Re: Artsakh newsletter
Artsakh Newsletter/ January 15-31, 2014
POLITICS
Artsakh Defense Army junior sergeant Armen Hovhannisyan, born in 1994, was killed on the Line of Contact while repelling an attack by Azerbaijani forces. On the night of January 19-20, Artsakh Defense Army units stopped two simultaneous night-attacks by Azeri forces in the northeastern (Jraberd) and southeastern (Korgan) directions, and forced them to retreat to their original positions inflicting considerable personnel and material losses on the enemy. NKR President Bako Sahakyan awarded Armen Hovhannisyan posthumously by the Artsakh Medal of Courage “for bravery shown during the defense of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic state border.”
The NKR Foreign Ministry strongly condemned provocative actions of Azerbaijan in its statement that stressed aggressive nature of Azerbaijani actions and“seriously undermine the efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair countries aimed at peaceful settlement of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno Karabakh.”
In another separate incident, Armenian Army Private Karen Galstyan (1994) was killed on the Line of Contacts as a result of Azerbaijani sniper fire. NKR President Bako Sahakyan awarded Karen Galstyan posthumously by "For Service in Battle" medal.
In a statement, U.S. Member of Congress Brad Sherman urged holding Azerbaijan accountable for its actions. Rep. Sherman stressed that “Azerbaijan continues to show that it is not serious about establishing peaceful relations with Artsakh and repeatedly creates obstacles to the peace process.” Meanwhile, another member of U.S. Congress Adam Shchiff in his interview stressed that those violations are supported implicitly by the Aliev administration, and international community has to speak out strongly about it. “I think we have to stop supporting them and drive home the message that this kind of dangerous, provocative, and fatal conduct is just not going to persist,” said Rep. Schiff.
The U.S. State Department once again reiterated its position that the use of force will not resolve Karabakh conflict, and called on all parties to refrain from the use or threat of force. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Ministry called the conflicting sides to take additional measures to stabilize the situation, including introduction of mechanisms under the February 4, 1995 agreement on strengthening of ceasefire.
The three OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs expressed their deep concern over recent violence and stressed that those incidents “undermine negotiations and diminish the prospects for peace.”
Amid the recent escalation, Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met in Paris in a previously agreed meeting. Meeting with OSCE mediators, Armenian Foreign Minister pointed to the increasing number of cease fire violations and continuing bellicose rhetoric of Azerbaijan that impede the peace process.
Spokesman for the NKR President David Babayan said that NKR continues informing the mediators about the situation on the borders. President’s press secretary expressed concern over international community’s failure to condemn Azerbaijan directly.
The Los Angeles City Council has adopted a resolution, introduced by Councilmember Paul Krekorian, recognizing the independence of Republic of Artsakh and honoring its citizens. The resolution also calls upon the international community to “give appropriate recognition to the Republic of Artsakh as a free, independent, and sovereign state.”
Freedom House ranked Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh as "Partly Free" in its "Freedom in the World 2014" annual report. Azerbaijan once again was ranked as "Not Free.” Freedom House also indicated a decline in civil liberties in Azerbaijan.
ECONOMY
NKR President Bako Sahakyan stressed the importance of development of banking sector in a meeting with “Ardshininvestbank" chair Mher Grigoryan.
The president chaired a meeting with participation of Hayastan Fund representatives that discussed issues related to construction of Martakert-Vardenis highway, stressing the importance of conducting the project with high quality and within a fixed time frame.
President Sahakyan visited Askeran and Hadrut regions to discuss local issues. Watch an Artsakh TV report.
Armenia and Artsakh took a part in Fitur International Tourism Trade fair organized in Madrid, Spain. Watch an Artsakh TV report.
SOCIETY
AGBU, along with the Cherchian Family Foundation and NKR authorities, continues providing assistance to the Syrian-Armenians who left for Artsakh due to continuing military conflict in Syria. Through the project tractors and other agricultural supplies were provided to Syrian-Armenian families in Artsakh.
President Sahakyan honored Armenian Assembly of America board member Annie Totah with the Medal of Gratitude for her contribution in developing and promoting Artsakh’s interest and international recognition. The medal was awarded at the Assembly's annual holiday briefing and reception at the Embassy of Armenia.
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
November 15-30, 2013
POLITICS
Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan visited Los Angeles to participate in the annual telethon of the “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund and to meet Diaspora leaders and public figures. The funds raised through the 2013 campaign will benefit the construction of the Vardenis-Mardakert highway. Prior to visiting U.S., the Artsakh delegation headed by President Sahakyan traveled to Paris to participate in the Telethon 2013 events.
Armenian President Serge Sargsyan met his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, in what the first meeting since January 2012. The meeting in Vienna, Austria, for a tête-à-tête discussion of the Karabakh peace preceded calls to both presidents by Secretary of State John Kerry. In a statement issued by the Co-Chairs after the summit, the mediators stated that the presidents agreed “to advance negotiations toward a peaceful settlement” and “to meet again in the months ahead.”
The United States, Russia and EU welcomed the meeting of the presidents to advance the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. Meanwhile, Switzerland, Brazil and Japan separately expressed their support of the efforts and mediation framework of the OSCE Minsk Group to find a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict.
In comments following the summit, NKR Foreign Ministry stressed the importance of “the resumption of high level meetings between the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan after a long break.” The Ministry also reiterated that “real progress in the settlement process could only be reached by … the restoration of full-format negotiations with direct and immediate participation of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in all its stages.”
The U.S. City of Highland, California, established Sister City Relationships with the Artsakh City of Berdzor, Kashatagh region. Earlier, the City Council of Highland adopted another proclamation that recognized the independence of NKR and urged the U.S. President and Congress to support Artsakh’s independence and democracy.
ECONOMY
“Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund concluded its 16th international telethon securing more than $22 million in donations and pledges. Read more details here.
While launching the discussions over next year’s state budget, President Sahakyan stressed the importance of maintaining the social orientation and special attention to development projects in 2014.
SOCIETY
Well-known singer, composer and producer, the son of the world-famous Spanish tenor Placido F. Domingo Jr. arrived in Artsakh to perform a concert in Stepanakert organized with the cooperation of the “Mezzo Production” and the Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs of NKR.
American television and radio host Larry King accepted the invitation to visit Artsakh after his meeting with President Sahakyan in Los Angeles. The former CNN host also made a donation to Telethon 2013.
Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.Leave a comment:
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
November 1-15, 2013
POLITICS
Presidents Bako Sahakyan and Serge Sargsyan visited several army units and attended military exercises in Artsakh and discussed planning priorities with senior Defense Army officers.
Following their regional trip, co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group announced plans to organize another meeting between Armenian and Azeri presidents later this year.
The Artsakh people’s struggle for freedom and independence was discussed during the 10th Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) held in Busan, South Korea. The delegation of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin called upon the WCC to condemn the double standards on this issue.
ECONOMY
The annual Thanksgiving Day Telethon scheduled by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund this November 28 will help raise funds for the construction of the Vardenis - Mardakert highway. Artsakh authorities call the project crucial for a comprehensive development of the entire republic, with the road serving important economic and security functions.
NKR minister of agriculture and delegation visited the Netherlands to study local practices.
A conference titled “Tourism in Karabakh” was organized in Stepanakert with participation of a number of tourism related organizations and operators.
SOCIETY
NKR President Bako Sahakyan received Belgian-Armenian philanthropist and businessman Andre Gumuchdjian to discuss issues related to discuss his involvement in projects in Artsakh.
A new elementary school was inaugurated in Hovsepavan village, Askeran Region.
Artsakh has announced plans for a new census to be held in 2015.
HISTORICAL REFERENCE
November 12 marks the official opening of the Goris-Stepanakert highway. The road of life as it is known became Artsakh’s main on the ground connection with Armenia. The reconstruction of Goris-Stepanakert highway started in 1995, a year after the establishment of the cease-fire, and was completed in November 1999. The realization of the project became possible through the efforts of Armenians all over the world who thus contributed to the security and development of Artsakh.Leave a comment:
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
October 15-31, 2013
POLITICS
In yet another violation of the 1994 cease-fire agreement, Azerbaijani forces fired on civilian and military vehicles traveling on the border road in Armenia’s north-east. The attack claimed the life of Private Garik Poghosyan (born in 1994), and three other servicemen were hospitalized. The Armenian military took retaliatory measures.
A routine OSCE-led monitoring of the Line of Contact in Karabakh had to be cancelled after shots were fired from the Azerbaijani side. The mediators issued a statement calling for a comprehensive investigation of the incident.
Cease-fire issues were discussed in separate meetings of Artsakh’s President and foreign minister with the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office in Stepanakert.
Artsakh President and delegation visited Belgium and the Netherlands, where they met with members of the Belgian and Dutch legislatures, as well as representatives of the Dutch Armenian community and Brussels-based "European Friends of Armenia."
In Yerevan, Artsakh’s President and foreign minister met with the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Philippe Lefort.
In his address at the UN General Assembly in New York, Armenia’s Permanent Representative to UN, Ambassador Garen Nazarian noted that “Azerbaijan rejected confidence-building measures proposed by international mediators” that could help prevent cease-fire violations and associated loss of life on both sides.
The Foreign Policy Journal published an article “Azerbaijan’s Interpretation of Article 41 of the UN Charter: Rhetoric vs. Facts” by Aram Avetisyan of the NKR Office in Washington. The article challenged Azerbaijan’s policy of isolation towards Armenia and Artsakh in the context of international law.
ECONOMY
The annual Thanksgiving Day Telethon scheduled by the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund this November 28 will help raise funds for the construction of the Vardenis-Mardakert highway. Artsakh authorities call the project crucial for a comprehensive development of the entire republic, with the road serving important economic and security functions.
As part of fund’s campaign, Artsakh Deputy Prime Minister Arthur Aghabekyan visited the state of California to meet with American-Armenian community members.
SOCIETY
New equipment to perform plastic and reconstructive surgeries were provided to the newly-built Stepanakert Central Republican Hospital by Dr. Hratch Karamanoukian and Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian as part of their continued support for Artsakh’s medical sphere.
A Museum of Carpets was opened at the Center of Arts in Shushi. The museum collection comprises over 250 carpets and rugs. Watch an Artsakh TV report.
Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
October 1-15, 2013
POLITICS
President Bako Sahakyan visited France and Belgium. While in Paris, NKR head of state and a delegation that includes deputy prime minister Artur Agabekyan and foreign minister Karen Mirzoyan met with representatives of the French Armenian community and members of ‘Support to Karabakh’ association. In Lyons, Sahakyan awarded the NKR’s “Gratitude” medal to the French chapter of the Hayastan Fund at an event to mark its 20th anniversary. In Brussels, Sahakyan addressed the annual conference of the European Armenians and met with Belgian-Armenian Chamber of Commerce. The president also met with the head of the EU-Armenia Parliamentary Friendship Group Eleni Theocharous and a group of her colleagues.
An international conference “Artsakh’s National Liberation Struggle: From Gulistan [Treaty of 1813] to Today” took place in Stepanakert, involving a number of Armenian and foreign experts. A prominent British human rights lawyer, Geoffrey Robertson QC cited NKR’s accomplishments in institution-building and argued that “it is time to recognize Nagorno Karabakh as an independent state.” Also speaking at the conference was the former Ambassador of Germany to Armenia Hans Johan Schmidt and French parliamentarian Francois Rochebloine, who chairs the France-Artsakh Friendship Circle.
A delegation from the Mayor’s Office of the French town of Les-Pennes-Mirabeau, a suburb of Marseille, visited the NKR district center of Martuni to meet mayor Mher Khachatryan and other local officials to discuss cooperation opportunities.
ECONOMY
The Hayastan Fund’s annual Thanksgiving Day Telethon will be dedicated to the construction of the Vardenis-Mardakert highway that will provide an important additional link between Armenia and Artsakh.
The Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh, was established in 1991 basing on a declaration of the local legislature, and results of a subsequent nation-wide referendum. The people of Artsakh defended their choice in a war unleashed by Azerbaijan. The Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh has emerged as a democratic, rule-of-law state with capable armed forces, a growing market economy, and an independent foreign policy.Leave a comment:
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
September 15-30, 2013
Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.
POLITICS
A delegation comprising members and staff of the California State Assembly and Los Angeles City Council visited Artsakh and expressed support for Artsakh’s freedom. They also opened a park of friendship dedicated to the cities of Shushi and Los Angeles. See Artsakh TV’s video.
NKR President Bako Sahakyan met with Speaker John Pèrez of the California State Assembly to discuss ways to expand relations.
Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley issued a proclamation on Armenia’s Independence Day mentioning Artsakh as a "fledgling democracy". The document also stressed that “Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and the United States shared the same values and believe in the fundamental principles of freedom, democracy, self-determination and human rights”, and expresses support to “all those who chose to develop as free and democratic nations.”
Visiting Artsakh for the 80th time was a member of the British House of Lords Baroness Caroline Cox and accompanying group. Baroness Cox was awarded with the Order of Mesrop Mashtots for decades of dedication to Artsakh.
Other visitors included a veteran member of the Canadian Parliament Stephan Dion and a delegation from the French city of Vienne, headed by Mayor Jacques Remiller.
Artsakh Foreign Minister discussed NK peace process with British MPs, members of the Armenian-British Friendship Group Stephen Pound and John Whittingdale.
Azerbaijan’s defense ministry once again officially refused to withdraw snipers from the border, which was suggested by the Armenian sides and international mediators to reduce cease-fire violations and reduce casualties on both sides.
“Regardless of Azerbaijan’s destructive stance, Armenia will continue its efforts towards the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict exclusively through peaceful means and on the basis of the purposes, principles and norms reflected in the UN Charter”, said Armenia’s Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian in his statement at the UN General Assembly.
SOCIETY
The newly-completed Republican Medical Center opened in Stepanakert.
The main symbol of Artsakh "We are our Mountains" monument, known as Tatik-Papik (Grandma-Grandpa), was reopened after renovations.
President Bako Sahakyan joined President Serge Sargsyan and Catholicos Garegin II at the consecration ceremony of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Moscow, Russia.
President Sahakyan issued a letter of condolences in connection with the passing of American-Armenian philanthropist Gerard Cafesjian.
Prime Minister Ara Harutyunyan met with a group of representatives and donors of the “Hayastan” All-Armenian Fund to discuss further cooperation. See Artsakh TV report.Leave a comment:
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
PRESS RELEASE
September 23, 2013
Maryland’s Armenia message highlights Nagorno Karabakh’s democratic aspirations
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley issued a proclamation on Armenia’s Independence Day that also noted Nagorno Karabakh as a "fledgling democracy". Maryland has thus become the latest U.S. state to have publicly expressed support for Artsakh.
The document also stressed that “Armenia, Nagorno Karabakh and the United States share the same values and believe in the fundamental principles of freedom, democracy, self-determination and human rights.”
As proclamation states, people of the State of Maryland uphold and embrace those values and extend their support to “all those who chose to develop as free and democratic nations.”Leave a comment:
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
Artsakh is hiring computer science teachers if they are willing to live there. See announcement at the bottom.
February, 2013
POLITICS
NKR President Bako Sahakyan issued a congratulatory statement on the 25th anniversary of the Karabakh National-Liberation Movement (click for video). Earlier, Artsakh leader attended and offered remarks at a rally in Stepanakert (click for video).
A statement of the Canadian MP Jim Karygiannis marked the 25th anniversary of Karabakh Freedom movement. The statement emphasized a heroic path of Artsakh people towards independence and democracy.
In his statement, addressed to the NKR President Bako Sahakyan, Member of the U.S. Congress, Co-Chair of Armenian Congressional Caucus Frank Pallone Jr. congratulated people and government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic on the 25th anniversary of the Freedom movement.
US Congressman Adam Schiff also issued a statement congratulating the people and government of Artsakh on the occasion.
February 27-28 is the day when Armenians of the world pay tribute to memory of Armenian pogroms in Sumgait, third-largest city in Azerbaijan. 25 years ago, in response to peaceful demonstrations in Stepanakert, Armenian residents in Sumgait were brutally targeted on the basis of their ethnicity and hundreds subjected to unspeakable tortures and murder. Click to watch “Sumgait: The Ordinary Genocide” documentary (Contains photos and information not appropriate for viewing and listening by underage)
On February 28, 2013 people and government laid flowers at the memorial for victims of Sumgait (click for video). Statements were issued by Artsakh Foreign Ministry (click for video) and political parties.
NKR President Bako Sahakyan congratulated incumbent President Serzh Sargsyan on his re-election as the President of the Republic of Armenia.
Armenian and Artsakh Foreign Ministers discussed the Karabakh peace process after the recent meeting in Paris between the Armenian and Azeri Foreign Ministers.
Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan visited Lithuania, and delivered a speech at a conference in the country’s parliament (Seimas). A group of Lithuanian deputies declared (click for video) formation of Lithuania-Artsakh Parliamentary Friendship group.
Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan congratulated newly-appointed US Secretary of State John Kerry. In his letter, Minister Mirzoyan expressed gratitude for the U.S. humanitarian assistance to Artsakh as well as for U.S. involvement in the Karabakh-Azerbaijani settlement.
Answering a provocative question by Azeri journalist, the U.S. State Department’s spokesperson reiterated the US vision of settlement for the Karabakh conflict through exclusively by peaceful means.
Azerbaijan launched another hysteric campaign, this time against Azeri known writer Aylisli for his recently published “Stone Dreams” novel about Azeri atrocities against Armenians in 1990th as well as Armenian massacres by Turks in 1918-1920. Starting with burning Aylisli’s books, Azeri pro-governmental party announced reward for cutting writer’s ear off. Azeri president’s decision stripped off Aylisli’s title as “People’s Writer”, and eliminated state pension, his family members fired from offices and threatened. Global watch dog groups, including Human Rights Watch and the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety as well as world mass media accused Azerbaijani government for intimidating the writer.
SECURITY
On February 9, 2013, Azerbaijani snipers, in violation of the 1994 ceasefire agreement, killed Armenian Army’s private Mher Yeghshatyan (born in 1976).
Private Gor Ghazaryan (born in 1992) became another victim of Azeri aggression along the line of contact with Azeri forces. Private Ghazaryan was posthumously awarded with a medal of “Service in Combat”.
President Sahakyan received Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk, Personal Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office to discuss peace process and the recent escalation by Azerbaijan of the situation along the line of contact.
NKR Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan and Nick Smarth of the HALO Trust, a British-based NGO that deals with demining of Artsakh discussed the organization’s activity and further cooperation with Artsakh government.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Prospects of development of clothes manufacturing in Artsakh were discussed during the meeting of Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan with Italian-Armenian businessman Gagik Saroukhanyan.
“Mining industry will remain among priorities for Artsakh’s economic development”, reiterate participants of a special meeting chaired by President Sahakyan.
Armenian and Artsakh state agencies on economic competition expanded cooperation during the visit of Armenian antimonopoly agency delegation to Stepanakert.
Regional authorities in Qarvatjar pledge to solve region’s water problem “within months”.
A new modern hospital will soon open doors to patients in Stepanakert. Scheduled to open last November, delays are caused by suppliers and technical reasons. Specialists say quality of works remains a priority. (click for video)
Armenia and Artsakh shared a joint booth at the LA Times travel Show, Los Angeles, CA, winning the best new exhibitor award.
SOCIETY
Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan met a group of Artsakh-born Armenian philanthropists, currently residing in the Russian Federation, to discuss humanitarian programs. President praised compatriots for consistent support and contribution to the republic’s development.
All-Armenian Fund “Hayastan” continued humanitarian programs in Artsakh. Musical college building (constructed in 1961) in central Stepanakert will be renovated as part of the mission.
AGBU programs in Artsakh were discussed by President Sahakyan and organization’s director in Yerevan Arpi Vardanyan.
Armenia and Karabakh: The Stone Garden Travel Guide was published on February 18, 2013. The book contains comprehensive information for travelers to Artsakh. This is the largest and most detailed travel guide for Artsakh and gives the country the coverage to which it is entitled as an independent republic. The guide contains 320 pages, 150 color photographs, and 30 detailed maps. It is sold online by www.ArmeniaTravelGuide for $25; also available for purchase from Amazon.com and from independent booksellers.
First recycle bins for plastic bottles appeared in Stepanakert. “Eco-Plastic” company management say measure is called to keep the city clean, and pledged further steps towards waste recycling in Artsakh.
Anouncement
Scholars for Scientific, Educational and Cultural Development, Inc. (SSECD) launched a project titled “iArtsakh” establishing a new Bachelor’s Degree program in Computer Information System at the Artsakh State University. The organization is looking for an instructor who will reside in Stepanakert, and teach various courses of Computer Science in the State University.
For further details, please follow the link or contact SSECD at [email protected], mentioning iArtsakh in the subject line.Leave a comment:
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
January 15-31, 2013
SECURITY & POLITICS
Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan outlined main conditions necessary to resolve the Karabakh conflict in a meeting with faculty and students of Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). See Artsakh TV report here. The group that traveled from Washington also visited the Artsakh State University.
Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan and OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chars met in Paris to discuss current stage of Karabakh peace process. Issue related to Stepanakert airport was on the agenda of the meeting.
The Government of Azerbaijan adopted a decision apparently designed to justify shooting down of civilian aircraft. Artsakh called on the international community to react to Baku’s outrageous threats to target civilian in mid-air. Armenia’s Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan stated that Armenia’s military will provide security for civilian flights between Yerevan and Stepanakert.
NKR President Bako Sahakyan met representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsoutyun) party Hrant Margaryan and Georgy Petrosyan to discuss domestic and foreign policy issues.
Los Angeles Times published an article by Carol Williams on the continuing international relevance of the Karabakh conflict.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
A new Europe Hotel opened its doors in Stepanakert opened its doors to welcome in business travelers and tourists.
SOCIETY
A new branch of the Stepanakert Public Library opened on the campus of Artsakh State University and will be known as the Muratsan Library in honor of the late 19th-early 20th cent. writer of Armenian historical novels.
HISTORICAL REFERENCE
The pogroms in Baku in January 1990 against its Armenian residents was a culmination of anti-Armenian violence in response to Artsakh’s peaceful campaign for reunification with Armenia. Since January 13, 1990, Azerbaijani nationalists launched methodical, house-by-house attacks on Armenians living in the Azerbaijani capital, weeklong attacks that came to be known as Baku pogroms. As a result, scores of Armenians were killed. Soviet authorities evacuated remnants of once 250,000-strong Armenian community of Baku.Leave a comment:
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Re: Artsakh newsletter
January 1-15, 2013
Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.
SECURITY & POLITICS
Freedom House ranked Nagorno Karabakh as "Partly Free" in its "Freedom in the World 2013" annual report, pointing to last year’s competitive presidential elections. Unlike Armenia and Artsakh, Azerbaijan is ranked as "not free.”
Azerbaijani President Aliyev was named "Corruption's 'Person Of The Year" by the international Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
Glorification of the axe murderer in Azerbaijan had a huge negative impact on the negotiation process, said NKR president’s spokesman David Babayan, predicting no significant breakthrough in Karabakh peace process in 2013.
Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan and OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chars plan to meet at the end of this month in Paris to discuss current stage of Karabakh peace process.
Like other European Union states, Poland refuses to supply weapons to any of the parties of the Karabakh conflict, stated Polish Ambassador to Armenia Zdzislaw Raczynski.
The HALO Trust NGO called on the Armenian Diaspora to continue to support mine clearance in Artsakh.
ECONOMY & BUSINESS
Artsakh President Bako Sahakyan made his first working visit in 2013 to the village of Chapar in the Martakert region. Issues related to the development of the village were discussed during the meeting with village residents.
NKR government is developing a new agricultural program aimed at improving the quality of work and more effective public finance management within the sector.
SOCIETY
On Armenian Christmas Day, Artsakh Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan served a festive liturgy at the St. Kazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi.
The first day of 2013 was marked by the birth of six children in Artsakh. See video report from Artsakh TV here.Leave a comment:
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