2022 August 8

Daily news wrap-up

Your Monday news digest from Armenia. Aug/8/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

17 minutes. 4216 words.

economy in January-June 2022 vs same period last year

Industrial output +6%

▶︎ Processing industry +15% (60% of total industry)

▶︎ Mining -10% (25% of total industry)

▶︎ Electricity, natural gas, steam +1% (14% of total industry)

Construction +13%

▶︎ Funded by organizations +27% to ֏69b (46% of total)

▶︎ Funded by Government +2% to ֏37b. (25% of total)

▶︎ Funded by individuals -5% to ֏35b (24% of total)

▶︎ Funded by municipalities +93% to ֏6b. (4% of total)

Agriculture -3%

Domestic trade +11%

Retail trade +2%

Wholesale trade +15%

Vehicle sales +53%

Services sector +27%

Financial & insurance services +39%

Information & tech +27%

Catering services & hotels +29%

Healthcare services +11%

Entertainment & culture +6%

Transport services +43%

Science & tech services +19%

Real estate services +14%

Freight transportation +11%

Railway passenger transport +40%

Cargo transfers via trucks +13%

Number of people transported by roads +44% (total of 56 million people)

Number of people transported by air +76%

Courier & postal revenue -10%

Road accidents -13%

Deaths caused by road accidents -18%

[read,](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_industrial_output_in_first_half_of_2022_grows_by_5_8_to_about_1_2_trillion_drams/) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_copper_concentrate_production_down_by_19_/) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_construction_sector_grows_by_12_7_in_6_months_of_2022_to_over_149_billion_drams/) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_domestic_trade_up_10_7_in_6_months_of_2022_to_over_1_8_billion_drams_nsc/) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenian_services_sector_grows_27_in_6_months_to_over_1_1_trillion_drams/) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_freight_transportation_up_11_2_in_6_months_of_2022/)

food prices are on the decline

Food prices are +13 from last year, but it's been on the decline lately, a 4% drop from last month.

Compared to last month: Vegetables -34%, fruits -9%, sunflower oil -4%, butter & sugar -2%, flour -1%, (global wheat prices -14%).

Overall, the inflation in Armenia remains well above the 4% target mark.

[read,](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31978777.html)

Pashinyan held the Economic Policy Council session attended by independent expert groups

The first session of the new Council was held [in June](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/v6jge2/jun62022_daily_news_digest_major_army_reforms/), attended by international experts. Its goal is to discuss economic projects and investments. Another session was held on Saturday.

Pashinyan: Thank you for agreeing to work under this format, in Dilijan. We've discussed many possible economic directions and developments in Armenia in this hall in the past.

When we were passionately discussing the introduction of the flat income tax in 2018, there were opinions for and against it. In the end, we decided to implement it, and bring it down to 20% in a few years. Back then we had 2 expectations from that decision:

1) Jobs to exit the shadow economy.

2) More tax revenue at a lower tax rate.

Those predictions, in fact, have come true today. We've seen continued growth in paid and registered jobs. In terms of income tax, we are collecting more taxes at a lower rate.

I am very satisfied that after consulting cabinet members and economists like yourselves, we made the political decision to implement the flat tax. Today we will discuss issues related to the current and future economy of Armenia.

The priority goal is the development of human capital. We are implementing radical [education reforms](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wajlae/your_thursday_news_digest_from_armenia_jul282022/). //

... Day-2

The council discussed topics relating to agriculture, food chain, and state subsidies to help farmers with the acquisition of modern technologies.

The Council discussed the [upcoming plans](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wg7mr5/your_thursday_news_digest_from_armenia_aug42022/) to incentivize farmers and investors to merge small land pieces into larger units to boost productivity. The state is already providing incentives to form cooperatives. The new assistance programs will be experimented in 4 settlements soon. The primary reason for the underutilization of lands is the lack of agricultural land market, said PM.

Pashinyan: We decided to form this Council and invite independent economists to form a bridge between the government and the international expert community.

After these 2-day discussions, I came to the conclusion that today we have a problem with the horses and carriage being set up backward. Some programs launch but never carry on.

Digitization is a great example. A tremendous effort was put into digitization and large sums have been spent in the past 20 years, and yet it appears not much has been accomplished. It turns out the horse and the carriage are not set up properly. This is why we decided to invite experts to help us understand what the starting points should be, to ensure progress. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089801.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089817.html) [watch,](https://youtu.be/bPp4iQo6Be8) [watch,](https://youtu.be/j5jxRUUJKgQ)

more details about the planned construction of an "Academic City"

The context in [July 28 news](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wajlae/your_thursday_news_digest_from_armenia_jul282022/). Last year Pashinyan complained about Armenia's "outdated" universities and announced plans to form a new education district that will establish a network of cooperation between educational, scientific, and industrial organizations.

Education Ministry: We are discussing topics relating to the territory, infrastructure, merger of various universities, creation of separate facilities, funding, etc.

The Academic City implies an area where universities and scientific-research centers will function, enabling students to live, learn, create and research there.

This requires infrastructures – dormitories, libraries, modern laboratories, multi-functional lecture halls, innovation and entrepreneurship centers, business incubators, and others.

A goal is set to have high-quality, competitive education also from an international perspective, to create an internationally recognized scientific-research university that will have a significant role in the economic development of the country. The Academic City will be located outside Yerevan. //

Ministry: This year we have 9,729 university admissions and 14,158 vacant spots.

Expert Khachatryan: Today we have many vacant spots in universities. Some of them will likely be merged and optimized, bringing the number from 16 to 5-8.

Expert Mkrtchyan: The state wants at least 4 Armenian universities to be on the global top-500 list. It's a great goal but it's unrealistic because we don't have the resources.

Expert Khachatryan: It is possible to have a top-performing university if some of them are merged and optimized. The risk that I see relates to transportation. If we build the Academic City outside of Yerevan, the students will have to travel [isn't that what dormitories are for?]. Most professors work several jobs so it'll be difficult for them to travel. You will have to pay excellent salaries for professors to focus only on one job.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1089826.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089826.html) [read,](https://factor.am/541177.html)

Pan-Armenian Armenology Olympiad has begun

Education Ministry: The 10th Olympiad is underway in Aghveran. We have dozens of diasporan participants from 7 countries, Armenia, and Artsakh.

Held every two years since 2003, the goal of the Olympiad is to promote knowledge of the Armenian language and history in the diaspora. The young participants don't have to speak the language to qualify, as long as they know the history and culture. //

Can you guess where they will be taken after the competition? Oshakan, of course.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089877.html)

police reforms: the new Patrol Service has been patrolling the streets of Gyumri for 3 months | VIDEO

Melina and Taron are partners. She was formerly a cop, he is a newcomer. Everyone underwent several months of training at an academy.

They are part of Shirak's 250 Patrol officers. The service will gradually expand to other provinces next year. It's currently available in Yerevan, Shirak, and Lori.

Chief: We have new tools to very quickly locate suspects who would have otherwise gone undetected for a lengthy period.

The control center monitors the location of each Patrol vehicle and its color-coded task. We can dispatch a unit more efficiently.

We don't allow officers to serve near their birthplace. For example, someone who grew up in Vanadzor would have constraints while upholding the law in Vanadzor. We removed this limitation for female officers as part of efforts to make the service more appealing among women.

[watch,](https://youtu.be/O39SUUoiI2A)

infrastructure projects in Yerevan's Shengavit district

Councilman QP Armen Galjyan: The newly revamped kindergarten building in Shengavit will serve 150 children. It was built in the '80s and had never been overhauled. The crews reinforced the structure and installed thermal insulation, HVAC, and water pipes.

Efforts are underway to overhaul the condo backyards in the district. The work is complete for 6 condos. Another 12 will begin soon. As part of our policy of equal development, we chose condos that had been abandoned for decades.

We are removing vehicle garages and illegal structures from backyards to install playgrounds and green areas in place. Residents will have gazebos, benches, and alleys, while children will have playgrounds with special mats.

We must return the backyards to the residents. This year we will revamp an unprecedented number throughout Yerevan. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089798.html)

investor is building a $9m greenhouse in Gegharkunik

Construction is in full swing in Gagarin (Gegharkunik). Գեւմիգ Ltd. is building a $9m greenhouse on a 4-hectare land. The construction began last year as part of a government assistance program for SMEs that want to invest in greenhouse tech. The state will subsidize ֏800m.

CEO: We have so far invested $6m. The metal carcass is ready. The first few hectares of the planned greenhouse will be utilized this year. We will have 90 permanent workers. The greenhouse will produce flowers.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089872.html)

spy games

Last week, the Greek intelligence service chief resigned after allegations of wiretapping an opposite party leader (confirmed) and a journalist (unconfirmed?). The government later said the wiretapping of the opposition leader was legal and approved by a prosecutor.

After his resignation, the spy chief allegedly claimed that the wiretapping was done at the request of Ukrainian and Armenian intelligence services. "Other sources noted that the interest of the foreign intelligence services, and by extension the Foreign Ministry, had been piqued by the Androulakis’ involvement in a European Parliament in a committee dealing with EU trade relations with China."

Armenia's ambassador to Greece referred to the rumors about Armenia's alleged involvement as a "flagrant lie". Armenia never asked any government to wiretap anyone’s phone, said Ambassador Tigran Mkrtchyan. Ukraine also denied involvement.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1089819.html) [read,](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/greek-intelligence-service-boss-quits-amid-wiretapping-scandal-2022-08-05/) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1089819.html) [read,](https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1190722/wiretapping-case-the-phone-data-that-triggered-developments/)

currently-jailed ex-Defense Minister Tonoyan wants his charges dropped, claims Armenia didn't have proper laws regulating the quality of purchased missiles therefore he could not have broken laws

Ex-MoD Davit Tonoyan was among several ranking army-related officials who were charged with purchasing wrong or dysfunctional weapons that reportedly failed to function during the 2020 war.

Tonoyan: The government recently approved army reforms. One of the amended laws pertains to the acquisition of weapons. With the amendment, the government clarifies the expiration dates of military equipment.

I was charged with knowingly purchasing missiles that were already deemed as expired by the Russian army, in December 2018. But the NSS later made an inquiry and learned from the Russian side that the missiles were not expired.

Every country is supposed to have its own laws regulating the storage, use, and expiration of armament. If no such laws exist, it is customary to use the laws of the manufacturer state.

Why hasn't this been done in Armenia for 30 years? Because Armenia has never had the standardization and industrial capacity to independently decide the expiration date of armament. Even with the newly adopted laws that clarify this field, we still rely on expiration dates set by the country that manufactures it.

The MoD had attempted to address this by forming a commission, which decided to extend the expiration date of the aforementioned missiles by 10 years in 2016. //

[read,](https://factor.am/541726.html)

army ramps up enforcement of rules that prohibit soldiers from using smartphones to share photos & videos of their military units

MoD: The military police have launched a large-scale operation. Soldiers who upload photos on the internet are being disciplined. Numerous contractors and conscripts have been detained and disciplined. We will pursue the policies of bringing disobedient servicemen to justice.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089904.html)

reservists joined the army as part of the now-routine practice of summoning thousands of men to undergo 3-month retraining | VIDEO

The reservists will exercise, learn how to use weapons, study strategy, guard the borders, and carry out engineering work on the frontlines.

[watch,](https://youtu.be/zf1b2nk6-_4)

Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire

Armenian MoD reported on Saturday that a soldier was wounded on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border near Sotk. He is recovering. Russian MoD confirmed the ceasefire violation in Sotk and added that steps were taken to de-escalate the situation.

Artsakh MoD reported on Monday that Azeri troops violated the ceasefire with the use of rifles. No injuries.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089811.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089833.html)

statue dedicated to Armenia's Artsvashen exclave is installed near the border with Azerbaijan | PHOTO

Chambarak is a town in Gegharkunik, located 2km from the state border. On the other side of the border is Artsvashen, a piece of Armenia located within Azerbaijan.

A statue of an eagle [Artsiv, Artsvashen] was raised in Chambarak today, on the 30th anniversary of the evacuations from Artsvashen. Most of the evacuated residents had moved to Chambarak.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089871.html)

anti-evacuation protests were organized in front of foreign embassies and gov't building

Context: Armenia had at least 3 years to build an alternative road to connect to Artsakh, as a replacement to the current Lachin corridor. When asked about the deadlines, last month the security council chief insisted that Armenia has at least 1.5 more years to build that road. However, Azerbaijan violated the agreement and demanded Armenians relocate as soon as Azeri construction crews finished building the road in areas controlled by them. The Russian peacekeepers began a process to withdraw from Berdzor and nearby villages, despite complaints by local residents. The new deadline for residents to relocate is August 25, not 1.5 years from now.

Today a group of residents gathered in front of the government building

Participants: The residents of Berdzor, Aghavno, and Sus were illegally told to evacuate. We urge the governments of Armenia and Artsakh not to allow the incorrect interpretation of the Nov. 9 agreement. Do not give in to Azerbaijan's intimidation. Raise this issue during dialogues with partner states, and inform the international press about Azerbaijan's policies of ethnic cleansing. We plan to gather in front of French, Russian, and U.S. embassies. //

Nationalist Ազգային-ժողովրդավարական բևեռ party: We are witnessing the implementation of the next phase of Putin-Erdogan agreement, which was signed in 2016 and was supposed to be implemented after the April war, but did not happen then because of Sasna Tsrer's revolt and the sacrifice of soldiers in April.

The regimes of Serj and Pashinyan did nothing to prevent it, and as a result, because of the Russian-Turkish agreement, we lost the majority of Artsakh in 2020. The war was planned and implemented by Putin who gave the green light to Azerbaijan.

Putin also wrote the Nov. 9 agreement, and today they are trying to implement the final steps to eliminate the Lachin corridor and the self-defense forces, and establish a corridor for Azerbaijan. Pashinyan and his Russian puppetmasters have no problem with the placement of Russian [border guards] near Meghri. Russia needs land access to its brother Turkey, which is their only hope to bypass Western sanctions today.

Putin and Erdogan have signed a new Lenin-Ataturk agreement. Putin caved because he needs a ceasefire in Ukraine. His troops are being destroyed, and one more destruction in Kherson and Zaporozhye can be the end of Putin's regime. This is why Putin is ready to compromise in Syria, Lybia, and Artsakh. We are witnessing another example of a trade of Armenian lands between Russia and Turkey. But this won't happen. Putin's regime has only months left to live.

We are here to pass an open letter written by Aghavno's 73 residents to U.S. president Joe Biden and French president Macron. We urge them to take steps to include Aghavno in the new corridor to prevent ethnic cleansing. //

.... an interview with Artsakh's Infrastructure Minister Hayk Khanumyan about new villages that Armenians will regain access to after the relocation of the road, and the evacuation process

Reporter: You were criticized for urging Aghavno residents not to burn down their houses before leaving, or else they wouldn't receive relocation aid.

Khanumyan: I don't get the whole urge to burn down the village before leaving. The last time we had an evacuation in 2020, it turned out one of the villages was included on the list by a mistake. The residents plundered and burned down everything. We had to invest 200 million to rebuild it... partially.

Second. When we left the areas south of Berdzor after 2020, residents burned down several villages. Very soon those villages will become part of the new corridor, outside of Azerbaijan's control, but everything has already been destroyed there.

Things change quickly. We might return to Aghavno years later. What's the point of burning it down today? Aghavno is very close to the new corridor [~1.2km]. Certain developments could place it outside of Azerbaijan's control again. Don't burn it down.

Reporter: Tell us about the plan to build the new road within 3 years, and the authorization for Azerbaijan to enter Artsakh-held Hin Shen and Mets Shen to finish the construction of the road they built in areas controlled by them.

Khanumyan: We had 3 years to draft the road plan. Azerbaijan submitted the plan for its section within 2 years. Initially, Azeris offered the road to travel north of the current corridor, through mountains near Hochants village. We disagreed and proposed the road to pass through Mets Shen and Hin Shen so we could keep this Berdadzor subregion without turning it into an enclave.

Reporter: When was the ultimatum given for Armenians to evacuate by August 25?

Khanumyan: Late July or early August, when Russian peacekeepers were informed about it. They informed the Armenian side.

Reporter: What is behind the recent escalation?

Khanumyan: Azeris have finished the construction of the north-south road in Kashatag [north and south of Lachin]. It's north of Qaregah and south of Aghavno. The only part left to connect their infrastructure was this section. That's the main reason behind the escalation. Another one is Azerbaijan's feeling of impunity amid the war in Ukraine. They feel their role has strengthened and they can speak the language of ultimatums, even with Russia.

Reporter: So we have reached a point where Russian peacekeepers had no choice but to tell Armenians to evacuate because they couldn't protect it?

Khanumyan: The problem is the peacekeeping mission has very limited powers. If Azeris attack a village but not the Russians, the Russians won't do anything. They will only act if they are under direct attack.

Reporter: Why hasn't the government conditioned the population by informing them that it wouldn't be possible to keep these settlements? I get that the opposition's rhetoric is partly to blame...

Khanumyan: The public was informed that we had to evacuate Berdzor sooner or later. As for Aghavno, we hoped to keep it because of its close proximity to the new corridor. We negotiated around Aghavno until the last moment.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089905.html) [read,](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/wh55ub/friday_news_summary_from_armenia_aug52022/) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089905.html) [read,](https://factor.am/541696.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/SzQyp6M69oI) [video,](https://youtu.be/mAVLh02E_TM?t=567) [video,](https://youtu.be/gPXAizptTds)

job fair was organized in Artsakh capital Stepanakert

Minister Beglaryan: Dozens of companies are looking for 1,500 employees. Seeing the high demand, we decided to organize a meeting between employers and prospective workers. At the same time, the government is determined to implement efforts to raise the applicants' qualifications.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089796.html)

Russian border guards report "tense situation" over drug trafficking attempts at Armenia-Iran border

Russian Border Guards: The situation has been tense lately because of increased attempts of drug smuggling from Iran to Armenia. We have also recorded cases of trespassing into Armenia by representatives of extremist and terrorist organizations. Last year we arrested 2 militants armed with firearms and grenade launchers who had illegally trespassed into the country from Iran.

With the purpose of ensuring security, a number of equipped positions for border surveillance were formed this year for implementing selective actions against persons and transport vehicles suspected of smuggling and other crimes. We ask citizens traveling in the border zone to display an understanding and cooperate. //

Russian guards have set up 5 new checkpoints this year near Meghri. One of them is located on the Meghri-Agarak road on the banks of Araks [Iran border], the other on the road to Agarak, another one on the road to Shvanidzor, and two positions on roads leading to nearby villages.

Meghri mayor: Depending on the situation, they occasionally stop vehicles to conduct checks for security reasons, within the Armenia-Russian border cooperation which began in 1955. The checkpoint near Meghri-Agarak was installed 8-9 months ago.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1089876.html) [read,](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/301974/)

Yerevan is revamping its trolleybus fleet

The city has decided to purchase 30 new trolleys. That's enough to replace more than half of the current fleet.

A decision to acquire 15 units was made earlier. The tender already has a winner. A tender for another 15 will be organized soon.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089837.html)

residents of high-rise condos were evacuated after a fire in an elevator shaft

Firetrucks with ladders were dispatched after the emergency hotline received a call about injuries in a building on Hayrik Muradyan St.

Dozens of residents were evacuated. The damage to the building was significant. The fire affected a bookshop on the first floor, the hallways, and the entrance door of several apartments. It started after a malfunction in the electrical panel.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089812.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089813.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089820.html)

COVID stats last week

4115 tested. 1849 infected. 1352 healed. 2 deaths.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089844.html)

prosecutors freeze assets belonging to controversial ex-HHK MP Mher Sedrakyan

The court has agreed to arrest the properties as part of an asset forfeiture case. Prosecutors believe the assets were obtained illegally.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089864.html)

Chess Olympiad 2022

Armenia 2.5-1.5 India

Armenia 1-3 Uzbekistan

... Armenian's men's team defeats Azerbaijan: 3-1

Armenia is #2 as of right now. Tomorrow's match against Spain (#7) will be the final.

Uzbekistan (#1) will compete against the Netherlands (#6).

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089805.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089823.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089888.html) [read,](http://chess-results.com/tnr653631.aspx?lan=1)

tourism continues to grow in 2022

January-July: 770k

July: 189k

... how did tourists enter Armenia?

Zvartnots airport 64%

Bagratashen checkpoint 19% (Georgia)

Bavra checkpoint 8% (Georgia)

Meghri checkpoint 5% (Iran)

Gyumri airport 1%

Gogavan checkpoint 1% (Georgia)

Ayrum railway checkpoint 1% (Georgia)

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089882.html) [read,](https://factor.am/541932.html)

SEVAN International Music Festival was organized on weekend

Musicians from dozens of countries arrived in Sevan to perform their songs on the public beach and nearby park. The event attracted locals and tourists visiting the beach.

[trailer,](https://youtu.be/gpM9zVuikWY/) [more,](http://fest.sevanyc.org/en/) [read,](https://m.facebook.com/events/1256258384576342)

music festival with special effects will be organized next month near the Paris Herouni Mirror Radio Telescope

You may recall the giant "satellite dish" that has been abandoned for many years. Organizers of Sensor Festival 2022 want to use the area for a show.

Organizer: Sensor Festival brings a massive 3-day lineup to the open air at an abandoned giant space telescope located at Mount Aragats in Armenia.

The world's best — Ivan Smagghe, Maayan Nidam, Ron Morelli, Rhadoo, Byetone, Dopplereffekt, Lea Bertucci, Dhafer Youssef, Tony Buck — are among 40 artists announced in the first wave, along with a list of modern-day festival must-haves: Elena Colombi, Vlada, Raphael Carrau, San Proper, Digby.

The breathtaking location at the altitude of 1,711 meters is within an hour's drive from Yerevan. The colossal 54-meter telescope built in the era of sci-fi romanticism is named after Paris Herouni, Armenian radio-physicist and engineer, who led its construction in the early 80s.

Four festival stages will be built on-site equipped with top-tier sound systems. There will be a choice of camping options offered as well as a scheduled transportation from Yerevan during the event.

We encourage everyone to do their own research on Armenia, as the country is a hidden gem that has so much to offer to travelers of all interests and budgets. //

Karahunj Armenological Center: We are against the idea. We recently learned that the area was provided to some company for the duration of several years. They plan to organize an electronic music festival and camping activities. The organizers present the magnificent instrument as an "abandoned telescope" [isn't it?], a "historical monument", etc.

The telescope can be re-equipped and utilized, as confirmed by international experts, but the National Standardization & Metrology Center is hindering this process, despite receiving funds from the government to protect the telescope. In recent years they leased the telescope [to film](https://youtu.be/kCgCv1L3tnk?t=195) music [clips](https://youtu.be/RRjnyBSs8H0?t=20) and skate. This causes further damage to the equipment. //

The telescope operated until the early 2000s but had to be shut down due to a lack of financing. The organization behind the telescope has since been unable to find investors.

[photo,](https://factor.am/541565.html) [read,](https://www.facebook.com/events/s/sensor-festival-2022/1067068340862247/)

Armenia's new national carrier FlyArna will acquire another jet soon

It will be the 2nd. The first flights were held in June. Soon the carrier will expand the list of destinations to include Beirut and Kuwait, in addition to Egypt.

The flight attendants will read instructions in Armenian and serve Armenian food to the passengers.

To promote tourism, the carrier will provide Armenian movies and promotional videos created for tourists on the 'Free' section of its SkyTime streaming service.

FlyArna: Our Airbus 320 gives you 81 centimeters of space in between the seats. You can choose your food and seat, and stream media for free. Our passengers were pleasantly surprised that the pilots and flight attendants greet and provide instructions in Armenian.

We have 70 workers today, with 80% being Armenian. The technical staff consists of Armenian and foreign workers, who have been taking Armenian language classes and have already managed to speak and understand quite well. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1089825.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/wjnjam/your_monday_news_digest_from_armenia_aug82022/