Category: 2017

Interfax - Russia & CIS General Newswire
July 27, 2017 Thursday 4:26 PM MSK
Blogger Lapshin writes official request for his extradition from
Azerbaijan to Israel - lawyer
BAKU. July 27
Blogger Alexander Lapshin, who was sentenced to three years in prison
in Azerbaijan, has written an official request for his extradition to
Israel, Eduard Chernin, a lawyer for the blogger, said.
"Alexander Lapshin has written a request asking for his extradition to
Israel. That request will be sent to the Justice Ministry," Chernin
told Interfax.
The Baku court for grave crimes on July 20 sentenced blogger Lapshin,
a citizen of Russia and Israel, who was charged with illegally
visiting Nagorno-Karabakh, to three years in jail, an Interfax
correspondent reported from the courtroom. According to the court
decision, Lapshin will serve his sentence in a general-security
prison.
Lapshin refused to appeal. He asked the Israeli embassy in Baku to
seek his extradition to Israel.
According to earlier reports, Lapshin did not admit his guilt at the
trial. He admitted, however, that Nagorno-Karabakh was a territory of
Azerbaijan. He said he had visited Karabakh as a tourist and had no
political purposes.
On December 16, 2016 it emerged that Lapshin had been detained in
Belarus at the request of Azerbaijan. The Belarusian Supreme Court
rejected Lapshin's appeal against his extradition to Azerbaijan on
February 7. He was extradited from Minsk to Baku on the same day.
Lapshin was put on the 'black list' for having visited
Nagorno-Karabakh without the consent of Azerbaijani authorities. Such
people cannot enter Azerbaijan. However, Lapshin was able to enter
Azerbaijan through Georgia in June 2015, producing a Ukrainian
passport with a different spelling of his name.
The investigative department for grave crimes of the Azerbaijani
Prosecutor General's Office opened a criminal case on charges of
repeated public calls against the state and illegal crossing of
Azerbaijan's state border. A person convicted of these charges may
receive a sentence of five to eight years in prison.

Politcom.ru, Russia
July 11 2017
Hot July in Nagornyy Karabakh
 by Sergey Markedonov
[Armenian News note: the below is translated from Russian]
Things are once again unsettled in Nagornyy Karabakh. The latest armed
flare-up has occurred on the line of contact of the parties to the
conflict. Against a background of numerous violations of the
cease-fire regime, the events of 4 and 7 July 2017 stood out
particularly. As usual, Yerevan and Baku give their own version of the
events, and the co-chairmen of the OSCE Minsk Group are eager to avoid
unambiguous assessments, stressing the impermissibility of military
incidents and the need for negotiations in point of substance.
The July outbreak of the Armenian-Azerbaijani confrontation was not
the first of its kind and will most likely not be the last. Military
flareups intermixed with negotiations and diplomatic summits long
since firmly became an important element of the peace process. This
point appears paradoxical only at first sight. Both Armenia and
Azerbaijan derive certain benefits from the armed flareups.
Baku is attempting with strong-arm pressure to alter in its favour the
position of the co-chairmen of the Minsk Group. The balancing on the
brink of a big war and permanent military alert is to prompt in
Russia, the United States, and France and also Iran, which is outside
of the Minsk Group, the thought that all-around pressure on Armenia to
coerce it into concessions should be intensified to prevent great
bloodshed and regional instability. And Baku is attempting to
represent Yerevan's readiness for negotiations, despite the regular
violations of the truce, as visible proof that the Armenians intend to
give up their maximalist dispositions. How far this representation
corresponds to reality is another question. Exactly the other way
about, no solid evidence in support of the Azerbaijani version has
been presented as of this time. But it is being vigorously promoted in
the information space not only within the Caspian republic but also in
Russia, the European Union countries, and the United States, hereby
becoming an additional political and diplomatic instrument.
Yerevan, though, is attempting to demonstrate the intractability of
the Azerbaijanis and their exclusive commitment to force instead of
dialogue. Following last year's "four-day war," comparison of
Azerbaijan with the Islamic State terrorist outfit, which is banned in
Russia and a number of other countries, has become a commonplace in
the speeches of Armenian politicians and diplomats. Eduard Nalbandyan,
head of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, employed this metaphor at a
briefing on 10 July 2017 at the outcome of the Chisinau meeting of
foreign ministers of Eastern Partnership states. Neither Baku nor
Yerevan are abandoning the negotiating process in principle here even
after the new outbreaks of violence and casualties on the line of
contact.
To what extent does the July flareup stand out against the background
of previous clashes which have occurred this year? Does it testify to
some new trends in the development of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
or, on the contrary, confirm the old trends? For an answer to these
questions we shall consider briefly the events context. In 2017 we
have observed several outbreaks of armed confrontation on the line of
the contact of the parties to the conflict. The incidents in the early
hours of 25 February, 15-17 May, and 16-17 June were of the largest
scale. It should be noted also that the February flareup occurred a
week after the negotiations with the participation of the heads of the
foreign ministries of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the sidelines of the
Munich Security Conference. The May flareup occurred shortly after of
the working visit of the foreign ministers of Russia, Azerbaijan, and
Armenia in Moscow. The June flareup is a special case. It occurred not
before and not after the traditional regional visit of the co-chairmen
of the OSCE Minsk Group but during a short break in their tour. I
would point out that the Caucasus visit of the mediator diplomats
began on 10, continued on 12, and concluded on 19 June. The clashes,
though, occurred 16-17 June, following the visit to Yerevan and
Stepanakert and just prior to the visit of the Minsk Group co-chairmen
to Baku.
The July flareup developed largely per a similar algorithm. On 3 July
2017 the mediator diplomats in Vienna held a meeting (effectually a
presentation of the results of their regional visit) with members of
the Group. The report of the Minsk Group co-chairmen took place
against the background of the preparation of an unofficial ministerial
meeting of the heads of the foreign ministries of the OSCE members n
Austria's Mayerbach. This event was planned for 11 June, "the building
of trust through dialogue and cooperation," primarily in the process
of a settlement of ethno-political conflicts, was declared its main
slogan. You can criticize the co-chairmen of the Minsk Group and the
Minsk Group as a whole for its low level of effectiveness as much as
you like. But the proposition that a stimulation of "negotiations in
point of substance" (not imitation meetings, that is, but a format
which could culminate in the achievement of practical compromise
solutions) should become the attainment of a certain level of trust
between the antagonists sounds as the recurrent theme in its
statements. The mediators may help achieve this goal, but they cannot
substitute for the parties to the conflict themselves.
Meanwhile, all that we had already seen in February, May, and June has
been repeated in July also. Incidents outside the village of Alxanli
of Fizuli District, as a result of which there were casualties among
the peaceful citizens also, occurred literally the day after the
presentation of the results of the regional tour of the OSCE Minsk
Group co-chairman. The Azerbaijanis represented the subsequent actions
of 7 July as revenge for the victims of Alxanli, the Armenian
military, in turn, spoke of the other side's employment of the
civilian population as a "living shield". The week between the Vienna
report and the ministerial meeting in Mayerbach (at which negotiations
of the heads of the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan,
Eduard Nalbandyan and Elmar Mamedyarov, had been anticipated) thus
took in a new flareup. It should be noted here that the
representatives of both Baku and Yerevan were in no hurry to
dissociate themselves either from participation in the informal
meeting in the Eastern Partnership format in Moldova or from the OSCE
ministerial meeting in Austria. The books are not being closed on the
negotiating process. But a no less important storyline, aside from the
mere fact of diplomatic dialogue, is the substance of the
negotiations. Yet on the fundamental points of a settlement no
progress has been observed. The status of Nagornyy, the de-occupation
of the adjacent areas, and the refugee problem remain
stumbling-blocks. There are no hints of a possible compromise on these
issues. We are thus observing a "flight from substance". And this
policy is entirely rational and consistent. Both parties fear a
withdrawal into isolation, with which a total renunciation of peace
negotiations is fraught. But they are no less (if not more) afraid of
a solution of the core issues. Putting them on the current agenda is
practically impossible if each time the latest round of meetings and
diplomatic consultations is followed by a violation of the truce and
accusations against the other side of perfidy and an unwillingness to
make concessions. Simply because after new armed exacerbations the
peace process would need to be "salvaged". And this "salvage" would
take some time. Both other provocations and casualties in this time
are not ruled out.
Once again, as in February, May, and June, there has been talk in July
of the need to comply with the accords arrived at during last year's
negotiations in Vienna and Saint Petersburg and last year's
ministerial meeting in Moscow. Their common spirit is the proposition
concerning stabilization of the situation in the conflict zone as the
base prerequisite for passage to substantive negotiations. But without
effective mechanisms of the prevention of military incidents, progress
in this direction is practically impossible. But there are many
obstacles to the creation of an effective set of instruments for
preventing new flareups. Naming each time the party guilty of having
incited the confrontation? A certain disbalance in this case is not
ruled out, and with this the mediators' negative perception of one
party to the conflict would grow. This is fraught with alienation from
the negotiations as such and, in consequence, the de-legitimization of
the present format, even an "unfreezing" of the confrontation.
Increasing the political will? But without a fundamental improvement
in relations between Russia and the West this is hardly possible,
considering that the significance of Karabakh for Moscow and
Washington today cannot be compared with Syria or Ukraine.
The Karabakh trends in July 2017 also thus remain as before:
maintenance of the peace process for the prevention of a large-scale
war and the incitement of regular flareups for pressure on the
opponent and the mediators at the negotiating table.

Armenpress News Agency , Armenia
July 28, 2017 Friday
Armenia among countries most effectively tackling trafficking
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. For the 5th consecutive year Armenia is
classified in the 1st group in the fight against human trafficking and
abuse, which means that Armenia is considered to be among those
countries which are more effectively tackling trafficking”, Ambassador
Vahram Kazhoyan, the head of the anti-trafficking and anti-abuse
commission and head of the foreign ministry’s international
organizations department told a press conference on July 28.
The US State Department released the 2017 report on human trafficking
where the situation in various countries is mentioned.
“Only 36 of 187 countries in the report are classified in the first
group. Armenia is the only country to be included in the first group
from the CIS countries”, Kazhoyan said.
The official said Armenia has joined all international and regional
legal documents regarding the fight against human trafficking and
abuse and is willing to actively cooperate with all actors involved
for improvement of the fight.
Eleonora Virabyan, chief specialist of the Family, Women and Children
affairs department of the ministry of labor and social affairs, said
in order to make the fight against trafficking more efficient,
sub-legislative acts have been designed and several issues were
regulated regarding the commission’s work, mechanisms of guiding the
victims and their protection.
“Labor abuse cases are being recorded in the past two years. If
previously the victims of trafficking were women, now they are men.
Traffickers are mainly their friends or relatives, whom the victims
trust. 24 people were victims of trafficking from November of 2015 to
2016 – 5 being women and 19 men. 3 of them were minors”, Virabyan
said.
Head of the anti-trafficking department of the police force Vache
Hovsepyan briefed on the statistics, saying 7 cases have been recorded
in 2017 in Armenia.
“4 of them are labor abuse cases, 3 sexual abuse. All labor abuse
cases were recorded in Armenia. 12 victims were involved – 5 men and 7
women. 6 of the 12 victims are minors. For comparison let me mentioned
that in 2016, 10 trafficking cases were recorded”, he said.
The police official mentioned that in most cases trafficking occurs
when the victim has financial problems and is most vulnerable, which
the traffickers take advantage of.

Trend News Agency (Baku, Azerbaijan)
July 27, 2017 Thursday
Pro-Armenian congressman insists on funds for NGO training Armenian occupants
by  Elmira Tariverdiyeva, Trend News Agency, Baku, Azerbaijan
July 27--The pro-Armenian congressman Brad Sherman insists on
providing the UK's HALO Trust non-governmental organization, which is
training the Armenian occupiers to mine Azerbaijani territories, with
funds.
During the US House of Representatives' subcommittee hearing on
"Examining the President's FY 2018 Budget Proposal for Europe and
Eurasia" member of the House Committee on Foreign Relations and, of
course, member of the Congressional Caucus on Armenian Issues,
Congressman Brad Sherman urged the US to support the mine-clearing
process in Azerbaijan's Nagorno-Karabakh region occupied by Armenia.
As always, Sherman "forgot" to mention about the occupation of
Nagorno-Karabakh region. He also "forgot" to mention that the
assistance will be rendered to the HALO Trust organization, which
manages the illegal mine clearing work. Azerbaijan, of course, has not
given consent on carrying out the so-called mine clearing work, which
has been going on the territory of Azerbaijan, the territory of which
has been recognized by the US as well.
The pro-Armenian congressman's interest in mine clearing work in
Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia is obvious. According to
the information posted by the organization on its website, the
residents of Nagorno-Karabakh region are involved in mine clearing
process. The Armenian occupiers, in particular, representatives of
military organizations, will obtain skills which can be and will
likely to be used against Azerbaijan in the occupied territories.
A decision was made to close the OSCE Office in Yerevan in September
because of this threat. As the HALO Trust, OSCE Office in Yerevan also
launched mine clearing operations in the Azerbaijani territories
without the mandate or consent of the Azerbaijani side.
In general, the activity of the UK's NGO raises many legitimate
questions and its peaceful mission, as it says, in the occupied
Azerbaijani territories is doubtful although cooperation with the
occupier does not accord with the notion of a "peaceful" mission.
The way of the NGO's presenting the information about its illegitimate
activity on its own website is worth noting. Nagorno-Karabakh region,
occupied by Armenia, is mentioned as a separate and independent state,
rather than as part of Azerbaijan, which contradicts the resolutions
of the UN General Assembly and all norms of international law.
Moreover, one can see the Armenian name of the capital of the
Azerbaijani district, rather than the internationally recognized
geographical name of Khankendi, on the map.
Aside from that, the borders of the occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region
cover, for some reason, other seven surrounding districts of
Azerbaijan, which are also under the occupation of Armenia, while the
Azerbaijani district centers have Armenian names (Mardakert, Martuni,
Hadrut).
It is clear that Armenians actively assisted the UK's NGO in the
creation of the section on illegitimate activity of the NGO in
occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region on www.halotrust.org. This is not the
first time when they are trying to rewrite history, as well as
geography in their own interests.
Baku repeatedly drew the world's attention to the illegal activity of
this UK's NGO. In 2011, Baku did not give permission to transport the
equipment of this NGO to Afghanistan through the Azerbaijani
territory.
During that time, Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Abid Sharifov told
reporters that he instructed the relevant organizations to prohibit
the transfer of equipment and cars of HALO Trust through the country's
territory as the organization has been included in Azerbaijan's "black
list" due to its illegal activity in occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region.
This, however, didn't stop the NGO from carrying out illegal activity
and did not affect the illegal activity of its sappers in the
Azerbaijani territories which threatens the security.
As for Congressman Sherman's request, it is strange that the
representative of the authorities of the US, which is a country not
only living according to the principles of international law, but also
the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, which is designed to resolve the
Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, rather than exacerbate
it, is involved in another Armenian provocation.

Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijani Opposition
July 28, 2017 Friday
Political scientist: "Russia will continue to pressure Azerbaijan"
Baku / 07.07.17 / Turan: Tension on the line of contact of Armenian
and Azerbaijani troops, and shelling has acquired a systematic
character. It is not surprising taking into account that the "cold
war" over Karabakh lasts more than 20 years, and there is no progress
in resolving the conflict.
This state of affairs does not suit Azerbaijan, which it clearly
showed in April 2016 during the four-day war, having won part of the
lands seized by the Armenian occupiers. Azerbaijani troops would have
progressed further, if Russia "seriously concerned" with the military
actions between the conflicting sides did not interfere. According to
most political scientists, Russia will continue to support Armenia,
using it as a means of pressure on Azerbaijan, and Russia's actions
after the Sochi meeting of Vladimir Putin and IlhamAliyev confirm
this.
According to political scientist ElkhanShakhinoglu, partnership
relations with Russia is very important, and therefore the periodic
meetings of the two presidents are normal, but further events show the
dissatisfaction of the northern neighbor with the outcome of the
meeting: "I think that Russia tried to achieve certain steps from
Azerbaijan at this meeting. Russia wants obedience from us, wants to
turn us into Kyrgyzstan or Armenia. She wants Azerbaijan to become a
member of the Eurasian Economic Union, it is possible that it is
trying to achieve the deployment of military units on our territory.
However, Russia's desires often run counter to Azerbaijan's national
interests, and these interests dictate that Azerbaijan's energy
resources go to world markets bypassing Russia.
In addition, the northern neighbor does not like that the
Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway route will start operating soon and some of
the Azerbaijani goods will bypass Russia to the West. No matter how
much official Baku claims that it wants to maintain normal relations
with Moscow, the wishes of the latter do not correspond to the
national interests of Azerbaijan, and he is forced to refuse to
Russia. Russia does not like this, and starts to make pressure."
The political scientist explained on an example how Russia after the
Sochi meeting is trying to achieve from Azerbaijan the desired: "Let's
turn to the facts. First, the ceasefire violation became more intense,
our soldier was wounded. Secondly, local clashes spread from Karabakh
to the Azerbaijani-Armenian border. Thirdly, Armenian Foreign Minister
Edward Nalbandian went to Karabakhimmediately after the Sochi meeting,
and as if provoking Azerbaijan, he visited the occupied city of
Kelbajar. Fourth, after the meeting in Sochi, the news spread that
Russia through the South Ossetian separatists took control of part of
the Baku-Supsa pipeline. Fifth, the Russian ambassador to Azerbaijan
stated that they are ready to extradite Alexander Lapshin, who
violated the laws of Azerbaijan, to Russia. Sixthly, a few days after
the Sochi meeting, Putin ratified the treaty on the establishment of
joint Russian-Armenian military units, which means that Russia became
the mistress of the Armenian army. If we used to say that Armenian
troops occupied Karabakh, now Russia has become a partner of Armenia
in this. This is confirmed by the words of the Armenian general, who
stated that they can use these combined forces in Karabakh, although
it was previously noted that this is impossible. Objections from
Russia to the words of the Armenian commander did not follow. "
The political scientist also explained the reasons for the fact that
Russia took control of part of the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline:
"Azerbaijani oil, though in small amounts via the Baku-Novorossiysk
oil pipeline, enters the world markets. However, this oil pipeline
does not work even in half its capacity. Then why should Russia take
control of Baku-Supsa? Thus, Russia is trying not to harm Georgia, but
to influence Azerbaijan, because it knows that the main owner of the
pipeline is Baku, which through it sends oil to world markets. I think
that this is one of the ways of putting pressure on Azerbaijan. "
E. Shahinoglu also touched on Lapshin's question: "Lapshin grossly
violated Azerbaijani laws and the statement of the Russian ambassador
about his readiness to extradite him is nothing more than a means of
pressure. Russia thereby wants to say "you held a trial, sentenced
him, and now give it to us." True, Lapshin admitted his guilt at the
trial, but it is possible that in case of extradition to Russia he
will not continue his provocations, he will not become one of the
numerous guests of Yerevan and will not say about "torture" in the
Azerbaijani prison. Personally, I think that we should exchange
Lapshin for Kalbajar hostages. "
The political scientist stated that it is becoming increasingly
difficult for Azerbaijan to conduct a traditional balanced policy:
"Baku is trying to maintain good relations with all its neighbors.
However, if the development and strengthening of the country's
economic, social, military potential goes through integration into
Western structures, Azerbaijan, based on national interests
However, if the development and strengthening of the country's
economic, social, military potential passes through integration into
Western structures, Azerbaijan, based on national interests, must
choose the Western path. Russia, unlike the West, is not interested in
the development of Azerbaijan. However, the Azerbaijani authorities
are afraid that in case of straining relations with Russia, the
Ukrainian and Georgian scenarios will repeat. However, Russia has
already done all the bad things that it could - Karabakh is occupied.
What can they do? I do not say that we should break relations with
Russia. More than one million Azerbaijanis live in this country, our
agricultural products enter its markets. Relations must continue, but
this does not mean that we must fulfill all the wishes of Russia,"E.
Shahinoglu said. -0-

Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijani Opposition
July 28, 2017 Friday
Fazil Mustafa: "This is a dangerous decision towards Azerbaijan"
Baku / 28.07.17 / Turan: "Ratification of the agreement on the
establishment of joint military forces of Russia and Armenia is a
decision directed against Azerbaijan," MP Fazil Mustafa said,
commenting on the ratification of the above-mentioned agreement by
Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Fazil Mustafa, this is
a dangerous decision regarding the interests of Azerbaijan; this
decision gives Russia the opportunity to speak on behalf of Armenia,
if some measures are taken against the occupation policy of this
country. "Ratification of this agreement means that Armenia lost its
independence," the MP said.
Faraj Guliyev says that the ratification of this document is not
surprising, since Russia has always been with Armenia. Russia arms
Armenia, provides it with its own living force. According to the
deputy, now the time has come when Azerbaijan should understand - who
is the enemy and who is the friend. Azerbaijan should know that in the
CSTO two states are enemies.
"In response, relations with Russia must be reviewed, relations with
NATO must be strengthened," the MP said. In his opinion, Karabakh was
occupied not by Armenia, but by Russia and handed over to Armenians.
Participating in the OSCE Minsk Group Russia with the hands of Armenia
violates the negotiation process.
"This is also a message that Russia in the event of war will be on the
side of Armenia," Mustafa said.

Turan Information Agency, Azerbaijani Opposition
July 28, 2017 Friday
Creation of Russian-Armenian Military Grouping Strengthened
Anti-Russian Sentiments
Baku / 28.07.17 / Turan: The signing of the federal law on
ratification of the agreement between the Russian Federation and the
Republic of Armenia on the joint grouping of troops on July 26 by
Russian President V.Putin caused a negative reaction among the
Azerbaijanis.
There is no fear and panic, but anti-Russian sentiments, of course,
intensified. Some analysts are looking for justifiable words in this
event, as the human rights activist Avaz Hasanov, who believes that
Moscow is simply leading Armenia away from signing an agreement with
the European Union. Others, like former political prisoner Tofig
Yagublu, are outraged that Baku does not abandon Russian mediation,
while Moscow has openly supported the aggressor.
"One cannot do this: one of the mediators, the co-chair of the OSCE
Minsk Group, Russia, has joined forces with the occupier of Karabakh,
whereas the Russian Federation should be an objective mediator in the
Karabakh settlement. And the leadership of Azerbaijan does not have
the courage to declare indignation and refuse such an intermediary,"
T. Yagublu writes from Philadelphia, USA.
The agreement on the creation of the united Armed Forces was signed by
Moscow and Yerevan on October 30, 2016, but both sides did not hurry
to ratify it, holding it as a means of pressure on Azerbaijan.
Unexpectedly urgent ratification of this document by the State Duma
and the Armenian parliament means that from now on Nagorno-Karabakh
and surrounding areas are occupied by a joint Russian-Armenian army
supporting local Karabakh terrorists, one of the leaders of the
political party REAL Natik Jafarli said.
"There is a serious tension between Moscow and Baku, it is obvious
that the Sochi meeting of Presidents I. Aliyev and V.Putin did not
lead to agreement. Immediately after this meeting, Russia took control
of part of the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline by its army, the Kremlin media
are attacking Azerbaijan, and our agricultural products do not enter
the markets of Russia.
We can support the government of Azerbaijan in three directions: steps
to liberate Karabakh and the surrounding areas, integration with
Western institutions and the expansion of ties, and the strengthening
of a secular state. To this end, the government should be aware of its
responsibility, pursue non-vested interests, abandon corruption
thinking, take steps to establish intranational accord, and form a new
democratic parliament and coalition government in the future. This is
the only salvation of Azerbaijan," the party REAL believes.
The political scientist Elkhan Shahinoglu also discusses the results
of the Sochi meeting of the Presidents and comes to the conclusion
that there is no unity of positions on Karabakh. This is indicated by
shooting at the Azerbaijani-Armenian front, where tension has
intensified. For the first time, the Armenian Foreign Minister visited
the occupied territories, and even came to Kelbadjar not related to
Karabakh. This is known to Moscow, but it does not react. The advance
of the Russian army to the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline is a threat to the
economic interests not so much of Georgia, but of Azerbaijan pumping
oil to Turkey. Finally, the treaty on the Russian-Armenian military
group unambiguously directed against Azerbaijan has been ratified. And
all this happened after the Sochi meeting.
Moscow wants Azerbaijan to be as obedient as Armenia and Kyrgyzstan,
fulfilling all the whims of Putin. This is impossible, since the
national interests of Azerbaijan and Russia do not coincide," said the
head of the Atlas Research Center, Shahinoglu.
On July 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a federal law on
the ratification of the agreement between the Russian Federation and
the Republic of Armenia on a unified grouping of troops (forces).
The signed law ratifies the agreement between Russia and Armenia on a
joint force grouping signed in Moscow on November 30, 2016. This
agreement determines the purpose, the order of formation, deployment
and application of the combined group.
The main tasks of the united group include: timely revealing of the
immediate preparation of an armed attack (aggression) against the
Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia within the borders of
the region and its reflection; covering the overland part of the state
border of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Armenia within
the established limits of responsibility; participation in the
protection of the state border of the Russian Federation and the
Republic of Armenia in the airspace, as well as participation in the
air defense of troops and critical facilities of the Russian
Federation and the Republic of Armenia located in the region. -0-