Category: 2023

Armenia to offer refugee status to displaced Karabakhis

Kalantarian Kevo
eurasianet.org
Oct 30 2023
Lilit Shahverdyan Oct 30, 2023

In a cabinet session on October 26, the Armenian government approved the creation of a "temporary protected status" for displaced persons from Nagorno-Karabakh. 

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that the new status would facilitate the protection of their rights in the local and international arenas. 

The law automatically applies to the over 100,000 ethnic Armenians of Karabakh who fled to Armenia following Azerbaijan's forceful seizure of the territory on 19-20 September. That offensive – which came after a 9-month blockade that had caused severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and other essential supplies – resulted in the disbanding of the local army, the Artsakh Defense Force, on September 21. A few days later, the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic itself, which had governed the region for three decades, began the process of formal dissolution. 

The Armenian government is only now beginning to grapple with the issue of the displaced persons' status.

Those eligible for the new temporary protected status are persons registered as residents of Nagorno-Karabakh, persons living in Armenia or abroad whose last registered address was in Nagorno-Karabakh, and persons who were not registered in Nagorno-Karabakh but lived there and were registered by the Armenian Migration and Citizenship Service as entering the country after September 19. 

Those who hold citizenship of a country other than Armenia are not eligible, as their protection is deemed to be under the jurisdiction of the relevant country.

It's not clear whether the new law applies to the roughly 20,000 displaced persons who resettled in Armenia after Azerbaijan captured territories in the 2020 Second Karabakh War that had previously been administered by the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Refugees from Hadrout, Shusha, and other regions have long sought a legal status defining their position but were not granted any after their displacement three years ago.

The other option former Karabakh residents have, Prime Minister Pashinyan said, is to seek Armenian citizenship. 

This remark triggered surprise and offense among many Karabakhis, who thought they already were citizens, since they have been issued Armenian passports since 1999. 

Artyom Sujyan, an advisor to the minister of justice, told CivilNet that the passports were issued under an agreement between the ministers of internal affairs of the Republic of Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic as international travel documents.

"The government has asserted its position in numerous cases, even presented this position in the European Court, that the fact that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh have passports of RA does not mean that they are considered RA citizens," said Sujyan. 

Indeed, Karabakh Armenians' passports bear the special code "070," and they have never enjoyed the political rights of citizens of Armenia such as the vote. 

The new law allows them to apply to become full-fledged Armenian citizens and gain political rights and social entitlements such as a state pension. But doing so will render them ineligible for the social assistance provided to those registered as refugees. 

The new protected status has a term of one year and can be extended through a new decision. The refugee certificates will be issued in January. 

According to the UN Refugee Convention of 1951, which Armenia is a signatory to, all persons recognized as refugees in Armenia will be regarded as such in all other signatory countries as well. 

Artyom Sujyan, the advisor to the justice minister, said that refugee status holders get certain benefits and stronger guarantees in other countries and cannot be expelled or deported from states where they seek refuge.

Meanwhile, the Armenian government has allocated one-off financial assistance of 100,000 AMD ($250) to all displaced persons (including children) from Nagorno-Karabakh and 50,000 AMD (about $125) to cover rental prices and utilities. For November and December, a separate program was approved providing additional monthly payments of 40,000 AMD ($100) to all the refugees. 

Lilit Shahverdyan is a journalist based in Stepanakert. 

https://eurasianet.org/armenia-to-offer-refugee-status-to-displaced-karabakhis

"Entrust Armenia’s security to an American private company" – political scientist

Adrine Hakobian
Oct 30 2023
  • JAMnews
  • Yerevan

Ensuring Armenia’s security

“If we do not take decisive action, the situation will end with [an Azerbaijan] attack on Armenia, and the Armenian authorities will be forced to ask Russia to intervene. And the price will be the corridor [“Zangezur corridor”, which the Armenian authorities refuse to give to Azerbaijan],” Armenian political scientist Areg Kochinyan says.

He proposes to hire an American private military company to solve the country’s security problems in the short term – at least for 2-3 years – until reforms in the defense sector are completed.

In an interview with a local publication, the analyst talked about the likelihood of a new war or escalation, approaches to the settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, and the position of mediators.

  • “It is not necessary to provide security only with the army” – Pashinyan
  • Meeting in “3+3” format. Opinion from Yerevan: “There are risks, no benefits”
  • Armenia-Azerbaijan talks. Will Aliyev go to Brussels and what to expect?

“There are dozens of private military companies in the states that also work with foreign governments. The key to solving our short-term security problem is right here.”

Meghri is the section through which Azerbaijan intends to obtain the so-called “Zangezur corridor”. The Ijevan direction is in the neighborhood of enclaves whose return is demanded by the Azerbaijani authorities. Areg Kochinyan believes that the invasion of Azerbaijani armed forces is most likely in these areas.

The analyst emphasizes: this step certainly indicates a change in the vector of Armenia’s foreign policy, but its ally, Russia, “itself has already changed its vector with regard to Armenia.”

This is not the first time Kochinyan has also said that Armenia should immediately leave the Russian CSTO military bloc, abandon the military base stationed in the country, and “rethink Armenian-Russian relations.” He says that in the short term, economic strikes from Russia may have a strong negative impact. But the economic, energy, infrastructure and all other problems Armenia will face are quite solvable.

Military expert Leonid Nersisyan believes that “Baku will not occupy, for example, the southern region of Armenia, Syunik, but will resort to a new escalation”

Kochinyan sees the preconditions for a perfect storm that will lead to a new war or escalation in the region. He considers the failure of the Pashinyan-Aliyev talks scheduled for late October in Brussels a step in this direction.

According to him, after Azerbaijan’s recent military operation in Nagorno-Karabakh, there is no more status quo that existed at the time of signing the statement of November 9, 2020.

“Now the mediators are competing over which platform this document will be formed. Azerbaijan, on the other hand, is trying to get the maximum before that.”

Baku’s plans now include he “Zangezur corridor”, in which Russia is also interested. This explains Azerbaijan’s reluctance to participate in the negotiations on the Western platform and sign a document based on the principles laid down in Granada.

Kochinyan’s list of “destabilizing elements” leading to a new escalation:

  • US inconsistency: “the statement by Acting Deputy Secretary of State Yuri Kim that the US will not tolerate ethnic cleansing against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh and Baku’s impunity afterward.”
  • position of the Russian Federation: if the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict is resolved, Russia will find itself as a “ship without a harbor” in the region, so Moscow needs a new escalation to have an excuse to “save Armenians”;
  • the failure of the Brussels meeting, after which the West was in a sense out of the game;
  • Azerbaijan’s readiness for military action.

Saakashvili writes that Armenia is “overdue for European integration,” but recent developments give the region a new chance.

The political analyst says that it is better for Armenia to negotiate directly with Azerbaijan, or with Azerbaijan and Turkey, than to go to the Russian capital. He declared a meeting mediated by the Russian side the worst option, as it creates a “three against one” situation.

According to Kochinyan, it is critical for Russia that a settlement not take place, so it is important to first change its political vector towards the West:

“Attempting a settlement in a situation while the Russian Federation has such a level of influence in the region, especially in Armenia, is just self-deception.”

He believes that if the West is left out of the negotiation process, it will react to a possible escalation by “expressing deep concern, appealing and condemning”.

But if the Western platform can be maintained, one can expect to negotiate with Azerbaijan. In particular, he speaks of the desirability of organizing a meeting of foreign ministers in Washington. According to Kochinyan, this would be a step backward compared to the Brussels meeting, which was to be held with the participation of the leaders of the two countries, but in this way the West would not be finally thrown out of the process.

https://jam-news.net/ensuring-armenias-security-suggestions-of-a-political-scientist/

Government to aim for 7% growth in 2024

George Mamian

 13:15,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian government will aim at ensuring 7% economic growth in 2024, Finance Minister Vahe Hovhannisyan told lawmakers Monday.

“Regarding the predictions of economic growth, given the latest developments we believe that in 2023 we will ensure at least 7,2% economic growth. The budget originally forecast 7%. And for 2024 we continue to target 7% economic growth,” Hovhannisyan said.

The services sector will be the moving force of the growth.

Central Bank predicts 5,6% growth for 2024

Lilit Nahapetian

 14:59,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia forecasts 5,6% economic growth in 2024, while inflation will approach the target goal, Central Bank Governor Martin Galstyan has said.

“We believe that this year economic growth will be around 7%. After having 12,6% economic growth last year, we think we will have 7,2% this year. We believe that next year the growth will somewhat decrease and approach the level of potential growth. By our estimates, the growth will nevertheless be higher that the potential, because rather major expenditures are planned. But at this moment we predict 5,6% growth for 2024,” Galstyan said at a parliamentary committee hearing on the 2024 budget.




Armenia to demilitarize Interior Troops, reorganize as new civilian police force in 2024

Nahapetian Samvel

 15:16,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Police Troops of Armenia, also known as the Interior Troops, will be demilitarized and reorganized as a civilian police force in 2024, the General Secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Ara Fidanyan told lawmakers during the 2024 budget discussions.

The force will be known as the Police Guards.

“The Police Guards will have the functions of maintaining public order and ensuring public safety, protecting government buildings and essential structures, escorting delegations as envisaged by protocol, as well as ensuring the legal regime of state of emergency or martial law and other functions. As a result, a purely policing service in line with international standards, with new weapons and equipment and trained personnel will be created,” he said.

The bill regulating the Police Guards is now being finalized.

Yeremyan Projects launches first regional livestock complex in Tashir community with financial support of EDB

Ani Kharatian

 15:39,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. On October 28, in the Tashir community of Armenia's Lori Province, a momentous event marked the official opening of the first-of-its-kind and unique livestock complex by "Yeremyan Projects.”

Distinguished guests at the opening ceremony included representatives from the RA government, the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), partner organizations, and the team of "Yeremyan Projects."

This major investment project was launched in 2022, following the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Government of Armenia, the Eurasian Development Bank, and “Yeremyan Farm.” The memorandum's primary objective was to ensure food security and sustainable economic development in Armenia's agro-industry sector.

Under the terms of the memorandum, the program’s total budget amounted to 43.5 million US dollars.

Within the framework of this investment project, approximately 300 hectares of arable land were acquired in the Tashir community, and approximately 70,000 square meters of infrastructure were constructed and furnished in a 32-hectare area. The construction works lasted for 14 months.

The livestock complex comprises a cattle-breeding farm, featuring 2 buildings of livestock barns for 1500 animals providing 40-45 liters of milk per day, a rotary automated milking parlor, feed crushing machine and feed warehouse, a parking area for agricultural machinery, a spacious hay warehouse, silage, and manure disposal wells. The pig farm of the livestock complex, intended for 560-580 sows which will annually produce 17000 animals, has 3 livestock barns, a feed crushing machine and feed warehouse, and manure disposal wells.             The slaughterhouse, still under construction, is designed for the slaughter of 50 pigs and 10 cattle at once. Administrative buildings accompany each unit, including comfortable and modernly equipped offices, spacious meeting halls, individual offices, and a kitchen.

The construction works are almost done in the factory in Yerevan, where dairy and meat products will be processed. Currently, equipment installation and renovations for auxiliary spaces are ongoing, with completion expected by the end of the year.

This investment project is being implemented with financial support from the Eurasian Development Bank and the RA government, which has partially subsidized this program’s investment costs under the “Support for Investment Projects Implemented in the RA Livestock Sector” project.

“The government values the importance of the implementation of large investment projects in the Republic of Armenia, which aim at contributing to ensuring food security and sustainable economic growth in the agro-industry sector. It is especially gratifying when these initiatives are carried out through partnerships between the public and private sectors․ On behalf of the Ministry of Economy, I want to express our strong commitment to providing as much support as possible for the successful implementation of such major endeavors. I am confident that this farm, equipped with top-quality, cutting-edge equipment, will serve as an excellent model for both large and small farming companies, showcasing best practices in high-productivity agriculture," emphasized Vahan Kerobyan, the Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia.

“This project by ‘Yeremyan Projects’ represents a significant contribution to ensuring food security and the development of the agro-industrial complex, and we are pleased to be a part of it. In the current strategic period, EDB is paying special attention to projects implemented in the Republic of Armenia. Over the past year, in addition to the agro-industrial complex, we have managed to substantially increase our portfolio in vital sectors of the country, such as energy and industry. The Republic of Armenia has been a member of EDB since 2009, and during these years, 24 projects with a total cost of approximately $506 million were implemented here, including six in 2022 and 2023, with a total value of $127 million," emphasized Nikolay Podguzov, Chairman of the Management Board of EDB.

Davit Yeremyan emphasized the unprecedented nature of this project for both Armenia and the industry. He stated, “Within the framework of this program, “Yeremyan Projects” invests in two regions of Armenia: a modern milk processing plant is under construction in Yerevan, and a livestock complex has been built in Tashir community of the Lori Province. I have always maintained that this project is a matter of personal pride, as well as for the “Yeremyan Projects”. I am elated and proud that we have upheld this honor and now present to you a unique livestock complex, not only in Armenia but also in the region. With this program, we have taken on the tremendous responsibility of fostering a new culture of modern animal husbandry, dairy production, and dairy consumption in Armenia. And today, as a result of this program, featuring state-of-the-art farms of this magnitude and quality, equipped with advanced technology, we can confidently assert that we have successfully achieved our mission. First and foremost, such farm management addresses the critical issue of food security, which was one of our primary objectives.”

The complex will operate as a closed chain, ensuring the production, supply, and consumption of high-quality milk and dairy products.

This program has significantly contributed to employment in the province, with the local population of Lori Province constituting the primary workforce during the construction phase. The operation of the livestock complex is anticipated to create up to 120 jobs.

 

***

At the end of 2021, EDB adopted the 2022-2026 development strategy in the Republic of Armenia, one of the key priorities of which is enhancing food security by increasing the productivity of agro-industrial complexes and reducing the country's reliance on imported essential food products. Another priority of the strategy is the expansion of the mega-project of the Eurasian product distribution network, promoting the development of food logistics and commercial activities for small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

***
The Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) is an international financial organization engaged in investment activities across the Eurasian region. For 15 years, the EDB has played a crucial role in strengthening and expanding economic ties and fostering comprehensive development in its member countries, including Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. The authorized capital of EDB is 7 billion US dollars, with a substantial portion of its portfolio dedicated to projects with integration benefits in various fields, such as transport infrastructure, digital systems, green energy, agriculture, industry, and engineering. The bank adheres to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG principles in its operations.

 

***

“Yeremyan Projects” Group of Companies is one of the leaders in the food service industry, restaurant business, service, vocational education, agriculture, and food manufacturing in Armenia, Over its 15-year history, the company has conceived and executed more than a dozen bold, unique, and visionary projects, significantly contributing to the development of the restaurant industry and agriculture in Armenia. To ensure a closed cycle of activities, the Company has been implementing a new business development strategy based on the "From Seeds to Table" concept since 2019, establishing a breeding cattle farm in Vayots Dzor, a pig-breeding farm in the Tavush Region, a fodder mill in the Ararat Region, and the Artsakh kitchen factory in Yerevan. “Yeremyan Projects” encompasses renowned restaurant brands, including "Renommée," representing signature haute cuisine, "Burgery Angus & More," Italian "Casa Nostra," "Livingston," offering haute cuisine, "Lavash" and "Sherep" conceptual restaurants, the "Smoking Chef" steakhouse, "Tavern Yerevan," "Tavern Yerevan riverside," the fast food chain "Yerevani Shaurma," and "Seasons" projects: the restaurant, the cafe, the sweetland, and the ice cream parlor. "Yeremyan Projects" Group of Companies also features "Yeremyan Delivery" service, "Yeremyan Products" dairy factory, "Yeremyan Farm," comprising agricultural projects, and the Academy of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, which provides training and knowledge enrichment for beginners and specialists in the field. The Academy's educational programs are approved and certified by its exclusive partner, Group City of Oxford College.




Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 30-10-23

Hambardsumian Paul

 17:02,

YEREVAN, 30 OCTOBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 30 October, USD exchange rate down by 0.29 drams to 402.26 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.70 drams to 425.47 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.02 drams to 4.32 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 0.15 drams to 487.78 drams.

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

Gold price up by 83.75 drams to 25644.76 drams. Silver price down by 2.99 drams to 294.29 drams.

Thailand has repatriated 7,400 citizens from Israel

Garo Vardanian

 18:19,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Another 810 Thai workers have returned home from Israel on Monday, the Ministry of Labour of Thailand said in a statement.

''Another 810 Thai workers returned home from Israel on Monday, on four flights, raising the total number of evacuees to 7,415,'' reads the statement.




Armenia, China discuss issues related to the cooperation in the defense field

Chalian Meline

 19:07,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Defense of the Republic of Armenia Suren Papikyan, in the framework of his working visit to the People’s Republic of China  (PRC), had a meeting with the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of PRC, a member of the Politburo of the “Chinese Communist Party”, Colonel General He Weidong,  the Armenian Ministry of Defense reported.

During the meeting, a number of issues related to the cooperation in the defense field and its potential for the development were discussed.

Both parties emphasized the significant potential for expanding cooperation in a number of fields.

Armenia, Ukraine officials discuss prospects of bilateral cooperation

Emil Lazarian

 19:57,

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 30, ARMENPRESS. The Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan  and Ukrainian's President's Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak discussed the current state of bilateral relations between Armenia and Ukraine during a meeting held in Malta on October 28, the embassy of Armenia in Ukraine said in a statement on social media.

''During the meeting the importance of the first meeting of the Ukrainian President  Volodymyr Zelensky with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was underscored, which took place on October 5 in Granada, Spain within the framework of the summit of the European Political Community.

Andriy Yermak expressed his gratitude for the participation of Anna Hakobyan, the wife of the Armenian Prime Minister, at the First Ladies and Gentlemen's Summit held in Kyiv in early September and for providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainian schoolchildren. 

Ukrainian's President's Chief of Staff  confirmed the commitment of the Ukrainian side to strengthen cooperation with Armenia, particularly in European integration issues.

 The parties congratulated each other on the election of Armenia and Ukraine to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and discussed the cooperation of the two countries within the framework of that organization and in the field of energy in general,'' reads the statement.