Armenia Politics News Digest for Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Here is the Daily Digest of political news for Armenia for Wednesday, February 12, 2020. The notable posts are the following (we hope you enjoy them):
The “channel” for the re-export of cars from Armenia closed forever: Deputy Prime Minister explained the reasons

YEREVAN, 12 Feb — Sputnik. The authorities of Armenia can no longer discuss with colleagues in the EEU benefits of import of cars to Armenia. This was stated at a government hour in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, answering a question of Deputy from “Prosperous Armenia” Mikayel Melkumyan.
The MP noted that colleagues in Kazakhstan have complained about the influx of cars from Armenia, where the end of 2019, the clearance was cheaper (until the Republic had a national, not a Eurasian duties on cars). Many local car dealers because of this was carrying the machine from Armenia.
“However, they themselves set the benefits. We have 20% VAT, while they have 12%. Then why don’t we reduce VAT to compete in Eurasian markets?” asked Melkumyan.
In response, Krikorian said: if these machines are made in Armenia, it was still possible to try to defend the interests of their industry. Then the arguments of the Armenian side would have sounded much stronger.
“But no production here, but there is only resale. And it is clear that Russia and Kazakhstan who have your automotive, do not agree to it,” – said Grigoryan.
He recalled that initially Armenia will be allowed to retain duty on cars within five years to the market of the Republic was able to adapt to new conditions. But it was stipulated that cars imported in this period of transition, intended for use only in Armenia to the EEU markets are not created unequal competition (and it occurs if you arrive from Armenia cheap vehicles). And out of Armenia these cars are actively exported.
“So I don’t think we will be able to raise the question of how to reduce the cost of our customs clearance. This is not consistent with the rules of the Eurasian economic Union,” he added.
We will note, according to data presented by Mikayel Melkumyan in Armenia to 2019 has been delivered to about 190 thousand cars, from them 22 thousand re-exported to Kazakhstan, 77 thousand – in Russia.
Recall whose car we were burning and someone was beaten? Pashinyan responded to the criticism of the opposition

YEREVAN, 12 Feb — Sputnik. Those who accuse the government of violence against the opposition, let me remind you, when and who suffered from it. With such question has addressed to deputies during the governmental hour in Parliament of Armenia , Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.
Raised the topic of Pro-government Deputy Sisak Gabrielian. He asked the Prime Minister to comment on the appeared somewhere statements that the authorities are ready to burn the car disagreed with the referendum and to beat them in the hallways. Pashinyan asked to recall when and with whom the current government has done. Moreover, if the government do is allowed, no one would have dared to speak to them so sharply as now, he said.
“When the previous government really were people who did that. And here they are not so sharply spoken, because this really could follow or set the car on fire, or beating in the stairwell, or other, more “persuasive” methods”, — said the Prime Minister.
Authorities calling for the referendum, but their opponents, no one bothers to Express his opinion. In confirmation the Prime Minister added that in the Republic now broadcast five opposition TV channels: in the history of Armenia has never happened before.
Note, according to press freedom Index of the organization reporters without borders, in 2019 Armenia divides 60-61 th place out of 180 countries for the year rising to 19 points.
The Commission was established: refuse Pashinyan from “superpremium suit”?>>
Recall that on 5 April, Armenia held a referendum on the bill on the reform of the constitutional court. The goal of the current authorities to withdraw judges elected under the previous government, including the President of the court, Hrayr Tovmasyan.
No “elite military units” in the Armenian army does not exist, Tonoyan

YEREVAN, 12 Feb — Sputnik. Defense Minister of Armenia Davit Tonoyan, during the governmental hour in Parliament on Wednesday commented on the sensational publication of “elite military unit”, which supposedly serve the sons of high-ranking officials and wealthy citizens. He categorically denied this information.
Formerly one of the local media , citing an unnamed source wrote that military unit, where on 30 January under mysterious circumstances died Vahram Avakian is a place for the “privileged” soldiers — sons of high officials and the rich. The source claimed that in part has a “clan” that oppresses not included in the number of elected colleagues.
“The Armed forces of any elite military unit does not exist”, – said the Minister, reminding that the defense Ministry has issued a statement about it.
As for the tragic incident in the specified military unit, David Tonoyan said that the command of the Army of defence of Karabakh has attracted all responsible to the appropriate disciplinary action.
“And those soldiers who are responsible for the incident or their responsibilities will be established by the investigation, will be either detained or arrested,” – said the head of the defense Department.
Recall the day on January 30 in one of the units under the Department of Karabakh defense Army, was fatally injured serviceman Hakob Avagyan (born in 2000). According to the preliminary version, presented by the Investigative Committee of Armenia, he from his gun shot himself in the chest.
On the morning of February 2 relatives who died in Karabakh soldier headed to Yerevan, carrying in the hands of the coffin with the body of a soldier. They do not agree with the version of the investigation that Vahram had committed suicide. They met the defense Minister of Armenia Davit Tonoyan and promised an objective investigation of the case. After negotiations, the protesters decided to return to the village to bury Wagram.
Wounded soldier in Karabakh: opened case under article “incitement to suicide”>>
In the present case, detained colleagues of the late soldier – David Movsisyan (son of the former Deputy of the Armenian Parliament Arakel Movsisyan, Khachik Gasparyan, Spartak Avetisyan. They are suspected of committing an offence under part 3 of article 359 (hazing) of the Criminal code of Armenia.
Armenia PM details top court developments to OSCE envoys
February 12, 2020 – 17:38 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Wednesday, February 12 hosted ambassadors of Armenia-accredited OSCE countries, his office reveals.
“Pashinyan addressed in detail the situation around the Constitutional Court, the referendum on Constitutional amendments and the circumstances that led to the decision to hold a referendum,” the statement from the government reads.
“The Prime Minister on his government’s comprehensive reform agenda, the ongoing democratic transformations and the government’s anti-corruption policy.”
In conclusion, Pashinyan answered questions by the ambassadors.
IAEA hails Armenia’s efforts towards enhancing nuclear security

On a working visit to
Austria, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan met with Rafael Gross, Director
General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Deputy Minister of
Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Hakob Vardanyan was also present
at the meeting.
Minister Mnatsakanyan
noted that Armenia, being a proponent of peaceful use of nuclear energy,
attaches great importance to the cooperation with the IAEA. The sides highly
appreciated the effective cooperation existing between Armenia and the IAEA and
expressed their readiness to make joint efforts to point out new horizons of
cooperation and make full use of the existing potential.
The parties touched
upon a number of issues on the agenda of the Armenia-IAEA interaction, in
particular the terms of operation and safe operation of the Metsamor Nuclear
Power Plant, the development of nuclear energy and nuclear security. The IAEA
Director General highly appreciated Armenia’s ongoing reforms aimed at
enhancing security in the field of nuclear energy.
The Minister
emphasized the importance of peaceful use of nuclear energy in the economic
development and energy security of Armenia. In this context, the two sides
underscored the effective cooperation between Armenia and the Agency in the
field of peaceful use of nuclear energy.
The Commission was established: refuse Pashinyan from “superpremium suit”?

YEREVAN, 12 Feb — Sputnik. Member of the parliamentary faction “prosperous Armenia,” Gevorg Petrosyan doesn’t know that it will be forthcoming constitutional reform. He said this to journalists in Parliament, answering a question Sputnik Armenia.
Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister signed the decision about creation of the specialized Commission on constitutional reforms and the approval of the composition and working rules of the Commission. The new on came in and Petrosyan.
“The question is, in what direction should the reform go, should explain the subject, initiating constitutional changes. This subject is obliged to present to the public the concept that the people knew in what direction will develop the state,” he said.
After appear concept, and will be the first meeting, Petrosyan and the faction he represents, to Express their positions. The approval of the Commission Petrosyan considers it a mere formality, which in this case does not give a concrete answer to the main question – what kind of reform.
“When people do not know where it lead, he has a moral right not to participate in the referendum,” he added.
Petrosyan also added that while the actions and rhetoric of the authorities do not allow to count on the rejection of “superpremium” system. At least the Deputy didn’t see such readiness.
Prosperous Armenia still undecided on the “for” and “against” in the referendum>>
“I remember when they were the opposition, criticized the “superprimer” system, saying that it should be repealed. But now, after coming to power, apparently, they liked, they have adapted to this atmosphere, to this regime,” – said Petrosyan.
The Commission shall within three months to develop the concept of constitutional reforms, to initiate the public discussion document and submit to the office of the Prime Minister. In addition, you have until September 1 to develop and submit to the office of the head of the government’s draft constitutional amendments.
Armenian PM to attend Munich Security Conference

Prime
Minister Nikol Pashinyan will pay a working visit to the Federal Republic of
Germany on February 13-15.
During
the visit, the Prime Minister will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in
Berlin. The leaders of the two countries will make statements for the press.
Nikol Pashinyan will also meet with the President of the Bundestag Wolfgang
Schauble.
The
head of government will meet with the German scientific and expert circles at the
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung of the Social Democratic Party.
On
February 14, PM Pashinyan will leave for Munich to attend the official opening
ceremony of the Munich Security Conference. He is expected to hold a number of
bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the event.
Rep. Jackie Speier commemorates 30th anniversary of anti-Armenian Baku Pogroms

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Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-CA), Co-Chair of the Armenian Caucus, commemorated the 30th anniversary of the 1990 anti-Armenian Baku Pogroms, on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
She made a powerful case for peace, freedom and security for the Artsakh Republic, advanced the Royce-Engel Peace Proposals, and supported full funding for the HALO Trust’s de-mining program.
” Today I spoke on the House floor to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Baku pogroms and push for increased US aid to Armenia and Artsakh. We must keep fighting for justice,” Rep. Speier said.
King of Jordan says proud to be responsible for holy sites of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem
On an official visit to Armenia, His Royal Majesty Abdullah II Al Hussein All Hashimi sent his massage of “Religion and Tolerance.”
Speaking at the Presidential Palace, the King said “being
one of the world’s oldest cities, Yerevan is the capital of a young a vibrant
country. It reminds me very much of my beloved Jordan. Our two countries and
peoples have carved a niche for themselves in the contemporary world.”
“Jordan, much like Armenia has made its human capital the main driving force in its journey towards development. Our countries have much to gain from cooperating, to capitalize on this promising potential,” he added.

“Although this is our first official visit to your beautiful country, we feel like we are a family, and, in fact, we are a family. These bonds are dating back hundreds of years. My grand grandfather, as you mentioned, Mr. President, commanded to love God and love our neighbor and gave refuge to the Armenian Christian families. My grand grandfather, my grandfather, my father and me, helping those, who are desperately in need understood that it is the only option. It is a duty that Jordan continues to live by. Thousands of Jordanian trace their roots back to Armenia. They are an honor to both our countries and play a vital role in the arts, education, public service, business and much, much more. And they form the solid bedrock on which our friendship continues,” he added.
King Abdullah said that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was preparing to celebrate its first centennial, “We look back fondly and proudly on the role that the Jordanians of the Armenian descent and all Jordanians have played working for progress and prosperity of our homeland,” he said.
“But our joint history extends far beyond that. Armenians in the Middle East are part of the oldest Christian community of the world. They are an inextricable part of our past, and we look forward to working with you to make sure they continue to play such a role in shaping the present and the future,” King Abdullah said.

According to him, Saint Karapet Armenian Apostolic Church in Jordan that stands at the christening site of Jesus Christ on the banks of Jordan River is a testament to the enduring Armenian history in the country.
“The Armenian quarter in Jerusalem has been part of the city for centuries, and the Armenian Patriarchate along with other churches has been under Omar’s protection. A tradition of Christian and Muslim coexistence dates back over thirteen hundred years. This heritage continues today at the Islamic and Christian holy sites. This is a duty I am carrying proudly. And I am especially proud to be responsible for the holy sites of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem,” he stated.
“Jerusalem holds great historic significance not only
to me and my family; the city is holy to the three monotheistic faiths, and
they all have a stake in safeguarding the spiritual, peace and co-existence
that it symbolizes. We cannot let the Holy City turning into a city for
violence and division. So preserving the city’s identity, its legal status as
well as historic status quo in relations to holy sites, Islamic and Christian
alike, is of critical importance. We look to Christian leaders and friends like
you all over the world in safeguarding Jerusalem as a unifying city of peace. I
have spoken today of our old friendship which has rich history,” the King
continued.
He added that for the past 100 years Jordanians of Armenian descent have been
creating an exemplary story of friendship and proved that friendship and,
certainly, brotherhood always win.
“So, I hope that days and months ahead we can write a new chapter together, a
chapter that builds upon friendship that began so long ago, new partnership and
promise for all our people,” King Abdullah concluded.
Armenia: President not ruling out discussions with Constitutional Court
February 11, 2020 – 15:48 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – By appointing a referendum on constitutional amendments in Armenia on April 5, President Armen Sarkissian does not rule out the possibility of further discussions, including with the Constitutional Court, his office said in a statement on Tuesday, February 11.
The President could also hold consultations with international organizations and experts, the statement said.
“Prioritizing the constitutional amendments, as well as the need to maintain the rule of law and Armenia’s international reputation, the President does not rule out further discussions and consultations with public and political groups, professional community members, state authorities like the National Assembly, the government, the Constitutional Court, and relevant international institutions and experts,” Sarkissian’s office said.
“The President has repeatedly expressed his principled position on the expediency and necessity of making decisions on public life by referendum.”
The country will hold a referendum on suspending the powers of seven out of nine judges of its Constitutional Court on April 5, according to a decision signed by Sarkissian.
If the constitutional amendments are approved by the public, the two other judges, who were appointed after the peaceful revolution against corruption and former authorities, will maintain their powers.
European Court ruling in Saribekyan and Balayan vs Azerbaijan case “unprecedented” – Armenian MFA

The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the European Court in the case of Saribekyan and Balayan vs Azerbaijan as “unprecedented.”
On January 30 the European Court of Human Rights ruled in the case of Saribekyan and Balayan vs Azerbaijan. It is related to the death circumstances of Armenian national Manvel Saribekyan at the Military Police Department of the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.
On September 11, 2010, Manvel Saribekyan due to bad weather conditions lost his way in the borderline of Tavush region of Armenia and found himself on the Azerbaijani side. A month later Saribekyan’s body was returned to the Armenian side. Azerbaijan claimed the Armenian shepherd had committed suicide.
The Azerbaijani side had initiated criminal proceedings against Manvel Saribekyan on obviously false charges and forced him to appear on the Azerbaijani TV by means of torture.
The European Court of Human Rights has concluded that the fundamental human rights enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights (hereinafter: the Convention) of the citizen of the Republic of Armenia were breached, particularly substantive and procedural aspects of the Right to Life (Article 2 of the Convention), as well as breach of Article 3 of the Convention prohibiting torture, as the European Court of Human Rights undoubtedly ruled that Saribekyan was subjected to very serious and cruel suffering and that it was carried out intentionally on a detained person under the exclusive control of the Azerbaijani authorities.
“The ruling is unprecedented: for the first time the European Court of Human Rights has found Azerbaijan responsible for depriving an Armenian national of life and established that the citizen of the Republic of Armenia died as a result of violent actions of others, notably personnel at the Military Police Department of Azerbaijan,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“This ruling once again demonstrates that Azerbaijan is overtly violating its international human rights obligations. It also indicates that every Armenian who would fall under the control of the Azerbaijani authorities, regardless of his or her status, is subjected to a life threat,” the statement reads.
The Ministry said the Republic of Armenia will continue its consistent efforts to ensure security of the citizens of Armenia and the Armenian people and achieve justice.
Armenia, Jordan discuss perspectives of visa-free travel

President Armen Sarkissian received today the King of Jordan Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein Al Hashimi at the Presidential Palace.
President Sarkissian welcomed the high guest and said in particular that the visit of the King of Jordan is historic and significant. He expressed hope that there would be many occasions to host His Majesty in Armenia. “Our two nations are ancient. Your nation represents the essence and axis of Islam; You, Your Majesty, as well as Your family, are descendants of Prophet Muhammad. As a country which was the first to adopt Christianity, PA WIRE not only has good relations with Jordan but we two have a lot to tell each other,” the President of Armenia underscored.
President Sarkissian expressed confidence that potential, which the two countries could reach in the future, would be much more that it is today.
The King of Jordan Abdullah II said that the two countries are linked by good friendship and history. “We have great reverence towards the oldest Christian Church which is represented not only in Jerusalem but in our country too. It represents part of our past and is a beautiful element not only of our present but also of our future,” he underscored.
At the meeting, the President of Armenia raised the issues of a visa free regime for the citizens of Armenia travelling to Jordan and signing the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation. The interlocutors noted that great opportunities exist for cooperation in the areas of high-tech, education, science, and healthcare. Stressed was the necessity of expanding the already existing student exchange program, as well as the establishment of a direct air link between the capitals of the two countries – Yerevan and Amman.
EPP alarmed by "rushed procedure" to change Armenian Constitution
February 11, 2020 – 13:53 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – The European People’s Party (EPP) has expressed concern over “the rushed procedure” to initiate changes to the Armenian Constitution.
“We call on the authorities of Armenia to request and consider the opinion of the Venice Commission as soon as possible,” the EPP said in a tweet.
The country will hold a referendum on suspending the powers of seven out of nine judges of its Constitutional Court on April 5, according to a decision signed by President Armen Sarkissian.
If the constitutional amendments are approved by the public, the two other judges, who were appointed after the peaceful revolution against corruption and former authorities, will maintain their powers.
Yerevan dismisses Baku’s “nuclear terrorism” remarks as “flimsy”
February 11, 2020 – 11:36 AMT
PanARMENIAN.Net – Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan on Monday, February 10 blasted Azerbaijan’s “non-existent” and “flimsy” allegations concerning Armenia and Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).
Mnatsakanyan made the comments at the at the International Conference on Nuclear Security: Sustaining and Strengthening Efforts after Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov said that because of the “occupation of 20% of Azerbaijan’s territory”, the country “is unable to control the territory, which creates favorable conditions for illegal activities, including nuclear terrorism.”
“Flimsy and unjustified charges were made against Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh by the speaker from Azerbaijan. Those are totally rejected. The territory of the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh is under full and legitimate control of NK authorities and nothing indicates to the contrary. NK authorities are open for international cooperation and at any time the Azeri allegations can be easily verified and proven as non-existent,” said Mnatsakanyan.
“I would like to reiterate Armenia’s strong commitment to our shared goals of nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and peaceful use of nuclear energy and wish every success to the conference.”
2020-2023 Business Environment Improvement Program Discussed in Government
Tuesday, 11 February 2020
2020-2023 Business Environment Improvement Program Discussed in Government
On February 11, Armenia’s Business Environment Improvement Program for 2020-2023 was discussed in Government, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan.
Tigran Avinyan noted that the evaluations issued by internationally recognized reports are important from the perspective of creating a favorable business environment in the Republic of Armenia, as well as increasing the country’s attractiveness for investments since they help assess the impact of the reforms underway in the country. In this context, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the World Bank’s Doing Business 2020 report, which ranked Armenia 47th among some 190 countries.
A number of reforms were carried out in 2018-2019 with a view to improving the applicable business regulations. According to the report, Armenia has implemented serious reforms over the past few years in the fields of property registration, taxation, foreign trade and power grid connectivity.
Despite the above, in 2020 Armenia’s position deteriorated in the Doing Business report as compared to 2019. One of the main reasons for this is our country’s poor performance under the Protecting Small Investors index, which fell to 120 from last year’s 51 due to a change in the World Bank’s assessment methodology. In addition, Armenia’s position is low in Building Permits and Contract Execution categories.
The Deputy Premier said that irrespective of World Bank’s methodological innovations, the business environment reform should be implemented in a progressive manner in order to ensure higher country positions on a yearly basis. The program of measures to improve Armenia’s business environment consisted of 51 activities in 2019, 26 of which have been completed, work on 6 of them has not yet started, and 19 are underway.
Tigran Avinyan noted that the government agencies should be more attentive and consistent in implementing the proposed activities. He underscored that those responsible for failures shall be held accountable.
The meeting focused on the Action Plan for 2020–2023, which features both short-term and long-term activities, the implementation of which will lead to tangible improvements to the business and investment environment.
Stressing the need for coordinated joint efforts, the Deputy Prime Minister reiterated that all program activities should be carried out in a timely and adequate manner.
Armenian President congratulates Iran’s Rouhani on anniversary of Islamic Revolution

President Armen Sarkissian has congratulated Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani and Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali Khamenei on the 41st anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
“Due to the deep-rooted good-neighborly traditions
between Armenia and Iran, close political and economic cooperation continues
today,” President Sarkissian said in a message to Rouhani.
He voiced confidence that the m confident that the
Armenian-Iranian relations would strengthen and develop steadily.
“Today, as the world faces many challenges, it is
important to maintain and develop a stable and mutually beneficial relationship
between Armenia and Iran,” he added.
In a separate message to Supreme Leader Sayyid Ali
Khamenei, the President said, “respect for one another’s religion and culture,
coupled with political dialogue, contributes to the establishment of peace and
stability in the region.”
The President hailed the “successfully developing cooperation”
between Armenia and Iran in various fields.
The President of Armenia wished the spiritual leader
of Iran good health and success, as well as peace and prosperity to the friendly
people of Iran.
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Politics Digests
Armenia, Armenians, Artsakh, Karabakh, Yerevan







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