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Armenian prime minister comments on national security service’s disclosures

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YEREVAN, May 29. /ARKA/. There will be no ‘vendettas’ in Armenia, but there will also be no lawlessness in the country, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told journalists on Tuesday commenting on the Armenian national security service’s recent detection of corruption schemes.

According to Novosti-Armenia, the national security agency has disclosed multimillion criminal schemes, where the State Revenue Committee’s officials are involved.

“If someone thinks that our statements about inadmissibility of ‘vendettas’ is some display of weakness, these people will face a crushing defeat. It’s for sure,” Pashinyan said.

The prime minister also called on everybody to be serious in fulfilling their duties.

“Let nobody think he can deceive the state,” he said. “Everybody should voluntarily come to the tax field.”

In his words, old corruption schemes are no longer active.

Pashinyan also urged all those having unpaid taxes to review calculations without waiting for the national security agency

“The national security service can do everything in due way – they will solve all the problems very quickly and in a rough style, but it would be better not to drive things to that,” he said. -0–

Nikol Pashinyan promises Javakhk-Armenians to raise Armenian-Georgian relations to new level Video

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YEREVAN, MAY 31, Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan, who is in Georgia on an official visit, held meetings with the residents of a number of Armenian-populated communities in Javakhk.

ARMENPRESS reports the Armenian PM was met with great enthusiasm in all the communities. Pashinyan gave speeches everywhere, touching upon mainly the Armenian-Georgian relations, underlining the importance of deepening them further and raising them to a new level.

“I had a very productive visit to the Georgian capital, Tbilisi and this is not by accident that I paid my first official visit to Georgia. This underlines the importance and special significance of Armenian-Georgian relations. I am confident that as a result of this visit Armenian-Georgian relations will undergo major improvements.

And for achieving these changes I offer a very simple formula. Georgia and the Georgian people must be convinced that there is no conspiracy in the actions of Armenia and the Armenian people, or provocation against the Georgian people and Georgia, while the Armenian people and Armenia must be convinced that there is no conspiracy or provocations against the Armenian people and Armenia in the actions of the Georgian people. This is the ground based on which we must achieve a totally new level of Armenian-Georgian relations. And I am confident that in the context of these relations all the social-economic problems existing in the Armenian-populated areas of Georgia should be solved,” Pashinyan said in the meeting with Ayazma village residents, adding that everyone should make serious efforts to reach that goal.

In the meeting with the residents of Satkhe village the Armenian PM expressed confidence that after his official visit to Georgia a new page of Armenian-Georgian relations will be opened. “I consider the most important result of my visit the fact that personal warm relations have been established between me and the Georgian PM and I am convinced that in the person of the Georgian Prime Minister the Armenian people have a very good friend who will spare no efforts to deepen Armenian-Georgian friendship”.

PM Pashinyan has already reached Akhalkalaki, where he will meet with the Armenian community as well and will participate in the opening of an engineering laboratory.

 

Reception dedicated to 100th anniversary of First Armenian Republic takes place in Tbilisi attended by PM Pashinyan

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YEREVAN, MAY 30,  A reception dedicated to the 100tha anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia took place at Tbilisi City Hall organized by the Armenian Embassy in Georgia. The Correspondent of ARMENPRESS reports from Tbilisi that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Margvelashvili and diplomats accredited in Georgia participated in the reception.

Armenian PM Pashinyan gave a speech during the event. He emphasized that the Georgian capital Tbilisi is really a city full of energy of joint history of the Armenian and Georgian peoples with deep rooted links.

Pashinyan mentioned that today’s Republic of Armenia is first of all a republic of love and solidarity. “Our peoples must achieve new and new victories and establish joint happiness in the peaceful, free and happy region. This region has to become such”, PM PAshinyan said.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Armenia to Georgia Ruben Sadoyan reminded in his speech that 100 years ago the foundations of the independence of Armenia were laid by the decision of the Armenian National Council in Tbilisi. “The Armenian people that passed through the atrocities of genocide restored independent statehood. What was impossible for many became possible for Armenians. It became possible at the cost of the blood of many Armenian patriots who sacrificed the most valuable thing, their lives for the sake of the freedom of the Motherland during the May heroic battles. The May heroic battles once again proved that the will of our people is unshakable”, the Ambassador said.

 

Armenia FM about Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting: Let’s not hurry

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The negotiations cannot be held in the atmosphere of hostility, Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said in an interview with Armenia television.

Asked about the information that appeared in the social networks regarding the advancement of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the neutral zone in the Nakhchivan direction, Minister noted that these issues are in the focus of attention of the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“Any development that will impede the negotiation process is unacceptable. This will have a negative impact on the negotiations, and this should be avoided. We intend to continue our participation in talks, we plan to lead them to achieving a peaceful settlement within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group,” he assured.

Mnatsakanyan added that the statements from Baku do not contribute to the formation of a peaceful atmosphere.

Asked whether the issue of Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting was discussed, the Armenian official called not to hurry up.

“I held a phone conversation with various officials who play a direct role in this process. This will continue. Direct contacts will occur when we reach the right moment. I’m not talking about months, I’m talking about weeks,” Mnatsakanyan said, adding that the Armenian side will continue doing what it has done so far.

“We talked about continuation, about ensuring a stable peace through peaceful negotiations,” he recalled.

 

For a long time at Yerevan City, a large mechanism of tax evasion and false entrepreneurship has been used. Criminal proceedings have been instituted

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YEREVAN, MAY 30, . The National Security Service adjunct to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, continuing the consistent struggle against corruption and economic crimes, has revealed in the result of operative-investigative measures and investigative actions undertaken within the framework of its functions, a long-term scheme (developed and implemented by the largest Armenian entities for tax avoidance mechanism), which has been used for hundreds of lands founded by the name of the kings, actually engaged in false entrepreneurship.

An official from the NSS press office told Armenpress that according to the preliminary data, “Alex Holding” LLC, being a taxpayer organization, has received an agreement with the former RA SRC ex-Prime Minister with the management of the sale of agricultural products purchased from farmers through the Yerevan City supermarket chain, with the establishment of individuals named by different people, whose sales turnover limit is 115 million AMD, yerel instead of 20% VAT and income tax paid only 2% of turnover tax. Then, the management team of “Alex Holding” company until 2018. Within the period of May, 461 NGOs have been registered in the Yerevan City supermarket chain, mostly in the same notary as the employees of their company, as well as by their family members and acquaintances. At the same time, some of them were registered without the knowledge of the citizens, using their identification documents or their copies stored in “Alex Holding” LLC. When the turnover of the private sector reached 115 million drams, the activity was terminated or liquidated, after which newly registered other Private Entities were used.

Taking advantage of the arbitrary and illegitimate opportunity provided by the former SRC’s former management, the “Alex Holding” LLC, with the exception of local agricultural products, also has carried out many other products, as well as imported agricultural products for which Only the turnover tax has been paid.

According to preliminary calculations, the total sales turnover with 461 Private Societies amounted to more than 40 billion drams, of which 2% was payable, whereas in case of legal activity, “Alex Holding” Company had to pay 20% VAT and profit tax :

The exact amount of damages caused to the state will be calculated by the professional (tax) audit and the forensic expertise prescribed in the prescribed manner on the activities of “Alex Holding” LLC.

In connection with the incident, a criminal case has been initiated under Article 205 (Part 2) of the RA Criminal Code (“Particularly large taxes, duties or other mandatory payments”) and Article 189 (Part 3 of the Criminal Code “).

Within the framework of the criminal case, 10 searches were carried out at the same time, as a result of which confiscated accounting documents, electronic storage media, other documents proving the case, responsible employees of “Alex Holding” LLC, the notary carrying out the registration of private entrepreneurs, a part of citizens whose names are registered by the Private Entrepreneurs.

Additionally, according to the available reliable data, the 11 senior organizations dealing with network trading have been provided with the method described by the former SRC leadership, which has obviously created unfavorable and unequal competitive conditions for many other value-added companies selling agricultural products. Within the framework of the criminal case, testimonial activities will be carried out against these 11 companies, so the latter are recommended to recalculate the amount of unpaid taxes as described and to provide relevant information to the preliminary investigation body to resolve the issue of compensation for damages.

The preliminary investigation continues, measures are being taken to find out all the circumstances important to the case and to identify other persons and to compensate for the damage done.

The National Security Service urges the business entities to engage in activities solely in the so-called “white” field and refrain from using suspicious schemes and mechanisms to avoid tax evasion, taxes or other mandatory payments while at the same time warns that the relevant units of the National Security Service within the jurisdiction and exclusively by law

New Armenia-EU agreement will have profound impact on almost all areas of public life – FM Mnatsakanyan

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New Armenia-EU agreement

YEREVAN, MAY 29, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Zohrab Mnatsakanyan sent a message on the occasion of the Europe Day. As ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, the message runs as follows,

“Distinguished Ambassador Świtalski,
Excellences,
Dear all,

I would like to congratulate all of us on the occasion of Europe Day and thank the Delegation of the European Union to Armenia for putting together this celebration concert.

Europe Day symbolizes peace and unity, which the modern Europe embodies the best. Indeed, lessons learned by Europe, which experienced two devastating world wars, can be a guiding way forward for the entire humanity. A stable, peaceful and developing society and a true citizen can be shaped only through respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, tolerance, democracy and other common values.

Since ancient times, Armenia has been a part of European civilization and tried to make its modest, but visible contribution to the latter’s development. Today, Armenia continues expanding its ties with the European Union and EU member states, strengthening its position in European structures, in particular in the Council of Europe, and contributing to the work of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Significant developments have been taking place in our relations with the EU since last year’s celebration of the Europe Day. Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed in November, 2017 and was ratified by Armenia in April of this year. It is not just a new legal instrument regulating relations between Armenia and EU, but an expression of partnership based on the common system of values. In February, we signed “the Armenia-EU Partnership Priorities” document, which along with the CEPA is the main guideline for further development of bilateral cooperation.

I can certainly say that the new agreement is a unique development plan with its clear goals and timetable, and its successful implementation will have a profound impact on almost all areas of public life.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the interest around Europe Day events held in Yerevan and in our regions is evident. I want this interest and the approaches to spread across the whole spectrum of Armenia-EU relations, our entire agenda and its successful implementation.

Armenia’s new government, formed on the wave of the nationwide love and solidarity movement, is determined to continue close partnership with the European Union, remains committed to the established agenda, our commitment and vision to regional stability, peace and sustainable development.

Happy Europe Day!

 

BREAKING NEWS: Syria recognizes South Ossetia and Abkhazia

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YEREVAN, MAY 29,  Syria has recognized the Republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

“The Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of South Ossetia have agreed on mutual recognition and on establishing diplomatic relations, according to the South Ossetian Foreign Ministry, TASS reports.

“The Republic of South Ossetia and the Syrian Arab Republic declare mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries at the level of embassies from the date this communique is published,” the document says according to TASS.

President of the Republic of Abkhazia Raul Khadzhimba delivered a speech on the occasion of the mutual recognition.

“On May 29, 2018, the Republic of Abkhazia and the Syrian Arab Republic declared mutual recognition and the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two states at the level of the Embassies which reflects their common intention to develop these relations in all spheres.

This event was preceded by great work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in the Russian Federation and other institutions of the Republic of Abkhazia. Mutual visits of Abkhazian and Syrian officials took place and close ties were established.

The day before, on May 28, a tripartite meeting of the Ambassadors of the Republic of Abkhazia, the Syrian Arab Republic and the Republic of South Ossetia in the Russian Federation took place, in the course of which the Ambassadors agreed on the text and the release date of the communiqué and exchanged relevant notes.

We highly value this step of the leadership of the Syrian Arab Republic and we are confident that our relations will be developing in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. I am certain that in the near future, peace will come to the Syrian land and that its people will start a peaceful life”, he said, according to his website.

This is a developing story

Last night Armenia celebrates the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia Video

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Armenia celebrates the 100th anniversary of the First Republic of Armenia. A festive concert took place at the Republic Square where Sirusho, Sevak Khanaghyan, Hasmik Karapetyan and other stars sang.
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, President Armen Sarkissian, other officials and many citizens were present at the concert.

 

Azerbaijan’s Secret ‘Laundromat’ Scheme Pays $1.5 Million to US Lobbying Firm

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Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com
 
The website of Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) revealed last week the possibly illegal lobbying in the United States funded by Azerbaijani sources.
 
Investigative journalist Jonny Wrate reported on May 23, 2018 that “some of the money that passed through the Azerbaijani Laundromat, a secret money laundering scheme and slush fund that saw $2.9 billion flow out of the country between 2012 and 2014, ended up in the hands of a purportedly private Azerbaijani organization that hired a Virginia firm to lobby the US government for more than a decade.”
 
OCCRP had reported earlier that “other monies from the fund were used to advance the Azerbaijani government’s political agenda, with some ending up in bank accounts belonging to European politicians who spoke highly of President Ilham Aliyev’s regime even as it arrested journalists and political activists. The precise origins of the funds are unknown, hidden behind secretive shell companies. But there is ample evidence that the authoritarian country’s ruling elite is behind them.”
 
Last week, OCCRP revealed that two shell companies established by Azerbaijan “funneled over a million and a half dollars to a mysterious Baku-based organization called Renaissance Associates” which in turn hired “a US lobbying firm to orchestrate praise for Azerbaijan and had its representatives make thousands of dollars in campaign donations, including to Senators and Representatives who sat on committees that determine foreign aid budgets.”
 
At the center of this scheme is Elkhan Suleymanov who “runs a pro-regime organization in Baku which appears to work hand-in-hand with Renaissance, even using the same office space…. Other payments were made to an influential oil and gas consultant with close ties to President Aliyev who presents himself as an immigration success story and lives in Dayton Ohio — even as he also lobbies the US government on his homeland’s behalf.”
 
According to OCCRP, two offshore shell companies — Metastar Invest and Hilux Services — made 18 payments totaling $1.7 million to Renaissance Associates S.A. from September 2012 to December 2014 through two separate bank accounts at Volksbank AG in Liechtenstein and Privatbank IHAG Zurich AG in Switzerland. US Justice Department reports filed by Bob Lawrence & Associates (BL&A), a lobbying firm in Alexandria, Virginia, showed that it received $1.5 million from Renaissance — which almost equals the amount transferred by the Azeri shell companies to Renaissance, BL&A’s sole international client.
 
Since 2004, BL&A has handled the visit of Pres. Ilham Aliyev to the White House and three years later arranged for Pres. Obama’s former campaign manager, David Plouffe, to visit Baku and meet with Azeri officials. BL&A has also lobbied for US Defense appropriations to Azerbaijan, against Karabagh (Artsakh), and for the oil pipeline from Azerbaijan to Turkey. Between 2008 and 2016, BL&A president Bob Lawrence has testified before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations and Related Matters, recommending foreign aid to Azerbaijan. In his testimony, Lawrence called Armenia “a rogue nation… clearly protecting criminals” and that it commits human rights violations.
 
US Justice Department reports indicate that BL&A paid $250,000 in 2015 to hire the Crane Group to lobby on behalf of Azerbaijan. At the same time, BL&A contracted former Cong. Solomon Ortiz (D-TX) and his firm, Solomon P. Ortiz Holdings LLC, to lobby for the interests of Azerbaijan.
 
OCCRP also reported that “between 2012 and 2015, individuals registered as lobbyists acting directly or indirectly on behalf of Renaissance made thousands of dollars in donations to political candidates, including to Senators and Representatives who were sitting on, or chaired, appropriations subcommittees at the time.”
 
Surprisingly, and possibly illegally, BL&A has not registered with the US Justice Department as a lobbyist for Azerbaijan. On its website, BL&A states that it “does not work for, report to, or take directions from the Azerbaijani government or any member of the Azerbaijani government.” OCCRP stated that “in 2005 — a year after BL&A first began working with Renaissance — Azerbaijan’s independent Turan News Agency reported that it had received a letter identifying Renaissance as a lobbying firm representing the Azerbaijan government in Washington.”
 
Furthermore, “between at least 2006 and 2008, BL&A’s website listed the country of Azerbaijan, rather than Renaissance, as its client. In May 2012, BL&A agreed to represent the Embassy of Azerbaijan and disclosed this under FARA [Foreign Agents Registration Act] before quickly annulling the registration, claiming that no services had actually been performed and no payments received.”
 
BL&A acknowledges on its website that it collaborates with the Association for Civil Society Development in Azerbaijan (ACSDA), a pro-regime non-profit organization based in Baku and controlled by Elkhan Suleymanov, a member of Azerbaijan’s parliament. According to BL&A’s website, Renaissance “supports and nurtures ACSDA. The two organizations share the same Baku apartment.” OCCRP also reported that “when in April 2016, ACSDA signed a three-month contract with US lobbying firm Greenberg Traurig, the firm’s FARA filing shows that the $25,000 per month fees had been paid by Renaissance.”
 
OCCRP’s extensive report revealed many other lobbying activities funded by this secret slush fund. All these efforts should be reported to the US Congress asking for a thorough investigation. A lawsuit should also be filed against BL&A to block its unregistered lobbying campaigns!