2023 August 16

Daily news wrap-up

UN Security Council discusses Azerbaijan's blockade of Lachin corridor; Which members were "pro-Armenian"? || Russia's plan to integrate Armenians into Azerbaijan || Interview with ambassador-at-large Marukyan || Stats: Armenia's economy, wages, trade, tourism in H1 2023
by ar_david_hh

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Miscarriage by malnutrition, death by starvation, trash collection & dairy factories suspended due to lack of fuel || Genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh

A pregnant woman lost her child in the village Haterk because the ambulance couldn't reach the family due to a lack of fuel shortage in Nagorno-Karabakh, caused by Azerbaijan's blockade.

Gruesome autopsy images were circulated showing a man (or his skeleton) who died yesterday from malnutrition.

Waste collection services were suspended due to a lack of fuel. Milk processing factories have shut down. The available milk will be delivered with a special schedule to certain locations only.

[dead baby](https://factor.am/677651.html); [trash & unsanitary conditions](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KA4IhvqDjdg); [no dairy,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0zN1jYgg50)

Azerbaijani soldiers open fire at an ethnic Armenian farmer in Nagorno-Karabakh: PHOTOS

The farmer wasn't injured. The vehicle has sustained damage from the bullets. The attack took place in the village Avdur, Martuni.

Thousands of hectares of land cannot be cultivated in Nagorno-Karabakh due to Azerbaijan's threat.

[source](https://factor.am/677699.html)

hundreds of Turkish intellectuals urge the world to prevent genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh

The letter states: The regime in Azerbaijan, aided by the regime in Turkey, has placed the Armenian population of Nagorno-Karabakh under a blockade for several months now.

Azerbaijan has ignored monthlong calls by the UN and EU to lift the blockade. People still don't have access to basic necessities, and cannot enter or exit the region.

The dictator of Azerbaijan continues to threaten the population of Nagorno-Karabakh, prompting the former prosecutor at International Criminal Court to publish a report about an impending genocide.

We believe the world isn't responding adequately to these developments. We urge all countries and organizations to take a more active role.

Similar to the 1948 Berlin airlift, today Nagorno-Karabakh needs humanitarian transfers via air to end this human tragedy.

[source](https://www.civilnet.am/news/747388/թուրք-մտավորականները-կոչ-են-անում-կանխել-ցեղասպանությունը-լեռնային-ղարաբաղում/)

The Telegraph article about the blockade of the Lachin Corridor

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/armenia-azerbaijan-nagorno-karabakh-blockade/

Azerbaijan films peacekeepers' civilian staff crossing the corridor and presents it as "Armenians freely passing through the corridor" in an attempt to manipulate public opinion

Azerbaijan has blocked the Lachin Corridor on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border by installing an illegal military checkpoint. The peacekeepers' checkpoint is located a few hundred feet away.

Several peacekeeper trucks passed through the corridor today. Their civilian staff members, some of whom are local ethnic Armenians, walked from the peacekeeper base to the Armenian border, instead of using the peacekeeper vehicles. Azerbaijan recorded them and spread lies about "free movement".

Azerbaijan is still hindering the free movement of Red Cross vehicles for medical patients. To transfer patients from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenian hospitals, it takes several days of negotiations to receive approval (or rejection) from Azerbaijan.

Video & article: [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/266695)

residents of Nagorno-Karabakh shut down a road used by peacekeepers

Several peacekeepers exited their base and forcefully pushed away the vehicle that was used for blocking the road. The residents are demanding peacekeepers take action against Azerbaijan's blockade of the Lachin Corridor to prevent genocide. The chief peacekeeper, without evidence, accused the angry residents of being "paid to provoke".

[video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ht4ptRVy6io)

Russia's plan to "integrate" Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians into Azerbaijan

[Read Nagorno-Karabakh opposition leader Samvel Babayan's recent interview](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/15oq33w/nagornokarabakh_oppo_leader_samvel_babayan/?&rdt=62089) for context. He revealed Sergey Lavrov's new plan to convince Nagorno-Karabakh to integrate into Azerbaijan, with "special privileges".

Another opposition figure circulated a Russian-language document on Wednesday. The main points of the document and the problems:

(1) Armenians will have equal rights under the Azerbaijani law. Meaning no rights because Azeris themselves have no rights.

The document stipulates no ethnic, religious, or language discrimination. However, Azerbaijani soldiers have been harassing Christian Armenians by using loudspeakers to blast Islamic chants and music in the middle of the night to keep them awake. Ethnic and Shia religious minorities in Azerbaijan have long been persecuted, as [reported](https://news.am/eng/news/760193.html) by the U.S. State Department.

(2) No forceful relocations. *[See Hadrut, Shushi, Talish, and Shahumyan.]*

(3) Azerbaijani corrupt courts *will* be able to convict and imprison ethnic Armenians, as long as the government of Azerbaijan decides to charge them with "war crimes".

(4) Armenians will have a proportional representation in local and statewide government branches, including in the Azerbaijani police department and prosecutor's office.

(5) Participation in decision-making processes that will affect the Armenian community.

(6) Can study the Armenian language in schools. Road signs in Nagorno-Karabakh will be in Armenian. The Armenian language can be used in state agencies.

(7) Property rights protections.

(8) Formation and free use of NGOs. *[See the poor state of NGOs in Azerbaijan today.]*

(9) Armenian church will maintain its property rights. Religious freedoms.

(10) Maintaining cultural and ethnic identity. Operating an Armenian-language media.

(11) Armenian-language classes in state and private educational institutions.

(12) Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians will maintain close ties with the Republic of Armenia in humanitarian areas including culture, science, media, and sports.

(13) Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians will maintain ties with other Armenians abroad.

(14) Republic of Armenia will be able to send humanitarian support to Nagorno-Karabakh.

The new Lavrov Plan makes no mention of the enforcement of "guarantees".

[source;](https://www.civilnet.am/news/747416/արցախի-նախագահին-կից-խորհրդի-նախագահը-հրապարակել-է-լղ-հայ-բնակչության-իրավունքների-մասին-ռուսական-առաջարկ/) [source](https://factor.am/677756.html)

interview with ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan

REPORTER: The UN Security Council will summon a meeting on Wednesday at the request of Armenia to discuss the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. What are our expectations?

MARUKYAN: We've closely observed the prior UNSC sessions. This time the situation is different because Nagorno-Karabakh is under a complete blockade since 15 June. Even humanitarian cargo can't reach there. Tens of trucks can't go from Armenia to Nagorno-Karabakh. This, combined with the recent reports by international experts on Azerbaijan's policies of ethnic cleansing and genocide, will be presented at the UNSC.

We expect the UNSC to execute the World Court's legally-binding interim ruling on the need to ensure the free movement of civilian cargo and passengers via the Lachin Corridor.

The Armenian government initiated these diplomatic efforts 4 months ago. No one can predict what the final outcome will be.

REPORTER: Will Armenia recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity on paper?

MARUKYAN: So far only political statements have been made about Armenia's readiness to recognize Azerbaijan's territorial integrity with a peace agreement, but only if Azerbaijan recognizes Armenia's territorial integrity and provides guarantees for the protection of rights and security of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh through an international mechanism. The international NK-AZ negotiations are part of the AM-AZ peace treaty package.

REPORTER: Armenian government wants Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan to discuss the rights and security of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians through an international platform. But would it be safe for Nagorno-Karabakh to send a delegation, considering the recent kidnapping of Vagif Khachatryan by Azerbaijani forces?

MARUKYAN: That's why their discussions should be held through an international platform. The Nagorno-Karabakh government must prepare a package of topics they want to discuss with Azerbaijan, show up, and promote their agenda. This is no longer up to the Armenian government.

It would be a mistake by Nagorno-Karabakh authorities not to send a delegation by complaining that "Azerbaijan is going to demand integration anyway, there is no point in going there." This would make the Armenian side appear as the unconstructive side, whereas in reality, it's Azerbaijan that's trying to derail the establishment of trust.

Do not worry about what Azerbaijan's agenda is. Send your delegation to promote your own agenda. In the meantime, Armenia will do its part and raise the issue in the UNSC and other platforms. Don't be brainless, don't circulate claims that "Armenia has abandoned Nagorno-Karabakh", it's a distraction that doesn't achieve anything positive.

[source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml6CF9YMoLI)

UN Security Council holds a session to discuss the blockade of the Lachin Corridor

UN's Humanitarian Affairs office: We've received reports of food and medicine shortages in the area. Surgeries had to be suspended. The Red Cross, the only international organization with access to the area, says they can no longer deliver food or medicine.

The humanitarian law is clear: parties must allow rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian support for civilians in need. The passage must be as rapid as possible, in the circumstances. ICRC's delivery must be allowed to resume through any available routes.

The UN General Secretary has also made a statement on the need to resume the movement.

GABON: We are deeply concerned about the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. These civilians are facing a shortage of food, medicine, hygiene items, and basic services. It affects children, the elderly, and the sick.

Gabon reiterates that humanitarian aid must be provided urgently without any politicization. The parties must adhere to their obligations under international law.

Access to Nagorno-Karabakh must be guaranteed in order to prevent further jeopardization of the lives of the population there.

Armenia and Azerbaijan should continue the peace process under Nov. 9 statements and other declarations, reduce border tensions, and avoid using hate speech.

BRAZIL: We are concerned about the situation in Karabakh and the further tightening of the road in June, preventing assistance to the civilian population including vulnerable individuals.

Brazil reaffirms its commitment to the territorial integrity of Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, measures to reinforce border controls must take into account basic principles of humanitarian law.

The current situation threatens the lives of thousands of people. We urge the parties to ensure unimpeded access to Karabakh, including the feasibility of the Aghdam road.

Nov. 9 document offers a roadmap to peace. The sides must remain engaged and avoid hateful rhetoric.

FRANCE: There is a total blockage of traffic in the corridor linking Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. It's causing a humanitarian crisis for more than 8 months now.

The blockage by Azerbaijan isolates the population of Nagorno-Karabakh from the rest of the world, with no legitimate reason to justify such a situation. It's against humanitarian principles.

Combined with the interruption of the supply of gas and electricity, it hampers the population's access to agricultural equipment and goods. It's turning into a humanitarian crisis.

The risk of famine is imminent.

France deplores the blocking of the humanitarian cargo convoy sent by the Armenian government in July. The unacceptable restrictions imposed by Azerbaijan are in violation of international law.

France calls for *unconditional* and immediate restoration of the movement of goods and people along the Lachin Corridor, in both directions, and for the restoration of gas and electricity.

World Court has issued an order with provisional measures, which are binding, requiring Azerbaijan to take all measures to ensure the unimpeded movement of vehicles, goods, and persons along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

World Court reaffirmed its ruling at a later date and confirmed the need for effective implementation of measures.

France calls on Azerbaijan to abide by its international obligations and to implement the measures indicated by the World Court.

France calls for the resumption of negotiations to discuss the rights and guarantees of the population of Nagorno-Karabakh. No force or threats should be used.

JAPAN: Both sides offer different explanations, but safeguarding local livelihoods must be of utmost priority. We've received reports from the Red Cross and the UN of difficulties with delivering humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.

World Court has indicated provisional measures relating to ensuring unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor in both directions. The rule of law must be upheld, and any nation must abide by international law.

GHANA: We must work will all parties and concerned actors to ensure unimpeded access by humanitarian actors in the region. The Lachin corridor serves as a vital link that ensures the population's health and access to essentials.

World Court's order must be implemented to ensure unimpeded movement in both directions.

Securities, rights, and freedoms of all ethnic populations must be guaranteed. Also, restore the rights of those who have been displaced. *[thanks Ghana, you're the only one who mentioned this]*

Parties should work towards peace. We welcome the reactivation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs *[Ghana is on fire today]*. We also note the positive role of the CSTO *[don't ruin this now, Ghana]*. We encourage the parties to fully embrace the ongoing mediation effort by the EU. War is not a solution.

ALBANIA: Armenia and Azerbaijan have sent 60 letters to UNSC regarding the Lachin road since January. There is a profound lack of trust in the best ways to deal with Azerbaijani citizens of Armenian descent.

Humanitarian needs must not be politicized. There is enough room to discuss the freedom of movement through the Lachin road and other roads, such as Aghdam.

We welcome the ongoing AM-AZ peace negotiations but many issues and tensions remain and require continued attention. Instead of blame-game, parties should get together and establish more cooperation to build confidence.

CHINA: We encourage Armenia and Azerbaijan to follow the Nov. 9 statement and subsequent declarations to build peace.

MALTA: We are concerned about the aggravation of the humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh caused by the blockade of the Lachin Corridor. It is deplorable that civilians continue to be deprived of food, medicine, and fuel.

Malta calls for the immediate and unconditional end of this blockade. We appeal to the government of Azerbaijan to restore free access, and to refrain from further violations of international law, the World Court order, and the Nov. 9 statement.

The Aghdam road, offered by Azerbaijan, cannot be an alternative to the Lachin Corridor.

Malta supports the peace efforts of the OSCE Minsk Group and the EU.

SWITZERLAND: We are concerned about the deterioration of the situation following the restrictions on access through the Lachin corridor. People are facing a shortage of products *essential for survival*.

The situation is untenable and must be resolved immediately. It is vital to restore the free passage of civilians and essential goods.

We urge parties to respect the commitments they have taken under the Nov. 9 declaration.

World Court has requested Azerbaijan to ensure the unimpeded movement along the Lachin corridor in both directions. We call for the compliance with Court's decision.

ECUADOR: We are concerned about the reports of serious humanitarian issues caused by the lack of free movement through the Lachin corridor.

We urge parties to comply with Nov. 9 declaration and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilian population.

World Court has issued an order to ensure the unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

We support the revitalization and strengthening of the peace efforts under the framework of OSCE Minsk Group.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: We must ensure that basic goods reach those in need and that people have access to medical services in a timely manner. Armenia and Azerbaijan should build peace.

MOZAMBIQUE: There is a difficult humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh. It is the primary responsibility of all states to protect civilians by ensuring access to food and healthcare.

Parties should abide by the decisions of the World Court.

We call on parties to remain committed to the agreements reached so far, including under Nov. 9.

We strongly encourage peace mediation efforts by the OSCE Minsk Group.

UNITED KINGDOM: The ongoing disruption of the Lachin corridor threatens the supplies of lifesaving medication, healthcare, and essential goods, resulting in humanitarian consequences for the local population.

World Court's ruling must be respected, to ensure unimpeded movement along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.

RUSSIA: We are concerned by the continuing blockade of the Lachin corridor. Steps on the ground are needed more than ever to de-escalate the situation, including lifting the blockade of the Lachin corridor and using the Aghdam road.

Russia is in touch with all parties to rapidly resume the delivery of food and other essentials to Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as electricity and gas.

The potential of the Nov. 9 trilateral agreement is far from being exhausted. The parties should delimit and demarcate their borders with the expert assistance of Russia, restore regional transport links, and develop a peace agenda through meetings between civil societies and parliamentarians.

Armenia-Azerbaijan reconciliation is unthinkable without clear and reliable guarantees of the security and rights of the residents of Nagorno-Karabakh under Azerbaijani law. This rationale stems from the repeatedly affirmed agreements between leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the recognition by each party of the territorial integrity of the other, in accordance with the 1991 Alma-Ata declaration.

On July 25th we proposed realistic compromises to de-escalate tensions, which were taken into consideration by the parties. This would entail opening a parallel humanitarian corridor through Aghdam and Lachin for the movement of civilian and military cargo. This would pave the way for speedy relaunching of direct dialogue between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. We hope there will be a lasting dialogue between the two.

Russia is prepared to set aside geopolitical disagreements and work with all partners to address the needs of Armenians and Azeris.

The UN Security Council should be used responsibly. No externally-imposed solutions can replace dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. *[aka we are going to veto any anti-Azerbaijan resolution?]*

UNITED STATES: We are deeply troubled by the closure of the Lachin corridor, which has cut off access to essential goods and exasperated the humanitarian situation. Access to necessities should never be held hostage.

We urge Azerbaijan to restore free movement through the corridor. We also note the possibility of compromise on the Aghdam route for humanitarian purposes.

We call on all sides to fully meet their obligations under international humanitarian law.

Neutral and unimpeded humanitarian access, including medical transfers, must not be hindered. Full stop. Armenia and Azerbaijan should exercise creativity, flexibility, and compromise to reach peace.

Peace must include protections for the rights and security of individuals in Nagorno-Karabakh.

We encourage Azerbaijan and the representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh to engage in direct talks.

EUROPEAN UNION: Movement through the Lachin Corridor has been obstructed for more than 8 months, despite orders by the World Court to reopen it. Since 15 June there has been a near-complete blockage of the corridor. Medical supplies and essential goods are in critically short supply or have already run out.

Movement through the Lachin corridor must be reopened immediately. Based on the Nov. 22 trilateral statement and World Court order, Azerbaijan bares the responsibility to guarantee safety and freedom of movement along the Lachin corridor.

We've taken note of Azerbaijan's readiness to also supply goods through Aghdam. However, this should not be seen as an alternative to the Lachin corridor.

The population on the ground needs to receive reassurances for their rights and security. Direct dialogue is needed between Karabakh Armenians and Azerbaijan. It should build much-needed confidence.

At the last trilateral meeting, leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan reconfirmed their strong respect for the other country's territorial integrity and their commitment to the 1991 Alma-Ata declaration as a political framework for the border delimitation.

The current deteriorating humanitarian situation in Karabakh is harming the peace process. //

Friendly language: France, Malta, EU, Switzerland, UK, US, Ghana, Ecuador, Gabon, Mozambique, Japan.

Neutral: China, UAE.

Unfriendly terminology or content: Albania, Brazil, Russia.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auT49NxjyRo) [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfAa1GiNdgM)

anti-corruption: court instructs Serj-era mayor to return the stolen lands to Tsakhkadzor resort city

The ex-mayor of Hrazdan and his wife were found guilty of illegally appropriating 48 hectares of protected lands in Tsakhkadzor through a rigged auction in 2007. The prior verdicts have been upheld by the Cassations Court.

There is another case in the newly established Anti-Corruption Court to recover additional 8 hectares.

[source,](https://factor.am/677640.html)

Armenia reduces reliance on cargo transfers via the Georgia-Russia land route with the help of Black Sea ferry

It took a while, but it's finally here, according to the Economy Ministry.

The Georgia-Russia land checkpoint in Upper Lars was already overused, but it got worse after the war in Ukraine, so the government of Armenia decided to launch freight transfers via the Black Sea as an alternative route. Businesses are receiving financial subsidies to use the new route.

The freight operator "C&M International" is already transferring the cargo between Georgia's Batumi port and Russia's Novorossiysk.

[source,](https://arka.am/en/news/business/armenia_considers_steps_to_reduce_costs_of_cargo_transportation_to_russia_bypassing_upper_lars_borde/)

Armenia's economy in the first half of 2023 vs 2022

Average wages: +14%

Inflation: +4.2% (June: -0.5%)

Economic activity index: +11.4%

Processing industry: +4%

Mining: -7%

Services: +17%

Construction: +17%

... trade

Internal trade: +24%

Exports: +73%

Imports: +73%

... exports

Crapton of second-hand personal vehicles were imported and re-exported abroad. The export volume has increased from $13m to $299m (23x). Overall imports of vehicles amounted to $768m.

Raw or semi-processed gold: +2.9x, to $281m.

Diamond stone: +65%, to $252m.

Copper: -38%, to $228m.

etc.

... top export destinations

Russia: $1,663m

UAE: $466m

China: $206m

Netherlands: $170m

Iraq: $100m

Hong Kong?: $75m

Georgia $73m

... top import sources

Russia: $1,465m

USA: $485m (+3.6x)

Georgia: $481m (+93%)

China: $414m (+36%)

Vietnam: $326m

UAE: $312m

Germany: $296m

Iran: $289m

... tourism

Tourists: +70% (surpassed 1 million)

Share of tourists: 52% were Russian (their number rose by 2x)

Number of tourists: 518k Russia, 113k Georgia (+80%), 59k Iran (+22%), 17k United States (+28%), 12k Ukraine (+58%), 12k India (+95%), 10k Germany (+16%), 9k France (+20%), 9k Philippines (+2.7x), 8k Belarus (+6%), 6k Turkey (+68%).

... employment, June YoY

719,300 registered workers (+5.6%)

Trade sector employees: -1%

Services sector employees: -2%

IT sector employees: +9% (total 45k workers).

Leisure & entertainment: +30%

... wages by sector

Average monthly salary: +14%, to ֏268K ($693)

Agriculture: +21%, to ֏165K

Processing industry: +13%, to ֏210K

Construction: +10%, to ֏252K

Trade: +12%, to ֏191K

Info & telecom: +12%, to ֏822K

Finance & insurance: +20%, to ֏606K

Science: +19%, to ֏271K

State, defense, social security: +21%, to ֏367K

Education: +6%, to ֏144K

Healthcare: +8%, to ֏228K

Leisure & culture: +48%, to ֏285K

... net inflow of cash into Armenia

$898m (-10%)

... inflation by month

Jan: +8.1%

Feb: +8.1%

Mar: +5.4%

Apr: +3.2%

May: +1.3%

Jun: -0.5%

January-June: +4.2%

Expected year-end: +0.4%

... Armenia's debt

Total: $11.1b

Foreign: $6.4b (-1%)

Internal: $4.7b (+36%)

... budget

Budget income: $1.161b (+18%)

Government expenditure: $1.026b (+13%)

[source,](https://factor.am/677819.html)

elevator was installed for disabled residents crossing Yerevan's Pak Shuka underground passage

[video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFYQBlH3NUw?t=8)

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/15t4sml/un_security_council_discusses_azerbaijans/