2022 May 10

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. May/10/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

11 minutes. 2860 words.

there is a plan to revive Yerevan's botanical garden

NAS's Institute of Botany: We drafted a plan for the revival of the Botanical Garden. It will include a new platform titled "Friends of Botanical Garden". This will help finance the modernization efforts.

Individuals will be able to make contributions by [becoming a member](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9XEYSbHoABCl-Jk4OsNuK-3nxzU8ZjlH8HPKMqlNgXZwELA/viewform).

$10/mo: you get an unlimited access card, exclusive information and communication, and special events for members only.

$15/mo: all of the above, plus one professional tour, discounted ticket for movie screenings, discounts for purchasing saplings and taking botanical classes, right to take free photos and videos, T-shirt.

$30/mo: more tours, bigger discounts, more merch and rights, a tree named after you, and your name on our website.

As you can see, the platform isn't just for "donations", it provides services to subscribers. A regular financial report will explain how your contributions are spent.

We will also cooperate with businesses. There haven't been major investments for 30 years. We need to hire security guards to protect the trees in the 80-hectare area; we only have two at the moment. Another area of improvement is lighting for evening visits.

Part of the garden is a waterless desert. We need an irrigation network to bring it to life. The plan will be sent to the Government for approval soon. They are ready to support. Meanwhile, we should involve finances from other sources, too. //

[full](https://youtu.be/MJAsP4OvU-M?t=742), [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082823.html)

Tags: #BotanicalGarden

Japan will invest $0.9 million in Armenia to help manage climate change risks, revamp meteorological tools for accurate analysis

An agreement was signed today between Japan and Armenia to strengthen the country's climate resilience, promote women in business, and help low-income families and farmers.

Nature Ministry: The technology and professional skills developed within the framework of this project will greatly contribute to overcoming climate challenges.

The investments will develop Armenia's technical capacities to monitor and predict the weather with the use of automated digital tools. This will provide up-to-date and accurate into for farmers and the general population. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082843.html)

PHOTO: new $110 million multifunctional technology center will be built in Yerevan

[Enterprise Armenia Foundation](https://enterprisearmenia.am/en): "Dalan" center will be built in Yerevan with an investment of $110m. The 158,000 m^2 center will include offices, commercial areas, sports and research centers, and public and rehabilitation places. There will be a hotel and parking for over 1,000 cars.

It will boost cooperation between leading Armenian and world organizations. The construction will begin in June 2022 and finish in 2026.

Dalan is going to be the first building in the region to meet BOMA A Class construction standards. This is given to high-class and reputational buildings, which offer high-quality solutions and modern systems. The project will be implemented based on LEED certification standards. //

Old Reddit discussion [here](https://np.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/l61tg6/dalan_technologies_park_in_yerevan_armenia_has/). [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082800.html) [source](https://telecom.arka.am/en/news/telecom/110_million_worth_dalan_tech_park_to_be_built_in_armenia_presented_in_yerevan/)

government wants to merge small and "forgotten" science institutes into larger and more powerful ones; tech and facility revamp

The state is currently financing 57 science institutes, the vast majority of which are small, with fewer than 100 employees. Half of them have under 50. Many do not have modern labs and working conditions.

The government believes it's best to merge them around larger centers and allocate funds for modernization. The idea to merge was first proposed in 2011, but this is the first time financial resources are being allocated to get it done. It's part of the government's 2021-2026 program.

The funds are coming from the budget and the EU. The report contains details. Dozens of millions of dollars will be invested in modernization, labs, reconstruction, etc.

Starting next year, they plan to have 1-2 merged centers. The goal is to have 9 unified scientific research and production centers by 2027, in addition to two dozen academies.

[continue](https://hetq.am/hy/article/144373)

Pashinyan visits the Netherlands

He will meet Premier Rutte, parliamentarians, visit Clingendael Institute (for a lecture), and participate in the opening ceremony of ["Under the Shadow of Ararat: The Treasures of Ancient Armenia"](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082802.html) exhibition. It is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations and includes 150 archaeological collection pieces from the History Museum of Armenia.

Pashinyan will also visit the inauguration of an Armenian khachkar monument dedicated to "Armenia's contribution to international peace."

The airplane landed in the Netherlands. Together with the King's commissioner, Pashinyan visited the [Boskamp cemetry](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082862.html) to pay tribute to victims of the Armenian Genocide.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082801.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082802.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082862.html)

Netherlands will issue grants to several Armenian media organizations for fact-checking and efforts to protect human rights

Ambassador Nico Schermers met the recipients today. They are EVN Report, Բուն TV, Factor, Hetq, Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression, and For Equal Rights NGO.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082870.html)

Armenia's Defense Ministry hosted delegations from Greece and Cyprus. An agreement was signed.

Armenia-Greece-Cyprus trilateral cooperation consultations were organized at MOD. They discussed old and new cooperation programs and regional security.

They signed the 2022 Armenia-Greece military cooperation program. The Armenia-Cyprus agreement was signed last year.

As part of the agreement, dozens of events will be held in Armenia, Greece, and Cyprus, relating to the training of special forces, peacekeeping, military medicine, engineering, experience, and information exchange.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082861.html)

Azerbaijan has agreed to include Armenia's 6-point proposal to discuss Nagorno Karabakh status, rights, and security: ambassador-at-large Edmon Marukyan

Did you miss what 5+6 is? Explained in [English](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uk1yz7/qa_with_security_council_chief_armen_grigoryan/), in [Russian](https://www.reddit.com/r/ArmDailyReports_RUS_/comments/ukvuut/интервью_с_главой_совета_безопасности_арменом/).

Reporter: Tell us about the origins of 5+6.

Marukyan: Azerbaijan gave us a 5-point proposal to reach a peace treaty. There was nothing unacceptable there, but it was missing important topics relating to Artsakh's status, rights, and security, so we proposed our 6-point plan to supplement it.

During the April 6 Brussels meeting we also directly handed over the 6-point plan to Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan agreed. An agreement was reached to initiate negotiations on a peace treaty. [Sidenote: Azeri media was unhappy that this is being discussed openly in Armenia. An Azeri official said the negotiations "should" be around Azerbaijan's 5 points.]

there are no legal documents de-jure proving that Azeri enclaves ever existed in Armenia, while there are legal grounds regarding Armenia's Artsvashen enclave in Azerbaijan: ambassador-at-large

Reporter: Azerbaijan has been mentioning enclaves. An official recently made a statement about the "return of 7 villages" through a demarcation.

Marukyan: As we've said before, the demarcation should take place based on documents with de-jure significance. At this moment we don't possess any legal substantiation that any de-jure Azerbaijani enclave has ever existed within Armenia. On the contrary, there are legal grounds proving that Artsvashen belongs to Armenia. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082803.html) [source](https://factor.am/509257.html)

EU supports peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan: EU ambassador

Wiktorin: We support the process of resolving issues between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as issues relating to Nagorno Karabakh. The EU is ready to put more effort as a mediator, but in any case, the decisions have to be made by the parties. We will continue to hold meetings to understand what can be done to achieve progress.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082830.html)

ambassadors of several states met Armenia's special envoy Ruben Rubinyan to discuss the efforts to normalize Armenia-Turkey relations

European ambassadors, joined by the UK, U.S., and Switzerland, met Rubinyan on Tuesday to discuss the progress. Rubinyan emphasized the need for support from the international community.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082810.html)

parliamentary opposition activists shut down roads in Yerevan again

The police reported that all roads were operational in the afternoon after [blockades](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236722) in the morning. Dozens of activists were detained. The protests, led by ARF Ishkhan Saghatelyan, are demanding the government's resignation so they can form a temporary government.

update: Police makes arrests after [video](https://youtu.be/4kZjNsJ0wGA?t=6) showing protesters punching elderly men in Gyumri. ARF co-leader Gegham Manukyan's son is among the suspects.

[Read Monday news digest for context.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/um0mfi/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_monday/) The opposition organized a car caravan to Gyumri to rally its supporters. Their path was blocked by families of POWs. The caravan reached Gyumri and held a rally. In Gyumri, an argument was recorded between a group of young protesters and a group of elderly men on a sidewalk, with a young man seen punching an elderly man from behind. It escalated into a group fight.

Authorities: A group of young protesters exited the vehicle, approached the men gathered at a bus stop, and started hitting them. The youngest victim is 56, the eldest is 84.

We have learned the identities of three suspects [including Gegham Manukyan's son]. They will be arrested. //

ARF Gegham Manukyan: The elderly men threw eggs at the protesters' vehicle and used profanity. It was organized by government supporters. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082786.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082806.html) [source](https://factor.am/509280.html) [source](https://youtu.be/shgL899aw9c) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236725)

medical examination reveals the cause of death that occurred in France Square during an evening protest last week

Police: The man died from a heart attack. At the time of his death, his system contained natural and synthetic cannabinoids mixed with benzodiazepines. He died from acute poisoning.

False rumors were circulated claiming the deceased was associated with the police. He was not a policeman, and he was not detained by the police. //

U.S. urges protesters to refrain from violence, and for authorities to exercise restraint

Reporter: Can I get your reaction to ongoing protests in Armenia – it has been two weeks already – and its implications for the country and the region?

Ned Price: We had a Strategic Dialogue with the Armenians last week. We reaffirmed our mutual commitment to Armenia’s democratic development and our support for lasting peace in the region.

Peaceful protests are an element of an open political system. We urge people to express their opinions in a peaceful manner and refrain from violence and respect the rule of law and Armenia's democracy. We urge authorities to exercise restraint. //

EU is monitoring the events in Armenia: EU ambassador

Wiktorin: The police must also adhere to all laws and rules. The police must not have impunity, but at the same time, I’d like to say that there could be different provocations and I would ask myself what can be done in case of such provocations. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082836.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082863.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082816.html) [source](https://youtu.be/VRsVixmujNk) [source](https://factor.am/509418.html) [source](https://www.state.gov/?post_type=state_briefing&;p=92333%2F)

anti-corruption: court enters the final stage of evidence examination in the multi-million-dollar bribery case involving ex-president Robert Kocharyan and aide Armen Grigoryan

Defense lawyers attempted to delay the process again by asking the judge to discuss another petition instead. The judge refused. The lawyers asked for a break for consultation. The judge said such breaks aren't envisaged and lawyers could consult quietly in the room.

The lawyers left the room without permission. The judge wasn't happy. Kocharyan told the judge "You are creating meaningless tension. It was just five minutes."

The judge gave the lawyers a few minutes to return. Prosecutors complained that the defense is doing everything possible to avoid the evidence examination phase.

The lawyers returned and asked the judge to conduct the evidence examination process [behind closed doors](https://youtu.be/uWpYc5R90d4). The judge agreed.

Kocharyan and co-defendants are accused of taking millions of dollars in bribes from a mining businesswoman.

Prosecutors: Robert Kocharyan, with the help of [H2 media outlet owner] Samvel Mayrepetyan, took $3M in bribes from a mining company director Silva Hambardzumyan in February-May of 2008, in exchange for not hindering the sale of her licensed mining exploration company to a non-resident company.

Kocharyan's aide Armen Gevorgyan [currently HD MP], with the help of Samvel Mayrapetyan, took a $1M bribe between February 2006 and April 2008 as part of that deal, and laundered it. // [More details in February 15 news.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/stcvk4/news_feb152022_kochayrans_bribery_trial_reaches)

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082812.html)

prosecutors uncover an international online prostitution ring

Prosecutors: The group hired women from Russia and Belarus to work as prostitutes in Armenia and other countries. They promised to find clients for them, and provide housing and the necessary conditions, in exchange for 50% of the revenue.

The group recruited people tasked with renting apartments, a business owner, and others, to help the prostitutes find housing and settle in Armenia.

The group used online tools to communicate with the prostitutes. They requested naked photos to create online profiles for prostitution and escort services. $200 for an hour.

The members of the group are charged with running a prostitution ring. People still have access to their website, so a letter was sent to ISPs asking them to block the address. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082828.html)

COVID stats last week

11,538 tested. 26 infected. 31 healed. 1 death.

Healthcare Ministry will ask World Health Organization to "correct errors" that exaggerated excess deaths associated with COVID in Armenia

Avanesyan: They included the war casulaties while counting possible excess deaths linked to COVID. Բացի այդ, 2020 և 2021 թվականների համար փորձագետների կողմից օգտագործվել են հասանելի նախնական տվյալներ, որոնք տարբերվում են վերջնականից: //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082792.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082813.html)

VIDEO: dozens of Armenian businesses sent representatives to Los Angeles to find partners and expand exports

An event was held near an Armenian church in LA.

[source](https://youtu.be/rndm8vBcgh0)

Armenia will host a session of UN World Tourism Organization for the first time

Economy Ministry official: The 67th UNWTO will take place on June 1-2 in Yerevan. The topic will be rural and sustainable tourism. The fact that it is held in Yerevan this year for the first time is great progress and a very important opportunity to present Armenia to the whole world.

UNWTO official: Armenia is the country that has all the prerequisites for developing rural tourism. The country is a hidden treasure. It has all that Europeans are interested in. Armenia just needs to become more popular. For example, Italy doesn't have that problem because everyone knows it.

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082788.html)

VIDEO: Armenia will host the European Boxing Championship this year, for the first time. Here is the promo trailer featuring Yerevan.

May 21-30. Tickets from $4 to $20.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082860.html)

Armenia's teams has a successful start in Women's World Boxing Championships

The team traveled to Turkey last week. The first victory came from 70kg Ani Hovsepyan, who defeated the Ukrainian opponent. The Armenian team has four athletes. The tournament will end on May 20.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082822.html)

Armenia and Serbia agree to promote chess education

Serbia wants to learn Armenia's experience. They want to make chess a mandatory subject in schools. The secretary of Serbia's chess federation visited Armenia to meet Ministry officials and famous players.

[interview](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082781.html)

Armenia's chess players finished 3rd and 4th during the international Formentera tournament in Spain

Shant Sargsyan is 3rd with 7.5/10. Hayk Martirosyan is 4th with 7/10.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082824.html)

2022 Eurovision begins in Italy

Armenia's Rosa Lynn will perform under #17. This is the first semi-finals.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082840.html

Roma offers to extend the contract with Henrikh Mkhitaryan by 2 years

The contract ends this July. Roma wants to rehire him, but with a smaller paycheck. He played 41 games, scored 4 goals, and made 9 goal passes.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082832.html)

it took 14 hours to dye Kim Kardashyan's hairs blonde

Kardashyan recently attended the Met Gala event in Marlyn Monroe's dress and white hair. It took 14 hours for the process to finish. She had concerns that the hairs would fall off after the procedure.

She uploaded photos from Psalm's birthday. The boy turned 3. His official Armenian name is Vardan.

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236755)

today in history

2005: A hand grenade thrown by Georgian national [Vladimir Arutyunyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vladimir_Arutyunian) lands 20 meters from U.S. President George W. Bush during a speech in Tbilisi. It malfunctioned and did not detonate. It was an RGD-5 made in the Soviet Union. The handkerchief wrapped around the grenade remained wrapped and prevented the striker lever from releasing. Bush did not learn of the incident until after the rally. Arutyunyan disappeared and was found in his mother's home 2 months later. A gunfight ensued. A senior Interior Ministry official was killed. Arutyunyan escaped into the woods on the outskirts of Tbilisi. He was eventually captured after being wounded in the leg. He confessed and said he wanted to kill Georgia's new government for being a "puppet of the United States". He is locked up for life.

[source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_10)

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/umql80/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_may102022/