2022 May 26

Daily news wrap-up

May/26/2022. Your daily news digest || Details of Armenia's first satellite || Kazakhstan to sell oil products to Armenia at "discount" || New platform to sell Armenian goods worldwide || Gov't will subsidize your home renovation, if... || Pashinyan meets Tracy || Interior Ministry || Facebook fakes
by ar_david_hh

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9 minutes. 2524 words.

VIDEO: SpaceX launches first-ever Armenian satellite into orbit, to be used for monitoring borders and nature

Pashinyan: On May 25 at 22:35, Armenia's first space satellite was launched into the Earth's orbit on a SpaceX rocket from Cape Canaveral in the United States. This was a cooperation between the state company GeoCosmos and the Spanish Satlantis...

... we aim to launch production of space equipment in Armenia

I can't overestimate the significance of this launch. Armenia is embarking on the era of space activities and we hope that our rich traditions in this area will be restored. I am speaking about the space scientific-production area which existed in Armenia during USSR...

... all decisions regarding the launch of the satellite were made in secret

This is why no heads-up was given. Armenia's high-tech minister Robert Khachatryan and ambassadors Lilith Makunts were present during the launch in Cape Canaveral...

... Armenia will have a satellite control center and downlink facility by the end of 2023

A scientific team of specialists will be formed. Their task will be to control the satellite and take images. The downlink facility will render data receiving and transmission services for other satellite operators.

The images will be used for various purposes, including border surveillance, emergency situations, environmental protection, climate change, road construction, geology, etc. The satellite will fly for at least 4 years.

... law on space industry was adopted in 2020

High-Tech Ministry and the Security Council developed and presented a resolution, which was adopted by the Parliament on 6 March 2020. It regulates the space industry, safety standards, licensing processes, and tax waivers to promote the field. //

GeoCosmos was given a license last year. Its management was transferred to High-Tech Ministry.

... the Armenian satellite, named Urdaneta-Armsat 1, will use a module called iSIM-90

52 photos per second, with 4000 x 3000 Ultra High Pixel resolution. Located 500 km above, it can observe objects size of 1.65 meters.

[video](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1084258.html), [video](https://youtu.be/2PEPl7nu3Ig?t=56), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084261.html) [article](https://intech.am/armsat-1-first-armenian-satellite/) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084327.html) [article](https://factor.am/515631.html)

the government will subsidize your home renovation loan if 30% is spent on raising energy efficiency

The resolution was approved during the Government session today (likely needs parliamentary approval). The homeowner will apply for a loan as usual (e.g. in a bank). The government will wire the subsidy directly to the loan issuer. Amendments were made to the earlier version of the resolution.

... we hope seasonal migrant laborers will stay and work in Armenia: Pashinyan

// We need this program also because Armenia's housing stock is aging, especially in villages. To qualify for the subsidy, at least 30% of the loan must be spent on increasing the building's energy efficiency. We hope the program will create jobs, and seasonal workers who often leave Armenia will stay and work here. //

... at least 70% of the loan must be spent electronically to combat the grey economy

Residents near borders and in villages will receive higher subsidies. If the regular interest rate is 14%, it will be 0% near borders, 2% in villages, 3% in cities, and 5% in Yerevan.

The Cadastre Committee suggested the creation of a separate registry/classification for energy-efficient houses, which could [increase] the property value.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084273.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084318.html) [video](https://youtu.be/WbFE84HXn04)

merge smaller settlements until there is a second Yerevan?

Infrastructure Minister: A process to merge small settlements into larger administrative areas launched in 2016 and continued throughout 2021. To this day, 908 settlements have been enlarged into 72 communities. Additionally, there are 7 communities that have not been merged with others: Yerevan, Gyumri, and ethnic minority communities.

The newest proposal is to merge 13 already-enlarged communities into 5. This is the best model we can have, after years of discussions and analysis.

>!The merger of Aragatsavan and Talin will include 34 settlements. The merger of Chambarak and Shoghakat will have 19. Alaverdi will have 28 (including Odzun, Shnogh, Akhtala). In Lori province, the merger of Tashir, Metsavan, and Sarchaket will have 24 communities. In Syunik, the merger of Sisian and Gorayk will have 36.!<

So, the 13 communities that currently have 141 settlements, will merge into 5 communities. In the end, Armenia will have 64 enlarged communities. //

... merged settlements end up receiving more funds for infrastructure projects: deputy premier

Matevosyan: Settlements regularly request funds from the government for various projects. The average for one province was $3 million in 2019. Today it's $26 million.

Pashinyan: These subsidy programs are important. $350 million has been invested since 2018. That number will sadly grow because many problems remain in rural communities, from roads to large projects.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084278.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084286.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084298.html)

foreign minister Mirzoyan hosted OSCE chairman Andrzej Kasprzyk

Mirzoyan reaffirmed [Armenia's position](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uxt4at/armenias_ambassadoratlarge_explains_what_armenias/) over the comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, highlighting in this context the mediating role of the OSCE MG.

They also discussed AM-AZ border delimitation and border security, unblocking of economic ties, and transport links.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084281.html)

U.S. welcomes first joint meeting of Armenia-Azerbaijan border commissions: U.S. Secretary

Blinken: The U.S. supports the EU-brokered conversations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and encourages continued positive momentum and bilateral dialogue in support of regional peace.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084263.html)

Pashinyan met U.S. ambassador Tracy and highlighted the clear position of the U.S. on the Nagorno Karabakh settlement

Pashinyan underscored the intensification of the AM-US cooperation and strategic dialogue, and attached importance to the clear position of the U.S. as an OSCE co-chair. Refresher: Tracy recently said "the U.S. recognizes the role of the population of Nagorno Karabakh in deciding its future."

Pashinyan: My administration is guided by the agenda of establishing peace and highly values the continuous support by international partners, including the U.S.

Tracy: Thanks. We will continue to support the democratic reforms in Armenia, the settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and the establishment of regional stability. //

Ambassador Tracy praised Armenian ambassador Makunts's efforts for intensifying the bilateral relations.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1084285.html)

Azerbaijan returns an Armenian soldier who accidentally crossed the border in April

Edward Martirosov returned home after an agreement was reached during May 22 Brussels meeting.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084289.html)

Pashinyan hosted the director of the international "Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas" (ALIPH)

Pashinyan met Freland, praised the activities of ALIPH in the field of protection of historical and cultural heritage, and expressed readiness to cooperate. One of Armenia’s priorities is to protect the Armenian cultural and religious heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan, said the Premier.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084319.html) [article](https://en.armradio.am/2022/05/26/unimpeded-involvement-of-unesco-in-artsakh-important-armenian-pm-tells-alif-director/)

Armenia's ambassador-at-large explains Armenia's Karabakh negotiation strategy.

[read](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uxt4at/armenias_ambassadoratlarge_explains_what_armenias/)

in case you missed Wednesday news

[read](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uxpxc7/may252022_your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia/)

Artsakh foreign minister met representatives of other unrecognized republics

FM Babayan met his Ossetian counterpart in Tskhinvali on Tuesday. Also present were the foreign ministers of Donetsk and Luhansk unrecognized republics. They discussed geopolitics and bilateral relations.

Artsakh parliament president visited Lebanon

The delegation met the Armenian ambassador, Dashnaks, and community members in Beirut. They discussed Artsakh-Diaspora relations.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084274.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084340.html)

Justice Minister Andreasyan met Lithuanian officials to discuss the formation of Interior Ministry in Armenia

The government has been working on reforms to create a new ministry that will presumably have oversight over police and other affairs. Andreasyan discussed this and other topics during the Thursday trip.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084330.html)

a fact-checker accuses the opposition of promoting "fake news" and operating an army of fake accounts on Facebook

"Armenia must end the Genocide recognition demands, end hostility towards Turkey, and dismantle the statue of Soghomon Tehleryan," said Pashinyan's special envoy with Turkey affairs Ruben Rubinyan. Except Rubinyan did not say that. That didn't stop the social media, including some popular political analysts, to share the fake article screenshots.

In another instance, the fact-checker says it has discovered 70 active fake accounts promoting the ongoing street protests, and especially the HHK party. The fact-checker believes the accounts might be linked to the "Reformists" party leader, who is a former MP from BHK party.

The accounts share the same content in a similar style. They don't share someone else's content, though, they upload the same content almost simultaneously, which raises further suspicions. The accounts created Facebook pages on the same day.

[continue](https://fip.am/19363), [article](https://fip.am/19347)

European Court of Human Rights has precedence regarding street closures by protesters

Armenian law allows peaceful protests, but authorities say it prohibits the types of early-morning road closers we've been seeing since April. What about the international court rulings?

In 2008 the ECHR ruled in favor of Hungary, finding that freedom of assembly has limits, and cannot be done with the intent to shut down roads and paralyze traffic. Important factors are the intent, methods of closing the road, the duration, the negative effects on the rest of the population, etc.

[continue](https://factor.am/515652.html)

President of Montenegro visited Armenia

Đukanović visited the Genocide Memorial before meeting Pashinyan and government members to discuss bilateral ties.

Pashinyan: Very nice to know that our capitals signed a memorandum of cooperation back in 1978. Hopefully, now that both of us have independence, we can properly establish relations and develop trade. Let's admit it, we don't have much to brag about today. Hopefully your visit will be an impetus. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084356.html)

Kazakhstan will export oil products to Armenia without export fees

Kazakh Senate has ratified the July 2020 agreement with Armenia. The tax waiver applies to oil products that are meant to be consumed in Armenia. Armenia cannot import the "discount" oil products and sell it elsewhere. The bill requires President Tokayev's signature.

[article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300518/)

frost damages trees and vegetables in Gegharkunik

The weather was cold late last week and yesterday. Many trees have been lost in the province. The biggest damage was done to apricot, pear, and cherries that were in the flowering stage.

It's possible to restore the damage done to vegetables by replanting them, but the loss of trees will affect the yield in Gegharkunik this year, said the Governor's office.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084279.html)

reconstruction of a Vardenis-Martuni road section is underway

The ֏743 million construction project has resumed on a 6 km section in Gegharkunik. The towns are located southeast and southwest of Lake Sevan. They will remove the old asphalt-concrete layers to install a new base and two layers. Ready this year.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084280.html)

post office launches a new website to promote and sell Armenian goods in 190 countries

HayPost has launched a new platform called [Armoteca](https://armoteca.com/en). Wine, tea, dried fruits, herbs, and other Armenian stuff (the menu keeps growing) will be developed around the world.

You can become a subscriber and regularly receive stuff, or buy "gift boxes" with interesting shit in them.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084284.html)

[acquisition of 65%](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uwzz7w/may242022_your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia/) of AMX by Warshaw Stock Exchange will greatly develop Armenia's capital market: Economy Minister Kerobyan

Kerobyan: The contribution of their experience in the Armenian capital market can’t be overestimated. Their arrival will greatly benefit the development of our capital market. We already see significant interest from private companies.

Before 2018, there were few companies in the non-financial sector that were working transparently with profit. Their business model was to generate revenue by saving taxes.

Since 2018, companies have had broad opportunities to work with profit and transparency. It's not entirely transparent yet, but we see that the number of companies that are undergoing proper audits is significantly growing. This is the base that should become active participants in the capital market. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1084302.html)

tax waivers were granted to renewable energy investors to help create hundreds of jobs

Uncle Samvel does not need a single import tariff լումա from Solara, Solar-5, and another company with a weird name.

Solara will import aluminum materials to build solar panel stations. The $6.3 million construction of the production facility and warehouse will finish in November. The project is expected to create 200 new jobs with an average $1,300/mo salary.

Solar-5 is investing $3.8 million to import equipment to build a 5MW solar station in Shoghakat (Gegharkunik). The annual production of electricity will be worth over half a million dollars. 6 new jobs with $400/mo salary.

Էներգեյթ դիզայն էնդքնստաքշն is investing $860,000 to build a 1MW solar station in Geghamasar (Gegharkunik). 4 new jobs with $240/mo salary.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084318.html)

government will spend another $1 million to subsidize the import of fertilizer for farmers

Amid the skyrocketing global fertilizer prices, a decision was made earlier this year to subsidize fertilizers for farmers in Armenia. $1 million was spent to help purchase 5,400 tons. Another million will be spent on a similar batch soon.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084318.html)

this is what happened after the government banned the export of scrap metal last year

Last year the government banned the export of non-ferrous scrap (considered "raw materials of strategic importance") for the duration of six months, in order to guarantee sufficient volume for the 30 local metallurgical companies operating in Armenia.

Government today: After last year's export ban, the volume of locally produced metal materials has significantly increased. The volume of steel casting grew 8.4 times. There will be another 6-month ban. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084318.html) [article](https://hetq.am/en/article/126257)

Roma wins first-ever UEFA Europa Conference League >!in spite of Mkhitaryan!<

Roma became the first club from Italy to win a UEFA competition in 12 years [big if true], after defeating Feyenoord (1-0). Henrikh Mkhitaryan was substituted in the 17th minute after sustaining an injury. This is Henrikh's second European cup.

Inter wants to buy Mkhitaryan from Roma

If an agreement is reached, Heno will earn €3.5 million a year until 2024. His contract with Roma ends next month.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084245.html) [article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_UEFA_Europa_Conference_League_Final) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084328.html)

DAY-4: European Boxing Championship continues in Yerevan

Olympic bronze medalist Hovo Bachkov made his debut and won the first match.

Gurgen Madoyan defeated the opponent in his first match.

World silver medalist Davit Chaloyan crushed his opponent in his first match.

Heavyweight Narek Manasyan also won his first match.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084294.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084307.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084309.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084346.html)

gov't allocates $400,000 to sports federations to prepare for European and World tournaments

Basketball, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, etc. The additional funds will also allow the federations to organize international events in Armenia. [In case you missed](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u8w1sv/daily_news_digest_apr212022_mod_selling_unused/): Armenia has successfully negotiated to host the 2023 European Weightlifting Championship in Yerevan, for the first time.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084318.html)

today in history

451: Sparapet Vardan Mamikonyan dies during the Battle of Avarayr against Persians. While the Persians were victorious on the battlefield, the battle paved the way for the compact between Persians and Armenians that guaranteed religious freedom for Christian Armenians. After Vardan's death, the insurrection continued under the leadership of his nephew Vahan, resulting in the restoration of Armenian autonomy.

1918: Georgian Republic is born.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084242.html) [article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vardan_Mamikonian) [article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_26)

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/uyep61/may262022_your_daily_news_digest_details_of/