Author: Boris Nahapetian

Armenian serviceman suspected in committing high treason for 200 dollars

Boris Nahapetian

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 10:14, 25 May 2022

YEREVAN, MAY 25, ARMENPRESS. A serviceman of the Armenian Armed Forces is under arrest in suspicion of treason, the National Security Service (NSS) said in a statement.

The NSS did not disclose the identity or the unit of the suspect.

It said that the serviceman was recruited in January 2022 by a foreign intelligence agency through social media, namely Facebook, and was paid 200 dollars for transferring highly classified information about his military base’s combat positions, equipment, coordinates, arsenal, number of on-duty troops and other top secret data.

The foreign intelligence service paid the 200 dollars to the suspect by bank transfer.

According to the NSS, the suspect confessed in his testimony after being arrested by the NSS Military Counterintelligence Division.

The suspect is remanded into custody pending trial.

Catholicosate of Great House of Cilicia always stands by people of Artsakh:Catholicos Aram I receives Parliament Speaker

Boris Nahapetian

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 12:07, 27 May 2022

 YEREVAN, MAY 27, ARMENPRESS. The delegation led by Speaker of Parliament of Artsakh Artur Tovmasyan met on May 26 with Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, His Holiness Aram I in Antelias, the Parliament of Artsakh said in a news release.

The meeting was also attended by Primate of Armenian Diocese of Tehran, His Eminence Archbishop Sepuh Sarkissian.

Artur Tovmasyan and his delegation members presented the current situation in Artsakh, the fair and unchanged demands of the people and authorities to Catholicos Aram I.

In his remarks His Holiness Aram I said that the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia always stands by the people of Artsakh and supports in expressing the will of the right to sovereignty.

In this respect Aram I reiterated the full support of the Dioceses of the Catholicosate and the nation to the people of Artsakh.

Turkish press: Armenian protesters block Foreign Ministry in Yerevan

Boris Nahapetian
Ali Murat Alhas and Nuri Aydin   |24.05.2022

FILE PHOTO


ANKARA

Anti-government protesters in the Armenian capital blocked the entrances to the Foreign Ministry.

According to a news report by the Armenian news outlet Armenpress, the protesters led by the vice speaker of parliament, Ishkhan Saghatelyan, gathered in Yerevan's France Square in the morning to march toward the ministry, chanting slogans.

They blocked the building's entry and exit ways and then returned to the square after opposition lawmakers Saghatelyani Hayk Mamijanyan and Aram Vardevanyan entered the ministry and conveyed the demonstrators' message.

Protesters have been holding demonstrations in the capital since May 1. Police authorities had announced earlier that 426 protesters have been taken into custody in the following days.

The opposition members criticize the government for its foreign policy in the region and called on premier Nikol Pashinyan to step down after Azerbaijan's victory in the Karabakh region and the following negotiations.

Relations between the two former Soviet countries have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.

New clashes erupted in September 2020, and the 44-day conflict saw Azerbaijan liberate several cities and over 300 settlements and villages that were occupied by Armenia for almost 30 years.

A tripartite agreement was brokered by Russia to bring an end to the war in November 2020.

“Huawei Technologies Armenia” LLC held 2nd Season of Seeds for the Future program successfully

Boris Nahapetian

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 14:30,

YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. In 2022 from May 23rd to May 30th, Huawei Armenia hosts its 2nd season of Seeds for the Future Program.

In collaboration with Yerevan State University and Yerevan National Polytechnics University in selection process, 20 outstanding students were selected. The speech for the opening ceremony on May 20th was held by the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of The Peoples Republic of China in Armenia Mr. Fan Yong, as well as Mr. Narek Teryan, the Deputy Minister of Economy of RA, Mrs. Eliz Gevorgyan, Head of European Union and International Organizations Division, Ministry of High-Tech Industry of RA and the General Manager of Huawei Technologies Armenia, Mr. Chen Liang.

Mr. Fan Yong greeted the students addressed his speech to them:

“I am very glad to be present at the online opening ceremony of the “Seeds for the Future” hosted by Huawei Armenia. China and Armenia are both ancient and civilized countries and the friendship between these countries lasts for already 2000 years and up to know. On April the 6th the both of our countries have celebrated the 30th anniversary of the of the diplomatic relationship.”

Mr. Fan mentioned that in spite of the Covid 19, during the past 2 years the trade volume has grown positively and he is very confident that with the joint efforts the both countries will continuously deepen the construction of one built one road collaborative and bring this potential onto more reality, into the brighter future.

“The world is changing rapidly and the digital development is very important for nowadays. President of Armenia, Mr. Khachatryan, while visiting the Chinses embassy to celebrate the 30th anniversary, mentioned that Armenia attaches great importance to the development of ICT industries and wants to learn from China and strengthen the cooperation with China and take the talents in advantages of Armenia in ICT industry”.

Mr. Fan noted that as the most advanced and powerful industry in China and the world, Huawei proposes the 2nd time the Seeds for the Future program in Armenia to help the young students with the advantages in high-tech industries for their future development.

“I want to thank Huawei for organizing this event as well as special thanks to the Ministry of Economy and Ministry High-Tech Industry for the support to the young students”, concluded by Mr. Fan Yong.

Mr. Narek Teryan welcomed the students and thanked Huawei Technologies Armenia for hosting the Seeds for the Future program for the 2nd season in 2022.

“I believe the program will bring a great opportunity for the talented Armenian students to strengthen their knowledge and skills in 5G, Clouds and IT fields. On one hand, this experience will emphasize the importance of friendly relations between Armenia and China and on the other hand it will support Armenian digital development as the program is a great platform for communication and information exchange with the cutting-edge technologies.”

Mr. Teryan wished good luck to all the students participating in the program and wished to see their outcoming in the coming future.

A welcome and motivation speech was held by the Head of European Union and International Organizations Division, Ministry of High-Tech Industry of RA, Ms. Eliz Gevorgyan.

She welcomed the participants of the program and thanked the organizers of the event for giving the Armenian students an opportunity to participate in such a useful training.

“This program has great potential to enhance participants' theoretical knowledge of high technology capability and improve their leadership skills. It is also a unique bridge for intercultural communication between Armenia and China.

It is very important to ensure the continuity of technological education of young people, given that education is the key to the development of innovative ideas and the implementation of revolutionary initiatives.”

In conclusion, Ms. Gevorgyan thanked once again and wished good luck to all the participants in the upcoming 8 days’ online training

The speech was held by the General Manager of Huawei Technologies Armenia, Mr. Chen Liang addressing word of gratitude to Mr. Fan Yong and Mr. Narek Teryan and Ms. Eliz Gevorgyan for motivating the students to the program.

“As the general manager of Huawei Armenia, I am so proud to launch the 2nd season of Seeds for the Future 2022 program in Armenia, appreciated the trust and support from Chinese Embassy and Armenian government. Through this training program to bridge the digital divide, promote knowledge transfer, and cultivate a strong future workforce for the digitalization of Armenia.

Talent is critical to the growth and development of any industry, especially in the fast-growing and evolving ICT industry. As an ICT leader, Huawei is committed to promote Armenia's ICT industry in order to promote long-term sustainable economic, social, and environmental development. We are proud of that we can promote learning across borders, enabling young people to participate in training activities regardless of geographical location.

Through the Seeds for the Future 2022 program, students will have the opportunity to leverage Huawei's rich cutting-edge technical capabilities and resources to gain an exclusive opportunity to improve their skills, thereby enhancing their future career prospects. They will also learn about Huawei's global business operations, cross-cultural work practices, and Chinese culture, upon completion of the online course, each student will receive an e-Certification.

As a leading global ICT company, Huawei has been providing qualified solution and service to Armenia since 2009. Huawei has actively undertaken social responsibilities and committed to cultivating more ICT talent for Armenia. The Seeds for the Future program is a useful attempt by Huawei to enhance the future development of bilateral relations and make more benefit to the people from both country. It also serves as a microcosm for Chinese companies in Armenia to fulfill the social responsibilities and promote cultural exchanges effectively.

2nd season of Seeds for the Future 2022 program in Armenia which is one of the best tribute to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and the People's Republic of China, which aims to cultivate more ICT talent around the world and bridge the gap in digital talent. Let us continue the friendship, promote the cooperation, and jointly write a brighter future for the good relations between Armenia and China, and work together to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Police detain 414 people in anti-Pashinyan demonstrations in Yerevan

Boris Nahapetian
PanARMENIAN
Armenia – May 17 2022
May 17, 2022 – 14:01 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - Police in Yerevan detained 414 people on Tuesday, May 17, who took part in opposition-led demonstrations demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian, the Armenian service of RFE/RL reports.

The chairman of the National Assembly State and Legal Affairs Committee, Vladimir Vardanyan, said earlier in the day that they treat the absence of the opposition lawmakers with understanding, but if any employee of any institution dails to show up for work for a long time "without good reasons", they should be held responsible.

In recent weeks, protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan have taken to the streets to block major roads in the capital Yerevan and call on the population to commit acts of civil disobedience. Pashinian has come under fire after he and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev agreed to start drafting a bilateral peace treaty to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and set up a joint commission on demarcating the borders.

Moscow Analysts See Armenia Becoming ‘Another Ukraine’ – OpEd by Paul Goble

Boris Nahapetian
May 17 2022''
 May 17, 2022  

By Paul Goble

Two Moscow commentators who often reflect Kremlin views say that the situation in Armenia is deteriorating to the point that that country in the Southern Caucasus is following the Ukrainian example and thus promises to generate the kind of instability the West will exploit against Russia.

Roman Lugovoy of Versiya says that Armenian Prime Minsiter Nikol Pashinyan came to power via a color revolution and now may lose it in another; but even if Yereven “doesn’t repeat the fate of Kyiv,” Armenia is likely to remain unstable and that instability threatens Russian interests in the region (versia.ru/v-armenii-zreet-novaya-revolyuciya).

And Igor Moiseyev of Svobodnaya Pressa suggests that what is going on shows that “Yerevan has already chosen ‘the Ukrainian path,” a trend that could end with the disappearance of that country. He says that Azerbaijan and Turkey, acting for the West with its interests in weakening Russia, are likely to be the chief culprits in such an outcome.

But the fact that Moscow analysts are drawing analogies between Armenia and Ukraine is worrisome given what Putin has said about the disappearance of Ukraine from the map of the world and what his forces are doing there. Such remarks suggest that some in the Kremlin may now be considering Armenia as the next target for Russian aggression.

Moscow has the forces in place to mount such an attack and may be thinking that it not only could easily overpower the Armenian authorities thus giving it a victory but would enjoy in Yerevan at least some support, especially if the Russian side portrayed what it was doing as a defense of Armenia against Turkic plans.

Paul Goble is a longtime specialist on ethnic and religious questions in Eurasia. Most recently, he was director of research and publications at the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy. Earlier, he served as vice dean for the social sciences and humanities at Audentes University in Tallinn and a senior research associate at the EuroCollege of the University of Tartu in Estonia. He has served in various capacities in the U.S. State Department, the Central Intelligence Agency and the International Broadcasting Bureau as well as at the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Mr. Goble maintains the Window on Eurasia blog and can be contacted directly at [email protected] .

A Downturn in Russia’s Economy Could Jeopardize Armenia’s Growth Potential, Experts Warn

Boris Nahapetian
by Asbarez Staff

 

 May 17, 2022

 

in Armenia, Featured Story, Latest, News, Top Stories

Armenia's currency, the dram, is taking a hit as a result of Russia's military action in Ukraine


Economic experts in Armenia are sounding the alarm on the potentially severe downturn in the Armenian economy as a result of the impact on the Russian economy because of the crippling Western sanctions.

Hayk Bejanyan and Narek Karapetyan from the Amberd Analytical Center explored various scenarios, reported Armenpress.

They said that the Russian ruble fluctuations, which is directly impacting the Armenian economy, was among the factors in the study.

“And we shouldn’t forget that Russia is our main trade partner. That’s why negative effects in Russia are directly impacting our foreign trade turnover and subsequent economic developments,” Bejanyan said.

In the event of a zero growth in Russia, the 5.7 economic growth registered in Armenia in 2021 will shrink to 1.9 percent. Exports growth will comprise 8.4 percent, money transfers to Armenia would grow 12.1 percent, while the Armenian dram will appreciate by 2.1 percent.
In the event of a five percent economic decline in Russia, the Armenian real gross domestic product will drop 2.1 percent in 2022 and will lead to 0.7 percent drop in exports, 7.5 percent drop in remittances and 1.1 percent devaluation.

In the event of 10 percent decline, the economic losses will be more severe. In this case, the Armenian economic decline could reach 6.1 percent, while exports would drop 9.8 percent. Remittances would decline 27.1 percent and the dram would devaluate 5.1 percent.

Meanwhile, a survey conducted by the Russian central bank projected an eight percent decline for the Russian economy in 2022. If this happens, the Armenian economy will record a 4.5 percent decline, according to the experts. Exports could drop 6.2 percent, remittances to 19.3 percent and the dram would lose value by 3.5 percent.

The experts emphasized that the growing economic crisis in Russia is creating “significant risks” for the Armenian economy, jeopardizing its chances of potential growth.

According to the scenario, devaluation and economic decline should be expected in Armenia, mostly due to the decline in exports and money transfers. However, these assessments aren’t taking into account the possible positive developments, such as the inflow of Russian labor to Armenia, new exports opportunities, positioning as a logistic hub, new opportunities for financial service growth.

Bejanyan said that the Russian ruble has already strengthened its position within the new reality of sanctions after the nearly 50 percent devaluation in suffered at the onset of the sanctions.

Because Russia is Armenia’s main trade partner, the developments taking place around the Russian ruble are impacting the Armenian dram. However, in the recent period the dram regained some of its losses, with Bejanyan attributing this to several facts, among them a robust tourism flow.

He said that the main income of visiting foreigners is in dollars or euros. “This led to significant changes in our currency circulation. This is a component that strengthened the dram.” The other factor is the cenbank’s policy, he said.

The Armenian government’s initial forecast for 2022 was seven percent growth. However, the central bank already revised this projection, lowering it to three percent.

“This will naturally lead to a cut in state budget revenues. And if we take into account the finance ministry’s statement that no changes are planned in budget spending, this means that the government is inclined to compensate for the less collected revenues by involving additional state debt. And if we were to be guided with this scenario, then, if in the beginning of the year the state debt-GDP ratio was projected to be around 62 percent, in case of these projected developments it is very possible for this figure to be up to 68 percent,” the expert said.

U.S. Ambassador praises Nikol Pashinyan and his political team

Boris Nahapetian
NEWS.am
Armenia –
15:19, 20.05.2022

There should be no restrictions when it comes to freedom of speech and journalists' work, U.S. Ambassador to Armenia Lynne Tracy said.

Her remarks came at the Armenian Democracy Forum on Friday.

She urged to take into account in Armenia those points that are criticized, reminding that there is also room for improvement in the fight against corruption, pointing to the huge number of challenges.

Speaking on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s view that citizens must be prepared to be participants in democracy, the Ambassador said this is an important factor for democracy to develop.

She noted that support is important in such spheres as the rights of women, people with disabilities, LGBT and cooperation with the Armenian government can provide development. She expressed her conviction that these categories of citizens need special attention.

Tracy reiterated that since 1992, the U.S. has allocated nearly $3 billion to improve living standards in Armenia. She expressed her gratitude to the Prime Minister of Armenia and Armenian people noting that cooperation would not be possible without the willingness to reap the benefits of support.

“The United States gained a good partner in person of the Armenian government. We are working in various areas that are aimed at promoting democracy, building democratic institutions, the fight against corruption, and economic development," she said.

She highlighted the reforms of the electoral system carried out with the USA's support during the last four years.

According to Lynne Tracy, the most important investments are in the sphere of human capital development because it is impossible to succeed in other spheres without it. She expressed her support for education, and retraining of journalists," the U.S. ambassador concluded.

OSCE sees need to intensify efforts within Minsk Group to establish stable peace in South Caucasus

Boris Nahapetian
ARMINFO
Armenia –
Marianna Mkrtchyan

ArmInfo. The OSCE considers the Minsk Group as an appropriate body and sees the need to intensify efforts to establish a stable peace, prosperity and development of  the region. This is stated in the message of the OSCE secretariat.

This is how the secretariat answered the question of RFE/RL whether  they see the prospect of further activities of the Minsk Group  against the background of the fact that Azerbaijan does not de facto  recognize the mandate of the co-chairs, and there are huge  contradictions between the mediators.

However, the OSCE did not comment on the statement of the Russian  Foreign Minister that the United States and France refused to work  with Russia in the OSCE Minsk Group, against the background of the  developments around Ukraine.

"The OSCE Chairmanship does not intend to comment on the statements  within the Minsk Group concerning France or the United States," the  response says.

Also, the secretariat did not comment on Armenia's appeal sent about  two months ago to the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group on organizing  negotiations with Azerbaijan.  "The co-chair countries, like the EU,  have been actively cooperating with Baku and Yerevan in recent weeks.  Armenia and Azerbaijan, as OSCE member states, are aware that the  organization is ready to provide any support, both within its mandate  and in other contexts," the OSCE secretariat noted.

A mega-mansion owned by an Armenian politician facing criminal corruption charges hits the market for $63.5 million

Boris Nahapetian
Business Insider
Azmi Haroun
  • The DOJ and FBI are trying to seize the former Armenian finance minister's mega-mansion.
  • The Holmby Hills home is listed for $63.5 million while prosecutors work with realtors on the sale.
  • Gagik Khachatryan was criminally charged with bribery in Armenia, and faces charges in the US.

Los Angeles realtors are working with the Department of Justice and the FBI to try to sell a mega-mansion that belonged to an Armenian politician facing criminal corruption charges in his home country.

The 30,000-square-foot palace is located in the swanky Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles just a few doors down from Hugh Hefner's Playboy mansion. The home, listed for $63.5 million, belonged to former Armenian finance minister Gagik Khachatryan. 

Known by the DOJ as the "super minister" in Armenia because of his political power and responsibilities while in office, Khachatryan served as the Chairman of the State Revenue Committee of the Republic of Armenia between 2008 to 2014 and as the Minister of Finance between 2014 to 2016.

Federal prosecutors allege that Armenian businessman Sedrak Arustamyan paid Khachatryan over $20 million in bribes for special tax relief for his businesses and that the money was used to purchase the home in 2011. Armenian prosecutors discovered millions in unpaid taxes after Khachatryan left office in 2016.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the DOJ alleged in a court filing that Khachatryan purchased the house for $14.4 million using the illicit cash, and that he and his sons had formed entities and phony loans to "to receive, disguise and conceal illegal bribe payments."

Khachatryan and his sons, who the DOJ allege partook in the bribery, were criminally charged with receiving bribes in Armenia in 2019, while charges against Arustamyan are pending. 

In the DOJ's filing, prosecutors wrote that Khachatryan's sons sought to raise their kids in Los Angeles at the home. After an investigation into the family came to light in Armenia in 2016, the sons fled the country.

With 11 bedrooms and 27 bathrooms, the mansion went on the market on April 7. Real estate brokerage Hilton & Hyland is trying to sell the house as federal prosecutors move to seize the property.

"I've been told by the FBI that I can continue to do showings," realtor Richard Maslan told The Los Angeles Times. "If we receive an offer and both the seller and the Justice Department agree on a sale price, we can still sell it."