Reports about Azerbaijan recruiting Syrian mercenaries / Anti-Russian protests in Baku

Russian Nezavisimaya Gazeta newspaper writes about 500 Syrian fighters in Azerbaijan and a de-facto Turkish military base in Nakhijevan.
The outlet cites Telegram channels (accuracy not guaranteed) about 500 Syrian-Turkmen fighters collected from Sultan Murad battalion, Free Syrian Army, and Hamzat group, already being located in Azerbaijan.
 
A few days ago Azeris held a pro-Turkish protest calling to free Azerbaijan from Russians and Armenians. They called for the establishment of a Turkish military base and revenge for Tavush losses in July.
Russia largely ignored the protest, which was covered by the Turkish media.
 
Some Russian analysts believe Turkey already has a military base in Nakhijevan because they left behind some jets and soldiers after the joint exercises.
The Russian outlet notes that hired groups of mercenaries usually accompany Turkish forces, so the news about 500 fighters could be true.
 
"Baku does not rule out the military scenario with the help of Turkey.
Russia isn't happy about NATO member Turkey expanding its activities in the region."
Azeri govt has officially denied both rumors about Syrian mercenaries and having a Turkish military base.
https://www.ng.ru/armies/2020-09-01/5_7952_armenia.html
https://factor.am/280459.html

MFA comments the reports about 500 Syrian mercenaries:

We're checking the accuracy of this concerning report. It could be true considering Azerbaijan's history of involving religious extremists in this conflict, and Turkey's record of supplying terrorists to other regions.

MFA about ignoring some statements made by Turkey and Azerbaijan:

We don't always comment on nervous statements by Azerbaijan and Turkey. Turkey has issues with all of its neighbors.
Lately, they've been acting like a gas-seeking queen of seas [😂🍿]. They should follow their obligations. By closing borders with Armenia, they're breaking said obligations.
As for Azerbaijan, they're acting as Turkey's junior colleague; we won't respond to every statement made by them.

MFA about Turkey blocking German NATO airplane that was supposed to pick up Armenian peacekeepers:

It's reprehensible that Turkey is already obstructing NATO's and UN's peacekeeping operations because of its anti-Armenian policies. We're in touch with international colleagues.

MFA about Turkey acting as part of Karabakh conflict:

With its behavior, Turkey seems to want to present itself as a party to the conflict, which is another manifestation of Turkey's destabilizing policy.
The impression is that the country that's blockading Armenia, a country that doesn't recognize and even justifies the Armenian Genocide, is trying to act like a victim.

MFA comments AZ's complaints about RU delivering weapons to AM:

It appears the July Tavush battles had a heavy toll not only on their military but also the diplomacy. Armenia and Russia have been cooperating in the military industry since the 90s. It's strange that Azerbaijan has just remembered it.

MFA about resuming Artsakh peace talks:

We are ready to resume peace talks with Azerbaijan. As stated by Pashinyan on July 23rd, we expect the end of hate speech and the use of force. This is also what OCSE wants.

MFA about Chinese "smart city":

We don't have any official info about a $15b Chinese investment to build a smarty city in Armenia. (a private business earlier said they struck a deal).

MFA about sending aid to Syrian-Armenians:

Our Ministry used its savings to send $100k aid to 300 low-income Armenian families in Damascus, Syria. Another 4,700 to receive aid soon.
 
All the MFA-related sources:
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026508.html
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026512.html
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026499.html
https://factor.am/280398.html
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=emb_title&v=1yoLEcD-FuA
https://factor.am/280410.html
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=emb_title&v=oOLqyVoQTH8
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026523.html

Today is Artsakh Day

Pashinyan: Artsakh got its independence from USSR on this day in 1991. Congrats, free Artsakh!
President Arayik: congrats to Armenians around the world. We achieved this together. The ultimate goal is union with Armenia.
President Sarkissian: Artsakh is the spark that ignited the independence across the Armenian world. People stood up to defend their rights and their place among the families of modern nations.
Armenian MFA: since independence, Artsakh was able to organize its socio-political life, protect its citizens, assume international obligations especially towards improving human rights.
Ex-deputy President of Bascue Parliament: I join my colleagues who returned from a trip to Artsakh, and congratulate the independence of this oasis of democracy located at the gates of Europe.
https://factor.am/280350.html
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026463.html
http://arka.am/en/news/politics/artsakh_president_says_ultimate_goal_is_union_with_armenia_/
https://factor.am/280338.html
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026492.html
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026517.html

ex-police chief Vladimir Gasparyan / Illegal buildings near Lake Sevan / Azatutyun attack

A few weeks ago the police launched a felony case against Gasparyan after he allegedly attacked Azatutyun journalists who were filming his mansion on the shores of Lake Sevan.
The media's interest in the mansion was over the information that it was built illegally. That wouldn't be surprising considering that over 3,000 buildings were allowed by the former govt to be built too close to the lake.
 
Now the investigators have a new felony investigation around Gasparyan's mansion. They say the complex has 2 unregistered illegal buildings, and the fences near the shores are unauthorized.
 
This is in addition to the Property Management office recently declaring that the mansion was built below the 1905-meter mark. Buildings aren't allowed to be below that mark because they could hinder plans to raise the lake's water levels.
Gasparyan allegedly colluded with officials in 2017 and January 2018 to fabricate and claim that the mansion was above 1905m.
A felony case is launched, including against officials. https://factor.am/280483.html
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=emb_title&v=9Cj2K5gqAX8

NSS busts a mayor

NSS says the mayor of Parakar registered his friends and relatives as fake employees and embezzled dozens of millions in salaries since 2013, then embezzled funds meant for low-income residents.
A felony case is launched. Https://factor.am/280363.html

NSS busts a national park chief

The report says that the now-former chief of Dilijan National Park took charity funds from Caucasus Nature Fund NGO to purchase trucks to use for nature-protection tasks, but he purposely rigged the purchase auction with a single buyer to spend several times more money on trucks so he could embezzle the excess.
A felony case is launched https://factor.am/280363.html

officals busted over elderly housing fraud

Prosecutors said: we worked with Labor Ministry to investigate media reports about corruption in the "Emergency One Person" program which gives small houses to the elderly.
The govt gave $56k to Labor Ministry for each house. The Ministry created a Committee to organize an auction to find a builder and deliver the houses.
 
The Committee held an auction and declared a specific construction Company a winner for 2 houses. The Company signed a contract in 2019 to deliver the houses with specific accommodations.
The Company built crappy houses with a leaky roof, plastic bag instead of windows, and lacking other accommodations, yet the Ministry Committee officials forged documents and signed the job as complete.
A felony case is launched against Ministry Committee officials for the $112k corruption.
https://factor.am/280439.html

Alaverdi school director...

... is charged with embezzlement. 'nuff said.
https://factor.am/280477.html

Redditors reading David's daily anti-corruption quickies:

https://youtu.be/1jWpyNn9TSE?t=11

look how they massacred my booooy

Yerevan accused a former official of running an illegal advertisement operation. They removed a giant "adjarabet" gambling billboard from the roof of an apartment complex building.
https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/194807

A group to explore tourism plans in old Kond district

Deputy PM Avinyan created a group to examine tourism ideas in Yerevan's old Kond district, part of which was scheduled to be demolished for a new project after compensating residents a while ago.
Kond is the last remaining district of Old Yerevan, neighboring the Center. Some of the streets can be only 4 feet wide between the old and sometimes crumbling buildings.
Recently there has been a push to preserve its architecture by canceling the replacement plans.
https://hetq.am/hy/article/9025.
https://factor.am/280360.html
https://hetq.am/hy/article/9025

Yerevan will spend festival funds to repair theaters instead

80% of this year's Erebuni-Yerevan festivities budget will be rerouted to renovate Frunzik Mkrtchyan and Patani Handisates theaters.
The Ghaplanyan Drama-theater was recently renovated with new lighting and audio and is ready to resume performances.
https://factor.am/280387.html

Art at an altitude of 3,300 meters

For those of you who like archeology and nature:
https://youtu.be/KNnWixtpOm4

Police catch artifact thief

The man is accused of entering a historical site near Voskevaz and using a metal detector to find and steal artifacts.
https://factor.am/280646.html

Yerevan State University...

... will raise tuitions by $145-$270 (depending on department) for Freshmen and Masters students. That's around 28% of all students. It was planned last year.
As a result, all professors' and deans' salaries will +5%.
 
Additionally, they saved resources by optimizing the university's annual purchases. This allows them to give professors another +5% raise, bringing it to +10%.
The acting (and soon departing) rector listed the achievements since 2019, such as the implementation of hands-on practice for Masters students: https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=emb_title&time_continue=25&v=QUIYBXZrT58
https://factor.am/280421.html
http://arka.am/en/news/society/rector_explains_why_yerevan_state_university_raised_tuition_fees/

Amulsar miner Lydian released surveillance footage...

... allegedly showing how environmental activists slashed the company's truck tires and threw rocks at the windshield. They accused activists of threatening them.
https://youtu.be/PnpRJFQPK2M

This is Hrazdan city. Its roads are being renovated

Video: https://www.facebook.com/nikol.pashinyan/videos/678775136329086/

Gyumri's renovated Kumayri museum

The newly renovated Kumayri museum, which houses 6000 historical artifacts, will open soon, during the Gyumri Day festival.
Photos: https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/194859

COVID stats

+197 infected. +3 deaths. 4291 active. 209389 tested.
Any Artsakh citizen, who paid $15 to get a COVID test at the border to enter Artsakh, will receive a refund.
https://factor.am/280353.html
https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/194845

update: Armavir alcohol poisoning

11 12 people died after a man sold an illegal toxic alcohol yesterday.
 
He claims he purchased a regular wheat spirit from someone else before mixing it with water and lemon. "The Consumer Protection Agency made a rushed statement when they said the alcohol contained methyl spirit," said the lawyer.
 
The man is under arrest. The comprehensive lab exam results will arrive next week. Two more people were arrested today.
https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/194862

Telecom in Artsakh / 4G and 3G coverage to expand

President Arayik dismissed the idea that Artsakh's 2002-onward telecom monopoly Karabakh-Telecom is preventing others from entering the market.
"I sent invitation letters to Armenian and Russian telecoms but they rejected. More telecoms could actually cause more problems."
 
"Next week Artsakh will have higher-quality 3G coverage. 4G will arrive in major cities in 2021. We'll see drastic fee reduction beginning 2021, regardless of competition," said Arayik.
https://factor.am/280551.html

Russia and Armenia settle disputes over railways

Russian Transport Ministry says they signed an agreement with the Armenian Infrastructure Ministry to solve the disagreements over South-Caucasus Railways operations.
"Both sides accepted an independent auditor's report about the railway investments made since 2008. No disputes."
 
"The agreement will play an important role in solving several issues faced by the railways. Its capacities will expand, and the equipment will modernize. This will improve trade between RU-AM," said the Russian ministry.
 
Context: the Russian railway operator was accused of breaking contract terms with insufficient investments after the Pashinyan administration came into power in 2018. Additionally, railways are facing tax-fraud charges. It's unclear if that was also settled.
https://factor.am/280576.html

U.S. helps with upcoming police reforms

Parliament earlier approved the police reforms to retrain new officers with much higher salaries and better equipment.
Justice Ministry is working with the U.S. embassy and the U.S. Bureau of Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs.
A $1.75m agreement was signed, bringing total investments (equipment, etc.) to $7m.
 
U.S. ambassador comments reforms: https://youtu.be/8d5PwDOJkUw
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026460.html

Armenia will have a high-precision radiation laboratory

The EU will donate Armenia equipment to open a new radiation lab to take accurate radiation measurements. Armenia's existing mobile devices are inaccurate.
The new lab's sensitive equipment will allow an in-depth examination of soil and water.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/1026455.html
 
You've read 1905 words.

Disclaimer & Terminology

1) The accused are innocent until proven guilty in the court of law, even if they sound guilty.
2) Currency in Armenian ֏ unless specified otherwise.
3) NSS/SIS/SOC = law enforcement agencies. QP = Civil Contract Party. LHK = Bright Armenia Party. BHK = Prosperous Armenia Party. HHK = Republican Party. ARF = Armenian Revolutionary Federation Party
4) ARCHIVE of older posts by Idontknowmuch: PART 1 ; PART 2 ; PART 3 ; PART 4 ; PART 5.
5) ARCHIVE of older posts by Armeniapedia.

Disclaimer: All the accused are innocent until proven guilty by the court of law, even if they may sound as being guilty. Currency in Armenian Drams unless specified otherwise.
Yesterday, Cassations court took the Kocharyan case paperwork back so it could make a copy. Today, a new Cassations judge has been appointed to hear the case in which the prosecutors are challenging the earlier verdict.
https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/162725
Artsakh war commando and politician Samvel Babayan claims that his political opponent (and Artsakh president candidate) Araik Harutyunyan's gangs opened fire towards his car near the Sevan-Martuni freeway. Babayan gave specific names and said the gangs are directly under the protection of Harutyunyan. Babayan has asked NSS to investigate. Babayan said these armed gangs are also active in Artsakh and spread terror among the population. Babayan threatened to act himself if nothing is done to stop them.
https://armtimes.com/hy/article/162653
..............................
The accused Araik Harutyunyan has denied the accusations. Called it a misinformation. Urged Babayan not to "blackmail" them. He said if there is a personal conflict between Babayan and other participants, the police should investigate to find out what happened.
https://armtimes.com/hy/article/162679
.......................................
NSS chief Vanetsyan says the participants are known, and it's clear what happened. Says the incident did happen and it was a result of financial disputes between two groups of people.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976663.html
The government held a session today.
They approved an amendment to the bankruptcy declaration laws. Justice Minister Zeynalyan says the change will also help to improve Armenia's rating in "Doing Business" index. Numerous transparency, efficiency and rights protections reforms are proposed. (still needs a Parliamentary approval)
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976672.html
.......................................
Another reform was approved regarding Cadastre committee (property registrations).
Physically stamping the documents will no longer be necessary. This will improve electronic and paperless processing, and better integrate with other agencies' work. The property ownership certificates will change. (needs Parliamentary approval)
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976693.html
...............................
Pashinyan noted that this is the last time that 17 ministries are participating in a government session. Soon it will be cut due to the recently adopted law. 27 deputy Ministers and aides were laid off today. Some ministries will merge soon.
.............
Pashinyan noted that the industry and the economy as a whole are growing at a fast rate, but he was worried about the recent drop in exports in the first 3 months of 2019.
The latest numbers for April show the exports are up again, by 9.9%. The exports are up 14.7% compared to the same period of 2018. Aluminum giant Armenal exports rose 44%. Cigarette exports up 60%. Jewelery exports up 68%. Chocolate up 34%.
https://armtimes.com/hy/article/162668 --- https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/162746
...........................
The government approved a plan to give 200,000 low income citizens free medications as part of a 1.1bln program. Two new health conditions were added to the list of treatments that are free. An earlier proposal gave these low income residents free healthcare. The new proposal ads free medications on top of the free healthcare.
610 additional ambulance workers will receive free healthcare. Thousands of medical field workers received one earlier, but these 610 were "left out".
Pashinyan asked the cabinet members to take steps to inform the citizens about these chages, about what medications they can get, what papers they need, because many times people aren't aware that they qualify for aid.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976705.html - - https://armtimes.com/hy/article/162677 - - - https://armtimes.com/hy/article/162706 - - https://factor.am/155541.html
........................................
A law was earlier approved to raise soldier salaries by as much as 20%. It goes into effect in 2 days, beginning June. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqaA-uCtUFM
........................................
The government temporarily canceled taxes for GRANT company that produces high pressure canisters. 26.7bln ($55 million) in investments. 190 jobs with 250k avg salary.
Moeiff company also received the tax free status to invest 14.7bln ($30 million) in production of house appliances with non-corrosive metals. 100 new jobs with 130k salary.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976703.html
....................................
They temporarily canceled taxes for Avalanj company so it can import 1.8bln in tech to build greenhouses in Aragatsotn province. 60 additional jobs with 120k avg salary. https://armtimes.com/hy/article/162688
...................................
The government issued a 8mln aid to the National Song and Dance Academy. It's tasked with researching and teaching traditional Armenian dances.
18mln was issued to the Union of Artists of Armenia. State Forest Monitoring Center received 21mln aid to pay its bills. 360mln for Penitentiary Medicine Center to provide Healthcare for inmates. 463mln to obtain vaccination materials for children and military-age young men. 6.5mln to subsidize the construction of water system is Sari Gyugh.
https://hetq.am/hy/article/104147 https://hetq.am/hy/article/104153 - - https://hetq.am/hy/article/104151 - - https://hetq.am/hy/article/104149 - - https://hetq.am/hy/article/104148 - - https://hetq.am/hy/article/104147 - - https://hetq.am/hy/article/104146
.......................................
They decided to issue funds to - within a month - repair the road that leads to the Sevan peninsula. It's a tourism spot and the season will begin soon. https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976690.html
...............................
The government gave a 100mln worth land somewhere near Tsitsernakaberd to a company so it can build a large tech center. Upon completion, the company will donate one facility to the city.
400 jobs will be created during the 4 year construction, 300 of them permanent. 2,500 people can be hired later once the building is used for its purpose.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976679.html
......................................
Instead of the regular 2-year military service, soldiers can currently choose to enroll in various military programs. They can choose a 3-year program called Pativ Unem, which ties their service to education, and gives a list of benefits such a free Master degree education and more vacations. The government has proposed lowering this program's "minimal duration" to 2 years to make it more appealing.
http://panarmenian.net/m/arm/news/269367 -- https://razm.info/135922
................................
In another proposal, the maximum age limit for hired soldiers will be raised from 35 to 40 years old. If the contractor has skills that the army has a shortage of, the age limit will be 45. (all these are yet to be officially approved to become law)
If two brothers are recruited simultaneously and they want to serve in the same place, only one will participate in the lottery system that picks their location.
High ranking officers will also qualify to receive mortgage loan aid that is currently provided to regulars.
http://panarmenian.net/m/arm/news/269361
Parliament speaker QP Mirzoyan says the fact that 4 Constitutional Court judge nominees have been rejected by the Parliament so far, doesn't mean a disrespect towards the president, who appoints the candidacies. The process will continue until both institutions find a common ground.
Mirzoyan was asked to comment about some paintings in the Parliament hall that raised money spending questions. Says he didn't buy them, the Parliament has funds for it and it bought it. They bought it for a 75% discount directly from the painter.
https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/162715 --- https://www.armtimes.com/hy/article/162717
European Council sent its rule of law and human rights top delegation to Armenia. They met Justice minister Zeynalyan, offered to help Armenia with the judicial reforms. Delegation also included officials from Venice Commission and GRECO (anti-corruption institute).
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976707.html
QP is currently trying to pass a law to limit the physical gambling locations (read yesterday edition). Here are some stats on how much the big gambling firms earned from the clients' betting losses in 2018: Toto Gaming 6.5bln, Vivaro 5.9bln, Goodwin 2.4bln, Adjarabet 0.02bln.
Combined, these bookmakers made 14.8bln after receiving 145bln in bets. Net profit of these firms was 6.6bln.
http://panarmenian.net/m/arm/news/269382
.........................
Someone decided to troll the Parliament today. Someone in the chamber turned on a gambling ad during a session. Anti-gambling bill author Alen Simonyan asked them to knock it off.
https://youtu.be/r4g1kEcuMmc?t=6
Various unions of journalists released a joint statement condemning "threats and other pressures on journalists". They aren't happy that BHK chief Gagik Tsarukyan recently (allegedly) told a journalist that she is paid to negatively target him, and that the journalist will "pay for her actions".
Other listed examples were something that Roboserj 5Th Channel boss told CivilNet, a former MP told something to popular TV host Petros Ghazaryan, something that Supreme Court Council chairman told Azatutyun media.
They also urged their fellow journalists to be professional, have a sense of delicacy, follow journalistic ethics.
https://factor.am/155664.html
On June 1st, the children's protection day, people are planning to organize a march titled "Don't park on the sidewalk". They'll spread fliers and inform the drivers that parking their car on the sidewalk hinders a pedestrian's ability to push a stroller or a wheelchair, and they are forced to get on the dangerous road to bypass it.
http://panarmenian.net/m/arm/news/269380
Chessist Gabriel Sargsyan has won the Al-Batayih blitz competition held in UAE.
https://armenpress.am/arm/news/976656.html
Artsakh army denies the Azeri report that Armenian snipers killed an Azeri soldier near Akna region.
It isn't uncommon for the Azerbaijan army to cover-up internal problems that led to a murder, by blaming the death on Armenians.
https://www.aysor.am/am/news/2019/05/30/%D5%BA%D5%A2/1569487
Europa League final game is over, but the drama surrounding Azerbaijan's policy and Mkhitaryan isn't.
On the match day, Baku residents got into a fight with Arsenal fans who were singing pro-Mkhitaryan songs.
A Russian sports journalist tried to "smuggle" Mkhitaryan jersey into the stadium, but was denied.
The stadiums weren't full because of ticket issues caused by Baku's remote location from Europe, inability to host many people simultaneously, not providing enough access to disabled people, expensive hotels and air fares. Thousands of seats were vacant. Both teams returned half of their tickets, which Baku then had to sell to the locals.
Some fans were complaining that the distance between the pitch and tribunes was too big.
Other complaints were about the main camera recording from a too far distance, lack of excitement in the tribunes due to many Arsenal fans not appearing for the game.
Chelsea 4:1 Arsenal. Mkhitaryan scored the only goal for Arsenal except he didn't.
https://rusarminfo.ru/2019/05/30/armyanskie-skandaly-draki-pustoj-stadion-chem-zavershilsya-final-v-baku/ - - - -
Pictures http://www.sportbible.com/football/news-thousands-of-empty-seats-in-baku-for-all-english-europa-league-final-20190529 - - - - - https://www.foxsports.com.au/football/thousands-of-empty-seats-in-arsenal-and-chelsea-ends-as-fans-struggle-to-get-to-baku-for-europa-league-final/news-story/68d267536fa0790533d32e690a798202 - - - - http://www.businessinsider.com/europa-league-final-empty-stadium-venue-2019-5 - - - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7084239/Cesc-Fabregas-criticises-decision-hold-Europa-League-final-Baku-thousands-seats.html
The Beatles' "Yesterday" has been picked by 24/7 Wall Street as the best song of all times.
Enjoy https://youtu.be/jzT2icR7WKk
Area near Hrazdan stadium and former president LTP was on fire today https://youtu.be/bRjw8aWBpi8?t=10