2022 June 21

Daily news wrap-up

Jun/21/2022 news \\ Armenia wants to invest in Iran-India Chabahar port; EAEU to develop North-South trade via Armenia \\ FBI and Armenian authorities sign agreement \\ Mystery around Artsakh village \\ Reforms at Chamber of Advocates \\ Why did oppo. alliance fall apart? \\ Road rage \\ Clean water
by ar_david_hh

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13 minutes. 3384 words.

One-third of this Artsakh village residents are children, so adults let them design their own playground. This is what it looks like.

Vaghuhas (Martuni) is located near the border. Somehow, 230 of 650 residents are children. It's a village tradition to have many children, said a local teacher.

Teacher: I still have only one child, but it's a matter of time. Almost every family has multiple children here. This is their definition of patriotism. The village was destroyed during the war; we lost 60 residents. This was another reason for residents to have even more children. The children have always wanted to have a playground and library here. //

The construction of the playground is almost complete. They will take care of the ground soon. The teacher and children had launched a fundraiser on reArmenia platform and gathered the necessary ֏7.6m from donors within two months.

The children helped design the project and manage the budget after receiving leadership skills as part of a program by Teach For Armenia.

You can find these playgrounds in every Yerevan backyard, but this is a major accomplishment for a village in Artsakh, said a reArmenia representative. Families from nearby villages bring their children to play there.

[photos & article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086535.html), [article](https://b24.am/social/296242.html)

cooperation agreement is signed between U.S. FBI and Armenia's ACC

The Anti-Corruption Committee and Federal Bureau of Investigation will establish relations and expand the cooperation. The FBI will share its experience with Armenian investigators and help retrain them. The agencies will aid each other during investigations.

The agreement was signed in Washington. The Armenian delegation also met representatives of the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre and the State Department's anti-narcotics bureau.

They discussed money laundering, illegal enrichment, issues relating to the methodology of investigations, and challenges. A meeting was held with Ambassador Makunts.

U.S. officials: The foundation of ACC and our cooperation within the AM-US strategic dialogue is successful. We seek to expand the partnership with ACC. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086514.html)

PU opposition alliance is dead

Arthur Vanetsyan is the head of PU (Pativ Unem), an alliance between Vanetsyan's party and Serj's HHK party. He has decided to step down as an MP. He had earlier announced that he would only return to Parliament if Pashinyan resigns. It's either me or him, basically.

Vanetsyan: I have decided to step down as a Member of Parliament. For many of you, my decision is not a surprise as I have repeatedly and publicly announced that I no longer see myself in this parliament.

The citizens gave us the mandate to prevent the disastrous policies of this government, but this parliament has ceased to be an effective platform for achieving this goal.

Our party has made a decision to continue its activities outside of parliament. The PU alliance no longer exists de jure and de facto. I'd like to thank them for their work.

This decision is exclusively ours, and it shouldn't hinder the work of independent PU MPs who choose to stay in Parliament. //

PU MP Taguhi Tovmasyan thanked Vanetsyan for the journey and said she will make a decision soon on whether to stay in parliament or leave. "I'm in Vardenis. Hopefully, the clear and cold air will help me to make the right decision."

Vanetsyan's decision comes amid reports of internal disagreements within the opposition ranks, and last week's decision by street protest leaders to [remove the tents](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/vdubk1/jun162022_news_5g_in_artsakh_10m_telecom/) from France Square.

Vanetsyan will be replaced by the next person on the ballot, who is Martun Grigoryan. He hasn't officially accepted the mandate yet. He is a former BHK MP.

... why did Vanetsyan "break up" with Serj Sargsyan? (opinions)

Non-former regime opposition figure Khajakyan: Vanetsyan became the face of Serj's HHK party during the last elections, and served him until the end. But Serj recently declared ARF Ishkhan Saghatelyan as the leader of the resistance movement [despite the fact it was Vanetysan who launched the street gatherings]. Vanetsyan made some rookie mistakes after entering politics. In the end, he gave all the keys to HHK and left.

Political expert Antinyan: Vanetsyan's mistake was accusing the government of betraying the revolution's values, then joining the former regime that is against the revolution's values. He should have positioned himself as a third force [Vanetsyan-Kadyrov alliance?].

I don't think there will be a mass exodus among PU MPs now, but they will try to clear their names. The MPs have sacrificed a lot. They won't give up the mandate easily.

ARF Saghatelyan: Everyone has a different roadmap. We have come a long way together, and we value that.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086537.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086554.html) [article](https://factor.am/525092.html) [article](https://factor.am/525214.html) [article](https://factor.am/525363.html) [article](https://youtu.be/cLUduzJyxX8?t=333) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/239363) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/239358) [article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/301038/)

Vanetsyan's close ally is being sued for alleged defamation

Inoannesyan, head of Informed Citizens NGO: I have filed a defamation lawsuit against Arsen Babayan [Vanetsyan's "Hayrenik" party member, Serj-era parliament official].

A few months ago I wrote how the group headed by Vanetsyan deserted the positions during the 2020 war. They finished the photo shoot and left the positions in Shosh village. The only thing that saved them from criminal prosecution was the fact that the legal article didn't apply to them.

Arsen Babayan at the time threatened to sue me for "defamation". I was hoping he would, so I could finally present the evidence in court to shut them up. The bad news is I have decided to sue them for defaming me in their response message. //

[article](https://factor.am/525297.html)

Justice Ministry about the planned reforms in Chamber of Advocates:

▶︎ We will review the training and qualification procedure for lawyers. Graduating from a law school won't be a prerequisite for an exam if the candidate already has 7 years of experience and certification as a specialist, or relevant Master's and Bachelor's degrees.

▶︎ There will be a new Disciplinary Committee.

▶︎ Board of Chamber of Advocates will have more powers in the field of activities of public lawyers.

▶︎ The Chamber president and members will be required to be politically independent and exercise restraint.

▶︎ The process of electing Chamber body members will be reformed to prevent corporate influences during the member election.

▶︎ The list of citizens who qualify for public defense will expand, while the standards around the person's inability to pay for services will be clarified to fight abuse.

▶︎ There will be alternative methods to provide legal assistance. It's for those who want to do it pro bono, aren't considered public defenders, etc.

▶︎ There will be incentives for lawyers to provide free services.

There is almost a 100% consensus around after discussions with the Chamber. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086531.html)

fact-checker denies ex-HHK MP Zakaryan's claim that suicides have skyrocketed

2015: 208

2016: 195

2017: 157

2018: 179

2019: 153

2020: 183

2021: 191

The MP claimed there were 30 suicides in Q1 2022. Even if true, that would be 3x lower than during the same periods of previous years.

[article](https://www.civilnet.am/news/665651/ինքնասպանությունների-կտրուկ-աճ-չկա-արտակ-զաքարյանը-սխալվում-է/)

road rage incident in village Nigavan left 2 dead and 5 wounded on Sunday

Police: A 32yo man and his brother were traveling in a vehicle in Aparan when they used the horn at an Infinity vehicle, bypassed it, cut it off, and forced it to stop. They approached the Infinity driver to discuss the matter. Several residents of Aparan intervened.

The discussion escalated into an argument. They agreed to meet again at a gas station. The 32yo driver, his brother, and a group of other men went to the gas station and assaulted one of the Aparan residents who had earlier intervened in the argument.

They agreed to meet again near the Nigavan landfill. The 32yo driver used his hunting rifle and fired at the men. Two of them died from gunshot wounds later in the hospital. 5 others were taken to medical centers. //

Sputnik outlet reports that one of the deceased is a relative of Aparan mayor Karen Yeghiazaryan.

Robert Kocharyan's media outlet, citing its "sources", claimed that the relatives of QP MP Matevos Asatryan, who is a village native, were participants in the fight and fired the shots with "kalashnikov". The MP denied the rumors about his family's participation and promised to sue the outlets for "defamation". He accused the opposition of intentionally "spreading lies" to "harm his reputation with locals".

Shamshyan's outlet reports that a large number of individuals visited the hospital and trashed the place. The doctors had to call the police. Additional forces were brought to assist the local department.

The local police chief has been fired. The authorities are reportedly investigating possible police inaction or mishandling of the case. The suspects had allegedly met on several occasions throughout several days, and the critics say the incident could have been prevented by the police.

[article](https://armtimes.com/hy/article/239245) [article](https://armtimes.com/hy/article/239230) [article](https://www.24news.am/news/241704) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086526.html) [article](https://politik.am/am/qp-akan-patgamavori-ev-pokhmarzpeti-harzatnery-avtomatov-krakel-en-pashinyanin-hayhoyox-eritasardneri-vra-ka-mek) [article](https://m.shamshyan.com/hy/article/2022/06/21/1216200/) [article](https://armlur.am/1194392/)

a documentary book on the Armenian Genocide is published in Spain

[El Genocidio Armenio](https://www.agapea.com/Ricardo-Ruiz-de-la-Serna/El-genocidio-armenio-9788418492006-i.htm) was written by Ricardo Ruiz de la Serna, a lecturer at San Pablo CEU-University Madrid. He has been studying the Genocide for years and has advocated for official recognition by Spain (which has not done so yet).

Ricardo: The goal is to raise awareness within Spanish society. It's a modest contribution to set the facts and pave the way for a better understanding of the Genocide.

I have no Armenian roots but I've been interested in Armenian culture since childhood thanks to my father who loved Armenian music.

The book is a short history of the events. It covers the road to the Genocide, the Hamidian Massacres, and the destruction of the Armenians in Cilicia, the ideological and political roots of political violence against Armenians, how it was perpetrated (legal framework, military and paramilitary, etc), and the different stages of the Genocide (arrests, deportations, confiscations, death marches through the desert).

I was also interested in the resistance. Armenians did not remain "silent like a lamb". Wherever they could fight and resist, they did it. Probably the most famous example was the resistance in the Musa Dagh in July 1915. //

[continue](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086518.html)

around 100 films will be screened during this year's Golden Apricot Festival in Yerevan

July 10-17. This year there will be a special program dedicated to the 2020 war: 5 movies produced by filmmakers from Greece, Argentina, Egypt, Armenia, and Artsakh.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086523.html)

diasporan benefactors met Artsakh parliament leadership

Speaker Tovmasyan: I hosted benefactors Levon Kirajyan and Karen Arakelyan today. Kirajyan has been making monthly donations to the All Armenia Fund for over 30 years. Arakelyan followed his example. We appreciate the patriotic activities of diasporan Armenians.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086497.html)

new social program will launch in Artsakh to provide rent subsidies to IDPs

Today is World Refugee Day. The government summoned a meeting to discuss topics concerning IDPs and refugees.

State Minister Beglaryan: You are aware of the post-war programs aimed at providing social stability to displaced persons. Today we are launching a new program to provide rent subsidies, while the efforts continue to build and distribute new housing. Hundreds of more houses will be distributed in the coming months. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086509.html)

Putin about the "precedent" set by Kosovo's independence

The U.S. argues Kosovo situation is unique and does not establish a precedent. "Every territorial conflict is unique."

Putin disagrees: The [independence of Donbas from Ukraine] is fully within the international law. Under the pressure from Western countries, the World Court ruled that when a territory breaks away from a country, it doesn't have to ask for permission from the central administration. The ruling was for Kosovo, but it's a precedent. Okay... so the Donbas republics don't have to ask for permission from Kyiv. Did Russia have the right to recognize their independence? Of course, and we did. Whether they like it or not, they set the precedent so our actions are completely legal. //

[article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosovo_independence_precedent#Kosovo_does_not_establish_a_precedent) [video](https://youtu.be/XzNPPGRVzKg?t=3611)

Russia could soon move heavy weapons to Latina America amid confrontation with the West

Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega looks like one of those Che dudes who really hates America. He has invited Russia to station more personnel and equipment. Russians are invited to use Nicaraguan waters and airspace.

Earlier this month, Russian state TV called for the placement of "powerful weapons" closer to the US borders. The report argued that Moscow should move military forces to Nicaragua, citing the aforementioned decree by Ortega.

Russian talk show host: What did you want? If American missile systems can nearly reach Moscow from the Ukrainian territory, it's time for Russia to roll out something powerful closer to America. //

[article](https://factor.am/525222.html) [article](https://english.elpais.com/international/2022-06-13/nicaraguas-ortega-strains-us-relations-by-expanding-military-ties-with-russia.html) [article](https://www.newsweek.com/russia-state-tv-move-powerful-weapons-closer-u-s-1714348)

percentage of Russian population who said they've noticed a significant price hike in the following food categories last month:

sugar: 40% of people

meat & poultry 39%

milk & dairy 38%

bread & pastry 32%

vegetable oil 31%

cereals & pasta 30%

veggies 27%

egg 26%

alcohol 14%

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086534.html)

Georgia won't impose sanctions against Russia, but won't violate the international ones

PM Gharibashvili: It's due to economic and national security reasons. We aren't the only country to make this decision. As the head of state, I must think about the security of our people. Politically, we stand by the international community.

We must solve our territorial conflicts before we can join NATO. This is the opinion of our European and other NATO colleagues. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086553.html) [article](https://factor.am/525404.html)

EAEU is entering stage of revealing its integration potential: Pashinyan during EAEU summit

Pashinyan: The EAEU is concluding its formation phase and is entering the phase of revealing its integration potential, for the benefit of creating a common economic space, and sustainable economic growth for our countries.

It's necessary to adapt to modern conditions in the world. Food safety is a major challenge. The member states should respond on a collective basis and develop mutually acceptable solutions to minimize the possibility of food shortages.

We need to remove trade barriers, form new export-import logistics chains, develop import substitution, and improve conditions for doing business. Recent years show that most of the obstacles faced by businesses arise from a lack of coordinated rules.

I attach importance to solving the issue of the alcohol market. The establishment of common principles can contribute to the creation of a common market without discriminatory restrictions. This is a priority for Armenia, which has wide export opportunities.

I would like to emphasize the need for the members to work on the creation and development of transport infrastructure, multi-module logistics centers, and Eurasian transport corridors. We attach great importance to the development of cooperation with China in the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086547.html)

Russian leaders spoke about the formation of new transport routes in the Caucasus and other parts of the EAEU bloc

PM Mishustin & others: EAEU members should boost the activities on developing the transport links amid the sanctions that have disrupted global logistics.

Now is the time to develop the East-West and North-South corridors. The free flow of goods and lack of "customs borders" within EAEU, and the integration of transport systems, can be our key advantages in the global competition for transit routes.

There is a proposal to build a Southern railway in Armenia, reconstruct the M-1 highway for the development of the Europe-China highway branching to Belarus, and build the Europe-China railway and China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086543.html)

news/premer-ministr-mihail-misustin-prizval-strany-eaes-uskorit-sozdanie-infrastruktury-dla-transportnyh-koridorov

Armenia wants to invest in Iran's Chabahar port for cargo transfers from India to Black Sea

Armenia's ambassador visited Chabahar on Monday to meet the port leaders and learn about logistics. They discussed possible investments in the port and the idea of developing the India-Iran-Armenia trade corridor. The Armenian ambassador said Armenia wants to invest in Chabahar.

Chabahar authority: Since you have no access to the sea, but you are our neighbor, you have a great opportunity to use our port to trade with others. Armenia can help establish an affordable cargo transit link to the Black Sea ports, a cheaper alternative to the Suez Canal. //

[article](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/06/21/Հայաստանը-փորձում-է-ներդրումներ-անել-Իրանի-Չաբահար-նավահանգստի-տարանցիկ-փոխադրումների-ոլորտում/746534)

PHOTO: construction of a 17km section of Yerevan-Meghri road is nearing the end

It's part of the Yerevan-Yeraskh-Goris-Meghri-Iran road. The 17km section passes through Vayots Dzor. The construction began last year and will finish in the coming months. Several small bridges located on the road are also being repaired.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086524.html)

the guy who helped Yeltsin breakup USSR was found dead in a sauna in Baku

Gennadiy Burbulis helped Yeltsin with the process to sign the death of the USSR. He died at the age of 75 while relaxing in a sauna in one of the hotels in Baku. The Azeri authorities are investigating the death.

His associates said he was feeling great and had just attended a Forum in Baku to discuss the threats to the global world order. A Swedish diplomat credited Burbulis with efforts to democratize Russia.

Burbulis is the third significant person to die in recent months. Former Ukrainian president Kravchuk and former Belarusian president Shushkevich died a few months ago.

[article](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31908270.html) [redacted]

a new month, a new employment record

Economy Minister Kerobyan: The labor market set another record in May. The number of employed individuals rose by 8,488 or 1.28%, reaching 673,224. It's a +6% from last year. The salary fund was ֏160 billion. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086580.html)

Yerevan wants to donate an apartment to wrestling champion after learning he lives in a 68 m^2 flat with his parents and two siblings

Malkhas Amoyan, a Yezidi-Armenian Greco-Roman wrestler, is a World and European champion. He lives in his parents' 67.7 m^2 Yerevan apartment with his parents, brother, and sister.

The administration has decided to donate a 92 m^2 apartment on Leningradyan St. as an encouragement.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086544.html)

to reduce Hrazdan pollution, a water treatment plant will be built on a small river Getar that flows through Yerevan

The 24-kilometer Getar, most of which passes through Yerevan, has a level-5 (worst) water pollution.

Getar feeds into Hrazdan, and Hrazdan pours into Yerevanyan Lake. The goal is to reduce the pollution not only in Yerevan, but also in the provinces where Hrazdan travels and irrigates the crops. The quality of crops is expected to increase.

The plant will be built next year in the area where Getar merges with Hrazdan. It's near the Polyplast factory in the Shengavit district.

It will remove solid waste, inject oxygen into the water, and remove the nasty smell.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086555.html) [video](https://youtu.be/BZy_nYbDfD8)

70% of transport problems in Yerevan will be resolved by the end of next year: Mayor Hrachya

Hrachya: ▶︎ This year we will allocate ֏6.342 billion to acquire 15 trolleybuses and 150 buses. ▶︎ The 10-year expiration date of Chinese Հայգեր buses is this year, so we will import parts for repairs. ▶︎ By the end of next year, up to 80% of the capital's transport problems will be resolved. ▶︎ We'll introduce legal amendments this year to allow private transport companies to be part of the new transport network.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086559.html)

Armenian tech firm Synergy wants to fund startups

Synergy founder Ashot Hovhannisyan: I'll give a speech tomorrow during the Orion Summit 2022 tech conference. We want to create conditions for new startups to merge and establish effective cooperation. This will encourage them.

What's the purpose of M&A (merger and acquisitions)? We do have several developed startups but the experience shows that 20% of them shut down after 5-10 years. Having a good idea for a business is only 30% of success, not more. You must be able to bring it to the market.

[continue](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086570.html)

[Don't miss the Monday digest that contains a report about the Armenian startup ecosystem.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/vgxrh1/jun202022_news_armenia_is_preparing_for_starlink/)

Competition Protection Commission launches an investigation against 5 egg producers

They will investigate possible price-fixing and abuse of market position by Arzni, Project Inter-Invest, Ashtarak, Lusakert, and Araks factories.

The Commission has also investigated the price of diesel and its connection to the exchange rate, and found that although the dollar is down, the global diesel prices are up, which is why its prices are up in Armenia.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086567.html) [article](https://youtu.be/qR_iO3YwKVw?t=122)

Հայ մարմնամարզիկների բացառիկ նվաճումը

ՀՀ սպորտային մարմնամարզության պատմության մեջ առաջին անգամ աշխարհի բացարձակ գավաթակիրներ դարձան՝ Արթուր Դավթյանը (հենցատկ) և Վահագն Դավթյանը (օղակներ):

Մեր տղաները մասնակցելով աշխարհի գավաթների չորս փուլերից երեքին (վերջին աշխարհի գավաթը կայացավ Բաքվում, որտեղ էլ պարզ դարձան բացարձակ հաղթողները) կարողացան նվաճել բացարձակ հաղթողի կոչումը:

https://www.1in.am/3129922.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/vhnazu/jun212022_news_armenia_wants_to_invest_in/