2023 November 10

Daily news wrap-up

Transcaucasian Telegraph: Nov/10/2023 edition
by ar_david_hh

---

Armenia's army chief about the cooperation with U.S. Army

Context: CoGS Asryan recently visited the U.S. military base in Germany to discuss cooperation around retraining, strengthening of NCO forces, modernization of army management, etc.

REPORTER: What can you tell us about the AM-US cooperation?

CoGS: It continues according to the plan. It's at a high level.

REPORTER: Is the cooperation purely educational or also military-technical in nature?

CoGS: Both.

REPORTER: When will Russia refund our $400 million?

CoGS: My office is not tasked with addressing such issues.

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfkM7atFyfw?t=8)

the weapons that Russia was supposed to transfer to Armenia were sent to Ukraine front instead

In 2021 Armenia paid $400 million to acquire weapons from Russia. The weapons were never delivered. Armenia only received small quantities of missiles for GRAD and Uragan systems. This has made it difficult for Armenians to defend themselves against Azerbaijan, writes the media.

[source,](https://factor.am/709273.html)

Russia wants Armenia to give a Russian-controlled corridor to Azerbaijan

Armenia wants to install customs checkpoints on the border with Azerbaijan and control the traffic passing through Armenia. Armenia has offered Russia to participate in this process and monitor it jointly.

Azerbaijan wants Russia to have exclusive control. Armenia is against it because that would be a violation of its sovereignty.

RUSSIA (Zakharova): A lot of work has been done. We managed to get close to a resolution. Unfortunately, we couldn't get the job done because some people lack the political will to do it. According to the tripartite agreements, the control of transport communication between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan [through Armenia] should be carried out by Russia. //

ARMENIA (responds): Armenian institutions will control the border and customs activities in Armenia. A special unit was formed in the NSS to ensure the safety of travelers and cargo passing through Armenia. Armenia has never signed any document that limits its sovereignty and gives control of its territories to a third country. //

[source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/756500/որոշ-մարդկանց-մոտ-պակասում-է-քաղաքական-կամքը․-զախարովան՝-ապաշրջափակման-մասին/) [source,](https://www.civilnet.am/news/756558/հայաստանը-երբևէ-որևէ-փաստաթղթով-չի-համաձայնել-իր-սուվերենության-սահմանափակման․-ագն/)

could the Armenian government skip participation in yet another Russian-led summit?

There is no decision yet on whether to participate in the November 23 CSTO military bloc meeting in Belarus. The Armenian government has skipped two Russian-led CIS meetings over the past few weeks. Azerbaijan has been skipping the Western-led platforms.

[source,](https://arka.am/en/news/politics/armenia_has_made_no_decision_yet_on_participation_in_csto_summit_in_minsk/)

Armenia's National Security Council chief Armen Grigoryan visited Brussels for an AM-EU summit

The summit was dedicated to the strengthening of strategic relations with the EU. Prominent pro-Western figures from Armenia were also invited. Russia's foreign ministry was asked to comment on NatSec Armen Grigoryan's decision to skip the recent CIS summit in Russia. Zakharova noted that Grigoryan canceled his plan to attend the summit and went on to host a U.S. official in Armenia.

NatSec Grigoryan was asked to clarify that decision. He said they had informed the Russian side about the reason behind the cancellation and also publicly announced why he was participating in other meetings and that there was nothing else to add.

[source,](https://factor.am/709606.html) [source,](https://a1plus.am/hy/article/464421) [more,](https://factor.am/709971.html) [source,](https://factor.am/710015.html)

Azerbaijani army demolishes the statue of Stepan Shahumyan after occupying Nagorno-Karabakh capital Stepanakert

[video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJbcqQDVbp4?t=2)

Azerbaijan has demolished an Armenian church and a village in Nagorno-Karabakh: Caucasus Heritage Watch

[video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yny0LpRc86g)

Armenia urges UNESCO to send a fact-finding mission to occupied Nagorno-Karabakh

A fact-finding mission is necessary to map the Armenian cultural heritage and prevent its destruction or distortion by Azerbaijan, said FM Ararat Mirzoyan.

[source,](https://hetq.am/hy/article/161878)

Armenia in talks to join Chabahar port for India access; direct flights to India

INDIAN PRESS: The Armenian delegation recently participated in a high-level meeting in Mumbai on Chabahar Port utilization. This link could be concluded within a year.

Additionally, two leading construction companies from India could be executing projects in Armenia. There has been an increase in the number of Indians working in Armenia.

There are also talks to launch direct flights between India and Armenia next year. //

In related news. Armenia and India have agreed to cooperate in customs processes. The agencies will establish closer ties to detect violations and address various issues during trade.

[source,](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/armenia-in-talks-to-join-chabahar-port-for-india-access/articleshow/105077306.cms) [source,](https://factor.am/709552.html) [source,](https://factor.am/710027.html)

that one time when Russia pressured Armenia not to build 14 reservoirs

EX-PM ARAM SARGSYAN: Could Armenia remain in the [Russian-led] EAEU and expand there? Sure. Would that be beneficial for us, and would it be fast enough to help develop our defense potential? I doubt.

I have always supported the Association Agreement with the EU. It's CEPA+Economy. CEPA alone does not contain that important economic component, it's 80% political, and it's not enough.

Armenia's economic potential is so strong that, in the event of wise management of our resources and having peace for 4-5 years, our neighbors will be jealous of us. Democracy becomes a strong advantage and investment magnet.

Armenia has 7.4 billion m^3 in water reserves. Iran was paying $8 per m^3; there were water protests a few years back. Of the 7.4 reserves, today we use no more than 2.2. The rest is gone wasted. We can't even properly accumulate that 2.2. It pours into the Caspian Sea.

The UK proposed a water management project for Armenia to build 14 water reservoirs. I presented the plan to the Armenian government. That 2.2 water would be collected and given to Armenia, while the British company would sell the excess.

Investors: China 80%, Armenia 20% with a low-rate loan from a U.S. company. The British company would manage the system for 40 years. The infrastructure would be the property of Armenia, managed by a British company.

The plan was not approved. Russia saw "threats" due to the involvement of a British firm. The Armenian government decided not to anger Russia after the 2020 war and to remain within its sphere. The British plan was frozen.

A similar situation in the mining. The world only truly cares about the Kajaran mine because of the amount of metals and its richness. You know who the owners are. They are from Russia, represented by offshore firms.

The #2 most lucrative mine is Teghut, which is in the hands of Russia's VTB today; they obtained it 5 years ago but have only used it for 2. //

The microphone malfunctions.

Resumes: ... Russians have not even requested a license to exploit the left bank. The Armenian government can issue it to any Western or Armenian investor. We are talking about the production of 1 billion tons of materials annually. Kajaran mine alone can quadruple Armenia's GDP within 3 years. The product mined from Kajaran is always in demand. There is basically a 10-year queue.

Unfortunately, today we only sell the raw materials because we do not have a plant to process it and later refine it into a cable, pipe, etc.

... in 2013 France offered to build a new nuclear plant in Armenia

SARGSYAN: ... President Serj rejected the offer at the last moment under the pressure of Russia. Late Armen Movsisyan, who took part in the negotiations, later revealed that it was canceled for political reasons. The French plant would have been 200 MW more powerful than our Metsamor.

Today France is again offering a similar powerful plant. They are very safe. But I believe it would be too big and too difficult for Armenia to absorb. Multiple small 100 MW reactors would be better.

[more,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=911fc62HcQI)

U.S. nuclear company NuScale cancels plans to build a small reactor in the U.S.

>With the price of renewables dropping precipitously, however, the project's economics have worsened. Some of the initial backers started pulling out of the project

>it appears unlikely that the project will have enough subscription to continue toward deployment

>The same is now true for nuclear power in general in the US. No large reactors are planned, and the last few projects of that sort were either canceled or ran horrifically over budget

[source,](https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/11/first-planned-small-nuclear-reactor-plant-in-the-us-has-been-canceled/)

why isn't Armenia importing more gas from Iran?

Ex-Deputy PM Vache Gabrielyan: Iran cannot deliver cheaper gas to Armenia because they have an agreement with Turkey that states Iran cannot sell gas at a cheaper price to a third state. Armenia has been using Iranian gas as a "reserve". Russia's gas has been so cheap that it wouldn't make economic sense to import more from Iran. //

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsDuoX97s9Q)

famous Russian singer could have her New Year concert permits revoked for not supporting Russia's military aggression against Ukraine

Alla Pugacheva, Russia's Madonna, criticized the war in Ukraine last year and decided to relocate to another country with her husband.

She reportedly plans to spend the holidays in Russia and give financially lucrative shows. The deputy head of the Russian parliament's Culture Committee believes her shows must be prohibited for he stance "against the Russian army".

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/273264) [source,](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/russia-version-madonna-breaks-putin-151121144.html)

Macron hosted Pashinyan and Mirzoyan in Paris

They discussed issues relating to regional security, the development of infrastructure, and AM-EU cooperation.

Pashinyan gave a speech during an international peace forum in Paris: [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rqc0vAV1NdY). PM of Georgia advertised himself as a neutral mediator between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

[video,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLvMh4a2OSU?t=10) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/273284)

Armenian Catholicos of Cilicia was invited to U.S. Congress to read a prayer: VIDEO

House chief Mike Johnson presented "guest chaplain" Aram A to the Congress. The Catholicos read a payer in English.

[video,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OXpjJPNzNs)

World Bank about the healthcare sector in Armenia:

Armenians have an excellent level of access to clinics (primary care facilities) but the usage remains low, driven by concerns over quality and additional costs. As a result, many patients make unnecessary visits to hospitals and ERs. Armenia should implement payment reforms to reward the quality of clinics.

About 30% of total health expenditure in Armenia is on medicine and medical supplies, which is high compared to upper-middle-income countries. This is because retail prices are high due to high import prices and markups. More oversight and regulation is necessary in the pharma market.

Doctors often prescribe brand-name medicines even if generics are available.

[source,](https://arka.am/en/news/society/expensive_medicines_few_generics_fragmented_procurement_world_bank_on_problems_in_armenia_s_health_s/)

World Bank praises the recent reforms in Armenia:

Michal Rutkowski: Armenia should be proud of the reforms carried out in recent years. The public expenditure review makes it clear that Armenia's fiscal performance has recorded a significant improvement, which is the result of the reforms carried out by the government.

Compared with other countries in the region in terms of revenue collection, Armenia has made serious progress.

Debt and expenditure management has allowed the government to form a platform with which it can carry out good fiscal management.

There are still problems related to effective infrastructure, education, and social and health spending. //

[source,](https://arka.am/en/news/economy/there_is_something_to_be_proud_of_but_problems_persist_wb_presents_review_on_armenia_s_spending_effi/)

anti-corruption: authorities fine a popular supermarket for "abuse of dominance"

Citi will have to pay a ֏76 million fine for pricing shenanigans that boosted its affiliate food supplier, according to the Competition Protection Commission. The company has admitted to violating the rules.

[source,](https://hetq.am/hy/article/161895) [source,](https://factor.am/709848.html)

anti-corruption: authorities find violations worth $40 million in the electricity transmission company High Voltage Electric Networks

PM Pashinyan instructed/approved the State Oversight Service to investigate the High Voltage Electric Networks. It can be done against companies that are partially or fully state-owned or state-funded.

The SOS has found alleged crimes worth over $40 million. The information was shared with the Investigative Committee for a criminal investigation.

[source,](https://arka.am/en/news/society/inspection_at_high_voltage_power_grids_company_reveals_violations_worth_billions_of_drams/) [source,](https://factor.am/710073.html)

Georgia is making it harder to get an abortion

The Georgian government has introduced mandatory pre-abortion consultations with a psychologist and a social worker, angering women's rights defenders. The rule goes into effect on January 1.

>This comes in addition to the pre-existing requirement to observe a five-day ‘cooling-off period’ prior to an abortion, with the new legislation adding that violation of the buffer period threatens a doctor’s right to practice.

... 2015 data shows public attitude towards abortion rights in Armenia and Georgia

Georgia: 80% were against

Armenia: 70% were against

[source,](https://oc-media.org/rights-defenders-raise-concerns-as-georgia-introduces-mandatory-pre-abortion-consultations/)

sambo world championship kicks off in Yerevan

Obviously in Hamalir. Over 500 athletes from 70 countries will participate.

Varsik Grigoryan, Sargis Vardanyan, and Arman Avanesyan won bronze medals.

[source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/273298) [source,](https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/273321)

how many electric vehicles are being driven on the streets of Armenia?

Ruling MP: Over 7,500 EVs were imported in recent years, but some of them were exported [to Russia and other EAEE states]. The police require drivers to register a license plate before driving in Armenia. This is one way to tell how many of the EVs "stayed" in Armenia. As of September, this database contained 4,913 EVs. //

The parliamentary committee was discussing efforts to encourage the use of EVs or newer models of combustion vehicles. The ruling party is divided. Some support tougher restrictions on combustion vehicles to promote EVs, citing the emergence of cheaper models of EVs in recent years, while others want to promote combustion vehicles manufactured within the past 5 years. Half of the 50,000 vehicles imported last year were manufactured within the past 5 years, said one member.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH: We share this Committee's view that we must rapidly modernize the car fleet in Armenia because the average age of vehicles is above 20. //

[source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKqNdwiGVDk) [source,](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGFhRbUaq8c)

which Transcaucasian republic is suffering from the highest inflation?

2022:

AZ: 14.4%

GE: 11.9%

AM: 8.6%

2023:

AZ: 10.9%

AM: 2.8%

GE: 0.6%

[source,](https://factor.am/709808.html)

---

Link to original report and comments: https://www.reddit.com/r/armenia/comments/17sig3k/transcaucasian_telegraph_nov102023_edition/