Category: 2023

 14:08,

STEPANAKERT, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Citizens in Nagorno Karabakh have closed the Askeran-Akna (Aghdam) road with concrete barriers in a move to show that despite the harsh humanitarian situation Nagorno Karabakh is categorically against receiving any supplies of Azerbaijani goods, be it “humanitarian aid” or "very cheap products".

Demonstrators said that Azerbaijan, by claiming that it wants to send supplies to Artsakh, is actually blackmailing Nagorno Karabakh in an attempt to subjugate it.

Several high-ranking Azerbaijani government officials have been talking about “readiness” to send what they describe as “aid” to Artsakh via the Akna (Aghdam) road. The Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has spoken about this during a number of meetings. The President of the European Council Charles Michel also mentioned the possibility of using this road during a press briefing after his meeting with the Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders in Brussels on July 15.

“We’ve clearly said that this is a red line for us,” Arshak Abrahamyan, a founding member of the Artsakh Security Development Front movement told ARMENPRESS. The Askeran-Akna road is closed by demonstrators from this movement’s youth wing and others.

“Artsakh should maintain its social and economic connections only with Armenia. The removal of the illegal Azerbaijani checkpoint on Hakari Bridge remains a priority in our main demands,” he added, noting that they are calling for a humanitarian air corridor to be established as a short-term and urgent solution to the humanitarian disaster.

“Their statements claiming to be ready to send supplies are an attempt to blackmail and subjugate us,” Abrahamyan added.

 

Van Novikov

 15:59,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has held a meeting with Swiss-Armenian businessman Vahe Gabrash and the AGBU Armenia President Vasken Yacoubian.

Gabrash and Yacoubian presented the project on opening a branch of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne – EHL Hospitality Business School of Lausanne – in Gyumri, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout.

PM Pashinyan commended the initiative and expressed the government’s support in effectively implementing the project. The Armenian Prime Minister mentioned that the government is carrying out large-scale reforms in education for improving both physical infrastructures and the content. 

A certification process of teachers is underway, and the development of the Academic City is also in process.

The Prime Minister attached importance to establishing a branch of the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in Gyumri in terms of ensuring high-quality professional education and development of skills.

Gabrash and Yacoubian thanked the Armenian Prime Minister for supporting their initiative and presented details on the course of the work.

 17:20,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. A group of Armenian civil society organizations have expressed concern regarding the recent statement made by the President of the European Council Charles Michel.

Below is the full statement released by the group of civil society organizations.

“The undersigned civil society organizations in Armenia express their alarm over the press statement of July 15 made by Charles Michel, President of the European Council, following the latest trilateral meeting with Prime Minister Pashinyan and President Aliyev. Specifically, we are concerned that the announcement equates the Lachin Corridor and Aghdam as options to address the current humanitarian crisis. This proposal disregards the fact that the source of the humanitarian crisis is Azerbaijan’s continued blockade of Nagorno-Karabakh (NK), subjecting its population to hunger and malnutrition to force submission to their demands, or worse, push them physically out of the territory. Moreover, it does not solve other ongoing violations of human rights, including freedom of movement, access to health services, access to education, etc. We fear that should this proposal be pursued, it will worsen the current dire situation, putting the lives of people in Nagorno-Karabakh at risk.

“The Lachin Corridor does not have an alternative. The February 2023 Preliminary Order (reaffirmed in July 2023) of the International Court of Justice confirms the importance of keeping the corridor open for the free passage of people, goods, and vehicles. However, the Azerbaijani side has not only ignored the Order but has further tightened the months-long blockade. Instead of addressing the root cause of the humanitarian crisis, the discussion of "alternative" routes, such as Aghdam, diverts the international community's attention from the source of the problem – the illegal blockade of a humanitarian corridor and the policy of ethnic cleansing by the Azerbaijani government. Making the Aghdam road operational would inadvertently support this policy by giving additional political and economic leverage to Azerbaijan over the Armenian population in NK and further undermining their rights. 

“Using hunger as a negotiation tactic should not be normalized. If the current situation of a total blockade persists, the act of offering food and supplies through Aghdam resembles hostage-taking and undermines any efforts to build trust between NK and Azerbaijan within the context of a possible Baku-Stepanakert dialogue. Should the international community yield to Azerbaijan's unlawful actions and clear intentions of ethnic cleansing, it would effectively validate the wrongful closure of the Lachin Corridor and the captivity of 120,000 individuals since December 2022. Furthermore, this endorsement would legitimize the non-adherence to the ICJ's order and discredit all existing and future agreements or international legal rulings.

“Additionally, the statement refers to the facilitation of the release of soldiers who inadvertently cross to the other side. While this is an important issue, it is crucial that the fate of all detainees and prisoners of war is not forgotten. There are at least 35 confirmed prisoners of war and other civilian detainees in Azerbaijan. There have been reliable reports that they have been subjected to torture and inhuman and degrading treatment. Two of them were kidnapped earlier this year from Armenia proper, and the court in Azerbaijan sentenced them to lengthy prison sentences for “trespassing” for allegedly attempting to supply a group of “saboteurs” and for “armed terrorism conspiracy”. Similar sham trials have also occurred in relation with other detainees captured during and after the 44-day war. It is obvious that access to justice is impossible under the current circumstances. Moreover, Azerbaijan appears to hold these detainees as a bargaining chip during the process of negotiations.

“Thus, we earnestly request that the international community:

• prioritize efforts to immediately unblock the Lachin Corridor in accordance with the ICJ ruling,
• unite efforts in facilitating the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of war and other detained persons.

 

 

 

Democracy Development Foundation

Analytical Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation (ACGRC)

Center for Rights Development NGO

“Asparez” Journalists' Club

"For Equal Rights" Educational Center NGO

Helsinki Citizens' Assembly-Vanadzor

Non-Discrimination and Equality Coalition

Public Journalism Club

Peace Dialogue NGO

Protection of Rights Without Borders NGO

Real World, Real People NGO

Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center

Regional Center for Democracy and Security

Union of Informed Citizens

Women's Support Center”

 16:20,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Amundi-Acba made an investment from the assets of Balanced and Conservative pension funds in the first EU-Armenia SME private equity fund that invests in the equity capital of companies operating in various sectors of the RA economy.

The fund is managed by Amber Capital Armenia, the assets are about 60 million USD and the investment of Amundi-Acba is 6 million USD making 10% of the fund's assets.

The fund made one of its investments in Walnut farms. Amber Capital Armenia has invested 3 million US dollars in Walnut Farms, Amundi-Acba's share makes about 300,000 US dollars.

The company Walnut Farms has been engaged in walnut processing for 6 years and a new Armenian future brand the Nut is created on 100 hectares of land in Armavir marz.

The founding director of the company, a Lebanese-Armenian Samuel Samuelyan, noted that this is an investment that looks to the future, the result of this business will be visible after years, it is a long-term and prospective work, which will foster the creation of the Armenian industry of nuts and pulses.

Jean Mazejian, the CEO at Amundi-Acba Asset Management, said: “We made an indirect investment from the assets of pension funds in Walnut Farms through Amber Capital. Agriculture is a priority for Armenia's economy. The activity carried out by Walnut Farms is an innovation, which will soon create a new industry in the country and the vision of development foresees the products be exported abroad. In addition to creating jobs, developing the local market and economy, Walnut Farms, creates an ecosystem in the country that contributes to Armenia in becoming a part of the global economy by introducing the latest technologies into business processes”. 

Hrayr Aslanyan, the Deputy Executive Officer at Amundi-Acba Asset Management, fund manager emphasized: “The company will have the opportunity to significantly enlarge the walnut orchards and build a new factory with this investment. Besides, it promotes the creation of jobs especially in rural communities. In addition, in the context of investing from pension funds the most important factor is the partner's experience, which meets Amundi-Acba’s standards.

 “The business founders have two sources of financing, one is the loan instruments – the bank, and the other source is the equity capital. The banking sector in Armenia is quite saturated and functions effectively, however, there was a lack of equity capital. Apart from money, Amber Capital was able to provide a number of other advantages to the company, mainly in the field of corporate management. After the investment, a board of directors was established where we have our representative, a financial director was appointed and an external audit institute was introduced. This fosters the culture of the company since it moves from a small institution to a corporate stage. The role of Amundi Acba Asset Management is very important, they have been with us since the first day, the total investment of 60 million AMD would not have been made if it was not for the first investment” said Grigor Harutyunyan, the Investment Director at Amber Capital Armenia.

Walnut Farms wants to create a community where all pulse producers can share experiences how to plant orchards, cultivate them and implement technologies.

Amundi-Acba Asset Management was established in Armenia by the French Amundi and ACBA Bank in 2013. Amundi-ACBA asset management manages three pension funds, benefiting from the Amundi advanced know-how, expertise and technical support. As of June 30, 2023, the assets under the management of Amundi-Acba made about 351 billion AMD.

Back in 2020, Amundi-Acba invested a certain part of the pension funds in the EU-Armenia Small and Medium Enterprise Fund managed by Amber Capital Armenia. The fund invests in various companies operating in the real sector of the economy.

Amber Capital Armenia is the first institutional private equity fund manager in Armenia. The fund is registered in Luxembourg and its assets are about 60 million US dollars. The investment in Walnut Farms is 5% of the total fund.

The company Walnut Farms operates in the field of growing high-value agricultural products in Armenia. The company processes and exports walnut from ecological regions of Armenia.

 17:44,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS/BTA. President Rumen Radev doubts that what he considers "a parliament of low public approval and low legitimacy" should amend the Constitution. "Let us see what they are going to propose. There is a majority but there have been no proposals about amending the Constitution," Radev said on Wednesday, taking a question from BTA about whether amending Bulgaria's basic law is on the agenda.

He was also asked to comment on a remark by Hristo Ivanov of Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, one of two coalitions which have worked out the formula of the present government. Ivanov said recently that Radev's opinion that "Ukraine insists on waging the war" against Russia puts the Bulgarian President in the same league as the pro-Russian President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, which Ivanov described as "irresponsible and dangerous for Bulgaria".

Radev said: "Mr Ivanov is doing everything possible, using all possible cards to make us forget the lowly way in which he deceived his voters and betrayed his own principles and values. He had built his entire political image as a fighter against the mafia, which he identified with [GERB party leader Boyko] Borissov, and against backstage politics, which he identified with [businessman and MP Delyan] Peevski. And now, he is not just locked in an embrace with them, he is their running dog."

Radev expects the government to defend Bulgaria's interests and to follow the Bulgarian agenda, paying attention to the problems of the people. "This will determine my attitude to the incumbents," he said.

(This information is being published according to an agreement between Armenpress and BTA.)

 18:09,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Today, July 19, the 21st session of the Small and Medium Business Development Council of the Republic of Armenia was held under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Khachatryan, ARMENPRESS was infomred from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. 

Welcoming the members of the Council, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the formation of a friendly institutional environment for the activity and continuous growth of small and medium enterprises is among the Government's priorities. Khachatryan expressed confidence that as a result of cooperation with the private sector, the legal framework regulating the business environment will be continuously improved, creating favorable conditions for the sustainable development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Summarizing the results of the implementation of the decisions made during the previous session, the members of the Council referred to a number of important issues from the point of view of ensuring a favorable business environment, including the possibility of revising the responsibility for the employer in case of non-calculation or non-payment of wages in accordance with the law, reasonableness of fines for violation of the rules of the use of cash registers, as well as the problems that appear in the export process.

Thanking the members of the Council for the objective and effective discussion, Deputy Prime Minister Khachatryan expressed hope that the close cooperation formed during this period with state administration bodies will be continuous, allowing to effectively address the obstacles that appear during the activity of small and medium enterprises.

 19:11,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan had a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin, ARMENPRESS was infomred from teh Office of teh Prime Minister. 

The interlocutors discussed issues on the Armenian-Russian economic cooperation agenda and current programs.

Issues related to cooperation within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union were also addressed.

 19:30,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a consultation was held in the Government, during which issues related to the process of the program of the formation of Digital Society and Economy were discussed, ARMENPRESS was infomred from the Office of the Prime Minister. 

Nerses Yeritsyan, Secretary of the Information Systems Council of Armenia, reported on the works carried out in the direction of the implementation of the digitization strategy and the road map. In particular, it was noted that based on the results of the meetings of the Information Systems Management Board, the program’s vision and targets were approved, the one and a half year work program was defined, which is implemented according to the guidelines approved by the Board. Work is being done on the introduction and active use of the electronic identification system, analysis on impact assessment and formation of digitalization capabilities in the public sector, formation of national cyber security capabilities, dialogue platforms with the private sector have been launched, and the digital architecture of Armenia has been approved.

Based on the report,  an exchange of ideas took place, the participants of the consultation presented their views on issues related to service provision policy, interoperability of information systems, data infrastructures.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to create a developed and safe environment and infrastructure for Armenia’s transformation into a digital society and digital economy. According to Nikol Pashinyan, it will contribute to increasing the potential and well-being of citizens, support enterprises in improving competitiveness and ensure effective management of public institutions.

Nikol Pashinyan instructed to organize discussions on the issues raised during the consultation and to present the proposed solutions at the next meeting.

 19:24,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received Aram Arzumanyan, who was disabled as a result of the 44-day war. Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan was also present at the meeting, ARMENPRESS was infomred from the Office of the Prime Minister. 

The Prime Minister had met Aram's parents on July 17 in Artashat, who raised the issue of changing Aram Arzumanyan's disability degree from 1 to 2.

Nikol Pashinyan listened to Aram Arzumanyan, answered his questions, and the minister presented the necessary clarifications regarding the change of degree, informed that Aram was provided with modern high-quality prosthetics, which contributed to his ability to walk.

Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that the government is bringing the policy of providing disability degree to the international standard. "Degree is not a goal, it is a means to solve a problem. The meaning of the policy is as follows. that methodology says, don't assess whether a person has legs or not, but assess whether they can walk, whether their ability to walk has been restored in any way or not. And we think that policy is correct. Our policy is to restore the person's functional capacity. We all focus on the degree all the time, but degree is not the goal. The extent to which functionality has been restored should be assessed. We should try to understand the method of providing degree, how effective it is and what needs to be done to make it more effective," said the Prime Minister.

Nikol Pashinyan emphasized that the Government should do its best to restore the functionality of the person. "We must provide our brothers and children disabled as a result of the war with prosthetics that meet the best international standards.

We do not want you and our other children and brothers to have a disability degree, but to be fully rehabilitated, to be able to get an education, a job, that is, to act freely and to recover your functional capacity. In the cases when this will not be successful, the disability order will be defined by the examination, which will give us an indication that there is a functional problem," said the Prime Minister.

The Minister of Labor and Social Affairs reported that more than 1,400 servicemen were disabled as a result of the 44-day war.

Prime Minister Pashinyan reminded that the comprehensive health insurance system will be introduced in the republic from next year. "Persons disabled as a result of the 44-day war should be included in this system at the very first stage. Our task is not that you say what a good government, it gave me a first degree disability? Our task is to ensure that you walk normally, run, study, work, live. Please, don't push us in the direction of providing a disability degree and thinking that we have solved a problem. We need you to have no disability degree. We need to implement such a modern functional prosthetics that will be both comfortable and functional," said Nikol Pashinyan, adding that the Government will move according to the new methodological standard for disability classification.

During the meeting, Aram Arzumanyan raised other health-related issues. The Prime Minister instructed Minister Mkrtchyan to submit a new draft Government's decision, as necessary, to solve additional health problems of Aram and other persons with disabilities.

An agreement was reached to organize a new meeting in the coming months, including with the participation of other persons with disabilities, to discuss the problems and further steps to solve them.

 20:15,

YEREVAN, JULY 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Armenia, Anne Louyot, who is completing her diplomatic mission in Armenia, ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime MInister. 

The Prime Minister thanked the Ambassador for contributing to effective cooperation and further development of Armenian-French relations. Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Armenian-French cooperation in various fields has a dynamic character and expressed belief that it will continue to strengthen in the near future.

The Prime Minister wished the Ambassador success in her future activities.