2022 June 22

Daily news wrap-up

by ar_david_hh

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11 minutes. 2806 words.

anti-corruption: US authorities provide details about the confiscation of $63 million mansion belonging to Serj-era oligarch

Armenian and US authorities cooperated to organize the forfeiture of the L.A. mansion earlier.

Based on US DOJ report: Gagik Tsarukyan's business associate Sedrak Arustamyan signed a fake $7m financial loan transaction with the sons of IRS chief Gagik Khachatryan. [By the way, one of Khachatryan's sons implicated in this case was the head of UCOM ISP. In 2020 the Armenian authorities launched a criminal case against him. Amid internal turmoil around various disagreements, UCOM co-founder Yesayan left UCOM and founded TEAM ISP.]

Tsarukyan's associate Arustamyan signed another similar fake loan with Khachatryans in 2011.

Khachatryan's son [UCOM] presented fake banking information while acquiring the mansion. To convince the U.S. bank that they had sufficient financial resources to buy the property, he showed a falsified account balance claiming he had $15 million in his Armenian bank account. It was Tsarukyan's associate Arustamyan who paid the $14 million in 2011. //

Why did Tsarukyan's associate Arustamyan pay them million of dollars?

Armenian authorities: Arustamyan transferred $22.2 million in bribes to Khachatryans. As a result, Tsarukyan's businesses didn't have to pay taxes.

For example, Tsarukyan's Ararat Cement evaded $15 million (7.5b) in taxes, while Multi-Gas and Multi-Leon evaded $20 million. //

Gagik Khachatyran (father, ex-IRS boss) walked free pending trial after an unknown source posted a $3 million bail. His son Gurgen Khachatyran [UCOM guy] has been on the run. Tsarukyan's associate Arustamyan posted a $100,000 bail.

US DOJ: Our civil forfeiture system allows us to launch a process and attempt to recover the assets. [Armenia] can receive part of the recovered resources. We have to wait for the court proceedings to finish. //

Khachatryan's lawyer said his client is innocent.

The drama doesn't end there. Apparently now there is a lawsuit between Khachatryans and Tsarukyan associate Arustamyan - the two suspects. [Arustamyan wants $41 million as a "loan" repayment plus the interest.](https://youtu.be/bh2dtCZgyDg?t=20)

[article](https://factor.am/525710.html) [article](https://www.civilnet.am/en/news/380420/clouds-gather-over-armenias-mobile-operator-ucom-as-government-moves-to-reveal-alleged-corrupt-activities-of-owners/)

USAID will invest $120 million in Armenia to strengthen democracy and economy

$69m for democratic reforms and $51m for the economy. The agreement to receive the grant will be signed soon.

Report: Considering the COVID, war, and the fair elections of 2021, the U.S. has agreed to aid Armenia to achieve effective and transparent management, strengthen democratic achievements, and overcome economic challenges. //

[article](https://factor.am/525832.html)

should the school be 10 or 12 years?

Citing studies, the Ministry recently complained that the school curriculum is very inefficient and students basically "waste" a few years. They could study the same in a short period.

Education Ministry: We are often urged by parents and students to switch back to a 10-year system. But the solution is not to cut the years. In the modern world, continuous education is necessary. The solution is to reform the content of education. We need an outcome-based education with the student at the center.

... vocational orientation clubs are being experimented in Armenian schools

The results of the experiment will be available this week. We will make these clubs mandatory in every school. It will start in the 7th grade.

The clubs will allow children to learn about the available professions and what each profession will give them in the future.

The students will meet members of various industries and visit businesses to develop an idea of what each profession looks like.

... high school students will be able to modify their class schedule to their liking

There will be a core curriculum mandated by the feds. Everything can be modified.

... students will bring "credits" to school

For example, if you take art or sports classes elsewhere, you can use those as credit hours in school. Այս նոր մոտեցումները հնարավորություն կտան, որ մեր երեխաներն իրենց դասընթացները վերցնեն արհեստագործական ուսումնարաններից: այս մեթոդներով մենք կարող ենք գնալ դպրոցի ավագ դասարաններում այն անհրաժեշտ արդյունավետության ապահովմանը, որը մի որ կբերի նրան, որ մենք այլևս չենք հարցնի, թե երբ ենք կրճատում կրթության տևողությունը:

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086641.html) [article](https://factor.am/525641.html) #EducationReforms

Armenia Workforce Development Activity will help address the mismatch in the labor market

It's a 5-year program funded by USAID and launched by the US ambassador Tracy last year. The goal is to help women and 10,000 young residents aged 15-29 annually, so they can have the in-demand skills. The first national conference was held today.

US embassy official: We will support the government with the national employment strategy. Human capital is one of the most important assets. A developed workforce and competitive people will allow Armenia to fully use its economic potential.

UN Development Programme: We are here to support the promotion of employment in Armenia. We know that this problem has existed here for years. We see much higher unemployment among the youth and women.

Labor Ministry: We have adopted a policy of continuous development of human capital. Our new draft strategy introduces career development and training systems, and promotes employment. The strategy will be adopted this November-December and will consist of several components.

Education Ministry: Last year we approved the new state criteria for general education. It offers new content, and a new professional orientation institute in all schools to provide students with an opportunity to choose their future profession.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086618.html) [article](https://mobile.twitter.com/USAIDArmenia/status/1471040208435040268) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086623.html)#EducationReforms

there are thousands of vacant job positions in Yerevan and provinces

Labor Ministry [has a database where you can browse the available positions and apply](https://workforall.am/gorc-vacancy/index).

[article](https://factor.am/525528.html)

EU launched a gender equality action plan in Armenia

EU and UN want to form an environment that will allow women to have a career and a family at the same time.

EU ambassador Wiktorin: When I was making the first career steps, they would constantly ask if I was married and whether I would be able to work. Today such questions are illegal, but many problems remain.

French ambassador Anne: This program is important not only for Armenia but also for the EU. The Armenian government is also taking steps. You could say the situation is better these days. //

During the first meeting, the participants shared their inspirational stories and discussed ways to overcome stereotypes and make an inclusive work environment.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086667.html) [video](https://youtu.be/IVuQ8127xgs) [relating](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086663.html)

🌶️🌶️🌶️ fugitive "mafia boss" escapes Armenia, uploads a video reportedly from Moscow to announce the foundation of what appears to be a traditionalist movement 🍿🍿🍿

Get the batshit context about Don Pipo (Arthur Asatryan) in [June 8 news digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/v80leh/jun82022_wednesday_your_daily_news_digest_from/). Armenian authorities are looking for him and his family member for alleged plot to assassinate business opponents.

In a new video message, Pipo [announed](https://youtu.be/c4ce6TPc-II) the formation of a new movement called "Հայ խաչակիրների ազատագրական շարժումը" (Liberation Movement of Armenian Crusaders)

Pipo: I promise to uphold the dignity of the Armenian man, to act according to the rules of our Church, to be guided by the interests of Armenian families, to be useful to my nation, to my homeland.

I'm convinced that millions of Armenians have been [waiting for this movement](https://youtu.be/Oow4zbolNXc?t=7), and will become part of it. Together we will build our bright homeland. I congratulate the true crusaders. //

He didn't specify what he wants to "Liberate". The video was recorded with Armenian and Russian flags in the background. >!Vanetsyan for deputy?!<

[article](https://factor.am/525496.html) [video](https://youtu.be/c4ce6TPc-II)

what does Nikol Pashinyan have in common with Bill Gates and George Soros?

>!All three have been vaccinated.!<

Pro-Russian groups staged a protest against bio-labs in front of the CDC building. They believe the medical labs are a danger to the public. It's likely an effort to appease their counterparts in Russia by mimicking Russia's "dangerous American biolabs" claims.

The organizers were the Zartonk National Christian Party (Ara Zohrabyan) and "anti-Soros" Kamq organization that claims to protect traditional values.

The protesters staged a small performance during which they wore masks with images of Pashinyan, Bill Gates, and George Soros.

The concerned activists [made](https://youtu.be/tUOVwqhjF94?t=1245) unfounded claims about Ukraine's alleged plans to use Bayraktar drones to shoot insects into Russian territory as part of biological warfare.

[article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/301061/) [article](https://oc-media.org/far-right-protestors-disrupt-modernist-dance-performance-in-yerevan/) [article](https://youtu.be/tUOVwqhjF94)

famous black Russian singer [Pierre Narcisse](https://youtu.be/mU8r_b5C_OA?t=95) dies from cardiac arrest at the age of 45

The Cameroonian singer became famous in the early 2000s, an era when non-Slavic people were often looked down upon, after starring in the famous TV show "Fabrika Zvyozd" (Star Factory). The media reports that he underwent kidney surgery before the death.

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/239396)

Russia repeats that US and France have suspended contacts with Russia's OSCE MG co-chair after the invasion of Ukraine

Russian MFA: We doubt their sincerity. If they really thought the OSCE MG format was important they would not have demonstratively stopped the contact with our co-chair on February 24. This caused irreversible damage to the work of the co-chairs.

Their goal was to isolate Russia, but they miscalculated. Russia is interested in the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and will not allow external forces to hinder the difficult efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1086637.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086637.html)

Russia hopes Azeri authorities will stop banning Russian media outlets in Azerbaijan

Russian MFA: We hope the number of blocking cases will be as low as possible. The issue of media should be resolved on the basis of two basic principles: respect for the rule of law, and freedom of peach, which are enshrined in both national and international law.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086644.html)

the wars that you saw on TV but switched the channel to ignore are at your doorstep now, because you chose to be blind and deaf: Armenian diplomat to PACE

QP Vladimir Vardanyan during PACE: For many years we thought we could finally enjoy peaceful times in Europe. We believed that after the tragic experience of WW2 our generation would not see an armed conflict. Today the war has returned to Europe.

But peace was just an illusion. Even during the times which seemed peaceful, war was always in and around Europe, but we kept a blind eye to it. Why were we indifferent and deaf, watching the armed conflicts in Cyprus, Balkans, Moldova, Georgia, Kosova, Nagorno-Karabakh, and elsewhere.

The question is complicated but the answer is clear: they appeared far away from us. We wanted to believe that wars were wedged only on TV, and that just by switching the channel people could ignore the reality on the ground.

No state is immune from war, even the wealthiest and most protected ones. This is why we should be sensitive to any deviation from democracy and human rights.

Quite often when I refer to issues relating to Nagorno Karabakh, I witness the silent and indifferent faces of my colleagues, confessing that they are tired of these discussions. But this isn't about one single conflict. We're talking about the core values of PACE.

Dear colleagues, don't worry, I'm not going to address the Nagorno Karabakh conflict in this speech. Just be aware that blindness towards even small violations of our core values leads to global catastrophes. Don't be blind, don't be silent, and don't be deaf when we're speaking about our core values. //

[video](https://factor.am/525467.html)

inflation in UK reached 9.1% in May, highest since 1982

The biggest increase came from food, especially bread, cereals, and meat. The Bank of England expects the inflation rate to exceed 11% in October.

In Turkey, 70% of residents said they won't be able to afford a vacation amid financial hardship and 73% inflation. Those who said they will travel for vacation are willing to spend $460 on average.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086613.html) [article](https://www.ft.com/content/663ac703-b923-40d1-8b4b-39fac00c8142) [article](https://factor.am/525373.html)

central bank to exporters: be better

Martin Galstyan: Armenia has seen an influx of foreign visitors [and dollar?] lately. Many of you visit a cafe in the evening so you may have noticed how many foreigners there are. According to statistical rules, it's an "export". This year we could see an incredible increase in exports and the strengthening of dram.

Some exporters have been urging us to artificially devaluate the dram to help them become more competitive. That's not a good solution. Does the effectiveness of the exporters truly depend on that 5-10 percent devaluation?

Լուծումը եզակի, ունիկալ լինելն է։ Եթե մենք ուզում ենք լինել եզակի, կան բազմաթիվ բաներ, որոնք մենք կարող ենք միասին անել: //

$1 is ֏417, around 2014 levels.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086626.html)

close call

[Severodonetsk, 2022.](https://youtu.be/zI15lsQ90Es?t=91)

Charles Aznavour was a big fan of this famous musician's cover version of his song

Many world-famous singers have performed Aznavour's songs. He was once asked to name the best. He chose [Ray Charles - La Mamma.](https://youtu.be/TGZsrWNbUhA?t=20) Here is [Charles](https://youtu.be/mCDbvxeJVhc?t=1) perform La Mamma.

... Jazznavour concert was held on Tuesday dedicated to the 98th anniversary of Charles

Singer Hayk Petrosyan and pianist Vahagn Hayrapetyan performed Aznavour's songs during the June 21st concert held in front of Moskva Cinema. The square in front of the cinema is named after Aznavour.

Aznavour was born on May 22, but for some reason, the anniversary concert is organized a month later (is this a tradition?).

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086601.html)

villages are being liberated from small landfills scattered everywhere, in favor of a centralized approach

Gavar is shutting down several landfills in villages that are part of the same enlarged municipality.

▶︎ A 2-hectare area near the Shorgyoli monastery in Noratus village. They will also clear the village's territory known as Banjaranotsayin, which has accumulated trash for many years.

▶︎ The illegal pile of construction and household waste near Tsaghkashen village will be removed.

▶︎ Another one is located at the Karmirgyugh-Sarukhan junction.

The goal is to have one centralized landfill managed by the headquarters of the enlarged municipality. Գավառի համայնքապետարանը կոչ է անում բնակիչներին չնախատեսված վայրերում կենցաղային կամ շինարարական աղբ չթափեն:

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086606.html)

geeks gathered at Orion Summit 2022 to catch unicorns

Orion Worldwide Innovations, organizer: The goal of this tech and business conference is to discuss the progress in the past 2 years and help Armenian startups. We aim to present Armenia as a country with a tech orientation.

▶︎ We will discuss Armenian unicorns, mergers, and acquisitions. The 5 fastest-growing companies, with the potential to become unicorns, will be featured. Our goal is to have at least 10 unicorns.

▶︎ The Digital [Jugha](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086655.html) Network will be officially presented by a veteran of investment banking Mark Chenian. It's an initiative to bring together the pan-Armenian intellectual, technological, commercial, and cultural potential.

High-Tech Minister: Today well-known tech & business representatives will join this stage to discuss modern issues and share their experiences. It's a great opportunity to see the industry progress and avoid repeating the mistakes.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086610.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086614.html) [article](https://en.armradio.am/2022/06/10/digital-julfa-network-to-be-launched-during-orion-summit-2022-in-yerevan/) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086653.html) [video](https://youtu.be/Iq_SfJdoev4)

U.S. healthcare firm BostonGene explores the possibility of opening a research center in Armenia

BostonGene opened an office in Yerevan this year. Their main activity is to develop a system that provides oncologists with data for diagnosis and personalized treatment of cancer patients. It performs comprehensive integrated genomic and transcriptomic testing of tumors.

The government hosted Andrew Feinberg, the CEO of BostonGene and Netcracker. The company is considering the possibility of creating a research center of Netcracker Technology in Armenia.

[article](http://arka.am/en/news/technology/bostongene_explores_possibility_of_opening_research_center_in_armenia/) [article](https://investin.am/news/boston-analytical-it-healthcare-startup-bostongene-opened-an-office-in-yerevan/) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086656.html)

European IT giant will open an office in Armenia

Asseco Group, one of the largest IT companies in Europe, is opening an office in Armenia.

Asseco has plans to make significant changes in the financial sphere and invest large in Armenia. They will carry out modernization and digitization of banks and other financial institutions, as well as production of industrial robots to be sold in the Eurasian market.

[article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/301053/) [article](https://en.armradio.am/2022/06/22/asseco-group-european-it-firm-opening-office-in-armenia/)

Armenian athlete wins silver during 2022 European Karate Junior Championships

Yeghishe Alexanyan returned from Prague with a silver medal. The coach called it a significant achievement because of fierce competition.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086603.html)

Reddit's mom Serena Williams returns to tennis court

It felt good to be back on the court, said the #1 after scoring a doubles victory (2 vs 2) during the Eastbourne 2022 tournament.

The 23-time grand slam singles champion had not played since she sustained an injury to her right leg at Wimbledon last summer.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086607.html) [article](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/serena-williams-wimbledon-ons-centre-court-istanbul-b2106325.html)

Henrikh Mkhitaryan has moved from Roma to Inter

The soccer star will undergo a medical examination ahead of the transfer. He will earn €4.2m, including the add-on bonuses. The contract is good until 2024.

Mkhitaryan formerly played for Shakhtar Donetsk, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and Arsenal.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1086598.html) [article](https://sempreinter.com/2022/06/22/henrikh-mkhitaryan-to-undergo-medicals-sign-inter-contract-today-italian-media-report/)

Norwegian skiing federation is training Armenia's top skier

Mikael Mikaelyan is being trained with the rest of the Norwegian team by world-class experts, announced the Armenian Skiing Federation today.

There was also a weeklong training course in Armenia, assisted by Norwegian experts. The Education/Sports Ministry invited Norwegian skiing officials to discuss the cooperation.

Mikaelyan will represent Armenia during the world cup and other international tournaments in October.

[article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/301045/)

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: