2022 June 5

Daily news wrap-up

Jun/5/2022. Your weekend news digest || Multi-million $ anti-corruption || Child trafficking ring || North-South highway, bypass road w/bridge in Yerevan, new metro & bus || Protesters clash with police || Azerbaijan blocks Russian news outlet after interview || and other stories from this weekend
by ar_david_hh

---

Friday-Sunday news. 19 minutes. 4780 words.

U.S. State Department cites PACE's concerns on the protection of Armenian heritage in Azeri-held territories

The State Department published the 2021 report on religious freedoms.==

In the Azeri section, it cites the PACE resolution about the humanitarian issues, where it expresses concerns about the future of Armenian churches, cross-stones, and monuments that went under Azeri control.

The report says that the Azeri government has repeatedly denied access to the Armenian pilgrims to the Dadivank monastery. "The [Azeri] government initially allowed Armenian pilgrims to visit the church, but access became increasingly difficult throughout the year."

US while citing PACE resolution: There were numerous reports of vandalism and destruction of Armenian cultural and religious sites, as well as deliberate actions by the Azerbaijani government to sever and distort the connection of religious sites to their Armenian heritage.

On May 4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the Azerbaijani-funded reconstruction of the Holy Savior Cathedral in Shusha was “in accordance with the original architectural style in order to restore the historical image of Shusha” and attributed renovations of the site to reflect “Caucasian Albanian” heritage. Armenian officials said such statements attempted to conceal the church’s Armenian roots and structure, including the original spire.

Caucasus Heritage Watch (CHW) reported the Azerbaijani government embarked on an extensive campaign to claim Armenian heritage sites either do not exist or have “Caucasian Albanian” origins. //

[full report](https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-report-on-international-religious-freedom/azerbaijan/), https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085047.html

U.S. and Greek military officials visit Armenia's Defense Ministry to discuss military education

Greek deputy MOD's delegation was in Armenia. He visited Armenia's National Defense Research University to discuss joint military education programs with Armenian MOD.

U.S. European Command sent a delegation led by Colonel Jeffrey Wright to visit MOD's National Defense Research University. They discussed the efforts to reform military education in Armenia and topics relating AM-US cooperation.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085085.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085084.html)

EU wants to deepen the relations with Armenia: EU's Toivo Klaar to Pashinyan

Pashinyan: We highly appreciate the efforts of the EU and EU's Charles Michel towards regional stability. It is important to resume the activities of OSCE MG in the context of regional peace and the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085088.html)

we don't want EU to take part in the settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict: Artsakh State Minister Beglaryan during an interview to Russia's RIA news

Beglaryan: Since we already have the OSCE Minsk Group and the effective Russian peacekeeping mission, we think that the Karabakh conflict settlement issue should not become a subject of negotiations for the European Union.

... settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict in foreseeable future is impossible: Beglaryan

We want to keep the presence of Russian peacekeepers because Azerbaijan is not ready for peace negotiations. It is necessary to increase the number of peacekeepers and extend their powers because the frontline is 2.5x longer today.

... it will be possible to consider joining Armenia after the international recognition of Artsakh: Beglaryan

Beglaryan: International recognition remains our goal. Azerbaijan currently feels emboldened by the support from Turkey. Therefore, we will take gradual steps to solve our issues, and later will hold direct negotiations with Azerbaijan.

Contacts are always being held with Armenia over the possibility of the official recognition of the Republic of Artsakh. Armenia has in essence already recognized Nagorno Karabakh because there are official relations between the two republics like equals. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085027.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085039.html) [20220603/evrosoyuz-1792784182.html] [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085024.html) [article](https://factor.am/518586.html) [article](https://youtu.be/recOcXyKWUM)

Azerbaijan blocks Russia's RIA news on its territory after the above interview with Artsakh State Minister Beglaryan

Azerbaijan accused RIA of "spreading defamatory statements" and "statements against our territorial integrity" by Nagorno Karabakh State Minister.

Azerbaijan said the decision to publish the interview is not in line with the spirit of friendly Azeri-Russian relations and the 1997/2022 agreements signed between them.

Beglaryan: This is yet another example that shows how afraid the Azeri authorities are of the truth. During the interview, I presented Azerbaijan's crimes and aggressive behavior not only towards Armenians but also Russia.

Azeri media is filled with threats against me and anti-Russia rhetoric. Azeri soldiers invade the peacekeepers' area and destroy WW2 memorials. I think Russia realizes now how anti-Russian Azerbaijan is. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085129.html) [article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300711/) [article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300704/) [article](https://hetq.am/hy/article/145254)

businessman wanted by Armenian authorities is shot dead in downtown Moscow

62yo businessman Hovhannes Kamaryan was shot dead in downtown Moscow. The suspect is under arrest. He waited for the businessman to leave a restaurant before shooting from behind. The incident was recorded on camera.

The alleged assassin, 24yo Armenian citizen Hayrik Yervanyan, gave a confession after being arrested. He was identified by witnesses.

The deceased businessman was wanted by Armenian police for allegedly preparing a murder of another person for profit. In 2013 the victim allegedly planned to assassinate his business opponent Rafik Madoyan, who was a friend of a famous underground boss Ded Hasan.

The alleged assassin claimed he killed the businessman because of a personal dispute and that he wasn't hired by someone. (SURE...)

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085021.html) [article](https://www.armlife.am/news/204641.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085154.html)

authorities finish the investigation of scandalous "child trafficking" case about illegal adoption of children by foreign nationals

Investigative Committee reports: A resident of Yerevan, who served as a representative of several Italian companies, organized a group consisting of public officials and friends to traffic children. The investigation has identified the members and the entire chain.

Foreign adoption firms and foreign nationals who wanted to adopt Armenian children began contacting and transferring funds to the group in Yerevan starting in 2005. These foreign firms had websites where they charged "expenses" in exchange for finding children for adoption. Armenian children were worth the highest: €15K-€25K. Italian citizens began using these firms to find and adopt Armenian children.

The group in Yerevan, acting as the adoption firms' agents, obtained information about the children from a Justice Ministry department and transferred it to the adoption firms. The group helped the adoption agents to come to Armenia and meet the children.

Serving as an intermediery for the adoption of children is prohibited under Armenian law. ("որդեգրել ցանկացող անձանց անունից և նրանց շահերից բխող այլ անձանց կողմից իրականացվող` երեխաներ ընտրելուն և որդեգրման հանձնելուն ուղղված յուրաքանչյուր գործունեություն")

Disguised as "expenses", the children were sold for €15K-€25K. The group operated for around 15 years and generated €1.2 million.

... the trafficking ringleader in Yerevan recruited maternity hospital employees and state officials

Ranking Justice Ministry employees provided all the information about the children without obstruction, and failed to translate the post-adoption reports coming from other countries, making it clear that the post-adoption reports were treated merely as a formality.

The Justice officials always gave positive evaluations and asked the Minister to sign to approve each adoption process.

The group in Yerevan was assisted by the director of "Mankan Tun", who collected and transferred information about children and helped overcome adoption barriers. The director falsified children's health records to discourage Armenian citizens from adopting them, so they could be sent to Italy instead.

Moreover, the head of Yerevan municipality's Family, Women, and Children Protection Department also falsified records to discourage Armenians from adopting the children.

... pregnant women were targeted

The head, his deputy, and a doctor at a reproductive health clinic were also part of the ring. They targeted vulnerable pregnant women who were pregnant out of wedlock or didn't have family's approval, to convince them to give birth prematurely. They used special medication and organized a process to ensure the births were premature.

Many children were born with health problems. This discouraged Armenians from adopting them. The administrators sometimes lied to mothers by claiming their newborn children were seriously ill and would be disabled for life, in order to convince them to give up their parental rights.

Another group member was a ranking official at a Labor/Social Ministry department. He was friends with the ringleader. He instructed Gyumri's "Երեխաների տուն" to block the entry of activists from an NGO who were demanding for children to be returned to parents.

Criminal charges are filed against the ringleader, Justice Ministry officials, Yerevan's Mankan Tun director, a Yerevan municipality official, a reproductive health center administrator, Labor/Social Ministry official. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085045.html)

former oligarch wins a lawsuit against Yerevan municipality to prevent his property from being demolished

Samvel Aleksanyan (Lfik Samo) was informed in 2020 that one of his properties in Yerevan would need to be demolished because "it was built illegally in 2005".

He challenged the decision in court and the judge has sided with him. The municipality lost the appeal as well.

[article](https://factor.am/518761.html)

anti-corruption: authorities are auditing Yerevan municipality expenditures

The State Supervision Service is tasked with auditing agencies and orgs that are fully or partially funded by the taxpayers. The SSS wants to know where the federal and municipal resources went during programs enacted before and after 2018.

[article](https://youtu.be/dADhRngxAbo?t=142)

anti-corruption: authorities charge Yerevan's construction department officials with a bribe-for-permit

ACC reports: An employee at the Urban Development department learned in March that a resident was building an illegal balcony. He told the resident that it could lead to a $4,000 fine, and urged him to immediately meet the department chief to discuss the matter.

During the meeting, the department chief and the employee demanded and received a $600 bribe from the resident to ignore the violation.

The official was caught during the transaction in a vehicle. Both officials and the bribe-giver have been charged with crimes. The officials are under arrest. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085077.html)

anti-corruption: court freezes $11.5 million assets belonging to a Kocharyan ally suspected of evading condo sale taxes in 2006

Prosecutors report: [Robert Kocharyan ally and co-owner of H2 outlet] Samvel Mayrapetyan invited his associate to serve as the director of his company called Globus, in 2002.

Globus then signed a contract with another company. The latter built a condo in Yerevan in 2006.

Mayrapetyan never intended to pay the taxes from the sale. Immediately after the construction, with the help of the director, they falsified the real estate contracts to lower the value of 141 apartments.

The contracts claimed that one m^2 was worth $150, while in reality it was $1,600. They evaded $11.5 million in taxes.

Citing the statute of limitations, last year the director asked the authorities to drop the criminal charges (5-10 years). The Anti-Corruption Committee agreed to drop the charges.

Because large damage was done to the state, a petition was filed with the court to confiscate $11.5 million from Mayrapetyan and the director. The assets have been frozen by the court, pending trial. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085032.html)

opposition attempted to gather enough MPs to convene an extraordinary session on Friday

The topic of discussion was negotiations with Azerbaijan and Turkey. The ruling party said the session was the continuation of the "false agenda" that was unfolding on the streets and boycotted it. Only PU and HD members were present. Not enough MPs were present to launch the session.

... the opposition marched towards gov't residence

The "resistance" movement, led by ARF Saghatelyan, gathered around the gov't building later on Friday. Saghatelyan urged the followers to surround the building but not to engage with the police.

... protesters later clashed with the police

People were seen throwing objects at the police after the protesters met the police wall on the street. Dozens of officers were taken to hospital with injuries, with one being in serious condition. Dozens of protesters also sustained injuries. The police [used flash-bang](https://youtu.be/3mrieOaCR3M?t=1) grenades (light and sound). By midnight, the hospital treated 60 patients: 39 officers and 21 protesters.

... 12 suspects were arrested in connection with Friday clashes

Authorities: The protest organizers urged the followers to break through police lines and move towards the Parliament building. At 8:30 pm, the protesters disobeyed police instructions and began rioting with the use of rocks, metal pipes, bottles, and other objects.

Over 40 officers sustained injuries. Some of them are still receiving care. The mass disorder was stopped thanks to the intervention of the police. The investigation has uncovered numerous pieces of rocks, metal and wooden sticks, glass bottles. Criminal charges will be pressed. 12 persons are currently under arrest. //

... Robert Kocharyan's son invited friends from Moscow to come join the street protests

One of Levon Kocharyan's friends (unclear from Moscow or Armenia), was detained. The police accused Sergey Asaturov of participating in Friday clashes, an accusation denied by Kocharyan. Asaturov will remain free (at least for now).

... Levon Kocharyan has left Armenia on a trip that was planned weeks earlier

The news was circulated about Levon flying to the U.S. Some pro-government outlets wrote that the trip was connected to his wife Sirusho giving birth to their third child, while others speculated that he was evading the law enforcement. Levon clarified that the trip was planned weeks earlier.

... protest leader ARF Saghatelyan addressed the Friday clashes:

I want to answer the question of who carries responsibility whenever there are clashes: we all do, and I personally do. I'm responsible for protesters who get their feet broken by police, and I'm responsible for the injured officers. This clash was a provocation under the orders of Nikol. //

... the opposition leaders did everything to ensure there was a physical clash: head of Informed Citizens NGO

Ioannisyan: This was intentional. After a month of hearing violence-promoting speech, several protesters displayed aggressive behavior. The leaders did not try to prevent it. Displaying an imitation and actually attempting to prevent it are different things. The police should have tried other methods to calm the crowd before using the flash bangs - they could use barbwires.

20 officers sustained serious head injuries from the large rocks thrown at them. Their heads were covered in blood. There were no resources to provide first aid. //

ARF's Gegham Manukyan believes the officers' injuries were due to "improper use of flash-bangs". The police denied the opposition's claims that the flash-bangs were "expired".

... Parliament president QP Simonyan addressed the clashes:

Simonyan: Today's extraordinary session was supposed to be held before the protests began in April, but it was canceled for technical reasons. The opposition attempted to summon the session today to use it as a way to get out of the situation they put themselves in. They want to return from the streets to parliament. But we aren't here to join their show. We are here to work.

Reporter: You're saying the opposition wants to find a path to leave the streets?

Simonyan: Yes. ARF Artsvik Minasyan recently brought documents to pave the ground so they can later explain why they have been skipping so many [regular] parliament sessions [during which MPs debate and vote on bills]. They also filed documents to ensure their staff doesn't lose salaries.

The opposition wants a situation in which they can [accuse the authorities of being brutal](https://youtu.be/s6PBJlaYAro?t=22). ARF and HHK have 1,000 activists each. Around 500 are from Artsakh. Up to 2,000 unaffiliated activists join here and there, sometimes in exchange for cash. They can claim 100,000 people took part but their largest rally gathered around 12,500 attendees on May 1st in France Square.

Reporter: Why doesn't Pashinyan publicly state that Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan?

Simonyan: Because that would be a precondition. The negotiations should not have preconditions. The opposition made that mistake by setting the bar too high and stating "we are never going to return to Parliament". Now they are in a difficult position, trying to get out of the trap. The opposition made maximalist statements 20 years ago about Artsakh, before lowering the rhetoric. Their strategy did not work. The current administration discusses everything with Artsakh authorities and has done more work for Artsakh than any previous administration.

Reporter: Shouldn't Armenia set a "red line" by stating that Artsakh cannot be part of Azerbaijan before negotiations?

Simonyan: No. No "red lines" should be drawn ahead of negotiations. Instead, we should promote the [6 points presented by Armenia]. The "red line" was drawn decades earlier, but the authorities began lowering the bar starting in 1998. For example, Artsakh had declared its independence based on its referendum, yet for example the former administrations negotiated the formation of a [Common State](https://fip.am/en/19049) between Artsakh and Azerbaijan.

Then they discussed exchanging Meghri for Artsakh, which was another blow to Artsakh's referendum. Serj also spoke about Armenia making a concession by accepting a new referendum under Madrid Principles; another blow to the independence referendum.

The entire negotiation history has been about concessions and giving away Artsakh. As Pashinyan noted, during the [pre-resignation] Parliamentary speech Serj Sargsyan essentially "announced the war and left".

During his bribery trial in early 2020, Serj made a statement "Artsakh will never be part of Azerbaijan". We did not at first understand why he was making such irrelevant statements during a bribery trial. It turns out he knew very well how bad the deadlock in the negotiation process was. //

[video](https://youtu.be/oh9pyBhGLpQ) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085073.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085080.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085110.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085116.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085141.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085149.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085168.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085169.html) [video](https://youtu.be/FovvPjaqX4Y?t=47) [article](https://factor.am/518937.html) [article](https://factor.am/519016.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238283) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238287) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238297) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238329) [article](https://www.panorama.am/am/news/2022/06/05/%D5%8D%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%A3%D5%A5%D5%B5-%D4%B1%D5%BD%D5%A1%D5%BF%D5%B8%D6%82%D6%80%D5%B8%D5%BE/2691748) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238339) [article](https://iravaban.net/386336.html) [video](https://youtu.be/aYxZ5ael0kU) [video](https://youtu.be/P58X7v2uVCM) [article](https://a1plus.am/hy/article/433182)

some media outlets are intentionally trying to have their broadcasting license revoked by repeatedly airing hate speech: head of state broadcasting authority

TV & Radio Commission: We have prepared the Q1 2022 report on ethics violations by media outlets. Some background: the law was amended in 2020 to establish a Code of Ethics. Every outlet is required to create one for itself, based on international standards. This is required to win broadcasting right.

In Q1 we contacted several outlets over ethics violations. ArmNews and H2 were contacted several times over statements made by Anzhela Tovmasyan, the host of Hayeli Club [Armenia's InfoWars on steroids]. It's over statements such as "բոմժերը, քրչոտները, որ էդ դրանց ընտրեցին ու դարձրեցին մեր գլխին պատուհաս", "հիմա ինչ-որ դեբիլներ կան՝ դրսում ապրող հայերը, ասում են՝ դե նախկինները ըսենց", "թրքահպատակ վիժվածքները թալանը շարունակում են", "զանազան քը․․․անդոնները", "էդ միաբջիջ ողորմելի բոմժերը որոշում կայացրեցին, որ ինքը պանթեոնում չպիտի թաղվի", "այդ մարդուն ես կարող եմ համարել գեոպոլիտիկ պուտանկա", calling Pashinyan voters a "biomass", etc. [Lists other outlets that were contacted.] //

Head of TV & Radio Commission: Two TV outlets are making persistent efforts with their broadcasting decisions to ensure their broadcasting licenses are suspended. What can we do? That's the path they have chosen. //

ARF MP Manukyan responds: You are crossing the red line. Where were you today? You should have stood by the people and seen what the police were doing. Don't touch the only true media outlet. [ARF owns an outlet] //

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238279) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/238293) [article](https://civic.am/politics/armenia/32698--.html)

Pashinyan discussed the construction of the North-South highway with a representative from the Asian Development Bank

Pashinyan: You are an important partner of ours. Thanks for the COVID aid. We will soon focus on economic projects. We aim to build North-South as soon as possible. Its role is more important than ever.

ADB: Thanks for your partnership. We are ready to activate the projects that are being implemented in Armenia, and launch new projects.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085082.html)

VIDEO: Argavand-Shirak road opens on the outskirts of Yerevan to serve as a bypass link that will reduce traffic passing through downtown

It's in the western part of the capital. A new metal bridge (252m x 28m) was built on the Hrazdan River. It is the 5th large bridge in the capital. It's the most important link that connects Yerevan's northern and southern gates.

The design was announced in 2012. The $26 million construction agreement was signed in 2019, followed by the construction itself two months later. Foreign companies were involved to design, build, and monitor the construction.

It will take 1 minute to pass from Shirak circular junction to Argavand road. The goal is to reduce traffic in downtown Yerevan and provide a faster connection between suburbs. It will connect Malatia and Shengavit districts.

It's one of the North-South components that connects Ararat and Aragatsotn provinces by bypassing the Yerevan center.

Pashinyan, Mayor Hrachya, and other officials visited [the opening cermeony](https://youtu.be/dD2OIOJqjQ8?t=89) on Saturday.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085102.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085136.html) [article](https://youtu.be/dD2OIOJqjQ8?t=89)

PHOTO: the piss-y pedestrian underpass near Yerevan's "Phak Shuka" will be renovated

The municipality will soon launch a tender to find a construction firm to renovate the underground pedestrian tunnel on Mashtots Avenue. The mayor said the city does not always manage its property properly, suggesting it would be best to hand over the management to a private firm in exchange for investments. The mayor brought the example of another underpass that was renovated on Mashtots Avenue.

He might be referring to [this](https://en.armradio.am/2021/03/21/underpass-in-downtown-yerevan-reopens-after-renovation-photos/)? (see photos after renovation)

However, in the case of this particular underpass, the mayor wants the city to do the renovation because giving it to a private firm will lead to the installation of shopping kiosks, which would make the narrow passage even narrower.

The management of another underpass on Grigor Lusavorich and Mashtots intersection will be given to a private firm for a similar renovation.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085081.html) [more](https://youtu.be/s952YmzKCII)

designing Yerevan's new subway station will take a year

Mayor Hrachya: The contract to design the station will be signed in the coming days to launch the work. It says the designing process will take a year.

The design will be evaluated, followed by another tender to launch the construction process. We are discussing the financial part with Pashinyan to understand where the funds will come from and the level of private investors' involvement. Public funds will be involved either way. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085083.html)

we now know when the new medium-size buses will arrive to supplement the public transport fleet in Yerevan

150 brand new 8.6-meter buses will be imported by December. The contract will be signed next week. Another contract was recently signed to import the long 12-meter buses by Q1 2023.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085060.html)

PHOTO/VIDEO: Tesla Energy center opens on Yerevan-Ashtarak highway

It's one of the few places where a "complete package of specialized services is presented", said the company. You will find Tesla vehicles (new and used S/3/X/Y models) and spare parts imported directly from the official manufacturer.

The center is a joint project by Armenia-based renewable company "Solara" and American "LA Solar Group".

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085076.html) [article](https://staff.am/en/company/tesla-energy)

0% customs duty on electric car imports, white sugar, and over 900 goods

IRS: This is a reminder that thousands of electric vehicles and other goods can be imported to Armenia this year without paying the 15% customs tax.

This includes the import of white sugar (60K tons quota), pork (7.5K tons), and other meat (5K tons). A license is needed to use the tariff quota. It's issued by the Economy Ministry. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085041.html)

Armenia is learning how to prevent forest fires with the help of a pilot program by EU

Prevention, Preparedness and Response to natural and man-made disasters in Eastern Partnership countries – phase 3. Armenian officials met UN officials to discuss the program.

They will carry out a risk assessment and model the possible paths of forest fires, depending on wind and terrain. The government will form a taskforce in Lori for a test run.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085093.html)

minister about the outcome of small settlements merging into larger municipalities

Sanosyan: For many years, a small community would get by with a $40,000 budget, with another $40,000 from the state. The funds were being spent on salaries, which were small. No one was happy. Nothing was being done to improve the community.

After the merger, we see that the salaries are significantly higher today. Many mayors earn above $800/mo now, up from $300-$500. Municipality staff is also earning more.

If we expect them to work and solve problems, we should ensure they are properly compensated. //

[article](https://factor.am/518730.html)

Armenia's national carrier Fly Arna receives an Air Operator License

Government's ANIF Fund: Fly Arna is a joint venture between ANIF and Air Arabia. It has just received its Air Operating Certificate (AOC) and Air Operator License (AOL), which will allow it to start operating from Yerevan's airport.

Fly Arna met all the standards and safety regulations needed for operations and has proven fit-to-fly ability following the completion of rigorous inspections by Civil Aviation.

International Air Transport Association has assigned Fly Arna the reservation code "G6". The carrier will use Airbus A320 and will follow Air Arabia's low-cost business model. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085062.html)

Armenian low-coster FlyOne is expanding its jet fleet

Not to be confused with Fly Arna, which is the government-backed national carrier. Fly One has purchased the third Airbus jet ahead of the summer vacation season.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085161.html)

VIDEO: Pashinyan and First Lady Hakobyan attended the Yerevan Wine Days festival on Sunday

Tourists and locals gathered to taste local wine.

[video](https://youtu.be/ukSLcGOEzbs?t=3), [tourists](https://youtu.be/j9g7bSj2jJU?t=12), [soldiers selling handmade goods](https://youtu.be/ZtkNqb-xFy0), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085187.html)

PHOTOS: bicycle lovers invaded the streets of Yerevan

Armenia marked World Bicycle Day by organizing a festival with the help of the UN. The goal is to promote alternative transport in the capital. Ministers and cultural figures were present.

Hundreds of residents kickstarted the ride with bikes and scooters from Shahumyan Square and made a circle through Republic Square and Mashtots.

Famous singer Aram MP3 gave a concert. He happens to be a bike enthusiast with a show dedicated to cycling.

[article](https://factor.am/519351.html)

TUMO BOX mini tech center opens in Artsakh's Askeran city

TUMO has large centers and small ones called boxes. The new box in Askeran joins the ones that were earlier launched in Martakert and Martuni. They are designed to provide modern education to 1,000 students.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085184.html)

Վերջին դաս: students across Armenia organized graduation parties

Pashinyan: Congrats on the Last Bell. You are passing from childhood to adulthood, the first steps of which are waiting for you weeks later when you make decisions that will directly affect the essence and quality of your future life.

I'm talking about your profession. Choose something that will motivate you to wake up as early as possible every day, and will bring benefit to others. //

The police towed away 33 vehicles driven by teenagers, some of whom were without a license. >!Welcome to adulthood. Enjoy the jail, you twats.!<

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1085015.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085049.html)

the government will evaluate soldier's social and employment needs a month before they return home to ensure proper transition into civilian life

Labor Ministry: We launched an important program with Defense Ministry. Conscripts must undergo a certain process for a smooth transition to civilian life. If they don't find a job, they often leave the country.

We developed a program to evaluate the soldiers' needs a month before they return home. The info about their skills, education, and plans will be recorded and later used to provide help. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085037.html)

10,000 fewer families received poverty benefits last year

Labor Ministry: Last year we spent $16.5 million on social aid for the elderly, women and children, and disabled.

$3.8 million to solve employment problems, including among Artsakh IDPs.

$69 million to raise the families' living conditions. The number of families that receive benefits has decreased by 10,000. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085020.html)

Armenian weightlifters turned the European championship into a battle between each other

96kg category: Davit Hovhannisyan won gold. He was competing against Armenia's Ara Aghanyan. This was Aghanyan's first experience in Euro games. Aghanyan finished second.

103kg category: Samvel Gasparyan won silver.

109kg category: Arsen Martirosyan won bronze.

Thicc category: Varazdat Lalayan won silver. Gor Minasyan won bronze. Georgia's Talakhadze won his 6th straight gold by lifting a whopping 16kg more than his closest opponent.

87kg category: Hripsime Khurshudyan has resumed her career after a 6-year break. She finished 6th. She was banned in 2016 after a [doping scandal](https://eurasianet.org/armenias-state-doping-program-has-had-disastrous-consequences-for-weightlifters-investigation).

[video](https://youtu.be/MptFI60r1K4) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085117.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085159.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085164.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085188.html) [article](https://factor.am/519198.html)

Armenia 1:0 Ireland. UEFA Nations League is underway.

Armenia is now leading the Group B1. That's because this was the first and so far the only match of the group. The next match will be on June 8 against Scotland.

... is Armenia ready to forgive Joaquín Caparrós?

The soccer coach was criticized after a series of bad performances months earlier. The coach was interviewed after the victory against Ireland.

Joaquín: By the end of the first half, the Irish had only one shot on target. The team deserves praise for this victory.

It's barbarism to hold 4 matches in 10 days. The results will depend on how fast the players recover, and wheater they can avoid yellow and red cards. They should be 1,000% dedicated to the game. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085160.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1085163.html)

top-10 bestseller documentary books in April

5) [Մտքի ուժը: Առաջ դեպի 21-րդ դար](https://bookmark.am/product/%D5%B4%D5%BF%D6%84%D5%AB-%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%AA%D5%A8/), by Ջոն Քեհոյ

4) [Ատոմային սովորություններ](https://editprint.am/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=1084), by յմս Քլիըր

3) [Երբ բոլորը քո դեմ են․ Իլոն Մասկն ինքն իր մասին](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60391554), about Elon Musk

2) [Sapiens. Մարդկության համառոտ պատմությունը](https://newmag.am/book/sapiens), by Յուվալ Նոյ Հարարի

1) [Սրճարան աշխարհի եզրին](https://zangakbookstore.am/srcharan-ashkharhi-ezrin-1), by Ջոն Ստրելեքի

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084841.html)

you vs AI

https://quickdraw.withgoogle.com/

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/v5w9k9/jun52022_your_weekend_news_digest_multimillion/