Remarks by Ambassador Tigran Balayan at the Diplomat Magazine the Netherlands and EU’s joint press conference by the Ambassadors of Italy, the USA, Armenia and China on COVID19

20 May, 2020

Madame de Lara,

Excellencies,

Dear colleagues,

I would like to start with thanks to the Diplomat Magazine, its charming Publisher for organizing this video conference and providing a unique platform for joining these distinguished speakers, coming together and sharing our diverse yet similar in essence experience on the pandemic and fighting against its spread and overcoming consequences. I believe that this initiative embodies unity in the face of this unprecedented challenge.

In its fight against pandemic, supported by its international partners, Armenia implemented a set of aggressive policies aimed at containing the epidemic, the state of Emergency had been declared. The strategies of early detection, isolation, laboratory confirmation, contact tracing and quarantine, along with physical distancing have been shown to be critical elements to stop or slow the disease transmission. The strategic initiative has relied on controlling the spread, rapidly testing suspected individuals, implementing quarantine mechanisms and community containment. This allowed our healthcare system to prepare, increase ICU capacity etc.

We were very busy with assisting our citizens to return, procurement of medicines and equipment. Schiphol became a hub for Armenian citizens from all over the world to reach their homeland, so we were arranging all this on the spot, negotiating with airlines and airports.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank China and the United States for their assistance to Armenia in fighting the pandemic.

As of today 5271 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Armenia with 2419 recoveries and 67 deaths. 2758 patients with COVID-19 are currently undergoing treatment. In total, 44071 tests have been completed, with an approximate positivity rate of around 11%. Mobile phone tracking is also implemented to support the contact tracing. Till mid-may EVERY SINGLE positive COVID-19 patient is being hospitalized, those without symptoms placed in locations under permanent medical supervision.

Since the beginning of the state of Emergency and lockdown, the Government has adopted around 17 programmes aimed at financial assistance to families, and businesses. Those programs are being implemented, already more than 157 mln euros distributed as assistance.

As the Government has decided to gradually ease hard lockdown and take the first steps to adapt the country in fully operational mode in the current situation, new rules being implemented on commerce, transportation, industry, social behaviour.

Understandably and logically, the international experience is very thoroughly observed and studied by our relevant authorities, not only in terms of tackling the health threat, but also finding solutions for overcoming the other effects of this crisis, including the economic ones, as the challenge itself is of global nature and all of us are facing more or less the same problems.

Coming back to the importance of solidarity against this global threat, I would like to emphasise the priority of actions as a responsible member of the international community. Regrettably, in some cases, like those in the immediate neighbourhood of Armenia, there is an example of using the pandemic to continue crackdown on opposition and silencing critical voices. It is a matter of serious concern that despite COVID-19 pandemic and global cease-fire calls by UN Secretary general, Pope Francis and in gross violation of its international commitments, Azerbaijan is continuing periodical breaches of cease-fire regime and started large-scale military exercises involving 10000 personnel in the immediate neighbourhood of the line of contact with Nagorno-Karabakh.

In conclusion, I would like to thank again for creating this opportunity to share our experience and concerns and value the strong international solidarity in the times of unprecedented crisis.

MFA RA
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