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

Sports: Door still open for Armenia to compete at World Shooting Championships in Baku

Emil Lazarian
Aug 15 2023
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  • By Philip Barker at the Baku Shooting Center

    •  

  •  Tuesday,

International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) secretary general Willi Grill has told Armenia that “we still have the door open for them to participate” on the eve of the ISSF World Championships here in Baku.

“All of you know we are for the sport, it is our priority, we are not involved in any political or other things and when I found out here there is a problem with Armenia,” Grill explained today as the Championships were launched.

The Armenians opted not to attend the ISSF World Championships citing security concerns and tense political relations with Azerbaijan.

“This Organising Committee did everything it was possible to do, there is no exception,” Grill insisted.

“Then it went in a direction where they wanted more guarantees, but all of you know, if somebody in the world ask you a guarantee for everything it does not exist.”

Tension has existed between Azerbaijan and Armenia for over 35 years with disputes escalating into military action, particularly over the Nagorno Karabakh region.

More recently, there have been border skirmishes since 2021 and the Armenians opted not to attend the ISSF World Championships citing security concerns.

“Nobody can guarantee everything in this world, you can do everything that is possible and this was done here, every possibility to guarantee safety or whatever,” Grill explained.

“I have come here so many years, never anything happened to me or anyone of our guests, so of course everybody has to decide by themselves.

“I understand also that the Government they don’t feel well and that is another issue.”

Grill today insisted that any Armenian athletes who arrived in Baku would still be allowed to compete even though the deadline for entries had passed.

“We still have the door open, we still have places reserved if someone wants to come, we never say no, even if the deadline is over, we are able to manage that,” he added.

“Everybody in the world is here so if Armenian athletes are listening and it is possible to come here to participate, it would be again very very nice to be here altogether.”

Organisers say they expect 1,239 shooters from 101 nations to take part.

After a training day following tonight’s Opening Ceremony, competition begins at the World Championships on Thursday (August 17) and continues until September 1.

https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1139879/armenia-still-welcome-issf-worlds

In ongoing disinformation campaign, Azerbaijan again falsely accuses Armenia of border shooting

Emil Lazarian

 09:51,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 14, ARMENPRESS. The Azerbaijani defense ministry has again falsely accused the Armenian military of opening gunfire in an ongoing disinformation campaign, the Armenian defense ministry warned Monday.

In a statement released Monday morning, the Armenian defense ministry said that the Azeri accusations are a “usual kind of disinformation.”

“The [Ministry of Defense] of Azerbaijan has come up with the usual kind of disinformation. The statement of the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan as if allegedly from 10:45 p.m. on August 13 to 7:05 a.m. on August 14 the units of the Armed Forces [of Armenia] fired against the Azerbaijani combat outposts located in the eastern and southwestern parts of the border, does not correspond to reality,” the Armenian defense ministry said.

Azerbaijan plotting next provocation, warns Nagorno-Karabakh

Emil Lazarian

 14:54,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 14, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan is preparing an information base for its next provocation, the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Ministry of Defense has warned.

“The Azerbaijani news media are spreading fabricated videos and fake information falsely accusing the Defense Army of amassing various military equipment in different parts of the line of contact. With this disinformation, Azerbaijan is preparing information base for its next provocation,” the ministry said in a statement.

Armenian travel insiders visiting Iran on fam tour

Emil Lazarian
 TEHRAN TIMES 
Iran – Aug 14 2023
  1. Tourism
– 18:22

TEHRAN – Eight tour operators and tourism experts from Armenia are visiting Iran attractions on a feminization tour, a tourism ministry official in charge of foreign tourism marketing said on Sunday.

“This group is set to pay visits to different parts of Tehran to be acquainted with the province’s tourism capacities in terms of historical and cultural attractions, sports, and culinary tourism,” Leyla Ajdari said.

UNESCO-designated Golestan Palace, Tochal ski resort as well as cultural-historical complexes of Niavaran and Sadabad are among the designations embedded in the 5-day itinerary of the Armenian travel insiders, the official said.

It is the tenth fam tour organized by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts since the beginning of the current [Iranian calendar] year, Ajdari said.

On July 30, Iran announced all remaining COVID travel restrictions, such as pre-departure test requirements, had been lifted for passengers entering the country.

The Islamic Republic welcomed 986,652 foreign nationals during the same period last year, and a 43 percent rise may indicate the country’s recovering from a previous travel slump caused by COVID restrictions.

Based on available data, Iran’s medical tourism revenues reached $1 billion during the past Iranian calendar year (which ended on March 20). People from the neighboring countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Oman, Bahrain, Armenia, and Tajikistan, constitute the lion’s share of medical tourists arriving in the country.

Earlier this month, Iranian travel expert Ebrahim Pourfaraj said the country would see a considerable increase in international visitors next autumn compared to previous seasons this year.

The former head of the Iranian Tour Operators Association said there will be a change in the number of foreign nationals visiting the country. “Although we didn’t have many [inbound] tours in the summer, the number of requests to travel to Iran in the fall is high.”

Pourfaraj even anticipated a further boost for foreign arrivals in the upcoming spring season next year. “There are problems in the path of foreign tourists, which we hope to be resolved in the near future.”

The Islamic Republic expects to reap a bonanza from its numerous tourist spots such as bazaars, museums, mosques, bridges, bathhouses, madrasas, mausoleums, churches, towers, and mansions, of which 26 are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

AFM

Armenia Officially Requests UN Security Council Meeting

Emil Lazarian
Aug 14 2023
  

By PanARMENIAN

On August 11, the Republic of Armenia appealed to the United Nations Security Council with a request to convene an emergency meeting regarding the deterioration of the humanitarian situation as a result of the total blockade inflicted upon the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan, the Foreign Ministry said.

Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN, Mher Margaryan, in a letter addressed to the President of the UN Security Council, particularly stated:

“Further to the letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia addressed to the President of the Security Council dated 12 July 2023, I am writing in relation to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation as a result of the total blockade inflicted upon the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The severe shortage of essential goods, including food, medicine and fuel, has been exacerbated since June 15, 2023, when Azerbaijan fully blocked the Lachin corridor – the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and the outer world – by banning any access to Nagorno-Karabakh, even humanitarian. The continued deliberate obstruction of natural gas and electricity supply to Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan has been detrimental for the daily life of the people.

“The suspension of all humanitarian supplies coupled with the gradual utilization of limited domestic stocks, targeted shootings of agricultural areas by Azerbaijani Armed Forces, has resulted in an acute food shortage and closures of shops. Due to the lack of essential food and vitamins, approximately 2,000 pregnant women, around 30,000 children, 20,000 older persons, and 9,000 persons with disabilities are struggling to survive under conditions of malnutrition.

“People with chronic diseases, including 4,687 individuals with diabetes and 8,450 individuals with circulatory diseases, are left almost without any medicine needed. As a result of this situation there has been a recorded increase of mortality from several diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms. From January to July, compared to the same period of the previous year, the level of anemia among pregnant women under medical observation has reached around 90%. This is due to inadequate nutrition and the absence or insufficiency of appropriate medications. Moreover, the hot weather conditions and absence of sanitizers and medicine create risks of epidemics in the region.

“As a result, today the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are on the verge of a full-fledged humanitarian catastrophe.

“These actions of Azerbaijan constitute a flagrant violation not only of the Trilateral Statement of November 9, 2020 but also of international humanitarian law and are in direct breach of the Orders issued by the International Court of Justice on 22 February and 6 July 2023, according to which Azerbaijan should “take all measures to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.”

“The deliberate creation of unbearable life conditions for the population is nothing but an act of mass atrocity targeting the indigenous people of Nagorno-Karabakh and forcing them to leave their homes and homeland. Such an infliction of collective punishment upon the people of Nagorno-Karabakh constitutes an existential threat to them should they be left alone vis-a-vis the Azerbaijani aggressive policy.

“Under current circumstances, the Government of Armenia requests the intervention of the UN Security Council as a principal body of safeguarding global security and preventing mass atrocities including war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and genocide.

“With reference to my letter dated 13 September 2022 addressed to the President of the Security Council (S/2022/688), and in follow up to the meeting of the Security Council held on 20 December 2022, I would like to request that an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council be convened based on Article 35 (1) of the UN Charter.

“I also ask that the delegation of Armenia be allowed to participate in the Council’s meeting in accordance with the relevant provisions of the United Nations Charter and pursuant to rule 37 of the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council.

“Please, accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

https://www.eurasiareview.com/14082023-armenia-officially-requests-un-security-council-meeting/

Russian strike on Odesa leaves Armenian Consulate building damaged

Emil Lazarian
Ukraine – Aug 14 2023
Due to the massive missile and drone attack of the Russian Federation on Odesa overnight Monday, the building of the Armenian Consulate sustained damage.

This was reported by an Ukrinform correspondent.

The facade was damaged and windows were shattered by the strike.

“The consulate building’s exterior was damaged. There is no damage inside. The consulate continues its operations,” said Consul General in Odesa Gagik Gayrapetyan.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the Russians attacked Odesa in three waves overnight Monday, launching 15 one-way attack drones and eight Kalibr-type sea-based missiles. Seven educational facilities and 250 houses sustained damage. One of the city’s largest supermarkets was completely destroyed. Three security guards were injured.


Armenia appeals to UN Security Council on issue of blockade of NK. Experts on expectations

Emil Lazarian
Aug 14 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Armenia appeals to UN Security Council

The Armenian government appealed to the UN Security Council with a demand to convene an emergency meeting, connected “with the deterioration of the humanitarian situation due to the forced complete blockade of the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.”

“Under the current circumstances, the Government of Armenia requests the intervention of the UN Security Council as the main body for ensuring global security and preventing mass crimes, including war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity and genocide,” a letter from Armenia’s permanent representative to the UN says.

This step by official Yerevan was welcomed by the authorities of the unrecognized NKR. Representatives of the civil society of Armenia also made a statement. They called on the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution condemning the blockade and demanding the immediate unblocking of the Lachin corridor.

Although the message of the Armenian Foreign Ministry about the appeal to the UN does not mention the possibility of the adoption of a resolution by the Security Council, Armenian political scientists believe that this is the main goal. Some experts consider this likely, while others do not exclude that a permanent member of the Security Council will use the right of veto and the adoption of the resolution will fail. The permanent members of the Security Council are the USA, France, Great Britain, Russia and China. When the meeting of the Security Council will take place is still unknown.

  • “Respect, not recognize territorial integrity”: a proposal to Pashinyan
  • “Is there an unspoken agreement to leave us alone with Baku?” – President of the unrecognized NKR
  • “The road from the moon to Nagorno-Karabakh is also open” – Pashinyan in an interview with Euronews

This is stated in a letter to the Chairman of the UN Security Council from the Permanent Representative of Armenia Mher Margaryan. He described in detail the situation in NK as a result of the blockade. He stressed that all types of humanitarian supplies have been stopped for a long time, which is why there is an acute shortage of food, medicines and fuel.

“Due to lack of basic food and vitamins, about 2,000 pregnant women, about 30,000 children, 20,000 elderly people and 9,000 people with disabilities are struggling to survive in conditions of malnutrition. People with chronic diseases, including 4,687 people with diabetes and 8,450 people with diseases of the circulatory system, were left virtually without medicines.

As a result of the current situation, there has been an increase in mortality from a number of diseases, including cardiovascular diseases and malignant neoplasms. Between January and July, compared with the same period last year, the level of anemia among pregnant women under medical supervision reached about 90%, due to malnutrition and the absence or lack of appropriate medicines. In addition, hot weather conditions and the lack of disinfectants and medicines create the risk of epidemics in the region.”

The representative of Armenia points out that the actions of Azerbaijan are a gross violation of international humanitarian law. In addition, Baku does not comply with the decisions of the International Court of Justice. The letter states that Azerbaijan’s creation of conditions incompatible with life is a “mass crime against the indigenous people of NK”:

“The use of such collective punishment against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh poses an existential threat to them if people remain face to face with the aggressive policies of Azerbaijan.”

Since the middle of June, Azerbaijan has banned the delivery of not only food, but also humanitarian goods from Armenia. How people survive and what do they think about their future?

The Foreign Ministry of the unrecognized NKR welcomed Armenia’s decision to appeal to the UN Security Council:

“This can put an end to the massive gross violations of human rights by Azerbaijan in Artsakh and stop the policy of genocide consistently and systematically pursued by Azerbaijan.”

An appeal was also made to the Security Council to properly respond to the situation and decide on the implementation of “necessary, urgent and effective measures aimed at the immediate, complete and unconditional unblocking of the Lachin corridor.”

“We call and demand from all the main actors not to delay the decision-making and not to wait for more large-scale tragedies, to take practical and effective steps to stop the further course of this genocide. Delay costs human lives and suffering,” President of the unrecognized republic Arayik Harutyunyan said.

Former ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo published his opinion on the situation in the unrecognized NKR under the heading “Armenian Genocide in 2023”

Armenian NGOs appealed to the member states of the UN Security Council with a call “to undertake the obligation to protect the Armenians from the genocide and ethnic cleansing organized by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh.” Representatives of civil society believe that the risks of these crimes are real:

“This is confirmed by international independent criminal law experts, genocide experts and specialized organizations.

In the event of a repetition of this tragedy with the Armenian people in the 21st century, the responsibility will fall on the members of the UN Security Council and the states that actually supported Azerbaijan, which is committing international crimes – genocide and ethnic cleansing.”

NGOs called on the UN Security Council to achieve the immediate unblocking of the Lachin corridor, the unhindered movement of people, vehicles and goods, in accordance with the decision of the UN Hague Court of February 22.

It is expected that urgent measures will be taken to bring an international peacekeeping mission into NK and the Lachin corridor. The UN Secretary General has proposed to send a fact-finding mission to the region, and to appoint his own special representative for the conflict in NK to ensure a long-term presence in the region.

Comments by Armenian experts on the likelihood, effectiveness and possible consequences of the use of force to unblock the only road linking Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia

Political scientist Tigran Grigoryan considers the adoption of a resolution on the Karabakh issue in the UN Security Council likely:

“It seems that none of the permanent members of the UN Security Council should use the right of veto, the majority of the members of the Security Council should vote for the resolution. I assume that the relevant work has been done with Russia.”

He recalled the discussion in the UN Security Council in December 2022, during which “several countries, including Russia”, failed to adopt the statement:

“Now the situation on earth has changed significantly, it has become even more complicated. We are dealing with a serious humanitarian crisis. There is also an interim decision of the International Court of Justice. In addition, it seems that Armenia has worked quite actively with the permanent and non-permanent members of the Security Council.”

He thinks that Baku will still ignore the resolution, but if it is adopted, Azerbaijan will comment on it in a way that is desirable for itself. Therefore, according to Grigoryan, Armenia must ensure that the wording of the resolution cannot cause discrepancies. At the same time, he emphasizes that the adoption of the resolution itself can become “an important tool for Armenia and NK”.

Political observer Hakob Badalyan believes that Armenian society has formed a misconception about the UN Security Council as “a holy place where only our appeal is not enough to resolve issues important to us.”

“Can 5 permanent members of the Security Council have a practical influence on the policy of Azerbaijan, if

  • for almost two years in active combat mode they have been busy redistributing the world,
  • Baku’s policy enables each of them to resolve their issues.

They can, of course, if a more important mutual agreement is formed between them, even if it is temporary. And it will allow even if not completely restoring the previous normal mode of life, then at least it will solve the issue of the military and humanitarian security of Artsakh.”

In this case, according to the observer, there is a high probability that some time after the meeting of the UN Security Council there will be “another aggravation of the situation around Artsakh, this time, perhaps in the form of military operations.”

https://jam-news.net/armenia-appeals-to-un-security-council-on-nk-issue/

Letter to the Editor: Statement From the Burbank Armenian Association

Emil Lazarian
Aug 12 2023

The Burbank Armenian Association, rooted deeply in the vibrant Armenian community of Burbank and beyond, stands as a beacon of cultural, educational, and social welfare. With heavy hearts, we express our profound concern for our brothers and sisters in the Republic of Artsakh. This cherished region, echoing with the songs and stories of generations of Armenians, is now ensnared in a suffocating blockade by Azerbaijan.

Imagine, if you will, the chilling winter of December 12, 2022. As snow blanketed the Lachin corridor, the lifeline road to Armenia, Azerbaijan began its blockade under the guise of “eco-activists.” The road’s heartbeat grew fainter as Azerbaijani forces expanded their stranglehold, severing alternative routes and casting shadows with military checkpoints. Essential lifelines like gas, electricity, and internet have been cruelly snuffed out, plunging Artsakh into a cold silence.

The spirit of Artsakh’s people remains unbroken, but their daily lives bear the scars of this blockade. Essential supplies dwindle. Hospital lights dim, postponing vital surgeries. Breadwinners return home with despair in their eyes, jobs lost, and the haunting specter of hunger looms over countless families. The very soul of Artsakh trembles, not just from deprivation, but from the indignities, intimidation, and injustices inflicted by Azerbaijani forces.

This is not just a blockade; it’s a heart-wrenching affront to humanity, threatening the delicate tapestry of peace and stability that binds our people together. Echoes of past agreements and international laws, including the 2020 ceasefire and the inherent right of self-determination for Artsakh, seem forgotten amidst this crisis. Every stifled voice, every darkened home, weakens the diligent peacekeeping endeavors of the OSCE Minsk Group.

We, at the Burbank Armenian Association, pledge our unwavering support for peaceful, community-driven actions. With tears in our eyes but resolve in our hearts, we call for justice, peace, and above all, compassion. Let’s unite in our commitment to shine a light on this humanitarian tragedy, for in unity, we find strength. Your understanding and heartfelt compassion mean the world to us.

Burbank Armenian Association


Pro-Armenia ‘Rally for Life’ Protesters Block Ventura Freeway in Glendale

Emil Lazarian
Aug 10 2023

Multiple protesters blocked all the eastbound lanes on the Ventura (134) Freeway at the Golden State (5) interchange in Glendale Wednesday evening.

The California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert at 9 p.m. for the eastbound Ventura Freeway at Central Avenue after numerous big rigs and people were witnessed blocking all eastbound lanes on the freeway, according to KCAL.

Shortly after 11 p.m., the big rig that was used to block the interchange drove away, opening up the backed up interchange after several hours.

The protest also prompted the CHP to close the transition road from the eastbound Ventura Freeway to the northbound Golden State Freeway.

The protests began at Burbank City Hall then continued to the interchange of the Ventura and Golden State freeways and Hollywood (101) Freeway at Vineland Avenue.

Signs laid out on the freeway said “Adam Schiff Don’t Ignore Us” and “Open the Road to Life,” KCAL reported.

The protest was conducted by a group holding an event called “Rally for Life” to express their distress with Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, KCAL reported, citing information from the Burbank Police Department. The group claims Schiff has not done enough to stop the blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the mountain road that links Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh, according to KCAL.

Azerbaijan began a blockade of the Lachin Corridor Dec. 12 following a series of clashes erupted along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in September, resulting in at least 200 deaths. The blockade prevented humanitarian aid, basic supplies and outside support from reaching approximately 120,000 civilians there.

Schiff was among the authors of a congressional resolution condemning the blockade and encouraging the United States and the international community to petition the United Nations Security Council and other appropriate international bodies to investigate any possible war crimes committed by Azerbaijani forces.

In a statement issued Monday, Schiff said, “From the day the blockade of the Lachin Corridor began, I, alongside my colleagues in Congress and Armenians around the country, have urged the White House, the State Department, and USAID, to take action to protect the people of Artsakh and their right to self-determination.

“With Azerbaijan’s refusal to allow the International Committee of the Red Cross to deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid in, and transport patients requiring urgent medical attention out of Artsakh, the need for the international community to take action and find a lasting solution to the conflict grows with each passing day. I’ve persistently called for Azerbaijan to lift the blockade and allow humanitarian aid to move freely via the Lachin Corridor, and I have urged President Biden to take immediate action to address the dire situation in Artsakh.

“From condemning ceasefire violations, advocating for the release of Armenian prisoners of war, to calling for sanctions and accountability for Azerbaijan, I’ve always been steadfast in my commitment to ensuring the protection of fundamental rights for the people of Artsakh.

“As a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, I’ve also advocated for international action to end this crisis peacefully. If we truly stand for democracy and human rights, we must recognize the independence of the Republic of Artsakh and oppose the ethnic cleansing and threats of genocide faced by the Armenian community in their ancestral homeland.

“By using all tools at our disposal, including pushing for U.S. humanitarian aid to Artsakh, cutting off military and other assistance to Azerbaijan, and imposing sanctions on those responsible for this crisis, we can ensure Artsakh’s safety now and in the future.

“I will be with you every step of the way and will always stand with the people of Armenia and Artsakh.”

USAID is the abbreviation for the United States Agency for International Development, the federal agency that is primarily responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance.

The territory of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan. It is called Artsakh by Armenians.

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Nagorno-Karabakh President lauds Armenia’s UNSC emergency meeting request, growing int’l attention

Emil Lazarian

 13:29,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 12, ARMENPRESS. Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) President Arayik Harutyunyan has commended the government of Armenia for requesting an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council regarding the deteriorating humanitarian crisis resulting from the Azeri blockade of the Lachin Corridor.

In a statement released on August 12, Harutyunyan lauded the growing international attention and significant increase of pressure against Azerbaijan seen in recent days.

“It is commendable that, having taken into account the calls by the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh, among others, the Republic of Armenia sent a letter to the President of the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting of the Security Council regarding the deterioration of the humanitarian situation resulting from the total blockade inflicted upon the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh. It’s important that the letter officially underscores, among others, the goal of genocide prevention,” Harutyunyan said, lauding also the recently released statement by a group of UN experts calling on the Azeri government to lift the blockade.

Harutyunyan added that his latest urgent appeal to the international community, and the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno Ocampo’s expert opinion concluding that the blockade constitutes genocide, were widely covered by the international media and raised awareness.

The Nagorno-Karabakh president also welcomed the statement by genocide scholars calling for immediate UN intervention.

“Of course, statements have been made by other international organizations and countries as well, with a visibly increasing perception of the urgent need to take effective international actions. Certainly, time is of the essence for our people, and the delay causes deaths and sufferings,” Harutyunyan added, calling on all main actors to take effective steps, without further delay and without waiting for greater tragedies, in order to prevent the further course of the ongoing genocide.