Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 267, July 7, 2023

Armenian News Network Groong - July 7, 2023

Guest:

Gev Iskajyan

Topics:

Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh - Gegham Stepanyan
Zakharova Confirms Conditions, Calls on Azerbaijan to Drop Blockade
Hakari video fiasco - Pashinyan propaganda?
Azeri preconditions to Baku-Stepanakert talks
ANCA supported NDAA resolutions in US Congress

Episode 267 | Recorded: July 7, 2023

Show Notes

Catastrophic Situation in Artsakh

Artsakh HR Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan says that the situation has become “catastrophic”.

Stores running out of supplies (including cigarettes)
“Since June 15, we’ve had 0 tons of humanitarian goods”
“Only ICRC is able to transport a small number of medical patients and bring in limited medical supplies”
“Threat of starvation is higher now” than any other time during the 6 month blockade.
Starvation may come in 10 days

Maria Zakharova said “The humanitarian situation in [Nagorno-Karabakh] is deteriorating. Regrettably we have to note that due to the suspension of supplies the population could be left without food, other essential products and medication.” She called on Azerbaijan to lift the blockade.
US Ambassador to Armenia Kristina Kvien says the US “believes and hopes” that people in Artsakh can live in Azerbaijan with their security and rights observed. Stepanakert did not take her comments quietly and responded to her that Artsakh remains on a course to self-determination.

Discussion on Hakari Video Fiasco

Why do Unedited, and Pashinyan-released and edited versions of the videos showing the Hakari bridge shootings yield different conclusions?

Azeri Preconditions for Baku-Stepanakert Talks

Reports that Artsakh rejected an offer to have a Western mediated discussion between Baku and Stepanakert.

Aliyev is demanding demilitarization of Artsakh

Arayik Harutyunyan said that Azerbaijan is putting a precondition of demilitarization before negotiations can begin.
Another precondition is that negotiations will be about integration. Only.
Azeri public TV are threatening operation “Revenge-3” (or is it Retribution-3)

ANCA Supported NDAA in Congress

NDAA in Congress - 13 different provisions introduced by US congressmen, including:

Funding for artsakh
Reporting on situation on a monthly basis
Punitive measures against Baku

Wrap-up

We hope you found our #ArtsakhBlockade Flash Update helpful. We invite your feedback and your suggestions. You can find us on most social media and podcast platforms. Thanks to Laura Osborn for the music on our podcasts.

Gev Iskajyan

Gev Iskajyan is the National Grassroots Director of the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA). Before joining ANCA in 2024, he served as the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Artsakh, where he worked to raise international awareness about Artsakh’s challenges and led relief efforts.

Previously, Iskajyan held leadership roles with ANCA Western Region, the Armenian Youth Federation, and the Armenian Genocide Commemorative Committee, where he organized impactful initiatives like the ‘March for Justice’ in 2015. His insights have been featured in prominent outlets such as CNN, BBC, and Newsweek. Iskajyan studied Political Science and Philosophy at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Asbed Bedrossian

Asbed is founder of the Armenian News Network Groong and co-founder of the ANN/Groong podcast.

Hovik Manucharyan

Hovik Manucharyan is an information security engineer who moved from Seattle to Armenia in 2022. He co-founded the ANN/Groong podcast in 2020 and has been a contributor to Groong News since the late 1990s.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by Hovik Manucharyan on the ANN/Groong podcast are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of his employer or any other organization.

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update With Gev Iskajyan - Ep 267, July 7, 2023 [EP267]