2022 October 6

Daily news wrap-up

Oct/6/2022: __ Military expert Artsrun returns from borders, discusses reforms, weapons, Ukraine __ Europe scolds Azerbaijan __ US & RU have a plan __ Leaders meet __ Amulsar gold mine: 2023 __ Russian refugees in Armenia __ Mortgage subsidies for IDPs __ More rural clinics, roads, infrastructure
by ar_david_hh

---

23 minutes, 5757 words.

Azerbaijani regime fabricates a lie about "war crime" by Armenian soldiers, after feeling bitter by the world's response to Azerbaijani soldiers executing unarmed Armenian prisoners of war a

Defense Ministry: In an attempt to find some kind of explanation for the horrifying video where Azerbaijani soldiers are seen executing unarmed Armenian POWs, Azerbaijan spread an absurdity today, claiming that we gave them bodies of 6 Azeri soldiers who were supposedly tortured and killed by the same Armenians depicted in the video.

No such transfer of Azerbaijani bodies has taken place. Instead of accepting the condemnations and calls made by the entire civilized world to conduct investigations, official Baku is trying to find justifications to the horrifying atrocities committed by its servicemen. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094279.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094279.html)

Dutch MPs and Premier Rutte discussed Azerbaijan's September aggression against Armenia and the execution of unarmed prisoners of war

The MPs discussed the AM-AZ conflict and stated that Azerbaijan has been attacking Armenia proper, with hundreds of lost lives, while the EU is in process of a gas deal with Azerbaijan.

The MPs want the government of the Netherlands to openly condemn the aggression. Premier Rutte said they have spoken with the ambassador of Azerbaijan about the need to conduct an independent investigation into the aforementioned war crimes by Azerbaijan.

Premier Rutte: Sanctions on Azerbaijan are not considered at this time, before the independent, neutral and impartial investigation has taken place. Joseph Borrell recently made a statement, condemning the incidents. //

EU's Joseph Borrell went hard on Azerbaijan yesterday, accusing it of invading Armenia and bombarding Armenian civilian settlements. In a separate speech, Pashinyan said he is so far satisfied with the international community's pressure and efforts to find solutions. [Read more in Wednesday's news digest.](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xwn8k5/oct52022_pressure_on_azerbaijan_to_hold_direct/)

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094243.html)

Azerbaijan fired towards engineering equipment used by Armenian soldiers to dig trenches | VIDEO

Defense Ministry: Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire in the southeastern direction, targeting equipment that was being used to strengthen our positions. The equipment was damaged.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094295.html)

Azerbaijan’s armed incursions and the strikes against Armenia’s internationally-recognized territory are a violation of the UN Charter: Foreign Minister of France

Catherine Colonna: France stands shoulder to shoulder with the Armenian people. It will continue to do so until we achieve a negotiated, peaceful settlement to the conflict. Weapons have spoken for long enough. Azerbaijan’s armed incursions and the strikes conducted against Armenia’s internationally-recognized territory are a violation of the United Nations Charter. They must cease. We’re also making active efforts to secure the release of Armenian prisoners, prisoners of war.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094283.html) Tags: #france

Spanish Congress issues a statement expressing solidarity with Armenia

Congress of Deputies of Spain, unanimously: Taking into account the aggression carried out by Azeri soldiers against the Armenian positions using artillery and drones, which resulted in the death of 207 Armenian servicemen,

The Congress of Deputies of Spain

1) Reaffirms its intolerance towards military operations that violate international law, assessing them as unjustified aggressions that undermine regional security.

2) Promotes the commitment of the parties to observe the ceasefire.

3) Expresses support and solidarity to Armenia and its people.

4) Supports the efforts of the EU envoy, who has an important role in monitoring the ceasefire and contributing to the search for a comprehensive solution to the conflict.

5) Calls on the parties to respect international law, put down arms and resume diplomatic negotiations.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094297.html) Tags: #spain

European Parliament MPs shared a photo in support of Armenia

[photo,](https://twitter.com/TomVandendriese/status/1577601497042505729)

Viola von Cramon, German MP: The Azeri side has restarted the war to re-conquer Nagorno Karabakh. It's extremely worrying because they have allegedly committed war crimes, and the EU structures have been too quiet. The president of Azerbaijan was called a "trusted partner" [gas deal], but the alleged war crimes initiated by Aliyev and his soldiers were not put into consideration. Armenians need our full solidarity and support. We need an international investigation and not just a team of mediators.

[video](https://twitter.com/ViolavonCramon/status/1577720088320512098) [more photos,](https://factor.am/563766.html)

we have prepared a comprehensive proposal on peace treaty for Armenia and Azerbaijan: Russia's MFA

Maria Zakharova: Moscow has conveyed a comprehensive proposal for a peace treaty to Yerevan and Baku. The foreign minister’s special envoy Igor Khovayev conducted visits to the region for consultations on this topic.

We are not engaged in some empty advertising. We are focused on what’s possible to accomplish. We don’t consider it appropriate to comment on details given the sensitive nature of the topic of the peace treaty. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094280.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094280.html)

we are waiting for at least a political response from [Russia's] CSTO bloc: Armenia's Parliament Speaker

Alen Simonyan: Imagine that some imaginary enemy crossed the border of Russia, and as a result, the city of Sochi has been emptied. Do you imagine that situation? CSTO should be made to work, if it doesn’t work, we will search for other mechanisms. We are expecting from CSTO at least a political assessment. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094284.html)

Nagorno Karabakh must assert its right to independence in the international court: Gen. Samvel Babayan

The former defense minister of Nagorno Karabakh visited Stepanakert to meet residents.

Babayan: At no point in time has Nagorno Karabakh been part of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and cannon be part of Azerbaijan. We must secure this first of all de jure, because we had all the legal right to independence.

Nagorno Karabakh left USSR through a referendum and declared its independence, but we subsequently failed to take the necessary legal steps. Now we must take this case to international court and secure our independence.

The UN Charter says that any nation has the right to self-defense; we must strengthen our army. //

[source,](https://factor.am/563531.html)

Nagorno Karabakh must return to the negotiation table: Armenia's Parliament Speaker

Alen Simonyan: As we've said in the past, Nagorno Karabakh must return to negotiations, and we'd be very happy to find the path for returning that mechanism. Nagorno Karabakh cannot be "abandoned". [Context: The U.S. is working on a mechanism to return Nagorno Karabakh to the negotiation table, an idea proposed by the Pashinyan administration earlier. Nagorno Karabakh says it wants to return as an equal party, as was the case in 1990s.]

Reporter: Is the Nagorno Karabakh leadership being briefed on the negotiation process?

Simonyan: We have always provided the entire information of the negotiation process to Nagorno Karabakh authorities so there could be no talk about "conspiratorial documents" behind their backs. Now we are taking steps to return Nagorno Karabakh to the negotiations table, so that there is no other issue, one opinion being voiced from Nagorno Karabakh and another from Armenia's Parliament. The authorities of Nagorno Karabakh have always been informed about everything. No step has been taken and will not be taken without the decision of Nagorno Karabakh.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094268.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094274.html)

Pashinyan is in Prague for European Political Community summit

The Premier held a meeting with Macron, Erdogan, Michel, and Aliyev. He then held a separate [meeting with Erdogan](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=401266238694668).

They discussed topics relating to the unblocking of the AM-TR border, and the need for more high-profile meetings. AM and TR recently agreed to allow citizens of 3rd countries to cross the border, and to fly cargo jets. It has not been implemented it.

Pashinyan office: Pashinyan and Erdogan discussed the process of normalization of AM-TR relations and possible further steps. The need for the speedy implementation of the Rubinyan-Kilic agreement was emphasized.

Erdogan: I met Pashinyan. I sincerely believe that on the basis of neighborly relations we can achieve a full settlement of conflicts.

Aliyev: I believe we are gradually approaching peace. I appreciate Charles Michel's efforts. As you know, trilateral meetings have been held in Brussels several times. The foreign ministers of AM and AZ will meet again, followed by a meeting by the work group and the preparation of the text for a peace treaty.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094277.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094304.html) [source,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1051169295531226) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094316.html) [video,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=401266238694668) [source,](https://factor.am/563948.html) [source,](https://factor.am/563942.html) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/245589) [source,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1094325.html)

interview with political analyst Stepan Grigoryan

Reporter: Pashinyan is in Prague for a summit. EU's Joseph Borrell announced that they are seeking a new setup without Russia. Should Armenia agree to it?

Grigoryan: Pashinyan should have contacted the UN, and not Russia, after last year's attack. Thankfully that's what they are doing now. Now we see that we have friendly countries that are willing to help us.

Reporter: Is this a new setup without Russia?

Grigoryan: Regarding that. As you know, the Russian-Turkish alliance is taking away Nagorno Karabakh and lands from Armenia proper. Now the question is what can Armenia offer to West. They have given us unprecedented support, that's why Azerbaijan stopped. But what can Armenia offer? People in the West are confused over Armenia's neutral stance on the Ukraine situation. Pashinyan gave a powerful speech in the UN when he called Azerbaijan's aggression an attack on democracy. The democratic world has received the message. Have you heard EU's foreign minister [Borrell's statements yesterday](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xwn8k5/oct52022_pressure_on_azerbaijan_to_hold_direct/)? I was shocked by how direct he was, how he criticized Azerbaijan for the "military aggression" and the war crimes.

Reporter: Tell us about the U.S.

Grigoryan: Aliyey feels agitated because he was able to reach an agreement with Russia, but not the U.S. The latter intervened and stopped the aggression. Aliyev rushed to release the 17 POWs at the request of the U.S. While the Russia-Azerbaijan alliance is forcing Armenia to make serious concessions, the U.S. is playing differently.

When Azerbaijan offered its version of the peace treaty, they don't want any paragraph dedicated to Karabakh. Armenia, on the other hand, is insisting to add a paragraph stating that the Karabakh conflict is not being addressed by this AM-AZ treaty, and that Karabakh issue should be separated and "delayed".

The U.S. has offered Azerbaijan to "convince" Armenia to agree to a peace treaty that does not explicitly exclude the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, in exchange for Azerbaijan agreeing to hold direct negotiations with Nagorno Karabakh authorities.

Reporter: Is that what FM Ararat Mirzoyan was saying yesterday, regarding NK-AZ dialogue?

Grigoryan: Yes. The OSCE Minsk Group cannot work because Russia has torpedoed it and won't cooperate with Western co-chairs, with the reason being its desire to regulate the conflict separately, without the West. The U.S.'s proposed format excludes Russia, and urges Azerbaijan to agree to direct Karabakh-Azerbaijan talks.

Reporter: But Aliyev stated yesterday that he views Nagorno Karabakh Armenians as his citizens and won't discuss this issue with foreign entities.

Grigoryan: Sweet. Let Azerbaijan go against the U.S. and the EU. Let the world see Azerbaijan's maximalist policies and unwillingness to cooperate. This can help lead to sanctions in the future. Azerbaijan was forced to open the parenthesis: maximalist maps for demarcation, Karabakh is ours, corridor, etc. Now the world sees how unconstructive Azerbaijan is.

[video,](https://youtu.be/3zCo3xfY11M)

interview with military expert Artsrun Hovhannisyan

Reporter: You have been in the front line with your team since September 13th and have just returned home. Have you noticed any difference in our army, and in the enemy's tactics?

Artsrun: Yes. The opponent attempted to use a new strategy to confuse us, with different timing and tactics, which I will discuss at a later date.

Our military has significantly improved since 2020. They are more prepared, more careful. I see very positive changes, for example in the command system. We are using decentralized network management. Nothing too fancy, but some lessons have been learned.

We also conceal better and have more supplies of small-medium items. Soldiers have sufficient rifles, mortars, grenade launchers, bulletproof vests, etc.

But as the political leaders have publicly stated, we have a shortage of large weapons. The 2020 losses have not been recovered yet. This is stuff that we cannot produce in Armenia.

There is a certain level of knowledge deficiency that has persisted for decades, and even the 2014, 2016, and 2020 events have not taught a lesson about the need for a new strategy, the need to pay attention to the war in Ukraine and elsewhere. Individual commanders have learned a lesson but we need a systemic change.

For example. In 2008-2010 a decision was made to switch the "PK" machine gun from being a company weapon to a squad weapon. In other words, if in the past only the company had a PK, now every squad would have one as well. The PK ended up being in every position. That made us happy because the density of fire was improved.

Reporter: ... didn't it lead to a problem with bullets?

Artsrun: The issue with bullets was the least of our concerns. Yes, we had a problem because each squad needed to carry 3 different calibers. That was a result of a miscalculation but a relatively minor issue.

We gave our battalions 120mm mortars. Great. It made me happy, although it was akin to the Wehrmacht reforms of 1935-36. But when the time came for all this to be placed into a cycle, to create the actual "Wehrmacht", for it to escalate from tactical to operative level (example: new duties and powers for battalion leaders, new control systems, recon abilities, etc.), this was not done.

If you give a mortar to your battalion commander, and it is now his most powerful weapon, why don't you also give him an artillery lieutenant? We have a very high-ranking official who often gives interviews nowadays, yet it was he who cut the number of artillery lieutenants.

These changes led to inflated battalions with seemingly great weapons, but the command ring was never enlarged: the same battalion commander with one deputy. These two are incapable of handling everything. The battalion commander is physically incapable of using personal transport to maneuver and do this and that.

We didn't increase the number of sanitary items, to carry the wounded and dead, etc. Moreover, the numbers were slashed between 2016 and 2020.

Reporter: Back to September 2022 attack. Why were we able to handle other fronts better than Jermuk?

Artsrun: Jermuk is where the main strike was concentrated to achieve a breakthrough. They used special forces for rapid operations, likely knowing that the battles couldn't last long because of political pressure.

Our army did wonderful within its capabilities, with whatever it had. We closed their path after suffering losses. What needs to be done now is not something I'll discuss on air.

Reporter: What do you think of the latest high-profile military visits to the U.S. military academies and discussions about AM-U.S. military education cooperation? Is this ringing the bell you want to hear?

Artsrun: Possibly. I would love to. American military science is the best in the world, regardless of what anyone says. You can't have a proper army unless you learn from world leaders. Can you remind me of the details, because I just returned home?

Reporter: A large defense delegation went to the U.S. Reports arrived that half of our delegates were not in New York, but in Pentagon. Several ranking meetings were held. Then the Security Council secretary held meetings in the U.S., before flying straight to NATO headquarters.

Artsrun: Very promising. Hopefully, they will put a smile on my face by moving things forward.

Reporter: India will put a smile on your face. They became the game-changer in this story. And Iran threatened to use force.

Artsrun: Can I brag?

Reporter: You've earned it...

Artsrun: I published a piece in November 2014, explaining the importance of India as an alternative for us. A lot of my post-2013 predictions have come true. I said that Russians would fail in the pointless Kyiv direction. I said that Russians would not land on Odessa beaches because they lack sea and air domination. Moving from Nikolaiv to Odesa through the beaches was from the sci-fi genre, even more mythical than Kyiv.

Regarding the sinking of the Moskva cruiser, I wrote about its vulnerabilities in 2012.

I also told you that Ukraine will attack around early autumn because we saw how they were preparing a 25,000-strong corps that was supposed to use most of the Western weapons.

Russia's problem was, as I stated earlier, the lack of mobilization and shortage of precision weapons. Mobilization began very late and won't be able to accomplish the tasks. Problems: not enough, too late, poor quality.

When Russia abandoned the Soviet model of mobilization, they failed to adopt the American one, they never adopted anything fully. We had the same issue in Armenia. Many Russians were mocking us in 2020, but they proved to be in even worse shape.

But Russia's biggest shortage is the lack of precision weapons. Those large "kalibr" missiles won't solve every issue.

I'm not concerned about Russians in the Kharkiv direction. Yes, they are retreating, but there are rivers that they can use instead of trenches. The collapse of the front may not be as critical there. Kherson is more dangerous. There are clear signs of an impending encirclement [this interview was uploaded on Wednesday, possibly filmed earlier].

Reporter: The soldiers who are about to be encircled in Kherson are Russia's last remaining regular troops.

Artsrun: I'm not familiar with the details. They do say there are elite forces, desantniks, etc. They've been retreating for 2-3 days. An encirclement is developing. Russians can't cross the river quickly because of damaged bridges. These soldiers might have to choose between surrendering and fighting until the last bullet.

Reporter: Their mobilized troops are being mocked in Russia and Ukraine as CHMObiks (chestichniy mobik), trupiki, mogilizatsia, "if you are crowdfunding for helmets can you also get a garbage bag for their body", etc.

Artsrun: If it has come down to mobilization, you should expect your mobiks to perform less than 50% of your regular army. In ideal systems like the U.S., where national guard institutes prepare them, they still need 1-3 months at minimum to turn them into troops. Moreover, the recruits should have some military background, like in Ukraine when they summoned the members of Territorial Defense Forces who were already armed and somewhat trained. On top of that, you need at least 3 months of training, and only then you can consider them somewhat ready, send them to the front line to replace the exhausted units, and hope that they will perform 70% as good as them, while attempting to mix the old and new troops so they can exchange experience.

Ukraine was able to accomplish this. They rushed to create their TerOborona (Territorial Defense Forces), a mobik system, and they took advantage of the several months gifted to them by the persistent defenders of Mariupol and Lysychansk, who kept the Russians busy.

I have friends who were trying to convince me that the Ukrainian front was about to collapse, any moment now, "they are exhausted". I remember Piski, which has not been fully captured by Russians yet. Three months ago a blogger wrote from Piski about being unable to defend due to a lack of supplies and heavy attacks by Russia. That's what ignited the argument with my friend about impending doom for Ukraine. I told him to wait a month and he would see they defend it. This is because I was seeing the first signs of Ukraine's counter-offense preparations.

I have great respect for Ukrainian army commander Zaluzhni. He gathered troops but did not repeat our mistakes. He is not sending the mobilized forces to close gaps in small units. He is keeping the critical mass and training them for a large mission, while giving only small numbers to close the gaps.

Reporter: Russia is focused on closing the gaps.

Artsrun: That was a mistake. Wehrmacht leaders also debated over this: throw divisions here or there to close gaps, or form one large unit to carry out a major task later. History shows that the latter is 90% more effective. This is usually the case.

I don't yet see anything good coming for Russians. The Iranian drones, mobiks, none of this will change things. Mobiks are not even close to being soldiers.

Here I am, discussing the lack of precision weapons in the Russian army, but they don't even have decent rifles for mobiks. They are given Mosins [old bolt-action rifles]. In 2016 I wrote about how Russia's Soviet-era "endless" supplies were rapidly depleting. They were selling their weapons in Africa. Sure, they have a massive stockpile of artillery, many of which are old, but they break when you use them a lot.

Reporter: Yes, I've heard about the Russian artillery problem and their difficulties with replacing them in open fields.

Artsrun: Russian army has always encountered these institutional problems, in every single war in recent centuries. Ramzan Kadyrov blames a particular general, but the issue is more institutional. Russia has a heavy, ugly, and inflated command system that is built exclusively on the vertical command principle. 7 people take care of bullets for 1 soldier. Commanders sit 150 km from the frontline. Yyev ayln, yev ayln, yev ayln...

Reporter: Why does Armenia have an illiterate army command?

Artsrun: It's often due to a lack of understanding of the severity of the problem. I still witness the Soviet-era practice of lying to the higher-ups, that "everything is good". We saw the outcome of this in 2020, we are seeing it in Ukraine now. "We have everything", "everything is in its place".

Reporter: Pashinyan said in his interview that the army has the necessary engineering equipment. Even if the rest of what he said is true, nobody cared, Facebook blew up with complaints that the army did not, in fact, have the heavy engineering equipment. Pashinyan should have at least fired the person who reported that.

By the way, why aren't we producing drones yet? People decided to build a factory to produce armored vehicles instead.

Artsrun: We have 5-10 companies in Armenia tasked with drone production, but not all of them do it properly. One company is good with component A, the other is good with component B, and yet, my brother, they are not willing to enter into a cooperation with others.

Reporter: I know at least 2 companies that can handle every component well.

Artsrun: Davaro, UAV Lab?

Reporter: I won't give names so Russians won't land their desantniks in Yerevan to kidnap our boys. Maybe it's them, maybe not. The thing is we have experienced specialists and drones that were tested. But the question is, who is going to handle this in the squad? Their control is not easy.

Artsrun: As I've said before, unless you create your doctrine and build your army that's preparing for a certain type of warfare, it will be difficult.

Reporter: "Why doesn't the U.S. give us HIMARS", they complain. Let's say you get the weapon. Who is going to operate it? How many of you even speak English?

Artsrun: In the 2010s Armenia had a small chance of importing a certain technology from the U.S. Our representatives went to examine it in Italy. It turns out our unit needed 40 officers who spoke English or Italian. They couldn't find 40 officers who spoke English...... That was the only reason we could not buy this weapon.

Reporter: (blood pressure 180)

Artsrun: It all comes down to education.

Reporter: We need to build the army from zero.

Artsrun: Even if you are not malicious, if the last time you read a book was 25 years ago, the army is not your place. They just don't want to accept the fact there is a better model in the world. We still have commanders who won't accept exams if the soldiers are trained with modern Western tactics, rather than the Soviet-era training course designed for pregnant women. All because it's not in their precious old book...

Reporter: (blood pressure 200) That guy is a murderer. Reveal his name now!

Artsrun: There are numerous, and they have influence.

Reporter: (blood pressure 220) NAMES! Publish his name so his wife will see every morning how the neighbors line up to spit on her husband's face as he exits the apartment. The ongoing army reforms should go deeper and address these issues.

Artsrun: We have army commanders who live in inertia. It's mostly the Soviet generation. They don't want to read and accept new ideas. Either they are waiting for retirement, or they swore to USSR and continue to serve the USSR and not Armenia.

Reporter: Happy service to you.

Artsrun: Thank you.

Reporter: Let me know if you need anything on the front lines.

Artsrun: We were able to take care of our needs [Artsrun is leading a group of reservists, or territorial defense group.] The army doesn't have sweaters so we imported warm sweaters from the U.S. Thank God the army has excellent food because they privatized the process recently. They have also resolved the issue of vests, helmets, and rifles. The issue of transportation was also partially resolved. We are trying to get more Snickers bars and cigarettes. The soldiers consume more cigarettes than food, and since the state doesn't provide cigarettes, you have to take care of it yourself. Cigarettes waste our resources.

Reporter: What can I say... I'll tell you what. If you're going to smoke, smoke a single cigar after a victory.

Artsrun: I smoke during the process, too, whenever they give me one.

Reporter: (blood pressure 120)

[source,](https://youtu.be/85sErsTTvvY)

India will provide a $1 million grant to Armenia for the development of provincial life

Socioeconomic programs, living standards, healthcare, education, etc. The agreement was signed on July 4.

[source,](https://www.1in.am/3174035.html) 20221006/hndkastany-hajastanin-478-mln-dram-ajakcutjun-ktramadri-49372685.html

Armenia is working on a National Spatial Data Infrastructure

The concept of an integrated cadastre was approved by the Government in 2019 and envisages the launch of National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) standards by 2023.

The Cadastre Committee has already started work on the NSDI strategy and has developed a list of basic and custom (thematic) spatial data layers. Work is also focusing on developing standardisation documents for the NSDI,

▶︎ Data can be used to map the population, create zones, "assign" hospitals, and fight pandemics more efficiently. This was tested against COVID.

▶︎ Eliminates duplicate and conflicting cadastral data used in various sectors of the economy.

▶︎ Facilitates the collection of data (agriculture, land, water, surface, underground) necessary for good governance.

During today's session, the Government approved a resolution to create a standardized system. "Effective management is possible only when the data is properly standardized and comparable."

The Cadastre Committee plans to share more accurate and up-to-date data with businesses to encourage investments.

[source,](https://eurogeographics.org/news/spatial-data-at-centre-of-key-initiatives-in-armenia/) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094248.html)

some non-prescription medications will be allowed to be advertised on billboards

Economy Minister: The current law prohibits the advertisement of medication on ad billboards outside, but allows it on the internet and TV. This has led to medication information being inaccessible to a specific group of the population.

Also, with the recent prohibition on gambling ads, the ad industry has seen a 30% drop in revenues. These changes are also meant to help the struggling industry. The medication providers already have a marketing budget; they will be allowed to use it on billboards as well.

Health Minister: It's a narrow list of medications and they are non-prescription only. The ads will have strict requirements. Simultaneously, we are drafting a bill that discourages self-treatment in Armenia.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094249.html) [source,](https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=577065410884687)

large-scale renovation is planned in rural clinics

Health Minister: Currently there are construction works in 12 medical centers across the country. Next year we plan to fully renovate 20 clinics in villages.

If in the case of hospitals we are reaching a sufficient point in terms of equipment saturation, the same cannot be said about our clinics. These medical reforms will, from now on, focus on clinics.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094252.html)

anti-corruption: mass audit of clinics leads to criminal charges against administrators accused of squandering resources

Prosecutors: The authorities audited 28 medical centers in Lori Province to understand how the state subsidies for screening programs were being spent. Criminal abuse was discovered in 3 clinics. The administrators had intentionally inflated the number of patients to receive additional state subsidies. Criminal charges are filed.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094287.html)

Artsakh refugees who build or buy a house in Armenia will qualify for an additional mortgage subsidy

There are state subsidy programs for IDPs who obtain housing in Artsakh, Armenia, and the border regions of Armenia. The amendment to increase the size of assistance applies to those who obtain a house near the borders.

Artsakh Gov't: You will receive a $34,000 subsidy (up to $510/mo) towards your mortgage principal. And for interest payment it's $27,000 ($375/mo).

The size of the subsidy increases by $5,000 if you build a house instead. The subsidy is twice smaller if the apartment is in Yerevan. Property registration fees will be waived.

[more details](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094273.html)

Government will close a loophole that allows landlords to avoid the 10% tax on rent income

Finance Minister: We have drafted a bill to amend the law on tax waivers for micro-businesses. Microbusiness owners enjoy income tax breaks, while their employees pay a fixed $12/mo regardless of their wages. When we set the rules, it was meant to assist self-employed persons whose annual turnover is under $59,000 (24m).

Certain legal gaps exist. For example, landlords can declare themselves microbusiness and not pay the 10% taxes from the rent income. Someone can lend money and avoid paying taxes in a similar manner. The amendment will prevent passive income from being treated as microbusiness income.

[more changes,](https://youtu.be/1PAG80biYpA) [source,](https://factor.am/563544.html)

Lydian Armenia miner will launch the Amulsar gold mining next year: Economy Minister

Kerobyan: We are intensively working with Lydian shareholders to launch the project. We are addressing the financial issues right now. The plan is to launch it in H2 2023.

Reporter: Lydian was having some internal issues...

Kerobyan: Yes. But they still have the license, they are preparing to launch the mining.

Reporter: What about Teghut mine?

Kerobyan: The sanctions had affected the shareholders and financiers of Teghut. We are looking for new investors so the mine can resume ASAP.

Reporter: Will it be sold to another company?

Kerobyan: There are different options.

[source,](https://youtu.be/aBpT-gNE8bw?t=852)

infrastructure projects across Armenia

▶︎ A new preschool facility is being constructed in the village Norashen (Sevan), the first in its history. It will come with solar panels on the roof and a new heating system. Dozens of children will attend 3-5 hours a day, free of charge.

▶︎ Government allocates ֏508m to complete state-subsidized infrastructure projects in 20 communities. Renovation of church backyard, new parks, asphalting, etc.

▶︎ The following villages will have a new gas delivery network: Saragyugh, Bavra, and Ghazanchi.

▶︎ North-South highway's Talin-Lanjik section has a new asphalt. The crews are installing the signs and safety barriers. The road will open this year.

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094245.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094263.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094309.html) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094308.html) [source,](https://factor.am/563478.html)

Arthur Ghazinyan is leaving politics

The opposition HD MP Ghazinyan will join the private sector. You may know him as that persistent dude who was unsuccessfully nominated 10-15 times for the position of deputy head of the parliamentary Defense Committee.

Ghazinyan: Իշխանության համար պայքար այլևս չկա. կա պետության համար պայքար, որ վաղը իշխանություն ունենանք

[source,](https://factor.am/563783.html)

Supreme Judicial Council has two new members

The SJC, which is tasked with punishing or protecting judges, is split 50/50 between judges (chosen by fellow judges) and legal experts (chosen by Parliament).

It was the Parliament's turn to appoint 2 members. They nominated and approved Justice Minister Andreasyan and Deputy Tumanyants, who have just resigned from Cabinet to assume the new duties.

Question: You've stated earlier that judges have long formed cliques and protect their fellow judges by voting against disciplinary actions against them, due to years-long friendship. Will you break up these cliques?

Andreasyan: I can't. I will be a single vote among the 10, but I will exercise my vote to establish justice. Believe me, that single vote can have more influence on reforming the judiciary than what a Justice Minister can do for an entire year. I am aware that several very honest SJC board members are eager to have more honest votes join the board. //

The ongoing justice reforms and existing issues are explained [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xp05ix/sep262022_armenias_judicial_reforms_interview).

[source,](https://youtu.be/5NUcm_vBHhw) [source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094275.html) https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:vuqT4soOCe4J:https://www.venice.coe.int/webforms/documents/default.aspx%3Fpdffile%3DCDL-AD(2017)019-e&cd=6&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

Lucas Zelerayan pulls a son-of-a-bitch move against the unsuspecting goalkeeper | VIDEO

The Armenian national team player is a member of Columbus Crew (USA). They played against Charlotte.

[watch,](https://youtu.be/Mh3NrycvS5o?t=70)

migration from Russia

Reporter: How many Russians have arrived?

Zareh Sinanyan: Before the mobilization it was, off the top of my head, 50-60k. We don't have the post-mobilization numbers yet, but there has been an increased inflow.

Reporter: Is it true that Russian officials are pressuring other countries not to assist the Russian arrivals so people will be discouraged from leaving Russia?

Zareh Sinanyan: We have not received such requests, and we have not received a request to send someone back.

[source,](https://factor.am/563557.html)

Армения как плацдарм для Силиконовой Долины | Russian IT-shniks

Minasyan, co-founder of Krisp startup: Many Russian tech workers have moved to Armenia after the sanctions on Russia. For Armenia, this means new opportunities, a more competitive IT industry, and stronger competition for IT jobs.

Arming local companies with talented and experienced personnel is great. They bring their experience from companies, and share this knowledge once they are hired by a local company.

We welcome the entry of new services from Yandex and Miro. Armenian workers can gain experience in established companies now.

In some ways, Armenia has become a road to Silicon Valley. Some Russian and Ukrainian startup founders establish a business here, before moving to Silicon Valley.

... can Armenia fall under sanctions?

Economy Minister Kerobyan: No. We are not a business. And have not joined the sanctions. But private businesses operating in Armenia can fall under sanctions if they violate them. Our banking system meticulously examines transactions to filter the risks. Slip-ups are possible, and some private companies could fall under sanctions.

... how many Russian citizens went to Armenia?

Minister Kerobyan: Around 100,000-150,000, according to some estimates. Some of them are ethnic Armenians. They have registered thousands of businesses in Armenia. Most of them bring their jobs with them.

It has changed since the mobilization because now it's individuals who are leaving in a hurry.

Look. When they bring a single high-tech engineering job, its physical capital could be zero because he simply moved to Armenia without investments, but had an Armenian company tried to create that job, it would need to spend $100,000. If a company brings 1,000 such jobs to Armenia, it's like a $100 million investment. //

[source,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1094282.html) [source,](https://youtu.be/aBpT-gNE8bw?t=852)

in case you missed

Yesterday's news in English, русский (by Impossible-Ad-). Archive by Armeniapedia. Donate to Armenia & Artsakh here

The accused are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, even if they "appear" guilty.

---

Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xxh6w7/oct62022_military_expert_artsrun_returns_from/