2022 May 27

Daily news wrap-up

May/27/2022. Your daily news digest. || Experts on Armenia's first surveillance; Military & agriculture || Iran welcomes unblocking AM-AZ trade routes, Pashinyan wants Iran-EAEU agreement, Russia to "expand" Lars checkpoint || Military exercise w/SMERCH & 120mm || More water this year || Other news
by ar_david_hh

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13 minutes. 3390 words.

THAT'S IT: Armenia bans the import of monkeys and rodents

They cause too much trouble, according to the state food safety inspection agency. The ban will last until December. Not even EAEU countries can export them to Armenia, and Armenia cannot be used as a transit state.

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237788)

new gas swap agreement will likely be signed with Armenia soon: Iranian ambassador

Zohouri: The experts are currently discussing technical issues. It wouldn't be right for us to say more until it's completed. Whatever the result will be is going to be beneficial for both countries. One of the topics discussed during the 17th AM-IR intergovernmental session was energy and gas swap. //

Iran also said they are ready to "swap" Turkmenistan's gas to Armenia.

Agrarian University hosted 1st Armenian-Iranian agro-technology conference

Ambassador Zahouri: This will lay the foundation for effective and sustainable cooperation between agrotechnology companies from Armenia and Iran. We can closely cooperate on organic food. //

the opening of the Iranian consulate in Syunik will boost trade and cooperation: Iranian ambassador

Zohouri: A state-level agreement was reached recently to open a consulate in Kapan. The work has started. We will acquire the relevant territory. This proves the significance of this province for Iran and Armenia. We are planning cooperation in various directions between the bordering provinces of Armenia and Iran. //

it's okay to unblock communication routes in the region while respecting international borders: Iranian ambassador

Zohouri: It's important for both sides to respect the internationally recognized laws and hold constructive negotiations. The region is ready to develop. This can happen with effective negotiations by several countries in the region. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084388.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084409.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084390.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1084390.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084401.html)

Russia is taking steps to expand the capacity of the Upper Lars border checkpoint used for cargo transfers

Currently, 900 trucks are waiting on the Russian side. Many of them are Armenian trucks with perishable goods.

The average time of customs clearance has dropped to 2-3 days, said Russia's transport ministry. 12 additional lanes will open by July, with another 12 by the end of the year, to bring the total to 39. Hundreds of people are involved in the reconstruction of the checkpoint.

The checkpoint used to handle 1,500 cars a day. Today it's 2,300, including 1,100 trucks.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084380.html) [article](http://arka.am/en/news/business/russia_to_increase_upper_lars_border_checkpoint_s_capacity_/)

Armenia wants EAEU to sign a fully free trade agreement with Iran ASAP: Pashinyan during EAEU session

Pashinyan: EAEU will also launch negotiations with Indonesia around a free trade agreement. In the context of international cooperation, establishing contacts with partners of third countries and building chains seems important. Over the years, the Union has significantly expanded the horizons of the international partnership.

[Full speech.](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084428.html), [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084434.html)

the first Armenia-Azerbaijan border commission meeting was constructive: Armenia

Deputy Premier Mher: We met on the border on May 24. I consider the meeting to be constructive. There is no agreement yet on the date of the next meeting, but there is a confirmation that it will take place in Moscow. Also, next week Moscow will host the AM-RU-AZ trilateral meeting on unblocking the roads.

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1084421.html)

Pashinyan hosted ambassadors of France and Russia

With Kopyrkin he spoke about the need to hold regular meetings with OSCE co-chairs for Artsakh negotiations, develop bilateral AM-RU ties, etc.

With Louyot he spoke about OSCE MG and the friendly relations with France.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084384.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084403.html)

Defense Minister Papikyan hosted Russia's military attaché and the commander of Russian peacekeepers

Papikyan, Volkov, and Sherbakov discussed topics relating to the peacekeeping mission in Artsakh, the efforts to establish peace in the region, and other security topics.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084414.html)

PHOTOS: the army held exercises with "Smerch" missiles and 120mm "2S12" mortars

Colonel Gasparyan: The exercises aim to raise the combat readiness of the units. The experience gained in the 2020 war was taken into account.

The 1B44 weather station measures the wind and temperature before Smerch is fired. The 9Տ234-2 loads the missiles, which are then used to destroy the opponent's personnel and equipment.

2Ս12 "Kaputan" mortars were also tested. It destroys the enemy's personnel stationed on opposite slopes and mountains, etc. The range is 4-8 kilometers.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084375.html)

Parliament's war inquiry committee will summon former diplomats Vardan Oskanyan and Jirair Libaridian

The committee is investigating the post-independence Karabakh negotiation process, in addition to military events of 2020. Oskanyan was Kocharyan's foreign minister, while Libaridian served as a diplomat under Levon.

[article](https://factor.am/516003.html)

Armenia and Uruguay are celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations

Pashinyan sent a congratulatory message and thanked the country for being the first to recognize the Armenian Genocide in 1965.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084381.html)

Mayor of Paris visited Armenia

Anne Hidalgo will meet Yerevan municipality leadership to discuss new and old Yerevan-Paris cooperation programs. Hidalgo welcomed the opening of the TUMO tech center in Paris.

Artsakh president Arayik met Hidalgo in Goris to discuss relations and humanitarian programs.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084389.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084446.html)

UN Refugee Agency opens a branch in Goris municipality

The office is located in Verishen settlement (north). Syunik and Goris administrations, Red Cross, and other organizations sent representatives to the opening ceremony. They discussed humanitarian assistance for Artsakh refugees.

[article](https://factor.am/516328.html)

DAY-5 of President Khachaturyan's Davos trip

He met representatives of Georgia, Iraqi Kurdistan, Carrefour supermarket chain, auto industry members, and others. During an interview with Deutsche Welle, Khachaturyan spoke about domestic reforms and economic opportunities.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084376.html)

Russia donates 11,000 literature books to schools and universities across Armenia

RosSotrudnichestvo and Armenia's Education Ministry organized an event to celebrate the cooperation. The Russian agency has signed agreements with individual schools to hold conferences, olympiads, etc.

[article](https://factor.am/516054.html)

EU ambassador witnessed the execution of several animals in Yerevan

Wiktorin looked out of her office window and noticed that someone hanged a bunch of stuffed animals to dry on a laundry rope. "Washing Day in Yerevan! My favorite view from my office window," she wrote and shared the photo.

[photo](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237812)

inspectors conducted safety checks in Yerevan's attraction parks ahead of June 1 Children's Day

Victory Park, Luna Park, and other suspicious corners of the capital were raided by scary men looking for bad things.

[article](https://factor.am/516246.html)

businesses were asked to rate IRS

An online survey was conducted on the state revenue agency's website as part of the government's 2021-2026 action plan. Hundreds of businesses and some individuals were asked to answer 13 questions.

Tax service received an 86% positive score, while the customs part received 81%.

Rate the usefulness of receiving notifications electronically: 99% (highest)

Rate the performance and professionalism of IRS employees: 92%

The participants submitted 163 ideas on how to improve the service.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084413.html)

opposition MP clarifies his "Nikol stole $100 million from All Armenia Fund" statement

Last year, without evidence, opposition MPs claimed that millions of dollars were embezzled from Himnadram. Himnadram criticized the accusations and asked their name to be left out of the political struggle. The opposition launched an investigative committee in Parliament, which has not found evidence of embezzlement so far.

Although opposition HD MP Ghazinyan is not part of the committee, his fellow MPs are, so when a few weeks ago he claimed that the government "stole ֏100 million", some had assumed that a discovery was made during the investigation.

Ghazinyan has clarified that his claim about the embezzlement was "political speech", and not a result of a legal finding. He says the investigation is yet to reveal where the funds were spent. The government says the funds were spent on dozens of social and infrastructure programs for Artsakh and Armenia after the war.

ARF claims the government hindered the process to obtain information. The government says that legally the requested information can only be accessed by specific institutes, and instructed the Audit Chamber to ensure that auditors gained access to the information. The Audit Chamber is now conducting the investigation. It's expected to finish in June. The goal is to audit the efficiency of the expenditures, said Himnadram chief.

Ruling MPs accused the opposition of launching and then "abandoning" the investigative committee, and tarnishing Himnadram's reputation for political gain.

[article](https://www.civilnet.am/news/663094/քաղաքական-գնահատական-էր-ղազինյանը՝-հիմնադրամից-թալանի-վերաբերյալ-իր-հայտարարության-մասին/) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1069729.html) [article](https://civic.am/politics/32008-arcaxum-irakanacnum-enq-shurj-70-mln-dolari-cragrer.html)

PHOTO: government decree establishes a new historic-cultural reserve "Aghdzk", where Arshakunis' mausoleum is

The reserve will be located in Aghdzk, Ashtarak, Aragatsotn. That's where the 4th century Arshakunis mausoleum is. It once contained the remains of both Christian and pagan kings of the Arshakid dynasty of Armenia.

Approximately 100m north of the basilica and tomb complex is a shrine that sits alongside a path leading down to the gorge below.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084435.html) [article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arshakid_Mausoleum)

another ArMath engineering lab opens for students in Vardenik

With the help of the Hovhannisyan Family and resources from the US, Vardenik's No. 1 school was renovated and now has an ArMath lab where children in 5-12 grades can study engineering and science. This is the 57th lab in Gegharkunik province.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084386.html)

another Western tech giant wants to move its experts from Russia to Armenia

American data protection firm Veeam Software has offered its staff at the St. Petersburg branch to relocate to Armenia, according to Russian media. The company told staff the "difficult decision" had to be made because of the prolonged conflict in Ukraine and sanctions.

[article](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300557/)

National Academy of Sciences can't stop orgasming after yesterday's launch of Armenia's first satellite

NAS: This is an important step in the direction of applying leading space technologies in Armenia. In this context, the implementation of scientific research in several areas is especially important - data processing, geolocation, image recognition, etc.

Programs can launch involving our scientists at NAS and universities. In the past, Armenian scientists have had a great contribution to space exploration: Viktor Hambardzumyan, Artem and Abraham Alikhanyans, who conducted research in astrophysics and cosmic rays physics, Grigor Gurzadyan who participated in creation of the Orion-1 and Orion-2 astrophysical observatories and was engaged in planetary nebula studies.

A number of important researches are being conducted in our institutes as well, for example, the processing of data received from satellites, monitoring space junk, etc.

It is necessary to restore our past capacity with consistent steps, directing it to the solution of the state's vital issues. The creation of the satellite control center and receiving station will contribute to Armenia's security, management of emergency situations, environmental protection, and monitoring of climate change.

We hope the positive trends adopted by the government in space will be continuous and will enable the scientific community to record new achievements. //

[article](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1084433.html)

High-Tech Ministry announces the launch of "Space Camp 2022" for teens from Diaspora and Armenia

The Ministry will expand the circle of participants with the help of the Diaspora Office. The project is funded by the Ministry in cooperation with the Armenian Rocket Model Association and the AYAS Armenian Aerospace Society.

The aim is to support talented youth and enrich their knowledge in astronomy and space technology.

It will be held from July 27 to August 2 at the Monte Melkonyan Military School in Dilijan.

[Also read the Thursday digest if you missed it.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uyep61/may262022_your_daily_news_digest_details_of/)

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084415.html) [article](https://en.armradio.am/2022/05/27/high-tech-ministry-announces-spacecamp-2022-for-teens-from-armenia-and-diaspora/)

military expert Artsrun Hovhannisyan about the launch of Armenia's first surveillance satellite:

Not having this was one of our weak points [Azerbaijan launched one in 2014 and used it during the war to "gain major advantage"]. Of course, we were receiving some info from our allies, but having ours is completely different.

Its parameters are above average, quite good for Armenia, especially the 26-kilometer reconnaissance range. The satellite will allow us to take an image of any area that interests us.

We've needed this for a long time. There are countries that do not need their own satellite because they can use various international platforms. But we needed ours, and the experts have been saying this nonstop for years.

The cooperation with Elon Musk is important. I hope it will be continuous.

Q: Pashinyan said the downlink and scientific center will open in 2023. Does that mean we can't have photos until 2023?

Technically we can, with the help of the manufacturer company. What he said is Armenia will be able to utilize its satellite. This is great because the satellite control school is թանկ հաճույք.

It's one thing to order it from others, and another if you have your own school and experts. We do have space experts but I'm not sure if they have experience with satellites.

Q: What does it mean that Armenian satellite data can be used by other operators?

Armenia can take images and sell them to companies.

Congratulations to all Armenians. This is an achievement of national significance. //

[article](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/237752) [article](https://hetq.am/hy/article/144943)

China will help Armenia to use satellite photos to monitor nature & agriculture

Education Ministry, NAS, and China's Ministry of Natural Resources signed a memorandum of cooperation to use satellites to measure and study natural resources, detect changes, etc.

It will be used in agriculture, forest management, water preservation, land utilization, urban development, eco-programs, disaster prevention, etc. Armenian and Chinese scientists will organize seminars and retraining courses.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084445.html)

Tags: #space #satellite

Armenia's major water reservoirs have twice as much water compared to last year

Experts: Lots of rain recently. Nevertheless, because of last year's severe drought, the water taken from Lake Sevan last year has not been fully restored yet. Because of temperature fluctuations this year, not enough water has poured into the lake yet. The lake is still 22cm below last year's mark. We expect the levels to rise when the Geghama Mountains snow begins to melt in July. When that happens, we expect the water level to be only 5cm below last year's mark.

Around this time last year, we were already releasing water from Sevan due to high temps. Today we have more water in large reservoirs. Azat Reservoir is at 86%, Marmarik 82%, Akhuryan 80%, Aparan 54% (lowest), etc. Almost all reservoirs have 2x water. That's 190 million m^3 more than last year. This is without counting the >1m mountain snow that is yet to melt.

[article](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/05/27/Սևանից-վերցրած-ջրի-պակասը-դեռ-չի-լրացել-բայց-անցած-տարվա-համեմատ-ջրամբարներ-կրկնակի-ջուր-է-լցվել/730627)

European Boxing Championship in Yerevan: 9 Armenian boxers competed in quarterfinals

The president of Montenegro visited Hamalir to watch the games. He is on an official trip since yesterday.

Won: Hovhannes Bachkov, Artur Bazeyan, Rafayel Hovhannisyan, Narek Manasyan.

Lost: Artur Hovhannisyan, Baregham Harutyunyan, Hambardzum Hakobyan, Davit Chaloyan, Gurgen Madoyan.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084373.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084407.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084411.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084416.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084422.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084429.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084440.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084450.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084454.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084457.html) [article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084460.html)

top-10 bestseller children's books in April

5) Այբոլիտը, Կորնեյ Չուկովսկի

4) Բոքոնիկը

3) Շունն ու կատուն, by Թումանյան

2) Շաղգամը, by Աթաբեկ Խնկոյան

1) Թավշյա ճագարը, կամ ինչպես են խաղալիքները դառնում իսկական, by Մարջերի Ուիլյամս

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084379.html)

today in history

1661: Armenian writer and painter [Naghash Hovnatan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naghash_Hovnatan) is born. He is considered the founder of the new Armenian minstrel school, following medieval Armenian lyric poetry.

1990: Soviet troops clash with Armenian militias in Yerevan's Sasuntsi Davit railway station at 8:30 am.

[article](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1084367.html) [article](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/st-petersburg-founded-by-peter-the-great) [article](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_27)

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://old.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uz67yl/may272022_your_daily_news_digest_experts_on/