2022 October 18

Daily news wrap-up

Oct/18/2022: __ Nagorno Karabakh invests in solar __ Secret meeting __ "Intense" security talks; Defense budget++ __ Yerevan's new buses & fare system __ "Lachin is the only corridor" __ U.S. delegation demands Azeri withdrawal __ Armenia & Indian weapons __ Freedom House index __ Armenia-Bulgaria
by ar_david_hh

---

16 minutes, 4186 words.

Freedom House index: Countering the Authoritarian Overhaul of the Internet

Armenia is among the countries with "free" internet with 74 points, up from last year's 71. To be considered free, the score has to be above 70.

Iceland 95

Georgia 78

Armenia 74

Zimbabwe 49

Libya 44

Azerbaijan 38

Turkey 32

Russia 23

Iran 16

Report: Civil society persuaded the government to repeal a criminal defamation clause passed in 2021.

[source,](https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-net/2022/countering-authoritarian-overhaul-internet) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095133.html) [source,](https://www.azatutyun.am/a/32089856.html)

surveillance shows that Azerbaijani military is staging false flag attacks as a pretext for shelling Armenian outposts

Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire on the eastern border last night.

Defense Ministry: Nighttime surveillance of Azerbaijani activity in the Sotk-Kut direction shows that Azeri units at first fire shots towards their own positions, followed by shots at Armenian units.

By doing so, they are attempting to create the impression as if the Armenian side is shooting at their outposts, so they can begin to shoot at Armenian positions using various caliber small arms, while falsely claiming it to be a "response". //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095097.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095086.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095097.html)

47 members of PACE published a letter: Condemnation of aggression by Azerbaijan against the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia

It calls on Azeri forces to be immediately withdrawn from Armenian territories.

[read,](https://pace.coe.int/pdf/de3db700c62b9b53fcbf0b716ae9198816bcfe82e97cd88e7462abc1a001246b/doc.%2015640.pdf)

Chamber of Senators of Uruguay unanimously approves a statement condemning the invasion of Armenia's internationally recognized territory

[source,](https://en.armradio.am/2022/10/18/senate-of-uruguay-adopts-statement-condemning-azerbaijani-invasion-of-armenian-territory/)

Azerbaijan needs to be sanctioned for its aggression: interview with Swiss lawmaker Stefan Müller-Altermatt

Stefan Müller-Altermatt: Azerbaijan committed a crime in September. Russia committed a similar crime against Ukraine and was promptly sanctioned, but we have no sanctions on Azerbaijan at all, only energy agreements with them. Unacceptable.

... we need a political solution for Nagorno Karabakh conflict to avoid a second genocide: Swiss MP

We need the Minsk Group negotiations and Russian peacekeepers to prevent genocide. After decades of hatred towards ethnic Armenians, there will be crimes and cruelties against the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh.

... Republic of Nagorno Karabakh is democracy and we should stand for this democracy: Swiss MP

We should stand for freedom of expression and human rights. We find these values in Nagorno Karabakh, but not in Azerbaijan.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095099.html)

U.S. Congressional delegation met Pashinyan

The House Democracy Partnership delegation led by David Price visited the Genocide Memorial before meeting Pashinyan on Tuesday.

Pashinyan: Welcome to Armenia. We value the AM-US mutual partnership and assistance with democratic reforms in Armenia. That is the path chosen by the Armenian people, and we will continue to implement it.

Recently we've held intensive contacts and high-level visits that will significantly contribute to the development of AM-US strategic dialogue.

David Price: Thanks for the warm welcome. We value the consistent steps aimed at developing democratic institutions in Armenia. We should expand the AM-US close partnership for the benefit of the development and strengthening of ties in different spheres.

... we appreciate the targeted response of the U.S. against Azerbaijan's aggression: PM Pashinyan

Pashinyan: We have seen a targeted response by the U.S. and the international community in general. It's important to ensure the security and rights of Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh.

... Azerbaijan’s incursion into Armenia’s sovereign territory is unacceptable, they should immediately withdraw to their initial positions: Congressman David Price

Price called for the release of all POWs. The sides also exchanged views on the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, as well as the processes happening in the region.

Congressman David Price about AM-US relations

Price: We are trying to ensure that the U.S. support to Azerbaijan is never used for offensive purposes against Armenia. We are ready to engage in bilateral and multilateral negotiations. We take the role of our Co-chairman of the OSCE MG seriously and do not want any party to assume a pre-determined role, on the contrary, we support peace that is based on the values of the people living in the region.

Question: Will there be any military cooperation between Armenia and U.S.?

Price: I can't answer right now, but you remember Speaker Pelosi's very clear reference. It is obvious that the balance in the region is changing, taking into account the developments related to Russia. Perhaps, some forces are no longer as radical as they used to be. And there will certainly be changes.

At the moment, various discussions are taking place, in particular, about what relations will develop, including in the security domain. These discussions are quite intense.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095100.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095110.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095141.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095141.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095142.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095152.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/7IYo50EDd8k?t=1473) [source,](https://youtu.be/vgQIGYBGCkw)

the only "corridor" mentioned in our agreements is the Lachin Corridor: PM Pashinyan

Pashinyan: Can anyone find any mention of a "corridor" referring to the territory of Armenia in the Nov. 9 statement? Of course not. Is there any mention of a "corridor" in that statement? Yes, and it's the Lachin corridor connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia. That's the only one.

Armenia has no unilateral obligation to build any new roads to connect Azerbaijan to Nakhijevan: PM Pashinyan

Pashinyan: Is there any unilateral obligation of Armenia to construct new roads between Azerbaijan and Nakhijevan in the Nov. 9 tripartite statement? There isn't. Can w build roads if Armenia and Azerbaijan reach an agreement? Yes we can. Armenia is ready to build roads according to its legislation. A positive response from Azerbaijan is necessary.

Our stance and Azerbaijan's response so far prove that no one can accuse Armenia of avoiding its obligations. I reiterate that we are ready to open 3 checkpoints to fulfill our obligation and work towards utilizing opportunities arising from the comprehensive unblocking of the region.

[source,](https://twitter.com/NikolPashinyan/status/1582372143991775232) [source,](https://twitter.com/NikolPashinyan/status/1582371134879604738) .

journalists and experts held a secret meeting with Pashinyan. Here is what they discussed.

Journalist Tatul Hakobyan: Over the past few weeks, a group of experts and I held three lengthy secret meetings with PM Pashinyan and his team. Since the topic of "corridor" is being discussed a lot today, I have to disclose part of that meeting.

A bit of context. Kocharyan's Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan recently wrote an article, speculating that Pashinyan might have given a "verbal" agreement to a "corridor", and that Aliyev might be demanding it now, and that Russia is "silent" because of the verbal agreement. [this was repeatedly denied by the government]

Oskanyan's positive attitude toward Russia and the desire to vindicate Moscow is understandable.

During the meeting with Pashinyan, we asked him directly if there were any verbal agreements over a corridor. Pashinyan said that Aliyev was demanding a corridor, but he refused to agree to it. Moreover, Pashinyan and his team members informed us about having no plans to agree to a corridor now, even if it means more military aggression by Azerbaijan.

It is obvious that Azerbaijan was attempting to coerce a corridor with military aggression on September 12, but it was stopped thanks to our 200+ soldiers who sacrificed their lives.

And lastly, Vardan Oskanyan promised to give Azerbaijan the Meghri corridor in 2001, in a written form. More on that later.

[source,](https://www.aliqmedia.am/2022/10/18/87153/)

they publicly claim to want a "corridor" similar to Lachin, but during face-to-face negotiations Azerbaijan doesn't make such demands: Foreign Minister Mirzoyan

Turkey: Our brother Azerbaijan is rightly saying that the Lachin corridor and the Zangezur corridor must have the same status.

FM Mirzoyan: During the negotiations, Azeris are not proposing to have a road with the same terms and regulations as the Lachin corridor. This terminology is an exaggeration; Azerbaijan is not saying such a thing.

No one could demand one from Armenia anyway, because of the regulations defined by the Nov. 9 and Jan. 11 statements. Lachin Corridor is necessary because it's a road of life for the Armenian population of Nagorno Karabakh.

Parallel to negotiations, Azerbaijan displays maximalist behavior with a desire to influence the negotiations through a threat of force.

The tripartite statements include a topic of unblocking the region's transport and economic infrastructures. A new link between Nakhijevan and Azerbaijan is mentioned. We've already stated that we are ready to use existing roads or build new ones via Armenia, as long as they operate under the sovereignty and legislation of Armenia.

There is certain progress in this area. I'm optimistic that the negotiations can be successfully completed soon. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095135.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095137.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/IFtmIVoM1oM)

Defense Minister visited arms expo in India, a month after news that Armenia will acquire $260 million armament from India

MOD Papikyan's delegation is in India. Papikyan met his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh before attending the DEFEXPO exhibition in Gandhinagar, where he met the leaders of arms manufacturers.

Papikyan: We praised the current level of cooperation and discussed the opportunities to expand the partnership, as well as a number of issues of the bilateral military and military-technical cooperation.

I presented the current situation resulting from the latest Azerbaijani aggression and thanked India for its clear stance on international platforms [UNSC]. I invited my counterpart to Armenia on an official visit. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095088.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095120.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095151.html)

Armenia's defense expenditures by year

2019: ֏301 billion

2020: ֏384 billion

2021: ֏334 billion

2022: ֏361 billion possibly

2023: ֏501 billion expected

Defense budget allocations in million dollars

2015: 461

2016: 453

2017: 464

2018: 523

2019: 652

2020: 634

2021: 601

2022: 713

2023: 1,238

[source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/679563/որքան-են-ավելացել-ոստիկանության-և-պաշտպանության-ապահովման-բյուջեները-վերջին-տարիներին-սաղաթելյանի-հայտարարության-հետքերով/) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/677856/հայաստանի-և-ադրբեջանի-ռազմական-ծախսերի-միտումները/)

Defense Minister Papikyan embezzledn't millions of dollars through construction tender fraud

Defense Minister Papikyan was initially the Infrastructure Minister. He oversaw the unprecedented levels of asphalting projects that began after 2018.

Last year, Kocharyan-affiliated outlet "Yerevan Today" claimed that Papikyan used shady tactics to enrich himself and become a dollar millionaire within a few years.

The outlet published a retraction today after losing the defamation lawsuit.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246295)

"first Norwegian high-level visit to Armenia in more than a decade"

FM of Norway Anniken Huitfeldt visited Yerevan, where she discussed Azerbaijan's military aggression with her Armenian counterpart FM Mirzoyan, and later with PM Pashinyan and Speaker Simonyan.

FM Mirzoyan: This is the first Norwegian high-level visit to Armenia in more than a decade. We appreciate your visit and the sign of Norway's solidarity with the Armenian people.

We appreciate Norway's targeted stance in support of Armenia's territorial integrity and the condemnation of extrajudicial killings of Armenian prisoners by Azeri forces. We hope that Norway, as a pioneer of democracy and human rights protection, will continue to be committed to its adopted position.

... I reaffirmed the readiness of Norway to support Armenia’s sovereignty and internationally recognized borders: FM of Norway

Anniken Huitfeldt: The purpose of my visit, first of all, is to express the readiness of Norway to support the Armenian people. I would be glad to better understand the current situation in the region.

We mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year. It’s a great honor for me to know that Fridtjof Nansen [helped save refugees during the Genocide] is still remembered in Armenia for his work done with the refugees in Armenia 100 years ago.

We will consider how Norway could support the processes of democratic reforms, in addition to the funding for the CoE-Armenia Action Plan. Our common values, the belief that our societies should be built on democracy, human rights, and rule of law, are a firm base to develop our bilateral relations.

... Armenian nature is quite colorful during the autumn

Anniken Huitfeldt: On my way from Tbilisi to Yerevan, I had a chance to be admired by the colorful autumn of Armenian nature.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095123.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095128.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095155.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095160.html)

Armenia wants to deploy OSCE observers on AM-AZ border, in addition to EU mission

FM Mirzoyan: It's under discussion. We will have clarity very soon. The EU mission will record the facts, which will prove that aggression was taken place against Armenia's sovereign territory and that there is an Azerbaijani military invasion into the internationally recognized territory of Armenia.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095130.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/IWj052jZbkA)

there is no decision to send CSTO observers yet: FM Mirzoyan

Ararat Mirzoyan: It can be discussed only during the CSTO Council session. At this moment there is no decision, there are discussions.

Reporter: Russia's FM Lavrov stated that they are ready to send observers, but you need to organize that CSTO session first.

Ararat Mirzoyan: Armenia had applied to the CSTO. A decision was made to send a fact-finding mission at first. They arrived, prepared the report, and shared it with all CSTO members. The Secretariat is currently circulating a draft decision based on that report.

Through verbal discussions, we have tried to understand when the session of the Council could take place where the leaders of the countries can discuss sending a new observer mission. We are at this stage now, there is no decision, there are discussions.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095131.html)

Denis Djorkaeff:

Le Monde s’émeut à juste titre des drones kamikazes russes envoyés sur Kiev, mais personnes n’a rien dit lorsque pendant 44 jours la coalition turco/azéris a pilonné l’Artsakh avec ces mêmes drones tuant plus de 5000 Arméniens. Stoppez Aliyev pour éviter une nouvelle catastrophe!!

[source,](https://twitter.com/djorkaeffdenis/status/1582015553853874182) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/246234)

treason: sold his country for less than an Xbox

NSS: In November 2021, an army contractor grenadier [redacted] was recruited by a foreign intel agent through the Odnoklassniki social network.

In exchange for $370, he used WhatsApp to transfer classified information until May 2022. The information included details about positions, regulations, vehicle fleet, and weapons inventory.

The suspect gave a confession after the arrest. //

[video,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=635406318288566&t=11) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095094.html)

American USAID will provide humanitarian assistance to thousands of families affected by Azerbaijan's September aggression

1,500 families in Vayots Dzor Province will receive aid packages that include food, hygiene, and bedding items.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095153.html)

efforts begin in villages Sotk and Kut to rebuild the infrastructure damaged after Azerbaijan's September attack

The state-funded construction projects began a few days ago. They are building roofs, ceilings, windows, balconies, and walls.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095159.html)

doctors in Nagorno Karabakh reattached a child's amputated hand after a sawing incident at home

The 10yo child went to the hospital with the dismembered hand. Doctor Igor Zakaryan's team was able to reattach it. The child is receiving rehabilitation care.

[source,](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/303173/)

false Azerbaijani names of Armenian toponyms in Syunik province were removed from Google Maps

Azeris had added Azerbaijani names to several Armenian cities and geographical locations in Syunik. ANCA and Tatoyan Foundation Center decided to contact Google to have them removed.

[source,](https://en.armradio.am/2022/10/18/false-azerbaijani-names-of-armenian-toponyms-in-syunik-removed-from-google-maps/)

Nagorno Karabakh has a state subsidy program to install solar water heaters in residential homes

Government: Considering the energy efficiency of solar water heaters, it was decided to expand this program to include settlements that are connected to the gas network.

Starting in August, we've been installing them in settlements without gas, but the process was suspended due to Azerbaijan's military aggression. As of right now, there are 66 recipient households and 16 educational facilities.

Records show that the energy bill for households in gas-less settlements reduces by an average of 80%.

... buildings run by municipalities are receiving general-purpose solar panels to cut expenditures

In March we approved the program to supply solar panels to municipality-run facilities. Several buildings already have 4-10 kilowatt panels. They help save ֏300,000-֏700,000 per year.

In the event of an energy surplus, they will be allowed to sell it to ArtsakhEnergo grid. We are also installing stations to store the excess energy.

This program will run until 2023-2025, and its goal is to raise Nagorno Karabakh's energy independence. Today we produce only 57% of what we consume. The rest is imported from Armenia. The energy and transmission infrastructure in general are being revamped.

We will continue to focus on solar energy over the coming years. Our climate is suitable for it. The annual energy flow per m^2 of a horizontal surface is 1,400 kWh. // (1700 in Armenia, 1,000 in Europe)

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095087.html) [source,](https://www.iea.org/reports/armenia-energy-profile/sustainable-development)

Turkish court acquits Diyarbekir Bar members over "Armenian Genocide" comments

Several members of the legal association, located in Turkey's Kurdistan region, were charged with "insulting Turkey" after publicly speaking about the Armenian Genocide in 2019.

In turn, the Bar prepared a report, highlighting the government's targeted persecution in the Kurdish-majority city.

In the end, prosecutors requested the case to be dropped.

[source,](https://factor.am/568062.html) [redacted](english/law/268651-diyarbakir-bar-members-acquitted-over-armenian-genocide-statement)

breast cancer awareness month

Dozens of women took free mammography tests in provinces as part of an awareness campaign. Doctors recommend ultrasound scans once a year for women above 20, and mammograms once every two years for those above 40.

Doctor: The standard surgical methods, known to everyone, can lead to complications and negatively affect the patient's quality of life. This is why the Oncology Center has imported 2 new types of devices that allow us to conduct a surgical procedure without degrading the quality of life.

Nowadays, around 80% are coming to us at an early stage, and choose to preserve their breast. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095095.html) [video,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=619856433179937)

Yerevan city council discussed the 2023-2025 budget size and expenditures:

income/expenditure (income in dollars)

2023: ֏106b/֏107b ($262 million)

2024: ֏112b/֏112b ($277 million)

2025: ֏153b/֏155b ($378 million)

The spending part is in line with revenues and is mostly related to educational, environmental, and construction projects. Yerevan's own revenues are expected to be ֏43b.

Budget revenues will see an increase in almost all categories. A significant portion of additional revenues will come from the property tax.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095103.html)

Yerevan council member calls security on a fellow member: check if he is carrying a gun 🍿

So here is the deal. Last year, unknown assailants broke into a ruling faction member's house and stabbed him 11 times. He believes the attack was related to his work activities. Sometimes later, apparently, he claimed that a fellow councilwoman was somehow involved in the attack [I don't have the full details]. They don't get along with each other.

During today's Council session, out of fear for her safety, the councilwoman asked the security personnel to check to make sure he [attack victim] did not have a gun on him.

"There are sufficient checks," said the administration.

[source,](https://factor.am/567993.html) [source,](https://factor.am/568000.html) [source,](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/poa9zx/news_sep142021_nuclear_plant_will_increase/) [other]

Yerevan will install memorial plaques in multiple locations dedicated to famous figures

They will be dedicated to actor Karen Janibekyan, academic Prof. Sergey Hambardzuumyan, architect Levon Hovhannisyan, poet Yeghishe Charents, and vulcanologist Sergey Karapetyan.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095105.html)

Yerevan will import hundreds of medium and short buses soon

165 units of 8.5-meter buses and 30 trolleys will arrive this year. They will acquire another 87 units of longer 12-meter buses [likely German MAN] by the end of 2023.

Yerevan public transit will have a unified payment system that includes subway and 946 ground vehicles

They hired the WYG analytical company to create a new development plan for public transit. It envisages a unified payment system. You can use QR codes and NFC to buy tickets for 1-time use or by hours.

A public tender was organized late last year to select a company for the implementation, but the deal apparently did not go through. The city will re-announce the tender soon.

For now, the fare system will include the subway and ground transport. Later they could add airport transport and buses that connect provinces to Yerevan.

It will take a year to implement the system.

Routes are being changed as well. The goal is to ensure that you can travel from point A to point B with one bus, or up to two (e.g. Silikyan district).

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095115.html) [source,](https://iravaban.net/381777.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/CgncTpix8NA) [source,](https://youtu.be/L3C28sIBxC8)

Armenia and Bulgaria will launch an economic chamber to promote trade

A memorandum was signed in Bulgaria on Tuesday to establish the Trade and Economic Chamber to promote AM-BG trade. It will focus on mechanical engineering, the production of composite materials, trade, canned goods, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and the green economy.

Gagik Makaryan: Bulgaria is interesting for us as an important transport logistical hub, as a producer of composite materials used in road construction, shipbuilding, and nuclear energy. Bulgaria is interested in our pharmaceutical, tourism, and other areas. //

A business forum will be held in Bulgaria tomorrow. Around 6% of Armenian exports go to Bulgaria today.

... Bulgaria is our door to Europe, and supports the creation of a corridor between Persian Gulf and Black Sea: President Khachaturyan

Khachaturyan: Bulgaria is a reliable partner for Armenia in the field of increasing the mutual connectivity of the region. Bulgaria is also a friendly door that is open for the export of Armenian production to Europe.

The Armenian side is interested in improving and developing the infrastructures uniting the two countries, including the establishment of direct air communication between the two capitals.

In this context, the operation of direct flights from Yerevan to Bulgaria’s coastal cities during summer was a successful example.

I highly appreciate also the support of the Bulgarian side in the process of creating a Persian Gulf-Black Sea international transport corridor. //

... we support the relations between Armenia and the EU: President Radev

Rumen Radev: Stability in South Caucasus is important to us. There can be no prosperity without stability. We also support the relations between Armenia and the EU. We performed a review of the bilateral relations and we are convinced that we should do much more to develop the huge potential.

... Bulgaria supports Armenia's internationally recognized borders

Deputy FM Hovhannisyan: We highly appreciate the respect for Armenia's borders recorded in the joint statement of the presidents of Armenia and Bulgaria. It should be understood in the context of the latest aggression by Azerbaijan, as well as the fact that Bulgaria supports the sending of an EU observation mission.

Special emphasis was placed on cooperation with the EU because Bulgaria is one of our traditional supporters. As a NATO member country, Bulgaria also plays a big role in security issues. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095108.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095108.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095116.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095119.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1095166.html)

judiciary reforms: Yerevan to have civil and criminal courts, shorter wait times

The lower court in Armenia, aka First Instance Court, includes the Yerevan City Court.

To address the issue of the courts being overloaded and slow, the Yerevan branch will convert into two courts: Criminal and Civil. The bill was drafted by Justice Ministry and it is yet to be approved by the government.

Yerevan courts are 4-10 times busier than their provincial counterparts.

2019: 34,000 cases

2020: 44,000

2021: 44,000

80% of cases are about relatively minor financial disputes under ֏2 million. They should be resolved within 3 months, but in practice, it takes much longer because of overload. These minor disputes "steal" time and resources from more serious trials.

The new Civil and Criminal courts will have at least 35 and 30 judges respectively, but the Government is expected to ask SJC to have more than the minimum, certainly no less than the number we have today, said the Ministry.

The efficiency will come from the fact that the court branches will be more "decentralized" and controlled by separate offices, which will have to deal with fewer judges.

[continue,](https://youtu.be/eYafKv6ooU4?t=685) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095112.html)

new Arbitration Center is being established

Justice Ministry has formed a 26-member council, consisting of local and international experts, to help create Armenia's new Arbitration Center. The members can later apply to become arbiters.

[source,](https://factor.am/568408.html)

two medical centers will merge to "become competitive and revamp their facilities"

Yerevan administration: The Qanaqer-Zeytun and Levon Hovhannisyan Cardiology will merge and adopt the name "Yerevan" medical center. As a result, we will have a new versatile medical center.

The equipment at Levon Hovhannisyan Cardiology was acquired [in the 1960s](https://youtu.be/Mv4yPSVzt00?t=73) and is no longer in good shape. According to our estimates, the facility needs ֏1.8b for reconstruction, which they cannot afford, and therefore cannot be competitive. Next year, the newly merged center will receive ֏600m in modern equipment. No layoffs are planned.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095126.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/Mv4yPSVzt00?t=73)

Armenia's first mountain bike park opens in Vanadzor | PHOTO

Boo Mountain Park is a project by Emma Petrosyan and Vaghinak Karapetyan, co-financed by Germany and the EU.

Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy the great scenery. The bike paths are free to use, as long as you bring your bike and helmet. You can rent one and visit the nearby զխկտվելանոց for food, that's what keeps the business going.

[continue,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/679458/առաջին-լեռնահեծանվային-պարկը-հայաստանում՝-boo-mountain-park/)

Armenia's weightlifter Gor Sahakyan is declared European U23 champion

The 67 kg chad lifted a combined 301 kg. A few days earlier, Rafik Minasyan won bronze in a different category.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095121.html)

Armenia's wrestler Malkhas Amoyan is the European U23 champion

The 77 kg Gercoroman wrestler defeated his Moldovan opponent in the final. Hrachya Poghosyan won bronze in a different weight category.

[source,](https://factor.am/568549.html)

flow of Russians escaping mobilization has sharply declined, says Kazakhstan

Hundreds of thousands have fled to neighboring Kazakhstan after the announcement of mobilization in Russia. The country reports that the daily number of Russians leaving the country (11k) now surpasses the arrivals (9k).

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095096.html)

gas prices drop to $1,200 in Europe, for the first time since June 15

Dutch gas futures are trading at €113 per MWh, down from August's €275.

Why? The EU has done a decent job with filling its gas reserves, the weather appears to be mild, wind power is gaining popularity.

Brent oil is $89.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1095098.html) [source,](https://tradingeconomics.com/commodity/eu-natural-gas) [redacted](economy/1524101)

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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/y7lh78/oct182022_nagorno_karabakh_invests_in_solar/