The Region in Brief

March 6, 2024 Hoory Minoyan Briefs 2
The ruins of the demolished Artsakh National Assembly building (Twitter)

Artsakh

Azerbaijan’s recent demolition of significant buildings in Stepanakert, including the National Assembly building of the Republic of Artsakh, has sparked outrage and condemnation. The parliament building, erected in the 2000s, was more than just a physical structure; it represented the aspirations and identity of the Armenian population in Artsakh. Its demolition is seen as a deliberate attempt by Azerbaijan to erase traces of Armenian heritage and assert control over the region. In addition to the parliament building, the Artsakh Veterans’ Association was also demolished. These acts of destruction not only erase physical landmarks but also undermine cultural expression and deny Armenians’ historic presence in the region.

Azerbaijan

The recent establishment of the “West Azerbaijan Research Center” at Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University has sparked outrage amongst Armenians across the globe. Analysts argue that this move represents a grave threat to Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. A map at the center showcases Armenian territories with Azerbaijani names and labels modern day Armenia as “Western Azerbaijan.” The deliberate use of Azerbaijani names on the map of Armenian states is seen as an attempt to rewrite history and deny Armenia’s ownership over these territories. This revisionist approach to geography poses a direct challenge to Armenia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan held a telephone conversation on Tuesday, March 5 to discuss mutual cooperation in international organizations. The top officials “discussed current issues of bilateral and regional cooperation, including the process of normalizing Armenian-Azerbaijani relations, as well as cooperation in the field of international associations in the region,” according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. The call came three days after Lavrov threatened that Russia would “reconsider” its relationship with Armenia if the latter continues to align itself with the West. 

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is on a two-day working visit to Azerbaijan, where discussions will center on enhancing Russian-Azerbaijani trade and economic cooperation. Talks will involve President Ilham Aliyev and address energy, transport, industry and culture. Additionally, the agenda includes addressing agreements between Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia to normalize relations and unblock communication corridors. Mishustin’s visit comes amid regional tensions, with considerations for regional security and stability likely to be on the table. 

Turkey

The Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, Zakir Hasanov, visited Turkey today for an official visit to discuss bilateral security cooperation. During the visit, Hasanov anticipated a series of meetings, including visits to Turkey’s military facilities.

Hoory Minoyan

Hoory Minoyan

Hoory Minoyan was an active member of the Armenian community in Los Angeles until she moved to Armenia prior to the 44-day war. She graduated with a master's in International Affairs from Boston University, where she was also the recipient of the William R. Keylor Travel Grant. The research and interviews she conducted while in Armenia later became the foundation of her Master’s thesis, “Shaping Identity Through Conflict: The Armenian Experience.” Hoory continues to follow her passion for research and writing by contributing to the Armenian Weekly.

2 Comments

  1. Because Artsakh is off limits to foreigners and even to Azerbaijani civilians, we don’t know the extent of Azerbaijan’s wholescale destruction of Armenian heritage; but that Azerbaijan is enganged in the systematic cultural genocide of everything Armenian in Artsakh, is beyond dispute. Apart from the very few photos and videos, which were posted by Azerbaijanis, in order to “celebrate” this cultural genocide, only satellite images give a partial picture of this systematic destruction. And this cultural Armenian Genocide, doesn’t become international news, let alone make any headlines and on television. Azerbaijan’s cultural genocide is no different from the Taliban and ISIS, which caused global headlines and outrage. It is partly a rhetorical question, but why doesn’t the plight and suffering of Armenians get the attention and sympathy of the world, like the Palestinians?

    Reply

    • Quite simple, the Levant is a much more conspicuous part of the world than the south Caucasus.

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