-PRESS RELEASE-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2017
Contact: Sevag Belian (613) 235-2622
Ottawa – In a letter addressed to Canada’s Minister of Global Affairs and other high-ranking personnel within the Canadian governments’ executive and legislative branches, the Armenian National Committee of Canada (ANCC) strongly condemned Azerbaijan’s latest ceasefire violations and called upon the Canadian government to immediately condemn the unprovoked violence by the Aliyev regime.
In the letter addressed to the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Minister of Global Affairs, ANCC president, Shahen Mirakian said “We strongly urge you to support the peace process by immediately condemning this act of aggression by the Aliyev regime and making it clear that Azerbaijan will be held to account for any further violence.”
“The failure by Canada and the rest of the international community to make any statement on this incident would further empower the Aliyev regime and it could serve as a catalyst for further violence and destabilization in the region.” said Mirakian.
Over the past week, Azerbaijan continued to violate the internationally brokered ceasefire, using newly introduced long range grenade launchers and other highly sophisticated and destructive weaponry. Azerbaijan’s latest aggression has also targeted internationally commissioned OSCE (Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe) monitoring personnel, while claiming the lives of four Armenian servicemen.
What is more troubling, however, is the fact that latest violations come shortly after Baku’s refusal to lead the OSCE monitoring mission to the line of contact, something for which Armenia has shown full compliance.
“Monitoring exercises are important confidence building measures, for which Azerbaijan has consistently failed to cooperate.” said Mirakian.
The latest monitoring exercises on the Armenian side were conducted in accordance with the agreed schedule. While no violation of the cease-fire regime was registered on the Armenian side, the Azerbaijani side refused to lead the OSCE mission to its front-line positions, clearly indicating its non-compliance with the international efforts aimed towards the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
-30-
******
The ANCC is the largest and the most influential Canadian-Armenian grassroots human rights organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout Canada and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCC actively advances the concerns of the Canadian-Armenian community on a broad range of issues and works to eliminate abuses of human rights throughout Canada and the world.
