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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, & 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 victim to the Azerbaijani forces. Today, the village head’s son, Davit, was also buried in Armenia, alongside the Ghazaryan brothers, marking a day of profound grief & loss for the Armenian community.

A peaceful protest organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Lebanon outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in Ain Aar, Lebanon took a violent turn on Thursday as tensions escalated between the protesters and security forces. The protest was held to denounce ethnic cleansing and human rights violations in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) by Azerbaijan. The Armenian Report is being told that ARF Lebanon had invited the public to join the demonstration, which was reported to the security and police authorities in advance. However, the situation spiraled out of control when some protesters began throwing fireworks. In a shocking turn of events, the Internal Defense Forces (IDF), the police force in Lebanon, without warning, responded by firing tear gas and pepper spray into the crowd, which included women and children. At least 20 individuals were wounded in the clashes, all of them Armenians. The situation grew more chaotic as some demonstrators retaliated against the police, and confrontations erupted near the Azerbaijani Embassy building. Fires also broke out around the embassy's grassy lawn. Behind the IDF, the Lebanese army was deployed to maintain order during the protest. Hagop Pakradounian, a Member of Parliament and Secretary General of the Lebanese ARF, condemned the use of force against unarmed protesters. He made a series of impassioned statements about the ongoing crisis in Artsakh: "We are here to protest human rights violations against our own people. Children have been killed and women have been raped and tortured, and land has been taken away by an autocratic dictator who is in bed with Israel. This embassy is a post for Zionist Israel, who arms the Azerbaijani army. Israel is an enemy of Lebanon, and instead of the Lebanese government criticizing the Azerbaijani regime, the Lebanese Internal Defense Forces are executing the commands of the Lebanese government and prime minister to fire at unarmed civilians. They only know how to say Armenians are good people and that Armenians are a peaceful people. If this is how peaceful people are treated, then we refuse to be peaceful anymore."

The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention has expressed grave concern regarding the recent arrest and detention of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan by Azerbaijan's State Border Service. The Lemkin Institute, known for its dedication to the prevention of genocide, issued a statement via social media outlining the serious risks faced by Vardanyan while in custody. In a statement shared on X—former Twitter, the Lemkin Institute emphasized the high level of concern surrounding Vardanyan's detention, citing the outspoken advocate's staunch support for Artsakh's right to self-determination. Vardanyan's unwavering commitment to this cause has made him a contentious figure in the eyes of Azerbaijan, which has led to fears of potential torture, extrajudicial execution, or a show trial. Azerbaijan has labeled Vardanyan, along with other current and former members of the Artsakh government and self-defense army, as "separatists" and "terrorists." Such categorizations have historically been used by states to justify illegal detentions and even acts of violence. The global community's concern for Vardanyan's life and safety is heightened by the distressing treatment endured by Armenian Prisoners of War (POWs) in Azerbaijani captivity since 2020. Reports have detailed cases of torture, humiliation, murder, disappearances, and staged trials. These atrocities have been widely documented and have raised significant international alarm. The Lemkin Institute calls upon Russia and the United States, along with other world leaders, to demand Vardanyan's safe passage out of Azerbaijan. Additionally, the institute urges the international community to ensure that other members of the Artsakh government, as well as members of the Artsakh Defense Army, are granted the opportunity to leave Azerbaijan safely. In its statement, the Lemkin Institute also highlights the disturbing trend of detaining, killing, and disappearing elites, which has been employed as a tactic in acts of genocide throughout history.

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 Azerbaijani authorities on Wednesday at the Lachin corridor.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia delivered a troubling message during Thursday's Cabinet meeting, expressing deep concern over the ongoing exodus of Armenians from Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). Pashinyan characterized the situation as a direct result of Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing policy, which continues to displace the Armenian population from the region. "Analyses show that there will be no more Armenians left in Nagorno-Karabakh in the coming days," Prime Minister Pashinyan declared. He labeled this ongoing displacement as an act of ethnic cleansing and depopulation, echoing concerns that Armenia has raised with the international community for a considerable period. While acknowledging the importance of statements from various international players condemning the ethnic cleansing taking place in Nagorno-Karabakh, Pashinyan emphasized the need for concrete actions to address the crisis. He cautioned that mere condemnations, without substantive political and legal measures, risk becoming empty gestures with no real impact. "If statements on condemnation are not followed by proper decisions of a political and legal nature, condemnations become acts of agreement with what is happening," Pashinyan stated, highlighting the urgency of international intervention to halt the ongoing crisis. The prime minister's remarks come in the wake of the arbitrary arrest of Ruben Vardanyan, the former Minister of State of Artsakh, by Azerbaijani authorities. Pashinyan expressed his deep concern about such arrests, calling them extremely disturbing and urging Armenian state agencies to take the necessary steps to protect the rights of arbitrarily arrested individuals, including pursuing legal avenues, including international courts, for their protection. Ruben Vardanyan was abducted by Azerbaijani authorities while traveling from Artsakh to Armenia and subsequently transferred to Baku, the Azerbaijani capital. He faces charges of "financing terrorism," a development that has raised further concerns about the treatment of individuals associated with the Nagorno-Karabakh government.

In a historic and unexpected turn of events, President Samvel Shahramanyan of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) issued a presidential decree on Thursday that will lead to the dissolution of the Artsakh Republic, effectively ending its existence as of January 1, 2024. The announcement comes in response to the Azerbaijani occupation and military attacks since September 19. The presidential decree, emphasizes the importance of ensuring the physical safety and vital interests of the people of Artsakh. It takes into consideration an agreement brokered through the command of the Russian peacekeeping contingent, in which representatives of Azerbaijan pledged to facilitate the free, voluntary, and unrestrained passage of Nagorno-Karabakh residents, including armed servicemen, along the Lachin corridor. The decision, as outlined in the presidential decree and in accordance with article 93 of the Nagorno-Karabakh Constitution, is twofold: 1) Dissolution of All State Institutions and Organizations: All state institutions and organizations under the administrative jurisdiction of Artsakh are to be dissolved by January 1, 2024. This action signifies the cessation of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) as an independent entity. 2) Population Reintegration and Independent Choice: Following the immediate entry into force of the decree, the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, including those residing outside the Republic, is urged to review the conditions presented by Azerbaijan for reintegration. Residents will be encouraged to make an independent and individual decision regarding the possibility of staying or returning to Nagorno-Karabakh. President Shahramanyan's decree is scheduled to enter into force immediately upon its publication, marking the beginning of an unprecedented period of ethnic cleansing in the region.

BREAKING: The former Minister of State of Artsakh and a prominent Russian businessman, Ruben Vardanyan, was arrested by Azerbaijani authorities at the Hakari checkpoint situated in the Lachin Corridor. The arrest has left the international community in disbelief, with expressions of concern and dismay pouring in from various quarters. Details surrounding the arrest remain limited, with no comprehensive information available at this time. However, it is known that Vardanyan was attempting to leave Artsakh, a region that is being ethnically cleansed of indigenous Armenians by Azerbaijan. He was traveling alongside thousands of other Armenians from the capital Stepanakert to Armenia. Dr. Tom Catena, a globally recognized humanitarian and the first chairman of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, expressed his deep shock and sympathy for Vardanyan and his family. Dr. Catena expressed his sentiments on X (former Twitter) and said, "Disbelief, anger, and heartbreak. Ruben Vardanyan, a man of compassion and selflessness, has been a rock of support for the people of Artsakh, and what has happened is beyond comprehension. My prayers are with Ruben and his family." Veronica Zonabend, Ruben Vardanyan's wife, confirmed the arrest of her husband. She revealed that he had been apprehended by Azerbaijani authorities at the border while attempting to leave Artsakh. The exact circumstances surrounding his arrest remain unclear, but it has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of those trying to leave their Homeland. The State Border Service of Azerbaijan subsequently confirmed the detention of Ruben Vardanyan, providing further official validation of the arrest. They also released a photograph depicting his detainment, though no additional details about the charges or conditions of his detention have been disclosed. The arrest of Ruben Vardanyan has added a new layer of complexity to the already fraught relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The United States has issued a call to Turkey, urging it to support ongoing efforts to bring an end to hostilities in Nagorno-Karabakh. The statement was released in written form by Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, following a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on the sidelines of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly in New York. During the meeting, Secretary of State Blinken appealed for Turkey's support in endeavors aimed at halting the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh and preventing further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the region.

A high-profile U.S. congressional delegation, spearheaded by Senator Gary Peters, a prominent Democrat representing the state of Michigan, has arrived in Armenia, marking a pivotal moment in the diplomatic landscape between the United States and Armenia. The United States Embassy in Armenia extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, highlighting the significance of this mission. Senator Peters, surrounded by a delegation of esteemed American lawmakers, commenced his four-day visit to Armenia on September 22, poised to engage in a series of critical discussions and meetings with key Armenian officials. His diplomatic visit holds the promise of invigorating Armenian-American relations and delving into the profound ramifications of the recent military attacks in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), executed by Azerbaijan. Notably, during his visit, Senator Peters traveled to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, where he voiced a pressing concern for international observers to monitor the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Speaking to reporters at the border, he conveyed the gravity of the situation, stating, “I’m certainly very concerned about what’s happening in Nagorno-Karabakh right now. I think there needs to be some visibility. Certainly people are very fearful of what could be occurring in there. And I think the world needs to know exactly what’s happening. We have heard from the Azerbaijani government that there is nothing to see and nothing to worry about. If that’s the case then we should allow international observers in to see for themselves and the world to see what’s happening.” The Senator’s remarks flags the urgency of international involvement in the region, as the people of Nagorno-Karabakh grapple with the aftermath of the Azerbaijani military attacks. Senator Peters also visited the headquarters of the European Union’s Monitoring Mission in Armenia. This mission, dedicated to the pursuit of monitoring and fostering peace and stability in the region, warmly embraced the American delegation, recognizing the visit as a pivotal step in international cooperation.

Hungary has blocked a joint statement by European Union (EU) member countries, which was poised to condemn Azerbaijan's military aggression against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). The move has elicited concern and criticism from European officials, shedding light on the complexities surrounding international responses to the ongoing conflict in the region. Rikard Jozwiak, the Europe editor for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), first reported Hungary's objection to the EU statement on social media. Citing European officials, Jozwiak noted that the statement was intended to be a unified expression of condemnation from all 27 EU member countries. However, Hungary's decision to block it has raised eyebrows and prompted speculation about the motivations behind this move. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell's statement, shared by Jozwiak, underscores the gravity of the situation. Borrell's statement unequivocally condemns Azerbaijan's military action against the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh and expresses deep regret over the resulting casualties. The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has been marked by years of tension and periodic eruptions of violence, with civilian casualties and displacement being a tragic consequence. The decision by Hungary to obstruct the EU's collective response has sparked debate within the EU and drawn attention to the complexities of the conflict in the South Caucasus. Hungary's stance is seen by some as a departure from the EU's traditionally unified position on matters of regional conflict and humanitarian concern. It is worth noting that Hungary has previously faced criticism from its EU counterparts for its friendly ties with Azerbaijan, including economic and energy cooperation. These close relations may be a factor contributing to Hungary's decision to block the joint statement, but official statements from Hungarian authorities explaining the move are awaited.