Celebrating traditional wine making and the popular wine growing regions in the country, Armenia recently hosted a wine making festival. Over 4,000 Armenians have attended the wine-making festival.

Novice wine makers get a taste of traditional wine-making

Three people have been killed while more than 60 are injured after an explosion in a firework warehouse engulfed the nearby market in smoke and dust in Armenia's capital city of Yerevan.

Reportedly, the accident took place on Sunday afternoon and the video footage of the blast and its subsequent impact has gone viral on social media platforms. However, it is still not clear what caused the explosion in the warehouse, situated in a shopping mall.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨🇦🇲Video: Massive explosion in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Armenia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Armenia</a>'s capital <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Yerevan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Yerevan</a>. <a href="https://t.co/hycFbMRAaL">pic.twitter.com/hycFbMRAaL</a>
— Terror Alarm (@terror_alarm) <a href="https://twitter.com/terror_alarm/status/1558773644108652545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to the Health Ministry, of the 60 people injured in the accident, 11 are children who are in critical to moderate condition.&nbsp;

Moreover, according to Armen Pambukhchyan, the Emergencies Minister, his ministry had received more than 20 reports of desperate people who could not find their loved ones in the aftermath of the blast.&nbsp;

In pics |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/atomic-bombings-of-hiroshima-and-nagasaki-theres-a-new-risk-of-nuclear-confrontation-504817">77 years of atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: There's a new risk of nuclear confrontation</a>

The firefighters engaged in the rescue operations were forced to work well into the night as the smoke and fire billowing out of myriad structures around the market still needed to be put out.&nbsp;

According to multiple local news agencies, rescuers are working in tandem with volunteers to search the area for victims who might be buried deep under the concrete and metal rubble of the buildings.&nbsp;

The sources have claimed that the death toll is expected to increase after rescue operations in the morning.&nbsp;

The Surmalu market where the blast took place is located two kilometres south of the city centre and is famous amongst the locals for its affordable price and variety of goods.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/top-pakistani-taliban-leader-killed-in-ied-attack-in-afghanistan-505051">Top Pakistani Taliban leader killed in IED attack in Afghanistan</a>

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Three people have been killed while more than 60 are injured after an explosion in a firework warehouse engulfed the nearby market in smoke and dust in Armenia's capital city of Yerevan.

Three people have been killed while more than 60 are injured after an explosion in a firework warehouse engulfed the nearby market in smoke and dust in Armenia's capital city of Yerevan. Reportedly, the accident took place on Sunday afternoon and the video footage of the blast and its subsequent impact has gone viral on social media platforms. However, it is still not clear what caused the explosion in the warehouse, situated in a shopping mall. 🚨🇦🇲Video: Massive explosion in #Armenia's capital #Yerevan. pic.twitter.com/hycFbMRAaL — Terror Alarm (@terror_alarm) August 14, 2022 × According to the Health Ministry, of the 60 people injured in the accident, 11 are children who are in critical to moderate condition. Moreover, according to Armen Pambukhchyan, the Emergencies Minister, his ministry had received more than 20 reports of desperate people who could not find their loved ones in the aftermath of the blast. In pics | 77 years of atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki: There's a new risk of nuclear confrontation The firefighters engaged in the rescue operations were forced to work well into the night as the smoke and fire billowing out of myriad structures around the market still needed to be put out. According to multiple local news agencies, rescuers are working in tandem with volunteers to search the area for victims who might be buried deep under the concrete and metal rubble of the buildings. The sources have claimed that the death toll is expected to increase after rescue operations in the morning. The Surmalu market where the blast took place is located two kilometres south of the city centre and is famous amongst the locals for its affordable price and variety of goods. Read more: Top Pakistani Taliban leader killed in IED attack in Afghanistan (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Three killed, 60 injured in a blast accident at a firework warehouse in Armenian capital

An explosion at a retail market in the Armenian capital of Yerevan sparked a fire killing at least 3 people and injuring around 40 others. The blast caused by a blaze at the fire work storage routes through the retail market in Sumalu.

Armenia: Explosion at a retail market in Yerevan; 3 dead, 40 injured

New tensions erupted over Nagorno-Karabakh as three soldiers were killed and Azerbaijan said it had taken control of several strategic heights in the disputed region.

WION Fineprint: Why are Armenia and Azerbaijan fighting over Nagorno-Karabakh?

The world is already struggling to cope with the ripple effect of the Ukraine war and now the Taiwan Strait is becoming tense too, and if that wasn't enough there is also a flare-up in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Nagorno-Karabakh has been a flashpoint for 30 years: Azerbaijan says it crushed Armenian attack

There is a new flare-up in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia is accusing Azerbaijan of ceasefire violation. Azerbaijan says Armenia was trying to capture a hill. Can the world afford another war? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Tensions escalate in Nagorno-Karabakh

Tensions simmer between Armenia–Azerbaijan over a disputed region of Nagorno-Karabakh which has been a flash point for 30 years. Fresh clashes have broken out in the disputed region that killed three soldiers.

Nagorno-Karabakh: Major flashpoint between Armenia–Azerbaijan

Armenia is taking steps to organise Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) summit on the situsation in Kazakhstan. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on phone in this regard. Armenia is the current chair of CSTO. The summit is being planned to be online. &nbsp;CSTO is an intergovernmental military alliance that includes ex-Soviet states.&nbsp;

Earlier, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Armenia discussed the situation in Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

The parties noted progress of the overall situation towards normalisation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Saturday discussed restoring "order" in Kazakhstan following days of violence and unrest as several high-profile officials were detained on suspicion of treason.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstans-former-head-of-national-security-intelligence-held-for-treason-443250">Kazakhstan’s former head of national security intelligence held for treason</a>

Hundreds of citizens and military personnel were injured and killed in the Kazakh city of Almaty during the recent riots. Kazakh President Kassym -Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency until January 19 over the civil unrest in the country and invited the CSTO peacekeeping forces to help bring the situation under control. The CSTO troops have already arrived in the Central Asia nation.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-kazakh-leader-tokayev-discuss-measures-to-restore-order-in-kazakhstan-443183">Putin, Kazakh leader Tokayev discuss measures to ‘restore order’ in Kazakhstan</a>

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's former head of security intelligence was arrested on suspicions of treason on Saturday (January 8).&nbsp;

Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, or KNB, in a statement on Saturday said that its former chief Karim Masimov – who was fired earlier this week—was detained, along with several other officials.

It refused to provide any further details on the nature of offences committed by Masimov.

(With inputs from agencies)

Armenia is taking steps to organise Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) summit on the situsation in Kazakhstan. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on phone in this regard.

Armenia is taking steps to organise Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) summit on the situsation in Kazakhstan. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on phone in this regard. Armenia is the current chair of CSTO. The summit is being planned to be online. CSTO is an intergovernmental military alliance that includes ex-Soviet states. Earlier, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, and Armenia discussed the situation in Kazakhstan. The parties noted progress of the overall situation towards normalisation. Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kazakh counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Saturday discussed restoring "order" in Kazakhstan following days of violence and unrest as several high-profile officials were detained on suspicion of treason. Also Read | Kazakhstan’s former head of national security intelligence held for treason Hundreds of citizens and military personnel were injured and killed in the Kazakh city of Almaty during the recent riots. Kazakh President Kassym -Jomart Tokayev declared a state of emergency until January 19 over the civil unrest in the country and invited the CSTO peacekeeping forces to help bring the situation under control. The CSTO troops have already arrived in the Central Asia nation. Also Read | Putin, Kazakh leader Tokayev discuss measures to ‘restore order’ in Kazakhstan Meanwhile, Kazakhstan's former head of security intelligence was arrested on suspicions of treason on Saturday (January 8). Kazakhstan's National Security Committee, or KNB, in a statement on Saturday said that its former chief Karim Masimov – who was fired earlier this week—was detained, along with several other officials. It refused to provide any further details on the nature of offences committed by Masimov. (With inputs from agencies)

Efforts on to organise CSTO summit over situation in Kazakhstan

Tensions are once again flaring between Armenia and Azerbaijan who have accused each other of opening fire at their borders, near the contention region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan: Armenia open fired in several districts

Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday traded accusations of opening fire at their border near the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region. This has led to fresh flare-up of tension between the two countries that battled each other in six-week war last year. The conflict claimed more than 6500 lives.

"Units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces attempted a provisional offensive in the eastern direction of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border," Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

It said that Armenian soldiers "prevented the enemy's attempt" and "an intensive exchange of fire began"

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan said Armenian forces on Saturday night used "sniper rifles, grenade launchers, and various caliber weapons" against Azerbaijani positions in several districts.&nbsp;

The Azerbaijani ministry claims to have "taken adequate measures to put an end to the provocation"&nbsp; 
Neither country reported fatalities.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Nagorno-Karabakh authorities said the only road connecting Armenia to the separatist enclave -- the Lachin Corridor -- was briefly closed due to an incident between the two sides.&nbsp;

Since last year's war, both Azerbaijan and Armenia have reported occasional exchanges of fire along their shared border, sparking fears of another flare up in their territorial dispute.

The war ended in November with a Russian-brokered ceasefire under which Armenia ceded territories it had controlled for decades to Turkish-backed Azerbaijan, but tensions remain high.

(With inputs from agencies)

Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday traded accusations of opening fire at their border near the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region. This has led to fresh flare-up of tension between the two countries that battled each other in six-week war last year.

Armenia and Azerbaijan on Sunday traded accusations of opening fire at their border near the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region. This has led to fresh flare-up of tension between the two countries that battled each other in six-week war last year. The conflict claimed more than 6500 lives. "Units of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces attempted a provisional offensive in the eastern direction of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border," Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement. It said that Armenian soldiers "prevented the enemy's attempt" and "an intensive exchange of fire began" Meanwhile, Azerbaijan said Armenian forces on Saturday night used "sniper rifles, grenade launchers, and various caliber weapons" against Azerbaijani positions in several districts. The Azerbaijani ministry claims to have "taken adequate measures to put an end to the provocation" Neither country reported fatalities. On Saturday, Nagorno-Karabakh authorities said the only road connecting Armenia to the separatist enclave -- the Lachin Corridor -- was briefly closed due to an incident between the two sides. Since last year's war, both Azerbaijan and Armenia have reported occasional exchanges of fire along their shared border, sparking fears of another flare up in their territorial dispute. The war ended in November with a Russian-brokered ceasefire under which Armenia ceded territories it had controlled for decades to Turkish-backed Azerbaijan, but tensions remain high. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenia, Azerbaijan trade accusations of firing at the border

With an aim to expand bilateral ties and discuss key regional issues, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a four-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia from Sunday. The leaders are highly likely to discuss the developments in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

While announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday, "The visit will provide an opportunity for reviewing the progress in our bilateral ties with the three countries as well as share views on developments in the region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

The visit will be a continuation of India's increased engagement with countries in its "extended neighbourhood". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-defence-minister-lauds-coast-guard-for-ensuring-maritime-peace-security-saving-lives-419490" hreflang="en">Indian&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister&nbsp;lauds coast guard for ensuring maritime peace, security, saving lives&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

Jaishankar's first destination will be Kyrgyzstan, where he will hold talks with his counterpart apart from calling on the President of the nation, the MEA said. &nbsp;

"This will be his first visit to the country as the external affairs minister," the MEA said. Some agreements are also expected to be signed during the visit. &nbsp;

On October 11 and 12, Jaishankar will be in Kazakhstan to attend the 6th Ministerial meeting of the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Nur-Sultan. Kazakhstan is the current chair of the grouping. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-maharaja-returned-home-timeline-of-air-india-disinvestment-419460" hreflang="en">How Maharaja returned 'home': Timeline of Air India disinvestment</a>

Jaishankar will hold talks with the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Kazakhstan. &nbsp;

"The external affairs minister will be visiting Armenia on October 12 and 13. This will be the first-ever visit of an external affairs minister of India to independent Armenia," the MEA said. &nbsp;

The minister will have meetings with Armenian counterpart and Prime Minister. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

With an aim to expand bilateral ties and discuss key regional issues, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a four-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia from Sunday.

With an aim to expand bilateral ties and discuss key regional issues, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will pay a four-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia from Sunday. The leaders are highly likely to discuss the developments in Afghanistan. While announcing the visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Saturday, "The visit will provide an opportunity for reviewing the progress in our bilateral ties with the three countries as well as share views on developments in the region." The visit will be a continuation of India's increased engagement with countries in its "extended neighbourhood". Also Read: Indian defence minister lauds coast guard for ensuring maritime peace, security, saving lives Jaishankar's first destination will be Kyrgyzstan, where he will hold talks with his counterpart apart from calling on the President of the nation, the MEA said. "This will be his first visit to the country as the external affairs minister," the MEA said. Some agreements are also expected to be signed during the visit. On October 11 and 12, Jaishankar will be in Kazakhstan to attend the 6th Ministerial meeting of the Conference of Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) in Nur-Sultan. Kazakhstan is the current chair of the grouping. Also Read: How Maharaja returned 'home': Timeline of Air India disinvestment Jaishankar will hold talks with the deputy prime minister and foreign minister of Kazakhstan. "The external affairs minister will be visiting Armenia on October 12 and 13. This will be the first-ever visit of an external affairs minister of India to independent Armenia," the MEA said. The minister will have meetings with Armenian counterpart and Prime Minister. (With inputs from agencies)

From October 10 to 13, Jaishankar to visit Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Armenia

On Wednesday, lawmakers clashed in Armenia's parliament, throwing objects across the floor and grappling with one another.

According to the TASS news agency, chaos broke out after a ruling party lawmaker referred to some former defence ministers as "traitors".

Since last year's war in which Azeri forces drove ethnic Armenian forces out of swathes of Nagorno-Karabakh, where they have controlled the territory since the 1990s, political tensions&nbsp;within the country have soared.

Footage of the incident shows lawmakers throwing water bottles at each other&nbsp;as security officers poured&nbsp;onto the floor of the house to quell the disturbance. Parliament was forced to recess after the incident.

Watch the video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A mass brawl broke out at today's meeting of the Armenian parliament, and deputies threw bottles at each other. 
 
The reason for the incident was that former Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan was called a "traitor" in a speech by MP Ayk Sargsyan from the "Civil Contract" faction. <a href="https://t.co/rXTk06hwad">pic.twitter.com/rXTk06hwad</a>
— Turan Gafarli (@ATuranQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATuranQ/status/1430437786566512643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

After Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's party won the summer elections, the current parliament convened for the first time earlier this month.

Reportedly, in two days, three brawls have broken out in Armenia's parliament, with the assembly disrupted by waves of violence among members.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Wednesday, lawmakers clashed in Armenia's parliament, throwing objects across the floor and grappling with one another. According to the TASS news agency, chaos broke out after a ruling party lawmaker referred to some former defence ministers as "traitors".

On Wednesday, lawmakers clashed in Armenia's parliament, throwing objects across the floor and grappling with one another. According to the TASS news agency, chaos broke out after a ruling party lawmaker referred to some former defence ministers as "traitors". Since last year's war in which Azeri forces drove ethnic Armenian forces out of swathes of Nagorno-Karabakh, where they have controlled the territory since the 1990s, political tensions within the country have soared. Footage of the incident shows lawmakers throwing water bottles at each other as security officers poured onto the floor of the house to quell the disturbance. Parliament was forced to recess after the incident. Watch the video here: A mass brawl broke out at today's meeting of the Armenian parliament, and deputies threw bottles at each other. The reason for the incident was that former Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan was called a "traitor" in a speech by MP Ayk Sargsyan from the "Civil Contract" faction. pic.twitter.com/rXTk06hwad — Turan Gafarli (@ATuranQ) August 25, 2021 × After Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's party won the summer elections, the current parliament convened for the first time earlier this month. Reportedly, in two days, three brawls have broken out in Armenia's parliament, with the assembly disrupted by waves of violence among members. (With inputs from agencies)

Lawmakers throw bottles at each other, as brawl breaks out in Armenian parliament

Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement that an&nbsp;Armenian soldier was shot dead by a&nbsp;sniper&nbsp;from&nbsp;Azerbaijan&nbsp;on Monday, as border tensions between the countries continue.

Armenia&nbsp;last month proposed that Russia station border outposts along the length of&nbsp;Armenia's border with&nbsp;Azerbaijan.

Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement that an Armenian soldier was shot dead by a sniper from Azerbaijan on Monday, as border tensions between the countries continue.

Armenia's defence ministry said in a statement that an Armenian soldier was shot dead by a sniper from Azerbaijan on Monday, as border tensions between the countries continue. Armenia last month proposed that Russia station border outposts along the length of Armenia's border with Azerbaijan.

Armenia says one of its soldiers killed by sniper from Azerbaijan

Three&nbsp;Armenian&nbsp;troops died in border clashes with Azerbaijani forces on Wednesday,&nbsp;Yerevan&nbsp;said, in the deadliest military incident between the arch-foes since their war last year over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

"As a result of armed action launched following an attack by Azerbaijani forces, there are&nbsp;three&nbsp;dead and two wounded from the&nbsp;Armenian&nbsp;side as of 08:30 (0430 GMT)," the defence ministry in&nbsp;Yerevan&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

It said an intense shootout took place near the village of Sotk at the north-eastern sector of the border shared by the Caucasus neighbours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Armenia's foreign ministry said that "the Azerbaijani side is deliberately escalating the situation as its forces remain illegally on Armenia's sovereign territory."

Azerbaijan's defence ministry accused Armenia of a military provocation, saying "two Azerbaijani servicemen were wounded" after&nbsp;Armenian&nbsp;forces opened fire towards Azerbaijani positions in the district of Kelbajar, in the early hours of Wednesday.

"Armenia bears full responsibility for the escalation of tensions along the two countries’ shared border," it said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-escalate-between-armenia-azerbaijan-after-shooting-incident-388041">Also read |&nbsp;Tensions escalate between Armenia, Azerbaijan after shooting incident</a>

Tensions between Baku and&nbsp;Yerevan&nbsp;have been running high since May, when Armenia accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan's military of crossing its southern frontier to "lay siege" to a lake shared by the two countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The six-week war between Armenia and Azerbaijan last autumn claimed about 6,500 lives and ended in November with a Russian-brokered ceasefire under which Armenia ceded territories it had controlled for decades.&nbsp;

Both countries have reported occasional shootouts in recent months along their shared border, sparking fears of a flare up in the territorial dispute.&nbsp;

Ethnic&nbsp;Armenian&nbsp;separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from&nbsp;Azerbaijan&nbsp;as the Soviet Union collapsed, and the ensuing conflict has claimed around 30,000 lives

Three Armenian troops died in border clashes with Azerbaijani forces on Wednesday, Yerevan said, in the deadliest military incident between the arch-foes since their war last year over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

Three Armenian troops died in border clashes with Azerbaijani forces on Wednesday, Yerevan said, in the deadliest military incident between the arch-foes since their war last year over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. "As a result of armed action launched following an attack by Azerbaijani forces, there are three dead and two wounded from the Armenian side as of 08:30 (0430 GMT)," the defence ministry in Yerevan said. It said an intense shootout took place near the village of Sotk at the north-eastern sector of the border shared by the Caucasus neighbours. Armenia's foreign ministry said that "the Azerbaijani side is deliberately escalating the situation as its forces remain illegally on Armenia's sovereign territory." Azerbaijan's defence ministry accused Armenia of a military provocation, saying "two Azerbaijani servicemen were wounded" after Armenian forces opened fire towards Azerbaijani positions in the district of Kelbajar, in the early hours of Wednesday. "Armenia bears full responsibility for the escalation of tensions along the two countries’ shared border," it said. Also read | Tensions escalate between Armenia, Azerbaijan after shooting incident Tensions between Baku and Yerevan have been running high since May, when Armenia accused Azerbaijan's military of crossing its southern frontier to "lay siege" to a lake shared by the two countries. The six-week war between Armenia and Azerbaijan last autumn claimed about 6,500 lives and ended in November with a Russian-brokered ceasefire under which Armenia ceded territories it had controlled for decades. Both countries have reported occasional shootouts in recent months along their shared border, sparking fears of a flare up in the territorial dispute. Ethnic Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan as the Soviet Union collapsed, and the ensuing conflict has claimed around 30,000 lives

Three Armenian soldiers killed in clash with Azerbaijan

European Council President Charles Michel said on Saturday that the European Union supported international efforts to ease tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both countries fought a war last year over Nagorno-Karabakh region.

On a visit to Yerevan, Michel expressed "the European Union's support for the Minsk Group" -- which consists of French, Russian and US diplomats -- as mediators to the longstanding territorial dispute.&nbsp;

The war between Azerbaijan and Armenia claimed 6500 lives. It ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire. Armenia had to cede territory it had controlled for decades.&nbsp;

Since May, tensions are running high again. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan military of crossing its southern border. Both countries have reported occasional shootouts along their shared border

The European Council's President called on the Minsk Group "to assume its responsibilities and address different topics" of the post-conflict settlement.

The Minsk Group has been largely inactive since the ceasefire as Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had insisted "the Karabakh conflict has been resolved for good" and has rejected Yerevan's calls to negotiate on the region's political status.&nbsp;

Populated by ethnic Armenians, Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan.

Ethnic Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan as the Soviet Union collapsed, and the ensuing conflict has claimed around 30,000 lives.

Yerevan was the first leg of Michel's regional tour of the South Caucasus. He is due to meet Aliyev in Baku on Sunday and to hold Monday talks with the leaders of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine in Georgia's Black Sea city of Batumi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

European Council President Charles Michel said on Saturday that the European Union supported international efforts to ease tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

European Council President Charles Michel said on Saturday that the European Union supported international efforts to ease tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both countries fought a war last year over Nagorno-Karabakh region. On a visit to Yerevan, Michel expressed "the European Union's support for the Minsk Group" -- which consists of French, Russian and US diplomats -- as mediators to the longstanding territorial dispute. The war between Azerbaijan and Armenia claimed 6500 lives. It ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire. Armenia had to cede territory it had controlled for decades. Since May, tensions are running high again. Armenia has accused Azerbaijan military of crossing its southern border. Both countries have reported occasional shootouts along their shared border The European Council's President called on the Minsk Group "to assume its responsibilities and address different topics" of the post-conflict settlement. The Minsk Group has been largely inactive since the ceasefire as Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had insisted "the Karabakh conflict has been resolved for good" and has rejected Yerevan's calls to negotiate on the region's political status. Populated by ethnic Armenians, Karabakh is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan. Ethnic Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan as the Soviet Union collapsed, and the ensuing conflict has claimed around 30,000 lives. Yerevan was the first leg of Michel's regional tour of the South Caucasus. He is due to meet Aliyev in Baku on Sunday and to hold Monday talks with the leaders of Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine in Georgia's Black Sea city of Batumi. (With inputs from agencies)

EU backs international mediation in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Mondat registered decisive victory in parliamentary elections. He secured a victory in spite of the anger over Armenia's defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh region with Azerbaijan.

His Civil Contract party bagged nearly 54 per cent votes overcoming anger at his handling of the devastating fight for control of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region to secure a strong majority.&nbsp;

"The people of Armenia gave our Civil Contract party a mandate to lead the country and personally to me to lead the country as prime minister," Pashinyan, 46, said in the early hours of Monday after preliminary results were announced.

He urged supporters to flood the main square in the capital Yerevan for an evening rally to celebrate the victory.

When Pashinyan announced snap polls earlier this year, it was viewed by many as a gamble. Protests against his rule were coming to a head

Those rallies and calls from the opposition for Pashinyan's resignation began last November when he signed an unpopular peace deal mediated by Moscow to end fighting with Armenia's long-standing enemy Azerbaijan.

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week war last year which claimed 6,500 lives. Armenia had to hand over swathes of territory to Azerbaijan.

On Monday morning, the prime minister visited a military cemetery and laid flowers at the graves of soldiers. 
Sunday's vote was seen as a two-horse race between Pashinyan and his main rival Robert Kocharyan, who led Armenia between 1998 and 2008 and is seen as close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

'An honest leader'

Analysts said many Armenians had cast their ballots for the prime minister because they dreaded the return of old elites, a sentiment echoed on the streets of Yerevan.

"People want to have an honest leader who does not steal and is not an oligarch," said Ruben Kazaryan, a 60-year-old IT worker.&nbsp;

In the wake of the polls, Kocharyan, whose alliance received 21 percent of the vote, alleged foul play. 
"Hundreds of signals from polling stations testifying to organised and planned falsifications serve as a serious reason for lack of trust" in the results, Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance said in a statement.

The alliance said it would not recognise results until "violations" were studied.

However election observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe praised the polls as "competitive and well-run" and said that vote counting was "highly transparent."

"The fundamental freedoms key to democratic elections were generally respected," OSCE monitors said in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Mondat registered decisive victory in parliamentary elections. He secured a victory in spite of the anger over Armenia's defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh region with Azerbaijan.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Mondat registered decisive victory in parliamentary elections. He secured a victory in spite of the anger over Armenia's defeat in Nagorno-Karabakh region with Azerbaijan. His Civil Contract party bagged nearly 54 per cent votes overcoming anger at his handling of the devastating fight for control of the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region to secure a strong majority. "The people of Armenia gave our Civil Contract party a mandate to lead the country and personally to me to lead the country as prime minister," Pashinyan, 46, said in the early hours of Monday after preliminary results were announced. He urged supporters to flood the main square in the capital Yerevan for an evening rally to celebrate the victory. When Pashinyan announced snap polls earlier this year, it was viewed by many as a gamble. Protests against his rule were coming to a head Those rallies and calls from the opposition for Pashinyan's resignation began last November when he signed an unpopular peace deal mediated by Moscow to end fighting with Armenia's long-standing enemy Azerbaijan. Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week war last year which claimed 6,500 lives. Armenia had to hand over swathes of territory to Azerbaijan. On Monday morning, the prime minister visited a military cemetery and laid flowers at the graves of soldiers. Sunday's vote was seen as a two-horse race between Pashinyan and his main rival Robert Kocharyan, who led Armenia between 1998 and 2008 and is seen as close to Russian President Vladimir Putin. 'An honest leader' Analysts said many Armenians had cast their ballots for the prime minister because they dreaded the return of old elites, a sentiment echoed on the streets of Yerevan. "People want to have an honest leader who does not steal and is not an oligarch," said Ruben Kazaryan, a 60-year-old IT worker. In the wake of the polls, Kocharyan, whose alliance received 21 percent of the vote, alleged foul play. "Hundreds of signals from polling stations testifying to organised and planned falsifications serve as a serious reason for lack of trust" in the results, Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance said in a statement. The alliance said it would not recognise results until "violations" were studied. However election observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe praised the polls as "competitive and well-run" and said that vote counting was "highly transparent." "The fundamental freedoms key to democratic elections were generally respected," OSCE monitors said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenia PM wins snap election despite Nagorno-Karabakh defeat anger

Thousands of Armenians took to the streets in the capital of Yerevan to protest the deal as a betrayal of national interests.

Pashinyan far ahead in early Armenia election results

Armenia's acting prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, claimed victory in a parliamentary election on Sunday after his Civil Contract party took an early lead as votes were counted. 
 
With 30% of results declared, Pashinyan's party had 58.52% of the vote, compared with 18.56% for former President Robert Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance, the RIA news agency reported, citing the Central Election Commission (CEC). 
 
"Not all the votes have been counted yet, but it is clear that we will have a convincing majority," Interfax quoted Pashinyan as saying early on Monday. 
 
Kocharyan's bloc questioned the credibility of the preliminary results, the Sputnik media outlet reported. 
 
Opinion polls had put the two parties neck and neck in a snap election the government called to try to end a political crisis that erupted after ethnic Armenian forces lost a six-week war against Azerbaijan last year and ceded territory in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region. 
 
Pashinyan has since been under pressure, with regular street protests demanding he step down over the terms of the peace agreement that ended the conflict. Under the deal, which was brokered by Russia, Azerbaijan regained control of territory it had lost during a war in the early 1990s. 
 
Pashinyan himself described the agreement as a disaster, but said he had been compelled to sign it in order to prevent greater human and territorial losses. 
 
Whoever forms a majority in the south Caucasus country's parliament gets to elect the prime minister, who is nominated by the president. 
 
There were 319 reports of voting irregularities, RIA reported, citing the general prosecutor's office. The CEC said elections were largely in line with legal norms. 
 
The Defence Ministry rejected allegations that servicemen were being forced to vote, saying conscripts voting in groups was systematically beneficial and that it was continuing to monitor the voting process. 
 
Nationwide turnout stood at 49.4% when polls closed at 1600 GMT, RIA reported.

Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, is a close ally of Moscow, although Pashinyan, who came to power on the back of street protests and on an anti-corruption agenda in 2018, has had cooler relations with the Kremlin. 
 
Turkey, which supported Azerbaijan in last year's conflict, will also be watching closely. 
 
Kocharyan is a native of Nagorno-Karabakh. The enclave is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has long been claimed by its mainly ethnic Armenian population. 
 
Kocharyan was president of Armenia from 1998 to 2008 and was accused of acting unlawfully when he introduced a state of emergency in March 2008 after a disputed election. At least 10 people were killed in the clashes that followed between police and protesters. 
 
In a recent interview with Russia's RT TV channel, Kocharyan accused Armenia's leadership of inaction during last year's war and pledged to start negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh's borders if he came to power. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Armenia's acting prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, claimed victory in a parliamentary election on Sunday after his Civil Contract party took an early lead as votes were counted.

Armenia's acting prime minister, Nikol Pashinyan, claimed victory in a parliamentary election on Sunday after his Civil Contract party took an early lead as votes were counted. With 30% of results declared, Pashinyan's party had 58.52% of the vote, compared with 18.56% for former President Robert Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance, the RIA news agency reported, citing the Central Election Commission (CEC). "Not all the votes have been counted yet, but it is clear that we will have a convincing majority," Interfax quoted Pashinyan as saying early on Monday. Kocharyan's bloc questioned the credibility of the preliminary results, the Sputnik media outlet reported. Opinion polls had put the two parties neck and neck in a snap election the government called to try to end a political crisis that erupted after ethnic Armenian forces lost a six-week war against Azerbaijan last year and ceded territory in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Pashinyan has since been under pressure, with regular street protests demanding he step down over the terms of the peace agreement that ended the conflict. Under the deal, which was brokered by Russia, Azerbaijan regained control of territory it had lost during a war in the early 1990s. Pashinyan himself described the agreement as a disaster, but said he had been compelled to sign it in order to prevent greater human and territorial losses. Whoever forms a majority in the south Caucasus country's parliament gets to elect the prime minister, who is nominated by the president. There were 319 reports of voting irregularities, RIA reported, citing the general prosecutor's office. The CEC said elections were largely in line with legal norms. The Defence Ministry rejected allegations that servicemen were being forced to vote, saying conscripts voting in groups was systematically beneficial and that it was continuing to monitor the voting process. Nationwide turnout stood at 49.4% when polls closed at 1600 GMT, RIA reported. Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, is a close ally of Moscow, although Pashinyan, who came to power on the back of street protests and on an anti-corruption agenda in 2018, has had cooler relations with the Kremlin. Turkey, which supported Azerbaijan in last year's conflict, will also be watching closely. Kocharyan is a native of Nagorno-Karabakh. The enclave is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has long been claimed by its mainly ethnic Armenian population. Kocharyan was president of Armenia from 1998 to 2008 and was accused of acting unlawfully when he introduced a state of emergency in March 2008 after a disputed election. At least 10 people were killed in the clashes that followed between police and protesters. In a recent interview with Russia's RT TV channel, Kocharyan accused Armenia's leadership of inaction during last year's war and pledged to start negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh's borders if he came to power. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenia's acting PM claims victory as party takes early lead in parliamentary election

Polls have open Armenia for early Parliamentary elections as of now and according to the opinion polls the acting PM Nicole Pashinyan and former president Robert Kocharyan are neck to neck.

Armenia Parliamentary Election: Armenia's PM Pashinyan, Rival Kocharyan in tight place

At least 20,000 supporters of Armenia's opposition candidate Robert Kocharyan rallied in his support in Armenian capital Yerevan on Friday. Armenia is to hold snap parlimentary elections this weekend.

The snap election has been called by Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resolve political crisis that started after Armenia's disasterous war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Opinion polls have shown that its a neck-and-neck fight.

On Friday evening supporters of Pashinyan's main rival Robert Kocharyan, including decorated war veterans, massed in the capital's Republic Square waving flags and chanting "Kocharyan!".

This demonstration came just a day after about 20,000 people turned out to support Pashinyan.

The rally for Kocharyan, who was in power between 1998 and 2008 and counts Russian leader Vladimir Putin among his friends, was the last campaign event ahead of the snap parliamentary elections on Sunday.&nbsp;

Polls show Pashinyan's party neck-in-neck with &nbsp;Kocharyan's electoral bloc, and political analysts say the election result is hard to predict.

Many at Friday's rally said they could no longer trust Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 on pledges to oust old elites but led the small South Caucasus country into a war with arch-enemy Azerbaijan that claimed more than 6,000 lives.

"We lived well when Kocharyan was president," said one supporter, Emma Khachaturyan, 50. She was quoted by news agency AFP.

"Pashinyan is a traitor," she added, referring to the prime minister's controversial agreement that ceded swathes of territory to Azerbaijan after the six-week conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year.

Mger Palyan, a 47-year-old businessman, said Kocharyan, a dollar millionaire who hails from Karabakh, understood the needs of the army.

"I was in the army when he was president. He always worked and was true to his word," Palyan said. 
A poll released Friday by MPG, a polling group affiliated with Gallup International Association, showed Kocharyan's bloc leading narrowly with 28.7 percent to 25.2 percent for Pashinyan's party.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 20,000 supporters of Armenia's opposition candidate Robert Kocharyan rallied in his support in Armenian capital Yerevan on Friday. Armenia is to hold snap parlimentary elections this weekend.

At least 20,000 supporters of Armenia's opposition candidate Robert Kocharyan rallied in his support in Armenian capital Yerevan on Friday. Armenia is to hold snap parlimentary elections this weekend. The snap election has been called by Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resolve political crisis that started after Armenia's disasterous war with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Opinion polls have shown that its a neck-and-neck fight. On Friday evening supporters of Pashinyan's main rival Robert Kocharyan, including decorated war veterans, massed in the capital's Republic Square waving flags and chanting "Kocharyan!". This demonstration came just a day after about 20,000 people turned out to support Pashinyan. The rally for Kocharyan, who was in power between 1998 and 2008 and counts Russian leader Vladimir Putin among his friends, was the last campaign event ahead of the snap parliamentary elections on Sunday. Polls show Pashinyan's party neck-in-neck with Kocharyan's electoral bloc, and political analysts say the election result is hard to predict. Many at Friday's rally said they could no longer trust Pashinyan, who came to power in 2018 on pledges to oust old elites but led the small South Caucasus country into a war with arch-enemy Azerbaijan that claimed more than 6,000 lives. "We lived well when Kocharyan was president," said one supporter, Emma Khachaturyan, 50. She was quoted by news agency AFP. "Pashinyan is a traitor," she added, referring to the prime minister's controversial agreement that ceded swathes of territory to Azerbaijan after the six-week conflict over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. Mger Palyan, a 47-year-old businessman, said Kocharyan, a dollar millionaire who hails from Karabakh, understood the needs of the army. "I was in the army when he was president. He always worked and was true to his word," Palyan said. A poll released Friday by MPG, a polling group affiliated with Gallup International Association, showed Kocharyan's bloc leading narrowly with 28.7 percent to 25.2 percent for Pashinyan's party. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 20,000 rally for Armenia opposition leader ahead of polls: Report

Opinion polls have put Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and former President Robert Kocharyan neck-and-neck ahead of parliamentary election on Sunday. The snap election has been called to end the political crisis that started after Armenian forces lost war against Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Pashinyan has been under pressure ever since, with regular street protests demanding he step down over the terms of the peace agreement that ended the conflict. Under the deal, which was brokered by Russia, Azerbaijan regained control of territory it had lost during a war in the early 1990s.

Pashinyan himself called the agreement a disaster, but said he had been compelled to sign it in order to prevent greater human and territorial losses.

According to a recent Gallup International poll conducted on June 7-10, 24.1% of voters are ready to vote for Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance and 23.8% for Pashinyan's Civil Contract party.

Whoever forms majority in parliament gets to elect the prime minister. The PM is nominated by the president.

Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, is a close ally of Moscow, though Pashinyan, who came to power on the back of street protests and on an anti-corruption agenda in 2018, has had cooler relations with the Kremlin.

"We wish a successful election to our close ally and partner," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.

Turkey, which supported Azerbaijan in last year's conflict, will also be watching closely.

Pashinyan's main rival is Kocharyan, a native of Nagorno-Karabakh, the region that was fought over last year. It is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has long been claimed by ethnic Armenians too.

He was president of Armenia from 1998 to 2008 and was accused of acting unlawfully when he introduced a state of emergency in March 2008 following a disputed election. At least 10 people were killed in the clashes that followed between the police and protesters.

In a recent interview with Russia's RT TV channel, Kocharyan accused the then Armenian leadership of inaction during last year's war and pledged to start negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh's borders if he came to power.

(With inputs from agencies)

Opinion polls have put Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and former President Robert Kocharyan neck-and-neck ahead of parliamentary election on Sunday.

Opinion polls have put Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and former President Robert Kocharyan neck-and-neck ahead of parliamentary election on Sunday. The snap election has been called to end the political crisis that started after Armenian forces lost war against Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Pashinyan has been under pressure ever since, with regular street protests demanding he step down over the terms of the peace agreement that ended the conflict. Under the deal, which was brokered by Russia, Azerbaijan regained control of territory it had lost during a war in the early 1990s. Pashinyan himself called the agreement a disaster, but said he had been compelled to sign it in order to prevent greater human and territorial losses. According to a recent Gallup International poll conducted on June 7-10, 24.1% of voters are ready to vote for Kocharyan's Armenia Alliance and 23.8% for Pashinyan's Civil Contract party. Whoever forms majority in parliament gets to elect the prime minister. The PM is nominated by the president. Armenia, which hosts a Russian military base, is a close ally of Moscow, though Pashinyan, who came to power on the back of street protests and on an anti-corruption agenda in 2018, has had cooler relations with the Kremlin. "We wish a successful election to our close ally and partner," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. Turkey, which supported Azerbaijan in last year's conflict, will also be watching closely. Pashinyan's main rival is Kocharyan, a native of Nagorno-Karabakh, the region that was fought over last year. It is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan but has long been claimed by ethnic Armenians too. He was president of Armenia from 1998 to 2008 and was accused of acting unlawfully when he introduced a state of emergency in March 2008 following a disputed election. At least 10 people were killed in the clashes that followed between the police and protesters. In a recent interview with Russia's RT TV channel, Kocharyan accused the then Armenian leadership of inaction during last year's war and pledged to start negotiations on Nagorno-Karabakh's borders if he came to power. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenian election too close to call, reveals opinion poll

Azerbaijan on Saturday handed over to Armenia 15 prisoners of war captured during last year's hostilities over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, the foreign ministry in Baku said.

The ministry also said that under the deal mediated by Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Yerevan reciprocated by providing Baku with maps of minefields in the conflict zone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-escalate-between-armenia-azerbaijan-after-shooting-incident-388041">Tensions escalate between Armenia, Azerbaijan after shooting incident</a>

Fighting broke out between Azerbaijan and Armenia in September 2020 over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, claiming some 6,000 lives over six weeks.

The war ended in November with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw Yerevan cede swathes of territory it had controlled for decades.

On Saturday, "Azerbaijan handed over to Armenia 15 detained Armenians in exchange for the map of 97,000 anti-tank and anti-personnel mines in the Agdam district," one of the territories Armenia has ceded to Baku, Azerbaijani foreign ministry said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenian-leader-accuses-azerbaijan-of-fresh-infiltration-385043">Armenian leader accuses Azerbaijan of fresh 'infiltration'</a>

The ministry also thanked the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, top US diplomat for Europe Philip Reeker, the European Council President Charles Michel, and the OSCE Swedish chairmanship for their role in negotiations.

Garibashvili's office said in a statement that the "captive Armenian troops were transported from Azerbaijan to Georgia and then sent to Armenia".

"An important step has been made towards the amelioration of security environment in the South Caucasus region," the statement said. &nbsp;

The mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the most heavily mined regions in the former Soviet Union.

Seven Azerbaijani troops and 18 civilians have died and 110 more were wounded in landmine explosions in and near Nagorno-Karabakh since the ceasefire, the Azerbaijani government has said.

Both Azerbaijani and Armenian forces used the weapons during a bloody conflict in the early 1990s.

Ethnic Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan around the collapse of the Soviet Union in a conflict that claimed some 30,000 lives.

Azerbaijan on Saturday handed over to Armenia 15 prisoners of war captured during last year's hostilities over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, the foreign ministry in Baku said.

Azerbaijan on Saturday handed over to Armenia 15 prisoners of war captured during last year's hostilities over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, the foreign ministry in Baku said. The ministry also said that under the deal mediated by Georgia's Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Yerevan reciprocated by providing Baku with maps of minefields in the conflict zone. Also read | Tensions escalate between Armenia, Azerbaijan after shooting incident Fighting broke out between Azerbaijan and Armenia in September 2020 over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, claiming some 6,000 lives over six weeks. The war ended in November with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw Yerevan cede swathes of territory it had controlled for decades. On Saturday, "Azerbaijan handed over to Armenia 15 detained Armenians in exchange for the map of 97,000 anti-tank and anti-personnel mines in the Agdam district," one of the territories Armenia has ceded to Baku, Azerbaijani foreign ministry said in a statement. Also read | Armenian leader accuses Azerbaijan of fresh 'infiltration' The ministry also thanked the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, top US diplomat for Europe Philip Reeker, the European Council President Charles Michel, and the OSCE Swedish chairmanship for their role in negotiations. Garibashvili's office said in a statement that the "captive Armenian troops were transported from Azerbaijan to Georgia and then sent to Armenia". "An important step has been made towards the amelioration of security environment in the South Caucasus region," the statement said. The mountainous region of Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the most heavily mined regions in the former Soviet Union. Seven Azerbaijani troops and 18 civilians have died and 110 more were wounded in landmine explosions in and near Nagorno-Karabakh since the ceasefire, the Azerbaijani government has said. Both Azerbaijani and Armenian forces used the weapons during a bloody conflict in the early 1990s. Ethnic Armenian separatists in Nagorno-Karabakh broke away from Azerbaijan around the collapse of the Soviet Union in a conflict that claimed some 30,000 lives.

Azerbaijan hands Armenia fifteen captive troops

Azerbaijan accused Armenian forces of opening fire at the border as tensions once again escalated in the area a year after they had exchanged heavy fire over Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;

Watch:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-recognises-atrocities-against-armenians-as-genocide-382564/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Azerbaijan's defence ministry said one of its soldiers was wounded after the Nakhchivan exclave on the border with Armenia and Turkey came under fire from Armenian forces.&nbsp;

However, Armenia while denying the incident took place added that its soldiers were captured by Azerbaijan after its troops surrounded and captured six soldiers.

The US meanwhile expressed concern as State Department spokeswoman Ned Price called on both sides to resolve the incident peacefully&nbsp;

"We also continue to call on Azerbaijan to release immediately all prisoners of war and other detainees, and we remind Azerbaijan of its obligations under international humanitarian law to treat all detainees humanely," Price asserted.

The French foreign ministry said both sides should show restrain and refrain from any provocation.&nbsp;

Azerbaijan and Armenia were involved in clashes last year which led to the death of at least 6,000 people. Russia later brokered peace between the warring neighbours with Russian peacekeepers monitoring both sides.

Azerbaijan accused Armenia of deploying troops near Gegharkuni as both sides kept up the pressure on each other at the border.

The current development comes as Armenia is set to go to the polls on June 20 as acting PM Pashinyan faces protesters at home who have accused him of ceding too much territory&nbsp;to Azerbaijan&nbsp;

Nagorno-Karabakh which consists of mainly ethnic Armenians had broken away from Azerbaijan after the collapse of the former Soviet Union in the early 90s with both Azerbaijan and Armenia clashes claiming over 30,00 lives.

(With Agency inputs)

Azerbaijan accused Armenian forces of opening fire at the border as tensions once again escalated in the area a year after they had exchanged heavy fire over Nagorno-Karabakh.

Azerbaijan accused Armenian forces of opening fire at the border as tensions once again escalated in the area a year after they had exchanged heavy fire over Nagorno-Karabakh. Watch: Azerbaijan's defence ministry said one of its soldiers was wounded after the Nakhchivan exclave on the border with Armenia and Turkey came under fire from Armenian forces. However, Armenia while denying the incident took place added that its soldiers were captured by Azerbaijan after its troops surrounded and captured six soldiers. The US meanwhile expressed concern as State Department spokeswoman Ned Price called on both sides to resolve the incident peacefully "We also continue to call on Azerbaijan to release immediately all prisoners of war and other detainees, and we remind Azerbaijan of its obligations under international humanitarian law to treat all detainees humanely," Price asserted. The French foreign ministry said both sides should show restrain and refrain from any provocation. Azerbaijan and Armenia were involved in clashes last year which led to the death of at least 6,000 people. Russia later brokered peace between the warring neighbours with Russian peacekeepers monitoring both sides. Azerbaijan accused Armenia of deploying troops near Gegharkuni as both sides kept up the pressure on each other at the border. The current development comes as Armenia is set to go to the polls on June 20 as acting PM Pashinyan faces protesters at home who have accused him of ceding too much territory to Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh which consists of mainly ethnic Armenians had broken away from Azerbaijan after the collapse of the former Soviet Union in the early 90s with both Azerbaijan and Armenia clashes claiming over 30,00 lives. (With Agency inputs)

Tensions escalate between Armenia, Azerbaijan after shooting incident

An Armenian soldier was killed Tuesday in a border shootout with Azerbaijani forces,&nbsp;Armenia's defence ministry said, with tensions still high after last September's war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

It later said the situation was "calm" after a skirmish at the Verin Shorzha border point in&nbsp;Armenia's eastern Gegharkunik district.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/strategic-inferences-from-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-2020-post-ceasefire-347702">Strategic inferences from Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict 2020, post ceasefire</a>

The area borders&nbsp;the Kalbajar region that was retaken by Azerbaijan after the war last year.

"One serviceman has been killed as a result of a shootout that followed the opening of fire by Azerbaijani troops", the ministry said in a statement.

But the defence ministry in Baku denied its forces had opened fire.

"According to our information, the incident involving the death of an Armenian soldier was an accident and it has nothing to do with the Azerbaijani side," the ministry said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-in-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-despite-calls-for-peace-331000">Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace</a>

A long-simmering conflict over Karabakh, a breakaway Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, erupted into a full-blown war in late September, with some 6,000 people killed in six weeks of fighting.

It ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;cede to Azerbaijan swathes of territory it had controlled for decades.

The ceasefire, monitored by some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers, has largely held but tensions have continued and there have been several border incidents.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenian-leader-accuses-azerbaijan-of-fresh-infiltration-385043">Armenian leader accuses Azerbaijan of fresh 'infiltration'</a>

Earlier this month&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;accused Azerbaijan's military of crossing the southern border in an "infiltration" to "lay siege" to a lake that is shared by the two countries.

'Diplomatic' border solution

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the time asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for military support. Moscow said it would help with the delimitation of the two neighbours' borders.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-calls-putin-after-azerbaijan-infiltration-385095">Armenia calls Putin after Azerbaijan 'infiltration'</a>

Baku rejected claims it was occupying any Armenian territory, but Pashinyan said up to 600 Azerbaijani troops remained on Armenian territory.

The United States and France have called on Azerbaijan to pull back its forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-ceasefire-broken-again-hours-after-us-backed-truce-338053">Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce</a>

Pashinyan told a May 20 parliament session that Russia was helping&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and Azerbaijan hammer out an agreement to resolve any border incidents through "diplomatic means, not through the movement of troops".

Facing a snap parliamentary election next month, Pashinyan said the draft agreement was "100 percent in line with&nbsp;Armenia's interests".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-bidens-recognition-of-armenian-genocide-reflects-dispensability-of-turkey-382022">Opinion: Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide reflects dispensability of Turkey</a>

He also said the two governments might discuss possible territorial swaps between the two countries.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the same day that the time had come for the two arch-enemies to start working on a peace agreement after decades of conflict.

&nbsp;

Ethnic Armenian separatists declared independence for Nagorno-Karabakh and seized control of the mountainous enclave and several surrounding regions in a war in the 1990s that left tens of thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Last year's ceasefire agreement saw&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;return the surrounding regions to Azerbaijan while separatist forces retained control of most of Karabakh itself.

An Armenian soldier was killed Tuesday in a border shootout with Azerbaijani forces, Armenia's defence ministry said, with tensions still high after last September's war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

An Armenian soldier was killed Tuesday in a border shootout with Azerbaijani forces, Armenia's defence ministry said, with tensions still high after last September's war over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. It later said the situation was "calm" after a skirmish at the Verin Shorzha border point in Armenia's eastern Gegharkunik district. Also read | Strategic inferences from Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict 2020, post ceasefire The area borders the Kalbajar region that was retaken by Azerbaijan after the war last year. "One serviceman has been killed as a result of a shootout that followed the opening of fire by Azerbaijani troops", the ministry said in a statement. But the defence ministry in Baku denied its forces had opened fire. "According to our information, the incident involving the death of an Armenian soldier was an accident and it has nothing to do with the Azerbaijani side," the ministry said in a statement. Also read | Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace A long-simmering conflict over Karabakh, a breakaway Armenian enclave in Azerbaijan, erupted into a full-blown war in late September, with some 6,000 people killed in six weeks of fighting. It ended with a Russian-brokered ceasefire that saw Armenia cede to Azerbaijan swathes of territory it had controlled for decades. The ceasefire, monitored by some 2,000 Russian peacekeepers, has largely held but tensions have continued and there have been several border incidents. Also Read | Armenian leader accuses Azerbaijan of fresh 'infiltration' Earlier this month Armenia accused Azerbaijan's military of crossing the southern border in an "infiltration" to "lay siege" to a lake that is shared by the two countries. 'Diplomatic' border solution Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at the time asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for military support. Moscow said it would help with the delimitation of the two neighbours' borders. Also Read | Armenia calls Putin after Azerbaijan 'infiltration' Baku rejected claims it was occupying any Armenian territory, but Pashinyan said up to 600 Azerbaijani troops remained on Armenian territory. The United States and France have called on Azerbaijan to pull back its forces. Also read | Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce Pashinyan told a May 20 parliament session that Russia was helping Armenia and Azerbaijan hammer out an agreement to resolve any border incidents through "diplomatic means, not through the movement of troops". Facing a snap parliamentary election next month, Pashinyan said the draft agreement was "100 percent in line with Armenia's interests". Also read | Opinion: Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide reflects dispensability of Turkey He also said the two governments might discuss possible territorial swaps between the two countries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said the same day that the time had come for the two arch-enemies to start working on a peace agreement after decades of conflict. Ethnic Armenian separatists declared independence for Nagorno-Karabakh and seized control of the mountainous enclave and several surrounding regions in a war in the 1990s that left tens of thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Last year's ceasefire agreement saw Armenia return the surrounding regions to Azerbaijan while separatist forces retained control of most of Karabakh itself.

Armenia says soldier killed in shootout with Azerbaijani forces

Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory. Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's office said on Friday that he had made a formal request for the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) to hold consultations on supporting member Armenia

Under the treaty, members of the bloc, which also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, consider aggression against one member as aggression against them all.

Armenia's accusations of Azerbaijani troops violating the border came on Thursday (May 13).

Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week-long war over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. The conflict had claimed about 6000 lives.

Pashinyan informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of his decision to turn to the CSTO during a phone call late Thursday, his office said.

"The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue exerting active mediation efforts with a view to ensuring stability in the region," it said.

The two "agreed that the situation should be settled by getting Azerbaijani troops back to their starting positions."

The Kremlin said Putin was calling on both countries to respect peace agreements, adding that Russia would continue "active mediating efforts".

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Pashinyan had not asked for immediate assistance.

(With inputs from agencies)

Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory.

Armenia has made an appeal to Russia-led security bloc for support after accusing Azerbaijan of border violation. Armenia has accused that Azerbaijani troops are trying to claim territory. Acting Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's office said on Friday that he had made a formal request for the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) to hold consultations on supporting member Armenia Under the treaty, members of the bloc, which also includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, consider aggression against one member as aggression against them all. Armenia's accusations of Azerbaijani troops violating the border came on Thursday (May 13). Armenia and Azerbaijan fought a six-week-long war over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh last year. The conflict had claimed about 6000 lives. Pashinyan informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of his decision to turn to the CSTO during a phone call late Thursday, his office said. "The Russian side reaffirmed its readiness to continue exerting active mediation efforts with a view to ensuring stability in the region," it said. The two "agreed that the situation should be settled by getting Azerbaijani troops back to their starting positions." The Kremlin said Putin was calling on both countries to respect peace agreements, adding that Russia would continue "active mediating efforts". Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Pashinyan had not asked for immediate assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

Armenia calls Putin after Azerbaijan 'infiltration'

Armenia's leader on Thursday accused Azerbaijani troops of crossing the southern border and trying to stake claim to territory, in a new escalation of tensions between the arch-foes.

Last year&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Azerbaijan&nbsp;went to war over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.&nbsp;The six-week&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;claimed some 6,000 lives and ended after&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;ceded swathes of territory it had controlled for decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-in-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-despite-calls-for-peace-331000">Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace</a>

In the early hours of Thursday,&nbsp;Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan accused&nbsp;Azerbaijan&nbsp;of new transgressions as he&nbsp;convened an emergency meeting of his security council.

Pashinyan said&nbsp;Azerbaijan's troops had advanced more than three kilometres (two miles) into southern&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and were trying to "lay siege" to Lake Sev Lich that is shared by the two countries.&nbsp;

"It is an encroachment on the sovereign territory of the Republic of&nbsp;Armenia," Pashinyan said. "This is an act of subversive infiltration."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armenia-azerbaijan-ceasefire-broken-again-hours-after-us-backed-truce-338053">Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce</a>

He said Armenian soldiers had responded with "appropriate tactical manoeuvres" but stressed that the latest tensions should be settled through negotiations.

Azerbaijan's foreign ministry termed Pashinyan's claims provocative, saying the country's "border troops are taking positions that belong to&nbsp;Azerbaijan, in the Lachin and Kalbajar districts."

The reaction of&nbsp;Armenia, "which makes provocative statements, is astonishing," the ministry said in a late-night statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-bidens-recognition-of-armenian-genocide-reflects-dispensability-of-turkey-382022">Opinion: Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide reflects dispensability of Turkey</a>

"Azerbaijan&nbsp;is committed to defusing the tensions in the region and urges to take steps in that direction."

Armenia, which had controlled Lachin and Kalbajar since the 1990s, handed the districts to Baku last year under the ceasefire agreement.

'Withdraw immediately'&nbsp;

The United States, one of the three nations in the so-called Minsk Group that leads diplomacy on Nagorno-Karabakh,&nbsp;said it was "closely following" the rising tensions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/strategic-inferences-from-armenia-azerbaijan-conflict-2020-post-ceasefire-347702">Strategic inferences from Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict 2020, post ceasefire</a>

"We understand communication between the parties is ongoing and urge restraint in de-escalating the situation peacefully," State Department spokesman Ned Price wrote on Twitter.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in an Armenian-language post on Facebook,&nbsp;expressed France's "solidarity" with&nbsp;Armenia, saying "Azerbaijani armed forces invaded Armenian territory."&nbsp;

"They must withdraw immediately," Macron said.

Pashinyan has been under huge pressure over his handling of the&nbsp;conflict. He resigned in April while staying on in a caretaker capacity, setting the stage for June 20 parliamentary elections aimed at defusing the political crisis at home.

Moscow brokered a peace deal between&nbsp;Armenia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Azerbaijan&nbsp;but tensions persist.

Last month, Yerevan and Baku traded accusations of opening fire in Karabakh and along their shared border.

Ethnic Armenian separatists declared independence for&nbsp;Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region and seized control of the mountainous enclave in a brutal war in the 1990s that left tens of thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Armenia's leader on Thursday accused Azerbaijani troops of crossing the southern border and trying to stake claim to territory, in a new escalation of tensions between the arch-foes.

Armenia's leader on Thursday accused Azerbaijani troops of crossing the southern border and trying to stake claim to territory, in a new escalation of tensions between the arch-foes. Last year Armenia and Azerbaijan went to war over the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The six-week conflict claimed some 6,000 lives and ended after Armenia ceded swathes of territory it had controlled for decades. Also read | Death toll rises in Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict despite calls for peace In the early hours of Thursday, Armenia's acting prime minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Azerbaijan of new transgressions as he convened an emergency meeting of his security council. Pashinyan said Azerbaijan's troops had advanced more than three kilometres (two miles) into southern Armenia and were trying to "lay siege" to Lake Sev Lich that is shared by the two countries. "It is an encroachment on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia," Pashinyan said. "This is an act of subversive infiltration." Also read | Armenia-Azerbaijan ceasefire broken again hours after US-backed truce He said Armenian soldiers had responded with "appropriate tactical manoeuvres" but stressed that the latest tensions should be settled through negotiations. Azerbaijan's foreign ministry termed Pashinyan's claims provocative, saying the country's "border troops are taking positions that belong to Azerbaijan, in the Lachin and Kalbajar districts." The reaction of Armenia, "which makes provocative statements, is astonishing," the ministry said in a late-night statement. Also read | Opinion: Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide reflects dispensability of Turkey "Azerbaijan is committed to defusing the tensions in the region and urges to take steps in that direction." Armenia, which had controlled Lachin and Kalbajar since the 1990s, handed the districts to Baku last year under the ceasefire agreement. 'Withdraw immediately' The United States, one of the three nations in the so-called Minsk Group that leads diplomacy on Nagorno-Karabakh, said it was "closely following" the rising tensions. Also read | Strategic inferences from Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict 2020, post ceasefire "We understand communication between the parties is ongoing and urge restraint in de-escalating the situation peacefully," State Department spokesman Ned Price wrote on Twitter. French President Emmanuel Macron, in an Armenian-language post on Facebook, expressed France's "solidarity" with Armenia, saying "Azerbaijani armed forces invaded Armenian territory." "They must withdraw immediately," Macron said. Pashinyan has been under huge pressure over his handling of the conflict. He resigned in April while staying on in a caretaker capacity, setting the stage for June 20 parliamentary elections aimed at defusing the political crisis at home. Moscow brokered a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan but tensions persist. Last month, Yerevan and Baku traded accusations of opening fire in Karabakh and along their shared border. Ethnic Armenian separatists declared independence for Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region and seized control of the mountainous enclave in a brutal war in the 1990s that left tens of thousands dead and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Armenian leader accuses Azerbaijan of fresh 'infiltration'

President Joe Biden has formally recognised that the systematic killings and deportations of hundreds of thousands of Armenians by Ottoman Empire forces in the early 20th century were “genocide”

Joe Biden recognises atrocities against Armenians as genocide

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has stepped down ahead of country's early general election. Pashinyan had been under pressure to resign since ethnic Armenians lost territory in fighting in and around the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave within Azerbaijan.

Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan resigns to clear way for early general elections

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on Sunday. This has formalised a parliamentary vote to be held in June 20. This will be an effort to defuse a protracted political crisis. Pashinyan had faced strong calls to stand down since signing a Russian-brokered peace agreement with Azerbaijan after Armenia's defeat. The peace agreement had ended the war over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

"I am resigning from my post as prime minister today" to hold the snap vote on June 20, he said in an announcement broadcast on his Facebook page.

As required by Armenian law, all members of Pashinyan's cabinet handed in the own resignations after his announcement.

Pashinyan said he would continue to fulfil his duties as head of the interim government.

Armenia's humiliating defeat at the hands of Azerbaijan's technologically superior army spurred mass protests in the country.&nbsp;

The tiny Caucasus nation's military, equipped with ageing Soviet-era hardware, struggled to hold ground it had controlled for three decades when clashes broke out against Azerbaijan's better-equipped army in Nagorno-Karabakh in September.

After six weeks of fighting that claimed around 6,000 lives, the peace accord forced Armenia to cede swathes of territory to Azerbaijan.

Pashinyan has insisted he handled the war correctly, saying he had no choice but to agree or see his country's forces suffer even bigger losses and that snap polls were the best way to end the post-war political stalemate.

The 45-year-old former newspaper editor came to power spearheading peaceful protests in 2018 and initially brought a wave of optimism to Armenia.

( 
&nbsp;

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on Sunday. This has formalised a parliamentary vote to be held in June 20. This will be an effort to defuse a protracted political crisis.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigned on Sunday. This has formalised a parliamentary vote to be held in June 20. This will be an effort to defuse a protracted political crisis. Pashinyan had faced strong calls to stand down since signing a Russian-brokered peace agreement with Azerbaijan after Armenia's defeat. The peace agreement had ended the war over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. "I am resigning from my post as prime minister today" to hold the snap vote on June 20, he said in an announcement broadcast on his Facebook page. As required by Armenian law, all members of Pashinyan's cabinet handed in the own resignations after his announcement. Pashinyan said he would continue to fulfil his duties as head of the interim government. Armenia's humiliating defeat at the hands of Azerbaijan's technologically superior army spurred mass protests in the country. The tiny Caucasus nation's military, equipped with ageing Soviet-era hardware, struggled to hold ground it had controlled for three decades when clashes broke out against Azerbaijan's better-equipped army in Nagorno-Karabakh in September. After six weeks of fighting that claimed around 6,000 lives, the peace accord forced Armenia to cede swathes of territory to Azerbaijan. Pashinyan has insisted he handled the war correctly, saying he had no choice but to agree or see his country's forces suffer even bigger losses and that snap polls were the best way to end the post-war political stalemate. The 45-year-old former newspaper editor came to power spearheading peaceful protests in 2018 and initially brought a wave of optimism to Armenia. (

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigns

Thousands of Armenians on Saturday visited hilltop memorial in capital Yerevan to mark 106th anniversary of massacre of Armenians during WWI vy Ottoman Turks. US President Joe Biden is expected to designate this massacre a genocide. This move is likely to rile Turkey, the modern state having the legacy of the Ottoman Empire.

Armenians have long sought to have the killings of up to 1.5 million of their kin as the Ottoman Empire was collapsing internationally recognised as genocide.

The claim is rejected by Turkey but finds support from many countries across the world.

Yerevan has also demanded financial compensation from Ankara and the restoration of property rights for the descendants of those killed in the 1915-1918 massacres.

Turkey denies the killings' genocidal nature, arguing that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and at least as many&nbsp; 
Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops.

Anger against Turkey simmered among Armenians as crowds of people carrying candles and flowers joined Saturday the annual procession to remember the victims of the massacres, which Armenians call Meds Yeghern -- the Great Crime.

'Old wound bleeds'

Armenia is traumatised by last year's defeat in a war with Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, in which Ankara backed its ally Baku.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the war -- that erupted in September and ended six weeks later with a Russian brokered ceasefire -- "the Azeri-Turkish aggression which sought to annihilate the Armenian trace" in Karabakh.

"Turkey's expansionist foreign policy, and the territorial aspirations towards Armenia are the evidence of the revival of their genocidal ideology," he said in a statement.

"Armenophobia is in the essence of Pan-Turkism, and today we can see its most disgusting manifestations in Azerbaijan as fostered by the authorities of that country."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Thousands of Armenians on Saturday visited hilltop memorial in capital Yerevan to mark 106th anniversary of massacre of Armenians during WWI vy Ottoman Turks. US President Joe Biden is expected to designate this massacre a genocide.

Thousands of Armenians on Saturday visited hilltop memorial in capital Yerevan to mark 106th anniversary of massacre of Armenians during WWI vy Ottoman Turks. US President Joe Biden is expected to designate this massacre a genocide. This move is likely to rile Turkey, the modern state having the legacy of the Ottoman Empire. Armenians have long sought to have the killings of up to 1.5 million of their kin as the Ottoman Empire was collapsing internationally recognised as genocide. The claim is rejected by Turkey but finds support from many countries across the world. Yerevan has also demanded financial compensation from Ankara and the restoration of property rights for the descendants of those killed in the 1915-1918 massacres. Turkey denies the killings' genocidal nature, arguing that 300,000 to 500,000 Armenians and at least as many Turks died in civil strife when Armenians rose up against their Ottoman rulers and sided with invading Russian troops. Anger against Turkey simmered among Armenians as crowds of people carrying candles and flowers joined Saturday the annual procession to remember the victims of the massacres, which Armenians call Meds Yeghern -- the Great Crime. 'Old wound bleeds' Armenia is traumatised by last year's defeat in a war with Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region, in which Ankara backed its ally Baku. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan called the war -- that erupted in September and ended six weeks later with a Russian brokered ceasefire -- "the Azeri-Turkish aggression which sought to annihilate the Armenian trace" in Karabakh. "Turkey's expansionist foreign policy, and the territorial aspirations towards Armenia are the evidence of the revival of their genocidal ideology," he said in a statement. "Armenophobia is in the essence of Pan-Turkism, and today we can see its most disgusting manifestations in Azerbaijan as fostered by the authorities of that country." (With inputs from agencies)

Armenians commemorate WWI massacres by Ottoman Turks

US President Joe Biden called his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, a day before Biden becomes the first US leader to recognise the mass atrocities perpetrated against Armenians by the Ottoman Empire as genocide.

US President Biden holds phone call with Turkey’s Erdogan

armenia

Armenia, News on Armenia, stories on Armenia, articles on Armenia, Armenia stories at Wion, Armenia news, Armenia latest news