Armenia is set to take the stage of the Children's Eurovision 2023 with the talented Yan Girls group and their empowering song, "Do It My Way."
Comprising young stars Nane, Nancy, Kamila, Suzanna, and Aidan, the Yan Girls group was formed with a shared dream – to shine on the international stage of "Children's Eurovision." Inspired by the legendary K-pop artists, these little singers have infused their music with the vibrant colors of Armenian culture. Their performances promise to be a blend of youthful energy, creativity, and boldness.
At the heart of their music is a powerful message about self-confidence and the importance of embracing one's individuality. Through their song "Do It My Way," the Yan Girls encourage listeners to own their identity and strive for the best, embodying the spirit of empowerment and self-belief.
This year, Armenia's representatives for the Children's Eurovision were carefully chosen through a highly competitive selection process organized by Public Television. The nation eagerly anticipates Yan Girls' performance, hoping their unique blend of Armenian essence and contemporary pop influences will capture the hearts of viewers worldwide.
As the countdown to the Children's Eurovision 2023 begins, Armenia stands proud, ready to showcase the talent and creativity of its young musicians on the international stage. Stay tuned for an unforgettable performance by Yan Girls, a testament to the rich musical heritage and artistic innovation of Armenia.
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Armenia's pride and a marvel of engineering, the Wings of Tatev cable car, has yet again earned global recognition. Nominated for the prestigious international tourism award, the World Travel Awards 2023, the cable car finds itself in contention for the coveted title of "World's Leading Cable Car Ride 2023." This nomination comes as a reaffirmation of the project’s excellence, having previously clinched the same title in 2021. The Wings of Tatev is now up against cable cars from Bolivia, Brazil, Vietnam, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, and South Africa.
Standing as the world's longest passenger cable car, Wings of Tatev entered the annals of history, securing its place in the Guinness Book of Records. Its record-setting length of 5,752 meters is not the only remarkable feat. What sets this engineering marvel apart is the incredible speed at which it was constructed—a mere 10 months. The realization of this visionary project is credited to the expertise of the Austrian-Swiss company Doppelmayr/Garaventa, renowned leaders in ropeway construction.
Monday marked the 13th anniversary of the Wings of Tatev cable car, a beacon of pride for Armenia. Since its inauguration in 2010, it has become a lifeline for more than 1,300,000 people who have experienced the breathtaking journey it offers. Remarkably, this cable car has played a pivotal role in boosting tourism, with every fifth tourist in Armenia making their way to Tatev thanks to this iconic ride.
The Wings of Tatev project, a cornerstone of the "Tatev Revival Program," was initiated by philanthropists Ruben Vardanyan and Veronika Zonabend. This non-profit endeavor not only connects visitors to the historic Tatev Monastery but also contributes significantly to the restoration of this cultural gem and the development of the local community. Managed by Impulse Business Management, all proceeds from the cable car are dedicated to these noble causes, making it a symbol of sustainable tourism and community support.
The Armenian government organized a special evacuation flight from Tel Aviv to Yerevan, ensuring the safety of its citizens and their families residing in Israel. The flight, initiated on October 16, successfully transferred 190 Armenian citizens and ethnic Armenians, including more than 70 children, from Tel Aviv to Yerevan, reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Armenia.
Armenia's Foreign Ministry released a statement earlier this week, outlining their meticulous approach to forming the flight manifest. Applications received by the Armenian embassy in Israel and the Armenian Foreign Ministry were scrutinized, prioritizing families and the presence of children. The government was adamant about not dividing families during this evacuation process. The careful planning aimed to ensure the safe relocation of Armenian citizens and their families amidst the ongoing hostilities.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, including the Armenian Embassy in Israel, is closely monitoring the situation and will take additional measures when necessary," stated the Foreign Ministry.
The evacuation flight was facilitated in response to the applications processed by the Armenian government. Those eligible for evacuation were instructed to gather at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv. The flight, organized and funded by the Armenian government, departed from Tel Aviv at 1pm local time, making its journey to Yerevan.
However, the evacuation was not without its challenges. According to Artyom Chernamoryan, chairman of the Armenian “Nairi” Association of Petah Tikvah, Israel, and editor-in-chief of the Armenians of Israel newspaper, many individuals, particularly men, were relocating their children and intended to return on subsequent flights. Chernamoryan highlighted the difficulty faced by families torn between leaving their homeland and ensuring their children's safety amid the escalating conflict.
"A working group has been formed; there is a headquarters to help
EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Urgent Call to Preserve Armenia's Wine Heritage! Join us on The Armenian Report YouTube Channel for a crucial report on the grave threat facing Armenia's vineyards. Phylloxera, a destructive pest, threatens Armenia's ancient wine legacy. Swift action is needed. Subscribe and watch now for how experts are rushing to preserve centuries-old traditions! #SaveArmenianWine #PhylloxeraAlert #WineIndustryCrisis #ArmenianHeritagePreservation #ArmenianWine #Wine #Phylloxera #Grapes #Areni
🎥WATCH FULL INTERVIEW NOW ON THE ARMENIAN REPORT YOUTUBE CHANNEL! 🎥 Trigger Warning- In an eye-opening conversation with The Armenian Report, Gev Iskajyan, a representative of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), shared a firsthand account of the heart-wrenching mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). Having spent over two years in Artsakh and endured the blockade, Iskajyan recounted the tragic ethnic cleansing of Armenians from the region, revealing both his profound grief and the incredible resilience he witnessed among the people he met.
"They kill you and send flowers to your funeral," Iskajyan described Azerbaijan's crimes to The Armenian Report. His words painted a stark picture of the devastating reality faced by the Armenian population. Leaving Artsakh meant abandoning a place that might never be the same again. The only possession he carried was a cross, symbolizing the weight of faith in the face of despair.
Reflecting on the dire situation, Iskajyan emphasized the immense challenges faced by the Armenian population and the unwavering resilience of the people of Artsakh. "The people of Artsakh did not give any concessions; their resilience is incredible and it cannot go understated," he said. Azerbaijan, recognizing this resilience, resorted to military operations when their attempts at coercion failed.
Iskajyan stressed the urgent need to keep communities together and ensure Armenia's safety. He highlighted the necessity of competent military leadership and a collective change in mindset. "The change starts with ourselves," he passionately declared. "We have to change the way we think, feel, and act."
His urgent words served as a powerful warning against complacency, emphasizing the very real threat Armenia faces from neighbors determined to erase its existence. The loss of Artsakh, he fears, could be followed by the loss of Armenia if drastic measures aren't taken.
"So many families, so many people didn
Armenian-American Gev Iskajyan Chronicles the Horrors of Artsakh’s Ethnic Cleansing in a Detailed Eye-Witness Interview
WATCH FULL INTERVIEW ON THE ARMENIAN REPORT YOUTUBE CHANNEL NOW.
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In an interview with The Armenian Report, Gev Iskajyan, a representative of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA), provided a firsthand account of the devastating mass exodus of ethnic Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh). Iskajyan, who spent over two years in Artsakh and lived through the blockade, recounted the tragic ethnic cleansing of Armenians from the region, sharing his profound grief and the resilience he witnessed among the people he met.
"They kill you and send flowers to your funeral," Iskajyan described to The Armenian Report the crimes of Azerbaijan. He described the mixed feelings of relief and utter sadness, knowing that leaving Artsakh meant leaving behind a place that may never be the same again. The only possession he carried with him was a cross, emphasizing the symbolic weight of faith in the face of despair.
Reflecting on the dire situation, Iskajyan emphasized the immense challenges faced by the Armenian population, highlighting the resilience of the people of Artsakh. "The people of Artsakh did not give any concessions; their resilience is incredible and it cannot go understated," he said. Azerbaijan, recognizing this resilience, resorted to military operations when their attempts at coercion failed.
Iskajyan stressed the urgent need to keep communities together, acknowledging the difficulty of such a proposal amidst the crisis. He emphasized the importance of ensuring Armenia's safety, emphasizing the necessity of competent military leadership and a collective change in mindset.
"The change starts with ourselves," he said passionately. "We have to change the way we think, feel, and act."
Iskajyan's words resonated with a profound sense of urgency. He warned against complacency, emphasizing the very real threat Armenia faces from neighbors determined to erase its existence. The loss of Artsakh, he fears, could be followed by the loss of Armenia if drast
Armenian actress Anais Sardaryan and her dedicated team of volunteers are bringing hope to Artsakh refugees, providing essential supplies and support during a devastating crisis. Amidst dire conditions and staggering displacement, they are proving that unity knows no boundaries. Read their inspiring story on The Armenian Report YouTube Channel and witness the power of collective compassion.
Subscribe and watch the full report on The Armenian Report YouTube Channel here: https://youtu.be/7vGXOF9ceQ4
In a touching display of solidarity, a little boy from Artsakh, who was forcibly removed from his homeland of Nagorno-Karabakh due to the recent ethnic cleansing, began his school journey today in one of the schools in Gyumri, Armenia. The emotional moment was captured on video by Movses Harutyunyan, an employee from the Armenian Prime Minister’s office, and it has deeply moved the hearts of the Armenian people.
In the heartfelt video, the new student from Artsakh is seen entering the classroom, where his fellow classmates welcomed him with open arms. One by one, the children approached their new friend, hugging him as a warm gesture of acceptance and friendship. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and empathy as the young students embraced the newcomer, expressing their solidarity during this challenging time.
The woman behind the camera, likely a teacher, shared words of hope and encouragement, telling the students that they are all part of a collective effort to revive Artsakh. In response, the young voices echoed a resounding "Yes!" reaffirming their commitment to standing together during this crisis.
This heartwarming scene comes amid a significant mass exodus from Artsakh, with 100,520 forcibly displaced individuals having entered Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh as of October 2, according to Nazeli Baghdasaryan, the spokesperson for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Her statement during a press briefing shed light on the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid, shelter, and support for those affected.
The situation in Artsakh has been dire, with the region facing a nine-month blockade imposed by the Azerbaijani regime. The entire population of 120,000 Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh endured extreme conditions, being starved to near death before the recent attacks. On September 19, Azerbaijan launched a devastating assault on the entire population of the Republic of Artsakh, forcing thousands to flee their homeland
In a heart-wrenching incident, two young brothers, Mikael and Nver Ghazaryan, aged 10 and 8 respectively, who were brutally killed by Azerbaijani forces in the Sarnaghbyur village of Artsakh, were laid to rest today, September 30, in the Masis city cemetery in Armenia.
The brothers were residents of Sarnaghbyur village in the Askeran region, which was home to 76 people before the Azerbaijani forces launched an attack on September 19, 2023. The assault resulted in the death of five civilians, left 15 wounded, and four were captured by Azerbaijan. The Ghazaryan brothers were among the casualties.
In a heartrending interview, the boys' mother recounted the horrifying sight of her children's bodies. "It's horrible, I can't even say. I only saw from his neck and up, the neck was severed. I haven't seen much, only their faces. One was injured in the back of the head, all bloody. The other one had a severed head,” she said, describing the gruesome scene after the Azerbaijani military invaded their village.
The boys' teacher shared a poignant memory of the afternoon of September 19, when Azerbaijan attacked Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The children were excited, anticipating the lifting of the blockade and the arrival of food and candy their mothers were bringing from the capital, Stepanakert. The boys had promised to share their chocolate with their teacher.
On that fateful day, many villagers, including the mothers, had traveled to Stepanakert to bring back food. Since December 12, 2022, the people of Artsakh had been living under a blockade, deprived of food, fuel, and medical aid, leading to starvation. A day before the attack, a significant amount of humanitarian aid had finally reached Artsakh through the Lachin Corridor.
The Ghazaryan brothers lived a block away from their school. In the chaos of the attack, they sought refuge with the local mayor, who tried to protect them along with his own 15-year-old son, David Alexanyan. Tragically, all three children fell
Azerbaijani authorities have officially charged Ruben Vardanyan, the former Minister of State of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), with allegations related to financing terrorism. The State Security Service of Azerbaijan issued a statement outlining the charges as follows:
"Based on gathered evidence, strong suspicions have been established against Ruben Vardanyan, born in 1968 and currently a citizen of the Republic of Armenia. These suspicions are in connection with criminal activities defined under Articles 214-1, 279.3, and 318.1 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
The indictment against him states that Ruben Vardanyan, as a foreign citizen, illegally crossed the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan in September 2022 outside of designated checkpoints with the intention to commit acts of terrorism and sabotage. He entered the temporary residence of Russian peacekeepers in the Garabagh (Nagorno-Karabakh) economic region of the Republic of Azerbaijan. While there, he acquired weapons, ammunition, and explosives from illegal military units that had entered the territory. Vardanyan also organized and led armed units, which were not sanctioned by Azerbaijani legislation. Additionally, he conducted raids on offices, organizations, and individuals, resulting in fatalities and other severe consequences. Furthermore, he was involved in the procurement of items, military equipment, and military supplies for these unauthorized armed units.
Moreover, Ruben Vardanyan is accused of financing terrorism by channeling funds towards the terrorist activities of these illegal armed groups. On September 27, 2023, Vardanyan was apprehended for his alleged illegal actions. He has been formally charged and subjected to pretrial detention by court order. The investigative and operational measures within the criminal case are currently ongoing."
Russian Armenian businessman, philanthropist, and former Minister of State of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanyan, was detained by Azerb
In response to the urgent medical needs of the besieged city of Martuni of Artsakh, Red Cross vehicles were dispatched on Tuesday, transporting nine wounded individuals who had been unable to reach the safety of Stepanakert in recent days. This humanitarian effort comes amid escalating military attacks by Azerbaijan on the innocent civilians of Artsakh.
Residents of Martuni have been enduring a siege as a result of a large-scale attack launched by Azerbaijan on Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) just days ago. The attack, which began on Tuesday, has resulted in the tragic loss of more than 200 lives and left over 400 people wounded. In a controversial move, Azerbaijani authorities have characterized their actions as "local anti-terrorist measures" aimed at destroying what they claim to be militant targets within Nagorno-Karabakh.
The Red Cross's intervention was crucial in light of the deteriorating situation. A resident of Martuni, speaking to Radio Azatutyun, disclosed that the Red Cross vehicles became a lifeline for nine wounded individuals who had been unable to receive medical treatment due to the ongoing hostilities.
In a move that has sparked controversy and renewed tensions in Artsakh, Azerbaijan has dismantled the Armenian tank memorial located in the Azerbaijani-occupied city of Shushi.
The memorial, which commemorated the first Armenian tank that reached Shushi on May 8, 1992, had long been a symbol of remembrance for the Armenian community, honoring those who lost their lives during the first Artsakh war. Azerbaijani media recently released footage of the memorial's removal, further intensifying the longstanding aggression towards Armenians of Artsakh.
The tank memorial had stood as a somber reminder of the brutal war that unfolded in the early 1990s, resulting in the loss of countless lives and the displacement of numerous residents. For decades, Armenians had gathered at the site to pay their respects and remember the sacrifices made during the war.
The recent dismantling of the memorial has evoked strong reactions from both Armenia and the international community. Armenian authorities have condemned the action, labeling it as a blatant disregard for historical memory and an affront to the people of Artsakh.
Azerbaijan, on the other hand, has defended the removal of the memorial as a necessary step to assert its control over the territory, which was regained following the 2020 Artsakh war.
The removal of the Armenian tank memorial in Shushi has once again laid bare the deep-seated hatred towards Armenians, highlighting the challenges facing any future peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Russian peacekeepers release video of the weapons they have collected from the Armenians of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).
The official statement released by the Russian peacekeeping troops declared, "In fulfillment of the agreements on the cessation of hostilities reached through the mediation of the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops, the delivery of weapons and ammunition to the units of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army has begun, under the supervision of Russian servicemen. In addition, the armed forces of Karabakh are leaving their positions within the framework of the agreements reached at the meeting held in Yevlakh. To date, more than 800 firearms, grenades, mortars, anti-tank guided missiles, and mobile anti-aircraft missile complexes have been handed over."
This development comes on the heels of Azerbaijan's large-scale attack against Nagorno-Karabakh, which was launched on September 19. Artsakh authorities have confirmed that the conflict has led to the loss of 200 lives and left over 400 people wounded, including civilians. Azerbaijani opposition media also report casualties, with 80 Azerbaijani soldiers reportedly losing their lives during the military aggression.
A wave of mass protests and clashes between Armenian citizens and police officers has engulfed the streets of Yerevan, as citizens rally to prevent what they perceive as the looming threat of genocide in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The demonstrations have also brought forth calls for the removal of the current government.
Predominantly led by young activists, impassioned demonstrators have blocked streets in Yerevan, urging fellow citizens to join their cause. The core objective of these protests is to prevent any potential genocide in Artsakh and to demand government change.
Tensions in the Armenian capital have escalated as protesters clash with police officers in the midst of these impassioned gatherings. The protesters have been vocal in their call for the government's removal, citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the situation in Artsakh and concerns about the potential for genocide.
The demonstrators see their actions as a crucial step in safeguarding the Armenian identity in Artsakh and preventing any acts of aggression against the local Armenian population. Their resolve remains unwavering as they continue to demand change and raise their voices against perceived government inaction.
A wave of mass protests and clashes between Armenian citizens and police officers has engulfed the streets of Yerevan, as citizens rally to prevent what they perceive as the looming threat of genocide in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The demonstrations have also brought forth calls for the removal of the current government.
Predominantly led by young activists, impassioned demonstrators have blocked streets in Yerevan, urging fellow citizens to join their cause. The core objective of these protests is to prevent any potential genocide in Artsakh and to demand government change.
Tensions in the Armenian capital have escalated as protesters clash with police officers in the midst of these impassioned gatherings. The protesters have been vocal in their call for the government's removal, citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the situation in Artsakh and concerns about the potential for genocide.
The demonstrators see their actions as a crucial step in safeguarding the Armenian identity in Artsakh and preventing any acts of aggression against the local Armenian population. Their resolve remains unwavering as they continue to demand change and raise their voices against perceived government inaction.
A wave of mass protests and clashes between Armenian citizens and police officers has engulfed the streets of Yerevan, as citizens rally to prevent what they perceive as the looming threat of genocide in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The demonstrations have also brought forth calls for the removal of the current government.
Predominantly led by young activists, impassioned demonstrators have blocked streets in Yerevan, urging fellow citizens to join their cause. The core objective of these protests is to prevent any potential genocide in Artsakh and to demand government change.
Tensions in the Armenian capital have escalated as protesters clash with police officers in the midst of these impassioned gatherings. The protesters have been vocal in their call for the government's removal, citing dissatisfaction with its handling of the situation in Artsakh and concerns about the potential for genocide.
The demonstrators see their actions as a crucial step in safeguarding the Armenian identity in Artsakh and preventing any acts of aggression against the local Armenian population. Their resolve remains unwavering as they continue to demand change and raise their voices against perceived government inaction.
Armenian citizens in Yerevan are protesting against their government's perceived failure to protect Armenian civilians in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).
Predominantly, young men and women can be seen chanting against both current and former leaders of modern-day independent Armenia.
They label the current Armenian Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, as a traitor. They also accuse the third Prime Minister, Serzh Sargsyan, of treason. Additionally, they condemn the second President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, as a traitor, and the first President of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, faces similar accusations.
According to the protesters, all four are responsible for their country's weak military and the potential loss of their homeland, Artsakh.
A shelling incident in the village of Vank, Artsakh, has left a family devastated. Thirteen-year-old Mkrtich Hovoyan and his mother sustained severe injuries when Azerbaijani artillery shells struck their home. Artak Beglaryan, the former state minister of Artsakh, shared this heartbreaking news on his social media page, X.
Tragically, the shelling resulted in the loss of lives as well.
Mkrtich's 16-year-old brother, Sergey Hovoyan, and their 67-year-old neighbor, Melsik, died from their injuries during the attack. Beglaryan expressed his grief and outrage, accompanying his post with the hashtag "#Stop ArmenianGenocide2023."
The incident in Vank village underscores the ongoing hostilities in Artsakh since Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack against Nagorno-Karabakh on September 19. Artsakh authorities have confirmed that the attacks have already claimed the lives of 200 individuals, with over 400 wounded, including civilians.
Azerbaijani opposition media have reported that 80 Azerbaijani soldiers lost their lives during the military aggression.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has categorically denied recent reports suggesting that Azerbaijani troops have entered Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). In a live address to the nation, Pashinyan refuted the claims, emphasizing that there is "no such thing" as Azerbaijani troops inside Stepanakert.
Pashinyan acknowledged that there are communication difficulties within Nagorno-Karabakh and mentioned challenges faced on the roads to Martakert and Martuni. Despite these challenges, he asserted that the overall situation in the region remains stable, as reported by their partners in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Armenia's commitment to the well-being of displaced residents of Nagorno-Karabakh was underscored by Pashinyan, who clarified that Armenia does not pursue a policy of depopulating the region. He insisted that Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh must be allowed to live in safety and dignity in their homeland.
Furthermore, Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of attempting ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. He expressed concerns that some entities may seek to implement Azerbaijan's plan of ethnic cleansing while avoiding international condemnation. Pashinyan cautioned against a dangerous narrative that might portray Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh as leaving voluntarily when faced with persecution, emphasizing that the safety of Nagorno-Karabakh's Armenian population remains an utmost priority.
Regarding preparations for potential population displacement, Pashinyan disclosed that the Armenian government had made arrangements for approximately 40,000 families but had not announced this publicly. This decision reflects Armenia's belief that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh should continue to reside in their homes, preserving their dignity and security. Pashinyan assured that, at present, there is no direct danger threatening the civilian population of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Pashinyan also noted that around 1,300 civilians are currently accommodated in the Russi
It has been confirmed that a number of crucial substations responsible for supplying electricity to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are now under Azerbaijani control. This shift in control has resulted in severe disruptions to the region's power supply, leaving residents grappling with the consequences. The disclosure was made by Artsakhenergo, the regional power company tasked with managing energy distribution in Artsakh.
The situation has prompted Artsakhenergo CJSC to initiate urgent measures to address the electrical supply crisis, with a primary focus on Stepanakert, the capital of Artsakh. Emergency rehabilitation efforts are now underway to restore power to the affected areas and mitigate the hardships faced by the local population.
The disruption of electricity supply underscores the ongoing complexities and challenges in the aftermath of the war in Artsakh. It also emphasizes the critical importance of continued diplomatic efforts and international cooperation to ensure the well-being and stability of the Republic's civilians.
Thousands of people are displaced, hundreds killed and injured, 120,000 citizens are starving and facing the danger of ethnic cleansing as Azerbaijan continues to target innocent civilians.
Explosions of artillery shells heard through the air at approximately 11:40 am on Thursday, shaking the vicinity of the Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) capital, Stepanakert. Preliminary reports indicate that at least three distinct explosions were heard, raising concerns over the stability of the region.
The Azerbaijani Armed Forces were identified as the source of the disturbances, having unleashed a barrage of firepower from positions located near Stepanakert. The incident represents a grave breach of the ceasefire agreement that had been painstakingly negotiated just a day earlier. The Police of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh swiftly reported this alarming development.
In response to the escalating situation, a public announcement was issued, urging the residents of Stepanakert to prioritize their safety. The message stated, "Dear compatriots, Azerbaijani armed forces are currently violating the ceasefire by launching gunfire from areas in close proximity to Stepanakert. Gunshots can also be heard within the city center. For safety reasons, we strongly urge everyone to remain in shelters. Additional updates on the situation will be provided shortly."
Thousands of people are displaced, hundreds killed and injured, 120,000 citizens are starving and facing the danger of ethnic cleansing as Azerbaijan continues to target innocent civilians.
Recap of the latest updates from Armenia and Artsakh by The Armenian Report's political correspondent, Ani Gevorgyan. As tensions rise and chaos unfolds, Ani's words remind us of the challenging times ahead: 'I will not exaggerate if I say that parallel to the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, there is utter chaos in Yerevan, and the clashes between the police and civilians are becoming unavoidable.' Stay informed, stay vigilant. Follow The Armenian Report for verified news from Armenia and Artsakh.
As of 9:30 pm local time on September 20, a grim update has been released by the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The situation remains dire, with the following heartbreaking statistics:
- 200 Lives Lost: There have been at least 200 confirmed deaths. Last report we received the death toll was in the 30s.
- 400+ Suffering: Over 400 individuals have sustained injuries, further emphasizing the extent of this crisis. This number has doubled since the last report.
- Civilian Toll: Among the injured, more than 40 are civilians, and this includes 13 innocent children.
- Civilian Lives Lost: Tragically, there are currently 10 confirmed civilian deaths, with 5 of them being young children.
In the face of this ongoing genocide, the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh continues its unwavering commitment to fact-finding activities aimed at establishing the fate of those who remain missing.
Representatives from Artsakh and Azerbaijan are set to meet in the city of Yevlakh, Azerbaijan. This meeting comes as a result of mediation by the Russian peacekeeping troops stationed in Nagorno-Karabakh and an agreement reached today, September 20, 2023, at 1pm local time, which calls for the complete cessation of military operations.
The agreement, facilitated by the Russian peacekeeping command, presents a plan that seeks to address various aspects of the conflict.
According to a statement released by the President's Office of Artsakh, the Russian side has presented the following proposals:
1. Withdrawal of Armenian Armed Forces: The immediate withdrawal of any remaining units and servicemen of the Armenian armed forces from the deployment zone of the Russian peacekeeping troops.
2. Dissolution and Disarmament: The complete dissolution and disarmament of the armed formations of the Artsakh Defense Army.
3. Withdrawal of Heavy Equipment and Weapons: The withdrawal of heavy equipment and weapons from the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, with the intention of their prompt dismantling.
Moreover, the statement from the Artsakh President's Office highlights the willingness of both parties to engage in dialogue to address key issues raised by both sides. These issues encompass the reintegration, rights, and security of the Armenian citizens of Artsakh. Additionally, discussions will focus on ensuring the livelihoods of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh within the framework of the Constitution of Azerbaijan.
The statement reads, "The issues raised by the Azerbaijani side regarding the reintegration, rights, and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as ensuring the livelihood of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh within the framework of the Constitution of Azerbaijan, in accordance with the agreement reached, will be discussed during the meeting between the representatives of the local Armenian population and the central authorities of the Republic
The Investigative Committee of Armenia has launched criminal proceedings with regard to the facts of committing genocide by the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan.
“Based on the reports received from a group of citizens on the case of committal of genocide through the illegal blockade by Azerbaijanis through fake environmental protesters of the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia - the Berdzor (Lachin) Corridor from December 12, 2022, then the illegal establishment of the checkpoint on April 23, 2023, on the Hakari Bridge in the Berdzor Corridor, this way clearly institutionalizing its criminal behavior, the deliberate resort to provocation on the Hakari bridge on June 15, 2023 and the complete blockade of all humanitarian passenger transportation and cargo transportation in both directions through the Corridor, the disruption of the scheduled transfers of medical patients from Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia with the mediation of Russian peacekeepers and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the regular disruption from December 2022, and from March 2023 - complete cut off the supply of gas from Armenia to Nagorno Karabakh, and electricity from January 2023, as well as in connection with the information published in the mass media on September 19, 2023 regarding the complete or partial physical destruction, causing serious damage to health, and creating living conditions aimed at it, of the civilian population of Nagorno Karabakh, kept under siege from December 12, 2022, by the armed forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the grounds of their national, ethnic, racial, religious affiliation, criminal proceedings have been initiated and a preliminary investigation is being carried out in the RA Investigative Committee based on Article 133, part 1 of the RA Criminal Code – crime of genocide,” the Investigative Committee said in a statement.
The Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh have evacuated more than 2,000 civilians amid the Azeri attacks, TASS news agency reported citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
The evacuations are apparently taking place internally.
“The Russian peacekeeping contingent continues the evacuation of the peaceful population of Nagorno-Karabakh from particularly dangerous regions and the provision of medical assistance to the victims. More than two thousand peaceful residents have been evacuated in total, 1,049 of whom are children,” the Russian Defense Ministry told TASS. It said that the evacuees have been given food and temporary accommodation.
BREAKING NEWS: A large-scale military operation by Azerbaijan has resulted in 25 fatalities and 128 injuries, according to Artsakh's Ministry of Health. Among the injured, preliminary reports indicate that 15 are civilians who are currently receiving medical treatment at the Republican Medical Center of Artsakh CJSC under the Ministry of Health's care. Dedicated medical professionals are diligently working to save lives and provide essential care to the wounded.
Additionally, the Office of the Human Rights Defender has received information from the Stepanakert morgue, indicating that as of 8pm local time, there are 25 victims resulting from the full-fledged terroristic attack by Azerbaijan. This includes two civilians among the casualties, one of whom is a child.
At the Arevik children’s medical center, 12 children are currently receiving urgent medical care, with three of them in serious condition. These young patients are undergoing critical surgical procedures to address their injuries.
As of 8pm local time on September 19, intense fighting persists along the entire line of contact, as reported by Artsakh's Defense Ministry. The Azerbaijani side is utilizing heavy artillery, rocket systems, attack drones, and military aircraft in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains fluid and fraught with challenges, as efforts to protect civilian lives and restore peace continue.
Azerbaijan’s goal in this attack is to ethnically cleanse the Republic of Artsakh and its Armenian population.