2022 February 4

Daily news wrap-up

Daily Digest - Feb/4/2022: Interview w/basketball coach Kalamian __ Scandal in Azeri-Turkish relations; Gas corruption; BP oil __ HayPost's new pharma service __ Cancer treatment & stats __ Anti-corruption: Offshore; Forgery __ CEPA agreement w/UK __ Constitutional reforms __ Mroe Armenian flags
by ar_david_hh

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This is your 12-minute Friday digest in 3176 words.

interview with Armenia's new national basketball coach Rex Kalamian

Kalamian has decades of experience in the American NBA. He has agreed to coach the Armenian team.

Reporter: How did the cooperation with the Armenian federation begin?

Kalamian: I began speaking with them a few years ago but my schedule was busy. This summer was the perfect time to get involved and come to Yerevan to coach our team and help grow the program.

Reporter: Why did you agree to coach the Armenian team?

Kalamian: I have an immense amount of pride to represent Armenia. My grandmother grew up here.

Reporter: What did you know about the Armenian team before?

Kalamian: Still learning about the players and their games. They are talented. I'll help them grow and develop.

Reporter: What's your goal?

Kalamian: Develop and sustain a basketball program for boys and girls of Armenia, at all levels. The men's team should eventually qualify for Euro Basket.

Reporter: Basketball began developing in Armenia not long ago. How difficult will it be for you?

Kalamian: I have >25 years of NBA experience. I understand that patience will be needed.

Reporter: The team will participate in the European Championship for Small Countries this year. We have already won it once. What's your plan?

Kalamian: To win and bring attention to Armenia. We'll work very hard. We need to get the best players.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1074707.html

remote meeting was held between Pashinyan, Macron, Charles Michel, and Aliyev

Parties exchanged views on the solution of humanitarian problems, the unblocking of roads under the sovereignty and jurisdiction of the two countries, the reduction of tensions on the border, demarcation, Red Cross access to Karabakh, etc.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1074783.html

Russia has no comments yet about reports of construction of a new road between Armenia and Artsakh

[On Tuesday](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/si7lts/dragon_reaper_antiuav_artsakhs_new_reservoir_tumo/) the media reported that Artsakh is studying the lands ahead of the road construction, while Azerbaijan is building a bridge near Lachin, to be used by the alternative road.

The media asked the Russian MFA to comment whether the Azeri reports about a bridge are accurate and whether it's the Russian side that's building the bridge. Spokeswoman Zakharova has no information at this time.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074781.html

Turkish parliament ratified a defense agreement with Azerbaijan signed by Erdogan and Aliyev last year

Azerbaijan had ratified it earlier. Turkey and Azerbaijan will continue to aid each other in the event of external threat or aggression, besides the economic cooperation. Turkey rushed to calm Russia by stating "this isn't mean to be against any third state".

Not everything is going smoothly between the Brotherly Nations, though. A few days earlier, an opposition Turkish MP accused Erdogan and Aliyev of corruption in the TANAP gas pipe deal, prompting Aliyev's office to demand an apology and remind about the "brotherly relations" between the states.

The Turkish MP had complained that Azerbaijan is ripping them off with high prices. Why pay so much for gas if we're still freezing at home, he said, adding that Ankara suffered $5 billion losses after the gas contract was amended a while ago.

The Turkish MP also complained that Baku sabotaged the Nabucco pipeline deal in favor of giving its state oil agency SOCAR an unprecedentedly good deal in another project. The MP said it's no coincidence that during the $6-7 billion TANAP pipeline auction, an Azeri oligarch closed to Erdogan won lucrative contracts.

https://factor.am/471759.html www.civilnet.am/news/649020/անկարան-պնդում-է-թե-ադրբեջանի-հետ-ռազմական-գործակցությունը-երրորդ-երկրի-դեմ-չէ․-թուրքիան-այս-շաբաթ/

BP ignored $1.7 billion corruption schemes in Azeri gas project: OCCRP

Report: Azeri state oil company SOCAR owns a company called Bos Shelf. The latter was hired by British BP to build stuff.

Back in 2013, hundreds of Bos Shelf employees organized a rally to demand higher wages. Parent company SOCAR had agreed to investigate.

However, four years later, the workers still accused the company of embezzling their salaries and called for Aliyev to intervene. They accused the director of nepotism and embezzling millions every month.

Hundreds of millions were stolen from Shah Deniz 2 project in 2014-2015.

BP was warned about the corruption in their contractor Bos Shelf, but didn't take action. In public, BP praised the Shah Deniz 2 program, calling it a success. In private, though, BP's communication records show that they had suspicions around the abnormally high price tag and unjustified expenses. //

Full: https://jam-news.net/ru/обнаружены-факты-коррупции-на-17-миллиа/ https://factor.am/472187.html

how bad was inflation in Turkey?

Bad enough for Erdogan to fire the chief of the national statistics after it reported inflation not seen in 2 decades.

>Turkey’s annual inflation came in at nearly 49% on Thursday, hitting a nearly 20-year high and further eroding people’s ability to buy even basic things like food.

Meanwhile, the Inflation Research Group, consisting of Turkish academics and economists, reported a 115% inflation in January, much higher than the official.

https://factor.am/472128.html https://apnews.com/article/business-middle-east-turkey-prices-recep-tayyip-erdogan-8a968577831aa31c3a6845010d576c17

an attempt was made to topple the Ataturk statue in northern Turkey

Two people attempted to topple the statue by tying it to a vehicle with a rope. The attempt failed after witnesses allegedly intervened. Two suspects were later arrested. A vigil was held by Ataturk supporters near the statue.

In another instance, the Justice Monument standing in front of a courthouse was attacked at a different location.

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/locals-hold-vigil-following-attack-on-ataturk-statue-171275

VIDEO: Turkish firm cuts off power to Syrians after protests against price hike

Residents of Afrin [held protests](https://youtu.be/18t2rvaC_mk) against an electricity price hike, in a northern Syrian city controlled by Turkey and forces allied to it.

The Turkish company AK Energy has a monopoly. They haven't delivered electricity since Sunday to punish the protesters, complained the locals.

https://youtu.be/18t2rvaC_mk https://npasyria.com/en/71861/

anti-corruption: daughter-in-law of ex-Culture Minister placed on the wanted list

Investigative Committee earlier: Hasmik Poghosyan was the Culture Minister in 2006. She was also vice-president of a cultural organization. She illegally gave a Yerevan-owned property to the organization. Her accomplice was the organization's president Armen Smbatyan, [who would later become Ambassador to Israel].

The embezzled ֏201M property was deposited as an investment in an LLC established by the organization. The LLC then made a $550,000 transfer to a British Virgin Islands offshore firm belonging to the Minister's family. //

Investigative Committee today: Poghosyan's daughter-in-law Francesca Cutrupi (Կուտրուպի) was also an accomplice. She was the director of a British Virgin Islands firm that helped with the illegal scheme. A warrant for her arrest was issued. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074739.html https://youtu.be/K5mFaTx5ZlI?t=20 https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/rmemnm/dec222021_yerevan_council_fires_mayor_marutyan/

anti-corruption: ex-mayor of Vanadzor is facing more charges

Investigative Committee: The 2016-2021 mayor Mamikon Aslanyan wanted to convert a piece of land from residential to commercial. The government blocked the process and asked him to correct some errors. Aslanyan committed forgery to illegally continue the process, causing damage to the community.

We also found that from 2019-2021, for personal gain, Aslanyan forged documents to allow the sale of public park areas, the sale of which is prohibited under law. We will seek to extend his pretrial arrest. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074756.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1070870.html

Constitutional reform Council held the first session

Pashinyan recently signed a decree to officially form a Council, consisting of experts, officials, and NGOs, to discuss improvements in the Constitution, the latest version of which was adopted under Serj administration amid complaints of flaws.

... the Council will discuss the possibility of switching to a semi-presidential system: Pashinyan aide

We can't confidently say right now whether it'll happen or not. Besides the Council, there will be an expert commission that will do the main work. The Council will give its advice. //

... the Constitution will be audited to uncover the flaws: Justice Minister

This process will be done transparently. Everyone was invited but the two parliamentary opposition parties refused to participate despite our efforts. We appreciate the presence of non-parliamentary opposition parties. This should be done transparently to leave no room for claims about "closed-door decisions". //

... the constitution should ensure a balance of power: Justice Minister

We need a better balance of power between branches to address the "super-premier system". Today, the president doesn't have significant levers. Yes, balancing would mean taking away powers from us, but we're willing to do that. Armen Sarkissian made a rushed decision by resigning. This is why the Council is here today, to address the issues mentioned by him.

... I have concerns about how some of the text is written in our constitution: Justice Minister

We should review the court system and possible court mergers. The much spoken about "judicial vetting" should be discussed. {Sidenote: read [November 11](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/qru5wd/news_nov112021_pashinyan_about_alternative_roads/) report for context. They held a meeting to discuss how deep the vetting can go under the current constitution.}

Many problems used to be resolved via internal political processes instead of the constitution, so those who rewrote the constitution didn't find it necessary to consider all the possible scenarios in case of crisis.

... there are many reasons why we should amend the Constitution: LHK leader Marukyan

We should unite around this process. Last time, in 2014-2015, our party was unable to lobby for a Constitution that would give us a real parliamentary system with checks and balances. It was adopted with a fake referendum and established a fake parliamentary system.

We need a Constitution that clearly defines who the guarantor of territorial integrity is. The current one doesn't define it, while the previous one did. //

... Yeghishe Kirakosyan elected as deputy head of Council

Kirakosyan represents Armenia in ECHR. He was also one of the lawyers who successfully sued Azerbaijan in the World Court.

His candidacy was supported by Helsinki Vanadzor NGO and the ruling QP party.

Full: https://youtu.be/6WTU9FGfIt4 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074755.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074757.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074760.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074766.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074771.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074778.html https://youtu.be/269G6pmwSY8 https://youtu.be/nCZqMYLrUcQ

apartment burglary statistics in Yerevan

Burglaries/Cases Solved

2020: 588/22.5%

2021: 585/23.4%

Prosecutors said the usual targets are houses on the 1st or 2nd floors that do not have metal guards on windows, dim corridors without CCTV, apartment complex buildings that do not require entry passcode.

https://factor.am/472025.html

new residential district is being built in Artsakh's Krasni village

There will be four apartment complex clusters with backyards, connected to the main road. They will house IDPs from the Askeran region. The construction began in late 2021.

https://youtu.be/0fiywQ3KDns https://factor.am/472153.html

PHOTO: Artsakh resident found a 12th-century cross-stone in forests not far from Stepanakert

https://www.facebook.com/artsakh.monuments/posts/267905328813410

Red Book of Armenia app

Nature Ministry and German GIZ created a new app to help you learn about the endangered animals and vegetation in Armenia with interactive maps.

[iOS](https://apps.apple.com/am/app/redbookam/id1566135896)

[Google](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=am.env.redbook&hl=en_US&gl=US)

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/230615

90% of lung cancer in Armenia is a result of smoking: oncologist

February 4 is the World Cancer Day. Every 58th Armenian is diagnosed with cancer.

Director of Oncology Center: Global cancer cases are rising because people live longer. Each year we hold a forum with field experts. This year it's in Sochi, Russia. 200 Armenian oncologists will participate.

Today, radiation and surgical treatments are completely free in Armenia, while chemotherapy has co-pay. We have progressed in this area.

... Lung cancer is the most common in Armenia

8-9 out of 10 lung cancer cases are a result of smoking. We raise awareness in education institutes. There are social media campaigns and informational videos. I welcome the new law that bans smoking in catering facilities starting mid-March.

Our mobile mammography station began operating last year. It'll be used in Lori, Tavush, and Syunik. The public awareness campaign encourages women aged 50-60 to get tested for free.

... Get tested once a year, especially if you're above 40

Do it 4 times a year if you've had cancer before. Early detection almost always leads to successful treatment. Most importantly, adopt a healthy lifestyle.

With the help of the Healthcare Ministry, we created a system to electronically gather cancer info for more accurate statistics.

... Cancer cases are rising in Armenia partly because more people began seeking care

Dr. Badeyan, Oncology Center: We treated 15,000 patients at the National Oncology Center last year. There were 6,000 surgeries.

A few years ago only 1/10th of provincial patients were willing to travel and seek care in Yerevan. The rest would delay the treatment. If 3-4 years ago the Center had 550 beds, today it's 800.

Cancer surgeries and radiation treatment are free now. Chemotherapy is partly subsidized. This is a very important change because the patient isn't focused on raising money anymore.

Preventative care is crucial. A lot has changed throughout the years. I remember the early stages of my medical career. Every day we would receive patients who completely neglected their health. This has become rare, thanks to awareness campaigns and quality service. //

Cancer stats: https://hetq.am/hy/article/140781

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074723.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074744.html

better medical equipment means more patients seeking care

The latest example is the Martuni Medical Center. Their revenues from state-subsidized and out-of-pocket patients have doubled last year, "not because people have gotten sicker."

Director: Last year the revenues doubled to ֏306m because of technical modernization, new services, and staff retraining. We introduced new services such as echocardiography, gastroscopy, etc., while the lab received modern equipment.

Our residents seek care locally instead of having to travel to Yerevan. A new facility is under construction. Healthcare Ministry gave us an oxygen station that's enough for the whole province. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074725.html

COVID stats

8.8k tested. 4.2k infected. 2.5k healed. 10 deaths. 27.6k active.

108 schools switch to distance learning amid high infection rates

Every school monitors COVID infections and decides whether to hold classes in-person, fully remotely, or partially remotely. If 10% of staff and students are infected, all classes are held remotely.

Around half of the troubled 108 schools want to hold all classes remotely for now. It usually lasts from several days to two weeks.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074712.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074721.html

Armenia and UK will sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement soon: UK ambassador

Ambassador: We're currently engaging with the Armenian government to finalize the UK-AM CEPA agreement. We're also working on improving human rights in the military, preventing domestic abuse, and children's rights. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074753.html https://factor.am/472035.html

government is looking for companies interested in large-scale business with the Chinese market

Economy Ministry is creating a database of Armenian companies interested in cooperation with the Chinese market. The companies should be capable of ensuring large industrial volumes in the areas of industry, agriculture, food.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074749.html

Armenian comedian could soon replace a famous Russian comedy show host, at least temporarily

КВН (KVN) is a legendary Russian comedy show that is, or at least was, very popular in ex-USSR republics. Many famous comedians launched their careers in KVN.

Its long-time host Maslyakov (1986-present) is sick with Covid and is looking for a substitute. There are reports that he might retire.

Armenian-Russian comedian Mikael Galustyan is one of the candidates. His fellow Comedy Club comics are also named as contenders.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/230581

Armenia's Olympics flagbearers were Mikael Mikaelyan and Tina Garabedian

The skier and figure skater were chosen to hold the flag. The opening ceremony was held in Beijing. Armenia has 6 athletes, 4 of whom are skiers.

Here is the schedule: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074775.html

Open ceremony photos: https://factor.am/472045.html

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074732.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074772.html

Pashinyan wants to install Armenian flags on more state buildings; ARF wants to go one step further

There aren't enough Armenian flags, complained the government recently. A bill will require the flag to be raised on education buildings (preschool to university), science facilities, sports-cultural venues, and other buildings that are co-founded by the federal or local authorities.

ARF MP Aghvan Vardanyan: The law should also regulate the installation of state symbols on buildings adjacent to public places, during these three holidays: Independence Day, Republic Day, and Constitution Day.

The most popular state symbol is the flag. We can find the national flag at any corner in the U.S., Greece, Turkey, and Georgia. It promotes respect, especially among the youth.

We should also fix the current flag law that envisages liability for violating the law but doesn't specify what the penalty is. [that's the best type of law, why fix it?] //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074713.html

opposition parties won't nominate a candidate for president

HD and PU alliances have an insufficient number of MPs and wouldn't be able to elect their candidate as president. They decided not to nominate anyone and not to participate in the process. "We won't legitimize this process."

That leaves the ruling QP party, which has enough MPs to elect the High-Tech & Industry Minister Vahagn Khachaturyan as president during the second round of the vote, likely to be held next month.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074719.html

a network of TUMO centers will open in Germany

TUMO and the KfW Development Bank signed an agreement to open TUMO centers and boxes in Germany.

Germany: Opening TUMO Berlin was a significant first step and provides an excellent resource for teens in Berlin. Signing today’s agreement is a major evolution because it provides a framework to scale the success in Berlin across Germany.

TUMO: Our German partners are pioneering with us the concept of TUMO as a national initiative, with all the benefits of increased efficiency, reduced cost, and more widely distributed positive impact on the next generation of innovators. //

The story dates back to 2018 when Angela Merkel visited Yerevan's TUMO center. TUMO Berlin was launched in January 2020.

>programming, music, robotics, animation, 3D modeling, filmmaking, game development, graphic design, drawing, and photography.

https://massispost.com/2022/02/a-network-of-tumo-centers-and-boxes-to-open-in-germany/

Yerevan State College of Culture & Arts renamed after Charles Aznavour

In 2018 the college asked Aznavour Foundation and his family to approve the renaming. The process concluded and the state has approved the change.

Education Ministry also signed an agreement with Aznavour Foundation to modernize the college.

Kristina Aznavour: Charles Aznavour's life and career inspired many young people around the world. His path was full of challenges which he was able to overcome through his diligence. We are hopeful that many future world-renowned artists will embark on their careers at the college. //

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1074715.html

Armenia's national postal operator has launched the first of the HayPost Med network of pharmacies

HayPost has also launched the medication delivery service. Residents of all provinces can dial a number to order medication and receive them in the nearest HayPost branch or at their home within 1-2 working days.

Director: HayPost isn’t just a postal operator; it's a developing ecosystem. The second pharmacy will open on Kievyan St. (the first is on Baghramyan St.).

HayPost Med pharmacy will also offer baby formula, women's hygiene items, active supplements, medical equipment, etc. //

http://arka.am/en/news/business/haypost_launches_first_of_its_pharmacies_and_delivery_of_medicines_/

top-10 bestseller Armenian literature books in January

5) Հուշացած ակնթարթներ, by Գոհար Նավասարդյան

4) Վերջին անգամ ենք ապրում, by Աշոտ Աղաբաբյան

3) Ինձ պիոններ չնվիրես, by Գոհար Նավասարդյան

2) Դուռը, by Վանո Սիրադեղյան

1) Կախվածություն, by Սյունե Սևադա

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074705.html

today in history

1861: six U.S. states join to form the [Confederate States of America](https://www.politico.com/story/2017/01/confederate-states-of-america-established-feb-4-1861-234439). Jefferson Davis is elected as president. Followed by a massive kerfuffle...

1948: Sri Lanka declares independence from Boris Johnson after Covid party scandal

1976: earthquake kills 23,000 in Guatemala

1992: Hugo Chavez organizes a coup again Nikol Pashinyan

2004: Zuck Mockerberg launches Facebook to steal your Social Security Number

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074693.html

more

The news in русский (by Impossible-Ad-).

News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in the 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/skoeo8/daily_digest_feb42022_interview_wbasketball_coach/