Category: 2023

Armenpress: France demands restoration of free movement along Lachin Corridor

Janet Ekmekjian

 17:30, 5 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. France demands the restoration of the free movement of persons and goods along Lachin Corridor, the French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

“France demands restoration of the free movement of persons and goods in both directions of the Lachin Corridor, as well as uninterrupted gas and electricity supply to the population,” Ambassador Decottignies said.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to 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. The ICJ reaffirmed its order on 6 July 2023.

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 supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.

On July 25, the Government of Armenia said that it will try to send over 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other foodstuffs and medication to Nagorno-Karabakh to mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor. Armenia requested the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh to escort the aid but Azerbaijan has blocked the convoy at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor.

Armenia: Government must put an end to online harassment of journalists

Arpi Talalian
International Federation of Journalists
July 31 2023

The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ-EFJ) join its affiliate in Armenia, the Union of Armenian journalists (UAJ), in condemning the campaign of insults and harassment launched by government supporters on social networks and in certain online media following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's press conference in Yerevan on 25 July, in a climate of tension following the events in Karabakh. We call on the Armenian authorities to publicly denounce these threats and to prosecute and punish the perpetrators.

Credit: Union of Armenian Journalists (UAJ).

Among others, journalists Ani Gevorgyan and Hripsime Jebejyan have been the target of death threats and threats of physical violence. The journalists’ union condemned a concerted and deliberate attack by activists close to the government and by some public officials. UAJ also accused the Prime Minister of having encouraged this online hate campaign. The union has referred the matter to the human rights defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan.

“Journalists work under conditions of real terror,” said UAJ President Satik Seyranyan. “They are really in danger”. The EFJ General Secretary Ricardo Gutiérrez called on the Armenian authorities to publicly denounce these threats and to identify, prosecute and punish the perpetrators, especially if they are official representatives of the public authorities.

The IFJ Deputy General Secretary Tim Dawson declared: “Harassment on social media seriously affects journalists’ mental health and their ability to do their jobs. Armenian government ministers should condemn these attacks and work to allow reporters the freedom to carry out their work”.

For more information, please contact IFJ on +32 2 235 22 16

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 146 countries


https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/category/press-releases/article/armenia-government-must-put-an-end-to-online-harassment-of-journalists

Fitch upgrades Armenia as war migrants add dynamism to economy

Jhanna Virabian
July 31 2023

By bne IntelIiNews July 31, 2023

An extraordinary influx of tens of thousands of migrants into Armenia since the start of the Ukraine conflict has added dynamism to the small nation’s economy, according to Fitch Ratings, which on July 28 upgraded the country to ‘BB’, with a stable outlook.

Said Fitch: “Armenia has had a strong rebound from successive shocks in recent years since its downgrade [to ‘B+’] in 2020, and Fitch expects this dynamism to continue in light of an extraordinary inflow of migrants.

“Since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, an estimated 50,000-65,000 immigrants (equivalent to 2.2% of Armenia's pre-conflict population) from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus have settled in the country. This supported strong growth of 12.6% in 2022, and Fitch expects the economy to grow by 7.2% in 2023, 5.9% in 2024 and 4.5% in 2025.”

In further comments on the impoverished South Caucasus country’s prospects, Fitch said: “Consumption will remain solid while the outlook for goods-and-services exports is also positive despite a strong appreciation of the Armenian dram, mainly due to a resurgence in tourism and re-exports to Russia. If current economic trends continue, Armenia's already favourable medium-term potential growth (estimated at 4.5%) could receive a further boost from expansion of the labour force and improvements in productivity. Fitch expects income per capita (at market exchange rates) to nearly double from 2021 levels by 2025.”

The ratings agency noted that Armenia’s debt was stabilising at a low level, observing that government debt/GDP fell sharply to 46.7% in 2022 from 60.2% in 2021 due mainly to currency appreciation, but also the strong nominal GDP rebound and fiscal consolidation. Fitch expects stabilisation at around 44.6% in 2023-25, below its pre-pandemic 2019 level of 53.7% and the current 'BB' median of 54.1%.

“The share of FX-denominated debt of 60.5% as of 1Q23 is above the 'BB' median of 55%, although this has declined from 71.2% at end-2021 due to sharp dram appreciation as well a shift to greater local borrowing,” said the ratings firm, adding: “Risks to debt dynamics are mitigated by the relatively large share of concessional debt, and the high proportion of fixed rate debt (84.1% as of May).”

Fitch added that it expected that robust nominal economic growth and higher spending would result in a moderate increase in the general government deficit (cash basis) to 2.5% of GDP, from 2.2% in 2022.

Armenia’s current account posted a surplus of 0.8% of GDP in 2022 compared to a 2021 deficit of 3.7%. That, said Fitch, was a result of solid demand for services and goods exports and money transfers, including remittances. “We expect the current account to fall back into a deficit of 1.1% of GDP on average in 2023-2025 on strong domestic demand, but remain below historical averages in light of these positive factors. The stronger external position reduced net external debt to 24.6% of GDP in 2022 from 44.5% in 2021, and we expect a further decline to 16.1% of GDP by 2025, in line with peer medians. The external liquidity ratio is expected to peak at about 150% in 2024,” it added.

Fitch also pointed to some inherent risks from high reliance on the Russian market (49% of exports and 25% of imports in January-May), although in the short term, Armenia, it said, would benefit from the sharp increase in re-exports to the country that is occurring as a result of closure of other trade routes to Russia due to sanctions.

Fitch also assessed geopolitical risks to Armenia from its unresolved territorial dispute with Azerbaijan.

Those, risks, it said have increased since the start of the year, adding: “As of July, a seven-month long Azerbaijani blockade of the Lachin Corridor in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region is ongoing, and there have been multiple deadly military clashes on the border. Peace talks between the two countries continue, but in our view, are unlikely to yield a lasting peace agreement in the absence of territorial adjustments that may be politically difficult for Armenia to accept.

“Fitch believes that in the event of a military conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh, fighting will largely be limited to the disputed region, and broader macroeconomic implications for Armenia will be limited.”

Fitch also looked at how lower inflation and a strong currency were key rating drivers for Armenia, saying: “Sharp increases in money transfers and movement of migrants from Russia have contributed to a sustained strengthening of the dram since mid-2022. The strong dram and the easing of global commodity prices caused inflation to fall into negative territory in June (-0.5% yoy) from a peak of 8.1% in January-February.

“Core inflation is also declining, from an average of 8% in 1Q23 to 1.5% yoy in June, notwithstanding strong wage growth (18% yoy as of May 2023), reducing concerns over economic overheating. Fitch expects the dram to moderately depreciate in 2023-24, albeit still to levels stronger than before the start of the Ukraine conflict.”

In its assessment of Armenia’s stable, dollarised banking sector, the ratings agency said: “The Armenian banking sector has favourable profitability (return on equity of 18%), asset quality (non-performing loan ratio of 2.6%) and capitalisation (Tier 1 capital ratio of 18.7% as of May). Deposit dollarisation levels have been stable, at 52.3% as of May 2023, while loan dollarisation declined slightly to 34.8% as of May.

“There are signs of overheating in the property market, with residential property prices rising by an average of 10% yoy in 1H23, owing mainly to the heightened demand from the population surge. However, Fitch sees risks of a disorderly correction as relatively low, and any spill over on the broader economy will likely be limited, given strong household and corporate balance sheets. Banks have adequate dram and US dollar liquidity, and a destabilising outflow of deposits is not seen as likely.”

https://www.bne.eu/fitch-upgrades-armenia-as-war-migrants-add-dynamism-to-economy-286018/?source=armenia

Armenia’s attempts to bring cargoes via Lachin corridor unauthorized: Azerbaijan

Jack Hunanian
IRAN FRONT PAGE
July 31 2023

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has said the truck convoy that was detained at the entry to the Lachin corridor had no permission from the Baku side to do so, the press service of the Azerbaijani leader announced following his talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“During the talks, President Aliyev noted that the Armenian side had staged a military provocation at the border checkpoint in Lachin, shelled Azerbaijani border guards, attempted a contraband, and sent an unauthorized tuck convoy to Azerbaijan,” it said.

According to Aliyev, Baku suggested the route Agdam-Khankendi be used to deliver goods to the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh and this proposal was supported by the European Union and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

“The Azerbaijani president said that Armenia has turned down all the proposals. The Armenian side’s statements about the ‘humanitarian situation’ and the ‘blockade’ are political manipulations,” the press service stressed.

Apart from that, Aliyev stated that Yerevan “is indulging in subversive activities” and is seeking to hamper contact and dialogue between Baku and representatives of Karabakh’s Armenian population.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan said on Thursday that a convoy with humanitarian assistance to Nagorno-Karabakh residents from Armenia was unable to enter the Lachin corridor as it had no permission from the Azerbaijani authorities.

According to the Armenian side, the Lachin corridor, which is the only road from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, was blocked on December 12, 2022 by a group of Azerbaijani nationals. Later, Baku placed an official checkpoint on the border with Armenia near the Khakari bridge.

People in Nagorno-Karabakh receive humanitarian aid with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross, which also helps evacuate those needing medical assistance to Armenia. However, after a shootout between Armenian and Azerbaijani border guards on June 15, Baku banned any humanitarian deliveries to Nagorno-Karabakh.

https://ifpnews.com/armenia-cargoes-lachin-corridor-unauthorized-azerbaijan/

Georgian Civil Society Organizations Express Concern Over Crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh

Eduard Nalbandian
CIVIL GEORGIA
July 31 2023

On July 28, Georgian civil society organizations issued a statement on the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. The statement expressed the concern of Georgian civil society about the escalation of tensions resulting from the total blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan.

The statement reads: “We, the civil society organizations of Georgia, extend our solidarity to all those affected by the conflict”. The organizations emphasize the profound and irreversible hardships endured by the civilian population over 30 years of unresolved conflicts, including loss of lives, compromised health, daily insecurity, and an uncertain future.

“As advocates for peace and human rights,” they stress the urgent need to safeguard and support the well-being of civilians. They believe it’s crucial for the conflicting parties and international community to prioritize humanitarian concerns and the protection of human rights during negotiations and are convinced that safeguarding conflict-affected people is essential for building confidence and normalizing relations between the parties.

The statement highlights that in the current geopolitical crisis, all three South Caucasus countries share a common interest of establishing peaceful coexistence and creating precedents of trust, mutual assistance, and cooperation, which aims to ensure the peace, development, and prosperity of all the people in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.

The civil society representatives conclude that all sides must show restraint and avoid actions that may escalate the situation or further complicate negotiations in the fragile conditions. “It is crucial to safeguard the dignity, rights, and security of those impacted by the conflicts,” – notes the statement and adds that the Azerbaijani authorities hold a specific responsibility in ensuring the safety and rights of the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh, as their actions will significantly influence inter-ethnic relations and the overall peace in the South Caucasus region.

The statement highlights the dire situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, where 120,000 people have been living in severe socio-economic and humanitarian crisis for nearly seven months. Their movement has been restricted, leading to total isolation. The International Committee of the Red Cross, previously instrumental in providing aid, expressed its inability to do so despite several attempts. Furthermore, Russian peacekeepers have stopped supplying essential supplies like food and medicine for about a month.

The organizations emphasize that a severe shortage of food, medical supplies, and essential goods in Nagorno-Karabakh, is leading to an increase in health problems among women and children. Elderly, disabled individuals, and chronically ill people have limited access to health services. Women face complex challenges both legally and from a humanitarian perspective. The statement further notes that around 27,000 students are unable to attend school due to limited heating and electricity, and some 1,100 people, including 270 children, are unable to return home due to movement restrictions.

On December 28, 2022, Armenia filed a request with the International Court of Justice for temporary measures to address the freedom of movement restrictions in the Lachin Corridor. In response, on February 22, 2023, the Court ordered Azerbaijan to ensure the unimpeded movement of both cargo and people within the corridor. The Court’s decision was based on the need to protect the rights of the ethnic Armenian population under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (CERD), including freedom of movement and protection from discrimination. The European Court of Human Rights also issued a judgement on December 22, 2022, requiring Azerbaijan to take necessary measures for individuals with limited access to essential services, including healthcare facilities. On July 26, 2023, the European Union described the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh as critical.

Azerbaijan rejects US mediation in Nagorno-Karabakh negotiations to hide its threats of war

Jack Hunanian
July 31 2023

There's information that in the coming days, representatives of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh will meet in a third country in order to negotiate, with the USA serving as an intermediary state. The Karabakh-Azerbaijani negotiations will probably take place in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria.

There's a need for official confirmation of the information, but this may only happen if the negotiation process implies confidentiality. This is at least the second attempt to organise a Baku-Stepanakert meeting in Bulgaria. The previous one was months ago, in May-June, but it failed due to Azerbaijan's maximalist position.

In particular, the international mediators conveyed Azerbaijan's proposals to Stepanakert. It was a program to integrate the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh into Azerbaijan. The Karabakh side perceived it not as an invitation to negotiations but as a presentation of a request by Azerbaijan. Due to the maximalism of Azerbaijan, that meeting didn't take place.

Azerbaijan has insisted that it pay the rent for the hotel space and hospitality for the Karabakh-Azerbaijani negotiations in Sofia. Formerly, Karabakh rejected Azerbaijan's offer to go to Baku and negotiate. Now, Azerbaijan wants to feel like a host in that negotiation.

Baku objected to American mediators in the meeting room with Stepanakert representatives in Sofia. Baku suggested that they wait in the next room.

Why does Azerbaijan object to negotiations with Nagorno Karabakh being held in the presence of international observers? During the talks, Azerbaijan intends to present a plan for the integration of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians into Azerbaijan, not to discuss or accept any of Stepanakert's proposals, and to threaten that if Stepanakert doesn't get its demands, Baku will start a war.

In other words, Azerbaijan imagines the meeting as an ultimatum presentation ceremony, not a negotiation. And he doesn't want the USA to see it.

On March 1, 2023, Azerbaijan met with representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians in Ivanyan/Khojaly. The command of the Russian peacekeepers was present. Stepanakert offered to discuss technical issues at that meeting. However, the Azerbaijani deputy sent from Baku presented a plan for integrating Karabakh Armenians, intentionally disrupting the meeting.

The meeting failed. Five to six days after that meeting, Azerbaijan killed three Armenian police officers in Nagorno Karabakh. President Arayik Harutyunyan revealed after that meeting that Azerbaijan threatened the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh that if the Azerbaijani integration plan isn't accepted, there would be harsh military actions.

Arresting a 68-year-old citizen of Karabakh in the Lachin Corridor and transferring him to Baku is Azerbaijan's attempt to derail the upcoming negotiations with Stepanakert. It is the use of force and threat by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Karabakh. It may seem that the meeting with the Armenians of Karabakh is beneficial for Azerbaijan because it's a chance to present a request.

However, when Nagorno Karabakh participates in the negotiations with Azerbaijan, it deprives Baku of the opportunity to create false grounds for using military force. Azerbaijan prefers that Karabakh doesn't participate in the meetings, which it will interpret as destructiveness, and start a military operation against Karabakh.

Baku likely fails this upcoming match as well. For example, in addition to arresting Vagif Khachatryan, Azerbaijan can organise new military provocations and prevent the Armenian side from attending the meeting. But if the meeting occurs, the official Stepanakert will present its program and agenda.

International mediators should be more deeply involved in the negotiations. The US should move from the role of a mere meeting organiser to the position of forcing solutions. The goal of Azerbaijan is to deport the Karabakh Armenians by starving them to death, creating inhuman conditions for living.

As long as there is no intense pressure on Azerbaijan to give up this maximalism, peace will not be established. On the contrary, the high risk of a new bloody conflict will remain.

By the way, today, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken announced that he spoke with the President of Azerbaijan, Aliyev, yesterday.

In the conversation, he wrote: "I spoke to Azerbaijani President Aliyev yesterday to express our deep concern for the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Nagorno-Karabakh. The United States urges all sides to continue dialogue to reach a durable peace agreement."

Robert Ananyan is a journalist for Factor TV.


Gyumri expected to draw over 11,000 visitors for ‘unprecedented’ Pan-Armenian Games

Ani Basmajian

 11:38, 5 August 2023

GYUMRI, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. Over 11,000 visitors are expected to arrive in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city, for the 8th Pan-Armenian Summer Games, a multi-sport event held between competitors from the Armenian diaspora and Armenia.

The opening ceremony will take place on August 5, at 21:00 in the Shirak Stadium.

Over 7,160 participants will compete in the 19-event sports competition. 2000 volunteers are involved in the preparations.

Organizers have said that this year the Pan-Armenian Games will be ‘unprecedented.’

“The 8th Games will be unprecedented in terms of both geography of participating countries and the number of participants,” Anna Vardanyan, the head of the Pan-Armenian Games World Committee press service told ARMENPRESS. She said that the event will feature participants from 179 cities of 41 countries. This year’s event, held under its traditional motto – Unity Through Sports – will feature the very first participation of athletes from Chile, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Saudi Arabia and India.

Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs, Indian Ambassador discuss expansion of cooperation

Anna Tamamian

 11:50, 5 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan has met with the Ambassador of India to Armenia Nilakshi Saha Sinha.

During the meeting Minister Ghazaryan spoke about the ongoing reforms in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, particularly detailing the work in the subordinate divisions, the ministry said in a readout.

Ambassador Nilakshi Saha Sinha underscored the existing close relations and expressed readiness to strengthen and enhance cooperation.

The future directions of cooperation and other issues of mutual interest were also discussed.

Day 11: Armenian humanitarian convoy for Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan

Jirair Kafian

 12:03, 5 August 2023

KORNIDZOR, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian humanitarian convoy carrying emergency food and medical supplies to Nagorno-Karabakh remains blocked by Azerbaijan at the entrance of Lachin Corridor for the 11th day.

Armenian government official Vardan Sargsyan, a member of the working group in charge of responding to the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, said that the situation is attracting increasing international attention, and many countries and parliamentarians are demanding Azerbaijan to end the blockade.

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The foreign diplomats, journalists and members of humanitarian organizations, and others, who’ve visited the village of Kornidzor have seen with their own eyes the situation on the ground and obtained reliable information on the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, Sargsyan said.

He noted that Azerbaijan continues to react unconstructively to the Armenian humanitarian initiative. The various attempts to manipulate the issue are debunked when the international diplomats and representatives of various organizations visit Kornidzor and witness that the Lachin Corridor is blocked by Azerbaijan. 

The official expressed hope that the international attention will eventually lead to the reopening of the Lachin Corridor and that the humanitarian convoy will have access to Nagorno-Karabakh.

Lachin Corridor, the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to 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. The ICJ reaffirmed its order on 6 July 2023.

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 supply into Nagorno-Karabakh, with officials warning that Baku seeks to commit ethnic cleansing against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. Hospitals have suspended normal operations.

On July 25, the Government of Armenia said that it will try to send over 360 tons of flour, cooking oil, sugar, and other foodstuffs and medication to Nagorno-Karabakh to mitigate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the blockade of Lachin Corridor. Armenia requested the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh to escort the aid but Azerbaijan has blocked the convoy at the entrance of the Lachin Corridor.  

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the situation that Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh are currently facing,”  Pashinian posted on social media platform X when the convoy was sent from Yerevan. “The 360 tons of vitally important foodstuff sent to Nagorno-Karabakh is exclusively for humanitarian purposes,” he added.

Pashinyan warned that if Azerbaijan blocks the Armenian humanitarian aid convoy from entering Lachin Corridor it would corroborate Armenia’s fears that Baku seeks to commit genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh.

On July 28, members of the diplomatic corps of Armenia the village of Kornidzor near the blocked Lachin Corridor and inspected the convoy.

UN Armenia office representatives the area on August 3.

[see video]

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1116843.html?fbclid=IwAR0CNLw2jKU1lykwGL3W_a7AA-VQ53eb2y5rUJXsLhe0xIqByNGo37lsQcs

Member of the Knesset Ofer Cassif calls out Israeli government for supporting Azeri dictatorial regime

Emil Lazarian

 13:20, 5 August 2023

YEREVAN, AUGUST 5, ARMENPRESS. Member of Knesset Ofer Cassif has criticized the government of Israel for supporting Azerbaijan’s dictatorial regime.

“Israel is not only exporting weapons to any dictatorship which wants it, but is also exporting ethnic cleansing and blockades. With Israeli military support, the Azerbaijani soldiers are carrying out a deadly blockade of the Armenians of Artsakh, blockading the Lachin Corridor. The blockade continues and 120,000 people, including 30,000 children are in life-threatening condition due to famine and disease. Stop the support to dictatorships,” the Israeli lawmaker wrote in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.