Armenia and the information war

[ninetoyadome]

Re: Armenia and the information war

Russian media: Azerbaijan offers $5bn for Karabakh
Tue 12 August 2014 13:29 GMT | 6:29 Local Time
Text size: bigger smaller
132165
But Armenians demand $10bn.
“Is Armenia ready to yield Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan in exchange to financial means? Yerevan responded negatively just yesterday. But everything changes. And it is already known that on par with negotiations between the presidents of the two countries in Sochi, their representatives hold hidden negotiations in Geneva discussing the price of the issue”, Russian Politrus reports with reference to informed sources close to Azerbaijan.
Important note: after familiarizing with the text of the message, we had a feeling that this information has likely leaked from the circles close to official Yerevan.
According to the publication, in exchange to liberation of the occupied regions and Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan is ready to pay $5bn to Armenia which would suffice to repay its external debt:
“This is planned to do not directly between the central banks of the two countries but with the mediation of a number of influential international financial structures, for example the IMF, with service fees to be assumed by Baku. In response, Yerevan assumes the commitment to withdraw all the militarized units from the territory of Nagorno Karabakh until 2015, handing the control over them to the peacekeeping forces of OSCE or CSTO which will stay in the region until 2019.
The publication claims that within that period Azerbaijan will form local executive power in Nagorno Karabakh on the parity basis, as well as introduce changes to the Constitution, fixing the status of the second regional language for Armenian and ensuring the education in Armenian language at all the educational facilities of the region:
Baku shows unwillingness to agree on the legalization of dual citizenship for the residents of Nagorno Karabakh since President Aliyev has recently signed a decree on amendments to the law ‘On citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan” which demand to deprive the persons who take the citizenship of another country of citizenship”.
Referring to informed sources, the publication also reads that Armenia also has ‘special desires’. For example the free visits of its citizens to Nagorno Karabakh for up to 180 days within a calendar year.
However, according to Russian journalists, Yerevan does not agree with the amount of the compensation:

According to PolitRUS.com, the emissaries of Serzh Sargsyan state the readiness to dialogue with the compensation amount starting from $1bn which they agree to receive for three years. That is more than $3bn-this is almost the whole revenue part of the state budget of Armenia”.
News.Az

[Artashes]

Re: Armenia and the information war

Russian media: Azerbaijan offers $5bn for Karabakh
Tue 12 August 2014 13:29 GMT | 6:29 Local Time
Text size: bigger smaller
132165
But Armenians demand $10bn.
“Is Armenia ready to yield Nagorno Karabakh to Azerbaijan in exchange to financial means? Yerevan responded negatively just yesterday. But everything changes. And it is already known that on par with negotiations between the presidents of the two countries in Sochi, their representatives hold hidden negotiations in Geneva discussing the price of the issue”, Russian Politrus reports with reference to informed sources close to Azerbaijan.
Important note: after familiarizing with the text of the message, we had a feeling that this information has likely leaked from the circles close to official Yerevan.
According to the publication, in exchange to liberation of the occupied regions and Nagorno Karabakh, Azerbaijan is ready to pay $5bn to Armenia which would suffice to repay its external debt:
“This is planned to do not directly between the central banks of the two countries but with the mediation of a number of influential international financial structures, for example the IMF, with service fees to be assumed by Baku. In response, Yerevan assumes the commitment to withdraw all the militarized units from the territory of Nagorno Karabakh until 2015, handing the control over them to the peacekeeping forces of OSCE or CSTO which will stay in the region until 2019.
The publication claims that within that period Azerbaijan will form local executive power in Nagorno Karabakh on the parity basis, as well as introduce changes to the Constitution, fixing the status of the second regional language for Armenian and ensuring the education in Armenian language at all the educational facilities of the region:
Baku shows unwillingness to agree on the legalization of dual citizenship for the residents of Nagorno Karabakh since President Aliyev has recently signed a decree on amendments to the law ‘On citizenship of the Republic of Azerbaijan” which demand to deprive the persons who take the citizenship of another country of citizenship”.
Referring to informed sources, the publication also reads that Armenia also has ‘special desires’. For example the free visits of its citizens to Nagorno Karabakh for up to 180 days within a calendar year.
However, according to Russian journalists, Yerevan does not agree with the amount of the compensation:

According to PolitRUS.com, the emissaries of Serzh Sargsyan state the readiness to dialogue with the compensation amount starting from $1bn which they agree to receive for three years. That is more than $3bn-this is almost the whole revenue part of the state budget of Armenia”.
News.Az

Hahahaha ah hahahaha

[Chubs]

Re: Armenia and the information war

If war were to begin, and Azeri PR departments step up their game...then I guarantee the internet would absolutely destroy them. Especially huge forums like Reddit and independent news sources like VICE (who have a pro western vibe to them).
Aliyev is a blatant dictator..No doubt about it..
Look at what the internet has done with Putin...Go on reddit, who wont find a smaller Pro-Russia community...And Putin isnt even a full out dictator. Putin's government doesnt target any ethnic groups. (Openly at least)
Aliyevs little twitter rant would explode in popularity as thousands of users flock to his page just to laugh at his stupid BS...(Thats why I dont want those posts removed...They just make him look like a racist idiot who controls and brainwashes his people...)

And the Diaspora would definitely help to. The only weapon truly effective against propaganda is the truth. We have this in our side of the court.

[Eddo211]

Re: Armenia and the information war

ninetoyadome come on now you know that articles belongs in the joke section of this forum what were you thinking

[ninetoyadome]

Re: Armenia and the information war

ninetoyadome come on now you know that articles belongs in the joke section of this forum what were you thinking

I accidentally posted the response in the war thread.

"PolitRUS.com" as a conductor Azerbaijani disinformation

timthumbVolgograd Think Tank Network " PolitRUS.com "published an interesting, provocative, the aim of which is visible to the naked eye. In the two-plus years of existence of this organization, she managed several times to provoke scandals, but note, which will be discussed, in my opinion, has become a classic example of professional and human dishonesty.
The essence of the notes can be sent in a nutshell: " In Geneva, Switzerland representatives of the Presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan are secret bargaining for ... Artsakh. Ilham Aliyev offers $ 5 billion, but the representatives of Serzh Sargsyan require 10 billion dollars . " It is reported that this information, as well as the mechanism of "sale of Artsakh" " PolitRUS.com "received" from an informed source close to the ambience of Ilham Aliyev . "
Recently easily believe, for provocative rumors aimed at causing a split in the Armenian society nowhere more to come, but to "the inner circle of President Ilham Aliyev." Let's try to believe that " PolitRUS.com "really is the source of the inner circle of President Ilham Aliyev. But even in this case the question: Why Think Tank Network " PolitRUS.com "publishes this" sensation "as something significant? - remains unanswered.

Say that " PolitRUS.com "do not realize the provocative (I try to put it mildly) published an anonymous note means to question the professional competence of members of the expert-analytical network, which, by the way, we have reason to. But professional competence (or incompetence) of the organization that interests me in the least - you never know in the world, there is profane or even dealers from politics - especially since it has no direct connection with human nature.

Therefore, it seems to me, is worth a try to find out who is behind this provocation?

If we consider that the expert-analytical network " PolitRUS.com "is registered and operates in Volgograd, then I suppose that this provocation was not without hints or direct involvement of the ex-governor of the Volgograd Region Sergei xxxhenova exempted from the post in the spring of this year, the official wording" on their own. " In the region itself argue that young (resignation caught him this week 49 th anniversary) governor dismissed for failure to comply with anti-corruption laws of Russia.

xxxhenov enters the circle close to Ilham Aliyev people, and this friendship mated if not blood, the large and constant offerings. I recall that when he was mayor of Astrakhan xxxhenova, Azerbaijan built in this city monument to Heydar Aliyev park named after Heydar Aliyev, the school named after Heydar Aliyev erected immediately after the expulsion of Russia from Gabala radar (Kutkashen) bridge of friendship between Azerbaijan and Russia, and ... a monument to the Grand Duke Vladimir. Can you imagine a monument to Prince Vladimir made in Azerbaijan? xxxhenov could.






After moving to the chair of the governor of the Volgograd region, xxxhenov pulled a Ilham Aliyev with his maniacal idea to stick wherever possible, the monuments to his father. And now in the city - Hero built park "Baku", which is to be erected a monument to Heydar Aliyev. Especially pay attention to: The park is divided into areas, part of the complex of Mamaev Kurgan, and now on the site of the imperishable glory of the Soviet soldier monument will be installed deserter WWII Heydar Aliyev. Can you think of a more sophisticated mockery of the memory of mankind, and more effective undermining of patriotic education in Russia? And how to understand the deafening silence of the same expert analysis network " PolitRUS.com ", loving to hide his true colors in the guise of a patriot?






xxxhenov still in Astrakhan with giblets has sold to Azerbaijan, has ensured that the population of Volgograd organize mass protests against the construction of a monument to the deserter on Mamaev Hill. Meanwhile, a similar behavior Sergei xxxhenova not surprise. That's what after the appointment S.xxxhenova Volgograd Region Governor wrote to the chairman of the public movement "For Volgograd" Dmitry Krylov, " I do not understand how he got to us in the region. I have a letter of law enforcement, which was directed Ustinov xxxhenova before the appointment. It pointed out that the criminal case was initiated on the fact of cashing $ 25 million. For militants in Dagestan. It was concluded that, since he took over Astrakhan, the situation in difficult: Russian population began to leave his home to burn, and in their place began to be erected shopping malls. I'm not saying that it was at his request. But as luck would have burned the land under the buildings passed the mayor's wife Olga xxxhenova for commercial construction . " I should add that, according to media reports, in these fires killed dozens of people.

On the basis of this fact, the question of the amount for which you can buy the favor of Olga xxxhenova not look any vulgar or obscene. Although perhaps Sergei xxxhenov be more accommodating and talks about it worth having with him.

Reservation, I have no evidence to support the participation in this xxxhenova provocation. Just in this situation, he looks the most convenient figure. However, in this story, there is another side. This - the consent of the expert-analytical network " PolitRUS.com "to act as a distributor provocative" news ", invented in the bowels of the Azerbaijani state propaganda. However, it was also expected. Just recently, the phrase, coming from the pen of the chief editor of " PolitRUS.com "Vitaly Arkova:" While at the head of Azerbaijan's worth is known for his wisdom, Ilham Aliyev, and helps him in international politics experienced Mehdiyev, I hope, the Kremlin can hope for reciprocity " . This eulogy was published on August 1, a few hours after the ill-will "known for his wisdom, Ilham Aliyev," sent to their deaths in the Republic of Artsakh hundreds of armed askers.

Easiest would be to ignore the note, and its author (s) and those who circulated. However, it would be wrong, for such hostile and provocative stuffing aimed at splitting the Armenian people, be sure to continue. Azerbaijan has enough easy money, but in the world - the sales people willing to put up for sale not only their own integrity, but also the nearest female relatives. I am convinced that today in Azerbaijan, and possibly the Russian, European and even the Armenian press articles, which will be "analyzed" published on the website " PolitRUS.com "" information. " For this reason, it is necessary to provocateurs strike hands, or rather expensive, submitting them to a lawsuit for libel, defamation and incitement to racial hatred. Sales people are just such a language and understand.

Levon Melik-Shahnazaryan

https://voskanapat.wordpress.com/2014/08/13/politrus-com-%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BA-%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%BA-%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B4%D0%B6%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B9/

[ninetoyadome]

Re: Armenia and the information war

lham Aliyev demands from Sargsyan to recognize hero Mubariz Ibrahimov

"War has its own rules."
Head of the Public Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov has made a sensational statement. The representative of Aliyev’s administration accused the Armenian side, in particular, President Serzh Sargsyan, of dishonesty in the statements and actions unworthy of the head of state.

According to Oxu.Az citing haqqin.az, he said that Armenia released some details of the negotiations between the presidents, which have been and should have been left behind the closed doors.
Moreover, according to Hasanov, the Armenian President misread some remarks of President Ilham Aliyev, distorting their meaning, that does not honor the head of state. In this regard, the Azerbaijani side has the responsibility to bring the details of the negotiations in Sochi to the public.
According to Hasanov, at a closed meeting with participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev demanded from Sargsyan to return Azerbaijani hostages captured in Kelbajar.
"Ilham Aliyev said, unfortunately, the Armenian side has launched a great show around the peaceful Azerbaijani citizens, presenting them as subversives, who crossed to the occupied territory. Though the matter was about peaceful citizens who constantly visited their parents’ graves in their native land. There are testimonies of their relatives. Moreover, one of them is a citizen of Russia. Aliyev submitted an appeal of captive Kalbajar resident’s family to Putin right at the meeting”, said Hasanov.
Ilham Aliyev demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.
In addition, at the trilateral meeting the President of Azerbaijan demanded the return of the body of civilians and soldiers killed by Armenian armed forces on the front line. Ilham Aliyev even appealed to Sargsyan with the following words:
"The atrocities that Armenian soldiers are doing in relation to the hostages and the bodies of dead soldiers were not recorded even during Hitler's reign. Such a disrespect for the dead ashes are inhumane. "
Serzh Sargsyan was unable to find a serious argument in a discussion with the President of Azerbaijan and reminded about the campaign, led by Azerbaijan for the return of the body of Ibrahimov who heroically passed the mined territory and was killed in an unequal battle with the Armenians.
Sargsyan accused Azerbaijan of turning Ibrahimov into a hero and an example for intimidating Armenians.
"War is a war. Mubariz Ibrahimov alone destroyed a trench with Armenian soldiers and killed more than 10 occupants. Mubariz Ibrahimov died in an unequal fight with the enemy. He showed an example of true heroism and was rightly awarded the title of National Hero," said Aliyev, demanding from Sargsyan to treat heroes as they deserve it.
According to Ali Hasanov, Sargsyan tries to conceal the losses that the Armenian army suffered as a result of sabotage. However, both internal and external sources indicate that the Armenian army lost more than 50 people.
News.Az

[Chubs]

Re: Armenia and the information war

lham Aliyev demands from Sargsyan to recognize hero Mubariz Ibrahimov

"War has its own rules."
Head of the Public Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov has made a sensational statement. The representative of Aliyev’s administration accused the Armenian side, in particular, President Serzh Sargsyan, of dishonesty in the statements and actions unworthy of the head of state.

According to Oxu.Az citing haqqin.az, he said that Armenia released some details of the negotiations between the presidents, which have been and should have been left behind the closed doors.
Moreover, according to Hasanov, the Armenian President misread some remarks of President Ilham Aliyev, distorting their meaning, that does not honor the head of state. In this regard, the Azerbaijani side has the responsibility to bring the details of the negotiations in Sochi to the public.
According to Hasanov, at a closed meeting with participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev demanded from Sargsyan to return Azerbaijani hostages captured in Kelbajar.
"Ilham Aliyev said, unfortunately, the Armenian side has launched a great show around the peaceful Azerbaijani citizens, presenting them as subversives, who crossed to the occupied territory. Though the matter was about peaceful citizens who constantly visited their parents’ graves in their native land. There are testimonies of their relatives. Moreover, one of them is a citizen of Russia. Aliyev submitted an appeal of captive Kalbajar resident’s family to Putin right at the meeting”, said Hasanov.
Ilham Aliyev demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.
In addition, at the trilateral meeting the President of Azerbaijan demanded the return of the body of civilians and soldiers killed by Armenian armed forces on the front line. Ilham Aliyev even appealed to Sargsyan with the following words:
"The atrocities that Armenian soldiers are doing in relation to the hostages and the bodies of dead soldiers were not recorded even during Hitler's reign. Such a disrespect for the dead ashes are inhumane. "
Serzh Sargsyan was unable to find a serious argument in a discussion with the President of Azerbaijan and reminded about the campaign, led by Azerbaijan for the return of the body of Ibrahimov who heroically passed the mined territory and was killed in an unequal battle with the Armenians.
Sargsyan accused Azerbaijan of turning Ibrahimov into a hero and an example for intimidating Armenians.
"War is a war. Mubariz Ibrahimov alone destroyed a trench with Armenian soldiers and killed more than 10 occupants. Mubariz Ibrahimov died in an unequal fight with the enemy. He showed an example of true heroism and was rightly awarded the title of National Hero," said Aliyev, demanding from Sargsyan to treat heroes as they deserve it.
According to Ali Hasanov, Sargsyan tries to conceal the losses that the Armenian army suffered as a result of sabotage. However, both internal and external sources indicate that the Armenian army lost more than 50 people.
News.Az

Man this is good stuff
Really funny...

We have proof that Karen was a civlian, no...THEY GAVE US PROOF LOL
(Posted a video of him in civilian clothing, then posted pictures of him in civilian clothing masked with a military vest and boots. He then died....)

And the "peaceful Azerbaijani citizens" who are suspected of killing a 17 year old boy.. ARE STILL ALIVE AND ARE FACING A JUDGE! Not dead, very much alive.

And 50? So they are telling us that 50 bodies just disappeared out of nowhere. They dont have any and we are hiding them all? I wonder, perhaps the special forces we saw in the video burjuin posted were supposed to be some of those "50 bodies".
This is so sad...I thought Ukrainian and Russian propaganda was poor, this is just ridiculous. Until they provide us photos of the Armenian (Not Thai...Disgusting how they parade those photos of innocent young men around as Armenians. They had nothing to do with it and now their image and identity is being spit on) bodies, then there is nothing to discuss when it comes to causalities. We have already displayed enormous amounts of gear, the correspond with our claims. Blood, military clothing, etc that can be linked to Azeri military personnel.
but, whats really funny is the fact that
THEY DIDNT EVEN LIST THE THINGS SERZH APPARENTLY "RELEASED" LMFAO
Oh man, keep these articles coming nine...
I havent laughed like this in a while..
Are they serious?
xD

[Artashes]

Re: Armenia and the information war

lham Aliyev demands from Sargsyan to recognize hero Mubariz Ibrahimov

"War has its own rules."
Head of the Public Policy Department of the Presidential Administration Ali Hasanov has made a sensational statement. The representative of Aliyev’s administration accused the Armenian side, in particular, President Serzh Sargsyan, of dishonesty in the statements and actions unworthy of the head of state.

According to Oxu.Az citing haqqin.az, he said that Armenia released some details of the negotiations between the presidents, which have been and should have been left behind the closed doors.
Moreover, according to Hasanov, the Armenian President misread some remarks of President Ilham Aliyev, distorting their meaning, that does not honor the head of state. In this regard, the Azerbaijani side has the responsibility to bring the details of the negotiations in Sochi to the public.
According to Hasanov, at a closed meeting with participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ilham Aliyev demanded from Sargsyan to return Azerbaijani hostages captured in Kelbajar.
"Ilham Aliyev said, unfortunately, the Armenian side has launched a great show around the peaceful Azerbaijani citizens, presenting them as subversives, who crossed to the occupied territory. Though the matter was about peaceful citizens who constantly visited their parents’ graves in their native land. There are testimonies of their relatives. Moreover, one of them is a citizen of Russia. Aliyev submitted an appeal of captive Kalbajar resident’s family to Putin right at the meeting”, said Hasanov.
Ilham Aliyev demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages.
In addition, at the trilateral meeting the President of Azerbaijan demanded the return of the body of civilians and soldiers killed by Armenian armed forces on the front line. Ilham Aliyev even appealed to Sargsyan with the following words:
"The atrocities that Armenian soldiers are doing in relation to the hostages and the bodies of dead soldiers were not recorded even during Hitler's reign. Such a disrespect for the dead ashes are inhumane. "
Serzh Sargsyan was unable to find a serious argument in a discussion with the President of Azerbaijan and reminded about the campaign, led by Azerbaijan for the return of the body of Ibrahimov who heroically passed the mined territory and was killed in an unequal battle with the Armenians.
Sargsyan accused Azerbaijan of turning Ibrahimov into a hero and an example for intimidating Armenians.
"War is a war. Mubariz Ibrahimov alone destroyed a trench with Armenian soldiers and killed more than 10 occupants. Mubariz Ibrahimov died in an unequal fight with the enemy. He showed an example of true heroism and was rightly awarded the title of National Hero," said Aliyev, demanding from Sargsyan to treat heroes as they deserve it.
According to Ali Hasanov, Sargsyan tries to conceal the losses that the Armenian army suffered as a result of sabotage. However, both internal and external sources indicate that the Armenian army lost more than 50 people.
News.Az

Does anyone think that V. Putin was (not) able to perceive the complete intrangence of baboonieve?
Does anyone think V. Putin was unable to tell monkeyiev was fabricating utter nonsense & lying through his teeth?
Putin knows the truth of the situation on the line of contact.
Remember how baboonieve screwed Russia on the Kabala radar site & bring to mind how we offer at --- NO COST --- the military base at Gyumri.
Does anyone think this is not considered by Putin?
Of course, these are retoricle question.
Everyone who deals with this fraudulent hominoid knows they are getting --- twisted --- self serving bs.
Same with turc to the west.

[ninetoyadome]

Re: Armenia and the information war

Man this is good stuff
Really funny...

We have proof that Karen was a civlian, no...THEY GAVE US PROOF LOL
(Posted a video of him in civilian clothing, then posted pictures of him in civilian clothing masked with a military vest and boots. He then died....)

And the "peaceful Azerbaijani citizens" who are suspected of killing a 17 year old boy.. ARE STILL ALIVE AND ARE FACING A JUDGE! Not dead, very much alive.

And 50? So they are telling us that 50 bodies just disappeared out of nowhere. They dont have any and we are hiding them all? I wonder, perhaps the special forces we saw in the video burjuin posted were supposed to be some of those "50 bodies".
This is so sad...I thought Ukrainian and Russian propaganda was poor, this is just ridiculous. Until they provide us photos of the Armenian (Not Thai...Disgusting how they parade those photos of innocent young men around as Armenians. They had nothing to do with it and now their image and identity is being spit on) bodies, then there is nothing to discuss when it comes to causalities. We have already displayed enormous amounts of gear, the correspond with our claims. Blood, military clothing, etc that can be linked to Azeri military personnel.
but, whats really funny is the fact that
THEY DIDNT EVEN LIST THE THINGS SERZH APPARENTLY "RELEASED" LMFAO
Oh man, keep these articles coming nine...
I havent laughed like this in a while..
Are they serious?
xD

I think the more outrageous the article and claim the more money they receive from the govt.

[ninetoyadome]

Re: Armenia and the information war

Azerbaijani-Armenian Media Wage Virtual War

Heightened tensions lead to online battles, disinformation and website takedowns.
By Gohar Abrahamyan - Caucasus
CRS Issue 749,
21 Aug 14

The recent spike in violence around Nagorny Karabakh has been accompanied by an upsurge in information warfare as hackers attack websites in both Armenia and Azerbaijan and news outlets are recruited to spread disinformation.

The web attacks came as localised clashes – and casualties – increased on the front line around Armenian-controlled Karabakh and on the border between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Both sides have expressed concern about breaches of the 1994 ceasefire that ended the Karabakh war but has never led to a formal peace deal. (See Azeri-Armenian Conflict Fears as Death Toll Rises.)

“From July 27, when it was already clear that the situation was evolving further and that there was a chance of war, it appears that the media changed and went to war,” said Laura Baghdasaryan, director of the Region think tank in Yerevan. “All other issues faded into the background, and everyone discussed what was happening on the border.”

Edgar Chraghyan of Cyber Gates, an internet security company in Armenia, told IWPR that says that hackers in Azerbaijan disabled 15 Armenian websites over a period of two weeks. Armenians took down 13 sites in Azerbaijan, he added.

In one attack, on the Russian-language section of the news site www.tert.am, Azerbaijan hackers replaced an August 2 interview with Senor Hasratyan, a spokesman for the Karabakh defence ministry, with a press release purporting to be from the Armenian defence ministry. Hasratyan’s statement that his forces were in full control of Karabakh’s airspace were removed and in its place there appeared a fictitious news story of an artillery bombardment said to have killed 20 Armenian soldiers and injured 26. In fact, one died and one other was injured.

The website published a correction within minutes, but Azerbaijani news outlets had already picked up the fake report, and subsequently interpreted its removal as evidence of Armenian censorship.

David Alaverdyan, editor of the Mediamax news agency and a journalism lecturer at Yerevan State University, said the key aim for a government fighting an information war was to ensure that its point of view drowned out all opposing opinions.

He said that within Armenia, the defence ministry had more or less achieved that goal, and that its Azerbaijani counterpart, too, had been successful in dominating the narrative in that country.

To illustrate the point, Alaverdyan cited the case of an Armenian national who died after crossing the border into Azerbaijan. At first, Azerbaijan described the man as a civilian, but then changed tack and followed the defence ministry’s lead, calling him a saboteur.

A number of websites aimed at Armenians but backed by Azerbaijan published reports of the death of Armenian troops that turned out to be false. Given the source, most Armenians would realise this was propaganda, but they are more liable to believe stories that appear in the Russian media.

On August 12, when tensions had somewhat subsided following a meeting between Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev, chaired by President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, the Russian website www.politrus.com ran a story claiming that Azerbaijan planned to “buy” Karabakh for five billion US dollars.

“This is clear sabotage by Russian media,” said Baghdasaryan. “The article did not carry the usual byline, and just said it was by ‘politrus’. [Azerbaijani website] www.haqqin.az then reprinted the article, and it spread.”

On August 2, the Russian news agency Regnum published a story claiming that Azerbaijani armoured vehicles were advancing along the whole front line, and carried three photographs showing dozens of tanks.

Many Armenians panicked, believing the photographs were of tanks actually deployed in the field, whereas in fact they were taken last year when Russia delivered a shipment of armoured vehicles to Baku.

Samvel Martirosyan, who lectures on blogging and new media at Yerevan State University, says Armenian journalists have grown increasingly careful about sifting fact from fiction.

“An interesting thing has happened to the Armenian media, which are normally very poor at checking information. They have always happily accepted disinformation spread by Azerbaijan. But this time they have orientated themselves very quickly, and most of the media have been very careful about spreading information,” he said.

Gohar Abrahamyan is a correspondent for www.ArmeniaNow.com in Armenia.

http://iwpr.net/report-news/azerbaijani-armenian-media-wage-virtual-war