make preferableArmenian News - NEWS.am presents the daily digest of Armenia-related and global top news as of 18.02.21:
- The bodies of 3,577 victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh [Artsakh] war underwent a forensic medical examination, the health ministry reported.
As of February 13, 428 samples are in the process of undergoing a DNA examination.
Meanwhile, Artsakh is conducting searches in the post-war territories, and a total of 1,485 dead bodies have been found so far.
In the meantime, the Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Mesrop Arakelyan told reporters that almost 100,000 people have already returned to Karabakh.
- Armenian FM Ara Aivazian is on a working visit to Russia.
He has already held talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.
The sides discussed the implementation of Karabakh agreements, the exchange of prisoners of war, humanitarian assistance, and opening transport links in the region.
By the way, earlier on Wednesday, Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan held phone talks with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
During the talks, the Armenian side expressed concern that Azerbaijan does not fully comply with these requirements.
The two also discussed issues on the agenda of bilateral cooperation between Armenia and Russia.
- The working group led by the human rights chief Arman Tatoyan has visited Armenia's Syunik province amid reports on Azerbaijani shootings near residential areas.
They have revealed a number of threats and violations of the rights of residents to life, property, and other important rights.
According to Tatoyan, "Azerbaijani armed servicemen in the immediate vicinity of the villages of Kapan community continue to discharge small and large-caliber weapons."
He also noted that the Azerbaijani servicemen who fired the shots are at such a distance (even less than 1 km) that the lands of the Armenian villagers are visible to the naked eye.
All of this also poses a direct threat to the children. By the way, the Azerbaijani military is located less than one (1) km from the school near the village of Nerkin Hand.
- Armenia has reported 223 COVID-19 new cases, bringing the total number to 169,820.
Meanwhile, 4,293 persons are currently being treated and 161,577 people recovered. The death toll has reached 3,156.
- The spouse of Queen Elizabeth II, 99-year-old Prince Philip, was taken to a London hospital, Buckingham Palace said.
Hospitalization is reported as a precautionary measure, BBC reported.
- Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia announced his resignation amid the political crisis in the country.
"I believe and want to believe that this step will help reduce the polarization in our country," he added.
