Blinken, Le Drian discuss Karabakh over the phoneMay 17, 2021 - 11:37 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken discussed the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian on Sunday, May 16, according to a tweet posted by the former. "[Jean-Yves Le Drian] and I discussed our concern over the violence between Israelis and Palestinians. We also discussed the need for a long-term political settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," Blinken wrote. Le Drian earlier weighed in on Azerbaijan's encroachment on Armenian soil in telephone conversations with his Armenian and Azeri counterparts. On the morning of May 12, the armed forces of Azerbaijan violated the border of Armenia in the southern province of Syunik, advancing 3.5 kilometers and surrounding Sev Lake, which is situated on the border between the two countries but is predominantly a part of Armenia. On May 13, the Azerbaijani military committed more border violations against Armenia, advancing near Vardenis (Gegharkunik province) and Sisian (Syunik province). No official information has been published in the past two days. Some opposition politicians say the Azerbaijanis have agreed to withdraw from Armenia's territories with preconditions, failing to name them. Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency. Partner news | PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. |