Category: 2022

Armenian-Russian economic ties remain traditionally strong. Armenia-Russia parliamentary cooperation commission session

Karlen Baghdasarian

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 18:40,

YEREVAN, JULY 11, ARMENPRESS. The 35th session of the inter-parliamentary commission on cooperation between the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation was held on July 11 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Yuri Vorobyov and the Vice president of the National Assembly of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the parliament of Armenia, in his welcome speech, Hakob Arshakyan emphasized the historical nature and special significance of traditional friendly relations between Armenia and Russia, based on centuries-old friendship and cooperation.

According to the Vice-President of the Armenian parliament, the Armenian-Russian parliamentary cooperation contributes to the development of allied relations between the two countries.

"The effective work of the interparliamentary commission on cooperation between the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation gives a special tone to bilateral relations. Year by year, our committee expands its activities, becoming one of the most important factors of parliamentary cooperation," stressed Hakob Arshakyan.

According to him, despite the difficulties and challenges of the modern world, the economic ties between Armenia and Russia continue to remain traditionally strong. "Russia occupies the first place in the list of trade partners of Armenia," stated the Vice President of the National Assembly.

The Vice President of the National Assembly addressed the issue of the Upper Lars checkpoint, noting that it is the only land checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border that connects the two countries. “Unfortunately, in the last few months, we again encountered the problem of crossing the checkpoint. The damage was further tangible during the harvest season, which the producers and transporters faced," he said. Hakob Arshakyan emphasized that the Armenian National Assembly put forward the initiative to take the issue under parliamentary control and contribute to the solution of this problem. He expressed hope that with the efforts of parliamentarians, the problem of queues of heavy vehicles will receive a lasting solution.

The positions of our countries on fundamental international issues are close or coincide. Russia is one of Armenia's important strategic partners in the international arena," Hakob Arshakyan emphasized.

Concluding the speech, the Vice President of the National Assembly assured that the commission's work will be effective and its results will strengthen the strategic partnership and cooperation between Armenia and Russia.

Yuri Vorobyov, Deputy Speaker of the Council of the Federation of the Russian Federation, referred to the role of the Armenian Diaspora in Russia, the prospects for the development of economic and humanitarian relations between the two countries. According to him, about three million Armenians living in Russia contribute to the country's social life and economic progress. Yuri Vorobyov added that Russia's share in Armenia's foreign trade balance is also large. during the past year, the bilateral trade turnover exceeded 2.5 billion US dollars, an increase of almost 13 percent.

The participants of the session discussed issues related to the development of Armenian-Russian economic cooperation, as well as the role of the diaspora in the development of economic, cultural and educational bilateral ties. Reference was made to the cooperation between Armenia and Russia within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, including in the direction of accelerating the pace of information technology development and digitization.

The parties agreed to continue the work in the direction of developing possible mechanisms of support for the Armenian and Russian communities, to use the resources in the promotion of cultural interaction. The parties attached importance to the study of the Russian language in Armenia and the Armenian language in Russia, as well as to the activation of business contacts. The parties will support the initiative of creating a common digital platform for science and education, which is aimed at the accelerated and long-term development of personnel and technological potential.

At the suggestion of Hakob Arshakyan, the 36th session of the interparliamentary commission on Armenian-Russian cooperation will be held in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia.

Russia, Turkey to hold top-level talks

Adrine Hakobian

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 19:15,

YEREVAN, JULY 11, ARMENPRESS. Russian and Turkish leaders will soon hold a meeting, ARMENPRESS reports, "RIA Novosti" informs, citing the Kremlin's news service.

"Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. On the eve of the upcoming Russian-Turkish high-level meeting, the leaders discussed a number of issues of mutual interest," the message said.

The parties, in particular, exchanged ideas on the situation created around Ukraine, including ensuring the safety of navigation in the Black Sea and coordination of efforts in the direction of grain export.

Garo Paylan comments on the telephone conversation between Pashinyan and Erdogan

Janet Ekmekjian

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 20:24,

YEREVAN, JULY 11, ARMENPRESS. Garo Paylan, a member of the Turkish parliament with Armenian origin, referred to the telephone conversation between Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

"I hope that the telephone conversation between President Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan will speed up the ongoing normalization process between the two countries," ARMENPRESS reports, Garo Paylan wrote on his Twitter microblog.

Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan on July 11.

The Prime Minister congratulated the Turkish President on Kurban Bayram, and the President congratulated the Prime Minister on the upcoming Vardavar-Feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ.

The leaders emphasized the importance they attach to the bilateral normalization process between their respective countries which will also contribute to the strengthening of peace and stability in the region.

In this context they expressed their expectation for the early implementation of the agreements reached during the meeting between the Special Representatives of their countries on July 1.




Armenpress: Armenian Deputy FM highlights the role of Armenia, Rwanda in the prevention of genocides

Ara Felekian

Armenian Deputy FM highlights the role of Armenia, Rwanda in the prevention of genocides

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 20:38,

YEREVAN, JULY 11, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Mnatsakan Safaryan met with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta on July 11, who is on a working visit to Armenia.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, at the beginning of the meeting, the interlocutors talked about the prospects for the development of comprehensive relations between Armenia and Rwanda, emphasizing the existing potential for developing mutually beneficial cooperation.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs specifically mentioned the importance of the joint and consistent efforts of Armenia and Rwanda as genocide survivors in preventing and condemning genocides.

The parties also referred to the effective cooperation of the two countries within the framework of the International Organization of the Francophonie.

RFE/RL Armenian Report – 07/11/2022

Ara Felekian 
                                        Monday, 


Plans For Giant Statute Of Christ Spark Controversy In Armenia

        • Susan Badalian

Armenia - Businessman Gagik Tsarukian (right) and Economy Minister Vahan 
Kerobian (center) attend a ground-breaking ceremony on Mount Hatis, July 9, 2022.


Ignoring objections from the Armenian Apostolic Church, archeologists and many 
other people, Armenia’s government has allowed a wealthy businessman to erect a 
giant statue of Jesus Christ on a mountain near Yerevan.

However, the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture unexpectedly ordered a 
halt to construction of the monument one day after it officially began on 
Saturday in the presence of a government member.

The businessman, Gagik Tsarukian, announced plans to build the statue on Mount 
Hatis in January, saying that it must serve as a “guardian of our country and 
people” and impress the outside world. The Armenian Apostolic Church objected to 
the idea, saying that is inappropriate and goes against Armenian Christian 
tradition.

That did not stop Tsarukian from organizing a contest for the statue and 
announcing its winner in May even before securing the government’s approval of 
his project.

The statue designed by sculptor Armen Manvelian will stand 33 meters (108.3 
feet) tall atop a 44-meter pedestal to be perched on Hatis. The mountain itself 
stands more than 2,500 meters above sea level.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian described the project as “acceptable” as he 
chaired a cabinet meeting in Yerevan last Thursday. He argued that the statue of 
Jesus Christ will give Armenia a new tourist attraction.

Pashinian’s economy minister, Vahan Kerobian, also put the emphasis on 
commercial benefits of Tsarukian’s supposedly faith-based undertaking when he 
attended a ground-breaking ceremony held at the summit of Hatis two days later.

“Just like in the case of other investors, we are ready to do our best to ensure 
that the project is put into practice as soon as possible and without hurdles,” 
said Kerobian.

Armenia - A maquette of a planned statue of Jesus Christ.
“We believe in Jesus,” Tsarukian reasoned, for his part. “The whole world has 
[statues of Christ]. Why shouldn’t we have too?”

A spokesman for the Armenian Church’s Mother See in Echmiadzin, Rev. Yesayi 
Artenian, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service that it remains opposed to the project. 
He said that the ancient church, to which the vast majority of Armenians 
nominally belong, has not erected or worshipped statues of Jesus throughout its 
more than 1,700-year existence.

In an unexpected statement issued late on Sunday, the Ministry of Education, 
Science, Culture and Sports said Mount Hatis is home to about two dozen ancient 
monuments legally protected by the state. It singled out the ruins of a Bronze 
Age fortress discovered at the mountain’s summit by an Armenian-Italian 
archeological expedition in 2019.

The statement warned that Armenian law does not allow any construction at such 
sites without special government permission. It said that Tsarukian’s eponymous 
charity must therefore suspend all construction work carried out there.

Education and Culture Minister Vahram Dumanian on Monday declined to clearly 
explain why he did not voice these objections when Pashinian gave the green 
light to the project last week.

Armenia - Historian Hamlet Petrosian speaks to RFE/RL, .

Hamlet Petrosian, a prominent Armenian historian and archeologist, said that 
significant damage has already been inflicted on Hatis’s cyclopean fortress 
stretching back thousands of years.

“They have covered a large part of the fortress with soil to build a platform,” 
Petrosian told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service. “Several parts the [newly built] road 
[leading to the summit] pass through fortress walls. There is no doubt that 
nothing will be left there if the construction continues.”

Some representatives of the Armenian tourism sector echoed these concerns. They 
said that Hatis, which is located about 30 kilometers northeast of Yerevan, is a 
tourist attraction in itself given the rich historical heritage lying on its top 
and slopes.

“As a specialist and citizen, I find the existence of such a statute 
unacceptable,” said Yasha Solomonian of the Armenian Association of Tour Guides

Reacting to the ministry statement, the Gagik Tsarukian Foundation said on 
Monday that work on the statue of Jesus and its equally huge pedestal will not 
start until it secures all necessary permits from “competent state bodies.” But 
it made clear that the construction of the road as well as water and gas supply 
lines for the site will continue as planned.

Armenia - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian meets Gagik Tsarukian, March 18, 2021.

Pashinian’s swift approval of Tsarukian’s extravagant project came as a surprise 
given the uneasy relationship between the two men. The tycoon leads the 
Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) which claims to remain in opposition to the 
current government.

As recently as in September 2020, Tsarukian was arrested on charges of vote 
buying which he described as government retribution for his calls for 
Pashinian’s resignation. He was freed on bail one month later. The 65-year-old 
has avoided publicly criticizing the government since his party failed to win 
any parliament seats in last year’s general elections.

As well as giving the nod to the statue of Jesus, Pashinian’s cabinet on 
Thursday decided not to challenge a court ruling that revoked a hefty penalty 
imposed by tax authorities on Armenia’s largest casino belonging to Tsarukian. 
The Ministry of Finance revoked its operating license shortly after Tsarukian 
was indicted in June 2020. A company operating the casino is understood to have 
regained the license last year.



Armenian Opposition To Keep Boycotting Parliament

        • Gayane Saribekian

Armenia - Opposition leader Ishkhan Saghatelian holds a news conference in 
Yerevan, .


A leader of Armenia’s main opposition coalition said on Monday that it has no 
plans to stop boycotting sessions of the parliament and trying to topple Prime 
Minister Nikol Pashinian with street protests.

“You can be sure that our voters do not want us to go the parliament and deal 
with secondary issues there,” Ishkhan Saghatelian told a news conference. “What 
our voters want is even more extreme and resolute actions than what we are doing 
now.”

“Our agenda is in the streets,” he said. “That’s how issues will be solved. We 
must shake up the movement and attain our declared goal. There is no other 
option, path anymore.”

Opposition lawmakers began the boycott in April ahead of daily antigovernment 
protests launched by their Hayastan and Pativ Unem alliances against Pashinian’s 
apparent readiness to make major concessions to Azerbaijan in the 
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The boycott is continuing despite the ruling Civil 
Contract party’s threats to strip the oppositionists of their parliament seats.

Armenia - Empty seats of opposition deputies boycotting a session of parliament, 
Yerevan, June 14, 2022.

The parliamentary majority has not yet carried out those threats. Instead, it 
has dismissed Saghatelian and another opposition leader, Vahe Hakobian, as the 
parliament’s deputy speaker and chairman of its economic committee respectively. 
Virtually all other opposition deputies holding leadership positions in the 
National Assembly have resigned in protest.

Saghatelian again did not exclude that the three dozen lawmakers representing 
Hayastan and Pativ Unem will themselves decide to resign from the parliament. 
But he said such a dramatic move would be premature at this juncture.

With Pashinian refusing to step down, the opposition decided on June 14 to hold 
major rallies on a weekly basis. Attendance at those rallies visibly declined 
this month.

Saghatelian downplayed this fact, saying that the opposition coalition is now 
setting up regional chapters to “eliminate shortcomings” and reinvigorate its 
“resistance movement.” It is also reaching out to other opposition groups and 
individuals critical of the government, he said.



Armenian, Turkish Leaders Hold First Phone Call


Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian an Turkish President Recep Tayyip 
Erdogan.


Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol 
Pashinian discussed ongoing efforts to normalize relations between their 
countries during their first-ever phone conversation on Monday.

“The leaders stressed the importance of the bilateral process of normalizing 
relations between their countries, which will also help to strengthen peace and 
stability in the region,” read the official Armenian readout of the call.

According to the statement, both Erdogan and Pashinian said they expect a quick 
implementation of agreements to open the Turkish-Armenian border to citizens of 
third countries and to allow mutual cargo shipments by air.

The Turkish presidential press office released a virtually identical statement 
on the conversation cited by the official Anatolia news agency.

Special envoys of the two neighboring states reached the agreements during a 
fourth round of normalization talks held in Vienna on July 1. The Turkish and 
Armenian foreign ministries said after the talks that “third-country citizens” 
will be allowed to cross the land border “at the earliest date possible.” They 
gave no possible dates.

Pashinian instructed Armenian government agencies last Thursday to closely 
cooperate with their Turkish counterparts for implementing the agreements “as 
soon as possible.” Visiting Armenia’s Armavir province on Saturday, he inspected 
the ongoing reconstruction of a local road leading to the Turkish border.

Armenia - Workers rebuild a road in Armavir province leading to the Turkish 
border, July 9, 2022.

Ankara has long made the opening of the border and establishment of diplomatic 
relations with Yerevan conditional on a resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh 
conflict acceptable to Azerbaijan. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu has 
repeatedly said that his government coordinates the Turkish-Armenian dialogue 
with Baku.

Armenian leaders have said, for their part, that they want an unconditional 
normalization of Turkish-Armenian ties.

Monday’s phone call marked Pashinian’s first-ever direct contact with Erdogan.

Pashinian reportedly offered to meet with Erdogan last September. The Turkish 
leader appeared to make such a meeting conditional on Armenia agreeing to open a 
transport corridor that would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhichevan exclave. 
Earlier in 2021, he echoed Azerbaijan’s demands for Armenian recognition of 
Azerbaijani sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Armenian opposition leaders denounced at the time what they described as 
Pashinian’s secret overtures to Erdogan. They maintain that Ankara has not 
dropped its preconditions for normalizing Turkish-Armenian ties.

Turkey provided decisive military assistance to Azerbaijan during the six-week 
war in Karabakh stopped by a Russian-brokered ceasefire in November 2020.


Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2022 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

Asbarez: Armenian Americans Support Artsakh’s Freedom

Vicken Chmshkian
 by Contributor

 

 

 

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories
 0
97.65% of respondents strongly agree (95.25%) or agree (2.4%) that Artsakh should never be forced under Azerbaijani rule.

Survey Finds Community Prioritizes the Security of Artsakh and Armenia against Existential Turkish and Azerbaijani Threats

WASHINGTON—An overwhelming majority of Americans of Armenian heritage oppose Artsakh being forced under Azerbaijani rule, according to a recent nationwide Armenian National Committee of America’s foreign policy survey.

The poll also showed strong support for Armenia’s security as the highest priority in U.S.-Armenia bilateral relations – a finding at odds with the U.S. government’s prioritization of domestic “reforms.”

The key findings of the ANCA survey were as follows:

— 97.65% of respondents strongly agree (95.25%) or agree (2.4%) that Artsakh should never be forced under Azerbaijani rule.

— 98.4% strongly agree (92.7%) or agree (5.7%) that Armenia faces existential threats from Azerbaijan and Turkey.

— 95.2% strongly agree (84.7%) or agree (10.5%) that Armenia’s security should be the top priority in bilateral U.S.-Armenia relations.

— 98% strongly oppose (94.6%) or oppose (3.4%) sending U.S. weapons or military aid to Azerbaijan and – more broadly – to holding Azerbaijan accountable for its war crimes against Artsakh.

— 93.6% strongly agree (84.7%) or agree (8.9%) that Turkey owes reparations to the Armenian nation.

AW: Sunrise Stepanakert Festival brings joy, hope to Artsakh

Arpi Talalian
 Irina Safaryan Music, Culture 0

All shades of blue are covering the peaceful evening sky and the peaks of the mountains of Stepanakert. Several dozen people are gathered outside the garden of Stepanakert State Theater for the opening ceremony of the second annual Sunrise Festival for a performance by Arthur Khachents, an Armenian singer from the Hadrut region of Artsakh, singing “Կյասս Քիսս/You Come and Go.” It’s a song he wrote after the 2020 Artsakh War and performed with Apo Sahagian, a musician from Jerusalem. 

Arthur Khachents performs at Sunrise Stepanakert

Khachents told the Armenian Weekly this song is about the pain, memories and love for Hadrut. It’s also written in the Hadrut dialect, which makes this scene even more heartwarming. 

“I was invited to perform at the Sunrise Festival opening ceremony which I accepted with great pleasure. This is my first concert in Artsakh after the war, after losing my home region of Hadrut, so it was twice as important for me to come and perform for my people,” says Khachents.

Khachents was one of dozens of artists, filmmakers and other professionals from a variety of cultural and media spheres featured in the 10-day multimedia festival held in Stepanakert, the capital of the Republic of Artsakh, from June 24 to July 3. 

Sunrise Stepanakert Festival was co-founded by Shoushan Keshishyan and Lilit Hakobyan back in 2021 after the second Artsakh War.

Sunrise Stepanakert co-founders Shoushan Keshishyan and Lilit Hakobyan

“Art and culture are the best remedies to heal after the war,” said Keshishyan. “While working on this project, we understood that music is not enough. A film screening is not enough. An exhibition is not enough. This is how we got this multimedia version of the festival, which contains masterclasses, film screenings, concerts and other forms of art,” she explained.

Modern dance masterclass by Rima Pipoyan

Once the team decided on a location for the festival, they headed back to Yerevan to discuss logistics and fundraising. The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation became a key supporter.

The first Sunrise Stepanakert Festival took place in the summer of 2021 in cooperation with the Center of Francophonie in Stepanakert and with the support of the government of Artsakh. 

This year, under the theme of “Belonging,” Artsakh youth for the second time were given a chance to enjoy diverse exhibitions by 30 artists from Artsakh, Armenia, India, Russia, France, Brazil, Argentina, the US and Canada. Gayane Sarkisyan served on the organizing committee and helped sift through applications from different artists during an intense selection process. 

“We made all possible efforts to invite the best artists and professionals and to have interesting workshops at the festival. Last year, the festival was more about helping Artsakh people get into art and revival. This year, it is more about bringing people to Artsakh and getting closer to them,” explained Sonya Avagyan, a fashion designer, social entrepreneur and a festival organizer. 

Serouj Hovsepian

Serouj Hovsepian, a 23-year-old filmmaker from Lebanon, presented his short film ‘Nahapet’ at the festival—his third time in Artsakh. “The film is about eternal issues of Armenian society which are best fitted in frames of the festival,” he explained. “Before coming to post-war Artsakh, I was concerned not for my safety, but for the people living here and how I should behave myself next to them, what I should do and what I should not say. But as soon as I arrived in Stepanakert, I realized that Artsakh people are healing and they have their own way to mourn and swallow their pain. I find it incredible.”

Nahapet screening

Anayis Zatikyan, a 24-year-old graphic designer and illustrator from Brazil, is also a frequent visitor to Artsakh. She repatriated to Armenia in 2019. “I am amazed with this festival, which once again proves how many talented people we have to speak, to listen and to work with here in our motherland. It inspires me. It is like the last piece from my Armenian identity puzzle. I feel complete here in Artsakh.”

Anayis Zadikyan

Organizers say they are pleased with the success and popularity of the festival in its second year. There were more participants, and events were not limited to one location, but rather spread out throughout the capital.

Vanik Mezhlumyan, a 14-year-old from Stepanakert, said these opportunities in Stepanakert are few and far between. “This is why I’m trying not to miss the chance to become a part of it and to meet new people which helps you to broaden your horizons. I like the idea of the festival and would love to have more such events in Artsakh,” he said.

Tatev Tadevosyan, a volunteer, concurs. “The masterclasses, workshops, interaction with different people and with Diasporans affect us both spiritually and intellectually. We like touching the art and being a part of it. We are excited about it.”

Baking pakhlava

Tumanyan’s ART Wine House served as the site for jingalov hats and pakhlava masterclasses. “I am very happy to host Sunrise here and see all these people enjoying both the process and the tasting,” said owner Kristina Balayan. “Artsakh is alive with its people. We realize this, and despite everything, we continue to live, love and enjoy life to its fullest.”

Pakhlava

Larisa Avagyan, a student from Stepanakert, was delighted to participate in the pakhlava masterclass. “My mom will kill me knowing this, as I never did it at home, but I came here and tried to learn it. I liked the process, and I am looking forward to trying pakhlava baked by me.”

Margos Margossian

Margos Margossian, a photographer from Los Angeles, California, curated a photo exhibition with journalist Astrig Agopian. They distributed 27 disposable cameras to youth in the border villages of  Kolkhozashen and Mokhratagh and asked the young people to take pictures of what the theme of ‘belonging’ meant to them. “We were pleasantly surprised at their talent and insight,” said Margossian. “Since I am an Armenian American, it is quite difficult for me to enter Artsakh, and I am thankful every time. If I were to summarize Artsakh into one sentence it would be ‘the forest shall give you life.’”

Margossian said he is honored to have this project featured in the Sunrise Stepanakert Festival. “I truly believe in giving a voice to the arts, especially now where most of us are still in a reactive state. Creating is so important now. I feel Sunrise has given a voice to Armenians all over and brought them to Artsakh. After all, we are trying to nourish our souls. Sunrise gave hope.”

Organizers say they took care of the entrance visas for all non-Armenian passport holders and foreign participants. “I should also mention the role of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh, as none of our participants from abroad had problems while traveling to Artsakh. They are well-informed of our festival, very supportive and every time when they see me coming to Artsakh they always say, ‘welcome home,’” said Hakobyan.    

Hakobyan strongly believes that it is more important to create a connection between Yerevan and Stepanakert and people who come to participate at the festival. They get to know Artsakh and its people. She believes that it is crucial to always keep this connection strong. That educational exchange is so important.

“I feel very happy in this kind and artful atmosphere,” said Armine Grigoryan, a 14-year-old volunteer from Stepanakert.

Stepanakert State Theater, named after Vahram Papazian, is the architectural masterpiece that served as the main location for the festival. It was unfortunately abandoned years ago and is in an emergency state now. 

Dancing Armenian national dances

“It is the best location to organize our festival, and we hope that after the Sunrise there will be people who will be ready to donate and renovate this building,” said Hakobyan. “Although the theater is closed, I hope one day it will be renovated and will open its doors to audiences and performances again.”

Lav Eli performs at Sunrise Stepanakert

The Sunrise Stepanakert Festival concluded with a Lav Eli concert, leaving many unforgettable memories and new friendships which will create new pieces of art and inspire a brighter future in Artsakh.

  •  Bio
  •  Latest Posts
Irina Safaryan is a political scientist, translator and freelance journalist based in Stepanakert. She earned her master's degree at Yerevan State University's Department of International Relations; she's also studied at the Diplomatic School of Armenia. She was an intern at the European Parliament and is well-informed on EU-Armenia relations. Irina is the co-founder of the first Wikipedia Club in Artsakh, an author of more than 100 articles in Armenian Wikipedia. Irina is interested in politics, education, new technologies and everything connected to peace and sustainable development of Artsakh.


Iran supports peaceful settlement of Karabakh conflict: FM

Lena Karagyozian
July 4 2022

TEHRAN: /DNA/ – Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has reiterated Tehran’s support for the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based on principles of the international law.

“In today’s talks, the issue of the territorial integrity of countries, including the Republic of Azerbaijan, was once again emphasized by us. We also reaffirmed our support for the peaceful settlement of the ongoing Karabakh conflict based on the well-known principles of the international law,”  Amir-Abdollahian said at a joint press conference with the visiting Azerbaijani Foreign Minister JeyhunBayramov in Tehran on Monday.

“Since the beginning of the Karabakh dispute, the Islamic Republic has always declared its readiness to help resolve the conflict through dialogue. We are still ready to continue our support and assistance in this regard, so that the remaining issues would be resolved on the basis of respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the involved parties and through political dialogue,” he added.

Also in his remarks, Amir-Abdollahian said the Islamic Republic of Iran and Azerbaijan have cleared up all previous misunderstandings between the two neighboring Muslim countries.

The regime, he said, had used the flare-up of the latest tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region in 2020 to establish a presence in parts of Azerbaijan.

Tensions started to flare up after Azerbaijan’s president criticized military exercises by the Iranian Army’s Ground Forces in the northwestern part of the country. Tehran hit back by saying that holding drills is part of the national sovereignty, warning that Israel’s anti-Iran activities in neighboring countries will not be tolerated.

But later Azerbaijan released the two Iranian truck drivers whose arrest had strained ties between Baku and Tehran.

The move marked a thaw between the two countries a week after their foreign ministers agreed to resolve the issue through dialogue.

Elsewhere in his Monday remarks, Amir-Abdollahian touched on the promotion of bilateral ties and said that the volume of their bilateral trade has increased dramatically in the past months.

“Over the past 10 months, we have clarified misunderstandings and we are in the phase of the promotion of increasing relations,” he said. 

He added that the volume of trade between the two countries has witnessed a big jump in the past months, and expressed hope that the two countries’ public and private sectors will take further steps toward increasing the volume of bilateral trade.

“During today’s negotiations, a wide range of bilateral issues were thoroughly discussed and relevant viewpoints exchanged. As you know, the presidents of the two countries have had two one-on-one meetings in the last 10 months. During the meetings, especially in last week’s meeting between IlhamAliyev and [his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim] Raeisi, constructive and forward-looking talks on a new phase of mutual ties between the two countries were held,” Amir-Abdollahian said.

“We stressed the need for deepening the relations between the two countries on the basis of understanding, trust and mutual interests,” the Iranian foreign minister added.

The top Iranian diplomat stressed that various existing diplomatic formats between two or more countries should be seriously taken into consideration given unfolding developments and new conditions.

Amir-Abdollahian went on to note that he had tabled a proposal on hosting a tripartite foreign ministerial meeting between Iran, Azerbaijan and Turkey in Tehran during his last week meeting with his Turkish counterpart MevlutCavusoglu in Ankara.

Amir-Abdollahian also extended the Iranian president’s invitation to Aliyev to visit Tehran, emphasizing that consultations are underway to determine the timing of the trip.

Bayramov, for his part, said that he had fruitful talks with Iranian officials during Monday’s talks on matters of mutual interest as well as regional issues.

“Our bilateral trade volume grew by 30% last year,” the Azerbaijani foreign minister pointed out. He, however, noted that Tehran and Baku needed to further bolster ties as they enjoy great economic and trade potential. 

He also said that his country has reached an argument with Iran to make joint cars and tractors, adding that cooperation on building dams and power plants is also among top priorities for the two neighbors.