2022 May 13

Daily news wrap-up

May/13/2022. Your daily news digest. \\ €300m hotel-tourism project across Armenia \\ Reforms: Public admin. & service; New penitentiary code & rehabilitation; Diasporan experts join \\ $10.4m roads in Syunik & provinces \\ Protests; Opposition plays Ace card \\ 50 Cent details \\ Many more stories
by ar_david_hh

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12 minutes. 3070 words.

government approves the 2022-2024 public administration reform strategy

Justice Minister Andreasyan: It won't be an exaggeration to say that this is one of the 5 most important documents of our state.

We introduced a broad package that addresses many things. It diagnoses problems and provides possible solutions in multiple stages. It focuses on 4 directions:

1) Public service sector. There have already been a number of public service reforms in our country. Various agencies formed single offices and improved the service quality. In many countries, several services are offered to citizens in one office for convenience. They are digitized. This strategy provides solutions.

2) Human resources. I'm sure everyone has come across this problem. There are times when you have good candidates but the rules prohibit you from making them part of the system. The opposite is also true, when there was a time when nepotism was introduced, preventing progress.

Today, wage bonuses are essentially used as salary supplements. Without this, we can't even have public workers today. On the other hand, we must find better solutions. This strategy addresses that. How to issue bonuses to the best and how to make the public sector more appealing and competitive against the private sector.

3) Modernization of institutes. Very often, a newly appointed public official can have good intentions and plans, but not the legal tools to carry out the plans. Very often the law actively discourages progress. There is also a problem with horizontal relationships and managing connections.

4) A strategic approach while adopting policies. Recently the government chose to follow the path of reducing spontaneous decisions in favor of decisions based on strategies. These reforms will further improve that. //

The Government voted to approve the proposed reforms.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083116.html)

Armenia is reforming its penitentiary code; new prison tiers & conditions; from Soviet to modern

The government approved the bill drafted by Justice Ministry. Still needs a Parliamentary vote.

Justice Minister Andreasyan: Last time this was done in 2004, so the current law is two decades old and needs modernization. It contains Soviet-era regulations. They will be replaced.

For example, the types of correctional facilities will be restructured. Currently, they are open, half-open, half-closed, closed, and medical. They will be replaced with three security tiers: low, medium, and high.

The inmate distribution will be carried out according to the degree of risk based on the committed crime. The inmate can be transferred to a different tier depending on behavior.

The medical correctional facility won't be a separate category anymore. We already have Convicts' Hospital. Sure, it's currently in poor shape, but every inmate wants to get there because it operates only on an "open" regime. Convicts who want to enjoy more freedom often bribe to get there. After reforms, the medical facility will also have low, medium, and high regimes.

Another important part is the prevention of self-harm. We launched a pilot program and found that the aforementioned system is effective. The inmate will undergo an initial evaluation when transferred to prison for the first time. There are new tools to prevent self-harm. //

... a reintegration evaluation commission will be formed.

The commission will evaluate the inmate's efforts every 3-6 months, depending on the length of the sentence and risks. The Commission will have a psychologist, a social worker, and a priest or a doctor if necessary.

Prisons will have cameras to discourage assaults, corruption, and escape attempts.

Pashinyan: This is the continuation of the reforms that we started earlier with the new probation system. During the next stage, we will address the living conditions and facility standards. They are outdated. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083118.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083142.html)

Tags: #PrisonReform

300 diasporan specialists, including graduates of prestigious universities, applied to work at state agencies in Armenia and Artsakh

The iGorts program organized by Diaspora Office has finished the 2022 recruitment process.

Diaspora Office: iGorts is a program for Armenian professionals from the Diaspora to work in 25 state departments in Armenia and Artsakh.

This year, nearly 300 professionals sent applications from 31 countries. We welcome the first applicants from the Netherlands, Jordan, Brazil, UAE, and New Zealand.

The applicants all have a bachelor's degree with 5+ experience, or a master's degree with 3+ experience. This year we have applicants who graduated from Harvard, Bradford, MSU, Columbia, and UCLA.

The oldest applicant is 77. The average age is 35. After the final selection round, 50 of them will begin their careers in September.

The government will offer a round-trip air ticket, a monthly stipend of ֏336,000 ($740) to cover living expenses, emergency medical insurance, and a 1-year residency status fee.

This is the third cohort. Over the past 2 years, more than 100 specialists started their work in the public sector of Armenia and Artsakh. Fortunately, 70% of them decided to repatriate.

iGorts is the only state program in the history of Armenia that invites Armenian specialists from the Diaspora to help change Armenia's administration system. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083108.html)

government approves an awards system to reward students in high-tech field

It's a joint program with Synopsys Armenia and Himnadram. The terms are changing. There will be six prize categories for school and university students. The award is from $100-$1,200.

A newly formed commission will choose the winners. They must be either high schoolers or university students who have either participated in competitions or published articles.

Each school will nominate its best. The commission will examine their work and conduct interviews.

[full](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083137.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083142.html)

police publish more info and audio leak allegedly showing the attempt to bribe thousands of students to join anti-Pashinyan protests

[Context in Thursday news.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uoaifr/may122022_your_daily_news_digest_tsarukyan_party/) There was an alleged attempt by an Agrarian University professor and others to recruit a student union leader to organize a 2,000-strong student strikes in exchange for ֏2 million paid to the organizer (not students). A known opposition activist Avetik Chalabyan was named one of the suspects yesterday and was detained for questioning. The second audio leak mentioned his name. Chalabyan denies wrongdoing.

Student leader: Who is Avetik?

Professor: He is one of the co-founders of this movement.

Student leader: Isn't this Kocharyan's movement?

Professor: one of them is <indiscernible> , the other is the Resistance. <indiscernible>

Student leader: Karin Tonoyan ["5165" National Conservative Movement] and Avetik? Do they offer cash-mash?

Professor: <indiscernible>

Student leader: Are we talking about a big or a small sum? //

They proceed to discuss the size and type of student protests. The student leader said he refused to accept the bribe in the end. Although he claims it wasn't him who recorded annd shared the conversation, the microphone appears to be close to his mouth.

[the tape](https://youtu.be/egR4pSk-seE?t=8), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083096.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236982)

opposition parties organized a now-routine anti-Pashinyan rally in Yerevan

Today they blocked government building No. 3 while chanting "Nikol traitor". The government system is no longer serving the public, said organizer ARF Saghatelyan and asked everyone to join the protests. "You can't stop our movement."

Police denied reports that a dozen officers refused to follow orders and submitted their resignations. A lower resignation number was presented later. The police denied that, too. "Refrain from politicizing the police," said police.

Freedom House urged the authorities and protesters to respect human rights, and criticized the instances of excessive force used during previous protests.

Authorities are investigating 30 cops after complaints of excessive force. Authorities have also finished the investigation against opposition activists accused of assaulting elderly men in Gyumri; 7 suspects.

ARF is taking a break tomorrow. Saghatelyan said the protests are going as planned and spoke about today's marches and road blockades. There will be no major protests tomorrow because there is nothing to blockade because the public workers are at home on the weekend, Saghatelyan said. Instead, they will hold a press conference to discuss social-economic-security issues.

[video](https://youtu.be/Lw_7cSTeaPs?t=47) [video](https://youtu.be/urzsQuxSr5g) [article](https://factor.am/510814.html) [article](https://factor.am/510778.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083180.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083184.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083183.html) [article](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31848363.html)

the opposition plays the Ace card: Pashinyan wants to legalize gay marriage and make gender transition surgeries free in Armenia

Kocharyan-affiliated outlet: We have obtained a document provind that the government was advised to provide free gender transition surgeries, same-sex marriages and zaks documents. This was discussed in secrecy in February-March at Justice and Healthcare Ministries. They want to legalize gender transition surgery.

Pashinyan administration wants to legitimize the existence of transgender people in public life, and they will receive the same state benefits as veterans. //

Healthcare Ministry: Fake news was circulated about a bill on gender transition surgeries. We have not and do not discuss any such bill. The media must not spread false information. //

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236933)

what are the most gay-friendly and anti-gay countries in Europe? Rainbow Europe has published the 2022 stats:

The Tops:

1) Malta 92%

2) Denmark 74%

3) Belgium 72%

The observer:

34) Georgia 25%

The bottoms:

46) Russia 8.5%

47) Armenia 7.5%

48) Turkey 4%

49) Azerbaijan 2.4% (congratulations)

[article](https://rainbow-europe.org/country-ranking)

government allocates $10.4 million to build roads in provinces

Infrastructure Minister Sanosyan: There will be a redistribution in state funds to give us ֏4.750 billion to build roads in various parts of the country.

7 projects started in 2021 and have entered the final phase. 3 are new projects. 3 are being designed. 43 others are being examined. //

Pashinyan: We're talking about projects like the 17-kilometer section of the M2 interstate highway's Areni-Arpi-Yeghegnadzor road.

M2's Saravan-Saralanj (17km), Vardavank-Khdrants-Agarak (13km), Martuni-Astghadzor (6km), Alashkert (1km), Stenavan roads, and repairing collapsed areas in Getap.

This year the construction begins on the Noravank monument's road, Berdik-Aygestan (Ararat), Aygavan-Yeghegnavan,

And the road that bypasses the problematic area in Verin Khotanan, which is part of the Tatev alternative road in Syunik. //

Minister: The new roadwork will allow drivers to bypass the difficult gorges with curves in Tatev. We will have a new road from the Sisian section to Tatev. //

Pashinyan: When the main North-South is complete, this road will return to being an inner community road, instead of handling the cargo traffic. We are taking steps to form a very dense network of roads in Syunik for social-economic benefits. The North-South's Sisian-Kajaran tender packages will open soon, and we will know what the next steps are. //

[video](https://youtu.be/QF6x7joKN3I?t=70), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083112.html), [more](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083142.html)

Armenia and France discussed the construction and development of railway networks in Armenia

The Infrastructure Ministry hosted the French Development Agency (AFD) to discuss railway networks. During their previous meeting, they discussed the construction of a network between Vanadzor and Fioletovo. France wants to know details about the physical conditions, cargo and passenger traffic expectations with Georgia, etc.

Vanadzor-Fioletovo railway is a legend born in 2010. Russian South Caucasian Railway and the former government were supposed to implement the project but didn't, because the section wouldn't be economically profitable for the South Caucasian Railways.

A decade later, under the new conditions and traffic volumes, there is hope to involve the French. They will conduct studies. The parties also discussed railway cooperation in other parts of Armenia.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083148.html) [article](https://fip.am/en/673)

the "embezzled hotel" in Tsakhkadzor that went under state control will soon partner with Mercure international brand; €300 million hotel and leisure projects in Sevan, Tsakhkadzor, Aghveran, Stepanavan, Dilijan, Jermuk

A series of post-revolution anti-corruption investigations of offshore schemes led the owner of Tsakhkadzor's Golden Palace Hotel to donate the hotel to the state, without admitting wrongdoing.

The government recently sold the hotel for millions of dollars. The new owner Inter-Invest has signed an agreement with the French "Accor" hospitality giant.

They will open the first hotel under the "Mercure" brand later this year. It envisages the reconstruction and rebranding of the aforementioned Golden Palace Hotel. They announced a total of €300 million in investments in several hotel-leisure complexes in Sevan, Tsakhkadzor, etc.

Accor's Alexis Delaroff: Tsakhkadzor is a wonderful place for tourists. It has great weather, rich nature, and ski runs. We see a huge potential for development in Armenia. We hope this will be one of the 10 projects we plan in Armenia. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083153.html) [article](http://arka.am/en/news/tourism/rebranding_of_golden_palace_in_tsakhkadzor_and_five_other_projects_accor_and_project_inter_invest_to/)

anti-corruption: authorities accuse Zvartnots employees of falsifying records to embezzle funds collected from VIP passengers

SSS report: The travelers in VIP hall are usually charged $110-$150 for service. Several employees conspired to embezzle $10 from each passenger by falsifying records to present them as family members of diplomats, or members of official delegations. The airport was informed and has compensated ֏6.5 million in unpaid taxes. The investigation continues. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083164.html)

government will discuss the implementation of a discount system for seniors who make purchases electronically

Pashinyan: We will discuss this next week. The issue of increasing the effectiveness of social programs is always on the agenda. As you know, starting this year many seniors receive their pensions electronically.

The proposed program will give them a discount if they use the card for making payments. This will provide social benefits while helping us understand shopping habits so we can use the information to make other social programs more effective.

The private and public sectors will cooperate. We are in talks with several businesses to involve them in the program. It should be a joint program by the state, banks, and businesses. Any business that wants to take part can apply now.

We are essentially talking about increasing the pensions by 10%, but through a different mechanism. This is somewhat similar to the mechanism we chose for raising teachers' salaries. This system will provide valuable data, the analysis of which will give a visual picture of the efficiency of other programs that we have.

We are aiming to have the system up and running in June. //

[video](https://youtu.be/QF6x7joKN3I), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083142.html)

Tags: #SocialBenefit #pension

State Competiton Protection Commission scores a legal victory that sets precedence against businesses that intentionally mislead consumers

There was a legal battle between the Commission and a dairy business in 2018. The business was handed a ֏15 million fine for using misleading wording about milk and milk products.

The business successfully appealed the fine. However, the Cassations Court has just overturned the appeal and sided with the Commission.

The court has essentially ruled that a business cannot import a product under one name and sell it to customers under another name, etc. Details in the source.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083106.html)

PHOTO: Yerevan will have a $10 million multifunctional business complex

The government approved the investment program proposed by the Pahlevanyan family. The construction of the $10 million complex in Dzoragyugh district will take 3 years and create up to 200 jobs.

The complex will have modern standards and contemporary architecture. There will be residential and business sections, areas for cultural events, a 3-story parking lot, and a modern park. It will try to make Hrazdan gorge prettier.

[article](https://hetq.am/hy/article/144491) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083142.html)

details: 50 Cent, Led Zepellin Symphonic, and Zaz will perform in Yerevan's Hrazdan stadium in June-July

HAYA music festival was announced recently. It will take place in Hrazdan stadium, which hasn't hosted large events in years. The organizers will use the pitch and a section of the stands. They are being revamped.

Organizer Sona Hovhannisyan: This will open a new page for Armenia, make it more popular, and advertise it as a safe and developing country. Zaz will perform on June 25, 50 Cent on July 1, and Led Zepellin Symphony on July 9.

The legendary band's music will be performed by three phenomenal singers from "London West End", accompanied by the best British rock and orchestra. They will perform 25 songs including Stairway to Heaven, Whole Lotta Love, etc. The project was formed with the help of the legendary band's members, who were present during the premiere in London.

Although Hrazdan requires lots of resources to host sports events, we found it suitable for the concert. It can host 54,000 people. This is the only such venue in Armenia. We will need it again when we announce the concerts of Jennifer Lopez and Enrique Iglesias.

Tickets are available in Armenia and abroad. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083155.html)

private money transfers to Armenia surge by 38% in Q1 2022

Here is the inflow/outflow in million dollars

Total 561/374

Russia 239/124

U.S. 143/61

France 17/x

Germany 15/11

Kazakhstan 11/x

UAE 7/24

Ukraine 3/x

Spain 2/x

China x/15

[article](http://arka.am/en/news/business/private_money_transfers_to_armenia_in_q_1_2022_surge_by_38_2_to_561_million/)

citizens of Kuwait will visit Armenia without a Visa for 180 days

The government approved the decision during today's session. It's meant to boost tourism, restore direct Yerevan-Kuwait flights, and boost ties. Needs further legal procedures before going into effect.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083142.html)

Armenia and Uruguay: old friends, new embassies

The countries will soon mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Eduardo, Ambassador of Uruguay: The decision to open an embassy in Armenia last year was a historic event. Uruguay had never had a political representation in Armenia prior to that. Our friendship will become even stronger next year with the much-anticipated opening of the Armenian embassy in Uruguay.

Uruguay was the first state to officially recognize the Armenian Genocide. It required a lot of effort to take that first step and encourage other countries to do the same. We have a large and active Armenian community despite being a small country. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083099.html)

construction of Friendship Bridget on Armenia-Georgia border enters final phase

It's on the Sadakhlo-Bagratashen crossing point. It's a joint program funded by the EBRD and the governments of Armenia and Georgia. The bridge(s) will ease traffic and facilitate passenger and cargo movement.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083134.html)

top-10 bestseller Armenian literature books in April

5) Լուսամփոփի պես աղջիկ, by Yeghishe Charents

4) Գաղտնիքների տիրակալը, by Ashot Aghababyan

3) Ռանչպարների կանչը, by Khachik Dashtents

2) Սիրելուց հետո, by Gohar Navasardyan

1) Կինը, by Arpi Vanyan

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083067.html)

today in history

1907: First hydroelectric power station launches in Yerevan.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083088.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/uozua3/may132022_your_daily_news_digest_300m/