2022 May 4

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. Wednesday, May/4/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

8 minutes. 2097 words.

Georgia invited Armenian officials

Defense Minister Papikyan will visit Tbilisi. He will join Justice Minister Andreasyan and Security Councilman Grigoryan who traveled earlier this week.

Grigoryan met Premier Gharibashvili and discussed the normalization of AM-TR relations, the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and the challenges facing Armenia and Georgia amid the war in Ukraine.

MOD Papikyan and his Georgian counterpart signed a memorandum of cooperation between ministries. They discussed military education, practice exchange, and human rights in the military.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082342.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082373.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082384.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082396.html)

Armenia's Finance Minister met EU ambassador to discuss cooperation programs

Khachatryan met ambassador Wiktorin and EU delegate Frank Hess. They discussed macroeconomics, regional risks, and their impact on the economy.

EU: The EU is always ready to assist the Armenian government to address the challenges. We appreciate your efforts toward strengthening AM-EU cooperation. We're satisfied with the progress made toward the implementation of CEPA. //

[source](http://arka.am/en/news/politics/european_union_satisfied_with_armenian_government_s_efforts_to_strengthen_armenia_eu_cooperation/) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082353.html)

FM Mirzoyan met the head of National Democratic Institute in Washington D.C.

The delegation headed by Mirzoyan and ambassador Makunts met the head of NDI to discuss joint programs. Mirzoyan attached importance to the re-opening of the NDI Office in Armenia after the 2018 revolution.

Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia's commitment to the promotion of democracy, rule of law, anti-corruption, and reforms "aimed at raising the transparency and accountability of state bodies".

They spoke about programs to help women and youth in politics and to institutionally develop political parties.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082364.html)

joint statement on results of Armenia-U.S. Strategic Dialogue session

Read [Tuesday digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uho29h/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_tuesday/) for details on Mirzoyan's trip to Washington. Representatives from Armenia's justice, defense, banking, and other sectors were part of the delegation.

Joint Statement: AM and US reiterated commitment to strengthen ties. The US wants to continue its assistance and cooperation with the Armenian government in building democratic and economic institutions that reflect common values and deliver better governance and prosperity.

The US supports Armenia's positive democratic trajectory. This includes programs to support human rights, media literacy, social protection, justice reforms, the new Patrol Police Service, impartial judiciary, and freedom of expression.

They discussed economic development, energy cooperation, workforce development, and investments.

Delegations discussed border security and defense partnership: disaster management, defense reforms, medical support, peacekeeping. They noted the US's role as a co-chair of OSCE MG which has a mandate to achieve a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict.

Mirzoyan delegation met USAID's Samantha Power, Under Sec. State Victoria Nuland, and others. A number of documents were signed, including a Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding that can develop stronger ties between Armenian and American nuclear experts, industries, and researchers.

AM and US also signed two joint action plans to combat corruption and reform law enforcement agencies in Armenia. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082327.html)

Tags: #UStrip #Mirzoyan

Cassations Court will decide whether prosecutors can charge ex-president Robert Kocharyan under Article 309 over March 1, 2008 events

Kocharyan was initially charged under the problematic Article 300.1. Critics had claimed that this article was written by the former government intentionally poorly to serve as a "get out of jail card" in the future.

Prosecutors said they were legally required to charge Kocharyan under the poorly written Article 300.1, and not 309.

Prosecutor: ամբաստանյալների արարքը 300.1-րդ հոդվածով է որակվել հատուկ և ընդհանուր նորմերի մրցակցությամբ պայմանավորված: Այն ժամանակ արարքը չէր կարող որակվել 309-րդ հոդվածով, քանի որ կար 300.1-րդ հոդվածը: Չկա հիմա 300.1-րդ հոդվածը, այդ արարքը պետք է որակվի 309-րդ հոդվածով: Մեխանիզմի խնդիր կա, և մեխանիզմի խնդիրն էլ բարձրացվում է ՍԴ-ում: //

After the Constitutional Court struck down 300.1, prosecutors said their hands were "untied" and they could and would charge Kocharyan under 309, but for that, they need the Constitutional Court's approval first. To get this approval, 1-2 years ago they asked the Cassations Court to escalate the case to Constitutional Court.

During today's parliament session the Prosecutor General was asked to provide updates. He said the case is still in Cassations Court.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082340.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1047941.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1051304.html)

anti-corruption: court sides with prosecutors, will restore part of forest lands appropriated by former officials and public figures in Tsakhkadzor in 2007

In 2018 [prosecutors launched an investigation](https://www.prosecutor.am/en/mn/7345/) based on a publication by the Hetq outlet. Prosecutors demanded 25 pieces of land to be returned, and for the 2007 land auctions to be invalidated.

The court read the verdict against one of the land buyers. 0.55 hectares will be returned under state control.

Trials continue for the other 24 land buyers. Prosecutors praised the verdict as important precedence. They want to recover 60 hectares in total.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082403.html)

parliamentary opposition parties resumed anti-Pashinyan street protests

A Group of activists [used trucks](https://youtu.be/ZoJUmikf9VE?t=93) to shut down streets and bridges in Yerevan this morning. Dozens of activists were detained. The streets were open a few hours later.

A pro-government outlet reported receiving anonymous complaints from workers claiming they were forced to use trucks to close the roads under the threat of termination. Observes noted that the trucks belonged to a company owned by a businessman from Serj Sargsyan's HHK party.

The main protests in French Square were generally peaceful.

... law enforcement warned organizers not to attack the parliament building

NSS and Police: We've received information that protest organizers intend to carry out provocations and encourage protesters to occupy the parliament building today. This could destabilize the internal security in Armenia. We warn the organizers and participants to refrain from illegal activities. We urge law-abiding citizens not to fall for provocations. //

Construction workers were seen re-welding the gates surrounding the parliament building yesterday. Police forces were deployed with light/sound grenades within the premises today.

... protesters marched towards the parliament building

Organizer ARF Saghatelyan said they have no plans to storm the building. The mostly peaceful protesters marched and gathered in front of the building. Approximately 5,000 were present.

Some of the residents on the sidewalks weren't happy to see them. Protesters threw a bottle at a man on a sidewalk, calling him a "Turk". Famous pro-Pashinyan actor Sos Janibekyan was [also attacked with bottles](https://youtu.be/HYEUiyr5H-s). The police intervened on multiple occasions.

Meanwhile, the parliament held a session. Pashinyan, cabinet, and MPs were present for Q&A.

... democracy is Armenia's number one international "brand" today, and we intend to maintain it: Nikol Pashinyan

Pashinyan: Never interpret democracy as a weakness of the government or the state. In a democracy, you have laws and institutions that can operate at full force.

The opposition once mocked us for walking on the streets. They are walking now. They were mocking our [dog Chalo](https://youtu.be/V7Ago7QEvrg), the symbol of 2018 marches, but today they are using every stay dog they can find.

They think they will succeed if they do everything exactly as we did. Here is a story for them. Frunzik Mkrtchyan once told Vahram Papazyan he wanted to enter a new phase in his acting career by playing as Othello [a black character from Shakespeare]. Master Papazyan looks at Frunzik, pauses for a second... "Son, not every black thing is Othello." //

... group of opposition MPs briefly attended the session

ARF Saghatelyan: We sent MPs to convey your message to Nikotil on his forehead. //

The MPs asked if Pashinyan plans to resign, accusing him of surrendering Artsakh, failing the negotiation process, and not stopping the war.

Pashinyan: On April 17, 2018, Serj Sargsyan admitted to failing the negotiation process when he confessed that the negotiations did not inspire optimism and that they were stopped, because Azerbaijan had "unacceptable" demands. Serj spoke about the possibility of war, stating that Armenia could no longer expect Azerbaijan not to start a war.

As I've said earlier, I could have prevented the 2020 war by recognizing Nagorno Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, with a similar status that it had before the independence. When you look back at the events and Serj's statements, you will see that in order to prevent the war, we had to accept what Serj had described as "unacceptable demands", in other words, to recognize Nagorno Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan.

You made accusations about "lowering the bar". I've spoken about this in detail. The moment when the former government -- which included you, the ARF -- accepted the Madrid Principles as the basis for negotiations, you accepted Nagorno Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. I will explain in detail and will provide more evidence [ARF MPs chant from their seats]. I will reveal details. [ARF MP accuses Pashinyan of surrendering Artsakh and blaming it on Serj]. I will reveal an important detail now [ARF MPs shout and begin leaving the room]. So you don't want to hear the details. As soon as I said I would make an important revelation they started running away. [Opposition MPs chant as they leave, while ruling MPs clap in return]. Let's meet and discuss it face-to-face. //

[source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300089/) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082349.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082371.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082374.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082388.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082392.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082397.html) [source](https://youtu.be/HGlpdyJIFs0?t=79) [source](https://factor.am/507100.html) [source](https://factor.am/507248.html) [source](https://youtu.be/mwSOGl_59Aw) [source](https://factor.am/507270.html) [source](https://youtu.be/v8Mo-Mhn6VQ?t=5) [source](https://factor.am/507431.html) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236424) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236384) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236385) [source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236391)

governments of Artsakh and Armenia met to discuss housing and jobs for Artsakh IDPs

Labor Minister Mkrtchyan and his counterpart Petrosyan discussed various aid programs to provide jobs and housing to IDPs. The government [recently decided](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uet70y/your_daily_news_digest_friday_apr292022_artsakh/) to allocate an additional $40 million for housing in Artsakh.

[source](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/236423)

Armenia exempts exports worth up to $2,000 from customs duties

Parliament voted to approve the government bill aimed at simplifying exports for small and medium businesses to raise their competitiveness.

Economy Minister Kerobyan: Amendments exempt businesses from paying customs duties if the total customs value does not exceed 1 million drams if they are exported by one carrier to one consignee under one transportation document. //

[source](http://arka.am/en/news/business/armenia_exempts_exports_worth_up_to_one_million_drams_from_customs_duties/)

Armenia ratifies agreement on economic cooperation between EAEU and Singapore

Parliament voted to ratify the 2019 agreement signed between EAEU states and Singapore. It aims to create a favorable environment for mutual trade, remove barriers, and reduce business costs. //

Economy Minister: Singapore is a major financial center, and cooperation between Singapore investment funds and the Armenian government is being discussed. //

[source](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_ratifies_agreement_on_economic_cooperation_between_eeu_and_singapore/)

inflation stats

12-month CPI +8.4% as of April.

- Food and beverages +14.3% - Non-food +6.1% - Alcohol and tobacco +1.1% - Clothing +8.1% - Utilities +5.5% - Transport +6.9% - Healthcare +0.7% - Communications +0.2% - Recreation +12.4% - Education +1.5%

[source](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_12_month_consumer_price_index_rises_by_8_4/)

number of Russians who traveled to Armenia tripped in January-March, said Russia

3x to Armenia. Total: 143,000. Tourim: 41,000.

5x to Georgia.

[source](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/300063/)

over 470 teachers will undergo a voluntary certification exam and double their salary in June: Nikol Pashinyan

Pashinyan: When we gave a 10% raise in 2019, many teachers noted that it's unfair to give the same raise to everyone and that some deserved more.

This is why we adopted the policy that it would no longer be us to decide how big the raise is. It would be up to teachers themselves to give a certification exam [and get a 30%-50% raise].

As a result of reforms, some teachers' salaries will double through the combination of several actions. This is necessary so that parents and government will know the teachers are skilled. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082387.html) [source](https://youtu.be/3E9TTxE8YLE)

VIDEO: this factory produces over half of glass containers made in Armenia

Saranist exports the products to Georgia, Russia, Moldova, etc.

[source](https://youtu.be/9pC5VkhQlz4?t=5)

authorities uncovered theft of agricultural soil

Nature inspectors carried out an operation to uncover land theft in April. They found 8 trucks transporting stolen fertile soil. $500 fines were issued.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082363.html)

Koghb Music School is named in honor of renowned composer Tigran Mansuryan

The Noyemberyan municipal council approved the decision today. Mansuryan was personally in attendance at the ceremony. Koghb Foundation concluded the event by awarding grants and scholarships to teachers and students from public schools.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082359.html)

soccer news

Armenia's U14 and U15 teams are preparing for UEFA Development Cup. Matches will be held in Yerevan soon.

2023 UEFA European U21 Championship qualification matches will resume soon. Armenia is in Group H (last place). They will play against France in Armenia on June 6.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082357.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082358.html) [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_UEFA_European_Under-21_Championship_qualification)

==today in history

1913: Telephone network launches in Yerevan.

1990: Latvia declares independence.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082325.html) [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_4)

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/uidosw/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_wednesday/