new promising era New Promising Era "President" & VP Nikol Pashinian

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Armenpress.am

The 1991 border should be formally documented- Pashinyan on the delimitation process

14:13, 20 January 2024

YEREVAN, JAN UARY 20, ARMENPRESS.The border delimitation process between Armenia and Azerbaijan isn’t about creating a border, but the border that existed in 1991 or between the republics of the Soviet Union should be restated in a documentary form as an administrative border.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a meeting of his Civil Contract party on Saturday, presenting details of the peace process.

"Is there an idea about the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia? Yes, there is an answer to this question. On October 6, 2022, an agreement was reached in Prague where Armenia and Azerbaijan recognized each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty based on the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration.

The Alma-Ata Declaration signifies the dissolution of the Soviet Union and those republics of the Union that signed the Alma-Ata Declaration state that their administrative borders would become state borders. We accept this principle.

In fact, a quadripartite statement was adopted in Prague, which Azerbaijan also accepted. We emphasize, and this is evident, that the delimitation process should not establish new borders. The border that existed between the republics of the USSR in 1991, functioning as an administrative border, should be documented on the ground," said the Prime Minister.

According to the Prime Minister, the ongoing bilateral working process between Armenia and Azerbaijan should yield tangible results. Both countries should not only declare their unconditional recognition of each other's territorial integrity but also formalize this reality in the peace treaty - de jure.

"Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have internationally recognized territories. The internationally recognized territory of the Republic of Armenia is the territory of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic,’’ said PM Pashinyan.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1128507.html?fbclid=IwAR2_eScnqqAs0KceXhnfW2yMi2nSDa2MDM3QLrpC7GC3693aBvK5S9ij6Oc

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Jan 19 2024

 

Zangezur Corridor Dispute Threatens Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks

By Eurasianet - Jan 19, 2024, 4:00 PM CST

• Azerbaijan demands a corridor through Armenia to connect with Nakhchivan, which Armenia finds unacceptable, affecting the peace process.
• The issue of demarcation and delimitation of borders remains unresolved, with Azerbaijani troops occupying some Armenian territories.
• Armenia and Azerbaijan are at odds over who should mediate their talks, complicating efforts to reach a peace agreement.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's latest remarks about border delimitation/demarcation and transit links "totally unacceptable" and a "blow" to the peace process.

"I promise a financial reward to anyone who finds the term 'Zangezur corridor' in the November 9 agreement," Pashinyan told a group of MPs on January 13.

It was an ironic reference to the Azerbaijani side's contention, reiterated recently by Aliyev, that the provision on opening transit links in the Russian-brokered peace accord that ended the 2020 Second Karabakh War stipulates a seamless corridor through Armenia connecting mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan exclave, without Armenian border or customs checks.

That idea is referred to in Azerbaijan as the "Zangezur corridor" and Baku has pushed for it with varying degrees of intensity since the 2020 ceasefire. Early last year it seemed to back down on the demand in the context of the peace talks.

In early October, shortly after Azerbaijan's lightning offensive to seize the whole of Nagorno-Karabakh, the corridor project seemed to be off the table after ground was broken on an alternate route through Iran. (Tehran, like Armenia, is vociferously opposed to the Zangezur corridor idea.)

The issue, which has long inspired Armenian fears of an Azerbaijani invasion, is now back on the agenda, as Aliyev said in a January 10 interview that if the corridor was not opened, "Armenia will remain in an eternal deadlock. … If the route I mentioned is not opened, we will not open our border with Armenia anywhere else. So they will do themselves more harm than good."

In October last year, the Armenian prime minister introduced an initiative called "Crossroads of Peace" aimed at regional cooperation. That proposal includes linkages between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan with Armenian border and customs checks. Azerbaijan has dismissed it out of hand as "PR." (According to the 9 November 2020 agreement that ended the Second Karabakh War, the route linking mainland Azerbaijan Nakhchivan is to be monitored by Russian border troops.)

Exclaves and villages

Elsewhere in his January 10 interview, Aliyev demanded the return of enclaves and border villages that have been under Armenian control since the First Karabakh War three decades ago.

Pashinyan seemed to back the idea of an exchange of enclaves, with a "mutually agreed map" as part of the process, but said that if Azerbaijan demanded the return of eight villages, Armenia would "raise the issue of 32."

That was a reference to several bits of former Soviet Armenian territory that have similarly been controlled by Azerbaijan since the first war, as well as to the territory inside Armenia, estimated to total about 215 square kilometers, that Azerbaijani troops have occupied following several incursions between May 2021 and September 2022.

Armenia and several Western states have demanded the withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenian lands. But Baku has refused, citing the lack of demarcation of the borders as justification.

And Aliyev said explicitly he had no intention of withdrawing them in his January 10 remarks. "We are not taking a step back because that border must be defined. However, our location, which is currently disputed by Armenia, does not include any settlement."

The delimitation and demarcation of state borders between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as the opening of transport links, remain the most contested issues between the two countries following Azerbaijan's takeover of Karabakh in September. The border commission working on the delimitation and demarcation issues held its latest meeting late last year and the next one, according to Aliyev, is to be held this month, with the question of the border villages in the Gazakh region of Azerbaijan being on the agenda.

Although the principles of a peace deal were said to be agreed upon in November, the sides seem to have dismissed each other's draft proposals for the peace agreement.

Additionally, the sides disagree on who should mediate the talks. Yerevan opposes Moscow's mediation, while Baku has turned down EU or US-initiated talks in recent months.

In December, the two countries managed to issue a joint statement and agree on a prisoner exchange, but they do not have a clear plan to continue the bilateral talks.

By Ani Avetisyan via Eurasianet.org

https://oilprice.com/Geopolitics/International/Zangezur-Corridor-Dispute-Threatens-Armenia-Azerbaijan-Peace-Talks.html

[Yervant1]

Jan 19 2024

EU Foreign Affairs Council will discuss Armenia and Azerbaijan on Monday

A meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council, with the participation of the Foreign Ministers of the 27 member states, will be held in Brussels on Monday 22 January starting at 0900. The meeting will be chaired by EU High Representative Josep Borrell.

An announcement from Brussels said that the Council will discuss Ukraine and the Middle East. Under the item current affairs it will discuss Armenia and Azerbaijan.

source: commonspace.eu with the press service of the European Union

https://www.commonspace.eu/news/eu-foreign-affairs-council-will-discuss-armenia-and-azerbaijan-monday

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Armenia warns of risk of escalation after Aliyev’s explicit territorial claims

17:13, 23 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. There is a risk of escalation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said Tuesday.

“I think that there’s a risk of escalation even at this moment,” FM Mirzoyan said at a press briefing when asked whether the likelihood of tensions would grow during the U.S. presidential elections and the EP elections, when international partners will be focused on domestic agenda. “At least the rhetoric we’ve witnessed in the Azerbaijani president’s interview doesn’t allow us to be off guard, not even for a second.”

FM Mirzoyan said that the Azeri President Ilham Aliyev, in his interview, made explicit territorial claims against the sovereign territory of Armenia.

“We saw them call various Armenian cities and provinces with distorted names, and they called nearly the entire territory of the Republic of Armenia as Western Azerbaijan. There’s always likelihood of escalation. Would this likelihood grow during ongoing elections in various countries? I think it would be rational not to think that way,” he said.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1128687.html?fbclid=IwAR3NtPQ3pYEr3TTA0cFksHa_nJ7FwqWZFCyPF5aUfN2ATAZABXVlXV3sEUE

[Yervant1]

Time Out

Jan 24 2024

Abu Dhabi will soon welcome Armenians without a visa

UAE citizens can drop into the country without a visa too

By Time Out EditorsJanuary 24, 2024

Visiting the UAE is at the top of most people’s bucket lists. Why wouldn’t it be? We’ve got record-breaking attractions, phenomenal views and so many things to do here.

And soon, thanks to a bilateral agreement between the UAE and Armenia, citizens from the Asian country can enjoy the beauty of the UAE without the hassle of paper work.

From February 1, citizens of the Republic of Armenia will be able to easily enter, exit and transit through Abu Dhabi without a visa.

Citizens of the UAE can also travel to Armenia without a visa; they can stay in the country for up to 180 days in a year.

Armenia is the latest in a number of countries that include visa-free travel for The UAE citizens. Some others who’ve made the list include Turkey, Uzbekistan and Kosovo.

(Credit: CanvaPro)

Thinking of a trip to Armenia? The good news is Wizz Air flies direct to Yerevan, which is only about three hours and thirty minutes away from Abu Dhabi.

Picturesque and with a rich history, Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. Founded around 782BC, it’s worth a visit. You can learn about its ancient roots at the Erebuni Museum Archaeological Preserve.

If you want to see something quaint and take pictures for the gram, visit Kond District, which is cobble-stoned and has plenty of street art to keep you clicking.

https://www.timeoutabudhabi.com/news/abu-dhabi-armenia-visa-free-travel

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

‘Shame on you,’ Armenian diplomat blasts Ukrainian PACE delegate for ‘double standards’

15:56, 26 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 26, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s Ambassador-at-Large Edmon Marukyan has lambasted Ukrainian delegate to PACE Oleksiy Goncharenko for his ‘double standard’ speech in support of Azerbaijan after the latter was suspended in PACE.

“Back in 2021, as a member of PACE delegation, I had a speech about Azerbaijan’s disgraceful Trophy Park, where the Azerbaijani regime had placed mannequins of Armenian prisoners of war,” Marukyan said on X. “While presenting the war crimes carried out by Azerbaijan in my speech, this Ukrainian MP complained to the chairperson of the session for allowing me to make a speech with posters, and not allowing him to do the same. That protest ended with the PACE chair asking him out of the meeting room. As a result of these double standards, it is very curious how this Ukrainian MP demands justice from the world for Ukraine, when he does not want to see the same justice for thousands of ethnically cleansed people of Nagorno Karabakh, prisoners of war illegally held in Azerbaijan. Shame on you, Goncharenko, when I come to Strasbourg make sure to stay out of my sight, your speech made me sick.”

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1128936.html?fbclid=IwAR3AY73N_rlefW7Fiak7LwByeRFvqHyAZZFMcoq-zTSi1C-B57EZ54BuDRo

[Yervant1]

Interfax

Jan 27 2024

Georgia, Armenia sign strategic partnership declaration

TBILISI. Jan 26 (Interfax) - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and his Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinyan signed a declaration on strategic cooperation between their countries in Tbilisi on Friday.

"We had a very good meeting with Mr. Pashinyan. I want to note especially that today we made a decision on signing a declaration of strategic cooperation between our countries, which have historically been friends and allies," Garibashvili said at a joint briefing with Pashinyan.

Cooperation is developing successfully, and bilateral trade has topped $1 billion, Garibashvili said.

"I want to note with satisfaction that last year Georgia welcomed nearly one million tourists and visitors from Armenia," he said.

The two sides also discussed establishing a lasting peace in the region, Garibashvili said.

"We are ready to make our contribution to this cause to benefit all nations in the region. We are optimistic and hopeful about the dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan," he said.

The prime ministers also considered Armenia's Crossroads of Peace project aimed at developing regional relationships, with due respect given to the sovereignty of all countries, Pashinyan said.

"Our region could become a very important path for the North and South [and] West and East. All countries could gain economically from participating in this project," he said.

The Armenian government delegation arrived in Tbilisi earlier on Friday to attend an intergovernmental meeting on economic issues.

https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/98822/

[Yervant1]

Jan 29 2024

The EU Should Do More to Help Armenia Shake Off Russia

Nicholas Lokker, Anna Avanesyan

Azerbaijan’s military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh in September cemented Baku’s control over the breakaway region, three decades after it gained autonomy under Armenia’s protection amid the breakup of the Soviet Union. The two-day operation, which followed Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2020 war with Armenia over the territory, decisively settled Nagorno-Karabakh’s status, while triggering the mass emigration of its ethnic Armenian population.

But as the dust settles, the attack’s ripple effects are reverberating far beyond Nagorno-Karabakh itself. Russia’s decision to stand aside and allow Azerbaijan to conduct its final invasion, despite its peacekeeping role as part of the cease-fire deal that ended the fighting in 2020, has sparked a profound sense of betrayal in Yerevan. That in turn has created an opportunity for the European Union to forge stronger ties with Armenia and reshape the geopolitical orientation of the South Caucasus.

Armenia has diverged from many other post-Soviet countries—such as the Baltic states, Ukraine and Georgia—by maintaining deep ties with Russia rather than seeking to integrate with the EU. As a formal Russian ally under the Moscow-led Collective Security Treaty Organization, or CSTO, Yerevan has long counted on Moscow to guarantee its security. Their robust defense ties include discounted purchases of Russian arms as well as a Russian military base in Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city.

Yet these ties have recently frayed—and this past autumn’s events may have been the breaking point. Doubts about relying on Russia initially arose in 2020, after it failed to prevent considerable Armenian losses in the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War. They intensified following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which exposed the Russian military’s weaknesses and aggressive tendencies toward its post-Soviet neighbors. These doubts turned to outrage when Russian peacekeepers refrained from intervening to prevent Azerbaijan’s attack in September, with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan asserting afterward that the relationship with Russia was no longer “enough to ensure the external security of Armenia.”

Yerevan has since attempted to reorient itself away from Russia. In a symbolic blow, the Armenian Parliament voted in October to join the International Criminal Court, despite the arrest warrant the court issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes in Ukraine. As a result, Putin is now at risk of arrest if he sets foot on Armenian soil. Armenia subsequently declined to take part in CSTO exercises and summits, and Pashinyan has cast doubt on the future of Russian military bases in Armenia.

The Armenian government has simultaneously pursued stronger ties with the EU. Its recent acquisition of French weaponry—contrasting with Moscow’s failure to deliver prepaid arms shipments—indicates its ambitions to find alternative security partners to Russia. Yerevan has also sought aid from the European Peace Facility, which reimburses EU member states for their arms donations to partner countries. This coincides with Pashinyan’s statement that “Armenia is ready to be closer to the European Union, as much as the European Union considers it possible.”

Armenian citizens also find it increasingly difficult to see a future with Russia. A January-March 2023 survey by the International Republican Institute found that only 50 percent of Armenians believed the country’s relationship with Russia to be “very good” or “somewhat good,” down from 93 percent in the autumn of 2019. By contrast, 86 percent of respondents to the 2023 survey had a positive view of relations with the EU—and this gap has almost certainly widened since September’s events.

Yet various factors could restrict Armenia’s ability to pivot. Besides Azerbaijan, its neighbors include a hostile Turkey and a bitterly anti-Western Iran. Attempting to break from Russia and align with the EU could make Armenia more vulnerable, unless it receives security guarantees, which the EU’s current inadequacy as a security provider makes unlikely for the foreseeable future.

This explains Yerevan’s insistence on remaining within the CSTO, despite calls from opposition groups to withdraw. Armenia likewise seems set to remain within the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union, or EEU, given its high economic dependence on Russia. The Kremlin is well-aware of these obstacles, as demonstrated by Putin’s recent statement that it would not be in Armenia’s interests to leave Russian-led organizations such as the CSTO, EEU and Commonwealth of Independent States.

Engaging Armenia as a close partner in the South Caucasus would export stability to the region and represent a strategic victory for the EU vis-à-vis Russia.

While these constraints are considerable, the degree to which they limit Armenia’s room for maneuver depends on the EU. And while the bloc has undoubtedly stepped up its support for Armenia in recent months, it could do substantially more. Although it may be unable to offer formal security guarantees to Yerevan, the EU should do everything possible to prevent further aggression by Azerbaijan, including a potential attempt by Baku to seize Armenian land to establish a corridor to its Nakhichevan enclave.

To do so, Brussels should build on its previous mediation efforts between Yerevan and Baku, as well as the current positive momentum in the Armenia-Azerbaijan relationship, to drive negotiations toward a conclusive peace settlement. Strengthening Yerevan’s negotiating hand could incentivize Baku to make peace. The EU should therefore follow through with equipping the Armenian military through the European Peace Facility and offering training to Armenian forces, and it should consider upgrading the EU Mission in Armenia by arming its border monitors stationed there.

Moreover, the EU could help Armenia wean itself off of economic dependence on Russia by instituting a regular macro-financial assistance program, similar to those currently in place for Ukraine and Moldova. It could also work toward a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, or DCFTA, as part of a potential broader Association Agreement with Yerevan, an idea now gaining traction in Brussels. This would simultaneously function as a major political signal of long-term commitment to close relations with Armenia. As the trajectories of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia demonstrate, DCFTAs can even be precursors to EU candidate status. And while that does not currently appear on the horizon for Armenia, the same was true for all three of these other post-Soviet republics only a decade ago. More immediately, the EU should proceed with visa liberalization for Armenians to foster closer societal links.

Taking these actions could allow the EU to make good on its promise to work toward “the strengthening of EU-Armenia relations, in all its dimensions, based on the needs of the Republic of Armenia.” While following through on certain measures could trigger backlash from Azerbaijan, which the EU has been careful not to antagonize due to its status as a major energy partner, Brussels is due for a reassessment of its relationship with Baku, as called for in an October 2023 European Parliament resolution. It could use that reassessment process to incentivize Azerbaijan to accept closer EU ties with Armenia.

Engaging Armenia as a close partner in the South Caucasus would export stability to the region and represent a strategic victory vis-à-vis Russia, undermining Moscow’s broader goal of asserting an exclusive sphere of influence within which core EU values such as democracy, freedom and human rights hold no sway. Seizing the chance for such a broad strategic victory should outweigh the temptation to tiptoe around Baku in order to advance narrow economic interests.

Ten years after Armenia backed down from signing a DCFTA with the EU due to Russian pressure, the country is once again turning its focus to the West. Meanwhile, the EU’s decision to grant candidate status to Georgia has given Brussels a greater stake in the future of the South Caucasus. Having reached this inflection point, the EU has an immense opportunity to help Armenia set a resolutely pro-Western trajectory that results in a permanent shift in the geopolitical orientation of the region.

Yet capitalizing on it will require the bloc to commit fully to Yerevan by offering credible alternatives to Russian partnership. Making half-hearted or empty promises, on the other hand, could leave Armenia dangerously exposed and force it unwillingly back into Moscow’s embrace. Bold action is thus imperative—and time is of the essence.

Nicholas Lokker is a research associate for the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security. His work explores the development of the political and security order in Europe, focusing in particular on the integration and enlargement of the European Union as well as the evolving roles of Russia and the United States in the region.

Anna Avanesyan is a researcher for the Transatlantic Security Program at the Center for a New American Security.

https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/armenia-eu-russia/

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

‘Armenia must be able to defend its sovereignty and people,’ French Ambassador at Army Day

12:31, 29 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 29, ARMENPRESS. French Ambassador to Armenia Olivier Decottignies on January 28 attended the Army Day celebration in Armenia.

“I was honored to attend the celebration dedicated to Army Day together with the defense attache. Armenia must be able to defend its sovereignty and its people,” the French Ambassador said in a post on X. He added that France is enhancing its defense relations with Armenia and forming strategic ties.

Պատիվ էր պաշտպանական հարցերով կցորդի հետ մասնակցել Հայոց բանակի օրվան նվիրված միջոցառմանը

-ը պետք է կարողանա պաշտպանել իր ինքնիշխանությունը և իր բնակչությանը

-ն ստանձնում է պաշտպանական հարաբերությունները -ի հետ և ռազմավարական մտերմություն զարգացնում երկու երկրների միջև: pic.twitter.com/Te7prUPfpL

— Olivier Decottignies (@O_Decottignies) January 29, 2024

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129058.html?fbclid=IwAR0pbQpicJemUi2iFvLuzaFLT7hXHChldEfoQNE_Qdi6JZbr4242OJCz9H8

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Defense Minister announces ‘tangible results’ in new arms acquisitions

12:47, 29 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 29, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Minister of Defense Suren Papikyan has praised the “tangible results” in arms acquisitions last year.

“Experience showed that without modern armaments it’s impossible to have a strong and combat-ready army, no matter how high the spirit of troops to serve their country selflessly,” Papikyan said at the January 28 Army Day celebration.

He said that the efforts to re-equip the Armenian Armed Forces on a proper level befitting leading militaries of the 21st century have “given tangible results.”

“We’ve been able to enhance military-technical cooperation by finding new partners and making tangible steps in the direction of armament diversification. This is one more step strengthening the diversification of our security architecture, which will help us develop a stronger and more reliable security environment around Armenia,” Papikyan said.

The defense minister also spoke about the defense industry. “In simple words, we shouldn’t import what we can produce ourselves here in our country, with a lower cost and good quality. This is a goal that we are working on.”

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129063.html?fbclid=IwAR1z45gGJjwtzJlJ8unkLIR8fDpkuTrt_1vpkC_lhHAZtwOT1mQT7_WLC1U

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Armenia named 7th safest country in the world

12:52, 31 January 2024

YEREVAN, JANUARY 31, ARMENPRESS. Armenia is the 7th safest country in the world, according to NUMBEO.

The analytical platform’s Crime Rate and Safety Index by Country report has ranked Armenia 7th out of 146 countries, while the city of Yerevan is 15th out of 329 cities.

Armenia and its capital city Yerevan are the safest countries among all CIS countries and cities, according to NUMBEO.

On January 11, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke about the figures during a meeting with police officials.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129240.html?fbclid=IwAR3g5PdE_bl5hWwAzaVF45h5hzsA58plkAkrhN31qJ39SuTpJkvd8VPSPlQ

[Yervant1]

Barron's

Jan 31 2024

Armenia Formally Joins International Criminal Court Despite Russian Ire

By AFP - Agence France Presse

Armenia on Thursday formally joined the International Criminal Court (ICC), officials said, a move which traditional ally Moscow has denounced as unfriendly.

The Hague-based court in March issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin over the war in Ukraine and the illegal deportation of children to Russia.

Yerevan is now obligated to arrest the Russian leader if he sets foot on its territory.

"ICC Rome Statute officially entered into force for Armenia on February 1," the country's official representative for international legal matters, Yeghishe Kirakosyan, told AFP.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in October that Armenia had taken a "wrong decision" to ratify ICC's Rome Statute, and Russian Foreign Ministry has called the move an "unfriendly step."

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has sought to assuage Kremlin fears, saying the decision was not directed against Russia.

Kirakosyan said, "Joining the ICC gives Armenia serious tools to prevent war crimes and crimes against humanity on its territory."

"First of all, this concerns Azerbaijan," Yerevan's arch-foe neighbour with which it had fought two wars over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

But Armenia's move illustrated a growing chasm between Moscow and Yerevan, which has grown angry with the Kremlin over its perceived inaction over Armenia's long-standing confrontation with Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani forces in September swept through Karabakh -- where Russian peacekeepers are deployed -- and secured the surrender of Armenian separatist forces that had controlled the mountainous region for decades.

Armenia signed the Rome Statute in 1999, but did not ratify it, citing contradictions with the country's constitution.

The constitutional court said in March those obstacles had been removed after Armenia's adoption of a new constitution in 2015.

Last November, Yerevan formally deposited its instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute.

mkh-im/giv

https://www.barrons.com/news/armenia-formally-joins-international-criminal-court-despite-russian-ire-e13aff95

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

watch this video.. tell me what you think

[Yervant1]

The fate of Artsakh was decided, long before Pashinian. As I said before Serge gave up power rather very easily so that he doesn't get blamed for giving up Artsakh. In my opinion it's all about trade routes agreed by powers, and Artsakh was in the way. I'm afraid this is not finished yet, the corridor issue is constantly coming up and fake sultan is doing his best to delay the peace agreement.

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Pashinyan on creating the Fourth Republic: That is one of the ideas

20:18, 1 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, in an interview with Public Radio of Armenia, discussed the possibility of creating the Fourth Republic of Armenia in the context of the planned new Constitution.

When asked whether a new constitution is being proposed for the new Fourth Republic, the Prime Minister replied: "That is one of the ideas."

[Yervant1]

Feb 2 2024

"Pashinyan seeks peace, while Aliyev pursues war": opinion from Yerevan

• Armine Martirosyan
  

• Yerevan

The Armenian authorities assert their commitment to peace, unwavering even in the face of adversity. However, residents of the country interpret the leadership’s conciliatory stance differently. While many condemn the government’s approach, even those who refrain from criticism doubt the feasibility of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s peace initiatives. This skepticism is reinforced within Armenian society by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s statements, perceived as laden with threats and animosity towards Armenians and Armenia.

Local experts echo these sentiments, suggesting that “Azerbaijan harbors no interest in Armenia’s peace agenda,” and that “Aliyev is gearing up for conflict,” with support from Turkey and Russia.

In light of these developments, what lies ahead for Armenia? Political scientist Stepan Grigoryan weighs in with commentary.

• Opinion: “Armenia can develop relations with NATO without exiting CSTO for now”
  
• “Baku and Moscow will not change their policy towards Yerevan” – Armenian ambassador to EU


• “Moscow needs continuation of Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict”. Opinion from Yerevan

Stepan Grigoryan, political scientist

Azerbaijan’s preconditions for a peace treaty

“The Armenian government is earnestly pursuing a peace agreement, demonstrating a willingness to make significant concessions, often without justification.

I, too, advocate for peace and negotiations, but peace must come at a reasonable cost. While the signing of a peace treaty would be welcomed, it should not come at the expense of unilateral concessions.

I see no genuine desire for peace from Azerbaijan, particularly evident in the official statements of Azerbaijani officials and leadership.

Baku continues to impose new preconditions in the negotiation process, which undermines the path to a peace treaty. Recent statements suggest that Armenia must amend its constitution, withdraw complaints against Azerbaijan in international courts and other bodies, further indicating Azerbaijan’s reluctance to pursue genuine peace.”

Baku will present new demands

“Azerbaijan is actively and openly falsifying history and manipulating everyone, to such an extent that it has become evident: following the signing of any peace agreement, regardless of its terms, Aliyev will inevitably assert new claims the next day.

One such instance is illustrated by Ilham Aliyev’s assertion regarding the population demographics in Armenia prior to the onset of the Karabakh conflict in 1988. Aliyev contends that there were significantly more Azerbaijanis residing in Armenia than Armenians in Azerbaijan.

However, a cursory examination of readily available statistics reveals the contrary: there were five times as many Armenians living in Azerbaijan as there were Azerbaijanis in Armenia.”

Yerevan remains silent in response

The expert community continually poses the question to the authorities of Armenia: why does there seem to be no response to Aliyev’s statements?

Aliyev demands the return of Azerbaijanis to Armenia, alleging their expulsion. However, this topic is artificially constructed and unrelated to the peace agenda.

No international structure or document has registered the expulsion of Azerbaijanis from Armenia.

During the Soviet era, Azerbaijanis living in Armenia sold their homes and departed without coercion. In contrast, Armenians in Azerbaijan lacked such freedom. Moreover, Soviet Armenia provided compensation to departing Azerbaijanis, while Armenians leaving Azerbaijan received nothing.

Following the 1988 escalation of the Karabakh issue, Armenians in Azerbaijan faced massacres in Sumgait, Kirovabad, Baku, and Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijanis sought to address the conflict by expelling Armenians, prompting the formation of self-defense forces. This led to a major war lasting until 1994, resulting in the displacement of both Armenians and Azerbaijanis in and around Artsakh.

Aliyev also demands control over some eight villages. However, there has been no reciprocal assertion of claims over Armenian territories from Yerevan. For instance, the Tavush region, which remained on the Azerbaijani side of the self-defense line during the 1990s, has not been subject to claims from Yerevan.

Fears within the Armenian authorities

The Armenian authorities also acknowledge that Azerbaijan does not desire peace, yet they justify their policy by expressing a desire to avoid new aggression from Baku. Within today’s Armenian political elite, there exists an opinion that peace could eventually be attained through concessions.

I fundamentally oppose this approach because giving in only fuels further demands. If concessions are made easily, why wouldn’t Aliyev seek more?

Advocates of concessions within the Armenian political elite seem disconnected from recent history. In the 1990s and 2000s, Turkey and Azerbaijan proposed the surrender of at least one region around Artsakh as a gesture of goodwill, with promises to open borders and foster cooperation. Presently, all of Artsakh and its surrounding seven regions are under their control, devoid of Armenians. Despite this, the borders remain closed, indicating Turkey’s lack of intention to open them.

Moreover, Turkey has never explicitly laid out conditions for Armenia, instead directing attention towards Azerbaijan for resolution. Of the seven districts surrounding the former Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast (NKAO), we voluntarily surrendered three and a half. Aliyev himself acknowledged this when he admitted that continued war would have inflicted significant losses on the Armenian side.

What are the needs or demands directed towards Armenia?

The interests of Azerbaijan and Russia intertwine in this scenario. Russia, with its overarching aim to revive the USSR in some capacity, seeks to diminish Armenia’s sovereignty and independence. In pursuit of this goal, Russia openly supported Azerbaijan in occupying Artsakh and displacing Armenians from the region. Consequently, Azerbaijan is indebted to Moscow, and Russia demands control over the so-called “Zangezur corridor” from Baku. This demand is communicated by Baku on behalf of the Russian Federation.

The primary objective of this alliance is the dismantlement of Armenian statehood. Russia aims to annex a portion of Armenia into the Russian Federation as a new region. Notably, this does not encompass the entirety of Armenia. The remaining territory, particularly Syunik [the southern border region of Armenia], is intended to be ceded to Azerbaijan.

Strategically, Russia also aims to assert dominance over Azerbaijan. However, due to the presence of Turkey, which acts as a safeguard for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty, Moscow is currently focused on exerting control over Armenia. Given that this aligns with Azerbaijan’s interests as well, Armenia finds itself under dual pressure.

The legitimacy of the Armenian authorities

“They argue that as elected representatives, they possess legitimacy and the authority to make concessions, to enact policies they deem necessary, even if they diverge from their initial program. They justify their actions by pointing out that all regional actors are aligned against us.

In response, we must seek support externally, from other partners, other allies. Currently, we receive open support from the United States and Europe, despite lacking strategic relations with them and barring their involvement in the region.

However, when the authorities face criticism for their shortcomings, it’s essential for people to remember that they were the ones who voted them into power. Voting decisions require careful consideration.

The expert community also plays a significant role, offering guidance to the authorities on right and wrong courses of action through personal conversations, speeches, and interviews. While criticism may be harsh at times, it does not negate their legitimacy.

Critiquing former leaders was easier as they lacked legitimacy, having ascended to power through rigged elections. The current situation is more challenging.

Nevertheless, concerning matters of territorial integrity and sovereignty, no government, regardless of its legitimacy, has the right to compromise on these fundamental values.”

Threats within a changing world order

“Armenia faces numerous threats, diverse in nature, not only from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, but also from the evolving global situation, which renders everyone vulnerable.

A war against the world order established after the Second World War is underway. In such turbulent times, the influence of international courts and structures, upon which Armenia could traditionally rely, is diminishing.

The probability of war looms large today, necessitating preparedness. Azerbaijan may exploit the preoccupation of the United States with its domestic affairs, given the Biden administration’s divided attention, as well as similar distractions in Europe due to upcoming European Parliament elections.

Backed by formidable diplomatic support from Turkey and Russia, Azerbaijan is conducting a potent, focused campaign against France, placing our allies in a challenging position.

Furthermore, complications may arise if the Middle East conflict escalates, diverting Iran’s attention from us. Aliyev could seize upon such a situation to target Syunik.

The prospect of an Azerbaijani attack on Armenia may be temporarily deterred by upcoming elections in Azerbaijan and Russia. As Putin and Aliyev coordinate all their actions, I have little insight into Baku’s potential aggression before Putin’s inauguration. However, once this transition is complete, possibly in May or June, no scenario can be discounted.”

Negotiations without Western mediation

“Direct negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan without mediators have never taken place. Moscow communicates its demands to Armenia through Baku. An example of this is the demand for the so-called “Zangezur Corridor” by Azerbaijan, which would be under Russian control.

Russia and Azerbaijan actively work to block Western mediation, as it aligns with their mutual interests, and they are determined to maintain this stance.

Consistency is crucial. Avoiding travel to St. Petersburg and Sochi is essential. Despite this, we announce engagement with Western platforms, and then we go to St. Petersburg [he means the participation in the meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Council in St. Petersburg in late December 2023]. This shift comes after a prolonged period during which Armenian authorities boycotted all meetings within Russian integration structures.

However, the West currently supports us, irrespective of whether we request assistance or not.

Sanctions against Azerbaijan are imminent and deliberate. Expulsion from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) effectively isolates a country from Europe. The European Union intends to terminate its gas contract with Azerbaijan.

Similar actions were taken against Russia, initially stripping the Russian delegation of voting rights in PACE before eventually expelling it altogether. Azerbaijan faced immediate expulsion from PACE. Here, it’s not primarily the Armenian influence driving this process, but rather Europe’s own decision that an authoritarian regime, aligning itself with Russia, must face consequences. Half of the PACE resolution focuses on the ethnic cleansing of Armenians in Artsakh.

Our primary ally is the West, and it’s imperative to further broaden our engagement. Having invited European observers to monitor the border with Azerbaijan, the next step is to welcome military bases, even while remaining in the CSTO and hosting a Russian base on our territory. Our constitution does not forbid the presence of both Russian and Western military bases simultaneously.”

https://jam-news.net/probability-of-armenia-azerbaijan-war-opinion/

[Yervant1]

TASS, Russia

Jan 2 2024

Armenia sees India, France as its key partners in defense sphere — defense minister

According to the minister Suren Papikyan, the diversification process is irreversible

YEREVAN, February 2. /TASS/. Armenia considers India and France as its key partners in the defense sphere, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan said.

"In the process of the diversification of weapons purchases, we have acquired new partners and established relations with many superpowers. In particular, India and France have become our main partners in the defense sphere," he said in an interview with Armenia’s Public Television.

According to the minister, the diversification process is irreversible. He that the country’s new contracts and reforms would have a positive effect on the quality of the country’s weapons.

https://tass.com/world/1741245

[Yervant1]

SBS Armenian, Australia

Feb 4 2024

“We have a hateful enemy who threatens us and we have a prime minister who constantly begs for peace”

Interview (in Armenian) with the editor of the California Courier Mr Harut Sassounian. Topics include relief efforts for the forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh, the dire situation of the Artsakh deportees in Armenia, the constant talk of peace by prime minister Pashinyan and the threatening responses from Azerbaijan, the unacceptable plans to change the Armenian constitution, national anthem and emblem.

https://www.sbs.com.au/language/armenian/en/podcast-episode/we-have-an-enemy-full-of-hatred-who-constantly-treathens-us-and-we-have-a-prime-minister-who-constatnly-begs-for-peace/otkwlzkbc

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Hungarian president hails ‘historic’ restoration of ties with Armenia, hopes for intensification of relations

17:25, 6 February 2024

BUDAPEST, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Hungarian President Katalin Novák expressed hope Tuesday at a joint press conference with her Armenian counterpart Vahagn Khachaturyan in Budapest that the two countries will be able to intensify their relations and achieve a tanbigle result of cooperation.

“The last time an Armenian president visited [Hungary] was in 2009, while this is the first presidential visit after the change of the political system,” the Hungarian president said. “I hope that we will be able to change this trend and intensify our relations and have more official visits between our countries. There is readiness on our side and I hope that on your side as well.”

Novák described the restoration of Armenia-Hungary relations as ‘historic’.

“We need to understand the content of our diplomatic relations in order to be able to resolve all misunderstandings of the past,” the Hungarian president said, citing two recently signed memoranda as a testament to the willingness of the two countries to cooperate.

Diplomatic relations between Armenia and Hungary were severed in 2012 by then-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan after Hungary extradited Ramil Safarov, the convicted murderer of an Armenian officer, to Azerbaijan. Armenian military officer Lt. Gurgen Margaryan was murdered by Azerbaijani military officer Ramil Safarov during a February 2004 training course organized by NATO in Hungary.

Gurgen Margaryan was asleep in his room when Safarov attacked him with an axe.

During the trial in Hungary, Safarov admitted in court to having killed Margaryan because of his hatred towards Armenia and Armenians. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Hungarian court. However, in 2012 Hungary extradited him to Azerbaijan upon Baku’s request. He was released upon arrival, glorified on the state-level and pardoned by President Aliyev. On the same day, then-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan severed diplomatic relations with Hungary.

10 years later, in 2022, Armenia and Hungary agreed to restore diplomatic relations.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129693.html?fbclid=IwAR3k-XfzNraXdc4kppoVDmjUtrOv-7iI0i1FlZrQeHbz6KVVNYlRW3BvnFA

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

Pufff Ara Puffffff Zzzzzzveli e arden

[Yervant1]

Daily News, Hungary

Feb 7 2024

Hungarian President calls for closer ties with Armenia

President Katalin Novák, receiving Armenian counterpart Vahagn Khachaturyan in Budapest on Tuesday, said ties between the country should be strengthened and “filled with content”.

During his first official visit to Hungary, the Armenian president and Novák discussed “issues around peace in the world, Hungary’s efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Armenia, demographic challenges, bilateral ties, minorities, as well as a European outlook for Armenia,” Novák said.

Diplomatic ties with Armenia were re-established in 2022, and Khachaturyan is the second Armenian president to visit Hungary, Novák noted. At their talks, the two presidents also agreed to launch a cultural cooperation schedule for Hungary and Armenia.

The agreement signed on behalf of Hungary by Balázs Hankó, the deputy state secretary for higher education, caters to strengthening bilateral relations in higher education, science, technology and culture.

Regarding the Hungary Helps programme, in which Hungary has donated 40 million forints to Armenian families for medical care, another aspect of the scheme will enable around 1,000 children forced to leave their homes to camp in Hungary.

The president said the Armenian minority in Hungary, which was awarded government support of 2 billion forints between 2011 and 2023, was strengthening and developing, and the community has expanded by 18 percent since 2011.

Trade turnover grew eleven-fold to 29 million dollars over the span of 20 years. Hungary also offers 30 Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships to Armenian youth, she noted, adding that Hungary Helps also aids members of persecuted Christian communities.

Novák pledged its support for Armenia in forging close ties with Europe and advancing visa liberalisation when it takes over the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Meanwhile, asked about Sweden’s NATO accession, Novák said she favoured early ratification and she had asked the Hungarian MPs to vote for it. She said she had spoken yesterday with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson by phone and encouraged him to visit Hungary as soon as possible for talks with herself and the prime minister.

Regarding the political opposition furore over a presidential pardon given to an official connected with a paedophile, the president said that pedophilia was “disgusting and the most serious crime”. There would be no pardon for paedophiles during her presidency, she said, adding that she had led action against child abusers with the introduction of a register of sex offenders. The justification for the presidential pardon could not be made public for legal reasons, she said.

Khachaturyan welcomed “a new era in Armenian-Hungarian relations” when the two countries “have an opportunity to restart ties, which may offer huge opportunities.”

Meanwhile, he said both Russia and Ukraine have large Armenian communities and “they are now fighting each other, which is unacceptable.” The Armenian president thanked Novák for Hungary’s support for ethnic Armenians.

https://dailynewshungary.com/hungarian-pm-calls-for-closer-ties-with-armenia/

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Armenia permanent population grows

17:19, 7 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s permanent population stood at 2,990,900 as of January 1, 2024, which is an increase by 53,4 thousand compared to the same period of 2023, according to official data released by the Statistical Committee.

According to preliminary data, by January 1, 2024, 41,4 thousand people registered in the state population registry (including forcibly displaced persons of NK). Whereas the natural population growth in 2023 comprised 12,000.

Yerevan’s population is 1,104,200 (increase by 15,6 thousand).

The most populated province is Kotayk with 278,000 people, followed by Armavir (259,4 thousand), Ararat (255,8 thousand), Shirak (237,9 thousand), Lori (225,3 thousand), Gegharkunik (213,2 thousand), Aragatsotn (131,5 thousand), Syunik (119,5 thousand), Tavush (117,1 thousand) and Vayots Dzor (49 thousand).

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1129791.html?fbclid=IwAR0VhLSfWt-TG6oaPO5bOzruovmLuLFsSIIjvzjXQNHRl02See9cJ1BMIjU