Statue of a Dictator (Aliyev Clan)

[Yervant1]

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Armenpress.am

 

Politics09:45, 24 February 2025

Swedish lawmaker hopes EUMA extension will help prevent possible new Azeri attack

Read the article in: العربيةՀայերենРусский简体中文

Swedish Member of Parliament Erik Hellsborn has welcomed the extension of the mandate of the EU civilian mission in Armenia (EUMA), expressing hope that it will help prevent a new possible aggression by Azerbaijan.

“I think this is very positive,” Hellsborn told Armenpress when asked about the extension of EUMA.

The Swedish lawmaker expressed regret that Azeri leader Ilham Aliyev has been continuing his belligerent rhetoric against Armenia.

“Regrettably Baku has been using highly aggressive rhetoric against Yerevan again and again. It seems like Aliyev isn’t far from launching a new war. We hope the EU mission can help prevent it,” Hellsborn said.

Speaking about the Azerbaijani government’s complaints about EUMA, the Swedish legislator said that Baku itself refused to deploy EUMA on its territory.

Hellsborn described the Azerbaijani accusations of espionage by EUMA as absurd.

“The EU would have preferred to be able to work on both sides, however Baku rejected this. The claims that there are some spies in the mission are absurd. The mission is very transparent and it even notifies in advance where it will conduct patrols,” Hellsborn said, adding “The question that should be asked here is what is Baku afraid of, it is afraid that the EU will see what?”

Hellsborn cautioned against limiting the mission’s mandate. “Of course, these matters are up to Prime Minister Pashinyan and the Armenian parliament to decide,” he said when asked about Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan’s readiness to withdraw EUMA from parts of the border that have been demarcated in response to Aliyev seeking to end the mission. “But I would advise not to limit the mission’s mandate. The mission’s members know what they are doing and are able to make informed decisions about the best locations for conducting patrols,” the Swedish MP added.

EUMA was launched in 2023 at the request of Armenia. The mission observes and reports on the security situation along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan. In January 2025 the EU extended the mandate of the EUMA for a further two years. The EU has numerously denied Azeri accusations of espionage. EUMA chief Markus Ritter recently denied the accusations in an interview with Armenpress.

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1212604?fbclid=IwY2xjawIqR99leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQACfnPbsrkDbNVWPPH7tYuiV5i39CF-Bb65CPKIQNQ63flrq6AZAKlRUQ_aem_upfaxiOi_8oQXLphJpe0jA

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Armenpress.am

 

Politics22:11, 25 February 2025

Yerevan receives response from Azerbaijan on peace treaty - MFA

Read the article in: فارسیFrançaisՀայերենРусский简体中文

Armenia has received Azerbaijan's response to the peace treaty, but proposals regarding the unblocking of communication channels and a mechanism for mutual control and verification of armaments remain unanswered, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry press secretary Ani Badalyan told 'Lurer.'

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1212953?fbclid=IwY2xjawIre8hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdQKxpzjowS4OBGhiQ_KD9G4VjotlFQVEqjVpo86jo71KvkhgjrwWDod8g_aem_mOqyGv8TIyn4LSrD3u8vbw

[Yervant1]

• Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:13:51 -0800

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TheCaliforniaCourier.com

 

Crisis in the Caucasus could escalate soon

· FEBRUARY 24, 2025

By Lucas Leiroz

VT Foreign Policy

The Caucasus continues to be a fertile ground for tensions and disputes, and recent statements from Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders only increase the perception that the region is on the brink of a new conflict. According to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijan’s official rhetoric increasingly focuses on claiming that Armenia is preparing to attack, thereby justifying the need for defensive preventive measures from Baku. However, this narrative may be more complex, and the context behind these statements could suggest that Azerbaijan itself is preparing an attack, seeking justification for military action.

An interesting perspective was brought up during a conversation with Ahmed Ozgür, a retired officer from the Turkish General Staff. Ozgür, who worked with the Turkish military contingent in Azerbaijan until his resignation in 2024, believes that Erdogan and Aliyev are focused on a broader geopolitical agenda involving the Zangezur Corridor. This project, promoted by Baku, aims to create a 40 km transport corridor across the Syunik province in southern Armenia, with the goal of ensuring communication between Azerbaijan and its Nakhichevan exclave.

This plan has sparked significant debate, with Armenia firmly opposing it, arguing that the creation of such a corridor would violate the ceasefire agreement from the Nagorno-Karabakh War and compromise the country’s sovereignty. The situation has intensified since the 2020 war, and the possibility of this corridor being used as a vital transport route for Azerbaijan, while weakening Armenia’s control over a crucial part of its territory, has fueled tensions.

Ozgür’s analysis of Baku and Ankara’s plans is alarming. He believes that there is a possibility of a military attack at any time, especially on dates of strong symbolism for Azerbaijan, such as February 26, the anniversary of “the Khojalu massacre,” or March 31, which commemorates the “genocide of the Azerbaijanis.” According to Ozgür, such an action could be timely for Baku, which is already at an impasse with Moscow due to incidents like the recent case of a downed plane near the Russian-Ukrainian conflict zone.

Azerbaijan has heavily invested in its military capacity, with Turkey providing technical support and training. The collaboration between the military forces of both countries has intensified in recent years, and according to Ozgür, the main focus is on the Zangezur Corridor, where military operations could be carried out at any time. Turkish General Bakhtiyar Ersay, considered a key figure in this process, is leading efforts to create a structure capable of carrying out a rapid offensive, including coordinating reconnaissance drones and monitoring Armenia’s military movements.

Moreover, the presence of Azerbaijani specialists in the Turkish province of Iğdır, on the Armenian border, raises further suspicions about Baku’s intentions. These specialists have been focused on tasks such as surveillance, intelligence gathering, and monitoring Armenia’s military training centers, with an emphasis on weapons supplied by France. The installation of high-tech radar systems, such as the Soviet P-18 “Terek” radar, near the Armenian border, is also part of preparations for a potential confrontation.

The role of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic, which connects Azerbaijan to the Zangezur Corridor, is central in this scenario. The region has received special attention, and Ozgür mentioned that during the “Winter-2025” exercises held in the Turkish province of Kars, Turkish special forces trained infiltration tactics along the border between Nakhichevan and Armenia, suggesting that an attack on the region could be one of the first stages of a broader military operation.

Although the atmosphere of preparation for a potential conflict is growing, it is also possible that Azerbaijan’s aggressive rhetoric is, in part, an internal political strategy. Aliyev may be using the militaristic discourse as a way to maintain his popularity and solidify his regime, as the increasing tension with Armenia allows him to position himself as a defender of national security. Time will tell if Baku’s bellicose statements indicate a genuine intent for military action or if they are simply a tactic for internal and regional political purposes.

Regardless of how events unfold, it is undeniable that tensions remain high in the Caucasus, and the region could soon become the focus of new military actions by NATO, as France and Turkey, both members of the Atlantic Alliance, are the largest supporters and financiers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. In such a conflict scenario, the most affected side would be the Russian Federation, which would lose influence in a strategic area of the post-Soviet space. For this reason, Moscow is deeply engaged in initiatives to ease regional tensions, but unfortunately, due to the hostility of the Armenian regime, it is currently only possible to establish such dialogue with the Azerbaijani side itself – despite the various known problems.

 

 

https://www.thecaliforniacourier.com/crisis-in-the-caucasus-could-escalate-soon/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIs_fxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHZr3dN1JSaS308S81iSXx-owWMdAC3YdIJx8s2z6S97SkCkp32vUQXG0gw_aem_L58T42AF1EyjRZlN4Y12LA

[Yervant1]

ARKA, Armenia

Feb 27 2025

 

 

Ruben Vardanyan and other captive Armenians are tortured in Azerbaijani prison - Tatoyan Center

27.02.2025, 10:56

The Tatoyan Center for Law and Justice reports torture against Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian hostages held in an Azerbaijani prison.

YEREVAN, February 27. /ARKA/. The Tatoyan Center for Law and Justice reports torture against Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian hostages held in an Azerbaijani prison. 

'Ruben Vardanyan and all other Armenian hostages and captives are being brutally tortured in fabricated Azerbaijani trials aimed at satisfying the Azerbaijani authorities' thirst for revenge, solving political issues, asserting their power at the expense of the Armenian people's dignity, undermining our national identity, deepening tension and division between us, former Armenian human rights defender Arman Tatoyan says in his Facebook post.

According to him, these “trials” are necessary for the Azerbaijani authorities to legitimize their false political theses, absolve themselves of responsibility for ethnic cleansing in Artsakh and create the ground for aggression against Armenia.

'Ruben Vardanyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, David Ishkhanyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Babayan, David Manukyan, Araik Harutyunyan and our other compatriots must be released immediately - every minute and hour of their captivity is a grave crime, We will also send targeted appeals to international organizations and the public, backed by the necessary justifications,' Tatoyan says.

https://arka.am/en/news/politics/ruben-vardanyan-and-other-captive-armenians-are-tortured-in-azerbaijani-prison-tatoyan-center/

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Eurasia Daily

Feb 27 2025

 

Zatulin: The trial in Baku — celebrating the victory over the Armenians

 

The trial of the former leaders of Nagorno—Karabakh is an act of personal revenge, Russian State Duma deputy Konstantin Zatulin said during the round table "Trial in Baku: what will the desire for revenge lead to".

"How should we in Russia, — I am a deputy of the Russian State Duma, — should I treat this? Of course, as a reprisal… I think this is an act of personal revenge against the leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh. All those people in question, for many years, have been partners of the Azerbaijani leadership in negotiations when it came to the whole process of peaceful regulation within the framework of the Minsk Group, which today they do not want to accept in Azerbaijan or in some other negotiation formats," Zatulin said.

 

According to him, "this trial reflects the common desire of the Azerbaijani leadership to continue celebrating the victory over not just the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, but over the Armenians and the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh in general."

"Because it is accompanied not only by claims and arrest and trial, but also by other actions. A free interpretation of history, according to which there is no place for Armenians not only in Nagorno-Karabakh, but in the Caucasus as a whole. The fact that today attempts are being made to rewrite the history of culture retroactively. We all know well-known historical monuments: monasteries of the 5th century, such as Amaras. Or, for example, the XII century, like Gendzasar or Dadivank, are declared Albanian. As well as in general all the monuments of cultural history on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, dating back to the time when Azerbaijanis did not exist not only on this territory, but did not exist at all as a nation in nature. They haven't formed it yet," Zatulin said.

Of course, he said, Azerbaijanis have been living in the neighborhood or next to, or together with Armenians in this territory for many hundreds of years, "but not before the Armenians." This, according to the MP, is obvious to everyone except the leadership of Azerbaijan itself.

"All this is accompanied by mockery of what is dear to the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. The destruction of some iconic monuments. Roofs over the National Assembly or monuments to individuals on the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. All this is allegedly aimed at integrating Nagorno-Karabakh into the cultural, ethnic, national, and state space of Azerbaijan as soon as possible. How to bring him back to this space," Zatulin added.

Earlier, the MP noted that his friends, former NKR presidents Arkady Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, as well as former NKR State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, who renounced his Russian citizenship to share the fate of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, were on the bench accused of "war" crimes in 1,389 criminal cases from October 1987 to April 22, 2024. Karabakh.

https://eadaily.com/en/ampnews/2025/02/27/zatulin-the-trial-in-baku-celebrating-the-victory-over-the-armenians 

[MosJan]

 

[MosJan]

handful of Armenians in Mexico City to down the alievs statue....

lets see how long will it take to dismiss or takedown this garbage in Moscow 

[MosJan]

Ruben Vardanyan’s Health Drastically Deteriorates in Azerbaijani Detention as His Hunger Strike Reaches Day 15

Ruben Vardanyan remains in very critical condition as his hunger strike enters its 15th day, with his health rapidly failing in Azerbaijani detention. Yet, Azerbaijan continues to forcibly take him to court, raising alarm over his life-or-death situation, reports Zartonk Media.

Despite the severity of his state—marked by a dramatic loss of weight and no access to independent medical evaluation— Ruben Vardanyan is refusing to back down in the face of injustice and the sham trials he’s facing. This is his only way left of resisting & alarming the international community.

He has not given up—neither should we.

How much longer will the world stay silent?

Fight alongside him. Demand his release. Reach out to your political leaders. Reach out to the Ambassador of your country in Azerbaijan. Spread his story. Stand for justice.

[MosJan]

https://www.facebook.com/ZartonkMedia/posts/pfbid02x3WqGgtfQ2MgZVDPz8eg4Lnpd8dx2ysi8XHwSdgwTCwAA1a4xjBCyCPkL3rAaTeKl

[Yervant1]

ARKA, Armenia

March 6 2025

 

Azerbaijan closes International Committee of the Red Cross office

06.03.2025, 10:03

The Azerbaijani government has notified the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office in the country of its intention to close the office, TASS reports, citing Ilaha Huseynova, head of the public relations department of the ICRC's Azerbaijani office.

YEREVAN, March 6. /ARKA/. The Azerbaijani government has notified the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office in the country of its intention to close the office, TASS reports, citing Ilaha Huseynova, head of the public relations department of the ICRC's Azerbaijani office.

'The Azerbaijani government has informed us of its intention to close the International Committee of the Red Cross office in Azerbaijan,' Huseynova said. According to her, the office is currently in contact with the authorities.

https://arka.am/en/news/politics/azerbaijan-closes-international-committee-of-the-red-cross-office-/

[Yervant1]

Panorama

Armenia - March 8 2025

 

MP: Azerbaijan sets new condition for peace deal with Armenia

 

Azerbaijan has put forward another precondition for the conclusion of a peace agreement with Armenia, demanding that Yerevan take responsibility for being an “aggressor” and “occupier” and hand over individuals accused of “war crimes”, opposition Pativ Unem faction MP Tigran Abrahamyan says.

In a social media post on Saturday, Abrahamyan stated that during a recent trial in Baku, accusations were leveled against Armenia's second and third presidents, as well as high-ranking military officials, public figures and leaders of the national liberation movement.

"In a parallel development, Azerbaijan has intensified its campaign against third Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, implicating him in a fabricated criminal case. Essentially, Azerbaijan has now formalized yet another precondition for signing a ‘peace treaty’ with Armenia and establishing relations with the country," the MP wrote.

"This is yet another indication that Azerbaijan's true objective is not the normalization of relations with Armenia, but its complete removal from the political map," Abrahamyan added.

https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2025/03/08/Azerbaijan-Armenia-demand/3123315

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

 

Politics10:41, 10 March 2025

Baku advances ‘western Azerbaijan’ narrative for new invasion into Armenia, rewriting history - says Iñarritu

Read the article in: EspañolՀայերենРусскийTürkçe简体中文

The Azerbaijani government’s narrative of “western Azerbaijan” pursues the goal of rewriting history, justifying the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and occupying more territories in Armenia, Spanish Member of Parliament Jon Iñarritu has said.

“As we all know Azerbaijan has begun a new propaganda campaign in an attempt to rewrite history with the so-called claim of ‘western Azerbaijan’, which encompasses nearly the entire territory of Armenia. This narrative’s goal is to justify the ethnic cleansing of the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians and prepare grounds for a new invasion by calling Armenian lands ‘historic Azerbaijan’, Iñarritu told Armenpress.

According to the Spanish legislator, Azerbaijan thus seeks to exert diplomatic and political pressure on the EU.

“It’s very clear, the ultimate goal of such statements is to exert diplomatic pressure on the EU in an attempt to adjust the union’s activity with Azerbaijan’s interests, often with the use of energy deals,” he added.

Iñarritu said it’s difficult to understand Azerbaijan’s complaints about EUMA, the EU monitoring mission in Armenia. He underscored that the EUMA mandate is clearly outlined by the EU.

“The EU monitoring mission is focused on monitoring the situation along the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and preserving international agreements for promoting stability and preventing another conflict. In this regard it is difficult to understand Azerbaijan’s concerns regarding the mission, especially for a country that presumably seeks to sign a peace treaty,” he said.

The Azeri complaints about EUMA could be linked to pressure from other countries, particularly Turkiye or Russia, according to Iñarritu.

“The mission isn’t meant to favor one side over the other, neither is it engaged in intelligence activities. Its main goal is to contribute to the peaceful settlement of disputes, which, certainly contradicts Azerbaijan’s attempts to once again invade Armenia,” the Spanish MP said,  referring to the series of unprovoked Azeri attacks and invasions into Armenia after the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Parts of several Armenian provinces have been under Azeri occupation since. 

EUMA was launched in 2023 at the request of Armenia. The mission observes and reports on the security situation along the Armenian side of the international border with Azerbaijan. In January 2025 the EU extended the mandate of the EUMA for a further two years.

In an apparent smear campaign targeting EUMA, the Azeri government has been falsely accusing the mission of conducting intelligence activities and espionage. This has been numerously denied by the EU.  

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1213818?fbclid=IwY2xjawI72PNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcgSTaCVm5m_hA6IjmdLNVUPT8fqw67o1vd-S8DHfm-1suXwGldTU_lfag_aem_gl5qlKtSaTkheeOU00cqnw

[Yervant1]

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Armenpress.am

 

Law11:56, 11 March 2025

Berlin demonstrators call on European leaders to take urgent action against Azerbaijan’s unlawful detention of Armenian prisoners

Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیՀայերենРусский简体中文

Human rights organizations, activists, and concerned citizens gathered today at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin to demand the immediate release of Armenian political prisoners unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan. The protest, organized by the Central Council of Armenians in Germany (ZAD), the Society for Threatened Peoples (GfbV), Theophanu Club Germany, Working Group Recognition – Against Genocide, for International Understanding e.V., IGFM Internationale Gesellschaft für Menschenrechte e.V., Deutschland, and #FreeArmenianHostages civic movement, called on European leaders to take urgent action against Azerbaijan’s continued human rights violations.

Prominent human rights activists, including Jonathan Spangenberg, Chairman of ZAD, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the systematic persecution of Armenians and Azerbaijan’s use of political prisoners as bargaining tools in negotiations.

 “The detainees, including Ruben Vardanyan, are enduring inhumane conditions, with reports of torture and mistreatment. Vardanyan is currently on a hunger strike, and his life is at grave risk. We cannot stay silent,” FreeArmenianHostages civic movement quoted Spangenberg as saying at the event. 

The protestors stressed that Azerbaijan’s actions violate international law, including the UN Genocide Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The demonstrators urged the European Union, Germany, and France to implement the following measures:

Sanctions Against Azerbaijani Officials – Targeted sanctions on individuals and institutions responsible for the unlawful detention and mistreatment of Armenian prisoners.

International Monitoring of Prison Conditions – Pressure Azerbaijan to allow the UN Committee Against Torture and the International Red Cross to assess the prisoners’ treatment.

Immediate Release of All Armenian Detainees – Demand Azerbaijan comply with international human rights obligations and release political prisoners without conditions.

Preservation of Armenian Cultural Heritage – Investigate and prevent further destruction of Armenian cultural and religious sites in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Ensuring Safe Return for Displaced Armenians – Advocate for international protection mechanisms allowing Armenians to return to their homeland.

Speakers at the protest condemned European inaction, with Spangenberg referencing Germany’s historical responsibility to prevent genocide and protect vulnerable communities. He criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s failure to take decisive action and called for a formal petition to the International Criminal Court against Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

This protest follows ongoing diplomatic appeals by human rights organizations to the European Commission and the French government. Despite repeated warnings from the UN about the risk of genocide, meaningful international action remains absent.

The coalition of human rights organizations plans further demonstrations across Europe and will submit an official petition to the European Parliament urging immediate sanctions against Azerbaijan. Protest organizers also called on European citizens to raise awareness and pressure their governments to act against these gross human rights violations.

“The world must not turn a blind eye to Azerbaijan’s crimes,” said Sarah Reinke, Head of Human Rights at GfbV. “The time for words is over; we need action now.”

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214048?fbclid=IwY2xjawI9iWFleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbsrwOHaAVyQ4yp2ZQL6tul9Z4hwwPO4RmNB24VEnSDqMA9xRFm-SVmG1g_aem_kzjeaw1TxCuBoBvAttoXjw

 

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[Yervant1]

Azatutyun.am

 

Baku Sticks To Key Precondition For Peace Deal With Yerevan

Մարտ 11, 2025

 

Turkey - The foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan meet in Istanbul, October 18, 2024.

 

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov reiterated Baku’s main precondition for signing a peace deal with Armenia on Tuesday one day after his Armenian counterpart said the two nations are now closer to ending their conflict than ever before.

“Despite the great progress made towards the normalization of interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the signing of a final peace agreement, I would like to note once again that the existence of territorial claims against Azerbaijan within the framework of the Armenian constitution, Armenia's armament and the tendency for revanchism continue to be the biggest obstacle in the peace process,” Bayramov was reported to say during a visit to Kazakhstan.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly singled out a change of the Armenian constitution among his multiple conditions for peace. While rejecting that demand in public, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian has pledged to try to enact a new Armenian constitution through a referendum. But this is unlikely to happen before June 2026.

The two sides have said that they agree on 15 of the 17 articles of a draft peace treaty discussed by them. Baku responded on February 25 to Yerevan’s most recent proposals designed to bridge their remaining differences. Pashinian said the next day that they continue to disagree on the two other articles.

The Armenian premier last week complained about Azerbaijan’s failure to accept his proposals regarding transport links for its Nakhichevan exclave and again suggested that Baku may be preparing the ground to attack Armenia.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan likewise pointed to the lack of a positive Azerbaijani reaction to the “constructive” Armenian proposals on the transport links as well as a “mutual arms control and verification mechanism” when he spoke at an Indian think-tank during a visit to New Delhi on Monday.

“Moreover, we continue hearing high-level public statements and narratives pertaining to territorial claims against the sovereign Republic of Armenia, including through the so-called ‘Western Azerbaijan’ narrative,” he said.

Mirzoyan insisted at the same time that “today, more than ever, we are close to the signing of the peace treaty.”

Armenian opposition leaders maintain that Aliyev has no intention to sign any agreement before clinching more far-reaching concessions from Pashinian. They say that Pashinian’s appeasement policy has only encouraged the Azerbaijani strongman to make more demands on Yerevan.

 

 

https://www.azatutyun.am/a/33344107.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawI-BcxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWEQSGpCnZnThPi_bVa-D9H17aQD0PQ2U9L4rSfMJvz8_pQun7PwQ5XWNQ_aem_HEwod4ssokAWwstU83bAeg

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

 

Politics10:08, 13 March 2025

European Parliament debates resolution condemning Azeri sham trials against Armenian hostages

Read the article in: العربيةEspañolفارسیFrançaisՀայերենქართულიРусскийTürkçe简体中文

The European Parliament debated on March 12 the motion for a resolution on unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan.

The resolution, which will be put up to vote on March 13, calls for the unconditional release and safe return of all the prisoners of war, hostages and other detained individuals unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan, strongly condemns the shams trials brought against them in violations of due process, and calls for a ban on entry to the EU institutions for Azerbaijani officials responsible for unlawful detentions and human rights violations, among others.

MEP Miriam Lexmann, co-author of the resolution, said in her speech that the sham trials and inhumane treatment of the hostages show “Azeri leader Ilham Aliyev’s true face, a regime that is ignoring international obligations.”

“While the EU seeks strategic partnership, the Baku regime continues to threaten its neighbors and hinder efforts for regional peace. There is an urgent need in the present geopolitical environment for the EU to protect its values, especially in its direct neighborhood. But instead, we are again trying to appease the dictator and encourage Aliyev’s actions by expanding trade cooperation. Haven’t we learned lessons? It is time to end the illusions of strategic partnership, face reality and act in accordance with our values and principles,” she said.

Co-author, MEP Vasile Dincu called on the EU to sanction Azeri officials for committing judicial violence against the Armenian political prisoners. “We must impose strict sanctions against these officials and encourage the prevention of such violence in the future. The future is far from positive. Given the military situation in the region, we must act now and take concrete measures to not allow a future tragedy,” he added.

Co-author, MEP Nathalie Loiseau compared the sham trials against Armenians in Azerbaijan with Stalin-era trials. She said that the hostages are only guilty of “being Armenian.”

The MEP expressed regret that EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas was not in attendance at the plenary session. She called on the top diplomat to visit Armenia and see a country “aspiring for peace and a dream of Europe.”

More than ten MEPs representing all political groups of the European Parliament delivered remarks at the debate, calling for a strong EU reaction on the matter, holding Azerbaijan to account and imposing sanctions.

The natural gas bought from Azerbaijan can’t be more important that human rights and European values, the MEPs said, stressing that there is no difference between Russian and Azeri gas.

European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen also delivered a speech.

He said that the European Commission has been following the ongoing trials against the Armenian hostages. 

“We are aware that human rights organizations have expressed concern regarding the fairness of these trials and the treatment of the defendants. Many of you have expressed similar concern, and today we are treating these issues very seriously, following the developments. The right to a fair trial must be guaranteed and respected. The EU’s special representative to the South Caucasus is also closely following these issues and conveying our concerns to Baku authorities,” the commissioner told the MEPs, adding that the EU-Azeri ties are based on principles that both sides must adhere to, such as human rights and rule of law.

“Thus, the EU will continue to call on the Azerbaijani government to fulfill its international obligations, which include the right to due process and fair trial. We will utilize all opportunities in order for Azerbaijan to be bound to ensure dignified and safe conditions for the detainees. The reports of torture and inhumane treatment must be urgently and impartially investigated,” he added.

He added that the EU will continue to support the Armenian-Azeri normalization process.

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214247?fbclid=IwY2xjawJAIlRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTDNeW42EzbQ84XAC1jnYzqVYS6FYsF7H1kt5k8T5INiBIPSaRIJyzZiqQ_aem_ligl1R_8GLvN3reEplwjsg

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

 

Politics15:44, 13 March 2025

European Parliament adopts resolution calling for unconditional release of Armenian hostages in Azerbaijan

Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisՀայերենРусскийTürkçe简体中文

The European Parliament adopted the resolution on "Unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages, including high-ranking political representatives from Nagorno-Karabakh, by Azerbaijan” on March 13. 

It was adopted with 523 votes in favor, 3 against and 84 abstentions.

Below is the full text of the adopted resolution.

"The European Parliament,

–        having regard to its previous resolutions on Armenia and Azerbaijan,

–        having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.      whereas 23 Armenian hostages are being detained in Azerbaijan, including former de facto Nagorno-Karabakh officials and prisoners of war from the 2020 war and the ethnic cleansing that followed; whereas they are undergoing sham trials and facing serious charges that could result in illegal life imprisonment sentences;

B.      whereas these hostages are being subjected to inhumane and degrading treatment, including through banned psychoactive methods; whereas their rights are not respected, including access to independent attorneys and interpreters and the possibility to appeal, receive family visits and be granted suspensions on health grounds; whereas this constitutes a systematic violation by Azerbaijan of international obligations regarding the treatment of prisoners;

1.       Condemns the unjust detention of the Armenian hostages; demands their immediate and unconditional release;

2.       Strongly denounces the ongoing sham trials and systematic violations of the fundamental rights of Armenian hostages, and calls on Azerbaijan to fully respect their right to a fair trial and to have access to medical doctors in compliance with international standards; expects an independent investigation into their ill-treatment;

3.       Expresses deep concern at the order by the authorities in Baku to close the offices of the ICRC and UN agencies, hindering both support for the Armenian prisoners and humanitarian oversight, and calls on the authorities to review their position;

4.       Calls for the EU and Member States’ embassies in Azerbaijan to observe the trials and regularly visit all Armenian hostages; calls on the VP/HR and the EU Special Representative for Human Rights to visit them;

5.       Calls for sanctions under the Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against all Azerbaijani leaders and officials committing human rights violations, in particular prosecutors and judges Jamal Ramazanov, Anar Rzayev and Zeynal Agayev;

6.       Calls on the International Criminal Court to investigate cases of the forced displacement, persecution and ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh; calls for the full implementation of all orders issued by the International Court of Justice, including Azerbaijan’s obligation to protect from violence and bodily harm all persons captured in relation to the 2020 war;

7.       Reiterates its strong call to suspend the 2022 EU-Azerbaijan memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership in the field of energy; insists that any future partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan be conditional on the release of all political prisoners, the improvement of the human rights situation in the country and on Azerbaijan not unduly delaying the signing of a peace agreement with Armenia and its respecting the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, including the right to return;

8.       Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Member States and the Presidents, Governments and parliaments of Armenia and Azerbaijan."

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214310?fbclid=IwY2xjawJAJO1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdgvO2O_iBUzRvNkwQnkx8tV2KeIqJXuoxjKxTQeNLRXE6tO8ZBMBsiCWw_aem__5KCHd1nUrdurBmJG01KjQ

[Yervant1]

News.am, Armenia

March 13 2025

 

Aliyev: “The level of trust in Armenia is close to zero. We need documents, we need papers”

21:31, 13.03.2025

Region:Armenia, Azerbaijan
Theme: Politics

 

“The level of trust in Armenia is close to zero,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said during a speech at the Global Baku Forum event.

“Therefore, we do not trust any of their words. Because these are not people we can trust, including today's government. Again, whatever they say has no meaning for us. We need documents, we need papers. We need to make sure that there are no territorial claims to Azerbaijan in their constitution. They are still present there. We need the OSCE Minsk Group to be dissolved. This is our message to Armenia, and we say that there is no logic in keeping the Minsk Group. It was created to solve the Karabakh issue. Today, this issue has been resolved. Armenia recognizes Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. Why don't you join us and submit a joint application to the OSCE to dissolve the organization? They don't want to,” the Azerbaijani President said.

https://news.am/eng/news/871524.html

[Yervant1]

EU News, Italy

March 14 2025

 

Armenia and Azerbaijan agree on the terms of a peace treaty

Yerevan and Baku are moving in the direction of a comprehensive agreement, for which, however, there is no clear roadmap. Almost all outstanding issues between the parties have been settled, except the amendment to the Armenian Constitution (which leaves the process at risk of stalling)

bortoletto_f"" class="gmail-avatar gmail-avatar-80 gmail-photo entered gmail-litespeed-loaded" height="80" width="80" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font: inherit; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: middle; max-width: 100%; height: auto; border-radius: 100%; width: 35px;"> by Francesco Bortoletto

Brussels -One can sense the air of historic moments in the South Caucasus. Armenia and Azerbaijan seem on the verge of signing a peace agreement that would end almost 40 years of conflict in the war-torn region, which is at the center of the interests of several international players. The details of the understanding have not been made public, but obstacles remain on the road to complete pacification and diplomatic normalization between the two capitals.

The announcement of the understanding

The foreign ministers of Yerevan and Baku said yesterday (March 13) that they had reached an agreement in principle on the substantive terms of a peace treaty by which the two Caucasian countries could turn the page on a bitter conflict that has been going on for 37 years and has caused tens of thousands of deaths as well as the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people on both sides. However, there is no exact timetable for the conclusion of the historic agreement, which remains pending.

Azerbaijani diplomacy chief Jeyhun Bayramov was the first to announce the completion of the negotiations on the agreement’s text: “The negotiation process on the text of the peace agreement with Armenia has been concluded,” he said yesterday. Soon after, his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan, confirmed that “the peace agreement is ready for signing.” According to Armenian sources, Yerevan had proposed drafting a joint statement, but Baku reportedly unilaterally decided to move forward.

Be that as it may, the agreement allowed the settlement of the last two disputed points among the 17 recently discussed between the parties, which since late last summer have been moving toward a political recomposition of the decade-long crisis. Specifically, they involve the expulsion of international observers (including those from the EU) stationed along the border between the two countries – currently closed and heavily militarized – and abandoning ongoing legal disputes in multilateral forums.

“We congratulate both sides,” according to a statement from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU’s Foreign Office. “It is key to keep this momentum and ensure smooth completion of this process with the same forward-looking and compromise-oriented approach,” the note continues.

The territorial issues

The main issue underlying the bloody conflict that began in 1988 (even before the dissolution of the USSR, of which they were both part), namely the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, seems to have been resolved since Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan officially recognized Azerbaijani sovereignty over the area in September 2023.

The region, within Azerbaijani territory but historically populated by Armenians and controlled by Yerevan-backed separatists, had long been disputed between the two countries. After several phases of war, alternating with periods of relative stability in which the conflict seemed frozen, Baku took back complete control in September of two years ago through a blitzkrieg operation that resulted in a major humanitarian crisis, the expulsion of the Armenian population, and the end of the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh.

 

Now, the Azerbaijani government is calling for the disbandment of the so-called Minsk Group, an OSCE format coordinated by France, Russia, and the United States within which negotiations between the two Caucasian nations took place until 2020 when the second Nagorno-Karabakh War erupted.

In contrast, the question of Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave separated from the rest of the Caucasian state by a strip of Armenian land, would remain open: Baku would like to connect it to the rest of its territory via a land corridor that would pass through Armenia, but for the moment there is no news of any progress on the dossier.

The issue of the Armenian Constitution

Furthermore, the understanding does not address the long-standing issue of the amendments to the Armenian Constitution: Azerbaijan has long insisted that the removal of specific references to the country’s declaration of independence (which, Baku argues, minimizes Azerbaijani territorial integrity) is a precondition for the conclusion of a comprehensive peace treaty.

Although Armenia denies that its fundamental charter poses any threat to its neighbor, Pashinyan recently announced its intention to adopt a new constitution. However, there is still no timetable for the process, which should include both parliamentary passage and a popular referendum.

Regional geopolitics

 

The South Caucasus region, to which Georgia also belongs and which overlooks the Black Sea on one side and the Caspian Sea on the other, has great strategic significance (because of its location and rich oil and natural gas deposits) and is therefore at the center of an entanglement of geopolitical interests of players such as Russia, Turkey, the United States, and the European Union.

In recent years, Armenia has been trying to move away from the Russian orbit (within which it has historically moved since independence) and get closer to the EU, with which deepened diplomatic, political, and military ties. For that matter, Brussels always pushed for the negotiation process between the two neighbors, even employing a peacekeeping mission along the Armenian border that would, however, be dismantled.

Azerbaijan, on the other hand, has become a significant energy partner of the 27 member states after the large-scale invasion of Ukraine (Azerbaijani gas arrives in Italy transported through TAP). Although democratic standards are not exceptionally high, Baku hosted the UN Climate Conference (COP29) in November.

https://www.eunews.it/en/2025/03/14/armenia-and-azerbaijan-agree-on-the-terms-of-a-peace-treaty/

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

 

Politics12:21, 14 March 2025

Swedish legislator dismisses ‘absurd’ Azeri fake news alleging Armenia plans offensive

Read the article in: ՀայերենРусский

Swedish lawmaker Erik Hellsborn has dismissed a recent Azeri media report accusing Armenia of planning to attack Azerbaijan as “completely absurd.”

In a post on X, the Swedish legislator noted that the “dictatorship” Azerbaijan lacks independent press and the report was likely sanctioned by the regime. 

The fake news was published by the Azeri Caliber.az outlet. 

Hellsborn underscored that the democratically elected Armenian government is advancing the agenda of peace and its modernization of the military is no indication for seeking conflict. 

He warned that Azerbaijan could be planning to use false claims of violence from Armenia to justify its own violence.

“I read on the Azerbaijani news site Caliber that Armenia is planning to attack Azerbaijan. While this is not an official channel for the regime, it should be remembered that the country is a dictatorship, and that there is no free, independent press. Reporters Without Borders describes a “very serious situation” for journalists, and in the Press Freedom Index the country is ranked 164th, below both Russia and Venezuela. The message can therefore be considered sanctioned by the regime. The accusation is of course completely absurd. While the dictatorship in Baku repeatedly uses warlike rhetoric, the democratically elected government in Yerevan is trying to find a peaceful way forward. It is certainly true that Armenia is strengthening and modernizing its military, but this is a reaction to the aggression from Azerbaijan, and no indication for them seeking conflict. Moreover, despite this strengthening of the army, Armenia is still only ranked 91st in GlobalFirepower, which ranks the military strength of the world’s countries. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is ranked number 60. That Armenia would try to invade the militarily much stronger Azerbaijan makes little sense. The article also attacks the EU mission in Armenia, who are accused of spying on Azerbaijani forces and border positions, and then passing the information on to Armenia. These are pure conspiracy theories. The EU wanted to have missions on both sides of the border in order to prevent escalation and more violence. But while the EU was welcomed in Armenia, there has always been a no from Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani reluctance to the EU mission was perhaps illustrated most clearly by the country's EU ambassador Vaqif Sadıgov, who posted a picture of an armor-piercing sniper rifle on X, along with a call for the mission to stay away from the Azerbaijani border. Armenia wants the world to see what is happening in the region, Azerbaijan does not. That says a lot about who is threatening the peace. Because the peace IS threatened, just not by Armenia. The claims of Armenian preparations for war should be seen as a warning about Azerbaijani ditto. The risk is that Azerbaijan plans to use false claims of violence from Armenia to justify its own violence. A phrase towards the end of the article paints a worrying attitude: “all construction equipment currently in Yerevan will be directed to Yerablur.” For those who are not familiar with Yerablur, this is Armenia’s military cemetery, where the fallen from previous wars against Azerbaijan rest. It is difficult to interpret the message as anything other than that they are prepared to kill thousands. Azerbaijan should be aware that no one in Europe buys their false narrative. And starting a new armed conflict would be a very bad idea,” Hellsborn said in a post on X. 

Armenia has numerously said that it doesn’t have any intentions to attack any country, and that the ongoing modernization of the military is part of reforms. 

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214388?fbclid=IwY2xjawJBgStleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVXpMzS0rMiKqQgb-siMHQabAEpk0aONNS1hty_SO1J_bTVsT36r3mmXrQ_aem_A7grTzMUxJW4qFUeUQ53Ng

[Yervant1]

Same BS started again!

 

 

Quote

 

TVP World

March 16 2025

 

 

Azerbaijan claims Armenia opened fire on its army just days after peace agreement

 

Azerbaijan has claimed that Armenia opened fire on its positions on Sunday morning, just days after the countries agreed a draft peace deal.

 

The accusation was vehemently denied by Armenian officials, who accused their Azeri counterparts of spreading disinformation. 

 

Defense officials in Azerbaijan said that the alleged incident happened around 9:45 a.m. local time, with Armenian troops shooting at Azerbaijani army positions from a location in the Goris region of the southeastern Syunik province. 

 

It said the incident involved “small arms,” without providing more information. 

 

Armenia’s defense ministry hit back, saying the claim “does not correspond to reality.” 

 

Baku and Yerevan said on Thursday that they had agreed the text of an agreement to end nearly four decades of conflict between the two countries, in an unexpected breakthrough in peace talks. 

 

Responding to Sunday’s allegations, Armenia that it had “proposed the establishment of a joint Armenian-Azerbaijani mechanism for the investigation of ceasefire violations and related incidents” but that Azerbaijan had not responded to the proposal. 

 

The two post-Soviet countries have fought a series of wars since the late 1980s when Nagorno-Karabakh, a region in Azerbaijan that had a mostly ethnic-Armenian population at the time, broke away from Azerbaijan with support from Armenia. 

 

https://tvpworld.com/85627023/azerbaijan-claims-armenia-opened-fire-on-its-army-just-days-after-peace-agreement

 

 

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

 

Politics08:57, 17 March 2025

EU monitoring mission in Armenia denies Azeri accusations of border shooting

Read the article in: العربيةفارسیՀայերենРусский简体中文

The EU monitoring mission (EUMA) announced that no unusual activity was observed during a border patrol on 16-17 March, effectively denying the Azerbaijani accusations of border shootings. 

“On 16-17 March, EUMA dispatched patrols to various locations along the AM-AZ border. The situation remains calm and quiet, with no unusual activity observed,” EUMA said in a post on X.

On March 16, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry, for three times falsely accused Armenia of firing at its military positions along the border. The Armenian Defense Ministry labeled the accusations as disinformation.

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214572?fbclid=IwY2xjawJFX0VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbpQTgIM1G2qA0QyRyUd4cm3Ob7mHPnfCFNjGgve1FPOHt_RTldNyP0uEw_aem_Jr_b32LiKyVZ2AM7znudvA

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

 

Politics14:39, 17 March 2025

Azeri fake news campaign seeks to justify Aliyev’s 'zero trust' statement, says Armenian official

Read the article in: ՀայերենРусский

The Azeri military’s fresh disinformation campaign falsely accusing Armenia of border shootings could have been generated in order to justify Azeri leader Ilham Aliyev’s recent statement about “zero trust,” Armenian Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan has said.

“No, I don’t think there’s ground for claiming failure,” Simonyan told reporters when asked whether the Azeri false accusations can be considered as a failure of the peace process. “I think it was done to justify the Azerbaijani president’s statement, who said they have near zero trust towards the Armenian side, which itself is surprising for me because our work and conduct, and the logic of the statement about finalizing the treaty speaks about the opposite.”

Simonyan reminded that the Armenian Ministry of Defense denied the Azeri accusations for three times, and the EU monitoring mission also recorded that no shots were fired.

“I suppose this is being done in order to present Aliyev’s ‘zero trust’ statement to their domestic audience,” the Speaker said.

The governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced on March 13 that the negotiations around the peace treaty terms have been successfully concluded. The Armenian government has expressed readiness to start discussions with Azerbaijan around the date and location of signing the agreement. Days after the agreement was announced, Azerbaijan launched a massive fake news campaign, falsely accusing Armenia of opening fire across the border.

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214625?fbclid=IwY2xjawJFYUZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHU6EW2d5OlellBhHMxik7NEV26W4WS7i6Ffg3-3rl_5aDJSGMhQ2aflU0A_aem_kXfZN2wxdmYpTv_NNYpBTQ

[Yervant1]

One thing is very clear, fake sultan has no desire for peace! He will not sign any treaty anytime soon.

 

 

Quote

 

Armenpress.am

 

Azerbaijan10:00, 18 March 2025

Azerbaijan again falsely accuses Armenia of border shooting

Read the article in: العربيةFrançaisՀայերենРусский

The Azerbaijani authorities have released more disinformation in an ongoing fake news campaign, the Armenian military has warned.

The Azeri defense ministry once again falsely accused Armenia of border shooting.

“The statement released by the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan, claiming that from 10:15 p.m. on March 17 to 12:20 a.m. on March 18, units of the Armenian Armed Forces opened fire on Azerbaijani positions in the eastern and southeastern sectors of the border, does not correspond to reality. It is worth recalling that the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia has proposed the establishment of a joint Armenia-Azerbaijan mechanism for investigating ceasefire violations and related reports. However, Azerbaijan has yet to respond to this initiative. The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Armenia reaffirms that, in accordance with the position of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, it stands ready to investigate the facts supporting the statement issued by the Ministry of Defence of Azerbaijan, should they be provided to the Republic of Armenia,” the Armenian Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The Azeri defense ministry has launched a renewed fake news campaign since March 16, falsely accusing Armenia of border shooting. The Armenian Defense Ministry has denied the accusations, labeling the Azeri reports as disinformation. The EU monitoring mission in Armenia has also denied the Azeri accusations.

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214692?fbclid=IwY2xjawJGhOpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHVlJe14ErhAK0k-427cErcdoALxJps0an1vBn5SCyC5x3pbuo5dT_FTQ8w_aem_79SpME4uGWiDmv_hskkJ7A

 

 

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

 

Politics09:42, 20 March 2025

If Azerbaijan truly seeks peace, it must drop the language of preconditions with Yerevan – Iranian expert

Read the article in: فارسیFrançaisՀայերենРусский简体中文

If Azerbaijan truly seeks to regulate its relations with Armenia and achieve lasting peace in the South Caucasus, it should stop to speak with Yerevan in the language of preconditions, according to Ehsan Movahedian, an international relations specialist, lecturer and Caucasus expert at Tehran’s ATU University.

The expert noted that introducing new preconditions indicates that Baku is not genuinely striving for peace.

In an interview with Armenpress, Movahedian referred to the statements from Armenia and Azerbaijan regarding their agreement on the text of the draft peace treaty and the new preconditions voiced by Baku. He emphasized: “When discussing peace, everyone naturally responds positively and is interested in its establishment. However, there are still unresolved issues that remain part of the process of normalizing relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”

"Peace will bring stability and security to the South Caucasus. Under peaceful conditions, there will be greater cultural and economic opportunities, as well as enhanced cooperation in various fields. All Iranians welcome this peace agreement. If it is realized, we hope it will ensure lasting peace, security and stability," Movahedian stated.

According to him, one of the key unresolved issues is the false narrative surrounding the so-called ‘Zangezur Corridor,’ “which is not addressed by the agreement and continues to be a source of instability.”

“We see that Baku speaks about peace, but when it comes to the peace deal and negotiations, they introduce issues that have nothing to do with peace,” the Iranian expert emphasized.

Movahedian also pointed to another precondition raised by Azerbaijan—the issue of so-called Azerbaijani displaced persons, whom Baku intends to settle in Armenia.

“They say (referring to Azerbaijani authorities) that tens of thousands of ‘displaced’ Azerbaijanis should be settled in Armenia. What does that mean? Do you intend to change Armenia’s demographic composition? Do you want to alter the country’s population by force? And why do you never speak about the people of Artsakh, who have been displaced from their homes and have lived there for centuries?” the expert questioned, addressing Azerbaijani authorities.

Movahedian considers Baku's claim that Yerevan should provide Azerbaijan with a corridor for unhindered passage through Armenia both unacceptable and incomprehensible. According to him, by making such demands, the Azerbaijani side refuses to recognize Armenia’s sovereignty.

"If you are unwilling to recognize the sovereignty of an independent country, you cannot claim to seek peace. This is another source of instability. If Azerbaijanis wish to pass through Armenia while respecting its rights and jurisdiction, that would be acceptable. However, as far as I know, they are not willing to do so," the international expert noted.

Movahedian also questioned whether Azerbaijan or Turkey would allow residents of any other country to pass through their territory without following by their laws.

"So, if something is unacceptable to them, they are not in a position to demand that Armenians accept it," Movahedian emphasized.

According to him, Azerbaijan has also introduced another precondition that contradicts its claims of seeking peace. "Another point is Azerbaijan's demand for compensation from Armenia, alleging that Armenians living in Artsakh exploited local natural resources and damaged Azerbaijani historical heritage. This raises the question: why does Azerbaijan not compensate for its military attacks on Armenia since 2021 and the continued occupation of approximately 200 square kilometers of Armenian territory?" Movahedian noted.

The expert reiterated that all these preconditions demonstrate that Baku is not genuinely striving for peace.

"Baku is not seeking peace because it believes in its supremacy; it assumes it can continue to keep Armenia under pressure and force the fulfillment of its desired demands," the Iranian expert emphasized.

The governments of Armenia and Azerbaijan announced on March 13 that the negotiations around the peace treaty terms have been successfully concluded. The Armenian government has expressed readiness to start discussions with Azerbaijan around the date and venue of signing the agreement. 

However, Azerbaijan continues to promote the false claim that the Armenian Constitution contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan and has proposed amending the Constitution as a precondition for signing the peace agreement.

Baku has also demanded the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group as another precondition. Additionally, Azerbaijan continues to falsely assert that Armenia is refusing to fulfill its commitments regarding the unblocking of regional communications.

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214879?fbclid=IwY2xjawJJJL1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHeuhGGwc20v8QlBkODiJP_05J_EbUaEpCmpEEbfTpaQTQgyP6wMRo8zU0g_aem_yaAiVFVtX2xlLNmOAeTffw

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

 

Politics15:12, 20 March 2025

Former NATO chief calls on Azerbaijan to swiftly sign peace deal with Armenia

Read the article in: EspañolՀայերենРусский

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Secretary General of NATO and founder of Rasmussen Global, has called on Azerbaijan to swiftly sign the peace agreement with Armenia. 

Armenpress asked Rasmussen to comment on the Azeri disinformation campaign falsely accusing Armenia of border shooting.

Rasmussen, speaking at a press conference in Armenia’s Ijevan, said he was very concerned with the Azerbaijani rhetoric.

“I once again call on Azerbaijan to sign that agreement as soon as possible. The issues that were unresolved have now been resolved through concessions made by Armenia. Thus, the ball is in Azerbaijan’s court, therefore it must swiftly sign it,” Rasmussen said.

The former Secretary General of NATO said the signing of the treaty would be in the interests of Azerbaijan as well, because it would facilitate the development of Baku’s relations with the international community.

“I hope that both the EU and the US will exert pressure on Azerbaijan in order to sign that agreement as soon as possible,” he added.

Days after Armenia and Azerbaijan announced that the negotiations around the peace treaty terms have been successfully concluded, the Azerbaijani government started a massive disinformation campaign falsely accusing Armenia of firing at its military positions across the border. The accusations have been numerously denied by the Armenian military. Furthermore, the Azerbaijani authorities refused to provide any evidence in support of their accusations. The report on border shootings was also denied by the EU monitoring mission in Armenia. Azerbaijan has also been making preconditions by demanding Armenian constitutional changes by falsely claiming that it contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan, as well as the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group.

On March 20, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reiterated readiness to sign the peace agreement with Azerbaijan.

 

 

 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1214974?fbclid=IwY2xjawJJJ7NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHcom3ZhItc9qWqbzJE7A00CrzkLMqRrY7TbdTj6VqBHx4DY3WmuYRLcDzg_aem_U57p2uCpCnA83m6e4iWveQ