2021 November 19

Daily news wrap-up

News - Nov/19/2021: Armenia & Iran discuss trade routes & envr. protection __ 15 agreements at EAEU: interstate personal loans, palm oil safety __ Techies & veterans __ Posthumous medals __ Pashinyan, Aliyev, & MODs to meet in Europe __ Airlines __ Online trolls __ Anti-corruption: MP's dad, top cop
by ar_david_hh

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This is your 10-minute Friday briefing in 2595 words.

Persian Gulf-Black Sea transit corridor agreement is close to being signed

Series of meetings were held between Iran, India, and Armenia in recent months to continue discussions about forming a trade corridor stretching from Iran to Europe, that could travel through Armenia.

All three Caucasus republics were supposed to be part of it, but Azerbaijan was recently left out. Other known participants are Georgia, Greece, and Bulgaria. India could also connect. There will be a meeting in Bulgaria soon to sign an agreement.

Iranian embassy: thankfully, the Armenian government is seriously pursuing the construction of the North-South highway in Armenia. This will be an important ring in the Gulf-to-Sea route, and will significantly increase the attractiveness of the Armenian route.

[About Indian MFA's recent Yerevan trip and India possibly joining:] India is also interested. Iran and India are cooperating closely in the field of transportation. Indian firms are taking part in the development of [Iran's] Chabahar port and in the construction of a new railway in eastern Iran. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068604.html

Armenia and Iran formed a group to study the environmental pollution near Araks River

The agreement to form the group was reached when Iran's general prosecutor visited Armenia several weeks ago. During meetings with Iranian colleagues, Pashinyan announced that a factory located in southern Armenia had switched to an environmentally-friendly circulation system to prevent pollution.

Prosecutor's office: we met with the Agarak Copper-molybdenum plant representatives to discuss the efforts to reduce the dumping of wastewater in Araks.

The Iranian colleagues were invited to plant to study the new eco-friendly closed water circulation system. The group has acknowledged that the plant has fulfilled its obligations. //

The plant used to dump toxic colorful material in the river.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068669.html

electronic platform to help experts apply and move to Armenia

Silicon Mountains 2021 summit was held in Yerevan, attended by representatives of the tech world

Parliament deputy Speaker Arshakyan: we have over 20,000 engineers. The trend is promising. Our goal is to attract medium and higher level experienced professionals.

This is why we reformed the labor law about inviting foreign nationals. Starting January 1, employers and experts can use the electronic platform to apply to help the expert move to Armenia. //

https://factor.am/443812.html

six bodies transferred to Armenian side after November 16 clashes

The bodies were transferred to the Armenian side last night and today after Russian mediators and Armenians visited the site. 18 others are still missing.

On the day of clashes, an Armenian MP announced the death of 15 soldiers but retracted the claim the next day when it became clear that the contact was lost with 24 soldiers but some of them could still be alive.

The identification process continues. Four soldiers have been issued Medal of Courage posthumously.

Photos of destroyed Azeri vehicles were shared, confirming that they made an unsuccessful attempt to beyond the hill that's on the border. The hill is on the Armenian side.

Azerbaijan sustained 70 casualties and lost 4 BTR armored vehicles, 1 Sandcat armored vehicle, 5 transport Kamaz/URAL/UAZ vehicles.

Armenia and Azerbaijan will meet in Brussels / Statements by OSCE and Russia

OSCE chairwoman Ann Linde to MFA Lavrov: we welcome Russia's efforts towards the resolution of the conflict. We will talk about how we can work together to achieve constructive solutions to resolve the regional conflicts, including the one between AM and AZ. //

MFA Lavrov: there will be an RU-AM-AZ meeting about the Karabakh issue once we reach a consensus. //

17 European Parliament MPs sent a letter to Josep Borrell, urging him to use all possible levers to prevent the violation of the territorial integrity of Armenia. We condemn the Azerbaijani aggression and the infiltration into the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia, they must withdraw immediately, wrote the MPs.

Pashinyan and Aliyev agreed to establish contact through their Defense Ministers to avoid incidents in Nagorno Karabakh, said the President of the Council of Europe Charles Michel. Additionally, Pashinyan and Aliyev will personally meet on December 15 in Brussels during the EU's eastern partnership summit.

https://tass.ru/mezhdunarodnaya-panorama/12977573 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068606.html https://youtu.be/sKOwvjfXWBU?t=45 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068641.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068659.html https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/qw9arz/news_recap_nov172021_pashinyans_speech_in/ https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068692.html https://factor.am/443968.html https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/296858/ https://factor.am/443971.html

update: Armenian trolls respond to Azeri trolls by "creating traffic jam" in Baku with fake ride-sharing app reservations

The group gathered on social media and coordinated a campaign to use the Bolt app to order rides and cancel them when drivers arrive at their destination. The group claimed it led to a traffic jam not far from Baku's Heydar Aliyev Center.

Azeris had attempted a similar campaign in Yerevan but Yandex Taxi found and blocked it.

https://factor.am/443795.html

Turkey news

A large earthquake rocked eastern Turkey, causing destruction in rural areas and rocks sliding from the hills. Photo/Video: https://factor.am/443883.html

Thousands of laborers took to the streets of Izmir to protest poverty and inflation, and the government's handling. "Jobs, food, freedom!"

We don't know how the prices will rise tomorrow, we don't know how we will make ends meet when our salaries are shrinking, said one protester.

Read yesterday's report about Turkish opposition demanding new elections amid the lira plunging to new lows against the dollar, and the increasing poverty rates.

https://factor.am/443832.html https://eadaily.com/ru/news/2021/11/19/rabochie-tureckogo-izmira-vyshli-na-ulicy-my-ne-mozhem-svesti-koncy-s-koncami

update: NovAir airlines will not fly from Yerevan to Kapan

In October, NovAir applied for a license to hold flights between the capital and the southern city. They changed their mind.

Civil Aviation says Kapan airport is accredited with international certificates and is ready to hold flights.

https://factor.am/443901.html

new airline FlyOne Armenia receives identification codes from international ICAO and IATA regulators

FlyOne: we have come closer to our goal - the ability to provide safe, affordable and high-quality services for both Armenian citizens and tourists. //

They'll use Airbus 320 jets. There will be flights between Yerevan and cities in Russia, Iran, Georgia, Turkey, and France. This is a private business between Moldovan and Armenian companies, not to be confused with FlyArna national carrier that is also in the works.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068618.html https://finport.am/full_news.php?id=45087&lang=3

anti-corruption: the new ACC institute launches an investigation against a former ranking police official

Anti-Corruption Committee reports: Arshak Hakobyan was the head of a police department in 2017 and was required to disclose his property and income. He failed to provide complete information in 2017 and 2018.

Among the hidden properties were a ֏7M property, Mersedes-Benz GLS 500 4matik, and Samand Soren 1.8. His wife hid ֏10M in income received from a land lease. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068668.html

anti-corruption: Serj alliance supporters held a protest after their mayor (MP's dad) was arrested

The Mayor of Kasakh (Kotayk) was recently charged with threatening to destroy village roads and retaliate against residents unless they voted for Serj's PU alliance in June 20 elections. The mayor is PU MP Anna Mkrtchyan's father Ara Mkrtchyan.

SIS reported at the time: mayor Ara Mkrtchyan took advantage of the fact that several residents were dependent on him. He threatened to cause material damage if they voted for Pashinyan's party, and demanded a vote for the PU alliance.

On June 17, the mayor and the director of Neurosis Clinic organized an employee meeting, during which the mayor told the residents that they "owe" a PU vote because he had allegedly been "kind" to the residents for years. He informed that his daughter, Anna Mkrtchyan, was running under the PU ballot.

The mayor threatened to destroy the asphalt that was built under his administration, and to worsen the social status of municipal workers and others who depend on his decisions, unless they voted for PU. He then bribed the residents by promising to asphalt the nearby road if they complied. Mayor Ara Mkrtchyan is facing two criminal counts. //

Kotayk governor appointed an acting mayor after Mkrtchyan's arrest. Mkrtchyan's allies gathered to protest.

https://factor.am/443909.html https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/pfdr6u/news_aug312021_mfa_peace_negotiations_must/

anti-corruption: 6 drivers are facing criminal charges after NSS arrests a policeman over an alleged bribe-for-license scheme

NSS: Vanadzor police official and his accomplice have been charged with crimes for helping several residents to obtain licenses without passing the exams.

Six bribe givers were also charged. The trial has ended for the bribe givers. They were found guilty and will pay penalties. //

https://factor.am/443762.html

wounded soldiers continue to receive therapy in Soldier's Home center

YSMU rector and Healthcare Ministry visited the center to learn about the progress. The Ministry will launch another job retraining program to help them enter the labor market.

In other news, Polytechnic University will provide free courses to soldiers next week on how to start their startups.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068662.html https://factor.am/443946.html

COVID stats are showing a decline

8.1k tested. 0.8k infected. 1.9k healed. 29 deaths. 22.2k active.

... but the past month was really bad

The 15 funeral services that operate in Yerevan's Erebuni district were "booked". Some days saw 50-70 COVID deaths.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068610.html https://factor.am/443838.html

global antibiotics abuse has worsened after the pandemic, and Armenia is no exception

It's world antibiotic awareness week.

Medical University professor: the antibiotic abuse has gotten worse, which raises the future risk of resistance against the medication. The global consumption of antibiotics grew 36%. Almost half of the population believes that antibiotics can defeat both viruses and bacterias.

Antibiotic resistance kills 25,000 Europeans annually. It's worse in countries that don't require a prescription from a doctor. Armenia is one such country with a high abuse rate. People often use it without a doctor's guidance. If you use it unnecessarily now, it may not work later when you need it the most.

Antibiotics won't help against COVID pneumonia because it's caused by a virus. It can still be prescribed by a doctor if there are other reasons to use it. Don't self-medicate.

There are times when doctors themselves prescribe antibiotics when not needed, but most of the abuse is by citizens purchasing it themselves from pharmacies in an attempt to cure their flu, sore throat, or cold. Pharmasits' attempts to prevent abuse are not always fruitful. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068599.html

Day-2: EAEU trade bloc meeting in Yerevan / take a loan from a bank located in another country / trade volume / counterfeit fight

Pashinyan to guests: the situation is still tense in the region because of Azerbaijan's military provocations and attempts to violate the Nov 9 and Jan 11 agreements.

... about healthcare

Pashinyan: we need to increase the supplies of important medicine in member states to make them self-sufficient. The pandemic has taught us that we need a speedy resolution of healthcare and pharmaceutical problems.

Mishustin: Sputnik V vaccines have proven to be reliable. We will help EAEU members to produce it locally. //

EAEU will develop common rules for regulating the quantities of antibiotics in meat and dairy products. "We want to check not only the raw product but also the finished product, for local and imported goods."

Palm oil contains glycidyl(?) substance that's created during its processing and can be dangerous. It will be more strictly regulated by the bloc.

... about trade

Pashinyan: Armenian exports to EAEU grew by 28% in the first nine months. To Russia +27%, Belarus +19%, Kazakhstan +89%, Kyrgyzstan +48%.

The trade turnover between Armenia and EAEU grew 13%. //

... about a common market for loans

Ruslan Beketaev: the members signed an agreement to exchange data about credit histories. The central banks will soon approve the technical rules for the exchange of data in a safe manner.

As a result, a resident of one country can take a loan from banks located in other member countries. In conditions of remote lending, it is necessary to develop online banking mechanisms, which is already being done in Russia, Kazakhstan, and other states.

Mishustin: citizens of the EAEU states will get equal opportunities in case of receiving a loan in the Union’s territory. //

... about cargo & customs

Mishustin: we need to fight shadowy schemes in the common market. Illegal labeling is a big problem. Today we're properly marking shoes, perfume, tires, cameras, light industry products, and some food. We should expand the list to combat counterfeits.

Pashinyan: we should finalize the process to create a navigation system to use seals to track the cargo, and to digitize logistics as much as possible to make it faster and cheaper. //

The countries signed 15 agreements before concluding the session.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068632.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068634.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068646.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068621.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068643.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068631.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068643.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068654.html http://government.ru/news/43850/#d1911

IRS busted customs fraud: clothing marked as masks

IRS: someone attempted to import 14 tons of [expensive] clothing labeled as [cheap] masks so they could pay fewer import taxes. It was detected by RapiScan device in the Bagratashen facility.

An Armenian business was importing products from a Russian company with vehicles registered in Kyrgyzstan. //

[You didn't need a Rapi-Papi-Scanner to see the red flags all over it, bro. 14 tons of masks would be like 3,000,000 masks. More than enough to last throughout the next Covid-22 pandemic.]

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068660.html

IRS says "not so fast" on yesterday's report claiming that Tsarukyan defeated them in court

Yesterday the media reported that BHK Gagik Tsarukyan doesn't owe ֏6B to the IRS in unpaid casino dues, because he had to shut it down because of the pandemic regulations.

IRS responded today saying it was one of the several lawsuits, and that there is an appeals process.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068647.html

All Armenia Fund will help Syunik settlements with a new winter project

Himnadram: solar water heaters are being installed. Border village Shurnukh isn't connected to the gas network, while electricity is too expensive. All residents of Shurnukh will receive solar heaters.

33 families in Khoznavar village already have these heaters. More to be installed soon. Municipal buildings will have solar panels, too.

150 Aravus village residents also have the heaters. Their gas bill will reduce by 70%.

109 will be installed in Davit Bek. Thermal insulation works are underway in the school. The same about Chakaten village.

We will focus more on Syunik in the near future. //

https://www.ArmeniaFund.org/

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068657.html

Artsakh launched a vitro fertilization program: the first child is born

It's part of the program to improve demographics by helping couples with fertility issues. 52 couples have already applied to receive aid. One child was born recently.

https://factor.am/443788.html

Armenia is preparing for Beijing Olympics

Armenian skiers held training ahead of an international tournament in Finland that could earn them rating points. There will be multiple tournaments ahead of the Olympics.

Ski Federation chief Gagik: the International Federation has changed the way of allocating rating quotas to the Olympic Games. Armenia is 31st among the 63 members, which will give us 2-3 tickets. We're trying to make it in the top-30 list. We'll have at least 3-4 athletes in skiing and cross-country skiing. //

The games will be held between February 420. [Yes, I left out the en dash on purpose.]

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068624.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068617.html

chess news

Levon Aronian finished second in Tata Sheel India chess tournament.

The men's team is so far 5th in the European championship. The women's team is 14th.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068698.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068605.html

Adelia Petrosyan lands first-ever quadruple Rittberger jump (loop jump) in women's international skating

>Russian figure skater of Armenian descent Adelia Petrosyan has successfully landed a quadruple Rittberger jump for the first in the history of women's single skating at an official competition in Perm

https://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/296859/Adelia_Petrosyan_lands_quadruple_Rittberger_jump_in_womens_first

top-10 bestseller children's books in October

10) Kolobok (a new book with 3D images)

3) Շաղգամը, by Atabek Khnkoyan.

2) Ով է ապրում տնակում, by Vladimir Suteev.

1) Kolobok (the old 2D book)

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068346.html

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/qxpcl3/news_nov192021_armenia_iran_discuss_trade_routes/