The country is shaken after crushing terms were imposed to end the 2020 Artsakh War. As government buildings were vandalized overnight, attention has shifted to Yerevan. Updates to be provided as they develop.

 

Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan's Interview 

10:30 p.m.: In an interview on Armenia’s Public TV station, Armenia’s Minister of Defense Davit Tonoyan said that the situation in Artsakh is now calm and all military operations have stopped. Russian peacekeepers are quickly coming into the region; they are entering from Armenia through Goris, Lachin, toward Stepanakert. He said the peacekeepers will be positioned on the borders of Nagorno-Karabakh and along the entire length of the Line of Contact. He said that it is offensive that some people are saying the trilateral agreement is a betrayal. The Armed Forces, every structure within the Defense Ministry, the government, and the diaspora did everything possible to ensure success on the battlefield. The geopolitical situation was such that we were in a total blockade, Tonoyan said, adding that they did the impossible: “The armed forces, all the conscripts, our heroic young men, the generals, mobilized every resource and did the maximum.” Tonoyan said that Armenian forces were far outnumbered by Azerbaijan’s military might with the overt military support of Turkey’s armed forces, including the thousands of terrorist mercenaries. The Defense Army was fighting against this kind of combined force. Tonoyan said that they had serious problems with the capacity of Azerbaijan’s air power and although Armenia’s air defense units were able to occasionally shoot down drones, etc., in this kind of fifth generation war, Armenian forces were no longer able to resist. At first, Turkey was waging a proxy war against us, he said, but in fact they were then actively and directly involved in the war.

Tonoyan said that the Armed Forces and the Defense Ministry kept Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan apprised of the operative situation and the decision to sign the agreement was made following an in-depth analysis of the situation. 

The operations that took place around Shushi were very dynamic. “By the time our spokesperson or our representative were done presenting the situation, the reality on the ground was already different,” Tonoyan said. There was very intensive fighting for 24 hours, artillery shelling, the special forces and mercenaries were involved, the city was under siege but the battles were continuing, the military operations were yielding results. Tonoyan said that there was even a point “when we had the advantage and our forces were in the city of Shushi until the very last day. However, their presence there did not mean that they could be effective in regaining complete control of the city.” 

The Defense Minister said that they represented the situation very honestly, accurately: “I think the scale of the attacks and their consequent retaliatory actions were also clear. Sometimes, however, it was necessary to mislead the adversary. It was also necessary to keep the spirit of the nation and the army high. I do not accept the approach that we have not shared sufficient information and have misled society about the course of the military situation. We have done the impossible in the context of this fifth generation warfare. We have downed six-seven drones in one day, we have caused millions of dollars worth of damage to the adversary in one day. They have done the same to us as well but we have done this in a situation when we were completely cut off from the possibility of armament resupply. 

“The Armed Forces are coming out of this situation quite strong, with experience and seasoned. We will continue our work, our reforms, we will continue to acquire modern weaponry for our armed forces, we will reconsider and reform our system, which was problematic for a war such as this one. 

“Regarding the deployment of Russian peacekeepers, the agreement reached today is the best option. It was put together in a very short time. And I ask you to pay attention to the fact that this document is mostly about the deployment of the peacekeepers. We are thankful to the Russian Federation for offering us this assistance. 

“Azerbaijan has continuously threatened us by war and my response has been if there is war then Armenia will take control of more areas. However, we were not dealing with the Azerbaijani army but with partner forces of different quantity and quality. This was not a war with Azerbaijan, this was a new geopolitical situation.” 
 

Arrests Following Riots in Armenia’s Capital

9:18 p.m.: Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Eduard Aghajanyan announced in a Facebook post that six people have been arrested in connection to the riots that took place on November 9 following the announcement of the agreement to end the Artsakh War. The charges include inciting mass riots, seizure of power, making public calls for overthrowing the constitutional order by force. Aghajanyan said the two who were arrested for actively taking part in the beating of the Speaker of Parliament Ararat Mirzoyan are also on the list of those arrested. Aghajanyan said, “all criminals will be punished according to the law.”

 

French Foreign Minister: Turkey Must Accept Terms of the Armistice

9 p.m.: According to the Russian TASS news agency, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said that Turkey must accept the terms of the trilateral agreement concluded by the parties to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, otherwise the EU may impose additional sanctions. Le Drian said this during a meeting of the National Assembly of France.

Regarding Turkey’s influence and involvement in the events in Nagorno-Karabakh, the French Foreign Minister said that they consider it important that Turkey strictly observe the agreed ceasefire “otherwise it risks facing increased sanctions that may be taken against it.”

In December, EU countries will hold another summit, at which, among other things, Turkey's aggressive behavior will be discussed. "Earlier, 27 countries of the community have already decided that if Turkey does not change its behavior, then measures will be taken against it, including sanctions - these options are already on the table," Le Drian said. “I have spoken more than once about Turkey’s belligerent and unacceptable behavior. President Erdogan calls for hatred against our country and offends the values ​​on which our nation is based.”

 

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Hopes for Long-Lasting Peace, Condemns Violence Against Parliamentarians

Following the signature of a trilateral statement between Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Russian Federation to end fighting in the Nagorno-Karabakh region, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (MP, Georgia) issued the following statement:

“I hope the signature of the agreement that puts a stop to the war in the Nagorno-Karabakh region will finally protect the lives of civilians trapped in the conflict zone. I deeply regret the many lives lost in recent weeks, and, as guns fall silent, I encourage the sides to proceed without delay with exchanges of prisoners of war, detainees, and the bodies of fallen combatants.

“The road to lasting peace is often harder than war. I therefore urge all sides to recommit themselves to peaceful negotiations, in good faith, to allow the safe return of internally displaced persons and refugees, reach a long-term and comprehensive settlement of this conflict, and at long last build a future together.”

News of the agreement was followed by demonstrations in Yerevan, with protesters forcing their way into the main government building and parliament, as well as assaulting the President of the National Assembly of Armenia. In response, Tsereteli said:

“I am outraged at the violence deployed by some protesters during the events of last night and firmly condemn the attack against President Mirzoyan. No doubt, this is a painful and emotional day for the Armenian people, but I urge them to maintain confidence in their democratically-elected institutions to steer Armenia in these challenging times.”

French President Calls for Lasting Political Solution to the Karabakh Conflict

5:30 p.m.: French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a "lasting political solution" to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh after Armenia and Azerbaijan signed a trilateral agreement with the Russian Federation, ending six weeks of bloody battles. The French leader also said that the solution of the conflict should allow for the “Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh to remain in good conditions and the return of tens of thousands of people who have fled their homes."

 

Opposition Political Forces Call for a Protest Rally

5:15 p.m.: Opposition political forces have called for a rally on November 11. The police of Armenia has issued a statement which calls for compliance with the rules of the martial law instated on September 27, which prohibits holding rallies and public events. The statement says people should refrain from organizing and taking part in rallies and public gatherings.

 

Speaker of Parliament Severely Beaten by Protesters 

5 p.m.: Speaker of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan was severely beaten by a group of protesters after he was dragged from his car near the parliament building during the early hours of November 10. Mirzoyan has since been hospitalized and has undergone surgery. In a Facebook Live, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Mirzoyan’s injuries are not life threatening. Two people have been arrested in connection to the beating.

 

Armenia’s President Meets With Russian Ambassador

4:30 p.m.: Armenia’s President Armen Sarkissian has met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopirkin to discuss the trilateral agreement signed by the leaders of Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation to stop all military operations in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone.

President Sarkissian noted that the resolution of the Karabakh conflict is an issue of international significance and importance and it is natural that the signing of any deal would precipitate a sharp reaction, including also resentment and indignation. He underscored the role of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair countries in trying to establish a ceasefire over the course of the war. Sarkissian and Koprikin stressed the need for security and lasting peace throughout the region.

 

Iran Welcomes Mediation of Russia Between Azerbaijan and Armenia

4:17 p.m.: The Iranian IRNA news agency reported that the Head of Iran's Presidential Office Mahmoud Vaezi expressed hope that the ceasefire agreement reached over the Nagorno-Karabakh crisis would be implemented. Vaezi wrote on his Twitter account that the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes the mediation of Russia between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Iran continues to emphasize the two countries' adherence to international borders and the preservation of citizenship rights, he stressed. Vaezi added that Iran believes that, if the two sides remain committed to the international rules, including the territorial integrity of countries and citizenship rights, negotiations and a political solution can end this decades-long crisis.

4 p.m.: The Yerevan office of Azatutyun reported that, at around 4 a.m. on November 10, a group of about forty men tried to break into their office. The men said they had come to destroy the servers to prevent the media organization from going live on air and called the staff “traitors” and “Turks." The group left the area after the employees called the police.

The Azatutyun report also mentioned that Gerasim Vardanyan, a member of the ARF Nikol Aghbalyan Student Union, was among those trying to break into the office.
 

President of Artsakh Calls on Armenia’s Political Forces to Meet in Stepanakert

2:46 p.m.: President of Artakh Arayik Harutyunyan wrote the following on his Facebook Page:

The difficult political situation has automatically created a new agenda in our reality. In order to discuss it with the main actors in Armenia’s political landscape and present them with the whole information, I call on parliamentary and extra-parliamentary forces to visit Stepanakert and hold discussions there.

I am ready to meet with the leadership of the political forces of the National Assembly tomorrow on November 11.

Then, as planned, I am ready to continue the series of meetings with extra-parliamentary forces.

 

Statement by the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs

2:30 p.m.: Dear Diaspora Compatriots,

During this difficult time in our history, our only salvation is the unity and solidarity of the Armenian people. All divisiveness jeopardizes our homeland’s security and statehood.

All of us, in Armenia and in the Diaspora, are deeply hurt, deeply wounded. The grief and the anger are real. We all have many unanswered questions. I understand how difficult this situation is for all of us, but I ask you to keep calm, be patient, and continue to stand by Armenia and Artsakh.

Now is the time to honor the heroism of our soldiers and volunteers. As difficult as the circumstances are, please remember that today, more than ever, we need pan-Armenian unity and solidarity. Otherwise, we risk permanently losing much more.

 

Kremlin Spokesperson on Armenian Reaction to the Peace Deal

1:47 p.m.: The Russian TASS news agency cited Kremlin Spokesperson Dimitry Peskov as saying that Moscow would rather not provide an assessment of Armenia’s reaction to the recently reached agreement on Nagorno-Karabakh. "We know that Prime Minister Pashinyan is working hard to explain the content and essence of this agreement. We hope that these explanations will be perceived appropriately," Peskov said.

The statement declaring a ceasefire in Nagorno-Karabakh, signed by the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, marks a victory for the people of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Dmitry Peskov stressed.

 

1:23 p.m.: The Artsakh Defense Army has published the names of 81 more Armenian servicemen killed in battle.

Spokesperson of Prime Minister: Deployment of Turkish Peacekeepers Not on the Table 

1:37 p.m.: In an official communication, the spokesperson of Armenia’s Prime Minister, Mane Gevorgyan, said that the deployment of Turkish peacekeepers in Nagorno-Karabakh has not been discussed and the signed document does not contain any reference to Turkish peacekeepers. Gevorgyan also said that speculations about the transfer of certain villages in the Tavush region of Armenia to Azerbaijan is false information and does not correspond to reality. Gevorgyan called on media organizations not to distort facts and called on the people not to fall prey to provocations. “The official document has been published, you can get acquainted with it yourselves,” said Gevorgyan.

 

Catholicos Karekin II Addresses the Nation

12:30 p.m.: Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II addressed the nation:

Dear Faithful Sons and Daughters,

The recent developments and decisions made in our homeland regarding the settlement of the war in Artsakh have hit everyone’s soul. Those who sacrificed their lives and died for Artsakh’s independence for more than three decades, those who were martyred in glory during the last 44 days, fearless people of Artsakh overcoming the suffering of war, soldiers and commanders now standing on the front line, are all in our thoughts. Our task is very difficult now, but we also have the responsibility to act for the sake of our homeland with courage, long-term wisdom and unwavering determination.

We pray in our heart for national wisdom and unity. Acknowledging the lessons from our centuries-long history and the need to keep national unity, we call to keep calm and not to give in to manifestations of storming emotions, refrain from violence and riots. The current crisis in Armenia needs to be resolved through joint efforts of the military-political leadership of Armenia and Artsakh. Our behavior should not in any way endanger the lives of soldiers who courageously continue their sacred service in the trenches on the front line. In this situation, the rearguard must be stronger than ever, solidarity and stability must be firm, so that we can find solutions together for the sake of Armenia and Artsakh, a safe and secure life for our nation.

I call on the Governments of Armenia and Artsakh to immediately give comprehensive explanations about the decisions made for the sake of our Homeland, Artsakh and the diaspora and about their impact on the future of our country.

We bow before the victorious spirit of our patriotic defenders and highly appreciate the dedication and sacrifice of every son of our nation. We believe in the wisdom of our nation.

God protect us and our Homeland.

 

12:05 p.m.: Defense Ministry spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan: Active military operations along the entire front line have stopped. Relative ceasefire in place as of 6 a.m. Russian peacekeepers continue to be deployed in Artsakh.

 

Statement by President Arayik Harutyunyan of Artsakh

9:50 a.m.: President of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan’s live address:

Dear Compatriots,

On November 8, in the morning, as I was walking in the square of Stepanakert, I said that it was one of the hardest nights and dawns of my life. Why did I make the announcement, without providing more clarifications? Because on November 7, we completely lost control of the city of Shushi. Today, I want to announce that I lived through the hardest night of my life, even though I had many difficult days back in 1992-94, and lost many relatives. But I was able to concentrate and make decisions. I am not sure what assessment history will give but we had to make yesterday’s decision. 

Why?

First about the military situation. As a result of 43 days of fighting, we lost Fizuli, Jabrayil, Kubatlu, Hadrut, Zangelan, parts of Martuni, Askeran and the most important, Shushi. Military operations continued to take place at the gates of Stepanakert, about 2-3 km away. If military operations continued in that intensity, in a matter of days, we would have lost all of Artsakh. We would have had many more deaths because, as the military operations were transferred from the front line to what was considered the “rear,” it would have resulted in irreplaceable consequences at the front line. During those 43 days, our boys fought heroically, especially the conscripts. I don’t want to mention geographic locations, but if we had lost Stepanakert, what would have happened to the boys fighting in the region of Askeran and Martuni... There was a big possibility of a total blockade.

It seemed that, for a few days, we were able to defend ourselves from the UAVs of the adversary, but during the past two days, using new technology or new UAVs, they were again able to inflict significant losses to our forces. We have had significant human losses during the past hours only in the region of Martuni, again because of the same drones. We were not able to succeed. We all have to answer why we were not able to succeed because we all knew that our Defense Army had those needs, all of us who have held high office in the past several decades. I am sure that there will be an assessment about the state of the army in the future. 

The army was not in a good morale and psychological state; in certain places it was extremely bad. The troops that were on the front line for 43 days were exhausted because of covid, dysentery, etc. We did not have an opportunity to replace and to heal them. Military operations every day, killed and wounded every day, shelling every day. But regardless of all of these, we were able to resist the military forces of eight states. Certainly, we did not fight against Azerbaijan. For sure, it was not just Turkish forces and equipment on the front line and involved in the military operations. Mercenaries and terrorists from different countries were fighting. We have evidence and captives. Our volunteers and Armenian soldiers were fighting, I bow before all of you, but first of all before our soldiers; they are the most heroic boys in the world. I bow before the families and relatives of all the fallen soldiers. But we had to make a decision to save the lives of the same contract soldiers. Of course, we can say why we were not aware of the situation on time.

I made a call from Aghdam, from this very same office, reminding that we need you dear compatriots, I made the call from Ghazanchetsots Church when the adversary was five kilometers away from Shushi. We lost control of Shushi on November 5 and completely from November 7 on. We did not want to believe that we are losing our Homeland completely. We did not want to believe that it was impossible to fight with our existing human and equipment resources. For a long time, we have been trying to discuss everything around the negotiation table. Of course, I did not participate in the negotiations, but the problems were big. I was for [the decision] because I was not desperate. If I was desperate, I would think of continuing the fight, at the expense of lives, understanding that we will be defeated and lose Artsakh. Everything is ahead of us. Artsakh, Armenia and the Armenian people have had many difficult days throughout history, but we were able to follow the right path and register successes.

Who said that everything ends now? Everything is just starting. We will have an opportunity to make a more sober decision. And for that we need solidarity, first of all in Armenia, Artsakh and among the Armenian people. Our biggest enemy has been panic and divisiveness. National issues are still ahead of us. Our vision has not yet faded away. Quite the opposite, we have a dream, we have a Homeland that we have dreamt about. For that, we need to maintain solidarity and refrain from actions that are not appropriate for our people. We have opportunities to make civilized decisions, we have opportunities to hold discussions and the need to make right decisions. Everything is just starting, I do not want to disclose everything now. We need to think and make decisions after that.

I have already started consultations with the military-political officials of Artsakh, as well as political forces. I was in contact with all of them. Everyone stands ready to cooperate. Today, I have already met with a representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, with Vitali Balasanyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan. I also had phone conversations with military officials, including Levon Mnatsakanyan, Samvel Karapetyan, Artur Aghabekyan. I want to note that we have come to an agreement that, before making any decision, we have to act and make those decisions together. I want to ask again, dear compatriots, sober up. Civil war, intolerance are threats for Armenia and Artsakh. We need to unite and before making any decision, assess them. I will provide details later regarding our future steps in Artsakh. During the past few days, I have had consultations and everyone was unanimous about establishing a temporary or permanent ceasefire. No one wanted the war to continue because all of them saw that we do not have the resources. But all of them agreed that any document should not violate our dignity. That is why we understood that a ceasefire was inevitable, we had to make that decision to save Artsakh. Otherwise, we would have lost the whole of Artsakh in a matter of days.

Thank you. I love you all, I bow before all of you, the families and relatives of our fallen soldiers. I feel pain for every single one of them. I have lost many relatives during the past few days. I have cried, pretended to smile in my [Facebook] lives, so that you did not have to know the struggles that we had to go through every single day. I want to stress again that everything is ahead of us. Thank you.

 

Statement by Defense Ministry and General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces

 

8:30 a.m.: The following is a statement by the Defense Ministry and the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces:

Dear Compatriots,

The war that was waged against Artsakh since September 27 was unprecedented in terms of the involvement of forces, means, quantity and type of armaments. It was unprecedented in a sense that our army was not only fighting against the strong Azerbaijani Armed Forces with 10 million population, but also against Turkey’s direct military involvement, its full and unconditional political, military and diplomatic support, as well as several thousand mercenary terrorists.

Under these conditions, our army did everything possible and impossible to resist the adversary. Every soldier, officer and general of the Armenian army did their best for the defense of the Homeland, devoting themselves to that struggle and creating many heroic stories. This war took away our best sons from us, whose memory will forever remain in all of our hearts as real heroes of our time.

Each of you must be sure, no one should have the slightest doubt that our army has done the possible and the impossible. We have once again proved that we have invincible soldiers, officers and generals who without a second thought are ready to sacrifice their lives for the defense of our holy Motherland.

But it is time to stop the bloodshed. The political leaders of Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan have reached an agreement, the content of which you are already familiar with. The war is not over, the hostilities in Artsakh are still going on.

 

Statement by President Armen Sarkissian

8:32 a.m.: The following is the statement by the President Armen Sarkissian:

I learned from the media that a statement was signed with the Presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan to end the Karabakh war. It is from the media that I also learned the conditions of ending the war.

As the President of the Republic, unfortunately, there was no consultation or discussion with me regarding this document, I did not take part in any negotiations.

The settlement of the Karabakh conflict is a matter of national significance. Any step, action, decision related to the vital security interests and rights of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian people, especially the signing of any document, should be a subject of comprehensive consultations and discussions.

I emphasize that the fate of Artsakh, and consequently of the Armenian people, can be resolved only by taking into account our national interests and only on the basis of a national consensus.

Taking into account the deep concerns of a large group of people conditioned by the current situation, I immediately initiate political consultations in order to coordinate the solutions stemming from our agenda of protecting national interests as soon as possible.

As the President of the Republic, at this crucial moment of national preservation, I consider the formation of national unity as my current mission. I hope that within ten days we will all be able to form such a unity, and when that happens I will consider that I have used the opportunities to serve my Homeland.

 

Russian Peacekeepers Deployed

4:40 a.m.: Russia has already deployed 1,960 peacekeepers, 90 armored vehicles, 380 units of vehicles and special equipment to Nagorno-Karabakh on IL-76 military transport planes from the Ulyanovsk airport. The troops will be based on the units of the 15th separate motorized rifle brigade of the Central Military District. 

Russian observation posts will be located along the new Nagorno-Karabakh Line of Contact and along the Lachin corridor connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh to monitor compliance with the ceasefire agreements. The peacekeeping operation command will be located in the Stepanakert region.

 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Addresses the Nation

4:18 a.m.: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the nation through a Facebook Live and said the following:

About the riots

Those people who are spreading disorder, they are hitting blows against the back of our boys who are still at their military posts. An opposition leader, who also wants my resignation, has retreated from the positions in Shushi and ran away. That person has a military rank of General and today he boasts that “He is standing next to our army.” If so, why did he run away? I am sure that there are people like him among the organizers of today’s riots. I know that there are also people whose intentions are honest and fair, I know there are relatives of our killed brothers. I kneel before those people, their relatives, mothers, fathers, wives and children.

I was told that there are criminal groups of oligarchs among the organizers of these riots. These are people who have stolen from the army and soldiers for 20 years, who did not pay taxes for 20 years and today they talk about the nation and betrayal. What are they doing in Yerevan? Didn't they hear the calls of the President of Artsakh? Didn't they hear about Shushi being in danger? Didn't they hear the calls for help? What are they doing in Yerevan in military fatigues? Now it’s a good opportunity for them to defend what they have stolen. Do you know why they freely enter here and there and destroy things? Because all the policemen, all the security forces are in military positions. My son is in military positions, my wife is in military positions. And I’m proud of that. I also know that I need to give substantive explanations. I am ready to give those today but in this situation and under martial law every sentence affects the military operations. Everything quickly reaches the front line, to the enemy. Today, I cannot say everything I have to say.

The decision was made as a result of the analysis of the military situation and in consultation with those who are the most aware of the military situation. Our glorious army today fought against terrorists, Turkey, the second-largest army in NATO, and Azerbaijan. What could we have done to ensure something else in that agreement?

Because for 25 years we made toasts to soldiers, and the alcohol and food on the table (for some) was bought with stolen money. How have we fed the soldier? We kept the soldier with leftovers, with arms from the 1980s.

We hoped that we could maneuver continuously through the negotiation process: 5 years, 10 years, 15 years… How long? The end was going to come. When you don’t think of that end, we, all of us did not think of that end. Those who were responsible to think did not do it and we did not register that we are headed to this day. I knew that we were going in this direction since I was introduced to the substance of the negotiation process from the very first day. I was introduced to a stage where all the maneuvers had expired. I did not take that legacy of the negotiation process and instead I tried to get ready for today. I’ve done everything possible for that in [the past] two and a half years. 

For 45 days, our army fought with honor, and had to go through countless sacrifices. I kneel before the lost soldiers, before their mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, wives, children… I kneel before not only the martyrs of this war but the martyrs of the wars that came before. I want to say sorry because we were not able to continue their mission.

I ask our citizens not to fall under the calls and propaganda of vandals. I know who are there, well-known political party circles. There are people in those circles who need to pay taxes to the country.

I admit that it’s our mistake that we did not return as much corrupt money as we had to throughout these two years. We tried to do it in a lawful way. For about 25 years, Armenia’s laws were written in a way to protect corruption and its schemes. This is the truth. All those responsible will not run away from being held responsible, me included.

Be confident that our government and I did everything possible not to have this result. Why did it happen? This is the most important issue, and we need to have a detailed conversation about that.

We have troops of governors who are in military positions, despite having a fever. Do you know why? They have Covid and pneumonia because some people who are rioting today did not go to replace them in the military positions.

Be sure that all the people spreading disorder will be held responsible. We will not let chaos prevail in Armenia. We won’t let those who fled from their military positions and make opposition statements in Yerevan.

I love you all, I kneel before all of you and I serve you all.

 

2:30 a.m.: Protests break out in Yerevan. Hundreds of people stormed the government building, then the National Assembly, and the residence of the Prime Minister. They were demanding to see the Prime Minister and that parliament call a special session.

 

Artsakh President’s Statement on Ending the War
 

2:22 a.m.: President of Artsakh, Arayik Harutyunyan issued the following statement:

Dear Compatriots,

Today, I spent the entire day discussing with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan of Armenia our actions directed at ending military operations. I had discussions beforehand with the deputies of the National Assembly of the Artsakh Republic and received the consent of the overwhelming majority. Taking into consideration the extremely heavy situation and to avoid further human losses and the loss of all of Artsakh, I have agreed to end the war immediately. As for the signed trilateral statement, I will talk about it in detail at a later date.

I’m conveying my deepest condolences and [a sense of] pride to the families of our martyrs and to our entire nation. We will still have time to have a dialogue with the families of the fallen soldiers and our military about our next steps. I bow before everyone who had even the smallest input in the heavy duty of protecting the homeland. 

 

Trilateral Agreement to End the Karabakh War

Statement:

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia
President of the Russian Federation

We, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan I. H. Aliyev, Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan and President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin announced the following:

1. A complete ceasefire and all hostilities in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone are announced from 00:00 Moscow time on November 10, 2020. The Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, hereinafter referred to as the Parties, stop at their positions.

2. The Aghdam region and the territories held by the Armenian Party in the Kazakh region of the Republic of Azerbaijan shall be returned to the Azerbaijan Party by November 20, 2020.

3. Along the contact line in Nagorno-Karabakh and along the Lachin corridor, a peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation is deployed in the amount of 1,960 military personnel with small arms, 90 armored personnel carriers, 380 units of automobile and special equipment.

4. The peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation is being deployed in parallel with the withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces. The duration of the stay of the peacekeeping contingent of the Russian Federation is 5 years with automatic extension for the next 5-year periods, if none of the Parties declares 6 months before the expiration of the period of intention to terminate the application of this provision.

5. In order to increase the effectiveness of control over the implementation of the agreements by the Parties to the conflict, a peacekeeping center is being deployed to control the ceasefire.

6. The Republic of Armenia will return the Kelbajar region to the Republic of Azerbaijan by November 15, 2020, and the Lachin region by December 1, 2020, leaving behind the Lachin corridor (5 km wide), which will ensure the connection of Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia and at the same time not will affect the city of Shusha. By agreement of the Parties, in the next three years, a plan for the construction of a new traffic route along the Lachin corridor, providing communication between Stepanakert and Armenia, with the subsequent redeployment of the Russian peacekeeping contingent to protect this route will be determined.

The Republic of Azerbaijan guarantees traffic safety along the Lachin corridor of citizens, vehicles and goods in both directions.

7. Internally displaced persons and refugees are returning to the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh and adjacent areas under the control of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

8. The exchange of prisoners of war and other detainees and bodies of the dead to be carried out.

9. All economic and transport links in the region are unblocked. The Republic of Armenia provides transport links between the western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic in order to organize the unimpeded movement of citizens, vehicles and goods in both directions. Transport control is exercised by the bodies of the Border Service of the FSB of Russia.

By agreement of the Parties, the construction of new transport communications linking the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic with the western regions of Azerbaijan will be provided.

 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Statement on Ending the War

 

2:15 a.m.: Armenia’s Prime Minister has made the following statement regarding the war in Artsakh:

Dear Compatriots, sisters and brothers,

I have made a difficult, extremely difficult decision for myself and for all of us.

Along with the presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan, I have signed a document to end the war as of 1 a.m. The text of the announcement, which has already been published, is unspeakably painful for me personally and for our people.

I have taken this decision after an in-depth analysis of the military situation and as a result of the assessment by the people who know the situation best. Also, based on the belief that this is the best possible solution to the current situation. In the coming days, I will give a detailed message about all of this.

This is not a victory but there is no defeat as long as you have not accepted yourself as defeated. We will never accept defeat and this must be the beginning of a time of unity and renaissance for our nation.

We need to analyze the years of our independence, to plan our future and not repeat the mistakes of the past. 

I kneel before all our martyrs. I kneel before all our soldiers, officers, generals and volunteers who have and continue to protect the motherland with their lives. They have saved the Armenians of Artsakh with their selflessness.

We fought till the end. And we will win. Artsakh stands.

Long live Armenia. Long live Artsakh. 

 

Azerbaijani Forces Use "Massive Number of Combat Drones"

1:10 a.m.:  According to Defense Ministry spokesperson Shushan Stepanyan, Azerbaijani forces have deployed a massive number of combat drones and are attacking the entire length of the front line with artillery and missile strikes, targeting civilian settlements, civilian infrastructure and even targeting civilian vehicles. The adversary is using artillery fire along the length of the front line in preparation for an incursion in the direction of Martuni-Karmir Shuka. 

The units of the Defense Army are in control of the operative-military situation and are undertaking the necessary measures to keep control of further developments.