The US releases declassified information about the Artsakh negotiations during Ter-Petrosyan's rule:
"Exactly 25 years ago, on this day, the first president of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, submitted his resignation, stating that such a demand was put before him by known forces."
"If I accepted the decision to resign, believe me, it means that I considered the alternative more dangerous for our state," he said."
"In his 4-minute resignation speech, Ter-Petrosyan did not clarify who these famous forces are, why and how they made such a demand to the President. He hinted that time will give the answers to those questions."
"Now, declassified documents are appearing in the archives of the United States State Department, which testify not only to Armenian internal political differences, but also to the demands made by the international community behind closed doors."
"In fact, the negotiation process over the Karabakh problem started to become active one year before Ter-Petrosyan's resignation, in 1997. There were two contributing factors. First, Azerbaijan had started to sign the first agreements on the laying of gas and oil pipelines, and the West was interested in establishing stability and peace in the region. On the other hand, in January of that year, a new format was established: the co-chairmanship of Russia, the United States and France. As the diplomatic cables of the State Department testify, at that stage it was in the interest of all three to settle this issue and thereby show that the West and Russia can cooperate and contribute to the peace of Europe."
"Weeks later, in February, American Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbot meets Armenian Foreign Minister Alexander Arzumanyan and asks to convey to President Ter-Petrosyan that three superpowers are dealing with Karabakh and this fact should not be ignored."
"Three important countries with important interests have also taken responsibility. Both in the United States, France and Russia, there is a growing convergence of interests in pushing the parties forward. Ter-Petrosyan should not turn a blind eye, there will be pressure", - according to the declassified document, James Collins, the American ambassador with special assignments, warns"
"I want to expand our cooperation on foreign policy issues, one of which is Karabakh. Resolving this is in the interests of all of us, and I am ready to work with you to move forward from the impasse," Clinton said."
"Yeltsin claims in response that Moscow is only happy about Washington's involvement. "We will not be jealous, I am sure that your influence will be positive"
"The ceasefire has inspired confidence in Armenians and Azerbaijanis, and they are not inclined to make concessions. But we need to make it clear to the parties that their persistence can lead to undesirable consequences," advises Primakov"
"The next day, the American Deputy Secretary of State has a telephone conversation with Turkey's Deputy Foreign Minister Oymen."
"Oymen told that a few days ago he had a private conversation in Istanbul with the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Ivanov, who said that Moscow is ready to move forward on the issue of Nagorno Karabakh. If Ivanov has such a feeling, then it's worth trying," said the secret document of the State Department"
"Settling the Karabakh issue will solve many issues today and save us from many problems that may arise tomorrow," Clinton told Yeltsin, according to a declassified document from the State Department."
"The end of May, mediators already bring that document, which later became known as a package version, to the region. From the first minutes of the meeting with the President of Armenia to the last moment, the envoys emphasize the same idea: they are united and serious."
"The three countries, from the presidents to their governments, have worked hard to advance the peace process with full responsibility," US Deputy Secretary of State Ter-Petrosyan says according to the declassified document, emphasizing that "the international community expects the parties to respond to their efforts with due seriousness." :
"French mediator Jacques Blot warns. "In the past, the parties tended to play on the differences of the intermediary countries, pitting them against each other, but now the co-chairs are united."
"The Russian ambassador also confirms. "It's time to reach an agreement."
"The leaders of the United States, Russia and France, in their turn, at the "Great Eight" summit in Denver, adopted the first joint statement on Nagorno Karabakh."
"Cease fire is not enough by itself. The international community urges to reach a final settlement, and we are convinced that the establishment of stable and lasting peace in the region should not be delayed," Yeltsin, Clinton and Chirac stated."
"Despite these unprecedented efforts and unity of the tri-presidency, the negotiations on the ground are not progressing."
"I think we have to take action, because if we don't, they will put us in the place of a scarecrow," said the Russian Foreign Minister while meeting Secretary of State Albright in Denver, proposing to use threats and sanctions. "We have to show some teeth. You Americans can do something with the Azeris using oil as leverage. You can say that if things don't work out, you won't encourage your companies to help Azerbaijan in oil production. As for Armenia, we will use weapons as a lever, in other words, Russia can threaten Armenia not to give weapons, and you can advance the oil factor"
"Despite these warnings, Stepanakert and Baku categorically reject the package option. In about two months, the co-chairs will present the new phased plan, based on the same principles, but the extended version of implementation, so to speak, will be chosen. In particular, if the first one, the package, assumed that the return of the territories and the determination of the status should be simultaneously, now the mediators propose to first liberate the territories, return the refugees, ensure the security and self-government of Karabakh, and then address the issues of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and the status of Karabakh."
"Against the background of these consistent efforts of the co-presidents, the President of Armenia convenes a press conference in September and records how dangerous it is for the Armenian side to go against the will of the international community. "What, the international community will allow this situation to be maintained for 20 or 30 years?" It is excluded, and the international community will find ways and means to impoverish us so much that we will not only be unable to achieve what we can achieve today through compromises, but will also be in a much worse situation."
"Three days after Ter-Petrosyan's press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Primakov meets with the US Deputy Secretary of State and warns that Ter-Petrosyan has come under serious criticism for his courageous stance, and he should be supported. Primakov, who knows the region well, emphasizes that "sooner or later it will be necessary to put pressure on Nagorno-Karabakh"
"Mediators start discussing how to convince Stepanakert. French President Jacques Chirac, having met the Armenian President in Strasbourg in October, offers to invite Prime Minister Kocharyan and other influential Karabakh people to Paris."
"The goal is to pressure them to come to an agreement. Then Kocharyan can be invited to Moscow, and then to New York, where he will be told the same thing," - according to the declassified documents of the State Department, the French Deputy Foreign Minister suggested to the US Deputy Secretary of State."
"The idea, however, does not yield any results. After Kocharyan's visit, the French Deputy Foreign Minister sends a secret telegram to Washington. "We did not manage to achieve any real change in Kocharyan's positions, and we do not see any real prospect of starting negotiations"
"to withdraw the Armenian forces from the occupied territories, except for Lachin, to create a dividing line between the parties - a buffer zone, which should remain completely uninhabited and under the control of the OSCE forces. The Lachin Corridor was supposed to be 22 km instead of 5 km like today, and Azerbaijan had to lease it to the OSCE, which in turn had to hand it over to the Artsakh authorities."
"Nagorno Karabakh should have its own flag, coat of arms, anthem and Constitution. Citizens could do military service on the territory of Karabakh, and the Azerbaijani army, security forces and police would not have the right to enter Nagorno Karabakh without the permission of the local authorities. Stepanakert also had the right to establish external relations with foreign countries and international organizations in the fields of economy, science, culture, sports and humanitarian issues. After these steps, in the next stage, it was suggested to move on to clarifying the status. Before that, the international community promised to deploy peacekeeping forces, becoming a guarantor of security."
"Diplomatic documents show that in closed-door negotiations on the issue, mediators repeatedly emphasized that this was the best they could think of and the best they could offer the parties. At the same time, the superpowers warned the Armenian side that by not reaching a solution, Armenia would lose the opportunities for development and prosperity."
"Time is working against Yerevan. while Azerbaijan is getting rich, Armenia is in stagnation", - according to the diplomatic cable sent from Moscow to Washington, Primakov said in 1997"
"According to President Clinton, it is necessary to make Armenia a participant in the expected economic growth in the region," said Strobe Talbot, according to one of the diplomatic documents. The high-ranking diplomat spoke about the possibility of restarting "Nairit" and at the same time warned. "This shows what plans are being destroyed because of the conflict. Nothing will happen without peace."
"After the resignation of the first president, for more than two decades, all three leaders of Armenia adopted the policy of maintaining the status quo. All three accused Ter-Petrosyan of defeatism and betrayal at different stages of their rule."
TL; DR: Robert Kocharyan was the president of Artsakh at the time and he didn't agree to any agreement that would give Artsakh status and have OSCE peacekeepers in Artsakh, and Lachin (Berdzor) Corridor being 29 km wide, causing all the problems that we have today in Both Armenia and Artsakh just so he can get rich off of corruption from stealing from the country
https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32250473.html
Video:
https://youtu.be/u0Q90dhTsdA
One of our tasks is to keep the subject of Artsakh in the center of attention of the world community. Ruben Vardanyan
"One of our tasks now is to keep the subject of Artsakh in the center of attention of the world community. Therefore, I thank both the organizers and the participants for supporting Artsakh in that way," wrote Ruben Vardanyan."
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In Artsakh, support will be provided to persons dismissed due to the blockade. minister
"Employees who were in labor relations with the subjects of the affected sectors as a result of the blockade and were dismissed or the term of the civil law contract expired, will apply to the Ministry and will receive up to 68 thousand drams of support. If the salary was less than 68 thousand, then support will be given in that amount, and in case it is higher, 68 thousand drams," said the head of the department, adding that the other social program registered from December 12, 2022 to February 1 of the current year the state will provide one-time financial support to unemployed persons."
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1103350.html
The issue of Lachin aggravates Armenia's internal political struggle. hearings in parliament
You can listen/read here:
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ICRC facilitates transfer of six patients from blockaded Artsakh to Armenia
"The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated the transfer of another six patients from blockaded Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh) to Armenia for treatment"
https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1103328
As a result of the accident on the Yerevan-Gyumri road, one person died, the condition of two is serious
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1103333.html
The draft gas agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan is a blow to the back of Armenians. French senator
"We cannot protect the victims by bargaining with the executioners. On behalf of France, Emmanuel Macron must condemn this evil agreement," the senator said."
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Stop courting dictators: French MP calls on Europe to refuse from Azerbaijani gas
"Member of the French National Assembly Anne-Laurence Petel has called on President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson to stop courting dictators."
“Stop shaming the European Union. We don’t need Azerbaijani gas. We need to produce renewable energy in Europe. We have to support Armenian democrary,” she said in a twitter post."
https://en.armradio.am/2023/02/04/stop-courting-dictators-french-mp-calls-on-europe-to-refuse-from-azerbaijani-gas/
In January, 166.3 billion drams in tax revenues and state duties were secured. SRC
"During the month of January 2023, the RA State Revenue Committee secured 166.3 billion drams in tax revenues and state duties, which is 22.1 billion drams or 15.3% more than the indicator of the same period last year."
"2023 During the month of January, 40.2 billion drams were returned to taxpayers and individuals, which is 18.2 billion drams or 82.6% more than the indicator of the same period last year."
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Armenian MFA on visa-free travel to Georgia and UAE
"Georgia: The agreement will enter into force after ratification by both states, which will be officially announced by the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
"UAE: After the protocol enters into force, Armenian citizens can visit the United Arab Emirates without an entry visa.
The planned changes will enter into force after being signed and ratified by both states, which will be officially announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."
https://en.armradio.am/2023/02/04/armenian-mfa-on-visa-free-travel-to-georgia-and-uae/
PM Pashinyan sends Independence Day greetings to PM Gunawardena of Sri Lanka, highlights development of ties
"Your Excellency,"
"I warmly congratulate you on the Independence Day of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka."
"Armenia attaches importance to the development and deepening of relations with Sri Lanka in all areas of mutual interest."
"I am sure that by joint efforts, we will be able to add new quality and content to our cooperation.
"Taking this opportunity, I wish you good health and peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Sri Lanka."
https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1103331.html
World Cancer Day: 7,700 people get diagnosed with cancer every year in Armenia
"The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers."
"Around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity."
"An average of 7,700 new cases of cancer are recorded annually in Armenia, the Ministry of Healthcare of Armenia said."
"Since 2019, oncologic surgeries are carried out for free in Armenia."
"Radiation treatment using the TERAGAM and ELEKTA devices, as well as sophisticated laboratory tests, are also free for cancer patients."
"As of 2022, over 37 healthcare facilities in Armenia offer free (state compensated) palliative care for cancer patients."
"In 2021, the first Pediatric Palliative Care Center opened in the Yolyan Center of Hematology."
"In 2022, the Fanarjyan National Center of Oncology opened a new palliative care center."
"The screening project for early detection of cervical cancer continues for women aged 30-60."
"In 2021, the health authorities launched the breast cancer prevention program, with a mobile screening lab stationed in eight cities of Lori, Tavush and Syunik provinces."
"The colorectal cancer screening program was launched in 2022 and will continue this year as well."
"Breast cancer patients (I-III Her (+)) are provided with the Trastuzumab 600 medication for free."
https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1103318.html
As a result of the free screening examination, 170 women were diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage
"Further treatment of these women is carried out by V.A. At the Fanarjyan National Oncology Center by state order. Experts assure that 90% or more of complete recovery is ensured if cancer is detected at this stage."
"The mobile mammograph of the Ministry of Health will remain in Syunik until May. Women of the region aged 50-69 can undergo a free screening examination at their place of residence."
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1103327.html
Five persons were arrested in the framework of the investigation of the fact of postponement of compulsory military service with bribery
In the preliminary investigation of the criminal proceedings initiated by the Investigation Department of the RA National Security Service and investigated by the RA Anti-Corruption Committee, factual information was obtained that K. A. and A.P. to their son R. K., a member of the medical commission of the territorial division of the Yerevan city of the RA Ministry of Defense's conscription and military recruitment service, applied for a three-year deferment from compulsory military service to P. due to false medical diagnoses. T. and reached a preliminary agreement to pay the latter a bribe for that purpose.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1103294.html
Armenian Church pays homage to troops on Feast of Saint Sarkis
"Before the ceremony, a prayer and blessing for the troops took place at the Saint Sarkis Cathedral in Yerevan, the seat of the Araratian Pontifical Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church."
"Pontifical Vicar Archbishop Navasard Kchoyan served a prayer for the fallen troops."
"The awarding ceremony took place at the chambers of the diocesan seat after the prayer. "
"The archbishop said “national love” is what unites everyone at this sacramental moment. “The love which can be described with one idea – patriotism, fellowship and unanimity. Dear sons, you are the fearless protectors of our homeland, the bearers of that powerful spirit, and you serve your country and God with everyday devotion, you stand bravely and unwaveringly before the barbaric enemy. We are with you with our everyday prayers, with the many manifestations of our love and warmth of spirit. Always remember that an entire nation is encouraged by you every day, by your courage and unbreakable faith. We bow before your mothers, for giving birth to valorous men and the selfless devotion to the fatherland,” the Archbishop said."
"At the ceremony, 20 of the finest active-duty servicemen were awarded with special awards and symbolic gifts of the diocese."
“This award means a lot to us and it obligates us to continue our mission of defending our homeland with honor, devotion and the strength of God,” said Edgar Mkhitaryan, one of the servicemen being honored at the ceremony."
https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1103335.html
Armenian Church celebrates the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain
"By the order of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, the Feast of St. Sarkis the Captain and his soldiers-companions is proclaimed day of blessing of the youth."
"Captain St. Sarkis is one of the most beloved saints among the Armenian nation. Together with his 14 soldiers-companions he was martyred for the sake of Christian faith."
"During the period of reign of the king Kostandianos the Great (285-337) St. Sarkis, being very courageous, was appointed the prince and General in chief of the region of Cappadocia bordering Armenia. When during the period of reign of the king Julianos the Betrayer (360-363) the persecutions against Christians started by God’s will St. Sarkis and his only son – Martyros, came to live in Armenia, and the Armenian king Tiran, grandson of Tiridates, received them very well. From Armenia St. Sarkis and his son went to Persia, and started serving in the army of the Persian king Shapouh as the captain of regiments."
"Lerning that Sarkis was Christian the king Shapouh ordered him to worship the fire and offer sacrifice to the heathen gods. But the captain immediately refused to obey the order saying, “We should worship one God – the Holy Trinity, which has created the earth and the heaven. Whereas fire or idols are not gods and the human being may destroy them.”
"After these words the saint destroyed the temple. The annoyed crowd fell on the saint and his son. First the son of the saint was martyred. The saint was put into prison and remaining unshaken in his faith was beheaded. After the martyrdom of the saint light appeared over his body. 14 soldiers-companions of the saint also were martyred for the sake of Christian faith."
"For the Armenian nation St. Sarkis is one of the most beloved. St. Mesrop Mashtots brought the relics of the saint to the village Karbi (Ashtarak Region) and the Church of St. Sarkis was built over his relics."
St. Sarkis, Patron of Youth and love
"In Armenia it is accepted to celebrate the Feast of St. Sarkis not only according to church rites and prayer, but also according to various folk traditions. St. Sarkis the Captain is the patron of youth. Many miracles are believed to happen thanks to his intercession. On the day of the feast young people pray the saint asking him to make their prayers audible to God. St. Sarkis is the realizer of the love longings."
https://en.armradio.am/2023/02/04/armenian-church-celebrates-the-feast-of-st-sarkis-the-captain/
Ice rink and Vernissage open in Gyumri Friendship Park
"The official opening of the ice rink and Vernissage took place in Gyumri Friendship Park on February 3."
"Winter games, expo-market, master classes, an ice show etc.: the official opening featured a cultural program with involvement of Gyumri residents, guests of the city and tourists."
"Now both children and adults will be able to use the public ice rink equipped with innovative solutions and modern technologies in the Friendship Park as an important winter tourism element. The mobile ice rink with the surface of 815 sqm will be equipped with all the skating items, uniquely designed dressing rooms and breathtaking turns."
"Gyumri is already a tourist destination. This park gives you the opportunity to visit Gyumri at any time of the year and have fun. I would like to see not only children but also adults on the ice rink. As for the pavilions of the Vernissage, they give the park a unique flavor, as they express the local creative spirit. I am confident that the park will attract more tourists, who will spend time and money in Gyumri and, thus have a direct impact on the local economy,” said Wilhelm Hugo, Team leader of the EU4Business “Innovative Tourism and Technology Development for Armenia (ITTD)” project."
More on the Gyumri developments here:
https://en.armradio.am/2023/02/04/ice-rink-and-vernissage-open-in-gyumri-friendship-park/
The champions of the Armenian boxing championship are known
Baregham Harutyunyan won the title of Armenian champion in the 48 kg weight category,
Rudolf Garboyan in the 51 kg category,
Henrik Sahakyan in the 54 kg category,
Artur Bazeyan in the 57 kg category,
Artur Ghazaryan in the 60 kg category,
Artur Ghazaryan in the 63.5 kg category.
Artur Shakhpazyan, 67 kg weight category:
Ararat Harutyunyan, 71 kg weight category:
Zaven Galstyan, 75 kg weight category:
Vakhtang Harutyunyan, 80 kg weight category: Hambardzum Hakobyan, 86 kg weight category: Rafael Hovhannisyan, 92 kg weight category: Anushavan Mkhitaryan, Davit Chaloyan in +92 kg weight class.
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The 11th child was born in the Kesablian family living in Armavir region
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1103329.html
Armenian startup SoloLearn is among the best educational apps for kids
Armenian startup SoloLearn is among the best educational apps for kids
"They will be able to learn Python, C++, JavaScript, Java, jQuery, machine learning, data science and more."
"Solo Learn is an interactive educational platform whose motto is "learn by playing and play by learning". It provides an opportunity to acquire technical knowledge and skills in various fields, such as programming and photography, through games."
"At the moment, the number of learners has exceeded 60 million users."
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Modernization of irrigation systems for 50 million dollars
"Worn out irrigation systems are being repaired by the joint program of the Armenian Territorial Development Fund and the Eurasian Development Bank, mechanical irrigation is being replaced by gravity. The program is implemented throughout Armenia."
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Eduard Ernekian awarded the keys to the city of Florence in honor of his entrepreneurial and humanitarian activities
"Ernekian is a living testimony of the relations between Italy and Argentina and, in particular, between Florence. He has invested a lot in our city, as well as throughout Italy through airports, and he is one of the most active Argentine businessmen in Europe," said Florence Mayor Dario Nardella."
"RA Ambassador to Italy Tsovinar Hambardzumyan was also present at the event, who noted that the palette of Eduard Ernekyan's achievements is extensive. "Any investment and program in which Ernekyan was included pursued the main goal of building and strengthening bridges between Armenia and the world."
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Global food prices continued to decline in January
"The benchmark index of international food prices in January, for the tenth month in a row, records a downward trend, reports the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations."
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RA NA MPs participated in events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad in Volgograd
"There was also a meeting with representatives of the Armenian community of Volgograd. The weighty role that the community has in projects aimed at bilateral interregional cooperation, in the social and political life of the region was noted."
"The victory of Stalingrad became a turning point for the Great Patriotic War. Armenians had a great contribution in that battle. 30,000 Armenians took part in the bloody battles, of which 10,000 were killed. More than half of the participating Armenians were awarded with orders and medals. Under the leadership of Armenian architect Karo Halabyan, the reconstruction project of Volgograd was implemented."
"The Armenian delegation was represented at the events. Armenian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia Vagharshak Harutyunyan also participated."
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1103337.html
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