2021 November 18

Daily news wrap-up

News - Nov/18/2021: Six new roads in Syunik __ IRS vs Gago __ Gov't to train EV mechanics __ Satellite images __ OSCE & Russia on conflict __ EAEU & Biden summits __ Ceasefire, borders, rumors __ ՔՈՎԻԴ news __ First class emergency units __ Money money __ Nature protection programs __ High Tech
by ar_david_hh

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This is your 10-minute Thursday briefing in 2625 words.

Afghanistan evacuation flight includes two Armenian nationals

Russian military evacuated hundreds of people today, including two Armenians. The passengers were mostly Afghans and citizens of CSTO republics. IL-76 airlifters dropped off of humanitarian aid.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068530.html

Armenia elected as a member of UNESCO Executive Board for the first time

Foreign Ministry: Armenia is elected as a member of the UNESCO Executive Board for the period of 2021-2025, for the first time. Four countries were nominated (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Lithuania). Armenia won with 146 votes. //

>The Executive Board is one of the three constitutional organs of UNESCO (the others being the General Conference and the Secretariat) and it is elected by the General Conference.

>the Board examines the programme of work for the Organization and corresponding budget estimates submitted to it by the Director-General

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1068502.html

Yerevan is hosting the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council

Russian Premier Mishustin and representatives of other states have arrived in Yerevan. Pashinyan held meetings to discuss trade and cooperation. The representatives discussed improving cargo transfer efficiency between member states, electronic monitoring, etc.

In other news, Armenia and EAEU bloc discussed food safety standards, detection of excessive antibiotics in animal meat, etc.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068547.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068557.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068566.html

ceasefire, borders, rumors, fake news

The ceasefire was violated by Azeri soldiers on the Tavush border. No major clashes.

Tavush governor: shots were heard last night.

Reporter: were the residents concerned?

Tavush governor: No one was surprised. You are aware this has been happening in the past 30 years.

https://factor.am/443269.html

Something might have exploded in Azerbaijan. Sounds of multiple explosions were heard in border village Khndzoresk (Syunik). Unclear if it's an accident or artillery; there were no reports of artillery shellings.

https://factor.am/443272.html

Defense Ministry denied social media rumors claiming that Armenia captured and released 6 Azeri soldiers during the November 14 confrontation.

https://factor.am/443252.html

During November 16 clashes, Twitter rumors claimed that Armenian forces destroyed a P-18 mobile radar system used by Azerbaijan. That was fake news.

https://fip.am/17519

Azerbaijan is Big Mad about Joe Biden inviting Armenia while shunning Azerbaijan and Turkey from the new pro-democracy summit

Pashinyan will represent Armenia at the December summit. It's a new project by the President to rally pro-democracy states against corruption, authoritarianism, and to protect human rights.

Azeri media asked if Azerbaijan could still be added to the list of participants. U.S. State Department said this summit is for established or developing democracies, but pro-democracy talks can be held with other countries via other formats, too.

https://factor.am/443285.html

Lithuania: we support Armenia's territorial integrity

Deputy Parliament Speaker Rubinyan met his Lithuanian counterpart Mazuronis to discuss various topics.

Mazuronis: Lithuania supports Armenia's territorial integrity.

The reforms that are being carried out in Armenia are impressive. Lithuania can share its experience. //

The parties agreed to intensify Parliamentary cooperation.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068581.html

satellite image showing the exact location of post-May 12 Azeri encroachments near Syunik's lake Sev Lich

Azeri troops are 1-3.5km within Armenia proper. They are sitting on the right side of the lake. Armenia has access to the lake from the south and southwest.

According to a retired general, the November 14 confrontation was between Azeris that are 3.5km forward, and Armenian soldiers who were positioned on their rear, between Azerbaijan and the encroached troops.

https://www.civilnet.am/news/640142/ադրբեջանցիները-տնավորվել-են-սև-լճում․-google-earth-ի-պատկերները/

Russia renews efforts to launch delimitation process

Pashinyan: yesterday I said that Russia has made three offers to launch the delimitation process. Later that day Russia made the fourth offer to launch the preparatory stage. As in all previous cases, we support the process. //

Putin: the latest events show that the situation in the region has not fully subsided yet. Russian peacekeepers play an important role. Undoubtedly, the role of Russian diplomacy to resolve the dispute is growing. //

OSCE U.S. co-chair: there should be a comprehensive resolution to all issues related to and arising from the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The situation has stabilized since 2020, but it's fragile. We saw it this week. It emphasizes the urgency to find a comprehensive settlement.

U.S. OSCE Chargé d'Affaires Courtney Austrian: the known principles are: do not use force, respect territorial integrity, and respect people's right to self-determination. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068510.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068575.html https://factor.am/443146.html https://factor.am/443405.html https://osce.usmission.gov/statement-in-response-to-the-minsk-group-co-chairs-personal-representative-of-the-cio-on-the-minsk-conference-and-head-of-the-high-level-planning-gr/?fbclid=IwAR1WKjdvCcMjC3fROfalGHX8jaG46IgA--kaugw1ZTqHm-jAOuSt1Hri6sQ

ՔՈՎԻԴ stats

10.1k tested. 1k infected. 1.5k healed. 30 deaths. 23.4k active.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068507.html

what are the most commonly used vaxines in Aragatsotn province?

Sinopharm 17.6k

Sputnik 6.6k

Astra 6.5k

CoronaVac 4.5k

Moderna 3k

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225629

medics will travel in groups and vaxinate residents of Shirak province

Healthcare Ministry formed vac-squads in Shirak. The groups will travel through communities and offer shots to residents. The arrival schedule was published for each community.

Hide yo kids, hide yo wives, they're savin' erribody out here.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068589.html

court sides with Gagik Tsarukyan in a ֏6B lawsuit involving casino and unpaid dues

Tsarukyan's Onira Club operates the Shangri La casino located on the Abovyan road.

They were sued by the IRS over ֏6B in unpaid dues. The casino had to suspend operations due to the pandemic and did not pay the state fees. The IRS argued they still owed the fee. The court disagreed.

There is another criminal investigation over alleged illegal gambling worth ֏30B.

https://www.civilnet.am/news/640109/ծառուկյանը-դատարանում-հաղթել-է-պեկ-ին-6-մլրդ-դրամի-ակտերը-անվավեր-են-ճանաչվել/

more teachers are expected to undergo voluntary certification next year to receive a raise

Less than 1,000 teachers had applied for the new certification process. Many were unsure how the new exam system works and what would happen had they failed. Half of the applicants scored above 70% and will receive a 30-50% salary raise.

The government believes next year the number of applicants will significantly increase, reaching 5,000. They allocated ֏1.3B for the expected salary raise.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068538.html

Consumer Protection Commission: don't even think about manipulating consumers with fake Black Friday deals

Commission: do not provide incomplete and manipulative data about discounts, do not artificially raise prices shortly before giving a "discount", and do not outright lie about the size of the discount.

For example, you cannot tell consumers that you are giving discounts, while in reality there is no discount, or it's for a very limited number/types of products. //

https://factor.am/443351.html

money news

Turkish lira continues to enjoy the slalom ride. It hit a new record of 10.96 in the morning. That's an 8% devaluation in one week.

Dram continues to remain around 477 per dollar. Up 0.25 since the morning.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225587 https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225606

Turkish opposition: Erdogan can no longer rule the country, we need elections

Main opposition CHP and IYI party leaders called for new elections in Turkey. They believe Erdogan and his AKP are incapable of controlling the country anymore. They complained about Erdogan screwing around with the Central Bank.

Opposition leaders: the CB has lost its prestige in front of the whole world. Do not put such a burden on the shoulders of the people. Youth has no hope anymore. Our university graduates want to emigrate and work as waiters elsewhere. Elections must be held immediately. //

https://factor.am/443471.html

mining company faces criminal charges over damaged agricultural lands

Investigators report: the company received a license in 2019 to examine land in Otevan (Aragatsotn) for the existence of minerals. Instead, the company extracted rocks in and around the area and failed to recultivate the lands with a healthy layer of soil, leading to degradation of agricultural lands. The company has paid ֏19.5M to cover the damages. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068512.html

thin plastic bags will be banned from January 1

It takes around 500 years for a regular plastic bag to decompose. It's POO POO for nature. The world uses 4 trillion such bags each year. Europe has long restricted their use. Armenia will do, too, beginning 2022.

Shops won't be allowed to sell < 50-micron plastic bags with handles. Weighing bags, and plastic bags from recycled materials, will be allowed.

Ms. Margarit had an unfortunate incident two years ago: the bottom of the grocery bag ripped. She decided to launch a company and sell reusable canvas bags.

Full: https://youtu.be/3P8gBBhNMA4 https://factor.am/441897.html

efforts resume to clean up Lake Sevan shores from useless submerged trees that contribute to algae growth

Nature Ministry purchased several vehicles to remove the submerged trees and bushes. They began operating on Monday.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225603

government will extend import tax waiver for electric vehicles, and train EV mechanics

Gov't: the goal is to create the conditions to promote EV in Armenia and reduce air pollution. VAT tax waiver will extend by 2 more years, until 2024.

2018: 12 EVs imported

2019-2021: 5,200 imported

Over 20 EV charging stations were installed in almost all provinces in 2018-2020 as part of the Plug.am project. A charging station map has been developed.

In 2021/2022, the Education Ministry plans to include EV servicing and tech maintenance profession to the list of secondary vocational education programs in state educational institutes. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068537.html

solar installation & education campaign to help gas-less villages

An event was held in Gyumri Technology Center today to launch a program that helps low-income families in northern Armenia. It's financed by Caritas charity and the German government.

Rep. Martirosyan: it's for low-income families in Shirak province who live in villages that aren't connected to the gas network. There are 50 such villages in Shirak.

340 families and some gov't buildings will have solar panels. 190 families will have heat insulation in their homes. Over 4,000 students will receive education to study nature protection, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068533.html

winter is here: heating points are being installed in several locations in Syunik

Emergency Ministry has installed a heating point in Shurnukh, and plans to add a few more near the Yerevan-Goris road. The stations come equipped with first aid items and off-road vehicles for reaching difficult terrains.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068518.html

Iran plans to make large investments in Meghri Free Economic Zone

Economy Minister Kerobyan: during the next Government session, we will likely discuss plans by an Iranian firm to make sizeable investments in the Meghri free economic zone.

There are multiple investment plans in Syunik, including in the field of tourism. We're working together with the Izmirlyan Foundation on another excellent project. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068524.html

Infrastructure Ministry denied claims that the land communication with Iran has been suspended

Ministry: Hrant Bagratyan claimed that cargo transfers with Iran are suspended and that the border is essentially closed. This is false.

160 Iranian cargo trucks use the new Tatev-Aghvan road every day. The flow has not reduced. The five major ARM-IRA passenger companies continue to work with their regular schedule. //

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225632

6 more roads are under construction to improve access to border villages in Syunik

Infrastructure Minister Sanosyan: the Tatev-Aghvan was finished recently with two asphalt layers. Three layers are planned. In the Spring, if there are flaws, we will correct them and lay the third layer. Construction works are underway on 6 other roads:

Kashuni-Barsavan is 9.5km. The land work is complete on a 4km section, while other sections are undergoing improvements, traffic regulation, and paving.

Tandzaver-Shurnukh is 13km. A part of this road is completely new so there are some difficulties, but the work continues. Shurnukh has at least two roads: Khot-Vorotan-Shurnukh operates fine and the residents are using it, and the Bardzravan-Shurnukh.

Vorotan-Khot's 10km section is under construction. 5km is almost ready. The rest is being improved.

Kapan-Chakaten and Kapan-Geghanush-Chakaten are also under construction. The Geghanush-Chakaten's land work began days earlier, it's being paved. Simultaneously, we'll build a new Kapan-Chakaten road.

Tatev-Ltsen's 19.9km road construction continues. 6.5km was complete. Two construction firms are working on it. The design work is complete.

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Pashinyan: the priority is to have at least a paved road for these villages so any type of vehicle can pass in any weather. Most of these roads will be ready within 15 days. They will be fully asphalted next year when the construction season begins.

We've also agreed that near Khotanan village there will be a bypass road so cargo trucks won't have to enter the village. There is one part where the road is narrow but we can't widen it because of a nearby church with historical-cultural significance.

Can you comment on media reports that we have some villages that have found themselves under "blockade"? //

Sanosyan: Vorotan, Shurnukh, and Parzavan have the roads. The main problem is with the villages south of Chakaten. Within the next 2-3 days, when the Geghanush-Chakaten is paved, the situation will improve.

Pashinyan: some of these villages have an asphalt road to Meghri so the issue is not the vital access, it's the length of the road and the convenience of the infrastructure. We're providing additional support to these communities to address the logistic problems. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068531.html https://factor.am/443166.html

Tags: #SyunikRoads #BorderRoads #roads

government allocates additional funds to complete infrastructure projects in provinces / $400 million investments

Infrastructure Minister Sanosyan: this one is ֏462M to co-finance projects in four provinces. The local municipalities have allocated their share - now it's our turn.

Pashinyan: ֏47B ($100M) is being spent to co-finance this year. This is in addition to direct investments by the feds.

Overall, $400 million has been invested in our communities since 2018 through subsidized and direct investments. The budget will grow in 2022. //

Gyumri will have new microbuses with disability access

Infrastructure Minister Sanosyan: auction was organized for the ֏882M transport revamp in Gyumri. The cost is split between the feds and the municipality.

63 microbuses will be purchased to refresh the public transport (to serve 9 routes). Some of them come with disability accommodations. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068521.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225599

memorandum is signed between the Diaspora Office and "SADA" high-tech firm

SADA has agreed to support the field of digitalization, to make cloud technology innovations widely available in Armenia.

Diaspora Office chief Zareh: our goal is to involve the diaspora potential in the development of the economy and ensure stable employment opportunities for specialists who repatriate.

I'm proud of the international successes of this Armenian tech firm. Even more proud that this year the company decided to establish a global supply office in Armenia.

The diaspora is a source of unlimited professional potential. Thanks to such cooperation, we can direct that potential to Armenia. //

SADA co-founder Hovig: demand for SADA services is growing rapidly in the global IT world. Here, in the global supply center in Armenia, we will welcome engineering talents from all over the world.

We are ready to receive high-quality Armenian engineers without quantitative restrictions if they meet our standards.

Moreover, we will help them to move to Armenia. I'm glad that we can cooperate with the Diaspora Office. //

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225601 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068513.html

Minister: Armenia will have a first class emergency medical response team by 2023

Healthcare Ministry: Emergency and Healthcare ministries are working with WHO and a Georgia-based international organization to launch a process to form a First Class emergency medical response team. The team will receive the certification in 2023. //

WHO rep.: it's a brand new initiative. Last year we finished drafting the standards for the rapid response team. //

Healthcare Minister Avanesyan: Armenian and Georgian teams will receive special education and skills to be ready to respond to any situation in any country. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068584.html

VIDEO: Nature Ministry shares rare footage of leopard and her mini-cubs crossing a road at night

https://www.facebook.com/100069341344118/videos/3130284413922934/

European team chess championship continues

Armenia played a draw against Azerbaijan. Rising star Hayk Martirosyan tied with Teymur Radjabov (world #13). Armenia and Azerbaijan share the second spot so far. The tournament continues.

https://factor.am/443513.html

Tata Steel India chess tournament

Levon Aronian is leading the tournament after winning the first three rounds. It's a short tournament that will end tomorrow. The participants are 10 international players.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068499.html https://chess24.com/en/read/news/aronian-on-perfect-3-3-as-tata-steel-chess-india-begins

end of report

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in the court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports

Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/qwz5ur/news_nov182021_six_new_roads_in_syunik_irs_vs/