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

Realities created as a result of Azerbaijan’s use of force against Artsakh cannot create basis for conflict settlement, Armenia says

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
Nov 9 2021

The Foreign Ministry of Armenia issued a statement on the one-year anniversary of the November 9 trilateral statement of the Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani leaders, that ended the 44-day war in Artsakh. The full text of the statement is provided below.

“In order to halt the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan on September 27, 2020, against Artsakh and its people, with the direct involvement of Turkey and foreign terrorist fighters, on November 9, 2020, with the mediation of the President of the Russian Federation a Trilateral Statement on complete ceasefire and termination of all hostilities in the area of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was signed, which resulted in deployment of peacekeeping forces of Russia in Artsakh.

Today we once again bow before the brave Armenians who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the right of the Armenian people to live and build their own future, preventing the attempt of the aggressors to completely annihilate the Armenians from Artsakh.

The 44-day war, accompanied by mass violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and cultural monuments, use of prohibited weapons and other war crimes by Azerbaijan, resulted in thousands of casualties, tens of thousands of wounded, displaced people and mass devastation. As a result of the war, a number of regions of Artsakh were subjected to ethnic cleansing, and the population became victims of war crimes and mass atrocities committed by Azerbaijan. In particular, 40,000 people lost their homes and property, more than 17,000 civilian facilities and infrastructure were destroyed, hundreds of civilians were killed or injured, and the fate of many still remains unknown.

Armenia and Artsakh have consistently implemented the provisions of the Trilateral Statement, while just a month after the signing of the latter, despite the commitment to stop in the current positions at the time of signing, Azerbaijani armed forces infiltrated into Khtsaberd and Hin Tagher villages of Hadrut region of Artsakh, killing and capturing Armenian servicemen. Moreover, after the withdrawal of the Armenian troops from the regions mentioned in the document, the Azerbaijani side responded with the infiltration and continued illegal deployment of its armed units into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia from the very same territories.

Azerbaijan has not yet implemented the paragraph 8 of the November 9 Statement, holding numerous Armenian prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons in captivity, which is not only a gross violation of the Trilateral Statement but also of international humanitarian law.

The ceasefire regime established by the Trilateral Statement is periodically violated by the Azerbaijani armed forces, accompanied by targeting not only the positions of the Armenian Armed Forces and Artsakh Defense Army, but also peaceful settlements and civilians, leading to human and material losses.

Deliberately distorting and arbitrarily commenting the provisions on unblocking regional infrastructure enshrined in Trilateral Statements from November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021, Azerbaijan circulates the idea of a so-called “corridor” and threatens with the use of force, which not only contradicts the letter and spirit of those statements, but also aims to undermine efforts of de-escalation in the region.

The consistent Armenophobic policy blatantly conducted by the highest leadership of Azerbaijan, the ethnic cleansing in the territories of Artsakh fallen under the Azerbaijani control as a result of the use of force, the destruction and desecration of the Armenian cultural and religious heritage, as well as the obstruction of the access of international humanitarian organizations to Artsakh demonstrate the fact that the guarantee of the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to safe and dignified life in their homeland under the jurisdiction or control of Azerbaijan is impossible.

The realities created as a result of the use of force by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and its people cannot create basis for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijan’s claims that as a result of the war the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Nagorno-Karabakh itself does not exist in the international arena any more are also violations of the November 9 Trilateral Statement, as Nagorno-Karabakh is presented as a territorial entity right in the latter.

Only the full implementation of the Trilateral Statements from November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021, particularly the immediate resolution of urgent humanitarian issues, first of all, the unconditional repatriation of all prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons, the clarification of the fate of missing persons and the investigation of the cases of enforced disappearances, protection of the Armenian cultural and religious heritage, as well as the full resumption of the process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can create conditions for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region.

The comprehensive and lasting settlement of the conflict is only possible through peaceful negotiations under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, which assumes the clarification of the status of Artsakh, ensuring conditions for the safe return of displaced Armenians of Artsakh to their places of residence throughout Artsakh, and realization of the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to safe and dignified life in their homeland, based on equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

Armenia reiterates its readiness to undertake practical efforts towards the de-escalation of the situation in the region, gradually overcoming the atmosphere of hostility, opening an era of stability and peaceful development. At the same time, for the effectiveness of this process, Azerbaijan should adopt a constructive position, renouncing its policy of Armenophobia, aggressive rhetoric and actions.”

Lavrov discusses Nagorno-Karabakh issue with Paul Gallagher

Emil Lazarian
News.am, Armenia
Nov 9 2021
22:08, 09.11.2021

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh issue with Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States within the Holy See’s Secretariat of State.

“We thoroughly talked about the efforts that the Russian Federation is making to maintain the ceasefire regime in Nagorno-Karabakh and to organize the processes that will strengthen confidence and create conditions for full economic and other kinds of cooperation in the South Caucasus,” Lavrov said during a press conference held after the meeting.

US Department of State condemns violence that caused death of Armenian civilian near Shushi

Emil Lazarian
News.am, Armenia
Nov 9 2021
23:22, 09.11.2021

The United States Department of State Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs has condemned the violence that caused the death of an Armenian civilian near Shushi.

“We condemn the violence that caused the death of an Armenian civilian. We urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to intensify their engagement including through the Minsk Group Co-Chairs to resolve all outstanding issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,” the Bureau tweeted.

On November 8, an Azerbaijani soldier, with the purpose of committing a terrorist act, left the territory under the control of the Azerbaijani side in the vicinity of Shushi and moved towards the Shushi-Berdzor road and shot workers who were repairing a water pipeline, the Investigative Committee of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) reported. Resident of the city of Stepanakert Martik Yeremyan, 23, died on the spot after receiving wounds in the head area. Gevorg Melkumyan, Gagik Ghazaryan and Armen Sargsyan received firearm injuries.

Israeli MKs submit bill to recognize Armenian Genocide

Emil Lazarian

Nov 9 2021


By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

 

Published: NOVEMBER 9, 2021 12:49

Updated: NOVEMBER 9, 2021 13:41
     
Members of the Armenian community in Israel attend a demonstration against Israel’s stance on the 1915 massacre of Armenians by Ottoman Turks outside the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem; the sign on the left reads: ‘Judaism is for acknowledgement of Armenian Genocide, the State of Israel against?’
(photo credit: RONEN ZVULUN / REUTERS)

Several opposition MKs have submitted a bill Tuesday to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide and hold a memorial day for it every April 24.
The bill was submitted by Shas MKs Ya’acov Margi, Haim Biton and Moshe Arbel alongside Likud MKs Yuli Edelstein, Israel Katz and Yoav Kish.
This is not the fist time an attempt has been made in the Knesset for Israel to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide.

In 2018, Meretz MK Tamar Zandberg proposed a bill to recognize the massacre as genocide, but the bill was canceled due to government resistance.
In 2019, a number of high-profile members of Knesset like Yair Lapid and Gideon Sa’ar voiced support for the move, but again it did not proceed due to little government support.

This is a developing story.


One Armenian Christian Killed, Three Wounded, by Azeri Gunfire

Emil Lazarian
Nov 9 2021

Turkish-Backed Azerbaijan Targets Armenian Civilians Near Captured Shushi

11/09/2021 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – International Christian Concern (ICC) has learned that November 8, 2021, Azerbaijani troops opened gunfire on a group of Armenian utility workers repairing water pipes near the city of Shushi, which was captured during the Turkish-Azeri war last year against Nagorno-Karabakh (Armenian: Artsakh). The incident occurred on the same day that Azeri President Ilham Aliyev was in Shushi alongside Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar to mark the one-year anniversary of the invasion’s ceasefire.

It occurred near the Lachin-Stepanakert Road, the only transit option connecting Karabakh’s Armenian Christian community with the outside world. The road was temporarily closed following the incident. Most of Nagorno-Karabakh’s land was lost during the war, and now residents are surrounded by Turkish-Azeri forces. This is the second citizen killed since last year’s ceasefire, with the first being murdered in front of Russian peacekeepers this past October.

“The recorded incident is another proof of the anti-Armenian, genocidal and fascist behavior of the Azerbaijani side towards the Armenian people, about which we have stated many times since the signing of the trilateral statement,” said Gegham Stepanyan, Artsakh’s Human Rights Ombudsman.

“Today, at around 3:00 p.m., near the city of Shushi, the Azerbaijani side fired at Armenian civilians working on water pipes in the area. One civilian killed, three wounded,” said local journalist Anush Ghavalyan. “This is how Azerbaijan’s President Aliyev brings peace to the region—by killing civilians of Nagorno-Karabakh. No people, no conflict.”

Speaking about the recent escalation of Turkish-Azeri aggression towards Artsakh’s Armenian Christian residents, a Stepanakert local shared simply, “This is hell… we don’t know what will happen.”

The deceased is 22-years old. The wounded civilians are 43, 41, and 31 years old.

The incident comes just days after the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom released a factsheet reiterating its recommendations for State Department CPC and SWL designations. Both Turkey and Azerbaijan were named on the factsheet as recommendations for the Special Watch List (SWL).

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, said, “The escalation of violence toward Armenian civilians living in Nagorno-Karabakh is very alarming. These incidents give further evidence of how Azerbaijan has embraced Turkey in such a way that both countries are emboldened and empowered to commit genocidal atrocities towards Armenian Christians. They intend to intimidate those who remain living in Karabakh, suffocating them with forced isolation from the outside world. Turkey and Azerbaijan have made it clear in their rhetoric that their actions are viewed as a continuation of the 1915 genocide against Christians. The ceasefire may have been established a year ago, but the cleansing activities of the invasion continue to this very day.”



Asbarez: Western Prelacy Convenes 49th National Representative Assembly

Emil Lazarian
by Contributor

 

 November 8, 2021

 

in Community, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

The participants of the Prelacy National Representative Assembly

On Friday, October 29, the 49th National Representatives Assembly (NRA) of the Western Prelacy convened at Avedissian Hall in the Holy Martyrs Church in Encino.

Western Prelate Bishop Torkom Donoyan presided over the Assembly, with the participation of Central Executive members, Religious and Executive Council members, delegates of Western Prelacy parishes, Members of clergy, representatives of boards of trustees and Board of Regents.

The board of trustees of St. Sarkis Church in Pasadena hosted this year’s Assembly. At the conclusion of the Assembly, a dinner was held to celebrate the first anniversary of the election of Bishop Torkom Donoyan as Prelate.

Executive Council, Clergy Board of Trustees Meeting
 Prior to the official convening of the NRA, the prelate presided over an advisory meeting of the Prelacy Executive Council, clergy, and board of trustee chairs and representatives. Executive Council Chair Vahe Hovaguimian welcomed participants and invited H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, to conduct the opening prayer and address the meeting.

The prelate spoke about the emergence of the Armenian Church as a necessary structure in the formation of Armenian statehood and Armenian identity. Recognizing the importance of the existence of the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Diasporan life, he noted that our prelacies are called “national” prelacies because they house our people and, in fact, belong to the people.

An informal conversation ensued with parish delegates presenting a variety of topics covering challenges and concerns within their communities as well as current and future projects. The focus of the conversation turned to our youth and the necessity to listen to their needs and concerns, and the means with which to address them. Participants agreed to utilize advanced and applicable technologies to communicate, and to maintain utmost honesty in addressing their concerns and in meeting their spiritual needs.

Catholicos Aram I Message
The 49th session of the NRA formally convened at 2pm with the opening of the first session. After opening prayer, the prelate welcomed participants and invited Very Rev. Fr. Muron Aznikian to deliver the statement of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to the Assembly.

In his statement, the Catholicos declared the reorganization of all spheres of the Western Prelacy and activities in order to unite around the prelate and become a force to further advance the Western Prelacy, to give new impetus to Christian education programs, to increase awareness and commitment of Armenian youth, and continue to work toward the revitalization and recovery of the Lebanese-Armenian community.

The session proceeded to its Tivan: Co-chair, Garabed Moumdjian and Garabed Kamarian and Secretaries, Very Rev. Fr. Smpad Sabounjian and Minas Arisian. Addresses by Central Executive member Gaidzag Zeitlian, Executive Council Chair Vahe Hovaguimian and Host Board of Trustee Chair Hagop Yedalian, followed.

Prelate’s Message
After greeting the Assembly and those present, the prelate talked of the catastrophic global epidemic and its consequences, saying: “As you know, for more than a year, we have been coping with unprecedented difficulties due to the coronavirus pandemic; our churches were closed to the public for months and our schools closed their doors, forcing students to continue their education virtually. In short, our collective lives were put on hold. We are, however, slowly returning to some semblance of normalcy, with the grace of God.”

Continuing, the prelate addressed the painful affects of the war in Artsakh on our national psyche. “Today, we commiserate over the loss of martyrs from more than one generation, over those still in captivity, and over the loss of our sacred lands, religious, national, and cultural institutions captured and desecrated by the enemy. It is distressing to acknowledge that only a portion of Artsakh remains in our hands today, and our compatriots living on those lands are in constant danger and in economic distress. Artsakh needs our utmost spiritual, moral, and financial support.

Turning to the dire situation of Lebanese-Armenians, the prelate said, “Furthermore, we as a nation are dealing with internal and external political instability in Armenia, and the Caucuses in general. We are dealing with the crisis in Lebanon: the August 4, 2020 port explosion in Beirut, collapse of the economy that resulted in widespread poverty, creating an unparalleled crisis for the Armenian community—individually and collectively—with its religious, national, cultural, social and charitable institutions. Hence, we can say with certainty that our people and our nation have not faced such complex, grave, and harsh circumstances in recent history.

Finally, Donoyan stressed that it pains him to state that there have been disagreements and certain intolerances in our community. “In addition to the aforementioned, our local community has also endured a number of challenges due to the multifaceted and extraordinary pan-Armenian and national crises. Throughout these grueling times, we have continued to pray, to wish for the best and to do whatever is humanly possible to extend a helping hand, God’s love, and spirit of brotherhood to our people in Artsakh and Lebanon.”

Bishop Donoyan outlined activities of the 2020-2021 fiscal year and called on the Assembly to work hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart.

49Th National Representative Assembly Session 1
Following the prelate’s spirited address, the first session was called to order with the election of the resolutions and voting committees, respectively. Executive Council vice Chair Meher Der Ohanessian presented Western Prelacy’s financial report for the fiscal year, followed by Executive Council Treasurer Kaloust Agopian who presented an addendum covering the first six months of the current fiscal year. Specifically, Agopian addressed the issue of a sizable debt accrued the previous year, which has since been cleared, thanks to the efforts of the prelate and the Executive Council.

The Assembly then deliberated on proposed Prelacy Board of Regents by-law changes, deciding to table the matter until the 50th NRA.

Following the auditing committee report, the body reviewed the annual activities of the prelate and Religious and Executive Councils, and commended their achievements and undertakings, noting that the prelate, through his activities and outlook, has succeeded in creating a positive environment in the Western Region, in spite of extreme difficulties. Parish clergy specifically noted the positive outcomes of the prelate’s two-three day-long pastoral visits to distant parishes that helped to bring out younger community members and unite them around the Church.

On communication and outreach, the Assembly noted positive changes in Prelacy media outlets and messaging trends. It also commended the expansion of the official Prelacy publication to adopt a broader, more comprehensive worldview through original articles as well as
a wider array of writers and the involvement of new human resources. The publication will be called CILICIA.

Highlighting the prelate’s pan-Armenian outreach and unwavering efforts to provide assistance to those outside our community, the Assembly commended the unifying force that enables the prelate and the Religious and Executive Councils to achieve progress.

During discussions, organizational issues and concerns of youth, prevalent in certain Prelacy parishes, were reviewed. H.G. Bishop Donoyan, Prelate, reminded participants to approach these matters with utter respect and love and to spread tolerance in our communities, and maintain a supportive attitude, “In order to secure increased prosperity and advancement, not only in the Western Prelacy but also in the lives of all Armenians,” he stressed.

49Th National Representative Assembly Session 2
The resolutions committee introduced a by-law commending the fiscal activities of the prelate and Religious and Executive Councils; the Assembly unanimously voted in favor.

The next agenda item called for a plan of action for the upcoming fiscal year based on recommendations from Prelacy parishes, including an invitation from St. Marys Church in Glendale to host the 50th NRA; the Assembly unanimously voted in favor.

The Assembly reviewed and approved the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and also elected Hagop Yedalian to the Auditing and Budgeting committee, joining current members Ohan Filhanessian and Kahren Beniasians.

In closing the meeting, the Assembly Tivan thanked participants and wished them well, then gave the floor to H.G. Bishop Donoyan, Prelate, who welcomed his first year as prelate and noted that it was certainly an exciting and fast-paced year; he proceeded to congratulate the Assembly for a high-level and constructive meeting. The prelate concluded the Assembly with a closing prayer.

A celebratory dinner followed, marking the first anniversary of the election of H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate. Archpriest Fr. Vicken Vassilian emceed the program portion of the evening that included the recitation of Vahan Tekeyan’s The Armenian Church by Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School students Karni Balian and Alicia Tufenkjian; performance by Deacon Souren Hazarian, Stole-Bearer Hovhannes Balian and world-renowned soloist Berge Kirazian, accompanied by choirmaster Gomidas Keshishian. After congratulatory remarks, the evening’s program ended with the cutting of the anniversary cake and signing of “Cilicia.”

Religious Conference
Prior to the convening of the 49th National Representative Assembly of the Western Prelacy, the Prelacy Religious Council held its yearly one-day conference on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at Western Prelacy headquarters. H.G. Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Prelate, presided over the meeting.

The clergy participated in evening mass, followed by spiritual reflection by the prelate who chose John 2:17.

The prelate spoke about the necessity of spiritual fathers to approach the House of the Lord, religious rituals and services, the faithful and individuals, only with zeal.

The conference began with opening remarks by the prelate who thanked clergy and wished them success. The session elected Chair, Very Rev. Muron Aznikian; Vice Chair, Very Rev. Smpad Sabounjian; and Secretary, Rev Karekin Bedourian.

The conference examined rites of church services, reviewed current and administrative issues, and the schedule of upcoming religious holidays and events. After the discussion, proposals were submitted for review by the 49th NRA.

As the last agenda item, the conference held election of religious delegates.

Comprehensive settlement of NK conflict possible only under mandate of OSCE MG Co- Chairmanship – MFA

Emil Lazarian

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 09:38, 9 November, 2021

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 9, ARMENPRESS. The Foreign Ministry of Armenia issued a statement today on the first anniversary of the 2020 November 9 statement which put an end to the war in Artsakh.

Armenpress presents the text of the statement:

“In order to halt the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan on September 27, 2020, against Artsakh and its people, with the direct involvement of Turkey and foreign terrorist fighters, on November 9, 2020, with the mediation of the President of the Russian Federation a Trilateral Statement on complete ceasefire and termination of all hostilities in the area of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict was signed, which resulted in deployment of peacekeeping forces of Russia in Artsakh.

Today we once again bow before the brave Armenians who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the right of the Armenian people to live and build their own future, preventing the attempt of the aggressors to completely annihilate the Armenians from Artsakh.

The 44-day war, accompanied by mass violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure and cultural monuments, use of prohibited weapons and other war crimes by Azerbaijan, resulted in thousands of casualties, tens of thousands of wounded, displaced people and mass devastation. As a result of the war, a number of regions of Artsakh were subjected to ethnic cleansing, and the population became victims of war crimes and mass atrocities committed by Azerbaijan. In particular, 40,000 people lost their homes and property, more than 17,000 civilian facilities and infrastructure were destroyed, hundreds of civilians were killed or injured, and the fate of many still remains unknown.

Armenia and Artsakh have consistently implemented the provisions of the Trilateral Statement, while just a month after the signing of the latter, despite the commitment to stop in the current positions at the time of signing, Azerbaijani armed forces infiltrated into Khtsaberd and Hin Tagher villages of Hadrut region of Artsakh, killing and capturing Armenian servicemen. Moreover, after the withdrawal of the Armenian troops from the regions mentioned in the document, the Azerbaijani side responded with the infiltration and continued illegal deployment of its armed units into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia from the very same territories.

Azerbaijan has not yet implemented the paragraph 8 of the November 9 Statement, holding numerous Armenian prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons in captivity, which is not only a gross violation of the Trilateral Statement but also of international humanitarian law.

The ceasefire regime established by the Trilateral Statement is periodically violated by the Azerbaijani armed forces, accompanied by targeting not only the positions of the Armenian Armed Forces and Artsakh Defense Army, but also peaceful settlements and civilians, leading to human and material losses.

Deliberately distorting and arbitrarily commenting the provisions on unblocking regional infrastructure enshrined in Trilateral Statements from November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021, Azerbaijan circulates the idea of a so-called “corridor” and threatens with the use of force, which not only contradicts the letter and spirit of those statements, but also aims to undermine efforts of de-escalation in the region.

The consistent Armenophobic policy blatantly conducted by the highest leadership of Azerbaijan, the ethnic cleansing in the territories of Artsakh fallen under the Azerbaijani control as a result of the use of force, the destruction and desecration of the Armenian cultural and religious heritage, as well as the obstruction of the access of international humanitarian organizations to Artsakh demonstrate the fact that the guarantee of the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to safe and dignified life in their homeland under the jurisdiction or control of Azerbaijan is impossible.

The realities created as a result of the use of force by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and its people cannot create basis for the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Azerbaijan’s claims that as a result of the war the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and Nagorno-Karabakh itself does not exist in the international arena any more are also violations of the November 9 Trilateral Statement, as Nagorno-Karabakh is presented as a territorial entity right in the latter.

Only the full implementation of the Trilateral Statements from November 9, 2020 and January 11, 2021, particularly the immediate resolution of urgent humanitarian issues, first of all, the unconditional repatriation of all prisoners of war, hostages and other detained persons, the clarification of the fate of missing persons and the investigation of the cases of enforced disappearances, protection of the Armenian cultural and religious heritage, as well as the full resumption of the process of peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict can create conditions for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region.

The comprehensive and lasting settlement of the conflict is only possible through peaceful negotiations under the mandate of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, which assumes the clarification of the status of Artsakh, ensuring conditions for the safe return of displaced Armenians of Artsakh to their places of residence throughout Artsakh, and realization of the right of the Armenians of Artsakh to safe and dignified life in their homeland, based on equal rights and self-determination of peoples.

Armenia reiterates its readiness to undertake practical efforts towards the de-escalation of the situation in the region, gradually overcoming the atmosphere of hostility, opening an era of stability and peaceful development. At the same time, for the effectiveness of this process, Azerbaijan should adopt a constructive position, renouncing its policy of Armenophobia, aggressive rhetoric and actions”.

​Armenia, wounds unhealed one year after the war

Emil Lazarian

Nov 10 2021
Armenia, wounds unhealed one year after the war

At the Tavush cemetery, near the border with Azerbaijan, a family mourns 
a soldier who died during the 2020 conflict.

By Àlex Bustos
10 November 2021


On 10 November 2020, the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan came to an end. The two nations, former Soviet republics of the Caucasus, had been engaged in combat for 44 days, in Nagorno Karabakh (Armenian majority population – under the control of Armenian troops since 1994 – but located in Azerbaijani territory and recognised as part of Azerbaijan by the international community). Disputed since last century, this territory has been the cause of skirmishes and the 1992 to 1994 and 2016 armed conflicts between the two countries.

During the latest armed confrontation, Baku was supported by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s Turkey, a country Armenia has condemned before the European Court of Human Rights for allegedly sending Syrian mercenaries into the conflict zone. The cross accusations between Armenia and Azerbaijan include the proceedings filed with the International Court of Justice over the alleged laying of mines (by Armenia) following the end the war and Azerbaijan’s holding of war prisoners.

The fears that the conflict might escalate and spread beyond the Armenian and Azerbaijani borders were not materialised. The EU is Baku’s largest trading partner and crude oil is one of its main exports, so maintaining the flow of the pipelines passing close to Nagorno-Karabakh was a priority.

The conflict ended in defeat for the Armenians and with the signing of an armistice by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia (which mediated the ceasefire). Armenia agreed to cede a large part of Nagorno-Karabakh (a territory inhabited by some 146,000 people and which declared itself independent in 1991 but has not been recognised by any country) to Azerbaijan. According to sources in both countries, around 4,000 soldiers were killed in the fighting on the Armenian side and some 3,000 on the Azerbaijani side, plus the civilian casualties and the thousands wounded.

Although the war is over, there are still periodic skirmishes on the border between the two countries and there is no end to the nationalist exaltation. Whilst victory has boosted morale in Azerbaijan, in Armenia, the wounds of the conflict continue to sting. But, for now, neither side wants to go back down the military route.

Yerevan, in the Armenian capital, is home to the Armenian Wounded Heroes rehabilitation centre where former soldiers, most of them in their 20s and 30s, battle with their war wounds. This generation was born during or shortly after the conflict of the early 1990s. Many of those here (from amongst the more than 10,000 wounded in the conflict) have lost one or more limbs. Such is the case for Sayn, who on the day he welcomed us had started work on making his way down stairs with his two new prosthetic legs. The 20-year-old was a professional soldier before the conflict. Now he plans to return to the town of Ararat (Armenia), where he was born, to work in the fields with his family, once his rehabilitation is complete.

“I lost one of my legs in a drone attack that killed 17 people,” explains another wounded soldier, 27-year-old Samuel who went to the front as a volunteer. Since being amputated, he has been living between Stepanakert, capital of Nagorno Karabakh (where he is from), with his wife, and Yerevan, where he goes for rehabilitation every two weeks whilst waiting to receive a prosthesis, which will enable him to walk again.

For this young man, who works in the Foreign Ministry of what is left of the self-proclaimed republic of Artsakh (as the Armenians call Nagorno-Karabakh), “peace with Azerbaijan is possible, but not in the short term”.

Vardan, from Yerevan, was called to the front whilst doing his military service on Armenian territory. He says that “even if he hadn’t been obliged, he would have gone anyway”. At the age of 19, he was fighting with the Armenian troops to repel the Azerbaijani attacks on Nagorno-Karabakh. Sixty per cent of those killed on the front were between 18 and 25 years of age. Most of his friends and acquaintances also traded their homes for barracks during the conflict.

At the moment, he does not feel ready to fight on the front, “neither physically nor mentally”, and for now he will continue to work at the logistics company where he is employed. But if need be, he tells us, he would be ready to return to the front to defend Armenia within a few years.

Levon (not his real name, to protect his identity), who is also from the Armenian capital, was one of the young men who was sent to the front at just 19 years of age. He had been doing his military service for two months when he was sent to fight as part of the sniper unit. He resents that the Azeris had more resources, such as drones, and says that the hardest thing is the “first time”: “the first hour of combat, the first dead body, the first dead friend”. “You go out thinking you’re going to die,” he recalls.

His Christian faith, one of the pillars of Armenian identity, helped him to carry on. “In war, you feel God’s presence everywhere,” he says.

He fought until the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and was finally able to return home in November after being away for more than two months. “Armenia has suffered a lot from the genocide and wars. Still, we Armenians, we never lose our strength and our hope and we are always ready to fight for our land and our lives.”

Many young Armenians are now torn between living in Armenia or emigrating to a country – often the United States or Russia – that offers more opportunities than the Transcaucasian country, with its poor economy, high unemployment and low minimum wage (around US$300 or €260).

The war also affected the civilians who suffered from the shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh. Those living in the territories brought under Azeri control (just over two thirds of Nagorno-Karabakh), following the signing of the ceasefire deal, lost their homes. Some of them went as far as to burn their houses (many built with their own hands in the 1990s), preferring to see them destroyed rather than allowing an Azerbaijani to live there.

One of those forced to flee Artsakh was Ruzanna, a resident of Stepanakert. “We lived amid the shelling for a month,” she says. Although she was able to keep her home, she chose to leave for the Armenian capital. “Everything changed before my very eyes, everything looks sad. Stepanakert filled up with the many refugees [from areas under Azerbaijani control], so much so that it’s hard to get around the city now,” she tells us.

The conflict and its consequences were among the main campaign issues debated during the snap parliamentary elections of 20 June 2021 in Armenia, which Nikol Pashinyan won with a comfortable margin. His victory allowed him to maintain his position as the prime minister, despite being identified as the person ultimately responsible for the country’s defeat by its neighbour. “He is the only one who can help the Armenian people. He’s made mistakes, but he has learned from them,” said Arin, who voted in the elections.

Pashinyan and his government now have a number of pressing issues to deal with: the health response to Covid-19, the unstable economic situation (aggravated by the war) and, not least, the border issue with Azerbaijan, which is unlikely to be resolved in the near future.

As for Nagorno-Karabakh, reconstruction work is underway in the areas recovered by Azerbaijan, such as Shushi (Shusha for the Azerbaijanis), and Turkey remains present as a partner for strategic infrastructure. Azerbaijan’s president, Ilham Aliyev, has meanwhile indicated his willingness to talk with Pashinyan to normalise bilateral relations, but has ruled out any chance of granting special status or autonomy to the Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabakh.

This article has been translated from Spanish by Louise Durkin

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 11/10/2021

Emil Lazarian 
                                        Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Russia Backs Mediators’ Renewed Visits To Karabakh
November 10, 2021
        • Gevorg Stamboltsian
        • Naira Nalbandian
Nagorno-Karabakh -- Bako Sahakian, the Karabakh president, meets with the U.S., 
Russian and French co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group, Stepanakert, October 16, 
2019.
Russia said on Wednesday that the U.S., Russian and French mediators co-heading 
the OSCE Minsk Group should be able to resume their visits to Nagorno-Karabakh 
as part of their peace efforts.
“Russia attaches importance to a quick resumption of visits to Karabakh by the 
Minsk Group co-chairs in their full format,” the Russian Foreign Ministry 
spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, told reporters.
In that regard, Zakharova reaffirmed Moscow’s support for the Minsk Group’s 
continued activities.
“The format of the OSCE Minsk Group enjoys broad international support,” she 
said. “The Russian Foreign Ministry also attaches importance to the troika’s 
efforts in the context of addressing socioeconomic and humanitarian issues 
facing the region.”
The mediating troika had for decades travelled to Karabakh and met with its 
leadership during regular tours of the conflict zone. The visits practically 
stopped with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent outbreak 
of the Armenian-Azerbaijani war.
The mediators were widely expected to resume their shuttle diplomacy after 
organizing talks between the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in New 
York on September 24. It is still not clear when they could arrive in the region.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian suggested over the weekend that their 
planned trip is delayed by Azerbaijan. He said he asked the Minsk Group’s U.S. 
co-chair, Andrew Schofer, about reasons for the delay when the latter 
accompanied a senior U.S. State Department official on a visit to Yerevan last 
week.
“He said they are working towards making the visit,” Pashinian told Armenian 
Public Television. “I think that it’s overdue, I think that it should have 
already taken place. I presume that the Azerbaijani side is creating some 
obstacles.”
Azerbaijani leaders have repeatedly said that Baku’s victory in last year’s war 
ended the Karabakh conflict. Armenia as well as the United States and France 
have publicly insisted that the conflict remains unresolved.
Armenian Medics Prosecuted For Fake COVID-19 Certificates
November 10, 2021
Armenia - People line up at an open-air coronavirus vaccination site in Yerevan, 
May 7, 2021.
Nine Armenian medical workers have been arrested in recent weeks on charges of 
issuing fake coronavirus vaccination and test certificates, according to state 
prosecutors.
Starting from October 1, virtually all employees of Armenia’s public and private 
entities have been required to get inoculated or take coronavirus tests twice a 
month at their own expense. Health authorities introduced the requirement in a 
bid to increase the slow pace of vaccinations which greatly contributed to a 
resurgence of COVID-19 in the country.
Speaking during an October 7 cabinet meeting in Yerevan, Prime Minister Nikol 
Pashinian ordered law-enforcement authorities to crack down on medics who he 
said issue fake vaccination certificates to individuals refusing to be 
vaccinated. The Armenian police and National Security Service announced a few 
days later the first arrests of employees of policlinics serving as the 
country’s principal vaccination centers.
The Office of the Prosecutor-General said on Wednesday that 15 medical workers 
have been charged with selling fake vaccination certificates as well as 
documents showing negative test results to a total of about 310 people. The 
latter paid from 5,000 to 40,000 drams ($10-$84) per document, it said in a 
statement.
The statement added that nine of the suspects are currently under arrest pending 
investigation. Investigators are continuing to take “large-scale measures” to 
expose more such forgeries, it said.
The prosecutors urged Armenian medical personnel to avoid such practices, 
warning that they would risk “strict” punishment.
According to the Armenian Ministry of Health, nearly 614,000 people in the 
country of about 3 million received at least one dose of a vaccine as of 
November 7. Only around 10 percent of the country’s population was fully 
vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Armenia’s daily coronavirus death toll hit a new record after months 
of a steady increase in infections. The Ministry of Health said 69 people died 
from COVID-19 on Tuesday.
U.S. Condemns Killing Of Karabakh Armenian Civilian
November 10, 2021
        • Heghine Buniatian
        • Susan Badalian
NAGORNO-KARABAKH -- Azerbaijani soldiers patrol at a checkpoint on a road 
outside the town of Shushi (Susa), November 26, 2020
The U.S. State Department has condemned the killing of an ethnic Armenian 
resident of Nagorno-Karabakh committed just outside the Azerbaijani-controlled 
town of Shushi (Shusha) on Monday.
The 22-year-old Martik Yeremian was gunned down and three other utility workers 
wounded while repairing a water pipe off the road connecting Karabakh to Armenia.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Tuesday that they were shot “from the 
Azerbaijani side.” It said Russian peacekeeping forces stationed in Karabakh are 
investigating the incident together with Karabakh Armenian and Azerbaijani 
officials.
“We condemn the violence that caused the death of an Armenian civilian,” read a 
statement posted on the Twitter page of the State Department’s Bureau of 
European and Eurasian Affairs.
“We urge Armenia and Azerbaijan to intensify their engagement including through 
the Minsk Group Co-Chairs to resolve all outstanding issues related to or 
resulting from the [Nagorno-Karabakh] conflict,” it said.
According to Gagik Poghosian, the chief executive of Karabakh’s water and 
sewerage network, the four workers repaired a pipeline supplying water to a 
Russian peacekeeping post near Shushi when they were approached by an armed 
Azerbaijani man.
“He asked what they are doing,” Poghosian told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service. “Our 
guys replied that they are eliminating the consequences of an accident, and he 
immediately started shooting.”
“This is the road through which hundreds of vehicles go to Armenia and come back 
every day,” he said. “We have worked there for months.”
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on Tuesday did not deny that the civilians were 
shot by an Azerbaijani serviceman. But it blamed the Armenian side for the 
shooting, saying that the Karabakh Armenian workers were not escorted by Russian 
soldiers and that the incident took place during Azerbaijani President Ilham 
Aliyev’s visit to Shushi.
“An event attended by Azerbaijan’s president and other high-ranking officials 
was held in Shusha, and tight security measures are taken in such cases,” a 
ministry spokeswoman said.
The governments of Armenia and Karabakh have strongly condemned the shootings.
“Azerbaijan is trying to disseminate despair in Artsakh (Karabakh) so that 
people choose to leave Artsakh while those willing to return don’t come back,” 
said Davit Babayan, the Karabakh foreign minister.
In recent months, Karabakh authorities have periodically accused Azerbaijani 
troops of opening small arms fire at Karabakh towns and villages mostly located 
close to Shushi. A 55-year-old Karabakh Armenian farmer was shot dead outside 
the northern Karabakh town of Martakert last month.
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2021 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

Turkish press: On anniversary of defeat in Karabakh, Armenians pessimistic about future

Emil Lazarian
Ayse Rabia Sarioglu   |10.11.2021


YEREVAN, Armenia

The people of Armenia are holding pessimistic thoughts about the future on the first anniversary of the Second Karabakh War, which ended with the victory of Azerbaijan.

Clashes erupted on Sept. 27 last year, with the Armenian army attacking civilians and Azerbaijani forces, and violating several humanitarian cease-fire agreements.

Armenia, which gained its independence with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, was excluded from regional cooperation processes after its invasion of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 1991.

The people of Armenia could not benefit from the opportunities brought by many processes such as energy transmission lines, transportation corridors, trade opportunities and regional political cooperation, in which Azerbaijan and Turkey played a key role.

The Second Karabakh War between Armenia and Azerbaijan was devastating for the Armenians in every possible way.

Anadolu Agency interviewed the people of Yerevan on the first anniversary of the Second Karabakh War, also known as the Patriotic War.

Arakelyan Kamo, who served as a captain in the Armenian army during the First Karabakh War, stated that they lost both land and their children in the last war, expressing sadness over the losses.

“A generation has disappeared. It is a sad situation. Azerbaijan and Turkey are on the same side in the region. Our friend is Iran, this is what I know. Even Georgia is not our friend. Russia is not our friend either,” he said.

Venera Chilingaryan, an Armenian citizen, stated that the anniversary of the war was very heavy and full of sadness for Armenia and all the people.

“How can a person be comfortable in this situation? We have lost a lot from Karabakh, my origin place. I expect nothing but malignance from the government,” Chilingaryan said, adding that the war was a “huge failure”.

Gevorgyan Frenel, another Armenian from the capital city, was quite clear in his statement: “I don’t believe peace will be established again.”

Larisa Kheranyan, a senior citizen, said she maintains her hopes for the establishment of peace in the region and believes that peace will prevail.

“I wish there was no war at all. We had a lot of losses. I think there should be dialogue. I wish the parties favor reconciliation. I do not want war. I am very hopeful for peace because people and relations are improving gradually,” she said.