2022 April 18

Daily news wrap-up

Daily news digest from Armenia. Monday, Apr/18/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

10 minutes. 2672 words.

ruling party circulates a bill to relax the gun laws in Armenia

[April 11 news digest has some context](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u1inuo/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_monday/). Earlier, QP MPs decided to ease the gun laws and work towards the formation of ashkharazor [Territorial Defense Forces]. MP Vilen Gabrielyan has published a draft bill to ease the gun laws:

1) Must be at least 21.

2) Being a member of a hunting club is no longer a prerequisite.

3) No longer must own an ակոսափող rifle for 5 years before acquiring ողորկափող.

4) Mandatory exams for acquiring a weapon.

5) No ammo limit.

6) Legal clarification for weapon types and standards.

7) The license is valid for 10 years, instead of 5.

8) Manufacturing, import, or trade license is valid for 5 years, instead of 3.

9) Can own up to 10 civilian firearms, instead of 5.

10) Permission for weapons collection will no longer expire.

"Finally", wrote military expert Artsrun Hovhannisyan on Facebook.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080861.html) [source](https://www.facebook.com/arcrun)

a designer from Russia wants to help simplify transit navigation for Yerevan Subway riders

Anton Piklyaev is a member of the Union of Designers of Russia.

"""Piklyaev:""" I came to Armenia not long ago. I drew a transit map that can be posted on Metro wagons to help passengers understand which buses they can take after exiting the Metro to reach the airport or other parts of the city.

I first learned about Yerevan Metro in 1995 while reading a book about subways in USSR. Everything I read in that book came as a flashback when I stepped into the Metro. The escalator was very fast compared to the ones in Moscow and elsewhere. It felt like flying.

The subway stations in Yerevan are magnificent and monumental. Lately, they've been building basic metal stations in Moscow that have no aesthetics. The ones in Yerevan are made of stone.

After I visited the beautiful Cascade and climbed up and down, a week later someone told me that there was an escalator below us. That one evokes the feeling of a wonderful flight as well. ""[Ապեր դու աչքիս ստեղ ես մնալու էտ անտեր կասկադը վերջապես սարքես]""

I met Metro officials and they informed me about the public transport reforms in Yerevan. They are very interested in my proposal. If we use the colors of the Armenian flag to highlight different routes, it will allow color blind riders to distinguish them. I was inspired by Armenian folklore patterns after visiting Vernisazh. //

[more](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080843.html)

electric vehicle enthusiast got into trouble in Yerevan

The owner of EcoCars, a company that installs chargers for EVs, had a conflict with Yerevan authorities last week. A couple of chargers were removed. He complained that the chargers weren't bothering anyone and that they were popular among the riders. The city, in turn, said the chargers were installed illegally, in unauthorized locations.

"""Mayor Hrachya:""" They will be [reinstalled](https://youtu.be/ogL_nFO_2-o?t=44) in other locations. It's best to have them in Opera underground parking. The chargers were donated by the Union of Armenians of Ukraine. We have great relations.

... what else is Yerevan building?

The Opera will have a new lighting network. They want to hire designers to give it a nice look.

4,000 ornamental shrubs will be [planted in Saryan Park this week](https://youtu.be/ErdxH1jK3cE?t=6). The irrigation network is under construction.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080882.html)

VIDEO: Yerevan will increase the number of street sweepers by 66%

The capital started handling garbage collection and sanitation in 2019, but complaints remain about dirty streets.

"""Officials:""" Only 300 people are serving a city with a population of 1 million. We did buy vehicles, but a human workforce is more important in this case. We'll hire hundreds more.

Secondary streets will be swept as well. Today, backyards are cleaned every 7-10 days. We'll try to increase the frequency.

When it comes to backyards, it's not just the city that's required to help keep things clean. Apartment condo HOAs must clean the area surrounding the building. //

"""HOA manager:""" We're serving 121 apartment condos. 70% of residents pay dues. Each building has a separate account number where the funds are transferred. We keep a record of buildings that need repairs with roofs, entrances, etc. //

Yerevan residents dump ~300,000 tons of trash in the Nubarashen landfill every year.

[source](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=458245392740381) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080784.html)

new infrastructure programs are expected in Gyumri, including apartments for homeless families

Gyumri has contacted the government for financial assistance to implement 5 programs worth ֏3b this year:

- 15 apartments will be purchased, renovated, and given to homeless families.

- Several kindergarten buildings will be renovated with a new exterior and heating system.

- Asphalt repairs on 22 streets (8.2 km length).

- 4 apartment condos will undergo renovation to increase energy efficiency.

- Renovations in Alikhanyan Puppet Theater and Aslamazyan Gallery.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080837.html)

VIDEO: this is what Gyumri's new Friendship Park will look like

Context in [March 28 news digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/tqlwo9/mar282022_new_housing_road_projects_in_arm_art/).

The groundwork on the 7.2-hectare area began in October. The sewer is ready. Irrigation and electric networks are underway. There will be a mini-reservoir to water the vegetation.

Playground, basketball and soccer pitch, restaurants and cafes, open-air market, exhibition area, horticulture school.

It's co-financed by the World Bank and the government. The Armenian Territorial Development Fund has several plans in Gyumri, including the renovation of the park near the St. Amenaprkich church, tourism-oriented roads in Slabodka and elsewhere, and the construction of a new building for Zangak kindergarten.

[source](https://youtu.be/6KhlzylnhxE) [source](https://factor.am/500424.html)

IMAGES: like a good singer, Harout is there

The 72yo famous singer Dzakh Harout Pambukchyan was seen pushing a car on Gyumri road. He's in Armenia to join various events. There will be a birthday concert in Hamalir on July 3.

Gyumri mayor issued him an appreciation award for donating the proceeds of his 1989 Hrazdan stadium concert to the survivors of the 1988 earthquake.

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/235253) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/235257)

Armenia celebrated Easter on Sunday

"""Church:""" Հիսուս Քրիստոսի հրաշափառ Հարության տոնը կոչվում է նաև Զատիկ, որը նշանակում է զատում, բաժանում, հեռացում մեղքերից և վերադարձ առ Աստված: It is one of the five main holidays of Armenian Apostolic Church. //

In Gyumri, residents gathered in the main square after liturgy in St. Yot-Verk church.

Hundreds of residents came with their eggs ready. On the count of three, they began competing to choose the strongest one. 11-year-old Vahan Zhamkochyan was declared the winner. The ""Ethno colors band"" performed a concert at the end of the festival.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080818.html) [redacted]

Armenian and European officials visited Gyumri to celebrate the launch of the new Patrol Police service

The police reforms have reached Gyumri and Lori, a year after the formation of the first units in Yerevan. We support the police reforms in Armenia, said EU ambassador Wiktorin during the event.

The UN and OSCE conducted a public survey in Armenia, and according to preliminary results, 70% of residents have a positive attitude towards the police.

[Pashinyan speech](https://youtu.be/NgnoKWYW6ps?t=138), [source](https://factor.am/500462.html) [source](https://factor.am/500481.html) [source](https://factor.am/500516.html)

hundreds of prison inmates will receive secondary education to help with re-entry into society

There are 300 convicts in Armenia who haven't graduated from school. Justice Ministry's reforms will help them receive the missing knowledge, while inside the prison, on a voluntary basis.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080904.html) [source](https://youtu.be/nxg53-zcIKE)

a failed hit

Yerevan police uncovered a plan to assassinate a criminal subculture figure known as "Cable".

The plot was organized by a gang that believed that Cable's circle was responsible for shooting at them last month.

The organizers imported a bulletproof vehicle, grenades, and sniper rifle for the hit. The authorities raided several apartments. Five people are under arrest.

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/235189)

the average Armenian worker produced $14,000 last year

$25,000 in Eastern Europe

$26,000 Russia

$90,000 Germany, Japan

$120,000 United States

A survey was conducted last year, showing that Armenia's schools and universities do not properly train professionals, partly due to a lack of hands-on classes.

[source](https://youtu.be/8JIHv78xNTE), [stats](https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/most-productive-countries)

Armenian Cinema Day was celebrated on Saturday

"""Union of Cinematographers of Armenia:""" We finally have new equipment in the Cinema House in Yerevan. The big hall with 502 seats, the largest in Armenia, now has a DCP projector, a new screen, and JBL 5.1 Dolby sound. We're working on a heating and cooling system.

Several films will be screened during the Golden Apricot festival this year.

We've obtained hundreds of [old] tapes. Funds have been allocated to store the films. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080791.html)

Jack Nicholson's infamous ax is going up for sale

Stanley Kubrick's iconic "The Shining" has an iconic toilet scene. You can be the owner of that ax if you have over $1,00000.

[source](https://www.tmz.com/2022/04/18/the-shining-axe-going-up-for-sale-auction/) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080915.html)

new books published by Armenian publishing houses this week

Armenian literature: Abu-Lala Mahari and Lilith [Avetik Isahakyan]

Translated: The Zone [Sergey Dovlatov]

Children's: [Have a nice day! Գրեթե սիրային պատմություն](http://www.ibook.lv/BD_have-a-nice-day-juris-zvirgzdins.aspx?BID=daae3e97-b53c-4541-8742-78156831ff65) [Juris Zvirgzdins]

Documentary: [The Setup](https://newmag.am/book/the-setup/) [Dan Bilzerian]

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080838.html)

National Library Week begins in Armenia

"""Armenian Library Association:""" This year it's dedicated to the 125th anniversary of poet Yeghishe Charents. Public and university libraries will organize book discussion forums, quizzes, and giveaways.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080841.html)

Semana Santa Torrevieja

Grandmaster Karen Grigoryan finished 2nd in an international chess tournament held in Spain. 150 players took part.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080862.html)

Armenian powerlifters win 7 gold medals in a European "XPC" competition

67.5 kg Makar Tamrazyan holds the European record.

[source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/299698/)

Armenia's students can continue to visit museums, theaters, and concerts for free

The government has extended the program that allows students in all grades, and their teachers, to visit a cultural institution free of charge once a year.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080859.html)

parliamentary committee approves draft agreement on EAEU-Singapore economic cooperation

"""Economy Minister Kerobyan:""" It's a single package of agreements on the development of commercial cooperation. It envisages an obligation of multilateral development of interaction of the sides to promote the trade of goods and services, ensuring capital investments, contemporary standards for the foundation of companies, and protection of their activity.

7 negotiation stages were held with Singapore. There is a package of agreements, as well as bilateral talks over the signing of agreements.

The goal is to eliminate trade and investment barriers, reduce business expenditures, and raise economic efficiency. //

[full](https://youtu.be/OBZuvhcF_rQ?t=402) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080879.html)

IMAGE: Tbilisi hosts exhibition on Armenian Genocide

The exhibition was held near Havlabar metro station in Tbilisi. It featured paintings on the themes of the Hamidian massacres, the 1909 Adana massacres, the 1915-1923 Armenian Genocide, and the destruction of the Armenian cultural heritage.

[source](https://en.armradio.am/2022/04/18/tbilisi-hosts-exhibition-on-armenian-genocide/)

preparations underway to host international guests on April 24

Foreign delegations will visit the Genocide Memorial on Sunday. The Museum will organize a new event this year, titled "Challenges of teaching the Armenian Genocide in the 21st century". Guests from the US, Spain, Cambodia, Israel and elsewhere will present their ideas.

... Genocide Museum has received thousands of new items within the past year

Armenians and foreigners have been donating various items relating to the Genocide. It can be personal items, documents, photos, watches, etc.

Historian Gevorg Yazichyan donated 1960-present publications from Lebanon. Belgian-Armenian painter Samo Aaslanyan sent dozens of pieces of art. Genocide researcher Israel Charny has donated 50 books from his personal library.

... Armenia-Turkey diplomatic relations

The Museum administration said they haven't received any requests from the government to alter the programs amid the efforts to normalize AM-TR relations.

[more](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080887.html) [more](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080881.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080894.html)

Turkey's main opposition party leader visits Hrant Dink Foundation, vows to find the "real murderers"

""Armenian-Turkish journalist Hrant Dink was assassinated in Istanbul in 2007. He was critical of Turkish officials' denial of the Armenian Genocide.""

Kemal Kılıçdaroglu is the leader of Turkey's main opposition party CHP. He visited the Hrant Dink Foundation with fellow MPs. They met Dink's widow Rakel and other Foundation members.

Kılıçdaroglu said their main fight is going to be against the dark circles. “Yes, the murderer of Hrant Dink is known, is arrested, but we must fight and find the real murderers”, he said.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080866.html)

opposition co-leader invites residents to gather in Opera square

"""PU MP Arthur Vanetsyan:""" I encourage citizens to come to the [Freedom Square](https://youtu.be/KI65PPh3_cs) to discuss the challenges facing our country. We weren't able to install heating and tents but we know why we're here. Good morning to you. We're waiting for you at Freedom Square.

"""Reporter:""" Are you the new opposition movement leader?

"""Vanetsyan:""" I'm not trying to be the face of the opposition movement. I'm simply here to protest. We all want a strong Armenia, strong Artsakh, territorial integrity, and good living standards. //

"""HD MP Vardevanyan:""" We have a clear action plan for the street struggle. It will be presented soon. Our compatriots should be a little patient. There will be decentralized actions, a network of struggle. //

Arthur Vanetsyan's team has threatened to sue the head of Informed Citizens NGO Daniel Ioannesyan for alleged defamation. Daniel Ioannisyan wrote that during the war, Vanetsyan and his group went to Artsakh's Shosh village for "photos and PR", but "ran back" after a couple of airstrikes. Vanetsyan has denied the claims. Ioannesyan said, "The lawsuit will be a great opportunity for the witnesses to come forward and describe how they ran away."

"""QP MP Vahagn Alexanyan:""" Lately I've witnessed hypocrisy from the opposition. In November 1998, the Co-chairs presented the following plan that includes: Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan form a common state, Nagorno Karabakh issues Azerbaijani passports with the tag "Nagorno Karabakh", Armenians can emigrate to Armenia and receive Armenian citizenship, Nagorno Karabakh residents can send representatives to Azerbaijani parliament and participate in Azerbaijan's presidential elections. This was proposed by the OSCE in November 1998 when the Azerbaijani economy and army were in poor shape. President Kocharyan accepted the proposal with some reservations as a basis for peace negotiations, but Azerbaijan rejected it. //

[full](https://youtu.be/4hRPkFu0ylQ) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080842.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080852.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080914.html) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/235212) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/235289)

OSCE's U.S. Co-chair Andrew Schofer visited Armenia

Pashinyan, cabinet members, and Schofer exchanged thoughts about an AM-AZ peace treaty, the process to form a commission to demarcate the borders, POWs, and the protection of Armenian cultural heritage in territories under Azeri control.

Pashinyan emphasized the mediating role of the OSCE Co-chairs.

The US remains committed to its mandate assumed within the OSCE Minsk Group, said Schofer.

US joins EU, welcomes Pashinyan's comments on peace negotiations with Azerbaijan

"""State Department:""" The United States welcomes Pashinyan's recent comments on peace negotiations with Azerbaijan, the recent bilateral call between the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Aliyev's commitment to peace negotiations.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080868.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080873.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080893.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080907.html)

VIDEO: Vazgen Sargsyan Military University cadets are training

[source](https://youtu.be/PSmVmw8Lbl4)

Artak Beglaryan, State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh

Beglaryan posted on Reddit on Sunday. He exposed Ilham Aliyev's lies about Parukh village as an attempt to conceal Azerbaijan's policy of ethnic cleansings in Nagorno Karabakh:

>The President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made new statements and fake claims over Artsakh on the April 12th at the Government session.

>1. Despite of Aliyev’s statement, the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict has not been settled, and it should be done with international support primarily through unconditional and unlimited realization of right to self-determination of the Artsakh people.

>2. In addition to legal and historical sufficient basis, the genocidal policy against Armenians and systemic policy of Armenophobia by Azerbaijan especially in the recent 34 years are additional reasons to say that Artsakh cannot be a part of Azerbaijan with any status.

>3. The armed forces of Artsakh have never shot at the direction of Khachen reservoir and Akna (Aghdam) from Parukh and Qaraglukh, and if Aliyev has contrary evidence, he can publish it. Instead, prior to the Parukh occupation the Azerbaijani side were provocating firing with mortars at civilian communities.

>4. It is not a “good will” to deliberately explode the gas pipeline and then restore it with delays.

https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u5uc01/the_president_of_azerbaijan_ilham_aliyev_made_new/

interview with ex-Premier Aram Sargsyan

Karabakh conflict || Dissecting Pashinyan's speech & response || Kosovo & courts || Remedial secession || OSCE Minsk Group & negotiation process || Aliyev's mistake & clock || What Armenia's ex-leaders should do

[English text](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u4py4o/interview_with_expremier_aram_sargsyan_karabakh/)

[Russian text](https://www.reddit.com/r/ArmDailyReports_RUS_/comments/u4vg6w/интервью_экспремьера_арама_саркисяна_карабахский/)

[Original video](https://youtu.be/f6t6O00-Gic)

more

The news in русский (by Impossible-Ad-).

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in the 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/u6nm7n/daily_news_digest_from_armenia_monday_apr182022/