Foreign Minister says Shushi remains Armenian cultural centerJanuary 20, 2021 - 18:53 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Statements from Azerbaijani authorities do not contribute to peace and stability in the region, Armenian Foreign Minister Ara Aivazian told lawmakers on Wednesday, January 20, maintaining that the city of Shushi in Nagorno-Karabakh remains a center of Armenian culture. Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev earlier threatened Armenian officials for visiting Artsakh (Karabakh). Aliyev also visited Shushi, where he once again declared that Shushi is "an Azerbaijani city". Ayvazyan noted that Aliyev contradicts himself, by first declaring that the conflict is over, and then threatening with escalation. "My recent visit to Artsakh was important, we discussed issues of creating a common agenda and combining our work with Artsakh. The Armenian side is ready to start negotiations within the OSCE Minsk Group format and negotiate around the fundamental principles. For us, the priority issue is the de-occupation of the territories of Artsakh and the return of the Armenian population to their homes. Unimpeded provision of humanitarian aid and preservation of cultural and religious heritage are also important," Aivazian said. He added that Shushi is a center of Armenian culture, According to him, regardless of who said what, the Armenian side does not agree that Shushi can become the center of Azerbaijani culture. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev on November 9 signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Under the deal, the Armenian side has returned all the seven regions surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh, having lost a part of Karabakh itself in hostilities. Top stories President of the Armenian parliament Alen Simonyan met with the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova. Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. The Cabinet of Ministers decided on Thursday, November 9 to allocated AMD 120 million to arrange the gathering. Michael Roth believes sanctions must be put on the table after Baku‘s ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. Partner news | SBP instant transfers now available from 190 Russian banks to Armenia To receive money from Russian banks, easywallet users need to go to their easywallet accounts. Armenia's Davit Chaloyan qualifies for Paris Olympics The Armenian boxer qualified for Paris Olympics after a series of successful bouts at the 2nd World Qualification Tournament. Lemkin Institute urges Armenia to respect people’s right to dissent The Lemkin Institute has urged the Armenian government to respect people’s fundamental human right to express their dissent. French-Armenian journalist returns to France after 41-day hunger strike Nicolian said on social media on Sunday, June 2 that he needs to improve his health in order to “continue the fight”. |