Category: 2023

 13:17, 6 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Human Rights Defender of Armenia Anahit Manasyan has provided information regarding the two Armenian servicemen kidnapped from the territory of Armenia by Azerbaijan to international organizations.

The subject is constantly raised in contacts with all international partners.

“In this case we are dealing with persons who clearly have a status of captives in terms of international humanitarian law, and they must be covered with the guarantees, which, basically it would be disputed to say whether or not they are factually covered now . Definitely, steps must be taken,” she said when asked on the sham trials of the soldiers in Azerbaijan.

The two servicemen of the Armed Forces of Armenia were kidnapped by an Azerbaijani sabotage team on May 26 in the sovereign territory of Armenia.

 14:41, 6 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. The Presidency of the United Kingdom in the UN Security Council convened on July 5 an open debate on Children and Armed Conflict.

Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Children and Armed Conflict Virginia Gamba and representatives of over 70 UN member states delivered remarks at the debates.

Permanent Representative of Armenia to the UN Ambassador Mher Margaryan also delivered a statement.

Below is the transcript of Margaryan’s speech.

“Mr. President,

“We thank the Presidency of the United Kingdom for convening the open debate on the theme of children and armed conflict. We appreciate the comprehensive presentations of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Virginia Gamba, the Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF and civil society briefer.

“Armenia emphasizes the critical importance of upholding the goals, objectives and principles enshrined in the Safe School declaration, the Paris Principles and the Vancouver Principles to promote and protect the rights of all children, in particular, those residing in conflict areas, and to prevent grave violations of children’s rights.

“The Secretary-General’s report on “Children and armed conflict” reveals a growing number of challenges faced by children, as multidimensional conflicts, including across regions, continued to have an adverse impact on the lives of civilians for the reporting period of 2022. The report demonstrates that the monitoring and verification of grave violations remains extremely challenging, including owing to access constraints, which results in the underreporting of such violations.

“Underreporting is a major challenge that can lead to bias and inadequate response, enabling the perpetration of further violations, including in our own region. In September 2022, Azerbaijan conducted an armed attack against the territorial integrity of Armenia, exposing a number of villages and towns deep inside Armenia to massive shelling by heavy artillery and UAVs. Azerbaijan’s premeditated criminal actions violated the right to education of 25,000 children from the Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor and Syunik provinces.

“In Nagorno-Karabakh, since 12 December 2022, the civilian population have become victim of an inhumane blockade by Azerbaijan, the imposition of which has severely affected the rights and livelihoods of those most vulnerable, the children. As we speak, the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor, in violation of the existing legal obligations and the order of International Court of Justice, continues to endanger the lives of innocent people in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“For almost 7 months, families with children have been suffering from critical shortages of essential goods, including food, fuel and medical supplies. The humanitarian situation is further exacerbated by complete disruption of gas and electricity. 118 schools had to suspend their activities due to weather conditions, depriving 20,000 children of their right to education, including early education, with pre-schools no longer operational due to food insecurities, affecting more than 6,800 children. Provision of health services has been severely disrupted, with acute lack of antibiotics and other types of medications leaving children susceptible to otherwise easily treatable diseases, while hundreds of newborns are experiencing nutritional problems exacerbated by the ongoing shortage of infant formula.

“On 22 February, the International Court of Justice issued an Order on the indication of a provisional measure demanding that Azerbaijan “shall take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin corridor in both directions”. To this date, Azerbaijan has failed to ensure compliance with the legally binding Order of the Court.

“Mr. President,

“Azerbaijan’s denial of safe and unimpeded humanitarian access of the UN agencies to Nagorno-Karabakh undermines comprehensive assessment of the humanitarian, protection, early recovery needs and human rights situation of the population, to ensure the protection of the rights of children and their access to inclusive and quality education, healthcare and social services.

“As the leading advocate of the United Nations for the protection of children affected by armed conflict, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General has a central role to play in raising awareness on the need to increase efforts to protect children, whose inalienable rights are under brutal attack. The intentional disruption of the Lachin Corridor, which has left 30,000 children and their families besieged, constitutes a violation of a massive scope and gravity, and we call on the Special Representative to use her important mandate to monitor the situation and to take efforts for humanitarian access in order to avoid further deterioration of the conditions affecting the lives of the children in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“The United Nations and its humanitarian arm (OCHA), as well as the SRSG for children and armed conflict and this very Council have a distinct responsibility to prevent grave violations and to safeguard the physical security of children, whose rights and safety must be respected and protected at all times, in all parts of the world, including in Nagorno-Karabakh.

“I thank you.”

 15:21, 6 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Russia has expressed extreme concern over the frequent ceasefire violations in Nagorno Karabakh and the continuing blockade of Lachin Corridor.

“According to the existing information, the humanitarian situation in the region is deteriorating. Regrettably we have to note that due to the suspension of supplies the population of Karabakh could be left without food, other essential products and reserves of medication,” Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing. She said that this contradicts the trilateral agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan.

She also called on Azerbaijan to unblock the Lachin Corridor.

“We call on Baku and Yerevan to resolve all issues exclusively through political-diplomatic means, we call on the Azerbaijani side to unblock the Lachin Corridor and ensure unimpeded passage of persons, vehicles and goods for civilian purposes,” Zakharova said.

Zakharova said the actions of the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh would depend on the development of the situation on the ground and the trilateral agreements.

She said that Moscow maintains contact with the sides to de-escalate the tension in the region.

“These contacts continue on the political level, as well as in terms of the Russian peacekeeping contingent. And of course, a lot depends on the parties themselves, their political will and readiness to meet each other halfway. We are making all necessary efforts from our side,” Zakharova said.

Zakharova added that the Russian Foreign Minister’s Special Envoy for supporting normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Igor Khovaev, could pay a visit to the region soon.

 15:36, 6 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. The United States does not presuppose the outcome of negotiations on the future of Nagorno-Karabakh and supports an agreement that is durable, sustainable, and lays the foundations for peace, United States Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien told ARMENPRESS in a written statement when asked to clarify the U.S. position since there have been many interpretations of her comments made during an interview with Public TV.

ARMENPRESS:  There have been many interpretations of the comments from your interview with Public TV, particularly concerning the future of Nagorno-Karabakh.  Can you clarify your position?

U.S. Ambassador Kristina Kvien:  Direct dialogue is the key to resolving issues and reaching a durable and dignified peace.  The United States does not presuppose the outcome of negotiations on the future of Nagorno-Karabakh.  The United States supports an agreement that is durable, sustainable, and lays the foundations for peace.  The question of the rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh is central to the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.  Ultimately ensuring that this population can feel secure in their homes and have their rights protected is the only way to guarantee a lasting settlement to a conflict that has lasted too long and cost too many lives.

 17:32, 6 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador of Armenia to the Netherlands Tigran Balayan has delivered a speech at the “The South Caucasus and the European Union – addressing challenges, seizing opportunities” conference organized by LINKS Europe.

In his speech, the ambassador said that the EU is Armenia’s key partner in all possible fields and sectors. With the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Armenia has embarked on a new ambitious agenda with the EU, Balayan said.

Below is the transcript of the ambassador’s speech at the event.

“Excellencies, dear Special Envoys and Representatives, Colleagues, dear participants. 

Thank you for this opportunity to present to you the views of my Government on cooperation with the EU, our key international partner.  

There is an old Dutch custom of planning agendas months ahead, and as we were informed about this important event relatively recently, today is one of those days, when I am in Brussels with a number of scheduled meetings, practically promoting  the partnership with the European Union. 

The EU is Armenia’s key partner in all possible fields and sectors. With the CEPA we embarked on a new ambitious agenda with the EU.

Our partnership is anchored on shared values aimed at reinforcing the democratic reforms in Armenia, promoting good governance, rule of law, fight against corruption, and making the life of Armenian citizens better. 

The implementation of the CEPA is overseen by the interagency commission, chaired by the Deputy PM.  We have growing trade and economic cooperation with increasing investment volumes.  Scientific and cultural cooperation is amongst the pillars of our relationship. 

With the recent conclusion of agreements with the Europol and the one we are currently finalizing with the Eurojust, Armenia is starting an institutionalized cooperation between the law enforcement agencies, which is a manifestation of trust in Armenia and its  reform agenda.  

In January we held the first high-level Armenia-European Union Political and Security Dialogue, a manifestation of the utmost importance Armenia attaches to the security component of our partnership. 

We welcome the EU’s role of mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and grateful to President Michel, the EEAS team headed by Ambassador Klaar for his consistent efforts, supported by the member states.  

The deployment of the EU monitoring mission along the Armenian-Azerbaijan border is the best thing that has happened to the region since 2008, when a similar mission was deployed in Georgia. We are of the opinion that the EU has enough trust with its reliable energy partner to deploy a similar mission on the Azerbaijani side of the border, and also contribute to the deployment of UN mandated (EU) missions in Nagorno-Karabakh and the Lachin corridor. 

We are of the opinion that the EU's mediation should be reinforced by mechanisms of observation of the implementation for the reached agreements, and respect for international law and in case breach of the agreements, consequences must follow. As we have regretfully witnessed multiple times, agreements are not followed, unless it is made clear what will follow the breach.

In that sense we welcome HR Borrell’s commitment made at the European Parliament to set up a deadline for lifting the illegal and inhuman blockade of the Lachin corridor. 

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate once again the importance of such events, which aim to bring together people that are trying to contribute to lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Unfortunately, not every Government in our region has the same agenda, but I am sure that able international actors like the EU and its truly reliable partners can make a change. “

 17:41, 6 July 2023

YEREVAN, 6 JULY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 6 July, USD exchange rate up by 0.03 drams to 386.28 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.36 drams to 420.54 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.09 drams to 4.21 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 2.40 drams to 493.32 drams.

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

Gold price down by 49.06 drams to 23902.59 drams. Silver price up by 0.45 drams to 283.28 drams.

 18:23, 6 July 2023

YEREVAN, JULY 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenia highly commends the efforts of its Western partners – USA, EU, France, Germany – in the process of establishing peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus, ARMENPRESS reports, Sona Ghazaryan, MP from "Civil Contract" faction, said in her speech at the political affairs committee of the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly in Tbilisi.

"As you know, Armenia is going through great difficulties, facing the biggest security threats. Since 2021, Azerbaijan, grossly violating the principles of international law and the territorial integrity of Armenia, has illegally occupied a significant part of our sovereign territory.

We highly appreciate the efforts of our western partners – USA, EU, France, Germany – in the process of establishing peace, stability and security in the South Caucasus," said Ghazaryan.

In this context, the MP emphasized the decision of the European Council to deploy a civilian mission of the European Union in Armenia within the framework of the Common Security and Defense Policy, contributing to the stability in the border regions of Armenia, the formation of trust and the provision of an environment conducive to efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ghazaryan noted that, unfortunately, Azerbaijan is against even this civilian mission.

The MP also drew the attention of those present to the situation of the siege of Nagorno Karabakh, the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. The Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh live under complete siege. About 30 thousand children are deprived of the right to full education.

In this context, the deputy emphasized the decision of the European Council to deploy a civilian mission of the European Union in Armenia within the framework of the general security and defense policy, contributing to the stability in the border regions of Armenia, the formation of local trust and the provision of an environment conducive to efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Ghazaryan noted that, unfortunately, Azerbaijan is against even this civilian mission.

The MP also drew the attention of those present to the situation of the blockade of Nagorno Karabakh, the illegal blocking of the Lachin Corridor. The blockade has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. The Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh live under complete siege. About 30 thousand children are deprived of the right to full education.

"We believe that the rights and security issues of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh should also be resolved through dialogue between Baku and Stepanakert, with neutral international involvement in the process and the introduction of any mechanism for peace.

A few days before our visit, the Azerbaijani military again bombarded the positions of Nagorno Karabakh with artillery and drones, killing 4 soldiers.

Azerbaijan constantly rejects all efforts aimed at peace, ignores the decisions of the European Court of Human Rights and the binding decision of the International Court of Justice, and carries out an open policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.

We truly believe that democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, peaceful coexistence are the pillars on which humanity should be based in order to live in peace and harmony," said Sona Ghazaryan.