2022 September 21

Daily news wrap-up

Sep/21/2022: __ Pelosi met Armenia's lawyer in World Court __ Azeri officials threaten U.S. with sanctions __ __ Armenia's pro-West parties are divided __ Ind. Day __ Armenian banks vs. Mir __ Regulated trade route vs. Corridor __ Trump admin's love affair with Erdogan __ Russia's mobilization __ ++
by ar_david_hh

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14 minutes, 3685 words.

Nancy Pelosi met Armenia's lawyer who is suing Azerbaijan in World Court for the state-level ethnic hatred towards Armenians

Nancy Pelosi, U.S. Congressmen, and Armenia's lawyer Yeghishe Kirakosyan discussed Azerbaijan's human rights violations. Armenia has submitted to World Court more evidence of torture and desecration committed by Azerbaijani soldiers, driven by their [ethnic hatred](https://oc-media.org/features/libraries-full-of-hate-from-azerbaijan-to-georgia/) towards Armenians, which is in part a result of Azerbaijani [state rhetoric](https://agbueurope.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2017/02/Armenophobia-in-Azerbaijan-1.00-Interactive-25.09.2018.pdf) and [Azerbaijani textbooks](http://azerichild.education/en/index.html) teaching children from a young age that Armenians are malicious and inferior ethnos.

Congressman Pallone: Met with [lawyer] Yeghisheh Kirakosyan, Speaker Pelosi, and others today. We discussed Azerbaijan's horrific human rights abuses and Armenia's efforts in the International Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights. //

Pallone also met with Davit Babayan, the foreign minister of Artsakh Republic (Nagorno Karabakh).

Congressman Pallone: Spoke with Artsakh Foreign Minister David Babayan at the Capitol. We discussed the overwhelming humanitarian crisis in Artsakh resulting from Azerbaijan’s attacks and the need to protect the vulnerable Armenian population from further Azeri aggression. //

Nagorno Karabakh is urging the world to recognize its independence, citing the ethnic hatred towards Armenians in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan's policies of ethnic cleansing towards Armenians, and the inability to safely live under Azerbaijani rule under such conditions.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093077.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093072.html)

ranking Azerbaijani parliament MP threatens to sanction the U.S. by preventing Azeri citizens from migrating to U.S.

Tahir Rzayev, the highest-ranking farmer in the Azerbaijani parliament overseeing the agricultural affairs, threatened the U.S. with harsh sanctions.

MP Rzayev: If the leaders of the U.S. political circles start telling some false facts about Azerbaijan, if they take steps against the national interests of Azerbaijan, then Azerbaijan should use all its levers of influence. Even the "green card" (permanent resident card) can be limited. If President Aliyev and the state consider these measures acceptable, they should be implemented. //

MP Elman oglu Nasirov, a member of parliament's "Human Rights Committee", also threatened with sanctions:

MP Nasirov: I am concerned by the threat of sanctions against Azerbaijan, voiced by several U.S. Congressmembers. If Washington imposes sanctions, Azerbaijan should respond in kind. All responsibility falls on the U.S. //

Several other Azerbaijani MPs also voiced their support for sanctions against the U.S.

[read,](https://factor.am/557661.html)

Armenian banks could soon join the sanctions against Russia's "Mir" bank cards

The U.S. recently threatened to sanction foreign banks that cooperate with the sanctioned Russian banks. The Russian "Mir" bank card was the target. Banks in several countries have already suspended the payments.

Armenia's Central Bank was asked to comment on reports that some Mir card owners in Armenia were also unable to make payments. The Central Bank said it is up to individual private banks to manage their risks. The representatives of several private banks said they don't have information about joining sanctions yet, while other banks have not commented.

[read,](https://factor.am/557689.html) [read,](https://armeniatoday.news/hy/economics/529663/)

there is a sharp division between pro-Western (anti-Kremlin) political groups in Armenia

Pelosi's visit to Yerevan was accompanied by a rally organized by a group of pro-Western public figures and NGOs ("first group"). They believe Armenia should exit the formal membership in CSTO, and seek closer ties with the West.

They are not the only pro-West forces. The nationalist "Sasna Tsrer" party and its allies ("second group") also agree Armenia should leave the Russian sphere of influence.

The two groups held separate rallies. One of the co-organizers of the first group made it clear they are not affiliated with the second group, which held its rally today. The first group informed its followers that the second group might attempt to "steal" rallygoers by appealing to them with a similar pro-West message.

The second group fires back: The [first group] refers to us as "KGB's dogs" in order to discredit us. They are new, they are attempting to gain momentum in Armenia, and they want to capture the masses by repeating what we've been saying for years. Either join us, or continue to disparage our honest movement. The [first group] is in reality a pro-Pashinyan movement disguised as opposition; we are the real opposition. //

... famous Russian blogger known as "hobbit" was invited to today's pro-West rally

Blogger Yuri Alexeev spends more time in Armenia than Russia these days, especially after the war in Ukraine. He spoke during today's rally.

[Hobbit](https://youtu.be/Wsvjj03xJKU?t=11): Hello friends. I'm a political activist from Russia, an ethnic Russian who lived in Russia all my life. I've spent the last few years fighting against Putin and Putinism. I was forced to leave Russia because of the war in Ukraine and chose Armenia for its democracy. Here in Armenia I also fight against Putinism. [Speaks against dictatorships].

I urge Armenia to end its ties with the Russian dictatorship. Leaving CSTO is one of the ways to sever the dangerous ties with the dictatorship. One of the first things you can do is to shut down the broadcasting of Russian state television in Armenia; it is a poison that corrodes your soul.

I hope Russia will heal and join the list of countries that are kind to others. //

[read,](https://factor.am/557726.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/Xxe5I1azTKE) [video,](https://youtu.be/sup0du1fYyk?t=2865)

Così l’Azerbaigian tortura, mutila e fa a pezzi i soldati armeni

Kristinne Grigoryan, difensore dei diritti umani dell'Armenia, dettaglia a Tempi tutti i crimini contro l'umanità (filmati e documentati) compiuti dai soldati azeri durante il tentativo d'invasione tra il 13 e il 15 settembre

[articolo](https://www.tempi.it/cosi-l-azerbaigian-tortura-mutila-e-fa-a-pezzi-i-soldati-armeni-armenia/)

support Armenian democracy by condemning and preventing Azerbaijan's aggression: Foreign Minister Mirzoyan to world

As part of the UN General Assembly meeting, the USAID organized a forum titled "Democracy Delivers", attended by Anthony Blinken and ranking officials of various states.

FM Mirzoyan: In recent years, the Armenian people have voted for democracy twice through free and fair elections. The rule of law is ensured, human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected and the unyielding fight against corruption is one of the government's priorities.

Armenia is continuously improving its position in reputable international rankings for indicators such as democracy, economic freedom, fight against corruption, thus becoming more attractive to the world.

Democratic values and principles cannot be compromised. The international community should support Armenian democracy, including through condemnation and prevention of the aggression against Armenia. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093075.html)

Lithuania expresses support for Armenia's territorial integrity

MFA of Lithuania: Sincere congratulations to our Armenian friends on Armenia's Independence Day! Reaffirming unwavering support to Armenia's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, Lithuania stands ready to contribute to the development of democratic, prosperous and secure Armenia. 🕊️ //

[read,](https://twitter.com/LithuaniaMFA/status/1572488797564313601) [read,](https://factor.am/557750.html)

Yes to Independence, Yes to Sovereignty, Yes to the Republic of Armenia: Premier Pashinyan's message on Independence Day

Pashinyan: Today marks the 31st anniversary of Armenia's independence. Around 99% of the 2 million voters answered "Yes" to the question "Do you agree that the Republic of Armenia should be an independent, democratic state outside of the USSR?"

The day of the referendum was a real celebration in Armenia, because since 1988 we had voiced all the truths buried inside us, had formulated all the accusations known to us, and had demonstrated all our dreams and it was necessary to say Yes to all of that, and we said Yes.

Our citizens understood that it was not just a note made with a pen on the ballot paper, but a borderline beyond which the subject becomes a Citizen, the Motherland becomes a State, and the motto becomes Responsibility.

The generation that said Yes fully and dignifiedly bore that responsibility, carrying the burden of war, economic difficulties, and social despair on their shoulders. I, first of all, want to say my words of reverence to that generation, first of all to our martyrs who gave their lives for independence, for statehood, those people who said Yes also by sacrificing their lives and well-being by the call of the newly independent country.

Our newly independent state rested on the shoulders of these people - volunteers, policemen, soldiers. But not only to them, but to all our compatriots who endured and supported our newly forming army, and not only on the day of the referendum, but every day, they said Yes to Independence, sometimes rejoicing, sometimes lamenting, sometimes despairing, sometimes proud, sometimes defeated. But the essence of this is that the Yes of 1991 was not a mood, but a decision, and no social and political difficulties or failures could change that decision.

Dear compatriots,

Today is again September 21 and today an independence referendum again is taking place. The 1991 referendum took place, but was not finished, and the Independence Referendum is taking place today.

Our martyrs who gave their lives for the Motherland said Yes to Independence and it is very important that we do not kneel from the bitterness of their loss. The soldier standing at the border says Yes to Independence and it is extremely important that his Yes finds its response not only in our hearts but also in our deeds.

And it is important to say Yes to Independence, to say Yes to Sovereignty, to say Yes to democracy and, as necessary, to reaffirm that Yes in the part of the 29 thousand 800 square kilometer State-Motherland, where that Yes will be most needed.

Dear compatriots,

I congratulate all of us on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Armenia. Yes to Independence, Yes to Sovereignty, Yes to the Republic of Armenia. //

[full](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093038.html)

U.S. will continue to support Armenia's democratic aspirations, sovereignty, and security: Anthony Blinken's message on Independence Day

Secretary of State Blinken: On behalf of the United States of America, I send best wishes to the people of Armenia on your Independence Day.

Since Armenia declared independence from the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago, we have seen your commitment to democratic values as well as to developing and strengthening your country’s human rights, rule of law, economy, and justice sector.

We are proud to partner with Armenia in these areas as a reflection of our shared values. We will continue to support the Armenian people’s democratic aspirations, sovereignty, and security.

We appreciate your willingness to support efforts to bring greater stability to the region. We offer our condolences for the lives lost in recent attacks and we remain committed to working with you and other parties to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

We look forward to continuing to grow our bilateral relationship and economic ties. I wish the Armenian people a prosperous and peaceful year ahead. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093039.html)

we are friends: Putin sends congratulatory message to Pashinyan on Independence Day

Vladimir Putin: Please accept my sincere congratulations. We attach important significance to the friendly, allied relations with Armenia. It is important that our countries successfully cooperate in various sectors, and coordinate efforts in the EAEU, CSTO, CIS, and other multilateral organizations.

I am sure that further development of constructive bilateral ties is in the fundamental interests of the Russian and Armenian peoples, and the consistent implementation of the 2020 and 2021 trilateral statements is a good basis for ensuring long-term peace and security in Transcaucasia.

I sincerely wish you robust health and success in state activities, and to all citizens of brotherly Armenia happiness and welfare.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093055.html)

I commend the strength and resiliency of the Armenian people: U.S. ambassador's Independence Day message

Lynne Tracy: Please accept our best wishes for the people of Armenia on this solemn but important Independence Day. The United States is committed to Armenia’s sovereignty, and we will continue to work towards peace for the South Caucasus region. I commend the strength and resiliency of the Armenian people and their commitment to building a better future.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093054.html)

Russia will continue contributing to the sovereignty and strengthening of the security of Armenia: Russia's ambassador on Independence Day

Kopyrkin: Our brotherly Armenia, like Russia, is going through difficult times. The trials and pain of loss are what unites our peoples today, as well as the centuries-old close ties, common historical destinies, values, and deep national interests.

This was proven by history, today’s realities show this. This is the foundation of our allied relations, which, undoubtedly, Russia is holding dear.

Russia intends to continue contributing to the economic prosperity of Armenia, real sovereignty and strengthening of the security of the Armenian people, including through the consistent, very difficult, and lengthy work on encouraging the peace agenda in the region.

We mourn the losses together with you and we express our sincere condolences. We wish the Republic of Armenia and the people of Armenia peace, prosperity and confidence for the future.

Russia has always been and will always be with our brotherly country, not with words but with actions.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093056.html)

state officials laid flowers in Yerablur in memory of fallen soldiers

Ranking public officials visited Yerablur on Wednesday. A group of upset parents who lost their sons later removed the flowers brought by the officials. Some of them were detained after confronting police, who were criticized for using excessive force. The authorities will investigate the complaints of excessive force.

[read,](https://factor.am/557463.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557551.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557512.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557575.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557662.html)

Paris City Hall raises Armenian flag on Independence Day | PHOTO

Armenian embassy: The Paris City Hall raised the Armenian flag on its building on the occasion of the Armenian Independence Day, as well as in sign of solidarity following the Azeri attack

[see,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093068.html)

the TV tower in Georgia's capital Tbilisi lit up in Armenian flag colors

[see,](https://en.armradio.am/2022/09/21/tbilisi-tv-tower-lights-up-in-colors-of-armenian-flag/)

the Iset skyscraper in Russia's Yekaterinburg lit up in Armenian flag colors | PHOTO

[see,](https://www.facebook.com/armembrus/posts/462376559270329)

the Armenian community of Belgium held a rally in Brussels to condemn Azerbaijan's aggression | PHOTOS

[read,](https://hetq.am/hy/article/148547)

CSTO secretary met Armenia's Security Council chief in Yerevan

Zas and Grigoryan discussed the activities of another CSTO group that recently visited the borders to learn about the situation.

Grigoryan presented the current public opinions in Armenia pertaining to the CSTO. (ouch)

Grigoryan: Azerbaijani troops must immediately withdraw from occupied Armenian territories. Armenia will defend its territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty with all means at its disposal.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093052.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093060.html)

southern trade route

For better context, read Ioannisian's [September 16](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xg708g/sep162022_armenia_shows_yellow_card_to_russia/) interview about Russian border guards installing outposts to check passports near Meghri, and a partial fence near a road.

Pro-Western figure Chibukhchyan: I received a letter from a resident near Meghri. It states that in the border village of [Shvanidzor](https://youtu.be/H1boWHpLhCY) [where Russian guards earlier installed an outpost to check passports], towards the road leading to Nrnadzor, there are agricultural lands owned by villagers. During USSR there used to be a railway track here. Half of the villagers cultivate their lands, while the other half have abandoned theirs.

The village administration recently asked the land owners to provide a copy of their land ownership documents. When asked why, the municipality said it was requested by the Russian side, and that the villagers were happy that someone might finally purchase their abandoned lands. //

Context: Armenia's pro-Western figures believe Russia is helping Azerbaijan to gain a sovereign corridor through Armenia, while Russian officials insist the efforts are aimed at unblocking communication routes (new railway tracks and roads) that will remain the sovereign territory of the host country. Armenia insists on trade routes between Armenia and Azerbaijan to include the usual customs and documentation procedures, just as it's done on the border with Georgia and Iran.

Chibukhchyan about lack of military support from Russia: The so-called experts and Kremlin lovers are spreading the narrative today that Azerbaijan's recent attack is a result of Russia's preoccupation in Ukraine, and that it's risky to leave CSTO today. Don't be a Kremlin stooge or ignorant. Russia was not preoccupied during the 2020 war. Russia was not preoccupied in May 2021 when Azeris invaded Sev Lich. Russia was not preoccupied during the 2021 attack on Vardenis. Russia was not preoccupied during the Parukh invasion. //

[video,](https://youtu.be/Xxe5I1azTKE?t=790)

Vladimir Putin declares partial mobilization

>All flights from Russia to neighboring countries sold out on Wednesday as Russians sought to flee a partial mobilisation order drafting 300,000 reservists

>Fears that men of fighting age would not be allowed to leave the country began to spread

Who will be mobilized?

>those who have served in the army, who have certain professions and have the necessary experience

The West interprets the mobilization as a sign of panic and desperation. Moscow claims Ukraine has lost 61k soldiers, Russia: 6k. The Western experts believe that Russian losses are orders of magnitude higher.

... Russian parliament drafts bills to curtail desertion and cancellation of army contracts

They advanced a bill to punish desertion and insubordination. Voluntary surrender would become a crime punishable by 10 years in prison.

Another clause in a decree, which came into effect immediately, prevents most professional soldiers from terminating their contracts and leaving service until the partial mobilization is no longer in place.

... Russian opposition calls for street protests against the mobilization

Youth movement "Vesna": Thousands of fathers, brothers, and husbands will be thrown into a meat grinder. Why should they die, why should mothers and children shed tears? For Putin's mansion?

The war will knock on everyone's door after this mobilization. Russians will die to correct Putin's mistakes, which have dragged Russia into a monstrous massace, isolation, and poverty.

The MPs and officials, who have screamed for a mobilization every day, will remain in their warm seats, alive and well. We believe they should be the ones to be drafted and sent to Ukraine. Let them die fighting for their sick fantasy. //

The protesters launched a change.org petition against the mobilization. It has gathered 180,000 signatures as of writing this.

Small protests were observed in several cities as of writing this. The authorities detained several rallygoers.

... a photo of a document on social media claims the majority of drafted reservists in one of Russian regions are ethnic Armenian

The concern is that the army draft might have targeted ethnic Armenians intentionally, however, the village Tenginka (Tuapse, Krasnodar) is known for a large Armenian population. It is the "Glendale" of its region.

The Armenian inhabitants, who founded the village, are descendants of Hamshen Armenians who migrated from Western Armenia in 1864 and established the village under the name "Armenian Shapsukho". The mayor is Armenian.

[read,](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-parliament-toughens-punishment-crimes-during-mobilisation-2022-09-20/) [read,](https://www.npr.org/2022/09/21/1124215514/putin-announces-a-partial-military-mobilization-for-russian-citizens) [read,](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/09/21/ukraine-news-russia-war-putin-counter-offensive-mobilisation/) [read,](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/putin-announces-partial-mobilization-russian-military-ukraine-war-rcna48585) [foreign response,](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/21/world-reacts-to-putins-partial-mobilisation-plans-in-ukraine-war) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093053.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557628.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557772.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557898.html) [read,](https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%A2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%B0)

Moscow-Yerevan tickets are sold out, the price skyrockets 10x after mobilization

Aviasales, a Russian company that books flights for travelers, reports that the one-way Moscow-Yerevan tickets are sold out for the next few days, while next week's tickets are selling for as much as $2,100. The prices are expected to decline later next week.

The Russian media believes this is a result of the partial mobilization in Russia. A similar situation is observed with flights to other countries that do not require a visa from Russians.

... popular Russian opposition website publishes a list of safe countries for Russian migrants

The article is titled "Where to run from Russia right now". If you don't have a travel passport, you can stay in Armenia for 180 days, Belarus for 90 days (warns about possible deportation), etc.

If you do have a travel passport, you can stay in Georgia for 360 days but be warned because they often reject Russians, warns the opposition site.

Russians can have two types of "passports": a foreign travel passport and an internal "ID" passport.

[video](https://youtu.be/Rr-2BergNJQ) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093079.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557640.html) [read,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/676003/հայաստանը-գլխավորում-է-ռուսաստանցիների-փախուստի-ուղղությունների-ցանկը․-meduza/)

Donald Trump administration was in love with Turkey's Erdogan

Few people like Rudy Giuliani.

Sources say Giuliani was so untrustworthy that White House's National Security Advisor H. R. McMaster made sure he was present in the White House every time Guiliani visited Trump, because there were concerns Guiliani might have been a foreign agent working for Turkey or other states.

McMaster was also concerned about Trump's love for Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Erdogan. Trump's chief strategist Steven Bannon, however, believes that Trump wasn't a big fan of Putin, but he did truly love Erdogan.

Erdogan's regime shelled out millions of dollars to hire people close to Trump's orbit, including his first national security advisor Michael Flynn, who was subsequently criminally investigated for working as a paid lobbyist for Turkey during the 2016 campaign.

[read,](https://news.yahoo.com/h-r-mcmaster-worried-rudy-190703465.html)

a shaky wall in Surmalu shopping center has collapsed, a month after an explosion of fireworks that leveled much of the building

Several people were near the rubbles when the partially damaged wall [collapsed](https://youtu.be/pLQ1DC5Xkp4?t=4) because of heavy winds. Three people sustained injuries.

[video,](https://youtu.be/K2RjpMHRDeI) [read,](https://factor.am/557803.html)

today in history

1991: Armenia gains independence from the USSR.

[read,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_21)

in case you missed

Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xkdr9v/sep212022_pelosi_met_armenias_lawyer_in_world/