aceful-hand-against-aggression?j=404119&sfmc_sub=13818694&l=1222_HTML&u=1496 4262&mid=10979696&jb=14&cmpid=ema:Commentary:20201112&src=newsletter Its role in ending Azerbaijan's war against Armenia may hint at a new respect for the sovereignty of national borders. November 10, 2020 By the Monitor's Editorial Board Did Russia just do an about-face and embrace a core principle of the international order? On Monday, it brokered a settlement to stop one former Soviet state, Azerbaijan, from forcibly taking more land claimed by another former Soviet state, Armenia, in a brutal war that began Sept. 27. Moscow even sent troops into the disputed area, known as Nagorno-Karabakh, to help keep the truce. What makes the settlement interesting is that Russia, a country that used force twice in the past 12 years to change the borders of neighboring states, stood up to Azerbaijan's aggression. This could be a moment to celebrate Moscow's apparent respect for the sovereign equality of other countries even as it had practical reasons to intervene. Among most member states of the United Nations, the prohibition against the use of force to change borders lies at the heart of the U.N. charter. Indeed that global norm accounts for the relative peace of the past seven decades compared with the destructive world wars of the early 20th century. In 2008, Russia violated the prohibition by taking Georgia's Abkhazia and Tskhinvali regions. In 2014, it used force again to take over parts of Ukraine. These actions under President Vladimir Putin have since hit Russia's economy. The West has imposed sanctions and kept Mr. Putin at a diplomatic distance. The U.N. General Assembly criticized Russia for its belligerency against Ukraine. And Mr. Putin now faces domestic pressure to deal with COVID-19. Azerbaijan, which has used its oil wealth to buy new weapons, attacked Armenian forces in September with Turkish support. Armenia, which is aligned with Russia, has since suffered heavy losses on the battlefield. Russia is also at odds with Turkey in a number of conflicts, such as in Libya and Syria. All of this may have led Moscow to find a way to end the use of brutal force by Azerbaijan in changing the current boundaries with Armenia. Related stories FIRST LOOK Calls for diplomacy as Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict enters day 3 GLOBAL NEWS BLOG Will Azerbaijan fighting end after declared ceasefire? GLOBAL NEWS BLOG Is Putin serious about peace in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict?
Thursday,
Anti-Government Protests Continue In Yerevan Amid Fury Over Karabakh Deal
ARMENIA -- People protest during a rally against the country's agreement to end
fighting with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Yerevan,
Armenian opposition groups are continuing their protests to demand the
resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian over the terms he agreed to in a
Russian-brokered accord with Azerbaijan that ended more than six weeks of
fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh.
Several thousand protesters marched through the streets of Yerevan on November
12, shouting anti-Pashinian slogans such as “Traitor, go away!”
They also went to the National Security Service building where over a dozen
leaders of the protest are kept mainly on charges of organizing mass disorders.
The protesters described these leaders, including Prosperous Armenia Party
chairman Gagik Tsarukian, Homeland Party leader Artur Vanetsian, Dashnaktsutun’s
Ishkhan Saghatelian and others, as political prisoners and called for their
release.
Human rights activist Avetik Ishkhanian compared the situation to Stalin-era
purges. He challenged one of the grounds for detentions – martial law, under
which political gatherings are banned in the country. “What martial law are you
talking about after surrender?” he said.
Protesters then gathered again in Liberty Square in the evening to stage a rally
at which speakers, including members of Prosperous Armenia and Dashnaktsutyun,
again demanded Pashinian’s resignation. They said protests will be continued on
Friday.
Separately, supporters of the opposition group Sasna Tsrer held a rally in
central Yerevan but canceled a planned march in the city after police told them
to disband, citing martial law.
A number of demonstrators who refused to leave the area were detained by
security forces.
Moscow ‘Confident’ Yerevan Will Abide By Karabakh Deal
• Aza Babayan
A service member of the Russian peacekeeping troops walks near a tank near the
border with Armenia, following the signing of a deal to end the military
conflict between Azerbaijan and ethnic Armenian forces
Russia is confident that Armenia will fulfill its commitments under a
Moscow-brokered deal signed with Azerbaijan on November 10 to end six-week
hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on
Wednesday.
“Yesterday, President Vladimir Putin had a contact with Armenian Prime Minister
Nikol Pashinian. This morning, I had a contact with [Armenian] Foreign Minister
Zohrab Mnatsakanian. I am convinced that the Armenian government fully
understands its responsibility and understands that it has signed this document
for the highest interests of its nation,” Lavrov said, adding: “I am confident
that the integrity of this agreement will be preserved and implemented. In any
case, I see that there are many political forces in Armenia that understand what
is happening and make right conclusions.”
Speaking in Moscow today, Lavrov noted that Moscow sees protests that the deal
has sparked in Armenia and “even understands that there are people among those
who took to the streets who are really in pain.” At the same time, he stressed
that the country’s authorities should have explained to the people in time that
it was impossible to keep seven districts [around Nagorno-Karabakh] indefinitely
and that they were to be returned.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (archive photo)
Lavrov also spoke today about the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, saying that it is
necessary to discuss all issues related to the status, taking into account the
rights of all people – those who live there and those who lived there and must
return.
Soon after the document was signed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev declared
that it contains no issue of the region’s status.
Under the terms of the agreement, by December Armenian forces will gradually
withdraw from three districts held since the 1994 ceasefire agreement, while
Azerbaijan will keep the territory in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding areas
captured during the conflict.
Armenians will also forfeit the Lachin region, where a crucial road connects
Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. The agreement calls for a 5-kilometer wide area in
the so-called Lachin Corridor to remain open and be protected by around 2,000
Russian peacekeepers.
The agreement also calls for Russian border services to monitor a new transport
corridor through Armenia connecting Azerbaijan to its western exclave of
Nakhijevan, which is surrounded by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey.
The Russian foreign minister also announced today that representatives of the
United States and France – the two other co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group along
with Russia – are expected to arrive in Moscow in the coming days to discuss
steps to implement the signed document.
Lavrov had a telephone conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le
Drian on Wednesday during which he reportedly stressed that the agreement was
based on the principles developed by the Minsk Group co-chairs.
Amid statements from Baku and Ankara that Turkish military will also be involved
in the peacekeeping mission in Nagorno-Karabakh, at today’s press conference the
top Russian diplomat reiterated that according to the document, only Russian
peacekeepers will be deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh, while “the mission of Turkish
observers will be limited to the geographical coordinates of the Russian-Turkish
monitoring center in Azerbaijan, which is not close to Nagorno-Karabakh and
which will be agreed upon additionally.”
Yesterday, the Russian and Turkish defense ministers signed a memorandum on the
establishment of a joint ceasefire control center in Nagorno-Karabakh. According
to a statement issued by the Russian Defense Ministry, the joint center will be
located in the territory of Azerbaijan.
Hours after the signing of the memorandum, official Baku and Ankara announced
that there will be not only Russian but also Turkish peacekeepers in
Nagorno-Karabakh. Moscow has repeatedly denied it at different levels today.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Russian president, once again stated today that
the issue of Turkish peacekeepers has not even been discussed and that their
deployment in Nagorno-Karabakh is not possible without Yerevan’s consent.
Pashinian Says Truce With Azerbaijan Still Not A Solution To Karabakh Problem
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian addresses the nation,
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian insists that the statement he signed
with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Russia earlier this week about ending
hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh still does not amount to a solution to the
longstanding problem concerning the status of the region.
“The problem remains unresolved just like it was before,” Pashinian said in his
address to the nation on Thursday.
“We have a lot to do in this sense in the future,” he added.
The trilateral statement on November 10 sparked large-scale protests in Armenia,
with opposition forces accusing Pashinian of treachery.
Armenia signed the document putting an end to a bloody six-week war after a
series of defeats in the battlefield that the prime minister said forced the
Armenian military to seek a diplomatic way out of the conflict.
Under the terms of the accord with Azerbaijan, by December Armenian forces will
gradually withdraw from three districts held since the 1994 ceasefire agreement,
while Azerbaijan will keep the territory in Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding
areas captured during the conflict.
Armenians will also forfeit the Lachin region, where a crucial road connects
Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. The agreement calls for a 5-kilometer wide area in
the so-called Lachin Corridor to remain open and be protected by around 2,000
Russian peacekeepers.
The agreement also calls for Russian border services to monitor a new transport
corridor through Armenia connecting Azerbaijan to its western exclave of
Nakhijevan, which is surrounded by Armenia, Iran, and Turkey.
Amid growing political tensions in Armenia nearly two dozen opposition parties
demanded Pashinian’s resignation over the deal viewed by them as an act of
surrender.
They reiterated their demands during rallies and street protests organized the
following day.
At least a dozen opposition politicians, including leaders of political parties,
have been arrested so far on charges of organizing disorders as authorities said
they defied martial law by organizing and holding rallies.
In his address to the nation Pashinian sought to reaffirm his control of the
situation, stressing that restoration of an atmosphere of stability and security
is a priority for his government. He called on citizens to rally around the
government so as to be able to overcome the current situation and ensure further
development of Armenia.
Pashinian again defended his decision to put an end to hostilities at the cost
of concessions, saying that the continuation of fighting was fraught with even
greater losses, including the lives of thousands of Armenian soldiers.
Pashinian said that signing the deal prevented a collapse of Armenian defense
lines and encirclement of up to 25,000 soldiers that would be cut off from the
rear.
“In such a situation it is not the soldier that ought to die for the homeland,
but it is the homeland that ought to make a sacrifice for the soldier,” the
prime minister said.
Pashinian admitted that the document he signed is “bad for us.” “But it should
not be presented as worse than it is,” he said, discarding the talk about
Armenia ceding territories in the south as absolute nonsense.
He said that the matter concerns unblocking transport communications in the
region from which Armenia could also benefit.
The prime minister emphasized that the tasks regarding the status of
Nagorno-Karabakh have not changed. “The international recognition of Artsakh
[the Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh] becomes an absolute priority and there
are more weighty arguments for that now,” Pashinian said.
Armenian Opposition Leaders Arrested Amid Growing Political Tensions
ARMENIA -- People protest outside the government headquarters in Yerevan during
a rally against the country's agreement to end fighting with Azerbaijan over
Nagorno-Karabakh.
Armenian opposition groups continue to push for the resignation of Prime
Minister Nikol Pashinian despite the arrest of a dozen leaders on charges of
organizing mass disorder.
A loose alliance of nearly two dozen opposition parties angered by Pashinian’s
signing a Russian-brokered accord with Azerbaijan to end six weeks of fighting
over Nagorno-Karabakh mostly on Baku’s terms planned a fresh anti-government
protest rally in Yerevan on November 12.
But hours before of the planned rally, the Special Investigation Service said 10
prominent opposition figures had been arrested for “organizing illegal violent
mass disorder.”
The announcement of the truce deal early on November 10 sparked a furious
reaction in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, where angry protesters stormed
government buildings and parliament.
The next day, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Yerevan, defying martial
law, under which rallies are banned, calling Pashinian a “traitor.”
Representatives of 17 opposition parties called for Pashinian to step down,
blaming him for what they described as heavy concessions.
Those arrested in the criminal case initiated by the Special Investigation
Service include Gagik Tsarukian, leader of the Prosperous Armenia Party,
Homeland party leader Artur Vanetsian, Ishkhan Saghatelian and Gegham Manukian
of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), and Eduard
Sharmazanov of the former ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK).
The opposition parties denounced the arrests as illegal.
Meanwhile, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian held a meeting with Prime
Minister Pashinian on Thursday morning, the president’s office said. The
official report said that the current situation in the country was discussed. No
details of the discussion were revealed.
Lawyer Claims Tsarukian Arrested ‘Unlawfully’
• Naira Bulghadarian
Prosperous Armenia Party leader Gagik Tsarukian (archive photo)
Opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) leader Gagik Tsarukian was arrested
yesterday on suspicion of organizing a rally in violation of the law, his lawyer
Yerem Sargsian wrote on Facebook on Thursday.
Sargsian said Tsarukian’s arrest was “clearly unlawful.” He said the politician
was kept for hours at the National Security Service (NSS) to where he had been
invited to be questioned as a witness earlier on Wednesday. “For nine hours NSS
officers were struggling to find any grounds for Tsarukian’s arrest,” the lawyer
claimed.
The party led by Tsarukian was one of 17 opposition forces that took part in a
rally demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian over the
statement he signed with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Russia to end the war in
Nagorno-Karabakh on terms that are largely viewed by Armenia’s opposition as an
act of surrender.
Leaders and senior members of other parties participating in the protests were
also arrested or summoned for questioning by the NSS on November 11.
Despite the arrest, the loose opposition alliance vowed to continue its
anti-government protests and also seek the release of arrested leaders and
activists.
Tsarukian’s lawyer said that his client’s arrest was also unlawful because the
crime he is suspected to have committed is not considered a heavy crime and is
punishable by a fine of up to $600 or imprisonment for up to two months.
Tsarukian is currently under investigation as part of a separate criminal case
in which he is charged with organizing a vote-buying scheme in 2017
parliamentary elections.
The BHK leader was stripped of his parliamentary immunity in June and was
arrested on September 25. Tsarukian claimed political motives behind his
prosecution and arrest. He was freed on bail on October 22.
Later on Thursday, Armenia’s law-enforcement authorities said that Tsarukian was
arrested on charges of organizing mass disorders. Several other opposition
leaders and activists, including the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s (ARF,
Dashnaktsutyun) Gegham Manukian and Eduard Sharmazanov of the former ruling
Republican Party of Armenia are also arrested and charged with organizing mass
disorders.
Homeland Party leader Artur Vanetsian is arrested and charged with organizing
mass disorders and revealing a state secret. ARF leader Ishkhan Saghatelian is
also arrested and charged with revealing a state secret.
All in all, 10 people have been arrested, the authorities said.
Vanetsian Detained Over Defying Martial Law, His Party Says
• Naira Bulghadarian
Former director of the National Security Service, opposition Homeland party
leader Artur Vanetsian (archive photo)
Former director of Armenia’s National Security Service (NSS) Artur Vanetsian,
who currently leads the opposition Homeland party, has been detained, his party
says.
According to Arsen Babayan, a member of the Homeland party council, Vanetsian is
suspected of “disobeying the lawful demands of the police, deliberately
organizing and holding a rally in violation of the order established by law, as
well as for violating the temporary restrictions imposed during martial law.”
No official statement by law-enforcement bodies has yet been made in this regard.
Earlier on Wednesday Vanetsian was summoned for interrogation by the NSS. Later
he told reporters that he was interrogated as a witness in a case concerning
violations of the rules for publishing or disseminating information during
martial law.
The party led by Vanetsian was one of 17 opposition forces that took part in a
rally demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian over the
statement he signed with the leaders of Azerbaijan and Russia to end the war in
Nagorno-Karabakh on terms that are largely viewed by Armenia’s opposition as an
act of surrender.
Among the 17 parties supporting the demand are also the former ruling Republican
Party of Armenia, the Prosperous Armenia Party and the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF, Dashnaktsutyun). Leading members of these parties, including
Prosperous Armenia leader Gagik Tsarukian, were also invited to the NSS for
questioning on Wednesday.
At a press conference convened after midnight ARF Supreme Body member Artsvik
Minasian said that that they “will not only fight for the removal of Nikol
Pashinian, but also for the release of numerous political prisoners in Armenia.”
Minasian said that a significant part of the leaders of the movement, as well as
other important figures were detained and arrested.
Parliament Majority Suggests Opposition Clarify Its Position Before Challenging
Truce Deal
Armenia -- Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian (C) talks to deputies from the
majority My Step faction during a parliament session, Yerevan, September 16,
2020.
The ruling parliamentary My Step faction has issued a statement in which it
calls on the opposition parties to clarify their position on several issues
before discussing the legality of the statement on ending the war in
Nagorno-Karabakh signed by the leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan.
On November 11, the two opposition factions in Armenia’s National Assembly –
Bright Armenia and Prosperous Armenia – initiated a special session of
parliament to discuss the document that has largely been branded by the
opposition as an act of surrender.
It followed a day of street protests staged by 17 opposition parties, including
Prosperous Armenia, during which demonstrators also called for the resignation
of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian.
In its statement My Step suggested that before challenging the deal the
opposition parties should “very clearly declare to all Armenians and the world
that they support the abolition of Russian mediation; support the withdrawal of
Russian peacekeepers from the line of contact; stand for the continuation of the
war.”
“After that, the opposition forces should also present a proposed roadmap for
victory in the renewed war,” the ruling faction said, adding that accepting the
announced conditions in the current situation was the only way to avoid the
total loss of Nagorno-Karabakh and thousands of human lives.
At the same time, My Step said it believes that the public should receive
answers to all questions that concern it. The faction also said that it is not
going “to take part in any sessions aimed at destabilizing the situation” in
Armenia.
“Honoring the glorious memory of the military servicemen and volunteers who
participated in the fighting and died in the heroic battle of Artsakh [the
Armenian name for Nagorno-Karabakh], sharing, with deep sorrow, the pain of
families, friends and relatives of the victims, taking into account the internal
political events in Armenia and Artsakh that followed the military actions and
the truce, the My Step faction declares: the current analysis of the military
operations provides grounds to ascertain that the Armenian people with its joint
efforts fought, in fact, not only against Azerbaijan, but also against one of
the largest armed forces in the world, an army with ultra-modern weapons and an
unlimited human reserve, mercenary terrorists and special forces recruited from
different countries. During the 45 days of the war, outstanding heroism was
shown along the entire front line, thanks to which it was possible to prevent
the unleashed genocidal crime of the enemy against Armenians,” My Step’s
statement reads.
The ruling faction emphasized that “the pan-Armenian potential was involved in
the logistical support of the army during the hostilities.” “The hostilities
were taking place in parallel with major geopolitical events conditioned by
security challenges that led to the failure of all international efforts to
establish a ceasefire regime, including numerous attempts by the three
co-chairing countries of the OSCE Minsk Group,” My Step said.
The two parliamentary opposition factions had collected enough signatures to
convene a special session of parliament, however, as leader of the Bright
Armenia faction Edmon Marukian said, a meeting of the National Assembly Council
was to take place before convening the session, which, however, did not take
place. Of My Step lawmakers only Deputy Speaker Lena Nazarian had come to
parliament.
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2020 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
November 12, 2020
Armenian Revolutionary Federation Western U.S.
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation Central Committee of the the Western United States, hereby denounces the dangerous tripartite agreement signed by the prime minister of Armenia and the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia to end the Karabakh War, finding it detrimental to the security and rights of the Armenian People.
Forty-five days ago, our nation and the people of Artsakh were subjected to an unprovoked military invasion on all fronts by the combined Azeri and Turkish military forces. The goal of the enemy was to once and for all resolve the Armenian question in the Artsakh region, by exterminating and displacing the population. Through the use of internationally outlawed weapons of mass destruction and bombings targeting peaceful civilians, the use of drones and mercenaries, Azerbaijan and Turkey were committed to destroy the Armenian people by embarking on a genocidal campaign.
In response, the entire Armenian Nation rose in defense of our lands and people. Armenians around the globe united like never before. Our people were prepared to fight in this unprecedented war on all fronts. In the homeland, soldiers took up arms, volunteer platoons manned the trenches, and people opened their homes and hearts for their displaced brothers and sisters escaping a ruthless war. The Armenian diaspora mobilized in an unparalleled way to aid Artsakh by raising hundreds of millions of dollars, collecting supplies for the humanitarian crisis, and protesting in the streets by the thousands demanding peace for Armenians, an end to Turkish and Azeri war crimes, and the recognition of Artsakh. We, every single Armenian, became part of the self-defense effort to protect our homeland and people from this crime against civilization itself. United, we rallied around our leaders in Armenia and Artsakh to carve a very difficult path to national preservation and eventual victory.
In its turn, The Armenian Revolutionary Federation in the Western Region, through its many chapters, youth and sister organizations, brought the full measure of its force to aid in this effort. Our mission being to serve and defend the rights of the Armenian People.
For 45 days the Armenian Nation stood alone in the face of an enemy hellbent on eradicating us. The silence of the world and super powers was deafening and unforgivable. But the resolve of our people knew no bounds. We committed every resource in our disposal to ensure our survival and that the blood of the Armenian soldier was not spilled in vein. We believed in our people, and we believed in our leaders.
Today, we feel betrayed. What so many worked so hard for, fought and died for, was traded away, by a unilateral action, without the complete mobilization of Armenia’s military potential and fielding them to preserve Artsakh, and without any consideration for the sacrifices that have been made. This agreement creates an eternal threat for the safety of the people of Artsakh, and compromises the national security and sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia. This betrayal has come at the hands of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and his government, with their capitulation to the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey, by signing an agreement that hands over our ancestral lands and security of our nation to the enemy.
The ARF fully and unequivocally rejects this perilous and defeatist document the prime minister is trying to force upon the Armenian Nation, under the guise of a peaceful resolution to the war in Artsakh. This so called peace agreement that gives away one third of the former Nagorno Karabakh Autonomous Oblast, displacing thousands of Artsakh’s citizenry; which gives up control over Lachin to the Azeri military, ensuring a chokehold on the lifeline of the people of Artsakh; which demands the removal of all Armenian military forces from Artsakh, placing the security of our people at the mercy of an Azerbaijani government which has repeatedly expressed its desire to ethnically cleanse them; which gives away lands secured by blood in Hadrut and Kelbajar; and finally which requires Armenia to give up land to build a route over Syunik to connect Azerbaijan to Nakhichevan, giving Turkey direct access over Armenian lands. This last condition can and will endanger Armenian’s viability by cutting off its direct access to Iran and ultimately will serve Erdogans’s Pan-Turkism dream. There isn’t a single redeeming factor within this agreement that is beneficial or favorable to Armenia and Artsakh.
We condemn this agreement and the irresponsible actions of PM Nikol Pashinyan. As the leader of the Republic of Armenia, he had the sacred duty to safeguard the interests of our Nation. As someone who preached democratic values and social justice during the Velvet Revolution, he had to be transparent and honest with the people. Instead, he engaged in deception and concealed the truth about the war and its outcome. A surrender of this magnitude and consequence proves the government’s inability to deal with the national interest of Artsakh. The Prime Minister incompetently handled the national defense and then shamefully blamed others. He must be held accountable.
The people of Armenia and Artsakh are owed an explanation from the PM and the Government. However, as the people make their demands publicly, this same government that came to power promising to protect the rights of the people, is violating their civil liberties. As the Nation is trying to cope with an unfathomable defeat and unforgivable concessions, the government has begun a campaign of censorship and arresting all opposition political party leaders, including members of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation of Armenia, to silence any dissent. Truly the conduct of repressive regimes.
Prime Minister Pashinyan – honor the promises you made when you came to power, restore the civil rights of the public, release all political prisoners, and accept accountability by heading the calls for resignation and allowing for the peaceful transition of power. This will begin the process of healing and uniting the country to face the threats ahead. For the sake of our nation, this agreement must be undone. It is time to uphold the democratic values you purport to represent.
To the Armenian community in the Western United States, and Armenians everywhere – we ask you to not despair. Our Nation has seen darker days and we have survived. Our power is through our resilience, perseverance, and unity. Our collective work and efforts in the diaspora is not and cannot be over. Our people in Armenia and Artsakh need us now more than ever. We are facing a humanitarian crisis, a national security emergency, economic instability, and a public health crisis caused by a global pandemic. We will only be able to conquer these obstacles together.
The Armenian Revolutionary Federation of Western United States will continue its efforts. We will work to secure funds and assistance for our displaced compatriots, for our wounded soldiers, and the families of our martyred heroes; and we will continue our advocacy for the rights and security of the Armenian people through our government here in the United States.
Finally to our Martyred Heroes: We humbly bow before all of you who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving your lives in defense our homeland and Nation. May you rest in peace, and may we honor your memories by not sparing a single effort serving the ideals of a Free, Independent, and United Armenia.
November 12, 2020
The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe
The United States on Thursday welcomed what it called the “apparent ceasefire” agreement in Karabakh, expressing confidence that the OSCE Minsk Group, of which the U.S. is a co-chair, will participate in finding a lasting settlement to the conflict.
James Gilmore, the U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE made following statement on Thursday about the Karabakh conflict:
The United States, as one of the three Minsk Group co-chairs, welcomes the apparent ceasefire and cessation of fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone. We have always said there is no military solution to this conflict, and we deeply regret the unnecessary loss of life, including many civilians, caused by the recent violence. As the situation continues to unfold and we learn more about the arrangement announced November 10, we will need to address the role of the international community and the OSCE itself in maintaining a transparent peace.
We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation on the ground. We reiterate our urgent calls for both sides to adhere to the humanitarian ceasefire from October 10, which they reaffirmed on October 17 and again on October 25. We also urge both parties to immediately undertake the steps agreed on in Geneva on October 29.
We call on the sides to protect civilians and civilian objects.The large-scale displacement of civilians, including vulnerable populations such as children and elderly, in the midst of a global pandemic and shortly before the onset of winter is almost certain to create a completely unnecessary humanitarian crisis.
We urge the sides to avoid actions that could result in the resumption of violence, to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and actions, and to take advantage of the cessation of violence to build a lasting peace. We urge external parties to act responsibly and to avoid taking actions that could reignite violence or further exacerbate regional tensions.
This conflict has gone on for far too long. The toll it has taken on people in the impacted area, and in the region, is far too high. We hope a lasting peace is within our sights. We’re confident that the Minsk Group will stand ready to participate in bringing a lasting and permanent peace to the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
November 12, 2020
November 12, 2020
Pan-Armenian Council of Western United States
We are all devastated with the outcome of the Artsakh War, which over the last 45 days took the lives of our heroic soldiers on the frontlines. Our valiant soldiers and civilian compatriots were ultimately faced with insurmountable forces from the genocidal Azerbaijani-Turkish front. Now, we, like you, are concerned about the details of the agreement that was signed between Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia and what this will mean for the future of Armenia and Artsakh–and the entire Armenian Nation.
However, taking into consideration the tense situation in the Homeland, the war and its aftermath, the present economic turmoil, the ongoing devastation of the pandemic and the crisis facing our displaced compatriots, we call on all Armenians in the Diaspora–regardless of their political views or affiliations–in honor of our martyred heroes and our wounded, to continue to stand by and support Armenia and Artsakh and contribute to the strengthening of our Homeland.
Let us unite in peace, solidarity, and harmony, to render our gratitude to all who have served and due respect for all mothers, widows, sisters and families who are in mourning.
PAN ARMENIAN COUNCIL OF THE WESTERN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
November 12, 2020
A commitment to Artsakh
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me.” Palms 23:4
The calamitous end of the national turmoil of the past seven weeks is agonizing for every Armenian as we face the bitter post war reality on the ground in Armenia and Artsakh. The sacrifice of a generation of heroes younger than the age of the current conflict; destruction of civilian towns and villages of the peaceful indigenous population in Artsakh, the blazing fires of historic forests, shelling of churches, hospitals and schools; use of internationally prohibited weaponry are all the quotient of a seven week long brutal assault on Armenia and Artsakh.
A calamity no one can disparage and a pain no one can minimize.
But we have marched the valleys of death before and have come to soar the apex of victory.
Today, is only a moment in history and a stage in the glorious journey of civilization, our martyred nation and Homeland have marched through.
In the past several weeks, wonderful babies came to existence in Artsakh and Armenia. Let us relentlessly and lovingly aspire to make their youth bright. May they be blessed with a joyful and peaceful life in an ideal Homeland that would set the light of faith high upon a pedestal for all mankind.
✓Arayik Harutyunyan and Nikol Pashinyan address the nation, explaining why the agreement was signed.
✓UN mercenary experts call on all mercenaries to leave the South Caucasus.
✓Several opposition figureheads are arrested, due to martial law provisions.
Artsrun Hovhannisyan, representative of Armenia’s Defense Ministry who conducted daily public briefings during the war, has announced his resignation from the ministry.
“During this war, I conducted my military operations in the information space. How I did this job will be evaluated in time and by professional researchers. There is no person who does not fail. The information that I provided to the public was based mainly on briefings from Armenia’s Armed Forces General Staff Office and from the Artsakh Defense Army. Yes, I was convinced that we would win, that belief was based on the battles fought by many of my comrades-in-arms. I have left my position since November 9. I will continue to work in the scientific field. Please refrain from various offers. I have never been involved in politics and I have no intention to be involved. I bow before our heroic fallen soldiers. I will invest my life towards the education and upbringing of the new generation,” he wrote.
A military expert and analyst, Hovhannisyan heads the Command Staff Faculty at the Vazgen Sargsyan Military University since March 2020.
Since 1997, Hovhannisyan has served in the Armenian Armed Forces. After graduating from the University in 2001 and being promoted to a Lieutenant, he was appointed as the Commander of Platoon of an anti-tank weapon in one of the Military Bases of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia.
November 12, 2020
The urges U.S. re-engagement in OSCE Minsk Group process
Calls to Revisit Terms and Timeline of Disastrous Karabakh Ceasefire Deal
WASHINGTON—Congressional calls mounted this week for the U.S. to immediately re-engage in the OSCE Minsk Group process to revisit the reckless agreement forced by Turkey and Azerbaijan on Armenians, ensuring that all three Co-Chair countries – the U.S., France, and Russia – participate meaningfully in discussions about its terms and timelines.
“Turkey and Azerbaijan got 45 days of U.S. passivity (described publicly by National Security Adviser O’Brien as ‘neutrality’) while they mercilessly attacked Artsakh,” said ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
“The ANCA continues to work with the Administration and Congressional leaders to urgently re-engage in the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair process to ensure that all three Co-Chair countries review and revise the terms and timelines of this disastrous deal forced on the Armenian side.”
The ANCA has issued a national call to action urging Congressional leaders to speak out in support of U.S. re-engagement in the OSCE peace process, encouraging activists to contact their legislators by visiting anca.org/OSCE
Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone (D-NJ), shared grave reservations about Monday’s ceasefire deal imposed on Armenia and the need for a long-term solution that respects the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh. “The ceasefire signed earlier this week regarding Nagorno Karabakh isn’t a long-term peace settlement. There are many critical issues that must be resolved before this conflict can come to a lasting resolution. The @StateDept must immediately reengage with @OSCE to address them.”
Rep. Pallone continued that “Any future negotiated settlement supported by the U.S. must ensure the people of Artsakh can reconstruct their communities and rebuild their lives without fear of further bloodshed. The terms laid out in the current ceasefire are untenable for Artsakh’s long-term security. The International Community must finally recognize the right to self-determination for the people of Artsakh and their role as negotiators. Without that, they will continue to face future assaults by Azeri and Turkish forces without any option of formal redress.”
Senior Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Brad Sherman (D-CA) underscored the absence of U.S. leadership in the formulation of the flawed ceasefire deal, stating, “The terms of the Russia and Turkey-backed ceasefire ending Azerbaijan’s unprovoked violence against #Artsakh and #Armenia are unfair. The Trump Administration’s absence was glaring and led to disastrous results for the people of Armenia. Who drafted this ceasefire agreement? None other than Putin and Erdoğan. This is the result of a lack of U.S. leadership. We must not stand for this disastrous deal forced on Armenia. We must not view it as a final settlement. I ask the @StateDept and the US Co-Chair to the @OSCE to work with our partners to achieve a fair and balanced long term settlement. Artsakh’s right to self-determination must be preserved.”
Congressional Hellenic Caucus Co-Chair Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) expressed concerns that the ceasefire deal, as presented would only destabilize the region, noting, “The Russia and Turkey-backed ceasefire forced on Armenia and #Artsakh will further destabilize the region and won’t provide long term protection to the civilian population who’s paid the price of Azerbaijan’s aggression. The Trump Administration’s absence in the peace process has left a void that allowed autocrats Putin and Erdogan to step in and dictate the terms of the agreement. The @StateDept and the @OSCE must immediately reengage in talks for a long term solution.”
Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) noted, “The Nagorno Karabakh ceasefire fails to solve many of the fundamental issues at the root of decades of violence in the region and leaves the people of Artsakh vulnerable to future attacks by Azerbaijan and Turkey. The @StateDept should convene the international community to help craft a long-term agreement that will end the threat of future violence in the region and ensure Artsakh’s security.”
Rep. Tony Cardenas(D-CA) welcomed the peace for Nagorno Karabakh but expressed his reservations about the peace deal. “The ceasefire agreement this week is untenable to Artsakh’s long-term security,” stated Rep. Cardenas. “@StateDept should immediately begin working with @OSCE to achieve a durable resolution to the underlying territorial dispute that will lay the groundwork for lasting peace and stability. The people of Artsakh have a right to self-determination and to live their lives without fear of further violence.”
Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), who visited Artsakh just last year, was clear and concise in her statement: “The ceasefire forced on Armenia regarding Nagorno-Karabagh needs to be immediately addressed by @OSCE. I call on @StateDept to take immediate action in this regard and finally recognize Artsakh.”
Congressional Armenian Caucus Leaders Urge Joe Biden to Lead U.S. Re-Engagement in OSCE Minsk Group Arstakh Negotiations
In a letter to President-Elect Biden on Thursday, Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone, Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Adam Schiff (D-CA), urged his Administration to lead U.S. re-engagement in “negotiations for a lasting settlement through the OSCE Minsk Group.”
The Armenian Caucus leaders underscored that “the ceasefire that was reached this week does nothing to settle the underlying territorial dispute or ensure a lasting and equitable peace. The United States should work with the Minsk Group to define the future status of Nagorno Karabakh in a way that is consistent with the right of self-determination.”
The Armenian Caucus Letter to Biden also called for an end to the annual U.S. Administration waiver of Section 907 restrictions on U.S. aid to Azerbaijan, urged expanded U.S. humanitarian assistance to help the over 100,000 displaced Armenians from Artsakh, a complete reset of U.S. policy toward Turkey, and efforts to strengthen U.S. ties with Armenia.