Türkiye and Russia Advocate for Speedy Resolution in South Caucasus Peace Talks

Jirair Kafian
 bnn 
Dec 24 2023

Amid the complex geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus, a recent telephone conversation between the Foreign Ministers of Türkiye and Russia has underscored the urgency of advancing peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Hakan Fidan of Türkiye and Sergey Lavrov of Russia exchanged views on the critical matter, with Türkiye’s stance on hastening a peace agreement reflecting its strong alliance with Azerbaijan and its strategic ties with Moscow.

As the two nations with a tumultuous history over the contested Nagorno-Karabakh region navigate towards reconciliation, notable progress includes a prisoner exchange and a collaborative intent to normalize relations and reach a definitive peace deal. However, the journey to peace faced a hiccup when Azerbaijani forces moved into Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19, resulting in a swift capitulation by Armenian separatist forces after a single day of conflict, followed by their acquiescence to reintegrate with Azerbaijan.

(Read Also: Turkic Council’s Congratulatory Message to President Aliyev Amid Strong Azerbaijan-Türkiye Economic Ties)

Further complicating the regional dynamics is the acknowledgement by Russia of difficulties in fulfilling its arms supply commitments to Armenia, even as it remains hopeful for Armenia’s continued alliance despite these issues. At the same time, Russia is actively working towards facilitating a peace treaty between the two nations, a move that mirrors the U.S. commitment to support direct negotiations.

The release of 32 Armenian POWs by Azerbaijan adds a layer of positivity to the negotiations, and a meeting between the Armenian and Azerbaijani Foreign Ministers is slated to take place in the U.S. in January, potentially marking a significant step towards the normalization of relations. Amidst these developments, it’s important to note the legal aspect concerning the use of cookies for advertising and marketing purposes on the website, as well as the measures taken to protect personal data in accordance with Türkiye’s legislation.

Current Crisis In Russian-Armenian Relations Reflects Changes In Both Countries – OpEd

Albert Nalbandian

Dec 24 2023


  

By Paul Goble

The current deterioration of relations between Moscow and Yerevan is not the result of bad personal relations between Putin and Pashinyan, Sergey Markedonov says, but rather reflects fundamental changes in each, including most prominently Russia’s dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey and a generational shift in Armenia.

The changes in Armenia are more immediately striking, but the changes in Russia may ultimately prove more important, according to the Russian specialist on the Caucasus now at MGIMO (profile.ru/abroad/iz-za-chego-v-otnosheniyah-moskvy-i-erevana-nachalsya-krizis-i-kak-daleko-on-zajdet-1431698/).

 Not only has Armenia lost Karabakh and the role that disputed territory played in defining Yerevan’s politics at home and abroad – the new leadership in Yerevan came to power on issues not related to that one — Markedonov says; but an entirely new generation of Armenian leaders has come to power, one whose members have little memory of Soviet times.

In 1991, the current Armenian prime minister was 16, his foreign minister was 12, his Security Council secretary eight, the head of the Armenian parliament was 11, and the mayor of Yerevan only two. And thus it is indicative that “Pashinyan became the first leader of post-Soviet Armenia for whom Russian wasn’t a native language but a learned one!”

Consequently, this new ruling group was prepared to move away from Moscow and seek expanded ties elsewhere. Their predecessors had already distanced themselves from Russia but had not moved toward the divorce that the Pashinyan government appears to be heading, Markedonov continues.

At the same time, he says, Russia had its own reasons for shifting away from Armenia, reasons that are “often forgotten in Yerevan.” Putin’s “special military operation” not only meant that Moscow was focusing primarily on Ukraine but was reevaluating relations with other countries in terms of that conflict.

“For Russia today, it is more important to preserve the Turkish and Azerbaijani ‘windows’ to the outside world and to avoid the opening of ‘a second front’ in the Trans-Caucasus than to struggle for the preservation there of the former status quo,” Markedonov argues.

For that reason and because it is “difficult to be more Armenian than Armenia” as far as Karabakh is concerned, Moscow has distanced itself from Yerevan at least for the present – although Markedonov expresses the hope that the situation could change once again just as it did a century ago.

https://www.eurasiareview.com/24122023-current-crisis-in-russian-armenian-relations-reflects-changes-in-both-countries-oped/

Azerbaijan Expresses Optimism on Peace Deal with Armenia

Babken Chilingarian
WE News, Pakistan
Dec 19 2023

LONDON: Azerbaijan is optimistic about achieving a lasting peace treaty with Armenia and believes that addressing the question of defining their borders can be resolved separately, according to a senior Azerbaijani official. Hikmet Hajiyev, a top foreign policy adviser to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, emphasized that the decades-long conflict is over, and Azerbaijan’s strategy now focuses on winning peace.

Hajiyev stated, “For Azerbaijan, there are no longer obstacles on the way to a peace agenda,” highlighting the importance of direct bilateral talks, which will continue in the coming year. The neighbours, who fought two wars in the past 30 years over Nagorno-Karabakh, recently engaged in a prisoner exchange and expressed their intention to normalize relations and reach a peace deal.

While international entities like the United States, the European Union, and Russia have traditionally mediated between the two sides, Azerbaijan favors direct bilateral negotiations. The outstanding issue of defining the shared border remains, with each country holding small enclaves within the other’s territory.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan acknowledged the matter as negotiable, and Hajiyev indicated Azerbaijan’s willingness to discuss it. However, he emphasized that “the border delimitation issue should be kept separate from peace treaty discussions.”

Azerbaijan’s recapture of Nagorno-Karabakh has led to increased hostility towards external involvement in the negotiation process. The World Court recently ordered Azerbaijan to allow ethnic Armenians to return and ensure their safety. Hajiyev stated that people’s right to return should be determined on a case-by-case basis, and they would need to become citizens of Azerbaijan.

He emphasized reciprocity, mentioning Azerbaijanis who were forced to flee Armenia or Armenian-controlled territory since 1988, stating, “We cannot afford a legal limbo status anymore.”

Azerbaijan Criticizes France’s Arms Supply to Armenia: Escalation of Tensions in South Caucasus

Emil Lazarian
 bnn 
HongKong – Dec 19 2023

By: Safak Costu

In a recent interview with Colombian TV channel NTN24, Elnur Mammadov, the deputy head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan, expressed serious concerns over France’s supply of both defensive and offensive weaponry to Armenia. Mammadov, echoing the sentiments of Prime Minister Ali Asadov, warned that such actions pose a severe threat to the peace in the South Caucasus region. The Azerbaijani leaders have urged France to refrain from what they perceive as destructive behavior that might spark a new war with Armenia.

Azerbaijan’s criticism of France’s military support to Armenia goes beyond bilateral ties, reflecting a broader geopolitical context. Mammadov’s words underscore the predicament of a region wrestling with security concerns, where the intentions of external players like France are viewed as provocations. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of other nations, notably India, which has also been accused of ‘adding fuel to the fire’ by arming Armenia.

The president of Azerbaijan is not alone in his criticism. Turkey, a staunch ally of Azerbaijan, has also voiced concerns. President Erdogan has accused Paris of provocation, thereby escalating tensions in a region already on edge. The potential for renewed conflict emerges as a focal point of this diplomatic dispute, raising questions about the role of external actors in regional stability.

Israeli expert Dr. Mordechai Kedar has criticized the West for its double standards in dealing with Azerbaijan and Armenia. Despite Azerbaijan’s commitment to establishing peace with Armenia, the US Senate has urged President Biden to extend security support to Yerevan. Furthermore, the Senate passed a resolution calling on the United States to halt military aid to Azerbaijan. Dr. Kedar emphasizes the urgent need for the United States to engage in peace initiatives in both nations rather than favoring one over the other.

As the diplomatic dispute continues to evolve, world powers, including Russia and the United States, are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Nagorno Karabakh. The region has seen intense fighting between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces, with both sides reporting hundreds of deaths. Amidst these developments, Azerbaijan has demanded Armenia’s withdrawal from Nagorno Karabakh and surrounding territories, a demand that Armenia has rejected. The international community is anxiously observing, wary of the violence escalating into a full-blown war with potential involvement of regional powers Russia and Turkey.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/france/azerbaijan-criticizes-frances-arms-supply-to-armenia-escalation-of-tensions-in-south-caucasus/

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE OF BISHOP MESROP PARSAMYAN

Adrine Hakobian

PRESS OFFICE

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016

Contact: Chris Zakian

Tel: (212) 686-0710

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.armenianchurch.us

 

December 20, 2023

___________________

 

ATTN. EDITOR: An Armenian text of the Primate’s message follows below. Also attached is a PDF file containing both English and Armenian versions, and a photo of Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan.

 

 

HEADLINE:

 

Primate of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America

 

 

Prince of Peace

 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and authority will rest upon his shoulders.  And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  (ISAIAH 9:6)

 

Peace is one of the great themes of Christmas: the beautiful idea that flows through the story of Christ’s Nativity, and warms our hearts at this time of year.  It was the message that the angels announced over the fields outside of Bethlehem, more than two thousand years ago: “Glory to God in the highest Heaven; and on Earth, Peace to those on whom His favor rests” (Lk 2:14).

 

Peace, of course, is something we all long for.  We pray for peace among nations—for an end to hatred and conflict, and to the human waste of war.  Likewise, we pray for inner peace: for the tranquil spirit that will allow us to meet the trials of life with calm and grace.

 

But my friends, the Peace of the Gospel—the Peace of Christ’s birth—goes even deeper than this.  Because it means, first and foremost, being at peace with God.  It means devoting your soul to the Lord, and loving Him with your entire heart.  It means having trust in God’s plans for you—even when you cannot understand them.  It means being obedient to God’s call: to say with complete sincerity, “Thy will be done, O Lord.”

 

The angels sang, and God rejoiced, in the establishment of that deep and wonderful Peace, through the birth of our Savior, the Son of God: Jesus Christ.

 

And what about those other kinds of Peace?  What about peace between nations?  The inner peace of the spirit?  These, too, are treasures that our Heavenly Father truly wants us to have.  But we cannot have them without firstentering into peace with God.

 

To do that, we must admit, and accept, that as broken human beings we need His salvation.  And we must recognize, and rejoice, that God’s love for us is so great, that He took upon Himself our human limitations, our pain and sorrow—the He submitted to Death itself—in order to draw us closer, and grant us Eternal Life.

 

God’s incarnation as Jesus Christ—His birth as that fragile child in Bethlehem—is our one and only pathway to this great gift.  Christ came into the world to establish peace.  But we cannot have peace unless we first embrace Him as our Lord and Savior.

 

So I implore you, my friends: Make this Christmas a time to renew your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Throughout the Advent season, read the Scriptures; meditate in prayer; join the church in its holy practices of fasting and worship.  Spend the precious holiday time with your loved ones—and reach out to those in need.

 

And on the great day of Christmas, uniquely celebrated by our church on January 6, join your fellow faithful in worship to proclaim the Good News of Christ’s birth, and receive the sacrament of Holy Communion.  In these unsettling times for so many people, let us open our hearts to the Prince of Peace.

 

Christ is born and revealed—blessed is His revelation.

Krisdos dzunav yev haydnetsav.  Ohrnyal eh haydnoutiunun Krisdosi.

 

Prayerfully,

 

Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan

Primate

 

January 2024

 

* * *

 

ARMENIAN VERSION:

 

Claim:. Church America Eastern Diocese Leader

T:. MESROP BISHOP PARSAMEANI S:. BIRTHDAY THE RESULT

 

 

Peace Prince

 

Wasn’t it? urine baby a was born, urine son a was given, and: the power to him on the shoulder on shall to beAn shall called Wonderful Consultant, Strong God, Eternity Father:, PeacePrince. (Yes T:. 6)

 

The peace important of topics to me is S:. Birthday on holiday. Beautiful the idea that does flowof Christ Birthday of history in between, does to warm our hearts of the year this to the district.The message from angels was, that was announced Bethlehem from the fields out, more than twoa thousand years ahead. «Kudos Աստուծոյն՝ heights in, and: peace country on of peoplein strong he loved» (Door. B::14)։

 

The peace of course, thing one is, to whom all of us does we tried. We let’s pray of nations betweenof peace for and: of hatred and of conflicts suspension and: warshuman losses. Likewise we let’s pray of people internal of peace for and:of souls of calmness, which ones shall lead us to resist of life to trialspeacefully and: thankfully.

 

But darling my friends, of the Gospel Խաղաղութիւնը՝ of Christ Birthday The peace, moredeep is than this. That, first and: ahead, peace to have is of God with. That does means, that youyour soul does noires of the Lord, loving the weapon you all with your heart That does means confidence to haveof God to the program, that made is you for, even when you you don’t could to understand that all of them.That does means obey of God to the invitation and: whole sincerely say. «you your will letbe, who sir»։

 

The angels they sang and: God was delighted confirmatory that deep and: wonderful Peace, ourSavior birthday through, of God Որդիին՝ Jesus of Christ.

 

And what? say different kind of of peace about. What? say national average of peace about.of the soul internal of peace about. They too treasures are, which ones our Heavenly the father truthfullywants to that we let’s have But we we are not could to have those, without first of peace into enter of God with.

 

That to do for, we should is let’s accept, that as human weak creatures, need we haveHer salvation. And we should is realize and: joy, that of God the love  our to so much a lot is,that An Her on took our human limitations, our pain and grief and: Himselfobeyed Death, so that urine eat come closer and: thank you Eternal Let’s live.

 

of God humanity as Jesus Քրիստոս՝ Her that the birth as humble the baby Bethlehemin, our the only one and: specially the way is that big the gift. Christ this the world came, so thatpeace for sure. But we we are not could peace to have, if first let’s not heal Herwith, as our Lord and The savior.

 

Here this with thoughts darling my friends, I will beg you to you, this Birth occasion a let be, Jesusof Christ with your in relation to of repair. Of course alive period read itHoly Literary readings, meditate with prayer, join in of the church holy fasting and:of worship of habits. This Birthday on holiday your expensive the time pass yourto loved ones with and: don’t forget it to them, which ones your help the need have.

 

Birthday it big the day, when our the church incomparably  January 6-in does celebrates, join in S:.At the liturgy, your believers with յայտարարելու՝ Avetis of Christ Birthday and:God’s revelation and to receive Holy Communion.

 

To many for this unstable days, come on onion our hearts Peace Prince.

 

Christ He gave birth and: It appeared.

Blessed is The revelation of Christ.

 

Prayer and: օրհնութեամբ՝

 

Mesrop Bishop Parsamean

Leader

 

January 2024

 

# # #

—

Christopher H. Zakian

Communications Director

Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)

630 Second Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016

212.686.0710, ext. 125

[email protected]

www.armenianchurch.us



Armenpress: JN.1 Covid variant: WHO charts its rapid global spread

Ara Felekian

 10:35, 21 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. A sub-variant of the Omicron strain of coronavirus has been classified as a "variant of interest" by the World Health Organization, because of "its rapidly increasing spread,” the BBC reports.

JN.1 has been found in many countries around the world, including India, China, UK and the United States.

The risk to the public is currently low and current vaccines continue to offer protection, the WHO says.

But it warns Covid and other infections could rise this winter.

Respiratory viruses such as flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and childhood pneumonia are also on the rise in the northern hemisphere.

The virus which causes Covid is constantly changing over time and sometimes this leads to new variants developing.

Omicron has been the globally dominant variant for some time.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently tracking a number of variants of interest linked to Omicron - including JN.1 – although none of them are deemed to be concerning.

But JN.1 is spreading quickly in many corners of the world.

It is currently the fastest-growing variant in the United States, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, accounting for 15-29% of infections.

The UK Health Security Agency says JN.1 currently makes up around 7% of positive Covid tests analyzed in a lab. It said it would continue to monitor all available data on this and other variants.

JN.1 is spreading fast in all regions, probably because it has an additional mutation in the spike protein compared to the BA.2.86 variant from which it's descended.

"It is anticipated that this variant may cause an increase in Sars-Cov-2 [coronavirus] cases amid a surge of infections of other viral and bacterial infections, especially in countries entering the winter season," the WHO's risk assessment says.

There is still limited evidence on how capable JN.1 is of getting round the immunity offered by vaccines, the WHO says.

There are no reports of people becoming more ill with this variant than previous ones.

Government announces new round of training musters for reservists

Kalashian Nyrie

 11:11, 21 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The government has announced a new round of training musters for military reservists for the period of 2024 January 23 until April 12.

A total of 2,838 reservists will be called up for the trainings (2,579 Privates, 98 NCOs and 161 officers) of motor-rifle, communication, reconnaissance, engineering and rocket-artillery professions.

Each citizen will be involved in the trainings for no more than 25 days.

The decision was approved at the December 21 Cabinet meeting.

Iran supports opening of communication routes in Caucasus based on sovereignty, territorial integrity of all countries

Karapet Navasardian

 11:19, 21 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. President of Iran Ebrahim Raisi, during the December 20 phone call with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, expressed support to "any type of action and platform to open communication routes and infrastructures with the Caucasus region, while respecting the principle of respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries", the Iranian presidential office said in a readout.

According to the Iranian readout, President Raisi extended greetings on upcoming Christmas holidays and “expressed satisfaction with the process of developing relations and implementing agreements between the two countries.”

“In response to the Armenian government's plan to develop road and rail communication routes between the two countries as well as the countries of the region, the President said, “The Islamic Republic of Iran supports any type of action and platform to open communication routes and infrastructures with the Caucasus region, while respecting the principle of respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and evaluates it as an effective step in the direction of consolidating peace and securing the interests of its neighbours.
Dr Raisi described the Caucasus as an important region in need of peace and added, “The foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Caucasus is fixed and care must be taken that the Caucasus region does not become a field of competition for extra-regional countries and that its issues are handled by the countries of the region and without the interference of outsiders.
The President described and clarified the successful holding of the 3+3 meeting in Tehran as a constructive step to strengthen regional relations and cooperation and normalise the relations of the countries of the region with each other, adding, “Developing neighbourly relations and strengthening relations in order to ensure mutual benefits and the interests of the countries of the region are the fundamental policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the Iranian presidential press service said in the readout.

It added that the Armenian Prime Minister, “while reviewing the latest economic cooperation between the two countries and the latest developments in the region, as well as the actions of the officials of the two countries in line with the implementation of agreements and the promotion of joint cooperation, described the continuation and increase of relations between the high-ranking officials of Iran and Armenia witness to the will of the two countries to comprehensively develop bilateral relations.”

Government to compensate tuition of students from NK

Garnik Zakarian

 13:27, 21 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government has adopted a decision to compensate the tuition of forcibly displaced students of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The decision adopted at the December 21 Cabinet meeting covers 935 students.

264 million drams will be allocated for the first semester tuition. 

The money will be transferred to the universities.

Over 1800 forcibly displaced students of Nagorno-Karabakh are now enrolled in Armenian universities, and over 1100 in colleges.

ANIF surprise Christmas gift for Artsakh children

Alex Nanijanian

 14:05, 21 December 2023

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenian National Interests fund (ANIF) as part of its commitment to social responsibility, organized a visit to Yerevan for children from Artsakh living in the affected communities of the "Aig-1", a solar plant project implemented jointly with Masdar UAE.

Fifty children from Artsakh aged 11-17 who settled in the surrounding communities of the "Aig-1" project, in particular, in the Talin enlarged community, visited the capital Yerevan on December 20.

Then the children were hosted in the "Hard Rock Cafe" restaurant, jointly owned by the ANIF "Entrepreneur + State" investment fund and the "Dom Arena" company, enjoyed the cafe's brand food, and participated in the New Year's program organized for them.

At the end of the day, the children received gift bags of strawberries produced in the company's greenhouses from the Berrymount company, another joint project of ANIF's "Entrepreneur + State" fund and other gifts.

Another ANIF project, Armenia national airline Fly Arna, provided brand stationery as a gift.

We would like to thank all our partner organizations for joining efforts to organize the event for children from Artsakh.