Author: Greg Madatian

Armenia’s CSTO participation ‘frozen’ amid Russia’s open call for government overthrow

Greg Madatian
DARYO
Uzbekistan – Feb 24 2024
YESTERDAY, 10:00 

Armenia’s involvement in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) was put on hold, according to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in an interview with France 24. The issue of the Russian military base in Armenia is no longer under consideration. Armenia’s participation in the CSTO has been suspended due to Russia’s overt call for the Armenian people to overthrow the current government. “The Kremlin’s propaganda against me has never stopped,” Pashinyan pointed out.

Pashinyan accused Baku of viewing Armenia as ‘Western Azerbaijan’ and preparing for an invasion of Armenia. “Ilham Aliyev doesn’t want a peace agreement based on mutual recognition of territorial integrity. He wants to take control over new territories in Armenia,” the prime minister stated.

Pashinyan also noted that peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan is currently unattainable.

 

In mid-February, following a border encounter, Azerbaijan conducted a retaliatory military operation, destroying an Armenian military post near the border. Armenia reported the loss of four military personnel following the operation. 

The conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Karabakh has persisted for 30 years. In 2020, the long-standing conflict escalated rapidly. After 45 days of intense fighting, Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a ceasefire agreement, which was also endorsed by Arayik Harutyunyan, the leader of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh.

In May 2023, Pashinyan stated that he would officially recognize the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including Karabakh if the security of ethnic Armenians was guaranteed. Subsequently, both leaders confirmed the official recognition of each other’s current borders.

On September 9, 2023, the Karabakh parliament elected 45-year-old Samvel Shahramanyan as the new president of the republic. However, the results of this presidential election were not recognized by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, the EU, Turkey, Moldova, Ukraine, Pakistan, and the UK. 

In the same month, Azerbaijan carried out a second military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh to eliminate “the Stepanakert regime.” The operation lasted for just one day. On September 20, both sides agreed to a ceasefire. On September 28, Shakhramanyan signed a decree that effectively dissolved the self-proclaimed republic starting from January 1, 2024. On October 5, 2023, Pashinyan signed a declaration recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan.

Kremlin seeks clarity from Armenia after it freezes participation in Russian-led security bloc

Greg Madatian
First Post
Feb 23 2024

In recent months, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has voiced his displeasure with Armenia’s long-standing relations with Russia, stating that Armenia could no longer rely on Moscow to provide its defence needs

After Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claimed that Yerevan had halted its membership in the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) because the agreement had failed the nation, the Kremlin announced on Friday that Russia intended to get in touch with Armenia.

In an interview that was aired on Thursday, Pashinyan made the remarks.

In recent months, he has voiced his displeasure with Armenia’s long-standing relations with Russia, stating that Armenia could no longer rely on Moscow to provide its defence needs. Additionally, he has indicated that its CSTO membership is being reviewed.

Moscow needs additional information from Armenia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday on the Zvezda television station, which is controlled by the defence ministry.

Macron calls on Baku to ensure safe, unimpeded return for those wishing to return to Karabakh

Greg Madatian

 20:58,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. French President Emmanuel Macron, during a joint meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan for media representatives, called on Azerbaijan to implement the decision of the International Court of Justice on November 17, 2023, according to which Azerbaijan must ensure the safe and unimpeded return of those who left Nagorno-Karabakh after September 9, 2023, and wish to return.

"We call for the implementation of the decision of the International Court of Justice on November 17, 2023. According to this decision, Azerbaijan must ensure that those who left Nagorno-Karabakh after September 19, 2023, and wish to return, can do so safely, unimpeded and expeditious manner," Macron said.

Ararat Mirzoyan, Stefano Tomat discuss the activities of the EU civilian monitoring mission in Armenia

Greg Madatian

 18:40,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS.  On February 19, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received Stefano Tomat, the Civilian Operations Commander of the EU External Action Service, the foreign ministry said.

According to the source, the interlocutors discussed issues related to the activities of the EU civilian monitoring mission in Armenia, touching upon the work done within one year since the deployment of the long-term mission in Armenia. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the important contribution of the mission in promoting the stability of the international border with Azerbaijan.

It is noted that the parties stressed that the mission is one of the good examples of the expanding Armenia-EU cooperation and shows the mutual sincere interest of both Armenia and the EU and its member states in its further deepening. In this context, Ararat Mirzoyan and Stefano Tomat exchanged views on issues of the broad agenda of the Armenia-EU partnership, discussing the opportunities provided through the relevant mechanisms and in new dimensions mutual interest.

During the meeting, regional security and stability issues were also touched upon.

Patriarch Daniel welcomes new Armenian Ambassador to Romania Published

Greg Madatian
BASILICA.RO
Romania – Feb 15 2024
  • Published by Aurelian Iftimiu

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel, Primate of the Romanian Orthodox Church, welcomed His Excellency Tigran Galstyan, the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Romania, on a presentation visit on Wednesday.

His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel congratulated the newly-appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in Bucharest and wished him a successful diplomatic mission in Romania.

The Ambassador expressed gratitude to the Patriarch of Romania for the privilege of receiving him and emphasised the outstanding relations between the two nations.

According to a press release issued by the Department for inter-church and inter-religious relations of the Romanian Patriarchate, His Excellency conveyed optimism that these relations would be strengthened throughout his term, particularly by fostering spiritual and cultural connections.

The ambassador stated that his initial official encounter was with the Patriarch of Romania after presenting his credentials, as he desired the diplomatic endeavours to commence under God’s blessing.

In addition, Mr. Tigran Galstyan reminisced about the Armenian community’s centuries-long presence in Romania and the significance of Patriarch Vasken I, Catholicos of All Armenians, who was a symbol of the Armenian people’s resurgence of national consciousness and was born and educated in Romania.

During the meeting, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel emphasised the Christian faith’s significance and role in safeguarding the Armenian people’s identity amidst challenging historical periods. Furthermore, he stated that the two peoples have shared historical experiences.

Preserving and advancing spiritual heritage is thus imperative within a geopolitical and religious context beset by difficulties.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Patriarch of Romania specified that the organisation of pilgrimages in Armenia and Romania and the development of collaborative initiatives constitute a practical means of fostering mutual understanding between the two peoples.

Echoes of History: The Armenian-Azerbaijani Conflict and the Specter of Ethnic Cleansing

Greg Madatian
Feb 12 2024
Momen Zellmi
In a recent speech, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stirred controversy by alluding to the specter of ethnic cleansing in Garabagh. However, the roots of this conflict trace back to the 1960s, when the Soviet Armenian KGB orchestrated an operation that set the stage for the displacement of Azerbaijanis and Kurds from Soviet Armenia and Garabagh between 1987 and 1988.

The Garabagh conflict was not a spontaneous eruption of violence but the culmination of a calculated strategy. The expulsion of Azerbaijanis and Kurds from Soviet Armenia and Garabagh in the late 1980s marked a dark chapter in the region's history. Today, the irony is palpable as Armenians level accusations of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijan, even as over 30,000 Armenians reside in Azerbaijan without fear of expulsion.

Pashinyan's claims of Azerbaijan's reluctance to commit to a peace treaty also warrant scrutiny. Armenia has been bolstering its defense budget and acquiring advanced weaponry, suggesting preparations for a new conflict. The question lingers: Is Armenia genuinely committed to peace, or is it gearing up for another confrontation?

The Armenian Genocide, which occurred during the final years of the Ottoman Empire, resulted in the death or forced removal of the local Armenian population from Eastern Anatolia, a region once part of historic Armenia. This tragic chapter in history has left an indelible mark on the Armenian consciousness.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the aftermath of the genocide, Armenian toponyms in the region were systematically erased, replaced with Turkish names. This act of cultural erasure further exacerbated the Armenian community's sense of loss and displacement. The term 'Eastern Anatolia,' now commonly used to refer to this region, has been criticized by some as an ahistorical imposition that obscures the Armenian presence.

The Nagorno Karabakh conflict, an ethnic and territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reached a critical juncture in September 2023. Azerbaijan launched a military offensive in the disputed region, resulting in its surrender and the disbandment of its armed forces. The predominantly ethnic Armenian population faced threats of ethnic cleansing, leading to the displacement of approximately 100,400 individuals.

This mass exodus has been condemned by international experts as a potential war crime or crime against humanity. The deaths of 64 civilians while fleeing to Armenia underscore the gravity of the situation. Despite Azerbaijan's assurances of safe reintegration, concerns persist due to its history of authoritarianism and repression of the Armenian population.

As the world watches the unfolding drama in the Caucasus, the echoes of history continue to resonate. The Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, steeped in a complex tapestry of historical grievances and contemporary power dynamics, defies easy solutions. The path to peace remains elusive, shrouded in the mists of myth and memory.

In the end, the Armenian Prime Minister's recent speech serves as a reminder of the enduring power of narratives in shaping perceptions and fueling conflicts. As the international community grapples with the challenges of fostering peace in the region, it must navigate the treacherous terrain of historical memory and contemporary geopolitics.

The future of the Caucasus hangs in the balance, suspended between the weight of the past and the promise of a more peaceful tomorrow.

Armenpress: Diaspora Armenian specialists invited to contribute to Armenian Government through ‘iGorts’ 2024 Program

Greg Madatian

 20:51, 9 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 9, ARMENPRESS. The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia continues to accept  applications for the iGorts 2024 program.    

This year, the fifth cohort of specialists from the Diaspora will be recruited to work in over 20 Armenian government entities for one year.

Applications for the year 2024 will be accepted until March 4th in Armenian, English, and Russian. Successful candidates who pass the final round of interviews will commence their work in the respective entities starting from September 1 of this year, the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs said in a statement.

"Participants in the program will receive a round-trip air ticket to and from Armenia, a monthly salary of 336,000 drams throughout the program, health insurance, and coverage of the residence permit fee for one year.

Through funding provided by the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, five specialists will be afforded the opportunity to engage in the program and work within the Shirak province.

Candidates can submit their applications through the website of the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs by following this link: http://diaspora.gov.am/en/programs/25/fellowship.

The program was added to the Repository of Practices of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and showcased as an exemplary initiative during the EU Future Forum.

For any inquiries, please feel free to contact the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs at 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129994.html?fbclid=IwAR0I4-nAzX4eyiCxspOaE2GiSBNF7pRgKsR1N5M7eo398BF6K88jgsVEK8c

Asbarez: Russia and Armenia Have Obligations to Protect Territorial Integrity, Moscow Says

Greg Madatian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 February 7, 2024

 

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

Russia and Armenia have mutual obligations, among them is protecting territorial integrity, sovereignty and security.

This assessment was made on Wednesday by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, who said Armenia and Russia continue to be partners.

“Our countries continue to be partners, and we hope that the Armenian authorities will take all that into account amid the current geopolitical changes, making the right choice,” Zakharova added, when asked whether Armenia officially had submitted any documents pertaining to Yerevan’s perceived change in its political direction.

“Yerevan is also under collective security guarantees of the CSTO, including in the event of possible military aggression,” said Zakharova, emphasizing that there is a legal document between Russia and Armenia in the fields of security and military-technical cooperation.

Greece ready to support Armenia’s peace efforts, says envoy

Greg Madatian

 15:16, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Greece welcomes and supports Armenia’s approach in establishing peace because it is based on international law, Greek Ambassador to Armenia Christos Sofianopoulos has said.

The new Greek Ambassador met with Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan on February 7.

During the meeting Ambassador Sofianopoulos praised Armenia’s policy in context of establishing regional peace.

“Greece welcomes and supports Armenia’s approach in the process of establishing peace because it is based on international law, jurisdiction and is carried out diplomatically. We are ready to support Armenia by all means in establishing peace,” the Greek ambassador said, according to a readout issued by the parliament’s press service.

Speaker Simonyan congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and wished him good luck. He highlighted the strong, friendly relations between Armenia and Greece based on age-old brotherhood, mutual support and common values between the Armenian and Greek peoples.

Citing the high-level interstate ties between the two countries, the Speaker called for an intensification of interparliamentary cooperation in order to utilize the untapped potential.

Speaker Simonyan attached importance to close cooperation in international parliamentary organizations. He highly appreciated cooperation with Greece as part of the EU-Armenia CEPA, as well as the Greek support to the Armenian parliament through the Twinning program.

The Armenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral cooperation format was also discussed.

The Armenia-EU ties, the security issues in the South Caucasus, namely the humanitarian issues resulting from the ethnic cleansing perpetrated by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks were also discussed.

Prime Minister reaffirms return of captives remains on authorities’ agenda

Greg Madatian

 18:49, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. The issue of the return of the captives, hostages and other detained persons being illegally held in Azerbaijan to Armenia continues to be on the agenda of the Armenian authorities. These issues are discussed during negotiations, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said during Wednesday’s question-and-answer session with the government in the National Assembly.

“The issue of prisoners and detainees is always on the agenda of our negotiations and contacts. Moreover, we constantly discuss these issues. It is clear that this is a very sensitive issue,” Pashinyan said.