Author: Khondkarian Raffi

Russia helps reconstruct over 250 buildings in Nagorno-Karabakh – Emergencies Ministry

Khondkarian Raffi
TASS, Russia
Jan 1 2021
Over 2,600 buildings in Nagorno-Karabakh need reconstruction
© Valery Sharifulin/TASS, archive

MOSCOW, January 1. /TASS/. Russian rescue workers have reconstructed more than 250 buildings in Nagorno-Karabakh, working together with the regional Ministry of Urban Construction and the Interior Ministry, the Russian Emergencies Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

“As many as 251 buildings have been reconstructed so far, including an apartment building, 245 private houses, two government buildings, an infrastructure facility and two social facilities,” the statement reads.

According to the ministry, over 2,600 buildings in Nagorno-Karabakh need reconstruction. Work is underway to reconstruct 15 apartment buildings, 183 private houses, two government buildings and two social facilities.

Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict over the disputed territory, primarily populated by ethnic Armenians, broke out in February 1988 after the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region announced its withdrawal from the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1992-1994, tensions boiled over and exploded into large-scale military action for control over the enclave and seven adjacent territories after Azerbaijan lost control of them.

On November 9, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh starting from November 10. The Russian leader said that Azerbaijan and Armenia would maintain the positions that they had held and Russian peacekeepers would be deployed to the region.

Asbarez: Armenia, Azerbaijan Security Chiefs Meet In Moscow

Khondkarian Raffi

December 30,  2020



Alexander Bortnikov (right), the head of Russia’s Federal Security Service, hosts a meeting of his Armenian and Azerbaijani counterparts in Moscow on Dec. 28

YEREVAN (Azatutyun.am)—The heads of Armenia’s and Azerbaijan’s main security services have met in Moscow to discuss the implementation of the Russian-brokered agreement to stop the war in Nagorno-Karabakh, it emerged on Wednesday.

Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) reported that the head of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), Alexander Bortnikov, hosted a trilateral meeting with his Armenian and Azerbaijani opposite numbers on Monday.

An NSS statement said the three men discussed “a number of pressing issues, including the exchange of prisoners and the search for missing persons.”

The statement added that NSS Director Armen Abazian and the chief of Azerbaijan’s State Security Service, Ali Naghiyev, reached “understandings on works to be carried out in various directions.” It did not elaborate.

The FSB issued no statement on the meeting. Bortnikov visited Yerevan and Baku earlier in December.
The Moscow meeting took place amid Baku’s claims that Armenian troops attacked on Sunday an Azerbaijani army unit in Karabakh’s southern Hadrut district that was occupied by Azerbaijani forces during the six-week war. Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry said one Azerbaijani and six Armenian soldiers were killed in the firefight.

Armenia’s Defense Ministry strongly denied the allegations, saying that Karabakh’s Armenian-backed Defense Army did not conduct any military operations or violate the ceasefire otherwise.
The Defense Army likewise insisted on Wednesday that “not a single gunshot” was fired by its troops in recent days. In a statement, it also argued that the scene of the alleged incident is located dozens of kilometers from the nearest section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani “line of contact.”

The Karabakh Armenian army said it is now examining videos posted on Azerbaijani social media accounts purportedly showing the six Armenians allegedly killed on Monday. It suggested that they may have been captured and executed earlier.

Armenia Opposition Stages Protests, Strike Over Karabakh

Khondkarian Raffi
BARRON’S
Dec 22 2020
 
 
AFP – Agence France Presse
December 22, 2020
 
 
Thousands of protesters rallied in Armenia’s capital on Tuesday demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resign over a controversial peace deal with Azerbaijan as the opposition launched a nationwide strike.
 
Some 25,000 protesters flooded the centre of Yerevan, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene, chanting “Nikol the traitor” and “Armenia without Nikol”.
 
Demonstrators surrounded the government building and implored riot police protecting it to join the people.
 
Pashinyan sparked fury when he signed the Moscow-brokered accord last month, ending six weeks of war over the ethnic Armenian enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh that left more than 6,000 dead.
 
Armenia agreed to cede three districts to Baku under the deal in addition to four others that Azerbaijani forces won back during the fighting and had been controlled by Armenian separatists since a 1990s war.
 
The decision unleashed outrage in Armenia, where demonstrators have staged near daily rallies demanding Pashinyan’s resignation, with anger growing in recent weeks.
 
On Tuesday protesters gathered in Yerevan’s Republic Square outside the government building, the prosecutor general’s office and several other ministries, after a call last week by the opposition to begin a nationwide strike at noon.
 
“This government no longer represents us. Its decisions are illegal and therefore it must go,” a leader of the opposition Dashnaktsutyun party, Ishkhan Sagatelyan, told demonstrators.
 
“We can heal our wounds only if he leaves,” 67-year-old pensioner Iveta Serobyan told AFP, referring to Pashinyan.
 
Dashnaktsutyun leader Gegham Manukyan said employees of the Yerevan city metro had joined the strike as well as the trade union of Yerevan State University and more than a dozen business organisations.
 
He said the strike would continue until Pashinyan steps down.
 
At around 8 pm (1600 GMT), hundreds of protesters remained in Republic Square, where they said they would spend the night, an AFP correspondent reported.
 
The demonstrators set up half a dozen tents for sleeping, made hot drinks and lit fires in several empty oil drums to stay warm against the freezing cold.
 
Police remained at the scene but did not interfere with the protesters.
 
The rally came a day after demonstrators blocked roads leading to the border town of Goris, forcing Pashinyan to cut short an official visit as part of three days of national mourning for people killed during the war.
 
The town’s mayor Arushan Arushanyan had called on protesters to bar Pashinyan from entering the southern Syunik region and was later detained by police.
 
Demonstrators also gathered in Goris on Tuesday, demanding Arushanyan’s release.
 
Pashinyan has said he has no plans to resign, a stance he repeated on Facebook ahead of Tuesday’s rallies, writing: “I will continue to perform my functions of prime minister.”
 
The Barron’s news department was not involved in the creation of the content above. This story was produced by AFP. For more information go to AFP.com.
© Agence France-Presse
  

Brutal war between Azerbaijan, Armenia makes peace a hard bargain

Khondkarian Raffi
PBS.org
Dec 21 2020
Dec 21, 2020 6:40 PM EST
Transcript Audio

Just over a month ago, Armenia lost control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region in a short-lived and brutal war with Azerbaijan. But while Armenian forces have handed these territories back to Azerbaijan it may be a long time before civilians return to them safely, with hundreds of miles of frontline to de-mine and evidence of war crimes. Special correspondent Simon Ostrovsky reports.

  • Judy Woodruff:

    Nearly three months ago, a dormant conflict on the fringes of Europe broke into brutal warfare. The former Soviet republic of Armenia and Azerbaijan went to war again over the enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, drawing in regional powers.

    Now, after the Azerbaijani victory, as special correspondent Simon Ostrovsky tells us, with the support of the Pulitzer Center, peace will be a hard bargain.

  • And a warning:

    Some images in this report may disturb viewers.

  • Simon Ostrovsky:

    Earlier this month, allies reviewing the captured spoils of a brutal war, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the capital Baku’s main square.

    Column after column of captured Armenian weapons rolled by in a victory parade to celebrate neighboring Armenia’s defeat and the capture of a larger prize, the Nagorno-Karabakh region, after the latest war over Karabakh ended November 9, a decidedly unusual, even repellent spectacle for modern Europe.

    But these are dark times in this corner of the continent, where Turkey, Russia and Iran intersect. Just over a month ago, Armenia lost control of these areas of Azerbaijan, which it held since the end of the first war between Azeris and Armenians here in 1994. Now the Azerbaijani and Turkish leaders exult in their popularity.

  • Ilham Aliyev (through translator):

    The famous Bayraktar drone, which is made by the Turkish defense industry, was a game-changer and played an important role in our success.

  • Simon Ostrovsky:

    Azerbaijan’s successful military campaign was helped by Turkish know-how and drone technology. It will shape the geopolitical map for years to come in this vital region.

    Russia, Turkey’s rival in theaters as diverse as Karabakh, Syria and Libya, seems to have secured a place on that map. It wielded its influence with Armenia and Azerbaijan to broker a deal that not only ended the fighting, but secured a role for its military in the contested enclave in the form of peacekeeping troops.

  • RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN, Turkish President (through translator):

    I have to mention Mr. Putin’s approach. His approach made it possible to carry this process out in a positive manner and get things to where they are.

  • Simon Ostrovsky:

    While Azerbaijanis are jubilant over the return of lands long coveted, some worry that the Russians are there to stay.

  • Elnur Aliyev (through translator):

    In my opinion, it’s bad that the Russian peacekeepers arrived. They should not have come. At minimum, Russia is a country that helps Armenia and sends peacekeepers. If Turkey came, yes, but I don’t approve of Russian peacekeepers.

  • Simon Ostrovsky:

    More frequently, though, responses like this one when we asked residents of Baku what they thought of the Russian presence:

  • Woman (through translator):

    We trust our president. He knows everything very well. It must have been the right decision.

  • Simon Ostrovsky:

    Armenian forces may have handed these territories back to Azerbaijan, but it might be a long time before civilians can come back here safely. There’s hundreds of miles of front line to de-mine.

    But it’s not just about clearing unexploded ordnance. If civilians from both sides are to return to these areas, painful steps toward reconciliation must first take place. That includes the prosecution of war criminals.

    Rachel Denber is a deputy director of Human Rights Watch.

  • Rachel Denber:

    It’s imperative for a couple of reasons. First, it’s imperative as a deterrent to ensure that these crimes don’t repeat, to send a very strong signal to — throughout the chain of command, from the highest level to the lowest level, that these kinds of actions will not be tolerated and that they will be vigorously punished.

    But it’s also — it’s also important for a sense of justice and a sense of security.

  • Simon Ostrovsky:

    While Azerbaijan’s leader promised to govern regained territory for the benefit of both the Azeri and Armenian communities, his troops are sending another message.

    Here, they chant, “They will destroy Armenians.”

    And, here, just a small sample of the gruesome footage that has emerged from this conflict. A soldier cuts off the ear of a dead Armenian fighter.

    In its war to take back control of Karabakh, Azerbaijan is accused of war crimes, including the beheading, mutilation and humiliation of Armenian fighters and civilians, according to recent reports by both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

    And while Armenians also stand accused of humiliating captive soldiers and killing at least one POW, they didn’t mistreat any civilians, possibly because their troops were in the retreat. That puts the onus on Azerbaijan to show first and foremost that it’s serious about being a just steward for everyone who will live here.

    For the “PBS NewsHour,” I’m Simon Ostrovsky in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Video at

Russian peacekeepers complete demining works in northern section of Stepanakert

Khondkarian Raffi

Save

Share

 12:54, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The specialists of the International Mine Action Center of the Russian defense ministry continue demining works in the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, the Russian defense ministry reports.

The engineering units of the Russian peacekeeping troops are completing the demining works in the northern section of Stepanakert. They have already cleared 260 hectares of land, nearly 100 km long roads, 434 buildings. Over 8,6 thousand explosive devices were found and neutralized.

In the course of demining and clearing the territory of explosive objects in Nagorno Karabakh, Russian peacekeepers use modern robotic systems.

Discovered explosive objects and unexploded ammunition are removed and destroyed at a specially equipped landfill. 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Armenian PM, Minister of Emergency Situations of Russia discuss future partnership in the sphere

Khondkarian Raffi

Save

Share

 19:42, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received Minister of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Yevgeny Zinichev.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the PM highly assessed the activities of the Russian Ministry aimed at the restoring the normal life in Nagorno Karabakh and providing humanitarian aid to the citizens and thanked for the effective cooperation with the Armenian side. Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Government of Armenia highlights the continuous development of strategic cooperation with Russia, emphasizing Russia’s key role for strengthening peace and stability in the region.

‘’We are interested in further development of cooperation with Russia in all spheres, including security, economy and humanitarian spheres’’, the PM said, considering the development and implementation of new joint programs in various fields as necessary.

Yevgeny Zinichev provided details on the humanitarian activities carried out by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations in Artsakh and noted that the transportation of humanitarian cargo and other works are carried out without problems, in close cooperation with the Armenian partners.

The interlocutors discussed issues related to the full realization of the potential of the Armenian-Russian Humanitarian Center, further cooperation in the field of emergency situations and rapid response.

Russian, Turkish FMs to discuss implementation of NK statement

Khondkarian Raffi

Save

Share

 17:18,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 24, ARMENPRESS. Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu will depart for Sochi on December 29 on a working visit where he will meet with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing today, reports TASS.

“They are expected to discuss in-detail issues relating to the implementation of the trilateral statement signed between Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan on November 9. The focus will be on reducing the risk of possible clashes, providing humanitarian aid to the countries. The activity of the Russian-Turkish monitoring center for controlling the ceasefire in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone will be the focus of the discussion”, she said.

A number of other issues of the Russian-Turkish bilateral and the international agenda will also be discussed.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

Asbarez: ARF Bureau Chairman Meets with Lebanon President

Khondkarian Raffi

December 22,  2020



General Miche Aoun, Lebanon’s President far left, with ARF Bureau Chairman Hagop Der Khachadourian (center) and ARF Lebanon Central Committee chairman Hagop Pakradouni

Lebanon’s President General Michel Aoun on Monday met with Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau Chairman Hagop Der Khachadourian and the ARF Lebanon Central Committee Chairman Hagop Pakradouni.

The meeting with the Lebanese leader was part of Der Khachadourian’s visit to Beirut, where he has met with community leaders, His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, as well as families of the victims of the August blast at the port of Beirut.

From l to r: Hagop Der Khachadourian, General Michel Aoun, Hagop Pakradouni

Der Khachadourian briefed Aoun about the ARF’s efforts and activities in international circles in support of Lebanon, especially the country’s current sensitive situation.

The ARF leaders and Aoun also discussed the current situation of Artsakh.

Artsakh’s President visits 6 soldiers who returned after 70 days being considered missing in action

Khondkarian Raffi

Save

Share

 19:59,

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Tigran Avinyan, visited on December 21 6 Defense Army conscripts, who returned to Armenia on December 20 after being considered missing in action for 70 days.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of Artsakh President’s Office, Arayik Harutyunyan inquired about their health situation, talked with them and assured that in case of necessity the state will organize their treatment in leading international healthcare institutions. The doctors assured that the lives of the servicemen are not under risk but they have to remain under the supervision of specialists for a while.

Flare up in Karabakh – what Baku and Yerevan are saying

Khondkarian Raffi
JAM News
Dec 13 2020

    JAMnews

Combat has resumed in Karabakh around two villages. There are dead and wounded, and both sides point the figure at the other for the first flare up of violence since the November 10 truce.

Azerbaijan announced an ‘anti-terrorist operation’ against Armenian militants, while Armenia said an attack had been launched by the Azerbaijani military on civilians.

The State Security Service and the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan made a joint statement on December 13, which refers to a ‘counter-terrorist operation’ of the Azerbaijani special services on the territory of the Khojavend region in Karabakh.

“After the declaration of the armistice in the north-western part of the Gadrut settlement of the Khojavend region of Azerbaijan, some Armenian armed formations remained in the forest area.

Armenian media said they got lost in the forest. The Armenian side appealed to the command of the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation for their withdrawal from the territory, and the Azerbaijani side provided all the conditions for this.

In difficult weather conditions, the servicemen of the Russian peacekeeping contingent arrived at the scene and, using loudspeakers, addressed the Armenian armed formations in the forest. […]

But [the militants] did not leave the territory and instead created combat positions there […] and for several days carried out sabotage against civilians and military personnel.

Thus, as a result of a surprise attack on November 26 on servicemen of the Ministry of Defense in the liberated from occupation village of Sur, Khojavend region, three Azerbaijani servicemen were killed and two wounded.

On December 8, during the installation of communication equipment near the village of Hadrut, another serviceman was killed and an employee of Azercell was seriously injured.

Taking this into account, Azerbaijan was forced to conduct an anti-terrorist operation in this territory.”

  • Op-ed: What’s next in Armenia – loss of sovereignty or global integration?

The Armenian Foreign Ministry stated on December 13 that “Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire in the area of the Khin Taglar and Khtsaberd settlements of the Hadrut region, taking advantage of the fact that peacekeeping forces were not deployed in this part of the Artsakh Republic”.

According to the Armenian Foreign Ministry, this incident took place on December 11, six servicemen of the Karabakh Defense Army were wounded.

“Azerbaijani forces continued their provocative actions on December 13 in the direction of the settlements of Mets Shen and Khin Shen [Azerbaijani names Boyuk Galadyaryasi and Kehnia Galadyaryasi – JAMnews] […] These actions aim to devalue the presence of the peacekeeping forces of the Russian Federation in the conflict zone.

The Azerbaijani side carried out this provocation during the visit of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs to the region. It is a challenge against [their] efforts. […]

This style of action once again demonstrates the Turkish-Azerbaijani expansionist policy, which continues to undermine regional security and stability and is fraught with spread to neighboring regions.

In the light of such actions of official Baku […], the de-occupation of the territories of Artsakh and the return of the Armenians of Artsakh to their places of residence become even more obligatory.”

The Armenian Foreign Ministry called on the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairing countries to react to the actions of the Azerbaijani side.