Breaking
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Richard R. Verma and Armenia’s President Vahagn Khachaturyan opened the U.S.-Armenia Local Democracy Forum on June 17 in Yerevan, Armenia. The Forum, the first of its kind, brought together U.S. and Armenian mayors, and regional and state leaders for a two-day exchange about what it means to be a local leader in a democracy.
Senate Armed Services Committee Supports Bolstering U.S.-Armenia Security Ties
On June 13, the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee voted to encourage the Department of Defense to strengthen engagement with Armenia including through “bilateral training opportunities and other security cooperation activities.” This expression of support is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This is the first time a congressional Armed Services Committee has specifically called for increasing security cooperation between the U.S. and Armenia.
Disproportionate Police Violence Against Protesters in Armenia
Armenian PM Declines Belarus Visit as Long as Lukashenko Holds Power
U.S. Congress
House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee Chair Kean Urges State Dept to Deter Further Aggression from Azerbaijan
During yesterday’s hearing on the FY’25 Foreign Operations Budget, House Foreign Affairs Europe Subcommittee Chairman Tom Kean (R-NJ) urged Assistant Secretary of State James O’Brien to deter Azerbaijan from committing further aggression against Armenia. O’Brien recently returned from a three-day visit to Armenia where he declared Armenia a strategic partner of the U.S.
Kean asked Obrien: “The State Department announced today that you will be visiting Azerbaijan this week and meeting with President Aliyev. What message will you deliver to President Aliyev, especially regarding potential consequences for any future threats or aggression against Armenia?”
In response, O’Brien said: “Yes, I will be there tomorrow night. We are very clear with President Aliyev that now is the time for peace…A peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia is essential to ending the longstanding conflict since the 1990s. Our message emphasizes the urgency of making peace, as only then can many of the war’s issues be resolved. We will also discuss the importance of respecting human rights, a topic regularly raised by Secretary Blinken in recent discussions, and I look forward to addressing with President Aliyev.”
Azerbaijan has faced no consequences for its collusion with Russia to ethnically cleanse Nagorno- Karabakh in September of 2023 in open defiance of U.S. Secretary of State
Blinken. Moreover, Azerbaijan is occupying approximately 200 sq. kilometers of Armenia, destroying Armenian cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh, unlawfully detaining dozens of Armenian hostages and POWs and routinely threatening more violence against Armenia. No agreement has been made regarding Armenians’ right of return to their ancestral homeland of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Asst Sec. of State O’Brien Responds to Chairman Kean on his Upcoming Meeting with Aliyev
Nearly 50 Members of Congress Urge State Department to Protect Armenian Cultural Sites in Nagorno-Karabakh
- Urges the US Department of State to ensure that all U.S. diplomats prioritize the protection of Armenian cultural heritage by raising this issue at every meeting with officials at all levels of the government of Azerbaijan.
- Asks the US Department of State to urge the government of Azerbaijan to fully comply with the ICJ provisional measures and to refrain from actions that would lead to the further destruction of Armenian cultural heritage.
U.S. State Department
State Department Releases Annual International Religious Freedom Report – Azerbaijan on Special Watch List
On June 26, the State Dept. released in annual report on religious freedom. On Azerbaijan, the report indicates that “local human rights groups and media outlets said the government continued to physically abuse, temporarily hold incommunicado, arrest, and imprison religious activists.”
The report cites that the UN special rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Alexandra Xanthaki, stated Azerbaijan had continued efforts to remove traces of Armenian presence in Nagorno-Karabakh or to reinterpret them as belonging to Caucasian Albanians. The special rapporteur stated the International Court of Justice, European Parliament, and Council of Europe had all expressed concern with the replacement of Armenian heritage with the promotion of a Caucasian-Albanian “narrative,” and the vast majority of experts in the region’s art, architecture, and archaeology had “rejected these revisionist claims as false.” Gov.-controlled-media reported in May the government announced plans to restore and conserve the Armenian Apostolic church in Hadrut and three adjacent buildings, which the article stated, “belong to the historical and cultural heritage of Caucasian Albania.”
A letter was just sent to Secretary Blinken by nearly 50 House members addressing Azerbaijan’s destruction of Armenian heritage sites and the false claim they have “Caucasian Albanian” origins.
Azerbaijan’s Ethnic Cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh and Genocidal Policy
CFTJ Submits First Individual Complaint to UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) Over Detention of Vicken Euljeckjian by Azerbaijan
- Calls the UNWGAD to initiate an investigative
procedure concerning the case of Vicken Euljekjian,
and dispatch an official communication to the
concerned state seeking clarification on his situation,
including the legal grounds for his arrest, incarceration,
and any instances of cruel, inhumane, or degrading
treatment endured during his detention. - Calls on UNWGAD to demand Azerbaijan promptly and
unconditionally release Vicken Euljekjian. - Calls on UNWGAD to issue a formal opinion
denouncing the continued detention of Vicken Euljekjian and other Armenian hostages and POWs in Azerbaijan as arbitrary.
Artsakh After the Occupation of Azerbaijan. Part 1: Hadrut
Although Azerbaijan did not build a new road through the neighbouring villages of Azokh and Drakhtik, more than 35 buildings were partially or completely damaged in the two villages. In addition, the monuments dedicated to the memory of the Great Patriotic and Artsakh wars, as well as the Armenian Genocide were destroyed in Azokh.
Caucasus Heritage Watch Report Reveals Alarming Damage to Armenian Cultural Sites in Occupied Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)
Caucasus Heritage Watch has published its seventh report on monitoring cultural heritage sites in occupied Artsakh. Through the use of satellite imagery analysis, it has found that there has been a 75% increase in destroyed heritage sites and a 29% increase in sites being in danger of damage or destruction. The report goes into depth about the current status of different monuments in Artsakh and includes different before and after photos.
CSI Launches Campaign to Ban Azerbaijan from Paris Olympics Over Nagorno-Karabakh Ethnic Cleansing
Supporters of the victims of Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing can now easily notify the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and associated national Olympic officials of their opposition to Azerbaijan’s participation in the Paris Olympic Games.
European Council Commission Report Highlights Nagorno-Karabakh Depopulation Due to Baku’s Genocide
The 2023 annual report of the Council of Europe Commission against Racism and Intolerance reveals that over 100,000 Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh Azerbaijan’s unlawful military aggression on September 19-20. The report underscores Azerbaijan’s military attacks forced native Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh to abandon their ancestral homeland of millennia and relocate to the Republic of Armenia.
‘Wreckage Upon Wreckage’ in Kalbajar
Azerbaijan destroyed the ruins of two Soviet-era schools, and with them the traces of a medieval Armenian past embedded in their walls.
International Legal Team for Armenian Political Prisoner Ruben Vardanyan Files Urgent Appeal with UN Special Rapporteur on Torture
Vardanyan’s legal team urgently appealed to UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Dr. Alice Edwards, urging her to denounce the Azerbaijani government’s mistreatment and demand improved conditions for him.
Monument Watch: Replicas of Artsakh Carpets Presented in Latvia as Symbols of Azerbaijan’s ‘Genetic Code’
Recently, Azerbaijan has intensified its policy of appropriating Armenian heritage on various international platforms through exhibitions, lectures, and academic conferences. This effort is particularly focused in the Baltic region, notably in Latvia, where Artsakh carpets adorned with unique Armenian ornaments and designs are presented as part of Azerbaijan’s traditional carpet-making culture, branded as “Azerbaijani carpets.”
Sham Cases against Former Nagorno-Karabakh Leaders to be Sent to Court
Armenian-Owned Homes in Stepanakert Cleared for Azerbaijani Settlers Despite Promises of ‘Right of Return’
Driven by Fear from Nagorno-Karabakh
Testimonials from Nagorno-Karabakh Ignored by the World
“The road to Armenia was very difficult. My car broke down on the way. What we seen on the road was death from hunger, terrible accidents, hungry people, empty, broken cars… It was complete chaos, helpless people,” states 27-year-old Lusine Gasparyan, forcibly displaced from the Martuni region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Actor from Stepanakert Endures 13 Days Alone, Beaten by Azerbaijanis
James Warlick: Matter of Armenians’ Return to Karabakh Should be Part of Peace Agreement
EU to Earmark €15M to Armenia to Address Karabakh Refugees’ Challenges
Photos of the week
A police stun grenade explodes during a rally against PM Pashinyan in Yerevan, Armenia.
Photo Courtesy of Vahram Baghdasaryan.
Opposition protesters rally against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in Yerevan.
Photo Courtesy of Narek Aleksanyan.
Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma other U.S. officials, visit the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum in Yerevan, Armenia.
Photo Courtesy of US Embassy in Armenia.
Security
Armenian and U.S. Top Security Officials Discuss Bilateral Cooperation
The parties discussed the Armenian-American cooperation in the field of security and referred to the support of the US in enhancing the defense and security capabilities of Armenia.
Armenian FM: Armenia Deepens Partnership with the EU
Armenian Security Council Secretary Attends Peace Summit on Ukraine
Ambassador Nina Hachigian Talks US Local Diplomacy and Supporting Democracies
France Hails Deal To Provide Armenia With Howitzers As ‘New Important Milestone’
Armenian Leader Announces Plan to Leave Russia- Dominated Security Alliance as Ties with Moscow Sour
Amid the widening rift with Russia, Armenia earlier froze its participation in the alliance, canceled its involvement in joint military drills and snubbed CSTO summits. Ambassador Nina Hachigian Talks US Local Diplomacy and Supporting Democracies
Armenia, EU Discuss Strengthening of Dialogue on Security and Defense
The parties discussed strengthening their dialogue on security and defence, and Armenia’s pending request under the European Peace Facility.
Parliament Hearing Underway on Proposal to Hold Referendum on Armenia’s EU Membership Application
Armenia Proposes ‘Joint Mechanism’ With Azerbaijan To Investigate Cease-Fire Violations
Armenia-EU Partnership Committee Emphasizes Administrative Application of Common Aviation Area Agreement
Russian Hacking Group Targets Armenia
The cyberattacks were claimed by a Russian hacking group known as the “People’s Cyber Army of Russia” Another attack was targeted at the Armenian embassy in Ukraine on June 15, 2024. The attacks appear to be politically motivated, targeting Armenia’s perceived shift towards Western alignment and away from traditional ties with Russia.
Economy
Richard Verma: Armenia is at the Forefront of Science and Technology
“Armenia is at the forefront of science and technology, and that was clear to me today as I visited Engineering City: an incubator for startups, advancing R&D in cybersecurity, and semiconductors. The US looks forward to growing our innovative partnership with Armenia,” stated US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma.
Armenian Economy Minister, U.S. State Department Special Representative Discuss Issues of Trade and Economic Cooperation
Sarah Morgenthau: US Aims to Enhance Economic Relations with Armenia Through Trade and Investments
“I want to do what I can to encourage US businesses to continue to invest, Armenian companies come to the US,” stated the US Department of State Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, Sarah Morgenthau in an interview with the 1st News channel.
Armenia Receives Support from IMF
Central bank carries out ninth consecutive cut but says inflationary pressures remain low.
U.S. State Dep Special Rep Sarah Morgenthau Discusses Bilateral Trade with AmCham Armenia
“Spoke to AmCham Armenia, who have done significant work to expand the presence and success of U.S. companies in Armenia. Good conversation today with their members on how we can continue to grow our bilateral trade and investment,” stated Sarah Morgenthau.
National Geographic: Why Armenia Should be on your Radar in 2024
Opinion
European Parliament Elections: Implications for EU- Armenia Relations
By Anna Barseghyan
There are several key areas where the relationship between Armenia and the EU has significant potential for growth. For instance, cooperation in STEM and IT sectors can drive innovation and technological advancements, positioning Armenia as a competitive player in the global market.
Azerbaijan: Repressive Climate Ahead of COP29
By Thomas Latschan
Human rights advocates are worried that Baku is locking up activists and journalists ahead of the UN climate summit this fall.
The Case for Armenia’s Integration into Western Institutions
By Noah Roth
The road leading west symbolizes the only way forward for Yerevan – but it will require prudent decision-making. If Armenian leaders manage to navigate these storms successfully, the country can finally join the rest of Eastern Europe on its European path.
The Secret Arms Deal that Cost Putin an Ally
By Gabriel Gavin
Leaked files reveal betrayal by Russia’s proxies provoked Armenia to quit a military alliance with Moscow, in a blow to Vladimir Putin.
French Arms Sale to Armenia Fuels Tension in Caucasus
By Ani Avetisyan
Azerbaijani media raises specter of Third Karabakh War.
What Azerbaijan Wants From Texas Politicians
By Christopher Hooks
Laredo congressman Henry Cuellar was indicted last week on charges that he hid payments from Azerbaijan. The country has long waged an influence campaign in Texas.
God’s Own Country: Between the Church and the State in Armenia
By Lily Donahue
Galstanyan, currently making far-fetched grasps at Prime Ministership, is unlikely to harness ongoing political support. Though protests may continue, ousting current Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will be an uphill battle with no likelihood of success. Though this may make for a more stable government, tensions will likely increase.