2023 September 29

Daily news wrap-up

3 in 4 have fled Nagorno-Karabakh /// Armenia asks Russia to refund $400M in undelivered weapons: source /// Indian engineers building reinforced borders /// World Court lawsuit /// AM-RU relations /// AM-EU cooperation: potential /// Hayko's dilemma
by ar_david_hh

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more than 3 in 4 Nagorno-Karabakh residents have been forced to flee after a 10-month blockade and military aggression by Azerbaijan

🗞️ 99,000 ethnic Armenian refugees have entered Armenia as of Friday.

🗞️ Many residents of Nagorno-Karabakh have developed cardiovascular and neurological problems induced by Azerbaijan's inhumane blockade of the region that deprived the population of food and energy. They are currently receiving treatment in hospitals in the Republic of Armenia.

🗞️ Caravan of vehicles entering Armenia: [VIDEO](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hFXuwgvDVE?t=6).

🗞️ Just a few thousand Armenians remain in Nagorno-Karabakh. They are mostly in the capital Stepanakert. Final days: [VIDEO](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVB6uyLFAiE).

EU: Azerbaijan bears the responsibility to ensure the rights and security of the Karabakh Armenians, including their right to live in their homes in dignity without intimidation and discrimination, as well as the right to return for those displaced. It is essential that a UN mission can access the territory within the next few days.

• [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9wk4wfKTUM)
• [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/270359)
• [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1bMUCCDZSQ)
• [source,](https://arka.am/en/news/politics/azerbaijan_is_responsible_for_ensuring_the_rights_and_security_of_karabakh_armenians_eu/)
• [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B67UUmuwOnA)
• [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My_JIKNPWpw)

The Guardian Editorial Board: Ethnic Armenians are pouring out of the enclave. But the US and Europe must press Azerbaijan to respect the rights of those who remain

>What is clear is that few are willing to take the risk of staying. The context is a months-long blockade, which left residents without food or medicines; the warnings from Ilham Aliyev, the autocratic president of Azerbaijan, to “bend your necks”; last week’s military offensive, during which civilians, including children, were killed; and claims of abuses by Azerbaijan’s troops

• [source,](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/sep/28/the-guardian-view-on-nagorno-karabakhs-exodus-many-have-fled-but-protection-is-still-needed)

Armenia asks the World Court to require Azerbaijan to withdraw its forces from Nagorno-Karabakh civilian settlements:

(1) Azerbaijan shall refrain from taking any actions aimed at displacing the remaining ethnic Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, or preventing the safe and expeditious return to their homes of persons displaced in the course of the recent military attack, while permitting those who wish to leave Nagorno-Karabakh to do so without any hindrance;

(2) Azerbaijan shall withdraw all military and law-enforcement personnel from all civilian establishments in Nagorno-Karabakh occupied as a result of its armed attack on 19 September 2023;

(3) Azerbaijan must allow the entry of UN specialists and not interfere with their work.

(4) Azerbaijan must cooperate with the Red Cross and not interfere with their work.

(5) Azerbaijan must immediately restore public utilities, including gas and electricity.

(6) Azerbaijan must not be allowed to take punitive actions against political or military officials of Nagorno-Karabakh.

(7) Azerbaijan must not destroy Armenian monuments.

(8) Azerbaijan shall recognize and give effect to civil registers, identity documents and property titles and registers established by the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh, and shall not destroy or confiscate such registers and documents;

• [source,](https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/180/180-20230929-pre-01-00-en.pdf)
• [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/270411)

equal party

REPORTER: Pashinyan believed that by recognizing Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan it would be possible to use international mechanisms to ensure the rights and protections of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians. Why did this strategy fail?

RULING MP: Armenia did everything possible to help organize negotiations between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan under a Western format with international mechanisms. These negotiations did not take place for obscure reasons. We witnessed a coup in Nagorno-Karabakh. The organizers of the coup claimed that the replacement of the government would improve Nagorno-Karabakh's security. But it unfolded differently and they capitulated within a few days. They should have followed Armenia's advice and agreed to negotiate. [Nagorno-Karabakh rejected the first offer, Azerbaijan rejected the second offer]

REPORTER: Samvel Babayan was holding separate negotiations with Azerbaijan. What can you tell us about his 23-point document?

RULING MP: Samvel Babayan realized where this was all headed so he organized his own initiative as a last-ditch effort. He was able to reach certain agreements with Azerbaijan but official Stepanakert was still dismissive.

REPORTER: How was Babayan able to find a common language with Azerbaijan?

RULING MP: By not being a [Russian] agent.

• [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWiJxM7r_3s)

Nagorno-Karabakh former official accuses the president of exceeding authority: didn't have the legal right to dissolve the state

President Shahramanyan signed a decree on Thursday to dissolve the state. He urged the fleeing population to read and consider Azerbaijan's "offer" to remain in Nagorno-Karabakh.

ARTAK BEGLARYAN: Artsakh President’s decree on dissolving the Republic is illegitimate: (1) No President has the power to dissolve the Republic formed by the people with referendum; (2) That decree was signed as a result of Azerbaijani aggression & threat of force. It’s null & void.

• [source,](https://twitter.com/Artak_Beglaryan/status/1707526215844704640)
• [source,](https://factor.am/695085.html)

Nagorno-Karabakh government delegation held negotiations in Azerbaijan's Yevlakh again

They discussed topics relating to "reintegration" and infrastructure. The next negotiations will take place on October 2nd in the capital Stepenakert.

• [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/270378)
• [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/270406)
• [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/270402)

Azerbaijan has arrested more leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh

The former commander of the Nagorno-Karabakh Defense Army Levon Mnatsakanyan was kidnapped while passing through the Azeri checkpoint on the Lachin corridor.

The deputy commander Davit Manukyan was also kidnapped and taken to Baku. He is the brother of Armenian opposition co-leader Gegham Manukyan [ARF].

• [source,](https://factor.am/695304.html)
• [source,](https://factor.am/695377.html)

Nagorno-Karabakh president Shahramanyan is negotiating with Azerbaijan for the safe exit of state officials: source

They want to safely remove the military and political leadership of Nagorno-Karabakh. There are concerns that the former leaders Bako Sahakyan, Arkadiy Ghukasyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan might also get arrested at the checkpoint. Azerbaijan has a list of 200 officials it wants to arrest.

• [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/270377)

former HHK MP Ara Babloyan's letter to Azerbaijani president:

I'm writing this letter as a professional doctor who has saved many lives including hundreds of Azeri children.

You promised to give an amnesty in exchange for surrendering weapons and dissolving state institutions. The Nagorno-Karabakh government has complied. The population is leaving and you're soon going to have all the territories. Now please issue an amnesty. //

• [source,](https://a1plus.am/hy/article/462497)

Azerbaijan takes control of the Sarsang reservoir in Nagorno-Karabakh

It will irrigate 95,000 hectares of Azerbaijani farms. It was formerly used by Nagorno-Karabakh to generate electricity and irrigate farms.

• [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/270387)

Armenian parliament leader accuses Russia of adopting the same language as Turkey and Azerbaijan; accuses [Russia] of having "lust for power" against Ukraine and attempting to overthrow the Armenian government

Alen Simonyan is in Dublin for the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament.

SIMONYAN: The challenges facing liberalism and representative democracy are profound. Robust solutions are imperative.

Look no further than the war in Ukraine to witness the lust for power throughout the world, through the instrument of force. This anti-democratic regression occurs to the detriment of human rights and conflicts with the collective values outlined in the European Convention on Human Rights.

We are acutely aware of the pivotal role that democracy plays in safeguarding human rights and promoting the common good. Among the threats that undermine the foundations of this political order are autocratic governance and justice unrealized.

Armenia knows the value of true democracy. The fortification of democracy through the strengthening of institutions, legislative improvements, and reforms in governance is a priority for us. Our commitment to democratic principles was the most significant factor enabling us to overcome the serious political crisis resulting from the devastating 44-day war instigated by Azerbaijan against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh in 2020.

Peace and democracy are interlinked, and governments facing existential threats are under enormous pressure to realize the mandates they were elected to carry out. The war in Nagorno-Karabakh revealed that autocratic regimes, based on the notion that “might is right,” often resolve conflicts through military force, bypassing international mediation.

Today, our democracy continues to face numerous tests. It is endangered by external factors - none greater than military threats to our security and territorial integrity. Understandably, the constant threat of violence has a dire effect on the welfare of our society. Through its drumbeat of hateful, xenophobic rhetoric - accompanied by ultimatums and military aggression - Azerbaijan has created a toxic atmosphere and poisoned the peace process.

Feckless responses from the international community have created in Azerbaijan a sense of impunity, worsening the situation in the region.

Azerbaijani actions are not confined to Nagorno-Karabakh but extend to the sovereign territories of Armenia, some of which remain under Azerbaijan’s control. Azerbaijan’s approach is to impose its preferred solutions on Armenia through force.

I was not surprised that our Turkish colleague approved the use of military force against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. I am not surprised that Turkiye, Azerbaijan and Russia are often using the same rhetoric. What I am surprised by is that they are doing so here, at the organization that was founded for the protection of human rights.

Despite the presence of the Russian peacekeepers, Azerbaijan unleashed another large-scale military attack against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh. As I speak, in fulfillment of Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing plan, the exodus of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, is underway.

Through its actions, which minimized international efforts to build peace in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan has called into question its fitness to be a member of the Council of Europe.

October 5th meeting in Granada will be a step forward. Armenia strongly endorses peace. We welcome future transport arrangements that respect the principles of sovereignty, jurisdiction, and reciprocity. We call on the international community, including the Council of Europe, to support this process.

Today, a hybrid war is being waged by certain countries against Armenia. Its goals are twofold: overthrow the democratically elected government and discredit the notion of representative democracy itself.

Democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights, and peaceful co-existence are the pillars upon which humankind should live in peace and harmony. This is true not only within democratic states individually but also among them collectively. Together - and perhaps only together - can we prevail over the troubles of our time. The center must hold. //

• [source,](https://factor.am/695108.html)
• [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIzuuRX5c_I)
• [source,](http://www.parliament.am/news.php?cat_id=2&NewsID=19368&year=2023&month=09&day=29&lang=eng&view=print)

several Armenian NGOs urge the government to immediately withdraw from CSTO, remove the Russian military base, and counter Russia's attempts to destabilize Armenia internally

NGOs: Since the signing of the Nov. 9 agreement, Russia has repeatedly failed to follow its obligations and has chosen to side with Azerbaijan repeatedly. Lately, Russia has been destabilizing Armenia and threatening its sovereignty. We demand the government of Armenia to:

(1) Thwart all attempts by Russia to intervene in our internal political processes.

(2) Cancel all AM-RU television re-broadcasting agreements. Require cable operators to shut down Russian channels that are engaged in anti-Armenia propaganda or broadcast calls against the sovereignty of Armenia.

(3) Launch an official process to withdraw from CSTO. Create necessary conditions to increase military-technical cooperation with the West.

(4) Transfer all border duties to Armenian agents in Zvartnots airport, AM-TR and AM-IR borders, as stipulated by the 1991 AM-RU agreement.

(5) Launch an official process to withdraw the 102nd Russian military base from Armenia.

• [source,](https://factor.am/695277.html)

Armenia's defense minister cancels participation in a CIS meeting held in Russia

Russia had earlier announced that MOD Papikyan would be one of the guests. Armenia's defense ministry says Papikyan did not attend the meeting. Armenia likely sent a delegation represented by a lower-ranking official.

The participants are Russia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, and others. The delegates are expected to praise each other for several hours and finish the day with a fellatio session under the tunes of [whatever this is](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZ5-pgpIITo?t=21).

• [source,](https://factor.am/695258.html)

interview with Informed Citizens NGO chief Daniel Ioannesian

REPORTER: An outlet with ties to the Armenian government reports that Armenia wants Russia to return the $400M that was transferred for purchasing weapons. The sum was paid 2 years ago, well before the Ukraine war, yet even then Russia failed to deliver them. Russia reportedly doesn't want to return the funds because the "contracts have not been canceled yet". How accurate is this report?

DANIEL: I can verify that Armenia has transferred $400M and received nothing so far. Sure, the delivery of *some* of the weapons was expected to take years, but according to the contracts, Russia should have delivered $150M in arms by now. It's overdue. I don't think it will ever arrive. (1) Russia doesn't want to arm the Armenian army. (2) Russia itself needs those weapons.

$400M is not a small sum. We have alternative markets today. If we leave the CSTO, other markets can offer better options. No Western official in their right mind would want to risk selling serious weapons to a country that's formally associated with Russia.

REPORTER: Can Armenia nationalize Russian assets, companies owned and operated by the Russian state, if they refuse to refund it?

DANIEL: Գույք պարտքի դիմաց *[a reference to Kocharyan handing over Armenian infrastructure to Russia "to pay off the debt"]*. I'm not an expert in that field. It's a legal issue. Can we enter arbitration or not. I don't know.

REPORTER: Russia believes Armenia is not a good ally.

DANIEL: Seriously? The issues with Russia began after it refused to acknowledge and condemn the invasion of Armenia proper by Azerbaijan, despite having contractual obligations. Not a single CSTO country helped Armenia. Can you imagine if NATO acted this spinelessly? Even after everything Turkey had done to piss off the West, they still supported Turkey when it faced terror threats.

What else is Armenia supposed to do to please Russia? We have given them our nuclear field, railways, gas monopoly, ownership of pipes, an effective monopoly in electricity exports, and a membership to the EAEU that is actually harmful to us. If we exit the EAEU right now, the prices of many products on our shelves will plummet by 10%-80%. What else does Russia want us to give them?

REPORTER: To give them our membership in the Russian Union with Belarus.

DANIEL: [Dick] is what we should give them.

REPORTER: Why is there a crisis in AM-RU relations?

DANIEL: It's obvious now that the only thing Russia can give us is enmity. Armenia is taking steps to show the West that Armenia's position has changed. We need Western support right now. But the West is very cautious because they have been f&%ked over by Serj once. Serj spent 3.5 years negotiating with the EU to then make a U-turn and join Russia. It was a serious damage to Armenia's reputation as a trustworthy partner. That is what I hear a lot, including very recently from a German official.

REPORTER: What can the West do for Armenia?

DANIEL: (1) Military-technical cooperation, (2) Energy independence, (3) Economic cooperation and easier exports to Europe.

Our food producers will face major issues if Russia bans Armenian products. Russia will obviously use this tool to pressure us. We need Europe as an alternative destination. We need Europe to help us increase production and quality standards.

As for energy, the EU can help us through various programs. Low-interest loans for solar panel installations, energy-efficient construction and renovation, etc. Europe should help us with 2-3 large energy projects:

Build a large electricity storage facility. Our nuclear plant produces a fixed amount of energy at all times. Its nighttime production is not being used. To make things worse, if we build a new nuclear plant with a 2x capacity, the utilization of nighttime production will become an even bigger problem. We need to store that electricity somewhere. Don't think of it like battery storage. It should be a facility. Let's say two reservoirs at different altitudes. The nighttime electricity could be used to pump water from the lower to the upper reservoir. During the daytime, when we need more electricity, the water can pour back into the lower reservoir and generate electricity like a hydropower plant. *[might as well connect a power strip to itself for unlimited energy]*.

Armenia must join the proposed Azerbaijan-Georgia-Romania-Hungary electric network and export electricity to Europe. We will be in a better position than Georgia and Azerbaijan. We could sell the nighttime excess electricity to Europe. //

• [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-uFXAPn3H8)

Indian engineers are building reinforced border positions: Andranik Kocharyan, ranking ruling MP

REPORTER: Azerbaijan and Turkey want a "Zangezur corridor".

ANDRANIK: No corridor. Stop beating a dead horse. I don't know why they still call it that way.

Our best protection is our army and strong borders. One of these days I'm going to invite every media outlet and take you to the southern borders so you can see the new engineering structures. I want you to *feel* the amount of dedicated work that was done over the past several months.

Indian workers were part of this process. They are my brothers. They are doing something that many Armenians didn't want to do. We must have engineering squads, we must take care of our state, and we must feel like we own our country.

I spoke with Samvel Babayan shortly before his departure to Armenia. I urged him to be careful and not get arrested while entering Armenia. He said he won't get arrested, but if he does, he will "take a few Azeris with him to Armenia". Babayan and Azerbaijani authorities have a complicated history dating back to the 1st war. //

• [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4q1BWqIM9I)

Կենացները քաղցրանում են։ Hayk Marutyan is facing a dilemma

The context is in [Thursday report](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/16uv5ol/armenias_defense_budget_to_reach_14b_exodus/): The shaky alliance between the 3 opposition forces fell apart yesterday. Marutyan, the lead candidate for Yerevan mayor, has called for new elections after learning that Dog's party could not secure enough votes for his appointment. In order for new elections to be held, the 33 opposition Council members (trio) must unanimously boycott the first session. Marutyan fears that if at least one of Dog's members shows up, the Council will have the quorum to organize a session and elect the ruling party's Tigran Avinyan as the mayor.

... new developments

Dog is holding Marutyan hostage. He wants Marutyan and the former regime to sign a 3-way contract. In exchange for helping to boycott the first session and triggering new elections, Dog wants written guarantees that his party members will be appointed to lead a third of all Yerevan districts.

Marutyan had earlier categorically refused to sign any formal contract with them. He has until October 10 to decide.

If Marutyan refuses, Dog could "help" Avinyan get elected while settling for minority seats and calling it a day. But if Dog triggers new elections, it's a big gamble because he risks being wiped out in the event of higher voter turnout. Avinyan suddenly has a chance to become the mayor if Dog chickens out.

• [source,](https://factor.am/695142.html)

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/16vx5v7/3_in_4_have_fled_nagornokarabakh_armenia_asks/