2022 July 22

Daily news wrap-up

Your Friday news digest from Armenia. Jul/22/2022.
by ar_david_hh

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14 minutes. 3775 words.

Persona non grata Murad Papazian and his conflict with smaller diasporan organizations: an interview with Diaspora Office chief Zareh Sinanyan

ARF Bureau member Murad Papazian leads a French-Armenian group CCAF. His entry to Armenia was denied last week. He accused Pashinyan of blocking him on political and personal grounds. NSS provided the reason today. But before that...

Diaspora Office chief Zareh Sinanyan has accused Papazian of divisive activities and causing diplomatic problems for Armenia by lobbying foreign leaders not to cooperate with the Pashinyan administration.

Zareh Sinanyan: I can't say exactly why his entry was denied, but I can tell you about Papazian's conduct in and outside of France in recent times. Papazian represents two organizations. They organized so-called political "boycotts" against state visits, but they went a step further. A boycott is when you refuse to take part in something, but they went a step further and actively pressured foreign diplomats not to cooperate with Armenian authorities. That's sabotage, not a boycott.

First group. It's a political group representing a political regime that has corrupted Armenia for 25 years. Their goal is to return to power. They can't accept the will of the Armenian citizens.

Second group. Papazian is a co-leader along with his cousin here. They are struggling to maintain their political monopoly over the 500,000-strong French-Armenian community. This isn't realistic, though. One organization cannot represent so many people. They don't speak for everyone. So for them to treat other smaller diasporan organizations as enemies, is not healthy.

I can confidently assure you that the claims that Papazian's entry was denied "to appease Turkey" is nonsense. Papazian needs to present himself as a victim, so he'll claim anything.

Reporter: Papazian complained that the Armenian government created and was promoting a new diasporan movement in France, and that it was dividing the diaspora, and "why do you need another organization if you have an established one".

Zareh Sinanyan: Nonsense. There have been multiple organizations operating in France that have never been part of the organization led by Papazian. La Movement [sorry, it's tranlit] is one of them. CFA is another. There are smaller ones, too. They don't report to Papazian.

These organizations were organically born because Papazian and his cousin established a dictatorship and have been forcing their will upon everyone else for the past 15 years. It's impossible for a 500,000-strong diaspora to have only one organization. This is where the problem is. Papazian has convinced himself that "I'm the only one. Period." It would be better if they cooperated with the other organizations without fearing them. They should fix their relations and address the issues that led to the formation of these alternative organizations. Once again, the government of Armenia and the Diaspora Office have nothing to do with the formation of any of these organizations in France.

Reporter: What about Diaspora in other countries?

Zareh Sinanyan: The emotions increased in the diaspora after the war. Diasporans are coming out of the shock much slower than those residing in Armenia. They are further away and more emotional, whereas those living in Armenia live on the ground, in reality, and couldn't afford to give in to emotions for too long. But things have gotten much better in the diaspora lately, partly because they visited Armenia, interacted with people, and saw that life continues. // [Interview continues here](https://youtu.be/JJ6rV8vxVs0)

NSS and Premier's office provide the reason why Papazian was blocked: The entry was denied based on Article 8.G & 8.Z. Papazian was one of the organizers of the physical attack on the government motorcade in June 2021, in France.

Various objects were thrown at the vehicles, and the situation was resolved only with the intervention of French police and security services. The incident was recorded and reported by the media. The entry of all violent participants is prohibited. This does not apply to peaceful protesters. //

Papazian: I did not take part in that 2021 protest. Besides that, I was allowed to enter Armenia after that protest. The ban was imposed later, possibly on personal grounds. I will fight to regain my right to entry. //

Premier's spokesman: Papazian bragged about organizing the aforementioned protest in an interview to the Hraparak outlet. "Առաջին անգամն է պատմության մեջ, որ մենք ցույց պիտի ընենք Հայաստանի շուրջ," he told the reporter. You can find many tapes on the internet showing the consequences of the physical attack. //

Ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan: An attack against any person representing the Republic of Armenia abroad must have legal consequences. An attack against Armenian embassies and flag-bearing motorcades is essentially an attack against the Republic of Armenia. //

In relevant news, it was reported in April that "two activists assaulted Armenia's ambassador" to U.S. on Capitol Hill.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088788.html) [article,](https://www.arlis.am/documentview.aspx?docid=73272) [article,](https://mirrorspectator.com/2022/05/03/editorial-notes-armenias-ambassador-assaulted-in-a-congressional-building/) [article,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=578483216889536) [article,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/241233) [article,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/241263) [article,](https://hetq.am/hy/article/146763)

Charles Aznavour's statue will be installed in France

Education Ministry hosted the representatives of the Aznavour Foundation led by Kristina Aznavour. They spoke about the 2024 program of events dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the legendary artist.

Kristina: The French side is preparing for the events. The statue of Charles Aznavour will be installed in France by 2024. The design is ready. There will be a concert and an exhibition. The issue of installing another statue in Armenia is being discussed with the Yerevan administration.

Ministry: We will cooperate with you with pleasure in implementing the program. The jubilee will be celebrated in Armenia as brightly as in France. We've also created a working group to implement Francophonie programs more effectively. The first meeting will be held on July 28, attended by the French ambassador.

Kristina: We are investing in the Yerevan State College of Culture and Art named after Charles Aznavour. The college is regularly holding master classes and inviting international specialists. Our goal is to open a path for children with great potential to global stages and contribute to the development of their talent.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1088797.html)

Gyumri is developing. They need more hotels... and you

Municipality: You are invited to attend the beer festival on August 20, and the Gyumri Day celebrations on August 27. People are already reserving hotels, so you should hurry.

The city has turned into a tourism center in recent years, but we still have many problems to solve: 2200 inhabited makeshift homes and 500 uninhabited, bad roads, and unemployment.

... what is being done?

▶︎ Large-scale road construction is underway. The ֏2b state-local subsidy programs include the renovation of 22 roads.

▶︎ Condos are receiving thermal insulation in Ani and Mush districts. New equipment has been acquired.

▶︎ The overhaul of the park and square near the station is nearing the end.

▶︎ 14 apartments will be renovated and given to homeless families for $0/mo.

▶︎ A new kindergarten is being built for 75 children. Others are being renovated.

▶︎ Companies are building hotels and condos. We receive many inquiries from businesses interested in building new hotels. We do need more, especially in the holidays.

... Gyumri is inviting you to celebrate Vardavar on Sunday

Գալը՝ քեզնից, ջուրը՝ մեզնից: Գյումրին մեծ տոնի է պատրաստվում: Նրանք, ովքեր այս շաբաթ-կիրակին պլանավորում են անցկացնել իրենց բնակավայրից դուրս, should ընտրել Գյումրին:

Քաղաքի յուրաքանչյուր այցելու մեզ համար հատուկ հյուր է, said the municipality.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088786.html) [article,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/241247)

the 2017 election fraud charges are dropped against several Gagik Tsarukyan party members after they "plead guilty" and used the statute of limitations

Over a dozen BHK members, including leader Tsarukyan, were charged with committing bribery in 2017. Tsarukyan was arrested and released on bail. The prosecutors recently dropped the charges against a dozen suspects, citing the statute of limitations.

Prosecutors: Tsarukyan himself is still facing charges but it could be dropped if he agrees to go through a similar process.

Reporter: If the suspect agrees for his charge to be dropped per the statute of limitation, that means he is accepting the guilt. Tsarukyan's lawyer said he will not accept this offer. //

Another BHK member was recently charged and [found guilty](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uoaifr/may122022_your_daily_news_digest_tsarukyan_party/) of bribing voters, this time during the 2021 elections.

[video,](https://youtu.be/W2lbe1ogZaA)

Turkish border guards did not take any Armenian shepherds hostage: Aragatsotn governor's office provides details

Read [Thursday news](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/w4qpxm/your_thursday_news_digest_from_armenia_jul212022/) digest for context and the village mayor's refutal of a report by opposition 186 outlet.

Governor's office: No Turk has entered the province, and no shepherd is a prisoner. We do not rule out that the false alarm was a plot by an insidious group. It's best to verify the news, especially about people's safety, before publishing it.

Russian border guards: The media publications about Turks crossing the AM-TR border are false.

Local officials: We don't know where the reports of 8 hostage shepherds and armed Turks traveling in the village came from. This is an apricot harvest season. Since we need more workforce, we hired residents from the nearby villages.

Three young workers, likely teenagers, separated from their parents and walked towards the border and attempted to cross it out of curiosity, without knowing about the existence of an alarm system. They rushed back after the alarm. The Russian guards rushed to the scene and shut down the area to investigate.

On the other side of the checkpoint, there is a large investor called Caucasus Agro. Many of our residents work there. They pass the area through a special permit [by Russian border guards]. The alarm incident coincided with the moment these workers were supposed to return home. Since the checkpoint was shut down at the exact time they were supposed to return, they thought the Turks did something. And since a herd was left on the other side, they thought the shepherds were being kept hostage. This is how the information evolved and spread through the speed of light. The NSS has identified the teenagers with the help of Russian guards.

Residents: We know every shepherd here. No one was held hostage. The situation is calm. Villagers are busy with their daily work.

[article,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/241214) [article,](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/301655/) [article,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/669067/արագածավանում-միջադեպ-եղել-է-բայց-գերի-ու-թուրք-չկա/) Tags: #FakeNews

Erdogan continues to receive criticism for the bombing in northern Iraq that killed several civilians

Turkey's opposition HDP party: The ruling AKP party carries political and legal responsibility for the attack. The parliament must convene an urgent meeting. Bombing civilian settlements is a crime against humanity and a war crime. Turkey is a direct party to international conventions prohibiting such attacks. This massacre is also an attack on the sovereignty of another state. Perpetrators and organizers must be held accountable.

Iraqi premier: This is a warning to Turkey. We have the right to take revenge. This attack was a violation of our sovereignty.

Armenia's Foreign Ministry: Our condolences to friendly Iraq and Iraqi people on the tragic death of civilians as a result of shelling in Zakho district. We strongly condemn violent acts against the civilian population and wish a speedy recovery to those injured. //

A Turkish military base in Kurdistan (northern Iraq) was targeted with at least 2 drones equipped with explosives today. One of them crashed, and the other was downed.

[article,](https://factor.am/536267.html) [article,](https://factor.am/536549.html) [article,](https://factor.am/536588.html)

what do producers say about the appreciation of dram, and depreciation of the dollar?

Armavir Fruit rep.: Our main export destination is the US. We export canned fruits and vegetables. The main problem is the fluctuation of the foreign currency and the appreciation of the dram. Thanks to the state assistance programs, people have started to build orchards and greenhouse farms. But the ongoing problems are transferred to farmers. We can't simply change the price for our US partners. We will lose our long-time partners. When the dollar drops by 20%, we operate at a loss when it comes to certain goods. We continue to export at a loss in order not to lose a market.

Spinnaker logistics firm: At the moment, all exporters suffer from the fluctuation of foreign currency. The dram appreciation, of course, is not something bad. But when it happens immediately, it is a problem. The prices in the field of cargo transportation are calculated in dollars.

Central Bank chief: We will not artificially depreciate dram because that would create a new wave of inflation that will impact all citizens, including exporters.

Armavir Fruit: The Upper Lars checkpoint is a major headache because of regular shutdowns. Armenian cargo trucks suffer greatly. We will soon have major agreements with Russian buyers, so it's going to get worse for us.

Spinnaker logistics: True. Upper Lars has always been bad, but this year the traffic is worse because of the flow of vehicles from other countries which cannot travel to Russia via Europe. We haven't exported apricot this year partly because we know we won't be able to quickly pass Georgia through these queues.

Government: To mitigate the problem of Lars, we'll subsidize ferry transfers via the Black Sea. It was expected to launch in June but the Dutch ferry company, the Poti port operator, has not granted permission yet and they have sanctions against Russia. [The government is negotiating with the other Black Sea port and a Philipino operator instead.]

Companies: The ferry transfer will mitigate the problem but it's a temporary solution.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1088781.html)

government plans to attract investors for use of uncultivated land

Economy Minister Kerobyan: A roadmap for land reform was recently presented to the Premier for approval. We launched a pilot program in 3 locations. The efforts aim to consolidate all uncultivated lands and make them available as a single land plot for large investors. We expect tangible progress by mid-2023.

There will also be a new program "investments in exchange for property and infrastructure". Details soon. //

[article,](http://arka.am/en/news/business/armenia_plans_to_attract_investors_for_use_of_uncultivated_land/)

roadmap is developed to make Armenia's investment sector safer, easier, profitable, and simpler

USAID representative: A roadmap for investment reforms has been developed based on the best international experience. The document embodies the best standards, adapted to the Armenian conditions. It is an action plan.

This roadmap can serve as a guide to direct foreign direct investments in Armenia. We are ready to help Armenia in implementing the plan. It was developed by Armenian and international experts.

We've seen big progress in Armenia in this area. "Armenia Business Enabling Environment Project" was launched in 2020 to address many issues.

Economy Minister Kerobyan: The guide's proposals are in line with the economic realities of our country and the government's priorities. We have big expectations from this document. Its successful implementation will give tangible results by ensuring the target figures outlined in the 2021-2026 action plan.

Armenian and foreign businesses must be informed that thanks to several serious reforms, doing business in Armenia is becoming easier and safer, procedures are simplified.

The Ministry participated in the entire process of developing the roadmap. Many issues were adjusted and aligned with our programs. The goal is to [presumably by 2024] to increase the investments to 25% of GDP, and the foreign direct investments to 6% of GDP (currently at 1.7%). //

[full video,](https://youtu.be/UCGzWMv4D5s) [article,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1088812.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088812.html)

European Parliament's Foreign Affairs chief visited Armenia

Speaker Alen Simonyan hosted David McAllister on Friday, and thanked the EP for the efforts aimed at strengthening the resilience of the region, noting the AM-EU understanding around humanitarian issues after the war. They spoke about AM-AZ relations, unblocking roads, borders, and a need for a UNESCO mission to Artsakh.

Pashinyan: The EU is one of the key partners in the effective implementation of Armenia's democratic agenda. Armenia is holding leading positions in Eastern Partnership in the fight against corruption, freedom of speech, electoral reforms, and other directions.

David McAllister: We welcome Armenia's ongoing democratic reforms in different areas. The EU will continue to provide support. //

McAllister met representatives of all three parliamentary political forces.

David McAllister: The discussions with our Armenian partners were very useful and allowed us to better understand the concerns that Armenia has around security and humanitarian issues. Real and sincere efforts are required to establish lasting peace. These efforts must be based on the political will and commitment to implement the agreements reached to date. The EU gives great importance to the entire South Caucasus.

We've expressed our opinion through several resolutions. In 2021 the EP adopted a resolution demanding Azerbaijan release Armenian POWs and captives without preconditions. And in March of this year, the EP adopted a resolution about the destruction of cultural heritage in Nagorno Karabakh.

Despite the international challenges, Armenia continues to carry out the ambitious domestic reforms agenda and the efforts toward the AM-EU CEPA agreement.

Reporter: If you care about human rights, why did you sign a gas deal with the Azeri regime that has committed numerous war crimes and continues to oppress domestic opposition?

David McAllister: The EU has no choice but to reduce reliance on Russian energy. We must diversify the sources by importing more from Algiers, Qatar, or Azerbaijan. This won't prevent us from raising human rights issues.

[video,](https://youtu.be/eckayWwmX78) [article,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1088805.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1088818.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088833.html) [article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088841.html) [article,](https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/RC-9-2022-0146_EN.html)

normalization of Armenia-Turkey diplomatic relations

Reporter: Yesterday a Turkish diplomat tied the AM-TR normalization efforts to Azerbaijan, with demands for a Zangezur corridor and a peace agreement between AM-AZ. Is this a violation of the agreement not to impose preconditions?

QP Aghajanyan: Not really. Turkey has always expressed those views, which we have never accepted. We have always stated that Turkey's words and actions don't always match. The AM-TR negotiations must continue without preconditions.

[video,](https://youtu.be/eckayWwmX78?t=588)

National Academy of Sciences organized a startup contest for young experts

[International Falling Walls Lab](https://falling-walls.com/lab/apply/armenia-2/): We are coming to Armenia. Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just three minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that creates a positive impact on science and society. //

Young Armenian scientists presented 7 innovative ideas during the Thursday meeting organized by NAS. The winner was Lilith Guroghlyan from "QaylTecհ" company, for presenting the "Rehabilitation Device". [mobility tech for wounded veterans and disabled people in general]

The runner-up was the NAS's Organic & Pharma Center, for presenting an innovative idea about "Preliminary Diagnosis of Cirrhosis".

Hovhannes Manushyan took third place with "Prekog.ai", an automated crypto trading system.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088802.html)

Armenian students won 2 bronze medals during the 18th International Geography Olympiad

That's 1 extra bronze compared to last year. Are you smart enough to locate Kiribati without Googling? I thought so...

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088809.html)

cost-friendly experimental preschool program will be implemented in several villages

The kindergarten in Tsaghkunk (Sevan, Gegharkunik) is being renovated as part of the efforts to implement a new preschool education program in 5 villages of Sevan.

Official: The government and UNICEF are working on a program that will allow villages that lack resources to provide the necessary education. The idea is to form classrooms with 10-15 children aged 3-6, without an age division. They will attend 3-5 hours a day, 5 days a week, free of charge.

After the merger of villages with Sevan, a contract was signed with UNICEF (funded by the EU). The teachers are being retrained to gain skills on how to organize the games and education effectively. //

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088807.html)

Armenia and Ethiopia discussed cooperation

Education Ministry hosted the Ethiopian ambassador (residence in Moscow).

Minister: Ethiopia is a key country in Africa. There are favorable conditions to develop our relations, thanks to the small but influential Armenian community, as well as the educational cooperation dating back to USSR.

Ambassador: Let's discuss education and sports cooperation. Our universities can exchange students and staff. We hope more Ethiopian students will have the opportunity to study in Armenian universities.

Minister: You are invited to attend the [STARMUS science festival](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/w32hbf/your_tuesday_news_digest_from_armenia_jul192022/) on September 5.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088830.html)

Armenian tennis player's hotel room reportedly robbed in Hamburg

Karen Khachanov, an Armenian tennis star representing Russia, defeated his Italian opponent yesterday during the Hamburg tournament, but lost the match against the Spaniard today.

The Russian media reports that Khachanov's hotel room was robbed and even the safe was broken into. The German authorities are trying to find the thieves.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088814.html) [article,](https://firstsportz.com/tennis-news-they-pulled-everything-out-of-the-safe-karen-khachanov-robbed-from-hotel-room-in-hamburg/)

apparently Armenian villagers love driving without license plates

Police: We understand that some cars are being used for transporting farming materials, but they still need a license plate to drive on public roads.

Last year we detected 11.7k such vehicles, and 5k in the first half of this year. The cars will be impounded regardless of the excuse. //

[video,](https://youtu.be/7hWTTdtD1Ps)

renovations begin in Yerevan's saddest-looking park | PHOTOS

Soviets built a park in the Malatia-Sebastia district in 1985, dedicated to the 40th anniversary of WW2 victory. Its fountains operated regularly until the early 2000s. The infrastructure has since deteriorated. Recently the municipality approved a plan to renovate the fountains and alleys.

[Before and after photos,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/241253) [article,](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/tf1dgd/mar152022_yerevan_to_acquire_trolleys_european/)

aren't you a good citizen?

[video](https://youtu.be/Uyt6MAeyuck?t=3)

top-10 bestseller children's books in June

5) Հայկական հեքիաթներ, a collection of Armenian fairy tales.

4) Շաղգամը, by Atabek Khnkoyan.

3) Coraline, by Neil Gaiman.

2) Ով է ապրում տնակում, by Vladimir Suteyev.

1) Harry Potter and the Order or the Phoenix, by the canceled lady.

[article,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1088779.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/w5k1ip/your_friday_news_digest_from_armenia_jul222022/