2021 December 13

Daily news wrap-up

Dec/13/2021: Armenia & Turkey could meet soon; charter flights [] Ranking army officials charged w/theft [] Voter bribery bust [] Stats: Migration & remittances [] ECHR & World Court lawsuits: AM vs AZ [] Internal & foreign politics [] Top vacation destinations & books [] Colonoscopy [] ... and more
by ar_david_hh

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Your 14-minute Monday report in 3427 words.

Armenia's lawyer discusses the recent ruling by World Court

• • Yeghishe Kirakosyan:** the ruling was a victory for Armenia. It confirms the existence of hate speech coming from Azeri state officials and institutes towards ethnic Armenians. The court has obliged Azerbaijan to take measures to prevent it. This Armenophobic hate speech can create an environment of physical danger for Armenian individuals. *[cough couch secession for salvation couch]*

The next important part was about the protection of Armenian cultural heritage. The court required Azerbaijan to fulfill its obligations under the convention on racial discrimination. Azerbaijan must prevent and punish instances of vandalism against Armenian churches, cemeteries, monuments, etc.

These are all requirements. The court informs about its ruling to the UN Security Council, which has the authority to oversee and ensure the implementation of the requirements. //

... this was just the beginning

Armenian lawyers are preparing for the second stage of the World Court lawsuit, which will take a year. *"[It will] be more detailed and clear from the legal point of view of Armenia's claims and allegations, backed by a solid evidence base,"* said lawyer Kirakosyan.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070607.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070626.html http://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenian_lawyers_preparing_for_second_stage_of_lawsuit_against_azerbaijan_at_icj/

European Court for Human Rights has ordered Azerbaijan to pay €30,000 to Badalyan for moral damage

Arthur Badalyan got lost and found himself in captivity in 2009. His whereabouts were unknown for over a year.

• • Lawyer & LHK chief Edmon Manukyan:** Azerbaijan did not appeal the ruling so this goes into effect.

The ruling was read on July 22. Azerbaijan failed to provide convincing evidence that the mental health issues, which Arthur Badalyan developed immediately after being released, were not a result of the living conditions during the captivity in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan violated the convention against torture and cruel treatment. //

More: https://factor.am/452718.html https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1058829.html

Ruben Mehrabyan, a political analyst and member of pro-West "For the Republic" party:

Azerbaijan continues with the policy of border provocation after the Nov 26 Sochi meeting, with the hope to get a "corridor". However, no "corridor" was hinted in the Sochi meeting statement.

This was the 3rd post-war joint statement. It brought the total number of "packages" to 4. These 4 packages are to be implemented separately from one another.

1) Border delimitation and demarcation will be carried out by a special working group. This will be a lengthy process because we have long borders. Russia will consult the parties.

2) Unblocking of communication routes is being discussed by a group led by deputy Premiers.

3) Humanitarian issues. Return of POWs and building trust. Although parties are negotiating, the minimum necessary level of trust has not yet been achieved.

4) The Karabakh issue itself, which was not part of the Sochi statement. OSCE is tasked with that.

What became clear after the Sochi meeting is that the process of creating a border delimitation commission has not begun yet. There are talks, but no action yet. Azerbaijan continues its border provocations. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070528.html https://youtu.be/7jndqOwlV14

Pashinyan about Parliamentary opposition forces & Karabakh

• • Pashinyan:** the rhetoric of *"traitorous government"* by some is not at all a voice of pain for the loss of territories. This is an episode of a very well thought-out hybrid war that was prepared for many years. In 2018, when I just become Premier, even before I had the chance to read the Karabakh negotiation documents, they were already spreading rumors that I decided to hand over territories. This idea was being prompted slowly, step by step.

The goal was so they could then claim "fighting is futile, they have already given the lands" when the time comes to defend the homeland. *[referring to criminal cases launched against some individuals, reportedly linked to opposition, accused of telling soldiers not to fight because "Nikol has already given the lands".]*

The goal was to break the resistance, the soldier's motivation, and break his will. And before the war, they've done everything to weaken Armenia's positions on the negotiations table.

This combination can be built through a close cooperation between internal and external forces. Those who propagate those rumors do not often realize what they are participating in, because it is served to them with the "patriotism" sauce.

But the narrow circle of elites knows its mission and the mutually beneficial cooperation with external forces. External forces want territories, while internal forces want power.

The external forces succeeded in 2020-2021, but the internal power-grab failed. As you can see, the internal "patriots" do not calm down because their external partners do not consider their mission over yet.

Why aren't we preventing this, you may ask? There are a dozen reasons, one of which is the level of development of state institutions. The development of state institutions is the only guarantee of our future. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070524.html

Armenia and Turkey could soon form delegations to normalize relations

• • Turkish MFA:** Turkey and Armenia may soon appoint special representatives to normalize relations between countries. We will also open charter flights with Yerevan. //

Georgia was not present during the recent 3+3 platform meeting

... but their flag was featured there. Georgian MFA called it unacceptable. They don't want to join the platform primarily because of conflict with Russia.

Armenia said it will explore the 3+3 platform as long as it's for developing relations in areas that are not already covered by other platforms (i.e. OSCE for Karabakh, lifting border blockade, etc.).

https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/13190149 https://factor.am/453432.html https://factor.am/453360.html

prosecutors criticized Constitutional Court for the MP immunity ruling that can "open Pandora's box"

Last week we basically learned that you can commit a crime, get arrested, become an MP, and walk free. *[not that I recommend]*

• • Prosecutors respond:** our stance is that the MP immunity applies only to someone who is already an MP, and the Parliament's authorization is not required to continue the arrest after the person is declared an MP.

The Court agreed with the latter, stating that Parliamentary approval is not necessary to continue the arrest. However, it also displayed an unpredictable approach by ruling that the arrest cannot continue once the person becomes an MP. The justification is that the continuation of the arrest could impede the functioning of the Parliament.

This ruling is problematic because it opens the system for abuse by those who want to avoid arrest in the future. This would allow convicts to receive the MP's status and walk free.

Moreover, the purpose of MP immunity is to ensure the MP isn't persecuted for their activities as an MP. It's to allow MPs to act freely. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to apply immunity to a candidate who is not even an MP yet.

[Prosecutors list an example of what they believe to be a contradiction between two rulings by the Constitutional Court.]

Although the Court has recognized that the strengthening of the immunity system is akin to authoritarian regimes, they did exactly that. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070580.html

update: Hard Rock Cafe met the government ahead of the planned branch opening in Yerevan

We learned last week that Hard Rock Cafe plans to open its first location in Armenia. It'll be co-financed by the "Food Republic" private business and the Armenian government.

Today the HRC representative met the director of the state ANIF fund to discuss the investment deal. The opening date is sometime in 2Q2022.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070602.html

hydro power plant is fined for using too much water

• • Nature Ministry inspectors:** Amberd HPP was inspected. We found instances of water abuse. The HPP's protection mechanisms were not operational. They have to pay a ֏530k fine and compensate ֏14.2M in damages. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070633.html

singer Sona Shahgeldyan was placed on wanted list

Shahgeldyan is accused of illegal business activities that led to damages. She denied wrongdoing and told the prosecutors to "fear God", before voluntarily appearing in a police station on Saturday. She is told not to leave the country.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/227244 https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/227358

general prosecutor participated in a conference about UN Convention Against Corruption

The countries discussed improving mechanisms to recover laundered cash, the best international practice, helping member-states to reform their laws, etc.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070605.html

anti-corruption: voter bribery investigations

• • Anti-Corruption Committee:** Gegharkunik resident G.M. submitted a report that kickstarted an investigation that uncovered an instance of voter bribery by the Aharon Khachahtryan alliance.

The resident reported that, on the election eve, she was offered $120 to vote for the Aharon Khachatryan alliance in the Vardenis elections. The investigation continues.

In another instance, candidate BHK Ara Israelyan *(Ijevan youth wing leader)* gave a $100 bribe to voter Arman Ellaryan during the June 20 snap elections. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070641.html

anti-corruption: authorities press embezzlement charges against ranking army and MOD officials

• • Investigative Committee:** Colonel A.K. *(deputy commander of communal operations in the rear)* conspired with Lt.Colonel T.P. *(the head of property services)* in July, to embezzle 6 unused army tents. They forged documents to claim the tents were lost during the war. It led to ֏6.7M in damages.

The two reached an agreement to sell the stolen tents to MOD. To finish the transaction, Colonel AK used the help of his brother and others to reach an agreement with Colonel AT, who is the property department chief at the General Staff.

Four officials have been arrested and charged with various crimes. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070612.html

update: another soldier is arrested as part of November 16 Ishkhanasar incident

Last week we learned that authorities will press criminal charges against Lieutenant Serjik Amirkhanyan, contractor Robert Nazaryan, and Major Nayrek Yerimyan, for allegedly disobeying orders to organize a defense when the enemy was first detected. They are accused of deserting and leaving dozens of soldiers behind.

Authorities announced similar charges against contractor Artyom Manasyan.

https://factor.am/452486.html https://factor.am/452776.html

update: investigators drop the case against AYB educational foundation

The foundation was accused of improper use of funds in 2018. The Investigative Committee has dropped the case, saying no evidence of a crime was found.

AYB is among several education centers that are currently working with the Education Ministry to help train teachers as part of the ongoing education reforms.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070600.html

Vagharshapat has a newly rebuilt school No5

The facility, which is now physically more resilient, is one of 8 similar programs co-financed by the World Bank. It'll have new classrooms, several labs, etc. Ranking officials visited the opening ceremony on Monday.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070603.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070629.html

other infrastructure projects across Armenia

As part of the government's co-ubsidy program, 60 apartment complex buildings are having their backyards asphalted in Hrazdan. It's almost done.

Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed in Garni enlarged settlement.

Getashen's public buildings and a water well have new solar panels.

https://factor.am/452695.html

new road in Artsakh will connect village Khramort to Askeran district center

The new "very important" 3.5km Khramort-Askeran road will be used by locals and Russian peacekeepers. The land work will be done this year, followed by asphalt in 2022.

https://factor.am/452764.html

Covid stats

3.6k tested. 66 infected. 438 healed. 17 deaths. 7.5k active.

vaccination stats

583,000 people have received the second shot. 1,452,000 shots have been administrated so far.

most popular vaccines in Aragatsotn province

Sinopharm 27.8k

Sputnik 7.9k

AstraZeneca 7.7k

Moderna 5.7k

CoronaVac 4.5k

Armenia imported more oxygen production plants

Healthcare Ministry imported four oxygen stations for Covid patients. They will be used in provinces and Artsakh, to help decentralize medical care.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070576.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070569.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070556.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/227373

Armenians' favorite vacation destinations

It's that time of the year. People have been ordering their vacation packages to travel abroad. The top destinations are Egypt, Dubai, and UAE.

Georgia is no longer on the top list, according to several tour agencies. Egypt is also popular because vaccinated people don't have to get tested.

Not many people choose to travel abroad nowadays. It's 30% of pre-pandemic levels, said the tour agencies. Pandemic isn't the only reason. The recent decision to reduce the number of non-working holidays also had an impact. People don't find it practical to fly long distances for 3 consecutive days, said the agencies.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/227036

Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs provided 2021 stats about work migrants who traveled to Russia

3 million Uzbeks

1.6 million Tajiks

600k Kyrgyz

300k Armenians

200k Azeris

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In Armenia, 80% of exits in 1Q2021 were headed to Russia. 72% of them were work migrants. 127k left and 64k returned in that period. It is expected that the number of those who return will increase towards the end of the year.

Armenia's migration services will have the full 2021 picture in February 2022.

https://factor.am/453095.html

remittance statistics: 2020 vs 2021

After 9 months of remittance volume growth, the transfers dropped in October.

The January-October period saw $1.722B inflow, which is +16% (+$232M) from last year. Outflow was $979M (+1.3%).

Many seasonal migrant workers were unable to travel to Russia in early 2020. They received the chance in late 2020 or early 2021. It led to a spike in remittance volumes, before the drop in October.

If we deduct the outflow, the net gain was $743M, or +42%. Apparently, the stimulus checks in the U.S. played a significant role, with many US-Armenians choosing to wire them to Armenia.

https://hetq.am/hy/article/138954

micro-grants from Russia

RosSotrudnichestvo *[can you stop using these long words? thanks]* has a program that will provide aid to young residents of several countries, including Armenia. The recipients can use the $300-$1000 grants to implement their projects related to Russia.

Throughout its 10-year history, this program has helped 7,000 people to visit Russia, said the representatives during a conference in Yerevan on Monday.

• • Education Ministry official:** this conference is an excellent opportunity for young residents to present their original ideas to representatives of state and private industries. The platform also promotes the establishment of relations between employers and universities.

Russian ambassador Kopirkin: wide range of events being planned on the occasion of 30th anniversary of Armenia-Russian relations

• • Kopirkin:** 2022 is a remarkable year because our countries will be marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and the 25th anniversary of the Agreement of Friendship, cooperation, and mutual assistance.

We will sign a new program of interdepartmental cultural cooperation, the key events of which will be Russia's days in Armenia and Armenia's days in Russia. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070652.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070648.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070647.html

US donated three new generators to support Armenia's military medical capabilities

>The generators are a gift from the United States European Command's Global Peace Operations Initiative and were provided by Kilo Victor Golf, LLC.

>This is the first installment of a large quantity of medical equipment scheduled to be delivered over the next two months.

https://factor.am/453412.html https://www.facebook.com/usembarmenia/posts/270964845065638

Joe Biden is not the only one who needs a colonoscopy

Armenia's National Oncology Center concluded the results of a recent free colonoscopy program for people over 45.

699 exams revealed colon cancer in 81 patients.

• • Director Narek Manukyan:** long lines were formed due to high demand. We decided to provide the services to every registrant.

It was an unprecedented event of its kind. It will have an impact on statistics and will promote the practice of early detection. The state and the patient spend a lot fewer resources when it's detected early on.

Some patients already had complaints, while others did not. Four of the patients were diagnosed with cancer at a very early stage, which allowed them to be removed endoscopically *[this better not be bleach and UV light]*. They won't need surgeries and chemotherapy.

Colon cancer is the third most popular type. The cases are rising in Armenia and globally. The 2009-2019 data shows an increase in colon cancer with about 150 new cases. //

In Armenia, every year around 700 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed with 60% diagnosed in the 3rd and 4th stages.

soccer legend Pele had chemo for colon cancer

>The three-time World Cup winner was found to have a colon tumour during a routine medical examination at the end of August.

>He had surgery in September and left intensive care only to return three days later after falling ill.

He wrote on Instagram that he will be discharged soon and will celebrate the upcoming holidays.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070604.html https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341632194_Treatment_of_colorectal_cancer_in_Armenia_A_retrospective_hospital-based_study_from_a_developing_world https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1534770/pele-hospital-stay-chemo-colon-cancer https://factor.am/452773.html https://www.instagram.com/p/CXRolhPOLx4/

Turkey news

Turkish supermarkets imposed quotas on flour, milk, and oil, as prices soar amid economic turmoil. Some Istanbul markets are selling 2-5 cartons of milk and 10kg of oil per customer. Erdogan blamed the "suppliers who stockpile products" and vowed to impose strong penalties.

Some shop owners expect 4-5 lira for bread. Flour prices went up 300% this year according to a baker in Ataşehir, Istanbul. *"We used to buy flour for 106 lira. Now it's 320. It's changing every two months. The bread will cost 5-6 lira."*

Some residents of Istanbul spend several hours in line to buy cheap bread for 1.25 lira.

The inflation climbed to 20.7% in November, with food prices +27%, according to official data. Lira has lost 40% of its value this year.

https://ahvalnews.com/food-inflation/turkish-supermarkets-impose-quota-milk-oil-prices-soar https://factor.am/453416.html https://factor.am/453169.html

another batch of new Yerevan buses entered service over the weekend / Drivers demand raise

The capital has been gradually adding new buses to the public transport network. These brand new units will serve in 4 routes. Another 100 units will be purchased next year, followed by the purchase of 100 longer buses later.

A group of bus drivers organized a strike in the morning with demands to receive a raise.

• • City spokesman:** drivers earn ֏260k/mo after tax deductions, for 15 days of work. Some drivers want to return to the old "planned" system in which they would earn minimum wage plus "dark income" from fares.

We are determined to continue with the transport reforms to provide quality service to the public. At the same time, we continuously improve drivers' work conditions. This sabotage is unacceptable and won't yield any results. We're working to resolve the situation. //

• • Driver:** they are offering ֏260k salary. If I work 14 days I won't make a living wage. I need ֏350k because food prices are high.

Under the old system, I would earn ֏120k for 22 days if they allowed us to work that much, plus ֏7-8k/day, from which ֏2k/day goes to vehicle maintenance *[under old system drivers are tasked with maintaining their vehicles]*.

• • Journalist:** hold on. If you earn 120k, and 2k of your 8k additional daily allowance is spent on upkeep, and if we deduct taxes from that, doesn't that means you were earning less than the pure 260k that's offered to you today?

• • Driver:** I was taking home ֏350k. //

The drivers returned to work after meeting a municipality representative and reaching an agreement to discuss several topics.

Yerevan Autobus CJSC director Elbak Tarposhyan submitted his resignation papers.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070520.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070561.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070565.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070573.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070619.html https://hetq.am/hy/article/138962 https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31606883.html https://youtu.be/D2JdYLfWJUo

VIDEO: Hakob Mikoyan has been removing a bag of trash from Yerevan streets every day, for 2 years

The Vanadzor native will do it for 20 years as part of his "Makrapatum" campaign. It's a side hobby for him. People recognize him on the streets.

• • Mikoyan:** parents want their children to live in a nice country but they come to playgrounds and dump their cigarette butts there.

We are an old nation with complex history and architecture, yet we lack the most basic respect towards the cleanliness of the land. //

December 11 was his birthday. He asked his friends to collect a bag of trash as a birthday gift.

https://factor.am/450782.html https://youtu.be/cym77ihM-v4

top-10 bestseller books in November, according to three popular booksellers

10) Think and Grow Rich, by Napoleon Hill

9) The Character of Physical Law, Richard Feynman

8) Вся кремлёвская рать, [about Putin presidency] by Mikhail Zygar

7) Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, by Yuval Noah Harari

6) Մատյան ողբերգության, by Grigor Narekatsi

5) Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, by Daniel Goleman

4) The Right to Struggle, by Monte

3) The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, by Samuel Huntington

2) Վիշապ․ Տուրբոկնոջ հարձակումը, by comedian Narek Margaryan

1) Չխրատվող ժողովուրդ, by Garegin Nzhdeh

https://www.civilnet.am/news/643064/տասը-ամենավաճառված-գրքերը-երևանյան-գրախանութներում/

Intel and Milan are eyeing Roman midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan

His contract with Roma ends this season. Heno isn't satisfied with the amount of time he is given in the pitch. On top of that, coach Mourinho wants him to play in positions he doesn't like.

Russian Spartak and Zenith are also interested.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070599.html

PHOTO: Miss India is the Miss Universe 2021

80 countries participated. Armenia was represented by Nane Avetisyan, who earned her law degree from the Université Française en Arménie in Yerevan. She has eight sisters and two brothers.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070590.html https://world360news.com/en/pictures-nane-avetisyan-miss-universe-armenia-2021-universe-arena-eilat https://conandaily.com/2021/12/12/nane-avetisyan-biography-13-things-about-miss-universe-armenia-2021/

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/rftf7r/dec132021_armenia_turkey_could_meet_soon_charter/