2022 March 24

Daily news wrap-up

News - Mar/24/2022: Armenia to subsidize Black Sea ferry to boost railway cargo via Georgia __ Tax refunds for new IT jobs __ Customs reforms: time & cost __ Artsakh borders & gas; Negotiations; Pashinyan statement __ Self-determination & territorial integrity __ Church rejects Tsarukyan's statue
by ar_david_hh

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Your 12-minute Thursday digest in 3094 words.

response continues to Azerbaijan's decision to block gas flow to Artsakh

Freedom House: Azerbaijan must prevent a humanitarian crisis by restoring unhindered gas supplies to the people of Nagorno Karabakh, who have endured weeks of freezing temps without heat or hot water. //

Artsakh MFA Babayan: It's difficult but we are withstanding and will continue to withstand no matter what. Azerbaijan cut off the gas for political and other reasons. It's humanitarian terrorism and a violation of norms.

They also employ other methods to terrorize the peaceful population: near Khramort they use loudspeakers to order people to leave under the threat of force. The village is unfazed. //

QP MP Vardanyan: Azerbaijan's behavior makes it more clear that the problem in Artsakh is of an existential nature. The gas situation will strengthen Armenia's ongoing lawsuit against Azerbaijan in the World Court. We've been in touch with internal colleagues to find a solution. //

Peacekeepers are currently negotiating to resume the gas flow, said the Artsakh gov't. The gov't denied reports about assigning Security Council chief Vitali Balasanyan to hold negotiations with Azerbaijan. Balasanyan's task is to coordinate the cooperation with Russian peacekeepers, they said.

... Premier Pashinyan about Artsakh gas and Azerbaijan's policies:

The gas pipeline was blown up on March 7 in an Azeri-controlled territory. Azerbaijan used various pretexts to not allow repair works but they eventually repaired it. We have information that they installed a valve. After restoring the gas supply for 4 days, they simply closed the valve, thus proving that they were behind the March 7 attack.

This is happening amid snowfalls and low temperatures that are unprecedented in decades. The temperatures reached -8c in Stepanakert. Artsakh is on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe.

With its actions, Azerbaijan is also rendering a service to the people of Artsakh, because this episode is a very precise description of the Artsakh conflict for the international community. The international community can understand the essence of the Karabakh conflict without reading hundreds of pages of history.

This unequivocally showcases Azerbaijan’s policy towards the Armenians of Artsakh: That is – to make their lives in their own homeland impossible. Azerbaijan has been boasting of its so-called glorious victory for 1.5 years now, yet after so much suffering, over 117,000 Armenians continue to live in Artsakh. Azerbaijan considers this its biggest defeat and has set an objective to complete its policy of ethnic cleansing in Artsakh.

Azerbaijani MFA's response was "stay out of our internal affair". This means they are saying "international community, don't look this way and let us complete our policy of getting rid of Armenians by genocidal policy and ethnic cleansing under the pretext of so-called anti-terror actions."

No such thing can happen. Diplomats and organizations should in detail present to the international community through social media everything that happened in Artsakh in the past 15 days.

... Azerbaijan's policy is to divert us from the peace agenda: Premier Pashinyan

Azerbaijan is trying to divert us from our agenda of regional peace by provoking new escalations. We must not give in to these provocations. I have stated that for implementing the peace agenda we need firm nerves. Azerbaijan gave us a 5-point proposal on the settlement of the relations. We responded quickly and asked OSCE to organize peace talks. We presented our assessment: Azerbaijan's proposals are not unacceptable but they do not address all issues.

Azerbaijan proceeded to close the gas pipe. Pay attention, Armenia says the Azeri proposals are acceptable, but Azerbaijan closes the gas pipeline. This is the greatest proof that Azerbaijan's policy is to divert us from the peace agenda. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078744.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078754.html https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1078764.html https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1078765.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078777.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078801.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078827.html

Premier Pashinyan responds to criticism from opposition alliances about "accepting the principle of territorial integrity as the principle of normalization of relations"

Pashinyan: That's more than strange. In 1999 former president Kocharyan said "If we speak about territorial integrity in general, we shouldn’t say that we oppose it. We also have territory, and we too consider that this territory requires adherence to such principle".

After him, Serzh Sargsyan held negotiations for many years, accepting the principles of territorial integrity as one of the fundamental principles.

Speculation is inappropriate now. Nagorno Karabakh has never been a territorial conflict. It is an issue of rights and we will consistently defend all rights of the Armenians of Artsakh, also by not ignoring the rights of other nations, because, as Serzh Sargsyan once rightfully said - "we are not fascists".

https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1078770.html

in case you missed Wednesday news about the government's stance on Artsakh's right to self-determination

Opposition MP: Would you accept any Artsakh status within Azerbaijan? You have stopped mentioning people's right to self-determination and instead only mention "rights". Can you reaffirm that the right to self-determination is still important?

MFA Mirzoyan: I mentioned "all rights". I think we all understand what the word "all" means. People's self-determination is also a right. When we say we will protect all rights, that means all rights.

We want the negotiations to happen without preconditions. That means we expect no preconditions from Azerbaijan and OSCE, and in turn, we don't impose preconditions or predict the negotiation outcome ahead of time. What we will defend is what I just said [all rights]. //

https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/tldjnt/mar232022_bus_fare_to_remain_same_despite_new/

Azeri troops breached the line of contact and entered a border village in Artsakh after monthlong provocations

Artsakh villages Khnamort, Khnapat, and Parukh are located close to each other, on the eastern border with Azerbaijan. They are exposed because of being located on the other side of the mountains, next to Azeri positions. Azeri troops have been using rifles, mortars, and loudspeakers to disrupt daily life since February. Women and children were temporarily evacuated from Khnapat a few weeks ago.

On Thursday the Azeri troops entered the Parukh village to take the nearby heights. No shots were fired. Women and children have been evacuated from the village. Peacekeepers and the Artsakh Defense Army launched negotiations to return Azeris to their original positions. Residents of neighboring Khnamort formed self-defense units.

Artsakh gov't: The protection of LoC in this area is within the peacekeepers' mission. The peacekeepers are stationed at their bases at the moment. The negotiations continue. The situation is calm in other parts of the border. //

Russian MFA about the LoC and gas: The sides should not escalate the already tense situation in Nagorno Karabakh. Relevant work is being done by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Energy and Gazprom so that the population does not suffer. //

Artsakh authorities reported that the Azeri movements were halted in Parukh and Khramort villages, but they have not returned to original positions yet.

Armenian MFA: Today at 4:00 p.m. the Azeri forces violated the LoC in an area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping mission. This once again shows that Baku continues to violate the Nov. 9 statements about ending hostilities and maintaining positions at the time of ceasefire. [Talks about Azeris cutting gas and using mortars used against villagers earlier], and other steps towards ethnic cleansing. Along with the sharp escalation of the situation in Ukraine, such actions seriously endanger regional stability. We expect Russian peacekeepers to take measures to ensure Azeri troops return to their positions. //

Defense Ministers of Armenia and Russia discussed the situation.

PU MP Tovmasyan: I happened to be in village Khramort. Life went on as usual. As always, the mayor turned on a patriotic song with a loudspeaker in response to Azeris using a loudspeaker. We suddenly learned about the incident up in the north in Panukh village, and that the authorities had to evacuate women and children for safety.

This was first of all a provocation against Russian peacekeepers because there are no Armenian positions and soldiers in these two villages. It's exclusively under Russian control. Azerbaijan is trying to take advantage of the situation in Ukraine. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078819.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078832.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078837.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078838.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078839.html https://factor.am/491459.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078849.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078851.html https://www.civilnet.am/news/654909/խրամորթում-գյուղացիները-ինքնապաշտպանական-ջոկատ-են-ստեղծել/ https://en.armradio.am/2022/03/24/armenian-russian-defense-ministers-discuss-situation-in-artsakh/ https://youtu.be/6F-NJGLHJog

Artsakh residents gathered in capital Stepanakert in the morning to protest "Azerbaijan's provocations"

Gas, UN's participation in an event in Shushi, and other topics were raised.

https://youtu.be/JEmhmQcIz3A https://youtu.be/jydFDXLwqO8

it's still snowing in Armenia

Several roads were closed again on Thursday after heavy snow across the country. Vardenis and Ijevan were the only exceptions. The drivers were reminded to use winter tires.

[This was the Jermuk-Gndevaz road.](https://youtu.be/l6nH3eecwrs)

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078745.html

no blessing from church for Gagik Tsarukyan's Jesus statue

The BHK leader wants to build a giant statue of Jesus "to attract tourists". He invited architects to submit designs.

The church recently convened a meeting in Ejmiatsin to discuss various topics, including the statue. They thanked Tsarukyan for his dedication and mission, but asked him not to build the statue because it doesn't fit the church's traditions. The church said a sculpture/khachkar would be acceptable.

Dang it...

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078807.html

constitutional reform council elected 5 experts

The candidates won enough points through a competition. They will join the efforts to assess the Constitution ahead of the planned reforms.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078843.html

details about the drunk guy who received a $1,000 fine after calling the police emergency line to curse Pashinyan's mother because he didn't like Yerevan's transport system

Paylak Sargsyan pleaded guilty.

Sargsyan: I left work for home at 6 p.m on September 20. At home I drank vodka, then a bottle of beer while outside. As I drank, I remembered the problems with public transport in Yerevan and decided to demand solutions by calling the police.

While standing near the statue of Gay, I called 1-02 [Armenian 911 for police] at 9:30 p.m. and presented the transport problems. I don't know why I got agitated, but I began to curse at the Prime Minister, Transport Minister, and their family members. Since I informed the police about my location, they came and took me to a police station.

Q: What words did you use?

Sargsyan: I don't want to repeat what I said because I regret what happened. I would have never used such a lexicon while sober. I was drunk.

Q: Can you confirm that you are the person in this 14-minute phone call with 1-02 dispatchers?

Sargsyan: Yes.

Q: You mention things about sexual assault and theft in public transport. Can you elaborate?

Sargsyan: Such crimes are possible in a bus. It needs to be addressed. I wasn't referring to a specific incident about me or my family.

Q: You mentioned that you beat your wife when she returns home late from work. Can you elaborate?

Sargsyan: That was also meant to tell the police that such problems exist in some families, but not in ours, I've never raised a hand on my wife. Again, I regret making the phone call.

https://armlur.am/1174836/

Armenia Airways will suspend flights to Moscow because of sanctions

Between March 24 and April 15.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078811.html

Armenian exports to Russia drop 30% after Ukraine invasion

Economy Minister Kerobyan: We're working with our exporters to sign new agreements with new prices [after ruble devaluation]. We believe exports will increase again because the deficit in Russia, caused by sanctions, could help our exporters.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078800.html

transactions and registered purchases saw a sharp increase in early 2022

Pashinyan: In the first 20 days of 2022, compared to the same period last year, the number of HDM transactions rose by 510,000, or $120M. This is partly because of a large number of people arriving in Armenia.

This February's ֏223K average salary was +9% vs 2021, and +25% vs 2019. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078778.html

reforms in border customs will reduce wait times from 3 days to 3 hours: IRS chief

IRS chief Badasyan: The one-window principle will be implemented on the border. Today we have 5 services there: NSS, customs service, food safety service, police and transport services.

After the reforms, only 2 will remain on the border: NSS and customs service. The functions of other bodies will be distributed among those two.

The goal is for the person to hand over the documents to one window instead of approaching different agencies and going through redundant processes.

Here is how it works today: the business spends a few hours crossing the border, uses transit declaration to reach the terminal, uses the terminal to handle tasks that last in an average of 2-3 days. Preliminary testing shows that the new system will reduce this process to 2-3 hours. The record was 32 minutes.

When the bill is approved in parliament, the businesses will save resources and time. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078779.html

inflation is causing social problems, we are pursuing policies to mitigate it: Pashinyan

Premier: The social situation in Armenia and the whole world is deteriorating due to high levels of inflation. In this sense, however, Armenia is in a position better than many other countries. We'll use the budget to mitigate the problem as much as possible. In 2021 the budget revenues exceeded the estimates by $294M. It's up by 35% vs 2018. //

https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/299217/

customs duties on 430 goods will be abolished for 6 months

Pashinyan: The EAEU has made a very important decision: zero customs duties on a number of essential goods. This will undoubtedly have a positive effect on prices.

Deputy Premier Mher: The decision adopted during EAEU's March 17 session was unprecedented. We chose the list of goods carefully not to harm domestic producers. Customs duties on 430 socially important products will be lifted for 6 months. Budget revenues will decrease, but the effect on consumers will be positive. The second list of goods is being prepared to tackle inflation. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078785.html

government will subsidize Poti-Kavkaz port ferry to boost railway trade via Georgia

Economy Minister Kerobyan: Upper Lars [Georgia-Russia checkpoint] is regularly closed. Especially now, when food security is a top priority, there is a need for alternatives. We suggest subsidizing the Poti-Kavkaz regular ferry connection, twice a week. This will shift a significant part of our logistic shipments to the railway. //

The proposal was approved.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078792.html

give priority to electric vehicles while shopping for a car: Pashinyan to cabinet members

Premier: Armenians can import 7,000 EVs this year and 8,000 next year at a 0% customs duty rate. We exempted EVs from VAT until 2024. This is an exclusive opportunity for this trend to take place in Armenia. EVs are the future. We all must accept it. Give them a priority while purchasing a vehicle. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078787.html

Yerevan will join the Earth Hour on March 26

The participants of the anti-climate change initiative will turn off the lights for an hour. Yerevan's main streets and buildings won't be lit between 8:30-9:30 p.m.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078758.html

IT reform: government will return 50% of the revenue tax for newly created tech jobs

The gov't approved the resolution during today's session, yet to be approved in parliament.

IRS chief Badasyan: There are two goals. First of all, we have many freelancers working in the shadow, at home, or under contracts for foreign companies in the shadow. We want to create conditions so that being legally registered is more beneficial; they can benefit from social programs.

Secondly, countries fight to retain their IT experts. Various privileges exist in EU and CIS countries, for example in Georgia and Uzbekistan. We want Armenian IT firms to be competitive.

Continue: https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078791.html

new program will retrain single mothers to become tech experts

Labor Ministry: It will soon launch with the help of Ministry, UAE, and Gyumri Tech Center. We're trying to solve employment problems. It's a pilot program that will begin in Shirak province.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078814.html

COVID stats

2231 tested. 19 infected. 47 healed. 1 death. 2490 currently sick.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078767.html

anti-corruption: ex-mayor of Avshar (Ararat) is placed on the wanted list

Investigators report: The 1997-2011 and 2013-2022 mayor of Avshar abused his powers, causing damage to the municipality.

In 2010, a ֏95M "Ottevanger" food processor/mill was transported from Greece to Avshar as a donation. It was meant for community use, but the mayor gave it to his brother's company, which operated it for 9 years.

In 2019 the mayor decided to sell the machinery to his brother's company, for only ֏19M.

Criminal charges are filed. The ex-mayor is wanted. During the investigation of his family-owned properties, it was discovered that 54 various properties and land pieces are registered under his son's name. The wife owns 20 properties, while the daughters have 5 each. The investigation continues. //

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078753.html

New York Times wine critic highlights Armenian Areni in article about 10 grapes worth knowing better

Eric Asimov: Armenia and Georgia are located in an area thought by many as one of the origins of wine. There are dozens of grapes here, but I'll highlight areni from Armenia. It's a red grape that's startlingly good - lightly tannic yet fresh.

Full: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/21/dining/drinks/wine-grape-varieties.html https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078750.html

new program to treat pastures and arable lands that have been abandoned for >10 years

German development agency GIZ and Armenian charity Shen have a new program for several settlements in Gegharkunik. Small farm owners, village administrations, and cooperatives will receive assistance and equipment, to recover and improve 340 hectares of lands that have been abandoned for over a decade.

The treatment is expected to double the pasture productivity and benefit the bee population.

https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1078760.html

the fight against gambling addiction continues

Pashinyan: Last year the gambling circulation was around ֏3.9T. It doubled in recent years.

In 2018 we launched efforts to shrink this sector. The gambling machines in gas stations, that operated with cash in the shadow, were prohibited. We reduced the number of bookmaker offices. We banned gambling ads after giving them some time to adapt. This was all done under massive pressure and threats from the gambling lobby.

The next step is targeting cash transactions in the shadow. There is a wallet recharging mechanism. The person uses terminals to top-up the wallet for gambling bets. Under new rules, they will only be able to top-up their balance with a bank account.

This will make the transactions visible to their family members and the authorities, if necessary. How many of the government social aid recipients take the cash and waste it on gambling? If you waste the child aid on gambling, we could introduce restrictions such as giving the card to another family member, etc. //

https://factor.am/491141.html https://youtu.be/X0JUmE14ndk

Armenia 1-0 Montenegro

A friendly soccer match was held in Yerevan. Armenia is ranked at #92 globally, Montenegro #72.

https://factor.am/491514.html

more

The news in русский (by Impossible-Ad-).

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

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in the 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/tn0a3d/news_mar242022_armenia_to_subsidize_black_sea/