Category: 2017

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday
Chinese company intends to implement large-scale investments in
Armenia`s construction sector and energy sector
 Yerevan July 13
Alexander Avanesov. China Machinery Engineering Corporation intends to
implement large-scale investments in Armenia in the construction
sector and energy. The representative of the company James Dong said
on July 13 during a meeting with the Minister of Economic Development
and Investments Suren Karayan.
According to the press service of the RA Ministry of Economic
Development, during the meeting, the guest presented to the minister
the main activities of the company specializing in the construction
and energy sectors. In particular, the company carries out the
construction of power plants, thermal blocks, erects buildings and
builds roads.
Suren Karayan presented the prospects for investment in road
construction and energy. In particular, the minister presented the
program of construction of the transport corridor "North-South". He
also spoke about the advantages of the free economic zone being built
in the Syunik border with Iran.
During the meeting, an agreement was reached that the Director of the
Development Fund of Armenia Armen Avagyan will present the details of
major investment projects to the Chinese company and will be in
constant contact with investors.
To note, the Chinese machine-building engineering corporation
('&Oelig; ') functions since 1978. The Corporation is a group of
companies, the main activity of which is design and construction,
including international trade and research work. As a well-known
international contractor, CMEC ranked 3rd among the top 50 Chinese
enterprises listed by the Ministry of Commerce of China in 2008. For
several years, CMEC has been included in the list of the world's
largest 225 contractors by the well-known US journal Engineering
News-Record. The scope of the company covers about 120 countries on 5
continents.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday
GeoProMining - ten years of work for the benefit of the country, at
the forefront of gold mining
 Yerevan July 13
Emmanuil Mkrtchyan. One of the largest investors in Armenia, the
Russian group of mining companies GeoProMining celebrates its 10th
anniversary of work in our country. In 2007, the company acquired the
first major asset in Armenia, GPM GOLD, which is developing the Sotq
gold mine and managing the Ararat gold plant, and a little later
Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine. In connection with this date, the
general director - ArmInfo analyst Emmanuil Mkrtchyan spoke with the
president of the group Roman Khudoliy
GeoProMining - ten years of work for the benefit of the country, at
the forefront of gold mining
One of the largest investors in Armenia, the Russian group of mining
companies GeoProMining celebrates its 10th anniversary of work in our
country. In 2007, the company acquired the first major asset in
Armenia, GPM GOLD, which is developing the Sotq gold mine and managing
the Ararat gold plant, and a little later Agarak Copper-Molybdenum
Combine (AMMK). In connection with this date, the general director -
ArmInfo analyst Emmanuil Mkrtchyan spoke with the president of the
group Roman Khudoliy
Roman Nikolayevich, sum up the results of these 10 years of work in
our country. How effectively did the company manage to work, taking
into account the fact that soon after the acquisition of assets a
global financial and economic crisis broke out? Due to what you
managed not only to survive it, but also to practically reach the
level of profitability of production?
In 2007, the assets we acquired in Armenia were in a completely
horrible condition, the equipment were almost completely depreciated,
the organization and culture of production, to put it mildly, desired
the best. The efficiency of production was very low, our predecessors
accumulated huge debts and not only for payments to the budget,
suppliers, other contractors, but also for staff salaries. Arrears in
wages was 9 months, and employees were on forced vacations. But that's
not all, the former owners of the company developed all the oxide ores
at the Sotq deposit, leaving only persistent sulphides, for the
enrichment of which it was necessary to build a new plant, since the
old technology in Ararat was not for this purpose. Therefore, after
the acquisition of the asset, we have set a very serious task of
developing the project and constructing a plant for processing
sulphide resistant ores. Together with the engineering companies Cors
Resource and Extract Technologies, we have come a long way in
designing, building, implementing the most modern technology for
processing sulfide ores - Albion. To start the plant it was necessary
to prepare a mine. We conducted a global modernization, buying from
the Japanese company Komatso 22 units of equipment - dump trucks,
excavators, loaders ...
On Agarak copper-molybdenum combine was, actually, the same situation.
In total, for our assets in Armenia, taking into account their
acquisition and technological modernization, we spent about 500
million USD for this period. I think, despite the crisis risks, the
difficult technological and managerial decisions, we have passed this
way very dignifiedly.
What are the company's medium-term plans for the strategic development
of its two Armenian assets? We, of course, are not going to dwell on
this, although I can say that the investment return has just begun,
literally the last year. The return on investment (ROI) is still
minimal in terms of the amount invested, but, nevertheless, the
process has started. After all, when an investor decides to enter an
asset, he first of all thinks about how long he will be able to repay
the investment and what profit he can expect. After the acquisition of
the Sotq asset in 2008, GPM Gold extracted and processed only 136 kg
of gold in marketable products. In the current year, we will produce
about 4 tons. The difference, as you can see, is enormous, we managed
to make such a leap. Today we process about 1.3 million tons of ore at
the Ararat factory, in the medium term we intend to bring the volumes
up to 1.5 - 1.7 million tons and set a goal to produce gold up to 5-6
tons per year. This will require additional investment, which we now
carry out through our own and attracted funds.
Similar is about the Agarak. We are well aware that with such a low
content of ore base in copper deposits, in conditions of low world
prices, it is possible to bring production to an acceptable level of
profitability only through scaling. Strategically, we plan to increase
the productivity of the copper- molybdenum asset from 3.5 million tons
of ore processing to 6 million tons at the initial stage. These
actions will make it possible, even at low prices, to work without
interruption. This is a serious task, requiring significant additional
investment. Only this year GeoProMining sent over $ 3 million to
further technical re-equipment of Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Combine.
You work in Russia, other countries, once worked in Georgia. What
makes Armenia different, does our country have its own strengths that
make it attractive for foreign investors?
You know, Armenia has become for us a native, because 10 years - a
considerable time. Yes, in relation to other countries, here there are
advantages, the main of which are historical mining competencies,
hardworking and professional workers.
One must have a big risk appetite to invest such significant
investments in the crisis period of uncertainty.
Yes, these 10 years were quite difficult for us, as for many. We
invested our own money, borrowed money, invested in technology,
production and all this in the crisis of 2008, then in 2012 a new
crisis broke out, which has not ended yet. That is, we, figuratively
speaking, "caught" all the crises, and when they ask me how I work in
such conditions - I answer that, frankly speaking, in other conditions
we almost did not work. Management and the team have coped with this
task, we are developing steadily, unlike many companies.
It is interesting to know your expert opinion on the issue of the
transition of the country's mining industry to the deeper processing
of raw materials through the construction of its own smelting
production, the project of which was already developed in Zangezur
before the crisis of 2008-2009 and the possibility of creating a small
refinery?
The theme of the construction of a smelting plant for the processing
of copper, molybdenum concentrates periodically appeared during these
10 years. I know that the Chinese have made an offer to build a copper
smelter and it is now being studied. But in order for the smelter for
copper to be effective, it is necessary to process not less than
80-100 thousand tons of copper in concentrates. Probably, such a
volume, taking into account the commissioning of new capacities, can
be achieved in Armenia, and this will be beneficial for extractive
companies with high logistics costs. However, nevertheless, it is
necessary to weigh all the pros and cons again, because we are all in
the market and the local auditor should not yield to existing
processors.
As for the refinery, the alloy Dore, to date, only GPM Gold produces
in Armenia. For the construction of the refining factory, resource
capacities are needed. Even if we increase production to 6 tons of
gold, this plant will be unprofitable. When other fields are put into
operation, and in general gold production will reach 30 tons and
higher in bars Dore, this issue is worth considering. But we must take
into account that there are a large number of refining industries in
the world, only 11 plants in Russia - and almost all of them are
under-loaded. If it is difficult to build a plant in Armenia to reach
a competitive cost, I do not see such opportunities in the near
future. Some have already gone bankrupt, for example, the Kolyma plant
in Russia. This topic is quite subtle, Dore's producers, unlike
concentrates producers, do not have logistics problems, transportation
costs are minimal.
And the last question. "Resources for good" is the motto, apparently
chosen by your company for the purpose of implementing its social
policy, taking into account the fact that the enterprises in Vardenis,
Ararat and Agarak, in fact, are city-forming, providing jobs for up to
70% of the local able-bodied population?
Realizing that our enterprises have a city-forming nature, in 2011 the
company moved from disparate projects to a system approach to
corporate social responsibility and launched a comprehensive program
covering all aspects of social life, from attentive attitude towards
employees and ending with minimizing the impact of production on the
environment. We constantly interact with state authorities and local
administrations, which allows us to react as sensitively as possible
to the needs of the inhabitants of the regions, to send charitable
funds to those projects that are most relevant to the local
population.
We are long-term and honest investors, when we bought GPMGold, there
worked 550 people, now the team consists of 1050 people, an increase
of almost 2 times. Over $ 170 million was paid to the budget of the
Republic of Armenia. As for wages, at our enterprises it is one of the
highest in the industry.
So, we invest in social projects: development of infrastructure, in
the areas of fire safety and security, energy supply, water supply,
repair hospitals, schools, kindergartens. Support for socially
vulnerable groups of the population is also traditionally one of the
priorities of the social work of GPM. We also render all possible
assistance to local authorities in carrying out various environmental
measures, improvement and creating comfortable conditions for the
residents of Vardenis, Ararat and Agarak. In total, for these 10 years
we have invested about $ 8 million in the implementation of various
social programs and charity.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday
The start of the maintenance of "Mir" maps in Armenia and "ArCa" maps in Russia
 Yerevan July 13
Karina Melikyan. At the 26th International Financial Congress
(IFC-2017) in St. Petersburg, in which the head of the Central Bank of
Armenia Artur Javadyan participates, it was announced about the start
of the maintenance of ArCa cards in Russia and the MIR cards in
Armenia. The press service of the Central Bank of Armenia told
ArmInfo.
Elvira Nabiullina, Chairman of the Central Bank of the Russian
Federation, stated during the speech at the congress: "The first
cross-border operations on the Mir card in the ArCa payment system in
Armenia were held last week and for us this is the first project to
organize an equitable intersystem interaction, and citizens of our
countries, I think I will get new financial opportunities, here I
would like to express my gratitude for the really very rapid and rapid
promotion of this project to the Central Bank of Armenia and the
leadership of the ArCa payment system, "she said. According to her,
the strategic objective of the Central Bank in the coming years is to
provide direct international reception of the "mir" card in the first
place, to the EEU space.
About 273 thousand tourists from Russia visit Armenia every year - 22%
of the total number of tourists. And if before they had to pay for
services and purchase of goods on the cards of international systems,
now it is enough to have a "MIR" card or an "ArCa" card. Another
advantage of this initiative is that, when making a transaction, the
involved parties will know the exchange rate in advance, which, as
planned, will be much more acceptable than used by international
payment systems (Visa / MasterCard).
This project is inherently the first in the EEU space, which
demonstrates the high level of Armenia-Russia cooperation aimed at
high-quality service to citizens of the two countries, increasing the
volume of non- cash payments, and expanding the geography of plastic
operations on the cards of national payment systems. The Eurasian
Economic Union includes Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan,
Kyrgyzstan.
To note, on July 7, 2017, Central Bank of Armenia included Russian
national payment card system MIR (NSPC) in the register of active
payment and settlement systems, and simultaneously gave permission to
Armenian Card payment and settlement organization to participate in
the MIR system. The project of intersystem interaction assumes mutual
acceptance of cards of national payment systems in the infrastructures
of two countries: ArCa cards in Russia, maps "MIR" in Armenia. The
project also provides for the production of ArCa-MIR cobeydge (joint)
cards. The technical possibility of issuing such cards has 16 banks
operating on the ArCa infrastructure. To recall, the need to create a
national payment system by cards MIR arose in the summer of 2014, when
Visa and MasterCard, due to US sanctions against Russia, stopped
servicing the cards of a number of Russian banks. On June 3, 2016, an
agreement of intent was signed between Armenian Card CJSC (operator of
Armenia's payment system ArCa) and JSC NSPC (operator of the Russian
payment system Mir), providing for mutual servicing of ArCa and Mir
payment systems in payment infrastructures.

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday
France stands for exceptional settlement of Karabakh conflict through
negotiations and regular dialogue of sides at high level
Yerevan July 13
Angela Stepanyan. France stands for an exceptional settlement of
Karabakh conflict through negotiations and regular dialogue of the
parties at the highest level, French Ambassador to Armenia
Jean-Francois Charpentier told journalists in Yerevan.
"We stand for the regular negotiations on the settlement of the
conflict, direct and, as far as possible, regular dialogue between the
two presidents, in this regard, we welcome the recent meeting of
Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and we are convinced that
there is no military solution. It can and should be settled only
through negotiations",the diplomat noted.
In this regard, Charpentier called not limit with meetings at the
level of Foreign Ministers, ensuring meeting at the level of the
presidents of the two countries. According to him, the previous
meeting of foreign ministers may prove to be a fruitful help.
In Brussels late in the evening of July 11, a meeting of Foreign
Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, initiated by co-chairs of OSCE
Minsk Group, took place. The meeting continued discussions on the
creation of appropriate conditions for the advancement of the
negotiation process on the Karabakh settlement.
Edward Nalbandian emphasized the need to stabilize the situation at
the contact line of troops, the implementation of Vienna and St.
Petersburg agreements. The intermediaries asked the ministers to
convey to the presidents the proposal to organize a summit this year.
It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the Foreign Ministers in
September at the fields of UN General Assembly in New York.

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday
Armenian businessmen must be active on promoting Armenian product in
Kazakh market - Ambassador
YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS. Kazakhstan’s market has great
opportunities, and the Armenian businessmen must be active on
promoting the Armenian product in this market, Ara Sahakyan –
Armenia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan
said in an interview with Armenpress.
-Mr. Ambassador, how would you assess the current level of the
Armenian-Kazakh relations?
-Since independence the Armenian-Kazakh relations in general are
characterized as friendly and allied relations. Compared to the
initial stage, these relations have developed, deepened and
strengthened covering all possible spheres of inter-state relations.
There is a constant political dialogue between the heads of our
states, governments, foreign ministries and we must notice that they
are deeper and progressive than it is between civil society
structures. I mean the following: Armenia together with Kazakhstan is
included in major integration economic structure such as the Eurasian
Economic Union (EAEU), in a military-political alliance such as the
CSTO, they cooperate within the frames of the UN, OSCE, CIS and other
international and regional organizations. Those are political,
military-political, economic platforms of dynamic and multivector
mutual partnership where exchange, agreement and coordination of
stances, views on issues of bilateral interest are taking place.
And as for the trade-economic, humanitarian fields, the
Armenian-Kazakh relations are not in accordance with the existing
potential and the mutually trustable political and high level
dialogue. The Embassy, of course, is making efforts to boost mutual
trade turnover. The President of the Republic tasked the Armenian
diplomatic missions in foreign countries to reach tangible results on
boosting the diplomacy’s economic component. During the meeting of
Ambassadors in March 2017 the Armenian Prime Minister gave the same
task at practical-organizational level. Therefore, the development
issues of bilateral economic ties are in the spotlight of our daily
work: the Armenian foreign ministry attaches special importance to
promotion of economic ties in the work of diplomats, as well as
attraction of foreign direct investments, installation of latest
technologies and innovations.
Last year the President of Kazakhstan was expected to arrive in
Armenia on official visit, however, the visit was postponed due to his
health problems. The visit is still in the agenda of bilateral
relations. Armenia is ready to host the President of Kazakhstan.
-Mr. Ambassador, in your opinion, what kind of policy does Kazakhstan
carry out in general?
-Kazakhstan runs an initiative foreign policy. There are many
examples. Kazakhstan has been elected as non-permanent member of the
UN Security Council and Armenia, as a friendly state, assisted its
election.
We are happy for not only the economic progress of Kazakhstan, but
also for ongoing large-scale programs, as well as efforts on solving
social problems and fighting against corruption. Moreover, the public
assistance to ambitious initiatives of the country’s political
leadership is also noticeable. The political leadership in its turn
assists the national awakening, religious tolerance, communication to
modern educational standards and cultural values.
-You said that economic figures are not in accordance with the level
of political dialogue. What figures do we have in terms of trade
turnover between the two countries? What is the dynamics after joining
the EAEU?
-According to the results of the previous year, the trade turnover
volume amounted to 3.3 million USD, whereas in 2015 this number was
nearly 5 million USD. Before the crisis period this figure was high
and reached up to 20 million. The export from Armenia comprises up to
80% of this volume. The mutual investments make a small number. Some
try to explain this by our geographical position and objective factors
deriving from it. However, I think this is an excuse rather than a
reason. We and the Kazakh people work, make trade with countries
farther away…
-In this case what is the reason? What problems do you see?
-If we look at the problem not from diplomatic perspective, but as an
ordinary citizen of Armenia, I can state that many of our businessmen
spare no efforts to observe and enter the Kazakh market. Perhaps, one
of its reasons is that it is not so accepted among the business
circles to enter unfamiliar markets. It is incorrect not to use the
opportunities of the Kazakh market. The country is rich not only with
hydrocarbons, but also it has the entire range of non-ferrous metals.
Over the past 25 years 265 billion USD direct foreign investments have
been made. But the country needs highly-qualified labor force, as well
as a desire to work with the partners. Expect from one-two companies,
several natural juices, the Armenian product is not presented here.
The only one is Ararat brandy.
These gaps are filled by Armenians living in Kazakhstan who produce
Armenian goods, such as Armenian lavash, cheese, dried fruits and etc.
From practical perspective perhaps as a first step it will be right
for Armenian businessmen to unite over any prospective direction and
establish a representation here aimed at entering the Kazakh market.
-In May Yerevan-Astana direct flight launched. What prospects do you
see on this path?
-Yes, Yerevan-Astana direct flight launched on May 31. The information
I collect over the passenger flow, inspire hope that this chance will
be used for expanding both the volumes of passenger and cargo
transportations. The direct flight can boost tourism. I call on
Armenian tour companies to seriously examine the tourism demand from
Kazakhstan to Armenia.
-What information will you provide about the Armenian community? What
problems do you see in terms of maintaining the Armenian identity?
-The major factor for maintenance of the Armenian identity is the
direct link with Armenia. Many Armenian families spend their summer
holidays in Armenia. Good or bad, there are many mixed marriages. The
official number of Armenians in Kazakhstan is 25.000, but it reaches
up to 35.000 at the peak of seasonal movement. There are Armenian
cultural unions in all provincial centers. There are Sunday schools,
dance groups, youth groups according to preferences.
I would also highlight the positive role of the Diaspora Ministry on
the works with the Armenian community. The Ministry quickly
understands and reacts to any initiative and request. The Education
and Science, as well as the Culture Ministries also work with the same
approach.
In general, the Armenian communities are firm. Armenian is a family
language for many people. Armenians watch Armenian TV channels, visit
Armenia and are happy for achievements of the Fatherland.
Interview by Anna Gziryan

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday
Armenian scientist Armen Avagyan's activity records new achievements
of international recognition
YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenian scientist, Chairman of the
Public Council's Economic Development and Investment Subcommittee
Armen Avagyan has been awarded with "The Albert Nelson Marquis
Lifetime Achievement" highest award after the founder of “Marquis
Who's Who” of the USA for the demonstrated leadership and excellence
in his field.
Earlier Armen Avagyan’s biography for 8 consecutive years was included
(27-34 editions) in their yearbooks. His biography is also included in
the United States’ and Great Britain’s (Cambridge) following books:
“2000 Outstanding Intellectuals of the 21st Century”, “Dictionary of
International Biography”, and "Great Minds of the 21st Century".
This year Armen Avagyan was elected as a full member of the Greek
ATINER Academy (Chemistry and Environmental Departments), uniting 2307
academicians from 115 countries. In addition, Avagyan is also a member
of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and Society of Chemical
Industry (US, SCI), as well as he is an expert on the European Union
Horizon 2020, ERA.NET and International Cooperation (InCo) programs
and CIS countries.
Armen Avagyan is the first Armenian scientist which was recognized as
a genius by the American Biographical Institute being awarded with the
"The Albert Einstein Award for Excellence" as one of the greatest and
most influential leaders in history, as well as he is the first in the
UK (Cambridge) being included in the list of world’s 100 professionals
and awarded with "The International Presidents Award for Iconic
Achievement.”
Armen Avagyan's outstanding achievement is the“Theory of Global
Sustainable Development based on use of microalgae in Bio and
Industrial Cycles. New Design and Building of Biological System”. It
is organically based on the properties of microalgae which create
living conditions and focuses on key challenges such as global climate
change, reducing waste, improving of wastewater treatment, biofuels,
high quality nutrition, feed and perfumery additives as well as
biopharmateuticals manufactirings. Theory has been published in the
world’s largest “Amazon” publishing house. Its recommendations and
technologies will enable Armenia to solve environmental challenges and
at the same time to switch from the current backward economy to a
modern science-based economy model by contributing to its energy and
food safety and independence.
The next book of the scientist “Biodiesel: From laboratory to engines”
will be published in 2018 by the largest publishing house “Springer”
according to the signed contract.

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday
China Machinery Engineering Corporation wants to make investments in Armenia
YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Economic Development and
Investments Suren Karayan held a meeting with the delegation of the
China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), press service of the
Ministry told Armenpress.
The Minister was introduced on the company’s main activity in
construction and energy fields, such as construction of power plants,
roads and buildings and etc.
CMEC representative James Dong said the company is interested in
making large-scale investments in Armenia.
Minister Karayan presented the delegation the prospects on making
investments in Armenia’s road construction and energy spheres. He in
particular touched upon the construction of North-South highway. The
Minister also presented the opportunities to carry out activity in the
free economic zone which is being created in Syunik province.
Agreement was reached that Director of the Development Foundation of
Armenia Armen Avak Avakian will draw the attention of the company on
the details of major investment programs in Armenia, and the Ministry
will be in constant contact with the investors aimed at discussing the
further steps for making investments.

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
July 13, 2017 Thursday
European Parliament lawmakers call on Azerbaijan to stop using own
civilians as human shield
YEREVAN, JULY 13, ARMENPRESS. Members of the European Parliament Marek
Jurek from Poland and CostasMavrides from Cyprus urge Azerbaijan to
stop using its own civilian population as a live shield and to
introduce an OSCE independent investigative mechanism in the Artsakh
line of contact.
“On July 4, 2017 Azerbaijani armed forces violated the cease-fire
regime in the contact line. Azerbaijan had installed a multiple rocket
launcher system in an inhabited village, thus using its own civilian
population as a human shield. The cross-fire resulted in a tragic loss
of two civilians on the Azerbaijani side. We deplore the loss of two
innocent lives and emphasize that this tragedy, as well as other
clashes between the armed forced could have certainly been avoided, if
Azerbaijan agreed to install an independent investigative mechanism to
determine which side exactly violates the cease-fire. The OSCE
Minsk-Group has proposed this on several occasions. The Armenian side
has agreed to install this mechanism. Unfortunately, official
Azerbaijan continues to reject it”, the MEPs said in a statement.
The lawmakers underscored that the investigative mechanism could have
helped in avoiding the 2016 April War, when Azerbaijan shelled
Armenian villages killing 12 year old Vaghinak Grigoryan, who was on
his way to school.
“The bodies of an elderly 90-year-old couple in the village of Talish,
were brutally mutilated by the Azerbaijani forces, their ears were cut
off. Since April 2016 the Azerbaijan armed forces have committed war
crimes, including an ISIS-style beheading of an Armenian soldier Karam
Sloyan. Pictures of the head were then posted on the social media by
the Azerbaijani forces as a trophy and the cruel murder was praised as
a heroic act. These barbaric acts are unfortunately an indirect
consequence of Armenophobia in Azerbaijan, nurtured from the highest
levels and acts, such as elevating Ramil Safarov, who killed an
Armenian colleague in his sleep with an ax in Budapest, to a national
hero by the current Government of Azerbaijan”, the statement says.
Marek Jurek and CostasMavrides mentioned that the losses on both sides
are tragic and they must absolutely be prevented.
“It is unacceptable to use a population as a human shield while
shelling other inhabited areas and then abuse photos for propaganda
purposes. An investigative mechanism must be immediately installed. We
herewith call on Azerbaijan to stop using its own population as a
human shield and install the OSCE independent investigative mechanism
which would create favorable conditions for trust and negotiations”,
the MEPs said.