2022 June 16

Daily news wrap-up

Jun/16/2022 news __ 5G in Artsakh, $10m telecom investment __ Railway link with Iran __ Modernizing Meghri checkpoint __ Card > cash __ $103m projects in Shirak __ Nobel Prize winner Patapoutian donates his award __ Hundreds of new soccer fields in provinces __ Resistance movement __ Russia news
by ar_david_hh

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13 minutes. 3360 words.

Parliament speaker Alen Simonyan met Iran's president Raisi

This is Simonyan's first official visit to Irian. During the meeting with Raisi, they spoke about the centuries-long friendship and cultural ties, and economic projects.

... establishing a railway link between Armenia and Iran is one of the most important topics on our agenda: Alen Simonyan

Simonyan: տարածաշրջանային տրանսպորտային հաղորդակցությունների զարգացման համատեքստում Իրանի հետ Հայաստանի երկաթուղային կապի հաստատումը մեր օրակարգային կարեւորագույն հարցերի շարքում է: //

They also spoke about the need to protect Armenian cultural monuments in Artsakh and the efforts to establish peace in the region.

Raisi: We are friends in difficult times. On happy days everyone can be on your side, but the real friendship is shown in times of difficulty.

Simonyan: We recently formed a parliamentary group tasked with simplifying laws in order to promote the Armenia-Iran agenda.

Raisi: I have instructed my staff to come up with proposals to further strengthen ties with Armenia.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086119.html) [article](https://www.armenpress.am/eng/news/1086064/)

Armenia will soon completely revamp the border checkpoint with Iran. What will it look like?

At least 150-200 cargo trucks cross the southern border every day nowadays. The checkpoint can no longer handle the increased flow. Europe is co-financing its reconstruction.

Truck driver from Tabriz (Iran): It's small and can't fit many trucks. We want a bigger place. I've been in a queue for 3 days now. There are no shower rooms, diners, nothing. //

IRS boss took the EU ambassador on a trip. "Watch and remember what it looks like today, so you can compare later," he told the guest, who promised to compare later.

IRS boss: The customs procedures will be handled faster. A new risk management system has been developed. It will send risky trucks for Rapiscan scanning (a newer model), and the others straight to the paperwork phase.

A paperwork process that takes 2 days today will take 1 hour after the reforms.

The checkpoint will have 5 terminals. There will be new scales. A laboratory. A new garage that's 1.5x bigger. //

[article](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/06/16/Մեղրիի-մաքսակետը՝-վերակառուցումից-առաջ/743488)

VIDEO: Artsakh's telecom operator has invested $10 million to improve the network

Karabakh Telecom chief: Around 90% of residents have access to 4G today. In the second phase, we will bring it to 100%, and ensure connection on highways and roads. Cable internet coverage is also expanding. //

The government has been subsidizing the citizens' telecom bills after the war. The operator says they have eliminated roaming fees in Armenia. "We are gradually moving away from the concept of roaming."

5G is expected to launch later this year.

[article](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/06/16/Արցախի-կապի-միակ-օպերատորը-10-միլիոն-դոլարի-ներդրում-է-կատարել/743394)

Artsakh responds to Ilham Aliyev after he claims again that "Nagorno Karabakh" does not exist

State Minister Beglaryan: Yes, Nagorno Karabakh does not exist because it's called Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh). The Azerbaijan-Karabakh conflict will not be resolved for as long as Azerbaijan ignores the inalienable right of the indigenous people of Artsakh to self-determination.

It would have been better for Aliyev to worry about fulfilling the constitutional requirements by ensuring the rights of its own citizens, including Lezgins, Talish, and other minorities, instead of "worrying" about Armenians' rights. Maybe then he will remember the fate of 500,000 Armenians, and wheather Armenians still live in the occupied lands. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086177.html)

this year Shirak province will spend $103 million on infrastructure projects as part of federal subsidy programs

That's $9 million more than last year, noted the governor, who spoke with local officials about the need to observe the construction projects to prevent abuse.

... չագուչ in action?

The governor and mayors discussed measures to improve the tax collection in settlements. Some do it better than others. Sometimes the local officials are hesitant to go after a large land owner for property tax, while there is no problem with taxing the small land owners, complained Governor Nazeli.

Բոլորը օրենքի առաջ հավասար են, ոչ մի քաղաքացի չպետք է խուսափի իր պարտավորությունները կատարելուց, said the governor, urging mayors to pursue every unpaid penny in court, or else they will face a trial for neglecting their duties.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086117.html)

anti-shadow economy: every payment to a notary, healthcare, and education institute must be electronic soon

It's part of the new law that goes into effect on July 1st. Transactions above ֏300k ($700) will have to be electronic, with some exceptions.

Loans above ֏80k ($190) must be issued electronically. The threshold will further tighten to ֏50k in 2023, and ֏20k in 2024. The citizens can repay the loan in cash, however.

Regardless of size, any payment to a notary, education, and healthcare will need to be electronic. In the case of hospitals, this requirement begins in 1-2 years in provinces, and this July in Yerevan.

QP MP Tumanyants: There is a misconception that by paying electronically the citizen loses money on "fees". That's not true. Some banks actually offer bonuses if the payments are electronic.

Electronic payments are part of the government's digitization agenda. Developed countries don't have the cash volumes we do. The reform will improve transparency and ensure the legality of contracts. //

[details](https://youtu.be/w7wYSup8PGI), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086161.html), [video](https://youtu.be/pOfGHEl8bCQ)

Armenia has a new star

[As you already know](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/vcc1y4/jun142022_daily_digest_opposition_to_remove_tents/), Nobel Prize winner Ardem Patapoutian is in Armenia. He recently participated in a science & tech conference and had a stamp published by HayPost in honor of his accomplishments.

Patapoutian: I got a warm welcome in Armenia, including by scientists. It is an honor. This shows what Armenia attaches importance to. If I manage to become an example for young scientists, that will be my biggest achievement.

... his family history

I grew up in the family as an Armenian. My grandparents preserved their Armenian identity. When we immigrated to the United States, my parents decided that I must be admitted to a medical university. They played a very big role in my life, they wanted to give me a good education.

... my family history is represented here: Patapoutin at Genocide Museum

My history and my family’s history is all represented here. My family is the victim of the atrocities that led my grandparents to Lebanon, and then my journey to the US. //

The Museum thanked Patapoutian for the visit and gave him the [recently published](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/v3hysm/jun22022_your_daily_news_digest_military/) book "Aleppo Salvation House: 1,464 Testimonies of Armenian Genocide Survivors."

... Armenian people consider your achievements as their own: Pashinyan

Pashinyan: I am glad to welcome you. It's a great occasion of pride for us that we finally have a compatriot among the Nobel laureates.

I also want to thank you for your readiness to support the development of science and education in Armenia. We want to make tangible reforms in this area. It's important for us to engage the potential of our diasporan compatriots in this process.

Patapoutian: It's a great honor for me to meet with you and be here. I had a wonderful visit, I am impressed by the welcome you and the government showed to me, but most importantly, by the welcome of the nation.

The happiness of the students I met is really shocking, and I think that even the United States does not appreciate its young scientists in this way.

I will be very happy to help in any way, within my capacities. I already met many ministers, education and science sector representatives, and the people who have established high-tech companies. [full speech](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086165.html) //

Pashinyan [awarded](https://youtu.be/cPl_HjK9NLk) Patapoutian with the Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots for his significant achievements in the field of biology.

... Patapoutian donated his Nobel Prize to the History Museum of Armenia

Patapoutian: If I had been told at the age of 18 that one day I would receive the Nobel Prize and then hand it over to the History Museum of Armenia, I would not believe it. Receiving this award was a surprise to me, but also an inspiration.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086141.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086159.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086165.html) [video](https://youtu.be/cPl_HjK9NLk) [article](https://factor.am/523343.html)

online insults will be punishable by 1 year in jail

In an attempt to address online hate, the government passed a law making online insults a punishable imprisonment. It goes into effect this summer.

It was a response to a suicide committed by a professional Japanese wrestler after receiving online hate.

Prior to this amendment, you could still go to jail in Japan for online insults, but only for 30 days.

[article](https://tech.slashdot.org/story/22/06/14/1742217/japan-makes-online-insults-punishable-by-one-year) [article](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/japan-online-insults-jail-cyberbullying-reality-star-death-rcna33669)

you know who else is going to jail?

NOT the Russian entrepreneurs who recently moved to Armenia. Prosecutor General Davtyan met his Russian counterpart today during an international forum held in St. Petersburg. They discussed protecting the rights of Russians who moved to Armenia after the Ukraine war.

The Russian prosecutor appreciated Davtyan's presence at the forum. Yesterday the [Western media](https://www.thedailybeast.com/vladimir-putins-russian-davos-economic-forum-in-st-petersburg-is-already-a-big-sad-mess) noted that not many guests were present at Putin's forum this year, which is known as "Russian Davos". Taliban did send a delegation, though.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086171.html)

secretary of Council of Europe Marja Burić visited Armenia

She visited the Genocide Memorial to [lay flowers](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086154.html) ahead of the official meetings with Pashinyan, FM Mirzoyan, Catholicos, and others.

Pashinyan: As a CoE member, we continue the democratic path and attach importance to cooperation in the field of human rights and independent judiciary. Armenian POWs should return home. We are working with ECHR. We appreciate the support of the international community.

Burić: We welcome Armenia's democratic reforms. The country is registering visible progress. We highly value the holding of snap elections in 2021 in accordance with international standards, which were free and competitive. //

They discussed ways to promote women in various spheres of public life.

The European official called it a "positive development" the fact that "heavy insults" will no longer be a felony in Armenia starting July.

[photos](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086154.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086184.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086196.html)

it was not easy for us to make that decision: protest leader about the decision to remove the tents from France Square

ARF MP Saghatelyan: The movement has scored significant achievements in recent months, but the main problem remains unresolved. The struggle continues.

It was not easy to make a decision to remove the tents, but we are responsible for the end result of the movement. It is necessary to make structural changes in the movement. The struggle will take place around Armenia and Artsakh, we must expand.

... some believe the movement will lose its strength after the removal of the tents

No. In 1-2 days they will be convinced of the opposite. The tents do not decide the effectiveness of the struggle.

... after August you will have the "no confidence" tools against the Premier in Parliament

We will launch that process when we believe it has a chance to be successful. We have not yet decided who the new premier would be.

... some ruling MPs want to strip opposition MPs of mandates for skipping too many parliament sessions

We received the mandates from 270,000 voters. The people who voted for us expect us to be on the streets today. The parliament and streets have opposite agendas today. We will return to parliament only with our agenda. If we see a similar agenda in parliament, we will return to parliament.

... Arthur Vanetsyan left you several days before the decision to remove the tents, he hasn't been seen in the first ranks lately

Vanetsyan launched his street struggle back in April. Before, during, and as late as yesterday, we have been in touch with each other. He has been one of the pillars of this struggle, along with his [PU] party. We built the movement together. He hasn't said anything about exiting the movement. You should ask him about his plans.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086147.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086156.html)

the Russian town that sent nuclear reactor experts to renovate Metsamor NPP becomes Metsamor's sister-city

If they cooperate in nuclear energy, why not just declare each other sister cities? Hundreds of experts from Polyarnye Zori traveled to Armenia in recent years to take part in the large-scale revamp of Metsamor NPP that boosted its lifespan and efficiency.

Metsamor NPP was built based on the design of the Kola NPP located in this Russian town.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086180.html)

Russia will open more Russian-language schools in CIS republics and neighboring regions

Russian MFA's "MGIMO" university plans to open more Russian-language schools in Armenia, Turkey, and Kyrgyzstan. They sent a team of experts to meet with local Russian-speaking students and teachers to come up with ideas.

[article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300950/)

controversial Russian wife of a controversial Armenian businessman announces a controversial decision

HHK-allied Russian-Armenian businessman Tigran Arzakanyants is married to a Russian woman who is the ex-wife of Putin's closest friend Rotenberg.

Natalia Rotenberg recently obtained Armenian citizenship and received a job offer from Sports/Education Ministry, but it all went south and Ministry fired her amid complaints.

Natalia Rotenberg has just announced a decision to run for Yerevan mayor next year as part of the "Ուժը հայրենյաց" party.

Rotenberg's husband: She is an Armenian citizen now and has a great experience in construction [her ex-husband Arkadiy Rotenberg, Putin's BFF, built the bridge to Crimea], she is great with design, had an excellent design studio that worked on serious projects. My wife has seen the world and is a law-abiding citizen. [But is she good enough to build Cascade?]

Reporter: Isn't she a dual citizen?

Rotenberg's husband: Yes, but that doesn't bar her from running for Yerevan mayor. That would only be a problem with parliament, according to our lawyers.

[article](https://factor.am/523592.html)

VIDEO: this is what Yerevan's underground passageways look like

Some of them were recently power washed to remove the smell of piss, but residents say more needs to be done. One tourist thought the place was demolished, awaiting construction. NO, BUDDY. THAT'S JUST HOW IT LOOKS LIKE.

Someone could slit your throat, said one concerned woman about the dark passage because people keep stealing light bulbs.

While the media was interviewing the residents, a man fell on the ground after his shoe got stuck in a water drain that had some of the metal bars missing.

[video](https://youtu.be/4htAPjW7VE0?t=10)

an army of crickets is destroying crops in Gegharkunik's Chambarak municipality

It's been a month. The farmers say they are dealing with "unprecedented" activation of crickets. They have not yet reached other municipalities.

The Economy Ministry provided some pesticides but that wasn't enough, so the municipality decided to buy more. They are using tractors to spray the crops. 1,000 hectares have been covered so far, but the insects travel to unsprayed areas, they say. The municipality wants to acquire drones for spraying.

[photo](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086188.html)

Modern Art Museum of Yerevan launches an event dedicated to the 50th anniversary

It's located in the former foreign ministry building in Yerevan. [You can see some art pieces here.](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086192.html)

🎵 Hay Fedayi, by Efo 🎵

Dholist Sergey Khachatryan has a new video clip.

[music clip](https://youtu.be/xpDWP-cMOLM?t=78)

singer Harout Pamboukjian is going to perform for fans who bought tickets in 2020 and held on to them after the show's cancellation due to COVID

The concert titled "Harout Pamboukjian 70/2" will take place in Hamalir on July 3rd, two days after this 72nd birthday.

Harout turned 70 in 2020. There was supposed to be a concert but it was canceled. Now, two years later [70/2], he is back to honor the promise.

Organizer: Most of the tickets were sold in 2020, and this concert is primarily dedicated to those fans who trusted us and kept their tickets patiently. Մեզ համար անչափ կարևոր է ազնիվ գործունեությունը: There will be a surprise duet and dance performances.

[trailer](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086148.html)

Armenia's junior Greco-Roman wrestlers win 5 medals during the European championship

1 silver, 4 bronze.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086164.html)

Jesus Christ, maaaaan

Yuri Sakunts is a two-time world powerlifting champion, European champion, and a professor at Emergency Ministry academy. He wants to set a new Guinness record by pulling two firetrucks weighing 37.5 tons with his teeth. It's done. The Guinness will review the videotape and make a decision soon.

In Armenia, a book was published named after him that presents the reader with various world records from around the world.

[photos](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086138.html)

PHOTOS: goodbye, Rafael Kotanjyan

Fans and friends said their goodbye to beloved artist Kotanjyan with long claps. An event was organized at a theater.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086158.html)

Armenian athlete finished 3rd in World Athletics Continental Tour

Men's Triple Jumper Levon Aghasyan finished third after scoring 16.39 meters. The French won.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086115.html) [full list](https://worldathletics.org/competitions/world-athletics-continental-tour/calendar-results/7173592/result)

Armenian soccer federation presented the "symbolic team" of the past 30 years, after a vote by fans

Goalie: Roman Berezovsky

Defender: Yeghishe Melikyan, Robert Arzumanyan, Varazdat Haroyan, Sargis Hovsepyan.

Midfielder: Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Karlen Mkrtchyan, Gevorg Ghazaryan, Arthur Petrosyan.

Forward: Yura Movsisyan, Marcos Pizzelli.

... soccer fans voted for the best goal of the past 30 years

[Hamlet Mkhitaryan's goal against Poland,](https://youtu.be/E3FCeprhINM?t=61) presumably during Euro 2008.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086145.html)

VIDEO: soccer veterans from Armenia and Georgia played a match in Yerevan

Armenia 4:1 Georgia. The Georgian player [missed an 11-meter opportunity in what appears to be the dumbest execution ever in recorded history](https://armsport.am/366190/).

From the Armenian side, the goal scorers were Arthur Sarkisov, Yura Movsisyan, Marcos, and Manucharyan. From Georgia it was Iashvili.

[watch the goals](https://armsport.am/366190/), [article](https://factor.am/523624.html)

VIDEO: newly renovated city soccer stadium reopens in Abovyan

UEFA boss Alexander Čeferin and Armenia's HFF boss Melikbekyan attended the ceremony to cut the red tape. [After the revamp](https://youtu.be/lzyzOWHuDR0?t=659) the stadium can house 3,100 fans. It can hold certain types of international games, too.

UEFA boss: I really like this stadium. I think it has enough seats. The grass is of high quality. This is a great place. UEFA will help to further improve it.

HFF boss: We definitely want international games to be held in this stadium. It will be utilized actively for local tournaments. We hope a similar stadium will open next month in Vanadzor. We are installing new lights in Gyumri's stadium so they can play in the evening, too.

Pashinyan: Over the last 3 years, the HFF has built 90 new small stadiums in provinces with the help of FIFA. FIFA will allocate about $2.5mln for their operation. The number of stadiums will grow to 300 in the future.

[video](https://youtu.be/lzyzOWHuDR0?t=659) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086169.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086166.html) [article](http://arka.am/en/news/sport/pashinyan_armenia_to_have_300_small_football_fields/)

VIDEO: this Armenian couple got married on top of Mt. Ararat

Ishkhan Gevorgyan and Ashkhen Hovhannesyan both like nature and hiking, so they decided to make the wedding unique.

Ashkhen: We have talked about the dream of climbing Masis many times. Most Armenians dream about it. I was always suggesting Ishkhan to go on a trekking tour on Ararat after marriage, but one day he suggested marrying on top of it. Of course I agreed. //

The "witnesses" were informed that due to lack of oxygen they could feel bad, so they were prepared. "Martin Martirosyan held the cross, and the others helped to pour the champagne."

This was several years ago. Today they have children who accompany them on hiking trips. "If you love your country, firstly you need to know it," said the couple. They met each other in the Art of Staying Alive NGO (VOMA).

After the war, they invested in the Azatazen initiative by establishing a shooting range that teaches weapon skills.

Ishkhan: There was no large shooting range in Armenia, we were going to the mountains to shoot. We decided to change the picture in the country and with our combat friends founded the Azatazen military-educational NGO. It will teach those who want to get acquainted with the secrets of weapons. //

[video](https://youtu.be/W5T7iIKQU3g) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086050.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/vdubk1/jun162022_news_5g_in_artsakh_10m_telecom/