cease-fire violations by azeris

[Yervant1]

Panorama, Armenia

May 4 2021

Azeris destroy an Armenian cemetery in Taghavard community of Artsakh

Azerbaijani bandits have recently desecrated the cemetery in the community of Taghavard (the upper part of Taghavard) in the Martuni region of Artsakh, which passed under the control of Azerbaijan after the recent Artsakh war, Artsakh press news agency reports.

The head of Taghavard community Oleg Harutyunyan has told the news agency that the Russian peacekeepers have been informed about this fact and in the coming days will visit to see personally what happened.

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/05/04/cemetery-Taghavard/2496323

[Yervant1]

The Morning Star, UK

May 5 2021

Azerbaijan accused of war crimes after execution of Armenian prisoners

AZERBAIJAN has been accused of war crimes after lawyers claimed that 19 Armenian prisoners of war had been tortured and executed today.

Artak Zeynalyan and Siranush Sahakyan, who represent the captives at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), said that they had filed a case there calling for Azerbaijan to be held accountable.

The Armenian soldiers were taken as prisoners last year during the six-week war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, a landlocked majority-Armenian territory inside Azerbaijan.

The bitter conflict saw accusations of war crimes, such as the beheading of civilians by Azeri troops. Amnesty International condemned the use of banned cluster bombs used on civilian targets, including in the regional capital Stepanakert.

A Russian-brokered peace deal led to anger in Armenia and mass protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who they felt ceded too much Armenian territory.

He stood down last month and called snap elections which analysts expect him to win, but with a reduced majority, possibly requiring a coalition to form a cabinet.

“During the Second Artsakh War, which was started on September 27, 2020, as well as after the signing of the tripartite agreement on November 9, 2020, Armenian civilians and servicemen continued to be taken prisoner by Azerbaijan,” a statement from the lawyers said.

“Nineteen of those prisoners of war, who have appeared in captivity, have been tortured and killed by the Azerbaijani servicemen, which is a war crime.”

Meanwhile two Syrian nationals, Muhrab al-Shkheri and Yusef al-Haji, have been sentenced to life imprisonment in Armenia on international terrorism charges for their role in the conflict.

The mercenaries were part of a number from the Free Syrian Army that were shipped in by Turkey to fight alongside Azeri troops.

They were accused of actions aimed at killing or seriously injuring civilians who were not involved in the hostilities.

Ankara recruited the jihadists from the battlefield of Syria, where they had been fighting alongside Turkish troops in the illegal invasion and occupation of Afrin, part of the Kurdish enclave known as Rojava.

Turkey has been accused of deploying jihadists in a number of arenas including Libya, where the militia helped swing its civil war in favour of the Government of National Accord.

The government of Azerbaijan was contacted for comment.

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/w/azerbaijan-accused-war-crimes-after-execution-armenian-prisoners

[Yervant1]

Panorama, Armenia

May 8 2021

The international recognition of Artsakh should become a sword of Damocles hanging over Aliyev's head - Suren Sargsyan

Political scientist Suren Sargsyan believes the international recognition of Artsakh should become the main task for the Armenian authorities.

"The possible international recognition of Artsakh is the biggest fear of Ilham Aliyev, as the war launched by him could be perceived by his own people as a greater defeat than the one suffered during the first Artsakh war," Sargsyan wrote on his Facebook page. Sargsyan went on, sayin:

1. The recognition of Artsakh as a tool of international pressure on Aliyev can force him many things - from the return of the captives to returning to the negotiations table and making serious concessions, including in the issue of Hadrut.

2. Armenia is to make the first step. Its recognition, followed by the international recognition [of Artsakh] should become a sword of Damocles hanging over Aliyev's head.

3. With the war Aliyev got the two principles of the conflict settlement out of the three. As he believes, he has restored what he called the territorial integrity, resorted to force and got even more than he could get through the threat of force.

4. For more than 30 years, the Co-Chairs have used to insist that the three principles (the two mentioned above and the people's self-determination) are equal. That is to say, in the current situation, people's right to self-determination is the one principle that has not been implemented.

5. Every one accepts and states that the Artsakh issue is not solved, as one of the sides is not satisfied (See Biden's letter to Aliyev and the recent statements of the MG CO-Chairs on the need for the final settlement of the conflict). If not today, then tomorrow Armenia may go to the realization of its scenario for the conflict settlement."

The political expert noted with regret that there has been no consistency about the Artsakh recognition in the inter-political discourse of Armenia and hopes political actors will consolidate over the issue during the pre-election period.

 

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/05/08/Suren-Sargsyan/2498646

[Yervant1]

May 9 2021

Azerbaijani Troops Attack Armenian Shepherd in Border Town

05/09/2021 Armenia (International Christian Concern) – An Armenian shepherd was assaulted by Azerbaijani troops in the border town of Syunik. Azerbaijani forces stationed near Syunik continue to harass, threaten and intimidate the Armenian residents.

On April 18, an Armenian shepherd was watching his 14 cattle graze about 500 meters from his home. Three armed Azerbaijani servicemen then approached him who subsequently threatened him with their weapons, tried to pull him into a nearby trench closer to the Azerbaijani border, and continuously cursed him. One of them hit him in the face and they fled back to their positions when help was on the way for the shepherd.

Just two days later, Azerbaijani troops were intimidating local residents by brandishing their weapons and insulting them, calling out from their posts. Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan called again for a security zone to protect Armenian citizens in border towns.

https://www.persecution.org/2021/05/09/azerbaijani-troops-attack-armenian-shepherd-border-town/

[Yervant1]

Panorama, Armenia

May 12 2021

Iranian Red Crescent Society provides humanitarian assistance to displaced people from Artsakh

Iranian Red Crescent Society has provided humanitarian assistance to the Armenian Red Cross to respond to the most urgent and pressing needs of people displaced from Nagorno Karabakh. The aid was handed on May 12 when Deputy Ambassador of Iran to Armenia Ali Mohammad Mottaghi visited the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) and was hosted by ARCS Secretary General Anna Yeghiazaryan.

The assistance included cloths, personal basic items and beddings, 400 units of kitchen items, 15,000 units of medical equipment which will be donated to the National Burn Center.

Anna Yeghiazaryan has expressed gratitude to the government of the Islamic Republic for the cooperation and the assistance. "We have been partnering with the Iranian Red Crescent Society for many years and I am confident our cooperation will continue in the future for the benefit of all vulnerable groups," Yeghizaryan said in her remarks.

To note, the Armenian Red Cross Society (ARCS) has been providing humanitarian assistance to people who arrived in Armenia in search of safety since the very first days of the escalation of the Nagorno - Karabakh conflict.

 

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/05/12/Iranian-Red-Crescent-Artsakh/2500983

[Yervant1]

Asbarez.com

Baku Admits Killing Armenian Captives, POWs

May 12, 2021

http://asbarez.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/3-2.jpeg

Armenian soldiers

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov admitted that the country’s forces killed Armenians after the November 9 agreement, claiming that the Armenians who were killed or arrested entered Azerbaijani territory “illegally.”

“The incidents related to the illegal entry of Armenian servicemen into the territory of Azerbaijan at the end of November last year, the death and wounding of Azerbaijani servicemen in December are a war crime committed against Azerbaijan. As a result of the operations carried out by the Azerbaijani special services, some of the Armenian servicemen who carried out provocative and subversive operations were killed and some were arrested. Investigations into the incidents are under way,” Bayramov said Tuesday.

Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan on Wednesday said that Bayramov’s statement grossly violate of international law.

“The reality is that there is an ongoing, open armed conflict. From the point of view of international [humanitarian] law, this means that regardless of whether or not they were taken captive (prisoners of war) after the November 9, 2020 tripartite declaration, they are prisoners of war, captives by legal status; they should be released immediately, without preconditions,” Tatoyan said.

“Azerbaijan is artificially delaying the issue by openly abusing legal processes, presenting them as terrorists and using detention as punishment, in violation of international rules,” added Tatoyan, who emphasized that among the international requirements being ignored by Azerbaijan was the 1949 Geneva Convention.

Tatoyan’s own monitoring efforts, as well as the results of the investigation of the complaints received continuously confirm that the Azerbaijani authorities, in gross violation of international requirements, artificially delay the release of the Armenian captives, and deliberately does not disclose the actual number of prisoners.

“The absolute urgency with respect to the issue of the release and return of captives must be considered in the context of the policy of hate speech and Armenophobia by Azerbaijani authorities,” the Human Rights Defender said.

http://asbarez.com/202428/baku-admits-killing-armenian-captives-pows/?fbclid=IwAR24UgcKTzFNNIUIgoBZcxcN-iGgdZv10MPrmsYErxbY1YW34ntuEzyCZZI

[Yervant1]

Asbarez.com

Freedom House Urges Baku to Allow Investigation in Armenian POW Torture Claims

May 12, 2021

http://asbarez.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/partner-freedom_house.png

Freedom House has ranked Azerbaijan as a “Not Free” country in 2020 and 2021

The fate of nearly 200 Armenians reportedly in Azerbaijani custody remains unclear amid reports of abuse and humiliation, months after their return was mandated in a cease-fire ending the two countries’ armed conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, Freedom House said in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement issued by Freedom House came in response to reports of abuse of Armenian prisoners of war and civilian captives detained by Azerbaijan.

“We are deeply concerned by the reports of dehumanizing treatment and abuse, including torture, of Armenians captured and detained by Azerbaijan after the recent armed conflict,” said Marc Behrendt, director of Europe and Eurasia programs at Freedom House.

“We urge the Azerbaijani authorities to fully cooperate with the efforts of the European Court of Human Rights to investigate the validity of reports of dehumanizing treatment of Armenian detainees regardless of their status and ensure those still in custody are provided with all protections required under international human rights and humanitarian law, including freedom from torture and inhuman treatment, and that details of their repatriation are provided,” added Behrendt.

“As a signatory of the European Convention on Human Rights, Azerbaijan is obligated to fully cooperate with the court and provide all requested information to facilitate a transparent investigation of these serious issues,” explained Behrendt.

By the end of February 2021, Armenia’s Representative Office at the European Court of Human Rights had asked the court to intervene with Azerbaijan regarding 240 cases of alleged prisoners of war and civilian detainees. In approximately 90 percent of those cases, the office said, they had provided photo and/or video evidence confirming that Azerbaijani forces had taken these people into custody.

Official Baku insists that Armenians that are currently being held captive in Azerbaijan were arrested following the November 9 agreement and are being treated as terrorists.

In its 2021 and 2020 annual reports, Freedom House rated Azerbaijan as “not free” state and this year also categorized Azerbaijan as “Consolidated Authoritarian Regime.”

http://asbarez.com/202431/freedom-house-urges-baku-to-allow-investigation-in-armenian-pow-torture-claims/?fbclid=IwAR0JmnVPTxaRi76Ike4SvlOB4ZHuIt9ht5g3nWKjxpBu40_A0z6YfRgg_pw

[Yervant1]

CIVILNET.AM

13 May, 2021 03:05

The village of Verishen is 3 km from the town of Goris in Armenia’s southern Syunik region. According to the villagers, early on the morning of May 12, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces crossed the border into Armenia and moved their positions forward. In this area, the border is located on Sev Lake, which, as of May 12 has been taken over by Azerbaijan. The community authorities and the border guards are negotiating with the Azerbaijani side. Russian servicemen are present in the negotiations. During the takeover of the lake, there were no shootings or explosions in the area. It is unclear how Azerbaijan was able to move their positions forward.

CivilNet’s team in Syunik attempted to get close to the lake, but was stopped by Armenian military personnel on duty.

https://www.civilnet.am/news/606978/syunik-update-azerbaijanis-take-control-of-border-lake/?lang=en

[Yervant1]

BNE Intellinews

May 12 2021

Azerbaijani forces 'advance 3 km into Armenia'

Around two-thirds of the remote lake, as shown by Google Maps, lies in Armenia.

By bne IntelIiNews May 12, 2021

Azerbaijani armed forces crossed the state border of the Republic of Armenia and advanced more than three kilometres into southern Armenian territory before trying to surround the remote Sev Lich lake, Armenia’s acting prime minister Nikol Pashinian said late on May 12 following a meeting of the country’s security council called to discuss events.

“Of course, these actions are intolerable for the Republic of Armenia, because it is an encroachment on the sovereign territory of the country. The issue of why such an action became possible at all is a different subject, but it should be noted that this is a subversive penetration attempt,” Pashinian was cited as saying by Public Radio of Armenia.

He added: “The actions of the Azerbaijani armed forces were not accompanied by use of firearms or any other weapon, and they are trying to justify their actions by some maps, which we deem imaginary and false, because at our disposal we have a map approved between Soviet Armenia and Soviet Azerbaijan, and confirmed by the central government, which clearly shows where the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan passes.”

Azerbaijan’s move at Sev Lich (Black Lake), around a third of which is within Azerbaijan, might amount to some sabre-rattling as Baku tries to pressure Russia to push Armenia to speed up the delivery of concessions made in the Moscow-brokered ceasefire agreement that last November brought an end to the six-week war fought by Azerbaijan and Armenia over the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has in recent weeks grown noticeably frustrated at the slow pace of progress on matters such as a proposed land corridor that would run from Azerbaijan across Armenia to the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan on the Turkish border. Close ally of Baku, Turkey, is also very keen to see this corridor materialise, given its economic and geopolitical ambitions.

Negotiations and diplomacy

Pashinian was further quoted as saying the Armenian Armed Forces had been responding to developments regarding the advance of Azerbaijan’s soldiers since early morning, making necessary tactical moves and carrying out other actions. He stressed that the current situation was unacceptable, but added that given the state of affairs, the primary plan was to resolve this issue through negotiations and diplomacy.

“I want us to make it clear that there is no way we can tolerate and come to terms with the situation; today we have to discuss the current situation and our future plans, possible scenarios, the existing internal interconnections between those scenarios. I consider it necessary to emphasise that, unfortunately, the situation also becomes a cause of internal political speculations. I would like to reiterate that no attempt should be made to use the external security situation for domestic political purposes, as this is a matter of national security,” Pashinian, who is set to contest a snap election in June, added.

He said that reports of shootings, hostilities and casualties had nothing to do with reality, but acknowledged that the situation was at least near-critical, if not critical. “And if it were not so, we would not have convened a meeting of the Security Council. In any case, in this situation we need to remain calm. On the other hand, we need to be consistent in terms of protecting our state and national interests. We also need to discuss the future steps and tools.”

https://intellinews.com/index.php/azerbaijani-forces-advance-3-km-into-armenia-210421/

[Yervant1]

TASS, Russia

May 13 2021

Armenia’s acting PM castigates border incident as Azerbaijani provocation

WorldMay 13, 13:31

According to Pashinyan, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces had crossed Armenia’s border, moving 3.5 kilometers into the country

YEREVAN, May 13. /TASS/. The recent incident along the Sev Lich segment of Armenia’s border in the Syunik Province was a provocation staged by Azerbaijan, Armenian Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

 

"What happened in Sev Lich was a pre-planned provocation because the Azerbaijanis clearly brought fake maps with them to prove that they allegedly were on Azeri soil," he pointed out. "Armenia’s sovereign territory should be inviolable and Azerbaijani troops should return to their initial positions," Pashinyan insisted.

The Armenian Defense Ministry said earlier that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces had attempted to carry out "certain activities" in the Syunik Province’s border district in the pre-dawn hours on Wednesday. The ministry added that the Azerbaijani troops halted their activities following some steps taken by Armenian forces. According to Pashinyan, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces had crossed Armenia’s border, moving 3.5 kilometers into the country.

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. According to the document, Azerbaijan and Armenia maintained the positions that they had held, while Russian peacekeepers were deployed to the line of contact along the Lachin Corridor and several districts were handed over to Baku. As a result, the Armenian-Azerbaijani border was moved close to the Syunik Province.

https://tass.com/world/1289213

[Yervant1]

Aysor, Armenia

May 13 2021

Armenia’s PM says 250 Azeri soldiers are in the territory of Armenia's Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces now

For already the second day the situation over Lake Sev of Armenia’s Syunik Province and over it is explosive, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated at the Security Council session today, noting that some groups of Azerbaijani armed forces trespassed Armenia’s state border and attempted to take Lake Sev.

“Armenia’s Armed Forces have undertaken different tactical counteractions. Azerbaijanis positions in some nearby territories left the positions as a result of tactical counteractions of our armed forces. No cases of usage of weapon both by Armenian and Azerbaijani armed forces representatives have been recorded by now. Nevertheless, over 250 representatives of Azerbaijani armed forces at this moment continue to be inside our state border – in some sectors of Syunik and Gegharkunik provinces,” Pashinyan stated.

https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2021/05/13/pashinyan-council/1832877

[Yervant1]

Public Radio of Armenia
May 13 2021


CSTO reacts to Azerbaijan’s actions on Armenia’s border, says measures
will be taken if necessary


The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is closely
following the development of the situation in Armenia’s Syunik
province, the CSTO said in a statement.

“As the situation develops, if necessary, actions will be taken under
the provisions of the Collective Security Treaty and the CSTO
Charter,” the Organization said.

Earlier today Armenia’s Permanent Representative Viktor Biyagov
briefed the CSTO on the provocative actions of the Azerbaijani side in
the territory of Syunik region of the Republic of Armenia.

“According to the Armenian side, the Azerbaijani armed Forces violates
the border and went deep into the Armenian territory for several
kilometers,” the CSTO said.

CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas discissed the situation with
Armenia’s acting Defense Minister Vagharshak Harutyunyan and acting
Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian.


https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://en.armradio.am/2021/05/13/csto-reacts-to-azerbaijans-actions-on-armenias-border-says-measures-will-be-taken-if-necessary/__;!!LIr3w8kk_Xxm!8bJFQeUXNWOeIH5khm0HbN8585OuzjmpwdEjlB9qa6CI0ljN3ZsHlfhw9F2hxQ$

[Yervant1]

MediaMax, Armenia
May 13 2021



Armenian army stopped two more provocations, says Defense Ministry



Yerevan /Mediamax/. Armenian Ministry of Defense today has reported that the Azerbaijani armed forces "carried out two more provocations against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, trying to make positional advances in the border areas of Vardenis and Sisian.”

“In both cases, the Armenian Armed Forces took corresponding action and stopped the advances, demanding that the Azerbaijani troops leave immediately and return to their starting positions.

The Defense Ministry of Armenia considers the actions undertaken by Azerbaijan since May 12 to be an open provocation. To avoid unpredictable developments, the Defense Ministry urges the Azerbaijani troops to return to their starting positions immediately and refrain from attempts to encroach on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia.”


https://mediamax.am/en/news/armypolice/43164/

[Yervant1]

Panorama, Armenia

May 13 2021

Adam Schiff calls Azerbaijani actions 'dangerous and provocative' that could lead to further loss of life

Congressman Adam Schiff has expressed deep concern about recent reports that Azerbaijani troops have reportedly crossed into Armenian territory, saying this is yet another dangerous and provocative action that could lead to further loss of life.

"It is past time for the United States to recognize that our policies have emboldened Azeri President Ilham Aliyev to escalate militarily, risking another war," Schiff wrote on is Facebook page, adding: " I have been in communication with the Biden administration and urged them to engage more deeply through the Minsk Group, now more important than ever.

Schiff reminded that Azerbaijan is taking these actions just days after the State Department issued an unjustified waiver of restrictions under Section 907 against direct aid to Azerbaijan. "We should not be providing military funding to a nation that habitually engages in human rights violations and violates the sovereignty of its neighbors," said the US congressman.

 

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/05/13/Adam-Schiff-Azerbaijani-actions/2501281

[Yervant1]

Asbarez.com

Macron Urges Immediate Withdrawal of Azeri Forces from Armenia

May 13, 2021

http://asbarez.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/0515macron.jpeg

President Emanuel Macron of France

President Emanuel Macron of France stressed the need for the immediate withdrawal of the Azerbaijani armed forces from the sovereign territory of Armenia during a telephone conversation on Thursday with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Macron called Pashinyan to discuss steps to resolve the alarming developments caused by Azerbaijan, whose forces breached the Armenian border and in the Syunik Province, Pashinyan’s press office told Armenpress.

Macron expressed his support to the Armenian authorities and the Armenian people in a peaceful settlement of the issue. He also “reaffirmed France’s commitment to the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia,” according to a statement issued by the Élysée Palace. Macron added that France is ready to “contribute to the solution of the challenges facing Armenia, the development and progress of our country.”

The French leader also said that situation may be resolved through the United Nations Security Council.

On Wednesday morning the Azerbaijani armed forces breached Armenia’s state border in the territory of Sev Lidj (Black Lake) in the Syunik province and advanced up to 3.5 kilometers, in an effort to surround the lake.

Following his conversation with Pashinyan, Macron took to Facebook to directly express France’s support for Armenia in the Armenian language.French President Emanuel Macron made a post in Armenian on his Facebook page after a telephone conversation with caretaker Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan.

“The Azerbaijani armed forces have encroached on Armenia’s territories. They must immediately withdraw. I once again tell the Armenian people – France stands with Armenia and will continue doing so,’’ Macron said in his Facebook post.

http://asbarez.com/202485/macron-urges-immediate-withdrawal-of-azeri-forces-from-armenia/?fbclid=IwAR35nQImj5VhvWnBefhmkse2Lj_VYCJ_iqJC3VeQy6H1Z9tY2uKZ9WUf4u0

[Yervant1]

Panorama, Armenia

May 14 2021

Azerbaijanis advanced another 300-400 meters in Armenia’s Gegharkunik Province, village head says

The Azerbaijani armed forces on Thursday advanced several hundred meters more in the direction of Vardenis region in Armenia’s Gegharkunik Province, the head of Verin Shorzha village, Artyom Yeranosyan, told News.am on Friday.

"This time the Azerbaijani side advanced on the left side of Vardenis Mountain Range. Neither we nor they [the Azerbaijanis] were there; the area was a free zone. Yesterday we realized that they descended, approximately 300 to 400 meters. They do not intend to go back, but our side stands [there] as needs to be," he said.

The head of the village said that the adversary's heavy equipment had been working at the border all night.

According to Yeranosyan, the Azerbaijani troops have settled at the very sector part of which is used by the locals as pasture, and in the other part, their irrigation water is accumulated. "In any case, our armed forces are ready for anything," he added.

The Azerbaijani forces had crossed the state border of Armenia in the direction of Vardenis on Wednesday, advancing some 500 meters into Armenia's territory.

Respective negotiations were expected to take place between the two sides on Thursday. But no official information has been provided as to whether the talks were held, and the Verin Shorzha village head is also not aware of them.

 

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/05/14/Azerbaijanis-Gegharkunik-Province/2501985

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.com

'Trudeau government must speak up to defend territorial integrity of Armenia' – MP Michael Chong

Save

Share

10:18, 14 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. Member of Parliament of Canada Michael Chong has expressed his concerns over the ongoing developments on Armenia’s borders.

“Concerned about reports of Azerbaijani troops crossing into Armenia. Having approved arms exports that upset the balance of power in Nagorno Karabakh war, the Trudeau government must speak up to defend the territorial integrity of Armenia”, Mr. Chong said on Twitter.

On May 12 in the morning the Azerbaijani armed forces crossed Armenia’s state border in the territory of Sev Lake in Syunik province and advanced up to 3,5 kilometers, trying to surround the Lake. Caretaker Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this action is intolerable for Armenia, as it is an encroachment on the sovereign territory of Armenia.

So far, neither the Armenian nor the Azerbaijani side have used any weapon. The number of Azerbaijani soldiers in the territory of Armenia is about 250.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1052286.html?fbclid=IwAR17Y_Q8hnNzNqXy5km0qcZjh62E2K0rOSiTQ6NkBmsjIshbZ1VvaqY14xw

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.com

“Democracies must stand with Armenia” – Canadian senator Leo Housakos on Azeri border breach

Save

Share

11:07, 14 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 14, ARMENPRESS. Canadian senator Leo Housakos has labeled the Azeri actions at the border with Armenia as dangerous and aggressive. In a statement on Twitter, Housakos called on democracies to stand with Armenia.

“The violation of Armenia’s sovereign territory by Azerbaijani troops is a dangerous and illegal act of aggression that underscores the sustained threat that the Armenian people continue to face. Democracies must stand with Armenia”, he tweeted.

On May 12, the Azeri military breached the Armenian state border in the Syunik border and advanced towards the Sev Lake. Azeri troops breached the border in some parts of the Gegharkunik province as well. Over 250 of the Azeri troops are illegally located in Armenian territory.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1052297.html?fbclid=IwAR37X_q_wnZ1Uo4if8H3grDEzVNHce5d7-ERkAsNe3GNzXyBgDJv5EimEJg

[Yervant1]

Big News Network

May 16 2021

Azerbaijan kicks off military exercise amid border tension with Armenia

BAKU, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan Sunday launched a large-scale military exercise as the country was in a border tension with Armenia, according to the country's defense ministry.

Over 15,000 military personnel, 300 tanks and other armored vehicles, 400 missiles and artillery systems and 50 military aircraft will involve in the drills, which will last till May 20 in the country, said the ministry in a statement.

The exercise, in accordance with a plan approved by the president of Azerbaijan, aims to improve the army's combat readiness, coordination and interoperability among different units, said the statement.

Earlier this week, Armenia accused Azerbaijani troops of crossing the southern border and advancing more than three kilometres into Armenia's Syunik region.

Azerbaijan denied the allegations, saying Azerbaijan was enforcing its own border and is committed to easing tensions in the region.

Both countries said the peaceful negotiations to deescalate the tension was still going on Sunday.

https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/269500096/azerbaijan-kicks-off-military-exercise-amid-border-tension-with-armenia

[Yervant1]

Aysor, Armenia

May 16 2021

Negotiations pass successfully, Azeri forces leave Armenian territory

The negotiations with the Azeri forces that lasted for five days ended a while ago.

Pastinfo reports that the Azerbaijani armed forces are being withdrawn from all directions.

On May 12 Azerbaijani armed forces crossed the state border of the Republic of Armenia and advanced up to 3,5km blocking Lake Sev.

The adversary also advanced in the direction of Armenia's Vardenis.

https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2021/05/16/negotiations-end/1833801

[Yervant1]

Panorama, Armenia

May 17 2021

Dutch MEP: Azerbaijan again playing with fire by crossing Armenian border

Dutch Member of the European Parliament (MEP), Vice Chair of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Kati Piri, has denounced the Azerbaijani incursion into the sovereign territory of Armenia.

“Azerbaijan is again playing with fire by crossing the Armenian border. This provocation cannot be left without the condemnation of the Netherlands,” she said in a tweet on Monday.

Famous Dutch human rights activist, former MP Sadet Karabulut on Saturday urged the European Union and the Netherlands to condemn Azerbaijan’s act of aggression against Armenia.

“Many Armenians have been holding their hearts after another act of aggression by President Aliyev. Azerbaijan's incursion into southern Armenia must be condemned. However, the EU and the Netherlands still remain silent,” she tweeted.

 

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2021/05/17/Dutch-MEP-Azerbaijan-Armenia/2503342

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.com

Azeri troops still haven’t pulled back, talks expected to resume

Save

Share

10:27, 15 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 15, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Ministry of Defense reported that as of Saturday morning the Azeri military hasn’t fully withdrawn from Armenian territory after breaching into the provinces of Syunik and Gegharkunik on May 12 and 13.

“Despite the fact that as a result of the actions taken by Armenian military units the Azeri troops were forced to pull back from some areas, a part of them are still located in territory of the Republic of Armenia,” the Ministry of Defense said.

“The Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia attach importance to the need of resolving the situation peacefully, but at the same time announce that infringements against the sovereign territories of Armenia are totally unacceptable and the Azerbaijani side must pull back to its original positions without pre-conditions,” it said, adding that the Armenian army has full control over the lines of communication and “the entire terrain where the Azeri military tried to advance, as well as the Azeri troops themselves.”

“It is expected that the negotiations which started on May 12 for the peaceful resolution of the issue would continue today,” the defense ministry said, warning against online disinformation over the matter and urging to follow official news only.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1052399.html?fbclid=IwAR1e0FbPEnA34kArPsMCID7KxQidNUntd5ZlBRHeVJ47hzCH8QaECtsg2Qs

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.com

Iran considers unacceptable any change in Armenia’s borders

Save

Share

14:59, 17 May, 2021

YEREVAN, MAY 17, ARMENPRESS. The Islamic Republic of Iran doesn’t accept any change of the region, the territorial integrity of the countries of the region should be maintained, Mojtaba Zolnour, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign affairs committee, said, commenting on the current situation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and the recent illegal incursion of the Azerbaijani armed forces into Armenia’s territory.

“The position of the Islamic Republic of Iran is very clear, concrete and decisive: we do not accept any change of the region, the territorial integrity of the countries of the region must be maintained, we do not accept any extra-regional force near our borders. If they want to take a part of Armenia’s territory, and our borders change, and we have a new neighbor, that’s unacceptable for us. The past borders must be fully protected and the common border of Iran with Armenia must be maintained”, he said.

The Iranian lawmaker noted that both countries have the right to maintain their territory integrity. According to him, Iran supports Azerbaijan’s position on maintaining its territorial integrity, but it also supports Armenia’s position on maintaining its territorial integrity, land and the border with Iran.

“We are neighbors with both countries, and based on the situation of the past, we support the territorial integrity of the two countries without accepting any change in the region”, Mojtaba Zolnour said.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1052531.html?fbclid=IwAR2QQs6mQ2BoHWJ-HR-rfIAJm4vD42NwqrtfFogOl7-ldH4EHyGbQZ1Yy20

[Yervant1]

Aysor, Armenia

May 18 2021

Conflict occurred between Armenian, Azerbaijani servicemen in Vardenis, settled immediately - Armenia MOD

A conflict occured between Armenian and Azerbaijani servicemen on the line of contact of the armed forces of the two countries in Vardenis sector on Sunday.

Armenia's Ministry of Defense confirmed the information to Aysor.am.

"Yesterday a conflict took place between the servicemen which was immediately settled," MOD reported.

https://www.aysor.am/en/news/2021/05/18/vardenis-conflict/1834536

[Yervant1]

Public Radio of Armenia
May 18 2021




Should Azerbaijani military fail to retreat, Armenian Armed Forces reserve the right to solve the issue through ‘other means’ – MoD



The situation after the provocations carried out by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on May 12 and 13 has not changed as of the evening of May 18. The situation is relatively calm, the Ministry of Defense informs.

The Ministry of Defense emphasizes the need for a peaceful settlement of the issue, highly appreciates the efforts made by various countries and international organizations in that direction and takes note of their calls for a peaceful solution. It notes that the negotiations launched on May 14 are still under way.

However, the Defense Ministry says, in the absence of a peaceful settlement within a reasonable time, i.e. in the event the Azerbaijani military fail to return to their starting positions without preconditions, the RA Armed Forces reserve the right to resolve the issue through other means, including force.

“Once again we declare that any encroachment on the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia is absolutely unacceptable, the Azerbaijani military is obliged to leave the territory of the Republic of Armenia,” the Ministry stated.


https://en.armradio.am/2021/05/18/should-azerbaijani-military-fail-to-retreat-armenian-armed-forces-reserve-the-right-to-solve-the-issue-through-other-means-mod/