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.
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.
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.
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
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.
20:30,
YEREVAN, AUGUST 11, ARMENPRESS. On August 11, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan had a telephone conversation with Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence of the Republic of Ireland Micheál Martin.
Minister Mirzoyan briefed his counterpart on the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor highlighting that the situation is close to turning into a real humanitarian catastrophe, the foreign ministry said in a readout.
The Foreign Minister of Armenia emphasized that since June 15, Nagorno-Karabakh has been under a total blockade, under the conditions of which the fundamental rights of 120,000 people of Nagorno-Karabakh, including 30,000 children, are being grossly violated. Particularly the acute shortage of food and medicine was mentioned. Ararat Mirzoyan stressed that by such actions, Azerbaijan continuously demonstrates its real intention: to implement ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Touching upon the principled positions of partners, including Ireland, voiced on international platforms so far, Ararat Mirzoyan stressed the importance of immediately lifting the blockade of the Lachin corridor in accordance with the legally binding Orders of the International Court of Justice of February 22 and July 6, as well as the need for consistent steps aimed at preventing the implementation of Azerbaijan’s intentions.
During the telephone conversation, the interlocutors also touched upon the issues of the Armenia-EU partnership, including the activities of the EU Civilian Monitoring Mission in Armenia.
Commenting on the call, Micheál Martin then posted a statement on social media platform X, stressing that he had an important call with the Armenian foreign minister regarding the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, during which he reiterated the EU’s call for an immediate reopening of the Lachin Corridor and ensuring access of ICRC aid. Martin added that Ireland calls on everyone to participate in the comprehensive, sustainable peace talks.
11:17,
YEREVAN, AUGUST 10, ARMENPRESS. Aurora Prize co-founder Noubar Afeyan has reacted to the report by a former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court warning that Azerbaijan is preparing genocide against the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Moderna co-founder Afeyan took to X social media platform and condemned the Azeri blockade as ‘horrifying and inhumane’ after the ICC ex-prosecutor issued the report.
“As a descendant of the Armenian Genocide that occurred a century ago, I find the unfolding situation in #artsakh horrifying and inhumane,” Afeyan posted on X and shared an Associated Press article on the Azeri blockade and the genocide warning issued by former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno Ocampo.
Ocampo has warned that Azerbaijan is preparing genocide against the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh and called for a U.S. Security Council intervention.
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 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 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.
11:52,
YEREVAN, AUGUST 10, ARMENPRESS. Human rights advocate, lawyer Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab has reacted to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh after a former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court warned that Azerbaijan’s blockade of Lachin Corridor constitutes genocide.
Dr. Ewelina U. Ochab is a programme lawyer with the IBA’s Human Rights Institute and co-founder of the Coalition for Genocide Response. Dr Ochab works on the topic of genocide, with specific focus on the persecution of ethnic and religious minorities around the world.
In an article titled ‘Lachin Corridor Blockade Starves Nagorno-Karabakh’ the lawyer said that the reports of the ‘dire situation in Nagorno-Karabakh must be taken seriously at last and acted upon.’
“As Nagorno-Karabakh is being starved, the international community cannot continue looking away as it has done for the last eight months. The people of Nagorno-Karabakh require urgent assistance without any further excuses,” she added, noting the first Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno Ocampo’s expert opinion which determined that Azerbaijan is committing genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Ochab cited the August 7, 2023 statement by a group of United Nations experts who raised the alarming situation in Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan.
12:10,
YEREVAN, AUGUST 10, ARMENPRESS. The free and objective coverage of the inhumane blockade of Lachin Corridor and the real goal of Azerbaijan plays a critical role against Azerbaijan’s continuous propaganda, Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Ani Badalyan has said.
Badalyan posted the international media coverage on the report by Luis Moreno Ocampo, the former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court who warned that Azerbaijan’s blockade of Lachin Corridor constitutes genocide.
“Int’l media writing about worsening humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh, also with reference to conclusions by former ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo. Free & objective coverage of inhuman blockade of Lachin Corridor & of Azerbaijan’s real goal play critical role against AZ continuous propaganda,” Badalyan said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
14:10,
YEREVAN, AUGUST 10, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructures Gnel Sanosyan has met with the new Iranian Ambassador Mehdi Sobhani.
Minister Sanosyan welcomed the newly appointed ambassador and wished him success during his mission in Armenia, the ministry said in a readout. Both sides attached importance to the warm, friendly Armenian-Iranian relations and the need to develop it.
“I am happy to note that our relations are developing with good pace, but there is great potential to develop and enhance the relations in other directions as well,” Sanosyan said, highlighting the importance of the existing cooperation in the energy sector.
The course of joint projects was discussed during the meeting. Sanosyan attached importance to the need for completing the projects in the defined timeframes. The need for a speedy completion of the construction of the third power transmission line between Iran and Armenia was underscored. The Iranian Ambassador said he will make sure that the work implemented in Armenia gets completed within the defined timeframes.
Both sides attached importance to the involvement of Iranian construction companies in construction processes taking place in Armenia. Issues related to road construction and mining were also discussed.