Politics

2007-10-23 10:27:00 President of Iran cancelled his visit to Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

ArmInfo. President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, being in Armenia with a two-day official visit, cancelled his visit to Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex, scheduled for today. He also cancelled his visit to the Blue Mosque in the center of Yerevan. RA presidential press-service found difficulty in explaining the reasons of cancellation of these visits.

To recall, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, having arrived in Yerevan yesterday, had vis-a-vis with RA President Robert Kocharyan, Parliament Chairman Tigran Torosyan. He also delivered a lecture in the Yerevan State University and met the students and the professor-teaching staff of the YSU. Today, the Iranian president will come forwards in the Armenian Parliament and meet representatives of Armenia's Iranian community.

The Iranian delegation headed by Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will leave Yerevan tonight.


2007-10-22 22:56:00 Viktor Dallakyan: Armenian ex-president to announce his nomination in upcoming election

ArmInfo. "I see no sense in hindering the rally headed by the first president of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, that will take place on October 26," Viktor Dallakyan, an independent Armenian MP, told ArmInfo correspondent.

According to him, as a rule, if one tries to hinder a rally, this causes the opposite process. The attempt of the political forces to artificially hinder the rally allowed by the Yerevan City Hall may have negative consequences, the MP noted. He added that a tradition should be formed in the country, according to which the constitutional laws on holding of rallies and processions should work.

"I don't think that any incidents may take place during the rally, which will disturb the security of our country," V.Dallakyan said. He thinks that Levon Ter-Petrosyan's team, which has a great political experience, may use the fact of the rally's suppression for its own interests. V. Dallakyan also emphasized that after his speech during the festive reception in Marriott-Armenia Hotel and his recent
meetings with different political forces, during the rally L Ter-Petrosyan will declare about his nomination in the coming presidential election. Otherwise, his steps will not fit within the frames of political actions.

To recall, the rally of opposition forces under the chairmanship of the first Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan, "Republic" Party Leader Aram Sarksyan and Leader of "People's Party" Stepan Demirchyan will take place on October 26. On the same day, the Republican Party of Armenia organizes a concert "Gold autumn".


2007-10-22 22:53:00 Iranian president: one should thoroughly study history and learn a lesson from it so that mistakes don't recur

ArmInfo. One should thoroughly study history and learn a lesson from it so that mistakes don't recur, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mahmud Ahmadinejad said, Monday, during
his meeting with the educational staff and students of the Yerevan State University, touching upon the problem of international recognition of Armenian Genocide.

He said that Iran has condemned and condemns any crime committed during history. However, one should expect bright future, which awaits Armenia and Iran, the Iranian president said.


2007-10-22 22:50:00 Parliamentary minority tries to boycott session of RA NA, Monday

ArmInfo. Parliamentary minority, "Heritage" faction in particular, made an attempt to frustrate regular session of the Armenian National Assembly, Monday.

To note, the session started at 12:00, and the agenda of the National Assembly's four-day session was approved only at 5:00pm. "Orinats Yerkir" faction twice took 20-minute breaks before the ballot. After
that "Heritage" faction also availed itself the same right, taking 20-minute breaks thrice before the ballot, which was on the session's agenda. In this way, they tried to boycott the National Assembly's
session. For his part, Leader of Republican Party Karen Karapetyan also asked for a 20-minute break before the ballot. Before the adoption of the last law "On investigative-search activity" "Heritage" faction took a 20-minute break for the fourth time.

In answer to journalists' question, if the opposition tries to boycott the National Assembly's work, Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Tigran Torosyan said he had never given such generalizing assessments either to the opposition or to the authority. "Simply, there is the feeling that some people came to the NA not to carry out legislative activity but to play childish games. This is the whole reality". However, according to T. Torosyan, there is nothing awful, as the opposition has behaved in this way
before, too, but then everything went all right.

For his part, Secretary of the Republican Party Samvel Nikoyan told ArmInfo correspondent that the opposition makes efforts to reduce efficiency and productivity of the National Assembly, commenting on
the conduct of the opposition minority. Moreover, according to the Deputy, the oppositionists lose their reputation and trust both among mass media representatives and among the nation.


2007-10-22 13:48:00 Armenian deputy foreign minister to take part in the sitting of BSEC Foreign Ministers' Council in Ankara

ArmInfo. Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Arman Kirakosyan will take part in the sitting of BSEC Foreign Ministers' Council in Ankara, ArmInfo was informed from press-service of the Armenian Foreign Ministry.

The 17th session of the Foreign Ministers' Council of BSEC will start in Ankara on 25 October. It is supposed that representatives of all the member-states of BSEC: Albania, Armenia, Russia, Romania,
Serbia, Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria and Greece will take part in the session.


2007-10-22 13:16:00 Vladimir Kazimirov: Every conflict is specific but hardly unique

ArmInfo. Certainly, every conflict is specific but hardly unique. This does not mean that there is no likeness or analogies with this or that conflict, the former co-chair of the OSCE MG, envoy Vladimir Kazimirov told ArmInfo correspondent when replying to the question about an attempt to present the Kosovo conflict as a unique one with all the stemming circumstances.

'The point is simpler than it is presented to us. The core is what joint combination of the features and peculiarities of the conflict makes the principle of the territorial integrity more effective, and
what - the principle of self-determination. I think everything depends on multifaced specific case', - Vladimir Kazimirov said.


2007-10-22 13:15:00 Vladimir Kazimirov: Tossing from one side to another strengthen distrust of Karabakh Armenians to Baku

ArmInfo. Tossing from one extreme to another, from "the very modern autonomy" to the power revanche and displacement of Armenians strengthen distrust of the Karabakh Armenians to Baku, former Co-chairman of the Minsk Group on Karabakh conflict settlement, Ambassador Vladimir Kazimirov told ArmInfo.

Asked if the policy of Azerbaijan, under which representatives of official Baku periodically come out with promises to give "the highest autonomy status" to Nagorno Karabakh, but do not want to yield to the NKR population even in trifles, may be called productive and if Baku is able to refuse of it. V. Kazimirov replied: "This is one of the many inconsistent actions of Azerbaijan's official authorities. Tossing from one extreme to another, from "the very modern autonomy" to the power revanche
and displacement of Armenians strengthen distrust of the Karabakh Armenians to Baku. I would like to hope that the present president will be able to straighten the line, however, it is not so easy to believe it".

Asked about reality of periodic threats of AR President Ilham Aliyev to settle the Karabakh conflict in a military way and the response of the world community in this case, V. Kazimirov said that a journal "Russia in a Global Policy" will be issued one of these days in Moscow, where the Ambassador's response on this occasion will be printed. I will just recall that according to Article 9 of AR Constitution, Azerbaijan denies the war as a way of solution of international conflicts. We shall see whether it dare
to change or violate the paternal Constitution", V. Kazimirov resumed.


2007-10-22 12:55:00 Vladimir Kazimirov: The attempts to settle the Karabakh conflict without its participation are awkward

Arminfo. 'It is absolutely clear that no party will get everything it wants. But the community does not want to understand it. It lives in a dope of high illusions, and the leaders don't have enough will and courage to help people assure themselves in it', - the former co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group on Karabakh conflict settlement, envoy Vladimir Kazimirov told ArmInfo correspondent.

Asked if he noticed readiness of the Armenian and Azerbaijani authorities to show political will, and can societies of the two parties accept necessity of compromises at this stage, Kazimirov replied that at present there is shortage of the culture of compromises. He also added that journalists could
do much in this context, but they don't dare. As a result, radicals and demagogues deceive both nations. 'The attempts to settle the Karabakh conflict without its participation are awkward. Sooner
or later they should involve it in the talks, meanwhile they will lose several years', - the former co-chair of the OSCE MG said.

Asked if the negotiating process entered deadlock at present, and if active talks are possible before ending of the presidential elections in Armenia and Azerbaijan, Vladimir Kazimirov replied: 'You question itself contains the answer, to which I fully agree. We have to wait for two years, but this does not promise progress either'.


2007-10-22 12:28:00 OSCE MG former co-chair advises not to overestimate passage of resolution on Armenian Genocide by US House Foreign Affairs Committee so far

ArmInfo. The former co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group on settlement of Karabakh conflict Vladimir Kazimirov advises not to overestimate the approval of House Resolution 106 on Armenian
Genocide by House Foreign Relations Committee so far. Envoy V. Kazimirov made the above statement in an interview with ArmInfo.

'One should not overestimate this rather procedural decision by the House Foreign Affairs Committee before the voting at the House of Representatives if it ever takes place. Even if passed by the House,
it will become just a recommendation to the US President. ' Vladimir Kazimirov said. The Envoy believes it obvious that US Administration is not concerned about the fair assessment of the events of 1915-23 but cares for its interests in the region. He said the nervousness in Turkey is clear, while that in Azerbaijan was less natural and dictated by Armenophobia. 'It is unlikely to change anything in
Karabakh conflict's settlement since it has already faced a deadlock! Although national radicals in both countries may even more aggravate the tension, ' Vladimir Kazimirov said.


2007-10-22 11:47:00 USA ready to assist Azerbaijan in restoring 'historical appearance of occupied territories', representative of US Embassy in Azerbaijan says

ArmInfo. USA is ready to assist Azerbaijan in restoration of the 'historical appearance of the occupied territories,' Chairman of the Public Diplomacy Department of US Embassy in Azerbaijan Dmitry Tarakhovsky said at the closing ceremony of the application of pictures for photo contest 'Disappearing Baku'.

Tarakhovsky stated: 'USA is ready to consider the issue of assisting Azerbaijan in restoration of historical monuments in Nagorny Karabakh after the decision on peace treaty,' Trend reports.


2007-10-22 10:34:00 Head of General Staff of Greek AF arrives in Yerevan today

ArmInfo. Head of the General Staff of the National defense of Greece, General Dimitrios Grabsas will arrive in Yerevan today with a three-day official visit. The visit will be held by invitation of the first deputy Defense Minister, Head of RA AF General Staff, Colonel-General Seyran Ohanyan.

Meetings with RA Defense Minister Mikael Harutyunyan and Head of the General Staff Seyran Ohanyan are scheduled during the visit of D. Grabsas. It is also scheduled to visit the peacemaking
subdivision. On October 23, D. Grabsas and his wife will visit the Memorial to the Armenian Genocide victims, the Tsitsernakaberd. Armenia-Greece military cooperation programme for 2008 will be also signed during the visit.


2007-10-22 10:17:00 Armenia-Belarus military cooperation programme for 2008 signed

ArmInfo. Military cooperation programme for 2008 has been signed between Armenia and Belarus.

As RA Defense Minister's spokesman, Colonel Seyran Shahsouvaryan told ArmInfo, the programme has been signed within the frames of October 18-20 visit of RA DM Mikael Harutyunyan to Minsk. During
the visit, the delegation met Belarusian Defense Minister, Colonel-General Leonid Maltsev, Commander of the land forces of RB Armed Forces, Major-General Nikitin, Chairman of the military-industrial complex of RB Azamatov, as well as metropolitan of Minsk and Slutski, Archbishop Filaret. Members of the Armenian delegation also visited the 72nd united guard center on preparation of warrant officers and sergeants. During the visit, the parties discussed the present state of the Armenian-Belarusian military and
defense-industrial cooperation, as well as its development prospects.


2007-10-22 10:05:00 Many Republicans dissatisfied with prime minister's attempts to enlist foreign support instead of settling intra-party problems: oppositionist says

ArmInfo. < Many representatives of the Republican Party of Armenia are extremely dissatisfied that Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan tries to enlist the support of the international community before the presidential election by making long-term visits to abroad instead of settling the intra-party
problems, > Aram Sargsyan, Republic opposition party leader, says in an interview with ArmInfo.

He says that the internal problems in the party have been aggravated before the party congress in connection with the recent activity of the ex-president Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Many Republicans are my friends and we have common opinion i.e. they are also ready to support the first president. So, Serzh Sargsyan has serious problems inside his party. As long as he is seeking foreign support, he may lose the Republican Party of Armenia, > A. Sargsyan says.


2007-10-22 10:02:00 The Los Angeles Times interviews Armenian Prime Minister

ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan met the editorial council of The Los Angeles Times on October 19 within the frames of his visit to the USA, Armenian Government's press release says.

In an interview to the newspaper, the Armenian premier answered many questions concerning the international recognition of Armenian genocide, Karabakh conflict settlement and governmental programs. The premier said that everything must be done to make all the elections following the last parliamentary ones better. Serzh Sargsyan also touched upon the anti-corruptions measures taken by the Government. Further in the interview, the Armenian premier said that arriving in the USA he could not but visit Los Angeles
and meet the largest and the most influential local Armenian community. The same day, he met Lincy Foundation leadership and Promoter Kirk Kirkoyan, who expressed intention to visit Armenia in future.








Economy

2007-10-22 22:55:00 Tigran Torosyan: Importers abusing price increase should be punished

ArmInfo. "No matter the importer is an MP or not, he should operate within the confines of the law," Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Tigran Torosyan said in parliament, Monday.

Commenting upon the fact that the increase in prices of food commodities in Armenia doesn't comply with the price increase in the international market, T.Torosyan said: "First and foremost, the reasons of the price increase should be found out," he said. Those who are abusing the price increase to obtain excessive profit should be punished by the law, he added. "Product prices are not the problem of the National Assembly. The parliament has created a state body to solve these problems. I think, the relevant
commission is empowered to suppress such phenomena," he stressed.


2007-10-22 17:37:00 Sugar price in Armenia almost doubles in a day

ArmInfo. Sugar prices in Armenia have abruptly increased in a day. On October 21, the price per 1 kg of granulated sugar rose from 220-250 AMD to 400-450 AMD.

Armenian MP Samvel Alexanyan, the main supplier of sugar to Armenia, told ArmInfo correspondent that the almost doubled price of sugar is not only ungrounded, but has no logic explanation either, as the sugar price in world markets remains unchanged. Moreover, when the supplier learned about the unjustified excitement caused by retail trading, he himself ordered to decrease the wholesale sugar prices by 10 AMD. However, this decision of the wholesaler caused another excitement - today the demand for this product
totalled 1 thsd tons as against the former 150-200 tons that were daily sold to retail traders. "I think, the leap in consumer prices can be explained by the ungrounded panic caused by the abrupt increase in prices of such products as vegetable oil and butter, as well as flour and flour products," he said. He added that in the world market these products have grown in price only by 17-18%, and not by 80% as it is observed in Armenia. He also noted that sugar is imported to Armenia mainly from Brazil.

For his part, Press Secretary of the State Commission on Protection of Economic Competition Armine Udumyan told ArmInfo that the Commission starts studying justification of leap in sugar prices, from today on. It will take the Commission 1-3 weeks to make out what is what. This term is in accordance with the Regulations.

Meanwhile, despite the fact that the Commission fined 50 organizations at the rate of 2% of the annual turnover for unjustified rise in vegetable oil and butter price last week, the market situation didn't change. Moreover, vegetable oil and butter deficit is artificially created in food stores.

While the state "anti-monopoly" organ and the economic entities puzzle out who is to blame, today the majority of Armenian citizens return home with half-empty bags, as their budget with an average
salary of 40 000 AMD is not calculated for the unexpected price run-up.


2007-10-22 13:52:00 Armenia intends to continue cooperation with IMF after completion of PRGF program in May 2008

ArmInfo. Armenia intends to continue the cooperation with the International Monetary Fund after the completion of IMF Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PGRF) program in May 2008, Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan stated at a meeting with new IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn on October 21 in Washington, a governmental press release says.

Serzh Sargsyan said at the meeting that the Government of Armenia intends to extend economic reforms and hopes for further adequate technical and consultative assistance of IMF. The reforms will apply the taxation and customs spheres, and the financial and economic sectors. For his part, IMF Managing Director presented the plans regarding the assistance in economic reforms which the Armenian premier promised to study in details.

The Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) is the IMF's low-interest lending facility for low-income countries. PRGF-supported programs are underpinned by comprehensive country-owned poverty reduction strategies. Loans under the PRGF carry an annual interest rate of 0.5 percent, with epayments made semiannually, beginning 5? years and ending 10 years after the disbursement. IMF has approved about $24.9 million PRGF credit (SDR 16.4 million) to Armenia. Total PRGF credit for 2006-2008 is 34.3
million (SDR 23 million). Armenia joined the IMF on May 28, 1992. Armenia's quota in the IMF amounts to SDR 92 million (about $138.6mln) or 0.04% of the total quota. Till the end of 2006 IMF approved a total of SDR 112.58 million to Armenia.

The same day, Armenian prime minister met World Bank Vice President Shigeo Katsu. The premier expressed satisfaction with the cooperation with the bank and informed WB vice president of the prior directions of further cooperation. In his turn Shigeo Katsu said WB brings Armenia's example of "successful economic reforms" in CIS. WB Managing Director G. Willer and Serzh Sargsyan discussed the prospects of development of the country's economy. The premier said the major task of the Government is to ensure high
economic growth and make it evident for public. The parties discussed private sector and economic competition related issues as well as the reforms in health, education and science spheres.

WB credits to Armenia have already exceeded $1 billion.


Finance and banks

2007-10-23 10:41:00 Exchange rate of dram against US dollar and EUR

ArmInfo Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 326 drams for 1 dollar, 465 drams for 1 EUR and 13 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 328,5 drams for 1 dollar, 468 drams for 1 EUR and 13,3 drams for 1 Russian ruble.


2007-10-22 17:43:00 Annual income of insurance premiums in Armenia with introduction of OSAGO to make up $15 mln

ArmInfo. The annual income of insurance premiums in Armenia with introduction of OSAGO ( mandatory vehicle insurance) will make up about $15 mln (in reliance on 300,000 motorcars with
conventional premium of $50), Deputy Director of "Sil Insurance" Company Andranik Ohanjanyan told ArmInfo.

He said that "Sil Insurance" has necessary personnel and resources to create a branch network in Armenia. Moreover, it is scheduled to form operative groups to work in emergency sites round-the-clock. The Company has coordinated the actions also with State Traffic Inspectorate to avoid possible problems. He thinks that other big participants in this segment, that number some 4-5 companies, will
succeed in overcoming the problems with transfer to OSAGO.

A. Ohanjanyan said that since 2006 RA Central Bank as the megaregulator of the market has reduced the number of insurance companies almost twice within 2 incomplete years (from 25 to 9). The withdrawal of companies that do not "like" to pay for the damage from the market is likely to be continued, which is, probably, one of the main reasons of the high loss of motor-vehicle insurance (by CB forecasts 40% average annual growth of motor-vehicle insurance loss by 2010). The growth of the insurance loss for the
recent years will, appearingly, continue. A. Ohanjanyan thinks that today's loss bar does not reveal the real picture of the existing risks and shows just the share of indemnities in insurance premiums.

The mentality of Armenian drivers is also important. It concerns especially those who buy cars in credit and have to insure it, which implies an application to the State Traffic Inspectorate or an insurance company in case of accident. Given the aforementioned, it is untimely to speak of an objective assessment of insurance loss. It will become possible when all the accidents are registered at the State Traffic Inspectorate. Indeed, in this case, the loss indicator will exceed forecasts, A. Ohanjanyan said.

The Armenian Central Bank is studying the possibility of introducing OSAGO (mandatory vehicle insurance) in the country within 2-3 years. This requires a staged reform of the insurance system. The CB thinks it necessary for the first stage of reform to clean the insurance market, introduce standards and risk management mechanisms, improve management. For the second stage it is necessary to create a database, form an institution of actuaries and professional market participants. For the third stage it is necessary
to introduce mandatory insurance. The legislation must be improved simultaneously. To transfer to the mandatory insurance, Armenian insurance companies will be required at least 2-3 years of experience in this segment of the market, additional capital, network of agents in the country, and relevant equipment.


2007-10-22 14:05:00 Sil Insurance Company plans to raise profit to 150 million drams by late 2009

ArmInfo. Sil Insurance Company plans to raise net profit to 70 million drams by the end of 2007, to 100 million drams in 2008 and to 150 million drams by late 2009, Sil Insurance Deputy Director Andranik Ohanjanyan told ArmInfo.

He said the net profit of the company for the first half of 2007 totaled about 36 million drams, the annual growth being more than 7 times.

Ranking of Insurance Companies of Armenia prepared by the Agency of Rating Marketing Information (ArmInfo) says Sil Insurance is among top five leaders by net profit for first half of 2007.


Ecology

2007-10-22 22:43:00 260 objects entered list of nature monuments of Armenia

ArmInfo. Only 260 unique nature creatures instead of the envisaged 4,000 ones entered the list of the guarded objects in Armenia, Head of the Agency on biological resources of RA Ministry of Nature Protection Artashes Ziroyan told ArmInfo.

To note, such a list is compiled in Armenia for the first time. The recent barbarous destructions of the nature creatures called "The Symphony of Stones", located in the ravine of Azat river near Garni pagan temple of I century, have become a stimulus for creation of this list. This list will be submitted to the government in early 2008. Majority of the nature monuments, which entered the list, will get a status of a guarded object at international level as some of them are inimitable and are met only in the
territory of Armenia. As A. Ziroyan said, it is impossible to bring the guilty persons to account for destruction of "The Symphony of Stones" as the relevant legislation is absent. However, the Police of the Kotayk region investigates this case and intends to bring to institute criminal proceedings against the guilty persons.

For her turn, spokeswoman of RA Prosecutor General's Office Sona Truzyan said that the Department on protection of state interests carries out examinations of legal relevancy of destruction of "The Symphony of Stones". Based on the examination results, the country's government will be presented the relevant proposals to assure the legal basis in such situations.

The government of Norway also volunteered to assist to the nature monument "The Symphony of Stones". It finances the World Wild Foundation programme for protection of the monument and prevention of further barbarous encroachments of a human being.


2007-10-22 18:07:00 WWF and HSBC organize protection of natural monuments in Armenia

ArmInfo. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the HSBC bank have started implementing a joint program on the protection of natural monuments in Armenia. Under the cooperation memorandum recently signed between WWF and HSBC, the bank allocated $13,5 thsd for cleaning of the area of "Satani Kamurj" (Satan's Bridge), a unique natural monument in the northeast of Armenia in Syunik region.

Over decades the territory of the monument has turned into a trash dump under the influence of people's chemical activity. Tourists, who came to the Satan's Bridge for a picnic, left rubbish piles here. The program's organizers had to carry out the rubbish by more than five tip-trucks. Meanwhile, the matter concerns a small area, which is 50-60 meters wide. To note, the "Satan's Bridge" is a natural bridge across the high-mountain river Vorotan and it connects the town of Goris with the village of Tatev. Every
year dozens of thousands of tourists come here to see the stalactites under the bridge, and some of them - to heal themselves with remedial mineral waters in natural baths that have been formed of calcium salts during a million years. Deputy Director General of the Yerevan branch of HSBC Irina Seylanyan said that $10 thsd of the total amount allocated for implementation of the HSBC project will make up the general expenses and wages of three guards, residents of the nearby village of Tatev. They are to be paid
salary till June 2008. Then their salary will be ensured at the expense of payments charged from tourists, who wish to see "Satan's bridge". Last weekend 30 HSBC employees painted the arbors for the place's visitors by their hands and placed information plates calling to value Armenia's natural wealth. After the picnic, HSBC's volunteers decided that analogous actions should be continuous. For his part, Irina Seylanyan assured that the bank would support all similar initiatives proposed by WWF, irrespective
of the volume of project funding. Armenian WWF Branch Office Director Karen Manvelyan said that next protection action of natural monuments would be organized in the place named "Symphony of Stone". The latter recently re-suffered barbarous attack by the locals. To note, "Symphony of Stones" is located close to the I century Garni Pagan Temple in Armenia's Vayots Dzor region. Further, "Shake" - the unique waterfall in Syunik region - is included in WWF's plans. In the result of man's activity, the waterfall
is counter run, as a hydroelectric power station is adjusted on Vorotan river. This waterfall is the only one in the world, which is controlled by man. The water falls here by an artificial canal though sluices. When there is little water in the river, the sluice doors open only in case of tourist inrush.


Culture

2007-10-22 10:15:00 Estamp international art prints exhibition in Yerevan

ArmInfo. 'Estamp' international art prints exhibition opened in Yerevan on October 20. The event initiator is Armenian Art Group. The exhibition is the continuation of the exhibition 'Infinity' held in Minsk in 2006.

Artist Hayk Grigoryan told ArmInfo the major goal of the exhibition is to show the Armenian public the whole variety and palette of art prints.

Over 200 works by 6 graphic artists from Armenia and Belarus are exhibited. Moreover, there is a special exposition of the works by Italian, French, Russian Czech and Slovakia. The artist said the
exhibition is unlikely to become annual for only two companies so far Art group and Print-info sponsor it.