2022 January 26

Daily news wrap-up

News - Jan/26/2022: (1) Armenia exploring Georgia's "justice house" amid reforms (2) Point system for drivers; Results (3) Rioters charged w/blocking jet in Zvartnots (4) Polls: Media trust & literacy (5) Stats: Demographics, remittances (6) Bill to punish officials for avoiding media inquiries (7)
by ar_david_hh

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This is your 9-minute Wednesday digest in 2273 words.

Armenia and Georgia sign cooperation memorandum around "mobile justice houses" and other reforms

One of the much spoken about reforms in modern Georgian history was the introduction of so-called mobile houses of justice. It's an all-in-one place to help residents complete paperwork without much bureaucracy. Armenia has done something similar but it's not as comprehensive, say the experts.

Justice Minister Andreasyan met his Georgian counterpart Bregadze on Wednesday and signed a cooperation memorandum.

Minister Andreasyan: We recently met in Italy and spoke about the ongoing important reforms in Armenia. We also discussed the unified offices (one window) where Armenian citizens visit to receive public services. Georgia's experience is important because we have only recently begun the formation of justice houses in Armenia. Thanks for sharing your expertise. //

Minister Bregadze: Thanks for hosting us. Our relations have never been better and warmer, thanks to the premiers of Georgia and Armenia. Looking forward to working with you. //

Armenian and Georgian lawyers will hold a conference in February. The countries will also cooperate to protect each other from document forgery and will exchange students and prison inmates.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074021.html http://yazidis.info/en/news/2636/mobile-justice-houses-to-appear-in-georgias-regions

November 10, 2020 rioters charged with blocking international flight in Zvartnots after rumors that "officials are fleeing"

NSS report: the investigation continues around the Nov 10, 2020 mass riots in government, parliament, and other buildings.

Narek Mantashyan, the president of Aylentrank (Alternative) NGO, being present at the riot scene in the government building, decided to expand the geographic area of the riots.

He circulated false claims about officials "attempting to flee the country" and urged the rioters to close the road connecting to the airport and to commit acts of violence against officials.

He directed rioters to specific locations and went to the airport himself to coordinate the efforts.

As a result, several government building rioters, including another defendant G.G., immediately left for the airport, where they destroyed property and intruded the hall where special delegations depart and arrive. From there, they broke a fence and entered the runway.

They ignored the requests from police and airport workers and attempted to block an international jet with passengers.

Narek Mantashyan also directed 50 rioters to break into Premier's personal residence, where they destroyed and stole property.

Mantashyan also stole an Armenian [flag](https://youtu.be/wXsv3Jv2Nc0?t=246) worth $100 from the government building.

Mantashyan has been arrested. 29 participants are charged with crimes. The investigation continues. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073982.html https://youtu.be/wXsv3Jv2Nc0

4,800 unruly drivers had their licenses suspended last year as part of the new point system

The bill to switch to a point-based penalty system was adopted in 2019. The gradual rollout began in 2020. The goal is to discourage bad behavior and prevent the "rich" from getting away by paying only "small fines". 20 of 100 traffic offenses deduct points now. Drivers have 9 points per year.

In 2021, the police suspended 4809 licenses and revoked 395.

The suspension lasts 6 months. Harsher penalties are levied against frequent violators.

If you're down to 3 points and are afraid of losing all before the end of the year, you can take an exam (once a year) and restore 2 points.

In other news, parliament president Simonyan threatened to fire a few drivers working at Parliament after they allegedly used parosik (beacon) inappropriately while Simonyan was away.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/998134.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073986.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073984.html

are Armenians bad at driving?

Police issued citations to 158 unruly drivers after they were reported by fellow residents via a new app.

Last year Yerevan published an app Activesociety that allows residents to report bad drivers by uploading video/photo.

137 users have registered so far and reported hundreds of traffic violations. There are limitations on how often and what should be submitted.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073988.html

bus was caught driving on the sidewalk | VIDEO

The driver of the privately operated #47 bus was issued a $40 citation.

https://youtu.be/aK8CdzY09vk?t=25 https://factor.am/468258.html

Demographics stats | Pandemic deaths | Births | 1990s and 2020 war

Analyst: The deaths increased by 33% in 2021 vs 2019.

2021 started great with a 9% increase in the birth rate in Q1. That number dropped in July because there was a war nine months earlier.

16% of deaths in 2021 were from COVID but that did not have a negative effect on the intentions of people of reproductive age. Covid didn't stop them from marrying and giving birth. Some marriages were delayed.

There are many "missing" people because of the 1990 war. Those born in the second half of the 1990s are entering marriage age now. The number of deaths in 2020 is the second-highest since the 1988 earthquake in one year.

The latest state policy to boost demographics by increasing aid for 3rd+ childbirth will have a positive impact. It'll take a few years for any results to be visible. //

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/229510

new bill could increase fines against public officials for refusing to provide information to journalists

Article 189.7 about transparency requires state agencies, public officials, and taxpayer-funded organizations to provide [most] information to journalists promptly. A draft bill aims to increase penalties for noncompliance.

Freedom of Information Center (author): The fine's upper limit will increase from $30 to $70, and from $200 to $300 if it's done again within a year.

Journalists often do not challenge the rejection in court because it can take years to hear the case, while the information they wanted was urgent. It is necessary to utilize mechanisms outside regular courts. //

Justice Ministry's legal division: The existing penalties are insufficient. There are many unjustified rejections and incomplete answers. The proposed changes are in line with the government's judicial reform strategy. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074006.html http://www.irtek.am/views/act.aspx?aid=150017

Polls: which media outlets do Armenians trust?

Foreign: 77%

Armenian: 73%

Russian: 73%

Online: 45%

Polls: % of people who believe the following media outlets are independent of political parties/ government/business control

Independent/Not independent

Foreign 53%/28%

Armenian newspapers 40%/43%

Armenian radio 36%/42%

Social media 33%/50%

Russian 30%/55%

Armenian TV outlets 26%/56%

Polls: digital literacy and suspicious news reports

Participants were asked to choose top-3 things that make a news report suspicious:

18% when the headline doesn't match the article (DEFINITELY SUS)

18% no source is given

18% if it comes from an untrustworthy website/person

15% if I have other information about it (from Joe Rogan maybe)

14% if it's highly unlikely to be true

Polls: do you ever press the source link to see where it takes you?

44% never

23% I never click on news that redirects to another page

15% rarely

9% usually

9% always

Surveys by Caucasus Research Resource Centers (CRRC) and Media Initiatives Center.

https://factor.am/468403.html https://factor.am/468407.html

improperly-registered drug in Armenia causes regularly chaos across the EAEU market

Economy Minister and Prosecutors report: As a result of negligence, the NAC-комплекс drug was registered as a Biologically Active Additive [BAA, dietary supplement?] in Armenia. It contains 600 mg N-acetyl-L-cysteine active substance that comes with specific instructions. The acetylcysteine 600 mg cannot be registered as a [supplement].

As a result of being registered in Armenia illegally, it skipped regulatory work in other EAEU states, leading to unrestricted circulation in the common market.

Several food & drug inspectors knew about the problem in July 2021 but took no action to address the violation of safety standards. It led to disruptions in other EAEU states. A criminal case is launched. Other drugs and supplements will be investigated to verify compliance. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074048.html

Russia wants work migrants to receive education before coming

Moscow will pressure countries that send the most migrants to establish migrant worker education centers. The countries are Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

The future migrants should learn the Russian language and law, said MFA Lavrov.

Kremlin is concerned about growing public discontent amid recent reports of indecent conduct involving migrants.

https://factor.am/468313.html https://tass.ru/politika/13529621

Stats: Where did money come from, and where did it go in 2021?

Inflow/Outflow in million dollars

Russia 782/356

USA 518/171

Kazakhstan 82/5

Germany 62/29

France 51/18

Switzerland 47/129

UAE 22/34

Ukraine 17/18

Spain 14/15

China 2/?

Turkey 1.5/5.6

Other 300/243

https://hetq.am/hy/article/140451

Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan visited the University of Luxemburg

He got acquainted with the research and education programs. He expressed hope that Yerevan State University will soon sign an agreement with them to exchange students and organize joint programs.

Mirzoyan hailed the University's decision to host an Armenian TUMO tech center: "The opening of the TUMO Center will be a meaningful event on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations."

... Mirzoyan visited Schengen Agreement Monument in Luxembourg

He was accompanied by the mayor of Schengen Michel Golden and other officials. Open borders between AM-EU will further develop the partnership, said Mirzoyan.

... Mirzoyan met the Foreign Minister of Luxemburg

They discussed the need to establish lasting peace in the region [so Germany and Luxemburg won't fight anymore /s], reforms, the implementation of AM-EU comprehensive cooperation agreement. Mirzoyan thanked Luxemburg MPs for adopting a resolution supporting Artsakh.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073977.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073978.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073981.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074062.html https://factor.am/468344.html

Armenian MP elected as Deputy Chair of the PACE Committee on the Election of Judges of the ECHR

QP MP Vladimir Vardanyan also chairs the State and Legal Affairs Committee of the Armenian Parliament.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074047.html

Armenia and France discussed railway projects in Armenia

The Infrastructure Ministry hosted a French envoy. Armenia offered to work on several joint projects with the Agence Française de Développement. The French envoy said they treat railway projects as a priority.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/230057

anti-corruption: another mayor (sad)

So there is a province named Armavir with a town named Armavir. But there is also a village named Armavir not far from Armavir, in Armavir. Not to be confused with the city of Armavir in Russia.

Investigate Committee reports: the mayor of village Armavir knowingly appointed a legally unqualified person as the head of a state-owned organization every year between 2017-2021. Wages were distributed illegally.

The mayor is charged with crimes. The charges were dropped against the director for confession and regret. The damages were recovered. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074039.html

$2 million to modernize irrigation network in Gegharkunik and address the 80% water waste in canals

The government and Eurasian Development Bank have 3 programs this year to improve irrigation in Gegharkunik. Canals and reservoirs that deliver water to Martuni, Vaghashen, and Tsovinar will be rebuilt (south of Lake Sevan).

The construction of a new canal for Tsovinar began last year. Parts of the 10km existing canal are decayed and result in 80% water loss.

7km Manasi Aru and 4.6km Lanjaghbyur canals are also in poor shape and lose water. The construction is expected to begin this year.

The water agency will also conduct deep well cleaning and install new pumps in the province.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074002.html

update: Armenia and Turkey prepare for direct flights

Armenia's Civil Aviation: The law grants 3 years of air tax waiver to new direct routes that haven't operated within the past 1 year. Yerevan-Istanbul-Yerevan qualifies for this waiver. There must be at least one flight per week for the duration of a year.

Yerevan-Vilnius was granted a similar waiver last September. The same about the new flights to Milan, Romem, Kaluga, Odessa, Frankfurt, etc. //

The air tax is around $20. It's added to the passenger's airfare. (shocker)

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074037.html

Turkey asks Azerbaijan for emergency gas after the temporary suspension of Iranian deliveries cripples entire industries

[Context in yesterday's news.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/scob30/jan252022_major_education_reforms_to_address_the/) Iran claimed the gas delivery has since resumed. Turkey denied it and sent an envoy to Iran to figure things out. Meanwhile, they want Azerbaijan to increase deliveries.

https://factor.am/468502.html

China discovers large oil and gas reserves

Sinopec fossil fuel giant has discovered new reserves in the northwest. 88 million tons of condensed oil and 290 billion m^3 gas.

The extraction will be difficult but not impossible. This area has rough terrain and the reserves are 7.3km deep on average.

https://factor.am/468371.html

COVID stats

7.7k tested. 1.9k infected. 147 healed. 1 death. 11.4k active.

Pashinyan has Covid again

It was discovered during routine testing. No symptoms. He'll work remotely for now.

Elton John has also tested positive. Coincidence or the two are hiding something? 🤔

Georgia shuts down a quarter of all kindergartens in Tbilisi amid raging 6th wave

48 մնգօ will be closed for the next two weeks after hundreds of employees and kids tested positive. The country recorded almost 16,000 new infections and 42 deaths.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073989.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073998.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073997.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074018.html https://www.google.com/search?q=georgia+country+covid+stats

Roma won't extend the contract with Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Heno will be free to join other clubs without transfer payments, once the contract ends with Roma this summer. Roma had earlier "borrowed" him from Arsenal. Lately, Heno wasn't given enough playtime and his relations with the new roach José Mourinho weren't great.

It's okay. He won't starve while searching for a new club. He graduated from the St. Petersburg Institute of Foreign Economic Relations in Yerevan.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1074009.html

today in history

1837: Michigan becomes the 26th U.S. state

1922: Yerevan's first state drama theater opens

1934: Germany and Poland sign a non-aggression pact

1950: India becomes independent

1980: Israel and Egypt establish diplomatic ties

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1073970.html

James Webb telescope has reached its destination | PHOTO

A few more adjustments need to be made, and the telescope has to cool off, before it can start transmitting data.

Here it is, a tiny dot in the sky: https://www.space.com/virtual-telescope-project-jwst-l2-image

world's coldest marathon at -53C held in Yakutia, Russia | PHOTO/VIDEO

65 runners, including from from United Arab Emirates (good luck), participated in the Oymyakon maraton on Saturday.

https://youtu.be/KdM2f73L8WE http://siberiantimes.com/other/others/news/worlds-coldest-marathon-at-blistering-minus-53c-is-complete-in-yakutia

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/sdgkor/news_jan262022_1_armenia_exploring_georgias/