Author: Emma Nadirian

The recently announced US-Iran two-week cease-fire, before the US-Iran talks expected in Islamabad have yet started, has caused serious disagreements between the parties, casting doubt on the cease-fire and possible future agreements. And all this is because immediately after the Iran-US ceasefire agreement was reached, Israel began to strike Lebanon hard, declaring that Lebanon is not part of the US-Iran agreements. Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf announced that the US had already violated three key points of Iran’s 10-point proposal before the start of negotiations, including violating the ceasefire in Lebanon, using a drone to penetrate Iranian airspace and denying Iran the right to enrich uranium.

“As the US president has clearly stated, Iran’s 10-point proposal is a “workable basis for negotiations” and the fundamental framework of those negotiations. However, until today, three points of this proposal have been violated,” wrote Ghalibaf on the X social network.

According to him, among the violations are the non-fulfillment of the first point of the proposal, which refers to the cease-fire in Lebanon, the intrusion of an unmanned aerial vehicle into the airspace of Iran in the city of Lar, and depriving Iran of the right to enrich uranium. Ghalibaf added that bilateral ceasefire or negotiations are not advisable under such conditions. Obviously, there is some confusion about Iran’s proposals, with several versions circulating, and the parties interpreting them accordingly. Iran insists that the cease-fire also extends to Lebanon, i.e. Iran’s allies, sanctions against Iran must be lifted, Tehran must maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz, and continue enriching uranium. However, the US insists that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon.

US President Donald Trump stated that there is no agreement that Iran will be allowed to enrich uranium. The Strait of Hormuz should also be opened and made safe for traffic. US Vice President also confirmed that the USA did not agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon. “We have never made such a promise … we have said that the ceasefire will focus on Iran and America’s allies, both Israel and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf,” US Vice President JD Vance said.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran published the Pakistani statement on its official X social network page, which states that Lebanon has been officially included in the list of countries where a ceasefire should be implemented immediately, emphasizing: “The terms of the cease-fire between Iran and the United States are clear and simple. America must choose between a ceasefire or continuing the war through Israel. A combination of these two factors is impossible. The world is witnessing the carnage in Lebanon. The ball is now in the court of the United States, and global public opinion is watching whether the country will fulfill its obligations.”

Kaya Kalas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy announced that the cease-fire reached between the United States of America and Iran should also be extended to Lebanon, adding that the Iranian-backed Lebanese group “Hezbollah” should be disarmed. “Israel’s actions put the US-Iran ceasefire under serious pressure. The agreement reached with Iran should also be extended to Lebanon. As a result of Israeli strikes, hundreds of people were killed last night, which makes it difficult to argue that such harsh actions can be considered self-defense,” Kalas wrote on the X social network.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance were supposed to go to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad today for negotiations, but there is still no clear information whether Iran-US talks will take place in Pakistan or not. According to a number of media reports in the Middle East, Pakistan is actively preparing for its mediation efforts, preparing to host the American and Iranian delegations for global negotiations on the Pakistani platform.

And what is remarkable is that all this is happening in a situation where, according to the authoritative Financial Times, the Trump administration has been secretly pushing for weeks for a ceasefire to be established, seeking to ease the economic burden caused by Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, Washington hoped to use Pakistan as a mediator. Moreover, according to the newspaper, Pakistan Army Chief of Staff Asim Munir was in contact with Iranian officials, Special Envoy Steve Wittkoff, Vice President J.D. With Vance and Trump himself, even after the president threatened to destroy Iranian civilization on Tuesday.

According to five sources familiar with the diplomatic communications, Trump has requested a cease-fire since March 21, the same day he first threatened to strike Iran’s power plants. However, at the same time, in the public field, the US president used a different rhetoric, threatening constant bombings and the prospect of destruction.

“They are the ones asking for consent, not me. They are the ones asking for an agreement,” Trump said, adding that the Iranians are asking for an agreement.

However, the upcoming US-Iran talks in Pakistan do not seem to promise great results, they will take place in a complex and multi-layered security environment, where multi-layered disagreements limit the possibility of diplomatic success. Israel’s continuation of operations in Lebanon under the formal conditions of a cease-fire creates a situation where Iran appears at the negotiation table not with the logic of concessions, but of resistance and containment, further hardening the position that we can already see from the statements coming from Tehran. A classic situation of “managed tension” was formed, where the parties were interested in negotiating, but not enough to reach real compromises.

Against this backdrop, Pakistan’s mediating role, though important, is more technical than strategic. Islamabad can provide a platform for communication, but it cannot influence the main contradictions, which are not due to bilateral, but regional and even global competition.

Geneticists assess the probability of success as limited, at most partial results. It may be about temporary reduction of tension, maintenance of communication channels or agreements of a humanitarian nature, but few foresee a strategic breakthrough.

The speech of Iranian analysts and diplomats shows that Iran’s toughening stance will inevitably affect the South Caucasus as well. In the run-up to the Iran-US-Israel war, Iran hardened its stance towards Azerbaijan, sending multi-level warnings to Azerbaijan about the consequences of giving Azerbaijani territory to Iran’s enemies.

In recent years, Tehran has already given clear signals that any geopolitical restructuring in the region, which would limit its connection with Armenia or strengthen the Turkish-Azerbaijani tandem, would be considered as a red line.

In the conditions of the current deepening of tensions, this position seems to be becoming more pronounced. However, it is still not clear how this will affect the actual Iranian policy in the South Caucasus. Aggravation of several trends can be expected. It is not excluded that Iran will try to more actively strengthen its economic and infrastructural presence in Armenia as a counterweight to other regional projects, the deepening of security cooperation is also not excluded, and thirdly, Tehran may react more harshly to any initiative related to the US presence in Armenia and TRIPP, considering it to undermine its strategic interests.

These developments are turning the South Caucasus into a zone of greater geopolitical competition, where Iran, amid its global pressures, can act more decisively and at times riskier. This, in turn, complicates Armenia’s foreign political problems.

In conclusion, it should be noted that possible US-Iran negotiations will take place in Pakistan in unfavorable military and political conditions, and their success depends on the dynamics of regional escalations. And Iran’s toughening position will also be reflected in the South Caucasus, increasing the level of tension and competition in the region.

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The 17th century was a period in human history when geographical discoveries, the expansion of trade routes, and the formation of colonial orders fundamentally changed human thinking.

One of the most painful points of those changes was the large-scale development of slavery, which had profound consequences not only economically, but also socially and culturally. Slavery, though existing since ancient times, has become international in this century. People were captured, forcibly displaced and sold or exploited.

Thousands of people were deprived of their freedom, family and identity, subjected to inhumane conditions and hard labor. Slavery also became one of the pillars of the economic system of that period.

In the 17th century, the Armenian historian Leo wrote in detail about the enslavement of people, exploitation of slaves and slave markets, who gives a general overview of the situation in that period, especially in our region. He describes where, in particular, the captives were sold and where they were captured.

“The source of slavery was the slave trade, which took place in specially famous markets. Derbend slave market was very famous in the borders of the Caucasus. There were gathered the captives who were brought from Dagestan and other countries, even from Russia, by the hands of rapacious mountaineers.

Here, in this market, which gained international importance, merchants met each other from all sides, and especially from Persia, which especially needed slaves from the Caucasian countries. Deprived of freedom and reduced to the status of animals, people were not as important for economic affairs, working hands, as they were needed for sexual, procreative purposes.” (Leo, “Collection of Countries”, Volume 3, Yerevan, 1969, p. 70).

Jean Chardin, a well-known French traveler of the period, also wrote in detail about the enslavement of people in that period, who passed through the Black Sea while traveling and tells in detail how people were sold for what price, who bought them and for what purpose. Leo recounts Chardin’s story in detail.

“Chardin traveled on the Black Sea in a ship that collected slaves from the shores. The buyers were Turkish and Christian merchants. They bought and instead gave various products, valuing them much higher than their true value. Here are the values ​​of the human product reported by the French traveler. A man aged 25-40 was bought for 15 AMD. above that height – 8-10 ECU.

Beautiful girls aged 13-18 were valued the most, for which a price of 20 ecus was given. Women cost 12 and children 3-4 ecus. “A Greek merchant, who was in the room next to mine, bought a woman, her nipples with a child, giving 12 ecus…

The woman would be 25 years old, with a face as white as snow, with charming features. I have never seen a more beautiful breast, a more tender neck. It surprised me that the plight of these unfortunate creatures did not have a killing effect on them. It even seemed to me that they did not feel their situation. As soon as they bought them and they escaped, they immediately took off the shawls covering them, put on new linen, new clothes and forced them to work.

Men and boys were put to work on the ship, and women and girls were ordered to sew. It seemed that they had enough of both the clothes and the food they received, but the work was hard for them, so they were often forced to work with sticks.” (Ibid., p. 71).

The above passage states that the basis of enslaving, selling, and exploiting people was the bad social conditions and period. In the 17th century, slavery was not only the result of economic interests, but also a gross violation of human dignity. Man had turned into a commodity whose value was measured by age, appearance and physical abilities.

Such phenomena left a deep mark not only in the destinies of individuals, but also in the history of different peoples. As a result, social inequality, violence and moral crisis were formed.

These historical facts about slavery compel us to realize what freedom is and always fight for it. And in modern times, the struggle for one’s identity and freedom is only with weapons and the preservation of national identity.

Z. Sh:i was late

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US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States can stop military attacks on Iran that have been going on for five weeks in two to three weeks. According to the US president, concluding a deal with Tehran is not a prerequisite for ending the conflict.

“We will be leaving very soon,” President Trump told reporters at the White House, adding that the withdrawal could take place “in maybe two, maybe three weeks.”

Asked if reaching a diplomatic deal with Iran was a prerequisite to ending what the US called Operation “Epic Rage,” Trump said no.

“Iran is not obliged to sign a deal, no,” said Trump.

“No, they don’t have to make a deal with me.” Pete Hegsett, head of the Pentagon, has also announced that the coming days will be decisive for Iran.

“The United States will continue to attack Iran if Tehran does not make a deal with us,” said the United States Secretary of War, asserting that “if it is reasonable, Iran will go to sign an agreement.” Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian also stated that his country has the “necessary will” to end the war with the US and Israel, depending on the conditions.

“We have the necessary will to stop this conflict, if the important conditions, especially the guarantees of the exclusion of the repetition of aggression, are provided,” Pezeshkian said during a telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa.

And despite Washington announcing the imminent end of the war, US-Israeli forces have continued to strike “underground military targets deep inside Iran.” Israel claimed that it attacked a factory involved in the production of chemical weapons. Iran claims that it was producing medicine. According to the Iranian ISNA agency, at least 10 medical workers were killed.

Iran, in turn, hit Israel, and more than 25 people were injured. They also continued to attack the Persian Gulf countries. A tanker was hit near the coast of Qatar, there were no casualties. Kuwait says an Iranian attack caused a “big fire” at its airport fuel depot. The Iranian-backed Houthis, who have been active in recent days, have announced that they have hit southern Israel with missiles and promised to intensify the strikes in the future.

168.amin a conversation with Russian analyst Vladimir Yevseyev stated that despite the difficult situation created for the US in the Middle East, the US is trying to impose its preconditions on Iran in any case.

According to him, the current proposals to Iran, which the American side considers as a basis for negotiations, have nothing to do with negotiation, a balanced solution, because they simply imply unilateral concessions and acceptance of the presented conditions.

“Iran clearly does not want to accept them, the war is prolonged, and all the calculations of the United States are messed up. Due to this, the statements of the US President and his staff representatives are becoming more controversial. First they talk about constructive negotiations when there are none, then they present ultimatums, then they talk about conducting a ground operation, capturing islands, opening the strait. And in fact, the Trump administration obviously wants to end this war, because it has already caused quite a lot of damage, but it just doesn’t stop the war. So, I think, still several scenarios are being considered, none of which, I think, will give the expected result,” the analyst said.

According to him, another negative development for the United States is that the United States does not receive the support of its Western allies and partners in this war.

“This is the reason why the US president and the secretary of state started a new wave of protest against NATO, stating that the US is considering withdrawing from NATO. In fact, this is a statement aimed at NATO partners who did not show the support Trump expected for the US. Moreover, there were countries that criticized some phenomena and episodes, in Europe they were unhappy that starting this war was not discussed with the US’s European allies, in the event that they are also suffering the consequences of this war. Therefore, a difficult situation has been created, neither the outcome of the war, nor the strategy of victory, nor the strategy of getting out of it is outlined, turning the situation into a dying war. It is not yet possible to say where the parties will stop,” Yevseyev said.

He believes that as long as the war continues, it has the risk of expanding into neighboring regions. According to Yevseyev, there are countries that are interested in it.

“However, the Islamic Republic of Iran continues to target American bases in the Persian Gulf countries, obviously wanting to maintain its good relations with the South Caucasus countries, although not everything is smooth for Iran here, as the United States closely cooperates with Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Israel has partner political and military relations with Azerbaijan. Here, Iran has made many statements to manage the risks, I think there is also appropriate political work, contacts, so that the situation does not become uncontrollable,” Yevseev expressed this opinion.

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18-year-old Davit Minasyan, who was arrested on March 29 after the provocation with the participation of Nikol Pashinyan in Saint Anna Church in Yerevan, was detained for 2 months today. Judge Mnatsakan Martirosyan decided to satisfy the investigator’s request to detain the 18-year-old student for 2 months. The lawyers do not know on what basis the judge made such a decision, because they have not yet received the court’s decision. 18-year-old Davit, who studies in the 12th grade, was transferred to “Armavir” prison, but before entering the penitentiary, Davit lost consciousness and was transferred to the hospital.

Founder of “Njar” constitutional movement, human rights activist Nina Karapetyantsi by definition, unfortunately, there has been no justice system in Armenia at all times, but he assures that there has never been such a depraved and immoral situation.

“For more than a year, he has been provoking situations, playing with people’s religious feelings, humiliating, if you want, killing people and not giving an answer. Then he is surprised when he finds himself in an environment where he is not expected, and an 18-year-old boy has an outburst, expresses his attitude, after which a whole system attacks one 18-year-old boy – this is beyond all moral norms. Let them not tell me that there was an incident that should be given a legal assessment.” 168.amNina Karapetyants said in a conversation with

According to our interlocutor, before making a legal assessment of David’s actions, all those who spread such rumors should first of all demand a legal and political assessment from the justice system, against the person who was the God of hatred and anti-Armenian propaganda, and who carried out manipulations and propaganda on a cosmic scale.

“If they have not condemned the actions of this man for several years, then they have absolutely no right to speak about the morality or legality of David’s actions.

Nikol Pashinyan is afraid of 18-year-olds, according to his ideas, it is these 18-year-olds and a little older people who will come and reject him.

Honestly, I expect a response from young people today, not in the form of violence, but in the form of participating in the elections and rejecting Nikol. This will be the best answer to give him. Nikol Pashinyan will constantly provoke situations, and I must ask, very much, the young people not to give in to provocations, this is very important. They should have a clear idea that Nikol Pashinyan will go after all young people in different ways, he will sacrifice some of them, and then he will declare them as “senseless victims”, Nina Karapetyants stressed.

According to him, Nikol Pashinyan will fill the prisons with some of the young people and declare that they are guilty.

“Nikol Pashinyan, with his security guards, will subject you to violence and say, ‘You are to blame’. There should be only one answer to this: Nikol Pashinyan should be rejected. The hearts that he sends are not addressed to you dear young people, but to those who should have appreciated his work, directed against you.

This is one of the shameful pages of our justice system, Nikol Pashinyan sees a direct threat from the youth, I hope that the youth will express their attitude very concretely and objectively,” emphasized Nina Karapetyants.

Let’s remind that on March 29, when there was a service in Saint Anna Church, Nikol Pashinyan decided to enter the church with his teammates and security guards, and his security guards tried to open the way by pushing the gathered people. At that time, David and his brother Michael were participating in the liturgy in the church and were urged not to push each other. At that time, a stampede started, one of Nikol Pashinyan’s security guards punched David. After the incident, 2 brothers were arrested, at the moment Mikael is free as a suspect, he was released in exchange for a bail of 5 million drams and a signature not to be absent.

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