2022 September 19

Daily news wrap-up

Sep/19/2022: __ Azeri opposition rebukes "pro-Putin" Aliyev: political defeat, threat of sanctions __ Nancy Pelosi: U.S. condemns Azerbaijan's aggression, wants troops withdrawn, wants to understand Armenia's security needs amid "betrayal" by Russia __ FM of Nagorno Karabakh visits U.S. __ More
by ar_david_hh

---

22 minutes, 5494 words.

interview with political analyst Richard Giragosian ahead of Pelosi visit

Reporter: What is behind US's sudden engagement? The US has recognized this as an attack on Armenia. What are US's intentions?

Giragosian: Their intentions remain unclear, but it's a promising start. What we see is the return of the US to the region. What's notable is the contrast with the Trump administration in 2020 when the response never came.

The key, however, is the EU. Brussels has a role of a mediator. However, the American agenda is welcome, especially with the new US ambassador coming to Armenia.

Reporter: Pelosi will pay a surprise visit.

Giragosian: What's important is that Pelosi is coming to Armenia as the Speaker of the House. It is precedence-setting. This is the highest level of Congressional engagement in the region. This is going to raise the stature of Armenia within Washington.

The second most important part is that Pelosi is not going to Azerbaijan or Georgia. This is a display of frustration with the Aliyev regime.

Reporter: Some argue that the EU is losing influence as a mediator because of its gas deal with Azerbaijan.

Giragosian: What's more important is the perception of the EU within Azerbaijan. I think Azerbaijan was emboldened to attack Armenia because they believe the gas deal gives them leverage over the EU. For the EU it is part of the new calculation where Azerbaijan has gained significance.

But what we see in Brussels is an important new process, and it's not mediation, they are not making the mistakes of the OSCE Minsk Group. It's rather facilitation, a platform for engagement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The process is deeper than before. For example, there is staff-level preparation. Hikmet Hajiyev and Armen Grigoryan collaborate and prepare together. This has been missing in the past.

There is an important element of the need to return to diplomacy. And I do think Azerbaijan's recent attack has made them much more isolated internationally and within the EU.

Reporter: Armenian public did not appreciate CSTO's inaction, and its leader's decision to visit Armenia only [Monday]. What is the future of Armenia-CSTO relations?

Giragosian: There is neither future nor a relationship with CSTO. It should not have even bothered to come. Their words and actions are meaningless. Pashinyan's decision to invoke Article 4 only exposes the emptiness of that relationship.

The bigger challenge is that Russia is now completely exposed as a danger. It's a challenge of being an unreliable partner for Armenia. That's different than a predictable enemy.

Reporter: There is a perception of a security vacuum due to Russia's recent defeat in Ukraine, and that the US is attempting to fill the vacuum.

Giragosian: Azerbaijan's timing of the attack was rooted in the perception of Russian weakness. Russia is overwhelmed by setbacks in Ukraine. But it's not the US and NATO that are capable of filling the vacuum. I'm worried about Turkey and overconfident Azerbaijan exploiting the security vacuum.

But it's a question of time when Russia will become a much bigger challenge. I do see a storm on the horizon, where no matter what happens in Ukraine, we will face an angry isolating Russia, seeking revenge against all of its neighbors, demanding more submission. That's the coming challenge, Russia could restrict Armenia's options elsewhere.

Reporter: Armenia's UN representative warned that Azerbaijan was preparing a large offense on the Nakhijevan front. Others say these events may have been a tactical blunder on the part of Azerbaijan.

Giragosian: Armenia's ambassador to the UN impressed me. He did a very good job diplomatically. I do think Armenia has a diplomatic advantage as a struggling democracy defeated in 2020 by an authoritarian regime in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has been ruled by a father-and-son dynasty. The international community cannot easily ignore that limitation.

If we look militarily, the real problem for us and the world is that there is no deterrence. Nothing is preventing Azerbaijan from attacking Armenia and Artsakh.

However, Azerbaijan has learned that the cost is much higher than they expected. The loss of life in Azerbaijan, the performance of the Armenian military, responding and counter-attacking, was much better than many expected, and the loss of life on the Azerbaijani side was a bit of a wake-up call for them, in terms of showing the price to pay for relying on military means.

[watch,](https://youtu.be/TH-LJ8HtSPY)

Pelosi's message ahead of visit: "from the US to Ukraine to Taiwan to Armenia, the world faces a choice between democracy and autocracy"

Pelosi: We are proud to travel to Yerevan following the 2019 recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Congress and President Biden.

Our delegation’s visit is a powerful symbol of the United States’s firm commitment to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Armenia, and a stable and secure Caucasus region.

We will convey the strong and ongoing support of the United States, as an OSCE Minsk Chair and longtime friend to Armenia, for a lasting settlement to the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh.

Our founders chose democracy over autocracy in 1787. For generations, we have protected and defended that choice. Today, from the US to Ukraine to Taiwan to Armenia, the world faces a choice between democracy and autocracy - and we must, again, choose democracy. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092818.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092829.html) Tags: #NancyPelosi

Pelosi delegation [arrives](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1325137361351891) in Yerevan, greeted by supporters

Pelosi, accompanied by Congress members Frank Pallone, Anna Eshoo, and Jackie Speier, [laid flowers](https://youtu.be/KWBMZfgkMuc) at the Genocide Memorial.

Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan: Dear friend, your visit is taking place at a very difficult period for our country, and it is further appreciated in this regard. As you know, Azerbaijan has launched a new phase of aggression against Armenia’s sovereign territory.

The Azerbaijani forces have brutally bombarded not only the border positions of Armenia but also numerous settlements and civilian infrastructure.

We thank you for the ceasefire agreement reached at the mediation of the United States on September 14.

we are grateful to U.S. leadership for giving addressed assessments to Azerbaijan’s military aggression: Speaker Simonyan

Simonyan: During the meeting I presented Armenia’s progress registered in the strengthening of democratic institutions and rule of law after 2018, as well as future actions. We touched upon the development of AM-US relations.

The U.S. Congress has constantly proved that it is a reliable partner and an important platform where issues relating to Armenia and Artsakh can be discussed in an atmosphere of real friendship. //

U.S. Congress strongly condemns Azerbaijan's illegal attacks against Armenia: Speaker Pelosi

Pelosi: Our meeting had particular importance to us because the focus was on security following the illegal and deadly attacks by Azerbaijan on the Armenian territory. We strongly condemn those attacks, which threaten prospects for a much-needed peace agreement.

The U.S. as an OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chair has clearly stated that there can be no military solution to the conflict.

we will continue to support the integrity of the democracy of Armenia and its borders: U.S. delegation

Congresswoman Jackie Speier: The U.S. House of Representatives has already introduced a resolution, co-authored by all of us here, that will say that we condemn the actions by Azerbaijan, and that they must cease and desist.

As to our commitment to Armenia, we will continue to support the integrity of the democracy of Armenia and the borders, and we will resist any effort to have those borders changed.

Pelosi: Our delegation has been very outspoken that this was initiated by the Azeris, and that there has to be recognition of that.

we are listening to what Armenia's defense needs are: Pelosi

Reporter: What kind of support can Armenia expect from the U.S.?

Pelosi: The value of our visit and the value of our discussions is to hear from Armenia’s perspective how we can be helpful.

One particular thing that is more related to the economy than to security, except that they’re all related, is that Speaker Simonyan asked us to support Armenia’s steps to be part of the [anti-poverty] Millennium Challenge, and that is a very big initiative for economic growth. We did commit to helping with that.

On the defense side, we are listening too. Rather than coming here and saying this is what we are prepared to do, we are listening to what the needs are.

Congresswoman Eshoo: Before we came to Armenia, in the defense budget, that has increased for Armenia, as well as the funding for demining, which is essential as well. All of our talks is to listen to Armenian leadership and be enlightened by the specific needs that we can go home and work on. Security and democracy go together. We will do everything to strengthen and care for your democracy.

Pelosi: We want to take the democracy and sovereignty of Armenia to a bigger arena when we talk about democracy vs autocracy. At the beginning of our country, Benjamin Franklin was asked if he wants security or freedom. He said you cannot have either unless you have both. So let's work to strengthen both, when it comes to our relationship with Armenia.

Q: Does the U.S. expect Armenia to leave the CSTO military bloc, and is the U.S. ready to provide security guarantees?

Rep. Frank Pallone: We understand that Armenia is part of this security arrangement with Russia. We are not suggesting anything about that. What we are saying is that the U.S. is very concerned about Armenia’s security. We want to do whatever we can to be more supportive of Armenia’s security, without reference to Russia and CSTO.

Pelosi: Your relations with [Russia] is up to you to decide. But from my standpoint, territorial security and sovereignty of Armenia, and democracy of Armenia is a value to us in the U.S.

It is interesting that Armenia only got fact-finders and not protection from that relationship [with Russia]. We'll see what happens next.

democracy in Armenia is a joy to the world, you are a good example of the transition to democracy: Pelosi

Pelosi: Democracy in Armenia is a joy to the world. The Velvet Revolution of 2018 was cheered globally. The 2021 election was free and fair and was recognized as such. You are a good example of the transition to democracy, and we support that.

Q: Why hasn't Washington sanctioned the Aliyev regime yet for his attacks on the civilian population and war crimes?

Pelosi: What happened in the last week is a very recent event. President Biden has been a supporter of Armenia. We'll work with Biden to see what the next steps may be.

Joe Biden is the friend of Armenia, we stand with Armenia at difficult times: Pelosi

Pelosi: For us, it's almost like a family visit. We are elected from districts where there are so many Armenian-Americans. They are patriotic Americans and are very proud of their Armenian heritage.

We are proud of adopting the resolution on the Armenian Genocide. Biden has been a friend of Armenia, and we are proud that he invited Pashinyan to the Democracy Summit which was a very important event.

The U.S. is committed to Armenia's security and democracy. And we stand with Armenia at any difficult time when there is a battle between democracy and autocracy. Armenia is a place where we can see those contrasts coming to play.

we strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s recent attacks on Armenia: Pelosi

Pelosi: This visit was planned earlier, since last week, but we came here at the moment when we can in person strongly condemn Azerbaijan's recent attacks on Armenia. This is unacceptable and is threatening the prospects for the much-needed peace agreement. The U.S. continues to watch the situation closely. It is a priority direction for President Biden and Congress.

the world must acknowledge the Armenian Genocide in order to heal open wounds: Pelosi

Pelosi: Our visit to the Genocide Memorial was emotional. We learned horrific truths at the Museum. The world must acknowledge the genocide to heal the wounds. We must never forget.

Pashinyan hosted Pelosi; "we appreciate the clear position of the United States over Azerbaijan’s aggression against Armenia"

Pashinyan: Welcome. This is really an unprecedented visit, and we appreciate that. I would like to express our gratitude to you for your efforts in the recognition of the Armenian Genocide.

I also want to express gratitude for the U.S. support of the Armenian democracy. I want to express our dedication to the agenda. As you can see, it's not an easy path.

The UN Security Council has discussed the current situation, and we hope that this situation will remain on their agenda, and in this respect, we rely on U.S. support.

my delegation brought the love and respect of the American people: Pelosi praises Armenia's democratic reforms

Pelosi: The support to democracy in Armenia, the resolution on the recognition of the Genocide, countering Turkey over the Nagorno Karabakh issue, and in all other terms, we are the friend of Armenia. We are here by respecting your government.

Elections were held last year which were assessed as free and fair, and your wonderful victory in the conditions of war and other circumstances.

When we travel to any country, it has the purpose of showing respect, listening, and learning, but I can say frankly that this delegation has brought with it respect to your government and love to the people of Armenia. Thank you for this hospitality. //

Nancy Pelosi is awarded the Order of Honor

It is awarded for special services to the protection of the state and national interests of Armenia.

Defense Minister of Armenia spoke with Pelosi

Minister Papikyan thanked Pelosi for the quick response to the situation, for visiting Armenia, and for making addressed assessments over the Azerbaijani military aggression.

A number of issues relating to AM-US cooperation in the defense field were also discussed. Minister Papikyan was in the U.S. two weeks ago to discuss cooperation in military education.

Arman Babajanyan, a pro-Western politician, stated that Minister Papikyan and Pelosi likely discussed topics relating to the acquisition of weapons for self-defense, but he believes even a more important thing today is to have the U.S. pressure Azerbaijan to restrain it.

U.S. Secretary Anthony Blinken urges Aliyev to disengage military forces

The two spoke over the phone. Blinken welcomed the halt to recent hostilities. He urged Aliyev to adhere to the ceasefire, disengage military forces, and work to resolve all outstanding issues.

Baku and Moscow react to Pelosi's visit

Azeri Foreign Ministry: The unsubstantiated and unfair accusations leveled by Pelosi against Azerbaijan is unacceptable. This is a serious blow to the efforts to normalize relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. //

Kremlin spokesman said they will welcome any effort to deescalate the situation as long as it's not based on empty words and populism.

[CNN article,](https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/17/politics/nancy-pelosi-armenia-delegation-visit/index.html) [video,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1325137361351891) [video,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=650744619648639) [video,](https://youtu.be/ihlgMKZjutQ) [video,](https://youtu.be/mwR7InXP2x0) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092826.html) [read,](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11224323/On-trip-Armenia-Pelosi-condemns-Azerbaijans-illegal-attacks.html) [images,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092831.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092838.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092839.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092839.html) [watch,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=923166205310081) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092840.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092841.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092843.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092845.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092848.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092849.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092857.html) [read,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3277861292467025) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092862.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092861.html) [read,](https://factor.am/556813.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/houFDjFqDM8) [video,](https://youtu.be/B8l638WCLeA) [video,](https://youtu.be/BEfgzpq2sgM) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/244376)

interview with political analyst Stepan Grigoryan after his meeting with Pelosi

Reporter: You were part of the group that met Pelosi. Did you discuss weapons?

Grigoryan: We did not find it expedient to raise that topic at this time because we understand that the US can't deliver weapons as long as Armenia is formally part of CSTO. We had a more realistic conversation. The US is powerful enough to restrain Azerbaijan diplomatically.

[video,](https://youtu.be/o7w-Zce7hUc)

Azeri activist Bahruz Samadov: Azerbaijani politics has taken a dark turn towards irredentism

[opinion piece](https://oc-media.org/opinions/opinion-the-war-never-ended-the-peace-process-never-existed/)

Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh Republic is on a working trip to Washington

FM Davit Babayan attended a meeting at the Woodrow Wilson House Museum organized by ARF's Hay Dat office. Babayan presented security challenges. He will hold meetings at the U.S. Congress.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092852.html)

Azerbaijan must withdraw troops from occupied territories of Armenia: Armenia's Security Council

Council: On the night of September 12-13, the Azerbaijani Forces launched a large-scale aggression against Armenia with the use of large caliber weapons, artillery, rocket systems and drones.

The number of those killed and missing reaches 207, including 3 killed and 2 missing civilians. Evidence exists on cases of murder and mutilation of captive Armenian soldiers by the Azerbaijanis.

The Azerbaijani advancement was halted due to the heroic resistance of our soldiers and the involvement of the international community. This aggression seeks to derail the efforts for establishing peace in the region, the opening of regional connections, and the comprehensive resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

We call on the international community to exert continuous pressure on Azerbaijan to pull back its troops. We commend all countries and organizations that have expressed their clear position.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092912.html)

the world needs to know this situation: Queen's guitarist Dr. Brian May on Azerbaijani aggression

Dr. May: Armenia is a tiny country, lacking any oil or gas, an island of Christianity and democracy surrounded on all sides by despotic dictatorships. It is one of the most peaceful countries in the world.

Just as in 1915, today Armenia is again threatened by a conspiracy to wipe it from the face of the Earth. Peaceful villages were shelled by Azerbaijan in an offensive to terrorize the Armenian people. Armenia needs the full support of the West.

Please counter the misinformation which is being poured out by Azerbaijan and its allies, to pretend that Armenia is an aggressor, just as Russia has tried to claim Ukrainians were the aggressors. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092865.html) [read,](https://www.instagram.com/brianmayforreal/)

another famous Ukrainian singer cancels concert in Azerbaijan

Tina Karol, Ukraine's former Eurovision song contest representative, has canceled her November 15 concert in Baku and shared an Instagram post with #ArmenianLivesMatter

[read,](https://www.panorama.am/en/news/2022/09/19/Ukrainian-singer-Baku-concert/2732121)

Azerbaijan killed the captured Armenian soldier after recording a video of him receiving medical aid: Armenia's lawyer

Conscript Davit Gishyan was captured alive and was filmed receiving medical assistance for his shoulder injury. His murdered body was later returned to Armenia during an exchange process.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092895.html)

Armenia is suing Azerbaijan in UN's International Court of Justice (World Court) for the war crimes

Armenia submitted an application to the World Court to amend the pending lawsuit. The new application details the war crimes committed by Azerbaijan last week.

The main lawsuit was filed in December 2021. It asserts that Azerbaijan has violated an international treaty on racial discrimination against Armenians "for decades".

[damage,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092803.html) [article,](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32038761.html) [article,](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/armenia-files-suit-against-azerbaijan-world-court-2021-09-16/)

Government approves aid package for citizens temporarily displaced after Azerbaijan's aggression

The Labor Ministry had launched a platform where citizens and NGOs can fill out an application that describes the residents' needs.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092805.html)

Iran's Raisi to Turkey's Erdogan: Any change of internationally recognized borders in the region is unacceptable

The two met during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to discuss various topics.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092809.html)

Vladimir Putin: Bilateral ties between Russia and Armenia are brought to a high allied level

Pashinyan: Welcome, delegates. The Armenian-Russian Inter-Regional Forum plays an important role in the development of the partnership between our countries. Its goal is to establish ties in economic, educational, scientific, and other areas.

Putin, remotely: Russia and Armenia have accumulated a great experience of constructive cooperation in different areas. The bilateral ties have been brought to a high allied level. //

Analyst Stepan Grigoryan: Strategic partners? Seriously? Two days earlier, Russia supported Azerbaijan in the UN Security Council session. Russia was the only permanent UNSC member that was against Armenia, and presented the aggression as a "border dispute". In other words, Russia does not recognize Jermuk and the southern half of Sev Lake as part of Armenia.

In the UNSC we received support from France, US, India, Ireland, Norway, and even the African countries adopted a neutral tone. Even China's stance wasn't bad; they said the Nagorno Karabakh conflict isn't over. Only Russia was against us. FM Mirzoyan complained about this during the government session last week without giving names, but he must say it openly.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092876.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092877.html) [watch,](https://youtu.be/o7w-Zce7hUc)

CSTO's much-awaited document is ready

Armenia requested weapons and soldiers from CSTO to remove Azeri soldiers. Instead, the CSTO sent a ցմփոր delegation to prepare a report about the events, prompting the sharpest-ever [criticizm from Yerevan](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xg708g/sep162022_armenia_shows_yellow_card_to_russia/).

CSTO Chief of Staff Sidorov presented the report during a Monday meeting with Defense Minister Papikyan.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092890.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/iBmRcf5N3q8)

Russia has not sold weapons to Armenia after the 2020 war: ruling party MP

Reporter: Pashinyan recently [mentioned](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xdigh2/sep132022_military_aggression_by_azerbaijan/) the problems associated with importing weapons.

Gen. Gagik Melkonyan: Correct. We need heavy weapons like artillery and rocket systems to recover from 2020 losses. Our ally Russia is not selling weapons and ammunition to Armenia.

Reporter: Armenia asked for weapons and Russia rejected it?

Melkonyan: Yes. Our Defense Ministers have visited Moscow and met MOD Shoygu on numerous occasions but none of the promises have materialized. >![the dagger?]!<

[read,](https://factor.am/556744.html)

protesters demanded the government end Armenia's membership in CSTO

Protesters: While the international community stood with Armenia, the CSTO and its members either took a neutral stance or acted against Armenia.

Armenia needs a new security system that actually functions. The existing system must be removed from Armenia. We are not afraid anymore. Armenia cannot be held hostage by the Russian-Turkish alliance.

Read the Russian-Azerbaijani agreement on strategic cooperation signed on February 22. Russian border guards left their positions shortly before the attack last week. //

[video,](https://youtu.be/OkgL7AkEqdc?t=725) [video,](https://youtu.be/4eVBUsl0Otk?t=135) [video,](https://youtu.be/vToCPcxK0Lw) [video,](https://youtu.be/TsN6JfC1e7g) [read,](https://factor.am/556058.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/1IKZ9Xrhe1E?t=61)

Russian state propagandists push a pro-Azerbaijan narrative after "mistaking" Armenia-Azerbaijan border with Nagorno Karabakh

While the world has acknowledged that the September 13-14 was an illegal military aggression against Armenia, Russian talk show hosts at state-run Channel 1 claimed it was a clash in Nagorno Karabakh and that the details are yet to be understood.

Armenia's most famous journalist Petros Ghazaryan criticized his Russian colleagues, accusing them of aiding the anti-Russian sentiments in Armenia by spreading Azerbaijan's narrative.

How it unfolded:

The talk show host played a video of Pelosi in Yerevan, condemning Azerbaijan's illegal aggression.

Host: Ah, the dove of the world, a conflict happens wherever she visits. Let's discuss her statement about the "illegal and deadly attack by Azerbaijan on the territory of Armenia". I think that's false, isn't it? Isn't this a disputed territory of Nagorno Karabakh?

Guest: Pelosi doesn't know the geography. The clashes took place in Nagorno Karabakh, and we need to figure out who and why started it.

Host: The CSTO sent a delegation to Nagorno Karabakh.

Another guest later: Let me correct you guys. These events unfolded on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, not Nagorno Karabakh.

[video,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/244396) [read,](https://fip.am/20470)

Azeri opposition figures accuse president Aliyev of causing major diplomatic issues for Azerbaijan amid a historic visit by Nancy Pelosi to Armenia

The opposition is concerned by the portrayal of Azerbaijan as a dictatorship and the Pelosi delegation's strong pro-Armenia message.

Opposition leader Ali Kerimli: President Aliyev brought the US's third highest-ranking official to Armenia. Thanks to Aliyev, the strong and wealthy part of the world, which has money and technology, which more or less respects freedoms, is settling in Armenia.

Aliyev is persistently dragging Azerbaijan into the club of authoritarian regimes and dictators. He wants to ride Putin's sinking ship.

If we fail to stop his foreign policy, we will open our eyes and realize that we are a poor, backward, and cruel country under international sanctions.

Opposition figure Tofig Yagublu: Aliyev is leading the country to a great political defeat because Armenians were able to convince the world that Azerbaijan was at fault on the border.

Realizing that democracy is a danger to his own family's rule, Aliyev has launched a campaign against Azerbaijan while taking shelter in the Kremlin, which is the supporter of authoritarianism and corruption around the world.

The West will no longer be as tolerant towards authoritarian regimes, especially under Putin. So the border provocation, under the orders of Vladimir Putin, was a major blunder.

On one hand, Aliyev tells the world and the US that the Karabakh conflict is over and that Azerbaijan's territorial integrity is secured, while on the other hand, he claims certain military goals were achieved with the recent events.

In reality, Aliyev's advantage with Zangezur and [Sev Lake] is a service to Armenians. In fact, Aliyev brought Nancy Pelosi to Armenia.

Opposition figure Faud Gahramanli: Aliyev has adopted the wrong foreign policy towards Russia, creating the grounds for international support for Armenia. Russian Premier Mishustin and Speaker Volodin will visit Baku.

This is the joint Russian-Azeri response to Pelosi's visit to Armenia. Is it smart to choose Russia over the US? Of course not. //

Aliyev regime's activists launched a social media campaign against the aforementioned figures, calling them "traitors".

[read,](https://factor.am/556851.html) [read,](https://factor.am/556618.html)

former president Robert Kocharyan asks the public if they want him to launch a new political struggle against Pashinyan

Kocharyan's son Levon organized a closed-door meeting between his father and supporters. No media was allowed. One of the attendees asked Robert Kocharyan if he plans to "return".

Kocharyan: You say that I should become a leader again, but I'm not so sure everyone agrees. If that's the case, then yes, my time has come to take the flag and carry it forward. At the moment I do not have a clear assessment of what the public wants. If I miscalculate now, you will blame me later for acting on emotions. //

[The recent survey]( https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xa6l2u/sep92022_armenia_overtakes_georgia_in_fraser/) showed Pashinyan's approval rating at 53%, and only 23% for Kocharyan.

[read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/244389) [read,](https://hraparak.am/post/765d3b717ce773fb4b0c8ac5a372a573)

Armenian soldiers discuss the battles in one of the southeastern directions

Major Marutyan, artilleryman: We heard shots at 11:55 pm. The frontline's spotters gave us coordinates and we took positions. The attack was repelled here. We struck the enemy's artillery in their rear. The boys did great, they worked hard for 24 hours. One of them was so exhausted he was crawling to get the shells. That's my boy is right here [violently taps on the soldier's chest].

Sergeant Harutyunyan: There were very many targets from the beginning. I noticed that each artillery was pointing in a different direction. We were encouraged by the observers' instruction that the targets were hit. They kept giving us new coordinates. We kept firing faster and harder.

One of the Armenian units found itself encircled. We struck the adversary with a 15-meter clearance (зазор) to break the encirclement. They were able to join us.

[video,](https://youtu.be/myaEjkRXbSo)

another episode from the recent fighting

Defense Ministry: At 12:10 am, under heavy artillery and tank bombardment, the Azeri side advanced over 50 special forces members towards two of our positions.

After resisting the adversary for several hours, the position commander Junior Sergeant Yesai Yanes Arziev [Armenian with an uncommon name] ordered his men to carry out a breakthrough and take positions near a neighboring location for a better defense.

After reaching the new location, however, they realized that it was already under the enemy's control and that the enemy had accumulated large reserves.

Arziev carries out an evasive maneuver and passed the information to commanders, who ordered the artillery to bombard the positions. Shortly afterward, almost everyone in the Azeri unit was killed in this position.

Junior Sergeant Arziev continues to serve the homeland and his artillery division with glory. //

[photo,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092942.html)

Armenia's territorial defense forces caught and disarmed a group of deserters

Mayor of Shaq, Syunik: We received a report from a convenience shop worker about a group of suspicious men. They entered the shop and asked questions in Armenian about the overall situation in the village. The shop owners called the authorities.

The territorial defense forces shut down all the roads and located the suspicious group. They turned out to be a group of deserters. //

[read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/244426)

Nagorno Karabakh president hopes for peacekeepers to remain in the republic indefinitely

Arayik Harutyunyan: Despite the geopolitical challenges across the world, Russia continues to ensure the physical safety of the people of Artsakh. Unfortunately, under these conditions, no one can give a long-term security guarantee.

Due to Russia's preoccupation in Ukraine, the guarantees by Russian peacekeepers have seen a certain breach, which Azerbaijan is taking advantage of.

On the other hand, the hostile actors consistently organize military provocations to undermine the role of peacekeepers and create mistrust of Russia among the population. I am sure that the people do not give in to such provocations.

We hope it will be possible to raise the efficiency of the peacekeeping mission and ensure their indefinite presence in Artsakh as a security guarantor for our people.

Diplomacy should be used to resolve AR-AZ and AM-AZ conflicts. We need long-term peace, which will allow us to preserve Artsakh as Armenian, and improve our demographics.

Nagorno Karabakh president about self-determination, social programs, infrastructure projects

Harutyunyan: Nagorno Karabakh conflict has not been resolved yet. It must be resolved by accepting our right to self-determination. The right to self-determination is not only granted under international conventions but also under OSCE Minsk Group documents.

After the 2020 war, 2 of the 3 principles are no longer valid: [Azerbaijan's] territorial integrity and the prohibition on the use of force. Azerbaijan's crimes against humanity prove that it is necessary to respect our right to self-determination and international recognition. I urge the international community to recognize the Nagorno Karabakh people's rights.

It is unacceptable to cast a shadow on Nagorno Karabakh's right to self-determination by citing "Azerbaijan's territorial integrity". The right to live is more important than any other principle.

We will not accept any document that recognizes Nagorno Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. We regularly hold consultations with the Armenian government, which has reassured us that no document will be signed without first discussing it with us and our people.

We are open to dialogue with Azerbaijan to restore diplomacy. This is why we've held numerous direct contacts with the Azerbaijani side since 2020, regarding joint use of water resources, exchange of bodies, infrastructure repair, etc. We often don't publicize such meetings in order not to jeopardize the efforts.

Efforts continue to improve our economy through social programs and investments. Improving demographics means improving security. Hundreds of IDP families have already received apartments; everyone will receive one by 2025.

An unprecedented level of infrastructure work was done to build roads and water infrastructure. By 2025, every settlement should have 24/7 water and asphalted roads.

Tens of thousands of residents have received loan subsidies and other social aid. Our budget expenditure amounts to ֏221b, from which ֏119b is for social aid, which is ֏5b more than the republic's entire 2019 budget.

The post-war assistance from the Armenian government is unprecedented. This year alone it's ֏164b. We also thank All Armenia Fund and diasporans for the large-scale aid.

We've scored economic successes after the war. Several large projects have begun. The revenue from tax collection has improved and will amount to ֏45b this year, which is significantly higher than in 2017 and almost reaches the 2018 levels. This is a result of a positive trend in economic activity.

We have progress in the fight against corruption and wasteful spending, but certain problems remain. I have instructed NSS to ramp up the anti-corruption fight. The public will see the results soon.

Artsakh will remain a democracy. We will strengthen our institutes and human rights. We have proven to the world that our statehood is built on a strong foundation. It was able to withstand shocks that would have crumbled many modern countries.

I have issued a decree to form an advisory council that will consist of representatives from every previous administration and political party. The council will discuss internal and external issues.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092932.html) [video,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=472723421457772)

Armenia and Iran sign an agreement on joint humanitarian de-mining efforts

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092938.html)

Armenian culture festival was organized in Japan

Good news: Japan's internal revenue service [wants its citizens to get drunk](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wsn742/friday_aug192022_your_daily_news_digest_from/).

Better news: Armenia is advertising its wine and cognac in Japan.

A cultural festival was organized in Fukushima province to celebrate the 30th anniversary of AM-JP relations and Armenia's upcoming Independence Day.

Japanese musicians [performed Armenian music](https://www.facebook.com/watch/Embassy-of-Armenia-to-Japan-%E9%A7%90%E6%97%A5%E3%82%A2%E3%83%AB%E3%83%A1%E3%83%8B%E3%82%A2%E5%85%B1%E5%92%8C%E5%9B%BD%E5%A4%A7%E4%BD%BF%E9%A4%A8-759921597408540/) while the chorus sang "Yerevan-Erebuni".

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092891.html)

anti-corruption: authorities summon billionaire Gagik Tsarukyan's family members to explain the origins of suspicious wealth

Armenia recently adopted an asset forfeiture law that targets public officials suspected of corruption. Dozens of prominent figures have been asked to explain the origins of their vast wealth.

BHK party leader Tsarukyan's daughters and son-in-law have been invited to provide an explanation.

[read,](https://factor.am/556790.html)

James Bagian, the first Armenian astronaut, donates his uniform badges to the History Museum of Armenia

The Armenian-American engineer was invited to the international STARMUS 6 science festival in Yerevan earlier this month.

Last week Bagian visited the History Museum to see the oldest leather shoe in the world. The 5,500-year-old show called "Areni-1 shoe" was found in an Armenian cave in 2008.

Bagian, a NASA astronaut, spent hundreds of hours in space during his late-80s and early-90s trips.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092822.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/xiseqx/sep192022_azeri_opposition_rebukes_proputin/