2023 September 22

Daily news wrap-up

Shoygu's infamous dagger // Samvel Babayan's 15-point document // UNSC: Armenia calls for UN-mandated peacekeeping force in Nagorno-Karabakh // Negotiations in Yevlakh / Maxiamlism vs Realism // Interviews & analysis
by ar_david_hh

---

casualties

Nagorno-Karabakh (NK) yesterday reported >200 deaths and >400 wounded.

Analysts from Azerbaijan (AZ) reported >125 deaths and >125 wounded on the Azeri side. That's the number they were able to independently verify.

The numbers are expected to rise on both sides. There are bodies that have not been recovered. Some of the missing NK soldiers are expected to be forests, possibly preparing for guerrilla warfare. Some units have refused to lay down arms.

[source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/751363/իրավիճակն-արցախում-թարմացվող/) [source,](https://factor.am/691095.html) [source,](https://factor.am/691572.html) [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsoM59_ydU4)

Martakert region is encircled

The report about the complete evacuation of Martakert was disputed. Some residents left but the decision to evacuate everyone was canceled. The region is encircled by AZ soldiers. Residents are unable to leave even if they want to. Roads are under AZ control. It's not safe to travel. Residents have no food and electricity. They are trapped.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269626) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269606) [source,](https://arka.am/en/news/politics/police_in_nagorno_karabakh_shifts_to_enhanced_service_to_protect_population/) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/751363/իրավիճակն-արցախում-թարմացվող/) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/751363/իրավիճակն-արցախում-թարմացվող/) [source,](https://factor.am/691182.html)

AZ shuts down electricity in civilian settlements

Several electrical substations went under AZ control. They proceeded to cut off the electricity. NK's main telecom operator is able to service only part of the population as a result.

[source,](https://factor.am/691047.html) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269587)

AZ president apologizes to Vladimir Putin after the killing of RU peacekeepers

One of the 6 killed peacekeepers was the deputy commander of the contingent. Aliyev issued an apology to Putin and said an investigation was underway. Several AZ soldiers were arrested and their commander was fired.

[source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/751363/իրավիճակն-արցախում-թարմացվող/) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269615)

analysis by Vladimir Milov, one of the leaders of RU opposition

REPORTER: Is this the end of the NK conflict, or it's being frozen?

MILOV: Unfortunately it's headed towards the end. Sadly, AM and NK put their guards down after their victory in the 1st war and have since acted as if there was no problem and "it's our land". But the whole world recognized the territory as part of AZ. Armenians were unable to change that.

It's a tragic outcome. AZ is one of the harshest dictatorships in Eurasia. Nothing good awaits the Armenian population under their rule. AM should have spent these 30 years negotiating a plan for NK to be part of AZ but under acceptable conditions.

REPORTER: Pashinyan said he would recognize NK as part of AZ if the latter agreed to negotiate the rights and security of NK Armenians. But it was a unilateral effort. After these tragic events, what will be the fate of Pashinyan?

MILOV: Pashinyan adopted a courageous and correct approach lately by accepting the reality but this should have been done 20 years ago, not after AZ purchased all the weapons, formed an alliance with TR, and received Putin's green light. Too little too late.

He will be scolded but I'm under the impression that the majority of Armenians are forbearing and understand the situation. They view Pashinyan's opposition, the former regime, as a murky mafia backed by RU.

REPORTER: Why did Putin allow this to happen? Did RU lose its influence or is it beneficial for Putin?

MILOV: (1) RU has lost its influence long ago. Even decades ago it was visible how ineffective RU's mediation efforts were. (2) Putin obviously prefers TR and AZ over AM, for the sheer power and importance that the former two have. Putin needs TR as a bridge to the world. He spat on AM. Armenians won't forget this.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJGCYoYlYK0?t=66)

analyst Armen Chibukhchyan about the peacekeepers

CHIBUKHCHYAN: During the 2020 war there was an offer to deploy international peacekeepers but, primarily under the pressure of the NK gov't, the negotiations were held only around a RU peacekeeping contingent. RU had promised NK to eventually "annex" them: *"Deploy our forces, accept our rule, and you will become part of us."*

Azerbaijani and some Western analysts also insist that it was AM's decision to choose RU peacekeepers. They believed NK residents could gain RU citizenship and thus receive certain protections on the ground.

Now about the West's failed effort to provide a platform for NK-AZ dialogue. The first meeting was offered in Bulgaria, but rejected by NK. The second meeting was supposed to be in Slovakia, rejected by AZ.

The third one was supposed to be an online meeting. NK President Arayik strongly supported it. The US representative was supposed to join the two. Arayik's plan was to pressure AZ to lift the blockade because the US had also agreed that the blockade and hunger must end before any serious negotiations can be held.

But RU was furious at Arayik's decision to agree to the Western-led initiative and began to distrust him. RU couldn't afford the strengthening of West's role and its presence in NK, including in the form of a fact-finding mission.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Qo0PNYR5ec?t=2383)

NK sends a delegation to AZ for negotiations

The negotiations took place in Yevlakh on Thursday. The NK envoy was accompanied by peacekeepers.

... who was the leader of NK envoy?

NK Parliament's Foreign Relations Committee Davit Melkumyan.

(1) Born and grew up in NK.

(2) Has been engaged in the coordination of civilian programs aimed at solving the NK conflict.

(3) Previously represented NK's civilian population in dozens of countries.

(4) Has been the head of the NK branch of the "Union of Armenians of Russia" since 2010.

... who was the leader of the Azerbaijani envoy?

The Azeri side was led by Ramin Mamedov, a special envoy assigned by Ilham Aliyev. He had earlier visited NK to negotiate with the Armenian side under the previous president Arayik.

... the outcome of the first meeting

Russian peacekeepers also participated in the meeting. The discussions lasted 1-2 hours.

NK: We have an agreement to stop hostilities but there is no final agreement around the surrender of arms. People cannot be left to die, so security guarantees are needed first. The negotiations will continue.

AZ: The negotiations took place in a constructive atmosphere. We have agreed to meet again. We presented the reintegration plan. The Armenian side emphasized the need to address the ongoing social and humanitarian issues, especially fuel shortages. We have agreed to deliver fuel and humanitarian aid.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8xCRZo-kFc?t=7) [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V4HHI_EF3Y0) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/751232/լղ-ներակայացուցիչները-ժամանել-են-եվլախ/) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/751363/իրավիճակն-արցախում-թարմացվող/) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269590) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269597) [source,](https://factor.am/691092.html) [source,](https://www.dpa.am/wp/տաքսի-ծառայություններ?lang=hy) [source,](https://factor.am/691159.html) [source,](https://factor.am/691211.html)

Pashinyan's Thursday speech about the situation in NK:

NK soldiers continue to remain in the same positions they were at the time of the ceasefire declaration. The reports of intrusion and mass murder of civilians in several settlements are false. There are also no AZ soldiers inside Stepanakert.

False information was circulated claiming that AM is not allowing the entry of NK residents into AM. The Lachin corridor is closed by AZ, not us. I've ordered the cabinet to prepare to host 40,000 refugees if necessary. We've reserved hotel rooms and other places.

We have been ~~warned~~ warning that AZ is attempting to carry out ethnic cleansing in NK. But for some reason, there are forces in AM who are also rooting for all Armenians to leave NK. That is a dangerous rhetoric. We must do everything possible to ensure Armenians can continue to live safely in their homes.

Around 10,000 NK residents were told to gather at the Stepanakert airport. They were told there was a possibility they could fly to AM. Then someone told them it was AM that was blocking their flights to AM. It's obvious this was done to create division and instability within AM.

Under the Nov. 9 agreement, RU peacekeepers were supposed to guarantee the safety of the NK population. We first raised the issue of insufficient response 1.5 years ago. We cannot ignore their failures.

Last year the peacekeepers convinced a resident of Martakert -- I don't know whether for PR purposes or not -- to cultivate a land near the border while promising to guarantee his safety. An Azeri sniper killed the farmer with the peacekeeper sitting next to him. There are many things we didn't want to speak about out loud because we understood the difficulty of the situation. But there have been dozens of incidents, without counting the latest outbreak.

If the peacekeepers were capable of mediating a ceasefire on September 20th, why couldn't they mediate a solution before the attack to prevent bloodshed? Everyone was warning them about an impending attack. We were warning that AZ had surrounded NK with military equipment. Why wasn't this mediation done before the attack? We would like to have an answer.

The opposition politicians are attacking police officers on the streets of Yerevan these days. The issue of the NK conflict has been used as a tool by the opposition since 1998 to change power. Today they have formed groups of athletes and students to carry out acts of mass hooliganism in Yerevan. They are affiliated with the son of a former president, and ranking officials from the NK government. The response will be harsh but legal. The authorities must not fall for their trap, there must not be bloodshed on the streets. We love the protesters, too. They are our compatriots.

Do not believe the commissars who will try to convince you that AM cannot be independent and that AM needs to be controlled by a foreign state with its puppets. We cannot and will not allow this. //

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJUcsGFTj5Q)

Azerbaijani regime arrests anti-war activists

5 people were arrested in AZ for speaking against the war in NK.

>[an arrested activist] argued that military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh were being carried out in Russia’s interests.

>*"Taking into account the existing conditions and standards, our demand and position should be coexistence in peace, tranquillity, and stable and sustainable security."*

[source,](https://oc-media.org/azerbaijan-arrests-anti-war-figures/)

EU condemns Azerbaijan's military aggression, vows strong response if Azerbaijan uses military to displace the Nagorno-Karabakh population

EU: EU condemns the military operation by AZ against the Armenian population of NK. AZ bears the responsibility to ensure the rights and security of the Armenians, including their right to live in their homes without intimidation. Forced displacements through military or other means will be met with a strong response by the EU.

Respect the ceasefire. We call on Baku and Karabakh Armenians to urgently engage in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue. We call for the resumption of negotiations between AM-AZ.

We call on AZ to allow immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access, including through a full re-opening of the Lachin corridor in line with the World Court Orders. //

The message was published but not announced on behalf of all 27 EU states because Hungary blocked it. They have an oil deal with Azerbaijan.

[source,](https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/azerbaijan-statement-high-representative-developments-nagorno-karabakh_en) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/751363/իրավիճակն-արցախում-թարմացվող/) [source,](https://factor.am/691726.html)

UN Security Council holds a session

UN: AZ announced "anti-terror" operation after several deaths from landmines. AZ claims NK planted them. The UN has no presence and therefore unable to verify the accuracy of this claim.

FRANCE: AZ amassed troops and launched a military operation that affected the civilians. It was premeditated. We condemn this unacceptable and arbitrary offensive which violated the UN Charter on the need to resolve conflicts peacefully.

We are not questioning the territorial integrity of AZ. What is at stake is whether the Armenian population in NK can continue to live in their homes with their rights and culture being respected. Such a guarantee cannot exist if the stronger party exercises deliberate force against the weaker.

The ongoing blockade has prevented the population from receiving food, energy, and medicine.

President Aliyev yesterday said they want to live in peace with Armenians. If AZ really wants a peaceful resolution, it must here and now provide tangible guarantees. It must commit in good faith in discussions to not use force. It must accept that this dialogue relates to the rights and guarantees of the population with the support of the international community. It must provide amnesty to the forces that have accepted the ceasefire. It must immediately open the Lachin corridor in accordance with the World Court order. It must accept an international humanitarian presence in NK before winter. Without these guarantees, there cannot be a solution.

Unfortunately, this isn't the first time we have witnessed this. The UNSC cannot ignore and become an accomplice. Doing so would lead to the mass exodus of the population. There are already very many departures. Around 10% of the population has been displaced.

UNSC must provide active support for defining parameters for a negotiated solution between AZ-NK. International law must be respected.

UNSC must remain vigilant in the face of any attempts to drag AM into these events and call into question AM's territorial integrity. PM Pashinyan over the last few months has shown a sense of responsibility. He wishes to see a de-escalation and is committed to finding a negotiated solution.

MALTA: We are concerned about the military escalation by AZ against NK Armenians. We condemn any act that endangers civilian life. The displacement of population and destructions is deplorable. Deliver humanitarian aid ASAP. Safeguard the safety and rights of civilians.

UAE: We welcome the ceasefire brokered by Russia. Parties should protect civilians. Territorial integrity should be respected, and conflicts should be resolved peacefully.

UK: We are alarmed by the pressures faced by the population of NK. We were encouraged by the small-scale movement of humanitarian goods via Lachin and Agdam. This opportunity for progress was cut short by AZ's military operation. We have urged AZ to end its use of force and not escalate again.

While we recognize the importance of territorial integrity, military might cannot be used to resolve tensions between communities. Direct dialogue is the only sustainable solution. It is vital for talks to resume with Karabakhi Armenians to reach a *credible* plan to ensure their rights and security.

USA: We are alarmed by AZ's continued military actions in NK. We call for these actions to stop immediately. AZ has a responsibility to ensure its forces comply with international law. AZ has international obligations to respect the human rights and freedoms of all individuals in its territory.

Humanitarian organizations must be allowed to provide aid without any roadblocks. Earlier this week we welcomed the entry of humanitarian trucks along the Lachin corridor and the Agdam roadway. But it is disappointing that military actions began a DAY after this.

There is a need for an international mission to provide reassurance to the residents of NK. That their rights and security will be protected consistent with AZ's public statements. The U.S. is in pursuit of a permanent solution.

SWITZERLAND: The military operation launched by AZ is an additional burden on the civilian population of NK. The use of force is unacceptable. The obligations of international law must be emphasized. Human rights and minority rights must be respected unconditionally. The Red Cross must be allowed in. Parties must respect their obligations under the Nov. 9 declaration and the World Court order. A lasting peace must be achieved based on the respect of territorial integrity and the protection of minority rights.

RUSSIA: There was a sharp military escalation. The humanitarian situation has worsened. There is a risk of a significant number of refugees. Our peacekeepers continue to carry out their duties to protect civilians. We mediated a ceasefire agreement.

We believe the AM-AZ truce should be accompanied by reliable guarantees of security and rights of the population of NK. The framework was established in October 2022 and May 2023 in Europe when AM recognized Karabakh as part of AZ. Unfortunately the part about the need to ensure the rights and security of the Armenian population was omitted. We expect the contact between Baku and Stepanakert/Kankendi to yield results to ease the humanitarian situation.

We need to develop a gradual roadmap to integrate the population of NK into the Constitutional order of AZ with clear guarantees for their rights and security. These processes will be actively supported by RU peacekeepers.

BRAZIL: We regret the loss of lives. We condemn the resort to unilateral actions. The attack on populated areas resulting in dozens of casualties puts the fragile 2020 ceasefire at risk. The Lachin corridor must reopen fully. The civilian population must have unimpeded access to food, medicine, and energy.

ECUADOR: The acts committed on September 19 are to be condemned. They led to the deaths of some 10 civilians. Thousands have fled their homes. There is no excuse for the use of military force in violation of international law. These acts are contrary to the provisional measures handed down by the World Court.

Any agreement must have the necessary guarantees aimed at protecting the populations that live in this region with full respect for human rights. We encourage the UNSC to ensure that the dialogue will result in the establishment of a diplomatic solution between the parties.

CHINA: Condolences to the families of deceased Russian peacekeepers.

GHANA: Build trust. Cooperate with RU peacekeepers. If the future reintegration of NK with the rest of AZ is to be successful, the approach must be reconciliatory.

Earlier we called for the opening of the Lachin corridor. Winter is approaching. The corridor is still closed. We are concerned about the fate of civilians. Open Lachin fully. The rights and freedom of all inhabitants must be protected.

MOZAMBIQUE: Peace, my brothers and sisters.

GABON: Shit broke out just when we thought humanitarian traffic was about to resume. Respect international law and the 2020 agreement. Don't resort to hate speech.

JAPAN: We strongly called for AZ to stop its military activities. Any unilateral change to worsen the situation is unacceptable. A ceasefire was reached but the situation is still uncertain. UNSC should keep an eye on it. Resume humanitarian supplies.

ALBANIA: Prioritize the protection of civilians. This is an obligation under international law. Peace, restraint, dialogue. The ceasefire is encouraging. Find mutually acceptable solutions.

GERMANY: AZ has chosen to create facts on the ground by military force. We firmly condemn AZ's military assault and call on it to permanently and completely end its military actions. AZ carries the responsibility for fully protecting the civilian population. The displacement or exodus of ethnic Armenians of Karabakh is unacceptable.

It's hard to imagine the hardship the residents of Karabakh have endured after AZ's decision to effectively close the Lachin corridor. Store shelves are empty. No energy supplies.

AZ broke its repeated assurances to refrain from the use of force, causing tremendous suffering to the population already in dire condition.

The population of NK deserves to have its security and rights protected. Keeping Lachin open is crucial for humanitarian purposes, but also because it provides a social and cultural bridge to Armenia. No country should use this situation now to destabilize Armenia's democracy. *[Germany has done its homework. 10 points to Gryffindorff.]*

EU's BORRELL: We express full solidarity with Karabazh Armenians, who have been enduring a period of intense hardship. For months there has been an isolation due to the blockage of the Lachin corridor that led to a shortage of food. Freedom of movement is obstructed. Gas and electricity were disrupted.

AZ bears the responsibility to ensure full respect for the rights and security of Karabazh Armenians. The EU has repeatedly made clear that the use of force to resolve disputes is not acceptable. For that, we have condemned the military operation by AZ. Our message to AZ:

(1) Fully reopen the Lachin corridor.

(2) Engage in a comprehensive and transparent dialogue with Karabazh Armenians to ensure their rights and security, including their right to live in their homes in dignity.

ARMENIA: There are no "sides" to this conflict anymore. There is a perpetrator and a victim. The AM-AZ mutual recognition of territorial integrity is not a license to commit atrocities in NK. The UNSC should demonstrate its credibility by undertaking the following measures:

(1) Condemn the resumption of hostilities and the targeting of civilians.

(2) Demand full compliance with obligations under international law, including those related to the protection of civilians.

(3) Immediately deploy an interagency mission by the UN to NK with the aim to monitor and assess the human rights and security situation.

(4) Ensure unimpeded access of the UN agencies and other international organizations to NK.

(5) Ensure the full cooperation of parties in good faith with the Red Cross to address the consequences of the military actions, to remove and identify bodies, and to release POWs.

(6) Ensure the return of IDPs and refugees who were forced to leave their homes in NK and adjacent regions in 2020 and onward.

(7) Restore vital supplies, gas, electricity, and full traffic along the Lachin corridor.

(8) Ensure sustainable international mechanism of NK-AZ dialogue.

(9) Demand the exit of AZ soldiers from NK civilian settlements.

(10) Exclude punitive action against NK political and military representatives.

(11) Allow a UN-mandated peacekeeping force to keep stability in NK.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfAa1GiNdgM) [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlMu0jSLang)

interview with ranking MP from Armenia's ruling party

REPORTER: FM Mirzoyan called for UN-mandated peacekeepers in NK.

VARDANYAN: Not the first time. Work was underway for quite some time.

REPORTER: Does that mean AM views RU peacekeeping as insufficient?

VARDANYAN: The role of peacekeepers was to ensure safety and prevent incidents. Can they? Do they want to? AZ did not sign to approve an official mandate to RU peacekeepers.

REPORTER: Do you expect a UNSC resolution?

VARDANYAN: From now on, the issue of NK is in the UNSC domain. There is nothing higher than this. A resolution could help but we would need consensus and certain terminology. During the UNSC session I saw states that still remember what international law means, and I saw 2-3 states that have forgotten international law.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvJ0X9_HV1A)

interview with Nat. Sec. chief Armen Grigoryan || How Shoygu's dagger backstabbed Armenia

REPORTER: What did you discuss during today's Nat. Sec. session?

ARMEN: Safety and humanitarian issues concerning NK.

REPORTER: How can we help the population without contributing to their exodus from their homeland?

ARMEN: AM is physically capable of hosting NK residents in the event such a need arises. We are taking steps to help the population on the ground or to help them in Armenia if they move here. But the biggest issue is with sending help through the blockade.

There are false accusations claiming that the Nat. Sec. administration doesn't care about the situation. My own mother and the majority of my closest relatives live in NK. The family of CoGS lives in NK. The accusations are groundless. We are doing everything possible to allow our compatriots to continue to live in NK.

REPORTER: What do we want from UNSC?

ARMEN: Convince the international community to pressure and change the situation on the ground. Every single available diplomatic tool inside and outside of Armenia is being used today.

REPORTER: I'll name a tool that you haven't tried yet: One protester was calling for Pashinyan's resignation so the new leader of AM could launch a military intervention in NK. Why aren't you sending our troops?

ARMEN: That's one of their goals. They want to drag AM into this conflict and create a wider instability. Their plan didn't work, so they are attempting to do this through the streets. Some countries [Russia] don't like our government. It's an inconvenient government for them.

REPORTER: What is "their" goal?

ARMEN: To take away AM's independence and sovereignty.

REPORTER: But they would help AM!

ARMEN: They will not. They had an opportunity to help AM in 2020, 2021, and 2022. These were part of a bigger plan to drag AM into a conflict and deprive it of independence by convincing Armenia to give up its own sovereignty by joining a [Russian] "Union".

REPORTER: Our [former?] CoGS wanted to reform our army with the help of Russia's MOD Shoygu. He even got a dagger as a gift. AZ even complained about the planned AM-RU cooperation. Where is the dagger?

ARMEN: We began cooperating with RU closely starting January 2021 to reform our army. Then came the May and November attacks by AZ. Russia abandoned the reform plan. We have since learned that there is an alternative option. There are intense reforms in our army today.

REPORTER: India will send a military attache to Armenia. What is that?

ARMEN: It takes things one level up. That means there is enough cooperation to upgrade the institutional ties. We have VERY good defense relations with India that also covers to other fields.

REPORTER: But the opposition says the only force on the ground is RU.

ARMEN: Where?

REPORTER: In NK.

ARMEN: Where are they? Why was AZ able to invade NK? Can the opposition answer?

REPORTER: Margarita Simonyan, Solovyov, [Skabayeva](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269699) were urging Armenians to join anti-Pashinyan protests. They accused those who did not join of being complicit in allowing genocide in Nagorno-Karabakh. So they are sure there is a genocide there? Who is the perpetrator?

ARMEN: RU peacekeepers have the primary role of preventing genocide in NK. These microbloggers surprise me.

REPORTER: Margo isn't a microblogger, she is a big shot.

ARMEN: I read their comments on microblogs, hence the name. In any case, I don't know which adviser tells them that their social media posts are capable of directing the Armenian public to take action en masse. The size of protests reflects their low ratings.

REPORTER: This is the first time they openly called for protests in another country.

ARMEN: The other tools aren't working. A microblog's heavy artillery is their last resort.

REPORTER: The opposition promises to paralyze Armenia.

ARMEN: They have been attempting to replicate the 2018 revolution starting in 2020. They watched some videos from 2018 to copy the methods. But they are missing a political context. You can't just do a revolution with tools without context. They are under the impression that the West has developed a set of tools that can be used under any context to organize a revolution. What they don't realize is that the 2018 revolution was possible because of their corruption and abuse.

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

Pashinyan on Friday:

There have since been some positive developments, an assessment shared by our NK colleagues. The residents of NK could soon gain a real opportunity to return to their homes. Things could change at any moment, however.

There is also a possibility that large quantities of humanitarian aid could enter sometime today. There are certain agreements. We'll see how it unfolds.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pEGKDNsGCA?t=135)

several peacekeeping trucks transported humanitarian cargo to NK

The trucks picked up goods from AM's Goris and entered NK.

[source,](https://factor.am/691963.html)

RU peacekeepers are collecting weapons from NK Defense Army while negotiating for AZ soldiers to retreat so the displaced civilians can return to their homes

800 pieces of artillery units and anti-tank weapons, and 5000 pieces of other weaponry were surrendered to peacekeepers.

[source,](https://factor.am/691888.html) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269765) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/269809)

journalist Tatul Hakobyan about the events:

Pashinyan spoke about the need to ensure the NK population can stay and live there but the situation is dire and tens of thousands will immediately leave as soon as the roads open.

The government of NK is surprisingly silent. We don't hear from the new president or parties that forced Arayik's resignation. Was their goal to capture power so they could sign this capitulation? Arayik was going to sign a capitulation without this bloodshed.

In 1997 Arkadiy Ghukasyan was very vocally against Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Today he is mum. Bako Sahakyan is mum. Honorable Ruben Vardanyan is missing. Say something. Are you waiting for Pashinyan to speak first so you can point all the swords at him? You are responsible for this defeat in NK.

RU does not want Armenians to leave NK because AZ would immediately ask the peacekeepers to leave. AZ feels so confident, they have just killed 6 Russian peacekeepers and only offered an apology and payment. Compare this to RU's response to AM after even the slightest complaint. RU lets AZ get away with everything.

I watched ex-FM Vardan Oskanian's video, probably recorded from abroad. He is detached from the reality. What "status" are you talking about right now? People are screaming SOS. What "Greater Armenia" are people talking about? As Vano Siradeghyan once said, why do you even care about having Greater Armenia if you aren't going to live there anyway?

Those who have always viewed the NK conflict through the lenses of realism, unlike maximalists like Arkadiy Ghukasyan and Vardan Oskanian, will end up sharing their roof and bread with refugees from NK, while the maximalists will not. You will not. You are only capable of building a career and salary on the tragedy of the Armenian people. I will never give you a rest for that. You will be reminded.

We won't let you have a rest for your 1998 coup. Now you talk big from Los Angeles. Why do you need a status? Don't you have a status in L.A.? Do you have a plan for saving lives now?

The UNSC session gave some comfort, especially the speeches by Germany, the EU, and the US who were pro-Armenian. We've heard very important rhetoric. But will there be any benefit on the ground?

We also heard RU's speech at UNSC. They have been pro-Azerbaijan lately. It's obvious. Armenians can only rely on themselves. We must have a direct dialogue with AZ.

I urge the Pashinyan administration to de-escalate the anti-RU rhetoric. Nothing good will come out of it. Let RU blatantly lie. Don't respond to them. RU is a danger to AM. We've already seen in the 1920s how the union of RU and TR can destroy AM.

Do you know why the opposition can't bring enough protesters to overthrow Pashinyan? Because they call him anti-Russian. As soon as they call him pro-Russia, he will be gone. That's how anti-Russia the Armenian public has become.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKyTD9x1oSs)

interview with analyst Karen Sargsyan

REPORTER: AZ soldiers killed several RU peacekeepers.

KAREN: Only RU allows you to sweep your boots on them. Can you imagine Turks killing the deputy head of the British peacekeeping force in Cyprus? All you need is an apology to get away. Good to know. Should have said sooner. Let's all enter our Erebuni airport, collect all the jets, and donate them to Ukraine. Pashinyan will then call Ladimir Alixeyevich Putin to apologize. Sorry, your MiGs flew away.

REPORTER: RU MFA's Maria Zakharova is mocking AM's attempts to get support from the US and FR. Was this attack a lesson from RU?

KAREN: Hopefully it's a lesson for NK authorities. It will be considered an intellectual disability if they continue to be pro-RU. They legitimately believed that TR wasn't attacking AM because of the RU military base. They organized the infamous "Thank You Russia" flash mob in NK. Between 2018-2020, the government of NK adopted the policy of establishing direct ties with RU, by bypassing AM, because they believed they existed thanks to RU, and not AM's help.

REPORTER: What happened in NK?

KAREN: With the help of Russia's FSB, the ARF came to power and capitulated within 10 days just as they did in the 1920s. Ten days. Everything is gone. But this one is on NK's government, not RU. The NK government has always praised and overrelied on RU. This must be a lesson. Now RU has taken NK as a hostage in order to extort AM, but Pashinhyan is refusing to negotiate with the terrorist. Read NatSec Armen Grigoryan's statements.

NK defense army could have resisted a lot longer had RU peacekeepers not given all their information to AZ in advance. NK authorities had earlier volunteered that information to RU. Had this not been the case, the NK army could have defended a lot better, and for longer. There would be ongoing fights during the UNSC session. This would have led to a harsher response by UNSC.

What's notable was that Germany was represented by its FM. I could already tell it was going to be a harsh speech. They made a similar statement when the war began [about AZ breaking a promise]. The EU views AM as its eastern border. This is why the EU cared to send observers. The EU is monitoring its own borders. Borrell's statement was also fiercely harsh.

If in the past AZ could blame AM for things happening in NK, this latest UNSC made it clear that the world is telling AZ that "if anything bad happens to these civilians it's your fault. There is no Armenia there anymore. It's all on you from now on."

Also, September 21st became the Independence Day for Armenia for the second time because this was the final nail in the coffin: The public has turned against Russia.

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

dialogue between Tatul Hakobyan and Petros Ghazaryan

PETROS: Who forced NK president Arayik to resign?

TATUL: Unless he resigned voluntarily, the meeting took place between Bako Sahakyan, Arkadiy Ghukasyan, Ruben Vardanyan, and members of all NK parliamentary parties except Samvel Babayan's.

PETROS: It only weakened NK's reputation as an independent state with a legitimately elected government. What did the new gov't declare? 1) NK must have a status, 2) We won't hold negotiations. The opposition forces in Armenia cheered them.

DANIEL IOANNESIAN: Immediately after the coup in NK, AM's opposition MP Hayk Mamijanyan was promising "very good things within a few days".

TATUL: The West had offered multiple opportunities for NK-AZ dialogue. The NK gov't made a grave error in calculations. AZ had agreed to meet NK in Sophia under the Western platform, but NK rejected it. But we must be clear here: They rejected it under the pressure of RU. Bratislava meeting also didn't take place.

AZ had sent a delegation to NK twice. AZ then offered NK to meet in Shushi, Baku, and Yevlakh. All offers were rejected by NK.

PETROS: It untied AZ's hands and made them appear as the constructive side. There were calls coming from AM urging NK to agree to negotiations because "you will do it eventually under worse terms if you don't do it now". Those who called the proposed negotiations "treason" are protesting on the streets of Yerevan today.

AM was urging Arayik to negotiate with AZ [under a Western platform]. RU organized a coup in NK and completely isolated AM from the process. Now NK is surrendering its weapons.

TATUL: [Before the war, under Arayik] there was an agreement for NK to surrender heavy equipment to peacekeepers. The new president of NK discussed this during private meetings. The plan didn't work. The attack is AZ's fault but NK could have done more to prevent it.

PETROS: AM was isolated by RU and NK. In NK, Samvel Babayan was labeled as a traitor [and Pashinyan's puppet] for insisting on negotiations. In NK Ruben Vardanyan was shouting "we will go until the end", while in AM it was the MP Tigran Abrahamyan.

This paved the way for protests in AM. Vazgen Manukyan and Ishkhan Saghatelyan are back. "Even though it was us who contributed to this situation in NK, you must give us the power in AM now."

PETROS: How can we save NK Armenians?

TATUL: The *only* thing that can help is an AM-AZ and NK-AZ dialogue. This has always been the case. This is the best security guarantee. I'm afraid it might be too late.

TATUL: Before this war, AZ had agreed to convert NK's defense army into a "National Guard" had the army agreed to voluntarily lay down the arms. Now they just want to disband it.

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

Azerbaijan had agreed to 13 of the 15 paragraphs in Samvel Babayan's dialogue proposal: ranking ruling MP Andranik Kocharyan

ANDRANIK: Why didn't the Yevlakh meeting take place months ago? Babayan will soon publish his "dialogue" document that he had sent to AZ. There were 15 points. AZ had already agreed to 13.

There was also a possibility that the Defense Army could be saved after converting into a Police Guard. They should have sent an envoy to discuss this. That didn't happen because they forced Arayik to resign. Where is Ruben Vardanyan now, and why did he go to NK?

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtb35WvF-YE?t=186)

Armenia's Foreign Ministry rep. holds a discussion with the UN's Genocide Prevention Committee

ARMENIA: Keeping the population under a blockade for 10 months before deliberately bombing civilians is evidence that Azerbaijan wants to complete its policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. For this reason, UN mechanisms are necessary to prevent mass crimes.

[source,](https://hetq.am/hy/article/160420)

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/16pwlps/shoygus_infamous_dagger_samvel_babayans_15point/