Politics

2007-11-09 09:11:00 Armenian president meets Lithuanian foreign minister

ArmInfo. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan met Lithuanian Foreign Minister Petras Vaitiekunas.

The Armenian presidential press-service told ArmInfo that during the meeting R.Kocharyan expressed content with the current level of the Armenian-Lithuanian relations and noted that Armenia's involvement in the European Neighborhood Policy opens new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. For his part, P.Vaitiekunas stressed that Armenia has definitely chosen the path of European integration and Lithuania is willing to share its experience with Armenia. The meeting also covered regional problems
and issues concerning the promotion of bilateral cooperation within the frames of international organizations.


2007-11-09 09:08:00 Armenian first president and Lithuanian foreign minister have a telephone conversation

ArmInfo. Levon Ter-Petrosyan, the first president of Armenia, and Petras Vaitiekunas, the foreign minister of Lithuania, had a telephone conversation, Thursday.

The office of the civic initiative for Levon Ter Petrosyan's nomination for president told ArmInfo that in particular, P.Vaitiekunas expressed content with the current level of Armenian-Lithuanian relations. The Lithuanian foreign minister added that the foundation of these relations was laid by the interstate
Agreement on Friendship and Cooperation between Armenia and Lithuania signed by Armenian and Lithuanian Presidents Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Vytautas Landsbergis in 1991.


2007-11-09 09:07:00 Armenia had better not expect proposals from OSCE MG Co-chairs, Baku thinks

ArmInfo-Turan. Armenia had better take constructive steps, than expect "the next step" aimed at the Karabakh conflict settlement from the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairmen. This is how Hazar Ibragim, representative of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, commented on today's statement of Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian that Yerevan is waiting for new proposals from OSCE MG
co-chairmen. "We expect the next step from OSCE MG co-chairmen after their visit to the region," said Oskanian.


2007-11-09 09:07:00 NKR FM comments on the statements of CoE Secretary General

ArmInfo. At journalists' request, NKR Foreign Minister Georgi Petrosyan commented on the statement made by CoE Secretary General Terry Davis in Yerevan.

Commenting on Terry Davis's thesis on incomparability of Nagorno-Karbakh and Kosovo conflicts and the regret expressed by the latter for NKR people's disadvantaged situation, particularly, in connection with the fact that they don't have the right to apply to the European Court of Human Rights, Georgi Petrosyan said that the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh really differs from the situation in Kosovo in many aspects. But Kosovo's aspiration to become a party, enjoying full rights of the international law as an
independent state, is the same as that of NKR. Terry Davis apparently knows that the leadership of Kosovo's Provisional Institutions of Self-Government created by the UN temporary administration for
exercise of legislative, executive and judicial power has stated more than once that Kosovo's independence may not be debated. The absence of any external control over Nagorno-Karabakh is a positive sign for NKR, since, in essence, it is a recognition of high level self-organization of NKR people, who are able to exercise effective control, to conduct foreign policy and to ensure their own security
on their own, without any external support by elected power. As to the fact that NKR population has no right to apply to the European Court of Human Rights, this situation emerged because of Azerbaijan and with international organizations' implicit consent, the latter ones being called to ensure human rights irrespective of the status of the territory people live on. Such position of international organizations denotes that they are rather governed by political interests than by ideals of human rights protection,
NKR FM emphasized.

As to Terry Davis's statement that he may let himself not to comment different events, including, for example, the parade of sexual minorities held somewhere in Europe, Georgi Petrosyan said that such
extremely incorrect comparison is inadmissible in respect with a high-ranking official of such an authoritative organization. With his statement Terry Davis demonstrated negligence not so much to any
concrete political processes in NKR, as to the institute of election as a whole. "I would like to hope that the CoE doesn't share this attitude of Terry Davis to the ideals of democracy, which were laid in the foundation of this organization. Otherwise, this will mean that the CoE has run its course as an organization called to promote ideals and principles of pluralistic democracy and to protect human rights".


2007-11-09 08:56:00 Tigran Torosyan: It is always useful to study the practice of the Baltic countries

ArmInfo. Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly Tigran Torosyan met Lithuanian Foreign Minister Petras Vaitiekunas, Thursday, the latter being in Armenia. According to the Armenian Governmental press service, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Lithuania in Armenia Rimantas Sidlauskas and Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Armenia in Lithuania Ashot Galoyan participated in the meeting.

According to the source, during the meeting Tigran Torosyan said that the Baltic States achieved great success for objective causes, therefore it is always useful to study their practice. He particularly emphasized the practice of the Baltic countries in the development of regional cooperation and noted with regret that there is still no such cooperation in the South Caucasus region. The speaker of the Armenian NA touched upon the prospects of development of Armenian-Lithuanian cooperation, which has considerably
increased with account of the New European Neighborhood Program.

Lithuanian FM, for his part, assured T. Torosyan that Armenia has been and is a European country for Lithuania and Europe. He said the aim of his visit is to extend cooperation in all the spheres. At the
same time, he said the commodity turnover between the two countries is dissatisfactory with account of economic growth in Armenia and Lithuania. Petras Vaitiekunas proposed to send Armenian parliamentarians to seminars in Vilnius and Brussels. The seminars will cover issues connected with the New European Neighborhood Program as well as European Security and Defense. The Lithuanian
minister said that Lithuanian prime minister is expected to visit Armenia in 2008. Within the frames of the visit, a business forum can be organized for Armenian and Lithuanian businessmen. He proposed to organize an international tourist exhibition in Lithuania, during which they will familiarize the attendants of the exhibition with Armenian practice of tourism development. Lithuanian FM set forth one more initiative in the sphere of transport connection. He mentioned, that due to the agreement signed among
Lithuania, Belarus and the Ukraine, satellite-based trains already run on the route of Klaipeda-Ilichevsk and proposed Armenia to join the project through the port of Poti. Petras Vaitiekunas said that in October 2007 the Lithuanian Government made a decision to open a Lithuanian embassy in Armenia and mentioned the importance of opening an Armenian Embassy in Vilnius, which will surely promote the bilateral relations.

T. Torosyan emphasized the importance of concrete proposals and qualified their discussion as necessary. He particularly mentioned Armenian parliamentarians' participation in seminars in Vilnius and Brussels and opening of the Embassies. In the context of developing intergovernmental ties both sides emphasized the importance that intergovernmental groups of friendship are created and function.


2007-11-09 08:48:00 Iranian defence minister: Iran is ready to use all its potential for settlement of the regional conflicts

ArmInfo. Armenia and Iran are neighbours. And stemming from this they should have wide and extended relations, Iranian Defence Minister, Major-General Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said at the press-conference in Yerevan today.

He also added that at present there are good political, economic and cultural relations between the two
states. He recalled that several projects have been already fulfilled and a part of them is underway. , - the minister said and added that he means cooperation in the rear services support. He also said the more samples of cooperation
between the countries of the region the more it will promote security, stability and peace in the region. , - Mohammad Najjar said.


2007-11-09 08:48:00 First president of Armenia and Heritage party leader agree to act within frames of political ethics

ArmInfo. First President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan and Leader of Heritage party Raffi Hovannisian agreed to observe political ethics with regard to each other when they run for president in 2008, a member of the Heritage opposition party Board, parliamentarian Vardan Khachatryan told ArmInfo. The parliamentarian was present at the meeting of the two leaders.

The sides discussed the domestic and foreign policy problems of Armenia before the presidential campaign. They particularly touched upon the continuing restrictions on opposition access to television,
V. Khachatryan said. He also added that the parties did not discuss the possibility of R. Hovannisian's support of L.Ter-Petrosyan's candidature.

To recall, L. Ter-Petrosyan was the initiator of the meeting. One of the ex-president's supporters, the former foreign minister of Armenia Alexander Arzoumanyan was present at the meeting.


2007-11-09 08:46:00 First President of Armenia cannot be alternative to incumbent authorities: Heritage party representative

ArmInfo. 'First President of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan cannot be considered an alternative to the incumbent authorities since neither him nor Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan satisfy the public need for system reforms,' Armenian parliamentarian from Heritage opposition party, first ombudsman of Armenia Larisa Alaverdyan said at National Press Club, Thursday.

She said the public expectations for consolidation of opposition forces will not be justified. Thus, at the presidential election the opposition will fight against the political forces not in power but ready to become part of it when occasion offers. 'Prosperous Armenia proved a bright example of the aforementioned at the last parliamentary election. The party tried to partially criticize the situation in the country, but it used the first chance to form the ruling coalition,' Larisa Alaverdyan.

She stressed that a number of political parties, including Armenian Pan National Movement lever harsh criticism at the authorities, but their programs are not clear. She also added that one of the
political opposition poles is Levon Ter-Petrosyan. There is no other political force claiming a similar role, Larisa Alaverdyan said.


2007-11-09 08:40:00 Lithuanian foreign minister visits Yerevan Brandy Company

ArmInfo. Foreign Minister of Lithuania Petras Vaitiekunas visited the Yerevan Brandy Company today.

The minister left a notice with good wishes to the company in the "Golden book" near the "Barrel of Peace" in YBC's ageing shopfloor. He also advocated prompt settlement of the Karabakh conflict. The
barrel was installed by initiative of OSCE MG and it should be opened the day of the conflict peaceful settlement. P. Vaitiekunas expressed desire to drink this brandy as soon as possible. He added that he prefers only the Armenian brandy. The Lithuanian minister had a photograph taken near the barrel with cognac spirit, gifted to the President of Lithuania Valdas Adamkas during his visit to
Armenia on April 26, 2006. The YBC traditionally presents barrels with cognac spirit to foreign states' presidents, visiting Armenia, and the presidents left them, by tradition, in the Company's ageing shopfloor.


2007-11-09 08:38:00 Vardan Oskanyan: OSCE MG Co-chairs for settlement of Karabakh conflict are expected to make new proposals

ArmInfo. OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairmen for settlement of Karabakh conflict are expected to make new proposals shortly, Foreign Minister of Armenia Vardan Oskanyan said at a joint press conference with his Lithuanian colleague Petras Vaitiekunas in Yerevan, Thursday.

'We are waiting for the next step by OSCE MG Co-chairs after their visit to the region,' the minister said. He stressed that the mediators are studying the possibilities of tete-a-tete meetings with Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers. 'After their last visit to the region, I think, the co-chairs got a definite idea of the parties' stands on the uncoordinated issues and principles.' 'After the Co-chairs are informed of the final stands of the parties, they will try to get new formulations and propose
them to Armenia and Azerbaijan,' Vardan Oskanyan said. He also added that the Armenian Foreign Ministry is waiting for information on organization of the above meeting or written proposals by the co-chairs.


2007-11-09 08:34:00 Armenian and Iranian DMs signed Memorandum of Cooperation in defense

ArmInfo. A Memorandum of Cooperation in defense between RA Defense Ministry and the Iranian Ministry of Assisting the Defense and Armed Forces was signed today in Yerevan by RA DM
Mikael Harutyunyan and Iranian Defense Minister, Major-General Mustafa Mohammad Najjar. The Memorandum was signed within the frames of the official visit of Mohammad Najjar to Yerevan.

During the press-conference, held directly after the Memorandum signing ceremony, the parties assured that they intend to start implementation of the reached agreements in the near future. In
particular, the matter concerns cooperation in the logistics support between the relevant subdivisions of the two countries' Defense Ministers.


2007-11-09 08:31:00 Vardan Oskanyan: Armenia worries about aggravation of situation in Georgia

ArmInfo. Armenia worries about aggravation of situation in Georgia, Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan said at the joint press-conference with his Lithuanian counterpart Petras Vaitekunas in Yerevan.

, - Oskanyan said. He hopes that political payoff maybe reached over a short period of time. Oskanyan emphasized that just reaching of the political payoff should be the main task of all the parties in Georgia.

To note, yesterday Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili announced the state of emergency at the whole territory of the country for 15 days.


2007-11-09 08:15:00 38% Armenian citizens to support Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan's candidacy at the presidential election 2008, the data of public opinion poll say

Arminfo. According to the public opinion poll held by ComRes organization, 38% Armenian citizens will support Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan's candidacy at the forthcoming presidential election 2008.

According to the published data, 13% of respondents will support candidacy of the Heritage party leader Raffi Hovannisian, 12% - the leader of Orinats Yerkir party Artur Bagdasaryan , 8% - the
leader of the National Unity party Artashes Gegamyan, 6% - the first Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan and 5% - the head of the National-Democratic Union Vazgen Manukyan. Vice-speaker of the parliament Vahan Hovannesyan, director of ALM Holding Tigran Karapetyan and the leader of Prosperous Armenia party Gagik Tsarukyan gained 4% each. 28% of respondents hope that Serzh Sarkisyan will resolve the unemployment problem, 20% - Artur Bagdasaryan, 19% - Raffi Hovannisian, 15% - Artashes Gegamyan and 6% - Levon
Ter-Petrosyan. 45% of respondents think that Serzh Sarkisyan may settle the Karabakh conflict, 11% - Raffi Hovannisian, 9% - Artur Bagdasaryan, 8% - Artashes Gegamyan and 5% - Levon Ter-Petrosyan. 34% of respondent think that Serzh Sarkisyan will help world recognition of the Armenian genocide, 20% - Raffi Hovannisian, 9% - Artur Bandasaryan, 8% - Artashes Gegamyan and 5% Levon Ter-Petrosyan.

The majority of respondents wait for improvement of the situation in the country over a year (40%). 34% do not expect any changing of the situation and only 15% are pessimistic in this matter.

Public opinion poll was held by the British ComRes company together with Armenian sociological association and PR company from 25 to 31 October in 10 regions of Armenia among 2000 people.


2007-11-07 23:13:00 Terry Davis and Levon Ter-Petrosyan discuss current political situation in Armenia

ArmInfo. The subject of the discussions between Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis and ex-president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan during their meeting in Yerevan was the current political situation in Armenia, press secretary of CoE Secretary General Matjaz Gruden told ArmInfo correspondent. "Ter- Petrosyan drew the attention of the Secretary General to a speech he delivered at a public meeting last week" the press secretary said. Speaking about the side having initiated CoE Secretary General's
meeting with the first Armenian president, M. Gruden said that the
meeting with L. Ter-Petrosyan was initiated by his representative. "The Secreteray General agreed, as he is always ready to meet representatives of the opposition when he is visiting Council of Europe member states. The Secreteray General knows that there are other declared candidates for the presidential elections early next year, but Ter-Petrosyan was the only one who asked to meet with him",
press secretary of CoE Secretary General emphasized.


2007-11-07 23:05:00 Council of Europe Secretary General reacts to inaccurate media coverage of his visit to Armenia

ArmInfo. On November 7, Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis made a statement in which he expressed his discontent with inaccurate coverage of his visit to Armenia by local media.

The CoE Headquarters told ArmInfo that the statement is as follows: "There can be no genuine democracy without freedom of expression, and there can be no genuine freedom of expression without journalists who respect the professional and ethical standards of their profession". "The media coverage of my recent visit was very extensive, but unfortunately some of it was not accurate. Of course, Armenian journalists are entitled to disagree or criticize my views on issues such as Nagorno Karabakh, but I object strongly
to being misquoted and misinterpreted", T.Davis stressed. "Several newspapers have claimed that I compared the recent elections in Nagorno Karabakh to a gay pride march. This is simply untrue and complete nonsense. I was making the point that my position on the territorial integrity of Council of Europe member states and consequently the legal status of Nagorno Karabakh is well-known, consistent and clear. The fact that I do not react every time some elections take place in Nagorno Karabakh, does not mean that
I have changed my position on their lack of validity and legitimacy. I drew a parallel with the increasingly frequent restrictions of freedom of expression by gay and lesbian communities in several European countries. The fact that I do not always react when a mayor bans a gay pride march does not mean that I have changed my clear, well-known and consistent position that such restrictions violate the European Convention on Human Rights. One newspaper has suggested that I was offended by the fact that I did not
meet President Kocharian. That is also untrue. I was informed in advance and fully understood the reason for which it was impossible to organise such a meeting. I am very satisfied with the results of my visit in Armenia and the frank discussions I had with my interlocutors. We may not always agree, but what is important is that we listen to each other and respect each other's views," said T.Davis in conclusion.

To note, earlier, in answer to ArmInfo correspondent's question, the Secretary General had stated that CE's decision concerning state borders is in dependence on the UN's position about it. He pointed out that his role is to support territorial integrity of all CE member-states. "I am against separatism and for the governmental consistent acts. My attitude towards Azerbaijan and Georgia is the same as that for Russia. There are Ambassadors that do not share my views on some questions. However, they admit that
I act consistently in regard of it. I would go on objectively supporting territorial integrity of CE member-states till UN makes any amends to such", he emphasized.


2007-11-07 16:35:00 Defence minister of Iran: the Karabakh conflict should be settled peacefully

ArmInfo. Today Armenian Defence Minister Mikhael Harutyunyan met his Iranian counterpart Mostafa Mohammad Najjar in Yerevan.

As press-secretary of the Armenian defence minister, Colonel Seyran Shakhsuvaryan told Arminfo, first they met tete-a-tete, then it was extended. The parties agreed that the recent visit of the Iranian
president to Armenia will promote deepening of the economic and cultural relations, as well as will become stimulus for military cooperation. emphasizing high level of the relations between Armenia and Iran they said they are going to make the mutually beneficial cooperation more active. They also exchanged views on several regional and international problems. Speaking about the Karabakh conflict Iran's defence minister said that Iranian position remains unchangeable - the conflict should be settled in a peaceful
way. They also discussed the problems of the present level of the Armenian-Iranian cooperation in various spheres and the prospects of its development.


2007-11-07 16:13:00 President of Armenia: Independence of Nagorny Karabakh not subject for bargaining

ArmInfo. President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan does not think the problem of Nagorny Karabakh is nearing resolution, though he believes in such possibility. President Kocharyan made the
statement at Alexander Institute, Helsinki University, specializing in Russian and Oriental-European studies, in the capital of Finland, Wednesday. Robert Kocharyan said there is a possibility for settlement of the problem,> however it must be a .

the president said. Robert Kocharyan discussed he Karabakh problem also with the President of Finland Tarja Halonen. The parties attached a special importance to Finland's taking OSCE chairmanship in 2008. President Halonen said that in the course of
its OSCE chairmanship Finland will try to achieve positive results in the negotiations.

For his part, President Kocharyan stressed that Armenia is looking forward Finland's chairmanship over OSCE. He mentioned that during Finland's EU Chairmanship Armenia signed plans of European cooperation. Kocharyan emphasized Finland's support and said: ITAR TASS reports.


2007-11-07 15:52:00 Abdulla Gul: While Armenia brings up 1915 events, its relations with Turkey not to improve

ArmInfo-TURAN. While Armenia brings up 1915 events, its relations with Turkey not to improve, Turkish President Abdulla Gul said, Wednesday, when making a speech in Azerbaijan's
parliament.

The Turkish President reminded that in 1991 Turkey recognized Armenia's independence and invited it into Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation, though it does no have an outlet to the Black
Sea. But some factors hindered the establishment of diplomatic relationships between Turkey and Armenia, especially Armenia's unfriendly attitude towards Turkey. In addition, Armenia continues to
occupy Azerbaijani territory. Yerevan has ignored Ankara's proposal to create a joint commission to investigate 1915 events. Relationships between Turkey and Armenia will not improve, while Armenia continues to promote initiatives in the parliaments of other countries about the events of 1915, the president said.


2007-11-07 11:24:00 NKR people independently did what the UN did in Europe preventing ethnic purges and genocide threat

ArmInfo. Nagorny Karabakh Republic Parliamentary Commission for Foreign Relations comments on the statements made by Council of Europe Secretary General Terry Davis at a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan in Yerevan. In particular, T. Davis stated that Kosovo and Karabakh conflicts are very different. Unlike NKR, there is no regime in Kosovo and the UN controls over the region. Moreover, EU servicemen provide security guarantees to the region, he said.

'After the negotiations in Yerevan, CE Secretary General touched upon the issues bearing no relation to his current mission. We understand that Mr. Davis did it just answering to questions of journalists.
However, it is surprising that such a diplomatically laconic official afforded himself to put stresses which we think not worthy either of him or of the authoritative organization he represents,' says the statement by the NKR Parliamentary Commission. 'All the peoples seeking independence have to pass the way of at particular period in their history. It is not the guilt of NKR people that on the days of collapse of the Soviet Union the UN and CE failed to establish external control over Nagorny Karabakh for
some unknown reason. It would add legitimacy to our present independence,' the statement says.

'What the UN did in Europe preventing ethnic purges and genocide threat, NKR people did independently executing its right to self-protection. If Mr. Davis is not informed of facts, we have to mention that on November 24 1991 the autonomous status of Nagorny Karabakh (NK) was liquidated on demand on Azerbaijani Supreme Council. Moreover, the ministries of defense and internal affairs
were instructed to 'take measures to provide security to the Azerbaijanis in NK' If this decision did not aim to deport and annihilate the local population of NK, why did not it contain a single word about the civil and human rights of the Armenian population of NK. NKR successfully held off the armed aggression of Azerbaijan, passed a definite way of state government and now aspires for democratic development and has more legal bases to be recognized by the international community than the formation which Mr.
Davis indicated at,' NKR Parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee states.


2007-11-07 11:19:00 The head of Russia, South Caucasus and Central Asia Department of Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Great Britain visited Armenia

ArmInfo. The head of Russia, South Caucasus and Central Asia Department [RuSCCAD) of Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Great Britain Michael Davenport visited Armenia.

As Arminfo was informed from press-service of the Great Britain's Embassy in Armenia, the purpose of his visit was to meet his counterparts from the Armenian government and to discuss the issues of mutual interest. M.Davenport met Armenian foreign minister Vardan Oskanyan, deputies of the National Assembly as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps and business circles. Before leaving Armenia Davenport said he was pleased with the results of discussion of the regional and international problems together
with Armenian foreign minister. 'All the meetings held by me plaid their positive part in deepening of the Armenian-British relations', - he emphasized.

According to the source, M.Davenport will visit Georgia on 6-7 November and Azerbaijan on 8-9 November.


2007-11-06 19:45:00 Iranian Defense Minister arrives in Yerevan

ArmInfo. Iranian Defense Minister Major General Mohammad Najjar paid an official visit to Armenia Tuesday evening.

Within the frames of the three-day visit, the Iranian minister will meet Armenian President Robert Kocharyan, Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan, Defense Minister Mikayel Haroutunyan. On November 7, the delegation headed by Minister Mohammad Najjar will visit the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts Matenadaran, the Blue Mosque and an exercise brigade in Armavir. On November 8, the delegation will
visit V.Sargsyan Military Institute and Etchmiadzin. The same day, the delegation will return to Iran. According to international agencies, before leaving for Yerevan, Minister Mohammad Najjar said that Iran's military cooperation with Armenia is not directed against the third countries.








Economy

2007-11-09 09:04:00 Collection garden of 650 vanishing grape species being created in Armenia

ArmInfo. The Armenian Agriculture Ministry is going to create a collection vineyard, Garnik Petrosyan, the head of the plant growing department at the Armenian Agriculture Ministry, told ArmInfo correspondent.

According to him, earlier there were 650 grape species for table and technical use in Armenia, but they have become critically endangered for some reason. In 2007, a total of 3 mln AMD will be allocated for creation of the garden, which will be in charge of the Agriculture Ministry. This amount will be increased to 5 mln AMD in 2008. On the whole, 42 mln AMD will be allocated in 4-5 years for the garden. The
collection vineyard will occupy an area of 2.5 ha. At the moment, scientists are searching for the vanishing grape species throughout Armenia. The Agriculture Ministry intends to create a similar collection garden of horticultural crops in 2009. G.Petrosyan said that only 3-4 apricot species are currently demanded, but a lot more species of this fruit were known in the republic earlier.


2007-11-07 12:54:00 International net of Segafredo Zanetti Espresso to open first coffee shop in franchising in Yerevan

ArmInfo. International net of Segafredo Zanetti Espresso is opening the first coffee shop in franchising in Yerevan, Valletta Entertaining Director General Marine Zhamkochyan told ArmInfo. She said Valletta will develop the network of Italian coffee houses in Yerevan. Two coffee houses will open on the Northern Avenue and in the STAR Supermarket in the 3rd Nork Massiv district shortly. Construction of these two classical coffee houses has been already finished. The opening depends on both the Armenian and Italian
parties, particularly, on completion of the design, M. Zamkochyan said. The premises of each coffee house does not exceed 200 sq m. The shop will present various types and sorts of coffee provided by the Italian party and delicious desserts prepared by local masters of Italian cuisine. She assured that clients will pay $1.5-3 in average per portion depending on the location of the coffee house.


Finance and banks

2007-11-09 09:20:00 Results of Currency Transactions in Interbank Market for November 7

ArmInfo. The transactions in the Interbank currency market for November 7 made up $1 mln (324 mln drams) by the average weighted rate of $324,5 AMD/$1. The total transactions grew about twice as compared with the previous trading day indicator (162.250 mln on November 6). According to the data of the commercial banks, the average exchange rate of USD fell by 0.2 point. The data of the Armenian stock exchange say the currency transactions on the floor made up $9.900 mln (3.200 bln drams), which exceeds the similar
indicator of the Interbank market 9,9 times. The average weighted rate at the exchange made up 323,24 AMD/$1 USD.


2007-11-09 09:11:00 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, 471 drams for 1 EUR and 12,93 drams for 1 Russian ruble. The minimum selling rates stood at 323,5 drams for 1 dollar, 475 drams for 1 EUR and 13,17 drams for 1 Russian ruble.


2007-11-09 08:55:00 Western Union awards a diploma to Armeconombank for effective cooperation

ArmInfo. Armeconombank is the first in Armenia to be awarded a diploma by the Western Union agency for long-term effective cooperation, great contribution to expansion of the network of this money transfer system in Armenia, as well as for involving new sub-agents in the system.

The press-service of Armeconombank told ArmInfo that the bank became the sub-agent of the Western Union money transfer system in 1999. Later, when the volume of money transfers under this system
increased, Armeconombank received the status of Western Union's agent in Armenia in 2003. In this connection, the bank was empowered to involve sub-agents in the Western Union system. At the moment, there are 7 sub-agents of the system, 6 of them being Armenian commercial banks, and the process of involving sub-agents continues, the source says.

According to Armeconombank's data, as of September 30, 2007, the bank's assets increased by 56,6% as compared with the same period of 2006, and totalled 63.9 bln AMD, or 9,3% of the total assets of
Armenia's banking system. The advances portfolio of the bank increased by 34,2% to 26.1 bln AMD. The volume of financial investment totalled 16.6 bln AMD (2 nd position in the country's banking system), the net profit increased by 26,2% to 1.44 bln AMD (4th position).


2007-11-07 16:31:00 Automobile insurance most demanded insurance line in Armenia

ArmInfo. Automobile insurance is the most demanded insurance type in Armenia. As of October 1 2007, its share in total contracts by insurance companies in Armenia totaled about 37%. Ranking of Leading Insurance Companies of Armenia prepared by the Agency of Rating Marketing Information (ArmInfo) says property insurance is on the second position in the ranking by 8% in total
number of contracts. Accidence insurance is on the third position by 7.7%. Medical insurance is on the fourth position by 5%, and cargo traffic insurance is on the fifth position by 1%. The share of liability insurance in total portfolio of contracts was 41%.

Automobile insurance premiums for 9 months of 2007 made up 39% of total insurance premiums, which is 1.153 billion drams ($3.4 million). Liability insurance premiums are on the second position by 17% - 485.5 million drams ($1.4 million). Cargo traffic insurance premiums are on the third position - 263.5 million drams ($784.6 ths) or 9% of total insurance premiums.

Liability insurance is the leader by reinsurance premiums - 318 million drams or 65.5% in total insurance premiums. Automobile insurance is on the second position by 250.1 million drams of 21.7%
in total reinsurance premiums. Insurance against aviation risks is on the third position by 245.5 million drams of 93.2% of total reinsurance premiums.

The largest volume of compensations for the 9 months of 2007 was on automobile insurance - 193.8 million drams of 56.8% of total. Then go medical insurance compensations - 82.6 million drams of 24.2% of total and accident insurance compensation - 32.8 million drams or 9.6% of total. INGO Armenia is the leader by automobile insurance. The company collected 301.9 million drams insurance premiums, which is 26.1% of total automobile insurance premiums. Sil Insurance and Nairi Insurance are on the second and third
positions by 242.8 million drams or 21.1% and 207.1 million drams or 18%, respectively.

"RASCO" company is the leader on insurance premiums volume in the property insurance - (105.7 mln drams or 57% of the general volume with zero insurance compensation). "Nairi Insurance" occupies the
second place - (22.4 mln drams or 12% with 199 thsd drams compensation on property insurance) and "INGO Armenia" - the third place - (22.3 mln drams or 11,9% with 16.7 mln drams compensation on property insurance).

"Cascade Insurance" is the leader on accident insurance with the volume of premiums 66.2 mln drams or 38,5% of the given segment of the insurance market. "Gosstrakh-Armenia" occupies the second place - (54.9 mln drams or about 32%) and "INGO Armenia" the third place -(39.9 mln drams or 23,2%).

"Cascade Insurance" is the leader on medical insurance with the volume of insurance premiums 165.7 mln drams or 45,6% of the given segment of the insurance market. "Garant Limens" occupies the second place - (88.9 mln drams or 24,5% ) and "INGO Armenia" the third place - (73.2 mln drams or 20,1%).

"INGO Armenia" company is leading on cargo traffic insurance - (131.3 mln drams insurance premium or 49,8% of this type of insurance market with zero compensation on this type). "Gostrakh-Armenia" occupies the second place - (insurance premiums 57,3 mln drams or 21,8%). And "Sil Insurance" occupies the third place - (30 mln drams or 11,4%).

"INGO Armenia" is the leader on liability insurance, collecting 333,8 mln drams or 68,7% insurance premiums over the first nine months of 2007. Then comes "Cascade Insurance" - 71.7 mln drams (14,8% of the given segment of the insurance market) and -36 mln drams (7,4%).

Only two companies "INGO Armenia" (221.9 mln drams - insurance premiums or 84,3% of the given segment of the insurance market, with zero insurance compensation on the given type); and "Gosstrakh
-Armenia" - (41.4 mln drams or 15,7% of the given segment of the insurance market with zero insurance compensation on this type) at the aviation risks insurance market by the results of nine months of 2007.

To note, the ranking involves 8 insurance companies out of 9 acting. "London-Yerevan" company holds a policy of keeping its finance report in secret, for this reason it does not participate in the formation of Ranking of Leading Insurance Companies of Armenia.


Social

2007-11-09 08:53:00 Armenian scientists work at the commercialization of science parallel to industry

ArmInfo. 30mln AMD ($ 90 000) is allotted annually from the state budget for purposeful development of new materials from local raw material with the aim of their further application in industry and science, Academician-Secretary of Division of Chemistry and Earth Science Aram Shahumyan told AmrInfo correspondent.

According to him, from the state budget target financing for commercialization of science is allotted since 2004. Since then it is the first time scientists have presented their reports. 10 scientific
institutions, 2 higher educational institutions included, and "Atom" Association are involved in the program of developing new materials from local raw material. The developments are of much importance for improvement of the country's mining metallurgy, which are almost idle after Soviet Union's collapse. As of today most part of mined ore is exported without refinement and smelting, all the more. Scientists work at three main functional properties of the new materials. These are metallurgic powders, nanopowders
and polymeric compounds, as well as extrastrong materials. Thus, Armenian scientists developed extrastrong concrete allowing builders to construct tunnels that will
require no substantial repairs for a long time even under high humidity and fluctuating temperature conditions. This development also saves funds. Due to another development, the scientists produced
fire-resistant metals, which are particularly appreciated in military industry.

Misak Travardyan, a lecturer at the State Engineering University of Armenia, said that at their university silicon carbide was produced from the local raw material, and it is highly demanded in units for polishing building and precious stones. This material is exceeded in hardness only by diamond, in addition, as a semi- conductor, it is used in production of heat regulators. He stressed that this
development may help reactivate the suspended production at the plant of heat regulators in Vanadzor (former Kirovakan). The scientists present their development not only to the country's government, but
also businessmen who are interested in them. On the whole, scientists have presented 28 projects over 4 years of implementation of the program of purposeful development.


2007-11-09 08:51:00 Viktor Bolotov: It is not ruled out that Armenian entrants will take unified examinations according to RF standards in Moscow to enter Russian higher educational institutions

ArmInfo. RA Minister of Education and Science Levon Mkrtchyan and Head of Federal Service for Supervision of Education and Science Viktor Bolotov discussed issues of cooperation of the two countries in the sphere of education, Thursday.

"L. Mkrtchyan expressed wish that evaluation procedure of the unified state examinations (UST) be integrated to the maximum on Russian and Armenian territories in 2-3 years. I fully support him, however, I think this term is insufficient, given no political decisions. I think it is necessary to compare the national testing procedures (Russian speaking Diaspora of CIS countries has raised this question
more than once), but achieving an integrated system requires time. It is also necessary that test developers of different countries discuss a common format for the unified state examination", V. Bolotov
emphasized at the press conference in Yerevan. He recalled that, presently, a 100-point UST evaluation scale is used in Russia, whereas in Armenia they use a 20-point scale. In this respect, it is very difficult, practically impossible to recalculate the entrant's scores when he/she desires to submit his/her documents for entering a higher educational institution of another country. V. Bolotov didn't rule out that Armenian entrants will take unified state examinations according to RF standards in Moscow, and
if Russian entrants desire to study in Armenia, they will take UST according to RA standards in Yerevan. As V. Bolotov emphasized, it is necessary that this issue be explored at the level of the ministries of education and science of the two countries.

He said that his meeting with L. Mkrtchian also covered extension of cooperation between employees of RA Assessment and Testing Center and their Russian colleagues. V. Bolotov didn't rule out the possibility of holding meetings of test developers of the two countries both in Moscow and in Yerevan.


2007-11-09 08:43:00 Armenian government to harden punishment measures for the economic crimes

ArmInfo. Armenian government has decided to harden punishment measures for the economic crimes and endorsed alterations and amendments to the criminal code today.

As Armenian Deputy Justice Minister Mnatsakan Stepanyan said at the briefing today, according to the amendments the imprisonment term for the economic crime has been extended from 2-4 up to 3-5 years. When the sum of disclosed violations is more than 2mln drams, in that case the crime is the criminally punished one. He also added that the sizes of fines have been risen from 1000-fold of minimal salary up to 3000-fold. Stepanyan said that the number of the economic crimes grows in Armenia, 67 such crimes were
fixed in 2005 and 137 - in 2006.


Hi-Tech

2007-11-09 08:35:00 Gennagiy Kalgashkin - director of mobile communication of ArmenTel

ArmInfo. Gennagiy Kalgashkin has been appointed the director of mobile communication of ArmenTel.

As ArmInfo was informed from press-service of ArmenTel Kalgashkin is responsible for introduction of technologies, criteria and quality of the mobile communication of the Vimpelcom company, providing of all the regions of Armenia with mobile communication of the ArmenTel. Gennadiy Kalgashkin has been working in Vimpelcom company since 2004.

To note, ArmenTel is a subsidiary company of Vimpelcom and gives fixed and mobile communication at the whole territory of Armenia.


2007-11-09 08:14:00 Armenia to take part in Imagine CUP 2008 for the first time

ArmInfo. Armenia will take part in the final of the VI annual International Student IT Contest Imagine CUP 2008 in Paris for the first time, Director of the Microsoft Armenian Office Grigor Barseghyan told ArmInfo.

He said that the contest, which turns into a global technological competition, helps the students to realize their potential and embody their ideas in real projects. "Every year, the Microsoft announces a definite topic for which the young people have to find solutions and further take part in the Imagine Cup", G. Barseghyan said. He informed that the subject of the contest 2008 is "Imagine the World Where the Technologies Help to Maintain a Stable Environment". He emphasized that for participation in the final
of the international competition, the Armenian students should, first of all, undergo tests at the local level. Thus, at the first stage, the potential participants should register on the site of the Imagine Cup and create the teams of 3-4 people. "These teams must
determine the problem for themselves and then find IT-solutions which will be assessed by the jury, consisting not only of the local representatives of the Microsoft but of the authoritative persons
from different spheres of activity", G. Barseghyan said.

He also said that till January, 2008, the jury will select 10-15 IT-solutions and projects of those presented, which will pass to the second round. "The second stage envisages development of own
software within 3 months, that means fulfillment of projects by programming. Since this event is held among the Armenian students for the first time, the organizers intend to render them technical
assistance", G, Barseghyan emphasized. The third stage, being the final competition at the republican level, envisages official presentation of the ready programmes. Afterwards, the winner-team will be announced in April-May, which will take part in the Imagine Cup in Paris in June, 2008. According to G. Barseghyan, the contest's prize fund makes up $200,000. "This contest is attractive by the fact IT-solutions may become business-cases, that is, the basis for creation of new companies", G. Barseghyan said.

The Imagine Cup contest is the biggest technological competition for students which enables them to present their bravest IT ideas and developments. The projects demonstrate the software capabilities
in solution of the real problems. The final of the Imagine Cup 2007 was held in Seoul.


2007-11-07 23:10:00 Claim of Armenian Bi Line Ltd against 'ArmenTel' CJSC and 'Vimpelcom' Ltd was examined in RA Economic Court

ArmInfo. The claim of the Armenian Bi Line Ltd against "ArmenTel" CJSC and "Vimpelcom" Ltd (owner of 100% of "ArmenTel" shares) was examined yesterday in RA Economic Court. The court, chaired by judge Artak Barseghyan, listened to the parties and decided to continue the proceedings on November 8.

Haik Harutyunyan, representing the interests of "Bi Line" Ltd, blamed "ArmenTel" CJSC and "Vimpelcom" Ltd for illegal use of the "Bi Line" brand, which is completely accordant with the brand and the claimant's company name, registered in Armenia in 1996. He adduced proofs of using this brand by respondents in Internet, in writing the domain name, in voice messages during advertising of roaming services, in advertising booklets and in Mass Media. The lawyer recalled the statement of vice President of "Vimpelcom"
on business development in CIS countries Sergey Avdeyev, promulgated in Mass Media, saying that the "Vimpelcom" will sooner or later render the mobile communication services in Armenia under "Bi Line" brand. H. Harutyunyan also said that this brand cannot be used without permission of the Armenian company. He added that "Vimpelcom" Ltd appealed to the Agency of Intellectual Property of Armenia in 2006 to register its brand, however, the Russian company was refused of registration in view of the fact that a concordant
brand has already
been registered in RA territory. H. Harutyunyan said that the claimant requires to stop illegal use of the "Bi Line" brand and repay the court costs of 1 mln drams (about $3,000).

However, after refusal, the "Vimpelcom" Ltd appealed to the Economic Court in 2006 with request to examine this issue. The court session on this parallel case has been fixed for November 22, 2007.
This circumstance was used very actively by the respondent, who refused to answer the questions of the judge and the claimant until completion of the proceedings on November 22, which may affect
yesterday's session. A lawyer Armen Ter-Tachatyan, representing the interests of "Vimpelcom" Ltd, offered the judge to postpone yesterday's session to the later date. A. Ter-Tachatyan did not reply unambiguously to the question of judge A. Barseghyan about the way this decision may affect yesterday's session. He also could not answer whether the respondent used the "Bi Line" brand illegally or not.


Ecology

Crimes and emergency situations

2007-11-09 08:40:00 Criminal proceedings were initiated against 'Pizza de Roma' director for tax evasion

ArmInfo. Criminal proceedings were initiated against "Pizza de Roma" director Gevorg Safaryan for tax evasion, Deputy Justice Minister Mnatsakan Stepanyan told journalists today.

He also added that as a result of audit in one of the seven offices of the enterprise 15 mln drams violation was disclosed. For this criminal proceedings were initiated against the director. To note,
"Pizza de Roma" net of cafes belongs to the known businessman and deputy of the parliament Khachatur Sukiasyan. The property of the mineral water factory "Bzhni" has been recently arrested as a result of audit. The factory belongs to Sukiasyan too. The latter sees political context in these audits, as he supports the first Armenian president Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who will run for president in February 2008.


Sports

2007-11-07 16:16:00 Men's national chess team of Armenia - vice-champion of Europe, women's national team - bronze medals

ArmInfo. Men's national chess team of Armenia has become vice-champion of Europe, women's national team won bronze medals at the European Chess Championship.

Armenian Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisyan sent a congratulating message to the Armenian chess players, in which he mentioned the will of the Armenian sportsmen. "Your success is once again evidence of the fact that it is impossible to break the victorious spirit", - Serzh Sarkisyan said.