Goris Today published a video showing Azerbaijanis moving a cross-stone on the Berdzor road.
According to the source, the new road bypassing the city of Berdzor, which is being built by Azerbaijanis, will pass through this section, starting near the village of Kornidzor in Syunik and passing through the villages of Hinshen and Metshen in Artsakh, ending in Lisagor.
18:09,
YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. The Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia Ruben Rubinyan met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Marcin Przydacz and the delegation led by him on June 28.
As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the National Assembly, the Head of the Armenia-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group Arusyak Julhakyan and the Chair of the Standing Committee on European Integration Arman Yeghoyan were present at the meeting.
Welcoming the guests, Ruben Rubinyan emphasized the high level of relations between Armenia and Poland, highlighted the effective cooperation.
The sides attached importance to the effective work of friendship groups in the development of cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries.
Issues related to the normalization of Armenia-Turkey relations were discussed.
Ruben Rubinyan presented the current situation in the region after the 44-day war and the unresolved issues.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland Marcin Przydacz highlighted the deepening of bilateral ties, the development of cooperation in the economic sphere. According to the Polish diplomat, Armenia is a valuable partner for Poland. The guest appreciated the continuous process of democratic reforms in Armenia.
18:58,
YEREVAN, JUNE 28, ARMENPRESS. Today, on June 28th , in Yerevan, the Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia Martin Galstyan and President of the Management Board of the Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW) Marek Dietl signed an agreement on the sale of a majority interest in the Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX), ARMENPRESS was infomred from the Central Bank of Armenia.
“We consider this investment as a long-term partnership. Our aim is to recreate with joint efforts the capital markets of Armenia and thrive to extend our business further into the region. We also expect to develop the capital markets infrastructure, creating opportunity for businesses to raise sustainable and affordable capital while enabling the investors and savers to manage their savings and investments more professionally within a wider range of investment products and opportunities,” said Marek Dietl, President of the Management Board of GPW.
“We believe this to be an important milestone in the development of Armenian capital markets. Having found such a partner in the Warsaw Stock Exchange, realizing we have the same vision and similar aspirations, we believe this deal to be a turning point in the chronicles of capital markets in Armenia. Under the leadership of the Warsaw Stock Exchange, with their experience and knowledge, AMX has the full potential to expand and become the robust stock market ready to take up the challenges of the 21st century and lead the region.” said Martin Galstyan, Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia.
The intention of the GPW to acquire the AMX was announced on September 18, 2020, after which the necessary analysis were carried out, a development plan for the next 5 years was purposed, and the necessary corporate approvals were implemented. Finally, this year at the May 24 Meeting, the Board of the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia approved the transaction.
Accordingly, the Warsaw Stock Exchange (GPW) will acquire 65.03% of shares of the Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX) (967 shares in total). The Central Bank of Armenia will maintain 25.02% of shares, and the remaining 9.95% are the AMX’s own shares. The value of the transaction is about AMD 873 million, a part of which (about AMD 499 million) will be paid after signing the Share Purchase Agreement, and the rest, after completion of processes established by the Share Purchase Agreement.
The Warsaw Stock Exchange Group (GPW Group) operates trading platforms for shares, Treasury and corporate bonds, derivatives, electricity and gas, and provides indices and benchmarks including WIBOR and WIBID. The index agent FTSE Russell classifies the Polish capital market as a Developed Market since 2018. The markets operated by the GPW Group are the biggest in Central and Eastern Europe. For more information, visit www.gpw.pl
At the end of May 2022, the market capitalisation of 376 domestic companies listed on the Main Market was PLN 585.8 billion (EUR 128.0 billion), while the total market capitalisation of 421 domestic and foreign companies listed on the Main Market was PLN 1,165.2 billion (EUR 254.6 billion).
Armenia Securities Exchange (AMX) is the only securities regulated market operator in Armenia. As an integrated exchange offering, AMX provides a full suite of services including listing, trading, clearing, information services and alternative market solutions. Currently 28 companies are listed in the AMX.
18:12,
YEREVAN, JUNE 27, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia, in cooperation with the World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations Development Program, today launched the “Growth and Recovery for the Strengthening, Upgrading and Prosperity of Armenia” platform in support of Armenia’s promising sustainable development, green recovery and growth, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Hambardzum Matevosyan.
The discussion chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan was attended by World Bank Regional Director for the South Caucasus Sebastian Molineus, Head of the EU Delegation to Armenia Andrea Wiktorin, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Sweden to Armenia Patrik Svensson, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili, Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan, and representatives of other concerned structures.
The goal of the GREEN Armenia platform is to combine and optimize policies and investment initiatives for the sake of Armenia’s transition to green economy.
Today’s event was the first in a series of thematic dialogues jointly organized by beneficiaries to come up with innovative ideas and to learn about global knowledge, which is key to building resilience to climate change.
Deputy Prime Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan welcomed the participants of the discussion, emphasizing that the Armenian Government highly appreciates such initiatives in terms of summarizing the work done, learning lessons and outlining the next steps. “This is best expressed in the Government’s Action Plan 2021-2026, by which we have planned a number of measures, from increasing the share of green energy to the promotion of alternative vehicles, the introduction of related infrastructure, afforestation, and other necessary works”, the Deputy Prime Minister said, adding that on the way to building a modern low-carbon economy, Armenia attaches importance to ensuring an inclusive, participatory process with the active participation of international partners, the private sector, civil society, and academia.
According to Sebastian Molineus, WB Regional Director for the South Caucasus, the GREEN Armenia platform will assist Armenia in its efforts to transition to a sustainable economy. “The green transition may be a stimulus for Armenia’s economy, but it will be necessary to set priorities in cooperation with the private sector and international development partners and implement low- carbon, resource efficient policies and programs, in line with environmental goals,” the WB representative said.
According to EU Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, the green agenda, which is considered one of the leading among the priorities set by the EU for Europe and the planet, implies much more than the reduction of emissions. “It implies systemic changes in economies, societies and industries. In the case of Armenia, this opportunity is clear. A greener economy will not only improve the quality of life of the Armenian people, but will also stimulate sustainable growth and new jobs,” the EU Ambassador said, hoping that the GREEN Armenia platform will contribute to an open and transparent transition to a green economy.
According to UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia Natia Natsvlishvili, making Armenia’s economy greener is the right policy in these difficult times, it can serve as a national strategic framework to ensure an equitable and inclusive transition to sustainable, zero-emission, climate-friendly economy while minimizing potential challenges that can be faced by the affected population and communities. She reaffirmed the UNDP’s readiness to combine efforts with the EU, the WB and other partners to assist the Government of Armenia in the fact-based, equitable and strategic policy of green transition, contributing to economic growth, human development and the unique natural capital of the country.
During the discussions, the Government presented its vision for the transition to a green economy in Armenia and its policy on climate and environment, which will help strengthen Armenia’s resilience. The representatives of the scientific-educational community, the public sector and international organizations presented their experience and position on the challenges and opportunities on the way to the transition to a green and resilient economy.
Deputy Prime Minister Matevosyan praised the efforts and readiness of all partners and stakeholders to combine their knowledge, experience and resources for the sustainable growth of the country through the GREEN Armenia platform.
YEREVAN. June 23 (Interfax) – The United States Agency of International Development (USIAD) will issue a $120 million grant to Armenia to help it promote democracy and economic stability.
The Armenian government has approved the signing of a grant agreement on cooperation with the U.S.
“In light of the shocks caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the war unleashed against Nagorno-Karabakh, and given the fair and transparent parliamentary elections held [in Armenia] in 2021, the U.S. pledges in this agreement to help Armenia establish a system of efficient and accountable governance, safeguard its democratic achievements and overcome economic challenges,” according to a feasibility evaluation, which was published on the Armenian government’s website following the government’s meeting.
USAID plans to distribute the grant as follows: $68.565 million will be spent on promoting democracy, and $51.435 million will be used to improve economic security.
YEREVAN. – Zhoghovurd daily of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes: According to the data by Ministry of Finance, at the end of May 2022, the national debt of Armenia amounted to about 9 billion 581 million [US] dollars, which increased by 355 million dollars—or 3.8%—compared to the beginning of the year.
The foreign debt amounted to 6 billion 533 million dollars. Domestic debt increased by 18.2%, amounting to 3 billion 047 million dollars. If the dollar exchange rate is lower at the end of this year compared to the beginning of the year, Armenia’s national debt will be lower in [Armenian] drams; so, the government’s debt/GDP indicator will be lower than the projected 60.2%. When the dollar falls, the burden of national debt is somewhat lightened for the state.
The bulk of Armenia’s national debt, about 70%, is foreign debt. It is mainly received and repaid in dollars. But for that, the amount provided from the state budget is naturally in RA drams, and therefore, the cheaper the dollar is, that much less money is directed to the main amounts of national debt and interest payments. The dram has been appreciating at a rapid pace against the dollar since the end of May, especially in the first two weeks of June.
13:03,
YEREVAN, JUNE 22, ARMENPRESS. Armenia Workforce Development Activity first national conference, funded by USAID, launched in Yerevan today.
Chip Laitinen, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the United States of America in Armenia, highlighted the cooperation between different structures that will support the government of Armenia in the activities of the Employment national strategy. “Human capital is one of the most important assets of Armenia. We continue supporting workforce development as they are developed and competitive people who will allow the country to fully use the economic potential”, he said.
Natia Natsvlishvili, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Armenia, also attached importance to the active collaboration. “We are here to support promotion of employment in Armenia. We know that this problem has existed here for years. We see much higher unemployment among the youth, women and girls. We believe that the efforts of the international partners and the Armenian government will be directed to solving the current issues”, she said.
Director of the Enterprise Incubator Foundation Bagrat Yengibaryan said that the basis of the Armenia Workforce Development Program are youth. This is one of the programs that creates future. “In other words, we create a person who should think, create and resist the future challenges”, he said.
Armenia Workforce Development Activity (AWDA) is a five-year program, designed to provide the youth and women with the opportunities to improve their skills in line with labor market needs and find employment in the fields of ICT/high-tech, agriculture, tourism and hospitality. The program is funded by the US Agency for International Development and will be implemented by Enterprise Incubator Foundation with Armenian National Agrarian University, Fund of Armenian Relief and CIVITTA Armenia.
13:02, 16 June 2022
YEREVAN, JUNE 16, ARMENPRESS. In the first 10 days of September this year Armenia will turn into a global center of science, technologies, art and music thanks to the STARMUS VI festival, by hosting world-renowned scientists and stars, STARMUS festival co-founder, astrophysicist Garik Israelian said at a press conference today.
STARMUS board member David Eicher, Nobel laureate, neuroscientist Edvard Moser and musician Derek Sherinian joined the press conference online. The messages of Brian May and Serj Tankian were also addressed.
Garik Israelyan said that the conference “Discover the cosmos and change the world” is a part of the main program of the festival, which will take place in the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex and is expected to be attended by around 7000 participants.
“It’s also important to mention the ceremony of awarding the Stephen Hawking Medal which is known around the world as an Oscar for science promotion. “108 Minutes Round-Table” with the participation of Nobel Prize laureates, Star Party – a special event involving world-renowned guests and local figures, which will take place in Garni. Many telescopes, brought to Armenia within the frames of the festival, will be stationed there”, he said.
He said that additional events specially for the Armenian festival will also be held.
“A Science Camp, the area near the National Opera and Ballet Theater, will turn into a major center of science and technologies where visitors, both adults and children, will be introduced on the latest achievements of science in the most available formats. Around 100,000 people from Yerevan, the provinces and Artsakh are expected to attend the event. The Space Technologies two-day conference will be held in the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex, involving around 20 world-renowned speakers, including from the Satlantis space technology company. The program is a series of important events with the participation of Armenian universities which will be carried out in partnership with the partner universities and will provide the students with an opportunity to listen to famous scientists in their universities”, he said.
Garik Israelian says making the festival maximally available to the youth, the broad public is very important for them, and they have set an affordable participation fee for the festival – 25,000 drams. He informed that students will be provided with a discount, the fee for them will be 20,000 drams.
The format of STARMUS is unique in a sense that it popularizes science, makes it closer to the youth by inspiring them to make new research and discoveries.
STARMUS is a global festival of science communication and art that brings together the most brilliant minds on the planet. Its aim is to inspire and educate the next generation of explorers and regenerate the spirit of discovery. STARMUS combines art, music and science to enhance the science communication.
11:51,
YEREVAN, JUNE 18, ARMENPRESS. Former Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia, ruling Civil Contract party’s candidate for Mayor of Yerevan, Tigran Avinyan, attended the signing ceremony of the agreement between the Yerevan City Hall and the Russian Metrogiprotrans in St. Petersburg.
Avinyan said on social media that the agreement envisages implementing the designing works of Yerevan’s new Ajapnyak metro station.
“We are implementing our major programs step by step in order to create a prosperous and comfortable atmosphere in the capital city”, he said.
The Armenian public has not yet heard the Council of Europe’s resolutions condemning Azerbaijan on the 44-day war in 2020, Armen Gevorgyan, an MP from the opposition Armenia bloc said.
His remarks came at a meeting with Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Burić in the parliament.
Here is Armen Gevorgyan’s statement in full:
“Madam Secretary General:
Welcome to Armenia. It’s rather unfortunate that you don’t have a separate meeting with the representatives of the parliamentary opposition. It is becoming a bad tradition when representatives of the Council of Europe avoid direct dialogue and engagement with the mainstream political opposition in Armenia. Nevertheless, I would like to focus your attention on a number of important issues.
The domestic socio-political life in Armenia has reached its boiling point, because a great injustice is being enforced against the people of Nagorno Karabakh. I believe in the course of your meetings with the Armenian officials you have often heard about a certain “agenda of peace” for the region. Let me reiterate, that no one in Armenia wants another war. But there is a much greater number of people who do not accept that after thirty years of free and independent state-building the people of Nagorno Karabakh can live as part of Azerbaijan. The people of Nagorno Karabakh are against that too. We are greatly concerned that, for example, in contrast to the European Parliament, we observe the Council of Europe’s determination to put a sign of equality between Armenia and Azerbaijan, aspiring to be “less annoying” for Azerbaijan and Turkey with critical resolutions and assessments of their policies. By the way, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that by avoiding direct dialogue with mainstream opposition forces both in Armenia and Azerbaijan you, in essence, indirectly put another sign of equality between these two countries in terms of their democratic credentials.
The Armenian public has so far not seen any relevant resolutions about Azerbaijan’s launching of the unprovoked and unjustified war against Armenians in 2020. The Council of Europe has failed to adopt sanctions following the acts of aggression by Azerbaijan against the territorial integrity of Armenia since May 2021. Azerbaijan continues to ignore the calls of the international community to free all prisoners of war and other detainees, and still carries out its racist and xenophobic policies and propaganda against Armenians. I presume, this will also be testified by the International Court of Justice in the relevant proceedings currently underway. All these are major points of concern, essentially questioning whether we at all can agree with Azerbaijan on anything.
You may well ask: what can the Council of Europe do to resolve the Nagorno Karabakh conflict fairly? I am convinced that first and foremost our Organisation must begin by objective assessments of the situation, which I believe will be a good deterrence against Azerbaijan’s aggressive aspirations, but also will protect the quality of democratic governance in the Council of Europe Member States. This will also contribute to any future dialogue for peace in the region.
Our Organisation must be fair and consistent in supporting the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, and first and foremost in terms of upholding the right of peoples to self-determination.
Madam Secretary General:
At the same time, we are deeply concerned that the Council of Europe has been disregarding the clear backsliding from norms and traditions of democracy in our country. The restrictions of the freedom of speech and freedom of the media, the growing dependence of the judiciary and the investigative bodies on the executive branch, the illegal persecutions of opposition figures have become “new normal” of the so-called democratic traditions in Armenia. The disputable quality of the elections to the local self-governance bodies held in the past few months is impossible to disregard even by the international organisations.
Over the past two months this long list of such unacceptable phenomena has been supplemented by violations of the rights of citizens to peaceful protests, as well as by the use of brutal and disproportionate force by the police against protesters. On June 3 the police used stun grenades to disperse the multi-thousand opposition rally, without due warning and without necessity, and as a result many policemen and protesters were seriously wounded and taken to hospitals. Currently 31 opposition figures are arrested on various illegal grounds and with obvious political motivations.
I would like to remind everyone here that in the Spring session of the Parliamentary Assembly a resolution on genuine democracy has been adopted, which stated, I quote, that “democracy is not the dictatorship of the majority”.
In conclusion, I would like to add that we do not intend to make the Council of Europe a space for gladiator fights against either Armenian authorities or Azerbaijan. But we neither intend to put up with the facts that our Organisation is being transformed into a platform of legitimising the consequences of the 44-day war; into a platform clearly promoting the interests of the Turkic coalition led by Turkey and Azerbaijan at the expense of the Armenian people; or a space silently observing anti-democratic processes in our country.”