RE:PUBLIC PRESS

Armenian Foreign Ministry condemns actions against Iran

The Armenian Foreign Ministry condemned the activities aimed at undermining international security, also expressed in the actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran last week.

"#Armenia condemns activities aimed at undermining int’l security expressed also in the actions against the Islamic Republic of #Iran last week. We are deeply concerned about developments in the wider region. We hope that diplomacy will enable protection of int’l law & prevention of further undesirable developments," the Armenian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X.

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Azerbaijan and Pakistan discuss possibilities of expanding military cooperation

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Pakistan Sahir Shamshad Mirza, who arrived in Baku today.

According to the Administration of the President of Azerbaijan, the parties discussed issues related to the expansion of military cooperation between the two countries.

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Armenian public organizations have appealed to the participants of the UN Climate Change Conference COP29 to demand that Azerbaijan release the Armenian prisoners.

The appeal of 53 Armenian civil society organizations to the participating countries and parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change states that Azerbaijan still holds 23 Armenian prisoners captured at various times after 2020, including prisoners of war and civilians. Azerbaijan uses them as a lever of pressure to obtain concessions from Armenia, one of which was Armenia's agreement to host COP29 in Baku.

The organizations call on the international community to prevent the legitimization of Azerbaijan's policy and demand the release of all prisoners before the start of the conference. The statement noted that during the 2020 war, Azerbaijan committed numerous war crimes, and in 2023 completely expelled the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh, destroying the cultural and historical heritage of the region.

The appeal calls for action to ensure climate justice, set global funding targets for climate change mitigation in developing countries, and introduce accountability mechanisms to prevent manipulation of climate funds.

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US, France, Armenia emerge as India's top three defence export customers

"India is presently exporting military equipmentto more than 100 nations across the world. The top three countries in the last financial year include the US, France and Armenia, official sources said on Sunday, The Times of India reported.

The sources said the exports to the US include a significant number of parts of aircraft and helicopters manufactured by Indian firms for global defence majors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The exports to France include a lot of software and electronic equipment while the exports to Armenia include ATAGS artillery guns, Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, Swathi weapon locating radars and other important systems.

Israel says it has concluded strikes on Iranian missile manufacturing sites and aerial defense systems

On Saturday morning, Israel launched direct strikes against Iran in a high-stakes response to Tehran’s ballistic missile attack earlier this month. Though the assault has now ended, it heightens concerns that the prolonged confrontation between these two powerful militaries may escalate into a broader regional conflict.

The Israeli military said it hit “precise” military targets in Iran, as Iranian state media reported several explosions. Israel’s retaliatory targets in Iran did not include energy infrastructure, an Israeli military source told CNN.

Official Iranian media said portions of military sites in three provinces – Tehran, Ilam and Khuzestan – were hit, but it said its air defenses were successful and damage was “limited.”

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Armenian and Turkish Wrestlers Fight Each Other and Are Disqualified

An unpleasant incident occurred during a match between Armenian and Turkish wrestlers at the U23 World Wrestling Championship in Tirana. Super heavyweight Lyova Gevorgyan was wrestling against Turkish athlete Hakan Buyukcingil.

At the end of the first round, when the Armenian wrestler was leading 1-0, the Turkish wrestler pushed Gevorgyan and provoked him, to which the Armenian wrestler responded.

Both wrestlers were disqualified by the referees.

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Pashinyan and Lukashenko Had a Brief Interaction in Kazan

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a brief conversation with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during the BRICS summit in Kazan. This was reported by the Belarusian “Pul 1” Telegram channel.

No further details about the meeting were provided.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the importance of stable peace in the South Caucasus during a phone conversation on October 24. This was reported in a statement from U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

“They discussed the importance of establishing a just and lasting peace in the South Caucasus by strengthening connectivity that would benefit the entire region,” the statement reads.

The situation in Gaza and Lebanon was also discussed.

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Baku has labeled the resolution adopted yesterday by the European Parliament as an attempt to interfere in its internal affairs

Baku has deemed the resolution adopted by the European Parliament yesterday as biased. Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis stated that the European Parliament, setting aside all other issues, “has once again attacked Azerbaijan.”

Baku’s parliament stated that it has “grown accustomed to the European Parliament’s disdainful attitude towards the legitimate expectations of the Azerbaijani people,” noting that it is difficult to accept that Azerbaijan ensured its territorial integrity and sovereignty as a result of the 44-day war and “counter-terrorism measures.”

Emphasizing that the resolution “contains absurd statements, accusations, threats, and demands based on false information,” Baku considers it a document that gathers “topics and pressure tools used by various interested groups acting against Baku.”

With 453 votes in favor, 31 against, and 89 abstentions, the European Parliament adopted a resolution the previous day on the situation in Azerbaijan, human rights violations, breaches of international law, and relations with Armenia.

The resolution addresses all major issues within Azerbaijan and those created by that state in international relations. Reaffirming support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan, European MPs reiterated their demand for Azerbaijani forces to withdraw from Armenia’s sovereign territory.

The resolution explicitly calls the forced displacement of Artsakh Armenians “ethnic cleansing.” Resolutions of the European Parliament are non-binding and are advisory in nature.

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Pashinyan at BRICS+ 2024

Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the 16th BRICS+ Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024.

During the summit, Prime Minister Pashinyan met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to discuss bilateral issues.

Armenia-Iran Relations

Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed satisfaction with the dynamic relations between Armenia and Iran, highlighting that under President Pezeshkian’s leadership, this positive momentum has not only been maintained but also strengthened. He emphasized that fostering stronger relations with Iran is a priority for the Armenian government.

President Pezeshkian reiterated that developing relations with neighboring and friendly states, including Armenia, is a key priority for his country.

Armenia-Azerbaijan Relations

Pashinyan: Simplified Procedures for Communication with Nakhichevan

In his speech at the plenary session of the BRICS+ Summit, Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that Armenia has proposed simplified border and customs procedures for communication with Nakhichevan. He refuted claims that Armenia had agreed to involve a third country to ensure the security of communication through its territory, clarifying that such allegations are false and unsupported by any document, according to Sputnik Armenia.

Pashinyan also discussed the “Crossroads of the World” project, proposed by the Armenian government. He explained that if implemented, this project would secure safe cargo passage through Armenia. The project envisions Armenia as a key transit route for vehicles, cargo, passengers, pipelines, and cables, connecting the Black Sea to the Persian Gulf via Iran, Armenia, and Georgia, and the Caspian Sea to the Marmara Sea via Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey.

Notably, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was absent during Pashinyan’s speech, TASS reported.

Peace Treaty

Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev instructed their foreign ministers to finalize the peace treaty. The leaders met during the BRICS+ Summit to discuss advancing the bilateral peace agenda, including the peace treaty, border delimitation, and other matters of mutual interest. Both sides agreed that their foreign ministers would continue negotiations to finalize and sign the agreement on “the establishment of peace and interstate relations” as soon as possible.

Putin’s Remarks

Following Pashinyan’s speech, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on the progress of demarcating the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He described the demarcation process as a positive step toward achieving a peace treaty, as reported by TASS.

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Trump Condemns Biden-Harris Administration for Inaction on Armenian Christians’ Persecution in Artsakh

Republican Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump condemned the Biden-Harris Administration’s inaction in the face of the persecution and forced displacement of Artsakh’s Armenian Christians, and pledged to “stop the violence and ethnic cleansing and […] restore PEACE between Armenia and Azerbaijan”, reported the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA).

“Kamala Harris did NOTHING as 120,000 Armenian Christians were horrifically persecuted and forcibly displaced in Artsakh. Christians around the World will not be safe if Kamala Harris is President of the United States. When I am President, I will protect persecuted Christians, I will work to stop the violence and ethnic cleansing, and we will restore PEACE between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” stated Trump on his Truth Social account on October 23rd.

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The deadline for signing the peace treaty largely depends on the speed of changing the Constitution of Armenia, Azerbaijani President aide said

Hikmet Hajiyev, an aide to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, said in a letter published in the Financial Times that the deadline for signing a peace agreement with Armenia largely depends on how quickly Armenia can move forward on the “issue of changing the Constitution”.

He reiterated that the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia "contains revanchist aspirations towards the territory of Azerbaijan," Azeri media reported.

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Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II has not received an invitation to participate in the summit of world religious leaders to be held in Baku in November, the press secretary of the AAC said.

The summit will be held within the framework of the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29).

Ravan Hasanov, Executive Director of the Baku International Center for Multiculturalism, announced it on October 21. About 200 religious figures will take part in the event, who will also be taken to occupied Artsakh.

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A 70-year-old Armenian woman died in Stepanakert

The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan informed the APA news agency that 70-year-old Vera Aghasyan died on October 20. Health problems are listed as the cause of death. It is reported that the Ministry of Health examined him and provided the necessary social support:

Vera was one of the fewer than 20 Armenians left in Artsakh.

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Yerevan does not consider it advisable to respond positively to the transfer of the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace talks to the “3+3 platform," Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said in Parliament today, stressing that, by and large, this proposal is not on the negotiating table.

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Biden in his letter to Pashinyan:  my administration is prepared to take bold initiatives

US President Joe Biden sent a letter to the Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The letter specifically states:

"Dear Mr. Prime Minister,

I am pleased to see that your nation and Azerbaijan have made steady progress towards finalizing a peace agreement that would normalize relations between your two countries. I want to assure you that the United States stands ready to support a durable and dignified peace agreement that would finally put to rest centuries of conflict.

A peace agreement that safeguards Armenia's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity would not only provide security and stability for the Armenian people. It would transform the entire South Caucasus region. As you know, finalizing the remaining articles of the peace agreement will require persistence, ingenuity, and compromise. But putting patriotism above politics, you have courageously and consistently chosen the path of peace - and I encourage you to finalize an agreement this year.

As you do, my administration is prepared to take bold initiatives that would help pave the way for peace. I have asked my Senior Director for Europe, Michael Carpenter to brief you on some of the steps we would be willing to take and get your feedback on discussions with Azerbaijan.

As we were reminded last month at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, now is the moment to recommit to the United Nations Charter and its fundamental principles of peace. A brighter future is within reach, and I look forward to working with you to seize it."

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Armenian Foreign Minister Meets with U.S. Presidential Assistant Michael Carpenter

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met with Michael Carpenter, Special Assistant to the U.S. President and Director for Europe at the National Security Council. They discussed the Armenia-U.S. bilateral agenda, including strategic partnership programs and future prospects. Mirzoyan emphasized Armenia’s interest in deepening relations with the U.S. based on shared values and exploring further opportunities for cooperation.

The two exchanged views on regional stability and security, with Mirzoyan highlighting Armenia’s efforts toward peace in the South Caucasus and the importance of swiftly concluding a peace treaty with Azerbaijan.

Yesterday, Carpenter visited Baku and delivered a letter from President Biden to Aliyev.

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Biden Calls on Aliyev to Conclude Armenia Peace Deal by Year's End

According to the website of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, U.S. President Joe Biden sent a letter to Aliyev calling on him to finalize a peace deal with Armenia by the end of 2024.
“As the world's attention turns to Baku for COP29, you have a unique opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to peace in front of a global audience. As you know, finalizing the remaining articles of the peace agreement will require creativity and compromise on all sides,” the letter reads according to Aliev’s website.

The letter, the website claims, was handed to Aliyev today in Baku by visiting Special Assistant to the U.S. President and Senior Director for Europe at the National Security Council. Michael Carpenter.


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Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan's Communication Commission in Limbo

The Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia, Mher Grigoryan, informed reporters before a session of the Standing Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Relations that the commission between Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan, aimed at unblocking regional communications, is not functioning due to a lack of consensus.

"The commission's work is not continuing. In fact, there are fundamental issues that require consensus. Until that consensus is reached, discussing the details further is pointless," he said.

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Ombudsman of Artsakh Criticizes Alen Simonyan's Controversial Statement

The Ombudsman of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan, called the statement made by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, regarding Azerbaijan's attack on Artsakh, unacceptable and deserving of condemnation.

On October 20, in an interview with "Azatutyun," Alen Simonyan, Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly, was asked whether Azerbaijan has the right to attack Armenia and Artsakh. In response, he stated that "Azerbaijan conducted an operation in Karabakh, for which they had at least 3-4 UN resolutions."

"This statement has nothing to do with reality. It is a statement made by someone who does not understand the history of the conflict or the negotiation process," Stepanyan told "News-Armenia."

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Initiative Group on “West Azerbaijan” Return Established in the Azerbaijani Parliament

A new initiative group has been formed in the Parliament of Azerbaijan by order of the Speaker to “support the right of Azerbaijanis expelled from West Azerbaijan to return to their native lands.”

The term “West Azerbaijan” is a fabricated name used by the Azerbaijani government to make territorial claims on Armenia’s historical and sovereign lands.

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Armenian Speaker’s Comments Bolster Azerbaijani Propaganda

The incompetent Speaker of the Armenian Parliament, Alen Simonyan, in an attempt to absolve himself and his boss, the Prime Minister of Armenia, of responsibility for abandoning Artsakh, simultaneously managed to justify Azerbaijan’s attacks on Artsakh.

His comments provided a major boost to the Azerbaijani press, whose English-language outlets ran headlines along the lines of ‘the Speaker of the Armenian Parliament admitted that Azerbaijan had the right to operate in Karabakh based on UN resolutions.’

In response to questions from RFE/RL’s Armenian service, the tone-deaf Simonyan defended Azerbaijan’s actions in Artsakh.

‘The attack on Karabakh and the occupation of Armenian territories are two different things from a legal standpoint. Azerbaijan conducted an operation in Karabakh, for which it had at least 3-4 UN resolutions,’ Simonyan stated.

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Russia praises Azerbaijan’s ‘constructive’ approach to return of Artsakh refugees 

Russian Foreign Ministry Spox Maria Zakharova has said Azerbaijan is taking ‘constructive’ actions to facilitate the right to return of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians.

‘We have repeatedly commented on and emphasised the constructive steps taken by Baku to provide the population that left their native places with the opportunity to return there’, Zakharova said during a press briefing on Wednesday.

She added that Russia had raised the issue during bilateral talks with Azerbaijan, and received ‘relevant explanations’. 

‘At the same time, I say again, the opportunity to return was and is there. If, as you say, people are interested in preserving their homes, their native places, then perhaps they should take advantage of it,’ she said. 

Zakharova’s comments were in response to a question regarding the demolition of Armenian residential buildings in Artsakh by Azerbaijan, including the historical quarters of the capital Stepanakert, which date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. 

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As part of today's meeting at the 3+3 consultative platform in Istanbul, the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Turkey met.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan and Hakan Fidan discussed "the continuation of the dialogue aimed at the full settlement of relations between Armenia and Turkey, regional developments."

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