2022 January 20

Daily news wrap-up

Jan/20/2022: Armenia: no restriction on Karabakh status; mirrored withdrawal __ US-Armenia hold talks; reforms, US aid for military hospital; Kosovo __ Stats from New Police __ Bombing under bridge: court verdict __ Diplomatic news __ Trade with Turkey __ Pro-business rule __ Gambling is crazy high
by ar_david_hh

---

Your 13-minute Thursday briefing in 3390 words.

Armenia pressures Azerbaijan to pull back troops before border demarcation, "no restrictions on Karabakh status"

'Azerbaijan:' Armenia is demanding unacceptable preconditions for starting the demarcation. //

'Armenia:' Wrong. We're talking about implementing the agreements we had reached earlier.

As the tripartite Sochi statement reads, the sides agreed to take steps to improve the border safety and advance to the formation of a demarcation commission. An agreement to withdraw troops in mirrored fashion was reaffirmed in Brussels on December 14.

We should launch the border demarcation process ASAP, based on the agreements mentioned above. //

'Security Council chief Grigoryan:' There should be a mirrored withdrawal of troops and deployment of border guards, based on Soviet maps [no Armenian villages would find themselves in "buffer zone", he added]. The formation of favorable conditions will help us start the border demarcation process.

.... Grigoryan about a possible peace agreement:

To have a peace agreement, we must find a solution to the Karabakh conflict under the OSCE format. There should be no restrictions on the status of Karabakh. Border demarcation and lifting of the blockade will pave way for a peace agreement.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073466.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073509.html https://youtu.be/bSPEujXOu9c?t=300

Parliament leader Alen Simonyan met Nancy Pelosi in Washington

Simonyan presented the work done towards strengthening democracy and the rule of law, anti-corruption, free elections.

He noted that in 2018-2021 Armenia has improved its score in the Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index, shifting from 35 to 49, and that the Freedom House estimated that the global freedom index has registered positive growth. The sides reaffirmed that democracy is one of the key pillars of the Armenian-American partnership.

Simonyan spoke about the efforts to establish long-term peace in the region. He condemned Azerbaijan's threats and encroachments against Armenia's territory. The sides agreed that the final settlement should be achieved only under OSCE.

Simonyan expressed gratitude to Speaker Pelosi and her all colleagues for their valuable contributions to the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Nancy Pelosi was bestowed with an Order of Honor on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Armenia-US diplomatic relations. Congressman Brad Sherman was awarded the State Order for his efforts to strengthen US-AM relations.

'Alen Simonyan:' The meeting was quite long. I thanked Nancy Pelosi and Senators for their role in the Genocide recognition. We discussed AM-TR relations, regional conflicts.

Under the context of Ukraine-Russia border tensions, we discussed its possible impact on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. We viewed and discussed that process from the perspective of our country's interests. //

Simonyan's delegation also met a group of House members.

'Gregory Meeks, House Foreign Affairs Committee chief:' We've been paying special attention to the democratic processes in Armenia since 2018. We're always ready to help with reforms. //

Simonyan presented the situation on the AM-AZ border and humanitarian issues. The House Representatives called for the immediate release of Armenian POWs. The representatives also emphasized the need to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Simonyan invited his US colleagues to visit Armenia to mark the 30th anniversary of AM-US relations.

The Armenian delegation (Simonyan, ambassador Lilith Makunts, and an MP) then met the leadership of the International Republican Institute (IRI). They discussed human rights, democracy, legislative reforms.

https://factor.am/465561.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073452.html https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1073461.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073479.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073506.html https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1073514.html

USA donates $665,000 medical equipment, discusses military cooperation

U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Edward Vaughan and ambassador Tracy visited the Central Military Hospital in Armenia today to donate the equipment to Armenia's expeditionary military medical unit.

Defibrillators, x-rays, tents, generators, lights, and other supplies.

'Ambassador:' You seek to heal and treat your fellow soldiers and airmen, putting others ahead of yourself. We hope that this equipment will save and improve many Armenian lives.

'General Vaughan:' This equipment will assist the Armenian military in saving lives by providing the best possible medical care to its service members, and it further demonstrates the U.S. engagement with our Armenian partners.

... General Vaughan met Defense Ministry officials

They discussed the AM-AZ borders, the Armenia-US cooperation around peacekeeping, education, etc. Armenian peacekeepers recently returned from Kosovo. General Vaughan was present during the "shift change".

The US envoy proposed new rehabilitation programs for wounded soldiers, developing [civilian] emergency response, etc.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1073556/ https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073569.html

Armenia's new Police Patrol Service isn't "messing around"

The government recently created a new Patrol Police service with higher salaries, new gear, training for officers.

'Pashinyan:' Several ranking police officials have received administrative penalties during the 7 months of the Patrol's service. We have not seen so many ranking officials and family members being held accountable in the history of the third republic. Bonuses were given to every officer who issued a citation to [their superiors].

The police chief's family vehicle was also [impounded](https://youtu.be/0Wy2VDVCT_E) until they paid the fine.

The Patrol officers detained 4 suspects for bribery attempts. The latest one was yesterday - a drunk driver on Isakov Ave attempted to bribe an officer.

Patrol Service needs to have more resources to tackle apartment burglaries and other backyard crimes.

... Pashinyan about how Patrol Service was formed:

2018 marked the beginning of the establishment of a democratic rule of law. The creation of the Patrol Service was one of the important reforms in this journey.

It wasn't easy. At first the pandemic, then the war, followed by political instability. But in July 2021 we launched the process. The Service has been active for 7 months now.

... Pashinyan compares the before/after performance:

Stats show the detected violations in the July-January period of 2021 (by new police) vs 2020 (by old police).

DUI: 1917 vs 565

Registration number: 3435 vs 953

Illegally loud horns or parosik: 15 vs 2

No driver's license: 4674 vs 924 (There is a proposal to eliminate the practice of asking a driver for a license by using a digital database that already knows who has a license. It's part of digitization efforts.)

Double parking: 8716 vs 1983

Driving/parking on sidewalks: 571 vs 60

No insurance: 5476 vs 614

Illegal window tint: 3085 vs 627

No seatbelt: 854 vs 504

Arresting crime suspect: 875 vs 0 (both had the authority to arrest)

Other administrative offenses: 189 vs 0

Catching wanted person: 51 vs 0

Ոչ սահմանված վայրով անցնել: 3267 vs 0

It isn't only about the number of detected offenses: legal order and institution have formed. A violation of law should lead to responsibility, otherwise, it leads to a change in attitude towards the law. //

... Patrol Service will expand to provinces soon

'Pashinyan:' The Patrol will enter service in provinces soon, with the help of our EU and US colleagues. The patrols will also monitor highways periodically. The agents could be stationed at specific locations. //

Apparently, lots of people are trying to join the Patrol. In Yerevan, there are 10 applicants per vacant position.

... Pashinyan: 60% of Patrol officers are people without a prior police background

They are ordinary people who decided to join the Service. Again, around 60% of applicants in Shirak and Lori, who are currently undergoing training to join the provincial Service, are "civilians" with no police background. This is important under the context of the civilian-police relationship.

Some of the applicants are lifelong teachers. We must ensure that at least 50% of applicants are not former officers.

We are also developing qualified reserves. There shouldn't be any hesitation to fire bad officers due to concerns of not finding replacements. //

https://www.justice.gov/criminal-icitap/blog/armenia-new-patrol-police-officers-begin-service-yerevan https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073472.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073478.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073483.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073485.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073527.html https://youtu.be/XZ2d3rw2_Jk https://youtu.be/iSR0Qw3eM5Y https://youtu.be/X8eSz7PXdWE https://youtu.be/Llnew9nTRvM

Armenia and UK marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations

Pashinyan congratulated Boris Johnson with a statement that highlights the AM-UK cooperation areas and friendly relations between the peoples.

President Sarkissian congratulated Queen Elizabeth. Sarkissian was the first Armenian ambassador to the UK when the relations began in 1992.

Within the past 30 years, two dozen high-profile visits were made to the UK. That includes 1st president LTP, 3rd president Serj, Armen Sarkissian, etc. British Ministers visited Armenia.

Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher [visited Soviet Armenia](https://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/108118) in 1990.

The trade volume is small but growing. It went from $64.5 million in 2020 to $87 million.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073451.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073484.html https://www.margaretthatcher.org/document/108118 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073499.html

Armenia and Greece marked the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations

Statements were released about the long history and stuff.

In 2019 a joint statement was adopted on establishing a trilateral partnership between Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus.

PHOTO: Crete lighthouse and city hall light up in Armenian flag colors

https://en.armradio.am/2022/01/20/lighthouse-on-crete-city-hall-of-alexandroupoli-light-up-in-colors-of-armenian-flag/ https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073573.html

government raises reimbursement for diplomats serving abroad

'MFA Mirzoyan:' The amount that our diplomats can receive for foreign trips was set in 2014. The world has since changed. In many countries, it's not enough to meet basic needs. We will use the relevant UN index to calculate the new threshold. [Cost of accommodations/services in New York is being used as the base.]

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073492.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073527.html

efforts continue to normalize Armenia-Turkey relations

'Turkey:' The goal is "full" normalization of relations. Armenians are also happy with that. We will see what else can be done besides the planned regular flights and meetings between special envoys. The special envoys will discuss confidence-building measures.

We've invited MFA Mirzoyan to join the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on March 11-13. Greece, the Greek side of Cyprus, Egypt, and Israel are also invited. This has become an open platform. //

Mirzoyan has received the invitation and will make a decision soon.

'President Sarkissian to Sky News Arabia:' pragmatism suggests that you should not have problems with your neighbors, especially if one of them is a large country. //

Sarkissian was skeptical about the 2009 soccer diplomacy but hopes that Armenians and Turks will eventually achieve success in this issue.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073501.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073507.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073528.html http://arka.am/en/news/politics/president_pragmatism_and_stability_suggest_that_you_should_not_have_problems_with_your_neighbors/

QP MP about risks associated with opening Turkish border & trade: վրեքներդ խաբար չկա

'MP Tunyan:' Armenia and Turkey have been trading for 30 years, despite having "closed borders". It is done through Georgia.

Turkey has been one of Armenia's top-5 trading partners.

Isolating ourselves from countries with economies larger than us is not the solution. Even if the borders open, the EAEU bloc has mechanisms to protect its internal market, customs duties, quotas, etc.

We should focus more on the areas we can be competitive in. No country can be competitive in every single field. The government recently published the priority areas including high-tech and industry.

If the majority of Armenians are truly concerned about Turkish products replacing Armenian ones, then they should boycott the Turkish products today. If people are buying Turkish products today, that means some of the fears are exaggerated.

'Journalist:' Maybe people are buying Turkish products because they are cheaper than the local.

'MP Tunyan:' Aha! So it's necessary to view the issue from all angles. Again, Armenia and Turkey have had a trade flow for 30 years now. We're only focusing on consumers, but we should also think about our manufacturers. A sizeable share of Armenian producers get their materials from Turkey today because it's cheaper. Turkish materials allow our manufacturers to be competitive.

'Journalist:' could we set customs policies to address the concerns?

'MP Tunyan:' EAEU bloc decides Armenia's customs policies. So instead of blocking foreign businesses in Armenia, we could promote our local businesses. For example, we already have leasing subsidies, favorable loans for small-medium businesses, aid to promote local business, etc. More can be done over time.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073521.html https://factor.am/465813.html https://factor.am/465817.html

Georgia opens its doors for the Turkish pharmaceutical market to address high costs

The government decided to open the Turkish market for Georgians so they can import drugs. The move will "significantly lower the prices". Turkey will export "high-quality" drugs with "GMP" standards.

'Premier Gharibashvili:' what costs $3.25 in Georgia, costs $0.65 in Turkey. //

Georgians have long complained about high drug prices. Some import companies are accused of a 1,000% markup.

www.civilnet.am/news/647133/թուրքական-դեղամիջոցների-շուկան-բացվում-է-վրաստանի-համար․-վրաստանն-այս-շաբաթ/

another Turkish poll shows Erdogan losing to opposition

The opposition alliance is 5% ahead of the ruling one. More people also believe that the opposition will win.

Support snap elections: 60% yes, 27% no.

Would you vote for Erdogan again?: 55% no, 33% yes

54% CHP chief Kilicdaroglu, 42% Erdogan

59% Istanbul mayor İmamoğlu, 39% Erdogan

61% Ankara mayor Yavash, 35% Erdogan

'Survey by Eurasian research center among 1260 citizens.'

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073550.html

Russia responds to Aliyev's tantrum-interview, and French presidential candidate's Artsakh visit

Aliyev recently called OSCE useless. The Russian MFA responded today saying Russia supports OSCE's efforts.

Reporters asked the Russian MFA to comment on the Azerbaijan-France diplomatic crisis that began after Aliyev threatened a French presidential candidate for visiting Artsakh "without permission", which led to French MFA condemning Azeri leadership. Aliyev had also accused Russian peacekeepers of not properly checking the vehicles that enter Artsakh.

'Russian MFA:' We have no comments on AZ-FR diplomatic issues. As for the Lachin corridor, an agreement was reached after the 2020 war for Russian peacekeepers to deploy in Lachin. Per Nov 9 statement, the Lachin corridor is under the control of Russian peacekeepers, while Azerbaijan guarantees two-way safe passage by civilians, transport, and cargo.

The peacekeepers established the procedures about visiting Nagorno Karabakh, including foreign citizens, foreign organizations, and mission workers. This procedure is well known to the Azerbaijani and Armenian parties. According to this procedure, Russian peacekeepers should be informed ahead of such visits. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073513.html https://factor.am/465717.html

Armenia-Ukraine trade grew last year

Ukraine to Armenia: $136m (+19%)

Armenia to Ukraine: $14m (+35%)

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073519.html

Armenian parliament simplifies licensing procedures for foreign companies

'Economy Minister Kerobyan:' the law "On Licensing" will facilitate the participation of foreign companies in 13 types of business activity in Armenia. This is important for improving the business environment and attracting foreign firms. //

>These activities include private security and encashment (collection) services, postal communication, import and export of nuclear and radioactive materials, materials with radioactive components, radioactive waste as well as organization of railway transport, private taxi services by physical persons, engineering, urban planning, construction, technical quality supervision, engineering surveys, and some others.

The opposition opposed the amendment, citing concerns about possible risks with foreign firms coming to Armenia and "receiving milder licensing conditions than local firms."

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

COVID stats

5.8k tested. 621 infected. 103 healed. 1 death. 5.9k active.

36% of adults are fully vaccinated

'Healthcare Minister Avanesyan:' 806k have received two shots. Last week we saw an increase in booster shots.

'Pashinyan:' A new wave is coming, ya'll. We are raising the alarm again. There is a baseless criticism about our decision to require PCR-or-vaccine to visit cafes/venues. We were one of the first nations to abandon the policy of lockdowns. We want to govern in a way to prevent a need for a lockdown. The inspectors will be very strict.

almost 14 million Iranians have been boosted already

53m have taken both shots. 20 people died from Covid yesterday.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073467.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073503.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073557.html

online gambling bets increased 6-fold in 2020

Finance Ministry began monitoring the gambling trend. Online bets have increased 6x in 2020 vs 2018. The number of players 3x.

The stats were revealed during a meeting to discuss restrictions on gambling ads.

'Ministry:' We studied international experience to understand what % of players usually become addicts. In the UK it's 1 in 6 players. We should address the risks in Armenia, hence the decision to review the regulations.

We should restrict online gambling ads. The exceptions will be 4+ star hotels, border checkpoints [likely for Iranians], and several other types of locations.

The amendment will also create a fair environment for competition. Internet gambling ad regulations will be in line with the restrictions on casino ads. //

... the ad industry is (obviously) against the proposed restrictions

The companies that sell ads claim that 60-70% of their revenues come from gambling ads, while the Finance Ministry claims the true number might be 20-25%.

... how much did Armenians gamble in 2021?

'QP MP Tunyan:' ֏3.2 trillion ($6.6 billion) bets were made last year. To help you understand how big that is, Armenia's budget revenue was ֏1.6 trillion ($3.3 billion).

The gamblers lost ֏70 billion ($145 million). That's very sus because some companies reported operating losses. There is one company that accepted $1b in bets but ended with losses because of $100 million expenditures. //

Another source said the volume of bets last year was ֏2.85T, not ֏3.2T. (still...)

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073500.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073518.html https://factor.am/465827.html

Tags: #gambling

update: police arrests Grand Candy factory robbery suspects

[You may recall](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/rn5kf7/dec232021_pressure_on_azerb_to_open_nakhijevan/) how last month two masked assailants (no covid puns plz) used tools to climb a wall and rob the Grand Candy factory in Yerevan. They stole 15 million. Two suspects have been arrested.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/229627

court has acquitted defendants suspected of planting a bomb to assassinate a businessman in 2019

Serj-era Parliament MP Melik Manukyan, aka Shshi Melo, had some business disputes in 2017. A group of criminal subculture figures allegedly tried to force him to purchase some products from them.

Fast forward to 2019. Melo's car was traveling on the Yerevan-Sevan highway when a bomb exploded under a bridge, damaging his entourage vehicles. Maybe coincidently, maybe not, Premier Pashinyan's vehicle had passed under that bridge just an hour earlier.

Two suspects were named. They turned themselves in but denied wrongdoing. Last week the court acquitted them of attempted murder charged but one defendant was sentenced to 4.5 years for "intentionally causing serious damage to health".

https://www.pastinfo.am/hy/news/2022/01/10/h4nw6bbg5/1330342 https://armlur.am/1161468/ https://armtimes.com/hy/article/178655 https://armtimes.com/hy/article/178620

some animals were Epsteined at Yerevan Zoo

'Zoo spokesperson:' The rumors about mass animals deaths from hunger are false. Deaths and births are natural processes. No suspicious deaths have been observed within the past several months with the exception of two white-headed vultures, which were deemed to be a result of chronic poisoning per preliminary investigation, with thorough lab results coming soon. We have 21 white-headed vultures.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073533.html

Yerevan municipality is Epsteining businesses that refuse to comply with plastic bag ban

The city inspectors began issuing fines. They travel with a meter that checks the plastic thickness. Anything below 50 microns is prohibited. Exceptions are handleless bags for weighing, and bags made of secondary raw materials.

The businesses were given 2 years to comply, reminded the inspectors. The fine is $40-$60. They issued 60 tickets today.

Businesses and consumers are urged to use reusable bags to protecc nature.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073558.html

government wants to prevent leased vehicles from being Epsteined out of Armenia without lessor's knowledge

'Pashinyan:' There are complaints that unpaid leased vehicles cross the border and "disappear". //

A proposed bill will tackle the issue, presumably by keeping the lessor better informed when there is an attempt to cross the border. The government believes the reform will also help reduce the lease interest rate.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073527.html

what's that smell?

Residents of Gyumri reported smelling gas on the streets. Local authorities said some tests were conducted [presumably by gas or utility firm], and that those who conducted the tests announed it's nothing to worry about.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/229686

Russia wants to Epstein the cryptocurrencies

Central Bank believes crypto poses a threat to financial stability. Authorities gave them legal status in 2020 but banned their use as a means of payment.

>speculative demand primarily determined cryptocurrencies' rapid growth and that they carried characteristics of a financial pyramid

>For now there are no plans to ban cryptocurrencies similar to the experience of China

The proposed ban includes crypto exchanges. Restrictions on owning cryptocurrency are not envisaged.

Russia said crypto mining created problems for energy consumption. "The best solution is to introduce a ban on cryptocurrency mining in Russia," the bank said.

Problem: exists

Ban problem

Problem: no exists

Problem solved

https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/russian-cbank-proposes-banning-cryptocurrencies-crypto-mining-2022-01-20/

Armenian Chess Championship

Mariam Mkrtchyan is a women's champion. Men are still playing.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073566.html

Armenia and Russia sign an agreement about a new nuclear plant

Dubai Expo 2020 continues. Russia held an event about small-capacity nuclear power plants.

During the event, Russian Rosatom and Armenia's nuclear plant reps signed an agreement to study the construction of a new nuclear plant in Armenia.

https://factor.am/465999.html https://tass.ru/ekonomika/13480049

today in history:

1919: poet and political activist Silva Kaputikyan is born

1933: Yerevan Opera opens its door. The first performance is Spendaryan's "Almast".

1990: Soviet troops suppress the Azeri riots in Baku. Hundreds of ethnic Armenians were killed by the coordinated mob a week earlier.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073446.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.

---

Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/s8uuca/jan202022_armenia_no_restriction_on_karabakh/