacies, I can't make a legal analysis at the moment, because that's more the job of the lawyers," he replied vaguely. "As I said, Armenia … must remain committed to all its international obligations, including the obligations it has in relations with the Russian Federation and in international relations."

The ratification of the ICC's Rome Statute by Armenia's Constitutional Court in March, just a week after the ICC issued an arrest warrant for Putin for alleged war crimes during Russia's invasion of Ukraine, has exacerbated already strained relations between Yerevan and Moscow. Although Russian officials denounced the move as "unfriendly" and predicted serious damage to Russian-Armenian relations, Putin appeared to downplay the situation and expressed his intention to visit Armenia again in the future.

As Pashinyan's comments continue to echo, Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, stressed the need for "certain assurances" before the Russian leader would consider travelling to Armenia. The situation remains unresolved and requires bilateral dialogue to address the complex legal and diplomatic implications of Armenia's accession to the ICC in the context of the delicate Armenia-Russia relationship.

Council of Europe Secretary General issues statement after Azerbaijani gunfire kills 4 Armenian troops

Emil Lazarian

 15:17, 13 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Secretary General of the Council of Europe Marija Pejčinović Burić has expressed concern on what she described as “exchange of fire” along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border after Azeri forces shot and killed 4 Armenian troops in Syunik province.

“Concerned about reports of exchange of fire along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. Call on both sides to abstain from the use of force. Dialogue is the only way to lasting peace,” Marija Pejčinović Burić said in a post on X.

4 Armenian soldiers were killed and 1 was wounded in the early morning of February 13 when Azerbaijani forces opened gunfire at a military position near Nerkin Hand, Syunik Province.

Iran, Armenia expanding economic ties

Emil Lazarian
Iran – Feb 17 2024

Gisoo Misha Ahmadi
Press TV, Tehran

The 18th meeting of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Committee has wrapped up with the two sides signing 19 MOUs to expand economic cooperation. The agreements pave the way for the trade volume between the two countries to increase threefold and reach three billion USD.

Watch the video at 

Armenia welcomes Iran-made pharmaceutical products

Emil Lazarian
TEHRAN TIMES
Iran – Feb 17 2024
  1. Society
– 13:49

TEHRAN – The Armenian deputy health minister has announced the country’s willingness to import Iranian medicine and medical equipment.

Talking about the remarkable achievements of Iran in dealing with the coronavirus outbreak by adopting appropriate measures, Lena Nanushyan said that Iran's progress in the field of health is significant, ISNA reported.

She made the remarks in a meeting with Heidar Mohammadi, the head of Iran’s Food and Drug Administration on the sidelines of the 18th session of the Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Committee that was held in Tehran during February 14-15.

At the end of the meeting, the two sides signed 19 documents and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to enhance cooperation in various areas.

The mentioned documents covered a variety of areas including trade, maritime transportation, food, medicine, and customs cooperation.

Noting that Iranian pharmaceutical products are famous worldwide, she said that Armenia has yet to import the products, she added.

Referring to the quality of anti-cancer drugs manufactured in Iran, she said, “We are interested in using Iranian oncology drugs in Armenia, and it is also possible to supply part of the required drugs of the country from Iranian manufacturing companies.”

Nanushyan went on to say, “We are happy to sign an agreement to expand cooperation between the two countries in the field of medicine and medical equipment.”

She further noted once Iranian medicines are registered in Eurasia, it will be much easier to import medicines from Iran.

Nanushyan also voiced the country's readiness to hold an exhibition of Iranian-made medical products in Armenia.

The head of Iran’s Food and Drug Administration, Heidar Mohammadi, for his part, referred to the production of biotech medicines, which has few manufacturers worldwide, in the country as a competitive factor of Iran-made medicines.

The pharmaceutical industry in Iran has grown significantly after the (1979) Islamic Revolution, he said.

Mohammadi went on to say that currently, all medical supplements and some 99 percent of the country's pharmaceutical needs is produced domestically.

Also, over 50 percent of medical equipment is produced in the country and they are exported to foreign markets, he added.

Over 60 countries import Iranian medical equipment

On January 13, the head of Iran’s Union of Medical Equipment Manufacturers and Exporters said that medical equipment worth around $20 million is exported to more than 60 countries annually.

More than 70 percent of medical equipment and 100 percent of normal hospital beds are domestically made, IRNA quoted Abdolreza Yaqoubzadeh as saying.

Also, over 95 percent of specific ICU and CCU beds and more than 85 percent of operating room medical equipment such as anesthesia machines and other equipment are manufactured with cutting-edge technology in the country, he added.

Yaqoubzadeh went on to say that the country's need for medical equipment production is three to four billion dollars per year, some one billion dollars of which is imported.

Export of medicine and medical equipment rise

Iran experienced a significant rise in exports of medicine and medical equipment in the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year that started on March 21, 2023.

“Exports of pharmaceuticals and medical equipment grew by 300 percent in the first four months of the year,” IRNA quoted Mohammadi as saying.

Currently, the production of medicine, medical equipment, and powdered milk is supported by subsidies. So, their exports were very limited, but it is hoped that their exports will increase next year, he explained.

Referring to the shortage of 100 drug items in the country, he said: “Nearly one and a half percent of the country's pharmaceutical need is imported. Along with domestic production, it is done as soon as the domestic production meets the demand.”

A total of 227 knowledge-based firms are supplying medical equipment for health centers across the country, according to the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology.

MT/MG

Iran’s Envoy In Yerevan Defends Armenia’s Territorial Integrity

Emil Lazarian
Iran International
Feb 17 2024

After warnings by Armenia of a fresh Azerbaijani military threat, Iran's Ambassador in Yerevan, Mehdi Sobhani, has reiterated Tehran's stance against any territorial alterations in the region.

In an interview with Armenpress, Sobhani emphasized, “The final position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is that we cannot accept a territorial change in any way. Any territorial changes should take place on the basis of mutual recognition of the territorial integrity of both countries, and this remains our final position…the territorial integrity of the countries of the region should be respected."

Expressing concern over regional stability, the Iranian diplomat stated that Tehran finds it “unacceptable” to witness a volatile situation around Armenia.

His comments come as tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to escalate. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian on Thursday rejected Azerbaijan's persistent demands for legislative changes in Armenia, warning of potential "large-scale" military aggression from Baku.

Pashinian accused Azerbaijani leadership of pursuing a "policy of military coercion" to seize Armenian territory and extract concessions. He highlighted Azerbaijan's reluctance to demarcate the border, following a ceasefire violation that resulted in the death of four Armenian soldiers on Tuesday.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday maintained his stance, stating that he won't sign a peace treaty unless Armenia revises its legislation, which he claims contains territorial claims on Azerbaijan.

Amidst the tension, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi reaffirmed Tehran's opposition to the presence of external powers in the South Caucasus during discussions with a senior visiting Armenian official.

Iran supports Armenia's stance against Azerbaijani requests for an extraterritorial corridor linking Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave via Syunik, the sole Armenian region sharing a border with the Islamic Republic.

Ararat Mirzoyan discusses security situation in South Caucasus with Foreign Ministers of Austria and Estonia

Emil Lazarian

 15:45,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS.  On February 16, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference Minister of Foreign Affairs Ararat Mirzoyan had opportunities to talk to Foreign Minister of Austria Alexander Schallenberg and Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, the foreign ministry said.
They exchanged views on topics of bilateral cooperation and on the prospects of further deepening of the Armenia-EU partnership. The security situation in the South Caucasus and the recent developments were touched upon.

Asbarez: Pashinyan, Aliyev Meet in Munich

Emil Lazarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (center) with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan in Munich on Feb. 17


Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan met Saturday in Munich to advance the ongoing discussions on a peace treaty. The meeting was initiated and mediated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

After discussing the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and steps to ensure peace and stability in the region, the two agreed to continue to work on the peace treaty, Pashinyan’s office said in a statement.

During the meeting, which took place on the margins of the Munch Security Conference, Scholz called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to complete the peace negotiations as soon as possible.
 
“During the tripartite conversation, Scholz advocated for the swift resolution of the peace negotiations between the two countries. Germany and Europe are ready to support it within their capabilities, including the efforts of European Council President Charles Michel,” Pashinyan’s office said in its statement.
 
Scholz reportedly welcomed the commitment made by Pashinyan and Aliyev on Saturday to resolve issues “exclusively peacefully and with our the use of force.”

Prior to the meeting with Aliyev, Pashinyan met with Scholz separately and discussed issues related to the peace agenda, as well as advancing Armenia-Germany relations.

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 16-02-24

Emil Lazarian

 17:02,

YEREVAN, 16 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 16 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.17 drams to 404.42 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 1.48 drams to 435.48 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.03 drams to 4.36 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.42 drams to 509.08 drams.

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

Gold price up by 257.25 drams to 26057.47 drams. Silver price up by 7.14 drams to 294.18 drams.