2023 August 28

Daily news wrap-up

Flashback: Armenia fighting against Bolsheviks & Kemalists; military aid from UK || Airbridge: Prince of Liechtenstein wants to fly to Nagorno-Karabakh || Azerbaijan abducts ethnic Armenian students; will deport from homeland || Legal firm: remedial secession warranted
by ar_david_hh

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12 minutes.

war against Kemalist Turkey and Bolshevik Russia: ex-PM of Armenia and ex-mayor of Tbilisi Alexander Khatisian recalls the struggles for independence during the First Republic

KHATISIAN: Upon my arrival in [Gyumri] I developed personal impressions of the situation at the frontline and the general mood in the population. The situation was sad. There was no enthusiasm. No one believed in our victory.

We received a briefing from commanders from the Kars-Gyumri region. Our assaults on Turkish troops were unsuccessful.

We proceeded to Yerevan. The city had its usual appearance. The railway traffic was slowed down to prioritize military trains. I met the political and military leadership to discuss the situation on the frontline.

Commanders Nazarbekyan and Hakhverdyan reported that despite the unsuccessful assault on Turkish forces, our army still had sufficient stamina. Simon Vratsyan had just arrived from Kars. He was under the impression that our forces were in a great mood but their commanders were weak and lacked leadership skills.

I asked the commanders how long Kars could withstand as a castle. They estimated two months. Upon learning details about the enemy army, I expressed my opinion that the war should continue.

The council issued multiple orders to strengthen our defense. Everyone went home in a good mood. Kars was standing. Dro's forces were holding the enemy back in Surmalu.

[...]

Our government was negotiating with the Soviet Union [Bolsheviks] to secure the most favorable conditions: 1) Independence for Armenia, 2) Annexation of Turkish-controlled Armenian vilayets. In return, Russia wanted to have all sorts of transit rights via Armenia.

We were approaching the fateful day of October 30. But before that, let me share with you the memo sent to me by our diplomat Tigran Bekzadyan written in August 1920. It describes the situation on the ground.

... the memo by BEKZADYAN, Armenia's ambassador to Georgia; classification: secret:

Your Excellency. It has become imperative for Armenia and Georgia to establish foreign relations with Bolsheviks after their invasion of Azerbaijan and the Northern Caucasus. The Russian government had hinted that they would respond favorably to Armenia's request for independence if Armenia offered a peace deal.

An Armenian delegation was dispatched to Moscow on May 5. *[apparently, it took 15 days to reach Moscow]*. Our goal was to convince Soviet Russia to recognize our independence, and not to intervene in our internal and foreign policies. These negotiations have not yielded any results so far.

There are several factors that contributed to these delays in negotiations, with the primary ones being:

(1) Kemalists [Turkey] are fighting against the Entante states and the peace agreement [the West]. They want to receive assistance from Russia and Azerbaijan, by using Armenian lands. They view Armenia as an obstacle to creating a monotonous Muslim state stretching from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. Kemalists also want, with the help of Bolshevik Russia, to challenge the Western dominance in the East and Asia.

(2) Russia wants to establish a connection to Kemalist forces to use them to destroy Western capital and dominance in the East and Asia. Russia also wants to connect to Iran by using Armenian territories.

In both scenarios, Armenia is the main obstacle to the implementation of these programs. Lately, we've seen more attempts by Bolsheviks and Azeris to implement their plans.

Kemalists and Azeris have focused on the borders with Armenia. On the other side, the Russian Bolsheviks, under the pretense of applying preventative measures to prevent the Armenian-Azeri conflict from causing international clashes, have invaded Karabakh, Syunik, and Nakhijevan. The Kemalist-Azeri forces have also entered these regions.

But that didn't last long, and the Bolsheviks were pushed out. They proceeded to receive reinforcements from the Soviet army in Karabakh and the Kurdish cavalry from north-eastern Syunik. Our troops were outnumbered and were forced to retreat to Bazarcha/Sharur, where they were cornered and assaulted again from all directions by Bolsheviks, Kurds, Azeris, and Molokans. Dro's tiny army was unable to withstand.

Bolsheviks concentrated their forces near Gazakh [presumably Tavush region]. They assaulted unquestionably Armenian ~~regions~~ villages, invading several of them. This movement threatened to cut off our railway communication and completely neutralize it.

We passed this information to the Georgian government. The latter sent a note of protest to Moscow about its assault on Armenia.

Concerned over the prospect of losing the aforementioned regions, the Armenian government decided to expedite the peace negotiations with the Bolsheviks. Bolsheviks demanded the three contested regions as a precondition for a ceasefire agreement. Armenia had no choice but to agree.

However, Armenia found it impossible to cede the aforementioned regions to Azerbaijan and expressed hope to reach an agreement through some kind of compromise. But if Azerbaijan, with the help of its allies [Bolsheviks and Kemalists], decides not to make any concessions and another armed conflict becomes inevitable, then it won't be Armenia's fault.

Armenia hopes that during these peace negotiations, our people will gain some peace, so we can organize the harvest and therefore the next military draft. In the meantime, our soldiers will have enough time to train to use the new weapons we received from England. Right now we need our soldiers to rest, arm themselves, and feel confident about the safety of their families.

These are the primary challenges we face today: 1) We are broke, 2) We don't have fuel, 3) We don't have means of transportation.

Your Excellency. The millions of dollars you've brought *[the diplomat is writing this letter to Alexander Khatisyan, who has just returned from a worldwide trip to collect cash and meet Armenian diaspora, basically 20th-century Himnadram]* ... the millions of dollars you've brought can help us overcome these unbearable conditions.

The government has decided to spare no means for defending our borders and rights. To this end, the government has announced new conscription throughout Armenia and coercive measures to strengthen the army. //

[source,](https://www.aniarc.am/2023/08/26/khatisyan-book-chapter-13-part-3-january-10-2018/)

Armenian-British military collaboration: 1918-1920

>Armenian-British military cooperation was on strong footing during the short life of the first Armenian Republic.

>After independence, Armenia was an ally of Great Britain, a member of Entente.

>This alliance is clear by the fact that Armenia continued to wage war against Turkey, which was among the most active opponents of Entente, and Turkish troops had suffered undisputed defeats and bypassed Armenia.

Georgia had claims over the Kars region, too. Population of Kars at the time: 123k Armenians, 103k Turks, 55k Kurds, 4k Georgians, ... Alexander Khatisyan visited Tbilisi, Georgia, to discuss the issue of Kars with General Walker, England’s supreme commander.

It ended with the border being drawn in the following way:

>Ardahan Province’s northern part, above Ardahan city, the other side of the Poskov River, went to Georgia, and temporarily, the western part of Kars, from Merdenek westward, would stay under English command as a zone that directly shares a border with the state of Batumi.

>the provinces of Kars and Kaghzvan, along with the Kars fort, as well as the city of Ardahan, were to be turned over to Armenia, which included the Alexdropol-Kars-Sarikamish-Karaurgan railroad. Oltisi Province, evidently, was to remain to the Turks.

England assigned Colonel Temperley to enforce the handover of territories to Armenians. English generals came to meet Armenian commander Dro and others to discuss the deployment of Armenian troops in Kars. There would be 1,200 Armenian and 3,000 English troops. Colonel Temperley was appointed as military governor, while Stepan Ghorghanyan was appointed civilian governor.

>it was a very big deal for Armenian forces to enter Kars. It was an occasion that created much enthusiasm among the people

The local Turkish governor [Shukra Pasha] refused to hand over power to the Armenian counterpart, so the English Colonel Temperley issued a warrant for his arrest. The guy was able to escape, however. Colonel Temperley summoned the rest of the Turkish militias and gave them 3 minutes to comply, which they did.

The General of the Armenian army spent 6 weeks in London in 1919 to discuss military assistance. Great Britain’s foreign secretary Lord George N. Curzon continuously insisted on assisting Armenia.

After the defeat of the White Army in Russia, Great Britain had doubts that Georgia and Azerbaijan could resist the Russian Red Army, but the foreign minister "insisted in assisting the Armenian people, saying that Britain has a moral debt to pay the Armenian people."

>Lord Curzon came forth with a special speech. After praising the bravery of Armenians, and insisting that they would be able to secure themselves if they are supplied with adequate weaponry, he went on to say that the suffering of the Armenians must be ameliorated, and promises by the warring nations towards the Armenians must be kept

Great Britain announced the preparation of assistance 7 days later.

Prime Minister Lloyd George about Armenia: It depends entirely on the Armenians themselves—whether they protect their independence. They must do so; they must begin to depend upon themselves.

They are an exceptionally intelligent people. In fact, it is their intelligence that gets them into trouble sometimes, from all I hear. That is what is so obnoxious to the Turks. I am told that they could easily organise an army of about 40,000 men.

If they ask for equipment we shall be very happy to assist in equipping their army. If they want the assistance of officers to train that army, I am perfectly certain there is no Allied country in Europe that would not be willing to assist in that respect.

That is far and away the best thing for themselves. It would increase their self-respect. It would make them a manlier and more virile people. Instead of always casting themselves upon other countries and sending supplications and appeals, let them defend themselves. When they do so the Turk will have too much respect—not for them, but for himself—to attempt any more massacres in that quarter. //

Later, artificial obstacles were created by Great Britain's War Office. They decided to sell the weapons at a high price instead. Then they claimed issues with the delivery. Foreign minister Lord Curzon called it unacceptable and summoned meetings.

They finally agreed to send 48 field guns, 400 machine guns, 25,000 rifles, 40,000 units of military outfits, 1077 first aid kits, various military hardware, telescopes, compasses, gun repair kits, canned food, etc.

The War Office demanded a hefty fee, to which Armenia agreed. On top of it, Georgia demanded 27% of the shipment as a transfer fee. Avetis Aharonian, chairman of the parliament of Armenia, expressed gratitude for the weaponry. There were also discussions to send 40 military advisors, on top of those who had already beein Armenia for 2 years, and aircraft.

The head of the Armenian army, during his multi-week trip to London, visited factories to study the production of bullets. No equipment was subsequently purchased because Armenia was broke. Later they were supposed to send something, but the War Office blocked it again, citing unrest in Armenia and the Armenian government's decision to hold negotiations with Bolshevik Russia. Winston Churchill was concerned that British weapons could fall into the hands of the Bolsheviks.

There were efforts to move England's unused aircraft from Egypt to Armenia but the War Office blocked it again, citing Armenia's financial constraints and lack of expertise to use the aircraft. The Foreign Office was able to convince the War Office to supply aircraft, however. Many aviation experts began visiting Armenia. Armenia purchased 2 English airplanes.

>The quantity of the supplied weapons was very large for the Armenian army, and the cost in today’s value would be about 80 million British pounds, which is quite a significant loan amount for a single year even by today’s standard.

[full article by military expert Artsrun Hovhannisyan](https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/381388/historical-notes-on-armenian-british-military-collaboration-in-1918-20/)

Azerbaijani forces kidnap 3 ethnic Armenian students who were crossing the Azeri checkpoint illegally installed in Lachin corridor

The students are professional soccer players who supposedly burned down the Azerbaijani flag as a sign of protest earlier. Azerbaijani authorities plan to charge them with "disrespecting" Azerbaijan. The students will remain under arrest for 10 days before being deported to Armenia. They will not be allowed to return back to their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh anymore. A protest was organized in front of the Russian embassy in Armenia for allowing the Azeri regime to kidnap the students.

The World Court had earlier ordered Azerbaijan to end the illegal obstruction of the 2-way movement through the Lachin corridor. Azerbaijan has not complied.

GOVERNMENT OF ARMENIA: These kidnappings once again give reason to believe that Azerbaijan is planning to subject the entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh to collective punishment.

The entire population of Nagorno-Karabakh is deprived of all fundamental rights, food, medicine, gas, and electricity, while Azerbaijani snipers terrorize people, kidnap residents, and block the corridor to Armenia.

This demonstrates the true aspirations of the Azerbaijani leadership. They are avoiding dialogue with Nagorno-Karabakh at all costs and instead continue the policy of ethnic cleansing. //

[source,](https://arka.am/en/news/incidents/azerbaijanis_kidnap_22_year_old_nagorno_karabakh_student_at_illegal_checkpoint_in_lachin_corridor/) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/748333/մեկ-առևանգվածից-բացի՝-ևս-երկուսը-չեն-հատել-լաչինի-անցակետը․-արցախի-միպ/) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/267564) [source,](https://factor.am/681203.html) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/748368/ադրբեջանը-ձերբակալված-հայ-երիտասարդներին-ազատ-կարձակի/) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/267595) [source,](https://factor.am/681449.html)

Prince of Liechtenstein calls for the establishment of a humanitarian air corridor to Nagorno-Karabakh; wants to be in the aircraft

Prince Michael of Liechtenstein supports Aznavour Foundation's effort to establish an airbridge to Nagorno-Karabakh. There are efforts to rally the support of current and former public officials from various states.

They have called for the Red Cross and the UN World Food Programme to organize flights ASAP.

[source,](https://a1plus.am/hy/article/460371)

Commissioner for Human Rights at Council of Europe: Restore free movement along the Lachin Corridor and ensure the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance in Nagorno-Karabakh

Dunja Mijatović: Despite numerous calls by international stakeholders, the humanitarian and human rights situation in the area has further deteriorated due to the prolonged disruption in the movement of people and access to food supplies and urgent medical care.

The relevant stakeholders should immediately find a solution to avoid any further deterioration of the very dangerous situation.

I confirm my readiness to engage with all the relevant interlocutors and to travel to Nagorno-Karabakh to assist in overcoming the existing human rights challenges.

[source,](https://www.coe.int/en/web/commissioner/-/restore-free-movement-along-the-lachin-corridor-and-ensure-the-rapid-and-unimpeded-delivery-of-humanitarian-assistance-in-nagorno-karabakh)

Public International Law & Policy Group's report on Nagorno-Karabakh: External self-determination via remedial secession

>The purpose of this memorandum is to set forth the argument that the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh are entitled, at a minimum, to the right of internal self-determination and that the current negotiations should provide for the meaningful and effective protection of this right.

>As such, Nagorno-Karabakh’s Soviet-era autonomous status should serve as a benchmark for discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan concerning the future fate and status of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The report analyzes the pre-1990 mistreatment of ethnic Armenians by Azerbaijani authorities:

>Prior to 1988, Azerbaijan's human rights record with respect to the Armenian people of Nagorno-Karabakh was rather dismal. During the seven decades of the USSR's existence, the government of Soviet Azerbaijan conducted a systematic policy of repression and removal of Karabakh Armenians from their historic homeland.

>During this time, the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh was reduced from ninety-five percent of the total population of the region in 1926, to seventy-five percent of the population in 1976.

>In the nearby Azerbaijani-administered enclave of Nakhichevan, the Armenian population was reduced from 40% of the population to zero.

>Subsequent to the Karabakh movement for independence in 1988, the human rights violations against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh intensified, including “pogroms, deportations, and other atrocities.”

Conclusion:

>In the event that Azerbaijan refuses to accept that Nagorno-Karabakh’s Soviet-era autonomous status be included on the agenda and serve as a benchmark for discussions between Armenia and Azerbaijan concerning the future fate and status of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, this is a clear signal of a continued rejection of that right for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh, and this opens the door to the possibility of external self-determination via remedial secession

[full report](https://www.publicinternationallawandpolicygroup.org/policy-planning-nagornokarabakh)

Nagorno-Karabakh president changed his mind and refused to resign after learning that Gen. Samvel Babayan could become the next leader: journalist Tatul Hakobyan reveals details

Context: It was claimed that Arayik Harutyunyan had promised to resign but broke the promise under unknown circumstances. Journalists Tatul Hakobyan and Petros Ghazaryan discuss the events.

TATUL: First of all, Russia's 14-point document [that outlines the subjugation of ethnic Armenians to Azerbaijani rule] is an authentic paper. Moscow passed it to Stepanakert through Yerevan. Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians are joking that they wished it was written by Azerbaijan so it would have more favorable terms. It's great that people maintain their sense of humor.

PETROS: Let's discuss the situation around the resignation of Nagorno-Karabakh president Harutyunyan.

TATUL: During the closed-door meeting, Harutyunyan complained about Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan, and announced that he can no longer manage the crisis. He said he would resign but ended up not doing so. Here is what happened...

They were supposed to nominate a new candidate for the presidency. The parliament would then elect the candidate as the new president.

That's when Harutyunyan saw a threat of a takeover by Samvel Babayan because Harutyunyan's ruling party members, who hold the majority in parliament, declared that they would not necessarily vote in favor of the candidate nominated by Bako Sahakyan, Robert Kocharyan, or Ruben Vardanyan [the former regime]. They said they would vote freely.

Despite my rocky relations with Samvel Babayan, I think he is the only party that at least has proposed plans. The others aren't doing anything.

PETROS: What is the ruling party's and Harutyunyan's plan? They rejected the initial negotiations, then they accepted it, then they wanted the negotiations to take place not here but there, and then they changed their mind and agreed.

TATUL: I agree. But if you place yourself in Harutyunayan's shoes, he is under immense pressure.

PETROS: Does the former regime's candidate have a plan?

TATUL: I haven't heard anything. Their idea so far is to force the government out so they can come to power "to solve the problems".

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XKcGYgkcD0)

Yerevan residents are voting for a design for Charles Aznavour statue

The municipality will install one in France Square next year, in honor of the legendary artists's 100th anniversary. Yerevan residents are able to cast a vote for their preferred design on the municipality's official website.

Here are the candidates:

[images](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/267542)

Yerevan's new bus fleet will have free WiFi, GPS trackers for predicting arrival times, online ticket sales

Bus stops will also be equipped with digital panels with arrival times.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FsrpsfMwAg&si=KuUi2lxC3Y-t-qp0)

S&P upgrades Armenia from 'B+' to 'BB-' on robust growth and improved fiscal position; outlook stable

Spillovers from the Russia-Ukraine conflict helped Armenia's economy to expand significantly by 12.6%. The growth is expected to slow but remain at 7.5% in 2023. Armenia's IT sector has expanded by 51%, partly thanks to the migration of skilled Russian workers.

The worsening economy in Russia, the end of the migration-related benefits, and possible clashes with Azerbaijan could harm the economic growth, but the recent increase in human and financial capital could strengthen Armenia's potential growth rate.

The average annual real GDP growth rate will be 4% until 2026.

[source,](https://arka.am/en/news/economy/s_p_upgrades_armenia_to_bb_from_b_on_robust_growth_and_improved_fiscal_position_outlook_stable/)

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/1641l5u/flashback_armenia_fighting_against_bolsheviks/