The Governor of Gegharkunik presented the situation in 12 settlements of Vardenis and Chambarak to representatives of the OSCE fact-finding mission

Gegharkunik province’s Governor Karen Sargsyan received the representatives of the OSCE fact-finding mission headed by Colonel Robert Arkadius Tkachuk on October 21.

The commander of the second army corps of Armenia’s Armed Forces, colonel Vahram Grigoryan was also present at the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to get acquainted on the spot with the situation created in the border areas and settlements of the region as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression on September 13-14.

“Welcoming the visit of the representatives of the mission to Gegharkunik province, I drew the attention of those present to the situation created in 12 settlements of Vardenis and Chambarak communities of the province as a result of the Azerbaijani shelling, expressing hope that the quick response of the representatives of the OSCE fact-finding mission will enable a correct assessment of the situation.

If necessary, I am ready to personally accompany the OSCE fact-finding working group to the settlements and border zones affected by shelling and provide the necessary support to them in all matters.

The EU monitoring group will report to the headquarters in Brussels, not to the parties – Klaar

The European Union’s observation mission will monitor Armenia’s borders mainly through road patrols and surveillance equipment, and the observation group will report to the headquarters in Brussels, not to the parties, Toivo Klaar, the special representative of the European Union in the South Caucasus, said in a conversation with the Azerbaijani “Turan” agency.

When asked whether the results could be useful if the monitoring is conducted only on the Armenian side, the EU official reminded that President Aliyev “made it clear that Baku agrees to cooperate with the mission as far as it is concerned.”

 “We expect that the Azerbaijani side will cooperate with the mission through regular contacts between the relevant actors on the ground, without the physical presence of the members of the mission on the Azerbaijani side.  We hope that this mission will also serve to build trust between the parties,” Klaar added.

 “Now it is important to finally turn the page of hostility, avoid past mistakes and ensure positive rhetoric between the parties for the sake of a peaceful future,” the diplomat stated, assuring that the EU continues serious cooperation with both sides in this direction.

The Secretary of the Security Council presented the consequences of the recent aggression unleashed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces to the permanent rapporteur on RA issues in the European Parliament

On October 21, Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan met with Andrey Kovachev, permanent rapporteur on Armenian affairs in the European Parliament.  As reported by the SC office, the chairman of the RA NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, MP Eduard Aghajanyan, and the head of the EU delegation in RA, Ambassador Andrea Victorin, were also present at the meeting.

 The Secretary of the Security Council welcomed Andrey Kovachev’s visit to Armenia and expressed confidence that mutual cooperation will contribute to a positive result.

 The Secretary of the Security Council presented the aggression unleashed by the Azerbaijani troops on September 13 and its consequences, as well as some details of the negotiation process.  The secretary also emphasized RA’s readiness to continue democratic reforms also as a security component.hat Baku agrees to cooperate with the mission as far as it is concerned.”

 “We expect that the Azerbaijani side will cooperate with the mission through regular contacts between the relevant actors on the ground, without the physical presence of the members of the mission on the Azerbaijani side.  We hope that this mission will also serve to build trust between the parties,” Klaar added.

 “Now it is important to finally turn the page of hostility, avoid past mistakes and ensure positive rhetoric between the parties for the sake of a peaceful future,” the diplomat stated, assuring that the EU continues serious cooperation with both sides in this direction.

I will advise the people of Kapan not to worry, we are here for the Armenian people – Consul General of Iran

I will advise the people of Kapan not to worry, we are here for the Armenian people.  Consul General of Iran Morteza Abedin Varamin said this in an interview with NEWS.am, referring to the journalist’s statement that people in Kapan live in an environment of constant fear.

When asked why the consulate in Syunik is opening right now, the consul answered:

 “We are messengers of peace in Armenia and we want to see Armenia as a stable country.  Thus, as noted by Iran’s high-ranking officials, we cannot accept any change of borders in the region.”

Cavushoglu complained about the visit of the OSCE mission to Armenia

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavushoglu criticized the OSCE’s decision to send a mission to Armenia, writes Anadolu Agency.

During his speech in Mersin, he noted that the OSCE has shown itself as a “center of non-resolution of problems”, and the latest decision regarding Armenia allegedly contradicts the requirements and principles of the organization itself.

“The attempt to impose one’s own position and the formation of the status quo is unacceptable,” Cavushoglu complained.

 “Over the years, they just dragged the process out.  And today, when sending a mission or observers, they try to ignore Azerbaijan’s position.  There is a desire to support Armenia,” he said.

It should be reminded that the OSCE needs assessment team is arriving in Armenia today at the invitation of the RA government.

Other News

• The message spread by the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan that allegedly the units of the RA Armed Forces opened fire in the direction of Azerbaijani positions and a vehicle is misinformation, RA Ministry of Defense reports.

• Milena Khachatryan became the champion of Europe in Weightlifting U20 EA.

• The rapporteur on Armenian issues in the European Parliament visited the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex.

• The extended-format meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council launched in Yerevan today.