2022 August 11

Daily news wrap-up

Your Thursday news briefing from Armenia. Aug/11/2022.
by ar_david_hh

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10 minutes. 2586 words.

authorities reportedly arrest a former ARF MP accused of participating in the kidnapping of another political party leader's father

Khachatur Qoqobelyan, the president of the Free Democrats party, had earlier reported that his father Grisha was missing. The police have arrested two residents of Ijevan suspected of kidnapping the elderly man.

Authorities: An unknown individual contacted the 83yo man's family and demanded ransom in exchange for his safe return. The ransom was paid, and Grisha was returned on August 2.

We have just arrested two suspects from Ijevan: 37yo Suren Manukyan and 25yo Armen. The investigation continues. //

Khachatur Qoqobelyan, victim's son: Suren Manukyanis a former ARF MP and a member of ARF Supreme Body. Several others have also been arrested in Armenia and abroad. We have never met or spoken with these people before. I expect my ARF colleagues to condemn this inhumane act. Special thanks to the Armenian police and its foreign colleagues for busting the ring. //

... how did the alleged kidnapping unfold?

Authorities: The incident happened in the village Aghajur. A resident of Ijevan conspired with a group to kidnap the 83yo man. The masked group waited in a car in front of the victim's house at 7:00 am on July 27. The victim was forced into the car, blindfolded, and driven away.

He was later forced into a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 2.7 at 11:00 am and transported to Tsater (Lori), where he was kept at a house rented from a local resident. One kidnapper was assigned to stay and monitor the victim at all times.

At 2:00 pm on August 2, the organizer and an accomplice arrived at village Tsater on a Hyundai Sonata 2.4, and transported the blindfolded victim to Ijevan. At 5:30 pm they dropped him off near a forest and called his family to give the coordinates [after receiving the ransom]. The family members found the victim half an hour later.

Two of the suspects were arrested today after evidence was uncovered about their involvement. The investigation continues. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090129.html) [read,](https://iravunk.com/?p=233179&l=am) [read,](https://www.facebook.com/freedemocrat/posts/pfbid04P2aTqEEA15t5SbfYQEjnuU7xK3sVS75vPS9pcQ7v6YtKJ6aMawk7qFHCmY6vULnl) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090139.html) 20220811/hvors-arevangman-pastvov-dzerbakalvec-azh-nakhkin-patgamavvory-khachatur-qvoqvobeljan-46553760

disabled residents will receive personal assistants for free

On Thursday the Government approved a package to reform disability services.

Labor Ministry: The goal is to help disabled residents to live an independent life and be part of the community, by providing them with state-funded personal assistant services. This is part of the Government's 5-year plan and Armenia's international obligations.

To qualify, the recipient must have a mobility, visual, or mental disability, and come from a low-income family.

The personal assistant can be any adult, including a family member, who undergoes relevant training and licensing. The assistant cannot have certain health conditions and felony records.

The assistant will prepare food, clean the house, buy groceries, take the recipient to a doctor, help with moving outside the house, communicate with others, etc.

The service will be available starting 1 January 2024, but next year we will launch a pilot program to make sure it's ready for a wider rollout. Simultaneously, [the new reforms](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/r8a5gt/dec32021_scientist_salaries_to_grow_rapidly/) about assessing the person's level of disability will go into effect next year.

We estimate approximately 2,450 recipients. The budget is ֏5.2b. The average salary of the assistant will be ֏1k/hour.

Additionally, reasonable accommodations must be provided to persons with disabilities.

Pashinyan: What is a "reasonable accommodation"?

Labor Ministry: Accommodations provided by employers that won't cost too much. For example, flexible schedule, doorknobs positioned low enough for the wheelchair user to be able to reach, etc.

Pashinyan: Good. Today we provide financial assistance to disabled residents, but the research shows they can't even get out of the house to buy groceries with that money. The institute of a personal assistant is meant to address this. A family member can become the assistant if the recipient needs help with >10 hours a day.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090086.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090100.html) [read,](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/r8a5gt/dec32021_scientist_salaries_to_grow_rapidly) [more,](https://youtu.be/O7yif-VxNMs) [more,](https://youtu.be/gq5e8531pfo) Tags: #DisabilityLaw

infrastructure projects across the country

▶︎ Economy Minister: Two more companies, both in high-tech (semiconductor business), will be allowed to use Armenia's "Alliance" free economic zone in exchange for multi-million dollar investments. One of them will invest ֏10b by 2027, while the other ֏1b.

▶︎ Economy Minister: The foundation of Gyumri Industrial Park (aka Dry Port) is moving forward quickly. It will be a free economic zone. Companies will be able to quickly enter and establish factories. They can ship the products abroad. //

▶︎ The government will allocate ֏2.7b for the construction of the Tatev-Aghvani (Syunik), Sisian-Dastakert (Lori), and Stepanavan-Yaghdan (Syunik) roads.

Pashinyan: Last year we had to build the alternative Tatev-Aghvani road rapidly so it had quality issues. The efforts to address the issues began this year. As of right now, only 500 meters are left to fix. Around 6km of the road already has the final 3rd layer of asphalt, which is necessary for heavy trucks.

▶︎ Crews are repairing the 11km section of the Gyumri-Kaps-Amasia highway.

▶︎ 5 apartment condos in Chambarak (Gegharkunik) will have brand new roofs as part of a ֏130m state-subsidized program.

▶︎ Students in Artsvanist (Gegharkunik) will soon use a newly built road to reach their school and kindergarten, as part of a ֏38m state-subsidized program.

▶︎ Pashinyan: We have a severe shortage of construction companies. Some of them participate in multiple tenders, find themselves overloaded with work, and miss the completion deadlines. We will place these companies on blacklists or issue fines if quality issues emerge.

Last year we allocated ֏33b for several road projects, but the companies were able to complete only ֏21b. This year we've doubled the allocations to ֏60b but simultaneously took steps to incentivize the construction companies to expand their capacities. //

▶︎ Road scales were installed a few days ago on Sisian-Yerevan road to catch the overloaded trucks that endanger drivers and damage the asphalt. More scales will be installed soon. Every field must have its standards, and this weighing process is a critical step necessary to respect cargo transfer standards, said Pashinyan.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090065.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090071.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090077.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090078.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090080.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090100.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090108.html) [watch,](https://youtu.be/gq5e8531pfo?t=331) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/technology/two_armenian_companies_pledge_to_invest_11_billion_drams_in_production_of_innovative_products/)

farming projects across the country

▶︎ 50 houses in Gavar (Gegharkunik) now have access to drinking water after the construction of a new water pipe. The decayed pipes were replaced with brand new polyethylene ones. No more water loss, said the mayor.

▶︎ Dozens of low-income families from village Shatvan (Gegharkunik) have received free sheep to help generate income. It's a joint project by the municipality and Kamrjak NGO.

▶︎ The state subsidy program that encourages farmers to build intensive gardens is "too successful", said the government today. Last year the state provided subsidies to establish 1,700 hectares, while the plan was 1,000. The government will adjust it by lowering the loan subsidies by a few percent.

Pashinyan: Ensuring at least 1,000 hectares of new intensive gardens was our election campaign promise. I am glad that it was outperformed. The goal of these subsidy programs is to kickstart processes in various fields, and when we see that it's successful, it's time to allocate the resources to other areas that require attention. We will focus on merging land pieces to boost agricultural productivity, modernize the equipment, subsidize the purchase of high-yielding grain seeds, etc.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090074.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090075.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090081.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090100.html)

update on cargo & logistics

The Upper Lars checkpoint between Georgia and Russia is still jammed and got worse after the war in Ukraine. Armenia recently negotiated with Russia to open an additional customs lane. It did open, but the increased capacity is unsatisfactory. The bandwidth rose by only 10%, instead of the expected 30%. Armenia is negotiating with Russia again about further expansion. The good news is that Armenian trucks with perishable goods are allowed to pass quickly, said Economy Minister Kerobyan.

To address the jams in Upper Lars, Armenia began negotiating with a Dutch ferry operator to use a Georgian port on the Black Sea to reroute some of the Armenian cargo headed to Russia. Railway and sea will be used instead of the automobile road passing through Upper Lars. The Dutch company was giving a headache because Russia was under sanction, but presumably eventually agreed to cooperate with Armenia. The ferry schedule will be published in the coming days, said Minister Kerobyan today.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090089.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090092.html)

Russia:

▶︎ We plan to organize a tripartite meeting with Armenian and Azeri officials by the end of this month, to discuss the efforts to normalize AM-AZ relations.

▶︎ Situation around Lachin Corridor must be resolved based on Point 6 of the Nov. 9 trilateral statement, "which defines that as agreed by the parties in the next three years a plan to construct a new route along the Lachin Corridor will be determined to provide connection between Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia, with the subsequent re-deployment of the Russian peacekeeping contingent to protect this route", said Russia's MFA.

▶︎ Azerbaijan's decision to sign a gas contract with the EU is [not](https://i.imgur.com/2OcD4b1.jpg) against our February 22 "Russia-Azerbaijan Declaration on Allied Interaction". Any state has the right to decide with whom and how to develop relations.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090097.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090106.html) [read,](https://factor.am/542886.html)

Pashinyan and Iran's Raisi held a phone call

They shared details about regional developments and discussed bilateral AM-IR relations. Raisi has reaffirmed Khomenei's recent statement during the Iran-Turkey meeting: Iran is sensitive when it comes to its borders and won't allow any border changes in Syunik.

[read,](https://factor.am/542655.html)

Iran has appointed a consul general in Kapan (Syunik)

Iran ambassador [in May](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uz67yl/may272022_your_daily_news_digest_experts_on/): A state-level agreement was reached with Armenia to open a consulate in Kapan. The work has started. We will acquire the relevant territory. This proves the significance of this province for Iran and Armenia. We are planning cooperation in various directions between the bordering provinces of Armenia and Iran. //

Abedin Varamin has been appointed as the Consul general of Iran in Kapan.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090131.html)

Iran's former ambassador to Armenia: Turkey should know that it's playing with fire

Kazem Sajadi shared a video on how Turkey and Azerbaijan recruited terrorists from Syria: The presence of terrorists and their transfer from Syria to Azerbaijan, near the border of Iran is unacceptable.

After Greece, Cyprus, Armenia, Syria and Iraq, Turkey is now looking for evil activity next to Iran's borders. Turkey should know that this is a Play with fire. //

[video,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090140.html)

Greece condemned the meeting between Ilham Aliyev and the leader of Northern Cyprus

Greece: We express disappointment and dissatisfaction with the recent meeting of the president of Azerbaijan with the occupier leader, and for portraying the latter as a "President of Turkish Northern Cyprus". This is against the UN Security Council resolution. Azerbaijan also ignores the EU's institutions.

[read,](https://factor.am/542950.html)

Օգոստոսի 14-ին եկեղեցին նշելու է Աստվածածնի Վերափոխման տոնը

On Sunday the church will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Holy Mother of God. It's one of the 5 major feasts.

It commemorates the bodily ascent of the Virgin Mary (her assumption) into heaven by her son Jesus after her death.

On this day, the Blessing of Grapes service takes place immediately after the Divine Liturgy.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090076.html) [read,](https://stjameswatertown.org/feast-of-the-assumption-sunday-august-14/)

opposition outlets spread misinformation about a "60% increase in emigration"

news.am, yerkir, and armday claimed the emigration (people who abandoned Armenia) via airport rose by 60% in H1 2022. In reality, that 60% includes people who exited the country for various reasons, not just permanent emigration.

2021 enter/exit: 360k/417k (-57k)

2022 enter/exit: 669k/654k (+15k)

The number of people who exited +60%, while the number of people who entered +86%.

The emigration balance (air and land) has been -1,300 this year so far.

[read,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/670842/մեկնած-ժամանածների-վիճակագրությունը-սխալ-է-ներկայացվում/)

Gyumri will celebrate International Youth Day on Friday

Various conferences will be organized in the city to promote education and digital literacy.

Education Ministry plans to conduct nationwide in-depth research among youth, with the help of private organizations. They want to better understand what's missing especially in provinces, so with the help of targeted programs the youth won't be forced to move to Yerevan for a "decent life".

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090069.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090111.html)

Armenian junior weightlifters won several gold medals during the European championship

49kg Alexandra Grigoryan won 3 gold medals after lifting 73kg and 94kg (new record), and 167kg combined.

49kg Mikael Cholakyan did the same and won 3 gold medals, and also managed to set a new record by lifting 182kg combined.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090110.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090124.html)

cops patrolled Yerevan streets last night, issued citations for jaywalking

Last night alone they recorded 375 violations, including 30 drunk drivers, 18 without insurance, and 8 jaywalkers.

[read,](https://youtu.be/-VSYUf_4tpA)

Stargazers gather at Armenia’s Qarahunj to observe birth of Hayk constellation | PHOTO

Last night a group of locals and tourists gathered in the Zorats Karer reserve (Carahunge) to witness the "birth" of the Orion constellation, aka Hayk constellation. It's a tradition. The organizers played a documentary about space and Karahunj.

It's also a great place to watch the falling meteors. Russian tourist Olga, who arrived in Armenia two weeks ago, decided to visit the event after learning there will be a chance to witness a meteor shower.

Olga: This isn’t our first time in Armenia, we feel very relaxed here, there are many sights, the mountains are simply amazing, and participating in this event will make our trip even more memorable. //

The visit to Qarahunj is no longer free. After its status was upgraded from "monument" to "reserve", they hired more staff, built a road, and installed toilets and benches.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1090114.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090114.html)

a group of chefs and historians want to revive the original taste of ancient Armenian cuisine

Gata, harisa, and tolma are the crown jewels of the cuisine. But what did the dishes taste like thousands of years ago, and how were they prepared and served? Luckily the original recipes have been preserved, but today many bakers and cooks use different ingredients or preparation methods.

Yeremyan Academy (Yeremyan Projects restaurant chain) has launched a project to revive the OG taste.

Director Aida: We've been waiting to do this for a long time, to summarize the history of Armenian national dishes, based on scientific sources and the information collected from the population.

This will be the first large-scale project to explore the ancient cuisine of Armenia and Artsakh, and each of their provinces. We aim to publicize the origin of national dishes according to historical events, population movements, and lifestyle changes.

Historian Lorents, team member: We are traveling from village to village to meet various residents to gather information. The cuisine of Artsakh and Armenian provinces completely characterizes the long journey of the Armenian people.

Ethnographer Arakelyan, team member: The Armenian cuisine should not only be popularized, restored, and brought into every family, but it should also become known to the world.

[continue,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090093.html)

in case you missed

Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a 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/wm07nu/your_thursday_news_briefing_from_armenia_aug112022/