Rock Aid Armenia Puns

This is your 11-minute Monday briefing in 2687 words.

##in case you missed the Sunday report

General Babayan discusses giving a mandate to Russia, unblocking of communication routes, international trade, second gas pipeline. Election news, etc.

https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/r9wwpe/news_dec52021_gen_samvel_babayan_about_ongoing/

##Parliamentary committee rejects Kocharyan-ARF border demarcation resolution

The opposition drafted a resolution calling for the government to refrain from any negotiations with Azerbaijan that could be against Armenia's and Artsakh's best interest.

The ruling party said that the full text of the resolution was written for the internal audience and had the main purpose of attacking the government, rather than addressing the country's issues. They voted down the resolution, saying it would hinder the negotiations process and cause security problems.

The ruling party invited the opposition to discuss the hot topics behind closed doors.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1069988.html

##CSTO bloc adopts a joint statement on the fight against terrorism

CSTO statement: we are deeply concerned about the terror attacks in the CSTO space and outside, and the growing use of live broadcasts and the internet for terrorism propaganda.

We reaffirm our commitment to keeping unity in the international fight against terrorism, by recognizing the UN’s central and coordinating role on the matter.

We reiterate our commitment to the full implementation of the UN Global Anti-Terrorism Strategy, respecting human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law. //

They spoke about developing information literacy among the youth to prevent radicalization.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1069996.html

##anti-corruption update: prosecutors ask the court to confiscate properties belonging to Serj-era police chief Vladimir Gasparyan

Gasparyan's property assets were frozen in June as part of an investigation over alleged illegal enrichment. The law was recently amended to make it easier for authorities to recover stolen assets from officials.

Gasparyan was invited in June to present his position and documents. The court, at the time, decided to place a temporary arrest on the assets.

Prosecutors decided to proceed with the case. They asked the judge to confiscate the properties. The list of properties is not disclosed yet, but it could be related to Gasparyan's "mansion" in Sevan.

https://arme

Your 13-minute Thursday briefing in 3390 words.

##Armenia pressures Azerbaijan to pull back troops before border demarcation, "no restrictions on Karabakh status"

Azerbaijan: Armenia is demanding unacceptable preconditions for starting the demarcation. //

Armenia: Wrong. We're talking about implementing the agreements we had reached earlier.

As the tripartite Sochi statement reads, the sides agreed to take steps to improve the border safety and advance to the formation of a demarcation commission. An agreement to withdraw troops in mirrored fashion was reaffirmed in Brussels on December 14.

We should launch the border demarcation process ASAP, based on the agreements mentioned above. //

Security Council chief Grigoryan: There should be a mirrored withdrawal of troops and deployment of border guards, based on Soviet maps [no Armenian villages would find themselves in "buffer zone", he added]. The formation of favorable conditions will help us start the border demarcation process.

##.... Grigoryan about a possible peace agreement:

To have a peace agreement, we must find a solution to the Karabakh conflict under the OSCE format. There should be no restrictions on the status of Karabakh. Border demarcation and lifting of the blockade will pave way for a peace agreement.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073466.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073509.html https://youtu.be/bSPEujXOu9c?t=300

##Parliament leader Alen Simonyan met Nancy Pelosi in Washington

Simonyan presented the work done towards strengthening democracy and the rule of law, anti-corruption, free elections.

He noted that in 2018-2021 Armenia has improved its score in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, shifting from 35 to 49, and that the Freedom House estimated that the global freedom index has registered positive growth. The sides reaffirmed that democracy is one of the key pillars of the Armenian-American partnership.

Simonyan spoke about the efforts to establish long-term peace in the region. He condemned Azerbaijan's threats and encroachments against Armenia's territory. The sides agreed that the final settlement should be achieved only under OSCE.

Simonyan expressed gratitude to Speaker Pelosi and her all colleagues for their valuable contributions to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Nancy Pelosi was bestowed with an Order of Honor on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establis

This is your 15-minute Wednesday briefing in 3787 words.

##Armenian soldiers destroyed an Azeri position on January 11 | Casualties | OSCE statement | Aliyev about OSCE

OSCE urged Azerbaijan and Armenia to deescalate and engage in a meaningful dialogue over the Karabakh issue.

The statement comes amid Azerbaijan's border attack on Tuesday. Armenia lost three soldiers and two were wounded. Azeri media reported the death of at least one soldier.

Military expert Karen Hovhannisyan: the enemy sustained big losses. I'm just curious how they will present their human losses now. They can hide the armored vehicle and equipment losses, but I'm curious what they will do regarding deaths. Will they claim the soldiers died on a landmine? //

 

The clashes took place within Armenian territories where Azerbaijan had illegally encroached in May 2021. Immediately after the January 11 clashes, videos were circulated showing a burning position. Video 1 and Video 2. Armenian soldiers filmed the ammunition explosion.

The burning position is the one that's 2.4km within Armenian territory. It's 5km from Verin Shorzha village.

The Armenian position, from which the soldiers filmed the video, is 230 meters away. It is safe to suggest that one of the Azeri positions within Armenia has now been destroyed, concluded CivilNet's fact-checkers.

QP MP Khachatryan: the clashes took place after Armenian soldiers began fortifying their positions with engineering work. Azeris attempted to stop them. Armenia responded. It led to the clashes. //

Reporter: did Armenia contact CSTO after Azerbaijan's January 11 border provocation?

Foreign Ministry: we keep our international partners informed regularly about border incidents. On January 11, the Armenian forces neutralized the Azeri provocations. //

##Azerbaijan throws a tantrum at OSCE, calls it obsolete

Aliyev does not want OSCE Minsk Group to engage in Karabakh negotiations. He repeated his claim that "the conflict is resolved", and that they don't need Minsk Group anymore, and that it's time for the co-chairs to "retire".

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1072724.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1072725.html https://factor.am/462664.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/229103 https://armenpress.a

I’ve heard about this many times, that Turkey sent us aid in the 90s, presumably at the time when we were fighting the Nagorno Karabakh war. The whole thing seems a bit surreal to say the least lol.

I’ve searched on the internet, but didn’t find anything about this. Does anyone have a link to some info I can read on this ?

Your 9-minute Friday recap in 2169 words.

##Defense Minister met the reservists who began a 3-month training

MOD Karapetyan: we will help the reservists to adapt to daily life and combat training in camps. We will do everything possible to address social issues and ensure quality living/eating conditions. //

MOD Karapetyan presented the commander of the newly formed "Army Special Corps" MG Artak Budaghyan. The latter is tasked with using the next 3 months" as efficiently as possible".

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1061754.html

##Defense Minister met a ranking CSTO military bloc official

CSTO's Hasan Kaloev visited Armenia to meet MOD Karapetyan. They discussed issues relating to Armenian borders.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1061777.html

##High-Tech Minister met the Armenian military drone manufacturers

Minister Vahagn Khachaturyan: These eight companies deserve respect. They had initiated the entire preparatory work with their own means, and even reached the production phase. Our Ministry will undoubtedly support them, as instructed by the Premier. According to my information, the Defense Ministry is ready to replenish its armament with local UAVs even today.

The companies have a problem with long-term contracts because they do not know whether their products will be in demand. They will have to sign contracts in order to be able to, and guarantee, the supply of a certain number of UAVs over the next few years.

How the process works: The company has an idea and creates a product. Further development depends on the state, through cooperation with Defense and High-Tech Ministries. We conduct the experiments. If the product meets the demands set forth by us, a delivery contract is signed. The last part had been the problematic one.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1061766.html https://youtu.be/uAmM_wDZzqE

##High-Tech Minister on cybersecurity reforms:

We are currently developing methodology and standards for cyber-security reforms. It is a large portion of the government's 5-year plan that relates to us.

Yesterday we formed a group represented by every agency to discuss the technical solutions for cybersecurity.

https://youtu.be/uAmM_wDZzqE https://factor.am/409877.html

##the Azeri section of Goris-Kapan road reopens after negotiations; Armenia is building an alternative road to bypass it

NSS in the morning: the negotiations to reopen the road are underway. The Azeri side has provided i

Your 14-minute weekend to Monday recap in 3517 words.

##Constitutional Court upholds the election results

The elections results are valid and the ruling party will have its 71 Parliament seats, ruled the Court. They will publish the full verdict in the coming days.

Kocharyan, Serj, and two smaller allies had earlier challenged the results. One of these smaller parties will challenge the verdict in the European Court for Human Rights. A QP MP responded saying ECHR does not discuss cases relating to election results.

Kocharyan's lawyer believes the judges were "scared" so they upheld the results.

https://youtu.be/sU6s23tkRnY?t=159 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058443.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058448.html https://factor.am/394994.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/218883

##anti-corruption: Serj's PU alliance members charged with voter bribery in Masis

Investigators said: K. Grigoryan and R. Hakobyan were working at PU alliance's election campaign office. Between June 9-19, they offered a bribe to residents V. Galustyan and S. Baghdasaryan, their relatives and friends, in exchange for a PU vote.

The two residents accepted the $40 bribe and handed over the private information of their family members to the bribe-givers, for more bribes. They demanded the bribe to be paid on the election day.

The residents also informed fellow voters in the Masis region about PU's plans to bribe as many voters as possible, and helped them to "recruit" voters.

The two PU workers have been arrested. The other two residents are charged with felonies and told not to leave the country. //

Flashback June 20: on the election day, observers received complaints that Masis administrators and even some policemen were bribing the residents. Masis city is a Serj "stronghold" run by his party man. Surprisingly or perhaps unsurprisingly, Serj ended up winning Masis suburb Nizami with 35% of votes, versus his 5% national vote.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058513.html https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/o30447/news_jun182021_1_final_countdown_to_sunday_vote/ https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/216724

##Serj's PU alliance promises to be a "radical opposition"

PU Sos Hakobyan: we will be "radical" in the political sense. We are not a terrorist organization and do not plan to become one. There will be sharp criticism with substantive arguments instead of swearing, but we don't rule out harsh lexicon if it's

Your 14-minute Friday recap in 3513 words.

##mysterious border incident: 3 Armenians lightly injured, 1 Azeri dead / earlier video showing conflict within Azeri ranks in area of interest

MOD report: around 5:00 pm, we heard gunshots coming from within Azeri positions near Gegharkunik borders, followed by Azeris opening fire at Armenian positions.

There was likely a personal conflict between Azeri troops. Azeri MOD claimed that an Azeri soldier died from Armenian sniper fire. However, we did not take any retaliatory actions until Azeris opened fire at our positions.

The provocation caused by the Azeri side resulted in three Armenian soldiers sustaining light injuries. Their lives are not in danger.

We strongly condemn the latest provocation. The entire responsibility for the aggravation of the situation falls on the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan. //

Internal conflicts within the Azeri army are nothing new. A video was circulated today showing an Azeri soldier beating another one on Qarvachar borders. The report says the video is taken in the same Azeri position where today's sounds of gunshots came from.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058942.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058952.html https://factor.am/397390.html

##MFA: Ilham Aliyev admits their troops are located on Armenian territories / Aliyev complaints about EU's massive aid to Armenia and "not much" for Azerbaijan

Armenian MFA: during his latest interview to AzTV, Aliyev essentially admitted the fact that Azeri troops are located on territories of the Republic of Armenia while talking about "Zangezur being their historical land", a gross violation of international law.

Second. The Azeri president clearly states that the goal of the 2020 war was to wipe out the Nagorno Karabakh from the map and to deprive the Artsakh people of their homeland. That won't happen, however. Nagorno Karabakh is recognized as part of several international documents, most of which were joined by Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's review of its international commitments and the use of force cannot lead to the "disappearance" of Nagorno Karabakh from the international arena.

Third. Azerbaijan has failed to impose its agenda on the international community, despite the attempts. The OSCE Minsk Group co-chair states, and numerous other organizations have clearly stated that the Karabakh conflict has not been resolved.

Your 15-minute Saturday to Monday recap in 3709 words.

##Armenia has been negotiating with U.S. government to obtain Moderna

Healthcare Minister Avanesyan: we met Moderna co-founder Noubar Afeyan recently and spoke about the negotiations between AM and US administrations. Our efforts must be combined to achieve results. Right now, private businesses have their hands tied up. The distribution depends on governments. We hope to succeed in the near future.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1059096.html

##COVID stats between Saturday to Monday

17,324 tested. 528 infected. 372 healed. 11 deaths. 4037 active.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058978.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1059018.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1059048.html

##COVID cases are rising in Armenia and across the world

In Armenia, its rise is so far gradual and not sharp, said the Healthcare Minister, who warned about a possible new wave in the first half of Autumn.

Armenia has not recorded the Indian "Delta" variant yet but the Minister believes it's already in Armenia because of open borders with Russia and Georgia. [Update: the media later reported the first instance of Delta in Armenia.]

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1059091.html https://youtu.be/5dK8CjIOKMY

##Georgia recorded 2.6k daily infections on Monday alone / bed shortage in capital Tbilisi

23 deaths on Sunday alone.

https://factor.am/397596.html https://factor.am/397611.html

##vaccine lottery promises freebies / new restrictions expected in August

Healthcare Minister: very soon the vaccinated patients will have a chance to win tickets to Opera, theaters, museums, cultural festivals.

We are also working on a package to introduce restrictions. It will be published in the second half of August for public discussion.

COVID is a danger to public safety. Countries where it gets out of control often find themselves on the brink of collapse, and not just medical collapse.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1059097.html

##there have been 153k vaccinations in Armenian so far

109k first, 44k second.

https://factor.am/397789.html

##WHO will increase COVID aid to Armenia

Minister Avanesyan met international colleagues and representatives of WHO during a medical conference in Greece. They discussed the vaccination campaign in Armenia and the possibility to receive more vaccines as aid.

The Ministry emphasized the need for countries to have access to vaccines within

Your 12-minute Thursday recap in 3009 words.

##mining tax: Parliament approves raising fees on copper-molybdenum exporters

Monday news has details about the government's proposed tax hike on copper miners. They argue copper prices have skyrocketed in recent times, so a more fair profit distribution is necessary.

Economy Minister Qerobyan: we propose imposing an export license duty on the copper and molybdenum concentrate and a few related products. The proposed tax equals 15% of current market prices, a fixed export license fee.

The current royalty system is insufficient and does not ensure a fair distribution of income between the citizens of Armenia and the miners. Favorable international market conjuncture allows the government to impose such fees to collect much-needed budget revenues, while at the same time maintaining very good conditions for the miners.

Copper prices jumped from $6k to $9.3k since last year, while the molybdenum from $24k to $41k. We will take part of that additional income. This is a temporary measure. In the near future, we will totally revamp the royalty system.

QP MP Aghazyan: what if the copper prices sharply fall?

Minister Qerobyan: The miners have been enjoying high prices for a long time. The prices have been high from the beginning of 2021. We don't expect prices to sharply fall during 2021. Even if it falls, the already-accumulated superprofit is so large that the 6-month period would ensure enough profitability for miners.

QP MP Sisak: any bill that would even slightly reduce income from copper mining was never discussed in Parliament in the past because people who owned copper factories [Zangezur] were controlling the Parliament. "Nationalizing" the Zangezur factory would be a bad idea. This bill "nationalizes" Armenia's copper reserves instead.

QP MP Papoyan: mining tax is only 14% in Armenia. That's not much at all, compared to 40-50% we see in some countries. This additional tax is not a very big burden. //

Parliament voted 71-x to approve the tax. Read more about copper exports here.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058230.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058282.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1058282.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article

Your 9-minute Thursday report in 2289 words.

##6 soldiers captured during engineering and mining work in Gegharkunik

MOD reports that the Armenian army was conducting engineering work to build positions within Armenian territories when a group of Azeri forces encircled and captured six of them. "The Azerbaijani claims that the Armenians were on an Azeri territory are false."

MOD denied shootout on Tavush borders; the Armenian army was conducting exercises in that area. Across the borders, there were several shots, "mostly in the air".

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1053572.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1053613.html https://factor.am/375358.html https://youtu.be/HZIZnEjj1nE

##Foreign Ministry responds:

These provocative actions carried out by the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan are aimed at aggravating the situation which could seriously jeopardize regional peace.

We strongly condemn the use of force by Azerbaijan against the territorial integrity of Armenia, emphasizing that the leadership of Azerbaijan is responsible for all the consequences. The captured Armenian servicemen must be returned immediately and unconditionally. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1053581.html

Foreign Minister of Artsakh referred to Azeri actions as "political and geopolitical terrorism, which is also a blow to CSTO because the terrorism is against a member-state. It is also a blow to Russia because Azerbaijan is throwing a challenge."

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1053597.html

##ruling party leader criticizes CSTO military bloc for staying passive

QP Lilith Makunts: the six soldiers were "abducted" from an Armenian territory. This happens amid some of our international partners' refusal to give a proper assessment; they do not call things by their names. The Armenian public expects CSTO to react very quickly to the events that are taking place. Perhaps CSTO's delay is what allows things to escalate. //

Makunts held a meeting with diplomats representing various states to discuss the borders.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1053580.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1053619.html

##LHK leader wants to attend Security Council session

LHK Marukyan: the leaders of all Parliamentary parties should be allowed to attend the upcoming Security Council session to discuss the criminal acts of Azerbaijan and the continuous use of force.

[The government invited Parliamentary parties to join a security session.]

https://armenpress.am/arm/news

This is your 13-minute Tuesday briefing in 3377 words.

##the Hague court demands Azerbaijan to prevent the spread of racial hatred against Armenians

The International Court of Justice has published the decision over Armenia’s application on taking interim measures against Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan must prevent the spread of racial hatred against Armenians.

Azerbaijan must ensure the security of those taken captive during or after the war and guarantee their equality before the law [but doesn't have to return them as part of this verdict.]

Azerbaijan should take measures to prevent the spread of racial hatred against people of Armenian descent, including by officials and state bodies.

Azerbaijan should take all necessary measures to prevent and punish all cases of vandalism and acts of desecration of Armenian cultural heritage.

 

The Court has essentially ruled that Armenophobia is at the state level in Azerbaijan. The court did not require Azerbaijan to close the Saddam Park in Baku.

As for Azerbaijan's counter-claim against Armenia, only a small part was satisfied. Armenia will take measures to prevent individuals and organizations from spreading anti-Azeri ethnic hatred. [so it doesn't find that the racism is at the state level in Armenia?]

The court did not require Armenia to share landmine maps.

Both parties are asked to "calm down".

Armenia's lawyer Yeghishe Kirakosyan welcomed the verdict and hopes it will be implemented ASAP.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070122.html https://hetq.am/hy/article/138728 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070134.html

Tags: #Hague

##Foreign Ministry provides details about Sochi meeting and prior negotiations about unblocking regional communication:

[Nothing new if you've been reading the daily news.]

1. None of the statements made on Nov 9, Jan 11, and Sochi (Nov 26) include any agreements or promises about a "corridor".

2. Nov 9 says both parties are willing to open the routes. Armenia guarantees the safety of transport communication between Azerbaijan and the Nakhijevan Autonomous Republic.

3. Jan 11 meeting led to the formation of a working group tasked with unblocking routes.

4. Jan 11 states that deputy premiers will explore the main directions of unblocking efforts, by forming a working group consisting of various experts.

5. Jan 11 says the working group will draft a document for leaders to sign. It will be about conducting international transfe