The first 50 days of Nikol Pashinyan’s Government here
June 28, Thursday (Day 51)
– The Prime Minister receives relatives of those police officers killed during the Sasna Tsrer takeover of a police station in Erebuni in 2016. He says that he shares in their grief and believes violence in never the way to solve problems. Referring to the ongoing trial of the members of the armed group, Pashinyan said: “As Prime Minister, I stated that I will not interfere in the activities of the courts, because I think that this is the wrong way, and we had many problems due to this practice. But for me, it is as much important that the rights of our country’s each citizen should be protected. Of course, I am closely following the process, and have already expressed my political position which, I think, is fairly balanced: there was not a single statement that took into account the interest of a group of citizens, and ignored that of others. Of course, our duty is to ensure the safety of citizens, the protection of human rights. It was important for me to hear your opinions and position.”
Soprano Liana Harutunyan’s solo concert held at the Aram Khachatryan Concert Hall.
– The PM announces that the Presidential Palace (Baghramyan 26), where he was working from after becoming Prime Minister, will be returned to Armenia’s president.
– Armenia’s Cabinet approves the government’s proposals on amending the RA Law on Trade and Services. Minister of Economic Development and Investments Artsvik Minasyan says government continues to adhere to the idea of providing equal competition conditions for business entities, as well as supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). However, the draft contains some regulations that call for further study, clarification and final wording. Pashinyan notes that series efforts are being made and that he will convene consultations to discuss ways of supporting SMEs: “Armenian SMEs need strong protection. The government will take specific action to that effect, and will do everything to ensure that the proposed measures are effective.”
– The government decides to rescind a decision regarding prescription medicines. On March 6, 2018, a number of medications could be purchased only with a doctor’s prescription; this decision is postponed until July 1, 2019.
– Nikol Pashinyan and his wife Anna Hakobyan attend soprano Liana Harutunyan’s solo concert held at the Aram Khachatryan Concert Hall within the framework of the 19th annual Yerevan Perspectives International Festival.
June 29, Friday (Day 52)
June 30, Saturday (Day 53)
July 1, Sunday (Day 54)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan attends a ceremony dedicated to the 100th Anniversary of the Office of Prosecutor General (OPG) of the RA and the Day of Staff of Prosecutor’s Office and gives a speech.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visites the Fatherland Defender’s Rehabilitation Center at the YSMU Heratsi N1 hospital complex. Accompanied by Minister of Healthcare Arsen Torosyan and Yerevan State Medical University Rector Armen Muradyan, Pashinyan tours the Center and expresses gratitude to the soldiers emphasizing that the State will do its utmost to properly appreciate disabled servicemen’s contribution.
July 2, Monday (Day 55)
– Nikol Pashinyan receives family members of military servicemen who were victims of non-combat deaths during their military service. The PM listens to their problems and concerns and underscores that he has no reason to be reluctant to see the criminal cases fully disclosed and assures that all presented cases will be kept in the spotlight: “I know that there are cases that are not disclosed at all, there are cases that are considered to be disclosed but the affected families have specific doubts and are not satisfied with status of investigation. Therefore, I think that we should try to address them again where we have reasonable suspicion that everything is not as it is. I will ask law enforcement authorities to take up these cases and try to achieve results.”
Pashinyan leads a round table with newly appointed ministers.
July 3, Tuesday (Day 56)
– Nikol Pashinyan visits the U.S. Embassy to extend his congratulations to U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills, Embassy staff and the people of the U.S. on the occasion of American Independence Day.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan holds a consultation to discuss the problem of accumulated fines and penalties for agricultural and consumer loans and stresses the importance of effective cooperation with the banking system. Central Bank Chair Artur Javadyan said that all banks that are extending agricultural loans have expressed readiness to forgive the debts accumulated before June 1, 2018 as fines for agricultural loans, which will benefit more than 100,000 citizens. Views are exchanged about the need to increase the effectiveness of lawsuits related to loan disputes.
July 4, Wednesday (Day 57)
– A Cabinet meeting chaired by the PM approves the Government’s legislative initiative concerning the draft law on amnesty for a number of administrative offenses. He announces that Armenian-made computers will be installed at the government’s conference and session halls.
– The PM attends presentation and launch of the website dedicated to the 100-year history of Armenia’s diplomacy. The Prime Minister also visits the Diplomatic School of the Foreign Ministry to get acquainted with the conditions and the academic process.
– Prime Minister Pashinyan holds a consultation regarding agricultural development and introduction of modern technologies. The meeting discusses opportunities offered by drip irrigation systems, hail-proof nets, increased efficiency of anti-hail stations and other programs. Representatives of the Agriculture Ministry report on ongoing efforts to modernize and develop the sector.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives Ambassador of Egypt Tarek Ibrahim Mohammad Maati.
July 5, Thursday (Day 58)
– Prime Minister’s Syunik tour kicks off: Nikol Pashinyan meets with residents and community leaders in the towns of Sisian and Goris.
– Nikol Pashinyan visits Meghri Free Economic Zone and tours the site to get acquainted with the infrastructure and activities. He then visits the Meghri customs checkpoint in Syunik regional customs office. The officers brief the Premier on their activities and services. The Prime Minister notices several problems and asks those responsible to address them quickly. Nikol Pashinyan also talks to citizens awaiting clearance of goods at the customs house who expressed satisfaction with the quality of services and noted that the clearance time had been reduced considerably. The Prime Minister also pays a visit to Meghri’s medical center
The Meghri customs checkpoint in Syunik regional customs office.
– Later in the day, the Prime Minister meets with residents in the towns of Meghri, Kajaran and Kapan. He then visits the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine (mine) and the Syunik Food Factory. During his tour of the mine, the Premier was briefed on the plant’s current status and development programs. He was advised that a USD 20 million investment will allow the company to process low-content raw materials. At the Syunik Food Factory, he was advised that fresh investment will allow the plant to launch large-scale production of canned fruit and vegetables creating 300 new jobs.
– The Premier visited N army unit of the Defense Ministry, talked to military servicemen and officers in a bid to get acquainted with their service and living conditions.
July 6, Friday (Day 59)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan leaves Kapan for Jermuk. He travels on board a helicopter together with Levon Galstyan, a representative of the Armenian Environmental Front, and Lydian Armenia CEO Hayk Aloyan and discusses the controversy surrounding the Amulsar mine. He later meets with local residents and environmentalists protesting the exploitation of the Amulsar mine in Kechut. During the meeting, the Premier suggests holding a meeting with protesters and Lydian Armenia representatives, which took place in Jermuk. Prime Minister Pashinyan noted that the mine exploitation process started 12 years ago, and had it been initiated under the current government, he would have rejected the idea of commissioning the mine near Jermuk.
– The Prime Minister visits TUMO Center for Creative Technologies with TUMO Founder Sam Simonyan and Director Marie Lou Papazian. He talks to students and stresses the critical opportunity for young people to get high-quality professional education. TUMO students ask the PM to go live on Facebook and greet everyone. Later, the PM also goes live from TUMO.
Arresting underage protestors in Yerevan. photo by Roubina Margossian.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also met with the leaders of local communities in Vayots Dzor Marz. The Prime Minister advised that based on the proposals by the Minister of Territorial Administration and Development, 10 billion drams will be allocated to communities for infrastructure development, drinking water, irrigation systems, farm machinery and road construction. PM also addressed the residents of Vayots Dzor Marz.
-Prime Minister Pashinyan receives CIS Executive Committee Chairman, Executive Secretary Sergey Lebedev and later attends and addresses a gala event dedicated to Creative Armenia’s anniversary.
July 7, Saturday (Day 59)
July 8, Sunday (Day 60)
July 9, Monday (Day 61)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan joined by Defense Minister David Tonoyan visits the Central Assembly Point of the Ministry of Defense. The Premier inspects the facilities, the medical examination procedure and observes the recruits drawing their lots. The Premier later has dinner with the recruits, including his son Ashot Pashinyan, who chose not to draw his lot, but serve in one of Artsakh’s military units. Addressing journalists, the Prime Minister says he is proud that his son is going to serve in the army. Regarding conditions in the military, Pashinyan says: “The General Staff of the Armed Forces has reported to me that there are no problems with supplies, and every necessity will be provided. Here the problem lies in the implementation. We may come across with individual decisions in different army units; those officers short of their professional duties will be held responsible for eventual shortcomings.”
Prime Minister Pashinyan gives a virtual tour of his governmental residence and gardens in a Facebook live.
July 10, Tuesday (Day 62)
– Prime Minister Pashinyan announces that that 20,622 million AMD (over 40 million USD) has been collected in unpaid tax obligations in his government’s ongoing campaign against the shadow economy.
– Hayk Grigoryan is appointed to serve as chair of the Investigative Committee. Pashinyan congratulates Grigoryan on his appointment to this important post, stressing that the reinstatement of legality, the fight against corruption and crime in Armenia are top priorities.
– The Government’s proposed bill “On amending the Tax Code of the Republic of Armenia” is approved. The bill provides for reducing the currently applicable income tax rates to 20 percent for incomes under 500,000 drams a month, and 25 percent – for incomes over 500,000 drams, respectively. Touching upon the aforementioned draft laws, the Premier said that the Government is going to make significant changes to the Tax Code in a bid to improve the economic and investment environment.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a consultation related to the construction of the North-South highway and gave specific instructions to ensure quality in the further implementation of the project “Roads of dubious quality should not be built under my government, that is the quality of road construction should be guaranteed,” the Premier said.
– Nikol Pashinyan receives renowned scientist Yuri Oganesov of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Oganesov is the research director of the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Dubna.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan introduces newly appointed Investigative Committee Chairman Hayk Grigoryan to the IC Board. The Prime Minister notes that the Investigative Committee is the largest investigative body of Armenia, therefore, its influence on the criminal-legal situation, the issue of establishing legitimacy, ensuring the inevitability of punishment in the case of a crime is very high. Pashinyan says, “Our task is not to drive people into prison; our task is to enforce the rule of law in Armenia.”
July 11, Wednesday (Day 63)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Federica Mogherini, Vice-President of the European Commission / EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The Prime Minister underscored that the EU has been a reliable partner ever since Armenia’s independence. Nikol Pashinyan noted that the new Armenian government is pursuing a policy of upward democratic development in a bid to ensure the rule of law, protect human rights and build a competitive and business-friendly environment. In this context, the head of the Armenian government stressed the importance of European Union’s advisory and financial assistance for the ongoing democratic reforms in Armenia.
Welcoming Armenia’s peaceful democratic changes, Federica Mogherini pointed to the need for furthering EU-Armenia relations: “You can rely on us on the way to implementing the radical reforms initiated by you, which seek to enforce the rule of law, combat corruption, protect human rights and so on. I am confident that our cooperation is in for a bright future; we stand ready to support the reforms implemented in your country.”
Armenia’s new government following the swearing-in ceremony.
July 12, Thursday (Day 65)
– Prime Minister Pashinyan holds informal working meetings with leaders of several countries on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Brussels. In particular, the Prime Minister met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite, Prime Minister of Greece Alexis Tsipras, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of Macedonia Zoran Zaev, Slovak President Andrej Kiska and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
– Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau confirmed his participation in the upcoming 17th Summit of La Francophonie in Yerevan and noted that he had happened to stay in Armenia as early as in 1988 with his father, and he had good memories of our country.
July 13, Friday (Day 66)
– While in Brussels, the Prime Minister meets with the Armenian community and talks about the Velvet Revolution and his hopes that many Armenians living in the Diaspora will return home.
– The PM meets with Belgian-Armenian businessmen engaged in diamond-cutting and other industries. In attendance was the President of the Armenian-Belgian Chamber of Commerce. The Prime Minister briefed them on the Government’s economic priorities, the fight against corruption and steps aimed at improving the business environment.
– Nikol Pashinyan visits the French Embassy in Armenia and congratulates French Ambassador Jonathan Lacote, Embassy staff and the French people on the occasion of Bastille Day.
July 14, Saturday (Day 67)
July 15, Sunday (Day 68)
July 16, Monday (Day 69)
July 17, Tuesday (Day 70)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives Syrian Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Haj Ibrahim. Noting that the Syrian developments in recent years had been followed with great regret in Armenia, the Prime Minister wished that the friendly Syrian people could achieve peace as soon as possible. The Ambassador thanked Armenia for humanitarian assistance.
– Chaired by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, a consultation is held to discuss issues related to the current situation in the vicinity of Lake Sevan, as well as the prospects and opportunities for tourism development. Pashinyan notes that Lake Sevan and the national park are very important not only from an ecological standpoint but also economically. Some of the issues that were raised included problems with infrastructure, improper organization of garbage collection, lack of a uniform beach, the presence of illegal buildings, the discrepancy between the quality of services provided and the actual prices, etc.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a consultation to discuss Armenia’s energy sector. Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Artur Grigoryan reported that the efforts to extend the operations of the second power unit of Armenia’s Nuclear Power Plant (ANPP) are being carried out on schedule. In addition, the ANPP’s ongoing repairs will be completed by August 1, and operations will resume. The importance and necessity of developing nuclear power further in the country was discussed within the framework of energy security.
– Prime Minister Pashinyan attends the official opening ceremony of the statue of Aram Manukyan, considered to the founder of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918.
At official opening ceremony of the statue of Aram Manukyan in Yerevan.
July 18, Wednesday (Day 71)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives François Rochebloine, former deputy of the National Assembly of France and Chairman of France-Artsakh friendship group. The Premier expresses gratitude for Rochebloine’s role in strengthening Armenian-French relations and presents him with the passport of the Republic of Armenia, a few days after the French statesman was granted citizenship.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives experts from the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) and the Justice Initiative of the Open Society Foundations. Stressing the importance of implementing systemic reforms in the justice system, the Premier notes that the Armenian government is taking consistent steps in this direction.
July 19, Thursday (Day 72)
– During a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Pashinyan reacts to the incident in the Shirak Marz of Armenia when Russian troops stationed in Gyumri, began military exercises without the knowledge or consent of Armenian authorities. The exercises caused panic among the residents of nearby Panik Community. Pashinyan said: “This is inadmissible. I consider it a provocation against the Armenian-Russian relations and a provocation against the sovereignty of the Republic of Armenia. I think the perpetrators must be held accountable. Of course, we still need to see what procedures should be implemented in order to investigate the incident as we have to clarify the relationships stemming from international treaties and Armenian legislation.”
– Pashinyan next addressed the issue of incomplete loan programs: “During previous discussions, I found out that there are several incomplete credit programs in Armenia. Some of them have not even kicked off, while others have been left unfinished due to third parties’ failure to fulfill their contractual obligations. Nevertheless, Armenia is still making payments under such credit programs.” He instructed relevant ministers to identify and submit a finalized list of such programs to the Office of Prime Minister.
– The Government approved the State Leasing Support Program for the financial lease of agricultural equipment in Armenia, the primary objective of which is to provide farming tools to farmers with affordable terms.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives Paola Severino, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Corruption.
July 20, Friday (Day 73)
July 21, Saturday (Day 74)
July 22, Sunday (Day 75)
July 23, Monday (Day 76)
July 24, Tuesday (Day 77)
July 25, Wednesday (Day 78)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan holds a consultation to discuss the ongoing preparations for the 17th summit of Francophone States and Governments to be held this fall in Armenia. The Premier reiterates the need for holding the Summit at the highest possible level. The members of the working group led by Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan report to the Prime Minister about the work being done to provide infrastructure and other technical issues. They stressed that the preparations are going on according to the proposed timetable, with appropriate decisions made on all emerging issues. French-speaking volunteers will also be involved to provide for the best possible organization of events.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addresses the graduation ceremony at Yerevan State Medical University. Graduates take the Hippocratic oath and receive their degrees.
“I can see our future victories in your eyes” – Nikol Pashinyan addresses graduates of military educational institutions.
July 26, Thursday (Day 79)
July 27, Friday (Day 80)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan participated in the meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council (EIC) in Saint Petersburg. The Prime Ministers discuss issues related to integration cooperation in economy, customs administration, energy, transport and other spheres. Pashinyan addresses the council.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met with Russian Premier Dmitry Medvedev on the margins of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council in St Petersburg. The parties discuss a number of issues related to Armenian-Russian relations. The two statesmen stress the need for boosting trade turnover, and discuss issues of expanding cooperation in various fields.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visits the Kamsky Garden in St. Petersburg, where he lays flowers at the monument to Komitas and the khachkar (stone-cross) dedicated to the Centenary of the Armenian Genocide. The Prime Minister meets members of the Armenian community.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with Russian Premier Dmitry Medvedev.
July 28, Saturday (Day 81)
July 29, Sunday (Day 82)
July 30, Monday (Day 83)
July 31, Tuesday (Day 84)
August 1, Wednesday (Day 85)
August 2, Thursday (Day 86)
– During the government’s cabinet meeting, it was approved that Lentex LLC will receive a VAT deferment for three years. The company is planning to invest AMD 1.98 billion to procure high-quality raw materials. The same privilege will be granted to Hello LLC, which is going to invest AMD 370.8 million in the knitwear sector.
– According to a Government decision, on October 21, 2018, snap elections for community leaders will be held in the towns of Armavir and Vagharshapat (Etchmiadzin), as well as in Lusashogh community of Ararat Marz. The mayors of these towns resigned amidst corruption scandals.
– The Government established a procedure for surrendering to the Republic of Armenia gifts and presents received by judges, the cost of which may exceed the prescribed amount.
– Nikol Pashinyan receives delegation led by International Finance Corporation (IFC) (World Bank Group) Regional Manager Jan van Bilsen. The IFC Regional Manager notes that positive changes in Armenia and the Government’s open and transparent work style has provided good opportunities for the country’s development in general, and the private sector, in particular.
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives Indian Ambassador Yogeshwar Sangwan. The ambassador highlights the deeply-rooted Armenian-Indian ties, noting that they have great development potential.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives Indian Ambassador Yogeshwar Sangwan.
August 3, Friday (Day 87)
August 4, Saturday (Day 88)
August 5, Sunday (Day 89)
August 6, Monday (Day 90)
August 7, Tuesday (Day 91)
August 8, Wednesday (Day 92)
August 9, Thursday (Day 93)
– The Government establishes protocols for procedures and financial support for the families of those servicemen killed (deceased) in combat or during army service. The arrangement includes costs of burial, gravestones, as well as the terms and the amounts of lump-sum allowances provided to former servicemen eligible for disability pensions and to the families of killed (deceased) servicemen. The decision will thereby streamline the process of providing financial support to eligible persons in accordance with the law “On Servicemen’s Status.” Nikol Pashinyan makes a statement on amending the RA law “On compensation of damage caused to servicemen’s life or health during the defense of the Republic of Armenia.”
“The previous arrangement covered those servicemen who have been killed or disabled after January 1, 2017. We discussed and reviewed the matter with the Defense Ministry and found out that there is an opportunity to take the prescribed date back for two years. Accordingly, the new arrangement will cover the incidents that occurred after January 1, 2015,” the Premier said, noting that the families of those killed during the April war and the war veterans will henceforth be considered as program beneficiaries.
– Prime Minister Pashinyan receives UAE Ambassador Jassim Mohamed Al Qasemi. The Prime Minister stresses the need to develop further relations with the UAE: “We are glad that your country’s business circles are interested in the Armenian market. A business-friendly environment is being shaped in our country, all corruption-driven impediments have been removed, and we will be happy to boost the bilateral economic ties.”
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan receives a delegation of the Armenian Employers Union (AEU), led by Gagik Makaryan. Stressing the importance of a sustained dialogue between the Government and organizations representing the interests of different layers of society, the Premier says it will give them the opportunity to discuss problems on a regular basis and take note of each other’s views. The meeting focused on improving the country’s business environment, foreign investments, legislative reforms and labor market-related issues. Reference was also made to the tax reform, the opportunities and prospects of construction, civil aviation and public procurements.
August 10, Friday (Day 94)
– Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visits the northeastern marz of Tavush. He stops at the Berd subsidiary of the Tavush Textile Company. The Premier tours the facility where 520 people are currently employed. The Company exported AMD 2 billion-worth of products to Russia and Georgia last year. The exports are expected to increase by 40-50 percent this year.
– Nikol Pashinyan next visited a livestock farm established with funds from the Himnatavush Development Foundation in Lusadzor community. It has 200 high milk yield cows and various types of French cheese are produced. Most of the output is exported to Russia. The Company representatives say that 800,000 Euros are annually invested in the farm.
Prime Minister’s visit to Tavush Marz.
August 11, Saturday (Day 95)
– Nikol Pahsinyan meets with residents of Ijevan, Haghartsin and Dilijan where he presents his government’s steps in different sectors and answers a number of questions. The Premier notes that henceforth the role of the Armenian citizen will be decisive in the economic development of the country. “I am sure that henceforth the citizens will not put up with defeats, illegalities, will eye the future with optimism and will not act as petitioners.” Here is the video of his address to the residents of Ijevan.
– Nikol Pashinyan participates in a celebration dedicated to Haghartsin’s 200th anniversary. The Premier congratulates the residents and expresses hope that it will open up a new chapter in Haghartsin’s public life.
– Nikol Pashinyan visits the Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory. Accompanied by the company’s top executives, the Premier tours the facilities. Pashinyan next visits the newly-constructed Lastiver hotel complex in Yenokavan that was built with USD 2 million-worth investments.
Nikol Pashinyan visits local companies, Tavush medical center in Idjevan and Dilijan.
– Nikol Pashinyan visits the Ijevan Wine and Brandy Factory. Accompanied by the company’s top executives, the Premier tours the facilities. Pashinyan next visits the newly-constructed Lastiver hotel complex in Yenokavan that was built with USD 2 million-worth investments.
– Then the Prime Minister was hosted in the Dilijan beer factory and later at the Tavush Medical Center in Dilijan that provides proper medical services for residents who now no longer have to travel to Yerevan for treatment.
– The PM finalizes his visit to the Tavush region in Qarahunj winery in Dilijan.
August 12, Sunday (Day 96)
August 13, Monday (Day 97)
August 14, Tuesday (Day 98)
August 15, Wednesday (Day 99)
August 16, Thursday (Day 100)
