southfront--2020-12-15--Azerbaijan And Turkey Plan To Agree On Gas Deliveries To Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

Turkey and Azerbaijan have been planning to start the implementation of the infrastructure projects to strengthen the cooperation in the @ @ @ @ @ of the victory of the Karabakh war as soon as it is possible .
According @ @ @ @ @ the coming days , Baku and Ankara are going to sign the memorandum of understanding @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic .
Armenian media speculate that Azerbaijan and Turkey are also @ @ @ @ @ pipeline to Azerbaijan through the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic speculating that it will go through the @ @ @ @ @ Armenia and the ‘ occupied parts ’ of the Republic of Artsakh .
MORE ON @ @ @

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Turkey and Azerbaijan have been planning to start the implementation of the infrastructure projects to strengthen the cooperation in the economic field and take advantage of the victory of the Karabakh war as soon as it is possible.
According to media reports, in the coming days, Baku and Ankara are going to sign the memorandum of understanding on gas supplies to Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Armenian media speculate that Azerbaijan and Turkey are also planning to build a gas pipeline to Azerbaijan through the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic speculating that it will go through the agreed ‘corridor’ in Armenia and the ‘occupied parts’ of the Republic of Artsakh.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Azerbaijani Fores Took Control Of Contested Villages In Hadrut District (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh : • According to the new map by the Russian Ministry of Defense on the situation in Karabakh , the villages of Khtsaberd and Hin Taglar are now under the control of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces ; • On December 14 , Armenia and Azerbaijan began the exchange of prisoners , according to Azerbaijani officials ; • As of December 15 , Russia reported that more than 156 hectares of land and about 40 kilometers of roads were cleared from mines and IEDs and 5000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ • As of December 15 , a total of 39,700 people have returned to Karabakh with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers ; • On December 14 , 566 displaced persons returned from Yerevan to Stepanakert by buses with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers ; • On December 15 , Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense published the names of 2783 servicemen who were lost their lives in the Karabakh war .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Nikol Pashinyan Reaches Inside His Endless Bag Of Excuses , As Russia ’ s Peacekeepers Do Their Job

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh:
According to the new map by the Russian Ministry of Defense on the situation in Karabakh, the villages of Khtsaberd and Hin Taglar are now under the control of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces;
On December 14, Armenia and Azerbaijan began the exchange of prisoners, according to Azerbaijani officials;
As of December 15, Russia reported that more than 156 hectares of land and about 40 kilometers of roads were cleared from mines and IEDs and 5000 explosive objects were found and destroyed;
As of December 15, a total of 39,700 people have returned to Karabakh with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers;
On December 14, 566 displaced persons returned from Yerevan to Stepanakert by buses with the assistance of Russian peacekeepers;
On December 15, Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense published the names of 2783 servicemen who were lost their lives in the Karabakh war.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Military Situation In Syria On December 15, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria : • On December 15 , Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 35 times : 16 – in Idlib province , 4 – in Aleppo province , 15 – in Latakia province , 4 – in Hama province ; • On December 14 , unknown gunmen attacked a HQ of the Kurdish National Council in Darbasiyah town .
No casualties were reported ; • On December 14 , the Syrian Army and Russian forces launched a security operation to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ; • On December 14 , the Syrian Army seized a large quantity of medium , heavy weapons and ammunitions in southern Syria ; • On December 14 , US forces carried out a patrol in the vicinity of the town of al-Shaddadi in the southern countryside of Hasakah ; • On December 15 , clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces ( SDF ) and Turkish-backed forces were reported north of Ain Issa .
Several Turkish-backed fighters were reportedly killed ; • On December 14 , SAA artillery shelled positions of Turkish-backed forces @ @ @ @ @ @ @ December 14 , the Free Syrian Police imposed a curfew in the Jinderes area in an attempt to contain the infighting among Turkish proxies there .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Turkish Proxies Clash With Each Other In Occupied Afrin ( Videos )

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Syria:
On December 15, Russia reported that Idlib militants violated the ceasefire regime in Greater Idlib 35 times: 16 – in Idlib province, 4 – in Aleppo province, 15 – in Latakia province, 4 – in Hama province;
On December 14, unknown gunmen attacked a HQ of the Kurdish National Council in Darbasiyah town. No casualties were reported;
On December 14, the Syrian Army and Russian forces launched a security operation to deter ISIS cells in the central desert;
On December 14, the Syrian Army seized a large quantity of medium, heavy weapons and ammunitions in southern Syria;
On December 14, US forces carried out a patrol in the vicinity of the town of al-Shaddadi in the southern countryside of Hasakah;
On December 15, clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and Turkish-backed forces were reported north of Ain Issa. Several Turkish-backed fighters were reportedly killed;
On December 14, SAA artillery shelled positions of Turkish-backed forces in Safuhin and Faitra;
On December 14, the Free Syrian Police imposed a curfew in the Jinderes area in an attempt to contain the infighting among Turkish proxies there.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Biden Lashes Out At Trump In Post-Electoral College Speech

Joe Biden lashed out at President Trump Monday night , saying in a 14-minute speech following his win in the electoral college that Trump ’ s ongoing challenges to the 2020 election are “ an unprecedented assault on our democracy , ” and that claims of widespread fraud are “ baseless ” – despite the fact that the Supreme Court elected not to review the merits of various cases .
“ Every single avenue was made available for President Trump to contest the results .
He took full advantage of each and every one of those avenues .
President Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wanted to take , ” Biden added – also slamming the 17 GOP Attorneys General and 126 GOP Congressmembers who challenged the results of the election as well .
Biden implied Trump has both abused – and won ’ t let go of power , saying “ In America , politicians don ’ t take power — the people grant it to them , ” adding “ The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago .
And we now know that nothing — not even a pandemic or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that flame.
” Joe Biden officially secured enough electoral votes on Monday to claim victory , despite President Trump ’ s ongoing refusal to concede in light of wide-ranging claims of election fraud .
Biden ’ s win was secured after California ’ s 55 electors put the former Vice President over the 270 mark needed to win .
Joe Biden will address the nation at 7:30 p.m .
ET following today ’ s Electoral College voting , in which he captured electors in all six battleground states in which President Trump and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As notes , “ The 16 electors in Michigan voted for Biden , following the 63 votes cast for him earlier in Arizona , Georgia , Nevada , Pennsylvania and Wisconsin .
Biden will have enough electoral votes to be officially declared president-elect when members have cast 270 ballots , which is expected after California votes .
Congress will officially count the votes on Jan. 6.
” The votes come as Trump and his allies continue to contest the results , which Trump attorneys and supporters have suggested are fair game until January @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Party Chairman David Shafer tweeted that Republican electors in the state also met at the state capitol to cast votes for Trump and Vice President Mike Pence because a Trump campaign lawsuit contesting the state ’ s results is still pending .
Former U.S. Representative Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania said the Trump electors in the commonwealth also held “ conditional ” votes in case a court were to overturn the results .
The idea is to send a rival slate of electors for Congress to consider .
But there ’ s only one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognize from a state , and their move is “ not going to work as a matter of law , ” said Edward Foley , a professor and director of an election-law program at Ohio State University who has studied disputed elections .
– Biden received 306 electoral votes from the 25 states and the District of Columbia , while Trump captured 232 electoral votes from the 25 states he won .
For all the riveting action , watch live below as takes us throughout the country ’ s electoral votes .
On @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will gather throughout the day in their respective states to cast their official ballots for president .
Most states will offer livestreams to watch the proceedings , which will take place at locations chosen by state legislatures – typically the state ’ s capitol .
Exceptions include Delaware – whose electors will meet in a gym , and Nevada – which will be the only state to hold its meeting virtually this year , according to the .
Electors will use paper ballots to cast their votes for president and vice president .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to choose whoever won the state ’ s popular vote , 17 other states don ’ t “ bind ” their electors – who can vote for whomever they choose .
If they cast a vote for another candidate than the one which won the state , they are considered ‘ faithless electors.
’ In 2016 , two faithless electors didn ’ t vote for Trump , while five faithless electors didn ’ t vote for Hillary Clinton .
The seven electors were from Hawaii , Texas and Washington State .
Electors typically @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or politicians in their states .
For example , in 2016 Democratic activist Ed Buck – a deep-pocketed political donor since charged with three counts of battery after multiple drugged black men were found dead in his apartment – was selected for the electoral college , likely by Rep. Adam Schiff ( D-CA ) , his district ’ s congressman who accepted political donations from the accused bundler .
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi ’ s daughter was also a California elector in 2016 .
What happens after the electors meet ?
The votes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joint session held in the House chamber on Jan. 6 , with Vice President Mike Pence presiding over the affair .
Pence will open the certificates , organized in alphabetical order by state , and present them to four “ tellers ” – two from the Senate and two from the House , who count the votes .
Once Joe Biden receives at least 270 votes , as is expected to be the case , Pence will announce the result .
The session can not end until the count is complete and publicly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is officially decided .
Can members of Congress block the process ?
Once the result is read on January 6 , members of Congress will have one opportunity to lodge complaints , which must be made in writing and signed by at least one Senator and one member of the House .
The objection would then be debated by each chamber separately , with each member of Congress allowed five minutes to speak .
The debate has a hard stop after two hours , after which each body will vote on whether to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to the .
The also notes that some Trump allies are “ already planning objections , ” which should “ make for good political theater ” but would be unlikely to change the outcome of the election .
Does this end Trump and his allies ’ fight to challenge the election ?
According to Trump Campaign attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis , “ The only fixed day in the U.S. Constitution is the inauguration of the President on January 20 at noon , ” suggesting that they will exhaust every legal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accusations of widespread fraud across several key states .
That said , Ellis had previously called Jan. 6 , vote counting day , a date of “ ultimate significance.
” That said , last month Trump told reporters that if Biden is elected by the Electoral College , Trump would leave office .
“ Certainly I will , and you know that , ” he said , adding “ I will and , you know that , ” though he also said “ It ’ s going to be a very hard thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ massive fraud.
” MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Treasury , Commerce Department , And Others Allegedly Hacked : MSM Blames Russia • The Saker : “ NATO and the EU are sending a “ message ” to Russia .
Again ”

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
Update (2010ET): Joe Biden lashed out at President Trump Monday night, saying in a 14-minute speech following his win in the electoral college that Trump’s ongoing challenges to the 2020 election are “an unprecedented assault on our democracy,” and that claims of widespread fraud are “baseless” – despite the fact that the Supreme Court elected not to review the merits of various cases.
Biden: "The [Supreme] Court sent a clear signal to President Trump that they would be no part of an unprecedented assault on our democracy … Trump was denied no course of action he wanted to take … respecting the will of the people is at the heart of our democracy." pic.twitter.com/0w8F955bwZ — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 15, 2020
“Every single avenue was made available for President Trump to contest the results. He took full advantage of each and every one of those avenues. President Trump was denied no course of action he wanted to take,” Biden added – also slamming the 17 GOP Attorneys General and 126 GOP Congressmembers who challenged the results of the election as well.
Biden implied Trump has both abused – and won’t let go of power, saying “In America, politicians don’t take power — the people grant it to them,” adding “The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago. And we now know that nothing — not even a pandemic or an abuse of power — can extinguish that flame.”
Joe Biden: “The flame of democracy was lit in this nation a long time ago, and we now know nothing — not even a pandemic or an abuse of power — can extinguish that flame." pic.twitter.com/2wn5u6UcrW — The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 15, 2020
.@JoeBiden’s phlegmatic speech responding to the Electoral College vote is angry and divisive. Instead of reaching out to @realDonaldTrump, or his voters (except with boilerplate), he continued arguing the case. This will not be a unifying presidency. Joe doesn’t have it in him. — Joel Pollak (@joelpollak) December 15, 2020
Joe Biden sees himself as an aristocrat above the peasants and their petty squabbles https://t.co/33eySlXPCH — Dueling Elector Poso (@JackPosobiec) December 15, 2020
Watch the entire speech below:
***
Update (1735ET): Joe Biden officially secured enough electoral votes on Monday to claim victory, despite President Trump’s ongoing refusal to concede in light of wide-ranging claims of election fraud.
Biden’s win was secured after California’s 55 electors put the former Vice President over the 270 mark needed to win.
* * *
Update (1717ET): Joe Biden will address the nation at 7:30 p.m. ET following today’s Electoral College voting, in which he captured electors in all six battleground states in which President Trump and his supporters contested the November election.
As Bloomberg notes, “The 16 electors in Michigan voted for Biden, following the 63 votes cast for him earlier in Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Biden will have enough electoral votes to be officially declared president-elect when members have cast 270 ballots, which is expected after California votes. Congress will officially count the votes on Jan. 6.”
The votes come as Trump and his allies continue to contest the results, which Trump attorneys and supporters have suggested are fair game until January 6th.
On Monday, Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer tweeted that Republican electors in the state also met at the state capitol to cast votes for Trump and Vice President Mike Pence because a Trump campaign lawsuit contesting the state’s results is still pending. Former U.S. Representative Lou Barletta of Pennsylvania said the Trump electors in the commonwealth also held “conditional” votes in case a court were to overturn the results. The idea is to send a rival slate of electors for Congress to consider. But there’s only one certified slate of electors that Congress can recognize from a state, and their move is “not going to work as a matter of law,” said Edward Foley, a professor and director of an election-law program at Ohio State University who has studied disputed elections. –Bloomberg
Biden received 306 electoral votes from the 25 states and the District of Columbia, while Trump captured 232 electoral votes from the 25 states he won.
* * *
For all the riveting action, watch live below as NBC News takes us throughout the country’s electoral votes.
* * *
On Monday, members of the Electoral College will gather throughout the day in their respective states to cast their official ballots for president. Most states will offer livestreams to watch the proceedings, which will take place at locations chosen by state legislatures – typically the state’s capitol. Exceptions include Delaware – whose electors will meet in a gym, and Nevada – which will be the only state to hold its meeting virtually this year, according to the New York Times.
Electors will use paper ballots to cast their votes for president and vice president.
And while 33 states require their electors to choose whoever won the state’s popular vote, 17 other states don’t “bind” their electors – who can vote for whomever they choose. If they cast a vote for another candidate than the one which won the state, they are considered ‘faithless electors.’ In 2016, two faithless electors didn’t vote for Trump, while five faithless electors didn’t vote for Hillary Clinton. The seven electors were from Hawaii, Texas and Washington State.
Electors typically have a close relationship with the candidates or politicians in their states. For example, in 2016 Democratic activist Ed Buck – a deep-pocketed political donor since charged with three counts of battery after multiple drugged black men were found dead in his apartment – was selected for the electoral college, likely by Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), his district’s congressman who accepted political donations from the accused bundler.
Rep. Adam Schiff stands next to Ed Buck
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s daughter was also a California elector in 2016.
What happens after the electors meet?
The votes are officially counted in Congress during a joint session held in the House chamber on Jan. 6, with Vice President Mike Pence presiding over the affair. Pence will open the certificates, organized in alphabetical order by state, and present them to four “tellers” – two from the Senate and two from the House, who count the votes. Once Joe Biden receives at least 270 votes, as is expected to be the case, Pence will announce the result. The session cannot end until the count is complete and publicly declared, at which point the election is officially decided.
Can members of Congress block the process?
Once the result is read on January 6, members of Congress will have one opportunity to lodge complaints, which must be made in writing and signed by at least one Senator and one member of the House. The objection would then be debated by each chamber separately, with each member of Congress allowed five minutes to speak. The debate has a hard stop after two hours, after which each body will vote on whether to reject the state’s results, according to the Times.
The Times also notes that some Trump allies are “already planning objections,” which should “make for good political theater” but would be unlikely to change the outcome of the election.
Does this end Trump and his allies’ fight to challenge the election?
According to Trump Campaign attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Jenna Ellis, “The only fixed day in the U.S. Constitution is the inauguration of the President on January 20 at noon,” suggesting that they will exhaust every legal option to overturn the results based on accusations of widespread fraud across several key states.
That said, Ellis had previously called Jan. 6, vote counting day, a date of “ultimate significance.”
That said, last month Trump told reporters that if Biden is elected by the Electoral College, Trump would leave office.
“Certainly I will, and you know that,” he said, adding “I will and, you know that,” though he also said “It’s going to be a very hard thing to concede because we know there was massive fraud.”
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southfront--2020-12-15--Karabakh War Video: Armenian Fire Eliminates Advancing Unit Of Azerbaijani Forces

As the sides softened their media censorship efforts , more and more combat videos showing the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh @ @ @ @ @ also released the video allegedly showing Armenians captured during the recent escalation in the countryside @ @ @ @ @ MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Nikol Pashinyan Reaches Inside His Endless Bag Of Excuses @ @ @ @ @ Peacekeepers Do Their Job • Clashes Between Armenian And Azerbaijani Forces Resumed In Nagorno-Karabakh

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As the sides softened their media censorship efforts, more and more combat videos showing the recent war in Nagorno-Karabakh appear online.
WATCH: a complete unit of Azerbaijan troops + Syrian mercenaries gets wiped out by Armenian fire. Footage from the days of the war. pic.twitter.com/lagZ7LxG0E — 301?? (@301_AD) December 14, 2020
Azerbaijani sources also released the video allegedly showing Armenians captured during the recent escalation in the countryside of Hadrut. MORE HERE
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southfront--2020-12-15--SouthFront Will Not Survive Without Your Immediate Support!

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southfront--2020-12-15--Turkey, Russia Furious After Trump Sanctions Erdogan For S-400 Purchase

A year-and-a-half after Turkey first acquired Russia ’ s advanced S-400 missile defense systems , introducing deep cracks within the NATO alliance particularly over fears the Kremlin could gain vital intelligence on NATO systems like the Lockheed F-35 jets , the United States has finally implemented sanctions on Turkey .
It ’ s likely going to be the most consequential and surprising action of the Trump presidency a mere few weeks before President-Elect Biden enters the White House on January 20 , coming after immense bipartisan pressure from Congress demanding that Trump act swiftly .
This after he ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other way ” on Turkey ’ s egregious anti-US behavior given his supposed ‘ special relationship ’ with Turkey ’ s Erdogan .
Crucially Biden has promised to “ get tough ” on Erdogan , which no doubt added to the pressure .
Particularly the newly announced US Treasury sanctions target Turkey ’ s defense procurement agency , which is called the Presidency of Defense Industries ( , or SSB ) .
This is to include its senior officials on up to its president , Ismail Demir .
“ The sanctions bar the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ institutions and agencies including the U.S. Export-Import Bank , ” notes of the freshly unveiled punitive measures on the country that boasts of NATO ’ s second largest military behind the US .
Days ago amid reports that sanctions were coming , Erdogan blasted any such potential plan as deeply “ disrespectful ” which would unleash far-reaching harm .
“ I don ’ t know where this will lead to before Trump leaves but during the four-year Trump period , I didn ’ t have any problems in communicating with America , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to get up and confront Turkey with a matter like CAATSA is disrespectful to a very important NATO partner , ” Erdogan had added , referring to the Countering America ’ s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act under which the sanctions are being leveled .
Meanwhile , Russia was quick to react after the US Treasury midday announcement , with Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov calling the sanctions “ illegitimate ” .
He said it shows US “ arrogance towards international law ” .
Turkey for its part has vowed “ retaliation as necessary ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ during his earlier comments anticipating looming US action over the S-400s addressed the future relationship with the Biden White House .
“ He is someone who knows me very well .
And I know him very well , ” Erdogan said of Biden , but he simply left it at that of the man who on the campaign trail dubbed the Turkish president an “ autocrat ” .
One tangential question and reminder that remains is this… is this too part of Putin ’ s supposed ‘ influence op ’ over the Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ only for those who spent years hyperventilating while floating such derange conspiracy theories as “ Trump is a Russian asset ” and related paranoid notions .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • U.S. Treasury , Commerce Department , And Others Allegedly Hacked : MSM Blames Russia • Inside Look : Russia Uses Augmented Reality Technologies To Produce Su-57 Fighter Jet

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Originally appeared at ZeroHedge
A year-and-a-half after Turkey first acquired Russia’s advanced S-400 missile defense systems, introducing deep cracks within the NATO alliance particularly over fears the Kremlin could gain vital intelligence on NATO systems like the Lockheed F-35 jets, the United States has finally implemented sanctions on Turkey.
It’s likely going to be the most consequential and surprising action of the Trump presidency a mere few weeks before President-Elect Biden enters the White House on January 20, coming after immense bipartisan pressure from Congress demanding that Trump act swiftly. This after he’s long been criticized for “looking the other way” on Turkey’s egregious anti-US behavior given his supposed ‘special relationship’ with Turkey’s Erdogan. Crucially Biden has promised to “get tough” on Erdogan, which no doubt added to the pressure.
Particularly the newly announced US Treasury sanctions target Turkey’s defense procurement agency, which is called the Presidency of Defense Industries (Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı, or SSB). This is to include its senior officials on up to its president, Ismail Demir.
Russian S-400 Triumph/SA-21 Growler medium-range and long-range surface-to-air missile systems, via Reuters
“The sanctions bar the company from receiving loans from international financial institutions and agencies including the U.S. Export-Import Bank,” notes Bloomberg of the freshly unveiled punitive measures on the country that boasts of NATO’s second largest military behind the US.
Days ago amid reports that sanctions were coming, Erdogan blasted any such potential plan as deeply “disrespectful” which would unleash far-reaching harm.
“I don’t know where this will lead to before Trump leaves but during the four-year Trump period, I didn’t have any problems in communicating with America,” Erdogan said Friday.
“For America to get up and confront Turkey with a matter like CAATSA is disrespectful to a very important NATO partner,” Erdogan had added, referring to the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act under which the sanctions are being leveled.
BREAKING: US Sanctions #Turkey for Buying Russian S400 System • Sanctions Presidency of defense industries
• Ban on all export licenses
• Sanctions Ismail Demir
• Sanctions SSB officers
• Visa restrictions https://t.co/VVS6MMZb0l — Joyce Karam (@Joyce_Karam) December 14, 2020
Meanwhile, Russia was quick to react after the US Treasury midday announcement, with Foreign Ministry Sergey Lavrov calling the sanctions “illegitimate”. He said it shows US “arrogance towards international law”.
Turkey for its part has vowed “retaliation as necessary” without offering further details.
Importantly Erdogan during his earlier comments anticipating looming US action over the S-400s addressed the future relationship with the Biden White House. “He is someone who knows me very well. And I know him very well,” Erdogan said of Biden, but he simply left it at that of the man who on the campaign trail dubbed the Turkish president an “autocrat”.
One tangential question and reminder that remains is this… is this too part of Putin’s supposed ‘influence op’ over the Trump White House? This is of course only for those who spent years hyperventilating while floating such derange conspiracy theories as “Trump is a Russian asset” and related paranoid notions.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Food Price Crisis In Russia: Putin Gives Ultimatum For Solution

On December 13th , Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the head of the Ministry of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov for “ experiments ” with food prices and gave him an ultimatum to take measures to curb price increases within a week .
“ People limit themselves because they don ’ t have money for basic food .
Are you even looking at them ?
This is the question !
This is no joke !
In conditions when unemployment is growing , incomes are falling , basic products are becoming more expensive by such values - and you are telling me @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after the minister ’ s report during a meeting with members of the government .
The footage was shown in the program “ Moscow .
Kremlin .
Putin ” on the TV channel “ Russia 1 ” .
During the meeting , the head of the Ministry of Economic Development said that inflation indicators at the end of the year are expected to be higher than the target .
Reshetnikov reported that his department monitors prices with the help of the entire cash register equipment .
“ That is , we can see @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and we are also considering this issue at operational meetings in the government , ” he explained .
“ Look , Maxim Gennadievich , you said : we are monitoring .
And the rise in sugar prices has been going on for several months , ” Putin commented .
“ We understand that in these conditions the purchasing power of the population falls , we constantly talk about it .
Real disposable income fell by 4.3 % .
And sugar prices increased by over 71 % .
” Also , according to him @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – pasta – is growing .
According to the president , it has grown by 10.5 % and continues to grow .
As a result , the president gave officials a week to take measures to stop the rise in food prices .
The situation with the rise in food prices has been discussed at the highest level for several days .
On December 9th , Putin said that the situation with the shortage of food for the population , which was in the USSR , should not be repeated now .
He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because citizens do not have enough money at the price level that is currently observed on the market .
In response to the rise in prices for basic food products , which are a result of ineffective actions of various officials , the only solution that was invented was a proposal for an administrative cap on prices for basic products , in particular sugar and sunflower oil .
It was precisely as a result of such decisions that a shortage of basic products appeared at the end of the USSR .
Caused by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ market emerged along with an increase in exports .
As such , it is quite surprising that no other tools have been proposed to resolve the situation .
For example , the introduction of temporary protective export duties on products and raw materials for production .
Critics might argue that the measure would cause manufacturers and sellers to stockpile products until the restrictions are lifted .
However , in the conditions of a modern digital society with a real strong role of the state in the economy , this is solved in two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state of one of the key market operators ( both by the market method and by means of withdrawal from private property due to violation of the law or re-privatization ) • Currently , there are various tools that can be used to organize end-to-end control over the movement of raw materials and products .
A similar approach is being implemented in Russia as part of the control over the movement of drugs and alcoholic beverages .
It wouldn ’ t even be a precedent .
To establish a similar control over basic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are produced is a matter of several months .
Furthermore , the introduction of tough administrative and even criminal sanctions will limit the ability of market actors to maneuver to extract excess profits .
And these suggestions are not the only possible ways to handle the situation .
However , as the Federation Council experts set out , out of all possible options , the Russian government chooses the most ineffective one .
In addition , there also accusations and suspicions that government officials provide the president with biased data in their @ @ @ @ @ @ @ signal is that the General Prosecutor ’ s Office , the Accounts Chamber and other bodies effectively conduct parallel monitoring and provide objective information to the country ’ s leadership .
In general , this is yet another example of the continuing clash of two vectors of the elites present in Russia : the liberal faction and the conventionally national-conservative faction .
The former are trying to act to please the oligarchs , big business and personal interests .
The latter , despite all their presumably endless list of faults , are aimed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ THE TOPIC : • Is Not Ready For Next-Generation War • Executive Shuffle In : Is A Top-Down Revolution On The Way ?

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On December 13th, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the head of the Ministry of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov for “experiments” with food prices and gave him an ultimatum to take measures to curb price increases within a week.
“People limit themselves because they don’t have money for basic food. Are you even looking at them? This is the question! This is no joke! In conditions when unemployment is growing, incomes are falling, basic products are becoming more expensive by such values - and you are telling me stories here,” the president said after the minister’s report during a meeting with members of the government.
The footage was shown in the program “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin” on the TV channel “Russia 1”.
“What do you propose to do for sunflower oil? Do you want to impose duties on the final product? What product do you want to impose a duty on? How long will you experiment with this, is that what I want to understand?” Putin asked.
During the meeting, the head of the Ministry of Economic Development said that inflation indicators at the end of the year are expected to be higher than the target.
Reshetnikov reported that his department monitors prices with the help of the entire cash register equipment.
“That is, we can see directly where and what prices are, and we are also considering this issue at operational meetings in the government,” he explained. “Look, Maxim Gennadievich, you said: we are monitoring. And the rise in sugar prices has been going on for several months,” Putin commented. “We understand that in these conditions the purchasing power of the population falls, we constantly talk about it. Real disposable income fell by 4.3%. And sugar prices increased by over 71%.”
Also, according to him, the cost of another basic product – pasta – is growing. According to the president, it has grown by 10.5% and continues to grow.
“Our citizens in the majority – in Moscow and in St. Petersburg – there they eat bolognese – our people are simpler and eat pasta like a navy. And not made in Italy, but ours. Well, this is unacceptable! With such harvests,” the Russian president said.
As a result, the president gave officials a week to take measures to stop the rise in food prices.
“All approvals should be finalized during tomorrow or the day after tomorrow and the corresponding management decisions should be issued in the form of documents early next week,” he demanded.
The situation with the rise in food prices has been discussed at the highest level for several days. On December 9th, Putin said that the situation with the shortage of food for the population, which was in the USSR, should not be repeated now. He stressed that problems with their purchase arise because citizens do not have enough money at the price level that is currently observed on the market.
In response to the rise in prices for basic food products, which are a result of ineffective actions of various officials, the only solution that was invented was a proposal for an administrative cap on prices for basic products, in particular sugar and sunflower oil.
It was precisely as a result of such decisions that a shortage of basic products appeared at the end of the USSR.
Caused by this cap on prices, a black market emerged along with an increase in exports.
As such, it is quite surprising that no other tools have been proposed to resolve the situation.
For example, the introduction of temporary protective export duties on products and raw materials for production.
Critics might argue that the measure would cause manufacturers and sellers to stockpile products until the restrictions are lifted.
However, in the conditions of a modern digital society with a real strong role of the state in the economy, this is solved in two ways:
The acquisition by the state of one of the key market operators (both by the market method and by means of withdrawal from private property due to violation of the law or re-privatization) Currently, there are various tools that can be used to organize end-to-end control over the movement of raw materials and products. A similar approach is being implemented in Russia as part of the control over the movement of drugs and alcoholic beverages. It wouldn’t even be a precedent.
To establish a similar control over basic products and the raw materials from which they are produced is a matter of several months.
Furthermore, the introduction of tough administrative and even criminal sanctions will limit the ability of market actors to maneuver to extract excess profits.
And these suggestions are not the only possible ways to handle the situation.
However, as the Federation Council experts set out, out of all possible options, the Russian government chooses the most ineffective one.
In addition, there also accusations and suspicions that government officials provide the president with biased data in their reports.
In turn, a positive signal is that the General Prosecutor’s Office, the Accounts Chamber and other bodies effectively conduct parallel monitoring and provide objective information to the country’s leadership.
In general, this is yet another example of the continuing clash of two vectors of the elites present in Russia: the liberal faction and the conventionally national-conservative faction.
The former are trying to act to please the oligarchs, big business and personal interests. The latter, despite all their presumably endless list of faults, are aimed at defending social good.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Nikol Pashinyan Reaches Inside His Endless Bag Of Excuses, As Russia’s Peacekeepers Do Their Job

He reminded that on December 12th , the Azerbaijani Armed Forces continued their offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh .
They attacked and took control of the Hin Tagher-Khtsaberd section in Artsakh ’ s Hadrut region .
According to Pashinyan this took place because Russian peacekeepers had not yet been deployed to that area .
Armenia called a Security Council and Pashinyan asked that specific question : why the Russian peacekeepers weren ’ t there ?
“ Yesterday [ December 13 ] I said at the Security Council meeting that it remained yet to be seen why the Russian peacekeepers had not been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Saturday , but the fact is that the peacekeepers did so over the weekend .
They have published an updated map of the zone under their responsibility , which comprises the area surrounding Khtsaberd and Taghavard villages .
What does this mean ?
This means that the peacekeepers of the Russian Federation must ensure that the status of the territory complies with the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9 .
This in turn means that since the area was under Armenian control as of the 9th day of the month , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Armenian forces.
” In Pashinyan ’ s vision Baku ’ s actions are in two directions : attempting to cause a provocation , but also undermine the presence of the Russian peacekeepers .
According to him this is asymmetrical , since Armenia can not afford to undermine the peacekeeping effort .
Pashinyan also called for Azerbaijan to return Zangelan and Kubatlu districts , since they aren ’ t part of the peace deal , but 90 % of them was under Azerbaijani control .
“ But I would like to emphasize again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have remained and will remain intact at any stage of implementation of the November 9 statement , that is , the principle of inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia can not be questioned in any way , but all unresolved issues need to be addressed through calm and persistent work.
” Meanwhile , the protests in Armenia , the arrests of protesters and opposition figures continue and Pashinyan also addressed that , by refusing to resign , yet again .
“ In addition to border security , we have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The well-known circles have initiated a process of information terrorism against Armenia and the people of Armenia .
All kinds of false and half-false information are being disseminated in an effort to exasperate the feeling of anxiety in our citizens and sow panic in society .
It is obvious that the situation we are in is quite complicated , but I would like to state that our primary task is to reinstate stability and security in and around Armenia and Artsakh , and we are working in this direction on a daily @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for official media outlets to respond promptly and more comprehensively to the public ’ s concerns and provide better media coverage of the ongoing processes.
” He said that he wouldn ’ t resign , and that is because he is fighting against “ forces ” who wish to take away the decision-making ability of the Armenian people .
It is likely similar to how he is refusing to give up power and refusing the decision-making ability of the Armenian people .
“ There is a lot of talk about my resignation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can give up the status given to me by the people only if there are reliable results of expression of people ’ s will .
Otherwise , I will continue to perform my functions as Prime Minister and I have pledged to do it straightforwardly and honestly .
I wish to emphasize once again that the number one task today is to stabilize the security environment around Armenia , and we will consistently follow this path .
Back to the domestic situation , I would like to stress that there are some processes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to ban the people , the citizens of the Republic of Armenia in general , from decision-making and solve issues in closed rooms and within the “ family circle ” of political elites .
This is unacceptable , and the people of the Republic of Armenia have been and will continue to be the owners of power in control of the situation in the Republic of Armenia .
And I want to say that I consider myself the guarantor of that reality .
The people should be assured that their will is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Armenia .
People should be given an opportunity to express their free will , and all attempts to circumvent that will are doomed to failure .
I love you all .
Thank you.
” In short , Pashinyan excused himself with the lack of presence of Russian peacekeepers protecting an area that ’ s empty of civilian population .
He also excused himself with the same presence of Russian peacekeepers explaining why Armenian or Artsakh forces can ’ t undertake any offensive actions against Azerbaijan .
Azerbaijan maintains that these regions were liberated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out a provocation in them .
“ The Armenian side committed provocative actions in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan , which were accompanied by a violation of the ceasefire .
The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have taken adequate retaliatory measures .
Currently , the ceasefire regime is being observed , ” the Azerbaijani defense ministry said .
The Azerbaijani side said that Armenia ’ s forces remaining in the areas it deems under its control are being given an ultimatum to leave , unharmed .
Finally , despite Pashinyan ’ s complaints and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Russian peacekeepers took control of the village of Hin Tagher .
There was no opposition from the Azerbaijani side .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Clashes Between Armenian And Azerbaijani Forces Resumed In Nagorno-Karabakh

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On December 14th, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the nation.
He reminded that on December 12th, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces continued their offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh.
They attacked and took control of the Hin Tagher-Khtsaberd section in Artsakh’s Hadrut region.
According to Pashinyan this took place because Russian peacekeepers had not yet been deployed to that area.
“Please note that there was no civilian population in that area. Six servicemen of the Artsakh Defense Army were injured in action. We have information about other victims as well, which is being ascertained, because the given area is inaccessible at the moment, and measures are being taken to provide access.”
Armenia called a Security Council and Pashinyan asked that specific question: why the Russian peacekeepers weren’t there?
“Yesterday [December 13] I said at the Security Council meeting that it remained yet to be seen why the Russian peacekeepers had not been deployed to the Khtsaberd-Hin Tagher section by Saturday, but the fact is that the peacekeepers did so over the weekend. They have published an updated map of the zone under their responsibility, which comprises the area surrounding Khtsaberd and Taghavard villages. What does this mean? This means that the peacekeepers of the Russian Federation must ensure that the status of the territory complies with the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9. This in turn means that since the area was under Armenian control as of the 9th day of the month, it should therefore remain under the control of Armenian forces.”
In Pashinyan’s vision Baku’s actions are in two directions: attempting to cause a provocation, but also undermine the presence of the Russian peacekeepers.
“They tend to demonstrate that the peacekeepers are unable to stop the provocations, and the fate of the Khtsaberd-Hin Tagher section is the first serious test for the Russian peacekeeping mission.”
According to him this is asymmetrical, since Armenia cannot afford to undermine the peacekeeping effort.
Pashinyan also called for Azerbaijan to return Zangelan and Kubatlu districts, since they aren’t part of the peace deal, but 90% of them was under Azerbaijani control.
“But I would like to emphasize again that Armenia’s internationally recognized borders have remained and will remain intact at any stage of implementation of the November 9 statement, that is, the principle of inviolability of the borders of the Republic of Armenia cannot be questioned in any way, but all unresolved issues need to be addressed through calm and persistent work.”
Meanwhile, the protests in Armenia, the arrests of protesters and opposition figures continue and Pashinyan also addressed that, by refusing to resign, yet again.
“In addition to border security, we have been facing information security threats during these days. The well-known circles have initiated a process of information terrorism against Armenia and the people of Armenia. All kinds of false and half-false information are being disseminated in an effort to exasperate the feeling of anxiety in our citizens and sow panic in society. It is obvious that the situation we are in is quite complicated, but I would like to state that our primary task is to reinstate stability and security in and around Armenia and Artsakh, and we are working in this direction on a daily basis. I have set a task for official media outlets to respond promptly and more comprehensively to the public’s concerns and provide better media coverage of the ongoing processes.”
He said that he wouldn’t resign, and that is because he is fighting against “forces” who wish to take away the decision-making ability of the Armenian people.
It is likely similar to how he is refusing to give up power and refusing the decision-making ability of the Armenian people.
“There is a lot of talk about my resignation, while I have clearly stated that I can give up the status given to me by the people only if there are reliable results of expression of people’s will. Otherwise, I will continue to perform my functions as Prime Minister and I have pledged to do it straightforwardly and honestly. I wish to emphasize once again that the number one task today is to stabilize the security environment around Armenia, and we will consistently follow this path. Back to the domestic situation, I would like to stress that there are some processes going on, the purpose of which is to ban the people, the citizens of the Republic of Armenia in general, from decision-making and solve issues in closed rooms and within the “family circle” of political elites. This is unacceptable, and the people of the Republic of Armenia have been and will continue to be the owners of power in control of the situation in the Republic of Armenia. And I want to say that I consider myself the guarantor of that reality. The people should be assured that their will is decisive and irreversible in the Republic of Armenia. People should be given an opportunity to express their free will, and all attempts to circumvent that will are doomed to failure. I love you all. Thank you.”
In short, Pashinyan excused himself with the lack of presence of Russian peacekeepers protecting an area that’s empty of civilian population.
He also excused himself with the same presence of Russian peacekeepers explaining why Armenian or Artsakh forces can’t undertake any offensive actions against Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan maintains that these regions were liberated and that it was Armenia that carried out a provocation in them.
“The Armenian side committed provocative actions in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, which were accompanied by a violation of the ceasefire.
The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan have taken adequate retaliatory measures.
Currently, the ceasefire regime is being observed,” the Azerbaijani defense ministry said.
The Azerbaijani side said that Armenia’s forces remaining in the areas it deems under its control are being given an ultimatum to leave, unharmed.
Finally, despite Pashinyan’s complaints and Azerbaijan’s presumed offensive, the Russian peacekeepers took control of the village of Hin Tagher.
There was no opposition from the Azerbaijani side.
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southfront--2020-12-15--U.S. Treasury, Commerce Department, And Others Allegedly Hacked: MSM Blames Russia

On December 13th , a “ sophisticated hacking group backed by a foreign government ” allegedly carried out a cyber attack and stole information from the U.S. Treasury Department and a U.S. agency responsible for deciding policy around the internet and telecommunications .
This was initially reported by Reuters , citing unnamed sources .
In a separate report , the Washington Post reported that not only had the US Treasury been subjected to a hacker attack , but also the US Department of Commerce , in addition to other government agencies .
This was a part of a “ global @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and was allegedly carried out by the Russian government .
The report is based on claims by unnamed individuals “ familiar with the matter.
” According to the outlet , the Russian hackers behind the attack are APT29 ( also allegedly known as Cozy Bear ) , and they ’ re allegedly part of the SVR – Russia ’ s foreign intelligence service .
The FBI is reportedly investigating the campaign , which may have begun as early as spring , and had no comment Sunday .
The victims have included government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and oil and gas companies in North America , Europe , Asia and the Middle East , according to FireEye .
Notably , FireEye claimed it had been breached itself .
The Russian Embassy in Washington called the reports of Russian hacking “ baseless.
” In a statement on Facebook it said , “ attacks in the information space contradict ” Russian foreign policy and national interests .
“ Russia does not conduct offensive operations ” in the cyber domain .
All of the organizations were breached through the update server of a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ SolarWinds , FireEye said in a blog post .
The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert Sunday warning about an “ active exploitation ” of the SolarWinds Orion Platform , from versions of the software released in March and June .
“ CISA encourages affected organizations to read the SolarWinds and FireEye advisories for more information and FireEye ’ s GitHub page for detection countermeasures , ” the alert said .
SolarWinds said on December 13th , in a statement that monitoring products it released in March and June of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a “ highly-sophisticated , targeted .
.
.
attack by a nation state.
” The company filed a document on December 14th with the Securities and Exchange Commission saying that “ fewer than 18,000 ” of its more than 300,000 customers may have installed a software patch enabling the Russian attack .
It was not clear , the filing said , how many systems were actually hacked .
The corporate filing also said that Microsoft ’ s Office 365 email may have been “ an attack vector ” used by the hackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ across the world .
They include all five branches of the U.S. military , the Pentagon , State Department , Justice Department , NASA , the Executive Office of the President and the National Security Agency , the world ’ s top electronic spy agency , according to the firm ’ s website .
Its clients also include the top 10 U.S. telecommunications companies .
“ This is a big deal , and given what we now know about where breaches happened , I ’ m expecting the scope to grow as more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Scott-Railton , a senior researcher at Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto ’ s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy .
“ When an aggressive group like this gets an open sesame to many desirable systems , they are going to use it widely.
” According to Reuters , the situation was so serious that on December 12th it warranted a US National Security Council meeting .
He did not comment on the country or group responsible .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • The Saker : “ NATO and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” to Russia .
Again ” • Twitter Refuses To Unlock NYPost Account Unless Paper Deletes Tweets About Hunter Biden

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On December 13th, a “sophisticated hacking group backed by a foreign government” allegedly carried out a cyber attack and stole information from the U.S. Treasury Department and a U.S. agency responsible for deciding policy around the internet and telecommunications.
This was initially reported by Reuters, citing unnamed sources.
In a separate report, the Washington Post reported that not only had the US Treasury been subjected to a hacker attack, but also the US Department of Commerce, in addition to other government agencies.
This was a part of a “global espionage campaign that stretches back months,” and was allegedly carried out by the Russian government.
The report is based on claims by unnamed individuals “familiar with the matter.”
According to the outlet, the Russian hackers behind the attack are APT29 (also allegedly known as Cozy Bear), and they’re allegedly part of the SVR – Russia’s foreign intelligence service.
“The same Russian group hacked the State Department and the White House email servers during the Obama administration,” according to the report, recalling of an even that wasn’t backed by any evidence whatsoever.
The FBI is reportedly investigating the campaign, which may have begun as early as spring, and had no comment Sunday. The victims have included government, consulting, technology, telecom, and oil and gas companies in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, according to FireEye.
Notably, FireEye claimed it had been breached itself.
The Russian Embassy in Washington called the reports of Russian hacking “baseless.”
In a statement on Facebook it said, “attacks in the information space contradict” Russian foreign policy and national interests. “Russia does not conduct offensive operations” in the cyber domain.
All of the organizations were breached through the update server of a network management system made by the firm SolarWinds, FireEye said in a blog post.
The federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency issued an alert Sunday warning about an “active exploitation” of the SolarWinds Orion Platform, from versions of the software released in March and June. “CISA encourages affected organizations to read the SolarWinds and FireEye advisories for more information and FireEye’s GitHub page for detection countermeasures,” the alert said.
SolarWinds said on December 13th, in a statement that monitoring products it released in March and June of this year may have been surreptitiously weaponized in a “highly-sophisticated, targeted . . . attack by a nation state.”
The company filed a document on December 14th with the Securities and Exchange Commission saying that “fewer than 18,000” of its more than 300,000 customers may have installed a software patch enabling the Russian attack. It was not clear, the filing said, how many systems were actually hacked.
The corporate filing also said that Microsoft’s Office 365 email may have been “an attack vector” used by the hackers.
SolarWinds products are used by organizations across the world. They include all five branches of the U.S. military, the Pentagon, State Department, Justice Department, NASA, the Executive Office of the President and the National Security Agency, the world’s top electronic spy agency, according to the firm’s website.
Its clients also include the top 10 U.S. telecommunications companies.
“This is a big deal, and given what we now know about where breaches happened, I’m expecting the scope to grow as more logs are reviewed,” said John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. “When an aggressive group like this gets an open sesame to many desirable systems, they are going to use it widely.”
According to Reuters, the situation was so serious that on December 12th it warranted a US National Security Council meeting.
“The United States government is aware of these reports, and we are taking all necessary steps to identify and remedy any possible issues related to this situation,” said National Security Council spokesman John Ullyot.
He did not comment on the country or group responsible.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Clashes Between Armenian And Azerbaijani Forces Resumed In Nagorno-Karabakh

Last weekend was marked by a new round of military escalation between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region .
On December 12 , Azerbaijan attacked the villages of Khtsaberd and Khin Taher , which were in the hands of Armenian militia units .
After a series of clashes with the Armenians , they established control of Khtsaberd and deployed in the vicinity of Khin Taher .
On December 13 , Armenia claimed that Azerbaijani forces attacked the villages of Hin Shen and Mets Shen .
However , this attack was repelled .
All these villages are located in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Armenian units located there are ‘ volunteer battalions ’ and ‘ local militias ’ that have refused to withdraw from the encirclement following the November 10 agreement .
Their shady status became the source of current tensions in the region .
Expectedly , Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of violating the ceasefire regime .
The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry and the State Security Service declared that Azerbaijani forces have carried out a “ forced anti-terrorist operation ” in the vicinity of the town of Hadrut .
According to Baku , several Armenian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ did not leave the territory , but , to the contrary , set up combat positions and carried out several acts of sabotage against the Azerbaijani military and civilians.
” These attacks resulted in the killing of four soldiers , and injuring two soldiers and a civilian .
The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev promised to crush the Armenians with “ an iron fist ” in the event of a further escalation .
In its own turn , the Armenian side declared that Azerbaijan just blatantly violated the ceasefire intentionally attacking positions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Defense Ministry said that 6 Armenian fighters were injured .
The deployment of forces of the Russian peacekeeping mission put an end to the tensions and as of December 14 , the Russian military expanded its presence to the south of the Lachin corridor .
This move was aimed at preventing further clashes there .
The last days demonstrated that despite the ceasefire regime established in the area the region still remains a de-facto powder keg that can still explode .
The Armenian and Azerbaijani sides still have to conduct the demarcation of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and the Karabakh districts transferred to Baku .
These developments will also likely be accompanied by various provocations and could lead to open clashes .

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Last weekend was marked by a new round of military escalation between Armenian and Azerbaijani forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
On December 12, Azerbaijan attacked the villages of Khtsaberd and Khin Taher, which were in the hands of Armenian militia units. After a series of clashes with the Armenians, they established control of Khtsaberd and deployed in the vicinity of Khin Taher. On December 13, Armenia claimed that Azerbaijani forces attacked the villages of Hin Shen and Mets Shen. However, this attack was repelled.
All these villages are located in the de-facto encirclement area by Azerbaijani troops and Armenian units located there are ‘volunteer battalions’ and ‘local militias’ that have refused to withdraw from the encirclement following the November 10 agreement. Their shady status became the source of current tensions in the region.
Expectedly, Azerbaijan and Armenia accused each other of violating the ceasefire regime. The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry and the State Security Service declared that Azerbaijani forces have carried out a “forced anti-terrorist operation” in the vicinity of the town of Hadrut. According to Baku, several Armenian units remained in the forest area and “did not leave the territory, but, to the contrary, set up combat positions and carried out several acts of sabotage against the Azerbaijani military and civilians.” These attacks resulted in the killing of four soldiers, and injuring two soldiers and a civilian. The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev promised to crush the Armenians with “an iron fist” in the event of a further escalation.
In its own turn, the Armenian side declared that Azerbaijan just blatantly violated the ceasefire intentionally attacking positions of the Armenian forces. The Armenian Defense Ministry said that 6 Armenian fighters were injured.
The deployment of forces of the Russian peacekeeping mission put an end to the tensions and as of December 14, the Russian military expanded its presence to the south of the Lachin corridor. This move was aimed at preventing further clashes there.
The last days demonstrated that despite the ceasefire regime established in the area the region still remains a de-facto powder keg that can still explode. The Armenian and Azerbaijani sides still have to conduct the demarcation of the state border separating Armenian sovereign territory and the Karabakh districts transferred to Baku. These developments will also likely be accompanied by various provocations and could lead to open clashes.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Military Situation In Afghanistan On December 14, 2020 (Map Update)

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan : • On December 14 @ @ @ @ @ a person with suicide vest in the Achin Nangarhar area ; • On December 13 @ @ @ @ @ security forces including a border police commander were killed and six others were wounded in @ @ @ @ @ Imam Sahib district ; • On December 14 , Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani stated that @ @ @ @ @ of the intra-Afghan talks to be held inside Afghanistan and urged the Taliban to expect @ @ @ @ @ December 13 , clashes between Taliban and Afghan security forces were reported in the Faryab @ @ @ @ @ 14 , Taliban attacked positions of the Afghan Army near Kunduz city .
MORE ON @ @ @ @ @ Responsibility For New Rocket Attack On Kabul ’ s Airport ( Photos , Video ) @ @ @ @ @ And Kashmir Increasing Amid Rumors Of Deployment Of Turkish Proxies

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A brief overview of the recent developments in Afghanistan:
On December 14, Afghan security forces arrested a person with suicide vest in the Achin Nangarhar area;
On December 13, at least 10 Afghan security forces including a border police commander were killed and six others were wounded in a Taliban attack in the Imam Sahib district;
On December 14, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani stated that he wants the second round of the intra-Afghan talks to be held inside Afghanistan and urged the Taliban to expect his demand;
On December 13, clashes between Taliban and Afghan security forces were reported in the Faryab area;
On December 14, Taliban attacked positions of the Afghan Army near Kunduz city.
MORE ON THE TOPIC
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southfront--2020-12-15--Map Update: Military Situation In Nagorno-Karabakh On December 14, 2020

Click to see the full-size image A brief overview of the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region : • As @ @ @ @ @ reported that more than 155 hectares of land and about 38 kilometers of roads were @ @ @ @ @ and 4811 explosive objects were found and destroyed ; • As of December 13 , @ @ @ @ @ and two others were injured by an anti-personnel mine explosion in Agdam district ; • @ @ @ @ @ said 1200 tons of humanitarian aid to be delivered to Karabakh shortly .
MORE ON @ @ @

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A brief overview of the recent developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh region:
On December 13, Azerbaijan forces attacked Mets Shen and Hin Shen villages;
As of December 14, Russia reported that more than 155 hectares of land and about 38 kilometers of roads were cleared from mines and IEDs and 4811 explosive objects were found and destroyed;
As of December 13, an Azerbaijani soldier was killed and two others were injured by an anti-personnel mine explosion in Agdam district;
ussian peacekeeping operation in Nagorno-Karabakh said 1200 tons of humanitarian aid to be delivered to Karabakh shortly.
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southfront--2020-12-15--In Video: Russian Warlanes Pound ISIS Targets In Syria’s Homs Province

Over the past weeks , the Russian Aerospace Forces have resumed intense airstrikes on ISIS targets in the central Syrian desert .
New Wave Of Russian Airstrikes Hit ISIS Terrorists In Central Syria As Death Toll From Clashes Reaches 22 ( December 13 , 2020 ) : Heavy clashes between Syrian government forces and ISIS terrorists are still ongoing in the country ’ s central region , according to several sources .
The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights ( SOHR ) said the clashes have been taking place in the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle , north of the Homs desert .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ in central Syria .
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces provide government forces with a close air support .
On December 12 and 13 , Russian warplanes carried out more than 70 airstrikes on ISIS terrorists and their hideouts .
According to the SOHR , government troops and Russian airstrikes have so far killed 15 terrorists .
Seven Syrian soldiers also lost their lives in the clashes .
The SOHR documented the death of 601 ISIS terrorists in the central region since March of 2019 .
At the same period , 1064 pro-government @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanese or Palestinians ] , were killed .
ISIS terrorists stepped up their attacks on government force this year in what appears to be an attempt to expand their influence n the central region .
Government forces conduct operations around the Homs desert on a regular basis .
However , the ISIS threat in the central region continues to grow .
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Over the past weeks, the Russian Aerospace Forces have resumed intense airstrikes on ISIS targets in the central Syrian desert.
New Wave Of Russian Airstrikes Hit ISIS Terrorists In Central Syria As Death Toll From Clashes Reaches 22 (December 13, 2020):
Heavy clashes between Syrian government forces and ISIS terrorists are still ongoing in the country’s central region, according to several sources.
The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said the clashes have been taking place in the Aleppo-Hama-Raqqa triangle, north of the Homs desert. The region is ISIS’ main stronghold in central Syria.
Warplanes of the Russian Aerospace Forces provide government forces with a close air support. On December 12 and 13, Russian warplanes carried out more than 70 airstrikes on ISIS terrorists and their hideouts.
According to the SOHR, government troops and Russian airstrikes have so far killed 15 terrorists. Seven Syrian soldiers also lost their lives in the clashes.
“The death toll is expected to rise further as there are several combatants injured, some seriously. There are also unconfirmed reports of more casualties,” the monitoring group’s report reads.
The SOHR documented the death of 601 ISIS terrorists in the central region since March of 2019. At the same period, 1064 pro-government fighters, including foreigners [Iranian, Lebanese or Palestinians], were killed.
ISIS terrorists stepped up their attacks on government force this year in what appears to be an attempt to expand their influence n the central region.
Government forces conduct operations around the Homs desert on a regular basis. However, the ISIS threat in the central region continues to grow.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Russia’s FSB Allegedly Tried To Poison Navalny A Second Time, Or Maybe The GRU Did, Who Knows, Reall

Russia’s FSB Allegedly Tried To Poison Navalny A Second Time, Or Maybe The GRU Did, Who Knows, Really?

The comedy series with the alleged ‘ novichok poisoning ’ ( spoiler : NO ) of neo-liberal , pro-Western Russian ‘ opposition figure ’ Alexey Navalny just got the second season .
So , here you go : The Times claimed that Russia allegedly attempted to assassinate opposition figure Alexey Navalny a second time , again with Novichok , after the first alleged attempt failed .
However , the extremely deadly nerve agent that the entire world fears is apparently incredibly ineffective , or Navalny was , somehow , inoculated to it .
Allegedly , he was given an “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stopped the alleged second batch of poison .
The Times alleged that Russian security forces may have influenced the doctor who treated Navalny in Omsk .
Of course , that ’ s why he later announced that “ Putin ’ s greatest critic ” was probably suffering from a metabolic disorder rather than poisoning .
So-called unnamed German security sources believe that the would-be assassins used this opportunity to carry out a second attack with the deadly nerve agent .
So far , according to MSM and various Western officials , Russia has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ daughter Yulia Skripal , and has twice tried to poison Alexey Navalny .
So far , all three alleged attempts by Russian GRU agents failed .
This was according to The Times ’ version .
Then comes “ investigative website ” Bellingcat ’ s version , which was created in conjunction with CNN .
Apparently , not only did Russia allegedly try to poison Navalny on August 20th , and then try again shortly after that , but they also allegedly tried in July 2020 , but also failed .
It happened when @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on vacation in Kaliningrad , Russia ’ s exclave between Latvia and Poland .
Navalny told CNN that she described a sense of sudden exhaustion and disorientation .
Yulia recovered and the exact cause of her illness was not determined .
Experts told CNN that such symptoms are consistent with a low dosage of poisoning .
And looking back , Navalny believes the symptoms were “ absolutely the same ” as those he would suffer weeks later .
It all just made sense now , despite these same experts cited by CNN haven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Furthermore , Maria Pevchikh , somebody who was largely unknown prior to August 20th , turns out is a campaign manager of sorts for Navalny , and she was widely and well known .
According to the investigation , furthermore , Navalny had not one team of five or six people targeting him , but actually two teams .
Essentially , the claim is that not 6 , but 12 FSB agents wanted to poison and kill Alexey Navalny , and they all failed .
And yes – this version claims the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
On December 14th , CNN visited the home of Oleg Tayakin , who is allegedly a member of an elite team in the FSB and who monitored allegedly the toxins team ’ s communications while Navalny was in Siberia .
When asked whether he was involved with the unit , he abruptly closed the door without comment .
At least if Pevchikh denies it , that ’ s enough proof anybody needs .
On December 11th , Russian President Vladimir Putin told Russia ’ s Human Rights Council that , while it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investigation every time someone nearly died , he had asked prosecutors to look into the Navalny case .
Russian analysts were looking at the materials available to them , Putin said , but were being blocked elsewhere .
If any of this holds water , this is quite pitiful in view of the activities of the Russian security service or the military intelligence .
Be it the GRU or FSB , they both failed , more than once to eliminate a citizen of Russia , while he was in the country .
At @ @ @ @ @ @ @ managed to assassinate an Iranian official , via drone strike , while he was in a country that was neither the US , nor Iran .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Kremlin Alleges Is “ Working With CIA ” After Bombshell Charge : ‘ Putin Poisoned Me !
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The comedy series with the alleged ‘novichok poisoning’ (spoiler: NO) of neo-liberal, pro-Western Russian ‘opposition figure’ Alexey Navalny just got the second season.
So, here you go: The Times claimed that Russia allegedly attempted to assassinate opposition figure Alexey Navalny a second time, again with Novichok, after the first alleged attempt failed.
“The lethal nerve agent is said to have been used again with the hopes that he would die before he arrived in Berlin for medical treatment after the Kremlin gave into pressure from around the world to let him travel.”
However, the extremely deadly nerve agent that the entire world fears is apparently incredibly ineffective, or Navalny was, somehow, inoculated to it.
Allegedly, he was given an “antidote” that saved his life and stopped the alleged second batch of poison.
“That atropine saved his life,” former commander of the British army’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Regiment, Hamish de Bretton-Gordon told The Times.
The Times alleged that Russian security forces may have influenced the doctor who treated Navalny in Omsk.
Of course, that’s why he later announced that “Putin’s greatest critic” was probably suffering from a metabolic disorder rather than poisoning.
So-called unnamed German security sources believe that the would-be assassins used this opportunity to carry out a second attack with the deadly nerve agent.
“This was with a view to him being dead by the time he arrived in Berlin,” the newspaper quoted one source as saying.
So far, according to MSM and various Western officials, Russia has attempted to poison Sergey Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal, and has twice tried to poison Alexey Navalny. So far, all three alleged attempts by Russian GRU agents failed.
This was according to The Times’ version.
Then comes “investigative website” Bellingcat’s version, which was created in conjunction with CNN.
“A Bellingcat investigation with CNN has identified at least six members of a Russian intelligence team that specializes in toxins and nerve agents. Phone and flight records show that for years, the team’s operatives surveilled Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny. Navalny was poisoned during a trip to Tomsk in August.”
Apparently, not only did Russia allegedly try to poison Navalny on August 20th, and then try again shortly after that, but they also allegedly tried in July 2020, but also failed.
It happened when Alexey Navalny and his wife Yulia were on vacation in Kaliningrad, Russia’s exclave between Latvia and Poland.
On July 6th, Yulia fell ill after returning home.
Navalny told CNN that she described a sense of sudden exhaustion and disorientation. Yulia recovered and the exact cause of her illness was not determined.
Experts told CNN that such symptoms are consistent with a low dosage of poisoning. And looking back, Navalny believes the symptoms were “absolutely the same” as those he would suffer weeks later.
“I couldn’t connect these dots. Now I realize how bad she was, what it was, the kind of terrible, terrible feeling she experienced at this time.”
It all just made sense now, despite these same experts cited by CNN haven’t even been mentioned by name.
Furthermore, Maria Pevchikh, somebody who was largely unknown prior to August 20th, turns out is a campaign manager of sorts for Navalny, and she was widely and well known.
According to the investigation, furthermore, Navalny had not one team of five or six people targeting him, but actually two teams.
Essentially, the claim is that not 6, but 12 FSB agents wanted to poison and kill Alexey Navalny, and they all failed.
And yes – this version claims the FSB did it, not the GRU.
On December 14th, CNN visited the home of Oleg Tayakin, who is allegedly a member of an elite team in the FSB and who monitored allegedly the toxins team’s communications while Navalny was in Siberia.
When asked whether he was involved with the unit, he abruptly closed the door without comment.
“Russian officials and media have advanced dozens of scenarios to explain Navalny’s poisoning, suggesting it might have been done on the plane that took him to Germany. One of the favorite theories of state media is that Pevchikh was responsible, working for British intelligence in an effort to smear the Russian government. Pevchikh has dismissed the allegation.”
At least if Pevchikh denies it, that’s enough proof anybody needs.
On December 11th, Russian President Vladimir Putin told Russia’s Human Rights Council that, while it was not necessary to open a criminal investigation every time someone nearly died, he had asked prosecutors to look into the Navalny case.
Russian analysts were looking at the materials available to them, Putin said, but were being blocked elsewhere.
“Our specialists are ready to travel abroad — to France, Germany, and the Netherlands — to see specialists who claim that poisonous warfare agents have been found there,” Putin said. “Nobody invites us. We invited them to us. They don’t come to us.”
If any of this holds water, this is quite pitiful in view of the activities of the Russian security service or the military intelligence. Be it the GRU or FSB, they both failed, more than once to eliminate a citizen of Russia, while he was in the country.
At the same time, the United States managed to assassinate an Iranian official, via drone strike, while he was in a country that was neither the US, nor Iran.
Puzzling, really.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Ukraine To Produce Warships And UAVs Under Turkish Supervision

On December 15th , Ukrainian Defense Minister Andrii Taran signed agreements with Turkish companies on technology transfer and production of corvettes for the Ukrainian Navy and combat UAVs for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine .
The signing took place during the visit of the Turkish delegation headed by the President of the Defense Industries of the Republic of Turkey Ismail Demir .
According to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine , these are primarily projects designed to radically strengthen the combat capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy to enhance security in the Black and Azov Sea regions .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ agreements within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement and noted that the cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in the field of defense is of a strategic nature .
According to Taran , these agreements are the first foreign economic agreements on military goods concluded by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense .
In October the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andrii Taran and the President of the Turkish Defense Industries Ismail Demir signed a Memorandum outlining their intentions to launch and implement joint projects to build warships , unmanned aerial vehicles and all types @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded a framework military agreement .
The document was signed by Turkey ’ s National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and the Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran .
The contract will expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the military sector .
Around then , Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky boasted that many countries were assisting Ukraine in its preparations for war by boosting its military capabilities .
This statement was made after Zelensky visited Ankara .
Vadim Nozdriya , General Manager of Ukrspetseskport , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ firms , said they are interested in the joint production of Bayraktar TB2 UAVs in Ukraine and plan to buy 48 co-production platforms .
In September , Antonov CEO Oleksandr Los stated that the company is committed to cooperating with the Turkish aerospace industry for the production of AN-178 aircraft .
Zelenskiy said , “ As for the Antonov plane… We are absolutely satisfied with the attention shown to this initiative.
” Turkey is running out of options for partners for its drone fleet , as well as other aircraft and helicopters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ production of turbines and aircraft engines , and Ukraine has some success in the field .
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On December 15th, Ukrainian Defense Minister Andrii Taran signed agreements with Turkish companies on technology transfer and production of corvettes for the Ukrainian Navy and combat UAVs for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The signing took place during the visit of the Turkish delegation headed by the President of the Defense Industries of the Republic of Turkey Ismail Demir.
According to the Minister of Defense of Ukraine, these are primarily projects designed to radically strengthen the combat capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy to enhance security in the Black and Azov Sea regions.
The parties discussed the implementation of the agreements within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement and noted that the cooperation between Ukraine and Turkey in the field of defense is of a strategic nature.
According to Taran, these agreements are the first foreign economic agreements on military goods concluded by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
In October the Minister of Defense of Ukraine Andrii Taran and the President of the Turkish Defense Industries Ismail Demir signed a Memorandum outlining their intentions to launch and implement joint projects to build warships, unmanned aerial vehicles and all types of turbines.
Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan concluded a framework military agreement. The document was signed by Turkey’s National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and the Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran. The contract will expand bilateral cooperation between the two countries in the military sector.
Around then, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky boasted that many countries were assisting Ukraine in its preparations for war by boosting its military capabilities.
“The US Congress has approved $250m in military aid to Ukraine. We have signed a 1 billion 250 million Pound agreement with the United Kingdom to strengthen the Ukrainian Navy. We’re going to get the Island-class patrol ships. Together with Turkey, we will develop air defence systems by producing corvette, engines and military drones,” Zelenskiy said.
This statement was made after Zelensky visited Ankara.
“We are buying drones from Turkey. Ukraine, on the other hand, produces engines for drones. Therefore, it will not be very difficult for us to start a joint venture,” Ukrainian President Zelenskiy said.
Vadim Nozdriya, General Manager of Ukrspetseskport, one of the country’s state-state-state firms, said they are interested in the joint production of Bayraktar TB2 UAVs in Ukraine and plan to buy 48 co-production platforms.
In September, Antonov CEO Oleksandr Los stated that the company is committed to cooperating with the Turkish aerospace industry for the production of AN-178 aircraft. Zelenskiy said, “As for the Antonov plane… We are absolutely satisfied with the attention shown to this initiative.”
Turkey is running out of options for partners for its drone fleet, as well as other aircraft and helicopters, it appears to be struggling in the production of turbines and aircraft engines, and Ukraine has some success in the field.
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southfront--2020-12-15--Identities Of Men Beheaded By Azerbaijan Soldiers Revealed, Political Crisis Deepens In Yerevan

On December 15th , the two elderly men who were beheaded by Azerbaijani soldiers in videos that were widely shared across social media were identified as two Armenian civilians .
The ethnic Armenian men were non-combatants , people in their respective villages said .
Both were beheaded by men in the uniforms of the Azerbaijani armed forces .
The Guardian interviewed villagers on the matter .
In videos posted online on 22 November and 3 December , men in uniforms consistent with those of the Azerbaijani military hold down and decapitate a man using a knife .
One then places @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
One victim was Genadi Petrosyan , 69 , who had moved to the village of Madatashen in the late 1980s from the city of Sumgait , in Azerbaijan .
Genadi Petrosyan , who lived alone , resisted leaving the village as Azerbaijani forces closed in .
When a neighbour tried to drive him away , he got out of the car and walked home .
Artak Beglaryan , the Artsakh ombudsman , said Petrosyan had been identified by combing 35 missing persons reports for the region and then contacting acquaintances , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was identified as Yuri Asryan , a reclusive 82-year-old who had refused to leave the village on October 20th as Azerbaijani forces approached .
Azerbaijan ’ s general prosecutor last month publicly launched an investigation into war crimes by both Baku and Yerevan .
On December 14th it made its first arrests , detaining two Azerbaijani soldiers for defiling the bodies of dead Armenian troops and two for destroying graves .
It has not publicly opened any criminal cases into beheadings .
There are hundreds more videos of abuses online .
Sahakyan said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cases of captive Armenian soldiers and civilians in the European court of human rights , including 35 that included video evidence .
Separately , the political crisis in Armenia is deepening .
The opposition , represented by 17 parties , announced that it would start disobedience actions again if Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not resign .
The goal is to celebrate the New Year , having achieved the resignation of Pashinyan .
Former Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan also made a statement on the matter : “ The Republic of Armenia and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crisis – moral , psychological , political , economic , social , value .
It is difficult to imagine a deeper crisis .
What else should there be ?
I think that the government , under whose rule this crisis arose , while remaining in power , will severely limit the country ’ s development opportunities , opportunities to use national potential and opportunities .
Taking into account , on the one hand , the backward and aggressive policy of Azerbaijan aimed at consolidating its success , and on the other hand , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of this crisis every day damages us , only us .
This defining moment is the strongest test for the government to show whether they are able to rise above narrow political interests , show high consciousness , give the country peace , political forces – to rethink their past and form a vision for the future , and the people – to form a new government .
I hope that the Prime Minister will find the courage to decide to leave for the good of the future of our country.
” Separately @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to continue , since Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar issued a warning to Armenia to not undertake any aggressive actions or there would be new war with Yerevan , and this time with the official participation of Turkey .
A list was also published , revealing the identities of 88 militants that Turkey deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh to fight on behalf of Azerbaijan .
It is said that they were promised $ 2,000 a month salary .
The first prisoner exchange took place as part of the peace deal .
Tigran Avinyan , Armenia @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that 44 captives had been returned to the country from Azerbaijan .
Meanwhile , 12 captives were handed over to Azerbaijan , the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed .
The exchange was facilitated by Russian peacekeepers that have been deployed to the region under the deal , which was brokered by Moscow .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Azerbaijan And Turkey Plan To Agree On Gas Deliveries To Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

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On December 15th, the two elderly men who were beheaded by Azerbaijani soldiers in videos that were widely shared across social media were identified as two Armenian civilians.
The ethnic Armenian men were non-combatants, people in their respective villages said. Both were beheaded by men in the uniforms of the Azerbaijani armed forces.
The Guardian interviewed villagers on the matter.
In videos posted online on 22 November and 3 December, men in uniforms consistent with those of the Azerbaijani military hold down and decapitate a man using a knife. One then places the severed head on a dead animal.
“This is how we get revenge – by cutting off heads,” a voice said off camera.
One victim was Genadi Petrosyan, 69, who had moved to the village of Madatashen in the late 1980s from the city of Sumgait, in Azerbaijan.
Genadi Petrosyan, who lived alone, resisted leaving the village as Azerbaijani forces closed in. When a neighbour tried to drive him away, he got out of the car and walked home.
Artak Beglaryan, the Artsakh ombudsman, said Petrosyan had been identified by combing 35 missing persons reports for the region and then contacting acquaintances, who confirmed his identity.
The second victim was identified as Yuri Asryan, a reclusive 82-year-old who had refused to leave the village on October 20th as Azerbaijani forces approached.
Azerbaijan’s general prosecutor last month publicly launched an investigation into war crimes by both Baku and Yerevan.
On December 14th it made its first arrests, detaining two Azerbaijani soldiers for defiling the bodies of dead Armenian troops and two for destroying graves. It has not publicly opened any criminal cases into beheadings.
There are hundreds more videos of abuses online. Sahakyan said she and a colleague were pursuing 75 cases of captive Armenian soldiers and civilians in the European court of human rights, including 35 that included video evidence.
Separately, the political crisis in Armenia is deepening.
The opposition, represented by 17 parties, announced that it would start disobedience actions again if Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan did not resign. The goal is to celebrate the New Year, having achieved the resignation of Pashinyan.
Former Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan also made a statement on the matter:
“The Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh are in a deep crisis – moral, psychological, political, economic, social, value. It is difficult to imagine a deeper crisis. What else should there be? I think that the government, under whose rule this crisis arose, while remaining in power, will severely limit the country’s development opportunities, opportunities to use national potential and opportunities. Taking into account, on the one hand, the backward and aggressive policy of Azerbaijan aimed at consolidating its success, and on the other hand, the challenges facing Armenia, the continuation of this crisis every day damages us, only us. This defining moment is the strongest test for the government to show whether they are able to rise above narrow political interests, show high consciousness, give the country peace, political forces – to rethink their past and form a vision for the future, and the people – to form a new government. I hope that the Prime Minister will find the courage to decide to leave for the good of the future of our country.”
Separately, the escalations in Nagorno-Karabakh are likely to continue, since Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar issued a warning to Armenia to not undertake any aggressive actions or there would be new war with Yerevan, and this time with the official participation of Turkey.
“If the agreements on Karabakh are violated, we can immediately switch to the military option (solution of the issue). We have already assumed responsibility for the security of the liberated territories of Azerbaijan,” Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said.
A list was also published, revealing the identities of 88 militants that Turkey deployed to Nagorno-Karabakh to fight on behalf of Azerbaijan.
It is said that they were promised $2,000 a month salary.
The first prisoner exchange took place as part of the peace deal.
Tigran Avinyan, Armenia’s deputy prime minister, announced that 44 captives had been returned to the country from Azerbaijan.
Meanwhile, 12 captives were handed over to Azerbaijan, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed.
The exchange was facilitated by Russian peacekeepers that have been deployed to the region under the deal, which was brokered by Moscow.
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