2021 October 8

Daily news wrap-up

Oct/8/2021: Armenia's lawsuit vs Azerb. in Hague __ Georgia could join 3+3; will Armenia? __ iGorts reaches Artsakh __ Anticorruption: Baden-Baden, mayors __ Post office reduces fees __ Opposition sues __ Ghazinyan error 403 __ COVID rules __ Help for repatriates __ Investments +23%, trade balance
by ar_david_hh

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Your 13-minute Friday report in 3191 words.

re: Armenia's lawsuit against Azerbaijan in World Court

As we learned recently,, Armenia filed a lawsuit against Azerbaijan in Hague-based UN Court of Justice, for government-sponsored racism and Armenophobia.

The Court of Justice, aka World Court, is one of six principal bodies of the UN. The other ones are UN Security Council, UN General Assembly, etc.

The World Court will hear Armenia's lawsuit on October 14-15. The final verdict could take several years, but there will be a decision about emergency provisional measures within a few months.

Armenia's court representative Yeghishe Kirakosyan: this is the first time Armenia is filing a lawsuit in the UN Court of Justice. We already have another lawsuit in ECHR but that court is mostly focused on human rights, while the World Court is the main body that settles disputes between countries.

Racial discrimination convention is one of the fundamental documents and defines imperative requirements. Armenia presented a comprehensive report about violations of this convention. Additionally, we asked the Court to implement provisional measures as an emergency because Azerbaijan continues to violate the convention.

We formed an entire group of experts, including foreign specialists, to help represent Armenia.

Right now we're in the provisional measure phase, followed by discussions around the main lawsuit. Armenia will be given time to present facts. This will take years, but the provisional hearings are faster. The Court responded very quickly, in less than a month, that's good.

Q: if the Court eventually sides with Armenia, or agrees to the provisional measures now, are there tools to force Azerbaijan to comply?

One of the enforcers is the UN Security Council, but hopefully, it won't reach that point. Enforcing is just one of the many important points. Just the fact that we already have these legal proceedings in the top Court will have a positive influence on forming the international community's opinion around the issue. The hearings for provisional measures will be public. It will help spread the message in legal language.

Q: what are the provisional measures about?

Armenia will be given the right to orally present the case and explain what it wants. We're asking to stop Azerbaijan's Armenophobia, to shut down the [Saddam Park] in Baku, return POWs, stop the destruction of Armenian cultural monuments, and many other things.

We've already submitted this in written form. We will present it orally, soon. Then Azerbaijan will be given the chance to respond to accusations. This will last two days. The Court will then issue an Order, maybe within 1-2 months.

Armenia's representatives are an Armenian group (including myself) and experienced foreign groups.

Q: Azerbaijan filed a similar counter-lawsuit?

We expected it. The logic of their actions is very clear. It's always the same "mirror" scenario in which they pretend to be the victim.

Both Armenia and Azerbaijan filed within the scope of the anti-racism convention. However, the way the court operates is it cannot cross the boundaries and conduct hearings that are outside a specific Article [about racism]. For example, Azerbaijan's petition includes demands about landmine maps. [Azerbaijan is demanding things that are unrelated to the topic]

I won't go into full details now. Once the process begins I'll give more details. The hearings will be available online.

Q: why doesn't the lawsuit include Turkey?

We've already filed a lawsuit against Turkey in the European court. Just as I said earlier, the arguments in World Court must be within the logic of racial discrimination. Turkey's military aid to Azerbaijan falls within a different legal logic.

In our European court lawsuit against Turkey, we mention Turkey's direct military aid. There is extensive evidence, including direct confessions from ranking Turkish officials. The second is about Turkey's collection, financing, and transfer of mercenaries. These are in violation of European conventions.

https://youtu.be/u2yRhmx9uhI https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065078.html

Tags: #lawsuit #WorldCourt #SaddamPark

Armenia made a statement during the UN Human Rights Council session

About human rights protections during conflicts, condemnation of the use of force, hate speech and display of racism, the need to release POWs.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065127.html

Basque parliament has adopted a resolution calling for the immediate release of Armenian POWs, and to end encroachment on Armenian territories

Unanimous. Grazie.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065120.html

Armenia's Foreign Ministry: Armenian church members and churchgoers must regain the ability to visit Shushi's St. Ghazanchetsots church

The Ministry criticized Azerbaijan for intentionally altering the appearance of the church to make it seem less Armenian, under the pretense of "renovations".

MFA: Azerbaijan violated international conventions by bombing the church during the war. There are thousands of historical-cultural monuments and artifacts that went under Azeri control. Their fate is unknown and in danger. It's not a coincidence that Azerbaijan blocks the UNESCO observers. //

[someone is building a case 🤔]

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065096.html

iGorts diaspora program reaches Artsakh

Armenian-Cypriot Hakob Ipdjyan, a graduate of Kingston and Kaplan universities, has traveled to Artsakh to work at the State Ministry. Hundreds of others had earlier joined various ministries of the Republic of Armenia.

https://factor.am/426000.html

Turkish MFA praises the Black Sea Economic Cooperation platform, says it's the only place where Armenia, Turkey and other regional players cooperate

Turkish MFA: the platform was a new idea after the fall of the USSR. Even today it greatly contributes to regional cooperation.

Armenia and Azerbaijan can begin to cooperate with the help of new thinking and active diplomacy. //

https://factor.am/426153.html

Georgia might backtrack and join the 3+3 regional cooperation platform

Read yesterday's news for context. Iran and Russia publicly support the 3+3 regional cooperation platform. Russia wants Armenia to join it. The platform was originally proposed by Turkey but was later "hijacked" by Russia, and apparently turned into a platform for developing regional trade communications. [AZ-AM-RU already hold direct talks]

Georgia had earlier said they won't join 3+3 because Russia is in it, but yesterday a Georgian official said it would be a mistake for them to be left out of a large regional cooperation platform, so they will think about it. They don't want to be isolated from the regional communication routes.

Armenia remains the only country that is yet to officially respond. No one can force us to join it but we are examining the proposal to understand the opportunities that this format may offer, said a ruling party MP today.

Update: Georgian MFA clarified that they don't plan to join the 3+3 platform but they would consider similar regional projects so they won't be left out of the regional process.

https://factor.am/426179.html http://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenia_is_analyzing_the_idea_to_establish_3_3_format_pro_government_lawmaker_says_/

Tags: #3+3

journalist Tatul Hakobyan criticizes opposition for calling the government "traitors" for wanting to negotiate with Azeris, while they do the same "in secrecy"

As you learned on Wednesday, Armenian diplomats from HHK and LHK parties held two debate-style meetings with Azeri counterparts in Vienna. This was not widely publicized.

Journalist Tatul Hakobyan wrote an article about diplomacy, ARF's stance, boogieman George Soros, and ....

https://www.aliqmedia.am/2021/10/08/32326/

Iran wants everyone to shake hands

'Iranian MFA: Armenia and Azerbaijan are our good friends. Iran can't work with one against the other. Armenian MFA recently visited us. The Azeri MFA should do the same. //

Iranian MFA expressed willingness to visit Yerevan and Baku soon.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/222613

Brussels-based International Crisis Group prepared a report about the Artsakh war and what's next

The main points:

1) Armenia and Azerbaijan should be pressured to start the process to demarcate the borders, and to hold talks about other measures to stabilize the region.

2) Enable aid access for Karabakh residents.

3) Help OSCE Minsk Group's mediation efforts.

4) Explore the extension of development assistance to uncontested border areas, beginning with a comprehensive needs assessment. Based on that assessment, be prepared to support separate projects in Armenia and Azerbaijan, cross-border cooperation on non-political issues, or both.

Full: https://www.crisisgroup.org/global/watch-list-2021-autumn-update?utm_source=Sign%20Up%20to%20Crisis%20Group%27s%20Email%20Updates https://factor.am/426133.html

U.S. extends sanctions against Turkey for undermining efforts to defeat ISIS in Syria

Biden administration has extended the 2019 sanctions against ranking Turkish officials for Turkey's military activities in northeastern Syria, which complicated the fight against ISIS, and threatened civilians.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065059.html

Turkish opposition wants Erdogan to show medical receipts to prove he is fit for office

It's a matter of national security, Erdogan has to undergo independent medical evaluation and prove that he is fit for office, said the leader of the main opposition CHP party Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, after Erdogan confused the latter with his own party members, who had called for controversial amendments to the Constitution.

It was the prominent members of the ruling AKP party who demanded a change to the first four articles of the Constitution, while Erdogan thinks it was me, said CHP Kılıçdaroğlu.

The first three articles are about "Ataturkism" (Turkey being a republic, human rights, justice, and other things that no longer exist), and about Turkey being an indivisible entity. The fourth article says the first three articles cannot be amended and you can't even propose amending them (just like a Genie wish, you only have three).

Erdogan also accused his CHP rival of working in tandem with the pro-Kurdish-Armenian HDP party.

https://ahvalnews.com/erdogan-health/erdogans-health-matter-national-security-says-opposition-leader-kilicdaroglu https://factor.am/425998.html

the army held artillery exercises

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065145.html

PHOTO: diasporans donated several POLARIS off-road vehicles to the army for transportation

https://factor.am/426294.html

five cops have been fired for disciplinary violations as part of regular proceedings to clean the ranks

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/222655

48 criminal subculture figures have been charged under the recently-approved law against "thieve-in-laws"

5 of them have the highest "thieve in law" rank. Trials involving 25 suspects have already reached the court. Some of them were acting as "zon nayogh" (a person who enforces criminal laws in jail).

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/222618

anti-corruption: Serj Sargsyan is under investigation after reports that he gambled away millions of dollars in Baden-Baden

On August 25, a ruling party MP revived the public debate about Serj's frequent trips to the German resort town Baden Baden. Reporters and some officials have long claimed that Serj used to take lots of cash with him to the city on a private or presidential jet. Serj denied gambling, saying his trips were only recreational in nature. He called the critics "low-culture" fools who cannot appreciate the historical-cultural nature of Baden Baden.

All the while, the SIS and prosecutors have been collecting reports about gambling. SIS will investigate the claims.

A media outlet recently checked his flight records and reported that he made 16 trips to Baden Baden on the presidential jet in his 10 years as president.

He went there on April 5, one day after the April 2016 war, ahead of the April 6 official trip to Germany.

🍿🥤

https://factor.am/426275.html

anti-corruption: officials at Vayots Dzor governor office are facing corruption charges for rigging auction in 2014

Investigators report: the governor's office asked Khndzorut municipality for permission to build a water pipe in 2014. It was granted.

The officials then instructed the head of the financial department to rig the construction tender auction so a company belonging to the Vayk mayor would win the auction.

They proceeded to sign a ֏22M contract, then gave another ֏5M for no valid reason. In the end, the mayor's firm did not build the pipe fully. //

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/222625

Kocharyan-ARF-Serj alliances file a Constitutional Court challenge against the law that merges hundreds of small communities

Context in September 24 post. The mergers are meant to improve management efficiency and make financial and utility resources available for small rural villages, who are otherwise left behind. This will be the second and final mass merger since 2016.

Although the merger process began under the Serj-ARF administration, they claim that today it's being done specifically in a way to get rid of village mayors who are allied to them. "It's being done [by the government] to strengthen the grip in provinces," said ARF Artsvik Minasyan.

President Armen Sarkissian decided to sign the merger bill into law without challenging it in the Constitutional Court. He received criticism from the opposition parties, who decided to file a separate court challenge.

Ruling MP: this is the same process that began years earlier. Its constitutionality was never challenged in the past. This challenge won't stop the merger process while the court deliberates.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065070.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065079.html

why was Kocharyan's pick for deputy Parliamentary Defense Committee chief rejected six times?

You may remember HD MP Ghazinyan. He was nominated by the Kocharyan-ARF alliance six times, and rejected, after Q&A relating to defense topics and his personal conduct towards colleagues.

Q: what powers does a deputy have?

Ruling MP: the deputy has no special authority compared to regular members, other than assuming the duties to regulate a session if the committee president is absent, and earning slightly higher wages.

Q: why was Ghazinyan rejected as the deputy?

Ruling MP: many reasons. He lacks basic understanding of armed forces, he doesn't know the army structure, he never served in the army.

He also refused to be transparent about the origins of his financial resources. He said he did "business" but we can't verify what business. Ghazinyan also makes unacceptable statements that make him unfit for this position. //

The ruling party threatened to amend the law to limit the number of times the same failed candidate can be re-nominated, so they can get out of the loop. The opposition has the right to nominate a different candidate but they insist on Ghazinyan. "It is not up to the ruling party to decide whom we nominate."

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065082.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065090.html https://youtu.be/SsExeyHpwjg

IRI pollster will conduct new surveys within 1-2 months

The U.S.-based International Republican Institute has been one of the more accurate ones in 2021. Their recent survey indicated growing support for vaccination and the public being generally satisfied with the June snap elections.

Armenian ambassador Makunts met the IRI president and discussed the government's 5-year plan, the legal reforms, and the fight against COVID in Armenia. IRI president reaffirmed the organization's readiness to support the ongoing reforms.

They plan to hold new surveys by the end of this year. The ambassador praised the surveys as an additional tool that help make targeted decisions.

https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/295979/

COVID stats

8576 tested. 1202 infected. 400 healed. 33 deaths. 16490 active.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065069.html

8 schools across Armenia switched to distance learning after high infection rates

There were also schools that recently switched back to in-person learning after their numbers improved. "The rate must be above 10% for the school to switch to distance learning."

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/222610

legendary gymnast and Olympics champion Albert Azaryan loses wife and daughter to COVID within days

Daughter Zhanna Azaryan, 64, worked as a Russian language teacher for 40 years.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/222615

Helsinki Group's Armenian branch wants amendments to the health order that mandates PCR tests or unvaccinated workers

The NGO supports the vaccination efforts but found the following problems in the October 1 ministry decree that requires workers to be vaccinated or present PCR:

1) There should be clear mechanisms on how residents will be compensated if they choose a vaccine over PCR test, and end up developing serious side effects.

2) Citizens must be informed that the vaccines aren't mandatory and they cannot be persecuted for not taking it.

3) The Ministry's order is problematic from a legal standpoint. There might be a need for parliament to back it up with a law.

4) The Premier cannot force the government office members to get vaccinated. [Yesterday Pashinyan raged over anti-vaxers and said there should be no unvaccinated workers in the administrative offices.]

5) The penalty for not being vaccinated and not submitting the PCR test should be made more clear.

6) The PCR requirement can be very costly for low-income residents. [psst... that's the whole point, vaccines are free]

The NGO advises the Parliament to pass an appropriate law instead of relying on Healthcare Ministry's decree.

https://factor.am/426020.html

Armenia was helping its deported nationals to return home. Now some voluntary repatriates can get some help, too.

Last year the Parliament approved a readmission law to provide aid to Armenians who were deported back. The passing of this law was one of the "requirements" as part of the EU-Armenia comprehensive cooperation agreement, and if Armenia ever wants to have a visa-free regime with the EU.

The aid program provides free legal advice and apartment rental subsidy for 6 months. 17 deported recipients have since been approved.

It was revealed that there is also great interest among Armenians who want to repatriate voluntarily, so the government decided to amend the law to qualify more groups. It's for families with 4 kids and those who have disabilities. 15 people have since received the aid.

https://factor.am/426162.html

PHOTO: PanArmenian Expo 2021

The international expo is being held in Armenia for three days. Hundreds of companies from around the world are presenting their carpets, foods, electronics, etc.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065098.html

Economy Minister: direct investments grew +23%

... and reached ֏300B in the first half of 2021.

Economy Minister: Armenia's trade balance has improved, now negative $121M

Kerobyan: it's the most balanced since 2004. That's because the structure of Armenia's economy has changed and exports have a larger share.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065098.html

post office will lower delivery fees to Europe

HayPost held successful negotiations with international partners. For parcels over 1kg, each additional kilo will cost 50% less. For parcels under 1kg, it'll be 25% less.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065101.html

post office opens a new branch equipped with a fitting room where you can try on your new clothes purchased from "Amazon"

Don't like it? Return it.

The new branch has other high-tech additions, electronic queue, smartphone accessory sale, WiFi, etc.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065101.html

Armenia-Russia discussions continue around nuclear energy

Deputy Parliament president Ruben Rubinyan met the Russian ambassador Kopyrkin to discuss the economy, nuclear energy, etc.

Russia's Rosatom is currently renovating Armenia's Metsamor NPP. Armenian government recently struck a deal with a Russian miner to launch a process about building a new nuclear plant and copper smelter.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065113.html

cooperation memorandum is signed between the economic competition commissions of Armenia and Greece

They will exchange experience, conduct joint research and projects.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065093.html

Gyumri Seed Selection station will cooperate with Russian experts to open a new agricultural school for up-and-coming experts

A cooperation agreement was signed today between Gyumri Selection Station and Russia's Vavilov Research Institute, months after the Armenian team visited Russia for talks.

There will be postgraduate exchange and retraining programs. Vavilov center will help establish a new school in Gyumri.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065066.html

Greco-Roman wrestler Malkhas Amoyan is the world champion

72kg category. The chad defeated the Russian athlete.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065139.html

top-10 bestseller Armenian books in September

5) Թակարդ, by Ashot Aghababyan

4) Սեր լուսնեզրին, by Margarit Derants

3) Բաքու, by Vahan Totovents

2) Մենակը, by Ashot Aghababyan

1) Balzak: a dog's tale, by Leon Ness

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065031.html

today in history

451: the Council of Chalcedon holds a meeting. It's the fourth of seven ecumenical meetings in which church leaders from around the world gathered to reach a consensus and develop a unified Christendom.

2005: 7.6M earthquake in Kashmir takes 84,000 lives and leaved 4 million homeless

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065050.html

public service announcement

I will be away for almost a week beginning late next week. Do not burn down the sub (without me).

BREAKING NEWS: DEVELOPING

The Armenian soccer team has scored a goal against Iceland in an important 2022 World Cup qualifiers match. There is still 30 minutes to go.

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/q45oh4/oct82021_armenias_lawsuit_vs_azerb_in_hague/