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Armenpress.am

Armenia sends more humanitarian aid to Turkey through land border

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10:05, 15 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenia sent more humanitarian aid to quake-hit Turkey through the land border, the Armenian foreign ministry spokesperson Vahan Hunanyan tweeted.

“Armenia continues sending humanitarian aid to earthquake-affected regions. Late last night, trucks loaded with the second batch of humanitarian aid crossed the Armenian-Turkish border through the Margara bridge,” Hunanyan tweeted.

Turkey briefly opened its land border with Armenia, which is closed for over 30 years, on February 11 to receive humanitarian aid sent by Armenia following the devastating earthquake. An Armenian search-and-rescue team is also deployed in Adiyaman.

On February 15, the Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will travel to Turkey to meet with Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. FM Mirzoyan is also scheduled to meet the Armenian rescuers.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1104169.html?fbclid=IwAR0YDtJzcu4UioFbKDpnAMArJjpEpB4c0E3WkAtFZaSpJ-PaSTpv32QGEik

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Armenpress.am

Armenian Foreign Minister arrives in Ankara, Turkey

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11:40, 15 February 2023

ANKARA, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan arrived in Ankara, Turkey.

He was welcomed by Ambassador Serdar Kilic, Turkey's special envoy for the normalization of relations with Armenia, ARMENPRESS correspondent reported from the Turkish capital.

During the visit FM Mirzoyan is scheduled to have a meeting with Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu.

FM Mirzoyan’s delegation includes Vice Speaker of Parliament and the Special Representative of Armenia in the negotiations for normalization with Turkey Ruben Rubinyan.

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan will visit Adiyaman in southeastern Turkey where an Armenian search-and-rescue team has been supporting the rescue efforts since February 7.

The death toll in Turkey in the earthquake exceeds 30,000.

Armenia sent humanitarian aid to Turkey on February 11 and February 14.

 

 

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Armenpress.am

Armenian Foreign Minister meets with Turkish counterpart in Ankara

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12:24, 15 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu are holding a meeting in Ankara, ARMENPRESS correspondent reported from the Turkish capital.

The meeting will be followed by an enlarged-format meeting.

The foreign ministers will then deliver press statements.

The Armenian Foreign Minister is then scheduled to visit Adiyaman in southeastern Turkey, where an Armenian search-and-rescue team is assisting in the earthquake response efforts.

 

 

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[MosJan]

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Armenpress.am

Int'l community must not remain indifferent towards any humanitarian crisis happening anywhere - Armenian FM in Turkey

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13:48, 15 February 2023

ANKARA, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan said that Armenia is not unfamiliar with the sorrow which befell upon thousands of families in Turkey as a result of the devastating earthquake, because the Armenian people faced the same tragedy in 1988.

“I once again express condolences to the families of the many thousands of victims of the devastating earthquake, the people and government of Turkey, and I wish swift recovery to all those injured,” the Armenian Foreign Minister said after a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, ARMENPRESS correspondent reports.

“One of the bitterest pages of the history of my nation is the devastating Spitak earthquake of 1988, and today the sorrow which befell upon thousands of families in Turkey is not unfamiliar to us. Such natural disasters and their volumes go beyond the borders of countries, becoming global tragedies. And the world must act with a united front to overcome them. I believe that the international community must not remain indifferent towards any humanitarian crisis happening anywhere around the globe. And it was by this very principle that immediately after the devastating earthquake the government of Armenia made a decision to send rescuers and humanitarian aid to Turkey. I thank Mr. Cavusoglu for his words of appreciation addressed to our rescuers and overall the Armenian presence and support. I am very happy that our rescuers were able to save lives in cooperation with their partners,” the Armenian Foreign Minister said.

FM Mirzoyan said it is very meaningful that the Armenian-Turkish land border, which is closed for over 30 years, was opened on February 11 for the Armenian humanitarian aid. “The same happened yesterday evening and in a few hours another batch of humanitarian aid will reach Adiyaman,” Mirzoyan said.

 

 

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Armenpress.am

Armenia, Turkey agree to restore Ani Bridge, take care of infrastructures “ahead of full opening of border”

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13:56, 15 February 2023

ANKARA, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan reiterated Armenia’s readiness and intention for full normalization of relations and establishment of diplomatic relations and full opening of the border with Turkey.

“Our meeting today is taking place on the occasion of the deadly disaster, but being here in Turkey at this difficult moment, I’d like to once again reiterate Armenia’s readiness and intention to build peace in the region, and particularly to fully normalize relations and establish diplomatic relations with Turkey and fully open the border between Armenia and Turkey. Today we discussed certain details related to this process, we have an agreement to restore the Ani Bridge through joint efforts, and to take care of the respective infrastructures ahead of the full opening of the border,” the Armenian FM said after his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Ankara, ARMENPRESS correspondent reports.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1104190.html?fbclid=IwAR0KnUMOQaRKG5-pcXEqgOfgshinJUus2JywwAz_JUxtcFH69qQxgqk50lI

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Armenpress.am

Today’s cooperation will contribute to normalization processes in South Caucasus – Turkish FM after meeting Mirzoyan

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14:02, 15 February 2023

ANKARA, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said that Armenia extended humanitarian help and showed solidarity and cooperation at the difficult time for Turkey.

“Today we met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan. He’s visited us after the earthquake to show solidarity with Turkey. Immediately after the earthquake, [Armenian] Prime Minister Pashinyan sent a condolence letter to our President and said that he is ready to provide support. Prime Minister Pashinyan also had a telephone conversation with Recep Tayyip Erdogan. After that, Armenia sent a search-and-rescue team to our country, which is working with us in Adiyaman since February 8. They saved a little girl and a young woman from under the rubble,” FM Cavusoglu said, thanking the Armenian side for not leaving Turkey alone at the difficult moment.

Cavusoglu mentioned that Armenia sent 100 tons of humanitarian aid and another batch is on its way.

“Unfortunately Armenia is located in a seismic zone. We all remember the devastating Spitak earthquake of 1988, when Turkey had also sent aid to Armenia. In 1999 Armenia also sent humanitarian aid during the earthquake in our country. And during these difficult days it extended a helping [humanitarian] hand and showed solidarity and cooperation,” FM Cavusoglu said.

The Turkish FM said that during his bilateral meeting with the Armenian FM they discussed the ongoing work around the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“The process of normalizing relations continues in South Caucasus. We believe that the cooperation that happened during these days will contribute to this process. The normalization processes of Armenia with Turkey and Azerbaijan, I believe, will contribute to establishing stability and welfare in our region. With sincere steps our three countries can bring lasting stability to the Caucasian region,” the Turkish FM said.

After the meeting the Armenian FM’s delegation departed for Adiyaman.

 

 

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Armenpress.am

We will never forget Armenia’s support – says Turkey’s special envoy Serdar Kilic

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15:33, 15 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 15, ARMENPRESS. Special Representative of Turkey for normalization of relations with Armenia Serdar Kilic said Armenia’s assistance to Turkey after the earthquake is an important development in this phase.

“Our geography, the area where we are situated is one of the important factors determining our fate. Sometimes that fate is unfortunately formed with such disasters. The support from regional countries is an important factor for mitigating the pain and sorrow. Like other countries in the region, the Armenian people also made effort to stand by the Turkish people at this painful moment, it sent search-and-rescue teams, as well as cargo trucks with humanitarian aid, the most recent two trucks being sent yesterday evening. And the Foreign Minister of Armenia came to Ankara and met with our Foreign Minister to express condolences on behalf of the Armenian people. Of course, these are important developments in this stage. Of course we will not forget this support provided by Armenia. This is a very important event. At the same time, pains bring people together. We are going through important processes,” Kilic said in response to a question by ARMENPRESS correspondent.

 

 

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Asbarez.com

Yerevan Responds to Russia’s Warning on EU Involvement in Armenia

by Asbarez Staff

February 14, 2023

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

EU monitors in Armenia in November, 2022

Yerevan on Tuesday responded to a stern warning to Armenia’s leadership from a close ally of President Vladimir Putin of Russia, who said on Monday that European bodies must not be involved in efforts to settle the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Singling out the European Parliament and the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Russia’s State Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin claimed that they can only fan regional tensions. Armenia and Azerbaijan should stick to their agreements brokered by Russia during and after their 2020 war, he told Azerbaijani parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova during talks held in Moscow.

“And those who make statements in the direction of European institutions may simply lose the country,” warned Volodin.

He said that the European Parliament, the PACE and other Western bodies have never settled any conflict and have caused instead the breakup of Yugoslavia and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“Therefore, while wishing to involve the European Parliament and the PACE, they should think ten times and weigh up how that could end, using the example of Ukraine, Yugoslavia and other countries,” Volodin went on. “Anyone who wants peace, who wants to resolve the situation, must not only stay away from these quasi-parliaments — both the PACE and the European Parliament — but clearly understand that their involvement will aggravate the situation, create more and more problems. And if they do that, they must be held accountable for the consequences.”

Volodin and Gafarova on Monday signed a cooperation agreement, which was hailed by the two as the first such agreement between the legislatures of the two countries.

”Relations between our countries are developing dynamically. I must say a word of gratitude to our presidents, who ensure this dynamics, lay a strong foundation for the development of relations,” Volodin said, adding that the agreement will “usher a new level of cooperation between the State Duma and the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan.”

Volodin’s warning was the latest salvo by official Moscow, which has accused the European Union, and the West in general, of attempting to hijack the peace process in the Caucasus from Russia. The EU has announced that it will deploy a 100-person civilian mission to Armenia’s border with Azerbaijan for a two-year period.

Armenia’s National Security Chief Armen Grigoryan claimed on Tuesday that the West has not imposed anything Armenia, in response to Volodin’s criticism of the EU mission.

“No one can impose anything on us,” Grigoryan told reporters. “In this context, the West hasn’t imposed anything on us. The deployment of that [the EU] mission was Armenia’s decision.”

“In May and November of 2021 an attack against the sovereign territory of Armenia took place, a large-scale attack also took place in September of last year. And given our experience that the existing security guarantees are not working, Armenia invited an EU civilian mission with the purpose of creating some security guarantees,” Grigoryan added.

“Naturally we are regularly speaking with our Russian partners on all existing issues, and we are presenting Armenia’s approaches, explaining why we have taken made these steps,” Grigoryan said.

Both the European Parliament and the PACE discussed at recent plenary sessions Azerbaijan’s continuing blockade of the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia.

The European Union legislature urged Azerbaijan to “immediately reopen” the Lachin corridor in a resolution approved on January 19 and hailed by Armenian officials. The resolution also condemned the “inaction” of Russian peacekeeping forces in Karabakh and called for their “replacement with OSCE international peacekeepers.”

Late last week, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs released a report accusing Russia of conducting “disinformation campaigns” against the West in Armenia. It also demanded the immediate withdrawal of Azerbaijani troops from Armenian territory seized during deadly border clashes last September.

Russian-Armenian relations have soured lately also because of the Azerbaijani road blockade. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly accused Russian peacekeepers of doing little to unblock the vital road. Moscow has rejected the accusations.

https://asbarez.com/yerevan-responds-to-russias-warning-on-eu-involvement-in-armenia/?fbclid=IwAR0lWpPJWEUIPg5_oYrJS1byQVK5kPinmT8HuxXlY6OIbGRMQ-Wu60MBOuQ

[MosJan]

[Yervant1]

Feb 16 2023

Earthquake: rapprochement between Turkey and Armenia?

Armenian disaster relief workers are helping out in the areas hit by the earthquake in Turkey. In addition, the Armenian foreign minister, Ararat Mirzoyan, visited his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu just a few days after the border between the two states, which had been blocked for decades, was opened for an aid convoy. Commentators see a chance to overcome the hostilities between the two countries.

Solidarity and dialogue as medicine

Murat Sabuncu, former editor-in-chief of Cumhuriyet, sees a positive impact on bilateral relations. He writes in T24:

“Today's solidarity is unforgettable, and the solidarity now being shown by Armenia will have an important impact on relations between the two countries. I take a step back and look at the people on both sides who have been brought together by this pain. I think of the events since 1915. And of course of Hrant Dink [the Turkish-Armenian journalist murdered in 2007]. I cannot forget his words: Who will write the prescription, who is our doctor? The Armenians are the doctors of the Turks, the Turks are the doctors of the Armenians. There is no other doctor, no other medicine, no other healer. Dialogue is the only prescription.”

Perhaps peace is possible without Moscow

Foreign policy expert Arkady Dubnov sees a chance to resolve the long-standing conflict. He comments on Facebook:

“[The meeting between the foreign ministers] demonstrates Ankara's and Yerevan's willingness to initiate a dialogue. The opening of the transport corridor after 30 years could be the key to finally ending the Turkish blockade of Armenia. All this is of course only possible in the context of a peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Here too, things are not pointing towards a new war - and let's hope it stays that way. ... Moscow never tires of saying that peace in the South Caucasus can only be achieved with Russia's help and that any mediation by the West would be extremely harmful. But it would be interesting to see if they can sort things out themselves, without our participation.”

https://www.eurotopics.net/en/296685/earthquake-rapprochement-between-turkey-and-armenia

[Yervant1]

Mehr News Agency

Iran - Feb 16 2023

Armenia says sent draft peace agreement to Azerbaijan

TEHRAN, Feb. 16 (MNA) – Armenia has finalized a draft peace agreement with Azerbaijan and sent it to Baku, as well as to the member states of the OSCE Minsk Group, the country’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a government meeting on Thursday.

"Armenia has completed work on a draft agreement on peace and relations with Azerbaijan, and our proposals were handed over to the Azerbaijani side. We also passed them to the countries of the OSCE Minsk Group," he said, TASS reported.

"The document must embody a certain philosophy, a system of checks and balances, which will prevent any scenario where a lasting and stable peace could be violated," Pashinyan noted.

"We hope that we will be able to build on the progress seen in the three rounds of talks. The signing of the document should not turn into a war, but really mean a lasting peace. Once again I stress that I am ready to sign a peace agreement, ready to assume that responsibility," he added.

When touching upon the situation in the Lachin corridor, Pashinyan noted that on Wednesday Azerbaijan opened, and then cut off the gas supply to Nagorno-Karabakh for two hours, adding that by doing so Baku demonstrated its bad intentions towards the local population.

MNA/PR

https://en.mehrnews.com/news/197476/Armenia-says-sent-draft-peace-agreement-to-Azerbaijan

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

PACE co-rapporteurs visit Armenia to get to know Lachin corridor crisis on the ground

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14:19, 17 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Alen Simonyan held a meeting on February 17 with visiting co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Monitoring Committee Kimmo Kiljunen and Boriana Åberg.

Kimmo Kiljunen (Finland, SOC) and Boriana Åberg (Sweden, EPP/CD), co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) for the monitoring of obligations and commitments by Armenia, are visiting the country on a fact-finding trip from 17 to 20 February 2023.

“Speaker Simonyan attached importance to the co-rapporteurs’ visit, the purpose of which is to get to know the situation resulting from the illegal blockade of Lachin corridor,” the Armenian parliament’s press service said in a read-out.

The Speaker highlighted the need of the co-rapporteurs’ planned visit to border provinces, as well as meetings with the Armenians of Artsakh who are now sheltered in Armenia.

The Speaker appreciated the work of the assembly and the co-rapporteurs. “I know that you issued a statement during the very first days of the blockade of Lachin corridor,” Speaker Simonyan added, valuing the Humanitarian Consequences of the Blockade in Lachin Corridor report which is being prepared by the PACE migration committee.

Details on the crisis in Lachin corridor and its consequences were presented during the meeting.

 

 

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Armenpress.am

Armenian rescuers complete their mission in Turkey

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18:06, 17 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 17, ARMENPRESS. On February 16, the Armenian urban search and rescue team completed the search and rescue operations in the city of Adiyaman, Turkey, ARMENPRESS reports, the "Telegram" page of the rescue service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Armenia informed.

It is noted that the Armenian rescuers returned to Armenia on February 17.

"They were met by the Minister of Internal Affairs Vahe Ghazaryan and Director of the Rescue Service Kamo Tsutsulyan at the Armenian-Turkish border near the Margara Bridge. Vahe Ghazaryan thanked the rescuers for the work they did," the message states.

As a result of the 8-day search and rescue operations in the disaster area, the internationally qualified Armenian urban search and rescue team, in cooperation with local support and other international teams, pulled out 3 injured persons and 10 victims from the rubble using various rescue methods, carried out large-scale search operations on the spot.

 

 

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[Yervant1]

Asbarez.com

As Europe Unveils Armenia ‘Action Plan,’ Yerevan Warns of More Azerbaijani Threats

by Asbarez Staff

February 16, 2023

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Council of Europe official Bjørn Berge meets with Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Feb. 16

 

The Council of Europe on Thursday launched its “Action Plan” for Armenia, official Yerevan warned of threats of more imminent attacks by Azerbaijan.

The Council of Europe Deputy Secretary General Bjørn Berge was in Yerevan on Tuesday at an official “Action Plan” presentation, during which Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan warned that the threat for renewed escalation by Azerbaijan remains high.

“We live in a region full of security threats. It’s more than two months that the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh continues as a result of Azerbaijan’s blockade of Lachin corridor,” Mirzoyan said in his speech at the event.

He said that Azerbaijan continues to keep Armenian prisoners of war and civilians captive and the fate of many missing persons and victims of forced disappearances remains unknown.

Sovereign territories of Armenia continue to remain under Azerbaijani occupation as a result of attacks in May and November of 2021 and September of 2022. “And the danger of Azerbaijan instigating a new escalation remains high,” Mirzoyan said.

In his presentation, Berge, the Council of Europe official, explained that the so-called “Action Plan” represented a crucial part of the overall cooperation between the Council and Armenia.

He said that Armenia has been a member of the Council of Europe for more than two decades and has continually made important contributions in the organization, and at the same time benefited from the organization’s expertise and joint cooperation.

Berge added that it has been interesting to follow the evolution of the relationship and new initiatives over the years, including major reforms.

“The Council of Europe has very much appreciated the excellent cooperation with Armenia and the progress made in several areas, at least through the most recent joint action plan which concluded last year. What has been achieved within that framework is substantial and significant,” Berge added, citing Armenia’s new judicial and criminal codes, as well as Yerevan’s anti-corruption strategy and other reforms of key importance.

“The new action plan we are launching today is designed to help Armenia take further steps forward in dealing with them,” Berge added.

The action plan includes new areas of cooperation in the plan, such as freedom of _expression_, also for the media, measures to protect personal data, social and labor rights, environment, good governance, local government reforms, joint fight against cybercrime and other areas.

“Overall it is intended to make life better for the people of this great country, underpinned by the commitment from the Armenian authorities and with the support and cooperation of the Council of Europe. Looking back, much has been achieved in this country in recent times, but together we can achieve yet more. I am very grateful to the Armenian authorities for their firm determination and political commitment , as well as to the EU and all the partners and donors who are providing the financial support required,” Berge said.

https://asbarez.com/as-europe-unveils-armenia-action-plan-yerevan-warns-of-more-azerbaijani-threats/?fbclid=IwAR3BDJVpTbDmjdYhoS4gwVjMPjc3-mBdM6HojE7V0e-CVo2TCjHqae6MGvU

[Yervant1]

Didn't Macron tell Armenia few weeks ago, not to leave Russia's protection because they can't help? Now this!

 

Asbarez.com

France Views Armenia as Buffer to ‘Neo-Colonial Russia’

by Asbarez Staff

February 17, 2023

in Armenia, Artsakh, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

French President Emmanuelle Macron addresses the Munich Security Conference on Feb. 17

President Emmanuel Macron of France, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, said that Armenia can play role in buffering what he called Russia’s “Neo-colonial” aspirations adding that France will continue to stand by Armenia.

In his remarks, coming on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, Macron was clearly attempting to pit Armenia against Russia. The French leader also doubled-down on his criticism of Russia, by saying that his country will support Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, whom Macron believes can curtail Russia’s effort of “spreading instability,” including in the Caucasus.

“In a few days it will be the anniversary of the illegal Russian aggression against Ukraine, and although we cannot make final conclusions, we can summarize this year and share certain perspectives. Naturally, the core of my speech will be the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine, but I must mention that we do not forget the ongoing wars in the Caucasus, the Middle East, Africa, the fight against terrorism, nuclear security and other issues,” said Macron.

“Our task today is to explain, to make it clear that Russia is a force that spreads instability and chaos, which it does not only in Ukraine, but also in the Caucasus, the Middle East, Africa,” added Macron.

“How can we believe that the challenges of the Caucasus can be overcome by the neo-colonial Russia that I described a moment ago? I am saying this in the presence of my friend, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, with whom we will continue to stand and act,” Macron said.

President Emmanuel Macron of France meets with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Munich on Feb. 17

Macron and Pashinyan held an informal meeting on the margins of the Munich Conference, where the two exchanged view on regional security matters, the prime minister’s office said.

Pashinyan also held a similar meeting with President of the European Council Charles Michel, who also held a similar meeting President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

https://asbarez.com/france-views-armenia-as-buffer-to-neo-colonial-russia/?fbclid=IwAR3s_D9DKtL00xX63oNlo-Af9STCqQrHKlbl-uQO46wFvG-QyzgM-SHaeZ8

 

 

[Yervant1]

Feb 17 2023

Why Armenia Is Turning Its Back On Russia
By The Jamestown Foundation - Feb 16, 2023, 4:00 PM CST

• Armenia is finding it increasingly difficult to maintain its relationship with Russia.
  
• In addition to Moscow’s indifference toward Armenia’s dispute with Azerbaijan, Russia’s war in Ukraine has forced Yerevan to pursue other trade options.


• As a result of Russia’s indifference, Armenia has strengthened ties with Turkey and the European Union.

On January 23, the European Union announced it would be sending a civilian mission to Armenia for a two-year term to document tensions on the border with Azerbaijan (Consilium.Europa.eu, January 23; see EDM, February 8). The EU’s recent decision follows earlier attempts by Brussels to establish itself in Armenia and represents a significant upgrade from previous initiatives. Moscow responded angrily, tacitly accusing Yerevan of not pursuing other options, most notably a mission from the Russian-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) (Mid.ru, January 26).

These tensions highlight the increasingly difficult relationship between Armenia and Russia since the end of the Second Karabakh War in 2020, when Azerbaijan won a decisive victory over Armenia in the disputed Karabakh region. Since then, at least in the eyes of Yerevan, Russia’s attitude toward Armenia’s geopolitical predicament has been ambivalent. However, Moscow has opted to maneuver in accordance with its own national interests, one of which has been keeping cordial ties with Azerbaijan, a country that the Kremlin has seen as a more effective regional actor (TASS, November 26, 2021; Report.az, November 17, 2022). Baku has also leveraged its strategically important geographic and economic positions to boost its influence vis-à-vis Moscow. Indeed, Azerbaijan is a critical regional gas producer; a key transit node in the east-west directions connecting Europe, Central Asia and China; as well as a link in the north-south transportation corridor between Russia and Iran.

Given Russia’s pragmatism, Yerevan no longer feels confident in its relationship with Moscow. Crossing a psychologically significant red line, in January 2023, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan claimed that Russian “peacekeeping” forces on Armenian territory not only failed to ensure the security of the country but also represented a threat to Armenia itself (Armenian Weekly, January 11; see EDM, February 8). Following that, Yerevan even called off drills that the CTSO had scheduled to be held on Armenian territory. These decisions were in turn built on Pashinyan’s earlier refusal to sign onto a joint CSTO statement that failed to mention Azerbaijan’s infringement on Armenian territory during the clashes in September 2022 (Panorama.am, November 24).

Thus, though widely considered to be unavoidable before 2020, Armenia’s geopolitical dependence on Russia has now been increasingly contested in Yerevan. The alliance between the two countries was first struck in the 1990s. At the time, the South Caucasus was a different place. Armenia had emerged victorious after the First Karabakh War and Russia, though weak, still held enough prestige to maintain its power.

Following 2020, however, Armenia’s geopolitical situation deteriorated, and Moscow seemed unable or unwilling to help. As a result, Yerevan has been attempting to diversify its international relations through improved relations with Turkey and more involvement with the EU. Most importantly perhaps, Armenia is building a closer partnership with Iran, an increasingly significant player in a region where Turkish influence is growing and endangering Tehran’s core interests. Iran is also feeling deep discomfort with Azerbaijani and Turkish actions along Baku’s shared border with Tehran, a development which favors Armenia in its efforts to forge stronger ties with the Islamic Republic (see EDM, December 13, 2022).

Another factor contributing to the weakening relationship between Armenia and Russia is Moscow’s waning image due to its protracted war and heavy military miscalculations in Ukraine, lack of resources and declining prestige. These developments have wide-ranging effects, including in the Russian-led regional blocs, such as the CSTO and the Eurasian Economic Union, which have frequently been plagued by internal weaknesses. And that fragility is now becoming all the more apparent as Russia’s global standing continues to decline.

Although Armenia is a member of Russia’s military alliances, Moscow has repeatedly refused to heed Yerevan’s pleas for security assistance. As the Yerevan-supported separatist state in Karabakh is not considered to be Armenian territory, Russia has contended that the CSTO security commitment does not apply there. In September 2022, as Azerbaijan bombarded cities within Armenia proper, far removed from Karabakh, the Kremlin merely sent a fact-finding delegation to the South Caucasus (Azatutyun.am, September 14, 2022). From this, the message was loud and clear: Russia was incapable and unwilling to help Armenia.

Russia’s troubles create a certain geopolitical vacuum in the South Caucasus. For Armenia, it is both a dangerous development and a budding opportunity. As Yerevan seeks to diversify its foreign policy, it is moving, along with other options, toward forging closer ties with the West. For its part, the West has much to gain if it uses this geopolitical opportunity to build influence in the region, and the EU’s January 2023 decision to send a special mission to the region is a good sign in that regard. Another positive sign is Brussels’ active diplomacy within the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process, as Russia has been absent at most of the summits between Yerevan and Baku (see EDM, October 17, 2022). While its waning influence in the region provokes worry in the Kremlin, the Russian authorities can do little more than make angry statements from the sidelines. With this in mind, the region may now be moving into a new era, with the end of the so-called “post-Soviet period” and Russia’s notion of regional hegemony.

Looking ahead, Armenia and Russia are unlikely to return to the previous form of their alliance, in which Yerevan often unhesitatingly followed the Kremlin’s line. Instead, in the future, Russia will have to dedicate more time and resources in persuading Yerevan to follow its lead in foreign policy, whether on Karabakh or any other matter. While less forceful than Azerbaijan, Armenia is testing Russia’s resolve and ability to protect its once enviable position in the South Caucasus amid the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine. However, while Armenia may want to diminish engagement with Russia, it does not want to completely disengage—as a total Russian withdrawal from the South Caucasus would not augur well for Yerevan. Thus, Armenia will be forced to strike a delicate balance between Moscow and its other partners over the coming months.

By the Jamestown Foundation

https://oilprice.com/Geopolitics/International/Why-Armenia-Is-Turning-Its-Back-On-Russia.html

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Azerbaijan, Russian peacekeepers have obligation to keep Lachin corridor operable – PM Pashinyan at MSC2023

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20:59, 18 February 2023

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 18, ARMENPRESS. Chairman of the Munich Security Conference Christoph Heusgen asked Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan to comment on the blockade of Lachin corridor during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference.

“You are right, it is already 70 days that Lachin corridor is blocked and now unfortunately we have humanitarian crisis in Nagorno Karabakh, and an anergy crisis as well because electricity supplies to Nagorno Karabakh have been shut down, and the gas supplies as well have been shut down, and we counted and during last 70 days the gas supplies were cut at least 10 times and it is a problem that should be addressed. And our position is that in the trilateral statement from 9 November 2020 we have very precise provisions connected with Lachin corridor, and according to that statement it is the obligation of Azerbaijan and Russian peacekeepers to keep Lachin corridor operable, but now, unfortunately we have totally different situation and I meant Lachin corridor as well saying that international attention should be kept on this situation, because we are afraid that continuation of this situation can cause unturnable humanitarian consequences for Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh,” PM Nikol Pashinyan said at a panel discussion alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili and the Secretary General of the OSCE Helga Schmid at the Munich Security Conference, moderated by Chairman of the Munich Security Conference Christoph Heusgen.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1104487.html?fbclid=IwAR0abtep343Tws-cheIsHIqMFI_BjMASJrV0bgi-r0BPM57SxqQDZcN1o_w

[Yervant1]

TASS

Russia - feb 19 2023

Blinken reports progress on peace treaty between Baku, Yerevan – State Department

The US Secretary of State pointed out the need for free movement along the Lachin corridor

WASHINGTON, February 19. /TASS/. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday at talks in Munich with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted progress toward a peace agreement between the two countries and also pointed to the need for free movement through the Lachin corridor, State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said in a written statement following the meeting.

"He (Blinken - TASS) took note of the significant progress the two sides have made over the last several months towards a peace agreement and the offer of EU President Charles Michel to host the parties in Brussels. During their discussion, the Secretary underscored the need for free and open commercial and private transit through the Lachin corridor. He also called on the parties to open other transportation routes," the statement said.

Aliyev, Blinken and Pashinyan discussed the draft peace agreement between Baku and Yerevan on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, according to the press service of the Armenian Cabinet of Ministers. The press service pointed out that Pashinyan reiterated the determination of the Armenian side to achieve an agreement that would guarantee long-term peace and stability in the region. For his part, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan proposed to establish checkpoints on the border with Armenia. He added that Baku was studying Yerevan's response proposals on the peace treaty. Aliyev also stressed that Azerbaijan was in favor of delimitation of borders with Armenia based on historical maps.

On December 12, 2022, a group of Azerbaijanis who posed as environmentalists blocked the Lachin Corridor, the only road linking Armenia with Nagorno-Karabakh, where a Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily stationed. Baku stated that the goal of the protest was not to block any road and that civilian vehicles could move freely in both directions.

Yerevan construed this step as a provocation by Baku, which was aimed at creating a humanitarian disaster in the unrecognized republic. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said at a government meeting that the blockade caused food shortages in Nagorno-Karabakh. On December 14, 2022, Armenia appealed to the European Court of Human Rights to oblige Azerbaijan to unblock the Lachin corridor.

https://tass.com/world/1578423

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

to start he has a good point