2022 May 12

Daily news wrap-up

May/12/2022 - Your daily news digest \\ Tsarukyan party official found guilty of voter bribery \\ Smart traffic lights \\ Pashinyan in Netherlands: Business, water, agriculture, Karabakh \\ Inflation report \\ Arthur Vanetsyan & Arman Tatoyan \\ Authorities investigating protest bribery \\ More
by ar_david_hh

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14 minutes. 3839 words.

court finds official from Gagik Tsarukyan's party guilty of bribing voters during parliamentary elections

Prosecutors: The criminal investigation launched on June 9, 2021. BHK's secretary in Gavar conspired with Aramayis Apoyan, who ran under the BHK ballot, to distribute food bags as a bribe to over 80 voters.

The MP candidate told the secretary to purchase the food and store it in his apartment to avoid detection. They drafted a list of recipients. 31 voters visited the apartment to receive a bribe.

The two suspects were charged with bribery. Their trials were split into separate cases.

- The secretary plead guilty and was handed 4-year probation with a few other requirements.

- The MP candidate's trial continues.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083012.html)

Tags: #voterbribe

prosecutors file charges against several individuals accused of bribing/forcing people to join the recent anti-Pashinyan street protests

Read [Wednesday digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/unihxw/may112022_your_daily_news_digest_armenia_forming/) if you missed the scandal at Agrarian University and the audio leak.

Prosecutors report: We uncovered several instances of bribery or threats to take part in various protests, road blockades, and acts of disobedience on the streets. There are already 3 criminal cases. Two suspects are under arrest.

1) Audio recording between two individuals was leaked on May 5. They discussed the recruitment of individuals from Armavir to protest in Yerevan, in exchange for cash. Both are under arrest. [Like the tape about the protest in front of the parliament building.]

2) In another instance, [audio was leaked](https://youtu.be/BXE-eLbcgyI) about paying $2 to Agrarian University students to join protests. We've learned that 3 individuals were offering the 4th person, who was the Agrarian University's Chairman of Studnet Council, a ֏2 million bribe in exchange for bringing 2,000 students to take part in acts of disobedience. [Opposition activist Avetik Chalabyan's apartment was raided in search of evidence. He was detained for questioning.]

3) The media reported that truck drivers were forced to shut down the Kievyan and Davtashen bridges in Yerevan on May 4. The investigation has uncovered evidence that the four drivers, after receiving orders, used their trucks belonging to ADA Tech [owned by a businessman from Serj's HHK party]. The investigation continues.

4) On May 4 the police received information that an unidentified individual forced two citizens to participate in the protests on May 4, and offered them material assistance. The two used their Mercedes trucks to shut down the traffic on Yerevan's Hakhtanak bridge.

Refrain from breaking the law. Forcing or bribing people to take part in protests is punishable under law with up to 5 years in prison. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083034.html), [article](https://factor.am/510080.html), [article](https://factor.am/510083.html), [article](http://medianews.site/339161/), [video](https://youtu.be/NeBMk945IB0) [article](https://factor.am/510459.html) [video](https://youtu.be/E-FQADiBbE8)

Tags: #bribery

diasporan actor-humorist claims he was offered cash to promote certain political parties through his social media account

The California-based artist goes by the stage name [Bidza Galstyan](https://www.instagram.com/its_bidza/?hl=en). He uploaded a screenshot allegedly showing an attempt to pay him for political ads.

Sender: So what do you say, dear Georgi, do you want to work together?

Bidza: You called yesterday. I literally asked you not to contact me about this again. Is that too difficult?

Sender: We discussed it in the office today and decided to offer twice the amount for 10 Stories and one post. If you agree, we can begin.

Bidza: I discussed it with myself and realized that I should tell you twice to go fck yourself. //

Bidza said he has received such offers from all major political forces. He went on to criticize politicized TikTok videos involving children.

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236879)

opposition held the regular anti-Pashinyan rally in Yerevan

Several streets were shut down by activists. Dozens were detained to unblock the traffic. They demand the government's resignation.

After being asked by the opposition to comment on the earlier detentions in which excessive force was used, Europe's Maria Burich reminded the police to ensure that any use of force is not excessive and to use force only if necessary. They are monitoring the situation.

The opposition accused the police of using choking techniques while detaining the activists who shut down the roads in the morning. There are usually no clashes in the evening, which is when the main and larger protests take place.

... the mighty 250

[On Monday](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/um0mfi/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_monday/) opposition leader ARF Saghatelyan said they have a list of 250 figures who will be tasked with governing the country if Pashinyan cabinet leaves. He presented the main goals but provided no details on how they would accomplish them, saying "this is not an electoral campaign". Saghatelyan also didn't mention who would be chosen as acting premier before scheduling elections 1.5 years later.

Head of Public Council Safaryan: We have information that they held a meeting at Kocharyan's house and drew a plan on who would serve in each position. ARF Saghatelyan was nominated for acting Premier. Kocharyan's son Levon would be Yerevan's mayor to help launch his career. //

[article](https://factor.am/510091.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236872)

opposition protest co-leader PU Arthur Venetsyan about the possibility of ex-Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan joining the protests in exchange for a position

Reporter: Many of your followers complain about a lack of a plan to force the government to resign. Why the hesitation?

Vanetsyan: People often suggest things that will actually harm the movement. For example, if we capture the government or parliament building, it will give the authorities the excuse to arrest the movement leaders. This will kill the movement.

Reporter: What if the arrest has the opposite effect?

Vanetsyan: If we feel that we've reached the critical point and it's necessary to choose that option, believe me, we will. We aren't afraid, we are calculating it to ensure the process is legal.

Reporter: You talk about 250 professional figures that would lead the state but you haven't published their names. The public wants to know.

Vanetsyan: I can tell you who CAN'T be an acting Premier. It can't be someone who has served in a state position or has a bad public reputation. We have a reserve of serious professionals.

Reporter: There were reports that ex-Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan could become the Premier nominated by the opposition.

Vanetsyan: The ball is in Tatoyan's court. I have very good personal relations with Tatoyan. It wasn't us who made the offer to him, it came from several groups, but it's up to him. Tatoyan said he is busy with other activities. The door is open.

... Vanetsyan, without dropping names, criticized "certain individuals" for harming the movement by joining street protests publicly

Vanetsyan: There are people in this square whose presence is unacceptable. Their presence is damaging the movement. I won't give names, but they shouldn't be here. But we can't tell them to leave. There are many people who are in opposition yet we disagree with their opinion. We are only responsible for the opinions of those whom you see on the main stage. //

[article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300229/) [article](https://youtu.be/70adYiWDfrk)

update: police arrests more opposition activists accused of assaulting elderly men during Tuesday rally in Gyumri

The police named several suspects, including a ranking ARF official Gegham Manukyan's [son](https://armenpress.am/static/news/b/2022/05/1083086.jpg), and two others. Today they named Gor Matevosyan as the fourth suspect. Matevosyan is a member of ARF's youth organization. The opposition said they were provoked by the elderly men.

The [assault video](https://youtu.be/4kZjNsJ0wGA) was circulated on Tuesday, leading to public outcry. Several non-former-regime opposition figures criticized church members for joining the opposition's street protests to "ensure peace" but "not visiting the assaulted elderly men".

A rare and sharp rebuke came from famous public television host Petros Ghazaryan, who ran for Yerevan mayor under the BHK ballot in 2018.

Petros: Clergymen joined the protesters from the beginning. They said it wasn't to support the protest but to prevent possible violence. A few days ago 70-80-year-old grandfathers were beaten for "striking a car and having eggs in their pockets". The opposition leaders justified the beatings; it's on their conscience. But the same Shirak clergyman Ajapahyan has not condemned this violence, and justifies it with his silence. This points to politicization. They did not condemn something that is condemned by God.

In this regard, clergyman Ajapahyan has lots of similarities with former Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan. When the elderly men were beaten, Tatoyan -- who used to speak about every topic -- went missing. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082992.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236841) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236849)

police arrest an activist accused of assaulting a policeman during yesterday's storming of Yerevan Municipality building

[Context in yesterday's digest.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/unihxw/may112022_your_daily_news_digest_armenia_forming/) The protesters attempted to break into the building but were blocked by a police wall. They later dropped the plan and instead blockaded all exits, urging the municipal workers to get out and join them.

Prosecutors filed hooliganism charges against [one of the protesters with a "rap sheet"](https://www.armtimes.com/static/article/23/69/08/236908.jpg) for allegedly assaulting cops and attempting to strike another cop in the head during the attempt to enter the building.

[article](https://factor.am/510469.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236908)

anti-corruption: ranking army official charged with fuel embezzlement

ACC reports: A.P. served as the head of the fuel warehouse in one of the military stations. He embezzled ֏3 million worth of fuel in October-December.

He sold the diesel to a Kotayk resident for ֏400/L, and the rest to a gas station worker in Yerevan, and others. The official is charged with crimes. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083059.html)

Pashinyan met Premier Rutte in Netherlands

They discussed the expansion of economic and business relations, AM-EU relations, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and geopolitics in general.

... Premier Rutte:

Pashinyan's visit is taking place at a right time. The Armenian government has very big plans after last year's elections. We have many topics to discuss, there are very big plans.

Armenia has made great investments and is following the path of democracy, although sometimes there are difficult situations. Following the 2018 revolution under Pashinyan, great changes have taken place, and corruption and many other wrongdoings have been fought.

I am convinced that the reforms will be very effective and all Armenians will benefit from it. I appreciate the policies of Premier Pashinyan and his government, I promised him that we will support it in every way.

The war in Ukraine saddens everyone. Armenia well understands what war means, and that is why it's so important that AM and AZ have launched negotiations. We support OSCE Minsk Group. It's a difficult dialogue. Pashinyan made very clear this in his parliament speech. I expressed my respect for that, and the efforts of the Armenian government in that regard. //

... Premier Pashinyan:

Thanks for the warm welcome. This is the first official visit of the Armenian leader to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. I am very impressed with your beautiful country. Thank you for supporting Armenian democracy and reforms.

I express my gratitude for the positions you expressed regarding Nagorno Karabakh and the peace agenda adopted by us. We held free and democratic elections and the people gave us the mandate to implement the peace agenda.

We also spoke about AM-TR and AM-AZ relations. I'm happy that we have a common understanding of these processes, a common understanding that the peace agenda must really be implemented. This is possible only with the support of the international community. We are glad that our agenda is understood by our international partners.

During this visit, we'll discuss the wider application of agricultural technologies in Armenia. We know that the Netherlands is the most developed country in this area. We're happy that businesses showed interest during today's meeting.

Your role is very important in supporting democratic reforms in Armenia. Our main partner in this issue is the EU. The AM-EU CEPA agreement entered into force last year.

... Pashinyan invites Rutte to visit Armenia:

It is my great pleasure to officially invite you to visit Armenia at a time of your convenience. I will be happy to host you.

... Dutch business representatives will visit Armenia for investment discussions

Economy Minister Kerobyan: There are opportunities to expand the current investment programs and launch new ones. Next week a group of Dutch business representatives will visit Armenia with specific business plans.

We met them during Pashinyan's trip and discussed the modernization programs in Armenia, and how the Armenian government is subsidizing the purchase of new equipment, new production lines for factories, agricultural subsidies, and cashback programs. They were quite interested.

We informed them that despite these turbulent times, Armenia's economy grew by 9.6% in Q1 2022. Last year ֏1.370 trillion investments were made in Armenia. That's unprecedented. //

... Armenia and Netherlands discussed water management and construction of reservoirs

During Pashinyan's trip, Infrastructure Minister Thanosyan met the Special Envoy for International Water Affairs Henk Ovink [Yes, there is a government position with that title, I googled it, Netherlands doesn't fk around when it comes to water.]

They discussed the use of modern technologies in water management, the ongoing water reservoir constructions in Armenia, and the plans to build 5 big and 15 small ones in the coming years. They discussed sharing the experience.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082980.html) [article](https://news.am/eng/news/701329.html) [article](https://mediamax.am/en/news/foreignpolicy/47362/) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082981.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082982.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083061.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236842)

Luys Foundation has studied the post-pandemic and post-Ukraine inflation in Armenia

The acceleration of inflation in the last two years was mainly due to the disruption of the global supply chain, rising energy prices, and monetary policies in countries like U.S. and EU.

In Armenia the inflation was driven by supply-demand, higher prices of imported items, depreciation in H1 of 2021, higher demand starting in H2 2021, and large amounts of remittance transfers to Armenia.

Inflation was 7.7%. Food and drink was 12.9%.

The poor were hit harder because the average inflation for them was 8.5%, while for the rich it was 6.1%. The price of products usually consumed by the poor grew faster.

Then came the Ukraine war which resulted in even higher food and energy prices.

The researchers list Central Bank policies and social-oriented government policies as possible tools for mitigating the problem.

[full](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083068.html)

Foreign Ministers of AM-RU-AZ meet in Dushanbae

They wented to Tajikistan to participate in a CIS session. Lavrov held separate meetings with Mirzoyan and Bayramov. It was followed by a trilateral meeting.

the first session of the border demarcation commission will take place next week in Moscow: FM Mirzoyan

Mirzoyan: We've had contacts with Azeri colleagues regarding the border and security commissions. There is an agreement with Russia's Deputy Premier Overchuk that on May 16-17 several meetings will take place in Moscow on the matters of communication unblocking and border demarcation.

Aliyev cries about the landmine maps shared by Armenia being "only 25% accurate"

Armenia sent all the landmine maps last year as a humanitarian gesture. A few POWs were released, instead of all of them. Azerbaijan claims the landmine maps were inaccurate, which doesn't allow Azeri civilians to resettle in the territories occupied in 2020. Pashinyan denied sending falsified maps: there are no other maps, we gave you all we had, go figure it out yourself, you broke your promise of releasing all POWs.

Russia's deputy premier and deputy foreign minister vist Armenia

Pashinyan hosted Overchuk and Rudenko. They spoke about unblocking communication routes in the region.

... Pashinyan:

Thanks for coming. You know how important this topic is for us because when we achieve results, it will change the situation in the region not only in economic, but also in political, psychological, and security terms. Communication unblocking was one of the key topics discussed with Putin during my recent Moscow trip. I'm glad that we have fixed our common approaches and common positions over this.

The technical part of unblocking is not so difficult. But in order to have tangible results, we need to solve the legal issues, and the procedural matters, to have mechanisms that will work effectively in the long run.

...Russian officials:

Indeed, quite recently we met you in Moscow. With the COVID restrictions gone, our contacts will become more frequent.

We fully share your assessments on the establishment of transport communication between Armenia and Azerbaijan. When this takes place, it will completely change the entire transport configuration of the region. New opportunities will open for the Armenian economy. Armenia's role will significantly increase.

preparation is underway to host Vladimir Putin in Armenia

As agreed earlier this year, Putin will visit Yerevan in H2 2022. FM Mirzoyan said it will take place sometime in October-December. They are clarifying the details and dates at the moment.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083003.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083029.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083039.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083042.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083043.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083044.html) [video](https://youtu.be/jGBCCWyMgn0) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083050.html) [article](https://factor.am/510141.html) [article](https://factor.am/510304.html)

Washington Post opinion piece: An unlikely peace process takes shape in Armenia. Could it help Ukraine?

TLDR: A peace process is taking shape to normalize AM-AZ-TR relations. It's controversial in Armenia. What's surprising is that both US and RU support the process. This could be a point of convergence for US and RU interests and help in other areas.

AM and US recently signed a partnership deal to work in the nuclear power industry and fight corruption. [days later FBI busts a $63 million mansion. COINCIDENCE? 🤔 Nikol's finger is mixed in this.]

Mirzoyan said that if Armenia continues to be in a "zero-sum" game with its neighbors, the region will be in a vicious cycle. Pashinyan gave a remarkable speech in parliament last month and said his real fault was not stating before the war that Armenia needed to make territorial compromises over Karabakh, because Armenia’s unyielding diplomatic position had been “unequivocally” rejected by the international community.

Armenia’s best protection against a coercive peace now would be participation by the United States and Europe in the negotiating process. One option is the revival of OSCE MG, but Moscow is boycotting it. Instead, the EU joined Russia as a co-sponsor of the talks.

Pashinyan, though dependent on Russia for military protection, shares the United States’ concern about the invasion of Ukraine, and he wants U.S. economic and diplomatic support. Pashinyan insisted that Armenia join Biden's Summit for Democracy despite Russia's strong opposition to its presence. //

[full article](https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/05/10/armenia-pashinyan-azerbaijan-turkey-diplomacy/)

Armenia's "Meghri" and Iran's "Aras" economic zones sign a memorandum of understanding

The governments of Armenia and Iran organized a business meeting in Yerevan.

Armenian official: Last year, 6.4k businesses with Iranian capital were registered in Armenia. Our trade in Q1 2022 grew by 37% to $140 million. In recent years we implemented a number of pro-business reforms in Armenia.

Iranian official: There are many opportunities for establishing joint ventures in Armenia. The products can reach EAEU markets, where there is great demand. //

The officials signed an agreement to allow Iranian investors from Aras economic zone to easily enter Armenia's Meghri economic zone, and vice versa. There will be B2B and G2B meetings soon.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083049.html)

Artsakh authorities vow to fight drunk driving and raise internal security

President Arayik Harutyunyan's cabinet held a meeting on Thursday to discuss recent incidents involving drunk drivers and hooliganism.

Arayik: While we have peacekeepers to guarantee the external security, it is up to us to guarantee the internal security. Draft a plan to increase [presumably traffic] checks. No one is above the law, regardless of their position. Our country's biggest advantage should be the internal discipline if we want better demographics and social development. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083038.html)

Armenian embassy in Ukraine resumes regular operations in Kyiv

It was temporarily relocated to Lviv and Uzhgorod for safety.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083031.html)

Shell will launch a network of gas stations in Armenia this fall

Economy Minister Kerobyan: The British-Dutch oil and gas company Shell will launch a network of filling stations in Armenia this autumn. They will be of new quality and standards. The plan to open the gas stations existed since last year. We've done everything to support them to address the problems.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083040/) [article](https://www.lragir.am/2022/05/12/716817/)

this year Yerevan will have 50 intersections with smart traffic lights regulated by sensors that count vehicle entry-exit numbers

Transport department: Sensors will be installed at the entrances and exits of intersections. They will count the number of vehicles entering and leaving. The info will be used to automatically calculate the duration of the green light.

Today this is done manually, through an algorithm. This is not ideal because the flow varies: Monday 8:30 am is different from Tuesday 8:30 am.

We have 250 intersections with a traffic lights. There is a need to install the smart system in 200 of them. We should have 50 by November. We recently changed the requirements to raise the standards. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082990.html)

PHOTOS: efforts are underway to un-trash Yerevan Lake and turn it into a recreation zone

A few months ago the administration announced [a project](https://factor.am/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/280672932_5243311669049047_7740434364069621134_n-1024x607.jpg) to turn the abandoned and trashy artificial lake in Yerevan into a leisure and tourism zone. Works are underway to prepare the ground for planting and construction.

Coordinator: We've already cleared 25,000 m^2 of the area from 12,000 m^2 trash. That's 40 trucks per day. This is a large-scale work. It's being done this year for the first time. Most of the pollution comes from household waste and construction dumping. The cleanup will continue in autumn.

The reeds in the lake are equally as harmful. The presence of 16 hectares of reed causes large amounts of water loss. Efforts have begun to dry them. Scientists measured the harm caused by reeds to our agriculture and water reserves. One reed can evaporate 300 liters of water annually. The area you see was formerly covered in reeds. It's gone now.

A net will be installed on the Hrazdan River to block garbage from flowing into the lake. Do you see the plastic bottles flowing there? Their flow from Hrazdan will be blocked.

We plan to raise the water levels significantly, and increase the volume and efficiency of water flowing to the Ararat Valley.

A recreation area is being built for ֏190 million. The 2.8-hectare part of the shore, with the vast majority being trees, will be improved soon.

1.1-kilometer irrigation network, benches, trash cans, sports park, 500-meter [bike lane](https://factor.am/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/44444.jpg), solar-powered lighting.

Yerevanyan Lake is one of the best areas in the city, yet we've been polluting it for decades. Now the state and the municipality have joined efforts to restore it. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083016.html)

today in history

1886: Nshan Grigoryan is born. He was one of the lucky 711 survivors of the Titanic crash.

1921: Armenian composer and artist Edward Mirzoyan is born.

1949: Soviets lift the blockade of Berlin.

1965: Soviets send spacecraft Luna 5. It crashes on the Moon.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082977.html) [article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_12)

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/uoaifr/may122022_your_daily_news_digest_tsarukyan_party/