2022 October 4

Daily news wrap-up

Oct/4/2022: __ Pashinyan's newspaper takes gloves off, accuses Russia of sacrificing Armenia for closer ties w/ Turkey & Azerb. __ Direct dialogue between Baku & Stepanakert __ POWs released __ Armenia won't join Russian Union: Speaker __ Kerfuffle in Georgia __ Yerevan rent __ Human Index __ Diaspo
by ar_david_hh

---

20 minutes, 5000 words.

France, Canada, Greece, Cyprus call for bringing Azerbaijani soldiers to justice for executing unarmed Armenian prisoners of war

French MFA: Videos of summary executions of Armenian prisoners by the Azerbaijani army are deeply shocking. France takes note of the investigation into these acts announced by Azerbaijan and calls for their perpetrators to be brought to justice. France calls for releasing all Armenian prisoners who are still detained.

Canadian MFA: The reports of Azerbaijani soldiers executing Armenian prisoners of war are deeply disturbing. Perpetrators of such violence must be held to account and the region must return to a place of stability.

Greek MFA: Utterly appalled by the horrific reports of the execution of unarmed Armenian prisoners by Azerbaijani forces. Greece strongly condemns such acts of violence and calls for a thorough investigation to ensure perpetrators are held to account.

U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Menendez: I condemn the reported execution and probable war crimes committed against unarmed Armenians by Azerbaijani soldiers. We must pursue justice for every atrocity committed during the recent Azerbaijani attack on Armenia.

Lithuanian MFA: We are deeply disturbed by the video footage of Azerbaijani soldiers executing captured Armenian soldiers. The crime must be impartially investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable. Peace and stability must return to the South Caucasus once and for all.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094034.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094030.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094054.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094063.html) [source,](https://twitter.com/SFRCdems) [source,](https://twitter.com/LithuaniaMFA/status/1577268243969937408)

Armenian Parliament majority leader calls on U.S. congress members to maintain pressure on Azerbaijan

QP MP Hayk Konjoryan, the head of AM-US Friendship Group, has addressed letters to U.S. Congress members and presented details on Azerbaijan’s military aggression and the barbarism committed against unarmed POWs.

Letter: I called on my colleagues to continue exerting pressure on Azerbaijan with targeted actions, to suppress any kind of aggression against Armenia, withdraw the Azerbaijani troops from the sovereign territory of Armenia, and to punish war criminals.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094036.html)

Azerbaijan returns 17 Armenian POWs amid pressure

The agreement was reached during a recent tripartite meeting organized by Biden's Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Pashinyan later accused Azerbaijan of breaking the promise of returning the POWs by September 30. The POWs, who were captured on September 13, were returned home today.

Dozens of other Armenian POWs remain locked up in Azerbaijan on manufactured charges after the 2020 war.

... Pashinyan thanks the U.S. for mediating the return of 17 POWs

Pashinyan: I highly appreciate the efforts of the United States for assisting to return our 17 POW’s. I hope with joint efforts together with our international partners we will further register progress in resolving both humanitarian issues and establishing peace in the region.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094098.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094105.html)

foreign ministers of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the U.S. held a phone call

Blinken called Mirzoyan and Bayramov for a 3-way conversation to discuss the results of the October 2 meeting in Geneva.

FM Mirzoyan reaffirmed Armenia's stance that Azerbaijani troops must leave the territories of Armenia, and the need to release the remaining POWs.

They spoke about the importance of deploying international border monitoring mechanisms.

They also exchanged ideas around the formation of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty, and the formation of mechanisms so Baku and Stepanakert can hold discussions. >!This is not a surprise if you followed [yesterday's news](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xuxigg/oct32022_armenia_nato_anticorruption_191m_big/).!<

[source,](https://factor.am/563028.html)

Anthony Blinken has appointed an ethnic Armenian diplomat as Special Representative for Subnational Diplomacy

State Department: Nina Hachigian will spearhead the Department’s efforts to engage local partners, foster connections among cities in the United States and abroad, develop solutions and partnerships to key issues facing local actors, and fundamentally strengthen the Department’s ties to our cities and communities.

>Before rejoining the Department, Ambassador Hachigian served as the first Deputy Mayor for International Affairs for the City of Los Angeles. She previously served as the second resident U.S. Ambassador to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in think tanks, and on the staff of the National Security Council during the Clinton Administration.

[source,](https://www.state.gov/naming-ambassador-nina-hachigian-as-special-representative-for-subnational-diplomacy/) [source,](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/302897/)

it's possible that Russia's CSTO military bloc itself could withdraw from Armenia: Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan

Simonyan: I plan to discuss CSTO issues during my upcoming visit to Russia.

Q: Did Pashinyan refer to Russia when he said our ally has received hundreds of millions of dollars in payments but has not yet delivered weapons? >!["Yes" is the correct answer, for those who haven't been following.]!<

Simonyan: I don't know. If that's the case, it could be due to the war in Ukraine. I will discuss the CSTO and AM-RU mutual assistance treaty during my visit to Moscow. Armenia invoked this treaty, and if I am not mistaken we still haven’t received a reaction.

Q: Does Armenia plan to withdraw from CSTO?

Simonyan: It is very possible that the CSTO itself will make a decision to withdraw from Armenia, because this organization isn’t giving a proper reaction. I still maintain my opinion that we must understand why. This is not a game for us to make abrupt moves without knowing what to do next, what would follow. But there is definitely a problem, and I have spoken about this during the [H1 interview](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xg708g/sep162022_armenia_shows_yellow_card_to_russia).

Q: The former administration claims they used to receive free weapons from Russia, while you can't even receive the weapons you've paid for.

Simonyan: Is that the same administration that was receiving outdated and dysfunctional "free" weapons that were, in reality, a trap?

Q: Serj claims those weapons helped him win the April 2016 war.

Simonyan: You really think we won the 2016 war? The 2016 was a political message. Serj had brought the negotiations to a deadlock, so they organized 2016 as a threat for him to honor the concession commitments he had made earlier. The actual war began in 2016, not 2020. It's your right if your definition of "victory" is losing 800 hectares and hundreds of soldiers, and then likely agreeing to even more concessions behind closed doors. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094048.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/9mgULLGI5t8) [source,](https://youtu.be/FpxG45s-dlQ)

we should not even discuss the idea of joining a Union State with Russia: Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan

Context: Pashinyan family's ArmTimes outlet has launched a series of articles about what Armenia's friends and foes "want" from Armenia. It doesn't contain any new secrets - just opinions and facts stated by Pashinyan and others earlier.

In the first installment, the article presented what we already knew: Azerbaijan wants ethnic Armenians of Nagorno Karabakh to lay down their defense, a corridor, recognition of territorial integrity, border demarcation with maps favorable to them, etc.

In the second installment, authored by an anonymous source which some analysts believe is Pashinyan himself, the article presents what Russia wants from Armenia. Parliament speaker Simonyan said that just because the article was published by an outlet linked to Pashinyan, that doesn't mean it's official information.

Nevertheless, take it away...

ArmTimes article: Russia wants Armenia to join either Russia or the Russia-Belarus "Union State". Russia is using its military to force Ukraine to join this Union. In the case of Armenia, Russia is using its military base in Armenia, as well as Azerbaijan, to pressure Armenia.

Their goal is to expose Armenia's security vulnerabilities to convince it to join the Union. This is what's behind Azerbaijan's military aggression, the inaction of the Russian base in Armenia, the political neutrality of Russia, and Russia's refusal to comply with the weapons delivery agreement.

The latter is a tactic that Russia used against Armenia in 2016 as well, after the April war. Armenia must be as vulnerable as possible, so it can hug Russia as tight as possible.

Russia wants the Karabakh conflict to remain unresolved so it can maintain leverage over Armenia and Azerbaijan. This desire has been the cornerstone of the "status quo" established for decades, and this is what Armenia's previous administrations used for decades to pursue the policy of "indefinite negotiations".

But this policy ended in 2011. Russia has since found it necessary to change the status quo. Not because they wanted to resolve the conflict, but because they realized they can't maintain the status quo any longer.

The primary reason was the rising influence of Turkey, and the need to appease Turkey amid its [Russia's] conflict with the West. If you want to know what's behind the 2020 war, that's where you can find the answers.

Russia planned for (or at least knew about) an upcoming conflict with the West, and knew that Western transport routes could be closed, so Turkey's cooperation in Dardanelle and Bosphorus became critical. This is also why Lavrov's Plan envisaged the surrender of southern regions to Azerbaijan, so the Ordubad-Meghri-Horadiz railway/road routes could be free of obstacles. Despite what Russia says publicly, it would be the main beneficiary of the Russian-controlled "corridor" traveling through Armenia.

Russia continues to struggle to maintain the status quo even after the 2020 war, especially amid its difficulties in Ukraine. This has raised the importance of Turkey and Azerbaijan, and now Azerbaijan can act as a middleman to sell Russian oil and gas to Europe. //

... Parliament Speaker dismisses some of the claims made in the article

Question: The article states that Russia wants Armenia to become part of the Russia-Belarus Union State. Is this true?

Speaker Alen Simonyan: I haven't heard anything from my Russian colleagues, and there can be no such conversation. Armenia’s independence and sovereignty are not subject to discussion. I rule out that such a thing could exist without my knowledge. This issue can’t even be discussed in Armenia.

Vladimir Putin's spokesman: The claim that we are using Azerbaijan to pressure Armenia to join a Union with us, is the latest nonsense.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/245362) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094052.html) [source,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=489294546206239) [source,](https://factor.am/562740.html)

Major General Redditicus Armchairius AT YOUR SERVICE

Q: What do you know about the ongoing peace treaty negotiations?

Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan: There is no document yet, they are working on it. Azerbaijan has made 5 proposals. Armenia's proposals are yet to be discussed.

Q: Will the government continue to pursue the peace agenda after the execution of 8 POWs?

Simonyan: Yes. Those who are against the peace agenda want this war and violence to continue. They have nothing else to offer other than "forever war". I get it, some people make a toast for "sea-to-sea Armenia" over a party table, but that's not a serious attitude. In modern reality, we are not in a position to adopt militaristic rhetoric or make territorial claims toward our neighbors. At the same time, we have an unprecedented increase in the defense budget and will continue to reform our army. Armenia will strengthen its defenses. Armenia's sovereignty is not up for negotiations.

Q: Where is Russia?

Simonyan: Russia has its own national interests. Another question is how will we be able to resist these interests, and what counterbalances will we find. The world seems to be in a state of war or pre-war. We are doing our best to find solutions.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094045.html)

Armenia's Security Council chief met NATO's Caucasus envoy

Armen Grigoryan briefed Javier Colomina on the details of the September military aggression by Azerbaijan. They agreed to hold a regular dialogue.

NATO supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan: NATO's Caucasus representative

Javier Colomina: Good to [meet in Brussels](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xuxigg/oct32022_armenia_nato_anticorruption_191m_big/) with Sec. Con. Armen Grigoryan. We discussed the situation in the region & the status of talks between Armenia and Azerbaijan after Sunday’s meeting of foreign ministers in Geneva. NATO supports the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094037.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094023.html)

Iran and Azerbaijan will hold joint military exercises

The military leaders of the two countries have agreed to organize drills on their state border. They have also agreed to implement the agreements reached recently on the strengthening of military ties.

Iran's CoGS advised his Azeri colleague to exercise diplomacy for resolving the conflict with Armenia.

[source,](https://factor.am/562893.html) [source,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/10/04/Հայաստանի-և-Ադրբեջանի-միջև-սահմանային-վեճը-պետք-է-լուծել-խաղաղ-ճանապարհով-Բաղերի/807852)

protests continue in Iran | VIDEO

University students in the capital Tehran have joined the masses. Schoolgirls removed their hijabs and chanted "death to the dictator", while stomping on leaders' photos.

[source,](https://twitter.com/i/status/1577065158962475008) [source,](https://twitter.com/i/status/1576940238819446785) [source,](https://factor.am/562893.html)

we are not planning a nuclear war: Russia to West

Western media wrote about how a Russian nuclear submarine with a "doomsday weapon" disappeared from the Arctic harbor, and that some activity could be expected in the Black Sea. "This is it, lads."

Not yet, says Russia. Moscow has vowed to respect the commitments for the non-use of nuclear weapons.

NORAD software bug: Hold my beer.

The [March 7 news digest](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/t91vo9/news_mar72022_russian_migrants_cause_rent_spike/) has instructions and links on what to do in the event of a nuclear strike.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094095.html) [source,](https://news.yahoo.com/russian-nuclear-submarine-armed-apos-172414665.html)

Putin’s mobilization will further upend the Russian economy: POLITICO

Moscow has no continuity-of-society plan. There aren't enough women to replace mobiks (200,000 and growing) and those who are fleeing the country (360,000 and growing).

With so many men gone, or about to pack their bags, sectors critical to the functioning of society — from factories to internet providers — are at risk of serious disruption.

[source,](https://www.politico.eu/article/putins-mobilization-will-further-upend-the-russian-economy/)

Russian factory activity expands at fastest rate since 2019: REUTERS

>Russian manufacturing activity grew at its fastest rate in 3-1/2 years in September, driven by rises in production, new orders and client demand, a business survey showed on Monday, though Western sanctions continued to weigh on export business.

Client demand was focused on domestic customers, as new export orders declined steeply. Employment rose at the fastest pace since January, due to greater production requirements and a rise in new order inflows.

>Greater optimism reportedly stemmed from new product development, greater import substitution and hopes of an uptick in client demand

It was not clear how heavily Putin's mobilization order had weighed on workforce numbers. Thousands of men have been drafted or fled.

[source,](https://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/russian-factory-activity-expands-fastest-rate-sept-since-2019-pmi-2022-10-03/)

the rent is too damn high; Russian arrivals tell their stories

As we [learned Monday](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xuxigg/oct32022_armenia_nato_anticorruption_191m_big/), the rent is really too damn high, mostly because of the sudden influx of refugees from Russia. The previously vacant 7,000 apartments in Yerevan have tenants today, said the Economy Minister.

Realtor Maria Sargsyan: There is a great demand for housing, but people coming from Russia are not as rich as you may think. They are ordinary working-class people who come to rent a place.

Today, the daily rent in Yerevan starts at $100. You used to be able to find a decent place for ֏25,000/day.

The minimum monthly rent has gone from ֏150K to ֏250K; it's ֏250K-֏1M for a month. This is greatly affecting the locals.

No landlord wants to be the first to lower the price. They enter www.list.am, see the outrageous prices of other apartments, and follow the suit. //

Russian citizens in Yerevan: Here the rent is cheaper than in Tbilisi. It's a myth that "most" arrivals are IT workers; many are political dissidents. It was incredibly easy to find a job in Yerevan: open any of the relevant chats and request details from the authors of job vacancy ads. An organization called "Kovcheg", with some financing from the Russian billionaire-on-exile Mikhail Khodorkovsky, is reportedly subsidizing the rent for some of the dissidents in Yerevan. The organization operates on donations. I like Armenia and feel at home here, but Armenia can't host new waves of arrivals, and the waves will keep coming because the dictatorship is worsening in Russia. //

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/245397) [video](https://youtu.be/RKd1tNhx3Nk)

Georgia's ruling party loses majority after a mutiny by several MPs who accused the U.S. of pressuring Georgia to adopt an anti-Russia stance

The moderately pro-Western "Georgian Dream" party, often accused by strongly pro-Westerners of being too cozy with Russia, has lost its sole hold on the Parliamentary majority after 5 MPs decided to join the movement called "People Power" (aka "Popular Force").

This movement was founded last month when another group of ruling party MPs resigned to create the movement. The movement sharply criticized the U.S. ambassador, accusing her of intervening in Georgia's internal affairs by bolstering the "radical opposition" [Saakashvili]:

>[U.S.] Embassy plans to direct efforts to inflame polarisation and coordinate the actions of the radical opposition aimed at the change of the Government.

>We posed a very specific question to the US Ambassador: did the Ambassador express her displeasure with the [Georgian] Government's policy regarding the war [in Ukraine] at the meeting [with ruling party leader Ivanishvili]? Did she request Ivanishvili to return to politics on this basis? Did she request an imposition of sanctions on Russia [by the Georgian Government]?”

The movement: The U.S. Embassy has lost hope they could convince the ruling party to drag Georgia into a conflict, so they tried persistently to bring Mikheil Saakashvili and his satellites to power. //

[source,](https://agenda.ge/en/news/2022/3057) [source,](https://civil.ge/archives/510514) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094064.html) [source,](https://georgiatoday.ge/former-gd-mps-establish-public-movement-peoples-power/)

prosecutors formally charge the senior cop who ran over a pregnant woman in April while accompanying the Government motorcade

Prosecutors: The investigation is over. The victim was crossing the street at the appropriate place, under a green light for pedestrians, when the road police officer violated several laws and rules of conduct. The investigation cleared the victim (legal crossing) and several nearby traffic officers. The case is sent to court.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094088.html)

Robert Kocharyan's $3 million bribery trial is postponed again ⌛

The former president and his aide Armen Gevorgyan (HD MP) are accused of taking $4 million in bribes.

Prosecutors: Robert Kocharyan, with the help of [H2 media outlet owner] Samvel Mayrepetyan, took $3M in bribes from a mining company director Silva Hambardzumyan in February-May of 2008, in exchange for not hindering the sale of her licensed mining exploration company to a non-resident company. //

The trial was postponed by 2 more weeks because the defense lawyer was not present.

[source,](https://factor.am/562788.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/l0dcBooqyHk)

Armenia and EU discussed the ongoing reforms in the tax agency

IRS boss Badassian hosted EU Ambassador Wiktorin at the latter's request. They discussed the ongoing reforms in the customs agency and technical assistance from the EU. The parties noted with satisfaction the high level of bilateral cooperation and agreed to expand further cooperation.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094069.html)

Pashinyan hosted the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Pashinyan: Welcome. Armenia attaches great importance to the cooperation with IAEA. It plays a significant role in ensuring the energy and nuclear safety of Armenia.

Rafael Grossi: Let's discuss our bilateral partnership, nuclear safety, and Armenia's future projects. We are ready to continue to support your government in this direction. //

The parties discussed the routine works aimed at raising the safety of Armenia's nuclear power plant.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094051.html)

Artsakh President offers Russian-Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan the title of State Minister

Philanthropist-benefactor Vardanyan recently moved to the Artsakh Republic. President Harutyunyan welcomed the move and said they could use Vardanyan's knowledge to help govern the republic.

The President praised the work done by Artak Beglaryan, the current State Minister, and announced that the changes in the office will take place in the coming week.

Departing Minister Beglaryan: I support this decision. Ruben Vardanyan can bring his global-level management skills to the Artsakh Republic. //

Not everyone was happy about the appointment. Vardanyan, who has lately given away millions of dollars in charitable donations, was the head of the company that was accused of [being at the center of $8.89 billion global laundromat](https://www.rferl.org/a/troika-laundromat-accusations-cast-millionaire-vardanyan-in-new-light/29803011.html). Vardanyan himself enjoyed a reputation as a Western-friendly representative of Russian capitalism.

>The [investigative journalist] says there is no "definitive evidence" Vardanyan knew of the scheme, but that his signature was on one document in which he purportedly gave a loan to a company that was part of a network of the operation.

Political analyst Edward Antinyan called Vardanyan's appointment dangerous for Armenia and Artsakh. He fears it can drag Armenia into a sanctions headache because the hundreds of millions of dollars that Armenia annually gives to Artsakh will have to "go through" Minister Vardanyan.

Vardanyan has not been sanctioned by the U.S., but his name was mentioned on a U.S. resolution that encouraged sanctions against Putin-affiliated businessmen. The resolution advised several individuals, including Vardanyan, to be considered for possible sanctions. No action was subsequently taken against him.

Vardanyan is not under sanctions. He denied the accusations that the move to Artsakh was an attempt to avoid sanctions. He renounced his Russian citizenship recently and announced a decision to dedicate his time to resolving issues in Artsakh.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094039.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094070.html) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/245401) [source,](https://www.rferl.org/a/troika-laundromat-accusations-cast-millionaire-vardanyan-in-new-light/29803011.html) [source,](https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/6422/text?format=txt) [source,](https://eurasianet.org/russian-armenian-billionaire-to-move-to-nagorno-karabakh)

what programs are available to strengthen ties between Armenia and Diaspora?

Zareh Sinanyan, Diaspora Office chief: Our recent efforts have been aimed at putting the relations on more fundamental and coordinated grounds. We want to shift from a "donor" mentality to a bilateral dialogue that's mutually understandable and profitable.

In line with this, the Office has carried out major activities to create the necessary infrastructure, because it's impossible to run a serious policy without the right infrastructure.

The Global Armenian Summit (Oct 28-31) is one phase of the aforementioned bilateral dialogue. We expect to host 600 participants. The Summit will serve as a new format to discuss common challenges with Diasporans. It will cover national security, protection of Armenian interests, preservation of Armenian identity, repatriation, investments, etc.

We have chosen a format that differs from the previous attempts as the participants say that the previous forums were held in a moral formal format and did not give significant results. The results of the summit will become the cornerstone for promoting the pan-Armenian agenda.

... we also have annually recurring projects for Diasporans

▶︎ Step Toward Home program has received applications from 2,600 diasporans, half of whom were given a chance to spend the summer in Armenia.

▶︎ The Diaspora Youth Ambassador program launched in 2021. Hundreds have since applied. We've invited the applicants to Armenia for an opportunity to get acquainted with different areas in Armenia, and to establish close ties between their communities and Armenia. The program first of all aims at boosting the ties between communities.

▶︎ The iGorts program launched in 2020. Around 1,450 specialists from Diaspora have since applied to work in Armenia's and Artsakh's public administration systems. We have 50 new specialists who joined in September. They implement programs in science, economy, investment policy, environment, etc.

▶︎ More than 50,000 pieces of information [potential experts and volunteers, etc.] have already been collected within the frames of Mapping Diaspora's Potential program. Its goal is to uncover the existing potential, where it is located, and how it can be leveraged through partnerships with the homeland. In 2020 a significant portion of the budget went toward this program.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094025.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094025.html) [source,](http://diaspora.gov.am/en/programs/30/diaspora_mapping)

UN's Human Development Report 2021/2022

Compared to the pre-pandemic period, the average life expectancy in Armenia has declined by 3 years, and stands at 72.

There is a human development index that combines life expectancy, schooling, and income. Armenia has moved from 81st to 85th position. Below you have the countries ranked by their Human Development Index, with the life expectancy in (...)

1) Switzerland (84.0)

48) Turkey (76.0)

52) Russia (69.4)

63) Georgia (71.7)

76) Iran (73.9)

80) Moldova (68.8)

85) Armenia (72.0)

91) Azerbaijan (69.4)

112) Lebanon (75.0)

191) South Sudan (55.0)

[source,](https://armlur.am/1216036/) [source,](https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/hdr2021-22pdf_1.pdf)

Yerevan Zoo will soon house a wooly mammoth: anonymous sources familiar with the matter

Director: The zoo currently houses 700 animals representing 200 species. The park will soon welcome new mammals, which will be new for our visitors. I won't give any spoilers, but we are talking about large mammals.

The animals are being paired for шпили-вили. Next year is going to be exciting, we will have new births. I'd love for our visitors to display a more caring attitude towards the animals. They are not toys or clowns. Respect their feelings.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094080.html)

efforts continue to prevent the trees and vegetation located too close to Lake Sevan from becoming submerged

It's one of the steps to improve the water quality in the lake. Earlier we learned that the team has come across a particularly difficult muddy terrain with deep roots that are difficult to remove.

Nature Ministry official: This year we've cleared 25 hectares. Right now the crews are working in Vaghashen, Martuni. They are using equipment. It's very difficult. The works are carried out in the water, swamp, and on the shore, to remove the stems and roots.

We are forced to correct the mistakes made in the past when the crews did not remove the lower parts of the trees.

As a result of encountering this difficult terrain, this year we have only been able to complete 25 hectares of the planned 63. The good news is, the quality of work is much better now. Improvements in water quality are already observed in some locations. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094101.html)

mass renovation of condo backyards is underway in Sevan

The state and local governments are renovating 37 backyards near apartment complex buildings in Sevan and Gagarin. The ֏539 million project began in summer; 70% is complete.

Official: These backyards have not been renovated for several decades. The project includes new asphalt, sidewalks and curbs, renovated rainwater drainage networks, and manhole improvements.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094094.html)

11 streets are being asphalted in Martuni (Gegharkunik)

The ֏100 million project launched in September and is expected to conclude this year. Residents of 3 districts will enjoy smoother rides.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094100.html)

Armenian venture capital "BigStory VC" invests in two Armenian startups

BigStory: We only invest when we believe in the product and its global competitiveness. The most gratifying thing is that such teams are rapidly multiplying in Armenia. //

... Prelaunch.com

is a platform that allows other startups to experiment the vitality and their idea, and the possible demand. "Is your product going to be a hit? Predict your launch’s success before going all in."

... Stylebit.io

Easily integrate your existing design system into a unified workflow that is scalable, so your entire team can confidently deliver immersive user experiences faster.

... about the VC

The BigStory VC, founded last year by the founders of "Krisp" and "Podcastle AI", recently invested in 7 other startups: Docus, Zoomerang, BlueQubit, Sleep Doctor, Wildlearner, ProdMap, and Mythrill.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094059.html)

interview with George Nield, the founder of U.S.-based Commercial Space Technologies, after his recent visit to Armenia for the STARMUS 6 science festival

SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic have enabled civilians to travel into orbit. Experts believe space travel could soon be as accessible as commercial air travel. Today it costs a kidney or two.

George Nield made his dream come true in March when he flew on Blue Origin's (Jeff Bezos) suborbital rocket.

Question: Do commercial space programs have a future?

Nield: We’re in the middle of a transformation in how we operate in Space. Governments used to do almost everything. Now we have private companies developing the capabilities to send satellites and humans to space. When we compare how the two operate, it becomes evident that private companies work more efficiently and utilize more new technologies. They are willing to take risks to have future gains, they focus on new products and new customers. That's not the government's job. So I think the private industry will continue to grow.

Question: The U.S. is the leader in commercial flights. What countries are able to follow the U.S. in this race?

Nield: Space is difficult and has been very expensive, but now there are more and more opportunities for other countries to become involved. There is no longer a need to build a giant launch pad like at Kennedy in order to send a rocket to Space, because rockets are becoming smaller and reusable. There are also more opportunities for other countries to be involved in building satellites and analyzing data. So there are ways to be involved in Space without building your own rockets and launch pads in your own country.

Question: Some argue Space exploration and space transportation is a waste of money and we should focus on the problems on Earth.

Nield: We need to do both. By trying hard to learn about Universe, we could use the lessons to make life better on Earth. But then again, in the past, it was the government that would spend the taxpayer money, whereas now it's the private industry, and if you don't want to go to space, you don't have to spend your money on buying a ticket. >![Did my Amazon Prime pay for your Blue Origin flight, Nield? Be honest now.]!<

Question: How did it feel to fly on Blue Origin and become an astronaut?

Nield: Fantastic. It's hard to describe. The process was completely autonomous - no pilots on board or on the ground. The computers do the work, while you sit back and enjoy. When we lifted off, there was noise and you pushed back into your seats, a lot of excitement there, and then when the engines cut off, you get to unbuckle your harness and experience weightlessness. The best part was the view through the very large windows. There is a blue line of atmosphere, followed by very black space.

Question: What do you consider the greatest scientific achievement of the 21st century?

Nield: That’s hard to know but I am excited to see the growth of commercial space. Jeff Bezos has a vision for the future. And that is – millions of people living and working in Space for the benefit of Earth.

Question: How should we ignite love for space and science among youth?

Nield: Young people are naturally interested in Space and adventure. During my trip to Armenia, I had the chance to meet students at the physical and mathematical school in Yerevan. The room was filled with young people who were listening to my talk and watching the pictures that I was sharing. They were getting so excited about their future and the opportunity to perhaps someday have the same experience themselves. That is motivating to me and it’s exciting to see that other people can have the same excitement.

[full](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094021.html)

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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/xvqzlr/oct42022_pashinyans_newspaper_takes_gloves_off/