2022 September 13

Daily news wrap-up

Sep/13/2022: Military aggression by Azerbaijan __ Statements by world powers; NATO and CSTO respond __ Pashinyan's speech in Parliament: context behind the attack, negotiations, army reforms __ Central Bank revises economic growth forecast
by ar_david_hh

---

18 minutes, 4393 words.

Armenia, a democracy, is under attack from petro-dictatorship Azerbaijan: Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian

Ohanian: Armenia — a democracy — is under attack from Azerbaijan (a petro-dictatorship). 100+ years after genocide (and a year after POTUS finally recognized it) — how will the USA respond this time?

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092405.html)

Azerbaijan shelled Armenian borders and nearby civilian settlements with artillery and drones

Context in [Monday news](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xcq1uk/sep122022_news_digest_from_armenia/).

01:00 am, MOD: Do not share footage showing Armenian troops and battles. It can provide valuable information to the adversary.

02:00 am, MOD: The intense fighting continues. The armed forces of Armenia are responding adequately.

02:41: Pashinyan and Putin spoke over the phone. The Premier called Azerbaijan's actions unacceptable and emphasized the importance of an adequate reaction from the international community.

02:45, French Senator Valerie Boyer: This is an attack on Armenia's sovereignty. A united and immediate international reaction is essential.

02:45, Human Rights Ombudsman: Azerbaijan has also targeted civilian infrastructure. They prepared this gross violation of the ceasefire agreement with manipulative statements over the past several days. The illegal attacks must stop. We have received reports about Azeri forces targeting an ambulance.

03:03, Freedom House: We are alarmed by reports of Azerbaijani Armed Forces intensively shelling the southern Armenian settlements. We call for an immediate ceasefire and urge both parties to find a peaceful resolution.

03:28: Pashinyan and Macron spoke over the phone. Macron called a further escalation of tensions unacceptable and stressed the need to defuse the situation.

04:18, MOD: Intense battles continue. The Azeri units took steps to advance their positions. The positional battles continue. The Armenian armed forces are fulfilling the combat tasks set before them.

04:23, U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff: Azerbaijan has reportedly shelled the homes of innocent civilians in Artsakh, and is now attacking Armenia's border. An egregious violation of the ceasefire and a direct attack on Armenia's sovereignty. The U.S. must halt all assistance to Azerbaijan - immediately and permanently.

04:33: The Security Council, headed by Premier Pashinyan and President Khachaturyan, has summoned a meeting to discuss the attack. It was decided to contact Russia to activate the AM-RU Mutual Assistance agreement, and to contact the CSTO and UN Security Council.

05:02: The Defense Ministry invited the military attachés of several states for a briefing.

05:20: FM Mirzoyan informed his Russian and American colleagues about the situation on the border.

05:30, MOD: The situation was the same as of 5:00 am. The opponent continues to use artillery, drones, and weapons of large caliber. Positional battles continue. Azerbaijani military-political leadership bears full responsibility for the outcome.

05:51: During a phone call with Pashinyan, U.S. Secretary Blinken expressed concern and readiness to help de-escalate the situation.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092267.html) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/674020/հրատապ․-ադրբեջանը-հրետակոծում-է-ջերմուկի-գորիսի-վարդենիսի-ուղղությամբ/) [source,](https://factor.am/553141.html) [source,](https://twitter.com/valerieboyer13/status/1569442047962259457) [source,](https://twitter.com/RenaudMuselier/status/1569435635211202560) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092273.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/p-q3IWJOBe4) [source,](https://factor.am/553165.html) [source,](https://factor.am/553123.html) [source,](https://twitter.com/freedomhouse/status/1569461778396123136) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092280.html) [source,](https://factor.am/553175.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092284.html) [source,](https://news.am/arm/news/719813.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092286.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/pxf1qOJReHw) [source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/09/13/Ադրբեջանական-կողմի-կրակոցներից-Ճակատենում-շտապօգնության-բրիգադը-չի-վնասվել-Առողջապահության-նախարարո/793899) [source,](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084022759287) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092288.html) [source,](https://factor.am/553186.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092291.html) [source,](https://www.reuters.com/world/us-urges-end-hostilities-along-armenia-azerbaijan-border-2022-09-13/) [source,](https://factor.am/553383.html)

3 civilians were wounded during last night's shelling

One of them is in a serious condition.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092336.html)

border villages were shelled

The situation was relatively calm in Vardenis as of 2:00 pm. It's been an hour since shots were heard. Nearby border village Sotk was also calmer; it was shelled at night.

Kut is also relatively calmer now but it's still dangerous to walk outside, said the mayor of the village that was shelled for 10 hours, including with heavy artillery.

[source,](https://factor.am/553475.html) [source,](https://factor.am/553605.html)

VIDEO: residents of Yerevan are packing food and essentials for residents of border villagers, mostly women and children, who were evacuated after the shelling

[source,](https://youtu.be/o25uuY-_HFQ?t=17)

footage showing the damage done to the civilian infrastructure

▶︎ In Sotk, the shelling damaged the municipality building, burned several houses, and damaged the roofs of several others. The town is calculating the damage.

▶︎ A fire broke out in Jermuk forests as a result of Azerbaijan's shelling.

▶︎ Children in several border villages are unable to attend school.

[source,](https://youtu.be/dYQ3ho6NYjo) [source,](https://factor.am/553285.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092304.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092308.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092408.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092407.html)

Artsakh Republic calls on the international community to refrain from untargeted statements

Artsakh Foreign Ministry: We strongly condemn the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of Armenia. These actions are a clear manifestation of Armenophobia, genocidal policy, and gross violation of international law and norms.

We call on the international community to strongly condemn the aggressive actions of Azerbaijan, refraining from amorphous and untargeted appeals and assessments, to take appropriate measures against the aggressor. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092317.html)

U.S. State Department responds to the aggression:

The United States is deeply concerned about reports of attacks along the AM-AZ border, including reported strikes against settlements and civilian infrastructure inside Armenia.

As we have long made clear, there can be no military solution to the conflict. We urge an end to any military hostilities immediately.

[source,](https://www.state.gov/calling-for-the-immediate-cessation-of-hostilities-between-armenia-and-azerbaijan/)

Iran's foreign ministry: any change in the Armenia-Azerbaijan border is unacceptable

"We are closely following the developments."

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092320.html)

Iran's Ayatollah Khomenei: Iran's connection with Armenia should not be jeopardized. Armenia's security is important for Iran.

Pashinyan and Iran's President Raisi held a phone conversation. The latter recalled Khomenei's earlier remarks stating that the war in South Caucasus is unacceptable and that Iran is closely following these developments. "Our position on the territorial integrity of states is clear. [...] The connection routes must be under the sovereignty of the states."

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092330.html)

Polish Chairmanship of the OSCE: the diplomatic progress must not be lost

Chairmanship: The escalation of military hostility at the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan needs to cease immediately. The progress achieved on the diplomatic path must not be squandered. We remain ready to assist in achieving a lasting solution.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092342.html)

U.S. Mission to OSCE: there is no military solution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh

Michael Carpenter: Hostilities along the AM-AZ border and reported strikes on civilian objects in Armenia are unacceptable and must stop immediately. There is no military solution to the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh; diplomacy must prevail.

[source,](https://twitter.com/USAmbOSCE/status/1569571214191902721)

EU's Toivo Klaar: the intense shelling must stop immediately

Klaar: The fighting along the AM-AZ border & the reported intense shelling need to stop immediately. The EU is in close contact with the sides to contribute to de-escalation.

[source,](https://twitter.com/ToivoKlaar/status/1569573312761630721)

EU's Charles Michel spoke with Pashinyan over the phone

Charles Michel was briefed about the situation. He said there is no alternative to peace and stability in the region and expressed readiness to help prevent further escalation.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092319.html)

NATO calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities on border

NATO rep.: Very concerned about attacks along the Armenia and Azerbaijan border, including reported strikes against settlements and civilian infrastructure inside Armenia. NATO calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent de-escalation.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092353.html)

ranking EU diplomat urges colleagues to condemn Azerbaijan directly, instead of using "both sides" language

European Parliament MP Marina Kaljurand, Chair of South Caucasus delegation: I strongly condemn last night’s large-scale military attack by Azerbaijan against multiple targets in the territory of Armenia.

Intensive artillery shelling and UAV attacks have been reported, targeting the Armenian provinces and leaving an as yet unknown number of casualties.

This new aggression follows Baku’s serious breaches of the ceasefire on the Nagorno Karabakh line of contact in March and August.

I call on the international community to meet this unacceptable use of force with an unequivocal response. This is not a time for toothless statements calling for restraint from “both sides”.

Only two weeks ago, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed in Brussels to start working on a draft peace treaty within a month. I urge Baku not to waste this historic opportunity and to return to the negotiating table without delay. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092350.html)

French delegates at European Parliament condemn Azerbaijan

MPs: We must condemn the criminal aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Armenia last night. France and Europe must urgently take action to prevent another war.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092366.html)

EU calls for forces to retreat to initial positions

EU's Joseph Borrell: It is imperative that the hostilities stop and that there is a return to the negotiating table. All forces should return to positions held prior to this escalation and the ceasefire should be fully respected.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092379.html)

U.S. Congressman Adam Schiff will introduce a resolution calling for Azerbaijan to immediately cease its attacks on Armenia and Artsakh

The resolution will also demand a full prohibition on US assistance to Azerbaijan.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092391.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092416.html)

U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken urges Ilham Aliyev to cease hostilities; "United States would push for an immediate halt to fighting"

Spokesman: Secretary of State Blinken spoke overnight with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to express deep concern over military action along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including shelling in Armenia.

Secretary Blinken urged President Aliyev to cease hostilities and stressed that the United States would push for an immediate halt to fighting and a peace settlement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092409.html)

India calls on the "aggressor" to immediately cease hostilities

Foreign Ministry of India: We have seen reports of attacks along the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, including targeting of civilian settlements and infrastructure. We call upon the aggressor side to immediately cease hostilities.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092396.html)

Cyprus condemned Azerbaijan's aggression

Foreign Ministry: We express deep concern regarding the escalation of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, following the assault unleashed by Azerbaijan against positions within the territory of Armenia.

We condemn the attack and call for respect for the Ceasefire Agreement of November 9, 2020. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092406.html)

OSCE Minsk Group's U.S. representative visits Baku to meet Aliyev

Philip Reeker met Aliyev to discuss the border situation.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092403.html)

OSCE Minsk Group's Russian representative visits Yerevan to meet Pashinyan

Pashinyan hosted Igor Khovayev and briefed him on the border aggression. They discussed AM-AZ relations and the resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092387.html)

defense ministry published a guide for journalists

It includes information on how to report from the border safely, what not to do or film, and the definition of commonly used military slang.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092323.html)

Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention condemns Azerbaijan's military aggression

Institute: We condemn the war of aggression that Azerbaijan is committing against the Republic of Armenia & Armenian people. Despite agreements for a ceasefire, Azerbaijan’s general rhetoric by its government indicates a continuous intent to destroy Armenian identity & territory.⁣

The current bombing of Armenia’s borders constitutes an international crime & must be condemned by the world. NATO, Russia, & Iran must each defend Armenian territory & pressure Azerbaijan & Turkey to end their genocidal assaults on the Armenian people.⁣

Military aid to these countries must stop, immediately. Turkey must cease their genocidal attacks on Armenia or be expelled from NATO.⁣

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092309.html)

[video](https://youtu.be/RCypI9xQ8DQ) showing a failed attack by Azerbaijan; troops retreat after sustaining casualties while marching on an open field

Armenian soldiers recorded how the adversary crossed the border and marched toward the Armenian positions. They were forced to retreat after sustaining casualties.

[source,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=643793177051267) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092310.html)

Moscow negotiated a ceasefire, confirms receiving Armenia's request for assistance

Moscow: We hope that the agreement to establish a ceasefire starting 10:00 am on the AM-AZ border will be implemented fully.

We call on the sides to refrain from further escalations, display restraint and strictly adhere to the ceasefire regime in accordance with trilateral statements of the leaders of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

We received an application from the leadership of Armenia requesting assistance in resolving the situation.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092343.html)

battles not as intense anymore, but Azerbaijan is still making attempts

MOD: As of 2:00 pm there is a significant decrease in the intensity of bombardment, but the adversary continues attempts to advance its positions toward Nerkin Hand, Verin Shorzha, Artanish, and Sotk. The Armenian detachments continue to fully carry out their combat objectives. [Similar message released at 6:00 pm. Azerbaijan was reportedly using special forces groups.]

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092356.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092397.html)

casualties

Azerbaijan officially reported losing 50 soldiers. "By judging from social media reports, most of them appear to be from special forces."

Armenia has at least 49 losses. According to the Gegharkunik governor, in the Gegharkunik front, the hospital in Martuni was treating 43 injured soldiers as of 4:00 pm.

Various officials reported the loss of several positions and the re-capturing of others. No details were provided.

Journalist Tatul Hakobyan visited the frontline village Sotk, where his son was deployed earlier to protect the borders. Hakobyan reported at 7:00 am that he could not reveal too many details or film the area, and added "Armenian army stands on the Armenian border".

[source,](https://factor.am/553799.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092420.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/nYaiMjeP8Mg)

Ukraine urges Armenia and Azerbaijan to find a diplomatic solution and respect territorial integrity

Ukraine's foreign ministry: We urge the parties to resolve the conflict diplomatically, in compliance with international law, particularly the respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states within their internationally recognized borders.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092375.html)

CSTO initiates a border conflict resolution mechanism upon Armenia's request

CSTO: Heavy fighting took place between Armenia and Azerbaijan with the use of heavy armaments and UAVs, resulting in deaths and injuries. This is unacceptable. Only diplomatic methods and the tripartite statements by leaders must be used for resolving disputes. //

Lukashenko suggested dispatching CSTO General Secretary to the border to prepare a report and analyze it with a new work group formed within the organization.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092347.html) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/674514/հապկ-նիստում-առաջարկվել-է-գլխավոր-քարտուղարին-գործուղել-հակամարտության-գոտի/)

French president urges Azerbaijan to respect Armenia's territorial integrity

Emmanuel Macron called for strict adherence to the ceasefire and respect for Armenia’s territorial integrity.

France will convey the situation to the UN Security Council, where it is currently presiding. The session is scheduled for tomorrow.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092385.html) [source,](https://factor.am/553818.html)

the parliament adopted a resolution addressing the border attack

Resolution: We condemn the attack and express our full support to the Armenian Armed Forces, and call on our countrymen, regardless of political views, to unite around our military.

Armenia is demanding the CSTO urgently take actions stemming from obligations assumed under the treaty to help preserve the territorial integrity of Armenia.

We appeal to Russia to swiftly implement obligations enshrined in bilateral treaties.

The international community must condemn Azerbaijan in a strong and targeted manner for this aggression, which is a violation of the UN Charter prohibiting the use of force against territorial integrity.

We expect from the UN Security Council an urgent discussion and action. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092355.html)

Pashinyan presented details and answered questions in Parliament

Pashinyan: Last night Azerbaijan launched an attack on Armenia in 4 directions, and later added 2-3 more directions. They claim it was a response to a "provocation" by Armenia, but that is a total lie. I will shortly present the context behind this attack.

The defense ministry has confirmed 49 deaths but that number is expected to rise once they confirm and verify the information. They don't report information unless it's verified.

Our soldiers fought heroically. Our sovereignty is built on their shoulders. As long as we have people like them, Armenia will have sovereignty. Armenia must be proud of its children.

The battles are not as intense anymore, but the attacks continue in 1-2 directions.

We summoned a Security Council meeting after the attack and made a decision to contact CSTO. We've also contacted Russia based on the 1997 Mutual Assitance agreement, and the UN Security Council.

At night I spoke with the heads of Russia, France, and Iran, and representatives of the US and EU.

[source,](https://youtu.be/N93TmjLifcc?t=4921)

Pashinyan presents the context behind Azerbaijan's aggression:

1) Nagorno Karabakh negotiation process.

In March 2022, Azerbaijan presented its 5-point document for peace. We responded positively, adding that it's necessary to supplement those 5 points with certain points that were missing. We agreed to use those principles to launch peace talks.

At first, it appeared we had an understanding, but especially during the latest Brussels meeting it became clear that Azerbaijan refuses to discuss the principles proposed by us, which include:

a) Upholding the tripartite agreements reached earlier.

b) Nagorno Karabakh people's security and rights, and a status for Nagorno Karabakh that stems from people's rights and securities.

Azerbaijan's response was that they don't want to discuss Nagorno Karabakh with Armenia, because the conflict is "resolved" or "it's an internal issue".

As we've stated before, Armenia has no territorial claims against Azerbaijan and we're ready to discuss mutual recognition of each other's territorial integrity. It doesn't end there, however, because certain things need clarification. What do we mean by "territorial integrity"? Will this include the Republic of Armenia territories that Azerbaijan occupied in the 1990s and May 2021? Azerbaijan did not give a clear response to this.

2) Azerbaijan expects Armenia to recognize Nagorno Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan.

If let's say these two issues are hypothetically addressed, does that means Azerbaijan will have no territorial claims against Armenia? During political discussions and statements, they officially claim that Azerbaijan will have no territorial claims, but when the discussions switch to border demarcation, it becomes clear that Azerbaijan intends to use the demarcation to raise certain issues based on their own illegal interpretations. Azeri politicians often talk about how even Yerevan and Syunik belong to Azerbaijan.

If those were just simple interviews and empty statements, we would have ignored them, but facts point to this being part of Azerbaijan's official policy.

As for the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, they claim the conflict no longer exists, therefore they have no reason to discuss it with Armenia, and that they can discuss it with international organizations and possibly with "Karabakh Armenian representatives within the Constitution of Azerbaijan", as they formulate.

3) Unblocking communication routes.

As you already know, Azerbaijan is distorting the Nov. 9 agreement to demand a "corridor" through Armenia. Our stance was/is that we don't plan to give a "corridor" to anyone, but we are not against unblocking roads passing through Armenia. That would even be beneficial for Armenia.

Every country in the region, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, must be able to use the unblocked roads in South Caucasus. That's what the Nov. 9 agreement states. As you already know, Russia's representative has confirmed that the agreement is for each state to maintain sovereignty over its roads.

4) Azerbaijan feels threatened by the strengthening of the Armenian army.

Azerbaijan has stated after the war that in the event they see that the Armenian army is "becoming dangerous" and gaining strength, they will conduct a "preemptive strike", even though we have repeatedly stated that the goal of our military reforms is not to occupy Azeri lands, but to defend our territorial integrity.

There is already a process to reform the Armenian army. Azerbaijan is attempting to hinder this process.

[source,](https://youtu.be/N93TmjLifcc?t=5331)

Pashinyan about the pro-Armenian parts of the 9 November 2020 ceasefire agreement:

Under the heavy psychological state in 2020, the Nov. 9 ceasefire agreement was presented by my critics very negatively within Armenia. It wasn't perfect, but it contains 3 extremely important institutional statements:

a) It records the existence of the "Nagorno Karabakh" subject, and Azerbaijan's signature is on that document.

b) Nagorno Karabakh has a border (LoC) with Azerbaijan, it has Russian peacekeepers whose role is to protect the LoC and the people who live within the borders.

c) There is a Lachin corridor that guarantees a connection between Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. Azerbaijan has no right to decide who gets to enter Nagorno Karabakh through this corridor.

[source,](https://youtu.be/N93TmjLifcc?t=6219)

Pashinyan about Armenia's economy and the Peace Agenda:

Despite the global challenges, Armenia has seen economic successes. A few days ago the international [Economic Freedom Index was published](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xa6l2u/sep92022_armenia_overtakes_georgia_in_fraser/), placing Armenia #11 among the 165 countries.

Another goal of Azerbaijan's aggression is to break Armenia's economic development. A better economy means a stronger country.

Armenia will develop rapidly under peaceful conditions. This is why we have adopted the Peace Agenda, and this is why Azerbaijan is against it. So when both Armenia and Azerbaijan publicly claim they want peace, you can guess which one is being dishonest about it.

Armenia must continue with the efforts to achieve peace in the region. We must develop our armed forces and strengthen our sovereignty.

Besides strengthening our army, we must also clarify the mechanism and obligations within the framework of the security agreements with our partners.

[source,](https://youtu.be/N93TmjLifcc?t=6491)

Pashinyan: certain countries don't want Armenia to acquire weapons from others

MP: Is there a country that's against Armenia purchasing weapons for self-defense? The emphasis is on weapons specifically for defense. This aggression will last a while so we are required to defend ourselves. This must be done simultaneously with peace talks.

Pashinyan: We must have a cold and direct conversation today. Normally I would refrain from saying this, but I will be maximally transparent today.

At first, we must recognize that our will to defend ourselves is very important. As for weapons acquisition, this topic consists of 4 components: financial, political, technical, and transport.

a) Financial. We have the necessary financial resources to acquire weapons. That's what I meant while discussing Armenia's recent favorable economic stats.

b) Political. Obviously not every country is ready to sell weapons to Armenia, but some are ready, while others are not ready to accept the fact that Armenia can buy a weapon from a state that's willing to sell the weapon. This "lack of readiness" by them has security ramifications.

c) Technical. Certain countries [likely refers to Russia] want to sell weapons to Armenia, but they don't have the necessary arsenal. Their defense industry is fully booked for the years to come, including for internal consumption. Besides that, they don't want to lose the international market so they want to fulfill their obligations first.

d) Transport. Armenia has no sea access and cannot simply import weapons after paying for them. Very often the transport issues are equally or worse than the other aforementioned issues, for objective and subjective reasons.

Does Armenia have the financial means to acquire weapons? Yes, we do.

Do we work on overcoming the political challenges? Day and night, without exaggeration.

[source,](https://youtu.be/N93TmjLifcc?t=7099)

has Azerbaijan presented any evidence of the so-called "provocation" by Armenia?

MP: Azerbaijan was making false allegations before the attack. Have they provided any evidence, even a falsified one, that it was Armenia who provoked this? After all, they have high-tech and surveillance drones with cameras. Has the international community demanded for Azerbaijan provide evidence?

Pashinyan: Azerbaijan has always publicly admitted that they have an aggressive policy and plan to use force. Last year we proposed the mirrored withdrawal of troops from certain regions, but they rejected it. We also proposed for CSTO to send a monitoring mission on the AM-AZ border.

Pashinyan about the value of a "peace agreement"

We will not sign a peace agreement that's in name only. A compromise does not always lead to peace. Just because we sign something that doesn't mean there will be actual peace.

Let's say we recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. Will Azerbaijan return the territories it occupied in 2021 and 1990s? Let's say we demarcate borders and sign a peace agreement. Who will guarantee there won't be similar border aggression? An agreement without guarantees is just a paper.

A peace agreement must be accompanied by conditions that ensure the peaceful co-existence of peoples of this region.

There are plenty of historical examples of when "peace" agreements were signed, followed by wars. Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is one of them. We don't need one like that because it's not a true peace agreement.

After the 2020 war, I received a barrage of criticism about "what have you done to stop the war", yet not once have I been asked "what have you done to win the war".

[source,](https://youtu.be/N93TmjLifcc?t=8160)

Pashinyan about military reforms

MP: Are we investing enough to develop our military-industrial complex?

Pashinyan: This may sound strange but I don't always know which information has been published so far. One of the latest reforms envisages a raise for soldiers, not by 20%-30%, but by 3x.

This year we raised the science funding by 83%. In 2019-2020 we doubled the funding for the military industry.

Having proper institutions is an important component. You can fund a loose group of engineers but achieve no results due to a lack of institutional processes. This is why the state requires manufacturers to pass through various stages.

Today, the funding provided by the government is more than our military industry can absorb. Anyone who tells you otherwise is misleading you. "Absorb" includes passing through quality checks and going through certain procedures. Science is not a construction project to tell them "start now and finish next year". Even if the researchers fail to achieve the outcome, they gain valuable knowledge and experience that can be used elsewhere in the future.

MP: Regarding army reforms. I've had the opportunity to meet many officers and they reported already feeling the results of certain reforms. I think the worthy response given by our soldiers last night is a testament.

Pashinyan: Continuing on salaries. In 2019 we gave a significant raise to our servicemen. In 2020 we doubled and tripled the salary for certain titles. This is a continuous policy. But the problem is that it takes over 2 years to reform the army. It requires many years. The most important thing is to have a plan.

That plan has to take into account the geopolitical developments happening on the global scale. We know where to start and where to end, but choosing the path is what's complicated. //

[source,](https://youtu.be/N93TmjLifcc?t=9220)

Central Bank revises economic outlook, now expects a whopping 12.9% growth in 2022

The previous estimate was 4.9%. They raised it during today's session. It's primarily due to demand, services, and massive changes in the industry and construction.

The downside is that the high demand is raising the price of food and services.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092376.html)

Central Bank raises the refinancing rate by 0.5% to 10%

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092331.html)

Yerevan municipality allocates ֏663m to purchase another 15 brand new buses as part of public transport reforms

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/243937)

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/xdigh2/sep132022_military_aggression_by_azerbaijan/