13:46,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has blamed the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh for failing to protect the Armenians there.

“Article 9 of the 9 November 2020 trilateral statement doesn’t contain anything on any corridor through Armenia, it’s impossible to find it,” Pashinyan said at a meeting with Armenian community members in Munich, speaking about the Azeri narrative on the so-called Zangezur corridor and the 2020 ceasefire agreement. “There is nothing about some other country controlling any territory of Armenia. It is about the regional connections. You are aware that we developed and proposed the Crossroads of Peace project in order to fully present our stance. That’s our vision.”

Speaking about dangers, the Armenian PM said that the narrative used by Azeri leader Ilham Aliyev is a signal on present dangers.

“How should we withstand these dangers? First of all this should be managed in our international relations. What’s one of the reasons behind creating the Crossroads of Peace project? Azerbaijan was trying to create an impression as if we don’t want to provide a road to anyone. What’s being talked about, as if Russia is supposed to control something in our territory, there’s no such thing in article 9, not to mention all the remaining articles of the trilateral statement which were basically torn and thrown away by Azerbaijan and Russia. Referring to article 9 is no longer relevant because both Russia and Azerbaijan have completely violated their obligations under the remaining articles, no Armenians are left in Nagorno-Karabakh today. And this is also the responsibility of the Russian peacekeeping contingent deployed in Nagorno-Karabakh, the goal of which was supposed to be the protection of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh,” PM Pashinyan said.

 15:41,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Ruben Vardanyan has no involvement in the possible sale of Ameriabank, according to one of his associates.  

Mesrop Arakelyan, a member of the Aprelu Yerkir party, issued a statement Monday denying reports on Vardanyan’s involvement in the deal.

Aurora Humanitarian Initiative co-founder and former State Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh Ruben Vardanyan was arrested by Azerbaijani authorities on September 27, 2023 while en route to Armenia together with tens of thousands of others amid the mass exodus. He has since been jailed in Baku on fabricated criminal charges.

In a statement, Arakelyan said that Vardanyan isn’t personally a shareholder of Ameriabank.

Vardanyan’s 48,8% shares are managed by Imast Group, he said. “No shareholder is authorized to make such decisions by themselves. Ruben Vardanyan, having left the bank’s board, hasn’t been engaged in the bank’s management for a long time. The discussions around the possible sale of the bank started back in 2022. The possible sale deal must receive confirmation of authorized state bodies of Armenia. In short, Ruben Vardanyan has nothing to do with the possible sale of the bank,” Arakelyan said.

On February 19,  Ameriabank released a statement saying it reached an agreement with the BOGG (the Group), a UK registered financial group, to join the latter as a standalone entity and the Group to become the main shareholder of the Bank, with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (“EBRD”) retaining their 10% shareholding in Ameriabank.

The Financial Conduct Authority, the financial services conduct regulator in the UK, has approved the circular of the transaction. As a next step, the transaction is subject to approval by shareholders, as well as the regulatory bodies, including the Central Bank of Armenia.

Bank of Georgia Group PLC is a UK incorporated international financial group listed on the Premium Segment of the LSE Main Market and a constituent of the FTSE-250 index. Among the Group’s shareholders are some of the world’s largest financial institutions, such as JPMorgan, BlackRock, The Vanguard Group, Schroders, Norges Bank Investment Management (a leading pension fund), etc.

Following approvals and closing of the transaction, Ameriabank will operate as a standalone entity within the Group under its own brand name and the current leadership in place, committed to Ameriabank’s adopted strategic goals, values, mission and vision.

Amidst significant achievements in recent years and the current stage of technological development, Ameriabank views this transaction with the Group as a one of the well-reasoned options for its long-term growth. Upon successful completion of the transaction, Ameriabank will become a member of a LSE listed Group with access to global financial markets to raise capital and investments and will continue offering the latest financial products and technological solutions to its customers.

Following the closing of the transaction and with Ameriabank on board, the Group also intends to change its name marking a new chapter in its development.

 16:35,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has held a meeting with European External Action Service Civilian Operations Commander Stefano Tomat.

PM Pashinyan welcomed Tomat’s visit to Armenia and attached importance to the activities of the EU civilian monitoring mission (EUMA) on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, the Prime Minister’s Office said in a readout. The Prime Minister said that the mission’s effective activities contribute to ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Prime Minister Pashinyan and Stefano Tomat discussed issues pertaining to the results of the EU monitoring mission and its future activities.

Both sides emphasized the importance of continuous development of multi-sectoral cooperation between Armenia and the EU.

 17:16,

YEREVAN, 19 FEBUARY, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs “Armenpress” that today, 19 February, USD exchange rate down by 0.05 drams to 404.37 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 0.23 drams to 435.71 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.02 drams to 4.38 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 1.03 drams to 510.11 drams.

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

Gold price down by 83.18 drams to 25974.29 drams. Silver price up by 4.97 drams to 299.15 drams.

 17:33,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. The opening of a newly renovated classroom took place at the Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE), made possible through the generous support of Apricot Capital, a leading Armenian investment company. The renovation project, initiated in October 2023 through a signed memorandum of cooperation, illustrates the commitment of the parties to advancing education and empowering future generations of professionals in Armenia's financial sector.

Located within the Financial faculty of ASUE campus, the state-of-the-art classroom is equipped with a cutting-edge smartboard, modern furniture, and an innovative design, creating an inviting and stimulating learning environment for students. Moreover, the space will serve as a hub for exclusive workshop series delivered by Apricot Capital's top experts on capital markets and investments, providing students with firsthand insights and practical knowledge from industry leaders.

Commenting on the collaboration, Vardan Amaryan, the founder of Apricot Capital, emphasized the importance of partnerships between the private sector and educational institutions. He noted the company's active cooperation with Armenia's leading educational institutions through internship programs, project sponsorships, and expert-led lectures and workshops. "We believe that investing in education is investing in the future."

“This renovated classroom, coupled with our online Apricot Academy resources and expert-led masterclasses, will create a dynamic learning space for students to explore the world of finance and pave the way for successful careers," noted Vachik Gevorgyan, CEO of Apricot Capital. He added that the company already employs several alumni from ASUE and is delighted to contribute to the education of future talent.

Welcoming the initiative, ASUE Rector Diana Galoyan noted that the Armenian State University of Economics is actively building partnerships with both the public and private sectors of Armenia, the purpose of which is to support the development of students' practical skills and their professional progress

"In this context, we highly value our cooperation with Apricot Capital, the tangible result of which brings us all joy today. I am confident that this new and modern classroom, renovated by our partner, will strengthen the company's presence in our university, while providing better learning conditions for students, aligning with our strategic goal of infrastructure improvement," said Diana Galoyan. The head of the university thanked Vardan Amaryan, the founder of Apricot Capital, and Vachik Gevorgyan, the CEO, for their effective cooperation. The active support in organizational matters for the creation of this new classroom, provided by Vahe Mikayelyan, dean of the finance faculty, was also emphasized.

"Every day, we witness the progress made by our university: the educational environment is improving, and many programs are being implemented. It is very gratifying for us, as students, that our educational process will now be organized in such a stylish classroom. It is very motivating," said Zhanna Ikhtaryan, a student of ASUE’s finance faculty.

About Apricot Capital:

Apricot Capital is a leading investment company in Armenia, providing investment tools and an efficient platform for both seasoned and beginner investors. 

Through Apricot Capital mobile app, clients can access the global financial markets and invest in reputable international companies' stocks, ETFs, Armenian government bonds, and other instruments. 

Apricot Capital is regulated by the Central Bank of Armenia.

About the Armenian State University of Economics:

The Armenian State University of Economics is the leading university in Armenia in the field of business and economics professions. Across its six faculties, approximately 9,000 undergraduate and master's students receive education through full-time and part-time programs. High admission rates, the establishment of partnership relations with the labor market, the implementation of various international projects, and the research activities of the "Amberd" research center strengthen the university's position and attractiveness year after year, both among applicants and other external beneficiaries.

 17:48,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS. Azerbaijan is buying drones and military equipment from abroad amid heightened tensions with Armenia, Armenia’s Ambassador to the EU Tigran Balayan told Brussels Signal.

Speaking to Brussels Signal, Tigran Balayan said that Armenia has tracked suspected munitions purchases which have reportedly come in on military flights from countries including Israel and Turkey. These deliveries are suspected to include drones.

“60 per cent or 70 per cent of Azerbaijani military hardware comes from Israel, then Turkey,” he said during an interview with Justin Stares, Head of News at Brussels Signal.

He also noted that there had been increased military flights from Serbia, which, he said, had “just announced the agreement about selling some sophisticated artillery equipment to Azerbaijan.”

Speaking about the latest Azeri attack in Syunik province which left 4 Armenian troops dead, Ambassador Balayan said that the shooting could’ve been Azerbaijan’s response to increased Armenian cooperation with the European Union.

“That [attack] was a message, not only to Armenia, but also to Brussels,” Balayan said, noting that the incident took place several hours before an EU-Armenia Partnership Council meeting.

The attack represented an explicit “challenge” to EU “authority” in the region, he said.

According to the Armenian ambassador, Azerbaijan has no intention to end the conflict with Armenia. 

“Despite all the warning calls, Azerbaijan didn’t stop its aggressive rhetoric, aggressive actions, killing, and provocation,” he said.

 18:19,

 18:40,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 19, ARMENPRESS.  On February 19, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan received Stefano Tomat, the Civilian Operations Commander of the EU External Action Service, the foreign ministry said.

According to the source, the interlocutors discussed issues related to the activities of the EU civilian monitoring mission in Armenia, touching upon the work done within one year since the deployment of the long-term mission in Armenia. Minister Mirzoyan emphasized the important contribution of the mission in promoting the stability of the international border with Azerbaijan.

It is noted that the parties stressed that the mission is one of the good examples of the expanding Armenia-EU cooperation and shows the mutual sincere interest of both Armenia and the EU and its member states in its further deepening. In this context, Ararat Mirzoyan and Stefano Tomat exchanged views on issues of the broad agenda of the Armenia-EU partnership, discussing the opportunities provided through the relevant mechanisms and in new dimensions mutual interest.

During the meeting, regional security and stability issues were also touched upon.