Category: 2020

WATCH: Pallas's cat makes appearance in Armenia first time in 100 years

 11:58, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The Pallas's cat, also known as the manul, has made an appearance in Armenia for the first time in 100 years, the Ministry of Environment reported releasing a footage of the animal in the wild.

The wild cat is listed in Armenia's Red Book – the list of the country's endangered, vulnerable or threatened animals.

Editing and Translating by Stepan Kocharyan

[see video]

 12:47, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Association of Social Workers (AASW) in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of the Republic of Armenia announces the start of a new three-year project for social protection system, which aims to promote self-reliant livelihood of poor and vulnerable groups, empower their participation in society and economic life in the Ararat, Armavir, Kotayk, Shirak and Lori marzes of Armenia. The grant project is generously funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan Social Development Fund (JSDF) and administered by the World Bank.

The representatives from the Ministry, Association, Embassy of Japan, World Bank, partner agencies and organizations participated in Project launch event. Around 100 government officials, development partners, social workers and experts either attended or followed the event online following COVID-19 restrictions. The official welcomes and presentation of the project were followed by a panel discussion.

"The Project has two major objectives: introducing new models to the system of social work, as a result of which professional work with vulnerable groups will become more effective, and creating opportunities for people in dire conditions to get out of poverty․ I am hopeful that this cooperation will bring substantive changes to the overall social protection system in Armenia", says Mira Antonyan, President of the Association.

“The activation of vulnerable and poor groups of population, encouragement of their self-reliant livelihood and social work development are key priority issues for Armenia,” says Anna Zhamakochyan, Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia. “Next year the social protection system reforms will be continued and I hope that the Project will have its contribution by developing social case management and promoting beneficiaries’ entrepreneurial activities”, she adds.

“We are pleased to start the actual implementation of this critical project in these dramatic times for Armenia,” says Sylvie Bossoutrot, World Bank Country Manager for Armenia. “We expect that this project will facilitate smoother integration of vulnerable people and help them become active participants of society by improving their employment opportunities.”

Rika Onodera, Second Secretary for Economic Cooperation at the Embassy of Japan in Armenia presented Ambassador H.E. Mr. Jun Yamada’s greeting. "We are deeply convinced that this extremely important and timely Project will contribute to the increase of the level of welfare and enhancement of the life of vulnerable people of the society through the capacity building of social workers and vocational training for targeted people", emphases Ambassador.

During the panel discussion, the experts emphasized the fact that the post-war realities, with its socio-economic consequences, have created bigger challenges for the Armenian society and state institutions. The most vulnerable are the families with children, single mothers, people with disabilities and lack of stable sources of income. The last two crisis – pandemic and military actions made the situation worst. Thus, activation of vulnerable people and creating new opportunities for them becomes a top priority.

More than 750,000 people in Armenia live below the poverty line. It is expected that the quality of life of over 11,000 households will be improved with the help of this three-year program. By the end of the project, at least 300 beneficiaries (40% women) will receive a small grant (US$ 4000 each), of which at least 225 business projects will become self-sufficient. 200 social workers, including case managers of local social assistance departments and community social workers, will master their case management skills.

The JSDF was established by the Government of Japan and the World Bank as a mechanism to provide direct assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable groups in eligible World Bank countries. The aim is to enhance their capacities, strengthen their empowerment and participation in society and economic life. Founded in 2004, The “Armenian Association of Social Workers” NGO (AASW) is a professional organization with more than 250 members. The main goals of the Association are the development of social work education and practice in Armenia, protection of the rights and interests of social workers and their beneficiaries, and promotion of social protection reforms in Armenia.

 

Начало формы

 12:54, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The specialists of the International Mine Action Center of the Russian defense ministry continue demining works in the territory of Nagorno Karabakh, the Russian defense ministry reports.

The engineering units of the Russian peacekeeping troops are completing the demining works in the northern section of Stepanakert. They have already cleared 260 hectares of land, nearly 100 km long roads, 434 buildings. Over 8,6 thousand explosive devices were found and neutralized.

In the course of demining and clearing the territory of explosive objects in Nagorno Karabakh, Russian peacekeepers use modern robotic systems.

Discovered explosive objects and unexploded ammunition are removed and destroyed at a specially equipped landfill. 

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

 13:33, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Parliament will convene an extraordinary session on December 24, Chairman of the standing committee on economic affairs Babken Tunyan said today.

Two bills will be on the agenda. One of them is the package of bills on making amendments to the Law on Reducing and preventing the damage caused to health due to tobacco types, and the next one relates to making changes in the Tax Code.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

 14:18, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The European Union (EU) informed the Government of Armenia about the disbursement of additional € 24 million in grants to support Armenia’s fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The EU's decision follows a positive assessment on progress in development of a Mid-Term Recovery Plan (MTRP), macroeconomic stability, public financial management and state budget transparency, in the frame of the COVID-19 Resilience Contract signed between the EU and the Government of Armenia, the EU Delegation to Armenia told Armenpress.

As part of the European Union’s € 92 million response package to the COVID-19 pandemic in Armenia, this new disbursement of € 24 million is meant to help Armenia in its fight against the COVID-19 crisis and in strengthening the economic and financial resilience in the country. This EU assistance announced today is an extra support to the recently disbursed Euro 35.6 million of last month and creates additional fiscal space to implement Government healthcare and anti-crisis measures for vulnerable groups and businesses affected by COVID-19.

H.E. Mher Grigoryan, Deputy Prime Minister, said: “We highly appreciate the EU’s support in these difficult times and extend our gratitude for the EU’s constructive and quick response in addition to the last month’s allocation of € 35.6 million. This new allocation is made within the scope of the budget support program signed between the Government of Armenia and the EU in 2020 to fight the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. We firmly believe that it will greatly contribute to Armenia’s recovery from the pandemic, supporting the Government in overcoming the socio-economic hardships resulted by the crisis.”

H.E. Andrea Wiktorin, EU Head of Delegation, said: “The EU and its Member States stand firm in supporting Armenia’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, delivering grant assistance to contribute to Armenia’s efforts to health and socio-economic recovery and build resilience. We have already disbursed around Euro 60 million this year in direct grant-based budget support to Armenia to tackle COVID-19 and more is yet to come. Our assistance is expected to help implement important economic reforms, preserve jobs & small businesses and promote inclusive growth in Armenia. The fight against pandemic is definitely not over but we can overcome it only by standing together as one”.

The EU’s response follows a Team Europe approach, aimed at saving lives by providing quick and targeted support to our partners to face this pandemic. It combines resources from the EU, its Member States and European financial institutions to support partner countries and address their short-term needs, as well as the longer-term structural impacts on societies and the economy.

 

 17:06, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Vice Speaker of Parliament of Armenia Vahe Enfiajyan received today head of the Delegation of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) to Armenia Thierry Ribo, the Parliament reports.

Vahe Enfiajyan congratulated Thierry Ribo on assuming office in Armenia, wishing success in his responsible mission.

Highlighting the activity of Red Cross in such a difficult situation, the Vice Speaker has expressed his gratitude to the ICRC Delegation for retrieving the bodies of servicemen killed during the recent war in Artsakh unleashed by Azerbaijan, as well as for the search operations for missing in action, finding out the fates of prisoners of war and other detained persons, etc.

Thierry Ribo presented details over the activities carried out by the ICRC after the end of the hostilities.

He informed that the ICRC as a neutral and impartial organization, has participated in the search operations for the missing in action, has met with the Armenian POWs, got acquainted with their detention conditions. Thierry Ribo assured that the ICRC will continue conducting its mediation humanitarian mission.

The Vice Speaker of Parliament expressed readiness to assist the structure for more effectively organizing its activities.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan

 18:39, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Emergency Situations of Armenia Andranik Piloyan received on December 23 Minister of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Yevgeny Zinichev who is in Yerevan on an official visit.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the Ministry, the sides discussed a number of issues related with the humanitarian programs carried out in Artsakh. Russia has already sent 290 tons of humanitarian aid to Artsakh, another 90 tons will be delivered in the near future. Yevgeny Zinich noted that a great volume of works will be implemented for assisting the people that have appeared in a harsh situation.

The Minister of the Emergency Situations of Armenia thanked the Russian side, once again emphasizing the importance and scale of the works being done.

 18:58, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. The Fatherland Salvation Movement comprised of 16 opposition parliamentary and extra-parliamentary parties plans to blockade all the entries of the Government building on December 24 before the Cabinet meeting, ARMENPRESS reports member of the ARF-Dashnaktsutyun party Gegham Manukyan said during the protest in the Republican Square.

‘’The last session of the Government in 2020 headed by Nikol Pashinyan will take place tomorrow at 11:00. I call on everyone to blockade the Government building from all sides from 10:00’’, Manukyan said.

Vazgen Manukyan is the candidate of the Fatherland Salvation Movement for the Prime Minister's position. Vazgen Manukyan served as the first Prime Minister of Armenia from 1990 to 1991 under President Levon-Ter Petrosyan. He then served briefly as Defense Minister.

Manukyan was the President of the Public Council from 2009 to 2019.

 17:21, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, 23 DECEMBER, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 23 December, USD exchange rate up by 0.24 drams to 522.21 drams. EUR exchange rate down by 0.28 drams to 636.78 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 6.93 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.05 drams to 700.54 drams.

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

Gold price down by 34.18 drams to 31515.46 drams. Silver price down by 6.27 drams to 432.66 drams. Platinum price up by 511.32 drams to 17108.44 drams.

 19:42, 23 December, 2020

YEREVAN, DECEMBER 23, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan received Minister of the Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters Yevgeny Zinichev.

As ARMENPRESS was informed from the Office of the Prime Minister of Armenia, the PM highly assessed the activities of the Russian Ministry aimed at the restoring the normal life in Nagorno Karabakh and providing humanitarian aid to the citizens and thanked for the effective cooperation with the Armenian side. Nikol Pashinyan noted that the Government of Armenia highlights the continuous development of strategic cooperation with Russia, emphasizing Russia’s key role for strengthening peace and stability in the region.

‘’We are interested in further development of cooperation with Russia in all spheres, including security, economy and humanitarian spheres’’, the PM said, considering the development and implementation of new joint programs in various fields as necessary.

Yevgeny Zinichev provided details on the humanitarian activities carried out by the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations in Artsakh and noted that the transportation of humanitarian cargo and other works are carried out without problems, in close cooperation with the Armenian partners.

The interlocutors discussed issues related to the full realization of the potential of the Armenian-Russian Humanitarian Center, further cooperation in the field of emergency situations and rapid response.