Author: Jhanna Virabian

Caucasian Knot | Azerbaijan updates its death toll in Nagorno-Karabakh

Jhanna Virabian
The Caucasian Knot, EU
June 3 2021
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According to updated data, a total of 2900 Azerbaijani soldiers perished in Nagorno-Karabakh; 14 others are regarded as missing, the country’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced. On the same day, the remains of another soldier, a resident of Goygol District, born in 1999, were found, the local administration has informed.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that after the aggravation of the Karabakh conflict in the fall of 2020, a total of 386 Azerbaijani soldiers were recognized as missing. By April 20, 362 of them were found dead. Investigators are trying to find out if any of the remaining 24 soldiers are in captivity or, if they had perished, whether their remains could stay in the enemy’s territory, the military prosecutor’s office of Azerbaijan has reported. In May, the remains of the captain of the Azerbaijani army, Abulfaz Rakhmatov, who disappeared in the first days of the autumn battles in Nagorno-Karabakh, were found in the Djebrail District.

On March 2, the Azerbaijani MoD reported that 2881 bodies of soldiers who perished in the fall of 2020 in Nagorno-Karabakh had been identified. About 4000 soldiers were killed from the Armenian side. By April 14, the bodies of 3621 of them had been identified. 321 Armenian soldiers were reported missing. By May 5, Karabakh rescuers found the bodies of 1553 soldiers in the battlefield.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 3, 2021 at 07:40 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

Author: Faik Medjid; Source: CK correspondent

Source:
© Caucasian Knot

Armenia former President Sargsyan visits memorial chess tournament in Jermuk

Jhanna Virabian
News.am, Armenia
June 6 2021
(PHOTOS)
18:28, 06.06.2021

Third President Serzh Sargsyan, who is President of the Armenian Chess Federation, is visiting Jermuk town Sunday and watched the Stepan Avagyan memorial tournament, which started Friday and will end on June 14, the office of the Third President reported.

The world’s best young Armenian chess players are competing in this tournament.

Within the framework of his visit to Jermuk, Sargsyan is meeting also with members of the “I have the honor” bloc, which will run in the snap parliamentary elections on June 20, and the local residents.

Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev’s Armenophobic statements

Jhanna Virabian
News.am, Armenia
June 1 2021
Armenia Ombudsman addresses OSCE officials in regard to Ilham Aliyev’s Armenophobic statements
23:20, 01.06.2021

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has addressed the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group in regard to the Armenophobic speeches by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. This is what the Human Rights Defender wrote on his Facebook page, adding the following:

“On May 20 and 28, 2021, the President of Azerbaijan gave speeches that attest to policy of Armenophobia and hostility.

The excerpts from those speeches have been set aside and forwarded to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group through official correspondence. They have also been sent to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the European Commission against Racism and Intolerance, the United Nations and Council of Europe Commissioners for Human Rights and other international bodies.

This time, it refers to the speeches given at:

1. the discussion on “South Caucasus: Opportunities for Regional Development and Cooperation” hosted by the Nizami Gyanjevi International Center (May 20, 2021);

2. the meeting with local self-government bodies in Aghdam (May 28, 2021).

In the specified parts of the speeches, the President of Azerbaijan speaks in the language of force and threat, uses words and phrases to offend the dignity of all Armenians in Armenia, Artsakh and around the world and spark tension in Armenian society. These words are terrorizing. In those speeches, Aliyev highlights the advantages of the Azerbaijani people over the Armenian people only on the ground of ethnic belonging.

The aim of this monitoring conducted by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia is to show the genocidal policy of the Azerbaijani authorities, which underlies the gross violations of human rights, including cruelties, and poses a risk for peace and security.”

Armenia’s Acting PM to visit France, Belgium

Jhanna Virabian
Aysor, Armenia

Armenia’s Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will pay a working visit to France and Belgium June 1-2.

Government’s press service reports that on June 1 in Paris Pashinyan will meet with France’s President Emmanuel Macron, French National Assembly and Senate chairmen.

On June 2 in Brussels Pashinyan will meet with the President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel and Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

President, PM and Speaker of Parliament visit Sardarapat Memorial

Jhanna Virabian

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 09:57,

YEREVAN, MAY 28, ARMENPRESS. President Armen Sarkissian, together with caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan, visited the Sardarapat Memorial Friday morning to commemorate Republic Day. They laid flowers at the memorial in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and independence in 1918.

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Armenia marks the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918.

On May 28, 1918 the Armenian people restored their independence – which was lost over 9 centuries earlier – with the triumphant victories in the fierce battles of Karakilisa, Bash Abaran and Sardarapat.

The Battle of Sardarapat shaped the destiny of Armenia. The whole nation, who survived the genocide, joined forces and entire families, including women, children and elderly, were fighting alongside soldiers.

With this victory, Armenian troops were able to stop the Turkish invasion to Transcaucasia and save Armenia from total destruction.

The First Republic of Armenia lasted only two years: in December 1920 the Red Army entered Yerevan and the country was sovietized.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan




Azerbaijani press: Zakharova: Incidents on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border have nothing to do with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict directly -UPDATED

Jhanna Virabian
19:01
“The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are exclusively concerned with the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. This is spelled out in their mandate as well,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing today, APA‘s Moscow correspondent reports.

To the question of the Armenian journalist “the co-chairing countries of the Minsk Group – the USA and France – demanded the immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from the territory of Armenia, and what is the position of the Russian-co-chair on this issue?”, The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry replied: “The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs are exclusively concerned with the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. This is also spelled out in their mandate. In the statements of the Minsk Group co-chairs on April 13 this year, a call was made to Azerbaijan and Armenia to resume the political dialogue at the highest level under the auspices of the co-chairs. This statement highlights issues that require additional effort. These include the return of prisoners of war and other detainees in accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law, the exchange of all data necessary for the implementation of mine clearance in the conflict-affected areas, the lifting of restrictions on access to Nagorno-Karabakh, including for representatives of international organizations, the preservation and protection religious and cultural heritage, encouraging direct contact and cooperation between conflict-affected communities. It is important to emphasize that the format of the co-chairs enjoys broad international support, and it is within its framework that the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should take place. As you know, the differences between Baku and Yerevan remain significant, especially over the status of Nagorno-Karabakh. After the well-known events of September-November last year, both countries are at the beginning of the path to restoring a full-fledged dialogue and mutual trust. Russia is making active mediation efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and stabilize the situation in the South Caucasus. Russian peacekeepers guarantee peace and security in Nagorno-Karabakh. A trilateral working group co-chaired by the vice-prime ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia is engaged in unblocking transport and economic ties in the region. The Russian side is closely involved in resolving the incident on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, helping to reduce tensions. We maintain regular contacts with Baku and Yerevan at the highest and highest levels, operational communication has been established through the military, border services and, of course, foreign affairs agencies.

As for the incident on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, it is not directly related to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem. The main reason is the lack of international legal registration of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, which was inherited from Soviet times. As a long-term solution to this problem, we see the launch of the process of delimitation of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border with its subsequent demarcation. We proceed from the premise that such a situation should be resolved exclusively by peaceful, negotiated means. As a long-term solution to this problem, we see the launch of the process of delimitation of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border with its subsequent demarcation. Russia is ready to help this in every possible way.”

***

“Incidents on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border have nothing to do with the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, directy,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing today, APA’s Moscow correspondent reports.

According to her, the main reason for this incident is the non-formation of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border inherited from the Soviet era in terms of international law: “We believe that such a problem should be resolved through peace and negotiations without exception. Russia is ready to help in any way. “

Caucasian Knot | Armenian soldier killed in a shootout on border with Azerbaijan

Jhanna Virabian
The Caucasian Knot, EU
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Azerbaijani soldiers used firearms on the border near the village of Verin Shorzha, and as a result, a 32-year-old contract soldier was killed, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Armenia reports today.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on May 12, according to the Armenian side, the Azerbaijani armed forces advanced to the Black Lake area in the Syunik Region of Armenia. On May 13, the Armenian MoD announced the prevention of another attempt by Azerbaijani soldiers to cross the border.

32-year-old Junior Sergeant V. Khurshudyan from Armenia has been killed in a shootout on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the “News.Am” reports today with reference to the Armenian MoD.

The shootout began after a shelling attack from the Azerbaijani side on the Armenian border in the Gegarkunik Region, the “Sputnik-Armenia” reported.

The Azerbaijani military personnel shelled Armenian posts “at 2:20 p.m. on the border, near the village of Verin Shorzha in the Gegarkunik Region of Armenia,” the international news agency “News-Armenia” quoted the Armenian MoD as reporting.

According to the Yandex.Maps service, the village of Verin Shorzha is located 63.6 kilometres from the Black Lake.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on at 04:45 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:

Eleven Armenian soldiers injured in a fight with Azerbaijani soldiers, Women and children evacuated from Armenian border village of Khoznavar, Armenian MoD reports about conflict with Azerbaijani soldiers on border.

Source:
© Caucasian Knot


Russia in favor of sending a UNESCO mission to Karabakh ASAP

Jhanna Virabian
PanArmenian, Armenia

– 17:39 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – The Russian Federation stands for the arrangement of a UNESCO mission to Nagorno-Karabakh as soon as possible, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova told reporters on Friday, May 21.

Her comments came in response to a question about Russia’s position as a co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group on the vandalism of Azerbaijan against Armenian cultural heritage in Karabakh. UNESCO has said on multiple occasions that Azerbaijani is delaying its approval for a mission to Karabakh (Artsakh) to assess damage to cultural and religious sites.

“The preservation of cultural and historical heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent regions is regularly discussed in our contacts with Baku and Yerevan. The matter was discussed during the working visit of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to Armenia and Azerbaijan in the first half of May. We support the early organization of a UNESCO mission to the region. We also work along the lines of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, ”Zakharova noted.

She added that a statement issued by the co-chairs on April 13 mentioned that the preservation and protection of religious and cultural heritage are among the issues that require additional efforts from Azerbaijan and Armenia.

During the recent military hostilities, Azerbaijani forces launched two targeted attacks on the Holy Savior Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi. Azerbaijan earlier “restored” a church by replacing its Armenian inscription with glass art. Furthermore, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev visited the region of Hadrut in territories occupied by Azerbaijan and declared his intention to “renovate” a 12th century Armenian church, which he claimed to “an Albanian church”. Aliyev went so far as to accuse Armenians of leaving “fake inscriptions” in the Armenian language.

Yerevan citizen to ruling party MP: Go and give Syunik Province away, shame on you

Jhanna Virabian
News.am, Armenia
19:39, 21.05.2021

A group of citizens of Armenia are currently holding a protest near the government building.

A short while ago, deputy of the My Step faction of the National Assembly of Armenia, President of the Yerkrapah Union of Volunteer Land Defenders Sasun Mikayelyan came to the government building. Seeing him, one of the female protesters said the following to him: “Go, go, give Syunik [Syunik Province] away, you fought in the war, you’re a friend of Vazgen [ex-Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan], shame on you.”

Mikayelyan didn’t say anything and silently entered the government building.

5 political parties of Armenia form Free Homeland alliance

Jhanna Virabian
News.am, Armenia
16:58, 19.05.2021

Five political parties of Armenia have issued a statement heralding the creation of the Free Homeland alliance.

The statement reads as follows: “To restore full sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, to establish democracy, to protect spiritual security and Human Rights and Freedoms and to ensure sustainable economic development, the National Self-Determination Union political party, Justice Party, Democratic Homeland Party, Armenian Constructive Party and Armenian Conservative Party have agreed to form the Free Homeland alliance.

The alliance is open for all political parties that accept the principles of its organization and the alliance’s civilizational stance.

The administrative body of the alliance is the council, the members of which are the leaders of the member political parties. Decisions shall be adopted by majority of votes. The Prime Minister (candidate) has the right to veto, which can be overturned by two thirds of votes of the members of the council.”