Author: Kevo Kalantarian

Asbarez: Hayasat-1 Satellite, Developed in Armenia, Has Successful Launch

Kevo Kalantarian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 December 1, 2023

 

in Armenia, Featured Main, Latest, News, Top Stories, Videos

First satellite developed in Armenia launches on Dec. 1


Hayasat-1, the first satellite developed by Armenian specialists in Armenia was launched on Friday into space by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from the Vandenberg Air Base in Santa Barbara, Calif., News.am reported.

The satellite is unique in that it constantly rotates around the axis of the Earth and is oriented in the same way with respect to the Sun. That is, every time the satellite crosses the earth’s equator at about the same time, at that moment we have communication sessions.

According to preliminary data, on Saturday morning it will already be possible to communicate with the satellite. This still does not mean that the connection will work, because the satellite has been off for a long time, from the Netherlands to the U.S., and during this time the batteries may have gradually lost their charge, which means that it may not have enough charge to immediately start its functions.

Later it will charge in the sunlight, become ready for operation, and open the antennae. However, the Armenian specialists will try to use the first opportunity on Saturday to contact the satellite. There are also many other satellites in the rocket.

The flight was originally planned for November 29, but it was postponed for two days.

The Hayasat-1 satellite was created by the Bazoomq Space Research Laboratory and the Center for Scientific Innovation and Education and is the second Armenian satellite to be launched into space, but it is the first one developed and created by Armenian specialists in Armenia.

The satellite is equipped with sensors that measure the intensity of light falling on its different sides, magnetometers that act as a compass for the satellite, magnetometers that dampen the rotation of the satellite, sensors that measure the temperatures of the most critical parts of various modules, as well as inertial sensors that measure changes in orientation.

It also has a secondary payload, the measurements of which will provide data on the satellite’s rotations, position and motion. It consists of a GPS receiver with its antennas and an experimental inertial measurement unit (IMU) designed and built in Armenia.

Russia blocks Armenian goods over ‘sanitary concerns’

Kevo Kalantarian
Nov 28 2023
 28 November 2023

ByArshaluys Barseghyan

Russian customs have blocked the entry of a number of Armenian lorries for ‘violating sanitary measures’, as relations between the two countries continue to deteriorate.

An unknown number of lorries have been at the border between Georgia and Russia, since 23 November.

On Monday, Garnik Danielyan, an opposition MP from the Armenia faction, stated that several Armenian lorries have already returned to Armenia, while ‘about 200 others are waiting in line’.

A representative of Rose Field, a company that has lorries stuck at the border, told Hetq that Russia was barring the entry of the lorries because it ‘trying to oppress Armenia economically. The reason is that Armenia is changing its political trajectory.’

‘There has always been phytosanitary control, either formally or normally, but there was no such problem as the widespread banning of exports’, they added. 

The lorries are believed to be carrying fruits, vegetables, flowers, and fish, some of Armenia’s main exports to Russia. According to Hetq, Armenian exports to Russia have dramatically increased since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, as Russia has sought to replace supplies previously coming from the West.

Russian customs officers reportedly told Rose Field that the order not to let the lorries through had ‘come from Moscow’.

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This week, Russian media reported that queues in Upper Lars had been getting longer because weather conditions had limited access to some roads. On Tuesday, Kommersant reported that up to 2,600 lorries were waiting at the border.

On Sunday, Armenia’s State Revenue Committee stated that it was holding ‘regular discussions […] to settle the situation’. 

Once news broke of the Armenian lorries being denied entry into Russia, Armenian opposition groups shifted the blame on to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government for snubbing several high-level Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) meetings.

‘I think Russia is sending certain messages [to Yerevan]’, Artur Khachatryan, an opposition MP from the Armenia Alliance, told RFE/RL.

He added that Moscow was retaliating against Pashinian’s decision not to participate in the Minsk CSTO summit at the end of November. 

[Read more: Lukashenka urges Armenia to ‘seriously consider’ not leaving the CSTO]

Armenia’s relations with Russia have been rapidly deteriorating since the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War in 2020, with Yerevan seemingly pushing itself away from the Moscow-led CSTO and Commonwealth of Independent States in favour of closer ties with the West.

In addition to the Minsk summit that Pashinyan sat out in November, Armenia refused to host joint CSTO peacekeeping exercises and refused to take part in two other CSTO drills in autumn.

Yerevan also refused to send a representative to serve as the CSTO’s deputy secretary general in March.

Russia has frequently introduced restrictions of imports from neighbouring countries on ‘sanitary grounds’, including Armenia, during times of heightened tension.

In early October, as the Armenian Parliament prepared to ratify the International Criminal Court’s Rome Statute after the court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia reportedly held 60 Armenian lorries for a week at the border. 

In late October, after Pashinyan gave a speech at the European Parliament in which he criticised Armenia’s security allies, Russian MPs decided to postpone discussions of a draft law that would recognise Armenian driving licenses for the purpose of entrepreneurial and labour activities. 


State budget revenue grows 13,8%

Kevo Kalantarian

 11:43,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. State budget revenue comprised 1 trillion 708 billion drams in the nine months of 2023, amounting to a 13,8% growth compared to the same period of 2022, Deputy Finance Minister Vahan Sirunyan told lawmakers Monday.

“The state budget revenues were outperformed compared to the plan,” Sirunyan told MPs at a parliamentary committee hearing on the budget performance. “Revenues amounted to 1 trillion 708 billion drams in the nine months of 2023, growing 13,8% compared to the same period of 2022. The expenditures amounted to 1 trillion 633 billion drams, growing 12,7% compared to the same period of 2022, while the execution was 84,6%,” he said.

The surplus was 74,6 billion drams against the originally projected 248,4 billion deficit.

Germany to provide necessary assistance to forcibly displaced persons from Karabakh, says German official

Kevo Kalantarian

 19:01,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received Niels Annen, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany.

The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the resumption of the negotiations on Armenian-German development cooperation, which had not happened since 2014. Nikol Pashinyan highlighted the inclusion of Armenia in the framework of the "BMZ-2030" reform strategy by the German government. According to the Prime Minister, recently a new dynamic has been recorded in the relations between the two countries, there is a great potential to expand cooperation and the Armenian government is interested in fully realizing it, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.

Niels Annen noted that the resumption of the Armenian-German intergovernmental negotiations is a conscious decision of the German government, taking into account the steps and reforms aimed at the development and strengthening of democracy in Armenia.

 Mr. Annen added that within the framework of the "BMZ-2030" reform strategy, it is planned to implement projects with Armenia in the areas of economic promotion, energy, vocational education, tourism and other directions. According to the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany, the above-mentioned programs will contribute to increasing the interest of German companies to operate in Armenia.

The humanitarian problems of more than 100,000 forcibly displaced people from Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing policy, as well as the steps taken by the Armenian government to overcome them were discussed.

Niels Annen noted that he had a meeting with people forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh in Ararat region and added that the German government is preparing to provide the necessary assistance to contribute to the solution of existing problems.

The sides exchanged ideas on the processes taking place in the region.




Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 22-11-23

Kevo Kalantarian

 17:03,

YEREVAN, 22 NOVEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 22 November, USD exchange rate down by 0.15 drams to 402.41 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 2.01 drams to 438.63 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 4.56 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.91 drams to 504.10 drams.

The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals.

Gold price up by 480.85 drams to 25960.95 drams. Silver price up by 1.77 drams to 304.43 drams.

Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia meets with Chair of the Committee of Georgian Parliament

Kevo Kalantarian

 21:37,

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 20, ARMENPRESS. On November 20, Deputy Foreign Minister Paruyr Hovhannisyan had a meeting with Maka Bochorishvili, the Chair of the Committee on European Integration of the Parliament of Georgia, who is in Armenia to participate in the autumn session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

''The discussion revolved around the current level of dialogue between the two countries and the European Union, ongoing cooperation within the Eastern Partnership and other format as well as further steps.

At Bochorishvili's request, Deputy Minister Hovhannisyan provided updates on the security situation around Armenia, steps taken to normalize relations with Azerbaijan, efforts to unblock regional communication channels, and the activity and the importance of the EU monitoring mission in Armenia,'' reads the statement.




A Beginner’s Guide to Investing in Armenian Stocks

Kevo Kalantarian
Gillett News
Nov 11 2023

Armenia, a small yet rapidly developing country in the South Caucasus region, presents a wealth of investment opportunities for those looking to venture into the world of stocks. With its flourishing economy and thriving stock market, buying Armenian stocks can be a profitable endeavor. If you’re eager to get started on this new investment journey, here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you navigate the process.

Step 1: Selecting a Brokerage Firm
To buy stocks in Armenia, you’ll first need to choose a brokerage firm that operates within the country. Several reputable firms, such as Ameriabank, Araratbank, and Converse Bank, offer their services to investors. Take the time to compare the various firms based on factors like fees, services, and customer support to find the one that best suits your needs.

Step 2: Opening a Brokerage Account
Once you’ve decided on a brokerage firm, the next step is to open an account with them. This typically involves providing personal information and identification documents. Although the exact process may vary slightly between firms, it is generally a straightforward procedure that can be completed online.

Step 3: Funding Your Account
After successfully opening your brokerage account, it’s time to fund it. Most firms allow you to deposit funds through bank transfers or other accepted payment methods. The minimum deposit required may vary depending on the firm you have chosen.

Step 4: Researching and Selecting Stocks
Before making any investment decisions, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research on the stocks you’re interested in. Analyze the financial performance, market trends, and future prospects of the companies you’re considering. This will enable you to make well-informed decisions and minimize potential risks.

Step 5: Placing Your Order
Once you’ve selected the stocks you wish to purchase, you can place an order through your brokerage account. This can usually be done online or by getting in touch directly with your broker. Provide the desired number of shares you want to buy and the price at which you’re willing to make the purchase.

Q: What is a stock?
A: A stock, also known as a share or equity, represents ownership in a company. When you buy stocks, you become a shareholder and have the potential to earn profits through dividends or capital appreciation.

Q: How can I monitor my investments?
A: Most brokerage firms offer online platforms or mobile applications that allow you to monitor your investments in real-time. These platforms provide access to market data, stock prices, and other relevant information.

Q: Are there any risks involved in buying stocks?
A: Yes, investing in stocks carries inherent risks. Stock prices can be volatile, and there is always a possibility of losing money. It’s important to diversify your portfolio, conduct thorough research, and seek professional advice if needed.

Q: Can foreigners buy stocks in Armenia?
A: Absolutely! Foreigners are permitted to buy stocks in Armenia. The process is similar to that of Armenian residents and requires opening a brokerage account with a local firm.

In essence, purchasing stocks in Armenia involves carefully selecting a brokerage firm, opening an account, funding it, conducting thorough research, and placing orders. As is the case with any investment, it’s essential to comprehend the associated risks and make informed decisions. By following these steps and staying well-informed, you can participate in Armenia’s growing stock market and potentially achieve significant rewards.

EU launches two calls for proposals to foster cross-border collaboration and pluralism – open for Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine

Kevo Kalantarian
Nov 9 2023
 

The European Union launched a new call for proposals on 26 October for journalism partnerships, split into two topics – one focused on cross-border collaboration and one on local media pluralism. The programme will help independent media become more sustainable and resilient and promote respect for the core principles of media freedom, pluralism and civic participation.

The first topic, “Collaborations”, aims to foster media transformation, trustworthy reporting and skills for news media professionals, for instance by developing media production standards, new models of business, new types of newsrooms and journalistic formats and exchanging best practices. The cumulative budget is €6 million with a maximum of €2 million per project, accounting for 80% of the total eligible costs.

The second topic, “Pluralism”, aims to support news media sectors of special relevance to democracy and civic participation, notably local and regional media, community media, investigative journalism and organisations delivering public interest news. The tender is meant for organisations with experience in media to put in cascading grants, and totals €5 million with a maximum of €3 million per project, accounting for 90% of the total eligible costs.

The two tenders are open to organisations in EU Member States and members of the Creative Europe Programme, including Armenia, Georgia and Ukraine.

The deadline for applications is 14 February 2024.

The grants encompass the Cross Sectoral Strand under the Creative Europe Programme in accordance with the 2024 Work Programme and will be managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

The Strand addresses the structural and technological changes faced by the media sector

by promoting an independent and pluralistic media environment. It also supports high-quality media production standards by fostering cooperation, digital skills, cross-border collaborative journalism, and quality content.

Find out more

Tender 1 – Collaborations

Tender 2 – Pluralism

https://euneighbourseast.eu/opportunities/eu-launches-two-calls-for-proposals-to-foster-cross-border-collaboration-and-pluralism-open-for-armenia-georgia-ukraine/

South Korea to open embassy in Armenia

Kevo Kalantarian

 10:51, 8 November 2023

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 8, ARMENPRESS. South Korea plans to open an embassy in Armenia, Korea JoongAng Daily reports citing the South Korean Foreign Ministry.

Armenia’s Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan earlier said that Armenia wants to establish a resident diplomatic representation in Seoul.

South Korea has in turn notified Armenia that it intends to establish a resident embassy in Yerevan in the first half of next year, Mirzoyan said.