2022 April 4

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. Monday, Apr/4/2022.
by ar_david_hh

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11 minutes. 2841 words[1]

tax revenues jumped 20% in the first quarter of 2022

֏400B was collected in Q1 2022, which is +20% vs 2021, +15% vs 2020, +34% vs 2019.

֏51B was returned to taxpayers. That's +35% vs 2021, +46% vs 2020, +90% vs 2019.

There were 128.8 million transactions with cash register receipts and other documents, amounting to ֏1.948T. The transactions are +9% vs 2021, +16% vs 2020, +41% vs 2019.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079735.html)

February: wages grew faster than inflation in private sector; public sector lags behind

Average monthly nominal salary +7.8% to ֏206K ($427).

Overall inflation +6.5%. Food inflation +11.4%.

Private salaries +9.2% to ֏222K.

Public salaries +2.9% to ֏172K.

[source](https://factor.am/495575.html)

Artsakh is installing solar panels in settlements

A program was developed for the purchase and installation of solar stations in the communities of Artsakh. The goal is to make the republic more energy independent and reduce human impact on nature.

At least 50 units of 10 kW stations will be installed in the capital Stepanakert this year. The smaller settlements will have a couple of 4 kW units each.

A public tender will be organized to choose the winner for installation. It's funded by the state budget.

[source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/299436/)

LHK leader Edmon Marukyan criticizes fellow opposition parties for rejecting the offer to meet Pashinyan to discuss topics relating Karabakh negotiation process

HD and PU alliances will hold a large rally tomorrow, on the eve of Brussels negotiations.

Marukyan: Amid border tensions in Artsakh, Pashinyan invited parliamentary opposition alliances to hold a closed-door meeting to discuss the issues. They rejected the invitation.

It was then proposed to hold a meeting under the parliamentary council format, which was rejected again. They gave every excuse possible to explain why they aren't willing to meet to discuss the issues ahead of the Pashinyan-Aliyev Brussels meeting. What is stopping them?

Moreover, when our party was in parliament, [Serj Sargsyan] never invited the opposition before or after April War to present the situation and discuss the negotiation process. Today, in this difficult situation, the opposition avoids taking any responsibility or making positive contributions. This does not help raise the resilience of our country.

It is obvious that they intend to later claim they were uninformed about the negotiation process, and that they had better solutions. //

Serj ally Armen Shotyan: Marukyan is a fake opposition.

Marukyan ally: Maybe Armen Ashotyan is just upset that he did not meet Marukyan in the shelter of the politically dead figures after 2018.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079642.html) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234224)

Armenia marked the 6th anniversary of the April War

Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire agreement and attacked Artsakh in the north and south on April 1, 2016. They captured a strategically important height near Talish and other territories in the south. Russia brokered a ceasefire. President Serj Sargsyan later convened closed-door meetings and informed Armenian officials about the need to make concessions, according to several officials.

Pashinyan said in one of his interviews that, after the April War, the OSCE made several proposals with each being worse than the previous. By mid-2019, according to a senior official from president Levon Ter-Petrosyan's party, OSCE offered another package that Pashinyan administration found unacceptable, because: "Խաղաղության վերջին շանսը 2019 թվականի հունիսին Նիկոլ Փաշինյանին ներկայացված պլանն էր։ Այդ պլանում թեեւ Քելբաջարը նույնպես մնում էր հայկական վերահսկողության ներքո մինչեւ Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի կարգավիճակի որոշումը, բայց, միեւնույն ժամանակ, վերացված էր Լեռնային Ղարաբաղի միջազգային իրավասուբյետայնության ճանաչումը, ինչի հաշվին էլ ձեռք էր բերված Ադրբեջանի համաձայնությունը:" (The last chance to avoid war was the plan offered to Pashinyan in June 2019. Although Kelbajar would remain under Armenian control until the clarification of Nagorno Karabakh status, the recognition of Nagorno Karabakh as an international legal entity was removed to appease Azerbaijan.)

Reporter: The opposition [2016 government] believes they achieved a victory in the 2016 April War and proved that Azerbaijan could not take Artsakh with force.

Parl. Defense Committee Chief Andranik: Wrong. They can read the April War investigation results. It shows that Armenia would stand no chance in the event of a larger attack. We observed terrible results in army command during the 2016 and 2020 wars, thanks to nepotism in the military.

[source](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31785387.html) [source](https://www.armenpress.am/eng/news/1079629/) [source](http://www.aniarc.am/2022/02/20/1994-1997-levon-zurabyan-2022-bebruary-19/)

international peacekeepers

Several prominent non-parliamentary parties and NGOs released a statement:

1) We condemn discussions about Armenia becoming part of Russia or joining a Russian "union".

2) We see the future of Armenia and the reconstruction of its national-state identity in a family of civilized nations united under the banner of democracy and universal values.

3) Russia is unable to ensure the security of Artsakh. Artsakh is losing territories, and the Armenians living on them are subjected to ethnic cleansing. We urge the Armenian government to apply to the UN Security Council to deploy international peacekeepers with a mandate within the OSCE Minsk Group.

4) We condemn Russia's aggression against sovereign Ukraine. It is the continuation of the 2020 attack by dictatorial regimes against democracies. We call on the UN to put in place effective mechanisms to resolve all international and interethnic conflicts peacefully. //

Signed by 26 prominent NGOs, parties, and officials.

[source](https://factor.am/494960.html)

watch your mouth, kids

First president Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan met on Sunday.

LTP's office: Both sides agreed that under the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, the authorities of Artsakh and Armenia, and the opposition forces, must exercise extreme caution in their rhetoric in order not to aggravate political divisions and complicate the situation for Armenia and Artsakh. //

On Monday, LTP met Russian ambassador Kopyrkin to discuss Armenia-Russia relations.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079702.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079751.html)

Turkey told Russia what Russia has been telling Armenia for decades

It's just business. Nothing personal.

Russian ambassador to Turkey: You can't imagine how painful the supply of Bayraktar drones to Ukraine is perceived by the Russian society. To be fully honest, people don't understand how it can be just a "business" when your drones are killing our soldiers. By contrast, Russia does not arm those who fight against Turkey. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079765.html) [source](https://factor.am/495274.html)

Armenia and Russia congratulate each other on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations

Pashinyan and Putin exchanged kind words and praised the post-independence cooperation. Pashinyan emphasized Russia's role as a Karabakh conflict mediator.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079688.html)

Russian parliament will discuss a law about Armenian drivers in Russia

The amendments envisage recognition of national driving licenses of the citizens of Armenia while doing business in Russia.

Currently, this privilege is granted to Kyrgyzstan and countries where Russian is an official language. Armenian is the only official language in Armenia.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079776.html)

Kazakhstan has simplified the process of issuing residency permits to Armenian citizens

Under new rules, to obtain residency documents in Kazakhstan, Armenians no longer have to submit proof of removing themselves from registration in Armenia.

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234302)

Foreign Minister of Italy visited Armenia

Mirzoyan hosted Luigi Di Maio on Sunday. They visited the Genocide Memorial.

Pashinyan hosted Maio and spoke about cooperation with Italy both bilaterally and within the EU format. They discussed projects in energy, high-tech, and education fields.

The volume of trade and investments should increase, said Maio. They discussed investments with President Khachaturyan.

They spoke about regional issues. Pashinyan emphasized the need to clarify Artsakh's status, ensure its security, and protect the fundamental rights of the Armenians of Artsakh.

Mirzoyan: I presented the situation created by Azerbaijan after the invasion of Parukh, the regular ceasefire violations, the steps Azerbaijan takes to create a humanitarian crisis in Artsakh, and Azerbaijan's policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno Karabakh. The international community must give a proper and targeted response to these actions. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079689.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079690.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079695.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079700.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079706.html)

European Parliament representative urged Azerbaijan to immediately withdraw troops from Parukh, Artsakh

Marina Kaljurand, Chair of the Delegation for relations with South Caucasus: I spoke with an Azeri colleague and shared my concern about Azerbaijan's unprovoked military intrusion into Nagorno-Karabakh last week, which violated the ceasefire agreement of 9 November 2020.

I urged the immediate withdrawal of forces back behind the LoC, in line with calls from all three Minsk Group Co-Chair countries.

I also recalled the European Parliament resolution on the destruction of cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh and stressed the need for Azerbaijan to allow the UNESCO mission to access the region unhindered.

I welcomed the decision by the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan to meet in Brussels and expressed hope that the EU will be able to contribute to the achievement of sustainable peace in the region. I urged Azerbaijan to refrain from any unilateral actions that might undermine such efforts. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079659.html)

Security Council chief discussed Armenian army reforms with French army officials

Armen Grigoryan met representatives of the armament department of the Armed Forces of France, and the French military attaché in Armenia. They discussed the army reforms in Armenia. Grigoryan presented the goals, one of which is the formation of a professional army. The parties discussed possible cooperation in this area. They stressed the need for further cooperation in the field of military education.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079677.html) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234201)

VIDEO: Armenian manufacturers build combat drones

[Friday news](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/ttaoa1/your_daily_news_digest_for_thursday_mar312022/) has more info about the ArmHighTech expo and weapons presented by domestic manufacturers.

[here is another video](https://youtu.be/ARcHFkgeLHE)

army held exercises to retrain personnel that operates S-300 air defense systems

[source](https://factor.am/495560.html)

VIDEO: public awareness campaign was organized on Northern Avenue

The initiative, funded by the UN and UK, is teaching the public about the dangers of landmines, how sappers operate, and how to avoid injury. It's been held in Armenia regularly since 2005. April 4 is the International Mine Awareness Day.

[source](https://youtu.be/Krcqi2m3sjU?t=1566)

UK parliamentarians visited Armenia

Pashinyan and Mirzoyan hosted the British delegation led by Tim Loughton and Caroline Cox to discuss the Karabakh conflict, Armenia-UK relations, and domestic reforms.

British MPs "highly appreciated the democratic progress made by Armenia. Ararat Mirzoyan reaffirmed the commitment of the Armenian government to continue the process of strengthening democracy, rule of law, protecting human rights and fighting against corruption, and in this context valued the support of the United Kingdom."

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079753.html) [source](https://factor.am/495581.html)

anti-corruption: authorities are investigating the prison food industry

Prosecutors report: Last year the Justice Ministry signed a contract with a company to deliver food to 12 prisons. The average daily calorie was supposed to be 2800 cal, but the examination has revealed that it was lower. The Anti-Corruption Committee has launched an investigation.

The investigation has also revealed that prison officials failed to address problems that were uncovered earlier. For example, inmates were used as labor without compensation, criminal subculture graffiti was allowed to remain on the walls, and quarantine cells lacked necessary items. The prison officials were instructed to address the issues. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079739.html)

COVID stats

0 deaths. 7 infected. 18 healed. 2048 tested. 2162 currently sick.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079726.html)

healthcare reforms: Armenia will switch to an electronic prescription system

Electronic prescribing will allow doctors to write and send prescriptions to a pharmacy electronically instead of using handwritten prescriptions. It will be done through the ArMed system.

>Reportedly, all licensed pharmacies will have to conclude contracts with ArMed, as well as be equipped with a computer and Internet connection

[source](http://arka.am/en/news/society/armenia_will_switch_to_electronic_prescribing_/)

Yerevan administration wants to turn Hrazdan gorge into a recreational area

Municipality: The irregular construction since the 1990s has changed the gorge. The new project will improve the ecological condition of the gorge. It must be an area for tourism, healthcare, and leisure. The gorge will receive a special status. The buildings in the gorge today are not recreational in nature. There are many restaurants and cafes.

Last year we learned that 0.5 million^3 dirty water from 22,000 sources is being poured into the Hrazdan River.

An aerial survey was conducted. There is a stark contrast between relatively untouched parts of the gorge and the area neighboring the city center.

For years, the lands in the gorge were given to businesses and sometimes taken illegally. New laws will be adopted to completely prohibit the construction of new restaurants and similar objects.

The city will create a property inventory, map the gorge, and develop a plan. The existing businesses and the new leisure areas will be separated. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079653.html)

other news from Yerevan:

Thousands of residents will no longer have to go to an office for 0-ական տեղեկանք while making vehicle transactions. The process is digitized and the police already have access to the necessary information.

Yerevan municipality has switched from an "archaic" system to the Mulberry digital program to handle internal paperwork and serve the public. Better oversight over employees.

Efforts launched in Yerevan to [remove rusty advertisement billboards](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234291). An electronic map of billboards was created. The process of issuing ad permits will be digitized. //

[source](https://factor.am/495407.html)

VIDEO: this company founded 45-hectare intensive orchards in Aragatsotn

ԱռԼեԱՄ is using European tech, drip irrigation, and other "smart" tools in their orchard in Karbi (northwest of Yerevan) to grow apples and other fruits.

Representative: We're using Dutch-made Greefa sorting machines and other equipment to automate the whole process. The computer shows the sorting speed, the size of the fruits, etc. This helps us draw a plan for the next year. It's also important to ensure the fruits are of similar size and shape. Our international partners give great importance to this.

An intensive orchard's life is up to 15 years. They must be removed to plant new trees in place. 3-4 years later it's ready for harvest. We get 50-70 tons per hectare.

We have gardens that are intensive (3,000 trees per ha) and superintensive (4,200 per ha).

We plan to organize agrotourism trips. The guests can participate in harvesting works and taste the fruits. We're building a guesthouse. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079758.html)

Armenia participated in Artozyma international food & pastry exhibition for the first time

The popular event was [held in Greece](https://youtu.be/50tweXpAxso?t=3). The exhibition demonstrates and promotes new products and technologies in the food industry.

[Armenia](https://api.helexpo.gr/exhibitors/artozymadetrop2022/2022/eng/default.asp?q=1) was represented by several popular brands from the beer, wine, and mineral water industry. Their participation was organized by the local Armenian community and the embassy.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079663.html)

Armenian wrestlers are winning [too many](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/ttzh03/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_friday/) medals

Malkhas Amoyan recently defeated his Azeri opponent during Greco-Roman European Championship. On Saturday Amoyan defeated the Turkish athlete to win gold. The Turkish athlete [was sobbing](https://www.facebook.com/100002203722329/videos/7231772423562334/). Amoyan helped the silver boy get up [so he could get the gold ASAP probably].

Gharibyan and Galsthyan won bronze medals.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079683.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079714.html) [source](https://www.facebook.com/100002203722329/videos/7231772423562334/)

Armenian boxers won 2 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze medal in an international tournament held in Serbia

[source](https://factor.am/495115.html)

Italian soccer league: Roma defeats Sampdoria

Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored the only goal during the match. Roma is currently 5th in the league.

[source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/299435/)

Erebuni crowned as Armenian basketball champions for the first time

Erebuni 109-107 Urartu. They played multiple games. Erebuni won all of them.

Artsakh won the third position after destroying Gyumri 104-85.

[source](https://www.eurobasket.com/Armenia/news/738124/Erebuni-crowned-A-League-champions) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079687.html)

FlyOne Armenia airlines launched regular flights to Charles De Gaulle Airport

It's once a week for now. They will increase the frequency in the summer month.

CEO: Our network of European routes is constantly expanding. We are pleased to launch regular flights to Paris, thus expanding our flight geography. Being a member of the Francophonie community, Armenian people have a special attitude towards France.

We use Airbus A320 jets with 180 seats. They meet the IATA and EASA Security standards. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079692.html)

VIDEO: Emma Pogikyan's NFT won an international award

[video](https://youtu.be/qHn6HLSLim4)

[article](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/04/04/Հայկական-մոտիվներով-ստեղծված-NFT-ն՝-մշակութային-Օսկարի-հաղթող/695867)

VIDEO: ladies from Noyagyugh are baking zhingyalov hats for soldiers in Artsakh

[source](https://youtu.be/HhUPY8KOEwk?t=25)

IMAGES: Armenian khachkar monument was installed in Mont-de-Marsan (France) as a sign of friendship

Gyumri and Mont-de-Marsan are sister cities. Armenian ambassador, Gyumri deputy-mayor, and community members were presented during the opening ceremony.

[source](https://www.facebook.com/ambassadearmenie/posts/5084406384955418) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079709.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079693.html)

TRAILER: Armenian superhero movie "Vishap" (dragon)

It's a Marvel copycat.

[video 1](https://youtu.be/jO_gQqGaUEo) [video 2](https://youtu.be/4e4jvghunMY)

viral video of motorcycle rider "saving" a woman from gopniks turns out to be a stunt by Vishap movie staff

The story unfolded in the Yerevan State University backyard. Three men are seen mugging a woman when a bike rider stops them. Someone is seen recording the incident from a distance. The university was accused of neglecting safety at its premises.

The university checked the security cameras and spoke with the guard, and found it was staged.

YSU: The participants, about 10 people, are seen together near YSU's central building. They head to the filming location. The guard tells them they can't enter with a motorcycle. The group tells the guard they are actors from Sharm Holding. The guard allows them to proceed. We don't know for what purposes the video was filmed, but none of the media outlets who shared the video had contacted us to get the facts. //

The following day, Sharm Holding studio issued an apology and revealed that the clip was meant to be an April Fools joke. The participants are from the Vishap crew.

The crew [uploaded another video](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234322) showing the actors fooling around, with one of them wearing the suit belonging to superhero Vishap (update: it might be a regular biker suit).

Hollywood

Bollywood

Hayliwood?

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234322) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234247)

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/twbl23/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_monday/