Category: 2022

Authorities hurry residents of Akhavno and Berdzor to move out

Garo Vardanian
CAUCASIAN KNOT
Aug 17 2022
Residents of the town of Berdzor and the village of Akhavno in Nagorno-Karabakh must leave their houses by August 20, from that day on communications will be cut off the settlements, local authorities have announced.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 5, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures of Nagorno-Karabakh met with residents of the communities of Akhavno, Sus and the town of Berdzor (the Azerbaijani name is Lachin) and stated that they should leave their houses by August 25, since the Lachin Corridor would be handed over to Azerbaijan.

According to the agreement signed by Aliev, Pashinyan and Putin, Armenia transferred the territory of the Lachin District to Azerbaijan. In June 2022, the Azerbaijan State Highway Agency reported that the construction of the 32-kilometre-long Azerbaijani section of the road continues at an accelerated pace and is scheduled to be completed this year. The transfer of Lachin (the Armenian name is Berdzor) under Azerbaijan's control was delayed due to the absence of an alternative road from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. After the launch of this road, Lachin will be transferred to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani experts explained in July.

One of these days, the Nagorno-Karabakh government will start dismantling the infrastructure lines in the Lachin Corridor, a source from the administration of the Kashatag District told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent. "People will be uncomfortable without communications, so it is desirable that they leave," he said. According to his story, in Akhavno and Berdzor electricity, mobile telephony and Internet will work until August 20.

"By August 20, we must completely liberate the village. More than half of the families have already left. But people want to stay for a few more days in their houses. Unfortunately, this will be impossible," Andranik Chavushyan, the head of the village of Akhavno, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on at 00:46 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:
Despite authorities' warning, Akhavno villager burns his house down, Residents of Akhavno and Berdzor reproach authorities for demanding urgent evacuation, Demand to resettle outrages Akhavno villagers.

Author: Alvard Grigoryan Source: CK correspondent
Источник:
© Кавказский Узел

In Armenia, farmers demand to solve problem with water

Toneyan Mark
CAUCASIAN KNOT
Aug 17 2022

Residents of a village in the Shirak Region have temporarily blocked the road from Artik to Alagyaz. The protestors demand from the authorities to solve the problem with irrigation water.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on July 15, residents of the villages of Getk and Garibdjanyan of the Shirak Region blocked the road from Gyumri to Armavir with the demand to supply their villages with water for irrigation. According to the protestors, they are losing crops because of the unresolved problem with water supply.

Today, residents of the village of Mantash in the Shirak Region have blocked the road from Artik to Alagyaz. The protestors demand to solve the problem with irrigation water. They have unblocked the road after receiving the promises from the authorities that the problem will be solved, reports Ara Sukiasyan, the secretary for the Artik community administration.

According to Ara Sukiasyan, the villagers face the problem with supply of water for irrigation every year, since the local water reservoir is the only source of both drinking and irrigation water. “Responsible persons are afraid to release large amounts of water, as there is a risk that the reservoir may not have enough drinking water in winter,” the portal “News.am” quoted the secretary for the Artik community administration as saying.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on at 01:06 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:
Armenian villagers go out to protest against canal water pollution, In Armenia, villagers demand to solve problem with supply of power and water, Eleven activists detained after protest in Armenia.

Author: The Caucasian Knot
Источник:
© Кавказский Узел

Azerbaijan insists on removal of Armenian population from Lachin and two villages

Suren Karakhanian
CAUCASIAN KNOT
Aug 18 2022
The Armenian population of Lachin and the villages of Akhavno and Sus must leave these territories, the Azerbaijani President, Ilham Aliev, has stated.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that residents of Berdzor (the Azerbaijani name is Lachin, – note of the "Caucasian Knot") and the village of Akhavno (the Azerbaijani name is Zabukh, – note of the "Caucasian Knot") in Nagorno-Karabakh must leave their houses before August 20, as from that day on, communications will be cut off in these dwelling settlements, local authorities have confirmed.

According to the agreement signed by Aliev, Pashinyan and Putin, Armenia transferred the territory of the Lachin District to Azerbaijan. In June 2022, the Azerbaijan State Highway Agency reported that the construction of the 32-kilometre-long Azerbaijani section of the road continues at an accelerated pace and is scheduled to be completed this year. The transfer of Lachin (the Armenian name is Berdzor) under Azerbaijan's control was delayed due to the absence of an alternative road from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. After the launch of this road, Lachin will be transferred to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani experts explained in July.

The people illegally settled in the town of Lachin and the villages of Zabukh and Sus must be evicted, Ilham Aliev said in an interview with the Azerbaijani TV on August 12. "Their presence there, in essence, is a war crime, because it contradicts the rules of the Geneva Convention. (…) Perhaps the Armenians living there, who came from Syria and Lebanon, don't know this, but the leadership of Armenia is well aware of this. Let them not to test us and our patience again. Let them leave of their own free will. We are not interested in where they go. We must return to Lachin, Zabukh and Sus. I instructed the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons to contact residents of Lachin, Sus and Zabukh; and we'll soon return them to their native places," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has translated the words of the Azeri President.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on at 09:40 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:
Authorities hurry residents of Akhavno and Berdzor to move out, Despite authorities' warning, Akhavno villager burns his house down, Residents of Akhavno and Berdzor reproach authorities for demanding urgent evacuation.

Author: Kyamal Ali Source: CK correspondent
Источник:
© Кавказский Узел

Berdzor population reduces to 70 before resettlement from Lachin corridor

Emil Lazarian
CAUCASIAN KNOT
Aug 18 2022
About 70 people still stay in Berdzor, but people are preparing for involuntary resettlement from the Lachin corridor, the Mayor of Berdzor reports. The official emphasizes that the authorities do not guarantee the safety of those who stay.

The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that the administration of the Kashatag District of Nagorno-Karabakh reported that residents of Berdzor (the Azerbaijani name is Lachin, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”) and the village of Akhavno (the Azerbaijani name is Zabukh, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”) must leave their houses by August 20.

According to the agreement signed by Aliev, Pashinyan and Putin, Armenia transferred the territory of the Lachin District to Azerbaijan. In June 2022, the Azerbaijan State Highway Agency reported that the construction of the 32-kilometre-long Azerbaijani section of the road continues at an accelerated pace and is scheduled to be completed this year. The transfer of Lachin (the Armenian name is Berdzor) under Azerbaijan's control was delayed due to the absence of an alternative road from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. After the launch of this road, Lachin will be transferred to Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani experts explained in July.

There are no families in Berdzor who refuse to leave their houses, the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent has learned from Berdzor Mayor Narek Aleksanyan.

“I can’t imagine what security guarantees can be provided if someone nevertheless decides to stay. The authorities will not be able to provide any assistance if a person decides to stay. I personally can’t imagine how Armenians and Azerbaijanis could live next to each other in the same community,” Narek Aleksanyan noted.

At present, according to the Mayor of Berdzor, about 70 people still stay in the community. “Some of the families have already resettled, while others have returned to take their belongings. Everyone chooses whether to move to Armenia or stay in Artsakh (the self-name of Nagorno-Karabakh, – note of the “Caucasian Knot”). If they stay in Artsakh, they will be accommodated in a hotel for the first time. In Armenia, the people will be accommodated in rented housing,” Narek Aleksanyan reported.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on at 11:22 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.

See earlier reports:
Azerbaijan insists on removal of Armenian population from Lachin and two villages, Authorities hurry residents of Akhavno and Berdzor to move out, Despite authorities' warning, Akhavno villager burns his house down.

Author: Tigran Petrosyan Source: CK correspondent
Источник:
© Кавказский Узел

Armenian National Security Service circulates bill on setting up border crossing points with Azerbaijan

Karapet Navasardian
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia – Aug 18 2022
, 22:19

 Less than a minute

The National Security Service of Armenia put into circulation a bill on creating crossing points in some sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

The new crossing points are planned to be set up in the provinces of Gegharkunik (Sotk-M11 highway of state border, automobile), Ararat (Yeraskh, automobile), Syunik (7,5km south of Karahunj, south-east M2 highway, automobile) in the direction of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.

No indication of terrorism or criminal intent in Surmalu blast

Emma Jilavian
Public Radio of Armenia
Armenia – Aug 18 2022
, 13:21

 Less than a minute

At the moment there is no fact that would point to an act of terrorism or other criminal intent in the Surmalu blast, head of the Investigative Committee Argishti Kyaramyan said at the government sitting today.

he noted, however, that investigators are looking into different scenarios of the accident.

“As far as I understand, footage from the scene shows that any logic of a terrorist act could be actually ruled out. Why? Because we see fire, people escaping, which is followed by an explosion. AT least, the visual information we have nearly excludes that version,” PM Nikol Pashinyan said.

Argishti Kyaramyan responded that the existing evidence rather points to a crime caused by negligence.

Another Karabakh resident burns home ahead of displacement

Vicken Chmshkian
PanARMENIAN
Armenia – Aug 18 2022
– 12:47 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - A second resident of the Nagorno-Karabakh village of Aghavno has burned down his house so that it is not left to the Azerbaijanis.

Authorities in Nagorno-Karabakh have ordered the residents of Berdzor, Aghavno and Nerkin Sus – all three situated within the Lachin corridor connecting Kaabakh to Armenia – to leave their homes by the end of August. The ceasefire statement of 2020 calls for the construction of a new highway within three years.

Azerbaijan, however, has demanded the closure of the existing corridor and suggested that the Armenian side use a bypass road which has yet to be constructed. Two Armenian soldiers were killed and 19 others wounded on Wednesday when Azerbaijan attacked Karabakh on August 3.

Following the order, a resident of the village and veteran of the Second Karabakh War, burned down his house to prevent it from getting into the hands of the Azerbaijanis.

This time, Arman Hayrapetyan, the brother of Mher Hayrapetyan, who died in the 44-day war in the fall of 2020, burned his house in Aghavno. His eldest son, Rudik, also participated in the war, while his youngest son is currently serving in the army.

Russian diplomat reassures Armenians over Karabakh corridor

Kanayan Tamar
PanARMENIAN
Armenia – Aug 18 2022
– 13:36 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian peacekeepers “will not move a single centimeter” from the existing Lachin corridor until a new road linking Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia is put into operation, the Armenian service of RFE/RL cited a senior Russian diplomat as saying in Yerevan on Wednesday, August 17.

Maxim Seleznyov, a counsellor-envoy at the Russian embassy in Armenia, stressed that there are agreements in this regard and the parties are in direct contact over this issue. He did not elaborate.

"Russian peacekeepers will move only at the moment when the new Lachin corridor is opened. The tripartite statement [from November 9, 2020] spells out the steps, the sequence of steps. First, the corridor is completed, and as it comes into operation, Russian peacekeepers take control of a five-kilometer corridor around this road,” Seleznyov said.

Amid fresh fighting around Nagorno-Karabakh earlier this month ethnic Armenian authorities in Stepanakert said that the Azerbaijani side, through Russian peacekeepers, demanded that a new connection be organized between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia along a new route.

Nagorno-Karabakh’s authorities informed the few remaining Armenian residents of the town of Berdzor and the villages of Aghavno and Sus that are situated along the current Lachin corridor that no Russian peacekeepers will be left in the territory after August 25 and, therefore, they needed to leave their homes before the end of the month.

U.S. says continues to promote Karabakh peace despite “setbacks”

Aram Torosian
PanARMENIAN
Armenia – Aug 18 2022
– 14:44 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The United States “absolutely still” sees an opportunity to achieve comprehensive long-term peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, despite decent “setbacks”, Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said on Wednesday, August 17.

Price told press briefing on numerous occasions that there were “historic opportunities” to settle the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Those statements, however, were followed by Azerbaijan’s gross ceasefire violations, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.

“We are still working to do what we can to facilitate what we hope to see, and that is a comprehensive long-term peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Price said.

“You know that Secretary [Antony] Blinken recently had an opportunity to engage with the leaders of these countries. We did so, registering our deep concern about the recent fighting in and around Nagorno-Karabakh, including the casualties and the loss of life that had resulted from that. We urged immediate steps to reduce tensions and to avoid further escalations between the parties. And the recent increase in tensions underscores, we believe, the need for a negotiated, comprehensive, and sustainable settlement of all remaining issues related to or resulting from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. So while we’ve seen an intensification of tensions resulting in some violence, we are going to remain committed to working with the parties. We will continue to do so bilaterally, but also with likeminded partners in the EU and through our role as an OSCE Minsk co-chair to help the countries find that long-term comprehensive peace.

Asked whether he still sees the same level of historic opportunities he was seeing in the past, Price gave a positive response.

“We absolutely still see an opportunity here despite the setbacks. We always recognized this was never going to be a linear process. We believe that through continued dialogue, continued engagement, including at the senior levels, we will be in a position to do everything we can to help advance that long-term comprehensive peace.”

Turkish Press: Member of Turkey’s Armenian community becomes governor for first time

Emil Lazarian
Aug 18 2022
Wednesday 05:01 pm

A person from Turkey's Armenian community has become governor for the first time in the history of the Turkish Republic.

The 27-year-old Berk Acar has become the district governor of the western province of Denizli's Babadağ district, according to reporting by the Turkish-Armenian weekly Agos.

Acar, born in 1995, attended Sahakyan Nunyan Armenian Middle School and Işık High School. In 2020, he graduated from the faculty of law at Bilgi University. He later took the state exams to be a governor. He came 72nd out of 13,374 people at a written exam conducted in the capital Ankara in July 2021. He was among the 475 people summoned for the interview.

He has now been appointed as the Babadağ district governor and will replace the previous governor Adem Karataş. Acar is expected to start his job in the upcoming days.

https://www.duvarenglish.com/member-of-turkeys-armenian-community-becomes-governor-for-first-time-news-61146