Author: David Nargizian

IMF ready to discuss possibilities of assisting implementation of reforms in spheres mentioned by PM Pashinyan

18:40,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 25, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received on February 25 the Executive Director at International Monetary Fund Richard Doornbosch.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Office of the Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Government of Armenia attaches importance to continuous cooperation with the IMF and is interested in further deepening of constructive partnership.

According to the IMF Executive Director, Armenia is a reliable partner for IMF and the IMF is ready to provide assistance to the Government of Armenia in order to succeed in implementing the reforms initiated in different directions.

The interlocutors discussed prospects for expanding and developing cooperation.

PM Pashinyan referred to the reform agenda of the Government of Armenia, speaking about high technology promotion in the structure of the economy, reform of the Tax Code, creation of micro business, facilitation of business environment, reform of public administration and education systems, and activities under anti-corruption policy.

Nikol Pashinyan noted that by the change of the structure of the economy and promoting the use of high technologies in various sectors, the government aims at positioning Armenia as a technological country and, and taking into account the huge potential in the IT sphere, to form an export-oriented economy. According to the Prime Minister, the government's task is to create opportunities in Armenia and to stimulate entrepreneurship so that everyone can realize their potential and contribute to the country's development.

Emphasizing the need for institutional and expert capacities for the success of reforms, the head of the government highlighted the relevant assistance of international partner institutions, including the IMF.

Richard Doornbosch noted that the IMF is ready to discuss the possibilities of assisting the implementation of reforms in the areas mentioned by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia.

Reaffirming the willingness of the cooperation, Prime Minister Pashinyan suggested discussing concrete steps will relevant state bodies.

Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan

Investigators seek criminal proceedings against opposition lawmaker for alleged pre-election crime

15:55,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Authorities have forwarded the criminal case against opposition lawmaker Eduard Babayan from the Prosperous Armenia party for an alleged assault he committed back in 2018 before being elected to parliament to the prosecution for further proceedings. 

Special Investigative Service spokesperson Marine Ohanjanyan told ARMENPRESS the criminal case that was launched against Babayan has been forwarded to the prosecution with a conclusion of guilt. 

The incident allegedly took place in summer of 2018 when Babayan, who at the time served as head of Prosperous Armenia President Gagik Tsarukyan’s security detail, physically assaulted a man and inflicted injuries.

Babayan was charged and briefly detained and then released on a 20,000,000 dram bail. Months later he successfully ran for parliament.

Lawmakers have immunity and prosecuting them requires parliamentary approval. 

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan

Actions of Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders contribute to reduction of tension in region – Chief of CSTO Joint Staff

13:56, 6 February, 2019

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Colonel-General Anatoly Sidorov, Chief of Joint Staff of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), has summed up the recent actions of Armenia and Azerbaijan aimed at settling the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, reports Armenpress.

During today’s Moscow-Yerevan-Minsk-Bishkek-Astana video conference, Anatoly Sidorov said the actions of the leaders of the two countries have contributed to the reduction of tension in the region.

“The joint efforts of the international mediators and regional states, as well as the intensification of dialogue which is necessary for the future works aimed at peacefully settling the NK conflict, have led to the reduction of tension. The regular meetings of the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan enabled to take concrete actions for strengthening trust”, the Chief of CSTO Joint Staff said.

He also highlighted the direct connection established between the two countries at the top leadership level recently.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev had a brief meeting in Dushanbe on September 28, 2018, during which they reached an agreement to reduce tension and prevent incidents in the border. An “operative connection” has been established between the sides since the meeting of the two leaders.

Thereafter, they held another informal meeting in St. Petersburg in December on the sidelines of the informal meeting of the heads of CIS states.

Pashinal and Aliyev also met on January 22, 2019 in Davos on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

Edited and translated by Aneta Harutyunyan

Central Bank of Armenia: exchange rates and prices of precious metals – 07-02-19

17:11, 7 February, 2019

YEREVAN, 7 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 7 February, USD exchange rate up by 0.43 drams to 488.69 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 1.81 drams to 554.22 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate down by 0.03 drams to 7.40 drams. GBP exchange rate down by 2.23 drams to 630.65 drams.

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

Gold price down by 10.11 drams to 20620.1 drams. Silver price down by 1.90 drams to 247.15 drams. Platinum price down by 35.77 drams to 12867.92 drams.

From revolutionary to Prime Minister – Pashinyan assures he has not changed, Swiss RTS radio

20:54, 7 February, 2019

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 7, ARMENPRESS. New Prime Minister of Armenia, leader of the velvet revolution Nikol Pashinyan has an aspiration to revolutionize the economy of the country, preserving the balance between Russia and Europe, ARMENPRESS reports Swiss RTS radio reads, the reporter of which met with Pashinyan in Davos earlier.

“Nikol Pashinyan, wearing his new suit that fits his position of Prime Minister, accompanied by a large delegation, tours in the corridors of the World Economic Forum. A few months ago that same person, a former journalist, wearing a military uniform, cap and a backpack was addressing the crowd with a speech in the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan.

The popular movement that was named “Velvet revolution” due to its peaceful nature raised him to the post of Prime Minister.

From opposition leader to head of the executive, Nikol Pashinyan assures RTS that he remains the same person. “I assess myself the servant of the people. As long as the people are satisfied, I will continue my mission. As soon as the people decide to remove me from that position, I will most probably go back to journalism or will write books”, ARMENPRESS reports RTS quotes Pashinyan.

The article runs as follows,

From political revolution to economic revolution

His mission, as he usually says, has been “making Armenia corruption free”. After reaching this goal Nikol Pashinyan sees an economic revolution that will take place in his country.  

This is what brought him to the World Economic Forum in Davos. He also met with Swiss and Diaspora-Armenian businessmen in Switzerland.

But not everything depends on the Government – warns the PM. Like in case of the political revolution, Nikol Pashinyan relies on the people for the economic revolution. “The citizens know that they have a precise role. The only difference now is that we need to attract investments”.

Balance between Russian and Europe

But how can a former USSR country, located between east and west, develop political and economic relations with Europe without offending its key ally, Russia? This seems to be a matter of balance.

“We are member to the Eurasian Economic Union, which is a very important market for our country. But Armenia has an agreement also with the EU and this is not incompatible.

Our relations with Russia are important from the perspective of economy and security, but our relations with the EU give us an opportunity to improve our political and legal system and develop our society, making it more competitive”.

Anyway, the Armenian PM should be cautious not to breach the balance. For example, joining NATO is not on the agenda.

“We do not plan to join that organization. We already cooperate with NATO member states, particularly in carrying out peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan and soon in Lebanon. This cooperation will continue and develop further, because we know the real value of peace”.

 Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan