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

[Yervant1]

BARRON'S

Feb 22 2024

• FROM AFP NEWS

French Defence Minister Travels To Armenia Amid Azerbaijan Tensions

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu was to travel to Armenia on Thursday for a two-day visit as tensions mount with Yerevan's arch-enemy Azerbaijan.

Lecornu's trip, the first by a French defence minister to the small South Caucasus nation, comes after French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concern about a "risk of escalation" between Armenia and Azerbaijan as he received Armenian leader Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday.

Pashinyan has warned that Azerbaijan is preparing for a "full-scale war" with its longtime foe after decades of tensions over the breakaway territory of Nagorno-Karabakh.

"France and Armenia have a historic relationship of friendship, but the defence relationship has not been at the level of the intensity of the bilateral relationship," Lecornu's office said.

In October 2023, France announced the sale of defensive equipment to Armenia, drawing anger from Azerbaijan.

That deal was announced weeks after Baku seized the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh from Armenian separatists.

Lecornu at the time said Armenia would buy three Ground Master 200 (GM200) radar systems from French defence group Thales.

Armenia has also signed a contract to buy night-vision goggles from the French group Safran, and the French army is also set to train Armenian troops this year.

"Armenia is in a position to defend its territory and population, and defence cooperation with France is strictly in line with the objective of helping it to defend itself," the defence ministry said.

Baku, which is backed militarily by Turkey, has slammed what it called France's policy of "militarisation" in the South Caucasus.

France, home to a large Armenian diaspora, has played a mediating role in the decades-long conflict over control of Karabakh, whose recapture by Azerbaijan led to the exodus of some 100,000 Armenians.

Yerevan fears that Azerbaijan, which has been emboldened by its capture of the disputed territory, might now seek to target southern Armenia.

Last week both sides accused the other of opening fire on their volatile border in a skirmish that Armenia said left four of its soldiers dead.

https://www.barrons.com/news/french-defence-minister-travels-to-armenia-amid-azerbaijan-tensions-a9159ee9

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Armenia freezes participation in CSTO

10:21, 23 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) is practically frozen, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said.

“The CSTO hasn’t fulfilled its security obligations towards Armenia, particularly in 2021, in 2022, and this couldn’t have gone without consequences. And the consequence is that in practice we have basically frozen our participation in the CSTO,” Pashinyan told France24.

Asked on the Russian military base in Armenia, the Prime Minister clarified that the base is located in Armenia not as part of the CSTO. “That’s an entirely different legal-contractual framework, and we haven’t had the occasion to address that framework.”

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1130942.html?fbclid=IwAR25bK1v8JWAFsHSGvdFZRtyAr6keHxny1a8CnEaqfavl_aBPwhtRgKNdE8

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

France ready to supply short to long-range missiles to Armenia

12:13, 23 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 23, ARMENPRESS. France is ready to supply various range missiles to Armenia in case of necessity, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said at a press conference in Yerevan after talks with his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikyan.

He said that no one can criticize Armenia for developing its military capabilities.

The minister recalled that arms acquisition agreements were signed when Papikyan visited Paris.

The French arms supplies to Armenia have defensive significance and it is important to ensure the protection of the population of Armenia and its borders.

He said that the signed agreements envisage supply of air defense systems to Armenia.

“No one can criticize Armenia for developing the capabilities of its army. Short, medium and long-range missiles will also be part of the development of defense capabilities if Armenia needs it,” he said.

The French minister added that training is an important component for the development of the Armenian Armed Forces. Under another agreement, Armenian military officers will train in France.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1130956.html?fbclid=IwAR2Kp-nKIMWaCoR2WavhKtR0dRr49DzGFzTR7kZlAVYCX7Pv-3bMUR2jOr4

[Yervant1]

Feb 23 2024

Armenia’s choices: complete capitulation to Azerbaijan, or another war and another defeat

• February 23, 2024
  


• BY NIKOLA MIKOVIC

Azerbaijan and Armenia – two neighboring South Caucasus nations that have fought two major wars over the past 35 years – seem to be on the brink of another large-scale conflict that threatens to destabilize the strategically important region. Yerevan fears that Baku may soon attempt to achieve its ambitious geopolitical goals by invading Armenian southern province of Syunik, and creating a land link with its Nakhchivan exclave, as well as with Turkey.

Quite aware that Armenia cannot count on Russia’s help, and that the European Union is unlikely to get involved if border clashes between the two countries escalate, Azerbaijan undoubtedly has capacity to capture significant parts of the landlocked nation of around 2,8 million people. However, it remains unclear if Iran, Yerevan’s alleged strategic partner, would intervene and prevent Azerbaijan and its ally Turkey from semi-encircling the Islamic Republic?

For both, Yerevan and Baku, as well as for Tehran, Armenia’s Syunik province has a strategic importance. It is the only Armenian region with a land border with Iran. At the same time, it separates mainland Azerbaijan and its exclave of Nakhchivan. As such, it remains extremely vulnerable to a potential Azerbaijani attack, especially given Armenia’s weak position in the global arena, and the fact that it recently lost the Second Karabakh War.

In 2020, the two nations fought the war over Nagorno-Karabakh – a mountainous region, internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, although it has been under Armenian control for around three decades. As a result of the conflict, the energy-rich South Caucasus country managed to restore its sovereignty over significant parts of Karabakh. In September 2023, following low-scale clashes between local Armenian forces and Azerbaijani military, Baku recaptured the remaining portions of the region.

Now that the Nagorno-Karabakh issue has been resolved in Azerbaijan’s favor, Baku seeks to achieve another strategic goal. Ever since the two sides signed a ceasefire agreement in Moscow in November 2020, Azerbaijan has been pressuring Armenia to build its section of the Nakhchivan corridor (also known as the Zangezur corridor) that should pass through Syunik. Baku, as the clear war winner, insists that the route should have no customs or border control, which means that Armenia would effectively lose not only its sovereignty in the area, but also the access to the border with Iran.

Indeed, this tiny piece of land represents a critical hot spot. According to reports, on February 12, Armenian forces attacked Azerbaijani positions on the border between the two countries. The Ministry of Defense of Armenia has promptly initiated an investigation into reported ceasefire, pointing out that “if this fact is confirmed, those responsible for violating the border will be held accountable”. Azerbaijan, for its part, did not wait for any Armenian investigation, but immediately responded. As a result, four Armenian soldiers were killed and one injured in clashes with Azerbaijani troops near the border village of Nerkin Hand in the southern Syunik region.

Three days later, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of planning a “full-scale war” against his country. Baku, on the other hand, denies that it has any territorial claims to Armenia, although in January 2023 – four months after Azerbaijan successfully restored its sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh – the Caspian nation’s President Ilham Aliyev said that Yerevan is “an ancient Azeri city”.

Such rhetoric, however, does not necessarily mean that Baku plans to capture the Armenian capital, or to fight another war against its archenemy. The fact that, on February 19, Pashinyan and Aliyev agreed to resume normalization talks after months of delays, indicates that Azerbaijan will seek to achieve its geopolitical goals peacefully.

Yerevan will, therefore, be under pressure to build its section of the Zangezur corridor, and allow Baku to have full control over the road. Given that Russia has a history of ignoring Armenia’s calls for help, and that the West does not seem particularly interested in protecting the landlocked country’s territorial integrity, Pashinyan will likely attempt to find a relatively painless way to de facto capitulate to Azerbaijan.

The only country that seems to genuinely care about Armenia’s sovereignty (not because of Armenia itself, but because of its own geopolitical interests) over the Syunik province is Iran. The authorities in Tehran have repeatedly stated that the creation of a land corridor through Armenia to Nakhchivan is the Islamic Republic’s “red line”. Still, given Iran’s rather limited and calculated actions in the international arena, it remains highly uncertain if it will be ready to fight a war against Turkey-backed Azerbaijan in order to protect Armenia.

Moreover, Pashinyan aims to develop close ties with the European Union and the United States, while Brussels and Washington are unlikely to want to see a strong Iranian influence in Armenia. As a result, Yerevan’s position remains very difficult, and Pashinyan likely seeks to fulfil Azerbaijani demands in such a way that would allow him to save face and preserve his post.

Thus, Azerbaijan is in a win-win situation in the region. If Yerevan agrees to allow Baku to have a corridor to Nakhchivan and Turkey, the two nations may continue normalizing relations. Under Azerbaijani terms, though. If Armenia, however, keeps obstructing the realization of the Zangezur corridor, Azerbaijan may eventually use the force, aiming to achieve its geostrategic goals in the South Caucasus.

The ball is in Yerevan’s court, and it has two options that seem to be equally bad – a de facto capitulation, or another war that Armenia will almost certainly lose.

https://globalcomment.com/armenias-choices-complete-capitulation-to-azerbaijan-or-another-war-and-another-defeat/

[Yervant1]

 

Feb 24 2024

 

France Arms Armenia With Cutting-Edge Air Defense Radars & Missiles; Fills Russian Void In The Country

By

Sakshi Tiwari

-

February 24, 2024

 

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The French have stepped in to take the position that Russia once held in Armenia. With its recent delivery of military equipment, France has strengthened its ties with Armenia – a move that comes on the back of a “large-scale conflict” that went in Azerbaijan’s favor.

The French Defense Minister, Sébastien Lecornu, traveled to Yerevan on February 22 in light of reports that Armenia is finally set to take delivery of the military equipment that was promised by France last year.

In October 2023, a deal was reportedly signed by the Armenian Defense Ministry and the French defense group Thales for the purchase of three cutting-edge GM-200 radar systems. The ceremony was attended by Lecornu and his Armenian counterpart Suren Papikian.

At that time, Sebastien Lecornu announced that France had decided to assist Armenia in strengthening its air defense capabilities by selling three radars and reaching an agreement to supply Mistral anti-air missiles in the future.

A “letter of intent” on the prospective transfer of French short-range surface-to-air missiles to Armenia was signed by the two ministers in October.

Later, it was revealed that France would also arm Armenia with 50 armored personnel carriers to bolster its ground forces. The carriers would provide Armenian armed forces with high-level protection and multi-mission capabilities.

By December, the first 24 Bastion carriers ostensibly headed for Armenia were seen in the port of Poti, Georgia. Neither side has confirmed the Bastion delivery so far.

ACMAT Bastion – Wikipedia

According to reports in local French media, the three GM-200 radars and French night-vision equipment pledged by the French Macron administration were scheduled to be shipped to Armenia on February 22. The Armenian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has refused to comment on these reports.

The delivery of GM200 radars would be significant as they can simultaneously identify and track warplanes, drones, and even rockets within a 250-kilometer radius, making them a valuable tool for air defense troops.

With the lingering threat of Azerbaijan’s deadly drone attacks, the deployment of these radars would bolster Yerevan’s defense. France, incidentally, sent Ukraine two of these systems a year ago, where they have proved their combat efficacy.

Lecornu emphasized on February 21 that French arms deliveries to Armenia were “purely defensive while making an obvious allusion to the possibility of an attack by Azerbaijanis on Armenia when he told the French channel RTL that the nation was facing “major security challenges.”

Lecornu and Papikian are expected to meet on February 23. The head of the defense and security committee of the Armenian parliament, Andranik Kocharian, did not rule out the possibility that other agreements between France and Armenia would be inked as a consequence of their discussions. Kocharian told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service, “Armenia seeks to acquire weapons of very high quality from multiple sources.”

Though the decision to diversify defense imports was triggered by Russia’s failure to provide the country with ordered weapons worth around US $400 million, it is now also influenced by Armenia’s obvious decoupling from Russia and the Russian-led Central Security Treaty Organization (CTSO) security bloc.

 

France Rushes to Fill The Russian

Armenia has reportedly withdrawn from the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told France 24 in an interview.

“In our opinion, the agreement on collective security about Armenia was not implemented, especially in 2021-2022, and this cannot go unnoticed. We are freezing our participation in this agreement. Let’s see what happens next,” he said.

Armenia has charged Moscow and the CSTO with breach of duty on several occasions. Armen Grigoryan, the secretary of the Armenian Security Council, stated in January that the republic “has no expectations” from the Collective Security Treaty Organization because it did not receive sufficient support in September 2022, the period of “large-scale conflict.”

The prime minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, declined to attend the CSTO meeting on November 23 in Minsk.

The six states that make up the CSTO are Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. Regarding Armenia’s potential membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organization, Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow would communicate with its friends in Armenia as well as CSTO.

Over the past year, Armenia has nearly doubled its defense acquisitions. The amount spent has increased to $1.5 billion from roughly $700 million to $800 million in 2022.

France and Armenia have traditionally shared strong diplomatic ties, as the former is home to a large Armenian diaspora. France has backed Armenia politically thus far. However, there has been a shift in its policy as Yerevan seeks to diversify its imports, and Paris is looking to expand its military exports to partners.

Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher – Wikipedia

Armenia has also inked several defense contracts worth at least $400 million with India since September 2022. A deal was made between Armenia and India to purchase PINAKA multi-barrel rocket launchers (MBRL), anti-tank munitions, and ammunition worth US $250 million.

As previously reported by EurAsian Times, Armenia also contracted to buy India-developed Zen Anti-Drone System (ZADS), which is a Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS).

The acquisition of these sophisticated arms from France and India comes on the back of a protracted conflict with Azerbaijan. France’s show of support and pledge of arms sale was preceded by Azerbaijan declaring victory after a swiftly executed military offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, the main bone of contention and a “frozen conflict” between the two bitter rivals.

Armenia’s main source of weaponry and ammunition has historically been Russia. But Yerevan has been showing interest in looking for new armament suppliers as the relationship with Russia deteriorates and it becomes more involved in the protracted conflict with Ukraine. France is effectively filling the void left by Russia.

In the latest battle between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the two Caucasian neighbors, which broke out on September 19, Azerbaijan declared victory over the breakaway province of Nagorno-Karabakh a day after going on the offensive. Although peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia are being discussed, the latter is not ready to let its guard down yet.

https://www.eurasiantimes.com/france-arms-armenia-with-cutting-edge-air-defens/

[Yervant1]

The European Conservative

Feb 25 2024

Saving Armenia: A Personal Encounter

Despite all the pious talk about helping Ukraine, it seems that the asset-poor but culturally rich Christian nation of Armenia must fend for itself.

• Fr. Benedict Kiely
• — February 25, 2024

Eating a meal of fresh fish, drinking local wine and apricot brandy, and looking across Lake Sevan after attempting and failing to climb a high staircase up a mountainside to reach an ancient church was one of the happiest moments of my first and only visit so far to Armenia in 2019.

Fascinated by the world’s first Christian nation (AD 301) since my teens, the music, culture, food, and, of course, the religion were what captivated me. It was also the peculiar and centuries-long suffering of the people, culminating in the world’s first declared genocide against the Armenian, Assyrian, and Greek Orthodox populations, perpetrated by Turkey between 1915 and 1917.

With a diaspora in almost every country in the world, this little Christian nation has, somewhat like the Jews, been destined to experience the pain of exile, persecution, and being at the mercy of greater powers and global forces, almost since its conversion to Christianity.

Yet, like the plaintive sound of the Duduk, the uniquely Armenian wind instrument said to express the sadness of the Armenian soul, both the idea and the reality of the Armenian spirit and the nation have survived.

Christianity is the very lifeblood of the Armenian people, even if religious practice is often not what it should be. Attending the Divine Mysteries in the holy city of Etchmiadzin and receiving the blessing of the Catholicos gave a sense of the unbroken connection between the conversion of King Tiridates III in 301 and the life of the nation today. Strolling through the huge market in Yerevan, it is possible to buy beautifully painted reproductions of early Armenian miniatures, along with many other objects of folk art not made in China, as in so many markets in other countries.

Yet, almost from the beginning, this strong culture has been both surrounded by enemies and subject to continued attempts to wipe its existence from the earth. Last year, in what has been called by experts another attempt at genocide, more than 120,000 ethnic Armenians were driven from the enclave of Artsakh, or Nagorno-Karabakh, in present-day Azerbaijan, a Turkic state with a very limited history. This ethnic cleansing, condemned in words by the forces of globalism but with no actual ramifications, appears to have strengthened the claims of the Azerbaijani dictator, Ilham Aliyev, for control of all of Armenia. Aliyev, re-elected for the fifth time in February with more than 92% of the vote, a feat only rivalled by the remarkable ‘democracy’ of North Korea, ran a snap election after the brutal expulsion of the citizens of Artsakh.

Now, following years of propaganda and bellicose grandstanding, it appears that Azerbaijan is poised to invade the nation-state of Armenia itself. In 2012, Aliyev stated that “Armenia as a country is of no value.” Indeed, it is the contention of the Turkic statelet of Azerbaijan that Armenia does not exist; it is just part of a greater Azerbaijan, or rather, a greater Turkey. Aliyev has even said that Yerevan, the capital of Armenia, is Azerbaijani territory.

It would be expected that such aggressive posturing, potential war, slaughter, and the massive refugee problem that would ensue should be at the centre of attention for the major powers, but there are several factors which mitigate against this being a priority.

Azerbaijan is rich in oil and gas, supplying much-needed European demand. Aliyev has bought the favour of many in the international community. Tragically, Azerbaijan supplies more than 40% of Israel’s oil, and Israel sells arms on a large scale to Azerbaijan, which is a scandal that must be halted.

It seems that, for all the pious talk about Russian aggression in Ukraine, the asset-poor but culturally rich Christian nation of Armenia must fend for itself. Where is the challenge to Turkey, a NATO member, for its encouragement of Azerbaijani goals, which are really Turkish goals?

Perhaps it is time to call the bluff of those who speak ponderously about international law, human rights, and religious freedom, but only when those mighty ideals meld conveniently with the strategic and economic interests of the global community.

Yet, if any government wishes to still, in some fashion, assume a vestige of moral integrity and justice, defending Armenia, and saving this nation from potential annihilation, it will not need the much derided ‘boots on the ground’ scenario. No U.S. or European troops need to die in Armenia; there is what might be called the ‘T & A’ solution. Trade and aid, not the colloquial use of the term, is the way to deter Aliyev and Turkey. Denmark recently decided to send all its artillery to Ukraine. That is admirable, some might say, highly dangerous and idealistic would be the view of others. Is it possible that one country that trades heavily with Azerbaijan, or Turkey, will decide to cut all economic cooperation until Armenia’s safety and territorial integrity are assured?

According to myth—remembering Tolkien’s view that myths express truth—the father of Armenian Christianity, St. Gregory the Illuminator, was thrown into a deep pit for nearly fifteen years by King Tiridates III for the crime of being the son of the murderer of Tiridates’ father. Tiridates appeared to go mad, being turned into a wild boar and being possessed by the devil. In a vision, the sisters of Tiridates were told by an angel that only the prayers of Gregory could save their brother. Long-thought dead, Gregory was miraculously drawn from the pit, healed Tiridates, baptised him, and Armenia began its beautiful journey as the world’s first officially Christian nation.

All those who care about national culture, Christian fellowship, and the preservation of the nation-state must raise their voices to save Armenia from the deep pit it faces and, with St. Gregory the Illuminator, confront the wild boar and tame him.

Fr. Benedict Kiely is the founder of Nasarean.org, a charity helping persecuted Christians.

 

https://europeanconservative.com/articles/essay/saving-armenia-a-personal-encounter/

[Yervant1]

BARRON'S

Feb 26 2024

• FROM AFP NEWS

Armenia, Azerbaijan To Hold Peace Talks In Germany From Wednesday

Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers are set to hold peace talks in Berlin this week, both ministries said Monday, in a bid to resolve a decades-long conflict between the Caucasus countries.

The two states have struggled for the control of Azerbaijan's breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region, which Baku recaptured in September from Armenian separatists who had controlled it for decades.

"A meeting of the delegations of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will take place on February 28-29 in Berlin," Armenian foreign ministry spokeswoman Ani Badalyan said Monday on social media.

The meeting was planned "in line with the agreement reached at the Munich trilateral talks" during which Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had spoken.

Their meeting had been mediated by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov confirmed he would be meeting Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan "over the coming days."

Tensions between the two countries have remained high since Baku re-captured Karabakh during a one-day offensive in September.

The operation triggered the exodus of most of the enclave's entire ethnic-Armenian population -– more than 100,000 people –- flee to Armenia.

Yerevan is concerned that Azerbaijan, emboldened by its success in Karabakh, could invade Armenian territory in order to create a land bridge to its Nakhichevan enclave.

Pashinyan and Aliyev previously said a peace agreement could have been signed by the end of last year, but internationally mediated peace talks have failed to yield a breakthrough.

mkh-im/brw/giv

https://www.barrons.com/news/armenia-azerbaijan-to-hold-peace-talks-in-germany-from-wednesday-yerevan-4bc2669e

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Armenian FM to participate in Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey

19:59, 26 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 26, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan will head for Antalya, Turkey on a working visit on March 1 to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, the foreign ministry said.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1131164.html?fbclid=IwAR1VFrBBW7HQQwg9daatSvhARkQymqoW_dvjQEaDLrfn-FIyOM3jVca-LiA

[Yervant1]

POLITICO

Feb 27 2024

Calls grow in Armenia for Russians to relinquish control of borders

Relations between Yerevan and Moscow continue to deteriorate.

FEBRUARY 27, 2024 1:17 PM CET

BY DENIS LEVEN

A senior Armenian official wants Russian border guards to leave the Zvartnots Airport near Yerevan as it has been “proven several times they do not protect” the national border.

“What did they do when they [the Azerbaijanis] came to Nagorno-Karabakh? Did they escort the Armenian people out? Did they protect them?” said Armenia’s parliament speaker Alen Simonyan on Tuesday, about Baku’s lightning offensive to capture the breakaway region last September.

No official decision has been announced yet on kicking the Russians out.

It comes as relations between Yerevan and Moscow deteriorate, with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan last week announcing the country was suspending its membership of the Russia-led military alliance of former Soviet countries, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).

Russia’s border guard service forms a part of the FSB’s (one of the KGB successors) structures. They are present in Zvartnots through the Russia-Armenia agreement of 1992, which does not specify the roles of Russian border guards but says they can use airports for transportation needs.

Armenian NGOs have reported that Russia’s FSB has violated the agreement by conducting a kidnapping and leaking data.

Denis Leven is hosted at POLITICO under the EU-funded EU4FreeMedia residency program.

https://www.politico.eu/article/calls-grow-armenia-russians-relinquish-control-borders-2/

[Yervant1]

Feb 27 2024

Armenia's Speaker Dismisses Snap Elections, Emphasizes Stability and Peace

Explore Alen Simonyan's resolute stand against snap elections in Armenia, emphasizing the importance of peace, stability, and long-term governance goals over immediate political changes.

Momen Zellmi

In a world where political landscapes can shift with the wind, Armenia presents a case of steadfast commitment to its current trajectory, as articulated by Alen Simonyan, the Speaker of the National Assembly. Amidst swirling rumors and calls for extraordinary parliamentary elections, Simonyan's declaration marks a significant moment for Armenia, underlining a dedication to responsibility and a vision for peace in the region.

The Stance on Snap Elections

Addressing the nation's concerns and the political rumblings for change, Simonyan unequivocally deemed the notion of snap elections as 'unacceptable'. This stance is not just a refusal but a principled stand, highlighting a broader perspective on governance and duty. "The elections would amount to a runaway from responsibility," he remarked, echoing a sentiment that suggests a deeper belief in the sanctity of the electoral choice made by the Armenian populace. The citizens of Armenia, according to Simonyan, have spoken, and their voice, as expressed in the previous elections, carries a mandate that the current administration feels bound to respect and fulfill.

Commitment to Peace and Stability

At the heart of Simonyan's message is a commitment to peace in Armenia and its surrounding regions—a mission he describes as paramount and preceding any electoral considerations. This pledge is not merely rhetorical but is framed as an active and ongoing endeavor, setting a timeline where elections would rightfully follow the achievement of peace and stability. By prioritizing these goals, the speaker projects a future where the political process is not a tool for momentary gain but a mechanism for ensuring long-term prosperity and security for the Armenian people. This vision includes a scenario where both the ruling party and the opposition can present their platforms in an environment conducive to free and fair elections, thereby reinforcing the democratic foundations of the nation.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Armenia

The statement from the Speaker of the National Assembly is a bold declaration of intent, signaling a period of political stability and focus on peacebuilding efforts. While some factions within Armenia may view the refusal to entertain the idea of snap elections as a missed opportunity for immediate political recalibration, Simonyan's perspective invites a broader reflection on the responsibilities of governance and the strategic priorities that can guide a nation towards a more peaceful and stable future. In essence, the path forward, as outlined by Simonyan, suggests a period of consolidation, where the imperative of peace overshadows the clamor for political reconfiguration. By charting a course that culminates in an electoral process grounded in the achievement of substantive national goals, Armenia sets a precedent for a governance model that values long-term objectives over short-term political expediencies.

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/armenias-speaker-dismisses-snap-elections-emphasizes-stability-and-peace

[Yervant1]

Lebanon - Feb 27 2024

Decades of conflict: The complex history of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations

Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Nadine Sassine

One hundred and twenty years of wars and conflicts between the two neighboring countries, Armenia and Azerbaijan, the essence of which is an ethnic-sectarian conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, or Artsakh according to the Armenian name, as well as border disputes.

Two major wars between the two countries during the last four decades, in the years 1992 and 2022, in addition to the small wars, caused about forty thousand deaths and displaced over a million people from both sides.

More than once, negotiations took place between the two parties to resolve the dispute, but they did not succeed, without forgetting how complex the conflict was, as Armenia was receiving support from Iran while Turkey and Israel stood alongside Azerbaijan.

After Russia had emphasized its commitment to protecting regional stability and ensuring Armenia's sovereignty, in the past two years, its commercial interests prevailed and it became closer to Azerbaijan.

As for the United States, it stands to some extent in the middle despite its criticism of Baku, even if it is interested in not expanding Moscow's influence.

Last September, the Armenians of Artsakh decided to stop fighting and withdraw from the region following an Azerbaijani attack. They felt that most of the world had abandoned them and even those closest to them, so the region came under Azerbaijani control. A large portion of its population left, while a minority remained reassured by Azerbaijan’s announcement that it seeks the peaceful reintegration of the region.

Attempts were made between Baku and Yerevan to reach a comprehensive peace agreement, but obstacles emerged, as Azerbaijan refused in mid-November to participate in talks with Armenia in Washington because of what it considered the latter’s biased position.

The picture has changed in the past weeks, as Germany is hosting the delegations of the two countries on Wednesday and Thursday after a meeting that brought together ten days ago in Munich, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in which they agreed to continue negotiations between their countries.

As for why Germany was chosen, because Azerbaijan objects to Paris hosting any meeting, considering it a party to its clear support for Armenia, Germany was chosen for its active role in the European Union.

The negotiations aim to avoid more problems, resolve border disputes, and enhance stability, amid the continuing atmosphere of caution between the two countries and the fear of a return to the language of war.

But will the regional role be influential and supportive of such a rapprochement, or will interests play a role?

https://www.lbcgroup.tv/news/news-bulletin-reports/756973/decades-of-conflict-the-complex-history-of-armenia-azerbaijan-relation/en

[Yervant1]

Clearly EU is telling Armenia, you are on your own. Our interests outweigh everything that Armenia could offer!

 

Armenpress.am

The threat of force is not the way to move forward and it will carry consequences: Stano reacts to Azerbaijani shooting

12:22, 27 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 27, ARMENPRESS. The European Commission’s lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy Peter Stano has said that the European Union supports a sustainable and lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, so the efforts towards the normalization of relations between the two countries need to continue faster․

In an interview with Armenpress Brussels correspondent, Peter Stano also spoke about the potential EU response to the Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia, imposing sanctions on Baku, the EU mission in Armenia, etc.

Armenpress: Recently, Azerbaijani troops, deployed on the sovereign territory of Armenia launched another unprovoked attack against Armenia, killing 4 soldiers and bragging about it. The EU High representative warned about severe consequences for Azerbaijan if it continues aggressive actions. What will be your actions now?

Stano: We are of course, condemning every loss of life wherever it happens under whatever circumstances this happens. But this repeated, unfortunately repeated incident only underlined yet again the need for, of course, distancing the forces and putting much more efforts into measures and activities that prevent such incidents from occurring because they don't bring anything positive. They are just contributing to the atmosphere of tension, distrust and adding one more tragedy upon another tragedy. So, this illustrates really the urgent need for the distancing of the forces - this is something the EU has been advocating for a very long time. We are supporting a sustainable and lasting peace, so the efforts in terms of normalization between Armenia and Azerbaijan need to continue faster and this reminds us how important it is to continue this process because without the normalization there is a risk that such incidents will be repeated again and again and again. And as I said, this only worsens the overall atmosphere. So, it's really important to show restraint on the one hand, and distance the forces on the other hand, and then continuing the overall political efforts to advance the normalization talks.

Armenpress: What will be the concrete actions of the EU? Because the Azerbaijani forces, by the way, opened fire from the occupied positions in the sovereign territory of Armenia. You always underline diplomacy, talks etc., but these are not tools that will stop Aliyev and the incidents continue as you said. So, I repeat my first question, what kind of actions will the EU take, because the sovereign territory of Armenia is in danger?

Stano: First of all, the EU is not an actor, is not an involved party in this problem. This is in essence a bilateral problem and a problem of course of international law and the respect for international law. We always say that territorial integrity and sovereignty of countries need to be respected, and whenever there are disputes about that, they need to be solved around the negotiating table. So, we, as a third party and not direct party participant or direct side involved in this issue, we can only work with partners and encourage them to follow exactly these steps. That means solving all open issues around the negotiating table and that's why we got involved in the support of the normalization process with President [of the European Council Charles] Michel, with our Special Representative Toivo Klaar, who is conducting a lot of activities and supporting the efforts of President Michel and High Representative [of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep] Borrell, so that we really encourage both sides to continue this process, solve together and solve all the issues, not through shooting, but through discussing at the negotiating table.

Armenpress: During the joint press conference Mr. Borrell announced that the EU-Armenia relations are at the highest level. If the relations are at the highest level, as the High Representative states, then why does the EU not take practical steps to hold Azerbaijan responsible? In particular, we are talking about sanctions.

Stano: High Representative Borrell really said that relations between EU and Armenia are at their best point, at the highest level currently, and we are determined to continue working on deepening and strengthening them. That's why we agreed two weeks ago in Brussels to launch work on the new partnership agreement or new partnership agenda with Armenia to explore the whole potential of our cooperation even more than what we are doing for Armenia already now. There is a very multifaceted support to Armenia with practical issues on the side of economy, social development through the economic investment plan, through humanitarian assistance, for example, for people who had to flee from Nagorno Karabakh, we are working on strengthening the resilience of Armenia, the resilience of its economy, through the EIP, the Economic Investment Plan, but also through other means, and we already said last year that we are going also to explore the possibilities to strengthen the defence capabilities of Armenia, of course through non-lethal means and non-lethal instruments. But this is something that is on the table. We are also including or we will be including the area of security and defence into our discussions and cooperation in this new partnership agenda, so there are practical steps in order to help Armenia to be stronger, to be more resilient to whatever problems there are in terms of threats to its safety and at the same time we will continue to engage also with Azerbaijan, trying to convey very strongly the message that unilateral actions like threat of force, threat of using force and violations of international law are not the way to move forward because it will carry consequences, but again, we are at a stage of our relations with Azerbaijan, that instead of threats, we still prefer engagement. But if the situation continues to develop in a negative direction, then the Member States will need to see and decide or review the situation and see what other tools we could use. But for us right now, because we are a political community that believes in peaceful resolution of problems, for us right now, the best means to solve the issue also between Armenia and Azerbaijan is to continue engaging with both sides, of course.

Armenpress: What is the must have condition to apply sanctions against Azerbaijan? What is the red line of the EU and when will you say enough is enough?

Stano: I should maybe clarify one thing very, very clearly. The EU sanctions in general, they are not a magic solution to all the problems. Sanctions are always used in connection with other tools we are using, so they are not the instrument. They are one of the instruments. We are using and usually we start using sanctions when all the other instruments have failed to bring the desired objectives.

Armenpress: Sorry to interrupt, but don’t you think that sanctions could help to stop Aliyev and he will think twice before attacking Armenia?

Stano: Well, we still believe that no one will attack Armenia, that all the threats or all the challenges Armenia is perceiving right now will be removed exactly in the process of engagement. But the European Union was also very clear, should there be any kind of violation of Armenian territorial integrity and sovereignty, then we would react, but again, we cannot really focus only on sanctions as the only magic wand that solves everything, including using them as a potential. Because if you look at the history or track record of the European Union in using sanctions, then it's usually the last resort that we are making use of when it comes to the current issue or when it comes to sanctions in general. One cannot forget the principle of adopting sanctions, this is an instrument in the hands of the Member States who first need to sit together and decide - yes, we are going to use it and this decision needs to be made by unanimity of all 27. So, unless you have all 27 Member States on board, you cannot talk about the sanctions. But again, this is not a magic solution. It's a supporting measure in combination with other instruments the European Union has always preference for to use them to solve the issues and remove threats or challenges.

Armenpress: The EU has expanded its civilian monitoring mission in Armenia and at the same time the Azerbaijani MFA invited the EU ambassador to the Ministry and expressed concern that the EU observation mission in Armenia is allegedly busy spreading anti-Azerbaijani propaganda instead of building trust. What is your reaction to this position?

Stano: The European Union decided to launch its mission in Armenia based on the request from Armenia, and we deployed this mission on the territory of Armenia, so this mission is something between the EU and Armenia and the baseless allegations and continued baseless, unjustified criticism directed towards our mission from Azerbaijan is really, I mean it's first of all, it's totally baseless and it's really regrettable. One part or one of the ambitions of the mission was also to engage with Azerbaijan in confidence building measures, and this offer stands. So, we are repeating on every occasion the offer to Azerbaijan to engage with our mission because it will bring only benefits. This is a civilian unarmed mission that is deployed on the sovereign Armenian territory with the task to observe what is going on and to report and to reassure Armenians that, I mean there is a EU partner that is watching over their safety and security. This is not a mission directed against anyone. The mission intends to enhance stability and hopefully also eventually contribute to confidence building, so our offer to engage with Azerbaijan stands, but at the same time very decisively we are rejecting all the baseless allegations and criticism against this mission.

Armenpress: European Council president Charles Michel’s congratulations to Aliyev and the EEAS’s statement concerning the elections in Azerbaijan isn’t a good example of European common policy. Some experts outline differences between these two approaches? What is your explanation?

Stano: The European Union has one policy, speaks with one voice. What you just described are two different aspects or perspectives of one issue. It is a habit for the European Union to congratulate the people who are being elected or reelected to their positions, either at the level of Prime Minister or the head of State, so it's done at the appropriate level. So, Charles Michel, when the President of the European Council speaks to his partners, he speaks to the President and Prime Minister. So, the President had the feeling that he needs to congratulate President Aliyev for being reelected, he did so. It does not prevent us to listen to the concerns raised by the EU observation mission on the ground, which underlined irregularities in the election process. If you read the assessment very carefully, the report is not questioning the legitimacy of the elections or the election of Mr. Aliev, the mission is pointing out to all the irregularities and problems and making recommendations for the future so that in the future, upcoming elections are then conducted with much better adherence to international standards. So, these are two phases of the same issue, but taken from different perspectives. Our role as the diplomatic service of the European Union is to focus on these processes, to focus on what needs to be improved. We are discussing this with Azerbaijan. We have an ongoing dialogue, in a few weeks’ time we will have a political meeting at the highest level within the framework of cooperation. So, we are raising these issues. We are discussing these issues. I think the final report from the elections, it's still not out. It was a preliminary report and the final report is usually published after a few weeks or few months and then we will be of course taking this conclusion very, very seriously and we will be engaging with Azerbaijan to make sure that we expect them to fulfill all the recommendations.

Armenpress: EU Ambassador to Armenia Vasilis Maragos announced that Josep Borel is planning to visit Armenia. Are there specific dates of the visit and what is the purpose of the visit?

Stano: The High Representative, of course, is keen and committed to visiting all our partner countries, especially those partners who show the interest to deepen and strengthen their cooperation with the European Union. On the other hand, the High Representative is in charge of EU’s foreign and security policy and these policies are facing huge challenges nowadays, which require him to be in many places at many events almost at the same time. So, of course it always comes down to the agenda. We are working on a possible date. We have nothing to announce at this stage, but we hope that it will be possible that he visits Armenia very soon, exactly to bring the messages of European commitment and the willingness to broaden and deepen the cooperation with Armenia.

Lilit Gasparyan

 

 

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[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Mirzoyan-Bayramov meeting commences in Berlin

13:31, 28 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 28, ARMENPRESS. The meeting between the delegations led by the Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan and Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov commenced in Berlin, according to Ani Badalyan, Spokesperson of MFA of Armenia.

 

As reported earlier, the meeting of the delegations of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan will take place on February 28-29 in Berlin, in accordance with the agreement reached during the tripartite meeting between Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, held in Munich on February 17, 2024.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1131326.html?fbclid=IwAR3Z355kVAtfXdzF7Cj4heqH9Xvo-M60Xqt141Y5EVh8EF40tiZzB_btBtY

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Armenia never intended to drag CSTO into military conflict - Pashinyan

20:24, 28 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 28, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has never sought to involve the CSTO in a military conflict. However, the seriousness of the organization is demonstrated if the territorial integrity of a member country is violated and aggression against that country takes place.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated this Wednesday during a question-and-answer session with members of the government in the National Assembly.

"It is very important to note that what we expected from the CSTO was never primarily about military intervention. Let us not mistakenly assume that we attempted to drag the CSTO into a war and thereby place our partners in a difficult situation. At the same time, we acted as provided for in the CSTO documents. First and foremost, we expect a political stance," Pashinyan said.

Pashinyan also emphasized the importance of this in terms of mediation. Armenia is also ready to accept the mediation of the countries that recognize these principles, but is not ready to accept the mediation of those who do not recognize them, because this will cause many problems.

"We never wanted to drag the CSTO into a military conflict. If the territorial integrity of a member country has been violated and aggression has taken place against that country, then the seriousness of that organization can be seen, whether that organization is really dedicated to that principle or not. We didn't say, ''come and solve the problem by military means.' We asked to give a diplomatic and political assessment. We proposed that there should be a thesis that CSTO will use all political and diplomatic mechanisms to solve the problem. There was no agreement on these two points," he said.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1131385.html?fbclid=IwAR2ivPF3QTzgljhh-qjLNmkpKjGgqoBJ92ZxcDQuC31wfvlhHlt_dHP1kq8

[MosJan]

[Yervant1]

March 1 2024

Shake-Up in Armenian Politics: Edmon Marukyan Resigns Amidst Foreign Policy Dispute

Armenia witnesses a significant political shift with Edmon Marukyan's resignation, highlighting deep foreign policy disagreements and the potential for further government changes.

Momen Zellmi

Armenia's political landscape witnessed a significant shift as Edmon Marukyan, the country's Ambassador-at-Large, tendered his resignation, sparking discussions on the underlying foreign policy disagreements with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. This development, coupled with political analyst Suren Surenyants' commentary on the potential resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, underscores a period of turbulence within Armenian diplomacy and governance.

Backdrop of Resignation

Marukyan's departure from his diplomatic post was rooted in fundamental differences over Armenia's foreign policy direction with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, particularly concerning Armenia's stance and negotiations regarding peace agreements with Azerbaijan. These disagreements highlight the tension within the Armenian government's ranks, reflecting the complexities of navigating the country's external relations amidst regional instability. As Marukyan steps down, his focus remains on serving the state and its people, indicating a continued interest in Armenia's diplomatic and political spheres despite his resignation.

Political Repercussions and Speculations

The resignation has not only stirred discussions about Armenia's foreign policy but also led to speculation about further resignations within the government. Suren Surenyants' prediction about Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan's potential resignation adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama. Surenyants' advice for Grigoryan to resign before facing opposition from pro-Western factions within the government illustrates the deep-seated divisions and the complex interplay of international allegiances affecting Armenian politics.

Looking Forward: Implications for Armenia

The resignation of Edmon Marukyan and the looming uncertainty around Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan's position signal a potentially transformative period for Armenia's political landscape. These developments may influence the country's foreign policy approach, particularly in its dealings with both Western countries and Russia. As Armenia navigates these diplomatic waters, the resignations and the reasons behind them underscore the challenges facing the nation in reconciling internal political dynamics with external pressures and opportunities.

The unfolding situation in Armenia serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between domestic politics and foreign policy, as well as the personal convictions and national responsibilities that guide the actions of public officials. As the country grapples with these changes, the international community watches closely, recognizing the broader implications for regional stability and cooperation.

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/shake-up-in-armenian-politics-edmon-marukyan-resigns-amidst-foreign-policy-dispute

[Yervant1]

March 1 2024

Türkiye, Armenia Eye Historic Meeting in Yerevan to Normalize Relations

At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024, Türkiye and Armenia's envoys suggest historic peace talks in Yerevan, marking a potential turning point in regional diplomacy.

Amidst the backdrop of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024, Sardar Kilic, Türkiye's special envoy, proposed a groundbreaking next step for peace in the South Caucasus: a meeting in Yerevan with Armenian counterparts. This suggestion, aiming to further the normalization of relations between Türkiye and Armenia, underscores a significant moment in diplomatic efforts within the region. Ruben Rubinyan, Armenia's representative, indicated openness to the proposal, marking a potential pivot towards reconciliation and cooperation.

Antalya Diplomacy Forum: A Catalyst for Change

The Antalya Diplomacy Forum, a gathering of 4,600 delegates from over 110 countries, has become a pivotal platform for discussing regional stability, peace, and development. Including more than 20 heads of state and representation from over 60 nations at the foreign minister level, the forum's inclusiveness and scope underscore its importance as a diplomatic incubator. The suggestion by Türkiye's envoy to hold talks in Yerevan emerged from discussions at this forum, highlighting its role not just as a meeting ground but as a launchpad for tangible diplomatic initiatives.

Prospects for Peace and Connectivity

During the panel on "Peace, Development, and Connectivity in the South Caucasus", the emphasis was on regional cooperation and the potential for peace between longstanding adversaries. The dialogue reflects a broader regional aspiration for stability and prosperity, mirroring the forum's overarching goals. This initiative by Türkiye and Armenia, facilitated by the environment of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, could signal a new era of diplomatic relations, potentially impacting broader geopolitical dynamics in the South Caucasus.

Implications for Regional Stability

The proposed meeting in Yerevan between Türkiye and Armenia's special representatives not only marks a significant step in bilateral relations but also embodies the potential for altering regional power structures. Enhanced diplomatic relations could lead to increased economic ties, security cooperation, and cultural exchange, laying the groundwork for a more interconnected and peaceful South Caucasus. As these negotiations unfold, the international community watches closely, recognizing the broader implications for peace and development in the region.

The initiative by Türkiye and Armenia to engage in direct talks in Yerevan, fostered by the conducive environment of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, signals a potential shift towards reconciliation and cooperation. This development, reflective of a broader desire for peace and stability in the South Caucasus, could pave the way for a new chapter in regional diplomacy. As both nations explore this pathway, the potential for a transformative impact on the region's geopolitical landscape remains a beacon of hope for all stakeholders involved.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/t%C3%BCrkiye-armenia-eye-historic-meeting-in-yerevan-to-normalize-relations

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

Armenia has never agreed to provide extraterritorial corridor to Azerbaijan -Ruben Rubinyan

17:57, 1 March 2024

YEREVAN, MARCH 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has never agreed to provide extraterritorial corridor to Azerbaijan, the deputy speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Ruben Rubinyan said on Friday at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.

"Armenia's position is that the unblocking of regional communications in the South Caucasus should take place based on the principles of sovereignty, legislation, territorial integrity, equality, and reciprocity.

It's very simple, we agree to it, the President of Azerbaijan agrees to it, we put it on paper, and we implement it," said Rubinyan.

The deputy speaker of the National Assembly added that sometimes the terms used reveal the true intentions of those who use them. "For example, why has Armenia decided to call its initiative to unblock communications in the region 'Crossroads of Peace'? Because we want our region to be a crossroads of peace.

Azerbaijan continues to use the term "Zangezur Corridor". There is no territorial unit named "Zangezur" in the sovereign territory of Armenia, and Armenia has never agreed to give an extraterritorial corridor to Azerbaijan," said Rubinyan.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1131570.html?fbclid=IwAR3ju2e2Ve15uimS4bXkbJQa81Ug8VjUCidJldnkuGgtK2TmsuhUZSnMnvk

[Yervant1]

Newsweek

March 2 2024

Russia Ally Won't Rule Out 'Other Steps' After Putin 'Mini-NATO' Snub

By David Brennan

Diplomatic Correspondent

Russian President Vladimir Putin's "mini-NATO" may be facing yet more turbulence as Armenia demands "concrete" action from Moscow over longtime concerns that the Collective Security Treaty Organization is failing to protect Yerevan.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan—whose relations with Moscow have been fraying amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and repeated clashes between Azerbaijani and Armenian forces—fired his latest broadside at the CSTO this week.

"The freezing of relations with the CSTO means that Armenia does not have a permanent representative to the CSTO and does not participate in high-level and top-level events," the prime minister said.

Responding to Pashinyan's remarks this week, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: "We categorically reject the reproaches of the Armenian authorities."

Varuzhan Nersesyan—Armenia's ambassador to the U.K. and Ireland—told Newsweek in an interview on Thursday that the ball is now in the Kremlin's court.

"The question is not about Armenia and how Armenia views the CSTO, but rather about the CSTO and how it recognizes its mission towards Armenia," he said. "Our question is: what is the area of responsibility towards the Republic of Armenia? Because when Armenia has been attacked, Armenia—based on treaty obligations of its partners—has applied for support, and in our understanding, we have not received that support."

Newsweek has contacted the Russian Foreign Ministry by email to request comment.

Non-Collective Security?

In 2021, Yerevan appealed to the CSTO over Azerbaijan's offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, a disputed region internationally recognized as Azerbaijani territory but since 1991 controlled by the ethnic-Armenian Republic of Artsakh. CSTO, though, did not interpret the attack as an act of aggression.

The entire Artsakh area fell to Azerbaijani forces in a lightning offensive in 2023, following a long blockade of the arterial Lachin Corridor road connecting Artsakh to Armenia. Russian peacekeepers deployed to protect the road after the 2020 conflict were unable to prevent the resurgence of fighting.

"There are legitimate questions to ask both the Russian Federation and Collective Security Treaty Organization given their commitments towards Armenia," Nersesyan explained.

"It's up to Russia what steps Russia can take to ease or to give comfort to Armenia's concerns. Because our issues are clear," he said "It is about the borders and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia, that has been violated by Azerbaijan.

"During the blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh when the road was blockaded in violation of the ceasefire agreement, we have not seen any concrete action, because the road was supposed to be under the control of the Russian Federation."

Now, the ambassador said, Yerevan wants concrete commitments.

"Our aim is to find a situation which best answers Armenia's national security requirements," he said. "I have no prejudices at this stage as to which way those discussions will go."

Asked if that might mean full withdrawal from the CSTO alliance, Nersesyan replied: "I cannot comment on that at this stage...We have asked this question to the CSTO, it is for them to decide what is their area of responsibility towards the Republic of Armenia.

"We said what we said, that Armenia has frozen its participation in the organization de facto. We have to see, based on the outcome of this discussion, whether there are other steps we will take, whether it will become de jure."

Bilateral relations between Yerevan and Moscow have been badly frayed in recent years. Russian troops remain deployed within Armenia and along its borders, but Pashinyan has repeatedly expressed his discontent with the relationship. Last year, the prime minister told The Wall Street Journal he sees no benefit in the continued Russian military presence.

"These events have essentially brought us to a decision that we need to diversify our relationships in the security sphere, and we are trying to do that now," Pashinyan said after the latest round of fighting broke out in Nagorno-Karabakh.

France—which has piqued Russian fury with its backing of Ukraine and President Emmanuel Macron's suggestion of deploying NATO troops in the country—has put itself in prime position.

In February, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu traveled to Armenia to deliver night vision goggles and discuss several new weapons deals. Armenia signed a contract to buy French assault rifles and is involved in discussions over short-range Mistral missiles.

"Armenia basically diversifies—given these latest developments—its foreign policy, its defense policies and tries to bring it to such a position that it offers a better and more effective protection of Armenia's borders and territorial integrity," Nersesyan said.

https://www.newsweek.com/armenia-russia-csto-putin-csto-freeze-1875114

[Yervant1]

Armenpress.am

FM Mirzoyan presents Armenia’s "Crossroads of Peace" project at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum

13:27, 2 March 2024

YEREVAN, MARCH 2, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan presented Armenia’s "Crossroads of Peace" project at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

Ararat Mirzoyan participated in the panel discussion “International Trade, Connectivity and Interdependence” at Antalya Diplomacy Forum,

In his speech, Mirzoyan emphasized that Armenia is a landlocked country and understands very well the importance of interdependence, international trade transit, and deepening ties between people.

"We have only four neighbors and only two borders are open; the borders with other countries remain closed. We are negotiating with both neighbors to open the borders and establish normal relations," the minister said in his speech.

He noted that in addition to the economic aspect, the issue has a political component, and the relationship, which is economically beneficial, is also a significant factor in lasting peace. Mirzoyan emphasized that it also applies to the South Caucasus.

“To demonstrate Armenia’s readiness, we have initiated the “Crossroads of Peace” program. We consider this program not only as an economic instrument but also as a potential factor for peace,” the foreign minister said.

Mirzoyan presented the principles underlying the “Crossroads of Peace” initiative. The minister noted that the infrastructures that will be unblocked must remain under the sovereignty of the countries through whose territory they pass.

“All infrastructures must operate within the framework of the national legislation of the countries, of course, while considering the simplification of procedures. We live in the 21st century; we need streamlined procedures. There are modern solutions, there are modern technologies. If there is political will, we will always be able to find solutions,” said the foreign minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1131611.html?fbclid=IwAR2WZJhFFDc42ugCBFctIuzNOhBIMDv7a-ec3kxS-l6HpuZKBg9QFY4qoyw

[Yervant1]

Voice of America

March 3 2024

Armenia Says It's Ready for Peace Deal If Azerbaijan Shows Political Will

Reuters

ANTALYA, TURKEY —

Armenia is ready to sign a peace agreement with Azerbaijan if Baku shows the same political will and is keen to make progress on normalizing relations with Turkey, a senior Armenian official said on Saturday.

Yerevan and Baku said in December they wanted to reach a peace deal after decades of being at odds, but no agreement has been signed yet.

The most divisive issue has long been the Nagorno-Karabakh region in Azerbaijan. Baku's forces recaptured the mountainous area in September after years of ethnic Armenian control, prompting most of its ethnic Armenians to flee to Armenia.

Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan said Armenia had the political will for a normalization of relations with Azerbaijan based on principles previously agreed upon by the two sides.

"This is an issue of political will and leadership," he told Reuters in an interview during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.

He said Yerevan had shown the political will needed, including at talks on Friday between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Turkey, Baku's main backer.

"Now, if the Azerbaijani side is really interested in having peace, we just need to agree to put the agreed principles by the leaders [on paper] and sign it," he said.

Among outstanding issues is the lack of agreement over their shared border, with each side holding small areas surrounded by the other's territory.

Kostanyan said the two sides needed to recognize each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty and drew attention to Yerevan's "Crossroads for Peace" plan for an opening in communication lines in the region to help regional stability.

There was no immediate comment from Baku in his remarks.

Turkey-Armenia ties

NATO member Turkey has deepened political and military ties with Azerbaijan in recent years but has also been working to revive ties with Armenia after decades of animosity after severing diplomatic and commercial ties in 1993 in support of Azerbaijan during a war Baku was fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Kostanyan said Armenia wanted a full normalization of ties with Turkey, including the opening of their shared border and establishment of diplomatic relations.

"The establishment of diplomatic relations is basically communications between two states," he said. "Of course, reconciliation between two nations can take longer, but we need to have diplomatic relations, which will help us and help our people."

He said Yerevan had done the work needed to open borders with Turkey, including infrastructure repairs, and was awaiting on Ankara's response.

Turkey and Armenia are at odds primarily over the 1.5 million people Yerevan says were killed in 1915 by the Ottoman Empire, the predecessor to modern Turkey.

Armenia says this constitutes genocide. Turkey accepts that many Armenians living in the Ottoman Empire were killed in clashes with Ottoman forces during World War I, but it contests the figures and denies it was systematic.

https://www.voanews.com/a/7511258.html

[Yervant1]

Diplomatic Courier

March 4 2024

HOW TO PREVENT ANOTHER WAR BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN

BY

NIKOLA MIKOVIC .

Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to hold another round of peace talks, which suggests that there is still a chance to avoid a wider regional conflict. But under the current circumstances, Yerevan seems to be on its own, leaving it with some difficult choices, writes Nikola Mikovic.

.

A

rmenian leaders have repeatedly warned that Azerbaijan may soon launch a full–scale invasion across its border. But in spite of such fears, the landlocked, South Caucasus nation of around 2.9 million people decided to suspend its participation in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO)—a Russian–dominated military bloc that acts as a guarantor of Armenian security. Will this move have an impact on Armenia’s territorial integrity, and how will it affect the former Soviet republic’s relations with Moscow?

It is no secret that Azerbaijan, Armenia’s archenemy, continues to strengthen its military capabilities , almost half a year after it resolved the Nagorno–Karabakh conflict in its favor. On 9 February 2024, the energy–rich nation’s President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the acquisition of new cruise missiles and new and bigger combat unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), procured from Azerbaijan’s ally Turkey. There are also reports suggesting that Baku might have ordered B–52 155-mm howitzers from Serbia. Given that on 1 February 2024 Azerbaijani and Serbian defense ministry officials signed a bilateral military cooperation agreement, and that the two countries seek to actively reinforce energy and military ties, it is entirely possible that Serbian–made weapons will soon end up in Azerbaijan.

Amenia, on the other hand, is reportedly purchasing weapons from NATO member France, despite Yerevan’s (nominal) CSTO membership. Back in October 2023, Paris said it planned to assist Armenia in strengthening its air defense capabilities by selling it three radars, and reaching an agreement to supply Mistral anti–air missiles in the future. Thus, it is unlikely a pure coincidence that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan chose France 24 TV to announce Yerevan’s decision to freeze its participation in the CSTO.

That, however, does not mean that Armenia (at least in the near future) will officially leave the Russian–led military bloc, whose other members are Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. If Azerbaijan eventually invades southern Armenia—aiming to capture the strategically important Syunik province and create a land corridor to its Nakhchivan exclave, and further to Turkey—Yerevan will likely ask CSTO to intervene. But given that the military bloc has a history of ignoring Armenia’s calls, and that it never reacted to Ukraine’s frequent attacks on Russian territory, it is not very probable that the CSTO will protect Armenia against an Azerbaijani incursion. Such a development could lead to Yerevan’s formal withdrawal from the bloc.

Meanwhile, the former Soviet republic will likely seek to ensure the European Union’s protection given that, according to the EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Brussels is working on an “ambitious plan” to bolster ties with Armenia. There is, however, no guarantee that the EU has the capacity and political will to protect Armenia. In August 2023, Yerevan accused the Azerbaijani military of opening fire on European Union observers monitoring the volatile border between the Caucasian former Soviet republics, while Baku recently questioned the impartiality of the EU mission and warned it against causing “damage to the country’s territorial integrity.”

Quite aware that the EU is not willing to deteriorate its ties with the energy–rich Azerbaijan over Armenia, Yerevan aims to strengthen its military cooperation with NATO, hoping that such an action would improve its position vis–à–vis Baku. At the same time, amid the relatively tense situation in the region, it continues distancing itself from the Kremlin. Pashinyan’s statement that his country is “not Russia's ally in its war against Ukraine,” as well as strong signals that Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky might soon visit Yerevan, will undoubtedly additionally jeopardize relations between Moscow and Yerevan. More importantly, given that Turkey, as a NATO member, is unlikely to ever back the alliance’s potential intervention against Azerbaijan, it is not very probable that Armenia can count on the U.S.–dominated military bloc support.

As a clear winner of the Second Karabakh War, Azerbaijan expects Armenia to fully implement the Moscow–brokered 2020 ceasefire agreement and build its section of the Nakhchivan corridor (also known as the Zangezur corridor) through the Syunik province. Baku insists that cargo, citizens and vehicles going from mainland Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan “should pass through the Zangezur corridor freely without undergoing any inspection and customs clearance.” Moreover, Azerbaijan expects Armenia to change its own constitution and get rid of the current preamble that “contains direct calls for the unification of Karabakh with Armenia.”

Since Pashinyan hinted he is ready to change Armenia’s constitution, it is very likely he will also agree to build the Zangezur corridor under Azerbaijani terms. But the problem is that the realization of the transportation route would effectively cut off the South Caucasus nation from Iran. As a result, the Islamic Republic would see its north semi–encircled by Turkic states Azerbaijan and Iran. That is why Iranian leadership repeatedly stated that the creation of a land corridor through Armenia to Nakhchivan is Tehran’s “red line.”

Although Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir claims that a route passing from Azerbaijan, through Iranian territory, and further to Nakhchivan and Turkey, could represent the alternative to the initial Nakhchivan corridor route going through southern Armenia, it is not very probable that Baku and Ankara are willing to make themselves dependent on Tehran. Thus, Yerevan will likely remain under pressure to build its 26.7 mile (43-kilometer) long section of the corridor, and allow Azerbaijan to have passport and customs-free passage through Syunik.

Given Armenia’s extremely weak position in the global arena, Pashinyan has no choice but to accept building the road and railroad under Azerbaijani conditions, even though it could limit Armenian sovereignty over parts of the Syunik province. But whether Iran would interpret such a move as crossing its "red line," and take some concrete actions—at this point remains highly uncertain.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have agreed to hold another round of peace talks, which suggests that there is still a chance to avoid a wider regional conflict. But under the current circumstances, Yerevan seems to be on its own. In order to avoid a large–scale confrontation with its neighbor, it will likely have to make some significant concessions to Baku.

About

Nikola Mikovic

:

Nikola Mikovic is a correspondent for Diplomatic Courier. He is a freelance journalist, researcher and analyst based in Serbia covering foreign policy in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

https://www.diplomaticourier.com/posts/how-to-prevent-another-war-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan

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Armenpress.am

Armenia, France establish long-term cooperation, including defense field: Ambassador's interview

11:46, 6 March 2024

YEREVAN, MARCH 6, ARMENPRESS. France expresses concern regarding Azerbaijan's violations of Armenia's territorial integrity. France's defense cooperation with Armenia is exclusively focused on defending Armenia. The two countries are establishing long-term cooperation in the defense sector.

 

Armenpress has interviewed the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia, Olivier Decottignies, covering Armenia-France relations, defense cooperation, upcoming visits from France and other issues.

The interview is presented below:

- Mr. Ambassador, Armenia-France relations have gained a new quality. Last year, the two countries signed documents on defense cooperation. For the first time in history, the French defense minister visited Armenia. What does this mean? How would you assess the visit? Will this cooperation be long-term, and will it deepen or expand?

It is actually not only defense cooperation. Over the past 2-3 weeks, we had meetings between the foreign ministers of both countries in Munich. The Prime Minister of Armenia, Mr. Pashinyan, was in Paris and attended the pantheonization ceremony of Missak Manouchian, a famous resistance fighter of Armenian origin.

He also met with the President and the Prime Minister. And, of course, the landmark visit of the Minister of the French Armed Forces to Armenia was the first visit for the Minister of the French Armed Forces and also for a minister of a NATO member country. We have had diplomatic relations with Armenia for 32 years. Diplomatic relations with independent Armenia were established on February 24, 1992, but they have never been as intensive and confident.

Yes, we are building long-term cooperation, including cooperation in the field of defense, it is not only about military procurement, which is of course important, but also about training, including the training of senior Armenian officers. It's about advising.

When have an agreement between two military academies of two countries, such as was signed during the visit of the Minister of the French Armed Forces, you are obviously building for the long term.

- Mr. Ambassador, will it expand?

- We are listening to the needs of our Armenian friends.

- Azerbaijan actively buys weapons from Turkey, Israel and other countries, while the President of Azerbaijan accuses France of arming Armenia and contributing to the escalation in the South Caucasus region. Certain cycles also express opinion, that the European Union represented by France wants to weaken Russia's influence in the South Caucasus. How would you react to this, what interest does France have in defense cooperation with Armenia?

- Unlike those certain cycles that you refer to, we do not think in terms of spheres of influence, we think in terms of the rights of each nation to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. And it is actually not only a French concern. Many times the past few years, neighboring country of Armenia like Iran, have expressed concern about Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity .

We disagree with Iran on many issues, but this is one issue we agree on. And I think actually all UN member states should agree on that because under the UN Charter, all UN member states recognize and ought to support the integrity and sovereignty of other member states. That is a general obligation.

When it comes to the Azerbaijani stated concerns, they can be sure that the type of cooperation and the equipment that we are providing to Armenia are aimed at defending the country; it is purely defensive. Let me give you a good example: when we talk about air defense, if you don't enter the airspace of Armenia, you will never face the air defense of Armenia; it is a defensive capability.

- So can we say that defense cooperation is about Armenia's sovereignty?

It is about the sovereignty of Armenia and the protection of its territory and people. It was clearly stated from the very beginning that all that we are providing—weapons, equipment, training—is consistent with that goal.

- The Prime Minister of Armenia recently announced that Azerbaijan is preparing for a new war against Armenia. There have been negotiations and meetings with the participation of France, what role can France play to prevent the predicted new war ?

- There are some concerning statements coming from Baku. France has played an important role in helping to achieve some key elements in the negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, in particular, what was agreed between the two parties in Prague in October 2022, the mutual recognition of each other's territorial integrity and the Alma-Ata Declaration as a basis for dealing with border issues.

This is our contribution already. Now we support all efforts under the umbrella of the European Union and the United States to reach a durable stable and just peace agreement. This is our position, and anything goes in that direction has our support.

- Mr. Ambassador, Armenia has always declared that it is ready and interested in peace with Azerbaijan, but bearing in mind Aliyev's way of breaking the agreements, it is always stated that an international guarantee is needed for the implementation of the peace agreement. According to you, who and what can be that guarantee? What role can the EU, especially France play in this regard?

It takes two to tango. First of all, we need two parties to genuinely be willing to achieve an agreement. And of course, over the past 30 years, we've come to a certain confidence that third-party support and guarantees are needed.

In our view, American and European mediations are the most reliable guarantees. And we have seen, when it comes to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, that the guarantee system put in place in 2020 did not work. We must also learn lessons from that.

- Mr. Ambassador, how do you imagine the future cooperation between Armenia and France, especially in what areas do you see the potential for deepening cooperation, in particular, what about economic cooperation?

- The cooperation we have with Armenia is certainly not limited to military matters; it is the latest addition to this cooperation. Many actors are involved in this collaboration: the French government, French government agencies, French companies, French non-governmental organizations, and Diaspora organizations in France. All are trying to take into account the current strategic situation of Armenia.

My advice to them, and I meet with them regularly, is to focus on the most strategic sectors and the most strategic areas of Armenia, even though they are under the greatest threat. If you have a strategic approach, then there is no small project or small question. Everything is relevant, useful, and impactful as long as it is thought out strategically. So, in that regard, one priority that was discussed during the meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan and our President in Paris a couple of weeks ago is the infrastructure in the fields of energy, transport, and connectivity. Reinforcing and supporting Armenia also means reinforcing the infrastructure.

- Mr. Ambassador, are there any high-level visit from France planned to Armenia in the nearest future?

- Our two foreign ministers just met a few weeks ago. It was neither in France nor in Armenia, so I guess there will be some visits from both sides in the near future. And, as you know, the Prime Minister of Armenia has invited the Prime Minister of France to visit Armenia. Visits are important because they allow to make significant progress and take stock of what we have done together.

But there are many more visits than just official visits that I would like us to focus on. Over the weekend, two very prominent French surgeons were in Armenia working with Armenians. They taught very vital gestures that can help save someone suffering from hemorrhage. Thirty percent of Armenian casualties in recent conflicts were inflicted from hemorrhage. Famous surgeons come from France devoting time in helping Armenia. And we have such cases in all fields. Important visits are to come, but there are no small visits as well.

-Mr. Ambassador, would you like to add anything?

- I would like to have a word of thanks. I am very grateful to Armenia for the warm reception extended to myself, my team, and the French representatives from various fields. Over the centuries of contact, a deep sense of confidence and friendship has developed in the relations between our two countries and peoples, which makes our work truly more impactful and meaningful. So, thank you to all Armenians who welcome us in this way.

Interview by Anna Grigoryan

Photo by Hayk Badalyan

Cameraman: Hovhannes Mkrtchyan.

 

 

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1131797.html?fbclid=IwAR0lX1Qzx-9mYQ5teFGPW__FSORiM81wvuNvnMRDevVN41AJKmfc20riiEM

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March 6 2024

Emerging Alliance: Armenia, France, Greece, and India Forge Defense Cooperation Amid Regional Tensions

A novel alliance between Armenia, France, Greece, and India emerges, aiming to reshape regional power dynamics through defense cooperation.

Mahnoor Jehangir

Amidst the shifting geopolitical landscape, a novel alliance is taking shape, heralding potential changes in regional power dynamics. Farid Shafiyev, Ambassador and Chairman of the Center of Analysis of International Relations, highlights the formation of a strategic defense cooperation among Armenia, France, Greece, and India, a move that underscores the intricate balance of peace and power in the region. This collaboration, driven by shared interests and technological synergies, particularly in defense technologies, is sparking discussions on its implications for regional stability and peace efforts.

Strategic Intentions: Unpacking the Alliance

The foundation of this alliance rests on mutual defense interests and technological cooperation. India's export of French technology-based weaponry to Armenia serves as a cornerstone of this emerging partnership. However, the motivations extend beyond mere arms transactions. Greece, with its complex relationship with the Armenian lobby, and France's strategic interests in the region, add layers of diplomatic nuance to the alliance. This collaboration signifies a broader intent to diversify Armenia's security engagements and deepen defense ties with these major powers, reflecting a strategic calculus aimed at enhancing regional security architecture.

Diverse Perspectives and Potential Frictions

While the alliance points to a convergence of defense and strategic interests among the participating countries, it also surfaces potential frictions, both within and outside the grouping. The Greek foreign minister's proximity to the Armenian lobby juxtaposed with the Greek prime minister's balancing approach indicates internal divergences in national foreign policy orientations. Moreover, Farid Shafiyev's remarks underscore the precariousness of such alliances in a region craving peace, flagging France's singular stance as a potential challenge to finding common ground. This complex web of relations and interests underscores the delicate act of balancing regional aspirations with the pursuit of peace and stability.

Implications for Regional Peace and Stability

The emergence of this alliance arrives at a critical juncture for regional peace and stability. By pooling resources and strategic capabilities, these nations not only aim to fortify their security postures but also potentially influence the regional balance of power. However, the initiative raises pertinent questions about the impact of such defense pacts on peace efforts. As these discussions progress, the global community watches closely, evaluating whether this cooperation will serve as a catalyst for peace or heighten tensions in a historically volatile region.

In navigating these complexities, the evolving alliance among Armenia, France, Greece, and India symbolizes a significant, albeit precarious, step towards reshaping regional dynamics. As this partnership unfolds, its true test will lie in balancing strategic interests with the overarching goal of fostering lasting peace and stability. The path forward is fraught with challenges, yet it also offers a unique opportunity to redefine security paradigms in a region at the crossroads of major geopolitical shifts.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/france/emerging-alliance-armenia-france-greece-and-india-forge-defense-cooperation-amid-regional-tensions

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First post, India

March 6 2024

Bharat and Armenia: A tale of resilience and diplomatic imperatives

Arunansh B Goswami And Sumit Kaushik

It is now imperative for both Hindus and Armenians to awaken the West from its state of indifference and compel it to acknowledge the genocides perpetrated against their respective communities

In the words of British writer Annie Besant, “Hinduism is the soil into which India’s roots are stuck, and torn out of that, she will inevitably wither as a tree torn out from its place. And if Hindus do not maintain Hinduism, who shall save it? If India’s own children do not cling to her faith, who shall guard it? India alone can save India, and India and Hinduism are one.”

Hindus and Armenians share several striking similarities. Both cultures bear the weight of ancient civilizations, enduring centuries of history on their resilient shoulders. Each has confronted existential threats from expansionist empires harbouring genocidal intentions yet has managed to persevere against the odds. Both boast revolutionary heroes, such as the Chapekar brothers and Soghomon Tehlirian, who bravely sought retribution against the oppressors of their people.

Moreover, both communities have suffered territorial losses, witnessing the creation of new nations on lands once integral to their civilisations. They have also experienced the unsettling reality of historical enemies aligning against them. In addition, both Hindus and Armenians have found themselves confronting Western indifference and ignorance, bordering on Hinduphobia and Armeniophobia, respectively, in the contemporary world.

Those who harbour animosity towards our existence exhibit striking parallels amongst themselves. Their intolerance is palpable, mirroring a worldview wherein the dominance of their community is deemed inevitable. They display a resolute unresponsiveness to peace proposals, often resorting to warmongering tactics. Furthermore, they demonstrate a preposterous tendency to distort history, selectively discarding facts that do not align with their narratives.

Strength of acceptance: Hinduism’s legacy of tolerance

In ancient times, long before Christianity had made its way to Europe, the apostles of Jesus Christ journeyed to distant lands, including Armenia and India, to preach the gospel. Among them, Bartholomew and Thaddeus introduced Christianity to Armenia, while the Apostle Thomas brought the teachings of Christ to India. Notably, within the global spiritual movement of Ananda, founded on the principles of Swami Paramhansa Yogananda, a revered Hindu Yogi, Jesus Christ holds a central place of honour. His portrait adorns the Altar of Ananda, and devotees pay daily homage through prayers. In his renowned work, Autobiography of a Yogi, Swami Yogananda writes in Chapter 33 about the Mahavatar, a prominent Hindu Yogi also known as Babaji, affirming, “The Mahavatar is in constant communion with Christ.” According to Ananda, Christ appeared to the revered yoga master, Babaji, entreating him to dispatch a messenger to the Western world to disseminate the teachings of original Christianity.

By nature, Hindus have long exhibited a remarkable tolerance, if not outright acceptance, of diversity, owing to the inherent variety within their own faith. This inclusivity has made it relatively easy for them to embrace Armenians within their communities. Over time, Armenian settlements flourished in various Indian cities, such as Agra, Lahore, Gwalior, Delhi, Narwar, Surat, Calcutta, Bombay, Madras, and beyond. However, the Turkic rulers of India, like Jehangir, did not share the same tolerant outlook as the Hindu populace they governed. According to Mesrovb Jacob Seth’s account in his book History of Armenians in India, there is documentation of Jehangir’s endeavour to coerce two Armenian Christian children into converting to Islam. Despite facing pressure, the two brothers, Zul-Qarnain and Iskanderus, remained steadfast in their resistance to conversion. Even after being forcibly circumcised in 1606 on Jehangir’s orders, at ages fourteen and eleven, respectively, they adamantly refused all attempts to sway them from their Christian faith.

Struggle against prejudice: Targeting Hindus and Armenians

Across the annals of history, Hindus and Armenians have faced orchestrated hate campaigns by their adversaries. The dilapidated Armenian churches in Eastern Turkey and Azerbaijan, as well as the ruined Hindu temples in Pakistan, serve as stark reminders of the animosity directed towards us, now entrenched within their foreign policy agendas. Turkish, Azerbaijani, and Pakistani pseudo-intellectuals have perpetuated historical negationism, fabricating narratives devoid of credible evidence, to sever the ties between Armenians and Hindus with their ancestral lands.

The rebranding of well-documented Armenian churches as Caucasian Albanian and the appropriation of Udi Christian heritage in Azerbaijan are alarming developments. According to a report by the Cornell-led Caucasus Heritage Watch (CHW), decades of high-resolution satellite imagery document the systematic destruction of Armenian cultural heritage in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan since the late 1990s. Likewise, a report commissioned by Dr. Shoaib Suddle and presented to Pakistan’s Supreme Court underscores the deplorable condition of temples and Hindu places of worship in Pakistan, as detailed in a Dawn report.

Shedding light on dark pasts: Hindu and Armenian genocide

Despite the staggering loss of at least 664,000 and potentially up to 1.2 million Armenians during the genocide orchestrated by the Ottoman Turks, Turkish intellectuals faced vehement criticism when they issued an online apology for the Armenian Genocide in 2008. Their act was met with fierce opposition from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as reported by The Guardian newspaper.

In India, the genocide of Kashmiri Hindus took place and has been recognised by the US-based non-profit International Commission for Human Rights and Religious Freedom (ICHRRF). It has recognised the 1989–1991 atrocities against Kashmiri Hindus as an act of genocide. As per the United Nations Refugee Agency, approximately 300,000 Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) are reported to have left the region due to constant persecution from the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other militant groups, like Hizbul-Mujahideen (HM). Hizbul Mujahideen is designated as a terrorist organisation by multiple countries, including India, the United States, and the European Union.

Regional alliances and anti-India sentiments: Turkey, Azerbaijan and Pakistan’s unified stand

Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan have demonstrated a unified stance against Armenia while concurrently displaying anti-India sentiments on the global stage. Erdogan, who refuses to recognise the Armenian Genocide and aligns with the genocidal ambitions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, underscored in the Pakistani parliament, as per reports from the Turkish news outlet Daily Sabah, that “Today, the issue of Kashmir is as pertinent to us as it is to you (Pakistanis)” and “there is no disparity between Gallipoli and Kashmir.” Erdogan has openly endorsed and actively supported Pakistan, which, reciprocally, lends support to Islamist terrorist factions in Kashmir. These groups perpetrate violence not only against Hindus but also Muslims, epitomizing the intolerant worldview espoused by Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan.

According to a report from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, Pakistani education curricula propagate animosity towards Hindus, with a focus on historic revisionism aimed at exalting Islamic civilization and disparaging the contributions of religious minority communities. Similarly, Azerbaijan, like its ally Pakistan, fosters hostility towards its adversary, Armenia. As reported by Faustin Vincent in Le Monde, Azerbaijan recently reissued maps of Nagorno-Karabakh with streets named after Enver *****, a Turkish leader associated with the 1915 Armenian genocide. Despite Baku’s assertions to the international community about respecting the rights of Armenians in the region, his actions speak otherwise. Azerbaijan has consistently sought to undermine Armenian heritage and exacerbate tensions through inflammatory rhetoric targeting Armenians.

Navigating the diplomatic landscape

In the complex arena of international relations, mastering the art of diplomacy is paramount for fostering successful diplomatic relations. Effective diplomatic engagement requires a delicate balance of strategy, communication, and negotiation. The art of international engagement requires finesse, foresight, and diplomacy. By adhering to these strategies, nations can cultivate robust diplomatic relations that contribute to global peace, stability, and prosperity. It is now imperative for both Hindus and Armenians to awaken the West from its state of indifference and compel it to acknowledge the genocides perpetrated against their respective communities. The governments of India and Armenia must take the lead in this endeavour by formally recognising the genocides committed against Armenians and Hindus, respectively. Subsequently, they should engage in diplomatic efforts to encourage other nations to follow suit.

Furthermore, there is a pressing need for India, Armenia, and Greece to explore the possibility of forming a security alliance to address the escalating threats in their respective regions. These nations possess significant geostrategic advantages: India holds a prominent position in the Indo-Pacific region; Armenia is strategically located in the South Caucasus, serving as a potential gateway to Europe via Georgia; and Greece occupies a key position in the Eastern Mediterranean. By collaborating closely, these countries can effectively counteract the destabilising actions of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. While advocating for peace in our regions and globally, we remain steadfast in safeguarding our national interests. Strengthening the bond between Hindus and Armenians is essential for promoting peace and stability in our regions and beyond. Hence, the importance of mastering the art of diplomacy in navigating the complexities of the global stage and fostering successful diplomatic relations is the need of the hour.

Arunansh B Goswami is Advocate, Supreme Court of India and Sumit Kaushik is a PhD candidate, OP Jindal Global University. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.

https://www.firstpost.com/opinion/bharat-and-armenia-a-tale-of-resilience-and-diplomatic-imperatives-13745935.html