2021 September 26

Daily news wrap-up

News - Sep/26/2021: Authorities charge army's aviation chief with knowingly purchasing useless missiles that did not shoot during the war __ Events held to commemorate war victims __ New Syunik roads __ Failed "bombing plot" __ Sports victories __ Nature Ministry's new pro-tree law __ Vax in schools
by ar_david_hh

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Your 8-minute Sunday report in 2110 words.

PHOTO: events dedicated to the war victims were held across Armenia

Gyumri residents marched to Shirak Cemetery to pay tribute to fallen soldiers.

Residents of Stepanakert organized a torch rally from St. Hakob church to Stepanakert Memorial.

Consecration of the cross of the Holy Mighty Chapel took place in one of the military units near the front lines.

Artsakh president participated in the opening of a crosstone-monument in the Berkadzor community. "The best way to keep the bright memory of all the heroes who died for the defense of the homeland is to engage in the task of strengthening Artsakh."

A memorial dedicated to war victims was installed in Lichk with the help of the church.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064074.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064045.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064034.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064029.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064021.html https://factor.am/421524.html

anti-corruption: ranking army official charged with intentionally organizing the sale of faulty missiles to MOD

NSS reports: in 2011, a company delivered missiles made in 1985-1991 so the MOD could purchase them at a low price. However, the missiles were deemed useless and expired, and were supposed to be returned. They were sent to be temporarily stored in MOD's facility.

The head of the aviation department learned that the delivery company was unable to sell the missiles, and conspired with a group to purchase the same faulty missiles for a higher price to do them a favor.

The military official organized a fake auction and set the price for each missile at $1,100 to purchase them in large quantity, with complete disregard to MOD's actual needs and requirements.

The official forged the documents to ensure the faulty missiles met the requirements on paper, and proceeded to sign a ֏2.3 billion (~$4.7M) contract for the missiles.

As a result, the missiles, which were not meant to be stored long-term, were purchased for above-market value and sent to the army's central warehouse.

These actions led to serious consequences, including during the 2020 war, when the missiles could not be used.

Permission has been requested from the court to arrest the official. //

Flashback: shortly after the war, the government announced an investigation against army official(s) responsible for missile delivery. At the time, they said the missiles had turned out to be "the wrong type" and could not be used during the war. It's unclear if the two stories are connected.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064050.html

Tags: #missiles #ArmyCleanup #army

Artsakh authorities charge a local resident with treason after he films videos for Azeri agent

NSS reports: as part of our fight against foreign intel agencies' activities in Artsakh, we uncovered a case of treason.

A video began circulating on social media, where the author shows various sites in capital Stepanakert and says in the Russian language that he is located in "Khankendi" (Azeri name for Stepanakert).

The 21yo resident of Ivanyan has been arrested and charged. We urge the public to help authorities by sharing any other information they have about such activities.

Suspect confessed: I'm a local resident. I took videos near the "We Are Our Mountains" and main square and sent them to another person, who shared the materials on the internet to stoke panic. I regret my actions. //

https://youtu.be/WkSebvOJr0g?t=27 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064055.html

anti-corruption: 84 people are facing criminal charges for smuggling weapons from Artsakh to Armenia during and after the war

Ammo, guns, explosives. In many cases, the perps voluntarily handed over the weapons after "explanatory work". Seven of the suspects have already been sentenced to jail time.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064033.html

anti-corruption: authorities conclude investigation of 2016 North-South highway embezzlement case involving Gagik Tsarukyan's associates

This particular episode is about Tsarukyan's right-hand-man Sedrak Arustamyan and several of his associates from the construction firm that was implicated in a massive embezzlement case. The suspects have been charged with over a dozen criminal counts.

Context in July 27 post. The investigation is over. The case is sent to court.

https://factor.am/421283.html

ACC chief Sasun Khachatryan files lawsuit against Armlur (Joghovurd) outlet for alleged defamation

The outlet, run by the former regime, claimed that the newly elected head of Anti-Corruption Committee Khachatryan has many secret houses and cars registered under other people's names, including in Moscow.

Khachatryan denied the claim and sued the outlet. He demands a retraction and $4,000. He plans to donate the sum to the soldiers' recovery center.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064013.html

Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan met during UN gathering

OSCE Co-chairs held discussions with both sides individually before inviting the two to meet each other. The topic was about taking steps to defuse the situation and discuss possible next steps.

Co-chairs: we welcome the first meeting by MFAs since November, as a sign of determination to resume the peace process through dialogue.

https://factor.am/421149.html

update: Russian peacekeepers remove Artsakh flag from a monastery

After the war, the Artsakh flag was installed on Amaras monastery, near the Azerbaijani border with Artsakh. As you remember, a Russian soldier recently removed the flag, possibly to prevent provocations.

The locals reinstalled the flag. Russians removed it again and offered to install the Armenian flag instead. The flag was eventually removed altogether.

https://factor.am/421317.html

Armenia regains the right to participate in Olympics figure skating

After 16 years of absence, Armenian skaters won a qualification ticket after a successful performance during the Nebelhorn Trophy 2021 held in Germany.

The International Skating Union designated Nebelhorn Trophy as the official figure skating qualification competition for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Tina Garabedian and Simon Proulx-Sénécal were among the five couples who qualified. They finished 4th in ice dance.

Slavik Hayrapetyan finished 11th in the men's competition and was placed in "reserve".

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064072.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_CS_Nebelhorn_Trophy

chess news

What: women's world chess championship

Where: Spain

Who: Elina Danielyan (Euro boss), Lilith Mkrtchyan, Anna Sargsyan, Susanna Gaboyan, and Siranush Ghukasyan.

Against? Georgia, Azerbaijan, Poland, and Ukraine, in Group B.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064070.html

4th Sharjah Masters is over. Tigran Harutyunhyan and Hayk Martirosyan finished 26th and 38th respectively.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064053.html

Armenia wins two bronze medals in World Military Boxing Championship

Arthur Melikyan and Pavlik Gharslyan.

https://factor.am/421155.html

Armenia wins gold medal in European youth weightlifting championship

Garnik Cholakyan won the gold in the U20 category, leaving behind two Turkish opponents.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/221708

Fitch keeps Armenia's rating at "B+ outlook stable"

The rating took into account the "strong macroeconomic and fiscal policy, a credible commitment to reforms", etc. The weak areas were high debt in foreign currency, relatively weak external finances, and geopolitical tensions.

Fitch: The June 20 election results renewed the government's mandate to implement structural reforms, fight corruption, and reaffirm democratic politics. The second election since the 2018 Velvet Revolution was widely recognized as free and fair. //

Fitch noted the +13.2% GDP growth in 2Q2021, which was fueled by the construction boom, agriculture, services, and remittances. They predicted a 5.5% growth for 2021.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1064014.html https://factor.am/421191.html

PHOTO/VIDEO: another 10km section of Syunik-Iran road is under construction

Construction firm director: this area was in very bad shape because of heavy use by trucks and no repairs for many years.

We've already conducted the asphalt removal, soil work, placement of 35cm gravel mixture, 6cm highly porous asphalt-concrete, 4cm lesser porous asphalt, and soon a 4cm granular asphalt layer. //

The road travels through Meghri. They will renovate bridges and other infrastructure as well. Should be ready by November 1.

Another 35km construction is happening in Vayots Dzor, and 16.5km in another part of Syunik.

The 43km Tatev-Aghvan section in Syunik should be ready by the end of November. It's the $10M alternative road that bypasses the one on the border.

https://factor.am/421233.html https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/221685 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=547947786437837

VIDEO: dozens of construction firms and architects gather for Build Armenia 2021 expo

Companies presented their design areas for urban housing.

Deputy premier Papikyan: this is a great opportunity to make new connections and come up with new ideas. It's a platform where financial firms meet with builders and government members. It can help solve some problems.

I urge the firms to focus on provinces to ensure balanced development. We need modern housing in Gyumri, Vanadzor, and Kapan. //

https://ne-np.facebook.com/yerazbnakeli/videos/282720233439397/ https://youtu.be/53k2et1Hxxw https://factor.am/421260.html

resident arrested over a plot to use small bombs during the September 21 Independence Day celebrations

Investigative Committee reports: the 30yo resident of Yerevan planned to commit hooliganism during the September 21 event, after learning that many people planned to attend it.

He purchased six units of F4 3.5-gram explosives named "Artikul N SP1007", and a sling with its accessories, before heading to Republic Square. He intended to cause panic and discomfort to attendees.

He was unable to finish the crime because a police officer detained him for illegal possession of weapons and explosives. He's charged with attempted hooliganism with the use of a weapon [up to 4-7 years]. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1063996.html https://www.arlis.am/documentview.aspx?docid=69646

Tags: #dumbass #sling

VIDEO: an interview with Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid (Russian language)

It's mostly him attempting to portray the Taliban as being open and "not the same as before", and their willingness to cooperate with everyone including Western countries.

One notable part is him talking about the reason for the rapid fall of Kabul and Afghanistan as a whole.

Zabiullah said: the goal was to take control of important infrastructure in provinces to secure the country. It helped us greatly that people chose not to fight. Some of them joined us.

As for Kabul, we never wanted to enter and fight, so the city wouldn't be left in ruins. The plan was to approach the capital and launch negotiations with the president regarding forming a new government.

However, when we approached the capital, we learned that the president had fled. The capital's police forces had also fled, resulting in chaos and widespread plundering in the city, which is why we had to rapidly enter to establish order. //

https://youtu.be/vqkZ8AN1X7Q

Nature Ministry drafted a bill to require a mayor's approval before cutting a tree / requirement to plant at least as many trees nearby

Minister Romanos: if approved, cutting a tree within the municipality boundaries will require the municipality leader's approval. There will be requirements to plant trees elsewhere.

There has long been a legal loophole that caused many problems. It has never been clear who should monitor the trees located on lands that are sold to private buyers. The process was left to the sole discretion of the landowner.

This reform will regulate the field. It will clarify situations when cutting a tree is deemed necessary and unnecessary.

Moreover, if the owner is authorized to cut a tree, they will be required to plant similar types and quantities of trees at another location on the same land. If impossible to plant them on the same land, the city will instruct them where to plant the new trees, but in this case, they will have to plant twice as many. Refusal to comply with the law would result in a "penalty", which will be used by the city to plant trees. //

https://www.facebook.com/PetrosyanRomanos/posts/1184329582077856 https://factor.am/420873.html

VIDEO: Yerevan purchases 13 new vehicles for its landscaping department

The city did not have these types of trucks; they are designed for "city conditions". For example, the garbage truck can separate waste and recycling compartments. Another truck can carry lots of water and shoot very far to water the hill slopes. Another one can dumb the load to the sides, not just in the back. Rumors say another one can juggle five balls simultaneously while riding a unicycle down the Sari Tagh hills.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1725429270982924 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1063999.html

COVID stats

5836 tested. 925 infected. 627 healed. 12 deaths. 12352 active.

https://factor.am/421376.html

Healthcare Ministry and U.S.-nonprofit International Republican Institute held a seminar to discuss combatting COVID misinformation

Attendees included Ministry workers, journalists, NGOs, and independent experts.

The journalists were given an opportunity to learn more about COVID and vaccines.

https://factor.am/421480.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Republican_Institute

vaccination among teachers and elderly in Shirak province

Shirak governor's office denied rumors claiming that many teachers resigned to protest the vaccination campaign.

About 64% of teachers have been vaccinated here. 162 schools, 4800 teachers, 3000 vaccinated. Many did so during the summer break before the October 1st PCR requirement was announced.

13% of elderly Shirak residents have received the jab.

Initially, residents were skeptical of AstraZeneca because of negative press coverage, but the picture has changed after doctors began providing information to patients, said a local CDC official.

The majority of the population remains unvaccinated, which is why almost all the beds are occupied in the province. Their youngest hospital patient is 28.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/221566

A Crypto-Trading Hamster Performs Better Than Warren Buffett And The S&P 500

This is not a financial advice.

https://www.npr.org/2021/09/25/1040683057/crypto-trading-hamster-goxx-warren-buffet-s-p-500

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/pwb2ua/news_sep262021_authorities_charge_armys_aviation/