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Articles by Ani Ohanian
Pro-Government Tycoon Won’t Confirm Russian Entry Ban
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on Monday the arrest of four persons accused of stealing Russian diamonds and supplying them to an Armenian diamond-cutting company. The FSB described Sukiasian as a “beneficiary” of the company called ADM Diamonds. He swiftly denied any links to the company. Citing anonymous diplomatic sources, an Armenian news website, 24news.am, claimed on Tuesday that Sukiasian has been banned from entering Russia because of the affair.
Armenian Opposition Fears Security Fallout From Iran-Israel War
The so-called “Zangezur corridor” sought by Baku but strongly opposed by Tehran would pass through Syunik, the only Armenian region bordering the Islamic Republic. Iranian leaders have repeatedly warned against attempts to strip Iran of its common border with Armenia. The ongoing conflict triggered by Israel’s June 13 strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites stoked fears of an Azerbaijani attack in Armenia. The Armenian government has signaled no such concerns, however.
New Armenian Police Chief Named
The official, Aram Ghazarian, is a former police officer who served until now as governor of Armenia’s northern Lori province. Ghazarian became the head of a local Civil Contract chapter less than a month ago. In line with Armenian law, he terminated his membership in the ruling party on the eve of his latest appointment. Ghazarian is reportedly a cousin of a notorious crime figure shot dead in 2021.
Armenia More Independent Than Ever, Says Pashinian
Կիսվել Armenia More Independent Than Ever, Says Pashinian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian claimed on Wednesday to have made Armenia far more independent and sovereign during his seven-year rule, drawing scorn from his political opponents. The latter insisted that he has on the contrary dramatically weakened the country and left it facing existential threats from Azerbaijan as well as Turkey.
Another Opposition Lawmaker Insulted By Armenian Parliament Leader
Կիսվել Another Opposition Lawmaker Insulted By Armenian Parliament Leader Another opposition lawmaker heard on Thursday personal insults from a senior pro-government colleague after strongly criticizing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian during a session of Armenia’s parliament.
Armenian Lawmakers Again Clash In Parliament
The bust-up followed fresh opposition allegations that members of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian’s political team are illegally enriching themselves, their families or cronies. Pashinian reacted furiously to such claims last week, threatening to imprison Hayastan parliamentarians. “Your claims are not credible,” Civil Contract’s Arusyak Julhakian told her opposition colleagues during the latest session of the National Assembly.
9 Armenian Policemen Arrested For ‘Crime Cover-Up’
The spokeswoman for the law-enforcement agency, Marina Ohanjanian, told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service that they are accused of “concealing a crime and committing official forgery in connection with it.” She refused to reveal that crime or identify any of the arrested police officers. “In the interests of the investigation, we are not disclosing any further details yet,” said Ohanjanian.
Longer Jail Terms Sought For Drug Offenses In Armenia
Other lawmakers representing the ruling Civil Contract party as well as a senior government official objected to the proposed significant toughening of punishment as the Armenian parliament committee on legal affairs discussed it on Monday. The annual number of drug-related crimes recorded by the Armenian police surged from 877 in 2018 to over 5,000 in 2023.
Armenian Ministers Visit Border Villages Under Fire
Minister of Territorial Administration Davit Khudatian and Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan travelled to the area on Tuesday and spent the night in one of those villages, Khnatsakh. Villagers told RFE/RL’s Armenian Service on Wednesday that they heard more cross-border gunfire overnight. “They shoot for a few minutes, stop, and then shoot again,” said one Khnatsakh resident who did not want to be identified.
Ruling Party To Block Ethics Probe Into Abusive Lawmaker
Andranik Kocharian, the controversial chairman of the Armenian parliament committee on defense and security, raged at Hripsime Jebejian of the Tribune.am news service when she approached him together with other parliamentary correspondents on March 20. Kocharian told Jebejian to “clean your lips” when she demanded an explanation for his rude refusal to answer her questions.
Ruling Party To Block Ethics Probe Into Abusive Lawmaker
Andranik Kocharian, the controversial chairman of the Armenian parliament committee on defense and security, raged at Hripsime Jebejian of the Tribune.am news service when she approached him together with other parliamentary correspondents on March 20. Kocharian told Jebejian to “clean your lips” when she demanded an explanation for his rude refusal to answer her questions.
Lawmakers Brawl In Armenian Parliament
The clash broke out shortly after parliament speaker Alen Simonian bitterly argued with Hayastan’s Artsvik Minasian and Garnik Danielian while chairing a session of the National Assembly. “Either turn on my microphone so we can talk or stop your comments,” said Minasian. “Sit down, calm down,” Simonian shot back.
Yerevan Residents Urged To Defy Higher Bus Fares
Bus and minibus fees in the Armenian capital have stood at 100 drams (25 U.S. cents) per ride for over two decades. Mayor Tigran Avinian announced a year ago plans to replace them with a complex tariff system involving electronic payments for season tickets. Avinian and other municipality officials said that higher bus fares are necessary for cutting losses incurred by Yerevan’s transport network and buying more buses needed by it.
Striking Bus Drivers Fired By Yerevan Municipality
The strike practically paralyzed the municipal transport system, leaving tens thousands of commuters stranded at bus stops across the city. It came amid the ongoing introduction of a new electronic ticketing system which officials say will prevent drivers and other employees of a municipal transport company from pocketing bus fares. The drivers have already been banned from accepting any cash from their passengers.
Armenia’s Public Debt Doubles Under Pashinian
According to the country’s Statistical Committee, the debt mainly incurred by the Armenian government has risen by roughly $800 million over the past year despite continued robust growth of the domestic economy. It is expected to continue growing next year. The government will also have to spend more on debt servicing. Nearly 11.5 percent of its budgetary expenditures, projected at roughly 3.5 trillion drams ($9 billion) in 2025, are due to be used for that purpose.
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