Author: nina hovnanian

US Ambassador’s Tweets More Worrying than Russian Ambassador’s Remarks
on Karabakh: Minister

05.08.2014 16:44 epress.am

Russian Ambassador to Armenia Ivan Volynkin (pictured, left) is free
in his activities, RA Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey
Manasaryan told the press after today’s cabinet meeting. The
ambassador had stated that Russia should be more active in asserting
its presence in the information field here in Armenia. `But other
methods are also apparently needed for neutralizing those NGOs in
Armenia that want to drive a wedge into Russian-Armenian relations. In
Russia, by the way, a law was adopted that quite specifically
regulates the activities of NGOs,” Ambassador Volynkin had said in an
interview with Russian-language newspaper Noev Kovcheg.

Manasaryan found it difficult to provide an assessment of the
ambassador’s remarks. “If we are talking about organizations operating
in Armenia, I don’t think that [an opinion] will be regarded as
interference. The ambassador expressed his opinion and got his
answer,” he said.

RA Minister of Education and Science Armen Ashotyan, however, is
concerned more about US Ambassador to Armenia John Heffern’s
(pictured, right) statement than Russian Ambassador Ivan Volynkin’s
remarks. On Twitter, Ambassador Heffern cited excerpts from OSCE Minsk
Group US Co-Chair, Ambassador James Warlick’s speech on settlement of
the Karabakh conflict.

“Particularly after Minsk Group Co-Chair Warlick’s complete statement,
to tweet only the part that refers to territories enshrined in the
Constitution of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh, I have to say,
should have caused no less, if not more vehement reactions.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs [already] responded to the Russian
ambassador’s interview, and I too am of the opinion that
non-governmental organizations in the Republic of Armenia are
gradually having a greater role. The bulk of them is pro-state and
pro-Armenia. Clearly there are organizations that are guided by the
principle of ‘he who pays the piper calls the tune,’ but at the moment
I know of no NGO operating in Armenia in violation of the legislative
field.

“No one can drive a wedge between the peoples of Armenia and Russia.

“As for the last statement of the American side, I will give my
personal opinion: I think the number one task for the Armenian
authorities and opposition today should be not to allow Armenia,
especially the Karabakh conflict, become a new hotbed of global
geopolitical struggle, and we shouldn’t allow the current aggravated
stage of relations between Russia and the US, Russia and the West over
Ukraine to extend to Karabakh,” said the education minister.

Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
104 North Belmont Street, Suite 200
Glendale, California 91206
Phone: 818.500.1918
[email protected]

PRESS RELEASE May 8, 2014
Contact: Elen Asatryan
Cell: 818.523.8389 Office: 818.500.1919
Email: [email protected]

CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY RECOGNIZES ARTSAKH’S INDEPENDENCE

— Landslide 70 to 1 Victory Reaffirms California State Assembly’s
Commitment to Democratic Self-Determination, Calls for U.S.
Recognition of Karabakh’s Independence.

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California State Assembly, in an overwhelming
bipartisan vote, today called for U.S. recognition of the Republic of
Nagorno Karabakh, marking a major milestone in the growing American
movement supporting the national and democratic aspirations of the
citizens of this independent and historically Armenian country,
reported the Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region
(ANCA-WR).

The historic vote specifically voiced encouragement for Artsakh’s
(Nagorno Karabagh) continuing efforts to develop as a free and
independent nation, and formally called upon the President and
Congress of the United States to support the self-determination and
democratic independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. AJR 32 was
adopted by a vote of 70 to 1, and will now move to the California
State Senate for consideration. Earlier this week, AJR 32 was adopted
by the State Assembly Rules Committee by a vote of 9-1.

`Today the people of California, through a nearly unanimous vote by
their elected representatives in the State Assembly, stood on the side
of freedom and independence for the people of Artsakh. We were
extremely proud and gratified to work so closely with Speaker John A.
Perez and Assemblymembers Mike Gatto, Katcho Achadjian, Adrin
Nazarian, and Scott Wilk in achieving this great victory, and we thank
each and every one of them for leading this effort. We look forward to
a similar victory in the State Senate, as the ANCA WR continues its
day to day efforts in pursuit of every aspect of the Armenian Cause,’
stated ANCA WR Chair, Nora Hovsepian who had provided compelling oral
testimony during the committee hearing held on Monday, May 5, 2014.

“Today’s overwhelming vote puts the California State Assembly on
record in support of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and reaffirms our
unwavering commitment to freedom and self-determination for all
peoples,” noted Assembly Speaker John A. Perez.

AJR 32 lead author, Assemblymember Gatto introduced the resolution on
the floor providing historical background; noting the importance of
supporting the self-determination and independence of Artsakh.
Co-Author Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian (R-CA), Assemblymembers
Cheryl Brown (D-CA), Ian Calderon (D-CA), Tim Donnelly (R-CA) Adrin
Nazarian (D-CA), and Scott Wilk (R-CA) joined Assemblymember Gatto in
urging their colleagues to support the resolution.

“We worked so hard to make it move forward, and we are so proud today
that the California State house stood with me in support of the people
of Artsakh in their ongoing quest for freedom, democracy and
independence,” stated Assemblymember Gatto.

California is home to tens of thousands of Armenian-Americans who are
refugees of pogroms against Armenians in Sumgait (1988), Kirovabad
(1988), and Baku (1990), and the ethnic-cleansing of the Armenian
population of Azerbaijan. Dozens of refugees from the region, many
from the Shahumian district of Artsakh, were present for the historic
vote.

Alena Nalbandyan, who lived in Shahumian until the Azerbaijani
military assault against Armenian civilians, provided personal
testimony during the hearing which resonated with the committee
members. `It was very gratifying to be able to share my experience
with the members of the State Legislature. Today’s vote represents
a
validation of the demand for self-determination by all Armenians from
Arstakh.”

`This resolution represents a major step in the recognition of the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as an independent nation. I would especially
like to thank my colleague Assemblymember Gatto for bringing this
issue before the Assembly for debate. I am proud the state of
California has taken a stance to support NKR’s pursuit of liberty and
freedom,’ stated Co-Author of AJR 32, Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian.

Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian said, `Today’s historical vote on AJR
32 demonstrated the Legislature’s will to accurately recognize truth
in the face of false adversity. I commend my colleagues for standing
on the side of truth, freedom, and democracy. Their solidarity with
the people of Artsakh speaks volumes about the progress they have made
in their path for self-determination, and their goal for recognition
as an independent state.’

`It is a special day for Artsakh. As we are preparing to celebrate a
triple holiday in Artsakh – the liberation of Shushi, formation of
the
NKR defense army and victory in WW2, we now have another significant
reason to celebrate, which is the support of Artsakh’s freedom and
sovereign democracy by one of the strongest states of the United
States,’ commented Representative of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic
to
the United States Robert Avetisyan. `We want to thank the California
State Assembly for supporting us and our aspiration for freedom and
everyone who made this day possible. This decision by the State
Assembly of the State of California reiterates that the human rights
and liberties are the prevailing values in this world and it only
reinforces our determination to move forward and develop as an open
and democratic society,’ added Avetisyan.

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR)
worked closely with Speaker Perez’s office as well as the author,
Assemblyman Mike Gatto, Co-Author Katcho Achadjian, and
Assemblymembers Adrin Nazarian and Scott Wilk to garner support for
the resolution. In weeks and days leading up to the vote, the ANCA WR
also activated its grassroots in sending letters and making calls to
elected officials, urging them to support AJR 32.

“California has always been at the forefront of global human rights
issues, leading America and the world on everything from ending
Apartheid to, now, supporting democracy and self-determination for the
independent Republic of Nagorno Karabakh,’ states ANCA-WR Executive
Director, Elen Asatryan. `As Americans we cherish our own liberty and
support the right of all peoples to live in freedom and under
governments of their own choosing. The people of Nagorno Karabakh
deserve nothing less, ” added Asatryan.

Upon passage by the State Senate, California will join Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, Maine and Louisiana in adopting legislation which
supports the independence of Artsakh.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the
largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy
organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination
with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the
Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country,
the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community
on a broad range of issues.

###

Photo CaptionS:

1. AJR 32_Nagorno Karabakh Republic 518 05-08-14: On the floor of
the CA State Assembly After Vote on AJR 32 From Left: Assemblymember
Katcho Achadjian, Counsellor of Armenia to Los angeles Artak Galstyan,
Savak Khatchadorian of ACA, Assemblymember Cheryl Brown,
Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian, ANCA Western Region Chair Nora
Hovsepian, Assemblymember Scott Wilk, ANCA Western Region Executive
Director Elen Asatryan, NKR Representative to the United States Robert
Avetisyan, Assemblymember Mike Gatto

2. ANCA Western Region Board and Staff with Counsellor of Armenia to
Los angeles Artak Galstyan, NKR Representatives to the United States
Robert Avetisyan, Montebello Councilmember Jack Hadjinian and members
of the Armenian Youth Federation outside of Assembly Chambers after
Historic Vote.

3. Leading Author of AJR 32, Asssemblymember Mike Gatto

4. Speaker of the CA State Assembly John Perez

L’ARTSAKH QUALIFIE DE ” DESTRUCTIVE ” LA DECLARATION DE BAKOU SUR JAMES WARLICK

KARABAGH

Le ministère des Affaires étrangères de la République du
Haut-Karabakh a décrit l’appel du vice-ministre des Affaires
étrangères azerbaïdjanais Araz Azimov de rappeler le coprésident
américain du Groupe de Minsk James Warlick comme ” une autre
manifestation de la position destructrice de l’Azerbaïdjan ”.

Le jour de la visite du co-président James Warlick a Los Angeles
et Houston pour rencontrer les communautés arméniennes et azéries
respectivement, Bakou a amplifié sa rhétorique contre le diplomate
américain et exhortant les responsables de l’OSCE a le rappeler.

Le vice-ministre des Affaires étrangères de l’Azerbaïdjan Araz
Azimov a accusé James Warlick de partialité, citant des sources
anonymes a Washington qui aurait affirmé que le diplomate américain
” a des liens étroits avec la diaspora arménienne aux Etats-Unis,
qui détient une position forte sur la résolution du conflit du
[Haut-Karabagh] ”.

Azimov a tenté de justifier son allégation sans fondement en disant
que ” même un coup d’Å”il sur les commentaires sur les réseaux
sociaux montre que le coprésident américain préfère communiquer
davantage avec la diaspora arménienne aux Etats-Unis ” selon l’agence
de presse azérie APA. ” En général, certaines de ses déclarations
sont provocatrices avec les rumeurs étalées par le co-président sur
une possible escalade du conflit entre l’Arménie et l’Azerbaïdjan ”
a affirmé Azimov.

” Nous avons a maintes reprises exprimé notre inquiétude sur
l’activité du Groupe de Minsk et les du co-président américain du
groupe de Minsk de l’OSCE. Nous ne pouvons pas fermer les yeux sur
les actions de Warlick, qui réduisent la confiance dans le Groupe de
Minsk et sapent le processus de négociation. Toutes ces déclarations
montrent que James Warlick a consciemment et délibérément pris ces
mesures pour mettre en avant les intérêts de la partie arménienne ”
a affirmé Azimov.

” Tous les faits mentionnés ci-dessus donnent a la partie
azerbaïdjanaise toutes les raisons de se méfier du co-président
des Ã~Itats-Unis, de refuser de travailler avec lui et d’appeler au
Président en exercice de l’OSCE pour rappeler Warlick du poste de
co-président du groupe de Minsk de l’OSCE ” a conclu Azimov.

” Cette déclaration est une autre manifestation de la position
destructrice de l’Azerbaïdjan visant a saper le format de la
triple co-présidence du Groupe de Minsk de l’OSCE et a d’allonger
de facon artificielle la résolution du conflit entre l’Azerbaïdjan
et le Haut-Karabagh. Une telle position de l’Azerbaïdjan témoigne
de l’absence de sa participation dans le règlement définitif du
conflit ” a déclaré le ministère des Affaires étrangères du
Haut-Karabagh dans un communiqué.

Le vice-ministre des Affaires étrangères de l’Arménie Shavarsh
Kotcharian a déclaré a News.am que Bakou a toujours critiqué
les co-présidents du Groupe de Minsk de l’OSCE dans une tentative
d’influencer leurs décisions en faveur de la politique destructrice de
l’Azerbaïdjan. ” Cette critique la plus récente de la co-présidence
américaine par Bakou est une autre tentative de faire chanter les
coprésidents et de jeter le blâme sur eux pour l’obstruction par
l’Azerbaïdjan de la résolution du conflit du Karabagh ” a ajouté
Kotcharian.

jeudi 8 mai 2014, Stéphane ©armenews.com

UNE COMMISSION DE L’ASSEMBLEE DE CALIFORNIE VOTE UN SOUTIEN A L’INDEPENDANCE DE LA RHK

USA

La Commission des lois de l’Assemblée de l’Ã~Itat de la Californie a
voté lundi en faveur du soutien et de l’encouragement aux efforts
continus du Haut-Karabagh a se développer en nation libre et
indépendante, et a exhorté le président et le Congrès des
Ã~Itats-Unis a soutenir l’auto-détermination et l’indépendance
démocratique du Haut- Karabagh, a indiqué le Comité National
Arménien d’Amérique – Région de l’Ouest.

L’AJR 32, introduit par Mike Gatto, a été adoptée par un vote de 9
oui, 1 non et 1 membre qui n’a pas pris part au vote et va maintenant
passer devant la chambre pleinière de l’Assemblée pour un vote
prévu pour le jour, soit le 8 mai 2014 selon Asbarez.com.

” Nous sommes reconnaissants au représentant Mike Gatto d’avoir
introduit cette importante résolution demandant a l’Ã~Itat de
Californie de prendre une position morale en conformité avec les
idéaux américains de l’autodétermination et de la liberté en
reconnaissant l’indépendance de l’Artsakh”, a déclaré le président
de l’ANCA-WR Nora Hovsepian.

jeudi 8 mai 2014, Stéphane ©armenews.com

OUVERTURE PROCHAINE D’UN CENTRE DE TECHNOLOGIES DE L’INFORMATION ET DE CREATION ” TOUMO” A STEPANAKERT

HAUT KARABAGH

Ara Haroutiounian, le Premier ministre de la République du Haut
Karabagh a recu le 7 mai a Stepanakert -capitale de l’Artsakh- une
délégation de l’Union Générale Arménienne de Bienfaisance (Ugab)
en vue de la création a Stepanakert d’un centre de technologies
de l’information ” Toumo ” (Tumo). Après le succès du centre ”
Toumo ” a Erévan, l’objectif étant de doter le Haut Karabagh d’un
centre similaire destiné a la formation des jeunes aux techniques
informatiques. Le Premier ministre a salué l’Ugab pour le financement
de ce projet jugé ” très important ” pour le Haut Karabagh. Lors
de la rencontre furent abordés le choix de la construction abritant
le futur centre ” Toumo ” de Stepanakert ainsi que les travaux
d’aménagement et de réhabilitation du bâtiment. Le gouvernement de
la République du Haut Karabagh ainsi que l’Ugab désirent accélérer
la réalisation de ce projet destiné a des milliers de jeunes.

Krikor Amirzayan

jeudi 8 mai 2014, Krikor Amirzayan ©armenews.com

AZERBAIJAN RETURNS ARMENIAN CAPTIVE

AzerNews, Azerbaijan
May 6 2014

6 May 2014, 14:41 (GMT+05:00)
By Sara Rajabova

Azerbaijan transferred the Armenian citizen, who was detained on the
frontline, to the opposite side.

Armenian citizen Mayelyan Vagif Rubenovich was returned to Armenia on
May 6 near the Azerbaijan-Armenia border in Bash Garvand village of
Aghdam region, the Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War,
Hostages and Missing Persons said.

Rubenovich was taken prisoner on April 20, 2014 in Abdurrahmanli
village, of Fuzuli region.

The process was carried out by the Defense Ministry and Azerbaijani
State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons
through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Earlier, Azerbaijan delivered Armenian citizen Arsen Khojayan born
1991, who was taken prisoner on March 7, 2014 in Tovuz region of
Azerbaijan.

For over two decades, Azerbaijan and Armenia have been locked in
conflict which emerged over Armenia’s territorial claims against its
South Caucasus neighbor. Since a war in the early 1990s, Armenian
armed forces have occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan’s territory,
including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding regions.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since 1994, but long-standing
efforts by the U.S., Russian and French mediators have been largely
fruitless so far.

Armenia has not yet implemented the U.N. Security Council’s four
resolutions on its pullout from the neighboring country’s territories.

L’ARMENIE ABSENTE DU SOMMET DE L’UNION ECONOMIQUE EURASIATIQUE A MINSK

ARMENIE

Alors que les responsables arméniens, en l’occurrence le Ministre
de l’Economie, Vahram Avanessian, et son adjointe Kariné Minassian,
avaient indiqué en son temps que l’Arménie signerait, a l’occasion
de ce sommet, l’accord d’adhésion a l’Union douanière, l’Arménie
ne sera finalement pas représentée a ce sommet, ce qui soulève des
interrogations auprès de la presse arménienne, certains quotidiens
rappelant, sans avancer de commentaires, les récentes visites
d’Edward Nalbandian a Moscou et a Minsk. Sollicité par les médias, le
porte-parole du MAE a seulement indiqué que le Gouvernement arménien
continuerait a mettre en Ŕuvre la ” feuille de route ” en vue de
son adhésion a l’Union douanière, comme cela avait été convenu
avec la Russie, la Biélorussie et le Kazakhstan. Les quotidiens
rapportent aussi les propos du Ministre russe des Transports, Maxim
Sokolov, actuellement en Arménie, qui a salué les mesures prises
par Erevan, affirmant que la feuille de route avait déja été mise
en Å”uvre : ” Le respect des obligations relatives a l’adhésion
a l’Union douanière est source d’admiration ”. Haykakan Jamanak
subodore des obstacles surgis sur la voie eurasiatique de l’Arménie
et suppose que le problème réside dans les négociations entamées
par la partie arménienne afin d’obtenir l’exemption, pour 900
produits, des droits de douane appliqués par l’Union douanière
afin d’éviter l’augmentation significative du coÔt de ces produits
en Arménie. Le quotidien suggère que la partie russe n’aurait pas
accepté de faire des exceptions pour l’Arménie, dans la mesure où
ces produits, parvenus a un moindre prix sur le marché arménien,
pourraient ensuite être réexportés en Russie sans droit de douane au
détriment des produits russes. En d’autres termes, selon le quotidien,
afin que l’Arménie ne devienne pas un pays de contrebande pour
environ 900 produits, l’établissement d’une frontière douanière
entre l’Arménie et la Russie s’avèrerait indispensable, ce qui
toutefois contreviendrait aux règles de l’Union douanière.

Extrait de la revue de presse de l’Ambassade de France en Arménie
en date du 29 avril 2014

mardi 6 mai 2014, Stéphane ©armenews.com

LES FERMES PISCICOLES PREOCCUESS PAR UNEEGLEMENTATION PLUS STRICTE

ARMENIE

Une association représentant des dizaines de fermes piscicoles
arméniennes a exprimé sa vive préoccupation mercredi au sujet
des plans du gouvernement pour une réglementation plus stricte de
leur activité.

Artur Atoyan, le président du groupe, a déclaré que le gouvernement
a l’intention d’introduire des exigences d’octroi de licences pour
environ 180 petites et moyennes entreprises actives dans le secteur.

Il a affirmé que le ministère de l’Agriculture a élaboré un projet
de loi qui obligerait chacune d’elle de payer 15 millions de drams
( 36000$) pour une licence de trois ans.

” Je pense qu’environ 75 pour cent des petites et moyennes entreprises
ne seront pas en mesure de payer ” a déclaré Atoyan au service
arménien de RFE / RL (Azatutyun.am).

Haykaz Zeynalian, propriétaire d’une ferme piscicole affilié a
l’association, a blâmé ses grands concurrents appartenant a de
riches hommes d’affaires pour les mesures envisagées. Il a affirmé
qu’ils sont prêts a monopoliser un secteur relativement nouveau de
l’économie arménienne employant plus de 10000 personnes.

Le ministère de l’Agriculture a confirmé que le gouvernement envisage
de faire des changements dans l’environnement réglementaire pour les
exploitations piscicoles, mais a insisté qu’aucune décision finale
n’a encore été prise. Ani Smbatian, le porte-parole du ministère,
a nié les droits de licence cités par Atoyan.

Selon Ani Smbatian, l’objectif principal des modifications prévues
est d’assurer une utilisation plus efficace des maigres ressources
en eau dans la vallée de l’Ararat pour la culture fruitière, où
la plupart des fermes de poissons sont concentrées.

Les agriculteurs locaux se plaignent de plus en plus que l’alimentation
de leurs terres agricoles fertiles s’assèche car de plus en plus d’eau
souterraine est détournée vers les étangs artificiels utilisés
par l’industrie de la pêche. Les rapports de la presse arménienne
ont accusé les piscicultures de causer de graves dommages a certaines
communautés rurales.

mardi 6 mai 2014, Stéphane ©armenews.com

ARMENIAN FM: YEREVAN READY TO BROADEN COOPERATION WITH TEHRAN

Payvand, Iran
May 5 2014

Source: Islamic Republic News Agency

Visiting Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said on Monday
that Yerevan welcomes expansion of relations and cooperation with
Tehran.

Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad
Javad Zarif

Speaking to reporters in a joint press conference with his Iranian
counterpart Mohammad javad Zarif, he said Armenia was among the first
countries to welcome the results of Geneva talks between Iran and
G5+1 on the countryË~Hs peaceful nuclear program.

He also thanked Iranian officials for their warm hospitality during
his stay in Tehran.

Yerevan attaches importance to its relations with Tehran and is ready
to broaden mutual cooperation in the future, he said.

Friendly talks were with Iranian officials under very sincere
atmosphere, he said.

Referring to his negotiations with Zarif, he described the talks as
very fruitful.

The two sides discussed a wide range of issues such as transportation,
energy and implementation of joint projects, said the Armenian
foreign minister.

The two ministers also exchanged views on other international
developments such as crises in Syria and Ukraine and talks between
Iran and G5+1, he said.

Armenia was among countries who welcomed results of talks between
Iran and G5+1, said the Armenian foreign minister.

He expressed the hope that through collective contribution of both
sides they would witness further development of bilateral relations.

The two sides also discussed latest developments in Karabakh, he said
and praised IranË~Hs stands on the issue.

The Armenian foreign minister is to confer with President Hassan
Rouhani and Majlis Speaker Ali Larijani on issues of mutual interests
as well as regional developments.

The Armenian foreign minister heading a delegation arrived in Tehran
on Monday.

He also submitted a written message from the Armenian president
to President Rouhani on issues of mutual interests, regional and
international developments.

Iran ready for establishing peace in region: Zarif

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the country is
ready to play a positive role in regional developments to establish
peace and friendship in the region.

“Iran hope that the region turns out to be the region of peace,
friendship and cooperation among all regional states, and Iran would
withhold no effort for materialization of the issue,” Zarif said at
the joint press conference.

“One more time I announce Iran’s readiness for helping peace and
stability in the region. We are ready to reach peace, stability and
cooperation in a region which does not need conflict and tension.”

ARMENIAN FM THANKS IRAN’S “BALANCED” STANCE ON NAGORNO-KARABAKH DISPUTE

Fars News Agency, Iran
May 5 2014

TEHRAN (FNA)- Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian praised
Iran for its logical stance on his country’s dispute with Azerbaijan
over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

“I appreciate Iran for its moderate and balanced stances on Armenia’s
dispute with Azerbaijan,” Nalbandian said in a joint press conference
with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif here in Tehran
on Monday.

The Armenian foreign minister reiterated that during his talks with
Zarif they have discussed achievement of a peaceful solution to the
Nagorno-Karabakh dispute.

Despite facing strong international pressures, the Armenian and
Azerbaijani leaders have failed to agree on the basic principles
of ending the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict put forward by Russia, the
United States, and France in 2011.

Armenia and Azerbaijan thus remain officially at war over
Nagorno-Karabakh and the dispute is a major source of tension in the
South Caucasus region wedged between Iran, Russia and Turkey.

No country – not even Armenia – officially recognizes Karabakh as an
independent state.

The mountainous rebel region has been controlled by ethnic Armenians
since it broke free of Baku’s control after a fierce war in the early
1990s that killed 30,000 people.