2023 July 12

Daily news wrap-up

Nagorno-Karabakh under blockade by Azerbaijan. Noteworthy statements and interviews. Latest on foreign policy. Jul/12/2023 report.
by ar_david_hh

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10-minute read.

Russian peacekeepers are using helicopters to import small quantities of goods for themselves, while residents get nothing: Nagorno Karabakh human rights Ombudsman

Ombudsman Stepanyan: The situation is dire. We have been completely cut off for a month now. This isn't a blockade, it is a "siege". The lives of 120,000 residents are under threat after the blocking of all imports since June 15. Azerbaijan began blocking Red Cross on July 11.

The peacekeepers are using helicopters to import items for themselves, while the entire population of Nagorno Karabakh is starving. The international actors are not taking steps besides making announcements. They are waiting for thousands of people to die so they can hypocritically express sorrow.

We demand Red Cross to press the red alarm button on the danger of genocide. The situation is critical. //

[source](https://factor.am/667072.html)

Russian opposition channel TV Rain's segment about Nagorno Karabakh blockade

REPORTER: BBC writes about a deficit in fuel and food in Nagorno Karabakh. Azerbaijan blocked the corridor after a shootout that left one Azeri soldier wounded. Locals report empty grocery store shelves, the price of fruits and vegetables are horrifyingly expensive, and people can't even find necessities.

The government is distributing vouchers for food rationing. Residents are forced to wait several hours in line to buy a kilogram of food.

Azerbaijan claims there is no blockade. We'll ask a resident of Nagorno Karabakh to describe the situation on the ground.

RESIDENT: The blockade did not begin after the recent shootout. It began in December 2022 when the self-proclaimed eco-activists from Azerbaijan, who were, in reality, government agents, shut down the Lachin corridor. The blockade began 7 months ago.

The difference is that if in the past they allowed the movement of the Red Cross and peacekeepers and we could receive minimal quantities of food, now we don't even receive that.

Karabakh is under a total blockade now. No vehicles can enter.

REPORTER: How does it impact everyday life? Do people have access to any food?

RESIDENT: We do have very very small quantities of food thanks to the local villagers. The problem is they can't always deliver it to cities because we don't have fuel. *[Context: Azerbaijan blew up the gas pipeline connecting Armenia to Nagorno Karabakh, installed a valve on it, shut down the gas flow, then shut down the flow of electricity to make it impossible for ethnic Armenians to live in Nagorno Karabakh.]*

REPORTER: So the situation today is worse than it was a few months ago during the "eco-activist" blockade?

RESIDENT: Much worse. Today we are under total blockade. No deliveries by peacekeepers. We don't know how long the local production will last for the 120,000 population.

REPORTER: We've been informed that the government has imposed restrictions on large weddings, birthday parties, etc. In general, what is the mood on the ground?

RESIDENT: The residents want to fight and overcome this situation. The majority doesn't want to emigrate out of Nagorno Karabakh, which is the goal of Azerbaijan. It will be difficult to live here but the residents are determined.

[source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQqwzKJiVpQ&t=4782s)

residents of Nagorno Karababkh are preparing to march toward Lachin Corridor

The organizers of the protest march demanded the world take action against Azerbaijan for its policies of ethnic cleansing. Some of them called for the reunification of Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia.

State Minister Gurgen Nersisyan went to meet the participants.

State Minister: If a united movement is the only way out of this situation, rest assured the state employees will set aside their cautionary stance and join you. //

Another protester: If Russian peacekeepers cannot reopen the corridor, we will hijack the airport used by them for personal deliveries. If we can't receive anything, they won't receive anything either. We demand the government to give us fuel so we can take 10,000 protesters to the location where Azerbaijan has shut down the Lachin road.

[source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwGuWFeL9Os), [source](https://news.am/arm/news/770113.html), [source](https://news.am/arm/news/770148.html)

US, Russia, and Europe have urged Azerbaijan to open the Lachin Corridor immediately

After Red Cross lost its access to Nagorno Karabakh, the EU repeated its stance that Azerbaijan must allow the unobstructed movement of people and goods through the corridor.

Similar statements were made by Russia and US earlier. The US wants the free traffic to resume immediately.

[source](https://www.civilnet.am/news/744263/եմ-ն-ադրբեջանին-կոչ-է-անում-ապահովել-լաչինի-միջանցքով-անխոչընդոտ-տեղաշարժը/)

[source](https://www.1lurer.am/en/2023/07/10/Bayramov-on-recent-calls-of-Maria-Zakharova-to-reopen-the-Lachin-corridor/960026)

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/264372)

the position of U.S.'s former OSCE Minsk Co-chair regarding Nagorno Karabakh's status

James Warlick served as the U.S. co-chair in 2013-2016.

WARLICK: Aliyev is obligated to grant Karabakh a status within Azerbaijan and to guarantee its people's rights. Confidence-building measures must be taken, and the Azerbaijani government must negotiate this matter in good faith and show some generosity in ensuring that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh can feel safe and protected and live well within Azerbaijan. The issue of status is on the agenda of the negotiations, but it is not about getting an independent status at the moment. Armenian parties should accept the existing realities.

REPORTER: Can you comment on the U.S. ambassador's recent statement?

WARLICK: I don't know the full context of her statements. It is a premature statement to claim that a safe life of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians within Azerbaijan is currently possible. First, there must be assurances of security and protection of rights. Ilham Aliyev needs to give assurances that there will be no ethnic cleansing. Any talk of ethnic cleansing should be off the table.

[source](https://news.am/eng/news/770104.html), [source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkJETlDouhU), [source](https://news.am/eng/news/770117.html)

Armenian delegation is in France

Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan met the French Senate President Gérard Larcher. They discussed the Senate's recent resolution on the need to recognize Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state. Various resolutions had also condemned Azerbaijan's military aggression against the Republic of Armenia, the occupation of Armenian territories, and called for sanctions against Azerbaijan.

Simonyan spoke about the blockade of Nangorno Karabakh and the humanitarian crisis. Larcher said he's ready to help however he can.

1. 1. ... Simonyan visited France's Panthéon

At the decision of Emmanuel Macron, an Armenian genocide survivor and French Resistance hero Missak Manouchian will be inducted into the Panthéon, becoming the first foreigner to receive the honor.

>Missak Manouchian led a small group of fighters that carried out a string of successful attacks against the occupying Nazi forces

1. 1. ... Simonyan about the role of France

REPORTER: What are the expectations from France regarding the security of Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh?

SIMONYAN: Armenia-France relations have entered a new phase. It has never been like this. Today, France has a full understanding of the events taking place in the South Caucasus. Our French colleagues have honest concerns about the events and they are working hard in every area to support us.

We are also discussing the involvement of fellow EU states in this process, with the help of France. France isn't just making statements, they are also taking action.

REPORTER: What is France's opinion on the ongoing diplomatic efforts?

SIMONYAN: France believes that it is necessary to take action on international platforms. There might be a UN resolution, we are working towards this. We are also reviewing the security system in our region. Our French colleagues are routinely in touch with other EU member states about these issues.

REPORTER: We've seen an increase in defense dialogue between Armenia and France. It's still in its infancy, but can we expect to see any results on the ground?

SIMONYAN: After all these years, thanks to the recent democratic shift in Armenia, thanks to the clarification of our international stance, Armenia has become a perceptible partner, including in the field of defense. This is the beginning. We hope it leads to the strengthening of our security. We expect defense support not just from France but from all of our partners.

REPORTER: What support can France provide in the event of another aggression by Azerbaijan? The press writes that during a meeting with your French colleagues, you noted that Armenia expects concrete steps from France.

SIMONYAN: I don't know what the press writes but Armenia must - first and foremost - rely on itself, and no one but itself.

REPORTER: What else can you tell us from your meetings with French officials?

SIMONYAN: The main meetings will be in Parliament. Yesterday we held very important discussions with Senate leader Larcher, essentially the #2 politician after President Macron. We've reached an agreement around concrete steps, which I will disclose upon my return to Armenia.

[source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZLpBZFc4Bk&t=2s), [source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kELfP5DCMl4), [source](https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20230618-french-armenian-resistance-hero-missak-manouchian-to-enter-france-s-panth%C3%A9on)

interview with Armenia's "pro-Western" Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan | International presence in Nagorno Karabakh | Russian peacekeepers | Market economy | Unblocking roads | ...

Lately, Girogryan has spent more time in Western countries than in Armenia, his pro-Russian critics have complained. "He is essentially acting as a Foreign Minister," some have noted. Grigoryan has been vocally critical of Russia's diplomatically unfriendly stance towards Armenia after the 2020 war, after Russia's refusal to support Armenia in the UN Security Council, Russian peacekeepers' inaction in Nangorno Karabakh, Russia's inaction after the invasion of Armenia proper, Russia's refusal to provide military assistance despite being obligated to do so under a contract, Russia's refusal to deliver weapons despite receiving the funds, etc.

REPORTER: What were you discussing with your colleague Nat. Sec. Jake Sullivan in the White House?

GRIGORYAN: The intensification of Armenia-U.S. relations. There is a great potential to introduce new topics in our relations. The democracy in Armenia and the U.S. interests in our region open up new opportunities. We were discussing security, energy, and economy. The meetings will end in a few days.

We want Armenia to gain the status of a "market economy" and gain access to all the services provided by American giants like Google. Gaining broader access to American services will help strengthen our democracy and free speech. For example, today our journalists cannot monetize their YouTube channels and become independent. It's a fraction of what can be done with access to American services.

REPORTER: The recent meeting in Washington between foreign ministers yielded "some progress" but major disagreements remain. What expectations do you have from the July 21 meeting in Brussels?

GRIGORYAN: Regardless of where they are held, these negotiations supplement each other. The context is almost identical under every platform. The U.S.'s heavy involvement in this process plays a stabilizing role. We highly value that. Yerevan is interested in creating the conditions for a speedy and stable peace. It will support Armenia's sovereignty and protect our democracy.

Some of the issues that are still unresolved:

1) Clarification of Armenia-Azerbaijan borders per 1975 USSR maps. We are ready to move forward with this approach. Negotiations continue.

2) We need an international mechanism so Stepanakert and Baku can discuss the security and rights of Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh. We expect more efforts from the international community to be able to achieve progress.

REPORTER: Armenia recognizes Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, including Nagorno Karabakh. But Azerbaijan believes these words mean nothing unless Armenia recognizes it on paper.

GRIGORYAN: The issue of Nagorno Karabakh has never been a "territorial" issue. The issue of the security and rights of Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh is not about territory. It's about humans, their rights, their security. Armenia obviously recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. The dialogue should only be about the rights and security of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians, held between Stepanakert and Baku. And if we can reach an agreement here, there wasn't/isn't/won't be any territorial issue here.

REPORTER: Why isn't there a dialogue between Stepanakert and Baku today? There is also an issue with the Lachin blockade.

GRIGORYAN: The goal of the international mechanism is to also address those issues. There are geopolitical hurdles, but I think it's the only long-term solution that can help. It is possible to create an international mechanism. More efforts are needed by the global community, Stepanakert, and Baku.

REPORTER: Describe the "international mechanism".

GRIGORYAN: Negotiations between Stepanakert and Baku under the presence of international players. This is where all the topics relating to Nagorno Karabakh should be discussed. It will be great progress if the international community established a physical presence in Nagorno Karabakh and Lacin. Without this, it will be very difficult to guarantee rights and security.

REPORTER: Moscow has been passive lately. How do you evaluate Russia's role as a mediator and its peacekeeping presence?

GRIGORYAN: May was a very intense month. Foreign ministers met in Washington and Moscow, while leaders met in Brussels.

As for Russian peacekeepers, our expectations have not been met. The Lachin corridor is closed, yet Azeris weren't even supposed to be present in the Lachin corridor under the Nov. 9 statement. Peacekeepers were supposed to guarantee free movement. We expect peacekeepers to carry out their duties in full so the people of Nagorno Karabakh won't face this ever-deepening humanitarian crisis.

REPORTER: The main topics of negotiations are the AM-AZ border, Nagorno Karabakh safety, unblocking of regional communication, and the repatriation of POWs and captives. Moscow seems to be particularly interested in the topic of communications, while the West is focused on a peace agreement. Do they have different priorities?

GRIGORYAN: Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. As for the unblocking of communications, Armenia has three principles: 1) Full sovereignty over the infrastructure, 2) Jurisdiction, 3) Reciprocity. If one side receives something, it should provide something similar in return.

The unblocking will greatly benefit Armenia and allow us to realize the Armenian Crossroads concept. Armenia must become an active participant in the regional trade. This will bring revenue. Greater economic activity also improves physical security.

REPORTER: You've mentioned that Armenian agents must oversee the traffic passing through newly unblocked routes, so Azerbaijan won't receive a "corridor". However, the Nov. 9 statement says the Russian FSB should oversee it. Does that mean Armenia has diverged from Nov. 9?

GRIGORYAN: No, we haven't. A day after the Nov. 9 statement, the Russian president signed a decree clarifying the duties of the Russian FSB under the Nov. 9 statement. It states that the Russian FSB's duty is to "ensure" that Armenia is following through with its obligations. In practice, they could install cameras to verify that Armenia has indeed unblocked the road for Azerbaijan.

REPORTER: Ex-MFA [Vardan Oskanian](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/264343) claims he can achieve serious progress in the Nagorno Karabakh negotiations within 3 months if you give him full power.

GRIGORYAN: Very unserious statement. Oskanian couldn't resolve the problems in 10 years, let alone in 3 months. Now he wants to create a second state within a state?

REPORTER: Armenia is dissatisfied with [Russia-led] CSTO military bloc's inaction after the invasion of Armenian territories. You believe that Armenia's membership to CSTO is a barrier to cooperating with others, but it doesn't fully limit your reach. What are the main barriers created by CSTO?

GRIGORYAN: None at the moment. We can and do deepen our relations with other states. We see results, which indicates that there is no serious barrier by CSTO.

REPORTER: Is the exit from CSTO on the agenda?

GRIGORYAN: There is no benefit from leaving it, so why do it? Lately, some of our CSTO partners [Belarus] have publicly referred to our complaints as "legitimate". We expect those issues to be addressed.

REPORTER: Russia took the money but failed to deliver the weapons to Armenia. Are you discussing this issue with them?

GRIGORYAN: Not actively but it's part of the general dialogue. We need Russia to understand how important this topic is for Armenia. We need an open and calm dialogue.

REPORTER: The Kansas (U.S.) military delegation visited Armenia recently. How do you assess the military cooperation with the U.S.?

GRIGORYAN: Besides using the existing platforms, we are thinking about discussing the creation of a new method of cooperation with the U.S. There is significant progress here. The results can be seen after lengthy work, but the intense dialogue has begun.

REPORTER: Pashinyan mentioned that Armenia and U.S. have been discussing [cooperation in the nuclear energy field](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/ymbewf/nov42022_what_is_the_electricityforgas_deal_pipes/). Tell us more about it.

GRIGORYAN: We've received offers from the U.S., Russia, France, and South Korea [to build a new nuclear plant]. We are yet to make a final decision on the type of technology, power, and cost.

REPORTER: The U.S. wants to help other countries, including Armenia, to gain energy independence from Russia and China.

GRIGORYAN: The context of our energy dialogue is exclusively based on the protection of Armenia's interests while considering our financial resources. Every offer is being discussed.

source https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtYtq4Lip9g

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/14y0vuv/nagornokarabakh_under_blockade_by_azerbaijan/