2021 November 22

Daily news wrap-up

News - Nov/22/2021: Serj is charged w/bribery __ Azeri author explains current mood & problems in Azerbaijan __ Vets to learn JavaScript __ Police wants to learn negotiating skills __ 2020 rioters sentenced; incitement __ Diplomatic news __ Helicopters; reservists __ Terrorists' stolen salaries __ +
by ar_david_hh

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Your 12-minute Monday briefing in 2981 words.

anti-corruption: Serj Sargsyan is charged as a suspect in another bribery case

Anti-Corruption Committee invited ex-president Sargsyan for questioning after a testimony given by a mining businesswoman Silva Hambardzumyan. Sargsyan's lawyer blasted the interrogation as "ridiculous", adding that Serj had already been questioned once but not as a suspect.

Investigators revealed that Serj has been charged under Article 311.4.2: large-scale bribe taken by a public official. Serj is asked not to leave Armenia pending his trial.

Silva Hambardzumyan is also a key witness in the bribery case against Robert Kocharyan and his ex-aide HD MP Grigoryan. The two are accused of taking $5M in bribes from Hambardzumyan in exchange for mining licenses.

Hambardzumyan is a high-profile businesswoman who has been at the center of scandals involving members of the former regime. In 2011, cameras recorded ex-Syunik governor Liska slapping Hambardzumhyan during a meeting in a hotel. She accused Liska of stealing $200 million worth of equipment from her company.

Serj is also going through another trial relating to the alleged embezzlement of ֏0.5B worth of agriculture fuel.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068795.html https://archive.168.am/en/articles/8318 https://factor.am/444740.html

U.S. embassy and the new Anti-Corruption Committee discussed retraining opportunities for agents

ACC chief Khachatryan and U.S. embassy officials met on Saturday to discuss programs to provide technical assistance and training for experts so they can use modern examination methods.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068732.html

government wants war veterans & families to learn JavaScript and undergo free job retraining

Labor Ministry: employers who hire ex-soldiers with disabilities will receive $1,000 to modify the workplace to make it disability-friendly, plus additional monthly salary subsidies for a year.l

100 ex-soldiers can apply for a program developed with the help of the High-Tech Ministry to learn the JavaScript programming language.

Soft Construct CJSC will help the ex-soldiers to gain work practice and permanent work. The applicants will receive $160/mo during the practice.

Gyumri Technology Center is helping ex-soldiers and their families with vocational education and retraining to increase competitiveness in the labor market. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068790.html

American USAID and IRI are helping Parliament workers to improve their Microsoft Office skills

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225823

opposition activists closed roads to prevent the launch of the planned border delimitation process

National Christian Party (Zartonk), the "5165" movement, and other opposition activists launched a "liberation movement" to halt the efforts to launch the border clarification process proposed by Russia and accepted by Armenia. They want to know what documents are currently on the table. Several activists were detained while opening the roads.

Russia and Armenia want to use [early] Soviet-era maps for delimitation. Armenia accuses Azerbaijan of sabotaging the efforts by constantly launching provocations on the borders.

Azeri political experts complain that Armenia views the border demarcation as a separate process from the recognition of territorial integrity. "Normally the sides recognize territorial integrity and launch border demarcation. If Armenia is trying to separate these two issues, then Armenia is trying to create an LoC and not a border," said ex-MFA Tofig Zulfugarov.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068785.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068788.html https://www.civilnet.am/news/640340/ադրբեջանում-դժգոհ-են՝-հայաստանը-սահմանների-ճշգրտումը-տարանջատում-է-տարածքային-ամբողջականությունից/

Tags: #delimitation

Azeri journalist about the post-war problems in Azerbaijan and public mood about the conflict

Segments from Bahruz Samadov's "The ignored, the unwanted, and the unforgiven" article:

Victory Day was a showcase for the new dominant state narrative. The recent burst of violence has revealed this narrative’s fragility.

The new Victory holiday seeks to maintain the intense focus on an external enemy. Any narratives that don't conform to the celebratory mood, are pruned. The narrative has its limits, however.

The victory vindicated an already popular belief that peace talks with Armenia were not adequate and that war was an unavoidable necessity.

The war was not unexpected, and the human losses were not particularly traumatic for most Azeris. So it shouldn't be surprising that the relatives of war victims have remained invisible. The presence of grieving families would be an embarrassing contrast to the state-sponsored celebrations.

Veterans have also been sidelined, despite all the songs and speeches about them. You can find many videos about veterans asking for donations.

As far as the public is concerned, the Karabakh war is over, despite the opposition's cries that it's an "incomplete" victory because of Russian peacekeepers.

The public believes justice has been restored. There are no signs that the public has the desire for the war to continue — despite the enduring hatred for Armenia.

This is why the November 16 fierce clashes near the border did not receive a fraction of the support of the war. Few people care about Aliyev's rhetoric about Yerevan being Azerbaijan and the threats to open a Nakhijevan corridor forcefully.

When the November 16 clashes broke out, many more voices spoke against the possibility of war. The public has realized that the economy has worsened after the war, and the institutional changes they had hoped for did not happen.

The anti-war feelings are not because of a sudden sense of humanism. Even the HRO did not respond to videos of Armenian soldiers being berated. Azeris are tired of war, but they still hate Armenia.

Opposition parties have never been weaker due to the post-war depoliticization. A hunger strike by a high-profile Popular Front Party member gained no sympathy. More opposition figures are being jailed.

The government has reached new heights of popular legitimacy and power — but it is clear it fears that someday, maybe even someday soon that may very well change. //

Full: https://oc-media.org/opinions/opinion-the-ignored-the-unwanted-and-the-unforgiven/

VIDEO: mini-documentary about the November 16 attack

Armenian troops recorded the advancement of around 200 Azeri soldiers near Tsitsernakar hill located on the Syunik border. The enemy attacked two positions. Armenia has 6 confirmed deaths, 4 wounded, while around three dozen are missing or POWs.

Commander Khachatyran: we were exercising when the alarm was raised. We began operations. //

Soldiers recalled how they located the enemy position and targeted the troops and vehicles. Around 70 Azeris were wounded and killed.

Armenia has asked the ECHR court to require Azerbaijan to respect the human rights of Armenian POWs.

Video: https://youtu.be/VvUflxJwQ9E https://factor.am/444179.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068822.html

PHOTO: 44-meter cross is installed in Yeranos (Gegharkunik) in honor of 44-day war victims

It's located near St. Hovhannes Chapel and was blessed by local priests.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068808.html

court sentences several participants of November 10, 2020 riots

NSS reports: throughout the investigation, the identities of over 550 individuals were clarified. 53 organizers and participants were charged. 27 of them have been taken to court.

7 of them have already been found guilty and sentenced to imprisonment. The efforts continue to find other possible organizers. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068801.html

history teacher is charged with inciting physical violence against Pashinyan and his family members during a class

The teacher, from Yerevan's Gai No 129 school, is told not to leave the country.

In other news, activist Manuel Manukyan is among multiple individuals facing criminal charges for allegedly violating the law about "heavy" insults/defamation directed at public figures and journalists (in this case the Premier), as part of the law that increased the punishment for such violations in a hope to address the atmosphere of hate on social media.

https://factor.am/444189.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225756

разборкեք

Pashinyan and Putin held a phone conversation about the implementation of the Nov 9 and Jan 11 agreements.

Pashinyan spoke with Lukashenko about problematic issues within the CSTO military bloc

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068768.html https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/296898/

Parliament leaders of Armenia and France discussed the conflict

Alen Simonyan visited France where he met his French counterpart, Richard Ferrand. They spoke about Azerbaijan's May 12's encroachment and POWs.

Alen Simonyan: the resolutions adopted by the French Senate and the National Assembly are an important milestone for the just settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group and the strengthening of France's active role in that process.

Richard Ferrand: France has been and remains Armenia's friend, regardless of its geographical distance.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068832.html

meeting was held to discuss the planned €2.6B grant/loan from Europe

Infrastructure Minister Sanosyan met the French ambassador Anne Louyot. One of the topics was the 2.6 billion project.

They spoke about a planned construction of a water reservoir in Vedi, and cooperation with the Veolia water giant.

Some French companies are interested in renewable energy projects in Armenia, and public transport reforms.

https://factor.am/444752.html

Russian Vityaz aerobatic team put on a show in the skies of Yerevan on Sunday

Su jets were used.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225766

Armenia shows interest in Russian "Alligator" and "Night Hunter" attack helicopters

Russia displayed its modern attack helicopters Ka-52M and Mi-28NE during the Dubai Airshow 2021. Several countries, including Armenia and Saudi Arabia, showed interest.

Mi-28NE can attack air targets, tanks [10km distance], and armored vehicles, and be used for intel and patrol. This was the first international display.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068834.html https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/296895/

army command evaluated the performance of reservists who were recently drafted for a 3-month-long retraining

Heads of departments were given several orders. The army has been preparing for winter.

Reservists concluded the first phase of the draft. Some of them received awards and ranks.

Commander: the draft should become a routine thing. Ordinary citizens should develop an idea of what the front lines and service look like. //

Video: https://youtu.be/tLcew0cQmoA https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068851.html

landmine explosions in occupied territories

Two Azeri citizens triggered a landmine in Kovsakan (Zangelan) in southern Artsakh. One of them was a member of demining ANAMA crew, while the other was an army serviceman.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068749.html

Armenian serviceman dies during a shootout after Azerbaijan violates ceasefire east of Norabak/Sotk border villages in Gegharkunik

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068859.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068852.html

the terrorists recruited by Azerbaijan during the 2020 war are still complaining about not being paid the promised salaries

Suleiman Shah cell commander Abu Amsha seen in a video: a commander who doesn't pray cannot be followed according to Sharia. Also a commander with an army that doesn't pray; it's wrong. Prayer is cleanliness. It will bring victories. //

His subordinates in another video: we fought with the Turkish state in Karabakh. We have people who were injured and people who were killed. Sultan Suleiman Shah, Abo Amsha, stole our rights and salaries. People are dying from hunger. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068844.html https://twitter.com/LindseySnell/status/1462406978748264465

Turkish poll: around 2/3rd do not believe the government is capable of managing the economy

Do you believe the AKP government can solve the economic problems?

64% no, 28% yes, 8% no idea.

Can the opposition resolve the problems?

55% no, 37% yes.

Residents increasingly believe that no one can solve the economic problems, amid consumer inflation of 20% in October.

Survey by Metropoll Research in October.

https://bianet.org/english/society/253674-survey-64-percent-don-t-think-the-government-can-solve-turkey-s-economic-problems https://factor.am/444703.html

Healthcare Ministry launches a campaign to detect Hep-B/C and HIV through anonymous testing

Vehicles equipped with the necessary lab will treat the patients in six major cities.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068751.html

COVID stats

4.7k tested, 0.3k infected, 1.9k healed, 30 deaths, 18.1k active.

vaccination stats

372k people are fully vaccinated. 1.1 million vaccinations so far.

Armenia and India will soon recognize each other's vaccine certificates

A meeting was held today between the Ministry and the Indian ambassador. They also discussed pharma cooperation.

the head of CDC about the pandemic, schools, and PCR tests:

We have a 40-50% decrease in new cases. The infection reproduction rate has dropped below 1, and it is currently at 0.5-0.6.

We believe this is due to the school break and distance learning that was organized two weeks ago. It led to fewer contacts, public transport not being overloaded, and fewer human gatherings.

Schools have resumed. It's important to follow safety rules regarding masks, social distancing, and washing hands. Vaccination should be a priority.

Beginning December 1, unvaccinated workers will have to submit a PCR test once a week, instead of two weeks. //

the head of CDC about antibiotic abuse & pneumonia:

The use of antibiotics became popular during the pandemic. This is concerning. People began using Azithromycin and antifungal Fluconazole [Remember folks. If you can't pronounce the shit from the first try, you should not take it without a doctor's note.]

Antibiotic abuse can lead to antibiotic resistance. One day we might not be able to use them to treat simple diseases. Don't try using these antibiotics to "cure" the virus.

Healthcare Ministry official: in the initial stages of the pandemic, Azithromycin was sometimes used for pneumonia patients but it became clear that it's inefficient because in most cases the Covid pneumonia inflammation is caused by the virus. About 10% need antibiotics when there is a secondary bacterial infection.

The government has banned the sales of some antibiotics and medication without a prescription, but residents still obtain them from pharmacies. The enforcement is outside the scope of our [Ministry] duties. There are inspections tasked with that. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068792.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068815.html https://factor.am/444728.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068800.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068821.html

NYT Coronavirus World Map: Tracking the outbreak in the past 7 days

Countries with the highest deaths per capita:

1 Georgia

2 Bulgaria

3 Moldova

9 Armenia

39 Azerbaijan

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/world/covid-cases.html

the director of Gyumri's "Abajyan" family medical canter is charged with distributing fake vax cards

Investigators report: the director asked the vaccine cabinet nurse to prepare fake certificates for 7 patients in September. The nurse added their names to the Armed database.

Investigators also found dozens of psychoactive drugs stored in the director's cabinet without a license or prescription.

The court has been asked to give permission to arrest the director. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068748.html

VIDEO: efforts are underway to build 6 new roads to connect Syunik border villages to main roads

Full details about the new roads in Thursday post.

Chakaten-Kapan alternative road, which passes through forests, is being improved. It's being widened and graveled, ahead of next year's asphalting. Pipes were installed to manage river water. The road should be accessible to all types of small vehicles by the end of this year.

Full: https://youtu.be/iT4_PjPbWM8 https://factor.am/444202.html

Gyumri's Vardanants Square and eight streets are being renovated

... as part of a federal subsidy program. The ֏749M construction is expected to finish soon.

solar panels are installed on the roof of the Ujan (Aragatsotn) school building

The ֏11M project is co-financed by feds and local authorities.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068705.html https://factor.am/443994.html

PHOTO: look at all this trash in Yerevan Lake reservoir

The city recently drained the reservoir to unclog the drain holes. They published photos showing the amount of accumulated trash on the shores.

The authorities plan to collect environmental fees and clean the reservoir and Hrazdan river sometime next year.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225752

new sports center is being built in Gyumri named after Greco-Roman wrestling world champion Arthur Aleksanyan

The Education Ministry had allocated ֏500M for this year. Karen Giloyan visited the construction site.

The center is expected to have areas for wrestling, weightlifting, athletics, soccer, runway, swimming pool, hotels to host the athletes, and other leisure rooms.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068742.html

World Military Wrestling Championship

Armenian team has so far won 2 bronze and 1 silver medal.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068843.html

divorced man threatens to jump from Yerevan's Hakhtanak bridge unless the ex-wife allows him to visit his 5 children

Rescuers and mental health workers approached the man while he was standing on the edge. Vardenis mayor was called to the scene to coordinate the negotiations. The man is from Vardenis. The negotiations lasted several hours.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225803 https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225807

other police reforms: cops want to learn how to negotiate

The police want to hve a "negotiation unit" to hold more effective talks during mass events and strengthen public trust.

OSCE expert delegation met the police administration last week to discuss the implementation. OSCE will develop a retraining program.

https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/296865/ https://youtu.be/cAQ4sXcc_yI

Ай эс?

EAEU countries held a session in Yerevan November 19|on Friday. They signed 15 agreements. Russian Premier Mishustin was also present.

reporters: taking photos

Mishustin in Armenian: Հա՞յ ես:

Reporters: Այո:

Mishustin: is your finger not tired from snapping all those photos? :-)

https://ru.armeniasputnik.am/20211119/ay-es-rossiyskiy-premer-udivil-fotografa-v-erevane-voprosom-na-armyanskom-yazyke-35546853.html

PHOTO: flamingos in Armenia

Bird Links Armenia NGO: photos of flamingos were circulated on social media, claiming to be taken in Armenia. Although not every year, they do pass through Armenia during the migration.

They spend the winter in Arabian Peninsula or northern Africa, and nest on the shores of the Caspian Sea. They use Armenian lakes and swamps during north-south travel.

One of the circulated photos is from Armash lake taken in Spring. You'll often find them on Ararat valley, and seldom in Lake Sevan. They stay for 4-5 days. November is their best month for migration.

The largest-ever group had 80 flamingos. There are usually 10-40 of them. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068761.html

filmmaker Artavazd Peleshyan receives “Lifetime Achievement Award” in Amsterdam's International Documentary Filmfestival

The director and screenwriter of essay films held a premiere of his new film "La Nature" on Friday. It's a movie nature, featuring classical music.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1068805.html

FIFA soccer world ranking

1 Belgium

2 Brazil

3 France

21 Iran

34 Russia

37 Turkey

86 Georgia

92 Armenia

120 Azerbaijan

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/225744

update: Armenia will host the 2022 European boxing championship

On October 13 we learned that Armenia will host the 2022 European boxing championship.

Deputy Education Minister: such a large event has never been held in Armenia, not even during USSR. Our boxing federation and Ministry worked hard on this. AIBA official was invited to learn about our infrastructure. We expect to host teams from 40 countries. //

Today Pashinyan ordered the formation of a commission tasked with coordinating the efforts. It includes members from various ministries, Civil Aviation, and law enforcement. The games will be held in May 2022.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1065502.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068811.html

boxer Artyom Dalakyan defends the title of WBA flyweight champion

He knocked out the Panamanian opponent. Dalakyan (21-0, 15 KO) plays under the Ukrainian flag.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068777.html

European Team Chess Championships are over

The men's team is 7th; the winner was Ukraine. The women's team finished 11th.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068783.html

Levon Aronian wins the Tata Steel India Blitz tournament

Armageddon match was held between Aronian and India's Arjun Erigaisi to pick the winner. Erigaisi had earlier won the Rapid tournament.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1068778.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/qzx3q1/news_nov222021_serj_is_charged_wbribery_azeri/