2022 October 10

Daily news wrap-up

Oct/10/2022: __ Drone airport __ Identities of jihadists recruited by Azerbaijan are known __ Oil > rights, dear leader > religion __ US urges direct AZ-NK talks, protection of Armenians' rights __ Verdict: failed coup of 2015, Serj's jet __ Oncology reforms __ $31 million mega-farm __ Geopolitics
by ar_david_hh

---

22 minutes, 5539 words.

authorities have learned the identities of 300 jihadists recruited by Turkey and Azerbaijan during the 2020 war

Thousands of jihadists, many of whom were affiliated with terrorist organizations in Syria, were [financed and transported](https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-armenia-azerbaijan-putin-macron/france-accuses-turkey-of-sending-syrian-jihadists-to-nagorno-karabakh-idUKKBN26L3S7/) by the government of Turkey to Azerbaijan to help [invade the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh](https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-55238803).

Armenian authorities have since learned the identities of over 300 jihadists and sent the information to international organizations tasked with combatting terrorism.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094455.html)

Azerbaijan's War Crimes—Why the World Can No Longer Stay Silent: Newsweek

>Put simply, Azerbaijan is committing war crimes and atrocities.

[continue](https://www.newsweek.com/azerbaijans-war-crimeswhy-world-can-no-longer-stay-silent-opinion-1750013)

dear leader is better than religion

Azerbaijan is ruled by a family dynasty. The previous dictator, Heydar Aliyev, was the father of the current dictator. Heydar's name and face are everywhere.

The current dictator has declared 2023 the year of Heydar Aliyev.

Now a group of Azerbaijani parliament MPS want to go a step further and enshrine Heydar's face on the national flag of Azerbaijan.

MP Bahruz Mageramov: Declaring 2023 the year of Heydar Aliyev will be in the best interests of our people. I think it will be appropriate to discuss the initiative suggested by my colleague Elman Nasirov. The proposal is to replace the crescent and star with our great leader. I support the proposal and hope the rest of you will join me. //

[source,](https://factor.am/565044.html)

PACE autumn session is discussing Azerbaijan's aggression against Armenia

Several European MPs condemned Azerbaijan for its military aggression, occupation of Armenian territories, and war crimes.

[speeches,](https://youtu.be/OGRdmrLDrgo) [speech,](https://youtu.be/elELp-f2XvI) [speech,](https://youtu.be/fwTsLLjFZdU) [speech,](https://factor.am/565204.html)

EU border mission has potential to build confidence between Armenia and Azerbaijan: U.S. State Department

Washington: We are encouraged by the [Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting in Prague](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xxh6w7/oct62022_military_expert_artsrun_returns_from/), and we welcome the efforts of Macron and Michel to build momentum behind a comprehensive peace process.

And we are particularly pleased with the progress on an EU observer mission to the region, and this mission has the potential to build confidence and bolster the negotiations. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094430.html) [source,](https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-october-7-2022/)

interview with political analyst Karen Sargsyan

Reporter: Tell us about the Thursday meeting between the leaders in Prague.

Sargsyan: It's the new European security platform created by Macron. It's going to replace the Cold War-era setup. These are the first steps.

Reporter: What's happening in Azerbaijan?

Sargsyan: The September attack was a mistake and was accompanied by excessive violence not seen even in 2020. They have found themselves in a difficult diplomatic situation amid pressure.

In 2020 I wrote that regardless of the outcome of the war, Azerbaijan will stand on the edge of destruction. That's what the trend says. Starting in 2026, the oil that's being exported from the Azeri oil fields belonging to the state of Azerbaijan, will not be profitable enough to cover the operational costs of the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline.

European institutes published a joint report recently, showing that from 2010-2021, the export of oil via Baku-Ceyhan plummeted by 50%, and stands at 480,000 barrels. That's close to the operational minimum, which is ~400,000 barrels. It has to go through mountains, extreme weather, etc. It costs a lot to keep the pipeline operational.

At the same time, clan wars continue in Azerbaijan. The pro-Russia clan is weakening. They took Lukoil away from Alekperov [Russian-Azeri billionaire, sanctioned after Ukraine invasion]. Then two of his deputies died under certain circumstances [window and a shaman]. Only one of these Azeri clans is interested in improving relations with Armenia. I believe it's the Aliyev clan itself, and not Pashayevs [vite president's family].

Regarding the September 2022 barbarism. Immediately after the 2020 war, we learned from Azeri soldiers' accounts that they acted as "shahids" (martyrs) because they believed that had they retreated, Mehriban Aliyeva [Pashayev clan] would retaliate against their family members. My theory is that the Pashayev clan is the one pushing for the continuation of the conflict. The Pashayev clan is the pro-Russia clan in Azerbaijan.

Reporter: Tell us about Western efforts.

Sargsyan: The EU and U.S. demanded a ceasefire. Jake Sullivan drew the red lines after summoning Grigoryan and Hajiyev. Aliyev has a big problem here. Besides his conflict with Armenia, he still has a Nagorno Karabakh issue, and every major power has warned him that this conflict has not been resolved yet. He will be forced to return to the OSCE negotiations.

Reporter: Did the Prague meeting solve any issues?

Sargsyan: It drew the red lines. They discussed fresh ideas, such as Pashinyan's plan regarding the 1991 CIS agreement.

Reporter: Do you believe that agreement it will affect the Nagorno Karabakh (NK) conflict?

Sargsyan: No. The NK is a separate case. The NK population should have a say. The problem with Robert Kocharyan, when he removed NK from the negotiation table, was his short-sightedness, which he - to this day - has not understood.

By removing NK from the table and assuming the role of negotiator, he moved the issue from the "NK's self-determination" dimension to "territorial claims by Armenia". This is what Armenia is attempting to reverse today.

I believe there is an opinion that we are returning to the state of 1991, in which the issue was about NK's right to self-determination, with the only difference being that Armenia can no longer be accused of being a military aggressor occupying Azeri territories. NK is an issue of self-determination.

Reporter: NK president Arayik Harutyunyan sent a letter to Vladimir Putin on Friday, congratulating his b-day, and expressing hope that Russia and Putin personally will continue to protect NK.

Sargsyan: (blood pressure 180) Arayik Harutyunyan and his Foreign Minister David Babayan are imbeciles. While Russia is committing atrocities in Ukraine, and Armenia is busy convincing the West to resolve the conflict, you must be a total imbecile to write such letters. Armenia, West, and even Azerbaijan are doing everything to prevent the NK issue from being attached to Russia, yet Arayik Harutyunyan, Vitalik Balasanyan, and others are trying to tie the NK issue to the Hague-ready Putin. I wonder if it was [Russian-Armenian biollionaire] Ruben Vardanyan who advised him to write the letter.

Reporter: For the first time, Ilham Aliyev admitted that he will speak with the Armenians of NK. Of course he referred to them as "citizens of Azerbaijan". Some have argued that since Aliyev won't recognize the political structure of NK and won't negotiate with elected NK officials, Ruben Vardanyan can become the negotiator.

Sargsyan: First of all, it's not just the West that's forcing Aliyev to negotiate, it's also coming from within Turkey. Expert groups belonging to Turkey's "deep state" have openly communicated that regardless of what the Azeri regime pretends, for the past 30 years the NK has had state institutions and politicians and that Azeris must sit down and talk to them.

These Turkish circles are also pressuring Azerbaijan to give NK at least some kind of status because they have concerns over the Republic of Armenian passports held by NK residents and [something relating to possibly converting to Russian passports, but I do not understand clearly.]

For NK to give up its institutions, it must receive certain guarantees. Russia obviously cannot be trusted with providing guarantees, so it has to be done via OSCE. No matter how you look at it, Azerbaijan might be forced to return to the OSCE table. They can either annihilate NK or return to OSCE. They cannot simply cancel OSCE. The Minsk Group and its players remain the main platform. Ruben Vardanyan plays no role here. At best, he can be a great Economy Minister to solve social problems. Under the context of NK-AZ negotiations, Vardanyan's role can be as an economic envoy to establish trade relations.

Reporter: What is happening on the Ukraine-Russia front?

Sargsyan: Russia will die if the early-October trend continues. Ukraine is raiding Luhansk and Kherson. Russians who surrender report being unable to contact their commands for days at a time, and shortage of food. They now consume 30% of what a soldier should. They have been exhausted for a month. These soldiers will die.

Reporter: The mobilized forces are revolting, complaining, 38C fever, no rifles and clothes.

Sargsyan: They have no winter clothing. Even if they manage to gather those 300,000 and somehow send them to Ukraine, and if we assume they are not killed on their way, once on the frontline, they will have to stand in knee-dip mud during the winter. They were not given winter uniforms. These people will die. They are not 18-20yo young kids with a strong immune systems. These are up to 60yo people with preexisting medical conditions, who were drafted without medical checks.

Vladimir Putin will be executed by his generals. He seriously promoted Ramzan Kadyrov to Colonel General, and other incompetent-but-loyal puppets to other positions. This will eventually lead to retaliation by his own army because he is leading Russia to a moral collapse.

The military collapse is complete, the economic collapse is underway, and the collapse of ethnic unity is on the horizon because of the perception of disproportionate targeting of minorities. Even Margarita Simonyan is complaining these days.

Only ethnic Armenians living in Russia still believe Russia is a superpower. I'm telling you, it will be Armenians who will stand until the end, next to Lenin's dead body in Red Square. //

[source,](https://youtu.be/sGV6Y5ywYys) [graph,](https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/azerbaijan/crude-oil-exports)

"anti-Russia" protests were organized in Armenia and Georgia

Protesters in Tbilisi called for entry and visa restrictions for Russians escaping the mobilization. "Close the borders!"

Protesters in Armenia gathered in front of the Russian military base in Gyumri. "CSTO is a danger to Armenia!"

[source,](https://factor.am/564532.html) [source,](https://factor.am/564756.html)

not a big deal: Putin's spokesman about disagreements within CSTO bloc

A few weeks ago Armenia announced that it won't take part in CSTO military games, citing issues at its borders. Kyrgyzstan, which also suffered losses after the recent border clashes with Tajikistan, has refused to host the CSTO military exercises scheduled for this week.

The now-canceled military exercises were supposed to be titled "Indestructible Brotherhood".

Reporter: Are there serious disagreements between Russia and its CSTO allies?

Dmitri Peskov: Nyet.

[source,](https://factor.am/565031.html) [source,](redacted)

Armenia doesn't have time for long-term solutions regarding security: Armenian Parliament Speaker to his Russian counterpart

Speaker Simonyan is in Moscow to meet Speaker Volodin.

Simonyan: We are friends, so let's discuss economic and security topics. As you know, Azerbaijan launched a new phase of aggression against Armenia's sovereign territory and civilian settlements in September.

This attack is a dangerous trend in the CIS space, yet the CSTO bloc has failed to respond. Armenia does not have time for long-term solutions regarding security. We hope the proposals made during the CSTO sessions will contribute to the de-escalation.

Simonyan: Parliaments of Armenia, Russia, and Azerbaijan should send representatives to discuss regional security issues.

Volodin: Agreed.

Simonyan: Azerbaijani soldiers must leave the sovereign territory of Armenia, and the comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict must guarantee the rights and security of Armenians living in Nagorno Karabakh. //

Simonyan also met Russian Senate leader Matvienko and invited her to Yerevan. "Armenia is not only an ally for us, but we are also connected by warm brotherly relations," said Matvienko, gladly accepting the invitation.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094519.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094537.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094546.html)

Russia is no longer the #1 moderator in the AM-AZ conflict: Russian analyst Sergey Markedonov

Markedonov: Sadly, Moscow has lost the title as the primary moderator of the conflict. This is obvious now. It happened after 2021's November 26 tripartite meeting by AM-RU-AZ, to which Europe responded by organizing the December Brussels meeting.

The EU, aided by the U.S., is the new mediator, whether we like it or not.

Pashinyan turned to the West only after Moscow essentially stopped responding to the events unfolding around Karabakh and AM-AZ border.

I'm not saying Moscow should have opened the second front in the Caucasus, but they should have at least organized follow-up tripartite meetings, activate diplomacy, and been more public instead of treating it as a half-secret process.

What was preventing CSTO to be the first to offer a border monitoring mission like the one suggested by France?

Reporter: The war in Ukraine is what forced Russia to change its priorities.

Markedonov: Having not dealt with the old issues [conflicts] fully, it is risky to start new ones. And if you started, then the old issues must be at least addressed.

[source,](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/303006/)

Defense Minister Papikyan met a French delegation to discuss military cooperation

A delegation led by Emmanual Macron's adviser is in Yerevan. Papikyan thanked France for its clear stance against the occupation of Armenian territories by Azerbaijan. Macron's adviser reaffirmed France's stance that Azeri forces must retreat to September 12 positions.

[source,](https://factor.am/565302.html)

Armenia should acquire Krasnukha electronic warfare system and French technologies to jam Azeri military satellites: Gen. Samvel Babayan

Question: Azeri satellites played an important role during the 2020 war. Is there a way to combat them?

Babayan: Yes. We can use Russian Krasnukha-4 and France's [unclear what]. France gave the [satallite] to Azerbaijan, and France knows best where its weaknesses are. //

>The Krasukha-4 has the range effectively to disrupt low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and can cause permanent damage to targeted radio-electronic devices. Ground based radars are also a viable target for the Krasukha-4.

Asia Times claimed that the Russian military base in Armenia was possibly using Krasnukha (Belladonna) to down Israeli Harop and Turkish Bayraktar drones during the 2020 war in Nagorno Karabakh. The source of the claim was a Russian military blog with a sketchy record.

[source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/678277/սամվել-բաբայանի՝-4-400-քառ․-կմ-ի-վրա-անկախություն-կառուցելու-դեղատոմսը-հանդիպում-ստեփանակերտում/) [redacted,] [source,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krasukha_(electronic_warfare_system))

French Senators urge the government to provide defense assistance to Armenia

French Senators: The government should discuss the proposal to open a humanitarian office in Nagorno Karabakh and provide various types of assistance to Armenia, including for the protection of its sovereign territories and the strengthening of defense.

[source,](https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2022/10/10/eqa3nzkgc/1473597)

Pashinyan held a phone conversation with Antonio Blinken

Pashinyan: We highly appreciate the U.S. efforts aimed at eliminating the consequences of Azerbaijani aggression.

Blinken: The U.S. is ready to continue to contribute. //

The parties emphasized the necessity of the withdrawal of the Azerbaijani forces from Armenia and the maintenance of the ceasefire. The U.S. has repeatedly called for Azerbaijan to withdraw its troops to September 12 positions.

Pashinyan and Blinken also discussed the results of last week's 4-way meeting between leaders in Prague, during which they agreed to develop a peace treaty based on the UN Charter and 1991 CIS agreement. By signing the latter, the two countries had recognized each other's territorial integrity and borders.

Blinken and Pashinyan also spoke about the EU's plans to send a border monitoring mission, the need to return POWs, and the creation of an international mechanism for direct discussions between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan.

... a similar conversation was held with France's OSCE Minsk Group representative

Co-chair Brice Roquefeuil visited Yerevan to meet Pashinyan.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094547.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094558.html)

during phone call with Aliyev, Blinken emphasized the importance of discussing the protection of the rights and guarantees of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians

They also discussed the ceasefire, return of POWs, and search & identification of missing persons.

[source,](https://factor.am/565249.html)

Armenia and Azerbaijan recognized each other's territorial integrity and borders in 1991. What now?

Reporter: In 1993, when Armenia ratified the agreement, one of the subsequent resolutions stated that the 1991 agreement on territorial integrity did not address the status of Nagorno Karabakh. Will this detail be discussed during negotiations?

Ruling party MP Hripsime Grigoryan: It is expected that sometimes a follow-up action is necessary to clarify things. That was the case with paragraph 9 of the Nov. 9 agreement. Regarding the 1991 CIS agreement and the idea of recognizing territorial integrity. Obviously, the Nagorno Karabakh issue cannot fall under the context of the territorial integrity of the two states. Nagorno Karabakh is an issue of people's rights.

Question: What do the 1991 CIS agreement and the recognition of territorial integrity mean?

Orbeli analytical center: The agreement was adopted years ago but it doesn't state that the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is being addressed. Recognizing Azerbaijan's territorial integrity is not the same as recognizing Nagorno Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. What matters now is the content of negotiations and the mediation process.

The U.S. is the most active. The EU has no real leverage and its mediation plays no significant role, they cannot force Azerbaijan to respect the agreements. The U.S. has more influence, and we saw that with the release of 17 POWs. This doesn't mean the U.S. will pressure in every area.

Russia has weakened amid the war in Ukraine, and its dependence on Turkey has grown. This doesn't mean Russia is completely out.

The West wants AM and AZ to sign a peace agreement by the end of this year. [continue](https://youtu.be/WnIokI2xPV4)

[source,](https://factor.am/564879.html) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/678467/տարածքային-ամբողջականության-ճանաչումը-չի-ենթադրում-արցախը-ադրբեջանի-կազմում․-տարոն-հովհաննիսյան/)

Crimean bridge was blown up by a truck owned by an Azerbaijani family who entered Russia from the territories of Georgia and Armenia

Mahir Yusubov was possibly driving the truck that exploded on the Crimean bridge on Saturday. The family hasn't been able to establish contact with him since last week. The truck was registered under his nephew's name. The nephew uploaded a video, stating he had no connection with the explosion because he lives abroad. Law enforcement is searching the family residence.

The truck was captured by highway cameras traveling through multiple communities in Russia. After a 6-hour gap, it was seen entering a village located 50 km from the bridge. That was reportedly the last stop before the truck reached the bridge.

The truck had earlier traveled through Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Ossetia, and Krasnodar.

Russian authorities have a list of suspects, which includes Ukraine's special services, citizens of Russia and third-party states.

[source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/303008/) [ext/news/2022/10/free/politics_news/en/10297.htm], [en/news/2022/10/08/owner-the-truck-that-exploded-on-bridge-to-crimea-says-he-has-no-connection-to-the-incident], [2022/10/08/mash-52-year-old-mahir-yusubov-could-be-driving-a-truck-that-exploded-on-the-crimean-bridge/], [redacted,] [redacted,]

municipal elections were held in Nagorno Karabakh Republic

The elections were held in villages Ծմակահող, Մոխրաթաղ, Նոր Ղազանչի, Վանք, and Խերխան. The turnout was 42%.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094481.html)

U.S.-based advanced mathematics school "Mathico" will offer free classes to veterans' children

The New York-based education project will open a branch in Yerevan soon. The classes will be taught in English. They will be free for children of wounded or fallen soldiers.

Mathico has been operating in the United States since 2012 and prepares students to apply to Top Universities and compete in Olympiads.

>It’s one thing when the student is learning English, but it’s an entirely different thing when they study some other subject in English. When a subject is being taught in English language, the students start to think in English.

The classes will include preparations for Olympiads, Singapore-style advanced math, etc. They will be held after regular school hours.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094490.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/Xd3WOopPNws)

the government will pay a bonus if you agree to teach in rural schools

There are 220 vacant positions in settlements located on mountainous terrains and near the borders. If you agree to travel and teach, you will receive the salary, plus:

▶︎ 30% raise.

▶︎ Up to $85/mo rent subsidy.

▶︎ $25/mo utility bill subsidy.

▶︎ Transport subsidies for you and your family to move.

▶︎ Up to $100 to transfer your personal items.

▶︎ Free travel back to your hometown, 4 times a year.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094534.html)

construction of Armenia's "first UAV airport and testing ground" is expected to finish in 2023

A Facebook fundraiser for $110,000 was organized last year by the Union of Advances Technology Enterprises, Karen Vardanyan education foundation, and Startup Armenia foundation.

The goal was to build a UAV airport and facility in Lernapat by November, but there have been changes in the plan, said a representative of Karen Vardanyan Foundation.

Question: What's the latest on the construction?

Answer: Originally, the facility was intended to be 800 m^2, but after this year's online UAV classes, we realized that the number of applicants would be much higher, so we decided to increase the size to 1,490 m^2. We had to go through a legal process to convert additional lands to be used for this purpose.

The construction process was also hindered by the strengthening of the dram against the dollar. We lost a lot of cash, so another fundraiser has been launched.

The construction of the first hall will finish soon. Everything should be ready by June 2023.

Question:' Is there support from the state?

Answer: Lori administration is helping with various issues but we haven't received financial assistance for the construction. The High-Tech Ministry assisted with the organization of the UAV competition last year. The Emergency Ministry and the American University of Armenia have been helping us since 2021.

The UAV competition was unprecedented with the number of participants and the quality. Other companies began offering financial assistance afterward.

The goal of the competition was to improve the efficiency of rescue operations with the use of drones.

Question: How did you choose the location of the airport? Why Lernapat?

Answer: We focus on tech education in provinces and plan to have a UAV center in Vanadzor. It will require an airport. Geographically, the most convenient was Lernanpat, which is 12-15km from Vanadzor and Spitak. The village roads are asphalted.

We must train UAV operators after the 2020 war. Teenagers must already know how to operate drones before being drafted. Every year we want to produce 500-700 conscripts ready for drones.

Question:' What type of drones are they making?

Answer: Our 120-meter runway can house winged and wingless drones. Six professional drone manufacturers took part in our competition. Last year the number of amateur producers was 5, this year: 15. We want to double it next year. School kids surprised us this year with their great results.

Question:' Are you cooperating with the army?

Answer: Defense Ministry representatives are present during competitions, but there is no thorough cooperation. Perhaps they are focused on professional drone companies, but we'd like to see more assistance from the Ministry.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/245784)

Armenian startup "Revalcon" has developed an irrigation management system to simplify farmers' life

It's obviously controlled by a mobile app remotely. The device coordinates drip irrigation schedules, monitors pumps and valves, saves water and power, and collects information from the field.

It's currently being used by farmers in Armenia, Artsakh, and Russia.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094505.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/gxe5hiMITfA?t=11)

construction begins for a $31 million farm, "likely the largest agricultural investment"

Representatives of Yeremyan Projects company, the Economy Ministry, and the EDB bank gathered in Tashir (Lori) to mark the launch of the construction project. It's going to be a 29-hectare farm with a livestock breeding complex.

Minister Kerobyan: Last year, when the company presented the investment idea, we launched negotiations with the bank and other partners to attract the funds. The modern farm will be ready in spring. It will significantly raise agricultural productivity and serve as an example for other farms.

This $31 million project is likely the largest investment project in agriculture. The 29-hectare complex will have farms for large cattle and pigs, slaughterhouses, fodder storage, dedicated land for fodder production, parking lot for agricultural equipment. The complex will use automated systems with international standards.

Company Director: This closed-cycle system will allow us to monitor every step of the process, and will help address issues relating to Armenia's food security.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094530.html)

Iranian Consulate has launched its activities in Kapan, Syunik: FM of Iran

Iranian FM: The new Consulate will boost the AM-IR economic relations and strengthen and North-South transit route. We will witness the expansion and deepening of the AM-IR relations in general.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094483.html)

20 people were accused of organizing an armed rebellion against Serj administration in 2015 | The verdict is in

In 2015, the NSS announced the uncovering of a 20-member armed group in the Nork-Marash district. The case became known as "Nork Armed Group". The authorities accused the ringleader and his men of planning to down Serj Sargsyan's jet in mid-air, and storming major government and court buildings.

Among the co-defendants were the former (1992-1999) deputy Defense Minister Vahan Shirkhanyan and a Catholic priest Anton Totonjyan. The trial began in 2016. The defendants denied wrongdoing.

Defendant Vahan Shirkhanyan has maintained innocence and was released pre-trial on the grounds of poor health in 2018, while the trial continued. Another defendant recently won a lawsuit against law enforcement agencies for violating his presumption of innocence and showing him semi-naked in a video.

... the verdict

Ringleader Arthur Vardanyan: guilty, 13 years.

Ex-Deputy MOD Shirkhanyan: acquitted of being a group member and illegal acquisition of weapons, guilty of providing assistance to the group. Sentenced to 6-years (3 already served) and qualifies for the 2018 mass amnesty.

About a dozen others were sentenced to 6-9 years.

Priest Anton Totonjyan was sentenced to 9 years but was given a suspended term.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094523.html) [source,](https://hetq.am/en/article/73344) [source,](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/p3ttdn/news_aug132021_trial_resumes_group_accused_of) [source,](https://factor.am/564836.html)

Supreme Judicial Council has another vacant seat after the resignation of a member

The SJC, which is tasked with punishing or protecting judges who face disciplinary action, is split 50/50 between judges (chosen by fellow judges) and legal experts (chosen by Parliament).

It was the Parliament's turn to appoint 2 members last week. They appointed (now-former) Justice Minister Andreasyan and the Deputy Minister.

Grigor Bekmezyan, a fellow SJC board member, did not agree with Andreasyan's appointment and resigned on Monday.

Minister Andreasyan, who has worked on legal reforms since 2021, has long complained about SJC [judges forming "cliques"](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xp05ix/sep262022_armenias_judicial_reforms_interview) to shield other judges during disciplinary hearings, regardless of the facts against the defendant judge. Andreasyan has vowed to serve as a counter-balance by casting his vote. The majority of SJC members later voted to appoint him as the president.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094553.html) [source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/10/Գրիգոր-Բեքմեզյանը-որոշել-է-դադարեցնել-ԲԴԽ-անդամի-լիազորությունները/811756)

COVID stats last week

9 deaths, 0.7k infected, 1.2k healed, 4.2k tested.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094500.html)

dogs... cute until they bite your fatass

Last week there were 65 dog bites in Yerevan: 17 by strays, 48 by home pets.

[source,](https://factor.am/564803.html)

Armenia's Physics Institute uses a particle accelerator that helps detect cancer in its early stages

The opening ceremony of the National Oncology Center's new "Palliative Service Clinic" took place on Saturday, on the 75th anniversary of the NOC. The NOC was removed from the privatization list in 2019 and transferred under the management of the Health Ministry.

Health Minister: The new Palliative Clinic will have 26 rooms, and a dedicated social-psychological team that will work with patients and their family members. The ֏306m funding for the construction came from NOC's savings.

Pashinyan: Today, being diagnosed with cancer is not a verdict and is often classified in the range of other common diseases, thanks to the advance of modern technologies. I am glad to see that we are able to gradually achieve this perception in Armenia as well. We must ensure the disease is discovered in its early stages.

We are close to making a highly important decision pertaining to the accelerator at the Physics Institute, which should help in the early diagnosis of cancer. //

The machine was acquired in 2019. It produces isotopes used for the early detection of cancer. The more recent developments are described [here](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094456.html) and [here](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=663339338394843). TLDR: The goal is to understand the right treatment strategy for each patient, so every treatment method won't be blindly tested on every patient to see which one works.

... state funding for oncology has significantly increased in recent years

Health Minister: In 2019 the NOC received 78% more in state subsidies to treat patients. This trend has continued over the past two years. Moreover, the paid services have increased by 55%, and the number of patients grew by 27%. The salary budget has doubled.

Today the NOC has 150 types of modern equipment. Its infrastructure problems have been resolved with the help of new facilities and the renovation of existing ones.

... 3 out of 4 cancer patients receive their treatment at NOC

NOC director: Within the next 2 years, we plan to be as competitive as similar clinics in developed countries, and these are not simply words. Over the past 3 years, we've been reforming the infrastructure and devices, retraining specialists, and introducing services. Our end goal is to have the necessary services so no patient will be forced to seek healthcare abroad. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094433.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094443.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094442.html) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/245700)

Healthy Lifestyle Campaign kickstarts in Gyumri

The Health Ministry, aided by schools and clinics, launched a campaign in Gyumri to promote a healthy lifestyle. Entertainment was mixed with propaganda to promote healthy choices.

Medical experts were invited to provide advice, while students cooked healthy food for the attendees. It's an event that will be held in 7 provinces of Armenia.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094453.html)

make Tsakhkadzor's main sports complex great again

Sports ministers of Russia and Belarus, as well as Olympics champions from CIS republics, were invited to Armenia's resort town of Tsakhkadzor to discuss the restoration of its Soviet-era sports infrastructure.

Armenia's Deputy Minister of Sport: The sports complex in Tsakhkadzor has trained hundreds of athletes who would later become Olympics champions. We want to organize an international forum and invite them and other prominent athletes.

Large-scale construction is underway at the complex to bring it to international standards. It'll be ready by May 2023. The new athletic arena will have conditions for all kinds of sports, while the skiers will have a special 6.8-kilometer asphalt to train with roller skates.

The boxing hall will be revamped with modern items.

The construction of 11 tennis courts - two of which will have audience tribunes, dressing rooms, and cafes - began in August and will finish in Q1 2023.

Our athletes will no longer be forced to train abroad. We hope to see better results in tournaments.

Russia's Sports Minister: We are working with Armenian colleagues to rebuild the complex. It will soon become a convenient place for Russian athletes who will travel to Armenia for training. We hope to restore the family spirit that once existed among the Soviet athletes. //

President Khachaturyan hosted the Ministers and discussed the ongoing renovations at the complex. The reconstruction agreement was reached during a recent meeting. Tsakhhkadzor is viewed as a suitable place for this type of activity thanks to its climate.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094396.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094436.html)

Armenia's Manuel Petrosyan wins the international ChessMood chess tournament in Tsakhkadzor

The young grandmaster finished the tournament with 7.5 out of 9 points. Iran's Amirreza Bala had equal points but was edged out by Manuel with tiebreaker stats.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094463.html)

the 4th Yerevan Open 2022 chess tournament kickstarts in capital

Hundreds of players from dozens of countries, including 22 grandmasters, are in the capital. Education Ministry and Yerevan Chess Federation chief Mkhitar Hayrapetyan want to turn it into a tradition and attract more international players.

Education Minister: There are 4 countries in the world that have been able to win Olympiads 3 or more times. Armenia is one of those countries. We are proud of Armenian champions Tigran Petrosyan, Garry Kasparov, Levon Aronian, Rafael Vahanyan (Team USSR), etc. //

The Top-20 players will receive cash. The winner gets $6400. (no, it has nothing to do with 64 squares on the chess board, you can blame the exchange rate)

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094549.html) [source,](https://www.fide.com/calendar/53170)

Armenia's Elina Danielyan is among the winners of the women's European Chess Club Cup

She played as part of the Austrian team called "Asvoe Pamhagen", which consisted of players from Armenia, Ukraine, and Poland.

[source,](https://www.europechess.org/novy-bor-chess-club-and-asvoe-pamhagen-win-european-club-cup-2022/) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094487.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094487.html)

Euro-2024

A lottery drawing was organized to form the groups for the qualifying stage of Euro-2024 soccer tournament. Group D will include Armenia, Turkey, Croatia, Wales, and Latvia.

Armenia's first match will be against Turkey on March 25, 2023.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094471.html) [source,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Euro_2024_qualifying)

Armenian world boxing champion Arthur Abraham is nominated for the International Boxing Hall of Fame

The IBF and WBO champion Abrahamyan (47-6) retired last year.

>We are very happy for Artur’s nomination. I think he has very big changes to be inducted. His closest opponent is Michael Nunn who has also been nominated. I will wait for Artur’s victory with my fingers crossed.

The international organization released the 2023 election ballots to the panel of voters on October 1st.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094499.html) [source,](https://en.armradio.am/2022/10/10/arthur-abraham-nominated-for-boxing-hall-of-fame/)

what the hell is this? (Gyumri being weird again)

Gyumri has a "Թարս ու շիտակ" museum that plays mind tricks on you. There are antique items attached to the ceiling, making it feel as if you are the one walking on the ceiling.

Museum Founder: We rented this house in really poor shape and with old furniture, and decided to turn it into a museum. The oldest item is a closet from 1896. The rest was either donated by relatives, or purchased. The two rooms are given the looks of the Alexandrapol and USSR periods.

The territory of this house and neighboring buildings belonged to the wealthy benefactor Ter-Martirosyan. He was given a special certificate by tsar Nikolas of Russia. You can see it on the arch.

The house, which was built in the 19th century, was given to various families during the Soviet era. We decided to clean it up and rearrange the interior while keeping the original items, without touching the exterior of the building.

It eventually turned into a museum, and today attracts many locals and tourists. //

[photoes and article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094464.html)

in case you missed

Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a 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/y0uzgu/oct102022_drone_airport_identities_of_jihadists/