2022 May 23

Daily news wrap-up

May/23/2022. Your daily news digest from Armenia.
by ar_david_hh

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11 minutes. 2826 words.

a blogger with 10 million subscribers conducted a social experiment in Yerevan

He intentionally dropped his wallet to record people's reactions.

[video](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237466)

protest leader's aide was detained under the suspicion of bribery after video allegedly showing cash distribution

PU Arthur Vanetsyan's assistant Aram Grigoryan's house was searched. The law enforcement was looking for bribery evidence after a video was uploaded allegedly showing Grigoryan distributing cash to protest participants on Demirchyan St.

"Where is my taxi compensation," one woman is seen asking while following Grigoryan. Grigoryan reportedly responds "is this how you thank?". Vanetsyan claims the cash was distributed to beggars who were asking for help.

[video and article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237435)

VIDEO: Yerevan Tech Forum 2022 was held on Saturday

Over 25 local and international speakers and thousands of participants gathered in Yerevan on Saturday. The Forum was organized by Sergey Usnunts, the founder of Skill.

When Russian techniques began arriving in Armenia after the Ukraine war, the organizers decided it was a good opportunity to hold a meeting to meet each other.

[video](https://youtu.be/Tm-XFAHo3lQ), [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083841.html)

new employment record

Economy Minister Kerobyan: In April we had 664,736 workers, which is a new record. It was partly thanks to the programming field which grew by 13%, adding 2,300 new jobs.

The number of workers employed by software developers grew from 13,500 to 20,000 in April YoY. //

[graphs](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300453/), [video](https://youtu.be/wUsHpL-6p_E?t=4), [article](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/31864023.html)

tax revenues have increased by 72% since 2018: QP MP Papoyan

2018: ֏366b

2019: ֏466b

2020: ֏501b

2021: ֏513b

2022: ֏632b

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237540)

VIDEO: European Boxing Championship kicks off in Yerevan

Last year the Education Ministry negotiated for the tournament to be held in Armenia for the first time. International officials arrived on Saturday ahead of the opening ceremony.

The games will be held in the Hamalir complex until May 30. Over 200 boxers from 39 European countries will take part. There is a "fan zone" near Yerevan's Swan Lake where locals can meet the athletes.

[Watch the opening ceremony here](https://youtu.be/FKaG2u7RtZg?t=2624).

... Armenian boxer scores the first victory for Armenia

75kg Vakhtang Harutyunyan defeated his Polish opponent.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083851.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083877.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083971.html)

Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire on Saturday

An Armenian soldier received a light wound on the eastern AM-AZ border. Armenian servicemen returned fire to silence the opponent.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083857.html)

HALO Trust clears Stepanakert of unexploded hazards left by 2020 war

The organization has completed the clearance of all known cluster bombs and other explosive dangers from Stepanakert thanks to the generosity of donors, announced the organization last week.

The organization, which has 10,000 members in 28 countries, has cleared 1,300 acres of land after 2020.

[redacted]

Artsakh will develop a strategy to boost demographics

Government agencies met to discuss the formation of a national strategy to improve demographics. They will create state standards and principles, and expert groups with members from Artsakh, Armenia, and the Diaspora.

The following day, Stepanakert hosted the opening ceremony of a demographic-oriented forum organized by ["Future Armenian"](https://futurearmenian.com/hy/15-goals/). It's a diaspora/business-backed forum where people present their ideas for the solution to various problems.

... construction of 3,000 apartments is underway in Artsakh

Arayik Hrutyunyan: We have gathered today to discuss steps we can take to improve demographics. This issue is present in Armenia. Sadly, the demographic indicators have been negative since the independence. We should create the right conditions to grow the population.

Today we have a large-scale housing construction program. We cannot repeat the mistakes of the 1990s when dozens of thousands of residents of [occupied] Shahumyan and Martakert weren't given an opportunity to live in Artsakh. We must provide housing not only to forcefully displaced residents to return and live in Artsakh, but to anyone who wants to live here.

Around 600 families have already received apartments. The old housing units in villages are being restored. Construction of 3K apartments has begun. We aim to build 7K. //

[more](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083869.html), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083829.html) [article](https://en.armradio.am/2022/05/22/artsakh-of-exceptional-importance-for-armenians-state-minister-beglaryan-attends-demographic-forum-in-stepanakert/) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083874.html)

Rustam Muradov's nephew died fighting in Ukraine

Rustam Muradov served as the head of the Russian peacekeeping mission in Artsakh last year. He was reportedly dispatched to Ukraine to "straighten things out". Muradov has confirmed the death of his nephew but denied being wounded himself.

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237523)

WW2 veteran Rozalia Abgaryan

Rozalia Abgaryan: We learned about the German attack in the morning. We knew what to do. I volunteered, studied, learned the Morse Code, and joined the army. We used cargo wagons and various other means to reach Stalingrad. I was wounded on the outskirts. My friend Nadia from Georgia fell next to me. I didn't realize I was wounded, too. //

Rozalia married a man whom she met for only 5 minutes during the war. After the war, she worked as a pedagogue for 56 years. She showed the congratulatory letters sent by Putin, and some photos. She turns 99 next month.

[video](https://youtu.be/t-SF_gqyhdM), [article](https://factor.am/513835.html)

VIDEO: hail and wind in Yerevan

The wind knocked down thick trees. Cars and buildings were damaged.

[hail](https://youtu.be/Dvf40sXcNwE?t=12), [wind](https://youtu.be/MCGG526bdGs?t=7), [article](https://factor.am/514237.html)

Yerevan's small clinics will merge with bigger ones to improve healthcare accessibility & management

Today, 24 primary clinics provide healthcare to the residents of Yerevan. They accept 1.4 million visits annually. Clinics have accumulated major problems throughout the years. The ministry is planning reforms.

Ministry: We mapped the problems and proposed structural changes to address issues through better management. Smaller clinics will join clinics that serve a larger number of residents. They will provide more types of healthcare services.

Municipality: It isn't just about management. Small clinics have a chronic shortage of medication. Because of their small size, when a tender is announced to acquire medication, companies often don't bother bidding. This leads to monthslong delays in medication delivery and complaints from residents. Bigger clinics don't face this problem because of larger auctions.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083830.html)

doctors in Gyumri conducted a pancreatoduodenal dissection surgery that lasted 8 hours

The patient had malignant cancer in the pancreas. This surgery was conducted in Gyumri for the first time. It's already done in Yerevan. The patient is feeling good.

[article](https://factor.am/514417.html)

Armenia appointed as one of 25 members of WHO General Committee, for the first time

Healthcare Minister Avanesyan's delegation is in Switzerland on a 7-day official visit.

The General Committee performs the following functions: proposes agenda items to the Health Assembly, organizes meetings, coordinates the work of all major committees, etc.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083897.html) [article](https://en.armradio.am/2022/05/22/armenia-appointed-to-who-general-committee-for-first-time/)

no recorded cases of monkeypox in Armenia: healthcare ministry

The Ministry denied social media rumors claiming that moneypox was detected in Armenia. First detected in Portugal, moneypox is a milder strain of monkeypox. It causes green lesions on the skin. When burst, the pores release dollar bills to help the host combat the rising inflation.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083864.html)

COVID stats last week

11,121 tested. 22 infected. 150 healed. 1 death. 388 currently sick.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083907.html)

new Armenian-Chinese partnership project starts in Aragatsotn province

Chinese embassy started a new project aimed at developing education, tourism, and business in provinces. There is a [Confucius Institute](https://panarmenian.net/eng/news/28846) in Yerevan. They will cooperate with provinces to develop the field of education. The ambassador learned about the goods produced in Aragatsotn and discussed their export to China. Winemaking is a priority sector for us, said Aragatsotn Governor.

There will be some Armenia-China direct flights, according to the ambassador.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083934.html) [article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237563)

President Khachaturyan attended the Davos World Economic Forum

He visited Switzerland to participate in the opening ceremony. This year the Forum is dedicated to the topic of “History at a Turning Point: Government Policies and Business Strategies”.

Over 2,000 representatives of governments and organizations will discuss climate change, economy, and the use of technologies of the 4th industrial revolution.

Khachaturyan also met the local Armenian community to discuss the strengthening of AM-Diaspora ties.

[article](https://www.1lurer.am/en/2022/05/23/Vahagn-Khachaturyan-participated-in-opening-of-World-Economic-Forum-in-Davos/727008 https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083895.html) [article](https://factor.am/513938.html)

Armenian airline FlyOne will launch direct flights to another Turkish city

Yerevan-Antalya-Yerevan flights will launch on June 14, twice a week, starting at €110. The airline is already conducting flights to Istanbul.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083819.html)

we welcome dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan: United States ahead of the AM-EU-AZ meeting in Brussels

State Department: We very much welcome the AM-AZ dialogue. We remain committed to promoting a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous South Caucasus. We urge this dialogue to continue and for AM and AZ to intensify engagements. We are ready to assist with these efforts, including as part of OSCE MG.

U.S. ready to help intensify diplomatic engagement between Armenia and Azerbaijan: Joe Biden

Biden: Now is a moment of hope with an important opportunity to build lasting peace in the South Caucasus. The US is ready to help. We also encourage Azerbaijan to take meaningful steps toward democracy and the protection of fundamental rights.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083820.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083824.html)

Pashinyan and Aliyev visited Brussels to meet EU's Charles Michel on Sunday

Pashinyan and Michel held a private meeting first. They expressed hope for effective trilateral talks, and exchanged views on the implementation of the agreements reached at previous meetings on December 14 and April 6.

The trilateral meeting was held. Agreements were reached on the further course of work on the opening of regional communications and the launch of the border demarcation commission. They also discussed topics relating to humanitarian issues and the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. They agreed to meet again in July or August.

... what agreements were reached?

Charles Michel: This was our 3rd discussion in this format. It was frank and productive. We reviewed the entire set of issues, including humanitarian, demining, freeing POWs, and finding missing persons.

1) The first border demarcation commission meeting will take place in the coming days. It will discuss ensuring stability on the border and its delimitation.

2) Agreement was reached to proceed with unblocking transport links. Leaders agreed on the principles governing bilateral and international transits. Notably, they agreed on principles of border administration, security, land fees but also customs in the context of international transport.

3) Leaders agreed to advance discussions on the future peace treaty governing state relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Foreign Ministers will work on this in the coming weeks. I also stressed to both leaders that it was necessary that the rights and security of the ethnic Armenian population in Karabakh be addressed.

Security Council chief Grigoryan about unblocking communication links

Q: Can you explain the meaning of connecting one part of Armenia to another via Azerbaijan?

Grigoryan: It's about passenger or cargo flow from Yeraskh to Meghri via Nakhijevan. Similarly, Azeris can travel from Horadiz to Nakhijevan via Armenia.

Q: Why is there a need to use Nakhijevan to go from Yeraskh to Meghri?

Grigoryan: [To bypass mountains in Syunik]. The railway that connects the north to south passes through Nakhijevan. Besides that, the discussions are around unblocking all communication routes in the region. Everything needs to be addressed. We are discussing the connection of Armenia to Iran and Russia. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083970.html)

ARF-led opposition is against the agreements reached in Brussels

They opposed it primarily because the statement released by Charles Michel does not mention the self-determination of Artsakh people. The Armenian government has repeatedly stated since last year that the ongoing AM-AZ process is separate from Nagorno Karabakh status negotiations, which will be discussed as part of peace talks that is yet to begin.

ARF, citing "risks", also opposes the paragraph that would allow Armenia to use a railway to connect to Iran and Russia, and Azerbaijan to connect to Nakhijevan.

Informed Citizens NGO chief: After Pashinyan's obviously anti-Russian speech in Parliament [in April], the organizers of street protests will do anything to maintain Russia's monopoly in the Karabakh conflict. The opposition's attacks against the U.S. ambassador Tracy, who has made unprecedented pro-Armenian statements, should be viewed under this logic. //

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237483) [article](https://factor.am/514367.html)

Armenia and OSCE discussed unblocking regional communications and Nagorno Karabakh settlement

Deputy Premier Mher met OSCE representative Andrzej Kasprzyk to discuss the ongoing works on the transport unblocking and the comprehensive settlement of the NK conflict. The continuous role of the OSCE MG was highlighted.

leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan sign to formally create border demarcation commissions

Pashinyan and Aliyev separately signed documents to create groups in each country, tasked with ensuring border stability and delimitation. Armenia's commission will be led by Deputy Premier Mher Grigoryan. In Azerbaijan, it will be led by Deputy Premier Shahin Mustafaev.

Russia discussed the formation of border demarcation commissions with Armenia and Azerbaijan

Last year Russia proposed the formation of an Armenia-Azerbaijan border commission, and offered its assistance as an advisor or a moderator.

Today FM Lavrov held separate conversations with FM Mirzoyan and FM Bayramov about borders, unblocking of communications, and establishment of peace in the region.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083875.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083879.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083881.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083924.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083953.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083968.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083972.html) [article](https://factor.am/514382.html), [redacted]

education reforms: career orientation courses will be mandatory in Armenian schools

Education Ministry: There have been attempts since 2013. Recently we reviewed the state standards on general education and launched a pilot program in Tavush province. It makes career orientation courses, under various formats, mandatory starting in 7th grade. If successful, the practice will be applied in other parts of the country.

Labor Ministry: There will be orientation "clubs". Last year's efforts are yielding results. 40% of the 2021-2022 graduates of 96 institutions have found a job within their profession. Three years ago it was only 8%. Five-six years ago there were no statistics on this.

Education Ministry: Today there is little interest for students to become teachers in the STEM field. Major efforts are underway to promote STEM as part of the new state standards. Labs are being revamped, and there is a program to create/hire professional teachers who will be familiar with multiple subjects, so the same professional can teach physics and math if necessary. We are attempting to implement this with the help of the State Pedagogical University.

Education Ministry: The creation of the Dual Education system was important. It establishes direct contact with the labor market. The student is able to spend a few hours a week with an employer. We already have Dual Education graduates this year, I believe.

[full](https://youtu.be/zNgDnVv3pSM), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083919.html) [article](https://factor.am/514095.html) [article](https://factor.am/514087.html)

tuition fees and professors' salaries will rise at Yerevan State University starting this September

Only freshmen students at certain faculties will be affected by the $40-$300 hike. The largest hike is in foreign language faculties. They will go from $1,200 to $1,500. Economics will go from $1,440 to $1,700.

Simultaneously, professors will get a 10% raise. The Deputy rector says the hike is necessary for building maintenance and competitive salaries.

Critic: The enrollment is on the decline. They are trying to get more cash from fewer students.

Deputy rector: Studies point to the opposite. The faculties with the highest tuitions are also the most competitive, with the highest demand.

Student: The quality of education should improve if we are paying more.

[video](https://youtu.be/16dlccEFTz8), [article](https://factor.am/513666.html)

World Bank will provide a $25 million loan for education reforms in Armenia

Report: The Education Improvement Project (EIP) will assist the government in improving the school readiness of children entering primary education, the physical condition and availability of educational resources, and quality and relevance in higher education.

Quality of education is a key challenge causing a mismatch between the qualification of graduates and the skills required by employers. The project will improve the human capital of Armenian children and is aligned with government strategies.

1) Improve the quality of general education by financing 80 additional preschools for kids ages 4-6. Train the teachers assigned to the new preschools. 4 schools will undergo seismic retrofit/reconstruction.

2) Data-driven evidence-based policymaking for improving managing and learning will be promoted. 200 school labs in general education will be equipped in the context of the STEM curriculum.

3) Finance higher education institution (HEI) projects to improve labor market relevance. The project will also incentivize HEIs to attract more female students and teachers in STEM.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1083916.html)

PHOTO: Armenian graves will soon have QR codes

A new [service](https://Husher.am) titled Memories has launched in Armenia. They will place a QR code on one of the corners of the headstone. It opens a link with information and memories about the person.

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237537)

aerial footage of a 7.5-hectare solar plant in Talin

ACBA Bank assisted with the construction of the Talin-2 solar farm. It's in Talin because this settlement has the highest number of sunny days.

The 5MW plant will produce enough power for 100 small villages, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 10K tons.

[video](https://youtu.be/IZol-AmeNZo) [article](http://arka.am/en/news/technology/solar_photovoltaic_power_plant_built_in_talin_with_assistance_of_acba_bank_video/)

new forest is being planted northeast of Gyumri

180,000 new trees will be planted in a 60-hectare area near village Mets Sariar as part of a "green" EU program. They chose specific trees after studying the landscape: pine, oak, apple, pear, maple, and birch.

The authorities believe it will help boost tourism and enrich wildlife. Once ready, it could become home to bears, boars, and other animals.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1083862.html)

in case you missed

Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a 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/uwanza/may232022_your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia/