2022 October 19

Daily news wrap-up

Oct/19/2022: __ Armenia negotiating w/ US to retrain soldiers; new Indian weapons; Artsrun interview __ Nagorno Karabakh negotiations __ Prehistoric plants found in Armenia __ Attracting scientists, tech, & investors __ OSCE, EU, & Iran on borders __ Jermuk residents return home __ Transport reform
by ar_david_hh

---

20 minutes, 4977 words.

Economy Minister about the plan to attract investors and science-tech experts by granting path to citizenship in exchange for $150,000-$250,000 investment

Details of the program in [October 17 digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/y6rjza/oct172022_anticorruption_sweep_dozens_arrested/). What is a "citizenship in return for investment"?

International Monetary Fund: Economic citizenship programs are administered by a growing number of small states. Their primary appeal is that they confer citizenship with minimal to no residency requirements.

The inflows of funds can be substantial, with far-reaching macroeconomic implications for nearly every sector, particularly for small countries.

The macroeconomic impact of economic citizenship programs depends on the design, the magnitude of the inflows, and their management. The foremost impact is on the real sector, where inflows can bolster economic momentum.

Programs with popular real estate options generate an inflow similar to that of foreign direct investment, boosting employment and growth. In St. Kitts and Nevis, inflows into the real estate sector are fueling a construction boom, which has pulled the economy out of a four-year recession. However, a large and too rapid influx of investment in the real estate sector could lead to rising wages, ballooning asset prices, and volatility.

If they are saved rather than spent, inflows from these programs can substantially improve countries’ fiscal performance. // [continue](https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2015/12/gold.htm)

Economy Minister Kerobyan: We want to attract a certain category of people who can have a positive impact on Armenia's economy, science, and society. Investments made by private individuals are encouraged as much as investments made by large companies.

Reporter: Can a Turk become an Armenian citizen by investing?

Kerobyan: It's necessary to understand how the procedure works. An investment doesn't guarantee citizenship. The NSS and Police will scrutinize each application for potential risks. //

The law enforcement plans to investigate whether the applicant is a money laundering suspect or not, etc. There will be a limited number of slots each year.

In related news. The number of citizenship applications has tripled to 9,917 in the first half of 2022. Many of them are ethnic Armenians from Russia.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095203.html) [source,](https://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/2015/12/gold.htm) [source,](http://arka.am/en/news/society/kerobyan_comments_on_fears_that_turks_and_azerbaijanis_may_get_armenian_citizenship_because_of_simpl/) [source,](https://youtu.be/YaEkkYJAGyA)

what weapons is Armenia buying from India?

Armenia purchased the "Swathi" weapon-location radar from India in 2020 (imported after the war). In September [we learned](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xrjtmu/sep292022_france_wanted_to_deploy_un_peacekeepers/) about another $260 million arms contract to acquire "Pinaka" rocket launders, "Konkurs" anti-tank guided missiles, 80-mm mortars, ammunition and missiles.

Armenia is also considering the mid-range "Akash" surface-to-air missile systems for air defense, and suicide drones manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems Limited and Solar Industries.

If the deal goes through, Armenia will become the first foreign buyer to acquire the Pinaka and Akash systems. Premier Modi has set the goal of exporting $5 billion worth of armament over the next 5 years.

Defense cooperation was discussed between Ministers Papikyan and Rajnath Singh in India this week. Armenia has thanked India for its "clear stance" against Azerbaijan's September aggression. In India, Azerbaijan is increasingly viewed as an ally of Pakistan, due to the Azeri-Pakistani cooperation agreements in 2017 and beyond.

Diplomatic relations between Armenia and India were brought to a new level in 2021, with the first-ever visit of an Indian Foreign Minister to Armenia. Armenia is actively negotiating with India to implement the Gulf-to-Sea trade route to connect India to Europe.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095189.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1065159.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095223.html) [source,](https://theprint.in/defence/armenia-eyes-akash-missile-loitering-munitions-from-india-amid-conflict-with-azerbaijan/1173468/) [source,](https://theprint.in/defence/as-tensions-rise-with-azerbaijan-armenia-buys-pinaka-rockets-ammunition-from-india/1147833/)

interview with military expert Artsrun Hovhannisyan

Reporter: You very recently returned from the front lines. How are the troops doing?

Artsrun: Good. Our soldiers are always in a better spirit than what people sitting in Yerevan think. They are busy. No time for nonsense.

Reporter: Defense Minister Papikyan is in India. Earlier we learned about the $260 million arms deal. Why are we buying those weapons in particular?

Artsrun: I'm glad the leak was around the Pinaka rocket system only. There are a lot more interesting things in India. First of all, Pinaka is not a "GRAD replacement". The 60-kilometer modification we are interested in is a SMERCH alternative. It's only 10 km shorter than SMERCH.

Sadly, there are people in Armenia who view this partnership with India as "risky". You have to be dumb to reject India at a time when Russia cannot deliver anything. India is a great source. Their industry has been working with Eastern and Western arms companies. Indian defense manufacturing is doing a great job.

They have fantastic anti-tank solutions created in conjunction with Israel, and ballistic missiles. The latter is heavier than Iskander, but they are better and have a longer reach.

They have great missiles for jets. Armenia needs to buy more jets and better equip them. India has more Su-30 than Russia does. They have experience with transforming these jets with Western tech. They have experience working with Israeli and European companies on drone production.

When it comes to available options, India comes after the US, Russia, France, and China. They are the most convenient supplier today: price/quality, politics, and delivery time.

Reporter: Can we buy everything we need from India?

Artsrun: Obviously I can't list our weaknesses, but our top-3 priorities that can significantly improve our defense can be found in India. In any case, what we really need to do first is assess the threat to understand what the future war will look like: what terrain, what weather, what personnel, what strategy... only then decide what type of weapons you will need. We must end the old-style insufficient training in our army. I'm not saying there are no ongoing reforms here, I'm just saying...

There is a significant positive change in our armed forces today. Sadly, most of it is a result of real-life experience in the 2020 war and beyond. These experienced soldiers are utilizing decentralized control methods by instinct because that's what they feel is necessary, yet these tactics are not in the "books" yet.

The new generation is very energetic and hard-working. They may not be properly educated yet, but they are motivated and ambitious. We have fantastic commanders in the middle ranks who have no expectations for a free apartment, yet they work hard and have never been broken.

I've written some episodes of how heroically a female soldier fought against a male, how just two units organized massacres of Azeri soldiers in a gulch, who couldn't for 6 hours...

Reporter: [interrupts] ... are these 2020 episodes?

Artsrun: No, it's from this September. We have fantastic soldiers dedicated to their work.

Reporter: Private military camps use modern training techniques. If they can turn an IT-shnik into a decently-prepared soldier within a month, why can't we send these instructors to the army?

Artsrun: Do you know who these instructors are? They are the best officers who left the army. Do you know why they left? Because they received their education in NATO and were unable to integrate into the Armenian army upon their return, because they were treated as a stranger. The NATO-trained officer won't stay in an army where the training consists of 9 bullets. He will go and work as a tourism agent.

We have around 20 Colonels, in the entire history of our armed forces, who have graduated from the best military universities in the U.S., without counting the lower ranks. These 20 have never ever been given any decision-making powers. Around 80% of them are no longer in the army.

Reporter: I've heard that NATO-trained officers have been more open to deeper reforms, and weren't afraid of unpopular decisions. Whereas our boys coming from Russian school, sadly, would return with zero motivation. There is an anecdotal claim that the general attitude instilled by the Russian school is that "Armenia doesn't really need its own army, Russia will take care of you".

Artsrun: Yes. "Sooner or later we are going to be part of the same Union State anyway".

Reporter: Exactly. So it appears our boys returned not only unmotivated but with doubts that we even needed an army.

Artsrun: This is a deep topic. But even if there was no brainwashing, the poor quality of Russia's "spetz-faculty" training alone would be insufficient. We see it in Ukraine. Russian school has been degrading since the 1980s. I'll tell you more. The Russian school provided worse education to officers from smaller republics than to their own staff. Even the literature in spetz-faculties was older than the one meant for their own. The instructors were often newbies or wholly senile grandpas.

Reporter: How do these Indian weapons compare to Israeli weapons in Azerbaijan?

Artsrun: Obviously Israeli weapons have higher standards similar to the U.S. But the same Israel is cooperating with India around research and production. The Indian anti-tank systems are based on the SPIKE model.

I'm okay with Azeris mocking Armenia for buying "crappy" Indian weapons. The more they become detached from reality, the more they believe to be invincible, the better for me.

Reporter: What about the Iranian drones in Ukraine?

Artsrun: Russia was using very expensive Kalibr missiles to strike the same types of objects that they strike with much-cheaper Iranian drones today. These drones, however, are not having a strategic impact. I disagree with experts that the strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure will turn around the situation. It won't. In modern wars, especially in the 7th month of the war, it's too late to change the situation by striking their power.

The argument is that no electricity means no deliveries to Ukrainian soldiers. First of all, Ukraine has long switched to auto-transport logistics with the help of NATO. It's no coincidence that the best trucks from Europe have gathered in Ukraine today.

Second. These power stations are not being targeted frequently enough and with the necessary intensity. After a weeklong intensive strike, we are talking about 30% of stations.

Not much is changing in the front lines from these strikes on electric stations. Frontline processes continue. If you show me that these drones are successfully destroying Ukrainian bridges accurately, that would be a different story, because this could cause logistic issues.

This is why you keep hearing about drone strikes in Odessa and Lviv. That's where the Western weapons are coming from. It does create certain logistics problems there, it delays movements, but it is not having a more global strategic impact.

If Russia's mobilized soldiers undergo intensive training and obtain much high-quality weapons that can be used immediately on the front lines, then we can see a significant change, but I don't see this today.

Russia fires a Kalibr missile from its ship in the Caspian Sea, its entire path gets registered by NATO satellites and intel, which sends the info to intercept it mid-air with Igla, even if it takes a few tries. This is what Russia is facing today, this is why their weaker weapons can't change the situation. At most, they can feel good about strikes in Kyiv.

[source,](https://youtu.be/ujEv4t6OAAo) Tags: #RussianSchool #ArmyReform

interview with the head of Parliamentary Defense Committee about NATO training & weapons

Reporter: Why is Defense Minister Papikyan in India?

Andranik Kocharyan: We are reforming the army's education and armament.

Reporter: Why are you silent about the $260 million arms acquisition from India? Any official comment?

Andranik: No.

Reporter: What countries are you negotiating with?

Andranik: Can't say it. Every state institution is working hard today.

Reporter: Has Russia delivered those weapons worth hundreds of millions of dollars yet? Pashinyan recently stated that we've paid for weapons but haven't received them yet.

Andranik: Pashinyan did not specifically name Russia, did not name any country so the opponent won't interfere with delivery.

Reporter: But was anything delivered?

Andranik: I don't know. But I can say for sure that heavy engineering is underway on the front lines.

Reporter: Why aren't opposition faction members taking part in the War Commission?

Andranik: Robert Kocharyan did not allow them to join because the Commission also investigates episodes that unfolded well before the war, and every corruption incident will need to be unearthed. Every stolen brick in corrupt officials' mansions represents a soul of a fallen soldier.

Reporter: Why is ex-FM Vardan Oskanyan refusing to testify?

Andranik: We will address this through a new bill. Every official summoned by the Commission will be required to come and testify, or else face criminal charges. This practice is used in many countries.

Reporter: The U.S. representatives recently stated that the U.S. wants to listen to Armenia's security needs. Are there negotiations?

Andranik: Our CSTO membership does not constrain us. Every possible and impossible solution must be used to improve our security. We have a dialogue with other countries as well. You may be aware that the 17 POWs were recently returned home thanks to U.S. efforts.

Azerbaijan was forced to stop first and foremost thanks to the fierce resistance of our army, but also because of U.S. pressure. I recently asked Defense Minister Papikyan, under the context of his recent U.S. trip, to expand the military education cooperation with the U.S.

The U.S. had granted us that option - to receive education in the U.S. - during the formation of the peacekeeping force. We have very good quality Colonels today that have gone through the war. They are tasked with reforms today.

Reporter: Can you bring an example?

Andranik: Our education brigade in Armavir. They have a completely different approach because their commander is a graduate of a different and better school. He is retraining others.

If you've ever been to Vazgen Sargsyan University you know [how bad it was]. Go see Armavir's education process now, and the newer-generation approaches used by instructors. They are few, but they are young, they have seen war, and they have received NATO training.

These newly trained Sergeants are the future of our defense. That is how to solve any problem: intellectual skills, better weapons, and dedication of every single citizen.

Reporter: Are we negotiating to purchase weapons from the U.S.?

Andranik: We look for weapons wherever possible, but they aren't laying around and waiting for us to come and pick them up. We are negotiating around security on every platform. We want Washington to provide more educational opportunities for our officers.

[source,](https://factor.am/568983.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/IBxVd6Gn92g?t=1623)

EU technical assessment mission visits border villages near Vardenis (Gegharkunik)

The delegation was accompanied by the head of the 2nd Army Corps Commander and Governor.

The Mission received information about the level of damage to civilian infrastructure and hundreds of residential houses and schools, as well as the Armenian territories illegally occupied by Azerbaijan since May 2021.

Observations were conducted using measurement devices. The Mission will conduct in-depth studies and present regular reports.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095224.html) [photos,](https://factor.am/568777.html)

Government invites OSCE assessment team to Armenia

The OSCE has agreed and will send a team on October 21-27. The purpose is to assess the situation in border areas, and hold discussions.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095271.html)

Iran threatens Azerbaijan: do not attempt to block our communication route with Armenia

Iranian army is holding military exercises on the border with Azerbaijan.

FM Amirabdollahian: Iran will not allow its communication route with Armenia to be blocked, and in order to achieve that goal, we have also started military exercises in this region.

FM Amirabdollahian: A very dangerous scenario was unfolding in the region to change the geopolitics of the region. Efforts were even made to sever the communication between Iran and Armenia. Iran did not allow this to happen.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095227.html) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246339)

Azerbaijan’s aggression is a direct attack on Armenia’s sovereignty: Speaker of Luxembourg parliament

Armenian parliament contacted the head of the Luxemburg parliament to inform them about Azerbaijan's military aggression.

Luxemburg responds: We express full support to Armenia's democracy and territorial integrity. Azerbaijan's aggression is a direct attack on Armenia's sovereignty. We will send a ranking delegation to Armenia. We hope the EU mission will play a stabilizing role.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095219.html)

Pashinyan urges Azerbaijan to clarify the destiny of Armenians missing since 1990s

As a humanitarian gesture, Armenia has transferred the remains and location information of several missing Azeris.

Pashinyan: There are 777 missing Armenians from the 1990s war, 217 from the 2020 war, and 29 from the September aggression. We hope Azerbaijan will cooperate in clarifying the destiny of our compatriots.

[source,](https://twitter.com/NikolPashinyan/status/1582603172685975552)

Vice President of Uruguay condemns Azerbaijan's military aggression

The Chamber of Senators of Uruguay adopted a statement, condemning Azerbaijan’s incursion into Armenia’s territory.

VP Beatriz Argimón: I share the statement adopted by the Senate of Uruguay on the clashes between Azerbaijan and Armenia, expressing our solidarity to the Armenian people.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095195.html)

Azerbaijan must grant Nagorno Karabakh an autonomous status: U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone

Rep. Pallone: Nagorno Karabakh must have an autonomous status to preserve its Armenian culture and people.

There were several such autonomous regions in USSR. They all had status under the Constitution of the USSR. Yes, Azerbaijan was a republic, but Nagorno Karabakh was an autonomous oblast, and this should continue. That is, Azerbaijan, as a constituent part, a member of the peace treaty, must understand that Nagorno Karabakh must have a status, and must grant it some kind of autonomous status to preserve its Armenian culture and people.

Reporter: Russia wants the status discussions to be postponed.

Pep. Pallone: There is no point in dragging out the issue. I don't care what Russia says. Russia doesn't play a role, and it won't in the future. //

The remarks come weeks after Pallone's meeting with Nagorno Karabakh officials in the U.S.

[source,](http://arka.am/en/news/politics/u_s_congressman_frank_pallone_says_azerbaijan_must_grant_artsakh_autonomous_status_/)

interview with ruling party MP Ruben Rubinyan about Nagorno Karabakh

Reporter: Do you expect more action from the U.S. in addition to their targeted statements aimed at Azerbaijan's September aggression?

Rubinyan: Yes. We expect more from every partner.

Reporter: Weapons too?

Rubinyan: Inappropriate to discuss that topic here.

Reporter: Tell us about the Prague meeting.

Rubinyan: Armenia and Azerbaijan reaffirm commitment to the 1991 CIS agreement on mutual recognition of territorial integrity. This will be the basis for AM-AZ border delimitation. Azerbaijan was earlier proposing the use of ancient maps to draw the borders. In Prague, we fixed that the delimitation must use the 1991 document. This is what we were aiming for.

Reporter: The [plan is to sign the peace agreement by the end of this year](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/y0uzgu/oct102022_drone_airport_identities_of_jihadists/). Does that mean there is an agreement around the main issues?

Rubinyan: No. Armenia is willing to be constructive so we can reach an agreement. If Azerbaijan adopts the same attitude, we can have peace.

Reporter: Will Azerbaijani forces leave the illegally occupied territories of Armenia when the border delimitation is over?

Rubinyan: Those are separate topics. Azeri forces must withdraw immediately, not wait until the delimitation is over.

Reporter: What about Nagorno Karabakh status when Armenia and Azerbaijan sign a peace treaty?

Rubinyan: NK and AZ must hold direct negotiations with international mechanisms. Our goal is to ensure the security and rights of Armenians in NK. The reason the NK conflict began decades ago was the threat of Armenians being unable to live in their homeland in NK. This threat persists. Today Armenia is taking steps to ensure guarantees that the NK people can live in their homeland safely, with protected rights. There is an international consensus around this.

There are multiple formats that can be used to address this issue. If Azerbaijan refuses to discuss Nagorno Karabakh issue with Armenia, then they must discuss the conflict directly with Nagorno Karabakh itself.

Reporter: And what if Azerbaijan refuses to hold dialogue with Nagorno Karabakh, too?

Rubinyan: That means the issue of security and rights will not be addressed, which means the root cause of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict won't be addressed, therefore the conflict won't be resolved.

Nagorno Karabakh is a separate subject recognized by the 9 November 2020 statement. It states that the peacekeepers are being deployed in "Nagorno Karabakh" with its own LoC. Obviously, Armenia and Azerbaijan have many disagreements. That's why we don't have a peace treaty yet.

[source,](https://youtu.be/OywSNSuoRMQ?t=176)

Foreign Minister of Norway

Anniken Huitfeldt: The videos that have surfaced of Azerbaijanis executing unarmed Armenians are gut-wrenching, and this is why we had to react. I repeat that those responsible for such crimes must be held to account.

We are encouraged by the recent statements after the Prague meeting, about recognizing each other's territorial integrity. This is an important step in the right direction toward a peaceful solution. A peaceful South Caucasus is important for Europe and Norway.

We are encouraged by Armenia’s dedication to democratic reform. It is a brave choice, in a complex region, in a difficult time. The purpose of my trip is partly to explore how Norway can support Armenia.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095204.html)

over 70% of Jermuk residents have returned to their homes after the safety evacuation: deputy mayor

Residents are still anxious about the possible threat but the vast majority have decided to return. Hotels are working at a 10%-15% capacity right now, the aerial ropeway is still suspended. The city is still assessing the damage to infrastructure and forests.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246351)

Armenia develops national food strategy & dietary recommendations

Economy Minister Kerobyan: Food security is one of the most important components. The government will develop a food strategy for Armenia by yearend that will include a special dietary recommendation.

Last week a food security conference took place about the necessary amount of food and a healthy diet. For example, for children under 2, the problem is not only malnutrition but also an unhealthy diet, which leads to more than 40% being malnourished around the world.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095208.html)

more damage = more fine

The Government has drafted a bill to introduce a progressive scale for fining cargo trucks that exceed the weight limit. Illegally heavy trucks damage roads and endanger others, argues the government, therefore they must be fined. New scales were recently installed on several highways.

Today the fine is ֏200K for all violations. After the amendment, it'll be ֏200K for each ton that's over the limit.

Additionally, obstruction or failure to comply will net a fine: ֏250K if commercial, ֏150K if individual.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095215.html) [source,](https://factor.am/568679.html)

businesses are required to keep their surrounding area clean: law to be enforced soon

Yerevan municipality adopted a resolution over a decade ago, requiring shops to keep the nearby sidewalk tidy. Small kiosks must clean 5 meters, while larger ones the entire area up to the street.

Municipality: A warning will be issued first before a fine. We've been sending inspectors to remind the businesses. There are no limits to the number of tickets. The business can be forced to pay $50 every week if they continue to neglect its duties.

Over 90% of the capital's 13,000 businesses have been informed. Many of them have already been doing this diligently without a reminder.

In the winter, businesses are required to clean the snow and ice from the sidewalks. //

[source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/19/Տնտեսվարողները-կտուգանվեն-տարածք-չմաքրելու-համար/817024)

Armenia-Bulgaria business forum was held in Sofia, after Tuesday's high-profile cooperation agreement

President Khachaturyan: We expect 11% economic growth for this year, partly because of the inflow of new workforce and foreign companies. They find Armenia attractive thanks to our tax policies, easy business registrations (takes 1 day or a few hours), there are opportunities to open bank accounts within a few days, and freedoms. The state will leave you alone as long as you pay your taxes.

Armenia is closely integrated into Russia's EAEU economic bloc, while at the same time maintaining active cooperation with the EU. Bulgarian businesses can take advantage of this by establishing a presence in Armenia. The Bulgarian economy used to be based on agriculture. Today it's industrial, with a stronger production, it's interesting.

[source,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=433546172251386) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095228.html)

infrastructure projects in Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh

▶︎ The #7 kindergarten in Gavar (Gegharkunik) is being rebuilt. The ֏180m project will double the capacity to 240, allowing every child in the district to attend a kindergarten.

▶︎ Himandram is building 20 condos and 86 single-family houses in Artsakh's Ivanyan community. It's almost done. The crews are working on final projects and adjacent infrastructure.

▶︎ Village Tsovinar (Gegharkunik) will soon have a newly rebuilt kindergarten facility as part of a ֏159m project. It will open its doors to hundreds of children once the septic tank and the backyard are ready.

▶︎ Projects worth $2.5 million are underway in Stepanavan (Lori). Kindergartens in Armanis and Katnaghbyur, a culture center in Urasar, several roads being asphalted and covered with tuf stone in Stepanavan, a library, energy-efficiency works in several condos, etc.

▶︎ Several kilometers of Gyumri-Isahakyan road are being renovated.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095200.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095232.html) [source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/19/Ասկերանի-շրջանի-Իվանյան-համայնքում-«Հայաստան»-հիմնադրամը-կառուցում-է-20-բազմաբնակարան-շենք/817171) [source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/19/Ստեփանավանում-մոտ-1-մլրդ-դրամի-սուբվենցիոն-ծրագիր-է-իրականացվում/817032) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246312)

200 kilometers of roads and sidewalks will be renovated in Yerevan next year

The municipality plans to make structural changes to its road department. The goal is to reduce traffic jams caused by repairs, reform the planning process, etc.

>2023 թ. մայրաքաղաքում կվերանորոգվի շուրջ 200 կմ ճանապարհահատված, որը կներառի ասֆալտե ծածկի, յուրաքանչյուր փողոցի 10%-ի շրջանակներում հիմքային նորոգումներ, մայթերի, դիտահորերի բարձրացման համալիր աշխատանքներ:

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246317)

ooof, look at these brand new trolleybuses with a shiny (but slightly ugly) green paint

15 trolleybuses have just been acquired by Yerevan municipality. The Government will purchase another 15 soon. They will come straight from the factory. "Soon," said Mayor Hrachya Sargsyan.

[photo,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/19/Երևանի-քաղաքապետարանը-ձեռք-է-բերել-15-նոր-տրոլեյբուսներ-սեփական-միջոցներով-ևս-15-ը-ձեռք-կբերվի-Կառա/817047) [video,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1275889589917865)

new taller microbuses enter service in Gyumri

Gyumri Autobus director: Last year we launched a state-subsidized ֏882m program to acquire 63 new microbuses. It didn't go smoothly, there were major delays. We were finally able to put them into circulation a few weeks ago. Efforts are underway to address complaints about the schedule and coverage.

These microbuses serve 5 routes. They operate from 7:30 to 21:30. They come equipped with cameras and coin machines.

... Gyumri will buy 20 (bigger) buses next year

The government wants the city to have larger buses so people with disabilities can use them. Microbuses have one door and are less convenient, said Governor Nazeli Baghdasaryan.

[source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/19/Շիրակի-մարզպետը-ծանոթացել-է-«Գյումրի-ավտոբուս»-ընկերության-գործունեությանը/817014)

NSS has uncovered $72 million in damages to the state in the first 9 months

Each law enforcement department regularly publishes its statistics. The NSS has filed 1,600 new cases this year. The suspects are accused of various crimes, including financial.

Of the $80 million in financial crimes, $72 million was committed against the state. They have so far recovered $35 million.

[source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/19/Հունվար-սեպտեմբերին-ԱԱԾ-ն-ՀՀ-պետական-իրավասու-մարմիններին-փոխանցվել-է-1596-նյութ-նախաձեռնվել-է-334/817244)

Lake Sevan will have a new patrol service... real cops in the water and shores

The Government has drafted a bill to establish a new branch of patrol service. We will finally find out if the new cops are required to have a 6-pack or not. (no homo, keep scrolling)

Justice Ministry: We've been studying issues at Lake Sevan basin and the international experience. It's necessary to have a dedicated Water Patrol team to address illegal fishing and hunting, deaths, etc.

In the busy period of summer, they will be responsible for the safety of beachgoers. They will also patrol during the seasons when the fish lay their eggs.

Officers serving at Gegharkunik's new Patrol Service will be able to join the Water Patrol Service. Applicants must know how to swim and dive in hot and cold water, etc.

The retraining of 48 officers will begin in May 2023 with the help of U.S. instructors. The service will launch in September 2023, once the new water equipment arrives.

[source,](https://youtu.be/GWCx4Bw-8Cc) [source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/19/Պարեկային-ծառայություն-նաև-Սևանա-լճում-կձևավորվի-ջրային-պարեկների-թիմ/817100)

an Opel vehicle (aka Armenia's "Florida man") ran over a shepherd and flock of sheep

The incident occurred near a restaurant in Vardenis. The shepherd was hospitalized. 18 sheep were killed.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246309)

in a "historic moment", Los Angeles City Council elects Paul Krekorian as president

Councilman Krekorian will replace Nury Martinez, who had to resign over the alleged use of racist slurs. ANCA congratulated him: "we are extremely proud that the Armenian-American community now has its highest ranking elected official leading Los Angeles".

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095193.html)

Armenians have shown a friendly attitude towards our citizens: Russian embassy about post-February inflow from Russia

Kopyrkin to Russian media: We haven't recorded any cases of aggression, including on ethnic grounds. Unlike in Georgia and a few other states, the attitude towards Russians is very friendly in Armenia.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246307)

Russian refugees working and having fun in Armenia | VIDEO

[source,](https://youtu.be/FIzVPvvxvto)

Russian canine experts are helping Armenia's rescue agency to train sniffy dogs

Good dogs... for the record.

[photos,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246342)

Russia's Sergey Lobanov wins the Yerevan Open chess tournament

Armenia's Mamikon Gharibyan finished 2nd with equal points. The tournament hosted 292 players from dozens of countries.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095182.html)

scandal during women's World Armwrestling Championship | VIDEO

Kazakh athletes won 2nd and 3rd place and were holding their national flag when the winner from Turkey came and disrespectfully covered the Kazakh flag with Turkish. A battle of flags ensued.

[source,](https://factor.am/568727.html)

late pop singer Hayk Hakobyan (Hayko) is posthumously awarded Commemorative Medal of the President of Parliament for his contributions to Armenia's music and culture

The young singer died of COVID last year.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095229.html)

video of the recent air balloon festival in Yerevan

[source,](https://youtu.be/cheozpVyE0o)

this is what Americans have been Googling since 2001 | VISUALIZED

[source,](https://www.visualcapitalist.com/20-years-of-top-trending-google-searches/)

Armenian blockchain security startup HeXens has raised $4.2 million in seed funding

... led by IOSG Ventures, a Web3 Venture Capital. Hexens is ready to expand its cybersecurity service coverage, as well as release new products.

>We are excited to partner with the stellar Hexens team on the mission to make Web3 a safer place.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095257.html) [source,](https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/10/29313479/hexens-a-blockchain-security-firm-has-raised-4-2-million-in-seed-funding-led-by-iosg-ventu)

Armenia may become a crypto-hub of the region: VP of Binance

Interview with Tigran Ghambarian, Vice President of Global Intelligence and Investigations for Binance.

[source,](http://arka.am/en/news/business/armenia_may_become_a_cryptohub_of_the_region_vice_president_of_binance/)

prehistoric plant DNA found in Armenia hints at early human knowledge

Senckenberg Research Institute: Upper Paleolithic humans processed at least 43 species of plants in the "Aghitu-3" cave in southern Armenia between 25,000-40,000 years ago.

All but five of the plants are known to be suitable for use as medicines, food, flavoring, mosquito repellent, etc.

Needles made from animal bones were also found in the cave.

[source,](https://www.archaeology.org/news/10930-221017-armenia-plant-dna) [source,](http://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/19/Նախապատմական-բույսերի-ԴՆԹ-ն-վկայում-է-մարդու-վաղ-գիտելիքների-մասին/817389) [source,](https://phys.org/news/2022-10-dna-sediments-insights-humans-paleolithic.html)

in case you missed

Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a 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/y8id3n/oct192022_armenia_negotiating_w_us_to_retrain/