In Yerevan, protesters forced the temporary closure of the Russian Federation Embassy building after demonstrations escalated, prompting the embassy’s press service to notify the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs with requests to ensure security and orderly operations. This update was reported by TASS, citing the embassy’s official communications.
According to the embassy, authorities were alerted to online calls advocating a protest near the Russian Embassy in Armenia. The embassy noted that following these developments, access to the building was first restricted and then entirely blocked, complicating routine diplomatic activities.
The embassy emphasized that normal operations could not be maintained under the circumstances. In its statement, it said that it remained in contact with Armenia’s competent authorities and had sent a formal note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging measures to restore normal functioning of the mission, in line with the obligations outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. This attribution was presented by the embassy in its communications.
Earlier in Yerevan, protests formed around the government district as crowds attempted to breach police lines protecting official premises. Residents gathered Tuesday to express discontent with the government’s policies and actions, including calls to reject Nagorno-Karabakh’s status within Azerbaijan and to question the leadership of Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
On September 19, Azerbaijan announced the launch of what it described as an anti-terrorist operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. The Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense warned residents in the region about potential dangers associated with the operation. Armenian authorities asserted that missiles were fired by Azerbaijani forces on the line of contact with Karabakh, accusing Baku of violating a ceasefire while describing the broader operation as an attempt to draw Armenia into ongoing military activities. The Armenian Prime Minister framed the operation as a move aimed at forcing Armenia into conflict, a claim echoed by other officials and observers. (Source: Armenian civil and defense communications, corroborated by regional news agencies.)
The situation remained tense as unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh faced calls from various parties to halt hostilities and to begin negotiations, highlighting the fragile security dynamics in the region. The transfer of rhetoric across capitals in the South Caucasus and the involvement of international watchers underscored the delicate balance between sovereignty, self-determination, and regional stability. (Source notes from regional diplomatic briefings.)
Past parliamentary commentary in the State Duma reflected concerns about Armenia’s stance in Karabakh, signaling ongoing debates over the path to peace and security in the broader sphere. Observers in North American capitals monitored the developments closely, recognizing the potential implications for regional diplomacy and international law. (Attribution: foreign policy observers and official briefings.)