2022 August 17

Daily news wrap-up

Your Wednesday news recap from Armenia. Aug/17/2022.
by ar_david_hh

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10 minutes. 2656 words.

DAY 4: Surmalu shopping center explosion

Get the context [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wpbiqj/your_monday_news_digest_from_armenia_aug152022/) and [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wq471m/tuesday_news_from_armenia_aug162022/).

... casualties

16 people are confirmed dead and 4 remain in hospitals after the explosion of 4+ tons of fireworks on Sunday.

One of the victims is a relative of a prominent media personality Artavazd Yeghoyan. "Turks couldn't get you during the 44-day war but you were powerless against this disaster, rest in peace," said Yeghoyan, the former host of Հայ TV, 3-րդ ակումբ, and Kentron's Փողոց programs.

... missing

The rescue operations continue to find one person who is still physically missing. Rescuers believe there is a slim chance they could be alive, unless it is confirmed they weren't in Surmalu at the time of the blast.

Several people, including Iranian and Russian citizens, have been confirmed safe and located elsewhere at the time of the blast, after being initially placed on the missing list.

... finding the missing person

The person who is still missing was standing near the entrance on the first floor at the time of the blast, the Emergency Ministry has learned. The rescuers have shifted their focus to that specific area.

The efforts are complicated by the fact that it's located next to the section of the facility that hasn't fully collapsed, but could crumble at any time if heavy equipment is used.

The rescuers have involved state seismologists and private experts for advice on how to continue without causing further damage. 70% of the debris has been removed, and they have reached the blast "epicenter". They want to enter the building because the missing person might be on the first floor.

Immediately after the blast, the rescuers obtained the building's blueprint from the municipality. They soon learned that the basement's design didn't match the one shown on the official documents. They worked with the building owners to get the complete map.

Rescuers aren't sure on wheater certain structures were added by the owners illegally, or whether the mismatch was a result of the blast shifting parts of the building. The rescue agency chief said this was a secondary issue that played no major role.

QP MP Tigran Avinyan: I want to thank our rescuers and especially want to emphasize the quality of the work done by them. I think this incident will make us think twice about storing such explosive materials and allowing private individuals to use them for any occasion.

... parliament will discuss a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public

Yesterday the officials spoke about the bill that was drafted in 2020 and partially approved in 2021. Parliament is yet to give its final approval for it to become law. Government officials are calling for the speedy approval of the bill.

It will limit the sale of fireworks to licensed companies only, who can use them only during state or local holidays. It's also meant to address complaints by residents about individuals using loud fireworks late at night.

The bill will be discussed during the fall session. The parliament is currently on summer break.

... Belgian and Russian cynologist couple were vacationing several miles away when they learned about the blast | [PHOTOS](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090496.html)

Dog trainers Denis and Oksana were enjoying their rest on one of the Armenian mountains when the news arrived about the incident. The married couple rushed to assist their Armenian colleagues after receiving a call from them. Doggies Shiva and Shakti were dispatched to sniff the area.

Oksana: Usually you have to wait several hours after a blast until the right conditions are present for the teams to launch their work. But even under those difficult conditions, the Armenian rescuers performed excellently and managed to save lives from the very beginning, despite the chaotic situation. //

Oksana and Denis are part of the German "@fire International Disaster Response Germany" organization. They provide assistance during forest fires, earthquakes, and other situations where [dogs](https://youtu.be/foapvXkbvSE?t=96) are needed. The organization helped Lebanon during the 2020 blast.

The couple moved to Armenia a year ago. "The people are kind in Armenia," said Oksana.

Informed Citizens NGO chief: The Russian couple with their dog was a real treasure and a great source of experience. They moved to Armenia from Kaliningrad, where they had studied first response, and signed up to volunteer after learning about the incident. They would stand aside, wait for rescuers to finish their job, then use the dog upon request.

This is an important experience that should be replicated in Armenia. You can sign up as a volunteer, undergo training, receive a uniform and helmet, and help the rescuers when necessary. Even your pet dog can be trained to sniff and locate humans. //

... Russia's foreign ministry criticizes Armenia-based anti-Russian political forces for conspiracy theories linking the blast to Russia

As you know from [Tuesday digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wq471m/tuesday_news_from_armenia_aug162022/), some people began circulating various conspiracy theories after the blast.

Russia's MFA today: We condemn the cynical claims circulating in the local information field, in which false and defamatory accusations were made against Russian structures and their "involvement" in the tragedy. We see this as a direct provocation by certain political forces. Their goal is to undermine the Russian-Armenian alliance.

We expect the Armenian authorities to take steps to suppress such unfriendly manifestations, including through public statements. //

Reporter: What do you think about Russia's statement?

Pro-Western politician Aram Sargsyan: It was a diplomatically illiterate move by Russia to address the note of protest to Armenia's MFA, because no one from MFA spread any anti-Russian conspiracy theories.

Unlike in Russia, our press is free and can raise any concerns they deem necessary. Any theory must be investigated. There are valid reasons to raise certain questions and suspect countries that may have certain problems and demands with Armenia.

Pashinyan recently criticized Russian peacekeepers for their inaction in Parukh and recently in Lachin. The Armenian press and even the pro-Russian forces joined that criticism but the Russian embassy didn't try to counter it. Why? Because the facts weren't on their side.

In the case of Surmalu, since the facts aren't fully clear yet, Russia is using this as an opportunity to push the "anti-Russian forces" narrative, so later they can dismiss any valid criticism as the work of these "anti-Russian forces". //

... criminal investigation is underway

⏳ Whose ոտ will be detached from տուտուզ? Prosecutors have questioned 50 people as of Wednesday, mostly victims. The building owners will be questioned afterward.

Prosecutors: We deny media rumors that a suspect has been charged. Hraparak outlet requested information about the 2021 fire incident at Surmalu. We informed them about a suspect in that case, but that is separate from this case. Do not spread misinformation. //

The authorities are urging residents to hand over any unused fireworks explosives purchased from Surmalu to the nearby police station.

... Surmalu owner released a statement

Երևանի պահածոների գործարան CJSC: The management and staff express their deepest condolences to the relatives of our compatriots who died as a result of the explosion. We share this tremendous loss and unbearable grief. Heavenly peace to all the victims, and we wish the injured a speedy recovery. //

... foreign leaders and embassies continue to respond to the blast

Condolences were sent by the Kazakh president, French MFA, Georgia (for the 3rd time), EU's Charles Michel, the British and EU embassies lowered their flags.

... the church will organize a vigil

The Church will organize prayers in Armenia tomorrow at 12 pm. The Armenian Church in Istanbul will also organize an event on Sunday.

Residents brought flowers to the scene of the blast. [VIDEO](https://youtu.be/1aLxJsMj1LY)

[watch,](https://youtu.be/foapvXkbvSE?t=4) [watch,](https://factor.am/544454.html) [watch,](https://factor.am/544477.html) [watch,](https://youtu.be/1aLxJsMj1LY) [watch,](https://youtu.be/t1tmjM7RGfgՃ [watch,](https://youtu.be/Dan76C8jkng) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090481.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090482.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090489.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090499.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090496.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090513.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090517.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090530.html) [read,](https://factor.am/544653.html) [read,](https://factor.am/544656.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090535.html) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242274) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242280) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090477.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090485.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090490.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090491.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090519.html) [foreign response,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090520.html) [foreign response,](https://factor.am/544685.html) [foreign response,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242279) [foreign response,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242293) [foreign response,](https://www.facebook.com/embassyru.am/posts/434922665328330)

27-year-old becomes first Armenian to be appointed as District Governor in Turkey

Armenian lawyer Berk Ajar (Acar) has successfully passed the exams and will become the first ever Armenian to serve as district governor in Turkey.

He will serve in Babadag, a district in Denizli Province, near the Aegean Sea. Ajar attended Armenian schools.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090507.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1090507.html)

Armenian boxer defeats Turkish opponent and advances to semifinals during European junior championship

The tournament is being held in Erzrum. 75kg Hayk Ghahramanyan defeated Turkey's Batu Bas with a KO.

He won the first round 4:1, the second 5:0, and knocked the opponent out during the third. The Turkish coaches stormed the ring with complaints against the referee.

[read,](https://factor.am/544464.html)

Armenian-Turkish MP Garo Paylan says someone organized a plot to assassinate him in 2016

MP Paylan: Although 2 weeks have passed since the disclosure of the assassination plot, neither the political power nor the prosecutors have taken any action. Those who protect criminals are partners in crime. //

What is he referring to? A lawyer named Mehmet Sinan İnce claimed that in 2016 someone had organized a plot to assassinate Paylan. "Dark corners of the state" were supposed to distribute a weapon to the assassin(s) to carry out the murder in the parliament building, but the plot was foiled with the help of other centers.

[read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242326) [read,](https://www.ermenihaber.am/am/news/2022/08/17/Կարո-Փայլան-սպանություն/235773) [read,](https://factor.am/544644.html)

we must open the border with Armenia: Turkish journalist Musa Alioglu

Alioglu: The TR-AM relations strained in the 1990s, leading to the border closure in 1993. There were attempts and mutual visits in 2008 but that didn't yield any results.

In 2021 the countries appointed special envoys, and air traffic resumed in 2022. The Armenian airline has transported dozens of thousands of passengers in the last several months.

No matter what you call it, the events of 1915 are a painful historical fact, grieved by both nations. But it is possible to develop relations if people communicate with each other.

It is great that many Armenians visit Turkey for work and tourism. I'd like more Turkish citizens to visit Armenia and learn about the country. Armenia's beautiful history, culture, and nature can be a great destination for Turkish tourists. TÜRSAB should cooperate with Armenia's tourism agency.

It is very important to reopen the Dogukap border checkpoint for Armenian and Turkish citizens, and not just for citizens of 3rd countries. Thousands of Armenians will be able to visit the ruins of Ani and Van, very important parts of Armenian civilization. Moreover, the Istanbul airport can become a transit hub for diasporans living in Europe and the U.S.

States do not have eternal friends or enemies. They have eternal interests. We should look at this from the economic point of view as well. //

[read,](https://www.ermenihaber.am/am/news/2022/08/16/%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B5%D5%A1%D5%BD%D5%BF%D5%A1%D5%B6-%D4%B9%D5%B8%D6%82%D6%80%D6%84%D5%AB%D5%A1/235690) [read,](https://factor.am/544726.html)

public broadcast regulator fines two media outlets for running unauthorized gambling and other ads

▶︎ ARF's Yerkir Media outlet received a $1,000 fine for broadcasting gambling ads during or within 20 minutes of a news program, which is prohibited under law. The outlet said one of their shows lasted longer than expected, causing problems with the ad schedule.

▶︎ Pro-government FreeNews outlet received a $600 fine for violating another ad-related restriction.

[read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242323)

the temporary road connecting Armenia to Artsakh via the new Lachin corridor will be ready next week: Artsakh officials

Artsakh's Urban Planning Minister: The construction will finish by August 25, possibly sooner. There will be water removal and every other necessary component. Asphalting will be done later. The 4.7km temporary gravel road will be good enough for vehicles that don't have a low profile.

Kornidzor mayor: The new road bypasses Berdzor and Aghavno. It connects Armenia's Kornidzor to the bridge built by Azeris on the Hagari River. The Armenian crews are actively working on the road.

The new road passing through Lachin Corridor will be fully ready in 8 months. The temporary road will be sufficient for now. We plan to service it regularly. //

[read,](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31992923.html)

nature ministry is taking water samples from Lake Sevan

They are monitoring the water quality. The lake blooms with algae every year. Read [yesterday's digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wq471m/tuesday_news_from_armenia_aug162022/) if you missed the news about negotiations between the government and a foreign eco-company that specializes in ultrasonic technology that cleans lakes from algae.

[read,](https://factor.am/544704.html)

former Yerevan mayor Hayk Marutyan's wife was in a chain-reaction vehicle incident

4 vehicles had their rear and front crashed last night on Hrachya Kochar St. No injuries. Marutyan's wife Iva, a Czech by nationality, was driving Skoda. The ex-mayor visited the scene. It's unclear which driver was at fault.

[read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242276)

Henrikh Mkhitaryan won't play for several weeks

The Inter midfielder has sustained a hamstring injury on his leg and won't play for at least 2 weeks. The club doctors want to fix him ahead of the September match against Milan.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1090471.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/wqxtnw/your_wednesday_news_recap_from_armenia_aug172022/