There has been change of position in the area known as Pela Sar in Armenia’s Syunik region, the National Security Service informs.
It says the border guards continue to protect the state border in the mentioned section.
The comments come in response to media reports claiming that Kapan’s Pela Sar has been handed over to Azerbaijan.
The 44-day war in 2020 demonstrates that Azerbaijan has neglected this commitment, thus, it should be properly addressed by the Council of Europe, Armenia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Vahe Gevorgyan at an event marking the 20th anniversary of Armenia’s membership in the Council of Europe.
“You are well aware of the challenges Armenia encounters today. The humanitarian consequences of the war of aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh are one of the most urgent issues. The involvement of our international partners, including the Council of Europe, is of utmost importance. We consider that there should not be any “grey zones” in Europe for people to exercise their fundamental rights,” the Deputy FM said.
Below are Vahe Gevorgyan’s remarks in full:
Following the World War II, the European leaders initiated the process of promoting the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law throughout Europe, as cornerstones of the peaceful future of Europe. Thus, the first Pan-European institution – the Council of Europe was founded on May 5, 1949, by the Treaty of London, which already has 47 full members. The city of Strasbourg in the Alsace region was symbolically chosen as the headquarters of the organization.
During 72 years of its existence, the Council of Europe has consolidated the conventional system of the European Continent – the European standards and norms that have laid grounds for accomplishing the goals of the Council of Europe.
Since the declaration of independence, Armenia has chosen the path of democracy. That choice was obvious. Armenia with its history and culture, the Armenian society with its values are an inseparable part of the European family. From 1991 until its full membership to the Council of Europe, Armenia substantiated its choice and became a full member of the Council of Europe on 25 January 2001. Ten years after the declaration of independence, the flag of the Republic of Armenia was hoisted in front of the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg.
On many occasions, particularly in the last two parliamentary elections the people of Armenia once again reaffirmed their commitment to democracy, human rights and rule of law.
The activities of the Council of Europe are aimed at ensuring the individual and collective fundamental human rights. Armenia follows the recommendations of the Council of Europe’s statutory bodies, independent monitoring bodies and advisory committees. A number of governmental bodies of Armenia are engaged in the activities of this multifaceted organization.
The Action Plan – one of the toolkits of the Council of Europe, through which the organization helps Armenia and other countries to fulfill their commitments and introduce European standards, is essential for Armenia. Currently, the fourth 2019-2022 Action Plan for Armenia is ongoing. Distinguished Ambassadors, this project is implemented through the voluntary contribution of your countries and the EU and I would like to express our gratitude in this regard.
While glancing back at the 20-years long journey of Armenia since its membership to the Council of Europe, I should underline that enormous work has been carried out with the support of the organization. Armenia has joined 83 conventions of the Council of Europe, 66 of which have been ratified. Besides, Armenia has also joined 12 partial Agreements of the Council of Europe.
The activities of the European Court of Human Rights are of utmost importance in terms of ensuring the rights of the citizens of Armenia. The court also has a significant role in protecting the rights of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives being held in Azerbaijan as a result of the 44-day war unleashed against Artsakh.
Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished Ambassadors,
It is important to highlight that both Armenia and Azerbaijan committed themselves, upon their accession to the Council of Europe, to use only peaceful means for settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Therefore, the 44-day war in 2020 demonstrates that Azerbaijan has neglected this commitment, thus, it should be properly addressed by the Council of Europe.
You are well aware of the challenges Armenia encounters today. The humanitarian consequences of the war of aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh are one of the most urgent issues. The involvement of our international partners, including the Council of Europe, is of utmost importance. We consider that there should not be any “grey zones” in Europe for people to exercise their fundamental rights.
The Secretary-General, the Commissioner for Human Rights, the PACE, the European Court of Human Rights, and relevant monitoring bodies have already tried to react in accordance with their mandates. Yet, the Committee of Ministers still has its role to play and I believe your presence here will help to move forward.
13:24, 13 October, 2021
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan announced that there is an agreement to hold a new meeting with his Azerbaijani counterpart to continue negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement.
Speaking about the latest OSCE Minsk Group-mediated meeting with Azeri FM Jeyhun Bayramov in New York during the 76th UNGA , Mirzoyan said that during these talks an agreement was reached to solve humanitarian issues and return of the Armenian POWs.
He said that Armenia welcomes the resumption of the peace talks within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship, stressing that Yerevan sees the settlement of the NK conflict only in this format.
“We’ve reached concrete agreements during the meeting, first of all to discuss and try to solve humanitarian issues such as the release of Armenian prisoners of war, further determination of the fate of missing soldiers and civilians, works in this direction, accessibility of Armenian cultural monuments that have appeared under Azerbaijani control and several other issues, and then to engage in the main component of the co-chairmanship mandate – discussions over the NK status,” Mirzoyan said.
The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs’ preparations of a regional visit were also discussed in New York, and clarifications over this matter will take place soon, he said.
Asked whether or not a new OSCE Minsk Group-mediated meeting with the Azeri FM is expected, Mirzoyan said they have at least reached an agreement to continue the process and organize a new meeting.
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
14:31, 13 October, 2021
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenia will soon receive more Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine doses, CDC Director of Department of Epidemiology of Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases Romella Abovyan said on Wednesday.
She didn’t specify the quantity, timeframes or the brand of the batch.
“We had a little problem regarding the quantity of vaccines, but now I can say we don’t have any problem at all,” she added. In addition, Abovyan noted that they are negotiating over a potential supply of Pfizer vaccines.
“We are engaged in active discussions in the direction of importing the Pfizer vaccine. I think soon authorities will announce the timeframes of its arrival to Armenia.”
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
14:46, 13 October, 2021
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS. OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, France, Russia and the US have been working with Armenia and Azerbaijan to sign a long-term agreement on the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Ambassador of France to Armenia Anne Louyot said, reports TASS.
“I can assure you that we have been working with our Russian and American partners on the process of signing a long-term agreement over Karabakh”, she said.
Replying to the question of whether it is necessary to expect an acceleration of the work of the OSCE Minsk Group, the ambassador said that “the meeting of foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan in New York demonstrates that intermediaries have started working actively”. “I think that Yerevan and Baku should move forward”, she added.
15:00, 13 October, 2021
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Armenian hospitals are out of beds for COVID-19 patients amid rapidly rising infection rates, the CDC Director of Department of Epidemiology of Infectious and Non-Infectious Diseases Romella Abovyan said on Wednesday.
She said that the epidemiological situation in the country is very tense, with data of the past two weeks showing nearly 50% increase of new cases.
Abovyan warned that by European standards Armenia might soon be included in the very-risky category above the current red zone.
“The infection rate is high all across the country,” she said, noting that persons aged 30-50 are mostly affected.
“Hospitals are overloaded, we are out of beds, there are many cases of infections which proceed with serious clinical manifestations,” Abovyan said.
Abovyan warned people against downplaying any flu-like symptoms. “In many cases people contact doctors too late. They get tested with delays, and upon having symptoms they think it might be a seasonal cold. They delay a visit to the doctor so much that their lungs get very infected. I am asking our citizens to contact a doctor immediately upon having a sore throat, headache, fever or fatigue,” Abovyan said.
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
16:03, 13 October, 2021
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received Prosecutor General of Iran Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, the PM’s Office said in a statement.
Pashinyan welcomed the Iranian Prosecutor General’s visit to Armenia and stated that the government attaches great importance to the relations and cooperation with Iran, including in the law enforcement field.
“I am happy to record that there is quite an effective cooperation between our offices of prosecutor general. Of course, Armenia is ready to develop and deepen the cooperation in the justice field, and your visit is a good opportunity in this direction. During the meetings with the Iranian President we agreed that all our agencies should establish close cooperation”, the Armenian PM said.
In turn Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said his visit to Armenia is taking place in response to the visit of the Armenian Prosecutor General to Iran.
“Of course, due to coronavirus this visit was delayed a little bit. Before my visit to Armenia, I met with President of Iran Mr. Raisi two-three days ago. He asked to convey his warm greetings to you, praised you and stated that your recent meeting was very good and productive”.
The Prosecutor General said that Iran highlights the development and expansion of the cooperation with Armenia in all areas. He said that the centuries-old friendly relations between the two countries are a good base to resist all the challenges existing in the region and find necessary solutions with the exercise of the existing big potential. “We are interested in developing the relations with Armenia for the benefit of our countries”, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said.
Mr. Montazeri said that Iran, in its relations with neighbors, is guided by friendly policy, however, adding that they will never allow deployment of terrorists and forces provoking war along the country’s borders.
PM Pashinyan added that he has great impressions from the meetings with the Iranian President and stated that his statement according to which the new governments of Armenia and Iran have started their activity at the same time is viewed as a message to open a new page in the bilateral relations.
In terms of resisting the current challenges, Pashinyan highlighted boosting also the Armenian-Iranian economic cooperation, in particular extending the gas for electricity agreement, complete the construction of the 3rd high-voltage power transmission line, completely utilize the potential of the Meghri free economic zone, etc.
The sides also discussed the regional developments.
Pashinyan also asked to convey his warm greetings to Iran’s Supreme Leader and President.
Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
16:12, 13 October, 2021
MOSCOW, OCTOBER 13, ARMENPRESS. The trilateral meeting of the Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill and the Azerbaijan-based Chairman of the Caucasian Muslims Office (CMO) Allahshukur Pashazadeh took place at the Danilov Monastery, the headquarters of the Russian Orthodox Church in Moscow, RIA Novosti reported.
“We’ve gathered here today to discuss the Nagorno Karabakh conflict,” Patriarch Kirill of Moscow said. “I hope that you and I will find the right words which are greatly needed for our peoples.”
The Patriarch expressed hope that Karekin II and Pashazadeh’s reputations “can have favorable impact on people’s thoughts”.
“And I believe that the fact that we are meeting today and your dialogue will become an example for everyone,” Patriarch Kirill added.
Patriarch Kirill warned that there are people who are attempting to justify violence, bloodshed and cruelty with religion. “We are called to definitively jointly respond to attempts of linking religion with war. Religious wars are the horrendous guilty pages of mankind’s history. May God bless our work and help us to find mutual-understanding, which will contribute to achieving long-term peace.”
Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan
TEHRAN – Is Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sleepwalking into a conflict beyond his country’s capacity? Observers in the region gave intriguing answers to this question.
Ever since the sudden eruption of tensions between Tehran and Baku, many pundits and officials in Iran warned about the malign influence of foreigners on the Republic of Azerbaijan.
In the beginning, it was “third-parties” but as Azeri officials went further in their hostile statements against Iran, it became clear what third-parties exactly means. Initially, Iranian officials sought to defuse tensions with Baku through diplomatic channels, the favorite way of Iran in addressing misunderstandings with Azerbaijan.
To this end, Iranian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Seyed Abbas Mousavi held several rounds of talks with Azeri officials in Baku in a bid to de-escalate tensions. But the Azeris took a step further and brought the spat to the media. In the meantime, several Azeri lawmakers made provocative remarks against Iran.
Again, Iranian officialdom avoided a war of words. Instead, some Iranian lawmakers responded to their Azeri counterparts.
But when Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev jumped in, Iran found itself in a position to respond to Azeri provocations. But even when Iran decided to respond, it did so quite diplomatically.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian spoke over the phone with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov. During the conversation, the chief Iranian diplomat underlined the need for mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries and stressed that Iran and Azerbaijan must prevent misunderstandings in their relations and it is worthwhile to continue their ties in the right and growing direction quickly.
Meanwhile, many Iranian commentators and officials politely warned that tensions between Baku and Tehran could only serve the interests of Israel, which seeks to turn Azerbaijan into a forward base for its malign activities against Iran.
In fact, some Iranians blame the whole episode on Israel’s provocations. Abdollahian told Bayramov that Tehran and Baku have enemies and the two sides should not give the enemies the opportunity to disrupt relations between the two countries.
Aliyev continued to make controversial remarks against Iran despite Iranian warnings that Israel stands behind the tensions. Tragically, the Azeri president even moved to vindicate Israel while continuing his hostile remarks against Iran.
In the lasted move, he accused Iran of collaborating with Armenia in drug trafficking via Nagorno-Karabakh territories when they were under Armenian occupation, an accusation that drew a strong response from Iran.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh strongly rejected the “astonishing” new allegations made by Aliyev against Iran at the summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States, calling them fabricated.
Again, Iran warned of an Israeli role in the drama. Khatibzadeh said such media accusations are only in the interests of the Zionist regime to affect the brotherly relations between the two nations of Iran and Azerbaijan.
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani implicitly reiterated the same warning. Writing on Twitter, Shamkhani described as “false” Aliyev’s allegation on Iran’s involvement in drug trafficking.
“Ignoring the neighborhood principles & making false statements can’t be a sign of a tact. Accusation against a country that the world recognizes as a hero in the fight against drugs has no effect other than invalidating the speaker’s words. Beware of the devil’s costly traps,” he tweeted.
So far, Iran has sought to brotherly resolve the dispute which lasted more than expected. But it seems that there are invisible hands prodding Aliyev into prolonging his war of words against Iran. But why?
A Russian expert says Baku is escalating tensions with Iran in a bid to ramp up pressure on it as part of the West’s pressure campaign on Tehran to resume the stalled Vienna nuclear talks over the 2015 nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The expert, Dmitry Solonnikov, who is the director of the Institute of Contemporary Development in Russia, put the Baku-Tehran tensions into the broader context of the current state of play between Iran and the West.
“If there was no statement that Iran is about to build an atomic bomb…, then this confrontation between Azerbaijan and Iran would not have taken place now,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.
If true, this assessment proves that Aliyev is dragging his country into an ill-advised confrontation that will cost his country dearly.