2022 June 13

Daily news wrap-up

Jun/13/2022. Your daily news digest \\ Interview w/ Artsrun: past & present army reforms \\ Interview w/ Edmon Marukyan: Artsakh \\ Pashinyan signs agreements w/ Qatar \\ Inflation & potato prices \\ "Cheap" Kazakh oil products \\ Mayor & subway boss busted \\ Meghri to finally get gas? \\ And more
by ar_david_hh

---

Your Saturday-Monday digest in 22 minutes and 5544 words. It's long, but you can take it.

interview with military expert Artsrun Hovhannisyan about past and present army reforms, half-assed NATO model of the past

Read the context about the ongoing army reforms in [January 6th news digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/v6jge2/jun62022_daily_news_digest_major_army_reforms/).

Reporter: The Government has approved the reforms. The CoGS is set to become a Deputy Defense Minister, while the military procurement will be exclusively handled by Defense Ministry. CoGS used to be the Deputy Minister in the past but it was changed. What's the difference now?

Artsrun: After 2007-2008, when the CoGS separated and became independent while MOD became the civilian wing, that was a pseudo-reform. What we did, in reality, was make a mess in an attempt to implement the NATO model. It created positions for specific preferred individuals.

Soon, with the CoGS becoming a deputy MOD, which by the way is closer to the Russian model, it will address crucial issues we faced during the war. It will benefit in the short and medium term.

We will see the biggest benefit in the procurement process. Every honest army official will tell you today how disastrous it has been to let the CoGS's institute handle procurement. They are not economists. The job of a general is to dream about weapons, write the list, and hand it over to the government. Let the government figure out how and where to buy them.

Every MOD in our modern history has dreamed about separating the procurement process from CoGS, but there have been dark forces that always prevented them. I won't go into details. It appears we will finally achieve that.

However, in the long-term, the CoGS being a MOD deputy could cause problems. Right now it's a good solution. I would much rather have the classic U.S. model, but not the broken "Armenified" model we implemented earlier.

Our largest force with firepower is the artillery. To this day, the head of the artillery department is not a deputy CoGS. This is absurd.

Another example. When we took the NATO model in 2008, we introduced the strategic planning department. Any graduate knows that strategic planning has a higher status than operative planning. In USSR the brain was the operative department. So what we did was we took the strategic planning and made it a subordinate to operative planning.

Reporter: Did the existing army model cause problems in the 2020 war? There didn't seem to be one army commander. We had Armenian MOD, Armenian CoGS, Artsakh army chiefs. What was the impact of this?

Artsrun: It absolutely did have a big negative impact. It was made worse with the Constitutional reform of 2017. It placed everything on CoGS' shoulders. The MOD's functions became completely unclear during a war.

Reporter: Should the army have one command center?

Artsrun: During a war, yes, if you don't have a very good quality military education system and very good officers. It's Stalin vs Wehrmacht. You need a "strict" management system. But once you raise a good generation and train good officer Corps, it's a different topic. Our generals are not properly educated.

Reporter: Do you support the new army reforms?

Artsrun: Yes.

Artsrun recalls battles from the 2020 war:

20,000-member Azeri army launched an attack against 1,500-strong Armenian forces in the 9th defense district, on September 27th. The enemy and its artillery attacked not the 9th defense in its entirety, but just the two rightmost wings, if you count from Araks River. We're talking about an attack against 500-700 Armenians here.

500 people resisted a 20,000 army for a week. There was a 1,5km retreat but the frontline was not cracked until October 4th. The opponent lost around 80 tanks here, with 64 being destroyed by our soldiers and the rest by other means like landmines. Their marks are still visible on satellite images.

We had positions here with each having 7 soldiers. Azeris used 10 tanks against each position. In other words, the enemy brought more tanks than the number of soldiers we had. And despite the Harop and Smerch attacks from the side, our soldiers repelled these attacks.

Moreover, at least on two occasions, wounded battalion commanders launched a counterattack and temporarily recaptured some positions. They had to retreat on the 8th day. They received no substantial support because anyone who came for aid decided "not to stay". The mobilized soldiers were not effective and could not be as effective as the regular army soldiers.

These are my 300 Spartans who were martyred. Over 10% of all casualties here were officers. They spiled the enemy's plans. It led to the firing of Azeri CoGS Sadykov. Moreover, the commander of Azerbaijan's 4th Army Corps did not receive a congratulation from Aliyev during his speech about "liberated villages". He only congratulated Barkhudarov. He also did not congratulate Akperov, who was arrested after the war. They failed the original mission against our 9th defense.

Let's start by asking why our 9th region was not already in "defense mode" on September 27. This must be investigated. //

[video](https://youtu.be/yIu3ElfXTtQ)

Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises organized a military training for members

Several Armenian tech companies are part of the UATE union. With the help of the High-Tech Ministry, around 200 employees from member companies gathered last week for shooting exercises and basic military training.

The participants brought high-tech solutions during the training. The goal is to assess the sector's ability to develop the army reserves, within the framework of the comprehensive security and protection system of Armenia.

[video](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085808.html)

interview with ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan

Reporter: You recently visited Artsakh to hold meetings, but the opposition parties said you didn't want to meet and answer their questions.

Marukyan: I agreed to meet the parliamentary parties. Some of them were busy. As for ARF, they said they would discuss the offer to meet and inform me later. Then they probably received an instruction from Yerevan to reject the meeting and organize a picket instead.

As for Vitali Balasanyan's party, I met one MP who urged me to meet the young people who were picketing outside. I agreed, but under the condition that I would answer their questions without being recorded. They disagreed. They wanted to record the event and publish it.

This is only helping Azerbaijan. Let's say I'm in Artsakh and I make certain statements while there, about the upcoming negotiation process. That could obviously be used to organize a provocation on the border. The activists who wanted this provocation to happen aren't the ones protecting the borders. They never cared about having a thorough discussion. They were just following orders from Yerevan. These young activists don't realize what they are doing. Their leaders won't let them have an honest conversation with us. Had they agreed to meet to discuss, they would realize their leaders have been lying to them.

... ARF leader Ishkhan Saghatelyan claims the government "will soon hand over" Artsakh's Berdzor and Aghavno with the construction of the new corridor road

Giving the current Lachin corridor in exchange for a newly built one is literally one of the November 9 agreement paragraphs. ARF supports the implementation of this agreement. So why are they manipulating now by presenting this process as a "new concession"? No new concessions have been made since November 9. The November 9 agreement says a new corridor will be built between Armenia and Artsakh, with the new road to be ready within 3 years. The Russian peacekeeper outposts will be moved to the new corridor.

... how will the new "simplified" unblocked roads work between Armenia and Azerbaijan?

Last year Azerbaijan was trying to get a sovereign corridor through Syunik, under the threats of forcefully opening one if Armenia refused. The Armenian side fought against it and did not allow that to happen. Now the discussion is about using each other's roads in a simplified way while preserving sovereignty.

The "simplified" terms are yet to be discussed. What is placed and where we place, the passport and customs checkpoints, all will be discussed. Our stance is that Armenia will use Azeri roads under the same conditions as Azeris using Armenian roads.

... will Azerbaijan transfer cargo to-from Turkey as well?

It's yet to be discussed, but one thing I can tell you is that for many years Armenians have been told the false propaganda that Armenia's purpose is to be a "wedge between the Turkish world", to prevent them from "uniting the Turkish world", and other absurd propaganda.

Armenia's purpose should not be to make Turkish cotton less competitive in the world markets by forcing it to travel longer distances. The communications should open and Armenia should economically benefit from it.

... but the issue is not just economic, it's also geopolitical

That's what I'm saying. There has been excessive propaganda about "geopolitics". The Turkish world has alternatives. Countries should not close borders and ports for each other.

... could Azerbaijan build a gas pipe to Turkey via Syunik?

The Azeri side has not raised this topic during negotiations but it could be discussed in the future. When you normalize relations, you can build everything, including a gas pipeline, as long as it's mutually beneficial. //

[video](https://youtu.be/RoPf4-tInig)

Pashinyan delegation arrives in Qatar on an official visit to sign several agreements

The delegation included a deputy PM, the Yerevan mayor, ministers, and university rectors.

... agreements were signed

The delegation met Emir Tamim and Premier Khalid and signed several documents:

▶︎ Foreign ministries will hold political consultations.

▶︎ Armenia's ArmenPress news agency and Qatari national media agency [will cooperate](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085882.html). Arabic translation, exchange of media resources, etc.

▶︎ Yerevan and Doha will be sister cities.

▶︎ Education and healthcare ministries will cooperate in research, education, and healthcare.

▶︎ Yerevan State University and Qatar University will cooperate.

▶︎ Tourism.

... Emir of Qatar accepts Pashinyan's invitation to visit Armenia

Emir: Welcome to Qatar. We highly value the friendly relations and mutual trust between our states. We should strengthen bilateral cooperation in different areas.

Pashinyan: Thanks for the warm welcome. The visit will give a new impetus to AM-QA cooperation. There is great potential. We are ready to help Qatari investors.

... Premier of Qatar hosted Pashinyan delegation

Pashinyan: We're inviting the Qatari business community to Armenia to discuss with their Armenian counterparts the possibilities of implementing joint investment programs.

... Pashinyan visited Qatar Foundation and Qatar Science & Tech Park

They discussed opportunities for cooperation in the education field.

... Pashinyan meet the CEO of the Qatar Investment Authority

They discussed joint programs in water resource management, agriculture, energy, and high-tech. Pashinyan spoke about the Government priorities in these directions and the existing projects. They invited Qatar to join the projects.

... Armenia and Qatar sign a healthcare cooperation agreement

Experience and knowledge exchange, direct contacts between medical centers, healthcare reforms, increasing standards, medical tourism, preventative care, medicine and research.

... "Academic City"

Last year Pashinyan shared an idea to move several universities from Yerevan to a new Academic City for students. The reason is that "many of our universities have a problem with the physical environment not meeting the modern standards of higher education."

Education Minister last year: We are determined to implement this idea. The education system must have conditions appropriate to modern standards. There should be modern classrooms, dormitory, sports and food centers, library, leisure zone, etc. This will be a difficult large-scale project so I can't give ETA. We need large investments. //

The idea of Academic City was discussed during the official visit to Qatar.

Deputy PM Matevosyan: As you know, the Government plan envisages an Academic City or technological centers. Qatar has this experience. We were able to learn more during the trip to Qatar's Science and Tech Center. Qatari officials will visit Armenia.

... Armenia is negotiating with Qatar Airways to get a discount on cargo transfers

Minister Kerobyan: We signed a cooperation memorandum with Qatar Airways. We will negotiate for a cargo transport discount. If successful, our country will have new opportunities.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085785.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085817.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085833.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085836.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085852.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085854.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085858.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085862.html)

diasporan aviation expert Revazyan departs after 4 years in office

Tatevik Revazyan: It's time to leave on a positive note. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve for 4 years. I'm proud of our team's accomplishments, especially for the steps taken toward strengthening aviation safety. The results will be visible very soon. [Armenia recently signed an aviation agreement with the EU to address the longstanding quality problems.]

The Civil Aviation has undergone very serious reforms and modernization processes in recent years. The industry has been placed on the right path to have higher safety standards.

When I joined the agency in 2018, the biggest goal was to make Armenia more attractive to investors. Without COVID, the expected growth was going to put Armenia on the list of countries with the highest growth rates in the world.

At the same time, I wanted Armenia to have a competitive and safe national carrier. The announcement about "Fly Arna" was an important event. The partnership with Air Arabia brought the know-how for a safe and competitive carrier.

On a personal note, I plan to return to the private sector. Giving birth to two children did not prevent me from continuing my career, and I encourage other women to preserve theirs. Motherhood and leadership are deeply interrelated. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085816.html)

FlyOne Armenia low-coster will launch regular Yerevan-Beirut flights on June 16

FlyOne: This is an important event for us. It is an opportunity to connect our two friendly nations, and to provide more travel opportunities for tourists, businesses, and our Armenian community of Lebanon. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085744.html)

Central Bank about inflation and geopolitics:

It was 9% in May. It will decrease towards the end of the year if [no new countries are invaded in Europe].

The 9% inflation is quite high. That means the inflation for basic necessities was even higher. The inflation in Armenia was lower than in our partner countries and neighboring countries.

Փոխարժեքի շուկա. The Central Bank has purchased 100 million USD this year so far to help stabilize the market. The exchange rate is influenced by free supply and demand. If we go against our principles and artificially depreciate the dram, Armenia would face another wave of inflation.

Instead, we need to implement sectoral policies. The sectors of the economy that suffer in situations like these should receive assistance. It could be done through state subsidies and tax reductions. The additional tax revenues associated with inflation could be used to address the problems.

... home come the dram appreciated, yet the prices did not adjust?

1) At this stage, while the exchange rate appreciated, the international prices of goods have drastically increased. For example, wheat is all-time high because of the Russia-Ukraine war. There is a very big increase in international prices of first essentials.

2) Exporters face transportation problems.

The inflation will remain high in the coming months due to geopolitics. But according to our forecasts, the 9% will further increase in coming months, before decreasing at the end of the year, if nothing extraordinary happens. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085807.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085807.html) [video](https://youtu.be/NYEm19MV9mI) [video](https://youtu.be/3mtytVqsme4?t=15)

why does a kilogram of potato cost more than your kidney?

Last year it was ֏200. Today the minimum for a fresh potato is ֏500.

Farmer: That's because the cost of planting and harvesting 1 hectare of potato has gone from ֏1.6m to ֏3m since last year.

Fertilizer and seed prices are up, diesel has doubled. So of course we are going to have a potato problem. There was also an irrigation problem that led to Shirak farmers closing a road; the Karnut reservoir was empty.

Even after the ֏9k subsidy from the state to purchase fertilizer, we have to pay ֏13k for a bag. It used to cost ֏7k without a subsidy.

Diesel was ֏300 then and ֏700 now. Euro went from ֏540 to ֏460. //

[article](https://factor.am/521494.html)

can Armenia do anything about the traffic jams on the Georgia-Russia border that endangers Armenian goods and their competitiveness?

The government recently approved a subsidy plan to pay Armenian businesses to use the Black Sea to reach Russia, instead of the Upper Lars border checkpoint. That's only a temporary solution that will go into effect soon. The reason Upper Lars is so bad right now is that the war in Ukraine has shifted a large portion of Black Sea transfers to land.

Economy Minister Kerobyan was dispatched to the Upper Lars checkpoint where he met Russia's Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov.

... the situation requires immediate action: Minister Kerobyan

Kerobyan: It takes 20-30 days for Armenian trucks to pass the Georgian part of the checkpoint. They transport goods that are necessary for Russian companies and consumers. The jams are only going to get worse because the agricultural season has begun.

... they are rebuilding the checkpoint to increase the capacity

It accepted 4.3 million tons of cargo last year. To address the jams, they are building new terminals to increase the capacity.

2,500 vehicles will pass every day, with the ability to bring it to 3,000. Compare that to 900 trucks today. (Ներկայումս օրական բաց է թողնվում միջինը 800-1000 բեռնատար ավտոմեքենա` օրական 400 ավտոմոբիլային միջոցի ընդհանուր անձնագրային հնարավորության պայմաններում)

... revamping the checkpoint is a key condition for strengthening economic cooperation between Russia and Armenia: Minister Reshetnikov

Reshetnikov: We all understand the importance of increasing its capacity. That's why the construction work is done without stopping the flow. The construction company promises it will be ready by Q3 2022.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085813.html) [video](https://youtu.be/FMd52D9kdUA)

2021 budget performance report is approved by the parliamentary committee

Finance Minister presents last year's stats: The economic growth was 5.7%, against the initial 3.2% prediction.

Tax revenues were ֏1.587t, around ֏147b more than planned. Expenditures were ֏2.004t.

Tax revenues were 22.7% of the GDP. That's 0.3% better than in 2020.

The performance in terms of expenditures has been very close to 100%, and the actual performance of capital expenditures has been 92.3% to the adjusted plan. This is the highest in the past 4-5 years.

After the high debt increase in 2020, we attempted to reduce it in 2021. The ratio went from 63.5% to 60.3%. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085810.html)

the last 3 years have seen a tremendous upward trend in the bilateral relations between India and Armenia: Inda's ambassador

Ambassador Dewal: The IN-AM relations have improved to great extent in the past 30 years, but the last 3 years have seen a tremendous upward trend in all spheres, especially in politics.

It's great that the two countries have been actively exchanging high-level visits. This includes FM Mirzoyan's very successful recent visit to India and Indian FM's 2021 visit to Armenia.

The Indian visit was historical because it was the first-ever visit of Indian FM to Armenia, while the Armenian visit was the first in 12 years. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085837.html)

update: authorities solve the robbery case involving an Indian homeowner and $90,000

Last week we learned that a handyman was called to fix a gas boiler. A week later he returned with a friend and a gun, tied the Indian homeowner, and stole $90,000.

Authorities today: There were also 29yo and 22yo participants. The latter has agreed to turn himself in and confess to the crime. As for the 29yo, he was apprehended and taken to the police station. //

[article](https://factor.am/521890.html)

anti-corruption: authorities press criminal charges against the ex-mayor of Araks over alleged land abuse

Authorities report: The 2016-2021 mayor of Araks (Armavir) intentionally allowed land abuse. The mayor knew about illegal mining activities in several locations but allowed them to proceed, leading to soil degradation. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085848.html)

anti-corruption: prosecutors ask the court to confiscate properties belonging to the former director of Yerevan subway

Prosecutors report: A petition was filed to confiscate several properties from ex-director Paylak Yoyloyan and 5 family members. The properties include:

▶︎ 7 apartments in Yerevan and property assets in Arinj (Kotayk). These are worth ֏702.5m ($1.6m).

▶︎ Two lands in Jrvezh (Kotayk), a garage in Yerevan, and two buildings in Yerevan. These are worth ֏︎535.7 ($1.2m).

▶︎ 3 vehicles worth ֏︎27.7m.

▶︎ Shares from 2 companies.

▶︎ Another ֏︎272.2m in financial resources, the legal origins of which cannot be explained by the director's and his sons' income. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085806.html)

Armenia and Lithuania discussed cooperation in electronic governance and high-tech

High-Tech Minister Khachatryan hosted Lithuania's ambassador Tolochkiene to discuss Lithuania's digitization experience and the expansion of cooperation with Armenia.

They also spoke about sending delegations to take part in tech conferences, the Engineering City program in Yerevan, etc.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085842.html)

court sentences two opposition activists to 3-6 years for attack on government building during the riots of November 10, 2020

Anri Sedoyan will serve 3 years (prosecutors asked 7) and pay a $1,000 fine (prosecutors asked $4,000). Karen Marutyan will serve 6 years (prosecutors asked 8).

The two were found guilty of rioting and damaging property, illegally entering several government rooms, and stealing property. Sedoyan had given a partial confession.

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238878)

verdict: pro-Western opposition figure has to apologize to pro-Russian opposition figure

A few years ago Armen Babajanyan said "Arthur Vanetsyan was sold to Russian special services." Vanetsyan sued for defamation and the court has just ruled in his favor, according to Vanetsyan's ally.

[article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300856/)

ranking parliamentary official about the decision to remove the "heavy insult" from the felony code

[On Friday the Justice Minister said](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/v9gjgx/jun102022_your_daily_news_digest_heavy_insult/) that under the advice of the Executive branch, the heavy insults will no longer be part of the new Criminal Code, and that insults will continue to be regulated by the Civil Code.

Reporter: Why?

QP MP Vardanyan: If you remember the earlier discussions, we said that this was going to be a temporary measure to more or less address hate during last year's extreme times.

It never made into the new criminal code. The new criminal code was adopted in 2021. The heavy insult wasn't in it. It was never meant to be in it. I made that suggestion as a co-author.

Reporter: So you didn't remove it because of international pressure?

MP: No.

Reporter: Why drop the law? Has the situation improved?

MP: Look at online discussions in early 2021 and now. It's not even comparable.

Reporter: What happens to the pending criminal cases?

MP: They will be dropped. We are also reversing some COVID-related criminal acts because that, too, was an emergency at the time. Now that it no longer is, keeping these restrictions would constitute an unacceptable restriction of freedoms. //

[video](https://factor.am/521990.html), [article](https://youtu.be/HH6lcm9iZ9Y)

Pashinyan traveled through Ararat province where he met residents and visited construction sites

▶︎ [In Deghdzut](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085749.html) he visited the construction site of an energy-efficient modular school for 120 students, worth ֏799m. The surrounding area and the school's equipment inventory will be revamped.

Pashinyan: Don't forget you can get a 30%-50% salary raise if you're a teacher and you choose to take a certification exam. We already have teachers earning ֏450k ($1,000). Please prepare and take the certification exam so we can sleep better knowing our teachers are being paid well. //

▶︎ [In Verin Dvin](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085759.html) he [visited](https://youtu.be/ze7pjCZRzw4?t=41) the construction site of Berdik-Aygestan road (֏360m), and an agricultural refrigeration facility built by a private company with the help of state subsidies. The ֏300m subsidy was provided as part of an April-December [agricultural leasing program](https://mineconomy.am/page/1349).

▶︎ A company is building a $1.2m entertainment center with a pool in Verin Dvin.

▶︎ In Aygezard, Pashinyan visited a ֏44m park that was renovated recently with the help of state subsidies. Soccer, tennis, and basketball fields were built nearby. He spoke with locals and visited a shooting range.

▶︎ Ayntap-Mkhchyan-Artashat-Aygevan road is being rebuilt as part of a ֏1.699b project. The Yeghegnavan-Aygevan road will be ready by November (֏259m).

▶︎ In Ararat, Pashinyan visited a newly rebuilt park that comes with new alleys, a fountain, an amphitheater, and an irrigation network. (֏100m)

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085760.html) [video](https://youtu.be/cCEZvnPm1Yc) [video](https://youtu.be/gl0rQaZ1nps?t=311)

every community in Shoghakat municipality will soon have street lighting

Mayor's office: We've launched a ֏25m project co-financed by the federal and local agencies. Hundreds of LED lamps will be installed in the villages that form the municipality.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085860.html)

the road near Yerevan's Tsitsernakaberd memorial opens after renovations

It collapsed last month because of rain and alleged violations by a company that was building a house near the road.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085885.html)

PHOTO: every driver's worst nightmare

Imagine driving your Mercedes behind a trolleybus when the bigass trolley pole gets detached and falls on your windshield. A driver in Yerevan was taken to hospital and underwent surgery after the pole pieced through the glass.

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238774)

PHOTO: mama deers gave birth to fawns in Yerevan Zoo

[photos](https://factor.am/522099.html)

VIDEO: someone recorded a couple of bear cubs playing on a road near the Kajaran mine

[video](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238784)

VIDEO: accident at Kavart mine in Syunik flooded the streets of Kapan with orange water

The mine was abandoned years ago. The leaks have become a regular occurrence, complain the residents.

[video](https://youtu.be/fXLeJBIA1Ik?t=4) [article](https://www.ecolur.org/hy/news/mining/13032/)

authorities find no evidence of high number of dead moles in Dilijan park

A few weeks ago rumors began spreading on social media that moles are dying in Dilijan Park en masse. Nature inspectors dispatched a team to investigate.

They couldn't find any dead moles. The residents are asked to take a photo and write down the location of the dead animal should they encounter one.

[article](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/06/13/«Դիլիջան»-ազգային-պարկի-տարածքում-որևէ-անկած-խլուրդ-չի-գտնվել-ՇՄՆ/741270)

PHOTO: Charles Aznavour Museum in Yerevan will allow visitors to feel the legendary singer's spirit in every corner

Director and daughter Kristina Aznavour: The Museum should be a living, interactive structure with modern solutions that will allow guests to feel Aznavour's presence. There will be classes for music, filmmaking, and French. There will be a recording studio.

The idea was born while Charles was still around. Երբ զրուցում էինք այդ թեմայով, Ազնավուրն ասաց, որ ուզում է նվեր անել իր հայրենիքին այնպիսի բան, որից մարդիկ կարողանան օգտվել: Այդպես էլ առաջացավ կենտրոնի ստեղծման գաղափարը:

... not your average museum

We wanted to leave the classic museum format, it’s not so interesting now. The Aznavour Museum will be interactive and living, Charles will accompany the visitor from hall to hall, by telling his life story via an audio guide recorded by himself.

The scenography of the Museum is ready, the archival works have also been completed. We are planning to start the construction soon to make the building in accordance with the new concept. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085799.html)

popular Armenian actor [Rafael Kotanjyan](https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0467619/) passed away

People’s Artist of Armenia Rafael Kotanjyan has passed away at the age of 79. He worked on the television in Yerevan, the Drama Theater, and starred in films including “Chaos,” “Diamond Hand,” “Foreign Games,” “Countess de Monsoro,” “For Honor”, "Mer Bake" comedy, and elsewhere.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085792.html) [article](https://en.armradio.am/2022/06/13/armenian-actors-rafael-kotanjyan-dies-aged-81/)

PHOTOS: Nobel Prize winner Ardem Patapoutian visited Armenia

Context in [June 7 news digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/v791gf/jun72022_your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia/). Molecular biologist and neuroscientist Patapoutian visited Synopsys Armenia where he met industry members and President Khachaturyan.

They toured the company, learned about its programs, and held a discussion relating to challenges in the IT and science sectors.

President Khachaturyan: We move to science and high tech. We have no other option. The Diaspora should also participate in the change of our life. I think this is the best example of how it is possible to become famous in the world with science. We do not have resources, but we could be represented to the world with our knowledge. [referring to Patapoutian's achievents]

Patapoutian: Thanks for the warm welcome. I feel at home here. One day I fell in love with science and I can say that if you do something, you should love it.

Synopsys's Musayelyan: World-famous figures don't forget about their roots and that they grew up in an Armenian family. For the first time, an Armenian scientist is receiving the Nobel Prize. I would not exaggerate if I said that this success is one of our national achievements.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085830.html)

PHOTO: authorities removed a kiosk installed illegally next to a popular tourist destination "Symphony of Stones"

The Nature Ministry received complaints from residents. The kiosk was removed on Saturday.

[article](https://factor.am/521625.html)

PHOTO: Yerevan municipality finally cleans the "Ձկան խանութի" underground pedestrian passageway

Residents [have long complained](https://youtu.be/Xp0OcnREg3c) about dirt and piss in the passageway located at the intersection of St. Grigor Lusavorich and Mashtots. It has been washed.

The Northern Avenue pedestrian boulevard was [also swept](https://video-sjc3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t42.1790-2/286558710_296975029226577_1679073516666764594_n.mp4?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=985c63&efg=eyJybHIiOjUxNiwicmxhIjo1MTIsInZlbmNvZGVfdGFnIjoic3ZlX3NkIn0%3D&_nc_ohc=ea3bxOoW2SgAX_zBsU_&rl=516&vabr=287&_nc_ht=video-sjc3-1.xx&edm=AGo2L-IEAAAA&oh=00_AT9MiLWKR7c69dkShfpYTepZRBkWCVS48SUbOQrmxQmIrA&oe=62A7BD47).

[article](https://factor.am/521754.html) [article](https://factor.am/521768.html)

Armenian company acquires gold mine project in Russia abandoned by a European company after Ukraine war

A new Armenian company "Far East Gold" has acquired a gold mining project developing the waste dumps in Transbaikalia and an operating gold mine on the Kuril Islands (KurilGeo), owned previously by the Solway Investment Group. The latter is based in Switzerland. They left Russia in early March.

>Kurilgeo is one of the top 35 Russian gold companies that produced 1.23 tons of gold in 2021

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

Kazakh president signs into law an agreement to export tariff-free oil products to Armenia

The governments of Armenia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement in 2020. It was recently ratified by Kazakh Senate. The president has just signed it.

Kazakhstan will export oil products to Armenia without customs duties, under the condition that it will be used by Armenia's domestic industry, and not for exports with intent to resell.

The agreement will be valid until December 31, 2024. It will be automatically extended for 5 years unless one side terminates it.

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

the residents of Meghri (Syunik) are literally a step away from gas giant Iran, yet they don't have gas?

Meghri residents were excited about the possibility of finally having gas when presidents Kocharyan and Ahmadinejad marked the opening ceremony of the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline. It didn't reach their homes, however.

Iran later paid $2m to help install gas pipes in Meghri. The pipes are there, but the gas is still missing. Delivery design efforts resumed in 2020.

Minister Sanosyan this year: By 2017, Meghri had gas pipes with 90% coverage, and Agarak at 10%. In 2018 Meghri mayor sent a letter to GasProm promising they would install "gas deflectors" that are necessary for switching on the gas. The municipality, to this, hasn't done so.

Seeing that the efforts had stalled, we organized a ֏280m program in 2021. It will be ready by late-2022. Our compatriots in Meghri, Agarak, and Lehvaz will finally have gas by the end of this year. //

[article](https://civilnet.am/news/664659/մեղրի-ինչպես-խողովակաշարը-հասավ-իսկ-գազը՝-ոչ/)

PHOTO: Nature Ministry injects Lake Sevan with baby fish to boost the population

They dumped 16,000 summer trout and 150,000 Gegharkunik trout into two rivers that pour into the lake. The goal is to address the trout population that has been on the decline for years.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085846.html)

ah shit, here we go again

A tourist, this time from Russia, got lost, this time on Mt. Aragats. The emergency department received a call on Sunday about a 20yo tourist drifting away from the group and losing his way back. The tourist was found two hours later.

[article](https://factor.am/521792.html)

UEFA Nations League: current standings after suffering 3:0 defeat from Ukraine

Ukraine 6pts, Ireland 3pts (+1 GD), Scotland 3pts (-1 GD), Armenia 3pts (-4 GD).

There are still many games left, but if the teams finish with equal points, their head-to-head record will be used to separate them. If they still remain tied, the goal difference (GD) will be used.

... we don't have a majic wand: coach Caparros ahead of Scotland match

Coach: Ֆուտբոլում զարմանալի ոչինչ չկա, բայց շատ կարևոր է նաև այն մարզադաշտը, որտեղ խաղն ընթանում է: Մեզ հետ նույն խմբում ընդգրկված են ուժեղ թիմեր: Մենք կախարդական փայտիկ չունենք, որ ստանանք ցանկանալի արդյունքը: Գիտակցում ենք, որ Շոտլանդիայի հավաքականը հզոր թիմ է և ֆիզիկապես շատ լավ պատրաստված: Սակայն անելու ենք հնարավոր ամեն ինչ, ցանկալի հաշիվ գրանցելու համար:

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085766.html) [article](https://www.si.com/fannation/soccer/futbol/news/uefa-nations-league-2022-23-fixtures-format-sorting-rules) [article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022%E2%80%9323_UEFA_Nations_League) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085859.html)

Pan-Armenian Summer Games will be held in August 2023

The executive body, consisting of diasporans from around the world, held a meeting today. The opening ceremony of the tournament will take place in Gyumri, while the closing ceremony and final matches in Yerevan.

The Winter Games will be held in 2024 in Tsakhkadzor.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085826.html)

the presidents of world soccer authorities FIFA and UEFA will visit Armenia

Infantino and Čeferin will take part in a June 15-16 ceremony dedicated to the 30th anniversary of Armenia's soccer federation.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085840.html)

EuroNews: Forget France, Armenia is the hub of winemaking history. >!<-- see that period right there?!<

EuroNews: When you think of wine, you think of France, Italy, or California [no I do not]. But you are missing out on one of the oldest winemaking regions. With an 8,000-year history, Armenia has wine-cred by the bottle-load.

A new Armenian wine museum is located 30km from Yerevan, in the heart of the country’s winemaking territory. The museum is built deep into the surrounding basalt rock and as you go underground, you feel as if you’re entering a giant wine cellar. //

Continue and see the images in [original article](https://www.euronews.com/culture/2022/06/08/forget-france-armenia-is-the-hub-of-winemaking-history).

Armenian wine was presented in London Wine Fair

The event was held last week. Armenia's ambassador visited the Armenian pavilion at the festival. A dozen different Armenian wines were presented for the first time.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085754.html)

in case you missed

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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/vbo6zh/jun132022_your_daily_news_digest_interview_w/