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GETTING THE FACTS RIGHT ON NAGORNO KARABAKH (ARTSAKH)


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#201 Yervant1

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Posted 25 August 2017 - 09:28 AM

Aravot, Armenia
Aug 24 2017
 
 
‘Similarly, Hoagland could write Hollywood scenarios’, Tevan Poghosyan
Tevan_Pogosyan-2.jpg
 

“We know that there is a US-Russian confrontation. And as Putin-Serzh Sargsyan meeting is on the way, where it was stated that there would be a discussion of the Karabakh issue, it is clear that perhaps the American side might have nothing to do with it, and what are they doing-they are publishing a text, which has been in circulation in different modes for the past 5-6 years”, commenting on the statement on Karabakh conflict settlement made by US Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Richard Hoagland, said Tevan Poghosyan, member of the 5th Convocation National Assembly, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, in an interview with Aravot.am.

He said that it was in the interest of the US for Hoagland to make such a statement. We must be wise and realize that these problems may have nothing to do with us.

According to him, the texts that are being published, can be considered dead: “All documents published up to now- stage version, package version, Madrid principles, etc.- when being published, the public expresses its opinion on them, and that’s it, everyone knows. We know that there is actually a phenomenon connected to Karabakh negotiation process that corresponds to the reality, which is that there should be mechanisms of trust on the agreements of Vienna and St. Petersburg, after which there will be negotiations. There have been no negotiations, Hoagland publishes a text, which might be just Hoagland’s imagination. Similarly, Hoagland could write Hollywood scenarios. Has Hoagland imagined a year ago that there would be an April aggression from Azerbaijan, and is he sure that there won’t be another aggression a year later? As there are no trust mechanism, what are we talking about? They have brought only an issue, to remind us about their existence”.

Tevan Poghosyan noted that there are several notices about confidence in the text published by Hoagland, and then a question arises, what confidence is that about? “Do we have confidence towards our opponent today? Can we arrange anything with Azerbaijan nowadays? In any case, these documents are not being implemented”.

According to Tevan Poghosyan, we should not deceive ourselves and be ready for the struggle of long-term generations: “The other side is not ready yet, I do not know what kind of resolution there should be, so that the other side’s generation is ready to take such steps, so that we can have confidence towards them. Every single day they inspire themselves that we are their enemies, that all Armenians are the enemies of the world, who must be killed, slaughtered, raped, and eradicated”.

Mr. Poghosyan mentioned that Hoagland’s statement raised a wave of dissatisfaction that existed in society: “We must tell Hoagland-you are neither the first nor the last co-chair, so you can do your brain-exercises. Whenever you come and say, we will take steps that promote democracy in society, build confidence, and help the societies to agree on and live together… now we are not able to conduct even public diplomacy with the Azerbaijani side, how can we even talk about other arrangements? What is Azerbaijani side going to do with the weapons they have bought, going to return?”.

Hripsime JEBEJYAN

http://www.aravot-en...7/08/24/198643/

 


#202 Yervant1

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Posted 31 August 2017 - 09:20 AM

ARKA, Armenia
Aug 30 2017
 
 
Resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should favor people living on its territory, FM of Bosnia and Herzegovina says
 
 
 
 
2e3dfee83205ba5ff8a512c775522f9e.jpg
 

YEREVAN, August 30. /ARKA/. A resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict should favor the people living on its territory, Foreign Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina Igor Crnadak told journalists on Wednesday in Yerevan during a briefing with Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian. He noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina wants to see a peaceful solution to the Karabakh conflict and supports the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group to that end.

"We hope that the settlement of this long-running conflict will be taken primarily in the interests of the people living there," said Crnadak. 

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict erupted into armed clashes after the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s as the predominantly Armenian-populated enclave of Azerbaijan sought to secede from Azerbaijan and declared its independence backed by a successful referendum.  On May 12, 1994, the Bishkek cease-fire agreement put an end to the military operations. 

A truce was brokered by Russia in 1994, although no permanent peace agreement has been signed. Since then, Nagorno-Karabakh and several adjacent regions have been under the control of Armenian forces of Karabakh.  Nagorno-Karabakh is the longest-running post-Soviet era conflict and has continued to simmer despite the relative peace of the past two decades, with snipers causing tens of deaths a year.

On April 2, 2016, Azerbaijan launched military assaults along the entire perimeter of its contact line with Nagorno-Karabakh. Four days later a cease-fire was reached. ---0---

http://arka.am/en/ne..._of_bosnia_and/



#203 Yervant1

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Posted 31 August 2017 - 09:35 AM

ARMINFO News Agency, Armenia
August 29, 2017 Tuesday


Canadian parliamentarians will visit Artsakh



Marianna Mkrtchyan. Speaker of Armenian Parliament Ara Babloyan
received a delegation led by the head of One Free World International
international organization Rev. Majed El Shafie.

According to Armenian NA press service, Babloyan expressed gratitude
to the head of the delegation and Canadian parliamentarians for the
decision to visit Artsakh. According to the head of the Armenian
legislature, in Artsakh they will be able to receive unbiased
information about Nagorno-Karabakh and the conflict. "I am glad that
you will visit Artsakh. There you will get acquainted with the
peace-loving and freedom-loving people and make sure that you are on
the right path - in defending the right of the Artsakh people to live
freely. Residents of Artsakh, unlike Azerbaijanis, just protect their
right to live in peace in their own home, "said the head of National
Assembly of Armenia.

At the same time, Babloyan highly appreciated the recognition of
Armenian Genocide by the legislative and executive bodies of Canada,
stating that even today the Turkish authorities continue to deny this
fact, they demonstrate the same approach as 102 years ago. The
Armenian speaker, citing the example of reconciliation between Germany
and Israel, stressed that the burden of lies still lies on Ankara, and
unlike in the past, today Turkey is regressing in the matter of
protecting human rights.



#204 Yervant1

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Posted 01 September 2017 - 10:36 AM

AZERTAC News, Azerbaijan
Aug 31 2017
 
 
Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry: Canadian MP's illegal visit to the occupied Azerbaijani territories is Armenia's another political provocation
 
Baku, August 31, AZERTAC
 
"Canadian MP Tony Clement's illegal visit to the Armenia-occupied Azerbaijani territories is another political provocation of Armenia," spokesperson of Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hikmat Hajiyev has told journalists.
 
"This illegal trip of Tony Clement to the occupied Azerbaijani territories is co-organized by the Canadian bureau of the Armenian national committee and the Armenian lobby with whom he has close relationship in exchange for financial interest. This person, who has repeatedly been accused of bribery and corruption, is paying a visit to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan for financial interest and is trying to camouflage Armenia's aggression and bloody ethnic cleansing policy against Azerbaijan, and to justify all this. In exchange for his service he also tries to gain the Canadian Armenian lobby's financial support for future elections," Hikmat Hajiyev said.
 
"His actions, beyond moral, ethical, and humane values, which are accompanied by the violation of the laws of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the norms and principles of international law, should first be regarded as disrespect for Canada's parliamentary traditions and for its voters. We hope that the relevant Ethics Committee of the Canadian Parliament will examine his actions outside the country," the ministry's spokesperson said.
 
"Though the man named Majed El Shafie, who accompanied Tony Clement, is the head of the NGO, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the purpose of propaganda deliberately introduces him as a member of the Canadian Parliament.”
 
"Azerbaijan's concern and dissatisfaction over the issue was conveyed to the Foreign Ministry and the Parliament of Canada. Their names will be included in the "List of foreign citizens who illegally visited occupied territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan," Hajiyev added.
 


#205 Yervant1

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Posted 17 September 2017 - 08:19 AM

Panorama, Armenia
Sept 16 2017
 
 
Blogger from Latvia admires Artsakh, says a wonderful place to visit

 

Latvian blogger Alexander Alimov who is attending the annual Wine Festival underway in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) Togh village plans to shoot a film about Artsakh. The blogger unveiled his plans in a Facebook post
accompanied by videos and photos from the country’s most visited tourist destinations, including historic-cultural monuments, churches as well as of people he met in Stepanakert market.

Alimov recalls the story Holy Savior Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shoushi and the initiative of unprecedented mass wedding ceremony when around seven hundred couples from all over Nagorno Karabakh were married during two separate ceremonies.   The event was initiated and sponsored by well-known Armenian benefactor Levon Hayrapetyan.

Thus far the blogger has attended the Stepanakert market and tasted Jengyalov hats (traditional bread with greens from Karabakh). He has even asked for the locals for a master class to prepare it.

“People are kind and friendly here. Even strangers, including kids, come to greet me.  The Artsakh Republic is a wonderful place,” the blogger wrote.

Prior to visiting Stepanakert, the blogger toured Armenia’s southern parts, visiting Khor Virap and Tatev monasteries.

21433255_1393253064063358_32383803228892

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For other photos visit: https://www.panorama...o-visit/1835839

 

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#206 Yervant1

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Posted 19 September 2017 - 10:07 AM

Vestnik Kavkaza
Sept 18 2017
 
 
Yerevan threatens to recognize Karabakh
18 Sep in 17:05
150574369559bfd34f10ce89.83098571.png
 

Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan said that Armenia will recognize Nagorno-Karabakh's independence if a war that cannot be stopped begins.

"This will mean the end of negotiations with all the consequences," the minister said at the 6th Armenia-Diaspora Forum.

At the same time, the head of the foreign ministry noted that it is impossible to solve the conflict only through recognition.

"If all the issues were resolved through recognition, we would have long ago recognized it. The negotiations are under way and we want to resolve the issue peacefully together with the international community. We will continue negotiations as much as possible. The war is not a solution," Interfax cited Nalbandyan as saying.

http://vestnikkavkaz...e-Karabakh.html



#207 Yervant1

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Posted 20 September 2017 - 09:23 AM

PanArmenian, Armenia
Sept 19 2017
 
 
Transfer of Karabakh territories to Baku fraught with new war: expert
 

Armenia is discussing the transfer of some territories under the control of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) to Azerbaijan, foreign minister Edward Nalbandian said on Monday, September 18 when addressing the 6th Armenia-Diaspora Conference in Yerevan.

These are the territories that will not threaten Karabakh in terms of security or cause renewal of the conflict, Nalbandian said.

Deputy Director of the Institute of CIS countries Vladimir Evseev believes that Karabakh itself, not the official Yerevan, should announce the possible transfer of territories.

"While it is only a matter of desire now, it is difficult to imagine the practical side of this question," Evseev says.

According to the expert, at the moment a lot of territories referred to in the Madrid agreements are of strategic importance for Artsakh.

"Directions that are dangerous won't be handed over to Baku. If Armenia withdraws from the line of demarcation, there is a big likelihood of hostilities from Azerbaijan," Evseev added.

Zurab Kananchev, an employee of the Center for the Study of Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Urals and Volga Region of the IAS RAS, said that Yerevan's statement should be regarded as a trial balloon: what Azerbaijan can offer in return is what matters.

According to the expert, Azerbaijan's reaction to the statement can be anything: from restrained to emotional, as the issue of possible transfer of territories has been raised repeatedly.

http://panarmenian.n...eng/news/246678



#208 Yervant1

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Posted 20 September 2017 - 09:30 AM

Not even one centimeter, if it's up to me!

EurasiaNet.org

Sept 19 2017
 
 
Armenia: Hint of Territorial Concessions to Azerbaijan Sparks Controversy
September 19, 2017 - 1:36pm, by Emil Sanamyan
  •  
  •  
 
8778_hq.jpg
Armenian Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian speaking September 18 at the "Armenia-Diaspora" conference, where he suggested Armenia may be willing to return some territories to Azerbaijan. (photo: mfa.am)

Armenia's foreign minister suggested the country could hand over certain territories around the disputed Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan as part of a hypothetical peace deal, sparking controversy among Armenians.

The widespread outrage underscores the disconnect between hardened public perceptions of the conflict and diplomatic proposals that have long been the subject of negotiations in the effort to resolve it.

Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian made the remarks on September 18 at the “Armenia-Diaspora” conference in Yerevan. During the question and answer session he was asked about Armenian territorial withdrawals outlined in what is known as the “Madrid Principles” worked out by international negotiators.

“As far as the return of territories, we are talking about those territories that [if returned] would not threaten the security of Karabakh, nor the [conflict’s] resolution,” Nalbandian was quoted as saying. “I cannot add any other details, or negotiations might fail.”

The question was most likely spurred by the outgoing interim United States negotiator for Karabakh Richard Hoagland’s comments on the Madrid Principles made last month.

“There can be no settlement without respect for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, and the recognition that its sovereignty over these territories must be restored,” Hoagland said.

That statement was widely criticized in Armenian American media as excessively pro-Azerbaijani.

The Madrid Principles are not final but broadly call for the withdrawal of Armenian forces from five former Azerbaijani districts south and east of Nagorno Karabakh and special modalities for two other districts sandwiched between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia, linked with the determination of Nagorno Karabakh’s status and workings of other security arrangements.

Most Karabakh watchers will be hard-pressed to remember when in recent years have negotiations not failed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The last vague document the two sides agreed to was in November 2008, at a time when both countries were still in a particularly intimidated state after Russia's military rout of Georgia. The focus in talks since then has been on preventing an escalation in violence rather than on any actual peace agreement.

Nalbandian’s deputy Shavarsh Kocharian rushed in to express ‘surprise’ by the brouhaha. Nalbandian wasn’t giving anything away, Kocharian assured, insisting that if anything Nalbandian had “added two conditions” to what has been a long-standing provision in the negotiations.

Some in Azerbaijan, meanwhile, crowed over the statement. “Perhaps, Yerevan has finally realized that it is necessary to move towards peace and this is the only chance to avoid a war which Armenia has obviously lost,” wrote commentator Elmira Tariverdiyeva.

Nalbandian’s comments and the subsequent reaction recalled a controversy around Armenia’s previous foreign minister, Vartan Oskanian, in 2001. Oskanian was lambasted then for calling the former Azerbaijani districts around Nagorno Karabakh “occupied.” Incidentally, Kocharian – then an opposition member of parliament – was one of those who criticized Oskanian at the time.

In 2001, as now, Armenian press accounts saw the comments as evidence of a scheming government testing the waters for a possible “sell-out” of Armenian territory. As a result, no Armenian politician has used the term “occupied territories” since.

http://www.eurasianet.org/node/85211

 

 



#209 Yervant1

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Posted 21 September 2017 - 09:14 AM

The Armenian Weekly
Sept 20 2017
 
 
Stepanakert Responds to Nalbandian’s Comments: ‘There Can Be No Return to Past Borders’

By Contributor on September 20, 2017

 
 
 
 
Artsakh President’s Spokesperson Responds to Comments by Armenia’s Foreign Minister Nalbandian about Territorial Concessions

YEREVAN (Asbarez)—Artsakh presidential spokesperson David Babayan did not equivocate on Tuesday when he told Azatutyun .am that there absolutely cannot be a scenario where Artsakh returns to its Soviet-era borders, adding that all territories of Artsakh were important in ensuring the country’s and its residents’ security.

8778_hq.jpg

Nalbandian speaking at the Armenia-Diaspora conference (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia)

This announcement was in response to questions raised following an address by Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian during his presentation at the Armenia-Diaspora conference currently underway in Yerevan. During his official statement, he reiterated Armenia’s position vis-à-vis the Karabagh conflict resolution process and included harsh criticism of Azerbaijan’s military attacks on Artsakh.

Nalbandian’s controversial comments came during a response to a question from a conference participant regarding the concept of “return of territories,” and caused confusion among conference participants and others. “We are talking about those territories whose return will not endanger the resolution of the conflict and the security [of Artsakh] and will not threaten the outcome of the process,” Nalbandian said in his answer.

Asked to comment on Nalbandian’s remarks, Babayan said, “All the territories around Artsakh are important in terms of ensuring its security; there can be no return to the past in terms of borders and status.”

He added that any compromise must be proportional. “If we are talking about territories, we must remember that Azerbaijan is occupying many Armenian regions: Getashen, Martunashen, Artsvashen, Shahumyan…must all be returned,” said Babayan. “There will be no unilateral concessions. Any one-sided concession will lead to disaster.”

Speaking to Azatutyun.am, Armen Rustamyan, head of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation faction of the Armenian Parliament, pointed out that there can be no unilateral concessions. He said compromises may be considered only when Artsakh’s independence is fully recognized.

https://armenianweek...o-past-borders/



#210 Yervant1

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Posted 22 September 2017 - 10:19 AM

Aravot, Armenia
Sept 21 2017
 
 
‘Nakhichevan, Getashen, Shahumyan, Utik are currently conceded, what else are you going to concede again?’, Postanjyan
Zaruhi-Postanjyan-2-1.jpg
 

Responding to Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian’s statement on returning territories to Yerablur, Postanjyan, leader of the “Yerkir Tsirani” party, said: “We have no territories to hand over. The negotiations format cannot be the same as has been over 26 years. There is a republic of Artsakh and Armenia, we are a single unit, and we have come to the point that it should be legalized and we need to hold our joint elections. Artsakh territories are not subject to bargaining or conceding. If we talk about concessions or compromises, Nakhichevan, Getashen, Shahumyan, Utik are currently conceded, what else are you going to concede again? How do you picture a part of our homeland that you want to hand over? Do you want to concede Tigranakert-the oblivion of our once-powerful power? No one will allow you to carry out such a treacherous act”.

Zaruhi Postanjyan said, “At present, our political territory covers 42 thousand square meters, which should only be expanded. We are the owners of our historical homeland, no one can say that we have an antiquity problem”.

http://www.aravot-en...7/09/21/200139/



#211 Yervant1

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Posted 22 September 2017 - 02:03 PM

Aravot, Armenia
Sept 22 2017
 
 
Armen Ashotyan’s responses irritate Azeri journalists: they distort the words of Armenian delegates
FB_IMG_1506079956035-e1506080062953.jpg
 

Armen Ashotyan notices that anti-Armenian propaganda in Azerbaijan is an indisputable fact and is quite active

During the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly in Baku, the Armenian delegation, including Chairman of the RA National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Relations Armen Ashotyan, as the head of the delegation, and MP Mane Tandilyan, made a press conference. Armen Ashotyan told Aravot.am that the press conference lasted long, the attention towards the Armenian delegation was evident, there were a large number of journalists.

«The questions were sharp, and our answers were adequate. Azerbaijani media tried to manipulate the issue of internally displaced persons, presenting inflated figures, speaking about their problems and rights. I had to remind them that my forefathers from my mother’s side were from this town, and Baku once was a multinational city where Armenians, Greeks, Jews, and Russians participated in the creation of the city. Armenian traces still can be observed in Baku. It is a historical and cultural heritage created by our compatriots over the years”, said Armen Ashotyan during our talk.

He stated that the Azerbaijani press presented his answers in favor of its propaganda machine, but the video of the press conference is available and has not been published yet because of technical problems. The Baku propaganda machine has not publicized the answers to some questions. “I have not found my answer to the question regarding Khojalu events in the Azerbaijani newsletters yet. They tried to talk about the so-called “genocide” of Khojalu, and I advised them to read the famous interview of former Azerbaijani President Ayaz Mutalibov to the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper, where he clearly explains that these events were organized by the “Popular Front of Azerbaijan” to make a power change. My answer irritated some of the journalists and they left”, told Mr. Ashotyan.

Regarding the Artsakh conflict settlement Armen Ashotyan has noted that the agreements of St. Petersburg and Vienna should be the subject of discussion at the moment: introduction of investigative mechanisms and ensuring confidence environment: “Currently, those do not become a reality because of the behavior of Azerbaijan. I also listed the basic principles: self-determination, territorial integrity, and security. Azerbaijani media changed their order, first mentioning the territorial integrity”.

The other delegate, Mane Tandilyan, could not escape from the Azerbaijani media distortions either. Armen Ashotyan noted, “Her meaningful and thematic report was presented with distortions. We also have the video of Mrs. Tandilyan’s report”.

Armen Ashotyan notices that anti-Armenian propaganda in Azerbaijan is an indisputable fact and is quite active: a large team is working to ensure the physical security of the Armenian delegates. “We even had a chance to walk around the city center, visit a café, have dinner. That is, a secure environment is provided, but a large team is working on that”.

Luiza SUKIASYAN

http://www.aravot-en...7/09/22/200209/



#212 Yervant1

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Posted 25 September 2017 - 09:17 AM

I doubt very much that fake sultan will agree to this, because he will lose the only card that keeps him in power with the hatred of Armenians.

 

 

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
September 23, 2017 Saturday


If Azerbaijan agrees to recognize Artsakh's independence, the sides
are close to conflict settlement – Vice Speaker Sharmazanov



YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Vice Speaker of Armenia’s
Parliament Eduard Sharmazanov commented on the statement of Konstantin
Kosachev, head of the Russian Federation Council's International
Affairs Committee, according to which Armenia and Azerbaijan are close
to the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

“If Azerbaijan has agreed to recognize the independence of Artsakh and
informed this to the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, yes, the sides are
close to the settlement”, Sharmazanov told Armenpress.

He said otherwise there cannot be any talk over the conflict
settlement since the Armenian side has repeatedly stated that there
cannot be any settlement without the exercise of Artsakh people’s
right to self-determination and complete recognition of that right.

“If Mr. Kosachev made such statement, it means he has information that
Azerbaijan announced its desire to recognize Artsakh’s independence
since otherwise the sides cannot be close to the settlement”,
Sharmazanov said.

Konstantin Kosachev announced that Armenia and Azerbaijan are close to
the settlement of the Artsakh conflict. “Russia has adopted a neutral
stance on this issue. We have friendly ties both with Armenia and
Azerbaijan. According to my information, the Artsakh-Azerbaijan
conflict is quite close to the settlement”, Kosachev said.

 



#213 Yervant1

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Posted 25 September 2017 - 09:20 AM

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
September 23, 2017 Saturday


Welcome and "black lists" – Russian blogger shares impressions over
visit to Artsakh



YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Russian blogger Sergey Novikov is
impressed by his visit to Artsakh, and he shared his impressions by an
article published in his blog. The blogger introduced the sights of
Armenia and Artsakh, referred to the so-called “black list” of
Azerbaijan that enlists people who visit Artsakh.

On our way to Artsakh from Armenia we encountered the poster reading
“Free Artsakh welcomes you”. The lights were switched on far away in
the city that 25 years ago was called Lachin. As a result of the
Karabakh war that ended in 1994 based on a ceasefire agreement, this
city together with the strategic road came under the control of
Armenians. After that Lachin was renamed into Berdzor, becoming one of
the largest cities of the second de-facto Armenian state, Artsakh”,
ARMENPRESS reports Novikov writes.

Afterwards the blogger present the sights he saw on his way from
Armenia to Artsakh. Novikov was impressed by Khor Virap, Caves of
Areni, Noravank and Tatev.

“The long way is behind. We are in Stepanakert – the capital of
Artsakh. While regional neighbors Abkhazia and South Ossetia enjoy at
least minimal recognition, no UN member country seems to see
Karabakh”, the blogger writes.

He recalled the words of Armenian blogger Sedrak Mkrtchyan, saying,
“Azerbaijan will never recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh,
but we will never give them these lands. And the most interesting
thing is that all the sides understand this very well”.

Afterwards Sergey Navikov speaks about the so-called “black list” of
Azerbaijan which enlists people who visit Artsakh. “With each
kilometer to the east the odds to appear in the “black list” of our
neighbor grow. But it’s ok. People can still live being enlisted. One
of my friends, Alexander Voloshchuk, has appeared in that same “black
list”, as well as Dmitry Yegorov who is very well familiar with
Nagorno Karabakh, Latvian blogger Alexander Alimov, and who could
imagine, Montserrat Caballé. Well, it’s a very good team”, the blogger
writes, publishing photos of the sights of Armenia and Artsakh.



#214 Yervant1

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Posted 29 September 2017 - 09:57 AM

The Armenian Weekly
Sept 28 2017
 
 
Congresswoman Gabbard: ‘We Must Allow for the People of Nagorno-Karabagh to Exercise Their Freedom and Independence’

By Contributor on September 28, 2017

 
 
 
 
Gabbard Also Calls for U.S. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D- Hawaii) last week traveled to Armenia on an official, bipartisan diplomatic trip as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, and as a member of the Congressional Armenian Caucus.

6_37311537106_o-1024x768.jpg

(L to R) Armenian Assembly Co-Chair Anthony Barsamian, Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., Artsakh National Assembly Chairman Ashot Ghoulian, and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard at the“We Are Our Mountains” monument, north of Stepanakert, Artsakh’s capital city (Photo: gabbard.house.gov)

In Armenia, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard met with President Serge Sarkisian, Prime Minister Karapetyan, other members of government, representatives from Armenia’s National Assembly, Americans of Armenian ancestry, and a wide range of business, academic, and community leaders. With them, the congresswoman discuss areas of mutual interest to strengthen regional and national security efforts, enhance humanitarian assistance for refugees, build economic opportunities, learn about the ongoing conflict and struggle of the people of Nagorno-Karabagh, and pay tribute to the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

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A scene from the meeting with the president of Armenia to hear firsthand about the challenges and opportunities of Armenia, and to identify areas of mutual interest and cooperation between Armenia and the United States (Photo: gabbard.house.gov)

Last year, Hawaii’s State Legislature passed a resolution recognizing the independence of Nagorno-Karabagh and, previously, along with 46 other states, passed legislation formally recognizing the Armenian Genocide and honoring its victims.

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Members of the congressional delegation met with the President of Artsakh Republic Bako Sahakyan to discuss a diplomatic, peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh conflict (Photo: gabbard.house.gov)

Below is a personal statement by Congresswoman Gabbard as published on her congressional website.

***

I traveled to Armenia and Nagorno-Karabagh with a bipartisan group of congressional colleagues to hear and see firsthand the challenges and opportunities that exist within Armenia and the region, and identify areas of mutual interest and cooperation that will strengthen the security, economic, and cultural relationships that bind our two countries. Focusing on the priorities of a peaceful, sustainable, and secure region remains the key to deepening the American-Armenian relationship.

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Members of the congressional delegation met with Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, to discuss the diplomatic resolution of the Nagorno-Karabagh region (Photo: gabbard.house.gov)

The resilience and courage I witnessed in the people of the Nagorno-Karabagh region who remain in an ongoing conflict over their independence, further demonstrates our shared values of freedom, democracy, and self determination. We must support a diplomatic resolution to this ongoing conflict, such as what has been proposed by the Minsk Group (made up of the United States, France, and Russia), to allow for the people of  Nagorno-Karabagh to exercise their freedom and independence.

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Members of the bipartisan congressional delegation met with Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Ara Babloyan and other heads of standing committees to further cooperation and understanding between the governments of Armenia and the United States (Photo: gabbard.house.gov)

One major issue that continues to be unresolved, is global recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide. It is unconscionable that the United States government still has not formally recognized and condemned the Armenian genocide.  I stand with Armenians in America and around the world in condemning the Armenian Genocide, and I call on my colleagues to adopt House Resolution 220 so we never forget, or repeat, the suffering endured by the Armenian people.

A visit to a vocational school in Shushi that provides professional vocational training to over 450 students every year (Photo: gabbard.house.gov)

While there is much progress to be made within Armenia, the resilience of the Armenian people, their rich culture, values, and the depth of economic and academic investment I witnessed during my trip leaves me hopeful for the future of Armenia and the region.



#215 Yervant1

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Posted 01 October 2017 - 07:32 AM

They come to Artsakh get the facts go back and nothing happens, it's just a show!

Pan Armenian, Armenia

Sept 30 2017
 
 
OSCE Special Representative meets conflict-affected Karabakh residents
 

OSCE PA Special Representative on the South Caucasus Kristian Vigenin on Friday, September 29 met the residents of the village of Talish in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) in Yerevan.

During the meeting, the OSCE delegate was briefed about the crimes perpetrated by Azerbaijani soldiers during the Four-Day War in Talish.

Azerbaijan unleashed a large-scale offensive against Karabakh on April 2, 2016, which left hundreds dead on both sides. Top Armenian and Azerbaijani defense officials reached an agreement on the cessation of hostilities on April 5 in Moscow.

Artur Nazunts, in particular, told Vigenin about the inhuman crimes committed by Azeri servicemen against his in-laws.

Vigenin said, in turn, that his mission's aim is to meet people who have been affected by war and find out what is really going on.

"As lawmakers and the voice of the people, we should help them achieve a peaceful life," he said.

Armenian MP Hermine Naghdalyan who was also participating in the meeting said that Vigenin will unveil the results of his visit to Armenia at an OSCE session on October 2-6.

 

http://panarmenian.n...eng/news/247119

 

 



#216 Yervant1

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Posted 09 October 2017 - 11:07 AM

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
October 7, 2017 Saturday


"I don't see anything condemnable in my Artsakh visit" - Cetinoglu



YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Turkish scholar and activist Sait
Cetinoglu, who visited Artsakh in September, says Baku’s stir and
Azerbaijani chief prosecutor’s decision on issuing an international
arrest warrant for him and his friends is totally ungrounded.

In an exclusive comment for ARMENPRESS, Cetinoglu expressed concern
over Azerbaijan’s actions – which are aimed at making other countries
and international structures the tool of its manipulation.

“In addition of being a historian and genocide researcher, I am first
of all a lawyer and a human rights activist. I held a senior position
in Turkey’s Human Rights Association. Back when Amnesty International
didn’t function in Turkey, I was one of the people having an
international status of the organization. And when Amnesty
International decided to come to Turkey, I was one of their first
coordinators. At the same time I was the speaker of the Freedom of
Thought Initiative in Ankara.

From this perspective my visit to Artsakh is seen more than natural. I
accepted this proposal from my friend, Aragats Akhoyan, without
hesitation.

I find the terms “disputed” and “subject to discussion” territories to
be strictly problematic. According to whom or what are they disputed?
The answer to these questions is conjunctive and “realpolitik”. In
other words, this is a political situation which doesn’t reflect
reality.

In the present days, when humanity has reached such valuable
achievements, this is an absolutely unacceptable and retrograde
situation. As a lawyer and activist I don’t see anything condemnable
in my visit and research in the Caucasus’ Artsakh/Karabakh – which is
called “disputed” and “problematic”.

Next to the news about continuous clashes in the world’s agenda, I
find my visit to be more than natural to this region, where gross
violations of human rights happened in April of 2016, in order to
understand what is happening in that region. Moreover, I have to
confess that I became involved in this issue very late.

Azerbaijan’s issuance of international arrest warrants against us, by
violating international rights norms, is literally an act of violence.
The second unacceptable demand is demanding us from our own country in
order to punish us, which doesn’t have any legal basis and is
absolutely unacceptable. Capriciousness. And that’s why this demand
was ignored by our country.

Another manifestation of violence by Azerbaijan is obstruction of my
right to free movement by declaring me wanted. This situation is
nothing but a violation of fundamental human rights, an attempt to
make states and international organizations a tool of Azerbaijan’s
vagary. They are attempting to limit our right to visit not only
Artsakh, but also other countries.

As we know, the right to free movement is one of the fundamental human
rights. Proceeding from this principle, the International Criminal
Court rules the limitation of the right to movement to be a crime
against humanity.

I will release the results of my research in Artsakh separately”,
Cetinoglu said.

Araks Kasyan



#217 Yervant1

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Posted 13 October 2017 - 10:16 AM

A1+  
There is no guarantee that Azerbaijan will not resume any military actions at any time – Shavarsh Kocharyan (video)
shavarsh-470x265.jpg

Today, Deputy Foreign Minister Shavarsh Kocharyan announced after the government session. “How can one speak about progress in the negotiations if there is no trust between the parties? Azerbaijan can sign the agreement and not commit it tomorrow, which is proof of the violation of the agreements,” said Shavarsh Kocharyan, adding that there is no guarantee that Azerbaijan will not resume any military actions at any time.

A few days ago, a soldier was shot and dead in Tavush province. In response to A1+’s question, whether it is related to the sitting of the CIS Council of Heads of State in Sochi these days. Shavarsh Kocharyan replied: “Yes, provocations are becoming more frequent. It is Azerbaijan’s consistent policy, unfortunately.”

 

http://en.a1plus.am/1264916.html



#218 Yervant1

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Posted 13 October 2017 - 10:18 AM

A1+  
Not the liberated territory, but the territory of the Republic of Artsakh (video)
garnik-isagulyan-nkar.jpg

Today, Garnik Isagulyan, advisor to the NKR permanent representative to Armenia, told journalists that we should not speak about the liberated or occupied territories of Artsakh, but we can exclusively speak about territory of the Republic of Artsakh and its integrity.

Just a few days ago, I wrote a report to the Republic of Artsakh. When Bako Sahakyan read the report, he asked a question about “liberated territories.” He said that these could be considered as liberated territories in 1992-1994 and instructed me not to speak of about liberated territories anymore.

 


#219 Yervant1

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Posted 18 October 2017 - 09:17 AM

Modern Diplomacy, EU
Oct 16 2017
 
 
Why Azerbaijan is Unable to Offer Viable Solutions to the Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict
BY DAVID DAVIDIAN   OCT 16, 2017
 
 

Azerbaijan has cornered itself with the inability to offer peaceful solutions to the Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) conflict. The impasse has been caused by Baku's assumption that time will force Armenia and the Armenians of NK into economic collapse and thus push Armenia to sue for a resolution of the conflict in the interest of Azerbaijan. That resolution would be to integrate the Armenian inhabited lands of NK into Azerbaijan proper.

The region of NK, and much of the surrounding area are currently under Armenian sovereignty. At the time of the sovietization of the greater Caucasus region, NK had an Armenian population well over 90%. For various reasons, rather than NK being set under the jurisdiction of Soviet Armenia, rulers in Moscow placed it, as an autonomous region, under Soviet Azerbaijani rule. At various times during the seventy years of the Soviet Union, demands that NK be placed under Armenia's jurisdiction were made, but rejected. This demand actively re-emerged in the late 1980s as Moscow's control was under pressure and the Soviet Union began to disintegrate. NK Armenians exercised their right under the Soviet constitution for a referendum which overwhelmingly supported secession. The re-emergence became violent as NK demands for a union with Armenia, or self-rule, were met by a brutal crackdown by authorities in Baku. Pogroms against Armenians across the whole of Azerbaijan culminated with the violent expulsion of over a quarter million Armenians from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku and  hundreds of thousands more across the breadth of Azerbaijan. In reaction, Armenia expelled its Azerbaijani minority.

The ensuing war between Azerbaijan and the Armenians of NK resulted in over 30,000 killed and the displacement of about a million people on both sides. In May of 1994 a cease fire was arranged. Since then the region of NK has exercised independence. Although not recognized intentionally as a state, it exercises democratic sovereignty over the region. Border skirmishes and sniper deaths are daily occurrences as aew limited-sized battles along the lines of contact. At the ten thousand foot level, in lieu of a negotiated agreement, Armenians want the status quo and Azerbaijan endeavors to make this status quo come at the highest cost to Armenians.

Negotiations over NK, ironically, have taken place between the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, not with NK. Azerbaijan rejects any acknowledgment of such entity as NK not under its jurisdiction. This is the first mistake Azerbaijan made in limiting its diplomatic options. Negotiations have been sponsored by several international bodies, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and the OSCE Minsk Group organized by  the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) now known as Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the OSCE.

The OSCE is mandated to encourage a negotiated settlement of this conflict. Armenians have offered  to release land outside of NK, especially those to the east and south to Azerbaijan in exchange for Baku's recognition of NK's status. Azerbaijani negotiators have offered many packages that are associated with autonomy, self-rule, etc, but predicated on NK being placed under Azerbaijani jurisdiction. Thus, we have an apparent zero sum: Baku demands NK be integrated into Azerbaijan, NK want their republic recognized.

However, what appears zero-sum outwardly, upon closer inspection reveals something else. Over the past two decades, when Azerbaijan claims to offer an integrated NK  with all the benefits of “broadest autonomy” [1] under Azerbaijani jurisdiction, such offers are operationally disingenuous. Not only was “broadest autonomy” noted during negotiations multiple times, but specific references were made to Aland Islands, Tatarstan, Northern Ireland, South Tyrol, Trieste, and Catalonia by political historians in Baku, such as Elhan Shahinogly [2]. Taking Finland's Aland Island as an example, if such a status were a serious offer in negotiations, operationally it would mean:

Azerbaijan's constitution would have to change as it is currently a unitary state. If NK Armenians gain autonomy, surely other ethnic minorities who find themselves under Azerbaijani jurisdiction such as the Lezgin and Talish, will demand geo-ethnic autonomy. None of this is in the interest of the Azerbaijani state.

Armenian will become an official language within Azerbaijan and so will other non-Turkic languages. The chance of this being enacted is near zero as Armenians, their language, religion, and culture have been demonized within Azerbaijan.

NK will have a direct say in Baku's foreign policy direction and decisions. This is not in the interest of the Azerbaijani state.

In addition, if Azerbaijani demands for the return of all displaced peoples were enacted:

Armenians would return to Baku, displacing Azerbaijanis living in their former homes and the Azerbajianis who lived in NK would return to either destroyed, pillaged, or weather-ravaged homes. This is not in the interest of the Azerbaijani state or its people.

Armeno-phobia has reached such a level in Azerbaijan, with a generation being socialized to equate all evil with Armenians; inter-ethnic strife would run rampant across Azerbaijan, probably uncontrollable for years.

This last point is where time worked directly against policy-makers in Baku. Time, rather than to bankrupt Armenia and the Armenians of NK, unfortunately created conditions making it virtually impossible for Armenians and Azerbaijanis to live in close proximity to each other.

Basically, Azerbaijan can propose all or any such autonomy-centered items during negotiations but  they are not in the interest of Azerbaijan. The impact of the points noted above could have been minimized if Azerbaijan had engaged the Armenians of NK in direct negotiation, avoided extreme official ethnic hatred campaigns, or simply had recognized NK as an independent entity early on.

Azerbaijan is left with the only remaining option (outside of complete disintegration of the Aliyev ruling elite and associated oligarchy) and that is the military option. The feasibility of this option is enhanced since Azerbaijan's military budget has grown rapidly and it alone is larger than Armenia's entire state budget. Azerbaijan claims its military budget is ten to twenty times that of Armenia's.

A recommendation would be for Azerbaijan to immediately begin to tone down its gross discriminatory rhetoric against Armenians and then to recognize the status of NK outside of its jurisdiction. Logic dictates either Baku recognize its status or engage in a war that will devastate the economies of both Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the greater region. The other option, keeping the status quo, is not sustainable.  Baku may be assuming that time is on their side again and will bring a disintegration of larger regional power structures enhancing a decision for a military solution. However, as Sun Tzu noted, “He wins his battles by making no mistakes.”

[1] Autonomy Possible For Karabakh Armenians https://www.rferl.org/a/1086938.html and Azerbaijan Ready to Grant Wider Autonomy to Nagorno-Karabakh https://sputniknews....aijan-autonomy/ [2] Azerbaijan suggests the status of autonomy for the neighboring states http://www.nkr.am/en...2011-01-28/332/
 


#220 Yervant1

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Posted 20 October 2017 - 09:42 AM

Public Radio of Armenia
Oct 19 2017
 
 
Artsakh can never be part of independent Azerbaijan, Armenia’s top diplomat says
Edward-Nalbandian-Hahn-4-620x300.jpg
 

The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is one of the highest priorities on Armenia’s foreign policy agenda, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbanidan said in his address to the Fourth European Armenian Convention.

“As you know three days ago a Summit of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan was held in Geneva. When it comes to the outcome of the meeting itself everything was clearly indicated in the joint statement of the Foreign Ministers and the Co-Chairs. The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere. The Presidents agreed to take measures to intensify the negotiation process and to take additional steps to reduce tensions on the Line of Contact. The Co-Chairs expressed their satisfaction with these direct talks, which took place after a long interval. They remain ready to work with the sides on mediating a peacefully negotiated settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. As a next step, the Co-Chairs will organize working sessions with the Foreign Ministers in the near future,” Minister Nalbandian said.

“As you know the Armenian side has long been advocating for the peaceful negotiated settlement and for the reduction of tensions and all these have been reflected in the joint statement. The meeting of the Presidents after about sixteen months interval was made possible due to the able mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and this in itself can be considered as a positive thing,” Armenia’s top diplomat stated.

“For the first time in about four years it was possible to adopt, although quite brief, a joint statement with the participation of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan together with the Co-Chairs. As you know on numerous previous occasions Armenia expressed its readiness to join the statements of the Co-Chairs, however Azerbaijan always refused to have a common statement,” the Minister added.

“Against this backdrop, it is regrettable, that after the Summit Baku, time and time again, has been engaged in cheap and primitive manipulations, claiming that allegedly an agreement was reached in Geneva to refrain from making any comments not on the outcome of the Summit but the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution as a whole. It is clear, why Azerbaijan does this: obviously it tries to avoid the responsibility for its own destructive policy,” Edward Nalbandian stated.

“First, the damage caused to the peace process by the April 2016 Azerbaijani aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh has not been overcome yet. Second, Baku has refused to implement Vienna and St. Petersburg agreements, which were aimed at creating conducive conditions for moving the peace process forward. It is well known, that Azerbaijan has backtracked from the agreements on numerous occasions previously questioning its credibility as a negotiating party, Minister Nalbandian added.

“Third, Azerbaijan refuses to reiterate the principles of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution that have been presented by the Co-Chair countries as a basis for the settlement, namely: the non-use of force or threat of use of force, self-determination and territorial integrity,” he stated.

“Fourth, despite numerous calls of the Co-Chairs to respect the 1994-95 trilateral ceasefire agreements, that do not have time limitations, Baku continues grossly violate the ceasefire.
Yes, Armenia is convinced that there is a need to conduct intensive negotiations. We strongly believe that if Baku abides to the calls of the Co-Chairs to strictly respect the ceasefire, implement previously reached agreements, reiterate its adherence to the principles of the conflict resolution proposed by the Co-Chairs and constructively engage in the negotiations that will open the possibilities for moving the peace process forward,” Edward Nalbandian said.

“Armenia, together with the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group will continue the efforts aimed at the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict exclusively by peaceful means,” the Foreign Minister said.

“Nagorno-Karabakh has never been part of independent Azerbaijan and, as President Sargsyan stressed on numerous occasions, can never be,” Minister Nalbandian concluded.

http://www.armradio....-diplomat-says/






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