2022 April 22

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. Friday, Apr/22/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

11 minutes. 2823 words[1]

Pashinyan: important agreements were reached with Russia over the principles of unblocking communication routes

Pashinyan: We reached important agreements during the Moscow meeting. Armenia and Russia have identical approaches. We are ready to launch the construction of the East-West railway and roads ASAP. I hope the trilateral working group will develop the required documents soon.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081278.html) [source](https://youtu.be/WkN6964womQ)

Putin and EU's Michel discussed Nagorno Karabakh conflict and unblocking of communication routes

Michel was briefed about the Moscow talks regarding the transport routes, border demarcation, and peace agreement. Michel also held a separate phone call with Pashinyan.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081318.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081343.html)

Pashinyan: the claims that the OSCE Minsk Group has dissolved are false

Pashinyan: One of the important results of my Moscow trip was the underscoring of the importance of the OSCE MG during talks with Putin. All three co-chairs had visited Armenia in the preceding days. The claims that MG has dissolved are unfounded.

All co-chair countries remain committed to their mandate of resolving the Nagorno Karabakh conflict despite the developments in Ukraine. Even under such conditions the co-chairs are working and making visits to the region. //

Pashinyan and Mirzoyan met EU's Toivo Klaar and Ambassador Wiktorin on Friday. EU reiterated its commitment to deepen partnership with Armenia, provide $2.6b assistance, and resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict under the auspices of the OSCE MG.

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081284.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081293.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081294.html)

Pashinyan: Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan has been briefed about the results of the Moscow talks

Pashinyan: This isn't anything new. I've always done so after meetings in Moscow and Brussels. I have also offered to share this content with the parliamentary opposition but they are rejecting such discussions, perhaps, for understandable reasons, to create legends on some conspiracy theories and put these legends in the foundation of their activities. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081286.html)

Pashinyan lists examples of the international community pressuring Armenia to "lower the bar" on Nagorno Karabakh status in the past

Pashinyan: The proposals presented by the OSCE Minsk Group in 2016 on the Nagorno Karabakh resolution are none other than a document on lowering the bar because the key meaning of that document was the indefinite delay of the status issue of Nagorno Karabakh. By saying indefinite it was meant several decades, if not longer.

In the 2016 proposals, the proposal on delegating the Nagorno Karabakh status issue to international bodies was also a similar lowering of the bar, moreover, the kind of bodies that had already previously expressed a position around the issue within the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Such call to lower the bar was also the OSCE 1996 Lisbon summit and the 1999 idea of forming a ‘common state’ with Azerbaijan.

The 2001 Key West process was such a call to lower the bar, so were the 2007 Madrid Principles, upon which the 2016 January, July and August proposals were based.

Various documents adopted by various international bodies since the 1990s contained direct or indirect calls for lowering the bar. And the fact that the meaning of these facts were carefully hidden from our public doesn’t mean that they didn’t exist. //

Pashinyan about Armenia's goals:

Ensure the kind of situation or solution that Artsakhis live in Artsakh, and like I’ve said in my April 14 speech to parliament, for them to live in a way that they feel themselves Karabakhi, Artsakhi and Armenian. Any resolution or any development that not only would not ensure these conditions but also won’t guarantee it, is unacceptable for us and will never be acceptable for us.

This is what the discussions are about. Everything else is "toasts". The opposition forces want us to adopt [maximalist stance] that would result in a new war and exodus of Armenians of Artsakh. We will not allow this.

We will also not allow various instigating statements that seek to deviate us from the peace agenda. The peace agenda is meant to ensure the future of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081298.html) [source](https://youtu.be/WkN6964womQ?t=1004)

Pashinyan about rumors:

Ahead of my every foreign trip rumors have circulated through all possible sources claiming that I am going to sign some document to surrender Artsakh to Azerbaijan. I simply rule out that a document can exist close to getting signed that would be signed without a broad public discussion, including with all layers of Artsakh’s public. After Nov. 9, there hasn’t been any draft or blueprint on the Nagorno Karabakh settlement on the table.

Artsakh is not an object for it to be surrendered or not surrendered. First of all Artsakh are the people living there. If we intended to surrender Artsakh we wouldn’t have spent tens of billions of drams after the 44-day war to ensure the return of Artsakhis to their homes.

We are carrying out unprecedented investments in Artsakh, because keeping Artsakh means keeping Artsakhis in Artsakh, keeping Armenia means keeping the residents of Armenia in Armenia and moreover returning those who’ve left. This is only possible if there is peace. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081289.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081292.html) [source](https://youtu.be/WkN6964womQ)

ARF reveals its plan

As promised earlier, they will launch an anti-government street struggle "to save Artsakh". The plan is to launch a "national resistance" and march from provinces to Yerevan, starting on April 25. Every day there will be various marches and events.

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/235583)

Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan:

The peace negotiations should include security guarantees for Artsakh population, with the support of international colleagues. If there are no guarantees, obviously we won't agree.

There should be specific mechanisms, not just agreements on paper. For example, the Nov. 9 statement envisaged the deployment of peacekeepers.

There needs to be an international presence in Nagorno Karabakh, at least for some period. In the event of a long-term solution, there should be no question of the withdrawal of Russian peacekeepers. The Russian side should also be interested in this.

Russia will be involved in the peace negotiation process. They have expressed a desire to take part in peace talks and border demarcation. //

[source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/299814/) [source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/299817/)

Pashinyan: there is a need to increase the efficiency of Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh

Pashinyan: There is no doubt peacekeepers play an important role, but on the other hand, it's necessary to increase their efficiency. Azerbaijan's invasion of the peacekeepers' zone in Parukh is a disturbing fact. We expect Russian peacekeepers to secure the withdrawal of Azeri units. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081279.html)

Ilham Aliyev made new falsifications of historical facts, for this time – on the demography of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region: Artak Beglaryan

https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u9lpxd/ilham_aliyev_made_new_falsifications_of/

families of 2020 veterans will continue to receive tuition subsidies

The government will continue to make payments that cover a semester's tuition. 7,830 children and spouses have already received ֏1.6 billion ($3.4 million).

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081320.html)

how many people are facing criminal charges relating to the 2020 war?

Prosecutor General: We are investigating war crimes committed by Azerbaijani army leadership, as well as crimes committed by Armenian army members.

2,150 investigations were launched. By the end of 2021, there were 800 suspects. Courts have already read verdicts for 55. What the verdicts tell us is that sadly many ranking Armenian officers neglected their duties. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081260.html)

... 60 Azeri army officials are charged with war crimes

Prosecutor General: We have evidence that Azeri army leadership and officers, driven by ethnic hatred, committed serious violations of international humanitarian laws.

They intentionally targeted civilian settlements, civilians, murdered civilians, the rules of war were violated, prohibited weapons were used, and Armenian cultural sites were intentionally targeted.

... Azerbaijan and Turkey recruited, financed, and trained terrorist groups from Syria to use against Nagorno Karabakh in 2020

Prosecutor General: Beginning in June-July 2020, they started gathering known terrorist groups in northern Syria. The recruited mercenaries entered Turkey through the Syrian border unobstructed, without checks, and were flown to Azerbaijan in a jet.

They underwent training in Azerbaijan. According to the Syrian mercenaries captured by us, they underwent combat training specifically for mountainous warfare. They were instructed to target, kill, and torture civilians in settlements. //

Two captured militants have been sentenced to life in prison in Armenia.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081262.html) [source](https://youtu.be/zN_AGWoLtiI)

the asset forfeiture law has been used against hundreds of illegally obtained properties and corruption suspects: prosecutor

Prosecutor General: In 2021 we launched investigations against 279 suspects. 14 were concluded by the end of the year, revealing illegally-obtained 94 real estate properties, 23 personal properties, and ֏27 billion.

6 cases have been submitted to the court so far, to confiscate ֏40 billion worth of property of alleged illegal origin.

The Asset Forfeiture is a new law in Armenia so it creates difficulties for our agents, but they are cooperating with their colleagues to work efficiently. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081259.html)

should Gyumri make the city center accessible only to pedestrians?

Antonio Montalto is Italy's representative in Gyumri. He visited the city after the 1988 earthquake to organize the delivery of aid from Italy (grazie), and decided to stay. He founded a school and hotel in Gyumri.

Antonio suggested reducing vehicle traffic in the tourist areas, at least on weekends, because that's when many people arrive from Yerevan by train.

If people are able to walk on the streets, many things can be organized in the evening, including live performances, he believes.

Gyumri's chief architect: The current setup in our city does not allow us to abruptly shut down the traffic there. There will be transport issues. We will do all this gradually. //

Barriers: The city center is quite large, densely populated, with many public buildings and service centers.

[continue](https://youtu.be/7GbVOeFvL5E), [source](https://www.civilnet.am/news/658763/գյումրիի-պատմական-կենտրոնը՝-առանց-մեքենաների․-մոնտալտոյի-առաջարկի-հետքերով/)

Pashinyan: record number of jobs recorded in March 2022

Pashinyan: There were 654,784 paid workers in March, +5.3% YoY, +12% vs 2019, +22% vs 2018.

Since 2018 we have 120,660 new registered jobs. Some of these came out of the shadow. //

Pashinyan about the average monthly salary:

֏243,600 in March. That's +15% vs 2021, +32% vs 2019, +40% vs 2018.

[more](https://youtu.be/gWqvgIf-qGs) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081297.html)

more high-tech companies and experts will qualify for incentives

One of the high-tech aid programs was amended today to expand the scope of coverage. It will include the production of electronic components, computers and peripherals, communication equipment, aircraft, spacecraft, other "crafts", and computer software.

The employee requirements will ease: 10 instead of 50.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081320.html)

governnment will form an expert body to investigate aviation accidents as part of reforms to meet international standards

Armenia had earlier signed some international agreements. The Infrastructure & Territorial Development Ministry will have a new accident inspection agency. A few other amendments were made to clarify the aviation code.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081320.html)

Armenia plans to accumulate a record reserve in underground natural gas storage

Gazprom Armenia will store a record reserve in Armenia's Abovyan facility by winter. 0.107 bcm will be pumped.

Parent company Gazprom: To ensure reliable operation of the unified gas supply system for 2022-2023 winter period Gazprom has tasked the specialized subdivisions and subsidiaries [including Gazprom Armenia] to create an operational gas reserve of 72.662 bcm by the next winter season as well as to increase the potential maximum daily throughput to 852.4 mcm. Thus, the indicators will reach new record levels. //

[source](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_plans_to_accumulate_a_record_reserve_in_underground_natural_gas_storage_facility/)

Gazprom Armenia will be "audited" to ensure fair practices around investments and price hikes

The government will hire an independent company to conduct a technical audit of Gazprom Armenia and the Electric Networks of Armenia. It's about their's investments, price formation process, etc.

The audit will help strengthen public trust and prevent illegal interventions during the price-forming process.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081320.html)

other resolutions approved during today's government session:

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081320.html)

YoY inflation report

January 7.1%, February 6.5%, March 7.5%.

Compared to last March, this year the food is +13%. Vegetables saw the highest increase +41%. Seafood +30%. Pork +26%. Beef +9%.

Non-food +4.8%.

Services +3.3%.

[source](https://factor.am/502897.html)

Council of Europe anti-torture Committee: 2021 incarceration report

Armenia has a "very low" incarceration rate per 100,000 population, far below the European average, similar to Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, etc.

Armenia continues to have a "very high" pre-trial detention rate despite a 52% reduction since 2011.

Only 37% of 5,300 prison cells were occupied last year. That's better than the European average.

NGO rep.: The reduction of incarceration is a positive thing, and so are the efforts to implement a probation system in Armenia. But there is a lot to do.

The report positively assessed the government's decision to shut down several penitentiaries, such as Kosh and Hrazdan. But Nubarashen and Goris are still open. They bring many problems. //

Of the 1053 convicts, 371 are serving 5-10 years, 141 are serving 1-3, and 12 are serving under 1.

[source](https://factor.am/502751.html)

villagers without gas are getting solar water heaters

Armenian Caritas charity and the German government launched a program last year to help villages in Shirak province.

32 low-income families have received solar water heaters and photovoltaic power stations. Hundreds more will receive one by the end of this year.

They are simultaneously training residents to repair and maintain the equipment.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081254.html)

UAE is donating food boxes to 800 low-income families across Armenia

April is Ramadan month. UAE is feeling generous.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081276.html)

events dedicated to the 107th anniversary of 1915 Armenian Genocide

Pakrat Estukyan, Agos newspaper: The pandemic restrictions didn't allow us to organize public gatherings in recent years, but this year it's better. A gathering is planned for 7:00 pm in the Besiktas district of Istanbul.

At noon we will visit Sevag Balıkçı's grave. He was a young soldier of Armenian descent killed in the army for his ethnicity on April 24, 2011.

There will be television programs and discussions on Sunday. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081229.html)

international conference dedicated to Genocide will be organized in Moscow

Moscow municipal administration is helping the Union of Armenians of Russia to organize several events in President Hotel. There will be movies and performances. Billboards will be installed in hundreds of locations.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081257.html)

philharmonic orchestra will perform Mozart's Requiem in Tsitsernakaberd on April 24

It will be led by famous Austrian conductor Günter Neuhold. Sopranos and other performers will arrive from Germany.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081302.html)

ranking Greek parliamentarian Konstantinos Gkioulekas participated in Genocide memorial event in Thessaloniki

Konstantinos: Հույների և հայերի միջև կապերը բազմապիսի և շատ ամուր են։ Երկու ժողովուրդները նաև միմյանց են կապված երկու ցեղասպանություններով` նախ Հայոց ցեղասպանությամբ և դրան հաջորդած Պոնտացի և փոքրասիական հույների վեղասպանությամբ:

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081327.html)

City of Birmingham, Alabama, proclaims April 24th as Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

[source](https://en.armradio.am/2022/04/22/city-of-birmingham-alabama-proclaims-april-24th-as-armenian-genocide-remembrance-day/)

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo takes part in Armenian Genocide commemoration event

Murad Papazian: This morning, at the invitation of Mayor Hidalgo, we visited the City Hall on the occasion of the 107th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. A tribute to the memory of the victims, a promise to fight to the end for justice.

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081338.html)

PHOTO: Palais du Pharo of Marseille lit up in Armenian flag colors in memory of genocide victims

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081281.html)

update: the police caught two men suspected of stealing the Komitas bust from Arabkir park

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/235599)

Stepanavan hosted Interparliamentary Commission on Cooperation between Armenia and Russia

The countries are marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. They discussed the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, AM-RU cooperation, etc.

Alexey Sandikov, an Armenian MP of Russian descent, received an award from the Russian parliament for his efforts to strengthen AM-RU relations.

A statue of Russian poet Alexander Pushkin was [inaugurated](https://factor.am/502710.html) on Vanadzor-Tashir road, in a location known as "Pushkin curves" (Պուշկինի ոլորաններ).

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1081330.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081339.html) [source](https://factor.am/502710.html)

Dilijan will host GASTROFEST festival for the first time

Dozens of restaurants from Armenia and Artsakh will deliver master-classes on Armenian cuisine and dance during the May 6-8 festival in Dilijan.

Anna Tlustokhovich, Project Manager: It will be organized in a town fair format. It will feature live music, dancing master-classes, and a gastronomic quest. Visitors will have the chance to take part in cooking competitions.

This is the first time but we'll try to make it an annual event. Next year we plan to organize other festivals in Dilijan and other cities. //

The Soldier’s Home Rehabilitation Center will also participate in the festival, and guests will be able to buy souvenirs made by veterans.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081232.html)

top-10 bestseller children's books in March

5) The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats, by Brothers Grimm.

4) Ով է ապրում տնակում, by Vladimir Suteev.

3) Շաղգամը, by Atabek Khnkoyan.

2) Kolobok

1) [Վիշապաքարի գաղտնիքը](https://bookmark.am/product/վիշապաքարի-գաղտնիքը-արտավազդ-եղիազա/), by Artavazd Yeghiazaryan.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081043.html)

today in history

Birthdays: Vladimir Lenin պապի, actor Jack Nicolson, philosopher Immanuel Kant,

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1081208.html) [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_22)

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.

---

Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u9nscz/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_friday/