2022 April 19

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. Tuesday, Apr/19/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

14 minutes. 3712 words[1]

why is Yerevan so damn dusty? 🤔

Deputy mayor: We have dust and water machines but they work on the streets, not sidewalks. The parked vehicles do not allow the machines to operate efficiently, so they try to clean up at night.

There are internal and external sources of dust. Yerevan is one of the few capitals that doesn't have a protective forest layer that could block the winds and dust from reaching the center. A lot of the dust comes from outside. There is also a lack of enough water surface.

Councilman Arthur Ispiryan (yes, that Arthur Ispiryan): There are construction sites near Yeritasardakan and the Cascade that have been adding dust for many years after a slight wind. There are construction sites near the Old Yerevan project, too. Thousands of examples. We need to fine the violators.

Deputy mayor: There are such processes. But by far the biggest issue is that Yerevan is surrounded by "trabilka" (?), active and abandoned mines without land recultivation. This is outside of our jurisdiction; the Ministry should intervene. Additionally, the dust from Kotayk sand mines and Aragatsotn's rock mines is moving to Yerevan.

[source](https://factor.am/501244.html) [source](https://factor.am/501265.html)

Armenia implemented migrant workforce reforms

There is a new platform for employment-based residency status to help Armenian employers and foreign workers expedite the process.

Migration Service: The platform is operating since January 1. It cuts the time spent on administration and ensures the simultaneous work of different agencies.

The employers and foreign workers don't need to contact state agencies face-to-face anymore. In fact, a foreigner needs a one-time visit to the Migration Service at the end to get a card confirming residency.

The first step is taken by the employer. They register, submit the job description, and present their foreign candidate. The case is sent to Labor Ministry. The Ministry checks its database to see if there is a suitable unemployed Armenian citizen for that job. If there is none, the process enters the next stage. The foreigner's data is checked, there is a security check, and the worker is given a 1-year residency status.

As of right now, other 260 foreigners have received one. Among the EAEU citizens, over 170 have received a certificate of legal residence.

EAEU residents receive the status within 7 days. Other foreigners receive it in 30 days, instead of the former 80. //

HR expert: This was previously a terribly time-consuming process. Workers were wasting too much time on documents. We now have foreigners in our company. The platform has made it easier and faster. You just sit in front of the computer. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080976.html)

government and media organizations form a taskforce to discuss reforms in the media code

Justice Ministry, MPs, Education Ministry, Free Speech Committee, and representatives of dozens of media NGOs met in Yerevan on Tuesday.

The need to reform and update Armenia's media legislation has long matured, agreed all sides. It was adopted in 2003 when high-tech wasn't popular yet.

NGOs: The most unsettled segment is the online domain, which should have been regulated a long time ago, as long as it doesn't restrict freedom of speech and information. Hence the decision to sign a cooperation memorandum for media organizations to take part in the legislative reforms.

Government: Our goal is to make the process transparent. There will be several large gatherings. We could hold meetings with individual media outlets.

[video](https://youtu.be/U3h1-qivtNE) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081008.html)

efforts to develop the middle echelon of the foreign ministry

The ruling party drafted a bill to reform the structure that regulates how diplomats are promoted and what their ranks are. The goal is to develop and maintain a pool of suitable candidates in the middle echelon, who would be ready for promotion to higher positions.

The rules regulating diplomatic passports would also change. It will address issues relating to military service, etc.

[source](https://factor.am/501379.html)

Prosecutor Generals of Armenia and Georgia sign a cooperation memorandum

Shotadze visited Yerevan to meet his colleague Davtyan. Kind words were exchanged. They discussed the cooperation in the fight against organized crime, criminal subculture, illegal border crossings, etc.

Davtyan and Shotadze signed a cooperation memorandum to exchange experience and retrain their agents.

Shotadze met Garegin II, the head of the Armenian Church. The latter congratulated Georgians on the upcoming Easter. Georgians celebrate it on Sunday, April 24.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080982.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080994.html)

Armenia and Iran discuss Iran's participation in the construction of North-South highway

Ambassador Avagyan met Iran's deputy road minister on Sunday to discuss the expansion of the cooperation in North-South construction in Syunik, with the participation of Iranian construction firms.

Iranian official: Iran seeks to expand its transit advantages by building new international routes. We built new automobile, railway, and sea routes, to simplify our access to the North-South corridor and the European market.

Armenian official: Armenia welcomes cooperation with Iranian engineers and contractors. They have valuable experience in the construction of roads, bridges, and tunnels. We are ready to build the southern corridor with the help of Iran.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080991.html)

Դանիել Իոաննիսյանի խաղալիք դռոնի հույսին էին մնացել

Reporter: You've recently criticized ex-NSS leader Arthur Vanetsyan. You accused him of a "PR photoshoot" stunt in Artsakh during the war.

Daniel Ioannisyan (Informed Citizens NGO): We need to understand how we got here. Our general staff was more professional in the 1990s. How did we end up in a situation where we can't even find a suitable candidate for Chief of the General Staff? Instead of building upon what we had in the 90s, we spent these 30 years destroying the institutes.

Reporter: We failed to build proper trenches. That allowed the enemy drones to strike our soldiers.

Ioannisyan: Trenches weren't the main problem. The corruption and nepotism had destroyed the system of motivating the good staff to pursue career and promotion. That's one of the reasons we're still discussing WW1-style trenches and not the use of highly mobile units. Our soldiers and army leaders had no idea what to do once out of the trenches.

All political forces share the blame for passing "hooray patriotism" to each other.

Reporter: It continues to this day...

Ioannisyan: Starting in April 2018, today's opposition accused Pashinyan of "coming to surrender the lands". They knew that regardless of who the leader was, the lands would need to be surrendered as they expected, so they started accusing Nikol so they could claim vindication later. Pashinyan, in turn, took it a step further with his rhetoric.

One of the reasons is that Pashinyan did not understand the real conditions in the military. He thought he could summon the generals, make an inquiry on what's needed for the military, ask about the current conditions, and receive an honest response.

It didn't cross his mind that the generals wouldn't tell him "everything is bad, and we are incompetent". He should have formed a proper Military Inspection institute (GRT) that would independently obtain reliable information. Instead, GRT remained a corrupt part of the military, led by General Movses "Mosi" Hakobyan, who was the CoGS prior to that. Of course inspector Movses Hakobyan wasn't going to admit that things were plundered during his tenure. A conflict of interest.

The opposition's rhetoric and Pashinyan's lack of in-depth knowledge of problems in the military led to a "hooray patriotism". I'm not saying he could have built a proper army in under 2 years, but having a normal inspection agency was possible.

Reporter: We criticize the opposition and government, but did the public even want to hear anything about land concessions in exchange for uncertain status for Nagorno Karabakh? Up until September 27, I was also convinced that concessions were unacceptable because we had a strong army. The public wasn't prepared.

Ioannisyan: You need objective information to make good decisions. This is why we need good media in Armenia. But the lack of vocal criticism of military corruption and the level of deception was too high, so the public thought concessions weren't necessary. They thought Russia and the world wouldn't allow Azerbaijan to attack.

Reporter: People want to know why you were flying a drone during the war.

Ioannisyan: That was the day when the enemy entered Hadrut. I suggested using a drone to understand the situation on the ground. I was 99% convinced that President Arayik Harutyunyan would turn down the offer and then accuse us of bringing "toys" to the battlefield.

But to my surprise, it turned out we had no other surveillance drones in Hadrut, it was a total mess, and nobody knew the enemy's positions. They were struggling to locate 3 enemy mortars. It turns out the only drone in that area was the one in my trunk. That's the one I normally use to film protests in Yerevan.

I was flying the drone while an Artsakh Defense Army representative was watching the livefeed. I would find soldiers and he would tell me if it's friendly or enemy. We were trying to locate the mortars but the mortars located us first.

[full](https://youtu.be/nMfoSEzUoDU)

Kocharyan-ARF alliance supports the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations, if it's done in phases:

During the first phase, the border blockade should be lifted and diplomatic relations should be established with Turkey. The relations should be built based on the following principles:

1) It should be in line with our Constitution.

2,3) It cannot question the facts about the Armenian Genocide.

4) The issue of borders should be settled per international and universal laws.

5) It should not be done at the expense of Artsakh's right to self-determination.

6) No Pan-Turkism.

7) Armenia should take steps to help develop and protect the Armenian language and culture in Turkey.

[source](https://factor.am/501497.html)

EU's Charles Michel held a conversation with Pashinyan

Michel I spoke with Prime Minister Pashinyan to follow up on our recent discussions in Brussels. Full support to his and all efforts to promote a peaceful, stable, and secure South Caucasus. //

The two had earlier spoken about the Brussels meeting, humanitarian issues, and the EU's planned $2.6b assistance to Armenia.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080945.html) [source](https://twitter.com/eucopresident/status/1516292253630844928) [source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/299738/)

EU's Toivo Klaar met Ilham Aliyev in Baku, discussed unblocking communication routes

Klaar: Substantive meeting this morning with President Aliyev to discuss developments since the meeting of leaders in Brussels. It was a successful meeting. We must work to ensure the implementation of the solutions.

Aliyev: We built railway tracks on our end, and are currently working on the construction of a road that connects to Armenia. It should be ready next year. We are waiting for Armenia to do the same, but they are slow. During the Brussels meeting, Pashinyan did not specify the coordinates of the road connection. //

[source](https://factor.am/501430.html) [source](https://factor.am/501479.html)

Pashinyan visits Russia

He will meet Putin to discuss the implementation of trilateral agreements. There will be meetings with Premier Mishustin and the heads of parliament chambers. Pashinyan is also scheduled to visit Nizhny Novgorod.

Putin's spokesman: A package of Armenia-Russia documents is planned to be signed. Very intensive talks will be held with government members. An entire package of documents will be signed. //

... Pashinyan-Putin meeting begins

Putin: Our focus will be on security issues, including those related to Karabakh. I agree with you, there are many issues left. We are in constant contact with you, if not every week, then we definitely have a telephone conversation every 10 days. And we have regular meetings, even though it is a period of pandemic. I am glad to see you, welcome.

We have signed over 200 documents which create a good opportunity to work in almost all spheres, the most significant of which is the economic sphere. The trade turnover grew by 12.8% last year. In the first months of this year it has increased by 50%. //

Pashinyan: We contact very often because the agenda of our bilateral relations is very saturated. Russia is a strategic partner of Armenia. We effectively cooperate in various organizations. Russia has a key role in ensuring security and stability in our region.

In general, the activities of the Russian peacekeepers provide security in Nagorno Karabakh. We need to look at what can be done to make the peacekeepers' activities more effective. The main political issue in our region is the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. //

... 6 agreements between Armenia and Russia

Cooperation between the Labor, Education, and Justice Ministries of Armenia and Russia; Comprehensive program of Armenian-Russian cooperation in the field of energy and non-energy projects; Cooperation between food safety agencies.

Separately, Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan signed a cooperation agreement with his Russian counterpart Nikolai Patrushev. It's about information security and exchanging data to fight terror and crime.

... Putin accepts the offer to visit Armenia in H2 2022

Can you give Russian refugees some break? /s

... Putin and Pashinyan welcomed the efforts to normalize Armenia-Turkey relations

Report: The Parties also noted the successful launch of the "3 + 3" regional consultative format, which aims to provide additional opportunities for dialogue and multifaceted cooperation between all countries in the region.

... Russia is helping to establish the AM-AZ border demarcation commission

The Parties agreed to speed up the establishment of the AM-AZ border commission in accordance with the trilateral agreement of November 26, 2021, with the consultative assistance of Russia at the request of the Parties.

... Russia will help establish contact between Armenian and Azeri members of civil society

The leaders were united in their assessment of the high usefulness of contacts between Azerbaijani and Armenian religious figures and representatives of the societies with the support of Russia, which contributes to the "construction of bridges" between the peoples of the two countries.

... Russia offers help to build new railway routes in Armenia

It's part of the efforts to establish a railway link with Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia.

... Justice Ministers of Armenia and Russia signed a cooperation memorandum

Joint efforts to digitize the ministry systems, exchange experience, help the migrant workers, alternative legal dispute platforms, and free legal services.

... Pashinyan-Putin meeting concluded with a joint 30-point statement:

Armenia and Russia are allies in political, military, military-technical, trade, and other spheres. Diplomatic ties established 30 years ago continue to develop. There will be cultural events to celebrate the 30th anniversary.

More trade, more good. New ways to establish ties between businesses. Mutual interest was expressed in holding permanent industrial exhibitions in Armenia, including, with the emphasis on cooperation in the field of high-tech.

The Parties welcomed the intention of the Russian economic operators to create a complete, modern production cycle in Armenia, expressed interest in the development of the field of energy, including the development of renewable energy programs.

Expand cooperation in nuclear energy. Expressed their intention to work on the construction of new power units in Armenia.

Expressed concerns about sanctions and will jointly try to overcome economic challenges in areas of food security, energy security, logistics, etc. Continue to implement the agreements reached in 2021 in the field of biosafety. It has been confirmed that the territories of the two countries will not be allocated for use by third countries for the purpose of attacking each other’s interests in the field of biosafety.

Joint efforts to combat racism, xenophobia, Nazism, and religious and linguistic discrimination, to protect Armenians in Russia, and Russians in Armenia. Favorable conditions for the study of the Armenian language in Russia, and the Russian language in Armenia.

Joint scientific and research programs. Promote links between the universities and research institutes. New startups. Hold youth forums, and exchange students.

Closer cooperation within the EAEU. Internal market without restrictions, increasing the share of settlements in national currencies. Cooperation in UN and CIS.

Expressed concerns over global security challenges. No one should ensure their security at the expense of others. Joint efforts to fight international terrorism.

Implement the trilateral AM-RU-AZ agreements. Stressed the decisive contribution of the Russian peacekeeping contingent to the provision of security of Nagorno Karabakh and the creation of favorable and safe living conditions for the population. Emphasized the need for an urgent solution to pressing humanitarian issues. Parties underlined the importance of using the potential and experience of the institute of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs, in accordance with its international mandate.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080947.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080963.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081001.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081005.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081011.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081022.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081032.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081031.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081029.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081028.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081027.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081026.html)

Moscow court sentences 7 Azeri residents for attacking Armenian businesses and residents in July 2020

Armenian businesses and drivers were attacked in Moscow after Azerbaijan's failed attempt to invade a hill in Tavush in 2020. The court has sentenced five Azeri attackers to 2.5 years. Two others got probation.

[source](https://factor.am/501559.html)

Greek MP: the parliament of Greece will continue to urge the world to recognize the Armenian Genocide

Armenia's ambassador visited the Greek city Kalamata to participate in an event organized by the municipality and Armenian community, dedicated to the 107th anniversary of the Genocide. The mayor and other Greek officials were present.

Greek MP Pericles Mandas: Հունաստանի խորհրդարանը շարունակելու է պահանջել միջազգային հանրությունից ճանաչելու հայերի ցեղասպանությունը.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080964.html)

Yerevan will rename a street

The 13th street in Nubarashen will be named Nor Zmyurnia.

Zmyrnia = Greek "Smyrna" = Historic name of Turkish city ["Izmir"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%B0zmir).

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080972.html)

Yerevan will rename another street

The one next to Taterakan Institute will be named after artist Khoren Abrahamyan. To this day we have no streets named after Abrahamyan, complained a Councilman.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080979.html)

efforts resume to cleanup the submerged vegetation from Lake Sevan shores

It's meant to improve the water quality and fight algae growth. The government has issued a grant to clean up 89 hectares this year, near the settlements of Vardenik, Tsovinar, and Yeranos. Part of this shore is a swamp. The UN has donated a vehicle to improve efficiency.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080971.html)

VIDEO: copper plant leaks polluted water

Nature Ministry: We inspected an incident involving the Agarak copper plant. The polluted water reached the nearby roads, but not the Araks River. The chemicals have been removed from the M2 Yerevan-Meghri highway section.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080986.html)

judge sanctions Robert Kocharyan's lawyer

The trial resumed on Tuesday. The defendants are Robert Kocharyan and his ex-aide Armen Gevorgyan. They are accused of taking millions of dollars in bribes.

The judge decided to proceed with the examination of evidence. The defense lawyer, however, asked the judge to delay that and instead examine his petition to dismiss the case.

The judge rejected the plea. The defense lawyer responded by leaving the room as a sign of protest. The judge gave him a $100 fine.

Defendant Armen Gevorgyan will be allowed to leave Armenia to represent the country in international diplomatic meetings.

The next trial is on May 3.

[source](https://factor.am/501367.html) [source](https://factor.am/501343.html) [source](https://youtu.be/0Qq4_hR6t1Q)

IRS published the list of top-1000 Armenian taxpayers in Q1 2022

10) Soft Construct ֏3.2b

9) Electric Networks of Armenia ֏3.5b

8) Agarak copper plant ֏3.6b

7) Teghut ֏3.8b

6) Flash fuel ֏3.8b

5) Masis tobacco ֏5.9b

4) Grant Tobacco ֏7.9b

3) Defense Ministry ֏8.6b

2) Gazprom Armenia ֏20.1b

1) Zangezur copper plant ֏35.5b

֏327b collected in total.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080977.html) [source](https://www.petekamutner.am/Content.aspx?itn=tsTILists)

COVID stats

3332 tested. 14 infected. 27 healed. 0 deaths. 1995 currently sick.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080944.html)

this is MetaGate

[February 28 news digest has context](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/t3u7iw/news_feb282022_1_armenia_to_implement_universal). QaylTech is working on technologies to help veterans with disabilities to walk again.

They unveiled the "MetaGait VNR" device. It's designed to do a set of rehabilitation exercises to treat craniocerebral injury, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other neuro-diseases.

Founder Davit Arsenyan: MetaGait is the improved variant of Qaylaber. In addition to being a walking simulator, it has a VR environment where patients can play games online and move in virtual reality. One disabled veteran was able to move his pelvis when we switched on the game. They enter a new world where they can walk and do other things.

The production cost of one MetaGait unit is ֏2 million. We launched a fundraiser for the project [all links in the article]. 20 devices will be provided to veterans, 5 to children's care facilities, and 10 to Artsakh Rehabilitation Center.

We expect the government to support us. The product has export potential. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080936.html)

changes were made to the university admission exam system

Assessment & Testing Center: In the past, graduates took 1-3 exams (depending on the university) during the admission process. Beginning this year, there will only be two exams.

There used to be միասնական, ներբուհական and կենտրոնացված (բանավոր) exams. Now there will be only միասնական and ներբուհական exams.

In the past, applicants took oral exams in Armenia and foreign languages. Not anymore.

Applicants will give two exams (January and June). The best score will be chosen during the competition process in the summer.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080965.html) [source](https://news.am/arm/news/697363.html) [source](https://www.aravot.am/2022/04/19/1261287/)

this guy is not Armenian, but...

French singer Garou (Pierre Garand) became widely popular after his performance in the Notre Dame of Paris. He will perform in Yerevan this week.

According to an internet legend, Garand's real last name is Garandyan, and that he is keeping his Armenian origins secret. That's a myth, confirmed the singer on Tuesday.

Garou: My name is Pierre, last name Garand. Sadly not Garanyan. I was born in Canada but I'm connected to Armenia with my soul and heart. Not with roots, though.

My first concert in Armenia was in 2009. I'm happy to return. Armenia is a beautiful and friendly country. I'll spend a considerable amount of time in Yerevan and will have the opportunity to meet with different people. I won't rule out collaborations. //

[full](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080993.html)

==today in history

1943: WW2. [Warsaw Ghetto Uprising](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warsaw_Ghetto_Uprising) begins, after German troops enter the Ghetto to round up the remaining Jews.

1971: Launch of Soviet's Salyut 1, the first space station.

1971: The court sentences Charles Manson to death for the Hollywood murders.

1987: The Simpsons are broadcasted as short series for the first time.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080918.html) [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_19)

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/u7f6jf/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_tuesday/