2023 August 17

Daily news wrap-up

PM Pashinyan & analysts discuss the outcome of UN Security Council session || International response to Lachin blockade || STEM teachers & rural teachers to get a big raise || Gender gap index || Reforms & anti-corruption
by ar_david_hh

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Do not miss the [Wednesday report]( https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/15t4sml/un_security_council_discusses_azerbaijans/).

PM Pashinyan about the results of the UN Security Council's public session on August 16th:

The discussions at the UNSC and its members have confirmed the following:

(1) Azerbaijan has blockaded the Lachin Corridor and continues to keep it closed despite their repeated attempts to deny it.

(2) Lives and security of 120,000 people in Nagorno-Karabakh is at risk.

(3) Azerbaijan has not followed the order of the World Court to lift the blockade and ensure unimpeded traffic in both directions.

The truth has been spoken and recorded at the highest levels. The international community is urging Azerbaijan to end the illegal blockade.

On one hand, Azerbaijan prevents the entry of food convoys to Nagorno-Karabakh, and on the other hand, they fire shots at farmers to prevent the cultivation of lands. This reaffirms the analysis by international experts who concluded that Azerbaijan's goal is to starve out the population and commit genocide. //

[source,](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32551949.html) [source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgm0ZlrLpUE)

what happens after a UN Security Council session?

The UNSC could adopt one of the following:

(1) Resolution. If at least 9 members vote in favor of it during the open session, including all 5 permanent members. Any permanent member can veto and kill the process.

(2) Various statements and letters by the UNSC President. Usually requires consensus or "no objections".

(3) Press statement. Requires consensus.

... this is the second time the UNSC held a session at the request of Armenia

The first one took place in December 2022 after Azerbaijani government agents, disguised as environmentalists, shut down the corridor near Shushi.

At the time, Russia vetoed France's efforts to publish a pro-Armenian statement. Russia complained that the statement did not give enough credit to Russian peacekeepers.

... what to expect from this second UNSC session?

The final outcome will be clear in the coming days, but Russia has already indicated that it will, once again, veto any "irresponsible intervention" by the UNSC, a move that would be favorable for Azerbaijan.

[source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/747520/արցախի-ապաշրջափակման-հարցով-քննարկում-մակ-ի-ախ-ում-ի՞նչ-սպասել/) [source,](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/15t4sml/un_security_council_discusses_azerbaijans/)

Azerbaijanis praise Russia for support at the UN Security Council session

Pro-Aliyev analyst Zaur Mammadov: The world continues to consist of factions and coalitions. The stances adopted by superpowers continue to affect their smaller allies. I'm satisfied with the stance adopted by Russia, Brazil, and Albania. They also promoted the use of the Aghdam road.

[more](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw_uodsaNco)

interview with ex-PM Aram Sargsyan about the UN Security Council session: Russia & Azerbaijan alliance

REPORTER: PM Pashinyan stated that the UNSC has recorded the fact that Azerbaijan has blocked the Lachin corridor against the orders of the World Court, causing a humanitarian crisis.

SARGSYAN: I agree. It was the right decision to contact the UNSC. Russia and Azerbaijan were urging Armenia not to do so. It's not like Armenia had many political options left.

In case there were still people in Armenia who had doubts about Russia's intentions, yesterday's UNSC session was a full exposé. No one can ignore anymore that Russia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan have formed a team, and are playing the same game in a coordinated manner. Even your neighbor դռռիկ Խաչիկ can see that now. Armenia must draw conclusions from this.

I agree with Pashinyan that the majority of UNSC states, nevertheless, have reaffirmed the need for the speedy resumption of traffic through Lachin. The U.S.'s stance was clear about the need to open it. France and European countries were wonderful.

REPORTER: Who won: Stepanakert or Xankendi?

SARGSYAN: Not only the Armenian arguments were more convincing, but Azerbaijan's counter-arguments about the lack of humanitarian crisis and closed roads can later serve as a trap for themselves. If each side is presenting a different picture, then the solution could be for the international community to deploy a monitoring group to Nagorno-Karabakh to find out who is telling the truth.

I know from my personal contacts that the U.S. and EU want to deploy a monitoring group in Nagorno-Karabakh, like the one that the EU sent to monitor the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. I also know that Russia, and only Russia, has spoken against this Western monitoring group in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Turkey and Azerbaijan have not outright rejected the monitoring group, not because they support it, but because they are 100% confident that Russia will derail these efforts on their behalf.

During the UNSC session, MFA Ararat Mirzoyan not only presented the issue as a humanitarian crisis, but he brought examples of Azerbaijan's violations of the Nov. 9 agreement. He concluded by making the point that the ongoing processes lead to ethnic cleansing and genocide.

Today there are only two documents concerning the Nagorno-Karabakh-Azerbaijan conflict.

(1) The Nov. 9 document, where Russia is supposed to guarantee free passage through the Lachin Corridor. But Russia is pressuring Armenians to use the Aghdam road instead. In contrast, the Western states are urging Azerbaijan to open the Lachin corridor and they emphasize that Aghdam is not an equal alternative. The U.S. made a similar statement last week. Lachin is not a simple road for humanitarian cargo. Lachin is a corridor that links Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia.

(2) World Court interim ruling.

These are the only two documents. If the world wants to discuss this conflict, they must lean on these documents.

Ethnic Armenians can continue to live in Nagorno-Karabakh only if international peacekeepers are deployed. Some analysts expressed disappointment that Armenia did not ask for one during the UNSC session, but it's complicated. To deploy international peacekeepers, one of these two scenarios is necessary.

(1) Both parties agree to bring international peacekeepers (or peacemakers). Azerbaijan won't agree to this.

(2) Peacekeepers enter the region without asking in order to prevent ethnic cleansing or genocide.

Armenian diplomats have been raising the second point. That's the right direction. However, it's not easy to accomplish this because the world is not visually observing Armenians being slaughtered in Nagorno-Karabakh, and Azerbaijan manipulates with its Aghdam road, so the solution is for Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to endure the hardship as much as possible until:

(1) Azerbaijan loses patience and uses force. But I doubt they'll invade Nagorno-Karabakh because it's a direct path to Kosovo. Besides that, why take the risk if there is a chance they could depopulate the region without force by choking the corridor and relying on the support of Russia and the inaction of the world?

(2) Azerbaijan agrees to hold negotiations with representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh about their rights. This would entail a certain status for the latter.

REPORTER: How long can the population last? We have the first confirmed case of death from starvation.

SARGSYAN: There are already attempts to launch negotiations. You're likely aware of the failed Sophia and Bratislava meetings, the Yevlakh [Azerbaijan] that didn't take place. There were also attempts to hold a video conference. There were certain agreements between parties. Russia gave an ultimatum to Nagorno-Karabakh and discouraged them from participating in Western-hosted negotiations. But I believe this situation will be resolved.

And seeing the conduct of our "strategic partner" Russia during the UNSC session, and their attempts to promote Azerbaijan's stance and Aghdam road, we must draw conclusions. Every time we listen to Russia, we end up surrendering Nagorno-Karabakh to Azerbaijan - one piece, one village, one soldier, one corridor at a time.

We need to recalculate our stance towards Russia. Albania would have held a more pro-Armenian stance at UNSC had we recognized Kosovo. Ratify the Rome Statute immediately. Declare sympathy for the people of Ukraine who are fighting for the sovereignty of their country.

If the West becomes dissatisfied with the aggressive conduct of Russia-Azerbaijan-Turkey in our region, they could choose to arm Armenia to its teeth within a few years, to establish a military balance.

Armenia is acquiring Indian weapons with U.S.-made technology. India wouldn't be able to sell it to Armenia without the approval of U.S. Ilham Aliyev is afraid that Armenia will get stronger and attempt a revanche, so he's trying to depopulate Nagorno-Karabakh while he can.

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

U.S. was asked to comment on the delivery of Indian weapons to Armenia

Turkish journalist: According to some reports, Armenia is importing weapons from India through the territory of Iran. Should this be allowed at a time when the parties are negotiating peace?

White House Nat. Sec. spokesman John Kirby: I don't know what you're talking about, but will look into it.

[source,](https://www.state.gov/briefings-foreign-press-centers/preview-of-the-trilateral-leaders-summit)

U.S. is delaying the approval of military assistance to Azerbaijan

>The Biden administration appears to be slow-walking the renewal of a long-standing military assistance program to Azerbaijan amid growing warnings of ethnic cleansing in the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.

>Officials have offered no explanation for the delay.

>“U.S. policy on Azerbaijan has not changed,” a State Department spokesperson said [under anonymity]

[source,](https://www.politico.com/news/2023/08/16/azerbaijan-military-assistance-waiver-00111472)

U.S. urges Azerbaijan: open the Lachin corridor

White House National Security spokesman: As we’ve said many times, we remain deeply concerned about the continued closure of that corridor in Nagorno-Karabakh to commercial, humanitarian, and private vehicles. We want to see that corridor opened up again.

We continue to urge the Government of Azerbaijan to restore free transit expeditiously. We are engaged on a routine basis to see if we can achieve a better outcome diplomatically.

[source,](https://www.state.gov/briefings-foreign-press-centers/preview-of-the-trilateral-leaders-summit)

Washington Post Editorial Board: Azerbaijan should reopen the Lachin corridor — and avert another war

>The mountainous enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, home to about 120,000 residents, most of whom are ethnic Armenians, has long relied on a single lifeline to Armenia: a road known as the Lachin corridor.

>Azerbaijan has blockaded the corridor, effectively sealing off Nagorno-Karabakh and creating shortages of food and medicine

>The International Court of Justice on Feb. 22 called on Azerbaijan to “take all measures at its disposal to ensure unimpeded movement of persons, vehicles and cargo along the Lachin Corridor in both directions.” Mr. Aliyev has ignored the demand.

Continue: [source,](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/16/azerbaijan-nagorno-karabakh-blockade-armenia/)

anti-corruption: head of a medical institution implicated in a major hospital corruption scheme agrees to return $1 million in embezzled funds

In November 2018, authorities pressed criminal charges against A. Minasyan, the director of Yerevan's St. Gregory Illuminator Hospital. The director was accused of recruiting 4 other medical officials for a price-rigging scheme to embezzle funds between 2014 and 2018.

One of the co-defendants has confessed and returned all of the stolen funds. The criminal case was dropped against him for cooperating. The criminal case continues for the others.

The accused are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

[source,](https://a1plus.am/hy/article/459902) [source,](https://www.investigative.am/en/news/view/minasyan-hetaxuzum.html)

regular flights will begin next week to connect capital Yerevan to southern city Kapan: VIDEO

The government experimented with the first flight a few months ago and began working on traffic control improvements.

PM Pashinyan took a flight today to visit the mountainous region of Syunik that's difficult to access via road. He landed in Kapan and was given a tour of the airport.

Pashinyan: Everything is ready to launch regular flights starting next week. We'll later discuss possible improvements for the aircraft fleet. Ticket sales will launch soon.

[video,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYLNpxzjtb0?t=19) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/747529/հաջորդ-շաբաթվանից-երևան-կապան-կանոնավոր-չվերթներ-կիրականացվեն/)

the new Patrol Police will have a water patrol division for Lake Sevan

Interior Minister: We're creating a Water Patrol to increase the effectiveness of fighting crime in the Sevan basin. We'll recruit and train officers for 10 weeks, starting next month. The officers will also patrol 4 beaches, including with the help of drones.

Pashinyan: The Water Police will cooperate with Lake Sevan lifeguards and Sevan National Park agents. This year we had 2 incidents of drowning near public beaches. That's unacceptable. There is an investigation to reveal the shortcomings.

The Water Patrol will monitor boats and take action against intoxicated operators. Tell us more about it...

Interior Minister: We'll acquire 12 pieces of water scooters [whatever fuck that is]. This will supplement the inventory possessed by lifeguards today.

Pashinyan: We'll also acquire 4 units of 10-meter boats that will patrol waters 365 days a year. This should make it practically impossible to catch fish during prohibited seasons. Work is underway to inform our fishers, as a preventative measure.

... fish reserves in Lake Sevan

Pashinyan: Our estimates about the fish reserves were inaccurate - we underestimated the trout population. That's why we invited international experts, who have recently concluded the field work and will present the results next month. The updated information will help tweak the quotas for legal fishing.

... land Patrol Police will be implemented in the 4 remaining provinces in October

Pashinyan: The establishment of the Water Patrol is one of the final phases of the general plan to establish a new Patrol service across Armenia. The land Patrol service will become available in Syunik, Vayots Dzor, Ararat, and Armavir in October, thus concluding the process.

... female officers

Pashinyan: The next phase will be about encouraging women's participation in Patrol Police. In those remaining 4 provinces, around 70% of applicants undergoing training will be women.

I'm happy to note that this year's [World Economic Forum report on Global Gender Gap](https://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_GGGR_2023.pdf) has placed Armenia 28 positions higher. The index tracks the progress of efforts toward closing gender gaps in the fields of economy, education, healthcare, and political participation.

Today Armenia is 61 out of 141. The report contains concerning details about the existing issues, which we will take into account. //

... the Gender Gap ranking

(1) Iceland (-)

(61) Armenia (+28, strong education attainment, decent economic participation, average political empowerment, terrible health)

(76) Georgia (-21)

(79) Italy

(83) Israel

(93) Greece

(97) Azerbaijan (+4)

(125) Japan *(when you prioritize anime over real women)*

(129) Turkey (-5)

(143) Iran (-)

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgm0ZlrLpUE) [source,](https://www.weforum.org/reports/global-gender-gap-report-2023/)

STEM teachers will receive a 25% salary raise

Government: Teachers of STEM subjects (except for math) in all public schools will be paid bonuses in the amount of 25% of their rate, starting this September. //

Each worked hour will be counted as 1.25 hours. The measure aims to attract more STEM teachers to address the shortage. It's expected to impact over 8,000 teachers.

The 25% raise is on top of any raise the teacher may have received through a separate attestation (quality certification) process.

... teachers in rural communities will receive full-time wages even if they work part-time

All teachers in rural schools with fewer than 100 students, in the event of being forced to work part-time due to an insufficient number of students, will receive a bonus to equate their work to full-time. If they work a 0.6 shift, the bonus will amount to a 0.4 shift.

As for STEM teachers in rural schools, they will take advantage of both programs: 25% raise and guaranteed full-time pay.

[source,](https://arka.am/en/news/society/teachers_of_science_subjects_in_armenia_will_receive_25_bonuses/) [source,](https://www.facebook.com/zhanna.andreasyan/posts/pfbid02QMHm1wLeo7qyc6tR35TVHEDSNWgFp1KYBfJffn4PZ2T4Rif8Kk3r68tBDVUhdJD2l)

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/15tzna6/pm_pashinyan_analysts_discuss_the_outcome_of_un/