April 2 marks two years since large-scale aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan

April 2, 2018 By administrator

Today marks the second anniversary since the 2016 Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) clashes.

YEREVAN. – On the night of April 2, 2016, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale aggression against the Republic of Artsakh.

The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan used virtually all types of weapons. During April 2-5, there were fights along the entire line of contact with the heaviest clashes in the south (Hadrut) and the northeast (Martakert).

On the morning of April 2, the Armenian side reported the destruction of the Azerbaijani combat helicopter in the northern direction and the human losses in adversary units. In was announced that the enemy’s armored vehicles had been destroyed. On the same day, an official source in Artsakh reported the death of 12-year-old Vaghinak Grigoryan as a result of the shelling of the school. Two more children were hospitalized.

Around noon, the Armenian defense ministry reported the destruction of the Azerbaijani sabotage group by Artsakh Armed Forces.

At around 6 am on April 3, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched an artillery bombardment and advancement of armored vehicles on the south. At the same time, fighting continued in the direction of Martakert.

On the same day, the Defense Ministry of Artsakh announced that the territories occupied on the eve by the Azerbaijani side in the direction of Talysh village were returned under the control of the NKR Armed Forces. In the south, two tanks and one infantry fighting vehicle were destroyed.

On the night of April 4, the Azerbaijani side, continued shelling with mortars and artillery along the entire line of contact, and the peaceful settlements were targeted.

At 7 a.m. the southern and north-eastern directions of the line of contact were subjected to intensive bombardment.

The Azerbaijani Armed Forces used heavy equipment and combat drones. An Azerbaijani drone attacked a bus, killing five people.

On the night of April 5, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces used the Smerch rocket launcher in the south.

Truce was established at noon April 5, the hostilities were stopped.

Despite the truce, soldier of the Artsakh Army Armen Gasparyan was killed on April 6 in a shelling from the Azerbaijani side, while on the night of April 7, the Azerbaijani army made an a infiltration attempt towards the village of Talysh, however, retreated after losing one soldier.

The sides exchanged bodies in accordance with the agreements on April 10. The Armenian side was handed over 18 bodies.

According to the final data, 110 Armenian soldiers and volunteers were killed and 121 were injured.

As to the losses of the Azerbaijani side, the Azerbaijani defense ministry carefully conceals the data, and reported only the death of 31 people. However, according to an independent source of Meydan TV, there are at least 93 deaths. The analytical center OSTKRAFT reported the classified data of the Azerbaijani army indicating that 800 people were killed

Azerbaijan lost 24 tanks, 4 infantry fighting vehicles, two helicopters, one Grad multiple rocket launcher, 14 unmanned aerial vehicles, dozens of cars.

As a result of the unleashed aggression, Azerbaijan seized about 500 hectares of non-strategic territories, paying for it with the hundreds of lives of their own soldiers.

Three Halo Trust employees killed in Artsakh landmine explosion

March 29, 2018 By administrator

Halo Artsakh landmine explosion

Landmine explosion in no man’s land near the city of Martakert in Artsakh left three killed and two injured. David Babayan, Spokesperson for the Presidnet of Nagorno Karabakh, confirmed the news to Public Radio of Armenia.

He said no details are available, investigation is under way.

“What’s known is that they are employees of HALO Trust, who have long been engaged in demining activity,” David Babayan said.

All of them are citizens of Artsakh, but are are in no way related to the Artsakh Defense Army and the military, the Spokesperson said.

The HALO Trust has confirmed that three of its staff have been killed and two injured, by the accidental detonation of an anti-tank landmine in the Gazanchi area this morning.

The staff members were in a vehicle conducting survey duties at the time.

The injured have been taken to hospital and HALO is contacting the families of those killed. There will be no further statement until the families have been informed.

The HALO Trust, the world’s largest humanitarian mine clearance organisation, has been clearing landmines and cluster munitions in Karabakh since 2000.

Australian lawmakers declare solidarity with Artsakh

March 25, 2018 By administrator

Australian lawmakers

Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group has passed a resolution, declaring the cross-party collective’s solidarity with the Republic of Artsakh and its people’s right to self-determination, Asbarez reports, citing the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU).

Following a meeting between members of the NSW Armenia – Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Republic of Artsakh’s visiting Minister of State Arayik Harutyunyan, the Artsakh Representative to Australia Kaylar Michaelian, and members of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, the following was resolved:

“The NSW Armenia – Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group:

1. Notes that in 2012 the Legislative Council recognised the right to self-determination of all peoples including those of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh; and called on the Commonwealth Government to officially recognise the independence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and strengthen Australia’s relationship with Nagorno-Karabakh (now known as Artsakh) and its citizens;

2. Stands in solidarity with the 2012 resolution by the Legislative Council, including to recognise the right to self-determination of people in Artsakh (previously known as Nagorno Karabakh).”

ANC-AU Executive Director, Haig Kayserian praised the symbolic show of support from the Group of Members of the Parliament in Australia’s largest state.

“This is a group of around 25 political leaders, representatives of all parties across both chambers, in the Parliament of Australia’s largest state of NSW, declaring they stand with the Republic of Artsakh and the people of Artsakh,” said Kayserian. “They have pledged their solidarity with the motion the NSW Legislative Council historically passed in 2012, and for this we thank them.”

The NSW Armenia – Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group is chaired by Jonathan O’Dea MP and vice-chaired by the Hon. Walt Secord MLC, and lists among its members a growing number of MPs in the NSW State Parliament.

Armenian-Australians raise $75,000 in #ARTSAKHSTRONG Telethon

March 22, 2018 By administrator

The second-ever #ARTSAKHSTRONG Telethon, which encouraged Armenian–Australians to donate to the “Republic of Artsakh Independence, Security and Peace Foundation”, raised a massive $75,000, the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU) reports.

The visiting State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, the Hon. Arayik Harutyunyan headlined TV and radio interviews, which also featured Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of Australia and New Zealand, Bishop Haigazoun Najarian, Kevork Vartanian – Chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF-AU) Central Committee, Kaylar Michaelian – Republic of Artsakh’s Representative to Australia, Hanriet Andriasian – Adviser to the Diaspora Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Galstaun College Principal Edward Demirdjian, and the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia (ANC-AU), Haig Kayserian.

Minister Harutyunyan praised what he was witnessing as something that should become an example for other communities.

“We are building a nation in Artsakh and refuse to rest on our laurels in our battle for recognition, and have chosen the path of democracy to achieve the peace our people crave and deserve,” he said. “I praise this community, the Armenian-Australian community is organised, it is clear in its directives and ready to sacrifice for the people of the Republic of Artsakh.”

Donations were received by hundreds of Armenian-Australians, Armenian-owned businesses, non-Armenian businesses and individuals in support of Artsakh. Many community organisations also participated in the Telethon with their donations, and representatives from organisations and committees including those under the umbrellas of the ARF-AU, the Armenian Apostolic Church, Hamazkaine Cultural & Educational Society, Homenetmen Sporting & Scouting Association, the Armenian Relief Society, the Armenian Youth Federation, the Macquarie University Armenian Students Association, the Armenian Church Youth Association, and the ANC-AU.

Live donations received from the Armenian Resource Centre of Australia, its MANOH Committee which aids refugee Armenians from the Middle East, as well as the Karen Jeppe College Alumni – Australian Chapter were very well received.

In Melbourne, the Armenian Community Centre in Springvale was also buzzing, with outcalls from members of the leaders of the local Armenian organisations leading to donations totalling nearly $7,000.

How Azerbaijan distorts UN Security Council Resolutions, ANCA conference Artsakh (Karabagh) liberation struggle.

March 21, 2018 By administrator

Harut Sassounian, all-day conference, occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Artsakh (Karabagh) liberation struggle

Harut Sassounian, all-day conference, Artsakh (Karabagh) liberation struggle (Photo by Gagrule.net)

By Harut Sassounian

Publisher, The California Courier

The Armenian National Committee of America, San Fernando Valley West chapter, held an all-day conference on March 17 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Artsakh (Karabagh) liberation struggle. The conference was held at the Ferrahian Armenian High School in Encino, California. The speakers were: historian Garo Moumdjian, Ph.D, California Courier publisher Harut Sassounian, ANCA National Board Member Steven Dadaian, Esq., A.R.F. Western US Central Committee Member Levon Kirakosian, Esq., and A.R.F. Western US Central Committee Member Vache Thomassian, Esq.

Here are excerpts from Harut Sassounian’s remarks at the conference:

The United Nations Security Council adopted four Resolutions during the Artsakh (Karabagh) war in 1993 calling for the withdrawal of Armenian forces, cessation of all hostilities and urging a negotiated settlement of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

These four Resolutions are often cited by the Azerbaijani media which is under the strict control of the government of Azerbaijan. In the past 25 years, the Azeris have repeatedly condemned Armenia for not abiding by these UN Security Council Resolutions, and have made them a part of their continued propaganda war against Armenia.

However, Azerbaijan has distorted the contents and context of these Resolutions, trying to deceive the international public opinion. Azerbaijan itself has not complied with these Resolutions. When one side (Azerbaijan) violates these Resolutions, it cannot accuse the other side (Armenia) of not complying with them.

The UN Security Council is composed of 15 States: Five of them are permanent members who have a veto power (United States, Russia, China, Great Britain, and France) and 10 of them are rotating members. The UN Security Council is charged with maintaining peace and security among nations. UN member states are obligated to carry out the decisions of the Security Council.

It is particularly hypocritical of the Turkish government to blame Armenia for not complying with the four UN Security Council Resolutions, when Turkey itself has violated over 60 UN Security Resolutions adopted since Turkey’s invasion of Northern Cyprus in 1974.

Let us now review each of the four UN Security Council Resolutions which were adopted unanimously by all 15 member states. I have added my comments in bold letters at the end of some of the clauses of these four Resolutions:

Excerpts from UN Security Council Resolution 822, adopted April 30, 1993:

“Demands the immediate cessation of all hostilities and hostile acts with a view to establishing a durable cease-fire, as well as immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces from the Kelbadjar district and other recently occupied areas of Azerbaijan.”Azerbaijan has violated the cease-fire for 25 years on a regular basis by continuously shooting across the borders of Artsakh and Armenia.

“Urges the parties concerned immediately to resume negotiations for the resolution of the conflict within the framework of the peace process of the Minsk Group of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and refrain from any action that will obstruct a peaceful solution of the problem.” The Minsk Group of CSCE, subsequently renamed OSCE, is composed of three co-chairs: the United States, France and Russia which are the official mediators to help resolve the Artsakh conflict, not the United Nations Security Council!

“Calls for unimpeded access for international humanitarian relief efforts in the region, in particular in all areas affected by the conflict in order to alleviate the suffering of the civilian population and reaffirms that all parties are bound to comply with the principles and rules of international humanitarian law.” Despite this clause, Azerbaijan has tried to undermine the delivery of international humanitarian aid to the people of Artsakh.

Excerpts from UN Security Council Resolution 853, adopted July 29, 1993:

“Expressing once again its grave concern at the displacement of large numbers of civilians in the Azerbaijani Republic and at the serious humanitarian emergency in the region.” The reference to “the serious humanitarian emergency in the region” also applies to Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan.

“Reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Azerbaijani Republic and all other States in the region.” This clause applies to both Armenia and Azerbaijan.

“Reaffirming also the inviolability of international borders and the inadmissibility of the use of force for the acquisition of territory.” Artsakh Armenians have the right to self-determination under international law and UN Protocols.

“Reiterates in the context of paragraphs 3 and 4 above its earlier calls for the restoration of economic, transport and energy links in the region.” This clause is violated by Azerbaijan and Turkey by their blockades of Armenia and Artsakh.

“Urges the parties concerned to refrain from any action that will obstruct a peaceful solution to the conflict, and pursue negotiations within the Minsk Group of the CSCE, as well as through direct contact between them, towards a final settlement.” The reference to “the parties concerned” and “direct contact between them,” implies Artsakh’s inclusion in the negotiations, as was the case earlier. Azerbaijan blocked Artsakh’s participation in the negotiations.

“Urges the Government of the Republic of Armenia to continue to exert its influence to achieve compliance by the Armenians of the Nagorny Karabakh region of the Azerbaijani Republic with its resolution 822 (1993) and the present resolution, and the acceptance by this party of the proposal of the Minsk Group of the CSCE.” Armenia coordinates its negotiating position with the government of the Republic of Artsakh. However, Artsakh’s exclusion from the negotiations makes the task of coordination more difficult. Furthermore, Artsakh not being a recognized state and not a member of the UN is under no obligation to comply with any of these Resolutions.

“Urges States to refrain from the supply of any weapons and munitions which might lead to the intensification of the conflict or the continued occupation of territory.” This clause is violated by Turkey, Russia, Israel, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Pakistan, and several others, which have supplied billions of dollars of weaponry to Azerbaijan.

(Continued next week)

Los Angeles over 5000 American Armenian has come together at Verdugo Park celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Artsakh’s liberation, VIDEO

March 19, 2018 By administrator

Artsakh Liberation Movement’s 30th Anniversary with His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh.

Los Angeles Artsakh Liberation Movement’s 30th Anniversary with His Eminence Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh.

Los Angeles under blue skies over 5000 American Armenian has come together at Verdugo Park celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Artsakh’s liberation, with Special Guest: Primate of Artsakh Diocese Archbishop Barkev Martirosyan, and many other local leaders and 23 local organizations. it was three time more than what the organizers expected.

Watch full coverage by GagruleLive on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter:

https://www.facebook.com/gagrulepage/videos/806678182863488/

Los Angeles American Armenian has come together, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Artsakh's liberation, https://t.co/CKNg7orugp

— Wally Sarkeesian (@gagrulenet) March 19, 2018

YouTube:

Who do pre-school kids in Artsakh and Azerbaijan consider foes? Video

March 17, 2018 By administrator

pre-school kids in Artsakh and Azerbaijan

In early March, a video landed online depicting a lesson in one of Baku’s preschool educational centers during which children were taught to hate Armenians. The video was posted on the official Facebook page of the educational institution.

In the video, the teacher asks the children who the enemies of Azerbaijan are, and the kids pronounce “the Armenians” in unison. The teacher than asks why the Armenians are enemies, and the children say because “they killed all our soldiers”.

In response to the footage, the Ombudsman of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) decided to visit the kindergartens of the country and find out who the Karabakh children consider their enemies.

In Artsakh, children gave different answers: the Spiderman, the dragon, “Masha, because it torments the bear”, while some kids said they have no enemies.

At the end of the two-minute video, the children appealed to a boy named Yunis from the Baku kindergarten, who called the Armenians the enemies of Azerbaijan.

“Yunis, you are not my enemy,” they said.

Deepening ties with the United States will remain among the fundamental directions of our foreign policy – Artsakh president

March 15, 2018 By administrator

Deepening ties with the United States and Artsakh

Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan visited the U.S. Congress on Wednesday. As the Information department at the President’s Office reported, the President met with a group of members of the foreign affairs committee, discussed issues related to the Artsakh-US relations, the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict settlement and regional trends.

Subsequently, a reception devoted to the 30th anniversary of the Artsakh Movement was held in the Congress.

In his speech the President highlighted the meetings organised in the supreme legislative body of the United States, noting that they too enhanced the degree of responsibility in the course of carrying out hard and painstaking work, further deepening and developing bilateral relations.

“I am optimistic – it will be definitely so, for we consider the United States a friendly country, a state which has become second homeland for millions of Armenians. I am optimistic because we have here devoted, sincere and honest friends, who have been standing by Artsakh for many years, supporting our people, providing objective information about our country worldwide. We rate high our friendly ties, considering them precious assets”, stressed the Artsakh Republic President in his speech.

Bako Sahakyan noted that the support rendered by the American people to Artsakh was greatly acknowledged in the Republic of Artsakh, with the House of Representatives, the Senate, our congressman and senator friends having a special place and role in this process.

The President accentuated Washington’s considerable contribution in maintaining peace and stability in our region, in peaceful and just solution of the Azerbaijani-Karabagh conflict.

“Cementing and deepening ties with the United States of America have always been and will remain among the fundamental directions of our foreign policy”, underlined President Sahakyan.

The President handed in Artsakh Republic high state awards to a group of U.S. congressmen and senators for supporting Artsakh and their tangible contribution to the development of Artsakh-the USA relations.

Artsakh sees unprecedented GDP growth in 2017

March 13, 2018 By administrator

Artsakh GDP growth

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Artsakh comprised about 272 billion 100 million drams in 2017 compared to 229 billion 700 million drams of 2016, according to latest figures released by the Artsakh National Statistical Service.

The GDP growth rate made up 15.6%, the index-deflator – 2.5%, whereas in 2016 these numbers were 9.2% and 0.5% respectively, Artsakhpress reports.

According to the source, the GDP per capita in 2017 comprised 1 million 855 thousand 900 drams or 3 thousand 844.7 USD or 3 thousand 403.8 Euros according to the current prices, while in 2016 these numbers were 1 million 577.3 thousand drams or 3 thousand 282.7 US dollars or 2 thousand 965.7 Euros.

11.7% out of the 15.6% of the GDP growth has been ensured by industry, including the energy, 3.7% by trade and services, 0.9% by agriculture, forest economy and fishing and 0.1% by construction.

Solar panels charge visibility, other tech on Artsakh frontline

March 13, 2018 By administrator

The Tufenkian Foundation has installed solar panels on the frontline in Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), Tufenkian Foundation Office Coordinator Medina Hovhannisyan said, according to Artsakhpress.

The panels keep key communication and visibility devices constantly charged and functional, the foundation said earlier in a tweet.

According to Hovhannisyan, the project’s is aimed at supporting the Artsakh defense army.

“Tufenkian charitable foundation ordered the construction of solar systems from Arpi Solar organization operating in Armenia. Solar systems designed by the company are mobile and quite powerful,’’ Medina Hovhannisyan underscored.

The first batch of panels were installed in March and will be followed by another one in the course of the year.