2022 August 2

Daily news wrap-up

Your Tuesday news digest from Armenia. Aug/2/2022.
by ar_david_hh

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14 minutes. 3648 words.

կրկին փորձիր։ the opposition could attempt to impeach Pashinyan in parliament

Conflicting reports were circulated about opposition HD and PU alliance MPs placing down their mandates and leaving the parliament altogether. ARF Gegham Manukyan (HD alliance) did not confirm or deny the reports.

Today marks Pashinyan's anniversary as the elected premier. That means the parliament can organize a motion of no confidence against him. The street protest organizer ARF Ishkhan Saghatelyan said they will organize the process if they believe it'll succeed. They would need significant backing from Pashinyan's QP party to succeed, however.

[read,](https://factor.am/539866.html)

diplomacy

▶︎ Deputy FM of U.S. spoke with her Armenian and Azeri colleagues about unblocking transport links and improving relations. The U.S. embassy in Armenia said there is a historic opportunity to establish peace in the region.

▶︎ FM Mirzoyan and FM Lavrov spoke about the implementation of tripartite agreements, the return of POWs, the need to lift the road blockades, and the demarcation of AM-AZ borders.

▶︎ Pashinyan and Putin held a phone conversation about the implementation of tripartite agreements.

▶︎ MoD Shoydu and MoD Hasanov held a phone call to discuss regional security, and areas of cooperation between RU and AZ.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089475.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089478.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089490.html) [read,](https://factor.am/539776.html) [read,](https://factor.am/540073.html)

interview with former Premier Aram Sargsyan

Reporter: Is there a risk of another war today?

Sargsyan: No. Azerbaijan has serious gas reserves and wants $10b investments to exploit new gas fields. They need complicated technologies to retrieve gas from the sea floor. Europe has this tech.

Europe told Aliyev that $10b is a serious investment and they would need assurances of stability in the South Caucasus, and diplomatic solutions to conflicts. And a diplomatic solution means the OSCE Minsk Group. I have received information that Azerbaijan has agreed that the conflict must be resolved within OSCE MG.

The problem is that Aliyev has spent the last 1.5 years telling his public there is no Karabakh conflict anymore, so if he publicly announces the resumption of OSCE MG, that would contradict his claims.

Aliyev is his father's son. Heydar also took $4b and chose economic development over war. Aliyev will do the same. They have already returned the 7 regions. Now Azerbaijan can get so rich that it can resolve the remaining conflicts with Georgia and Armenia with the help of money.

Europe recently signed an agreement with Azerbaijan to increase the gas deliveries to 20 bcm, but the $10b I'm talking about is about a new gas pipeline with new turbines, up to 60 bcm gas. That's a very serious number. Russia sold 155 bcm to all of Europe last year. Europe is ready to invest in Azerbaijan, but they need assurances there won't be another war. //

[video,](https://youtu.be/7_54NoB0Qi8)

Russian-Armenian ex-director of YANDEX tech giant wants EU to drop the sanctions against him

Tigran Khudaverdyan: I've filed a lawsuit in the European court to lift the sanctions against me. Europe has no evidence against me. I do not support the war in Ukraine.

Yandex is not a significant source of revenue for the Russian government anyway.

Yandex is not a tool to hide the military events in Ukraine from the Russian audience. //

Yandex is also a search giant, Russia's Google. It was accused of censoring international media's coverage of the war. Khudaverdyan was sanctioned on March 15.

[read,](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/301862/)

the subsidized cargo ferry transfers via Black Sea will launch this month: Economy Minister Kerobyan

The government has been negotiating with a Dutch ferry company and a Georgian port on the Black Sea to use the ferry route to deliver Armenian cargo to Russia, as an alternative to the always-clogged Upper Lars land checkpoint. Armenian goods will use the railway and ferry to reach Russia.

Minister Kerobyan said all the problems with the ferry operators have been resolved, which means the Dutch company that operates the ferry has likely given a sanctions waiver to Armenia. The transfers are supposed to begin this month. The schedule will be released in the coming days.

Kerobyan: As for the Upper Lars checkpoint, the clearance capacity for Armenian cargo has increased by around 10% in July compared to June, after we cooperated with our Russian colleagues to allocate additional space for customs clearance. This 10% increase in capacity is smaller than the 30% that we expected. The queues in Upper Lars have eased, but not to the extent we expected. The discussions will continue.

... Kerobyan about the economic activity index:

It grew 11.8% in January-June, the best in 15 years, but we can't say for sure that everything ahead is very bright because the whole world and our region are full of challenges.

... Is this a short-term growth? What happens when the Russians leave?

We had a 12% growth before the arrival of Russian nationals. We are in close touch with companies and know what's happening on the ground. We are confident that these results are long-term.

In addition, the potential which will allow us to grow the economy in the next few years, is also growing. We are taking steps to raise the productivity rate in Armenia. There is a state program that helps companies purchase equipment. We will finance the interest rates of these loans. Numerous companies have already begun negotiating the purchase of equipment.

... In June we recorded a 19% growth in the industry, despite the mining decline. How is the economic structure changing?

Our 2021-2026 plan emphasizes the efforts in the industry. There is a roadmap to develop various sectors of our industry. We already have some success here. For example, the diamond and jewelry industry has seen a 2x growth. Machinery, metallurgy, and food production are also performing well.

On the other hand, we are yet to develop our chemical industry. We have ambitious plans to restore Armenia's chemical industry.

... how does dram's strengthening affect the economy?

The appreciation of dram affects the most important sectors, including investors, exporters, IT, and construction. There is a "red line", below which the dram appreciation hurts the sectors. In our view, that red line is ֏450 for $1 [it's 406 today].

We've been discussing this with the Finance Ministry and have agreed to take steps. We'll announce it next week. The new tools will alleviate the pain and provide the necessary oxygen to hurting companies.

... the upcoming $47m agricultural contract will be one of the largest in our history

Our most successful agricultural assistance programs are the subsidies for intensive gardens and equipment loans. The least successful are the subsidies for cattle breeding.

To address the latter, we introduced a new program. If you invest over ֏2.5b ($6m), you get 40% cashback on your capital expenditures. We already have success. This week, an agreement for a $47m investment will be signed between the government, Yeremyan Projects, and Eurasian Development Bank. This will be one of the largest in agriculture, and the largest in the cattle industry.

[full,](https://youtu.be/wu_-fXzwRsE) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089432.html) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/business/poti_kavkaz_train_ferry_service_for_armenian_freight_forwarders_to_be_launched_in_few_days_/)

Central Bank raises the interest rate by 0.25%, to 9.5%

CB: We continue to forecast an 8.5% inflation for 2022. Without the dram's appreciation, the inflation would have been higher by 1%. It was 10.3% in June, and 9.4% for the 12-month period.

As for economic growth, it could be revised upward. Our initial prediction was 5.3%, then we lowered it to 1.6% in March, before increasing it to 4.9% in June.

... deposits of non-residents grew over 70% from February to June

Most of the growth is associated with demand deposits. Quantitatively the accounts of non-residents are growing, but not at the same rate as before.

... how much private money did flow to Armenia in the first half of this year?

The net inflow of private cash in H1 2022 was $979m. That's a 2.6x increase from the same period last year.

The net inflow in April-June was $792m, a 4.2x increase.

Most of it came from Russia. The net inflows from the US rose from $168m to $188m this year.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089453.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089480.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089485.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089487.html) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/net_inflow_of_private_money_transfers_to_armenia_in_first_half_of_2022_close_to_one_billion_usd/)

Armenia submits a new ECHR complaint against Azerbaijan

The complaint relates to the violation of rights of civilians of Artsakh as a result of the Azerbaijani aggression launched in the direction of Artsakh’s Khramort and Parukh villages earlier this year, the real threats made by Azerbaijan towards the residents of border villages of Artsakh, as well as the cases of use of force by the Azerbaijani armed forces against the civilians of Artsakh in 2021-2022, as a result of which the person’s right to life has been violated.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1089469.html)

This is how the Artsakh soldier was wounded yesterday.

Artsakh army reported multiple ceasefire violations yesterday and warned social media not to spread fake news about "heavy battles" in several locations.

Artsakh parliament MP: Most of the alarming and false information is circulated by those living in the diaspora or Armenia. There was no panic in Artsakh. Someone sitting many miles away read something on the internet and became fully convinced that heavy battles were unfolding near Gandzasar and elsewhere.

And to this day, some are trying to convince US, people who live here, that that is what actually happened. Sometimes you read their social media posts and it can seem so convincing that you might believe the enemy is already in your basement. Please stop doing this. You don't have the information that we do. //

The ceasefire violation and the attempted breach of LoC unfolded 20 kilometers from the aforementioned Gandzasar, near the border village Narseshtar. Azeris claimed the area was part of Azerbaijan "according to Soviet maps".

Mayor of Vank: They attacked our positions at 9 am but our boys stopped their advancement. Our boys are located in their positions.

Vank resident: The daily life continues. There is no panic here.

Artsakh FM Davit Babayan: The situation is calmer now. Azerbaijan has not changed its policies. We have to remember that the situation in Artsakh and the world is overall difficult. We must adopt a professional and patriotic approach, be discreet, and stay far away from demagogues.

Europe: We are concerned about the ceasefire violation. We will help reduce the tension.

Russian peacekeepers: We confirm that Azeris violated the ceasefire, as a result of which a representative of the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh was wounded. The situation was resolved after negotiations with Azeri and Armenian representatives. //

[video from Vank,](https://youtu.be/gOc0t8SL5hE) [read,](https://factor.am/539979.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/4_ld02HnA8w) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089515.html) [read,](https://factor.am/540095.html) [read,](https://factor.am/540019.html)

3 Azeri sappers blew up on a landmine in Varanda (Fizuli)

One of them lost his leg. Armenia shared the landmine maps last year.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089463.html)

Every year construction worker Jirayr travels to Russia for work. This is how things have changed.

You may remember the strict migrant laws adopted in Russia several months ago. Regardless of EAEU member status, migrants must submit fingerprints, photos, and medical tests.

The latter must be completed once a year, while the fingerprints are good for 10 years. You have one month from your arrival date to complete this process. If you don't, your entry to Russia is barred for 5 years.

Jirayr Barikyan: I decided to stay and work in Armenia this year because the new laws have raised the expenses. We have to pay 35,000 rubles for the medical tests. Everything is on our shoulders. Air travel is also more expensive.

We used to build schools and kindergartens in Russia. 30% of people I know have also decided to stay in Armenia. Յոլա ենք էրթում with the agriculture and village life. [Jirayr lives in Azatan (Shirak) with a population of 5,800. According to him, around 700 of them are seasonal workers who travel to Russia.] //

Armenian Caritas foundation: We provide legal advice to Armenian migrants in Russia. Some of them weren't aware of the new requirements and ended up violating the law. We urged them to return to Armenia ASAP, because if they stay for longer, their entry to Russia will be banned for a much longer period, from 10 years to life.

The new law went into effect in December. We don't yet have statistics on the number of Armenian workers who have faced legal challenges after the adoption. The migrant flow began in March, so we will have a more clear picture later this year. //

[read,](https://factor.am/539877.html [video,](https://youtu.be/6LnY0cBFx88

EU will issue a $14.2m grant to Armenia for being a good boy

Report: This decision follows a positive assessment of progress in the selected sector reform areas, macroeconomic stability, public financial management, and state budget transparency.

EU ambassador: These disbursements are a result of successful collaboration between the EU and the Government of Armenia, and reflect the Government’s commitment to recovery from the pandemic, and to the implementation of the CEPA agreement.

Deputy PM: The Government of Armenia highly appreciates the fruitful partnership with the EU in improving the economic resilience of Armenia and implementing key reforms to strengthen democracy and rule of law in the country, as stipulated in the CEPA. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1089476.html)

anti-corruption: the new Patrol Service agents arrested a driver after being offered a $100 bribe

ACC reports: Two officers stopped a driver in Yerevan at 1:20 am, and learned that he was drunk. The driver offered $100 to avoid the consequences. He was arrested on the spot and taken to a police station. He is charged with crimes.

As a reminder, OFFERING a bribe is also a felony in Armenia, punishable by up to 7 years in prison. Don't do it. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089464.html)

hoax bomb reports are getting more brazen

Today someone reported that bombs were planted in every subway station in Yerevan, Yerevan municipality building, Zvartnors airport, Parliament building, several important civilian and military facilities, and even your grandma's house.

The police evacuated the subway and searched other buildings but didn't find anything.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089510.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089520.html)

hundreds of diasporan teachers will be retrained

The government has launched the 2022 diaspora teacher retraining program. This year the Ministry selected 125 applicants from 21 countries.

They will spend 120 hours studying Armenian language and history tutoring skills, administration (for directors), etc.

The teachers will listen to lectures and will visit museums and workshops if they are physically present in Armenia, and if they are not, they will be given virtual tours.

[read,](https://factor.am/539914.html)

public transport reforms are underway in Gyumri | PHOTO

They purchased 63 new (taller?) microbuses. 13 of them will enter service today. They will operate on the No. 25 route that connects the Mush suburb to the center.

The vehicles were actually purchased last year as part of a state subsidy program, but were left to collect dust near the Black Castle.

Gyumri's old microbuses often operate while overloaded and end operations at 7 pm. These new 13 microbuses will operate until 8:30 pm. The city will extend the hours and add more vehicles if necessary. They are still studying the traffic.

[read,](https://factor.am/540021.html)

the breastfeeding numbers in Armenia have significantly improved in the past decade

Healthcare Ministry official: We have studies showing the percentage of mothers who breastfeed their children under the age of 6mo.

2010: 35%

2022: 45%

Desired: 80%

This week is Breastfeeding Awareness Week in Armenia. We will inform the public about the importance of breastfeeding through campaigns in medical facilities and social media.

Mother's milk has important elements that are necessary for the child's health. It's a powerful tool to prevent infections.

Breastfeeding also helps mothers lose the weight they gained during the pregnancy [This is apparently a real thing. I googled it. Breastfeeding consumes the fat cells stored in the body during pregnancy.]

The awareness campaign will target not only mothers but their family members as well. They should support the mother during this period.

Mothers are often misled by claims such as "you don't have enough milk", and "the child needs more". In reality, although the milk volumes are small in the first few days, it's denser and contains more nutrients and everything the child needs. 97% of mothers have enough milk.

The law grants certain privileges to mothers and allocates hours for breastfeeding. In reality, some businesses do not have the necessary conditions to ensure this process. We have awareness campaigns for businesses, too. //

[watch,](https://youtu.be/Z5CbX6yIeo0) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089458.html) [read,](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/the-first-few-days/)

watch little Maria hear her parents' voice for the first time after receiving a hearing implant | VIDEO

[warch,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1731808850507346) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/241748)

South Korean virtual social app ZEPETO wants to include Armenia's tourism sites in their virtual platform

NAVER Z develops an application (ZEPETO) where users can create different 3D avatars online. They want to work with Armenia to include tourism hotspots.

Iris Son, manager: ZEPETO is our most popular app. We are receiving funding from the South Korean government and private companies. The app provides a blend of entertainment, gaming, and social networking experiences. You can meet each other in virtual reality, and create your environment.

90% of our users are from abroad, with most of them being 13-22 years old. We have a few users from Armenia.

We hope to cooperate with Armenia. You have beautiful places and we'd like to add them to our app so we can enjoy them from home. People were feeling lonely during the COVID, while human interaction in the metaverse has unlimited potential. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1089433.html)

FlyOne Armenia airlines launch a new route

They will conduct regular flights to Moscow's Domodedovo airport. There are already flights to Vnukovo airport.

Why is Domodedovo a big deal? The company says it will allow them to connect to a much wider transit network.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089461.html)

Yerevan's opera building and the state buildings on Republic Square are getting new special effects lighting

Municipality: The work has already begun. There will be no changes to the artistic lighting of the buildings in the square. We're only changing the lights on the roofs. They are very old and half of them don't function. We'll increase the quantity by introducing 20 modern ones. They will be used during holidays and concerts.

As for the opera building, we will change its outdated artistic lighting. Some of them are broken, and the cost of repair is too high. We will install more efficient ones.

Should be ready by the end of this year. We will launch a tender soon. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089394.html)

update: chess olympiad is underway

The men's team will compete against England in the 5th round [Update: Armenia wins]. They won the previous 4 rounds against Madagascar, Andorra, Egypt, and Austria. The team is currently in 5th place.

The women's team will compete against Indonesia in the 5th round [Update: Armenia wins]. In the previous 4, they defeated Ireland, Norway, and Botswana, but lost to Estonia.

... Armenia's strongest chess players by FIDE ranking

Gabriel Sargsyan 40th, Hayk Martirosyan 82nd, Shant Sargsyan 90th.

Elina Danielyan 30th, Anna Sargsyan 74th, Lilith Mkrtchyyan 95th.

[standings,](https://www.chess.com/events/2022-fide-chess-olympiad/results) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089441.html) [read,](https://factor.am/539860.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089499.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089497.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/welho6/your_tuesday_news_digest_from_armenia_aug22022/