Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Coronavirus Phone Tracking Launched In Armenia
April 7, 2020
• Naira Bulghadarian
• Gayane Saribekian
Armenia -- A deserted street in the center of Yerevan, April 7, 2020.
Armenian authorities have started accessing and using personal data from
people’s mobile phones to fight against the coronavirus epidemic, a senior
official said on Tuesday.
Armenia’s parliament controversially allowed them to track movements, phone
calls and text messages of people infected with the virus as the number of
COVID-19 cases in the country spread rapidly last week. Opposition lawmakers as
well as civic activists condemned the move, questioning its effectiveness and
voicing concern about privacy violations.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s government has repeatedly ruled out using
smartphone tracking for political purposes. It maintains that the extraordinary
measure will make it easier for the authorities to trace people who have come
into contact with COVID-19 patients.
Such people are to be identified by an electronic system using phone location
and usage data.
According to an aide to Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinian, who coordinates
the government’s response to the epidemic, the new monitoring mechanism has
already been launched.
“All personal data remains on mobile phone operators’ servers,” the official,
Bagrat Badalian, told RFE/RL’s Armenian service. “We send them a phone number
which is of interest to us; namely a patient’s phone number. The special
software then determines the circle of their contacts.”
Armenia -- A woman wearing a face mask crosses a deserted street in Yerevan,
April 7, 2020.
“When that circle is determined we receive the phone numbers of only those
individuals who have potentially been in contact with the patient,” he said,
adding that they are then ordered to self-isolate.
“If they leave their self-isolation sites information about that automatically
goes to the police, which either telephones them or send a special group of
officers to find out the reasons for their departure,” explained Badalian.
The isolated persons, the official went on, are also monitored by
epidemiologists who may refer them to policlinics for coronavirus tests. “If a
person is in serious need in terms of food supplies … that information is
collected and passed on to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs so that it
supplies them with food,” he said.
Badalian did not say how many Armenians exposed to infected persons have been
identified through phone tracking so far.
The daily numbers of new coronavirus cases registered in Armenia have fallen in
the last few days. The Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that 20 people
tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of
COVID-19 cases to 853.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian announced on Monday that as part of their efforts
to stem the spread of the virus the authorities are also planning to
significantly expand COVID-19 testing. He said the daily number of such tests,
which has varied between 200 and 400 in the last two weeks, will like reach
1,000 by the end of this week.
Armenia -- Coronovirus testing at a hospital in Yerevan, April 7, 2020.
Medics hailed these plans, saying that the more extensive testing will ascertain
the current incidence of the disease and the effectiveness of a nationwide
lockdown and other measures taken by the authorities.
“A larger number of tests will show what is really happening in our country and
whether or not it’s worth continuing mass testing,” said Arman Badalian, an
epidemiology lecturer at Yerevan State Medical University.
Hasmik Ghazinian, a senior doctor at Yerevan’s Nork hospital treating the
largest number of coronavirus patients in Armenia, agreed. “I welcome that
decision because that’s how we can first and foremost determine how many
infected people we have,” she said.
Government officials say that 60,000 test kits purchased from China will be
delivered to Armenia later this week. The authorities also expect to receive
thousands of more test kits from Russia.
Kocharian Again Sues Pashinian
• Marine Khachatrian
Armenia -- Former President Robert Kocharian (second from right) and his lawyers
attend a court hearing in Yerevan, January 9, 2020.
Armenia’s jailed former President Robert Kocharian has again filed a defamation
lawsuit against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, it emerged on Tuesday.
A lawyer for Kocharian, Hayk Alumian, told RFE/RL’s Armenian service that his
client is seeking 2 million drams ($4,000) in damages and the retraction of what
he regards as false and slanderous claims made by Pashinian.
Alumian did not specify which of Pashinian’s recent statements prompted the
lawsuit.
The premier again accused Kocharian as well as another ex-president, Serzh
Sarkisian, and other former Armenian officials of having “plundered” Armenia
when he campaigned for a constitutional referendum in early March. He did not
immediately react to the news of the lawsuit.
Kocharian already sued Pashinian for slander in September 2018 two months after
being first arrested on coup charges. He withdrew the suit in June 2019 after
Pashinian clarified through a lawyer that he did not publicly accuse the
ex-president of “organizing killings” during the 2008 post-election violence in
Yerevan.
The coup charges leveled against Kocharian stem from that unrest which left
eight opposition protesters and two police servicemen dead. The ex-president was
also charged with bribe-taking a year ago. He rejects all charges as politically
motivated.
The latest defamation suit was announced four days after Kocharian was taken
back to Yerevan’s Kentron prison after spending more than three weeks in
hospital. His lawyers renewed their demands for his release from custody, saying
that the 65-year-old will risk being infected with coronavirus in the prison.
Law-enforcement authorities countered that they are taking necessary
precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus among prison inmates.
All Foreigners Banned From Entering Armenia
'
Armenia - The Zvartnots international airport in Yerevan.
Armenia has banned virtually all foreign nationals from entering the country due
to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
The Armenian government imposed last month such a ban only on the citizens of a
few dozen states, -- notably China, Iran, Italy and Spain -- that were hit
hardest by coronavirus.
The Armenian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the government decided to
extend the travel ban to the entire world because virtually all countries have
recorded coronavirus cases in recent weeks.
In a statement, the ministry said that the ban will not cover those foreigners
who are married to Armenians or have Armenian residency permits as well as
foreign diplomats and representatives of international organizations. But it
cautioned that they all will have to self-isolate or be put in quarantine
immediately after entering the country.
Armenia’s land borders with neighboring Georgia and Iran were closed for travel
in March, and virtually all airlines stopped flying to Yerevan and Gyumri by the
beginning of this month. The latest government measure may therefore change
little in practice.
According to the Foreign Ministry statement, the government expanded the travel
ban on April 3 just before the spread of coronavirus in Armenia began slowing
down.
The Armenian Ministry of Health reported on Tuesday that 20 people tested
positive for the virus in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of
COVID-19 cases to 853. Twenty-five other Armenians recovered from the virus in
the same period, according to the ministry.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian seized upon these figures to express “cautious
optimism” about the government’s efforts to contain the epidemic. He again said
that the government will consider easing a nationwide lockdown if the downward
trend continues in the coming days.
Armenia has reported eight coronavirus-related deaths so far.
Reprinted on ANN/Armenian News with permission from RFE/RL
Copyright (c) 2020 Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty, Inc.
1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.
Category: 2020
Armenian Assembly Urges Support for American Red Cross Blood Drive
Washington, D.C. – The Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) urges all Armenian Americans to support the American Red Cross’ drive to save lives by giving blood.
“The Red Cross has come to the rescue of the Armenian people throughout the past 100 years and more,” stated Assembly Co-Chairs Anthony Barsamian and Van Krikorian. “The Red Cross was there for the Armenian people when its founder and philanthropist Clara Barton brought aid from the United States in response to the Hamidian Massacres. The Red Cross was there for the Armenian people during the Armenian Genocide, and the American Red Cross was among the first international response teams to arrive in Armenia after the devastating 1988 Spitak Earthquake,” the Co-Chairs continued.
In March of 1991, at a dedication ceremony cosponsored by the Armenian Assembly of America, American Red Cross President Elizabeth Dole unveiled a memorial statue donated by Armenia in appreciation for America’s relief efforts in the wake of the 1988 earthquake.
“During this unprecedented time as a result of the COVID pandemic, Armenian Americans can show their appreciation for the Red Cross by giving blood to help fellow Americans affected by the pandemic and the front line medical personnel who are tending to their urgent needs,” the Co-Chairs concluded.
Founded by Clara Barton in 1881, the American Red Cross has been dedicated to serving people in need. The Red Cross received its first congressional charter in 1900 and to this day is tasked by the federal government with providing services to members of the American armed forces and their families as well as providing disaster relief in the United States and around the world.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
###
NR# 2020-10
JPEG image
Only 11 new coronavirus cases recorded in one day, signaling “unprecedented” dynamics in Armenia
11:01, 6 April, 2020
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. 11 new COVID-19 cases have been diagnosed in Armenia in the past 24 hours, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said on social media, signaling what appears to be an abrupt decrease of daily new cases, given that the previous daily cases were 52 (April 4).
“Out of 263 tests only 11 were positive. This is an unprecedented number for the past weeks. This means that the measures, which are causing numerous inconveniences, have begun giving results. The restrictions must be maintained stricter during this week. In that case, our chances for starting to think about easing the restrictions from next Monday will grow,” he said, calling on citizens to strictly adhere to the lockdown restrictions this week.
“Today’s number are giving hope, but we must certainly analyze tomorrow’s figures also,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that a 68-year-old coronavirus patient has died, becoming Armenia’s eighths COVID-19 fatality. The patient had underlying health conditions, he said.
The total cumulative number of COVID-19 infections in Armenia is 833, as of April 6, 11:00 GMT+4.
62 patients have recovered, 8 have died. The number of active cases is 763.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Armenian foreign ministry to deploy remote consular services with global coverage
12:38, 6 April, 2020
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian foreign ministry is starting to render some consular services online, namely through video communication.
Citizens willing to receive certificates of repatriation, changing passport (non-biometric), extending the validity of passports will be able to submit the applications without going to consular service bodies in person, and send and receive the documents by mail.
It is planned to create a task force in the consular department of the foreign ministry that will be tasked with rendering consular services to Armenian citizens anywhere in the world.
Armenia has 55 embassies and consular offices in 44 countries.
“The active consular points ensure significant “consular coverage” for Armenian citizens, however it is obvious that in many countries and territories the consular services aren’t accessible or are difficult to access for citizens. Moreover, in major countries such as Russia, Canada, the US and others, where although consular points do operate, citizens have to pass hundreds and sometimes thousands of kilometers of roads to receive any consular service,” the foreign ministry said.
The foreign ministry emphasized that the legislative initiative that it had introduced back in 2019 is being highlighted today, during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when many countries are enforcing strict lockdown measures and restricting movement of people, and that it is imperative to create alternative, remote options.
The ministry said the video-communication consular services will be deployed very soon, after respective decisions of the government come into force and securing some technical regulations.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
COVID19: Dutch-Armenians follow instructions of health ministry – Armenian community representative
13:10, 6 April, 2020
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian community of the Netherlands, which is quite active and law-abiding, follows all the instructions of the Health ministry to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and tries to understand what developments are expecting, Head of a major tourism agency operating in the Netherlands Erik Aghabekyan told Armenpress.
“In Netherlands we have major problems in the healthcare system, as there is a little panic connected with the number of intensive care units. And the restrictions will be in force until April 28, therefore all citizens must follow all the rules, and Armenians here are not an exception. At the moment we cannot talk about a major progress because the changes to the good are not so great. We all hope that there soon will be a positive progress and all opportunities, which existed before the spread of the novel coronavirus, will open”, he said, adding that he doesn’t have any information whether there are infected people among Dutch-Armenians.
He said the Armenian community members are under quarantine as much as possible. He personally didn’t visit his father for 3, 4 weeks, in order not to put him at risk. “There are some people, especially among the youth, who look at the issue not so seriously, but, they are also cautious. The local Armenians are very informed”, he said, urging Armenians living in Armenia to seriously accept this issue and refrain from making mistakes.
As for the activities of the Armenian Embassy in the Netherlands, Aghabekyan said the Embassy is actively working, searching for medicine, ventilators to send them to Armenia, as well as is also supporting Armenians who want to return to Armenia.
In late December 2019, Chinese authorities notified the World Health Organization (WHO) about an outbreak of a previously unknown pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, central China. WHO declared the outbreak of the novel coronavirus a global pandemic and named the virus COVID-19. Cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in more than 200 countries.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Armenian pop star Lilit Hovhannisyan stranded in Brazil due to coronavirus
15:17, 6 April, 2020
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenian pop star Lilit Hovhannisyan is stranded abroad amid the global COVID-19 pandemic. She was on tour as part of her Dream World Tour when the flights began to be cancelled.
“I am already seeing my homecoming in my dreams. I came to Brazil from Australia (for my concert) and I have to stay here indefinitely, as the flights have been canceled a long time ago,” Hovhannisyan said on social media.
Earlier she said that most part of her world tour was already delivered.
“Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus I decided to postpone the remaining concerts. I apologize to my fans for the inconvenience, but what matters for me now is your health and safety. I am hopeful that very soon this “brazen” virus will disappear, you’ll see,” she said.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Pashinyan and Putin discuss gas supplies, coronavirus situation
14:03, 6 April, 2020
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Office said he’s spoken over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss “issues concerning the natural gas supplies to Armenia”.
The actions against the COVID-19 pandemic were also discussed. Pashinyan and Putin noted that the situation in this regard is under full control in the two countries.
“Prime Minister Pashinyan thanked the Russian side for the actions taken to secure the uninterrupted implementation of freight shipments from Armenia to Russia and the effective cooperation with Rospotrebnadzor [Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing].
The sides endorsed the idea on convening an emergency session of the Supreme Eurasian Council through a video conference. The interlocutors attached importance to constant contacts both bilaterally and within the Eurasian Economic Union”, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s Office said in the readout.
Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan
Eduardo Eurnekian to provide $250,000 in aid to Armenian government for fighting COVID-19
Eduardo Eurnekian to provide $250,000 in aid to Armenian government for fighting COVID-19
15:27, 6 April, 2020
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Argentine-Armenian businessman, National Hero of Armenia Eduardo Eurnekian will provide 250,000 USD in aid to the government of Armenia for fighting the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), PR manager at the Zvartnots international airport Satenik Hovhannisyan told Armenpress.
Eduardo Eurnekian is one of the wealthiest people in South America. Eduardo Eurnekian, the son of Armenian immigrants to Argentina, first delved into the textiles industry, then the cable TV business in the 1980s. He added to his media portfolio, buying radio stations, newspapers, and a TV channel. In the 1990s, he netted $750 million with the sale of cable TV firm Cablevision, as a wave of privatization brought capital into Argentina. In the late 1990s, he led a consortium that secured a 30-year concession to build and operate Argentina’s airports. Today, he and partners have a portfolio of more than 50 airports in multiple countries with reported revenues of $2 billion, including the first privately operated airports in Brazil. After Argentina’s economic crash in 2001, he bought assets through his Corporacion America, a holding company that owns more than 260,000 acres of land dedicated to crops, cattle and vineyards. It also owns an infrastructure development company, a chip factory called Unitech Blue, a biodiesel production facility, and land in Armenia used for fruit production and wine.
On September 21, 2017 Eduardo Eurnekian has been bestowed with the title of the National Hero of Armenia.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
Minister Torosyan urges citizens to go out only for essentials to further lower COVID-19 spread rate
17:17, 6 April, 2020
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Armenia’s healthcare minister Arsen Torosyan urges citizens to continue not going out from home unnecessarily in order to further reduce the spread rate of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
“As you know, yesterday, during the whole day we had just 11 new confirmed cases, which is of course a positive news, but we should continue the measures nationwide that will help to keep this number and further lower it. We should double our efforts to break the rate until we are confident that there is no more danger of large-scale spread. I urge you not to go out from home unnecessarily. Go only to store, pharmacy, etc”, the minister said on Facebook.
As of April 6, 11:00, the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Armenia is 833. 8 people have died. The total number of recoveries is 62.
On March 16 Armenia declared a 30-day state of emergency to battle the spread of COVID-19. The state of emergency is effective until April 14, 17:00.
Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan
"Way Back Home" documentary telling about Tankian, Egoyan and Arsinée Khanjian available online
16:54, 6 April, 2020
YEREVAN, APRIL 6, ARMENPRESS. Observation mission during the 2017 parliamentary elections in Armenia, arrest, visit to Artsakh: “Way Back Home” documentary, telling about renowned rock musician, System Of A Down’s soloist Serj Tankian, Canadian-Armenian film director and actress Arsinée Khanjian, is already available on the internet.
Arsinée Khanjian made on a note on Facebook on the online premiere of the movie. “On April 2, 2017, parliamentary elections were held in Armenia. Responding to the alarms of our compatriots who feared that the elections would be rigged, together with Serj Tankian, Atom Egoyan, Vahe Berberian and Eric Nazarian we formed the Justice Within Armenia initiative in Diaspora and arrived in Armenia on the eve of the elections to carry out an observation mission.
Back in 2016, when I witnessed the violence against peaceful protesters on Khorenatsi Street and was detained by the police, it became clear to me that it was our duty to stand by the citizens of the Republic of Armenia and make their voice heard. The observation mission was a big challenge for us. We had never taken such a civil step in our homeland. But it was also a great opportunity to participate in the changes taking place in our country.
It was very important for me to talk to the Armenians living in the village and in the city, to listen to their concerns, to understand their problems. We traveled to the regions of Armenia, met with the representatives of the civil society and recorded the realities we saw. Unfortunately, our disappointment was great on those days, there was no strength to analyze the events, and we continued our journey in Artsakh, where we found peace of mind and soul, alongside Artsakh artists and soldiers guarding the border”.
Seda Grigoryan’s documentary “Way Back Home” tells about the visit of Serj Tankian, Atom Egoyan and Arsinée Khanjian to Artsakh, as well as the talk of the actress with the people.
The film has participated in a number of film festivals and won the Best Short Documentary Film Award at the Pomegranate Film Festival in Toronto, drawing attention to the human rights issues in Armenia in those days.