Category: 2020

Quo Vadis United Nations: Upcoming UN General Assembly Special Session – OpEd – Eurasia Review

Boshkezenian Garik

Flags in front of United Nations building in New York City

 July 2, 2020  Farid Shafiyev*  1 Comment

By Farid Shafiyev*

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed clear differences between global and regional powers on a number of issues – political, economic and public health related approaches. These differences have a fundamental nature in relation to the existing political and economic world orders. It was with a view to leveling these differences that international platforms, primarily the United Nations (UN), were created in the aftermath of World War II.

During the Cold War period, the UN and other international organizations and movements proved their efficiency on a number of occasions, although there were times when they could neither prevent nor resolve conflicts.

Recently, especially against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, institutions of multilateralism have been subjected to fierce criticism to the degree that we are witnessing partial paralysis of those institutions. For example, due to contradictions between the permanent members of the UN Security Council, this institution was not able to pass important decisions aimed at the reduction of current international tensions.

In addition, at the UN General Assembly, some member states put forward several draft resolutions but failed to get approval. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres complained that the international community was divided at a time when it was “more important than ever” to be united.

Many pundits deplored the lack of global leadership and pointed to the problem of tribalism, dysfunctional competition, and short-term thinking.

However, unfolding events have shown that no global power or regional organization can solve global problems alone. This applies to both the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues, such as environmental degradation, economic crises, etc.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 is the most serious threat to international security since the end of World War II. Unfortunately, the international community has yet to find an adequate response to the pandemic itself and collateral problems, such as the economic crisis, growing protectionism, and nationalism.

Despite these challenges, the UN is still the only comprehensive platform with the ability to address such issues. However, in the absence of proper action from the UN, regional platforms and other international organizations have tried to find—or at least discuss—mechanisms for responding to the current challenges. Azerbaijan, as the chair of the Turkic Council (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkey) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) (120 members), held virtual summits in April and May.

Members of these organizations reaffirmed the importance of international solidarity and making joint efforts toward the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, an emergency summit of the NAM, which took place virtually, was held for the first time (the NAM celebrates its sixtieth anniversary this year). The summit found support from the UN Secretary General, the WHO, the European and African Unions and other organizations.

During the NAM virtual summit, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan put forward an initiative to convene a special session of the UN General Assembly this fall. To date, there have been thirty such special sessions of the UN General Assembly. Azerbaijan has proposed holding a special session at the level of heads of state and government.

Special sessions can be convened by the UN Secretary General at the request of the Security Council or a majority of UN members. In this regard, Azerbaijan used its diplomatic resources within the framework of the NAM to convene a special session of the UN General Assembly. Initially, the initiative went through the procedure of “silent approval” in the NAM.

Azerbaijan, with the support of the NAM, then submitted a request to the UN Secretary General. The initiative of Azerbaijan gained the support of most members of the UN General Assembly, reaching more than 130 countries. Only Armenia acted against the initiative, but it was left isolated.

The convening of a special session of the UN General Assembly, especially at the highest level, is a significant event. While it will not be possible to solve all the problems associated with the current crisis, an organization as comprehensive as the UN will once again become a platform for global discussions. The silence of this organization, which was created to maintain international peace and security, was advantageous for isolationists and protectionists. However, the initiative of Azerbaijan has broken that silence and instigated further discussion.

Many international projects are driven by individual countries or activists. The League of Nations was proposed by US president Woodrow Wilson; the Hague Conventions on disarmament in the early twentieth century were put forward by Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his foreign minister Mikhail Muravyov; and the International Criminal Court was initiated by Arthur Robinson—the leader of the small island nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

We must hope that the initiative of the president of Azerbaijan will be developed further so that the international community will soon be able to identify common approaches to overcoming the greatest crisis since the end of World War II.

*Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Baku-based Center of Analysis of International Relations, Adjunct Lecturer at ADA University.



Armenia’s inability to solve pandemic-related economic problems – Modern Diplomacy

Hambardsumian Paul

Published

 18 hours ago 

on

 July 3, 2020

By

 Orkhan Baghirov

According to data from the Armenian government, in 2019 the country’s economy grew by about 7.6%,which was the highest figure since 2008. Further data from the Statistical Committee of Armenia show that the trade and service sectors were the main drivers of economic development. In the same period, 9% growth in industrial output and a 4% reduction in agricultural output were also recorded. Inspired by these growth numbers, during a cabinet meeting in January, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that he was confident that, as a result of the joint efforts of government members, even higher figures will be registered in 2020. However, as a result of subsequent pandemic-related events, his confidence disappeared and difficulties in solving economic problems have proven the inability of the Armenian government to act independently.

Since the declaration of an emergency situation on March 16, economic activity has significantly slowed, thus leading to the creation of various economic problems and a financial deficit. Even though some restrictions were softened in May, that did not lead to a noticeable increase in economic activity. As a result, the economic forecasts for Armenia in 2020 worsened. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the economy of Armenia will contract by about3.5% in 2020 as a result of global uncertainty and falling demand. However, the Armenian government is more optimistic in its prediction of a decline in GDP of 2%.

One of the main problems created by the pandemic-related economic restrictions is the impossibility of implementation of government-approved budget projects for 2020. As the forecast for Armenia’s GDP worsens, it will lead to lower tax revenues than initially planned for. According to the Finance Minister, Atom Janjughazyan, with the forecast 2% decline of GDP at the end of the year, tax revenues will decrease by about 10% compared with the planned volume. If the economy diminishes by more than 2%,that will lead to an even greater reduction in tax revenues. Janjughazyan also noted that the government plans to keep budget spending unchanged in order to mitigate the negative consequences and create the preconditions for a quick recovery. Although this decision could help to prevent social discontent and avert some economic problems, it could have long-lasting economic consequences by significantly increasing the budget deficit. With a reduction in taxes generated of about 10%, the budget deficit will double, reaching 5% of the projected GDP or $676.4 million (1 Armenian Dram=0.0021 USD). To run the budgeted projects with such a high level of deficit, the government will have to amend the budget legislation in order to exceed existing restrictions.

Another financial problem for Armenia is related to the implementation of support programs. As the emergency situation has substantially impacted economic development, the government has had to implement support programs. Even though these programs have been important in supporting the economy, they have also created financial problems as the government does not have enough resources to implement them independently. To support the economy, the government approved a support package of $315 million. Of these funds, $168 million will be used for long-term economic development programs;$52.5 million for the elimination of economic problems, social tension and liquidity issues; and $42 million for the redistribution of reserve funds. So far, the Armenian government has approved 20 crisis measures for the implementation of support programs.

Financing the high budget deficit and extensive support programs creates financial problems as Armenia does not have sufficient financial resources. Therefore, Armenia must attract funds from other countries or international financial institutions. Based on the calculations of the Armenian government for financing the combined support programs and budget deficit,it needs to raise an additional$546 million. Armenia already has a large volume of external debt (40% of GDP in 2019) and raising additional funds will significantly increase that debt. Taking on an additional $546 million of debt will increase the government’s external debt by about 10%. Taking into account that, during 2019, the total public debt of Armenia increased by about 14.8%, the increase of external debt by about 10% from only one source shows how seriously it will affect the financial security of the country.

Armenia also is facing economic problems in the energy sector. On April 1,GazpromArmenia, the Russian-owned natural gas distributing company, declared that it was going to ask the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) for changes to gas prices in Armenia. It proposed to set the same price for all customers beginning from July 1. This change would eliminate the discount for low-income families, thus leading to a 35% increase in price for them but a2.2% decrease for consumers that use up to 10,000 cubic meters of gas per month. The Armenian government was dissatisfied with the offered gas rates as it was already dealing with pandemic-related economic problems and it requested that Russia decrease the price of gas that they sell to Armenia.

As the talks with Russia did not lead to desired results, the PSRC accepted the changes but kept the price for domestic users and low-income families unchanged. The PSRC wants the average weighted price of 1,000 cubic meter of gas be set at $266.7 USD,$16.43 below the price that Gazprom Armenia had proposed. The price of natural gas will increase from $212 to $224 per thousand cubic meters for agricultural companies, and from $242 to $255.92for consumers who use more than 10,000 cubic meters of gas per month. The new prices will enter into force on July 19, except for thermal power plants. Despite the fact that PSRC was able to prevent price changes for ordinary citizens, the new rates will create unemployment problems. In order to operate with accepted price changes Gazprom Armenia has to lay off about 1500 employees and reduce its annual revenues about 6%.

The inability of the Armenian government to solve its economic problems with its own financial resources or to diversify its energy imports will lead to significant economic problems. Many countries around the world are facing economic and financial problems and are therefore looking to obtain foreign assistance, and this reduces opportunities to access foreign finance by intensifying competition. Therefore, it is not currently easy for Armenia to attract financial resources. The dependence of the energy sector on the price policies of other countries also creates economic instability. Even though the PSRC was able to avoid natural gas price rises for ordinary citizens, it cannot prevent unemployment issues and price rises for businesses. Therefore, countries that are dependent on foreign financial assistance and are unable to implement independent economic and energy policies during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic period will face serious economic issues. Taking into account that social and economic problems were among the main drivers of the change of government in Armenia in 2018,the pandemic-related economic problems will also have political consequences.

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 07/03/2020

Chakhmakhchian Vatche 
                                        Friday, July 3, 2020
Prosecutors Appeal Against Kocharian’s Release
July 03, 2020
        • Naira Bulghadarian
Armenia -- Former President Robert Kocharian (L) and his lawyer Hayk Alumian 
arrive for the latest session of his trial, Yerevan, June 23, 2020.
Prosecutors have formally asked the Court of Cassation to overturn a lower 
court’s June 18 decision to release Armenia’s indicted former President Robert 
Kocharian from prison on bail.
The Court of Appeals set a record-high bail amount, 2 billion drams ($4.1 
million), when it agreed to free him over the prosecutors’ objections.
Kocharian’s lawyers complained about the hefty sum, saying that his family 
cannot afford it. Nevertheless, the ex-president walked free on June 21 after 
being bailed out by four wealthy Russian businessmen. Three of them, notably 
billionaire Samvel Karapetian, are ethnic Armenians.
The prosecutors denounced the ruling, insisting that Kocharian could obstruct 
justice and pressure other suspects and witnesses in the case. Arsen 
Nikoghosian, the Court of Appeals judge who handed down the ruling, said that 
the massive bail will minimize the risk of such obstruction.
The prosecutors dismissed Nikoghosian’s conclusion in their appeal to the Court 
of Cassation, Armenia’s highest body of criminal and administrative justice.
Incidentally, Kocharian’s lawyers have also appealed to the court. One of them, 
Hayk Alumian, said on Friday that they object to the bail amount and the fact 
that Nikoghosian did not rule out the possibility of Kocharian exerting 
“unlawful influence” other participants of his ongoing trial.
“We believe that there is no likelihood of obstruction,” Alumian told RFE/RL’s 
Armenian service.
Kocharian, his former chief of staff and two retired army generals went on trial 
more than a year ago, accused of overthrowing the constitutional order in the 
wake of Armenia’s disputed 2008 presidential election which sparked deadly 
street clashes in Yerevan.
The ex-president, who ruled the country from 1998-2008, also stands accused of 
bribery. He rejects all accusations leveled against him as politically motivated.
Kocharian was released from jail for the third time since being first arrested 
in July 2018. His previous release was ordered in May 2019 by a district court 
judge who initially presided over the high-profile trial. Kocharian was arrested 
again in June 2019.
Ousted Judge Barred From Constitutional Court Building
July 03, 2020
        • Gayane Saribekian
Armenia -- Constitutional Court Judge Hrant Nazarian.
One of the three members of Armenia’s Constitutional Court dismissed as a result 
of government-backed constitutional changes was denied entry to the court 
building in Yerevan on Friday.
Police officers guarding the building did not allow Hrant Nazarian to enter the 
building less than two weeks after the Armenian parliament passed the 
controversial changes drafted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s My Step bloc. 
In a statement, the Armenian police said Nazarian ceased to be a court justice 
when they came into force on June 26.
The amendments to the Armenian constitution extended a 12-year term limit to all 
9 members of the Constitutional Court, which has been locked in a standoff with 
Pashinian’s government for the past year. They thereby mandate the immediate 
dismissal of Nazarian and two other judges, Alvina Gyulumian and Felix Tokhian, 
who had taken the bench in the 1990s. They also stipulate that Tovmasian must 
quit as court chairman but remain a judge.
In a joint statement issued on June 25, the four justices challenged the 
legality of the amendments and said they have no intention to resign. Tovmasian 
also said separately that the parliamentary majority’s refusal to send the 
amendments to the Constitutional Court for examination before their passage was 
unconstitutional.
Pashinian and his political allies have dismissed these objections. They 
maintain that the court is not headed by Tovmasian and Nazarian, Gyulumian and 
Tokhian are not its members anymore.
The parliament controlled by Pashinian’s bloc is due to appoint three new high 
court judges within the next two months.
Nazarian, who has served in the country’s highest court for nearly 25 years, 
could not be reached for comment on Friday. He told RFE/RL’s Armenian service 
earlier that he and his ousted colleagues are planning to take legal action 
against the “violation of our rights.”
Gyulumian has indicated that she will appeal to the European Court of Human 
Right (ECHR). She had worked as an ECHR judge from 2003-2014.
Health Minister Defends Armenian Government’s Coronavirus Response
July 03, 2020
        • Astghik Bedevian
Armenia -- Health Minister Arsen Torosian gives a press conference, Yerevan, 
April 10, 2020.
The Armenian government has done a good job tackling the coronavirus pandemic 
and is not solely responsible for the large number of infections in Armenia, 
Health Minister Arsen Torosian insisted on Friday.
“My political evaluation is that considering its resources and situation, 
Armenia has dealt with this global challenge quite well,” Torosian told 
reporters.
“All coronavirus patients in Armenia receive adequate medical care, which has 
not been the case in many more developed countries,” he said. “In that sense, 
the government efforts are more than appropriate and sensible.
“As for the [infection] numbers -- which unfortunately do not decline but are 
registered in gatherings like this, rather than in medical institutions -- they 
depend not only on the government’s steps but also on the behavior of all of us.”
“I can also say that we don’t have an explosive situation,” Torosian went on. 
“According to all projections, we should have had more than 30,000 cases by now 
but actually have only 27,000 cases. So we are managing to contain the spread 
[of the disease] to a certain extent and seem to have flattened the curve since 
mid-June.”
The Armenian Ministry of Health said earlier in the day that 662 more people 
tested positive for the coronavirus in the past 24 hours. The total number of 
coronavirus cases registered in the country of about 3 million thus rose to 
27,320.
The ministry also reported 10 more deaths caused by COVID-19, bringing Armenia’s 
official death toll to 469. According to it, 156 other people infected with the 
virus have died primarily because of other, pre-existing diseases.
ARMENIA -- A medical worker drinks water at the yard of the Grigor Lusavorich 
Medical Centre in Yerevan, June 9, 2020
The official figures show that Armenia has one of the highest infection rates in 
the world. In terms of the number of cases per million people, it is well ahead 
of countries like Britain, Italy and France that have been hit very hard by the 
pandemic. At the same time, the South Caucasus state still has a much lower 
COVID-19 mortality rate.
Opposition leaders and other critics of the Armenian government increasingly 
criticize its handling of the coronavirus crisis. They often cite the example of 
neighboring Georgia where the health authorities have recorded only 943 cases 
and 15 deaths since the start of the pandemic.
The two opposition parties represented in the Armenian parliament initiated on 
Thursday the formation of an ad hoc parliamentary commission tasked with 
investigating the government’s coronavirus response. With senior deputies from 
the ruling My Step bloc criticizing the initiative, it is not clear whether the 
parliament’s pro-government majority will agree to such an inquiry.
“I am ready to answer all questions,” Torosian said when asked to comment on the 
commission.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian again 
indicated his opposition to re-imposing a nationwide lockdown. Pashinian said 
the government will continue to put the emphasis on getting more Armenians to 
practice social distancing, wear face masks in public and follow other safety 
rules, and minimizing the country’s “economic losses.” He admitted that this 
strategy has not been a success so far.
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.

CivilNet: Tensions Increasing Between Washington and Berlin Concerning Russia’s Nord Stream 2 Gasline: Petrostrategies

Emil Lazarian
CIVILNET.AM

3 July, 2020 17:47 

The article was published in the World Energy Weekly, a publication of Petrostrategies, a French think-tank specializing in energy issues.

Will the Nord Stream 2 project, which aims to establish a new direct gas link (of 55 bcm/annum) between Russia and Germany, trigger a political crisis between the United States and Germany? This question can be asked in view of the mounting tensions between the two countries in recent months, not only on the diplomatic, political, and economic fronts, but even on a personal level, in relations between US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The US Senate is currently debating expanded extraterritorial sanctions against Nord Stream 2, based on a bill introduced on June 4, 2020 by five senators, four of whom are Republicans and one Democrat. The bill is now being considered by the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee. It aims to broaden the scope of the sanctions that the United States enacted against Nord Stream 2 in December 2019, causing work on the gasline to stop. In principle, the bill is even more likely to be passed than were the sanctions of 2019, as German-US relations have deteriorated substantially over the last six months. Furthermore, as the November 4 Presidential election draws nearer, promising a closely-contested outcome, it’s quite likely that neither Trump nor his Democratic rival Joe Biden will seek to oppose the expanded sanctions, as neither will want to be accused of weakness towards Russia. The first sanctions against Nord Stream 2 were proposed in May 2019; they were passed by the US Congress and signed by Donald Trump six months later.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz (Texas), the main promoter of expanded sanctions against Nord Stream 2 (he had already played that role in the case of the 2019 sanctions) claims that the gasline “poses a critical threat to America’s national security and must not be completed”. While the US sanctions introduced in late 2019 stopped pipelaying work on the gasline, he says, “Putin continues to try to circumvent those sanctions, and so this new bill will once and for all clarify that those involved in any way with installing pipeline for the project will face crippling and immediate American sanctions”. If passed, the expanded US sanctions will apply to “all vessels engaged in all pipelaying activities, as well as to those who facilitate providing those vessels, as well as to those who provide insurance, port facilities, or tethering services for those vessels, and ultimately to any company that provides certification for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to begin operations”.

The proposed US sanctions are therefore targeting a much broader circle of possible targets than the measures introduced in December 2019, which apply only to firms engaged in laying the Russian gasline. To give an idea of the number of people and firms that could be affected, the BDI, a group of German industrialists (whose members admit that they are very worried), points out that 670 companies from twenty-five different countries have participated directly or indirectly in building Nord Stream 2 to date. Meeting behind closed doors on June 17, the Bundestag’s Economic Affairs Committee called on the German government to “develop and put forward proposals for a measured, clear reaction on behalf of Germany and the European Union” against expanded US sanctions targeting Nord Stream 2.

Sources of friction between Donald Trump’s United States and Germany have proliferated over the last few months. The latest was the news of the planned withdrawal of 9,500 US military personnel currently based in Germany, thus reducing the number of United States troops stationed there to 25,000. “We’re supposed to protect Germany from Russia, but Germany is paying Russia billions of dollars for energy coming from a pipeline”, Trump said recently. “Excuse me, how does that work?” said the President.

Trump regularly accuses Germany of not spending enough on its defense and of relying too much on American protection. Instead of being grateful, as the US President expects, Berlin has scuttled his plans. So Trump took it very badly when Angela Merkel torpedoed his cherished plan to hold a G7 meeting at Camp David. The chief executive of the United States regularly threatens to increase duties on German car imports to the United States.

United States and the European Union have clashed on a number of issues

In addition to these German-US frictions, the United States and the European Union have also clashed on a number of issues, starting with the taxation of the internet giants (Facebook and Amazon, among others), to which Washington is opposed (unless such a tax is virtually symbolic). On June 30, the EU angered Trump once again, when it failed to place the United States on a list of “healthy” countries whose nationals will soon be able to travel to Europe again. Moreover, Germany will probably seek to respond to possible expanded US sanctions by trying to work out a panEuropean response. Berlin assumed the Presidency of the EU on July 1, 2020, for six months. “New sanctions would constitute a serious interference in European energy security and EU sovereignty”, said the German foreign ministry on June 28. German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier slammed Washington for «escalating this sanctions threat, which is extraterritorial and thus in conflict with international law”. For his part, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Spain’s Josep Borrell (in a written answer to a Member of the European Parliament), said that the damage done to the EU’s economic interests by US sanctions weakens transatlantic unity and undermines a firm stance towards Russia’s actions. Borrell added that the European Commission is currently preparing a mechanism to thwart US extraterritorial sanctions.

For its part, Russia has constantly reaffirmed (through its spokesmen and officials) that Nord Stream 2 will be completed “at all costs”. Two ships belonging to Gazprom are waiting for the Danish authorities to give them permission to start laying 160 km of pipes in the Baltic and thus complete the line. They are expected to be given a green light in mid-July. It would then take the ships three or four months to lay the pipes for the last section of Nord Stream 2. In principle, if all goes well for the Russians, they should therefore be able to test the new gasline in late 2020 or early 2021, and then start commercial service during the first quarter or the spring of 2021. But that’s if all goes well, as the Danish authorities may raise some objections. For example, the Russian ships will have to drop anchor to ensure their stability, since they can’t use dynamic positioning (in accordance with a Danish request). Moreover, a Polish NGO has seized the opportunity to appeal to Copenhagen about the case, arguing that the use of anchors can be dangerous in waters where shells dating back to the Second World War are often found.
 

CivilNet: Entrance Exams For Universities Kick Off in Armenia

Markos Nalchajian
CIVILNET.AM

3 July, 2020 21:24 
The university entrance exams kicked off in Armenia on July 2. On the first day, students studying foreign languages, including English, will take their exams. How does the government organize the entrance exams with thousands of students gathering in various exam halls while the number of new coronavirus cases is increasing everyday?
 

Armenpress: Artsakh’s FM sends thank-you letters to a group of U.S. Congressmen

Antonian Lara

Artsakh’s FM sends thank-you letters to a group of U.S. Congressmen

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 17:56, 2 July, 2020

YEREVAN, JULY 2, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh Masis Mayilian sent thank-you letters to a group of U.S. Congressmen, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of MFA Artsakh.

The Foreign Minister noted with gratitude that in continuation of the meetings held in Washington in October 2019 and the assurances, the members of Congress exert consistent efforts to ensure a continued humanitarian assistance by the United States to the post-war rehabilitation of the Republic of Artsakh.
 
“Throughout the past decades, the assistance helped address various urgent humanitarian needs, and consequences of the devastating aggression by Azerbaijan. In particular, the American support of the HALO Trust’s effective and efficient activities in war-affected areas allowed the international humanitarian mine-clearance organization to neutralize tens of thousands of landmines and other deadly remnants of the aggression”, Masis Mayilian noted.
 
The Foreign Minister expressed hope that the ongoing and enhanced humanitarian assistance from the United States to the Republic of Artsakh would help both countries to continue enforcing regional stability and security, as well as to provide basic humanitarian needs to the citizens of the Republic of Artsakh.
 
Masis Mayilian also congratulated the members of Congress on the USA Independence Day, noting that throughout its independent history, the United States has been at the forefront of defending the values of freedom and democracy, which inspired many nations across the globe, including the Republic of Artsakh, to rise and struggle for their inalienable rights and liberties.




Armenpress: President Sarkissian receives NSS Director

Frangulian Shushan

President Sarkissian receives NSS Director

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 19:12, 2 July, 2020

YEREVAN, JULY 2, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian received Director of the National Security Service of Armenia Argishti Kyaramyan.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the President’s Office, President Sarkissian congratulated Kyaramyan on the appointment and wished him success in his future activities.

During the meeting the interlocutors referred to the ongoing activities of the NSS.

Edited and tranlsated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Foreign Ministries of Armenia, Romania hold political consultations

Antranik Varosian

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 20:26, 2 July, 2020

YEREVAN, JULY 2, ARMENPRESS. Political consultations were held between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and Romania via video conference on July 2. The consultations were chaired by Avet Adonts, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia and by Dan Neculaescu, the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Romania.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, during the consultations, the sides discussed a wiide range of issues related to the Armenian-Romanian relations including the promotion of political dialogue, economic, cultural and parliamentary contacts.

The sides also touched upon the issues of mutual interest on regional and international agenda, as well as the cooperation within the international organizations.

Avet Adonts presented the latest developments on the Nagorno-Karabakh peace process highlighting the importance of full support of the EU and its member states to the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

Armenpress: PM Pashinyan sends congratulatory message to Vladimir Putin

Khoyetsian Rose

PM Pashinyan sends congratulatory message to Vladimir Putin

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 18:46, 2 July, 2020

YEREVAN, JULY 2, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan congratulated Russian President Vladimir Putin on successful holding of the referendum.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister, the congratulatory message runs as follows,

‘’Honorable Vladimir Vladimirovich,

I congratulate you on the successful referendum on confirming the changes in the Constitution of the Russian federation.

This definitely has a central importance for the future strengthening of the Russian statehood. I am confident that the changes in the mother-law, approved by the overwhelming majority of the Russian public, create favorable conditions for the future progress and social-economic development of the country.

I wish you and the fraternal people of Russia peace, welfare and prosperity’’.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan