Karabakh independence not a bargaining chip, says Aram IApril 18, 2022 - 10:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The independence of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) cannot be a bargaining chip, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I told an Easter mass on Sunday, April 17. "We as a nation cannot remain indifferent and silent, we will tell the people of Artsakh that we are with you," the Catholicos said. "Peace, independence and justice are God-given values and rights. The peace of a nation can't be a bargaining chip, the people of Artsakh have collectively established and strengthened their independence on the land where they have been living and working for centuries." Aram I said Armenia is facing severe challenges today. "We expect the authorities of Armenia, the people of Armenia, as well as the people of Artsakh to firmly establish their collective will, saying that a nation's will to live freely, the right to live in peace can't be undermined in the light of so-called geopolitical conditions", he said. Azerbaijan has broken into Nagorno-Karabakh, and the incursion has left three Armenian soldiers dead and at least 14 others injured. On March 24, Azerbaijan stormed into the zone of the responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers stationed in the area and is refusing to completely withdraw its forces from strategic heights. Top stories Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 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). |