2022 January 28

Daily news wrap-up

Jan/28/2022: Security Council chief discusses Karabakh status; Negotiations; Borders; Sarkissian __ Army reform bill __ MFA Lavrov has big plans for diversity & inclusion in CIS __ Red scare in mall __ MFA Mirzoyan on Turkey relations __ PACE scandal __ Army Day __ WBC office __ Armenian techies win
by ar_david_hh

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This is your kind 13-minute Friday digest in 3258 words, որ չասեք Դավիթն եկավ, գող-գող գնաց.

Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan about Karabakh conflict & self-determination

Reporter: Pashinyan recently mentioned that during Karabakh negotiations, Nagorno Karabakh was never viewed as territory only for Armenians, and that Azeris were also supposed to return and live there. Why is this being brought up now? We're used to hearing from Armenian governments that Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan and that its right to self-determination is a priority. Why the change in public rhetoric?

Grigoryan: There is a need to have a more open dialogue about the negotiations process. The opposition accuses us of making concessions in regards to self-determination, but let's look at the negotiation history:

If in 2011 the self-determination and interim status were listed as 1st and 2nd priorities, only then followed by the return of 7 regions to Azerbaijan, then in 2015-2016 they were gradually pushed out.

In 2016, there was no clause for interim status or self-determination, at least in the plan of action. The document was slipt in three: a statement by AM and AZ presidents, a statement by OSCE, and the UN Security Council's draft decision. What was important for Armenia was, by in large, smeared away.

Today, we're trying to achieve a long-term and stable solution. And within this context, certain public statements are made that we believe will contribute to a long-term settlement.

Reporter: define long-term settlement. Should Karabakh be independent, at least within today's borders, or should it be part of Armenia?

Grigoryan: as it states in the negotiation documents, Karabakh should hold a referendum without limitations on what status it can have.

Reporter: so, no change in plans there? Why is Pashinyan talking about the "2016 catastrophe" then?

Grigoryan: because there was a catastrophe in 2016, so we need to talk about it.

Reporter: will Armenia continue to take steps to help Artsakh people to exercise their right to self-determination?

Grigoryan: obviously yes. Last year Armenia donated 200 billion to resolve social and defense issues. [Reporter notes that the aid will increase this year.]

Reporter: so why is Pashinyan trying to avoid saying publicly that Artsakh should exercise its right to self-determination?

Grigoryan: other urgent issues must be addressed now to create the opportunity to discuss certain topics.

Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan about AM-AZ border demarcation & its impact on Karabakh conflict

Reporter: why don't we have a border demarcation commission yet?

Grigoryan: Sochi statement reads that steps must be taken to improve the security atmosphere. We believe this can be achieved by withdrawing Azeri and Armenian troops from problematic areas in a mirrored fashion, and their replacement with border guards. Delimitation groups can then do their job.

Why do we insist on a mirrored withdrawal? You may notice that any political incident, whether it's between the states or within one state, often leads to border clashes. Even the demarcation processes can create border tensions.

Demarcation is quite difficult. It's possible we won't find a solution to every problem. We don't want that to lead to clashes. So we're offering a mirrored withdrawal.

Reporter: Armenia and Russia say that border demarcation is separate from the Karabakh conflict, while Azerbaijan wants Armenia to recognize borders and claims that by doing so Armenia also recognizes Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. How will the demarcation exactly work? Let's say you go from north to south and reach the Lachin corridor - the Armenia-Artsakh connection. What happens now?

Grigoryan: Lachin issue has been resolved per November 9 agreement. The rest should be delimited and demarcated. Armenia and Russia have the same stance regarding demarcation and Karabakh being different processes, as you've mentioned.

Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan about unblocking trade routes & railways

Reporter: a commission was formed to restore the Armenia-Iran-Azerbaijan railways. $205 million in estimates. Is this actually happening? Are we already moving from calculations to the implementation phase? Is there already an agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan on how the Meghri section will operate, the so-called "Zangezur corridor" as Azerbaijan likes to say?

Grigoryan: Again, there is never going to be a "Zangezur corridor". That's a red line for us.

Reporter: No corridor with extraterritorial status?

Grigoryan: No. As for building a railway network, Armenia is ready to restore all infrastructure located on Armenia's sovereign territory and to allow other countries to use it. The negotiations continue. It also depends on Azerbaijan whether the railway will open.

Reporter: AFAIK Azerbaijan has already begun rebuilding the railway on their side.

Grigoryan: we don't have info about large-scale construction yet but we expect to see it.

Reporter: does this apply to roads, too? Aliyev claimed that Armenia was initially against a road but they "convinced Armenia".

Grigoryan: Armenia has never been against opening all roads. Only a "corridor" is unacceptable to us.

Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan about president Sarkissian's resignation

Reporter: Sarkissian has been complaining about lack of powers for 3-4 years now. He began talking about it more frequently after the war, but he didn't resign then. Why now? Are the reasons mentioned in the resignation letter credible?

Grigoryan: There was no reason for resignation under the political context. There was no conflict and couldn't be any conflict between him and the QP/executive/legislative branch. There were ups and downs but there was no political issue. Everyone wants to know why he resigned now. It's up to him to explain.

https://youtu.be/EtJqYNw3sow

Tags: #Lachin #self-determination

Clock is ticking. What's next in Sarkissian story?

He still has time to rescind the resignation letter. Meanwhile, speculations continue around a possible replacement candidate.

Serj alliance-owned media outlet Armlur (Joghovurd) [recently claimed](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/sbaaui/news_jan232022_how_armen_sarkissian_became/) that they have a source who claimed that LHK leader Edmon Marukyan has already agreed to Pashinyan's offer to become the president. Today Marukyan denied the rumor about receiving an offer.

Other rumors suggested the pick will be the former Education Minister and current Premier's chief of staff Arayik Harutyunyan [a Swiss Army name]. A QP MP responded saying no decisions have been made yet.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074221.html

MFA Mirzoyan: Azerbaijan should clarify what part of the proposed mirrored border withdrawal is unacceptable for them

Armenia wants Azeri and Armenian heavily armed forces to be withdrawn from problematic border areas. They are currently only a few hundred feet away from each other in some locations; it contributes to routine clashes. The idea is to replace them with neutral mechanisms or less heavily armed border guards.

Armenia says this is part of the agreement to ensure border stability before the demarcation can begin. Azerbaijan is against it. Russia doesn't care what the kids screech about, and wants the demarcation to begin ASAP.

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan has asked Azerbaijan to clarify what exactly they don't like about a mirrored withdrawal. "The discussions continue. We want to understand the parts that are unacceptable for them, the reasons behind it, and possible solutions."

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074225.html

MFA Mirzoyan about the efforts to normalize Armenia-Turkey relations

Reporter: The opposition criticizes you for the AM-TR diplomatic dialogue, calling it disrespect towards fallen soldiers.

Mirzoyan: Please ask the opposition to clarify why they've taken steps to normalize AM-TR relations every single year after coming to power. There have been regular letters and contacts.

So please put the fairy tales aside and don't allow them to manipulate the public. Enough of this self-deception. The tragedy that happened was a result of a big self-deception. We must face the reality directly, speak directly, and not hide anything.

Don't go negotiate something abroad then tell the Armenian public something else, as it was done for years. What I negotiate with Turkey is explained very clearly during the public Q&A in Parliament.

Reporter: How can we be friends with Turks?

Mirzoyan: There are many issues that need to be discussed. Obviously, we have our red lines that shouldn't be crossed, but on the other hand, we aren't the first and last people to have a lengthy conflict with neighbors. We're determined to build lasting peace in the region.

https://factor.am/469051.html https://youtu.be/--imvHMg6EA?t=57

Turkish Security Council discussed the normalization of relations with Armenia

The meeting was held yesterday, led by President Erdogan. The Council emphasized the need to develop cooperation mechanisms in the region with "honest and constructive efforts by Turkey and Armenia".

https://factor.am/469178.html

more Armenians are becoming aware that Turkish products have long existed in the Armenian market

The latest "red scare" occurred in Yerevan City mall on Komitas Steet. A customer took a photo of a children's toy with the Turkish flag in it. When the media went to investigate the treason, they discovered that Pashinyan's agents had arrived at the scene first and removed the flag from the bag. The bag was visibly ripped open and the flag was scrapped away.

While being interrogated by reporters, the mall director denied displaying toys with Turkish flags. He claimed the photo was shared 1.5 months ago and that their investigation revealed it wasn't taken in their mall.

Got away this time...

https://factor.am/469377.html

Russia wants CIS republics to have their own ECHR to promote diversity & inclusion of ethnicities; New history commission

Russia Today editor Margarita Simonyan: Russia recently saved Kazakhstan. Perhaps there will soon be a need to save the situation on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border [there are shootouts]. A year ago it was Karabakh. We're constantly saving countries that were formerly part of us. And what do we get in return?

My colleagues conducted studies on what the textbooks in ex-USSR republics write about Russia, USSR, and Tsarist Russia. You'll be shocked by the results.

Kazakh president Tokayev tells Putin that the Russian language is prospering in Kazakh schools, yet our info tells us otherwise. We have many complaints from ethnic Russians about repressions in ex-USSR territories.

How long should we tolerate this, and how should we defend the rights of Russians?

MFA Sergey Lavrov: The problem exists. The new republics that left USSR or Russian Empire had gained the right to form national republics after many years. Efforts to strengthen their national identity sometimes led to excessive measures.

We need to combat that problem, including by using "soft power". Significantly more resources should be allocated for this. We are working on it, to make it a state-level systemic approach, as it's done by Western powers. We aren't anywhere near their level yet.

Besides the soft power, diplomacy, there is also a need to take into account things such as migrant workflow. EAEU provides the resources, the lion's share of which comes from Russia. We can develop close relations with our partners.

25 million people [Russians?] had found themselves abroad after the fall of the USSR. There were no borders. Nobody knew how to establish ties. It required titanic efforts.

We need to more openly discuss human rights within CIS. Russians in Kazakhstan, and vice versa. Armenians in Azerbaijan, and vice versa. When CIS was first being created, it envisaged a Human Rights Commission. At the time it was viewed as a formality to appease the West that we care about human rights, too. But in recent years, we [Russia] have been trying to develop that Commission.

Human rights issues should be addressed within CIS, and not by European Human Rights Court and other Western institutes.

We'd rather help ethnic minorities so they can continue to live where they found themselves after the collapse of the USSR, without discrimination. But of course, we're ready to help Russians who want to return. [talks about easing the Russian citizenship laws]

[Complains about ultra-nationalists in ex-USSR republics.] Last year CIS agreed to form a scientific commission to study our joint history. I don't think it's about creating universal history textbooks, but the diversity of viewpoints will be discussed. Russia has similar historian commissions with Poland, Germany, Lithuania, and they often publish joint documents. I hope something similar can be implemented in CIS. //

https://youtu.be/ctjOIyCpF6k

Tags: #CIS #coolstory

domestic scandal after PACE adopted a pro-Armenian resolution yesterday

As explained in [Thursday news](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/se77sg/jan272022_modernizing_armenias_industrial/), PACE supports the democratic reforms in Armenia, praised the efforts, and made improvement suggestions.

50 aye, 14 nay, 16 IDGAF.

Besides Turkey and Azerbaijan, one of the delegates who voted against the resolution was none other than Armenia's own Hayk Mamijanyan, representing Serj's PU alliance. All Russian delegates abstained.

Ruling QP MPs criticized PU Mamijanyan for "siding with Azeri and Turkish delegates and voting gainst the pro-Armenian resolution".

Mamijanyan responded saying the resolution was pro-Pashinyan and not pro-Armenia because it was about developing democratic institutes in Armenia, and that it lacked information about "political prisoners" in Armenia, "hijacking of Constitutional Court", etc.

LHK chief Edmon Marukyan: This was a very important resolution because it also reaffirmed the need to return Armenian POWs, to protect cultural heritage, and to achieve a fair and lasting solution to the Karabakh conflict under OSCE format. //

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/230164 https://factor.am/469208.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074201.html https://factor.am/469221.html https://iravaban.net/367453.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/230162 https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/230177

Armenia marked the 30th anniversary of the formation of armed forces

Public officials visited Yerablur and other memorials in Armenia to honor the fallen soldiers. Statements were released about the ongoing efforts to improve living conditions in the army and the need to increase its intellectual and moral capacity. Several war veterans received rewards.

1988: efforts begin to form an army amid conflict in Artsakh.

1990 September: Yerevan Special Regiment is formed. Platoons are formed in Ararat, Goris, Vardenis, Ijevan, and Meghri.

1991: State Defense Committee is formed under the Council of Ministers.

1992: The legal process begins. The bill about Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Armenia is adopted.

1992 May: The first regular draft is organized. Armenia and 5 other states sign the CSTO treaty.

The conscription lasts 2 years for males aged 18-27. It's held twice a year: in summer and winter. Various service options are available for soldiers since 2017: Yes Em, Pativ Unem, Ditaket. Thousands of officers went to Russia and Greece for training.

Peacekeepers were sent to Kosovo in 2004, Iraq in 2005, Afghanistan in 2010, Lebanon in 2014, Mali in 2015, Kazakhstan in 2022.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074143.html https://www.mfa.am/en/international-organisations/1 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074197.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074235.html https://factor.am/469137.html

US embassy expressed gratitude to Armenia for partnership

Embassy: "As Armenia honors its armed forces today, we recognize those who have served and express our gratitude for Armenia’s partnership with us, including in international peacekeeping efforts. We honor those who have fallen in defense of their nation and salute the families and citizens who support them."

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1074209.html

Russian embassy: Effective cooperation between our armies is an integral part of bilateral allied relations

Embassy: Congrats to the real sons of their homeland, distinguished by their bravery and courage. They are the ones who proudly continue the glorious military traditions of the generation of the Great Patriotic War heroes, who have jointly made our common victory.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074233.html

the army reform bill will be introduced in June

The government has been working on a reform package. Structural changes in the military (how army units are formed and managed), modern weapons, the introduction of a professional army model, etc.

Last year MOD Arshakyan went to Russia to meet MODO Shoygu and announced plans to purchase modern equipment. "It's better to have fewer but better weapons," he said.

Earlier this week the MOD said the army was supplemented with new multifunctional helicopters.

During a brief meeting with reporters today, deputy premier Mher Girogryan said there are structural reforms in the army that aren't visible to the public.

https://factor.am/469414.html

what comes after army service?

... IT industry, for hundreds of former soldiers who decide to test their luck in programming and other areas. There are several tech firms that have been retraining ex-soldiers.

DISQO, TeamViewer Armenia, Luseen Mobile, Get Skills Academy, Brandon Agencny, and ArmSecFoundation are some of them.

Grigor: I didn't know what path to pursue after the military service. The Բանակից SS (from army to IT) program made me delve deeper into the field. It helped me decide quickly what I wanted in the future.

Hrant: I learned how to work as a team in addition to receiving tech skills. After the war it was difficult to do something new, there was no desire at all, but the Army to IT program made me pursue a future. It's a great opportunity to do something without spending money. The program makes us feel that we aren't neglected, that the state cares about us. The training helps us return to a normal life.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074218.html

VIDEO: recovering war veteran Hayk Zhamkochjyan and his friends prepare and sell butterfly art

https://youtu.be/WZtdW8h6ang?t=17

Armenian startups capture first places in annual awards ceremonies

Golden Kitty Awards 2021 is over. www.producthunt.com has published the winners. Armenian apps won in several categories:

Best Audio & Voice Tool is [Podcastle](https://www.producthunt.com/posts/podcastle-2), an app that provides podcasting abilities mixed with AI features. Armenian firm Krips had won the same category three years earlier.

SaaS Product of the Year is [Luckly Carrot](https://www.producthunt.com/posts/lucky-carrot), an all-in-one employee engagement platform.

Product of the Year was [Softr 2.0](https://www.producthunt.com/posts/softr-2-0), the "easiest and fastest way to build powerful web apps and portals from Airtable, in minutes. No code required."

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074211.html https://www.producthunt.com/stories/announcing-the-golden-kitty-awards-2021-winners

Cristiano Ronaldo wears hoodie from Armenian brand at meeting with UAE leaders

Manchester United striker Ronaldo wore a hoodie from AZAT MARD (free man), during a meeting with Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed.

Whether he will be beheaded or spared for wearing shorts during the high-profile royal meeting remains to be seen.

>AZAT MARD is a contemporary menswear brand specializing in luxury clothing and outerwear for the fashion-forward, powerful modern man. It was co-founded in 2018 by Garen Tchobabanian, a former football player, and Neil Malhotra, who holds a Fashion Management degree from the prestigious Istituto Marangoni in Milan.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074230.html

COVID stats

8.7k tested. 3.5k infected. 0 deaths. 0.3k healed. 17k active.

what's going on in Georgia?

64k tested. 17k infected. 30 deaths. 5.4k healed.

deputy premier Mher Grigoryan has been vaccinated 4 times

He threw the whole kitchen sink at it. Got infected, healed, got vaccinated with one manufacturer, got vaccinated again with another manufacturer. His test came negative after having contact with Pashinyan, who tested positive yesterday.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074199.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074217.html https://factor.am/469200.html

POLL: more than half of Turks want to live or study abroad

Would you like to live or study abroad? 53% yes, 45% no. A year ago 47% had answered "yes".

Supporters of the ruling coalition were less inclined to live or study abroad: 21% of AKP and 30% of MHP.

Opposition voters were more likely: 82% of HDP, 76% CHP, 57% iYi, 62% DEVA.

18-34 group: 64% yes

34-54 group: 48% yes

>55: 43% yes

Survey by MetroPoll.

https://www.turkishminute.com/2022/01/26/e-than-half-of-turks-want-to-live-or-study-abroad-survey/ https://factor.am/468939.html

WBC will open an official office in Armenia

Armenian envoy took part in a boxing federation conference in Mexico. After negotiations, the international boxing federation has agreed to issue a license and to have an official WBC representative in Armenia.

This will help Armenian boxers enter a professional ring, said officials. Mexican boxers will soon visit Armenia for joint training.

https://factor.am/469274.html

top-10 bestseller documentary books in December

10) Պայքարելու իրավունքը, Մոնթե Մելքոնյան

9) Սկիզբ, by Վարդան Պետրոսյան

8) 100 բիզնես գաղտնիքներ, by Վահագն Դիլբարյան

7) Չխրատվող ժողովուրդը, Գարեգին Նժդեհ

4) Գարեգին Նժդեհ. կենսատարեգրություն, մտամասունքներ, by Ռաֆայել Համբարձումյան

3) Սրճարան աշխարհի եզրին, by Ջոն Ստրելեքի

1,2,5,6) Robin Sharma's books

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073792.html

more

The news in русский (by Impossible-Ad-).

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

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

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/sez7k0/jan282022_security_council_chief_discusses/