Author: Emil Lazarian

AKIPRESS.COM - Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan, on March 4, said that Armenia – India relationships are developing fast and both nations could achieve more in terms of trade, economy, investment, culture and tourism, The Print reported.

While talking to media in New Delhi, Safaryan said, “Since last year, we’ve been trying to take our relations to the next level. For the past 30 years relations between Armenia and India are developing very fast. We could achieve more in terms of trade, economy, investment, culture & tourism.”

Safaryan, who attended the 8th Raisina Dialogue hosted by India in New Delhi, is one of the keynote speakers at the Panel Discussion on “Peace In Pieces: New Pathways For a UN That Works.”

The speakers in the panel discussed the challenges that the international security system and the rules-based world order are facing as well as issues on the UN reform agenda.

They exchanged views on the involvement and role of international organisations and individual states, including small and developing countries, in the multilateral system. The importance of efficient application of international and regional mechanisms in the settlement of ongoing conflicts in different corners of the world was highlighted.

In his remarks, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan noted that since its independence and joining the United Nations, Armenia has been constantly advocating for an effective implementation of multilateral platforms.

In 2020 and during the subsequent period, after Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia felt the negative impact and consequences of the international system's shortcomings in properly responding to the conflict. Safaryan added that despite the difficulties, Armenia, with the involvement of international partners, is negotiating with Azerbaijan in good faith aimed at the normalisation of relations.

The deputy Foreign Minister noted that multilateralism and mechanisms of the UN system continue to be an important tool for overcoming the existing challenges. The priority of investing the necessary efforts by all actors in the effective implementation of the above-mentioned mechanisms was also emphasised.

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has made headlines in May 2022. The region has been a recurrent bone of contention between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Armenia and India celebrated 30 years of bilateral diplomatic relations in 2022 and both countries maintain active political ties. Effective cooperation exists between the two nations within international bodies.

After Armenia’s independence in 1991, Diplomatic relations were established between the Republic of Armenia and India in 1992. India and Armenia signed a Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation in 1995. But the trade and economic cooperation between the two countries cannot be deemed adequate.

Armenia can play an important role in the Indian-backed International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Iranian-backed Black Sea-Persian Gulf Transport Corridor.

https://akipress.com/news:696671:Armenia-India_relationship_developing_fast,_says_Armenian_Deputy_Foreign_Minister_at_Raisina_Dialogue/

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, called for restraint on the part of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. The diplomat’s comment on Monday, March 6, was published on site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Zakharova recommended that the parties to the conflict take steps to de-escalate the situation and urged to strictly comply with the provisions of the Statement of the leaders of Russia Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Armenia Nikol Pashinyan dated November 9, 2020 on a complete ceasefire and all hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

The diplomat expressed serious concern over the escalation of tension in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. She noted that in recent days the ceasefire regime has been repeatedly violated there.

In particular, Zakharova drew attention to the shootout with the dead that took place in Karabakh on March 5, which is part of the conflict. According to the representative of the Foreign Ministry, the incident once again confirms the need for Baku and Yerevan to return to negotiations as soon as possible within the framework of the implementation of the provisions of the tripartite statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, which, among other things, relate to the unblocking of regional communications, the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the preparation of a peace treaty.

“Any issues related to ensuring security and life in the zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent (RPK) must be resolved peacefully in contact between the parties under its auspices,” Zakharova stressed.

On Sunday, March 5, a sabotage group of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces attacked a Nagorno-Karabakh police car. As a result, three people were killed and another was shot.

The situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border worsened in the autumn of 2022. Yerevan and Baku accused each other of the escalation, and also reported deaths on each side.

After that, it became known about the blocking of the Lachin corridor. This is the only road that connects Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. On December 30, Zakharova said that Moscow was concerned about the lack of progress in restoring the full functioning of the Lachin corridor for the movement of citizens, vehicles and goods in both directions.

On December 29, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the work of Russian peacekeepers on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh deserves the highest appreciation, since thanks to them security is maintained in the region. In turn, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that Russian peacekeepers are working hourly to resolve the situation in the Lachin corridor.

Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan escalated against the backdrop of contesting the ownership of Nagorno-Karabakh, which in 1988 announced its secession from the Azerbaijan SSR. During the military conflict of 1992-1994, Baku lost control over Karabakh. In September 2020, Baku took control of a number of settlements during military operations. In November of the same year, Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the participation of the Russian Federation, signed an agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh.

The continuous conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has once again come to the forefront, igniting the passion of those who have previously fought in wars. Colonel Gilbert Minassian, who had previously fought for Armenia, speaks up about his experience and sheds light on the origins of the current republic of Armenia.

Hailing from Marseille, Colonel Minassian was forced to flee France due to accusations of committing a crime. He found refuge in the Caucasus nation, Armenia, during a time of great unrest – the prelude to the downfall of the Soviet Socialist Republics. The ongoing armed conflict with its neighboring country, Azerbaijan, has plagued Armenia ever since.

Colonel Minassian, along with a local teacher, founded an armed group which would later become the foundation for the Armenian Army. However, despite his past involvement in the military, the Colonel now voices his opposition to violent confrontations in a country that is constantly in a state of war.

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan has been ongoing for decades, resulting in countless casualties and the displacement of families. While the roots of the conflict are complex and multifaceted, it is important to remember the human toll that it takes. Hopefully, as more voices like Colonel Minassian’s speak up against violence, a peaceful solution can be found to end this long-standing conflict.

The Wellington City Council, slammed as being "complicit in genocide denial" after granting police arrest powers over Anzac Day protesters, is taking a second look at its decision.

The issue came to light on Anzac Day 2022, when Richard Noble arrived at a service at Pukeahu War Memorial Park holding a "recognise Armenian Genocide" banner. The war memorial is owned by the central government and no action was taken against him.

But when he turned up at the Ataturk Turkish memorial on council land above the south coast, a police officer warned him he would be arrested if he displayed the flag.

The killing of between 664,000 and 1.2 million Armenian people by the Ottoman – now Turkish – government between 1915 and 1916 is recognised as genocide by 32 countries including the United States, Canada, France, Germany and Russia. New Zealand does not officially recognise it as a genocide.

Police had the authority to threaten Noble with arrest. Council chief executive Barbara McKerrow wrote to police days before Anzac Day 2021, giving them permission to trespass people from council land at the cenotaph and Ataturk Memorial Park, but only on Anzac days and with no end date set.

She stressed police must not breach the Human Rights Act and only act reasonably.

However, Noble on Thursday told the council’s Social, Cultural and Economic Committee that the permission made the council "complicit in genocide denial".

“It is your authorisation, it is on your watch,” he said.

Just hours later, an emailed statement from the council said it was liaising with police about whether “any trespass delegation is appropriate and required”.

The council supported people’s rights to public protest as defined under the Bill of Rights.

All councillors were asked if the council should alter the police authorisation.

“I strongly oppose this delegation given by council to police,” said Iona Pannett. Before the council announced its rethink, she registered her displeasure to McKerrow.

“The right to peaceful protest against gross human rights is sacrosanct in our society and so should be rescinded.”

Richard Noble at the Pukeahu Anzac service in 2021 where he was allowed to hold his flag.

The council supported people’s rights to public protest as defined under the Bill of Rights.

All councillors were asked if the council should alter the police authorisation.

“I strongly oppose this delegation given by council to police,” said Iona Pannett. Before the council announced its rethink, she registered her displeasure to McKerrow.

“The right to peaceful protest against gross human rights is sacrosanct in our society and so should be rescinded.”

Ray Chung agreed: “I’m a very strong believer in the freedom of speech and as long as no damage is done and they’re not inciting violence by groups opposing what he’s saying, I’m fine with him being allowed continue his protest without impediment.”

Tim Brown, a paid member of the Free Speech Union, cited the famous line: ‘"I [may] disapprove of what you say but will defend to the death your right to say it."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, in an emailed statement, said it was important “historical injustices” such as the Ottoman treatment of Armenian people were “acknowledged appropriately”. It supported “reconciliation” between Turkey and Armenia.

“For determining whether a particular situation constitutes a genocide, Aotearoa New Zealand places great emphasis on the findings of international courts and tribunals.”

Police have been asked if they planned to trespass peaceful protesters at this year’s Anzac Day.

Genocide is defined by the United Nations as defined acts, including killing, “with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”.

An Armenian scientist has called on Senedd members to condemn the “war of terror” being waged against her people.

The call from Bangor-based Anna Cervi, who fears for friends and family caught up in the blockade of the Nagorno-Karabakh region, which has left 120,000 Armenians facing a humanitarian crisis, has been backed by North Wales MS Llyr Gruffydd.

She has spoken out ahead of a Senedd debate tabled by Mr Gruffydd next week(8 March).

The Armenian-majority territory is at the centre of a deadly dispute with Azerbaijan. The United Nations’ highest court, the International Court of Justice, recently called on Azerbaijan to ensure the roadblock in the region’s Lachin corridor is removed. The roadblock has not been removed, despite this ruling.

Anna, a research chemist, who has lived in Wales for 24 years, and is married to a local man, wants the Senedd to back a statement condemning the blockade, which has been put forward by Plaid Cymru MSs Llyr Gruffydd and Heledd Fychan.

Their statement calls on the UK Government to provide aid to avert a humanitarian crisis facing 120,000 Armenian people as a result of the blockade of the Lachin corridor, which has been in place since December 12, 2022. It is the only road connecting the land-locked region to the outside world.

Genocide

The statement also recognises the “horrors of the Armenian genocide” of 1915-23 as well as “the threat of another genocide occurring in 2023”.

Following a six-week war in 2020, Azerbaijan was granted control over large tracts of Nagorno-Karabakh as well as adjacent land occupied by Armenians, in a ceasefire brokered by Russia. Relatives of Anna, including her cousin Rima, were among the thousands of ethnic Armenians who were displaced by the war.

Fighting between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted again last year and in December the roadblock in Lachin corridor was set up by protesters claiming to be environmental activists. Armenia’s lawyers have said the move, which has led to shortages of food, medicine and life-saving medical supplies, is part of an Azerbaijani campaign of “ethnic cleansing.”

Anna said: “I have friends and family that are caught up in what is going on and it’s very hard because when you know people it becomes more personal. My heart hurts for my country, for everybody, but then you have people who you know, and you constantly worry about them. It’s very difficult.

“My cousin Rima and her family now live in Stepanakert, which is in the area under blockade. They used to live in the town of Shusha. Because Azerbaijan took over control of there they had to move from there during the war.

“They ran away from there because there was bombing day and night. When the war ended, they decided to go to Stepanakert. Her son has wounds from this war. He has had one lung removed, a kidney has been damaged, and his spine is damaged too. He has three children.

“My cousin told me ‘ you know Anna, it’s not the shortage of food or electricity or supplied. We lived through the first Nagorno-Karabakh war in those conditions. It’s not that. It’s the fear of not knowing what they’re going to do next.’

“In Wales I would like to see Senedd members sign that statement of opinion that has been tabled. So, few people have signed it. It’s hurtful. We are not asking for too much. They just have to show that they understand our pain. We want acknowledgement, recognition and solidarity.

“I would like to see the First Minister Mark Drakeford and the Welsh Government speak out on this. I am very disappointed they have not.”

Concerning

Llyr Gruffydd MS said: “These reports of new attacks by Azerbaijan on Armenian territory are extremely concerning.

“These unprovoked attacks are not only targeted on the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region but also on provinces within Armenia’s international recognised sovereign boundaries.

“This follows years of attacks on the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, for which the Government of Azerbaijan have never been held to proper account.

“I would like to convey my sympathy to all victims and their families who have been affected.

“I am calling on Senedd members, including the First Minister Mark Drakeford and his ministers in the Welsh Government to back the statement condemning this war of terror being waged against the Armenian people.

“I am also calling on the UK Government to condemn the unjustified actions taken by the Government of Azerbaijan; and to join other nations around the world in demanding an immediate end to this unprovoked aggression.”