2022 September 14

Daily news wrap-up

Sep/14/2022: __ Western officials call for sanctions against Azerbaijan; "don't buy gas" __ Armenia wants to become transit state for Turkmen gas __ CSTO session __ Pashinyan's speech in Parliament: context of Azerbaijan's attack, opens a secret, reveals losses, army reforms, "corridor", and more
by ar_david_hh

---

22 minutes, 5518 words.

Перевод на Русский

https://www.reddit.com/r/ArmDailyReports_RUS_/

U.S. urges Russia to use its influence in South Caucasus to end hostilities

State Department spokesman: Secretary Blinken has been personally engaged to end the hostilities. He put out a statement within hours, calling for an immediate cessation of violence. He was on the phone until after 1:00 a.m. Eastern with the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Blinken urged President Aliyev to cease hostilities immediately, to disengage military forces, and to work to resolve all outstanding issues.

Reporter: Russia tried to broker a ceasefire but it didn't work. The US and Russia sent their representatives to meet with the sides almost simultaneously. Are you coordinating with Russia?

Spokesman: We have called upon all countries in the region to use their influence constructively. This escalation is not in anyone's interest. Russia has outsized influence with both sides, and we have called Russia, and we do call on Russia to use that influence and leverage to end the hostilities.

U.S. does not accept Azerbaijan's claims that the hostilities began after a "provocation" by Armenia

Pro-Azeri reporter: It began after Armenians conducted sporadic artillery attacks cross-border. At the same time, Blinken adopted a one-sided approach by urging only Azerbaijan's Aliyev to end the hostilities. Can the U.S. contribute to peace if it adopts a one-sided approach?

State Dept.: Rather than assigning blame, we recognize that there is unlikely to be one proximate cause. The hostilities should end. The fact is that we have seen significant evidence of Azerbaijani shelling inside Armenia, and significant damage to Armenian infrastructure, but right now our focus is on achieving that cessation of hostilities.

[source,](https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-september-13-2022/) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092440.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092440.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092441.html)

ranking European Parliament officials condemn Azerbaijan's aggression, call for Azeri troops to withdraw from Armenia

The head of the European Parliament's Committee of Foreign Relations, joined by rapporteurs on Armenia and Azerbaijan, issued a statement.

Statement: We condemn in the strongest possible terms the large-scale military confrontations on the border and in the sovereign territory of Armenia.

We particularly urge Azerbaijan to stop immediately its offensive, to move back its troops to their initial positions, and to fully respect the territorial integrity of Armenia.

The reported attacks on civilian population centers and infrastructure are totally unacceptable. Any steps that could lead to further escalation should be avoided at all cost.

There is a historical opportunity to achieve a durable and sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan and it should not be wasted. //

[source,](https://www.1lurer.am/en/2022/09/14/Members-of-European-Parliament-urge-Azerbaijan-to-stop-offensive-against-Armenia/794873) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092442.html)

Italian lawmakers condemn Azerbaijan's military aggression

MPs from both chambers: The aggression is taking place clearly in the sovereign territory of Armenia. The international community must openly condemn the aggressor.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092499.html)

Argentine lawmakers express solidarity to Armenia

MPs from Committee of Foreign Relations: We express solidarity to you regarding the aggression committed by the Azerbaijani armed forces against the sovereign territory of your country.

We, members of the committee, being representatives of different political forces of our country, urge the immediate cessation of the aggression against the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia, and to call for respect of international law.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092455.html)

British lawmakers call for sanctions against Azerbaijan, and for UN Sec. Con. to take steps

MPs, led by Tim Loughton: Azerbaijan has attacked the sovereign territory of Armenia, including civilian infrastructure.

These attacks are not targeted on the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region but on internationally recognised sovereign boundaries of Armenia itself and were entirely unprovoked and without justification.

We express our strongest condemnation of the Azerbaijan regime for this latest act of violence and extend our deep concern for the victims and their families.

These acts of aggression and war crimes have clearly been timed to take advantage of the world’s attention to Ukraine and the widespread mourning for the death of Queen Elizabeth, and such aggressive opportunism needs to be condemned in the strongest terms and met with a robust response.

We request the UK Government to join other nations in demanding an immediate end to the Azerbaijan aggression and bring forward sanctions for as long as it continues its unjustified actions.

We also ask the UK Government to support the request to the United Nations to consider the matter in an emergency session and put its weight behind an ending of this hostile action.

The Azerbaijan regime still needs to be held properly accountable for its war crimes committed against Armenia and the people of Nagorno-Karabakh a couple of years ago.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092462.html)

European Parliament MPs accuse Azerbaijan of violating UN Charter, call for sanctions

Group of MPs to Josep Borrell: This unprovoked and unjustified aggression against the sovereign territory of Armenia is yet another flagrant violation by Azerbaijan of the Charter of the United Nations, the Helsinki Final Act, and the Trilateral Statement of 9 November 2020.

In light of Azerbaijan’s clearly pre-planned and premeditated aggression, there is an urgent need for the EU to take decisive actions to immediately stop Azerbaijan’s aggression.

We consider that the EU should have an urgent, multi-level intervention and make sure that it will not be repeated, through an effective sanctions mechanism. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092474.html)

European Parliament MPs: we should not buy gas from Azerbaijan

A group of MPs: The EU recently signed an agreement with Azerbaijan to double the import of gas, as a means to reduce reliance on Russia. We cannot shut down nuclear plants and simultaneously import more gas from Azerbaijan's criminal regime.

[source,](https://factor.am/554237.html)

Kim Kardashian raised awareness about the military aggression by Azerbaijan

[Instagram post.](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092470.html)

Azerbaijan attacked in the direction of Jermuk and Verin Shorzha in the morning

Defense Ministry: Artillery, mortars, and drones are being used, despite the calls by the international community to end the hostilities. The Armenian soldiers are taking adequate retaliatory steps and continue to fully fulfill the combat tasks.

Despite our numerous calls, there are instances when people and media outlets circulate the area of hostilities, thus helping the adversary understand the accuracy of their strikes. Do not endanger lives by sharing materials.

Beware that Azerbaijan is often circulating fabricated and old footage from the 2020 war. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092446.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092466.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092475.html)

civilian settlements were targeted; thousands evacuated

▶︎ A house and an adjacent barn in Sotk. [photo,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092468.html)

▶︎ Sotk town hall was damaged. [Photos,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092522.html)

▶︎ Dozens of apartments were damaged in Sotk, Kut, and Norabak. [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092536.html)

▶︎ Border town Jermuk was shelled. Vehicles and infrastructure were hit. Some of the residents have evacuated. The residents organized self-defense units and offered their support to border guards. [Photo,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092483.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092477.html)

▶︎ Photos showing damage to civilian infrastructure. [Photo,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092538.html)

▶︎ Roads and civilian buildings were targeted in various locations. [Photo/video](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092485.html)

▶︎ The government has urged volunteers not to gather supplies for hospitals and borders without first coordinating with MOD because the transfer and reception process by individuals is often disorganized and wastes time. The state is already supplying them with the necessary items, reads the statement. [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092480.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk)

▶︎ 4 civilians have been wounded, and 2570 evacuated from their settlements.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092485.html)

Azerbaijan targeted a group of international and Armenian journalists in Sotk

The reporters were near the border village at the time of the shelling.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092539.html)

EU and OSCE sent representatives to Baku and Armenia

EU's Toivo Klaar met Aliyev in Baku and urged him to de-escalate the situation.

OSCE Minsk Group's Russian representative Khovayev met Armenia's Security Council chief Grigoryan in Yerevan. They spoke about the borders and the normalization of relations between AM-AZ.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092491.html)

the region cannot afford another war: Iran to Azerbaijan

Iranian FM Abdollahian: We are closely following the events. We always attach special importance to the preservation of territorial integrity of countries, including Azerbaijan and Armenia, and think that the border between Iran and Armenia is a historical path of communication that must be maintained without any changes. The region cannot allow one more war.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092535.html)

Moscow says steps are being taken to deescalate the situation, accuses the West of attempting to "steal" South Caucasus from them

Russia's foreign ministry: We are taking steps to contribute to a maximally swift resolution of the situation.

Russia's foreign ministry: The EU is attempting to sideline Russia from the South Caucasus. Brussels is trying to interfere in our trilateral works with Armenia and Azerbaijan.

It is noteworthy that Brussels became active in the South Caucasus on the backdrop of the West’s sanctions against Russia and the suspension of joint work in the OSCE Minsk Group. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092445.html)

Azerbaijan attacks the Russian border guards stationed on the AM-AZ border

Azerbaijan shelled the deployment facility of Russian Border Guards stationed in Armenia’s Gegharkunik Province. Photos were circulated on social media showing the damaged building and vehicle. The crew was forced to leave the facility immediately.

In another location, an unverified video was taken yesterday allegedly showing Azeri soldiers using a facility abandoned by Russian border guards.

[source,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2352791258218098) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092484.html) [source,](https://mamul.am/am/news/248469)

the tension definitely remains: Putin's spokesman

Dmitry Peskov: The tension on the AM-AZ border definitely remains. You know that yesterday it was decided to send a CSTO mission led by Secretary General Stanislav Zas. They will present a report to the leaders of the countries which will be studied. They haven't yet reached the zone of escalation; the decision was made yesterday late in the evening.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092488.html)

statements by the international community were targeted directly at Azerbaijan: Foreign Minister Mirzoyan

MP Vigen Khachatryan: The West has directly accused Azerbaijan of aggression, while the CSTO's response to Armenia's petition is unclear. Moreover, a Russian TV channel has claimed that CSTO forces have refused to support Armenia. Can you clarify?

FM Mirzoyan: The international response was, indeed, quite targeted. Certain states and organizations could have done better, but nevertheless, diplomatic work has been done in this area.

As for CSTO, they will send an observation mission, likely tomorrow [CSTO later said it will be next week]. The rest is being discussed. We believe our petition was properly discussed at CSTO.

MP Vigen Khachatryan: Unlike in 2020, this time we can feel diplomatic support from the international community, and I'd like to thank you for your efforts as Foreign Minister. Considering the peculiarities of Russia, I'm starting to think that CSTO's refusal to assist is perhaps a good thing.

FM Mirzoyan: I have the right not to agree with you by 100%. Again, the CSTO's response is unprecedented. This is the first time they will send a mission like this.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RIdKVR64lk) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092530.html)

I am ready to sign any document that will protect the sovereignty of Armenia: Pashinyan

During the parliament speech, Pashinyan said he won't hesitate to sign documents that ensure lasting peace and security for Armenia, even if it's at the cost of his career and more "treason" accusations.

Pashinyan on Facebook: [My words](https://youtu.be/VmamhB3v8cs) were twisted again to claim I'm planning to sign a "treacherous" document soon, or I have already signed it. There is no "document" on the table, no "document" is being prepared, and there will be no "document" in the foreseeable future.

Certain people with Armenian last names have joined Azerbaijani propaganda to circulate false claims in order to weaken the morale of our soldiers. This deserves a response.

Azerbaijan had earlier offered a 5-point proposal. There is nothing unacceptable in it, but it doesn't address the issue of Nagorno Karabakh Armenians' rights and the status stemming from it.

We will not give any corridor to Azerbaijan. Armenia's territorial integrity is the red line.

If we see there is a solution - flawed but still a solution - that will protect Armenia's interests at the cost of my career, I will go for it. That's what I said today. My job is not to say things that sound sweet to your ears. //

[source,](https://www.facebook.com/nikol.pashinyan/) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092546.html) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/244058)

Pashinyan about Azerbaijan's border claims and maps

MP Papoyan: Tell us about the border demarcation process.

Pashinyan: First of all, the notion that we need to demarcate to "create" an AM-AZ border is false, because the border already exists, and it was officially and internationally recognized after the fall of the USSR. So Azerbaijan is, in fact, violating Armenia's official state borders.

The proposed demarcation works need to be conducted with the use of maps that have a legal background. Anyone can draw the map of their dream and present it as a map, but it is just an art piece if it wasn't an outcome of legal processes. If Azerbaijan claims we should use pre-USSR maps, then can we go back to the times when Azerbaijan did not exist?

If Azerbaijan does not recognize the Soviet maps, and since Nagorno Karabakh was within Soviet Azerbaijan during USSR, does that mean Azerbaijan does not recognize Nagorno Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan today?

This is an important topic because it also affects Azerbaijan's borders with Georgia, Russia, and Iran. If Azerbaijan doesn't recognize the Soviet-era Armenia borders, then do they recognize their border with Iran?

[source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=905)

casualties; how much land were lost; Article 4 of CSTO

MP: Can you update us on casualties and losses?

Pashinyan: Yesterday I informed you about 49 losses and stated that it wasn't the final figure because the MOD has to verify first before reporting. As of today, they have verified 105 losses on our side.

Azerbaijan has invaded certain territories, which is why we have contacted the CSTO. Had Azeris not captured territories, we would not have contacted CSTO. We initiated Article 4: aggression on one member is aggression on everyone.

We've requested military assistance from CSTO to restore the territorial integrity of Armenia and remove Azeri forces from our territories. This includes the lands they invaded in 2021. The aggressor must leave all of our territories.

We are satisfied that CSTO held a session on Tuesday. We believe there was an honest discussion, and the minimum necessary steps have been taken for this phase.

We have also contacted our Western partners, and they will soon raise the issue in the UN Security Council.

MP: What about territorial losses?

Pashinyan: Last year Azerbaijan invaded 40 km^2. This year they've invaded another 10 km^2. We will not accept this aggression. They must leave.

[source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=1609) [source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=5460)

is there a need for martial law?

MP: Some of our citizens are calling for martial law and mobilization, while others claim that if you declare martial law, it will only be because you don't want [ARF Ishkhan Saghatelyan] to launch an impeachment process against you.

Pashinyan: The resolution to declare martial law has been on my table since yesterday, and we've been analyzing the situation with the Security Council and others. If martial law has not been declared that's because we need to take into account its effectiveness at this time, and the downsides associated with its impact on certain other processes. That doesn't mean it won't be declared tomorrow. The situation is being analyzed multiple times a day.

[source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=2247)

Pashinyan: it is necessary more than ever to pull back troops on both sides of the state border and install a monitoring mission

Pashinyan: Last year we proposed a mirrored withdrawal of forces, and these latest events are proof that the withdrawal and the installation of an international monitoring mission are necessary more than ever.

During yesterday's CSTO mission they discussed the formation of an international group that will monitor the ceasefire. We must continue to pursue this strategy. We will use every diplomatic tool to restore our territorial integrity.

Yesterday's CSTO meeting was very important because several member-states expressed views that reflect ours. //

[source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=3421)

Question: What steps were undertaken to strengthen the army and win the war?

Pashinyan: Immediately after becoming Prime Minister in 2018, I adopted the principle "everything for the army". Not once has my administration rejected a request from the military for a financial allocation. The acquisition of Su-30 jets is the perfect example.

Moreover. The military gave me a list of weapons to be acquired within a decade, worth $12 billion. They were surprised when I agreed. They wondered if I could find the resources, and I told them yes.

Today we have generals with big mouths talking trash after the war. Their primary goal, on the very first seconds of the war on September 27, was to desert as soon as possible. This is all being uncovered now with detailed facts and criminal investigations.

I learned about a shortage of helmets and bulletproof vests only after the war had begun. Certain generals claim it was "written there". It was written on one of the back pages of a 100-page document that the Prime Minister does not read. Whatever they requested from me was granted to them: millions for artillery shells, $100 million for jets, ֏15 billion for food, etc. And today, people who received those funds are in jail, because it turns out they embezzled the funds by delivering old and dysfunctional weapons instead of buying new ones.

[source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=3659)

Pashinyan unloads on former National Security Services agents, accuses them of spying for other states and allowing Azeris to recruit spies within Armenia

MP: I don't think we were strict enough towards people who helped the enemy during the war by spreading rumors such as "the government has sold these lands, just leave the positions". Shouldn't we be stricter against this?

Pashinyan: We were strict enough. The problem is our institutions are not sufficiently developed. There are people whom I had instructed to be "strict". They were later fired. Today they are on the streets. Some of them formed a "Union of National Security Services Officers". How do you even have the audacity to show your face on the street? Half of the country was a spy while you managed the agency. There was no "national security" under your tenure. You are simply a brigade of khopanchi. You should be investigated by NSS today to find out how many countries you've spied for.

[source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=5033)

we noticed the increase in the number of Turkish cargo planes flying to Azerbaijan before the aggression: Foreign Ministery Mirzoyan

FM Mirzoyan during a meeting with foreign diplomats: Azerbaijan has been making militaristic threats in recent months. You know this region very well, and how Azerbaijan operates.

Beginning on September 2, every day their Defense Ministry published false statements accusing Armenia of provocations. At the same time, we received reports about cargo jets flying from Turkey to Azerbaijan.

On September 5-9, Turkey and Azerbaijan conducted joint training.

On September 10, their army command ordered troops to "be prepared" for action. They also took steps to secure medical assistance for his soldiers on the border. This was all done before the 2020 war as well.

Mirzoyyan gives context:

During the August 31 meeting in Brussels, Aliyev made it clear he doesn't plan to discuss the Nagorno Karabakh conflict with Armenia, because he claims the "conflict is resolved" and that Nagorno Karabakh is an "internal" issue and must be regulated per Azerbaijani constitution.

Obviously, this is unacceptable for us. It doesn't resemble a will to negotiate around the conflict.

Azerbaijan is also attempting to gain an extraterritorial corridor. We've stated repeatedly that we will only give them access via a road after reaching an agreement around the legal regulations of the transit, which should respect the sovereignty of Armenia.

Azerbaijan has violated the UN Charter and Helsinki Act by unleashing aggression. This was enabled by the international community's lack of targeted statements and direct condemnation after Azerbaijan's similar aggression in May 2021. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092533.html)

Question: What is Azerbaijan pursuing with this aggression?

Pashinyan: You may find this very strange, but Azerbaijan is unsatisfied with the outcome of the 2020 war. Obviously, I can't disclose many details, but you must understand that no matter how unhappy Armenians are about the 9 Nov. 2020 tripartite statement, it has certain favorable articles for us, and Azerbaijan has been attempting to "archive" this document after the war. What do they not like about the tripartite statement?

1) The "Nagorno Karabakh" exists.

2) Nagorno Karabakh has a line of contact, the protection of which is guaranteed by peacekeepers from Russia,

3) We have a Lachin corridor that guarantees a connection between Armenia and Artsakh, and it's protected by peacekeepers.

Azerbaijan is fighting against these three today. We can feel this based on the negotiations during tripartite meetings.

[source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=2670)

Question: Are there countries, other than Turkey and Azerbaijan, that want a sovereign corridor for Azerbaijan via Armenia?

Pashinyan: We should not care what "others" think about a "corridor". We are not going to give them a "corridor". Period. We won't give one.

Second, we have an agreement with our allies and the international community, that there won't be a "corridor". There is not a single country that discusses a "corridor" with us behind closed doors. If anyone tries, we will interrupt that discussion. What "corridor"? Who made up this "corridor"? Where is it written "corridor"?

If you are literate, read the November 9 statement and find the word "corridor" in it. Actually, there is a mention of a corridor, which is the "Lachin corridor" connecting Armenia to Nagorno Karabakh, under the control of peacekeepers.

Regarding the implementation of paragraph 9 of the Nov. 9 statement [unblocking roads], a new follow-up statement was signed on 11 January 2021, which clearly explains what the Nov. 9 statement's paragraph 9 truly means.

... Pashinyan opens a secret

As we've stated before, we are ready to allow Azerbaijan to use our roads to connect to Nakhijevan. Armenia itself would greatly benefit from the unblocking of regional communications.

I will open a secret. We've introduced a new package. I personally handed it over to Ilham Aliyev in Brussels. The moment they accept it, the moment we will implement it without delay. //

[source,](https://youtu.be/0RIdKVR64lk?t=3042)

commentary by a pro-Western analyst about Azerbaijan's goals

Armen Chibukhchyan: Azerbaijan does not truly care about the rest of Artsakh - they need a corridor via Syunik. Aliyev understands very well that once the blockade is lifted, Armenia will gain new and powerful opportunities, allowing it to become more powerful and more politically important than Azerbaijan, within 15-20 years.

Azerbaijan is negotiating with Iran for the North-South trade route to pass through Azerbaijan and not Armenia, and unfortunately, they have China's backing. On the other hand, Iran has a consensus with India, supported by the West; they want the North-South to pass through Armenia.

Aliyev does not have the political strength to invade another country and keep it. He understands that sooner or later he will be forced to return the stolen, and he will be declared an aggressor by UN resolutions.

Aliyev's goal now is to break Armenia's will and force it to voluntarily give a Syunik "corridor" for legally unobstructed transfers. Russia and Azerbaijan both want Armenia to lose its sovereignty. They will share things, come up with ideas like a "union with Russia", or whatever, but this will all be temporary because Russia's fate is sealed in Ukraine.

Aliyev understands that if Armenia doesn't break now, he will lose over 80% of the gains achieved by the 2020 war. He knows that the Nagorno Karabakh process will reach the OSCE Minsk Group, which the West is openly pushing for today. Once under the Minsk Group, Aliyev won't be able to ignore Nagorno Karabakh Armenians' rights and their status. Moreover, those negotiations can last 15-20 years, during which Armenia will regain enough strength to truly defend Artsakh.

In 15-20 years Armenia should be part of the Western bloc and form a democratic axis with Ukraine and Georgia. It is becoming clear now that tomorrow Iran will export oil and gas to Europe via Ukraine, and it should be done via Armenia.

Azerbaijan understands this and tries to extort as much as possible while it can. Ukraine already understands who Aliyev, Azerbaijan, and Turkey truly are, despite those "Bayraktars" and supportive messages. I have given dozens of interviews to Ukrainian outlets. While at first I felt constrained to criticize Azerbaijan in front of Ukrainians, today they understand it themselves and approach Turkey-Azerbaijan with suspicion.

Moreover, Ukraine understands this because the West is explaining to them who Turkey and Azerbaijan really are, and who Ukraine's allies will be in the future. [explanation further below]

Last year when Azerbaijan began negotiating with Iran to build a road to Nakhijevan, bypassing Syunik, I warned you not to cheer yet, because they would still demand a "corridor" from Armenia.

Aliyev understands that if he doesn't gain the corridor now, even if he takes all of Karabakh today, in 15 years Armenia will use the aforementioned trade route with Iran to gain strength and liberate Karabakh. This is why Azerbaijan and Russia are working together to take the corridor from Armenia.

Aliyev doesn't need Stepanakert. That's why he gave it to Russia during the war, in exchange for something else: Russia gets Karabakh, Azerbaijan gets southern Syunik corridor.

Now we have even more indicators that this theory is true. Why do you think Tatar Rubo moved to Karabakh not long ago? [Tatar Rubo = Ruben Vardanyan, a Kremlin-linked Russian-Armenian billionaire, philanthropist, benefactor, earlier this year suggested that if all else fails Armenia should join Russia and become a province like Tatarstan, hence the nickname "Tatar Rubo".]

Explain why Putin's purse Rubo is in Karabakh today. Have you researched his background? By the way, there are reports that Rubo is a co-owner of Kamaz factory, which has launched a service center in Karabakh territories occupied by Azerbaijan. Russia would gladly give southern Syunik to Azerbaijan, and appoint Rubo as the leader of Karabakh. Is there a better candidate than him?

It won't matter if Armenia recognizes Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. That's not going to stop Azerbaijan. They want southern Syunik. Forget about everything else. Aliyev is scared to death about Armenia's prospects if it's allowed to develop peacefully, especially if it becomes a Western ally. Azerbaijan will lose Artsakh in 20 years if they don't bring Armenia to its knees by getting the corridor today.

When in May 2021 Pashinyan threatened Russia that he would appeal to others, I told him that it was a pointless threat, because Russia would not sell him any weapons because of Azerbaijan. Russia was not held back by "Ukraine war" in 2021. The geopolitics crumbled in 2020 in Nagorno Karabakh, not in 2022 in Ukraine, and the West is going to punish Turkey and Azerbaijan for that, because the two have conspired with Russia around "3+3" and other things to kick the West out of the Caucasus.

Do you think it is a coincidence that the West demonstratively disagrees with Azerbaijan about the conflict being resolved? Coincidence that the U.S. has appointed Philip Reeker and is actively pushing to resume the Minsk Group? Coincidence that the U.S. and French ambassadors refused to visit the occupied Shushi? The West remembers very well how Aliyev broke the world order.

Turkey is playing a double game in the Ukraine conflict. They don't want Russia to swallow Ukraine, but they don't want Ukraine to fully defeat Russia, either. Turkey is only now beginning to realize that Ukraine could eventually become a significant power and compete against them in the Black Sea and Caucasus [presumably via energy links]. This is why Turkey is also assisting Russia now [economically, anti-sanctions]. Putin wants to give the Syunik corridor to Azerbaijan, so Russia can trade with its new buddy Turkey freely and unobstructed.

Pashinyan is unable to explain that to the Armenian public. Does he feel constrained? Why is Pashinyan still trying to appease Putin, and why did he not contact the UN Security Council earlier - during last year's invasion?

Russia's fate is sealed. It is no different than Hitler's Germany today. Even China is keeping a distance. Russia will be defeated in Ukraine, and will lose influence across the world eventually, followed by an internal implosion, and efforts by the West to de-nuclearize it. It's over. Why do we still have people who cling to Russia? How many troops does Russia have in its Armenian military base today? They went and died in Ukraine. They withdrew the weapons. What is the point of keeping the base?

Pashinyan [stated today](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xdigh2/sep132022_military_aggression_by_azerbaijan/) that manufacturing weapons is difficult, even if the government provides sufficient funding. That is correct. Everyone cheers on the drones made in Armenia. It's all bullshit. Forget about pro-Russia Armenia being able to produce quality weapons. Bayraktars are Bayraktars because they use dozens of Western components that Armenia cannot obtain today. No matter what illusion Russians try to instill, they are absolutely scared of Bayraktars in Ukraine. While under sanctions by several states, they [Turkey] rely on engines made in Ukraine. That's why Ukraine claims today that the production of Bayraktar is a "joint project".

How will our military industry produce a quality drone? Let me take you to the nearby toyshop where your kid can buy a drone, similar to the one made by Armenia for, only $2,000. Forgive me for that harsh language. But as long as you are viewed as a Russian ally, you can't produce a high-tech weapon. End the dependence on Russia.

>but it's really bad for Armenia if Russia loses in Ukraine, that's why Azerbaijan attacked

Are you dimwitted? Was Russia tied up in Ukraine when Azerbaijan launched a similar invasion in May 2021? [Others have noted that Azerbaijan's intention to launch this attack dates back to ~2 weeks ago when they began releasing the usual "Armenia is provoking us" precursor, at a time when Russia was still doing fine in Kharkiv.]

Armenia recently withdrew its contractors from the border with Iran and installed new Russian checkpoints. Russia planted its agents there to check and prevent Armenia from importing weapons. Get rid of the Russians from the Iran border now; at least send them to the Turkey border. And Iran won't attempt to authorize a transfer of weapons under these conditions because they don't want a scandal.

Why even contact Russia for assistance now, if back in February Russia signed a similar mutual assistance agreement on non-aggression and intelligence sharing with Azerbaijan? Pashinyan made the right choice, however, [by revealing today](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xdigh2/sep132022_military_aggression_by_azerbaijan/) that Armenia was threatened by Azerbaijan not to develop its army and acquire weapons, and Russia is helping to enforce Armenia's "demilitarization" because today Moscow depends on Ankara and Baku more than ever.

Pashinyan is a coward. Had he frozen Armenia's membership in CSTO after the May 2021 invasion and Russia's inaction, Moscow would have gotten the message that they are losing the South Caucasus as well, and they wouldn't act in this manner today.

I don't blame just Pashinyan. Armenia has an entire 5th column [the pro-Russian opposition parties], represented in Parliament. ARF Ishkhan Saghatelyan recently announced he is launching a process to impeach Pashinyan within 72 hours. Less than 72 hours later, Azerbaijan attacked. How many times have I told you that the opposition is working for Russia and helping Azerbaijan? How could you vote for parties that used the Russian flag during electoral campaigns? Is there no one in Armenia who can organize protests to remove the Russians so we can finally clean up our NSS from KGB agents and finally acquire weapons?

The U.S. cleaned up Ukraine's security services for 8 years nonstop before giving them Western weapons. Do you know why Ukraine had no weapons in the first few months of the war? Because the West didn't trust them. Because they had not finished the cleanup of the security apparatus yet. Kherson was surrendered to Russia by internal traitors. There were traitors in Kharkiv, too. The West delayed the weapons transfers because of the initial distrust. Why would the West give weapons to Armenia today?

How badly did our army command screw up for 2 years, to leave 50 dead soldiers during one attack on Monday? This one is objectively not Pashinyan's fault. This is on the general staff with a Russian/Soviet mentality. Every Armenian army officer who underwent a training in Greece with NATO standards was pushed out of the military under Russian pressure. Today we need those NATO standards like oxygen.

Azerbaijan is desperate. This is their last chance to extort as much as possible before Armenia regains its strength. Don't sign an agreement to give away Syunik now.

[source,](https://youtu.be/ujQCuY5OQns)

Armenia is negotiating with Turkmenistan to become a transit state for Turkmen gas via Iran

Turkmen newspaper: A session of the Turkmen-Armenian economic cooperation committee was held in the capital Ashgabat. Armenia has expressed readiness to become a transit state for the export of Turkmen gas and electricity, via Iranian infrastructure.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092471.html)

California is about to declare April 24, Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, as a statewide holiday

State Assemblyman Adrin Nazarian's resolution was adopted by both chambers of the legislature. Governor Newsom has until September 30 to sign or veto it. Turkish lobbyists are urging Newstom to veto it.

If approved, every year all community colleges and public schools in California will close. State employees will be given time off with pay.

[source,](https://en.armradio.am/2022/09/14/california-to-declare-april-24-armenian-genocide-remembrance-day-as-state-holiday/) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092447.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/xebtjo/sep142022_western_officials_call_for_sanctions/