Politics

2007-10-10 10:14:00 Peace action to support passage of Armenian Genocide Resolution to be held in front of US Embassy in Tbilisi

ArmInfo. Today, a peace action to support passage of Armenian Genocide Resolution N106 will be held in front of US Embassy in Tbilisi, the Armenian Cooperation Centre of Georgia told ArmInfo.

The source recalled that today the Resolution N106 on the Armenian Genocide recognition will be discussed in the U.S. House Foreign Relations Committee. Discussion and adoption of this Resolution in this Committee will become a subsequent stage for application of a similar measure by the whole Lower Chamber of the Congress. The document was presented in the Lower Chamber of the Congress by Adam Schiff and George Radanovich on January 30, 2007. The Resolution contains a call to the country's president to guarantee
the provisions, in the country's foreign policy, which truly
reflect the understanding and delicacy of the issues related to the human rights, ethnic cleansing and the Armenian Genocide - the facts which are documented in the USA state archives. According to the source, the Resolution is supported by 226 Congress members from 39 American states.

"We believe in justice and we can say with confidence that the progressive mankind supports restoration of justice", the message for press reports.


2007-10-09 21:27:00 A Turkish newspaper: Turkey's empty threats aimed at fairly consistent policies of the US administration are not going to block the Armenian bill

ArmInfo. "The Armenian bill: time to trace a new path", - this is the title of an article published in the Hurriyet newspaper (Turkey). Speaking of the Turkish governmental administration's "enormous weapon" aimed at blocking the US Congress from passing the "Armenian genocide bill", Mehmet Y.Yilmaz, the author of the article, thinks that Ankara's threats are senseless and
empty.

When Mehmet Y.Yilmaz heard that administration consultant Egeman Bagis, who left for the US for precisely this business, is reportedly planning on telling US authorities "If the bill is accepted, you will no longer be able to arrange logistical support for your soldiers in Iraq through Turkey", the author really wasn't able to understand how it was the US Congress was going to be thrown into a panic, and decide to postpone the voting on the bill. He says that the USA is a country which, pushing aside any logistic
support from Turkey for a moment, has been able to invade an enormous country by lowering everything down from the air. "And the fact that the Turkish administration has not even considered this, and that they are seeing a useless threat as the only solution here, only serves to underscore
our lack of policy on these sorts of matters", he says. "So it is clear now that empty threats aimed at the fairly consistent policies of the US administration are not going to block this Armenian bill", the author writes. He thinks that one should start channeling our energy towards arenas which will actually elicit results, and this includes thinking about the possibilities presented to Ankara by international law. "But this cannot be all. We need to take concrete steps in the propaganda war that we have somehow
not been able to carry off up until now", he adds. "Now is the time, seeing we no longer have the chance to carry on our old ways, to trace a new path for ourselves", he says.


2007-10-09 15:14:00 The fact of the first president and first prime minister of independent Armenia is important, ex-foreign minister of Armenia says

ArmInfo. 'First of all the fact of the meeting of the two founders of the Third Armenian republic - the first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan and the first prime minister of independent Armenia Vazgen Manukyan is important', ex-foreign minister of Armenia Aleksandr Arzumanyan told Arminfo correspondent when commenting on the results of the meeting of several former members of "Karabakh" committee.

He also added that Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Vazgen Manukyan worry about the situation in the country and the prospects of its development.

Asked if the first president and the first prime minister will cooperate including in the context of the forthcoming presidential election, Levon Ter-Petrosyan's team-mate Aleksandr Arzumanyan replied: 'We hope that the contacts and cooperation will continue'.

To note, yesterday evening several team-mates on the Karabakh movement met in the apartment of the former member of Karabakh committee Samson Kazaryan. The meeting lasted from 18:00 PM till midnight. To recall, Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Vazgen Manukyan are opponents. The were the main rivals at the presidential election 1996.


2007-10-09 15:01:00 Prosecutor General of Armenia: We consider the cooperation within frames of the CIS as necessary condition for ensuring security and legal safety of our citizens

ArmInfo. Armenia strives to create a steadily developing society , which is a guarantee of peace and prosperity, Prosecutor General of Armenia Aghvan Hovsepyan said at the 8th session of the Coordinating Council of CIS Prosecutors Generals in Yerevan.

A.Hovsepyan welcomed the participants and expressed pity over the absence of the Azeri delegation. He told his colleagues that he had personally sent invitation to the Azeri Prosecutor General Mr.Garalov.

A.Hovsepyan noted that over the past 15 years one of the most important directions of the foreign and domestic policy of Armenia has been the all-round cooperation within the frames of the CIS. This cooperation includes all spheres, and here a special role belongs to law-enforcement agencies, including the prosecutor's office. A.Hovsepyan stressed that the current stage of the mankind's development creates new opportunities, but at the same time, it also has negative consequences. "Globalization creates favorable
conditions for spreading of new kinds of crime, such as illegal migration and trafficking in human beings, money laundering, corruption, bank fraud, drug business and other transnational crimes," A.Hovsepyan pointed out. He emphasized that cooperation
within the frames of the CIS is a guarantee of an efficient fight against crime, and ensures all-round integration of the CIS States in world processes. "We consider this cooperation as a necessary condition for ensuring security and legal safety of our citizens," A.Hovsepyan said. In conclusion, he expressed hope that the documents adopted at the session will contribute to further deepening of cooperation between CIS countries in the legal sphere.


2007-10-09 14:31:00 RPA faction member: Calls for fight of ideologies at forthcoming presidential election in Armenia are sophisticated

ArmInfo. Member of the Republican party of Armenia parliamentary faction Armen Ashotyan called the talks about necessity of conducting of an ideological fight at the forthcoming 2008 presidential election in Armenia sophisticated.

During today's press-conference in "Tesaket" club, A. Ashotyan said that 1990 parliamentary election and 1991 presidential election in Armenia were ideological, in his opinion. Today, even if the Marxist party leader David Hakopyan comes to the power as a result of the presidential election, return to the past is impossible, therefore, the fight at the election will be probably conducted among the programmes of different political forces.

A. Ashotyan thinks that the main struggle at the election will be developed among the three political forces: carrier of the conservative ideology of the Republican party, the Armenian National Movement party, which expresses an extremely liberal ideology, and the ARF "Dashnaktsutyun", the brightest representative of the socialistic direction. "I urge my counterparts to conduct a civilized competition at the election, the "black PR" technologies color neither the power nor the oppositional parties", the RPA
faction member said.


2007-10-09 14:14:00 Turkish parliamentary delegation in Washington with a warning mission to prevent voting on the Armenian genocide in US Congress

ArmInfo. Turkish parliamentary delegation will arrive in Washington to inform American authorities on Turkeys views on a draft Armenian resolution in the U.S. Congress, it was reported.

As Turkish press informs, the delegation is composed of Deputy Chairman of the ruling Justice and Development (AK) Party and Istanbul MP Egemen Bagis, Republican Peoples Party (CHP) MP Sukru Elekdag and Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) MP Gunduz Aktan. According to the press office of the Turkish Embassy in Washington, the Turkish delegation will meet officials at the White House, U.S. Congress, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Defense between October 8th and 11th. The Turkish delegation will
also hold talks at US think tank organization.

To recall, The US House of Representatives Foreign Relations Committee will vote on an Armenian resolution N0 106 on Wednesday, October 10th. The resolution is supported by 226 congressmen from
39 American states.


2007-10-09 14:13:00 RA Defense Ministry denied information of Azerbaijani Mass Media about alleged exercises of RA AF in territories of 'security belt'

ArmInfo. RA Defense Ministry denied information of the Azerbaijani Mass Media about the alleged exercises of RA AF in the territories of the "security belt".

As RA DM's spokesman Seyran Shahsouvaryan told ArmInfo, such information does not meet the reality. "Armenia's Armed Forces have never held exercises in such territories", S. Shahsouvaryan said. He also denied the information about violation of the armistice regime on the contact line of the Armenian and Azerbaijani Armed Forces. For his part, representative of the NKR Defense Army told ArmInfo that he also denies the information about the exercises. He said that they are held periodically, however, no exercises,
which would be followed by "explosions", are held at present. As for the situation on the contact line of the NKR and AR AF, he said that the situation is calm and the armistice regime is maintained, despite single shots by Azerbaijani party. "We are wedded to observance of the armistice regime", the source emphasized.

To note, according to information of the Azerbaijani Mass Media, the "explosions" from "exercises" are being allegedly heard in Aghdam direction.


2007-10-09 14:10:00 Azerbaijani human rights defender voiced opinion of Marti Ahtisaari on Nagorno Karabakh settlement

ArmInfo. Azerbaijani human rights defender, Head of the Helsinki Civil Assembly of Azerbaijan Arzu Abdullayeva voiced the opinion of Marti Ahtisaari on Karabakh conflict settlement.

As A. Abdullayeva told the "Echo" Azerbaijani newspaper, the author of the Kosovo plan considers that the terms of the project on Serbian territory are unacceptable for the Karabakh conflict settlement. According to the source, the Crisis Control Initiative organization, founded by former President of Finland Marti Ahtisaari, the author of the Kosovo settlement plan, which, in fact, envisages sovereignty for the Serbian territory, shows an interest in the Karabakh conflict". "Ahtisaari is only an honourable
chairman of this structure. The main work is carried out by coordinators who represent different European countries. However, I insisted for Ahtisaari's opinion on Nagorno Karabakh conflict to be voiced for us", A. Abdullayeva said.

She said that M. Ahtisaari has no definite solution regarding his dealing or non-dealing with this conflict. "Nevertheless, he thinks that it is absolutely impossible to apply the Kosovo model to Nagorno Karabakh as there are local peculiarities and specifics in this case and this is quite another conflict, in general. Moreover, Ahtisaari prefers to apply the Aland model", A. Abdullayeva said. At the same time, the Finnish politician proposes nothing in the Karabakh conflict settlement issue, she added. She
also said that the project's main idea is in involvement of a civil society in the conflict settlement process. "The project envisages involvement of representatives of the Azerbaijani, Armenian, Georgian and Moldovan civil societies, that is, it covers all the conflicts in the former USSR space", she said.


2007-10-09 14:00:00 Azerbaijan's FM: Azerbaijan does not want to see Armenia poor and backward country

ArmInfo-TURAN. Today, newly appointed Ambassador of Belgium to Azerbaijan Frank Geerkens presented copies of his credentials to Foreign Minister Elmar Mamedyarov. As the press office
of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry told Turan, the decision to open an Embassy of Belgium in Azerbaijan is aimed at deepening new bilateral relations. This is first embassy of Belgium in the Caucasus, and it
is planned to open over embassies in the future in Georgia and Central Asian countries. Mamedyarov welcomed the decision of Brussels to open an embassy in Azerbaijan, which is a central point for many regional projects.

According to him, Azerbaijan supports stability and enrichment of the region, and does not want to see Armenia a poor country. Azerbaijan wants Armenia to cease its policy of aggression, to liberate the occupied territories and to join regional cooperation.








Economy

2007-10-09 21:47:00 VivaCell offers its subscribers new payment services

ArmInfo. VivaCell-the mobile operator in Armenia- today announces that VivaCell postpaid subscribers (Classic and corporate package lines) are provided an opportunity to settle their invoices or make advanced payments through TelCell terminals.

TelCell terminals provide access to a fast, reliable and twenty-four-hour service. Terminals are located in different parts of Yerevan and in the regions. TelCell terminals will provide VivaCell postpaid subscribers with availability and convenience to make payments at any time day and night, using a simple-to-use menu, by paying any amount, of cash starting from AMD 1,000, through three-lingual support, for any other postpaid line. TelCell will automatically charge 2% commission to the paying subscriber when
operation is done through its terminals.


2007-10-09 21:37:00 The sales negotiations for Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Plant to another investor are in final stage

ArmInfo. The sales negotiations for Agarak Copper-Molybdenum Plant (CMP) to another investor are in final stage, the Head of the Department of Nature Utilization Economy and Mining Industry of the Armenian Ministry of Trade and Economic Development Artur Ashoughyan said at a press conference, Tuesday.

According to him, no official information on change of the owner is known, yet. "We don't have any official information that the owner has changed. However, we know that final negotiations are held, about which I wouldn't like to speak because of the company's commercial interests", he said. The Department Head didn't want to specify with whom, namely, the sales negotiations of Agarak CMP are held.

To note, ArmInfo source close to the Government told that the daughter of the Russian "Industrial Investors" Group-"Madneuli" JSC gained control over Agarak CMP in the South of Armenia, which
belonged to the American "Comsup Commodities" company. Meanwhile, the leadership of "Madneuli" denies this information.


2007-10-09 21:33:00 The start of exploitation of Teghut copper-molybdenum deposit in Armenia requires $ 150mln, a specialist thinks

ArmInfo. The start of exploitation of Teghut copper-molybdenum deposit in the North of Armenia requires $ 150mln, as a minimum, the Head of the Department of Nature Utilization Economy and Mining Industry of the Armenian Ministry of Trade and Economic Development Artur Ashoughyan said at a press conference, Tuesday.

According to him, years will pass before the investor starts to make profit from the deposit's exploitation. He named Teghut a difficult deposit in view of complete absence of ways of communication. Teghut is the second largest copper and molybdenum deposit in Armenia following the one in Kajaran. However, there are no roads, power transmission lines, dams, tailing damps and other necessary ways of communication there, he said. A. Ashoughyan thinks it necessary to implement this project, which may create a sufficient
raw material base in Armenia and ensure development of the mining sphere.

To note, the Russian Vneshtorgbank-VTB (Bank for Foreign Trade) is ready to grant a credit of $200mln to Armenia Copper Programme (ACP) for commissioning Teghut deposit. Gaining of credit will make it
possible to mine and process 7mln tons of ore from Teghut deposit, annually. Teghut deposit is promising and it is the second with its copper and molybdenum reservoirs in Armenia following the one in Kajaran. The approved reserves make up 1,6mln tons of copper and 99 000 tons of molybdenum. The contents of copper in a ton of ore is 0,4% and in the concetrate-33%. The contents of molybdenum in a ton of ore is 0,02%, and in the concentrate-51%".


2007-10-09 14:29:00 Further destiny of 'Namakanish' State CJSC is unknown

ArmInfo. The further destiny of the "Namakanish" (stamp) State CJSC is unknown, RA Minister of Transport and Communication Andranik Manukyan told journalists today.

He said that the Armenian government has transferred the right for stamp printing to the "Huypost". "Today, the "Namakanish" is a 100% State CJSC and its fate is unknown. This issue is under discussion", the minister said.

To recall, in the beginning of September, the "Huypost"(Armpost) CJSC, which has been controlled by the "Huypost Trust Management" Dutch CJSC from the end of November, 2006, blamed RA Ministry of
Transport and Communication for aiding and abetting the "Namakanish" CJSC's illegal activity. As a result, the Company was caused damage to the sum of 300 mln drams ($892,000).


2007-10-09 14:17:00 Armenian Transport and Communication Minister does not know the reason of Haypost workers axing and does not agree to its leaders

Arminfo. Armenian Transport and Communication Minister Andranik Manukyan has recently incidentally known from the press about axing of about 200 workers of Haypost central office, but this does not hinder him to be sure that professional workers were axed, he told journalists today.

Manukyan also added that Haypost did not let him know about its workers axing and he does not know why the leadership of the company did it. The Ministry does now know the reasons and grounds of dismissal as it has not yet applied to Haypost for explanation. The Minister said that "professionals which have been working in the system for many years and accumulated experience, should not be axed. If they made a mistake, they should be given an opportunity to correct that, but not punished". The Minister does not
remember if there is a point in the contract on Haypost managing, which bans to axe job places. He also added that Haypost should improve its finance state not at the expense of
workers axing but its activity improvement, as the company is given wide powers to deal with business.

To note, on 30 November 2006 the whole package of shares of CJSC Haypost was given to trust management to Dutch "Haypost Trust Management" company, which belongs to Dutch Postfinance. As it was informed earlier, at present organizational and operation changes are taking place in Haypost, which are called to raise the service quality. Axing is also explained by raising of efficiency of the company management.


Interview

2007-10-09 22:01:00 Armenians have a right to live in Baku

More than 500.000 Armenian refugees were forced to leave Azerbaijan at the beginning of 1990 as a result of the Nagorny Karabakh conflict. Settlement of the conflict extended for many years. Till today the problems connected with restitution of the property lost by Armenians and realization of their rights, fixed in international agreements, still remain unsettled. According to the information from Azerbaijani sources, Thomas Hammarberg, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, said over his recent visit
to Baku that he thinks legal wishing of Azerbaijani refugees and displaced people to return to their native lands.
This statement has become the reason of ArmInfo correspondents interview with Council of Europe Commissioner for Human rights Thomas Hammarberg, who shared his views on the problem of Armenian refugees rights, which suffered as a result of the conflict in Nagorny Karabakh.

[ArmInfo] While estimating the reality and the existing atmosphere of dislike, do you think the return of the Armenian refugees to Azerbaijan is possible and necessary?

[Hammarberg] Refugees should have the option of returning that is the human rights position. Whether that, in this case, is possible on the near future or not will depend on decisions by those in power. It is not my task to make guesses about such matters.


[Arminfo] In your mind, should the return of refugees be upon the final agreement on the conflict settlement or it should be in due course?

[Hammarberg] Human rights problems are always urgent and if they can be resolved before a peace agreement that is of course preferable. However, that is not always possible. When the political crisis involves human rights matters, peace efforts become even more urgent. A peace agreement is desirable also because it would facilitate the return of refugees.

[ArmInfo] Do you think the return of refugees and IDPs of both nations should be voluntary or forced?

[Hammarberg] Return should always be voluntary. Those who opt for the alternative to stay should have the possibility to apply for that and to live in dignity and security.

[ArmInfo] While the problem of refugees exists for more than 18 years, how should the issue of restitution of the Armenian refugees property be resolved so that to be complied with the adopted European standards on human rights?

[Hammarberg] Refugees should enjoy the same rights as any other citizen and the authorities should respect owners property rights. Land and property issues deeply affect the economic prospects of refugees and IDPs and strongly influence their decision to return. It is essential to safeguard the right to property and prepare the ground for effective restitution or compensation. In this context, governments should respect the UN principles on housing and property restitution for refugees and displaced persons
which lay down the minimum standards in this field.

By Oksana Musaelyan, ArmInfo, September 5, 2007


Finance and banks

2007-10-10 10:30:00 Exchange rate of dram against US dollar and EUR

ArmInfo Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 333 drams for 1 dollar, 469 drams for 1 EUR and 13,13 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 335 drams for 1 dollar, 473 drams for 1 EUR and 13,4 drams for 1 Russian ruble.


2007-10-08 17:46:00 Deputy Chairman of Russian CB: The crisis in world financial markets showed that the model of single financial megaregulator in structure of central banks completely justified itself

ArmInfo. The crisis in the world financial markets, which arose due to the underestimation of risks in the US mortgage market, showed that the model of a single body that conducts monetary policy, regulates and controls financial markets the way it was done in Russia and Armenia, is correct and the most reasonable one, Alexey Ulyukayev, the first deputy chairman of the Russian Central Bank, made this statement in his lecture delivered at the Yerevan State University, Monday.

According to him, if the monetary function is linked with the regulation and control functions, the problems in the financial market may be solved at the initial stage of their formation. He noted that problems should be solved locally, in a separate weak link, and one should apply all the necessary mechanisms to render a sufficient stabilizing support. As a reverse example, A.Ulyukayev spoke about Great Britain, where the Bank of England is engaged only in monetary policy, inflation and interest rates. "And
now that English banks have found themselves in a problem situation, there is nobody to support them. Because the one who must support them (SEC) has no funds, and the Bank of England is not empowered to do this. Now they have to find solutions, create joint working groups, etc.," he said. "Therefore, unification of monetary, regulating and control functions is the imperative of our era, and many countries started to understand that they shouldn't have criticized us," A.Ulyukayev added.

Speaking of the Russian CB's policy, he stressed that the Bank of Russia forecasts that the volumes of bank refinancing will increase as a result of decrease of the banking system's liquidity, and they will reach their peak in October. Every day the Russian CB will give 300-400 bln rubles. These short-term resources should go through the whole banking system to restore the inter-bank mechanism. The CB
stresses that the period of cheap money is over, perhaps, irretrievably. The demand for liquidity is higher than the supply. The credit price will grow and Libor will reach high historic estimations. The growth of spreads, borrowings by 8-10% yearly interest is normal, he thinks. Many banks can't receive foreign funding, therefore the growth of money price inside Russia is higher than the world price. "There is nothing bad in it. Another thing is abnormal - when the money price is higher than the inflation rate,"
he noted.


2007-10-08 17:11:00 First deputy of Russian Central Bank received in Armenian Central Bank

ArmInfo. Today First Deputy of Russian Central Bank Aleksey Ulyukaev, who is in Armenia with a working visit, was received in Armenian Central Bank.

As press-service of Armenian Central Bank, over the meeting Aleksey Ulyukaev said about the present stage and the development prospects of Russian economy as well as about the instruments of the monetary policy of Russian Central Bank. For his part, the head of Armenian Central Bank Tigran Sarkisyan said that Armenian Central Bank attentively watches the monetary policy of their Russian colleagues, which is especially important in the conditions of permanent growth of the volumes of money transfer from Russia
to Armenia.


2007-10-08 14:46:00 First deputy chairman of RF CB: current year to become most extreme from viewpoint of bread price increase

ArmInfo. The current year will become the most extreme from the viewpoint of price increase for bread and diary products, first deputy Chairman of RF Central Bank Aleksey Ulyukayev said in his speech in the Yerevan State University. He also said that nearly twofold increase of the base purchasing prices for corn, from 3200- 3300 rubles to 5800-6000 rubles per ton is connected with the fact that producers of this socially important product of regulation could "overcome the administrative barrier". After that,
the prices will "fade" again, and that is the specifics of regulation of the bread price setting, A. Ulyukayev said and emphasized that rise of the corn prices immediately affected the diary products, which grew by 8-10% in September. By his assessment, the rise in prices in the total inflation constituent may reach 1% and more.

A. Ulyukayev recalled that, when the prices were at a rather low level, the Russian Ministry of Agriculture lobbied the issue of creation of a state corn foundation to regulate the situation under extreme conditions. "We also offer to temporarily increase the duty for the corn export for it to remain much in the internal market, however, we yet fail to solve this problem", A. Ulyukayev said, having complained about a strong agrarian lobby available in the country, which supports the producers, whose incomes
grew very much, as a result.

To note, A. Ulyukayev is in Armenia by invitation of RA Central bank. According to CB's message, A. Ulyukayev met RA CB's Board members today. Different aspect of cooperation of Armenia's and Russia's Central Banks were discussed at the meeting.


2007-10-08 14:46:00 Russian ruble is becoming a reserve currency, the First Deputy Chairman of Russian CB Aleksay Ulyukaev is sure

ArmInfo. The Russian ruble is becoming a real reserve currency in CIS markets, the First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Central Bank Aleksey Ulyukaev said when giving a lecture at the Yerevan State University, Monday. In this part of the world-the fast-growing part, according to him-the share of assets in Russian rubles is considerably increasing. This growth of ruble cashes on correspondent accounts and deposits, is the actives of the pension funds and investment companies expressed in rubles. In particular,
the role of the Russian ruble considerably increased in the
international markets after legislative changes were introduced in the sphere of exchange regulations in mid 2006. These changes ensure free movement of capital. "International emitters issue ruble bonds,
some international payment systems made a decision to use ruble in their processing operations. In a word, A. Ulyukaev emphasized, ruble is in demand in the world financial markets and this demand
constantly increases".


Social

2007-10-09 14:19:00 National philatelic exhibition opened in Yerevan today

ArmInfo. A national philatelic exhibition, organized by the Armenian Union of Philatelists, opened in Yerevan today. The exhibition is sponsored by "Huypost"(Armpost).

The exhibition will be held till October 13 and it is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the first stamp issued by independent Armenia. The International Day of Post, which is marked by all the member- countries of the World Postal Union, is celebrated today as well. The "Huypost" has also issued a miniature leaf Tsitsernakaberd. RA Minister of Transport and Communication Andranik Manukyan said at the exhibition opening ceremony that the Armenian stamps take a worthy place in the world and many philatelists
from other countries are interested in them. Some of them had even won golden medals at international exhibitions. The minister hopes that today's exhibition will serve a stimulus for the philately development in Armenia.


Ecology

2007-10-06 15:53:00 'Symphony of stones' to be destroyed again

ArmInfo. The unique quadras known as "Symphony of stones" are again being destroyed Garni. As it became clear to ArmInfo correspondent, it is already two days that destruction of
unique and picturesque monument of the nature is taking place not far from the pagan temple of the I century Garni, in the Azat river gorge. Two years ago ArmInfo managed to signal in time about a similar fact and to prevent destruction of the unique quadras.

That time Ecology Minister Vardan Ayvazyan promised to involve the stones zone in the administrative territory of Khosrof park, but local authorities prevented that stemming from their own ideas and benefit. Today several local residents supported by the village administration continue doing vandalism,
"cutting" beautiful basalt quadras created by the nature and being a subject of vital interest of numerous tourists, and use them like construction material. The head of Garni village administration is
responsible for this, but he did not want to have contacts with the press. It is not clear if the government will meddle in this matter or not. The village "businessmen" need these quadras, which are
perfect by form and processed by the nature over hundreds of years, for sale. The quadras are so perfect that they may be used in construction of cottages without processing. According to the unspecified information, the head of Garni village administration himself "legally" allowed cutting of the stones. But the latter does not simply answer telephone calls of journalists.


Culture

2007-10-10 09:44:00 Head of Eparchy of Roman Catholic Church of Boston and Council of Churches of Massachusetts claim of Armenian Genocide recognition

ArmInfo. Head of Eparchy of the Roman Catholic Church of Boston, Cardinal Shean O'Melli and the Council of Churches of Massachusetts claim of recognition of the Armenian Genocide. AS the press-service of the administrative office of Echmiadzin reports, this statement was made at the meeting of the cardinal and representatives of the Council of Churches of Massachusetts with Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin the Second, who continues his Patriarchal visit to the USA.

According to the message, during the meeting, Head of the Council of Churches of Massachusetts, the reverend Jack Johnson read off the relevant resolution, adopted by the Council, on recognition of the
Armenian Genocide of 1915 in Ottoman Turkey and condemnation of this Genocide as a crime against the humanity. The issue of strengthening of friendly contacts between the Armenian Apostolic and the Roman Catholic Churches was also touched on at the meeting.


2007-10-08 20:29:00 Azerbaijani hackers disabled site of Armenian composer Ara Gevorgyan

ArmInfo. The Azerbaijani hackers broke and disabled the site of the Armenian composer and performing musician Ara Gevorgyan, the composer told ArmInfo.

A. Gevorgyan connects this fact with aggressive moods of the Azerbaijani pseudo-cultural elite, which rebelled after demonstration of its sportswoman Dinara Gematova at a free calisthenics competition in Minsk under A. Gevorgyan's music "Artsakh", though it was not announced about it. The Azerbaijani
party blamed the composer for plagiarism.

To recall, the Russian figure-skater Alexander Abt was the first to perform under the music "Artsakh" at 2002 winter Olympic Games in Saltlake-city. A Georgian figure-skater Yelena Gedevanishvili also
performed under this music at the last-year Olympic Games in Turin. It was announced everywhere that the work's author is the Armenian composer Ara Gevorgyan who secured his copyright in the library of the American Congress in 1998. In 1999, the "Ani" album, being part of the work "Artsakh", was awarded the "Best New Age Album" American prize (Winner of 1999 Armenian Music Awards (USA)).

In response to encroachment on Ara Gevorgyan's copyright by Azerbaijan, an article "Azerbaijani sportswoman recognized Azat (free) Artsakh" was issued, followed by an interview with the composer by "Armenia" TV channel, after which A. Gevorgyan's site was broken. Afterwards, the composer placed his new site in a well-protected server in the USA. Now, the albums of the world-known composer, the author of over 50 popular compositions are available on a new Internet-address: www.aragevorgyan.net. By the way, the
work "Artsakh" can be heard by all the visitors of the site in a free access.


2007-10-08 20:27:00 Ara Gevorgyan intends to call Azeri officials to account for slander

ArmInfo. Ara Gevorgyan, an Armenian composer, the author of 50 musical woks, which are popular all over the world, is going to call Azeri officials to account for using his work "Artsakh".

Ara Gevorgyan told ArmInfo correspondent that he gave Azeri sportswoman Dinara Gematova no right to use his work "Artsakh" at a free calisthenics competition in Minsk. As for Azeri Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbul ogly's allegations of plagiary against Ara Gevorgyan, the composer stressed that he will assert his rights only in the international court of copyright. He emphasized that "Artsakh" was assigned to his authorship by the US Congress library of copyright in 1998. The "Ani" album, which includes "Artsakh",
was given Winner of 1999 Armenian Music Awards (USA) as the Best New Age Album.


2007-10-08 20:26:00 Ara Gevorgyan to present revolutionary musical project to world

ArmInfo. The Armenian composer and performing musician Ara Gevorgyan is getting ready to present a revolutionary musical project named "Siretsek z Mimians" (Love Thy Neighbour) to the public.

As the composer told ArmInfo, the work over the project has been lasting for 7 years already. The work with duration of 8 minutes and 40 seconds is performed on their national musical instruments by 3 Arabs, 2 Hindus, 2 Moldavians, 3 Chinese, a Scotchman, a Venezuelan, a Greek, a Spaniard, an African and a group of the Armenian musicians. "The international performance shows better than ever to the world that the Earth is a common roof for all the nations, under which peace and consent should reign", A. Gevorgyan
said.


Sports

2007-10-09 21:35:00 Leaders of world and European football to visit Armenia on October 15-16

ArmInfo. "The President of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) (Switzerland) Josef Blatter and the Head of the Union of European Football Association (UEFA) Michel Platini (France) are will visit Armenia on October 15-16 on the invitation of the President of Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) Ruben Harutyunyan".

As ArmInfo was told at FFA, Tuesday, that within the frames of the visit, the Armenian President Robert Kocharian will receive FIFA and UEFA Presidents at 11:00am October 16, the Armenian Prime Minister
Serzh Sargsyan- at 12:00am. At 3:00pm on October 16 Josef Blatter and Michel Platini will participate in the ceremonial laying of the foundation of the future children- youth football boarding school in Acharian str. They will also visit the football school of "Banants" club. At 5:0pm on October 16 Ruben Hayrapetyan, Josef Blatter and Michel Platini will give a joint press conference at Armenia- Marriott Hotel.