Yervant1 Posted August 17, 2021 Report Share Posted August 17, 2021 Press TV, IranAug 17 2021 Two Armenian soldiers killed in border clashes with Azerbaijan: YerevanTuesday, 17 August 2021 Two Armenian soldiers killed in border clashes with Azerbaijan: YerevanArmenia says two of its soldiers have been killed in separate exchanges of fire with Azerbaijani troops in the disputed border region between the two Caucasus countries.The Armenian Defense Ministry said in a statement Monday that Azerbaijani forces had opened fire on their positions from Nakhichevan, killing one of their soldiers.The soldier, who was wounded in the stomach, lost his life on the way to hospital, the statement said. It said that Azeri troops “attempted another provocation” on Monday evening, opening fire and killing another soldier.Though the statement claimed Azerbaijani forces had also suffered losses, the Azeri Defense Ministry denied any casualties among its troops.The ministry said the clashes were started by the Armenian side in the Sadarak district in Nakhchivan on Monday morning.The shootout is the latest in a series of border clashes that have occurred since the conflict last year over Nagorno-Karabakh, which left an estimated 6,000 people dead on both sides.The decades-long tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan flared up last September. After six-weeks of fierce fighting, a Russian-brokered ceasefire ended the conflict in November, and left Azerbaijan largely in control of the territory.Nagorno-Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but has been populated by ethnic Armenians.Since the truce, the two sides have accused each other of breaching the peace deal.Aliyev urges Armenia to provide accurate landmine mapsMeanwhile, Azeri President Ilham Aliyev called on Yerevan to provide an accurate map to show mines planted in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh region.Azerbaijan hands over 15 ethnic Armenian prisoners in exchange for minefield mapsAzerbaijan has released more than a dozen Armenian prisoners in exchange for maps of tens of thousands of mines in conflict zones.He said since the end of the war, more than 150 civilians and soldiers were killed or injured by landmines, planted by Armenians in the Azeri territories.“Armenians planted hundreds of thousands of mines there,” he told the CNN Turk TV channel on Saturday.“Armenia won’t give us maps of minefields, and the accuracy of the maps provided at the latest stage is only 25 percent,” Aliyev said. “So here, too, they are acting insincerely.”He said de-mining works are currently underway in the territories, but the lack of maps complicates the process. https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2021/08/17/664603/Armenia-Azerbajan-border-clashes-soldier-sniper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 18, 2021 Report Share Posted August 18, 2021 PanArmenian, ArmeniaAug 17 2021 Karabakh will never be a part of Azerbaijan, says State Minister August 17, 2021 - 15:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) State Minister Artak Beglaryan has said that Artsakh will never be a part of Azerbaijan. Beglaryan on Monday, August 16 weighed in on a recent interview by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev who said only 25,000 people have returned to Karabakh after the war in late 2020. "Lies don't become truths by repeating; Artsakh/Karabakh now has 120,000 population, not 25,000," Beglaryan tweeted. "Artsakh will never be a part of Azerbaijan, forget." Beglaryan also noted that Karabakh expects a clear reaction from the international community on Aliyev's confession that Azerbaijan was the one to launch the war on September 27, 2020. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev on November 9 signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Under the deal, the Armenian side has returned all the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities. https://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/295019/Karabakh_will_never_be_a_part_of_Azerbaijan_says_State_Minister Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Caucasian Knot, EUAug 17 2021 Armenian soldier wounded in a shootout at border with Azerbaijan An Armenian soldier was wounded as a result of a shelling attack from Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of Armenia reported. In turn, Azerbaijan accused Armenia of shelling attacks on three regions.The “Caucasian Knot” has reported that on August 16, the Armenian side accused Azerbaijan of shelling attacks on the Gegarkunik and Ararat Districts, as a result of which two soldiers were killed.Starting from 1:45 p.m. Moscow time, Azerbaijani units have been firing at Armenian positions from firearms of various calibres in the direction of the village of Sotk in the area of Gegarkunik, the “Caucasian Knot” correspondent was informed at the press service for the Armenian MoD.As a result of the shootout, one soldier was wounded, the spokesman for the Armenian MoD reported. “Nothing threatens his life. As a result of the retaliatory actions of the Armenian units, the enemy suffered losses, including one killed and one wounded soldiers,” the press officer for the Armenian MoD reported.The Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan announced shelling attacks on positions from Armenia.Today, the Armenian armed forces have fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani army in the Nakhichevan, Kelbadjar, and Gadabay directions. The enemy’s attack was suppressed by return fire, and there were no casualties among the personnel of the Azerbaijani army, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence reported.This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 17, 2021 at 05:09 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.See earlier reports: Azerbaijan accuses Armenia of shelling, Border villages of Armenia and Azerbaijan come under fire, Second Armenian soldier killed on Azerbaijani border within past 24 hours. Author: Tigran Petrosyan; Source: CK correspondentSource: https://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.eu/articles/56471/ © Caucasian Knot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Public Radio of ArmeniaAug 18 2021 Azerbaijani forces target Artsakh firefighters battling grassfire On August 17, at around 8:40 pm, a 3-hectare grassy area near the south-western border of the Artsakh Republic was set on fire as a result of shooting from the Azerbaijani side, Artsakh’s Defense Army reports.A fire truck was dispatched to the scene to extinguish the fire, but the firefighting works were hindered as the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on the truck.No casualties are reported. The Russian peacekeeping command has been informed about the incident. https://en.armradio.am/2021/08/18/azerbaijani-forces-target-artsakh-firefighters-battling-grassfire/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 DuvaR.EnglishAug 17 2021 Aliyev admits Azerbaijan started the Nagorno-Karabakh war Azeri President Ilham Aliyev has admitted that Azerbaijan was the country that started the Nagorno-Karabakh war. Baku has repeatedly claimed that Yerevan was the side that launched attacks.Monday August 16 2021 12:13 pm Duvar English Azeri President Ilham Aliyev has admitted that Azerbaijan was the country that started last year's Nagorno-Karabakh war despite Baku's repeated remarks on Yerevan being the side that initiated the conflict. Speaking to broadcaster CNN Türk on Aug. 14, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan started a "War of Salvation" when negotiations with Armenia failed. “This [occupation] was a great injustice and a situation that contradicted all the norms and principles of international law. Unfortunately, for 30 years, the Minsk Group did not come close to resolving this issue. There was some activity, but there was no result in the end,” Aliyev said. “The result was zero and the hopes of the Azerbaijani people were completely dashed. Because if the negotiations remain fruitless for 30 years, this means that the process of freezing this issue is going on," he said, adding that he had promised that Azerbaijan "will liberate our native lands from occupiers at any cost." "And so it happened. My words were materialized, and Azerbaijan started the War of Salvation, liberated its historical lands from the occupiers, restored historical justice, expelled the occupiers from our lands and restored its territorial integrity,” Aliyev noted. Commenting on Turkey's support to Baku, Aliyev said that they purchased plenty of weapons from Ankara, in addition to the armed drones that experts say changed the course of the war. "Turkey's defense industry is developing rapidly and we will, of course, benefit from this. My dear brother [Turkish President] Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's determined remarks in the early hours of the Second Nagorno-Karabakh war played a very positive role," Aliyev said. The Azeri President also said that Baku wants a peace agreement with Armenia. "Both Armenia and Azerbaijan need to recognize each other's territorial integrity and the process of drawing borders must be started," he said. https://www.duvarenglish.com/aliyev-admits-azerbaijan-started-the-nagorno-karabakh-war-news-58502 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 19, 2021 Report Share Posted August 19, 2021 Armenpress.com Armenian serviceman shot dead by Azeri sniper fire from Nakhijevan SaveShare 12:02, 16 August, 2021YEREVAN, AUGUST 16, ARMENPRESS. An on-duty Armenian serviceman was shot dead by Azerbaijani sniper fire in the morning of August 16, the Armenian Ministry of Defense said.Senior Corporal Vahan Tatosyan, born 1975, a serviceman of the Armenian Armed Forces, was shot and killed in the Yeraskh section by the Azeri sniper around 09:50 from the Nakhijevan direction. “The adversary suffered casualties as a result of countermeasures of the Armenian side,” the defense ministry said.Earlier during the night the Azeri troops attempted to advance their positions near Lake Sev in the Syunik Province but were repelled by countermeasures of the Armenian military. Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1060844.html?fbclid=IwAR18aVZvm7t3OlHl10DVTS8NLT8ieFcNrDsbVCEvk2l5WV0-KkntQPW6t5s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 20, 2021 Report Share Posted August 20, 2021 OP IndiaAug 19 2021India and Armenia share a common threat and the two countries should collaborateIndia and Armenia have those common geopolitical and military adversaries - Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan and the two countries must come together to preserve their interests.19 August, 2021Armenia and India have had civilizational, cultural, socio-political and economic ties for millennia. It is needless to underscore the paramount importance of even closer and strategic ties between Armenia and India in this ongoing capricious political climate. The 2020’s 44-day aggression of Turkey and Azerbaijan against Armenia and the spread of jihadism in the South Caucasus, the fall of Afghanistan into Talibs’ hands and the intensifying political romance of the belligerent triangle – Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan have made it clear that India and Armenia have no other way out of the aforementioned geopolitical morass than maximizing the cooperation between the 2 oldest civilizations on all levels, including out-of government relationships.First and foremost, India and Armenia have those common geopolitical and military adversaries – Turkey, Pakistan, Azerbaijan. Every adult person in Armenia and in the Armenian diaspora knows that Pakistan fought alongside Turks and Azeris against the Armenians in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) last autumn. Also, Pakistan has always been championing anti-Armenian policy globally: few know that they have not yet recognized Armenia as a sovereign state. On the other hand Turkey with its bellicose politics of Erdoganocracy has already openly announced its plans to advance further into Afghanistan, increase military cooperation with Pakistan and unify the Turkish nations in the Middle Asia and beyond. All this makes Turkey and Azerbaijan passionate supporters of Pakistan’s anti-Indian policy and thus harms the very interests of India. Then, it is always of utmost significance to stress the civilizational ties between Armenia and India, including the respective communities in both countries. The two old nations have had established ties for thousands of years including but not limited to religious, economic, political and cultural relationships. The Armenian presence and input in India got to its peak in the late middle ages when the Armenian merchants were competing with the famous British East India Company quite successfully. It was not accidental that the 18th-century writer and philosopher, notable figure in the Armenian liberation movement and a wealthy Armenian merchant Shahamir Shahamirian published and promoted the first modern Armenian constitution in India’s Madras (now Chennai) in the 1770s. Most recently, the two nations have achieved remarkable results in terms of science and high technologies, startups and chess which is another proof of ties on all levels and in all sectors.Last but not least, India has now got a unique chance of getting a very fresh expertise and knowledge of the 6th generation war strategies and tactics as the Armenian nation went through it last autumn. There are on-ground possibilities of establishing joint Armenia-India military centers including but not limited to military schools with joint curricula, military analytics group of high-ranking military personnel from India and Armenia as well as joint Indian-Armenian militia forces and even private military companies. The roadmap to achieve this high-level military cooperation can be discussed separately and by respective authorities and stakeholders. Both nations will maximize security and safety of their people if they delineate a clear strategy to fight jihadism and the belligerent triangle of Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan. It is understandable that joint Indian-Armenian militia forces and private military companies can stage remarkable results against the jihadists and against the above-mentioned belligerent triangle.In the end it is vital to understand that Armenia is going through immense challenges which may make it difficult to run the aforementioned projects only through the G2G (government to government) medium. As the founder of the Armenian Network State, a pan-Armenian movement that unites the World Armenians, I have stressed a number of times the importance of establishing out-of-box ties between the two nations which should absolutely include government – movement ties, involving the World Armenians and the Indian Diaspora. I’ve already got some chances to present the out-of-box cooperation mechanisms with India (including venture investment opportunities and joint hi-tech projects) to respective Indian authorities and want to reach out to the broader public and respective decision-makers with the same idea as the time works against both of us – Indians and Armenians.To sum up, I want to recall one interesting story by the Armenian Network State citizen and a notable Armenian politician and statesman Hrant Khachatryan from his meeting with a high-ranking Indian officer at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi in late 1990s. At the meeting, the officer made it clear to Mr Hrant Khachatryan that the Armenian river Araks which borders Turkey is of importance to India as well since India is interested in protecting Armenia’s border with Turkey which has made its expansionist politics, especially towards east, quite evident. Times have changed but that approach must not. About the author: Vahram Ayvazyan is the founder of the Armenian Network State. He is an International Relations and Genocide scholar, startup founder and a Climate Reality Leader, personally trained by former US vice president Al Gore.https://www.opindia.com/2021/08/india-and-armenia-share-a-common-threat-and-the-two-countries-should-collaborate/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 20, 2021 Report Share Posted August 20, 2021 Global VoicesAug 19 2021 Russia blames Azerbaijan for violating ceasefireMoscow has previously hesitated to place blame for the conflict Written byArzu GeybullayevaPosted 19 August 2021 11:19 GMT Russian authorities blamed Azerbaijan for violating the ceasefire agreement that was signed last November, as tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan continue to rise. This was the first time that Moscow explicitly blamed one side for violating the ceasefire. Previously ceasefire breaches were described in more neutral terms, urging both parties to respect the truce. “The Azerbaijani armed forces carried out two strikes using attack-type quadcopters on the position of the Nagorno-Karabakh armed formations. There were no casualties,” read the statement by Russia's Ministry of Defense on its website referring to clashes that took place on August 11.Although Armenia and Azerbaijan signed an agreement to end the 44-day war in November 2020, clashes have continued between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces since then.The most recent and deadliest clashes were reported on July 28, with both sides blaming each other for starting the shoot-out and violating the ceasefire agreement.Following the clashes, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan proposed that Russia deploy outposts on the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. During a government meeting, Pashinyan said, “Given the current situation, I think it makes sense to consider the question of stationing outposts of Russian border guards along the entire length of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border.”So far, Moscow has rejected Pashinyan's request.Armenia is already growing skeptical of Russia's involvement in the post-conflict relationship. Last month, Armenia expressed its skepticism about its membership within the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) after the latter described clashes reported on July 6 as a “border incident.” CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas told reporters in Moscow:You have to understand that the potential of the CSTO is used only in the event of an aggression, an attack [on one of the member countries]. Here we are dealing, in fact, with a border incident. Thank God, there are no casualties, there are no shooting there. This is a border incident, it must be solved, and we are in favor of solving it peacefully.But following a visit to Armenia on August 10, Zas did concede that the clashes along the border were a “threat to Armenia” and other CSTO members, according to reporting by OC Media.The clashes that took place on August 11 were first reported by the Nagorno-Karabakh Defence Army. The next day, the Defence Army reported that Azerbaijani troops had attempted to cross the line of contact east of Nagorno-Karabakh.In response, the Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense released a statement accusing Armenia of violating the trilateral agreement by “moving its armed forces to the territory of Azerbaijan, where Russian peacekeepers are temporarily deployed.” The Ministry of Defense further accused Armenia of resorting to such actions on purpose, provoking and aggravating the situation. https://globalvoices.org/2021/08/19/russia-blames-azerbaijan-for-violating-ceasefire/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 20, 2021 Report Share Posted August 20, 2021 The label "thief" is the worst title any person or country can acquire! Congratulations azerbaijan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Panorama, ArmeniaAug 19 2021 The Azerbaijani servicemen have stolen and not returned the 120 heads of cattle belonging to a resident of Armenian border village After the war, the Azerbaijani servicemen did not return the 120 sheep that Mrs. Nazig Baghdasaryan, a resident of Tegh community of Syunik province, bought through loan. However, the credit organization is still demanding the payments of the loan, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan reported. In his words, although the property is stolen and no longer in her possession, Mrs. Baghdasaryan is still paying the loan on the same terms to the credit organization. She still has 3 years for the final payment.At the moment, the woman has difficulties to receive loans without interest, since her son delayed the payment for a month while he was at the border during the war.Tatoyan said that during his visit to Tegh community, Mrs. Baghdasaryan informed him that she applied to the provincial administration of Syunik, and has received a compensation of 100.000 Drams for 120 sheep. However, these issues require systemic solutions. Numerous people have faced similar issues as a result of the criminal acts of the Azerbaijani armed forces."People have been deprived of their right to private property, and the opportunity to earn their living, and have faced grave social issues. We have recorded the issues that have been raised during this visit. Using these evidences, our state should initiate such process on international platforms, that will provide the opportunity to force Azerbaijan to compensate people for causing them to face these issues. Based on the established procedure, we will of course send letters to the Government to understand their position on finding immediate solutions for these people until such processes are initiated on international platforms. We are prepared to work jointly on any issue," the Ombudsman concluded. https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/08/19/Azerbaijani-servicemen-steal-cattle/2551772 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 21, 2021 Report Share Posted August 21, 2021 Russia telling aliyev, not so fast! Armenpress.com Supplying Armenia with arms is Russia’s sovereign right – Zakharova responds to Aliyev SaveShare 18:23, 19 August, 2021YEREVAN, AUGUST 19, ARMENPRESS. Supplying Armenia with arms is the sovereign right of Russia, ARMENPRESS reports official representative of the Russian MFA Maria Zakharova said in a briefing, responding to the announcement of the Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev.‘’We often hear and read about that, but I would like to attract your attention to the fact that we have established respective relations with both Armenia and Azerbaijan. In this particular case, the Russian side takes into consideration the necessity of power balance in the region’’, Zakharova said. Maria Zakharova added that Russia calls on Armenia and Azerbaijan to eliminate the existing dividing lines in the humanitarian field as soon as possible, to exchange prisoners of war with the "all for all" principle, and maps of minefields.In an interview with CNN Turk, Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev made another outrageous statement, accusing Russia of supplying arms to Armenia, its strategic ally. https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1061209.html?fbclid=IwAR26gJuvn9ayrk0VMriFZ6HehCBbuQ6OXqlDTm3J_--Tw7bmIIE8BuRG_3s Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 21, 2021 Report Share Posted August 21, 2021 Words of support is fine, but not enough! Action is needed. Armenpress.com #MOVINGMOUNTAINS: 16 prominent Australians join Friends of Artsakh SaveShare 13:34, 20 August, 2021CANBERRA, AUGUST 20, ARMENPRESS. Australian Federal Senators Andrew Bragg and Janet Rice lead a group of 16 prominent additions to the ever-growing cohort of the Australian Friends of Artsakh, helping mark the two-year anniversary of the network established to support the right to self-determination of the Armenian Republic of Artsakh, reported the Armenian National Committee of Australia.The Australian Friends of Artsakh was launched in August 2019, when the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) and Mr. Kaylar Michaelian – the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Artsakh in Australia – hosted a delegation from the Republic of Artsakh led by then-Foreign Minister, His Excellency Masis Mayilian and the Hon. Davit Ishkhanyan MP.The network established under the #MOVINGMOUNTAINS catchphrase has grown from 40 inaugural signatories to now number over 70 prominent Australians who have all lended their names in support for the basic human rights and principles of self-determination of the indigenous Armenian population of the Republic of Artsakh, which is currently under majority occupation by the petro-dictatorship of Azerbaijan.The latest additions to the group include Federal Senators Andrew Bragg and Janet Rice, New South Wales Parliamentarians Damien Tudehope MLC, Janelle Saffin MP, James Griffin MP, Mark Coure MP and Anna Watson MP, as well as South Australian legislators Joe Szakacs MP, Sam Duluk MP, Zoe Bettison MP, Andrea Michaels MP, Irene Pnevmatikos MLC and Tammy Franks MLC – the South Australian additions follow the Parliament of South Australia recognising the right to self-determination of the Republic of Artsakh during Azerbaijan’s latest invasion of the indigenous Armenian homeland in 2020.In addition, recent signatories include former New South Wales Opposition Leader, John Dowd QC, City of Ryde Councillor Peter Kim and prominent former broadcast journalist, John Mangos.ANC-AU Executive Director Haig Kayserian welcomed the new additions to the group as a signal that the Armenian-Australian community will never give up the rights of the heroic people of the Republic of Artsakh.“Following their egregious attacks on the Republic of Artsakh last year, Azerbaijan has only occupied 70 per cent of historical Armenian lands, but has also broken international laws to desecrate Armenian cultural and religions sites while illegally detaining over 150 Armenian prisoners of war to use as political bargaining chips,” said Kayserian.“These actions, as well as dictator Ilham Aliyev’s open and hostile Armenophobic attitudes to the Armenian people makes it an even greater priority for the Armenian-Australian community to build allies for the Republic of Artsakh,” Kayserian added.“These new additions exemplify the Australian spirit and history when it comes to upholding human rights and justice and that Australia, like in the cases of Kosovo and East Timor, will not tolerate the endangerment of indigenous peoples seeking self-determination.”Senators Bragg and Rice join a steadily growing number of Federal parliamentarians who have declared their support, including Australia's Communications Minister Paul Fletcher MP, Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar MP, Shadow Home Affairs Minister Senator Kristina Keneally and former Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon MP.Fitzgibbon is the co-convenor of the Armenia-Australia Inter-Parliamentary Union along with the Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Health, Aged Care & Sport Trent Zimmerman MP, who is also part of the Australian Friends of Artsakh, along with fellow Chairs of Federal parliamentary committees including John Alexander MP, Senator Eric Abetz, Julian Leeser MP, Jason Falinski MP and Tim Wilson MP, who is the only current Member of Australia's Federal Parliament with Armenian heritage.Additionally, Federal parliamentarian Josh Burns MP is also a Friend of Artsakh, as is former Leader of The Australian Greens, Richard Di Natale.Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope MP, Janelle Saffin MP, James Griffin MP, Mark Coure MP and Anna Watson MP join Gladys Berejiklian MP – the Premier of Australia's largest state of New South Wales – on the list of New South Wales State parliamentarians among the Australian Friends of Artsakh, which also includes Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello MP, Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly Jonathan O'Dea MP and his fellow convenor of the NSW Armenia-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Shadow Roads Minister Walt Secord MLC, as well as Member for Mulgoa Tanya Davies MP and Minister for Sport, Multiculturalism, Seniors and Veterans Natalie Ward MLC.Hugh McDermott MP – who is one of several on the network to visit the Republic of Artsakh and earn a spot on Azerbaijan’s persona-non-grata blacklist – and Rev. Fred Nile MLC are also among the NSW parliamentarians in the group, along with their former colleagues, including former President of the Legislative Council John Ajaka, Marie Ficarra and Amanda Fazio – and now the recent addition of John Dowd QC.More recently, South Australia’s recognition of the Republic of Artsakh has led to several exciting additions from the State’s parliament including Joe Szakacs MP, Sam Duluk MP, Zoe Bettison MP, Andrea Michaels MP, Irene Pnevmatikos MLC and Tammy Franks MLC.Peter Kim will join his fellow Local Government representatives including Mayor Jerome Laxale, Councillors Sarkis Yedelian, Jordan Lane and Trenton Brown – from the City of Ryde, Deputy Mayor Paul Adam Azzo, Councillor Adrian Wong – from the City of Fairfield, Councillors Hugh Eriksson, Wendy Norton, Brendan Zhu, Angelo Rozos, Stuart Coppock and Lynne Saville – from the City of Willoughby and Councillors Vicent De Luca and David Walton - from the Northern Beaches Council.John Mangos and Jon Dee now make up the two media personalities in the network, both being outspoken advocates for Artsakh.The group also features religious leaders and academics, along with former politicians, including Australia’s former treasurer and the first Federal parliamentarian of Armenian origin, Joe Hockey.“On behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Artsakh, I would like to welcome the new members of the Australian Friends of Artsakh Network. I would also like to thank each and every member of the group for their outstanding efforts in ensuring Australia’s values such as integrity, justice, human rights and the principles of the right to self-determination are upheld,” said Kaylar Michaelian – the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Artsakh in Australia. https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1061273.html?fbclid=IwAR2ctX2Hb3PDyf9DH2rit-W_T-d8jly5nJDFKstzUoVTwHGCPluvjnOZsxg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 21, 2021 Report Share Posted August 21, 2021 No surprise here! azerbaijan = destruction Armenpress.com Azerbaijanis destroy statue of Soviet Marshal Khanperiants SaveShare 21:23, 20 August, 2021YEREVAN, AUGUST 20, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijanis continue cultural vandalism in the occupied territories of Artsakh, destroying not only Armenian churches, khachkars (cross-stone), monuments dedicated to the Artsakh liberation war, Armenian cemeteries, but also statues of Armenian marshals who fought against Nazism in World War II. In particular, in the village of Mets Tagher in Artsakh's Hadrut region, Azeris destroyed the bust of USSR aviation marshal Armenak Khanperyants (Sergey Khudyakov) who originated from Artsakh. ARMENPRESS reports war.karabakhrecords.info informs, which tells about Azerbaijan's war crimes.The website notes that the fact of desecrating the statue of Marshal Khanperyants became known from satellite photos taken in July, 2021. ''Satellite photos taken before the war show the Marshal's statue and the MiG-17 fighter in the area of the house-museum. However, in the photos taken months after the war, the statue of Armenak Khanperyants is missing in that area, and his "MIG-17" fighter is partially broken, thrown aside'', the website informs.Earlier, Artsakh's Foreign Minister Davit Babayan also said that the monument to USSR Aviation Marshal Sergey Khudyakov (Armenak Khamperyants) was destroyed in the village of Mets Tagher, while the statues to one of the founding fathers of the Soviet air defense system, Colonel-General Sergei Sardarov and Admiral Ivan Isakov had been destroyed in Azokh village. https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1061317.html?fbclid=IwAR29XwFO8xkFv2wGNPCHVDGNEeC2ETdwRBm5JNL06hoRh53ZrpxFF9xLPDA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 22, 2021 Report Share Posted August 22, 2021 Panorama, ArmeniaAug 21 2021 Society 12:08 21/08/2021Armenia Emile Ghessen's documentary about the Artsakh war being screened in YerevanThe documentary about the 44-day war in Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) is screened on August 20-22 in Yerevan's Moscow cinema. The documentary titled "45 days: The fight for a Nation" is filmed by former British Royal Marines Commando Emile Ghessen, who visited Artsakh during the war in October 2020. "The signs are up around Yerevan city for the first international screenings of my documentary film “45 Days: The Fight For A Nation” about the war between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Screening this weekend 20-22nd August at the Moscow Cinema," Ghessen wrote on his Facebook page, asking users to follow the link to obtain tickets.To note, the film tells the story of the Artsakh conflict, its volunteers and impact on the Armenia people. This groundbreaking documentary will provide insights into irregular warfare, the use of drones in conflict and the stories of fathers and sons who perished during the fight to hold on to Artsakh from Azerbaijani forces.https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/08/21/Emile-Ghessen-Artsakh-war/2552846 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 24, 2021 Report Share Posted August 24, 2021 Aug 22 2021 Satellite Imagery Reveals Azerbaijan’s Persistent Erasure of Armenian Heritage Sites Using high-resolution satellite imagery, Caucasus Heritage Watch identified over a dozen Armenian sites that have been destroyed, damaged, or threatened by Azerbaijan. by Hakim Bishara Vankasar Church, a 7th-century Armenian cathedral in the town of Aghdam in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The church has been under threat since Azerbaijan gained control of the region in 2020. (all images courtesy the Caucasus Heritage Watch) For decades, the Azerbaijani government has been waging a methodical erasure of Armenian heritage sites in areas under its control. This campaign has extended to new territories after Azerbaijan took over Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh in Armenian) in a Russian-brokered ceasefire in November of 2020, after weeks of fighting between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces. Since last year’s armed conflict, over a dozen Armenian churches, cemeteries, sacred cross-stones (Khachkars), and other cultural properties have either been destroyed, damaged, or threatened by Azerbaijan, according to a June report from the Caucasus Heritage Watch (CHW). The majority of the listed attacks have occurred after the ceasefire. Using high-resolution satellite imagery, the CHW monitors and documents endangered and damaged cultural heritage sites in the areas of Nagorno-Karabakh and Nakhichevan (an Azerbaijani autonomous republic since 1991). The organization was founded in 2020 by a team of archaeologists: Lori Khatchadourian and Adam T. Smith from Cornell University; Ian Lindsay from Purdue University; and specialists Salpi Bocchieriyan and Husik Ghulyan. The group also conducts research on Islamic heritage sites, primarily mosques, that had been under Armenian control in Nagorno-Karabakh in the decades preceding the 2020 war. In addition to historical research and periodical reports, the CHW’s website features a Monitoring Dashboard with up-to-date assessments of sites at risk. The group also posts “threat alerts” on its social media platforms to spread the information to the public and possibly save sites from destruction. The Caucasus Heritage Watch’s Monitoring Dashboard of at-risk Armenian heritage sires “There are real and present threats to the integrity of the heritage landscape of Nagorno-Karabakh that result from a range of factors from development work undertaken without sufficient attention to heritage sites to intentional acts against Armenian monuments,” warned the CHW’s report. The report was conveyed to UNSECO, the US State Department, and several other relevant international agencies and governmental bodies. However, there is little hope that these bodies would be able to affect any change on the ground. “The unfortunate reality is that there are very few mechanisms available to international players to restrain state bad actors who are making decisions in their sovereign territory,” Khatchadourian told Hyperallergic in a phone conversation. “International organizations are relatively powerless to encroach on the sovereign prerogative of the nation-state.” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 24, 2021 Report Share Posted August 24, 2021 Satellite footage of a cemetery in the town of Mets Tagher that was completely erased by Azerbaijani forces With an analysis of before-and-after satellite images of Armenian heritage sites, the report shows that a surge in construction by Azerbaijan, especially of roads, has led to either partial or full destruction of several cemeteries and cathedrals in the area of Shushi, a town with significant cultural importance to Armenians. Several other Shushi landmarks, like St. John the Baptist church (locally known as Kanach Zham), were damaged during the war. In the town of Mets Tagher, which was majority-Arminian before the 2020 conflict, the main cemetery has been completely erased. These are just a few of the targeted sites mentioned in the report. But the scope of the damage extends beyond the CHW’s data, which excludes the targeting of modern Arminian cultural sites and acts of desecration which cannot be detected through satellite imagery. According to Khatchadourian, cemeteries have been especially targeted in recent months as Azerbijan rapidly develops a road network in the area. “We’ve observed the complete destruction of two cemeteries with historic burials and the partial destruction of a vast cemetery in northern Shushi,” the archaeologist said. Since the ceasefire, another type of threat has emerged, and that is Azerbaijan’s attempts to rewrite the history of the region by labeling Armenian heritage properties as “Caucasian Albanian” or claiming that had never existed at all. In March, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev ordered the removal of medieval Armenian inscriptions from churches, calling them “fake.” Azerbaijani officials have also attempted to rebrand some Armenian sites as “ancient Azerbaijani” landmarks, according to Simon Maghakyan and Sarah Pickman’s investigation on Hyperallergic in 2019. “The vast majority of experts in the region’s art, architecture, and archaeology have all rejected Azerbaijan’s revisionist claims as patently false,” said the CHW’s report. “Nevertheless, the Caucasian Albanian propaganda has sparked some iconoclastic efforts to erase Armenian imagery and inscriptions from buildings and monuments.” According to Khatchadourian, it may take many years to see the full impact of this concerted campaign of cultural erasure. That’s why the CHW hopes to continue monitoring the region for the long run. “This is a long-term threat that requires persistence and a long-term vision for monitoring,” she said. “We will do this work for as long as we can.” https://hyperallergic.com/663782/satellite-imagery-reveals-azerbaijans-persistent-erasure-of-armenian-heritage-sites/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Panorama, ArmeniaAug 26 2021 Azerbaijani servicemen blocked Goris-Kapan interstate roadway - NSS The National Security Service (NSS) reports that on August 25, at around 23.00 the Azerbaijani side has blocked Karmraqar-Shurnukh section of the interstate road leading from Goris to Kapan. The vehicles have been evacuated from the mentioned area, the press service at NSS reported According to the source, works are underway to open the road and resume the regular movement of people and vehicles. The Service also calls on population to follow the official newsfeed fo developments. https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/08/26/Azerbaijani-block-Goris-Kapan-roadway/2555151 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Panorama, ArmeniaAug 26 2021 Ombudsman: Azerbaijani servicemen refuse to open Goris-Kapan interstate road Armenian Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan reports that 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen who have blocked the interstate road leading from Goris to Kapan near the village of Davit Bek, refuse to open the road. "These actions are criminal, restricting the free movement of people, the entire civilian population, including children, women, and the elderly. We have received alarms confirming all of this from civilians, and we have verified everything.I warn so very much about this danger and state that the state should act and do so urgently. The presence of Azerbaijani armed servicemen on the roads between Syunik communities of the Republic of Armenia is criminal act, period. It, in and of itself violates people's right to life, to free movement, and to other internationally guaranteed vital rights," Tatoyan wrote on his Facebook page. In his words, it is obvious from the facts that this is a pre-planned and an openly and hostile act. It is a crime against the civilian population of the Republic of Armenia."I am aware that the Russian border guards, Armenian border guards conducted negotiations on the spot to open the road, and through their efforts civilian cars were taken out of the roadblock. According to the verified data, the negotiations will continue in the morning. Thus far they continue the refuse opening the road. Early in the morning, special reports on this incident will be sent to the relevant international bodies," added the Ombudsman.https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/08/26/Ombudsman-Goris-Kapan-road/2555148 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 Panorama, ArmeniaAug 26 2021 Photos, videos of military objects found on the phone of detained Azerbaijani serviceman - Wargonzo The Azerbaijani serviceman arrested earlier today at one of houses in Artsakh's Martakert town has occurred not by an accident, Wargonzo Telegram channel reports. Citing own sources, the Channel insists that numerous photos and videos were revealed in the phone of the arrested, showing the location of various military objects of the Russian peacekeeping continent and the movement of Russian military equipment. As reported earlier, a serviceman of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, identified as tank-man Jamil Babayev, was found in one of residential houses in Martakert town and was later detained by police officers. A criminal case has been initiated and charges on illegal crossing of the Artsakh Republic border, threat to murder to minors living in the house and espionage were brought against him. Babayev is arrested, an investigation is underway. https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/08/26/detained-Azerbaijani-serviceman-Wargonzo/2555685 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 27, 2021 Report Share Posted August 27, 2021 News.am, ArmeniaAug 26 2021 WarGonzo: Azerbaijan soldier detained in Karabakh had photographed Russia peacekeepers’ location16:37, 26.08.2021 Azerbaijan claims that its soldier had gotten lost, but there is reason to believe that this soldier had come to Martakert, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) for other purposes, according to WarGonzo.In particular, according to sources, this soldier had a smartphone with a large number of photos and videos which show the location of various facilities of the Russian peacekeeping forces and the movement of Russian equipment.In addition, exactly one day ago, according to WarGonzo reporters, another "upsetting incident" took place in the Lisagor area, with the involvement of an Azerbaijani, the details of which, however, are not reported.The impression is that the Azerbaijani MP's statement about Artsakh, the Azerbaijani soldiers’ closure of the Goris-Kapan motorway in Armenia, the incident with Azerbaijani soldier in Martakert, and the situation in the Lisagor region are part of Azerbaijan's strategy towards Artsakh to destabilize the region, WarGonzo writes in its Telegram channel.https://news.am/eng/news/659992.html 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 28, 2021 Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 Tehran Times, Iran Aug 27 2021 Baku blocks land route to Armenia Politics August 27, 2021 - 22:8 TEHRAN — Iran’s customs spokesman said on Friday that a part of the land route from Iran to Armenia was blocked by the forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Seyed Ruhollah Latifi, spokesman for the customs, said, "According to the news received from some drivers, the entrance of the Goris-Kapan road to Armenia was blocked by the Azerbaijani forces." He added that it is said that the negotiations between Yerevan officials and Baku in this regard took place on Friday morning. Latifi emphasized, “Passengers and trucks carrying goods should make sure that the route is open in Armenia before leaving for the border of ‘Norduz’ in East Azerbaijan province.” The Azeri Defense Ministry claimed that two Armenian soldiers attempted to stab an Azeri border guard in the area. However, the Armenian Defense Ministry denied there was any incident, calling the statement a "sheer lie" and "more disinformation campaign by Azerbaijan." SA/PA https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/464387/Baku-blocks-land-route-to-Armenia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 28, 2021 Report Share Posted August 28, 2021 Armenpress.com Russia realizes need to strengthen Armenia, says analyst TweetShare 09:31, 27 August, 2021YEREVAN, AUGUST 26, ARMENPRESS. A prominent military-political analyst argues that the latest geopolitical developments, especially the West’s anti-Russian initiatives, including the so-called Crimean Platform in Ukraine and Turkey’s position in the issue of Crimea, are bringing Russia to the thought that first of all in its own interests it needs to strengthen Armenia. Mher Hakobyan told ARMENPRESS that the Armenian defense minister’s active contacts with his Russian counterpart, and especially the latter’s statements on re-equipping and modernizing the Armenian military are commendable. “Let’s hope that our interests will only match with Russia, and we, by receiving that armaments from Russia, will gradually get stronger and as I like to say ‘when Azerbaijan slips, we’ll be able to make use of that slip’”.The analyst labeled the Armenian defense minister’s recent statement on plans to acquire exclusively new and high quality arms as ambitious.Speaking on the Armenian military’s plans to achieve Armenia producing its own weapons, the analyst noted that the term “weapons” is a very broad term, ranging from small arms which can be manufactured almost anywhere up to drones and heavy military equipment which require most sophisticated production. He said these plans need to be further specified. Interview by Aram SargsyanEditing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1061735.html?fbclid=IwAR0Pb_WF6fzkV8rTrP0fxzt2sQQb8TXKsnZmeSZYZqYBkM61FYdr92rLWec 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted August 29, 2021 Report Share Posted August 29, 2021 Mehr News Agency, IranAug 28 2021 Iran land route to Armenia reopened: ICATEHRAN, Aug. 28 (MNA) – According to Iran’s customs spokesman, a part of the land route from Iran to Armenia was reopened after a temporary closure.On Friday, Iranian Customs authorities announced that the entrance of the Goris-Kapan road to Armenia was blocked by the Azerbaijani forces, based on the news received from some drivers.The land route to Armenia was reopened, a spokesman for the customs said on Friday night.Trucks and cars were allowed to pass through the route to Armenia, Seyed Ruhollah Latifi said.Moghri Customs, which is located in front of Norduz crossing in East Azerbaijan Province, has announced that it is ready to readmit trucks and buses to pass through Armenian destinations.RHM/5290651https://en.mehrnews.com/news/177890/Iran-land-route-to-Armenia-reopened-ICA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted September 1, 2021 Report Share Posted September 1, 2021 TASS, RussiaAug 31 2021 Moscow calls on Baku to release all Armenian prisoners without any conditions — LavrovIt would be an important humanitarian step, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stressedMOSCOW, August 31. /TASS/. Russia calls on the Azerbaijani side to release all Armenian prisoners without any conditions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday after talks with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan.Provision eight of the document envisages an exchange of prisoners in the all-for-all format. Armenia demands Azerbaijan released all Armenian nationals it holds. However, Azerbaijan claims that all Armenians who were taken prisoner during the hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone last autumn have been released and it continues to keep only "terrorists and saboteurs"."We are sending this signal [concerning an all-for-all swap] to the Azerbaijani colleagues. We call on them to release everyone without any conditions," he said, adding that this move would be a "landmark measure for trust, which is now lacking.""And, naturally, it would be an important humanitarian step," he noted. "That is why we will continue to hold on to these positions, however, the final position does not depend on us."He stressed that Moscow has been sticking to this position in bilateral contacts with Baku, including at the top level. "We support any measures of trust, not only this one, but also a reciprocal measure when Armenia shared the mine location map," Lavrov said. "We think that such a reciprocal step can be made today, not necessarily linking one step to another but simply in the spirit of good will. A step toward the partner, the neighbor, with whom you will continue to live on the same soil and breathe the same air. We will do our best to promote it." Renewed clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia erupted on September 27, 2020, with intense battles raging in the disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh. On November 9, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a joint statement on a complete ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh.https://tass.com/politics/1332183 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted September 1, 2021 Report Share Posted September 1, 2021 Asbarez.com Azerbaijanis Destroy Makun Bridge in Artsakh’s Hadrutby Asbarez Staff August 31, 2021 in Armenia, Artsakh, Latest, News, Top Stories The Makun Bridge in Artsakh's now occupied Hadrut region (Photo by Research of Armenian Architecture, Samvel Karapetian) Captured satellite images show that between April 8 and July 7, the Makun Bridge in Mets Tagher village in Artsakh’s occupied Hadrut region was destroyed by Azerbaijani forces who were constructing roads and attempting to re-engineer the course of the Ishkhanaget River, the Caucasus Heritage Watch reported.Mets Tagher is one of two villages captured by Azerbaijani force after the November 9 agreement was signed.CHW sources have confirmed its location despite tree cover making the it difficult for the bridge to be seen in satellite imagery. Between April 8 and July 7, the Makun Bridge in Mets Tagher/Böyük Tağlar was destroyed in the course of river engineering and road construction. The small structure is difficult to see in satellite imagery due to tree cover, but CHW’s sources have confirmed its location. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/wvfz9MxK6n— CaucasusHeritageWatch (@CaucasusHW) August 31, 2021 Built in 1890 of roughly hewn stones, the arched Makun bridge spanned a small tributary of the Ishkhanaget River.An inscribed stone at the foot of the bridgeA construction inscription was once set in the bridge’s façade that “In memory of Ghazar Harutiun Bejaniants” in Armenia.The inscription stone fell prior to 2009 and was moved to the village museum before the 2020 war. Its current location and condition are unknown. https://asbarez.com/azerbaijanis-destroy-makun-bridge-in-artsakhs-hadrut/?fbclid=IwAR3vrugSjc0nZnJ7JxNF5mRPWQi0nu-oVjzp1IxyS7KqUL-l_tkiTdiRxH0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yervant1 Posted September 2, 2021 Report Share Posted September 2, 2021 Armenpress.com Azeri troops set fire to Armenian farmers’ winter hay SaveShare 10:34, 1 September, 2021YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijani military servicemen are deliberately setting fire to not only the pastures and hayfields of Armenian villagers in the Gegharkunik province, but also the hay reserves which the farmers are keeping for winter season.[see Video] Villagers from Kut and Sotk are reporting to the Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan that as soon as the fire is extinguished the Azeri troops are again setting fire. The wildfires which began as a result of the Azeri military’s arson continues to spread. “In many areas you can’t go anywhere near the fire because the area is under Azerbaijani military crosshairs, and whenever anyone approaches they start to shoot. Firefighting is carried out by rescuers, with support of local residents. But equipment cannot be deployed in all affected areas because the fire is spreading in terrain which is difficult to access. The weather conditions make the fire spread more easily. Studies showed that firefighters were able to extinguish only the fire near Sotk in one day,” Tatoyan said in a statement, emphasizing that the Azeri arson is depriving the villagers from their source of income. Given the fact that the Azeri troops are located inside Armenian sovereign territory, in direct vicinity of villages, the fires pose a real and present danger to the life and property of the civilian population.The Human Rights Defender said that the facts show that the Azeri troops are acting deliberately, with intent to cause damages to the civilians.Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1062081.html?fbclid=IwAR2jUipao5GKSiFl7eGCSc6HZUlNuF8-Cnz66yBAqbOd-72aulzR5GYeOCc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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