southfront--2020-10-16--Poland’s Air Force In 2020 And Beyond

Poland’s Air Force In 2020 And Beyond

Written by Colonel S. Kirillov ; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2020 # 1 ; Translated by Monalita exclusively for SouthFront Poland ’ s air force is a type of armed force that is designed to protect the country ’ s air space and its infrastructure on the ground , to conduct air operations , provide air support to ground and naval forces , carry out air reconnaissance and the transfer of forces and military equipment .
The following tasks are assigned to the republic ’ s air force : • providing control to the airspace and protecting state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ airspace and protecting any government and military headquarters , administrative-political centers , industrial and economic districts , the most important economic facilities and the country ’ s infrastructure , as well as national and coalition groups of troops ( forces ) from adversary airstrikes ; • Participating in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations under the auspices of international organizations The basic documents under which the Polish Air Force carries out its primary functions are the Strategic Concept of The Polish Armed Forces Model 2032 , The Armed Forces Construction Plan and the AF Technical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force through to 2026 .
At the same time , special attention is paid to maintaining combat and mobilization readiness of Air Force formations and units , increasing operational compatibility with the United Air Force of NATO , conducting combat training when taking into account new challenges and threats to national security , technical modernization of the aviation fleet , as well as improvements of the ground infrastructure .
The administrative leadership commands the forces and resources of the Air Force and is subordinate to the main command of the armed forces ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for maintaining the required level of combat readiness of the subordinate forces , facilitating their combat training as well as acquisition of their connections , units and personnel , as well as weapons and military equipment .
The Air Force ’ s operational management is entrusted to the Armed Forces ’ operational command ( Warsaw ) , which includes the Air Operations Center – the primary organizational and planning body when it comes to Air Force combat .
In peacetime , duty forces as well as units that are allocated for participation in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the Center .
The AOC organizes radio , radio- technical and radar reconnaissance and controls air traffic over the republic ’ s territory .
As part of the ongoing reorganization of the Polish Armed Forces command and control system in 2020 , there are plans for the Air Force Command to be reassigned to the General Staff of the Armed Forces with a goal of increasing the effectiveness of the operation of the air force control system in peacetime and wartime .
The Air Force command has four wings ( two tactical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two brigades ( anti-aircraft missile and radio engineering ) , electronic warfare and teleinformation support centers , airspace control and air traffic control , an Air Force training center , an aviation engineering center , as well as the school for junior aviation specialists .
In addition , the Naval Aviation Brigade of the Navy ( Gdynia-Babi Doly ) , the 1st Army Aviation Brigade of the Army Aviation ( Inowroclaw ) , as well as helicopter units of the 25th separate airborne assault brigade ( Tomaszow-Mazowiecki ) are all subordinate when it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ operational and combat training of the Air Force .
are the basis of the Air Force .
They carry out tasks to protect the country ’ s airspace and ground infrastructure facilities , conduct air operations , provide air support for ground forces and naval forces , conduct air reconnaissance , as well as transfer of forces and military equipment .
The highest organizational unit of the Polish Air Force aviation is a wing – a tactical formation , to which aviation units and subunits are subordinated .
provide the country ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the joint NATO air defense system .
In cooperation with fighter aircraft , the air defense missile systems provide air strike cover for important administrative centers , industrial and economic regions , troop positions and other locations .
Organizationally , they are represented by the 3rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade ( Belice ) , which is a tactical air defense unit .
are a key component of the ground Air Force intelligence system .
The strength and resources of Radio-technical troops were pooled together into the 3rd radio engineering brigade ( Wroclaw ) .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ at approximately 19,000 people , which , after a mobilization deployment , can be increased to 35,000 .
The Polish Air Force is armed with : combat aircraft – 110 units ( tactical fighters F-16 , MiG-29 , fighter-bombers Su-22 ) ; auxiliary aviation – 120 ( military transport – 50 , training – 70 ) ; multipurpose helicopters – 90 ( combat – 50 , auxiliary – 40 ) ; SAM launchers – 110 ; reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles .
A significant part of the Air Force ’ s weapons and military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and must be replaced with modern models .
This mainly concerns arms and military equipment of Russian ( Soviet ) production .
In particular , according to Polish military experts , the MiG-29 tactical fighters have a combat readiness factor of 0.5 , which does not meet NATO requirements .
This is due to the long service life of this type of aircraft and its difficulty in procuring spare parts and components due to the curtailment of military-technical cooperation with Russia in 2014 .
The 1st wing units of tactical aviation have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the period from 2017 to 2019 , three MiG-29 fighters were irretrievably lost ( two accidents and one disaster ) .
The Su-22 fighter-bombers have actually served their set service life .
At the same time , the Ministry of Defense regularly extends its resources for the existing aircraft which is due to the lack of funds for purchasing a new combat aircraft .
The “ Technical Modernization Plan of the Polish Armed Forces for 2017-2026 ” involves the purchase of 32 modern tactical fighters ( the “ Harpia ” program @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ministry of Defense plans to allocate over $ 5 billion , which includes the costs of training flight and engineering personnel .
Warsaw is considering the American company Lockheed Martin as a potential supplier , with whom it is negotiating the purchase of F-35 Lightning-2 aircraft .
Much attention is paid to the reequipment of the aircraft fleet-in-training .
Contracts have been signed with the Italian company Leonardo for the purchase of M-346 training aircraft as well as with the Polish military-industrial complex PZL Warsaw-Okecie for the modernization of the Orlik PZL-130 training @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority in technical modernization of the Polish Air Force is the replacement of outdated air defense systems of Russian ( Soviet ) production – long-range S-200 “ Vega ” , medium-range “ Krug ” and short-range “ Neva ” .
In accordance with the plans for the rearmament of the Armed Forces , the basis of the national air defense system in the future will be the Patriot long-range anti-aircraft missile systems ( the Vistula program ) .
For that purpose , in 2018 the country ’ s Ministry of Defense entered into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Northrop-Grumman and Lockheed Martin for the purchase of two batteries of the Patriot air defense system ( 16 launchers , an IBCS automated control system , four sectoral radars AN / MPQ-65 , 208 PAK-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles ) , including training combat crews and technical specialists for the maintenance of those systems .
The contract is valued at about $ 5 billion .
The delivery of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to the republic is scheduled for 2022 , and their deployment for combat duty is scheduled for 2024 .
Along with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force command pays attention to issues of combat support , primarily reconnaissance .
In particular , in 2018 , the Ministry of Defense signed a number of contracts with enterprises of the national military-industrial complex for the purchase of reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles ( UAVs ) of various classes .
The delivery of eight such sets ( a total of 40 aircraft ) is planned in 2021-2023 , and an additional four sets ( 20 devices ) – in 2023-2026 .
The equipment will enter service with the 12th UAV base ( @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the tactical aviation of the Air Force .
In addition , Poland is participating in the project RQ-4 “ Global Hawk ” for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles for operational and strategic purposes as part of the NATO air reconnaissance system “ AGS ” on the ground .
The main forms of the country ’ s Air Force Operational Combat Training are : command-staff , aviation and joint exercises , combat readiness checks and special trainings that vary in scale , goals , objectives and participants , as well as conferences , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In the course of these events , the main efforts are directed toward a comprehensive check and the drawing up of a practical plan for the aviation ’ s use of combat , anti-aircraft missile and radio-technical troops , maintaining a high level of combat readiness of aviation formations and improving crew flight training .
Considerable attention is paid to a preparedness to counteract a surprise attack by an air enemy , interaction with NATO allies in planning and conducting operations abroad , as well as using aviation as part of coalition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ problems , the republic ’ s Air Force forces and resources take part in national and coalition activities of operational and combat training on a regular basis .
Among the most significant exercises are Tiger Meat , Frisian Flag , Siil , Anaconda and Aviation Detection .
The low level of combat readiness of the Russian ( Soviet ) MiG-29 and Su-22 aircraft , the maintenance of which is difficult due to Warsaw ’ s curtailment of military-technical cooperation with the Russian Federation , has a negative impact on the implementation of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Air Force .
The airfields of Demblin , Lask , Malbork , Powidz , Poznan-Kshesiny , and Svidvin are used to base the Air Force aircraft on the territory of Poland .
Currently , they are being modernized to ensure the reception of various types of present-day combat and auxiliary aircraft , which are in active service with the armed forces of the NATO countries .
In addition , there are more than 150 airfields of various classes , including civilian ones , of which 95 are suitable for use in the interests @ @ @ @ @ @ @ including 65 airfields with capital runways ( 17 – 1st and 48 – 2- class ) .
Also , there are 20 sections of highways that are prepared for the intended use by military aircraft as a runway .
Four civil airports in the cities of Warsaw , Wroclaw , Krakow and Poznan have been adapted to receive military transport aircraft .
Additionally , the airfields of sports aviation clubs which are evenly dispersed throughout the territory of the republic can be utilized for the benefit of the Air Force .
Thus , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ measures to reorganize and conduct technical re-equipment of the air force in order to increase their combat effectiveness and bring them in line with NATO standards .
In medium terms , the successful implementation of the reform and rearmament programs by the Polish command will make it possible to ensure the effective implementation of the Air Force ’ s airspace protection goals at the national and coalition levels .
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Written by Colonel S. Kirillov; Originally appeared at Foreign Military Review 2020 #1; Translated by Monalita exclusively for SouthFront
Poland’s air force is a type of armed force that is designed to protect the country’s air space and its infrastructure on the ground, to conduct air operations, provide air support to ground and naval forces, carry out air reconnaissance and the transfer of forces and military equipment.
The following tasks are assigned to the republic’s air force:
providing control to the airspace and protecting state borders;
deflecting aggression in the airspace and protecting any government and military headquarters, administrative-political centers, industrial and economic districts, the most important economic facilities and the country’s infrastructure, as well as national and coalition groups of troops (forces) from adversary airstrikes;
achieving and subsequently retaining airspace superiority
isolating combat areas (A2/AD, of sorts)
Participating in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations under the auspices of international organizations
air reconnaissance and electronic warfare
conducting search and rescue operations.
The basic documents under which the Polish Air Force carries out its primary functions are the Strategic Concept of The Polish Armed Forces Model 2032, The Armed Forces Construction Plan and the AF Technical Modernization Plan. These documents are in force through to 2026.
At the same time, special attention is paid to maintaining combat and mobilization readiness of Air Force formations and units, increasing operational compatibility with the United Air Force of NATO, conducting combat training when taking into account new challenges and threats to national security, technical modernization of the aviation fleet, as well as improvements of the ground infrastructure.
The administrative leadership commands the forces and resources of the Air Force and is subordinate to the main command of the armed forces (Warsaw), it is also responsible for maintaining the required level of combat readiness of the subordinate forces, facilitating their combat training as well as acquisition of their connections, units and personnel, as well as weapons and military equipment.
The Air Force’s operational management is entrusted to the Armed Forces’ operational command (Warsaw), which includes the Air Operations Center – the primary organizational and planning body when it comes to Air Force combat.
In peacetime, duty forces as well as units that are allocated for participation in international missions and operations are operationally subordinate to the Center. The AOC organizes radio, radio- technical and radar reconnaissance and controls air traffic over the republic’s territory.
As part of the ongoing reorganization of the Polish Armed Forces command and control system in 2020, there are plans for the Air Force Command to be reassigned to the General Staff of the Armed Forces with a goal of increasing the effectiveness of the operation of the air force control system in peacetime and wartime.
The Air Force command has four wings (two tactical, transport and training aviation), two brigades (anti-aircraft missile and radio engineering), electronic warfare and teleinformation support centers, airspace control and air traffic control, an Air Force training center, an aviation engineering center, as well as the school for junior aviation specialists.
In addition, the Naval Aviation Brigade of the Navy (Gdynia-Babi Doly), the 1st Army Aviation Brigade of the Army Aviation (Inowroclaw), as well as helicopter units of the 25th separate airborne assault brigade (Tomaszow-Mazowiecki) are all subordinate when it comes to issues regarding the organization of operational and combat training of the Air Force.
The air formations, units and subunits are the basis of the Air Force. They carry out tasks to protect the country’s airspace and ground infrastructure facilities, conduct air operations, provide air support for ground forces and naval forces, conduct air reconnaissance, as well as transfer of forces and military equipment. The highest organizational unit of the Polish Air Force aviation is a wing – a tactical formation, to which aviation units and subunits are subordinated.
The anti-aircraft missile forces provide the country’s air defense, which is integrated into the joint NATO air defense system.
In cooperation with fighter aircraft, the air defense missile systems provide air strike cover for important administrative centers, industrial and economic regions, troop positions and other locations. Organizationally, they are represented by the 3rd Anti-Aircraft Missile Brigade (Belice), which is a tactical air defense unit.
The radio-technical troops are a key component of the ground Air Force intelligence system. The strength and resources of Radio-technical troops were pooled together into the 3rd radio engineering brigade (Wroclaw).
The number of Air Force personnel sits at approximately 19,000 people, which, after a mobilization deployment, can be increased to 35,000.
The Polish Air Force is armed with: combat aircraft – 110 units (tactical fighters F-16, MiG-29, fighter-bombers Su-22); auxiliary aviation – 120 (military transport – 50, training – 70); multipurpose helicopters – 90 (combat – 50, auxiliary – 40); SAM launchers – 110; reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles.
A significant part of the Air Force’s weapons and military technology is deemed “morally obsolete” and must be replaced with modern models. This mainly concerns arms and military equipment of Russian (Soviet) production. In particular, according to Polish military experts, the MiG-29 tactical fighters have a combat readiness factor of 0.5, which does not meet NATO requirements. This is due to the long service life of this type of aircraft and its difficulty in procuring spare parts and components due to the curtailment of military-technical cooperation with Russia in 2014.
The 1st wing units of tactical aviation have the highest accident rate in the Air Force. In the period from 2017 to 2019, three MiG-29 fighters were irretrievably lost (two accidents and one disaster).
The Su-22 fighter-bombers have actually served their set service life. At the same time, the Ministry of Defense regularly extends its resources for the existing aircraft which is due to the lack of funds for purchasing a new combat aircraft.
The “Technical Modernization Plan of the Polish Armed Forces for 2017-2026” involves the purchase of 32 modern tactical fighters (the “Harpia” program).
For these goals, the Ministry of Defense plans to allocate over $5 billion, which includes the costs of training flight and engineering personnel. Warsaw is considering the American company Lockheed Martin as a potential supplier, with whom it is negotiating the purchase of F-35 Lightning-2 aircraft.
Much attention is paid to the reequipment of the aircraft fleet-in-training. Contracts have been signed with the Italian company Leonardo for the purchase of M-346 training aircraft as well as with the Polish military-industrial complex PZL Warsaw-Okecie for the modernization of the Orlik PZL-130 training aircraft.
One of the areas of priority in technical modernization of the Polish Air Force is the replacement of outdated air defense systems of Russian (Soviet) production – long-range S-200 “Vega”, medium-range “Krug” and short-range “Neva”. In accordance with the plans for the rearmament of the Armed Forces, the basis of the national air defense system in the future will be the Patriot long-range anti-aircraft missile systems (the Vistula program).
For that purpose, in 2018 the country’s Ministry of Defense entered into agreements with the American companies Raytheon, Northrop-Grumman and Lockheed Martin for the purchase of two batteries of the Patriot air defense system (16 launchers, an IBCS automated control system, four sectoral radars AN / MPQ-65, 208 PAK-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles), including training combat crews and technical specialists for the maintenance of those systems.
The contract is valued at about $5 billion. The delivery of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to the republic is scheduled for 2022, and their deployment for combat duty is scheduled for 2024.
Along with the renewal of the aircraft fleet, the Air Force command pays attention to issues of combat support, primarily reconnaissance.
In particular, in 2018, the Ministry of Defense signed a number of contracts with enterprises of the national military-industrial complex for the purchase of reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of various classes. The delivery of eight such sets (a total of 40 aircraft) is planned in 2021-2023, and an additional four sets (20 devices) – in 2023-2026. The equipment will enter service with the 12th UAV base (Miroslavets) of the 1st wing of the tactical aviation of the Air Force.
In addition, Poland is participating in the project RQ-4 “Global Hawk” for the purchase of unmanned aerial vehicles for operational and strategic purposes as part of the NATO air reconnaissance system “AGS” on the ground.
The main forms of the country’s Air Force Operational Combat Training are: command-staff, aviation and joint exercises, combat readiness checks and special trainings that vary in scale, goals, objectives and participants, as well as conferences, seminars and gatherings of the leadership team.
In the course of these events, the main efforts are directed toward a comprehensive check and the drawing up of a practical plan for the aviation’s use of combat, anti-aircraft missile and radio-technical troops, maintaining a high level of combat readiness of aviation formations and improving crew flight training.
Considerable attention is paid to a preparedness to counteract a surprise attack by an air enemy, interaction with NATO allies in planning and conducting operations abroad, as well as using aviation as part of coalition groupings of forces.
To solve these problems, the republic’s Air Force forces and resources take part in national and coalition activities of operational and combat training on a regular basis. Among the most significant exercises are Tiger Meat, Frisian Flag, Siil, Anaconda and Aviation Detection.
The low level of combat readiness of the Russian (Soviet) MiG-29 and Su-22 aircraft, the maintenance of which is difficult due to Warsaw’s curtailment of military-technical cooperation with the Russian Federation, has a negative impact on the implementation of the Operational Combat Training plan of the Polish Air Force.
The airfields of Demblin, Lask, Malbork, Powidz, Poznan-Kshesiny, and Svidvin are used to base the Air Force aircraft on the territory of Poland. Currently, they are being modernized to ensure the reception of various types of present-day combat and auxiliary aircraft, which are in active service with the armed forces of the NATO countries. In addition, there are more than 150 airfields of various classes, including civilian ones, of which 95 are suitable for use in the interests of military and military transport aviation, including 65 airfields with capital runways (17 – 1st and 48 – 2- class). Also, there are 20 sections of highways that are prepared for the intended use by military aircraft as a runway. Four civil airports in the cities of Warsaw, Wroclaw, Krakow and Poznan have been adapted to receive military transport aircraft. Additionally, the airfields of sports aviation clubs which are evenly dispersed throughout the territory of the republic can be utilized for the benefit of the Air Force.
Thus, the Polish leadership is currently carrying out measures to reorganize and conduct technical re-equipment of the air force in order to increase their combat effectiveness and bring them in line with NATO standards. In medium terms, the successful implementation of the reform and rearmament programs by the Polish command will make it possible to ensure the effective implementation of the Air Force’s airspace protection goals at the national and coalition levels.
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southfront--2020-10-16--Armenia Provides More Details On Participation Of Turkish Air Force in Karabakh War

On October 15th , the Deputy Commander of the Armenian Air Defense Forces Garik Movsesyan said at a press conference in Yerevan that two F-16 fighters of the Turkish Air Force invaded Armenian airspace and advanced 6 kilometers on September 27th .
He recalled that on September 29 , the F-16 shot down an Armenian Su-25 attack aircraft located in the territory of Armenia .
He noted that after the Turkish planes began to hide their actions .
According to him , the scheme is as follows : two or four F-16s are lifted into the air in Azerbaijan , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for early warning , reconnaissance and correction take off over Turkey ’ s territory , and then Azerbaijani SU-25 attack aircraft .
Movsesian stated that Azerbaijani and Turkish military aircraft meet at the Mingechaur reservoir , make several circles , then attack aircraft occupy the F-16 zone , and they fly to strike at the Martakert region .
“ In general , the F-16 planes of the Turkish Air Force coordinate the actions of the Azerbaijani air forces , assist in bombing and rocket attacks on the territories of Armenia , and cover @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
The fighting on the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh began on September 27th .
Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of unleashing hostilities , in Karabakh they report about shelling of peaceful settlements of the unrecognized republic , including its capital , Stepanakert .
Armenia has declared martial law and – for the first time – general mobilization , claiming that Ankara is actively supporting Baku .
Partial mobilization was introduced in Azerbaijan and in some places – martial law .
On October 9th , the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the President of the Russian Federation , together with their Russian counterpart they held talks for more than 10 hours .
As a result , Yerevan and Baku agreed to cease fire in Karabakh from noon on October 10th , to exchange prisoners and bodies of the dead , and also to additionally agree on specific details of the truce .
However , the parties began to accuse each other of violations of the ceasefire almost immediately .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Armenia Claims It Shot Down Another Azerbaijani Su-25 @

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On October 15th, the Deputy Commander of the Armenian Air Defense Forces Garik Movsesyan said at a press conference in Yerevan that two F-16 fighters of the Turkish Air Force invaded Armenian airspace and advanced 6 kilometers on September 27th.
“Turkish F-16s have been involved in the conflict from the first day. So, on September 27, two F-16s violated the air border of Armenia and advanced 6 kilometers inland,” Movsesyan said.
He recalled that on September 29, the F-16 shot down an Armenian Su-25 attack aircraft located in the territory of Armenia.
He noted that after the Turkish planes began to hide their actions.
According to him, the scheme is as follows: two or four F-16s are lifted into the air in Azerbaijan, at the same time planes and drones for early warning, reconnaissance and correction take off over Turkey’s territory, and then Azerbaijani SU-25 attack aircraft.
Movsesian stated that Azerbaijani and Turkish military aircraft meet at the Mingechaur reservoir, make several circles, then attack aircraft occupy the F-16 zone, and they fly to strike at the Martakert region.
“In general, the F-16 planes of the Turkish Air Force coordinate the actions of the Azerbaijani air forces, assist in bombing and rocket attacks on the territories of Armenia, and cover the Azerbaijani military aircraft,” Movsesyan said.
The fighting on the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh began on September 27th.
Armenia and Azerbaijan accuse each other of unleashing hostilities, in Karabakh they report about shelling of peaceful settlements of the unrecognized republic, including its capital, Stepanakert. Armenia has declared martial law and – for the first time – general mobilization, claiming that Ankara is actively supporting Baku. Partial mobilization was introduced in Azerbaijan and in some places – martial law.
On October 9th, the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia arrived in Moscow at the invitation of the President of the Russian Federation, together with their Russian counterpart they held talks for more than 10 hours.
As a result, Yerevan and Baku agreed to cease fire in Karabakh from noon on October 10th, to exchange prisoners and bodies of the dead, and also to additionally agree on specific details of the truce. However, the parties began to accuse each other of violations of the ceasefire almost immediately.
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southfront--2020-10-16--Azerbaijan’s Forces Make Gains, Release Video Of Captured Hadrut City

On October 15th , the Armenian Ministry of Defense released an updated statement on alleged Azerbaijani casualties .
Since the last update , which happened on October 14th , the new losses of Azerbaijani army are – 4 UAVs , 5 armored vehicles , 1 plane , 350 casualties .
The Karabakh defense army has published another list with the names of soldiers who fell in the defense of the Motherland .
The list consists of 49 people .
The total number of losses of the Armenian side is 604 .
Another Su-25 belonging to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also allegedly delivered to Azerbaijan through Georgia .
On October 16th , after about an hour of intense shelling , the opponent launched a large-scale offensive in the Northern direction .
They tried several times to take our positions by attacking waves , but thanks to the courage and skill of the Armenian soldiers , the opponent was repulsed with significant losses , Armenian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Artsrun Hovhannisyan said .
Multifunctional F-16 fighter aircrafts of the Turkish Air Forces flew to Azerbaijan from Turkey through Georgian airspace .
Deputy Commander of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stated this during today ’ s press conference .
We remind that Georgia officially declares that it prohibits military flights through its airspace for both sides of the conflict , but in reality the ban is valid only for the Armenian side .
This way Georgia has cut off Armenia from reinforcements from its ally Russia .
If these numbers by Armenia are to be trusted , it means that for every nearly 10 losses of the Azerbaijani side , Armenia loses 1 soldier .
A joint press conference will be held after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During the visit of Minister of foreign Affairs of Greece Nikos Dendias will meet with the Prime Minister of Armenia , Nikol Pashinyan and the President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sargsyan .
Turkey and Greece are at odds when it comes to the illegal migrants that were , until recently , flooding the borders , as well as Turkey drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean , with Greece , Cyprus , France and others strongly opposing it .
Iran also appears to be in some form of discussions with Armenia .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Department of Defense Policy and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia , on October 12th met with Colonel Bahman Sadeghi , the newly appointed military attaché of the Iranian embassy .
During the meeting , Ayvazyan presented the situation created by the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh ( Nagorno-Karabakh ) , and the course of the ongoing respective hostilities .
They reflected also on the impact—from the viewpoint of regional security and stability—of the involvement of a third party—Turkey—and of mercenary terrorists in this conflict .
Libya ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ National Army spokesperson confirmed the transfer of terrorists from Turkey to Azerbaijan .
General of the Libyan National Army Ahmed al-Mesmari confirms the transfer of terrorists from Turkey to Azerbaijan .
As reported by Armenpress , the general announced this on the air of “ Sky news Arabia ” .
Furthermore , the export of Turkish military products to Azerbaijan has grown six times compared to 2019 , Reuters reported on October 14 , citing official statistics from the Turkish Exporters Association .
In particular , the volume of Turkey ’ s military @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from $ 20 million to $ 123 million .
In addition , in September 2020 , deliveries of drones and other types of weapons increased to $ 77 million .
Sales of drones , rocket launchers , ammunition and other equipment have skyrocketed since August this year .
If in July they were $ 278,880 , then in August they reached $ 36 million , and in September – $ 77.1 million .
This points to the fact that Azerbaijan ’ s offensive on Nagorno-Karabakh was not a sudden action , but rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ appear to be having success , as the city of Hadrut is largely in their control now .
A propaganda video was also released , shot near the conflict line .
And finally , two photographs that show the glorious Azerbaijani army and its Turkish support , and the way they treat the Armenian side ’ s killed soldiers .
Any similarities to actual terrorists are accidental .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Azerbaijani Forces Captured Six New Villages In Nagorno-Karabakh • Leaders of Azerbaijan And Armenia Outline Their Positions And Core @ @ @ @

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On October 15th, the Armenian Ministry of Defense released an updated statement on alleged Azerbaijani casualties.
Since the last update, which happened on October 14th, the new losses of Azerbaijani army are – 4 UAVs, 5 armored vehicles, 1 plane, 350 casualties.
The Karabakh defense army has published another list with the names of soldiers who fell in the defense of the Motherland. The list consists of 49 people.
The total number of losses of the Armenian side is 604.
Another Su-25 belonging to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces was also reportedly downed.
Turkish F-16s were also allegedly delivered to Azerbaijan through Georgia.
On October 16th, after about an hour of intense shelling, the opponent launched a large-scale offensive in the Northern direction. They tried several times to take our positions by attacking waves, but thanks to the courage and skill of the Armenian soldiers, the opponent was repulsed with significant losses, Armenian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Artsrun Hovhannisyan said.
Multifunctional F-16 fighter aircrafts of the Turkish Air Forces flew to Azerbaijan from Turkey through Georgian airspace. Deputy Commander of the Armenian Air Defense Forces Garik Movsesyan stated this during today’s press conference.
We remind that Georgia officially declares that it prohibits military flights through its airspace for both sides of the conflict, but in reality the ban is valid only for the Armenian side.
This way Georgia has cut off Armenia from reinforcements from its ally Russia.
If these numbers by Armenia are to be trusted, it means that for every nearly 10 losses of the Azerbaijani side, Armenia loses 1 soldier.
Greek foreign Minister Nikos Dendias will visit Armenia on October 16th.
A joint press conference will be held after the meeting with the Armenian foreign Minister. During the visit of Minister of foreign Affairs of Greece Nikos Dendias will meet with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan and the President of the Republic of Armenia Armen Sargsyan.
Turkey and Greece are at odds when it comes to the illegal migrants that were, until recently, flooding the borders, as well as Turkey drilling in the Eastern Mediterranean, with Greece, Cyprus, France and others strongly opposing it.
Iran also appears to be in some form of discussions with Armenia.
Levon Ayvazyan, Head of the General Department of Defense Policy and International Cooperation of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, on October 12th met with Colonel Bahman Sadeghi, the newly appointed military attaché of the Iranian embassy.
During the meeting, Ayvazyan presented the situation created by the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), and the course of the ongoing respective hostilities.
They reflected also on the impact—from the viewpoint of regional security and stability—of the involvement of a third party—Turkey—and of mercenary terrorists in this conflict.
Libya’s Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army spokesperson confirmed the transfer of terrorists from Turkey to Azerbaijan.
General of the Libyan National Army Ahmed al-Mesmari confirms the transfer of terrorists from Turkey to Azerbaijan. As reported by Armenpress, the general announced this on the air of “Sky news Arabia”.
“Turkey has delivered thousands of Syrian terrorists of other nationalities to Libya through the airports of Metiga and Misurata. And now Turkey is using these airports to transport terrorists from Libya, Syria and other nationalities to Azerbaijan,” Ahmed al-Mesmari said.
Furthermore, the export of Turkish military products to Azerbaijan has grown six times compared to 2019, Reuters reported on October 14, citing official statistics from the Turkish Exporters Association.
In particular, the volume of Turkey’s military supplies to Azerbaijan since January 2020 increased from $20 million to $123 million.
In addition, in September 2020, deliveries of drones and other types of weapons increased to $77 million.
Sales of drones, rocket launchers, ammunition and other equipment have skyrocketed since August this year. If in July they were $ 278,880, then in August they reached $36 million, and in September – $77.1 million.
This points to the fact that Azerbaijan’s offensive on Nagorno-Karabakh was not a sudden action, but rather planned thoroughly in advance.
Azerbaijani forces appear to be having success, as the city of Hadrut is largely in their control now.
A propaganda video was also released, shot near the conflict line.
And finally, two photographs that show the glorious Azerbaijani army and its Turkish support, and the way they treat the Armenian side’s killed soldiers.
Any similarities to actual terrorists are accidental.
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southfront--2020-10-16--Leaders of Azerbaijan And Armenia Outline Their Positions And Core Demands In Parallel Interviews

In parallel interviews with Russian media outlet , Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia ’ s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have outlined the most pressing issues regarding the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh .
Both leaders were given an equal amount of time and identical questions .
Azerbaijan ’ s President Ilham Aliyev expressed his conviction that Armenia ’ s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was a product of US billionaire George Soros , known for his large donations to political causes that are in line with his own ideology and objectives .
“ The collapse of the Soviet Union @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That was the trigger .
People often forget about those rallies , who organised all this , who was behind it , ” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told Sputnik News Agency Director General Dmitry Kiselev .
“ I often say that Pashinyan is a product of Soros , and I believe everyone would agree with that .
Soros is not just an individual , he is a concept .
I in no way rule out that such instruments were used back then to disintegrate the great nation .
Just blow it up from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off the people , and disintegrate the country.
” “ Our stance has always been based on pragmatism and I think that the ideas that already exist at the negotiating table show this clearly .
As for the red lines , we have stated this clearly and the co-chairs of the Minsk Group know this very well — under no circumstances can the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan be compromised , under no circumstances can Azerbaijan agree to recognise the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.
” Baku Sees Karabakh Conflict as War of Liberation , While @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war means cruelty , victims , human suffering , loss of loved ones , but the difference is that this is a war of liberation for Azerbaijan and a war of conquest for Armenia .
It is no secret — and it is something that international mediators are aware of — that there are no so-called armed forces of Nagorno-Karabakh .
Ninety percent of the troops in the group that Armenia calls by this name are Armenian citizens .
The Armenian military summons them and sends them to Azerbaijan ’ s occupied territories @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kalbajar , Qubadli , Lachin , Zangilan.
” At the same time , Aliyev emphasized that “ the Armenian community and the Azerbaijani one can peacefully live and coexist in Nagorno-Karabakh in the future ” , and that this was already the case in other areas of Azerbaijan , including the capital Baku , with its thousands-strong Armenian community , as well as in Russia , Georgia , and other countries .
“ Why can ’ t we have it here ?
” Aliyev said .
No Foreign Mercenaries Fighting on Azerbaijan ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Azerbaijan ’ s official position that no foreign mercenaries are fighting alongside his country ’ s armed forces , and stated that no one has provided conclusive evidence to substantiate such claims , adding that Azerbaijan does not need any foreign military assistance as “ the existing armed formations are fully capable of performing any assigned task.
” For his part , Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that he is convinced Turkey is largely responsible for fomenting the ongoing clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region .
Pashinyan repeated the allegation that Turkey has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to the conflict zone .
In his opinion , such a move was required because Azerbaijan alone could not conquer the disputed areas .
The Armenian prime minister explained Turkey ’ s interest in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as part of an effort to continue the Armenian genocide , referring to the series of massacres which took place in the early 20th century , as well as by the practical objective of expansion .
“ I ’ m confident that Turkey … seeks to return to the South Caucasus in order to continue its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s important to know that it ’ s a practical goal for Turkey .
It ’ s a practical goal , because Armenians of the South Caucasus is the last barrier for Turkey on its path towards the expansion to the north , east and south-east… Turkey wants to redistribute , or , to be precise , to take control over the South Caucasus , so it would serve as a foothold for its further expansion.
” Heavy Casualties on Both Sides of the Conflict “ The situation is very tense .
There @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides .
The Self-Defence Army of Nagorno-Karabakh is holding the defence , organising the defence , and I can assess the situation as quite difficult… Many experts say that this is a war of unprecedented proportions in the 21st century .
Because it involves all kinds of weapons : tanks , drones , aircraft and helicopters , armoured vehicles , artillery , rocket artillery and so on .
And a lot of soldiers and troops are involved in these military activities .
I mean that very large-scale and fierce battles are going on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Self-Defence Army of Nagorno-Karabakh is holding the line .
And we can practically say that the ‘ blitzkrieg ’ plans of Turkey and Azerbaijan to take control of Nagorno-Karabakh have so far failed.
” “ The situation is no longer just about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh , but has gone beyond it .
This is already a regional full-scale conflict that affects the specific interests of regional countries.
” Armenia ’ s ‘ Red Line ’ is Nagorno-Karabakh ’ s Right to Self-Determination Speaking about the compromises that Armenia could accept in talks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pashinyan says that Yerevan is ready to take the steps that were outlined in the recent joint “ Moscow statement ” with Baku to restore the negotiating process .
But the prime minister also identified a “ red-line ” that he says Armenia will never cross .
The armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988 , when ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region accused Baku of discrimination and attempted to separate from the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic and join the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic .
On that occasion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in 1991 formally abolished Karabakh ’ s autonomous status .
Armed hostilities resumed in 1992 , when the two sides waged a brutal , full-scale war for control for two years .
The conflict left tens of thousands of troops and civilians dead as well as resulting in the forced displacement of more than 1.1 million Armenians and Azerbaijanis .
As a result of the clashes , most of the Nagorno-Karabakh region broke away from Baku ’ s control , but Armenia stopped short of recognising its independence .
Over the following decades @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to regain control over the lost territory .
Armenia , in turn , has argued that ethnic Armenians would be forcibly displaced from the region if this were to occur .
The ceasefire , which had held without major violations since 1994 , was broken on 27 September , with both Baku and Yerevan accusing each other of instigating the latest round of military hostilities .
Providing more essential background information on the evolving situation and the positions of each side , the political leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia ( President Ilham Aliyev @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participated in an extended debate over Nagorno-Karabakh at the start of this year , hosted at the Munich Security Conference .
More recently , just over a week ago , Euronews was also granted separate interviews with both leaders .
Some of the longstanding obstacles , as well as key factors and possible elements that could be involved in moving towards a peaceful settlement , come into focus in the extended debates and interviews .
Specifically , the respective dialogues , debates and arguments suggest that there are several topics that must be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ framework in the agenda for confidence building measures and substantive negotiations : The first step , without which other discussions are meaningless , is an unconditional ceasefire , preferably with international monitors – including diverse international media representation – in a format agreeable to all parties ( Armenia , Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh ) .
Guaranteeing the right of return for Azeris and others displaced from the disputed regions that are currently under Armenian/ Nagorno-Karabakh control during and in the aftermath of the earlier rounds of armed conflict is also a fundamental factor .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ impartial and expert investigation of what occurred , with full involvement of the inhabitants of the region working together with impartial investigators and experts . )
The other Azeri regions that have been occupied and over which there is widespread agreement are not part of Nagorno-Karabakh must be returned to Azeri control – a necessary counterpart would probably be a guaranteed secure corridor for passage between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia .
Nagorno-Karabakh is not recognized as a State by any country except Armenia , and with its limited population and resource-base would not be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to amalgamate with Armenia , in whole or in part , there would need to be some guarantees for those who have been displaced in the successive rounds of conflict in the past – a right of return , and guarantees of their security and full citizenship and economic rights .
If it were to amalgamate with Azerbaijan , this would raise the same concerns – how to guarantee the political , economic and civil rights of the inhabitants living there , their security and protection against possible individual or collective acts of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ question of how to recognize and put into effect institutions to provide for a degree of self-determination and autonomy within the Azerbaijani nation ( possibly on a federal-type basis or as a special semi-autonomous region ) .
The Armenian demand for self-determination raises many intractable problems even as a preliminary concept .
Would this include the right of self-determination of other groups forced to leave the region in the past rounds of armed conflict ?
Whose right to self-determination would take primacy , and what guarantees are there that the rights of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Could there be ‘ autonomous ’ communities within an ‘ autonomous ’ region ?
And what about communities and regions where there is no clear majority ethnic or social grouping – on what basis and principles can they agree to coexist and live together ?
Given the intractability of the many issues involved , and the mutual hostility and acts of brutality that have built up over the last 30 years , there is no trust and good will to serve as a basis for confidence-building measures and the re-establishment of peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ introducing international monitors and peacekeepers to make sure that no violations of the peace occur , from a selection of countries and multilateral organizations acceptable to both sides , with the capability of detecting and reporting breaches rapidly and responding immediately with appropriate measures to protect communities and individuals in the event of hostilities breaking out .
These appear to be some of the fundamental topics that will have to be addressed .
If they can not be resolved by negotiations , the fate of the inhabitants of the disputed areas will be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battlefield , in which both sides will suffer huge losses and one side will face loss of life and forced displacement on a massive scale .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Armenia and Azerbaijan political economic and geopolitical factors in the equation

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In parallel interviews with Russian media outlet Sputnik, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have outlined the most pressing issues regarding the ongoing conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh. Both leaders were given an equal amount of time and identical questions.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev expressed his conviction that Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was a product of US billionaire George Soros, known for his large donations to political causes that are in line with his own ideology and objectives.
“The collapse of the Soviet Union indeed started with separatism in Nagorno-Karabakh. That was the trigger. People often forget about those rallies, who organised all this, who was behind it,” Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev told Sputnik News Agency Director General Dmitry Kiselev. “I often say that Pashinyan is a product of Soros, and I believe everyone would agree with that. Soros is not just an individual, he is a concept. I in no way rule out that such instruments were used back then to disintegrate the great nation. Just blow it up from the inside, sow discord, play off the people, and disintegrate the country.” Azerbaijan to Never Accept Nagorno-Karabakh’s Independence “Our stance has always been based on pragmatism and I think that the ideas that already exist at the negotiating table show this clearly. As for the red lines, we have stated this clearly and the co-chairs of the Minsk Group know this very well — under no circumstances can the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan be compromised, under no circumstances can Azerbaijan agree to recognise the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh.” Baku Sees Karabakh Conflict as War of Liberation, While Yerevan Views it as Conquest “Any war means cruelty, victims, human suffering, loss of loved ones, but the difference is that this is a war of liberation for Azerbaijan and a war of conquest for Armenia. It is no secret — and it is something that international mediators are aware of — that there are no so-called armed forces of Nagorno-Karabakh. Ninety percent of the troops in the group that Armenia calls by this name are Armenian citizens. The Armenian military summons them and sends them to Azerbaijan’s occupied territories: Agdam, Fizuli, Gebrayil, Kalbajar, Qubadli, Lachin, Zangilan.”
At the same time, Aliyev emphasized that “the Armenian community and the Azerbaijani one can peacefully live and coexist in Nagorno-Karabakh in the future”, and that this was already the case in other areas of Azerbaijan, including the capital Baku, with its thousands-strong Armenian community, as well as in Russia, Georgia, and other countries. “Why can’t we have it here?” Aliyev said.
No Foreign Mercenaries Fighting on Azerbaijan’s Side in Karabakh
Aliyev also reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s official position that no foreign mercenaries are fighting alongside his country’s armed forces, and stated that no one has provided conclusive evidence to substantiate such claims, adding that Azerbaijan does not need any foreign military assistance as “the existing armed formations are fully capable of performing any assigned task.”
“The capabilities of the Azerbaijani Army are not a secret for anyone. We have no need for additional military forces. Azerbaijan has always been consistently fighting international terrorism. We will never allow terrorist organisations to have ‘nests’ on our territory and pose a threat to our people and our neighbours. We will never allow this. No one has presented any proof to support the claims that foreign armed formations are present on Azerbaijani territory and take part in the ongoing clashes. We have no foreign mercenaries, this is our official stance.” LINK
For his part, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that he is convinced Turkey is largely responsible for fomenting the ongoing clashes in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
“It is now obvious that Turkey is the main sponsor of this war… By decision and under the patronage of Turkey, it was decided to start a war, an attack against Nagorno-Karabakh.”
Pashinyan repeated the allegation that Turkey has been responsible for contracting and transporting mercenaries to the conflict zone. In his opinion, such a move was required because Azerbaijan alone could not conquer the disputed areas.
“It is important to understand why. Because it was obvious that the army of Azerbaijan alone is not capable of fighting against the Self-Defence Army of Nagorno-Karabakh. That is why Turkey decided to use terrorists, Turkish troops – they are involved not only in leading military operations but also directly, with the special forces of the Turkish army [on the ground]. According to some reports, special forces of the Pakistani army are also involved in the hostilities. And I think that as far as Turkish fighters’ participation at least is concerned, this has already been proven all over the world, because a lot of international media are already writing about it.”
Pashinyan Believes Turkey Wants to Continue Armenian Genocide
The Armenian prime minister explained Turkey’s interest in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict as part of an effort to continue the Armenian genocide, referring to the series of massacres which took place in the early 20th century, as well as by the practical objective of expansion.
“I’m confident that Turkey … seeks to return to the South Caucasus in order to continue its policy of Armenian genocide. It’s important to know that it’s a practical goal for Turkey. It’s a practical goal, because Armenians of the South Caucasus is the last barrier for Turkey on its path towards the expansion to the north, east and south-east… Turkey wants to redistribute, or, to be precise, to take control over the South Caucasus, so it would serve as a foothold for its further expansion.” Heavy Casualties on Both Sides of the Conflict “The situation is very tense. There are a lot of losses on both sides. The Self-Defence Army of Nagorno-Karabakh is holding the defence, organising the defence, and I can assess the situation as quite difficult… Many experts say that this is a war of unprecedented proportions in the 21st century. Because it involves all kinds of weapons: tanks, drones, aircraft and helicopters, armoured vehicles, artillery, rocket artillery and so on. And a lot of soldiers and troops are involved in these military activities. I mean that very large-scale and fierce battles are going on, and at the moment, the Self-Defence Army of Nagorno-Karabakh is holding the line. And we can practically say that the ‘blitzkrieg’ plans of Turkey and Azerbaijan to take control of Nagorno-Karabakh have so far failed.” Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Expands Into Regional One “The situation is no longer just about the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, but has gone beyond it. This is already a regional full-scale conflict that affects the specific interests of regional countries.”
Armenia’s ‘Red Line’ is Nagorno-Karabakh’s Right to Self-Determination
Speaking about the compromises that Armenia could accept in talks with Azerbaijan on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, Pashinyan says that Yerevan is ready to take the steps that were outlined in the recent joint “Moscow statement” with Baku to restore the negotiating process. But the prime minister also identified a “red-line” that he says Armenia will never cross.
“There is such a line, and this line is the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. And at all times, Armenia was ready for such a compromise. And the most famous initiative is the Kazan initiative, when Armenia was ready for a specific compromise. But Azerbaijan refused to sign these agreements because Azerbaijan did not want and does not want to accept the right to self-determination of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. And the right to self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh is for us a ‘red line’ we cannot step over.” LINK
The armed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh began in 1988, when ethnic Armenians in the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region accused Baku of discrimination and attempted to separate from the Azerbaijani Soviet Socialist Republic and join the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic.
On that occasion Baku managed to prevent the separation and in 1991 formally abolished Karabakh’s autonomous status.
Armed hostilities resumed in 1992, when the two sides waged a brutal, full-scale war for control for two years. The conflict left tens of thousands of troops and civilians dead as well as resulting in the forced displacement of more than 1.1 million Armenians and Azerbaijanis.
As a result of the clashes, most of the Nagorno-Karabakh region broke away from Baku’s control, but Armenia stopped short of recognising its independence.
Over the following decades, Azerbaijan has repeatedly expressed its determination to regain control over the lost territory. Armenia, in turn, has argued that ethnic Armenians would be forcibly displaced from the region if this were to occur.
The ceasefire, which had held without major violations since 1994, was broken on 27 September, with both Baku and Yerevan accusing each other of instigating the latest round of military hostilities.
Providing more essential background information on the evolving situation and the positions of each side, the political leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia (President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan respectively) participated in an extended debate over Nagorno-Karabakh at the start of this year, hosted at the Munich Security Conference.
More recently, just over a week ago, Euronews was also granted separate interviews with both leaders.
Some of the longstanding obstacles, as well as key factors and possible elements that could be involved in moving towards a peaceful settlement, come into focus in the extended debates and interviews.
Specifically, the respective dialogues, debates and arguments suggest that there are several topics that must be addressed directly as part of a comprehensive framework in the agenda for confidence building measures and substantive negotiations:
The first step, without which other discussions are meaningless, is an unconditional ceasefire, preferably with international monitors – including diverse international media representation – in a format agreeable to all parties (Armenia, Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh).
Guaranteeing the right of return for Azeris and others displaced from the disputed regions that are currently under Armenian/ Nagorno-Karabakh control during and in the aftermath of the earlier rounds of armed conflict is also a fundamental factor. (This would require a detailed, impartial and expert investigation of what occurred, with full involvement of the inhabitants of the region working together with impartial investigators and experts.)
The other Azeri regions that have been occupied and over which there is widespread agreement are not part of Nagorno-Karabakh must be returned to Azeri control – a necessary counterpart would probably be a guaranteed secure corridor for passage between Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia.
Nagorno-Karabakh is not recognized as a State by any country except Armenia, and with its limited population and resource-base would not be a viable State. If it were to amalgamate with Armenia, in whole or in part, there would need to be some guarantees for those who have been displaced in the successive rounds of conflict in the past – a right of return, and guarantees of their security and full citizenship and economic rights.
If it were to amalgamate with Azerbaijan, this would raise the same concerns – how to guarantee the political, economic and civil rights of the inhabitants living there, their security and protection against possible individual or collective acts of retribution or vengeance, with the additional question of how to recognize and put into effect institutions to provide for a degree of self-determination and autonomy within the Azerbaijani nation (possibly on a federal-type basis or as a special semi-autonomous region).
The Armenian demand for self-determination raises many intractable problems even as a preliminary concept. Would this include the right of self-determination of other groups forced to leave the region in the past rounds of armed conflict? Whose right to self-determination would take primacy, and what guarantees are there that the rights of the ‘losers’ will nonetheless be respected? Could there be ‘autonomous’ communities within an ‘autonomous’ region?
And what about communities and regions where there is no clear majority ethnic or social grouping – on what basis and principles can they agree to coexist and live together?
Given the intractability of the many issues involved, and the mutual hostility and acts of brutality that have built up over the last 30 years, there is no trust and good will to serve as a basis for confidence-building measures and the re-establishment of peaceful relations.
This suggests the necessity of introducing international monitors and peacekeepers to make sure that no violations of the peace occur, from a selection of countries and multilateral organizations acceptable to both sides, with the capability of detecting and reporting breaches rapidly and responding immediately with appropriate measures to protect communities and individuals in the event of hostilities breaking out.
These appear to be some of the fundamental topics that will have to be addressed. If they cannot be resolved by negotiations, the fate of the inhabitants of the disputed areas will be decided by the military balance on the battlefield, in which both sides will suffer huge losses and one side will face loss of life and forced displacement on a massive scale.
MORE ON THE TOPIC:
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southfront--2020-10-16--Normalization Dividend: More Israeli Settlements In Occupied Territories, Palestinian Homes Demolish

Normalization Dividend: More Israeli Settlements In Occupied Territories, Palestinian Homes Demolished

On Wednesday , Israel approved the construction of another 2,166 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank .
Meanwhile , despite the pandemic , a record number of Palestinian homes and businesses have been demolished in the West Bank and East Jerusalem this year .
And war games with the US continue , the US sending a squadron of F-35s to practice joint military operations with their Israeli counterparts .
Notwithstanding the relatively recent signing of normalization agreements with the UAE and Bahrain , Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is proceeding with his plan to realize a de facto annexation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
During their efforts to convince their subjects of the merits of ‘ normalization ’ of relations with Israel , the agreements were touted by UAE and Bahraini leaders as being based on the premise that new settlements would be halted .
Shortly thereafter , senior US and Israeli officials suggested that there were no binding commitments to that effect .
The two normalization agreements broke with years of Arab League policy on the Israeli occupation , which made its resolution a precondition for establishing official ties with Israel .
Israel reportedly agreed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the negotiations preceding the normalisation deal with the UAE , something Emirati officials reiterated following widespread Arab and Muslim criticism of the deal .
However , Netanyahu later said the agreement did not nullify the provisions of the Trump administration ’ s controversial “ deal of the century ” plan .
“ According to the American plan , Israel will win 30 percent of Judea and Samaria ( the occupied West Bank ) – ten times what it was in other plans – without displacing any settlement and territories , which are necessary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the American plan .
It has not changed , ” Netanyahu told newspaper Israel HaYom in August .
It is now also clear that the Israeli leadership has no intention of ending the further expansion of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories .
More than 450,000 Israelis currently live in the illegal settlements that have been constructed in the occupied West Bank , which is inhabited by 2.7 million Palestinians .
According to official documents reviewed by AFP , 2,166 new homes in settlements across the West Bank were approved on Wednesday , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ expansion approvals .
The latest plans , which anticipate the construction of more than 4,000 new homes in occupied Palestinian territories , are currently on the agenda of the planning committee of Israel ’ s Civil Administration , the military body which oversees civil affairs in the occupied West Bank .
Peace Now , an Israeli NGO , denounced the settlement approval .
“ Netanyahu is moving ahead at full steam toward solidifying the de facto annexation of the West Bank , ” the organization said in a statement .
Among settlements where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Gilo , located in the southern West Bank between Jerusalem and Bethlehem .
It currently has a population of about 1,600 , and the construction of 560 new homes was approved on Wednesday .
Peace Now said that several ‘ wildcat ’ settlements , built without official Israeli government authorisation , are also being approved retroactively .
Peace Now also noted that the plans were approved by Benny Gantz , leader of the centrist Blue and White party who serves as defence minister in the coalition government with Likud .
The organization added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ participation in the scheme , “ Israel will be signalling to the world its bipartisan support for the end to the concept of a two-state solution and a Palestinian state.
” LINK Settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law , a status that was confirmed categorically by UN Security Council Resolution 2334 adopted in 2016 .
The resolution reiterates that the construction of settlements by Israel in all occupied Palestinian territories constitutes a ‘ flagrant violation ’ of international law and has no legal validity .
The resolution also demanded @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with its obligations as an occupying power in accordance with the terms of the Fourth Geneva Convention .
The accelerated construction of Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land is accompanied by an equally or perhaps even more devastating development for the Palestinians , the demolition of existing Palestinian homes , businesses and farms .
In late August , a detailed examination by the found that , notwithstanding the eight-month freeze on the approval of new settlements and the coronavirus pandemic , Israel has demolished a record number of Palestinian homes and businesses in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year .
Despite pandemic , East Jerusalem on track for record number of home demolitions As the health situation in city ’ s east grows worse , the municipality has resumed tearing down homes , leaving some out on the streets during economic crisis caused by virus .
It was in early August , as a new wave of coronavirus infections swept Jerusalem , that Silwan resident Wael Tahan finally got the letter he had always feared : his family ’ s home of nearly 30 years was set to be demolished by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ had been built illegally .
“ We tried everything we could to make it legal .
We did everything the municipality said , brought an engineer , worked with lawyers , we went to the courts , ” Tahan told The Times of Israel .
On August 8 , the bulldozers arrived and carried out their orders , rendering 25 members of Tahan ’ s extended family suddenly homeless… Israeli authorities have significantly accelerated the number of home demolitions in East Jerusalem this year , despite the coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying economic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been demolished since the beginning of 2020 , compared with 109 through all of last year .
In the first three weeks of August alone , 24 homes were demolished , according to Ir Amim , a nonprofit that focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Jerusalem .
LINK Meanwhile , in the skies , the US and Israeli air forces have conducted training exercises involving both countries ’ F-35 fighter jets earlier this week .
As part of the third joint training exercise for the two nations ’ advanced ‘ fifth-generation ’ aircraft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – pilots trained on conducting airstrikes in a hostile environment , with simulated adversaries in the air and on the ground .
The US Air Forces Central Command revealed some details of the exercises in a statement on Wednesday .
They involved F-35As from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing ’ s 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron – located at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates – and Israel ’ s F-35I fighter from their 116th Squadron .
The 340th Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Al Dhafra also provided aerial refuelling support with a KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker .
Israel ’ s 122nd Squadron provided air traffic control support with its Nachshon aircraft , and its 115th Squadron provided F-16I fighters to serve as simulated adversary forces .
LINK MORE ON THE TOPIC : • Hezbollah invites journalists to Netanyahus alleged missile factory no evidence of weapons found

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On Wednesday, Israel approved the construction of another 2,166 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank. Meanwhile, despite the pandemic, a record number of Palestinian homes and businesses have been demolished in the West Bank and East Jerusalem this year. And war games with the US continue, the US sending a squadron of F-35s to practice joint military operations with their Israeli counterparts.
Notwithstanding the relatively recent signing of normalization agreements with the UAE and Bahrain, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is proceeding with his plan to realize a de facto annexation of additional portions of the West Bank.
During their efforts to convince their subjects of the merits of ‘normalization’ of relations with Israel, the agreements were touted by UAE and Bahraini leaders as being based on the premise that new settlements would be halted.
Shortly thereafter, senior US and Israeli officials suggested that there were no binding commitments to that effect.
The two normalization agreements broke with years of Arab League policy on the Israeli occupation, which made its resolution a precondition for establishing official ties with Israel.
Israel reportedly agreed to delay its settlement expansion plans during the negotiations preceding the normalisation deal with the UAE, something Emirati officials reiterated following widespread Arab and Muslim criticism of the deal.
However, Netanyahu later said the agreement did not nullify the provisions of the Trump administration’s controversial “deal of the century” plan. “According to the American plan, Israel will win 30 percent of Judea and Samaria (the occupied West Bank) – ten times what it was in other plans – without displacing any settlement and territories, which are necessary for Israel’s security. This is the American plan. It has not changed,” Netanyahu told newspaper Israel HaYom in August.
It is now also clear that the Israeli leadership has no intention of ending the further expansion of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories.
More than 450,000 Israelis currently live in the illegal settlements that have been constructed in the occupied West Bank, which is inhabited by 2.7 million Palestinians.
According to official documents reviewed by AFP, 2,166 new homes in settlements across the West Bank were approved on Wednesday, after an eight-month suspension of additional settlement expansion approvals.
The latest plans, which anticipate the construction of more than 4,000 new homes in occupied Palestinian territories, are currently on the agenda of the planning committee of Israel’s Civil Administration, the military body which oversees civil affairs in the occupied West Bank.
Peace Now, an Israeli NGO, denounced the settlement approval. “Netanyahu is moving ahead at full steam toward solidifying the de facto annexation of the West Bank,” the organization said in a statement.
Among settlements where additional construction has been approved is Har Gilo, located in the southern West Bank between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
It currently has a population of about 1,600, and the construction of 560 new homes was approved on Wednesday.
Peace Now said that several ‘wildcat’ settlements, built without official Israeli government authorisation, are also being approved retroactively. Peace Now also noted that the plans were approved by Benny Gantz, leader of the centrist Blue and White party who serves as defence minister in the coalition government with Likud. The organization added that, with Gantz’s active participation in the scheme, “Israel will be signalling to the world its bipartisan support for the end to the concept of a two-state solution and a Palestinian state.” LINK
Settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, a status that was confirmed categorically by UN Security Council Resolution 2334 adopted in 2016.
The resolution reiterates that the construction of settlements by Israel in all occupied Palestinian territories constitutes a ‘flagrant violation’ of international law and has no legal validity. The resolution also demanded that Israel halt such activity and comply with its obligations as an occupying power in accordance with the terms of the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The accelerated construction of Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land is accompanied by an equally or perhaps even more devastating development for the Palestinians, the demolition of existing Palestinian homes, businesses and farms.
In late August, a detailed examination by the Times of Israel found that, notwithstanding the eight-month freeze on the approval of new settlements and the coronavirus pandemic, Israel has demolished a record number of Palestinian homes and businesses in the West Bank and East Jerusalem this year.
Despite pandemic, East Jerusalem on track for record number of home demolitions As the health situation in city’s east grows worse, the municipality has resumed tearing down homes, leaving some out on the streets during economic crisis caused by virus. It was in early August, as a new wave of coronavirus infections swept Jerusalem, that Silwan resident Wael Tahan finally got the letter he had always feared: his family’s home of nearly 30 years was set to be demolished by Israeli authorities, who said that it had been built illegally. “We tried everything we could to make it legal. We did everything the municipality said, brought an engineer, worked with lawyers, we went to the courts,” Tahan told The Times of Israel. On August 8, the bulldozers arrived and carried out their orders, rendering 25 members of Tahan’s extended family suddenly homeless… Israeli authorities have significantly accelerated the number of home demolitions in East Jerusalem this year, despite the coronavirus pandemic and the accompanying economic crisis. Around 89 residential units have been demolished since the beginning of 2020, compared with 109 through all of last year. In the first three weeks of August alone, 24 homes were demolished, according to Ir Amim, a nonprofit that focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in Jerusalem. LINK
Meanwhile, in the skies, the US and Israeli air forces have conducted training exercises involving both countries’ F-35 fighter jets earlier this week.
As part of the third joint training exercise for the two nations’ advanced ‘fifth-generation’ aircraft – dubbed ‘Enduring Lightning III’ – pilots trained on conducting airstrikes in a hostile environment, with simulated adversaries in the air and on the ground.
The US Air Forces Central Command revealed some details of the exercises in a statement on Wednesday.
They involved F-35As from the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing’s 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron – located at Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates – and Israel’s F-35I fighter from their 116th Squadron.
The 340th Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar and the 908th Expeditionary Air Refuelling Squadron at Al Dhafra also provided aerial refuelling support with a KC-10 Extender and KC-135 Stratotanker.
Israel’s 122nd Squadron provided air traffic control support with its Nachshon aircraft, and its 115th Squadron provided F-16I fighters to serve as simulated adversary forces. LINK
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southfront--2020-10-16--Senior Horas Al-Din Leader Allegedly Killed In Drone Strike On Syria’s Greater Idlib (Videos, Photos

Senior Horas Al-Din Leader Allegedly Killed In Drone Strike On Syria’s Greater Idlib (Videos, Photos)

On October 15 , a new drone strike hit the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib , which is controlled by a number of jihadi groups .
The strike targeted a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV that was passing near the town of Arab Said in Idlib ’ s western countryside .
Two adults and a child , who were aboard the SUV , burned to death as a result of the pinpoint strike .
Several people who happened to be near the targeted vehicle were also injured .
Arab Said is known to be a stronghold of al-Qaeda-affiliated Horas al-Din @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Greater Idlib .
The group ’ s ranks are filled with al-Qaeda veterans .
Opposition sources claimed the drone strike had claimed the life of “ Abu Zur al-Masri , ” a high-ranking Egyptian leader of Horas al-Din .
Al-Masri is a hardliner and a foe of Hay ’ at Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohamad al-Julani .
Beside commanding military operations , he is a member of Horas al-Din ’ s Shura Council .
In July of 2019 , jihadi sources reported that al-Masri was among several commanders of Horas al-Din who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Sharia [ Islamic ] court in the western Aleppo countryside .
These reports were apparently false .
The U.S. is known to be behind the recent drone strikes on Greater Idlib which claimed the lives of prominent terrorists .
Many of the targets were commanders of Horas al-Din .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • SDF Arrested 25 ISIS Terrorists In Three Separate Operations In Northeastern Syria ( Photos )

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On October 15, a new drone strike hit the northwestern Syrian region of Greater Idlib, which is controlled by a number of jihadi groups.
The strike targeted a Hyundai Santa Fe SUV that was passing near the town of Arab Said in Idlib’s western countryside. Two adults and a child, who were aboard the SUV, burned to death as a result of the pinpoint strike. Several people who happened to be near the targeted vehicle were also injured.
Arab Said is known to be a stronghold of al-Qaeda-affiliated Horas al-Din, one of the biggest jihadi factions in Greater Idlib. The group’s ranks are filled with al-Qaeda veterans.
Opposition sources claimed the drone strike had claimed the life of “Abu Zur al-Masri,” a high-ranking Egyptian leader of Horas al-Din.
Al-Masri is a hardliner and a foe of Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham leader Abu Mohamad al-Julani. Beside commanding military operations, he is a member of Horas al-Din’s Shura Council.
In July of 2019, jihadi sources reported that al-Masri was among several commanders of Horas al-Din who were killed in a U.S.-led coalition strike on Sharia [Islamic] court in the western Aleppo countryside. These reports were apparently false.
The U.S. is known to be behind the recent drone strikes on Greater Idlib which claimed the lives of prominent terrorists. Many of the targets were commanders of Horas al-Din.
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southfront--2020-10-16--‘Freedom Of Speech’: Teacher Decapitated In Paris Suburb After Displaying Mohammed Cartoons

On October 16 , a teacher was beheaded by an alleged radical islamist in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine , a suburb north-west of the French capital Paris , with the attacker shot dead by police after a brief standoff .
The victim was a teacher who is said to have shown caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad to his students as an example of free speech in France .
The incident took place at about 17:00 local time ( 15:00 GMT ) near a school .
According to media reports , a man wielding a large knife attacked the teacher in a street , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they heard the attacker shout “ Allah Akbar ” .
Then , the attacker ran off , but local police deployed at the scene in the nearby area of Éragny .
The attacker was shot dead after a brief standoff with Police .
The attacker was allegedly carrying a gun ( reportedly an airsoft one ) and was thought to be wearing a bomb vest .
Prosecutors said they were treating the incident as “ a murder linked to a terrorist organization ” and related to a “ criminal association with terrorists.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say that the attacker “ is believed to be from a Chechen background.
” In other words , he reportedly was a Chechen descent .
MSM reports point out that thousands of Chechen ‘ refugees ’ entered France in the early 2000s following the Second Chechen War in Russia .
What MSM reports do not mention is that most of them were members of illegal armed groups ( often indoctrinated by radical Islamist ideology ) or persons affiliated with such groups .
Multiple similar ‘ refugees ’ are hiding from the justice not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countries of Europe .
The Western propaganda and diplomats like to describe them as ‘ freedom fighters ’ and ‘ supporters of Chechen democracy ’ .
In fact , these are radicals often involved in spreading radical Islamist ideology in Europe , participating in the organized crime and other illegal activities .
A notable part of these ‘ refugees ’ joined ISIS , when the terrorist group ’ s self-proclaimed Caliphate was on the rise , and then was eliminated in Syria by Russia and its allies .
MORE ON THE TOPIC : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : French Police Arrest Nobody As Chechen And Arab Gangs Clash In Dijon • Clashes Between Chechen And Arab Gangs In France , Speeding Car Flipped Over

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On October 16, a teacher was beheaded by an alleged radical islamist in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, a suburb north-west of the French capital Paris, with the attacker shot dead by police after a brief standoff.
The victim was a teacher who is said to have shown caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad to his students as an example of free speech in France.
A source told Le Parisien: “The victim had recently given a lesson to his students on freedom of expression and had shown the caricatures of Muhammad.”
The incident took place at about 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) near a school.
According to media reports, a man wielding a large knife attacked the teacher in a street, cutting off his head. Witnesses say they heard the attacker shout “Allah Akbar”.
Then, the attacker ran off, but local police deployed at the scene in the nearby area of Éragny. The attacker was shot dead after a brief standoff with Police. The attacker was allegedly carrying a gun (reportedly an airsoft one) and was thought to be wearing a bomb vest.
Prosecutors said they were treating the incident as “a murder linked to a terrorist organization” and related to a “criminal association with terrorists.”
Local media citing sources in the investigation say that the attacker “is believed to be from a Chechen background.” In other words, he reportedly was a Chechen descent.
MSM reports point out that thousands of Chechen ‘refugees’ entered France in the early 2000s following the Second Chechen War in Russia. What MSM reports do not mention is that most of them were members of illegal armed groups (often indoctrinated by radical Islamist ideology) or persons affiliated with such groups. Multiple similar ‘refugees’ are hiding from the justice not only in France and in many other countries of Europe. The Western propaganda and diplomats like to describe them as ‘freedom fighters’ and ‘supporters of Chechen democracy’. In fact, these are radicals often involved in spreading radical Islamist ideology in Europe, participating in the organized crime and other illegal activities. A notable part of these ‘refugees’ joined ISIS, when the terrorist group’s self-proclaimed Caliphate was on the rise, and then was eliminated in Syria by Russia and its allies.
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southfront--2020-10-16--Armenian PM Calls On Europe To Recognize Artsakh While Refusing To Do So!

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has voiced his support to numerous protestants calling on European countries to recognize the independence of Artsakh Republic .
The protests , which were organized by the Armenian diaspora in Europe on October 16 , blocked a number of highways in France , Spain , Belgium , Netherlands , Denmark , Germany , Switzerland and other countries to call for the international recognition of Artsakh .
The breakaway state , which governs the Nagorno-Karabakh region , has been under a large attack by Azerbaijani forces since the 27th of September .
The pro-Armenian movement has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but not a significant one yet .
On September 16 , the city Council of Milan recognized the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic .
The same day , the Flemish Parliament of Belgium unanimously adopted a resolution emphasizing the violations of the International Humanitarian Law against the population of Artsakh .
On September 14 , a resolution calling for recognition of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh has been submitted to the French National Assembly for consideration .
While Pashinyan is supporting the Armenian people call for an international recognition of Artsakh , he and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so since assuming office in May of 2018 .
The Azerbaijani attack on Nagorno-Karabakh didn ’ t change Pashinyan ’ s position .
In a recent speech the Armenian leader stressed , once again , that his country will remain committed to a peaceful settlement .
A solution that doesn ’ t appear to be accepted by Azerbaijan .
Russia made immense effort to launch direct Armenian-Azerbaijani talks on Nagorno-Karabakh last week .
Meanwhile , Pashinyan ’ s friends in the West are yet to make any significant step to support Armenia or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dubious stand on Nagorno-Karabakh and his over-trust in the West play in favor of Azerbaijan , whose leadership appears to be more resolute in its policy .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Azerbaijani Successes In Karbakh Conflict Come Together With War Crimes • Three More Villages In Nagorno-Karabakh Fell Under Azerbaijani Control

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Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has voiced his support to numerous protestants calling on European countries to recognize the independence of Artsakh Republic.
The protests, which were organized by the Armenian diaspora in Europe on October 16, blocked a number of highways in France, Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and other countries to call for the international recognition of Artsakh.
The breakaway state, which governs the Nagorno-Karabakh region, has been under a large attack by Azerbaijani forces since the 27th of September.
In 2018, the #Armenian people stood up for their democratic rights. Today, Armenians all over the world are standing together as one for the right of the people of #Artsakh to self-determination. In unity there is strength. — Nikol Pashinyan (@NikolPashinyan) October 16, 2020
The pro-Armenian movement has already had a feedback in Europe, but not a significant one yet. On September 16, the city Council of Milan recognized the independence of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
“The recognition can lead not only to the restoration of justice, but also to the end of silence which has long becoming an accomplice to crime”, the City Council said.
The same day, the Flemish Parliament of Belgium unanimously adopted a resolution emphasizing the violations of the International Humanitarian Law against the population of Artsakh.
On September 14, a resolution calling for recognition of the independence of Nagorno-Karabakh has been submitted to the French National Assembly for consideration.
While Pashinyan is supporting the Armenian people call for an international recognition of Artsakh, he and his pro-Western government have declined to do so since assuming office in May of 2018.
The Azerbaijani attack on Nagorno-Karabakh didn’t change Pashinyan’s position. In a recent speech the Armenian leader stressed, once again, that his country will remain committed to a peaceful settlement. A solution that doesn’t appear to be accepted by Azerbaijan.
Russia made immense effort to launch direct Armenian-Azerbaijani talks on Nagorno-Karabakh last week. Meanwhile, Pashinyan’s friends in the West are yet to make any significant step to support Armenia or to pressure Azerbaijan.
Pashinyan’s dubious stand on Nagorno-Karabakh and his over-trust in the West play in favor of Azerbaijan, whose leadership appears to be more resolute in its policy.
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southfront--2020-10-16--ISIS Terrorists Foiled Nigerian Forces Attack, Killed 30 Soldiers (Photos)

ISIS claims that its terrorists had repelled a large-scale attack by the Nigerian Armed Forces on their hangouts in the northeastern state of Borno .
The attack , which took place on October 15 , targeted hideouts in the village of Duska , near the town of Brati .
The terrorists repelled the attack following heavy clashes .
According to the Amaq news agency , government troops were forced to retreat .
ISIS claimed that at least 30 Nigerian soldiers were killed and many others were injured during the clashes .
The terrorists also captured five pick-up trucks , two @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The terrorists , who maintain a fairly large presence in the area numbering Lake Chad , intensified their attacks on civilian settlements recently .
On October 12 , ISIS terrorists slaughtered 14 civilians who were working in their farmlands near the town of Ngwom .
On October 15 , a similar attack targeted the town of Kuji .
At least six locals were killed .
Amaq shared photos of the attack .
On October 16 , ISIS terrorists targeted a military vehicle of government forces near the town of Dambu , killing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Nigerian government forces are failing to counter the growing threat of ISIS in Borno .
The loose border near Lake Chad is enabling the terrorists .
MORE ON THIS TOPIC : • Ten Nigerian Soldiers Killed By Terrorists In New Borno Ambush

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ISIS claims that its terrorists had repelled a large-scale attack by the Nigerian Armed Forces on their hangouts in the northeastern state of Borno.
The attack, which took place on October 15, targeted hideouts in the village of Duska, near the town of Brati. The terrorists repelled the attack following heavy clashes. According to the Amaq news agency, government troops were forced to retreat.
ISIS claimed that at least 30 Nigerian soldiers were killed and many others were injured during the clashes. The terrorists also captured five pick-up trucks, two armored personnel carriers and loads of weapons.
The terrorists, who maintain a fairly large presence in the area numbering Lake Chad, intensified their attacks on civilian settlements recently.
On October 12, ISIS terrorists slaughtered 14 civilians who were working in their farmlands near the town of Ngwom. On October 15, a similar attack targeted the town of Kuji. At least six locals were killed. Amaq shared photos of the attack.
On October 16, ISIS terrorists targeted a military vehicle of government forces near the town of Dambu, killing and injuring a number of soldiers.
Nigerian government forces are failing to counter the growing threat of ISIS in Borno. The loose border near Lake Chad is enabling the terrorists.
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