10:02, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. UK’s King Charles has been diagnosed with a 'form of cancer' and will postpone public engagements to undergo treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, but added he remained 'wholly positive' about the scare less than 18 months into his reign.

Several world leaders expressed their best wishes and hopes for the king to make a speedy recovery.

Charles, 75, who became king in September 2022 following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth, has begun a series of treatments, the palace said, adding he was looking forward to returning to fulltime duties as soon as possible.

The cancer revelation comes after Charles spent three nights in hospital last month where he underwent a corrective procedure for a benign enlarged prostate, Reuters reports. 

The palace said a separate issue of concern had been spotted during that hospital stay, but did not given any further details beyond saying tests had revealed the king had a "form of cancer".

"No further details are being shared at this stage, except to confirm that his majesty does not have prostate cancer," the palace said.

UK PM Rishi Sunak sent his best wishes to the King on X. "I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well," he said.

The leaders of Australia and Canada, where Charles is also head of state, expressed their best wishes and hopes for the king to make a speedy recovery, while U.S. President Joe Biden said he was concerned by the news and planned to call Charles later.

"Navigating a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship takes hope and absolute courage," Biden said. "Jill and I join the people of the United Kingdom in praying that His Majesty experiences a swift and full recovery."

French President Emmanuel Macron also sent best wishes to the King on X.

The monarch told his immediate family personally about his cancer diagnosis, and Prince Harry, his younger son, will travel to the UK to see him in the coming days, Reuters cited a source close to the Duke of Sussex as saying.

 10:09, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Global economic processes are behind the 40 dram drop in gasoline prices in Armenia, according to economist Aghasi Tavadyan.

Gas prices started dropping in the country since late January. As of February 6, the price of 1 liter of Regular gasoline was at 490 drams, while Premium was sold at 530.

Tavadyan told Armenpress he projects the prices to continue falling in the coming months.

According to him, three main factors are responsible for developing the gasoline price in the country: the dropping gas prices in the United States, the decline of oil prices in the global market and Russia lifting the ban on petroleum exports which was in force for a month in autumn 2023.

“Overall, these three factors, each by itself, contribute to the formation of the gasoline price in Armenia. In February last year gasoline was sold in Armenia at 380 and 400 drams. Then, until 4th of September, prices gradually increased and reached its peak some three months ago, when Regular and Premium were sold at 540 and 570 drams respectively. The latest hike, which happened on 4th of October, was actually driven by the depreciation of the dram, which, among others, was our market’s response to the fall of Nagorno-Karabakh. Gasoline prices in Armenia have always fluctuated,” he said, adding that prices are in line with global market trends.

“I think gasoline prices will continue to drop,” Tavadyan added.

Another factor contributing to the formation of the gasoline prices is the dram currency exchange rate, the expert said. However, this factor doesn’t play a role currently because the national currency rate hasn’t changed significantly in the recent period. The dram isn’t expected to appreciate soon, but if the national currency were to appreciate again and sell at 390 drams for $1 like it happened in the past, then the gas prices would be 5% lower than now, according to Tavadyan.

The economist said the geopolitical changes and new conflicts could stop the drop of gasoline prices in the global market, which would have a chain reaction in Armenia.

 11:10, 6 February 2024

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 6, ARMENPRESS. Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan on Tuesday introduced to lawmakers a bill seeking to set a state duty for the exports of gold, platinum and palladium bullions.

“With this bill we are setting an exports duty on gold, platinum and palladium bullions, taking into consideration that companies engaged in this business should have some participation in the Armenian budget,” Kerobyan told lawmakers at the plenary session.

The duty will be set in the range of 0,8-1% of market price of the bullions. The law on state duty envisages a fixed amount, for example for 1kg gold the duty is about 200,000 drams, which is approximately 1%.  “This trade grew significantly in the recent period. And there’s a need to swiftly regulate it,” the minister added.

In response to a question from Hayastan faction MP Artur Khachatryan, Kerobyan said that Armenia doesn’t produce gold bullions, and instead the gold mines are exporting unrefined gold. He added, however, that ‘probably we will have some news in this direction.”

Some 10 companies are engaged in the gold, palladium and platinum foreign trade in Armenia. “If there’s an opportunity to create an environment to enable the companies working in Armenia to engage in international commerce, then we are not closing that opportunity, but at the same time with this bill we are duly taxing it,” the minister said.

 11:25,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on the Chinese New Year.

The letter addressed to President Xi Jinping, published by the Prime Minister's Office, reads as follows,

"On behalf of the Armenian people and myself, I send warm congratulations and best wishes to you and the friendly people of China on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival. The Spring Festival is the most popular family holiday in China, coming from the depths of history, which is at the same time modern. May it bring health, new achievements and joy to all families. The Armenian-Chinese traditional friendly ties have a rich history and are characterized by mutual trust and great respect. The Armenian government attaches great importance to the Armenian-Chinese relations, considering the development of cooperation with the People's Republic of China in multi-faceted, including in regional initiatives among its foreign policy priorities. I sincerely hope that in the near future there will be an opportunity to further expand and deepen the collegial relations achieved during the previous years, including through the activation of high-level visits. Congratulating you again on this beautiful holiday, I wish you good health and well-being, and peace and prosperity to the friendly people of China."

The letter addressed to Premier Li Qiang reads as follows,

"On behalf of the Armenian government and myself, I warmly congratulate you and the friendly people of China on the occasion of the Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival. I wish that this beautiful holiday embodies the cherished dream of bringing the nationwide goals and aspirations of the friendly Chinese people to life. The Armenian-Chinese friendly relations, based on close traditional ties, mutual respect and trust, have steadily developed and strengthened since the establishment of diplomatic relations. Armenia is ready to make all efforts to further deepen them. Please accept, Your Excellency, my sincere wishes for prosperity, peace and harmony."

 11:45,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. A group of United States congressmen have introduced the Armenian Protection Act (H.R.7288) –  a bipartisan bill that will restrict U.S. aid to Azerbaijan by removing the Presidential authority to waive Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act. Its Senate counterpart (S.3000), spearheaded by Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), was adopted unanimously last year.

Representative Michael Lawler co-authored this legislation with Armenian Caucus Co-Chairs Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) and fellow first-term legislator Gabe Amo (D-RI).

If and when adopted and enacted into law, the Lawler-Pallone-Bilirakis-Amo Bill will tighten the existing statute restricting U.S. aid to Azerbaijan – Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act – substantively limiting the authority of the President to waive its full enforcement, the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) reported.

Rep. Lawler, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was adamant about the need for clear Biden Administration action to stop bolstering Azerbaijan’s anti-Armenian attacks. “Over 100,000 Armenians were targeted, abused, and displaced by the Government of Azerbaijan when they fled Nagorno-Karabakh in recent months,” explained Rep. Lawler. “There is no question of Azerbaijan’s aggression, yet President Biden continues to turn a blind eye.” He continued to note that “It’s simply unacceptable for the U.S. to be funding Azerbaijan’s campaign against the Armenian people. The Armenian Protection Act will put a stop to the Biden Administration’s funding of Azerbaijan’s authoritarian regime and desire for regional dominance.”

Rep. Pallone stressed the need for Azerbaijani accountability for the genocide against NK's Armenian population. “President Aliyev broke international law when he ordered his deadly assault of Artsakh last September and still has not faced any meaningful consequences from the international community. World leaders failed to stop his genocidal campaign that has displaced 120,000 Armenians from their historic homeland even though his belligerent rhetoric and troop movements made it clear an attack was imminent,” stated Rep. Pallone. “It’s far past time for the United States and our allies to take serious actions that will prevent even more death and destruction at the hands of Aliyev and provide the safety and security in the region that Armenia needs to thrive as a democracy. The Armenian Protection Act will finally hold the Aliyev regime accountable, halt any further U.S. security assistance until they end their destabilizing actions in the region, and require proof that they can be a trustworthy party in peace negotiations moving forward. I call upon House leadership to take up this commonsense legislation and pass it immediately.”

Rep. Bilirakis stressed the importance of passing the measure. “Given the political and humanitarian crisis that has resulted from Azerbaijan’s recent aggression toward neighboring Armenia, it is unconscionable that U.S. tax dollars are going to support this brutal regime. Those dollars could better be used here at home,” said Rep. Bilirakis.

“We must send a clear message to the Government of Azerbaijan and our partners around the globe that the United States will not stand for unprovoked attacks on the Armenian people,” said Congressman Amo, a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “We cannot allow the Government of Azerbaijan to get a free pass for their brutal military aggression and blockades against the ethnic Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh. I am proud to support this bipartisan legislation to show that the United States stands with the people of Armenia and will not accept Azerbaijan’s assault on Nagorno-Karabakh.”

 12:51,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan attended on February 9 the official reception dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, the country’s national day.

In his speech, Grigoryan congratulated the friendly people of Iran and noted that the age-old relations between Armenia and Iran are based on mutual trust, respect and sincere friendship.

“The governments of our countries are displaying the necessary political will and are making all efforts in the direction of expanding the high-level political ties and interstate cooperation. The rich agenda of bilateral ties is a vivid testament to this,” he said.

He welcomed the interest and involvement of Iranian companies in the implementation of strategic projects for Armenia. “We attach great importance to the close contacts and constructive cooperation between the leaders of Armenia and Iran , as well as our executive and legislative authorities,” Grigoryan said.

Grigoryan said that together with Iranian Vice President Davoud Manzour he will co-chair the meeting of the Armenia-Iran Intergovernmental Commission in Tehran next week.

“Iran is an important partner for us, with whom our friendly and constructive relations not only bring good for our peoples, but are also a serious factor for ensuring stability and development in the entire region. In this context, I’d like to emphasize that our government highly appreciates the Iranian top leadership’s unambiguous stance on the inviolability of the territorial integrity and borders of the Republic of Armenia,” Grigoryan said, adding that there is a historic chance to make joint efforts to further strengthen the friendly relations between Armenia and Iran.

 13:25,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Granatus Ventures, the leading venture capital firm in Armenia, has recently backed yet another deep tech company, Modicus Prime which is an AI-powered computer vision company that specializes in cutting edge quality control systems for the pharmaceutical industry.

Granatus Ventures did not disclose the amount of the investment.

Modicus Prime develops proprietary software solutions that provide real-time visual analysis of biologic imagery and alert on identified contamination, thereby acting as a custom. continuous quality control tool in pharmaceutical R&D and manufacturing that is highly accurate and cost-efficient, Granatus Ventures said in a press release.

“Founded and led by Taylor Chartier, a pharmaceutical data scientist with extensive experience in biologics design, quality control and AI applications within the field. She is excited about the partnership with Granatus Ventures, and believes that Granatus’ international reach spanning Armenia to USA and Europe will give Modicus Prime additional footing in the pharmaceutical industry across the globe. The technical team is led by David Vardanyan, a highly experienced in software engineer, with roles at several Big Pharma companies prior to Modicus Prime. The company already has a team of Armenia-based software engineers. Modicus Prime currently runs partnerships with some of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world, and was also part of Techstars Class of 2022. Manuk Hergnyan, the Managing Partner at Granatus Ventures, believes that Modicus Prime tackles the sanctum sanctorum of pharmaceutical production – quality, and its solution will grow to become an indispensable part of the pharmaceutical industry in the near future. The investment from Granatus Ventures will help the company to accelerate the development of its flagship solution and hire additional talent to support its further growth and expanding pipeline,” the venture capital firm said.

 14:10,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan has congratulated President of China Xi Jinping on the Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival.

“Let this beautiful family holiday bring peace and harmony to your country and people,” Khachaturyan said in a letter to Xi Jinping published by his office.  “Bilateral cooperation has been developing in all directions since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Armenia and China. I am sure that through joint efforts we will continue to strengthen and expand the traditional friendly ties based on mutual respect and trust to the benefit of our peoples.”

 16:36,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Foreign Ministry has congratulated China on Spring Festival.  

“We extend our warm congratulations on the occasion of the Spring Festival & wish our Chinese friends & colleagues the best of success & well-being in the Year of Dragon,” the Armenian foreign ministry said on X.

 16:42,

YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 10, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Embassy in Greece on February 9 hosted a reception on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of Armenia.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Armenia to Greece Tigran Mkrtchyan underscored that the Armenian military’s modernization and reformation are unavoidable. He said that the purpose of the military reforms is to ensure the security of Armenia. The Ambassador attached great importance to the defense cooperation with Greece and Cyprus because “Armenia needs reliable partners,” the embassy said in a press release.

Lieutenant Colonel Armen Mirzabekyan, the Armenian Ministry of Defense representative in Greece and Cyprus, also delivered remarks at the event. Noting the inevitability of military reforms in the context of current security developments, the military official attached importance to international cooperation, including in the Armenia-Greece and Armenia-Greece-Cyprus formats. Mirzabekyan underscored the presence of Armenian cadets in Greek military academies in the context of their mission in the Armenian military reforms.