2022 September 20

Daily news wrap-up

Sep/20/2022: __ Russia rushes to save friendship w/ Armenia __ Europe is investing in Armenia; Russia expects $5b investments if AM-AZ railways open __ Unified Repatriation Center; passports __ Turkey-Russia relations __ Vanetsyan's oil business __ More Ukrainians criticize Azerbaijan __ Ropeway __
by ar_david_hh

---

19 minutes, 4908 words.

a new conflict is brewing between Armenia and Ukraine

The two will face off on Saturday during the UEFA Nations League tournament. Armenia is the last in the group, while Ukraine will struggle to maintain its #1 spot.

The match will take place in Yerevan. Tickets are selling for $2-$20.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092979.html)

by supporting Azerbaijan, we support the Russian aggression: Ukrainian blogger goes viral

Famous Ukrainian singers Max Barskih and Tina Karol recently boycotted Azerbaijan after the military aggression against Armenia. Many Ukrainian social media users supported the decision, while others did not.

Ukrainian blogger: Now I'll talk about human stupidity. To be more precise, the stupidity of Ukrainians who support Azerbaijan's actions in Armenia. Do you know why you are stupid? Because doing so you are supporting Russia's actions against Ukraine.

Azerbaijan is an aggressor who attacked Armenia under the pretense of "taking its lands", just like Russia. Do you support this? Or do you believe aggression is okay against anyone other than Ukraine?

Jermuk and Nagorno Karabakh are Armenian lands and have never been part of Azerbaijan. You only need to study history and geography to understand this. //

The blogger's video gained 500,000 views in 3 days.

Singer Yelena Usenko also wrote a pro-Armenia Instagram post and urged the world not to ignore the events. She also shared a post by VOGUE photographer David Mushegain, who called the world to provide assistance to Armenia similar to the one provided to Ukraine.

[video,](https://youtu.be/wTNZa7I-NEg) [read,](https://factor.am/557355.html)

Azerbaijani regime arrested an anti-war activist who called for Aliyev to be brought to justice for crimes against Armenians and Azeris

Ahmad Mamadli, the head of Demokratiya1918 (D18) movement was arrested in Baku.

Mamadli earlier: One day Ilham Aliyev will answer before the international courts for all the crimes committed not only against the Azerbaijani people, but also the people of Armenia. The first task of democratic Azerbaijan will be to punish all those who sow enmity between the peoples. //

Other prominent Azerbaijani opposition figures were labeled "traitors" [yesterday](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xiseqx/sep192022_azeri_opposition_rebukes_proputin/) after accusing Aliyev of alienating the West and giving Armenia diplomatic ammunition.

[read,](https://factor.am/557183.html)

the legendary rock band Deep Purple's lead singer Ian Gillan expresses support for Armenia

He urged his followers to read Queens guitarist Brian May's pro-Armenia statement made earlier. Don't believe anything the attackers say to justify their aggression, said Gillan.

[read,](https://www.1lurer.am/hy/2022/09/20/Մի՛-հավատացեք-այն-ամենին-ինչ-Հայաստանի-վրա-հարձակվողներն-ասում-են՝-իրենց-արդարացնելու-համար-Իեն-Գիլ/799358)

Armenia is an important front in the battle between democracy and autocracy: Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Pelosi: Our delegation traveled to Armenia, an important front in the battle between democracy and autocracy. We conveyed a strong message of support for Armenia’s democracy and security, particularly following Azerbaijan’s offensive against Armenia. Our visit was planned before the hostilities.

Congress is committed to ensuring that the truth of the Armenian genocide is never erased: Nancy Pelosi

Pelosi: In 2019 we passed legislation to formally acknowledge the Armenian Genocide, which President Biden echoed with his official recognition last year.

It was a privilege to be awarded the Ambassador Henry Morgenthau medal from the Genocide Museum-Institute, which I accepted on behalf of Congress for our work to recognize and raise awareness on the Armenian Genocide.

Nancy Pelosi about meeting Armenian government and civil society groups

Pelosi: Our delegation was honored to meet with Prime Minister Pashinyan and other high-level government leaders, including Speaker Simonyan and Defense Minister Papikyan.

These engagements provided for an exchange of ideas on policies and actions to advance stability, peace, and prosperity in Armenia and the region.

Our delegation then held a roundtable with civil society leaders, who expressed the concerns and needs of their people during this difficult time and shed their light on Armenia’s battle for democracy and security.

It was my honor to address those leaders in a speech at the Cafesjian Center for the Arts, a crown jewel of Armenian culture, where I delivered a clear message of America’s commitment to Armenia.

Later, we met with opposition leaders serving in the Parliament. While there are disagreements about domestic policy, there was clear agreement among these leaders that Azerbaijan must immediately stop its aggression.

our delegation returns to Washington ready to advance commitment to a secure Caucasus: Nancy Pelosi

Pelosi: Further informed and inspired by the reception that we received, our delegation returns to Washington proud and ready to advance the Congress’s longstanding commitment to a democratic Armenia and a secure, peaceful Caucasus region.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092947.html)

U.S. Congress hosted an event dedicated to the independence of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic

Legislative bodies of several U.S. states have officially recognized the independence of Nagorno Karabakh (Republic of Artsakh). The Foreign Minister of Nagorno Karabakh regularly pays diplomatic visits to the U.S. to meet American politicians. One such meeting was [organized this week](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xiseqx/sep192022_azeri_opposition_rebukes_proputin/) by the U.S. Congressional Armenian Caucus and ANCA.

Foreign Minister Babayan: Nagorno Karabakh will never be part of Azerbaijan. There is an existential, genocidal threat facing our people. We need to unite to support our burgeoning democracy. I'd like to thank you all for supporting Artsakh.

... U.S. must cut off all aid to Azerbaijan, explore sanctions, and prosecute Azerbaijani leaders for war crimes: Congressman Adam Schiff, Intelligence Committee Chairman

Schiff: By not calling out Azerbaijan's aggression unequivocally, Azerbaijan has been emboldened to carry out its most recent attacks against Armenia.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092963.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092963.html)

Armenia's Foreign Minister Mirzoyan met his colleague from Kosovo to discuss Azerbaijan's military aggression

Mirzoyan and Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz met in New York City ahead of the UN General Assembly session.

MFA of Armenia: Mirzoyan presented the consequences of the latest Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia and the gross violations of international law. Donika Gërvalla-Schwarz addressed the situation in the West Balkans. Prospects of partnership in international platforms were also discussed. //

Mirzoyan also met colleagues from Austria and Serbia. >![Can we NOT put Austrians and Serbians in the same room pls, not now, thanks]!<

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093023.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093031.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557452.html)

France again calls for Azerbaijan to return its forces to initial positions

French MFA: We discussed this at the UN Security Council. Any border disputes must be handled diplomatically. Azerbaijan's advances beyond certain parts of the border are a threat to the territorial integrity of Armenia, which must be respected.

Azerbaijani forces should return to their initial positions. As a member of the OSCE Minsk Group and the EU, France will continue to assist the negotiation process.

[read,](https://factor.am/557401.html)

Azerbaijani forces must withdraw from Armenia's sovereign territories: FM Mirzoyan during a meeting with Azeri counterpart FM Bayramov, mediated by Anthony Blinken

World diplomats are in New York for a UN General Assembly session. Anthony Blinken, Philip Reeker, and other U.S. diplomats hosted their Armenian and Azeri colleagues. Mirzoyan condemned the use of force and highlighted the importance of the immediate release of POWs.

... it's time for troops to disengage: Anthony Blinken

Blinken: Today I hosted direct talks between Mirzoyan and Bayramov. As I conveyed during the meeting, it is time for troops to disengage and diplomats to return to the table.

... Blinken urged the two to meet again before the end of this month

U.S. State Department: Blinken hosted Mirzoyan and Bayramov for the first direct talks since the recent fighting. He conveyed condolences and emphasized the need to prevent further hostilities, underscoring the importance of returning to the peace process. They discussed the next steps.

[video,](https://youtu.be/oAYdePFW8BU) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092948.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092954.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092981.html)

Foreign Minister Mirzoyan met the OSCE leadership

Mirzoyan met Zbigniew Rau, the FM of Poland who serves as the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. The latter was briefed on the details of the military aggression by Azerbaijan and the targeting of the civilian population.

Azerbaijan clearly undermines the processes of establishing peace in the region, said Mirzoyan, highlighting the urgency of implementing the existing mechanisms within the OSCE framework.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092967.html)

Spanish Senator urges the government to take action against Azerbaijan

Carles Mulet Garcia: The Spanish Government is silent on the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Armenia’s sovereign territory, which caused at least 207 deaths among Armenian troops and civilians, and cases of violence, torture and mutilations committed by the Azerbaijani armed forces.

There are more than 7600 displaced civilians, more than 20 Armenian prisoners of war. Civilian infrastructures were partially or entirely destroyed.

Will the Spanish Government take any measures against this crime on the international level, or will it continue to be in the role of an onlooker? //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1093027.html)

7 hectares of forests burned near Jermuk as a result of Azerbaijan's military aggression

Nature Ministry dispatched a team of experts to Vayots Dzor Province to assess the damage to nature.

In other news. UN's representative to Armenia will visit Gegharkunik Province to meet the civilians affected by the aggression and to assess their needs.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092999.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093001.html)

up to $250,000 in damages were done to the aerial ropeway in Jermuk

Director: This is a city-owned ropeway. It was the very first target by Azerbaijan. We don't know why, maybe it's some kind of a strategically important structure (being sarcastic). One of our employees miraculously survived, he was shielded by a nearby metal game.

The preliminary assessment puts the damages at $50,000 but it could increase by $200,000 once we clear the upper area from unexploded mines and find that the rope was damaged. We will renovate and resume its operations as soon as possible. //

[read,](https://youtu.be/WSxtGw1X6c0)

the Board of international science festival STARMUS condemned Azerbaijani aggression against Armenia

The legendary science-music festival was held in Armenia earlier this ~~week~~ month, attended by world-renowned scientists and astronauts.

STARMUS Board: We condemn the unprovoked and unjustifiable military action against Armenia by Azerbaijan. This cruel action, which resulted in the loss of many innocent lives, is unwarranted and goes against the hallmarks of civilization.

The Sixth Starmus Festival has just taken place with wonderful success in and around Yerevan, Armenia, and we stand in solidarity with our great and good Armenian friends. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092955.html)

latest developments in the Russia-Turkey alliance

>NATO member Ankara opposes Western sanctions on Russia on principal and has close ties with both Moscow and Kyiv

>Western nations are growing concerned over increased economic ties between Turkey and Russia

▶︎ Part 1: Bank transactions.

The U.S. recently threatened to sanction Turkish banks if they continue to aid the sanctioned Russian banks. Under pressure, two Turkish banks have agreed to suspend transactions with Russian 'Mir' cards. Some Russian tourists have found themselves unable to make hotel payments.

▶︎ Part 2: Turkish Airlines won't train Russian pilots anymore.

The European EASA aviation agency has imposed sanctions against Russia. Turkish Airlines won't be able to train Russian pilots at their flight terminals anymore.

Airlines in other countries are expected to follow suit.

Experts believe this is a heavy blow to Russia's aviation and will lead to a serious deterioration of safety of the long-range flights, which often utilize jets such as Boeing B777 and Airbus A350.

▶︎ Part 3: Putin's war in Ukraine.

Putin wants to end the war as soon as possible, believes Erdogan after meeting him during the recent Shanghai Forum.

Erdogan: The situation for Russia is quite problematic. Putin showed me that he is willing to end this ASAP. He should not be allowed to keep the territories the Russian army gained since the beginning of the war.

Putin disagrees: Everything is going according to plan in Ukraine. The objective is Donbas. Our forces are advancing there. Our weapons are showing great effectiveness.

▶︎ Part 4: Russia wants Turkey to leave NATO.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members are China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Turkey has been a "partner". If they apply to formally join, we will examine their application to see if they meet the criteria, said Russia.

The criteria include being located in Eurasia; having active diplomatic, trade, and cultural relations with SCO members; not having a conflict with an SCO member and not being part of another conflict; not being under a UNSC sanction; not taking part of an alliance hostile to SCO members.

The latter seems to be problematic. The Russian diplomat emphasized that Turkey is a NATO member, which is considered a hostile organization against SCO member Russia.

▶︎ Part 5: Russia will launch regular flights to Turkish-occupied Cyprus.

There will be direct flights between Russia and Northern Cyprus, according to CNN sources. The negotiations continue. Turkey views this as a diplomatic victory.

[read,](https://factor.am/557039.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557074.html) [read,](https://news.yahoo.com/turkish-president-erdogan-says-putin-161141716.html) [read,](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/19/ukraine-troops-focus-on-donbas-de-occupation-from-russia) [read,](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/turkish-lender-isbank-halts-use-russias-mir-payment-system-2022-09-19/) [read,](https://factor.am/557065.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557126.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557251.html) [read,](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russias-putin-says-russian-weapons-showing-great-effectiveness-ukraine-2022-09-20/)

opposition co-leader Arthur Vanetsyan's cousin has acquired the assets of a Russia-based company abandoned by a Western firm

The world-famous "Bunge" agricultural business has several cooking oil brands in Russia, such as "Maslenitsa", "Ideal", Semyonova", "Golden drop", etc.

In 2020 they accounted for 10% of Russia's cooking oil market. Their Voronezh plant produces 200 million bottles per year.

Bunge has sold its Russian shares to former NSS spook Arthur Vanetsyan's cousin Karen. The latter owns another agricultural company called "Exoil Group", based in Ukraine.

What's interesting is that one of the co-owners of Exoil Group is Mikhail Zurabov, who owns 12.5% of the Zangezur Copper Plant.

[read,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/675828/արթուր-վանեցյանի-գործարար-հորեղբորորդին-խոշոր-ընկերություն-է-գնել-ռուսաստանում/)

Pashinyan held a regular meeting with non-parliamentary opposition parties

Aram Sargsyan, Republic Party: The party leaders were briefed on various topics and developments, as usual. We had asked the Premier to move the schedule forward and hold this meeting today, and he agreed.

We discussed the UN Security Council session and Nancy Pelosi's visit. The U.S.'s recent engagement is helping stabilize our region. The opposition figures who claim Pelosi's visit will provoke a new military clash are simply circulating Kremlin's primitive propaganda.

I advised Pashinyan to leave CSTO. The government is calculating its advantages and disadvantages. The government is aware of the public view after CSTO's and Russia's stance after the aggression.

When Azerbaijan invites foreign ambassadors to the occupied Shushi, the ambassadors of Russia and CSTO members have no problem visiting it, but when we invite them to Jermuk, everyone goes except for them. [Context: Russia's ambassador was hosting the CSTO delegation in Yerevan on the day when the meeting was held in Jermuk.]

Reporter: Critics say that if Armenia leaves CSTO, there will be no alternative alliances.

Sargsyan: There are many countries, like Jordan, that aren't a member of any military alliance. Jordan receives $800m in military aid every year. According to our calculations, Armenia could receive as much as $400m in military aid from the U.S.

Moreover, the U.S. State Department and French Foreign Ministry have announced readiness to provide military assistance to Armenia, but are unable to do so today because Armenia is a member of CSTO.

Our membership in CSTO is hindering our ability to acquire modern weapons. We will always lose the war against Azerbaijan if we fight with Russian weapons.

I've spoken with soldiers in Goris direction. They reassured me that all they need are decent weapons. If it wasn't for Azerbaijan's drones, our soldiers could have been in Azerbaijan proper by now.

Reporter: Pashinyan recently spoke about the challenges with importing weapons, while a ruling party MP claimed that [Russia has not exported](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xiseqx/sep192022_azeri_opposition_rebukes_proputin/) heavy weapons to Armenia since the 2020 war. Do you have details?

Sargsyan: No, because that's a state secret and Pashinyan does not share classified information during the meetings with non-parliamentary parties.

Reporter: Has the U.S. sent signals that they are willing to assist Armenia?

Sargsyan: Speaker Pelosi literally offered her hand yesterday and said they are ready to assist Armenia with all the issues, including security and territorial integrity. Pelosi visited Armenia only because of the democratic reforms in Armenia. She would not have visited otherwise, and we would remain in the swamp and lose more.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092992.html) [video,](https://youtu.be/zt1EFrD-Jl8?t=2218)

CSTO is taking measures to reduce escalation between Armenia and Russia: Vladimir Putin

CSTO Secretary Stanislav Zas is in Armenia to analyze the situation and meet Armenia's leadership.

Putin: Both Azerbaijan and Armenia are close to us, so any escalation is a serious concern for us. They should follow the previously adopted trilateral statements. Measures are being taken through CSTO. A special mission has been sent to the conflict zone to prepare proposals.

The key to solving the conflict is the professional, joint work within the Armenian-Azerbaijani border delimitation commission, with consulting support from Russia. //

Unlike the governments of other major powers, Kremlin has repeatedly refused to acknowledge the violation of Armenia's territorial integrity, portraying the aggression as a border dispute.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092985.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093020.html)

Armenia is our closest friend and strategic ally: Vladimir Putin

Putin: By using this chance, I would like to congratulate the fraternal Armenian people and the country’s leadership on the Independence Day that will be celebrated tomorrow.

Armenia is our closest friend and strategic ally. Russia and Armenia are in intense political dialogue. This year alone we met with Nikol Pashinyan three times. //

several pro-Russian public figures in Armenia rushed to defend the Armenia-Russia formal alliance

BHK party leader and wealthy businessman Gagik Tsarukyan, and the Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan (Tashir) have called the idea of leaving CSTO an "adventurism". It was in response to the recent street protests in Yerevan during which the pro-Western figures urged the Armenian authorities to rethink the formal alliance agreement with Russia. The businessmen urged the critics to moderate their "anti-Russian" rhetoric.

Pashinyan's Deputy Chief of Staff: Armenia's sovereignty and territorial integrity are not subject to negotiation, regardless of whether it's against these concerned businessmen's business interests or not.

Violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty is the red line that must be unacceptable for anyone who cares about Armenia's present and future. It would have been better for these businessmen to express concern about Azerbaijan's aggression instead.

These figures are receiving instructions from specific centers to make these statements, under the threat of losing their wealth. //

Aghajanyan, ranking ruling party MP: There is no process to withdraw from CSTO at this time, because doing so would not have any practical effect. On the contrary, such a step may cause risks that Armenia does not need at the moment. But it is a fact that the last three unprovoked attacks by Azerbaijan have not received any assessment by CSTO. The organization is either dysfunctional or has functionality problems.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092986.html) [read,](https://factor.am/557364.html) [read,](http://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenia_not_considering_withdrawal_from_csto_parliament_committee_chairman/) [read,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/244454) [relevant,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/244486)

update: Russian state media's talk-show host apologizes for the "stupid error" after confusing the Nagorno Karabakh conflict with the aggression against Armenia proper

[Yesterday we learned](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xiseqx/sep192022_azeri_opposition_rebukes_proputin/) that Anatoly Kuzichev, the host of the popular "Time Will Tell" debate-show, claimed that the conflict happened on Nagorno Karabakh border and that it wasn't clear who started it. This contradicted Russia's official stance because even Vladimir Putin had publicly accepted that the incident was away from Nagorno Karabakh, on the Armenia border.

The following day Kuzichev issued an apology on air.

Kuzichev: I said something stupid yesterday. I made a mistake and did not correct it. Some of our guests here corrected me afterward, but it wasn't very accented. And since our program is known for the fact that we are responsible for our words, let that be the case this time as well.

The incident unfolded in the border regions of Armenia, and not the unrecognized Nagorno Karabakh, also known as Artsakh. We are talking about Armenia proper. Please accept my apologies for the stupid mistake. [ends the statement with a "thank you" in Armenian]

[video,](https://youtu.be/25zScGbx-8w?t=6) [read,](https://factor.am/557272.html) [read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093013.html)

if the roads are unblocked between Armenia and Azerbaijan, it could bring $4.5-$5 billion in Russian capital to the Armenian market: Deputy Premier of Russia

Russia wants Armenia and Azerbaijan to unblock the trade links in the region. Deputy Premier of Russia, Alexei Overchuk, has announced that the roads and railways through which the cargo will move will remain the sovereign territory of the host country, a stance supported by Armenia but evidently not Azerbaijan. Critics, however, believe that Russia secretly sides with Azerbaijan on this issue, while taking a pro-Armenia stance publicly.

Deputy Premier Overchuk: The resumption of railway and road transfer between Armenia and Azerbaijan will create the conditions for $4.5b-$5b in Russian investments in Armenia.

We have been discussing with businesses to understand what those investments could look like. We have a general understanding. This will be a boon for the Armenian economy. //

[read,](https://www.panarmenian.net/arm/news/302631/)

dozens of business contracts were signed to boost economic cooperation between provinces of Armenia and Russia

The AM-RU economic cooperation forum [was held](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xiseqx/sep192022_azeri_opposition_rebukes_proputin/) in Yerevan, attended by ranking Russian delegates. The parties approved 83 programs between dozens of Russian and Armenian provinces, to boost the trade and culture sectors.

Russian official: The trade between RU and AM in the first half of 2022 grew by 50% and stood at $1.6b. Despite negative forecasts by reputable international organizations, Armenia's economy is growing double-digit.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092973.html)

many Russians are visiting Armenia for medical care: Russian official

Health Minister Avanesyan hosted a Russian delegation from Leningrad province.

They discussed joint efforts to promote the treatment of stroke, cancer, and physical therapy. The Russian official said Armenia is a popular medical tourism destination for their citizens.

The two invited each other to attend the upcoming international Oncology Forum in Yerevan and the 10th International Health Forum in St. Petersburg.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093016.html)

Armenia must be ready to accept a greater flow of compatriots migrating from Russia: Diaspora office chief Zareh Sinanyan

Sinanyan: The flow that we saw immediately after the war in Ukraine might be just the beginning. In this period, the number of Armenians who wish to move from Russia to Armenia is much greater compared to the previous year.

In 2019-2022, more than 11k compatriots applied to permanently return to their homeland. Almost half of them applied since the start of the Ukraine war. Most of them were from Russia, Lebanon, and Syria.

We set up a working group to manage the flow of migration. The main flow is from Russia. Most of them are specialists.

... Armenia will have a new unified center to provide simplified services to diasporan repatriates

The design of the building of the Center of Repatriation and Integration is ready and the construction will launch soon in downtown Yerevan. The Center will have everything necessary for repatriation and will cooperate with partners, like Repat Armenia Foundation, said Zareh Sinanyan.

The Government approved the formation of the new Center [back in February](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/spgyed/news_feb102022_interview_warmy_expert_artsrun_6th/). What is it about?

>the Center will be the first of its kind in Armenia, will act as a single resource center for integration of the repatriates, and will significantly improve the affordability and efficiency of the whole process

The multilingual Center will help with documents, importing personal property, transferring a business, military service, legal & taxation, bank transfers & finances, and emergency assistance if needed.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092958.html)

efforts are underway to switch to a new biometric passport system in Armenia

The passport department has been overwhelmed with applications this year. The workload has increased by 3x in some of the offices.

The department, which handles passports, ID cards, and various registrations in and outside of Armenia, has provided statistics for the summer months of 2021 and 2022:

Total applicants / for Passports / for ID cards (summer only)

2021: 407k / 114k / 26k

2022: 762k / 162k / 56k

The department said that efforts are underway to make a full switch to a new biometric system, which will make certain services available electronically and reduce the wait times.

[read,](https://factor.am/557108.html)

deputy mayor of Nice, France, visited the capital Yerevan to strengthen city ties

Mayor Hrachya: Welcome and thank you to our brotherly France for condemning Azerbaijan's recent military aggression at all levels. Let's discuss new projects between our cities.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093015.html)

the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) about financing programs in Armenia

Odile Renaud-Basso: The EBRD has invested more than €2 billion in 201 projects since Armenia's independence. We are focusing on the financial sector, sustainable energy projects, transport, value-added industrial companies, and the business environment.

During my recent visit, we signed loans with banks to assist small and medium-sized enterprises. We are also set to provide loans for women-led micro businesses.

EBRD provided a loan to Telecom Armenia for energy-efficient investments that are improving access to fast and reliable internet for 450,000 households.

... Armenia and Georgia recently built a new "Friendship Bridge" on the border. EBRD is happy that the loan money wasn't squandered.

Odile Renaud-Basso: I was delighted to see the Prime Ministers of Armenia and Georgia inaugurate the Friendship Bridge. It's encouraging that [they finished it on time and didn't embezzle the funds], which is a rarity in infrastructure projects not only in the Caucasus but in different parts of the world.

Considering this achievement despite the Covid-19 and the war, I am certain that there is a strong capacity in Armenia for successful implementation of such projects.

... Armenia will modernize its Meghri customs checkpoint on the border with Iran

Odile Renaud-Basso: Modernization of the Meghri border crossing is a very important project in the southern region of Syunik; we've teamed up with the EU to finance it.

Armenia's IRS is currently in the process of assessing submitted bids. Construction works are expected to start by the end of this year and we expect them to finish within 3 years.

... Armenia will purchase new buses for Yerevan public transport reforms with the support of EBRD

Odile Renaud-Basso: We signed the project in 2021 under our "Green Cities" program. Its goal is to support municipalities to develop and invest in a coherent program of projects for the green transition.

The project contains a €20 million loan and a €5 million grant. The project is on track and residents of Yerevan will see these new buses in H1 2023.

... EBRD's investments in Armenia's agriculture

Odile Renaud-Basso: We are identifying investments in industries with export potential, including in areas highlighted by the government's recent program of export promotion.

We are also supporting the agricultural sector by targeting investments along the whole value chain. Agriculture is a significant contributor to the economy. It also employs the largest share of the population - about the third, which raises a real productivity challenge. This is also true for other countries in the Caucasus.

There is a potential for improvement in productivity through investments in sustainable technologies, agricultural infrastructure, and knowledge transfer.

It's also possible to reduce the use of energy and water. Agriculture accounts for 80% of water withdrawal.

... EBRD is investing in renewable energy projects in Armenia; the country's public-private partnership laws have improved

Odile Renaud-Basso: Renewables are at the core of our strategy for Armenia. Since 2019, we have been supporting the preparation of up to 105 MW solar capacity, and have committed to financing the first utility-scale solar plant.

The government’s Energy Plan 2040 includes the development of up to 1,000 MW Solar capacity by 2030, and up to 500 MW Wind capacity by 2040.

Over the past few years, the government has also improved the public-private partnership law.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/eng/news/1092993.html)

institutional reforms were discussed between Armenia's Justice Minister and the ambassador of U.S.

Minister Andreasyan hosted ambassador Tracy and representatives of U.S.'s USAID program and anti-narcotics agency.

They discussed the ongoing reforms in police forces and the expansion of the newly established Patrol Service, the plans to form a [new Interior Ministry](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/vxknex/jul122022_news_gambling_will_be_outright_banned/) in Armenia, and additional steps aimed at strengthening human rights.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093018.html)

Armenian chess player pulled off something that hasn't been done since 1957

[As you already know](https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xf7hu8/sep152022_us_brokers_ceasefire_supports_armenias/), Mariam Mkrtchyan is the world chess champion in U18 age category. She won every single match.

Mariam: I was not thinking about the results while flying to the tournament, let alone the possibility of winning it with 11 victories. Ahead of every match, I would only think about the next match, and I ended up winning round after round.

At a certain point, I began to notice a difference in the audience's behavior. The hall was paying closer attention to my games because no one had been able to win 11 games consecutively since 1957. So I was shocked by the results, too.

I had to play against an Azerbaijani player a day after learning about the military aggression. It was psychologically difficult to prepare for the match. I dedicate that victory to our soldiers defending the border. //

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1093004.html)

the forgotten story of 7,000 Armenian soldiers and generals who fought in World War 1

A new 1390-page book is released, shedding light on thousands of Armenian soldiers who fought as part of the Russian Empire's army during the world war in 1914-1918, and in 1918-1920 as part of the armed forces of the independent Republic of Armenia.

The book was written by historians who studied the national archives of Armenia and Russia and other sources. It began as an effort to examine the stereotypes portraying Russian-Armenians. They were often referred to as good artists and merchants who lived in the Empire only to get rich.

It turns out many of them were soldiers and ranking officers, with at least 60 being generals, most of whom were awarded the Empire's highest awards.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092930.html)

President Khachaturyan attended the funeral of Elizabeth 2

Khachaturyan left a note in the condolence book at Lancaster House in London. After the ceremony, he met representatives of several states to discuss Azerbaijan's military aggression.

[read,](https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1092960.html)

AI shows how these celebrities would look if they were still alive today

[read,](https://mymodernmet.com/alper-yesiltas-as-if-nothing-happened/)

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.

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Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/xjlvh2/sep202022_russia_rushes_to_save_friendship_w/