2022 May 6

Daily news wrap-up

Your daily news digest from Armenia. Friday, May/6/2022.
by ar_david_hh

---

12 minutes. 3044 words.

anti-corruption: U.S. authorities seek forfeiture of Los Angeles mansion allegedly paid for with bribes involving Serj-era Finance Minister and Gagik Tsarukyan's associate

You may recall [this story](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/189877). It appears Armenian and U.S. authorities have been cooperating around this case. Former Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan was accused of taking bribes to help businesses run by BHK leader Gagik Tsarukyan's associate. They denied wrongdoing. Now the U.S. joins with similar charges.

The U.S. government is seeking the forfeiture of a mansion in Holmby Hills, LA (worth $63 million today).

U.S. DOJ alleges that businessman Sedrak Arustamyan (Tsarukyan's associate), paid Khachatryan's family more than $20 million in bribes in exchange for favorable tax treatment of his businesses in Armenia.

U.S. DOJ describes Khachatryan as "Super Minister". He served as IRS boss from 2008-2014, and as Finance Minister from 2014-2016.

U.S. DOJ: Khachatryan and his sons are charged in Armenia with receiving bribes in violation of Armenian law. Criminal charges are also pending in Armenia against Sedrak Arustamyuan for paying bribes.

The Minister was investigated by the FBI's Eurasian Organized Crime Task Force and U.S. Marshals Service. The agencies received critical assistance from Armenia's prosecutors and NSS. //

[US DOJ](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-seeks-forfeiture-los-angeles-mega-mansion-purchased-proceeds-armenian), [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082564.html), [US video](https://factor.am/508043.html), [Armenian video](https://youtu.be/oAHHodeX-XM)

Tags: #GagikKhachatryan #SedrakArustamyan #Tsarukyan

FM Mirzoyan met International Republican Institute (IRI) leadership in Washington

Mirzoyan attached importance to the IRI's programs in Armenia that seek to support the reforms agenda in public administration. Stephen Nix said the IRI will continue its work to help Armenia's democratic institutions.

They spoke about anti-corruption, transparency, and accountability.

[source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082559.html)

parliamentary opposition parties organized anti-Pashinyan street protests

As protest leader ARF Ishkhan Saghatelyan [promised yesterday](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/uj6mfv/may52022_your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia/), groups of activists [shut down](https://youtu.be/9vQyvT_DWKo?t=259) several [streets](https://youtu.be/4ZnKhC2ovyg?t=6) in Yerevan this morning. The goal was to "paralyze the entire capital" to "take control of the situation".

Dozens of people were detained today, including former police chief Valeriy Osipyan. A group got [into an argument](https://factor.am/508134.html) with a vehicle whose driver wasn't happy over the road blockade.

These are not the main protests. The main protests are better organized, more peaceful, larger (up to 20,000) and take place in the evening usually without clashes with police. Former Yerevan mayor Zaruhi Postanjyan [joined](https://www.instagram.com/p/CcyITCdMl2U/) the protesters with the slogan "Armenia without Turks."

ARF Saghatelyan to supporters: Last evening we decided to paralyze the entire city, and we were able to do it together! We paralyzed the city in four directions. We've agreed to close whatever road we want, whenever we want. Not a single police wall can stop us anymore. //

... authorities are investigating group of activists accused of hooliganism

Police: A group attempted to break through police lines to enter a protected building on Charents St.

Another hooliganism occurred on Abovyan Street near the Yerevan State University. The protesters used trash cans to close the road, pushed each other, and struck vehicles on the road. One person was arrested and charged with hooliganism.

Two more were arrested for damaging a police vehicle and threatening the police while being detained after refusing to open the road. One officer was punched in the face.

Another man was arrested after [damaging cafe windows](https://youtu.be/3mf5xmTSpiU?t=4) and using slurs against Pashinyan. //

... authorities arrest two men suspected of bribing provincial residents to join street protests

Armavir Investigators: A phone call was recently published in which two individuals discuss receiving funds from protest organizers. Their identities have been revealed. It was revealed that a resident was paid to join protests in Yerevan. He, in turn, began paying others to join.

The two suspects have been arrested for violating [Article 163.3.2](http://www.irtek.am/views/act.aspx?aid=150015) [obstructing protest, forcing to protest, bribing to protest, bribing not to protest]. The investigation continues. //

... Russia believes Armenia's opposition is not against the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, and that street protests are over opposition's perception of Pashinyan's statements

Putin's office said yesterday they hope to see stability in Armenia so the peace and transport unblocking negotiations can continue.

[Russia's foreign ministry today](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082598.html): We believe that all domestic political issues in Armenia must be solved exclusively in the legal and constitutional field.

As for connecting the protests with the Armenian-Azerbaijani settlement process, as we understand, the talk is not about opposition's attitude towards the trilateral agreements, but about the perception of statements made by the leadership of Armenia. (Ինչ վերաբերվում է ընթացիկ իրադարձությունները հայ-ադրբեջանական կարգավորման գործընթացի հետ կապելուն, ապա, ինչպես հասկանում ենք, խոսքը ոչ թե ձեռք բերված եռակողմ պայմանավորվածությունների նկատմամբ ընդդիմության վերաբերմունքի, այլ Հայաստանի ղեկավարության այս կամ այն հայտարարությունների ընկալման մասին է:) //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082552.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082589.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1082598.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082599.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082600.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082631.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082629.html) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082633.html) [source](https://factor.am/508255.html)

Constitutional Court sides with Supreme Judicial Council chief Gagik Jhangiryan, rejecting opposition's petition

Jhangiryan became the president of the judicial council, tasked with punishing or protecting judges. Under his administration, the Council has terminated and reprimanded several judges but also shielded many others.

The opposition parties don't like him, and attempted to remove him by arguing that he was too old to be appointed as president. However, the top court has found that his appointment did not violate the constitution.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082620.html),

European Court of Human Rights rules against Armenia

Two Armenian men were suing Armenia over events that occurred in 2011-2015.

Avetisyan was kept in an overcrowded and inhumane cell at Nubarashen prison from 2013-2015. No air conditioning, no heating, locked up for 23 hours a day, pests and stinky smell everywhere. The courts refused to take action.

Davtyan was taken to a police station in 2011. Several cops assaulted, electrocuted, and broke his finger to get a confession.

[source](https://factor.am/508275.html)

Yerevan will acquire dozens of modern buses, install smart traffic lights, an electronic payment system

Next year the city will import 15 units of 12-meter buses made by MAN. Another 100 8.6-meter buses will be acquired soon.

Yerevan's new public transport map was approved. It defines the routes.

The unified electronic payment system will be installed next year.

Drivers are earning fixed wages from now on, from 250k-350k ($530-$740), depending on the bus size.

For the first time, drivers will be able to use the health insurance package.

The gov't will soon build a new bus parking station with a gas station.

Private operators won't be pushed out of the system. They could get paid per mile.

The city is working on models to optimize the traffic flow.

252 intersections will have smart street lights.

10 modern bus stations will be acquired and installed

The gov't will allocate up to $2m to revamp the subway, separate from the construction of a new station.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082622.html)

profit taxes increased by $69 million in April YoY

IRS: In January-April we collected a total of ֏632b. That's +23% from last year. Most of the increase came from profit tax (+ ֏39.2b) and royalty payments.

The profit tax increase is primarily due to the growth of gross incomes, which grew by 39.8% last year. That growth was partially due to more transactions and better documentation. That, in turn, was a result of improved economic activity and more efficient tax administration.

This is reflected in the number of transactions with sales receipts. Last year there were 558 million receipts (+22%) worth ֏8.2t (+27%). //

[more](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082555.html)

economic stats in Q1 2022

Industrial output +3%

Processing industry +11%

Power generation +17% (to 2.8 billion kWh)

Construction +6%

Domestic trade +8%

Services +22%

Foreign tourist arrival 3x (109k Russia, 24k Georgia, 23k Iran)

Births -6% vs 2021, +8% vs 2020

[source](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_industrial_output_in_january_march_2022_grows_by_3_1_to_over_550_7_billion_drams_/) [source](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_processing_industry_grew_by_10_9_in_the_1st_quarter_to_over_303_billion_drams/) [source](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/power_generation_in_armenia_up_16_7_percent_/) [source](http://arka.am/en/news/economy/armenia_s_construction_sector_grew_by_6_2_in_first_quarter_of_2022_to_about_56_billion_drams/) [source](http://arka.am/en/news/business/armenia_s_domestic_trade_in_q1_ups_7_6_to_781_billion_drams_/) [source](http://arka.am/en/news/business/armenia_s_services_sector_grows_by_22_to_over_503_billion_drams_/) [source](http://arka.am/en/news/tourism/the_number_of_foreign_tourists_visitshtp_armenia_in_january_march_almost_tripled_to_249_361/) [source](http://arka.am/en/news/society/armenia_s_birth_rate_in_q_1_2022_drops_by_6_death_rate_ups_by_5_3/)

Pashinyan signs a decree to form an economic policy council

It's at a preliminary stage. More details later.

[source](https://factor.am/508241.html)

global food prices remain +30% compared to last year despite a recent tiny drop from the record prices in March

UN keeps track of global food prices. The index averaged 158.5 points in April, a drop of 0.8 points.

The tiny drop was due to the grain situation not being as worse as in March after the Ukraine invasion. There is still a big deficit. The price increase began during the 2020 pandemic and became worse after the Ukraine invasion.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082597.html) [source](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/latest/UN-FAO-WORLD-FOOD-PRICE-INDEX-AVERAGES-158-5-POINTS-IN-APRIL-VS-8230--40292619/)

Armenia's National Agrarian University opens a lab to study the use of drones in farming

The opening ceremony of the drone lab took place on Friday, attended by Armenian officials and EU diplomats. It's funded by the EU. They spoke about the need to use high-tech in farming.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082619.html)

Vardenis received multifunctional garbage trucks to help with sanitation

The federal and local authorities invested $100,000 to acquire trucks to serve the enlarged settlement Vardenis with its villages. The municipality plans to draw a new map of collection routes with precise dates to make it efficient.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082565.html)

UCOM ISP donates internet to schools in Tavush as part of "Դասավանդի՛ր, Հայաստան" program

The program is using "innovative methods" to teach students in border regions.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082573.html)

bank Ameriabank claims to provide first-ever fully online platform for purchasing a house in Armenia

Ameriabank: You no longer need to visit a bank. Use our platform to choose the house you want to buy, provide your information, go through the mortgage approval process online, and sign the contract electronically. You need to visit the notary office once to finalize the process. //

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082594.html)

Azeri army truck pushed an Armenian taxi out of the road while driving in wrong lane in Artsakh

The Azeri car was driving in the wrong lane when it rammed into the taxi. No one died. The passengers suffered non-serious injuries. The incident happened on Drmbon-Martakert road, which is shared by Armenians, Russians, and Azeris.

The police are investigating whether it was accidental or intentional. The passengers and Ombudsman believe it was intentional.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082575.html)

Hrant Dink: Here and Now

"Hrant Dink" organization held an exhibition in Yerevan dedicated to the 15th anniversary of his assassination. You can see his personal life and work here and now, said the organizers.

[images](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082583.html)

WW2-themed photos were posted on Yerevan subway walls ahead of Victory Day

Passengers at Marshal Baghramyan station were presented with photos depicting life during the world war, people's efforts to help the army, etc.

Soviet spy Petros Petrosyan: 77 years have passed, but we, the veterans who took part in the Great Patriotic War, remember the Victory Day. I am convinced that the Armenian people, thanks to their strength, respect, and warmth, will continue to be victorious. //

[images](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082581.html)

VIDEO: U.S. donates $1 million worth chemical, nuclear, and biological safety equipment to Armenia

U.S. Department of Defense Risk Management has donated the equipment to Armenia's Emergency Ministry during an event at Lusakert training center. The event was attended by the Kansas National Guard commander and U.S. military attaché.

[source](https://youtu.be/S8KwcZtymyk) [source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082617.html)

FM Mirzoyan met Bob Menendez, chairman of U.S. Senate's Foreign Relations Committee

The delegation led by Mirzoyan and ambassador Makunts met Menendez and discussed the agenda of AM-US relations, security around Armenian and Artsakh, and POWs.

Mirzoyan highlighted the importance of the US support for Armenia's ongoing democratic reforms and economic development. They thanked Menendez for his efforts toward the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. Mirzoyan handed over the Friendship Order to Bob Menendez.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082558.html)

FM Mirzoyan met U.S. Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell

They discussed the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, the normalization of AM-TR relations, and deepening AM-US relations. Mirzoyan praised the continuous support for the reform agenda in Armenia.

McConnell received the Mkhitar Gosh medal for his efforts to strengthen AM-US relations.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082592.html)

U.S. state of Mississippi officially recognizes the Armenian Genocide (and Armenians will finally learn how Mississippi is spelled)

Governor Tate Reeves proclaimed April as Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month. Mississippi became the 50th state to recognize the Armenian Genocide. All states have recognized it. Աբրիս․

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082554.html) (corrected typo)

Constitutional Reform Council held a session on Friday

The Council was formed to discuss amendments to the top law. Justice Ministry Andreasyan said he personally supports the preservation of the parliamentary model with certain amendments.

3 members support parliamentary, 1 supports presidential, 3 refrained from commenting, 3 were absent. This is not a "vote". It's a periodic survey to understand Council members' opinions after each session, said the Minister.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082561.html) [more](https://youtu.be/7nRkgRcUXyo), [more](https://youtu.be/SWKco4j7eI0) [more](https://youtu.be/kX_JmbQijVU)

interview with the co-author of Armenia's gun law reform || New regulations || Shooting ranges || new Territorial Defense Forces

Context [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/u6nm7n/daily_news_digest_from_armenia_monday_apr182022/) and [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/ubyoad/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_monday/).

Reporter: This law will entirely repeal the current code. Is this a gun liberalization or regulation bill?

QP Vilen Gabrielyan: Both. The current law in Armenia was adopted in 1998. It was a copy of the Russian law, which came from the USSR law. Our law has not seen significant amendments since its adoption, unlike in Russia.

Reporter: You will no longer be required to own a hunting rifle for 5 years before getting a "semi-combat" weapon. Is this a liberalization?

Gabrielyan: Not quite. Today, to get a hunting rifle, you become a member of the hunting union which is a monopoly with corruption risks. Today, to get a weapon, you only have to bring a note stating that you are not registered at a narco-pycho institute. You don't actually get tested.

The reforms introduce new requirements. Medical tests will be required. It will also begin to require applicants to prove they know how to handle the gun. There will be exams like the ones for a driver's license: knowledge about gun laws, and practical knowledge on how to handle guns.

Reporter: How will this change the culture? Today there are many privileged men surrounded by thick men who feel privileged. Will this change?

Gabrielyan: It's easier to get a weapon today, but it's expensive, so only the privileged obtain it.

Reporter: Will it become easier to carry a weapon?

Gabrielyan: No. It will become stricter and better regulated. The law will define the locations where you're allowed to carry your weapon. It could be gun ranges that we expect to open, and sports clubs. A permit to carry doesn't mean you can hang a rifle from your shoulder and walk on the streets. It is already prohibited today, and it becomes harder after reforms.

Reporter: So you can have it at home to defend yourself, and in special areas like gun ranges. Can you have it in your car?

Gabrielyan: Yes, but it'll be more clearly defined. It will be allowed while you're transporting it.

Reporter: Bodyguards have a gun license. Will they be regulated by this law?

Gabrielyan: Yes, but there is also a separate law for them. However, after the reforms, anyone who has a gun permit today will have to undergo the aforementioned strict tests again, when their current license expires.

Reporter: Can this law raise Armenia's and the public's combat readiness?

Gabrielyan: Yes. It helps people learn how to handle and treat guns and develops a certain culture. Our army has the flawed Soviet model today. We could have teenagers who are better prepared for the army by the time they get there, through better НВП (NVP) classes.

Reporter: But you're raising the age limit to 21.

Gabrielyan: Gun ranges, under the supervision of licensed professionals and parents, can have clients above 12. Compare that to today's beurocratic process: the teacher contacts authorities for permission to take the class to a state-owned gun range, goes through months of beurocracy, goes to the gun range and fires only a couple of bullets.

Reporter: Critics say there can be corruption schemes and weapons will end up in the wrong hands.

Gabrielyan: Corruption risks today are far greater than they will be after reforms. The reforms take into account the risks that exist today. There will be an oversight.

Reporter: How will this affect the gun market? There are few companies today. Do they support or oppose it?

Gabrielyan: We discussed this with all circles, including the gun industry. The current law is strict when it comes to imports and sales. Gun sellers will have new opportunities.

Reporter: Will it become easier to import and sell?

Gabrielyan: More like better regulated. Weapon types are not properly defined today, which opens a door for corruption. When you import a weapon that's considered both civilian and military today, the law allows an agency to define which one it is; there can be definition conflicts and corruption risks. The reforms will more clearly regulate this. Certain things will become easier to import.

This will lead to the strengthening of our domestic military industry and the economy. Today we don't even have a decent bullet production factory. We even have a problem importing gunpowder.

Reporter: When?

Gabrielyan: The bill will return to Parliament on May 18. Within a few days, it will be discussed by a Commission. If approved, it'll be sent for the first vote. If approved, it'll return to Commission for possible amendments, before being returned for the second and final vote. It'll be approved in June and go into effect 3 months later.

Reporter: The law has a separate part about increasing border regions' resistance. It's about handing out weapons. Does the government agree with the opposition on this?

Gabrielyan: To give weapons to border residents you must have a legal basis for that. The law provides the government with that ability. The government will have the right to decide which border regions get weapons. This provides an institutional solution.

We're talking about ashkharazor (Territorial Defence Forces). We adopted the resolution on the formation of ashkharazor earlier but it's flawed. There will be serious reforms here as well. The gun law reform will provide new opportunities to ashkharazor forces. //

[source](https://youtu.be/gDUA6ZKF_YQ)

Tags: #GunLaw

today in history

1929: Armenian historian [John Kirakosyan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kirakosyan) is born. He was Soviet Armenian Foreign Minister from 1975 until his death. Read about his work towards the genocide recognition [here](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082538.html).

1975: 100,000 mostly Armenians [gather in Beirut](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/60th_anniversary_of_the_Armenian_genocide_commemorations_in_Beirut) for the 60th anniversary of genocide commemorations.

1998: Steve Jobs unveils the first iMac.

[source](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1082536.html) [source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_6)

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/ujv1gb/your_daily_news_digest_from_armenia_friday/