2022 April 15

Daily news wrap-up

Daily news digest from Armenia. Friday, Apr/15/2022.
by ar_david_hh

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11 minutes. 2659 words.

ruling and opposition MPs about the Nagorno Karabakh negotiation process

QP MP Aghajanyan: Armenia will not accept any solution that will lead to Artsakh without Armenians. The primary beneficiary of this process is the people of Artsakh. I'm assuming our colleagues in Artsakh Parliament did not understand the content of Pashinyan's speech. The whole process is aimed at the protection and realization of the rights of Armenians in Artsakh.

The Republic of Armenia has never considered this a territorial dispute with Azerbaijan. It's about the people's right to live safely in their homeland and to exercise their rights. Status has always been a means of achieving this goal.

As for "lowering the benchmark", this is necessary to ensure the consolidation of the international community around Armenia to make a pro-Armenian resolution more probable.

The benchmark we had in the past 30 years led to the diplomatic isolation of Armenia. It's time to draw conclusions from mistakes and to be more realistic. It is necessary to be on the same page with the international community. //

Reporter: You are saying we were wrong for 30 years and that the international community disagreed with us, yet Aliyev admitted that behind closed doors he was being pressured to recognize Artsakh's independence.

QP MP Vahagn Aleksanyan: Aliyev said that for domestic audience and Serj has been using it as an argument for the past 2 years to manipulate. Serj's negotiation documents did not even include the word "independence". The 2016 Lavrov Plan makes no mention of it. It was a document about a phased resolution that envisaged:

Phase 1) Address the consequences of the 1990s war. Return refugees to adjacent regions, peace guarantees, etc.

Phase 2) Nagorno Karabakh status. But there was no clarity on the referendum. It didn't say "we are going to hold one next year", or when and how it would be held.

Today, we say that Artsakh Armenians have rights and freedoms, and must receive security guarantees, and the security guarantees must be provided as a result of a wider international consolidation so we won't have another Parukh incident. //

Opposition MPs: Pashinyan must clarify what he means by "international community" when he talks about receiving calls to lower the status benchmark. I'm skeptical that OSCE Co-chairs want this. We can achieve success if we come to power because for decades, Armenia was able to keep the OSCE Co-chairs on the same page with Armenia. If we were able to do it then, we can do it now. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080694.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080703.html) [source](https://youtu.be/aDsUdeGAf3I) [source](https://factor.am/499931.html)

United States stands ready to help Armenia and Azerbaijan find long-term comprehensive peace: State Department

Ned Price: The US continues to encourage further peace negotiations and stands ready to engage bilaterally or through the OSCE Minsk Group to help find a long-term comprehensive peace. There is positive momentum for peace talks and border delimitation. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080673.html)

Armenia offers Turkey to open border for diplomatic passport holders as first step

Reporter: Where will the next AM-TR meeting take place?

Foreign Ministry: There is an understanding that it could take place in Vienna. We will publish details when the date and location are confirmed.

Reporter: Turkey said they prefer the meeting to take place either in Armenia or Turkey.

Foreign Ministry: Where it's held is a technical matter. What matters is political will and readiness to take substantive steps. Since Turkey wants this to be a bilateral process, it would be reasonable not to hear from them that they are advancing the process in coordination with Azerbaijan.

Reporter: Minister Cavusoglu mentioned the need for "courageous" steps. How would you comment on this?

Foreign Ministry: The Armenian side fully concurs with the need for making courageous steps. We have shown readiness to move forward, including with the participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, the lifting of the economic embargo, and the restoration of direct flights.

We offered the Turkish side, for the first phase, to open the land border for persons holding diplomatic passports. They are delaying. We believe this would be a small but substantive step. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080672.html)

Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Russia held a phone conversation

They spoke about the implementation of prior agreements and the formation of the AM-AZ border delimitation commission. Mirzoyan emphasized the importance of Russia's mediation role, including as a co-chair of the OSCE MG.

The Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia met with Azerbaijan's ambassador to Russia to discuss bilateral relations and the implementation of the AM-RU-AZ agreements.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080728.html) [source](https://factor.am/500274.html)

Russian peacekeepers reported LoC violation by Azeri soldiers in Martakert region

Peacekeepers reported that Azeris violated the line of contact near Yarimja. Steps were taken with the participation of peacekeepers and the Armenian side to resolve the issue.

Artsakh authorities later reported that Azeris had violated the buffer zone near the Saysulan settlement, but have since agreed to return to initial positions.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080761.html) [source](https://factor.am/500350.html)

gas price is formed in dollars, paid in rubles

Economy Minister Kerobyan: We must move towards national currencies. There is progress from the Russian side in this direction. The last several gas payments were done in rubles, but with respective currency exchange rates. The price formation is taking place in dollars but the payment is done in rubles.

Russia's Gazprom: Indeed, for already several years the Gazprom contract on supplying gas to Armenia provides for paying in rubles for the gas, and this opportunity is being used. //

Kerobyan: Don't rule out the use of currencies of other EAEU states, including Armenia. The central banks should create the right environment to make payments in national currency with visibility and exchange rate predictability. //

Russian journalist: Have your Western partners advised you against helping Russia "evade sanctions"?

Minister Kerobyan: We are acting carefully to avoid sanctions and to protect our interests. Our European and American partners have made it clear to us that they wouldn't want to use negative tools against Armenia. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080686.html) [source](https://factor.am/499881.html) [source](https://factor.am/499901.html) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/235054)

immediate economic effect of open Turkish border with Armenia may translate to 30% growth: Economy Minister

Kerobyan: Imports from Turkey to Armenia face no obstacles, while Armenian exports to Turkey do. We will only benefit from the open border with Turkey. Of course, politics is very important so that we have lasting peace. And now together with neighboring countries, we are having intensive talks on this issue. //

[source](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/immediate_economic_effect_of_open_turkish_border_with_armenia_may_translate_to_30_growth_vahan_kerob/)

does Armenia have a problem with A4 printing paper?

We learned earlier that some organizations in Russia were using blank spaces in newspapers instead of A4 due to shortage. It was caused by sanctions after the Ukraine invasion. They still face problems.

Armenian reporters did not find a shortage problem in Armenia, but the A4 prices are 2x now. One store said they had a delivery problem last month.

[source](https://factor.am/500238.html)

U.S. general describes post-2014 army reforms in Ukraine

Gen. Barry McCaffrey: Ukrainians are using 8-men nighttime patrols with anti-tank missiles. They have an NCO corps. We've worked on that with them for ten years. They've got sergeants. If the lieutenant gets killed, the platoon doesn't come apart. Russians don't. They are "do what you are ordered to do".

Ukrainians have used hybrid warfare. They'll get out there and conduct special operations. Every village has a grandmother with an app on her phone, transmitting the locations of Russian tanks. It's a nation in arms. //

[source](https://youtu.be/PRBOqZ1Ap8c?t=298)

earthquake in Azerbaijan was felt in Armenia

M3.9 quake in western Azerbaijan was felt as 3-bal in Tavush.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080747.html)

Gyumri municipality employees will get a 10% raise starting next year

Opposition Aprelu Yerkir faction complained because they were lobbying for 20%. If you show us where we can get the money, we will go for 120%, said the mayor.

The salaries are low in Gyumri municipality. The mayor is taking home $525 after taxes. The salaries of other employees are tied to his.

[source](https://factor.am/500346.html)

authorities vs online narcotics platforms

Hydra is/was a nacro-platform popular in former Soviet republics.

Investigative Committee: The number of buyers from CIS republics went from 150 to 20,000 between 2016 and 2019. By the end of 2019, HYDRA had 3,444 sellers that operated in 1,114 cities in CIS, including 5 in Armenia.

It was mainly used for large-scale trafficking and giving instructions to "employees" on how to transfer and place them in special locations in Yerevan and provinces.

Telegram sellers offer synthetic and organic narcotics. One of the pages that operated in Armenia, with 5,000 followers, was making 200 "zakladka" sales every day. It was shut down. It was one of the few pages that offered marijuana candies and [brownies]. Minors were involved in the making and distribution. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080718.html)

anti-corruption: authorities arrested dozens of properties belonging to former Prosecutor General

[On Tuesday we learned details](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u28tm2/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_tuesday/) about criminal charges against top prosecutor/investigator Aghvan Hovsepyan (2004-2018). He is accused of large-scale bribery and laundering. He denies wrongdoing.

The authorities placed an arrest on over 60 pieces of real estate and vehicles, financial assets and stocks belonging to Hovsepyan and his family members.

Tigran Mets publishing house director is also implicated in the case. He is accused of participating in a land transaction scheme. His ֏800m property with other assets is under arrest.

Additionally, abuse of power charges against the ex-mayor of Byurakan and two municipal officials were dropped due to the statute of limitations. They are accused of giving 10 land pieces to Hovsepyan's son by rigging auctions. Steps are being taken to return the lands, said authorities.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080693.html) [source](https://news.am/arm/news/696528.html)

court sides with authorities in a price-rigging case against multiple egg companies

The Competition Protection Commission had earlier ruled that 7 egg producers, including some big-name companies, had conspired in 2019-2020 to fix the prices, prevent competitors from entering the market, and push others out.

The companies were fined. One of them was told to pay $100,000.

Lusakert factory was told to pay $22,000. They appealed it in court. The court has just sided with the Competition Commission.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080723.html)

we are launching a construction program to address Armenia's worn out housing stock, rental shortages, and energy efficiency: Pashinyan

Pashinyan: Many of the apartments built in Soviet times, especially the ones in provinces, have since been abandoned. At the same time, the demand for apartment rentals has sharply risen in Armenia.

Many [seasonal laborers can't work in Russia today]. We decided to launch a state subsidy program to help residents renovate their homes, under the condition that 20%-30% of all expenditures will go towards making the home energy-efficient.

The residents will pay lower utility bills. We also expect this to help residents rent out the unused part of their homes. It can help tourists and Armenian construction workers who are unable to work abroad. We will subsidize 10,000 loans in the first phase. //

Kerobyan: We need this ASAP to address the issue in the rental market. For example, my brother's landlord tripled the rent. The hike can prevent Armenians from provinces from being able to afford rent in Yerevan.

... subsidies to make apartments energy efficient

Government: There are 870,000 housing units in Armenia: 450k apartments and 420k houses. Most of them come from the Soviet era and have never been renovated.

During 2020-2022, because of the pandemic, war, and Ukraine conflict sanctions, we've observed a limited outflow of urban development laborers, and there was some inflow. As a result, the construction market is currently in the process of being reorganized. It's necessary to create a predictable field of work for professionals. This program is part of it.

You'll get a loan subsidiary if at least 20% of expenditures are for energy efficiency (30% for single-family homes). This can include alternative energy sources, energy-efficient materials, energy-efficient heaving systems, new windows and doors, and wall insulation. //

[details](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080697.html) [video](https://youtu.be/dtcJsRZDHhA) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080700.html) [source](https://factor.am/499934.html)

now is a good time to import electric vehicles: gov't

During today's session, the government approved EAEU's proposal to exempt 7,000 EVs from import tariffs this year.

Kerobyan: For individuals, this applies to vehicles imported since January 1. Refunds will be issued to those who have already paid a tax. For businesses, this applies to vehicles imported after March 31.

The import process will be simplified. The declaration document automatically allows you to take advantage of the quota. There is no need for additional steps. Next year's quota will increase to 8,000. //

Pashinyan: In 2019-2020 we decided to waive the VAT tax [separate from EAEU tax]. That means you can import an EV to Armenia for 32% less, compared to vehicles with an internal combustion engine. This is a great opportunity to increase the number of EVs in Armenia. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080704.html)

authorities recorded fewer instances of illegal logging

Nature Ministry official: In recent years the volume of reforestation work has increased. With the help of NGOs and the state budget, we planted trees on 5,000 hectares in 2019-2021. They require at least 5 years of care to become forests. In areas where we observe growth problems, we conduct soil mineralization and use tree supports. There is a degradation in some forests because of uncontrolled logging in the 1990s. Today we observe restoration in certain areas, like Vanadzor. Self-healing reactions are taking place.

Armenia's forests are distributed unevenly. 62% are in Tavush, 30% in Syunik, and 2% in the central part. Our policy is to have forests in all regions if possible.

Compared to last year, the illegal logging cases have dropped from 1.2k to 0.8k in the first quarter. It's mostly done as business. The drop is associated with better monitoring and the work done with the population living near the forests. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080724.html)

President hosted Lithuanian ambassador

Khachaturyan and Stanytė-Toločkienė discussed the ongoing cooperation in the economy, high-tech, and education.

President hosted the head of the Armenian General Benevolent Union

Khachaturyan and Perch Sedrakyan's delegation discussed the educational and economic programs supported by the Union, and various ways to strengthen Armenia-Diaspora ties.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080692.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080750.html)

Armenia will host European Boxing Championship: ֏750m allocated for preparations

Hundreds of boxers from dozens of countries will compete in Yerevan's Hamalir on May 21-31. Funds were allocated to acquire boxing rings and other gear. They are at at Lars checkpoint at the moment.

Part of the funds will go towards advertising the event on social media, an opening ceremony with a concert, etc.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080713.html)

Easter Festival will be organized in Armenia

The first Easter Festival will take place on April 17 in Yerevan, organized by the Children's Special Creative Center, with support from Education Ministry.

It will take place near Saint Anna Church and Saint Katoghike Church in central Yerevan. There will be musical performances and a presentation of handicrafts. There is a dress code: wear red.

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080691.html)

VIDEO: Easter Wine Festival was organized in Yerevan

[source](https://youtu.be/K00P8t7Vkmg?t=12)

guy buys NFT for $2.9m, wants to sell it for $48m, is offered only $11,000

Last year crypto entrepreneur Sina Estavi bought Twitter founder Jack Dorsey's first-ever tweet in the form of NFT.

[source](https://kotaku.com/nft-jack-dorsey-sale-auction-sina-estavi-iran-prison-cr-1848791322) [source](https://opensea.io/assets/matic/0x28009881f0ffe85c90725b8b02be55773647c64a/20/)

top-10 bestseller translated books in March

5) The Giver of Stars, by [JoJo Moyes](https://www.jojomoyes.com/books/the-giver-of-stars/)

4) Բարի գործերի քաղաքը, by Mark Aren

3) The Murder on the Links, by Agatha Christie

2) Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert

1) Death on the Nile, by Agatha Christie

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080446.html)

today in history

1890: Davit Vardanyan is born. He was one of 711 Titanic passengers who survived.

Other notable birthdays: Da Vinci, Nikita Khrushchev, Arshile Gorki, Alla Pugacheva.

1965: Opening ceremony of the main building of Yerevan State University.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080666.html) [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_15)

more

The news in русский (by Impossible-Ad-).

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

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

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u4hld5/daily_news_digest_from_armenia_friday_apr152022/