2022 April 7

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. Thursday, Apr/7/2022.
by ar_david_hh

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11 minutes. 2872 words[1]

EU's statement after the second trilateral meeting in Brussels:

The leaders reviewed progress on the implementation of agreements reached in the last meeting. Charles Michel emphasized the importance of humanitarian gestures: release all remaining detainees and find the missing persons. EU will continue to support with de-mining, financial assistance, and reconstruction.

Michel noted that Pashinyan and Aliyev agreed to move rapidly towards a peace agreement. It was agreed to instruct Foreign Ministers to work on the preparation of a future peace treaty, which would address all necessary issues.

Border demarcation will be essential. In line with the Sochi agreement, it was agreed to form a Joint Border Commission by the end of April. The Commission will ensure border stability and delimit the borders. Michel said ensuring appropriate distancing of forces is an essential element of incident prevention. EU is ready to provide advice and support.

The restoration of communication routes was discussed. Michel welcomed the steps toward the restoration of railway lines and encouraged leaders to find effective solutions for the restoration of road links.

The leaders agreed to stay engaged.

[source](https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2022/04/06/statement-of-european-council-president-charles-michel-following-the-second-trilateral-meeting-with-president-ilham-aliyev-and-prime-minister-nikol-pashinyan/)

Pashinyan presented topics that should become the subject of negotiations with Azerbaijan:

The security guarantees of the people of Nagorno Karabakh, the protection of their rights and freedoms, as well as the clarification of the final status of Nagorno Karabakh are of principled importance for us. These issues are included in the responses of the Armenian side relating to the peace agenda, and must become a subject of negotiations.

We agreed on two things in Brussels:

1) The foreign ministers will start the preparations for the future peace treaty. That means the principles presented by Armenia and Azerbaijan must be finalized and must be addressed with the results of negotiations. As in the past, we consider it vital the engagement of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship in the negotiation process.

2) A bilateral commission on border delimitation will be formed by the end of April. It will have a double mandate: ensure security and stability on the border, and conduct delimitation works. The discussions on this topic, including with Russia's mediation, began last year. We eventually reached that compromise solution.

There are Armenian territories under the control of Azerbaijan, and vice versa. The negotiations will address these issues, based on de jure-substantiated records and facts of legal significance.

The EU and Russia have expressed readiness to assist with the delimitation works. We should move forward in this direction. Our position is that there is a de jure border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, coming from Soviet times.

In general, an agreement was reached to move forward in both aforementioned directions. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080058.html) [source](https://youtu.be/KkStMZlQ1nA)

EU's Josep Borrell about Brussels negotiations:

Crucial efforts and progress made between Armenia and Azerbaijan to work towards lasting peace and a stable and secure South Caucasus. In the current geopolitical context, it is more important than ever to find ways to engage and diplomatically solve conflicts.

[source](https://twitter.com/JosepBorrellF/status/1512026989485563908) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080075.html)

Russia welcomed the decision to launch a process of peace talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Putin's spokesman: We understand that this is a continuous process, but moving towards the signing of such a document is a positive fact in itself and is commendable.

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080045.html)

Pashinyan: the issue in Parukh should be discussed with the participation of our Russian colleagues

Pashinyan: In Brussels we discussed the worsening of the security environment in Parukh, but it didn't lead to a common assessment of the situation. The further discussion of this topic was not appropriate on the Brussels platform. Azerbaijan invaded an area under peacekeepers' responsibility and this issue ought to be discussed with the participation of our Russian colleagues.

We expect that the Russian peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh will take steps to ensure the withdrawal of Azeri troops from their zone of responsibility. We also attach importance to holding an investigation into the adequateness or potential inaction of the Russian peacekeeping troops' actions during the course of developments. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080054.html)

finding out the fates of missing persons was also discussed in Brussels

777 Armenians went missing after the 1990s war, and 208 after the 2020 war. Thousands of Azeris are also missing.

Pashinyan: Charles Michel emphasized the necessity of releasing all captured persons. We also discussed the possibility of cooperating around finding out the fate of the missing persons. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080056.html) [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagorno-Karabakh_conflict)

Artsakh Foreign Minister about Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting in Brussels

MFA Davit Babayan: Any diplomatic meeting is better than border clashes or war. Our red lines remain the same. We cannot be part of Azerbaijan.

But the Brussels negotiations were fully or mostly about Armenia-Azerbaijan relations. Artsakh conflict is a large conflict that includes Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and Artsakh-Azerbaijan relations, which are separate processes.

Reporter: Artsakh and the issue of its status were not mentioned in the EU's press release. What do you make of this?

MFA Davit Babayan: If Artsakh wasn't mentioned that means it wasn't discussed. As I've said, Armenia-Azerbaijan relations is what was discussed. The regulation of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations is a separate process that cannot be tied to Artsakh's status within Azerbaijan under any circumstances. //

[full](https://youtu.be/KqHz3hx0Yq0)

UN General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from Human Rights Council

Favor 93, Against 24, Abstein 58.

Georgia, Turkey - Favor

Iran, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan - Against

Armenia, Azerbaijan - skipped the vote altogether

[source](https://factor.am/497000.html)

spring sowing begins in Gegharkunik province

For now, the farmers are planting grain seeds in lower altitudes where the snow has melted. Masrik plain is a good example. Soil moisture is at an excellent level right now. 250 hectares planted already. The main efforts will begin in the second half of April.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080038.html)

Armenia will negotiate with Russia to increase the delivery of animal food

Reporter: Some poultry factories were forced to reduce the number of chickens because of food shortages.

Economy Minister Kerobyan: We have a deficit here. A temporary solution was provided but I will visit Russia soon to discuss the issue. Most of these imports come from Russia.

Food security, in general, is a priority today. I urge our farmers to cultivate their lands to the best of their ability. Their goods will sell at a high price because there is a deficit in the international market. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080066.html)

update: government will subsidize ferry cargo transfers via Black Sea to reduce reliance on problematic Upper Lars checkpoint

Context in [March 24 news](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/tn0a3d/news_mar242022_armenia_to_subsidize_black_sea/). Armenian economy suffers when the Georgia-Russia border is closed, which happens quite often due to snow and traffic jams.

The Armenian government recently decided to pay Armenian businesses to use the Georgian railway and the Black Sea as an alternative route.

Economy Minister gave an update, saying the second and final confirmation of the subsidy will happen next week.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080061.html)

anti-corruption: NSS busted another bribery

ACC reports: Vanadzor municipality has a non-profit organization called Vanadzor Service. Its director and two workers demanded and took large amounts of bribes from several residents to give them land pieces in a cemetery. The director and accomplices were arrested on Wednesday. //

The authorities reminded residents that cemetery land is legally free and they shouldn't pay a bribe to anyone.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080080.html)

new anti-corruption educational programs will be taught in Armenian schools

Hovakimyan, Corruption Prevention Commission: Although there are anti-corruption courses and informal programs today, they are few and don't always ensure the necessary effectiveness.

There will be constant steps, special courses, and awareness campaigns for public officials and broad circles of the society, to form zero tolerance for corruption.

CPC is studying the international experience (Austria, UK, US) of implementing formal and informal educational programs to adapt to our cultural features.

The goal is to form a negative attitude toward corruption within the society and reduce corruption cases in the long run. Teachers will be trained. Universities will have anti-corruption and integrity-strengthening content.

We're cooperating with the UN's GRACE (Global Resource for Anti-Corruption Education and Youth Empowerment). A memorandum was also signed with IACA to retrain public servants. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080022.html)

NVIDIA is establishing a scientific research center in Armenia

Arshakyan, Parliament Vice-Speaker: In 2019 Pashinyan visited the NVIDIA headquarters in Silicon Valley and discussed possible cooperation with CEO Jensen Huang.

Today I'm happy to inform you that NVIDIA is coming to Armenia. One of the world's leading tech giants with a $27B annual turnover and more than 20,000 employees globally, is opening the doors of its new office in Yerevan.

The Armenian branch will be headed by Rev Lebaredian, Vice President, Omniverse and Simulation Technology at NVIDIA. //

[Jensen Huang](https://www.google.com/search?q=Jensen+Huang+leather+jacket&oq=Jensen+Huang+leather+jacket) should open a leather jacket factory in Armenia as an excellent extra source of revenue. Change my mind.

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080032.html)

Armenia and Russia will sign an information security agreement

The details can be found in the link. It's mostly about data safety, Armenia-Russia communication safety, sharing info to combat terrorism, cooperation during international projects, training and exchange of information security experts, etc.

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234541)

NASDAQ stock exchange congratulates "BAJ" and "Orion" startup accelerators for raising $27M in 2021

... read the sign in iconic New York Times Square.

The $27M investments were made in Armenian startups operating in the fields of Security, SaaS, Robotics, FinTech, and AI.

Orion is a New York-based company that opened an office in Armenia two years ago. Its startups are on pace to attract another $20M this year.

Orion CEO: Armenian talent invent many innovative products, and we are glad that through Orion the successes of the Armenian startups are becoming more visible to the world. For the first time this upcoming summer, we will organize the “Orion Summit 2022,” which will be an opportunity to highlight achievements together with rising unicorns that are part of our portfolio, and the Armenian startup ecosystem overall. //

[more about BAJ and Orion](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080042.html)

Armenian products will be presented at California exhibition

A project titled America-Armenia Business Bridge will be organized in Los Angeles on May 2-9, supported by the Consulate General, Armenian Church, and Armenian American Business Council.

The exhibition will allow Armenian manufacturers and service providers to present their products in the "big American market".

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080017.html)

STEM is prioritized by Education Ministry

2,927 bachelor's students will receive free education this year, slightly more than last year. 1,943 of them will be in Ministry's universities.

57% of free places were allocated to STEM. 38% of free STEM places are in IT.

Defense Ministry received 412 places. Foreign students received 83 (70 sould be diasporan Armenians).

[continue](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080083.html)

education reforms: thousands of school directors and officials will be retrained soon

Armenia and Switzerland have launched a process to prepare school officials for the ongoing education reforms. 3,600 school administrators will undergo a month-long training.

... why?

Official: The idea of Օրինակելի ուսումնական պլան is being abolished, to give academic flexibility to schools. If the school wanted to ensure development in a specific direction, it couldn't. It had limited hours and directions.

The new standards are being tested in Tavush. There will be curriculum changes. Beginning in 2023, across Armenia, students in grades 2, 5, 7, and 10 will switch to the new standards. //

[source](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/04/07/Հանրակրթական-դպրոցների-3600-տնօրեն-և-փոխտնօրեն-առաջիկայում-կվերապատրաստվի/698683)

Armenian Greco-Roman wrestlers won several medals recently, despite not being paid at home

The wrestling coach said that the funds allocated to the team isn't enough to cover the medical bills for athletes' recovery, vitamins, and wages. There are athletes who haven't been paid this year. The coach said the sports authorities and Olympics Committee are not helping them.

Deputy Sports Minister Karen Giloyan said they recently addressed the issues relating to medication and supplements, and the wages for athletes who are legally entitled to receive one. There are apparently athletes who do not qualify for an official salary. "We need to find mechanisms to encourage good athletes," said Giloyan.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080044.html)

Gyumri municipality will move sidewalk merchants to "micromarket"

Gyumri wants to ban unruly street trade as it becomes more popular among tourists. It's unacceptable to wrap cheese in a plastic bag and place it on the floor, or to place a bottle of milk under direct sunlight, said the authorities.

They offered the sellers to relocate to the so-called Micromarket territory. Negotiations were held with its owner to waive this month's fee and to provide discounts for a year. The market will provide pavilions with a nicer aesthetic.

Many sellers already pay a daily fee in the area where they currently operate, so the move isn't expected to be a big financial burden, said the deputy mayor. The new pavilions will cost ֏300 per meter.

A public hearing will be organized tomorrow to discuss the topic.

[source](https://factor.am/497007.html)

what is going on with dram?

֏476 per dollar as of writing this. At one point it was ֏520 during the Ukraine invasion, but it has since regained strength. The same about the ruble, although economists say the ruble's comeback is խափուսիկ․

[Google]

COVID stats

0 deaths. 19 infected. 18 healed. 2683 tested.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080021.html)

Armenia is relaxing COVID restrictions

The isolation period upon entry will reduce from 14 to 10 days, for Armenian citizens and their family members who are not Armenian citizens.

Rapid antigen tests will be accepted for air and land travelers if it was taken within the past 24 hours.

Armenian citizens and ethnic Armenians coming from Ukraine will get the tests for free.

[more](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080074.html)

Arsen Torosyan shared information about his 3-year-old baby

Ex-Healthcare Minister: Exactly 3 years ago, after months of hard work, the Ministry founded one of the most important life-saving departments: the air medical service. Helicopters have since conducted 320 flights and saved hundreds of lives. 85 wounded soldiers were brought to Yerevan during the war. //

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234588)

gov't allocates $7.7M to build and repair several medical centers in provinces

Ministry report: Part of our 5-year plan is to build and repair 50 healthcare facilities. The process began last year. Several centers are being rebuilt. These funds will ensure the continuation of the process.

The ones currently under construction are located in Talin (Aragatsotn), Charentsavan (Kotayk), Tsaghkahovit (Aragatsotn), Masis (Ararat... noice?), Sisian (Syunik), and the National Center for Mental health.

Pashinyan: Are you building them from zero?

Ministry: The ones in Talin and Charentsavan, yes. Others will have new buildings, etc.

Pashinyan: And they will come with new equipment?

Ministry: We will take care of the acquisition of property and all the equipment.

Pashinyan: The 50 medical centers are part of our campaign promise, alongside the 300 new schools and 500 kindergartens.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080063.html)

April 7 was Motherhood and Beauty Day

👔 President Khachaturyan hosted women from the medical industry and thanked them for their service. Public officials shared congratulatory messages.

💲 Grand Candy's Mikael Vardanyan donated $600 to hundreds of single mothers who are raising disabled children.

🕯️ First lady Anna Hakobyan hosted women who lost a family member in the war.

🤝 Netherlands signed a cooperation agreement with several Armenian organizations to promote women's rights, labor participation, and to combat domestic abuse.

🪖 Meetings were held in the military to discuss women's participation in the armed forces. Defense Ministry organized sports events for them.

📖 State Pedagogical University has elected the first-ever female rector in its 100-year history, noted Pashinyan and congratulated rector Srbuhi Gevorgyan.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080024.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080086.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080082.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080092.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080089.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080087.html) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234552)

court orders prosecutor and police to investigate a domestic abuse suspect

The husband allegedly used tear gas against his wife. The police department in Yerevan's Malatia district refused to launch an investigation.

The wife asked a human rights NGO for legal help. The NGO asked a prosecutor to launch an investigation, but the latter "upheld" the decision not to investigate.

The NGO filed a lawsuit against the prosecutor. Today the court sided with the NGO, requiring the authorities to launch a proper investigation. During the trial, the police agent testified that he didn't investigate the chemical substance to "save resources".

[source](https://factor.am/496963.html)

Armenia and Sweden have trashy relations 🤔

Yerevan mayor Hrachya hosted Swedish ambassador Patrick on Thursday. They discussed projects relating to the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership. It's also known as E5P because the title contains 5 words that begin with an E, and one that begins with a P. That's how smart the Europeans are. Ինչևե․․․

Armenia and Sweden are working together on waste management, energy efficiency, and street lighting programs. Armenia thanked Sweden for being the main initiator of this grant and the largest donor country.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080070.html)

today in history

1858: Armenian novelist Alexander Movsisian (aka Shirvanzade) is born.

1988: USSR MOD orders the withdrawal from Afghanistan.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079997.html) [source](https://www.timeanddate.com/on-this-day/april/7) [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_7)

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/tyluoa/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_thursday/