Category: 2018

                                        Thursday, 
Armenian Minister Withdraws Resignation
        • Karlen Aslanian
        • Ruzanna Stepanian
Armenia - Labor and Social Affairs Minister Mane Tandilian speaks at a cabinet 
meeting in Yerevan, .
Labor and Social Affairs Minister Mane Tandilian on Thursday withdrew her 
resignation which she tendered last week in protest against the Armenian 
government’s decision to complete a controversial pension reform.
Tandilian announced her decision after Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian pledged 
to consider amending a new pension system that will become mandatory on July 1 
for all Armenians born after 1973.
Tandilian was one of the organizers of street protests in 2014 against the 
reform requiring those citizens to finance a large part of their future 
pensions through additional tax payments. The protests forced Armenia’s former 
government to make the new system, recommended by Western donors, optional for 
private sector employees until July 2018.
Shortly after Pashinian appointed her as minister last month, Tandilian 
proposed that this deadline be extended by one more year. The new government 
turned down the proposal, sticking to its predecessor’s plans. The only 
concession it made was to get the Armenian parliament to temporarily cut the 
new pension tax rate from 5 percent to 2.5 percent.
Tandilian cited the government’s stance when she stepped down on June 12.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting in Yerevan, Pashinian said that he did not accept 
the resignation. He said he and the minister have agreed to work together on 
“making that system more acceptable.”
“We need to dispel all doubts existing in the society and among ourselves in 
order to be sure that we are on the right track,” the premier told cabinet 
members. The new, partly privatized mechanism for retirement benefits needs a 
“very serious improvement,” he said without elaborating.
Shortly after the cabinet meeting, Tandilian wrote on her Facebook page that 
she will not resign after all. She said her ministry will draft amendments to 
Armenian pension legislation within the next two weeks. She expressed hope that 
they will be adopted by the parliament later this year.
The parliament, meanwhile, voted on Thursday to pass in the second and final 
reading a government bill that prompted the minister’s resignation letter.
EU Backs New Armenian Government’s Reform Agenda
        • Emil Danielyan
Belgium - EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Armenian Foreign 
Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanian arrive for a meeting of the EU-Armenia Partnership 
Council in Brussels, .
The European Union on Thursday voiced “full support” for sweeping reforms 
promised by Armenia’s new government and praised anti-corruption measures that 
have already been taken by it.
The EU’s foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, also said the 28-nation bloc 
is ready to help the government implement the “very ambitious” reform agenda 
and hold fresh parliamentary elections sought by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian.
“We agreed on the importance of combatting corruption ... and the concrete 
action that is already taken by the government in this field,” Mogherini said 
after holding what she called “extremely productive” talks with Armenian 
Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanian in Brussels.
“I was glad to hear about the government's determination and very ambitious 
agenda, with a focus on public administration and on the judiciary, which is an 
agenda that has our full support,” she told a joint news conference. “I 
reassured the minister on the EU intention and readiness to accompany this 
process every single step of the journey.”
“Upcoming visits of our European Union teams to Armenia will discuss now how 
the European Union can support the reforms in the country,” she added.
Mogherini and Mnatsakanian spoke to reporters after chairing the first session 
of the EU-Armenia Partnership Council, a body tasked with overseeing the 
implementation of a landmark agreement signed by the two sides last November.
The Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) offers the South 
Caucasus state the prospect of a closer relationship with the EU in return for 
major political and economic reforms. It also commits Yerevan to gradually 
“approximating” Armenian economic laws and regulations to the EU’s legal 
framework.
Mnatsakanian reaffirmed his government’s stated commitment to the CEPA. He 
described the 350-page accord as an “important instrument for Armenia to 
advance its reforms.” Accordingly, he called on EU member states to quickly 
ratify it.
The Armenian parliament ratified the CEPA in April, paving the way for the 
deal’s provisional entry into force this month.
Belgium - The EU-Armenia Partnership Council holds its first meeting in 
Brussels, .
“The Partnership Council welcomed the peaceful nature of the recent protests in 
Armenia, which led to a democratic change of government in accordance with the 
Constitutional framework,” read a joint statement released after the meeting.
It said the EU side welcomed the Armenian government’s “clear commitment to 
fight against corruption” and “expressed its readiness to assist Armenia with 
the organization and monitoring of new elections.”
Pashinian, who led the massive protests, has repeatedly made clear his 
intention to force such elections in the months ahead since being elected prime 
minister on May 8.
Mogherini reaffirmed the EU’s 2017 pledge to allocate 160 million euros ($185 
million) in fresh assistance to Armenia over the next four years. She would not 
say explicitly whether the EU could provide extra financial aid to the new 
authorities in Yerevan in support of their reform effort.
Mogherini was also non-committal on the lifting of the EU’s visa requirements 
for Armenian nationals sought by both the current and previous Armenian 
governments. She argued that visa liberalization has to be ultimately approved 
by the European Council, the EU’s top decision-making body directly 
representing the member states.
The issue was also on the agenda of the Partnership Council meeting, with 
Mnatsakanian saying that the two sides “exchanged views on starting a visa 
liberalization dialogue.” “We insist to be judged on our merits,” he said, 
adding that visa-free travel would strengthen Armenia’s links with Europe.
EU leaders said at a summit in 2015 that such a dialogue is contingent on the 
“full implementation” of an EU-Armenia agreement on “readmission” of illegal 
immigrants.
The agreement was signed in April 2013 shortly after the EU eased some of its 
visa rules and procedures for Armenians. Armenia unilaterally abolished its 
visa regime for EU citizens around that time.
Mogherini noted on Thursday the readmission agreement is “being well 
implemented.”
Armenian ‘Crime Bosses’ Rounded Up By Police
        • Tatev Danielian
Armenia - A screenshot of official video of police raiding the homes of reputed 
crime figures and detaining them, .
The Armenian police reported two arrests on Thursday after raiding the homes of 
around three dozen men described as major crime figures.
A police statement specified the names as well as underworld nicknames of the 
individuals whose homes in Yerevan and other parts of Armenia were searched on 
Wednesday. It said law-enforcement officers found weapons, ammunition and 
“substances resembling narcotics” in some of them.
All of those men were then taken to police stations for further questioning. 
The statement referred to them as “thieves-in-law” and “criminal authorities,” 
terms commonly applied to crime bosses in the former Soviet Union.
A spokesman for the national police service, Zarzand Gabrielian, said two of 
them were placed under arrest. “They are Aleksandr Makarain nicknamed ‘Alo’ and 
Andranik Harutiunian nicknamed ‘Masivtsi Andik,’” he told RFE/RL’s Armenian 
service (Azatutyun.am). “The others were interrogated and released.”
Gabrielian added that the detained men have not been formally charged yet.
The police statement and a video attached to it said that the raids were 
sanctioned by courts as part of an unspecified “criminal case.” It did not 
elaborate.
The national police chief, Valeri Osipian, also declined to go into details 
when he spoke to journalists on Thursday. “Everyone in the Republic of Armenia 
must obey the laws,” he said vaguely.
Artur Sakunts, a veteran human rights campaigner, welcome the police raids, 
saying that they are part of the new Armenian authorities’ efforts to 
strengthen the rule of law in the country. “They are taking clear steps on the 
basis on the notion that the criminal underworld and its rules cannot be part 
of government,” he said.
Sakunts claimed that Armenia’s former leaders relied on reputed crime figures 
in falsifying election results. The latter will now be discouraged from any 
involvement in political processes, he said.
Press Review
“Zhoghovurd” comments on the latest bellicose statements made by Azerbaijani 
Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, saying that they run counter to the 
international community’s regular calls for a peaceful resolution of the 
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. “It is not hard to guess the reason for this 
Azerbaijani rhetoric,” writes the paper. “They did not like the new Armenian 
government’s position on bringing Karabakh back to the negotiating table, and 
the tough Azerbaijani rhetoric is a response to that.”
“Aravot” disapproves of what it sees as unrestrained verbal abuse directed at 
Manvel Grigorian, an arrested former army general accused of corruption. “If 
you are so brave, speak about those who are still on top,” says the paper. “In 
emotional terms, stealing food parcels sent to soldiers by schoolchildren can 
only cause shock and anger.” But, it says, there are also many other corrupt 
individuals in the country.
“Hraparak” similarly says that “honest and legitimate anger about the army must 
not turn into a wave of repression and manhunt” and that relatives of former 
and current officials accused of corruption “must not suffer.” “We learned 
yesterday that the family of a lawyer defending Manvel Grigorian is having 
serious problems,” writes the paper. “They have even started harassing and 
abusing children.”
Citing the latest data from the National Statistical Service, “Haykakan 
Zhamanak” reports that economic growth in Armenia somewhat slowed down in May. 
The paper insists that “this is a fairly good indicator” given the recent 
nationwide protests that thrust the country into turmoil. “Revolutions are 
usually accompanied by economic shocks,” it explains. “But Armenia not only 
avoided such shocks but also achieved an increase in economic activity.”
(Tigran Avetisian)
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2018 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
www.rferl.org

Arminfo, Armenia
The Armenian government from now on will deal with the issue of the
qualification of charitable programs
Yerevan June 20
Alexander Avanesov. The government of Armenia will now engage in the
qualification of charitable programs. Amendments to the law "On
Charity" were made at an extraordinary meeting of the National
Assembly of the Republic of Armenia on June 20 in the first reading.
According to the First Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of
Armenia Artur Hovhannisyan, before the adoption of the submitted
document, the Commission for the Coordination of Charitable Programs
was involved in determining the charity. But this structure, stressed
the deputy minister, can not be considered a state body. Now this
right will be granted to the government, which will be established by
the body, which is called upon to deal with issues related to charity.
Thus, the government will undertake the definition of the concept of
charity in order to minimize the possibility of obtaining benefits by
individual structures. "If an organization engaged in charity does not
want to use the benefits provided for charitable activities, then no
one can hinder it," the deputy minister underscored, adding at the
same time that the document presented does not reduce or widen the
circle of beneficiaries. "The principles, concepts of charity remain
the same, the law does not limit the implementation of charity. The
law says: dear patron, if you, while doing charity, are hoping for
something else - get a title from the president of Armenia, tax
privilege - the state will also support you, turn to we will see if
this program is charitable or not, and if you do not have the
expectation of this privilege, then you can continue your charity,
there are no obstacles for that," Artur Hovhannisyan stated.

Arminfo, Armenia
French entrepreneurs interested in implementing investment programs in Armenia
Yerevan June 20
Alina Hovhannisyan. French entrepreneurs are interested in
implementing investment programs in Armenia, taking into account the
possibility of exit through Armenia to the markets of the EAEC
countries. This was stated by members of the France-Armenia
parliamentary friendship group during a meeting with Prime Minister
Nikol Pashinyan.
As the press service of the government reports, Jacques Marilossian,
who headed the group of French deputies, noted that positive changes
are felt in the country, including in the business environment. He
noted that the evidence of this is the opinion of French entrepreneurs
doing business in Armenia.
"I am confident that the changes will attract new investments to
Armenia from France. Any foreign investor in our country will not have
any problems and should work in equal conditions. We are aware of the
great responsibility that has been assumed by the people, and in this
regard we hope for the assistance of our external partners interested
in the economic and democratic development of Armenia, "the prime
minister said.
At the same time, Pashinyan noted that the parliamentary diplomacy
plays an important role in the Armenian-French relations and expressed
hope that the bilateral cooperation will continue to deepen at various
international venues. The prime minister, recalling Armenia's
transition to a parliamentary form of government, in this connection
stressed the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary ties.
Speaking about the Francophonie, which will be held this fall in
Yerevan, the premier assured that the event will be held at a high
level.
According to the source, during the meeting the parties discussed a
number of issues related to the development of the Armenian-French
cooperation in the economic, educational and cultural spheres.
According to the Armenian National Statistical service data, the
foreign trade turnover between Armenia and France in 2017 was $ 82.1
million, with an annual growth of 44.6%. In particular, exports
increased by 17% to $ 4.5 million, with imports increasing by 46.6% to
$ 77.6 million.

ArmenPress, Armenia
Armenia holds panel on Digital Technologies and Humanitarian Response
at the United Nations
YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. On 19 June, the Permanent Mission of
Armenia to the UN, in partnership with the Armenian General Benevolent
Union (AGBU), organized a panel on Humanitarian response at the UN
Headquarters in New York. Bridging technology, innovation,
development, human rights and humanitarian agendas, the panel
discussed the role of social media and emerging information and
communications technologies in engaging populations affected by
crisis, ARMENPRESS correspondent reports from New York.
In his opening remarks, Mher Margaryan, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of
Armenia to the UN, highlighted that effective community engagement
remains an important priority in overall coordination of humanitarian
response. He noted that the UN system should do more to engage
affected populations and support those who amplify their voices.
The panel, moderated by Lara Setrakian, CEO, Co-Founder of News
Deeply, included Alexandra Sicotte-Lévesque, a representative of the
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
(IFRC) and Andrej Verity, a representative of the UN Office for
Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Panelists discussed the
ways, in which digital technologies can help improve and consolidate
the work of humanitarian actors, how their impact on the ground can be
assessed in terms of the quality and effectiveness.
The panel brought together representatives of the UN member states, UN
agencies, academia, as well as a large number of civil society
representatives. Also participating was travel blogger and journalist
Alexander Lapshin who, while presenting his case, reflected on
instances of attacks, threats and intimidation against journalists and
media activists, as well as attempts to politicize the issue of access
to conflict zones.
Below is the transcript of Mr. Margaryan’s remarks at the event.
“It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to a panel discussion on the
role of social media and digital technologies in times of disasters
and crises organized by the Permanent Mission of Armenia to the UN, in
cooperation with our long-standing partner, Armenian General
Benevolent Union (AGBU).
The topic of today’s panel is central to addressing the very many
challenges and disturbing realities of our times, in so many parts of
the world. Improved humanitarian coordination and response will be
critical to help mitigate situations of crisis where the right to life
of the human being is increasingly threatened. Community engagement
remains an important priority in overall coordination of humanitarian
response, and deserves special focus.
26 years ago, when Armenia became a UN member state, we had to make
our way in the world of humanitarian and development assistance,
which, back then, had a different set of actors, policies and
problems. Since then, the international cooperation landscape has
become much more complex, in particular, in the face of multiple
challenges and threats we are facing.
The global wave of displacement has brought about a large number of
risks and instabilities, which require a collective response on an
international level, including through better coordination on matters
of border management, migration and fight against trafficking –
important areas of international cooperation effectively embraced and
supported by Armenia.
Armenia is deeply concerned and is closely following the ongoing
refugee crisis and the developments in our wider region. More than
22.000 displaced persons have sought protection in Armenia over the
past few years.
We continue to implement facilitated integration and settlement
programs for the displaced people, and, in this regard, it is
important to give due acknowledgements to the invaluable role of
international institutions, non-governmental sector, Diaspora and
faith-based organizations for having supported our country in
alleviating the needs of refugees over the years. In Armenia, we have
been privileged to have a vibrant and ever-stronger civil society,
which is an integral part of our public life, and we see merit in
continuously supporting the efforts of the civil society, also on a
global level, as an important contribution to humanitarian and
development response.
Within the United Nations, Armenia has been consistently supporting
the promotion of human rights, including, most notably, through the
concept and the practice of prevention. This implies a focus on the
early action to prevent situations, which, if not addressed, result in
conflicts and atrocity crimes. To this end, since 1998, Armenia has
been leading the international efforts to underpin the significance of
the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of
Genocide, as well as to construct solid foundations for prevention. In
2015, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted resolution tabled by
Armenia, which proclaimed the 9th of December as an International Day
of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide
and of the Prevention of that Crime. This landmark resolution followed
up on resolution unanimously adopted by the UN Human Rights Council,
upon Armenia’s initiative. High-level events in observance of the
9thof December have since been held regularly at the United Nations
and across the world, to pay tribute to those who fell victims of past
inaction. The establishment and the regular observance of the
International Day adds to the continued efforts of Armenia to promote
consolidated international action against the crime of genocide.
Armenia continues to exert resolute efforts in promoting consolidated
international action against the crime of genocide. Since 2015 Armenia
has been regularly hosting a Global Forum Against the Crime of
Genocide, attended by political, public, religious, academic, civil
society and media representatives from all over the world. The 2018
Global Forum will focus on the role of education and media in
eliminating hatred, intolerance and xenophobia. We encourage all
member states and all relevant bodies and entities of the United
Nations to bring their participation.
Over the past three years, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity has
been honored in Armenia, in recognition of modern day humanitarians.
Earlier this month, a 1 mln. dollar Prize, established on behalf of
the survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to their
saviors, was awarded to its third recipient since 2015, to offer life
and hope to those in need of humanitarian assistance.
Today’s panel will look into the role of social media and ICT in
engaging populations affected by crisis. We look forward to an active
dialogue on how social media and ICTs can help improve and consolidate
the work of humanitarian actors, how their impact on the ground can be
assessed in terms of the quality, relevance and effectiveness and what
are the major challenges undermining the credibility and validity of
such communication channels.
With this, I am happy to introduce our distinguished panelists, - Ms.
Alexandra Sicotte-Lévesque, who is the Manager for Community
Engagement at the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red
Crescent (IFRC). Prior to IFRC, Alexandra was the Global Adviser for
Community Engagement at the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (UNOCHA) supporting field offices in implementing community
engagement strategies and leading policy at headquarters.
I am also pleased to introduce Mr. Andrej Verity, Information
Management Officer at the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs and a co-founder of the Digital Humanitarian Network.
Alexander brings over 17 years of experience in information management
field, with at last 13 years in the humanitarian realm.
And finally, it is my pleasure to introduce the moderator of today’s
panel, Ms. Lara Setrakian, who, for so many of you, I am sure, needs
no introduction. Lara is the CEO and Executive Editor of News Deeply,
a network of digital media platforms that convene stakeholders and
passionate communities on the world's biggest challenges, previously,
a correspondent for ABC News and Bloomberg Television, covering the
Middle East. Lara is a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum
and a Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
With that, I am very happy to pass the floor to Lara, who will take
this conversation forward.
I thank you”.

ArmenPress, Armenia
Turkey's denial policy is concerning and condemnable, says Deputy
Speaker Eduard Sharmzanov
YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Eduard
Sharmazanov, who is the head of the Armenia-Greece parliamentary
friendship group, had a meeting on June 19 with Konstantinos Morfidis,
head of the Greek delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the
Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) during his visit to Albania.
During the meeting, Sharmazanov attached importance to strengthening
the existing relations between Armenia and Greece and expanding
cooperation areas.
Speaking about cooperation of parliamentary delegations of the two
countries in international structures, the sides attached importance
to the need to support each other.
Sharmazanov expressed hope that the Greek parliament will soon ratify
the EU-Armenia CEPA.
Speaking about the international recognition process of the Armenian
Genocide, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament of Armenia thanked Greece
for adopting the law on criminalizing the denial of genocides. He
reminded that the Armenian parliament in turn has adopted the
resolution on condemning the 1915-1923 genocide of Greeks and
Assyrians committed by the Ottoman Turkey.
“Armenians and Greeks are peoples who survived genocides. Turkey’s
destructive and denial policy is concerning and condemnable”,
Sharmazanov said.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

ArmenPress, Armenia
Representatives of Azerbaijan and Turkey to participate in BSEC
ministerial meeting in Yerevan
YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. Representatives of Azerbaijan and Turkey
will participate in the meetingof the Council ofMinistersofForeign
Affairs of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.
ARMENPRESS reports the delegation of all the member states will arrive
in Armenia on June 27. Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria,
Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkey and Ukraine
are the BSEC members.
Agriculture and agro-industry, banking and finance, combating
organized crime, culture, customs matters, education, emergency
assistance, energy, environmental protection, exchange of statistical
data and economic information, healthcare and pharmaceutics,
information and communication technologies, institutional renewal and
good governance, science and technology, SMEs, tourism, trade and
economic development and transport are among the main fields of
cooperation within the framework of the Organization. BSEC covers an
area of nearly 20 million square kilometers. It represents a region of
337 million people, reaching an intra-BSEC trade volume of USD 167.3
billion annually.
The principal regular decision making organ of the Organization of the
Black Sea Economic Cooperation is the Council of the Ministers of
Foreign Affairs.The Council meets twice a year, but in case of
necessity special or non-formal meetings are convened.
Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

ArmenPress, Armenia
Armenia's Security Council Secretary comments on information about
intentions to acquire Russian fighter jets
YEREVAN, JUNE 20, ARMENPRESS. The new authorities of Armenia, the
Defense Ministry have set a task to develop the sphere of aviation,
Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan told
RFE/RL's ArmenianService, commenting on Kommersant’s information,
according to which the Armenian air forces can soon be replenished
with Russian multifunctional jets.
“The new authorities of Armenia have set a task to develop the
aviation. Currently a number of options are discussed. I think a final
conclusion will be made very soon to understand our resources and the
ways of using them aimed at reinforcing the Armenian army”, ARMENPRESS
reports Armen Grigoryan as saying.
Kommersant newspaper published an article recently, according to
whichRussia has intentions to supply Armenia with Su-30SM fighter
jets.
It’s mentioned that before the power change in Armenia the leadership
of the country cancelled the purchase of multifunctional Su-30SM jets
until 2024. The contract between the sides had been signed in 2012,
but never entered into force. The newspaper informs that Russia plans
to implement the contract with the new authorities of Armenia. It’s
mentioned that Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan has already
been inside Su-30SM and called the fighter jet one of the best in the
world.
The newspaper writes that talks about Armenia's desire to acquire
Su-30SM jets started after the Armenian PM posted a photo on his
Facebook page inside the jet in Yerevan’s Erebuni airport.
Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan