Author: Hovhannisian John

Armenia’s Possible Withdrawal From CSTO Not On Agenda – Foreign Ministry

Hovhannisian John
May 16 2023

 Faizan Hashmi  Published May 16, 2023 | 07:34 PM

The possibility of Armenia withdrawing from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is not currently on the agenda, but it appears to have been after the escalation at the border with Azerbaijan last fall, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan said on Tuesday

YEREVAN (UrduPoint News / Sputnik – 16th May, 2023) The possibility of Armenia withdrawing from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is not currently on the agenda, but it appears to have been after the escalation at the border with Azerbaijan last fall, Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Mnatsakan Safaryan said on Tuesday.

On Monday, Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan said that the Armenian government mulled leaving the CSTO, adding that the organization’s mechanism did not work properly and the member states failed to fulfill their commitments.

“There is not such an issue on the agenda at the moment,” Safaryan told reporters, when asked whether the country was considering withdrawal from the CSTO.

Commenting on Grigoryan’s remarks, Safaryan admitted that such a possibility could have been discussed during the session of the Armenian Security Council after the escalation at the border with Azerbaijan in September 2022.

“I cannot give you the exact date (when the discussions took place), because apparently it was discussed during the session of the Security Council.

I think it was at the time of the September events. Please check (with the Security Council),” the Armenian senior diplomat told reporters.

Safaryan stressed that a decision had finally been made not to withdraw, but to continue the work within the organization, with Yerevan hoping for certain results.

The developments come after in March, Armenia refused to send a representative to serve as Deputy Secretary General of the CSTO. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly said that Yerevan had witnessed the organization’s inaction in 2021-2022.

In September 2022, an outbreak of hostilities between Yerevan and Baku was reported in an area unrelated to the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region (also known as the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh) � the most serious escalation since the 2020 events. Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of shelling and reported losses in their ranks.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/world/armenias-possible-withdrawal-from-csto-not-o-1692629.html

US State Department: Azerbaijan is destroying Armenian spiritual heritage of Nagorno-Karabakh

Hovhannisian John
NEWS.am
Armenia – May 16 2023
15:54, 16.05.2023

The US Department of State has released the 2022 Religious Freedom Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). In particular, in the report, Azerbaijan is on the list of countries under special watch.

In 2022, the state of religious freedom in Azerbaijan had negative dynamics. The government continued to exercise considerable control over religious figures, continuing to prosecute and detain them.

It is noted in the report that at the end of last year, 19 people were imprisoned in Azerbaijan for their religious beliefs. Local human rights organizations also say that the government continued to use physical violence, detain, and imprison religious activists, and that many of the arrests of religious activists—including on drug charges—were political in nature.

The report points as well to the destruction of the Armenian spiritual heritage by Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh territories now under the control of Baku.

International bodies and other organizations continue to question the willingness of the Azerbaijani government to protect and preserve the religious and cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent territories under Azerbaijani control, the report adds.

In February, the then minister of culture of Azerbaijan Anar Karimov  announced the creation of a working group to remove the “fake” Armenian apostolic inscriptions from churches. But apparently, after international outrage, the government abandoned the plan, and in March, the European Parliament condemned Azerbaijan’s continued policy of destruction and denial of Armenian cultural heritage in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, the report notes.

USCIRF recommends that the US government provide funding to the United States Agency for International Development and the US embassy in Azerbaijan to restore, preserve, and protect places of worship and other religious or cultural sites in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas.

AW: ARS Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter shines on 90th anniversary

Hovhannisian John
 Guest Contributor Nonprofit News 1

Members of the ARS Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

WATERTOWN, Mass. — The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter hosted an anniversary red carpet gala celebration at the Oakley Country Club on Friday, May 5. Members of the chapter and their guests, community supporters and sponsors gathered to have a memorable evening together in celebration of the 90th anniversary of the “Shushi” chapter’s establishment.

The theme of the evening was “Hollywood at Հ․Օ․Մ” and celebrated current chapter members and attendees, as well as the stars of the past, including the 10 trailblazing Armenian women who founded the chapter in 1933.

Community members walked the red carpet and took a professional photograph, which was printed and instantly framed as a party favor. A cocktail hour featured hors d’oeuvres and champagne followed by an exquisite dinner in the ballroom.

Hollywood at Հ․Օ․Մ in celebration of the ARS Cambridge “Shushi” Chapter’s 90th anniversary, May 2023 (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

Dinner gave way to a keynote address by ARS “Shushi” Chapter chair Artvine Torossian, who spoke about keeping “our hearts and minds aligned.” “This direct correlation between war, casualties, blockades, displacement versus humanitarian aid, sponsorships, fundraising, survival and preservation are on the same upward trajectory,” she said. “Unfortunately, they are never inversely correlated. This also means dollars donated does not mean less victims. Programs funded do not mean less violence and oppression. At the heart level, this same experience was in the hearts of our founding members.”

ARS “Shushi” Chapter chair Artvine Torossian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

Torossian concluded her remarks by dedicating the “Start at Հ․Օ․Մ” wall full of stars ‘on location’ nominated by attendees, sponsors and donors to the 10 founding members of the “Shushi” Chapter. “In the 90 years that have passed, we remain hearts and minds aligned with the vision, purpose and mission of our founding members, and all are dedicated to the service of our people. They are the stars we are celebrating tonight, and they recognize you, all of you who came to support us, encourage us, celebrate with us and ensure the continuation of the next 90 years of our chapter. We all are the stars of the night,” said Torossian, thanking the sponsors, guests, members and all attendees for their generosity, support and encouragement.

ARS “Shushi” Chapter member Ani Zargarian (Photo: Arev Kaligian)

After dinner, there was music and dancing with international percussionist Marco Mr. Tam Tam. ARS “Shushi” Chapter member Ani Zargarian, the talented emcee for the evening, shared her beautiful voice with an Armenian medley. DJ Arden was also on hand with his energetic mixes.

The festive evening served its purpose of raising funds for the local, regional and global programs of the ARS and celebrating a milestone anniversary. The chapter raised over $10,000, which will be distributed to the ARS’ local schools, regional and global camps and international programs.




Artsakh’s FM holds online meeting with representatives of the Armenian community of Australia

Hovhannisian John

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 11:34,

YEREVAN, MAY 13, ARMENPRESS. On 10 May, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh Sergey Ghazaryan, at the initiative of Permanent Representative of Artsakh in Australia Mr. Kaylar Michaelian, held an online meeting with representatives of the Armenian Community of Australia, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Foreign Ministry of Artsakh.

The Minister presented the situation in Artsakh caused by the blockade, as well as referred to the humanitarian and existential threats faced by the republic.

Speaking about relations with the Diaspora, Foreign Minister Sergey Ghazaryan expressed his thanks to the Armenian Community of Australia for the assistance provided to Artsakh since the beginning of the blockade. In this context, he also stressed the importance of activities aimed at raising international awareness of the criminal policy of Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh.

During the meeting, further directions of co-operation were outlined.

Moscow expects proactive steps from Armenian partners regarding deployment of the CSTO mission in Armenia. Zakharova

Hovhannisian John

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 19:51,

YEREVAN, MAY 10, ARMENPRESS. Moscow expects proactive steps from its Armenian partners in the direction of the resumption of substantive work on the deployment of the CSTO mission in the territory of Armenia, ARMENPRESS reports, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said during the weekly briefing.

“We expect steps from the Armenian partners to resume the substantive works regarding the deployment of the CSTO mission in the territory of Armenia and other joint measures to help our ally,” Zakharova said.

Asbarez: Azerbaijan Bars Red Cross Patient Transfers from Artsakh

Hovhannisian John
by Asbarez Staff

 

 

 

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

The ICRC has been barred from transporting patients from Artsakh to Armenia


Azerbaijan has barred the International Committee of the Red Cross from transferring critically ill patients from Artsakh to Armenia, Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan said on Wednesday.

Stepanyan said Azerbaijan has been obstructing the ICRC transfer of patients from Artsakh since an illegal checkpoint was established on the already blockaded Lachin Corridor.

“After setting up a checkpoint, Azerbaijan has been obstructing the activities of the Red Cross in Artsakh in every possible way. For 11 days now, the ICRC has been unable to transport patients in critical health conditions to medical facilities in Armenia,” Stepanyan said in a social media post.

The ICRC told Armenpress that it has not facilitated transfer of patients from Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia since April 29 and is now discussing details pertaining to the format of its work with decision-makers from the parties involved.

“In regards to developments, the International Committee of the Red Cross is discussing with all decision-makers from the parties the details pertaining to the format of our work,” ICRC Armenia Communications and Prevention Manager Zara Amatuni said.

Amatuni explained that the process is confidential and the discussions are underway. She did not elaborate further on the discussions.

“It’s about the continuity of our humanitarian work. We hope it will be restored. However, there is some need for clarification, and now this process is taking place. During this period we are not implementing transfers because we must have clarity regarding several details with all parties involved,” Amatuni said.

Armenian Deputy FMs, Russian Ambassador exchange ideas about the latest developments in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process

Hovhannisian John

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 20:35, 8 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 8, ARMENPRESS. On May 8, Deputy Foreign Ministers of Armenia Vahe Gevorgyan and Vahan Kostanyan received Sergey Kopirkin, the Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia, ARMENPRESS was informed from the MFA Armenia.

The interlocutors exchanged thoughts about the latest developments in the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Deputy Foreign Ministers once again presented the positions of the Armenian side regarding the fundamental issues within the framework of the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Referring to the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor in violation of the November 9, 2020 trilateral declaration and the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, the need for active steps by partners interested in the stability of the South Caucasus was reaffirmed.

Armenian lawmakers meet with President of Cyprus

Hovhannisian John

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 17:19, 2 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 2, ARMENPRESS. An Armenian parliamentary delegation has met with the President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides during a visit to Cyprus.

“The President highly praised the brotherly relations between Armenia and Cyprus,” MP Hayk Konjoryan, the parliament majority leader and Chair of the Armenia-Cyprus Inter-parliamentary cooperation commission said in a statement.

“We mutually underscored the high level of inter-parliamentary cooperation and discussed new prospects of deepening the cooperation. We raised the issue of Azerbaijan’s illegal installation of a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. We discussed the ongoing peace process taking place with Azerbaijan, the existing challenges and ways for resolving them,” Konjoryan said.

PM Pashinyan meets the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic

Hovhannisian John

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 18:32, 5 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a meeting with the President of the Senate of the Czech Republic, Miloš Vistarčil, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister.

The interlocutors emphasized the further development and expansion of cooperation between parliamentarians of the two countries, referred to the negotiations and results of Prime Minister Pashinyan’s official visit to the Czech Republic.

At the meeting, reference was made to the processes taking place in the South Caucasus, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh resulted by the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor, the activities of the European Union’s civilian mission in Armenia and other topics.

One truckload of essential goods sent to 4 blocked communities of Berdadzor. Minister of State of Artsakh

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 19:46, 5 May 2023

YEREVAN, MAY 5, ARMENPRESS. The government of Artsakh, through Russian peacekeepers, has sent a truckload of food, medicine and other essential goods to the communities of Hin Shen, Mets Shen, Yegtsahogh and Lisagor in the Berdadzor sub-district of Shushi region, which are under bilateral blockade after the installation of the illegal checkpoint by Azerbaijan on April 23, ARMENPRESS reports, Artsakh State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan informed on his Facebook page.

“Dear compatriots,

After Azerbaijan installed an illegal checkpoint on the highway connecting Artsakh to Armenia on the border with Armenia (Lachin (Kashatagh) corridor) on April 23, the four communities of Berdadzor sub-district of Shushi region (Hin Shen, Mets Shen, Yegtsahogh and Lisagor) appeared under a bilateral blockade, deprived of all possibilities of connection with the rest of Artsakh and Armenia. Due to the Azerbaijani obstacles, all humanitarian supplies to the residents of these villages were also stopped, and in recent days, an acute humanitarian crisis emerged there, without any stock of basic necessities.

Today, we were finally able to send one truckload of food, medicine and other essential goods to the residents of the mentioned communities through the peacekeepers of the Russian Federation.

Azerbaijan continues the complete blockade of Artsakh through both the illegal checkpoint on the Artsakh-Armenia border and the road near Shushi, already openly and illegally blocked by the Azerbaijani state. And the humanitarian supplies to Artsakh are carried out by the Russian peacekeeping troops, in very limited volumes. We are making additional efforts to restore transportation by the International Committee of the Red Cross,” said the Artsakh State Minister.