2022 August 25

Daily news wrap-up

Aug/25/2022: Nobel Prize laureates will hold their traditional cult ritual at Zvartnots Cathedral __ Economy grows in July & H1 __ Gov't won't publicly diss anti-Russia conspiracy theorists; protests __ Surmalu investigation; another blast in Artsakh __ Blinded by victory __ Pollution report __ More
by ar_david_hh

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9 minutes, 2480 words. 25 headlines.

🚀 world's smarted people will gather in Armenia's ancient Zvartnots Cathedral to hold a symbolic 108-minute-long brainstorm

The STARMUS 6 international science festival will be held in Yerevan next month. The preparations are underway. World famous scientists and Nobel Prize winners are expected to arrive.

On the second day of the festival, they will gather near the 7th-century cathedral Zvartnots to discuss important matter. The meeting will last exactly 108 minutes. That's how long Jury Gagarin spent in the cosmos.

It's a tradition. The first 108-minute meeting was held at "Gran Telescopio Canarias", the largest and one of the most advanced optical and infra-red telescopes in the world, built on top of a dead volcano in the Canary Islands.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091045.html) [article,](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/w32hbf/your_tuesday_news_digest_from_armenia_jul192022/)

📈 January-July economic stats

Economic activity index +13.1%

Foreign trade +48% (export +44%, import +50%)

Industry +7%

Construction +14%

Trade +12%

Services +27%

Electricity production +15%

Consumer price index +8.3%

$1 was ֏460

... July alone

Economy +19.4%

Exports +82%

Imports +59%

Foreign trade +67%

Consumer price index +9.3%

Industrial product price index -2.2%

... economic activity: vs same month of the previous year

January +14.8%

February +8.3%

March +6.8%

April +8.8%

May +13%

June +18.3%

July +19.4

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091041.html) [article,](https://factor.am/546800.html)

💼 PM Pashinyan and PM Mishustin held a meeting during an EAEU session

Mishustin: Greetings from Vlad. The two of you recently discussed topics relating to AM-RU cooperation. I would like to emphasize once again that we highly value our fraternal relations which are based on deep historical and spiritual ties between our peoples. Next week we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the AM-RU mutual assistance agreement.

Despite the illegal sanctions against Russia, the AM-RU trade rose by 42% in H1, reaching $1.6b, a new record. As for the investment of Russian capital in Armenia, it reaches $2b.

It's necessary to create comfortable conditions for small and medium enterprises to thrive. Armenia is doing an excellent job for Russian companies, and I hope Russia is doing the same for Armenian firms. //

Pashinyan: Big trade indeed. It's a result of the post-April joint efforts to manage the economic challenges.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091066.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091067.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/giywq9JXWOg)

"there is too much Putin in Armenia": Russian dissident in Armenia, after yesterday's detentions | VIDEO

Context in [yesterday's digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wwsv2j/aug242022_govt_nationalizes_more_zangezur_shares/). Several Russian protesters and famous bloggers were detained near Yerevan's Opera building for not following police instructions, said the police yesterday.

Blogger Yuri Alexeev, organizer: We organized an anti-war protest in Yerevan. Although we had informed the municipality about it, the police said it was unauthorized, they claimed it was "disrespectful" in nature, which is nonsense because we submitted the plan to the municipality. We called for Putin to be sent to Hague, and for Russian political prisoners to be freed. Nothing new. This wasn't the first protest in Yerevan. I don't know what changed since then. Maybe there was an order to prevent Russians from holding anti-Putin protests in Yerevan. //

Most of the 22 detained were holding posters. The police said they were detained for not following instructions. NGOs criticized the police for not allowing protesters to express their views, and suggested that Russia's ambassador was behind the "hysteria".

[video,](https://youtu.be/LBvSbBAg70U) [video,](https://youtu.be/d4XAV2rfhAw) [article,](https://factor.am/547049.html)

Armenian government seemingly rejects Russia's "demand" to publicly condemn pro-Western activists who tied Surmalu blast to Russia

Context in [August 17 digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wqxtnw/your_wednesday_news_recap_from_armenia_aug172022/). Russian MFA wanted the Armenian government to publicly criticize those who linked the fireworks blast to Russia. The conspiracy theories were mostly propagated by anti-Russian pro-Western political groups.

Armenian MFA got in touch with the Russian MFA to discuss it, they had a "constructive dialogue". Russian MFA representative said they were expecting a public statement as well.

Armenian MFA announed today that they have already send a letter to their Russian colleagues, and that "Նոտայի բովանդակությունը ներքին դիվանագիտական գրագրության մաս է կազմում և, ըստ այդմ, ճիշտ չենք համարում դրա հրապարակումը". (The content of the note is part of internal diplomatic correspondence and thus we don’t find it appropriate to publish it)

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091034.html)

prosecutors accuse several business owners of storing and selling fireworks illegally in Surmalu mall before the explosion

Prosecutors: After last year's fire, safety inspectors conducted checks and uncovered [16 violations](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wpbiqj/your_monday_news_digest_from_armenia_aug152022/) (exposed cables, no hydrants, no extinguishers, etc.) and gave the mall owner time to correct them. No [followup](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wrt3gc/thursday_news_briefing_from_armenia_aug182022/) action was taken after the deadline.

The investigation also revealed that several businesses were storing and freely selling fireworks against the law about hazardous materials.

To prevent similar incidents, we advise inspectors to quickly investigate other malls, especially the ones that were formerly factories in USSR before their conversion into malls after the independence. Also, ensure that no large amounts of firework materials are stored illegally in malls and crowded areas across the country. //

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091023.html)

Philip Reeker appointed as U.S. Co-Chair in OSCE Minsk Group

Reeker has been active in the region lately. From June visit:

Reeker: This is my first visit to Armenia. Blinken conveys his greetings. We value the processes aimed at the development of democratic institutions in Armenia. The 2018 elections were exemplary. The US is willing to continue to aid with reforms.

Pashinyan: The recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide is an important factor for regional security, as the security challenges of the Armenian people have not changed in the last 100 years. The same actors who were involved in the Armenian Genocide were involved in the 2020 Artsakh war. The Karabakh conflict should be resolved with the help of the OSCE Minsk Group, based on the principles offered by them. //

Azerbaijan was not happy about Reeker's appointment. They insist the Nagorno Karabakh conflict is "resolved", while the West and Armenia publicly disagree.

Azeri MFA: OSCE Minsk Group is practically dead, and the attempts to revive it could lead to the alienation of the U.S. from the Armenia-Azerbaijan regulation process. Karabakh conflict has been resolved.

Ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan: It is recorded in official documents that Nagorno Karabakh and the conflict surrounding it continue to exist. In Azerbaijan, they believe they can decide whether the U.S. can appoint a Minsk Group co-chair or not. The international community insists that Nagorno Karabakh requires a comprehensive settlement. Be careful because a military success can blind you, then serve as the basis for future failure. //

[article,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1090998.html) [article,](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/nwx7gn/news_jun102021_1_pashinyan_about_serjs_audio_leak/) [article,](https://factor.am/546993.html) [article,](https://twitter.com/RepJoshG/status/1562455423634264065)

leaders will hold tripartite meetings this month

Pashinyan, Aliyev, and EU's Charles Michel will meet in Brussels on August 31 to discuss the implementation of agreements reached earlier.

Deputy PMs Mher Grigoryan and Shahin Mustafayev will meet in Moscow on August 30 to discuss demarcation and de-escalation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091030.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091024.html)

WEIRD SHIT: border guards caught an Iranian citizen attempting to illegally cross the border into Iran

The incident happened on August 19. He attempted to bypass the Meghri checkpoint and other engineering structures to enter Iran from Armenia. He was arrested by Russian border guards and interrogated by NSS.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091031.html) [article,](https://factor.am/546844.html)

families from Berdzor and Aghavno have resettled in Syunik

The residents of Berdzor, Aghavno, and Sus have moved their furniture and dozens of [cultural and religious monuments](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091044.html) out of the corridor that will go under Azeri control, with the simultaneous launch of the new corridor. All ~200 residents of the three settlements have been relocated.

The monuments are mostly cross-stones. The Church, universities, and private donors have agreed to help find a new home for the monuments. The Church wants to dedicate a separate area in front of one of the churches in Artsakh. Other options are being discussed.

The families will receive certificates to purchase free apartments by the end of this month, said the Artsakh minister. The apartments will need to be built first, and in the meantime, they will receive rent subsidies. Some of them chose to settle in Armenia (mostly Sisian and Goris), while others in Artsakh.

Artsakh government: The Shushi-Berdzor-Goris road will remain operational for now [the earlier deadline was August 25]. The new [gravel] road will be ready in the first week of September. Until then, residents can continue to use the existing road. նոր երթուղու ժամանակավոր հատվածը շրջանցում է Բերձորը, Աղավնոն և Ներքին Սուսը, ապա միանում է Աղավնո-Տեղ ճանապարհին՝ Աղավնոյից մոտ 3 կմ հեռավորության վրա:

The adjacent infrastructure is also being moved to the new corridor. The telecom network issue is resolved. It'll take more time to transfer the electrical lines and address the gas pipe. //

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091008.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091017.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091044.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091062.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/2I5-B9wArLU?t=21)

Armenia launches international auction to build 34km section of North-South highway

It's for a 34km road in the Tranche-2 section (M1, Yerevan-Gyumri-Bavra). The works involve the construction of a dual 2-lane carriageway with asphalt pavement, associated structures, and interchanges.

The application period ends in October. Bidder's net worth for the last year calculated as the difference between total assets and total liabilities should be positive. Minimum average annual construction turnover of $60m calculated as total certified payments received for contracts in progress or completed, within the last 5 years. Bidder must demonstrate that its financial resources meet or exceed the total requirement for the Subject Contract of $10m.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091027.html) [article,](https://armroad.am/am/procurement/tenders)

big truck, big load, big fine

The authorities recently ramped up the efforts to use ramps to weigh heavy trucks passing through Syunik. Overloaded trucks damage Nikol's precious asphalt and pose a safety threat.

The inspectors have weighed over 3,000 trucks in the last 2 weeks. 188 drivers were fined.

[article,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242805)

cities with the highest level of air pollution: Yerevan, Vanadzor, Alaverdi, and Gyumri

Hydrometeorologist Shahnazaryan: The issue in Yerevan isn't new. It's due to the construction boom of the past few years, the increase in mining activities, and the practice of burning landfills in the open air.

Other sources of pollution in Yerevan are automobiles and the gas burned by residents for heating and by thermal plants for electricity production.

The dust pollution in Yerevan is more acute in the absence of precipitation. It's about the same as last year. The construction companies must cover the site and regularly wash it.

Last week the dust levels were 3.5x above the limit. The most polluted were Arshakunyats Ave. and the area surrounding the circus. After Yerevan comes Vanadzor, Alaverdi, and Gyumri.

State inspectors: Can confirm that the primary culprit is the construction boom. Companies not only fail to cover the construction sites, but they don't transport materials properly, they don't properly cover their trucks while driving.

Construction sites must be regularly sprayed with water and be kept as wet as possible to prevent the dust from escaping, while the materials must be kept in concealed storages.

We engage the companies regularly to encourage them to follow the rules. We have received feedback from residents who noticed a positive shift. This year we've written ֏4.5m in fines to 29 companies. Another 9 mines were fined ֏25.5m. //

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091009.html)

major phone carrier accuses an opposition outlet of spreading "fake news" about "distributing SIM cards to Azeris"

Joghovurd outlet claimed that Azeris obtained a few phone numbers from Viva MTS in July 2020 and used it for espionage.

Viva MTS: Armlur outlet's claim that we distributed SIM cards to Azeris is a blatant lie. The NSS had released a general statement about phone carriers, but the author decided to single us out and claim it was a message directed at us. Moreover, the NSS had explicitly stated that none of the Armenian phone carriers had distributed phone numbers to Azeris. We believe the article was meant to defame us. We weren't reached for comment. //

[article,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/672282/վիվա-մտս-ը-հերքում-է-ադրբեջանցիներին-քարտեր-բաժանելու-լուրերը/)

Serj's $1m corruption trial is postponed again because key witnesses are "gone"

Former president Serj Sargsyan is charged with organizing embezzlement of $1m in agricultural fuel aid that was meant to be distributed to farmers in 2013. He denies wrongdoing.

Two of the key witnesses who had earlier testified against Serj have since died from natural causes.

The third witness did not show up during today's trial because he is not in Armenia.

The fourth witness did not show up, either. The judge ordered the cops to find and bring him.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091058.html)

illegal ammunition storage explodes in Stepanakert | VIDEO

Several high-pressure canisters exploded at an oxygen device production facility in Stepanakert. The firefighters isolated the fire. No injuries.

Authorities: A fire in a location called "platochni" led to the explosion of illegally stored ammunition, which led to the fire spreading and damaging nearby factories and structures. 4 idiots are under arrest. //

[video,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1121925572032453) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091035.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091039.html) [article,](https://factor.am/547057.html)

Georgia thanks Armenia for offering assistance to combat forest fires

Interior Minister: They offered us equipment. Of course, we also mobilized equipment, but you see that we can't physically use large quantities because of the terrain. The best option would be firefighter jets, but considering the ongoing forest fires in Europe, we don't expect to receive any. Turkey ended up helping us. //

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091071.html) [article,](https://factor.am/547071.html)

Chinese ambassador visits Syunik for the first time

Fan Yong was hosted by the Syunik governor on Thursday to discuss the development of China-Syunik relations. He noted that Syunik exports large volumes of minerals to China. This isn't the only industry where we can cooperate, said Yong.

He visited the local can food factory to learn about its potential. They discussed tourism, education, construction, and infrastructure projects.

[article,](https://factor.am/546955.html) [article,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242801)

Armenia is one of the cheapest destinations for Russian tourists this fall: Russian Intourist tour operator

A weeklong vacation: Abkhazia ₽25k, Egypt ₽54k, Armenia ₽57k, Iran ₽93k, Bahrain ₽100k.

$1 is ₽60

[article,](http://arka.am/en/news/tourism/armenia_is_one_of_cheapest_destinations_for_russian_tourists_this_autumn/)

Glendale and Artsakh's Martuni are sister cities now

Mayor Ardy Kassakhian's council unanimously adopted a resolution to declare Martuni as a sister city. They emphasized the need to strengthen economic and cultural ties.

California is among 12 U.S. states to recogize Artsakh Republic as an independent state.

[article,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/242752) [article,](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Artsakh)

Please do not run over children on September 1. Thank you!

The police will organize a special safety campaign from September 1 to October 1 to reduce traffic incidents involving children, especially near schools. They will urge municipalities to freshen the crosswalk and other paint near schools.

The police will also increase foot patrol to reduce instances of pickpocketing in markets where parents usually purchase back-to-school supplies.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091064.html)

♟️ European Women Chess Championship 2022 is underway

Former European champion Elina Danielyan is 4th, trailing behind her opponents by 0.5pts and tie-breaks.

Lilith Mkrtchyan is 10th, Maria Gevorgyan is 12th.

The leader is Monika from Poland. The final 11th round will take place on August 31.

[article,](http://chess-results.com/tnr652617.aspx?lan=1&art=1&rd=5&turdet=YES&flag=30) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091000.html)

⚽ Armenia's national soccer team maintains its position in FIFA ranking

1) Brazil

2) Belarus

3) Argentina

22) Iran

35) Russia

42) Turkey

82) Georgia

92) Armenia

128) Azerbaijan

177) Moldova (lol?)

211) San Marino

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1091042.html) [rank,](https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking/men?dateId=id13750)

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/wxo7py/aug252022_nobel_prize_laureates_will_hold_their/