2022 April 8

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. Friday, Apr/8/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

10 minutes. 2588 words.

Pashinyan and fellow ex-opposition figures acquitted in March 1 case; 2010 guilty verdict overturned

In 2010, opposition activist Pashinyan was sentenced to 7 years for organizing/inciting mass disturbances but served less than 2 years.

Pashinyan challenged the verdict. Earlier this year, the European Court of Human Rights sided with him and recognized that his right to personal freedom and right to assembly were violated.

The prosecutors took the ECHR's verdict to Armenia's Cassations court to overturn the previous Armenian court verdict. The court has acquitted him.

Ex-QP MP Sasun Mikaelyan (Yerkrapah) was also acquitted in March 1 case, but his illegal weapon possession charge was upheld.

Alexander Arzumanyan, currently Armenia's ambassador to Scandinavia, has also been acquitted, and so was painter Tigran Baghdasaryan.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080134.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080145.html) [source](https://youtu.be/MAR7GE9-uK8) [source](https://youtu.be/AFCDxeVfk64) [source](https://youtu.be/fUxUTk0Zppg) [source](https://youtu.be/FJkhYG1D8zY) [source](https://youtu.be/XZz4PhWaop0)

NGOs are helping Justice Ministry to reform Armenia's penitentiary code

A taskforce convened its first meeting on Friday to discuss major changes to the code.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080196.html)

anti-corruption: another mayor

Authorities report: The mayor of Aragatsavan (Aragatsotn) ignored the fact that several miners were conducting illegal activities in the settlement territory. It led to ֏11M in unpaid fees. The mayor has recovered the financial damage. The case is in court. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080192.html)

anti-corruption: bribery busted at Unified Social Services

ACC reports: An official working at Labor Ministry's Unified Social Service branch in Shirak province committed corruption. The agent took $170 in bribes to falsify records to ensure 5 unqualified residents could receive poverty aid. The residents confessed and cooperated with the investigation; they won't be charged.

The investigation has uncovered insufficient oversight in this process, which opens the door for corruption. Suggestions were sent to Labor Ministry. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080139.html)

Nikol has flooded Armenia with transgenders and prostitutes: opposition figures

A press conference was held to discuss the issue.

Opposition journalist: Now the numbers, so you will see how this [bad words] is destroying the nation. The number of female prostitutes was 4,600 in 2018, and after three years of Nikol, it's 8,140.

The number of gay men has gone from 16,100 to 22,716, a 150% growth.

The number of transgender persons skyrocketed from 150 to 1,015, a 676% growth. Enjoy your transgenders. I'm reading these numbers specifically for the hobos who brought Nikol along with his transgenders. //

[video](https://youtu.be/bRWpX6PI6f0)

global food prices hit a record high in March: UN FAO

Prices jumped 13% in March to a new record high amid the war in Ukraine and the turmoil in grain and edible oils markets. The cereal price index +17%, vegetable oil +23%.

The previous record was in... February. The UN expects further increases in food and feed prices because of Ukraine war. They estimate that at least 20% of Ukraine's winter crop cannot be harvested.

[source](https://www.reuters.com/world/food-prices-surge-new-record-high-march-un-agency-says-2022-04-08/) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080150.html)

head of Competition Protection Commission about domestic and global markets:

When the price of sugar increased, we launched an investigation to find out whether it was a result of external factors, and whether the domestic increase was [proportional] to the global increase.

The claim that food prices remain the same in Armenia even when it drops globally, is false. Recently we published a comprehensive study. It shows the price drop after changes in global prices and dollar-dram exchange.

Buckwheat price is up because of the deficit. Not enough production.

Egg prices were suspiciously low recently but it appears to be back to normal again. W will issue fines if the producers violate the law ahead of Easter as they did last year. We organized meetings with them to prevent such situations. //

[continue](https://factor.am/497109.html)

Gagik Tsarukyan sold his Kotayk beer factory for $5M

The beer factory used to belong to businessman and currently QP MP Khachatur Sukiasyan until 1999. One thing led to another and Tsarukyan became the owner. Tsarukyan and Sukiasyan have familial relations. The new owner is a common family member.

[source](https://fip.am/18961)

international tender was organized for modernization of the Meghri border checkpoint with Iran

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development announced the tender in December. The bids were officially opened by the assessment commission. It's financed by EBRD. The €21 million agreement was signed in 2020. The modernization will last 30 months. They will build a

- 4,000 m^2 two-story administrative building

- 1,500 m^2 solar power station on its roof

- 40,000 m^2 parking lot

- 5 entry and exit lanes

- modern X-ray machines

It's part of the efforts to boost the North-South trade corridor.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080119.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1004091.html)

IMAGE: National Cinema Center of Armenia reopens in its historic building constructed in 1928

Ranking officials and famous actors were invited to the opening ceremony. They had a cake with a QR code. Տերտ մեռնի գիտություն․

Director: We're finally back. This is a historic site. It used to have the second-largest cinema pavilion in USSR. It was demolished in the 1990s to build residential housing. We were given a small area. No investments for many years.

I'd like to especially thank the Education/Culture Ministry and everyone else for helping us return home, which is now furnished and renovated. //

Arayik Harutyunyan (sleepy one) expressed hope that actors will produce quality content.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080172.html) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/234653)

VIDEO: Armenian genocide memorial in Colorado restored after vandalism

>The Colorado state capitol khachkar memorial to the Armenian Genocide, which was vandalized with spray-painted graffiti in May 2020, has been restored

[source](https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/next/armenian-genocide-memorial-restored-vandalism/73-0f0777b8-2713-4612-bce6-81f974d9551c) [source](https://panarmenian.net/m/eng/news/299539)

Facebook disrupts Azeri government-run cyber espionage network

>Meta said it disrupted a complex government-run network in Azerbaijan that was involved in both cyber espionage and coordinated inauthentic behavior. Armenia was targeted too.

The primary targets were democracy activists and government critics in Azerbaijan. It was prolific but low in sophistication and was run by the Azeri Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The group broke into websites and stole usernames and passwords, likely to use them for further hacking.

[full Meta report](https://about.fb.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Meta-Quarterly-Adversarial-Threat-Report_Q1-2022.pdf) [source](https://panarmenian.net/m/eng/news/299549)

Armenia donates 4 tons of medical supplies to hospitals in Aleppo, Syria

The Armenian humanitarian mission in Syria has so far provided 24 tons of medication to the war-torn city.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080121.html)

COVID stats

2046 tested. 14 infected. 25 healed. 0 deaths.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080128.html)

over half of Armenia's seniors are still unvaccinated

A new [campaign](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080193.html) to promote vaccination in provinces was launched in Abovyan Medical Center. WHO is involved. It's one of the Eastern Partnership programs. Doctors will convince provincial residents to get checked for diabetes and other diseases.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080193.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080171.html)

VIDEO: Putin says goodbye to Vladimir Zhirinovsky

He is suspiciously not sad (っ °Д °;)っ

I'm officially peddling a conspiracy theory: Zh made a big mistake last year by giving away the exact date of Ukraine invasion. He was Biden's Kremlin source.

[video](https://youtu.be/rTBsTEN9TJI)

Armenia condemned the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv

There have been multiple attacks in Israel in recent weeks. Armenian embassy in Israel condemned the latest "barbaric" act and wished speedy recovery to the victims.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080174.html)

several malls were evacuated in Yerevan after fake bomb threats

Thousands of customers were asked to exit METROnome, Rossia Mall, Megamall, and a smaller shopping store on Komitas. [K9 and other units were dispatched](https://youtu.be/uGMIUG3VAaQ). No bombs were discovered of course.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080163.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080164.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080170.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080202.html) [source](https://factor.am/497510.html)

OSCE Chairmanship welcomes the Brussels meeting between Pashinyan and Aliyev

We welcome the meeting of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan and the launching of the process toward a possible peace agreement. The CiO stands ready to assist in all efforts to ensure a stable and peaceful environment in the South Caucasus.

[source](https://twitter.com/PLinOSCE/status/1512088381420969984?s=20&t=HCIVp5mmYClogQKwjRC8CA)

Russia's Lavrov hosted Foreign Minister Mirzoyan in Moscow

Lavrov: Organizational works for the events marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations are in full swing. This meeting is a good occasion to discuss future cooperation.

... Armenia-Russia friendship monument will be installed in Yerevan

Lavrov: This is a significant year for our alliance and strategic partnership. We're marking the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 25th anniversary of the signing of a treaty on cooperation and mutual support.

We will hold Armenia Culture Days in Russia, and Russia Spiritual Culture Days in Armenia. We are also assisting in increasing the number of Russian schools in Armenia.

... defense & major economic investments in Armenia

Lavrov: We will continue to help you from our position as an ally in strengthening your defense and border protection. As the main trade partner and the main foreign investor, we will continue to explore new projects that would ensure the stability of our trade, and create new industrial capacities and jobs. A new package of proposals is underway, aimed at significantly supplementing Russian investments in Armenia's economy.

... peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh

Peacekeepers are investigating the March 24 incident in Parukh, according to Lavrov.

Mirzoyan: Russia played a significant role in the cessation of fire in the Nagorno Karabakh conflict zone. I am confident effective activity of peacekeepers in Nagorno Karabakh will ensure the security of the people of Artsakh. We appreciate Russia's mediating role, also within the OSCE MG.

Lavrov to a journalist: It's not completely clear what happened [in Parukh]. I don't want to get ahead now, I can't make a judgment now. We are convinced that our Armenian friends fully trust the Russian peacekeepers. The calls for holding accountable, launching an internal investigation do not reflect the real attitude of the Armenian people and the leadership of Armenia and the big role that the Russian peacekeeping contingent plays in ensuring stability in the region. Yes, small incidents are taking place, and our servicemen are dealing with this particular incident. There are things there that need clarification.

Mirzoyan: We continue to believe that peacekeepers will manage to restore the status-quo in Nagorno Karabakh and that Azerbaijan will return to its initial positions.

... Lavrov about cooperating with US and France in OSCE Minsk Group

Lavrov: I don't know what the future of OSCE Minsk Group is because Russophobic France and U.S. no longer want to work with us within the Minsk format. It's their right if they want to abandon the issue of Karabakh and the South Caucasus in general. If they are ready to sacrifice the interests of the Armenian side, it's their choice.

The US and France are forcing all countries to suspend cooperation with Russia in all formats. This is irresponsible. They will not push us out. Russia remains committed to the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. //

Mirzoyan: The [war in Ukraine] has made OSCE MG's work significantly complicated, but I am receiving signals from Co-Chairs and leaders of other countries. Although Azerbaijan claims MG has ceased to exist and there is no such thing called "Nagorno Karabakh", the international community continues to see the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict within the framework of the OSCE MG, which is very encouraging.

... border stability, railways, 3+3

Mirzoyan: We highly value Russia's efforts aimed at the implementation of the trilateral agreements. Armenia is committed to the implementation of these agreements, of which the return of POWs and other persons held, the preservation of cultural heritage, are extremely urgent.

I presented to Lavrov our positions on starting a peace treaty process with Azerbaijan. I once again highlighted the importance of the complete work of the OSCE MG.

Lavrov: Russia is ready to support the creation of conditions for signing a peace treaty. It's important to strictly adhere to prior agreements and the clear implementation of the Russian peacekeeping mission's mandate.

We also discussed border delimitation and future steps to strengthen stability on the border.

The working group for unblocking communication links will convene its next meeting this month.

We also welcome efforts to normalize Armenia-Turkey relations.

We also spoke about the 3+3 regional advisory platform. There is a common opinion that this platform opens additional opportunities for all countries in the South Caucasus.

The trade turnover between Russia and Armenia should be calculated in other currencies, not dollars. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080147.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080156.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080158.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080165.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080176.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080178.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080181.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080185.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1080185.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080189.html) [source](https://youtu.be/kKEdDJsXxQY) [source](https://youtu.be/1riu4hT_uVo) [source](https://factor.am/497288.html) [source](https://www.civilnet.am/news/657034/ռուս-զինվորականներն-ուսումնասիրում-են-փառուխում-տեղի-ունեցած-միջադեպը․-լավրով/)

U.S. embassy calls Azerbaijan's invasion of Parukh a "provocation"

U.S. embassy: Ambassador Tracy met with ruling party MPs yesterday to underscore the U.S. commitment to partnering with the Armenian government to strengthen our bilateral partnership, based on shared democratic values.

The Ambassador also reiterated our concerns regarding recent provocative actions and underscored our support for negotiations toward a peaceful, long-term settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. //

[source](https://www.facebook.com/usembarmenia) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080167.html)

Greek MP condemns the fact that Armenian POWs are still held in Azerbaijan

Armenian MP Arman Yeghoyan's delegation was in Athenes. They met Konstantinos Gkioulekas, Greek parliament's Chairman of the national defense and foreign affairs committee.

Artsakh conflict and geopolitics were discussed. Gkioulekas attached importance to the issue of preserving cultural heritage in Nagorno Karabakh and condemned the fact that some Armenian POWs are still held in Azerbaijan.

The sides touched upon the historic course of the Armenian-Greek warm relations.

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1080154.html)

VIDEO: nationalist Sasna Tsrer activists turned Arstakh flag into Armenian flag in France Square

They filled the white gaps with colors so it will essentially become the Armenian flag, as a sign of unity. One country, one flag. They want to see Artsakh as an Armenian province.

Not everyone appreciated the tampering. ARF activists confronted the group and installed a new Artsakh flag.

(Anti-ARF) Sasna Tsrer: By installing Artsakh's flag, they are dividing Artsakh from Armenia and giving it to Russia. Their efforts to give entire Armenia to Russia are failing, so they want to at least give Artsakh.

ARF: Why is the separate flag only now being viewed as a dividing factor? Is this group carrying out orders from someone?

Sasna Tsrer: We have always denied the existence of a separate Artsakh flag because Artsakh is part of Armenia, like Syunik and Shirak. The Armenian flag should replace the Artsakh flag. //

The authorities are investigating the incident.

[source](https://youtu.be/e8qlEPepCAw)

one of Russia's largest banks will stop all foreign currency transfers abroad

Sberbank will allow transfers in rubles, but only to EAEU countries and Transnistria.

[source](https://factor.am/497339.html)

today in history

1942: Siege of Leningrad is underway. Soviet forces open a much-needed railway link to Leningrad.

[source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_8)

top-10 bestseller Armenian literature books in March

5) Թակարդ, by Ashot Aghababyan.

4) Սիրելուց հետո, by Gohar Navasardyan.

3) Ոչ մի շաբաթ առանց Եղիշե Չարենցի, [a book](https://zangakbookstore.am/och-mi-shabat-arants-charentsi-1) about Charents.

2) Կինը, by Arpi Vanyan.

1) Լուսամփոփի պես աղջիկ, by Yeghishe Charents (it was his anniversary)

[continue](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1079906.html)

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/tzcyt8/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_friday/