Category: 2020

PM Pashinyan’s visit to Netherlands postponed

Maghakian Mike

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 21:07, 2 April, 2020

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. The official visit of PM Pashinyan to the Netherlands on April 13-15 has been postponed, PM’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan said, commenting on the issue of the visit and the Cabinet decision of April 2. According to the decision, 6 million AMD will be allocated from the reserve fund for the creation and transportation of the khachkar (cross-stone) of Atom Verakatsu in the Netherlands.

”The sum is for paying for the already done works of preparing the duplicate of Atom Verakatsu’s khachkar. The khachkar was planned to be erected in the garden of Hague’s Peace Palace during the PM’s visit. We hope that in the near future the coronavirus-caused crisis will be finished and the kachkar will be raised in the sidelines of the PM’s official visit to the Netherlands”, she said.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Over 856 million AMD donated to anti-coronavirus efforts in Armenia

Vorskanian Yeghisabet

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 18:45, 2 April, 2020

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Finance informs that a total of 856 million and 253 thousand drams has been donated to the Armenian government for its anti-coronavirus efforts, ARMENPRESS reports the government said.

The treasury account (900005001947) was opened on March 17th for citizens and organizations willing to make donations.

The government said a total of 3239 payments were made since.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

April aggression of Azerbaijan reinforced determination of Artsakh to further develop statehood – MF

Elizabeth Jabejian

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 20:03, 2 April, 2020

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. The April aggression only strengthened the determination of the people and authorities of the Republic of Artsakh to continue the chosen path of further consolidation and development of their statehood, which is the best guarantee for the safe existence and peaceful development of the people of Artsakh, ARMENPRESS reports reads the statement of the Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Artsakh on the fourth anniversary of the April aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan.

“Four years ago, on April 2, 2016, in flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement, the Azerbaijani armed forces attacked the Republic of Artsakh. They targeted not only the front-line positions of the Defense Army of Artsakh, but also the civilians. The intensity and scale of the hostilities, the number of forces and military equipment deployed by Azerbaijan, as well as the actions of the Azerbaijani side taken prior to the attack to deliberately escalate the tensions and disrupt the peace process indicate that the April 2 aggression was a carefully planned and prepared military operation.

Azerbaijan’s aggression was accompanied by gross violations of international humanitarian law and the rules of warfare. These crimes were documented in detail by the Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh and presented to the international community in two special reports.

The aggression in April 2016 was another attempt by Azerbaijan to resolve the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict by force. Only thanks to the decisive actions of the Artsakh Defense Army, as well as the support by all Armenians, it was possible to disrupt the military plans of Baku and to force the Azerbaijani side to comply with the ceasefire regime.

Azerbaijan’s attack on Artsakh became a challenge not only for our Republic, but also for the peace process under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmanship, for the peaceful settlement of the Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict. It is noteworthy that shortly before the April aggression, on March 19, 2016, the President of Azerbaijan openly accused the Minsk Group Co-Chairmen of “using their destructive activities to freeze the conflict, and therefore the faith of the Azerbaijani people in their activities is completely undermined”.

Azerbaijan bears international legal responsibility for both unleashing the April aggression and for the criminal acts committed by its servicemen during the aggression against Artsakh. The fact that the Azerbaijani servicemen, who had committed war crimes, were personally awarded by the President of Azerbaijan is another confirmation that these actions were committed either on the instructions, or under the leadership or control of the Azerbaijani authorities. Given that such crimes have no statute of limitations, the Republic of Artsakh will continue exerting consistent efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

The April aggression only strengthened the determination of the people and authorities of the Republic of Artsakh to continue the chosen path of further consolidation and development of their statehood, which is the best guarantee for the safe existence and peaceful development of the people of Artsakh.

Today, we pay tribute to all those that deceased, repelling the Azerbaijani aggression in April 2016, or became innocent victims of the military adventure of Baku. We also express our gratitude to all and everyone who supported the people of Artsakh during these tragic days.”

Armenia reports 7th coronavirus fatality

Ani Kharatian

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 00:29, 3 April, 2020

YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. A 76-year-old woman has died from novel coronavirus complications at a Yerevan hospital, bringing the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in Armenia to 7, healthcare ministry spokesperson Alina Nikoghosyan said on social media.

The woman had developed double pneumonia, and also had underlying health conditions, including diabetes and arterial hypertension, she said.

The total number of confirmed cases is 663.

33 patients have recovered.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Armenia coronavirus recoveries reach 43

Emil Lazarian

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 09:57, 3 April, 2020

YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. 10 people infected with the novel coronavirus have recovered on April 2 and were discharged from hospitals in Armenia, Minister of Healthcare Arsen Torosyan said on social media.

“The total number of recoveries reached 43,” Torosyan said.

As of the latest data, the total cumulative number of coronavirus cases in Armenia is 663.

7 people have died.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan




Coronavirus-infected 78-year old patient dies in Yerevan

Emil Lazarian

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 21:34, 2 April, 2020

YEREVAN, APRIL 2, ARMENPRESS. A 78-year old woman died today in Nork Infectious Clinical Hospital. She was infected with coronavirus, ARMENPRESS reports Alina Nikoghosyan, spokesperson of the Health minister of Armenia, wrote on her Facbook page, adding that the woman was not a citizen of Armenia.

”A fatality was recorded at Nork Infectious Clinical Hospital. A 78-year old patient was tested positive for coronavirus, had double polycystic pneumonia and blood coagulation disorders emerged, which hampered the treatment process. Besides, the woman had concomitant chronic diseases, including diabetes and arterial hypertension. She was not a citizen of the Republic of Armenia”, Nikoghosyan wrote.

This is the 6th death case of patients with coronavirus. Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Armenia is 663. 33 patients have recovered.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Foreign ministry reminds Armenian citizens cannot return from Russia by land routes

Arbi Tashjian

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 09:36, 3 April, 2020

YEREVAN, APRIL 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s foreign ministry once again reminds that the citizens of the Republic of Armenia cannot return from the Russian Federation to Armenia by land routes: they have been closed since March 18. The Upper Lars checkpoint is open exclusively for cargo transportation.

“For information on the restrictions applied by different countries within the fight against the novel coronavirus, as well as on possibilities of movement for our citizens abroad, please, follow exclusively the updates provided by Commandant’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic representations of the Republic of Armenia abroad”, the ministry said in a statement.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan




Asbarez: Citing Elections, Stepanakert Calls on International Community to Support Artsakh

Yeghisabet Arthur
April 2, 2020

Voters and poll workers were wearing protective gear during Tuesday’s elections in Artsakh

Citing Tuesday’s elections, official Stepanakert called on the international community to support Artsakh, given the republic’s adherence to and advancement of democratic principles. The Artsakh foreign ministry also said that the elections in Artsakh should serve as an _expression_ of people’s self-determination, which it said should be the basis for an eventual settlement of the Karabakh conflict.

“The consistent efforts of the authorities and people of Artsakh should be supported by the international community, since the strengthening of democracy, human rights and the rule of law is universal and therefore is the collective responsibility of the entire world community,” said an statement by Artsakh’s foreign ministry on Wednesday, aimed briefing the international community on the process of Tuesday’s election.

“The creation of artificial obstacles on this path is a violation of the provisions of fundamental international human rights instruments,” added the foreign ministry on Wednesday.

“The people of Artsakh have indeed earned the right to live free in dignity, to shape together a democratic and modern society. In this regard, these nationwide elections, which were held in an environment of free competition and civil solidarity, have been case in point,” said an announcement issued by the Artsakh Foreign Ministry on Thursday.

“The elections once again demonstrated that human rights, particularly the right to vote and to take part in a government, are inalienable and universal. The fundamental human rights instruments, in particular the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenants on Human Rights, clearly establish that in exercising human rights no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of any territory and that all peoples can freely determine their political status by virtue of their right to self-determination and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development,” added the Artsakh foreign ministry.

“The right of the people of Artsakh to self-determination is the foundation for the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” emphasized official Stepanakert, adding that Tuesday’s elections fully reflect the principles laid out by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen, who are mediating the Karabakh peace process.

The Artsakh foreign ministry also cited the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs statement on Artsakh elections, where they highlight the role the people of Artsakh will play in determining their future. In this context, the Artsakh foreign ministry said that the already elected officials, as well as the person who will be elected in the presidential runoff on April 14, “have a special responsibility and role in the Nagorno Karabakh peace process.” The statement also reiterated the long-standing position of both Yerevan and Stepanakert that Artsakh must become a party to the negotiations as a way to advance the effectiveness of the peace process and ensure progress.

“The elections in Artsakh are also important in terms of strengthening democracy, human rights and civil society in the region. It once again emphasizes that the conflict cannot serve as an insurmountable impediment for building democratic society,” said the Artsakh Foreign Ministry.

“On these days, we also pay tribute to the memory of the victims of the military aggression and atrocities committed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh four years ago. In this context, it should be underlined that the democratic development of all countries in the region and accountability of authorities before their own peoples is a prerequisite for the regional security and peaceful resolution of the conflict,” the foreign ministry said.

Asbarez: CSTO Secretary General Concerned Over Azerbaijani Attack of Armenia Border

Hambardsumian Paul
April 2, 2020

Stanislav Zas, the CSTO Secretary-General

The Secretary General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization has expressed concern over the attack on Monday by Azerbaijani soldiers on military and civilian targets in Armenia’s Tavush Province, as a result of which a teenage boy and two Armenian soldiers were injured.

Stanislav Zas, the CSTO Secretary-General told Armenpress on Wednesday the fact that this incident is taking place when the international community is collectively combating the coronavirus pandemic is perplexing.

“It is perplexing that the escalation is happening at a time when the international community is waging a united battle against the coronavirus pandemic. In this regard I am calling on the parties to the conflict to heed the United Nations Secretary General’s calls on a global ceasefire,” said Zas, who said the border incident on Monday was “concerning.”

“By the way,” Zas told Armenpress, “as far as I know Armenia has officially endorsed this [the UN’s] call. I would also like to underscore the importance of the implementation of the agreements reached by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan in terms of ceasefire in the conflict zone, and I wish the victims of the incident speedy recovery..”

“At the same time, I would like to express concern regarding this kind of an incident in the CSTO zone of responsibility—at the border of a member country of the organization.”

Asbarez: Countries Opposing Artsakh Elections Betray Democratic Values, Says ANC-International

Toneyan Mark
April 2, 2020

ANC-International

On March 31, 2020, the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) successfully held its presidential (sixth) and parliamentary (seventh) elections, with the Central Election Commission (CEC) reporting that 72.7 percent (76,728 voters) of Artsakh’s 105,540 eligible voters cast ballots at polling places across the republic.

Sadly, several individual states and international organizations responded to this exercise in democratic self-government by joining with the authoritarian regimes of Azerbaijan and Turkey in refusing to recognize and – in some cases – even condemning these elections. Others withheld direct criticism, explaining their refusal to recognize the legal framework of these presidential and parliamentary elections considering the ongoing OSCE Minsk Process for peacefully resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

We remind all those offering such ill-advised criticism that the initial OSCE/CSCE decision of March 24, 1992, which laid the very foundation for the Minsk Process, refers directly to the “elected representatives” of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) as a participant in the peace process. It goes without saying, that, in order to have “elected representatives,” elections must be held, meaning that these Artsakh elections are not at odds with the OSCE but, rather, fully in line with the foundational OSCE agreements at the heart of the Minsk Group process.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, in their March 31, 2020, statement on these elections, properly noted that they “recognize the role of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh in deciding its future.” Yet they contradict this commonsense conclusion by saying that these elections – and the leaders democratically chosen by this free and fair electoral process – do not have any bearing on the legal status of Nagorno-Karabakh. They further seek to dismiss the human and civil rights of Artsakh citizens by saying “that Nagorno-Karabakh is not recognized as an independent and sovereign state by any of the Co-Chair countries or any other country,” when such rights are inalienable and not contingent upon any third party acceptance or agreement. Having rejected democracy for Artsakh and denied its citizens the right to vote, the OSCE Co-Chairs seemingly believe that this population should be represented by means other than popular elections.

States and state-level bodies aligning with the corrupt and authoritarian Azerbaijani government’s attack on free and fair Artsakh elections do a disservice to their own international commitments and obligations to uphold and defend the universal principle that: “All peoples have the right of self-determination,” including the right to freely determine their political status through “genuine periodic elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret ballot, guaranteeing the free _expression_ of the will of the electors.” (International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 19 December 1966).

The Armenian National Committee-International, in cooperation with partner organizations worldwide, will continue to strive for the international recognition of the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh and of independence of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). We expect, in fact, we demand, that states and international organizations claiming to be committed to human rights, justice, and peace refrain from any actions hindering the exercise of these rights and freedoms by the people of Artsakh to self-determination. The international community is obliged to assist Artsakh to express the will of its population through free and fair elections.

ARMENIAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE-INTERNATIONAL