Artsakh newsletter

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SECURITY & POLITICS

The Legislative Council of the New South Wales of Australia passed a resolution calling upon the Australian “Government to officially recognize the independence of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh and strengthen Australia's relationship with the Nagorno-Karabakh and its citizens”. NKR President’s administration and Parliament welcomed the resolution, calling it a significant step towards global recognition of Artsakh’s freedom.

The OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs had a joint meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia in Paris. “Reducing tensions among the parties” and some “ideas on working proposals to advance the peace process” were discussed.

Foreign Minister Karen Mirzoyan received Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office to discuss situation along the line of contact between Artsakh and Azerbaijani armed forces.

“Artsakh’s Army has upgraded military arsenal that significantly increased republic’s defense capabilities”, NKR Minister of Defense said in a press-briefing (click for video).

While in Yerevan, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Eric S. Rubin called continuation of talks on Karabakh settlement “highly important.”

“Time to refocus on Artsakh”, Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said in an article. A long-time supporter of freedom and justice for Artsakh, Rep. Schiff expressed hope that the United States would send a strong signal to Azerbaijan to take a constructive stance in talks.

Czech Senate’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security passed a resolution condemning Azerbaijan’s pardoning convicted murderer Ramil Safarov.

Artsakh President received Swiss parliamentarians to discuss political and economic cooperation between the countries.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Artsakh president Bako Sahakyan discussed the establishment of a new IT center during a meeting with American-Armenian philanthropists Sam and Silva Simonian. Meantime, an IT company "Synergy International Systems" opened a branch in Stepanakert.

Artsakh’s Tourism Department launched a new South Touristic Corridor project, aimed at improving region’s tourism infrastructure, including access to historical monuments.

SOCIETY

‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund announced a decision to “include assistance to Syrian Armenians as a part of its fundraising efforts for the year 2012”. The Fund will contribute 10% of all donations from Armenia and Artsakh during the 2012 Telethon, and Phone-a-thon by Fonds Arménien de France to the humanitarian needs of Syrian Armenians.
The Fund’s International Thanksgiving Day Telethon will air on November 22 live for 12 hours, 8:00am-8:00pm PST. (click for more info)

President Sahakyan received delegation of the Armenian Missionary Association in America to discuss agricultural and educational programs in Artsakh. (click for video)

Artsakh’s population increased by 968 in 2012. Birth rate in January - September 2012, was twice as high as death rate; number of marriages increased by 128 in comparison with the same period in 2011, while cases of divorces decreased by 13 (click for video).

NKR Ministry of Culture and Youth Affairs moved to a new building in Shushi. Artsakh’s leadership will continue increasing administrative presence in the town (click for photos and video).

Playing at home, the Artsakh football team beat Abkhazia 3-0 (click for video).https://www.youtube.com/watch?featur...&v=ubWLN7PjBog

Article at NKR office in US.

https://www.nkrusa.org

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November 1-15, 2012

SECURITY & POLITICS

President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay Jorge Orrico visited NKR and met Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan and other officials to discuss development of relations between Uruguay and NKR. Earlier in Yerevan, Jorge Orrico condemned Azerbaijan’s recent pardoning and promotion of a convicted axe murderer, stressing the importance of protection of human rights on the international arena. He also noted that Uruguay was the first country in the world to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

During his visit to Artsakh, President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay Jorge Orrico spoke at the NKR parliament. He stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of the conflict and respect freedom and basic human rights. Artsakh Speaker of the Parliament Ashot Ghoulian welcomed the visit of Uruguay delegation to Artsakh and stressed the importance of this visit for Artsakh. Later, the Uruguay delegation visited Shushi and Gandzasar as well as met Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan.

“Rehabilitation of the Stepanakert airport is the sovereign right of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and pursues solely civilian and humanitarian objectives, including the realization of such a basic human right as the freedom of movement”, the NKR Foreign Ministry said in a letter circulated at the UN General Assembly and Security Council in a response to Azerbaijan’s efforts to thwart the airport’s opening.

Azerbaijan officially continues encouraging hatred against Armenians, stressed Armenia’s Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Garen Nazarian in his address during a UN session on elimination of racism, racial discrimination and intolerance.

Armenia will continue pushing for a negotiated settlement to the Karabakh conflict, but the country will not stand aside in case of new aggression against NKR from Azerbaijan, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated in his interview with the Wall Street Journal. Sargsyan stressed that “…Azerbaijan is waiting for an occasion to start a conflict” and warned that that “would harm the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia but that most harm would come to the people of Azerbaijan.”

The recent meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs was an attempt to bring Azerbaijan to constructive dialogue, said Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan.

Azerbaijan did not allow U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar to visit the site in Julfa, Nakhijevan, where a medieval Armenian cemetery with thousands of cross-stone monuments (khachkars) was destroyed by the Azerbaijani authorities in 2005 (see the video). The Armenian National Committee of America called on the U.S. Ambassador to visit the area and to secure public access to the site. See full documentary on the subject.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Growth in the construction sector continues in Artsakh, with $65 million invested in the first nine months of this year. See video.

Base Metals Company is preparing to put into operation a new ore deposit in the area of Tsakhkashen in Martakert region, NKR within two years.

SOCIETY

‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund’s 15th international telethon will take place on November 22 live between 8:00am-8:00pm PST. (click for more info). This year’s contributions will assist in the rural development in Armenia and Artsakh and the urgent humanitarian needs of Syrian Armenians.

President Sahakyan stressed the importance of rural development projects for Artsakh, in his speech during the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s annual fundraising dinner in Moscow that secured pledges of more than $12 million. NKR President called upon Armenians to participate actively in the upcoming telethon.

Shoushi played host for a joint meeting of NKR and Armenian parliaments’ standing committees on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Affairs.

Julfa History of Armenian khachkars destruction by Azerbaijan

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November 1-15, 2012

Artsakh Newsletter summarizes key developments in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh and is prepared by the NKR Office in the United States.

SECURITY & POLITICS

President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay Jorge Orrico visited NKR and met Artsakh Republic President Bako Sahakyan and other officials to discuss development of relations between Uruguay and NKR. Earlier in Yerevan, Jorge Orrico condemned Azerbaijan’s recent pardoning and promotion of a convicted axe murderer, stressing the importance of protection of human rights on the international arena. He also noted that Uruguay was the first country in the world to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

During his visit to Artsakh, President of the House of Representatives of Uruguay Jorge Orrico spoke at the NKR parliament. He stressed the importance of peaceful resolution of the conflict and respect freedom and basic human rights. Artsakh Speaker of the Parliament Ashot Ghoulian welcomed the visit of Uruguay delegation to Artsakh and stressed the importance of this visit for Artsakh. Later, the Uruguay delegation visited Shushi and Gandzasar as well as met Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan.

“Rehabilitation of the Stepanakert airport is the sovereign right of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic and pursues solely civilian and humanitarian objectives, including the realization of such a basic human right as the freedom of movement”, the NKR Foreign Ministry said in a letter circulated at the UN General Assembly and Security Council in a response to Azerbaijan’s efforts to thwart the airport’s opening.

Azerbaijan officially continues encouraging hatred against Armenians, stressed Armenia’s Representative to the United Nations, Amb. Garen Nazarian in his address during a UN session on elimination of racism, racial discrimination and intolerance.

Armenia will continue pushing for a negotiated settlement to the Karabakh conflict, but the country will not stand aside in case of new aggression against NKR from Azerbaijan, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated in his interview with the Wall Street Journal. Sargsyan stressed that “…Azerbaijan is waiting for an occasion to start a conflict” and warned that that “would harm the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia but that most harm would come to the people of Azerbaijan.”

The recent meeting of Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan mediated by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs was an attempt to bring Azerbaijan to constructive dialogue, said Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandyan.

Azerbaijan did not allow U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Richard Morningstar to visit the site in Julfa, Nakhijevan, where a medieval Armenian cemetery with thousands of cross-stone monuments (khachkars) was destroyed by the Azerbaijani authorities in 2005 (see the video). The Armenian National Committee of America called on the U.S. Ambassador to visit the area and to secure public access to the site. See full documentary on the subject.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

Growth in the construction sector continues in Artsakh, with $65 million invested in the first nine months of this year. See video.

Base Metals Company is preparing to put into operation a new ore deposit in the area of Tsakhkashen in Martakert region, NKR within two years.

SOCIETY

‘Hayastan’ All-Armenian Fund’s 15th international telethon will take place on November 22 live between 8:00am-8:00pm PST. (click for more info). This year’s contributions will assist in the rural development in Armenia and Artsakh and the urgent humanitarian needs of Syrian Armenians.

President Sahakyan stressed the importance of rural development projects for Artsakh, in his speech during the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund’s annual fundraising dinner in Moscow that secured pledges of more than $12 million. NKR President called upon Armenians to participate actively in the upcoming telethon.

Shoushi played host for a joint meeting of NKR and Armenian parliaments’ standing committees on Science, Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Affairs.

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PRESS RELEASE
December 6, 2012

ARTSAKH'S INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY MARKED ON CAPITOL HILL

Washington, DC - Members of the U.S. House and Senate joined with more than one hundred Armenian American community leaders at a December 5th Capitol Hill celebration of Nagorno Karabakh's independence, featuring a keynote address by the Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh, Karen Mirzoyan.

The Congressional event, held in the historic Russell building on the Senate side of Capitol Hill was sponsored and organized by the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues, Rep. Ed Royce, the incoming Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Frank Pallone, in cooperation with the Armenian Embassy, the Office of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the United States, and leading Armenian American organizations. Diplomats, religious leaders, think tank community representatives, Congressional staff members, Armenian-Americans community leaders, and representatives of local and international media joined the legislators in participating in the celebration.

The event marked the day, 21 years ago, when Artsakh held a national referendum on its independence that delivered an overwhelming vote (98.9% of eligible Artsakh voters) in support of an independent state that, acting on its own authority, was empowered to decide forms of co-operation with other states and communities. In 2006, more than a decade later, also in December, the citizens of Artsakh reaffirmed their commitment to live in a free and independent state by adopting Artsakh’s primary law, namely the Constitution of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh, which consolidated all the basic principles of state sovereignty and marked a new stage in the Republic's development.

Minister Mirzoyan, in his keynote address, emphasized the importance of both democratic votes, as well as the symbolism of their having taken place on or near International Human Rights Day. He stressed, in his remarks, that: "For us, independence is not just an ultimate goal, but also the means by which the Nagorno Karabakh Republic can take its rightful place as a responsible member of the international community; by which our people can best fulfill their potential, realize their aspirations, and enjoy all the rights and freedoms that everyone deserves." While talking about the Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict, Minister Mirzoyan stressed Artsakh's alliance with the international community in seeking a peaceful resolution of the conflict. He also expressed confidence that "effective negotiations require the immediate restoration of Artsakh’s full participation in all aspects of the negotiation process."

Ambassador Markarian addressed the gathering and praised the Armenian Congressional Caucus for their unwavering support for independence, security and democratic development of Artsakh. He strongly condemned the recent hostile actions of Azerbaijan and underscored the urgency of support and recognition of the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic by the international community. As part of the evening's program, Ambassador Markarian presented “Mkhitar Gosh” medals to the Representatives Anna Eshoo and Brad Sherman. These honors, bestowed by the President of Armenia, Serzh Sargsyan, recognized their many contributions to the advancement of Armenian issues, including universal recognition of the Armenian Genocide. At the same time, during the event, Minister Mirzoyan awarded both Reps. Sherman and Eshoo commemorative medals dedicated to the anniversary of the Artsakh's independence.

Members of Congress congratulated people of Artsakh on the occasion of those anniversaries and highlighted their support for the legitimacy of the Artsakh’s independence and its many achievements since independence. They expressed their readiness to continue supporting international recognition of the Artsakh Republic and condemned the escalation of threats and acts of anti-Armenian hatred and violence by the Azerbaijani government, a troubling trend that recently culminated in Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's pardoning of convicted axe-murderer Ramil Safarov.

In his opening remarks, Representative Pallone, who moderated the event, stressed that the people and leaders of Artsakh realized their right to self-determination and independence in full conformity with all existing national and international law, legal precedent, and democratic traditions. He called for continued American support for Artsakh's democracy. Joining Congressman Pallone in offering remarks, and making statements, were Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), and Representatives Adam Schiff (D-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Anna Eshoo (D-CA), David Cicilline (D-RI), and Eliot Engel (D-NY), the incoming Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Representative Jackie Speier (D-CA). Reps. Jeff Denham (R-CA) and Linda Sanchez (D-CA) were also among those participating in the celebration.

John Evans, the former US Ambassador to Armenia attended and addressed the event.

The program was rounded out by a powerful speech by Anna Astvatsaturian Turcotte, an Armenian refugee from Azerbaijan, who was an eyewitness to anti-Armenian violence in Baku. She spoke movingly of those dreadful days, which reaffirmed, she explained, her resolve to see Artsakh live in freedom. She recently published her memoirs, titled "Nowhere, a Story of Exile," that tells the story of her life in Baku, and Azerbaijan’s brutality against Armenian citizens in Baku and elsewhere. She called upon the global community to pay proper attention to the plight of Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan, and expressed her hope that one day Azerbaijani society would be able to overcome its hatred towards Armenians.

The event was concluded by the invocation served by the Archbishop Vicken Aykazian, Diocesan Legate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America (East), as well as Reverend Fathers of both Armenian churches in Washington.

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PRESS RELEASE
December 10, 2012

Artsakh Republic Celebrates 21 Years of Independence and Constitutional Referenda

Washington, DC – December 10, 2012 marks the 21st anniversary of the national Referendum in Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), which evidenced overwhelming popular endorsement of the newly-formed Nagorno Karabakh Republic.

82% of the total number of Artsakh’s registered voters participated in the elections. The overwhelming majority of participants (99.98%) voted for proclamation of the independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic, with its own authority to define co-operation with other states and entities.

Fifteen years later, on the same day in 2006, the people of independent Nagorno Karabakh Republic have reaffirmed their commitment to live in a free and democratic state by adopting the republic’s main law – Constitution. A logical continuation of the state-building process, adoption of the Constitution has consolidated all the basic principles of the state sovereignty, and symbolized a new stage in the republic’s development.

Conducted in a full compliance with the international norms, the referenda represent pillars of Artsakh’s independent statehood, and development as a democratic society.

NKR President Bako Sahakyan addressed the nation on both occasions stressing that 1991 national referendum “preconditioned the whole course of our country's future development” while adoption of the NKR Constitution reaffirmed Artsakh’s commitment to the “fundamental principles of democracy and universal values … proving that the chosen path is unshakeable and right, and its course is indivertible and firm.”

Symbolically, December 10 is the day of the UN’s adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The document, which sets out the fundamental human rights, inter alia, states that “everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person”.

* * *

The Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the United States is based in Washington, DC and works with the U.S. government, academia and the public representing the official policies and interests of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, Artsakh.

* * *

This material is distributed by the Office of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic in the USA on behalf of the Government of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. The NKR Office is registered with the U.S. Government under the Foreign Agent Registration Act. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.