Category: 2022

 17:29, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell welcomed the recent trilateral meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of the European Council Charles Michel.

“Welcome 4th meeting between @CharlesMichel, @azpresident & @NikolPashinyan. Important to keep working to advance on a peace treaty & continue with efforts on humanitarian & connectivity areas. EU continues to be fully engaged in support of peaceful, secure & prosperous South Caucasus,” Borrell tweeted.

 

 17:41, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Armenia and Iran are planning to raise the bilateral economic relations to a higher level, increase the trade turnover volumes and boost the ties between the businessmen of the two countries. 

Yerevan hosted today an Armenian-Iranian Business Forum. 

The delegation led by the Governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province Abedin Khorram has arrived in Yerevan at the invitation of Armenian Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan. The Iranian delegation includes representatives of public sector, traders, businessmen who are going to meet with Armenian businessmen.

“We expect that these meetings will be productive. New business contracts will be signed which could be an important impetus for trade turnover”, Deputy Minister of Economy of Armenia Armen Arzumanyan said. 

The trade turnover between Armenia and Iran is growing. A huge growth has been registered in the first 6 months of 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. “It has been around 307 million dollars in 2022, and 224 million dollars in the same period of 2021. We expect to have more intensive growth in the second half of the year”, he said.

Arzumanyan assured that the ministry, the government, the embassy and the commercial attache of Armenia in Iran are making efforts to create all prerequisites for that. Thus, the two countries will try to expand the cooperation frameworks in many areas. Steps are also being taken to attract investments from Iran to Armenia and find new markets for Armenian exporters and manufacturers. 

Ambassador of Iran to Armenia Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri stated that Iran is attaching importance to the development of stable relations with its neighbors. “The East Azerbaijan is one of the economically powerful provinces of Iran. The visit of the delegation led by the Governor of the province speaks about the will of Iran to develop the economic relations with Armenia”, the Ambassador said.

He said that the Forum will help the two sides to get acquainted with each other’s economic and trade potential and give a logical development to the bilateral ties. 

In his turn Abedin Khorram said: “We are here in order to be able to further develop the bilateral relations. Our key goal is to develop the relations of the East Azerbaijan province with the Armenian side, so that as a bordering province to be able to increase that cooperation and the export volumes. He said that their goal is to contribute to raising the bilateral trade turnover to a higher level. The Governor of the province also talked about some problems existing in the customs sector, stating that efforts should be made to solve them. He expressed hope that serious achievements will be registered during the visit. “Taking into account the historical-cultural past of the two countries and their ties, let’s try to raise the relations of the countries to a high level also in the economic sector”, he stated.

Abedin Khorram stated that they also plan to enter the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the European Union (EU) through Armenia.

 17:45, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The Office of the Prosecutor General of Armenia responded to some interpretations made over today’s proposal of Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan on using death penalty for high treason. 

When asked whether Armenia, as a member of the Council of Europe, has not assumed an obligation to impose an absolute ban on death penalty, the Public Relations Department of the Office of the Prosecutor General told Armenpress that Armenia’s international obligations assumed before the Council of Europe in the aforementioned sector are reflected in two documents: Protocol No. 6 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Concerning the Abolition of the Death Penalty and Protocol No. 13 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Concerning the Abolition of the Death Penalty in All Circumstances.

"According to Article 1 of the Protocol No. 6 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Concerning the Abolition of the Death Penalty, the CoE member states are obliged not to condemn anyone to death penalty or execute. However, Article 2 of the Protocol says that “a State may make a provision in its law for the death penalty in respect of acts committed in time of war or of imminent threat of war”.

This agreement has been signed and ratified by all member states of the Council of Europe (except former CoE member Russia, which signed it on 16.04.1997, but didn’t ratify). 

However, it’s worth noting that with this agreement Armenia’s assumed obligations in fact will not obstruct to impose death penalty for some crimes committed in war situations”, the Office said.

As for the Protocol No. 13 to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms Concerning the Abolition of the Death Penalty in All Circumstances (adopted in Vilnius 03.05.2022), the Office of the Prosecutor General said that Article 1 of the Protocol says that “the death penalty shall be abolished. No one shall be condemned to such penalty or executed”.

“This agreement has been signed and ratified by all member states of the Council of Europe, except Armenia, which signed it on 19.05.2006, but didn’t ratify, and Azerbaijan which has not signed it at all. 

Therefore, in conditions of that agreement which has been signed but not ratified, Armenia doesn’t have a direct international-legal obligation to apply an absolute ban on death penalty”, the Office stated.

 18:05, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. The Council for Constitutional Reforms definitely discusses and pays attention to all opinions and proposals together with the Constitutional Reforms Commission, Minister of Justice of Armenia Karen Andreasyan said in an interview to ARMENPRESS, asked what is his position on the proposal of Prosector General Artur Davtyan to use death penalty for committing high treason and whether this issue will be discussed at the Council for Constitutional Reforms.

“The Council for Constitutional Reforms, jointly with the Commission, is definitely discussing and paying attention to all the opinions and proposals made, but no opinion could predetermine the outcome of the discussions”, the minister said. 

Earlier today, Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan proposed to create constitutional-legal basis that will allow using death penalty for committing high treason.

 

 18:29, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. East-2022 military drills kicked off in Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District. 

The units of the armed forces of 14 countries, including Armenia, are participating in the military exercises, the Armenian ministry of defense said.

Welcoming the heads of the delegations and the servicemen, the Russian Deputy Minister of Defense, Colonel-General Yunus-Bek Evkurov highlighted the importance of such kind of large-scale military drills in the fight against the current challenges.

Commander of the Armenian troops, Colonel Sasun Badasyan expressed good luck to all participants and expressed confidence that the drills will be held at a high level and the units of the armed forces of participating countries will solve all of the tasks with joint efforts.

A total of 50,000 servicemen, 140 airplanes and 60 warships are participating in the East-2022 drills.

The drills will last until September 7.

 18:54, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. On 1 September 2022, the EU-Armenia Civil Society Platform established on the basis of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) held its inaugural meeting in Yerevan, the Platform told Armenpress.

The members of the Platform discussed the progress of implementation of CEPA, the position and role of civil society in the process, and the Rules of Procedures of the Platform.

At the end of the meeting the members of the Platform adopted a Statement, which stressed that with regard to the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement the CSP members:

1. Recognize the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement as an important milestone for enhancing the comprehensive political and economic partnership between EU and Armenia, based on common values and the desire to further strengthen the links and co-operation established in the past;

2. Welcome the full application of the Agreement as of 1 March 2021, and note with satisfaction the ratification of the Agreement by all parliaments of the EU Member States;

3. Acknowledge the efforts undertaken by the Republic of Armenia in adopting the Roadmaps for the implementation of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement; however, express serious concern about the slow pace in implementing the commitments undertaken by the Armenian side under the CEPA, and urge it to implement these commitments swiftly and efficiently with a view to achieving tangible results for the people of Armenia;

4. Emphasize that a broad and deep reform process is a precondition for Armenia's closer relations and cooperation with the EU; in this regard, urge the Armenian authorities to step up their reform efforts to restore the trust of the people of Armenia and of the EU in the capacity of the Armenian authorities to implement profound reform;

5. Stress that respect for the democratic principles, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the relevant international human rights instruments constitute an essential element of the Agreement and undertake to keep the efforts of the Armenian Government in this area in particular focus of the Platform’s attention throughout its existence;

6. Acknowledge the progress made by Armenia in the protection of the Armenian citizens’ right to free and fair elections, still recognise that elections are only one pillar of democracy, and call on the Armenian Government to step up its efforts in achieving full-fledged democracy in Armenia, including through fostering and maintaining dialogue with civil society, employing effective mechanisms for meaningful public participation and ensuring integrity, accountability and transparency of elected and appointed bodies.

7. Stress that the most pressing reforms pertain to the judiciary and public administration, preventing and fighting systemic corruption, ensuring transparency, accountability, resilience and good governance in the management of public finances, improving the competitiveness of Armenian goods, and promoting active labor policies for productive and decent work for all;

8. Highlight, that for the promotion of the fair and decent employment, as well as for fair, just and inclusive economic growth it is imperative to ensure the full and functional implementation of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work of 1998 1 and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the ratification and full implementation of the ILO International Labour Standards and international agreements defined by the Article 274 of the CEPA, and occupational health and safety. This shall include the improvement and strengthening of the social dialogue, including the collective bargaining between employers (and the government as employer) and the trade unions, effective cooperation and consultation between social partners during the initiation, development and implementation of the public policies, as well as the establishment of mechanisms to prevent and combat the violation of the rights of the workers’ representatives by the employers and state actors. Further steps to ratify and to improve the effective implementation of ILO priority conventions, for example by making labour inspection system functional;

9. Express a serious concern that the timeline for the approximation and implementation of the Directives regarding the Safety and Health at workplace has not yet been decided by the Partnership Council and calls on both Parties to the Agreement to set the mentioned timeline as soon as possible;

10. Recall that freedom of media is one of the fundamental human rights, furthermore, note that under conditions of hostile propaganda aimed towards discrediting the EU and European values, it is important to support media development to equip it adequately as regards its technical level, and its independence and informative performance;

11. Underline the need for the EU to step up its mediation efforts towards reaching a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabagh conflict that will respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Armenia, the right of the Armenians of Nagorno Karabagh to self-determination and to living in their homeland without any threat to their lives, health and property, thereby bringing lasting peace and stability to the South Caucasus region as an important condition for the effective reform implementation and development of bilateral cooperation between Armenia and the EU;

12. Call on both Parties to the Agreement to create appropriate mechanisms which would render the benefits of the Agreement available to the people living in the territory of Nagorno Karabagh; commit to engage with the CSOs across the administrative boundary lines;

13. Stress that social and civil dialogue are important prerequisites for the effectiveness of reforms and welcome the Armenian Government's commitment to involve and consult the CSP in the intended reform process; in order for the Platform to be able to bring a meaningful contribution towards it, invite the Government and the EU to identify solutions to ensure the necessary financial and logistical support for the sustainability of this Platform;

14. Recall that the Platform shall be informed of the decisions and recommendations of the EU- Armenia Partnership Council, and look forward to regular contacts with representatives from the Parliamentary Partnership Committee and the Partnership Committee.

Note:

EU Armenia Civil Society Platform is a body established under Article 366 of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement signed in Brussels on 24 November 2017. It enables civil society organisations on both sides to contribute to the implementation of CEPA by advice to decision-makers, monitoring of the implementation of reforms undertaken by the Government and raising awareness of interested parties of the CEPA and its implementation.

 19:59, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Russia will suspend supplies of oil and petroleum products to states, which will decide to restrict the price of oil from the country, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters today, reports TASS.

"As far as price restrictions are concerned, if they impose restrictions on prices, we will simply not supply oil and petroleum products to such companies or states that impose restrictions as we will not work non-competitively," he said.

 20:47, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Vice Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Hakob Arshakyan, who also co-chairs the inter-agency commission for coordinating the organization of STARMUS VI Festival, today chaired the meeting of the commission, the Parliament’s press service said. 

Welcoming the session participants, Hakob Arshakyan congratulated them on Knowledge and School Day, stating that Armenia is attaching special attention to education and science sectors. According to him, the holding of STARMUS VI Festival in Armenia is also one of the most important initiatives for science development.

The meeting participants discussed technical and content issues related to the organization of events within the frames of the Festival. 

Summing up all the proposals and recommendations made during the meeting, Hakob Arshakyan highlighted the proper organization and holding of such a large-scale and prominent event.

The meeting was also attended by STARMUS Founding Director Garik Israelian.

STARMUS VI: 50 Years On Mars will be held in Armenia from September 5 to 10.

 20:58, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. An event marking the launch of the program Generation AI (Artificial Intelligence) was held today at the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia, the ministry reports.

During the event the sides, in the person of Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Vahram Dumanyan and Founding Director of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) Armen Orujyan signed a cooperation agreement, which enshrines the main directions for the implementation of the program.

In his remarks Minister Dumanyan said that this program will put a basis for the organization of artificial intelligence education in a number of high schools in Armenia, and it will launch from Tavush province.

“We should develop regulations relating to credit system connected with the results so that the students, who will pass with this program and will continue their professional education in a university, have a chance to transfer their knowledge gained in school to a university in the form of a credit”, he said, highlighting the necessity of creating a link between the school and the university. “We are ought to develop this direction in order to have an educational field in accordance with international standards, for you to be recognizable, assessable and acceptable in the international education system”.

“We very much highlight this cooperation as we consider artificial intelligence as a promoter not only in terms of investing in education system, but also providing our students with a competitive knowledge. We are very happy for this cooperation, and we are starting the practical stage of the program with joint efforts. We hope it will be spread in the schools of the entire Republic in a short period of time, and we will be able to jointly make a systematic change”, Armen Orujyan said.

In her turn Deputy Minister of Education Zhanna Andreasyan said that the program is completely among the targets of education strategy. “I am confident that as a a result of this cooperation we will be able to register qualitative changes because we will introduce a new content and program in schools, as well as a new way of working and teaching”, she said.

Within the framework of the program, starting January 2023, students of several high schools of Yerevan and Tavush province will have an opportunity to study deep mathematics, programming, to get aquainted with machine learning and deep study basis, as well as to get necessary skills and professional orientation.

Armenian Deputy PM highlights UN engagement in works on addressing needs of NK population 

 21:20, 1 September 2022

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 1, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan received UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Miroslav Jenča, the Deputy PM’s Office said. 

The meeting was also attended by Acting UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia Lila Pieters Yahia. 

Issues relating to the regional developments were discussed at the meeting. 

Touching upon the humanitarian consequences of the 2020 44-Day War, Deputy PM Grigoryan highlighted the UN ’s engagement in the works on addressing the needs of the population of Nagorno Karabakh.