Berdzor on Groong Podcast

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Day 264 - Ep 276, September 2, 2023

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0400

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.

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Day 264 - Ep 276, September 2, 2023

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Arayik Harutyunyan resignation. Samvel Shahramanyan state minister. Kirill Kulakov new commander of Russian PKs. September 2 - 32nd anniversary.

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Hrant Mikaelian - Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations | Economic State in Armenia | September Yerevan Mayoral Elections | Estimating the War Dead | Hayaqve [.am]

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:06:59 +0400

Artsakh and Armenian-Azerbaijani Negotiations

Surprise Brussels Meeting; “Humiliating” Announcement by Charles Michel

Earlier this week, several days after Aliyev unexpectedly praised Pashinyan, saying that he’s happy with everything that Pashinyan has publicly declared and now he just needs to put all that on paper, we got a surprise announcement that Aliyev and Pashinyan would meet in Brussels on July 15, almost a week earlier than planned earlier. This is all while Artsakh remains completely blockaded.

Hrant Mikaelian - Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations | Economic State in Armenia | September Yerevan Mayoral Elections | Estimating the War Dead | Hayaqve [.am]

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 18:06:59 +0400

Episode Summary

Latest on Armenian Azerbaijani Negotiations. Economic State in Armenia. September Yerevan Mayoral Elections. Estimating the War Dead. Hayaqve [.am].

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Negotiations Carousel | Meghri Railway | Rasht-Astara Railway | Kornidzor Rally | Artsakh Politics | Ep 256 - May 21, 2023

Mon, 22 May 2023 23:30:00 +0400

Accelerated Negotiations

After several weeks of accelerated negotiations in various capitals of the world (some at war with each other), Nikol Pashinyan finally said what Aliyev wanted him to say.

Pashinyan said that he recognizes Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan.

After re-affirming that Azerbaijan is conducting a policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Artaskh, he said with a straight face that Armenia is moving closer to signing a so-called “peace deal” that hands away Artsakh and the so-called enclaves. Pashinyan said it was unlikely that the document would be signed next week in Moscow but did not exclude that it could be signed in Kishinev on June 1 or in Belgium in July.

Negotiations Carousel | Meghri Railway | Rasht-Astara Railway | Kornidzor Rally | Artsakh Politics | Ep 256 - May 21, 2023

Mon, 22 May 2023 23:30:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Accelerated Negotiations. Negotiations Carousel. Meghri Railway. Russia Finances Rasht-Astara. Rallies in Artsakh and Kornidzor. Artsakh Domestic Politics.

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Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor | Armenian-Azeri Negotiations | Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia | Ep 251 - April 30, 2023

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700

Berdzor Corridor Officially Blocked

Since losing the 44-day war, the Pashinyan administration has framed the necessity to sign the humiliating Nov. 9/10 ceasefire agreement as our only way to keep the remaining 25% of Artsakh as Armenian and to get our POWs back. Almost three years later, our POWs are still in Baku, and meanwhile, the last remaining pro-Armenian point in the statement, the free passage of people and goods through the Lachin corridor, seems to be gone with the latest developments from last week.

Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Lachin/Berdzor Corridor | Armenian-Azeri Negotiations | Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia | Ep 251 - April 30, 2023

Mon, 01 May 2023 00:15:00 -0700

Episode Summary

Azerbaijan Officially Blocks Berdzor/Lachin Corridor. Update on Armenian-Azeri Negotiations. Drug Use Epidemic in Armenia.

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Armenian Genocide Anniversary | Artsakh In Stranglehold | Israel-Azerbaijan

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Topics This Week

108th Anniversary

Talk about statements around the world and the surreal sense that while countries are condemning a genocide of 100+ years ago, another one is occuring right now.

Then talk about Pashinyan’s reference to Aragats (meaning that we don’t appreciate what we have and we yearn for Ararat).

Questions:

From a negotiating perspective why is it important to push genocide recognition?

Azerbaijan strangles Artsakh

Artsakh Strangled

After weeks of fears of yet another escalation in the blockade of Artsakh, on Saturday, on the eve of the April 24th Armenian Genocide commemoration, Azerbaijan officially made the move. They transported equipment and manpower to the bridge on the Hagari river that is the only way in and out of Artsakh in order to build a checkpoint, something that is in direct contravention of the November 9/10, 2020, statement which guarantees free passage across the Berdzor/Lachin corridor.

Armenian Genocide Anniversary | Artsakh In Stranglehold | Israel-Azerbaijan

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Armenian Genocide: 108 Anniversary. Azerbaijan Strangles Artsakh. Artsakh Strangled. International Community. Pashinyan’s Parliament Speech. Madrid Principles. Aliyev Continues Threats, Ultimatum to Artsakh Armenians. What Can Diaspora Do? Israel - Azerbaijan cooperation against Iran? Rants.

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Naira Melikyan: Turned Away at Kornidzor Post | Ep 245 - Apr 7, 2023

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 06:17:08 +0400

Accompanying Map

Naira Melikyan: Turned Away at Kornidzor Post | Ep 245 - Apr 7, 2023

Fri, 07 Apr 2023 06:17:08 +0400

Episode Summary

Naira Melikyan. In this Conversations on Groong episode, we’ll be talking Naira Melikyan who shares troubling information from her attempt to travel to Artsakh via the newly built road passing.

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Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 239, Mar 19, 2023

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Wrap-up

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 239, Mar 19, 2023

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

The Current Living Conditions. Gas, Power, Food, Weather. Daily Ceasefire Violations. Shooting at Civilians. Heightened Threat of War. Process of Constitutional Amendment. Is Arayik Harutyunyan Planning to Resign? Will the Amendment Go Through? Negotiations with Azerbaijan. Invitation to Negtiate “Integration” in Baku. Artsakh Demands that Armenia Respect its own Laws. Artsakh Demands an International Platform for Negotiations.

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Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 236, Mar 12, 2023

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Gas & Electricity

Gas was cut off yesterday again.

Questions:

What’s the state of shops and businesses?
Is the food situation stable?
What is the current regime of electricity brownouts?

Political Developments

On our last call we discussed that Artsakh reps met with Azerbaijani government officials to discuss logistics and infrastructure, but Azerbaijan misrepresented those discussions as being about “integration of Karabakh Armenians into Azerbaijan”. That was flatly denied and rejected by both Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as the Armenian government in Yerevan.

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 236, Mar 12, 2023

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Gas cutoff again. Aftermath of Azerbaijan Killing 3 Artsakh Policemen. Potential for New Aggression. No “Peace” without “Rights and Security for Artsakh”?

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Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 235, Mar 6, 2023

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Wrap-up

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 235, Mar 6, 2023

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Azerbaijan Attack Kills 3 Artsakh Citizens. Arayik Harutyunyan rejects Azeri ultimatum, Warns of Further Aggression. How are people responding? About the international response. Russian peacekeeper report and response. On the trilateral agreement of Nov. 2020.

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Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 233, Mar 2, 2023

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400

The news yesterday was that another meeting took place between Artsakh and Azerbaijani representatives.

What is your view of the meetings between the two sides, who are reportedly discussing humanitarian and operational issues?

Today, president Arayik Harutyunyan introduced the new state minister, Gurgen Nersesyan, who is replacing Ruben Vardanyan. He has the helm of all Artsakh ministries except foreign affairs and defense. Those roll up directly to president Harutyunyan.

What’s your impression of Nerseyan, what do we know about him?

We’ve read that the chair of the Artsakh national security council, Samvel Shahramanyan, is leading the negotiations with the Azeris, who have appointed MP Ramin Mammadov as their rep. Together with Shahramanyan is Sergey Martirosyan, who has ties to Russian General Rustam Muratov.

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 233, Mar 2, 2023

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Day to day Conditions. Meeting of Artsakh and Azerbaijani Reps. What is Artsakh Discussing at the Meeting. What Concessions are being Discussed? New State Minister Gurgen Nersesyan. More Azeri Shootings in Martakert and Askeran.

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Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 231, Feb 24, 2023

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Wrap-up

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 231, Feb 24, 2023

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Rouben Vardanyan sacked in Stepanakert. Samuel Babayan in Artsakh. Azeri and Artsakh reps meet to resume Gas & Electricity. Further Azeri demands, Artsakh red lines. Medical topics.

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Metaxe Hakobyan: Blockade of Artsakh Day 41

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 06:00:54 +0400

Wrap-up

We hope you found our Conversations on Groong 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.

Metaxe Hakobyan: Blockade of Artsakh Day 41

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 06:00:54 +0400

Episode Summary

Metaxe Hakobyan: Blockade of Artsakh Day 41 | Ep 213 - Jan 21, 2023. Metaxe Hakobyan: member of the Justice faction in the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh.

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Edgar Ghazaryan: Էդգար Ղազարյանը, Արցախում քաղաքական զարգացումների մասին

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:20:57 +0400

Wrap-up

Edgar Ghazaryan: Էդգար Ղազարյանը, Արցախում քաղաքական զարգացումների մասին

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 22:20:57 +0400

Episode Summary

Edgar Ghazaryan: Ô·Õ¤Õ£Õ¡Ö ÕÕ¡Õ¦Õ¡ÖÕµÕ¡Õ¶Õ¨, Ô±ÖÖÕ¡ÕÕ¸ÖÕ´ ÖÕ¡Õ²Õ¡ÖÕ¡Õ¯Õ¡Õ¶ Õ¦Õ¡ÖÕ£Õ¡ÖÕ¸ÖÕ´Õ¶Õ¥ÖÕ« Õ´Õ¡Õ½Õ«Õ¶ | Ep 207 - Jan 17, 2023. Edgar Ghazaryan/Ô·Õ¤Õ£Õ¡Ö ÕÕ¡Õ¦Õ¡ÖÕµÕ¡Õ¶. Why should Ruben Vardanyan stay?

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Hrant Mikaelian | Artsakh Blockade | Pashinyan Press Conference | Ministry of Interior Appointments | Artsakh Foreign Minister | Armenia Economy Outlook 2023 | Ep 206 - Jan 15, 2023

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400

Artsakh Blockade Status

Well, we all know that Artsakh has been blockaded by Azerbaijan for over a month now. This happens to be day 35.

Last Monday afternoon, Artsakh’s main power line connecting Stepanakert and Goris was damaged. ArtsakhEnergo has still not been allowed access to the site of repairs to restore service. So each day there are rolling blackouts to make do with locally produced electricity.

Mid-week there was a 24-hour Internet outage, but service was restored by Friday evening. Per our reports from Stepanakert, supplies are low, food stamps are being implemented right now, and over 200 businesses have shut down, and so a serious state budget revenue shortfall is expected. This is where things stand for now.

Hrant Mikaelian | Artsakh Blockade | Pashinyan Press Conference | Ministry of Interior Appointments | Artsakh Foreign Minister | Armenia Economy Outlook 2023 | Ep 206 - Jan 15, 2023

Sun, 15 Jan 2023 23:30:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Artsakh Update and Politics in Stepanakert. Pashinyan’s “Press Conference”. Ministry of Interior Affairs Appointments. Economic Review and Outlook in 2023. Personal Comments. Hrant - MPG polls results on Armenian Attitudes towards Russia. Hovik - Stop the destructive internal politics.

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Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 201, Jan 12, 2023

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Wrap-up

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 201, Jan 12, 2023

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

Internet cutoff. Power situation and rolling blackouts. Psychological pressure on Artsakh. It’s going to get tougher… Consequences of Internet cutoff. Psychological pressure on Artsakh.

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Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 200, Jan 11, 2023

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0700

Wrap-up

Artsakh Blockade Flash Update with Gev Iskajyan - Ep 200, Jan 11, 2023

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 15:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

Power Shortages. Food Rationing and Basic Supplies. Weather Conditions. New Ministerial Appointments.

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William Bairamian, Arthur Khachikyan: Artsakh Under Blockade - Day 31

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Discussion

The dire situation in Artsakh and Armenia is developing at ever increasing speed.

Yesterday, in addition to the political crisis in Artsakh, Nikol Pashinyan held a press conference where he essentially put it in the plainest terms that Armenia’s security partnership with Russia and CSTO is not welcome for his regime. And despite the blockade of Artsakh and daily threats of violence by Aliyev, his government is interested in signing a treaty, one that he calls “a peace treaty” but which we call a capitulation.

William Bairamian, Arthur Khachikyan: Artsakh Under Blockade - Day 31

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

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Hovhannes Ishkanyan: Artsakh Under Blockade - Day 25

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:30:00 +0400

Discussion

Apathy and Indifference

The blockade of Artsakh is 25 days old. More than 120K people are at risk of being famished.

Yet, in Yerevan and Armenia in general life goes on as usual. On NY’s eve, as the clock struck 12, fireworks were launched all over the city. The entire city seemed to be one big Disneyland. Watching the fireworks was most surreal from Yerablur.

Questions:

Do you think this is normal?
Does the Armenian government have a responsibility to set the public’s mood?
- For instance, a popular liberal veteran journalist recently said that only dictatorships control public moods. But then we see cities like Warsaw, Poland canceling NY fireworks partly in support of Ukrainians.
Are the Armenian people indifferent, or apathetic, or tuned out of the unfolding politics around Armenia and the region? Have they given up, or lost hope?
What do you think is the cause for the passivity in Yerevan towards the plight of the Artakhtsis.

Armenian Government Helpless?

The Armenian authorities are prone to blaming anyone they can find for the situation that has been created. At times they’ve blamed the voters, other times they’ve blamed Russia and the Russian peacekeeping force.

Hovhannes Ishkanyan: Artsakh Under Blockade - Day 25

Thu, 05 Jan 2023 22:30:00 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Karen Vrtanesyan: Artsakh Under Blockade - Day 19

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 21:30:00 +0400

Discussion

How did we get here?

Karen, we are now on Day 19 of the blockade. There are continuing reports of shortages and depleted supplies.

Question:

How do you think we got here?

Armenia’s Defense Readiness

Some politicians and analysts, such as Avetik Chalabyan, say that without engaging the military, Armenia will not be able to unblock the corridor.

Does Armenia have the capacity to engage in military operations to unblock the corridor? Are there other means, for instance flying airlifts to Stepanakert?

How about Syunik specifically? For nearly 30 years, the Syunetsi had lived in peace, the nearest enemy soldier being hundreds of kilometers away. After the 44-day war, this situation changed drastically. During the September 13 attacks, your hometown of Kapan, along with Goris, Jermuk, Vardenis, and others were targets of heavy shelling.

Karen Vrtanesyan: Artsakh Under Blockade - Day 19

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 21:30:00 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Benyamin Poghosyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 16

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 23:00:00 +0400

Discussion

Azerbaijan’s Strategy

Benyamin, you’re probably one of the most frequent guests of our podcast and I remember having many conversations with you regarding the geopolitical developments between Azerbaijan and Armenia since the end of the 44 day war.

When a year ago you were telling us that the government in Armenia believes “that Artsakh is lost and the maximum that these people can hope for is to live in de-jure Azerbaijan but de-facto Russian controlled protectorate”, part of me didn’t want to believe that despite the writing on the wall.

Benyamin Poghosyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 16

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 23:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Yeghia Tashjian | Artsakh Blockade | Relations with Russia | Role of the Armenian Government | Draft 'Peace' Proposals | Weekend Protests in Artsakh

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400

For the past two weeks now, we’ve been covering the Artsakh blockade almost daily in our podcasts and videos, so let’s take a step back from the daily trauma, and look at the drivers behind the crisis.

We know that the Russian peacekeepers have been put in a very precarious position by the Turkish-Azeri alliance, which is taking advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with its war in Ukraine and needs to play soft with them in order to not open additional fronts in the global Russia-West conflict. I’d like to ask a two tiered question:

Yeghia Tashjian | Artsakh Blockade | Relations with Russia | Role of the Armenian Government | Draft 'Peace' Proposals | Weekend Protests in Artsakh

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400

Episode Summary

The Artsakh Blockade. The Role of the Armenian Government. Relations with Russia. Latest Draft of “Peace” Proposal. Weekend Protests in Artsakh.

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Arthur Khachatryan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 15

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0400

Discussion

Snub to Russia

Let’s begin our discussion with what transpired on Friday the 23rd, in Moscow. The foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia were originally scheduled to meet in a trilateral meeting there, and the agenda was about the so-called “peace negotiations” between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Russian foreign minister Lavrov announced to the media that Ararat Mirzoyan canceled at the last minute, and so only Azerbaijan’s Jeyhun Bayramov and Lavrov met.

Arthur Khachatryan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 15

Mon, 26 Dec 2022 22:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

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Edgar Elbakyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 13

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Discussion

Ararat Mirzoyan - no show

On Friday, December 23, 2022 there was supposed to be a meeting in Moscow between the foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. This was originally intended to be used for the negotiations on a so-called “peace deal” between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Russian foreign minister Lavrov announced to the media that Ararat Mirzoyan had canceled at the last minute, and therefore only Jeyhun Bayramov and Lavrov met in Moscow. Lavrov stressed that diplomatic channels were not used for coordination and that they learned from Armenia’s MFA announcement. Meanwhile, according to Channel 5, the Armenian side did not cancel the meeting and had only requested to move the meeting to a later date.

Edgar Elbakyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 13

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 03:00:00 -0700

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Varuzhan Geghamyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 11

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 04:57:22 +0400

Show notes

Update on Numbers

As we are recording this discussion, more than 120,000 people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). For 11 days, Azerbaijan has brazenly blocked all traffic to and from Artsakh, hindering delivery of critical supplies. Yesterday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) intervened to transport one cardiac patient to Yerevan. Naturally the Azerbaijani authorities are now cynically using the video of that Red Cross truck crossing the corridor as evidence that they haven’t blocked anything.

Varuzhan Geghamyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 11

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 04:57:22 +0400

Episode Summary

We continue our coverage of the crisis in Artsakh by developments in the UN Security Council as well as Turkish and Iranian concerns in the region. More than 120 thousand people, including 30 thousand children, are under siege. Today is the 11th day of the crisis. This interview is a continuation of the collaboration between ANN/Groong and 168 Hours aiming to bring you more English-language coverage on the. 168 Hours: https://168.am. ANN/Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Hayk Mamijanyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 10

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:31:50 +0400

Discussion

Russia and UNSC

Here we are on Day 10 of the Artsakh Blockade that Azerbaijan has imposed on 120,000 of our compatriots.

The Russian peacekeepers were put in a very precarious position when Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin corridor with pretend “eco-environmental” protesters (in reality they’re fully controlled by the government of Azerbaijan). The Turkish-Azeri alliance took advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with their war in Ukraine, and needs to manage some unsavory relationships that it needs right now; specifically: Turkey.

Hayk Mamijanyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 10

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 20:31:50 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Tevan Poghosyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 9

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:40:12 +0400

Discussion

Artsakh Blockade Day 9

Here we are on Day 9 of the Artsakh Blockade that Azerbaijan has imposed on 120 thousand of our compatriots.

The Turkish-Azeri alliance took advantage of a time when Russia is tied up dealing with their war in Ukraine, and needs to manage some unsavory relationships that it needs right now; specifically: Turkey.

So the Russian peacekeepers were put in a very precarious position when Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin corridor with pretend “eco-environmental” protesters. There are reports that these demonstrators are intelligence and defense workers and they’re in fact under the protection of Azeri police and defense forces.

Tevan Poghosyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 9

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 04:40:12 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Arman Tatoyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 9

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0400

Discussion

Update on Numbers

As we are recording this discussion, more than 120 thousand people remain trapped in the Republic of Artsakh (or Nagorno-Karabakh). For 9 days, Azerbaijan has brazenly blocked all traffic to and fro, hindering delivery of food and critical supplies. Yesterday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) intervened to transport one cardiac patient to Yerevan, which the protesters did let through. Naturally the Azerbaijani authorities are now cynically using the video of that Red Cross truck crossing the corridor as evidence that they haven’t blocked anything.

Arman Tatoyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 9

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Hrant Mikaelian: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 8

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400

Discussion

Weekend Update

Late last week, after even resorting to the step of disrupting the flow of gas that goes through a pipeline from Yerevan to Stepanakert, the gas flow was restored. State minister Ruben Vardanyan indicated that the transportation blockade could also be lifted soon, however, as of now the Berdzor (or Lachin) corridor is still closed.

This land corridor is the only way people can move to and from Artsakh, and at this time the free movement of people to and from Artsakh is prevented by Azerbaijan. Stepanakert has an airport which could be used to airlift supplies from Armenia, but Azerbaijan has threatened to shoot down any aircraft that uses Artsakh airspace.

Hrant Mikaelian: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 8

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Arthur Khachikyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 6

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0400

Discussion

Background

On Monday, December 12, a group of people in civilian clothes blocked the Shushi-Qarin Tak segment of the Lachin corridor for all traffic.

Although this is clearly instigated by the Azerbaijani government, the official pretense is that this group of so-called “eco-activists” was demanding to inspect the Kashen gold mine in Artsakh/Nagorno Karabakh, which employs 1800 people and is one of the larger tax-payers in Artsakh.

As a result, more than 120 thousand people are in a total blockade. For 2-3 days gas service was also disrupted, before being restored again. Thousands of Artsakhtsis who were visiting Armenia are now stranded, among them children. Food, medicine, fuel are all under rations.

Arthur Khachikyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 6

Sat, 17 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0400

Episode Summary

168 Hours: https://168.am. Groong: https://podcasts.groong.org.

Go to Episode Notes

Արցախը Շրջափակման Մեջ: Օր 4 | Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 4

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400

Hakob Hakobyan (in Armenian)

We are now on the fourth day of this illegal blockade of Artsakh by Azerbaijan. No one can enter or leave Artsakh for 4 days and Artsakhtsis have been without gas for three days.

We will discuss this issue today with the leader of the Artsakh’s justice party, Hakob Hakobyan. Welcome Hakob.

Q: How would you describe the situation on the ground in Artsakh?

There have been numerous reports that in order to unblock the Lachin corridor the Azerbaijani side has demanded access to the Kashen mine. In fact, there were media reports that the rights to the Kashen mine have been sold to foreign companies.

Արցախը Շրջափակման Մեջ: Օր 4 | Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 4

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 23:30:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Hakob Hakobyan.

Go to Episode Notes

Gev Iskajyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 3

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0400

Gev Iskajyan

We’re now talking to Gev Iskajyan, representative of the ANC in Artsakh.

Gev, we are now entering day 3 of the complete transportation blockade of Artsakh and the 2nd day of energy blockade.

Q: Can you brief us about the current humanitarian situation on the ground?

Is there food rationing?
What is the situation with schools?

Q: Are you aware of any political goals from Azerbaijan?

As far as I’m aware, so far the EU spokesperson has called on Azerbaijan distinctly to cease the blockade. The United States has issued a similar statement. Today, the Russian peacekeepers daily report directly blamed Azerbaijan for the blockade of Artsakh. However, other organizations, for example the UN have been silent.

Gev Iskajyan: Artsakh Under Blockade: Day 3

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 +0400

Episode Summary

Gev Iskajyan. For three days now the campaign instigated by the government of Azerbaijan has prevented the freedom of movement of Armenians of Artsakh. Gas supplies have also been cut off. “Artsakh is still Armenian land. Artsakh is still an independent republic. Artsakh is not gone. . We have to hold on to what remains of this land here.” - Gev Iskajyan.

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Իրավիճակը Բերձորի շուրջ - The Situation Around Berdzor (Armenian)

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:41:25 +0000

Show Notes

Իրավիճակը Բերձորի շուրջ - The Situation Around Berdzor (Armenian)

Sun, 07 Aug 2022 15:41:25 +0000

Episode Summary

The Situation Around Berdzor with Hakob Hakobyan and Davit Galstyan. Hakob Hakobyan, co-chair of the Artsakh Justice Party. David Galstyan(/guest/dgalstyan), leader of the Justice faction in the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh. Ô´Õ¡Õ¾Õ«Õ© Ô³Õ¡Õ¬Õ½Õ¿ÕµÕ¡Õ¶, Ô±ÖÖÕ¡ÕÕ«.

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