Armenian News - NEWS.am presents the breaking news as of 20.09.22:

  • Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan & Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met in New York with the mediation of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The meeting was organized at the initiative of the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York following Azerbaijan’s large-scale attack on Armenian territory.

During the meeting, Ararat Mirzoyan noted that Azerbaijani Armed Forces must be withdrawn from the sovereign territory of Armenia & that the use of force or the threat of force is unacceptable. Meanwhile, international mechanisms must be introduced to prevent further escalations.

FM Mirzoyan highlighted the importance of immediate resolution of humanitarian issues, including the repatriation of POWs.

Mirzoyan reiterated the readiness of the Armenian side to be involved in the process of comprehensive normalization of relations.

Blinken said a ‘strong, sustained diplomatic engagement is the best path for everyone.”’

Blinken began by offering his condolences to the families & friends of those who died or were wounded in the recent fighting last week. He said the United States is prepared to do whatever it can to support these efforts.

The sides also discussed next steps, and the Secretary encouraged the sides to meet again before the end of the month.

The number of Armenian casualties and missing persons as a result of the military aggression last week by the Azerbaijani side has reached 207, including 3 civilians killed, 2 civilians are considered missing, 293 servicemen and 3 civilians were wounded, and 20 servicemen were taken prisoner by Azerbaijan.

On September 17, the Azerbaijani side had transferred the bodies of 32 fallen Armenian soldiers to the Armenian side.

The Prime Minister of Armenia has made a respective decision by which the visit of this delegation to Armenia will be ensured.

In particular, it has been instructed to prepare the program of this visit, and to ensure the implementation of events, etc. during the guests’ stay in Armenia.

Armenian Ambassador Vagarshak Harutyunyan also presented his credentials to the Russian president.

According to Vladimir Putin, any conflict situations between states close to Russia are of serious concern.

"We call on everyone to show restraint, strictly observe the ceasefire and firmly follow the trilateral statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia," Putin said.

Putin also congratulated the Armenian people on the upcoming Independence Day anniversary, and noted that Russia and Armenia are close friends and strategic allies.

In his statement, Putin noted that Russia and Armenia continue their intensive political dialogue.

The decision adds that this delegation will visit Armenia from Tuesday to Sunday.

"Georgia has always been ready to offer the country to our southern neighbors as a place where they can start a dialogue to strengthen peace. Our country's proposal in this regard is in effect again.”

“If there is a need for our country to be engaged in the process as a mediator, we are always ready," he added.