Politics

2007-10-29 12:23:00 Modest Kolerov: Revolutionary scenario to be institutional catastrophe of Armenia

ArmInfo. "The revolutionary scenario will be an institutional catastrophe of Armenia and the full responsibility will lay on those who admits it, ex- Head of the RA President's administration on interregional and cultural relations with foreign countries Modest Kolerov said in an interview with IA REGNUM, asked how much the revolutionary scenario of the events development is probable, taking into account appearance of the first President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan on the arena with his "revelations" on Karabakh
and the case on the terrorist act in the parliament. Responding to the question, that many consider the permanent curtseys of Armenia towards the West a result of Moscow' regional policy, in particular, aimed at creation of a balance in interrelations with the actually warring Armenians and Azerbaijanis, and will this tactics cause loss of Armenia, where the last military base of Russia is positioned in the Transcaucasia, Kolerov said: "AS far as I remember, Armenia's official position is that the Russian base
in its territory is a necessity which meets Armenia's interests".


2007-10-29 11:41:00 Leader of Democratic party of Armenia: RA authorities only stir up interest in figure of first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan by their actions

ArmInfo. "By their reciprocal actions for activation of the first President Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the present authorities artificially stir up interest of the protest electorate in his person", leader of the oppositional Democratic party of Armenia Aram Sargsyan told ArmInfo.

"Representatives of different branches of the power vertical should resolve their relations by themselves, while, having no facts bout the existing discrepancies, we can only talk about the present
specific situation. Today's wide protest electorate has to determine its attitude to the presidential contenders, moreover, this will happen the next two months. In any case, I would not dramatize the situation with the first President's activation", A. Sargsyan said.

Having emphasized that it is yet early to talk about consolidation of the protest electorate, A. Sargsyan considers it unacceptable "to make choice between the good and bad", therefore, the first president cannot be considered an alternative to the present authorities. "When the people compare the both camps, they will have to refuse of both of them. If serious candidates and political forces appear on the political arena with their programmes and an exact foreign political orientation, the voters will have
a choice. And if the election campaign develops based on today's negative backgrounds, I do not rule out that the majority of the people will be disappointed and will not go to the polls", A. Sargsyan
forecasts.

Talking of possibility of consolidation of the protest electorate around one central oppositional candidate, despite availability of several ones, as it was during the previous 2003 presidential
election, the Democratic party leader expressed confidence that there are no such backgrounds as yet. He added that the authorities themselves should create conditions for holding normal election,
where we see no progresses so far.


2007-10-27 15:35:00 Investigation in criminal case on scandalous shootout in Gyumri to be completed shortly

ArmInfo. The investigation in the criminal case on a scandalous shootout in Gyumri will be completed shortly, Prosecutor General of Armenia Aghvan Hovsepyan told journalits, Saturday. He said all the accomplices have been arrested and all the weapons and ammunition were confiscated. A. Hovsepyan said.

To recall, the shootout happened on May 20 in the center of Gyumri. Spartak Ghukasyan, Rustam Sargsyan, the son of a responsible person in the 34th district from "Prosperous Armenia" party and some more young people took part in the incident. The direct participants did not suffer as a result of shootout, but a woman passing by was wounded by glass fragment. Kolya Ghoukasyan, Telman Karapetyan and Norayr Soloyan were arrested earlier.


2007-10-27 14:32:00 Russian Defense Minister to pay official visit to Armenia October 29-30

ArmInfo. Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdukov is to pay an official visit to Armenia October 29-30.

Armenian Defense Minister's Press Secretary told ArmInfo Anatoly Serdukov is expected to meet President Robert Kocharyan, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, and Defense Minister Mikael Haroutunyan. Armenian-Russian military cooperation-related issues are to be discussed in the course of the meetings. The Russian Defense Ministry delegation will visit the Russian military units in Armenia.


2007-10-27 09:45:00 Victims of October 27, 1999, terrorist act in RA Parliament are remembered today in Armenia

ArmInfo. Victims of October 27, 1999, terrorist act in RA parliament are remembered today in Armenia.

Ceremony of laying of wreath to the monument of victims of October 27, 1999, terrorist act in the parliament, as a result of which prime minister Vazgen Sargsyan, Chairman of the Parliament Karen Demirchyan, vice speakers Yuri Bakhshyan and Ruben Miroyan, Minister on Social Affairs Leonard Petrosyan, a deputy Armen Armenakyan and academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Armenia, deputy Mikael Kotanyan were killed, will be held today in the Armenian Parliament. Today, RA Defense Minister Mikael Harutyunyan
will lay a wreath to the grave of Vazgen Sargsyan in the Memorial Complex Yerablur.

To recall, 8 years ago, on October 27, 1999, a group of terrorists, which rushed in the Armenian Parliament's session hall, shot up the Heads and members of the parliament and government. The terrorists were former journalist Nairi Hunanyan, his brother Karen Hunanyan, their uncle Vram Hunanyan. The judicial process over them started on February 15, 2001. On December 2, 2003, the court of first instance of the Center and Nork Marash Yerevan communities pronounced the judgment on the case of the terrorist act
in the Armenian parliament. Six prisoners on trial: the brothers Nairi and Karen Hunanyans, Edik Grigoryan, Vram Galstyan, Derenik Bejanyan and Ashot Knyazyan were give a life sentence. One prisoner on trial Hamlet Stepanayan was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment. Late, Vram Galstyan committed suicide in the jail ward.


2007-10-26 20:40:00 RA President: According to sociologic inquiry the first Armenian president is not the main candidate for the country's president

ArmInfo. According to sociologic inquiry the first Armenian president is not the main candidate for the country's president, RA President Robert Kocharian told journalists in Meghry, Armenia, Friday, commenting on the activation of the ex-ruling party in Armenia -Armenian Pan-National Movement (ANM) and its leader, first Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan.

According to the present president, as of today, there are 2-3 opposition politicians, whose rating is significantly higher than that of Levon Ter-Petrosyan. I don't think that all public attention will be concentrated on him, R. Kocharian emphasized. He added that ANM participated in all the parliamentary elections after they lost power. Twice they participated as ANM Party and once in the
Impeachment Block. In 1999 ANM got 1,1% of votes, in 2003-0,7% and in 2007-1,3%. These are ANM's opportunities and its rating, the president said and added that the national hasn't forgotten about
ANM's deeds, which have left a dreadful heritage. Certainly, ANM bears responsibility for it, R. Kocharian said and emphasized that this same ANM, which sees restoration of the country's economy,
decided again that a new opportunity emerged for robbery. And this is why they decided to use the resource of the first president, R. Kocharian said. I am sure that our nation doesn't wish the return
of 1995-1996 years with all the consequences. The recollection of that period are still fresh, the president said.


2007-10-26 20:26:00 Present Armenian authorities only pretend that they wish to settle Karabakh conflict, Levon Ter-Petrosyan says

ArmInfo. The present Armenian authorities pretend that they wish to settle Karabakh conflict. Actually, they have tried to hinder its settlement in every way over about 10 years, the first Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan said, Friday, while making a speech during the rally of many thousands of his supporters at Azatutyun square, Yerevan.

According to him, the country's present authorities try to delay the negotiation process in every possible way, hoping that, probably, the world community finally will have to accept the existing status-quo.
But can Armenia wait for that illusive prospect for 30-40 years, keeping out of all the important regional projects?, ex- president asks.

He emphasized that the document, which is presently on the negotiation table, is nothing but the same stage-by-stage settlement variant, proposed by the world community 10 years ago. The first president also emphasized the necessity of concessions from both sides, and at the same time recalled about the decision of the Supreme Council of July 8, 2002, according to which Armenia cannot sign a document in which Nagorno Karabakh will be mentioned in Armenia's composition. Everyone must understand once and forever,
that even if most desired, Armenia cannot agree to transfer Karabakh to Azerbaijan, and all the agiotage over this topic is senseless, Levon Ter-Petrosyan summed up.


2007-10-26 19:33:00 Levon Ter-Petrosyan: It was already impossible to delay my statement about my participation in presidential election

ArmInfo. I was going to announce my final decision to participate in the forthcoming electoral campaign during the official period that legislation gives for nomination of presidential candidates, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first president of Armenia, said at the opposition's rally at Liberty Square in Yerevan, where thousands of people participated. However, he stressed that the illegal persecution of his followers, as well as the Oct 26 rally made the delay of his statement impossible. I state that since
today I am a candidate for Armenian president, and any provocation against my followers will be qualified as violation of the citizens' voting rights, and the international community will be widely informed about that, he said.

L.Ter-Petrosyan recalled his Sep 21 speech, in which he spoke of his willingness to support any candidate if the latter is capable to consolidate the healthy oppositional forces around him. But if it
didn't happen, I have nothing else to do but to obey the nation's will, the ex-president emphasized. Levon Ter-Petrosyan called his exultant supporters not to be afraid of anything, including deterrence measures taken by the authorities, as the regime itself is frightened and is in the situation of agony. Ex-president addressed the officials and recalled them about the inevitability of punishment for illegal actions, which are against citizens' constitutional rights. The politician said that he is making a
list of officials, who will incur liability for already committed offenses. Deputy Head of Police Ararat Mahtesyan and Head of Yerevan City Department of Police Nerses Nazaryan are already included in the list. Yerevan's two prefects have big chances to be included in the black list. It depends on future conduct whether their names will be given or not, Levon Ter-Petrosyan summed up.


2007-10-26 19:10:00 President UN General Assembly: Conflict in Karabakh must be solved with consideration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity

ArmInfo-TURAN President of UN General Assembly Sirgchan Kerim made a speech in Harvard University before a group of students and teachers about Globalization and sovereignty of Peoples. Kerim shared with students his opinion on priorities of 62 session of UN General Assembly.

Responding the questions of journalists regarding comparing the Kosovo conflict with Nagorno Karabakh, and the possibility of application of the precedent of Kosovo, Kerim said that Our
position is that the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh and other conflicts in GUAM differ from each other and cannot be unified. We believe that the conflict in Karabakh will be solved peacefully, taking into
consideration Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. At the same time, Azerbaijan must ensure the peaceful coexistence of Armenian and other national minorities on this territory, he said.

Responding the inclusion into the agenda of UN 62 General Assembly the question about protracted conflicts, Kerim said that he does not think that during the discussion the sides of the conflict will make
far going steps. This conflict must be solved between the two states. President of both states must continue talks and come to common opinion. UNO and other structures can be only mediators in
the settlement of the conflict, promote and strengthen talks, President of General Assembly said.


2007-10-26 18:41:00 First Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan makes an official statement on his participation in coming presidential election

ArmInfo. A few minutes ago, while giving a speech during the opposition's rally of many thousands of people at Azatutyun square, Yerevan, the first Armenian President Levon Ter-Petrosyan officially declared about nomination of his candidature in the coming February, 2008 presidential election.


2007-10-26 18:17:00 Armenian Ambassador to USA: Turkish state's refusal to normalize relations with Armenia leads us to believe that our only choice is to pursue both historical and contemporary justice in international instances

ArmInfo. Armenian Ambassador to the USA Taoul Markarian answered the article on the resolution of Armenian Genocide published in The Washington Post.

As the press service of Armenian FM reports, journalist Fred Hiatt's article on the debate over the resolution of Armenian genocide recognition was published in The Washington Post on October 15. In
his article the journalist calls the Congress and the Diaspora to make efforts to improve, from the author's point of view, the dissatisfactory situation in Armenia in terms of democracy, instead passing the resolution. According to the author, in this matter Armenia stands down Turkey.

On the same day, Armenian Ambassador to the USA Tatoul Markarian sent a response article, which was published on October 24. It is stated in the Armenian diplomat's response that Fred Hiatt's article leads the debate over recognition of the Armenian genocide in the wrong direction. Armenia's achievement's in terms of democracy and economic development in the transition period may serve as an example, and the difficulties that Armenia has encountered during its successful democratic and economic transition
are not taboo subjects for genuine discussion. And members of our Diaspora have
always provided economic assistance and been actively involved in issues such as the environment, civil and political liberties, and security. But this activism has not come at the expense of the quest
for genocide recognition, a moral duty for all Armenians and all of humanity. The Turkish state's denial of the Armenian genocide translates into its continuing refusal to normalize relations with Armenia, leading us to believe that our only choice is to pursue both historical and contemporary justice, the ambassador stated. According to him, The fact that Armenia's democratic transition is not yet complete should not prevent Armenia from condemning crimes against humanity, especially a genocide that killed
1.5 million of our ancestors. The author says The suggestion that Armenia's routine transition problems and the genocide carried out by Ottoman Turkey can be weighed on the same scale is ill-founded, to say the least.


2007-10-26 17:43:00 First president of Armenia: The hour has struck to call a spade a spade and present the bill to authorities

ArmInfo. The hour has struck to call a spade a spade and present the bill to the authorities. This is how Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first president of Armenia, started his speech at the Oct 26 rally in Yerevan, where thousands of people participate.

He said that it is time to sum up the 10-year old ruling of Robert Kocharyan. He pointed out that he will touch only upon the political assessments based on the official statistics and publications in the press. At the same time, he noted that it will be possible to speak of the legal responsibility of the officials, who are still enjoying assumption of innocence, in the future, basing on the judicial agencies' judgement. Levon Ter-Petrosyan repeated his main thesis announced in his Sep 21 speech about the present
authorities, which are corrupted from top to toe, and the criminal system governing the country. Then the Armenian ex-president criticized the authorities' economic policy, saying that it is based on the task to ensure the welfare of a narrow group of persons by robbing their own people.


2007-10-26 16:36:00 Participation in presidential election for opposition Heritage party is not an end in itself

ArmInfo. Participation in the presidential election of 2008 is not an end in itself for the opposition Heritage party, Armenian MP representing Heritage party Armen Martirosyan said at a briefing in the parliament, Friday.

He said the party will make a decision on the format of participation in the election in mid-November. The major goal of the party is to bring fundamental changes to the country. At the same time, he
confirmed that Heritage party members participate in October 26 opposition rally to support the ex-president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan. Members of Heritage party like other citizens of Armenia can use their right to information and participate in rallies, he said. A. Martirosyan said he will also attend the rally. He stressed that the party regularly meets electors and the greatest part of them support Heritage Leader Raffi Hovhannissyan.


2007-10-26 16:36:00 Rally of oppositionists not to change situation in Armenia, parliamentarians say

ArmInfo. The Oct 26 rally of the Armenian opposition will not change the political situation in the country, Naira Zohrabyan, an MP from the Prosperous Armenia parliamentary faction, said at briefing in parliament, Friday.
She stressed that the rally won't change anything in the political arena, neither will do it or for the Prosperous Armenia Party, as the rally has nothing to do with the political purposes of this party.
She also said that the participants in the Oct 23 squabble in the center of Yerevan, particularly, the Editors of the Haykakan Zhamanak (Armenian Time) and Chorrord Ishkhanutyun (Fourth Power)
newspapers, Nikol Pashinyan and Shogher Matevosyan, should be brought to responsibility if the version of their guiltiness is confirmed. However, if the picketers acted within the limits of the law and in
compliance with the Armenian Constitution, then the law-enforcers' actions are unacceptable for the Prosperous Armenia, said N.Zohrabyan.

For his part, Eduard Sharmazanov, an MP from the faction of the Republican Party of Armenia, emphasized that Armenia is a democratic country and according to the Constitution, citizens are free to
participate in rallies. But now problems can't be solved by means of rallies, he added. It is inefficient as the country is at the second stage of reforming, he said.

To recall, the rally with Armenian first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan's participation is scheduled on October 26.


2007-10-26 15:47:00 Backers of Armenia 'genocide' bill agree to delay vote

ArmInfo. American congressmen, the authors of a bill in the US Congress labeling massacres of Armenians as genocide Thursday bowed to White House pressure and agreed to delay the measure, which had sparked fury in Turkey. The resolution's four key sponsors of the bill, censuring the Ottoman Empire for the World War I killings, asked House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi not to hold a debate on the issue. But despite signs that support for the controversial resolution had waned in recent days, the lawmakers,
Democrats Adam Schiff, Brad Sherman, Anna Eshoo and Frank Pallone, said it still had significant backing in Congress.

We believe that a large majority of our colleagues want to support a resolution recognizing the genocide on the House floor, and they will do so, provided the timing is more favorable, they said in a letter to Pelosi, Associated Press reports.



2007-10-26 15:44:00 ARF Dashnaktsutyun will not change its decision to nominate candidate for president in 2008

ArmInfo. Probable candidates for president in Armenia from ARF Dashnaktsutyun party, Vice Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Vahan Hovhannissyan and Chairman of Parliamentary Permanent Foreign Relations Commission Armen Rustamyan, are already meeting their electors in regions and the capital city, Head of ARFD parliamentary faction, MP Hrayr Karapetyan said at a briefing, Friday.

He said ARFD will not change its decision to nominate own candidate for president. Both the probable candidates fully reflect the party's stands despite being very different persons. At the same time he said that it will be difficult for the party to select one of them as both the candidates deserve to be nominated.


2007-10-26 13:09:00 Matthew Bryza: Armenia and Azerbaijan may sign framework agreement on Karabakh conflict settlement by spring of 2008

ArmInfo. A framework agreement on Karabakh conflict may be signed by Armenia and Azerbaijan by the spring of 2008, US Co-chair of OSCE Minsk Group Matthew Bryza said, www.wek.ru reports.

He said there is probability that Azerbaijani and Armenian presidents sign a framework agreement on Karabakh conflict before the presidential election in Armenia.


2007-10-26 11:17:00 Members of European Parliament call on Turkish and Armenian Government to

ArmInfo. Members of European Parliament strongly condemned the violence perpetrated by the PKK and reiterated the call for the Turkish and Armenian Government to "start a process of reconciliation for the present and the past" in the EP Resolution on Turkey adopted at the Plenary meeting. On Cyprus the EP notes that "the withdrawal of Turkish forces would facilitate the negotiation on a settlement".

EP official website reports that among issues of concern are the content of upcoming constitutional reforms and Turkish military actions in Northern Iraq. In the debate many MEPs expressed concern about freedom of expression and the reform of Turkey's penal code. However, many groups supported the accession negotiations.


2007-10-25 16:52:00 Armenian FM: Turkey's actions must arouse concern of all countries in the region

ArmInfo. Foreign Minister of Vardan Oskanyan believes that Turkey's actions with regard to Iraq will not have a direct impact on Armenia. The minister made this statement at a press conference, Thursday.

I do not see any direct influence, but the phenomenon itself arouses concern. The fact that a country can violate the territorial integrity of another country, penetrate into its territory and than leave it as it was done with regard to some countries is arousing concern. We really have what to be concerned about from the point of view of security. However, the present penetration by Turkey into Iraq does not have a direct impact on Armenia, Minister Oskanyan said. He believes the situation in the region
as complicated and instable that there is no need for an additional destabilizing factor. The minister said Armenia like a number of other states is sure that the actions of Turkey are a wrong response to those of Kurds. I think the situation must be settled through negotiations. But Turkey has chosen another way, which must arouse the concern of all the countries in the region, Vardan Oskanyan said.


2007-10-25 16:43:00 Foreign Minister of Armenia: Recognition of Armenian Genocide inevitable

ArmInfo. Foreign Minister of Armenia Vardan Okanyan sure that recognition of Armenian Genocide is inevitable. The minister made this statement at a press conference, Thursday.

Commenting on the developments around the US House Resolution 106 on Armenian Genocide, Vardan Oskanyan said that Armenia welcomed the passage of the H. Res. 106 by the House Foreign Relations Committee and believes it an important step in the way towards restoration of historical justice. We really hoped that the issue will be put to the plenary session and will be passed. After all, it is the Congress that must make the final decision and we cannot influence it. They say it is not the right time now. We can
agree with it, however, it remains for them to decide. But I am sure the recognition is
inevitable. The time will come and US Congress will recognize the Armenian Genocide, Foreign Minister Oskanyan said. He also added that there is also a positive circumstance in the present situation. Thus, even the most pro- Turkish congressmen and public representatives do not deny the fact of Armenian Genocide. The issue is considered just from the point of view of security. I have
not heard any statement denying the genocide, the minister said. He is sure that Turkey has serious reasons for concern in this issue.






Economy

2007-10-26 19:08:00 VivaCell introduces Call Me service

ArmInfo. VivaCell, a subsidiary of Mobile TeleSystems OJSC, announced the launch of a new and free of charge service available to all VivaCell subscribers - Call Me Service.

VivaCell's press-service told ArmInfo that as the leading mobile operator of Armenia providing services to more than 1 million subscribers, VivaCell cares for those subscribers who cannot make calls or send SMS messages because of zero balance on their prepaid account or suspended outgoing calls and SMS messages. Now with Call Me service VivaCell subscriber can send a free SMS to another VivaCell subscriber with a request to call him back. Call Me is available to all VivaCell subscribers free of charge. Moreover,
each VivaCell subscriber can send up to 3 Call Me requests per day. Introduction of the Call Me service is conditioned by VivaCell's concern for its subscribers who might get into trouble or need to contact each other urgently while having zero balance and having their outgoing calls suspended.


2007-10-26 16:51:00 Deadline for registration of mobile pre-paid subscribers may be prolonged

ArmInfo. The Public Services Regulatory Commission of Armenia (PSRC) will meet on November 20 to revise the deadline for making contracts with the cellular pre-paid subscribers.

The deadline may be prolonged from November 1 to January 1 2008, PSRC told ArmInfo. Under a relevant decision of the Commission, cellular operators started registration of subscribers on July 1 however they will not meet the schedule and subscribers crowd in front of the technical service centers of ArmenTel and VivaCell for registration every day.

CJSC ArmenTel proposes the PSRC to prolong the deadline for registration.


2007-10-26 13:45:00 Second Iran-Armenia highway opened in Meghri with participation of Armenian President

ArmInfo. The Armenian section of Iran-Armenia interstate highway worth $45 million was officially opened in Meghri with participation of Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, Friday.

In his speech, President Kocharyan said that highway is of great strategic importance for Armenia and will boost the commodity turnover with Iran. It may become a transit highway as well. The president thanked the builders for high quality work and stressed that the highway meets international standards unlike the old one (Kapan-Kajaran-Meghri). The president said the construction of the new Karan-Tsav-Meghri section of the highway will also boost the trade with Syunik hereby raising the living standards in
the region. Robert Kocharyan stressed the necessity of continuing the construction of Kapan-Sisian section. He also added that Armenia is seriously discussing the project of railway construction with Iran at present.

The data of the Armenian Ministry of Transport and Communication say that the construction of the 90km Karan-Tsav-Meghri section started in 2005. The 40 km section Verishen-Tsav was fundamentally reconstructed and the remaining 50 km were repaired. The state budget approved 15.2 billion drams ($45 million on current exchange rate) for this purpose. The average lorry speed on the new highway is 55-60 km/h as against 35-75 km/h on the old road. Although the new highway is longer, its travel time is 1 hour and
45 minutes as against 2 hours and 10 minutes of the old one. The road capacity of the highway is about 80 tons as against 35 tons of the old way. The highest datum is 2.215m as against 2.535 of the old way. The camber angle was reduced by 10-14% to 8-9%.


2007-10-25 20:36:00 Armenian prime minister appeals to French companies to more actively participate in Armenia's economy

ArmInfo. Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, who has paid an official visit to France, appealed to French companies to more actively participate in Armenia's economy, the Armenian Public Television says. During the meeting with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, S.Sargsyan said that French companies can be represented not only in industry and high tech sphere, but also in the banking and insurance activity.

The sides discussed issues of extending and deepening cooperation in economic sphere between the two countries, as well as the issues of development of humanitarian ties and cooperation in healthcare
sphere.

RA prime minister also met Head of the Administrative Council of Alkatel company Serge Churuk. The French businessman said that Alkatel is ready to expand its presence in Armenia and is ready for new investments.


2007-10-25 17:55:00 Tourist exhibition to be held in Yerevan on November 2-4

ArmInfo. The 7th annual international tourist exhibition The Country of Talking Stones CTS'2007 will be held at Moskva Cinema in Yerevan on November 2-4.

The steering committee of the exhibition told ArmInfo that as of today over 30 companies from Ajaria, Georgia, Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia, including the country's regions, have already filed applications for participation in the activities. There are air companies, hotel complexes, travel, insurance and public
organizations, educational institutions, etc. among the participants. Presentations and seminars will be held within the scope of the exhibition. The key goal of the CTS'2007 is to get together the experts of the travel services market and potential purchasers from the Caucasus region and neighbor countries, thus contributing to the establishment of new partner relations.

The exhibition is organized by the Armenian representative office of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the Armenian Association of Travel Agents (AATA), and the Armenian Tourism
Development Agency (ATDA). The exhibition will be held under the patronage of the Armenian Ministry of Trade and Economic Development, with the support of the USAID-funded Competitive Armenian Private Sector Project (CAPS). The event is sponsored by the Yerevan Brandy Company, as well as the Czech Airlines in Armenia and the Congress Hotel.

According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, 181239 tourists visited Armenia in the first half year of 2007, this index being by 36,3% higher than in the same period of 2006. During a week-long stay in Armenia, each tourist spends $1.2-1.4 thsd at the mean. Tourism makes up 6-7% of GDP.


2007-10-25 17:28:00 Armenian International Airports company invests $10mln in modernization of Shirak Airport in Armenia

ArmInfo. Armenian International Airports company, which belongs to the Argentinean businessman Eduardo Eurnekian, invested $10mln in modernization of Shirak Airport in Armenia, Head of Armenian Civil Aviation Department Artyom Movsisyan told journalists during his visit to Gyumri, Thursday.

According to him, investments were made in the renovation of the flight strip, taxi strip and parking, as well as installation of the luminous-signal system. Thanks to the investments, Shirak Airport is brought up to 1st class level. A. Movsisyan added that from November 19 on Shirak airport, which put on hold for modernization, will start serving regular flights to Moscow, Rostov-on-Don, Ekatirinburg and Minvodi. The possibility of implementing charter flights is still under discussion. Next year the concessionaire-Armenian
International Airports CJSC plans to invest extra funds in the modernization of the passenger terminal and in the upgrading of Shirak Airport, which will also make it possible to serve international flights, A. Movsisyan said. He noted that, for now, the airport will be used for serving international flights only as a reserve in force-major situations, when Zvartnots Airport is closed.

To recall, by the Armenian government's decision dated Aug 2, 2007, Shirak Airport has been passed to the concessional management of the Armenian International Airports CJSC for 24 years. Since 2001, Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan has also been passed to that company's concessional management for 30 years. There is also a military airport Erebouni in Yerevan, and an airport in Stepanavan, which is currently out of service and put up for sale by the Armenian government.


2007-10-25 16:47:00 WB is ready to grant Armenian Government a $10 mln worth credit for restoration of Armenian Railway infrastructure

ArmInfo. The World Bank is ready to grant the Armenian Government a $10 mln worth credit for restoration of "Armenian Railway" CJSC's infrastructure, a source close to the Armenian Government told ArmInfo. According to the source, presently, this credit program is in discussion stage. It is planned to direct the funds to the restoration of the rails and railway bridges. The credit terms are still to be defined. Most likely, it will be granted on terms of the International Bank for Reconstruction
and Development (IBRD) for a term of 20 years. WB acts as a consultant in passing Armenian Railway into concessional management.

At today's meeting RA Government approved the consultant for Armenian Railway company's reorganization, in the person of the Canadian company CPC Transpcom Ltd. This company was selected in the result of a tender, announced August 1, 2007 within the frames of a WB grant. Its pricing facilities made up about $1mln.

As Armenian Minister of Transport and Communication Andranik Manukyan said in parliament, Thursday, the only investment in the Armenian Railway after the collapse of the USSR was the World Bank's credit worth $16 mln for reconstruction of 72 km long railway line Yerevan-Ayrum. The remaining 234 km of the railway should be reconstructed, the minister said. The concessionaire is obliged to invest $170 mln in the Armenian Railway, $80 mln of them will be spent on the purchase of movable equipment and the rest of
the amount - on the restoration of the infrastructure, he said.

To recall, on October 15, the Armenian Ministry of Transport and Communication announced an international tender on passing the Armenian Railway CJSC to concessional management. The participants in the tender are Russian Railways JSC and the Indian company RITES. The winner of the tender will be announced in January 2008.


Finance and banks

2007-10-26 18:37:00 USD Share Price Totals 325,4 AMD/$1 USD on October 26

ArmInfo. One hundred and three lots worth a total of $10,750 million (3.498 billion AMD) were sold at today's currency auctions at the Armenian Exchange (ArmEx) at the average exchange rate of 325,4 AMD/$1 USD, which was by 0.02 percentage points higher than that on previous auctions on October 25.

Demand totaled $700 000, with supply being $470,000. The best demand price was 325.21 AMD/$1 USD (the average price - 325.2 AMD/$1 USD), the best price of an offer was 325,25 AMD/$1 USD (average price - 325.26 AMD/$1 USD). Demand for EURO made up 200 000. The best demand
price made up 466,9 AMD/1EUR and average price- 466,8 AMD/1EUR. Because of absence of supply no transactions were made.

The opening, closing, minimal and maximal prices for USD totaled 325,5 AMD/$1USD,325,25AMD/$1USD, 325,25 AMD/$1USD and 325,5 AMD/$1USD, respectively.

In General, from January 6 up to October 26 inclusive, $447.536 million were sold at ArmEx, with the average exchange rate of the transactions for this period of time falling from 364.5 to 325,4 AMD/$1 USD. The maximal transactions were registered on June 27 - 74 lots worth a total of $12.400 million (4.231 billion AMD) at the exchange rate of 341.21 AMD/$1 USD. The minimal transactions were
registered on January 7 - 3 lots worth a total of $100,000 (36.450 million AMD) at the exchange rate of 364.5 AMD/$1 USD.


2007-10-26 16:43:00 Exchange rate of dram against US dollar and EUR

ArmInfo Today, the maximum buying rates at commercial banks of Yerevan were 323 drams for 1 dollar, 461 drams for 1 EUR and 12,85 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 325,5 drams for 1 dollar, 466 drams for 1 EUR and 13,1 drams for 1 Russian ruble.


2007-10-26 08:57:00 Banks as movers of corporate management system with entry in IPO promotes development of country's economic system: most of participants of Armenia's financial market believe

Banks as movers of corporate management system with entry in IPO promotes development of country's economic system: most of participants of Armenia's financial market believeArmInfo. Most of the financial analysts, representatives of the banking sector, Heads of investment companies and experts of Armenia believe that entry of the Armenian banks in IPO as a main source of capital is one of the ways of development of the banking sphere and the whole economic system of the country. That is the result of voting
of the "British debates" held in the "Marriott Armenia" Hotel on October 25, organized by the "AmRating" independent Rating Agency, a member of the international Global Rating Group. The debates, in which about 40 banks, Heads of investment companies and experts took part, were dedicated to the topic "Armenian banks: from closed model to IPO as the key source of capital. Is that the way of development?". The event was held under support of the Union of Banks of Armenia. Member of the Council of RA Central Bank
Vache Gabrielyan expressed an opinion that only the "ACBA Credit Agricole", among the Armenian banks, has a chance today to enter the external IPO.

To note, the biggest European banking group, the "Credit Agricole" owns 28% block of stock of this bank. Head of the ARARATBANK's Dealing Center David Harutyunyan considers it apparent that the banking system of Armenia needs an additional capital as RA financial market is at an early stage of development that makes the process of attraction of long-term resources difficult, while the foreign capital will give the banks an access to such funds that will allow them to reduce the financial risks in general. He
paid attention to the growing competition and said that it is difficult for the banks with the Armenian shareholders to compete with the banks with a foreign capital, among which are the "HSBC Bank Armenia", "VTB-Armenia" and Moscow's Gazprombank, which intends to enter the Armenian banking market soon, the international microcredit bank ProCredit, "Raiffeisen bank Austria". It is difficult to compete with such financial structures not only materially but on the banking technologies as well, D. Harutyunyan said.

As for the demand for the Armenian banks' capital, the latest events in this market confirm this, which is promoted by quick rates of the country's banking system development: the total assets of banks in 2006 grew by 19%, the profit - by 16%. In addition, the demand for the banking capital is presented not only by foreign investors but the Armenian businessmen as well. He thinks that is hindered by a psychological barrier of the main shareholder, wishing to keep control over the bank in every way. However,
"it is better to have a small share in a big capital than a big share in a small capital". D. Harutyunyan thinks that IPO may be considered as the most attractive version of opening for the Armenian banks as it will enable the main shareholder to keep the control. Placement of the shares at foreign exchanges shows the real price of the share to the shareholder. "The bank's entry the IPO as a main source of capital is our future", D. Harutyunyan said.

Head of the Department of Strategic Planning, Methodology and Risk Assessment of the ARARATBANK Hovhannes Mandakuni emphasized that transparency should be meant under IPO, in view of which he expressed confidence that such readiness will be evident in the whole banking community of Armenia within several months.

"Implementation of the corporate management principles will enable to solve this For his part, USAID Financial Sector Deepening Project Intermediation Team Leader Tigran Davtyan thinks that this aspect will have some difficulties in Armenia for several reasons one of which is unwillingness of the bank's main shareholder to share with someone. "The matter concerns the international organizations which are present in the Armenian banks' capital. There will hardly be an investor who will express readiness to buy
25% of the capital. Neither our shareholders or the society are ready for that. However, the best should be done to prepare them", T. Davtyan said. He thinks that the Armenian banks are not yet ready to enter the foreign IPO, especially as this is connected with definite preparation and additional expenses, however, the IPO can be also made in the internal market, for which some banks are ready. This will be a kind of training.

Co-Director of AEPLAC (Armenian-European Policy and Legal Advice Center) Tigran Jrbashyan thinks that Armenia's banking system has entered a development stage, when inertia changes by a definite jump. This is determined only from the position that the banking sphere, by its level of capitalization and abilities to work with a real sector, is very small but rather "pleasantly completed" and shown off. He thinks that sale of banks via IPO is more profitable than to strategic investors as the price will be much
higher, and only this fact may promote the banks to IPO realization. Under the growing competition, the own funds of the banks and their owners will be insufficient to withstand it. "The real IPO in the inner market is possible only in case if the Armenian capital market is able to give this price, otherwise, it may turn out in a situation in which several eastern-European countries turned out to be. The whole banking system there turned out to be "captured" by strategic investors in the name of the western,
Kazakh and Russian banks", he said.

For his part, President of the Global Rating Group Richard Hainsworth emphasized that the banks should be maximum open and transparent to enter the IPO. He thinks that there are potential partners in Armenia, ready to make investments in the banks' capitals. However, the point is that this structure is engaged in its real business of a final mediator, or it is a shell for financial manipulations. In the first case, the investments in the bank will be made, while in the second case, no partner will desire to
be engaged in such a business. R. Hainsworth thinks the preparatory work for the banks' entry the IPO should be started right now.

Head of the leading Armenian Consulting Company, the Ameria, Andrey Mkrtchyan thinks that the first IPO (there should be no serious placement in Armenia) are very important for creation of tradition, culture and for a reverse communication with investors both inside and outside the country. "Globally, absence of transparency, availability of protectionism and corruption are the most fundamental problems. The reporting should be opened to the maximum for entry in the capital market and for access to the resources
of this market", he said.

To note, AmRating - is an independent national rating agency, a member of GlobalRating group that comprises also RusRating (Russia) and KzRating (Kazakhstan) agencies. It provides bank credit ratings and analytical reviews of different segments in the Armenian financial market.


Social

2007-10-26 15:51:00 Armenia transitions to winter time on October 28

ArmInfo. Armenia transitions to winter time at 2:00am on October 28. The citizens are to make the clocks back 1 hour. The transition is a decision of the Armenian Government.


2007-10-26 14:39:00 Andrey Fursenko: Creation of Institute of CIS Languages to take two years more

Andrey Fursenko: Creation of Institute of CIS Languages to take two years more ArmInfo. CIS education ministers approved the project of creation of an International Institute of CIS languages, however, its opening will take two years more, RF Education Minister Andrey Fursenko, who takes part in XIII Conference of education ministers of CIS member-states, told journalists today. Replying to ArmInfo correspondent's question, Fursenko said that the Institute will be created on the basis of the Moscow State Linguistic
University. It is yet undecided what languages will be learned in the Institute.


2007-10-26 14:08:00 RA budget to allot $25 mln to solve housing problems of Armenian refugees from Azerbaijan

ArmInfo. Over 1,000 Armenian families - refugees from Azerbaijan, living in Yerevan, in temporary housing, will finally be enabled to acquire their own flats, Head of the Migration Agency of RA Ministry of Territorial Administration Gagik Yeganyan said at today's parliamentary hearings.

He said that about $25 mln will be allotted from the state budget to provide the refugees with flats. G. Yeganyan emphasized that the calculations were made taking into account today's prices for the real estate.

To note, about 360,000 ethnic Armenians migrated to Armenia from Azerbaijan in 1998-1992 in view of the events in Sumgait and Baku. Five thousand refugees received citizenship in 2000, while today, they number 80,000. Yeganyan emphasized that the temporary housings of refugees will be reformed under temporary camps of the European model for refugees from the conflicting countries who wish to receive a temporary shelter in Armenia.


2007-10-25 14:18:00 RA Minister of Education and Science: General approaches in further development of education should be elaborated based on countries' experience

RA Minister of Education and Science: General approaches in further development of education should be elaborated based on countries' experienceArmInfo. 'We believe that in justice to the national education system, culture, language and traditions, it is necessary to elaborate general approaches in further development of education based on the experience of different countries and assure their harmonic implementation>, RA Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchyan said at today's Yerevan 20th session
of the Council on cooperation in education of CIS members-states.

The minister said that the regular meeting indicates that these permanent and comprehensive sessions not only contribute to the CIS progress as a form of interstate cooperation but they also become an efficient mechanism of development of the national education systems. Developing the cooperation within CIS, Armenia joined the Bolonian agreement on creation of the European higher education space. Fundamental values and programmes, envisaged by provisions of the National Security Strategy of the Republic of Armenia,
approved by RA President's Decree in 2007, form the basis of reforms in education.


2007-10-24 13:04:00 Living standards of vulnerable sections of Armnian population considerably progressed Over 15 years of UN activity in Armenia

ArmInfo. Over the 15 years of UN activity in Armenia, the living standards of the vulnerable sections of the population have considerably progressed, the poverty reduction data say. Ms. Consuelo Vidal, the United Nations' Resident Coordinator, the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Armenia told ArmInfo on occasion of the 15th anniversary of UN activity in Armenia.

Nevertheless, she said that much is still to be done especially in local communities. As regards the key directions of UN mission in Armenia, Ms. Vidal emphasized the necessity of settling the problem of economic benefit disparity among the population. Although Armenia showed an exclusive and impressive economic growth over the 15 years, this success does not embrace all the sections of the Armenian population, Ms. Vidal said. Thus, the key direction of the UN activity in the country is to assist the most vulnerable
sections of the population such as the poverty-stricken, unemployed, refuges,
women and housewives. This applies mainly to the rural residents who must have benefit from the general economic growth in the country, she explained. Ms. Vidal also added that UN officers constantly
monitor the situation to determine the needs of the local communities. For instance, she said that UN World Food Program is distributing provisions to the population, particularly, to the schools in peripheries in Armenia.


Hi-Tech

2007-10-26 13:25:00 IT Exhibition opened in Yerevan

ArmInfo. The third International exhibition "Digitec-2007" opened today in Yerevan. It will last till October 28.

The red band of the exhibition was cut by RA Minister of Trade and Economic Development Nerses Yertitsyan and Executive Director of the Union of IT Enterprises (UITE) Karen Vardanyan. The latter said that the exhibition is a kind of tool which allows the companies of this sphere to contact with their consumers and promote creation of partner relations. K. Vardanyan also said that the organizers of the "Digitec" will try to turn it into the biggest regional exhibition of information technologies within several
days. For her part, Head of IT Department of the Ministry of Trade and Economic Development Zhenya Azizyan said that the concept of IT implementation and application, based on the state-private sector cooperation, has been already developed. She added that Armenia's economy should be based on the knowledge and information technologies.

Forty-three companies, including the Microsoft, IBM, ADC, IT Park, Cornet - Am, Unicomp, the Yerevan State University, the Armenian-Russian (Slavonic) University, the American University of Armenia and others take part in the exhibition "Digitec-2007".

The exhibition covers the following spheres: computer facilities, telecommunications, wireless networks, software, financial and banking systems, electronic control, electron business, scientific and research activity, education in the information and telecommunication sphere. Holding of forums and , as well as a seminar is envisaged within the frames of the exhibition.

The exhibition organizer is the Union of IT Enterprises. The "Digitec-2007" is held under RA PM Serzh Sargsyan's patronage and with the support of USAID CAPS programme ("Competitive Private Sector of Armenia").


2007-10-23 23:10:00 Microsoft intends to become activate in distribution of legal software in Armenia

ArmInfo. The Microsoft Corporation intends to become active in distribution of legal software in Armenia, vice President of the Microsoft in Central and Eastern Europe Vahe Torosyan said at a international conference in Budapest. The conference was held on October 17-19 within the frames of the Unlimited Potential programme for Central and Eastern Europe and was targeted to present and discuss the Corporations activity in overcoming the digital inequality by development of new products and decisions intended
for creation of social and economic opportunities. Total of 85 people from 20 countries, including Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Serbia, Macedonia and Russia took part
in the conference organized for Mass Media representatives.

V. Torosyan said that the Microsoft schedules to hold serious negotiations with Heads of big companies in Armenia, which assure high employment for explanation of advantages of using the legal software, till the end, 2007. "I think that these big companies have no reasons to use unlicensed software since they are conscientious tax payers", he emphasized. Along with it, V.
Torosyan expressed hope that RA government will put in his spoke in distribution of legal software. "The issue of creation and adoption of law on copyright protection was considered within the frames of the last-year meeting with RA prime minister, however, the country's government took no steps in this direction so far", he said, having expressed hope for the soonest solution of this
issue.

Within the frames of the conference, a video-message of the Microsoft's President Bill Gates to the event participants was presented. "Over 30 years have passed after PC appearance, however, only 1 bln out of 6 bln of people, who are on the peak of the world economy's pyramid, use the PC. However, the digitizing should cover the developing countries, different layers of society, including the rural communities. Everyone should be enabled to fully realize his potential. New products and solutions, which will
meet the needs of the developing communities, new creative business-approaches, due to which the technologies will become more accessible, should be created and should closely cooperate with the local governments, educational establishments and public organizations for 5 billion people to be able to take advantages of the information technologies. As a result, wide distribution of computers, the telecommunications allow to improve the labour productivity and reduce the corruption level promoting development
of the countries' economy", Bill Gates' massage says.

To note, the Microsoft started realizing the Unlimited Potentila programme in April, 2007. This programme extends and completes the Corporation's efforts on creation of opportunities for stable social and economic development of over 5 billion people all over the world, who have no access to the advanced technologies today. The programme's main purpose is extension of the available programme of continuous education by three directions: education, innovations, employment.


Ecology

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

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

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.


Crimes and emergency situations

2007-10-29 12:09:00 Earthquake in Turkey last night

ArmInfo. Earthquake with magnitude of 4,1 happened today at 2:01 AM by local time in the territory of Turkey at 55 km to the north-east of Bingol town. The earthquake shock in the epicenter was of force 5-6, the National Seismic Protection Service of Armenia told ArmInfo.