Category: 2020

Armenian parliament asks Constitutional Court to postpone July 7 hearing on Article 300.1 legality

Alex Nanijanian
Panorama, Armenia
July 3 2020

A representative of the Armenian National Assembly in the Constitutional Court has petitioned the top court to postpone the July 7 hearing on the legality of Article 300.1 of Armenia’s Criminal Code dealing with “overthrow of the constitutional order”, a provision which is at issue in former President Robert Kocharyan’s case.

The official has asked the court to provide the National Assembly with the Armenian versions of the advisory opinions issued by the ECHR and the Venice Commission on the matter, as well as set a reasonable period of time for lawmakers to get acquainted with them, the parliament’s press service reported.

Earlier in July 2019, Kocharyan and his lawyers, as well as judge Davit Grigoryan of the Yerevan Court of General Jurisdiction asked the highest court of Armenia to determine the constitutionality of Article 300.1.

The Constitutional Court in turn decided to request an advisory opinion on the matter from the ECHR and the Venice Commission, which offered their assessments in May and June this year, respectively.

In the meantime, Kocharyan’s lawyers decided to withdraw their appeal from the Constitutional Court a few days ago.

Armenian Anouch Toranian elected Deputy Mayor of Paris

Andranik Taslakhchian
Public Radio of Armenia
July 3 2020

<img width=”1502″ height=”955″ src=””https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/xAnouch-Toranian-Anne-Hidalgo-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.QK-w40pO7e.jpg” class=”attachment-full size-full wp-post-image” alt=”” srcset=”https://en.armradio.am/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/xAnouch-Toranian-Anne-Hidalgo-1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.QK-w40pO7e.jpg 1502w, 300w, 1024w, 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1502px) 100vw, 1502px”/>

Armenian Anouch Toranian has been elected Deputy Mayor of Paris. She will be in charge of community life, citizen participation and public debate

Anouch Toranian thus becomes the first elected representative of Armenian descent to a post of this level of responsibility in the French capital.

Born in Paris in 1991, Anouch Toranian holds Master’s degree in Public Law and International Relations from the Panthéon-Assas University and a Master’s in Public Administration from  the Paris Institute of Political Studies.  She  began her professional career in various public administrations and at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In 2018 she was appointed director of the French branch of the Armenian general Benevolent Union (AGBU).

The election comes in the wake of the campaign for the recent municipal election, where she was head of Anne Hildago’s list in the 15th arrondissement.

Anne Hidalgo won reelection in the French capital on June 28.

Hidalgo, Mayor since 2014, beat conservative candidate Rachida Dati in France’s municipal elections, winning 50.2% of the ballot compared to Dati’s 32%. Agnes Buzyn trailed in with just 16%.

She was backed by the Europe Ecology – The Greens party (EELV), which gained strong influence nationwide in Sunday’s voting.

French Armenian Jeanne Barseghian was .

Communist Party of Armenia issues statement on Russian-Armenian relations

Aram Torosian
News.am, Armenia
July 3 2020

22:34, 03.07.2020
                  

Armenia’s inability to solve pandemic-related economic problems

Lilit Nahapetian
Modern Diplomacy
July 3 2020
  
 
July 3, 2020
By Orkhan Baghirov
 
According to data from the Armenian government, in 2019 the country’s economy grew by about 7.6%,which was the highest figure since 2008. Further data from the Statistical Committee of Armenia show that the trade and service sectors were the main drivers of economic development. In the same period, 9% growth in industrial output and a 4% reduction in agricultural output were also recorded. Inspired by these growth numbers, during a cabinet meeting in January, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that he was confident that, as a result of the joint efforts of government members, even higher figures will be registered in 2020. However, as a result of subsequent pandemic-related events, his confidence disappeared and difficulties in solving economic problems have proven the inability of the Armenian government to act independently.
 
Since the declaration of an emergency situation on March 16, economic activity has significantly slowed, thus leading to the creation of various economic problems and a financial deficit. Even though some restrictions were softened in May, that did not lead to a noticeable increase in economic activity. As a result, the economic forecasts for Armenia in 2020 worsened. According to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the economy of Armenia will contract by about3.5% in 2020 as a result of global uncertainty and falling demand. However, the Armenian government is more optimistic in its prediction of a decline in GDP of 2%.
 
One of the main problems created by the pandemic-related economic restrictions is the impossibility of implementation of government-approved budget projects for 2020. As the forecast for Armenia’s GDP worsens, it will lead to lower tax revenues than initially planned for. According to the Finance Minister, Atom Janjughazyan, with the forecast 2% decline of GDP at the end of the year, tax revenues will decrease by about 10% compared with the planned volume. If the economy diminishes by more than 2%,that will lead to an even greater reduction in tax revenues. Janjughazyan also noted that the government plans to keep budget spending unchanged in order to mitigate the negative consequences and create the preconditions for a quick recovery. Although this decision could help to prevent social discontent and avert some economic problems, it could have long-lasting economic consequences by significantly increasing the budget deficit. With a reduction in taxes generated of about 10%, the budget deficit will double, reaching 5% of the projected GDP or $676.4 million (1 Armenian Dram=0.0021 USD). To run the budgeted projects with such a high level of deficit, the government will have to amend the budget legislation in order to exceed existing restrictions.
 
Another financial problem for Armenia is related to the implementation of support programs. As the emergency situation has substantially impacted economic development, the government has had to implement support programs. Even though these programs have been important in supporting the economy, they have also created financial problems as the government does not have enough resources to implement them independently. To support the economy, the government approved a support package of $315 million. Of these funds, $168 million will be used for long-term economic development programs;$52.5 million for the elimination of economic problems, social tension and liquidity issues; and $42 million for the redistribution of reserve funds. So far, the Armenian government has approved 20 crisis measures for the implementation of support programs.
 
Financing the high budget deficit and extensive support programs creates financial problems as Armenia does not have sufficient financial resources. Therefore, Armenia must attract funds from other countries or international financial institutions. Based on the calculations of the Armenian government for financing the combined support programs and budget deficit,it needs to raise an additional$546 million. Armenia already has a large volume of external debt (40% of GDP in 2019) and raising additional funds will significantly increase that debt. Taking on an additional $546 million of debt will increase the government’s external debt by about 10%. Taking into account that, during 2019, the total public debt of Armenia increased by about 14.8%, the increase of external debt by about 10% from only one source shows how seriously it will affect the financial security of the country.
 
Armenia also is facing economic problems in the energy sector. On April 1,GazpromArmenia, the Russian-owned natural gas distributing company, declared that it was going to ask the Public Services Regulatory Commission (PSRC) for changes to gas prices in Armenia. It proposed to set the same price for all customers beginning from July 1. This change would eliminate the discount for low-income families, thus leading to a 35% increase in price for them but a2.2% decrease for consumers that use up to 10,000 cubic meters of gas per month. The Armenian government was dissatisfied with the offered gas rates as it was already dealing with pandemic-related economic problems and it requested that Russia decrease the price of gas that they sell to Armenia.
 
As the talks with Russia did not lead to desired results, the PSRC accepted the changes but kept the price for domestic users and low-income families unchanged. The PSRC wants the average weighted price of 1,000 cubic meter of gas be set at $266.7 USD,$16.43 below the price that Gazprom Armenia had proposed. The price of natural gas will increase from $212 to $224 per thousand cubic meters for agricultural companies, and from $242 to $255.92for consumers who use more than 10,000 cubic meters of gas per month. The new prices will enter into force on July 19, except for thermal power plants. Despite the fact that PSRC was able to prevent price changes for ordinary citizens, the new rates will create unemployment problems. In order to operate with accepted price changes Gazprom Armenia has to lay off about 1500 employees and reduce its annual revenues about 6%.
 
The inability of the Armenian government to solve its economic problems with its own financial resources or to diversify its energy imports will lead to significant economic problems. Many countries around the world are facing economic and financial problems and are therefore looking to obtain foreign assistance, and this reduces opportunities to access foreign finance by intensifying competition. Therefore, it is not currently easy for Armenia to attract financial resources. The dependence of the energy sector on the price policies of other countries also creates economic instability. Even though the PSRC was able to avoid natural gas price rises for ordinary citizens, it cannot prevent unemployment issues and price rises for businesses. Therefore, countries that are dependent on foreign financial assistance and are unable to implement independent economic and energy policies during the pandemic and in the post-pandemic period will face serious economic issues. Taking into account that social and economic problems were among the main drivers of the change of government in Armenia in 2018,the pandemic-related economic problems will also have political consequences.
 
 
 

Armenian politician to opposition MP: ‘Keep going’

Emil Lazarian
Panorama, Armenia
July 3 2020
Politics 13:09 03/07/2020Armenia

Politician and public figure, President of the International Center for Human Development Tevan Poghosyan has reacted to the Facebook post of Minister of Health Arsen Torosyan addressed to MP Naira Zohrabyan from the opposition Prosperous Armenia faction of the Armenian National Assembly following the latter’s report of the missing body of an old coronavirus victim.

“When a public or political debate is not based on love and respect for the other person, when the goal is to push ahead one’s own intentions at all costs and to venerate one’s ego instead of trying to solve problems and to find the shortest path to the future, it necessarily yields the same result:  mutual insults and an atmosphere of intolerance,” the politician wrote.

“This time I will not apologize to anyone, especially to politicians with long-term experience and efficient workstyle. I will just voice my support [for the MP] or simply say, ‘Nar jan [dear], keep going!’,” he added. 

Armenia health minister being questioned in court

Aram Torosian
News.am, Armenia
July 3 2020

12:14, 03.07.2020

YEREVAN. – The Minister of Health of Armenia, Arsen Torosyan, is being questioned Friday in the court session on the criminal case against former Deputy Minister of Health Arsen Davtyan, and director of the Republican Institute of Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics and Gynecology (Maternity Hospital)  of Armenia, Razmik Abrahamyan.

To note, the minister had promised to answer the journalists’ questions after his questioning.

The court does not allow journalists to enter the courtroom.

According to the indictment, Arsen Davtyan, being an official, had taken a large bribe to provide backing for services and, by using his official position, to contribute to the carrying out of certain actions.

Also according to the indictment, Razmik Abrahamyan, being an official of the Ministry of Health, had given a large bribe to then Deputy Minister of Health Davtyan.

Armenia lines up for future coronavirus vaccine

Garnik Zakarian
JAM News
July 3 2020
03.07.2020
    JAMnews, Yerevan  

The Armenian Ministry of Health is already positioning the country to receive a future coronavirus vaccine as quickly as possible, Health Minister Arsen Torosyan announced on July 2 during a government meeting.

There is still no vaccine against the coroanvirus, however the Ministry of Health is already negotiating with several manufacturers and organizations that plan to distribute a vaccine should trials and studies prove successful.

When will vaccines will be available?

Torosyan said there are more than 100 different coronavirus vaccines being developed in different clinics all over the world, and 20 of them have already passed two stages of clinical trials and look promising. In total, there are only three stages of testing the vaccine must pass, says Torosyan.

He made this statement the day before he met with the heads of the American company Moderna, which is also developing a vaccine against coronavirus. The co-founder of this biotech company is a businessman and philanthropist with Armenian heritage, Noubar Afeyan. 

Moderna began vaccine trials in March. In May, the company announced that the clinical trials were successful. CEO Stefan Bansel said:

“The Moderna team is working expediently to begin the third phase of vaccine trials in July and, if they are successful, to apply for licensing.”

Torosyan believes that “this vaccine is one of the most likely candidates.”

However, in addition to direct negotiations with manufacturers, the ministry is also making arrangements to receive the vaccine through WHO and UNICEF, “who will try to purchase the vaccines for many countries to ensure equal distribution.”

Torosyan says there is a risk that many countries will immediately purchase large volumes of drugs before production even begins. As a result, other countries will receive the vaccine much later.

“Therefore, it is very important to get a place at the front of the line,” the minister explains.

Vaccines will most likely be ready at the end of 2020 or at the beginning of 2021:

“We’ll have more accurate information in early fall, when we see the summary of the preliminary results. But the fact that this is happening, and that we will be able to return to our normal lives is something to be happy about.”

Coronavirus in Armenia

Every day, there are hundreds of new cases. On July 2 alone, 593 new cases were reported. In total, the country has 26,658 coronavirus cases.

From March 1 to June 26, 248 doctors, 510 nurses, and 191 paramedics became infected with coronavirus. One of them has passed away.

In total, 459 people have died from coronavirus in the country since the beginning of the outbreak.

In light of these statistics, the commandant’s office continues to demand that citizens comply with new rules of conduct: wearing masks, maintain social distance, and limiting contact with other people. The country declared a state of emergency on March 16, which will be in effect until July 13, if it is not renewed again.

The Armenian Prime Minister is actively urging citizens to follow anti-epidemic requirements. Immediately after the minister’s report on the vaccine development process, Nikol Pashinyan once again spoke about the need to redouble efforts against the spread of the virus:

“My drives through the streets of the capital showed me that some are wearing masks that are very thin, practically just a net. Some, as soon as they see the flashing lights of my car, begin to raise the mask up over their nose from under their chin. I don’t understand why they do this: you don’t wear a mask just for me, the government or the police, only to lower it when we pass…

Many will be cured, of course, but each of us, by not following the rules, in all likelihood, is condemning another to death. There is no guarantee that it will not be you yourself, or a member of your family. The rules are clear, their effectiveness has been proven, and they must be followed.”


Lukashenko talks to Armenian president over phone

Badalian Vardan
BelTA, Belarus
July 3 2020
 
 
 
 
MINSK, 3 July (BelTA) – Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko had a telephone conversation with Armenian President Armen Sarkissian on 2 July, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.
 
The Armenian president extended Independence Day greetings to the Belarusian head of state.
 
The leaders of the countries discussed the development of bilateral cooperation, implementation of joint projects, exchanged views on the development of the situation with the pandemic. Armen Sarkissian lauded the Belarusian experience, noting that the country is coping with the challenges well. In turn, Armenia has not yet reached its peak in terms of the disease incidence.
 
The Armenian president thanked for constructive interaction with the Hi-Tech Park, noting the usefulness of the experience gained in this area.
 
The presidents also exchanged views on political issues, including the election campaign in Belarus and the turbulent political situation in Armenia.
 
Armen Sarkissian thanked for the decision to allocate a land plot for the construction of an Armenian church in Belarus.
 
 

London-based brothers send 30,000 innovative face masks to Armenia

Chatinian Lara
Public Radio of Armenia
July 3 2020
 
 
 
 
 
London-based brothers George and Alex Dzavaryan have sent a batch of 30,000 innovative face masks to Armenia.
 
In April the brothers turned their school into a factory to produce protective equipment to help medics during the COVID-19 crisis.
 
George Dzavaryan, 22, technical director at Augment Bionics and former pupil at Latymer Upper School in Hammersmith, west London, had the idea when he realized there was a shortage of protective equipment, and the capability to make it on 3D printers at his old school.
 
The brothers initially used 3D printers from their classroom to make face-visors. Through crowdfunding they have now acquired equipment for mass production of masks.
 
The masks will reach Armenia within 10 days.

Gallup – majority of Armenians support the prime minister

Maral Takmazian
JAM News
July 3 2020
3.07.2020

85% of respondents in Armenia approve of the activities of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, say the results of a poll conducted by MPG (Marketing Professional Group). It is the only sociological organization in Armenia officially representing Gallup International in the country.

The poll reports that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has continued to lead in ratings since the Velvet Revolution in 2018.

Ratings of major political players in the country, according to the opinion poll and expert opinions.


Survey results

“22.7% of respondents approve of the work of the opposition, 54.7% approve of the National Assembly, 67.9% approve of the government, 79.3% approve of the president, and 85% approve of the prime minister,” MPG Director Aram said Navasardyan at a July 3 press conference.

He says that the polls were conducted by telephone on June 10-27. A total of 1,002 people were interviewed. The statistical error of the survey is 3%.

In December 2019, the same company conducted a similar survey. At that time, the most popular politicians were once again, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan (83.2%) and President Armen Sargsyan (83%).

Expert opinions

Political scientist Hrant Mikaelyan believes that it is difficult to truly understand what public opinion is, and that you must take the data with a grain of salt:

“There is no question about the quality of the company’s work. The question is rather how much you can trust the field of sociology.

People are afraid to express their opinions, as in all countries, if they believe that this opinion differs from the majority opinion. At the moment, the public is hearing a lot of very strong appeals from the government, including from the top level. And that affects how people express their opinions.”

Over the past month, several important events have occurred in Armenia which upset a large part of the population. In particular, people are displeased with a bill proposing real estate tax hikes and another proposing constitutional amendments, both which were adopted by parliament in late June. In addition, the coronavirus continues to spread through the country, and some of citizens blame the government for its ineffectiveness in fighting the virus.

In light of this situation, one political scientist explained the prime minister’s high ratings by the fact that “the authorities continue to actively communicate with the public”:

“It is often said that the opposition controls large media resources. But if we talk about the media that the public normally consumes, it consists mainly of different YouTube channels, the prime minister’s live channels, and channels that are loyal to the authorities. A large part of society never learns about alternative points of view.”

And as for the opposition rating, Mikaelyan considers 22.7% to be a rather low number:

“The fact that a very small percentage of the population supports the opposition indicates that we have a very weak party system. It has either gotten weaker, or at least is not getting any stronger.”

https://jam-news.net/armenia-poll-rating-activity-prime-minister-pashinyan/