Category: 2023

 11:10,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. A serviceman of the Armed Forces of Armenia has died after sustaining a gunshot wound in circumstances that are yet to be determined, the Armenian Ministry of Defense said Friday.

Serviceman Zhora Z. Karapetyan sustained the fatal gunshot wound on August 10. Doctors were unable to save his life.

An investigation is underway to reveal the circumstances of the deadly incident.

In a statement, the Armenian Ministry of Defense extended condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

UPDATES:

17:00 – Investigators announced that a preliminary probe has determined the incident to be suicide. Two other servicemen are under arrest on suspicion of abetment to suicide.

 11:54,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan warned on August 11 that the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh continues to deteriorate.

Commercial supplies into Nagorno-Karabakh have been blocked by Azerbaijan since December 2022 through its illegal blockade. Furthermore, since July 15 Azerbaijan has been blocking humanitarian supplies, including baby food and medication, including through the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Speaking at the Cabinet meeting, PM Pashinyan said that the Armenian government on July 26 decided to send humanitarian aid to Nagorno-Karabakh, and the 19 trucks carrying food and medicine remain stranded in the village of Kornidzor near the entrance to the Lachin Corridor.

“I’d like to remind you that these 19 trucks carry 100 tons of flour, 80 tons of pasta, 60 tons of sugar, 40 tons of vegetable oil, 40 tons of powdered milk, 20 tons of salt, 12 tons of baby food and 9 tons of medicine. A total of 361 tons of humanitarian aid.  The content of the cargo has been verified by foreign diplomats accredited in Armenia and can be verified again at any moment by inspecting the trucks which have been in Kornidzor for already 16 days. Then, two other trucks joined the humanitarian convoy, carrying 9 tons of confectionaries sent by a candy company and 1 truck carrying 25 tons of pasta sent on behalf of the Mayor of Paris and the heads of the French regions of Île-de-France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Hauts-de-France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Pays de la Loire,” Pashinyan said.

The blocking of the humanitarian convoy further corroborates fears that Azerbaijan wants to commit genocide against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, he said.

“And indeed, stronger opinions are voiced by international expert circles that Azerbaijan’s policy on causing a humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor can be viewed from the perspective of the 9 December 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. I think that the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from the illegal blockade of Lachin Corridor has reached a level where greater efforts are required in the direction of giving an international legal assessment to the situation, especially when Azerbaijan is still not implementing the February 22 and July 6 binding rulings by the International Court of Justice on ensuring unimpeded movement of persons, goods and vehicles along the Lachin Corridor,” Pashinyan said.

PM Pashinyan highlighted the fact that the highest instances have recently recorded that Azerbaijan’s comments on the ICJ rulings have nothing to do with reality and that Azerbaijan must ensure unimpeded functioning of the Lachin Corridor.

“In these conditions I must note that the best solution in this situation would be the lifting of the illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan and the start of the Stepanakert-Baku dialogue within the framework of an international mechanism. For its part, the Republic of Armenia continues to reiterate its commitment to the peace agenda and calls on official Baku to refrain from steps nullifying the historic chance for establishing peace,”  Pashinyan said.

 11:44,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government allocated on August 11 around $6,000,000 for organizing the upcoming concert of American rapper Snoop Dogg.

The 17-time Grammy nominated artist is set to perform in Yerevan on September 23 in what he described will be a ‘legendary’ concert.

Up to 25,000 people are expected to attend the concert at the Hrazdan Stadium.

The government also expects the concert to enable Armenia to access the international show business market and facilitate more concerts featuring popular artists.

The $6,000,000 was allocated to Doping Space, the event manager in charge of organizing the concert.

Up to 6,000 tourists are expected to arrive to Armenia for the concert.

 12:01,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. On Armenian Airlines started operating Yerevan-Batumi round-trip flights, Armenia International Airports said in a press release.  

Flights will be operated twice a week: every Tuesday and Friday.

 13:41,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told Cabinet members on August 11 that they should introduce scholarship opportunities for cadets of the Monte Melkonyan Military College.

“A scholarship must be set for cadets of the Monte Melkonyan college in order to promote admissions. This issue must be solved,” Pashinyan said at the Cabinet meeting.

 17:10,

YEREVAN, 11 AUGUST, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 11 August, USD exchange rate down by 0.05 drams to 386.00 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.45 drams to 424.29 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.04 drams to 3.92 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.18 drams to 490.88 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price down by 26.05 drams to 23838.73 drams. Silver price up by 1.14 drams to 282.95 drams.

 19:05,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Staff members Sarah Arkin and Damian Murphy heard valuable first-hand perspectives on the security situation in Armenia and the prospects for peace during their visit to the country, U.S. Ambassador Kristina Kvien said on social media.

“Important visit by U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Staff Sarah Arkin and Damian Murphy this week. In their meetings with stakeholders, including in the regions, they heard valuable first-hand perspectives on the security situation in Armenia and the prospects for peace,” Ambassador Kvien posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

 18:43,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. On August 11, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a telephone conversation with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos.

The Foreign Minister of Armenia briefed his counterpart on the details of the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan's illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor and the severe conditions created for the local population. Minister Mirzoyan noted that Azerbaijan, violating the Trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, and the Order of the International Court of Justice of February 22, not only continues the blockade of the Lachin corridor but also, by the installation of the illegal checkpoint in April, disrupts even the transportation of people with serious health issues by the International Committee of Red Cross.

Highly appreciating the statements of international partners, including Cyprus, Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized the urgency of joint efforts on different platforms aimed at lifting the blockade of the Lachin corridor. The Foreign Minister of Cyprus reaffirmed his country's approach on this issue. Both sides emphasized the need to implement the Orders of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6.

 20:16,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus Constantinos Kombos has expressed full support to Armenia and has called on Azerbaijan to lift the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh.

“Phone conversation with Armenian FM Ararat Mirzoyan on dire humanitarian crisis following the blockage of Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan,” Kombos posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Reiterated Cyprus’ full support to Armenia and called Azerbaijan to lift the blockage in line with 2020 ceasefire statement & ICJ decision.”

The Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia and the rest of the world, has been blocked by Azerbaijan since late 2022. The Azerbaijani blockade constitutes a gross violation of the 2020 Nagorno Karabakh ceasefire agreement, which established that the 5km-wide Lachin Corridor shall be under the control of Russian peacekeepers. Furthermore, on February 22, 2023, the United Nations’ highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ordered Azerbaijan to “take all steps at its disposal” to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.  Azerbaijan has been ignoring the order ever since. Moreover, Azerbaijan then illegally installed a checkpoint on Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to shortages of essential products such as food and medication. Azerbaijan has also cut off gas and power supplies Nagorno Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.

On July 26, Armenia sent a humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medication for Nagorno-Karabakh, but Azerbaijan blocked the trucks at the entrance of Lachin Corridor.

 19:43,

YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. Prominent genocide scholars have submitted an open letter to the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, and Member States of the UN Security Council regarding the potential for genocide in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).

Below is the full letter:

H.E. António Guterres
UN Secretary-General,

Mr. Volker Türk
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights,

Ms. Alice Wairimu Nderitu
Special Adviser of the UN Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide,

UN Security Council Member States

9 August 2023

We, the undersigned scholars and experts on genocide, are writing to you with an overwhelming sense of urgency and concern about the potential for genocide in the Republic of Artsakh (also known as the Nagorno Karabakh Republic). As scholars deeply engaged in the study of genocide, we bear witness to the horrors of history, rigorously analyze past and present atrocities, working to prevent new genocides from occurring. Presently, we find ourselves profoundly concerned by the emergence of unmistakable warning signs of genocide in Artsakh. The most significant risk factor is the unlawful blockade of the Lachin Corridor, which serves as the vital link connecting Artsakh to Armenia.

Since December 2022, the Lachin Corridor, the sole lifeline connecting the Artsakh population to the outside world, has been unlawfully blockaded by Azerbaijani authorities. This distressing situation reached a critical juncture on June 15, 2023, when Azerbaijan sealed off this vital road, subjecting the Republic of Artsakh and its 120,000 residents to a dire state of siege. For the past two months, Artsakh has been forcibly deprived of its ability to access essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other critical goods. Even humanitarian relief efforts conducted by Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have been obstructed, exacerbating an already grave humanitarian crisis.

The escalating humanitarian crisis has prompted the ICRC, the sole international organization with a presence on the ground, to issue a grave alert. In a public statement released on July 25 (https://www.icrc.org/en/document/azerbaijan-armenia-sides-must-reach-humanitarian-consensus-to-ease-suffering), the ICRC unequivocally documented that“The civilian population is now facing a lack of life-saving medication and essentials like hygiene products and baby formula. Fruits, vegetables, and bread are increasingly scarce and costly, while some other food items such as dairy products, sunflower oil, cereal, fish, and chicken are not available.”

Furthermore, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect has issued an alarming atrocity alert for Nagorno Karabakh(https://www.globalr2p.org/publications/atrocity-alert-no-358/), highlighting the persistent risk of enduring mass atrocity crimes.

Considering the aforementioned circumstances and drawing upon additional pertinent information provided by various impartial organizations, human rights organisations, and other relevant stakeholders, we, as experts in the field of genocide studies, hold the view that compelling indicators exist that in the absence of prompt and resolute action, a genocide targeting the ethnic Armenian population of Artsakh is a looming possibility. The prevention of genocide and safeguarding vulnerable populations stand as fundamental obligations of the global community, as underscored by the United Nations Charter and the Genocide Convention of 1948, along with subsequent pledges undertaken by international actors. Guided by these principles, we strongly urge member states and UN bodies to promptly and resolutely step forward, exercising their responsibility to forestall any additional loss of innocent lives and preclude the occurrence of large-scale atrocities.

Specifically, we call upon the United Nations to activate its early warning mechanism, as stipulated within its mandates, to expeditiously address the tangible and imminent threat of genocide in Artsakh. We urge a concerted international effort to bring this grave situation to the attention of the UN Security Council. The Security Council should take decisive action to avert the progression of genocide by urgently removing the blockade on the Lachin Corridor, thereby reinstating unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles, and cargo along this life-supporting corridor in both directions. Security Council action should also support of the Provisional Measures order of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of 22 February 2023 (reaffirmed 6 July 2023), which ordered Azerbaijan to ‘take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions’. A Provisional Measures order is binding, and Azerbaijan remains in breach of its international law obligations by not complying with the ICJ’s order. Furthermore, we urge that the UN establish and send a fact-finding mission to Artsakh for a thorough analysis of data, on-site reporting, and engagement with local communities and organizations to identify and eliminate the consequences of the ongoing crime.

The prevention of genocide requires a collective effort, a unified resolve, and unwavering commitment from the international community. We urge the United Nations and its bodies to prioritize the prevention of genocide in Artsakh and take decisive action to protect the lives and dignity of thousands of innocent people.

Time is of the essence. We urge you to act swiftly and decisively, guided by the principles of the United Nations and the mandate to protect humanity from the scourge of genocide.

Respectfully signed,

Melanie O'Brien, Associate Professor of International Law, University of Western Australia; and President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars

Henry C. Theriault, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Worcester State University, Past President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2017-2021)

Andrew Woolford, Professor, Head of Department of Sociology and Criminology, University of Manitoba, Past President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2015-2017)

Israel Charny, Director of the Institute on the Holocaust and Genocide in Jerusalem, Past President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2005-2007)

Armen Marsoobian, Professor of Philosophy, Southern Connecticut State University, Past First Vice President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2019-23)

Elisa von Joeden-Forgey, Chair of Department of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Keene State College, Past First Vice President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (2015-17)

Hervé Georgelin, Assistant Professor, Department of Turkish Studies and Modern Asian Studies, National and Capodistrian University of Athens

Dr. Vasileios Meichanetsidis, Greek Genocide scholar