Public Radio of Armenia Aug 3 2022 Armenian MPs expect Russian peacekeepers to restore stability in the area of their responsibility August 3, 2022, 22:14 1 minute read Amid a new wave of Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh, lawmakers from the Armenia’s ruling Civil Contract faction expect the Russian peacekeepers to take necessary actions to ensure stability in their area of responsibility. Noting that the latest aggression has been mostly unfolding in the direction of Lachin corridor, MP Vahagn Aleksanyan reminds that according to the November 9 statement, the corridor is under the responsibility of the Russian peacekeepers. “We should expect clear actions from the Russian peacekeeping mission in order to exclude the further escalation of the situation and to eliminate the existing tension, this is the obligation and responsibility of the Russian side, stipulated by the tripartite statement of November 9,” he said in a statement. MP Hripsime Grigoryan said Azerbaijan’s ongoing military actions in the area of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping forces are not only a gross violation of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, but also a direct disrespect for all parties to the statement. “This should be clearly noted by the Russian Federation and appropriate actions should be taken to restore peace and stability as soon as possible,” she said. Arusyak Julhakyan said Azerbaijan’s actions “target not only the Lachin Corridor, but also the entire zone of responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping forces.” “Another gross violation of the tripartite statement by Azerbaijan is unacceptable. The Russian peacekeeping force must ensure peace and stability in its area of responsibility in accordance with its mandate,” the lawmaker added. Condemning the new wave of aggression by Azerbaijan, MP Alkhas Ghazaryan said “in this context, Russian peacekeepers must take all necessary actions to ensure the establishment of stability in their area of responsibility.”
Author: Hovik Karapetian
Armenpress: Azerbaijani soldier transferred back after crossing border into Armenia
Azerbaijani soldier transferred back after crossing border into Armenia
00:29, 3 August 2022
YEREVAN, AUGUST 3, ARMENPRESS. Armenian servicemembers patrolling the border zone in Gegharkunik Province found an Azerbaijani soldier who had crossed the Armenia-Azerbaijan border around 13:30, July 23.
The soldier was identified as Private Kamiz M. Ibayev, a serviceman of the Azeri armed forces, the Armenian Ministry of Defense said in a press release.
The Armenian military said that it clarified that the Azeri soldier got lost.
On August 3, the Armenian Defense Ministry said that Private Ibayev was handed over to the Azerbaijani side through the Russian peacekeeping contingent of Nagorno Karabakh.
Frank Pallone critical of UN GA president over deleting tweet about his visit to Armenian genocide memorial
ARMINFO
Armenia – Aug 2 2022
Marianna Mkrtchyan
ArmInfo. U.S. Congress member Frank Pallone has criticized President of the UN General Assembly Abdulla Shahid over deleting a tweet about his visit to the Armenian genocide memorial in Yerevan.
“33 countries, including the United States, have formally recognized the Armenian genocide. The UN should not be complicit in Turkey’s rejection of history. UN_PGA Abdulla Shahid was wrong for deleting his tweet and capitulating to pressure from Turkey,” Mr Pallone tweeted.
On Wednesday, Abdulla Shahid visited the Tsitsernakabert memorial to some 1.5 million Armenians massacred by the Ottoman Turks during the First World War. He also toured the adjacent Museum-Institute of the Armenian Genocide.
“Laid a wreath at the Memorial to the Victims of Armenian Genocide,” Shahid tweeted afterwards. “Special thanks to Museum-Institute Director Harutyun Marutian & Hasmik Martirosian for a tour of the Museum.” The post was removed several hours later, Shahid declined comments.
Government approves affordable mortgage program for over 500 servicemembers
11:32, 28 July 2022
YEREVAN, JULY 28, ARMENPRESS. The government approved an affordable mortgage program for more than 500 military servicemen.
The Deputy Minister of Defense Arman Sargsyan said at the Cabinet meeting that all registered servicemembers in 2022 will be granted the privilege.
Deputy Prime Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan said the government will subsidize the 10% of the principal amount of the mortgage loans and 3% of the interest rate.
“1018 servicemen applied for this program in 2022 and 492 were granted the certificates by priority and draws. After adopting this decision, the remaining 526 servicemen will also be granted the required certificate for the loans. All registered servicemen will have the chance to benefit from this important program which improves social guarantees,” Matevosyan said.
Armenia intends to increase trade volume with Iran to $1bn
IRNA – Islamic Republic News Agency
July 30 2022
Tabriz, IRNA – Ambassador of Armenia to Iran emphasizing the need to increase his country’s trade volume with Iran, said that efforts are made to increase Iran-Armenia annual trade volume to one billion dollars.
Ambassador Arsen Avagyan in his Friday evening meeting with the governor-general of East Azarbaijan province said that Iran’s neighboring provinces with Armenia have great importance for his country, and requested the governor-general for establishment of a consular office in Tabriz.
“We are ready to have face to face meetings between the two countries merchants and businessmen and we invite West Azarbaijan province merchants and officials to visit Armenia’s Syunik province,” he said.
Ambassador Avagyan further reiterated that Aras border river is of significant importance for both Iran and Armenia and to ease the emerged environmental worries one of the mines has been shut down till required moves will be made to eliminate the environmental hazards.
He said that East Azarbaijan is the closest transit route for Armenia and buying the manufactured goods in that province is among Armenia’s priorities.
The governor of East Azarbaijan province, for his part, emphasized that that province is quite ready for boosting trade with neighboring countries, including Armenia, and said that one of the basic policies of the 13th Government is increasing interactions with neighboring countries, and the provinces have the required authorities for the purpose.
Abedin Khorram added that Tabriz and East Azarbaijan province play major and particular roles in various economic, cultural, and social scenes in Islamic Republic of Iran.
He said that increased trade and business between the two provinces of East Azarbaijan and Syunik is quite favorable for Iran.
Khorram also referred to the supreme scientific status of East Azarbaijan province in Iran, announcing that province’s readiness for establishment of a joint science and technology park, which can be turned into a regional export hub.
He said that the Aras River is of great importance for Iran and therefore, we expect Armenia to take major steps to control the entry of mining sewage water into it.
The governor said that the private sector of that province is active in various fields of foodstuff, industrial products, steel industry, machineries, and high quality technical and engineering services, which can be used in various economic and development projects of Armenia.
Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 29-07-22
18:06,
YEREVAN, 29 JULY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 29 July, USD exchange rate is up by 1.02 drams to 407.71 drams. EUR exchange rate is up by 5.31 drams to 417.45 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate is down by 0.09 drams to 6.63 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 3.76 drams to 496.55 drams.
The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.
Gold price is up by 573.33 drams to 22985.19 drams. Silver price is up by 7.96 drams to 253.32 drams. Platinum price stood at 16414.1 drams.
Shaping an Eco-Friendly Armenia
Hai Tahd means something different for everyone. To me, it means promoting the development and prosperity of Armenia through sustainability. During my visit to Armenia in 2018, I saw the need for environmental change in the region, and it sparked my desire to help instigate it. I hope to combine my background in environmental science and research with my love of activism and policy to shape an eco-friendly Armenia.
It is no secret that developing countries and marginalized communities are the most environmentally vulnerable. Poor infrastructure, high levels of pollution and limited access to resources often lead to poor environmental conditions, and thus, poor public health. Armenia is no exception and suffers from environmental issues including over-exploitation of natural resources, environmental pollution, illegal logging and poor management of water resources and waste. Access to energy resources proves to be challenging as there are little natural sources, so the grid relies on the importation of oil and gas into the country. As a result, Armenia has been relying on the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant for its energy which causes further problems in the form of radioactivity. Water consumption from Lake Sevan for irrigation is another current practice that has led to a decrease in the water level and is endangering the flora and fauna of the area. Lastly, deforestation as a result of illegal logging has proven to be a problem in the reduction of wood used to warm homes in the winter. While this is a threat to the well-being of citizens, the logging of trees also limits the region’s ability to counteract the pollution produced via chemical plants, cars, and other pollutants.
There have been efforts made in Armenia to resolve these issues. As part of the Paris Climate Agreement, Armenia’s Nationally Determined Contribution is to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent from 1990 emission levels and to increase forest cover to 12.9 percent. These initiatives, as well as others, make up the GREEN Armenia platform which is supported by the World Bank, the European Union and the United Nations Development Program. This platform aims to combine and optimize policies and investments that can further the development of a sustainable Armenia. Another effort that works toward the same goal includes the plan to build two new solar power plants that could replace the need for the energy produced by the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant. This effort is being made collaboratively between the Armenian government and private renewable energy companies which have plans to build the first new plant by 2025.
Solar panels on the roof of National Agrarian University in Yerevan (Photo: Arthur Grigoryan/Wikimedia)
Armenia will benefit greatly from these initiatives. First, the implementation of renewable energy would allow the country to be more energy self-sufficient and less vulnerable to the disruption of resources. As an example, pre-2020 Artsakh had seen great success with solar energy, which can be replicated in Armenia. These initiatives are being accomplished through policy changes within the Armenian government and through international aid from other countries; they have the potential for investment from the private sector.
Natalia Matossian at Tulane’s Earth and Environmental Department
At Tulane University, I conducted research in the geology department and discussed solutions to Armenia’s environmental challenges with classmates. This summer, as an ANCA Leo Sarkisian intern, I am looking to convert my research into concrete action through federal level advocacy — both in terms of US and Armenia priorities. On the Armenian environmental front in Armenia, the ANCA has worked to reverse the effects of deforestation in Armenia through legislation promoting debt-forgiveness for reforestation. These efforts can be expanded to support the further greening of Armenia through US assistance for solar farms and efficient irrigation systems. An environmentally sustainable Armenia promotes self-sufficiency, encourages development, decreases health risks among citizens and strengthens the economy. I look forward to working with key stakeholders in this sector — in the Armenian homeland and here in the US — to make this a reality.
Armenians drench each other at water festival
Updated: 26/07/2022
Screaming and water splashes – this is what the Armenian capital looks like during water festival Vardavar.
People bathe in fountains, shoot each other with water guns, pour water on the heads of passers-by from balconies – and no one gets offended.
Vardavar is a national festival unique to Armenia and counts as one of the craziest summer events in the country.
Watch the video report at
Russian Spy Chief Meets Armenian PM Days After CIA Chief Burns Did
July 19 2022
LONDON (Reuters) – The chief of Russia’s foreign spy service met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan this week, just three days after CIA Director William Burns visited Yerevan for talks, the Armenian government said.
Sergei Naryshkin, the director of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), met Pashinyan on July 18 in the same room where Pashinyan received Burns on July 15, according to pictures of the two meetings released by the Armenian government.
Armenian statements on the two meetings were similar: they discussed bilateral relations and also questions of international and regional security, including in the South Caucasus, the Armenian government said.
Russia’s Sputnik state news agency quoted Naryshkin as saying: “My visit to Yerevan is definitely not connected with the arrival of my American colleague. But I don’t exclude that his visit is on the contrary connected with mine.”
Armenia is a Russian ally and Moscow has peacekeeping troops in Nagorno-Karabakh, an ethnic Armenian-controlled region of Azerbaijan, where Armenian forces were driven back in a disastrous war against Azerbaijan in 2020. In recent months, Armenia has held talks aimed at normalising relations with its NATO-member neighbour Turkey.
(Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Peter Graff)
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-07-19/russian-spy-chief-meets-armenian-pm-days-after-cia-chief-burns-did
Armenia digitizes civil procedure system
11:20,
YEREVAN, JULY 21, ARMENPRESS. Civil procedure will be digitized in Armenia.
Minister of Justice Karen Andreasyan said at the Cabinet meeting that a tender has already been held for this process and that the civil procedure can be digitized after making the relevant financial re-distribution.
348 million drams will be spent on the digitization.
“By saying digitization, we mean that lawyers will be able to present the lawsuits, motions and evidence from their office. The trials can also be held online, without people visiting the courthouse,” Andreasyan said.
The same approach will be applied to the administrative and criminal procedures in the future as well.