Today, among 29 other non-reportable issues, the government also approved the drafts of the law “On Amendments and Additions to the Law on Foreign Intelligence Activities and Foreign Intelligence Service” and related laws. The author is Kristinne Grigoryan, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service.

Among the proposed changes, the head of the National Security Service mentioned the need for changes in the Law “On Operative-Intelligence Activities”, noting in particular: “According to the Law of Security, the Service also has the right to carry out operational and investigative activities.

Among a number of operative-investigative measures, the Service has the right to carry out the control measure of digital, including telephone communication.

The project proposes to allow the Service to independently implement an operational-investigative measure of control of digital, including telephone communication, with its own operational-technical infrastructures, which will make it possible to ensure the effectiveness of the measure and the efficiency of the service.

The goal, as it is said, is to clearly regulate the independent implementation by the Service of digital, including telephone communications control (operational-investigative measures) with its own operational-technical infrastructures.

“Accepting the project will, in fact, save the time spent on petitioning the National Security Service and receiving technical assistance and solving other organizational issues, and will enable the operative-investigative secret measure to be carried out more effectively and in a shorter time frame,” says the justification of the project.

With another change, it is proposed to allocate not ranks, but class ranks to the persons holding positions in the Service, excluding the identification with the military service and the ambiguities arising from it.

With this package, in general, the APS expects to settle the gaps in the law, to give legal regulation to the identified problems and to exclude the problems arising or considered possible in practice and to ensure the proper implementation of the functions of the Service.

It is said that the project will lead to an increase in expenses in the RA state budget, which will be planned according to the implementation within the framework of the annual state budget to be allocated to the Service.

“The project stems from Armenia’s transformation strategy until 2050, one of whose visions is to have one of the 10 most effective intelligence services in the world,” the project assures.

The RA government is holding its regular session today, February 19. The agenda of the session includes 39 issues, of which 29 are non-reportable, 7 are confidential, and 3 are reportable.

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At this stage of the Iran-US-Israeli military conflict that began in February, oil and energy facilities are being actively targeted, and there is already talk of different goals that the US and Israel have towards Iran.

On a number of issues in the context of this topic 168.amhas had a conversation Analytical “Base”. of the center founder Vitaly with Mangasaryan.

– It has been almost a month since the US-Israeli military operation against Iran began, the military and political leaders of Iran were killed. In any case, how do you assess the course of the Iran-US-Israel war from a military, tactical point of view at the moment, who has what advantages, or what advantages and weaknesses do the parties – Iran, the US, Israel – show, including tactical, military, military-technical? By the way, during this period, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan On one occasion, he made it clear to Iran that it should prepare well and make power calculations before entering into a conflict with Israel and the USA. “Cyber ​​intelligence, radio intelligence, electronic intelligence, preventive intelligence, air surveillance, satellite data based on on intelligence… If you you are not perform your “home work” and you are not to develop your abilities this areas, then not worth it times orally skirmish in enter Israel and: America with

If: you indeed preparing are you such March then your the power this areas need is flawless be Besides this in order to the country can protect her aerial the area, he need is high efficiency safe Air defense, radar and radio electronic of pressure systems sectors”.

– When analyzing the current course of the conflict, it becomes obvious that technological and intelligence supremacy still remains on the side of Israel and the USA. The capabilities of this tandem in the fields of cyber-intelligence, radio-electronic warfare (REP) and satellite surveillance allow for surgical precision strikes, which we also saw during last year’s 12-day escalation.

One of the strengths of Israel and the United States is the effectiveness of the integrated intelligence systems. HUMINT, SIGINT, cyber intelligence and satellite data work together in a single operational network. This system allows not only to detect targets, but also to direct the strike means in real time.

In the case of Iran, the picture is different. Although inferior in technology and air, it displays enviable resilience and strategic patience. Iran has built an asymmetric warfare model, relying on medium-range missiles and drones. At the same time, in order to succeed against such adversaries, cyber, radio-electronic and air control capabilities are naturally important, where Iran, being de facto alone, has certain problems. However, Iran is trying to fill those gaps with non-standard solutions.

Iran’s volitional factor deserves special attention. If we imagine what would happen to the USA, Israel, or any other country, if they had such high-level losses, especially in influential military and scientific circles, as Iran has, we would most likely see a serious internal crisis. Iran, on the contrary, shows stability and systemic resistance. This indicates that the worst scenarios were not only calculated there, but also integrated into the state strategy for years.

At this stage, the impression is created that Iran is going to a cold-hearted and calculated “wa-bank”, well understanding that there is simply no other option. At the same time, we see how almost all existing red lines in international relations are crossed day by day. Perhaps the most dangerous line remains, the use of weapons of mass destruction, but current dynamics show that even that line is no longer guaranteed.

– In the background of the war against Iran, what are the ulterior motives behind the position taken by Israel’s strategic ally Azerbaijan and Turkey, which does not have bad relations with the USA, apart from what is officially announced? By the way, Iran does not seem to believe in Azerbaijan’s sincerity that it will not give its territory to a 3rd country, or that there are no Israeli facilities there.

– For Turkey, the situation around Iran, in general, opens up new opportunities. From the perspective of regional competition, Iran is one of the main players that limits the expansion of Turkey’s influence both in the South Caucasus and the Middle East. Iran’s weakening, for whatever reason, means that Ankara gets a wider field to advance its political and economic initiatives, including energy projects and transportation routes. At the same time, Turkey continues to pursue a cautious policy, not taking an open anti-Iranian stance, as it is interested in maintaining economic ties and avoiding unforeseen consequences.

As for Azerbaijan, we know that they declare that their territory is not used for operations against Iran, but I think that Iran does not believe those statements, to put it mildly. Tehran’s suspicions are mainly due to the fact that Baku has deep strategic relations with Israel.

It is especially important to remember that Israel’s role during the 2020 Artsakh war was significant in terms of supplying military technology and weapons, which significantly contributed to Azerbaijan’s success, and, of course, Baku has a certain obligation to Israel. Moreover, a number of previously recorded cases, which were perceived as unfriendly steps in Tehran, further deepened the atmosphere of mistrust.

I am sure that it is obvious to the leadership of the Islamic Republic of Iran that Azerbaijan has become a platform from which Israel can “hear and see” the deep processes of Iran. Under these conditions, Baku’s assurances are considered in Iran as a tactic to gain time.

Is it appropriate for Iran to give a tough answer to Azerbaijan at this very moment? I think that Iran is calculating and evaluating that, under the current tension, a large-scale conflict on the northern border may bring additional problems.

At the same time, I think that if the degree of danger increases, then Iran will have to start attacking the Israeli bases located in Azerbaijan.

– To what extent was the importance of Nakhichevan highlighted in the context of this war for Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey, and in your opinion, how is it possible to attack Nakhichevan with non-Iranian drones?

– The geographical position of Nakhichevan, bordering Iran and Turkey, turns it into a potential military-political base. The geographical location of Nakhichevan is the factor that theoretically makes it a suitable platform for operations against Iran, be it intelligence activity, use of drone systems or other format of intervention.

For Turkey, this area is no less important, as it provides a direct border between Turkey and Azerbaijan. This enables Ankara to quickly respond to regional developments and, if necessary, strengthen its military and political presence. In the conditions of the possible weakening of Iran, Nakhichevan can turn into an important base for the advancement of Turkish influence.

From Iran’s point of view, Nakhichevan remains a high-risk destination. It has been hinted many times in Tehran that this area can be used by third countries, especially Israel.

As for ATS, in my opinion, there are two logical options, and I think both of them have the right to life.

The first is that the management of operations in Iran is somewhat decentralized, and it is possible that the commander of an individual military unit made an independent decision to “punish” Azerbaijan for its involvement in anti-Iranian processes.

The other hypothesis suggests that such an operation could have been organized by Israel’s special services with the aim of escalating anti-Iranian sentiments.

– President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev confirmed the other day Amendments to the Law “On Expropriation of Land for State Needs”, according to which the expansion of state-owned airports and airfields, as well as the construction of new airports and airfields, have been added to the list of state needs for which land can be expropriated. We know that there are Azerbaijani airports in the occupied Artsakh territories, this is still as a result of the 2020 war, is it possible to expand them?

– It is no secret that immediately after the war of 2020, Azerbaijan started the construction of airports with great intensity and amazing speed, particularly in Fizuli, Zangelan and Lachin. Although official propaganda presents them as “international civilian airports”, the reality is different. until today, civil flights have been served, one can say, counting on the fingers, and their economic burden remains close to zero.

Opinions have been repeatedly voiced from the Iranian governmental and expert circles that these airports are being built in order to be used as a springboard against Iran in the future. The Iranian side has repeatedly expressed concern that these facilities may be provided to Israel’s special services.

The legislative changes adopted in Azerbaijan should be considered not only as an economic or infrastructural initiative, but as part of a broader strategy. If we take into account the growth of regional tension and the emerging pressures on Iran, the rapid construction of airports can have far-reaching goals.

– By the way What differences can there be between Azerbaijan and Turkey in the background of the war against Iran, which is not visible?

– If Turkey seeks the weakening of Iran in order to establish its own regional hegemony, then it is not at all interested in the complete collapse of Iran. For Ankara, Iran’s chaos means the flow of millions of refugees to its borders and the possible activation of the Kurdish factor, while Baku may have more radical ambitions related to the idea of ​​”Southern Azerbaijan” and ethnic awakening.

The second important contradiction lies in the role of Israel, which is the number one strategic partner for Azerbaijan regarding Iran, but remains an ideological and political rival for Turkey in the Middle East. In the event of a war against Iran, Azerbaijan can become the main base of the Israeli military machine, which for Turkish President Erdogan can be perceived as an unacceptable increase of Israel’s influence in his “backyard”. Ankara will not want to see a situation where Baku receives more instructions from Tel Aviv than from itself, which could lead to serious internal jealousy.

– What conclusions should Armenia make against the background of all this, from the point of view of the war against Iran, the creation of strategic relations with the USA, de facto withdrawal from the CSTO, in general, from the security point of view?

– Armenia’s primary concern should be to follow the development of events, constantly reassess the risks and be ready for various scenarios, from border instability to disruption of regional communications.

At the same time, the so-called multi-vector approach of Armenia’s foreign policy cannot have real effectiveness if it is disconnected from regional realities.

Deepening relations with the USA is important, but it should not be done to the detriment of relations with immediate neighbors, especially Iran, which is not only an economic but also a vital security partner for Armenia. The same applies to the process of de facto withdrawal from CSTO. it should be accompanied by clear calculations, alternative security mechanisms, and not remain in a “vacuum”.

Armenia should show a humanitarian gesture to friendly Iran by sending some help, for example, medical personnel or small fire-rescue units. It is surprising the fact that Armenia is able to send humanitarian cargo to Turkey, even reaching the opening of the Margara checkpoint for this purpose, but it does not show similar determination in the case of its long-standing friend Iran.

If there is a funeral at your neighbor’s house, and you not only don’t go to sympathize, but also turn on loud music and ostentatiously have fun, it is at least short-sighted. One cannot ignore the pain of one’s neighbor just because your distant friend across the distant ocean has strained relations with that family. To ignore the plight of a good neighbor means to endanger the peace of one’s own home in the future.

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Although Iran continues to mourn the death of Ali Larijani, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme Security Council, which some analysts predicted as the tipping point to turn the war against Iran in favor of Israel and the United States, Iran’s latest strikes on one of the world’s largest oil and gas complexes in Qatar appear to pose a serious challenge to the West.

Hours ago, Iran delivered another blow to the countries of the Persian Gulf. One of the world’s largest oil and gas complexes, located in the Ras Laffan industrial zone, was targeted by ballistic missiles in Qatar. This was announced by the Ministry of Defense of Qatar on the night of Thursday, March 19. According to the state oil and gas company QatarEnergy, the facility was attacked twice within 12 hours.

However, hours before this strike by Iran, Israel had struck the world’s largest “South Pars” gas field, which the Islamic Republic shares with Qatar. Majid al-Ansari, the official representative of the Qatari Foreign Ministry announced that the facilities related to the Iranian mine “South Pars” are Qatari “North Field” mine the continuation and the Israeli strikes against them are a dangerous and irresponsible step against the background of the ongoing military escalation in the region.

“Attacks on energy infrastructure pose a threat to global energy security, as well as to the peoples and environment of the region,” he warned.

Iran’s President Masoud PezeshkianIsrael warned after this strike that it would lead to “uncontrollable consequences”. Tehran has threatened to attack the fuel, energy and gas infrastructure facilities of the states from whose territory, according to Iran’s version, the strikes were carried out. Due to the world’s largest field, Iran meets around 70 percent of domestic gas demand. International media reports that the Iranian attack on Qatar has shaken the global oil flows, and the fuel price hike has already become a heavy burden for households around the world. People in the US and Europe have been facing it for the past two and a half years at the highest prices at filling stations. It is also noted that gas prices have increased by 30%.

And perhaps not by chance today US President Donald Trump stated that the US was not aware of the preparations for an Israeli attack on the South Pars mine. On his Truth Social page, Donald Trump wrote:

“Israel, outraged by the events in the Middle East, attacked Iran’s “South Pars” gas field. The attack took place only in a limited area, and the United States was not aware of its preparation, and Qatar had nothing to do with the incident and did not suspect it.

Israel will no longer attack this extremely important and valuable South Persian mine, unless Iran takes a foolish step and attacks a completely innocent country, in this case, Qatar.

In that case, the USA, with or without the help of Israel and its consent, will carry out a massive explosion in the entire “South Pars” gas field with such a power that Iran has not yet seen.

I am reluctant to condone such levels of violence and destruction because of the long-term consequences for Iran’s future, but if there is another attack on Qatar’s liquefied natural gas, I will take action without hesitation.”

Russian analyst Konstantin Simonov 168.amtold that the latest Iranian strikes on Qatar, which were planned, with a clear purpose and served that purpose, are a big problem for the European energy market, which is already in shock due to the war developments against Iran, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to him, the statement of the US president was aimed at easing the tension that was created after these mutual strikes, because the continuation of such strikes could deepen the crisis.

“Therefore, Trump, although threatening, tried to mitigate the created difficult situation, to which the European leaders are already reacting and complain that they should not stay away from these events, because their consequences affect the stability of Europe,” said Simonov.

According to him, analysts mean exactly such events when they talk about the fact that the US did not calculate the consequences of the war against Iran.

“However, there was no clear picture of the calculations, and the developments prove it,” he noted.

According to Simonov, the increase in oil and gas prices in the world market (due to both geopolitical tensions and supply constraints) can be a challenge for importing economies like Armenia, but not directly, since Armenia imports natural gas from Russia with relatively stable contractual mechanisms. This is where, according to him, Russia as a partner is important for Armenia.

“Over time, high global prices turn into negotiation pressure, leading to an increase in the price of imported gas, which has a chain effect on almost all sectors of the economy. The increase in the price of gas is immediately reflected in the price of electricity, so the risk of this chain effect is always present in such situations. However, the situation is not clear-cut.

High energy prices can have a positive impact on the Russian economy. However, if we talk about Armenia, the increase in global oil and gas prices is a systemic challenge for Armenia, affecting both social and economic stability,” said Simonov.

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Harutyun Grigoryan, accused in the case of brutally beating Lt. Col. Ara Mkhitaryan, was changed to house arrest at the end of last year by the Court of Cassation, and he is serving his sentence in prison again. Ara Mkhitaryan’s daughter-in-law, Samvel Mkhitaryan, considers that justice has not yet been restored, justice has not been served.

“I have nothing to say, the Court of Cassation granted our petition, that person is now back in prison, but many guilty people are free today.

For example, CP deputy Trdat Sargsyan, the people say he was there, they “proved” that he was not there. This person was the governor of Vayots Dzor at the time of the incident. Immediately after the incident, Tara was made a member of parliament, given immunity, and almost did not attend court. Once he came to the court and said: “I was not there, I am not guilty and that’s it.” Until this government “turns over”, nothing will change, the “power” is in their hands. of 168.am Samvel Mkhitaryan said in an interview with

He assures that when his son was beaten, the member of parliament Trdat Sargsyan was there, as well as his brother, and 7-8 other people were also there. But less than 6 months after the incident, they changed everything: they removed the old cameras and installed new ones.

“I said this and I will say it, and after all this they “proved” that Trdat Sargsyan was not there. After the change of government in this country, I will definitely demand justice, otherwise, whatever I do now, I will not achieve any results,” emphasized Samvel Mkhitaryan, the father of lieutenant colonel Ara Mkhitaryan.

To remind, on September 17, 2019, in Yeghegnadzor, after being in a coma for several years as a result of a severe beating, the only convict in the case of lieutenant colonel Ara Mkhitaryan, who died in 2023, Harutyun Grigoryan, the former governor, now the assistant of KP deputy Trdat Sargsyan, was released on parole in February of last year, and then he was imprisoned again. He was charged under Article 112, Part 2, Clause 6 of the Criminal Code (deliberately causing serious harm to health by a group of persons or an organized group), as well as under Article 118 of the same Code (assault). His brother, Zaven Grigoryan, was charged only under Article 112, Part 2, Clause 6.

Both brothers have pleaded not guilty to the charges against them. Trdat Sargsyan, the former governor of Vayots Dzor, was also associated with the incident.

Officers present at the time of the incident testified that he was present and passive, and they also maintained their testimony during face-to-face questioning. The investigative committee reported that the former governor was not a witness to the dispute that took place on September 17, 2019, and was not at the scene. Despite this, one week after the incident, Trdat Sargsyan resigned from the position of governor of Vayots Dzor, now he is a deputy of the “Civil Agreement” faction of the National Assembly.

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