2021 December 7

Daily news wrap-up

News - Dec/7/2021: The Hague's interim verdict: Armenia vs. Azerbaijan __ Would you give "corridor" in exchange for POW? __ Foreign Ministry provides details on border unblocking negotiations __ Karabakh negotiation: Lavrov's Plan __ Fight between MP aides __ 1988 quake __ Killer robot & army toys
by ar_david_hh

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This is your 13-minute Tuesday briefing in 3377 words.

the Hague court demands Azerbaijan to prevent the spread of racial hatred against Armenians

The International Court of Justice has published the decision over Armenia’s application on taking interim measures against Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan must prevent the spread of racial hatred against Armenians.

Azerbaijan must ensure the security of those taken captive during or after the war and guarantee their equality before the law [but doesn't have to return them as part of this verdict.]

Azerbaijan should take measures to prevent the spread of racial hatred against people of Armenian descent, including by officials and state bodies.

Azerbaijan should take all necessary measures to prevent and punish all cases of vandalism and acts of desecration of Armenian cultural heritage.

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The Court has essentially ruled that Armenophobia is at the state level in Azerbaijan. The court did not require Azerbaijan to close the Saddam Park in Baku.

As for Azerbaijan's counter-claim against Armenia, only a small part was satisfied. Armenia will take measures to prevent individuals and organizations from spreading anti-Azeri ethnic hatred. [so it doesn't find that the racism is at the state level in Armenia?]

The court did not require Armenia to share landmine maps.

Both parties are asked to "calm down".

Armenia's lawyer Yeghishe Kirakosyan welcomed the verdict and hopes it will be implemented ASAP.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070122.html https://hetq.am/hy/article/138728 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070134.html

Tags: #Hague

Foreign Ministry provides details about Sochi meeting and prior negotiations about unblocking regional communication:

[Nothing new if you've been reading the daily news.]

1) None of the statements made on Nov 9, Jan 11, and Sochi (Nov 26) include any agreements or promises about a "corridor".

2) Nov 9 says both parties are willing to open the routes. Armenia guarantees the safety of transport communication between Azerbaijan and the Nakhijevan Autonomous Republic.

3) Jan 11 meeting led to the formation of a working group tasked with unblocking routes.

4) Jan 11 states that deputy premiers will explore the main directions of unblocking efforts, by forming a working group consisting of various experts.

5) Jan 11 says the working group will draft a document for leaders to sign. It will be about conducting international transfers, safety, construction of new infrastructure, and the timeframe when the routes open. The international transfers include transfers made by Armenia and Azerbaijan through each others' territory.

6) On Jan 30, the working group decided to form two expert subgroups. One is to handle railway, road, and railway+road transfers. The other is to handle safety and border customs issues.

7) Armenia has stated on numerous occasions about willingness to open all transport routes. This will allow western Azerbaijan to use Armenian territories to connect to Nakhijevan and Turkey via road and railway. Armenia will use Azerbaijani territory to use a railway/road to connect to Russia and Iran.

8) Russia's representative in the working group met Pashinyan on November 5, 2021, and announced that the resolution is based on the principles of each country's sovereignty over the transport routes and that no "corridor" is being discussed by the working group.

9) On the anniversary of the Nov 9 statement, Russian MFA released a statement that clearly states that all members of the working group [including Azerbaijan] have agreed that all transport routes will respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state where they are located.

10) "No corridor" was reaffirmed during the Sochi meeting between Pashinyan, Aliyev, and Putin.

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Therefor...

A) Ilham Aliyev's repeated claims about the corridor do not reflect the Nov 9, Jan 11, and Nov 26 statements and are against the agreements reached in Sochi. Aliyev's statements are provocative and contain threats towards Armenia.

B) Armenia is committed to all the above-mentioned efforts and is ready for speedy implementation.

C) The question of when this will be implemented is being discussed by the working group, while Azerbaijan is attempting to hinder the efforts with the provocative statements. [Context: Aliyev recently ranted "when are you going to open my corridor".]

We'd like to draw the attention of Russia, CSTO, UN Security Council, and other international organizations to the fact that Azerbaijan has threatened the territorial integrity of Armenia in violation of international laws, thus placing the regional and global peace at risk.

We urge Azerbaijan to refrain from provocative rhetoric and actions and to take steps towards unblocking transport and cargo routes. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070066.html

Tags: #communication #transport #sochi

MPs debated over Karabakh negotiation process

Parliament president Alen Simonyan recently countered a Russian reporter's claims that Armenia "gave away" Artsakh lands. Simonyan said they would have agreed to Lavrov's Plan if they wanted to give away lands.

Lavrov's MFA responded with a statement that Artsakh would have gained the right to a referendum if the plan was enacted.

Russia confirmed that Pashinyan and Aliyev did not reject Lavrov's Plan and that it was on the negotiations table as of Autumn of 2020. No details were provided on why the parties were unable to reach an agreement, but it's possible that Azerbaijan wanted the referendum to grant Artsakh autonomy within Azerbaijan instead of full independence, while Armenia did not want any phased land giveaways that wouldn't eventually lead to the full independence of Artsakh. Pashinyan also complained about the referendum part not being clear about who and where would participate. Azeri citizens were supposed to return to Artsakh.

The concerns over unclear referendum terms are corroborated by the phone call leaked by Serj Sargsyan in which Pashinyan revealed that he held a meeting with Putin, Nazarbayev, and Lukashenko at a coffee table, during which Pashinyan asked for the referendum part to be made very clear. Pashinyan also wanted Aliyev to give written assurances he wouldn't back away and try to capture territories.

HD MP Vardevanyan to QP MP Alen Simonyan: per Lavrov plan, Armenians would give 5 regions, hold a referendum for status, then give another 2 regions. For you to claim we were giving 7 regions "for nothing" is manipulative.

QP MP Alen Simonyan: Pay attention to the details about the status referendum. The terms were not clear. Does your party really want to have a debate over the negotiation process? If everything was so good about it, why didn't you agree to it? //

[Basically, the concern was that Armenia would give 5 regions, the referendum would not give Artsakh real independence, there would be a stalemate and possibly a war when peacekeepers withdrew, which would leave Armenia even more militarily vulnerable due to the voluntary withdrawal from 5 regions and Artsakh now being partially populated by ethnic Azeris.]

HD MP Khamoyan: Russia proposed a modified package in the summer of 2019. Why don't you tell us what the content was?

QP MP Yeghoyan: no significant difference in the 2019 proposals. It was the same phased resolution: 5+2 regions. It would delay the issue of status. The proposal hasn't changed since the January of 2016. //

https://www.civilnet.am/news/642120/համեմատե՛ք-համանախագահների-առաջարկները-իրականության-հետ-և-եզրահանգումնե՛ր-արեք․-ռդ-ագն/ https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070070.html https://factor.am/450624.html https://factor.am/450627.html https://factor.am/450646.html

tradition broken: Ghazinyan is not nominated

Parliamentary Security Commission needs a deputy chief. It has to be from the opposition. Kocharyan-ARF alliance decided not to nominate HD MP Ghazinyan for the 15th time.

Commission chief Andranik: we haven't received any nominations by the fraction. A session will be held within 5 days to provide a legal solution. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070095.html

Parliamentary opposition parties boycott a session

Last month the HD alliance invited members of NSS, MOD, and Premier to attend committee discussions about the POW repatriation process. The state offices sent their representatives, but not the leaders, to answer the questions. The opposition boycotted the session.

The opposition complains that Pashinyan has enough time to meet non-parliamentary opposition parties to brief them on various topics, but n time for the parliamentary ones.

The ruling party responded saying the parliamentary opposition was given enough opportunities to ask their questions in Parliament, and that they rejected Pashinyan's recent offer to meet face-to-face.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070088.html

the opposition parties boycott their membership in international organizations

Some former regime members are under arrest or cannot leave the country over alleged June 20 election violations and corruption [pressuring subordinates not to vote for Pashinyan, $5M bribery, etc.]. They are facing criminal charges.

They later became MPs as part of the opposition ballot. The opposition argues that immunity applies to them, despite them not being MPs when the criminal charges were pressed.

They want all restrictions lifted from their colleagues. Until then, they won't participate in any foreign meetings.

QP MP Alexanyan responds: flashback March 1, 2008, when four MPs were arrested. Yes, immunity is an interesting subject we will talk about. Although being arrested is still better than October 27, when MPs were being killed. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070111.html https://factor.am/450617.html

a fight broke out in Parliament

HD MP Vardevanyan said a fight broke out in QP MP Ruben Rubinyan's office. He claims opposition MP's assistants were attacked after being invited to drink coffee. Three assistants were reportedly injured.

An opposition figure claimed profanity was used against the ARF MPs' assistants before the fight. She didn't see how and why the fight broke out but saw that several people were beating the assistants. She accused the security of inaction.

Ruling and opposition MPs went to the scene to learn details.

Opposition MP's version of events: there was a verbal dispute between two QP MPs and ARF MPs' aides but they shook hands and left. A QP MP's aide then invited an ARF MP's aide for a coffee. A group of 20 men and some MPs then entered and beat them up. //

The NSS is investigating the details of the incident.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070114.html https://factor.am/450831.html https://factor.am/450877.html https://factor.am/450909.html

opposition media figure and activist Narek Malyan is facing criminal incitement of violence charges

Helsinki Vanadzor NGO had asked the police to investigate Malyan over alleged physical threats against George Soros's foundation in Armenia.

Malyan said shortly after the war: very soon the employees of this office will carry responsibility at the strongest form. I promise that. I will dedicate my whole life and all my activity to bringing you to justice, to put you down. Death to traitors. //

Malyan is instructed not to leave the country.

https://factor.am/450500.html

Parliament president Alen Simonyan: soldiers who disobey commands, lay down their weapons, and surrender themselves as captives, will face criminal charges

Prosecutors recently filed criminal charges against an army Major accused of fleeing the Ishkhanasar hill during November 16 clashes. Seven other soldiers were accused of fleeing with the Major, instead of carrying out the army command's orders to defend the positions, according to the statement.

Parliament president Alen Simonyan: the topic of returning POWs was/is on the agenda, but we have a law. The law states that anyone who places down his weapon and turns himself in as a captive will face criminal charges.

The word "hero" is being used too liberally. We have many true hero boys in the army, but then we have officers and soldiers who refused to follow the orders and ended up in captivity. //

The context of his statement is a videotape, which was meant to be private, in which Simonyan complains about having to constantly make concessions to Azerbaijan every time someone becomes a POW on the border. Armenia also gives landmine maps in exchange for POWs.

Simonyan said in the video that he would choose Syunik and Sisian over POWs. He is generally against negotiating with terrorists. He believes Azerbaijan will eventually return POWs but they are currently trying to use them as leverage to pressure for a "corridor" and to recognize Artsakh as part of Azerbaijan. "Our soldiers didn't die [in 2020] so we could give away everything to the Turks now. Do not blackmail us with POWs," Simonyan is heard saying in the video.

Simonyan said the video circulated on social media was intentionally edited to be manipulative. The "full" video was published.

Alen Simonyan: last week we destroyed and threw them back from the border [Azeris who tried to go beyond Ishkhanasar hills on November 16]. It's not Azerbaijan against us. It's Turkey, a NATO country. We fought a war against NATO, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan for 44 days. That's forty-four days. Yes, we have many emotions and patriotic feelings, but we must be more realistic.

The purpose of sending those soldiers to the front lines is to protect the country. If I have to give away my country to get them back, then what is the whole point? This may sound wrong but I consider that POWs don't exist anymore.

Do you know who the [November 16] POWs are? Soldiers who placed down their weapons, routed, and got lost on their way. I can't say this publicly. They found themselves in captivity while fleeing.

Obviously, we're still going to bring them back, that's not debatable. But we have to understand, Azerbaijan has to return POWs one way or another. They're currently holding on to them as leverage to gain corridor.

It's not working out for them. That's why we are giving them hints that they cannot threaten the whole country with the POWs. This may sound harsh but this is a state mentality. When you order a village to be captured, you know you're going to suffer human losses, but your country needs that village. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070078.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070080.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/226922 https://youtu.be/czbCnJ7D-lI

Tags: #POWs #corridor

100 IDEAS FOR ARMENIA

... is an initiative by Education Ministry launched in September to find innovative projects and organize competitions for scientific and technical developments.

The contest was geared towards the youth in Armenia and Diaspora. Five best ideas had to be selected for up to a ֏500K grant for each.

The program is finished; it had hundreds of participants. One of them is an automated optical detection system for air defense, called "Vishapaqagh".

The Ministry plans to expand the scope of participants for future years.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070100.html http://www.mnp.am/en/announcement/category-1/announcement-100-ideas-for-armenia

VIDEO: killer robots made in Armenia

An Armenian manufacturer recently displayed Scorpion, a $43,000 armored military robot that's undergoing tests. It can navigate through difficult terrain and neutralize the enemy by using various tools.

The robot's arm, which holds the gun, replicates the moves controlled by the operator with a VR headset. The VR operator can be located 10km away.

The manufacturer is IsaTech. The first model was presented in 2018. The modernized version can carry both rifle and anti-tank weapons. The clip you see only shows the initial model.

The new model will have a better video broadcast in mountainous terrains.

You can send one to the enemy rear, a risky job done by special forces today, said the manufacturer.

The manufacturer wants the MOD to lower the product requirements that are currently "too strict". High-Tech Ministry said there was a contract with the company but it was canceled.

Ministry: a month ago we offered to sign a contract for serial production if the device could perform the necessary tasks. We have other contracts with this manufacturer. The cooperation continues. //

The manufacturer said they were unable to meet the contract requirements due to the pandemic - they couldn't import some components. They are ready to sign new contracts soon.

https://youtu.be/CqKyTA3lE-E?t=7 https://factor.am/450986.html

today in history

1928: intellectual Noam Chomsky is born, the guy your left-wing aunt always quotes on Facebook right before her aromatherapy session to establish peace on the planet.

1941: Japan attacks Pearl Harbor.

1943: Lebanon adopts the flag.

1988: earthquake in northern Armenia kills thousands and leaves hundreds of thousands homeless. Hundreds of settlements are destroyed.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070029.html

Armenia marked the 33rd anniversary of Spitak earthquake

The quake shook 40% of the country, fully or partially destroying 21 cities and 342 villages. Spitak, Akhuryan, Gugark, Aragats, Kalinino, Stepanavan and their surrounding villages suffered the most.

514,000 became homeless. Approximately 30,000 people died, including 17,000 in Gyumri and 4,000 in Spitak.

17% of residential buildings in Armenia were destroyed. Over a hundred industrial facilities suspended operations. Many historical-cultural structures were affected.

Over 113 countries and 7 international organizations sent aid.

Moscow sent a special commission headed by Nikolai Ryzhkov. 40,000 experts and soldiers from USSR republics came to aid.

Dozens of diasporan figures and organizations, including Charles Aznavour, organized an aid campaign. Doctors, psychologists, construction workers, and architects arrived.

Read Monday news for details about the post-quake recovery and housing programs. The government has additional 2023-2026 programs to aid those who live in makeshift homes and damaged buildings.

Parliament observed a minute of silence in honor of victims.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070036.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070042.html

elections: ruling party wants a recount in Abovyan amid a tight race that depends on 1 city council mandate

Abovyan is Gagik Tsarukyan's (BHK) stronghold. BHK received 2,100 more votes than QP but was unable to cross the 50%, so a coalition is necessary. BHK is open to forming a coalition with ARF, likely because "Republic" is closer to QP.

BHK 46%

QP 37%

Republic 12%

ARF 5%

The city council will have 27 mandates. They will be distributed to the aforementioned parties.

QP party: we asked the electoral commission to recount votes in 25 out of 41 polling stations because the way it stands now, a single municipal mandate is very decisive and can shape the coalition rearrangements. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070055.html https://factor.am/450866.html

United States praises the competitive nature and quality of recent municipal elections in Armenia

US embassy: we highly appreciate the Armenian people's participation in the Oct 17, Nov 14, and Dec 5 elections, as well as their continued commitment to Armenia's democratic trajectory.

A small number of Embassy staff observed the elections in a visitor capacity. We were pleased to see the elections were generally calm, peaceful, and well-administered.

The diversity in results underscored the competitive nature of the elections, the vibrancy of Armenia’s democracy, and the significant progress Armenia has achieved over the years.

We also note reports of pressure against opposition candidates and encourage authorities to investigate credible allegations of abuse. As we work to perfect our own democracy, we welcome Armenia’s commitment to its democratic reform agenda and look forward to strengthening our bilateral ties based on shared democratic values. //

Pashinyan's QP was unable to win in Vanadzor, the largest town in December 5 elections, amid participation by 10 political parties that resulted in neither receiving >50%. Nevertheless, QP being a "newcomer" in regional elections, will go from having no mayors, to having control of several dozen towns.

Observer Informed Citizens NGO: in every settlement where QP lost, their opponents had local authority. For example Goris, Kapan, and Gyumri. One exception is Meghri, where the winner [pro-EU] was neither a local nor a federal player. Another exception was Tatev where QP lost. Local authorities have a better chance of winning in municipal elections. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070060.html https://factor.am/450823.html

COVID stats

6k tested. 240 infected. 522 healed. 27 deaths.

==ex-Healthcare Minister Torosyan: the PCR requirement for unvaccinated workers led to a sharp increase in vaccinations since October 1

Did not see this coming, did you? The Parliament is discussing a bill to allow employers to fire workers if they refuse to submit PCR certificates.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070104.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070049.html

Russian donors sent 9 tons of aid to Artsakh capital Stepanakert

It includes Christmas gifts, kindergarten furniture, and clothing for 5,000 Artsakh children.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070045.html

Baku police disperse the crowd that gathered to protest Priest's Case

In 2017 Azerbaijan arrested several soldiers and civilians and charged them with allegedly spying for Armenia. Protesters believe the case was fabricated to persecute the "unwanted". Some of the alleged "spies" were tortured and killed.

https://factor.am/450716.html

polls: Erdogan isn't doing well

Ruling alliance 39.1%

Opposition alliance 42.2%

HDP party 10%

Detailed list:

AKP 30% (ruling)

CHP 28.2% (oppo)

İYİ 14% (oppo)

HDP 10% (oppo, separate)

MHP 9.1% (ruling)

Diger 4.4%

Survey by AREA Araştırma.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070097.html https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/siyaset/son-anket-aciklandi-millet-cumhura-fark-atti-1890765

Arman Chilingaryan’s "Light Drops" takes Golden Winner prize at Tokyo Film Awards

Light Drops is a drama set in the 1990s in Armenia.

>Tokyo Film Awards is a unique film competition organized by working professionals from film and TV industry. It is mainly focused on short films as its main mission is to promote young talent and their vision.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1070094.html

end of report

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports

Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/rb9p3g/news_dec72021_the_hagues_interim_verdict_armenia/