Armenian News ... A Topalian... Russia "Negotiating" it appears on Missile to Armenia
RFE/RL Report
Russia `Negotiating' On New Missile Supplies To Armenia
Emil Danielyan
03.07.2015
Russia is reportedly holding negotiations with Armenia on supplying it
with sophisticated Iskander-M missiles that would significantly boost
Armenian defense capabilities in the unresolved conflict with
Azerbaijan.
"A contract has not been signed yet; negotiations are still going on,"
the official TASS news agency quoted an unnamed source in the Russian
defense industry as saying late on Thursday.
The source gave no further details, saying that "all information about
such contracts is secret."
The Armenian Defense Ministry refused to comment on the report.
The TASS report came as the Armenian parliament formally allowed the
authorities in Yerevan to receive a $200 million Russian government
loan that will be used for financing more Russian arms supplies to
Armenia. Deputy Defense Minister Ara Nazarian told the National
Assembly that the "export credit" will enable the Armenian military to
obtain new and advanced weaponry which it has not had in its arsenal
until now. Nazarian refused to elaborate on those weapons.
A military source in Yerevan told RFE/RL's Armenian service
(Azatutyun.am) that the money will be spent on various types of
"offensive and defensive" weapons.
An Armenian media outlet, 1in.am, claimed on Thursday that Yerevan
could specifically get hold of Iskander-M systems, one of the most
potent weapons of its kind that could have important implications for
the military balance in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
The surface-to-surface precision-guided missiles were designed in the
mid-1990s and first acquired by Russia's Armed Forces in 2006. With a
firing range of up to 500 kilometer, they are thought to be able to
overcome any of the existing missile-defense shields.
Armenian leaders have repeatedly hinted at the impending acquisition
of Iskander-Ms in recent years. "In one or two years, you will be able
to proudly say that the Armenian army possesses weapons which other
states 20, 30 or 40 times our size do not possess," President Serzh
Sarkisian told a group of soldiers in December 2013.
"We will have longer-range systems very soon," Defense Minister Seyran
Ohanian said for his part in September 2014.
Armenia - A 9K72 (Scud-B) ballistic missile is demonstrated during a
military parade in Yerevan, 21Sep2011.
The Armenian army is currently equipped with less advanced Scud-B and
Tochka-U ballistic missiles that have ranges of 300 kilometers and 120
kilometers respectively, putting Azerbaijan's vital oil and gas
installations within their reach. It also reportedly purchased in 2011
Chinese AR1A multiple-launch rocket systems with a range of up to 130
kilometers.
Armenia makes no secret of its readiness to use such weapons against
Azerbaijani oil facilities if Baku attempts to forcibly reconquer
Karabakh and Armenian-controlled territories surrounding it.
The Azerbaijani military has dismissed such threats, implying that it
can neutralize Scud-B strikes with S-300 surface-to-air missiles
purchased from Russia in 2010. Some Armenian military experts claim
that the Russian missiles sold to Baku can only be used for
anti-aircraft purposes.
Whatever the truth, S-300s would almost certainly be unable to
intercept Iskander-Ms. Hence, the significance of the missile deal
reportedly discussed by Yerevan and Moscow.
News of the Russian-Armenian talks emerged amid continuing street
protests in Yerevan against a controversial electricity price hike
initiated by the Armenia's Russian-owned power distribution
monopoly. The nonstop protests seem to have raised fears in Moscow of
the kind of Western-backed revolution that toppled Ukraine's
pro-Russian government last year. Observers have suggested that the
Russians are now trying to placate disgruntled Armenians and shore up
President Sarkisian's positions.
The latest Russian loan disbursement might also be linked with growing
Armenian criticism of Russia's 2009-2011 defense contracts with
Azerbaijan worth more than $4 billion. The resulting Russian arms
deliveries to Baku have included around 100 tanks, over two dozen
combat helicopters and dozens of artillery systems.
Armenian politicians, pundits and even some officials have denounced
these arms deals, saying that they run counter to Russia's military
alliance with Armenia. Russian officials have denied any wrongdoing,
insisting that Moscow has not disrupted the Armenian-Azerbaijani
military balance.
Thanks to its massive oil revenues, Azerbaijan has increased its
annual military spending by almost 30 times during President Ilham
Aliyev's more than decade-long rule. It is projected to total $3.6
billion this year, more than Armenia's entire state budget.
By comparison, Armenia's 2015 defense budget will be equivalent to
only about $500 million. Yerevan has been trying to offset this huge
spending gap with Russia weapons delivered at knock-down prices or
free of charge.
BRITISH AMBASSADOR SUMMONED TO FOREIGN MINISTRY
Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijan
July 2, 2015 Thursday
On July 1 the British Ambassador to Baku Irfan Siddig was invited
to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, where Deputy Foreign Minister
Khalaf Khalafov expressed his strong protest to the government of the
country in connection with the invitation of the leader of Karabakh
separatists Bako Saakyan to the Royal Institute of International
Affairs Chatham House in London.
According to the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan, the ambassador was
told that such actions do not correspond to the spirit of friendship
and strategic partnership between the two countries, and are regarded
as a step directed against the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of Azerbaijan.
In turn, Ambassador Siddig assured that the UK does not recognize
the Nagorno-Karabakh regime and has no connection with it.
Siddig said he will inform his government of Azerbaijan's concern.
In addition, the Azerbaijani embassy in London handed over a protest
note of the Azerbaijani side to the British Foreign Office.
In its reply the British Foreign Office stated that London supports
the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Azerbaijan
and does not recognize the regime established in Nagorno-Karabakh
and the British Government's position remains unchanged.
It is also emphasized that the visit of the leader of the separatist
regime is not organized by the British Government and in London he
will not meet with any official.
BRITISH EMBASSY ON VISIT OF SEPARATIST LEADER TO LONDON
Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijan
July 1, 2015 Wednesday
Official London does not recognize the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh
Republic and the visit of the Karabakh separatists to the UK
is private. Turan was told in the British Embassy, commenting on
Saakyan's visit by the invitation of the British Royal Institute of
International Affairs Chatham House.
"Responding to the media inquiries on Bako Sahakyan's visit to
London, we would like to say that ' The UK does not recognise the
self-proclaimed" Nagorno Karabakh Republic "and the UK Government has
no contact with any of its representatives. Mr Sahakyan is travelling
to the UK independently and the UK Government has no role in his
visit. Chatham House is an independent institution and makes it own
decisions about who to invite to its events. The UK Government has
no influence over these decisions, nor should it, given our respect
for the freedom of action of Non-Governmental Organisations,' the
Embassy said.
"Britain does not recognize the self-proclaimed" Nagorno Karabakh
Republic ", and the British government has no contact with any of
his representatives.
Mr. Sahakyan is traveling to the UK alone, and the British government
has no role in his visit.
Chatham House is an independent institution and independently make
decisions about who to invite to your event.
The UK government has no influence on these decisions, given our
respect for the freedom of action of non-governmental organizations
' - said in comments embassy.
Sahakyan was invited to a hearing on the situation around
Nagorno-Karabakh, regional security and relations between different
actors, which will be held on July 8 in London. Chatham House presents
him as "the president of the de facto Nagorno-Karabakh Republic."
It is noteworthy that although the British government dissociates
itself from the visit of Sahakyan, the separatist leader was issued
a visa by the diplomatic service of the United Kingdom. -06D-
RFE/RL Report
05.07.2015
Leaders of the protesters continuing to occupy a central Yerevan
avenue on Saturday threatened to advance further towards the
presidential palace if the Armenian authorities fail to formally
revoke a controversial rise in electricity prices.
They gave the authorities until Monday evening to meet their demands
or face a new, "decisive phase" of their "Electric Yerevan" campaign.
"If we don't get an answer we will start moving the barricade [built
on Marshal Bagramian Avenue] one step forward every day," one of the
protest leaders, Davit Sanasarian, told several hundred people
rallying on a section of the avenue that has been blocked for almost
two weeks.
Sanasarian said this change of tactics will "refresh our civic
struggle" and force the Armenian government to stop "ignoring" it. "We
are not out to wage a battle. We will carry on with our peaceful but
steadfast struggle," he added.
A senior police officer at the scene, Colonel Valeri Osipian, was
quick to approach Sanasarian after his speech and warn him against
escalating their standoff with the government.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Osipian accused the protest leaders
of seeking to provoke clashes with riot police units deployed nearby
in a bid to attract more people to their campaign. He said security
forces will not allow them to move the barricade closer to President
Serzh Sarkisian's administration building located several hundred
meters away.
The police already used force to unblock Marshal Bagramian on June 23
one day after thousands of people rallied there in protest against the
more than 17 percent energy price hike. The use of force only caused
more Armenians to march to the avenue later on June 23. The police
have since avoided any attempts to break up the nonstop demonstration.
Attendance at the protesters declined dramatically after Sarkisian
announced on June 27 that the government will cover the cost of the
price hike for the time being. No To Plunder, a youth group that
launched the protests, was rebuffed by the protesters when it urged
them to leave the avenue and rally in pedestrian Liberty Square on
June 28.
A group of other young activists, including Sanasarian, took over the
movement in the following days. They have failed to reinvigorate it so
far.
ARMENIAN PROTESTORS REFUSE TO BUDGE
Institute for War and Peace Reporting, UK
IWPR Caucasus Reporting #782
July 3 2015
President offers temporary subsidy on electricity price rise, but
that isn't enough for most demonstrators.
by Nazik Armenakyan
Protests over electricity price hikes showed no sign of tailing off
as they entered their 11th day in the Armenian capital Yerevan.
Police are maintaining a cordon, but have largely left the
demonstrators alone since a disastrous intervention on June 23 which
only served to bring more people out into the streets. (See Armenia
Electrified.)
When police using water cannons moved in to disperse the crowd, nearly
240 people were detained, and more than 20 were taken to hospital.
Journalists covering the demonstration were among those roughed up
and detained.
The protesters were soon back, and have occupied the same spot -
Baghramyan Avenue - continuously since then, using large rubbish bins
as barricades, and ignoring police demands to clear the thoroughfare.
They are demanding the reversal of a decision by Armenia's Public
Services Regulatory Commission to approve the third price increase in
three years for power supplied by Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA).
They are also calling for the company to be audited, since it is
unclear why it is not making money. Since the police intervention,
they have also been calling for an investigation into the violence
used against demonstrators and journalists.
Today, July 3, it was announced that the police would be looking into
allegations of assaults and other wrongdoing committed by officers,
but only with regards to journalists.
The government has been reluctant to back down on the electricity
price issue. Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan said on June 25 that
subsidised rates would be offered to 105,000 vulnerable households.
Two days later, President Serzh Sargsyan said the government would
carry out an audit of ENA, and wouild cover the price rise difference
for everyone until that was completed.
This promise seems to have thinned out the crowds attending the rally
to an extent, although many are still sceptical that the government
will act in good faith.
Nazik Armenakyan is a photojournalist working for ArmeniaNow.com.
POLICE REMOVES WATER CANNONS, ARMORED VEHICLES
ITAR-TASS, Russia
July 2 2015
vehicles from Mrshall Bagramyan Street in the center of Yerevan, the
city's police deputy head Colonel Valery Osipyan told TASS on Thursday
The police is ready to restore public order on the street that has
remained blocked for traffic for the last 10 days. "The police is
ready to restore public order by all legal means," Osipyan said.
Commenting on removal of water cannons and armored vehicles from
Marshall Bagramyan Streer, Osipyan said this "was deemed reasonable."
"Considering the situation, a special approach appears every day,"
the colonel noted.
Protests in Armenia
The riots erupted after the State Regulatory Commission had agreed to
raise public electricity tariffs by 16% at a meeting on June 17 to
meet the request received from CJSC "Electric Networks of Armenia"
distribution company, a subsidiary of RAO UES INTERNATIONAL. The
measure which is to take effect on August 1 caused a wave of
indignation among ordinary Armenians who assumed that the electricity
price hike would automatically increase prices for essentials and many
services. Armenia's opposition forces used that public discontent to
stage mass protests in central Yerevan.
The first protest rally against the planned rise in electricity
tariffs took place in Yerevan on June 17. Similar protests were
held in other major cities in Armenia on June 19. Eighteen people,
including 11 policemen, were hurt in the rallies. Police detained 237
protesters who were released soon but failed to break up the protest.
The demonstrators returned to the Marshal Bagramyan prospect almost
immediately after their release to join a peaceful rally that has
been on for seven days.
On June 27, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said that the government
was ready to suspend the hike temporarily and cover the price rise out
of state funds rather than increase customers' bill until experts
did not complete the audit of the Electric Networks of Armenia
distribution company. That split the protesters' camp in two: those
who accepted the government's proposal moved to the Freedom Square
outside the Yerevan Opera Theatre; the other half of more radically
minded protesters who rejected the government concession continued
to stay on the Marshal Bagramyan avenue.
On June 30, Armenian Prime Minister Ovik Abramyan said the Armenian
government would cover the electricity price rise from off-budget
sources until an independent audit of the Electric Networks of Armenia
distribution company was completed.
"Electricity tariff hikes will not be a burden on the state budget.
They will be compensated from off-budget sources," Abramyan said after
the "Economic Agenda-2015" news conference on Tuesday. He added that
the concrete sources of off-budget funding would be announced later.
armenpress.am
ARMENIAN-POPULATED ASHRAFIEH DISTRICT OF ALEPPO BOMBED
13:22, 3 July, 2015
YEREVAN, JULY 3, ARMENPRESS: The District of Ashrafieh in Aleppo,
which was populated with Armenians some time, appeared in the target
of bombing on the eve. The Press Secretary of the National Prelacy
of Aleppo Jirair Reisian told Armenpress about it, adding that no
Armenians live now in the district. "The bombings began on July 2 in
the evening and continued up to this morning. It is for an hour the
situation is quiet and no information is available about the caused
damages", - stated Jirair Reisian.
Reisian also informed that the Ashrafieh bombings began with rockets
and missiles and then artillery joined, followed by the air forces.
armnews.arm
70 ARMENIAN FIGHTERS JOIN SYRIAN KURDS IN WAR ON ISIS
14:46, 03 Jul 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
Dozens of fighters from different nationalities have joined the ranks
of the Kurdish forces in Syria and Iraq in order to combat militants
of the Islamic State (IS/ISIS), ARA News reports.
An Armenian fighter in the ranks of the Kurdish forces of the People's
Protection Units (YPG), nicknamed Barkhodan, came to Syria nearly
two years ago and joined the fight against ISIS.
"I am 55 years old, I came to Syria along with 70 Armenian young
men, and we joined the ranks of the YPG more than two years ago," he
told ARA News, pointing out that they have been deployed on various
positions at battle fronts in accordance with their military expertise.
"We are fighting here in defense of the Armenian people from the
risk of IS extremists, we do not differentiate between Arabs, Kurds,
Christians and Muslims," he said.
"The main reason for many foreign fighters to be here (northern Syria)
is the necessity to eliminate the enemies of humanity (in reference
to ISIS militants)."
"ISIS is killing women and children. What happened in Kobane several
days ago when they killed hundreds of innocent people is the biggest
motivation for me to fight those barbarians, despite my old age,"
Barkhodan told ARA News.
"When we fight alongside the YPG forces, this actually raises the
overall morale among Kurds in the war on terrorism," he added.
In Syria, hundreds of foreign members of the YPG have formed what
is known as "Lions of Rojava" (Lions of Syrian Kurdistan). They
combat ISIS in several areas in Syria's Kurdish region alongside
Kurdish forces.
Recently, foreign fighters of YPG formed a battalion under the banner
"World Freedom" in Sere Kaniye (Ras al-Ain), northeastern Syria,
which includes dozens of fighters who were distributed at the
anti-ISIS fighting fronts after having completed military training
in YPG-held camps. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQrG9mmLoaQ
list.co.uk
CHARLES AZNAVOUR TO PLAY IN LONDON IN NOVEMBER 2015
03 Jul 2015
Siranush Ghazanchyan
Charles Aznavour, one of France's most eminent singer-songwriters,
is still touring, and it's been announced that on 3 November he'll
be playing at the Royal Albert Hall, The List reports.
Aznavour will be performing a selection of his greatest hits, and
with his back catalogue of a staggering 294 albums it's not like he
doesn't have a choice of them.
The singer's longevity is remarkable; he was first performing at
the age of nine, and was given his first break by none other than
Edith Piaf. He's also a fine actor, turning in a lovely, bittersweet
performance as Charlie, the misfortunate title character of Truffaut's
gleeful 1960 homage to film noir, Shoot the Piano Player.
Born Shahnour Varinag Aznavourian in Armenia in 1924, he moved to
France in the 40s but he's a hero in his mother country; in the wake
of the devastating Armenian earthquake of 1988 he set up a charity,
Aznavour for Armenia, and besides being the Armenian ambassador to
Switzerland, Aznavour is Armenia's permanent delegate to the UN in
Geneva. Staunchly anti-racist, he ralled support for Jacques Chirac
against Jean-Marie Le Pen in the 2002 French elections, and his 1976
song 'Ils sont tombés' ('They fell') is about the Armenian Genocide.
RESULT: ST JOHNSTONE BEATEN IN ARMENIA IN EUROPA
Sports Mole, UK
July 2 2015
St Johnstone will have to turn around their Europa League qualifying
tie with Alashkert FC after losing the first leg 1-0 in Armenia.
By Pascal Lemesre, Championship Correspondent
Scottish side St Johnstone have been beaten 1-0 in the first leg of
their Europa League qualifying tie against Armenian side Alashkert FC.
The hosts were on top from the off in sweltering Yerevan and Alan
Mannus had to make several saves early on to keep the scoreline
goalless.
The Saints' first chance arrived shortly before the half-hour mark
as John Sutton and David Wotherspoon linked up before the latter's
shot was pushed around the post by Gevorg Kasparov.
The winning goal arrived in the 59th minute when Alashkert substitute
Mihran Manasyan blasted high into the net from 12 yards just seconds
after being introduced.
Tam Scobbie and Chris Kane had chances late on to grab an equaliser
for the Scottish outfit, but they weren't taken as Alashkert held
out for a halfway advantage in the tie.
The second leg takes place in a week's time at McDiarmid Park in Perth.
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