2022 March 17

Daily news wrap-up

Mar/17/2022: New Armenian ski resort to compete with Russia's Sochi __ Census 2022 __ 4,000 Ukrainians in Armenia __ iGorts & diaspora __ IMF on economy __ Grain imports & farming __ "Armed" eHealth platform is expanding __ Police reforms in provinces __ New education infrastructure __ Uncle Vanya
by ar_david_hh

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Your 10-minute Thursday digest in 2444 words.

what is "Armed", and are there plans to improve it?

Report: Your health information should be recorded in an electronic database after a visit to a doctor, so doctors can access it easily in the future. This is used around the world. Armenia's Armed system is taking steps to achieve the same quality of service.

Armed recently published a mobile app "Armed eHealth" as a pilot program. The patients can see the date, location, and results of their visits.

Armed official: Besides medical details, the app also shows the amount paid by the state or the insurance company. Out-of-pocket costs are also partially available. It's the barebones now. Eventually, it will include more detailed information.

Reporter: Is the data protected?

Armed official: Only the patient can access it. The app will require face recognition as an additional layer. The submitted photo will be compared to the photo available in the state registry, before access is granted.

Reporter: So, for now, state-funded visits will be included in the database, but the out-of-pocket visits are recorded at the discretion of the medical institution?

Armed official: At this stage, yes. The 2020 law requires all medical institutions to submit the information to the Armed. How this process should be carried out will be defined later. This is part of the Healthcare Ministry's 2021 decree about e-health reforms. The patient needs an e-history so the doctor can make a more accurate diagnosis.

Reporter: When can everyone use the app?

Armed official: Soon. It's still being tested to correct errors. Users submit their ideas. That's important for us.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078098.html

COVID stats

2480 tested. 47 infected. 140 healed. 2 deaths.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078107.html

rumors & rebuttals

False information was circulated on social media claiming border clashes in southern borders, said MOD. There was a dispute between Armenian servicemen that left two of them dead. The prosecutors launched a criminal case.

False information was circulated about pans to build a new road between Georgia and Chechnya, said the Georgian government. A mountain road for hikers has existed for decades.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078102.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078108.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078124.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078165.html

nature inspectors will use drones

It's a donation from World Wildlife Fund to help monitor forests and protected areas.

https://youtu.be/Y2BK1vmRaU8 www.civilnet.am/news/653927/բնապահպանության-և-ընդերքի-տեսչական-մարմինը-երկու-աթս-կունենա/

the new Anti-Corruption Court will open its doors a month from now

The government allocated $7K to renovate the building. This court will examine exclusively corruption-related cases.

www.civilnet.am/news/653936/հակակոռուպցիոն-դատարանը-ապրիլից-կսկսի-գործել/

IMF also expects Armenia's economy to slow because of Ukraine invasion

[On Tuesday](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/tf1dgd/mar152022_yerevan_to_acquire_trolleys_european/) Armenia's Central Bank downgraded the expected 5.3% growth to 1.6%. IMF predicts 1.5%.

IMF official: Armenia's economy grew 5.7% last year and maintained high growth in early 2022. The annual CPI inflation reduced in February to 6.5%, supported by monetary policy tightening.

... fiscal deficit narrowed to 4.7% of GDP in 2021, largely due to lower government spending

>The external position has strengthened, especially in 2021, as the current account deficit narrowed during the Covid-19 pandemic while remittances stayed strong, and the Eurobond issuance and the SDR allocation added to international reserves. The banking system has remained adequately capitalized and liquid, and asset quality has improved

The Ukraine war and sanctions on Russia are expected to have a considerable negative impact on remittances, inflation, deficit. //

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1078159.html

will Armenia face a food deficit amid Ukraine war and sanctions?

Experts: No. Armenia has enough reserves and can continue to import. The bigger problem is Lars checkpoint (GE-RU) being closed because of snow. We import grain from Russia, not Ukraine.

Armenia buys a fraction of what Russia exports, so it won't be a problem to import grain [through a quota]. Moreover, Russia's export restrictions apply to grains, but not flour.

Armenia is using only half of its arable lands. The reason farmers are not planting wheat is because of low profitability on a small scale. //

https://factor.am/488314.html https://factor.am/488316.html https://factor.am/488319.html https://factor.am/488323.html

fake McDonald's is emerging in Russia, days after the real one pulls out

You may [recall](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/tb837q/mar102022_more_water_for_lake_sevan_thousands_of/) Russian ex-president Dmitri Medvedev's emoji-filled Facebook rant about the need to seize assets belonging to Western firms that boycott Russia. Russian parliament speaker Volodin also warned McDonald's that a local "Uncle Vanya" could soon emerge as an alternative, take over their abandoned locations, and sell the same tasty [Le Big Macs](https://youtu.be/xjedOuptmSk) at even a lower price. "We don't need you," basically.

Days later, someone in Russia reportedly filed a trademark application for "Uncle Vanya". Its logo is McDonald's "M" but sideways, resembling the Russian letter "V" (for Vanya).

https://nypost.com/2022/03/17/mcdonalds-knockoff-uncle-vanya-unveils-logo-after-russia-stores-close/ https://twitter.com/JoshGerben/status/1504082125968007174

Russia blocks Azeri news sites allied to Aliyev regime

Haqqin and Minval have been blocked by the Russian media regulator under the law that prohibits the spread of "extremism and false information".

https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/299086/

Armenian FlyOne airline will increase the frequency of flights to Moscow

Yerevan-Moscow-Yerevan is every day now. They promise "affordable prices". Many Russian refugees who moved to Armenia in recent days have complained about exorbitant ticket prices, caused by increased demand and not enough flights.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078123.html

this is why we can't have nice things

A moron sent an email to Moscow's Sheremetevo airport, claiming an explosive was planted in a Moscow-Yerevan flight that was already in the air.

Yerevan sent bomb squads, medics, and rescuers to meet the jet. No explosives were found, but they did find the prankster's IQ score, and it doesn't look encouraging...

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078174.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078184.html

many Armenian families have evacuated from Mariupol (Ukraine)

Armenian community leader Matevosyan: The situation is dire in Mariupol. The majority of Armenians have evacuated, but several families are still trying to leave. No food, no water, no heating. People attempt to leave the city from certain corners whenever there is a ceasefire.

https://factor.am/488465.html

4,000 Ukrainian citizens have arrived in Armenia, mostly ethnic Armenians

Ukraine's ambassador Avtonomov: After the war, dozens of thousands of people have arrived in Armenia from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, as immigrants and tourists.

That includes 4,000 Ukrainian citizens. Most of them are ethnic Armenians who have friends here, so they don't seek assistance from us. Many Armenian residents have contacted us with an offer to provide housing to migrants. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078164.html

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan met NATO leadership, delivered a statement at North Atlantic Council

Mirzoyan expressed satisfaction with the existing political dialogue with NATO. Individual Partnership Action Plan was highlighted as an effective tool for developing cooperation.

They spoke about Armenian peacekeeping units in international missions and Armenia's contribution to international stability. They also discussed the Artsakh conflict.

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1078187.html https://youtu.be/eDiQfUrP69Q

70% of iGorts diasporan experts who volunteer to work in state departments end up repatriating

Diaspora Office chief Sinanyan: Last year we had 48 diasporans who arrived to work in 19 state departments as part of the iGorts program. The program launched only 1.5 years ago, yet it has already given us a deputy minister, tourism committee chief, national innovation center chief. Around 70% of all participants have decided to repatriate.

As part of the Step Toward Home program, we invited 400 diasporan youth from dozens of countries.

Last year our Office organized trips to France, Russia, the US, Lithuania, Ukraine. Meetings were held with business representatives to discuss investment conditions to help develop Armenia and Artsakh. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078134.html

census will be held in October

Experts: This will be an important event. It's been 11 years since the last census. Every census has shown a population decline. We hope it won't be as bad this time. The primary reason for migration is lack of employment and low wages.

The population is expected to decline from 2,959,700 to 2,816,000 by 2050.

1992-2002: births decline

2002-2010: increase

2010-2019: decline

2020 and 2021: increase. This is encouraging because in many countries the COVID led to a decline.

Policies were enacted in 2019 to boost demographics. Although it's too early to talk about significant results, it's already providing benefits. For example, the one-time aid for 1st and 2nd child was raised.

Armenia is likely the only country where, beginning in 2012, the total birth rate is lower in rural areas than in urban. Our villages need a restart with land reforms, education, etc. Beginning July 2021, a program launched to provide monthly child aid to unemployed mothers in villages, the first such aid in 28 years. We need more programs to promote income generation in villages. //

https://factor.am/488430.html https://factor.am/488445.html https://factor.am/488441.html https://factor.am/488451.html https://factor.am/488455.html https://youtu.be/trqHCjVojDA

gov't allocates ֏67M to renovate dozens of schools in Kapan (Syunik)

The schools need labs, gyms, etc. The is a plan to turn the renovated facilities into "community centers".

Pashinyan: Access to education has always been a problem in rural Armenia. A Series of solutions were offered in the past. We believe we have found a model that will finally address accessibility, even in the most remote settlements.

We're talking about not only building new schools but also new roads and providing public transport to students. This is a complex infrastructure solution that began in Kapan (Syunik). Over 85% of children in Armenia must have access to kindergarten.

This will also help young mothers become more economically and socially active. Mothers can work while their children study in kindergartens. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078117.html https://youtu.be/ld_iqXedN3o

Armenian students won gold and silver medals in Caucasus Mathematical Olympiad

3 gold (#1), and 1 silver.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/233142

Armenian doctors performed a complex surgical procedure on a skull

Last year an 8yo girl was rushed to a hospital with heavy damage to the head. The craniocerebral injury was treated with surgery and she was discharged 40 days later, but with an extensive skull defect.

Several months later she underwent another surgery to close a "hole" in her skull. For the first time in Armenia, surgeons used a titanium plate that can expand as the child grows. The material was a donation from Digital Diagnostic Center.

https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/233168

gov't reviewed the sports & culture programs implemented in 2021

Report: Last year we approved amendments to increase the pensions and grants for athletes and coaches who achieve high results, starting in 2022. The list of athletes who qualify for honorarium has expanded.

The nominal pension budget for athletes and coaches has quadrupled to ֏625M.

We reached an agreement to hold the 2022 European Boxing Championship in Armenia this year.

181 grant programs worth ֏1B to develop and promote publishing, cultural heritage, contemporary art, etc.

֏701M in capital investments for cultural facilities and protection of 26 objects.

֏168M to acquire new sound, lighting, and other equipment for Tiknikayin and Sos Sargsyan Theaters. //

More: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078133.html

gov't reviewed the 2021 report on public transport reforms

Report: As part of the efforts to introduce a universal public transport network in Armenia, beginning in mid-2022, several provinces will receive hundreds of new transport vehicles. It's a $13M program.

We signed an agreement with EBRD bank to acquire 100 buses for Yerevan. Armenia received a €5M grant.

Changes were made to the vehicle tech inspection process. The requirement to have a paper receipt has been replaced with an electronic system to make sure tech inspections actually take place.

We signed an agreement with the EU to form a common aviation area. Market access for carriers will be ensured on equal competitive terms, without discrimination, with common rules.

Two new airlines received certificates for regular commercial air transportation.

$5.5M investments in Shirak airport to repair its runway and modernize the passenger hall.

ANIF and Air Arabia signed an agreement to found the national carrier Fly Arna.

27 modern train wagons were purchased. 9.5km rail tracks were repaired. The volume of domestic rail freight increased by 2.6%. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078137.html

gov't allocates ֏2B to expand the police reforms to Lori and Shirak

The new Patrol Service needs 140 new vehicles and tech equipment. It will operate in Shirak and Lori soon.

Pashinyan: The new Patrol service has been operating in Yerevan since July. Armenia's brand is democracy, and we are building a police force that meets the standards of democracy.

They are accepting applications in provinces. We're seeing competition for each job position. I urge women to join the Patrol. You don't need relevant experience or a university degree. There is a training course at the academy. //

https://youtu.be/5H8qo9Rgm-g https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078110.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078114.html https://factor.am/488192.html

Armenian mountain resort Myler is aspiring to become a regional center for skiing

[Last month we learned](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/sjujj4/feb32022_deal_reached_for_60m_ski_resort_track/) that an Austrian company signed a deal with Armenian company Myler to build a skiing resort, while the government promised to provide the land. It'll be located near village Yeghipatrush (Aparan municipality).

>Myler Mountain Resort will invest $30 million, with another $30 million from other private investors. The Armenian firm will buy an aerial ropeway from [Austrian] Doppelmayr for €24 million.

Reporter: Tell us about the background of your bold idea to create a new ski resort.

Myler founder Harutyunyan: This was 1997. I was 13 when we created a "national ski team" with friends. At that time it was difficult to get skiing gear in Armenia. Victor Hambardzumyan's granddaughter brought them from Europe.

It was difficult to reach the top of the mountain in those years. Sometimes we had to bring fuel with us to put the ropeway into operation. It was slow and had tiny seats. There were no ski tracks. We were just falling like snowdrifts. Soviet "Buran" snowmobiles were used to open tracks.

That is when the idea was born to build a ski resort with international standards. We became more pro over time.

Reporter: Why in Yeghipatrush, and can you give us details?

Myler founder: The location and climate allow us to build a complete complex equipped with relevant infrastructures. Today the regional skiing center is Georgia's Gudauri. In 12 years, we will compete with Sochi. We will strive to serve 18,000 skiers and 18,000 non-skiers per day.

The initial phase with €60M investment will be completed in 2023. The whole project will be ready by 2032-2035. We plan to invest up to €300M over the course of 10 years.

Half of the initial €60M investment is for building ropeways, the rest to create other infrastructures, artificial snowmaking systems, and tracks. This will allow us to accept 6,000 skiers at a time, which is 3x the number of visitors in the high season in Armenia. There will be activities for all seasons, not just winter.

Reporter: Any international partners?

Myler founder: Canadian designer Ecosign has 40 years of experience. European PGI will assist as an operator. These two are the best in their field. We've signed a contract to buy the ropeway from Austrian Doppelmayr.

1,500 permanent jobs. //

More: https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1078115.html

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News archive: http://www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/Daily_Anti-Corruption_Reports Donations: soldiers' families, humanitarian aid, US tax-deductible donation.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/tgibhu/mar172022_new_armenian_ski_resort_to_compete_with/